4/29/07

Sustainability

The annual Leonardtown Earth Day Celebration usually coincides with the annual Blessing of the Bikes that is sponsored by our local A.B.A.T.E. Chapter of dedicated motorcyclists.

So, I usually have to divide up my day literally rocking with the bikers and then cruising the streets of Leonardtown on my quiet electric bike. As distinctly different as both groups are, the bikers and Earth minded folks as well as myself share a passion for alternative transportation methods.

I am sure you have heard of the word sustainability. No one I know of believes that the Earth has infinite supplies of oil to fuel the continually growing demand for automobiles powered by fossil fuel fired internal combustion. Add on the expanding Chinese wealth and millions of additional cars on the road in the Far East and most of us, regardless of party affiliation; see a very unsustainable future for fossil fuel.

However, most bikers and eco-conscious hybrid owners are getting over fifty miles to the gallon. This is a beginning as we transition to new more efficient vehicles.

Economically, all of the County Commissioners are committed to creating a sustainable budget that balances the needed public services with the cost to the taxpayer.

Four years ago, during the tenure of Commissioner President Tommy McKay, an agreement was crafted between the elected officials of the St. Mary’s Board of Education and the County Commissioners to fully fund public education by establishing sustainable funding levels and achievable goals. This Bridge to Excellence agreement was adhered by both boards with the County Commissioners adding funding in good faith according to very specific needs.

This year, the County Commissioners have proposed to raise the Bridge to Excellence by six million dollars beyond the original funding formula in the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget. A vast majority of the seventy speakers signed to speak at our annual budget hearing spoke in support of adding another two and a half million dollars to fully fund the Superintendent’s budget that far exceeded the Bridge to Excellence agreement.

Ultimately, each of the elected officials has responsibility to account for breaking the Bridge to Excellence agreement. Now, I believe we must look at the budget processes of the three Southern Maryland Counties. Ultimately, per student funding is the bottom line to create a funding formula for public education that is both accountable and sustainable.

The challenges of providing both environmental and economic sustainability are daunting to say the least. I believe the five individuals who serve upon our St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners have the combined skills to accomplish this task.