Hey Folks,

Well, I followed Joe's admonition and reviewed all three videos relative to the County Commissioners recent 4-3 vote to connect Pennington Commons to the Ocean Pines Service Area . . .

Following said review, I am all the more convinced that this issue is not nearly as black and white as many would like to have us all believe. Both sides have reasonable positions, arising from a complex and multi-faceted issue ensconsed within a great sea of GRAY . . .

It is my understanding (not from these videos, but from other sources) that the Commissioners unanimously agreed upon a preference that development in the northern end, and in the County as a whole, occur around centralized water and wastewater systems like the system that currently serves Ocean Pines.  That preference implicitly includes a desire that the County not have to take on the responsibility of a haphazard and uncontrolled proliferation of spray irrigation and other systems that developers would construct and implement as they develop their land . . .

The Commissioners, however, recently voted 4-3 to connect Pennington Commons to the Ocean Pines service area, despite the fact that MDE has not yet issued a discharge permit increasing the discharge flow from 2.3 million gallons a day to 2.5 million gallons a day . . .

The split vote appears to have occurred because there is a risk, however negligible, that the MDE might not issue that permit, which some believe might leave some Ocean Pines lots without water and wastewater service at some future point.  Those commissioners who voted to bring Pennington Commons in appear to have done so because they believe this risk is negligible and do not want Pennington Commons to move forward with spray irrigation.  Those who voted against bringing Pennington Commons in appear to have done so because are more concerned about the risk and the possibility that Ocean Pines ratepayers would have to pay for the alternative in the event that MDE did not issue the discharge permit . . .

MDE, however, has responded favorably, but not conclusively, to the proposed re-rating from 2.3 to 2.5m gallons per day . . .

I personally tend to agree with the four commissioners who voted in favor of bringing Pennington Commons in, as I agree that the risk is negligible, and I would prefer to see development in the north end proceed around a regionalized water and wastewater system.  I also believe that such a vision serves the best interests of Worcester County AND Ocean Pines . . .

On the other hand, I respect the positions of the three commissioners who voted against bringing Pennington Commons in.  If I were cynical, I would suggest that they each did so to proactively bolster their prospects for Ocean Pines votes in the event they each run for Bennett Bozman's delegate seat in 2006.  I am not so cynical, as I don't think any of them stand a snowball's chance in hell against Bennett Bozman or Norm Conway, both of whom have said they will run for re-election in 2006.  But I must admit that there is merit in the position that no new developments be brought into the OP system until the MDE has issued the permit re-rating the plant from 2.3 to 2.5m gallons per day . . .

Although I may be killing my prospects for future political office in this area (not really a problem, as I far prefer the private practice of law focused upon criminal & traffic defense work to politics--much more lucrative and often times more interesting), I must say that the people of Ocean Pines would do well to realize that they are part of Worcester County, and not the other way around.  In other words, the Worcester County Commissioners' job is to serve the best interests of Worcester County, and not the best interests of Ocean Pines alone.  If the best interests of both can be served at once, EXCELLENT!!!  That is the best possible option.  But if that cannot be had, then Worcester County must take precedence . . .

I truly believe that Tom Cetola feels he serving the best interests of both entities with his approach to this issue.  I also believe that Judy Boggs feels she is serving the best interests of both entities with her approach.  Both these commissioners should be commended for their hard work and dedication in the service of both Worcester County and Ocean Pines.  We're lucky to have them.  And I say that as a Democrat (they're both Republicans) . . .

That's about all I have to say on this issue, as I have a great deal of work to do in my private practice, and I am ignoring it, late at night and away from my family, in order to write this post . . .

I have clients to serve, family to focus on, and workouts to enjoy, so I will sign off, with the promise that I will not comment on this for a good long while.  I will say, however, that I bear no animus towards Joe Reynolds on this issue.  He's a good guy who is to be commended for creating this forum, and for his passion on this issue, though I may disagree with his position . . .

With that said, may all of you reading this have a wonderful 2005 . . .

Peace . . .

Chris Llinas