May17,2001

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 1039 - Dorchester County - County Commissioners - Salaries.

House Bill 1039 increases the salaries of the County Commissioners of Dorchester County beginning with their next term of office from $12,000 to $14,000. The salary of the President of the County Commissioners was increased from $12,000 to $15,000. The bill also eliminates the prohibition against a Commissioner receiving any other compensation, except for expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of office. While the intent of the amendments to current law was not to eliminate the ability of Commissioners to receive reimbursement for expenses, the bill has that effect.

The Dorchester County Commissioners and the sponsors of House Bill 1039 have requested that I veto the bill because of this unintended consequence. As the salaries of the Commissioners could not be altered until after the next election, the sponsors and Commissioners plan to address this issue in the 2002 Session of the General Assembly.

For the above reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1039.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor