Report on Councilman Peroutka Community Meeting

On February 12th, 2015 the BCC sponsored a community meeting for our new District 5 Councilman Mike Peroutka. 

The following is a summary of the presentation and discussion at the Forum meeting:

Councilman Peroutka opened the meeting with a lecture/presentation on his view of the proper form of government (see the quote below for details on this view). 

Then Councilman Peroutka presented his views on taxes (they are too high), stormwater fees (should be no dedicated funding), and local control of schools (elected school board, and gut-based rejection of Common Core). He solicited feedback from the audience on these issues and received a mixed reaction. The main concern from the audience was that they did not feel they understood and trusted that county funds are being spent effectively on programs. No specific examples of abuse were presented for this position.

The community organizations and individual audience members did expressed concerns about the pace (to fast) and quality (too low) of the development on the Broadneck. Specific concerns about the method of traffic studies (they should be manage by the County, not the developer) and lax enforcement of development run-off and inadequate roads were discussed. Specific facts were presented for these concerns. Concerns about Bay pollution and the fairness of the distribution of the burden for the clean up, as well as the possible effectiveness of the money spent were also expressed. There was a decided preference from the audience for dedicated funding for approved programs, to ensure the funds ended up where the community wanted them to be spent, not general county funds.

Councilman Peroutka did express his concern that County legislation, and amendments to it, seems to come quickly before the Council with not enough time to study and reflect on it before having to vote on it. This has resulted in his decision to abstain from several votes. He also expressed his gratitude that there is a wealth of knowledge to be found in the community organizations in District 5 to help understand the issues.

Councilman Peruotka provided the audience with a handout that presented his philosophy of government, and a check list of questions that he uses to affirm his decision for a yes or no vote. 

“My world view is a Biblical worldview. Like the Founders expressed in the Declaration of Independence, I believe that there is a Creator God and that, as part of His created order, He granted us unalienable rights to life and liberty and property. I further believe that the purpose of civil government is to protect and defend these God-given rights.

Because this was the view of the Founders, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, I call this THE AMERICAN VIEW of government. You can learn more about this view by visiting www.TheAmericanView.com.

I believe you will agree that, too often today, we witness governments denying, and sometimes attacking, the very rights they are supposed to defend.

The questions (I use) are designed to reflect the proper purpose of government. I hope you will follow along our evaluation process and that this process makes government fair, just and righteous. So here are the ten questions:

1. Does the legislation comport with the United States Constitution?

2. Does the legislation comport with the Maryland State Constitution?

3. Does the legislation comport with Anne Arundel County Charter?

4. Is legislation in accordance with Biblical standards for law and government?

5. Does legislation negatively impact citizen rights? (If YES, what are the implications on personal liberty,economic freedom and/or personal property?)

6. When was the legislation presented to the Council for review? (Was the time frame sufficient for legislative review  and consideration?)

7. Are the terms used in the legislation succinctly defined?

8. If legislation requires a personnel appointment, was the vetting process sufficient to determine if the appointee holds the American View of law and government?

9. If funds are generated from this legislation, will the funds be apportioned for intended purposes only?

10. Does the implementation of this legislation require the expenditure of taxpayer funds? (If YES, what is the impact on the taxpayer using a Cost/Benefit Analysis?)

Following the Council sessions, I will publish a legislative review for bills and resolutions that were voted on via www.peroutkatownhall.com. Each one will contain an analysis using these questions, an explanation of my vote, and the result of the vote. I look forward to serving you.”