Politics

The Worcester County Commissioners reiterated their support of a maintenance of effort education budget with a second vote on the matter this week. On Tuesday, in front of a crowd of citizens wearing “Support Our Schools” buttons, the commissioners voted 5-2 to approve a maintenance of effort budget of $100 million for Worcester County Public Schools. Commissioners Joe Mitrecic and Diana Purnell, both of whom have expressed concern with the reduced education funding, opposed the motion.

An estimated 125 youth and young adults who are close to or already experiencing homelessness are helped annually in Carroll County, according to Continuum of Care, an agency that coordinates a community response to end homelessness in the county. Celene Steckel, director of the county’s Department of Citizens Services, and co-chairperson of Continuum of Care for Carroll County, will go before the Board of Carroll County Commissioners Thursday to request permission to apply for and accept a federal grant of up to $600,000, to help young people experiencing homelessness.

The Garrett County Democratic Central Committee will host its annual Roosevelt/Kennedy Democratic Dinner on June 27 at 6 p.m. at The Red Barn Inn. The event, held in partnership with the Garrett County Democratic Club and themed “A Summer Celebration,” aims to bring local Democrats together to strengthen the party and build community.

Families who say they’ve been denied tens of thousands of dollars in college savings from their Maryland 529 prepaid trusts were confounded after learning that, despite new oversight, the former executive director would still be responsible for administering the program. The State Treasurer’s Office assumed responsibility for the Maryland 529 prepaid college trust and investment plans on Thursday of last week.

J.P. doesn’t remember exactly when he bought the gun; perhaps he was either 11 or 12. But the now-15-year-old remembers why he felt a need to get it. “A lot of people hate, and they don’t want you in the world,” he said. The West Baltimore youth looked down as he spoke, arms folded across his chest, and described his preteen years as a time when he was younger, homeless and had to make money to feed himself. Not having a gun was not an option.

The Baltimore County Council voted unanimously Monday to overturn its prior approval of a controversial plan to build a 3-million-square-foot industrial park at the former LaFarge Quarry. The Middle River project, approved 4-3 by the council in October, has faced loud opposition from residents, who have said it would harm the environment and overwhelm roads in a rural area.

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott honored those helping to keep the streets clean in the city at a ceremony on Monday. Scott joined city leaders and community members to announce the winners of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works Eco-Warriors of the Future Schools Competition. He praised the students on their efforts to help clean up the community.

“I want all of you to know that your work is more critical now than ever,” former U.S. Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-Dist. 8) told the Montgomery County Board of Elections at its swearing-in ceremony Monday at Montgomery County in Germantown. Morella addressed a packed crowd of Montgomery County politicians, officials and community members.