Whiteley: “We Are Watching Your Actions During This Legislative Session”

The following letter was sent by Roy Whiteley, president of Marylanders for Fair Property Taxation:

Last evening we were privileged to speak before an estimated 3,000 cold, but determined, enthusiastic, patriots assembled in Lawyers Square in front of the State Capitol to join in voicing the concerns of a constituency dissatisfied with the way our government is operating.

A number of organizations lead by Americans for Prosperity together with Campaign for Liberty, Institute for Liberty, Annapolis, Bel Air, Cecil County and Hagerstown Tea Party, Marylanders for Fair Property Taxation, Maryland Taxpayers Association and others provided several hours of specific, high spirited rhetoric aimed at one theme. We are watching your actions during this legislative session. We are in tough economic conditions and you need to listen to us and act appropriately. Many legislators and former Governor Bob Erhlich were in the audience. Prior to the 7 PM rally, we had the opportunity to meet with numerous legislators from all areas — Home Counties, Eastern and Western Shore, Southern Maryland and Western Maryland. Those we talked with listened and heard us. Those that were not interested in us taxpayers were nowhere to be seen or found. They had left town?? The Governor heard us. He once appeared at his front door to observe the crowd and appeared to be watching and taking photos from an upstairs window.

Talented speakers addressed every subject from assessments/property taxation, budget woes. health care, illegal immigration, redistricting, small business concerns, spending, taxes, and voter registration. The crowd was enthusiastic and very responsive to the messages put forth.

We once again addressed our issues noting that Senator Glassman and Delegate Norman have prepared two pieces of legislation i.e. the task force bill to study reforming the property assessment and appeals process and the taxpayers’ bill of rights, for introduction. Both bills have already received a number of cosponsors.

Our work is just beginning. We need to have the same level of support when the bills come up for hearing. Politicians only recognize one thing — NUMBERS. We must attend these hearings in force?? The key players are Delegate Sheila Hixson, Chair Ways and Means Committee and Senator Ulysses Currie, Chair, Budget and Taxation Committee who consistently block our bills from getting out of committee where they can be acted on by all of the representatives we elect.

As soon as bill numbers become available we will pass that information on to you. You can search out and follow bill information at www.mlis.state.md.us click on the General Assembly and bill numbers or legislator to find the status you seek. Contact your legislators and especially sheila.hixson@house.state.md.us and ulysses.currie@senate.state.md.us and their committee members to tell them we want these bills passed to the floor for general assembly action.

REMEMBER, NOTHING HAPPENS UNLESS WE MAKE IT HAPPEN?

Roy Whiteley