shadowdiver - 15 September 2010 06:31 AM
I have a question for the supporters of Ms. Kelly. Did she vote for the purchase of the Capital Clubhouse?
from this PDF
Ice Rink – this matter came before the commissioners as an urgent agenda item. Before my tenure the
county had entered into a private/public partnership with the County owning the land and a partnership of
private citizens having constructed the building and operating the ice rink and recreational programs.
Because of the county’s ownership of the land, this became a County problem when it was learned that
the project was at risk of being foreclosed upon. It is my position that had the county not owned the land,
this would never have been considered by the commissioners. The County had a responsibility to protect
the interests of the citizens. The County was to purchase the property for the price that was owed on the
mortgage debt, plus outstanding bills and the owners were to derive no financial benefit. A clear
directive by the Board of Commissioners was issued to the County Attorney. The price (balance due on
mortgage plus outstanding bills) was below what it would have cost to construct and outfit a similar
building. Our Director of Community Services at the time (who was an extremely reliable, competent,
and credible director) provided documentation and a business plan proving that she could operate this
project in the black. She was very excited and optimistic and there was unquestionably a need for
recreational amenities, made even more logical in this highly populated area. If there was anything
underhanded or any misrepresentation, I was unaware of it. During the 2006 election, information was
presented on this blog and by a local attorney indicating that there was a financial benefit to the owners
and that information was being withheld from the public. I can only say that if that was taking place, it
was done without my knowledge or consent. I had no reason to believe that the County Attorney would
withhold information or misrepresent the facts associated with this transaction. It was my belief, then and
now, that the county has a responsibility to provide recreational amenities and common sense tells me that
when you can purchase valuable commercial real estate at bargain basement prices, one should do so. My
fall back plan was that if we couldn’t make a go of it as a recreational facility, we could always convert it
into a Waldorf library. This is a great location, great bones for a nice facility and coincides with my
belief that libraries of the future need to be accessible and convenient, a place where access to the internet
and an internet café component, similar to what you find in book stores is the way to go; places where
citizens can meet and learn, where art is displayed, where educational programs are offered to enrich
citizen’s lives and grow their minds. Our Charles County Public Library system is a marvel – they do so
much with so little – additional space and a Waldorf location were a major need in 2006 – it is on the
drawing board at this time in another location. I always felt that one way or the other, this building
sitting in this great location would have value to the citizens of Charles County. Again, I stand by my
vote and decision.
