Political organizations and offices in Laurel, MD

The office of the Secretary of State is operated by the government of the state of Maryland. It monitors and enforces the standards of law in a variety of areas, including charitable solicitations, notaries, condominiums, certifications and publication of state regulations. The office promotes the state s active role in international relations. The office of the Secretary of State also handles various executive functions related to extraditions and requisitions, pardons and commutations, public disclosures, and special and railroad police. Additionally, it oversees a military monuments commission that is responsible for restoring and preserving an inventory of more than 400 memorials. The office of the Secretary of State is located in Annapolis, Md.

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The Montgomery County Council is the legislative branch of county government. It has nine members, all elected at the same time by the voters of Montgomery County to four-year terms. There are five council members elected by the voters of their respective districts, while four members are elected at-large by county voters. The county council s responsibilities are specified by the county charter and state law. Among the council's principal responsibilities are to appropriate money to fund the capital and operating budgets and set the local property tax rate and other local taxes; approve all land use plans that include the general plan, area master plans and sector plans prepared by the planning board; and act on zoning changes. The council has a regular meeting each Tuesday in Rockville, Md. The public is notified through the advance agenda and council report and the council s Web site.