Buyer Beware! Take a Good Hard Look at the Candidates

The following post was submitted by Christine Perry of Mt. Airy

Let the buyer beware. Colleen Colvin’s letter to the Times on April 18 confirms the suspicion among Mt. Airy town residents – we have not heard the last from the landowners of the failed South I-70 Annexation.

Colvin brings up some valid points; she states that the next council need be intelligent and tenacious enough to deal with complicated issues on the county and the state level and also endorses two individuals, Dave Pyatt and Chris Everich, both outspoken advocates of this reckless annexation. I hope nobody has forgotten that these families in the South I-70 stiffed the town for half of a $22,000 legal bill because they did not feel they should have to pay.

Not to my surprise, it appears that Colvin is banking to get Everich and Pyatt into office so they can join with Scott Strong to form a three person voting bloc that will throw caution to the wind and annex these folks once and for all. My opinion is only confirmed by seeing Pyatt and Everich’s campaign signs sit on the property of Dr. Paul Burkett’s dental practice. Burkett is a landowner in the South I-70 area and his interest best served by having Pyatt and Everich elected.

I am glad that Ms. Colvin brings up her concerns regarding the issue of Plan Maryland. Councilmen Pyatt, Strong and Helt recently approved an application to submit to the State of Maryland for sustainable community designation. This designation is tied to Plan Maryland, two principles of which are public transportation and equitable, affordable housing. How can we be assured as town residents, that if the state dangles the money applied for in front of these men, the same thing Colvin is so concerned about, will come to fruition? Mount Airy will certainly become similar to Gaithersburg, Germantown or Frederick.

Lastly, Colvin states in her letter that in a July 2009 issue of the Gazette, Everich was quoted as saying, 

"the proposed business parks [in the South I-70 area] will destroy the character of this community." 

 Everich is currently advocating annexing the Harrison-Leishear property on Route 27 at the corner of North Main Street to build a community center.  This annexation includes a proposed business park.  Won’t this business park destroy the character of the community too?  What hypocrisy!  Mr. Everich seems to pose a risky vote to this community by his political flip flopping and pandering to earn support.

 Christine Perry 

Mt. Airy

Guest Blogger

Have a Drink with the Mayor When You Place the "Right" Sign In Your Yard?

The following was submitted by Meghan Shipley of Mt. Airy 

 
It seems there is a foul odor coming from the mouth of a town official. I received an e-mail sent out by our Mayor to his many followers. Some of those he thinks are loyal to him are very much against his views. Could it be? 

In this e-mail to his “friends," he not only attacked two residents running for council, but he also attacked a current councilman, and a previous one. Is the Mayor running for Town Council? 

It would appear that the Mayor has a slogan to help his friends get elected, ”they will vote as I tell them to vote." So much for the diversity of our town residents. 

Perhaps the Mayor should refrain from sending e-mails and do what he was elected to do; listen to ALL the people. 

In case you were not one of the selected few, allow me to tell you how Mr. Mayor ended his e-mail. A list of 5 different things for residents to do, none of which have anything to do with the finding out the facts and making a decision for themselves. However, if you put a sign in your yard for "his" candidate, he will personally come by your house for a visit and a drink! Lucky you! Or better yet, if you put a sign in your yard AND write a letter to the editor supporting Chris Everich, he will then leave you alone! 

I have one question, Mr. Mayor, are trying to use your power and authority to influence the voters?

Are you a minion of the mayor, or are you a town resident that is constantly ignored because you have a different opinion?

Vote for Bob King and Kristin Blais. They will represent ALL citizens.   

Meghan Shipley 
Guest Blogger 
This writer is a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission

I'm Voting For Bob King on May 7th

"We need to send a message-The time has come for the dysfunction of our debate to change." ~Mary Rice

 

The following letter was submitted by Mary Rice of Mt. Airy

 

Elections are fast approaching for the three available positions on the Mount Airy Town Council.  I dare to speculate that most of the voters probably don't even know any of these candidates or have had any experience dealing with them in any arena. How then do voters make the right choices?  

When I know I've chosen wisely, I feel at peace with myself.   I've done my research, I've talked to people who KNOW the candidates, I'm INFORMED. I want someone with leadership skills, experience, common sense, and a person with a proven track record. I am voting for Bob King.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bob King 15 years ago when he was elected as the President of the Mount Airy Youth Athletic Association (MAYAA).  I sat on the Board with him as the Secretary and came to know the man I respect today as a leader committed to excellence.  I watched him within a 30-day time frame, integrate 3,000 children into the program who had been left hanging when the Mt Airy Rec Council suddenly disbanded.   

He took over MAYAA with over $30,000 worth of bills while looking at a balance of only $10.86 in the account, spear-headed a new budget for the coming year and strictly adhered to it. He oversaw the re-writing of the association's by-laws and most importantly possessed the qualities to build a positive and healthy environment for all the children with the ultimate goal of building their character. Our Town Council will surely benefit from the same.

As a member of the Mount Airy Board of Parks and Recreation Bob began to see that a handful of MAYAA members and the newly-formed Four County Little League members were at odds with each other over ball-field usage and disrupting the monthly meetings with their attacks on each other.  Bob's desire for civility compelled him to hold meetings in his living room where the fuses were quickly diminished. Good leaders remain calm and composed during the journey through storms and emotions.   

Once again, our Town Council would certainly benefit from his ability to maintain his composure under any circumstance and give everyone the genuine respect they deserve, even if they disagree. 

Bob has been on the board for Parks & Recs since 1997, holding the position of Chairman for the last 7 years. He remains active in the community in this capacity, implementing family events including Camp Night and Movie Night, held at Watkins Park, and Shakespeare in the Park at Wildwood. His desire to keep Mount Airy a place that has that small-town feel is strong and close to his heart.  

Bob has been involved in the planning and design of the Old National Pike Park, a member of the Windy Ridge Park Master Plan Committee, and maintains an active role in town council meetings.  

Bob was the manager of 250+ people at a number of Giant Food Grocery Stores for over 25 years and has been a small business owner for 24 years.  Anyone familiar with running your own business knows you are manager, accountant, buyer, marketing, human resources, quality control, the list is endless. You do it all.  

Bob King has a proven record of leadership, experience, common sense and the desire to keep Mount Airy the best it can be for all people.  He epitomizes determination, fairness, and civility.  I am voting for Bob King on May 7th.  I am asking you to vote for Bob, too. We need to send a message that the time has come for the dysfunction of our debate to change.    

Mary Rice

Mt. Airy Resident 

Guest Blogger 

 

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

I'm So Dizzy...My Head is Spinning.....

When we vote for Town Council, Mayor, or anyone for that matter, there should be a better vetting process so residents can really get to know the truth about their choices.What do we know about the Mayor? What kind of budget experience does he have? 

In a small Town, you often don't know who you've voted for until its' too late. Unfortunately, that's the case right here in our own, small, charming Mount Airy. Not really so charming sometimes, huh? 

In a small Town, people knock at your door and tell you lies about the other candidates and what they believe in. Tip: Be careful of people who talk about other candidates more than they talk about themselves; it may mean they are hiding information, or fabricating information as a distraction to what they're really all about. Once you've cast your ballot, it's too late. 

Councilman David Blais is a councilman who speaks from his heart. His only agenda is doing right by the Mount Airy taxpayers. He asks the hard questions. He stands his ground. He is not intimidated by the good old boy (and one girl) network. I admire Councilman Blais for his tenacity and passion to protect our tax dollars, while at the same time looking after the long term viability of the Town. 

Below is Councilman Blaise's letter to the editor and his contribution to the Mount Airy Blog this week. It's titled "I'm dizzy form the spin."  This Councilman speaks the truth. There's one thing residents want in this Town. The Truth. They are tired of the incivility and down right nastiness at Town Hall. We can't find common ground and solutions to our problems when certain people continue to write letters that are both misleading and misguided. These are the same people who knocked at your door during the last campaign. I encourage residents to take the time to find the facts and encourage local media to do a better job vetting local candidates.

I'm dizzy from the spin

Many things spin: a child's top, a pinwheel, tires on a vehicle. But the best example of spin I found this week is Bruce Curley's spin on the position of Councilwoman Wendi Peters and myself in regard to Mount Airy's emergency operations plan ("Agreements are crucial in the event of a disaster," Letters, The Gazette, May 19).

First, let me make it clear that Ms. Peters and I 100 percent support an emergency operations plan that will fit our town and the surrounding community. What I did not support was the vagueness in the language of the memorandum of understanding presented by Mayor Pat Rockinberg.

Mr. Curley points out that this is a "legal document" created and signed in advance between local government and service providers. While he is correct that it is an agreement, nothing binds the town to use those service providers, so the legal enforceability may not necessarily exist.

The mayor presented the memorandum of understanding commenting that it was important so local businesses could not "gouge us" in a time of emergency. Ms. Peters commented that she found it disconcerting that the mayor often speaks of "small-town charm," but felt the need to present a document to keep local businesses from "gouging" us in a time of emergency.

Ms. Peters gave examples of local businesses supporting those in need in times of emergency. Ms. Peters merely voiced a concern. I do not find this unreasonable.

While it is true that if the town faces a disaster, using local businesses might not be a likely option. But I believe that we should attempt to patronize local businesses first, not only for economic reasons, but also because their services are right here in our community.

Thirdly, Mr. Curley writes that I continually objected to helping anybody outside of town. That is a blatant falsehood. What I objected to was the wording in the memorandum of understanding that did not define (a) exactly where we would provide help outside of town and (b) if we provided help outside of town, who would pay the bill? I could not, in good conscience, support something that places any additional burdens upon our taxpayers to pay for services for individuals who do not live in our town.

I required clarification of these two issues, and never objected to providing services to people outside of town. In fact, the mayor agreed with my analysis and praised me for my concern.

Mr. Curley's spin is unbelievable and clearly contrived to misrepresent what I stated. Bruce, please get your facts straight and stop spinning this issue. We need unity in our town among the elected officials and the community; misrepresenting statements does more harm than good.

David Blais, Mount Airy

Town Council Member