3055
MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Approved: September 10, 1971

Resolution No. 7-424

Subject: Legislative Intent of Bill 2—71 Regarding
the Better Business Bureau and the
Self-Policing Mechanism of the Professions
Excluded from Coverage

WHEREAS, When the Montgomery County Council came
into office, one of the highest priorities it adopted
was to enact comprehensive consumer protection
legislation to eliminate consumer fraud and deceptive
and unfair trade practices, to educate consumers, and
to provide enforcement procedures; and,

WHEREAS, The Montgomery County Council did
introduce Bill 2-71 on January 12, 1971, and conduct
extensive hearings and studies on the proposed bill;
and,

WHEREAS, Bill 2-71 provides among other things
for the establishment within the County Government of
an Office of Consumer Affairs to receive and
investigate consumer complaints; and,

WHEREAS, Bill 2-71 provides that the County
Government Office of Consumer Affairs assist, advise
and cooperate with the Montgomery County Better
Business Bureau in carrying out the Office's
responsibilities to promote the interest of the
consumer public; and,

WHEREAS, The Montgomery County Council finds that
most complaints between merchants and consumers can be
settled directly between customer and merchant
inasmuch as the majority of businesses operating in
Montgomery County honestly strive to maintain
harmonious relationships with their customers; and,

WHEREAS, The Montgomery County Council finds that
it is the small minority of unscrupulous firms and