Gene Stanton Files for Maryland State Delegate in District 4

George Wenschhof

Gene Stanton

The first Democrat to file in district 4, Gene Stanton told me he wants to reduce the gridlock on U.S. Route 270, build on the state’s excellent educational system and is concerned with the runaway growth policies of the current Frederick board of county commissioners.

Stanton said plans show Rt. 270 is scheduled to be widened to 8 lanes by 2030, but he would like to widen Rt. 270 to six lanes from Germantown to Route 15/Monocacy Boulevard as soon as feasible.

Gene would also like to see the Metro Red Line expanded from Shady Grove to Fort Detrick and Frederick Community College.

Stanton, a High School social studies and government teacher, moved to Ijamsville nine years ago.  He feels the planned Monrovia Town Center development is ridiculous and does not take into account the impact new residents will have on local roadways and major arteries.

He likes the rural atmosphere of Frederick County and does not want to see it become another Montgomery County, adding he supports the state’s smart growth policies.

Education is also very important to Stanton, who says he loves being a teacher and intends to continue teaching, should he win election. As state delegate, he wants to move the state’s education system forward, adding kids and taxpayers deserve it.  He believes a strong education is critical for kids to have a future.

Gene Stanton, who grew up in a small town outside of Miami, Florida, is not a stranger to politics.  His father was involved in politics and worked at the Miami Herald newspaper.  Gene said he first registered as a Republican, in part to rebel against his father, and voted for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush for president, before changing his political affiliation.

He worked for Democrat Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 presidential campaigns and would like to see today’s politicians get back to the days of compromise practiced by Clinton.

Gene shared with me it was after the 2000 presidential election, which saw Republican George W. Bush win, aided by the vote recount debacle in Florida and a questionable Supreme Court decision, that he and his partner of 24 years; Leonardo, moved to Maryland.  They were married in Vermont in 2009 after the state approved same-sex marriages. Last year Maryland's same-sex marriage law went into effect. 

When I asked him what he thought about the state “rain tax” for storm water management, Stanton told me he was against it and feels “we are taxed enough”.  Stanton added “I will not support new state income taxes under any circumstances”.

He does support Governor Martin O’Malley’s proposed state increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 and would also like to see automatic increases tied to inflation.

As delegate, Gene Stanton said he would work hard to see Frederick County receives their fair share back of the state taxes they pay.

He told me he is running because he believes voters deserve a choice, adding he wants voters to get to know him and look at him for what he stands for.  You can learn more about Gene Stanton and his campaign on his website: www.stantonfordelegate.org, on Facebook: at Stanton for Delegate, and Twitter: Gene Stanton.

Voters in district 4 will elect 3 state delegates.  The deadline for candidates to file for election is February 25.  The primary election is June 24 and the general election is November 4.

Incumbent Republican state delegate Kelly Shulz is the only other candidate who has filed at the time of this publication.

Stay tuned.

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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