Photo courtesy VoteForZimmer.org

Commissioner Zimmer and Senator Kittleman Team Up in Open Forum

Water, Energy Bills, and Carrolltown Center were main points of discussion

Commissioner Michael Zimmer held his third and final open discussion forum last night. The series, entitled I Am Glad You Asked, was held “town meeting style” and was open to the public. The first two meetings were held previously last month in North Carroll and the other in Westminster. Commisioner Zimmer presented with guest Senator Alan Kittleman, fielding questions from the audience and discussing a variety of community issues and concerns.

The main topics of discussion were sources of water, energy bills, and the status of Carrolltown Center. Other issues raised included trash removal, traffic, crime, the five-commissioner system, school construction and the Carroll County budget process.

One of the main questions audience members had was why the price of water was multiple times the cost of neighboring counties. Commissioner Zimmer addressed the question, saying that many available options are being explored.

Several local residents questioned why BGE was charging so much for its energy and accusations of fraudulent activity on Constellation Energy's part were made, with audience members stating that Constellation was shuffling paper to move profits around and keep energy prices above market prices. Senator Kittleman addressed the issue, stating that the state of Maryland is looking into reregulation of the energy industry.

One of the most heated topics discussed was the ongoing plight of Carrolltown Center, just across the street from the meeting. Local residents said that the mall has gone into a state of disrepair and attracts crime, drugs, and delinquents all hours of the night. Commissioner Zimmer acknowledged the problems, as he lives within walking distance of the mall, but offered no specific solutions about the situation.

Over fifty people attended the event and participants seemed grateful for the opportunity.