This article was first written on 3/27/2005 by Frank Larson.
Now is the time for those who missed it the first time to have another chance. For those that have read it .... please re-read as a refresher.
CALVERT COUNTY BOARD OF COMSSIONERS: The Last Straw!!!
What has taken place here is wrong, wrong, wrong. The Public needs to know it's wrong and why it's wrong. That is what this article is about and nothing more. Why does the CCBC act & react the way they do??? We, the entire public need answers, and we need them now. When a Board Member goes this far out of line, there is no telling where it all will stop.
Maybe Susan Shaw has given us some insight into the One-sided-ness, Thinking, Attitude, Planning and Preconceived Notions of the Calvert County Board of Commissioners.
The attached email copy clearly shows why I made the last statement.
EMAIL
Dear Mrs. Allen: Thanks for sharing your comments. When you bought your home in CRE, in order to work at Pax NAS, I am sure that you noticed that there were no shopping malls and "big box" stores in southern Calvert County. Since those amenities are so important to you, I am curious why you bought a home in Calvert County? Was it the good schools? Was it the quality of life? You are absolutely correct that I am not interested in making Calvert County look like Everywhere, USA for the sake of convenience. Please make a profit on your home by selling it to people who like the unique qualities that Calvert County has to offer and move closer to the amenities you desire in St. Mary's County. You will be happier and so will most of the other residents in Calvert County. By the way, the planning commission - an independent body required by State Law - approves site plans for Giant grocery stores (and all other development), and not the Calvert Board of County Commissioners. With all best wishes on your impending move. Susan Shaw - Calvert County Commissioner.
END OF EMAIL
Susan Shaw ... tell the people the name of that independent body is the
Calverty county Planning Commissioners that work at the pleasure of the Calvert county board of commissioners.
Susan Shaw, you have shown complete intolerance of Mrs. Dara Allen and her concerns as a Calvert County Citizen.
Intolerance is the unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs.
Citizens of Calvert County, can you believe one of our Commissioners talking to you in this manner? Regardless of what Mrs. Allen said that upset Susan Shaw, this is no way for a Public Servant to speak to a citizen. This Attitude and everything else that goes with it, can not be, and should not be tolerated by anyone. It is uncalled for, it is childish and arrogant, at the very least.
Of what concern is it to Susan Shaw why Mr. & Mrs. Allen moved to Calvert County, as long as they are law abiding citizens. There are many people that will look at a given area and they all see something different that attracts them. I myself, can easily see Lusby as place for potential growth, both in Commercial and residential sectors, and if I were younger I would love to live there ... IF ... Calvert County was in the Hands of leaders that want to hear and listen to their citizens about their needs and wants.
(Susan Shaw's words ... You are absolutely correct that I am not interested in making Calvert County look like Everywhere, USA. for the sake of convenience.)
Susan Shaw, if you do not like what you see when you look at Everywhere, USA, with my invitation, why don't you pack up and leave this Country, because Calvert County is part of where Everywhere USA is. May I suggest Tule, Greenland as a place for you, as you never have to ever worry over conveniences that you say you don't need. I have been there, it lies just above the Arctic Circle, and you may even have a chance of becoming Mayor. Believe me, you will not be missed. In my opinion, you are exactly the type of person this County can do without.
Calvert County, like an old Computer, hasn't been updated to the 21st Century due to the lack of proper leadership.
Thank you Susan Shaw, you gave our citizens the best example one could give on the subject of how you think.
Susan Shaw, you clearly indicate through your actions and reactions toward your fellow citizens, that you no longer qualify to hold a seat on our Board of County Commissioners. Susan Shaw, you clearly indicate that you have a preconceived notion about how to develop this County without ever considering her citizens.
Susan Shaw ... preconceived notion means ... To form an opinion before possessing full or adequate knowledge of the adverse impact on our citizens (in the case of Wal-Mart, Giants or lower cost housing, etc).
Susan Shaw, you may not have noticed, when I write or speak, I always try to refer to Calvert County Tax Payers and their families as citizens, never as just residents. I do that to show respect for my fellow citizens. A mouse in your house is not a citizen, but it is a resident.
When those in charge fail to hear and listen to their citizens, that is called being
complacent. (Contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned:) This is what is taking place by a majority on this Board, Susan Shaw included, as she has shown this in the email.
According to the copy of your email to Mrs. Allen, Susan Shaw, evidently the words "citizens, their needs and convenience" aren't in your vocabulary. A Public Servant, you are not.
Because of what you said and how you expressed yourself to Mrs. Allen, you no longer deserve a seat on the board of commissioners.
Susan Shaw, Everywhere, USA allows for Free Speech and Expressed Opinions such as I have put forth in this article. With that said, I need to inform you once again, Calvert County is a part of Everywhere, USA.
Frank J. Larson
juliusb@comcast.net