The No BS Zone

Happy Hanukkah from the No BS Zone!!!

2009-12-11T17:53:00.000-05:00

To all my Jewish friends and readers, I wish you a Happy Hanukkah. Shalom.

Say No to Arundel Mills Slots

2009-12-06T07:27:00.004-05:00

Supposedly, the Anne Arundel County Council will vote tomorrow whether or not to approve slots at the Arundel Mills location. Hopefully, a miracle will arise and the Councilmen will squash the idea. Recall, I am a slots supporter. And, unlike the partisans on both sides, I approved the idea when Republicans pushed them back in 2002-2006, and I continued to support them once the two parties shifted positions. No doubt, slots would be a welcomed revenue source, especially in this troubled economy.

Unfortunately, Arundel Mills is a horrible location. There's one road in and out of the area. For folks that can't see the problem with this, I encourage them to drive there on any Saturday afternoon. Even without slots parlors, there's often bumper to bumper traffic. If the state wants to push this location so bad, why won't they relax their ridiculous environmental restrictions to allow construction of new roads? Also, Arundel Mills continues to be plagued by serious crime. Tragically, judges and prosecutors have enabled this epidemic.

Moving forward, I still want to see slots in Anne Arundel County. Therefore, I'd like to see a proposal for a Laurel Park location. Unlike the Arundel Mills location, Laurel Park sits on a major highway (MD-198) and has easy access to other routes such as MD-1, MD-32, MD-295, and even I-95. Hence, that'll alleviate most of the traffic concerns. Also, the racetrack sits on the border of both Howard and Prince Georges Counties. In other words, let Anne Arundel reap the benefits of slots without having to shoulder the full cost of the surrounding infrastructure.

Right now, Cordish has a lot of entities lobbying the Council to approve slots at Arundel Mills. Hopefully, they'll resist this external pressure and wait around for a better idea.

The Dishonor System

2009-11-28T08:33:00.002-05:00

Do you this picture? This is the system employed by John Leopold and Frank Marzucco to collect revenue from patrons at Anne Arundel County parks. Yes, as first reported here, they've adopted the "honor system" in favor of gate attendants. Sure, this measure will only be in place until February. Still, it's a horrendous idea based on naive assumptions on human behavior.

On Sunday November 15, 2009, we enjoyed a 70 degree day. Not surprisingly, the parks were crowded. According to my source, the brass at the Department of Recreation and Parks got humbled when Downs Park took in less than $200 and Ft Smallwood barely fetched $60. Compare that to the $1000 each park expected to net based on the crowd volume.

Money aside, I am told that vehicular traffic on weekdays has vastly increased over this time last year. And, believe it or not, it's not being reflected in the bottom line. I guess I am supposed to believe that yearly pass holders have decided to increase their number of fall visits this year.

Face it, people look at the honor system and scoff. To me, what's even funnier is the irony of their behavior. Pasadena has become loaded with partisans that rail against government spending and entitlements. Yet, these same residents, who've blindly voted the Republican slate for the past two election cycles, are the same ones feeling justified to enter without paying. Sure, I think Democrats are illegally entering as well, but the voting record of this area suggest the deck is stacked on one side.

Going forward, it's time for Leopold and Marzucco to admit their miscalculations. It's clear their horrible idea has evolved into a losing proposition for county taxpayers.

Where's Dr. Strangelove?

2009-11-28T07:43:00.004-05:00

Since I've been working on this blog, I haven't had much to say about Delegate Don Dwyer. Trust me, it's not that I am indifferent to the man. Instead, I think he's one of the most ineffective members of the Maryland legislature. In turn, had Mike Busch ponied up some money back in 2006, it's highly likely Dwyer would have been defeated after his initial term.

It's like that close call with electoral death has humbled Dwyer. After embarrassing District 31 from 2003-2006, Mr. Dwyer has barely uttered a peep. Likewise, he rarely makes appearances at community events. For instance, at a recent cleanup of Ft Smallwood Park, Kipke and Schuh took the opportunity to get their hands dirty. Of course, Dwyer declined to attend. In fact, from what I hear, Dwyer only likes to come to the county parks to rail how the "No Swimming" policy infringes on Constitutional rights. Apparently, like his buddy Simonaire, Dwyer doesn't seem to be able to differentiate between local, state and federal issues.

Moving forward, Dwyer faces an uncertain future in 2010. I am hearing rumors of possible primary challengers. After all, even the GOP views Dwyer as the weakest link. Besides, with Dywer laying low, he may be forgotten by the voters. No doubt, Dwyer benefited by the absentee ballot push back in 2006. To win next year, Dwyer may need the unsuspecting church members to "single shoot" for him, as opposed to (unknowingly) voting for every Republican on the ballot like they did in 2006.

Happy Thanksgiving from the No BS Zone

2009-11-26T11:59:00.001-05:00

Video of a Larry Hogan's Speech

2009-11-26T11:54:00.001-05:00

I admit, I like what I see so far from Larry Hogan. He's definately more inspiring than the tired message being spewed by the washed up Ehrlich's. Let's see if this guy can be a viable candidate for Maryland Governor. I think he can.

My Simple Message to Obama

2009-11-19T17:28:00.001-05:00

Well said, don't you think?

The Left is Furious With Kratovil

2009-11-11T05:23:00.003-05:00

Below, I have attached a letter from Chuck Loveless, the director of legislation from AFSCME. It seems the union bosses have their panties in a bunch about Kratovil's decision to break ranks with the almighty Democratic party. Obviously, Mr. Loveless fails to comprehend that Congressman Kratovil doesn't represent the People's Republic of Montgomery County. In other words, siding with the far left with only ensure someone like Andy Harris gets elected in District 1. I wonder how much Mr. Loveless and his klan would like Harris. Anyway, here's his letter to the local union membership:

The fight for quality, affordable health care passed a historic milestone on Saturday night. For the first time in over 100 years, the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive health care reform bill — the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

But your representative, Frank Kratovil, was on the wrong side of history — by casting a no vote and siding with insurance company CEOs instead of working families and the middle class. Please send a message today, letting them know that you'll remember this callous vote when it's time to run for re-election.

Frank Kratovil voted against this landmark legislation to lower health care costs, expand aid for small businesses, and improve care for seniors.

The vote shows that Rep. Frank Kratovil is more interested in protecting insurance industry greed than protecting thousands of Maryland residents who are denied coverage for pre-existing conditions or who struggle to pay skyrocketing premiums thanks to a lack of meaningful competition in the industry.

When the Affordable Health Care for America Act passed by the narrow margin of 220 – 215 we made history — but the work isn't done. We face even more opposition in the Senate, and the insurance industry is more determined than ever to defeat real reform that we need, at any cost.

And then when the Senate passes its version of health insurance reform, the differences will need to be reconciled with the House version. We'll need you with us to keep marching towards history — where every American is guaranteed quality, affordable health care coverage.

Your representative will have one last chance to choose: side with the insurance companies or working families? That's why I need you to send him or her a letter today, reminding them that you'll remember which side of history they're on when it's time to run for re-election: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/HR_3962_VotedNo.

In solidarity,

Chuck Loveless
AFSCME Director of Legislation

Kratovil Op-Ed on Healh Care Bill

2009-11-10T04:56:00.002-05:00

Congressman wrote the following op-ed, titled Policy over Politics. The article appeared in the Easton Star-Democrat on November 9 2009.

The discussion of health care reform has been one of the most partisan and heated public debates our country has seen in years. As a freshman lawmaker, it has certainly been an eye-opening experience. What has struck me the most, however, wasn't the anger and unruliness that grabbed so many headlines during August, but rather the number of people I would encounter who believed that I should commit to voting one way or the other before even knowing what would be included or excluded from the legislation. This was perhaps the only aspect of the health care debate that was truly bipartisan; I heard from many Republicans who demanded that I oppose any health care reform package, regardless of its contents, while some Democrats have told me I had a duty to unquestioningly support the bill simply because it was a priority for my party’s leadership.

It’s unfortunate that this debate – on one of the most important challenges facing our nation today – has been reduced to such a black-or-white oversimplification. The need for reform is clear: without reform, premiums and out-of-pocket expenses continue to rise rapidly for both middle class families and employers. But the pathway for achieving reform is far more complex. The goals of reform must be two-fold: expanding coverage and reducing long-term costs by significantly slowing the rate of health care inflation. This health care reform debate offers us a historic opportunity, but passing a bill that does not truly achieve these goals would waste this historic moment.

Since the introduction of H.R. 3200 in July, I have voiced a number of concerns about the legislation. Chief among these were the bill’s failure to curb long-term costs, it’s potential to increase the deficit, and its inadequate protections for small employers, which I fear may have an adverse impact on job creation. Following the August recess, I also led a group of my fellow freshman in sending a letter to House Leadership urging them to include additional reform proposals in this bill, such as allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines and promoting policies to reduce medical errors, lawsuits, and medical malpractice rates.

While the revised H.R. 3962 made progress toward these goals, I am not convinced that the final bill is a fiscally sustainable approach to reforming health care. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that the bill does not reduce long-term health care costs, and that it drastically increases federal health care spending in the near-term and long-term. Furthermore, while the bill is projected to decrease the deficit over the first 10 years, the CBO said this reduction is largely due to the removal of a $210 billion provision to correct the formula by which doctors are paid under Medicare. That “Doc Fix” language was moved into a companion bill, which Congress will consider later this month. Taken together, these bills will increase the deficit substantially in the years ahead.

To be successful, health care reform must both expand coverage and reduce long-term costs. Unfortunately, this health care reform legislation will significantly increase long-term spending, is unlikely to reduce the deficit, and even costs several hundred billion dollars more than the $900 billion target for which President Obama has advocated. As the debate moves to the Senate, both parties would be well advised to dial back the propaganda, put down the talking points, and focus instead on the substance of legislation before them. I’m hopeful that a better bill is still possible, one that more effectively bends the cost curve while going further to protect small businesses, increase competition, and decrease the deficit. If and when a bill does come back from the Senate, it will be policy, not politics, that will determine my support.

Kratovil Says No to Universal Health Care

2009-11-07T07:08:00.004-05:00

For weeks, I watched bloggers and message board pundits predict that Frank Kratovil would fall in line with the Democrats and blindly support the costly universal health care bill. In fairness, I kept my mouth shut because I couldn't gage where the Congressman would come down on this issue. While I remained hopeful he'd reject the House version of the bill, I couldn't definitively get a read on his stance. Now, the suspense has ended. Kratovil will not support the House bill when it comes to vote this weekend.

Make no mistake, Kratovil needed to steer clear of his party on this issue. In Maryland's First Congressional District, voters expect an independent voice. For years, we enjoyed that with Wayne Gilchrest. In a divisive debate such as this, it wouldn't have been a smart political move to support such lousy legislation.

Kratovil described his decision as follows: "As health care reform legislation takes shape, I’m concerned with specific policy aspects of the bill, including cost, impact on the deficit, and the impact that the employer mandate and surtax would have on small businesses and job creation. While I recognize the need to reform our health care system, I will not be able to support a bill that does not adequately address these goals".

As the 2010 election nears, Kratovil has now taken several stances that put him at odds with the Democratic Party. Still, I expect a creep like Andy Harris to continue his dishonest attacks on Kratovil's record. And to those Democrats now squawking that the Congressman lost a vote due to his independence, I wonder how much you'd prefer a right-wing partisan like Harris.

Obama Agenda Dealt Serious Blow

2009-11-04T05:05:00.002-05:00

As I flipped between Fox and CNN last night, I found myself surprised that both networks conceded the obvious: Election night 2009 sent a loud and clear message to Presdent Obama and the Democratically controlled Congress. Make no mistake, the victories for Republicans yesterday were quality wins in somewhat unlikely states.

In fairness, Bob McDonnell's victory has been predicted for weeks. Still, coming into this year, 5 of the last 7 Virginia have been Democrats. Likewise, both their US Senators have a "D" next to their name. Additionally, back in 2008, President Obama won 52% of the Virginia vote to capture 13 electoral votes. Therefore, to have Bob McDonnell crush Creigh Deeds with almost 60% of the vote shows Virginians wanted a different direction.

New Jersey, on the other hand, has never been friendly confines for Republicans. Although not as bad as Maryland, New Jersey has become one of the more reliably blue states in the country. Even though Jon Corzine has ruined that state with his radically left agenda, he still had a chance to hold off Chris Christie. As I watched the returns come in last night, I realized sensibility would prevail in the Garden State.

No doubt, the White House will try to deflect blame from themselves. Still, it's a serious blow in their efforts to advance a left-winged agenda. Until last night, they had almost a year where they could muster enough votes to pass any legislation. Now, moderate Democrats in vulnerable districts (like Maryland District 1) will have to distance themselves from the President. Hopefully, this means items such as the public option are off the table.

Chiappelli Officially Announces Candidacy

2009-11-04T04:59:00.000-05:00

Lawyer, Father, Native Son to Run for Delegate District 31

“My two girls will grow up in this community,” says Jeremiah Chiappelli. The young lawyer who spent his own childhood in Pasadena officially announced his candidacy for Maryland State Delegate District 31 on November 1, 2009.

“It’s about clean water in our streams and from our taps. It’s about schools that will prepare our kids for tomorrow’s world. It’s about supporting middle class families who drive our economy and make this community strong,” Chiappelli explains.

A graduate of Chesapeake High School, Chiappelli majored in Political Science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and received his J.D. with a certification in environmental law from the University of Maryland in 2006. Having founded his own firm in Pasadena, with a focus on family law, Chiappelli knows first-hand the struggles local families face. He also knows their determination to thrive in this community.

“The folks of the fighting 31st work hard. They deserve a delegate who hears their voice, who will fight for what matters most,” says Chiappelli, who emphasizes the protection of individual rights, the security of small businesses, and the health and safety of environmental resources.

Both Chiappelli and his wife Jessica, an environmental educator, are avid volunteers. Together, they sit on the board of the Chesapeake Children’s Museum. “We actually fell in love while doing a Habitat for Humanity project together in college,” says Jessica, “Public service is at the core of our family. Jeremiah wants our girls to understand that it’s up to each individual to do what they can to make our community better.”

To learn more about Chiappelli and his campaign, visit www.votechiappelli.com.

Ehrlich Butts Head Into Another Local Primary

2009-11-01T07:29:00.002-05:00

After clearly not learning his lesson back in 2008, former Governor Bob Ehrlich has decided to interject his opinion in another primary election race. This time, Bobby wants the people of Anne Arundel County Council District 3 to elect Derek Fink as our next Councilman. Like with Andy Harris last election cycle, Ehrlich has decided to enter a district other than his own to lecture us about who to vote for. Specifically, the former Governor will be a special guest at a $50/ticket reception benefiting Fink.

Although I actually live here, I am not going to give my opinion of Fink. Truthfully, I do not know the guy which is surprising since I tend to know most of the political figures in this area. Also, since he just recently updated his website, I am just starting to see what he stands for. Still, despite this relative anonymity, Fink has become the one trumpeted by the state Republican party.

This news has to dishearten Tom Redmond who went so far as to switch parties for a chance to run for County Council again. As a recently elected Central Committee member, he became a puppet for the GOP in the 2006 general election. Likewise, they used his prime property for sign locations. Now, they've decided abandon him before the primary voters could even have their say. Granted, I questioned his elect-ability from day 1.

Going forward, I think it's a foregone conclusion that Fink will win the 2010 primary. I only wonder if the curse of Bob Ehrlich will haunt him as much as it did Andy Harris.

County Parks to Lay-Off Gate Attendants

2009-11-01T07:03:00.003-05:00

The No BS Zone has learned that, effective November 11th, the Department of Recreation and Parks will temporarily lay-off gate attendants at Downs, Ft. Smallwood and Kinder Parks. It's anticipated these workers can return to their jobs come February. While this silly move will likely result in Republicans praising their County Executive, it's nothing more than a smoke and mirror reaction that'll have minimal impact on the current fiscal nightmare.

Look, I know about the anticipated cut in state aid. Thus, I realize the inevitable need to cut county expenses. Still, does anyone think this move will even put a dent into the deficit? After all, it could be argued these workers collect enough revenue in an hour to justify their salaries. During their lay-off, the county will adopt the "honor system" for those entering parks. Yeah, I am sure that'll work well.

How about the poor saps that paid for a yearly pass? It's bad enough the cost has increased 60% under the current administration. Now, these people will get less for their money considering anyone can drive in and out of the parks at will over the next 4 months.

No doubt, there are ways to trim the county budget. The Leopold administration owes it to the taxpayers to personally oversee all major expenditures under his watch. In other words, he should hold his department heads more accountable. That would go a lot further than the dog and pony show about to take place at the parks.

Pasadena Voice for Republicans

2009-10-10T08:16:00.006-04:00

Every month, Pasadena residents receive a little newspaper in the mail. While it looks innocent enough, I think there's little doubt that the paper had made a commitment to re-electing District 31's three Delegates and our absent Senator. And while I'll definately join the editors at this rag in supporting at least one of these guys in 2010, I am no longer going to allow their bias to go unchecked.

By far, Bryan Simonaire receives the most favorable coverage. Besides having his own column, the articles on him would make an uneducated voter think we have some effective leader in Annapolis. Admittedly, I already recycled my last issue, so I am relying on memory. Still, I recall the article about Simonaire's latest fundraiser.

I laughed when I read about the 300 attendees erupting into a "thunderous" applause after the Senator made some remark. I have to wonder what dopes think this guy is worthy of praise? He's accomplished nothing in his three years in Annapolis. Oh, and speaking of the crowd, am I supposed to be impressed with 300 people?

Simonaire put a sign up on Rte. 100 advertising his event. By contrast, I never saw any publicity about Senator Ed Degrange's affair at Michael's 8th Avenue. Still, Degrange managed to draw approximately 800 people into that Glen Burnie hall.

Time permitting, I plan on being the counter-voice to Pasadena's monthly periodical. This ought to be fun.

Andy Harris Makes Case Against Himself

2009-10-10T07:52:00.002-04:00

Despite the rumors and innuendos I did not fall off the face of this earth. Admittedly though, I wondered if I'd ever get back to updating this blog. Although it's an enjoyable venture, it doesn't put any food on the table. Still, there are many times I hear about political affairs and my natural instinct tells me to get behind this computer screen. For the past few months, I have resisted the urge. Then, after reading an article in the Sun yesterday, I decided I couldn't keep quiet any longer.

Predictably, it was a quote from the classless Andy Harris that brought me back. When asked for a comment about Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith's move to the 7th legislative district, Harris responded, "Harford County residents will not vote for a candidate whose purpose in life for the last eight years has been to serve Baltimore County."

I am not going to give my opinion on Jim Smith or my thoughts on his chances. Instead, I want to focus on the irony of Harris' comment. Here's a Baltimore area politician that thought he could dupe Eastern Shore voters in thinking he understood their concerns. In reality, the 2008 campaign exposed how far apart Harris stood from the electorate he sought to serve. Granted, that hasn't deterred Harris from threating to try again in 2010.

Amazingly, Harris continues to blame his defeat on the Barack Obama effect. Never mind, the top of the Republican ticket won every Eastern Shore county. Harris managed to squeak by in exactly 0 of those 9 counties. If you ask me, it sounds like Eastern Shore residents (did and) will not vote for a candidate whose purpose in life for the last eight years has been to serve Harford and Baltimore Counties.

Introducing the Government-Backed Auto Repair

2009-08-20T09:47:00.002-04:00

My 10 Suggestions to Governor O'Malley

2009-08-07T07:57:00.005-04:00

To his credit, Governor Martin O'Malley has asked for the publics suggestions to help find ways to cut government spending. Ultimately, I believe Martin O'Malley will give more credence to those ideas that deal with raising revenue to fund government at it's current level. Still, I passed along the following ideas:

1) Combine Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Maryland Transit Authority Police and Maryland Natural Resources Police into a single agency. By doing so, it reduces the cost of keeping each agency singularly operational. Heck, by having a single Chief (as opposed to 4) would save almost a half million dollars.

2) Stop requiring Maryland State Police recruits to live at the Sykesville campus during the academy. No other police agency in Maryland burdens themselves with the cost of room and board for a six month period.

3) Instead of paying rent elsewhere, use the state owned hospital sites in Crownsville and Sykesville as office buildings.

4) Eliminate mileage and hotel reimbursements for legislators living less than 30 miles from Annapolis.

5) Stop granting complimentary EZ Passes to Senators/Delegates.

6) Carry out the sentences of death row inmates.

7) Issue concealed carry permits to law abiding Maryland citizens. The influx of application/renewal fees would generate consistent and dependable revenue.

8) Build more prisons in economically depressed Western Maryland. Because of the need for jobs, turnover is reduced, ultimately cutting the cost for the state.

9) Eliminate take home cars for all state employees.

10) Trade the Governor's SUV in for a smart car. DC Mayor Fenty has decided to lead by example. Will O'Malley follow?

Richard Davis files in First Congressional District

2009-08-07T07:42:00.002-04:00

He's back. Libertarian Richard James Davis has once again filed his papers to run against Frank Kratovil and presumably Andy Harris. For those that think his candidacy means little, recall that Davis tallied am impressive 8,873 votes in 2008. In other words, he earned 2.5% of the vote in a race where the Democrat and Republican were separated by less than a percentage point.

Projecting ahead to 2010, I actually expect Davis to build his small base. First, the Eastern Shore has a lot of independent minded voters who purposely vote against the two major parties. Also, depending on his votes over the next couple of months, I expect Kratovil may turn-off some moderates to conservatives that once supported him. That being said, the same people that disliked Harris in 2008 are unlikely to now turn to him as a viable alternative.

Regardless, Richard Davis will probably play the role of spoiler in some capacity.

Obama ticketed 17 times by Cambridge PD

2009-07-26T07:38:00.005-04:00

Last week, Barack Obama foolishly weighed in on the justifiable arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. He said that the Cambridge Police Department, specifically Sgt. James Crowley, "acted stupidly" in arresting the professor. In turn, the President went a step further by saying "separate and apart from this incident – is that there is a long history in this country of African-Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately, and that's just a fact." Within 24 hours, Obama had to backtrack but he stopped short of a needed apology. Perhaps, the Commander in Chief had a bigger ax to grind.

According to the Somerville Times in 2007, then-Harvard Law School student Barack Obama got 17 parking tickets from the Cambridge Police Department from 1989-1991. Conveniently, these citations remained unpaid until weeks before Obama announced his bid for presidency.

Armed with this factoid, it seems to me that Obama should be praising the Cambridge Police Department rather than lecturing them. In reality, the department should have impounded or booted his car after the due date for the first ticket elapsed. Instead, they allowed Obama to make a mockery of their parking regulations.

Going forward, I am sure Obama wishes he hadn't interjected his feelings in this case. Or maybe he's been waiting almost 20 years to take that pot shot back at those that tried to make him follow the rules.

Another Outsider Weighs In On District 1

2009-07-19T16:42:00.003-04:00

This weekend, Brian Baker of Glen Burnie wrote a letter to the Maryland Gazette whining about Congressman Kratovil's "yes" vote on Cap and Trade. Now, before I venture any further, let me go on the record as saying I would not have voted in the affirmative on this issue. In turn, I am a bit disappointed and a little shocked that Frank Kratovil threw his support behind such lousy legislation. That being said, let's get back to Mr. Baker's rant.

First and foremost, I cannot think of a single District 1 precinct located in Glen Burnie. In fact, the only place Congressional District 1 overlaps with Legislative District 32 is in a small faction of Severn. Thus, why does Brian Baker really care how my Congressman casts his votes?

Secondly, Mr. Baker tries to get slick by reminding readers to remember Wayne Gilchrest. I assume he means the same Wayne Gilchrest that got 2/3 of the vote the last time he appeared on a general election ballot. Recall, it's not District 1 as a whole that rejected Wayne Gilchrest. Instead, a bloc of extremists and an influx outside money caused a split in the Republican vote. As a result, the GOP ended up with the worst Congressional candidate ever seen in these parts.

No doubt, Brian Baker probably devoted a lot of thought and energy to ensuring Wayne Gilchrest no longer represented this area. Even more likely is the fact Mr. Baker would've supported someone like Andy Harris for Congress. To that, I ask that he and all other outsiders coax Harris into moving to someplace like Glen Burnie. Perhaps together they can all share delusions that he'll beat Dutch Ruppersberger or John Sarbanes.

As for us, the majority of voters have long endorsed the politics of Wayne Gilchrest. And, I am sure these same people admire the independence that Kratovil often shows on many issues, Cap and Trade not withstanding.

Beware of the Chosen Ones

2009-07-11T08:05:00.003-04:00

It happens every election cycle. Good candidates shy away from races because party elites tell them it's not their "turn". In reality, what do the opinion of party bosses really matter? While they may have decided who should represent the electorate as a whole, that doesn't mean the 99.8% of other voters have to rubber stamp their endorsement.

Take Derek Fink for example. He's the flavor of the day in the Republican party. Never mind he's not really known outside close political circles. Still, he's the reason some have been told to stay away from the Council race in the third district. While Mr. Fink may be a nice guy, that doesn't automatically elevate him to most electable. In fact, I am sure most voters have absolutely no idea who I am even talking about.

Think about it. If the opinion of party brokers truly mattered, Mike Jacobs would have ran away with the District 31 Senate primary back in 2006. Every notable Republican stood behind him. Likewise, his old man relentlessly hounded people for sign locations. In the end, Jacobs finished 3rd in the primary.

Sure, I am ready to know the match ups for 2010. That being said, the primary election won't take place for another 14 months. In the end, the voters will once again have the final say.

Tall Oaks Restaurant to Re-Open

2009-07-09T17:10:00.002-04:00

Over the winter, Pasadena temporarily lost a landmark with the closing of Tall Oaks Restaurant. For me, there was nothing like ordering a cup of crab soup and a fish sandwich from the same friendly faces that worked there for decades. Better yet, the ambiance in the restaurant could never be matched. From the wood paneling to old iron heaters, something about Tall Oaks reminded me of a more innocent era.

This past week, I decided to drive past the old building on Colony Rd. On the door, a sign announced they would be re-opening "soon" after a face lift. For me, that's equivalent to Christmas in July. Really though, I hope there's not too much of a remodeling job taking place. Otherwise, it just won't be Tall Oaks.

For those dying to know who I am, I'll give you a hint. You're likely to see me enjoying a meal at my favorite restaurant again sometime "soon". I cannot wait.

Do Democrats Have Their Man in Council District 3?

2009-07-09T16:55:00.003-04:00

In 2006, the Democratic party conceded three council seats to the Republicans. In other words, they didn't even bother to produce a candidate in almost 50% of the council races. This inexcusable debacle led to a Republican, albeit left leaning, County Council. Looking ahead to 2010, it appears District 3 will have an impressive man vying to be our next Councilperson.

According to multiple independent sources, Charles Parks has been informing supporters that he will likely seek this seat. Mr. Parks is a lifelong Pasadena resident with ties to the all-important Mountain Rd Peninsula. He's a retired Deputy Fire Chief for Anne Arundel County. Currently, he serves as Head Girls Varsity Soccer Coach at Northeast High School. Prior to that, he spent time coaching JV soccer at Chesapeake High.

No doubt, Mr. Parks brings the leadership and community ties soaring lacking in many local candidates. If he ultimately decides to officially announce his candidacy, I expect he'll pick up pockets of support that many Dems couldn't normally muster in this area.

Jeremiah Chiappelli First To File in District 31

2009-07-07T17:06:00.003-04:00

Gentlemen, start your engines. The 2010 election cycle has officially kicked off. Perspective candidates may now begin filing with the Maryland Board of Elections. To date, one person has taken the plunge in the conservative leaning District 31. Pasadena attorney Jeremiah Chiappelli has filed to run for the House of Delegates.

To date, I cannot find a political website for Mr. Chiappelli. His law firm page touts his position as Secretary with the Anne Arundel County Bar Association Family Law Section. Likewise, he notes his membership in the Pasadena Business Association.

Ultimately, we'll need to hear how he plans to appeal to stubborn voters along the Mountain Road corridor. As I've mentioned before, District 31 isn't friendly territory for Democrats. Still, anyone sensible enough to start early will increase their odds in the long run. I look forward to hearing and reporting more.