As the Maryland General Assembly draws to a close for the year, one southern Maryland county debates a decision to further detach from the influence of the legislature.

According to Baynet.com, St. Mary’s County recently held the sixth of seven public hearings on a decision to alter the county’s commission form of government to one of Code Home Rule.

Speakers at the hearing included former three-term county commissioner Tommy Mattingly and former State delegate Ernie Bell. As described by the paper,

Bypassing the Maryland General Assembly to enact strictly local laws is held out as the main reason why St. Mary’s County should change its form of government from commissioner to Code Home Rule.

At this point, there are only six Commission counties left in Maryland, all the others are Code Home Rule or Charter.

For more information, see Courthouse controversy raised with Code Home Rule from the Baynet, and MACo’s County Government Structure Chart.