During an open session on July 13th, Commissioner Ken Kiler responded to citizens expressing concerns about Carroll County government resources being predominantly allocated to support Pride festivities, while neglecting other community events and initiatives.

“I applaud their participation in it.  I think we need to participate in as much as we can in all events…Whether we were seeking voters, or seeking members for whatever, that’s great,” Kiler stated.

At the Westminster Pride Festival, various organizations, including the Carroll County Board of Elections, Carroll County Public Library and Carroll County Youth Service Bureau, had booths set up alongside Planned Parenthood, Trans Maryland, PFLAG, and the Democratic Central Committee. Health Department employees were also present, distributing water bottles to festival attendees.

Addressing the perceived political bias in the county’s involvement with Pride and Trans events over others, Kiler expressed his observations, saying, “But I’ll be honest, the new shiny penny isn’t the only thing going on in Carroll County.  I didn’t see any of these groups (government agencies) at any of the carnivals.  Historically I don’t see any of these groups at the 4H Fair.”

The commissioner concluded by directing a message to the involved government agencies, stating, “One of the complaints we received from these entities was, ‘Well we want to get out and show ourselves to the community’. Well I hope you mean that.  There’s a lot of carnivals that need your help…There are some great people who need our support too.”