Gardner Files Candidate Committee with State

George Wenschhof

Former President of the Frederick Board of County Commissioners; Democrat Jan Gardner informed me she has filed paperwork with the state of Maryland for a candidate committee.

Jan told me her friend and neighbor, Sharla Worley will be her Treasurer, adding Sharla has been her Treasurer for all of her campaigns.

Gardner recently left her job as state director for U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, which she had held since deciding not to run for reelection in 2010.

While, this action is not a declaration of candidacy, it does allow her to begin raising money and explore what many believe will be a run next year for the newly created Frederick county executive position.

It is now likely the anticipated battle royal between Gardner and current Republican President of the Board of County Commissioners; Blaine Young will take place.

 

Young also has filed a candidate committee with the state and recently announced he would not be running for Governor after months of testing the waters.

Stay tuned.

 

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Support New Online Video Political Discussion Program

George Wenschhof


I need your support to get this program on the Internet. Watch the video and donate now!

After hearing from many of you of the need, and recognizing the absence of any local video political discussion program in Frederick County, Maryland, I plan to produce an online video political discussion program.  It will feature local elected officials, community leaders, activists and experts discussing the issues that matter most to you.

Producing quality online video is expensive. To begin production, I need your financial assistance in raising the necessary capital to get started. Donations may be made by clicking on the donation button located in the right hand margin of my Blog; FrederickPolitics.com.

Major credit cards and your pay pal account are accepted and all size donations are welcomed and appreciated.

I also want to hear from you on the issues you want to hear discussed and the guests you would like to see on the program. Please contact me at GeorgeWenschhof@gmail.com

The pay-for-view video program will be available to watch weekly on FrederickPolitics.com and will also include coverage of The City of Frederick election this year and the county/state elections next year.

You’ll want to watch each week to hear what the candidates, elected officials, community leaders and local activists have to say about the issues.

Your donation of $25, $50, $100 or more is appreciated and will help us begin production.  Without your financial support, this program will not be produced.

If, you would like to sponsor a program episode, contact me at GeorgeWenschhof@gmail.com for details.

Donations are not tax deductible. If sufficient funds are not raised to produce the video program, donations will be used to continue to publish political news and commentary on FrederickPolitics.com.

Thank You!

George Wenschhof

Your Donations Are Needed

City Hall

The City of Frederick is holding their election this year and the county/state elections follow next year. I intend to again cover all the elections. The race for mayor and the board of aldermen promises to be exciting.

After, hearing from many of you of the need for a local video political discussion program, I plan to produce a one hour pilot. Guests will include elected officials, community activists and experts discussing the issues that matter most to you.

Winchester Hall

The online video program will cover pressing issues such as jobs, economic development, the building of an incinerator to burn trash, whether the county should sell the Citizens/Montevue assisted care and nursing homes, the impact of growth on Frederick County, the idea to build a hotel/conference center in downtown Frederick and what should be the local funding level for education.

To help me continue to publish www.FrederickPolitics.com and produce the pilot video, I am asking for your donations. Whether, it is $25, $50, $100, $250 or more, your contributions are appreciated and can be made easily using the donate button located in the right hand margin. Donations are not tax deductible.

The off year city election often results in low turnout at the polls and adds to what already promises to be an intriguing election. For the first time, with the addition of Jennifer Dougherty running as an unaffiliated candidate, city voters will have the choice between three candidates for mayor in the General Election.

In addition to the city elections, there is much more Frederick County politics to cover. Your assistance will help me produce the pilot video and continue to publish political news and commentary. Please donate $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to www.FrederickPolitics.com by using the donate button found in the right hand margin.

Thank you!
George Wenschhof

Vote "No" on Proposed Charter for Frederick County, MD

originally published Thursday, October 25, 2012

http://www.gazette.net/article/20121025/OPINION/710259879/1014/charter-questions&template=gazette

Charter questions

 

On Nov. 6, one question presented to Frederick County voters on the ballot will read: “Do you approve the adoption of the Charter of Frederick County by the Frederick County Charter Board?”

No additional information will be provided on the ballot and it’s the political axiom — “the devil is in the details” — that should determine whether voters believe the proposed form of charter government is right for Frederick County.

It is these details, in spite of educational efforts, which will be largely unknown to voters, when they cast their ballot.

The Maryland Constitution makes the change in form of government deliberately hard. This is why when voters choose to change it, they should make every effort to get it right the first time, as subsequent changes are also difficult.

Serious consideration is needed by county voters of the noteworthy options that exist for many of the significant components that make up charter government.

Perhaps most important, the proposed charter provides for a strong elected executive and a hybrid part-time council — a form, commonly adopted initially, by other counties in Maryland.

The prevalent West Coast model for charter, which is well received by the communities they serve, is a contrast to what is being proposed in Frederick County. They elect a council primarily by districts, and the council hires a strong executive.

The executive is hired based on his or her qualifications, is paid well and is clearly the one in charge to implement the vision of the council. But an executive may be dismissed by the council, for cause.

The qualification for the proposed elected Frederick County executive is they must meet a residency threshold.

In Maryland, there is no recall provision for elected officials. So, if the executive in Frederick County turned out to be incompetent, there is no way to replace him or her.

This is an important difference voters should weigh as they make their decision.

Representation on the council is another significant component of the charter. Again, options exist, and the charter board decided on a hybrid council comprised of seven members with equal authority. Five council members would be elected by district and two at-large.

The hybrid council is a compromise attempt to placate those who support districts and those who support at-large. However, this will actually create problems, rather then solve them.

The cost to run a countywide campaign will be considerably higher than the cost of running a district campaign, leading one to wonder who would run for the at-large positions knowing they would have equal clout to a district-elected council member.

Possible resulting scenarios include candidates supported by business or political action committees.

The checks and balance relationship between the executive and the council in regard to the budget is another critical facet of charter government.

The proposed county charter limits the council to being able to decrease the budget total proposed by the county executive.

These are a few of the details of the proposed charter voters should be aware of before they mark their ballot.

What people want more than ever is government that reflects the entire community they represent, provides a reasonable sustainable vision, is accountable, demonstrates a cooperative nature and, perhaps most importantly, is effective.

The proposed charter will not advance this desire.

On Nov. 6, make sure you weigh in.

George Wenschhof
The writer is publisher/editor of www.FrederickPolitics.com

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My Frederick County, MD Ballot

George Wenschhof

Upon review of my absentee ballot, I was immediately struck by the number of questions put forth to the voters.

Propositions before the voters in west coast states is a common occurrence, but three constitutional amendments, four referendums and a local question is rare in Maryland.

The election choices for U.S. President, U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress and Board of Education are standard and expected, along with casting one’s vote on a Judge for circuit court and court of appeals.

I highly recommend reading The Voter's Guide prepared by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Frederick County.  It is a wonderful tool voters should use to help them sort out the ballot questions prior to heading to the polls.

At the top of the ballot, I will be adding my support to the reelection of President Obama and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.  They both have earned the right to continue to serve and Maryland is a state where both Democrats are heavily favored to win.

In spite of four years of obstructionism by Republicans in Congress, President Obama has managed to lead the country out of the Great Recession he inherited - a result of Republican misguided policies of the previous administration. Over the four years Obama has been in office unemployment has dropped from 10% to under 8%.

The President also led efforts to decimate al-Qaeda, ordered the mission into Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden, ended the U.S. involvement in Iraq and will responsibly end the U.S. military role in Afghanistan by the end of 2014.  These two unfunded wars added to the nation’s deficit. 

President Obama deserves four more years and he has my vote.

Ben Cardin has been a steady voice in the U.S. Senate and the country would be better off if we had more like him.

My vote for Congressional Representative in district 6 will go to Democratic challenger John Delaney. My vote for Delaney is primarily a result of my dissatisfaction of twenty years of ineffective representation by Republican Roscoe Bartlett.

The Board of Education contest, where you pick three candidates, was a no-brainer for me as I marked in my vote for Zakir Bengali, Kathryn B. “Katie” Groth and Joy Schaefer.

Voters need to be aware they should not “throw away” their vote on candidate Tom Shade whose name appears on the ballot as his withdrawal from candidacy, due to health reasons, came too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.  Mr. Shade has declared his support for Bengali, Groth and Schaefer.

Newly appointed Circuit Court Judge William Nicklas, a long term respected local attorney, who is running unopposed, has my vote.  He would have received my support even if he had opposition.  

Moving into the ballot questions, the first two concern the archaic election of Orphans’ Court Judges.  I have argued for some time, these positions should be appointed and not elected, as most counties require no qualifications for the office.

Question 1 and 2 on the ballot require candidates for Orphans’ Court Judges in Prince George’s County and Baltimore County to be admitted to practice law in this state, and to be a member in good standing of the Maryland BAR.

The reason these questions are on the ballot is this change requires a constitutional amendment.  Which means voters from across the state must weigh in.  I am supporting this change.

But, I believe the change should apply to all Orphans’ Court Judges who are elected in the state.

The third question has to do with nuances surrounding when an elected official, found guilty of certain crimes, is suspended and removed from office.  The ballot question reads in part “Under the amended law, an elected official is suspended when found guilty and is removed when the conviction becomes final or when the elected official pleads guilty or no contest” and I support this.

Turning the ballot over, Question 4 appears on the top left hand corner.  Known as the “DREAM” Act, it establishes individuals, including undocumented workers, eligible to pay in-state tuition, provided among other conditions the individual files income taxes, applies for permanent residency and registers with the selective service system.

This makes sense and I am voting for it.  Republicans in Congress blocked this from becoming law when President Obama proposed it, leading him to take executive action to implement this program.

Statewide redistricting is the subject for Question 5 and one only has to look at the gerrymandered sixth congressional district which overwhelmingly favors Democrats, to see the map approved by the state was egregious.

As a Democrat, who has been frustrated with the ineffectiveness of Republican Roscoe Bartlett for twenty years, I will nonetheless vote against the redistricting.

I opined in a column published April 2, 2012 in The Baltimore Sun, "To ensure a more reasonable and balanced redistricting process across the country, it would be sensible for Maryland and the rest of the states to adopt the policy used by the handful of states that use an independent or bipartisan committee.

 

This process, if adopted by all states, would aid in reducing the acrimony and gridlock prevalent in Congress today. Perhaps, representatives would then be elected who would work together to move America forward."

It is way past time to support Same-Sex Marriage and I filled in “For the Referred Law” on Question 6 on my Ballot; Civil Marriage Protection Act.

Interestingly, when petitions were being gathered by those in opposition to this law, one woman asked if I would sign the petition.  When I said no, she asked me if I was gay. I was taken aback with the question and replied I did not understand why anyone would fear this law.  “How does it hurt you”, I asked her, “if two individuals of the same sex are able to be legally married and receive the same benefits as you and I?”

Governor O’Malley’s mistake in taking slots to referendum, instead of forcing state legislators to do their job, is continuing to haunt the man who has his eyes set on the White House.

The roll out of statewide slots had been a disaster and with the authorization coming as a result of a referendum and state constitution change, subsequent changes require statewide referendums.

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker battled hard to get Question 7 “Gaming Expansion” on the ballot.  A measure, if adopted, in part will allow a facility to operate in Prince George’s County.

I voted “No” on this question.  Not, because I oppose gambling, as I see the multitude of daily lotteries in the state to be more of the same. 

I oppose it because the manner gambling has been allowed in the state of Maryland is cumbersome and will always create problems in the future.

Instead, the General Assembly should take action on gambling, which would allow them to make adjustments in the future in a much more effective manner than a referendum.

The last question on the ballot “Adoption of County Charter” also received my “Nay” vote.

My October 25, 2012 column in The Frederick Gazette spells out why I do not support this proposed charter.

My opposition comes primarily due to the proposed charter providing for a strong elected executive and a hybrid part time council without the council having enough authority over the budget proposed by the executive.

The council should be elected either by district or at-large and they should hire the executive, who could be replaced if they turned out to be incompetent.

The proposed charter’s only requirement for the elected county executive is that they meet a residency threshold and in Maryland there is no recall provision for inept elected officials.

This concludes how I am voting.

Whether, you agree with me or not, make sure you cast your vote.

You can vote early at the Frederick County Department of Aging/Frederick Senior Center located at 1440 Taney Avenue in Frederick, Maryland.

On Saturday October 27 and Monday October 29 through Thursday November 1, the early voting center will be open from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

On Sunday October 28 the hours are Noon – 6:00 PM.

On the day of the General Election November 6, polling centers will be open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

 

If, you do not know where your poll is located, the Maryland State Board of Elections has made it easy for you to locate online - Just click here.

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Hagen Accused of Ethics Law Violation

George Wenschhof

In a development that could hardly be called a surprise, an ethics complaint has been filed against former Frederick County Commissioner Kai Hagen.

Walter Mills of Frederick in a letter to the Frederick County Government Ethics Commission alleges Hagen has violated Section 1-7.1-4 (G) of the Frederick County, Maryland ethics ordinance which prohibits a former county employee or official from dealing with the county as a compensated representative of another during the first year after leaving office.

Mr. Mills has a long history of opposing local government intervention when it comes to land management and zoning issues, previously heading up an organization entitled Defenders of Citizens Rights.

In a telephone interview, Mr. Mills said Defenders of Citizens Rights operated from 2001 through 2006 and opposed efforts by Frederick County Commissioners, led by Republican John "Lenny" Thompson, to down zone properties adjacent to Route 15 North.

In colorful language, Mr. Mills expressed his disdain for former Commissioners Thompson, Jan Gardner, and Kai Hagen along with current Commissioner David Gray.

Mills is also angry at the down zoning which was done by the last board of county commissioners (BoCC), on which Kai Hagen served as a member. The current BoCC, led by President Blaine Young is presently reviewing the down zoning which took place, allowing landowners to petition to restore property rights.

It is testimony by Kai Hagen, Executive Director of Envision Frederick County, at BoCC meetings and Planning and Zoning Board meetings on this and other issues, which has Mills believing Hagen has violated the Frederick County Ethics Law. Envision Frederick County is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization.

This charge is hardly a surprise as current BoCC president Blaine Young publicly stated weeks ago; he believed Hagen was in violation of the Ethics Law after Hagen questioned Young serving as honorary chair with a 501 (c) (4) non-profit entitled We The People of Maryland. Walter Mills was the initial resident agent and is one of four directors of We The People of Maryland.

In several conversations I had with Young, he asserted he had reviewed with the county attorney his involvement with We The People of Maryland and he was not breaking any law.

After following the exchange unfold between Hagen and Young, I asked Frederick County Attorney Linda Thall, what part of the Ethics Law pertained to this issue and she emailed me in part, the following:

The Ethics Ordinance’s restriction on employment is found in Section 1-7.1-4(G). This restricts the ability of County officials and employees from acting as compensated representatives of another in dealing with the County on specific matters in which they participated substantially as a County official or employee. The restriction applies for one year following the termination of their employment.

The County’s Lobbying Ordinance is contained in Chapter 1-7.2 of the County Code. (Both the Ethics and Lobbying Ordinances can be found on the County’s website by clicking on the links to government, then boards and commissions and then ethics commission. Certain types of non-profit entities are addressed in Section 1-7.2-2(B). Prohibited conduct is described in Section 1-7.2-9. The prohibited conduct restrictions apply to both for-profit entities and non-profit entities.

She also included a link to the county ethics ordinance.

A violation is subject to punishment of a fine up to $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of up to six months.

I also met with the Aaron Valentino, chair of the board of directors of Envision Frederick County to discuss several issues, including the ethics accusation by Board President Blaine Young in regard to Kai Hagen.

Valentino, a well intentioned and thoughtful man, did not seem to believe there were any problems with Hagen's actions to date, but indicated he would certainly look into it.

In subsequent email exchanges, I also brought up the county ethics ordinance and asked how much compensation Hagen had received from Envision Frederick County. A question Valentino deferred to the full Board of Directors for an answer. I have yet to receive an answer from him.

Valentino brought up the notion of Hagen registering as a Lobbyist and I mentioned I wondered if that would violate the 501 (c) (3) non-profit status filed by Envision Frederick County.

Later, I contacted local attorney David Severn of the law firm Severn, O'Conner and Kresslein, P.A. and he sent me the following from the IRS Code in regard to lobbying efforts conducted by 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporations:

In a 501 ( c ) (3) charitable purpose no substantial part of the activities of the organization can be promoting propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation or participating in a political campaign. A 501 ( c ) (3) should not take part in a partisan political campaign for or against any candidate running for public office. Violation risks loss of tax-exempt status.

A “substantial part” of the organization’s activities cannot be to influence legislation including contacting or urging the public or members of a legislative body to support or oppose legislation , directly advocating for the adoption or rejection of legislation or having the enactment of certain legislation as a goal.

A 501 ( c ) (3) can undertake some lobbying on legislation so long as it does not exceed 5% of all its expenditures.

Whether or not, Mr. Hagen as Executive Director of Envision Frederick County, has violated either the Frederick County Maryland Ethics Ordinance or the IRS code, remains to be seen.

A ruling on either will not take place unless a complaint is filed. With the complaint being filed by Walter Mills, the Frederick County Ethics Commission will decide if the ethics complaint has merit and if so, render a decision after deliberation.

There certainly does not appear to be any intent by former commissioner Kai Hagen or the Board of Directors of Envision Frederick County to violate a law. Instead, both Hagen and Valentino exhibit a genuine interest in the future of Frederick County and have strong positions on issues of importance to them.

Unfortunately, this latest dust up on the legality of actions by both Hagen and Young is a continuation of the long standing "growth" versus "no-growth" debate expressed by two very vocal, passionate and well organized factions which exist in Frederick County.

I trust Envision Frederick County will review their current corporate status and allowable activities permitted under county and federal law and if necessary, make the changes needed for compliance.

Of more importance, is the need to elect reasonable, fair, and effective county elected officials in the future.

Frederick County residents deserve better than this long standing Hatfield-McCoy like feud over growth policy.

More balance is needed from county elected leaders as the back and forth pendulum swing over the last twenty plus years has been harmful to the community.

Decisions which are long lasting are desperately needed for present and future residents. The business sector and future job creation is also dependent on more stability.

Bringing people together and building consensus on an issue as important as growth is not an easy task, but one that must be undertaken.

Stay Tuned...

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Political Maneuvering Begins in Frederick County As Redistricting Nears

George Wenschhof

In what Democratic state delegate Galen Clagett (District 3-a) is calling a "premature move", members of the Frederick County Republican state delegation will hold a press conference on Wednesday August 17 at 4:00 PM ET at the C. Burr Artz Library to present what they are calling a bipartisan redistricting map conference.

This highlights the political maneuvering which takes place every ten years, when the U.S. Constitution requires reapportionment take place in regard to representation in the House of Representatives. The number of Representatives (435) stay the same, but based on population totals, a state may gain or lose their number of Representatives, while always guaranteed a minimum of one.

The solid Democratic state of Maryland has 8 congressional districts with six of them considered "Blue"; one (6th) considered "Red" and one (1st) which has been a toss-up in the last two elections. As a result of the census data, Maryland maintained their number of Representatives in the House.

Before, state elected leaders can begin the deliberative process to determine the districts for state senators and delegates; the eight congressional districts will need to be redrawn as elections take place next year.

In addition, the state election calendar has been changed for next year with the deadline for candidates to file, (January 11, 2012), not so far away. The primary will be held April 3, 2012.

As a result, Maryland Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley will call a special session of the General Assembly in October to finalize the congressional districts.

Frederick County is currently a part of the convoluted sixth district which has benefited Republican Roscoe Bartlett who won his first election in 1992. Republican voter registration across the vast sixth district has enabled Bartlett to continue to serve in Congress.

Sixth district Democrats are hopeful a shift in district boundaries resulting from this year's reapportionment will offer an opportunity for a more competitive race, compared to the average 40% their candidates have received since 1992.

In addition to the sixth district, look to see efforts made to "help" the first district turn Blue.

After the Congressional realignment is completed, Maryland will turn to state redistricting. Across the state, 35 of the 47 senators are Democratic and 98 of the 141 delegates are Democratic. Each of the 47 districts elects one state senator and three state delegates.

In Frederick County, it is the reverse of the state and 6 of the 8 member state delegation are Republican.

As a result, you can expect some interesting attempts at redrawing lines in Frederick County from both Republicans and Democrats.

The Republican state delegation plans to present a redistricting map which they call "fair and equitable to the citizens of Frederick County".

When I spoke to Democratic State delegate Galen Clagett (District 3-a), he told me he had not held any discussions with any of the Republican delegation from Frederick County in regard to redistricting and as a result was not on board with what was being presented. "They (the Republicans) were jumping the gun" according to Clagett.

Galen added, Democratic state senator Ron Young had shown him in passing, a redistricting map, which he did not look at closely or comment on.

Clagett has, however, been working with an ad hoc five member committee appointed by Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch. As part of this process, he has met with a state official who is looking at different statewide scenarios for redistricting. Clagett added the House had not agreed to any redistricting at this point and would not until the Maryland General Assembly meets next year in regular session.

Democratic State senator Ron Young (District 3), who is mentioned in the Republican press release, indicated to me in a telephone conversation, he had also met with the state official working on redistricting and had shared a draft redistricting map with Republican state senator David Brinkley (District 4) and spoken with Republican delegates Kelly Schulz (District 4-a) and Kathy Afzali (District 4-a).

However, Ron added while he had also seen the press release sent by Republican members of the Frederick County state delegation, he had not been informed that it had been scheduled or asked to attend.

What I am hearing in regard to the preliminary discussions is an effort to have Maryland legislative districts 3 and 4 be inclusive of Frederick County with the current portions of Carroll County and Washington County eliminated.

Each district 3 and 4 would be comprised of approximately 117,000 Frederick county residents.

In district 3, one proposal being kicked around includes three at large delegates as opposed to the current two delegates from 3-a and one delegate from 3-b.

While early talks are underway, the serious discussion on state redistricting will take place next year when the Maryland General Assembly meets in regular session.

The hope will be to finalize a plan next year allowing for two years for candidates and voters to know the new districts prior to the next election in 2014. Approval next year would also provide ample time for judicial review if a legal objection is filed.

Do not look to see any agreement reached without the approval of the big three Democrats; Governor Martin O'Malley, Senate President Thomas "Mike" Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch.

Until then, the talk taking place is just talk.

Stay tuned...

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League of Women Voters Bring Reasonable Discourse to Privatization Debate

George Wenschhof

The move to privatize government services put forth by the Frederick Board of County Commissioners President Blaine Young has resulted in a significant public outcry.

As, I opined in an earlier piece, this was a step too far, made by Blaine Young and Company.

The earlier board decision to eliminate 100% of county funding to the long time successful Head Start program, using a 3% budget shortfall as the reasoning, being just the first step by Blaine to make radical right wing ideological driven decisions. Rather, than to take a thoughtful and reasonable approach to balancing the budget.

What followed were drastic slashes in programs for the elderly and non-profit organizations serving those in need.

The public response to the plan by Blaine Young and Company to implement the privatization report prepared by Oliver Porter of PPP Associates LLC has been wide spread from the Frederick County community.

It was refreshing to recently receive an email from Valarie Dale asking folks to attend a rally to protest the implementation of the Oliver Porter privatization report and the potential loss of jobs for a significant number of county employees. Her call for support was joined by former county commissioner Kai Hagen and many other community leaders.

In my column published the day after Oliver Porter gave his privatization report to the board of county commissioners, I questioned the validity of the report and called for an independent study, suggesting the University of Maryland.

Editorials in the Frederick News Post and the Frederick Gazette have also called for an independent review and a slower, more reasoned approach to the privatization of government services.

Fortunately, The League of Women Voters of Frederick County stepped up and did just that, asking for and receiving a review of the Oliver Porter report from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy.

What is also important to note is the cost of the report was zero. A significant factor considering Board President Blaine Young, whose theme is saving taxpayer money, authorized a sole source $25,000 privatization study with PPP Associates LLC. Money spent on a report which was going to tell him what he wanted to hear.

The independent and nonpartisan study requested by the League of Women voters was prepared by Dr. Donald F. Kettl (Bio) who is the Dean of The School of Public Policy. A uniquely qualified scholar to undertake such a review. One, who can hardly be labeled as being a member of a anti privatization group.

In a press release issued today by the League of Women Voters, Dr. Kettl said that he wants to "underline very, very strongly and repeat constantly" that "the public-private partnership approach includes a very large number of different strategies. What is being proposed in Frederick County is not part of the mainstream public-private partnership approach."

You can read the full report here. Dr. Kettl goes on to say public-private partnerships have been used successfully in Maryland and across the country, pointing out the "mainstream approach often works well because it is transparent, accountable and managed well."

This review clearly illustrates the lack of credibility in the Oliver Porter report and underlines the importance of slowing down and taking a more reasoned approach to the privatization of local government services.

For years, I have been calling for the election of a fair, reasonable and balanced board of county commissioners. The ongoing back and forth extremes have been a detriment to those who reside in the community.

To achieve meaningful and long term change in policy on an issue; it takes support from a variety of folks, not just like minded individuals. The present day gridlock among members of Congress over the budget is a painful example of how politicians driven solely on ideology are unable to reach long term solutions on an issue.

Board President Blaine Young is a prime example of a politician driven solely by ideology. With Young given Carte Blanche by commissioners Kirby Delauter and Billy Shreve, there has been a lack of needed balance on the board.

Rather, than use the power afforded him by the election wisely, Young has merely resorted to the age old practice of moving to overturn policies enacted by the previous board of commissioners. A continuation of the back and forth action taken by county commissioner boards over the last twenty plus years.

Which is why, it is so helpful to receive reasonable input on a volatile issue such as the privatization of government services.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Frederick County deserves a big thank you for showing how a divisive issue should be handled by local elected officials.

Co-Presidents Bonnie Bailey Baker and Claire Kondig along with Vice President Mary Ellen Rhoderick concluded their press conference (which can be read in full here) with a recommendation the county commissioners do the following:

1. Undertake a careful analysis of potential cost savings department by department, taking into account elements in addition to employee costs. Several good suggestions for cost-cutting were made at the first employee hearing, and we’d expect more to follow at the later hearings.

2. Undertake a citizen survey to identify the services/programs that are deemed essential as well as those they’d like to have reduced, eliminated, or provided differently. The survey could also evaluate citizen satisfaction with current provision of services, as recommended by the PPP Associates report.

3. Undertake an evaluation of possible changes to pensions and benefits, particularly for new employees, because this has been identified as a major concern for the long term. This has the advantage of a gradual change that can be absorbed, rather than an abrupt impact to an already fragile economy.

4. Appoint a broadly representative task force/steering committee (including members of the business and non-profit sectors as well as a cross-section of citizens) to make recommendations, monitor implementation of measures taken, and suggest modifications as needed. The creation of a committee without a particular agenda, and real powers, could allay criticism and facilitate public buy-in to changes.

As Dr. Kettl concluded, “Accountability in government can’t be contracted out.”

One has to hope Blaine Young and company takes Dr. Kettl’s report and the recommendations from the League of Women Voters of Frederick County seriously and halts the rapid approach currently underway to implement the ill conceived recommendations in the report prepared by Oliver Porter.

Maryland has no recall provision for elected officials or requirement that a drastic change such as the privatization of 25% of local government services go to referendum.

Board president Blaine Young and Kirby Delauter have stated publicly they are not running for reelection. This is hardly a good excuse for taking irresponsible action while in office. But nonetheless, a position they hold which allows them to follow a reckless ideological driven path.

Commissioner David Gray has been the sole expressed opposition to the privatization plan presented by Oliver Porter. Commissioner Paul Smith, showing some reason on the board, has stated the need to slow down and conduct a thorough department by department review.

This leaves Commissioner Billy Shreve as the swing vote on this issue. Shreve, who does want to continue to serve in elected office, has been extremely vocal in support of the Oliver Porter report.

In light of the thoughtful review provided by Dr. Kettl, one would expect a more reasoned approach to the issue from Mr. Shreve.

Another compelling reason to slow down the privatization process was put forward by Frederick News Post columnist Don Kornreich who wisely points out with the move to charter government being a decision voters will make next year, it only makes sense to wait to see the outcome of that vote in the 2012 general election, before moving to privatize such a large percentage of local government services.

This is not to say a public private relationship in regard to the provision of some local government services may make sense and may well deserve serious consideration. However, the careless full steam ahead approach to implement privatization of 25% of the existing county services based on a single and flawed report is simply irresponsible.

Frederick County voters deserve reasonable, fair and balanced representation – they should demand it.

Stay Tuned…

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Will Maryland DREAM Act Doom Frederick County Charter?

George Wenschhof

The rocky start by the Frederick Maryland Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) to move to a charter form of government may have been dealt a fatal blow by statewide action on a totally unrelated issue.

The Maryland General Assembly passed, in their regular session earlier this year, the DREAM Act, which provided in-state tuition rates for children of undocumented immigrants. The in-state tuition rate earned if the guidelines providing a pathway to citizenship were followed by an applicant.

A reasonable approach, one would argue, in dealing with the highly charged issue surrounding the children of the estimated 11+ million undocumented immigrants who reside in the United States.

However, due to the failure of the U.S. Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill, measures such as the one passed by the Maryland General Assembly receive the ire of many voters, as they only address a single component of this volatile issue.

As, was the case in regard to the Frederick BoCC selection of a charter writing board, the Maryland DREAM Act was subject to a petition for referendum under the Maryland constitution. The number of required signatures obtained and recently certified by the Maryland state board of elections.

This action will result in the “yes or no” question on the DREAM Act put forward for voters to decide in the Maryland 2012 General Election. The same election Frederick County voters will be answering a “yes or no” question on instituting charter government.

The demographics of Frederick County suggest voters will vote “no” to the DREAM Act and as a result, political analysis indicates a second “no” is likely on the move to charter government.

Interestingly, both issues illuminated the state board of elections petition signature certification process, which is currently being challenged on behalf of those who petitioned for a Frederick County special election to determine the members of the charter writing board appointed by the BoCC.

The onerous requirement to have one’s signature match the signature in the voter registration file should not survive legal review. The only issue of concern should be the person is who she/he claims to be, not whether one signed their name with middle initial or not.

I opined in an earlier column, that while I was not convinced a special election for the charter writing board was needed, I supported the right for voters to call for one. Upon learning former Frederick Commissioner and lawyer John Thompson would take on this case, I wrote "...I trust his legal expertise is up to the day in court which will hopefully come soon".

Thompson failed to request a stay from the court, which if granted, would have halted the work being conducted by the appointed charter writing board, until a ruling on the validity of the signatures had been issued.

If, a special election resulted, it would stand to reason, work by the charter writing board should be suspended until the results of the election had been certified.

The appointed charter writing board has now requested twenty-five thousand from the BoCC to use in part to hire a consultant and in part for expenses incurred by the board. The financial request is reasonable. I had also written earlier, a budget should have been included by the BoCC when they appointed the charter writing board.

However, if court review results in a special election for the members of the charter writing board, it should be up to the new members to determine who to hire as a consultant and how to expense the balance of the funds provided by the BoCC.

This is a clear example of why a stay, if requested, would likely be issued by a Judge. The issuance of a stay would also likely result in a faster ruling on the validity of the petition signatures, as it would be apparent valuable time in preparing the charter was being lost.

As one who has long called for charter government in Frederick County, I fear the combination of a muddled charter writing board appointment process coupled with the inclusion of the DREAM Act referendum question in the 2012 General Election, will doom the passage of charter government for Frederick County.

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New Housing Should Include Jobs

George Wenschhof

Local and state government have tackled the issues surrounding community planning for, it seems, forever. The latest flavor of choice is the concept of "smart growth".

However, tying new housing development to local job availability is not a concept which has been implemented by government.

The basic idea of smart growth is to promote new housing in areas where community services such as road networks, water, sewer, schools, fire, rescue, police services and the like, presently exist or, can be expanded to meet the needs of new housing.

The idea being it makes sense to develop on municipal services such as water and sewer as opposed to well and septic fields, which would lead to “urban sprawl”, a definition created by those who favor smart growth.

The argument goes along the line that allowing urban sprawl to occur would overburden existing community services.

A reasonable argument, one would think. But, looking at the attempts within Frederick County, Maryland to adhere to these principles would lead one to question the validity of the argument.

One only has to look at the gridlock on the road networks in and out of The City of Frederick and the strain on local government services, to see the result of forcing development within the city boundaries.

But, that is a discussion for another day. Instead, the focus, regardless of the planning model used, should be zeroed in on the creation of competitive salaried local jobs.

It is generally agreed commercial development impacts local government services to a less degree than residential development, which triggers many convoluted attempts to pay for new school construction.

Meanwhile, the overall cost of commuting is simply an expenditure government and the taxpayer cannot continue to pay.

Like, many similar sized communities, within forty to one hundred miles of a major urban city, the number of Frederick County residents commuting to work located outside of their county, is a huge number.

Within Maryland, the number of workers who commute to jobs outside of the county in which they reside, in Prince George's, Montgomery and Frederick range from 40-60%.

Whether, it is the cost associated with the paving of a highway, metro system or gasoline, the age old approach of daily commuting to work must come to an end.

Implementing telecommuting and job sharing practices will help. But, until competitive salaried posions are located near where one lives, the economic and environmental costs will continue to be severe.

This leads me back to community planning models. Currently, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, led by Blaine Young and Company is promoting tax breaks for those businesses that expand and create job opportunities.

The only argument on the issue among the commissioners, who ran on a platform of creating jobs, is that small businesses, where most of the job creation comes from, should also benefit. On this, I agree.

However, there is no requirement in the proposed legislation which would require these businesses to hire local workers to fill the newly created positions.

A requirement, I would argue is the most important component to be included in the legislation.

Why give a local tax break to a Frederick County business that is employing workers who live outside of Frederick County?

While, requiring 100% of the new jobs created to be filled by Frederick County residents would be onerous; a reasonable percentage of the new jobs should be required to be filled by local residents.

Expanding this concept further and one can see the benefit of adding a job availability component to the approval process for new housing developments. Egad, a home builder may ask; “First, I have to pass an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) and now I have to meet job criteria before I can begin building homes”?

My answer would be. like school capacity, county job availability would be one of the means testing components for approval of housing developments.

Master developers already do this to some degree, but local government approval for new housing tied to local job availability has not been done.

I say, Why not?

The value of homes in a community where competitive paying jobs exist would surely be higher as a result. Who wouldn't be willing to pay more for a home in a community where they can also work.

The only way the existing time consuming commute which impacts severely on the economy and the environment can be altered is to begin to change current development models.

Another benefit of requiring local job opportunities being tied to new housing construction would be a lower residential tax rate as higher commercial tax revenue would result.

Implementation of a local job availability requirement for new housing will, of course, be met with much resistance and arguments for why it will not work.

However, state and local community government lawmakers should seriously consider this reasonable option as the benefits of working close to home in a job with a competitive salary, leading to improving the quality of life, is a goal all share.

Having all the players in the development field concentrate on job creation only makes sense.

I say it is long over do and it is time to start seriously examining a job availability requirement tied to new housing development.

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Do-Over Needed in Privatization Effort

George Wenschhof

As I pointed out in my column last Friday, the presentation by Oliver Porter of PPP Associates LLC, the day before at Winchester Hall, was not worth the $25,000 the Frederick County Maryland board of county commissioners spent on it.

Hiring a firm, on a sole source contract basis, with limited experience in the field, who also stands to benefit should the board retain their services on a consultant basis, is simply taxpayer money ill spent.

In my previous column on this issue, I called for the board to commission an independent study on the privatization of services from a nonpartisan "think tank" such as the University of Maryland. I am pleased my suggestion is receiving support from well respected former Frederick County Commissioner and State Delegate Rick Weldon who said in an email to me "We definitely agree". According to information I received, the Editorial tomorrow in the Frederick Gazette Newspaper will also support a new study.

The rush to privatize by the board of county commissioners also puts a spotlight on some omissions in the Maryland Constitution. Privatization of government services was not a consideration when the constitution was written and therefore a referendum is not required as it is for a change to charter government. In addition, Maryland has no recall provisions for local elected officials.

The privatization changes proposed by the board, which could affect as much as 25% of the county work force ( 500 workers), is such a drastic change to the current approach of government providing necessary services, a referendum should also be considered to allow voters to have their say in the matter. A simple majority on the board should not be the only requirement for such a drastic change.

At a minimum, sufficient time should be given for the public to digest the proposed changes and provide input. Therefore, it is important this process be slowed down from the bullet train approach taken by Board President Blaine Young, who has already scheduled four public meetings in July on this issue.

County residents will not benefit from this approach and the potential for a back and forth swing when a new board is elected in less than four years would only cause more costly expenditures and further disrupt the valuable government services provided to the community.

Instead, what is needed is time to have a legitimate study done with public review of the report. If, the study suggests privatization of various county services would be beneficial and result in cost savings, then a phased in plan should be implemented as opposed to a full scale change in the provision of government services.

Taking a year to see how well a service is provided by the private sector only makes sense before one would consider privately contracting for another service.

The actions by Blaine Young and Company, have been reckless, full of ideology and short on wisdom. Two of the commissioners; Blaine Young and Kirby Delauter have repeatedly said they do not intend to run for reelection. Leading, to no accountability to the voters for their actions while in office.

This carefree approach to governing also points out the need for the state of Maryland to institute a recall election process for local elected officials. A provision, absent from the Maryland Constitution. One, of only a handful of states, who do not have a way to replace incompetent politicians who are harmful to their community.

Frederick County does not deserve fly-by-night and thoughtless representation. Instead, Frederick County deserves a balanced board of commissioners who take a reasonable, fair and effective approach in dealing with the issues.

Frederick county voters should demand it.

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Hagen Wrong Choice for "Envision Frederick County"

George Wenschhof

I could not help but feel skeptical as I watched the roll-out of "Envision Frederick County". The early January 2011 announcement followed the thumping "no-growth" county commissioner candidates, led by Commissioner Kai Hagen, received at the polls in November 2010.

The announced purpose of "Envision Frederick County" found on their facebook page states the following:

Envision Frederick County was founded on the principle that informed public discourse and active engagement of individuals and groups in our civic life is essential to our well-being and prosperity. We are dedicated to enhancing the social, economic and environmental vitality of our community. To that end, we employ a broad range of strategies, tools and programs to promote effective and accountable government, sustainable environmental and economic policy, and quality planning for long term growth and development.

The listed nine member Board of Directors are Judith Elizabeth Bauer, Steve Chafitz, Patrice Ann Gallagher, John Edwin Hinde, Ellen Kreis, James R. Racheff, Fred Ugast, Aaron Anthony Valentino and Robert White.

A noble purpose, with an impressive nonpartisan board of directors.

Yet, it appeared, at first blush, the creation of this nonprofit, would serve two immediate purposes; both aimed at benefiting Kai Hagen. One was the naming of Hagen as Executive director and the other was the announcement that funds would be raised to pay him an annual salary of Fifty Thousand.

As the newly named executive director, Hagen would be able to keep his name in the media, as he plotted strategy on how to return to elected office, receiving a paycheck as he did so.

A return to "Friends of Frederick", where Hagen got his start in local politics, was not possible as their executive director position was already filled by Janice Wiles. Wiles, was another of the "no-growth" candidates who lost in the 2010 election.

I hoped my initial thoughts would be wrong as the stated intent of the newly formed organization was one which is needed in Frederick County.

Unfortunately, my fears were correct, as Hagen has used his position to constantly objected to actions by the new all Republican Board of Commissioners, led by "pro-growth" advocate and Rush Limbaugh wannabee talk show host; Blaine Young.

In a January 1, 2011 article in The Gazette written by Katherine Heerbrandt, she wrote; "One thing they will not do, said Hagen, is raise money for political candidates, act as a pool for potential candidates, or make endorsements in elections".

Yet, in a recent column appearing in The Gazette, written by Sherry Greenfield on June 2, 2011, Hagen speaks about the hours he spent collecting signatures for a petition to force a special election for the members of the "Charter Writing Board" appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Making one question whether "Envision Frederick County" should have been registered as a political action committee as opposed to a non profit.

Objections to the actions taken to date by the newly sworn in commissioners are desperately needed, but Kai Hagen is not the one to voice them at the moment.

In a recent conversation with a group of local Democratic Party activists, one woman, who has been involved in politics for many years, said "Hagen was like waving a red flag to Republicans" – I agree.

Leading me to to opine Hagen is the wrong choice for "Envision Frederick County".

The intent of the organization is a noble one and one the community should support as Frederick County residents deserve a reasonable voice when examining the past, dealing with the present and planning for the future.

I trust the "Envision Frederick County" board of directors understand their newly formed organization is more important than one person. Reconsideration is needed in who will be their executive director tasked with implementing their goals.

It has been said the board of directors were handpicked by Hagen – This may be true, but they strike me as a group of independent thinkers who are capable of seeing that Hagen is not a good fit for this new local nonprofit.

Hagen should not wait for the board to act but should resign, to take time to reflect and renew before reentering the local political scene.

I voted for Kai Hagen in the 2006 election which he won. Over the next four years, his actions lost my support when he ran for reelection in 2010.

Kai showed he never learned the difference between activism and governing. Activism brings attention to an issue whereas governing is where consensus must be reached and decisions are made.

Hagen never learned the importance of obtaining two additional votes on the five member board of county commissioners and failed miserably when he was on the right side of the issue opposing the construction of a costly incinerator to handle Frederick county waste disposal.

He never articulated a reasonable alternative and consequently was unable to obtain a single additional vote from the board members.

Hagen has tremendous talent and a good mind. He would be well advised to take a break from local politics and take time to reflect.

For too long, Frederick County residents have been subjected to extremes in political viewpoints. Presently, they are faced with draconian far right wing actions taken by four members of the Board of County Commissioners.

The answer is not a tit-for-tat response from political activists from the far left. Rather, what is needed is fair reasonable, effective and balanced representation which will work hard to unite as opposed to dividing the community.

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