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Greetings Friends!
It
is hard to believe the summer is drawing to an end. Prince Georges County Schools are back in session. Welcome to the Bowie
City Activist website sponsored by The Dahms Group, LLC.
On behalf of the Kenilworth Elementary School community, we
would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to County Councilman Doug Peters, his education specialist Lori Morris
and to Prince Georges County School Board Chairperson Bea Tignor for the repavement of the school's parking lot and driveway
in time for the new school year. Thank you for your agreement with the community about the need, and for responding by obtaining
the funds so Kenilworth Elementary could receive the first driveway repavement since the school was constructed in 1962.
Here
are the highlights of the current page of the Bowie City Activist. Previous pages may be viewed by navigating to the drop
down box found on the top of the website:
•DARRELL CARRINGTON FOR COUNTY COUNCIL SURVEY RESPONSE
•INGRID TURNER
FOR COUNTY COUNCIL SURVEY RESPONSE
•G. FRED ROBINSON FOR COUNTY COUNCIL - NO THANKS! (PART 2: EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY!)
•
THE FRIENDS OF MAYOR GEE FRED FLINTSTONE (ADDED 8/31/06)
• INGRID TURNER ENDORSEMENT (ADDED 9/5/06)
• AHMED,CONROY
AND SKERPON ENDORSEMENTS (ADDED 9/10/06)
• CITY MANAGER DEUTSCH RESPONDS TO PAVING OVER BRICK CROSSWALKS
•BOWIE
BRIEFS
•MAILBAG
EDITOR'S NOTE: Fred Robinson was given a Bowie City Activist Survey, but did not respond. No
loss, as we all know, Gee Fred Flintstone is clueless and has nothing to offer anyway.
As I always say, busy hands
are happy hands, so let's get busy in Bowie!
Richard
DARRELL CARRINGTON FOR COUNTY COUNCIL SURVEY RESPONSE
Darrell
Carrington is everywhere! Go to the store, and there he is. Go to the Sunday Farmers Market at the BHS parking lot, and there
he is. Go to C&C Dance, and there he is. Go to a private community meeting at a well known activist's residence, and there
he is. Darrell Carrington is an energetic and enthusiatic campaigner. Carrington is articulate and knows the issues on peoples'
minds. He actually had to give-up his County job, to run for County Council. As a former County employee, he knows the County
Administration, something the less esteemed editor has overlooked (among many other things).
Let's welcome to the
Bowie City Activist website Darrell Carrington:
1. What do you feel are the concerns of County District 4 citizens?
What are your priorities if elected?
CARRINGTON: Growth/Development, Education and Crime. These are the cornerstones
of my platform. I believe that with the amount of property taxes we pay, we should receive much better services from the county.
We lose our best teachers and administrators to Montgomery and Fairfax counties where they have better pay scales and pensions,
we do not have enough officers on the streets and the development community is allowed to build and build without regard to
our infrastructure, e.g., road improvements, school construction and hiring EMT’s and firefighters.
2. Recently, the
Bowie City Activist contacted Senator Green and County Councilman Doug Peters on behalf of the Kenilworth Elementary School
community about the need of re-surfacing the driveway/parking lot of this ancient school. Councilman Peters responded by obtaining
money in the county budget earmarked specifically for the first resurfacing since the school was constructed in 1962. There
is another need that the next County Councilperson should be aware of: the school's cafeteria does not have any air conditioning
whatsoever. Do you agree that air conditioning is a modern necessity and would you pledge, if elected, to work with the newly
elected school board to obtain an air conditioning solution for Kenilworth's cafeteria (and, for any other ancient school
located in district 4)? (Editor's ethics disclosure: I am very active in the Kenilworth PTA and my daughter attends this public
school).
CARRINGTON: Of course I agree that air conditioning is a modern necessity and I do pledge to work the new
school board to address the multitude of issues facing the infrastructure of our older schools. As a person who has been in
many of the schools in Prince George’s County, including serving as "Principal for the Day" at Tulip Grove Elementary School,
I am surprised by the poor condition of some of our schools and believe that that is a factor in why so many of our students
are having difficulty keeping pace with other children in area jurisdictions. We must invest in our schools it always pays
dividends.
3. After altering our traditional spring city elections to further his own incumbency, Mayor Fred Robinson
wasted over $72,000 in taxpayer money attacking the C&C Dance Company located in Bowie. Do you agree with county council candidate
Fred Robinson that the C&C Dance Company business is not appropriate at the non-tech center? Was attacking C&C Dance a wise
use of taxpayer money? Are you smart enough to know Bowie taxpayers do not pay taxes to evict a reputable dance studio?
CARRINGTON:
As someone who has actually been to C&C Dance Studio, I cannot imagine not recognizing the Studio as first-rate educational
and recreational facility. The energy and spirit of the students, staff and parents is truly inspiring. I must agree that
fighting C&C’s right to exist is a tremendously misguided use of the City’s money. In fact, the City, which has as recently
as 2004 praised C&C for its 35 years of service to the community, should praise Ms. Brennan’s commitment to excellence and
applaud the work she has done in touching and improving the lives of so many children.
4. Although the University of
Maryland offers a degree in Dance, Mayor Robinson does not believe dance education is educational or recreational, and therefore
is not in compliance with the existing land covenants. Do you believe dance is educational and recreational?
CARRINGTON:
Fine arts is obviously an educational activity and exposing our children to the arts at an early age can only make them better
rounded people. As I stated earlier, C&C Dance Studio is both an educational and recreational center.
5. Bowie, the
predominate city in the District, has been identified by the Wall Street Journal as one of the highest taxed cities in America
(Note: all taxes: city, county & NCPPC). What is your reaction to such a dubious distinction? Are taxes high in Bowie? What,
if anything, would you do, if elected, to reduce county taxes?
CARRINGTON: One of the first things I discuss with residents
is our alarmingly high property taxes and the lack of services we receive from the county in proportion to those taxes. I
often question, as a citizen, what is the county doing with all of our money. We don’t keep our teachers and administrators
here, we don’t fully fund police pensions or allow them to accumulate sick leave as in the past and we don’t seem to be using
the money to improve our infrastructure. I would love to see our tax burden decreased, so I would take to the task of reviewing,
if I can actually get my hands on it, the line-item budget for the county to decrease the waste and inefficiency we currently
have with respect to the allocation of resources.
6. What is your position on TRIM - do you support repealing TRIM
or do you support keeping TRIM?
CARRINGTON: I believe elected officials should vote in the best interests and wishes
of those they have the privilege to serve. That being said, I believe the residents of the county have overwhelmingly said
they want TRIM.
7. I have been observing the Bowie City Council and city politics for many many years. It is my observation
that those last 3 remaining city council members (pre - year 2002 NAACP legal threat) are very arrogant, and are not very
constituent oriented: that they rely heavily on one editor of one local media outlet to do their campaigning for them free
of charge (or, in the case of Jack Jenkins, bartering free movie reviews written by his wife/campaign treasurer in exchange
for political endorsements). My question is: do you feel there is a level playing field for your candidacies given the actions
of one local media outlet? Do you feel there is any subtle racism in this County Council election? Please explain your answers.
CARRINGTON: It is always more difficult for first time candidates to get traction in an area, however, I feel that
the Bowie Blade-News has been very fair and balanced in its coverage of this election. In every article I have read and the
editorials written, I believe the Blade-News has given readers an accurate synopsis of the issues at hand. With respect to
the last part of your question, I am on record as stating that this election is about who will vote in the best interest of
our citizens on the issues that affect our daily lives. This community does not care about whom their neighbors are, but only
how their neighbors behave. Only those with nothing to contribute to the community nor working for its improvement would use
race as determining factor on September 12th.
8. What do you bring to the table to make a better County District 4,
and what distinguishes you from the other two candidates?
CARRINGTON: I have been serving the community for the past
5 years and proud to say, though my work for the county, that I have assisted over 25,000 households with energy assistance,
fed over 30,000 children through the Nationally recognized summer food service program, distributed over 6 million pounds
of food to the area soup kitchens and pantries and directed over $500,000 in state funds to non-profits and the faith-based
community to address the needs of our citizens.
What separates me from the other two candidates is that I am the only
person running that has the independence from the development community and "political powers that be" to vote in the best
interests of our residents and not bow to those external, non-invested entities. Moreover, I am the only candidate working
with the affected residents near the Melford site to stop the ill-conceived plan to destroy our community. I am a citizen
first and will always work with the community to address our issues.
RD: Darrell, thank you for responding to our survey.
Your thoughts are appreciated. The less esteemed editor of the Blade News believes in a "caste system" where candidates for
higher public office must first do their tour of duty in the minor leagues, otherwise known as the Bowie City Council. His
comment in the editorial of August 24, 2006 demonstrates how ILL-INFORMED Rouse truly is. I believe you reside outside the
corporate city limits, so according to the "less esteemed editor's" logic, you can never qualify to serve an elected office
that encompasses Bowie (unless, of course, you move into the corporate city limits). This is absurd, but another good example
of "The Dumbing Down of Bowie" by Robinson and his crony Rouse. Best wishes to you.
INGRID TURNER FOR COUNTY COUNCIL
SURVEY RESPONSE
Ingrid Turner and her family has long and steeped ties to Bowie. Ingrid attended Pointer Ridge Elementary,
Thomas Pullen Junior High and graduated from Elizabeth Seton High School. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy,
has a Masters in Business Administration from Golden Gate University and a Juris Doctorate from the Catholic University of
America, Columbus School of Law.
Ingrid is the daughter of Dr. (Colonel, retired) Henry and Mrs. June C. Turner (retired
school teacher), active members of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church and residents of Bowie since 1973. Ingrid is
the sister of Henry (Lieutenant Colonel, retired) and Lieutenant Colonels Eric and Michael Turner.
Ingrid has a long
and continuous commitment to community service. She coaches and mentors youth and is the Vice President of the Gamma Omega
Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She too is a very energetic and enthusiastic campaigner.
Let's welcome
Ingrid Turner to the Bowie City Activist website:
Bowie City Activist Survey
QUESTION: What do you feel
are the concerns of County District 4 citizens?
TURNER:
· Education
· Crime
·
Growth
· Transportation
· Economic Development
QUESTION: What are your priorities if elected?
TURNER: Improving the quality of education is my number one priority. All children deserve a quality education that
prepares them for tomorrow. Our children must have the tools to succeed. Our teachers must feel appreciated and supported.
Teachers must receive professional development and our best teachers must be retained. I believe many good things stem from
a second to none approach to education. With a quality educational system, businesses will seek to move to Prince George’s
County and with more businesses, more people will want to live in Prince George’s County and our economic base will increase
as will our ability to pay for those things we still need to make Prince George's County great. I will work with the new
CEO, School Board and other elected officials to improve the educational system in Prince George’s County
Public Safety
adequate to support growth and provide peace of mind is my second priority. That may mean increasing the authority for more
police officers and fire fighters more in line with our large population. I will work with the City of Bowie to make the
transition of our new police force a smooth transition and ensure we do not lose all our County police officers just because
we bring on our own police force.
Transportation and Roads that support and complement economic development and
serve the citizens’ need to travel from home to work to schools, to local amenities in and around the County. We need more
from our transportation system than just getting us to and from subway stations during rush hour. How wonderful would it
be to have a Metro stop at Bowie State University or better transportation between Prince George’s Community College and Bowie
State University. It would make it that much easier for our young people to further their education. It would reduce congestion
on the roads. It would enable students not old enough to drive to get and keep jobs in their communities.
QUESTION:
Recently, the Bowie City Activist contacted Senator Green and County Councilman Doug Peters on behalf of the Kenilworth Elementary
School community about the need of re-surfacing the driveway/parking lot of this ancient school. Councilman Peters responded
by obtaining money in the county budget earmarked specifically for the first resurfacing since the school was constructed
in 1962. There is another need that the next County Councilperson should be aware of: the school's cafeteria does not have
any air conditioning whatsoever. Do you agree that air conditioning is a modern necessity and would you pledge, if elected,
to work with the newly elected school board to obtain an air conditioning solution for Kenilworth's cafeteria (and, for any
other ancient school located in district 4)?
TURNER:Yes, I agree air conditioning is necessary and I would pledge
to work with the newly elected school board to obtain air conditioning. It is my understanding that all the schools were
air conditioned as that was one of Jack Johnson’s initiatives.
QUESTION: After altering our traditional spring city
elections to further his own incumbency, Mayor Fred Robinson wasted over $72,000 in taxpayer money attacking the C&C Dance
Company located in Bowie. Do you agree with county council candidate Fred Robinson that the C&C Dance Company business is
not appropriate at the non-tech center?
TURNER: No, I do not agree with Fred Robinson. In my opinion, the C&C Dance
Company is a recreational educational business.
QUESTION: Was attacking C&C Dance a wise use of taxpayer money?
TURNER:
No, it was a waste of taxpayers’ money. I believe that there was room for compromise a long time ago, but egos may have gotten
in the way. I’m especially upset that after spending $72, 000 of our tax dollars that in 2 hours our leader of the council
changed his mind and decided a compromise was the best course of action. Why did it take him so long and why did we spend
so much money? We must always work for win/win solutions. I expect and demand more from our leader. This is an expensive
mistake and the flip flop is an embarrassment to the city…an embarrassment at the taxpayers’ expense. I believe that there
is a way to bring high tech businesses to Bowie and a solution to this old problem should have been resolved sooner. Just
like BRAVA, the problem keeps lingering. If you can’t help solve the problem, move out of the way and let someone who can!
QUESTION:
Are you smart enough to know Bowie taxpayers do not pay taxes to evict a reputable dance studio?
TURNER: Yes, I’m smart
enough. :)
QUESTION: Although the University of Maryland offers a degree in Dance, Mayor Robinson does not believe
dance education is educational or recreational, and therefore is not in compliance with the existing land covenants. Do you
believe dance is educational and recreational?
TURNER: Yes, I believe dance is educational and recreational.
QUESTION:
Bowie, the predominate city in the District, has been identified by the Wall Street Journal as one of the highest taxed cities
in America (Note: all taxes: city, county & NCPPC). What is your reaction to such a dubious distinction?
TURNER: Our
taxes are high, but to pay for the services our citizens want requires money. The citizens have elected that they want a
police force, which I support, but that all cost money. If we attract businesses, I believe our revenue base will increase,
thus allowing us to eventually lower taxes.
QUESTION: Are taxes high in Bowie?
TURNER: I have reviewed the
City's budget with my team and I think that the City of Bowie manages revenues and expenses very well and the citizens are
paying the appropriate amount of taxes for the amount of service provided at the city level. I think that there are tax issues
that need to be dealt with like how to increase our tax base and making sure we are getting all that we are paying for. I
do think that increasing commerce and the business base in Bowie and the County is the best way to keep taxes low.
QUESTION:
What, if anything, would you do, if elected, to reduce county taxes?
TURNER: I would work to get commercial development
in Prince George’s County. With more businesses, more people will want to live in Prince George’s County and our economic
base will increase and allow us to reduce taxes and provide us with the ability to pay for those things we still need to make
our county great.
QUESTION: What is your position on TRIM - do you support repealing TRIM or do you support keeping
TRIM?
TURNER: That is a difficult question. I believe that TRIM needs to be evaluated and a plan developed to overcome
our shortfalls in many areas such as additional funding that is need for our educational system. With a struggling educational
system, we need to invest people, time and money into education. We must work together for a solution and that may involve
repealing TRIM. I’m not sure what the best answer is, but I do know that we need money to pay for better schools, roads and
transportation and social services that are needed throughout District 4 and Prince George’s County and with your help, I
will develop a plan of action to help solve this problem.
QUESTION: I have been observing the Bowie City Council and
city politics for many many years. It is my observation that those last 3 remaining city council members (pre - year 2002
NAACP legal threat) are very arrogant, and are not very constituent oriented: that they rely heavily on one editor of one
local media outlet to do their campaigning for them free of charge (or, in the case of Jack Jenkins, bartering free movie
reviews written by his wife/campaign treasurer in exchange for political endorsements). My question is: do you feel there
is a level playing field for your candidacies given the actions of one local media outlet?
TURNER: No, I do not feel
one local media outlet portrays all candidates fairly. One local media clearly caters to Fred Robinson. I’m not sure why.
QUESTION: Do you feel there is any subtle racism in this County Council election? Please explain your answers.
TURNER:
I believe the media is trying to make it a racial issue. However, as a community, we must elect someone that understands
and wants to represent all people. My parents brought my brothers and me to Pointer Ridge in 1973 when I was in 4th grade.
We were one of the first African American families here. Growing up I played, studied, ate dinner at the tables of my neighbors
in Bowie. I swam on the Pointer Ridge Swim team and played soccer with many of the children here in Bowie. I hope now that
I have gone away, received an education, served our country and come back home that District 4 is still a beautiful place
of opportunity. A place where the community wants what is best for the community. District 4 is a multicultural community
that deserves someone that will listen to their concerns and represent them all. Someone that will respect and listen to
everyone’s concerns and work for a win/win solution. Ingrid Turner is that candidate!
QUESTION: What do you bring
to the table to make a better County District 4, and what distinguishes you from the other two candidates?
TURNER:
I care about the citizens. I have lived the issues and I am well versed in legislation. As an attorney, I have written and
reviewed legislation. I have extensive knowledge and experience on health policy issues, budgeting, resource allocation,
negotiating, working as a team and leading a team. None of the other candidates can bring this diverse background to the
table. This is key to helping bring District 4 and Prince George’s County to the next level!
I came to Prince George’s
County in 1973 when I was in 4th grade, attended Pointer Ridge Elementary School, Thomas Pullen Junior High, Elizabeth Seton
High School, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. I care about Prince George’s County and its citizen and
will work hard to improve the quality of life for everyone. I have lived the issues. The issues are my issues. Additionally,
I have a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will enable me to positively help lead the direction of Prince George’s
County for years to come. As the Deputy Director for the Management and Plans Division of the Office of the Judge Advocate
General, I formulated long-range planning, resource allocation, budgeting, logistics, construction maintenance, and courtroom
security for the infrastructure of the over 25 world-wide offices for more than a thousand legal personnel. I have reviewed
and written legislation. Most recently as the Director, Reserve and Retired Personnel Programs for the Judge Advocate General
of the Navy, I managed the 725 reserve lawyers and paralegals determining the appropriate location and number of personnel
for all Naval Legal Offices. Because of my experience, leadership skills and team work ability I was also the Assistant for
the Assistant Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy and the Deputy Commander Naval Legal Service Command. In addition
to being a United State Naval Academy graduate, I earned an MBA from Golden Gate University, with a concentration in Management
and Finance and a law degree from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. I have advanced studies in
the areas of healthcare law, public health and health services from George Washington University. Ingrid Turner is the right
candidate for District 4!
RD: Thank you Ingrid! You certainly demonstrate you are a very articulate, accomplished and
intelligent woman. Your answers are well thought out. Obviously, in spite of what the "less esteemed editor" says, you are
well versed on the issues, quite knowledgeable and capable. Thank you for visiting with us here at the Bowie City Activist
website.
G. FRED ROBINSON FOR COUNTY COUNCIL - NO THANKS! (PART 2: EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY!)
You've heard it
once, you've heard it a thousand times: "Everyday is a holiday!".
I've heard it so many times over the years here in
Bowie that I say it sometimes myself, "Everyday is a holiday!"
In reality, every day is NOT a holiday. The work of
government and industry is anything but a holiday.
I never dreamed I would be an activist for good government in my
own hometown. It happened many years ago when Fred Robinson's brain must have been having one of its many holidays. Code Enforcement
was sent into my home against my verbal and written protests. The city manager (David Deutsch's predecessor) ignored me, and
gave me the brush off in city hall when I confronted him. The Bowie City Council also ignored me, and I found the Bowie City
Council of the 1980s to resemble more of a private club than a public body - a good old boys club.
One person who
did not ignore me - County Councilman Richard Castaldi who's jaws dropped in amazement as I recounted to him my story. After
the Logue/Moore/Robinson regime raped my civil and constitutional rights, they spent according to one source $3,000 in legal
expense backpedaling to cover-up their tracks. Richard Castaldi held an unusual public hearing in Upper Marlboro where Fred
Robinson and I were present. The result was the creation of the City's Administrative Review Board (ARB). The City Attorney,
Bobby Levan, wrote a constitutional analysis of my case in which he stated that it was assumed that I was collecting rent.
That assumption was false and wrong as I did not collect rent and had told the city so. It was city management incompetence
at its very worst.
Since the city attorney's assumption was false, one can conclude that my civil and constitutional
rights were in deed violated. Robinson's brain was on holiday.
All the while, Fred Robinson did nothing, but County
Councilman Richard Castaldi did do something and he intervened. It was very easy for me to see why Richard Castaldi from Greenbelt
beat Fred Robinson in a predominantly Bowie district in Robinson's first County Council bid in 1994.
For three years,
I was a fixture in city hall perhaps behaving like any victim who's rights had been trampled on. One day, there was an anonymous
message on my telephone message recorder informing me that I should look into certain financial matters of the city. I began
in 1990, to submit document requests under the Maryland Public Information Act. The Logue/Moore/Robinson regime immediately
began stonewalling my requests, and did so for two years until I took legal action.
Robinson's brain was again holiday
during the two years I was attempting to obtain the city's financial records. Navigate to the January 7, 2006 webpage to read
the letter my attorney wrote to the city. The City Manager quickly resign and left town 4 months following notice of my intent
to file a lawsuit.
The actions and lack of actions by certain people left a permanent impression on me about certain
public figures in the City of Bowie. I found a city government that lacked any accountability. The people who were suppose
to be our representatives, were more like rubber stamps of the city administration.
We don't need a County Council
member who has a Pollyannaish view of government - that government can do no wrong, and "might makes right". This is Fred
Robinson's belief. Instead, we need advocates for the people. We need elected officials who can think critically, and be balanced
in their approach. No government organization is perfect just like no private business is perfect. But, in the legislative
branch of government, we need people who are not afraid to confront the administration (executive branch) when they are wrong!
Fred Robinson demonstrated throughout the years that he lacks this ability. His brain goes on holiday!
I could personally relate to the plight of the owners of the C&C Dance Company when Robinson's brain again went on holiday.
We don't need a County Council person who's brain goes on holiday and attacks a reputable dance studio half the town's children
have attended one time or another.
Every day's a holiday - let's make this true for Gee Fred and send him on permanent
holiday. Fred Robinson for County Council? NO THANKS!
THE FRIENDS OF MAYOR GEE FRED FLINTSTONE
Here is
a list of contributors to the Robinson for County Council Campaign:
Glenn Wilson $100.00 08/05/2006
Prince George's County Professional
Fire Fighters & Paramedic $1,000.00 8/03/2006
Mark Pelavin
$50.00 7/31/2006
Sylvia Gross $100.00 7/27/2006
Howard Simons
$50.00 7/26/2006
TJ Elliott's Restaurant $250.00 7/26/2006
Robert Manzi
$500.00 7/26/2006
Sherman Calloway $100.00 7/24/2006
Susan Wills
$200.00 7/24/2006
Jeffrey Burger $30.00 7/23/2006
John Gossart
$50.00 7/21/2006
James Ferrando $100.00 7/21/2006
Wanda Zebrowski
$50.00 7/19/2006
James Hannan $20.00 7/16/2006
Jane Dodd
$100.00 7/15/2006
Burton Oliver $100.00 7/15/2006
Richard Favorite
$15.00 7/14/2006
John Solari $10.00 7/13/2006
Patrick McGraw
$20.00 7/13/2006
Rosario Ideo $25.00 7/13/2006
Frank Fitzmaurice
$25.00 7/13/2006
John Cummings $25.00 7/13/2006
William Cramer
$25.00 7/13/2006
Harlan Tucker $25.00 7/13/2006
Lorraine Whipple
$25.00 7/13/2006
Kurt Walter (note from Katie Costello) $25.00 7/13/2006
Joan
Pitkin $25.00 7/13/2006
Felice Ciccone $30.00 7/13/2006
James
Gallagher $40.00 7/13/2006
Deborah Sell $50.00 7/13/2006
Marie
& Gene Kiley $50.00 7/13/2006
Richard Schroder $50.00 7/13/2006
George
Carrette $50.00 7/13/2006
Abby Hopper $50.00 7/13/2006
Bruce
Pletsch $50.00 7/13/2006
Catherine Flaherty $50.00 7/13/2006
Al
Golato $50.00 7/13/2006
Francis Fladung $50.00 7/13/2006
Luther
& Minnie Holley $100.00 7/13/2006
Amy Littlefield $100.00 7/13/2006
Susan
O'Brien $100.00 7/13/2006
John O'Toole $100.00 7/13/2006
Stanley
Rodenhauser $100.00 7/13/2006
Steve Kemp $100.00 7/13/2006
Walter
Yourell $100.00 7/13/2006
S. Bente $100.00 7/13/2006
Patricia
Unger, Living Trust $100.00 7/13/2006
Toni Painter $100.00 7/13/2006
Isaac
Trouth $100.00 7/13/2006
Stephanie Phipps $100.00 7/13/2006
Joseph
Cox $100.00 7/13/2006
Mary & Bernard T. Devaney $100.00 7/13/2006
Michael
& Priscilla DiMario $100.00 7/13/2006
Richard & Sheila Padgett $200.00 7/13/2006
Kenneth
& Elveeda Dixon $200.00 7/13/2006
Pamela Fleming $200.00 7/13/2006
M.
Connelly $250.00 7/13/2006
Katharine Knight $250.00 7/13/2006
Edward
Haraway $500.00 7/13/2006
TJ Elliott's Restaurant $550.00 7/13/2006
Charles
Ryan $75.00 7/12/2006
Debra Risher $250.00 7/12/2006
Deborah
Nelson $2,000.00 7/12/2006
Daniel Kopetsky $100.00 7/11/2006
Claudio
Poiani $101.00 7/09/2006
Jacob Maimone $25.00 7/03/2006
Elwood
Harmel $25.00 7/02/2006
Alicia Chin $50.00 7/02/2006
Robert
Benitez $500.00 6/30/2006
Prince George's County Professional
Fire Fighters & Paramedics
$1,000.00 6/28/2006
Alan Coppola $200.00 6/27/2006
Leonard Pederson
$100.00 6/25/2006
Howard Shrodes $1,000.00 6/23/2006
David Ross
$250.00 6/21/2006
Widmann Financial Services $1,000.00 6/21/2006
George Robinson
$200.00 6/09/2006
INGRID TURNER IS BEST CHOICE FOR COUNTY COUNCIL (ADDED 9/5/06)
Ingrid Turner is a local
homegrown hometown woman who has made good in life. In many respects, she is a testimony to hard work, playing by the rules,
and should be held as an example to our youth. Ingrid has run a good clean campaign, and she hasn't had the advantage of one
local media outlet actively campaigning for her as the Blade News is doing for Robinson.
Ingrid served America in the
United States Navy and is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. She is a credit to the Prince Georges County Public
School System as a product of Pointer Ridge Elementary School.
I have determined that Ingrid Turner's ties to her
brother's development company are a smokescreen. She helped him get started in the corporate papers. I am more concerned about
one of her opponents who was a defendant in a sexual harassment lawsuit while a member of the PG County Police that was settled
(meaning there was merit to the complaint). The sexual harassment lawsuit was well publicized in County newspapers, but was
ignored entirely by the Bowie Blade News. Why? That County Council candidate has never been held accountable for a public
explanation of the sexual harassment matter.
Having held senior management and executive positions during my 20
year career in telecommunications finance, I have had to make hiring and promotion decisions that are often difficult. This
endorsement is no different. Darrell Carrington is a good man and I count him as a newly found friend of mine. Darrell Carrington
has many positive qualities, and in some ways remind me of myself when I was ahead of my time in the 1990s twice challenging
monopoly giants Logue/Robinson. All three candidates meet the minimum qualifications. However, when I look at the resumes
and the accomplishments of the candidates, Ingrid has more.
One of the reasons why I believe Doug Peters was successful
as a County Council member, besides being a successful businessman, was his education background. Doug is an MBA, and MBAs
tend to look at business and public financial matters in the light of the hard cold language of numbers translated into dollars
and cents mathematics. As I have been educating Bowie for a number of years, District 4 City of Bowie is one of the highest
taxed cities in America. We will need as a County Council person someone well versed in the language of business mathematics.
Neither Carrington or Robinson have this qualification. In Robinson's case, he has proven for many years to be a "tax and
spend" politician of the old school.
The job of a County Councilmember is to represent constituents and to enact
county legislation and budget appropriations. Besides having MBA, Ingrid also has a law degree that will help her represent
District 4 as she will be able to analyze from a legal perspective any new proposed county legislation.
When
I met with Ingrid at a local Starbucks last week, her parting words to me still ring true as I've reflected upon them during
the past week. Ingrid told me that if Fred Robinson is elected, he won't do anything. Anyone who has followed the public record
of Fred Robinson knows this is true, that he doesn't do anything. For Fred Robinson, his County Council bid is simply a transition
to a retirement on the eastern shore possibly leaving the next generation of Bowieites with a mess.
I highly endorse
Ingrid Turner for County Council - she's the future, Robinson is the past. I encourage all Democrats to caste their vote for
Ingrid Turner on September 12, 2006 in the Democratic Primary.
Richard
AHMED, CONROY AND SKERPON ENDORSEMENT
(Added 9/10/06)
The Bowie City Activist endorses Shukoor Ahmed and Mary Conroy for State Delegate. In recent weeks,
we have learned that the slate of Conroy and Hubbard often vote against one another negating our representation in the House
of the General Assembly. So, what good is a political slate if one member often votes in opposition to the other? We have
also learned that Hubbard's attendance record is less than stellar. How can that be as the General Assembly is only in session
for a couple of months in the year?
Mary Conroy has always been here for Bowie. The name Conroy in Bowie evokes confidence
and trust. There has never been any hint of political scandal in all the years a Conroy has served Maryland. The Conroys did
not go into public service for wealth. They went into public service to serve. This past year, Mary Conroy had the moral backbone
to stand-up for family values and supported defining marriage as a union between a man and woman. Mary Conroy represents Bowie
well and should return to complete her final term.
Shukoor Ahmed is an American success story. He came to the United
States with about $500 in his pocket and today runs a company with 90 employees and revenues exceeding $ 7 Million. Like Doug
Peters, Ahmed is a businessman. But, unlike the arrogance of Robinson, Ahmed is smart, humble and meek. We like those personality
traits. Ahmed is a persistent campaigner and makes his third bid for the State House. The fact that he is making his third
bid demonstrates he is very serious. Ahmed has run a very good campaign, and has used all avenues available to get his message
out. I have met with Shukoor on several occasions and I find him to be very sincere. We need new blood representing us in
Annapolis. I encourage all Democrats to put Ahmed to work for us, and see what his knowledge of information technology can
do for Maryland.
There shouldn't be a need for me to write an endorsement for Register of Wills. It either
works or it doesn't. Simple? Regrettably, the Democratic political machine that monopolizes Prince Georges County has decided
Lynn Skerpon has to go because there is not enough diversity on the machine's Democratic slate. I'm all for diversity and
empowerment that reflects the population, but in Skerpon's case it smacks as a flair of reverse discrimination in my mind.
Last year, my attorney contacted me that he had made an error in my 40+ page last Will and Testament (involving a trust).
A new last Will and Testament was executed and filed. The old Will was retrieved efficiently and quickly from the Prince Georges
County Office of Wills. That is enough proof for me! I encourage all Democrats to say "no" to political machine politics by
returning the competent Lynn Skerpon to office.
CITY MANAGER DEUTSCH RESPONDS TO BRICK CROSSWALK PAVING
City
Manager David Deutsch, CEO of Bowie, has responded to the Bowie City Activist (tm) regarding the July 9, 2006 webpage (Navigate
to drop down box).
Mr. Dahms: Here is the information regarding the crosswalks.
The stamped crosswalks in
the Levitt section of the City were a part of the Quality Community Initiative (QCI) program implemented by City Council approximately
five years ago. The City identified locations in the Levitt section of Bowie and installed these stamped brick crosswalks.
The cost when we did this was $2,500 per crosswalk. We did this at approximately 15 to 20 crosswalks in the Levitt section.
We had planned on doing 22 more crosswalks. When we bid this in the fall of 2004, the cost was three times higher per crosswalk,
or approximately $7,500 per crosswalk. This increased our cost to do the 22 crosswalks from $55,000 to $165,000. Given this
substantial cost increase, we did not have sufficient moneys to proceed with this program at that time. The cost increase,
coupled with the fact that we were very dissatisfied with the product we had received on the crosswalks that were installed,
led to the decision to stop this crosswalk installation program. The crosswalks that were installed quickly faded and portions
began to erode away. The aesthetic impact was very negative, which was contrary to the intent of the QCI program. I hope this
provides a sufficient explanation regarding this matter.
David Deutsch, City Manager, City of Bowie
BOWIE
BRIEFS
- Bowie must be the largest city in America without its own Police Department.. Voters last November, 2005 voted
overwhelmingly to change that distinction. Now, almost 9 months later, Katherine Perez has been selected as Bowie's first
police chief. Watching the city's press conference from home on Monday, August 21, 2006, I was impressed by the selection.
It appears city manager David Deutsch hit a home run with her selection, and the city is now on track to implement the voters'
wishes. Perez will perhaps be the most busiest person in Bowie over the coming months. After all, she is starting the department
from scratch. There are no rules, no procedures, no equipment, no space in city hall and scarce human resources available
for recruiting as Bowie competes with other jurisdictions. Ms. Perez deserves the community's support as we transition to
self policing in Bowie.
- Police Chief Perez will have her hands full with recruiting as Bowie competes with other
jurisdictions and levels of government. This excerpt comes from the July, 2006 edition of the Prince George's County Police,
District II Station newsletter: The Prince George’s County Police Department is in the midst of an unprecedented hiring campaign.
Over the next 10 years, the Department hopes to hire 150 officers per year. The graduating class of March, 2006 included
43 new officers. A new recruit class started July 10th and has over 100 student officers. The County is planning to train
another academy class of at least 75 officers before the year is out. As of July 9, 2006, the starting salary for a police
officer is $44,148.00.
- In the "less esteemed editor's" recent election Commentaries, it appears Rouse is answering
my BCA e-mail updates. For example, I made this statement about "fresh faces" in a press release on August 6, 2006 regarding
Melford: “If either County Council candidates Darrell Carrington or Ingrid Turner, both fresh faces with fresh ideas, can
reach out to a whole new political base here in town, and can also convince entrenched Robinson supporters that Robinson mishandled
the most important issue in the city over the last twenty years, the employment center, then Fred Robinson’s long political
career in Bowie will finally be over”. John Rouse responds by writing in his August 17, 2006 Commentary, "Fresh faces are
not always the best choices...".
- Mayor Gee Fred Flintstone crony and Blade News writer Gerard Devlin recently asked,
"Where are all the Republicans?". Ironically, Capital Gazette's Evening Capital (Annapolis) ran a similar editorial a couple
weeks earlier that asked, "Where are all the Democrats"?. There are a number of races in Anne Arundel County that are being
uncontested by Democrats just as there are a number of races in Prince Georges County that are being uncontested by Republicans.
The conclusion is a no-brainer: the Republicans are in Anne Arundel County (along with many former Bowieites) where taxes
are lower, property values are higher and schools are perceived to be better. Conversely, the Democrats are in PG County where
taxes are higher, property values gap below Anne Arundel, and schools are still perceived as sub-par. Will this ever change?
I don't know. Certainly, the County has gotten very serious about changing the performance of the public school system. Change
the school system performance, and the perception of the County in peoples' minds changes. By the way, it was Robinson's Blade
News crony Devlin that put forth the change to the city's charter to alter our city's elections because Robinson was receiving
too much competition from Burian, McArdle and Republican Ellington.
- And speaking of Robinson crony Gerard
Devlin, we know the friends of Mayor Gee Fred Flintstone often speak in code. They use such sophisticated code words as "crackpot"
and "nutcase" in an attempt to discredit anyone who might disagree with them or pose a threat to their influence and their
regime. Devlin's code words sort of reminds me of the tactics used by communist regimes sending their intellectuals and dissidents
to Gulags, or in Devlin's case, the Gulag Bowie of the mind.
- I am hearing rumors of one City Council person (who
has a special relationship with the Blade News - any guesses who that might be???). Anyway, this city council person states
he is upset about housing at Melford and that he would never allow any more residential development or annexation without
adequate schools, fire, roads etc. Yet, in the same week was heard saying he is close to the developer of Market Place (and
FreeState) and that he wants residential development on this property so it can be revitalized. Talk about speaking out of
both sides of your mouth! "Lights!, Cameras!, Action!"
- With the advent of the new Super Giant at Freestate Mall,
the Bowie Plaza Giant Foods will be closing. Now comes rumor that Safeway at Marketplace may also soon be history. Marketplace
(formerly Belair Shopping Center) is Bowie's original commercial retail area. There has always been a food chain store located
at the center starting with "Food Fair", and later "Pantry Pride". Before there was "Glory Days", Bowieites ate at the same
location when there was a "Bob's Big Boy", and in earlier times, "The Charcoal Inn". You know you're a Bowie old timer if
you remember "Marty's", an office and stationary supply store. Anyone remember the big fire at McCroys? It will be interesting
to see what the new owners have in mind for re-developing this floundering retail center that some of us have known since
our youth.
MAILBAG
MISSED THE MARK. Richard, You’re painfully honest and most of the time right on, but I
think you missed the mark a bit on Melford. Please review the Auntie stuff when the whole Nash Woods thing was being evaluated.
RD
Comments: Thanks for your feedback. I know about the zoning swap with Nash Woods. I guess I'm more critical of Robinson for
changing his position right before the election so he could gain support of the District 23A slate. He didn't have the conviction
of heart or the integrity to stick with his original position even though it is the wrong position. I know the wave of the
future is mixed use - some commercial and some residential. A deal is a deal and the deal with Nash Woods opened the door
for residential on Melford.
ADEQUATE FACILITIES TEST. Richard, did you hear about our wonderful county council, through
resolution (read no public debate) they repealed the "adequate facility test" so I guess they can just fast track the Mel
ford project after the election. Just shameful what these people are doing. In essence, they just said that they don't care
if we have enough police to protect us or firefighters to save our homes from burning to the ground. How nice.
CONROY
ON SAFETY. Richard, The Drive 25 is an outreach program to inform drivers to drive '25' when in school zones. Our City already
incorporates this speed limit on most City streets so it reinforces our Code on speeds.
Unfortunately, Bowie does not participate
in the NATIONAL NIGHT OUT(tm)! events. Councilman Turner and I did have the City recognize this event by passing a Resolution
to 'support' this activity but that is as much as we have participated. Not to speak for Councilman Turner but I would believe
both of us would support any grass roots efforts to participate in upcoming years.
This program is good for neighbors
to finally meet each other, discuss issues and 'watch' their neighborhood. I support any activity that brings us together
collectively and promotes 'Safety Awareness' in our community. Please let us know if you plan to (or need assistance in) promote
this issue within the City.
Thanks for your inquiry, participation and desire to keep Bowie the best City in Maryland!
I am,
Kevin W. Conroy
At- Large Council Representative
City of Bowie, Maryland
WASTE OF MONEY? In my opinion,
all the city manager wanted to do was spend money wastefully in hiring the consulting firm to search for a police chief.
RD
Comments: I did find it funny that a Consulting firm was hired to conduct a nationwide search for a police chief only to find
the right candidate in our own backyard as Police Chief Perez is a city resident. Corporate America uses search firms all
the time to place top positions, so using search consulting firms is nothing unusual. In fairness to Deutsch, it was a situation
where he would be publicly criticized either way: he gets criticized for hiring the consulting firm or he gets criticized
for hiring directly with the appearance that he hired a crony. This hire is something the city's personnel director probably
could have done, but I think City Manager Deutsch probably wanted some transparency and buffer in the process.
BLADE
NEWS. Richard, you are right about the Blade. They are doing just what you said.
QUESTIONABLE ETHICS EDITORIAL. Bob
Reid...Ah, that just brought back good memories! Those were the better days.
ROUSE'S QUESTIONABLE ETHICS. Actually
I remember something to that effect. I remember when we had the two papers and they were always at odds with each other.
Hmm...that must have been a very interesting article.
THANKS! Thank you for another great Activist Newsletter. I
know it takes a great deal of time to produce, and I thank you for your time and efforts. Keep policing and writing. I for
one and grateful.
C&C DANCE COMPANY. I went to C&C today and met Cheryl, I am speechless. She rocks! I may write an
editorial entitled "Have you actually ever been to C&C Dance Studio?" I was so impressed, it's hard to put into words. That
studio is impressive.
FRED OUT OF BOWIE? If we get Fred out of Bowie, there is a slight chance that things will change
for the better.
RD Comments: I am amazed at how many people I have heard who have said the exact same thing to me,
that they hope Fred wins County Council just to get rid of him. However, my response is: Why promote the incompetent?
KENILWORTH
RAT HOUSE SALE. I'm not surprised. Even with rat infestation - Bowie is still red hot!
GREAT QUOTE. "I continue to
be the alternative voice in Bowie! I don't suck up to John Rouse, and I never will. We'll leave that job to Jack Jenkins!"
Great Quote! Thanks.
BOWIE CITY ACTIVIST E-MAIL UPDATES. Thanks for the updates. Great stuff. I really appreciate
getting a history of some of the issues that I have only seen glossed over in the local media. Again, thanks for the updates,
they have been very informative.
WORLDCOM. Richard, I couldn't help but think of you when I saw this! Let us know
if it works!
Now this is what could be called an easily do-able plan!!
A NEW RETIREMENT PLAN!
If
you had purchased $1000.00 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00.
With Enron, you would have
had $16.50 left of the original $1000.00.
With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.
But, if you
had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling
REFUND, you would have had $214.00.
Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and
recycle.
It's called the 401-Keg Plan.
RD Comments: Thanks! That made me sad. :( I think I'll go get a beer!
EDITORS
NOTE: The Bowie City Activist can be reached at richarddahms@comcast.net.
Have fun in Bowie land! Until next time,
this is your Bowie City Activist,
Richard
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