Council Chairman Discusses Jones’ Sentence, Stormwater Fee

County Council Chairman Derek J. Fink (R-3rd District) promised he would oppose the stormwater fee proposal and addressed the status of council seat in a meeting with Severn Republicans Tuesday night.

Fink promised the members of the that he would oppose any stormwater fee that could be implemented on every homeowner in 2012. The proposed legislation could add a $35 annual fee to property tax bills for a single-family home and a $25 fee for townhomes and condos.

The money would be designated to fund stormwater management in Anne Arundel County, but Fink said the fee would act like a tax and increase in value over time due to inflation.

Many of the local Republicans said they were intrigued about the status of Jones' council seat. But they also said they wished the best for Jones, a Democratic representative.

Jones was recently sentenced to five months in prison for failing to file personal tax returns between 2002 and 2007. During that time, Jones owned a local tavern and a law office.

“The feeling was that everyone was disappointed in Jones and all were scratching their heads as to why a business owner and a lawyer wouldn’t have a tax accountant,” said club president . “Jones is a great figure, especially to the African American community and in the end, I believe Jones will come out of this OK, even though he has a huge political setback.

“Let’s face it, we all goof up something in our lives and anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves,” Reigle said.

He also said that many local Republicans expect Jones to “do the right thing” and step down, giving the people of District 1 a new representative.