Frank Larson is Here....

[willie]

Originally Posted by juliusb

Julius...
(1) Would you try to sort out your arguments a little more clearly?
Where did you pull the triple cost from???thin air I assume.
Your statements are convoluted and confusing.
(1A) answer: If my statements are like tortuous windings to you or curves that you can't handle, which in turn causes confusion in the brain ... see a specialist Some people are naturely easy to befuddle. My apologies!!!
(1B) Don't be so nasty

(2) (If) we were to cork the illegal immigration, restrain the legal immigration, our national growth rate would likely be less than 2% and actually slowing.
We have enough plotted land and potential lots already for the next generation without having to take more.
(2A) answer: Remember my friend, your family goes back to immigrants. This is another reason I refer to the use of COMMON SENSE before puting mouth in gear.
(2B) You aren't very friendly

(3) (We are losing) over 2 square miles of valuable farmland every day to growth in this country.
(3A) answer: Once again, your above sentence is stated with negative thinking. Let me explain why I know you are a pessimistic person. I will print your above statement in a different way, but with the same meaning.

(Growth in this country is using 2 acres a day of our farmland).

This is not just in this country, it's world wide. There is no way to stop this growth unless you close all the borders and all foreign trade. One can not be done without doing the other. Meaning your solution is for the Untied States to be come isolated from the rest of the world. Think again ... and this time give it some thought before speaking.
(3B) You should work on your aggressive tendencies.

(4) And with the world growing more hostile toward us,...we better preserve that which should feed us tomorrow.
(4A) answer: At present there are a lot of hostilies against us, but preservation of land isn't going to help that. Not allowing immigrants will cause more harm. Security world wide (including at home) must be in place for the best protection possible.
(4B0) Congratulations! A civil, meaningful answer.

(5) Lets begin right here in Calvert county: keep this a green county.
(5A) answer: This is not a logical statement, thereby not deserving an answer.

(5B) There you go again.

[juliusb]

The past 4 years, a reminder for an upcoming event, the election

1. The CCBC would not schedule their weekly meetings in the evenings to provide Calvert County workers an opportunity to attend and provide input to these meetings. (Most of our citizens can not afford to lose a day’s pay to attend our CCBC meetings). Actually, I believe this is against the law. We will soon know for sure.
2. The current CCBC would not allow citizens to speak, using the amount of time necessary, to provide their own insight and suggestions on any given subject. At the same time allowing themselves all the time they desire to speak on any subject. Of course, if you are a wheel or one with deep pockets, you are allowed to speak until you’re horse.
3. The current CCBC would not schedule or hold quarterly meetings for conversing with our farmers to provide assistance in maintaining a healthy farming community in Calvert county. Calvert county is not a city and can not be managed as such.
4. The current CCBC is using route 4 as an excuse for not providing progress to take place in Calvert county. "Excuse" is the word used by the weak. "Challenged" is the word used in conjunction with common sense by those that are educated and willing to work toward a rewarding solution.
5. This current CCBC has been doing everything within it’s selfish power to make Calvert county a bedroom community.
6. This current CCBC has done nothing to help provide assistance in home ownership for our lower income families. At the same time allowing more apartment complexes to be built, taking the money from lower income families and giving them nothing but a rent receipt/piece of paper. Only those with deep pockets have a monetary gain for the future in this type of venture.
7. The current CCBC is the cause of route 4 carrying much more traffic as our citizens have to travel out of county for everyday necessities that we are not allowed to have available to us in Calvert county.
8. Our current CCBC punished a developer for construction within the edge of a wetland area, which was done in error/misunderstanding, while allowing other developers to fill in some of our valuable wetlands.
9. Purchasing a building permit and trying to work within the written word of the permit is like working your way through a maze. Some of the county inspectors have a problem with fully understanding as to what this or that means. Before getting your own permit or having a small contractor get it for you, you owe it to yourself to talk with someone that’s been run through this thrashing machine. It can become very costly, should you/your contractor misunderstand or are misinformed about subtle/minor changes being made.
10. The Calvert County Board of Commissioners, and no one else, is solely responsible for our citizens not having local access to a Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Lowes or any other large discount business that would save everyone in many ways.
11. Calvert county really needs the income lost by not having the businesses listed in item #10. The current CCBC is the sole cause of losing this needed income.
12. The CCBC has failed to address the water and sewer problems/issues that should have been looked into years ago. The people have to bear the added cost caused by neglect.
13. The CCBC has failed to address a very serious problem, our county employee’s retirement program. Income from item #10 would go along way in helping out. This problem didn’t surface over night ....... more neglect on the part of the CCBC.
14. The CCBC failed to give our homeowners a tax break by using item #13 as an excuse. Susan Shaw said this, I didn’t.
15. The CCBC have put Calvert county on the edge of progress, problem is, it isn’t the leading edge. We’re still on the edge of the 1990's, if we are that far along. Their "lack of accomplishments" needed for her citizens speaks for itself.
16. Item # 15 was caused by the CCBC working on their own agenda and not the agenda wanted and needed by the people.
17. It’s my opinion and the opinion of many that the Lusby Parkway/Ethic’s committee law suit, was caused by the lack of oversight by your CCBC, which makes them responsible for the developer making changes that added more money to his already deep pockets.
18. And I do not want the CCBC to ever forget the Lusby Village Green fiasco and the violations while building the Lusby Center. If the CCBC decides to proceed with the village green, it’s going to cost all of us thousands of dollars. Many thousands of dollars.
19. And, of course, the Indoor Swimming Facility and Community Center. Believe me, if it wasn’t an election year, you would not have seen the approval for this long sought after project. They didn’t do this because the people spoke, it was approved because their opponents during this election was making a ruckus due to the length of time this has been laying in the CCBC’s file 13. (For those that don’t understand, file 13 is a trash file).
20. For more reasons than I care to mention, all 5 members of the current CCBC
are responsible for this board being a group of "Under Achievers" that have cost everyone of us more money then we want to know about. You can take that to the bank.
21. This current CCBC has cost you time, money and yes, time from your family as you are forced to shop in another county on your way to or from work or, worst yet, weekend time for a longer shopping trips out of the county.
22. If you have lived in Calvert county for the past 4 years, you have witnessed all the above. Knowing that all of this took place in just a short 4 years period of time, tells you that you can not afford another 4 years of selfish management.
23. We need to make a 100% turn over in the Calvert County Board of Commissioners during the upcoming election for the sake of our county and the people in it.
24. How much has this current CCBC cost us, in the use of gasoline to make out of county shopping trips. Maybe it’s best that there isn’t a figure we can write down and cry over.
25. You, your family and friends need a completely new CCBC that will allow you to speak, hear what you have to say and apply your wants and needs in a way that is most helpful to you and affordable for the county.
26. I have tried to refresh your memory or at least bring you up to date on the issues associated with the current CCBC. The decision is yours. Please ....... no matter what else you do ....... please vote for the person of your choice.
27. Help Calvert county be a better, more comfortable place to live.

Thank you,
Frank J. Larson

[juliusb]

Response to: Leave hard-working business owners alone

Michelle Williams, I am sorry that you are unable to understand what I wrote about in reference to Lusby's Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robins retail outlet.

I wrote about laws, regulations and ordinances that are in place for a reason and must be abided by all. When the Cooler/walk-in Freezer unit was attached, it protruded above the brick wall that was built to hide such things as this and the large waste receptacles, small delivery trucks, etc.

Beautification of Commercial Retail Centers is a most for our small towns. We do not have to be big to look nice anymore.

What I wrote about, is not saying I have something against the business owners involved with this problem. I do not know this young couple with 2 young children that are your friends and you refer to as the new owners of the business involved.

I wrote about the right and wrong way of doing things. I wrote about the developer and how he has handled this entire project.

He is the one with deep pockets. Look at what he did with your Parkway and how he made changes that gave him more commercial property then the original plans called for.

Did you read the "Ethics Report" about it???

That was what I was talking about when I mentioned the snakes in the wood pile.

Whether a business owner is new to business, young, old, with or without children, nor the size of business, has nothing to do with anything that is happening here.

Going into business, as anyone knows or should realize, is a risk. Many of these risks can be unknowns and just pop up out of nowhere. That is why you need legal help when taking on a business, new or otherwise.

Michelle Williams, I have never met Mr. Art Carson. Do I know him? No. I have spoke to him on the telephone, conversed with him via the Internet email and snail mail. I have talked with many people that know him, know of him and have a lot of respect for this gentleman. I hope to have an opportunity of meeting this man as we do think alike about many things.

Mr. Carson, “reference to your letter to the editor”, is just doing his job. Mr. Carson is protecting himself, his reputation and his client.

Can you blame a person for that? NO. If you or your friend was a client of his, chances are things of this nature would have been handled before it became a problem.

Michelle Williams, I don't want to come off as being sarcastic toward you or anyone else, but I would ask that you become more knowledgeable about any given subject before you write about it. I also sincerely respect your feelings and (standing up for) your friends and their family. That's what friends are for.

Hopefully, I have made myself clear and understandable. I hold nothing against you for writing your letter to the editor as I understand your feelings and I hope we can become friends.

Lusby is a very nice place to live. So is Dares Beach, and much smaller and even more quieter, which I enjoy to the fullest. Have a good day.
Frank J. Larson
juliusb@comcast.net

[juliusb]

Endorsements: My Choices of those being offered

I have written "letters to the editor" quite frequently since the beginning of this year. Most of those letters were printed, especially those I sent to the Calvert Recorder. My thanks go out to those newspapers that allowed me to express my views and opinions over the past few years. My concerns have always been the lower & middle income families of Calvert county and how best to serve them, as they are in the majority segment of our total citizenry.

This year, 2006, being an election year, was the time to step forward and let our people have a view from another angle, when reading or talking about our Local Political Leaders and their actions on different issues.

In 2002 I witnessed our newly elected Calvert County Board of Commissioners taking the path of total control over our citizens. It is my opinion that from the outset, these 5 individuals (4 republicans and 1 democrat) established themselves as a board that would govern Calvert county in a way that they felt was best for the people. In other words, the peoples voices were never hear by this board. During all meetings and forums in the past 4 years, those officials that were present, didn’t want to hear you. The only reason they were present was they didn’t have a choice. The only reason you could speak at all was because it’s the law. Still, they would cut you off. You have heard me say that many times.

During the past 4 years the CCBC hasn’t accomplished anything that would be meaningful, helpful or otherwise encouraging for our lower & middle income families. Our citizens need services and everyday products here at home that are available elsewhere (out of county) at a reasonable price. Not having this for our citizens is no only a burden for many, but becomes too costly for them to travel to get those essential items they need for everyday living at a savings. Cost of gasoline, fuel for heating and electricity has gone through the roof. Outrageous Property taxes, that the CCBC was in a position to balance out for our citizens, didn’t take place.

Citizens of Calvert county, this CCBC, when in a position to provide help for you, instead, have always given you an excuse. One of the definitions for the word "EXCUSE" is to be released from an obligation. So, allow me to rephrase something for you.

Our CCBC had an opportunity to allow Wal-Mart to enlarge to a super store on their own property in Prince Frederick, which would have been of tremendous benefit for all our citizens, but elected to use "Route 4" as an excuse to relieve themselves of the obligation that would have helped you and your family.

Had the CCBC allowed the Wal-Mart Super Store, "Route 4" would have become a challenge. Isn’t that a big part of the CCBC’s job??? Challenges are to be met ... not feared. It has always been and always will be a challenge for those elected officials to provide for their people. As it has been all through history, it was part of their job to honor that commitment to the people and they failed. When the CCBC sets their own agenda and not an agenda for the people, it’s always the people that lose.

Everything I have said and written since early in 2002, I stand by. I feel we have an opportunity to help most of the citizens of Calvert county, especially the lower and middle income families. The opportunity for Calvert county lies in the outcome of this years elections. To that end, and for the benefit of those that have followed my line of thinking during the past 4 years, I endorse the following candidates in the upcoming primary election.

For Calvert County Commissioners: Bernie Nutwell (D), Becky TICE (R), Barbara A. STINNETT (D), Mark FRAZER (D) and V. Charles DONNELLY (D).

For Delegate: Sue KULLEN (D). For Sheriff: Mike EVANS (R).

The above positions are the ones that have the greatest effect on how well we live and prosper as a county and therefore are the only ones I have considered for endorsement at this time.

You must give credit where credit is due and credit is due our delegate, Sue Kullens. She has illustrated to the entire state of Maryland that she is very capable of doing her job. She has demonstrated to her people that she does her job with them in mind. She has only been our delegate for a short time, starting with no

experience, but look at her accomplishments and willingness to continue to work for her people. It is impossible to ask for anyone better ... so ... why change when you already have a winner.

It is always better to vote for a newcomer (someone you do not know) rather than to vote for an incumbent that has done nothing to help you. And that thought is incorporated in my above list of endorsements.

P/S

There are bold posters everywhere that read ... HALE YES
I would like to respond with the following:

SUE or go to HALE ... the choice is yours!!!

(if one thing can be implied ... so can the other)

Frank J. Larson

[juliusb]

"EXPERIENCE" .. The word used alone means nothing.

When we read their posted signs, read their newspaper ads and small posters, using the word "EXPERIENCEd" and all asking for our help (vote), we have to ask ourselves. The present 5 county commissioners just voted for you to pay the largest tax increase Calvert County has seen in it's 352 year history. This is an experience we could have lived without.

The only experience we, the people, are interested in our leaders having, is the experience necessary to help our people and our county in a way that benefits all and not just those with deep pockets.

Calvert can not become a bedroom community for those with deep pockets and survive. If that is the road Calvert is lead down; it will be like the "rise and fall of Rome". That's a statement you can bank on.

The current 5 incumbents, are relying on the word Experience they have incorporated in their signs.
There are no other words incorporated with "experience" that tells you anything about what they are experienced at achieving for you, our citizens. It doesn't tell you whether their experience they are referring to is "good, bad or indifferent".

But it is a good reminder for all of us. I hope the following will explain.

Our "Experience" over the past 4 - 8 years has been such that we know we can no longer afford them to control the operation of our county from any political office in this state.

What are these politicians doing?

They are "Implying" that they have more experience then any of their challengers, without ever telling you anything that may be of importance to (you) the voter.

Let me give you just a couple of examples.

Mr. John L. Zalusky of Lusby wrote: Mr. David Hale of (Hale Yes fame).
Thank you Mr. Zalusky, happy to hear you are among the (Hale No society).
David Hale is the best example of using the word "experience" without saying what that experience is.

The David Hale experiences of helping Calvert County that I am aware of are not those that anyone should be proud of or even want mentioned. Is that the reason he only uses the word experience without explaining the meaning there of???

Let's say they are "experiences" of and by "the inexperienced", which has cost everyone of our citizens a lot of hard earned dollars. Dollars our citizens could have put in their bank and not that of the surplus bank account of Calvert County.

So, allow me to expand on the word experience as it applies to David Hale, with reference to helping Calvert County Citizens.

We, the people have experienced a very negative, inexperienced David Hale, because he could have helped our people and didn't. Remember, David Hale is the President of the county commissioners.

David Hale would not allow the downward adjustment of your Tax Rate on your property; is that the type of experienced person you are looking for???

David Hale would not allow our people to have more employment opportunities and lower prices through the expansion of Wal-Mart to a Super Wal-Mart; is this the type of experienced person you are looking for???

(This action also causes local prices to climb even higher, as there is no meaningful competition) You have witnessed this happening since 2004 as you shopped.

David Hale, through his leadership, and followed by the inexperienced remainder of the board of county commissioners, just OK'd the Lusby Green through the use of an "Escrow Agreement". Something is really missing here!!!!!!! Is this the type of experienced person you are looking for???

There are people in this county that do not know what an escrow is. (Escrow is money set aside for a specific purpose)

Plus there are other questions.

This Escrow Agreement ....... (1) What period of time does this agreement cover? (2) Who is paying into this escrow account??? (3) Who has control of this escrow (money)? (4) How much money is involved? (5) When can we expect to see a completed Village Green in Lusby? Is this the type of experienced person you are looking for???

These are important questions that (you) our citizens need to know the answers to.

The above should demonstrate to you how "experienced" Davis Hale and the other 4 members of the county board of commissioners operate, in not telling you (the Voter) anything that would be important to you. Sad, but true!!! Is this the type of experienced person you are looking for???

This is called "A Snow Job".

You, the citizens, are completely snowed under with words or the lacking there of, to the point that, you do not know what has happened until the snow starts to melt and you (the citizens) become flooded by more taxes.

Get my drift???

These are your dollars they are either spending or taking away from you. Is this the kind of experienced person you want to represent you for the next 4 years in any office. I think not!!!

Wilson H. Parran is another politician that is trying to impress you with the word "experience". You will find it in all or most of his ads.

The same applies to Wilson Parran as applies to David Hale with one more thing being added.

Wilson Parran works from the background. By that I mean, he speaks when called on, he goes with the flow more so the most. Unless it is an Atomic Bomb issue, you really don't know he's at the meeting. It's what you might call a free ride inside the political arena. Sad, but true!!! Is this the type of experienced person you are looking for???

We need someone that is more active for the people, outspoken in the right way and shows that they honestly concerned for all our citizens.

When it comes to these incumbents, their use of the word "Experience" is always used in a way that tells you (the voters, citizens) nothing. Are these the type of experienced persons you are looking for???

We, the people, have lost control of our County; this must come to a halt and the only way of doing it is to make sure none of the 5 incumbents are re-elected to office.

We don't need these types of experienced persons to continue taking our money, degrading our lives and having the nerve to tell us they are "Experienced".

Our present 5 county commissioners are more "expensive" than "experienced" and we can no longer afford any of them.

Rev. Robert B. Hahn ....... please don't hold your breath waiting for an apology from Linda Kelly ....... we need you to be with us a little longer anyway.

Bless you for speaking out about your concern against Linda Kelly's (vulgar, offensive comments) during a televised county commissioners meeting.

Linda Kelly showing this side of her in public ....... think of what she may be like in closed sessions. Then again, maybe we shouldn't use that language, even in our thoughts.

Frank J. Larson
juliusb@comcast.net

[juliusb]

Interesting take on things here. He, and by association residentofcre, is saying that the CCBC failed to support the voters by placing the issue of increased congestion on RT 4 as a higher priority than the ability to buy low-priced groceries at a Wal Mart Supercenter (which by the way, I have one of these two miles from my house and I shop there all the time.) This seems to me to be a damned-if-you-do/don't scenario.

What I said was ... the CCBC used route 4 as an excuse and doesn't have the experience necessary to handle the challege of solving this issue properly. No, I am not an expert when it comes to something like this ... but I am educated enough to know where to find the expertise I need. You know as well as I do, computer programs are generated every day to find solutions (more then one) to far more complex problems then Route 4. I also will add ... at a reasonable cost for the State and county. What's the difference between the New Lusby Strip Shopping Center/new Dunkirk shopping Center and one Super Wal-Mart Store when it comes to traffic? Common Sense tells you ... not much, if any. Especially when it removes all the traffic that is going out of county to shop for like items at the present time.

The CCBC made the right decision in this case of denying a Super Wal-Mart.

Did I help by going deeper into how to resolve challeges such as this?
juliusb

[juliusb]

Response to "CARL" advertising and those opposed to CARL ads for whatever reason:

When I read ads published and paid for by CALVERT ALLIANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP, I am truly amazed to read how much their views are agreeable with what I have been writing articles about for the past 2 or so years.

Don't miss understand me, if "CARL" is doing something unethical or is out-of-bounds when it comes to our laws; I do not support those actions in any way. So far I have not seen anything that would lead me to think they are doing anything wrong. I believe a lawyer would have to make the decision that their actions (CARL'S) should be looked into. But, once again, that's my opinion and others have the right to disagree and think otherwise.

Let's take a look at what "CARL" is saying to our Calvert County Citizens with their ads. These are their words I am about to use in one way or another and not a verbatim quote from their ad.

The current County Commissioners have caused your "Property Tax" to increase by more than $1,300.00 in one year. If your property taxes were $665.00 in 2005, you will be paying more than $2,000.00 in 2006.

Is this the work of good government and good leadership??? I think not!!!

And I know you'll agree unless you have very deep pockets. Even if you do have deep pockets, this kind of treatment of all our citizens can not be justified at all.

The only reason these commissioners can give for their actions is not a reason ....... it's an excuse. An excuse can not be given to offset a challenge one faces. It's impossible to come up with an excuse for the actions of our present county commissioners. That's a challenge I would hate to see anyone face!!!

Our present commissioners had 2 golden opportunities to be of some help to our citizens by reducing these taxes. We all realize that an opportunity seldom knocks twice ....... and still they failed to assist you in any way, shape or form. Read on ....... you won't believe!!!

The current County Commissioners voted 2 times in 48 hours (2 times in 2 days) "NOT TO LOWER YOUR REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT RATE".

Some of this property is "raw land" that you (the owner) are prohibited from building anything on by the Planning Commission Regulations that were overwhelmingly approved by the present board of commissioners.

Like the "Carl's" ad said ....... there has to be a better way. My interpretation is ....... All 5 current commissioners must go as we, the people, can no longer financially afford them and we need to make room for a better way. Need I say more ....... but ....... sad as it may be ....... there is more.

The current County Commissioners have starved Calvert County of needed Businesses. The only way this could have happened is for these commissioners to be blind when it comes to looking towards the future for our citizens. If these present commissioners were responsible for providing shelter and food for you and your family, you would be weathered beyond recognition and starving to death. For that statement I say ....... the proof is in the pudding.

Let's look at something very important to us as citizens, and just as much or more important to our county. Businesses are real assets for a county or any place else, in more ways than one. Assets that you and our county can take to the bank and the banker would smile.

When you look at what a business pays Calvert County in Real Estate taxes alone, compared to what they cost our county, it will open your eyes to what the current board of county commissioners have cost you in real dollars. Here is an eye opener for you.

For every $10,000.00 a business pays our county in Real Estate taxes alone ....... our county only spends $2,000.00 to support that business.

Wouldn't you like to get that return on your investments.

That's just Real Estate taxes and as you know, the county receives other tax income from many of these same businesses.

And we should never forget the jobs all of these local businesses would provide for our working citizens and their families that the present county commissioners wouldn't allow you have.

Businesses support families. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.

Please keep in mind all the money (cash) the present county commissioners have promised an existing Calvert company, should they expand within the county. These are tax dollars this company would normally pay to our county but won't have to if they expand.

It is as plain as the nose on your face that these commissioners are again taking from the poor and giving to the rich.

If the present commissioners get re-elected, would your tax burden become greater? The answer is a definite "YES". Common sense tells you that. You only have to be a little knowledgeable of the history of the present board of commissioners to understand that statement.

Believe me, the CBCC are working their very own agenda and not the agenda of and for the people.

All 5 current commissioners must go, as we, the people can no longer financially afford them and we need to make room for a better way of life in Calvert.

What has happened at the commissioners level in the past 8 years tells you that David Hale will not help you in any way as a delegate. Yes, David Hale must be defeated in this election along with the other 4 commissioners.

When I talked about cleaning house at the county commissioners level, I meant to clean house, not send any of them anywhere else in the political Arena, as you are at present beginning to experience the harm they can do to you and your family, with more harm on the way in higher taxes that have now gone through your roof.

You do not need any more proof than what you have, that warns you of all of the in-abilities these 5 commissioners have. No matter how you shook the bag ....... you would still have no idea which one would drop out first.

The length of time served as a commissioner or the number of elections they have won does not indicate anything other than they seem to have always been able to preform a good "snow job" on the people. Need I say more ....... but ....... sad as it may be ....... there is more.

All Businesses, especially large local businesses, help provide Scholarships for our children that need financial help and have earned it through their hard work and dedication to learning .

Large and small businesses support our Hospitals and our local charities. They support our local churches in many ways. And last, but certainly not least, local businesses support School's Sport Teams, Yearbooks, Teacher Awards, Athletic Leagues for our children and younger adults.

Local businesses provide more, much more that I have mentioned, but this should be enough for you, as a citizen of Calvert County, to realize what our present County Commissioners have deprived all of us from having the things that are desired by everyone.

This is not brilliant thinking; it’s common sense.

A person does not have to be a genius to be one of our County Commissioners, but they are required to have common sense and the knowledge to put their common sense to use for all of our citizens. As I have said before, having an education is an asset, but common sense is required or the education that one possesses goes to waste and the asset becomes a liability (disadvantage).

All 5 current commissioners must go as we, the people can no longer financially or otherwise afford them and we need to make room for a better way. Need I say more ....... but ....... sad as it may be ....... there is more ....... I'll save it for another time, should it be needed.

Thank you for reading my comments and opinions and hopefully you are now better informed about what has happened and is happening to Calvert County and her people, all because of the present selfish board of county commissioners that have absolutely refused to listen to your wants and needs for the past 4 or more years.

Think about it ....... can you afford any one of them to represent you???
I can tell you straight forward; I can no longer afford any of them to represent me and my family, which I think, means there aren't many that can!!! Yes, it's sad but true!!!

Frank J. Larson
juliusb@comcast.net

[Pete (Premo)]

We have a new winner of the incoherent jibberish award.

[Bruzilla]

Originally Posted by residentofcre

Well thought out.... Let me insert this....

The master plan already calls for some town centers, major and minor. These were designed, as I understand it, to pull all the growth into centralized areas while leaving the rural no growth of Calvert County pretty much in tact in the rest of the county. In the major town centers we could have a Super Walmart... or a Super Giant.... IF THE PEOPLE WANT IT... In the minor town centers the people could have a Giant or a small park.... IF THE PEOPLE WANT IT.... but once the plan is done.... then once the plan is approved by the PEOPLE it doesn't change....

Once again your emotion and dedication to the people are commendable, but you are still thinking like a voter rather than leader... like a kid rather than a parent. There are lots of things that THE PEOPLE WANT. It's up to the leaders to do a reality check and determine what the needs, wants, and longterm issues are, and come to a decision that will yield the most benefit to THE PEOPLE even if it's not what THE PEOPLE want. Remember that at the end of the day it is YOU as a commissioner, not THE PEOPLE, who will be left swinging in the breeze for anything that upsets THE PEOPLE regardless of how much THE PEOPLE demanded you do it. As was said in "Men in Black" - "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it." I'll guarantee you that if the WalMart had been enlarged, as THE PEOPLE wanted, and congestion got worse, you wouldn't hear a thing about the lower cost of groceries... all you would be hearing about is why those damned county commissioners allowed all this development when they KNEW all this additional traffic would snarl things up! That's not a knock against CC residents as it happens everywhere, but rather pointing out that generally THE PEOPLE have no more of an idea of what they need than your average 7-year old and they should be treated the same way you would treat a 7-year old.

These are the same people who used to waltz into the Ford dealership I used to work at and royally screw themselves up by buying what they wanted rather than what they needed. What they needed to do was keep their existing car another few years, or buy a smaller, cheaper, car. But hell no... all I would get is a loud "who the Hell are you to tell me what I want! I'll tell you!", and I would sell them a car I knew they couldn't afford and that was too big or small for them, and they would drive off and be miserable. And who's fault was it? Why mine of course! Same deal with being a county commissioner except you do have the power to tell these same wieners "no, you can't have that. You can have this and that's the end of the debate." In this case the area wanted a Supercenter, but they didn't need it enough to warrant the added congestion.

[Bruzilla]

Originally Posted by juliusb

What I said was ... the CCBC used route 4 as an excuse and doesn't have the experience necessary to handle the challege of solving this issue properly. No, I am not an expert when it comes to something like this ... but I am educated enough to know where to find the expertise I need. You know as well as I do, computer programs are generated every day to find solutions (more then one) to far more complex problems then Route 4. I also will add ... at a reasonable cost for the State and county. What's the difference between the New Lusby Strip Shopping Center/new Dunkirk shopping Center and one Super Wal-Mart Store when it comes to traffic? Common Sense tells you ... not much, if any. Especially when it removes all the traffic that is going out of county to shop for like items at the present time.

There's nothing more dangerous than invoking "common sense" when you're not applying any. There is a HUGE difference between a WalMart Supercenter and a strip mall. If you lived near one, as I do, then you would know that common sense dictates that many, MANY, people are drawn to a WalMart Supercenter due to the convenience of one-stop shopping. Strip malls are comprised of more disparate and unique stores that don't generate a great deal of customer flow at any given time. How many people are going to the Verizon store, 7-11, gift shop, laundry mat, or other typical strip mall merchant at any given time? Now compare that to the number of people who find a need to go to the Supercenter at any given time? There's a HUGE difference in the two flows... that's the common sense.

As for computer programs, yes there are plenty of ways to calculate estimated traffic patterns and flows, but that information is pretty worthless if you don't have the money to do anything about it. As I said, the CCCs could apply for state highway funds, and there would be a few years of approvals, another year or two of studies and planning, more approvals, another year waiting to get on budget, and then maybe, provided the decision to widen RT 4 was made and funded, about 5-10 years of even worse congestion to get the job done. Do you really think that the voters would be sitting in more traffic jams thinking "you know... saving .50 on a box of cereal, and buying it in the county, is worth every bit of this misery." I doubt it.