What is Ex Parte Communications? When decision-making processes (e.g., in local government) give the appearance, real or imagined, of being one-sided or prejudiced, and therefore, full due process is not provided to the public.

This is important to ensure impartiality and fairness by the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals as they review projects for consistency with the Town Ordinance, the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, and other requirements.

• To ensure our consideration & the commission’s discussion is open & multi-sided, rather than one-sided.
• The Town Planning Commission (PC ) is a Governing Body that must abide by Maryland State Law.

The Town Planning Commission, at their September 5, 2023, reviewed their Rules of Procedure and will include an ex parte policy or clause:

“Ex Parter Communication:

Ex Parte Communications Prohibited - An ex parte communication includes an oral or written communication not on the public record to which reasonable prior notice is not given to all parties. Such communication between Commission members and interested persons is prohibited if relevant to the merits of a Commission proceeding. Members should not discuss applications with applicants or other interested persons outside the confines of a public meeting ,but should recommend that the person(s) contact Staff with any questions or concerns.

b. Disclosure of Ex Parte Communications - If a member does inadvertently engage in an ex parte communication, the member should - at the next meeting in which the relevant application is to be discussed - state the nature of the communication and submit for the record any written communication received, any written response to a communication, state the substance of each oral communication received, and state the substance of any oral response to a communication. Alternatively, the member may recuse himself or herself from voting on that specific application. If a member does not disclose ex parte communications, they may be subject to the provisions of Chapter 20, Ethics of the Town Code.”

I hope the incoming Town Council will include this clause in their Rules of Procedure.

Source: Planning Ethics and Ex Parte Communications
Planning Commission Training Course

YouTube Video

The 4/5th Democratic Club hosted a La Plata candidate forum at the Green Turtle, La Plata, on Monday, April 14.

All candidates attended:
Mayor, Jeannine E. James (incumbent), Ralph Wayne Winkler
Ward I, Paul C. Guttenberg, David Winkler (incumbent)
Ward II, Richard Gilpin, Patrick McCormick
Ward III, Tarinna Olley, Gregory Sampson, Jr.
Ward IV, Tyjon C "TJ" Johnson – unopposed

Questions were provided to the candidates before the forum.

Format:
2-minute opening statement
2-minute response to three questions
2-minute closing statement

All candidates were requested to provide written or video responses after the form ended.
The forum was recorded.

This was an informative event. It provided an opportunity to learn about each candidate, their communication skills, and why they are running.

Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of the Town of La Plata.

My view/takeaways:

Candidates provided thoughtful answers.
Some were better prepared than others
Some responses were critical of the Town Council:

*Approving development without the necessary infrastructure
*Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO not done

Full disclosure- perhaps I'm biased by criticism of the Town Council, but accept them as a current Council member (until May 12, 2025)

While these criticisms are valid, additional facts (good and bad) and perspectives are provided rather than just criticizing the town and processes.

YouTube Video Link

Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of the Town of La Plata.

This is the third in a series of podcasts about the Town Council’s review of the FY 2026 Operating, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and Enterprise Funds (water, sewer, sanitation, stormwater management) proposed budgets.

This episode is about the Town Council’s third review and discussion of the proposed Operating Budget and the proposed FY 2026 Fee Schedule.

La Plata YouTube Meeting Link
Discussion - Fee Schedule: Minute 29:49
Discussion of Any Outstanding Budget Items: Minute 42:33

La Plata General Election - Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 7:00 AM-8:00 PM, Town Hall