It's okay that all five of the new commishes are at a resort

     All five new commissioners are suffering through the tedious meetings and fattening meals and posh overindulgence of the Hyatt resort hotel in Cambridge this week, but it's okay.
     Well, Robin Frazier might have participated in such rituals when she was commissioner before, but with restraint, I'm sure.
    I certainly can't find fault, because I attended such gatherings of the Maryland Association of Counties in my first four to six years as a commissioner. I even went to one National Association of Counties meeting in Phoenix, and two mid-winter meetings, I think, in Washington.
    It's good to go and learn. Talk with other commissioners and county council members or executives for a few days. Meet state government people with whom you will be interacting for four years, do a little face to face, because there's time later for watching your back.
    Know the terrain. Learn that as conservatives in a state run by moderates and liberals, there will be dues to pay, and crow to eat, and get to understand the games that are played in Annapolis. Meet the governor and his cabinet. Learn to define futility, or put on a happy face and convince yourself and your consituents, if you can, that you will have better luck with the state than the previous 50 or so boards of commissioners from a county that most people in attendance consider an afterthought. It will be Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties who will drive the agenda. Five Carroll County delegates and senators in Annapolis? Who they?
     Oh, there will be graciousness and gladhanding and promises of cooperation, but in the end, the best thing you can do as a new commissioner is attend the classes on How Things Work, both the formal ones, scheduled by the Association of Countyies' competent staff, and the informal ones in the cocktail lounges and hospitality rooms after hours.
     The formal classes, offered in conjunction with the University of Maryland, familiarize the new elected official and whatever paid staff allowed to attend with the lastest in law, regulations, how to govern; courses on planning and zoning, environmental protection, economic development, parks and recreation, law enforcement, effects of new rules by the federal government -- the list goes on. It takes about two or perhaps three conventions to earn a certificate designating you as a Fellow -- a graduate of the school of governance. Your education will continue, though.
     I don't know the cost this year -- you can look it up -- but with gas and other expenses, I'd guess it will run about $8,000 minimum, perhaps a little more.
     A lot of money, at first glance, but it's a fair price for the education of commissioners who have a lot to learn.  And there's a lot at stake.
     How much will it cost the average taxpayer?  Less than a movie rental. You've got to save, or spend, a million dollars plus to make a one penny change in the county tax rate.
     I do think, if I may indulge in a little Monday morning quarterbacking, that it's  important to have one spokesperson for the board attend those meet and greets with influential state people. And it's better to spend money for continuous education for paid county employees who advise the commissioners and run the departments than it is any commissioner who has attended three or more semi-annual conventions.