Auto-login on future visits

Forgot your password?

Register

-ADVERTISMENT-
Slideshow image
-ADVERTISMENT-
Anyone interested in ad space, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Search Delusional Duck Recent Comments
You must be a registered member and logged-in to post comments.

On 05/22/12 at 10:43 PM:
Hydrilla added comments to the thread: Charles County Planning Commission Meeting Video
On 05/22/12 at 09:40 PM:
QuercusP added comments to the thread: Charles County Planning Commission Meeting Video
On 05/22/12 at 05:43 PM:
seahorse added comments to the thread: Charles County Planning Commission Meeting Video
On 05/22/12 at 04:21 PM:
xcitor added comments to the thread: U.S. Chamber of Commerce to spend big on 2012 election
On 05/22/12 at 03:30 PM:
seahorse added comments to the thread: Charles County Planning Commission Meeting Video
On 05/22/12 at 03:00 PM:
cheryl added comments to the thread: Charles County Planning Commission Meeting Video
On 05/22/12 at 02:11 PM:
seahorse added comments to the thread: Charles County Planning Commission Meeting Video
On 05/22/12 at 09:01 AM:
xcitor added comments to the thread: Appeals court rejects ballot access petitions for Libertarians, Greens
On 05/22/12 at 06:17 AM:
cheryl added comments to the thread: STAFF REPORTS - PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: MAY 21, 2012
On 05/21/12 at 10:06 PM:
Iamangttia added comments to the thread: Open Thread - May 21, 2012
On 05/21/12 at 06:04 PM:
MarylandRes added comments to the thread: Tax abuse
On 05/21/12 at 06:01 PM:
MarylandRes added comments to the thread: Tax abuse
On 05/21/12 at 11:26 AM:
Hydrilla added comments to the thread: Hoyer Statement on FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act
On 05/21/12 at 11:21 AM:
Barbara added comments to the thread: Commissioner Approval Items
On 05/21/12 at 11:19 AM:
cheryl added comments to the thread: Open Thread - May 21, 2012
On 05/21/12 at 11:17 AM:
Barbara added comments to the thread: Commissioner Approval Items
On 05/21/12 at 11:12 AM:
Diane Edge, (AKA gizmo123) added comments to the thread: Maryland sees biggest job loss in nation in April
On 05/21/12 at 11:12 AM:
Barbara added comments to the thread: St. Charles Kicks Off Summer Concert Series
On 05/21/12 at 11:09 AM:
Barbara added comments to the thread: Open Thread - May 21, 2012
On 05/21/12 at 08:21 AM:
franklin added comments to the thread: Maryland sees biggest job loss in nation in April
Recent Forum Posts
All registered members can start new threads and/or reply to existing ones on the Discussion Forums.
  • 12/21/2012
    last comment by: Viper
    01/26/2012 at 05:06 pm
Other Local Blogs
Ready, Willing and Abell

St. Charles Forums (ACPT)

Charles County Links Other Links Cable News Networks Local Media Newspapers Archives Blog Stats
Registered members: 637
Number of posts: 40133
Number of Comments: 46635
Last: 05/22/2012 10:43 pm
Guests online: 36


Members logged on:
Delusional Duck Feeds Credits
Powered by ExpressionEngine from EllisLab, Inc.
Hosting by EngineHosting

image

5042713

Add your comments


This page has been viewed 644 times

ROBINSON CALLS FOR COMMISSIONERS TO GIVE UP VEHICLES

The Baynet,

Charles County Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st) proposed a motion to no longer allow commissioners to take home vehicles.  The motion, which was defeated in a 3-2 vote, was proposed because Robinson felt it could be considered as an unauthorized pay raise.


Posted by: Pauleen Brewer on 01/31/12 at 03:18 PM
    Page 1 of 1 pages
  • 1. ·
    Robinson felt it could be considered as an unauthorized pay raise.


    Which, in my opinion, it is! Gasoline, maintenance (oil changes etc.), plus possible reductions to personal auto insurance rates, what else is it?

    I know this may be "policy" but this "policy" should be changed. They can always file mileage reimbursement or deduct the cost of using their own POV's for government business, on their income taxes.

    Why not sell the SUV's and replace them with fuel efficient vehicles?

    These are difficult economic times and I wouldn't think that those 3 who voted in favor of using these vehicles would want to be looked upon as not caring about the citizens.

    They should set a good example and refuse to use the SUV's as Commissioner Kelly and Commissioner Robinson have done.

    Do St. Mary's and Calvert Counties have this same "policy"? If not, why does Charles??

    Comment by cheryl  on  01/31/12  at  04:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 2. · If the value of even a portion of the usage of the vehicle is counted as income for tax purposes, it is an augmentation of their salary, plain and simple. We have a similar thing at work where people with reserved parking spaces have the value of the spaces included in their taxable income for the year.

    Comment by mbillard  on  01/31/12  at  06:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 3. · If I'm not mistaken, all but Commission President are considered part-time positions. Since when does a part-timer rate a take home vehicle?? Vote them OUT!!

    Comment by MarylandRes  on  01/31/12  at  07:42 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 4. · This was a shameful vote of self-interest. Remember a couple of years ago when two (good) county employees were charged with ethics violations for participating in a meeting that considered something that would have benefitted them as veterans?

    Who were they representing when they voted to keep these things? Does anyone know any citizen in the county who is in favor of these SUVs?

    Every county employee who had to endure furloughs and other budget cutbacks should be outraged at this. Remember, these things were voted in originally at the same time that the furloughs were voted in. Does anyone else hear "Let em eat cake" ? I am hoping some retired county employees will consider running for office!

    Comment by Airwolf  on  02/02/12  at  02:06 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 5. ·
    Does anyone else hear "Let em eat cake" ?


    I certainly do! Reminds me of the Cooper/Patterson administration!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/02/12  at  02:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 6. · The fact of the matter is that Commissioners Collins and Davis are using a taxpayer-provided vehicle, they don't have to pay for the gas or insurance, and it saves wear and tear to their own personal vehicles. It also allows for an insurance premium reduction for their own personal vehicles because they're not using them as often because of the government-provided vehicle.

    I would like to say to Commissioners Davis and Collins that while your constituents struggle to make ends meet during these difficult economic times, both of you are reaping the benefits of having a taxpayer-funded vehicle at your disposal.

    I would like to thank Commissioner Ken Robinson for mentioning that the use of a government vehicle equates to a salary increase. It allows the taxpayers to see for themselves the arrogant and dismissive attitude exhibited by Commissioners Collins and Davis.

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/02/12  at  02:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 7. · I would like to thank Commissioner Ken Robinson for mentioning that the use of a government vehicle equates to a salary increase.

    And a pretty hefty one at that. Even if the commissioners voted to give themselves a raise, it probably wouldn't be as good as what they're getting with the freebie SUV.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/02/12  at  03:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 8. · Federal taxes were withheld from those who have county vehicles as indicated by the County Administrator before the vote took place. That clearly indicates that income is derived from having these vehicles and it is a pay hike. End of story.

    Comment by Julia Charles  on  02/02/12  at  03:49 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 9. · #8 - This appears to be PROOF that this is "income" (i.e. a SALARY INCREASE) and not a "fringe benefit".....

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/02/12  at  03:57 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 10. · The entire process looks to me like a cheap shot at their fellow commissioners; a issue like this did not need to be worked out in public.

    If the commissioners really cared about saving the tax payers money there are plenty of real cost cuttung measures; how about selling the railroad car, not building the windmill at the bridge and continuing to hire in certain County positions while people stand around idle in other positions.

    Comment by James  on  02/02/12  at  09:08 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 11. · Taxpayer monies spent on things that benefit the many are monies better spent than the taxpayer monies spent on things benefiting only two...

    Working this out in public let's us see who are the commissioners for the people vs. who are the commissioners for themselves.

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

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/02/12  at  09:18 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 12. · James- the new railroad car is free. I asked about buying the Trolley though smile

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

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/02/12  at  09:44 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 13. · Hello friends here on Face>>>.Oh forgot I am here on the DUCK not Facebook....As most of you know I ran for District 2 and Davis beat me out and won the election...One main issue I had as I Campaigned was about the issuing of the County SUV's and I had heard that Patterson if she lost was going to give her SUV to Davis...

    I will again run for Commissioner for the District 2 seat that she holds and will make this again a main issue...My take is I bet sometime next yr she will give it up so I can not use it during my Campaign this summer and all of next year leading up to the Maryland primary...

    I read all of the post above that were made...You all agree that it was a sad day that the vote yesterday came out as it did...

    A guy named Pete on facebook beat me up some because if agrees with Bobby...But then today he wonders why Collins and Davis have not made posts on facebook to explain why they feel they should be having take home SUV's...I can't think of ONE reason for why they should have them....

    4 commissioners are PART-TIME SEATS....Now how much time one puts into it is up to them...Ken makes it as if it is a full time job and I would as well because I am retired and have a ton of time on my hands....If you go to Ken's facebook page you can see ALL the posts that were made and they were up set that ken did not get the votes he needed....

    I heard Bobby say why he voted the way he did and believe me it made me SICK hearing what he said....I walked away because I was afraid I might say something that>>>>> well you know what I mean.....

    Cheryl said it the best>>>>

    Which, in my opinion, it is! Gasoline, maintenance (oil changes etc.), plus possible reductions to personal auto insurance rates, what else is it?

    I know this may be "policy" but this "policy" should be changed. They can always file mileage reimbursement or deduct the cost of using their own POV's for government business, on their income taxes.


    Now some will agree with me and some will not...But Davis is another Patterson in my books they are both the same...Davis take the SUV and drives around the COUNTY HIGH ON THE HOG and we are paying for it and she and Collins sit back an laugh...

    If you would like to help me in my quest to seek the District 2 seat from Davis then I could use the HELP.....You can e-mail me or call my home phone anytime....

    Thank you smile
    2014 Candidate for Charles County Commissioner District 2 Seat

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/02/12  at  10:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 14. ·
    The entire process looks to me like a cheap shot at their fellow commissioners; a issue like this did not need to be worked out in public.


    I think working it out in public is the only right way to do it. The alternative, working it out in private, would be a violation of the law. The board is not allowed to privately meet and work out their differences on such issues before having a public meeting where they can all look like their on the same page. Although that may be how things were done in the past, it's illegal.

    Comment by mbillard  on  02/02/12  at  10:41 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 15. · #12 What am I missing, Was there not $ 80,000 set aside to move the free caboose and site it or some number like that. This free thing could baloon up to over 200 k easly if they want to use it for rest rooms or another ADA code compliant use. Free normally cost more.

    At least with the SUVs we know the down side, with the caboose how much cost to serve what % of our residents. There has got to be a better use for both the SUV and caboose money.

    Comment by franklin  on  02/02/12  at  11:27 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 16. ·
    The entire process looks to me like a cheap shot at their fellow commissioners; a issue like this did not need to be worked out in public.


    I want them to always work it out in public. It may be uncomfortable for someone, but, so what? It's that heat-kitchen thing. As for it being a cheap shot, it was not. It was fulfilling a campaign promise to all of us who were outraged at the SUV's in the first place. As for comparing it to other waste, so what? They shoud cut other waste as well. But the SUVs are much, much more than just waste. Symbols are important. If the county was swimming in money, I would absolutely have no problem with SUVs or raises. But we are not, and we have squeezed many budget items at the same time we purchased them their SUVs and are paying for their gas. There are many (better) candidates out there who would do their jobs without SUVs. Really, Charles County is still a rural county, and thats the way most of us want it. We want only the basics in government services, only the minimum in government restrictions and interference, and the bate minimum necessary in taxes. If they want county=provided SUVs, then let them run for office in Montgomery, PG, or DC.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  02/03/12  at  07:00 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 17. · Many, Many thanks to Ken and Candice for having the guts to bring up and pursue this issue on our behalf. I believe they consistently represent the public will better than any elected officials in our recent history. I am saddened by Bobby Rucci's vote, and I would love to hear what he was thinking. I don't mean to sound "curt". I see that his "common sense recipe" for good government works about half the time. To me, he is a very likeable guy, and I keep hoping that the recipe gets better with time. This time, it was pretty bad.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  02/03/12  at  07:09 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 18. · #16 & #17 - AGREED!!!!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/03/12  at  09:02 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 19. · #10 a issue like this did not need to be worked out in public.

    Damn right it did. Most of these commissioners ran on a transparency platform, and, like it or not, you can't accuse them of not being transparent. As far as I'm concerned, the only commissioner who should get a "free" county take-home vehicle is the Commissioner President due to that being a full time job (plus some), and she chooses to not go that route.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/03/12  at  09:30 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 20. · #10 - you aren't suggesting that we revert back to the Cooper/Patterson "back room deals" days are you????

    surprised

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/03/12  at  09:37 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 21. · #20 ACK!!! Anything but that!!! zipper

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/03/12  at  09:41 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 22. · That's what I say!!! It would mean more "rape and pillage" of the county!!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/03/12  at  09:50 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 23. · The below is what I posted on Facebook: Bobby advised a lot of us to e-mail him and if he rec'd a lot of e-mails on this issue of the SUV's then he would re-adress it to the board...I just hope he will do the right thing for the people of Charles County>>>

    Good Morning Facebook world....The other day 5 county commissioner had a meeting to go over a lot of issues....One of them was the use of take-home SUV's by 2 of the 5 county commissioners:

    1. Debra M. Davis, Esq. who is District 2 commissioner
    2. Reuben B. Collins, II Vice President of the commissioners


    Bobby Rucci, who is District 4 commissioner was the 3rd vote to continue with Davis and Collins using the SUV'S at TAX PAYERS EXPENSE.....

    So here is what I am asking of my friends here on facebook that are living here in Charles County....Please send an e-mail to Commissioner Bobby Rucci telling him that you are not happy with how he voted and that he should with draw his vote and re-address the SUV issue and to have another vote to PUT A STOP TO COMMISSIONERS USING TAKE HOME SUV'S.....His e-mail address is......

    brucci@charlescounty.org

    You can also if you feel it would help send an e-mail to Collins and Davis.....By the way both are PART-TIME COUNTY COMMISSIONER so ask yourself what job do you know of that gives you a take home SUV as a part-time employee.......

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


    I Thank you for your help in this matter smile please pass on this above info to friends you have living here in Charles County that may not be on my list of friends......

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/03/12  at  11:33 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 24. · Airwolf>>>#16<<<<< Very well PUT....I liked what you wrote as well as your LAST LINE....I would change a couple words>>>!!!

    If they want county=provided SUVs,then let them MOVE AND THEN run for office in Montgomery, PG, or DC.


    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/03/12  at  11:42 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 25. · Johnnie DeGiorgi
    2014 Candidate for Charles County Commissioner (Dist. 2)
    http://www.votedegiorgi.com (check for New updates)
    http://www.facebook.com/VoteDeGiorgi
    http://www.facebook.com/JohnnieDeGiorgi


    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/03/12  at  11:45 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 26. · Johnnie- you are really starting to go....

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

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/03/12  at  12:38 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 27. · Hello Barbara>>>If your asking if I'm starting to run for Commissioner>>The answer is yes or I am passing the word around as I am out and about the county....Some like that I am seeking the District 2 seat and others say it's a bit early...But when I run into people that I've never met before or if they have just moved here into the county I let them know...I look at it this way I can only do my best or lets say give it my best and hope this time the turn out will be better for me in 2014....I am retired and I have a lot of TIME on my hands so I am able to get out and about anytime of the day or night....I will say this>>I will need more help than in the the past...I hope to get alot more people to help me to get my name out and back me as much as they can....any help will be nice to get....I hope I have answered your question and you have not fallen to the floor LAUGH and rolling all over the floor....If you haven't my 2 German Shepherds have......Picture that in your mind....Right now I am more on Facebook than I am on here...My facebook page is Johnnie DeGiorgi If you do not have me as a friend on Facebook I hope you'll send me a request and hope everyone here on the DUCK will as well...
    Think Snow,
    Johnnie

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/03/12  at  09:21 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 28. · This was posted on Facebook>>>>


    Janice Wilson wrote the below on FACEBOOK:


    I can't understand why Commissioners Collins and Davis seem to get slammed in every post on Ken Robinson's page. Ken Robinson is not bashing them but his followers seem free to post negative comments routinely about the two of them. Let's support all of our Commissioners for all that they do for the citizens of Charles County. I realize that everyone has the right to his/her opinion but seems to me that Collins and Davis seem to get bashed quite a bit. They get bashed because they were not present here or there.....or they get bashed on how they voted on a particular issue.....the list goes on and on. Come on people.....Let's build up and encourage our Commissioners....NOT tear them down. They have challenging jobs to do. I support ALL of the Charles County Commissioners and thank them for all that they do for our great County!

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/03/12  at  11:59 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 29. ·
    or they get bashed on how they voted on a particular issue.....

    I support ALL of the Charles County Commissioners and thank them for all that they do for our great County!
    By that logic, it would be ok for any of the commissioners to vote to go to war with the rest of Southern Maryland and no one should say a word and support their decision, no matter.
    I realize that everyone has the right to his/her opinion but seems to me that Collins and Davis seem to get bashed quite a bit.
    Perhaps that fact should be examined more closely to determine the reasons behind it, rather than just making a surface observation...

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

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/04/12  at  09:37 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 30. · Ken Robinson is not bashing them but his followers seem free to post negative comments routinely about the two of them.

    Well, isn't that what FB is all about? "Friends" can say anything they want "in support of" or "against" anyone? No surprises here.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/04/12  at  09:48 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 31. · Oh if you liked that one above I'm sure you'll have a BALL with theses posts she made about me and Vinny....I have not replied back to it yet....I am taking my time to think it over and darft it up 1st then read it a couple times get my WIFES IN-PUT as well since the psot is saying it's from Collins's wife but yet it has his name to it and not her's....Hmmmmmmm Maybe it is from him....One could guess that....

    See below all from my facebook page; Thing is who ever runs to try and get Collins job can hold onto this and use this later in 2014...Just a thought

    Reuben Collins ‎@Degiorgi do you really have a problem with the SUV's or just a Hater because U will never be commissioner....Love First Lady Reuben Collins

    Vincent Ippolito Reuben I support you. However your above statement was not becoming of a commissioner...

    Reuben Collins ‎@Vincent because its coming from me, his wife so deal with me directly. My husband is busy dealing with "real" issues. not only am I his wife I'm his biggest supporter. Call me. I did say First Lady. So feel free to edit your post. Thanks.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/04/12  at  05:50 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 32. ·
    First Lady Reuben Collins
    First Lady? As in Charles County's Royalty? Is that self-aggrandizement?

    From thefreedictionary.com self-aggrandizement - noun, the act of increasing one's own power, importance, etc., esp in an aggressive or ruthless manner
    self-aggrandizing adj

    You decide...

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

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/04/12  at  09:07 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 33. · First Lady?

    Maybe she doesn't like being called a wife.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/04/12  at  09:40 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 34. ·
    First Lady Reuben Collins


    this is kinda creepy to me... as if they are some kind of royalty !!

    for goshs sake, he is only a vice president... of a county commission, solo holdover from the old regime. They must really be enjoying that SUV ! (*the Wayne Cooper edition)

    *research the "bells n whistles" this thing has.. grill lights, special comms pkg etc.. ready to roll into the bat cave.. (yes, it exists)

    they have left reality and are in Waynes World !

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/04/12  at  09:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 35. · Yeah. First Gentleman would be Ed Kelly.

    I don't see anyone qualifying for the title of First Lady.

    Ich bin ein Blind Squirrel

    Comment by Wayne  on  02/04/12  at  10:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 36. ·
    Was there not $ 80,000 set aside to move the free caboose and site it or some number like that. This free thing could baloon up to over 200 k easly if they want to use it for rest rooms or another ADA code compliant use. Free normally cost more.


    Ah, brother franklin, don't you know when YOU create a rail trail, you gotta provide a place to pee, and whats wrong with making it a cool place to pee ! I don't get your support for the SUVs.. or maybe .. its support of the ONLY two that use them. There is lots of waste, and spending that could be cut for sure, I agree with you on that!

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/04/12  at  10:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 37. · # 15 There has got to be a better use for both the SUV and caboose money


    Creek where in my post did I say I support private cars for the commissioners. At present I support and trust all the commissioners except one.

    Comment by franklin  on  02/04/12  at  10:56 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 38. · Dude, when it comes to ADA, you can't ask what % of the population it serves. It needs to serve the people with disabilities. End of discussion.

    Ich bin ein Blind Squirrel

    Comment by Wayne  on  02/04/12  at  11:02 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 39. · First lady? Please tell me she's a stand up comic and that is a bit. Please.

    Comment by Lee Platt  on  02/04/12  at  11:09 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 40. · At least with the SUVs we know the down side

    Franklin -- I took this as acceptance. imho. I duly apologize if you do not support that boondoggle, that ONLY two Commissioners claim to deserve. (tho ruchi also supported their "right" to this .. "fringe" benefit) - (still trying to figure that one out)

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/04/12  at  11:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 41. · Creek--It is simply we know the cost of the SUVs, the caboose cost is still open ended.

    Wayne-- What percent of our residents use the trail is the question. ADA mentioned because it will cost $$$$ to have something 4' above grade that is configured like a caboose made accessible.

    Comment by franklin  on  02/05/12  at  12:57 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 42. · #41 -- Yes, but the caboose is also for public use, while the SUV's are for private, individual convenience. You mentioned earlier there is no way to project what percent of the residents the caboose will serve, which is true. Fortunately, it's easy to determine what percent of the residents the take home SUVs serve: zero. That alone makes the comparison untenable. In essence the argument would be, "You want to spend $80,000 of the taxpayers' money to provide the taxpayers a nice facility and you're going to complain about me spending $6700 of the taxpayers' money on myself?" No comparison.

    Comment by mbillard  on  02/05/12  at  08:26 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 43. · #42 - WELL SAID!!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/05/12  at  09:11 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 44. · #34 - yes it is creepy and disturbing at the same time.

    What's she so MAD about??

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/05/12  at  09:16 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 45. · #41 What percent of our residents use the trail is the question.

    More importantly, what percent of visitors use the trail? You may not be aware that the Mattawoman is a really big draw. It's known at one of the most pristine streams in the DC/Baltimore area with an abundance of wildlife and excellent fishing (there's a reason there are so many bass tournaments here). The rail/trail that parallels the Mattawoman and/or it's feeder streams (Old Woman Run, a Tier II waterway) along with the Mattawoman itself is a real boon for outdoor types.

    I have no idea how to count the number of tourists vs residents who use the rail/trail or the boat launch in IH, but I do know it might be a pretty fair number*, and, if they leave $$ in Charles County after they've enjoyed their outing, that's what eco-tourism is all about.

    *Definitely not scientific but I've met folks from Austria and Germany, North Carolina, DC, Baltimore and Brandywine along with CC residents. It was really sweet to hear how the Mattawoman is so well-regarded.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/05/12  at  09:54 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 46. · #31 Vincent Ippolito Reuben I support you. However your above statement was not becoming of a commissioner...

    Is it just me who's finding this back and forth a real hoot? Here you have the little munchkin, Vinnie, who couldn't help but rip down a campaign sign of his opponent at the star-spangled Truman/Kennedy dinner and dump it in a trash can calling out something about "not becoming of a commissioner." SNORT!

    Gotta' love it LOL

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/05/12  at  10:14 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 47. · #41 I do not support the use of public vehicles for private use. I also believe the intent of the SUVs was for official business use while serving the public, not a private convenience. Numbers should be run, if it cost the tax payer less to use goverment supplied vehicles than paying 51 cents per mile plus administrative cost than all commissioners should use county vehicles only, if not none should be used.

    I am for limited goverment and limited goverment spending. This SUV issue is a cost decisive issue period and should not get personal.

    Comment by franklin  on  02/05/12  at  10:42 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 48. · The WHite Plains end of the Indian Head Trail is amazing once you get to it- misting column- restrooms, seating...You know you are there.

    On the Indian Head side (and we are promoting eco tourism on the Western County) there is no clear indication of the Trail- even though it is the beginning.

    Visitors need to park at the Green (which when I went was not indicated- nor where to go except the sign on 210) get out their bikes- find the trail down the side road- and there you go.

    With a Caboose on the green- there is a definite beginning- a map could be placed to show all the trail and the way to Mattingly park.

    Nothing can be done to it except as a landmark. Costs none.

    They may open to bids from vendors- again no costs.

    They may open it for kids and others to enter- that would need to make it ADA compliant- that may cost as well as some other display.

    So it depends on how it can be used.

    In any event the trail gets thousands of visitors- I forget the number, but a quick email to Tom Roland can inform you. I remember last year when I talked to him, I was amazed. They also have figures of where the trail users start and end- that's one reason they are able to justify additions on other roads for parking, benches, water stations. Maybe eventually rumble strips or some other indicator can be placed on the side roads of the crossings.

    If we start promoting tourism after some amenities are added- think of the number of people who would see it. It could have a vendor or a County run station with refreshments and sale of souvenirs- big business there folks.

    Again- if the Trolley is for sale- Im open to hearing the cost... smile

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

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/05/12  at  01:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 49. · Anyone know what's going in where the trees are all being cut down on the upper end of Rosewick Rd>?

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/05/12  at  05:20 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 50. · #47 I don't think it was personal initially, but Collins took it as such. The question as to whether the SUV usage amounts to a salary "enhancement" is a valid one that should be pursued. That a value is calculated for personal use, and then that value taxed, seems to leave little doubt it is. Where I work if you opt for a reserved parking space the value of the space is considered income and you are taxed for it. No one in my organization would consider arguing that the taxable value of the space is not considered income in the way Collins did.

    Comment by mbillard  on  02/05/12  at  06:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 51. · mbillard>>>I agree 100% with you...A blind person could see that it is a salary "enhancement"...Saves them on using there own vehicle most of the time...and I could add a whole lot more to the list but if you have a vehicle which most of us do you know what the up keep cost is...But here is one of my issues I have with it>>>for 27 yrs I worked for the Navy and drove from home to N.R.L. and in 1990 moved into my house here in Nanjemoy...From my house to N.R.L. it is 45 miles one way...So Davis lives on this side of Charles County some where near Indian Head...so using mapquest and going from I.H. to LaPlata is 14 miles + or - X 2(GOT TO COME BACK HOME)lol...so that is 28 miles + or - to and from...Since when will a job you apply for pay for your gas to come to work>? And if any commissioner that thinks they should get paid to drive from home to the County Bldg to report to your desk/job then that person needs to give up that seat....From my house in Nanjemoy and it is 22 miles to the county bldg. and if I were Commissioner today I would not think that the County would be paying me to come into work...I am the one that decided to run for OFFICE. The Navy sure didn't pay me to come into work, my pay would start when I clocked in....Now when I went on Gov. travel then I checked out a car and drove it to where I was ordered to go...Any Commissioner in office should do it that way...

    I ran for Commissioner back in 2005 and to when Cooper decided to buy the SUV's and I was not at all happy about it at the time and to this day I am still not happy about it...I will not give this issue up...BOTH need to turn keys back in and park them....

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/05/12  at  08:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 52. · when Cooper decided to buy the SUV's

    This statement right here should be enough to want nothing to do with a "free" SUV.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/06/12  at  08:26 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • Page 1 of 1 pages

YOU MUST BE A REGISTERED MEMBER AND LOGGED-IN TO POST COMMENTS

Smileys

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

<< Back to main

Copyright © 2003-2012, Delusional Duck®, All rights reserved. Delusional Duck® is a Registered Trademark.
Comment Policy | Terms of Use | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Home | Discussion Forums