I was at a meeting last night... one of the current commissioners in Calvert County said it cost him over $40,000 to run last time....

So with inflation... we can assume he is willing to find more this time to keep a spot that pays $36,000 a year....

I ask you does that seem logical?

I just called for the price of signs... 254 Signs will cost me $1,250.00...

I ask you does that seem logical?

I was at a meeting last night... one of the current commissioners in Calvert County said it cost him over $40,000 to run last time....

So with inflation... we can assume he is willing to find more this time to keep a spot that pays $36,000 a year....

I ask you does that seem logical?


Logical...

only if you think about all the kickbacks you'll receive for "special favors". :whistle:

I was at a meeting last night... one of the current commissioners in Calvert County said it cost him over $40,000 to run last time.... $40,000??? Sounds like :bs: to me.

What I think is more outrageous is that Tommy McKay has stated that it will cost him $250,000 to run for a State Senate seat in Southern Maryland. I have no idea where all of that money will go...it's not like television ads and newspapers ads in a very small market such as ours is going to be amazingly expensive.

$40,000??? Sounds like :bs: to me.
:yeahthat: He probably computes the time and effort that he could be working a regular job into the equation to get the number that high. Even so $36K times 4 years comes to $144K so would it be that bad of an investment?

What I think is more outrageous is that Tommy McKay has stated that it will cost him $250,000 to run for a State Senate seat in Southern Maryland. I have no idea where all of that money will go...it's not like television ads and newspapers ads in a very small market such as ours is going to be amazingly expensive.
RRaley, I suspect that includes the money he will have to pay the lawyer to get his son out of the counterfeiting charge for printing up the initial expense money. :biggrin:

I asked my husband to check into getting a spot on Channel 6 [the local Comcast channel]. He said that Comcast wouldn't give him the info.

I have a hard time with litter on a stick [political signs] costing $1,250.00 for 254 signs.... and how much do people spend on mailers in envelops that get tossed without being read....

What are we thinking? Why are people spending all this money? Aren't votes and issues important anymore?

Somone said I should go to businesses for the money.... every business I know of is trying to absorb the additional costs of fuel shortages and the rising costs of supplies based on the rising interest rates and fuel....shouldn't employers be putting that money into keeping the business running so people can work... or maybe into health care or other benefits....

If candidates are throwing away money on bumper stickers and litter on a stick... how does that show concern for the community or issues?

I think that if I were running for office in southern Maryland I would spend my time and money going out and meeting people. Look for all the meetings of groups, contact them, and see if they'll give you time to come and meet with them. Notice that I didn't say talk to them... I think that's what turns off a lot of people about politicians. When you go out keep what you say short, and use the time to let people tell you what they want. "Fell their pain" as Clinton used to say. That'll get people to remember you better than any signs or mailings, and it's pretty cheap.

I think that if I were running for office in southern Maryland I would spend my time and money going out and meeting people. Look for all the meetings of groups, contact them, and see if they'll give you time to come and meet with them. Notice that I didn't say talk to them... I think that's what turns off a lot of people about politicians. When you go out keep what you say short, and use the time to let people tell you what they want. "Fell their pain" as Clinton used to say. That'll get people to remember you better than any signs or mailings, and it's pretty cheap.


Well said...

My grandfather use to tell me all the time... "Your handshake can speak for you!"

I hate corruption in government... seems to me setting the price of local elections is just corrupt.... begging for real campaign reform....

I have a hard time with litter on a stick [political signs] costing $1,250.00 for 254 signs.... and how much do people spend on mailers in envelops that get tossed without being read....
~$5 per sign...how big are they, number of colors, materials, screen printed vs vinyl, etc. Are they doing design work? That could be a reasonable price, or it could be expensive...it all depends.

As for mailings, I've been getting annoyed with the MD Republican mailings lately. The first one I got was a survey...cool, nice to see that they want to find out what is important to their constituents. Not so fast...there was no option for "Here's my survey. Sorry, I don't want to contribute right now" (or something to that effect). Basically, give us money and we'll consider your opinion to be important enough to count. :burning: I also noted that there were no questions about gun control laws :burning: :burning:

RRaley, I suspect that includes the money he will have to pay the lawyer to get his son out of the counterfeiting charge for printing up the initial expense money. :biggrin:

:high5: :killingme

Aren't votes and issues important anymore?
In a word, no. What counts is name recognition. If we had smarter and more involved voters, the issues would count more.

Why wouldn't Comcast give you rates? Because they can't show favoritism between political candidates - it's against the law. Or at least it used to be.

Somone said I should go to businesses for the money.... every business I know of is trying to absorb the additional costs of fuel shortages and the rising costs of supplies based on the rising interest rates and fuel....shouldn't employers be putting that money into keeping the business running so people can work... or maybe into health care or other benefits....
The idea is that the business would get more out of you as Commissioner than they'd get out of employee benefits. If your platform is good for business, they'd WANT to help you get elected. For example, if local businesses are interested in more housing developments to draw more people who will spend more money for their services, they'll want to help elect a candidate that is pro-expansion.

JPC, needless to say, will not see a dime of business money because his campaign platform is decidedly anti-business. :lol:

Well said...

My grandfather use to tell me all the time... "Your handshake can speak for you!"

I hate corruption in government... seems to me setting the price of local elections is just corrupt.... begging for real campaign reform....

The price of anything is set by the same standard - whatever someone is willing to pay for it. The problem is that prices often get ahead of value, and that's when money gets wasted. The smart person never pays more for something than it's worth, and to me mailings and signs are worthless because they are so common and overused that they have lost their meaning. When this occurs spending more money won't get you anywhere and you need to do something different to get noticed.

So you should set the new standard and get elected going around and listening to how people feel. Like ylexot just wrote, it was great to get a survey asking for your opinion... then they trash the concept by appealing for money. I think that if you spend your time talking a little, and listening a lot, to people you can win the election.

I just love these forums... As a matter of fact I was talking about SOMD.COM last night...

The quote of $1,250.00 would buy 100 signs 5 1/2" X 28" one color no post,
50 1 sided 18" X 24" one color no post, and four 4'X8' Corroplast sign no frame or plywood backing simple no artwork one color....

So if you see those signs that the others leave around all over the place... they are about $7.00 apiece because they buy so many of them....



Now... someone said I am going to need to spend some money on signs because there are people who don't go to forums [on line or live], they don't read the papers and they don't watch local tv stations...


I was thinking about getting some lattice wood strips, painting it navy blue and then just printing TICE on it verticle... do you think that would work?

I was also thinking that I would rather have kids make me a sign and pay them $5.00 each [course I could only afford a few of those] or their parents could "donate" the sign their children drew and parents could put the pictures in their windows to display.... would that be too much outside of the box?

Now... someone said I am going to need to spend some money on signs because there are people who don't go to forums [on line or live], they don't read the papers and they don't watch local tv stations...

What makes you think that someone who displays such a lack of interest is going to vote? Why waste your money on them? Spend your money on people who are likely to vote, and more importantly, likely to discuss their vote with other people.

What makes you think that someone who displays such a lack of interest is going to vote? Why waste your money on them? Spend your money on people who are likely to vote, and more importantly, likely to discuss their vote with other people.


I love that idea...

I actually like the idea of mailings...IF they are done right (i.e. don't charge to have your opinion count). The key is to hook people immediately so that they will actually read the entire thing. Of course, mailings are probably even more expensive than signs.

As for mailings, I've been getting annoyed with the MD Republican mailings lately.

Bob Ehrlich "called" me yesterday afternoon, and I hung up on "him".

What can I do to remove myself from that call-up list? :jameo:

:yeahthat: He probably computes the time and effort that he could be working a regular job into the equation to get the number that high. Even so $36K times 4 years comes to $144K so would it be that bad of an investment? Does he have a regular job?

Does he have a regular job?


I think Linda Kelley is the only Calvert County Commissioner that does not own a business.

Here's another thing to look at when voting.... the Board changes but the staff doesn't... what kind of working relationship would the new Board members have with staff.... will there be a learning curve?

Since I have been working on a volunteer basis with the Task Force and then the commitee... I do know the staff and they know me.... that makes for a hit the ground working relationship... can the other new people running against me say the same?

I was at a meeting last night... one of the current commissioners in Calvert County said it cost him over $40,000 to run last time....

So with inflation... we can assume he is willing to find more this time to keep a spot that pays $36,000 a year....

I ask you does that seem logical?

I just called for the price of signs... 254 Signs will cost me $1,250.00...

I ask you does that seem logical? Look at the Maryland Elections website and see what they reported. Some of the commisioners are there, some aren't. It also tells you how they earned the money, and what they spent it on.

The $40K doesn't fit with what is being reported, so somebody may be lying to you. Either that, or they lied on their reports.

You actually have a bit of an advantage. Your name is distributed every time a newsletter comes out, so you have a bit of recognition. Also, it will be months after dues are collected, so the resentment should be gone. On average, things are doing okay in CRE, so you may be able to ride that wave. However, if something bad happens, like lake pollution, dam failure, storm drainage problems, road problems, etc., you could also become the villain and lose. That's the risk you take.

I haven't decided who I'll vote for yet, but so far I wish you luck.

Look at the Maryland Elections website and see what they reported. Some of the commisioners are there, some aren't. It also tells you how they earned the money, and what they spent it on.

The $40K doesn't fit with what is being reported, so somebody may be lying to you. Either that, or they lied on their reports.

You actually have a bit of an advantage. Your name is distributed every time a newsletter comes out, so you have a bit of recognition. Also, it will be months after dues are collected, so the resentment should be gone. On average, things are doing okay in CRE, so you may be able to ride that wave. However, if something bad happens, like lake pollution, dam failure, storm drainage problems, road problems, etc., you could also become the villain and lose. That's the risk you take.

I haven't decided who I'll vote for yet, but so far I wish you luck.

There's a meeting at the Clubhouse about the Surveys that went out in the RUT. It's not this Sunday but next Sunday... 2-4PM.... you should make a point to be there... by the way... I will not be campaigning at this meeting.... I wrote the survey and I want to discuss the information that came back...

Oh... and I've been working on those problems you mentioned since 1998... so I'm glad to hear things are going ok now... :howdy: I hope it gets better ....

Tomorrow's meeting we are taking nominations from the floor for the BOARD.... join us.... make a difference in history....

Logical...

only if you think about all the kickbacks you'll receive for "special favors". :whistle::yeahthat:

The average spent for a Senate run nowadays is $6.6 million; Senators hardly make that.

I think Linda Kelley is the only Calvert County Commissioner that does not own a business.

Here's another thing to look at when voting.... the Board changes but the staff doesn't... what kind of working relationship would the new Board members have with staff.... will there be a learning curve?

Since I have been working on a volunteer basis with the Task Force and then the commitee... I do know the staff and they know me.... that makes for a hit the ground working relationship... can the other new people running against me say the same? What Task Force and what committee?

My resume is on my website now....

I was appointed to the Task Force to study the Infrastructure Needs of the Private Communities in Calvert County.

This was state legislation that was proposed by Tony O'Donnell and George Owings. [Back in the very late 1990's] This is the tale of a magnificent chance to make history better for more than 15% of the county's homeowners and the County Commissioners failed to follow through.

If you go to my website and click on COIAC.... you will see a scanned image of the report... click on it... it links to the Task Force and the Committee information.

Thanks for asking.... that's at www.beckytice.com

I crossed a line I did not want to cross last night.... I emailed the people I have been sharing emails with for the past several months....

I sent them my issues list and then I asked for a contribution...

I know that I have to make it threw the primaries.... sorry.... I attached it to the original thread so I hope you will see that I have learned.... I can't shake 80,000 hands.... but I sure would like to....

I just got a really cool idea....

My signs are really just a word document on a magnetic sheet that I got at staples... it ran right through my printer....

How about this... If you want to support me... I could email the document and supporters could print the sign for themselves on their computer.... then we could put the sign in the window.... or on a car... or truck....

We avoid the messy signs.....

I still plan to put up a few big signs... but my husband and I will be making them... and maybe my son.... If you have a good place for a 4 X 8 sign please let me know....

So..... watcha think...????

I think that signs don't get people to vote... candidates do.

You will never make it without signs! Never! Most people have no idea who is even running! Wake up and smell the coffee sister! There are only approx. 100 active users here. Most of us don't live in your county.

You will never make it without signs! Never! Most people have no idea who is even running! Wake up and smell the coffee sister! There are only approx. 100 active users here. Most of us don't live in your county.

I hear what you're telling me. I even know you are probably right. I just don't know where the money for the signs will come from.

How about a raffle... a 50/50... what do y'all think of that idea?

How about a raffle... a 50/50... what do y'all think of that idea?
I doubt thats going to work, you may want to do a little homework on fund raising.
Your first step should be to have a defined platform.

Step two would be to start fund raising a year or more in advance of the election :whistle:

I doubt thats going to work, you may want to do a little homework on fund raising.
Your first step should be to have a defined platform.

Step two would be to start fund raising a year or more in advance of the election :whistle:

I've had my issues [platform] out on my website since January.... That's when I decided to run for office.

It bothers me that people seem to be able to buy a seat.... seems to me the vote should be more important....

People keep telling me I will need to have signs to win.... I would be happy if people would email me for the file and print the signs at home... then put them in their window... no litter on a stick... just a little paper and tape on the window.... A vote....

But people keep telling me I will need to have signs...

I've had my issues [platform] out on my website since January.... That's when I decided to run for office.

It bothers me that people seem to be able to buy a seat.... seems to me the vote should be more important....

People keep telling me I will need to have signs to win.... I would be happy if people would email me for the file and print the signs at home... then put them in their window... no litter on a stick... just a little paper and tape on the window.... A vote....

But people keep telling me I will need to have signs...
I don't know if its buying a seat, but you need to think "how long have my opponents been campaigning and fund raising?" and "how are they going to advertise?"

As far as getting money from supporters, thats just how its done, unless you are ross perot

I don't know if its buying a seat, but you need to think "how long have my opponents been campaigning and fund raising?" and "how are they going to advertise?"

As far as getting money from supporters, thats just how its done, unless you are ross perot


I really don't want to be sticking my name in the front yards and on the bumpers of the County....only to have to throw them away in October or November.... [you know... save the bay] When I can be on the forums... maybe public access tv.... and that would be good enough....

Accountability to everyone should be the issue this year.... who's going to do an honest job... Someone who tells you what they think and reads your responses.... Someone who knows the economy is not real predictable right now...

My Mom said don't write anything you can't back up. I've been writing since January.... Let's talk issues and spread the word..... Lets exchange ideas instead of cash.... What say...

I really don't want to be sticking my name in the front yards and on the bumpers of the County....only to have to throw them away in October or November.... [you know... save the bay] When I can be on the forums... maybe public access tv.... and that would be good enough....Would it? You won't truly know until the election results are in. You may not win this time, not because you are touting an unsavory 'message', but because you are not as widely known and experienced as certain others.

I know you're against being a "normal politician", but, to some extent, if you want to be a politician you would be best off following in the predecessors' footsteps. If that means putting signs in peoples' front yards for only a few days then that's what you do. This is largely a popularity contest, and popularity starts with being recognized.

I really don't want to be sticking my name in the front yards and on the bumpers of the County....only to have to throw them away in October or November.... [you know... save the bay] When I can be on the forums... maybe public access tv.... and that would be good enough....

Accountability to everyone should be the issue this year.... who's going to do an honest job... Someone who tells you what they think and reads your responses.... Someone who knows the economy is not real predictable right now...

My Mom said don't write anything you can't back up. I've been writing since January.... Let's talk issues and spread the word..... Lets exchange ideas instead of cash.... What say...
did you get a buzzword bingo cheatsheet or something?

I don't really see any stances on issues there, no plans, but hey its your campaign.

And its not an exchange of money, its a donation to the cause

People keep telling me I will need to have signs to win.... I would be happy if people would email me for the file and print the signs at home... then put them in their window... no litter on a stick... just a little paper and tape on the window.... A vote....

But people keep telling me I will need to have signs...

So you expect voters to use up their computer ink to print out your signs, because you're too cheap to do it yourself??? I'd have to agree with MR on this one. JMO

did you get a buzzword bingo cheatsheet or something?

I don't really see any stances on issues there, no plans, but hey its your campaign.

And its not an exchange of money, its a donation to the cause

I've had my issues out on my website since January. The plans are posted on the other pages on the site.

I don't have a cheat sheet.... do I need one?

I like the term "donation to the cause"... that makes me feel better about fund raising. Thanks...

So you expect voters to use up their computer ink to print out your signs, because you're too cheap to do it yourself??? I'd have to agree with MR on this one. JMO


I'm not cheap... honest... I have paid for advertising... I think the total is now over $1,000.00 out of my own funds.

I have been saying all along though, with the price of gas about $3.00 and taxes increasing again, insurance is always going up and utilities going up again.... I just don't see how families would have the funds to contribute.

But now I have the phrase "donation to a cause" and I will be doing door to door campaigning. I'll print the signs...

This is just so much fun and there is so much to do.... I am so glad I have all of you to keep me in line...

I appreciate the people in these forums more than you know...

Becky, have you hooked up with the Calvert Republican Central Committee? They should be having tons of fundraising events and will be doing Meet & Greets, too, I'm sure.

You're not supposed to go this alone. You're supposed to be tapped into the local party leadership and be part of the gang so you can get some backing. Also hook up with the Chamber of Commerce and attend some of their functions to meet people and get your name out there.

You need to be plugged in.

Becky, have you hooked up with the Calvert Republican Central Committee? They should be having tons of fundraising events and will be doing Meet & Greets, too, I'm sure.

You're not supposed to go this alone. You're supposed to be tapped into the local party leadership and be part of the gang so you can get some backing. Also hook up with the Chamber of Commerce and attend some of their functions to meet people and get your name out there.

You need to be plugged in.

I've been told I have to make it through the Primary on my own....

That's what I have been doing... working for the Primary....

Thanks for the advice... I will definitely check into it...