03/12/2008

Shockley takes up the gavel
By Bob Lassahn

Although the Worcester County Commissioners normally elect their officers for the coming year in December, in 2007 they glossed over that formality and continued business as usual with District 2 Commissioner James Purnell, in his second year as president, retaining his seat. On March 4 the gavel changed hands.

Without fanfare, as the commissioners assembled for the regularly scheduled meeting, Mr. Purnell announced that the commissioners would be voting on their slate of officers for the coming year. Commissioner Robert Cowger immediately nominated Virgil Shockley for the president's seat and received a second from Judy Boggs. The nominations were closed and Mr. Shockley was elected by acclamation. Mr. Shockley, a Democrat was first elected as a commissioner in 1998 and is a farmer by occupation.

In a equally swift manner District 7 Commissioner Louise Gulyas, currently serving as vice president was nominated to continue the position in a motion from Bud Church and seconded by Mr. Cowger. Again, the nominations were closed and Ms. Gulyas was elected by acclamation.

The change in leadership was executed quickly as Mr. Purnell and Mr. Shockley exchanged seats and after a few brief remarks the gavel was passed. Ms. Gulyas interjected a bit of humor with her comment, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride."

The meeting that followed was both quick, allowing the commissioners to adjourn after the morning session and rather devoid of any intense controversy among the seven commissioners.

Among the topics discussed was support for enabling legislation at the state level to allow a tax credit for the owners of Jolly Roger Amusement Park, similar in nature to what has been done for Trimper's. Although several commissioners stressed the legislation did not assure a dollar figure or percentage and that Ocean City would require passage in order to grant relief, Ms. Boggs objected to the principal and suggested that it was "opening the door" for many more requests. Mr. Church seemed to favor something more open ended than the language in the bill, commenting there were might be others seeking relief. The measure carried on a 6-1 vote with Ms. Boggs voting against.

Preliminary approval was unanimously handed down for a new event at the West Ocean City Harbor. Worcester County Tourism Director Lisa Challenger presented an overview of "A day at the Docks," scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2008. The event will require use of the parking lot adjacent to the Ocean City boat ramp and there remain concerns about access, something the commissioners want to review before any final decision. The event will highlight the maritime heritage of the area with various displays and vessels on display.

Public Works Director John Tustin provided an overview of inventory controls to monitor fuel, tires and other associated vehicle parts following the news of thefts in Wicomico County. The commissioners commented they were reassured that sufficient checks and balances were in place to prevent such activities here.

Diakonia Director Claudia Nagle appeared before the commissioners to request assistance for the shelter in the face of a financial crisis. She summarized that the shelter needs $65,000 to get through the period March 1 to June 30, 2008 and asked for county funds to address the shortfall. Mr. Cowger and Ms. Gulyas each commented that the county should step up and help, but the commissioners' decision was to first review the county budget and look at the request again in two weeks. Of concern to at least one commissioner was the percentage of Diakonia funds expended for staffing, amounting to 64 percent of all spending. Mr. Church commented he was not drawing any conclusions from the number, but it was something that would tend to raise questions.

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