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Proposed English Language Ordinance Goes to Public Hearing
Carroll County residents will have a chance to weigh in on Commissioner Shoemaker's proposed ordinance that would make English the official language of county government.
Carroll County Commissioners voted on Thursday to hold a public hearing for a proposed ordinance that would make English the official language of county government. A date for the public hearing has not yet been set.
The comissioners voted 4-0 to move the ordinance to a public hearing. Commissioner Robin Bartlett-Frazier was not present at the meeting.
Commissioner Haven Shoemaker presented the proposed ordinance to commissioners, saying that "this isn't a radical motion."
According to Shoemaker, 31 states and two Maryland counties (Frederick and Queen Anne's) have passed similar legislation.
"It doesn’t single out any segment of the population, it merely says that for the purpose of Carroll County government, English is the official language," Shoemaker said. "It doesn’t preclude people or businesses from using any language they want. It doesn’t preclude emergency services to folks who can’t speak English."
Suzanne Bibby, director of government relations for Pro English, a Virginia-based advocacy organization, gave a presentation in support of the ordinance.
"Official English simply makes English the default langage in communications and business. It will enable the county to more effectively enforce policy," Bibby said. "Contrary to what opponents claim, it doesn’t mean 'English only.' It means for the county to act officially or with legal authority, it must act in English.
Commissioner Doug Howard said he's concerned that no standard of English has been noted
"This board has historically not been vague," Howard said.
Richard Rothschild said he supports the ordinance and believes that defining an official language promotes unity.
"When you have a common language in a country, it promotes national unity, it promotes quality of opportunity in business, it promotes equal opportunity for all," Rothschild said.
"This board welcomes people of all national origins to Carroll County but I believe that with rights come responsibilities and if any individuals want to come to Carroll County, Maryland, the U.S., they’re welcome but have a responsibility to learn our language so we have the unity of being one people," Rothschild said.
Westminster resident Rebecca Orenstein addressed the commissioners first in Spanish during the public comment portion of the meeting. She then translated her statement, suggesting that the ordinance is "stupid" and "bad for business."
Carroll County resident Judy Smith said the ordinance is a waste of taxpayer money and it sends the wrong message to business.
"I'm embarrassed by this ordinance. If you're going to do that [pass the ordinance], then I suggest you change the 'Feel right at home in Carroll County' signs placed around the county," Smith said.
Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.
Sherine Gayle-Slater
12:16 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Carroll County Commissioner Haven Shoemaker is an A-class ass. Make sure you ask where is the lavatory in Italian when you go on your vacation to Italy. Go find some real work to do instead of wasting taxpayers money. Lazy bum
Buck Harmon
8:01 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
he practices perceived law the same way..
Kathy
6:30 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
If the Commissioners have nothing better to do than to debate a resolution which will have no legal effect, accomplish nothing, and serve no purpose other than to make a statement that "furiniers" are not welcome in the County, then perhaps this legislative body is not really necessary.
Kym Byrnes
9:14 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Kathy, your post on Patch was specifically addressed by Commissioner Rothschild in session yesterday during this discussion. He referenced your question about there being one circumstance where this would be necessary and in session he said he had heard of such an example. He shared his story about (he's unsure which county this happened in) a person who submitted a petition to the county in another language. He said the county was ultimately responsible for finding someone to translate that document to English, in legal terms, which cost money. Just thought you should know your thoughts were heard and referenced in the meeting.
David M. Baker
12:18 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
@Kym: The only problem with that line of defence is that no actual facts have been presented to support translation service as being an undue burden on taxpayers. On Patch, Mr. Rothschild offered only anecdote and emotional appeal. He did not offer facts--heck, he didn't even give us the cost to the anecdotal county! For all I know, they passed it through Google Translate--like I did with my letter to the Commissioners, written in English, translated to Spanish.
The primary concern I have is that my government is creating policy based solely on anecdotal evidence and emotional appeals for "unity," "heritage," etc. I'm interested to see the Commissioners present some data to support how Frederick County and Queen Annes County are economically better off with the passage of similar laws. I'm keen to see some metrics from the 31 states which have passed similar measures. Because, until and unless the Commissioners can come up with a compelling, fact-based case for passing the English Only law, it's a waste of time and smacks entirely of agenda politics in an election year. In fact, it smacks of the English Only movement. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English-only_movement
Have you walked down Main Street lately? Have you counted the empty storefronts? What does Shoemaker's quest for English-only do to resolve that problem? How does it HELP the people of this county? That's the real question, and that's what should be asked of each Commissioner who supports this garbage.
Michelle Jefferson
7:27 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
How about if Carroll citizens have to pick up the tab on having an interpreter available for over 20 different languages like Montgomery, Howard & PG counties and Baltimore City? If English isn't established as the official language then that's what we open our county to. Walk into any of their government offices and you'll find a big sign on the walls saying, "point to your language and an interpreter will be provided at no additional cost."
It used to be 14 languages, they're now up to 20-if you want to pay for their salaries, I'm sure the commissioners will set up a fund you can contribute to but I'm not paying for someone to darn lazy to speak English.
Those who support foreigners' rights over Americans are the real A-class asses.
Buck Harmon
7:58 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
That's TOTAL bull crap Michelle, there have never been any major expenses incurred in Carroll that would justify that statement or the ill conceived actions of this Board.
You would say anything...even if it's wrong in support of the shenanigans these boobs attempt....it's the Carroll tea party mentality.
Your display of bigotry is right in step with Shoemaker and Rothschild...no brainers..
CS
8:06 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Right on, Michelle.
Chris E
9:05 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Got to love how the word bigot comes out and the suggestion to ban someone's freedom of speech as soon as someone has an opinion different then their opinion. How about acting like an adult and stating your opinion and leave the name calling out. Most people do not take people seriously who have to resort to those tactics instead of having an intellectual conversation.
David M. Baker
7:59 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Michelle, the onus is now on you to provide data proving your assertion. Please show me the year-over-year savings to Prince George's County for offering translation of official documents, and, further, please demonstrate how this expenditure represents an undue burden on taxpayers.
And it's really, really interesting to me that you lump people who are not quite fluent in English in with "foreigners." In fact, it's quite telling. Your entire argument seems to hinge on the idea that if you don't speak English, you obviously don't belong here. I have a marketing agency here in Westminster, and several of my clients are recent immigrants--from China, Greece, Costa Rica, etc.. All of them are AMERICANS but they are not all fluent in ENGLISH. Do you get how that can be possible? And do you see how deliberately shutting people out of government for no demonstrably beneficial reason is kind of a bad idea? After all, my clients are coming to me because they are entrepreneurs, starting BUSINESSES in Carroll County; creating JOBS; paying TAXES. They are citizens, not "foreigners." Your assertion to the contrary is frankly repugnant.
I'll tell you this: I'm more happy to pick up the tab for a translation service than I am for the prosecution of the homeless, the addicted, and the afflicted in Carroll County. At the end of the day, it comes down to priorities and my mind boggles to understand who in their right mind considers English Only laws as a priority.
David M. Baker
8:01 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
CORRECTION: Please show me the year-over-year COST to Prince George's County for offering translation of official documents, and, further, please demonstrate how this expenditure represents an undue burden on taxpayers.
Buck Harmon
9:54 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Bigot~ a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.
If this ordinance is not wrought with these kinds of people supporting it then all is well in our Country....no need to change anything......Bigots do in fact rule Carroll County, MD. The displays and actions of these Commissioners...and their supporters wreak of intolerance at many levels. There is no defense for this bad behavior, and it's not name calling but rather descriptive and accurate.
Ever notice how Michelle makes a rather bold statement and then never elaborates with fact ....typical tea toddler talk with no substance. Bigotry....
Buck Harmon
8:00 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
The Carroll Tea Party language that Michelle spews should be banned by ordinance...
CS
8:12 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
I don't believe Michelle said there have been any major expenses incurred in Carroll, but she did point out that you open the county to that possibility. Thirty years ago Americans weren't the minority in many counties as they are now. Is there anything wrong with that? No. I do believe, however, that by choosing this country and county to live in, one should learn to speak the language native to it. If I were to move to another country I wouldn't expect them to learn English simply because I spoke it. It's not bigotry at all, but a show of respect for the people in the place in which you have chosen to live.
David M. Baker
10:03 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
I believe the native language of Marlyand was originally Chippewa. How are you doing with your language lessons? I mean, you really should learn the original language of the province.
David J Iacono
8:12 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Using Michelle's logic, we should tell deaf people to go to hell since they use sign language. Usually, a signer must be employed at public functions. All that wasted funding for the disabled. My question is when these clowns will propose that Christianity be the official religion of Carroll County. Frazier has already has a head start with her prayer meets. As far as the Tea Party goes, except for fringe areas like Carroll County and Frederick, they are in decline. I guess people are getting tired of getting nothing accomplished in government the the name of extreme ideology.
EBurger
9:11 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Pull it back a little David. Comparing deaf people to non-English speaking people....Really? Are you saying we should treat non-English speaking people as disabled? And what does bigotry have to do with an official language...there is no hatred here toward racial or ethnic groups as liberals keep wanting to stir up.
Go ahead...I am ready for more name calling.
Jack
12:21 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
How comical that you would call Carroll and Frederick the "fringe" areas. The fringe areas are Baltimore, Prince Georges, and Montgomery counties, the rest of the state is no different than our county.
Rick
9:21 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
You people are too much. So we're bigots because we ask the people to conduct business in English? Give me a break!!!! Sign language is completely different than speaking a foreign language. Let's convolute this simple issue a little more.
Sherine Gayle-Slater
9:39 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
I can't wait for the ones who agree with Shoemaker to leave this country for your fancy vacations and such and are greeted with the same proposed laws. Let's see who'll be up in arms about that. You'll be on CNN crying foul, and going on change.org asking people to sign a petition to end the injustice. Put yourself in non English speakers shoes and stop being so judgmental. How easy is it for you to learn a new language, it's pretty hard if you ask me! I hope you guys understand that ,"today is for you but tomorrow may not be"
Chris E
1:12 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Actually learning a new language is not that hard. My mother in law did not speak a word of English when she moved to this country. She learned English on her own without taking any classes. Just because people do not speak our language and come from another country does not mean they are stupid or unable to learn something new.
JoAnn Nicholls
9:41 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Calling the Commissioner an a_ _. Classy behavior there Sherine....I seem to remember an editor stating inappropriate assaults would have their posts removed....guess that's only true if you're a liberal, huh Kym? Commissioners, you did the right thing with this vote....keep it up...this is what we elected you to do and will fight, fight, fight for you!!!!
David M. Baker
10:22 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
No, JoAnn. The commissioners were elected to represent EVERY constitutent in Carroll County and to ensure that EVERY constituent is served by her government. This action specifically precludes that level of service by insisting that newcomers to our county be endowed with perfect English comprehension abilities. It sends a message of xenophobia, it's bad for business, and it's really a collossal waste of time.
What's telling is that Mssr. Rothschild put his rationalization for this utter fiction of a problem in print here on Patch. Basically, he rides his motorcycle a lot and has to put up with things like people speaking Spanish (or, GASP! people hiring bilingual employees). And from there, while offering precisely zero factual evidence to support his storytelling, he goes on to say how non-Enaglish speakers are threat to our "culture and heritage." I'm not accusing Mr. Rothschild of being a klansman, but I can tell you that the dog whistle language of that particular hate group has long been ensconced in the notion of preserving heritage, and so I think you can easily see what one would get the wrong notion about this effort. Rothschild should park the bike and make a real effort to find real facts that support a real problem in search of a solution. At present, all that has been offered is emotional anecdote and dog whistle language.
-d-
David M. Baker
10:29 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Here's a great example of what I was talking about:
"We are fighting for the preservation of our heritage, freedom and way of life in the United States and much of the Western World. Ultimately, we are working to secure the most important civil right of all, the right to preserve our kind of life. Massive immigration and low European American birthrates coupled with integration and racial intermarriage threatens the continued existence of our very genotype. We assert that we, as do all expressions of life on this planet, have the right to live and to have our children and our children’s children reflect both genetically and culturally our heritage."
---David Duke
Sherine Gayle-Slater
10:11 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Report it if you want ... That's my opinion of him! I saw his interview yesterday and I will not apologize/apologise (depending on which english languge you speak) Like I said before, when the shoe is on the other foot lets see how you English speakers will fare.
Judith M. Smith
10:22 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
this proposed ordnance does absolutely NOTHING but make a political statement...it does not change one law...this is a waste of money and time that should be focused on real problems in CC...we do not have to resort to any inflamatory words to make a reasonable point...that goes for both sides of the aisle...I hope that people will download the proposed ordnance before they give more heat to the discussion in place of light. We don't need it, like many others do not want it, and it is unnecessary...it makes a negative impression about our county which I dislike. I am not an apologist, nor a self-loathing leftist...so don't bother to make that sort of statement....
David M. Baker
11:12 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Well said, Judith. Well said. I'm very angered by the Commissioners' actions, and what motivates most of my ire is the total lack of substance offered in their defence. As a business owner, I demand good information and FACTS from my team before we change course or enact new policies. As a constituent, I demand the same: Give me facts to support your actions. Otherwise, it smacks of agenda politics in an election year.
-d-
EBurger
10:47 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
English is the official language in 31 United States. Since we will never see Maryland on that list, the Commissioners need to move forward as is the rest of the country.
JoAnn Nicholls
10:49 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
yes, Judith I read your opinion in the Baltimore Sun....tell me, how did they come to pick you to comment??? Conservatives can barely get an editorial printed in that rag...Funny how they always get the opposing view when it's a move away from communism....And Sherine, no one expected anything less of a response from you...some of us really do understand the manipulation of the Communist regime and some of us are not going to sit back and allow you to run this country into total tyranny...
David M. Baker
11:07 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Wait. What?!? The "manipulation of the Communist regime"? What are you doing, channeling Joe McCarthy? For someone who routinely (as far as I can see here on Patch) castigates those with whom you disagree as somehow out of touch, you've really outdone yourself.
-d-
David M. Baker
11:09 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Additionally, I find it rather amusing that you would on the one hand decry "tyranny" (which should be understood as undue governmental control on individuals) whilst on the other hand enabling the very same (which is what's happening when the government decides, by fiat, what language we must all speak when conducting our business).
JoAnn Nicholls
11:29 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Oh yes, I'm channeling him right from the us communist website....LOL!! Nice try Dave
Q: What has the YCL ever done to improve this country?
A: It has always worked to help raise class consciousness in the working class, and organize the unorganized. Along with our fraternal organization, the CPUSA, and organized labor, we have been leaders in the fights for the right to organize, unemployment insurance, social security, affirmative action, and civil rights, as well as the fights against english-only laws, immigrant bashing, hate crimes, and the like.
http://www.yclusa.org/article/articleview/1445/1/278/#socialism
David M. Baker
11:57 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Oh, I see what you're doing. You're taking one organization's statement of principals and extrapolating that, if anyone else also happens to believe in any or all of these things, they are obviously a COMMUNIST (tm) and not a Real American (tm), and hence should be duly ignored? That's interesting logic.
My only rejoinder to you would be that the Republican party of my father (himself a devout Reagan supporter) actually embraced things like inclusivity, civil rights, social security, etc. Apparently that party died with Mr. Reagan.
JoeEldersburg
12:20 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
@JoAnn-you and those Communists again! What's really up here? Are you worried perhaps that after the election drubbing, the Communists may actually outnumber the people who will ever admit being involved with the Tea Party? Oh, that's right once the Koch Bros stop funding it, the fake Tea Party and its nuts will simply melt back into the Republican party and continue to be the cancer they now are for America. If you are so real and righteous, why can't you just go out on your own? The rest of us true Americans have a country to fix and don't need the Tea Party running us over the cliff!
David M. Baker
12:28 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
@Joe: You are wrong to infer that JoAnn is somehow not a real American. I wholeheartedly disagree with her politics as expressed in this narrow venue, but I do take umbrage, sir, with your assertion that she is somehow unfit for citizenship.
Ditto with the name calling. JoAnn is a human being with whom you have a disagreement. She is not a "cancer," and I presume--not really knowing her--that she is likewise sane.
Let's stick to the facts, such as they are, and keep the dialogue collegial, please. There is no need to sink into the very same swamp we're attempting to drain.
Cheers,
-d-
JoeEldersburg
12:07 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Just in case anyone really believes this is not an action that has racisim as its roots, they might be interested to read the Wiki on the founder (John Tanton) of Pro English, the so-called advocacy interest group that promotes this particular agenda. Pasted from the link below...
"Tanton has for decades been at the heart of the white nationalist scene. He has met with leading white supremacists, promoted anti-Semitic ideas, and associated closely with the leaders of a eugenicist foundation once described by a leading newspaper as a “neo-Nazi organization.” He has made a series of racist statements about Latinos and worried that they were outbreeding whites. At one point, he wrote candidly that to maintain American culture, “a European-American majority” is required."
Sounds like a good friend of Jim Simpson's, the former County PR guy that Rothschild defended, but not somebody we want to be getting policy advice from. Who's next the KKK?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tanton
David M. Baker
12:29 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
See also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English-only_movement
JoAnn Nicholls
12:14 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Oh yea David and YOUR party is right there with JFK!!! Bwahahahaha!!!
David M. Baker
12:25 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
My friend, I never told you my party affiliation. Again, facts before conclusions. It's a helpful way to understand the world.
Cheers,
-d-
JoAnn Nicholls
12:43 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
you don't have to tell us....remember your lying president has taught us well that it is the actions that proves who you are....YOURS and the rest of the Occupy Patch Mob are lock, stock and barrel in line with the agenda of the Communist Party USA!!!!
Sherine Gayle-Slater
2:24 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Jack, I thank you for your corrections, however, I saw my mistakes after I posted my comment. Let me make myself clear, I did not say that my grasp of the English language was superior to anyone. I said that I found fault with quite a few things. Tolerance and patience are the best practices to employ. I believe that Mr. Shoemaker is placing your county on a losing track and a very fast one at that. I don't care which political party he or anyone identifies with, it's just wrong!
Valarie
2:32 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
The Supreme Court said that declaring English as the state's official language deprives people of their fundamental First Amendment rights to access government and deprives government officials of their rights to free speech. "Language Rights Are Protected Under Civil Rights Law." MALDEF on OpposingViews.com: "Language is not only a barrier to communication, but also an identifying characteristic of an individual’s ethnicity and national origin. [...] Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, ancestry, national origin or ethnicity. Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans discrimination based "on the ground of race, color, or national origin," in "any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Title VI of the Civil Rights Act provides the foundation for ensuring nondiscrimination in all federal programs and services, including those provided to language minorities." So what gives Commish? As I see it individuals involved in this movement are driven by racism and an anti-immigrant stance. Time and again I have been hard pressed to be a proud Carroll County immigrant. And after all, aren't we all immigrants from somewhere or another.
WestMonster
2:56 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Anybody catch that they're trying to do this during "Hispanic Heritage Month"? Also at the Smithsonian AMERICAN History museum tomorrow will be a concert including a chorus singing the Star-Spangled Banner en espanol! Should be a great time for us communists!
JoAnn Nicholls
4:28 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Why don't you send us a video WestMonster...I'm quite certain you receive emails of all the LaRaza and Casa de Maryland events..
JoAnn Nicholls
4:31 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Valarie, give us the citation on the Supreme Court ruling that states it is illegal to make this law.
JoAnn Nicholls
5:15 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
another point to what Kathy stated about translating documents...four years ago I helped a young man from Italy start the process of becoming an American citizen. He never felt it wrong or discriminatory in any way to become fluent in English. He taught himself and is now living in Leesburg Virginia and doing well. we were told by the Italian embassy that each major city has a consulate for each embassy. sure enough there was an Italian consulate in Baltimore and we were able to have documents from Italy translated to English. It cost Marco NOTHING..It is a courtesy of their embassy.
David M. Baker
8:41 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Well then, OBVIOUSLY there's no cost issue to Carroll County then, right? Just find a way to partner with embassy translators and have it done as a service to constituents. What a fabulous idea! You should mention that to Haven.
JoAnn Nicholls
10:02 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
I guess Teddy up there on Mt. Rushmore is a bigot...according to Bucky...
In 1907, US President Theodore Roosevelt wrote, "We have room for but one language in this country, and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house."[3]
ProEnglish, the nation's leading advocates of "Official English," summarizes their belief that "in pluralistic nation such as ours, the function of government should be to foster and support the similarities that unite us, rather than institutionalize the differences that divide us." Therefore, ProEnglish "works through the courts and in the court of public opinion to defend English's historic role as America's common, unifying language, and to persuade lawmakers to adopt English as the official language at all levels of government." [4]
Another "Official English" advocate group, U.S. English, summarizes their belief with "the passage of English as the official language will help to expand opportunities for immigrants to learn and speak English, the single greatest empowering tool that immigrants must have to succeed."[5]
Buck Harmon
10:21 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
History has proven Teddy to be wrong JoAnn...grasping at straws won't justify the current bigotry being displayed by the Carroll County MD Commissioners.
Why not attempt to provide some facts that would justify the time taken away from much more important pending issues in Carroll while this silliness is pursued.How exactly will tax paying citizens of Carroll benefit ? This is purely political agenda, not responsible leadership.
Buck Harmon
10:25 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Native Americans would beg to differ the claim of English as the official language of our Country, and would most likely see those that think otherwise as communists by your method..
Native
9:48 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
As modern communications technology improves, it is imperative citizens & governments alike keep pace. One way to do this is to adhere to one standard, thus the push for an official language. We can't have more then one option to communicate officially or else it becomes detrimental. According to the Pew Research Center in June of this year (as well as other surveys), Asians have overtaken Hispanics as the fastest growing & best educated racial group in the US. So if government language has to include Spanish as well as English, what is that saying to Asian-Americans (that they don't deserve to be included), or the Hispanics (that they are too uneducated to be able to assimilate as well as any other immigrant)? Also, the public safety agencies are moving along the same lines. As mandated by the National Incident Management System, police & fire departments across the country have been moving to a simple, common, way of communicating. This was in the news here recently when the police moved from using "10 codes" to plain english. This is germane to the discussion because of the parallels to the need for English to be the official language in the US.
David M. Baker
8:44 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
But, Native, the issue is not being framed as efficiency. It's being framed by Mr. Shoemaker as being for convenience (I'm tired of pressing 2 for English) and by Mr. Rothschild as a step toward preserving "culture and heritage." It's very telling that the Commissioners are on record supporting this useless legislation for reasons OTHER than efficient operation of government. I'm going by what the sponsor and his biggest advocate have said on record to justify their position. If they have something factual to offer, then by all means. Until that time, it's just political posturing.
Buck Harmon
8:59 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Current translation technology also nullifies the extreme perceived future costs that Rothschild and Shoemaker speak of as well. Most simple lap tops have the technology to type and translate many different languages , and are very cost effective and efficient...
John Culleton
12:00 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
When the issue of language came up at the Constitutional Convention the two candidate languages were English and German. English won out. However the nation's Spanish speaking population has increased to the point that bilingual or multilingual government documents have become the norm in many jurisdictions.
Since no one has proposed such activity for Carroll County the Shoemaker proposal seems to me a waste of time. Our non-English speaking population is still tiny.
The commissioners have better things to do. For example, school closings are being proposed because of declining enrollments yet most schools in South Carroll still have and presumably use portable classrooms. And criminals who commit major felonies are given minimal or no jail time, the excuse being that the County Lockup is overcrowded. Now there's an issue that should be addressed. There was a proposal at one time to build a new School Board headquarters building, repurpose the present School Headquarters building for the Sheriffs Department and additional courtrooms and expanding the current Lockup into the space thus vacated by the Sheriffs Dept. This would retain a single Lockup but with sufficient room for more inmates, keep the Sheriffs Department and the Lockup near the Courts, and provide more courtrooms in the same vicinity.
This plan was rejected because "The school board doesn't need more space", a total misunderstanding of the purpose of the proposal.
Buck Harmon
12:20 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
These Commissioners seem to be stuck within the realm of the tea party political agenda, and lack the ability or expertise needed to tackle the much more important issues that currently face the County.