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This page has been viewed 2576 times

County starts own Web site to counter false rumors

Maryland Independent, by JAY FRIESS

It’s no secret that the Charles County commissioners are less than pleased with the Internet rumor mill and one site in particular.

DelusionalDuck.com, a populist news blog and forum frequented by local political junkies and many county employees, has been a headache for county officials. It helped expose news stories about multiple pensions granted to Register of Wills Susie C. Bowles; the purchase of multiple commissioner SUVs in a time of high gas prices; and the county’s efforts to stymie unionization by county employees.


Posted by: Sammy on 08/01/08 at 11:21 AM
    Page 1 of 1 pages
  • 1. · rumor

    –noun 1. a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts: a rumor of war.

    ...website to counter false rumors.

    It helped expose news stories about multiple pensions granted to Register of Wills Susie C. Bowles; the purchase of multiple commissioner SUVs in a time of high gas prices; and the county’s efforts to stymie unionization by county employees.


    Each of these "rumors" were facts...what was false? (scratching my head)

    Employees can submit questions which can be reworded, answered if deemed appropriate or ignored if deemed inappropriate. How is this going to dispel false rumors? (again, scratching my head)

    Is it me, or does this make the county lose ALL credibility with this "new site to dispel false rumors"?

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/01/08  at  11:33 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 2. · Maybe he is trying the double negative trick

    Comment by Native  on  08/01/08  at  12:08 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 3. · When someone here at the Duck blog hears a RUMOR and "reports" it, the writer ALWAYS states up front that "RUMOR HAS IT..."

    Other than that everything else is FACT!

    Obviously there are some politicians who have problems with FACTS!

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/01/08  at  12:20 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 4. · More smoke and mirrors from the Fab 5 and their trusty side kick Co. Administrator. This group of folk just don't get it. They are not trusted to begin with and when no questions or comments are sent in on this new site they will say, "Well everything must be wonderful!!!!" Keep up the good work Duck

    Comment by iknow  on  08/01/08  at  12:36 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 5. · Jay Friess is a good guy and seemingly fair in his stories but I think he should have requested comment from the Duck before allowing the commissioners to characterize the site as rumor based. Opinion based, sure, it's a blog. Do the commissioners, however, want everyone to believe that the bloggers at the pond are attacking them personally? I don't even know them personally. What I do know is that they are very bad at managing my tax dollars.

    Reading between the lines:

    And, unlike the Duck, the Water Cooler won’t be as freewheeling. Employees can submit questions to the site. Schmidt said that the submissions will be anonymous and that ‘‘no one shall attempt to discover the questioner’s identity,” but the questions can be tracked back if they are deemed threatening or refer to any illegal activity.

    We know who you are and we wnat you to know we know.

    Upon submitting a question, the employee is shown a form letter from the commissioners that promises an answer within 30 days. The question does not immediately post on the Water Cooler site.

    If it's important, and requires a timely response, you won't get one here. Hopefully, all will be forgotten when, and if, we respond.

    ‘‘But we would assume that, in a week, all questions would be responded to that are appropriate,” Schmidt said.

    Why do you need to assume that? It's your site. You either will or won't respond within a week. The paragraph above says 30 days. I'll give the benefit of the daoubt and "assume" that you mean 30 days will give you a chance to do research if necessary but that most questions shouldn't take more than a week.

    ‘‘If [a question] is deemed not appropriate, no answer will be posted.”

    If your question makes us look bad (how could it not), we won't respond. We're going to pick and choose what we want to talk about.

    When answering, officials will also be able to edit the original question.

    ‘‘This gives us the ability to capture the question and correct the grammar or spelling,” Schmidt said.

    Edit the original question? No comment.

    Schmidt said the decision of who will be answering the questions has not been made.

    We haven't identified our best spin-doctor yet.

    Comment by Birdman  on  08/01/08  at  12:40 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 6. · I doubt if it will get many hits...I mean who wants to put their jobs in jeopardy?

    This just sounds like a way to "root out" people who are blogging on the Duck!!

    So be careful you county employees, this is very suspicious in my opinion...

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/01/08  at  12:52 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 7. · I think it is a hoot- and I love the Ducks getting on the front page again.

    All new people catching apeek to see what we are about- welcome- all opinions are welcome- just amke sure you are not attacking a person and if you have an opinion state it and why, dont just say I love the Commissioners- state why.

    And this site is about many issues, not just The County Govt- we are just the thorn in their sides. Someone may hear a rumor or hears an unsubstantiated comment.

    They may post it here as rumor. Another person may have another peice of the "rumor" puzzle and pretty soon we have proved it or disproved it.

    I really love the ones that we have found out and the Commissioners spin it and deny- then weeks or months later we find it true!

    I especially love to see those- however our County Govt does not.

    We all have our pet peeves or causes. Each has their own personality and it is a freewheeling blog.

    It features both investigated facts from citizens, who spend their own free time, ferreting out the details or who may have background or history on a subject as well as our opinions on the decisions made, the fiscal responsibility, the management style or in the lack of transparency of Govt.

    With SAM and CCC and Quack they post latest news of things that may be of interest locally, statewide, nationally or even globally. Coal, environment, water, gay and transgendered issues, patriotism. You can find and discuss it all.

    Thanks you guys for making it happen.

    You know you are doing an effective job if the County resorts to a blog, even if it such a censored "Watercooler" propaganda tool. But maybe they will surprise us.

    Too bad only County Employees can read it- they will have to use the Duck hotline and give us reports- Quack will post em for you.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/01/08  at  01:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 8. · It looks like Harley got her wish. And I'm not so sure about Bill of Waldorf. Could he be another ringer?

    Comment by patmd  on  08/01/08  at  01:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 9. · NO County Employee should use the County web site. Be careful and I agree Cherly it sounds suspicious.

    I do laugh at the idea the the DUCK made the County start a WEB site to fight back.
    DUCK "1" COUNTY "0".

    Keep FLAPPING thoses WINGS and FLY HIGH DUCK smile

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/01/08  at  01:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 10. · While the thought of an open forum for government workers is not new or ground breaking; it is good to provide an open dialog that workers can take advantage of without going through the chain of command or without fear of reprisal. It is very disturbing however that the government has made it very clear that they can track the origin of the question back to the author according to Miss. Schmidt and further; that the government will sometimes edit the question for grammatical or spelling corrections. The trouble with that is that a question being edited can sometimes change the meaning of the question to benefit government. Perhaps spellcheck maybe? Is the point Miss Schmidt trying to make "we know who you are" when refering to the ability to track questions? It is also troubling that they call fact rumor as noted in other posts on this blog. This is typical of the democratic party in general and liberals in particular. They are scared to death of other points of view and do everything they can to mute them including censorship and intimidation. This group of commissioners including the resident of Delaware is the most dangerous group ever assembled. They raise taxes, abuse the environment, build without any concern about traffic, public safety, or schools. They must not be permitted another term. Vote them out.

    Comment by Carl Senior  on  08/01/08  at  02:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 11. · WHen I sign on my company's email/website- I see a disclaimer that states that I am submitting to monitoring of their site with my user name. Otherwise I am admonished to stop what I am doing.

    I bet the county is the same way.
    I wouldn't even log on to have them count my use at all, thus demonstrating a low record of hits on their page.

    Talk about propaganda. I bet JS cooked this idea up all by her lonesome and with a cackle & glee presented this site to the Kings of the kingdom.

    Wonder how many man hours were spent on this project ?

    Comment by Diane Edge, (AKA gizmo123)  on  08/01/08  at  02:32 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 12. · I believe the Duck needs to use better judgment in the future. There were a couple of things that grabbed my attention in the past few days. It appeared that Harley was blocked from the site after making supportive comments about the Commissioners. When of few others received praise for making statements of criminal intent about the Commissioners. In addition I learned that after Harley was blocked from this site she was re-directed to an official government web site (Town of La Plata) each time she attempted to access the Delusional Duck web address. This gave the impression that Delusional Duck was pretending to be the Town of La Plata. (A similar charge the Duck accused Harley of regarding the use of the internet name Bill IN/OF Waldorf). In my opinion this tarnishes the credibility of Delusional Duck. If we are going to get on here day after day and complain about the Charles County Government then we need to clean up our duck pond first. Again only my opinion and no disrespect to many of the good people here.

    Comment by patmd  on  08/01/08  at  02:42 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 13. · socm - Harley was not banned from the duck for supporting the commissioners. Harley created approximately 5 usernames to post on the duck. What was banned were the additional screen names. In addition to Harley, the following were created:

    Bill IN Waldorf, mrbill, robmd, rob206md

    I repeat Harley WAS NOT banned.

    Go back and re-read the thread on that topic.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/01/08  at  03:01 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 14. · and while she paraised the Commissioners she never could give a reason why or point to an accomplishment.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/01/08  at  03:03 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 15. · From what I understand Harley was "blocked" from getting on this site and each time she tried to log on to Delusional Duck using the proper web address she was re-directed to the Town of La Plata web site. If I'm wrong about this maybe The Duck can clear it up.

    And yes I garee if in "fact" Harley was using other names then The Duck should be doing something about it but not trying to pose as the Town of La Plata.

    Were is oversight when others get on here and make unfounded statements about the Commissioners? This is one of many post that I've found here:

    No No No No No No No NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO No NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    This simply does not make any sense! Instead of just using a county car for county business these pompous you know whats decided that they were entitled to ride around in $24+k SUVs that get less mileage per gal. than what the IRS allows? AND WE PAY FOR IT?

    JUST BECAUSE THEY USED THEIR OWN CARS FOR A COUPLE THOUSAND MILES?

    Too Bad - too sad- if Cooper would have kept his sorry face away from every PHOTO OP- we could have SAVED THOUSANDS - he is supposed to inside that county building working - not trapising all over the county and taking these "retreats" they are so fond of doing !


    Come on guys - let's not let this go by unnoticed- we gotta bury them on this one- I said it before/ this is worse thief & abuse of power than double dipping in the pension fund or swiping gas like Deen did.
    You all wanted a way to get rid of them- here it is. Carpe Diem

    WE NEED TO DO HUGHESVILLE THEM INTO BYE BYE LAND!


    Comment by gizmo123 on 06/04 at 08:57 AM


    Just think about it. If the County wanted to follow up on such charges they would have the right to investigate and gain the true idenity of everyone here. Would you want that?

    Sure we can go after Harley for using a name we don't agree with but at the same time we're going to allow other people to make unfounded charges. I don't think so.

    Comment by patmd  on  08/01/08  at  03:17 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 16. · I read from that quote someone's opinion of the fact the commissioners purchased SUVs. Where is the unfounded charge?

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/01/08  at  04:18 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 17. · Since I am the person who posted that- let me just say- pomp·ous
    Function: adjective 1.) excessively elevated or ornate 2.) having or exhibiting self-importance

    OK- in my mind- it fits perfectly and aptly describes our current crop of commissioner president & vice president.

    I don't know the other 3 very well and had hoped (like many I have talked with) that they would emerge as individuals with their own thoughts but it doesn't look that way.

    We all have a right to encourage others to do the right thing, Hughesvillites are organized and fight for what they beleive in.

    Waldorfites maybe not so much.

    Marleen Dean was gotten rid of because of stealing gas. Truth. No rumor or falsehood there.

    Integrity is lacking in this present board because of HOW they do things and How they say one thing and do another.

    At least a hold up with a thief is done face first. You can see the gun in your face.
    Here in this county, you won't find it happening that way.

    YES, we need to seize the day and vote in the next election.

    I don't see the unfounded charges socm- I just my frustration at not being able to change it ...
    sorry, my bad.

    Comment by Diane Edge, (AKA gizmo123)  on  08/01/08  at  04:40 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 18. ·
    16. I read from that quote someone's opinion of the fact the commissioners purchased SUVs. Where is the unfounded charge?


    Comment by CCCitizen on 08/01 at 04:18 PM


    CCCitizen this is only my opinion and the way I see it and if I’m wrong then I stand corrected. You really need to take the time to read many of the past entries. There are postings that suggest the Commissioners are involved in wrongful acts that should be investigated. Here is an example but there are many more post like this on the Delusional Duck site. My only point is that people should not abuse this site and if they do then they should be blocked. Just like they did to Harley but for different reasons.

    gizmo123 Posted: 05 April 2007 12:11 AM
    I have a serious question to pose- with the signed confidentiality agreements- it seems to me that this gives Whiney the license to do whatever he wants and nobody can say a darn thing- do you suppose that somebody uncovered something in there and they were Cooper’s gang to shut up? Awfully convenient that Cooper plays dumb & away from the office when the dirty work is going down…
    What is the exact nature of his relationship with this Joyce Schmidt ?? Where did she come from all of a sudden.
    Ann P was doing a great job for years and she was canned.... Cooper is moving the players in positions to serve his dirty deeds and nobody can say anything- nobody on the media side reports anything.
    They don’t report his connection with various construction
    companies he is doing business with Chuck County- talk about dirty politics & ethics...!!!
    Is any of this even legal and how can he get away with it. Marleen Deen was buried for taking gas but that pales by comparison to Whiney Wayne.
    Isn’t there someone is the county who is at least from the DOJ or FBI that is paying attention ?


    Comment by patmd  on  08/01/08  at  04:57 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 19. · One of my all time favorites here:

    "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/01/08  at  05:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 20. · If I remember my history lessons in school correctly........when the government is in control of the message being sent it goes by several different names but dictatorship and propoganda are the first that come to mind.

    Comment by 4eyes  on  08/01/08  at  05:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 21. · Anyone on the blog knows I am no fan of what I call the King & Queen.
    I don't like them, I don't like what I have seen. I have made comments- some rude and some that I went back later and apologized for.

    Again, socm-dig all you want- there is plenty to find.
    Just put as much energy in all of that as we all do/ do in venting the questions and frustrations at the commissioners/and their entourage.
    Never before has the sitting governing party treated those around them like pieces of dirt.
    I can remember when as a cost saving measure the commissioners gathered their own trash and threw it out.
    OMG can you imagine the horror that would come across some of their faces?

    I am a big pain in the butt- yeah ok but I am a real person who knows how to get down and dirty with my employees and co workers.
    That does not happen now inside the commissioner office in it's present time.

    Comment by Diane Edge, (AKA gizmo123)  on  08/01/08  at  05:30 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 22. · socm, since one of the examples you presented was the issue of the employees signing, for lack of a better term, gag orders, what is your impression of that act by the commissioners? Do you feel comfortable with that and feel the commissioners are operating in a transparent way? Does that action build trust between the commissioners and the citizens of the county?

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/01/08  at  05:40 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 23. ·
    Just think about it. If the County wanted to follow up on such charges they would have the right to investigate and gain the true idenity of everyone here.
    First off, Free Speech protections allow people to voice their opinions freely, with limited exceptions. Those exceptions which could lead to me being forced to turn over any and all information I have on personal identities would be limited only to that person making the comment. "Just think about it," if (THIS IS AN ANALOGY - NOT A STATEMENT THAT I HAVE, AM OR AM GOING TO CARRY OUT THE ACT) I go to public hearing and threaten to kill all the Commissioners in the room -- clearly an act not protected under Freedom of Speech laws, do all the people in the room get arrested? No, only the individual making the statement is at fault, only they dealt with. Or, if I were to make a slanderous or libelous statement directed at a specific Commissioner, at public hearing, do all of the participants of the public hearing get sued? Are they liable for the statement of another?

    This forum is no different. If the identity of an individual is compelled through valid legal action, on that individual's information is in jeopardy, but they placed themselves in that situation.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/01/08  at  05:49 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 24. ·
    22. socm, since one of the examples you presented was the issue of the employees signing, for lack of a better term, gag orders, what is your impression of that act by the commissioners? Do you feel comfortable with that and feel the commissioners are operating in a transparent way? Does that action build trust between the commissioners and the citizens of the county?


    Comment by CCCitizen on 08/01 at 05:40 PM




    CCCitizen I appreciate your question but to be very honest I don’t know enough about the issue to provide you with an intelligent response. This is a great blog to focus attention on important county issues but certainly not attacking elected officials. I’ve followed this blog for months but never participated until recently when I noticed some of the harsh comments about the Commissioners. I guess as an outsider looking in it stood out like a sore thumb. Now that I have participated I feel that I’m getting the same treatment others have received when don’t go with the flow. There are many positive things about this blog and I’ve learned a lot about our government and the problems by reading along. I got on here to offer my two cents and trust me I don't claim to know a whole lot about politics. I hope you’ll bear with me and allow me to participate.

    Comment by patmd  on  08/01/08  at  06:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 25. ·
    There are many positive things about this blog and I’ve learned a lot about our government and the problems by reading along. I got on here to offer my two cents and trust me I don't claim to know a whole lot about politics. I hope you’ll bear with me and allow me to participate.


    Absolutely, you can participate! Part of the greatness about this blog is debating all the issues that are brought up. Quite frankly, I like hearing other's perspectives. Since you have admitted you have not followed all the "politics" that have gone on with this board, I would respectfully ask that you not judge others who have been frustrated by this board and several of the positions and actions they have taken, too harshly. Perhaps some have first-hand knowledge that you are unaware of. Please, keep reading and keep posting. If a comment is made you do not agree with - say so! However, someone may "debate" you. I encourage you NOT to take it as an attack. Most here are open-minded and will consider all the opinions offered. I have certainly re-thought my stance on an issue after hearing another's opinion.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/01/08  at  06:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 26. · I have been on the end of what you call "attacks" for my very stubborn veiws on poverty, degraded and unsafe waterways full of fecal bacteria, lack of water and plumbing for citizens which I considered an emergency situation and more. My views on gays and transgendered individuals is also unnerving to some.

    I am an individual who has seen and actively worked on many of these issues. I persue truth and call things as I see them. Sometimes nicely, sometimes, rambiling, sometimes not nice.

    I still get blasted by those that dont agree and we can go back and forth for pages.

    Its a debate. Some of the inuendos have been doosies too. I take great joy in most of them, because at least I am having a conversation- I am educating and maybe I am expressing the opinions of others who dont blog but would like too.

    Many times I say: Go at it. And they do.

    Its just part of the process.

    If you want to blog and express your opinion go at it- just dont be upset if others do not agree. We have soem evry stubborn folk here.

    I think one time, Imagination and I went on for a week. ANother time Bruce and I, when Phil had the site. AND Phil keep finding new articles on that subject so we could spar again.

    Take it the right way.

    And if not- The Duck Blind site is still up for grabs.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/01/08  at  07:09 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 27. · See THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION for descriptions of bloggers rights.


    I think you will find that bloggers have rights to opinions.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/01/08  at  07:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 28. ·
    A statement that the plaintiff is a "Dumb Ass," even first among "Dumb Asses," communicates no factual proposition susceptible of proof or refutation. It is true that "dumb" by itself can convey the relatively concrete meaning "lacking in intelligence." Even so, depending on context, it may convey a lack less of objectively assayable mental function than of such imponderable and debatable virtues as judgment or wisdom. Here defendant did not use "dumb" in isolation, but as part of the idiomatic phrase, "dumb ass." When applied to a whole human being, the term "ass" is a general expression of contempt essentially devoid of factual content. Adding the word "dumb" merely converts "contemptible person" to "contemptible fool." Plaintiffs were justifiably insulted by this epithet, but they failed entirely to show how it could be found to convey a provable factual proposition. ... If the meaning conveyed cannot by its nature be proved false, it cannot support a libel claim.

    (Vogel v. Felice)court case

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/01/08  at  07:17 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 29. · There's a logical fallacy in the art of arguing called "Post hoc ergo propter hoc," which translates into "After this, therefore because of this." Statements like "Harley was blocked from the site after making supportive comments about the Commissioners" attempts to draw a correlation between the two actions where none may exist. The implication is that Harley was blocked from the site for making supportive comments about the commissioners. That is simply not the case. Harley was blocked specifically for attempting to deceive other participants through various monickers.

    For the record, I'm the one who emailed Quack about it when I saw it and recommended that he block the offender's IP address. Quack has my permission to post the content of that email so folks can see whether or not the commissioners were mentioned in my complaint.

    Also, claiming that redirecting a person to the Town of La Plata's web site is tantamount to impersonating the town's web site is more than just a bit of a stretch. I'm sure the URL changed in Harley's address bar every time she was redirected. No deception there at all.

    Comment by mbillard  on  08/01/08  at  10:28 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 30. · mbillard -you seem to know so much- you put me in awe

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/01/08  at  10:53 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 31. · I'm too lazy to do yard work, so I go to the library and read. It's amazing what you can learn while your front yard turns into hay.
    grin

    Comment by mbillard  on  08/01/08  at  11:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 32. · These people are small town, two bit political hacks who will NEVER be able to squash the 1st amendment.

    The best way to knock their antics off is to vote them out of office, and make sure that we get people in their that care about the county, harness the out-of-control growth, and keep decency in this county.

    Comment by euler  on  08/01/08  at  11:28 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 33. · Opinion> What a word! It means a lot to what one has to say. To voice your opinion is just that! God knows over the years that I worked Civ for the Navy I gave mine. Oh did I. And as Candidate for District 2 Charles County Commissioner race in 2010. I have given many opinions as I gave the other night at the meeting. Some will agree with what I say and mean and others will not. I just hope I have e-nuff fiends in here on the DUCK and out in the County that hear my meaning and will cast a vote for me in 2010.

    Ok my Opinion> What a mess I saw last night at about 530pm/6pm with cars lined up for miles going from one light after another to drive south from Waldrof into LaPlata. What a mess that County Commissioners now and past.

    Look at the full picture here. and see what Commissioner Cooper and fab 4 behind him. I watched the other with the Commissioners sitting there and Commissioner Cooper giving looks as if to say "yayayayaya say what you want we Commissioners are going to do what we want! In fact all 5 looked that way." Some how WE are going to have to try and take back our County. I keep reading VOTE THEM out(I'll come back to that one later)

    Look at what has happened over the last 4 to 5 yrs now.
    1. Ice Ring/Clubhouse
    2. Baseball Stadium
    3. Dance Studio on 925
    4. St.Charles Parkway to open up soon from Waldrof to LaPlata (WE WILL COME BACK TO THAT ONE later)
    5. Hughesville and Chaney rezoning and Commissioners haven't made a decision on that one! "MY OPINION I think they see 2010 in front of them" Meeting held a couple weeks ago.
    6. 301 BY-PASS which the Commisssioners do not want up-grades to 301 they want a Western By-Pass.
    7. Swan Point Hotel which all 5 Commissioners voted for.
    8. Baseball Staduim
    9. Ice Ring/Clubhouse
    10. Bryans Road Town Center which is soon to start. I think they are waiting to start that after the Billingsly Road is approved.

    Just a thought but anyone else come up with a TOP 10 LIST?

    That's my top 10 so far....Now getting back to Laplata I feel so sorry for the people that live in and around LaPlata and once the By-Pass is built and St.Charles Parkway it is a nightmare now on a Friday night just sit and watch the BACK UP'S which are FOR MILES. Now just think if your trying to get home and you live south of LaPlata or need to make a right or left at Rt225 and Rt6

    Guys you say VOTE them out and I agree and I could use all the help I can get. I think most know where I am coming from. I am seeking Commissioner Patterson's saet for 2010.

    So PLEASE PLEASE get my name out "JOHNNIE DEGIORGI(D)" and talk to people about me....HOPE GOOD STUFF now.....Nothing BAD now.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/02/08  at  04:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 34. · SOCM,
    There is another law that you should be aware of. Practicing law without a license. It may be in your best interest to worry about what you say and do and not worry about what others say and do. My suggestion to anyone that is concerned about the future reputation of the Delusional Duck is to express your ideas and not try to impose your will on others. And if you don't like the current reputation of the Delusional Duck, don't come here. SOCM, if you have not figured it out, everyone here knows you are Harley. Why are you playing these games?

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/02/08  at  04:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 35. · Why would you oppose the Bryans Road Town Center? It's a plan to revitalize an already existing commercial development by upgrading the architectural elements, improving pedestrian access, and increasing open spaces. It calls for several environmentally friendly improvements. What's your opposition to that?

    Comment by mbillard  on  08/02/08  at  05:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 36. · I'm all for the environment!

    I live in the woods in Nanjemoy and feed the deer that are in my back yard every morning.

    I'm all for doing impovements where it is needed but you and I know if they start going it will not stop. We need to be MUCH smarter than what we are seeing going on. At least right now you can drive down 210 without having to sit at a light for 20 mins or more like what I watched yesterday in LaPlata. I'm telling you Bryans Road is fine just the way it is.

    Do not make it a LaPlata or a Waldorf!

    They want so much to build it up (WESTRENSIDE) like LaPlata and Waldorf do you want that? I don't!

    If the C.C.C. is built then you can bet it will look just like the east side of 301 on Billingsley Rd. Have you driven down Billingsley Rd going east to Rt5 from St Charles Parkway and seen all the Apartments/Townhouses/Homes being built? What a mess there and on St Patrick's Drive.

    Yes what a mess.

    Now lets go stright down St.Charles Parkway(when they open it) and watch what the Builders will do next from Whate Plains Golf Course all the way to LaPlata all your going to see is Townhouses and Houses being built.

    It's time to save a tree and SLOW THIS UP! WE ARE GOING WAY TO fast with all the build up. Slow it down and stop we need to see the BIG PICTURE.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/02/08  at  06:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 37. · After reading the full article in the Independent, I see this as propaganda and coercion from the administration of the county government.
    The employees should continue to attempt to resolve grievances with human resources, but good luck with that. After watching many talented employees leave the county, even Helen Keller (rest her soul) would be able to conclude that there is something screwed up ROYALLY in this situation, and needs to follow to completeness, albeit through the press or the union.

    Comment by euler  on  08/02/08  at  07:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 38. · Two pages. We've wasted two whole pages countering a stooge for the county government. Let's move on and ignore the muckrakers. I guess the point is that while we're wasting time responding to obvious attempts to boost ratings for the Fab 5 (albeit without any facts whatsoever), we can't be posting more shots across the bow of the sinking USS Fiscal Irresponsibility.

    Comment by Birdman  on  08/02/08  at  08:28 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 39. · " I'm telling you Bryans Road is fine just the way it is."

    I completely agree with you Johnnie, but unfortunately the "plans" are to push development to the northwestern side of the county, i.e. Bryans Road, Indian Head, Marshall Hall.

    Without the "tool" of the CCC extension, the big-time developers will be reluctant to invest in those areas. Also the CCC extension is crucial to plans to expand Maryland Airport!

    Now the problem is - there's still 2 years left for the Commissioners and the developers to essentially put all the pieces of the puzzle "in place" regardless of whether they're re-elected or not.

    The next set of Commissioners will be forced to "follow through" with what this group has started, especially if contracts are awarded for the CCC-extension while this group is still in office.

    In my opinion this is one of the primary reasons why the Commissioners have objected to an EIS - as the time involved will only delay everything, possibly past 2010 which would pretty much put an end to a CCC extension for at least another decade!

    This is why it is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE to write to the Army Corps of Engineers and MDE by August 15th!

    Comments can be sent to the following:

    Mr. Steven S. Harman
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
    Attention: CENAB-OP-RMS
    P.O. Box 1715
    Baltimore, Maryland 21203-1715
    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)


    Ms. Judy Cole
    Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Division
    Water Management Administration
    1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 430
    Baltimore, Maryland 21230

    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).


    PLEASE FOLKS, THIS COULD BE THE "LAST STAND" FOR THE MATTAWOMAN AND THE FUTURE OF CHARLES COUNTY!

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/02/08  at  09:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 40. · Cheryl> You hit the nail on the head and you told it like it is. Very nicely put. Thank You!Some of what you said I wanted to say but my mind was running full steam and trying to put things into words in here can be hard at times.

    But bottom line is this if I am voted in as County Commissioner YOU CAN COUNT ON ME NOT VOTING FOR THE C.C.C. if I have that chance so YOU CAN HOLD ME TO THAT!

    So Cheryl> Like you said if it's going to be done the Commissioners better do what they can to build it now.

    I for one hope it will be a NO GO smile

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/02/08  at  10:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 41. · As I've said many times before, YOU'VE GOT MY VOTE JOHNNIE!! wink

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/03/08  at  07:27 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 42. · Is it me, or does this make the county lose ALL credibility with this "new site to dispel false rumors"?

    Not just you, CCCitizen. If I were a county employee, I'd avoid that website like the plague! The way county employees are being treated by MiniMeNapoleon, the county administrator, it would just be another way of fingering employees with gripes to air. Looks like the DD is rattlin' a few cages grin

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/03/08  at  09:14 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 43. · The thing that strikes me about the new web site is that it seems so half-hearted. They're going to combat the negative press from the Duck through an internal web site that only county employees can see and use? And all it's going to do is answer "appropriate" questions? How is that going to accomplish anything?

    What the commissioners need to do is step from behind their mothers' aprons and into the realm of public discourse. Speak to us, you know, your constituency. Have it out with us. Mix it up with us. Debate us. If we're wrong, tell us we're wrong and then tell us how and why we're wrong. Treating us like unwashed heathens too far beneath their dignity to address isn't exactly the way to hold public office.

    Pretending to maintain a level of propriety is a pathetic excuse for dismissing your constituency. To borrow a word from George Bush, I think they're misunderestimating what's going on here.

    Comment by mbillard  on  08/03/08  at  09:35 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 44. · "To borrow a word from George Bush, I think they're misunderestimating what's going on here."

    Oh are they ever!!!


    From the stadium and icerink to the Cross County Connector extension, people are sick and tired of how OUR MONEY is being spent and how the "deep pockets" appear to be calling the shots.

    All I see is more and more development and less and less water....but that's a whole other issue for another day.

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/03/08  at  09:59 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 45. · Debate us.

    From watching the Commissioners on cable tv, they aren't even capable of debating among themselves let alone mixing it up with those on the Duck Pond. It's almost like, because they've cut themselves off for such a long time from the average voter and they've been so secretive and ineffective, that they don't know how to handle their present situation.

    That public hearing on the CCC showed some of them up in public for what they are, especially Cooper, out-of-touch. As head Commissioner of Charles County, wouldn't you have thought he would've given some sort of short, welcoming introduction before the other speakers commenced? He didn't--only Hodge and Graves spoke.

    I think their mantra was, "If you ignore it, it'll go away," but that they're now finding more and more people starting to question their ability to lead...and it's not just Republicans, either.

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/03/08  at  10:03 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 46. · "From the stadium and icerink to the Cross County Connector extension, people are sick and tired of how OUR MONEY is being spent and how the "deep pockets" appear to be calling the shots."

    Unfortunately, the problems that people have with the Commissioners have recently detracted from serious discussions on the largest waste of taxpayer's money and that is the School Administration. How many people really know that the Superintendent and his immediate Associates are getting paid more than people at the highest levels of the Federal Government and the public doesn't even have a right to vote them out of office. I have the feeling that everyone over in the Education Ediface is really happy that the Commissioners have taken the heat off of them for a while. Now they can work on their next requested pay increase in peace.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/03/08  at  10:10 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 47. · "How many people really know that the Superintendent and his immediate Associates are getting paid more than people at the highest levels of the Federal Government and the public doesn't even have a right to vote them out of office."

    EXCELLENT POINT Iam!

    I knew the Superintendent had an enormous salary but I didn't think it was as much as this!!!

    Looks as though the NEA is one powerhouse.

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/03/08  at  10:25 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 48. · The feedback I have gotten from employees I've spoken to regarding this web site has been exactly what most would expect:

    - I'm not posting
    - I don't trust this board
    - What are they really up to

    Most employees have high levels of fear of posting questions they really want answered.

    I'm sure that's no surprise to anyone reading this blog.

    So you have to ask yourself why? Why a web site? Why use all those county resources, and county tax payers' monies (employee hours, computer systems, kiosks, etc.) to develop, implement, and maintain a water cooler web site?

    It would have been MUCH cheaper to monitor this blog and honestly address concerns and answer questions without the "our commissioners are wonderful and deserving of our support" moles. Espcially whinning moles who erroneously state they were blocked because they support these commissioners.

    If this board had any character or integrity, they would answer and address issues as themselves and even expose the so called rumors as they developed. Has anyone seen a commissioner actually address or respond openly to a topic here? This board seems to believe good employees are defined as those who will post as moles, or take the blame for anything uncomfortable and attempt to protect these commissioners public reputation and perception at any cost.

    It's really a disgusting display of weakness, lack of ethics, morals, paranoia, and integrity. There could not be a poorer excuse of leadership for this county.

    This board could have erected boxes in corners of the government building, or in the restrooms, that would allow employees to drop their questions in them. That still would have allowed this administration to review each question, correct for grammar, and post only if they chose to do so.

    So we should all be asking? Why a web site and why are my tax dollars being spent for this?

    The only obvious answer is CONTROL.

    One has to come to the conclusion, since they have made clear they can track questioners at their own discretion, that they will, in fact, track questioners.

    I mean what clearly defines "inappropriate" or "threatening?" They get to make all those decisions and a question that simply pisses them off, exposes them of wrong doing, or questions their royal highnesses, could be deemed threatening by them.

    I would be very careful about using this water cooler web site if I were an employee with real questions.

    Comment by insideout  on  08/03/08  at  11:13 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 49. ·
    Has anyone seen a commissioner actually address or respond openly to a topic here?
    Candice Kelly and Larry Jarboe (and Jennifer Abell, for the School Board)

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/03/08  at  11:30 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 50. · Sorry, I should have made clearer:

    Has anyone seen a currently seated commissioner (Cooper, Patterson, Hodge, Collins, or Graves) address or respond openly to a topic here?

    Comment by insideout  on  08/03/08  at  11:39 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 51. · Nope - instead they send out their "moles" and "lackeys" to try to take the "heat" off of them....

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/03/08  at  11:42 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 52. · Cost seems to be a real factor considering their estimates for an archived email retrieval at 300 hours and $17,000.

    If the employees can't/won't use the new system, what's the County's ROI? What's the accomplishment?

    Comment by Craig Barrett  on  08/03/08  at  01:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 53. · I'm sorry but I'm not that stupid to believe that in today's world it costs $17,000 to retrieve anything.

    I challenge the county to allow a taxpaying computer scientist in there to show what type of shenanigans that are trying to pull.
    Give them a little time to accumulate some good emails, then file a request for the data through the freedom of information act.
    Horsehockey.

    Comment by euler  on  08/03/08  at  03:09 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 54. · Mr. DeGiorgi,

    I am a registered voter and while this may not be the blog or the time; Tell what you believe in outside of the environment. I don't want to see irresponsible building that could harm the environment but I don't want to see growth stymied by the need to save something that does not include the Human Being. I am a life long Republican and normally look at the pary affliation and then the Candidate. What about Taxes, Big Government, Public Safety, Schools, Illegal Immigration, The Death Penalty, and Same Sex Marriage. Tell what your plan is on them. Convince me that every Dem. has not be hi jacked by Moveon.org, media matters, and Gorge Sorros. Tell me about your views on Iraq and why the democrats want to surrender.

    Comment by Carl Senior  on  08/03/08  at  07:09 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 55. · Carl Senior....who the hell cares what DeGiorgi thinks about Same Sex Marriage, the Death Penalty or any other divisive view? Look at the candidate FIRST and then the party. The problems we have in Charles County transcend party affiliation, and, personally, I want 5 who AREN'T in the pockets of developers, who CARE about preserving the Mattawoman (the Zekiah's in the Rural Legacy program), who DON'T dither and posture, who DON'T waste money on items whose time has come and gone like the CCC, who CARE about repairing schools, who INSIST on a better education system with higher achievement levels, and, MOSTLY, I want to see a modicum of professionalism where residents are able to attend an open forum, air their ideas and views, and county employees don't feel threatened every time they sit down in the lunchroom.

    I want the exact opposite of what we have now--let the sunshine in!!!! grin

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/04/08  at  07:31 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 56. · A lot of the issues Carl Senior listed are not "local" issues. I'm only concerned with an individual's stand on "local" issues when it comes to running for county commissioner.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/04/08  at  07:38 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 57. · Well said Seahorse

    Comment by euler  on  08/04/08  at  07:38 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 58. · I'm with you seahorse!

    This is a LOCAL election and issues such as same sex marraige, the the death penalty have absolutely NOTHING to do with the Charles County Commissioners.

    As you say," look at the candidate first, then the party" and that "the problems we have here transcend party affiliation".

    Give me Commissioners who can "stand alone" and are NOT beholden to developers and those connected with development, i.e. gravel companies, real estate firms, land use and development firms, etc.

    Give me Commissioners who have an "open door" policy for the employees rather than some stupid GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED "blog".

    Give me Commissioners who will put the environment FIRST, including the WATER SUPPLY before allowing more development.

    Give me Commissioners who will get the kids out of the trailers and back into the buildings.

    Give me Commissioners who will STOP SPENDING OUR MONEY on unnecessary and frivolous things such as baseball stadiums, icerinks, SUV's, and new roads, such as the CCC extension - the SOLE PURPOSE of which is to accommodate MORE DEVELOPMENT!

    Finally, give me Commissioners I CAN TRUST!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/04/08  at  07:49 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 59. · Give me Commissioners I CAN TRUST!!

    Official bumper sticker of 2010 grin

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/04/08  at  07:56 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 60. · I'd only point out that many of our State reps have been hand-selected from the County Commissioner ranks... and then sought re-election in their State position...

    Maybe these issues don't affect us on the County level and don't really play into the candidacy on the County level, but their position on those issues are relevant as they could be called to serve on the State level where they'd be making decisions on those issues.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/04/08  at  09:16 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 61. · GOOD POINT QUACK!

    Plus for all we know they might end up at the Congressional level one day - gag me!

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/04/08  at  09:38 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 62. · Until a candidate for County Commissioner can effect a change in Roe v. Wade, I'm not inclined to care either, BUT... Some of these issues mentioned by Carl may tell me something about the character of the individual that I'm electing. For example, in the current presidential election, I'm not completly thrilled with either candidate. Most candidates for office, IMHO, will say a lot of things to get elected. Some will say things that they believe but have no power to accomplish. Some will say things that they simply need to say to get elected. The only thing that matters is whether the candidate will "do the right thing" when a decision needs to be made. We can pick and choose a few current issues, both locally and nationally, to examine but the real question is, "how will the candidate act / react when a situation that we've not even thought of presents itself?" The only way to make an educated guess in that area is to select the candidate whom you believe has the character and integrity necessary to lead. Period. The incumbants have established their character and integrity already. We've seen firsthand how they have conducted themselves. Draw your own conclusions. Candidates are a little harder. Look at what they've done with their life, their career, their families (yes, I think that's important). Couple that with their opinions about current affairs and then apply a bit of common sense and the answer should be obvious.

    Comment by Birdman  on  08/04/08  at  12:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 63. · Thank you Cheryl again well put on what you said.

    No that isn't my wish to go any higher than right here as Charles County Commissioner

    Carl Senior>

    *A lot of issues you put down and you have that right to know what a Candidates views are: I will say this Kurk is a Republican and he and I became friends because of what our views were on the water and on the Envirinment. I looked at Kurk as the "MAN" and not his party affiation.

    *I do agree look at the Candidate not his party affliation!

    *Environment> I feel we need to be much smarter about how we are building. The Commissioner are not doing that they just BUILD BUILD BUILD. It was a mess seeing all the cars heading south on 301 going into LaPlata last Friday. I felt so sorry for the home owers just heading home to Bel-Aton or near there. Now I can drive all over this County and see other roads besides 301 just as bad. I'm for saving the Environment. I board my horses on a farm that WILL never have houses on it over 2000ac. I live in Nanjemoy and on 5ac this morning I had 2 deer standing in my back yard. I wondered what they would say if they could talk! But the land behind me will never have houses build on it. I'm for saving as many trees as we can.

    *Irresposible on building is just that, it has been no responsibly taken for the past 10 years. Just look around you. Commissioners haven't been able to see the BIG picture at all or just don't CARE. They just do not get it, County Commissioners "NOW and PAST". They have just let the Developers take over OUR County.

    *Party Affliation> Yes I am a Democrate and have been from the age of 18. My Mother and Father were both Democrates and so did I. That being said do I agree with all Democrates NO I HAVEN'T now or in the past. Let me ask you this Carl do you feel all Republicans are right or have you made a stand and said no I disagree. Kurk is for the Environment as I am and he and I agree there where we do not agree is he is OK with the Build up. He is a Title Lawyer he lives off of Homes and Houses. So no matter what Affiation we are we are going to diagree on things which surprises me on how all 5 County Commissioers vote YES or all 5 vote no??????? You can't tell me that they all agree on the same things.

    *Illegel Immigration> It makes me sick to see our jobs going to Illegels here or any where in the U.S. I teach Driver's Ed to 15 to 19 year olds and a lot of kids today just don't want to do the hard jobs like Bricklaying and Concrete work which I did for years and as my father and Grand Father did. I worked on a lot od Buildings in D.C. and in Va. in fact I did the Concrete work on the 4 story building on 301 back in 1973. I feel as Commissioner we need to look at it and do something about it here in Charles County. Do the paper work and because a U.S. Citizen LIKE OUR GREAT GREAT GRAND MOTHER'S AND FATHER'S DID.

    *DEATH PENALTY> I was a Police Offficer for 10 yrs 1978 till 1988>E-nuff said!

    *Same Sex Marriage> My WIFE is a WOMAN>Hope so! But what 2 people want to do is fine with me. Just I'm not into men. But if 2 love each other then it isn't my place to stand in between them. We have more important things to worry about than what 2 men or 2 woman are doing. I worked with some over my life time and did they do the job yes. Do they pay taxes yes do they have issues as we do about our County Commissioners YES. My wife and I have been married for 20 yrs. I have met and been froends with woman that have been living for 25 yrs together. Lets worry about other stronger issues and that let the State worry about that at it's leavel.

    *Iraq>I don't think they want to Surrender as you put it I do feel we did our mission in Iraq and it's time to get out. Think about back in the 60's and the war we were in. That was a no win from the start. This one in Iraq is showing the same signs as that. I worked Civ for the NAVY for 27 yrs and I fly my flag very high. My wife is a Dr.(Phd.)and a Supervisor for the Navy at N.R.L. in Washington D.C. and travels all over the world. Do you think I don't worry some about her safety when she travels outside the USA you bet. She works so hard on what is given of her to do(SORRY CAN'T TELL YOU SHE WOULD HAVE TO KILL ME) lol In fact she is on travel now (CAN SOMEONE COOK ME A MEAL HELP).
    Again that is at a much higher level than at the County level.

    *But Carl you asked my views on some issues that you had on your mind and my hat is off to you and anyone else on asking questions. I speak from the heart and not my POCKET. I will say this I'm not in bed with the Builders or the Developers and never will be. I don't meet up with any and to this date NONE HAS GIVEN ME MONEY AT ALL.

    NOW TO EVERYONE> Please be kind in here and nothing wrong in what one wants to ask. I'm sure each of you will have views on issues and you have that right to ask. You may not like my answer and that you will have to decide when you walk in and cast your Vote in 2010. I hear what you guys say and read a lot of what is said in here KURT asked me over a year ago to put my real name on here and I did just that so you could laugh or say YES I AGREE with him.

    One thing is for sure it takes 3 County Commissioners to vote on any issue for it to pass so if you agree with me we need to find 2 more to agree then maybe just maybe we have some hope here in this County in 2010.

    I'm Johnnie De Giorgi and I'm running for Charles County Commissioner in District 2 in 2010.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/04/08  at  12:07 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 64. · Johnnie D.

    First and foremost thank you for your responses. I believe all of the issues I talked about are relevant to the local community. I tend to look at the party affliation first because normally the Republicans beliefs (small government, strong families,lower taxes, strong military) mirror my own. I will say I voted for 2 dems in the last election so I believe I do not follow one party blindly. Again, its about core values and beliefs. My father and mom were dems too. The party of my mom and dad does not exist today. I can also tell you that there is little chance of me voting for any of the sitting commissioners. I wish you all the luck in the world and look forward to hearing more from you.

    Comment by Carl Senior  on  08/04/08  at  12:34 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 65. · Although I've been a registered Republican for over 30 years, I always vote for the person, not the party!

    In the last election I voted for Peter Murphy, a Democrat, but one who shares many of my ideas about development and water, etc.

    HOWEVER, as I've said before, you've got my vote Johnnie!!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/04/08  at  12:47 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 66. · One thing about it this time NEXT YEAR we will be in the start of the run for County Commissioner's and we should by this time know some of who will or will not run. I decided to run on May 3rd of 2007 and some Dems were not happy about it and some were glad I decided to run again.

    Please you and other's bring on more question's. One thing about it if I can handle the questions from you guys here on the Duck then going out into the County will be a joy because you guys do ask the hard questions and it will make me a better Candidate and maybe a GOOD COMMISSIONER smile

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/04/08  at  12:52 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 67. · Johnnie, be sure to check out my request to you here.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/04/08  at  01:28 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 68. · I am new to the Duck pond because I read the story in the independent. I guess if I think the stadium is a great thing for the county, the Capital Clubhouse which was never managed correctly and now will be so it also can be a great place for our kids to go and the dancing place I have never been so no commnet I would be in a minority? I think all the roads being put in including the ccc is necessary for the future. I am not sure this group of commissioners is so bad

    Comment by Davey  on  08/04/08  at  05:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 69. ·
    I would be in a minority?
    Welcome to the Duck pond, Davey.

    Yes, I believe you are in a minority - At least here in the pond. Perhaps if you knew all the facts about the Stadium, the Capital Clubhouse, and the Dance and Gym you would feel different. Then again, perhaps you would feel the same.

    No one is saying those places aren't nice places to attend or have in the county.

    Comment by Sammy  on  08/04/08  at  05:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 70. · Davey I agree. I've watched this county grow and good things are yet to come. The Commissioners need our support to get the job done.

    Comment by patmd  on  08/04/08  at  05:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 71. · I have been here 30 years. So I have seen a lots of change. It seems more for the better now than when St Charles IGC was in control of the county and was building junk

    Comment by Davey  on  08/04/08  at  06:07 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 72. · Davey, IGC is still here, they are called ACPT now. Yes, there was some restructuring that occurred as part of the change, but they are still the developer of St. Charles and St. Charles is still being developed. Exactly what from those years past do you see as having been junk, and what now do you see as being better within the build-out of St. Charles?

    Comment by mbillard  on  08/04/08  at  06:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 73. · I think all the roads being put in including the ccc is necessary for the future. I am not sure this group of commissioners is so bad

    Reckon it all depends on why you think a road, financed TOTALLY by the taxpayers of CC to the tune of $60 million and climbing and deemed NOT necessary by the State of Maryland, should take precedence over the $50 million plus needed for school repairs and renovations.

    Why exactly do you feel the CCC is so important for the future? What type of future will CC be able to offer if the education system is subpar? How many high-paying companies would want to settle their employees in CC given a mediocre school system?

    My term for this group of Commissioners would be ineffective and out-of-touch with their constituents; hence, like Nero, they fiddle while Rome burns.

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/04/08  at  08:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 74. · "Reckon it all depends on why you think a road, financed TOTALLY by the taxpayers of CC to the tune of $60 million and climbing and deemed NOT necessary by the State of Maryland, should take precedence over the $50 million plus needed for school repairs and renovations.

    Why exactly do you feel the CCC is so important for the future? What type of future will CC be able to offer if the education system is subpar? How many high-paying companies would want to settle their employees in CC given a mediocre school system?"

    I don't have an opinion on the road but I do know that if the County spends 60+ million dollars on a road, eventually we will have a road. If the County spends 60+ million dollars on schools, school renovations and better education, we will still need schools, school renovations and better education. There is no bigger waste of taxpayers money than putting it into the deep, deep hole of education because there is nothing on the record anywhere that shows that it has been well spent. The School Administration and the BOE will figure out a way to spend whatever amount they can gleen from the public and still want more without ever being satisfied or demonstrating any achievement with funds already received.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/04/08  at  10:21 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 75. · Well said.
    Just keep an eye on the AP scores being released and compare them to St. Mary's, Calvert, Montgomery, Howard, etc.

    We pay Richmond more than any of those systems, but yet we have sub-paltry results. Year after year, more scamming with "PBIS", and God knows other programs that have no way of having quantifiable results.

    We will continue to be a ghost town relative to high-tech businesses. Teacher turnover is extremely high with at least one school needing several mathematics teachers. With administration turning animals right back into the teacher's classroom (after being sent into ISR).

    It's a scam, and the school board needs to pull up the bootstraps, clean house, and look for a core leadership which will hire qualified (not by the damned highly political MSTA), but be qualified in the eyes of high-tech businesses, have degrees and some real-life experience in the field in which they are teaching.

    CCBOE needs to get out of the stupid mentality that "free lunches" and minorities in higher level classes constitutes success. High scores on AP exams, high scores on SAT and ACT (not 1500), and high percentage admission into four year universities.

    We need some more people to keep an eye on the inner workings of the school system, and report when special education people leave in the middle of the year, etcetera.

    Comment by euler  on  08/04/08  at  10:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 76. · OH yea,
    ask one of the "big wigs" over at radio station road how many of our stellar graduates have to take remedial readings and math classes (and fail multiple times) when then matriculate into CSM.

    :(

    Comment by euler  on  08/04/08  at  10:29 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 77. · Better yet, ask the Big Wigs what they are getting paid on their contract. Ask them how many days off they get throughout the year, ask them what kind of health insurance and retirement they are and will receive, ask them how many schools in the system compared to those Big Wigs in other Counties have under their jurisdiction for a lot less pay and benefits, ask them how they like their taxpayer furnished car and how often it is replaced, ask them how many assistants they each have to shuffle their papers while they are out presenting awards to teachers and high school football stars or playing a round of golf at Swan Point for a really worthwhile cause during the work week and ask them if they go to sleep each night with a big smile on their face that they happened onto an Easy Mark like the Charles County Board of Education and the Charles County Commissioners who will give them anything they want rather than put their foot down.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/05/08  at  10:13 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 78. · Regarding the CCC, I will say again; if the three organizations that spoke the loudest in support of the CCC are the builder's associations, the realtors and the Chamber of Commerce, what do you suppose that says?

    If it walks like a duck, and sounds like a duck, and flies like a duck, and S%*#s like a duck, and feels like a duck, and swims like a duck... You get the point, right?

    Comment by Birdman  on  08/05/08  at  10:24 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 79. · I GET THE POINT!! GREAT COMPARISON!!

    Make sure you send in written comments to the following by 15 August:

    Mr. Steven S. Harman
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
    Attention: CENAB-OP-RMS
    P.O. Box 1715
    Baltimore, Maryland 21203-1715
    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)


    Ms. Judy Cole
    Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Division
    Water Management Administration
    1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 430
    Baltimore, Maryland 21230

    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/05/08  at  10:29 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 80. · Iam said....I don't have an opinion on the road but I do know that if the County spends 60+ million dollars on a road, eventually we will have a road. If the County spends 60+ million dollars on schools, school renovations and better education, we will still need schools, school renovations and better education.

    Mr Chuck Wineland sat in front of the Commissioners about 4 months ago and said he needed $50 million to do repairs and renos on school buildings. I'm a firm believer that tax money be used to support infrastructure. Ignore repairs and you end up spending a bunch more whether it's parking lots, county roads or school buildings. I can't see building a $60 million CCC when so much of CC needs fixin'. If the amount of taxes collected can't support the infrastructure that's already in place, then it's time to sit back and recalculate rather than blow through money for something like the CCC.

    I can agree with a lot of what you and Euler said about the school system though. Thank you, Jimmy Carter for ginning up the Board of Education. It's been a downhill run since that's come into being--too many people with too much ego trying to make a name for themselves by experimenting with some new BS theory of teaching.

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/05/08  at  03:39 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 81. · "Mr Chuck Wineland sat in front of the Commissioners about 4 months ago and said he needed $50 million to do repairs and renos on school buildings."

    How did our schools get to the point that $50,000,000.00 is needed to do repairs and renos? Is anyone watching the ship as it goes through the water? Can't a urinal be replaced out of a maintenance budget when one of our stellar students rip it off of the wall or does Mr. Wineland prefer to wait until 50 of them are off of the wall? If he needs $50,000,000.00 for repairs and renos then maybe he has been at his job too long and we need someone who can keep our schools from getting to the crisis stage that requires $50,000,000.00. As I said before, if the taxpayers ante-up $60,000,000.00 for a CCC, eventually they will have a road but if they ante-up $50,000,000.00 for repairs and renos all they will have is another such request in a New York Minute.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/05/08  at  04:34 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 82. ·
    If the amount of taxes collected can't support the infrastructure that's already in place, then it's time to sit back and recalculate rather than blow through money for something like the CCC.


    Seahorse, there couldn't be anything more true right now than that statement.
    Matter of fact, that's exactly the type of thing that finally motivated me to open my mouth. Why can't we stop, re-evaluate everything and re-prioritize our projects and more importantly our expenditures! I manage a multi-million dollar a year business and you can bet your donkey that we are always looking, analyzing and re-prioritizing. We consider short term and long term. We don't go on trips to Germany or even go on retreats but we still find a way to bond! If we don't have the money to purchase something, we don't buy it-simple. In my business you have to balance income and expenditures but these politicians just don't seem to care. I was born and raised here and love this county but I don't like it's politics. I can remember living on a farm in Mt. Victoria that was really an estate. The owner was a prominent business woman in the county. Each election, she would host a very small and very private function with some of the most influential people in the county and they would decide, as she put it, "who they were going to put in to office". This group was made up of Republicans and Democrats alike. They didn't care about what party, they only cared about their own special interests. I'm sure that it's no different today. We need to start over and get some people in office that don't have any agenda other than doing whats best for this county.

    Comment by FedupScott  on  08/05/08  at  04:52 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 83. · Why spend time trying to make an argument against the CCC? The County is broke and the State is broke. We're only a year and one-half from elections and if the Commissioners were to give the go-ahead for the CCC, I'm sure that even the voters with short-term memory deficiency would remember this expenditure in time to vote against the current Commissioners on this matter alone. But, when Wineland wants $50,000,000.00 for repairs and renos, that is money the Commissioners love to grant to get the vote of every child-bearing parent of a student in public school. Unfortunately, these are the same folks that will revolt against such an expenditure as soon as their kids are out of the public school system and off to college (provided they can pass the exams) because, all of a sudden they are more concerned about the cost of college tuition than they are for paying taxes for repairs and renos to schools their kids don't need anymore. But, as far as the Commissioners are concerned, these are parents with kids still in the system and they want their vote and there is no better way to get it than to give Wineland and the other money-hungry people in the School Administration and the Board or Education anything they want in order to be re-elected in the next election.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/05/08  at  05:07 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 84. ·
    Just back from vacation and congratulations goes out to the Duck for making front page news in the indy.

    I just perused the comments after reading the story and I'm still amazed at the intellectual answer our own Dr. Edith Patterson gave to the indy. "It should dispel rumors that are being put out". Hey Edith, here is an answer I came up with and all I have is a Bachelor of Science, why don't YOU dispel the rumors if you hear them? At least WE meet in public and everything we say is on record.

    One note of caution, as many County employees read this forum, please be careful of what you post here and on the County site. There are many ways to track down postings and they will be able to compare writing skills and punctuation. I would suggest that you post here only because the issue will be vetted fully. Any comments left on the county site will be dealt with internally unless the issue involves something easy like having diet coke or pizza for lunch.

    Comment by Bruce Wesbury  on  08/05/08  at  06:01 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 85. · Iamangttia,
    Some of your comments regarding "money hungry school administration and BOE members looking for re-election" I can't help but take personally. I would like to offer an invitation to meet with me and discuss some of your ideas on how I could better do my job. Email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

    Comment by Jennifer Abell  on  08/05/08  at  07:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 86. · Jennifer, you are doing a good job and are the only member of any BOE in the 35 years that I have followed it (either closely or at a distance) that I admire for your stands on many issues. In fact, it is because of you and your efforts to get the minutes of Board Meetings released in less than 90 days that I found this blog. Don't forget, it was the BOE (before your membership on it) that had to eat a bad contract with the former School Superintendent and then after buying that contract out went into an even more egregeous contract with the current Superentendent and 3 dummy Associate Superintendent positions of which 2 have been eliminated because the people left and it was apparent that these positions were not needed in the 1st place. Then renewal contract time came up and the contracts were even more generous even though other Counties' Superintendents were being paid proportionately less per number of schools in their jurisdiction and no great strides had been made in student achievement. Then there was the recent baloon floated to build a $90,000,000.00 edifice with a planitarium proposed by this genius who the BOE put in office the 2nd time when the County's budget is stretched very thin. Like I alluded to once before, this is not eHarmony and I happen to know someone who got married through that web site and it only lasted 3-months. I don't want to ruin our relationship. I had a boss many years ago who used to rant and rave at weekly meetings with the staff. I was mortified after I attended the 1st meeting. After it was over, a fellow employee came to me and said, 'just say to yourself that he is talking about everyone else but you--it makes the ass-chewing a lot easier to take.'

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/05/08  at  08:34 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 87. · when Wineland wants $50,000,000.00 for repairs and renos, that is money the Commissioners love to grant to get the vote of every child-bearing parent of a student in public school.

    But that's just it. The money wasn't granted, and, seein' as how the Commissioners turned him down (a piddly amount WAS given--nothing worth getting worked up over that's for sure), and I can't see granting the whole $50 mil enchilada, either, but, jeez, building new schools while ignoring the needs of older ones is really horrid fiscal management.

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/05/08  at  08:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 88. · Commissioners and School Administrations love to do the dance. One asks for a lot more money than they expect to get approved and the other approves an amount a lot less than requested. Both sides get what they want and the public pays.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/05/08  at  08:53 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 89. · Iam,

    I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what project we worked on together 4 or 5 years ago. One comes to mind, but I'm not sure it's the one. Give me a clue. If I figure it out, I promise not to name any names.

    Comment by Craig Barrett  on  08/05/08  at  08:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 90. · Does the word 'Airport' ring a bell?

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/05/08  at  10:27 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 91. · My post number 5 referred to Jimmy Carter and the Board of Education. My mistake--that should be the Department of Education, a Cabinet position.

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/06/08  at  09:42 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 92. · Has anyone seen a currently seated commissioner (Cooper, Patterson, Hodge, Collins, or Graves) address or respond openly to a topic here?

    I can't see any of the sitting CC Commissioners post a response or address a question on the Duck. That would be legitimizing the Duck, and there's no way they'd want to do THAT!

    Comment by seahorse  on  08/06/08  at  11:26 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 93. · Nor should they respond to questions posed by individuals who choose to remain anonymous.

    A blog is a rant. A place to vent. If anyone is expecting the commissioners or anyone else to respond to questions that are issued behind the veil of anonymity, you're in the wrong place.

    Comment by burningcoal  on  08/06/08  at  12:30 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 94. · Burning Coal,
    "Nor should they respond to questions posed by individuals who choose to remain anonymous."

    Why?

    Comment by Jennifer Abell  on  08/06/08  at  12:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 95. · I think what is lacking with the county government is transparency. That appears to be in the majority of posts about the commissioners. We're wasting our time if we expect them to repond to a question from a screen name.

    I do think it is outrageous when they ignore letters, emails and phone calls from citizens and they do.

    Comment by burningcoal  on  08/06/08  at  12:41 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 96. ·
    Nor should they respond to questions posed by individuals who choose to remain anonymous.
    They've also failed to respond to questions posed by those who have not asked anonymously.

    Many of those on this site have sent e-mails, letters and made telephone calls to the Commissioners; most of which have gone unanswered. They have no excuse there.

    I don't think that anyone here seriously expected the Commissioners to come on this site and spill it all. They've never done it in public -- face to face -- when there is no blanket of anonymity. I wouldn't expect them to start now, face to face or otherwise.

    But, I will go back to my previous statement... I fail to see the difference of "burningcoal" asking them a valid question versus Ms. Cheryl Thomas asking them a valid question (or any other two 'anonymous' v. 'real' person). The identity of the person, known or unknown, doesn't change the validity of what is being said.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/06/08  at  12:42 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 97. · At my place of employment, there is an electronic "suggestion / comment box" where employees are free to ask the top guy at our international company any question they care to ask. It is always recommended that the author give their name but it is not required. I am proud to say that most folks do give their name as we have a very professional atmosphere where employee concerns are treated with a great deal of respect. Those concerns with no name, however, are treated the same and direct answers are given. If I identify myself to the commissioners as a constituent, but wish to remain anonymous, I have as much right to an answer from them as anyone else. We vote anonymously, do we not?

    Comment by Birdman  on  08/06/08  at  12:46 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 98. ·
    We're wasting our time if we expect them to repond to a question from a screen name.
    But, isn't that exactly what they're doing with their new site? They're allowing County employees to "anonymously" (with the ability to be tracked if necessary) submit questions, or rumors for the Commissioners to reply to.

    If they can do it in the "inside County government only" website; why not for everyone in the County to see.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/06/08  at  12:46 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 99. · "Nor should they respond to questions posed by individuals who choose to remain anonymous."

    I guess that would also apply to the new Water Cooler blog for employees only. According to you, the Commissioners shouldn't reply to their own employees because they also will be annonymous.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/06/08  at  12:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 100. · Don't feel as they are chosing and picking who to respond to and who not to respond to. I have personally, in my capacity with the March of Dimes and in my capacity on the Board of Education sent emails and left phone messages with commissioner(s)(I will not name specifics) and did not receive an acknowledgement much less an answer.

    Comment by Jennifer Abell  on  08/06/08  at  12:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 101. · I think it does. We have all seen the line of nutty posts here ranging from borderline racism to multiple identities.

    If those statements or questions could be attributed, then we could truly judge them.

    I admire Cheryl and Jennifer for being out of the closet. Obviously not all of us including me do not have the guts (yet) to do that.

    The Duck has received an amazing amount of publicity from the mainstream local media. Good or bad, that is an incredible achievement.

    Comment by burningcoal  on  08/06/08  at  12:49 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 102. · Posts should be evaluated on their content and not on the writer. Any intelligent fool learns this in Logic 101. Are we to believe that you will discredit a valid thought because you don't know who submitted it? Did you ever hear of Suggestion Boxes in many companies? They don't care who makes the suggestion that just might save or make their company a million dollars.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/06/08  at  12:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 103. ·
    I think it does. We have all seen the line of nutty posts here ranging from borderline racism to multiple identities.
    Have you ever been to one of the County's public hearings? The "nutty" rants of some of those "testifying" is no different than when a few of our posts run down those roads. We've taken a few great strides to cut those rants off, and get back on track (as well as preventing multiple identities)... but they still happen.

    Those incidents, whether on here, or at in a public forum, don't diminish the validity of other questions and ideas presented. Those need to be addressed.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/06/08  at  12:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 104. · "The identity of the person, known or unknown, doesn't change the validity of what is being said."

    This is true and those who choose to post/write anonymously have their reasons - some professional and some personal and I respect that.

    Before I started using my real name I posted anonymously because at the time I was a member of the Water Resources Advisory Committee, but when that was nearing the end, I figured - Oh, what the hell, I've got nothing to lose!

    It wasn't MY career on the line, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, the Commissioners would take notice when they saw my name, especially Patterson. I've emailed and snail mailed her numerous times since she's been Commissioner and NOT ONCE have I received an acknowledgement from her, let alone an ANSWER!

    All I can say, is that I have no doubts that some of them check out this site now and then and it's to their advantage that they do - as this is the true voice of the people!

    Comment by cheryl  on  08/06/08  at  01:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 105. · I use my real name for better or for worse because I want to. I can say I have made a few friends and a few enemies along the way. Do I receive heat for what I say from those currently elected, yes in deedy. Do I care, not really. I'm not looking to be a career politician, but I am interested in getting the facts and truth to the general public. Good or bad.

    Comment by Jennifer Abell  on  08/06/08  at  03:06 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 106. · Jennifer, I'm ready to re-assess my opinion of the BOE. Anytime you wish to post some of the positive work that is going on, I'm sure that many of us would like to know about it. Please keep in mind that reputations are hard to break and that in my opinion, the BOE has been an extremely dictatorial body over the years without really taking into consideration public views. It was like if the BOE decided on something, the Devil be damned. This created a lot of antagonism toward the BOE and I'm affraid that many of us will find it hard to have a more favorable opinion overnight.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/06/08  at  03:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 107. · Jennifer,
    I apprciate a school board member talking online. What has happend to the $100 million dollar high school. It that off the books . The new Calvert county high school for $50 million plans looked prety good. I think we have our show piece with North point. What are your comments?

    Comment by Davey  on  08/06/08  at  03:46 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 108. · Davey, there is actually a designated thread on the Discussion Forums to submit questions to Jennifer.

    Comment by The Quack  on  08/06/08  at  03:52 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 109. · Thank you Quack

    Comment by Davey  on  08/06/08  at  04:13 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 110. · I decided to begin posting under my real name after Patterson called us all anonymous cowards in the newspaper article. Not that I think she has much of a valid point, but I love taking a perceived weapon of of someone's hands. I'm no longer an "anonymous coward," but I suspect she doesn't give my comments any more credence than she did before.

    Comment by mbillard  on  08/06/08  at  06:35 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 111. · "I use my real name for better or for worse because I want to. I can say I have made a few friends and a few enemies along the way. Do I receive heat for what I say from those currently elected, yes in deedy. Do I care, not really. I'm not looking to be a career politician, but I am interested in getting the facts and truth to the general public. Good or bad."

    With all due respect, I must disagree with what you say regarding your freedom and willingness to comment on certain matters because you are not looking for a career in politics. You have had ample opportunity to defend or object to many comments regarding the school administration and the BOE. I have not heard your arguments for or against them. I can't help but feel that since you 'outed yourself' that there is a degree of caution in your posts. Now, that's fine--it's your choice as to how far you want to go out on a limb and let your true feelings be known. I understand that you have to rub shoulders with many who might be the subject of your comments even though they would certainly not be named by you. There has been no opinion expressed by you regarding how you feel the current contracts with the top Superintendents are in line with contracts of other top Superintendents in other counties or if you would like to see the same contracts renewed. I haven't heard you express any opinion as to whether you feel the current Supervision of the school system is fantastic, medeocre or poor. I haven't heard much of anything of 'meat' from you on your opinion of how things can be improved scholastically or how the school budget can be reduced or it's acceleration slowed. I honestly believe that if you would not have identified yourself that you would now be in a much better position to honestly comment on the state of education in Charles County and it would not matter to most of us if we knew the source or not--as long as the facts justifying your opinion were in place. As it is now--and I perfectly understand; I'm annoymous also, we are being denied the most expert source of opinions on this blog on hard issues regarding your stand.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  08/06/08  at  08:18 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 112. · the Govt only wants to know who you are if there is some punishment or leverage they can use to shut you up.

    If they cant- then they just ignore- ehh, Cheryl?

    I use my name and I heard one Commissioner used Contacts and tried to find out who I was, after a letter to the editor and I am sure after reports of what I write here.

    I wrote a letter to the editor critisizing the County for an issue and instead of helping the cause, I probably hurt it more because the Commissioners then punished a volunteer group working on the cause- because of my letter (those unforseen consequences- who would know of that vindictiveness, hurt innocents because of someones OPINION?)

    So Cheryl was wise to wait until she was "just" a citizen again and there was no one they could punish.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/06/08  at  08:22 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 113. · Iamangttia,
    I have stated my opinions and stances on many issues on this site as well as my own. I started posting on both during the spring/summer of 2006. I am currently on vacation and won't go into a lot of detail and repeat myself. Please feel free to visit my site http://abell4edu.blogspot.com or you cna ask me specific questions over at the forum.
    I will answer one question. I personally would like to see the Superintendent's position available for open application. Meaning...I have the utmost respect for Mr. Richmond and what he has done, however, there comes a time when change is good also. If Mr. Richmond would like to apply again, along with other applicants, great! ut we will never know what else is out there if we don't try. Could we get someone who isn't as good, definitely. But I'm willing to at least look outside of the box and see whats there.

    Comment by Jennifer Abell  on  08/06/08  at  08:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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