Citizens to Elect Evan Slaughenhoupt (Slog'-n-hop)

Testimony on PlanMaryland

2011-12-12T17:52:00.002-05:00

Today, I was able to address the Maryland State Senate Committee about PlanMaryland and provided the following testimony:

"Good afternoon, I am Evan Slaughenhoupt, Calvert County Commissioner. I am pleased to give this testimony on behalf of all concerned citizens of Calvert County.

First, I thank the Maryland State Senate’s Committee on Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs for putting together this forum permitting testimony from local elected officials.

Calvert County, the smallest county in Maryland, is proud of its role over the years in land preservation where we have permanently preserved 30,000 acres of land while on a path towards 40,000 acres.

We have a successful Transferable Development Rights program that not only helps direct and focus commercial and residential development into our Town Centers, and preserves farm lands, but has served as a model for many other counties throughout America.

We have maintained much of the rural character of Calvert County by controlling residential growth and “promoting a higher quality of life for our citizens”.

In short, “we know what we are doing”, “we are doing this locally”, and unless specifically requested, “we do not need intrusion by the state as described in the current draft of PlanMaryland.” …and yes, we have read the plan several times, and we understand it clearly.

Our success to date, however, did not occur by planners staying in the confines of their cubicles in Prince Frederick. We collaboratively met with citizens, individually in some cases, with community associations and their representatives, and various citizen commissions as well as volunteer organizations.

Our success to date is because our citizens are involved in the development and implementation of our County Comprehensive Master Plan and Town Center Master Plans. We have done so without the need for greater insertion by the state into our activities as envisioned in the current draft of PlanMaryland.

Your involvement today should have the affect of placing on hold the current draft of PlanMaryland. More importantly, however, is how PlanMaryland moves forward as a result of your efforts today.

Calvert County contends that the Maryland Department of Planning be instructed to set aside the current plan. Instruct the department to follow a path that is collaborative rather than insular. Engage the County planning organizations which have intimate knowledge in the uniqueness of their county, identify commonality within the various comprehensive master plans and zoning ordinances. Expand the current AgPrint, GrowthPrint, and GreenPrint concepts in PlanMaryland, to include an EconPrint to demonstrate just how friendly the business atmosphere is in the State of Maryland.

Bottom line, build a new plan based upon commonality and collaboration. The future generations are counting upon us getting PlanMaryland correct. Let’s not permit the process to be short-sighted while having the state and local officials talking past each other. Instead, let us work together as that is what the citizens expect of us.

Thank-you."

PlanMaryland aka State Controls Locals

2011-09-28T17:12:00.005-04:00

For your reading pleasure, please feel free to visit: http://plan.maryland.gov/ and then the following may make more sense:

Review of PlanMaryland Revised Draft Plan, September 2011

If you have not yet read the nearly 100 pages of the updated PlanMaryland Revised Draft Plan, September 2011, the following may be considered a set of Crib Notes (opinionated of course):

Overall, PlanMaryland is devoid of creating a Maryland that is business friendly. Indeed, the document provides much fodder to those who claim Maryland is anti-business. Worse, an overriding concept exists that takes away individual freedom for choosing where to live and work; and replaces that with a view that the state will decide (see Page 1 – 4), “conducive for people to be nearer to jobs.”

The introduction chapter makes about 10 claims that the state does not intend to take over local planning. William Shakespeare said it well, “Methinks thou dost protest too much.” The remaining 5 chapters then proceeds to lay out exactly how the state will dictate its takeover of local planning.

Chapter 2 is extremely long and dual purposed (Trends and Land Uses). Editorially, it should be two separate chapters.

The trends cited are the typical ones expected: Land Use, Transportation, Housing, Demographics, and Economic. The Land Use portion of the chapter addresses: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Water Quality, Greenhouse Gases and so-called Climate Change, Government and Private Fiscal Issues, and Lands Affected by Local & State Policies.

Land Use Trends Laying the background for this document is the Trends section of Chapter 2. Land use identifies the number of acreage developed (650 k Pre-1973), (1 M since 1973), (806 k projected for next 24 years). The projected rate for developed acres/year appears dubious considering the current prolonged state of the depressed U.S. economy.

Transportation Trends appears to present a bunch of facts which serve no real perspective other than “travel is bad as envisioned by the most extreme environmentalists”. The Central Planners of PlanMaryland should stop fighting this losing battle and simply accept that we are a “commuting society” in Maryland; and plan accordingly.

Housing Trends discusses the 3 waves of population migration within Maryland away from the urban (read very liberal policies & high crimes) to the rural areas. Also identified is the flight to Pennsylvania (but not mentioning the primary reason is caused by the tax burden Maryland places on retired seniors).

Clearly, these Central Planners view that they should decide where one lives and works; citizens should not have cars, but ride a bus or train (or walk to work). “A clear priority is more affordable, desirable housing near existing job centers & public transit.” (see Page 2 – 7) From the references to large homes, it is clear these planners do not like them as well. In my view, jealously (of those who can afford large homes) and centralized planning are poor foundations for a state-wide plan.

Demographic Trends essentially says that population is increasing, but the numbers per household are decreasing.

Economic Trends is very much where one could say, “Pardon, your slip is showing.” Under the title of Economic Trends, the Centralized Planners write about employment and workers. While having employment is an important component of the economy, it is not the economy.

Economy is the exchange of goods and services for something of comparable value. The more friendly a government is to foster that exchange (such as lower tax burdens and reduced regulations), the more freedom and wealth is generated.

The PlanMaryland as written is very much focused upon controlling employment businesses and opportunities and thereby harmful to free enterprise growth. The lack of an EconPrint (comparable to the included GreenPrint, AgPrint, and GrowthPrint give credence to those who rightfully claim Maryland is anti-business.

Following the trends portion of Chapter 2, the remainder, Land Uses begins laying the foundation as to how the state assumes and controls local zoning. Subsequent chapters build on that foundation.

Chapter 3 is essentially the listing of Vision, Goals and Objectives. However, critical to this chapter is the description of how the various measurements will be made to evaluate achieving those goals. These benchmarks (currently left unmeasured and identified as xx%) is where the state could use the hammer on the locals. Note the goals of achieving the goals of:

90% new dwelling units in Priority Funding Areas between last year and 2030
Retain xx% of the Green Infrastructure acres identified in the GreenPrint
Increase Tree Cover Statewide by xx% by 2030
Double transit ridership by 2020
Reduce Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 25% by 2020

Chapter 4 provides the Designated Places. Note some interesting phrasing such as “local governments may choose to nominate Place and Special Area Designations”. Clearly, this is a subordinate to supervisor relationship established between the State and Locals.

There are 5 designated categories:

Growth & Revitalization
Established Community Areas in Priority Funding Areas
Future Growth Areas
Low Density Development
Rural Resource Areas

Apparently, there are also five Special Area designations where the locals either apply to the Maryland Department of Planning, or nominate for approval:

Priority Preservation for Agriculture (apply )
Ecological (nominate)
Water Resources (nominate)
Historic and Cultural (nominate)
Areas subject to “Climate Change” (nominate)

Question for the Central Planners. Do you envision that we locals must place our various geographical areas under one of these mandated categories?

Lastly for this chapter (see Page 4-13), “A State-nominated Special Area that does not have local government support through its capital and non-capital plans, programs and procedures, may still warrant State Designation.”

Chapter 5 State Coordination and Implementation is where the state builds the institutions they need to force this effort upon the local governments. One organization is “Smart Growth SubCabinet”. Perhaps foretelling true intentions, later in Chapter 6 is the likely typo that refers to this organization as Smart Growth Cabinet (see Page 6 – 4).

This chapter identifies that Implementation Strategies will be developed (sort of that contract between what the state wants and what the locals must do). It identifies what is or is not covered. Note the phrase used, “active participation of local governments helping to follow through these strategies that come out of this process.” (see Page 5 – 9).

Chapter 6 is the Management and Tracking Progress section where simply stated, “Big Brother is Watching.” Identified within this chapter is the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission that may or may not currently exist.

Editorial and Response

2011-08-27T10:10:00.003-04:00

The following editorial was published by The Calvert Recorder:

http://www.somdnews.com/article/20110824/OPINION/708249956/1084/basic-care-is-not-a-luxury&template=southernMaryland

The following was my response (also printed by The Calvert Recorder):

I appreciate the Calvert Recorder providing an editorial view (August 24, 2011) on the recent contract award that provides free medical services to prisoners detained at our local detention center. The cost to Calvert’s citizens is over half a million dollars.

Awarding this contract was done by a 4 to 1 vote. I was the Commissioner who expressed concerns about this prisoner benefit, and confirmed that concern by voting my conscience (against the contract).

This contract is consistent with the recently passed FY12 budget and typical as one of the many expenses we ask our citizens to fund. However, during the budget build process, this level of detail into the county budget is not readily observed by our citizens.

With the Calvert Recorder editorializing this subject, perhaps we may now begin a more detailed dialogue with the citizens regarding what should, or should not be provided, or otherwise modified through the county’s use of taxpayer dollars.

Should our citizens, many who are struggling to “make ends meet” during this prolonged depressed economy fund “free medical treatment” for prisoners?

Is it acceptable having a program in place knowing there is no mechanism that requires the prisoners to make a Co-payment, or otherwise reimburse the citizens for the “luxury” of having medical treatment provided for free?

The issue is not providing basic care. The real issue remains that prisoners receive medical treatment without any mechanism requiring them to pay even a portion of that treatment. So, my expressed view was more long-term and clearly not “short-sighted.” I welcome hearing the views of fellow citizens. Feel free to e-mail me at slaughek@co.cal.md.us

Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr.

Calvert County Commissioner

Public Statement on Building Code/Sprinkler Systems

2011-04-06T19:56:00.004-04:00

April 5, 2011

I have heard the arguments both for and against implementing Sprinkler systems into new single family home construction. I appreciate the discussions on phasing-in the implementation, and/or tailoring based upon community or individual water sources. Builders cited associated expenses being burdensome. Some citizens have cited the ordinance being simply another greater governmental intrusion into the privacy and property rights of individuals.

However, this section of the updated building code is about life and property. This topic is where we identify our priorities: we either support, or not the life & safety of our fire-fighters; support, or not the life and safety of residents; and support, or not quick extinguishing of fires to reduce property damage. These sprinkler systems save lives. They reduce property damage caused by fire or from excessive amounts of water needed if the fire spreads.

To those who construct homes, I have a brief story. In 2004, I moved into a newly constructed home which was the first one on my street. This was during the time when the sales agent told us each subsequent home was being sold with a minimum price increase of 1%.

Upon moving-in, a fire fighter friend of mine commented about how relieved he was to see that the floor joists were made of “solid” wood and not the cheaper manufactured floor joists. He said those manufactured joists were a nightmare during a fire when the glue quickly melts and the floor gives away.

As subsequent homes were being constructed on my street, I observed the introduction of those manufactured “cheaper” floor joists into those homes (whose prices were increasing). Did the builder increase their profits from using cheaper material and raising the price of the home? Yes.

Did the builder include or offer the sprinkler systems for those more expensive less fire-safe homes? No. Builders tell us they recommend having more time to incorporate the sprinklers into their home construction plans. I say no.

To suggest builders need time to gather cost and scheduling data is less than acceptable. These builders also build homes in other counties who already have a sprinkler ordinance. I say, tell them to gather those blueprints and use them here. Builders expressed concerns that implementing this ordinance would raise the price of new home construction. If they are so concerned, they could minimize that expense on the new homeowner by not doing a “mark-up” of those systems.

Lastly, to suggest using sprinklers only where there is public water is not supported by this commissioner. These sprinklers are needed in the very homes that are in most need – those which are rather remote and have only their private wells as the primary source of water.

To wait until 2013, I ask what will you say if the loss of one life occurs in a fire that could have otherwise be saved? I support Option 2 which calls for immediate implementation, but modified to except those who have already begun the permit application process.

Just a Quick Update

2011-03-24T08:24:00.007-04:00

March is nearly over causing me to think I need to update the Blog site with a quick update.

The Board of County Commissioners position continues to keep me busy and that is anticipated for the full four year term. You will never hear me say, "I'm bored."

We are in the midst of the Budget Build for FY-12 (which starts July 1, 2011). As such, besides getting the staff recommended budget, we are asking questions, taking ideas and concerns from fellow citizens and preparing for public presentation of the budget for later adoption.

We are also getting ready to make the yearly trip to New York City (I know, those who know me already know that big city is not my cup of tea). Anyway, the trip there will be to meet with the bond agencies who will determine the bond rating of Calvert County. It's like a credit rating and helpful for when we need to make large purchases like schools and firehouses.

We also have a couple of ordinances (fancy term for local laws) pertaining to updating the building code (which this year has the inclusion of sprinkler systems within new houses being a prominant item), a draft Noise Ordinance, and hopefully soon an updated Ethics Code for county employees.

Besides the above, we continue to address many of the issues that get presented to the board from either the staff of county government, or various citizens. We also continue touring various facilities within the county to learn as well as to maintain dialogue with various institutions. The many we've visited included Calvert Nuclear Plant, Dominion Liquid Natural Gas, Library, and various citizens groups such as Cheasapeake Ranch Estates (CRE). More are scheduled, so the quick pace will continue.

We also attend many functions throughout the public. At one time, I counted us receiving an average of about 20 - 30 invites a week.

We also are providing some guidance to the county staff regarding our expectations, so some internal work is underway there pertaining to improvements that are needed to better serve the citizens. Some of that activity will evolve over time with some being more obvious and some more subtle.

Catching One's Breath

2011-02-11T19:21:00.002-05:00

I recently received a note from someone who promised during the campaign to "keep me on my toes". This reminder was welcomed as I instinctively knew I should be keeping individuals aware as to what I was doing now that I was elected and serving in office. I've been remissed not updating a newsletter that I was using. Frankly, we've been so busy, some things simply fell through the cracks.

I believe the most efficient means to update you is through this Blog site instead of the newsletters or the web site.

As a board, we've been primarily doing orientation which included 3 days on the eastern shore with an organization called Maryland Association of Counties MACo). Included in that effort is an educational credit program covering many topics that local officials face to include ethics, budget, local constraints (difference between state and local). Additionally, we've begun understanding the county government organizational structure (needed so we can work to identify the specific areas needing improvements; the improvements will take some time to implement).

Another aspect of MACo includes visiting Annapolis every Wednesday to understand and weigh-in on the various items under consideration by the state legislature. This is not a complaint, just an appreciation that time management is a challenge.

Besides the above, we've dealt with some topics such as the issue regarding spending money or not appropriately with the county-owned golf course (see another Blog entry that provides more details). We've begun to get into the nuts and bolts of the zoning ordinance which will be quite time consuming and will hopefully have much input from citizens.

We've begun meeting with the Board of Education (BOE) as education comprises about half of the county budget. This is important as we are now beginning to construct the planned budget for the next fiscal year (which begins 1 July).

We've also been attending a host of events as the Board of County Commissioners receive about 20 - 30 invites a week to attend various events and meet with various individuals and groups.

Having said the above, I have not forgotten to push for Ethics Reform (look to see that emerge before summer). We are also beginning to focus upon the various process management tools I spoke about during the campaign. One of the reasons for that is to begin an objective look at the county government structure and to make streamlined improvements there.

I will try to improve my status reports besides those that I present during our regularly scheduled televised board meetings on Tuesdays (also viewable online at:
http://ccg.mavenspire.net/.

Take care, Evan

Chesapeake Hills Golf Course

2011-02-11T19:18:00.001-05:00

Read Into the Record, Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Thank-you General Services, Parks & Recreations, and management staff at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course for the continual improvements made over the past 18 months. The construction to address water run-off and stream flows; remodeling of the men’s and women’s restrooms, club-house roofing replacement, and club-room kitchen flooring among others all showed incremental enhancements.

Without going into why the county owns and runs a golf course, a decision was made a few years ago to purchase Chesapeake Hills instead of letting it be acquired for developing some 300 homes. Acquisition prevented increased residential density, construction of additional schools, and infrastructure that could have resulted in the county spending several additional 10’s of millions of dollars.

Given the county owns this as part of Parks and Recreations, it is fitting that due diligence is paid to ensure effective management and operation. Expenses associated with improvements are understandable.

A complete renovation of the club house, replacement of the maintenance & storage buildings, continued grooming of the fairways & greens, irrigation system, modifications to mitigate errant golf ball damage to neighboring homes; and appropriate fencing all comprise part of a long list of remaining necessary improvements.

I believe this board of county commissioners is about as informed on the condition of Chesapeake Hills as is possible. We’ve received several comments, insights and suggestions from golfers, neighboring residents, and other interested parties; and yes toured the entire course and buildings. We hear you.

We understand much work is ongoing as an effort to move forward, and in doing so demonstrating intent to make improvements. As we all know, forward movement sometimes increases and decreases in speed.

Had these several improvements not been made over the past 18 months, our discussion today might not be focused upon a proposed club house architectural plan. Rather, we might be discussing closure and disposition. Thank-you for the many projects and improvements made to date.

Today presents us with an opportunity to demonstrate who we are as a board. We are asked to support (or not) spending of budgeted funds to pay for an architectural plan which will yield details needed to renovate the existing club house into an overdue usable complex. Yet, the plan itself will not produce any improvements until additional funds are spent for actual construction. To support that construction, a $3 Million request for bonding authority is currently in front of the Maryland legislature. So, as with so many things, the bottom line is money and timing.

We are truly blessed to live in Calvert County for many reasons. To help keep Calvert the Charm of the Chesapeake, those of us in elected office need to find that balance among valid needs, wants & desires, and financial & environmental constraints. Among the strongest constraint for the moment is financial; most notably the uncertainty of what the political leaders in Annapolis will decide during their current legislative session.

While many claim our nation is slowly recovering from a prolonged economic down-turn, we remain close to danger if national and state governmental spending and taxing is not brought under control. Calvert County citizens can be proud knowing that at the local level, a conservative and responsible approach occurred for several years. I believe this board is determined to continue that philosophy.

As part of the ongoing budget build for the upcoming fiscal year, the governor of Maryland submitted his proposed budget. Without going into all the dollar figures, it appears the intent is one that offers increases by the state in various public education and retirement programs while decreasing the amount of aid to the counties. The impact to us is not yet fully known.

As citizens, we should all be concerned with ongoing activity in Annapolis. We are aware that the state has dedicated revenue streams to pay for certain programs. For example, the real estate transfer tax funds Program Open Space; the so-called flush tax supports the Bay Restoration Fund, which finances sewage system upgrades. This state then raids those funds to pay for general operations, such as education, health care, state police and other essential government functions.

State did not put those programs on hold while their funds were being raided. It simply took on more debt by issuing general obligation bonds and used the proceeds to preserve more land, continue building the Inter-County Connector, replace the Medevac helicopter fleet, and so on. Making capital expenditures that otherwise would have been paid for with cash results in the state effectively taking on debt to backfill its general fund.

It’s a question of faith. Is there anything offered to date that causes one to conclude political leaders in Annapolis desire to do anything other than a continual policy of tax & spend while passing along failed policies to the counties to solve?

Sadly, we hear political leaders in Annapolis bemoan that state employees are furloughed while Calvert County employees are not. Many claim that Calvert County is one of the richest counties in the nation presumably meaning it should be the entity that now funds all ills. The news recently reported that harm could come even to wealthy counties. Nassau County, New York where property taxes are the second highest in the nation has a long-prosperous government accustomed to high levels of services. It is having difficulty adapting to protracted lean times. “It’s the crisis of affluence,” said E. J. McMahon, director of the Manhattan Institute’s Empire Center for New York Policy. He cited “high spending, high taxes, intransigent unions, a pronounced taste for debt, and a sense that too many people in both parties have a stake in keeping it all that way.”

Given the political and financial environment this board faces, our actions today will send a message for several months. A yes vote may be interpreted as our county being rich enough for growth and enhancements. Indeed, while the economy is down, this may be exactly the right time to have an architectural plan created (as those looking for that work may offer a considerable discount). Doing such, however, may be perceived as us being in a position that is able to absorb financial cuts from the state while still providing a wide range of services.

There may be other interpretations to a yes vote; some positive and some negative. A no vote may be interpreted as a lack of support for the golf course and the improvements made to date. Others may view it as a clear-eyed assessment of financial & political realities. I submit that any no vote today should be considered a “not yet” vote.

This board understands the overall plan for Chesapeake Hills Golf Course is to become a self-sustaining enterprise. Are we to ensure that any tax dollars spent on this effort are solely a loan which would be returned to the county after the golf course becomes self-sustaining?

Should we measure this effort using Calvert Marine Museum as a benchmark? CMM draws tourists into Calvert County. The museum is a public, non-profit community museum, established in 1970 by local residents. It also raises money through membership, grants, donations, and special events which has allowed the museum to grow into an exceptional facility, providing history, education, and culture to all of Southern Maryland. Could the golf course become such an attraction?

Helping the golf course achieve its vision as a jewel in the Charm of the Chesapeake is a role the county government has performed. The real question therefore goes towards a matter of speed. How quickly should we make all the necessary improvements to achieve its full potential of being a self-sustaining enterprise?

Election Night Results

2010-10-30T05:37:00.016-04:00

The Date will show October 30th but it's now 23 November and all votes are now counted.

This Blog Will Post the Election Night Results (Use Your Refresh Button to See the Latest):

Following Sources are also Expected to Post the Results as they Become Available:

http://www.co.cal.md.us/

http://www.thebaynet.com/

http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2010/results/General/CountyResults_county_05_local_1.html

Following Results Provided by the Election Board to the Candidates are Unofficial:

First District

Jerry Clark - 13233 (winner)
Kimberly Mackall - 11754
Charlie Donnelly - 5719

Second District

Susan Shaw - 15374 (winner)
Pat Nutter - 15040 (winner)
Steve Weems - 14646 (winner)
Bill Phalen - 9356

Third District

Evan Slaughenhoupt - 13133 (winner)
Wilson Parran - 12996
Kelly McConkey - 11769
Barbara Stinnett - 11195

Write-in Votes:

Linda Kelley - 2880
Rich Falcone - 77
Others - 171

Response to Calvert County Sheriff's FOP

2010-10-04T03:21:00.001-04:00

1. What would your position be to make all courthouse deputies become 40 hour employees? Currently, 5 are part time employees and it leaves the courthouse short staffed on occasion.

It is unacceptable to have occasions where security is not properly manned at the courthouse. I would support adjustments to ensure sufficient satisfaction of manning requirements.

2. In the last 8 years deputies have lost four pay steps, had no adjustments to their pay scale, and have had minimal cost of living raises. During this same time period County Employees have only lost two pay steps. This situation affects bring home pay, OT rates, retirement contribution and ultimately our total retirement. Do you have a plan for the deputies to recover their pay steps and receive pay raises that they deserve?

Deputies deserve pay equity, particularly since they perform among the most dangerous functions on behalf of the county citizens. The plan would be to provide pay equity.

3. Do you support Collective Bargaining for the deputies?
If yes, to what extent? If no, why not?

Yes.

4. Would you ever consider forming a Police Department in Calvert County?

No. As long as the population of Calvert County does not exceed projected “Build-out” of 31,000 residences, the current Sheriff’s Office and State Police presence appears appropriate.

5. Over the last 8 years the Sheriff’s request for more deputies has been reduced every year. Every year the Sheriff’s Office responds to more calls for service with inadequate staffing, which puts deputies at risk. What is your opinion on the current staffing of the Sheriff’s Office? Are you willing to increase manpower to proper levels for the county’s population?

Yes. I did a ride-along with the Sheriff’s Office over a year ago and saw first-hand the manning constraints. I support increased numbers of Sheriff Deputies and improved tools.

6. The county currently has a policy that requires deputies injured in the line of duty to stop receiving regular pay checks. While the deputy is off recovering from the work related injury they receive payments from workers compensation. The injured deputy must pay for healthcare out of these workers compensation checks and doesn’t receive credit towards retirement during the recovery time. What is your opinion of this policy? Are you willing to work with the FOP on revising the policy?

Yes.

Calvert Crusade for Children Questions and Responses

2010-09-20T20:57:00.000-04:00

Candidate name Evan Slaughenhoupt Office Sought Calvert County Commissioner

July 20, 2010

Question 1: What role should the office you seek play in the lives of children and families?

Commissioners should continually improve our Quality-of-Life so children and families have a
safe, secure and friendly environment. We should enhance the Ethics code to improve
transparency ensuring equal treatment, improve public safety tools and resources, improve the
education formula, and reduce the current over-taxation of the families and small businesses.
Unlike all current commissioners who allowed property taxes to actually increase by keeping tax rates constant, I believe we should lower tax rates.

Question 2: What are the most critical issues facing Calvert County families in the next three to five years, and how should these issues be addressed within the office you seek?

Government growth and government pension requirements concern me. Public Safety, an
essential function of local government and Education comprise the largest share of the General
Fund, are also top priority considerations, and cause the most public discussion. County staff
needs to become customer focused, define and deliver a process flow that guides would-be
business owners, enhance and actually implement an

Primary Election - Refresh Your Browser for Latest

2010-09-14T15:19:00.016-04:00

September 14, 2010 Calvert County Primary Election Unofficial Results:

County Commissioner:
Third District :
Total Votes --- (Final)
Timothy Hardesty 1780
Evan Slaughenhoupt 3352

Results of today's Commissioner Race shows the following candidates moving forward:

Republican:

1st District: Jerry Clark
2nd District: Susan Shaw, Pat Nutter, Steve Weems
3rd District: Evan Slaughenhoupt

Democrat:

1st District: Kim Mackall
2nd District: Bill Phelen
3rd District: Wilson Parran, Barbara Stinnett, Kelly McConkey

Try it address for more details:

http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/elections/2010Primary/2010PRIMARY-CHANNEL6.pdf

Results by District and Precinct (followed by Other Successful Candidate Names and Positions)--

District 1 Precint 1 Solomons Rescue Squad (13150 H. G. Trueman Road, Solomons)
Timothy Hardesty 63
Evan Slaughenhoupt 143

District 1 Precint 2 Southern Middle School (9615 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 66
Evan Slaughenhoupt 142

District 1 Precint 3 St. Leonard Elementary (5370 St. Leonard Road, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 79
Evan Slaughenhoupt 113

District 1 Precint 4 Mutual Elementary (1455 Ball Road, Port Republic)
Timothy Hardesty 72
Evan Slaughenhoupt 113

District 1 Precint 5 Patuxent Elementary (35 Appeal Lane, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 68
Evan Slaughenhoupt 117

District 1 Precint 6 Patuxent High School (12485 Rousby Hall Road, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 76
Evan Slaughenhoupt 93

District 1 Precint 75 Mill Creek Middle (12200 Margaret Taylor Road/Southern Connector, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 63
Evan Slaughenhoupt 113

District 2 Precint 1 St. Leonard Fire Department (200 Calvert Beach Road, St. Leonard)
Timothy Hardesty 67
Evan Slaughenhoupt 143

District 2 Precint 2 Calvert Fairgrounds Building (Fair Drive/Route 231, Prince Frederick)
Timothy Hardesty 72
Evan Slaughenhoupt 118

District 2 Precint 3 Huntingtown High School (4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown)
Timothy Hardesty 109
Evan Slaughenhoupt 214

District 2 Precint 4 Elks Lodge (1015 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick)
Timothy Hardesty 54
Evan Slaughenhoupt 59

District 2 Precint 5 Plum Point Elementary (1245 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown)
Timothy Hardesty 93
Evan Slaughenhoupt 170

District 2 Precint 6 Huntingtown Fire Department (4030 Old Town Road, Huntingtown)
Timothy Hardesty 84
Evan Slaughenhoupt 154

District 2 Precint 7 Northern Middle School (1954 Chaneyville Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 61
Evan Slaughenhoupt 114

District 2 Precint 8 Calvert Pines Senior Center (450 West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick)
Timothy Hardesty 79
Evan Slaughenhoupt 156

District 3 Precint 1 North Beach Fire Department (8536 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach)
Timothy Hardesty 34
Evan Slaughenhoupt 77

District 3 Precint 2 Beach Elementary (7900 Old Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach)
Timothy Hardesty 66
Evan Slaughenhoupt 116

District 3 Precint 3 Sunderland Elementary (150 Clyde Jones Road, Sunderland)
Timothy Hardesty 82
Evan Slaughenhoupt 119

District 3 Precint 4 Windy Hill Elementary (9550 Boyds Turn Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 73
Evan Slaughenhoupt 118

District 3 Precint 5 Windy Hill Middle School (9560 Boyds Turn Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 70
Evan Slaughenhoupt 155

District 3 Precint 6 Dunkirk Fire Department (3170 West Ward Road, Dunkirk)
Timothy Hardesty 86
Evan Slaughenhoupt 206

District 3 Precint 7 Mt. Harmony Elementary (900 West Mt. Harmony Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 67
Evan Slaughenhoupt 142

District 3 Precint 8 Northeast Community Center (4075 Gordon Stinnett Avenue, Chesapeake Beach)
Timothy Hardesty 38
Evan Slaughenhoupt 83

Early Voting:
Timothy Hardesty 91
Evan Slaughenhoupt 238

Absentee Voting:
Timothy Hardesty 40
Evan Slaughenhoupt 77

Final Absentee Voting:
Timothy Hardesty 26
Evan Slaughenhoupt 39

Responses to Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association Questions

2010-09-09T21:14:00.001-04:00

Questions to Board of County Commissioners Candidates

1. In regards to the drip irrigation sewer system proposed for the Shoppes @ Apple Greene in Dunkirk, County Attorney Emanuel Demedis has stated that the Board of County Commissioners may not amend the County Code to increase the setback to 500’ from adjoining properties. Would you support and work with the Apple Greene Community to get the State of Maryland and MDE to support the proposed 500 foot Community Protection Zone which is a buffer between residential property and commercial sewage systems? Why? Why not?

Yes. I would work to get the State of Maryland and MDE to resolve the ongoing issue of the Shoppes at Apple Greene and the residents at Apple Greene. I was one of over 800 who signed the petition in support of the Community Protection Zone. From an early conversation with the environmental engineer Mr. Klein, who was hired by the residents, he and I both agreed that the initial concept for the drip irrigation system was a good idea, but that in practice such systems are not yet proven.

I met previously with the developer and suggested improvements to their plans to address the concerns of Apple Greene. Some of those ideas are now part of the developer’s current plan, but still needs additional improvements. I still believe that a successful resolution is possible so that both the residents’ concerns and the developer’s desire can be satisfied.

2. Do you agree or disagree with term limits? Why? Why not?
A. For elected County officials?
B. For County appointed Board members?

I disagree with arbitrary term limits for all elected positions. I understand the frustration that causes citizens to desire term limits. However, term-limits limit the right of citizens to choose representatives. Term-limits also deny citizens representation by talented individuals willing to serve. Having said that, the single most effective means of term-limits is through an educated and enlightened voting public since politicians know when to enter politics, but not when to leave.

3. In your vision for Calvert County Education, what needs improvement
and how will the County fund these improvements? Please include special needs children’s programs.

I believe the current Education Funding Formula needs improvement. The current formula is flawed; clearly some factors were missing which contributed to the recent salary crisis. Unfortunately, the current officials opted to continue with the same flawed formula. As to funding any improvements, Public Safety and Education comprise the largest share of the General Fund and are an essential function of local government.

As to special needs children’s programs, government has an absolute responsibility to care for those who need it the most or, unable to take care of themselves. It is unconscionable that funding was recently reduced for the handicapped throughout Maryland and Calvert County. I will work to correct that.

Government growth and government pension requirements concern me and need more effective management in the upcoming years. County tax rates should not be raised. Just as families reduce expenses during times of reduced income, the county government must also re-evaluate priorities and reduce spending. Activities currently performed by the government which the private sector could perform need reviewing for reduction, or handed-over to the private sector.

Responses to Farm Bureau Questions

2010-09-02T16:32:00.002-04:00

• Under the current zoning regulations Farm Families are treated as Developers when it comes to dividing lots from their land holdings for their children, even if the property is preserved. How would you change zoning regulations to reduce this burden on our farm families?

Surely this is a case of unintended consequences that I would insist a re-look at all the zoning requirements that affect the farms, and request input from the farming community to identify specific areas that need improvement. Farms (when dividing for family members) should not be treated as Developers. If elected Commissioner, I will work to rectify this issue.

• What will Calvert County agriculture look like in the next 4 years and what will be your role as commissioner in the direction Calvert County agriculture takes?

Whether it’s the next 4 years or 40 years, I envision that several of the current farms may undergo even greater stress caused by the current (and what seems to be our never ending national economic crisis). To mitigate that stress, I support alternative agricultural efforts that preserve existing farms. If we value open space and if we value the contributions of the farming communities, government has a responsibility to encourage the next generation of farmers.

The best way to encourage farming in Calvert County is to help make farming profitable. A profitable farmer will be less inclined to quit, or sell-off their property to develop residential areas. I am open to working with our farming community and the Farm Bureau to craft legislation that ensures the long term viability of the farming industry here in Calvert County.

• Calvert County has an outstanding agricultural land preservation program that has been recognized throughout the country. What will you do to ensure that agricultural land preservation continues to be supported through these uncertain economic times and what specific steps would you introduce to promote the program?

I support the existing agricultural land preservation program and would encourage the Economic Development Department of the county government to become more proactive in promoting Calvert County farms. I support the funding of this program, even in tough economic times. We cannot sacrifice land preservation just because the economy is tough, nor allow it to become an excuse for developers to come in and buy up land on the cheap.

Additionally, I would encourage the Board of Education to look for ways to enhance awareness of the farming opportunities and challenges to school students.

• County farmers have always considered themselves good steward of the land. Compliance with regulations on nutrient management, soil conservation and water quality are standard operating procedures for our farmers. Recently, new proposed regulations for the Total Maximum Daily Load of nutrients in our tributaries have our farmers concerned. Are you familiar with these regulations and if so, how would you as commissioner work to insures these regulations are for all to bear, not just placed squarely on the back of agriculture?

As a County Commissioner, I would push back any unfunded state mandates that essentially require local officials and the farming community to implement, unless those mandates are accompanied with funding.

Local governments will face zoning challenges to align with environmental requirements, continue to provide inspection, and enforcement for storm-water management and erosion/sediment control as well as managing land use and development in ways that minimize loads from new development. We should avoid excessive regulations that will "in effect" bankrupt the farming community.

• The term “Sustainable Agriculture” has become synonymous with farmers markets and vineyards. How do you see sustainable agriculture expanding into other areas that will support agriculture or agri-business interest and better serve our county residents?

I understand that a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program offers USDA competitive grants that support agriculture efforts that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities. Grants are offered on two different tiers with separate application requirements and eligibility criteria. I would encourage the local county government to work with the farming community to win grant money for farmers who have visions of exploring other areas such as vineyards, flowers, natural or organic products, or more traditional farming. I support activities designed to make farming profitable.

Reponses to Calvert Education Association Questions

2010-08-01T09:28:00.004-04:00

CALVERT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
QUESTIONALRE FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE

1. What are your top objectives for Calvert County if you are elected County Commissioner?

Ethics Reform – Improved transparency is needed to ensure that citizens are treated fairly.

Improve Education Funding Formula – Current formula is flawed; clearly some factors were missing which contributed to the recent salary crisis.

Improve Business Environment – Small business needs help to create employment opportunities.

2. What is your view of the purpose of public education?

Primary purpose is to assist parents who are ultimately responsible for the successful education of their children. Public education needs to ensure students receive the opportunity to learn how to think, from analytic solutions, and become responsible citizens.

3. If you are elected Commissioner, how do you anticipate understanding the Calvert Public Schools and budgeting needs of the school system? Particularly the needs of the school system for testing and other new mandates from the State.

The Board of County Commissioners should work with the Board of Education to establish the framework/expectations to be implemented by the school system. Teachers and educators/staff should feel comfortable knowing that as Commissioner, I would hold their advice and counsel in strict confidence. I will reject any unfunded mandate and encourage tailoring others towards local needs and objectives.

4. Would you consider renegotiating the current funding formula (with the Board of Education) to provide increased resources for Education?

My campaign literature, from the very beginning, advocates improving the education funding formula. It should be obvious to even the most casual observer that it needs to be revised. Sadly, the county recently decided to continue with the same flawed formula.

5. What changes would you like to see in the current operation of the school system?

I support giving home schooled students access to county resources. For example, a talented athlete ought to be permitted to play sports for the school in the district in which the student resides.

6. Once contracts are negotiated between employee groups and the Calvert County Public Schools, are you committed to full funding of the negotiated agreement?

Contracts are recognized as legal documents that are enforceable by law. If one party of the contract needs modification to the terms, some acceptable relief needs to be provided to the other party.

7. What experience, skills, and knowledge would you bring to this position?

Former President of a civic association, retired federal employee, and a Masters Degree in Strategic Intelligence as well as current employment as a systems engineer provides me a unique background suitable to bringing new ideas, approaches, and personality to the Board of County Commissioners.

8. How do you feel about school vouchers?

There seems to be little need for vouchers in Calvert County even though some schools need improvements. Demonstrated success in some large city problematic schools occurred with the use of vouchers, but not necessarily relevant for Calvert.

9. What is your opinion of a fair share (agency fee) for teachers?

Teachers should have the option to pay only the amount of union dues needed for the union to represent them for the cost of the union in negotiating and administrating the collective bargaining agreement. The rationale for my position is that not all teachers/employees agree with the political philosophy of a given union. This is a matter of fairness and supports the individual’s ability to freely express themselves.

Evan Slaughenhoupt, July 10, 2010

Questions & Responses - League of Women Voters of Calvert County

2010-07-28T16:38:00.003-04:00

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE ADDRESS: http://www.evanslaughenhoupt.com

1. BUDGET: What are the top budget priorities for the next four years?

Government growth and government pension requirements concern me and need more effective management in the upcoming years. Public Safety, an essential function of local government and Education comprise the largest share of the General Fund, are also top priority considerations, and cause the most public discussion.

2. TAXES: How do you propose the county address the problem of reduced tax revenue – cut spending or raise tax rates? Be specific – what expenses, what taxes?

County tax rates should not be raised. Just as families reduce expenses during times of reduced income, the county government must also re-evaluate priorities and reduce spending. Activities currently performed by the government which the private sector could perform need reviewing for reduction, or handed-over to the private sector.

3. TRANSPORTATION: What are your best ideas for solving the traffic backups in Solomons on the Thomas Johnson Bridge in Solomons, and on Routes 4 in Prince Frederick and Dunkirk?

Before the pending bridge replacement in Solomons, we should offer incentives for the private sector to enhance busing or even a ferry operation. Establish a goal of improved safety and traffic flow (i.e., longer acceleration and deceleration lanes accompanying a legal U-Turn) that include closing deadly at-grade cross-overs.

4. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: Children currently lack afterschool activities and families are under more stress. Should the county fund the use of schools for afterschool activities?

No. Children and youth need greater influence of families, churches, and charities playing a larger role. There is a relationship where greater presence and involvement of government means a weakening of family, church and charity. That relationship is out-of-balance and needs changing to strengthen families, churches, and charities.

5. EDUCATION: The county’s formula for funding education is 50% of the total General Fund budget. Do you think it should be more or less than that? If you think it should be more, what other expenses would you cut?

I advocate revising the current funding formula whereas the county recently decided to continue with the same flawed formula. Pending a newly constructed formula, I would leave the current percentage unchanged. More so than money, authoritative parenting is most strongly related to higher achievement according to objective studies.

6. BUSINESS: How can Calvert County attract more high technology and clean industry and businesses to enlarge our tax base?

Maryland and Calvert County need to become more business friendly. County staff needs to become customer focused, define and deliver a process flow that guides would-be business owners, enhance and actually implement an improved Ethics code, and ensure citizens are treated fairly in an environment of transparency.

7. ECONOMIC GROWTH: What is your plan to facilitate the funding and building of an adequate conference and convention facility in Calvert County within the next five years to meet the needs of Calvert citizens? Do not use lack of funds to explain your answer.

Such a facility could negatively impact hosting events and activities at the Calvert Marine Museum and St. Leonard Firehouse. However, one approach other than Capital Improvement (tax dollars) would offer incentives for a private developer to construct such a facility centrally located on county-owned Prince Frederick property.

8. TERM LIMITS: What is your position on term limits for the BOCC? Explain.

Term-limits limit the right of citizens to choose representatives. Term-limits also deny citizens representation by talented individuals willing to serve. However, the single most effective means of term-limits is through an educated and enlightened voting public since politicians know when to enter politics, but not when to leave.

I APPROVE FOR PUBLICATION MY RESPONSE TO THIS QUESTIONNAIRE.

Signed: Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. Date _____July 17, 2010_____

Did You Know?

2010-07-27T20:55:00.005-04:00

Calvert County recently received a triple A bond rating, but did you know the current Board of County Commissioners are responsible for:

Real Property Tax Rates:
Higher than Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and 5 other counties?

Income Tax Rates:
Higher than Anne Arundel and 5 other counties?

Recordation Tax Rate:
Second highest in Maryland surpassed only by Frederick County?

Hotel Tax Rate:
Eighth highest in Maryland?

Source: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Maryland Association of Counties, and Calvert County Government Bond Rating Presentation, April 2010.

Questions & Responses

2010-06-24T02:57:00.002-04:00

Follow are 5 Questions from Mr. Arthur Carson of Lusby and associated responses:

1. Question: Do you support the continued program of limiting both commercial and residential growth?

Response: The Comprehensive Plan is the official policy document for the County. This document is created with much input from the citizens, and then approved by the Board of County Commissioners. This document is the primary source of direction for commercial and residential "growth." As guided by this plan, Calvert County has about 31,000 residences with an estimate of achieving “Build-out” of 37,000 residences being between 2020 and 2030.

The “rate” of growth is affected by various tools; two such are the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (AFPO) which is used to ensure sufficient county resources exists (such as enough seats in school) before proceeding with new home developments; and Transferrable Development Rights (TDR) that allows for instance a farm to sell development lots to others for development of properties at another location. Commercial development, as described in the Calvert County Comprehensive Plan and various Town Center Master Plans, are focused in the various town centers. I support this approach to commercial and residential development as do a majority by the citizens of Calvert County.

2. Question: What are your thoughts about both the department of Economic Development and Planning and Zoning?

Response: Presuming your question refers to the role of these departments as it relates to residential and commercial development. The original purpose of the Department of Economic Development was to help employers expand or come to Calvert County, i.e., to create jobs. This is a good purpose; even more important given the current economic climate. Additionally, they often assist the County in receiving Federal and State grants. I fully support the concept of Economic Development. However, like all governmental organizations, we must examine how well are they performing by instilling a greater use of metrics, and basically seek ways for improvement.

As mentioned elsewhere on this Blog site, County staff members from Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, and Finance & Budget need to orchestrate a series of workshops with some small business owners and citizens who desire opening businesses. This workshop should produce a clearly identifiable and easy to understand flowchart which identifies the steps needed for start-up. Currently, the need for an individual to shuffle from one office to another to learn what is needed only to find the need to go back and forth is unacceptable.

We need to ensure a level playing field for these businesses. All too often, a sense of frustration arises by a lack of transparency. Transparency is improved by having robust Ethics and Integrity Policies. Reforms that include routine training and awareness for county employees are absolutely essential and overdue. This is very important to me and Ethics are high on my list. Thus, I would want to make sure the county employees perform free from undue political influence.

3. Question: How will you maintain services and still reduce taxes?

Response: During the early 1990s, the “piggy back” income tax for Calvert County increased from 20% of the State Income Tax bill to 50%. Surely, the County Government can go on a spending diet to allow for some reduction of the County “piggy back” income tax.

Among the activities needed is to encourage a re-evaluation of those services truly needed to be perform by government versus those currently being performed by government that would be better implemented by private entities. By reducing the governmental role and encouraging an improved business climate, the citizens could see their taxes reduced while still having needs satisfied.

4. Question: What are your thoughts about the Patuxent Business Park?

Response: In short, the Patuxent Business Park (PBP) is a noble intention that failed miserably. Yet to receive its first occupant, one of the items of concern is the lack of high-speed data networks. I support giving incentives to have Wireless Broadband Networks throughout Calvert County. Such a capability would not only help secure new businesses at the PBP, but would help satisfy the needs of many residents who live in rural areas (and not so rural), and currently lack even access to the cable television.

5. Question: It appears ethics have been abused in county government employees but the commissioners have not acted because of merit employee status. How would you correct this?

Response: While I served on the Ethics Commission, it became apparent the code needed revision and its actual implementation made a higher priority. Having participated with other southern Maryland counties (St. Marys, Charles, Anne Arundel) and the state ethics commission, I was among those on the Calvert County Ethics Commission who began redrafting the code. Citizens should be aware that the revised code is likely to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners during this election season. I would participate in the dialogue to ensure the revised code receives its due attention.

Tales from the Trail

2010-06-17T15:15:00.004-04:00

INTRODUCTION

Visiting citizens at their homes is helpful for a grass-roots candidate. I am learning much. For instance, anti-incumbency sentiment throughout the nation, most evident in recent primary and special elections is not limited to just outside of Maryland. This sentiment prevails throughout Maryland and includes voters in Calvert County.

From March 2009, when I first participated at a Tea Party Rally in Solomons, the beginning of my door-to-door meetings in July 2009, to this day, I’m hearing a level of anger that is simmering and is likely to exert itself in this year’s election.

A one-word description for Calvert County is the word unique. Nowhere else can residents live so near to Washington D.C., and yet have a blend of suburban, water and farm living. The recent Triple A bond rating, no doubt evidence of a conservatively-based financial decision process is clearly a positive.

Underlying the positive, however, are some areas needing improvement. Voters sense those in power all too often eventually become deaf to citizen concerns while becoming captured by the so called “Trappings of Power.”

Citizens throughout the nation are particularly angry largely from perceived arrogance of elected officials. With this as a back-drop, I find it fitting to “speak the truth to power.”

SPENDING

Continued spending, actually increased spending because of increasing growth in government is one of the primary concerns expressed by those in the “Taxed Enough Already” movement, at the self-described Tea Party rallies. At the local level, Calvert County Government celebrates opening a $20 Million community pool while citizens see homes going into foreclosure because of the depressed economy.

Recently, the county government spent over $4 Million to purchase and run a golf course instead of assuring a positive business climate that would foster private small businesses to thrive. Although the county government now manages this golf course, it has yet to adopt a “good neighbor” policy which would include constructing appropriate netting to protect several homes already damaged from errant golf balls.

TRANSPORTATION

Road construction and maintenance, an appropriate role of government continues, but with some questionable expenses such as the nearly million dollars of tax-payer money, spent for a traffic circle at the southern tip of Solomons Island.

Though the county staff did an excellent effort clearing roads during the recent winter snow storms, not every neighborhood received the same level of responsiveness. Communities within Huntingtown in particular needed to make specific calls to the county commissioners before snow removal crews arrived.

Most sadly, the county government is not holding the State Highway Administration accountable to “do the right thing” and correct several dangerous cross-over intersections along the major highway artery that runs along the spine of Calvert County. Closing dangerous cross-overs is only a portion of improvements needed. Improved traffic flow and improved safety must become mutual goals.

LIBERTY

For over a hundred years, since the time of Woodrow Wilson, political progressives of several political parties also self-identified liberals, socialists and communists, and even some elements of the environmentalists; guided policies, implemented changes, and drastically altered the course of our nation.

Their direction fundamentally changed our country from one being “Under God” towards one that is heading to be “Under Enslavement”. Greater growth of government at all levels national, state, and local permeates the lives of us all changing each from individuals with equal rights to a collective of dependants vying for scraps from the Government. In short, the stronger the Government, the weaker are families, churches, and charities.

Locally, initiatives such as End Hunger in Calvert County can all too easily become politicized during an election year. While noble efforts of families, churches, and charities, its very nature could be adversely thwarted if expectations arise for the county government to participate under the belief of a compassionate government.

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Small business owners, or owners to be, experience a hostile business climate in Maryland. That sentiment is also felt here in Calvert County. At a minimum, the following needs to occur.

1. County staff members from planning and zoning, economic development, and finance & budget need to orchestrate a series of workshops with some small business owners and citizens who desire opening businesses. This workshop should produce a clearly identifiable and easy to understand flowchart which identifies the steps needed for start-up. Currently, the need for an individual to shuffle from one office to another to learn what is needed only to find the need to go back and forth is unacceptable.

2. A second step is to ensure a level playing field for these businesses. All too often, a sense of frustration arises by a lack of transparency. Transparency is improved by having robust Ethics and Integrity Policies. Reforms that include routine training and awareness for county employees are absolutely essential and overdue.

BUILD-OUT

Build-out is a term commonly used to describe Calvert County achieving 37,000 residences. Currently, the county has about 31,000 residences with build-out estimates to occur between the years of 2020 and 2030.

Currently, long term planning appears to be focused towards “what we’re having for lunch today”. On a yearly basis, the Board of County Commissioners settles upon a budget with some funding projections identified in the out years.

The Calvert County Comprehensive Master Plan and its corresponding set of Town Center Master Plans are used to guide the day-to-day zoning requirements. These Master Plans are visionary documents like an artist’s rendition. The associated zoning reflects the intended implementation. However, a very important aspect is not yet included. That aspect consists of a set of blueprints that can be used to guide the yearly budgeting process.

For example, one can document the number of schools, teachers and Sheriff Deputies that currently support the 31,000 residences, but how many will be needed at build-out? Once an assessment is made for build-out, then a more predictable growth chart (a set of blueprints) can be produced to guide the yearly budgeting process and thereby making a more predictive and informed decisions for the out years.

FARMING & WATERWAY

Besides suburban development, Calvert County remains viable for developing agriculture and for waterway uses. Previous efforts, for example, to save the farming community often with good intentions had some unintended consequences.

Members of the farming community are not asking for much. Some simply ask for drivers to understand that large farm equipment needs to occasionally use roads to go from one farm to another. Asking for driver patience and understanding is not only reasonable, being patient and understanding is the right thing to do.

Farms suffer from forces of nature that makes growing and harvesting crops a challenge. Worsening this challenge are unintended impacts imposed by zoning requirements that need to be readdressed.

For example, to provide supplemental income, one farming couple began using their barn to rebuild automobiles. The automotive activity did not change the footprint, nor the production of the farming activity. County authorities forced the shutdown of the automobile activity resulting in the owners suffering loss of income and heading towards foreclosure. A basic responsibility of ensuring the “pursuit of happiness” was not met by the County Government. Clearly, improvements are needed.

The Calvert Marine Museum provides wonderful opportunities to learn about the waterway. It also provides an assist to our tourist industry.

The recent Intergenerational Earth Day celebration at Asbury-Solomons provided a reminder of the importance of good stewardship of our water ways.

The Southern Maryland Oyster Cultivation Society, a volunteer organization is also building public awareness of the need for oyster restoration to improve local water quality.

LAND USE

I support improved community input for land use decisions. Currently, funds are identified for fiscal year 2012 to perform a feasibility study of public water and sewer in St. Leonard, a Minor Town Center.

During the ongoing redraft of the St. Leonard Town Center Master Plan, it became apparent many citizens in the St. Leonard area desire more information about the master plan and implications of its associated zoning requirements. They have some valid concerns.

As a County Commissioner, I will move to zero-out the current sewer feasibility study and would only support re-instating it after a properly conducted survey that included all residents within the St. Leonard zip code.

TAXES

It may be an old saying that only death and taxes are a certainty, but elected officials should work hard to reduce taxes, not look to grow the government. A prime means to reduce taxes is to first reduce wasteful spending.

Any function being done by the Government that is not absolutely necessary and could be done by the private sector is wasteful. An improvement needed is to re-look at the priorities of the budgeted functions and then fund only those that are really necessary.

During the early 1990s, the “piggy back” income tax for Calvert County increased from 20% of the State Income Tax bill to 50%. Surely, the County Government can go on a spending diet to allow for some reduction of the County “piggy back” income tax.

I believe that just as the youth pay no taxes until they become productive, seniors on a fixed income have earned the right to pay a "reduced tax rate", and the elderly who become more dependent upon others should no longer pay taxes. Such reductions are a “respect” for our elders; one that needs to return to our culture, and is long overdue.

EDUCATION

By any measure, Calvert County schools rank 1st, 2nd, or 3rd along with Howard and Montgomery County schools. The State of Maryland schools often ranks among the highest within America. However, instead of “patting ourselves on our back”, we should remember that as a nation, our students are falling behind several other countries.

Objective studies demonstrate little relationship between dollars spent, class size, and quality of the student’s education. More importantly, studies show that a student’s success is directly related to their parents. Therefore, greater involvement between teachers and parents should be encouraged.

Parents have the primary responsibility for teaching and educating their children, both by example and through involvement. The role of teachers is to support the parents’ education of the students.

Parents also have a responsibility to support the teachers, not just through payment of taxes, but also supportive of the teacher’s need to instill discipline with discipline meaning repetitive training, examples, and setting expectations.

Parents have every reason to expect that education of students entails study of original source material to include the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.

For several years, the county used a formula to project salary increases for our educators. During the recent economic meltdown, it became apparent one or some factors were missing from this formula. As a result, an intended pay raise of 4.5% needed to be reduced to 0.5%.

While the unforeseen economic condition was not predictable and the Board of Education and teachers are in negotiations, the same flawed formula remains in use.

Without making corrections to this funding formula, we can all expect a similar, if not identical, snag will occur again. I support improving the educational funding formula.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT

Experience shows that an engaged citizen population provides for better government and improved communities. Concerned citizens need to become more involved with existing, or help create new concerned citizen organizations.

Citizen organizations play an important role in keeping fellow citizens informed about government activities. They also provide a non-government structure that can make improvements from activities such as organizing litter pick-up in rural areas, to addressing zoning concerns, providing extra sets of eyes that support local law enforcement; and instilling good citizenship examples for educating youth.

Current community organizations exist in Dunkirk, Owings, St. Leonard, and Solomons. A previous one in Huntingtown could be revived and new ones encouraged for Lusby, Prince Frederick, Port Republic, and the Beach areas.

CONCLUSION

Having visited thousands of homes throughout Calvert County as I progress with this grass-roots campaign, I hear and I listen. Voters say they love Calvert County. They know what they want and what they don’t want. They want to be left alone in their pursuit of happiness. They desire Freedom over Enslavement, liberty over tyranny, and a Calvert County that remains unique. Voters say there are needs for improvements. The voters are saying they want to see some new faces, ideas, and personalities on the Board of County Commissioners.

Anti-incumbency sentiment could present a very real challenge to those who are running for re-election. As a Candidate running for office for the first time, I believe rather than portraying a political response to this sentiment, I would simply say, I hear and understand the views of the voters. I appreciate the nuance of making improvements without drastic change in direction. As a candidate, I’ve worked diligently to be a creditable candidate in whom the voters may put their trust into doing the right thing.

Remembering a War Hero

2010-05-30T13:07:00.004-04:00

As we remember those heroic soldiers who gave their lives to gain and maintain our freedom, one in particular comes to my mind each year. The following information came from several sources including war records, historical documents to include a few letters I now have in safe keeping as well as on-site personal touring of battlefields and military prisons. I have the reference material available if scholars desire, but for briefness, I took a literary license and removed them in this posting.

Many never heard of Silas Hagerty, who was born circa 1821 and at about age 19, married Eliza Downing May 9, 1840, in Rockland Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania. At the time of the wedding, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty was 18 years old.

Silas Hagerty worked at the different iron furnaces in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. With his son Saul A. Hagerty (age 17), Silas (age 40) enlisted in Company G of the 103rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry thereby joining one of the more unfortunate Regiments in the Union Army during the War Between the States (Civil War). According to the Adjutant General's Office February 3, 1868, Silas Hagerty enrolled December 1, 1861, in Clarion County, Pennsylvania and was mustered into the Army as a Corporal February 22, 1862, at Camp Orr, about a mile north of the Kittanning town limits, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.

The Regimental History book identified entry as January 10, 1862. Later, Silas Hagerty became a Private, although no documentation explains the reduction in rank. Silas Hagerty, an infantry Private and Saul A. Hagerty, a Regimental Musician stayed within Company G throughout their service.

Over 400 pages detail the account of the 103rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in History of the 103d Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865; Luther Dickey; Chicago, 1910. An interlibrary loan may be required for reading and may be retained only in the reference area. That history condensed here indicates that at 10 a.m. Monday February 24, 1862, this regiment including Silas and Saul A. Hagerty embarked aboard a train, traveled and then stayed in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Baltimore, then arrived in Washington March 3, 1862.

While in Harrisburg at Camp Curtin; named for then Governor Curtin, the Regiment marched to the capitol building and during the afternoon, February 26, 1862, received their flag directly from the Governor. Otherwise, their trip to Washington via Baltimore was uneventful. Assigned (Chain of Command) to the Second Brigade (Brigadier General William H. Keim who later died and was replaced by Brigadier General Henry W. Wessells), Third Division (Brigadier General Silas Casey), 4th Corps (Brigadier General Erasmus D. Keyes), Army of Potomac (Major General George B. McClellan), they camped on Meridian Hill just north of W Street and between 14th and 16th Avenue now known as Columbia Heights, Washington, DC.

Beginning March 28, 1862, they began "The Peninsula Campaign" by first marching across the "Long Bridge" to Alexandria, Virginia when about noon March 31, 1862, they boarded the transport Hero landing at Ft. Monroe, Virginia April 3, 1862. By April 16th, the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers began their march towards Richmond and saw minimal action during the siege of Yorktown as well as the later battle of Williamsburg (May 5 - 7, 1862), became separated from their full complement of tents, knapsacks and blankets, and were exposed to wet and cold.

Between May 7 - June 4, 1862, the Regiment became heavily engaged culminating in retreat May 31, 1862, after the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks - same battle; two different names. Controversy occurred related to this regiment reportedly "running from enemy fire". At the start of the battle a few minutes past noon Saturday May 31, 1862, three Confederate cannon balls passed overhead landing 3/4 mile to the rear. General Casey ordered General Wessells to send the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment forward to support the advanced Union pickets (guards) 3/4 of a mile ahead of the redoubt (fortification containing several cannons). The regiment hurriedly moved forward with the various Companies filling numerous spots along the front. Company B and G were placed south of the Williamsburg Road to protect the Union's left flank. Members of this regiment who were on the front lines were the closest any Union forces had come to the Confederate capital. The Regiment maintained its position until the attack pressed them from the right. Ordered to fall back slowly, then ordered to fall back quickly, the tangled undergrowth prevented the regiment from falling back in an orderly fashion and caused them to emerge from the woods fragmented. Casey's Division on the south bank of the Chickahominy River, just east of Richmond, Virginia and heavily outnumbered by 20,000 to 5,000, held the overextended front line for three hours even though grossly exposed and unsupported before eventually being overwhelmed; thereby permitting capture of Casey's redoubt. Nonetheless, the entire Division; the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment in particular gained an undeserved poor fighting reputation. The Union forces failure during this battle rests solely with the Generals at the highest levels - McClellan who was eventually fired by President Lincoln.

General Casey described the battle appropriately: If a portion of the division did not behave so well as could have been wished, it must be remembered to what a terrible ordeal they were subjected. Still, those that behaved discreditably were exceptional cases. It is true that the division after being nearly surrounded by the enemy and losing one-third of the number actually engaged, retreated to the second line. They would all have been prisoners of war had they delayed their retreat a few minutes longer. In my humble opinion from what I witnessed on the 31st, I am convinced that the stubborn and desperate resistance of my division saved the army on the right bank of the Chickahominy from a severe repulse, which might have resulted in a disastrous defeat.

One footnote from the Battle of Seven Pines, a Confederate Sergeant who was an aide-de-camp to Confederate General Joe Johnston was allegedly wounded in his right wrist and subsequently received a commission. That soldier, Henry Wirz, would eventually be held accountable for the sufferings at Andersonville Prison.

During the ensuing Seven Days Battle, the Regiment supported the "controlled" retreat by the Army of the Potomac from White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, to Harrison's Landing on the James River. This same regiment had the privilege of standing in solid line of battle and witnessing McClellen's Army of the Potomac flee from an inferior force almost as badly disorganized as was the "rawest" division of the army on the afternoon of May 31, 1862. For two days, these discredited troops stood guard between the entire army and a victorious foe, and succeeded in bringing off in safety all the wagon trains of this army, and placing them at Harrison's landing two days after the battle of Malvern Hill. For 48 hours without sleep, except as it could be snatched by small groups here and there, a few minutes at a time; drenched to the skin and chilled to the marrow by the cold drizzling rain, covered with mire to the knees, though which they had waded in following the trail of the army; at times so close to the enemy that orders were communicated in whispers; this same little group of men was the last to take its position with the rest of the army, which it did about midnight July 3, 1862.

While at Harrison's Landing, reportedly, the first playing of Taps occurred. Also, the Army of the Potomac was visited by President Abraham Lincoln July 8, 1862 for a review. Retreating east, by August 18, 1862, the 103rd PA Volunteers again passed through Williamsburg this time through Yorktown and returning to Ft. Monroe, Virginia. Their records, supplies, and other essentials were shipped down the James River, but were lost when the vessel sunk. Later, the soldiers themselves would have to pay for replenishment. The majority of the Army of the Potomac left the Peninsula eventually engaging in more notable battles at Antietam, Maryland, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Petersburg, Virginia. Some remnants of the 4th Corps including the 103rd PA Volunteers stayed at Ft. Monroe until September 18, 1862, when they headed for Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia. The autumn of 1862 saw the regiment involved in several expeditions and minor skirmishes in the Blackwater area of southern Virginia. Eventually, they left Suffolk December 5, 1862, reaching the Chowan River and boarded the transport Northerner; arriving in New Bern, North Carolina December 8, 1862.

Early on December 11, 1862, they began a march westward towards Goldsboro, North Carolina; defeated the Confederates December 14, 1862, across the Neuse River at Kinston, North Carolina and "behaved in an exemplary manner". They continued to advance the next day towards Whitehall; by the morning of December 17, 1862, within 2 - 3 three miles of Goldsboro, they formed a battle line overlooking the target (the railroad line and bridge). Their mission was to cutoff supplies between the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia and the rest of the south. Bridges and railroad lines were often cut and quickly rebuilt during the war. Upon successful completion of their mission, the regiment began their return to New Bern, North Carolina arriving December 21, 1862, and camping east of the Trent River until February 2, 1862. During that time, they engaged in several raids and expeditions as part of the US designs of preventing or disrupting the Confederates use of the North Carolina ports.

The regiment left New Bern, North Carolina May 2, 1863, aboard the transport Thomas Collyer and arrived the next day at Plymouth, North Carolina located on the Roanoke River near the Albemarle Sound, and whose inhabitants totaled less than 500. The town of Plymouth gained importance as an area for coastal trading and a shipping point including an established Customs House. The residents like much of North Carolina citizens were drawn into the Rebellion by the leaders of North Carolina, but were friendly towards the US facilitating a peaceful occupation by Union forces who first arrived in early 1862. By December 10, 1862, however, the first of three battles for Plymouth occurred when Confederate forces attacked. The battle involved significant street fighting. Resulting largely from the firings of the Union gunboats, a fire occurred which burnt much of the town leaving barely a dozen buildings. Confederate forces also caused some burning to discourage refugees from going to Plymouth.

By the time the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers arrived, May 3, 1863, the town looked rather desolate. The regiment pitched camp and began building defensive fortifications around what remained of the town. A set of earthworks (walls built out of dirt) pretty much connected four forts. In the center, Fort Williams employed three thirty pounder cannons. Placement of the other forts, Comfort, Wessells, and Gray formed a small semi-circle around the town. Company A and G were assigned to reside inside Fort Williams. During these days, time did permit the individual soldier to take care of necessities like writing letters home.

Two of the letters written by Silas Hagerty to his wife from Fort Williams remain within the family; the first surviving letter written June 2, 1863.

Plymouth North Carolina

June 2nd 1863

Fort Williams

My dear I take this chance to let you know that we are both well at this time and I hope this line may find you all well also well.

I send you sixty dollars move to Rimersburgh and if you haint got that other fifty you can wait about - 3 - days after you get this and you can go and get the money all at once we got two months pay to day. Now ther will be one hundred and ten dollars that I have sent to you in the inside of 2 week, now my dear I want you to take good care of this money use it to the best advantage if Isabella needs any money give her some. She is a good girl and all the girl we have and rite as soon as this comes to hand and tell me how much the postage is on this money and how you are all getting along. I have got but one letter from you since we came here and none from any others. Well I will quit riting for this time I remain your affectionate husband Silas Hagerty to Eliza my dear and all of my dear children give my respects to Mrs. Isabella Briggs, and James if he is at home be shure and give us some news in your next letter well be good to yourselves and remember us at a throne of grace. Goodbye.

Fone this time oh I could rite all night to you. I have you and the children standing in front of me and I talk to you all but none of you will say one word to me. Well I must quit.

I send you a tract we have no preacher of our ohn now but we have preaching once a week.

While in Plymouth, the regiment conducted several expeditions often making use of the Roanoke River for transportation. July 5, 1863, using the gunboat Commodore Perry, Company G was included on a mission towards Williamston, about 28 miles upriver from Plymouth. Upon finding Confederate forces camped out of range of the gunboats and unwilling to evacuate, the Union forces re-boarded the gunboats and returned to Plymouth. They staged raids from Plymouth at least weekly. July 10, 1863, for unknown reasons, Company G relocated outside Fort Williams. While on an expedition four days later, the company captured a rebel artilleryman who was foraging 12 miles from Plymouth. August 8, 1863, the regiment received their Springfield rifles replacing their Austrian muskets.

The swamps near Plymouth caused a malarial effluvium that depleted the effective numbers of troops available for service. Because of the widespread numbers taken ill, those not excused for duty were often on picket (guard duty). The other letter that remains within the family written by Silas Hagerty to his wife from Plymouth appears to have been hand delivered by William R. Graham of Company F 103rd PA Vol:

Plymouth North Carolina

Nov 12th 1863 co G. 103

Well my dear Eliza I take this opportunity to inform you that we are all well at this time and I trust this line may find you all enjoying the same blessing. I received your short letter that came by the hand. WM Graham it was 19 days on the way well my dear I am truly that you are out of money I have tryed to borrow some money to send as I didn't like to rite without sending you some but without succes I could not borrow any from anyone in our regiment but I think we will be paid in a few days, now we are clear out too for the last three weeks, and it is hard getting along but I don't care for our selves for we can get along better without money than you ones can but try to do the best you can till we get our pay it won't be long well take good care of your self and the children and rite often if you want me to rite often for I have rote three letters to you for every one I have got since I was home oh my dear think some times that this is a hard way of living a married life the one living about 1300 miles from the other but it is as it is. and there is no one to blame but myself I want you to rite soon and rite a big long letter and put in all the particulars let us know all about how you are and how you are off for wood and coal and what it costs and the price of flour and meat and what Silas is doing and if you have school and who is teaching well Saul has that ring ready as soon as he rites he will send it and I think it is a real nice ring and he put the letters on it that you said to put on it. I don't know when he will rite and perhaps he has rote I will know in the morning. But I will rite this and seal it to night.

The surviving letters appeared to have a gap; believe the following is a continuation of the above letter:

have had this foul we have had about five or six white frosts and varry cold nights but no appearance of snow. The nights varry cold but the days are varry nice and warm the roads are dry and dusty and the ground is dry for two foot down - our men are pretty near all well again well I think I have told you all I have rote twice to my Brother Saul since I left home and got no answer I have wrote twice to Elias too and got no answer either. Well I must conclude for tonight it is past ten oclock and I have to go on picket tomorrow and I will get no sleep tomorrow night.

Re-enlistment January 1, 1864, promised large sums of money and a furlough home; many soldiers became "Veterans" including Silas and Saul A. Hagerty. Although the previous year included numerous rumors about a formidable iron-clad boat named Albemarle being built on the Roanoke River, the early months of 1864 included a feeling that General Wessells, Commander at Plymouth, North Carolina and Naval Commander Charles W. Flusser would be able to "handle the boat". Most of the Union soldiers were looking forward to the promised 30 day furlough having received new clothing; a neat appearance home was of utmost concern. That spring, the Regimental flag was sent north to have battle honors added.

April 17, 1864, US General Ulysses S. Grant decreed the ceasing of prisoner exchanges. His reasoning was that exchanging of prisoners benefited the Confederacy since those soldiers would typically rejoin units and resume fighting against the Union whereas the Union soldiers were often broken down in health from poor prison treatment making them incapable of rejoining the fight. About 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon that same ideal spring day, when the weather was neither too hot nor too cool, in Plymouth, North Carolina, soldiers who were not on duty were in their tents awaiting the call for dress parade, writing letters home, or talking about their anticipated visits home.

The second battle for Plymouth, North Carolina began when a few shots were fired in advance of the picket lines where upon US cavalry on the Washington Road (present day Wilson Road) was attacked and pushed back. It quickly became apparent this was more than an ordinary picket raid as frequently encountered. Company G of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Captain James J. Morrow along with details from other regiments were sent out and engaged the enemy skirmishers. Except for some exchanges during the night, fighting largely ceased by darkness. Accompanying the initial assault was the firing upon Fort Gray, just above the town on the Roanoke River.

Upon daybreak Monday, April 18, 1864, cannonading resumed on Fort Gray; continued for several hours, and then resumed in the afternoon. At 8 o'clock that morning, Company F of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers relieved Company G on the Washington Road. Fighting continued as the Confederate forces began to surround the town. About 3 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 1864, the Confederates again opened fire on Fort Gray, during which time, the ironclad Albemarle slipped past and subsequently sunk the US gunboat Southfield and in the process killed Commander Flusser.

The remainder of the US gunboat fleet fled the Roanoke for the safety of the Albemarle Sound, leaving the Union forces at Plymouth surrounded. Upon pressing the battle, the Confederate forces caused the complete surrender of the Union forces by General Wessells between 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday April 20, 1864. Included in the 2800 prisoners were Silas and Saul A. Hagerty.

Following capture, the prisoners were corralled nearby. Within days, they began a march towards Tarboro, North Carolina passing near Williamston reaching Hamilton, North Carolina by April 23, 1864. Monday April 25, 1864, they reached the bank of Tar River near the Tarboro Bridge. Embarking upon a train Friday April 29, 1864, the prisoners left Tarboro, stopping at Goldsboro and Wilmington, North Carolina and arriving in Charleston, South Carolina Sunday May 1, 1864. The stay here was for a couple of hours whereupon they boarded open flatbed train cars and departed later passing through Savannah, and Macon, before reaching Andersonville, Georgia (Camp Sumpter) between 9 - 10 o'clock p.m., May 2, 1864. The next morning Tuesday, May 3, 1864, Captain Henry Wirz made his appearance; by early afternoon, about 400 members of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers including Silas and Saul A. Hagerty entered the stockade. Within months, the overcrowded prison would breakdown men and take many lives.

"The haggard distressed countenance of these miserable, complaining, dejected, living skeletons, crying for medical aid and food, and cursing their government for its refusal to exchange prisoners, and the ghastly corpses, with their glazed eyeballs staring up into vacant space, with the flies swarming down their open and grinning mouths, and over their clothes infested with numerous lice, as they lay amongst the sick and dying, formed a picture of helpless, hopeless misery, which it would be impossible to portray by words or by the brush."

As US General William Tecumseh Sherman was advancing towards and eventually capturing Atlanta, Georgia September 2, 1864, the Confederates needed to relocate the 30,000 Union prisoners for fear that General Sherman would liberate these soldiers and suddenly increase his military manpower; however weakened their condition. Some members of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers may have left between the 10th and 12th of September, in large the surviving members of the regiment within Andersonville "had bid adieu to Andersonville on the 10th day of September [1864]" .

Private Samuel J. Gibson, Company B, of the 103rd said he was among a group of 1380 prisoners who were packed 60 to a railway car and sent from there under heavy guard. The train arrived at Macon, Georgia at 2 a.m. the following morning, Augusta, Georgia, at 4 p.m., and finally arrived in Charleston, South Carolina on the morning of September 12, 1864. There, they were unloaded and marched into the fairgrounds (race course) and stayed until October. September 13, 1864, orders were issued prohibiting additional prisoners being sent to Charleston, South Carolina because of the breakout within their ranks of small pox, yellow fever, and widespread starvation. While confining the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers in Charleston, the Confederates were constructing a prison site at Florence, South Carolina. "On October 2, 1864, they moved us to Florence, S.C."

By the middle of October, the 17 usable acres at this prison held over 12,000 Union prisoners. The great majority of them look emaciated and sickly and are full of vermin, and filthy in the extreme. Three-fourths of them are without blankets and almost without clothing. Few have a change of underclothing. As a consequence, there is a great deal of suffering these cool nights and much additional sickness must follow. Most of them have erected temporary shelters, which will protect them to some extent from rain and dew until better shelters can be constructed. The principal diseases are scurvy and diarrhea, which carry off from twenty to fifty per day.

Meanwhile, during the night of October 27, 1864, the third and final battle for Plymouth, North Carolina occurred with the sinking of the Albemarle by Navy Lieutenant William B. Cushing. Following the sinking of the Albemarle, the Navy took possession of Plymouth November 1, 1864 and the Union held it for the remainder of the war.

As US General William Tecumseh Sherman continued his march through the south, his advance near Florence, South Carolina cut the last railroad link to the area February 15, 1865. Although confusion developed the Confederate officials attempted to move all able-bodied prisoners to various locations such as Salisbury and Goldsboro, North Carolina where they were paroled through the Union lines. About this time, Saul A. Hagerty, son of Silas Hagerty, Company G, 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers was released and eventually returned home to Clarion County, Pennsylvania. By February 22, 1865, the fall of Wilmington, North Carolina to the Union forces permitted this town to be included as a release point. The same day, Charles Mosher, 85th New York Regiment who shared many of the battles and travels of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers reported that the survivors of Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence, typically mere skeletons, were ordered to pack haversacks, board a crowded boxcar headed for freedom. About 3 p.m. March 1, "tears flowed freely, couldn't help it," as the emaciated veterans reached Union lines near Wilmington, North Carolina and were helped out by men of the 25th Michigan. Glimpsing the Stars and Stripes for the first time in over 300 days, some of the men found strength enough to walk towards a grove of trees, flop to the ground and savor a cup of coffee and the once detested hardtack.

February 1865: And by the end of the month, the Florence camp was silent.

Leaving his widow Eliza (Downing) Hagerty and 6 surviving children, Silas Hagerty never returned home. S. Hagerty and George Schell died after being released from disease incurred while prisoners of war. Silas Hagerty; paroled; reported as died March 1, 1865; Veteran.
September 1865, on an Application for Widow's Army Pension, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty states in part that Silas Hagerty whilst in the service of the United States and in the line of duty contracted chronic diarrhea and died of said disease at Florence, South Carolina on or about the 1st day of March A. D. 1865 leaving three children under the age of 16. Pension number 135058 assigned, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty began to receive $8.00 per month plus $2.00 per month for each of the three children under age 16 until they reached the age of 16. December 1865, the Adjutant General's Office reported the lack of evidence related to the death of Silas Hagerty.

In an official ceremony in 1866, the Regimental flag was returned to the regiment. It may now be viewed by appointment through the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee, Capitol Annex Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. April 20, 1866, The Department of the Interior Pension Office requested official evidence of the date and cause of death of Silas Hagerty (appears to have requested this of the Surgeon General). November 10, 1866, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty requests an Increase of Widows' Army Pension as approved by law July 25, 1866. Attesting to her representation is son Saul A. Hagerty, having returned from the war. February 3, 1868, the Adjutant General's Office confirms both the original enlistment and the re-enlistment of Silas Hagerty. February 5, 1868, the Treasury Department reports it issued Treasury Certificate No. 257787 in favor of Mrs. Eliza Hagerty, widow of Silas Hagerty allowing her pay to include the 1st day of March 1865.

In Clarion County, Pennsylvania September 2, 1869, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty sworn to the following statement: that she is the widow of Silas Hagerty late of said County, who was a Corporal of Co. "G" 103d Regt Penn Vol, and who died in rebel prison at Florence, S. C. about the first day of March 1865. He has never returned home, nor been heard from by any of his friends since that time. The last intelligence I had of him he was as the rebel prison aforesaid in the month of February 1865. He was there broken down in health from poor fare and bad treatment, and I have no doubt whatever of his death at or about the date above given. It is impossible for me to furnish positive evidence of the date of my husband's death. I have exhausted all the means of obtaining that information I could think of, but without success. September 21, 1869, the Claim for Widow's Pension with Minor Children was passed stating that Issue certificate for 8 dollars per month, commencing March 2, 1865, and two dollars per month additional for each of the above-named children, commencing the twenty fifth day of July, 1866.

At the age of 77, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty died September 12, 1898. A letter written by her son-in-law, Elijah Slaughenhoupt, dated September 20, 1898, to the US Pension Office stated:

Pollock PA Sept 20th 1898

J. N. Nesbit

U.S. Pension Com

Pgh Pa

Dear Sir My Mother in law Mrs. Eliza Haggerty of Callensburg Clarion Co Pa Died on the 12th of this month and their would be 2 month and 12 days pension due her. Would you kindly addvise me how to proceed to get said pension to pay on the funeral expenses as she had nothing left to bury her.

If necessary to adminsiter it would take about all for expenses.

Please advise by return mail & obligr

Yours Respectfully

E Slaughenhoupt

Pollock Po

Pension Certificate is 135058

U. S. Pension Agency, Pittsburgh, PA September 24, 1898 reported that Eliza (Downing) Hagerty widow of Silas Hagerty, Private in Company G, 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers who was a pensioner on the rolls of this Agency, under Certificate No. 135058, and who was last paid at $12 July 4, 1898, has been dropped because of death! Date 12 Sept 1898.

Eliza (Downing) Hagerty is buried in the Perryville Cemetery, Clarion County, Pennsylvania beside her son-in-law Elijah Slaughenhoupt. Silas Hagerty was my Great, Great, Great-Grandfather, and now we also know him as a war hero.

This is How Property Tax Bills Work

2010-05-20T08:51:00.000-04:00

Say that I sell you a product every year whose ingredients come from me and another supplier. I get to keep the money you pay for that product. Each year, I keep my ingredients the same (no change in substance, nor cost), but my supplier increases the charge for their ingredients. The total cost of that final product increases every year, and you would be paying more. Would you say that your product bill increased? If so, your costs for that product were raised.

Now, the same can be said about taxes. That product is your yearly property tax bill. Like my supplier above, the state increases their assessment (their ingredients) on your property. Like my ingredients above, the county maintains its portion (same tax rate). Just as I may claim I did not raise the cost of my ingredients, the county may claim they are not raising taxes. Given the county gets to keep the money you pay, the county government benefits. Your property tax bill increases, and you pay more. Would you say your tax bill increased? If so, your property taxes were raised.

Considering the county may say residential property taxes are kept low because commercial businesses (those who are the prime job producers) pay a larger share of the property taxes. Yet, we know that no business actually pays taxes, they pass that expense onto the consumer by charging more for their goods and services; or they head towards being out of business. Those increased consumer costs are passed along to the residents who just saw their property taxes rise.

Lastly, the county may claim that your tax bill would be lower if the assessments made by the state were lower. Assessments do not necessarily track closely with the value of your residence. Recently, the assessments increased while the value of residences decreased. The county benefits from your misfortune. If the individuals who lead the county refuse to lower their tax rate (remember their part of those ingredients) during a time when citizens are experiencing a historic economic downturn, they never will.

Adopt a Good Neighbor Policy

2010-05-19T09:33:00.001-04:00

Calvert County government owns a golf course, Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, in Lusby. With some fanfare this spring, the golf course held a grand opening.

Will the county government use this golf course as an opportunity to adopt a good neighbor policy? So far, it has not.

There are several homes and cars along Cove Point Road that remain under attack by errant golf balls. I visited these homes and observed the damage myself. One house has so much damage to its siding, that it resembles Swiss cheese. The day I visited, one car had just been struck.

I wondered how often the windshields of those cars were replaced. One question I asked myself was if there was any incentive for the residents to replace that siding. I concluded there is no incentive as long as the attacks remain.

It is long overdue that at a minimum, the county should install proper netting at specific locations near the edge of the golf course. If the golf course management wants to know what specific locations, I would suggest they visit those homes. After all, that is what a good neighbor would do.

Proposed Real Property Tax Increase

2010-05-17T21:24:00.007-04:00

PUBLIC STATEMENT, May 18,2010, Calvert Pines Senior Center, 7:00 p.m.

"My name is Evan Slaughenhoupt. My family and I live in the Dunkirk area of the County. I am also a candidate for county commissioner. I appreciate the opportunity to speak at this public hearing regarding the proposed real property tax increase. In this bad economy, our citizens say they are taxed enough already. We need less taxes, not more at the local level as well as the state and national levels.

Terms like "constant tax rate", "constant yield rate", and "assessable base" can be very confusing to the typical homeowner and typical voter. Bottom line, you propose taking an additional 4.6 Million Dollars in taxes from the citizens of Calvert County to spend it on government programs and services. However one may spin the subject, it is a tax increase.

On average, 4.6 Million Dollars of additional tax equates to an additional $150 for each residential home in Calvert County. However, your proposed higher taxes will not be meted out equally. Most affected by the 4.6 Million Dollars tax increase will be seniors living on a fixed income; the very citizens who are having the toughest time during this economic crisis. I believe it is fundamentally wrong to force our Senior Citizens to bear the brunt of this tax increase.

In fact, it is bad fiscal policy to raise taxes on anyone during this historic economic crisis. We need you to reduce taxes, not raise them.

Reducing the real property tax rate from 0.892 per $100 assessment down to 0.857 would result in zero real property tax increase. It is disingenuous to claim you are not raising taxes by keeping the same property tax rate. In fact, it is nothing but a slight-of-hand that citizens see-through. In real-world terms, their taxes still rise.

For anyone to propose raising taxes, whether increased tax rates or through additional taxes completely ignores what the citizens are saying. Citizens deserve the right to know what the extra 4.6 Million Dollars of tax increase will be used to fund.

In summary, during an economic crisis you are raising taxes. The National and State government resisted raising taxes this year. That is consistent with what citizens are saying. I ask that you reconsider the decision that raises taxes and increases spending. The only question remaining is whether or not the Calvert County Board of Commissioners is listening. Thank-you."

Evan Slaughenhoupt Files Official Candidacy

2010-05-01T07:43:00.010-04:00

April 30, 2010, assisted by Christopher, Evan formally files for Calvert County Commissioner. Evan says he views the opportunity to run as a responsibility of good citizenship.

Previously, Evan involved himself in many community activities and organizations that make communities a better place to live and work. He was a member of the Calvert County Ethics Commission which serves as a watchdog on actual and potential ethical conflicts that face County employees and elected officials. Serving 2 terms as the President of the Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA), he led efforts to preserve, protect and promote the quality of life in northern Calvert County. Evan is also a member of the National Rifle Association, Maryland Taxpayers Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and an associate member of the League of Women's Voters of Calvert County.

Evan, pictured at the Board of Elections with his wife Jeanne and Christopher live in Dunkirk, and are active members of Friendship United Methodist Church. Evan began his career with the United States Air Force and then later with the Department of Defense. He received a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an M.S. from the National Defense Intelligence College.

As a hobby, Evan studies history and is an official Civil War Regimental Historian, volunteers for the Special Olympics of Calvert County and is a proud member of the American Legion in Chesapeake Beach.

In July 2009, Evan began visiting homes throughout Calvert County listening to the concerns of fellow citizens. Having visited a couple of thousand, he'll visit several thousand more before Election Day.

Listening to Calvert County Citizens, he hears what they need and deserve:

Improvements vice Radical Changes;
Transparency through Genuine Ethics Reform;
Easy to Understand Zoning Processes to Improve Business Development;
Redress of Policies whose Unintended Consequences made Land and Water Use More Difficult;
Improved Public Safety;
Small Government & Lower Taxes;
Rule of Law vice Opinioned Views;
Free Enterprise; and
Greater Reliance on Family, Church and Charity with Less Dependency upon Government.

Authority: Citizens to Elect Evan Slaughenhoupt. Gregory Kernan, Treasurer.

When Does a Prayer Become a Prayer?

2009-09-11T09:00:00.003-04:00

This country, founded by religious men based upon Judaic-Christian values evolved into one that now prevents students from even reading a simple prayer at their high-school graduation.

Knowing the reputation of many Americans having something called Yankee ingenuity; consider the following commencement speech given by a young lady at her high-school graduation.

=============================================================
Good afternoon parents, family, friends, and fellow students. I specifically welcome my mother whose husband I call Dad could not attend today. So, I wrote my father the following letter:

Dear Father,

This is the day you made for me. All things possible are on display at this ceremonial gathering and I thank-you.

Father, you know me better than I know myself. You have guided my every step throughout my young life. You have shown me wisdom, given love and tenderness whether I needed it or not, and continuous firmness whether I wanted it or not.

Many of my fellow students have come to know you. They are here with me today and also express their gratitude.

As we leave this graduation today and begin our lives as young adults, keep us within your loving thoughts. Continue to provide your strength and forgiveness when any of us stray from your example. Accept my and my fellow classmates’ heartfelt thanks.

All of our love,

Amenda

.

Year 2009 -- Class Warfare vs Individual Achievements

2009-01-19T22:18:00.010-05:00

Monday, January 19, 2009

We hear so much about the word Economy. There are efforts underway to improve, restore, or otherwise affect the Economy. So, just what is this thing called Economy?

Two separate and widely different views appear to exist to describe the economy. The Class Warfare view is that the U.S. Government prints and owns a certain amount of money which constitutes a finite set of available dollars (known as wealth). When the economy is in a slump, the government simply prints more money.

This view means that a finite set of dollars is made available for distribution to individuals. The scenario suggests there is a race to acquire these dollars by any means possible. Some people manage to get a greater share while others find themselves with less.

Often, there is a description that some people are the “Haves” while others are the “Have Nots.” Those whose view this believe that the economy has a finite amount of wealth. They often believe it is not fair that some have more while others have less. This perception can lead one to support a philosophy that the government should “spread the wealth around.”

The "spread the wealth around" philosophy leads to greater government involvement into an individual’s life, and greater government control: control of businesses, banking, industry, and services, leading to less control by the individual. Human’s natural desire for self-control and betterment becomes defeated. Individuals become victims. Progress by humans becomes impeded. In short, less independence and more dependence upon the government is enslavement.

The individual achievements view of the economy is more akin to the process as natural as breathing. This view is that money printed by the government is owned by the individual who possesses that money. It belongs to the citizens, not the government.

The economy is stimulated by the exchange of that money for goods and/or services. Economy is the ebb and flow movement of that money as natural as breathing air (expanding and contracting naturally).

As the economy expands, wealth is created. As the economy contracts, wealth is lost. Left totally unchecked, the expansions lead to a heady sense of fulfillment while the contractions lead to a sense of depression.

Greater individual responsibility requires smarter choices regarding saving, spending, and investing which can increase wealth during economic expansion and sustain a positive financial state during economic contraction.

Achieving a better financial state by individuals through self-improvement leads to less dependency upon the government, and greater freedom.

These two separate and distinct views of the economy clash when any government begins to inject itself into “managing” the economy. For the “breathing” economy, government intervention that attempts to lessen the extreme highs and lows always results in an overall lowering of the highs and greater sustainment of the lows.

Having the government take money out of the economy (which it does with every “stimulus package,” or "recovery plan," or any spending) is like taking air out of the breathing process. Such intervention reduces the ability for expansion. Less government intervention always allows for economic expansion.

Therefore, Money is Air – Economy is Breathing. Will the government allow greater freedom (individual achievement) or less (Class Warfare) ability to breathe?

Year 2008 -- Position on Shoppes at Apple Greene

2008-11-18T10:10:00.002-05:00

My position regarding the Shoppes at Apple Greene is that the current set (as of early November 2008) of plans last presented by the developer are inconsistent with the valid concerns expressed by the residents of Apple Greene. I look forward to seeing the next iteration of plans.

Clearly, reasonable people may disagree without being disagreeable. As President of DACCA, I faithfully represented the position of keeping public water and sewer out of Dunkirk. The rationale was consistent with the view of sustaining the rural character of northern Calvert County.

The County Comprehensive Plan and the various Town Center Master Plans envision focusing commercial development within the town centers. These were the rules that were established. This type of development is intended to assist the county small business owners who as we all know are the ones who create employment to the betterment of all.

In my view, it is beneficial to the entire community that the Shoppes at Apple Greene develop sooner rather than later as that will help employment (jobs) particularly during the current economic downturn.

Because of the lack of public water and sewer in Dunkirk, the commercial property owners will install privately owned and maintained water and sewer systems.

Because the initial plans of the commercial development did not appear to accommodate the concerns of those most affected (Apple Greene residents living adjacent to the town center), I sought and will continue to seek a solution that is acceptable to both the residents and developers. That solution is not yet achieved.

It is my experienced belief that an optimum solution can be found, but only by the working together in good faith on part of both the residents who have property rights and the commercial developer who also has property rights.

An alternative path consisting of just opposing the commercial development within the town center, in my view would result in the worse possible outcome for the residents. This alternative would likely result in prolonged legal tussles between the residents and developers. In the end, the developers might end up doing only what is optimum for their development without taking into consideration valid concerns of the residents.

I believe reasonable people agree with my view of charting the correct path of good faith dialogue between the residents and developer seeking a solution that is acceptable to both.

Year 2008 -- Whose Books Anyway?

2008-11-13T07:42:00.006-05:00

Some might conclude the following books are/not (you select) appropriate for the Children's books section within the Calvert County Library System:

--- A dark comedy about Nathan Buford Forrest and followers demonstrating their 'nurturing' of minorities;

--- A documentary about non-union teachers preaching Christianity and proselytizing Islamic children into a "truer faith";

--- and a heart warming story depicting Pro-life leaders gently confining a pregnant woman (who wanted an abortion) until delivery of her child. At issue is diversity (of views).

You can view that each of the above stories promote good in nature and teach about subjects in life that may not be available to children at home. Yet, a minority of parents might find such material objectionable. It's like the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

As taxpayers, these parents fund the Library and deserve to have their views understood. Perhaps a minority of parents believe controversial topics best remain within the Library, but at a more suitably categorized location.

Here in Calvert County, "And Tango Makes Three" book intends to demonstrate to children that having 2 dads is perfectly acceptable. Some parents made requests for relocation of the book to an Alternative Family Section (as in moving elsewhere in the library; not removing as in censorship).

Such a simple request was met with the wrath of an all powerful authoritative autocratic government. This minority of parents were denied reasonable accommodation by powerful government authority.

In spite of outside influences such as the ACLU mounting a "false flag" operation erroneously claiming censorship, citizens still have the right under the U.S. Constitution "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Look for a petition to be circulated.

The Library needs to rethink its position and then create an improved process to make reasonable accommodation for alternative views. It, its contents, and the employee salaries are provided by the taxpayers such as those parents who requested that reasonable accommodation.

Update: December 3, 2008. It appears the library is attempting to provide parents with some additional guidance to assist what their children view. We'll see...

Year 2008 -- Rights and Responsibilities

2008-10-20T19:44:00.007-04:00

Americans popularly speak about their various Rights as though those Rights are ordained as indivisible and without consequences; that they exist in a vacuum independent of other forces. However, these Rights are passed along from one generation to another (or not, in which case Freedom ceases to exist).

Yet, for each of these Rights as surely as a coin has two sides, Rights have an accompanying Responsibility. Each of the Rights discussed below were identified or enumerated (to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list) in the Declaration of Independence or the US Constitution.

The Right to vote brings with it the Responsibility to learn about the candidates and issues and to make an informed vote.

Freedom from slavery and involuntary servitude requires the individual to educate oneself and seek improvement, work, prosper, overcome obstacles, and care for others. This is an individual Responsibility that is not dependent upon government.

One's Right to remain silent brings with it the Responsibility to speak truthfully.

Ownership of property carries the Responsibility to properly maintain and repair that property. This is a self-respecting responsibility.

When executing the Right to “petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” one's Responsibility requires providing sound and truthful evidence.

The Right of “people peacefully to assemble” means one has the Responsibility to respect the rights of the opposition to also peacefully assemble.

It is our Right that we are all “created equal,” but it is an individual Responsibility that determines if we excel or not.

Our Right to the “pursuit of happiness” can only be assured through our Responsibility to seek wisdom and purity as our founders intended.

We do have the Right “to alter or to abolish” one form of government and “to institute new Government,” but there is a Responsibility to make changes through peaceable means and to be very careful when organizing the various powers such as our founders did with their system of checks and balances.

We have the Right to “bear arms” and when doing so must ensure the use of weapons is done judiciously.

Our Right to the free exercise of religion brings a Responsibility to provide faithful worship.

Our Right to life brings the profound Responsibility to protect life, especially the most vulnerable among us, the unborn.

For brevity, there were additional Rights identified within the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution to include being secure in one's person, house, papers, effects, and protection against unreasonable searches. Several dwelt upon due process of law, speedy trial and punishments.

Regardless, one can easily identify that each of these Rights brings with it at least one Responsibility.

Year 2008 -- Simple Economics

2008-10-07T18:35:00.000-04:00

I'll describe the following linked article as simply as possible.

http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=36986

Let's say you run a business that produces a particular product (whatever favorite item you'd like it to be).

Let's say that a friend of yours also produces the identical product.

All else being equal, the only physical difference between these 2 businesses is where the product is made.

Where your friend produces that product, he/she is charged 23% on each sale in which case your friend passes along that cost as part of the selling price.

Where you produce that product, you are charged 40% on each sale in which you pass along that cost as part of the selling price.

Now, at this point, all else being equal, your selling price for the identical product would be 17% higher, right?

Both products are sold side-by-side at stores. At the end of each day, some number of those products will be sold.

Who will make the most amount of money, you or your friend? The answer, obviously lies with decisions made by the buyer, right?

Corporate tax rates offer an even more striking comparison. In the US, our high rate of 40 percent hurts our ability to create jobs and create capital. Those in the European Union slashed the average corporate tax rate from 38 percent in 1996 to just 23 percent today.

Bottom line: Companies do not pay taxes, the consumer does.

Year 2008 -- Shoppes at Apple Greene and DACCA

2008-09-15T22:26:00.003-04:00

September 15, 2008

The Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) arranged a meeting August 4, 2008, providing Apple Greene Subdivision representatives an opportunity to express concerns directly to the Developer of Shoppes at Apple Greene (Marrick/Howlin).

The Apple Greene leaders, Lisa Yankanich and Katie McVicker deserve credit and should be commended for leading their community and organizing public awareness. They clearly seek an equitable solution between the developer’s proposal and citizen’s concerns.

DACCA’s stated positions to date supported “in concept” the planned Drip Irrigation system and moving the development date from 10 years to within 3 – 5 years. Most importantly, support was dependent upon the specifics of the submitted plans.

To hear more details of the plans, DACCA’s Board of Directors attended a follow up meeting between the developer and the Apple Greene residents held September 15, 2008. The residents have valid concerns regarding the proposed stormwater management plans and the land application sewage system.

Concern remains with the proposed location of the intended “holding pond” that functions to house treated waste water especially during times when the drain fields are waterlogged. Reportedly, soil conditions preclude relocating the “holding pond” to another location.

As to the viability of using a drip irrigation field, the other two systems within Calvert County experience challenges. Calvert Gateway suffered from groundhog damage. At Marley Run lightning strikes disabled a switch. The Developer of Shoppes at Apple Greene should identify specific Risk Management plans and procedures to mitigate sewage compromise.

The current law requires a minimum of 50 feet between drip irrigation fields and residential areas. The distance for Calvert Gateway and its nearest neighbor is 700 feet. Marley Run may also be 700 feet from one current residence, but is within 50 feet of the nearest not yet developed lot. Additional study may be required to ascertain the correct distance (somewhere between 50 and 700 feet).

The developer identified plans to install multiple berms between drip irrigation fields and the residential area. DACCA encourages additional earthen walls planted with trees that would keep the view of the "holding pond" and all drip irrigation fields away from the residents. This would ensure any spillage remains on site and should strive to provide privacy approximating the current state.

Addressing effective stomwater management and storm drain issues are unresolved. To maximize keeping rainwater on site, the developer, at a minimum, should explore use of bio-retention basins, stormwater swale, “green roofs,” and rain gardens as well as pervious surfaces. Run-off leaving the Shoppes at Apple Greene remains a concern.

Evan Slaughenhoupt
President, Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA)
www.daccamd.com

Year 2008 -- Pelosi's Folly

2008-09-05T21:37:00.005-04:00

The U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks gasoline prices. During the 1990’s, the weekly U.S. Regular Retail Gasoline Prices hovered in the range of $1.00 - $1.50 per gallon.

From 2000 – 2004, prices remained fairly constant at $1.50 per gallon.

Democrats wanted “change” in part by repealing $4 billion in tax breaks and subsidies from the Energy Policy Act. Nancy Pelosi claimed to have plans to assist the consumers.

Pelosi’s spokesman Drew Hammill said that by controlling congress, Democrat leadership would save the “taxpayers $20 billion over the next 25 years,” and “repeal $8.6 billion in tax loopholes for energy and large oil companies.”

When the previous state and congressional elections (November 2006) occurred, the price was running $2.50 per gallon.

Pelosi's plans did not include increasing the supply of gasoline of which 178 million gallons is consumed each day.

Since the control of the both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives responsibility shifted to the Democrat Party when they became the majority, the price accelerated from $2.50 to over $4.00 per gallon.

To no surprise, taxpayers have not received 1 penny from Pelosi’s $20 billion, only a worsening Pelosi-led economy.

Year 2008 -- Losing a Golf Course?

2008-07-24T19:30:00.000-04:00

July 23, 2008

The future of the Twin Shields Golf Course in Dunkirk appears in doubt. It may close and be replaced by a 51 home subdivision.

The owners have already submitted a subdivision application. It is expected to be presented to the Calvert County Planning Commission by this autumn providing the initial official steps to close what has been a recreation institution for nearly 40 years.

Still to be resolved are issues such as environmental data. Additionally, the owners may need to purchase about 200 Transferable Development Rights (TDR) necessary to the county requirement of 5 TDRs for each additional lot totaling about $1.6 Million.

As property owners, Karen and Diane Shields are well within their rights to make this business decision. The affect upon the community besides the obvious loss of a business, jobs and increase number of housing is not yet fully described.

Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) has previously advised developers of the critical need to quickly inform next door neighbors who would be most affected as a needed remedy to misperceptions. In 2007, Twin Shields sent a letter to their membership advising them of work during the spring 2007, unrelated to the maintenance of the golf course.

In part, the owners described their land as having more value when utilized for real estate development than as a golf course.

During this past year, significant planning was underway which has now matured to where engagement with the county planning staff has begun.

When will the closing occur and housing construction begun? Due to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) which guides subdivision development in concert with the capacity of the local schools to handle the population increase, it could take up to 7 years or more.

In the meantime, Twin Shields has every intention to continue as a golf course. This course was built by Karen and Diane’s father and his twin brother, hence the name Twin Shields.

Evan Slaughenhoupt
www.daccamd.com
President, DACCA

Year 2008 -- Affordable Housing

2008-07-07T22:26:00.013-04:00

The generally accepted definition of affordable housing consists of a household paying no more than 30 percent of its annual gross income on housing. Housing costs considered in this guideline generally include taxes and insurance for owners, and usually include utility costs.

When the monthly carrying costs of a home exceed 30–35% of household income, then the housing is considered unaffordable for that household.

Another method of studying affordability looks at the regular hourly wage of full-time workers who are paid only the minimum wage (as set by their local, regional, or national government). An ideal is that a full-time worker will be able to afford at least a small apartment in the area that he or she works in. Affordable Housing does not imply homeownership.

Using that definition, a librarian in Prince Frederick worked out some numbers for Calvert County. The minimum wage in Maryland in July 2009, will be $7.25/hour. An individual working full-time making only minimum wage and spending 35% of their income on housing could afford $440/month. In July 2008, the cheapest room (one room in a house) listed in Southern Maryland (somd.com) is $550...with none of those advertised in Calvert County.

The cheapest apartment in Calvert that was listed was $595 excluding utilities. Working full time (40 hours/week) and part time (20 hours/week) would then make it affordable; something not unheard of by those who did such and then also went to night school part time.

Yet, is the purpose of minimum wage to afford housing for today or just when the country is in a Great Depression type economy?

According to Nicole Andrade, Human Resource Advisory Department of the Labor Law Center (http://blog.laborlawcenter.com/2006/09/15/purpose-of-minimum-wage/) posted on Friday, September 15th, 2006, “The purpose of the minimum wage is to provide a base pay rate for employees. That base pay rate is considered to be a fair for the work that the employee agrees to. While many employees choose to pay their employees more than the minimum wage, the purpose of the minimum wage is to protect all employees from any alterations in the economy.

The minimum wage was first developed in the U.S. in 1933... The country needed to find a way to help employees afford food and housing, even when their work was hard to find. The purpose of the minimum wage was to ensure that all employees were able to afford the basic necessities in the bad Great Depression economy.

Over the years, the base rate for the minimum wage has varied. In 1968, the minimum wage was higher than it has even been. Since 1979, however, the minimum wage has been slowly decreasing. While people generally view the minimum wage as helpful to employees, some economists believe that, despite the purpose of the minimum wage, the minimum wage is ultimately hard on the economy.

In the Clinton administration, it was decided that in addition to a national minimum wage rate, each state could adopt its own minimum wage rate. Some states also gave localities within each states that right to decide their own minimum wages.

When a locality decides its own wage, the purpose of the wage may change. For example, the purpose of the minimum wage in Santa Fe is to provide a living wage for all employees, while the purpose of the minimum wage in other localities and states is simply to ensure that all employees receive fair pay for their work."

The amount one makes (Income) compared to their wants (Desire) and ability equals Reality.

If one leaves high school or college and expects to immediately buy a home comparable to the one they lived in with their parents, while possible, is mostly unrealistic.

Not everybody can afford to live in Beverly Hills, California; Manhattan, New York; nor Calvert County; to think otherwise is unrealistic.

One can increase their income by remaining in the workforce, but increases are not automatic. Individual responsibility includes making proper choices and giving up some things to allow for other things. Life is full of trade-offs. The decisions affect income and the ability to afford wants and desires.

Wants and desires change over time. What one simply had to have when young is not as important when older.

There is nothing in the existing Planning & Zoning ordinances of Calvert County that prevents the construction of affordable housing.

Free markets (supply and demand) determine the price of housing.

The economy of the United States provides an environment where one can buy a modest “starter home.” Over time with resale and potentially moving to other areas, one accumulates wealth (not a negative term). That accumulation of wealth and assets allows one to afford more expensive homes and an improved life style.

It is a fact of life that some who are in financial straits put themselves there by chosing unwisely; ignored education and spent opportunity. They were not simply unlucky, but made bad decisions.

However, there are those truly handicapped or otherwise medically challenged where a compassionate community of family, churches, and charities, with some assistance from the government is warranted.

A partnership among Builders/Developers, Real Estate, County, and Individuals can work together and reduce the cost of housing, but it is unrealistic to think one can buy a million dollar home for a dime.

Year 2008 -- More on Signs

2008-06-19T21:53:00.002-04:00

June 9, 2008

While Calvert County mulls over the removal of signs that are posted on the State Highways (number routes such as Route 2, Route 4, and Route 2-4), let’s simply study the facts.

In focus are the commercial signs that appear on Friday afternoons and are typically removed by Monday mornings.

Instead of enforcing a regulation, already on the books, to ban all commercial signs from state roads right-of-way, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners are instead trying something that was tried before, and failed.

The current effort giving the Calvert County Economic Development Commission until July 15 to devise a self-regulation agreement with the offending businesses to lower the number of weekend signs sounds more like the county western song lyrics, “give me just one more last chance.”

President John Adams said that “Facts are stubborn things, and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictums of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” Following are stubborn facts.

The signs are illegal. We live in a country based upon the rule of law, not the rule of what is convenient, or solely best for commerce.

In 1999, a voluntary understanding was formed within the business community to “self-regulate” the use of those “Litter on a Stick” signs. If that previous agreement which limited businesses to two signs per intersection and none on highway medians had worked then, the issue would not be arising again.

The state highway right-of-way includes the road and the area essentially up to the line of telephone poles on both sides of the highway. Signs in this right-of-way area can be a distraction to driving, hence considered dangerous.

The proliferation of the signs, the misuse of a previous “Gentleman’s Agreement,” brings the matter to the forefront with the most egregious example when 22 such signs for a Septic Company were posted at one traffic light in Dunkirk (that’s some welcome to Calvert County).

It was reported that one misinformed individual claimed that such enforcement would also affect commissioners up for re-election using a phrase that, ‘‘What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” While any political signs would be covered if placed in the state highway right-of-way, the implication that all political campaign signs are likewise covered is not true. Those running for office are given specific posting instructions that include not placing any signs on the State Highway right-of-way. Such signs are posted on private property; presumably with permission gained first from the owner.

Businesses deserve the right to advertise their business, but doing so in the right-of-way of state highways is not the place regardless of the size.

Evan Slaughenhoupt
www.daccamd.com
President, Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA)

Year 2008 -- The Doughnut Story

2008-06-19T21:49:00.001-04:00

June 4, 2008

Every election year, you hear politicians say they are for Change. Be wary when they say they support changes, they might leave you with nothing but air.

Take a map and draw a line from the Washington, D.C. Beltway to the most northern end of Calvert. Then draw a line parallel to the beltway essentially creating a circle. Next, use the distance from the beltway to the most southern end of Calvert and draw a second line that also parallels the beltway creating another, but larger circle. What appears looks like a doughnut. The hole is an area from the south (Woodbridge, VA) to the north (Columbia, MD) and from the east (Crofton, MD) to the west (Reston, VA).

Let’s call the part of a doughnut that one eats the “Sweet Spot.” This area representing the length of Calvert County encircles that doughnut hole. Tour the “Sweet Spot” beginning with Calvert County and go counterclockwise. Encounter the Chesapeake Bay where few people live (other than houseboats). Note Calvert and southern Anne Arundel appear rural (not densely populated).

The area northward from Annapolis includes Baltimore (from Severn northeast to Perry Hall). Continuing westward includes Olney to Westminster, Germantown to Boonsboro and Leesburg, VA; from Centerville, VA past Warrenton; and as far south as from Woodbridge to Fredericksburg, VA.

The journey around this doughnut concludes by crossing the northern neck of the Potomac back into Southern Maryland (Charles, St. Mary’s and back to Calvert County). Over the years, Charles and St. Mary’s did not employ the same robust controlled growth measures as Calvert.

Having traveled over many of the roads within this giant doughnut, the areas of higher density, those undergoing heavy development, and congested spaces is well known. It is no surprise seeing areas of less density include the most western area of the doughnut, southern Anne Arundel County, and Calvert County.

Back to politicians and their calls for Change. When politicians say they support changes for Calvert County, they might actually mean they support developers, real estate, and gambling interests who want to eat the rest of the “Sweet Spot” (Calvert) leaving citizens with only a “Hole Full of Air.”

Year 2008 -- Setting the Record Straight

2008-06-19T21:45:00.002-04:00

May 11, 2008

Shoppes at Apple Greene: Setting the Record Straight

Factual Point:

Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) is observing the development details related to the proposed Shoppes at Apple Greene. All members of the DACCA board of directors concur with the following assessment of the Shoppes at Apple Greene and its pending water and sewer development. This assessment sets the record straight so as to clarify some misinformation or miscommunication that is occurring regarding the development and DACCA.

Background:

The Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan (http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/Planning_Zoning/TownCenters/DunkirkMP&ZO-March25-2008.pdf), last revised March 25, 2008, and subject to a complete rewrite during calendar year 2009, identifies the boundary for the Town Center. Town Centers are intended as the focal point for commercial development within Calvert County. Though a citizens group, DACCA is not anti-business; it does, however, play a role in keeping the reign on commercial development.

The Town Center Master Plan policies included encouragement of commercial development. As far back as 1998, the consulting firm of Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, found that a County-installed and operated water and sewer system for Dunkirk would not be economically feasible. Public water and sewer is not included for Dunkirk, nor is it going to be for the Shoppes at Apple Greene.

Commercial development in Dunkirk Town Center comes under significant constraints to include architectural styles, depth of building fronts, lighting, signs, roofs, use of building materials, landscaping, screening, utility areas, accessory buildings, internal roads, and height of buildings. A process exists for reviewing all development plans that includes participation by the Dunkirk Architectural Review Committee (DARC); DACCA has membership on DARC.

DACCA’s Participation and Positions to Date:

Public Water and Sewer in Dunkirk is a well known “Third Rail of Calvert County Politics.” It is not going to happen.

Planning & Zoning Rewrite:

During 2005, DACCA participated in the rewrite of the County Planning & Zoning ordinance. DACCA members were invited via newsletters to participate in the review and to submit questions, concerns, or suggestions. DACCA forwarded to Planning & Zoning many suggested changes; several were adopted.

Town Center Gateway Shopping Center:

During 2005, DACCA was heavily involved before and during the development of the shopping center housing several stores including Giant and Wal-mart. Note, today, there are still some vacant store pads waiting for tenant occupancy. The number of stores and specific businesses that occupy the store pads are based upon free market conditions, and decisions made by the property owner – the developer.

Drip Irrigation System:

The Town Center Gateway Shopping Center included a Drip Irrigation system which to date appears to be successfully operating. This system is similar to that used in Marley Run Subdivision. Along with the water tower, the shopping center Drip Irrigation was developed using private funds, not public dollars. It is not public water and sewer. Since operation, no complaints pertaining to this system ever came to the DACCA Board of Directors.

Number of shopping centers in Dunkirk:

During the election of 2006, DACCA asked the candidates for County Commissioner the following question, “Since 1990, Dunkirk has added two shopping centers and a third one is planned. How many additional shopping centers do you believe are needed in the Dunkirk area?” Not one candidate advocated development other than the three which included Shoppes at Apple Greene. Not one member of DACCA ever came forward to challenge having the Shoppes at Apple Greene.

Planning Commission:

In 2007, DACCA was public in its involvement in the Water and Sewerage Master Plan review and provided comments to the county. DACCA posted its comments on the DACCA web site at http://www.daccamd.com. No DACCA member or any residents in Apple Greene came forward to express concerns with DACCA’s input. Bordering the Apple Greene Subdivision, the Shoppes at Apple Greene is located at the southernmost end of Dunkirk Town Center.

As part of the Water and Sewerage Master Plan process, the owner of the property intended for commercial development known as Shoppes at Apple Greene, Edward B. Howlin, represented by Marrick Inc. submitted to the Calvert County Planning Commission January 29, 2008, (http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/4b-WaterSewerageCategoriesPublicHearing.pdf) a request to alter the water and sewer designator from W-5 and S-5 to W-3 and S-3. (Marrick Inc. bought part of Howlin circa 2003).

The DACCA Board of Directors was supportive of the water and sewer designator change since the owner of that property has the right to develop, and the type of development intended was consistent with the county and town center master plans. The request simply reflected a change in the date intended to develop the Shoppes at Apple Greene from “within 10 years” to “within 3 years.”

A Washington Post report (February 3, 2008) did quote the President of DACCA saying it was “a pleasure” to support the change of the development start from 10 years to 3. What the Post did not include was that the President also said DACCA looked forward to seeing the detailed plans (Marrick Inc. has yet to show those to DACCA). Also not publicly reported was a conversation between the DACCA President and Mr. Rick Bailey of Marrick Inc.

As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details.” The DACCA President encouraged Mr. Bailey that as a developer, he needed to meet with residents as early as possible and provide as much detail as possible. The lack of publicly available information regarding development plans surely causes a negative reaction by those most affected by the development such as neighbors who live directly next to the development.

Board of Appeals:

On February 7, 2008, the Calvert County Board of Appeals heard a request from Howlin Investment Commercial Properties, LLC for a Special Exception to install a Drip Irrigation wastewater treatment facility. The concept of a Drip Irrigation system was the same as that as Town Center Gateway Shopping Center (Wal-mart and Giant). Given the apparent success of this privately developed Drip Irrigation system and the lack of concern expressed by any DACCA members, DACCA spoke in favor only of the concept.

In part, DACCA said, “Once again, we come to express our support for a proposed commercial development. This plan will have an important impact on the Dunkirk Town Center. A drip irrigation is a vital part of the proposal.

We were grateful to have the opportunity to ask questions of Mr. Bailey, to learn, and make suggestions. Specifically, the Dunkirk Town Center calls for a road from Apple Greene to Ward Road and we urge the Board and the developer to include such a road in the plans. This would enable the 128 or so households in Apple Greene to shop, do business, dine, and get medical care without having to go out on MD Route 4. Reducing, even slightly, the number of vehicles crossing or driving that speedway would be a safety improvement.”

Even then, the more specific development plans were not available to DACCA. Results of that Public Hearing are located at:
(http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/Planning_Zoning/BOA_Agendas/08-3506aApplication&Order.pdf)

DACCA has learned there are more specific draft plans being coordinated between Marrick Inc. and Planning & Zoning. It is not uncommon for such plans to change during the process.

It is also not uncommon for individuals to use partial information, and make accusations about something being “approved under the table” or DACCA “selling out” when in fact, a lengthy public process was underway since as early as October 2002, when DACCA spoke at the Board of Appeals in support of the proposed project, “as it is in concert with the Comprehensive Plan.”

There is a process in place to review development site plans when they are posted on the county Planning Commission web site which DACCA monitors and then participates. Site plans provide detail such as location of retention ponds which are subject to relocation due to engineering and/or environmental concerns. Such activity is not done under the table, or during the dark of night. In fact, the February 7, 2008, Board of Appeals findings identify that, “Groundwater discharge permits from Maryland Department of the Environment are required for this project.” Final approval, which will be done in public, is quite some time in the future.

This Setting the Record Straight article was sent to Marrick Inc.

Evan Slaughenhoupt
www.daccamd.com
President, DACCA

Year 2008 -- Contemptible Court

2008-06-19T21:43:00.001-04:00

April 7, 2008

Marking the foundation of our country, the Second of 33 paragraphs of the United States Declaration of Independence included the phrase, "...that we are created equal and endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Our founders created a governmental system of “shared powers” called Federalism. That means the Federal Government consists of three parts, National, State, and Local. Too often, people say Federal when they mean (or should mean) National. This is not just semantics, because the difference has real meaning. Shared power means that certain topics are the purview of different levels of the federal government.

Our original founders articulated right of “Pursuit of Happiness” was not meant for citizens to do whatever they wanted regardless. It meant gaining wisdom and purity, because doing so would bring happiness.

Communities are the level where democracy is the closest to the citizens. These entities are the closest many citizens participate in the democratic process. Be they neighborhood watches, homeowners or civic associations, or just on the street talking, communities at a minimum display the attitude of its residents. For instance, homeowners who neglect simple home and yard appearance essentially say, “I don’t care what happens here.”

Citizens who don’t care have made a choice to not get involved leaving themselves and their neighbors vulnerable to nefarious individuals. These permissive attitudes permit the growth of a culture that nourishes evil. Where evil exists, drug use and crime is easily found.

Communities are also where citizens vocalize expectations of themselves and those who represent them. County and Town Center Master Plans are the Citizens Voice/Expressed Vision for their community. While these are high level visionary documents, they form the foundation for creating local zoning ordinances. These foundational documents are periodically updated to reflect growing or changing attitudes of the owners and funders of the local government.

A March 11, 2008, ruling by the State of Maryland Court of Appeals in the Civil Case # 01-C-05-025779(L) David Trail, et al. v Terrapin Run, LLC, et al rejects that citizens have a say about their communities. In a play on words, that court is in contempt of Maryland Citizens.

The court declared that local county governments do not need to use the various master plans or state growth-management policies in making decisions about developments. The case focused on whether the local zoning board should decide whether a particular development "conformed" to the county's comprehensive plan. Using legal technicality rather than rational thought, these “judges” decided that words 'conform' and 'visions' were not intended by the legislature as an absolute requirement on local governments for land use programs.

The ruling is destructive to the self government precept under which the United States was created. That non-elected body is so out of touch to not realize that the citizens are the employer of the government, the customer and consumer, and its owner.

Locally, this ruling undermines decades of controlled-growth within Calvert County and puts the county communities vulnerable to rapid overdevelopment by those who never saw open space as anything other than profit dollars per acre. Recalling the Declaration of Independence that immediately followed the words life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,

“… That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Judge Dale Cathell, who wrote the Appeals Court decision, takes the position that citizens need to continually fight the battle instead of having legal protection. According to the Baltimore Sun, March 13, 2008, Judge Cathell said, “Whatever happened to the traditional way these battles were fought between environmentalists and developers? You kick their bums out [of elected office], and after four years they kick your bums out.”

Citizens deserve better. Look for continued challenges at Calvert County Planning Commission and the Board of Appeals. Stay informed and let your elected and appointed officials (http://www.co.cal.md.us/) know if they want to stay in office, they need to follow the guiding documents (from the Declaration of Independence to the Town Center Master Plans). Learn more about the court ruling: http://www.courts.state.md.us/opinions.html

Evan Slaughenhoupt
President, Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association

Year 2008 -- Traffic Improvement on Route 4

2008-06-19T21:40:00.001-04:00

March 20, 2008

Deaths of two teenagers in November 2007, at Route 4 and Briscoes Turn/Skinners Turn Road intersection as well as tragic deaths at Route 4 and Brickhouse Road have more in common than loss of life.Both intersections have an at-grade (or surface-grade) crossover that forces drivers to place their vehicle perpendicular to oncoming highway traffic.

The Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) Board of Directors reviewed the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) evaluation of Route 4 and Briscoes Turn/Skinners Turn Road intersection proposal. DACCA concluded that SHA is offering only a partial solution that will not sufficiently improve safety.

SHA evaluation is posted at:

http://www.sha.state.md.us/keepingcurrent/performTrafficStudies/studies/Intersection%20Study%20MD%204%20at%20Briscoes%20Turn%20Rd%20(Calvert%20County).pdf

SHA plans to channel east bound Briscoes Turn Road traffic southbound to prevent one dangerous crossover of Route 4 south- and north-bound traffic. This part of the plan is sound as it will permit traffic to continue flowing while preventing some traffic from crossing Route 4.

Reducing dangerous conditions without impeding traffic flow can and should be the objective. While one might react emotionally to tragic deaths by calling for traffic lights, installing full color traffic signals fails to achieve this two part objective.

Traffic lights won’t correct the root cause of the danger. Crossover traffic at traffic light intersections can still be subject to horrific accidents. Traffic lights also impede the traffic flow which then causes a ripple affect decreasing safety elsewhere on the road.

Unfortunately, the SHA plan still permits one dangerous crossover of west bound traffic of Route 4 north- and south-bound from Skinners Turn Road.

The optimum solution calls for also constructing “channeling” at Skinners Turn Road. Most importantly, this solution should include removing that surface-grade crossover (that surfaced area in the median strip).
Evan Slaughenhoupt
President, DACCA
Dunkirk, Maryland

Year 2008 -- Global Warming Gone, Time to Freeze

2008-06-19T21:38:00.001-04:00

Global Warming’s Over – Get Ready to Freeze

February 27, 2008

There are several reasons to stop Maryland’s attempt to take more of your money and build a new department-level institution to enforce laws against nature also known as Senate Bill 309 and its companion House Bill 712 “Global Warming Solutions – Reductions in Greenhouse Gases” http://mlis.state.md.us/2008RS/billfile/sb0309.htm.

When the next global cooling era begins (and it will), those who now proclaim Global Warming will, within a decade or two, provide dire warnings of the impending Ice Age. They already began changing their vocabulary by using the buzz phrase “Climate Change.”

A cooling trend will naturally occur, and the alarmists will sound the predictable alarms; just as many did during the last cooling period of the 1950’s – 1960’s.

Besides temperature, popular views of Global Warming include “minor greenhouse” gases such as Carbon Dioxide and the levels emitted into the atmosphere. Most climate models assume that Carbon Dioxide will increase in concentration forever; a questionable assumption not based upon measured data.

Who is willing to read the proposed legislation, just one book, and then let their own conclusions be known to the state legislatures? A list of the legislatures may be found at: http://mlis.state.md.us/index.html#subs.

An earlier letter raising concerns about this potential legislation resulted in the expected responses. Clearly, some individuals decided to take the easy route by expressing an uninformed opinion rather than studying both the legislation and just one suggested text book.

How does one know what data source is credible? Look more closely at the science used by those who crafted the proposed legislation. Compare that look with views of those less informed. The result yields specific flaws with the foundational Global Warming argument.

Hopefully, one such individual who responded is not an attorney. That individual found the arguments favoring Man Made Global Warming so persuasive it was difficult to believe there are people burying their heads in the sand and denying it. Expressing such a closed-minded view to not even review countering evidence would have left a defendant questioning the veracity of such an individual defending them in a case.

Another individual even suggested consulting “a free online source called Wikipedia.org - it is a community based online encyclopedia that sites [cites] many sources on this subject matter.”

Wikipedia is today’s version of yesterday’s encyclopedia. While everything in Wikipedia must be attributable, in practice, not all material is attributed. Years ago the encyclopedia was never accepted by reputable teachers and professors as a reference source.

Wikipedia should not be a Primary Source of information due to its lack of credibility.

Nonetheless, looking at that type of information reveals several commonly used charts discussed within the book “Meltdown: The Predictable Distortion of Global Warming by Scientists, Politicians, and the Media”, by Patrick J. Michaels, Cato Institute, Washington, DC. 2004, second printing 2007.

One such chart speaks to the global temperature rising from 1912 to 1953 by 0.74 degrees Fahrenheit. Those temperature rises are consistent with a plus/minus 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit over millennia that are attributable to solar outputs.

While the surface temperature average appears to display this slight increase in temperature, much of that warming occurred during the first half of the century (before the proliferation of those dreaded automobiles).

Climate models populate other charts that contribute to the hype of Global Warming. They are used to claim the polar ice caps are melting. Surely they melt during late summer, but refreeze again during the winters. Earlier reporting of “thinning ice caps” used measurements made by submarines taken coincidently where the ice was thinning, but did not include areas the submarines did not travel – areas where thickening occurred.

Some models used by those who tout Global Warming are typically flawed as they do not portray reality. Actual measured temperatures from the past show their simulations if applied over the last 100 years would have erred as much as 300 percent.

Much is needed to clean the waterways and can come from the private sector through proper incentives. Large government programs are not needed. When will the Global Warming Alarmists stop their misguided efforts and let real solutions begin? I assert it will be after informed citizens do a little research and voice their views to the elected officials.

Evan Slaughenhoupt
Dunkirk, Maryland

Year 2008 -- Maryland and Global Warming?

2008-06-19T21:34:00.002-04:00

Februrary 20, 2008

Improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, and the rivers and streams that feed the bay should be a high priority for Maryland residents. What is debatable is how best to make improvements. The current state administration is missing a wonderful opportunity by relying upon old unsuccessful approaches of building bureaucratic institutions, using threats instead of incentives, and using selected and partial data.

The Governor supports Maryland Senate Bill 309 and its companion House Bill 712 “Global Warming Solutions – Reductions in Greenhouse Gases” http://mlis.state.md.us/2008RS/billfile/sb0309.htm.

The 7 items listed within the General Assembly Findings are without substantiation. As just one example, Finding # 3 speaks to the threat global warming has on rising sea levels. The truth, in fact, is a misperception based upon the myth that polar ice caps are melting (they are not). In fact, there are coastal areas that are sinking, hence the appearance of rising sea levels.

I too want to see environmental improvements. Given my own education and background, I took a rational look at the proposed bills as well as opposing viewpoints. Unfortunately, the state proposed approach is to pollute water clean-up efforts with discredited data associated with Global Warming.

Want to learn for yourself? Read the book “Meltdown: The Predictable Distortion of Global Warming by Scientists, Politicians, and the Media”, by Patrick J. Michaels, Cato Institute, Washington, DC. 2004 second printing 2007.

Reading “Meltdown” will make you more informed and able to see through the false claims of the “Global Warmists.” Be forewarned, the book is complete with charts and graphs. If it is not a current text book in schools, it should be.

Too often symbolic gestures commonly noted these days to “raise global warming awareness” such as the students in St. Mary’s City taking the “Polar Plunge to Raise Global Warming Awareness” February 1, 2008, and the upcoming March 29, 2008, worldwide city blackouts for "Earth Hour" in cities such as Atlanta, San Francisco and Phoenix.

More rational solutions can be found other than that contained in the proposed legislation. Perhaps our high school and college students should be required to read “Meltdown.”

Let’s suggest a different approach over that being proposed by the Maryland Legislature. With focus especially upon the Patuxent watershed and its total maximum daily load (basically the amount of pollution tolerated by the water) permissible to sustain water quality, incentives will work.

We know that nitrogen entering the watershed contributes to unhealthy water. Rather than penalizing polluters, give tax incentives for minimizing pollution. For example, each citizen of Calvert County using a septic tank could receive a $10,000 tax credit and be encouraged to replace their current septic tank to a nitrogen removing system.

Businesses should be offered tax credits to create and install water treatment or clarification methods. American initiative and ingenuity would result in new technology that more efficiently cleans the waterways.

Incentives could be created to those who depend upon the water for living such as "oyster farmers" who raise oysters using off-bottom culture techniques to create new oyster communities.

Boundless incentives could be conceived to include ways to reduce nitrogen fertilizer used on our yards as well as incentives for developing energy sources other than oil thereby helping our country become energy independent.

Tax incentives would keep more money within the local economy controlled by the citizens rather than squandered by bureaucrats. Less money for the state to waste is a good thing for the citizens.

Is there global warming? Yes, but not man-made. This past decade includes a slight increase in average temperature. The same type of increases occurred during the 1930’s, which was followed by decades of a cooling trend. Since ancient times, this cyclic warming and cooling occurs naturally. Despite all your dollars taken by a “Don Quixote” state to throw at windmills (pun intended), the cycle will continue.

If Maryland passes the proposed legislation, our tax dollars are more obtainable by the state to create new institutions, harm businesses, and spend on ad agents claiming how their effort is noble to make everyone “feel good.”

What motivates those who proclaim man-made (and therefore man must fix) global warming? Money – specifically, research dollars for studies. There is no coincidence that we hear daily about recent studies that make claims on a host of topics. Gone are the days of serious critical reviews of studies before publication.

Typically today, studies are reviewed by individuals who already support a particular view rather than ones who would challenge the finds and conclusions. No doubt the studies used to formulate the proposed Maryland legislation did not receive truly critical reviews. There is simply no evidence that demonstrates mankind is affecting this current global warming cycle one way or the other.

When reviewing the proposed legislation, pay particular attention to page 1 Line 5 prohibiting all money… being transferred to the General Fund. Then page 3 line 26, under Article – Environment, paragraph (2) sub-paragraph (c) (4) [When the Fund equals or exceeds… additional moneys received for the Fund by the Department shall be deposited to the General Fund.] Sound like “double talk” to you? It surely does to me.

Contact the sponsors of the proposed legislation (Calvert Delegate Sue Kullen was one) and tell them their proposed law is flawed at its foundation, harmful to businesses, won’t achieve measurable success, and won’t fix a naturally occurring phenomena that mankind did not cause.

For independent thinkers, take some time and read both the proposed legislation and the book “Meltdown”. Then draw your own conclusions. As for me, while I bought the book, I’m not buying what the bill sponsors are selling.

Evan Slaughenhoupt
Vocalcalvert@aol.com
Dunkirk, Maryland

Year 2008 -- Rule of Law or Stone Wall?

2008-06-19T21:32:00.001-04:00

CALVERT COUNTY - 2/9/2008
By Evan Slaughenhoupt, Dunkirk

The following will be read into the record at a public hearing being held Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Hearing Room of the COURTHOUSE SQUARE OFFICE BUILDING, 205 Duke Street, Prince Frederick. I am sending this copy to fellow neighbors and residents who live off Lyons Creek Road.

Beside those who live near Lyons Creek Road, results of the public hearing could affect anyone living in Calvert County especially if you drive through Dunkirk on Route 4 as well as anyone interested in citizenship principles and the rule of law. You may want to express your views directly to the county Planning and Zoning either through e-mail (PZ@co.cal.md.us) or by attending the public forum.

As a private citizen, I intend to read the following into the record:

As the “rick” in Marrick Inc., no doubt Mr. Rick Bailey, would include public image as an attribute to Marrick Inc. As such, entrance signs offer an attractive way to identify a Subdivision. Marrick Inc. has previously constructed such signs.

In an exception to the rule, construction of a stone-walled structure at 3010 Dunleigh Lane to house an entrance sign began several months ago at the entrance to Lyons Creek Road and its intersection to Route 4 South. The public image it portrays is inconsistent with other Marrick Inc. Subdivisions as it appears much more grandiose and is not at the entrance to the Subdivision.

The proposed ordinance change (Case number 07-10b) for Subdivision Entrance Signs under Article 6-8 improves clarity and is a positive change as it would provide Marrick Inc. the opportunity to remove the stone-walled structure that was inappropriately placed.

Proposed changes also clarify the placement of Subdivision Entrance Signs which will be helpful for residents (other than Lyons Creek Overlook) who live off Lyons Creek Road. Those residents are likely to take exception to seeing a sign that gives the appearance they now live in Lyons Creek Overlook. Besides Lyons Creek Road, these streets include Lexington Drive, King Drive, Crown Drive, Regall Lane, Elsie Lane, Lyons Glen Court, Steven Lane, Palisades Drive, Patuxent Court, Luray Lane, Riverview Court, Lakeview Drive, Rivershore Drive, Aquia Court, and Ashwood Drive.

The Lyons Creek Overlook Subdivision entrance is Longleaf Drive and Lyons Creek Road. Various residents own the properties at the entrance. The current location of this stone-walled structure, corner of Lyons Creek Road and Route 4 South is not the Subdivision Entrance to Lyons Creek Overlook.

The stone-walled structure as currently under construction might give the appearance of arrogance not intended by Marrick Inc. Fortunately; the proposed ordinance change would allow Marrick Inc. to avoid that fate.

The sign itself is not the issue, the stone-walled structure’s appearance, design, and attractiveness is not the issue. What is at stake is the principle of adhering to the rule of law (in this case zoning requirements) pertaining to size and location. The entire stone-walled structure and sign is comparable in size to a Cape Cod house and is not located at the entrance to the Subdivision.

Copies of the drawings provided to the Lyons Creek Overlook residents as submitted when applying for the permit did not have road identification markings – no Route 4, no Lyons Creek Road, and no Longleaf Drive. One set of drawings showed an artist’s conception without any dimensions, or location specificity.

A second set of drawings included the dimensions of the stone-walled structure, but no location information. It is my understanding that Marrick Inc. needed to likewise provide the county with a second set of drawings to clarify their construction intent.

The lack of clarity in the application drawings, and the likely size and location assumptions by those issuing the permit appears to have contributed to the original permit being inappropriately approved. Therefore, the county should void Permit number 63702 previously issued Aug. 25, 2006.

Circumstances might arise where some Subdivisions will not have entrance signs. Lyons Creek Overlook may be just such a development. As a private citizen opposed to this structure’s location and size, and to paraphrase President Reagan in Germany during the 1980’s, “Mr. Bailey, Tear Down This Wall.”

Year 2008 -- Greater Citizen Involvement

2008-06-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

Greater Citizen Involvement

January 22, 2008

Taking your next drink of water just might determine the future of Calvert County. What is the maximum number of citizens that our Aquia and Piney Point/Nanjemoy Aquifers can provide Ground-Water and still remain viable? Current Calvert County Water & Sewer Plan, viewable at http://www.co.cal.md.us/government/departments/planning/default.asp identifies population growth figures of 91,000 by 2010; 96,000 by 2020; and 100,000 by 2030. The 100,000 figure is associated with a term called Build-Out. Experts estimate the aquifers can sustain themselves while serving 37,000 households (100,000 – 105,000 citizens).

Think of an aquifer as large underground sponges made of rock. To view the monitoring of the aquifer water levels, visit web site http://md.water.usgs.gov/groundwater/calvert. A cooperative program among the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, the Maryland Geological Survey, and the U.S. Geological Survey monitors Ground-Water levels. Approximately 42 wells (deeper, confined aquifers) most affected by local and regional ground-water withdrawal are monitored. The various monitoring graphs show declining water levels.
Does having a well monitoring program mean no concerns exist about drinking water and the aquifers? No. A need exists for citizens to step-up to a greater sense of involvement that may compete against watching television, playing video games, or other fun stuff. Simply consuming or enjoying what Calvert County offers is not enough. Calvert County remains unique in that citizens still control the county’s destiny, but only if/when involved. Greater citizen awareness and involvement is needed.

BACKGROUND

Since the 1970’s, “Maryland’s Best Kept Secret” (Calvert County) became a secret no more. Its Quality of Life attracted residents due to open spaces, low crime, good schools, recreation, and close proximity of major highways to Metropolitan area employment. However, the more people and businesses moved here, the more water was drawn from the aquifers. Quality of Life has a balanced blend of: population density, crime rate, business opportunities, school system, transportation, affordability, civic pride, income, morality, shopping, recreation, and family unity.

Since the early 1980’s, citizen involvement became vital in establishing the goals and direction for county leaders and institutions. Principles were identified within the various County and Town Center Master Plans. Master Plans are most important since they represent the citizens’ voices, and form the foundation for planning. Those plans guide the creation of laws (ordinances). In concert with scientists and geologists, these plans directly affect the amount of water that may be drawn from the aquifers.

CHALLENGE

The Build-Out of 37,000 households, predicated upon a sustainable aquifer water supply, impacts businesses and citizens. Local businesses are unrealistic if they project (their Business Plans) business growth that serves greater than 37,000 households. Individuals moving to Calvert County desiring the same type of large shopping center conveniences and business park communities accustomed to elsewhere also have unrealistic expectations. After reaching Build-Out, what happens to others who want to move here? What happens to property values and associated tax assessments?

OPPORTUNITY

A grand opportunity is underway to address the myriad issues and concerns regarding Calvert County’s Quality of Life. Various Town Center Master Plans are being updated. Solomons, Lusby, and St. Leonard communities are underway followed soon by Prince Frederick, Huntingtown, Owings, and Dunkirk. Completion of these master plans is intended by the end of 2009. If you are unfamiliar with the individual citizens in your community who are involved with these updates, perhaps you need a little more involvement; taking on some individual responsibility.

So, the next time you have a drink of water, think about its source; think about your future and the future of Calvert County. To become more involved, contact the county Planning and Zoning office Phone: (410) 535-1600, ext. 2356 or (301) 855-1243, ext. 2356 (PZ@co.cal.md.us).

Evan Slaughenhoupt
Vocalcalvert@aol.com
Dunkirk, Maryland