Mr. Robinson; After reading comment #15 my first thoughts were, “aahhh, another well informed Charles County voter.” However, after thinking about it for a few minutes, it dawned on me that I don’t recall reading anywhere else, except on the local blogs and of course your own Website, that you are indeed a formal candidate (Democrat) for District 1 County Commissioner. Have you indeed formally filed the necessary paperwork to run? If so, why haven’t we read about it in the Indy? To my simple way of thinking it would certainly be a newsworthy event, at least as much so as “Bunky” the clown, which garnered some front-page real estate.
I have filed my paperwork. I was interviewed by the Indy last week. I thought it would run on Friday but I suppose Bunky the Clown bumped the story. I guess it will be in one of the editions this week.
My next question is of a general nature concerning our current election laws. Even though no one else, including the incumbent, has formally declared, I think you’ll agree that you’ll most certainly be facing a primary battle next spring. At last check there were approx. 14,000 county voters registered as “unaffiliated”. Under our current sysatem of closed primaries, these folks are not allowed to cast a vote in the primary elections. Is this system fair? Though I doubt anything could be changed in time for the 2010 cycle, none-the-less I’m curious as to what your feelings are here? Would you be in favor of switching to a completely open system? That would include allowing Republicans to cast a vote for a Democrat if they were so inclined.
I am a Democrat. I have always been and likely always will bea Democrat. That being said however I am a true believer in the two party system. Since right now it is the Dems time both in Maryland and in the nation, the odds will heavily favor that the person getting the democratic nomination n Charles County will win the election. This will keep thousands of Charles County voters from having a true say in who will represent them as commissioner(s). The primaries should be open but like you said, that will NOT happen in 2010.
In addition, the way we elect Charles County Commissioners is kind of silly. In reality citizens are voting for five at-large commissioners since the entire county votes for all district candidates. Though I am planning to represent District One, I cannot win without the support of the rest of the county. It should be called what it is.
You have much greater influence to change what I stated above by being an elected official. Though not on my top five list, it is certainly something I would like to see changed.
An email to Reuben might be worth a shot. I think he dabbled in this prior to being elected. If I get a chance to go to his meeting tonight, I’ll try and bring it up.
Mr. Robinson,
I would be very much interested in meeting with you to discuss your views on the local educational issues. Please call 301-659-4112 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you are interested. - Jennifer Abell
Jennifer always likes to meet individually with certain people to discuss certain issues—which is fine, except that all of the rest of us on this forum would be just as interested in your views on education as well.
Sorry, I wasn’t trying to exclude anyone, just looking for a little bit more of an in-depth conversation. I’m sure Mr. Robinson would be more than happy to post his views.
“I’m sure Mr. Robinson would be more than happy to post his views.”
And I’m sure that the large body of posters on this forum will be more than eager to respond with questions, comments and opinions such as why the BOE has not solicited resumes for School Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent and any other high contract School Administration position to see if they can find a more competent group at a better price. If we are always expecting other projects in the County to be put out for competitive bidm then why do we keep rubber-stamping these exorbitant contracts without seeking other applicants?
I don’t believe Mr. Robinson would be able to answer that question but I can answer for myself. Why haven’t they? Well the only one we (the Board of Education) has any real control over is the Supt. contract. I am all for opening up the process. Said so before the last contract was issued 4 years ago and I’ve told my fellow board members the same for this year. Meaning we accept applications for the position. If Mr. Richmond would like to apply again, than he can but at least lets see what is out there. Personally I don’t have anything against Mr. Richmond, I think he’s done a good job, but maybe it’s time to move on. With that being said, I doubt if I will have any support from other board members in this endeavor, much less a majority. And that’s why it hasn’t been done.
Thank you Jennifer. I’m sorry that you will probably be in the minority on this issue since it is these major items that the public observes as being done for political expediency rather than for the benefit of the taxpayer and the school system which denegrates the status of the BOE in the public’s eyes. Any group can be transparent on the easy issues but the true test is being transparent on the big issues. I also thought that the Associate Superintendent position was a contract position.
Nope, the Assoc is hired by the Supt. The only contract position is the Sup and that is up this summer. The BOE has to let the Supt. know during the month of February whether or not we will be offering another 4-year contract. As I said, I will not be supporting it but I for see all other board members voting for it. Maybe some of the constituents need to voice their wishes to some of the other members
I am the same Ken Robinson who testified before the Board of Public Works in favor of a LEED certified hotel. I am happy to answer questions but I won’t be baited.
In addition, as Jennifer stated, I will give my own positions on education in Charles County.
Ken Robinson, president of the Swan Point Property Owners Association, testified that the expansion of the community would benefit both Swan Point residents and visitors to the county.
‘‘Swan Point is the community most impacted by these expansion plans,” he read from a written statement during the hearing. ‘‘It has the largest population of all the communities on the Cobb Neck Peninsula. The SPPOA strongly recommends that the permits being requested by the [developers] be issued by the regulating agencies.”
Robinson said the developers have worked with Swan Point residents to ensure the expansion will be something the community can be proud of.
Dengler said in a recent interview that the expansion is as environmentally friendly as the engineers could make it.
‘‘It’s a green plan,” he said. ‘‘There’s going to be more than 55 percent open space in the community. It’s going to be very environmentally sensitive and great community ... We’re doing everything in accordance with government regulations. In most cases, we’re exceeding them.”
I have no questions. Only a couple of points that you could expound on. As I recall, US Steel held a long-standing zoning approval (from what, 1970 or so?) to develop Swan Point. I’m assuming that, since they had the approval and it was already on the books, that you and other residents of Swan Point felt is was better to voice your concerns to the developer and have them work with the residents. I’m, also, assuming that you would take a hard stand and follow the Comprehensive Plan when it comes to development (that’s not on the books) along the Port Tobacco/Potomac River. I see many similarities between the Swan Point development and what Loiderman/Soltesz want to do along the PTR, but as Cheryl says it’s all about zoning!
I stand by my statement quoted in The Maryland Independent story. You’re correct that Swan Point expansion plans date back a couple of decades. Fortunately those plans were not acted on because it would have resulted in a dated not environmentally sensitive subdivisiion(s). If and when the new plans are acted upon, it will result in a lot of oversight regarding the shoreline and the environment. In fact the shoreline will finally be saved. More than 100 feet have disappeared over the years due to erosion.
Communities and developers get a lot more accomplished when there is a true dialogue between the two. A case in point is Hughesville Station.
Every case is different but yes, the waterfront should not be developed just because it is there. Zoning laws that make sense must adhered to.
At least that is what I hope happens regarding the CCC.
Fortunately is some cases, not only does the county have to weigh in but the state of Maryland does too and that additional layer at least in principle should help protect natural resources.
Addendum: The last two paragraphs got switched somehow. Also, I am happy to respond to these question posed anonymously but strongly suggest that anyone with serious concerns and questions email me out in the open.
Addendum: The last two paragraphs got switched somehow.
Ken, there is an “edit” button that shows at the bottom of your posts when you’re logged in. It does put a notation in the post of the edit date and time though—Just in case you weren’t aware.
This Hotel is to be built on 60 acres of FIDS habitat, in the flood plane, and entirely in the Critical Area. BUT it is a LEED certified building!!!!.. my mistake, I am sure that will be so much better than those pesky trees and birds.
Glad the developer is finally dealing with the erosion problem. (paid for by the County’s future tax dollars)
Please, then, clear the air, and tell me which facts are cloudy.
1: the Westin Hotel is scheduled to be built on the Weir Peninsula.
2: the Weir Peninsula is approximately 60 Acres that is currently naturally vegetated, much of it Forested
3: The Weir Peninsula is currently a FIDS Habitat
4: The Weir Peninsula is entirely within the Critical Area
5: Most of the Weir Peninsula is in the Flood Plane.
6: State maps show the Weir Peninsula will be inundated in a Category 2 storm
7: The Weir Peninsula is only a fraction of the total property owned by the Swan Point Development Company, and there are other,less sensitive locations on the property where a Hotel could be located.
8: the developer has not tried to stabilize the shoreline until now.
I will, for now, withdraw the comment about how the stabilization will be paid for as that is difficult for many to follow.
I would love to know which of the above is not true.
I supported approval of the Villages at Swan Point and do not regret that position. It is not a perfect plan but a whole lot better that what was approved in 1992. You can disagree with that position and I totally understand there is another side to this issue.
I do not believe the shoreline should be dotted with similar communities. I said in an earlier post that you can’t be for or against everything.
I am also willing to be educated and can be open-minded enough to change positions as the campaign progresses or if I am fortunate enough to be elected. I do not plan on being inflexible. Being stubborn has had dire consequences on the electoral process for the past several years at every level of government.
Mr. or Ms. Riverrat, I would really like to discuss your concerns across the county as it relates to the environment because it is obvious that you are up to speed on the issues.
I am reachable at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
