The City of Frederick 2017 Election Buzz

George Wenschhof

George Wenschhof

No respite from politics for The City of Frederick voters following what may go down in history as the most raucous presidential election that clearly illustrated the deep divide in America.

Beginning soon, announcements by candidates for mayor and board of aldermen will begin to trickle out even though the deadline for candidates to file is not until July 3, 2017.  A petition candidate deadline is May 1, 2017.

The primary election will be held on September 12 and the general election will be on November 7, 2017.

There is growing frustration among voters with the current mayor and board who feel their city government, at best, has been status quo over the last 8 years under Republican mayor Randy McClement and a board of aldermen dominated by Democrats.

What is often said, is at least the mayor and board is free of the drama that existed during former Democratic mayor Jennifer Dougherty's administration.

However, there will be lots of issues that will receive discussion, among them and perhaps the main issue highlighted will be the lack of leadership displayed by nice guy mayor McClement. Also missing is a sense of togetherness and any vision for the future for the residents of what is now the second largest city in the state of Maryland.

The inability by the mayor and board to negotiate an extension of the baseball stadium lease would lead to a poorly executed Request for Proposals and the subsequent renaming of the field with less than artful signs, lack of job development for city residents, the shoddy handling of the downtown hotel/conference center development, little to no action on Blighted properties, another sloppy execution of a request for proposal on the extension of Monocacy Boulevard, a costly and unaffordable plan for the Hargett Farm park debacle, parking fine increases, hikes in water and sewer fees and removal of the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in front of city hall are all just a few of the issues sure to be discussed by candidates.

So what are the early rumors on who will enter the fray?  On the mayor side, Democrats already have several names that are surfacing.  Incumbent alderman Michael O’Connor has all but announced he will be running for the Democratic Party nomination.  His major obstacle will be he never differentiated himself from mayor McClement over the last seven years and if leadership is a skill he plans to run on, he has never shown it during his years in office.

Former one term and first woman mayor Jennifer Dougherty will likely run again.  She has been running since 1993 and has only won one time and that was back in 2001.  Likability is her biggest problem as is the fact she has been the Democratic spoiler in every race since 2005 when she was defeated in the Democratic primary. She became the first incumbent city mayor to be defeated by a candidate of her own party when another former mayor Ron Young defeated her.  She would not support Young in that general election and Republican Jeff Holtzinger would win.  In 2009 after losing to Jason Judd in the primary, she would again not support the Democratic nominee resulting in the election of Republican Randy McClement.  Apparently frustrated with the Democratic Party, Jennifer would run as an unaffiliated petition candidate in the 2013 election with former local reporter Katherine Heerbrandt helping her. Once again, she would split the vote, this time with Democratic candidate Karen Young, and leading to the reelection of Republican mayor Randy McClement. 

Reportedly, she will run as a Democrat this time.  All told, Dougherty is 1-7 in elections who in addition to losing 4 times for mayor also lost a bid for county commissioner and congress.  However, she is a tireless campaigner and would be competitive in this election.  

Another Democrat Roger Wilson, who received the plum job of county liaison to towns and municipalities by Jan Gardner when she was elected county executive has also given considerable thought to running for mayor. He ran for state delegate in the 2014 election and lost. His major problem is the optics of him running for mayor while being paid by taxpayers.  Because of this, the latest rumors have him rethinking and considering a run for alderman.  However, the optics problem remains and voters will not want a city alderman who is working in an appointed position with the county executive and as the county liaison to the city.  City-County agreements are often in front of the mayor and board for consideration, so remaining in his county position would be a difficult sell to voters wondering who he was representing, the city or the county?  His dilemma is to decide whether to give up a well paying position to run for city office.

It would not be a surprise to see downtown resident Peter Samuels jump into the race.  His dissatisfaction with what he refers to as the downtown hotel/conference center boondoggle might just be the catalyst to get him to run.

Former County commissioner and state delegate Galen Clagett’s name has also surfaced.  He ran for mayor 4 years ago and lost to Karen Young in the Democratic primary.  Throughout his time in office, he is known for getting things done so he may throw his hat in the ring when he sizes up the field.

A name that repeatedly pops up when I am talking to folks around town is Jim Racheff.  Jim is widely respected and someone who has been active in local Democratic politics.  He recently chaired the transition effort for county executive Jan Gardner, is chairing Gardner’s “Livable Frederick” Comprehensive Plan update and has served as chair of the city board of zoning appeals.  When I asked him recently if he would consider running, Jim told me his attention to his business would not allow him to do so.

City Democratic alderman Josh Bokee is another who is been talked about who will be entering the race for mayor.  He has let me know he will make his intention known prior to the end of the year. 

It is likely even more Democrats will come forward for mayor.

    

The question remains whether Republican Randy McClement will run again and if not, who will be the Republican candidate?  A rumor sure to stir up political buzz around town has Blaine Young moving to the city and running for mayor.  I heard this rumor immediately following the election of Republican Donald Trump as president.  Although said in jest, it is a type of move Blaine Young would make.  It is more likely, if McClement did not run for reelection; Republican alderman Phil Dacey would seek the job of mayor.

The buzz surrounding city alderman candidates will follow in another column.

Stay tuned.

Frederick County Deserves More Than a Carnival Barker

George Wenschhof

Blaine Young

The deadline has now passed for candidates to file to run in the 2014 election and there were few surprises for the voters in Frederick County Maryland.

In a poor imitation of Professor Harold Hill from “The Music Man”, Republican board of county commissioners President Blaine Young, holding back tears and using his sons as props, made official what everyone knew, by announcing his run for county executive.

The alleged suspense as to whether he would run was embellished by Blaine stating his 13 year old son would make the decision for him at 6:00 PM on February 25, a mere three hours before the filing deadline. 

Holding up a “Blaine Young for county executive” sign, Blaine proclaimed he had no prior idea what his son’s decision would be.

Reminiscent of George C. Scott in the movie “The Flim-Flam Man”, Blaine would like voters to believe it was a last minute choice, while many believe the appearance of his sons was intended to blunt sure to come scrutiny on Blaine’s personal life.

One thing numerous Frederick County voters can be thankful for is Blaine will not, due to legal constraints, be able to host his radio show while he is running for office.  A platform he exploited while serving in office the past three plus years.

It is likely a weakened Blaine will still easily prevail over fellow commissioner David Gray and former county budget officer Mark Sweadner in the Republican primary. 

However, in a much anticipated contest, he will face a colossal battle with Jan Gardner who is unopposed in the Democratic primary.   

Joining Blaine in the last minute trip to the board of elections was Republican board of county commissioner Billy Shreve who filed for county council at-large.  Shreve, commissioner Kirby Delauter(R), who is running for county council in district 5 and commissioner Paul Smith(R), who is running for Maryland state delegate in district 3-A have given Blaine “carte blance” over the last three plus years to proceed with his reckless and ill conceived privatization strategy, leading me to label them “Blaine and Company”.

Shreve will not have an easy route in the at-large council race where voters will choose two representatives.  The June 24 county council at-large primary will have 8 Republican candidates and 5 Democratic candidates with the top two from each party facing each other in the November 4 general election. 

Former Republican congressman Roscoe Bartlett chief of staff Bud Otis and Billy Shreve will be the early favorites to win in the Republican primary.  With 5 strong candidates, Democratic voters are ensured they will have two competitive contenders for the general election.

In years past, because of voter registration favoring Republicans, one could easily say it would be difficult for a Democratic candidate to win countywide.  But with Linda Norris, Susan Reeder Jesse, David Twigg, Whitney Duck and Steve Bruns in the running, look to see at least one elected in November.

The rearranging of the deck chairs, by proponents for “smart growth” versus proponents for growth continues with the candidates who have filed for the five members of the council elected by districts.

Look to see the Democratic primary produce the winner in November in District 3 with M.C. Keegan-Ayer, Dwain Earl Robbins and Jesse Goode having the most name recognition.

At first glance, all of the county council races appear to be competitive with the exception of District 4 where I place Democrat Jessica Fitzwater, who is unopposed in the primary, as the favorite to win in November.

Even, in northern district 5, long a Republican voter stronghold, early favorite Kirby Delauter will face a primary challenge from Walkersville Burgess Ralph Whitmore.  Whitmore is close to former county commissioner and Walkersville Burgess John “Lennie” Thompson who was a member of the 2006 board of commissioners led by Democrat Jan Gardner dubbed “The Dream Team”.

Frederick County residents have had enough theatrics from Blaine Young over the last three plus years. 

What Frederick County residents deserve is reasonable, fair and effective representation.

Instead of signs welcoming visitors stating “Frederick County, Open for Business”, what are needed are signs saying “Welcome to Frederick County, a Well Planned Community”.

Vote for change in 2014.

Stay tuned.

When will the pendulum swing stop in Frederick County?

George Wenschhof

Frederick County, Maryland voters decided on a change to charter government by referendum in the 2012 election, but the issues remain the same.

Yes, power structure will change with the election of a strong county executive and council in the 2014 election versus the current five member board of county commissioners.  But, the pivotal issues will remain the same and one of two distinctly different philosophies on how to manage growth will prevail come November.

The twenty year plus pendulum swing between county commissioners labeled as favoring a more balanced and sustainable approach to growth versus those labeled who favor development is once again poised to take place in the 2014 election.

Connected by their views on growth and not political party affiliation, they view each other in a detestable manner with a mutual lack of respect. They mirror the current repugnant manner displayed in the U.S. Congress between far right conservative Republicans and more progressive Democrats.

Unfortunately, the current Congress illustrates that the combative nature of these types of relationships often results in dysfunctional government.

Locally, as suspected, Democratic former president of the board and three term county commissioner Jan Gardner is running for county executive and her opponent is likely to be Republican board of county commissioners President Blaine Young.  Both Young and Gardner serve as lightening rods for opposing views on growth management.

If Young begs off a run for county executive, Republican county commissioner Billy Shreve is likely to run for the newly created position. 

A name, not previously mentioned, who may run is former Frederick County state’s attorney Scott Rolle (R).  A mostly mum Rolle told me recently he is seriously considering a run for office.  In addition to county executive, possibilities include state delegate in district 3-A or Judge of the circuit court.  The latter, appearing to more closely reflect his past experience. Interestingly, he almost won election to state delegate in 2010 after his withdrawal came too late to remove his name from the ballot. He said he will make his intentions known next week. 

Republican county commissioner David Gray is also running.  But, as an ally of Jan Gardner and one who already gave up the gavel to her in the 2006 election, do not look to see him face Gardner in the general election.  His candidacy is only meant to be a distraction for Young, should he run for county executive.

The filing deadline for candidates in the 2014 election is February 25.

Behind the scenes, much work has been underway by both groups to recruit sympathetic candidates to run for the seven member hybrid county council.  Five of the members are elected by districts and two at large.

In the 2006 election it was the self named “Dream Team” consisting of two Republicans; David Gray and John “Lennie” Thompson and two Democrats; Jan Gardner and Kai Hagen who won election.

They followed their election with pursuing actions, including an update of the county comprehensive plan and down zoning of properties to reflect their vision of how growth should take place in Frederick County.

However, it was actions that took place during their term that spawned the revitalization of “pro-growth” candidates led by Republican Blaine Young.

Blaine Young and company trounced the 2010 version of the “Dream Team” led by Democrat Kai Hagen and have followed their election by rezoning properties that had been down zoned by the previous board and proclaiming “Frederick County Open for Business”.

Young and Company have spent the next three plus years implementing destructive and reckless policies centered on the privatization of government services and reducing the size of government.

This has led to the return of Jan Gardner to the local political scene and the resurrection of the “Dream Team” faction.

Leading to yet another confrontational county election, focused once again on growth policies.

Voters deserve choices and a change from the current Blaine and Company regime is called for and needed.

However, Gardner if elected will need to be mindful of the actions taken by the previous board she presided over that led to the election of Young and Company and the irresponsible actions taken by a brash Blaine Young who has often stated “I am doing what I told the voters I would do when I ran for election”. 

Should she repeat these same actions, it will merely perpetuate the pendulum swing.

What is needed in Frederick County and the country is a more pragmatic approach to governing that focuses on bringing people together to obtain desired results that will endure sure to come changes in elected officials.

Volatile rhetoric and campaign tactics used to divide the community and unite enough voters just to win election is not what is needed and is a strategy that voters are tiring of.

Reflecting this sentiment, the fastest growing group of voters across the country is those who are unaffiliated with a political party, clearly signaling dissatisfaction with politics as usual.

Having seen many different representative democracy systems in place at the local level across the country, I am convinced it is not the system that guarantees effective government. 

The change to charter government alone will not be the savior or answer to more effective government for Frederick County residents.

Instead, it is the people who are elected and increased involvement by the people they represent, that will make the difference between good and bad government.

The focus by the county executive should be on bringing people together and implementing effective government services to reach a shared vision for the community.

Also needed is meaningful campaign finance reform to ensure fairness and that one vote is not worth more than another vote.

Frederick County voters deserve reasonable, fair and effective government. When choosing who to support for county executive and county council, voters should look past rhetoric and focus on those candidates dedicated to working together with other elected officials and with the residents they represent to implement a shared vision. 

Together, Frederick County can become the community that everyone desires.

Stay tuned.

Ron Young Ready For General Assembly Session

George Wenschhof

Yesterday, on the coldest morning in over two decades, supporters gathered at Ceresville Mansion to share a delightful breakfast and listen to Democratic Maryland state senator Ron Young.

In a reelection year, it was also the last day state legislators are able to raise funds because they are prohibited from doing so during the length of the General Assembly session.

Among the supporters present were Democratic candidate for county executive Jan Gardner and Ron’s son Blaine Young, who is the Republican president of the Frederick board of county commissioners.  In what would be a contest between two strikingly different political philosophies, Blaine has delayed announcing whether he will be running for county executive.  Many believe the delay is because Blaine’s current employment at a local cab service and local radio station will prohibit him from being eligible to run based on the legislative requirements for the position.

Also present were local educators, businessmen and elected officials, including Frederick County Teachers Association president Gary Brennan, local attorney Thomas Lynch, Frederick County Democratic state central committee chair Myrna Whitworth and Elizabeth Chung, who is the Frederick County co-chair of the Anthony Brown/Ken Ulman campaign for Governor of Maryland.

Ron Young’s brief remarks touched on some of the bills he hopes to introduce and what he expected to be covered during the 90 day session.

He indicated he will continue to battle to bring back funds to the community he serves and specifically mentioned the Barbara Fritchie house as one project he hopes funding is approved.

Among the bills he plans to introduce are a “Blight” bill, and a bill to help government save money pertaining to legal notices. He also continues to support incentives to build energy efficient new homes and convert existing homes to become energy efficient.

Ron also indicated the contentious “rain tax” or storm water management fee will come up again in this session.

As he concluded his speech, he encouraged his constituents to contact his office with any questions they may have and that he or a member of his staff would get back to them quickly.

After, a twenty year absence, Ron Young, the former four term mayor of The City of Frederick won election as Maryland state senator (district 3) in 2010 beating Republican incumbent Alex Mooney by about 1,000 votes.

So far, no Republican has filed for the seat and with his Republican son Blaine Young seemingly supporting his Dad’s reelection with his presence at his legislative preview breakfast, it would appear Ron Young is a strong favorite for reelection.

The deadline for candidates to file in the 2014 election is February 25.  The primary election is June 24 and the General Election is November 4.

Stay tuned.

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Blaine Young Keeps Voters Guessing

George Wenschhof

Will Frederick County board of county commissioner president Blaine Young run for the newly created county executive?  This is the question voters in the county have as Republican Blaine Young stays mute on the issue.

You can’t tell what he is going to do by listening to Blaine, who doubles as a local conservative radio talk show host, when not driving a yellow cab.  He often takes advantage of his on-air program to bash Democratic candidate for county executive Jan Gardner and to challenge her to a debate, while also saying he would like to step down from elected office and spend more time with his kids.

In a recent exchange we had on Facebook, he again challenged Gardner to a debate.  This latest challenge resulting from my publishing the column titled; Gardner Questions “State of the County”.  The column coming after Blaine released a glowing report of how well the board of county commissioners (BoCC) has performed during their three years in office.

In the Facebook exchange with Blaine, I said I saw no reason why Gardner, who has filed for county executive, would debate someone who has not filed for the position.  Having followed politics for a lifetime, I have never seen this happen.

It seems Blaine and the local Republican Party is having problems coming up with a candidate to run against Gardner, with at least three elected officials saying “no”.  First, it was county sheriff Chuck Jenkins, who Blaine admitted polled higher than himself in a recent survey he conducted of Frederick County voters.  Next, it was Maryland state delegate Kelly Schulz who said no and the latest to turn down an overture was Maryland state senator David Brinkley.

Why is Blaine spending so much time trying to recruit another Republican to run? This is another question that is probably answered by the devil in the details surrounding qualifications of a county executive.

The county charter writing board spelled out the well paid and full time county executive could not have other employment.  This would mean that Blaine would likely have to extricate himself from his financial entanglements with the local Yellow Cab business and would be unable to host his radio talk show program.  Blaine already is prohibited from hosting the radio program once he has filed for office and throughout the campaign.

While Brinkley said no to a run himself, he did send a letter, presumably, on behalf of Blaine to the office of the Maryland attorney general asking for guidance in regard to the Frederick County charter language pertaining to a second job by the county executive.  The response by the attorney general’s office was "Consistent with longstanding policy, I must respectfully decline to provide legal advice regarding the proper interpretation of the Frederick County Charter." Thus, the question remains unanswered and is a major hump for Blaine to hurdle before he could legally run for the office.

This leaves the Republican Party with BoCC members David Gray, who has announced his intention to run and Billy Shreve as potential candidates for the county executive position.  Gray, a long time ally of Gardner, who was present and supportive at her announcement, is not a favorite of Blaine and Shreve appears to be Blaine’s last candidate of choice.

In a recent fundraising mailer sent by the Shreve campaign, Shreve is saying he will run for county executive if Blaine does not and county council if Blaine runs for county executive.  In the mailer, Blaine adds his appeal for them to send money to Shreve.

When I asked Jan Gardner her response to Blaine wanting to debate her, she sent me an email that said in part “I made my decision to run for County Executive because I want to do the job and serve the community.   I made this decision without knowing who might decide to enter the race.   I will run a positive campaign and expect to debate all the other candidates who file for County Executive during the election process.  

Comm. Young remains indecisive and even made a public statement the week before Christmas that he couldn't wait to get out of office (though his actual statement was a bit more colorful).  What he decides to do doesn't change what I am already committed to do.”

It is clear that if Blaine wants to debate Gardner, he will have to file for county executive – a debate I would be happy to moderate.

The deadline for candidates to file in the 2014 state of Maryland election is February 25.  The primary election will be held on June 24 and the general election will take place on November 4.

Stay tuned.

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Gardner Questions “State of the County”

George Wenschhof

Jan Gardner

Yesterday, Republican president of the Frederick County, Maryland board of county commissioners Blaine Young presented the annual state of the county report.

In a press release, Young stated “Board President Blaine Young said, “This year’s state of the county presentation provides a snapshot in time of where we stand today. In spite of continuing challenges to the economy, Frederick County is addressing the structural deficit and long-term fiscal challenges, yearly county income has increased, total employment has increased, unemployment continues to remain under six percent, new housing demands have increased, and school construction projects have been moved up in the funding process.

“We are making good progress and heading in the right direction as far as budget, jobs, public-private partnerships, public safety, agricultural preservation, land use, housing, transportation and many other areas. We have made many tough decisions over the years, because we were determined to live within our means and that is now the norm for Frederick County Government.”

“Frederick County is on stable, healthy ground. Compared with other jurisdictions, we’re in a position of stability with regard to our bond rating, our retirement fund and other post employment benefits. Our accomplishments over the last year have much to do with our cooperative relationship with our municipalities and the business community. We have made our point that we are ‘open for business’ in Frederick County.”

“We would like to thank County Manager Lori Depies, our outstanding division directors and all the employees for their hard work in serving the citizens of Frederick County.”The complete report on the state of the county is available on the Board of County Commissioners’ webpage at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/bocc.”

When I contacted former Democratic board president Jan Gardner, who is running for county executive, she told me she had watched their discussion on their fourth and final budget of their term.

She sent me an email saying “On the budget, the county is experience increasing revenues in all areas - property taxes, income taxes, and recordation taxes are all increasing.   Yet, they are projecting a $13.3 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year budget.  Why?”

Gardner added “So, while they tout bringing the fiscal house in order, they have really not done so.   They also tout cutting the number of employees but then this doesn't translate into a smaller budget.   They don't mention the impact of privatization or the number of contract employees.   They lead people to believe that cutting employees has saved the county money and that spending has gone down when in reality spending has gone up every year.   The last board to adopt a smaller budget than the year before was during the last two years of the Gardner Board.”

“There has been little new agriculture preservation and school construction is at the slowest pace in 20 years.   They are not building new schools.   

The county unemployment rate has always been consistently lower than the state and federal unemployment rate.”

“They have eliminated a number of development fees and permits (which now the taxpayers pay for) and they tout that housing starts are finally going up but if you look at the numbers almost 2/3rds is in the City of Frederick (where the fees still exist).   I find it interesting that the county has not picked up the pace of new housing starts and the City has when the County eliminated all the fees.”

“Another interesting item to me was the lack of information on WTE.   The slides were the same as last year except one was missing.   Last year they said they were looking for a new partner to replace Carroll County, expected permits in the Spring of 2013, and would re-run the financial with new energy/electricity costs.   They acknowledged that they were still waiting for permits but nothing was mentioned on finding a new partner or Carroll County getting out of the deal or running new financials.   It was basically just a description of the project.    I was really surprised that no one asked anything more about this since it is a topic of interest to the community.” 

Gardner concluded by saying “ Employee morale is at an all time low.  Education has suffered. Services to people in need have been wiped out. Young is selling county assets including buildings at a loss.   He just cut a deal to sell the former BOE building and adjoining IT building to the "lowest" bidder instead of to the highest bidder!   Even though some services have been cut and employee positions eliminated, spending has gone up for several reasons including privatization costing more and subsidizing development in the operating budget.    This is his 4th budget and he needs to take some responsibility for having a budget deficit when revenues are going up!”

Stay tuned.

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Early Maneuvering Taking Place in Race for County Executive

George Wenschhof

The change to charter government in Frederick County, Maryland will go into effect with the 2014 election and early stage maneuvering is taking place in the county executive race.

Under charter, voters will elect a county executive and a seven member part time county council; five of the members being elected by districts and two of the members elected at large.

Former three term commissioner and president of the board; Democrat Jan Gardner is the only candidate who has filed to date for the county executive position.  A position that many will argue will be the most powerful in county politics.

With the announcement by Gardner, the more than twenty year battle over how the county should grow, is likely to continue.  Her official announcement has set up a colossal and much anticipated contest between Jan Gardner and Frederick board of commissioners’ president Blaine Young.

However, Young has put off announcing his intention until next year. 

In the 2006 election, four Democratic and Republican commissioner candidates formed a slate and ran for more managed growth. They called themselves “the dream team”.  The four candidates were; Jan Gardner (D), Kai Hagen (D), David Gray (R) and John Thompson (R).

In the 2010 election, the pendulum swung yet again and a “pro-business” slate of Republican candidates, led by Blaine Young were elected.

All of the members of the 2006-2010 dream team, including Gray were present to offer their support when Gardner made her recent announcement for county executive. David Gray, who received the top votes from the majority elected commissioners and won the President of the Board in the 2006 election, relinquished the gravel and allowed Jan Gardner to assume the position of president of the board. 

Which leads one to ask; why is Gray making noise he may run for county executive?  What is happening is early maneuvering by Republicans and Democrats.

Gardner, is trying to clear the field for an uncontested Democratic primary and there are political forces at work to try to encourage a more balanced candidate to run in the Democratic primary.  Some would argue a more developer friendly candidate to run against her.

Many of the supporters of Gardner are tied by their extreme dislike for board president Blaine Young, whose popularity has dropped tremendously over his three years in office.

Young’s reckless obsession to pursue privatization of government services, his instituting a questionable 25 year Developer Rights and Responsibility Agreement and his move to rezone a large portion of the county, has given them plenty of reason to be angry during the first three years he has served as president.

Some of the Gardner supporters believe it is supporters of Young who are trying to get a Democrat to run against her and so some of these folks believe Gray challenging Young in the Republican primary would be tit-for-tat.

It is extremely unlikely Gray would run against Gardner, if she would win the Democratic primary, making this scenario likely another rumor in the musical chairs taking place among local politicians.

Being the only candidate who has filed for county executive makes Jan Gardner the favorite at the moment.

However, lots of names have been floated with plenty of scenarios.  One has Republican state senator David Brinkley running for county executive and Blaine Young, with a residence change, running for state senator in district 4.

Another, has Republican sheriff Chuck Jenkins running for county executive. 

Don’t hold your breath for either of those rumors to become reality.

I reported after interviewing local attorney and Democrat Gordon Cooley, he had given it serious consideration but decided not to pursue a run.  Another Democratic I will be interviewing and who has had his name floated is former East Alco executive Earl Robbins.

Republican county commissioner Billy Shreve has also been mentioned, but he is not considered a strong candidate.

Look to see a contested race for county executive in both the Republican and Democratic primaries when the rapidly approaching February 25 deadline to file for candidacy, arrives.

This will be good for the voters of Frederick County – they deserve a choice.

Stay tuned.

Aurora Should Be Removed as Manager of Citizens/Montevue

George Wenschhof

A day of reckoning is approaching on the Frederick County government contract of sale of the Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center and Montevue Assisted Care facilities to  Aurora Health Management.

Local attorney Leslie Powell of Powell-Flynn LLC tells me “we have a consolidated hearing in court on two separate actions that we filed in the Circuit Court on January 16.  One an administrative challenge relating to the adoption of the resolution authorizing the sale and the second, a broader action which raises claims relating to the restrictive covenant, the conduct of the BOCC in interfering with the Board of Trustees' management of the facilities, failure to comply with procurement rules, and other actions arising from the attempted sale.”

You can read them here and here.

This hearing cannot come soon enough for those exasperated with the reckless manner Frederick County board of commissioner president Blaine Young has pursued his obsession with the privatization of government services since he won election in 2010.

It has been a tortuous three years beginning with the serious consideration given to the ill conceived Oliver Porter privatization report, followed by dramatic slashing of funding to nonprofits, the elimination of $2 million in county funding for Head Start, reducing the number of county employees during a period of deep recession and high unemployment, and now taxpayers are faced with the haphazard and irresponsible approach to the selling of the Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center and Montevue Assisted Care facilities.

The recent city zoning board of appeals ruling reversed the planning commission decision on the subdivision of the property, finding that the application was incomplete and the planning commission had not considered the impact of the sale on the community. This requires the county to either file a judicial appeal or resubmit subdivision plans to the city.  The latter is the most likely choice the county will make, and either way, this will definitely delay the planned end of the year settlement.

This ruling followed the Maryland Board of Public Works decision to delay approval of the sale, pending the outcome of litigation. The Board of Public Works confirmed their decision in spite of theatrics by Blaine Young to proffer them a check for $200,000.  

On January 16^th, don’t be surprised if the Judge hearing the arguments finds additional missteps taken by the county in their rush to sell these facilities.

For one, state law prohibits entering into a contract of sale on a lot subject to subdivision and the zoning board of appeals decision is an example of why this law exists.

The manner the county dismissed the board of trustees, entered into a management agreement with the contract purchaser and whether they provided due public notice are just a few of the areas where the county will have to withstand judicial review.

Perhaps the most important issue, is the 1828 deed of the property when conveyed to the county states "for the use and Benefit of the Poor of Frederick County". The Deed provides that the property was conveyed to the Justices of the Levy Court and their successors in office "forever, for the Benefït of the Poor of said County, and to and for no other use, intent or purpose whatsoever.. .".

It would not be surprising the judicial review on the 16^th doesn’t find additional administrative errors that will certainly delay the sale even further.

If the Judge rules the deed covenants restrict the sale to a company such as Aurora Health Management, the county’s only option will be to appeal and hope for a more favorable decision.

Either way, the contract of sale will be delayed for a considerable time period, with the distinct possibility the sale will be declared invalid by an upper court.

What is extremely troublesome is the contract purchaser continues to manage the facilities and receive a $50,000 per month fee as the legal wrangling takes place.  There is no incentive for Aurora to operate the facilities in the best interest of the county government and taxpayers during what is likely to be a considerable delay.

There is nothing to stop them from writing off delinquent debt to the county during this period and “cleaning” the books for when they become the owners.

What needs to be done immediately, as the likely long legal process takes its course, is the reinstatement of the board of trustees, notice given to the contract purchaser as provided in the contract, they will no longer manage the facilities and a bid issued or interim manager hired for the management of the Citizens/Montevue facilities.

Stay tuned.

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Citizens-Montevue Sale Delayed

George Wenschhof

Last night, The City of Frederick zoning board of appeals issued their ruling in favor of the appeal of the subdivision by the Frederick Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) of land to enable them to sell the Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center and Montevue Assisted Care facilities.

The unanimous vote will require the BoCC to either appeal the decision in court or resubmit the subdivision to the planning department in the city.

The zoning board of appeals found the city planning commission had erred in approving the subdivision because the application was incomplete and they had not considered the reason behind the subdivision and the impact it would have on the community.

This action will certainly delay the privatization of the facilities and sale to Aurora Health Management by the county; they had hoped to happen by the end of this year.

In addition to this set back, the county is still facing litigation pertaining to the sale, which led the Maryland Board of Public Works to delay approval of the sale, as long as there are unresolved legal actions.  This decision confirmed by the Board of Public Works despite theatrics by Blaine Young to proffer them a check for $200,000.

The action by the city zoning board of appeals highlights the continued reckless and ill conceived moves by Frederick County board president Blaine Young to privatize government services.

Particularly unsettling, in this case, is the contract purchaser has been managing the Montevue and Citizens facilities following ratification of the contract of sale.  In some ways it reminds one of the “fox guarding the henhouse” fables.

Collection of bad debt has been an issue with the facilities and there has been talk debt is being written off by Aurora that may adversely impact the county financially and would, if true, benefit the contract purchaser at the time they took ownership.

It appears the county in its rush to sell the facilities, failed to act reasonably and agreed to terms that were less than satisfactory.

Stay tuned.

 

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An Early Look at 2014 Frederick County Election

George Wenschhof

Winchester Hall

The 2010 election year was a bad one for Democratic candidates in Frederick County, Maryland and for Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The surge in Republican conservatism, led by tea party zealots, resulted in a net gain of 60 seats for Republicans in the House.

Locally, where Republicans have held a voter registration majority for a long time, only two Democrats would be elected out of twenty-one elected seats on the ballot.

They were Ron Young, who beat three term Republican state senator Alex Mooney in district 3 and Galen Clagett who won reelection to state delegate in district 3-a.

Ron, who won by about 1,000 votes, was aided by the like number of vote advantage he received through the early voting from the poll conveniently located in The City of Frederick, which has a strong Democratic voter registration.

The Young-Mooney contest went against the national trend as Mooney was a right wing “tea party” conservative way before the tea party existed, although the district had been gerrymandered to have a majority of Democratic registered voters.

In none of the other 19 local races did Democrats even come close.

The inability to field a candidate for several of the top races in the county certainly hurt Democrats as did the failure of the Democratic candidates running for board of county commissioner to come together to form a slate.

County Sheriff and State’s Attorney headline the ballot and are two prominent elected positions in the county.  The failure to have a candidate on the ballot for these two positions as well as the high paying Register of Wills position did not help the other Democrats who were running for office in 2010.

The race for the board of county commissioners was a disaster for Frederick County Democrats in 2010 and a major focus of the 2014 election will be the race for county executive and the council, as the change to charter government is implemented.

All indications are the over 24 year local struggle over how to best manage growth in Frederick County will continue with the announcement by Democrat Jan Gardner she is running for county executive.

Present at her announcement, were the former members of the 2007-2010 board who made up the managed growth “dream team” during the 2006 election; John “Lennie” Thompson(R), David Gray(R) and Kai Hagen(D).

There has been a lot of talk about Democratic candidates challenging Gardner, so it will not be surprising if there is a contested primary.

Whether board president Republican Blaine Young, who has angered many voters by spending his term in office pursuing privatization of government services, will run for the county executive position remains a question, putting on hold, the much anticipated struggle between two candidates with opposing ideologies.  During a recent chat on the street, Young told me he would be announcing his intention next year.

 

Republican county commissioner Billy Shreve, who rode Blaine Young's coattails to election in 2010, has also been in the rumor mix for county executive, but is not considered a strong enough candidate for the position.  If he decides to run for office, look to see him either run for one of the two at large positions on the council or state delegate.

The new seven member county council will have five members representing districts and two members who are elected countywide.

It will remain a difficult contest for a Democrat to be elected countywide, due to voter registration, but a solid candidate, like a Jan Gardner, will be competitive and can surely win. 

Democrats will have a little easier go in several of the council member districts, especially the two made up primarily of voters from The City of Frederick and the district that includes The Town of Brunswick.

The Charter defines the council as part time members who earn only $22,500 and this will surely impact the strength and the number of candidates who will run for these positions.

The combination of at large and district elections for council members will also make it difficult for growth oriented candidate slates to develop, but look for the opposing ideologies in this area make an effort to do so.

The county sheriff position is another high profile position and interestingly, two term sheriff Republican Chuck Jenkins has been rumored as a candidate for the county executive position, should Blaine Young choose not to run.

If Jenkins decides to run again for sheriff, it will not be a free ride this time.  Republican Kevin Grubb, a former City of Frederick police captain who has established a candidate committee and Democrat Karl Bickel, who was unsuccessful in raising the needed signatures for an independent run in 2010, are both expected to run.

Whether Democrats will have a candidate for state’s attorney remains a mystery.  Republican Charlie Smith is expected to run for reelection.

The state delegation comprising of two state senators and six state delegates elected by Frederick County voters have been redistricted with the demarcation line being just north of The City of Frederick.

Due primarily to voter registration, look to see Republicans elected in district 4 with state senator David Brinkley and delegate Kelly Shulz a lock for reelection.  Republican state delegate Michael Hough, who was redistricted and delegate Kathy Afzali will be favored in the other two delegate positions.

In district 3, state senator Ron Young should win reelection, but expect a challenge to come from Republicans who are angered by his votes in Annapolis supporting same-sex marriage, the gas tax and the dream act.  

With the announcements by state delegates Galen Clagett(D) and Patrick Hogan(R) they will not be running for reelection and with redistricting creating a new seat for district 3-b, all three seats will be considered “open seats” and as a result, will be competitive.

City of Frederick aldermen Carol Krimm and Karen Young, Stephen Slater and Ryan Trout are among the Democratic names being mentioned with county commissioner Paul Smith and city alderman Shelley Aloi among the Republicans being mentioned at this time.

Look to see Democrats win at least 3 of the four seats in district 3 with a strong possibility of a sweep that would balance the Frederick County state delegation.

Early indications are 2014 will be a better year than 2010 for Democratic candidates running for election in Frederick County.

Stay tuned.

 

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Gardner: “I am in it to win it”

George Wenschhof

Jan Gardner

On a sunny, but chilly Saturday afternoon, about 150 enthusiastic supporters were on hand to hear from Jan Gardner(D) she was running for county executive of Frederick County, Maryland.

She told the crowd “My vision is for exceptional schools, a safe community, a vibrant economy, and a place where we all feel a sense of belonging and community.   I want to keep Frederick County a special place and a place where we care about each other, recognize that we are all in it together, and that our community matters.”

Among the supporters present at the announcement by the former three term county commissioner, who served her last term as president, were three members of that board; John “Lennie” Thompson(R), Kai Hagen(D) and David Gray(R).

Gardner wasted no time pointing out the need for change from the current board of county commissioners saying “On a personal level, I invested 12 years of my life to Frederick County and simply cannot believe how much damage has been done over the past three years.   I want to repair the damage and put the county back on the right path toward prosperity.”

Next year Frederick County voters will be electing, for the first time, a county executive and a seven member council.

Gardner acknowledged charter government will bring a new era of governance and said “I bring proven leadership to guide the transition and navigate the details while being inclusive, collaborative, and accountable.”

Gardner often took swipes at the present board of county commissioners, whose president; Blaine Young(R), is rumored to be seriously considering a run for county executive, after bowing out of a run for Governor.

“In the 12 years I was in office, we never had an open meetings act violation.   Now it is a common occurrence. Restoring ethics and trust in government is job 1.”

Gardner said “I will propose the creation of a truly independent ethics commission and stronger ethics laws that clearly state that county elected officials cannot profit from their position, or do business with the county, and I want to re-instate penalties so there are consequences for ethics violations.”

She applauded the citizens who have attended public meetings to speak out against the proposed Monrovia Town Center and criticized how they were treated. Gardner said “I felt an urge to come into to Winchester Hall to defend their right to participate in the process.   Citizens need to be treated with dignity and respect. I will welcome public involvement.   We are in it together.”

Gardner also said she supported those who are advocating saving the Montevue Home and Citizens. “For almost 200 years, we have taken care of people in need in our community at Montevue. To sell these facilities at a significant financial loss with no plan in place on how to take care of people is fiscally irresponsible and morally vacant.”

Addressing Waste-to-Energy, which she originally supported while serving as president of the board, Gardner said the project now appears to be dead. She pointed out that with Carroll County withdrawing from the project and no new partner identified, a smaller facility built for Frederick County only, was not financially viable.

Instead, she said Frederick County should expand residential and commercial recycling, develop composting programs, expand resource recovery systems, and negotiate long-term contracts to continue to ship the majority of the waste remaining after diversion, composting, and recycling to out of state landfills.

She concluded her speech by saying “There is clearly a lot to be done. It will be a challenge. It will also be exciting. I believe our best days ahead. I want you to know that I am in it to win it!”

At this early date, no other candidate for county executive has officially announced.

I had previously reported Democrat Gordon Cooley, who was former legal counsel for F&M Bankcorp and regional president for PNC Bank was considering entering the race.  In an email received from him yesterday, Cooley told me “after lots of consideration, I have determined not to pursue this position.”

Earl Robbins, a Democrat who was a long term Alcoa Eastalco executive, with government relations experience in Annapolis, is another name circulating in regard to the county executive race.

The 2014 primary will be held June 24 and the general election will be November 4.

Stay tuned.

 

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2014 Political Season Buzz Begins

George Wenschhof

With absentee ballots still to be counted today before results of The City of Frederick election is official, attention is already shifting to what will be a very busy 2014 election year.

The primary election will be held June 24, 2014 and the general election will be on November 4, 2014.

Democratic candidate for Frederick County executive; Jan Gardner will make her official announcement on Saturday November 9 at 1:00 PM in front of Winchester Hall.

In her zeal to be the first to announce, she inadvertently stepped on a planned candidate training day sponsored by the Frederick County Democratic state central committee.  I’m hearing the class will be given a recess and invited to attend her announcement.

Voters in Frederick County will have a crowded ballot next year when they elect the Governor and Lt. Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Congressman, state senator, state delegates, county executive, seven council members, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Court, Register of Wills and three Orphans Court judges.

Whew!  It is no wonder Gardner is trying to get a head start.  Rumors of infidelity continue to swirl around Frederick Republican board of county commissioner president Blaine Young.  So, the much anticipated contest between Young and Gardner may not take place.

While, the dirt is flying around Blogs smearing Blaine Young, local Republican leaders have told me there is damaging information on Jan Gardner that will certainly surface.

After, witnessing the negative robo-calls made by the state Republican Party against Democratic alderman-elect Donna Kuzemchak, one can only hope the county executive election next year focuses on the issues and electing the best person.

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and his running mate Howard county executive Ken Ulman have jumped out in front in the race for the Democratic nomination for Governor and their Frederick County chairs are Goodloe (Geb) Byron and Elizabeth Chung.

Speaking of negative campaigning and Attorney General Doug Ganslers name immediately surfaces.  It is obvious, someone opposing his campaign for Governor has been leaking negative information on Gansler as his campaign has been forced to endure accusations concerning his alleged reference to Brown appealing to African Americans, a state trooper dust up over improper driving and the latest photos of Gansler present at a underage beer blast at a beach house.

Meanwhile, state delegate Heather Mizeur, a huge underdog in the race, continues to campaign across the state building her grassroots support.

Republican candidates for governor are Harford County Executive David R. Craig, Del. Ron George of Anne Arundel County and Charles Lollar, a Charles County business executive.  

Lt. Governor Brown is the early favorite to win, but don’t count out Gansler who has an impressive record and a campaign fund to compete seriously in the race for Governor.

Frederick County congressmen Chris Van Hollen(D) and John Delaney(D) are both expected to win reelection.

Comptroller Peter Franchot (D), who toyed with the idea of running for Governor, is easily expected to win re-election.

The two early favorites to replace Attorney General Doug Gansler are state delegates Brian Frosh and Jon Cardin.

In addition to electing a county executive for the first time, Frederick County voters will be electing seven council members; five from districts and two at-large.

Whitney Duck (D) is expected to run in the Brunswick district and Jessica Fitzwater (D) has announced she will be running in one of the two city of Frederick districts.  Expect more announcements soon.

In the local state delegate races, look to see Stephen Slater (D) run in district 3-b and look to see lots of juggling among candidates for the two open seats in district 3-a.  Former City of Frederick alderman Carol Krimm(D) is expected to run.  Other names surfacing are Karen Young (D) who just lost in her bid for mayor of Frederick, Ryan Trout (D), who ran for delegate in district 4-a in 2010 and lost.  Trout will need to leave his position with the city Housing Authority, where he is prohibited from running by the Hatch Act.

 

Maryland state delegate Galen Clagett (D-district 3-a), who lost in the Democratic primary in his bid to become mayor of Frederick, assured me yesterday he was not going to be running for re-election.

County Commissioner Paul Smith(R) has also been rumored to be running for delegate in district 3-a. 

The 2014 political season is just getting started, so there will be much to follow.

Stay tuned.

 

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