Accountable Government Starts With a Deadline

My name is Frank Gunsallus and I am running for Talbot County Council. Here is where I stand on one issue that affects every homeowner and business owner in Talbot County.

Getting a permit should not feel like a guessing game. In Pennsylvania, a program called "PAyback" holds local governments accountable for permit processing times. The idea is simple: if a permit is not reviewed within a set number of days, the applicant gets a refund on their fees.

It works because it creates a deadline. And deadlines create results.

Right now, Talbot County does not publish a standard processing timeline for permits. This is not a criticism of our staff, they work hard and serve this county well. But without a formal, published timeline or a refund policy, those estimates carry no teeth and residents and small business owners have no guaranteed commitment to plan around.

Talbot County could do the same. Set a published timeline. Add a fee refund for missed deadlines. Give residents and builders a real commitment, not just a tracking number.

Good government means backing up estimates with accountability. Talbot County staff already work hard to keep projects moving. This policy would simply give residents the formal commitment to match that effort.

If you believe Talbot County deserves accountable government, consider supporting the campaign.

Frank Gunsallus
Candidate for Talbot County Council
Former Council President, Town of Easton

Authorized by: Friends of Frank Gunsallus, Paul Hagood, Treasurer