A Good Day in the Life of a County Commissioner

Today was a good day in my life as a County Commissioner. Why? Because today was the culmination of many years, in fact about a decade, of frustrating days when the unwieldy power of government wouldn’t budge, couldn’t be shaped into a round object to fit into a round hole, and repeated failures made a positive outcome seem so unlikely that I lost my confidence in the governmental ability to get the job done.

I am talking about building an indoor swimming pool complex in Calvert County.

Yes! The Calvert County Commissioners voted 5 to 0 on August 8, 2006 to build a specific indoor swimming pool on a specific property in Prince Frederick and hired the architect to begin the process of developing the detailed specifications for that pool complex on that site. The indoor pool complex will include three zero entry pools including: a 50 meter competition or lap swimming pool with three movable bulkheads that will permit two different swim teams to practice at the same time that lessons are being conducted; a therapy pool heated to 92 to 94 degrees; and a leisure or play pool that can be opened to the outside. A small spa is also included along with some meeting/party rooms and an exercise room. Better yet, state-of –the-art roofing, mechanical, and heating systems will make the complex a sunny, cheery, energy efficient multi-purpose facility. Yes, today was a good day, indeed!

But that was not all. Today the Calvert County Commissioners voted 5 to 0 to award the construction contract for the Southern Connector Road in Lusby. Yes! Now construction can begin on a much-needed and long-awaited project that will provide an alternate route around the Lusby Town Center, avoiding the town center congestion.

This day affirms my reasons for seeking the job of County Commissioner. Today my fellow Commissioners and I made a difference—a big difference that will enhance the quality of life for our community well into the foreseeable future. Yes, today was a good day indeed!

Susan Shaw

Calvert County Commissioner