County Executive's Secret Deal Sparks Outrage Among Officials

In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Wicomico County and Eastern Shore Undercover (ESU), which grants the ESU access to county-owned police radio communications. Sheriff Lewis expressed his discontent, stating that neither he nor any council members were consulted prior to the agreement's execution. He emphasized the lack of collaboration and oversight, highlighting that the county executive acted independently without input from elected officials.

The sheriff's remarks underscored the potential implications of the MoU, which he described as providing \"unprecedented and unfettered civilian access\" to emergency police transmissions. This raised alarms about transparency and accountability in local governance, as the sheriff noted that the decision was made without proper checks and balances.

Council member Bob Benson added to the discussion by clarifying that the radio system would not only serve Wicomico County but would also allow communication with neighboring counties, expanding the scope of the agreement beyond local jurisdiction.

The meeting took place on National Night Out, a time when law enforcement typically engages with the community, further emphasizing the unusual nature of the council's gathering. The presence of multiple sheriffs from surrounding counties highlighted the regional implications of the MoU and the need for cooperative governance.

As the council continues to navigate this issue, the lack of consultation and the potential risks associated with the MoU remain at the forefront of discussions, prompting calls for greater collaboration and transparency in future agreements.