By Adam Pagnucco.
You may have seen pieces like this in the past: bulk printings from county council members touting office and contact information. While marketed as a form of constituent service, they are funded by taxpayers and spread council members’ names and images across the public – thereby accomplishing political objectives as well. They resemble the official franking privileges wielded by members of Congress.
Now Council Member Evan Glass is moving to ban their use within 60 days of an election.
This morning, Glass is introducing an amendment to the county council’s Rules of Procedure restricting use of bulk printings. The amendment’s description states:
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The Council has adopted Rules of Procedure pursuant to Section 116 of the County Charter. The most recent amendments to the Rules took effect on January 31, 2023 (through Resolution 20-35).
The resolution scheduled for introduction would amend the Rules to place restrictions on the use of Council funds for “bulk printings” during the 60 days immediately preceding a primary or general election.
The term “bulk printing” would be defined as “at least 500 printed copies of the same or substantially similar document that: (i) will be distributed, unsolicited, to members of the public; and (ii) contains the name or image of a candidate whose name will appear on the ballot in the next primary or general election.” The amendment would not affect any non-print publications, such as e-mail or social media.
The affirmative vote of 7 Councilmembers would be required to adopt the resolution to amend the Rules.
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Glass’s amendment resembles 39 USC § 3210(a)(6), a provision of federal law that imposes a similar restriction on mass mailings by members of Congress. In both cases, the intent is to prevent taxpayer money from being used to aid incumbents at election time.
Since Maryland’s primary election is on June 23, the time for consideration of this amendment is now.
It will be interesting to see if anyone votes against this.
And if they do, it would be even more interesting to hear why.