As many of you know, there has been much controversy about the proposed Cross County Connector to be built through the Mattawoman Watershed. I have written a letter to Secretary Shari Wilson of the Maryland Department of the Environment and have had this letter printed in the Maryland Independent.
Secretary Shari Wilson
Maryland Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Dear Secretary Wilson:
The Charles County Commissioners and three of the five members of the Charles County Delegation recently held a closed meeting pertaining to the Cross County Connector. I did not attend. First because I had a previous commitment and typically I do not “bump” appointments, but also because I don’t support a meeting of this type on such an important issue. As you know, if this project moves forward it will have a significant impact on our environment and subsequently the quality of life in general for the citizens of Charles County. Therefore, I believe all those interested should be involved in open discussions regarding the status of this project.
Following the meeting a newspaper article appeared and in part stated that “We (the County) have been jerked around by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of the Environment.” Please know that I do not share that view and in fact applaud you for your efforts to ensure that all factors have been considered before any decision can be made. Whether this project is granted the necessary permits to move forward or not, I fully support an outcome that is based on merit and science and not influenced or determined by politics.
I encourage you to resist any attempts to influence your decisions based on anything other than what can be supported by sound and defensible data.
As an elected official, I take seriously my responsibility to represent my constituents regarding this potential project. The results of a recent poll indicate that the majority of residents do not support this highway based on the price tag of tens of millions of dollars of County funding and the potential negative impact it will have on the Mattawoman watershed as well as the Chesapeake Bay. Therefore, I respectfully request that you continue to follow your standard process without regard to political pressure and deliver an outcome that best serves the future of our County.
Thank you for your dedication and professionalism regarding this permitting process and for the careful attention you have given this project.
With best regards,
Sincerely,
Peter F. Murphy
District 28
4 responses so far ↓
Pam Pedersen // Oct 20th 2009 at 6:36 pm
Go Peter!
You hit the nail on the head. I’m so proud of your stance. Sorry it has taken so long for me to get around to telling you.
Edward Joell // Nov 12th 2009 at 10:43 am
Thanks Peter. I am glad to see that at least one of our legislative delegation is on board with the President, Senator Cardin of MD and Governor Tim Kaine, DNCC head in supporting initiatives to preserve the Chesapeake Bay and opposing the efforts to denigrate it as this Cross County Connector would. The Chesapeake Bay is not only a treasure to all the citizens of Maryland, but to the Nation as well as the President has recently proclaimed. Therefore efforts to denigrate it by other The local Democratic Party officials are incomprehensible and out of step with the party on a statewide and National level. Be sure that I will be out with my fellow Organizae For America members to ensure your electorial victory next fall so that you can continue to represent the citzens of the Western half of Charles County.
Aaron // Nov 13th 2009 at 10:37 am
Hi Peter!
I live just around the corner from you, and have seen you speak at a couple of functions.
Let me say that i FULLY support the efforts to protect the Bay, and particularly the critical and delicate Mattawoman.
PLEASE continue to speak for future generations by opposing unchecked and ill-considered ‘growth’ which does not respect and preserve our environment.
Thank you!
~aaron
Peter // Nov 17th 2009 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for writing. I appreciate both your interest and support.
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