Arundel voters to decide matters of big importance, resolve tiny snags

15 ballot local questions address a range of issues

The issue: These questions would set term limits for two county boards. The county's Board of Appeals acts as a quasi-judicial arm of the county government, hearing appeals of administration decisions on everything from employment to zoning. The county's Ethics Commission reviews complaints, gives advice and administers the public ethics law. Currently, members on both boards can serve an unlimited number of four-years terms. A "yes" vote on Question L would create two-term limits for the Board of Appeals; a "yes" vote on Question M does the same for the Ethics Commission.

Question N: Unsigned laws

The issue: This question resolves a rare, technical hiccup that isn't addressed in current law. A "yes" vote makes clear that if the county executive returns a bill unsigned and without comment, it becomes law on the 10th day after it was sent to the county executive.

Question O: Digital copies

The issue: Each budget season, the county is required to print paper copies of the proposed budget, each about six inches' thick worth of paper. A "yes" vote allows the county to distribute electronic or digital copies instead.

For more information about the ballot questions, call the County Council's office at 410-222-1401 or visit aacounty.org/countycouncil and look for the "ballot questions" link.

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