Government Roundup

Read all about what your elected leaders are doing, and how it affects you, in the Week in Regional Government.

It’s baa-ack. H1N1, also known as swine flu, has returned this winter, along with the more traditional seasonal flu. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported widespread flu activity in mid-January and expects the number of people who get sick, require hospitalization or die from the flu to peak in late February. But there is hope. This year’s flu vaccine protects against H1N1, and area doctors say people overall are betting better at personal hygiene. Patch’s Allison Eatough reports.

Ever wonder who your local delegate or senator is? Or, what district you live in? Here’s your chance to find out. As the Maryland General Assembly gets back to work, Whitney Teal, Colesville Patch local editor, gives the run down on Districts 14 and 20.

The Montgomery County delegates of the County Affairs Committee approved a bill last week that would help secure liquor licenses for a few, potentially key vacancies in Burtonsville Town Square. It would also allow Urban BBQ, the newest addition to the Hillandale Shopping Center, to add beer and wine to its drink menu. If approved by the county senators, it would override a state policy for the two shopping areas that prohibits businesses from securing alcohol licenses if they are within 300 feet of churches or schools. Whitney Teal, Coleville Patch local editor, has more.

Gov. Marrtin O’Malley unveiled his 2012 budget last week, and despite a warning of steady cuts, Baltimore County is slated to receive a slight increase in state aid. The proposed $34.2 billion operating budget includes nearly $691 million in direct state aid to the county – an increase of $9.3 million or about 1.4 percent. But county libraries and the Community College of Baltimore County are scheduled to receive cuts. Patch’s Bryan P. Sears breaks it down.

A South Carroll High School student is getting support from the Maryland Highway Administration for her composting project. Emily Peterson, 17, is building a composter to digest cafeteria waste and turn it into a soil enhancer. SHA is donating scrap metal from old directional signs to help frame Peterson’s compost bins. Patch’s Valerie Bonk reports on the design and Peterson’s reasons for the project.

Is Westminster improving its overall financial accountability? Kim Byrnes, Westminster Patch local editor, has the answer in her story about a recent Common Council meeting.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman delivers his fifth annual “State of the County” address, touching on everything from the county’s 2010 budget, past budget cuts, new economic development opportunities and the 2010 snowstorms that dumped 36 inches in Howard County – or 38.3 if you live in Elkridge. Patch’s Elizabeth Janney has the details of his Jan. 25 address.

If you’re heading out to Owings Mills Mall this week, be prepared for detours. The exit ramp from Interstate 795 that leads to the mall will be closed for repairs beginning Jan. 31.

Environmental leaders from across the state convened in Annapolis last week for the 17th annual Environmental Legislative Summit. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman headlined the event, touching on Howard County environmental initiatives like a new solar panel project that will provide Worthington Elementary School in Ellicott City with 90 percent of its energy needs. Patch’s Christian Freymeyer attended the summit.