Letter leads to panel County commissioners created the task force in September 1997, several months after receiving a letter signed by about 20 county residents asking commissioners to appoint an independent bi-partisan commission to study county government. Among signers was Rick Rovegno, now a candidate for county commissioner. Bishop also signed that first letter. He is the only one among the 14-member task force appointed by commissioners who signed the first letter. County officials say others who signed were asked to serve but declined.
All members are unpaid volunteers.
It may not have been another Woodstock, but Melstock '99 was probably the closest Cumberland County will ever get to the famed '60s festival of peace, love and counterculture. More than 500 people came from as far away as Canada, Chicago and Alabama to camp out and listen to jam bands such as the Disco Biscuits and Juggling Suns. The festival got its start a few years ago as a smaller private party organized by four friends. Now Jason Melham, Gregg Malin, Benjy Eisen and Mike Zarcone are partners in New Market Productions, which stages the event each June. Melham says it was never a conscious decision to hold a festival of such proportions.