Chairman Watson and members of the County Council:

The League of Women Voters of Howard County supports the creation of a Board to Promote Self Sufficiency, County Council Bill 23-2008. We are pleased that the Administration has amendments to the legislation to include the Association of Community Services of Howard County as a designated member on the Board as well as including representatives from the Howard County Public Schools, the Howard County business community and the Chamber of Commerce. We support the inclusion of these entities on the Board.

The League suggests an amendment to Section 17.104 (B) Officers. The League suggests deleting the Term as Officer. Continuity and engaged leadership should be supported and the potential size of the Board will ensure appropriate turnover in the chair and vice chair and the term of the officers should not be limited by regulation.

Under purpose of the Board Section 17.100 (B)(3), the League suggest inserting the word local on line 29 in front of grants.

The Board's purpose "to build a community that enables individuals and families to have adequate income and resources to meet their basic needs" reflects the National League's Social Policy position on meeting basic human needs. The National policy position states "to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families and that the most effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty."

The League urges adoption of County Council Bill 23-2008 with amendments.

Grace Kubofcik
Co-president

cc: County Executive