Involvement will change politicians’ behavior

However, over the last several years, the quality and integrity of our leadership has eroded to a disgraceful state. Yes, the county is growing economically and prestige among the wealthy is very high, but there is a huge population of citizens being left behind. They are those citizens who have to choose between their medication and eating deficient diets, suffering from unfair taxation and other economic injustices.

Today, [Prince George’s County] brings sadness into my heart and shame to my life. As the leadership of this county has changed, so has the equal rights and compassion for the struggling poor. Will this great state ever comprehensively address the needs of all its citizens without prejudice? And for once, will [Prince George’s County] and the state of Maryland put the needs of the poor over those of the rich and powerful? The concept of ethics has been abandoned by some of our elected officials. The voice of the people is often not consulted or completely ignored.

It is time for us, the law-abiding citizens, to speak out and demand respect and our equal rights under the law. We have a constitutional right to know how taxes are being spent and where the benefits are going.

I ask you to wake up and let your voices be heard. Call, write or visit your local and state representatives. Tell them you are not satisfied with their code of ethics and the direction of our government.

As a citizen of [Prince George’s County] for almost four decades, I have become very depressed when I see and experience the huge economic disparities among the people

County comments for thought:

*The county executive allegedly giving ‘‘payback” to supporters (competency and tax payers’ money are irrelevant in the equation).

* The disbursement of charity funds from the [National] Harbor project (improper or maybe illegal distribution).

*The inability of the county and state officials to work together as a cohesive unit for the benefit of the citizens.

*It is alleged that some council members may have used county credit cards for personal use. To my knowledge, no resolution of these allegations has been forthcoming.

* Testifying before the County Council has become an exercise in futility for civic leaders, especially for those who live in unincorporated jurisdictions. Unincorporated areas are usually ignored, and council members pass legislation which reflect their personal philosophies.

State comments for thought:

*Del. Doyle Niemann [(D-Dist. 47) of Mount Rainier] initiated his second legislative effort to circumvent TRIM [the property tax cap] and raise property taxes. The money will be used to pay the debt for Prince George’s County Hospital.

*Gov. Martin O’Malley cut the budget for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and increased the budget of another state agency, unnecessarily. At a time when other states are trying to provide health coverage to all its citizens, Maryland is cutting its aid to the most disabled and disadvantaged.

*Many large corporations pay little, if any, state income tax. They do their business in Maryland and locate their operations in other states. How do you think the $1.5 billion deficit will be paid? More taxes for the ‘‘little man.”

*The citizens are paying the price for illegal immigration, and Maryland continues to give the ‘‘illegal” immigrants privileges and monetary assistance almost comparable to legal citizens. I thought illegal meant against the law.

Please, my fellow citizens, become involved in the process that determines your standard of living and the future of our children. Our elected officials will only change their behavior when we, the people, become more involved in the political process.

Tim McCoy is an Adelphi resident and chairman of Citizens for Fair Government, a nonprofit organization that seeks fair treatment from politicians.