The Week's Best of Government Reporting: The Power of Petitions and Diversity Lacking in Politics

In this week’s collection of Patch government stories, Maryland demonstrates the powers of petitions and has a realistic discussion about race in politics. 


Carroll County commissioners are among the most vocal supporters of a campaign to overturn a law signed by the governor last week that allows in-state tuition rates for immigrants living in Maryland illegally. Read why opponents of the law call their campaign the "Petition to Stop a Nightmare," on . 


A May 17 public hearing about the Carroll County Regional Airport runway expansion continued a debate that has been ongoing since 2006. Learn what’s at stake when the Carroll County Board of Commissioners contemplates whether to continue funding a controversial Carroll County Airport runway expansion project, on . 


The Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning will report next week that the construction of housing for the past 15 months was almost identical to that of 2009, while prices held at an average of $350,000. The way the county sees it, at least things aren't getting worse. Why not?  has the answer.


The lone African-American on the Laurel City Council says he will take race into consideration when he votes in June to fill a vacancy on the council that represents a population that is 65 percent minorities. Read how Fred Smalls plans to increase racial diversity by clicking on .