This is relevant, given the overly legalistic way of presenting State
constitutional questions on the November ballot (assuming Diebold
hasn't already decided on the outcome of the Maryland elections).

 

Norm

 

  _____  

From: Kristel Sheesley [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 2:17 PM

Subject: Attention Maryland Voters

 

Assateague Coastal Trust urges you to vote FOR State Question #1 on
the November 7th ballot.

 

Question #1 - Disposition of Park Lands - would prevent the state from
selling our public lands without General Assembly approval.  A vote
FOR Question #1 would provide a check on the state's ability to sell
our land for development.

 

Background:

In 2004, Governor Ehrlich attempted to sell off some state parkland in
St. Mary's County. This sale was only stopped because of public
outcry. Unfortunately, over 100,000 acres of land are similarly slated
for sale over the next year. 

There is currently no check on the state's power to sell off our
public lands.  All public land transactions are approved by the Board
of Public Works, which consists of only three people - the Governor,
the Comptroller, and the State Treasurer.  Question #1 on the November
7th ballot would require General Assembly approval for all public land
sales.

Language of the amendment: 
"The Board of Public Works may not approve the sale, transfer,
exchange, grant or other permanent disposition of any state-owned
outdoor recreation, open space, conservation, preservation, forest, or
parkland without the express approval of the General Assembly or of a
committee that the General Assembly designates by statute, resolution
or rule."

 

For more information, contact Kate O'Donnell at