Comments on: A library Party, an Auditor’s Report, and a bad situation in Howard County

By: Todd

Todd — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:19:28 +0000

“Yet the library, like the health department and social services department, operates under state law and the library system is overseen at the state level, even though the great bulk of its funding comes from the county.’ This doesn’t matter. That doesn’t make it a state agency and the county code specifically states that the auditor can investigate any department, agency, or office receiving funds from the county. Which it has many times (example: State’s Attorney Office in 2017). Additionally, while HCLS may state there was “no guest list” now, it’s curious the event notice currently on their website lists online registration.

By: Carole

Carole — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:07:53 +0000

Follow the rules like everyone else! Calvin Ball needs to step up and, if not fire this woman, publicly reprimand her for using the race card! I for one, do not know Tonya Aikens, or have I ever heard of her before. Therefore I did not know, until she pulled the “race card”! It doesn’t matter what race one is, FOLLOW THE RULES, you are not an exception because of race! STOP making excuses! The rules in this case were clearly written and need to be adhered to! No one is above the law or the rules!!!!! We are all one for the good of EVERYONE!!!! ( side note: I wonder if Ms. Aikens is part of this sorority??? It was not stated, but makes one wonder if this is why they, the sorority, was given this special deal, hmmmmm)

By: Renven

Renven — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:03:39 +0000

To correct the person above it was 4 hours early. For the record I am a black woman, a Democrat and a resident of Howard county and former HC school parent. This woman needs to step down and or be fired. The auditor was/is doing his job and it’s exactly how it should be. It’s also concerning that the she has now falsy claiming the library falls under a different jurisdiction when it clearly does not, has whiffs of the he start of ‘change the facts’ administrations. This may be a tough one for Mr Ball but he needs to step in and ask her to step down. He needs to keep his hands clean of this type.

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 03:21:33 +0000

In reply to Len Lazarick.

For reference, the original title said “private party.” Whether or not the library recognized it as “private,” the sorority did. They advertised at as such (it’s still listed as “by invitation only” on their website) and the two social media posts post-party on Instagram and Facebook (now taken down) listed it as a “private.”

The library did nothing to advertise the event unlike other major so-called partnership activities. Instead they buried it on their calendar page. Hence, likely no one but the sorority members who received the “invitation only” attended. We’ll never actually know what would have happened if someone attempt to crash this perceived private party.

By: Len Lazarick

Len Lazarick — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:33:15 +0000

In reply to Emily. I agree. I just changed it to "library party" and "a bad situation."

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:34:42 +0000

If the facts in the title are incorrect, it should be re-written. All of these corrections makes a lot of this article seem half-researched. :/

By: Bill Campbell

Bill Campbell — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:22:48 +0000

It appears that Howard County needs an Inspector General (IG), like Montgomery & Baltimore Counties. Every entity receiving County funds should be subject to IG audits, & be required to cooperate with such audits, or suffer severe penalties, including termination. Ms. Jennifer’s article is well written & appears to be objective. Furthermore, EVERY County report should be available to the public & NOT hidden! We need more transparency. It is a shame that a minor incident should be magnified by administrative hubris & race baiting. It reminds me of the Watergate Scandal.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:32:38 +0000

4.5

By: Donald L Davenport

Donald L Davenport — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:09:59 +0000

In reply to KENJA. The " use of the building was non compensated ".

By: LL

LL — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:44:55 +0000

Does that mean that public facilities can be used for private parties now?
“Rules for thee not for me.”