Frank Larson is Here....

[Bruzilla]

Originally Posted by juliusb

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.

Actually it's not the county commissioners who have caused the property taxes to go up. In fact it's the "gimme, gimme, gimme" of residentofcre's THE PEOPLE who are causing the taxes to go up. Unless the commissioners are sitting on some huge budget surplus, which I doubt, the increased taxes are going to cover the increased spending demands of THE PEOPLE. When THE PEOPLE get all spun up about wanting more cops and teachers, or the need to pay these people more, they often forget that there's a price that has to be paid to meet those demands, which mean you either give up stuff or raise taxes... and most of THE PEOPLE don't want to give up anything.

[juliusb]

To be an American is to have earned the right to be one

So many letter writers in many different newspapers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants.

There are those that suggests we should tear down the Statute of Liberty because the immigrants now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.
Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to those people why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer.

Back in the late 1800's and early 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground.

They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity.

Most of their children came of age when World War 1 broke out. My father's parents came to this country from Poland and he fought fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from.
They were Americans fighting Germany, and in World War II they were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people.
When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the
French-American or the German -American or the Irish- American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.


And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country.

I'm sorry, they are looking for a free ride and that's not what being an American is about. Speak our language, learn the American way of being one of our citizens and abide by our laws. No one has begged you to come to our country so should you be dis-satisfied here, you are free to leave. If you want to live in my house, you live by my rules or I will ask you to leave.


I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island back at the turn of the twentieth century deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life.

I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags and wanting us to give them an American citizenship with no strings attached and loads of freebies.


And for that suggestion about taking down the Statute of Liberty, it happens to mean a more than you are aware of to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the Statute of Liberty or the United States just yet.

Remember the United States is all about "We The People"

Author Unknown

Frank J. Larson

120 Bay Ave.

Prince Frederick, Md. 20678-4484

410-535-5568

juliusb@comcast.net

[juliusb]

Originally Posted by Bruzilla

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.

reply: Common Sense comes into play very strong when comparing Strip Malls of yesteryear and those of today. There is no comparrison of the two. In todays world, even the design of Strip Malls are different from those of yesteryear. Today you will find they have Grocery Stores, Eateries, ABC Store, etc., that do draw a lot of traffic. Ask Lusby what is happening in their part of the county.

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.

reply: Lets great real, the wife and I shop out of county every month, not just for ourselves, but for our daughter that has her home in PG county. Our savings just in the grocery bill for the month ranges from $150.00 up. Compare that to your .50 savings on a box of cereal. I just made an out of county appliance purchase and saved $300.00. The wife and I have been doing this since 2002. How do we know where to shop and save this kind of money. We keep my eyes and ears open and use our Common Sense. The same common sense we apply to everything in our lives.

[juliusb]

Originally Posted by Bruzilla

Actually it's not the county commissioners who have caused the property taxes to go up. In fact it's the "gimme, gimme, gimme" of residentofcre's THE PEOPLE who are causing the taxes to go up. Unless the commissioners are sitting on some huge budget surplus, which I doubt, the increased taxes are going to cover the increased spending demands of THE PEOPLE. When THE PEOPLE get all spun up about wanting more cops and teachers, or the need to pay these people more, they often forget that there's a price that has to be paid to meet those demands, which mean you either give up stuff or raise taxes... and most of THE PEOPLE don't want to give up anything.

reply: That's part of the problem ... the commissioners are sitting on a large surplus. This surplus bankroll gives them power to do what they want to do instead of doing what the people want or need accomplished. It's what I have been saying about working their own agenda and not that of and for the people. Frank

[juliusb]

Lop sided commissioners, if Calvert County was a ship, it would surely sink. Read and think about it
Keeping this information in front of our citizens is the best way to help Calvert County recover from the past 6 to 8 years. Yes, this is my own opinion and this time I am asking all the county commissioners to step up and respond. This is election year and it’s now or never for the county commissioners to defend their previous actions in being our public servants. Citizens of Calvert, I will look at a non response from the commissioners as if they can not defend their actions. Hopefully, you will do the same. We need honest answers from them ... now. When they talk in circles, it’s you they are trying to get drunk. Think about it!!!

If you think the county commissioners are serving as your Public Servants, think again! They have their own agenda and priority settings that have nothing to do with working for your and your family’s benefit. Once again, I am referring to the Low and Middle Income families. Sad but true, the proof is in the pudding.

In the next two paragraphs I am going to explain how the county commissioners talk about an issue that should benefit you, but doesn’t. They talk about how the issue will help you, but actually it only helps those in office and/or those will deep pockets.

Low Cost Housing: What our lower and middle income families want and need is low cost single family housing that they can afford to buy and own. Doing this will stimulate most of these families unbelievable pride. Pride that their forefathers had. Security and pride within families create positive growth that is not only good ... but strong. What the present county commissioners want to do is completely opposite. Your county commissioners want to put lower and middle income families in low income condos and/or apartments that are owned by those with deep pockets. From there, your life is doomed to poverty. They know it ... you know it ... but they could care less. The only way we can stop them is, do not vote for any of them this year.

Real Estate: If this political pinball machine is allowed to stay in office, you, the lower and middle income families, will be bounced around until you are bounced out of the county. The messages these commissioners are sending to you are disguised, but reading between the lines, the messages are loud and clear. Just ask yourself, what have these commissioners accomplished that helped you and your family. I remember, you were happy with what had and were very proud to live in Calvert County. I have never seen a county go in one direction so fast ... from a county of very strong and proud citizens, to a county of Large Bedroom Castles, owned by those with deep pockets who work somewhere other than Calvert County. Yes, the last eight years have taken it’s toll on our native citizens. You talk about land grab ... baby, this is it.

No matter what the issue is/was, these county commissioners have not helped you to achieve a better life. I keep saying this, so Remember that when you vote.

There can be excuses for or against anything in life. Our county commissioners, who are suppose to be our public servants, are expected to work out plans/regulations for getting to the people, what they want and need within reason and without excuses. Within reason doesn’t mean the cost of a project, as sometimes there are conditions and circumstances where reasonable cost cannot be worked into the solution and yet it must be solved as it will benefit the majority of our citizens. Usually excuses are used by those holding a public trust position, as a way to allow themselves to work their own agenda rather that the agenda of ours citizen’s wants and needs. I call these Political Excuses, as the end result doesn’t usually provide the citizens with what they wanted and needed in the first place. When an issue/regulation/project is presented the first question asked by all county commissioners should be. Is this needed and will it help our citizens in the most positive way possible. Our present county commissioners do not do this and here is the proof.

Calvert County would have a Super Wal-Mart, a Lowes or Home Depot and a Target. We would have Sheets Gasoline Stations and other necessary businesses that save our citizens money. We want and need to be like everywhere USA. To say otherwise is like living with your head in the sand. Using route 2/4 Traffic as a crutch for not doing this is an excuse and a very poor one at that. We have had, we now have and in the future we will have 2/4 traffic problems. Actual progress for our lower and middle income families in Calvert County has been brought to a halt. This is so wrong, that it is actually pitiful that the majority of Calvert County citizens have to put up with this type of management of Calvert County. Excuses are easy and honest solutions require a thought process that our present county commissioners either aren’t capable of solving or do not want to solve. Remember, it is you, not the county commissioners, that pay the price for whatever they do, and you are paying dearly at this time. Look at the cost of gasoline and how that high price is eating away the income of our lower and middle income families. Look at what it’s doing to you as an individual. Ain’t pretty!!!

As I write this letter, the price of gasoline is $3.00 plus per gallon in Prince Frederick. The county commissioners have no control over that, but they sure had and have control over the things we need to off set the high cost of fuel, which are the necessities to save money that I mentioned above. The large discount stores are referred to as conveniences, but in reality they are one of the necessities of living for the majority of our people. I am talking about all over this great country and not just Calvert County. So why should Calvert County be different??? If any one of our county commissioners can answer that question ... now is the time to step up on the stage and start talking. Citizens of Calvert County, don’t hold your breath waiting for an honest answer. Remember commissioners ... excuses don’t count in this quiz. Calvert County Commissioners, explain to our citizens how much better off they are without a Super Wal-Mart and other discount Stores. Calvert County Commissioners, explain to our citizens why we should shop and pay taxes in another county, especially when our citizens need to have things convenient and less costly, plus our county could use that tax money plus the taxes that would be paid by the businesses if they were located in Calvert. Speak now or get off the stage and out of political life before you cause us more problems. It’s not going to be the people that causes your removal from office. It will be because you paid no attention to your citizens and their needs. Commissioners, as you well know, when you dance to your own tune, it’s you that has to pay the fiddler. I guess this will also prove that our commissioners can not think that far in advance on any issue.

Citizens of Calvert County, you have been had by the present county commissioners. They have been operating in the same manner as the "snake oil salesman" at a carnival. They say the things you want to hear but you end up with something other than the product or service you were led to believe you would get. Same as the "Medicine Man" approach in the old west movies.

Each of the county commissioners in office today is, in his/her own way, responsible for you not having the necessities needed by you and your family. Since they haven’t helped you in the past ... you know they aren’t going to help you in the future. When good investments are made, your future and that of your family are in good hands. In 2006 your vote is going be the same as any investment you have made in your life. Invest your vote wisely or continue down the road of no return. Review your opinions this fall and invest your vote for complete change.

Change is not always for the better ... but in this case ... what do we have to lose??? Nothing!!! Another thought ... how do we lose something we don’t have??? ... Impossible!!!

Should you agree with my listed opinions, let your vote reflect it this fall.

Frank J. Larson

juliusb@comcast.net

[juliusb]

Obituary of Common Sense !


Today, we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.

Common Sense lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the Millennium. No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools; hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.

For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in from rain, the early bird gets the worm and life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and it's okay to come in second.

A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and new math.

But his health declined when he became infected with the "if-it-only-helps-one-person-it's-worth-it" virus. In recent decades, his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal legislation.

He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies; when reports were heard of six year old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; when a teen was suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch; when a teacher was fired for reprimanding an unruly student. It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but couldn't inform the parent when a female student is pregnant or wants an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.

As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments, regarding questionable regulations for asbestos, low-flow toilets, smart guns, the nurturing of Prohibition Laws and mandatory air bags.

Finally, when told that the homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which enhanced property values, he breathed his last.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son Reason. His three stepbrothers survive him: Rights, Tolerance and Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Auther Unknown.

Hopefully this will give you some insight as to how and why I think and talk as I do.

Frank J. Larson

juliusb@comcast.net

[juliusb]

This is in response to Susan Shaw’s criticizing the Calvert Independence Editorial published on May 24, 2006 ref. "Something County leaders can do", that suggested our commissioners could help by lowering our tax rate.

Susan Shaw said and I quote (First, are you and your readers aware that the Calvert County Commissioners extended the Maryland Homeowner’s Tax Credit to provide significant and real property tax relief to those most affected by rising assessments in Calvert County). End of Quote: Susan Shaw went on to state figures and forms to be filled out, so on and so forth for property owner’s at different levels of this and that, to get this ??? relief.

Susan Shaw, we are all well aware of what is happening and we are smart enough to realize this isn’t right for our people; no matter how you state Maryland Homeowner’s Tax Credit Relief. Just to handle and process this Maryland Homeowner’s Tax Credit Relief program is nonsense and costly. And should a person make a mistake in filing properly, (of which you know will happen) that homeowner has problems. There is not one sensible reason for handling property taxes in this manner. Why??? Why??? Why??? Is there something we aren’t being told??? Again!!!

Susan Shaw, Lowering the Tax Rate is handled up front by the county, every homeowner gets his/her taxes reduced automatically. That’s what we call, Fair, Honest and Above Board. All said and done ... no paper work, no fuss, no aggravation and no chance of any mistakes.

Susan Shaw, it is my sincere opinion, based solely on how I see you as a commissioner and your inability to show proper respect to some of our voters, (remember you offering a citizen, that voted for you last election, to leave the county) that you believe you’re able to talk and outsmart most of us. That day isn’t going to come in your lifetime and that applies whether you are a registered Democrat, Independent or Republican. Frank

[juliusb]

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

[luthersomd]

I don't think its right to judge all of the Commissioner's by the action of one of them. I don't believe the others would have written such a letter. Shaw is full of herself and needs to be defeated.

[CaliforniaChad]

Originally Posted by luthersomd

I don't think its right to judge all of the Commissioner's by the action of one of them. I don't believe the others would have written such a letter. Shaw is full of herself and needs to be defeated.

Agreed.

She's all about more, bigger government. Such as her desire to have county government ban public smoking. A noble cause because of the health concerns, but just another example of how she supports invasive government. How about instead being a leader, and looking to good solutions that don't impose upon peoples rights?

PS: I hate smoking. :)