Pastor Antonio (Tony) McDonald of Fountain of Life Fellowship Church in Edgewood is the first candidate seeking a newly-electable Harford County Board of Education seat.
A licensed and ordained pastor since 1999, McDonald came from a troubled past (detailed on his church’s website) to end up forming his own church that met in the basement of his own home.
“The word spread throughout Edgewood. The church moved from Pastor’s home to the Woodbridge Community Center. God sent the increase and in March 2002 the church relocated to Magnolia Middle School. Once again God sent the increase and in January 2006 the church relocated to 1918 Pulaski Hwy., where we currently reside today. God is still sending the increase, our future church home will be built on our land located on Trimble Road.”
Harford County Councilman Dion Guthrie, who is taking some of the credit for drafting McDonald to become a candidate, joined the pastor Thursday morning at the Elections Office in Forest Hill as both officially declared their candidacies.
“I was a big advocate of an elected school board and I was very proud when we approached Pastor Tony and he stepped up. He best represents the area. The current school board member [Mark Wolkow] is inaccessible. You never see him. The point of an elected school board is it makes the board member more responsible to the citizens,” Guthrie said.
An active member of the Edgewood community, McDonald currently serves on the Board of Directors for Home Partnership Inc. and is a member of the Harford County Community Mediation Commission. He has three children – two graduates of Harford County Public Schools and one attending Edgewood Middle School.
GUTHRIE FORGOES SENATE RUN, SEEKS RE-ELECTION TO COUNCIL
Despite strong speculation he would run seek the District 34 State Senate seat, Guthrie turned in the appropriate paperwork Thursday morning to file for re-election to his Harford County Council District A seat representing Edgewood and Joppa.
“There’s too many things on my plate not to run back for my district seat,” Guthrie said Thursday morning.
Guthrie rattled off a list of pressing issues in his district, including dredging in Joppatowne, seeing the construction of the new Edgewood High and Deerfield Elementary schools through to completion, and concerns about the construction of an incinerator plant, but admitted he looked closely at a senate run.
Guthrie said a poll of his constituents indicated they wanted him to return to the council by a vote of 70/30. But Guthrie also said polls showed that he could have beaten former senator Art Helton in the Democratic Primary Election for the District 34 state senate seat and “I would beat the incumbent [Nancy Jacobs].”
Guthrie, 71, said, “At my age, I don’t have this urge to be a senator or a delegate” and that, as a lobbyist in Annapolis, “I know how tough it is to get anything done.”
HELTON SEEKS DISTRICT 34 STATE SENATE SEAT
On the day before his would-be Primary Election opponent (Guthrie) decided to officially bow out of the race and roughly eight months since he temporarily set aside his own campaign due to health issues, Art Helton announced Wednesday he is running for the 34th District Senate seat which represents the southern area of Harford County and western and northern areas of Cecil County.
Helton told a group of enthusiastic supporters at a rallies in downtown Aberdeen and in Charlestown, Cecil County, he is “a believer in effective and efficient government, and that is not what we are getting now.”
“I believe in elected officials working together, free from partisanship and bickering,” he told supporters. “The very premise and promise of my campaign is based on positive results, hard work and common sense. I don’t care about party label…there’s no Democratic and Republican way to fund new school construction…just the right way for all of our children…to give them the opportunity to succeed.“
Helton said he has been successful in business as an operator of several auto service centers and as a redeveloper of commercial properties, because he knew it was important to budget carefully and invest in the future.
I believe in a government that invests in our future, much like I had to do in my businesses,” he said. “I believe in investing in our education system—from k to 12, and on through community colleges and four year higher education. I believe in investing in jobs created through economic development and trained in our education system.”
“I believe in investing in our transportation system—our roads, bridges, rail and airport and seaports. I believe in investing in public safety—our state police, county and municipal departments. This includes our fire and rescue services, medivac system and homeland security. And I believe in investing in programs to insure a quality of life for our senior citizens and our veterans.”
Helton criticized the current District 34 Senator, Republican Nancy Jacobs, for failing to support these investments.
“Why do I say these investments need to be met?” he asked. “Because our current Senator has voted against all of the funding for these investments for the last three years.”
“We need a Senator who knows the difference between investments needing funding and just saying ‘no.’ We need a Senator whose life’s career has been spent making choices and budget decisions so that these services are delivered efficiently and effectively.”
Helton also noted he has heard from many residents of both Cecil and Harford county their concern that Jacobs has been noticeably absent from the district for much of her term.
“It’s said that 80 per cent of success in life is just showing up,” he said. “I’ll do better than that…I’ll show up and I’ll be effective. I’ll be there for you.”
Helton is a graduate of Bel Air High School where he excelled in three sports, and the University of Baltimore, where he received a degree in industrial management. He went into management at Western Auto before opening his own franchise operations. His Aberdeen store became the number one operation in the system.
After retiring from the retail business, Art and his wife of 28 years, Ann, began rehabilitating underused and abandoned commercial properties. His success in these endeavors resulted in millions of dollars added to the city and county tax base and hundreds of new jobs for the area.
Helton was a member of Harford county’s first county council after the creation of charter government in the 1970’s. He went on to serve in State Senate for two terms where he served on the Budget and Taxation committee and helped develop the state’s debt affordability and spending affordability guidelines.
Although Helton will not have to face Guthrie in the Primary Election, he does face opposition from Edgewood Democrat Rovall Washington.
OTHER NEW CANDIDATE FILINGS
– David “SKI” Mioduszewski, a Democrat from Baltimore, has filed to run for the District 7 House of Delegates seat representing Eastern Baltimore/Western Harford counties.
– James Ward Morrow, a Democrat from Essex, has filed to run for the District 7 House of Delegates seat representing Eastern Baltimore/Western Harford counties.
– Dave Seman, a Republican from Jarrettsville, has filed to run for the District 35A House of Delegates seat representing northern Harford County.
– Russ Kovach, a Democrat from Darlington, has filed to run for a Male position on the Harford County Democratic Central Committee.
– Paula Mullis, a Republican from Joppatowne, has filed to run for the Harford County Republican Central Committee.
DAVID CRAIG PROVIDES “NOTES FROM THE TRAIL”
While not yet a filed candidate for re-election, Harford County Executive David Craig has sent the following letter out to supporters:
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your friendship and support over the past several years – it means a great deal to Melinda and I. With your support, I have been able to accomplish important goals to maintain a bright future for our children and grandchildren. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter “Notes from the Trail”. I look forward to connecting with you, often.
In a few weeks, I will officially announce my candidacy for Harford County Executive. However, you are receiving this newsletter prior to my announcement because you are amongst a group of individuals who I consider to be the backbone of my re-election campaign. We are at a critical moment in Harford County’s history and steady leadership is what is needed to get us through these very extraordinary times.
Today, I am reaching out to you, asking you to TAKE ACTION and get involved in my re-election campaign. I cannot do this alone – I am building a grass root’s campaign in every corner of Harford County – volunteers are a crucial aspect of the success of my campaign. I will need your help walking neighborhoods, making phone calls, working at campaign headquarters and attending my events. I will continue to use this newsletter as a way to connect to you, my supporters, and to share exciting news and upcoming events.
How You Can Help
Click here to join my team so that we can continue the efforts of “Preserving Harford’s Past and Promoting Harford’s Future”, together!
I will rely on volunteers to SPREAD THE WORD – make phone calls, volunteer time at campaign headquarters, help at my events, and walk door-to-door.
Visit my website, www.davidcraig.com and add me as a friend on FACEBOOK!Campaign Headquarters
I am happy to announce that I will be sharing my campaign headquarters with Governor Ehrlich’s campaign team. We both look forward to this exciting opportunity.
An invitation to the official 2010 Campaign Headquarters Open House will come soon! For those of you who need bumper stickers or volunteer information, stop by! Campaign Headquarters is located at:
118 S. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-1739Community Breakfast Events
The Community Breakfast Events have generated crowds, as well as, tremendous energy. So far, we have concluded stops in Havre de Grace, Aberdeen, Edgewood and Bel Air. Be sure to check out our videos from these events here.
Thank you to our special guests ad volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to support my re-election campaign. Your efforts are truly appreciated!
Key Endorsements
I am proud and honored to announce that I have received the following endorsements for my re-election campaign:
Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey – Former member of the Maryland General Assembly and Republican nominee for Governor (1994, 1998).
Larry Hogan – Former Maryland Cabinet Secretary
Helen Delich Bentley – Five-term Maryland Congresswoman
Louis M. Pope – Maryland Committeeman – Republican National Committee
Joyce Terhes – Maryland Committeewoman – Republican National Committee
Sen. Nancy Jacobs – Harford County, District 34 & Senate Minority Whip
Del. Anthony O’Donnell – House Minority Leader
Jansen Robinson – Chair, Edgewood Community Council
Upcoming Events
I have been fortunate enough to spend over three decades serving the wonderful citizens of Harford County. I have followed republican principles, including fiscal responsibility and common sense governing to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Harford County. With your help, I can defeat my opponents in September and continue my vision.
I will have more exciting news and events coming soon, so keep checking back at www.davidcraig.com and add me as a friend on FACEBOOK. Thank you for your friendship and support!
David
OTHER CAMPAIGN EVENTS
– Michael S. Birch for Register of Wills Fundraiser Event on Tuesday, May 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air.
– The Friends of Patrick McGrady will host a Wine Tasting Fundraiser to support the Patrick McGrady for State Delegate Campaign on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mount Felix Vineyard and Winery (2000 Level Road Havre De Grace, MD 21078). Tickets are available for $50 per person, or $90 per couple, and event sponsorships are available as well. RSVP with your check payable to: Friends of Patrick Mcgrady, PO Box 794, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001. For more information please call 410-357-1234 or email Patrick@McGradyforDelegate.com
– Harford County Councilmen Capt’n Jim McMahan and Joe Woods will hold a joint fundraiser at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air. “Pay Tribute to Our Veterans. Come enjoyed Fun, Food, and Music by Julienne Irwin.” May 26, 2010 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Contribution $30 per person. Event Sponsor- $500 (includes 2 tickets and recognition @ event).
– Marilyn Booker for House of Delegates 7th District Fundraiser Bullroast on Sunday, June 6 from 3-7 p.m. at the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department.
– A Day in the park to support John Paff for State Delegate 34A on Sunday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Flying Point Park in Edgewood.
Just what we need Dion… a strongly biased perspective making decisions about science curricula in Harford County. Good thinking. Perhaps you have not read about Dover, PA???
Who do you think is making the decisions for the Board now? I guess that is Martin O’Malley or whomever is Governor. It is a travesty that the people from this district were the ones who fought an elected school board because they said they couldn’t get an African American elected. Mark Wolkow also went around and made those same insulting comments. I hope this district gets the representation it truly deserves after all of the years of a Board member who was just interested in promoting his own personal platform.
Oh by the way JAO, it was Ehrlich who appoint those board members.
The only Board member that was appointed by Ehrlich who is still on the BOE is John Smilko. The rest of them were picked by O’Malley with the help of other elected officials and/or people in this county. This has nothing to do with partisian politics. I don’t want any governor of any party picking the seats. They are too far removed from the process and have no accountability to the people they serve.
I agree with ProudDem. If we are forced to have an elected board, give me a scientist.
The Board has nothing to do with the curriculum. There isn’t even a Board member on the Curriculum Committee. There should be and there used to be, but not now. There are spots for appointments still, so maybe you could lobby the Governor for a scientist. There is a pharmacist on there now but he doesn’t say anything publicly. 2 years ago, someone with a doctorate who wrote a textbook on vocational education was passed on for someone with no experience. Go figure…
How true. Has anyone ever watched the movie “Inherit the Wind”!?
If not….get a copy and do so. If you already have (but it’s been a while), watch it again. It’s a seminal classic.
What does everybody think should be the primary purpose of the School Board? What would everyone like to see in an elected member from your district? Is anyone willing to cross party lines to vote for the best person, not necessarily someone with a big resume, to sit on the board? Now is our chance to put people on the board that will represent our childrens best interest. Not someone who just likes having a title. Responses from all are welcomed and encouraged.
First off BOE positions are not voted by party. I would like to see a candidate who will do what is in the best interest of children…..not what parents of children would like. I would like to see someone who knows what is up and what is down but right now we actually need candidates seems only one person has become a candidate.
Correct. The primary will be open, no party affiliation restrictions for voters. Who do you think is in the best position to determine what is best for school children – business leaders, teachers, students, scientists, parents? Is an education background a necessity to sit on the board and make education policy? Should those who have to implement board policy, like teachers, be major players in crafting these policies? I am interested in knowing what you and everyone else is looking for in a board candidate. How would you decide if they knew what is up and what is down? What qualifications, level of education, experience would the ideal candidate have?
There is no primary only an election. I think you need a healthy mix of all of those positions you named. I do not think an education background is needed in the sense you should have been a teacher, although it has its pluses; but you should be familiar with how schools operate. I saw on the BOE website public comment from monday. I saw a very ignorant person who suggested that the BOE cut their budget and offered 7 ways to do so. On the surface his request is understandable. What he did not know is 5 of his 7 suggestions are not legal/practical. He suggested no more non-public placements. What he doesn’t know is that they are mandated by IDEA. I want someone who will ultimately ask themselves this question when voting on something. Is this good for children and all the children in the county, is it fair given the situation. Sadly I don’t like elected boards because to many people use it as a steping stone up the food chain and worry about appeasing future voting blocs instead of doing what is best for children. Notice what is best is not always what is wanted. I would make my decisions by asking questions that only a candidate who has done his homework about how an educational system works and the rules that govern education in this state and country could answer. If they can not tell me what IDEA, NCLB, FARMS, Title IX, Title I, FERPA, MOE, etc. are and how they are applied then they need to do their homework and are most likely interested in the stepping stone. If they can give me a working knowledge of these and others then I would ask other questions like hypotheticals about what they might do if….to decide who I liked better. I have heard of a current BCPS teacher who is declared his candicy to run as well. This would give us two candidates. Given all the fuss about an elected board one would think we would have tons of candidates. This fact confirms my suspion the movement was mainly a small vocal group who was unhappy and not really the big desire of the majority. We know current HCPS employees can not run for these seats.
Cdev there was no reply link at the end of your last post so I reply to my own as a last resort. You obviously have a reasonable and were thought out approach to selecting the candidate of your choice – which everyone was as well versed on the issues at hand. While I agree that it is usually the small but vocal group that is frequently the driving force behind legislative change there usually is also sufficient public support to get politicians to move on these topics. Personally I prefer the elected positions because it is truer to the intent of citizen legislators and I believe that school board positions are too important in the number of people effected and money controlled to be left to potential abuse for those wishing to bestow political favors. Where do you get your information on the second candidate? My understanding is that there will be a primary election with the two top vote getters running off against each other in the general election.
An e-mail my wife recieved from a former co-worker who is volunteering in a baltimore county school where this guy works. Not sure if he did the paper work but he is said he is running.
Cved –
I have been reading many past dagger articles and have noted your responses to several. Your comments are always rational, well thought out and balanced. I can see your interest in Harford Co. education – wife in the system, your special education background, and concern for students. While you had misgivings about an elected school board it is nevertheless upon us and we will be electing people who will be making important decisions that will affect the lives of many. Are you willing to take an active role in deciding who those people will be? To what extent are you willing to get involved in that process?
I understand that though I am against the idea of an elected board it is alas here. I will take my voting responsibility seriously, as I do any election and educate those who seek my advice as to my opinion and why? I would help people form their own opinion that best suits them. I would not run for an office mainly because as long as my wife is in the system I feel it is a conflict for me to be voting on pay raises which would essentially go back into my household. I also think it could make her work enviornment difficult. I think education is a very important function of the county government and I believe it should not be run by career politicians.
Cdev –
Would you be willing to ACTIVELY support the campaign of a candidate that met most of your expectations and had the same general philosophy about education? Would you be willing to do more than just vote for a particular candidate? Will you get INVOLVED for the right person?
Bob, the primary purpose of the BOE should be to oversee the superintendant. And along with that would be to listen to all ideas brought forward by the administration. When an issue is being decided, each BOE member should listen to both sides and do personal research as well. I would like someone open to meet with the citizens and truly listen to what we all have to say. If he/she disagrees, fine, explain to us why. Please don’t just agree to our face and then do something else. I would cross party lines, that makes no difference to me on a school board. I would prefer someone who doesn’t “know” about the position and what is expected right from the beginning. But this person would have to be strong enough to defend their beliefs and not cave into those who are more experienced. We don’t need another BOE member who is going to speak education speak that many don’t fully understand, and we don’t need another BOE member who is trained to do what they learn as the newest ways. I want someone who will teach my children using only proven methods and not feel they have to do something new to make a name for themselves!
I couldn’t agree with you more! Sandy, would you be willing to help the right candidate? I am going to file at the Board of Elections on Friday. If you want to hear more I am having a very informal meeting tomorrow night (Wed.) 7:30 at Giovanni’s on Rt 40 in Edgewood. Please come and bring a friend. Just let me know so I have an idea of how many to expect.
Thanks,
Bob
Bob – are you running for BOE?
John –
Yes I am. Tonights invitation is extended to you as well.
Bob
“Not cave to those with more experience”… how profound of a statement! Typical Repug speak!!! So logical, if somebody knows more than you, ignore them! What you are really saying is ‘don’t listen to the overwhelming body of evidence demonstrating the realities of Evolution and Global Climate Change… get in there and promote your own agenda! Holy crap… our county is in serious trouble.
Is Art Helton really criticizing Nancy Jacobs for voting against budgets that put Maryland billions of dollars into the red and that will likely lead to future tax hikes? I say amen to Jacobs voting against big spending budgets and against tax hikes. I can’t believe Art Helton is even contemplating a gas tax hike too. What a travesty.
Oh well, Helton is running a campaign with the support of Mike Miller and Martin O’Malley. It is clear he wants nothing more than to be another ‘yes’ vote for the big budgets, tax hikes and everything else O’Malley and Miller have demanded over the last few years.
I only wish Jacobs would put in more bills to stop these illegals.
Exactly why are you a Democrat?
I think it is telling that ProudDemocrat challenges the Democratic-ness of the Conservative Democrat because he opposed regressive tax hikes. Mike Miller and O’Malley are socialists- not Democrats.
My democratic party is one in which people are helped to succeed. Not one where wealth is taken from one group and gifted to another.
And illegal immigration is still illegal, even if you are a big D.
REGRESSIVE??? The Repugs and other conservatives (especially positions offered by TEA Partiers) have been the very definition of regressive. Ehrlich’s tax increases were amazingly regressive (any increase in across-the-board fees and tuition hikes are inherently regressive). The sales tax increase was the only increase under the O’Malley administration that can be considered regressive at all, and that was FAR less regressive than the fees instilled by Ehrlich. An increase in fuel taxes is only regressive if you are poor and drive a gas-guzzling SUV (in which case, you are likely not poor or are driving a vehicle that is causing more damage to our environment than it is worth and should be replaced).
One thing is for certain… if you are concerned about regressive taxes, the last thing you want is a Repug in office. In fact, what you want is a progressive Democrat that will support the effort to increase income taxes on top wage earners (as did President Obama). Study after study shows such tax policies when combined with effective programs reduce poverty, reduce the income gap, reduce crime, increase productivity, and put the government in a MUCH better position to fight unforeseen dangers such as a recession, war, environmental disaster, or natural disaster.
Can you please give me some resources where I can look up these studies in regards to progressive taxation? I am interested in this because it opposes my common sense thoughts on the issue.
We could have a progressive system where you pay a higher percentage of your income as you earn more,
we could have a regressive tax in which as income increases, the tax a percentage of income falls,
Or we could have a fair tax system, where each dollar is taxed at a flat rate or based on consumption. This affects the wealthy at the same rate as the poor, and seems to make more sense to me.
An easy way to achieve this is to eliminate the income tax and property tax and replace them with a national VAT. Equivalent to the national sales tax, the VAT would be a great way to permit folks to pay their fair share while not taking advantage of others.
The big argument against the VAT is the “black market” argument, but I feel that it is not valid given the transparency of that system. However, if it were implemented alongside the current income tax and property tax systems, the marginal tax rate would very quickly exceed 60% – a point where more harm is done than good.
What I don’t understand about progressive/socialist democrats like yourself is that this idealistic socialist society is anathema to the idea of America. By redistributing income the drive to succeed is suffocated. It makes me fear for the future. Are you a candidate for the Harford DCC?
“Repugs”? Really? When are you going to finally grow up and quit the stupid name calling?
I must agree… when the third word of your posting is an insult I can only assume you are a very angry individual. Some of what you espouse I can agree with yet the whole tone is a put off. Insults are not the tools to sway the opinions of another.
I tried to respond to your post (MoTP), but my reply is ‘awaiting moderation’ for some reason. I will try again:
ProudDemocrat says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
June 6, 2010 at 7:56 pm
For definitions look here:
http://www.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/whys/thm03/les05/media/ws_ans_thm03_les05.pdf
http://www.laits.utexas.edu/txp_media/html/pec/features/0400_01/slide1.html
I like this not so much for what it says, but for some of the links and references:
http://ase.tufts.edu/gdae/Pubs/wp/03-10-Tax_Incidence.pdf
This organization is founded by a professor that has long studied inequality in civilization, and has done tons of research on the topic:
http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/why/evidence
I know that many on here will trash anything by Nobel Prize winning PhD economist Paul Krugman, but his book of 2001 and multiple other publications since will highlight much of this argument (and refer to many other studies that back up his conclusion):
Krugman, Paul. 2001. Fuzzy Math: The Essential Guide to the Bush Tax Cut Plan, W.W.
Norton & Company: New York.
And no, I am not running for anything, nor do I want to run at this time. I am having much too much fun raising two kids and spending way too much time at work for that!
I am not angry at all… I will use Repug as long as people keep saying ‘Democrat Party’. When people use the Democratic Party name correctly (especially Republican politicians who certainly know better and are using the name intentionally incorrectly), I will call that party the Repug party.
MoTP: I have tried to reply to your post concerning research about regressive vs. progressive taxes (twice actually), but I keep getting a “Your comment is awaiting moderation” message??? Not sure why, there is no profanity in my reply but there are several links (which I have seen others use). I will keep trying however…
You’re stupid. If being called a Democrat is insulting, you have bigger problems.
Nice editorial in The Aegis today about how you Social Dems can’t even find a token candidate to put against David Craig. Is that because he’s a big Dem, or because you are so worthless (the Democratic Party, I mean)?
I am a Democrat, and being called a Democrat does not insult me in the least. I am a member of the Democratic Party, not the Democrat Party. I do find it insulting when people who claim to be enlightened seem to be unable (but actually are unwilling) to call the party what it should be called; a thinly veiled attempt at disparaging a political opponent, one that should be considered as inappropriate as using the term ‘teabagger’ (which so many have similarly complained about on Dagger).
As far as no Democratic candidate for County Executive… it may have to do with the extreme amount of FOX news and Rush Dittohead brainwashing in this county, and the realty that winning a county-wide race would take valuable resources away form other races that in the end will make much bigger differences anyway!
ProudDemocratic
Democrats outnumber Republicans in Harford County so all you have to do is get them all to vote for the Democrat candidates and they would all be certain to win.
Oh and by-the-way “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” David Klein – Wall Street Journal June 9, 2010 http://tiny.cc/w79fx
Joe
P.S. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Our schools are the best in the country, for decades our roads have been among the safest in the country, and in the past (pre-Ehrlich) our state parks were the model for others. Now we need upgrades to roads and bridges in a big way, our parks are a shadow of their former self, the bay is still in need of dire clean up, and we clearly must maintain our top school system if we are going to attract the best people to our state… these things all cost money. I would much rather have people in office willing to get things done for our community, even if it means big budget. In the times of small budgets and low taxes, our country featured desperate poverty and extreme separation of wealthy and poorness with little to now public safety net. Only a fool would want to return to that, or people with too narrow of an understanding of history.
Art Helton in particular has a history of doing many things for the people of Maryland (and sadly, Jacobs clearly does not). These things are a matter of public record. Like him or hate him, people like Helton are who we need in office to get effective governance.
“Art Helton in particular has a history of doing many things for the people of Maryland…”
Nah, that’s not it. Try this one:
“Art Helton in particular has a history of doing many things TO the people of Maryland…”
I would elaborate, but children may be reading this.
ABA (Anyone But Art)
Really? Seriously? Anyone but Art? Anyone?? I am not an Art fan, but that’s a ridiculous statement.
Nope, I’d rather have the Devil I don’t know.
Oh…and don’t forget, the “payback” support of Aberdeen “Mayor” Mike Bennett.
And don’t forget the payback from the woman who couldn’t afford the rent Helton was charging her so she provided an alternative payment.
David Craig addresses his friends and supporters. If that is the case he will have a mailing list of only a few…just him,his development buddies and the current Harford County Council. The only thing I have witnessed is an unsteady lack of leadership and a lack of vision. I would rather have a donkey be County Executive than David Craig. David Craig wants to stick it everybody in Harford County and is the wolf in sheeps clothing. Do not believe one word he says. Same with the Harford County Council. We need to vote them all out!!! If we want to preserve Harford County than we need conservative honest leaders. We do not need David Craig and his Development Buddies all supported by the currect Harford County Council.
Lack of leadership and lack of vision?
So building and renovating the schools all around the county in anticipation of the incoming BRAC workers is a lack of vision?
When the fractured Harford County delegation couldn’t bring home the money needed, he took it upon himself to go down to Annapolis and get the necessary funds for Harford County isn’t leadership?
And who would you prefer for County Executive?
I have seen my RE tax bill increase the maximum due to the continuous assessment increase and Harford County tax rate increase each year while David Craig has been in office. I have seen the Beechtree Estates show that has provided a housing subsidy all the way around to the wealthy. I have read newspaper accounts that it was all about Friends in High Places. I have seen the the most inefficient construction and cost overrun regarding North Harford High School. David Craig is now acting with pretense to support civic actions. Only reluctantly did he reduce the budget. His current budget is flawed and no way will the revenue from recordation taxes allow a property tax decrease. He never adopted the constant yield while RE assessments were increasing thus he has never stopped raising taxes. I have seen him on TV warn against the constant yield syaing it is a double edge sword. If RE tax assessments decline David Craig will not hesitate to raise your taxes. His RE tax rate reduction is a politically motivated decision to get re-elected. FY 10-11 will not have the revenue to match the spending. If you view this a showing leadership and vision than by all means continue to support David Craig. I believe Harford County can do much better. We need to all work together to reduce the spending and to be fiscally responsible.
Political Critic,
Very constructive critique. Sounds like you have a case of sour grapes. Perhaps you had a pet project or something you did not get from David Craig or the Council and were told “No”. Only someone with a personal vendetta or axe to grind would make comments like you did.
How interesting is it that only 2 of David Craig’s endorsements are from residents of Harford County? It is truly sad that he had to go to Howard and Montgomery Counties to get endorsements. Really? The sitting county exec. is listing the endorsement of a bunch of sycophant Republicans? The folks on this list would endorse any incumbent with an “R” behind their names. The only endorsement of note is Jansen Robinson. Nancy Jacob’s endorsement is as standard as they come. Quite frankly, Nancy’s days of actually campaigning and working hard are long over. Honestly, how long should these people hold office? She has been in the legislature for 16 years. Craig has been in elected office for decades. We are supposed to have citizen representatives, not lifelong elected officials.
On another note, doesn’t Craig’s press release here seem a bit like amateur hour? Is Aaron Tomarchio asleep at the wheel? I can almost gurantee that he did not write this insignificant drivel. Come on Aaron, the taxpayers spend good money on you. The least you can do in return is run a decent campaign!
Helen Bentley was from Harford County and represented Harford County in the House of Representatives…
Also, who else should he seek an endorsement from?
Which of the other candidates has been endorsed by anyone (they probably have been, but I might have missed it)?
Helen Bentley is from Baltimore County. Has a spread on Sweetair Road. Has lived there forever.
FYI: Part of Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District is in Harford county.
I concur with your thoughts regarding David Craig’s letter to his supporters. Just more rhetoric and a pretense. It took civic participation to get David Craigs attention and his subsequent actions are entirely politically motivated. The pretense of conservative limited government and limited taxation are not a record of his administration and you can be sure will be disgarded should he be re-elected.
If ever there was a politician that should feel the rath of all true conservatives including the TEA Party movement it’s David. The voters of Harford Countyhave seen him double the size of government and give six figure salaries to totally unqualified family and friends. Craig will be the poster child for the discontent we all feel with national, state and local governments. We will put him out and replace him with an independant thinking conservative.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC8GBM6VN2Q
Biggest endorsement in Maryland
No that video is the biggest hypocrisy in Maryland. Do you really think Governor Ehrlich would not endorse an incumbent republican county executive? It is nothing more than political positioning. Watching the video it appears Governor Ehrlich is in pain saying all that false stuff about Craig. I lost a lot of faith and trust in Ehrlich because of that video. Craig has got to go!!! That whole 2 cent property tax reduction only happened because of pressure from civic participation. Craig has done it to get re-elected not because it was the right thing to do. Ehrlich should know that! Stop the false speaking. Craig could have reduced the property tax rate much more over many years but he never did. He just kept increasing spending. Ehrlich is against the millionaire tax and the increase in the sales tax. Yet he supports Craig who has a FY 10-11 budget with record unprecented spending of nearly 1 billion. Of that one billion 25 % to 30% is being funded by borrowings. We the Harford County taxpayer are going to have to pay the debt service and that will result in a big increase in the property tax rate. You will see that in next year budget which is after the election. Ehrlich should know that but he does not speak of that. No they both want to get elected and will not tell you about the tax increases that will go into effect after they get elected. No only will people continue to leave all of Maryland they will leave Harford County. That will be the legacy of Craig. Craig and his puppets the Harford County Council are spending beyond out ability to fund. Even now they are refinancing existing debt because there is no money to pay it off as it comes due. How long can this go on? The time will come when investors will not purchase the debt and Harford County will follow the financial crisis of other states and municipalities. Craig had the Harford County Council are governing us down the road to bankruptcy. Ehrlich should remove that video and address what is really happening in Harford County.
Political Critic,
I just read your post, and also recently read the article about two of the three bond rating agencies upgrading Harford County’s bond rating status to AAA. They cited in their press release the strong financial management and planning of the county as one of their criteria for upgrading Harford’s status. They also mention “that the county’s debt ratio is moderately low.
So, what am I missing here. Should I believe your politically charged rhetoric or that of the top three bond rating agencies in the world?
Wait a second, Mr./Mrs. Wait a second…there is still time for you, a citizen representative, to file your candidacy.
Brian, I read your well written article, but Art Helton’s quotes just about made me choke! He is SO full of SH%T that he’s covered with flies (even in the winter!). He is an evil man, and as time (and his doomed campaign) marches on, I am certain that MANY negative facts will surface about this bottom dweller (no need to articulate them now, better to wait until near the end of his campaign). Until then, here’s hoping that the voting citizen of District 34 do their research regarding this “plunker” (term used in England).
Art Helton is a hardworking servant of the People. I have seen this first hand and am always impressed at the lenghts he will go to to help people but, his main attribute is is he will take a phone call or call someone back if the caller leaves a message with a phone number. He did it 40plus years ago with my Grandmother (she called him “That Helton Boy” he called my mother back 25 years ago and he called me back last week.
That Helton Boy is running again….lets see what we can do to get him elected.
I disassociated myself with the Harford Democratic Club after I learned that it was run by the Heltons. Don’t get me wrong, I am not abandoning my party; however, once I gave my name and email address to them, I was spammed on Twitter and Facebook. Deleted him from my friends.
The “NEW Harford Democratic Club” is in fact ‘run’ by an executive board, on which Art Helton sits. I know a few of the people on the board, and cannot imagine any of them being push-overs to anybody. Sitting on the board of directors for an organization does not mean somebody ‘runs’ that organization. I think you are insulting all involved by your accusation.
You’re funny!
Now that is funny. There are definitely some Dems that I would support, but he’s not one of them.
The School board election will have a primary. They will narrow the list of candidates down. no they do not have a party, but will be on both ballots….and Independents and other parties will be able to enter the booth and vote on School Board Candidates. I believe they narrow it down to 2 that day.
Concerning Pastor Antonio (Tony) McDonald . . . a true example of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. BEWARE.
Antonio McDonald Sr…Yeah RIGHT! If you only knew how underhanded, sneaky, adulterer, theif he is…you would second guess your vote for him. Just because he’s a pastor doesnt make him qualified for the position…please take a real good look..you will be sorry. Edgewood has enough disgraceful things to clean up..we dont need another issue to bring us back down.
Yeah I agree with Samual…He needs to beware..I may just have to come out with my story. He knows me…thats all im going to say.
Some body needs to do something about Antonio McDonald aka Pastor Tony…He has the nerve to call his self a pastor,and now has the gall to run for public office…I hope the school board checks his back ground very carefully…if they don’t they’ll be sorry. He just needs to stop it..who does he think he is..(he must take the people of Edgewood for a joke).What he need to do is get right with God and repent. He need to clean up the mess he has made,and beg for forgiveness from the people and families he has hurt. Antonio McDonald aka Pastor Tony man up and get right !!!! Don’t forget Mr. McDonald you may be able to fool man, but you can’t fool God.
Antonio Mcdonald need to sit down, and get himself right by God. He is a disappointment to so many families…truely a wolf in sheep clothing. Dion Guthrie please “BEWARE” check him out.
What’s done in the dark ALWAYS comes to light!
I don’t know Antonio McDonald but you can bet Dion Guthrie most likely encouraged him to run. Guthrie has done nothing during two terms for his District A constituents and has turned out to be just another of Harford’s classic bought and paid for politicians, so you got to watch that “wolf” too. I can’t imagine who those 70/30 constituents were that ‘encouraged’ him to run for anything, but we sure don’t need any more of that one. Pressing issues indeed! A dredging job for whom? (I hope there is a public ramp out there somewhere.) How does one oversee ongoing school construction? On the other hand, if you have deep pockets and your own agenda, there ya go. Just check out the MD Election Campaign Finance website to look up the list of the major backers of our County Executive and Council members. Take the time to check out legislation passed to see who benefited. Oh, yeah.
As a longtime resident and knowing there is more than enough “dirt” to go around regarding most (but not all) of our candidates, it would appear Harford politics needs a thorough housecleaning. There ARE a few “good guys” in office and putting “party” politics aside, you have to really look at the proven track records and not just watch their lips moving, particularly now during 2010 electioneering. Like our County Council members, David Craig has been the constant recipient of special interest backing. He also managed to successfully position extra high paid help into his administration even as the County has experienced high taxes and budget woes.
So, the question now would be – who can we vote into the County Executive and Council positions that will actually represent the best interests of ALL the citizens of Harford?
@Lets’sTakeHarfordBack – some of your comments reflect the exact reasons why I am running against Mr. Guthrie in the Democratic primary. I feel like local government should be just that, local. Staying in touch with the members of your community, hearing what concerns they have, and, if I’m successful, having an opportunity to address them as a member of the County Council.
Tell your friends and family and help me be part of the ‘housecleaning’ you are asking for.