From Harford County government:
Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced he will soon be expanding the number of community councils by two. The County Executive, along with Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti and Councilman Joe Woods are seeking interested individuals to serve on the Abingdon and Bush River Community Councils respectively.
“Community Councils have served as an effective vehicle for disseminating and receiving information to citizens and their communities,” remarked County Executive Craig. “We thank Councilwoman Lisanti and Councilman Woods for their interest in developing additional community councils to help better serve the needs or our constituents,” Craig stated.
An information and organizational meeting for the two proposed Community Councils will be held on January 24, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Abingdon Library, located at 2510 Tollgate Road in Abingdon.
Community Councils were initiated by former County Executive James M. Harkins in the fall of 1999. The councils replaced the previous Community Planning Councils which began during the Rehrmann Administration.
Community Councils are significantly different than the previous Community Planning Councils. Community Planning Councils focused on planning-related issues. Community Councils take a much broader view of local community issues and recommend to the Administration how best to address such areas of concern.
Goals of Community Councils are as follows:
– Strengthen existing communities and neighborhoods and help achieve a satisfying quality of life for county residents.
– Advise the County Executive on issues of concern and interest in local communities.
– Act as a liaison between members of the community-at-large and the Harford County Administration.
– Increase citizen participation and responsibility in community throughout Harford County.
Presently there are local Community Councils in the following geographic regions of Harford County: Dublin/Darlington; Edgewood; Fallston; Joppa/Joppatowne and Whiteford/Street. Councils shall meet at least four times per year, although they may choose to meet more regularly if necessary.
For further information regarding the work of Community Councils, or to obtain an application to serve, contact the Office of the County Executive, Office of Constituent Services at 410-638-3511, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This year Harford County will be updating the Master Plan and the Parks & Recs plan. It is important that we as a community are involved in the process. It is great to see two more councils are planned but what happened to the Jarrettsville Norisville Community Council? I’ve been told that not enough people (eight are required) in these communities to form a council, I’ve sent in my ‘application’. If you live in these communities and want to have a voice in the planning process the contact information is;
For further information regarding the work of Community Councils, or to obtain an application to serve, contact the Office of the County Executive, Office of Constituent Services at 410-638-3511, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.