1848                                      JOINT RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS, There is grave concern that medical conditions in other penal
institutions in the State may be similarly inadequate; and

WHEREAS, A comprehensive evaluation of such conditions with specific
recommendations for improvement is considered necessary in the interest of the
rehabilitation of such inmates; and

WHEREAS, This evaluation should be conducted by professional persons with
the knowledge and expertise to make an unbiased report; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That
Governor Mandel request the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland to
conduct an evaluation of the medical services provided to inmates of State penal
institutions, together with recommendations, if any. for improvement of those
services; and be it further

[[RESOLVED, That sufficient funds for clerical and other assistance be
provided to accomplish the objective of such evaluation; and be it further]]

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be mailed to Governor Marvin
Mandel and to the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland.

Approved May 7, 1973.

No. 16
(Senate Joint Resolution 54)

Senate Joint Resolution requesting that the Baltimore County Council amend the
County Charter to create the position of Peoples Zoning Advocate to defend the
county zoning maps and to present the amendment to the voters of Baltimore
County at the 1974 general election.

The Baltimore County Council has adopted comprehensive zoning maps for the
entire county and the only manner by which a change can be effected is that of a
petition showing that the Council erred in the original zoning designation or that
there has been a change in the character of the neighborhood subsequent to the
adoption of the comprehensive maps.

The petitioner presents his case before the zoning commissioner, whose decision
can be appealed to the Zoning Appeals Board. The process can then be carried to
the Circuit Court and the Maryland Court of Appeals.

At all levels of the change process local civic and improvement associations join
in the case generally to oppose the change. There is no representation, at any time,
by the elected officials of the County Government to oppose the petition or defend
the zoning maps.

Inasmuch as the County Council adopts the county zoning maps, it should be
the responsibility of the County Government to explain and defend the maps when
changes are proposed rather than local community groups; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Baltimore County Council be requested to create the elected office of Peoples
Zoning Advocate to defend the county zoning maps. His responsibilities should be
to defend zoning adopted by the County Council at all levels in the change process.