Politics is politics is politics.

Commissioners outside Ocean Pines will always want/need the votes of the commissioners from this area; commissioners outside Ocean Pines will want the votes of the PEOPLE here if they run for a county-wide office at the state level.

The real question is whether or not the OP area commissioners act in a way that is representative of their constituents. For example, Tom Cetola strongly supports and votes to expand the OP water and sewer to areas outside Ocean Pines. I would be willing to bet a fair amount that if a referendum were held on this issue within the current Ocean Pines service area, the idea of regionalization would be soundly rejected.

Nor is the ballot box a viable option on this issue, as it will be a done deal before Cetola or anyone else runs again, and there will be no turning back. Too few people in Ocean Pines even realize the long term future and quality of life in Ocean Pines is being shaped at this exact moment in history.

Besides, voters rarely want to take the time to investigate complicated issues like water and sewer expansion. After a few rounds their eyes glaze over and then the only voices heard are those who have something substantial to gain. Average voters who do decide to keep asking tough questions are simply labeled as "naysayers" or worse by media outlets with an agenda.

About Ellis, I really don't know him, just talked to him on the phone once a couple of weeks ago.