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Some of my thoughts about the County’s new “Water Cooler”
Over on the other thread about the Water Cooler, mbillard summed up my overall opinion quite nicely when he said
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.
I should point out that we have, or have had, several elected officials who have registered for this site and openly discussed their views—why something was the was it was, why they supported a certain decision (or didn’t), they cleared up misconceptions we had, or explained things we just didn’t get… basically setting the record straight. Candice Kelly, Jennifer Abell, and St. Mary’s Commissioner Larry Jarboe all quickly come to mind. Even if I don’t agree with what they say, I respect them for taking the time to participate in our discussions.
We know the current Commissioners have monitored this blog for some time, otherwise how could they know enough about us to say
“I would respect the blog if they had accurate and fair information, but for them to just keep spewing this hatred and resentment, I think it just festers whatever hatred that they have.”If you’re taking the time to read it, and believe we’re not presenting “accurate and fair information” then why not log on and correct that information—you’re already on the site. Our perceptions and our opinions are based on the information we have… which is extremely limited based on the Board’s lack of transparency.
Back before the last election, every single candidate—those currently in office at the time seeking re-election and those challenging those seats—were given a personal invitation to register on this site and make their beliefs known. Many of those candidates took us up on that offer. Commissioners Cooper, Patterson, Hodge, Collins and Graves all ignored or declined the invitation at that time, but I will re-extend that invitation now, to each of them and each of their immediate staff; you’re always welcome to come to this site and make your opinion known.
Posted by: The Quack on 08/03 at 10:51 AM
- 1. · Perhaps the commissioners should consider that old moto:
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Comment by CCCitizen on 08/03 at 11:29 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 2. · Employees would also welcome this environment to post honest questions to the commissioners. This blog's disclaimer already makes clear no inappropriate material would be allowed. This should alleviate commissioners' fears of being threatened or attacked. Having a third party monitor questions, and creating an environment of open discussion and debating, should be welcomed and embraced by this board.
Comment by insideout on 08/03 at 11:35 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 3. · Thank you Quack!
The statement made by the Çommissioners about this blog is indicative of THEIR "resentment",
Now just think - if this blog didn't exist, it would make their "jobs" so much easier!!
But now that it's here, they criticize it as "spewing hatred and resentment" in an attempt to discredit it.
This is what angers so many people about politicians - the moment you disagree with them and present the truth and FACTS - the first thing they do is point fingers and try to discredit those who disagree or expose the TRUTH about them and their policies.
All I can say, is GET USED TO IT!
This is the future of politics and if all you can do is discredit and marginalize what we do here, then I suggest you get out of politics - because we are here to stay...
Comment by cheryl on 08/03 at 11:36 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 4. · The thing that really is disgusting is that "these people" are wasting my taxes.
Comment by euler on 08/03 at 03:11 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 5. · One of the things I resented from the original article and that Quack's quote reminded me of is Patterson's misrepresentation of the sentiment here as "hatred." Sadly, that's a typical response, calling people who oppose you in an enthusiastic manner "haters." It's a disingenuous tactic because it serves as an ad hoc dismissal of everything posted on the blog:
"Oh, it's just a load of hatred by a bunch of haters. I refuse to dignify their hatred with a response. That would only encourage them." (not a real quote)
Patterson referred to the anonymous participants here as cowards (which was what spurred me to post under my real name), but her comments are just as cowardly as anything that has ever occurred here. There has been a lot of substance posted here since I've been a participant, for Pattererson to dismiss all of that with a gratuitous mischaracterization is to take the easy way out.
Comment by mbillard on 08/03 at 03:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 6. · I have to thank the Indy and the So MD section of the WaPo though, they've credited us as their initial source of information for some of the stories they've reported on. Their reference has given us some added credibility to those who'd otherwise be skeptical.
In the same breath though, I have to thank all those in the know, who went out on a limb and provided me with the information.
Comment by The Quack on 08/03 at 05:34 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 7. · The Water Cooler is watching!!!!!! Cooper and the Puppets have Eyes!!!!!!
A site that any county employee who has good sense will stay away from while at work.
I would suspect most employees/residents would like to start the "Short Timers Blog" regarding the Commissioner's remaining time in office until 2010.
The sad thing in my opinion there are many residents/employees who support these clowns in lock step for no apparent reason except they benefit from mis-management or like the occassional slap on the back good buddy.
I think as we get closer to 2010 there will be more efforts to get access to the Duck Blog and try to discredit it and spew an agenda by any means possible, a lot of these eggheads have a lot of time on their hands as they sit in their basements war room.
Now lets go have a few drinks at the THAI Restaurant. Thank you to all our hard working Sheriff's Department employees.
Comment by jdman1 on 08/04 at 07:23 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 8. · While I truly believe that you Quack and many others on here would welcome their comments. I am sure that there are just as many who would take it as an opportunity to berate them and beat them up over perceptions. I am in no way a defender of these commissioners, I simply think that they are afraid of the beating they will receive and the possibility that their words will be twisted if they post on here.
Comment by DWC on 08/04 at 10:04 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 9. · DWC, you bring up an excellent point. Do you think this could also be the reason that the Commissioner do not avail themselves for public debate, in person?
I completely understand that, and agree with your statement, I'd only add that part of being in a public office is involving and participating with the public. Other than Collins' Town Hall meetings and Graves' occasional meeting with some of the folks in Hughesville (which to my knowledge hasn't happened in some time)... these Commissioners have distanced themselves from open public discussion as much as possible. ANY attempt to show even the slightest openness and dialogue -- even if negatively received at first -- is a good thing.
My second point is, these are politicians. Politicians participate in politics. Politics is an ugly, dirty game. If they're afraid of being berated or "attacked" based on their public comments, maybe they should follow in the footsteps of Gene Ambrogio...
Comment by The Quack on 08/04 at 10:27 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 10. · Walk a mile in the commissioner's shoes for a moment if you will...Would you come on here and attempt any meaningful dialogue with someone who called himself "The Quack"??? Would you be willing to shift to moderated comments???
Comment by Phillip on 08/04 at 10:59 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 11. · why not set up a separate room with increased moderation? Post a question a week, let's say, and the commissioners get to answer it, and then allow limited responses and follow up questions. Name calling and accusations not allowed, that sort of thing.
Comment by mbillard on 08/04 at 11:03 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 12. ·
I am sure that there are just as many who would take it as an opportunity to berate them and beat them up over perceptions.
I disagree. I don't think that too many folks on this site would beat up anyone over a "perception." The problem is, that it's not a "perception" that my taxes went up 9% during a "recession." Nor is it "perception" that the commssioners are responsible for all of those other facts posted on the forum. If they are so ashamed of what they have done as to not want to face their constituents, then I have little sympathy for them.
My question is this: If you're certain that you are right about an issue, why wouldn't you want the opportunity to debate the oppostion? I suspect (my opinion here) that the commissioners view the members of this site as some kind of right-winged group of wackos, sitting in a basement somewhere plotting their political demise. Speaking for myself, I know that I'm a pretty normal member of the work force of Charles County that just happens to be passionate about politics. I'm also a voter. Now, if the commssioners don't want to take the heat on the Pond, that's fine. How about an open debate with the oppostion party or potential candidates for office in 2010? How about a town-hall meeting where the floor is opened up to residents to ask any questions they want to ask?
While I'm holding my breath, how about we create a spot on this site where members can cc the Duck Pond with letters written to the commissioners directly and then post the accompanying response (if one is received)?
Comment by Birdman on 08/04 at 11:51 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 13. ·
How about a town-hall meeting where the floor is opened up to residents to ask any questions they want to ask?
I second that!
Comment by Sammy on 08/04 at 11:56 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 14. · I agree Birdman - but I think the Commissioners would feel it would be counterproductive - as it would expose their weaknesses and in some cases, ignorance of the issues.
Worse yet it could expose any "ties" they may have with developers and such,,,,
No accusations folks, just an educated guess....
Comment by cheryl on 08/04 at 12:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 15. ·
Would you come on here and attempt any meaningful dialogue with someone who called himself "The Quack"???
Honestly, I fail to see what a name or an identity has to do with anything. Let's say that I attended a Commissioners' Meeting (and they allowed public comment), would my dialogue have any more or less meaning or validity because my name was John Doe versus Charles Citizen... I've attended several public hearings and a couple "Town Hall" meetings and haven't "signed in" as required -- I've never gone on public record though... Does my anonymity in those venues prohibit me from engaging in a discussion with a public official? It sure makes them uncomfortable when you stand up to ask a question and they ask, can I have your name and you reply, I'd rather not say... It doesn't mean that I'm not asking a valid question. To simply ignore me or to discredit me altogether based on a name (or lack of one) doesn't do either of us justice.
Comment by The Quack on 08/04 at 01:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 16. ·
Would you be willing to shift to moderated comments???
Sure I would...
Comment by Phillip on 08/04 at 10:59 AM
why not set up a separate room with increased moderation? Post a question a week, let's say, and the commissioners get to answer it, and then allow limited responses and follow up questions. Name calling and accusations not allowed, that sort of thing.
I can easily set up an area on the Discussion Forums... call it the "Commissioners' Corner" or something. If any of the Commissioners want to be the moderators, or want Joyce Schmidt or George Clarkson to be moderators (that will give them necessary permissions to edit, delete, move, merge or split any and all of the comments or topics under their section).
Comment by mbillard on 08/04 at 11:03 AM
The offer has been there before, and its here again now. I can have it up and running in a few minutes... and set up any of them with an account and the necessary permissions to moderate just as quickly.
Comment by The Quack on 08/04 at 02:03 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 17. · ok, I'm a newby here but reading these comments just now finally got me off my butt to register! I have been following this site and others as well as the county paper regarding the commissioners and the county finances, etc. I am so tired of these commissioners I just can't be quiet anymore. You all have a lot of great comments, suggestions, ideas and information but let's face it, this group of politicians is not going to go "on the record" in any public forum where they can be held accountable for what they say unless they can carefully script the conversation first. I listen to Cooper on the radio at 98.3 and he makes me grit my teeth. He denies or plays off all of the issues raised by the DJ's as if he is not to blame for anything. This couldn't be the same man that has someone move all of the county marked cars from outside of the window in his office so he doesn't have to look at them could it? Paul Comfort....known to be pretty nasty to many of the employees. If you don't wear a suit and tie, you are a lower class of human being to Mr. Comfort. (Just in case anyone wonders if I'm an agry blue collar worker, I am a suit and tie guy!)
I could go on and on but there are a lot of issues in this administration and everything I see and hear is basically a "how dare you question us" type of mentality. I am tired of their consistent disregard for their constituants and I intend to get involved and be heard from now on.
Comment by FedupScott on 08/04 at 06:00 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 18. · Welcome to the Duck pond, Scott.
Comment by Sammy on 08/04 at 06:02 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 19. · Thanks Sammy.
Comment by FedupScott on 08/04 at 06:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 20. · Scott welcome to the pond. Just to let you know about a week ago a lot of people here were upset about a new person who had chosen a handle that closely resembled another blogger. I know you are "Scott" but there is also a “Scot” here who I believe is a Town of La Plata official. I just hope people don't you two guys confused.
Comment by patmd on 08/04 at 06:12 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 21. ·
Just to let you know about a week ago a lot of people here were upset about a new person who had chosen a handle that closely resembled another blogger.
Small correction: A participant who had been here for some time changed her screen name to one almost identical to another participant she had been fighting with for weeks. Big difference.
Comment by mbillard on 08/04 at 06:20 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 22. ·
Small correction: A participant who had been here for some time changed her screen name to one almost identical to another participant she had been fighting with for weeks. Big difference.
Comment by mbillard on 08/04 at 06:20 PM
Mbillard I'm not sure I follow you. "Scott" and "Scot" are not almost identical? I have a good friend who may sign up here. Would it be ok if used "mbilard"?
Comment by patmd on 08/04 at 06:27 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 23. · socm, You have this tendency to "almost" get the facts right, but never really quite right. You then base comments and conclusions on those subtle differences. Such as here, where you deflect from your slight misrepresentation of the facts surrounding the Harley incident by trying to pretend it's about the Scott versus Scot similarities. My point, which I'm pretty sure you actually got, is about your misrepresentation that it was a new participant when it wasn't. You're playing what I suspect you think is a clever game, but I don't think anyone is playing along.
Comment by mbillard on 08/04 at 06:32 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 24. · Mbillard I apologize if I got it wrong. I honestly believed that some would be confused with Scot and Scott.
Comment by patmd on 08/04 at 06:39 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 25. · Neither Scot nor Scott were trying to represent or misrepresent themselves as the other. That was the previous issue, which mbillard was eluding to.
However, to avoid any confusion "Scot" has been edited to "Scot L" with their permission.
Comment by The Quack on 08/04 at 06:44 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 26. · #15 (first page) You failed to answer my question...a simple yes or no would have sufficed (and saved valuable bandwidth to boot).
Perhaps its a generation-gap thing. 'Boomers like myself didn't have this wonderful tool called the Internet at our disposal (again, thanks Al Gore) as we were searching for the meaning of life. Who knows, had we, things in this world may have been different today.
Be that as it may, I feel I must add that you and I would not be having this conversation if I didn't know who you were!
Comment by Phillip on 08/05 at 05:57 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 27. · OK. Sorry for the confusion all! I just changed my screen name from Scott to FedupScott.
Describes me better anyway! lol!
Comment by FedupScott on 08/05 at 06:47 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 28. ·
#15 (first page) You failed to answer my question...a simple yes or no would have sufficed (and saved valuable bandwidth to boot).
Yes.
Comment by The Quack on 08/05 at 08:28 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 29. · Phillip, I have to agree with Quack.....I wouldn't hesitate to come on here and speak with anyone regardless of the screen name because it's just that, a screen name. However.....let me stir the pot!!! Quack - in all due fairness to the Commisioners, if they agreeed to come here in a seperate session but only if you and any other person here revealed their identity as they entered the conversation, would you agree to that?
Comment by FedupScott on 08/05 at 08:52 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 30. · Scott, you asked my next question for me!
Comment by Phillip on 08/05 at 08:59 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 31. · I'm curious to see how people feel about that.
Comment by FedupScott on 08/05 at 09:01 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 32. · Well, I promised Phillip the rights of outing me when the time came... so it wouldn't be me doing the revealing... AND, I can only agree to what I'd do -- each person would have to agree it those terms on their own -- but, there would have to some kind of stipulation... I mean if I am a County employee, I'd have to be given assurances that I'd be free from any form retaliation, directly or indirectly; if any of my close associates, friends or family, etc are County employees or do business with the County... they too, would have to be left completely alone -- receiving exactly the same treatment as before my "outing". Those who know who I am don't believe that is possible... I don't believe that is possible.
I've expressed this to Phillip on numerous occasions on how I'd like nothing more than to post under my real name; but to protect me, and those around me for now, I don't see any other way than to post anonymously. But, there is nothing to say that I couldn't submit questions through another person -- one who doesn't have the concerns I do. Or, even to create another username for this site, with my real name, and submit questions through that...
I understand that validity of your question though, and its one that I've weighed and debated with for more than two years now.
Comment by The Quack on 08/05 at 09:11 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 33. · I understand completely. That just reaffirms for me that we are dealing with true politicians and not people that are interested in doing what's best for the county and the constituants.
I would gladly use my name in that forum. Hell, you all know the first name already!
Comment by FedupScott on 08/05 at 09:15 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 34. · Quack,
I wouldn't do it. I don't trust them. All they have to do is wait once they know who you are (if you are a County Employee) and you could be fired, be part of a RIF or some other negative action taken against you. That would give them time to "create a reason".
Comment by Carl Senior on 08/05 at 09:35 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 35. · Quack,
Just keep things the way they are.
If you are a County employee, or any of your family or relatives work in the County government, BY ALL MEANS DO NOT DISCLOSE YOUR IDENTITY!!
Comment by cheryl on 08/05 at 09:41 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 36. · I agree, don't disclose if you could put yourself or someone else in jeopardy. I was just playing the devils advocate. Quack had an idea though, to use someone else to ask the questions for those that cannot expose their identities. Anyway, these politicians won't debate their constituants, they MAY have to change a decision they have made or admit that, Hey, other people do have good ideas, valid concerns, etc..
Comment by FedupScott on 08/05 at 09:47 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 37. · If I felt I could talk to the commissioners, (which I have tried many times in the past) and thought they would listen, care, or, had the county's best interests at heart, or wouldn't "retalliate" because I didn't agree with them, I would never have had the need to post here, anonymously.
IMHO, this blog is so successful because it was NEEDED...to keep the commissioners accountable to the public and to prevent retribution when dirty laundry has been revealed.
Comment by CCCitizen on 08/05 at 10:05 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 38. ·
Do you think this could also be the reason that the Commissioner do not avail themselves for public debate, in person?
I do believe that there are a number of issues that they do not want to be questioned about and therefore refrain from public comments. While I can personally excuse them from posting on a public webpage, I think they should be hosting their own webpage to quell some of the rumors. I do not expect them to entertain every rumor that is exposed, but there are some substantial ones that they should comment on. I would definitely like more my government to be more open, especially when my taxes that pay their salaries are so high.
Comment by DWC on 08/05 at 10:15 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 39. · I was VERY HESITANT at first to use my real name, because I had served on the Comp. Plan Update Committee and the Water Resources Advisory Committee.
I had already made up my mind that I would not serve again on any of these committees/workgroups and decided why not use my real name.
I'm sure the Commissioners see me as somewhat of a "traitor" but I certainly don't see it that way - as a lifelong County resident whose family has been here for almost 75 years, I have witnessed the drastic changes that have occurred.
Some have been good (yes, good!) but MOST have been bad, very bad and I continue to see more of it -
- the CCC extension,
- the constant rezonings of rural land, i.e. Chaney in Hughesville,
- the non-stop development despite the numerous MGS/USGS "warnings" about the depletion of the groundwater supplies,
- the egregious SPENDING of taxpayers dollars for entertainment and other unnecessary items, while hundreds of children sit in "trailers" because there isn't "enough money" to add on to the schools,
These are just a few of the "issues" I have with the Commissioners.
The County employees are GREAT people, it's the Commissioners I have a beef with.
So, I use my real name and let the chips fall where they may...
Comment by cheryl on 08/05 at 10:24 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 40. · Cheryl, I feel the same as you and I, too, am a life long resident of the county. I was raised in the county under a father that was very very involved in all of the politics. He ran campaigns, hosted many functions and raised a lot of hell too! Through that connection I had gotten enough of politics to think I didn't want to be involved but I can't take it anymore. The current Commissioners really must think the citizens of the county are stupid!
Is anyone forming any type of group in the county to document the moves of these politicians so we can use it against them at election time?
Comment by FedupScott on 08/05 at 10:43 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 41. · Fedup - I don't think it's so much that they think we're stupid, it's just that the majority of residents now have only lived here a short time and many of them don't keep up with local politics.
Unless an issue affects them "personally", most of the time people just don't care - and THIS is what the Commissioners know all too well.
Hence, the "rise" of alternative media, including blogs.
This blog, as CCCitizen has said, is NEEDED! This blog is informative, TRUTHFUL, and NOT rumor based as some of the Commissioners want people to believe...but that's the strategy - to discredit this blog to discourage more people from finding out the truth!
Comment by cheryl on 08/05 at 11:14 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 42. · 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 at 12:06 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 43. · n addition to ethanol pumps in Annapolis, Baltimore and Hanover, the state plans to place the pumps that cost about $100,000 each at Easton, Hagerstown, La Plata and Salisbury. The state intends to add 200 flex-fuel vehicles to its 9,000-vehicle fleet annually and says the cost of ethanol-based fuel is almost 20 percent less than the retail price of gasoline.
Do the new Commissioners' SUV's run on ethanol? If not, then who is going to use these pumps?
Comment by Iamangttia on 08/05 at 12:42 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 44. ·
This blog, as CCCitizen has said, is NEEDED! This blog is informative, TRUTHFUL, and NOT rumor based!
Right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by willton on 09/04 at 08:22 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 45. · Wilton is that sarcasm or aggreement?
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 09/05 at 12:31 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 46. · Quack, I have to thank the Indy and the So MD section of the WaPo though, they've credited us as their initial source of information for some of the stories they've reported on. Their reference has given us some added credibility to those who'd otherwise be skeptical.
More so, having the DD mentioned in the Indie and the So MD section of the WaPo brings in new readers. The more the merrier
My opinion is the Commissioners are scripted. The televised Commissioner's meetings on Comcast show little questioning and little discussion which leads me to believe, either, they duke it out in private or they all march in lock-step. They have NO answers to the most pertinent questions driving resident unrest, because these are DOLITTLES--spouting platitudes and "feel good" sound bites for the uninformed rather than taking the lead and making hard decisions that would benefit CC for the future.
When any Commissioner speaks of DD or any blog that criticizes using words such as "spew, hatred, etc" he/she does themself no favors as it demonstrates 1. ignorance, 2. a total lack of class, 3. an unwillingness to tackle the very questions that keep the blog churning, and, most importantly, 4. it demonstrates how totally out-of-touch he or she is with their constituents. Politicians can't afford to look like deer caught in the headlights, and these 5 have a huge spotlight shining on their every move. As the NotSoFab5 should have learned by now, ignoring problems doesn't solve them!!!!
Comment by seahorse on 09/06 at 08:10 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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