In April 1976, the County Council introduced legislation in the form of a Charter amendment providing the authority to establish the position of People's Counsel and the People's Counsel Citizens Advisory Board.

At that time, commercial and residential development was rapidly moving throughout the County and the Council felt many citizens and communities did not have the means or money to present organized opposition to the development. Although this Bill was vetoed by then County Executive Charles Anderson, the County Council overrode the veto, and Bill No. 76-35 was approved by a majority of the voters at the general election in November, 1976.

Subsequently, the County Council introduced Bill No. 76-103, which set forth the powers, duties and responsibilities of People's Counsel. The intent of the County Council was to employ an attorney to "represent the interests of the public in all matters and proceedings preliminary to, arising out of, or affecting the zoning classification or reclassification of land in the county."

An important provision of this Bill gave authority to People's Counsel to be "free to make an independent determination as to the matters and proceedings in which he shall participate and the conduct of the affairs of his position in performing his duties and functions." 

Lisa Sheehan serves as People's Counsel.  She may be reached at 443-307-3332 or LSheehan@clearviewcatv.net. Christopher Tabone serves as Associate People's Counsel.   He may be reached at 410-808-1563 or cmtabone@gmail.com

Bill No. 76-103 also established the People's Counsel Citizens Advisory Board, a group of seven citizens appointed by the County Council, "broadly representative of all segments of the County's population." The Board has the authority to "provide guidance and make recommendations to the People's Counsel regarding any matter referred to them by the People's Counsel, County Council, or as requested by any citizen or group of citizens of Harford County."

The PCCAB meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, with meetings open to the public, and reviews all zoning appeal and reclassification requests. The PCCAB members are: Lawrence Richardson (Chair), Gloria Moon, Steven Hutchinson, Natalie Weeks, Sally Byron LaBarre, Benjamin Lloyd and Glenn Dudderar.

For additional information, call the People's Counsel Assistant, Dottie Smith, at 410-638-3349 or e-mail your inquiry at djsmith@harfordcountymd.gov.