As I sit here writing this week, it is Christmas Eve and my world is covered in fresh fallen snow. It’s a little difficult to keep an eye on the trouble our world is in. My girls are due to arrive any moment; and; for me, all won’t be right until they are here and safe.
Recently an article was printed in The Frederick News-Post referencing the many homeless students within the Frederick County Public School System. The report stated that there were 458 students that our school system puts under the category of homeless.
Christmas Cash for Kids is in full swing and gaining support from our entire community and many outside the immediate area. This event – and this time of year – always seems to be just what I need to revive my faith in man and womankind.
It’s that special time of year when once again we feel the reason, in our hearts and souls, why we are so very lucky to live in a county such as Frederick. There is no place like our county when it comes to giving and helping those less fortunate.
In just a few days, I will either be crying in my beer or raising a glass of champagne. There will be many reasons for both or either; but for me personally and 11 others, it’s all about an Up vote on Charter Home Rule, Question A on your ballot.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is taking the 5th bullet from the Benghazi, 9/11 anniversary terrorism attack. It will be only a flesh wound because, if you notice, she takes responsibility but she doesn’t take blame.
Election Day is but a month away and it’s so very important that we all educate ourselves and make our date to cast out ballots. “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything” are words not spoken lightly.
The Frederick County Board of Education is walking a very thin line with the ‘new,’ ‘revised,’ ‘enlightened’ talk of liquor policy off school grounds, the less than open and transparent Social Studies Alive diabolical decision; and, last, but not least, their desire to gag the Board of County Commissioners liaison.
Having just read recent articles concerning Charter Home Rule and having been a member of the Charter Writing Committee, I feel compelled to address some of the opinions expressed.
This has been a whirlwind few weeks; the special session of The General Assembly put everything back an extra week. I spent nearly a week in Annapolis on the hurry-up-and-wait, ever non-productive schedule of our state government.
This is going to be a pretty short and sweet this week. The Charter Board officially completed its task Tuesday evening by handing over the charter document to the county commissioners, who will advertise it, as is, and post it in the local newspapers prior to the November 6 election.
The recent debates about the Board of Education elections have reached a new low. Why, you may ask. Well, I ask myself the same thing.
I’ve had my fill of late from people who make promises and can’t keep them, or those who swear your secret is safe and then make a beeline to ‘share’ it. Then there is the topper of all idiots.
As you read this, the Frederick County Charter Writing Board will have just completed its last formal public hearing in the process of offering the voters a new form of government.
We are coming down to the wire. We don’t have a hard date yet, but the next couple of Charter Writing Board meetings will produce the final document to present to the voters of Frederick County.
Dear Frederick County Board of Education members: Please start explaining your thinking to the taxpayers of this jurisdiction. You spend our money with reckless abandon, and we deserve – at the very least – to know on the record why you are doing it that way.
The G-8 is coming, no federal money following, money from your pockets is going, going, gone. Taxes are rising. Maryland ranks 40th in the country for places to run a business. Gay marriage proponents got the high five from President Barack Obama with little to nothing else.
In response to a letter to the editor recently that listed what two teachers in Frederick claim to do each day, yet are living in Montgomery – and I think – Washington County ... it’s their choice to live and teach where they do; so much of what they listed was lost on me.
In yesterday column we discussed some of what has taken place during the just concluded 2012 session of the Maryland General Assembly. We continued with that today.
Much of what follows is be bits and pieces from those I trust to help me share some of what has taken place in the General Assembly during this just concluded 2012 session of the Maryland General Assembly.
The presidential primary elections are now over in Maryland and my level of disappointment and disgust has risen in so many areas. Let me count the ways.
Another year, another marathon whine fest. It doesn’t matter if they get a step increase, a raise, a bonus or a COLA, it just doesn’t matter; they’ll whine that it’s still not enough.
I’ve given a lot of thought to the recent passage of an ordinance making English as the official language of Frederick County. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it at first, but I knew my gut was telling me I also wasn’t against it, either.
What a whirlwind Annapolis is, nothing unusual for this time of year; but, never the less, it always surprises me that the more I learn the less I know.
After reading a recent article titled, “Frederick police chief wants second liquor inspector” by Katherine Heerbrandt in The Gazette, it just made me wonder if we’ll ever get the full story from the Frederick Liquor Board.
Pet peeves, we all have them. This week something has just been driven home with me and I can’t ignore it, or sweep it under the carpet any longer.
Well, we are bringing in the New Year on full throttle – elections, taxes, property rights, work place fraud. The list doesn’t end there.
Plan-Not-Maryland, rather than PlanMaryland, certainly seems to be a better name for this controversial proposal. I came away from a Monday rally in Annapolis clearer on some aspects and more confused on others. The confusion lies with what the state doesn’t say.
As you read these words you’ll find yourself in the last few hours of Christmas Cash for Kids on WFMD 9:30AM. Tomorrow it’s all over and you can either be a part of a marvelous Frederick Tradition that reaches back 36 years…..or
Seems that very little else is happening this week except discontent on all sides. Being from the conservative side of my brain, I just don’t get how anyone can fall for the all the rhetoric being shoveled about spending more to save more.
Well, I’ve found yet another private organization that steps up and has been stepping up for nearly 100 years. I joined the Kiwanis Club of Frederick this past week and am so honored to have been accepted.
What is happening in Maryland and in Washington is so depressing that it deserves an apology from columnists before one begins to read what they have written about it. It’s that depressing. But we can’t afford to ignore what our politicians are doing to us.
The news is so glum, the outlook so negative, and the day-to-day stories of so many are so very sad and depressing that it’s difficult to even write about them anymore.
Did you know: That a teachers union in a nearby county is handing out postcards to send to the state demanding they fund – and more – the Maintenance of Effort budget for the school system when, in my last recollection there wasn't any money left to be had.
From unchecked growth to taxpayer-signed blank checks, our president, and his dwindling band of cronies, seems hell bent on bringing the American public to its knees and breaking our will, as well as our finances and our future.
Marylanders stand up now – or drown in a tsunami of never-ending tax increases. Wait and see approach doesn’t work. History has proven tax increases happen in the blink of an eye. Taxes can’t be taken to referendum; when it’s done, it’s done and you are stuck. No do-overs!
How much more blatant does it get than Maryland’s very own Gov. Martin O’Malley using his weight to bully and force state employees to join his unions? He gives no options, you will join and you will pay. Beginning tomorrow, dues will be automatically removed from your paychecks like it or not.
My intent is not to call anyone in particular out but rather raise an awareness that I hope others will note and change. There has been a steady decline in the decorum being presented in our county meetings.
The Dog Days of Summer arrived a bit before any of us wanted them. I don’t know about the rest of you but my concentration waves just like the heat during this time of year. I don’t want to concentrate but since I have to on a daily basis unfortunately I tend to do it in dribs and drabs between the heat waves.
How much further can the average, law abiding, taxpaying citizen bend over? This article may seem totally out there to some, but I’m betting the people that read TheTentacle.com on a regular basis will know exactly what I’m talking about.
Well, Annapolis closed the books on yet another legislative session. But the work doesn’t stop there for Del. Kelly Schulz (R., Frederick 4-A). She won her election last November and dove in fearlessly.
After reading a recent article about County Commissioner David Gray’s frustrations, I was left with some frustrations of my own. I’m at a loss as to his reasoning. All of his frustrations were addressed and are contradicted by his previous statements about doing too much and not being paid well enough.
There are more important issues facing us today but something has been gnawing at me since the day I became one of those stay-at-home, non-paid, working mothers.
Same ole song, different year! Will there ever be a new tune? After 20 years of the same, I seriously doubt it. Pick a year and run a continuous loop and no one would know the difference except for graying hair and different styles.
I haven't bought a new vehicle in so many years I can’t even remember, maybe the 90's sometime. I'm not really all that impressed by new vehicles. Sweating that first door ding or scratch doesn't make sense to me. I use them to get from point A to point B and if I can do that with a used one, I'm good with that.
Do I wind up 2010 or predict 2011, how about a little of each? This has been one whirlwind of a year for my daughters and me.
As the end of the year approaches decisions are being made which portend an exciting year ahead. Here are some of the issues that struck my fancy over the past few weeks.
The election is over, the newly elected Board of County Commissioners was sworn into office yesterday and things move on. You’d think it would be that simple, it was simple last time and the times prior; but this outgoing board just seems to feel the county can’t continue without them.
What says Christmas is coming to Frederick more than Bob Miller, a bevy of volunteers, WFMD owners and staff, visiting DJ’s from across the country and You, all gearing up for ‘Christmas Cash for Kids.’
Wow, what an election that was; and now the difficult part for me, putting it into a few words to share with you without sounding bitter or overly happy.
Well, it's almost over, that is if You, the citizen, taxpaying resident gets yourself to the polls and vote November 2! Stop the whining, belly aching and excuses; just pay attention, learn and VOTE!!! You’ve even have a choice of methods so the most common excuse used, “I forgot” or “had to work,” are false, wrong and worthless.
To slate or not to slate, that is the question – with apologies to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Who to Vote For? That’s the question we are all asking. This isn’t a popularity contest; we can’t afford to elect just friends. Get down to the nitty-gritty, make some tough choices on quality and substance, not rhetoric and empty promises.
You may ask why in the world when I'm a Republican I would pick on my own central committee. The answer is very simple. I believe in exposing the warts wherever they hide. I’m not blinded by the light just because it says, ‘hey, trust me, I’m a Republican.’ Does “Trust but verify” ring a bell with anyone?
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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