LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) have announced a joint public meeting with the St. Mary’s County Legislative Delegation to discuss proposed legislation for the 2025 Regular Session of the Maryland General Assembly. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the CSMC meeting room on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.
The primary purpose of this gathering is to consider legislative requests from the CSMC and proposals from local organizations and members of the public. These proposals will be evaluated for potential enactment during the upcoming legislative session in Annapolis.
To ensure transparency and public access, the CSMC has made a copy of the legislative proposals available for review. Interested parties can find these documents in the County Attorney’s Office or online at www.stmarysmd.com/docs/LegislativeProposals2025.pdf. Additional meeting information and related documents can be accessed through the county’s public hearings webpage at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/publichearings.
The CSMC is actively encouraging citizen participation in this important process. Residents of St. Mary’s County have several options to make their voices heard:
- Attend the meeting in person at the Chesapeake Building.
- Email comments to csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov.
- Mail written feedback to P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
For those unable to attend the meeting in person, the CSMC has provided alternative means of following the proceedings. The meeting will be broadcast live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) TV Channel 95. Additionally, a live stream will be available on the county’s YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov.
This joint meeting represents a crucial step in the local legislative process, allowing county officials and state representatives to hear directly from constituents about issues that matter most to the community. By facilitating this open dialogue, the CSMC aims to ensure that proposed legislation accurately reflects the needs and priorities of St. Mary’s County residents.
The timing of this meeting is significant, as it provides ample opportunity for thorough discussion and refinement of proposals before they are potentially introduced in the Maryland General Assembly. This proactive approach allows local officials to present a unified and well-prepared legislative agenda when the 2025 session convenes.
As with all CSMC meetings, this joint session adheres to Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, which guarantees public access to government decision-making processes. This commitment to transparency is further underscored by the multiple channels through which citizens can participate or observe the proceedings.
The CSMC and the St. Mary’s County Legislative Delegation encourage all interested parties to review the proposed legislation in advance of the meeting. This preparation can lead to more informed discussions and potentially more effective outcomes for the county’s legislative initiatives.
Local organizations with stakes in proposed legislation are particularly encouraged to participate, as their insights can provide valuable context for both county commissioners and state delegates. Their involvement can help shape policies that have direct impacts on various sectors of the St. Mary’s County community.
As the October 1 meeting approaches, county officials are likely to increase their outreach efforts to ensure maximum public awareness and participation. Residents are advised to stay informed through official county communication channels and local media for any updates or changes to the meeting format or agenda.
This collaborative approach to local governance and state-level legislative planning demonstrates St. Mary’s County’s commitment to responsive and responsible public service. By fostering open communication between local officials, state representatives, and the public, the county aims to develop legislation that truly serves the best interests of its residents.
