The July 13
th GCC meeting had Council person James Benoit as guest speaker.
The first topic that Mr. Benoit addressed, was the county budget cuts. He said that the county maintained funding for the schools, including the community college. This year there was a 12 day furlough plan for county workers. If the economy does not improve, next year could see the elimination of positions and a restructuring of what the county government does. This would include the county library system.
He said that the county was adopting the state storm water regulations which would improve the water going into the bay. The regulations will make it a bit more expensive for developers. The employee health benefits are in trouble.
In answering a question with respect to zoning by Dick Lahn, Mr. Benoit said that the council is trying to steer development to Odenton and west county. He talked about a development in Laurel.
Ms. Brenda Kragh wondered how many property tax assessments would be challenged. Mr. Benoit said that he thought that there will be quite a few and that it is the right for the owners to make such challenges.
In response to a question by Tom Frank, Mr. Benoit said that 92% of county council votes were 7 to 0 and that there were never votes that split along party lines.
GCC president, Bob Brennan, asked if the use of local labour could be tied to the tax breaks that developers get. Mr. Benoit was in favor of this if possible.
Secretary Pro Tem, Bess Sharland, asked about work force housing. Mr. Benoit said that a Laurel development would have affordable housing but that there was not much support in the council for this type of housing in general.
Councilman Benoit explained the concept of the transfer of development rights.
Mr. Steve Conyer asked what effect the transfer of school pension responsibility to the counties would have on the county. Mr. Benoit said that it would bankrupt the county and it would be even worse for small counties.

After Mr. Benoit's talk, Mr. Patrick Jameson who is running for Sheriff of Anne Arundel county was introduced to the GCC.

President, Bob Brennan, said that the GCC's main effort this Fall will be the Candidates' Night on September 2
nd and the Candidates' Night on October 12
th.

Secretary Pro Tem, Bess Sharland, explained to the GCC that with this year's secretary's resignation, Bess had given up the vice presidency and would once again take over the secretary's job. Dan Scholfield would be Vice-President Pro Tem.

GCC Chair for the Environment, Dick Lahn, said that a letter co-signed by the GCC, CCA and Crofton 1
st to County Executive Leopold asked that two properties next to the Patuxent River be bought.

Education Chair, Tom Frank, talked about later starting times for students. A board of education member who was attending the meeting, Mr. Andrew Pruski, said that changing the start times would involve changing bus times and contracts and would be very difficult.