Of the People, By the People, With the People

"We don't go to all the functions, but Sam tries to go to everything," Cooper said. "I don't know why he does that. I think he just really enjoys it."

Graves, 55, retired in 2003 from the Charles County Sheriff's Office. He is the only commissioner besides Cooper not to have a second job, which Graves said allows him to spend more time at public events.

"I have the time to do it," Graves said. "For me, it's a way to connect with the public, to find out what their issues are, to give them a chance to talk to me."

Commissioner Reuben B. Collins II (D-Waldorf) hosts monthly town hall meetings with constituents in his district. Commissioner Edith J. Patterson (D-Pomfret) has organized several events in her western Charles district, including a recent bicycle helmet giveaway in Nanjemoy.

As board president, Cooper often speaks on behalf of the commissioners at many public events. He said some commissioners attend fewer events for fear of burning out.

"Gary Hodge, I don't think, goes to hardly anything," Cooper said. "He doesn't go to a lot of stuff. . . . A lot of commissioners will go, show up, stay a few minutes and leave, but Sam stays the whole time. He enjoys this stuff. He really does."

Hodge, a Democrat whose district is based in St. Charles, could not be reached for comment.

Some elected officials often underestimate the importance of being visible in the community, said Zach P. Messitte, a political science professor at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

"Being there, and particularly showing an understanding of people's joys and concerns, is an important part of local politics," Messitte said. "That doesn't mean you do that to the neglect of your other duties. You still have to be a good commissioner and think of creative ways to introduce important ideas into the process, yet being in the community at ribbon-cuttings and kissing babies and all that stuff is part of the job."

Messitte said community visibility is not only about photo opportunities but also about learning the needs of constituents.

"If it's done appropriately, it's not just about the photograph," he said. "You can stand up on the podium and wave and smile. But if you're also out there talking to people at these events, you're getting the pulse of your community, which helps both at election time but also helps in terms of crafting the plan for the county."