Resounding silence on treasurer issue

Voter apathy plain as no one shows up for public hearing

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The acceptance of just three written statements delivered prior to the hearing, and a brief pause to acknowledge the lack of any speakers last Tuesday made for a speedy end to a long day of legislative business.

"While still in office, I had stated that the office should no longer be an elected position," wrote former Charles County Treasurer and current La Plata council member Joseph W. Norris, in a letter to the commissioners dated May 11. "Though qualifications could possibly be spelled out, I feel the ultimate responsibility of what takes place in that office lies with the county commissioners; therefore they should have either direct or indirect control of who occupies the position."

If adopted, the bill would eliminate the election process for picking the county's treasurer and instead put the responsibility of filling that position on the director of fiscal and administrative services, a position currently held by Deborah Hudson.

The bill was crafted after the commissioners voiced their desire to gather public feedback on a letter written by the county's current Treasurer Jerome Peuler Jr. (R) in late February.

"The election of a Treasurer who does not possess the education, experience and personal integrity essential to this position invites an unacceptable risk to the Charles County Government and every citizen of this county," Peuler wrote.

Peuler had written to the commissioners explaining his platform for an appointed treasurer position, after declining to publicly comment on the matter during a meeting on changing the Charles County investment policy.

Shortly after the bill was drafted Peuler explained that the treasurer's position had widely been recognized as a part-time position and that over the years many of the Maryland jurisdictions had gone the way of appointment.

If approved the bill would create a new treasury division, with the treasurer as the chief. A deputy treasurer would also be chosen by the fiscal and administrative services department head.

Though he readily admitted the conflict over his own election against his support for the bill of appointment, Peuler had laid out several reasons why he felt the position should not be left to chance: The need for a perfect financial record, knowledge of fiscal law and the readiness to take on a large amount of work and responsibility.

"It's the citizens' money I'm safeguarding, and [the treasurer] has got to be a good steward of that money," Peuler said. "If someone is elected who is devoid of integrity, skill and background … you're asking for trouble."

It was Peuler's worry over qualified candidates that drew the ire of the other written comments.

"If there are concerns regarding the qualifications of the individual elected to this position, amend the requirements of eligibility for potential candidates running for this office," wrote Pauleen Brewer of Hughesville.

"I share Mr. Peuler's concerns over the consequence of an unqualified individual serving in his position, be it elected or appointed," George Talcott of La Plata wrote in his letter. "However, I feel that the citizens are best served by leaving the decision in who serves in this Office up to them."

Citizens can comment until 4:30 p.m. May 27, after which the record will close, and the commissioners will hold a follow-up work session to decide whether they will pursue the legislation.

msomers@somdnews.com