EDITORIAL: St. Mary’s Board Sending County Into Fiscal Chaos and Adding Another $85 Million on top of Current Public Debt of a Staggering $262 Million

THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY EDITORIAL
By John E. O’Connor

St. Mary’s County is in a state of financial chaos. The commissioners are leading us down a path of fiscal ruin. They’re overtaxing hardworking, patriotic citizens—people we all know and respect—while recklessly squandering the money on the most absurd, wasteful projects you can imagine. It’s a disgrace. They’ve piled up a staggering $262 million in debt, and now they’re asking for an additional $85 million.

Eric Colvin is the only One who voted no against this reckless spending, but no actual motion was made. Hence, they call it “consensus” when three or more bobbleheads like Hewitt say yes. Can you believe it? And all this is happening while Maryland is grappling with a $5.4 billion deficit, largely due to the Kirwan Commission’s unchecked spending. It’s a situation that should outrage us all.

Let’s talk about this $60 million sheriff’s headquarters they’re pushing. First of all, why? Why are we spending $60 million when their other facilities are sitting empty? It’s pure stupidity. It’s not about safety, folks—it’s about egos, about looking good, about saying, “Look what we built!”

Meanwhile, crime is on the rise, neighborhoods are deteriorating, and they’re pouring money into shiny new buildings we don’t even need. It’s like a bad joke. If these commissioners were on a first date, they’d order the lobster, the steak, and the dessert and stick you with the bill. They don’t know how to say no—ever. The real tragedy is that this mismanagement is directly affecting our community, our safety, and our future. It’s time to hold them accountable.

And then there’s Commissioner Ostrow. This guy is unbelievable. He’s out there handing out free laptops like Santa Claus.

And then there’s Commissioner Ostrow. This guy is unbelievable. He’s out there handing out free laptops like Santa Claus. Who’s paying for that? You are. The hardworking people get up daily, go to work, and play by the rules. And where are those laptops going? Do you think they’re going to help kids? Half of them will end up in pawn shops for $50. It’s a joke, folks. Ostrow’s not fixing anything. He’s feeding the welfare machine, plain and simple. Instead of cleaning up crime and helping businesses, he’s pandering, throwing freebies around to get headlines.

Meanwhile, the state’s $5.4 billion deficit is no surprise. People like Todd Morgan warned about this years ago. He said Kirwan would blow up the budget and was 100% right. Maryland jacked up teacher salaries without a plan to pay for it, and now counties like St. Mary’s are stuck holding the bag. The commissioners knew this was coming, but did they plan? Did they prepare? Nope. They spent like crazy anyway. It’s gross incompetence, folks—a total lack of leadership.

Here’s the truth: these commissioners don’t care about you. They care about spending your money on their little pet projects, giveaways, and bloated budgets. They don’t care that you’re working harder than ever and getting nothing in return. They’ve maxed out income taxes, raised property taxes, and slapped an excise tax on top of it all. And for what? To build unnecessary buildings and give away free stuff.

It’s time to drain the swamp right here in St. Mary’s County. These commissioners are weak, and they’re failing the people who actually make this county work. We need strong leaders, folks—leaders who will cut the waste, slash the debt, and stop treating taxpayers like their personal ATMs.