HB1436 Could Lead to the Incorporation of Edgewood
Dels. Andre Johnson and Steve Johnson introduced HB1436 during this legislative session in Annapolis. If passed, it would allow for unincorporated communities in our County – such as Edgewood – to pursue incorporation. We strongly advocate for the passage of this bill, as it speaks to the long history of our unincorporated communities being ignored and marginalized by our County government. Under this bill and the process, it would enumerate the over 25,000 residents of Edgewood and would establish a municipal government – such as a Mayor and City Council.
If you believe in the benefits of this bill as we do, we urge you to lend your voice in support. The bill will be heard in the House of Delegates' Environment and Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 5, during its 1 p.m. session.
You can testify before the Committee physically, virtually, or by submitting written testimony. Instructions are provided if you want to submit testimony. The only time window to sign up for oral testimony or submit written testimony through the Maryland General Assembly website is on Friday, March 1, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you decide to testify in person, please park at Gott’s Court Garage (25 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401) and proceed to Room 251 of the House Office Building (6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401).
In addition, we ask that you send a letter of support from your personal email. Be sure to email your letter of support to House Speaker Del. Adrienne A. Jones, Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, Chair of the Black Caucus, and the entire Environment and Transportation Committee. When sending your letter of support, be sure to put all of the recipients into the BCC line so your email doesn't get marked as spam. Clicking the button below will also auto-populate all of the recipients' emails and a template to send. Please email your letter of support by March 1.
Thank you for your attention and support for this critical bill.
Template Email to Send in Support of HB1436
Use the template below to help you get started with your letter in support of HB1436. Make additional changes or add your own touch of personalization to make a case for the bill.
I am writing to express my full support for House Bill 1436, introduced by Delegates S. Johnson and A. Johnson, and currently under consideration by the Environment and Transportation Committee. This bill, titled "Municipal Incorporation – County Commissioners or County Council – Required Approval of Referendum Request," addresses crucial aspects of the incorporation process for municipalities in Harford County.
This bill addresses essential needs within the Edgewood community and other areas of Harford County. Some of these vital needs include:
1) Centralizing zoning and development decisions to include residents of the community; 2) Self-determination of how the county's tax dollars are reinvested; 3) Providing the community members a voice and a chance to shape a new municipal government; and 4) The overall ability to contest the decisions of a County Council whose background and persuasions may differ greatly from that of unincorporated communities in Harford County.
House Bill 1436 proposes necessary amendments to the existing law to ensure a transparent and accountable process for municipal incorporation. By requiring a certain organizing committee to make determinations and provide reports to the County Commissioners or County Council, the bill enhances public participation and oversight in the incorporation process.
The provisions outlined in the bill, such as specifying the approval of a referendum request and posting of relevant reports on the county's website, contribute to fostering community engagement and informed decision-making. These measures are essential for upholding the democratic principles of local governance.
I believe that House Bill 1436 aligns with a commitment to promoting effective and responsible governance in Harford County. Therefore, I urge you to support this bill and work towards its passage in the House of Delegates.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.