For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Deadline to Submit Applications is October 21
ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 29, 2020 - The Montgomery County Council is accepting applications from qualified voters in the County for appointment to a three-year term on the Merit System Protection Board. The 1st term of Harriet Davidson (Democrat) will expire on December 31. Ms. Davidson has indicated that she plans to apply for reappointment. Letters of application must be received in the Council office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21.
Generally, the Board oversees the Merit System and protects employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. The Board processes appeals by issuing written decisions following review of written records or after conducting appropriate hearings.
In addition to Ms. Davidson, current members of the Board are Sonya Chiles (Democrat) and Angela Franco (Republican). By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be from any party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.
The Board normally meets once per month during the day for approximately two hours, additional time is also required for preparatory work. Hearings are scheduled with consideration given to Board availability and held during the day. Duration of hearings are dependent upon issues of a given case and may last more than one day.
The Board, on a periodic basis, also conducts special studies, audits, or inquiries of the administration of the merit and retirement pay systems and, in this effort, may compel the attendance of witnesses. The Board also provides comments on any proposed changes in Merit System law or regulations.
Members of the Board currently receive $8,045.08 per year, which is adjusted annually to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer Price Index. The Chair receives $10,318.41 per year.
Boardmembers are restricted in political activity while serving. Section 403 of the County Charter states, in part: “No member shall hold political office or participate in any campaign for any political or public office during the member’s term of office.”
Members of County Boards, Committees and Commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time.
Letters expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages in length) listing professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, home and office telephone numbers, and an email address should be addressed to: Council President Sidney Katz, County Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850, or emailed to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov. Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on October 21, 2020. It is the Council’s policy not to consider applications received after the deadline. After the application closing date, Councilmembers will review the letters of application and select applicants to be interviewed.
Letters of application and resumes are made public as part of the appointment process. Any interviews held are open to the public and will be televised. A financial statement of assets, debts, income, and family property interests will be required of all applicants. Only the appointed candidate will be required to make the financial statement available for public review.
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Release ID: 20-380