“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics, whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not.” ~ John F. Kennedy

Richard Floyd

Richard Floyd
December 4, 1940
-January 8, 2013

It was a late night at the Frederick County Planning Commission, a day comprised of public meetings and work sessions that began before noon. As the hour approached 11:00 p.m., spectators in the half-filled auditorium at Winchester Hall fought off weariness as an applicant’s attorney summed up a land use proposal laconically by referencing specific articles in the zoning ordinance as well as applicable sections in the subdivision ordinance to support approval of the request. Agreeing to post all applicable agreements and bonds, the attorney then followed up with an explanation as to why this particular land use proposal would be a “Win – Win” for the county. Those listening with attentive ears at this point in the night were few.  The Chair of the Planning Commission was listening to every word.

Following the applicant’s presentation, the Planning Commission Chair, Mr. Richard M. Floyd of Jefferson, respectfully requested “anyone who would like to provide public comment on this proposal to please approach the microphone.” Several residents, neighbors and other interested parties to the land use proposalcame forward to speak or to submit comments for the public record. Each person approaching the microphone was met with gentle words, often a nice comment and even an occasional question from Chairman Floyd. He appeared to be willing to continue all night in order for everyone in attendance to offer comments on this specific proposal. This was a challenging process for many that was made easier by the ready smile and supportive comments by this always attentive and often humorous planning commission chairman.

Not unlike many planning commissions in Maryland, this was a typical late night for the commission chaired by Richard “Dick” Floyd. In light of regional plan public hearings, and work sessions on the rewrite of the zoning ordinance, this was one of several late night meetings that would occur this month all very ably administered by this 1959 graduate of Frederick High School. Dick Floyd was a man who strongly believed in the power of the average citizen to make their community a better place for all. In fact, he was determined to open up the process to all in the community while seeking consensus on the larger issues which promoted sustainability and a better options for development for his beloved Frederick County.

Fortunately, I was one of those staff planners who had the extraordinary opportunity to observe and learn from Dick Floyd. I am very thankful for the invaluable experience that I obtained from him in public process and courtesy, as well as how to grow responsibly and sustainably while exploring methods to promote stewardship of the land and the water.

Dick was a long time member and past president of the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) and he very much understood the role and responsibilities of a planning commissioner. He could effectively function under the lights and cameras of a public process even in the most difficult and contentious situations. Dick’s ability to discern the pros and cons of land use proposals during long and protracted meetings and to forge consensus among competing options was a quality that few others had during my years working with the Frederick County Planning Commission.  Watching him on the planning commission was a textbook example of both civility and civic responsibility.

It is said that one’s family is a source of strength and inspiration and that was surely the case for Dick Floyd. Right or wrong, I often credit Virginia Floyd for some of Dick’s attentiveness and steadfast commitment to bringing the work of the planning commission to the attention of the greater public. Virginia, a steadfast activist for her community of Jefferson, MD, became involved in the update of the Brunswick Region Plan in the mid-1990s and she helped forge consensus among the leaders of the municipalities and communities in that region that resulted in a set of milestone sustainable growth and conservation recommendations. The most important of these significant planning measures were “small area plans” and “regional planning advisory committees.” Through Virginia’s efforts the Brunswick region became the first within the county to be approved for Maryland’s innovative “Rural Legacy Program.”

Sustainable solutions are hallmark contributions that Dick and Virginia Floyd made to the planning process in Frederick County. They advanced new planning ideas and involved the public in consensus building as to the future of their communities.

Most importantly, I learned while watching Dick Floyd day after day in his role as a planning commissioner. What amazed me most was his ability to actually listen to everyone who came to speak. His patience was equal to Solomon’s and I am reasonably certain that Dick actually heard what those who spoke said. I note this because Dick Floyd could off-the-top-of-his-head remember many months, and even years, later what a specific individual said at a public meeting. Most of his planning staff usually had to resort to reviewing public minutes to recall actual comments that were made at a meeting.

Dick Floyd embodied the characteristics that could be the credo for planning commissioners everywhere. These are:

  1. Always respect another person’s right to hold their own views, just as you want others to respect your right to hold independent views.
  2. Don’t question people’s motivations; consider what they say on the merits.
  3. Avoid publicly committing to a position on an issue until you have a satisfactory understanding of the issue and its implications. If an issue is significant, you owe it to the citizens and to yourself to affirmatively seek information relevant to your decision.
  4. Public office is a public trust, both legally and conceptually. Never violate that trust.

Dick Floyd was a model planning commissioner and a great citizen. He will be missed by those who worked with him and by many of the residents of Frederick County. Thank you for showing us the way.

Richard Floyd obituary