I Won't Take Developer Money
When I decided to run for County Council, I also decided that I wouldn't take any donations from the development community. That doesn't mean that I think they're all bad people - I don't. But I strongly believe that there is too much developer money in County politics. Someone has to take a stand, and I've nominated myself. I'm counting on all of you to make the difference! This is what you'll get from me. I don't owe anything to local business interests. I won't take developer money. If you elect me, I'll work for you and nobody else. Working for Stronger Ethics Laws In 2014, the BoCC was very busy pushing through development approvals. It was also a campaign year. Hundreds of thousands of dollars from the development community flowed into the campaign accounts of Blaine Young and others, including Councilman Tony Chmelik. We saw two major developers each give Blaine over $100,000 via a series of LLCs. We saw Planning Commission members receive campaign donations from developers with projects under their review. We saw the Monrovia Town Center developer (and his associates) give Blaine over $55,000 and then audaciously campaigned on his behalf. Seeing this all unfold really disgusted me. So I took a hard look at the State ethics laws for Frederick County and I thought we could do better! I developed recommendations for changes and presented them to the Ethics Task Force, to County Executive Gardner, to members of the County Council, and to members of the Delegation. I've pushed for stronger ethics laws each year when the County Executive, Council and the Frederick County Delegation deliberated over their proposed State legislative agenda. I was critical when State Senator Hough interceded with his own legislation last year, pushing aside a bill supported by the County Executive and the Council. I also applauded both Senator Hough and County Executive Gardner this year when they sat down and fashioned a compromise that appears likely to make it into law. We have stronger ethics laws now, than in 2014. I'd like to think I helped in this. The laws are stronger but more can be done. If you elect me, I'll work to make that happen! Constituent Service I believe in constituent service. I recognize that as a Council member, I won't control all the levers of government to get answers to your problems. However, I also know that when you take a reasonable and professional approach - you can get answers. You can get the right people around the table, and you can find solutions. I view constituent services as an important part of the job, and this will be my approach to addressing your problems. A Mature, Sensible Voice on the Council I also believe that government should work! This is a simple concept but all too often we see our local politicians - and I don't like saying it, but my fellow republicans, too - seemingly in constant campaign mode. Rather than going about the business of government, we see intransigence, making petty political points, and no willingness or ability to compromise in the interests of the general good. Compromise is not a dirty word. Do you remember times when we had statesmen in government? People that understood that they don't always have all the answers. Yet, it was their responsibility to govern for everyone. So they compromised. They reached across the aisle and bargained. When this happens, more often that not, the best solutions are found. Frankly, the alternative of stubborn intransigence and unwillingness to talk to members of the other party represents a failure to govern. I'm a reasonable person. I think I have pretty good judgement. I'm a problem solver by nature. I'll bring those traits to Winchester Hall and I'll focus my energies on governing. |
|