From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Value of Maryland Municipal League's conferences and conventions

Some would have you believe that the Maryland Municipal League's conferences and conventions are a waste of time.

I ask where else can municipal elected officials go to learn how to do their jobs and do them well?

I go to these conferences and conventions and wish that like other municipality, I could attend others outside of the State like the National League of Cities, but know that our small City cannot afford the membership cost or the other associated expenses.

For the record, the Fall Conference of MML will be held in Rockville, MD and I will be attending. Here is what is being offered to attendees:

The Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference will be held in Rockville, MD October 11-14. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend nine workshops, including three Academy for Excellence in Local Governance core classes and several Academy electives.

Fall Conference 2017 Core Classes

Public Information Act

Structure of Government

Consensus & Team Building

Other topics that will be addressed are medical cannabis/opioid, emerging trends in municipal government and affordable housing best practices. Classes that qualify for Academy elective credit will be posted on the MML website, as soon as they are confirmed. A full schedule is listed on the League's Fall Conference webpage.

In addition, the League will adopt its legislative agenda and on Thursday, Oct. 12, the following bodies will hold meetings: MML Board of Directors, Maryland Mayors Association, Chapter Presidents and DVPs, and the MML Legislative Committee.

Remember, even a one-day registration to Fall Conference keeps your town in contention for the 2018 Banner City/Town designation. Being a Banner City/Town signals that members of your town are taking advantage of the League's primary benefits. In other words, ensuring that your membership pays!

Many companies across America afford their employees to take classes, attend workshops, and otherwise improve their skills for their jobs. Some actually require CEUs to retain their jobs.

Shaking my head that residents would be upset that its Mayor and Council attend events to enhance and retain their skills!

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.