QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY is on the right track in re-examining its number of commissioners. As Kent Island grows, its residents clearly need greater representation. 

The county commissioners will be examining the issue of new commissioners and new boundaries in coming months. There has been talk of expanding the board from three to five: two commissioners from Kent Island, two from Centreville or north, and one from Grasonville-Queenstown. 

This would give the county broader and deeper representation. But it also would mean more people deciding crucial county issues. 

With only one commissioner -- John McQueeney -- representing Kent Island now, residents there feel their voices aren't being heard, particularly on growth issues. Given that about half the county's residents now live on Kent Island, which is also the site of the vast majority of the county's planned development, it is critical that its future be placed in the hands of elected officials who live on the island. 

Mr. McQueeney is proposing that a referendum be held on this issue. But we have no doubt that, given the number of voters on Kent Island, the expanded board would be approved. 

Frankly, Queen Anne's County's potential growth explosion should give its residents reason to also consider a charter form of government. Anne Arundel County abandoned commissioner government years ago when its growth was about to take off. Queen Anne's County should take note.

Published August 27, 2001, The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
Copyright © 2001 The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
  

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