The column is so easy it almost writes itself. It happens that way sometimes, but it always comes as a surprise.
My first election prediction is: The highly respected, knowledgeable, Michael Marschner, director of the Frederick County Division of Utilities and Solid Waste, will resign if Commissioner Kai Hagen is returned to office.
Join me on the Joan McIntyre Show live and unfiltered tomorrow morning. We will be conducting interviews of Frederick County Board of Education candidates on the web – interviews that will be equally live and unfiltered.
The Board of County Commissioners has moved into the top spot for arrogance of the week. Over the past four years they’ve done these over-the- top, "I'm boss of you” moves; but now that election time is bearing down on us, they are ramping it up.
Last call, there are three days left to file for elected office for this year’s elections. I think this may possibly be the most unusual and, in many ways, exciting election cycle many will see in their lifetime. The Republicans got their rear quarters handed to them in the 2008 elections. Incumbents are gunning for you this time around. No one is safe, and this as it should be.
Take a deep breath and relax, there isn’t a bumpy ride in sight this week, that is unless you consider my daughters’ taxi rides in India, of course. That comment will become perfectly clear to you once you visit her blog.
I've been watching with interest, slight amusement and a tad bit of annoyance the letters, editorials and blogs discussing the city’s annexations of the Crum and Thatcher farms. The same claims rehashed nothing new, just more emotional rhetoric at this point.
The latest is that three county commissioners cut funding to most nonprofit organizations. Bravo, about time they got serious about cuts. I seriously doubt any of these groups is not worthy; that is not the issue.
This past weekend many of us attended Del. Charles Jenkins’ event at the Cracked Claw in Urbana. It was refreshing to see not only familiar faces but just as many new ones.
I had an article that never even mentioned the Frederick County Board of Education prepared for today. It was all about the county’s new comprehensive plan. But, after watching the tearful superintendent of schools, Linda Burgee, and the robotic elected members of the school board, that all changed.
Campaigning is in full swing and any and all comments, votes, and discussions by incumbents are veiled in campaign promises, so know that going in. You need to be prepared for lies, half truths and falsehoods anything needed to get the liberal left elected again.
When have you ever seen government get involved in anything and it not cost more money? Obamacare passed with no answers. Next is the local Trashcare bill making its way through the General Assembly.
What is the real definition of the word budget? Is it to decide what government wants and then find the money or tax to pay for it? Or is it to figure out exactly what government needs to do for basic services and then find the money to cover that.
I am sick and tired of writing articles on Waste – Solid or otherwise – and the Frederick County Board of Education – waste, solid or otherwise. If they gave out Oscars for whining, this school board would win hands down.
The Frederick County Board of Education was offered a solution to overcrowded schools and they refused it. It even went so far as to sidestep any meaningful conversation, citing a lack of agenda notice and preparation.
Many moons ago I suggested that the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) lease out the top floor of the new central office building to pay for the rest of it rather than stealing money from the children and the operating portion of the budget. However, it was told that couldn't happen 'because' FCPS can't 'make' money.
What an unusual month this has been. It’s been a whirlwind chain of events for the Republican Party, from Massachusetts to Maryland. My focus is on the Frederick events right now.
Do I write yet another article about the Frederick County Board Of Education spending, begging for and wasting our money? Seeing as they still spend, beg, and waste, I’m still writing.
Not only is this the last day of 2009, but it’s also the last day of a decade. I should be filled with thought provoking, emotional walks-down memory lanes. Nope, not so much this year. I’m one that prefers to learn from my past and steadily move forward.
The week before Christmas and all is good with the world; well, not so much. We’ve got nothing much changing in the economy except the imaginary grading system President Barack Obama has in his own mind. I’m good, I’m special and – doggonit – I’m worth it. Voters’ remorse is apparent and becoming louder by the day.
Here comes my annual plea for those who have a heart, love a child, have a dollar, or just for anyone that cares. It's Christmas Cash for Kids time, a 34-year charity for and about the children in Frederick County.
I've had the honor of doing my best to help out a couple friends this past week. Randy McClement is the man of the moment; but I have to brag on his wife and business partner.
The public hearings on the 2010 legislative package began Tuesday evening with the local items. This evening the county commissioners will entertain items more state and federally directed.
The poor, picked on Frederick County Board of Education does something that appears to be a good idea and might actually help – and save money to boot – and here I go just raining on its parade. Before I tell you why, let me say I'm actually glad to hear of their plans. I also hope it catches on and becomes a norm for all administrative staff.
Healthcare:
Chip away at the items one by one. Stop forcing insurance companies to have mandated coverage outside normal everyday items. IVF (In vitro fertilization) is one example. Do a basic coverage; with wellness visits and then, if you must, do an a-la-carte menu for the rest.
There is no excuse good enough to NOT VOTE!!! It is a privilege and honor to have – and use – that single vote that belongs only to you. Your vote does make a difference.
We are a few shows into the Board of Educations’ ‘Board Chat’ program. It's already been nicknamed “Bored Chat.” Why, isn't that rather mean, you might ask?
Let’s hope my daughters don't read this article. They hate when I talk about them. But, isn't that a mother’s prerogative in some twisted way. Don’t labor pains equate to the right to use your children for article material. Okay, so maybe that isn't an exact interpretation, but work with me here, please.
Will this subject ever die, ever be solved? No! As long as there are people, there will be waste and, of course, opinions aplenty on its disposal. There are those who do and those who just yammer about what others should do. Those who do, finally make a decision; those who talk, are still talking.
What a week it has been. Commissioner Charles Jenkins put the Waste-to-Energy plant back on the table. Anti incinerator proponents have gone into over drive, again in a panic.
Below you'll find numerous links covering the past several weeks noting much of the displeasure with our Frederick County Board of Education. This is more of a keep and reference piece than a quick read. Only if you are truly interested in how Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is being run and where your tax money is actually going will this interest you.
Yesterday I started this conversation about how elitist I believe our Frederick County Board of Education and the administration of Frederick County Public Schools have become. Today, I continue in that same vein with the hopes of stirring your emotions to do something. To put your foot down and scream “Enough is Enough.”
The Board of Education seems to have "found" a $4.1 million surplus from the current year. It saved so much money from conserving things such as electricity, by turning off the lights, that we now have an excess. They are having a little trouble remembering to whom the money actually belongs.
I will be the first to admit that I could be wrong, but I think I see a method to the madness of Commissioner Charles Jenkins’s recent actions on waste-to-energy (WTE). When final votes were cast, I was less than happy. A decision needed to be made and it wasn’t. Mr. Jenkins threw us a curve.
I’m guessing that by the time this article makes it to print there will others already out there about the Tea Party. I also suspect there will be as many different angles to that day as there will be stories.
We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it any more. Don’t believe me; take a look at the Letters to the Editors, forums, radio, and other columnists for yourself.
The trash wars that now plague our county are out of control. Ignoring them would be easier because the personal attacks get very gender specific and personal, calling women trash bags, dumb blondes, depicting them as stupid and overly emotional to name a few.
Are we about to see cracks in the glass ceiling in the world of our Frederick County Board of Education and Frederick County Public Schools? Will the Sacred Cow called the public schools system be held accountable?
Come on people, where do we live, what are we? We live in America, we are American's. We have survived more and much worse in our history, and we are stronger than what our government is dishing out.
For nearly a month I fielded questions from the public on all sorts of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) issues and solid waste in general and found answers for them. Equal cooperation is not forthcoming from the other side of this issue.
I caught the Board of County Commissioners meeting that was held on Tuesday. Ron Hart, the county manager, was singing the commissioners’ praises for saving the county $12,000 to $15,000 by not filling their receptionist position.
Trust a word with a million personal definitions. Here is just one: "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something."
Today is a special day for at least two people in Frederick. Commissioner Charles Jenkins is celebrating his birthday today. So in honor of his very special day, we'll keep this light and positive. Happy Birthday, Charles.
Christmas Cash for Kids is winding up, but it‘s not over yet. If you haven't heard of this fabulous program hosted by our very own Bob Miller, hordes of volunteers, and WFMD (930 AM), then all I can say is you don't really live in Frederick County; or your cave doesn't get a radio signal.
Ever have one of those times where you just can't shake that feeling of dread? I normally have an uncanny ability to find good in just about every situation. It's not happening this time.
My last column (from November 6) generated many questions. Trash in Frederick County certainly seems to be the hot topic. Trash is a given and we need to get out of our holding pattern. So, here I've done my best to address many of your questions.
In the words of Joe Friday, Jack Webb's on Dragnet: “Just the facts ma'am." That's what you are about to get – facts and more facts.
Teachers, what do I say? I'm sorry you didn't get everything you wanted? I'm sorry you didn't get it the way you wanted? At this point, not so much anymore.
Anyone looking in on Frederick from the outside on Tuesday would have thought “what a bunch of idiots.” Taking a moment in time to look at us would not bode well. But follow the path backwards for a bit and you will find the same common denominator at the beginning of just about every drama that has gone on in our county over the past two years. One person.
In the legislative package that is just now being developed for the upcoming session, Commissioner David Gray put a proposal on the table for not only a raise for the Board of County Commissioners but a raise of huge proportions and with no reasoning other than it makes sense to him. How could you argue with that?
A community activist, a freshman senator, with a huge resume of “present, yep I’m here” votes. What do you do, wake up one morning and say I’m a little bored today so – BAM – I think I’ll go run for president?
I read an article the other day and had to reread it several times. I’m still not sure I got it all. The author seemed to think solutions can't be simple but rather must follow a long, convoluted process of open, supposedly thoughtful, honest and sometimes meandering directions. Many times the long way around the block just confuses and gives more opportunities for false information to funnel through.
Do the terms Generation X or Y, or Baby Boomers mean a thing to you? Didn't mean much to me until I realized I could be the poster child for the thing they call The Sandwich Generation.
Those aspiring to elected office need to learn before applying that it's a tough job and requires an equally tough skin. Do you question why I use the phase "applying?"
The 2008 trash discussions have turned into nothing but garbage. No reusing, no recycling and definitely no reduction in the verbal waste being thrown around, and very little, if any, accountability.
There are so many hot issues to talk about this week, such as Waste To Energy (WTE), the economy, gas prices, housing foreclosures, car sales, layoffs and many more. But one, which seems to be slipping from the Number One spot it used to fill, needs to be brought back to the forefront again.
What do I say? I’m done; finished, doing a Happy Dance. Nope, not at all, I want to thank this county for the honor of serving on our Planning Commission for the past 10 years.
Well, it seems the Developers Rights and Responsibility Agreement (DRRA), is about to receive last rites. The county is trying to give it CPR but the family, Land Stewards, has said pull the plug, there are no signs of life. It’s heading to the incinerator; this isn’t recyclable.
The 800 lb. gorilla sitting front and center in the hearing room at Winchester Hall now is the Developers Rights and Responsibility Agreement (DRRA) for the remainder of Lake Linganore development.
The Board of Education Budget Begging Parade is nearly completed for yet another year. When is this humiliating practice of parading parents, students and teachers before the public - begging for funds - going to stop? Are we just so used to it that we don't even notice anymore?
Why is the crack down on criminal illegal immigration any different from any other crackdown on any other crime? We have come down on speeding, drugs, rape, child abuse, spousal abuse, just about every crime. So why is it different – or wrong – when an illegal immigrant commits yet another crime on top of their first one?
The newest trend is mini burgers. I’m going one better and giving you four mini-articles this week. Would you like bacon, or cheese, or fries on the side?
I want to thank you in advance of the adoption of next year’s budget. I do this primarily because I know this may well be the most difficult budget year in many of your careers. There will be very little thanks in this particular portion of your job.
Before it's too late and you and I are left holding the entire bag, do something for me, please. Start screaming; make it so loud that the local, state and federal governments finally hear you.
Perceptions.................. what are they and how do they develop?
My perception is that our government spends too much of our money.
Budget time is here. Moratorium is in the works. Last year was spent nickel and dime-ing the property owners, fighting with municipalities and the delegation. So many issues, so little time, what’s a commissioner to do? I’ve got the answer. Say no to out of control budget requests. Stop the “tax-n-spend” mentality.
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