What is this, Nazi, Germany?

Doesn’t Feel So Quaint or Charming Anymore, 

Does It?

 

 

Every citizen or business owner has the right to put ANY candidates sign on their property or in their window! It’s their choice, not to mention, their right. But be careful, Mount Airy.  If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice signs popping up, and then signs disappearing.  Why? Because the kind folks in our Town have been asked to “please remove THAT SIGN” from their yards. In one case, someone has contacted a corporate office to report the business and the owner was forced to remove the candidates sign from their window. 

 

Oh, and then we have the Carroll County Times letter to the editor from my friend, Susie Cole. Susie, where have you been? Haven’t heard from you since 2010! You see, Susie is not a Town resident, but she feels compelled to tell the Town residents who they should vote for, since she can't vote.  Really, Susie? Our residents are much smarter than that. 

 

When those with opposing views use their power and authority to ask law abiding, free citizens to “please take a sign down,” we are entering into scary territory. Reporting businesses to their corporate offices isn’t exactly conducive to creating a friendlier business environment, is it? What is this? Nazi, Germany? Doesn’t feel so quaint or charming anymore, does it?  If anyone thinks they will win the election based on how much they intimidate others to put a sign up, or take a sign down, they’re sadly mistaken. 

 

We’re all sick and tired of hearing candidates berate each other. We want candidates with a  Pro-the People, and Pro- Mt. Airy, mind set. We want solutions.  Never mind all this talk about Pro-Growth quorums and “friends with the developers.”  Bob King said it right in his Blog post, We Deserve Better. 

  Pro-Growth and Pro-Developer are terms that have been used over the past 6 years to scare residents. However, I am not pro-growth. I am pro- Mount Airy.  My philosophy is that we must all work together. The business community, the development community, the residential communities and the government. We all have a stake in the outcome and the future of our Town.

Shame on you, Susie Cole. Shame on you, Todd Eudy.  And the rest, you know who you are. Shame on you for intimidating residents and using the same old antics, scare tactics and bullying to get what you want.   

 

At the end of the day, it’s the little check mark in a box that will determine this election, not a sign on a lawn. At the end of the day, such behavior will leave a sour taste in the mouths of residents who only wish for peace and prosperity, and for some to stop clinging to the days of hate and anti-rhetoric towards anything with the word “growth.” At the end of the day, it will be the one thing people remember when it’s time to put a check mark next to your name, or decide to skip over it and put a check mark next to the candidates who stand with them, not over them.  

 

Leave the citizens alone! Let them decide what they want to post in their windows and on their properties! 

We Deserve Better, Mt. Airy!

 

Guest Post by Bob King 

Bob King is currently running for Town Council in the Town of Mt.Airy.

This post is in response to Keep cooperation in Mount Airy by resident, Todd Eudy, in Today's Carroll County Times.

I knew it would happen soon, I just didn't know when or who would be the culprit of the innuendo that Bob King is pro-growth.  Nothing could be further from the truth. Todd Eudy has never met with me and talked to me about my opinions on growth so I find it interesting as to how he knows my feelings on the subject.

I am fully aware of the findings of the recent Mt. Airy Needs Assessment prepared by Mt. Airy BeLocal and the 2007 Survey completed by the Growth and Development Task Force.  The citizens of Mt. Airy are not interested in any residential growth that is not supported with infrastructure upgrades; neither am I.  This is my home, too.  

Let me tell you what I am interested in and what I do stand for. 

#1) I am interested in the findings of the BeLocal survey that suggests the citizens would like to see more of a variety of business in Town.  There are vacant buildings and empty lots. The Town should actively be seeking potential opportunities to fill these spaces with thriving businesses to serve our neighbors while strengthening  our commercial tax base.  This will also provide jobs for both our residents and our growing teenage demographic. 

#2) I am interested in the continued revitalization of our downtown.  Several plans have been presented to our Planning Commission concerning the Rail Yard and the F&M Bank building.  Once the requirements of our Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance have been met by the owner, approved by the Planning Commission and the Town Council, construction should begin.

#3) I am interested in improving our infrastructure, ensuring we have adequate water supply now and in the future and discussing traffic on Main Street and other areas of Town. I am interested in resurrecting the idea of the Rising Ridge Road Connector that will relieve traffic on Main Street and Rt.27 and create another north/south artery as an alternative. 

#4) I know that the supporters of the current administration consider me to be a "wild card;" they are not sure if my vote will be conducive to their agenda, therefore they want to portray me as pro-growth as a scare tactic. Pro-Growth and Pro-Developer are terms that have been used over the past 6 years to scare residents. However, I am not pro-growth. I am pro- Mount Airy.  My philosophy is that we must all work together. The business community, the development community, the residential communities and the government. We all have a stake in the outcome and the future of our Town. 

#5) I am interested in beginning the discussion of a community center. It is what most people stated they would like to see. With everything else there needs to be open, honest , transparent and civil discussion on what we want and how we intend to pay for it. 

#6) I am interested in finally, after more than a decade, seeing the Rails to Trails project come to fruition. I am interested in bringing together all the players that need to make it happen, reaching consensus and moving forward. 

#7) I am interested in finding solutions. Solutions can only come from frank and civil discussions, and this letter from Mr. Eudy does not make for a good start to frank and civil discussion.  As to the conversation on civility, this does not mean that if we disagree with others on the Town Council that we are uncivil.  Civility is the manner in which the discussion is handled.  Constant interruptions by others, attack style tactics, mus-characterization of statements and individuals, frequent berating from supporters at meetings are just some of the ways that those that claim to have the higher ground when dealing with dissent have acted.  This is what must be curtailed.  I was taught manners as a very small child, and will use those teachings in every situation.

Mr. Eudy, until you have sat down with me, and can say with certainty that you know who I am, you know about my philosophy and my beliefs, you have zero credibility. You have allowed yourself to be strung along by those who insist we go back to the attack days of the past; the days that tore this town apart. I will have nothing to do with tearing down my fellow candidates; I will not play along with your game of deceit.  Truth always wins. Integrity always prevails. Honesty is always the best policy. Character is what our Town is made of. On your next rampage, I hope you will think twice about writing a letter about Bob King.

Thank you to the Mt. Airy Blog for allowing this post. 

Bob King 
http://www.bobking4mtairy.com 
http://www.facebook.com/bobking4mtairy

Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Robert "Zeke" Watkins

Robert “Zeke” Watkins

December 13, 1922 – April 29, 2000

BUSINESSMAN / COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Zeke was born in Woodville, Frederick County, and was raised in Mount Airy.  He was the son of Herman and Beatrice Watkins.  He was inducted into the United States Army in March of 1943, and completed his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington.  He saw combat in Europe during WWII, earning the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.  Upon returning from Europe, Zeke worked in the induction center at Fort Meade,Maryland.  He was an Army Recruiter for both the Frederick and Westminster office before his retirement in 1963.  

He was a life member of the Mount Airy American Legion Gold Star Post #191 where he served as Commander in 1967.  He was a Charter / Life member of the Mount Airy VFW Post  #10076.  

Zeke had a great love for baseball.  He played and coached on the Mount Airy American Legion teams.  He was an assistant coach to Mr. Robert Sprague at Mount Airy High School. Along with Mr. Walter Spurrier, he was instrumental in establishing the Mount Airy Little League Program where he coached for many years.  He was especially interested in the youth of the community and having positive activities for their participation.  

He was a member of the Mount Airy Lions Club and was instrumental in obtaining transportation for the mentally challenged children to ride to their school located in Wildwood Park, Mount Airy.    

Upon leaving the Army in 1963 he purchased Smith’s Bowling Alley on Main Street in Mount Airy.  In 1967 the bowling alley business was moved to a new building located on Center Street.  Zeke saw a need for youth bowling and established a Saturday morning league that continues today.  

In 1976 Zeke sold the business and he relocated to Largo, Florida in 1979.  He worked as a supervisor for Goodwill Industries for the next thirteen years.

Zeke married his sweetheart Dorothy Gartrell on February 27, 1943.  They are the parents of Janet, Robert, Jr., Ted, Charlie and Bobby.  Sadly missed, Zeke will be remembered by all the youth he mentored.  

Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Wendi Wagner Peters

Wendi Wagner Peters

April 27, 1963 -

COUNCILWOMEN / COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Wendi was born and raised in Mount Airy.  She and her husband, Gary, are raising their son, Zach, in Mount Airy as well.  Wendi graduated from South Carroll High School in 1981.  During her senior year, she was a member of the Class A-Maryland State Champion Field Hockey team.  Wendi graduated from Villa Julie College with an A.A., Loyola College with a B.A. and she is a Fellow of the Academy for Excellence in Local Government from the University of Maryland-Institute for Governmental Service and Research.  She has worked as a paralegal for 25 years with the law firm of Ober Kaler in Baltimore and she is an Associate Member of the Maryland State Bar Association.

Wendi has taught Sunday school, served as PTA board member and parent volunteer, and was a member of the Mentoring Connections Team mentoring students at Mount Airy Middle School.  Her commitment to youth extends beyond Mount Airy as she has served several years as a mentor to Baltimore City students through the Business Volunteers Unlimited – School and Business Partnership Program.

Wendi started her public service in Mount Airy as the chair of the Recycling and Sanitation Commission from its inception in 1990 through 1996.  In 1997 she served on the Board of Appeals and from 1998 – 2004 she served on the Planning Commission where she worked on drafting the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance.  She was a volunteer with the original Downtown Revitalization Committee working to preserve, improve and revitalize downtown and is a member of the Mount Airy Main Street Association and the Mount Airy Historical Society.  She was elected to the Town Council in 2004 and is the first women elected to a second term.  As a Councilwomen, she initiated the new water meters for a more efficient water system; initiated a comprehensive inventory of development projects and available lots to assist in implementing growth control measures; initiated a single stream recycling program to reduce solid waste going to the landfill and save tax dollars; and she initiated a work plan to retain, expand and recruit business investments in Mount Airy.

In 2010 she was selected by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and in 2011 she was selected by the Maryland Recycling Network for Extraordinary Achievement.

Wendi joins her grandfather, William E. Wagner, Sr.; her father, William E. Wagner, Jr.; and her uncle, Thomas W. Wagner; as a member of the Mount Airy Hall of Fame.  

Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Gladys R Molesworth

Gladys R. Molesworth

October 24, 1922 -

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Gladys was born in Jonesboro, Tennessee during the depression.  In 1944 Gladys enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served as a wave.  She was discharged as a Store Keeper 3^rd Class in 1946.  Gladys came to Mount Airy to visit relatives and friends.  She was impressed with Mount Airy and decided to make it her permanent home.

Her first job was at a restaurant in Mount Airy owned by Carl “Teen” Smith and William E. Wagner, Sr.   The restaurant was located in what is now the Olde Town Restaurant on Main Street in Mount Airy.  In 1946 Gladys met J. Raymond Molesworth whom she married in 1947.  From 1947 to 1957 Gladys was a stay at home mom raising their children, Ray, Ron, Diane and Sandra Lee.

In 1957 Gladys and her husband opened the “Sandra Lee” Motel on the Old National Pike.  The motel was named after their youngest daughter.  The business flourished because it was the only motel from Baltimore to Frederick.  The business was sold in 1979.

Gladys has been very active in community organizations.  She has been a member of Prudence Chapter #95 of the Eastern Star, serving the chapter for 56 years.  Gladys was awarded the Honor of Worthy Matron of The Eastern Star, an unmatched record of six times.  The Make A Wish Foundation (helping youths with cancer) is Gladys’ favorite charity.

Gladys is a member of the Mount Airy American Legion Gold Star Post #191 and the Mount Airy VFW Post #10076 Auxiliary and she was a member of the now disbanded Kiwanis Ki wives.  

Gladys has been an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church since 1947, serving on many committees within the church family.  Gladys looks forward to serving her church and community for many more years.  

Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Edward L. "Eddie" Browning

Edward L. “Eddie” Browning

July 30, 1943 – October 12, 2004

FIRE CHIEF / COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Eddie was born in Frederick and raised in Mount Airy.  He graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1961.  He received a degree in fire science from Montgomery College.

As a young man, Eddie helped his father in the grocery store business located in downtown Mount Airy before becoming a career firefighter.  He also worked part time for Hipsley & Albright.  The Bethesda Fire Department in Montgomery County, which later became part of the Montgomery County Fire Service, hired him.  He retired after 25 years of service.

Eddie was in the original group of young men that formed the Mount Airy Junior Fire Company, when it was organized in 1959.  After his service with the Junior Fire Company, he continued to serve as a regular member of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company.  He rose through the ranks of the fire company, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, before becoming Fire Chief in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1979.  He also served on the Board of Managers, and was a Life Member.  Eddie chaired the carnival hamburger stand for many, many years and continued to help every year at the annual carnival even after he passed on the responsibility of the stand to others.

Eddie was very proactive when it came to Fire Company training to ensure the community was well protected.  He wanted The Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company to be the very best and he worked hard along with all other members to make it succeed.  

Once Eddie retired from the fire service, he worked full time as a meat cutter at Mount Airy Locker Company.  He enjoyed the many customers he served as well as the friendships he made while employed there.  

Eddie was a very active volunteer of the Mount Airy Historical Society.  He spent many hours working at the museum until his death in 2004.  His wife, Jane, and their daughters, Mary, Debbie, Patti, Jean, and their families miss Eddie.  

Eddie joins his father, Lindsay L. Browning, and his brother, C. Robert Browning, as a member of the Mount Airy Hall of Fame.  

Mt. Airy Hall of Fame- Granville L Albright

Granville L. Albright

September 21, 1942 -

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Granville was born and raised in Mount Airy.  He is a graduate of the Mount Airy High School class of 1960.  While in school he worked for his father at Hipsley and Albright Furniture and Appliances on Main Street in downtown Mount Airy.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in 1965.  After graduation he began his career as a satellite thermal control engineer and continues until today.  He is a charter member of the Mount Airy Junior Fire Company.  

He became an active member of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company in 1960 and is now serving his 50^Th year of service.Granville has held many offices for the fire company.  He was President from 1976 through 1978, Assistant Chief in 1983, and on the Board of Managers for 21 years. He has served on numerous committees involved with fire prevention, communications, regulations and statistics, and has managed the insurance needs for the company since 1976.  Also active in fund raising activities for the company, Granville is a loyal worker at the Sunday dinners, and has been chairman of concessions for the annual Firemen’s Carnival for 35 years.  Granville also volunteers his services to the Town of Mount Airy for the town numbering system.  

Beyond his involvement locally, Granville worked on the committees of the Carroll County Chief’s Association which created the Emergency Operations Center and instituted advanced 911 service for the county; established the operations procedures for Central Alarm; initiated the County Incident Reporting System and set the requirements for the creation of the County Training Center.

He received the All Around Volunteer of the Year, the Chief’s and President’s Awards for Outstanding Service from the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company.  In 1988 he was named the Mount Airy Rotary Club’s “Public Safety Person of the Year”.  Granville was inducted into the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Associations Hall of Fame in 2011.  

Granville and his wife, Judy, have been married for forty years and have one daughter, Vicky.  They are members of Calvary United Methodist Church.

Tonight Granville joins his father H. S. “Happy” Albright as a member of the Mount Airy Hall of Fame.