Snow Fallout, Same-Sex Marriage, Busy Bees? Patch Keeps a Close Eye on Your Government

Patch takes seriously the journalist’s credo to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Read all about what your elected leaders are doing, and how it affects you, in the Week in Regional Government.

Looking for a job – or advice on how to land one? The new Liberty Center in Randallstown Plaza Shopping Center can help. The center, home to an extension of The Community College of Baltimore County, offers career training, basic education courses and a workforce development center. Owings Mills Patch has the story.

Steady snowstorms have kept Howard County’s bureau of highways busy this winter. More than 100 front loaders, motor graders, dump trucks and pick-up trucks fitted with plows have hit the roads and parking lots nine times since December. Spring, anyone? David Greisman, local editor for Columbia Patch, has the chilling details.

Pepco President Thomas Graham sat in the hot seat Tuesday night at a Prince George’s County Council meeting, pressed to answer questions about the company’s trouble maintaining power during snowstorms. Joshua Garner, local editor for Laurel Patch, has the story.

Same-sex marriage gained some ground Thursday when Sen. Jim Brochin, a Democrat from Towson, said he would vote in favor of it. Previously, Brochin had opposed same-sex marriage bills. The subject is quickly taking center stage in the General Assembly this session. 

The busy bees in Howard County are about to get even busier.  Monday, the County Council approved a bill that would allow more apiaries – collections of beehives – in the county. Brandie Jefferson, Patch Ellicott City local editor, has the buzz.

The Carroll County Board of Education is reviewing its proposed budget, listening to concerns about potential cuts in media and substance abuse coordinator positions. Kim Byrnes, local editor for Westminster Patch, has the story.