Preparation
Typically, when BCASCO approaches a legislative session at the county, state, or national level, we will discuss various issues at a meeting of the Board of Directors and see where the sentiment lies for taking a stand on one issue or another. If the issue is complex enough, we will probably appoint a committee to dig into the subject in greater detail. The committee then will report its findings to the Board, which will make a final determination on taking a stand. If we determine to advocate on one side or the other of an issue, we will document it and report our position to the membership and to the legislators involved.
Here is an example of our investigation into one issue.
Property Tax Relief
On January 6, 2006, BCASCO convened a meeting at the Cockeysville Senior Center to explore the issue of property taxes and the possibility of urging some relief for hard-pressed taxpayers, notably senior citizens. Featured speaker at the meeting was Mary Ruth Horton, a senior activist and chair of the St. Mary's County Commission on Aging. She described her group's activities to bring tax relief to her county seniors.
Also speaking was T. Bryan McIntire, a member of the Baltimore County Council. Attending the meeting, and offering a few words of wisdom, was Arnold Eppel, director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging.
Mary Ruth Horton Holds Up a Local Newspaper Headlining Her Group's Activities