We recently received a copy of Senator George Della’s recent letter to Governor O’Malley. Click here to read and enjoy. Senator Della – thank you for being a staunch and honest supporter of the community.
For those who prefer to read it in plain text, it’s copied below. Read more…
A vote by a citizen’s transportation advisory council to oppose Red Line Alternative 4C was shut down on a technicality by the State appointed chair.
On July 9th, 2009, The Red Line Citizens’ Advisory Council (CAC) met at the Holy Rosary Church. On the agenda was a vote to rescind the CAC’s December 11 recommendation of Alternative 4C.
A majority of 6 members voted to rescind the recommendation. However, because of a technicality, a majority was not enough to pass the vote.
The discussion was put on the agenda at the previous meeting without a formal motion. Under those conditions, a 2/3 majority was required to rescind, according to Robert’s Rules of Order . The CAC Chair Ms. Angela Bethea-Spearman, who supports 4C, ruled that the motion to rescind failed. The CAC canceled its August monthly meeting, staving off the vote once again.
The CAC was formed by Maryland law in 2007 amid controversy to involve communities in planning stages of projects that would effect them. Public meetings are held monthly. The Council includes community members, officials from Baltimore City Departments of Transportation and Planning, and an official from Baltimore County.
Opposition to 4C has increased exponentially, said one CAC member. Community members of the CAC said that to continue to block the vote was to ignore the public’s voice to the MTA.