It amazes me how people work to put together a party in a short amount of time. It was only two weeks ago when I spoke with someone who said: “Let’s have a party at my house for you.” I agreed, though I thought that two weeks wasn’t enough time.
As always, the first day of school is a mixture of sadness and happiness. I am sad because I have less time with my family (my wife is a pre-K teacher at Lincoln Elementary, so she started today also), but getting back to a routine helps with the scheduling.
I had my 30-minute interview with the Frederick Chamber of Commerce this morning. It was held at Frederick Community College, and there were four people there reviewing the answers I gave to their questionnaire.
“You know what one of the cool things about being in a campaign?” I asked my wife. “It’s that I don’t have to think about what to wear each day anymore. It’s either the polo shirt with my name on it, or the t-shirt with my name on it.”
You know it’s been a long summer of campaigning when my girls said to me today: “Another carnival? I don’t want to go to another carnival. Do we have to?”
You haven’t lived ’til you’ve tried southern-fried snickers. I had some at the Thurmont Carnival when I was there campaigning with my family. It’s a simple recipe: poke a stick in one end of a frozen Snickers bar, dip it in pancake batter, and deep fry it in oil.
It has been said that you can tell the commitment of a person to his/her community by the level of service he/she provides for the betterment of others. Groups like Rotary, Elks, boards, and commissions help define a person’s perspective on society.
I thought that after last night’s rain, the temperatures might have cooled down a bit, but it hadn’t. However, I did go door-to-door hoping people were home. When no one answered, I left my literature.
Today (July 3rd) is our 16th anniversary, so I thought I’d share with you how I spent this day before The Fourth of July.
I’ve had the good fortune to work with www.tvfrederick.com on a weekly venture called “The Michael K Show.” As I said on the show, it’s “live, online, and archived.”
My wife Brenda planned a great Father’s Day dinner for our family, and her sister’s family, at our house. The weather was hot, and it was great spending time with family. My nephews (9 and 4) had stayed over the previous two nights, and so it was a full house all weekend.
Something that was weeks in planning finally came to fruition. A friend had agreed to hold a fundraiser for me at his house. We used online social media, personal communications, and phone calls to invite people to our event.
After a slow week politically the week before, this week began with a bang up breakfast meeting. I was invited, along with other candidates, to the monthly general membership meeting of the Frederick County Builders Association and Land Use Council.
In case anyone missed it, the current Board of County Commissioners has voted 4-1 to raise impact fees beginning July 1 as follows:
I had the good fortune of going to the Doug Gantzler fundraiser at a local supporter’s home in Frederick. It was a good turnout, in spite of the rain that fell over the weekend. It was great seeing everybody and there were great discussions and plans for this summer’s campaigns.
I had set a deadline of Memorial Day weekend to complete interviews of county staff and other leaders in the county as part of my research. I must say that everyone has been gracious with their time and their sharing of information.
So right now, as I’m going to fundraisers, meeting with leaders, researching, and the like, I see what people mean when they told me the following: it’s the campaigning that is the most difficult part of the process of becoming county commissioner. They cite the time needed to do everything and the endurance to execute all of the commitments.
The deadline has come and gone. Now what? April 30 was the last day wherein a first-time homebuyer who purchased a home by today would receive a tax credit of $8,000 from the government. By purchase, I mean a valid, legal contract accepted by today, with a settlement date by June 30, 2010.
I had an interesting conversation last week with someone about perceptions. A person came up to me and said: “I’ve been hearing that you’ve been seen at (insert establishment here) and frankly, we’re concerned.”
Back on March 16, 2010, I made some public comments to the Board of County Commissioners on the suggested delay of funding for the addition and modernization of Lincoln Elementary School, where my wife teaches. The $24 million dollar construction project has been postponed in the current Capital Improvements Program until 2014.
I learned over the April 10-11 weekend what a ring cutter is. Some of you probably know, but I had not a clue. Believe me, it’s not something I keep around the house. I barely know the difference between a wing nut and a peanut. So let me tell you what happened.
Today was the day when the Board of County Commissioners met with the mayor and aldermen of Frederick City. I watched it this evening at home, and then re-watched it online later in the week, and it was great television.*
Our family typically drives up to New York to see my mom and my wife’s parents, all in Upstate New York. However, this year, due to my candidacy and real estate commitments, we stayed home. It was great to get caught up with work and reflect on a few things.
March 27-29 – Administrivia – One of the things no one tells you about when running a campaign is the balancing act between work, campaign, and family. I had a long list of things I needed to take care of for the campaign – marketing, volunteers, etc., which I’d planned to do Saturday morning.
Saturday, March 20 – FCBA Home Show – I had the opportunity to take my family to the Fairgrounds today for the Frederick County Builders’ Association Home Show. It was a beautiful day, and when I was there, the booths were busy.
Tuesday, March 16 – Morning View – This was quite a day. The morning was spent watching the Board of County Commissioners proceedings on television.
Monday, March 8 – One of the great things about filing and being a candidate is that you get to meet some great people along the way. Today was no exception. My first meeting this morning was with someone who is active in the development community. We discussed how growth affects the local economy, and what is currently in the pipeline regarding residential and commercial growth.
Wednesday, March 3 – I had the good fortune of being in Winchester Hall for the swearing-in ceremony of Blaine Young as commissioner for Frederick County. I sat next to my friend Jay Geiser, the owner of Doc Geiser’s Carryout and Catering. The room was packed, and I understand that there were even more people in an overflow room, watching the ceremony on television monitors.
February 22, 2010 – Spent two hours discussing charter form of government in Frederick County with people who’ve gone through the experience in Maryland. I must say that this issue, historically, has been broached by many people through the years.
February 9 – More Snow – With the prediction of 10-to-20 more inches of snow, I decided that now, more than ever, the snow removal people and salt distributers deserve our utmost respect. Having put in long hours already, the group has only a day or two to rest, check in with things at home, and then return for more work.
January 27 – The Day After – With yesterday’s “Announcement Day” events having been completed, it was time for me to focus on gaining traction. Today was spent reviewing and evaluating all that happened yesterday. Our goals were successful; we had great turnouts at all of our events; we signed up volunteers to help us with our campaign; we received some very generous contributions; and we let the media know that we’re off and running.
January 24 – Well tomorrow is the big day. Our campaign team has worked hard to prepare for it. I’ll announce to the world what has been one of the worst-kept secrets in town: that I’ll be running for county commissioner in Frederick County. What the citizens don’t see, but the politicians do, is that it takes a village to raise a candidate.
On January 13, I filed to run for commissioner for Frederick County, as a Democrat. Should I have told my wife and children? J Just kidding!
Last week was my 10th anniversary as a Realtor® in Maryland. I realized this as I renewed my license with the state. It’s odd to think that in 1999, when my wife and I made the decision to move here, that we’d actually have accomplished so much in the short amount of time here in Frederick County. Herewith are some things I’ve learned:
So I asked my best friend, my wife Brenda, what I should write about this week. Her response was: “How about love and marriage?”
I am proud to be a first-generation American. You see, my father (rest his soul) was born in western Ukraine, outside Lvov.
I remember my days on the Board of Directors at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. We struggled through some changes and did our level best to ensure that the Weinberg remained solvent.
In case you missed it, there is an empty seat in the House of Delegates. Yes! Now former Del. Rick Weldon, who represented his constituents (southern Frederick and Washington Counties), has accepted the role as City of Frederick’s chief administrative officer. So, the Frederick and Washington County Republican Central Committees must choose from the top three candidates put forth by a nominating committee.
This is, in a word, sad. Why is it that the Board of County Commissioners continues to create an adversarial relationship with the municipalities? It’s ridiculous that dealings have become so strained that the only way to communicate with our county leaders is through lawsuits?
If you weren’t at the City of Frederick’s inaugural celebration at the Weinberg Center last Thursday, you missed a beautiful event. Handled expertly by Master of Ceremonies John Fieseler, executive director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County, the hour-long program ran smoothly.
The incoming Frederick City aldermen and mayor have quite a full plate after they’re sworn in on December 10. The biggest challenge for them will be the city’s budget deficit, estimated at $8-$10 million.
I like it that Maryland’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is testing a new mixture for pre-treating roads this winter. It seems that the $25,000 pilot program will treat this winter’s roads with a mixture of salt water and a sugar beet molasses byproduct.
So, the current aldermen overrode a veto by Mayor Jeff Holtzinger on the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the Board of Aldermen voted to approve it. Mayor Holtzinger vetoed the plan, citing the approximately 1,100 acres intended for development in the future may not have future water and sewer capacities. Thus, the mayor doesn’t want to mislead those property owners by having them think their parcels could be developed.
I must say that I am impressed with the caliber of Mayor-Elect Randy McClement’s transition team. Beginning with Dale Driscoll, whom I admire greatly, and Alderman-Elect Karen Lewis Young, who will be co-chair with Mr. Driscoll.
Last Friday, President Barack Obama signed a bill extending the first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010. Though controversial (more on this later), overall, it’s a positive step to improve our economy.
The results are in, and the voters have chosen Randy McClement over Jason Judd in the City of Frederick election. Before getting into the specifics, Congratulations are due both candidates for running a strong, civil race. Despite pressures from others, both men campaigned without slinging mud. Let’s hope the county races next year are run with the same decorum and respect.
What an extremely cordial, civil race for mayor of the City of Frederick. This is a great breath of fresh air from the race four years ago.
Were you as surprised as I was at the weight The Gazette placed on the city buyout? I agree with them that it was an important issue – the costs of the buyout are staggering. I anticipated that the annexation issue would be a close second – but not, it seems, to The Gazette. Good for them for taking the long view on what the voters should be focusing in on when they go to the polls.
Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha! Rush Limbaugh was approached earlier this year and asked to join a group of investors attempting to purchase the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Too funny.
Quite the furor over President Barack Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize this year, isn’t it? Such silliness! The deadline for the nominating committee to submit candidates was February 2nd, and his name was submitted on time.
The most responses I’ve received to my contributions to TheTentacle.com have come from two recent posts: my summer reading list and my take on the city aldermanic race (I love that word: “aldermanic”; so many connotations). I may post something on the mayoral race prior to the General Election, but until then, here’s my Fall Reading List:
Many are extremely disappointed in the voter turnout in the Frederick City elections this year. To have only a 17.98 percent turnout was indeed horrible. Only 4,485 of the city's 29,943 registered Republicans and Democrats cast ballots.
Whatever happened to going green? Didn’t it seem that the big buzzword in housing in 2008/early 2009 was going green? Has this become a fad that has passed already? What does it mean to go green anyway?
Well, tomorrow (September 15) is Primary Day for Frederick City. More than ever, the city’s registered voters must go out and vote for those candidates who represent them in their parties.
Last Friday I attended a “Music on the Terrace” program at C. Burr Artz Library. It was a beautiful midday, with a gentle breeze blowing over Carroll Creek. The terrace was packed with citizens enjoying the salsa music (as performed by Sin Miedo), and the free Rita’s ice cream.
In response to all of the rhetoric about health care, we can agree on one thing: not reforming the health care industry is not an option. We need to do something.
Theodora Cohen was someone I knew back in college at Syracuse University. She lived upstairs on the fourth floor of Shaw Hall – she being a student at SU’s Visual & Performing Arts Department.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is presently lobbying Congress to extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit for an additional year. Currently, it ends later this year.
I love language. I especially like the etymology of words and phrases. Did you know, for example, that the “dog days” of summer actually relates to Sirius, the “dog star,” which rises and sets with the sun?
Ah! The joys of summer! As the days get longer and I am busy with work, I love listening to music as I drive in the car and head out on the road. Of course, this is in between the Bob Miller and Blaine Young shows! So, herewith is my current summer music listening list, as found on my IPod.
Ah! The joys of summer! As the days get longer and I am busy with work, I love beginning the day (6 A.M.) with a cup of coffee, The Frederick News-Post (Washington Post on Sundays), and then a chapter or two of a book I am currently reading. So, I’d like to share with my readers my summer reading list:
Another legend passed recently: Walter Cronkite. I am not too young to remember him, nor am I too old to forget who he was. Growing up, he was a fixture on our television set at dinnertime.
Foreclosures have been on the rise in recent years, and we’re seeing an increase locally of properties being foreclosed. A foreclosure is defined as a legal process by which the lender seizes property of a homeowner, usually due to the homeowner not making timely payments on the mortgage.
So what is it with these Republican governors these days? Is there some sort of Kool-Aid trough they’re drinking from that’s making them go wacko? In no particular order, let’s look at the Hall of Shame.
I was thinking over the weekend how great it was that the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team made it to the finals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa. I remember when I was growing up that the biggest claim to fame for the team was a win over England in 1950. That was at the World Cup, which was played in Brazil. It was dubbed “The Miracle on Grass” (not to be confused, of course, with the “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Olympics).
I can’t believe that any of our county commissioners would vote against a request by Life Technologies, Corp. The company is simply looking for a $25,000 economic development grant as part of a larger grant from the State of Maryland.
Does it feel like the economy is doing better? Are you seeing signs that give you hope for a better future? Have we hit bottom and are now starting to climb up out of our doldrums?
On Saturday, June 6th, my wife Brenda joined nearly 45,000 other participants in the 20th Annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure. She left at 6 A.M. and joined others from our neighborhood and car pooled all the way to DC.
Whatever happened to Sunday dinners? Have they gone the way of bowling and hula hoops? You know what I mean – the fixture of a Sunday dinner when, on a day of rest, you spend the day with family and culminate in a big dinner with all the fixings and desserts. Summers would be an outdoor barbecue and winters would be heartier meals like stew, or pot roast, or some such thing.
Over the holiday season, I asked my nephew (college freshman) why he never replied to my emails. His reply: “I don’t use emails. I text message and use Facebook.”
A day doesn’t go by that I’m not asked: “How’s the real estate market? Any good news?” I’m here to say that we’re seeing increases in the number of properties going under contract this spring.
Last Friday, my wife and I had the good fortune to attend Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Good Samaritan of the Year affair at The Lynfield Events Complex. We were worried that we’d get more rain, but I had my own contingency plan. For the last two weeks, I’d been building an ark in the back yard. Fortunately, the rains hadn’t arrived, or I’d have taken the boat off its mooring.
As of this writing there are over one thousand confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as Swine Flu (more on this gentle misnomer later). The majority of the cases are in Mexico and the United States.
As a member of the Fredericktowne Rotary, I am proud of the work our international organization has done since its inception in 1905. Its mission is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
On Sunday morning, I heard the church bells ring as I went to get the morning papers. I wanted to make sure that I picked them up before my 7-year-old daughters got to them. I knew what the headlines were going to be, and I didn’t want daughters to read the headlines before my wife and I had a chance to talk and prepare for that conversation.
I’m not sure when I first heard Bob Dylan. My guess would be at home on the radio hearing “Blowin in the Wind,” or “Like a Rolling Stone.” Growing up, my musical tastes veered toward what today would be called “Classic Rock” or “AOR (“Album-Oriented Rock”).
Isn’t it crazy how each spring, when the weather turns warmer and the sun comes out, our spirits rise along with the blossoms? We survived another winter – its cold spells, its dreariness, the ever-present winds. We built snowmen, slid down hills, stayed home from school, took liberal leave from work, and cozied up next to our fires.
I remember the first time I looked at the moon through a telescope. I was a child at someone’s house and someone called me over to look through one. The full moon took up the entire field of vision. I could see the craters clearly, and to date I’d never seen anything like it. That moment stays with me today.
We can and should do a better job of recycling here in Frederick County. Recycling means separating and collecting materials for processing and remanufacturing into new products, and the use of the products to complete this cycle.
If current legislation is passed by the General Assembly, funding to the Maryland State Arts Council would decrease from $16.6 million to $10.6 million. This is on top of the 14 percent cut last year, used to balance the budget.
It has often been said that there’s a fine line between genius and madness. Think of some people whom you consider to be geniuses? Does Albert Einstein come to mind? Thomas Jefferson? Benjamin Franklin?
When I first heard the news that The Frederick News-Post was suspending its Monday edition, my first thought was: “Uh oh, it’s the beginning of the end. The FNP will go the way of other newspapers around the country.”
On February 18, President Obama unveiled his administration’s plan to address our continuing housing crisis. President Obama’s $75 billion Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan would help struggling homeowners by providing incentives to lenders, servicers, mortgage holders and borrowers to help modify mortgage loans.
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