For Immediate Release: Friday, November 6, 2020
ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 6, 2020—The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for a partial term on the Merit System Protection Board. The term to be filled is currently held by Angela Franco, who will be resigning effective December 31, 2020. Her term expires in December 2021. Applications for the position must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27.
In additional to Ms. Franco (Republican), other members of the Board are Harriet Davidson (Democrat), and Sonya Chiles (Democrat). 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 Republican, someone who declines to affiliate with a party, or a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections. The appointee cannot be a Democrat.
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.
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 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 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 November 27, 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 (personal contact information is redacted). Interviews 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: 20-439