We're accepting applications from qualified voters of the County for appointment to a three-year term on the Merit System Protection Board. Generally, the Board is expected to oversee the Merit System and to protect employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. Here's the full press release:
ROCKVILLE,
Md., September 5, 2018 - The Montgomery County Council is accepting
applications from qualified voters of the County for appointment to a
three-year term on the Merit System Protection Board. The term of Angela Franco
(Republican) will expire on December 31. Ms. Franco has indicated that she
plans to apply for reappointment. Applications must be received in the Council
office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26.
In
addition to Ms. Franco, current members of the board are Michael Kator
(Democrat) and Harriet Davidson (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 a Republican or a voter who
declines to affiliate with a party, or a voter who is a member of another party
officially recognized by the Board of Elections.
Generally,
the board is expected to oversee the Merit System and to protect employee and
applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. There are two
methods in which the board processes appeals:
• A
written decision issued after a review and discussion of a written record.
• A
written decision issued after a pre-hearing conference and a formal hearing in
cases involving a suspension, demotion, or dismissal.
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. Written reports of its findings
and recommendations are filed with the County Executive and the County Council.
The Board also provides comments on any proposed changes in Merit System law or
regulations.
The Board
generally holds hearings during the day, which may take the full day, with any
additional proceedings normally scheduled for subsequent days or evening(s).
The Board normally meets once per month during the day for approximately two
hours. Additional time is also required for preparatory work.
Members
of the Board currently receive $7,929 per year, which is adjusted annually to
reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer
Price Index. The Chair receives $10,170 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 listing professional and civic
experience, political party affiliation, home and office telephone numbers, and
an email address should be addressed to: Council President Hans Riemer, County
Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850, or can be
emailed to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on September 26,
2018. 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 may select applicants for interview.
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 to the public.
