May 16, 2002

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 714 - County Commissioners - Shore Erosion Control - Annual Benefit Assessment.

This bill requires annual benefit assessments levied for shore erosion prevention projects in Carroll, Dorchester, St. Mary's and Somerset Counties to be paid in annual installments by property owners for 25 years or any shorter time as directed by the county commissioners. The bill also provides that a default in payment of an annual benefit assessments is a first lien on the property subject only to property taxes; this lien is not extinguishable by the sale of the property and other provisions related to establishing this lien.

House Bill 224, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 714.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor