Conflicts of interest must be avoided on restructured board
Taneytown has long been a city with great potential, where historic charm meets community spirit. Recently, the city made a significant decision to disband the Taneytown Main Street Board, and for this, we commend the mayor and city council.
This move signals a commitment to transparency, accountability and the continued revitalization of our beloved Main Street, a potential that fills us with hope and optimism.
The dissolution of the board, while bold, was necessary. Over time, it became evident the governance of Main Street had grown stagnant, with outdated practices and a lack of clear direction hampering progress of what should be a vibrant heart of Taneytown.
The board’s inefficiency limited opportunities for local businesses, stifled community engagement and impeded growth. However, with the right governance, Main Street has the potential to become a cultural and commercial hub, inspiring and motivating us all.
As city council reviews legislation that governs the Main Street program, there is an urgent need for a fresh start.
Revisiting the Main Street program structure ensures it is responsive to the needs of the modern community and sets clear objectives for economic development and cultural preservation. Council’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the revamped governance fosters collaboration between local businesses, civic groups and residents who are so deeply invested in the area’s success.
However, as we enter this critical organizational stage, ensuring no conflicts of interest arise is essential. The Main Street Board must be composed of individuals whose sole focus is on the city’s best interests, without personal or financial ties that could compromise the organization’s integrity.
In that light, it is imperative the wives of Councilman Christopher Tillman and City Manager James Wieprecht not be on the restructured board. While their contributions to the community are undoubtedly valuable, their close personal connections present an unavoidable conflict of interest that could cloud the board’s decision-making process.
Furthermore, to maintain the highest ethical standards, Tillman should refrain from participating in the board’s restructuring. His wife’s employment with a Carroll County nonprofit that manages the funds for Main Street, presents a potential conflict that could jeopardize the trust and transparency required for the board to succeed.
David Buie, Taneytown
Why won’t company answer residents’ questions about project?
Marylanders are justifiably concerned about the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. The level of concern, stress and uncertainty this proposal has created is undeniable. Marylanders, particularly in Baltimore, Carroll and Frederick counties, have been blindsided by the project being rushed through without transparency.
So far, the largest out of state company proposing this project, PJM Interconnection, has rejected every opportunity to come to Maryland and answer citizens’ questions regarding the proposed project.
PJM has proposed building a 70-mile, 500,000-volt power line with a $424 million price tag through Maryland and yet it refuses to come and meet with Marylanders to discuss the plans.
PJM’s refusal to be transparent and engage with Marylanders should concern us all. Frankly, I find its behavior unacceptable.
The Maryland Public Service Commission should refuse to even consider PJM contractors’ application for this project until PJM comes to Maryland and has a public dialogue with citizens.
Transparency harms no one!
PJM has blindsided residents and elected officials and is attempting to rush this project through with limited transparency. It is unacceptable and irresponsible for PJM to continue to show a total lack of respect for Maryland citizens.
Marylanders deserve better.
Del. Nino Mangione, Sparks
Mangione is a Republican representing District 42A