The bill is being introduced by Councilman Nathan Volke (District 3) because there is no law/mandate/policy in existence today as to what flags are allowed to be displayed on County property. Simply put, today, any flag can be flown/displayed on a County flagpole/ building at the discretion of the department head of that particular building.
We live in a very dynamic society and each of us have various beliefs, causes and feelings toward a multitude of political, social and religious agendas. This is what America is about; the freedom to express yourself as an individual, for any of these causes. However, the expression of any cause or belief or socio-political agenda should not be expressed by displaying any flag or banner on Anne Arundel County property. Our County government should always remain neutral and no department head should have the discretion to display any flag/banner other than what this Bill mandates.
Each of you know how our County Council operates and how Council members view certain bills that are introduced. If they do not hear from constituents, they may feel the issue is not a big deal and vote accordingly. I am asking that you reach out to your County Council person and let them know this bill is important to you and why. This can be done via a simple phone call or preferably via email or letter.
My County Council person knows exactly where I stand on this bill. He also knows how my neighbors stand on the bill since he represents them as well. What I would ask is that you make the effort to let your Council person know how you feel about the bill, no matter if you support it or not.
I am enclosing the contact information for our County Council members for your convenience. PLEASE take the time to contact them. Let’s get this bill passed and keep our County government neutral by mandating which flags can be flown. Thank you.
District 1 Sarah Lacey slacey@aacounty.org 410-222-6890
District 2 Allison Pickard Allison.pickard@aacounty.org 410-222-1401
District 3 Nathan Volke Nathan.volke@aacounty.org 410-222-2413
District 4 Andrew Pruski Andrew.pruski@aacounty.org 410-222-1401
District 5 Amanda Fiedler amanda.fiedler@aacounty.org 410-222-1401
District 6 Lisa Brannigan-Rodvien lisa.rodvien@aacounty.org 410-222-2406
District 7 Jessica Haire Jessica.haire@aacounty.org 410-222-1401
Mailing Address: 44 Calvert Street, 1st Floor Annapolis, MD 21401
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