For The People--Not Politics

 

"By putting the people’s concerns first, I hope we can learn from each other, learn from our disagreements, and reach compromises to benefit all of our community."

Guest Blogger, Kristin Blais-candidate for the Mt. Airy Town Council  

There’s something about an election year that seems to bring out the worst in people. This year, is no different, only, as a candidate I’m experiencing it first hand. 

I have become the target of my opponents who have continually attempted to defame me, as well as those who support my candidacy for Mt. Airy Town Council. These attacks have been aided by email to our citizens, as well as statements in public alleging my candidacy for council is a conflict of interest, unethical and presents a majority vote on council. All of these allegations are untrue, without merit and meant to divert the citizens’ attention from the real issues they face as individuals, and also the issues our town faces regarding its future viability. These attacks have only made my resolve stronger and my message clearer – I am here to serve the citizens of Mt. Airy. 

This type of negative politicking is not pretty, but it’s the way a certain group of people conspire when it comes to politics and an election year in Mt. Airy.  It’s time we, as a Town, put these ill advised tactics to an end and concentrate on real issues; putting people before politics!

One of the fundamental problems in our election this year is even with the amount of public discourse in our town, this group of individuals seem more concerned with holding onto their power and positions, rather than listening and being open to new ideas. They don’t want to acknowledge those who disagree with their philosophies; this is not the mind set of good leaders, and can be detrimental to the future of our Town. We must embrace the fact that disagreement is the fundamental foundation in a democracy. Respectful, healthy debate can lead to positive change, for the very simple reason- nobody is right all of the time.

I know I have made my message clear to the people of Mt. Airy--your concerns come first!  Whether the issue is working to bring a variety of new businesses into town and supporting our current local businesses, addressing the lack of parking downtown, working to find jobs for our teens and adults, finding the solutions to our traffic concerns and speeding through neighborhoods, seeking additional recreational facilities, controlling our spending or making sure our public safety is not jeopardized, I hear you!  By putting the people’s concerns first, I hope we can learn from each other, learn from our disagreements, and reach compromises to benefit all of our community.

On May 7^Th, we have the opportunity to put our citizens first and the nasty politics last.  Let’s concentrate on the real issues that we face together to build a brighter future for Mt. Airy! 

Krsitin Blais
Guest Blogger 
Candidate for the Mt. Airy Town Council

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

Honored to Support Bob King for Town Council

The following was submitted by Patty Williamson of Mt. Airy 

 

I am honored to support Bob King as a candidate for the Mount Airy Town Council. I have served with Bob on the town's Parks and Recreation Board since 2006 and know that he truly cares about the citizens of Mount Airy. 

When he moved to town in 1992, he became involved with MAYAA, first by coaching and later by serving as President. He was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board in 1997 and in 2006, was elected as Chairman of the Board, a position that he continues to hold today. 

I was introduced to Bob during the controversial Zeltman Annexation. Even though I was on the town's Beautification Commission fighting to save the town's 88 acres from development and Bob was on the Parks and Recreation Board fighting for the promised athletic fields, he always listened to and treated me with respect. 

Today, even though I do not agree with everything that Bob supports, I know that he has the patience needed to listen to others before making decisions on important issues. 

Please join me in voting for Bob King for Town Council on May 7. 

Patty Williamson 
Board Member Mount Airy Parks and Recreation 
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

FIVE NOMINATED FOR MOUNT AIRY COUNCIL

 It’s All About Civility as Mount Airy Enters a New Political Season 

The question on most residents’ minds is will this be a dog eat dog race as usual in Mount Airy? Or is it high time for Mount Airy’s elected officials to work together for the future and good of its residents?

It’s not a secret that Mount Airy is known for its contentious political battles. Mount Airy has always been divided by a county line, however, over the past seven years, the divide has grown deeper, often rearing its ugly head every month at the town council table. In fact, in the recent Town Needs Assessment the number one concern on residents’ minds is the lack of civility in town government. 

Many residents are concerned about the constant never-ending personal attacks via the editorial pages, email and face-to-face exchanges at town council meetings. When leaders are constantly at each other’s throats, it hurts the reputation of the town.

Read More

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

Building Bridges in Mount Airy

Today I am sharing a letter from my friend, Rita Misra. Rita and I share similar passions regarding schools and recreation as it relates to small town life.

Four years ago, I definitely would not have called Rita my friend. Rita was a staunch advocate against the ever famous Zeltman annexation that I strongly supported.

We were both able to see past those differences and quickly reach consensus when we worked together on the Committee for Schools. While analyzing the possibility of bringing a regional school to Mount Airy, we recognized right away that although our challenges in each county were indeed different, we both shared the same philosophy and ideology; bringing schools within the communities they serve.

Over the past four years I have gotten to know Rita and have come to greatly respect her views and advocacy for our Town. I am proud to call Rita my friend.

The same goes for many people in Town who I have come to know after the 2006 election. We have such a vibrant community filled with many residents who feel very strongly about the Town they so love. It is for that reason I feel compelled to reach out to each and every citizen of this great Town and emphasize that we must come together. I have said it this in many public statements; we must stop drawing lines in the sand.

Rita originally wrote this letter to the editor of the Carroll County Times and the Frederick News Post. However, they are no longer accepting letters regarding Mount Airy's election. Rita agreed to allow me to publish this message on the Mount Airy Blog.

Thank you Rita!

Peters Better Qualified to Manage the Town

I live in Mt. Airy. In 2005 I actively opposed the Zeltman annexation because I believed the agreement tied to it did not account for the impacts associated with bringing substantially more homes to town.

On Monday, I will be voting for one of the Council members who supported that annexation, Wendi Peters, in her bid for Mayor. Let me try and explain why:

Both mayoral candidates are good neighbors and both should be honored for their years of dedicated service on behalf of the town. But at this juncture, I believe Ms. Peters is better qualified to manage the town and bring more voices to the table.

Ms. Peters did not move to Mt. Airy to “get away” from anywhere. She grew up in Mt. Airy, went to school to get a political science degree and train as a paralegal, and then returned to raise her son in the house in which she was raised. Although her son attends Frederick County schools she graduated from South Carroll High; this gives her unique insight into the complexities of improving facilities and services in a town split between two counties. Ms. Peters has also witnessed, firsthand, the transformation of Mt. Airy from a small rural town to what some now describe as a bedroom community. I believe she understands the challenges associated with preserving all of our existing neighborhoods, while enhancing opportunities, and keeping taxes low.

I am concerned by the lack of rigor and consistency in the recommendations made by the other mayoral candidate during his recent term on the Planning and Zoning Commission. For example, last year P&Z recommended against the annexation of an 8 acre parcel that has long been designated as future growth area, surrounded by densely developed property within town. P&Z decided this parcel should only be annexed as “passive open space'” effectively shutting the door to proposed economic and recreational opportunity that the majority of citizens have consistently expressed the desire for. Only months later, P&Z recommended annexation of a 600 acre parcel that was never included in the town’s Master Plan, which includes no open spaces designated for public use, but which includes over 200 homes, aging roads, and a variety of commercial entities. Furthermore, it was recommended that the 600 acres be annexed under zoning that encourages low density residential sprawl.

At a time when revenues are plummeting and public safety and educational funding is being cut, I believe it is more important than ever to elect a mayor who will bring together a broad cross section of citizens, staff, county and state representatives, and even investors, so that we can preserve the best of what we have and pave the way for a brighter future for our children.

Rita Misra

Town of Mt. Airy resident

Don't Just Talk the Talk...

Walk the Walk, Mount Airy

Four years ago, Frank Johnson and his so called team made huge promises as they were overwhelmingly swept into office. They said, “We can do better, and Together we can.” Here is part of an excerpt from then candidate Johnson’s website:

“Together, we can do it. We can make Mt Airy a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to serve each other. This is not something I am offering you; it is something I am asking of you. Work with me, work with yourselves, to create a new community plan to provide a true vision for this generation. If we do, this town will truly be your town, our town – a place to call home, and a home that has a place and a voice for everyone. Together, we can.”

Most Mount Airy residents wanted to believe they could. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing; Mount Airy to remain a quaint and charming small town, not a Germantown or Columbia; a safe place to raise our families; a way to connect to other Mount Airy neighbors and friends even though our town is divided by a county line; just the right mix of restaurants and retail so we don’t always have to leave town to find what we need; infrastructure that supports those who are already here before any additional residential growth occurs.

Every two-four years, we get to evaluate if our elected officials have met their goals and objectives. We call it an election. We the people, get to evaluate if those who were elected, have stayed true to the pledges they made, to work for the people.

Did the Johnson/Nelson/Woodhull/...Pyatt/Everich team make the grade? Did they fulfill their promises and transform Mount Airy into a community where all residents are heard and everyone has a voice? Were the challenges we faced met head on? Were all citizens called to join together to help problem solve and reach consensus?

Hmmm… I don’t recall receiving that phone call? I am sure they tried to call, but I must not have been home.

They said “we can do better.” Mayor Frank Johnson resigned in February of 2009. He only made it through slightly more than half of his term. Is this what you call “coming together?” How can we work with you if you’re not even here? Is this the vision we want for Mount Airy?

They said “we can do better.” John Woodhull resigned in June of 2009, only getting through three quarters of his term. John was the water guru, and put his faith in Gillis Falls. So, where's the water John? John Woodhull never intended to find water for Mount Airy. He talked the talk alright, but when it came right down to it, his thought was if we solved the water problem, we would become Columbia. John Woodhull was not pro Mount Airy, he was pro his own agenda.

They said “we can do better.” Frederick County has yet to build a middle school closer to our Town.

They said “we can do better.” Carroll County has yet to renovate Mount Airy Middle, or address the issue of overcrowding other than placing the entire 6th grade in portable classrooms.

They said “we can do better.” The Growth and Development Task Force, led by Pat Rockinberg put together a Town survey, but I’m not sure they heard the plea of the residents who overwhelmingly stated the need for additional recreational opportunities in Town. Once again, they voted against a proposed community recreation center/sports complex on the Rigler property, which would have been paid for by the developer, not by the taxpayers.

They said “we can do better.” Economic Development was at a stand still under the leadership of John Woodhull. After his resignation councilwoman Wendi Peters took over as council liaison and initiated an Economic Development Work plan.

So, would you say Mt. Airy is a shining example? Or more like a falling star? The results are in Mount Airy! Johnson-Woodhull-Nelson-Pyatt-Everich. Together, they didn’t.

We need elected officials who will provide the leadership, the experience and the commitment to tackle the job and finish the job.

We need leaders who have the passion and the understanding to work with the county and state for the sake of our children and the future generations of our Town. Leaders who understand diplomacy, who have the ability to remain composed in the face of adversity and who do not go on rants or tirades that damage the reputation of our Town.

We need leaders who aren't cherry picked and coached by the same motley crew who brought us Johnson-Nelson-Woodhull and are only interested in protecting their investment, protecting their view and carrying out their power-trip agenda.

We can do better! The time is now to look at the choices we have in front of us and decide if we want to talk the talk and walk the walk.