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URGENT - State of Emergency Declared for Charles County
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 – Wayne Cooper President of the Charles County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency in Charles County at 1 p.m. today, which will be in effect for up to seven days, until Friday, September 12, due to the emergency conditions and associated high winds, flooding, electrical outages, and possible tornadoes that may be produced by Tropical Storm Hanna.
Posted by: Sammy on 09/05 at 12:45 PM
- 1. · Hope everyone has a generator!
We've only had to use ours once in 29 years - during an icestorm.
Without electricity, you're without water if you have a well.
Comment by cheryl on 09/05 at 01:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 2. · maybe just maybe they will get to put those suv's through a test.
Comment by ohwell on 09/05 at 03:13 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 3. · Is the county offering sand so we can fill our sandbags?
What plans do they have for La Plata?
Comment by patmd on 09/05 at 03:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 4. · what sand bags?
you'd have to ask the Town of La Plata for their specifics, but they are covered in CC emer response plans
**sent from my mobile
Comment by The Quack on 09/05 at 03:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 5. · What if nothing happens? Does Cooper have a back up plan for smearing the egg off his face?
Comment by gizmo123 on 09/05 at 08:25 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 6. · In his defense (yes, I'm really defending him here), Charles County has many low-lying areas, many right on the tidal areas of the Patuxent and Potomac and their tributaries. During several previous tropical storms these were drowned under feet of water and involved days of rescue and recovery.
Declaring a State of Emergency activates many of the County emergency response plans and resources and allows the County to formally request and receive aid from the State and Federal government and other outside agencies.
I think the call was prudent and necessary.
Can you imagine the backlash if he hadn't made this declaration and things are bad? In events like this, where unpredictability prevails and lives and property are at risk, erring on the side of caution is never a bad move.
Comment by The Quack on 09/05 at 10:01 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 7. · Good point- we will see if it was a good call or not- my concern is always the $$- guess if this is if the storm passess - the cost will be much less to the county than if it actually hammers us.
Comment by gizmo123 on 09/06 at 08:29 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 8. · My point, I guess, was that even if (hopefully) there is no or only minimal damage, his Declaration was a good call.
Sure the money is an issue, but this is not one of those unneeded, wasteful things to blow money on. It's not redecorating offices, or fancy cars, or unnecessary amenities; its about public safety and being prepared and on top of things before or as they happen -- being proactive not reactive.
Comment by The Quack on 09/06 at 08:59 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 9. · Funny, the County never declared an State of emergency before. I wonder how much it cost the County in overtime for this thunderstorm. I think they overreacted.
Comment by Bruce Wesbury on 09/06 at 11:55 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 10. · i would guess not nearly as much as the cost of the renovation in the gov. building for their new meeting room in the old auditurim. not the 52,000 that was in the indy from what is spreading on the street is more like double that. at tax payers expense
Comment by ohwell on 09/06 at 12:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 11. · The majority of residents (not those who blog here and work tirelessly to expose facts) do not appear to know or care about what their elected board of commissioners ever does regarding how their taxes are spent because NO REAL inquiries are EVER posed to Charles County Government regarding how THEIR taxes are being spent. Send all fiscal questions directly to hudsond@charlescounty.org
Do residents really care how much this board does is actually using THEIR money? Why don't residents ask, "Is it fiscally responsible? Do "WE" really "NEED" this?
The masses don't ask. I believe it's mostly due to the fact that they are getting up every day and going to work to provide for their families. They just try to get through each day and don't have "time" or "energy" to go through anything else.
Unfortunately, this board, like most politicians, feed and relax in this knowledge. They love the ignorance and continue to plow forward in their power, wants, and egos. Politics IS their business. This is what they get up and do every day.
I agree with Quack (as much as it pains me), however, on the state of emergency call from Cooper. Much better to be proactive then reactive. No one could have forseen from weather reports that Charles County residents may not have been put in real need of assistance that could only have been made available through this declaration. It's easy to sit at the other end of a rain storm vs a threatening tropical storm and say "what the hell were they thinking?"
However, there is real need for residents to question how these commissioners spend "THEIR" taxes and this includes the auditorium reconstruction costs. They have been mislead publically regarding a cost of $52,000. The cost of this rennovation effort FAR EXCEEDS any $52,000 to renovate the auditorium for this boards' egos.
Questions that "SHOULD" be asked of this board include the following:- How much are the actual costs associated with this ENTIRE auditorium rennovation project? (county personnel, contractors, all equipment including new computers, software, and video equipment, etc.)
- How will the public use or access the auditorium in the future
- How more accessible will this make the commissioners to the public?
- How is this rennovation project better serving residents?
- How are the former commissioner offices going to be used to better serve our residents?
Unfortunately, witnessing first hand from the 1970's in Prince Georges County, political correctness, ego, image minded politicians will be the beginning of the end. I pray the residents of Charles County will wake up and see what's happening quickly before their eyes.
Fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility, and a capitalistic society is the only chance we have. Socialism, offered by the left wing liberals, is no answer.
Comment by insideout on 09/06 at 01:09 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 12. · Inside, nice response. I have asked the Commissioners for information regarding the Ice Rink and the New Ball Stadium. I'm stil waiting for their response.
Comment by Bruce Wesbury on 09/06 at 03:03 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 13. ·
Funny, the County never declared an State of emergency before. I wonder how much it cost the County in overtime for this thunderstorm. I think they overreacted.
The county has never declared a state of emergency before? Really? I find that impossible to believe.
Of course you think they overreacted. You're a partisan hack looking for anything to use as fodder against anyone on the other side of the divide. Had they not declared an emergency and severe flooding would have occurred you'd be on here screaming bloody murder. That's just your M.O.
Comment by mbillard on 09/06 at 05:02 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 14. · A declared state of emergency has nothing to do with politics. Since 1994 there have been at least 9 times that it was necessary to be prepared and declare a local state of emergency. As previously stated this is necessary in order to obtain state and other resources. To not declare an emergency given the information available regarding Hanna would have been a dereliction of responsibility.
Comment by McGuire on 09/06 at 05:07 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 15. · How many other of the local counties declared a state of emergency before the storm hit? One news station said that the flash flooding would be less severe in Charles County because of the better drainage in Charles County. Maybe the county has been doing something right if that is true.
I had well over 5 inches of rain but have to admit that the flooding in my yard was insignificant compared to some of the recent nontropical storms.
The county commissioners acted responsibly to prepare for the unknown consequences of the tropical storm. I have heard that there is a lot of money wasted at the county but any money spent on these preparations would be justifiable.
Comment by Jack W. on 09/06 at 05:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 16. · That too is true, if anything had happened all kinds of cries of derelection of duty would have been shouted.
The County has an Emergency Department and Public Safety Officer. Protocal would require that the National Weather service degree of warnings would determine the responce needed to prepare.
Personaaly I think we jump thru too many hoops and get hysterical, but that certainly is better than what the poor folks in new Orleans faced 3 years ago.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 09/06 at 06:27 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 17. · There were several road closures due to flooding conditions and downed trees [somewhat 'normal' for severe weather in our area].
One of the most flooded was the newest section of Rosewick Rd [NOT the St. Charles Pkwy extension, I'm told that section held up very well]. The road was closed and at some parts was under FEET of water. Apparently all the new storm drains and storm management ponds weren't up to the challenge.
Comment by The Quack on 09/06 at 10:06 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 18. · Interesting
Thanks Quack
I thought the commissioners said how county designed and built roads are so much better then the developers! What's up Commissioners?
Now that could be a problem if they spent all that money on the road and the road does not have safe passage. We want our major roads to have safe passage during severe weather conditions.
I can hear the lies coming out of the mouths of the director and chief of capital services now! But they are the ones who received the promotions, take home cars, etc.
Comment by Jack W. on 09/07 at 07:18 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 19. · Of course we have had declared emergencies before..remember the tornando?
This county closes schools because of the threats of snow.
After thinking about what I had previously posted- I have to admit the commissioners were right in jumping the gun- it is better to err on safety than risk being hammered away like New Orleans.
So I apologize for the egg remark and will go crack a couple for breakfast.
Excuse me my toast just popped up.
Comment by gizmo123 on 09/07 at 07:58 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 20. · One of the reasons for the delay in opening and the transfer of funds for Rosewick is that the stormwater ponds and the drainage was not sufficient and that they had to go back and re enginner. For weks the back hoes had been digging bigger ditches in the medians...
And it still didnt work?
I mean the engineers and soil engineers should have ben able to tell that it is a wet area- look at all the swamp land and the water that had filled the mining all long Rosewick road- I think any kindergatener could have said- wont the road fill up too? It doesnt have anywhere to go.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 09/07 at 01:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 21. ·
Of course you think they overreacted. You're a partisan hack looking for anything to use as fodder against anyone on the other side of the divide. Had they not declared an emergency and severe flooding would have occurred you'd be on here screaming bloody murder. That's just your M.O.
Keep drinking the liberal kool aide billard. At least someone here loves their Commissioners. It must tear you up having to defend them. I have absolutely no problem being a partisan hack for the right side. I would consider you a hack for the left. Keep up the great work.
Comment by Bruce Wesbury on 09/07 at 05:01 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 22. ·
Keep drinking the liberal kool aide billard. At least someone here loves their Commissioners. It must tear you up having to defend them. I have absolutely no problem being a partisan hack for the right side. I would consider you a hack for the left. Keep up the great work.
Bruce, it may come as a surprise, but it's possible to oppose demagogues like you without necessarily supporting the commissioners. As a registered Republican and overall conservative I probably share very few views with the commissioners. But your opposition to the commissioners is based solely on party affiliation and not from any serious consideration or understanding of the issues. If the commissioners get something right, I'm not going to criticize them for it just because they're Democrats and I'm a Republican, That seems overly simplistic to me. I refuse to turn my brain off like that. You, sadly, seem to have yours engaged only enough to discern the difference between the letters "R" and "D" at the ends of people's names.
Comment by mbillard on 09/08 at 06:33 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 23. ·
But your opposition to the commissioners is based solely on party affiliation and not from any serious consideration or understanding of the issues.
Okay great one Billard. Please give me ONE example where I did not have an understanding of the issues? It interesting to me that you can attack me without any facts. Demagogue, I think that's pretty funny. Keep drinking.
Comment by Bruce Wesbury on 09/08 at 07:26 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 24. ·
Please give me ONE example where I did not have an understanding of the issues?
How about this one:9 · Funny, the County never declared an State of emergency before. I wonder how much it cost the County in overtime for this thunderstorm. I think they overreacted.
The former Director of Emergency Services corrected your misunderstanding:14 · [...]Since 1994 there have been at least 9 times that it was necessary to be prepared and declare a local state of emergency. As previously stated this is necessary in order to obtain state and other resources. To not declare an emergency given the information available regarding Hanna would have been a dereliction of responsibility.
So there's "ONE example."
Comment by The Quack on 09/08 at 07:50 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 25. · One of the reasons for the delay in opening and the transfer of funds for Rosewick is that the stormwater ponds and the drainage was not sufficient and that they had to go back and re enginner. For weks the back hoes had been digging bigger ditches in the medians...
And it still didnt work?
Regarding construction companies who low-ball a bid, win it and then bill thousands for cost over-runs....is there any stop-gap for not allowing this to happen? I can understand problems surfacing when it comes to road repair and construction, but the lack of being able to complete a short piece of road with good drainage seems a bit much.
Comment by seahorse on 09/08 at 08:11 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 26. · Sorry Billard, still wrong. These were declared AFTER the event, not before.
Still waiting!!!!
Comment by Bruce Wesbury on 09/08 at 08:14 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 27. · If the commissioners get something right, I'm not going to criticize them for it just because they're Democrats and I'm a Republican, That seems overly simplistic to me.
Sorry to jump into a 2-way "discussion," but, if those with the R word after their name ever want to see a R candidate sitting as Commissioner in D Charles County, this is a much better attitude to exhibit.
Just my take!
Comment by seahorse on 09/08 at 08:18 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 28. · Since things were not that bad I say I rather be safe to issue a state of emergency and be prepared than not have and all hell break loose since sometimes mother nature and the dippy weather people can be wrong. So I say good call. Even bad Politicians get a few right every once in a while.
Vote early and often!!!!!!!
Comment by jdman1 on 09/08 at 08:18 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 29. ·
Sorry Billard, still wrong. These were declared AFTER the event, not before.
Still waiting!!!!
Interesting tactic here, telling me I'm wrong for something I didn't post. It's a little disingenuous, don't you think, to attribute one person's comments to another simply because you haven't anything substantive to say? I also like how you tend to revise your position in later posts after someone has pointed out either the inaccuracy or the absurdity of your initial comments.
Comment by mbillard on 09/08 at 10:32 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 30. · Mr. Wesbury,
It appears that you are not familiar with emergency services, "a state of emergency", the role of the County Commissioners or event history in Charles County. Of course some events like the LaPlata tornado, and other unforseen events, required declarations after the fact. But if the information was available and it was deemed necessary to protect the citizens a delaration of emergency has always been declared as quickly as possible.
If you have a problem with the system, after you understand it, maybe you could discuss your issues with the Federal and State Governments. In the mean time maybe you should be thankful that the necessary county departments and the volunteer community were ready to respond to you and your family if needed.
Mr. Wesbury it appears that you are trying to make an issue out of nothing. I'll be happy to respond to anyone with legitimate questions/concerns but I'm too busy in retirement to play games.
Comment by McGuire on 09/08 at 11:00 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 31. · Still waiting Billard. Must be troubling to you when someone points out your absurdity and your inaccuracies. I figured that you could not prove me wrong. Keep trying!!!
Comment by Bruce Wesbury on 09/08 at 11:02 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 32. · Sorry Bruce- you are attacking M BILLard who is from his numerous posts clearly a conservative.
I can see you attacking those of us with much diferent views (even though I too think of myself as cconservative- I do think more liberally in terms of the human condition)but someone who is diffently on your team?
All I can say is post 27 may be more right.
I have often thought maybe Bruce is really a democrat mole in the Republican party- start the extremism loud and often and drive people to become disgusted and move to the Democratic ticket.
When a politicain does right - they should be commended (R or D) and when wrong or unethical (R or D) they should be called out.
Cut the crap- take a mini mental health day, Bruce and refect on what you can do to better the cause, not drive folks away.
Maybe you are depressed and lash out. Its ok. we all have those times. Take some deep breaths and R-E-L-A-X-----
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 09/08 at 01:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 33. · ANd DON mC Guire, glad you could join us here and tell us the facts.
I hope you are enjoying a well deserved retirement in NC.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 09/08 at 01:06 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 34. · Bruce and Mike --
I closed (but did not delete) all of the comments that were nothing more than personal squabbling.
I don't mind the occasional scabrous and fatuous comment to make a point, but this is way beyond that.
Keep the comments on this thread (and the rest) on topic. Keep the personal attacks out of it.
If you two want to personally attack one another, maybe you can settle it on the playground after school (and for those who can't tell, the last sentence is a joke; apparently my humor has been misunderstood lately, so I feel I need to disclose it, at least for here).
Comment by The Quack on 09/08 at 01:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 35. · Good job Quack. That "personal stuff" is difficult to sort through and results in my logging off. It's great to hear from Mr. McGuire - his comments are an example of how this blog can have real value when it educates the readers.
Comment by deeraudrey on 09/13 at 09:08 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 36. ·
this blog can have real value when it educates the readers.
thats why most of us post. and folks here in Charles need to educate themselves on what is happening around them.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 09/13 at 12:02 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 37. ·
Good job Quack. That "personal stuff" is difficult to sort through and results in my logging off. It's great to hear from Mr. McGuire - his comments are an example of how this blog can have real value when it educates the readers.
Thanks!
Comment by The Quack on 09/13 at 06:21 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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