Stella B. Werner Council Office Building. Montgomery County photo.
The County Council announced today that it is looking for applicants to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Board of Appeals.
The five-member board holds hearings and makes decision on variances from the zoning code, hears appeals from some decisions made by county agencies, decides appeals for decisions rendered by the hearing examiner on certain uses, and decides requests for modifications of special exceptions.
The board, which is part of the legislative branch, typically meets all day on Wednesday and on an as-needed basis, and holds work sessions every other week. Members are expected to work about 15-20 hour a week, for which they are compensated $15,272 annually (the chair receives an annual salary of $21,584).
This position will replace Carolyn Shawaker (Democrat), whose term expires in September. She also serves as chair of the board. She was appointed in October 2008 and is not eligible for reappointment. Once the replacement appointment is made, the council will select a new chair.
By law, no more than three board seats can be filled by members of the same political party. This position can be filled by a Democrat, a Republican, a voter who is unaffiliated with a party, or a voter who is a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.
In addition to Shawaker, current members of the board include John Pentecost (Democrat), Stan Boyd (Democrat), Edwin Rosado (unaffiliated), and Bruce Goldensohn (Republican).
Details about the process, from the council’s press release:
“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 Roger Berliner, County Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850 or can be emailed to [email protected]. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on July 19. 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.”