Ruth Elliott, an incumbent Aberdeen City Councilwoman and former mayor, may have participated in election fraud this March when she allegedly had members of the city’s Board of Elections sign and back-date the official results of a special election held months prior.
Such election fraud, according to the city charter, is considered a misdemeanor and, if prosecuted and found guilty of such an offense, Elliott would have to resign from office immediately upon conviction.
The disturbing details came out recently during depositions and testimony in the lawsuit filed against the City of Aberdeen by a group of annexation opponents.
Even more staggering than the revelation itself are its origins and implications.
On Dec. 5, 2006, Aberdeen held a referendum vote on the proposed annexation of the Wetlands Golf Course and surrounding properties. In the city-wide special election, 1,352 voters were against the annexation and only 752 were for the proposal.
It was a joyous time for the so-called ‘red-shirts’ – members of the Say No Annex group, who had fought the annexation for about a year, gathered thousands of signatures on petitions to bring the matter to referendum and help beat down the proposal by a convincing, nearly 2-to-1 margin.
In the days before the special election, word leaked out about a second Wetlands annexation plan, one which would do away with the golf course entirely in exchange for more housing units. Opponents of the annexation criticized the ‘leak’ as nothing more than an 11th-hour tactic aimed at scaring the public into voting for the first, less intensely developed plan, which would retain the golf course.
Nevertheless, the public spoke and the city council’s approval of the Wetland’s annexation was overturned and voided.
It is important to note Elliott initially voted for the Wetlands annexation, but quickly changed her mind and vote and aligned herself completely with the annexation opposition group.
With the annexation defeated, the city was under pressure to take a look at its entire annexation application and review process and ended up initiating in January 2007 a moratorium on any new annexation requests.
Hoping to drive a stake through the heart of any future Wetlands annexation attempts, the opposition group filed a lawsuit against Aberdeen in April alleging the city violated the will of the voters by accepting a second Wetlands annexation proposal.
The hearings began in earnest this fall in the Harford County Circuit Court. Days of testimony from members of the opposition group and city officials alike followed. Participants and attendees have included Mayor S. Fred Simmons, councilman David Yensan, city manager Doug Miller, members of the annexation opposition group and attorneys for the city, the opposition group and Wetlands Aberdeen LLC.
Part of the evidence introduced by the opposition group was a series of emails back and forth between group members and Elliott. One such email details how opposition group member Bob Price filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the official results of the Dec. 5, 2006 special election. When Price presented the results to opposition group attorney J. Carroll Holzer, Holzer pointed out the document couldn’t be introduced as a formal exhibit because it was not signed.
That sent the opposition group back to city hall, via Elliott, to get the validated and Board of Election member-signed results. The problem was no such document existed.
That’s right, while the unofficial, handwritten results from the night of the special election were signed, no one remembered or bothered to validate or sign the official special election results.
When the opposition group mulled the disconcerting revelation, Elliott had an easy solution – she’d simply take the official special election results around to each of the city Board of Elections members and have them sign and back-date the document. Simple, indeed, but also misdemeanor election fraud.
Nonetheless, that’s apparently what Elliott did – hand-carrying the official special election results in early March to Mary Law, Carolyn Cook and Irvin Michelson, who each signed and post-dated the document.
What was originally intended to be the opposition group’s lawsuit against Aberdeen soon turned into a case of potential election fraud.
At least two of the exhibits entered into evidence in the case seem to confirm Elliott’s actions:
– in a March 11 email to Elliott, opposition group member Bobbie Randles thanks the councilwoman for “…helping with the signatures on the Election Results…”
– in an April 5 email to Elliott, Randles again thanks the councilwoman and, in referring to the impending lawsuit against, points out that for her efforts Elliott’s name was “intentionally left off” the lawsuit.
The most damning evidence may come straight from Elliott’s own testimony under oath.
“As I recall, you know, because I went around and got Carolyn Cook’s, and the – let’s see, who else? Mary Law and Mr. Michelson’s signature personally,” Elliott said during her September 24 deposition.
The line of questioning is shown in transcripts of Elliott’s testimony – in which the questioners “Q” are Wetlands Aberdeen LLC attorney Curtis Coon and city attorney Elwood Stark and the answerer “A” is Elliott.
At another point in her testimony, Elliott is grilled about why the special election results, now admittedly signed in early March, don’t bear an early March date and instead carry the date of Dec. 8.
“Well, now if they were signed in your presence in March, wouldn’t you agree it would be unusual to take a document, sign it in March and date it back to December?” Coon asked.
“Did you have any discussion with any of the three individuals about the date that they were appending to their signature on the certification results of the referendum election?” Coon continued.
“I don’t recall. They just signed it the date of the election. I didn’t tell them when to sign it,” Elliott responded.
Coon then reminded Elliott the referendum election was held Dec. 5 and not Dec. 8.
Elliott also pointed out during her testimony that city manager Miller or former city clerk Darlene Ostroski may have known about the missing signatures and the councilwoman’s intent to go out and get the Board of Elections members to sign and certify the document months after the fact.
These revelations come out now, two weeks before the city election, not as a late campaign ploy, but because the implicated members of the city’s Board of Elections were only recently subpoenaed. So what does this all mean? Did Elliott act out of naivety or as a political move to ensure she wouldn’t be named in the lawsuit? Even more disquieting, does this mean the results of the Dec. 5 special election on the Wetlands annexation are appealable as they were never officially certified until three months after the vote – and even then were certified only through an act of apparent election fraud?
Could there be a ‘special’ special election to confirm and this time adequately, accurately and legally certify the results?
What does this do to the opposition group’s case against the city?
What does this do to the opposition group itself – whose stated purpose has been to clear the city council dais of all incumbents except for Elliott? Now it appears they may have succeeded in doing the exact opposite – effectively ending Elliott’s council career as an unintended consequence of filing what many believe is a frivolous lawsuit against the city.
Worse than shooting themselves in the foot, they may have cut off their own head.
It remains to be seen if Harford County State’s Attorney Joe Cassilly, who was only advised of the situation late last week, will pursue the investigation and prosecution of Elliott, but given the circumstances and admitted testimony, there may be some requirement to do so.
And what of the Nov. 6 municipal election in which Elliott is running to retain her council seat? Will these allegations be enough to keep voters from re-electing her or will the Aberdeen citizenry see Elliott’s efforts as noble of heart and welcome her back with a torrent of votes?
And if Elliott is re-elected and subsequently forced to resign in the face of election fraud charges, who might the remaining members of the city council nominate to her seat?
This poem landed in the inbox of The Dagger. It's apparently penned by Bob Elliott and is just too good to not publish:
LAMENT TO FRED
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY ABOUT A MAN NAMED FRED.
WHO BECAME MAYOR OF A CITY, AND IT WENT RIGHT TO HIS HEAD.
HE SAID TO THE STAFF, “IF YOU DON’T DO AS I SAY,
HEAD ON OUT THE DOOR, AND BE ON YOUR WAY.”
A FEW OF THEM LEFT, A FEW OF THEM STAYED
TO SEE WHAT HE WOULD DO, WITH THE PLANS HE MADE.
HE HAD TWO OF HIS PUPPETS, UNDER HIS THUMB,
HE SAID “WHY NOT! THEY’RE BOTH PRETTY DUMB”
HE CALLED ONE HIS LEECH, A SKUNK HAD A BETTER SCENT,
THE OTHER WOULD VOTE FOR ANYTHING, TO BE COUNCIL PRESIDENT.
THEY DID EVERYTHING HE SAID, THEY KNEW THAT THEY MUST,
HE EVEN MOCKED GOD, BY SAYING IN FRED WE TRUST.
FRED AND HIS PUPPETS, WERE NOT THRU YET,
THEY RAISED TAXES,WATER AND SEWER RATES , HOW BAD CAN IT GET.
THE POLICE AND THE CHIEF ARE MINE, IS WHAT HE ‘D SAY,
HE WOULD ONLY WALK THE STEETS, IN THE LIGHT OF DAY.
THE ONLY MAYOR TO CARRY A GUN, IN THE HISTORY OF THIS TOWN,
WOULD ANYONE WANT TO LIVE HERE, OR EVEN COME AROUND.
ELECTION DAY IS COMING SOON, WE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT DUMB.
WE WILL GET RID OF THIS CANCER, WITH BETTER DAYS TO COME.
SO GET OUT AND VOTE, RAISE YOUR VOICES HIGH AND SHOUT,
WE CAN ALL DO THIS TOGETHER, VOTE FRED AND HIS PUPPETS OUT.
While Ruth Elliot’s actions may not be a big deal for Aberdeen citizens, bringing the hammer down may instill some confidence in the remaining government members. After everything that has been going on lately, she is an easy target, since she is often associated with Helton and Johnson.
I am not sure what to say first to the news Ruth Elliott may have committed election fraud. I guess it should not come as a surprise however as she is part of an organization (if you call them that) that will go to any length to get what they want (ACT). From the non-truths about the Wetlands annexation, to damaging Mr. Smedley's property in an attempt to make him crazy or go away to teaming with Art Helton to push Steve Johnson…knowing these tactics are morally and ethically wrong. Now, election fraud. If proven, does this mean the entire election of the Wetlands is null and void? What other areas of the process where fraudulent? I wonder if my fellow citizens of the city are seeing a much clearer picture now.
As to Mr. Bob Elliotts poem. I can see why Ruth and he have been married so long. After reading that, I am not sure who should seek help with their issues, she or he?
All examples that their are people who are not willing to work with government, rather bitch-complain-moan and not becoming part of solutions.
i understand mrs elliott borrowed money recently from the city for a computer then lied on an audit about it?
B#@*!, complain, moan? That's the Aberdeen way. People of Aberdeen are historically niave and complacent. Why should they worktogether for anything. They don't want BRAC, they want more warehouses so we could increase commercial truck traffic on small streets like Post Road and Old Philadelphia Road. They want to bankrupt the City so Cal Ripken can line his pockets with a lillte more coin. They want Art Helton to continue to buy up City property and re-develop Aberdeen at the expense of tax payers.
They want to elect a inexperieced Mayor with credibility issues and a history of cheating. They want to elect a City Council that will do nothing but argue and cave into non-resident groups like ACT.
Wake up people. BRAC is coming and Aberdeen can no longer bury it;s head in the sand. Fred Simmons has the buisness savay needed to make tough choices and the insight to put Aberdeen on the map.
The real question is do we want low end developement that don;t pay taxes (Frito Lay, Sax, warehouses, Ripken Stadium) or do we want high end development (high end housing, Best Buy)? Aberdeen is going to get bigger. It's up to the voters to decied how.
Ridiculous! Elliott is plain dumb and doesn't deserve to be the Council. She always demonstrates her stupidity by changing votes and not knowing the facts. Then she sides with people who don't even live in town. Who you ask? Art Helton, Steve Johsnon, and ACT. (I think ACT should be classified as a terrorist group).
She should just take her pills that Johsnon sells her and go quitely into the night.
I might agree Wisdom Tooth, except her ineptness and gross stupidity are hurting a lot of people. She sits there on her throne and pontificates telling her "red shirt" friends how she is only trying to protect the people. I can't stand to even hear her talk and stopped coming to Council meetings a long time ago. Is it possible to get a lethal injection for this crap?
looking back 30 year's. aberdeen was a place to be avoided.known as a bad area. from the view of bel air. it's still got along way to go.art helton has revilitized depressed areas of aberdeen.can't say much for the council that has been elected.it seem's there concern is there own pocket's. the voters have a chance to change this.
So, are all you city employees blogging on city time with our without Fred's permission?
Mike Bennett Campaign Contributors:
Charles and Cindy Wallace: $250
(ACT Spokesperson lives in Havre de Grace)
– Robert Price: $200
(Lives outside the City, founding Member of ACT and Party to the Lawsuit Against the City)
– Neil “Chuck” Doty: $100
(Lives in town, founding Member of ACT and Party to the Lawsuit Against City)
– Paul Burkheimer: $56.36
(Lives outside the City , member of ACT and Party to the Lawsuit Against the City)
– J. Scott Randles: $50
(Lives outside the City)
– John Feroli: $135
– Art Helton’s Parke Center, LLC: $1,000
("Develop" and lives outside the City)
– Aberdeen Planning Commission chairman Joe Swisher: $50
Ruth Elliott's Campaign Contributors:
– HEMACO MGMTCO: $1,000
– Robert Price: $250
(Lives outside the City, member of ACT and Party to the Lawsuit Against the City)
– Charles Wallce: $250
(ACT Spokesperson lives in Havre de Grace)
– Francis Randles: $50
(Lives outside the City, member of ACT and Party to the Lawsuit Against the City)
– Kathy Burkheimer: $25
(Lives outside the City and member of ACT)
Granted not the same amount of dollars SImmons, Hiob and Yensan received from developers but maybe more telling as to whom they will really represent if elected. At least the developers pay City taxes on the property they own in the City.
questioning your tactics: it seems you live outside the city or a a supporter of mrs elliotts non-legal tactics? as a resident, this concerns me and should concern you.
acrobat: i really never paid attention to what you posted however after reviewing a former article on the dagger, wow!
mr denu and mr bennett: what is your take on this latest revelation on mrs elliott?
To Steve,HarfordNow: Right on dude!
Regarding Bob Elliott's Poem: It is funny and witty. It took some intelligence to formulate it. Therefore, Bob Elliott couldn't have possible authored it. (ghost writer!)
To Matthew 21001: What you heard is absolutely true. The amount was $1,500.00. It was an "interest free loan" which was paid back. There are copies of the signed documents floating around that prove this!Since when did City Hall become a lending institution?
(I bet that would be considered an unfair labor practice if legitimate competing lending institutions hear about it!)
And Jason, what can I say, except that you took the words right out of my mouth! How dare you!
Honestly, thanks for being so astute! Our City needs more folks like you and less like the "Heltonites"!
NOTE: I can't wait to see how the "Sleaegis" and the "Inacurate Record" handle this hot potato. Gratefully, "We the People" have "The Dagger" to help keep us informed regarding the cutting edge issues!
Happy Blogday Everybody!
City employee blogging while working? NO WAY! It's 8:00 and the World Series is on. Good thing I'm not at City Hall so can I watch it.
Exactly whose job is it to certify the results of the special election? Isnt that who should be crucified? Hey Aberdeen: BRAC is coming at you like Hurricane Katrina, and you guys are squabbling over small time political nonsense.
Vietnam Vet: From the view of Bel Air every where is a bad place, we're on that side of 40! – They always look down at everything not associated with Bel Air – Snob City. Once I tried to put an add in the Ageis – they told me my paper was the Record. There is noting good about Bel Air either – you spend most of the time in traffic or standing in a line waiting to eat. Stay outta there………………….
Joushua – Does it really matter whose job it is to certify the (special) election results? What matters is someone (Elliott) falsified official documents! BRAC is coming and unless we remove "real cancer" Elliott, and elect people with business smarts then BRAC will arrive and Aberdeen will not be alive!
Justin – Thank you for your comments. I understand that Elliott received the loan b/c her personal computer at home took a "crap." I wonder if my personal computer did the same thing if City Hall would give me money for a new one? I mean, I do a lot of reports and investigation on my own time. The problem I really see with all that is there was an audit apparently and Elliott said she never received a loan from the city, or something close to that. Again, par for the conduct of Elliott. Just like the Wetlands annexation, she supports it, doesn't support it (only because several residents from outside said if they became part of the city they would ensure the council unseated), then at candidates night she said we need to grow and need "high dollar housing!" People need to know when its time to retire. Don't overstay your welcome, ya know.
Mr. Elliott – nice poem but again In God we Trust is NOT, NOT, NOT, NOT in the Bible !!!
Fred mocked the US Treasury. You can check – I am sure even the money that came from City Hall has it printed on it.
I am only more convicted in my passion to make a change.
This most recent event only confirms my feeling that broadbased change is long overdue. Not only in the persons elected to govern, but in they way we govern ourselves.
Our charter, ordinances and policies are leaving too many loop holes, undefensable litigations and opportunities for opportunists, and that MUST change.
I have watched the floundering and bobble headed mouths go back and forth saying "sure what he said"and forth on the issues and in their character.
The Citizens of Aberdeen must not only vote to effect this change, but also become active participants in their government.
Oh, what ever happened to that investigation the State Prosecutor office was doing regarding political corruption in Aberdeen?
exquisito
Now listen to a story about a Mayor name Fred,
Struck it rich with glory, and loaded it with lead,
then one day he was walkin in the grass,
and out popped Ricky and he shot him in the ass,
fun that is….you all come back now…here?
Aberdeen tea…. clean up the streets…bringing unity to the community….
non-residents….Steve, Julie Johnson, and Art Helton….the Aberdeen Hillbillies…..stay tuned! You all come back now….hear?
Mathew 21001 not sure if that is a good wow or a bad wow – not that it really matters. I respect everyone's opinion who posts on this blog. I will say some are more personal than necessary.
The beauty of blogs is that one can voice their opinions and hopefully have a healthy debate about the issues.
At the end of the day I do not want to be a "shepple." I want to make decisions on the truth, not based on what someone says on my doorstep. It is my job as a voter to participate and get the information from as many sources as possible.
Just because my neighbor who I like has someone's sign in their yard doesn't mean I should vote for that person. It just means my neighbor's convictions are strong enough to have that person's sign in their yard.
The dagger should be commended for putting information out there without the spin and then asking what does it mean from both sides so we can debate and decide for ourselves.
Fair-Minded: That's was alot better than Bob's!!
questioning your tactics: Yea, consider it my smoke break.
Elliott really went out of her way for these ACT people. She must have realized it was her only chance to get someone to like her. She should be prosecuted, and if found guilty resign in shame. That was a pitiful thing for her do and an abuse of her position on the City Council. If Simmons would have done that everyone would've been up in arms.
Actually, this looks more like a "red herring" than anything else. What the City Charter says about elections is:
"12. Within forty-eight hours after the closing of the polls, the Board of Elections shall determine the vote cast for each candidate and question and shall certify the results of the election and the elected officials to the Council, who shall have the results recorded in the minutes or journal of the Council."
This provision of the City Charter was accomplished at the December 11, 2006 City Council Meeting. The minutes of the meeting are posted online, but for those who don't read them:
"OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS: Ms. Ostroski, City Clerk
Ms. Ostroski, City Clerk, presented the results of the Annexation Election. They were as follows:
Citywide Election: For the Annexation 752
Against the Annexation 1352
Annex Area Election: For the Annexation 25
Against the Annexation 19"
While it is unknown who the members of the Board of Election Supervisors were at the time (no Board was appointed in January 2006 per the City Charter)(per the City Council meeting minutes the last board was appointed in January 2004), the results must have been certified to the Council already otherwise the Council would not have had the results read into the meeting minutes. Since the December 11 meeting minutes were approved at the December 18 meeting, the results of the election were already certified to the Council, official signatures or not.
From the December 18 meeting minutes:
"APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the December 11, 2006, meeting was approved as submitted."
An Aberdeen Voter says it's a “red herring” ? J. Carroll Holzer, the attorney for the group now known as ACT pointed out the document couldn’t be introduced as a formal exhibit because it was not signed (some four months after the election). "Red herring"? Give me a break. Sounds like a pretty serious discovery to me!
I have to agree with Employee on one (and only one) thing: If Simmons had done this An Aberdeen Voter would have crucified him (no bible pun intended).
I have been sitting up here on the high ground watching you folks. Rick Denu asks a good question: "what happened to the Special Prosecutor investigation?" Up here in the high ground we know full well that a guy named Helton helped to formulate that request. We also know that 97% of all Special Prosecutor investigations happen around an election. We also know that 97% of all these investigations turn out to be groundless. Since the fact that a secret investigation was started and the information available the same day we also know that there is a leak in the prosecutor's office. Why then has no dirt come out about the results of the investigation?
Could it be that the claims were just some more of Art Helton's political crap?
Meanwhile back to the topic of this blog; how about I just have my people burn Ruthless Elliott at the stake?
Daddy,
While the exhibit may not be able to accepted in court, the City Council accepted whatever certification they were provided. Since the City Charter doesn't specify the nature of the certification the Board of Elections is to provide, as far as the Charter goes it could be "word of mouth" or fingerpaint on a bare wall. There is nothing in the Charter that specifies what constitutes "official" election results. The point is though, the Mayor and the Council accepted the certification provided otherwise why read the results of the election into the Council Meeting Minutes?
That said, was what Ms. Elliott did less than wise? … probably. Was it election fraud? .. no, as the Mayor and the Council had already accepted the results as provided to them by the Board of Elections on December 11th. Unless of course, the Board of Elections didn't certify the results to the Mayor and Council or the Mayor and Council read whatever results they wanted into the Council Meeting Minutes. In which case, both bodies would have been guilty of election fraud.
The other question posed above was whether or not the lack of whatever constitutes "official" election results invalidates the referendum. Again, the answer is no for the reasons I've stated. The results were certified by the Board of Elections to the Mayor and Council in some manner and they were accepted.
BTW, I'd have the same opinion even if it were Mr. Simmons responding to an information request.
Indian Scout,
Maybe you should get together with The Guy Who Pays the Taxes. You've both made base, brutal, immature, homicidal suggestions regarding Ms. Elliott. We'd like to suspect you can both do better than that.
Now listen to a story about a Mayor named Fred,
Got the city from Wilson, who barely kept the city fed,
Fred worked real hard, to bring jobs and income to his people,
But Elliott interfered, simply to try to get re-elected.
Now Bob is her husband, and he's really quite clever,
He can't seem to make her happy, but he stands there right be side her.
She says she's for the people but she acts real stupid,
So we loaded up her truck and took her to the asylum….
Johnson's really nice to her, because she buys from him,
He fixes her with "candy" and she feels real enlightened,
She says she's for the people but she acts real stupid,
So we loaded up her truck and took her to the asylum….
Crazy that is. Hillbillies you know. Aberdeen's getting BRACed for the good. Elliotts quacked. get rid of her. need new blood. you all come back now, HEAR!
Humor is good! But a serious question for An Aberdeen Voter: Since State laws take precident over the City Charter, what does the State Board of Elections regulations say about certifying election results? I ask only because I don't know and I really don't have the time today to research it. Of course everyone knows that the City Charter can take away provisions in County or State law right?
Wisdom Tooth,
I don't know what the state says about certifying election results either, but it would be interesting to know.
Wisdom Tooth,
I did find this under the Maryland Election Law:
"ELECTION LAW
TITLE 11. CANVASSING
SUBTITLE 4. CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION RESULTS BY LOCAL BOARD
§ 11-401. Certified copies of results.
(a) Distribution of certified copies.-
(1) After each election, each board of canvassers shall transmit one certified copy of the election results in its county, attested by the signatures of the chairperson and secretary of the board of canvassers, to:
(i) the Governor;
(ii) the State Board; and
(iii) the clerk of the circuit court for the appropriate county.
(2) The statement may be mailed or delivered in person.
(b) Statement of votes cast for write-in candidates.- After each general election in which votes have been cast for a write-in candidate, each board of canvassers shall transmit a statement of returns of the votes cast for write-in candidates who have filed a certificate of candidacy.
(c) Time for transmittal.-
(1) The transmittal shall be made on the second Friday after a primary or general election or, if the canvass is completed after that date, within 48 hours after the completion of the canvass.
(2) (i) Except as specified in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, after a special primary or special election, the transmittal shall be made as soon as possible, but no later than the second Thursday after the election.
(ii) After a special primary or special election that is held at the same time as a primary or general election, the transmittal shall be made in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d) Entry by clerk of the circuit court.- The clerk of the circuit court shall record the election results filed with the court under this section. "
and this:
"ELECTION LAW
TITLE 11. CANVASSING
SUBTITLE 3. VOTE CANVASSING BY LOCAL BOARD
§ 11-308. Verification of vote count.
(a) In general.- Within 10 days after any election, and before certifying the results of the election, each board of canvassers shall verify the vote count in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the State Board for the voting system used in that election.
(b) Certification required upon completion of verification process.- Upon completion of the verification process, the members of the board of canvassers shall:
(1) certify in writing that the election results are accurate and that the vote has been verified; and
(2) provide copies of the election results to the persons specified under § 11-401 of this title.
(c) Dissent by a board member – Written statement required.-
(1) If a member of a board of canvassers dissents from a determination of an election result or reasonably believes that the conduct of a local board member or local board proceeding was not in compliance with applicable law or regulation or was otherwise illegal or irregular, the member shall prepare and file with the local board a distinct written statement of the reasons for the dissent or concern.
(2) The State Board shall maintain a file of the written statements submitted under this subsection by members of the local boards. "
Of course, state election law doesn't necessarily apply to the city.
To Indian Scout and The Guy Who Pays the Taxes,
Maybe you guys could ask Fred for some of that 12K he has lying around, fly that unlicensed tattoo artist back into town and ink, 'In Fred We Trust' across Ms Elliott's forehead. Then every time anyone saw her, we would be reminded of the mistake this town made 2 years ago when we elected that gun-toting insurance salesman in the first place!!!
Leave a Reply: That's all you have, a tattoo? WOW, let's hang him in the middle of W Belair! Then Elliott could run for Mayor again (wait isn't tbecause of her first, and last, term as mayor that the city manager runs the town in first place?) and really screw things up.
Hey Ricky Denu, what about those rumors of you making changes at the PD if elected? Didn't know you would have that kind of power. But then again I'm sure everything is wonderful in Rickyland. (Guess it's my turn to hear from someone in New York!) How long have you lived here Ricky?
Councilwoman Elliott may not be found guilty of election fraud but why would anyone want a Councilperson who would go and get documentation for a lawsuit against the City that tax dollars are going to have to pay for?
Why would anyone vote for Mike Bennett when all he can do is send out mailers criticizing this administration and answer "I don't know" to forum questions. Has Helton not given you his plan yet? (BTW I don't care about the Mayor's Ball)
If City employees are posting while working well it must say something about Simmon's leadership skills.
Why have the residents of this City let their City (and a Councilwoman) be hijacked by a group of individuals (ACT) who will stop at nothing to make sure they are not a part of this City? Do they really have the residents of the City interests at heart or their own?
the election is very simple: simmons for mayor, hiob, denu, dewitt, and young for council.
Fellow Citizens of Aberdeen & Others,
The time has come for civility and decency in our communications. To all the ladies & gentleman on this website, please cease and decist the childish & incessant badgering of one another. You're losing track of the real purpose of an election and that is dealing with the real issues surrounding our great city! Using the anonymity of the interent to hide behind a moniker and spew venom towards anyone is demeaning to the purpose of this venue, not to mention it reflects negatively upon the messenger.
Remember, a blog is to provoke thought, invoke intelligent, meaningful dialogue from all points of view and NOT a license to carry out unwarranted personal attacks on anyone. I'm well aware that one in public office or those aspiring to be, subject themselves to a certain acceptable level of scrutinization. When you pose questions to incumbent officials or announced candidates and they answer the questions posed to them, take from that what you will. But to continuously harass a person on a subject over and over, serves nobody but the selfish intent of that messenger.
The old cliche comes to mind, "If you do not have nothing good to say about someone, then don't say anything!" This constant bickering is doing nothing for the reputation our fine city. It is promulgating, I'm sure, negatively fostered images of what one previous poster called, "Aberdump." Let's not feed into that bad impression. Again, please let civility and decency prevail.
Now, I would like to ask why not one of our current incumbents and only one of the announced council candidates has not bothered to take advantage of this media venue? I'm very open to all points of view but when I seem to only see postings by one particular candidate whom identifies himself, that sends a message to me and other Aberdeen voters. I would reasonably think that in this day and age of campaigning, any/all candidates would take advantage of the WWW to spread their platform and field questions from voters. Even some of our presidential candidates have taken the jump to websites like "YouTube." Alas, nobody but Mr. Denu has bothered to take advantage of this free media (blog) and offered answers to questions presented to him from blog posters as well as proffered a few points of view and questions himself. Why haven't we heard from Mr. Simmons, Mr. Yensan, Mr. Hiob, Mr. Kupferman, Mrs. Elliott, Mr. Garner, Mr. DeWitt, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bennett, Ms. Burlew, Mrs. Young, and Mrs. Grant?
Silence can be construed many ways and I would suggest that the other incumbents and candidates need to get involved.
I'm a concerned citizen voter whom for one would like to hear from you all. I believe that I would be safe in stating that many in Aberdeen tend to agree. A lot is at stake here for us oldtimers and newcomers. At this point, I know one person whom will get at least one of my votes…
I would like to close with another poignant quote. Think about it Aberdeen, "In extraordinary times, there are no ordinary lives."
ATC,
I appreciate your legitimate concerns and comments. It is true that there are many issues that are throughout the City's operations and they must be addressed.
I think that is evident by the malicious and untrue commentary by those very few posting on here whom are employees. This display of foul character is the perfect representation of what is promligated and should not be tolerated.
By the way I hope I answered some of your questions from the other thread.
To godless: The Bible?……..Who said anything about the Bible? I GOD we trust. Never Fred!
Hey, I hear Fred has found wife # three! Yes , I saw them with my own eyes kissing at that new Italian place Vincents!
Are you sure it was a woman?
Who wants to bet LMAO is a red shirt or ACT person all they can do is spew venom.
Mr. Bennet must be so proud to have supporters like that. Then again birds of a feather flock together.
(btw thanks for your comment Daddy)
Why doesn't anyone ask the past City Clerk OR better yet, why doesn't anyone ask the current city manager, Doug Miller, about the certification of the referenda? According to the Charter the city manager has all power. Even though the city manager, Doug Miller, answers directly to the elected body, the charter gives him more power than the Mayor and Council.
Come on people, Aberdeen's city manager earns $108,000 a year with an extremely generous departure contract–a better contract than the previous city manager I might add. $108,000 is a very good salary for a small city–at the taxpayers expense might I add. Doesn't he have to be accountable for anything? If not, then why pay him a handsome salary? For the sake of the constant dialogue we will say hipothetically that the referenda was not certified. If this is the case, then why does an elected offical have to oversee the certification? Where was Doug Miller and where was his oversight?
Elections are one of the most important and legal articles of any city charter and in all fairness to the process it should have a responsible and qualified city manager administering them and overseeing and directing the executive assistant who coordinates the process and schedules the Board of Election Supervisors and volunteer workers. BIG difference between who is coordinating and who is administering. So who is ultimately responsible? The man who gets paid the big bucks–city manager or the secretary? Note: the city manager, Doug Miller, was suppose to come to Aberdeen highly qualified with 19 years of experience as a city manager. So I would assume that he administered a few elections in his lifetime.
According to the 1992 revised City Charter when the city took on a new form of government, the city manager was given all powers. He is now the CFO and the CEO of the City. The elected body ONLY has legislative powers–period! The city manager has all powers and is ultimately responsible and accountable for everything else.
Now, that leads me to my next question. Why would the City of Aberdeen (small city in comparison to most) with a population of 14,800 need a full-time Mayor AND a full-time city manager? Wouldn't it make more sense that if there is going to be a full-time Mayor, then the City would re-write its charter to have a city administrator instead of a city manager? Ultimately, this would save the taxpayers money by paying +100,000 to a person who basically is nothing less than an administrator.
Bottom line–You can't have two chiefs. Two Chief Executive Officers in one organization creates confusion not only for the employees, but also for the public.
I am,
Dagy
And this is where I will stay.
To LMAO, Maggie Mae, and any other coward: This is a forum to discuss the topics presented by The Dagger. For those of you who cannot understand, comprehend, or are just plain stupid…please leave the blog. I am sure the editors/writers of The Dagger would also appreciate it. If you want to talk trash, make up rumors, please go visit HarfordNow which is run/owned by Art Helton. That is where the trashy people belong.
Please can we have intelligent dialog about the article posted: "Elliott's (Post) Date with Destiny"
According to S. Fred's website, there are no issues. Guess he's afraid to even identify with a specific issue.
http://fredwetrust.com/
Dagny,
A great straight forward assessment! Certainly is one of my goals.
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 1:44 PM
To: Rudy, Randy
Subject: Gangs
See attached…
————– Original message ————–
From: "Rudy, Randy"
v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:*
{behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
Rick,
Thanks so much for this model which I will down load and read for possible use
in our issues. Obviously you have been keeping up on the issues. I need you
and JR back so we can really get the issue impacted. How is it
coming….sore….but progressing?? Stop by and see us. I guess I could stop by
your estate as well….got no good excuse for not doing so.
Again…thanks,
RR
What's the matter Jason, all of the sudden the truth is trash? Come on now, I was sticking with the theme and talking about Brian's article. Aren't we talking about the referenda?
Why is it that everytime someone has a difference of opinion or tells the truth, it's considered trash?
Dagny: I am not speaking about the issues related to the topic. I am speaking of the personal trash attacks on ones personal family.
Dagny-Not sure what game you speak of. This is not a game, this is real time, real issues that face the Citizens of this great City.
Go for it, Dagny. Just don't fill up all the blogs with the same post.
Dagny: On another post you asked me if I was connected to "fairminded?" The answer is, HELL NO! If you want to discuss anything else one on one, please feel free to e-mail me at jmneidig@verizon.net
Thanks!
If the truth is really what the voters want, why not pick-up the phone and call Ruth? She's in the telephone book. This is all pure garbage. Look under Robert
Elliott. I'm sure she will be glad to answer your questions. Stop hiding under a blog identification and
be civilized professional human beings.
sally-i can appreciate your post and support for ruth elliott however how do you explain the documents above? will she say she forgot as she has said many times in the past?
Why?
Didn't she make those statements under oath to tell the truth?
Or has she changed her mind again?
To OOOOOO: Oh yeah it sure was a woman. very pretty young blonde. Fred Simmons approached her from behind and kissed her on the neck and then she truned around and kissed him back. OOOOO yeah now thats some good stuff there. Hes has always been a cheat. he will never change.
To Daddy: Hey thats a good idea hanging fred up in the middle of w belair ave. Your not as stupid as you sound. You guys are so afraid of him that you can't see what is really going on. What….is he paying you too? or does he have something on you? When it comes to fred , he is all about himself. Fred has no REAL concern for Aberdeen or it's citizens. he is a fake and not worthy of the title "Mayor". it's all about the money!!!!
Even with all his faults the Aegis endorsed Simmons over Bennett
Council – Kupferman, Elliott, Dewitt, Young
AAV,
The apllication of State Law typically exists if no local legislation exists. This is not so in our case.
The Aberdeen Charter lacks concise instructions and definitions regarding this and many other areas of our government process and needs to be rectified quickly.
The example from our charter…
§ VII. ELECTIONS AND BOARD OF ELECTIONS
1. Any decision of the Board of Election Supervisors shall be subject to review by the City Council provided a request for review is filed with the City Administration offices within thirty (30) days from date of the decision. [Amended 1-25-1999 by Res. No. 542-98EN]
2. A person shall be a qualified voter of the City and eligible to vote at any and all City elections if that person:
(a) Is a citizen of the United States.EN
(b) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age,
(c) Is a resident of the State of Maryland,
(d) Has resided within the corporate limits of the City for at least thirty one (31) days preceding any City election,
(e) Is registered with the Board of Elections for the City and/or Board of Elections for Harford County.
(f) Is otherwise qualified under the constitution and laws of the State of Maryland; and
(g) Is not registered to vote in another State.
3. There shall be a Board of Elections consisting of three members appointed by the Mayor for terms of two years, with the approval of the Council, on or before the first Monday in January after the effective date of this Charter and on or before the same day every second year thereafter. Members of the Board shall be qualified voters of the City and shall not hold office or be candidates for elective office during their terms of office. The Mayor shall appoint one of its members as Chairperson. A vacancy on the Board shall be filled by the Mayor, with the approval of the Council, for the remainder of the unexpired terms. Compensation of the members of the Board shall be determined by the Council.
4. Any member of the Board of Elections may be removed for good cause by the Council, if in the judgment of the Council the member is not properly performing or will not properly perform the duties of the position. Before removal, the member of the Board of Elections to be removed shall be given a written copy of charges and shall have a public hearing on them before the Council, if requested, within ten (10) days after receiving the written copy of the charges.
5. The Board of Elections shall be in charge of the registration of voters, nominations, and all City elections. The Board may appoint election clerks or other employees to assist in any of its duties. The Mayor and Council shall provide funds necessary to defray the cost of elections.
6. The Board of Elections shall give at least two weeks notice of every registration day and every election by an advertisement published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the City and, in its discretion, by posting notices in public places and by handbills or otherwise.
7. Registration shall be permanent, and no person is entitled to vote in City elections unless registered. The Board of Elections shall keep the registration lists current by striking from the lists persons known to have died or to have moved out of the City. The Council, by ordinance, shall adopt and enforce any provisions necessary to establish and maintain a system of permanent registration and provide for re-registration when necessary.EN
8. Any candidate for office of Council or Mayor must file at least thirty (30) days prior to or no earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the election, a certificate of candidacy on a form provided by the Board containing the following:
(a) The applicant’s mailing address.
(b) The applicant’s date of birth.
(c) The years of residence within the corporate limits of the City of Aberdeen by the applicant.
(d) The certificate of candidacy shall contain the signatures of at least twenty (20) registered voters of the City of Aberdeen nominating the candidate for the office of Council or Mayor. A Registered voter may nominate more than one (1) candidate in an election; however, no Council member then holding office nor any candidate who has filed for the election nor the candidate concerned or his or her spouse, parent or child may sign the certificate of a candidate for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement of nomination by twenty (20) registered voters.
(e) The certificate of candidacy shall be signed by the candidate under penalties of perjury and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable filing fee of $25.00 payable to the Board of Elections.
(f) A candidate who has filed may withdraw his or her certificate of candidacy after filing by delivering to the Board of Elections at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the election, written notification of withdrawal signed by the candidate.
9. [Amended 10-11-1999 by Res. No. 552-99EN]
(a) The office of Mayor and Council shall not be subject to term limitation. This provision shall affect those persons holding office at the time of the effective date of this Charter Amendment.
10. The Board of Elections shall provide for each special and general election a suitable place or places for voting and suitable ballot boxes and ballots and/or voting machines. The ballots and/or voting machines shall show the name of each candidate nominated for elective office in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter, arranged alphabetical order by office with no party designation of any kind. The Board of Elections shall keep the polls open from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. on election days, or for longer hours if required by the Council. If the Board decides to use voting machines at any election, the method of use shall be in the same manner provided in Article 33 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1957 Edition) Title “Elections”, Subtitle “Voting Machines”, and any subsequent amendments thereto insofar as the provisions of said Article may be reasonably applicable.
11. All special City elections shall be conducted by the Board of Elections in the same manner and with the same personnel, as far as practicable as regular City elections.
12. Within forty-eight hours after the closing of the
polls, the Board of Elections shall determine the vote cast for each candidate and question and shall certify the results of the election and the elected officials to the Council, who shall have the results recorded in the minutes or journal of the Council.
13. The Council shall have the power to provide by ordinance in every respect not covered by the provisions of the City Charter for the conduct of registration and City elections and for the prevention of fraud in connection therewith, and for a recount of ballots in case of doubt or fraud.
14. All ballots used in City elections shall be preserved for at least six (6) months from the date of the election.
15. Any person who
(a) fails to perform any duty required of him or her under the provisions of this subheading or any ordinances passed thereunder,
(b) in any manner willfully or corruptly violates any of the provisions of this subheading or any ordinances passed thereunder, or
(c) willfully or corruptly does anything which will or will tend to affect fraudulently any registration or City election, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any officer or employee of the City government who is convicted of a misdemeanor under the provisions of this section shall immediately upon conviction thereof cease to hold such office or employment.
Hardly a legally sufficient document by today’s standards. In fact, the last time the section was ammended at all to bring it up to date was 1999.
Speaking on the facts, a complete charter review was conducted and recommendations made for its overhaul in th epast two years, but that has yet to happen.
Wow. So much for a Brave New Aberdeen. This is the group that is supposed to usher in BRAC?
It should be Bennet- Mayor
Council- Kupperman, Elliott,Denu,Dewitt
I'll vote this way. We need better leadership. Simmons is to shady for me. He wants to rule the City of Aberdeen. The mayor is part of the five member council and should remember that. Yes we do have a city manager,but,he was appointed by the mayor. So in effect he is obligated to please the mayor which puts his job on the line if he were to dissagree with Mr. Simmons. So the city manager is being swayed by fred simmons and is not effective. Fred Simmons should go to the Cuba and run for dictator. He would be a hit there.
I'm really glad they did not endorse that hiob and yensan. Even if by luck Fred got elected again as long as the others that the aegis endorsed got in ,than Fred would be a "Lame Duck". And no longer Ruler of Aberdeen!
Rick Denu, your comment "I think that is evident by the malicious and untrue commentary by those very few posting on here whom are employees" was meant for me? I can only assume so. Is there a problem with employees posting here? I don't think so. Furthermore it is the employees of this City that actually see government in action. I understand you are a disgruntled former employee, but please don't ever infer that my commentary is malicious or untrue. I have was here before you, and I am here after you. And I know alot more about what goes on here than you do. If you would like to discuss any so called malicious or untrue commentary I posted, you know how to contact me.
first timer some words of wisdom
"Whenever you have an efficient government you have a dictatorship. "
Harry S Truman
Oh, no you did not say that!!!! Well I know now that you at least agree with me. I would hope that you are of the few who feel that way. What do you think our young soldiers are fighting for in the middle east? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know so you can speak this nonsense. It's called freedom not dictatorship. You are a fred lover and Ipitty you. But I will pray for you too.
To Fair minded: Or should we all just call you AIR-Minded. Take some advice and stop smoking CRACK.
Employee,
You are so very wrong with your assumptions. It just so happens I was asking Mr. Denu about this blog yesterday evening when I happened to see him out and I brought up this very subject. He mentioned this most recent response he had written about the employees. I asked him if you, the "employee" was the very one he spoke about. He responsed no, actually he was referring to Fairminded and Daddy and the psychos like them as being the employees that are sounding like madmen. So, get your facts before you get yourself all upset and bash the guy.
Did you ever think if he thought it was you he would not have contact you as you offered? I don't think Mr. Denu has any problem confronting anyone.
It seems as though you need to find excuses to jump him. Is this true. Again, it wasn't you he was referring to, if you didn't get it the first time.
Mr Tired,
If he was refering to the individuals "Fairminded" and "Daddy" then he should reference that in his rant instead of using my moniker to identify with. Furthermore, Mr Denu and I have a history, if you were familiar with that history then you would know where I was coming from.
Nice to see he has a defense team though! (Seeing how it was posted at 7:35 and he continued blogging through 8:43 (Sauce) it's tough to tell when you saw him out and about)
So in case you didn't get it the first time, let him answer himself. (or did he?)
Employee,
I was not referring to you at all.
In fact I was referring to the others.
The history you refer to must be one sided, as evident by your knee jerk reactions to my commentary on the issue.
If you are upset by my postings, you have my number and know where I live and work…call me or see me before you needlessly blow up and post something that is not the case in fact.
OK
Mr. Employee,
I am not a friend of Mr. Denu, for all intents and purposes, just someone who finds his platform one the City of Aberdeen needs. I just happened to be able to see him on Rogers Street, if you need to know.
For the sake of being accused as being a part of the cut/past gang, here it goes.
Mr. Denu said, "I think that is evident by the malicious and untrue commentary by those very few posting on here whom are employees. This display of foul character is the perfect representation of what is promligated and should not be tolerated."
Notice Mr. Denu did not say "The Employee", he referenced "employees". He did not use your moniker at all. So, you see he was being honest when he was referring to the other guys, not you, Sir. It is very obvious you pick, pick, pick on Mr. Denu. Give it a rest and I wonder if your history you speak of is as one-sided as this example?
Hey employee- I get the just of your post! I think all these new bloggers aren't new at all. If you read them, they all use the same grammer. Goofy isn't it!
“As a matter of course, that was 23 years ago. I and a couple of co-workers got our hands wrapped around 19 or 20 questions of a 120-question test. No answers, just questions. We researched them and passed them out to all our friends,” Bennett told me.
Anyone see any similarities between this Mayoral Candidate and Ms Elliott (and her minions) fake Board of Elections Certification?
HOW COULD WE TRUST RUTH OR BENNETT?
Maggie Mae…..sounds like you have something personal against Fred Simmons. Furthermore why don't you address issues of the city instead of spreading rumors and showing how simple minded you are. That is, afterall what this website is for.
Yes, I am completely amazed… amazed that Maggie Mae would post something so hateful and not even make it a better lie. Granted, there is some nonsense posted on this blog, but you truly expect the intelligent voters in this election to believe:
Fred Simmons was seen blocks from his home, less than two weeks before an election, in a town where everyone knows him, with his mistress publicly displaying his affection?
Please tell me you appreciate the sheer absurdity of that story.
I'm sure it is very comforting to you that your anonymity affords you the opportunity to say such things without ever having to look him, his wife, or children in the face and defend those statements. That'll show him, huh? That'll teach him to be the front runner in an election that is fast approaching, won't it? That'll just be incredible tonight over the dinner table when he has to explain that one to his wife, right?
A cowardly (but pretty great) plan if the intent was to hit him where it hurts. Kudos.
Actually, the tactic isn't much different from that used to attack Mr. Denu and his family on one of the other threads. Both were personal attacks with no bearing on the issues at hand. The biggest difference is in the numbers of supporters stepping up to defend the one attacked.
That's politics baby! No matter what moron posts what, common sense has to prevail (hopefully)! That's why it's in Fred I trust!
Thank you Aberdeen Voter.
When I read those allegations about Fred in Vincent's, the first thing that came to mind was Barbara and their family. We have only been in one another's company a few times, but have conversed briefly about our families. In those few time, I could see she has a great deal on her plate working at the agency and taking care of her elderly parents. This is not the type of thing, true or not, she should have to worry about. Wow, the lengths at which people will go to really has hit home.
Hmmm…I don't know, Aberdeen voter…the biggest difference is that Fred himself isn't blogging all day (he has two jobs) and crying about the other candidates. Plus, he doesn't have everyone from his wife to his step-sister's cousin's husband from NY entering in pleas for his character. Yeah, no one cares. Show me what you'll do for the city–we're voting for an elected official not interviewing babysitters.
Fred shakes things up, but his house isn't made of glass. So keep on talking–he loves it. Good press, bad press, good comments, bad comments, hate him or love him– you're still spending your energy thinking about him. Say something ridiculous, and motivate supporters to defend. Maggie Mae might as well have an "In Fred We Trust" sign in her yard.
want to know about Fred
just ask him……or the blond……
yes, fred shakes his thing up alright
HMMMMM?
————– Original message ———————-
From: johnsalser@comcast.net
Hello All,
Am trying to determine if you received the mail that was sent regarding the "steering Committee" meeting for Dave at the wetlands golf course on the 21st.
Please let me know if you can attend.
Thanks
John Salser
Belive it or not I saw it myself. FRED AND A CUTE BLONDE. And yes he is so bold to do just what i said he did. Barb knows what she has in him. how do you think she got him? Yeah, the exact same way!
Fred Simmons is a cheater and a liar and will never change. I dont have to convince anyone. I dont care I you believe me or not. I saw what I saw ant thats the truth. I could not believe it myself. Im just so sick of his GOD syndrome. he is just the opposite. 666
Wow, Maggie Mae– No one knows another person's heart, only GOD. And if S. Fred doesn't believe in God (only he and God knows) then he is in the right place by going to church. Remember, God is much bigger than S. Fred that's why he gave each of us a spirit and conscience–so that he could fill the void. Let God, be God.
I am,
Dagny
Dagny-Amen!
PETA Bankrolling Terrorist Group ELF
WASHINGTON, — As the frightening images of a massive August 2nd arson are seared into the minds of San Diego residents, many are left to wonder just who the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is and who pays its bills. As law enforcement begins to look for answers, members of the public should know that the shadowy ELF enjoys financial backing from at least one tax-exempt, above-ground group — the activists at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). A recent federal income tax return filed by PETA shows a $1,500 cash payment to the "North American Earth Liberation Front." And Rodney Coronado, a convicted arsonist who previously received $70,400 from PETA, was in San Diego on the day of the University City arson.
Coronado spent 57 months in federal prison for firebombing a Michigan State University research lab. When ABC News's John Stossel confronted PETA President Ingrid Newkirk earlier this year about her organization's financial support of Coronado, she said that he is "a fine young man."
"Federal law enforcement has already shut down several American nonprofits because of their financial ties with overseas terrorists," said David Martosko, Director of Research at the Center for Consumer Freedom. "Terrorism is terrorism, whether it's international or domestic. PETA is funneling money to terrorists, and they shouldn't be treated any differently."
Rodney Coronado was quoted in several news stories about Saturday's $30 million arson, but reporters failed to note that he himself was in San Diego only hours before the fire was set. At 6:30 PM on Friday, Coronado delivered a lecture on "Militant Animal and Earth Liberation" at the San Diego-based "Animal Liberation Weekend" event. Earlier this year, Coronado was videotaped in front of a student audience at American University, demonstrating how to create a crude firebomb for only two dollars.
Crimes such as those committed by ELF vandals and legitimized by Rodney Coronado have become so rampant that the FBI has labeled the groups a "serious domestic terror threat," and has been forced to devote precious counter- terrorism resources to their investigation.
Inquisitive as I am, I noticed the http://www.fredwetrust.com posted above…
Under the links I found a link to PETA. Specializing in Homeland Security I knew the isues associated with that group.
Here's just one interesting read, "the crime stopper" didn't have a clue about…
"Senseless acts like this weekend's arson are taking away law-enforcement resources that should be used to fight the war on international terrorism," Martosko said. "And innocent lives are endangered every time one of these eco- arsonists lights a match. Californians should be appalled that PETA is helping to bankroll them."
An interesting article, but it was published almost three years ago in the Sierra Times.
Fred's "thing" is law and order. NO one can honestly chalenge his success in this area. Aberdeen is safer than ever, and getting better every day.
Is Aberdeen truly ready to trade in Fred for the guy who stole the Sargeant's exam, and then, having 20 questions in hand, ultimately FAIL the exam? How, I ask, could we EVER trust Bennett?
There is no rational position that Bennett is trustworthy.
if freds thing is law and order, why dont we save 100 grand and fred can wear the chief 's uniform.
Funny ha ha. fred gives his salary back to the city. Will bennett???
Maggie Mae….I would suggest keeping your comments to yourself. You have no idea what you are toying with, peoples lives, not just his candidacy. Calling him 666….? GROW UP. Your a joke.
Maggie Mae, who are you? If you don't care whether or not we believe you or what we think of you… tell us who you are. I mean, it's pretty clear that anyone signing off with a mature "666" reference only has the town's best interest at heart. So, out with it. I am dying to find out who knows so much about S. Fred's personal history and calls his wife "Barb." I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see if you still have the same pair of balls without the pseudonym.
Why does everybody take me so seriously ?
If I knew who you were I might take you less seriously.
Still curious… and not surprisingly, it seems your *#@$ have shrunken to the size of a peanut.
AMEN!!
Good Post !
Plus Simmons donates his Mayor's salary back to the community. So he works FULL TIME for FREE! What other politician does that?
Strangely enough, the people against Fred were for him two years ago. Talk about puppets! Fred is not one, which is why they don’t support him this year. They don’t have a Mayor that hangs from a string waiting for the next command. It is upsetting to think that people are going to vote for a side that started their campaign with lies. Liars, cheaters and theives!! It is kind of like a dog in a cow pasture. He smells it, then puts his shoulder in it and rolls around in it. Problem is if you don’t have someone to bathe you, you smell like **** for a long time. So, Bennett voters, think about more then November 7th. (THE DAY AFTER) Think about who is going to handle the problems of the City of Aberdeen. FULL TIME!!! So enjoy it, roll around in it, but suffer the stench for a long time.
The post on Oct 29 at 3:13 PM was not me! I know alot about Mr Fred Simmons. He has done this to himself and if he does not care who sees him then he should not care who writes about it. He has had many girlfriends. Viagra, I guess it works wonders. Yuck!
as to the 666 coment. I do believe him to be a devil!
curious
I have never had b#!!s I was not made that way. Why don’t you get yours out of your mommys purse.
maggie mae…..if it were a fact about fred simmons, you wouldn't be so scared to say who you are the day and time when you saw him so there could be no question. either way…..this has nothing to do with the election, you just want to start personal trouble for the mayor it sounds like. if you know so much about him and have so many problems with him, take it up with him. and have you been a previous girlfriend? you a little bitter or something? grow up, be a stalker to someone else….your rumors are getting old. and i think it is a tad much to be calling peopoe devils. haha, no i think it may just be funny…im not sure how anyone is suppose to take you seriously.
I don't get it. I'm guessing it was an insult, but what does "getting your b#!!s out of Mommy's purse" even mean? Please explain. Or don't actually, your spelling really gets on my nerves.
And in case it wasn't clear, my comment wasn't about your anatomy. It was about the fact that you make wild accusations without the "courage" to come forward and just say who you are. For all those others reading, I note: still no name, still no real connection to Fred Simmons, still only "Maggie Mae" which I have decided is a tribute to Rod Stewart.
And with that, I am done with you. I knew if someone called you out we would only get more psychotic rantings and no face to go behind the tune that's now in my head… "Wake up Maggie, I think I've got something to say to you…"
Scorned lover much? "You know a lot" about him, do you?
Don't worry, S. Fred definitely doesn't care if you write about him. Keep up your inane postings–they're hilarious, creative spelling and all.
Question: For somebody who is calling someone else evil and takes so many pot shots at at his moral character, how do you legitimize your little smear campaign and how it may affect his four children and two grandchildren?
Since it doesn't have anything to do with the election or its issues, keep your trash in the backroom with all your S.Fred voodoo dolls.
what nationality does the name "anonymous" originate from?
and you are telling mm to give their real name? this is ridiculous.
Yes, that is exactly what I'm telling her.
No more ridiculous than her rants simone.
What does the nationality matter simone?
1601, from Gk. anonymos "without a name," from an- "without" + onyma, Æolic dialectal form of onoma "name".
citizen,
i am agreeing with you here, hello!!!!!
anonymous, nice name.
Yo Simone, just to be clear: I was never challenging the appropriateness of being anonymous on a blog, just the appropriateness of calling someone an adulterer when they have a family while being anonymous on a blog. If you are going to post cryptic lies rather than your political views, expect to be called out.
I think it’s really touching though that the person you choose to defend in this little scenario is the one spouting “666” and making nonsensical remarks about balls in a purse. Whatever floats your boat Simone.
Fred did it in public!!!!!!!!!! He should have known better. He dose not care about his family . He has done this before and its old news to them. The fam is use to it.
I love it that you keep responding to my comments. I'm getting to you!!!! YES!
A blog is a blog is a blog. You do not have to read it or believe it. Cry somewhere else. Just pretend its a bad dream. Maybe the guy shouldn't be S#!%ing in the sugar bowl.
haha…Maggie Mae, you SERIOUSLY need to get a life. Like the previous blogs have said before, get off the mayor's nuts and stalk someone else. You have given no factual information to back up what you say so just give it a break. You don't even respond to the blogs that are directed towards you. You apparantly know alot about his family, I would love for people to find out who you are…then again, I'm sure it's best they don't.
Citizen or fred or anonymous
Nuts, Nuts Who said he had Nuts! Stupidity for sure but no Nuts!
maggie mae you were right.
"He dose (sic) not care about his family ." –maggie mae
Unnecessary, hurtful, and not pertaining to the election or its issues. And if I ever find out who you are, I am going to beat you senseless. Consider it a campaign promise from the devil's spawn.
citizen, on November 4th, 2007 at 8:16 pm Said:
maggie mae you were right.
I DID NOT WRITE THIS.
and maggie mae….i think everyone should know fred wouldn't take the time out to respond to your stupid rumors nor write how i do, i am who i am, i would love for you to find out…we should make an arrangement!! you down?
haha…and what now you've gotten as immature as to say he has no nuts? seriously….how old are you, or just that stupid?
I would just like to apologise to everyone for my previous posts I am schizophrenic and have been off my meds for awhile . I was going through my internet history when while skimming through all the beastiality sites I came across this one and saw what I had been posting. My schizophrenia causes me to have religious hallucinations and bad spelling and my alter personality is obsessed with Rod Stewart. I truly don't believe anyone running in this up coming election is the devil.I am sorry.
I have to go now, Johnson family pharmacy called and my happy pills are in. Remember to vote for me, Rick Denu, tomorrow. I promise I'll stay medicated and not go off the deep end anymore!
…..and yet, still not funny
My name is Robert Elliott Jr.
I am one of 4 very proud children of Ruth Elliott and as you might understand, I find it very disturbing to read the accusations and comments towards our mother.
I know, who cares!
I no longer live in Maryland but I have always called Aberdeen my home. Thats where I lived for 25years.
I know, who cares!
What you all need to do is take a step back and focus on the "issues" within your town and vote for the candidates that you feel can run your town and make it a better place to live.
Bottom line is that the vote on the annexation of the Wetlands and surrounding properties into the Town of Aberdeen was convincingly defeated like it or not.
This issue is not about Ruth Elliott and a "post date" it is about real politics within a small town taking over.
That vote was what the Constitution of the United States grants you. Freedom to voice your opinion and cast your vote (not in so many words).
This was not even a close vote from my understanding (1,350 to 750). If there was a problem with the "post date" issue than vote again. If you believe the mayor and council members that were for the annexation were not aware that document was not signed and dated properly. You are sadly mistaken and better wake up.
That's why they did not say anything and were so upset when it was signed. That way they could try and bring the issue back up for vote once they felt they had enough backing.
My mother is and always has been for the people of Aberdeen. She has taken calls at all hours of the day and night to hear concerned Aberdeen citizens concerns for over 20 years
.
My mother does not back down to other viewpoints just to "get along". She speaks and stands up for the well being of a town she has been a part of her whole life.
If you do not like what she stands for, simple, do not vote for her. But, do not sit in your ivory towers and think you are better unless you have sat in her seat. Ruth Elliott could have moved on years ago in the political world but chose to try and make a difference in the Town of Aberdeen.
Change things if you do not like they way they are.
Terms should be 4 years. How can anything be accomplished in 2 years? Thats a must.
Effective town governments are not that hard to run.
"Frugal, yet effective" are the operating words, it is not rocket science. Like it or not, friendly business climate, fiscal restraint, privatization of town services and personal service are the keys to effective towns.
One more note of caution for future elections.
do not fall into big politics and make it personal.
It is about the people of the town, not just you.
As for "Indian Scout", on October 25th, 2007 at 7:02am, you stated " How about I just have my people burn Ruthless Elliott at the stake?
You not only got yourself in major trouble, you brought the sponsors of this blog into also. I will be bringing your threat or "offer for hire" to the federal prosecutors attention. Thats a promise.
Though tasteless and most likely a poor attempt at humor, Indian Scout does have the 1st Amendment in Indian Scout's corner. I like the federal prosecutor angle, pity that is doesn't work like that in the real world, but it was a nice touch. Mrs. Elliott is savy, I'll give her that, and Mrs. Elliott isn't afraid to utilize her 1st Amendment right outside the political circle, and I respect her for that.
That said, it's up to the voters to speak when the polls open and if Mrs. Elliott is not re-elected then so be it and if she is re-elected to another term then so be it. Either way we will all know how the majority feels about Mrs. Elliott's service and performance. The same goes for every other candidate out there seeking 2 more years.
Mr. Elliott Jr. makes a great point…….4 year terms and then we the people will truely get our money's worth.
RWinger,
You can jump in Indian Scouts corner if you wish.
That was not in any way "humor".
There are some very demented personalties in our world today and if you think 1st ammendment rights cover Indian Scout you are sadly mistaken like most of the writers to this thread.
Only Indian Scout will be able to tell that in the long run.I am truly shocked and sad with what I read.
I never realized how uninformed all of you are on the facts.
You support a mayor that actually runs around town bearing a weapon. I know, thats his right to bear arms but, come on, thats taking it way too far.
I would think if my mother is re-elected that would mean the majority is fine with her performance.
You seem to all have a problem with her standing up and voting the way she feels fit.
I wish nothing but the best for The Town of Aberdeen and I hope and pray all of you can find a way to just get along. It seems the only method of communication is personal attacks and it will drag the town down even more if it continues.
My suggestion, and this is only my viewpoint.
your council and mayor must strive to work as a team and create a friendly business climate, privatize town services (like it or not), create even fiscal restraint and provide personal service.
I have my own town to worry about so I wish all of you the best. If you have your concerns, get out to the town meeting and voice your opinion and above all, follow through. Talk to the council and do not blame one individual becuase really none of them can accomplish much without the others support.
They have to become a team
Good luck in the future Town of Aberdeen. I love ya
You're pretty amped Robert.
For the record, I don't think anyone is jumping in Indian Scout's corner. The point is–it's a blog, dude. No one is really threatening some Crucible-esque burning of your mother. (I'm guessing…and I could be wrong…that it was an attempt at sarcasm.) Plus, it's anonymous, and I don't think the Dagger guys are going to feel compelled to pull IP addresses for you to track down a lame witticism. (Sidenote: "federal prosecutor"??! )
Take a look at the postings above yours. There's some chick claiming my dad is an adulterous devil with no nuts. Actually, not "a" devil–but "the" devil, 666 and all. Damn.
Rick Denu's family is bashed on another thread, someone is continuously telling Steve Wright that his mother hates him, everyone says Helton sucks (ok, well that one might be true)…if you ask me (or even if you don't), I think your family came out relatively unscathed.
Let me give you some advice, because you are sort of coming off like a whiner. Hopefully, the hard bashing stops after today, but if not, do what we do: write some rude (yet hilarious) response (under a well-thought-out pseudonym of course) that exposes the poster's intellectual deficit. It makes you feel decidedly better, I promise.
Mr. Elliott I won't debate with you on a blog. I didn't say that I don't agree with Mrs. Elliott, I said that we shall see what the majority feels. As for the 1st Amendmentment right, if Indian Scout needs an attorney I'll take Indian Scout's case.
If the people have a problem with Fred Simmons carrying a legally owned firearm that he has a carry conceal permit for, then they are the ones that I pity. Not just anyone can get a permit, one must show just cause, so if the MSP issued him a carry conceal then he must need it. It would be nice if MD was a little more friendly to the NRA and to it's citizens……there would be a whole lot less victims out there.
The people of Aberdeen have a full time mayor being paid a part time mayor's salary (that the man donates anyway), they have a mayor that has been involved with BRAC since jump street, they have a mayor that actually has a plan for the betterment of Aberdeen and a natural progression that will lead to lower taxes and will lead to fiscal harmony, and they have a mayor who looks out for the employees of Aberdeen, many of whom live in Aberdeen also. Why throw that away at a critical time. Maybe if Bennett had taken the Ruth Ann Young road he would at least have a clue and be a better candidate. Come back in 2 more years.
Wah Wah WAh!!!!!
No, it's cool maggie. I was just teaching Mr. Elliot how to deal with crazies who can't spell. If you've got more half-literate insults (especially the amusing ones I mentioned above) please continue to spew. I will continue to systematically point out that your IQ is right around freezing.
As I sat back and watched all these ludicris postings I find it amazing how the only person trying to get any of you to make sense of the issues is Robert Jr. and he is actually trying to see both sides of the story
Robert, thank you so much for yur interest in our town.
I was offended as were others on the comment from Indian scout (he has problems).
For all of you under 21, stay off these blogs
Rwinger…..if you want to dicuss issues with somone with Roberts level of knowledge and experience at least try and make sense. Your sarcasm only shows your lacl of intellect.
Robert needs to relocate back to Aberdeen and run for mayor.
For all of you under 21, please blog twice as much. And tell your friends.
1) No one is under 21. Robert was worried about comments on a blog, and I was pointing out that many other "parents" were being bashed as well…that he's not the only one feeling the effects of family attacks.
2) Which two sides of what story?
3) Not "ludicris," ludicrous. (Unless you actually meant "Ludacris," but you don't strike me as the gold chain-wearing type. )
Thanks for "yur" post. I'm sure RWinger was super-upset at your insulting his intellect with your brilliant writing.
FYI – His children are at the polls supporting him not on this blog, enough with the name calling and personal attacks. Grow up.
Aww, you're mad now? No one asked you to "appolige" for anything. I can assure you that you have no idea who I am, but continue to try to guess. If the best you can do is insult a 4 month old baby…well, I'd suggest that your time would be better spent elsewhere. Like, I don't know, an English course? No matter, continue…trying to figure out what you're writing is like some fun word game.
This is getting confusing… and come on now, no one is meeting anyone face to face to have a throw down about devil spawn.
Tensions are a little high today eh?
Mag Pie, I do hope that you make a stop over at the Fred tent today and introduce yourself to his children though if you really feel the need. Maybe you can meet his 5 month old grand-daughter and call her names as well. Classy.
Who exactly are you trying to get to? Obviously, you hate Fred. Do you have something against his family? Because Fred's not reading this. He's at the polls. Who are you targeting?
Why don't all of you stop with the insults. It is what it is. I'll be glad when today is over with and the name calling from both sides (family, friends or just instigators) is finished. All of this is unncessary. Let's see if everyone can do it. Okay?
Is maggie mae = Nicole Burlew? lol, I'm pretty sure it's not, but it would be pretty funny 🙂
maggie mae – you know it's pretty bad, when all your posts are being deleted. so keep it up, I think it's amusing.
nah it's not nicole – she's at the poles right now. actually nicole was in PJ's this morning when she got there – then left and went home to change into buisness attire b/c she felt out of place
That was not nice! Just because she is young you don't have to say that.
I think that the dagger should take out everything that has nothing to do with the election or the topic of the article. That would keep everything on the subject and not on personal issues.
I wasn't making that up. I went down to the polls this afternoon, saw her getting out of her mini van in business attire and was informed she was there earlier in her PJ's
I'm done. Maybe I should have just stayed quiet. The same mistake will most likley be made again by you know who.I'm not a fan of fred that is true. I just hate to see a person like him get away with things. If he gets elected again then we all will have to deal with it. He can't last forever.
Please tell us Maggie Mae, what is he getting away with? To be honest, I haven't voted yet, and I'm still undecided.
maggie mae, why are you not a fan of fred?
Pj's humm…that's a first I guess.
I'm not going to feed the frenzy again. I'ts just him. That's all.
How many people have voted so far?
I have no idea – but when I went up this afternoon it was pretty packed
Yeah, do we have any exit polls going on or any information besides speculation as to what's been happening at the polls today?
I am interested to hear the numbers also…
I have no idea – but when I went up there earlier – it was pretty packed
maggie mae – is it personal? or you just don't agree with the decisions he makes being mayor?
http://www.aberdeen-md.org/
There's a link to the unofficial election results here, but they haven't been updated. I'm watching the site. When do the polls close?
it is personal.
maggie mae, did you used to work for fred a long time ago??
Who posted for Mrs Elliott? Who ever your are you spelled her name wrong.
it is not her and was a joke.
Again, no more. It's like beating a dead horse. I just reported what I saw and I figured he was up to the same old thing again. I should have left it at that,but instead I let my personal thoughts get the best of me or the worst some may say. I do want to set the record straight about one thing and that is I am not the only person who knows what that man is like. And I do feel sorry for his family and for all of this. They will come to his defense as any good family would. But when no one else is around I know they wonder who could know all this truth. With that said ,I do not wish to discuss this topic anymore.
The person who posted for Mrs. Eliott was" one kid to another". She was the only one on this blog who spelled Elliott wrong . And "One kid to another" also refers to herself as Fred's child. Okay kids grow up!
Way to go, super-sleuth. You do realize you spelled Elliott wrong in your own post. And you're wrong.
Ahhhh You got me! Sorry bout the spelling error. I'm right about Kids identity.
Very intelligent all.
we even have some brain that thinks they can post a blog claiming to be Ruth Elliott. That shows the intellect we have on here. I believe I just saw her at the polls 15 minutes ago and seemed very busy.
we even have someone that can claim nobody is under 21. Impressive.
If all of you truly are over 21. that is scary becuase all of you act about 7 years old…..grow up and do something with your life
kudos to amused!
What a great post! maggie mae I believe that this blog should be strictly about politics – not personal attacks on people’s families. If you feel the need to throw personal attacks, please take your ass up to the pole and say it to the all the Simmon’s faces – I’m sure they would love to finally meet you.
Maggie Mae…I, unlike you, am not scared to let everyone know who is writing this comment. I would like to say that you are the biggest coward I have yet to hear of. You are apparantly bitter against my dad, what about, I don't know…nor do I care. I do care however, when you want to talk about and insult my 4 1/2 month old daughter. ( who by the way is the most beautiful and healthy baby girl) I was at the polls today, where you should have been, instead of online blogging all day. I have never written you and I won't again. So make sure you know which of the devil's spawns you are commenting back to, there is more than one of us…obviously you know that, since you know so much. You are right, I don't know who you are ( which is a good thing, I'm a very protective mother…), but I do know that at 20 years old, I'm more mature and have better qualities than you could ever imagine having. As me and my family, and my beautiful daughter, go on living our lives, I will pray for people like you…that you might eventually grow up and have something to offer life, and also that you never meet me.
Sarah Simmons
Devil's Spawn # 4
OK
Ms Sarah,
It'sover now. Some good advice, go on with your life. As a family member of anyone in politics or in the" limelite" you have to be tough crusted and not take what you read or what you hear to heart. I realize you are very young and as long as your dad stays in the public eye this is the kind of thing you will deal with. Don't pay attention to it and you will be a much happier person. I was told a long time ago when the same type of thing happened to me, "it's just politics". I understand that being the bigger person is a hard thing to do. I have bitten my tounge many times. Don't feed into what others may say. Words are just words. Believe me if there is anything out there about you that a person knows it can and will be used against you. I personally dislike politics and the dirty tricks.That's the nature of the beast.
Live , love & laugh!
#1, I think your point is well taken. But I do feel like I need to point out that Sarah Simmons was justified in responding, especially in such a mature and diginified way.
The election is over that's true. It is also true, however, that now there are rumors and glances flying at Sarah (and the rest of Fred's family) from many directions courtesy of this Maggie Mae character.
Many of Maggie Mae's hateful posts were deleted yesterday (thanks Dagger), but there were a lot of untrue things said directly to Sarah and about her. This isn't a case of thin skin or needing to understand the nature of the political beast. This isn't really about the election or politics or even the truth/untruth of what was posted on this blog.
I want to give Sarah kudos for responding in a mature way and taking the high road in this situation. Anyone who knows Fred's family knows also that they are smart, caring, loving people and everyone on this blog understands that Maggie Mae is ignorant, hateful, and psychotic.
I want to extend my congratulations to Fred, not on the election obviously, but on raising such wonderful and accomplished children.
Friend,
You said that most of the posts from mm were deleted. I guess they were not even there long enough for any one to read. I read the thread entirely and did not see to much that any one would take serious. Just opinions and mud slinging. I would not worry about very many people reading them then. A lot of things were said in this blog about everyone. Not responding to hate is the way to beat them, I say.
"A lot of things were said in this blog about everyone. Not responding to hate is the way to beat them, I say.
"
The individual things that were said and deleted were horrible, and not just opinions and mud slinging, nor like anything else written about others. Yes they were taken down, but she had every right to address mm.
Now where are the slurs directed at #4"s BB? You are telling on yourself. If you don't want so called imagined stares then stop bringing the subject up. I haven't seen any or heard any on the subject. I've have seen some "leave it alone" comments. If you don't like the said story than Stop commenting on it. I think you must like the drama.
I don't see how Ms. Simmons likes the drama…if you would open your eyes she responded back to Maggie Mae once and only once. There are no remaining comments about her daughter because the owners of The Dagger deleted them because they were that bad. The issue is over and was addressed why don't you take your own advice Amos and stop commenting on it.
who said sp or I mean ss liked the drama. Drama is in the eye and mind of the beholder. all amos did was ask a question. yeah she responded knowing there was nothing about BB in the blog. Now thats a drama queen for ya.
Well this is just getting ridiculous now. Mags, I know you needed a new alias because no one took you seriously, but Amos? And then Star?
Let it go. Sarah responded, which is apparently what you wanted. Some people came to her defense. Her Dad lost the election which was in the end what you were really worried about right?
So let this girl go on living her life. I'm sure you have better things to do.
She responded because there were heinous things said about her child, she is a wonderful mother, and this is the only forum she has to address the person saying the horrible things. If she had a telephone number for "maggie mae," you can bet she wouldn't have posted on a blog.
The Dagger took down the horrible posts, but unfortunately, others had seen it. Like any mother who has something said about her child, it made my sister (and all of us) really upset.
Look–we got it–you hate our dad. Unless you have something personally against my sister or wish to stand up and say who you are, stop hounding her. I get your little dig at her name, and it's just really nasty. She is and always has been my sister, and it was one of my proudest days when her name finally said so.
Fantastic, you know all about the Simmons family and you can get all your little digs in under anonymous cover. Guess what? My dad ran for office, not Sarah. And now the election is over, and you got what you wanted. Find a new target.
Now nearly two years later we see that Ms Elliot has still not been called to task for this and other election fraud stunts. The system is broken and, in my estimation, beyond repair. Ruth has no core and as one former manager within a City department put it “lies for the sake of lying.” In my sixty plus years of working and interacting I have never met or worked with anyone who was more difficult or outright uninformed.
The main reason that Ruth and the Anarchists, Communists and Terrorists (ACT) all 15 of them, got away with this and the other election fraud stunts is that the Aberdeen code does not defer to Maryland election law. At some point Aberdeen decided to create its own election code, divorcing itself from the applicable State and County laws. Why, when or by whom it was done is unknown. Had I been aware of this fatal flaw while still in office, rest assured we would have corrected it. Mike Bennett has been aware of this flaw since the very beginning of his term and has done nothing to fix it. could it be the fact that the flaws all worked to Mr. Helton’s advantage?