County Executive David Craig formally filed for re-election Friday, hours before joining with former Governor Robert Ehrlich to open their joint headquarters on Main Street in Bel Air.
Before a crowd of more than 75 Republican supporters, both Craig and Ehrlich pointed to renewed energy in the Republican party and claimed the state’s Democratic administration under Martin O’Malley had waged a “war on success.” They pledged to bring government spending under control and support small business.
“These are not mantras every four years,” Ehrlich said. “They’re governing philosophies, you have to live them. We did, they didn’t, and they’re going to pay for it come November.”
Craig pointed to his efforts to reduce the county’s budget over the last three years while maintaining services to residents, and touted the county’s improved AAA bond rating, awarded by two of three national bond rating services earlier this month.
However, he said he could have further cut taxes if not for burdens placed on the county by state government and O’Malley.
“I could do better,” he said, “if I had someone on the second floor of the state house that understood county management.”
Though Craig’s re-election announcement came as no surprise, he said he didn’t intentionally wait to file. Rather, he said he tends to file re-election bids later than candidacies for new office, as the demands of his job as county executive delayed the filing. He said the timing also coincided with his regular financial disclosure, preventing the need to update the information twice.
It may have taken him awhile to file, but Craig said campaign planning and fundraising has been underway for several years. He said those plans had to reflect tough economic times—while he said he usually tries to raise 50 percent of his campaign funds during the election year, he’s changed that goal for this election.
“We realized that might be difficult this year,” he said. “So we planned to get 75 percent going into this.”
Craig said his relationship with Ehrlich dates back to 1988, when the two met at a GOP event at the Maryland Golf and County Club. The two served together in the state House of Delegates before their political careers took them to different positions.
Still, Ehrlich referred to Friday’s event as being “back home,” and said he would need more than 75 percent of the county’s vote in November’s election. Kim Wagner, chair of the Harford County Republican Committee, went further, pledging that Ehrlich would receive 80 percent of the county’s vote.
Craig said the headquarters at 118 S. Main Street in Bel Air would be staffed from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
I had an opportunity to attend today’s rally. Bob Ehrlich did a great job, as did David Craig. The Dagger needs to learn to count, there were easy 250+ people in attendance! This was a great event with lots of energy. The office was impressive as well.
I agree with At the Rally. I was there also. Great attendance! So excited to see Bob Ehrlich and hear him speak. He is a crowd pleaser. Go David & Bob!
250+ seems high, but I usually guess-timate low. Plus, I took my count a few minutes before fmr. Gov. Ehrlich arrived. If someone can show me an official sign-in sheet or something like that, I’ll update our number.
250 is high because morons like to pad the numbers.
Also, if it were to be 250 (unlikely) the article is still correct in stating “more than 75”
It was a happy crowd, but 75 people is probably right. I would have estimated closer to fifty.
ain’t this a shit-throw…what was it…”75″ or “250”…?
can’t believe either one …
yeah, probably more like 35
Damn GeorgeGeorge! You’re a feisty little shit aren’t you? Well congratulations, you’re repetitive, pointless comments on this subject lacking any intellectual substance have proven that you’re just another misinformed, unintelligent liberal trying to feel smart by sitting behind a computer posting on a political website. Here’s an idea- this site is for substantive, enlightened discourse, so if you don’t have anything useful to contribute, why don’t you just turn on MSNBC or watch some reruns of The Daily Show (that’s obviously where you get your heightened sense of humor) and pretend to be smart in the privacy of your own home so we don’t have to put up with your mindless dribble.
Or if you REALLY want some B.S., just turn on the FOX Noise Network!
I was there as well, and agree that the energy was awesome. t the Rally, 250 may be a bit high, however, there were a lot of people there all excited about Ehrlich and Craig. I walked around back and there were lots of people by the food and drinks that were not up by the stage, so I would guess at least 150-200 people. Either way, it was a good event.
I can’t imagine anyone being excited about Craig. And excited about Ehrlich only because he’s not O’Malley.
Absolutely!!! Great to hear from someone who very well stated that Craig is done. Lets put a fork in him right now. You are so right that the republicans have not done what we expected from them and the endorsement by Ehrlich for Craig makes me think Ehrlich still does not understand conservative republican principles or he is a liar just like Craig. Ehrlich should have distanced himself from Craig and that is very disturbing. You should watch the endorsement video but I would not want you to suffer as Ehrlich chokes his way through it. Craig views himself as the elite and has his personal interest and that of his friends as his agenda as county executive. The matter to be excited about is that we have the opportunity to vote out Craig. It appears to me that Craig and MOM should run together. Both believe in bigger government,spend and tax, nepotism, greater debt and higher taxes. Then they proudly act with delusion saying they have reduced the size of government, cut spending, reduced debt and lowered taxes. No wonder you say it is hard to imagine anyone being excited that Craig is running again.
Craig is no conservative and Ehrlich is a moderate. I’ll be voting against both of them in the primary. I still need to check out Wagner’s principles and past Council record. From what I’ve heard by word of mouth Wagner isn’t very conservative. It’s a shame that Steve Wright passed because he was a principled conservative. I’m definitely not voting for Craig since he cut a check from our tax payer dollars to go towards constructing a housing division (Beechtree). It is not the job of government to loan money, it should be up to the banks and private sector. If it was such a good deal then the government wouldn’t be needed to cut the check.
Also if it wasn’t for the Harford Tax Revolt group Craig & the Council wouldn’t have lowered property taxes. So when he says that he reduced the budget and cut property taxes he only did it because a mob of voting citizens swamped the council and struck fear into him and it threatened his prospect of being reelected.
I’ve met Ehrlich and he’s a really nice guy, but he’s way too moderate for me, I’ll most likely be supporting Brian Murphy in the primary.
You guys sound like part of some lunatic fringe. Most voters fall somewhere in the middle, and for the most part, that is were most successful political leaders govern from. What are your solutions to running county or state government? How would you handle managing any type of large multi-faceted organization? As a voter, I don’t want to hear complaints or politics of NO, I want to hear solutions on what exactly you would do differently.
As a parent, with kids in parks and rec programs, and in county schools, I don’t see where the Council or Craig have done anything wrong. From what I hear of the rest of the state, Harford County is much better off than most. Then again, I don’t subscribe to the lunatic fringe view of the world. Most normal people don’t either.
You couldn’t be more on point when referring to the TIF that benefits one developer. It was only the work of the tax revolt movement that prompted Craig and the Council to lower the tax rate.
I welcome you to review my voting record of sixteen years on the Council. I believe you will find it considerably conservative. I have never been a fan of BIG government and of over-spending or over-taxing. From my time on the Council, I know how to reduce our local government, create efficiency, consolidate resources,yet maintain delivery of the needed services. We have had nothing but 5+ years of growing our local government in all aspects…..expenses and personnel. It was my independence and being too conservative that helped make me the one my own party wanted out in the last election. Independence and trying to do what is in the best overall interest of the citizens doesn’t always get the reward one might think is most fitting.
Not only do I welcome the review of my record but I would invite you and others who would like to sit down and discuss the issues to get in touch with me.
September 14 is fast approaching and your next County Executive will be chosen that day.
Mr. Wagner,
“It was my independence and being too conservative that helped make me the one my own party wanted out in the last election.”
Are you the same Robert Wagner who was convicted of DUI in the Harford County Circuit Court in 2002? Are you the same Robert Wagner who had two Peace Orders filed against him in the past for Domestic Violence? How about the Battery conviction? What about the 2000 conviction for Perjury? How about the Burglary/ Violation of Ex Parte Order/2nd Degree Assault convictions? By the way, it appears that this Robert Wagner has two 2nd degree Assault convictions.
If this person is you, then you have a lengthy criminal history and I question why anyone would want you to run for public office. Furthermore, if this is you, then you obviously have a history of violence. If this is you, it is not your conservativism that cost you an election….it would be your criminal history, lack of public trust, the appearance of being a thugy good old boy, you get the picture. If this person is not you, then please let us know. Thanks.
Be sure when trying to research me you have the correct Robert Wagner, I’m also not the one in Hollywood. I did however have a (well publicized) DUI in 2006, after the election. If you look into it I believe that is the extent of my encounters with the law. Thank you for the opportunity to help set the record straight.
After checking the MD Judiciary Case Search, I can find the other cases involving ANOTHER Robert Wagner. Mr. Wagner’s DUI did not even show up on this search. Make sure that you have person’s middle initial and check the DOB http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/inquirySearchParam.jis
Rob,
Hats off to you. Glad that’s the only blemish on your record. Clearly, I did not have the correct guy. My appologies! Good luck w/your candidacy.
The campaign headquarters will be open from 11am to 7-8pm Monday through Friday, no weekends yet.
David Craig has turned into a Democrat with more spending, more debt and assurance that his circle of friends and famiy have jobs at the government. Why the entire third floor has turned into his campaign headquarters and we are paying for it. David Craig is setting our County up for higher taxes and we will all pay once the election is over. If you don’t think so, then you are a fool. I even heard yesterday that he has plans to move to Delaware so we will all be left high and dry from his actions. This is a new beginning. We need to start fresh and move forward. Ugly accusations do not move us forward. I spoke extensively with Steve Wright prior to his untimely death. He had many beliefs that Rob Wagner has and I think that is what Harford County needs.
Joan Ryder: “Ugly accusations do not move us forward.”
An amazing statement from the queen of ugly accusations and misinformation.
And for you to decry government spending now, when months earlier you yourself were begging County Government for $30,000 in “emergency appropriations” (a.k.a. taxpayer bailout) for Farm Fair Incorporated, of which you are President. Why should we listen to you when you talk about government spending? It’s clear that your beef with Craig is personal rather than policy-based.
Hayes, you are a moron. Do you think Joan Ryder was asking for county funds for the Farm Fair because she will personally benefit? She is doing it because the Farm Fair is a community and family-oriented tradition in Harford County and she doesn’t want that to be lost. She is doing it FOR THE PEOPLE not herself. You can be assured that anything Craig is involved in is for his OWN PERSONAL GAIN, not the good of the citizens or the county.
Well Stefano, you can call me a moron if it makes you feel like a big boy, but nowhere in my post did I infer that she was profiting personally from the $30,000 of taxpayer bailout funds she asked for in the middle of a budget cycle.
My point was that she asked for the money (and got it), while at the same time railing against spending by county government.
Rather than use her time, talent, and influence in the community to lead a fundraising drive or seek alternative funding sources for this very worthy cause, she put her hand out to us, the taxpayers. Very hypocritical.
And, very typical of the TP Movement. Rail against taxes and then ask for a bail-out for your community focused event. I am fully in behind of our tax-payer dollars supporting a great event community event like the Farm Fair. However, if it is true that Joan asked for tax-payer dollars when she is the champion of less government and fewer taxes (even thought they support things like the great schools we have in Harford which supports her primary business as a realtor) then this is another great example of the hypocrisy of the TP movement at a local level. Thanks for pointing it out!
Is it really fair to cheery-pick on 1 issue – Farm Fair? Lets not lose sight of the much bigger issues that the Tea Party movement means to address. For those that want big government – pick up a Wall St Journal. Pull your heads out of the sand and look at what is happening in places like California, New York, Michigan, Greece, Spain, and other Socialist Democracies. Too much Government spending, too many overpaid and under-worked government employees, and little government efficiencies to speak of.
You are mistaken on at least 3 points.
First: The money for the electrical infrastructure of the Equestrian center was provided by the taxpayer/participants in the farmer’s community, and participants at the fair, too!
Fewer taxes, less govt. intervention into private business, are issues of the Taxed Enough Already movement, however, TEA party participants do pay taxes, do run business and do provide for our families and community. If promises were/are made by the county gov’t or the state gov’t or fed.gov’t, they need to be kept…look at the “deal” Aberdeen and Ripken stadium made…look at the bond deal that was made for the 715 interchange and for the Beechtree Estates, or the Carsin Run Villages, no property taxes to be paid—to what end? The fact that Mr. Wagner is willing to stand up for his beliefs even tho’ Mr. Craig has a lot of financial backing says a lot for his character.
The second point that I think you have wrong is, I believe as do many TEA party folks, that the govt. is too large, to involved in people’s lives and too intrusive. Our country began with the idea of God first, then family, then country, and if the TEA party stands for any thing, those three ideas are central to its success and the success of the USA.
My third problem with your statements is the lack solutions or credible input on any of the issues, but you seem so sure that you know what the TEA party stands for here in our county/state. The rallies that we held last yr. brought citizen awareness to both the council and Cty.Exec., about the high property taxes. The increased govt. fees, the costs of doing business here,is a big problem. The TEA party rallies allowed real, human, taxpayers, to voice their concerns about the continuing expansion of the county gov’t and its growing big brother tendencies. The fees that we pay for taxes should not be wasted, and I do think that the waste of our money is a problem, look at the increases in the landfill fees, the water/sewer bills and the costs of living here in this fine state.
As you denigrate the TEA party movement, you demonstrate the lack of awareness of the costs of living here, of doing business here and of the lack of services here. Many of our schools are good, some are not, but all are well funded; many of the police are good, and well funded, as are the county employees, but there is a strong need to consolidate and re-focus attention on the extra-large expenses. Our family has had to do so, and many of my friends, too. I hope you re-think your TEA party theory.
And I hope you re-evaluate your understanding of US History:
“Our country began with the idea of God first, then family, then country….” Ummm, sorry, no:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
The TP Movement is attempting to rewrite history, as usual. It is fine to debate the role of Government today, but do not use history as the basis for your argument is you do not understand it – please.
“there is a strong need to consolidate and re-focus attention on the extra-large expenses” Like what? Do you want to consolidate the school system? Oops… already done. Consolidate the police system, do you think it best to eliminate town police departments, taking officers off the streets? Where specifically do you want to cut? Parks have long since been cut to the bone, the school system costs money yes, but is quite effective; nearly all other county government agencies have been cut and furlowed… WHERE DO YOU MAKE THE CUTS.. WHAT COUNTY EMPLOYEES WILL YOU HAVE KICKED OUT OF THEIR JOBS TO SAVE YOU A FEW TAX DOLLARS???
I sense an “oh so cozy” relationship between Ryder and Rob Wagner. Something smells funny!
Wonder what kind of development/real estate/zoning stuff Wagner has promised to push through for his good old buddy, Ryder.
Isn’t she the pot calling the kettle black.
CARPETBAGGERS!
You are right Queen Mary. Just take a look at her office building with the big Wagner signs on it. Joan is not promoting him out of the goodness of her heart.
Yes, agree. Rob Wagner is quite conservative. So, conservative, that for 16 years he did nothing! In 16 years, Rob Wagner NEVER built a school, NEVER fixed a road, AND NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER lowered our taxes. Instead, he sat on the Council, drank his Vodka in plastic cup and PROFITED OFF of us, by selling out to his own self, A DEVELOPER!!!
Guess what Wagner, no one is for you except Joan Ryder and the Treasury Department!
Hey Queen Mary…..sounds to me like you are a bitter women. What, are you afraid of losing your cushy job on the 3rd floor.
Queen Mary: You are going to be quite shocked when the votes are counted and you see a ton of Wagner supporters. I personally am in the “ABC” Anybody But Craig club, so Wagner would get my vote anyway, but I happen to believe he is a much better voice of the people. And to insinuate that he was drinking at council meetings is just you spewing pure hatred.
Anybody But Craig…ABC, I like it.
You all need a serious reality check, and I mean everyone. Most people who post here are nothing but political hacks, wannabes and so called insiders. Insiders of some mayberry nightmare perhaps.
Can Harford County really grow up and evolve as a community? As a new person reading these posts, you easily come to the conclusion that it is certainly not possible here.
Reality Check: Get over it. It’s called a blog. We post our opinions. We may or may not have the inside story. Who are you to think you are superior to the other posters and your post is of more importance? You are aptly named because a reality check is just what you need.
You are right in that this is a BLOG and not an information source for news. However, these post read more like the National Enquirer than they do any well thought out material that should be in a BLOG.
Wolf Man spotted on Main Street!! Three headed baby born at Upper Chesapeake! Man Eating Cow terrorizes Jarrettsville!
Reality Check, You have worded very well what the introduction to David Craigs autobiography will be…Wolfman spotted on Main Street…Three headed baby born at Upper Chesapeake…Man eating cow terrorizes Jarrettsville. Yes David Craig exactly. Now lets put a fork in him and send him to Delaware.
Get off of Joan. You are a bad person for insinuating such things. That is intentional misrepresentation of the facts.
I think Mrs. Ryder’s comments are hilarious and completely baseless.
-“more spending” yet the budget is smaller than last years
-“more debt” the County has upgraded bond rating to AAA
-“assurance that his circle of friends and famiy have jobs at the government” even if this was true, are you not doing this to secure a position with Wagner?
-“I even heard yesterday that he has plans to move to Delaware so we will all be left high and dry from his actions” despite the fact that so much of his family, children and grandchildren, live throughout Harford County. I’m sure his goal is to ruin their futures.
-“Ugly accusations do not move us forward” Does this mean you are trying to move the Wagner camp backwards?
-“I spoke extensively with Steve Wright prior to his untimely death. He had many beliefs that Rob Wagner has and I think that is what Harford County needs.” I believe this is a shameless plug to try to attract his grieving friends and supporters, which I’m sure people see right through.
Harford County has a spending problem. It has been over spending for all the years Craig has been County Executive without regard because Craig has never had the interest of the taxpaying citizens as a concern of his. Craig is about one thing and that his well being and the well being of his friends. What Craig wants you to believe and what the truth is are two different matters. Craig is a wolf in sheep clothes. The truth has just been published in the Dagger in an article that states $75 million has been spent wastefully year after year. This is a non partisan report authored by Mr. Passoro and Mr. Whiteley. The committee who came to this conclusion was headed by Mr. John Scotten who is the Harford County treasurer. For Craig not even to recognize this over all his years in office demonstrates his misconduct in office and poor performance as county executive. Please review the FY 10-11 budget. There is record spending of nearly One Billion Dollars. Millions have been borrowed that will have to be repaid with interest. Yet Craig boasts that he has reduced spending. No Craig has moved onto a new playing field from Tax and Spend to Spend and Tax. Higher property taxes are coming to pay for not only the wasteful spending documented by John Scotten but also the future debt service from Craigs new borrowings. You and Craig both boast about the bond rating. I encourage both you and Craig to read the current news about the corruption in the bond rating agencies. They appeared before the US Congress about their corrupt practices and their part in the financial collapse. The rating companies rated many securities as investment grade when they were junk. Since you believe in the bond rating you should purchase these bonds and be happy when Craig raises your property taxes so you can be paid back. Bond ratings are all about money. Who wants to purchase bonds rated as junk. So the rating companies do a great job after the security fails and then come out such as with Greece and downgrade them to junk status. Now to the TIF at Beechtree Estates…Craig has provided a windfall profit of $14 million to his developer buddy. The taxpayers unless the project fails will have to pay these bonds and interest back to the investor. Those purchasing homes in Beechtree Estates will only pay a portion of the property tax for general services. The unpaid amount becomes a tax burden to all the citizens of Harford County. In the summer of 1787 the US Constitution was formed by 55 delegates who met at the State House in Philadelphia. They established our republic as we know today with republican values. Joan Ryder and Rob Wagner understand those conservative values. It is a true shame that Craig does not. When Craig is in his wolf suit he acts as a republican but his true political beliefs have to be his record. Bigger government, higher taxes, and now much bigger spending and much more taxation. Sounds like he is a democrat to me. You could learn much by reading carefully what Joan and Rob are saying. If we are to stay a republic we need the leadership that Rob Wagner can provide. Craig is an elitist and that is not what the great men who framed our constitution in 1787 dared would be our leaders.
As Mr wagner said. his DUI was well publicized. he’s not hideing any thing. as a public figure you could expect that.
I might add that I pushed Mr. Wagner on this issue several months ago on this site and he stated he was abstaining and focused on maintaining sobriety.
Joan – “ugly accusations”? Do you mean like the ones you spewed at the Council meeting on the TIF. You were fed a bunch of lies by a person that did not want to say them publicly, so they told them to you. And since you are a tool and a fool, you just went and said them publicly. Now it is going to come back to bite you.
Rob Wagner – you do have a record, and on that record you were voted out four years ago. And beleive me, it is not a conservative record, but a record of helping yourself and your developer buddies.
A record of keeping the property tax rate high. A record of increasing taxes by the maximum the tax cap would allow. A record of making sure your property was zoned so that you could develop it with the maximum number of houses. That is your record.
What is amazing to me that there are people out there that don’t think you can get good government and conservative ideas without a payback. We need our County back with small government, less taxes and spending under control. We need to follow the Constitution and have the government work for the people.
What is amazing to me Ms. Ryder is that you were on your facebook and on here spewing those same accusations at other people.
I think you are just an angry lady who’s real estate career is in its waning days, as you slowy become a has been. Don’t see to many of your signs around the county…wonder why.
Joan is selling plenty of real estate. This language borders on libel, so I would watch it if I were you.
I have seen her selling homes all over. And the difference is that Joan is a small businesswoman and broker. She reaps the benefits of her own hard work.
TC, do you work for the Craig administration?
TC, you are mean, hateful, and most likely either working for the Craig administration or for the Campaign. In either case, you are entitled to be hateful, but it doesn’t lend credibility to your cause.
I like Joan. She has always been fair and reasonable to me.
Ryder’s real estate business must really be off for her to spend so much time on here and facebook. I hope people MADD and other groups boycott her business for all the trash she has been spreading.
Do you work for the administration?
This is ridiculous. Boycott her, please, and she will just make money from somebody else.
Wow, so much spewing on both sides. I am not for or against any candidate, and I don’t know either Mr. Craig or Mr. Wagner, but I think everyone should stick with the issues. I will say that I am concerned about all of this talk of cronie-ism and taking care of “friends”, etc. Take this TIF–I admit that I don’t quite understand the TIF thing and how it impacts the County taxpayers, but from what I read, it is used for commercial development in areas where development is needed. Wasn’t this one a residential project? If that is so, does this mean that County taxpayers are subsidizing a project like this through tax deferment to the developer?
Also, the bond rating increase is a great thing, but can someone tell me whether BRAC had anything to do with it? Obviously, BRAC helped keep housing moving better than in other jurisdictions, and there was some increase in jobs in our County due to BRAC. Could this have contributed to the rating? If so, then no candidate, whether it is county executive or county council should be taking credit for the increase.
When someone believes that the candidate they support is the correct choice, to support that candidate is a freedom that we as Americans need to protect, defend and support. To trash someone that is stating his/her views on a candidate, to trash and degrade the supporter of a candidate because of his/her friendship/relationship to that chosen candidate is childish and deserves a “timeout chair”. Remember what your mom used to tell you all, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.
Ms. Ryder is a generous and patriotic American and I am proud that she withstands the miserable mis-statements that these folks are tossing at her. I give her a lot of credit for standing up for what she believes…it is more than may other citizens are willing to do.
It is unfortunate that simple-minded people are attacking Ms. Ryder for advocating her rights to free speech and freedom of association. While Mr. Wagner may not be the best candidate, he’s NOT David Craig.
Harford County cannot suffer a third term of Craig despotism and self-serving antics. Harford County needs a considerate, conservative, intelligent and frugal candidate to shake off the shackles of the Craig regime and correct Craig’s mismanagement.
DAVID CRAIG BUDGET EXPLOSION
Anyone who wants to know the facts can look at the budget explosion under David Craig. The only reason he cut the budget last year was because of the Tea Party movement. There is plenty more he can do to reduce the budget. David Craig is a prime example of why elections matter.
Toby Sanchez hit the nail on the head with this comment: “Ms. Ryder is a generous and patriotic American…I give her a lot of credit for standing up for what she believes…”
Let’s stick with the issues and cut the personal attacks on EVERYONE.
We would all be better served if we just debated the issues at hand rather than attack people personally.
Robert Wagner and Joan Ryder are good and honorable people. Joan and I believe that Robert Wagner should be the next Harford County Executive. Robert is well qualified having served as President of the Harford County Council in the past. He has the conservative republican values and leadership skills to manage all of Harford County for the benefit of THE PEOPLE of Harford County.
The forum provided by Dagger allows us to respectfully address the issues and people who are the subject of the articles. It does not allow us to wage personal vindictive retaliatory comments based on a difference of opinion or interpretation. As the several states began the process of ratifying the US Constitution in 1787 there were two opposing sides the Federalists and the Antifederalists. Both sides were allowed to present their views about the constitution not about each other. Our constitution should be revered even more because it was ratified over all the opposition.
Harford County has a spending problem. It has been over spending for all the years Craig has been County Executive without regard because Craig has never had the interest of the taxpaying citizens as a concern of his. Craig is about one thing and that his well being and the well being of his friends. What Craig wants you to believe and what the truth is are two different matters. Every year as the property tax assessments increased Craig could have reduced the property tax rate but he did not. That management decision allowed him to increase spending. How convenient in an election year he makes a very small reduction in the property tax rate. It was the Harford Tax Revolts that got the message through to Craig. He never would have reduced the property tax rate if not for civic action. Craig is a wolf in sheep clothes. The truth has just been published in the Dagger in an article that states $75 million has been spent wastefully year after year. This is a non partisan report authored by Mr. Passoro and Mr. Whiteley. The committee who came to this conclusion was headed by Mr. John Scotten who is the Harford County treasurer. For Craig not even to recognize this over all his years in office demonstrates his misconduct in office and poor performance as county executive. Please review the FY 10-11 budget. There is record spending of nearly One Billion Dollars. Millions have been borrowed that will have to be repaid with interest. Yet Craig boasts that he has reduced spending. No Craig has moved onto a new playing field from Tax and Spend to Spend and Tax. Higher property taxes are coming to pay for not only the wasteful spending documented by John Scotten but also the future debt service from Craigs new borrowings. You and Craig both boast about the bond rating. I encourage both you and Craig to read the current news about the corruption in the bond rating agencies. They appeared before the US Congress about their corrupt practices and their part in the financial collapse. At the hearings the chairman of Moodys said “Do Not Rely On Our Ratings.” If the rating companies are making this statement why would the county executive boast about ratings especially at such a tumultuous time. The rating companies rated many securities as investment grade when they were junk. Since you believe in the bond rating you should purchase these bonds and be happy when Craig raises your property taxes so you can be paid back. Bond ratings are all about money. Who wants to purchase bonds rated as junk. So the rating companies do a great job after the security fails and then come out such as with Greece and downgrade them to junk status. Now to the TIF at Beechtree Estates…Craig has provided a windfall profit of $14 million to his developer friend. This story has been written about in the Baltimore Sun, BBJ and the Aegis. The taxpayers unless the project fails will have to pay these bonds and interest back to the investor. Those purchasing homes in Beechtree Estates will only pay a portion of the property tax for general services. The unpaid amount becomes a tax burden to all the citizens of Harford County.
In the summer of 1787 the US Constitution was formed by 55 delegates who met in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. These great men called upon by history and service to our country established our republic with republican values. Joan Ryder and Rob Wagner understand those conservative values. It is a true shame that Craig does not. The true political beliefs of Craig have to be his record. A government that has increased in size and scope, a government that has operated with wasteful spending, a government that has raised taxes and a government that has borrowed to the point that increased taxes are on the horizon. This is not the direction the voters of Harford County wanted. We need to change direction and return to core republican values. Craig has failed the republican party and the citizens of Harford County. You could learn much by reading carefully what Joan and Rob are saying. If we are to stay a republic we need the leadership that Rob Wagner can provide. Craig is an elitist and that is not what the great men who framed our constitution in 1787 dared would be our leaders. Ben Frankin was asked after the Constitutional Convention had adjourned “Well, Doctor, what have we got a republic or a monarchy?” He relied “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Setting the record straight with facts on the $30,000. The Harford County Farm Fair asked for a reimbursement for electrical work that was paid for over the past 22 years. We have spent in excess of $100,000 on electrical work for the Equestrian Center when we only use it one week of each year. This was not a bailout. The County Council approved it and when it was turned into a grant from the Agricultural Division, I actually asked the farm fair Board not to accept it. I was overruled and hence, we received the $30,000.
Honestly, Joan, you are awesome 🙂
There are few business people in Harford County that are genuinely conservative.
You are in that group. Most of Harford County Businessmen and women are republicans because it benefits them to be Republicans. Joan is an R because she believes in limited government.
Maybe she should be our next CE.
She’s so awesome them ask her the number of times in 22 yrs the Farm Fair Books have has a certified audit?
Bill – what is your point? Are you accusing someone of something?
Really Bill, what kind of crap are you starting? If you are so concerned, then YOU hire an independent auditor. I’m sure Ms. Ryder would be happy to open the books. Why don’t you spare us from your innuendo and do something constructive like volunteering to work at the Farm Fair?
By the way, I don’t even know Joan Ryder but I respect and admire anyone who selflessly gives their time and energy for the good of the community. So what if she gets her name thrown around–free publicity–but she deserves much more than that.
I have lived in Harford County for 52 years and have known David Craig for the last 30 years. Our County is in much better shape than most of the other Counties in Maryland. When the State money dried up for school construction, David did the right thing and is building new schools for our next generation. He has built an infrastructure that will be able to service the BRAC influx of new residents. The County Departments that oversee construction have been beefed up to handle the growth that is happening now. You people talk like David is some kind of monster. I think tou are all full of shit. You can support who you want, but when you try to insult a good person, you are just showing what kind of people you are. You should be glad you live in Harford County and have leadership that understands what is needed for the future. If you think by electing someone who will take you back to the “good old days” you are living in a dream world. The “good old days” now means taking Harford County back to the dark ages when the rest of Maryland thinks we are all country bumpkins. I am sorry but this is a new Century, if you want to grow and be a part of it, you need to grow up.
Engineer, you must Scott Gibson, Lorraine Costello, Bob Thomas, Aaron Tomarchio or one of Craig’s numerous family members and friends. You are drinking too much Craig Koolaid my friend, which is causing you delusions.
Bill – The farm fair books are open to the public. Please call the treasurer, Bill Feehley at 410-515-5800 and ask for an appointment to view them. There is nothing to hide. We just had an audit this year.
Stefano Dimera: What did I write that was not true?
In todays Aegis
Editor:
What a beautiful day it
was for the memorial service
that American Legion Post 39
conducted on Memorial Day.
Past Post Commander Richard
Gebhard kept the crowd
informed of the events, starting
with the singing of the national
anthem, followed by the pledge
to the flag of our great country,
the welcome remarks by
Commander Gebhard as to the
reason we honor our loved ones
who gave their lives that we
may enjoy the freedom to come
and go as we please, freedom
of religion, freedom of speech,
the inspiring address by Maj.
Sherry K. Oehler, the service
branch hymns by the Bel Air
Community Band, the youth
address by Taylor Walker of
Southampton Middle School,
the placing of the wreath by
the various veterans groups, the
respect shown by the citizens
that were present. What a great
day.
There was just one thing
that I did not appreciate — the
politicians who in my opinion
disrespected our heroes by
displaying their political signs
on trucks and shirts. One sign
was large enough to cover half
of the bandstand. Yes, our loved
ones gave their lives just so
those same politicians could
display their signs.
To Mr. Preston and Mr.
Bodway — give us a break
on the day we pay respect to
our heroes. I no longer live in
Harford County, if I did you can
be sure of one thing I would
not vote for Mr. Preston or Mr.
Bodway. I think both of them
need to apologize for being so
insensitive.
Once again congratulations
to American Legion Post 39 for
keeping the memories of our
loved ones alive.
Austin Dale Amos Jr.
Perryville
The fix is in David Craig has a deal with Ehrlich that after Ehrlich wins as governor Craig will accept a high level position within the Ehrlich administration leaving Harford County high and dry with an unelected appointed County Executive.
Craig is a parasite who feeds on the citizens of Harford County. He must be replaced and sent packing to the State of Delaware to retire.
Do not give Craig a third term that he has no intention of serving.
Did you get this information from your crystal ball or comic book?
Wow! I guess you also believe that aliens have been conspiring with higher levels of our federal government to help prepare us for invasion and enslavement. What a whack-job!
Why don’t you ask Craig if any kind of discussion has occurred with Ehrlich or anyone representing Ehrlich officially or unofficially, through any direct or indirect channel, regarding an appointment of Craig to a high level position in a 2011 Ehrlich administration?
You should be a comedian!
Can Craig answer honestly that he hasn’t discussed or agreed to an Ehrlich appointment upon an Erhlich 2010 win?
Isn’t that how Craig got his job on the first place? Harkins got appointed by Ehrlich?
Ehrlich has to win first.
Yes. I believe Craig is a parasitic opportunist of the worst kind and the people of Harford County deserve better.
GetRidoftheCraigPlague
GROFTCP,
You sound just like at that loon John Bowers. I bet that is exacatly who you are. That explains a lot.
Loon? You’re being kind. These vile and insulting comments are just what one would expect from these people.
Nothing vile in my comments at all. Your biggest fear is that Craig is planning on a cushy Ehrlich appointment.
Hey Plague guy, look up vile in your Dictionary. Mr Webster says “tending to degrade” is a definition. Statements like “parasitic opportunist of the worst kind” are definatly meant to degrade or do you talk about everyone like that.
Hey Enginerr
“Main Entry: par·a·site
Pronunciation: \?per-?-?s?t, ?pa-r?-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food
Date: 1539
1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return”
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasitic
Hey Enginerr
“Main Entry: par·a·site
Pronunciation: \?per-?-?s?t, ?pa-r?-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food
Date: 1539
1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return”
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasitic
I guess you were right after all. LOON it is!
Enginerr is calling me a “loon” disparaging or vile?
GROTCP: Bafoon would be more appropriate for you.
Did your tax bill go up? It probably did. I have been getting tons of calls about the taxes going up. Can’t say I didn’t warn you. I also see that our County Executive used taxpayer money to toot his campaign pledges in a letter with the tax bill. Very clever telling us how he lowered taxes and used the constant yield which makes your taxes go up. We need a change!
I’ve lived in my current home for twenty one years and my tax bill has gone up every year. I suppose you want to blame that on Mr. Craig to?
Ms. Ryder, Were you not advicating a while back to bring the tax rate to the constant yeild? Now you say that being at the constant yeild makes our taxes go up? I’m not following your logic?
Last year we asked for the constant yield to protect us from the 20 to 30% increases. The assessable base was going up; however, the last reassessment in Northern Harford County went down by 13% and with the Bel Air area looking at reassessment in 2011 and the Rt. 40 corridor in 2012, these decreases will directly affect the assessable base and it will be much lower. Using the constant yield will mean our taxes will go up which is what you are seeing. The County Executive didn’t offer to use the constant yield when the assessments were going up but now he wants to use it to increase our taxes when the taxable base is going down.
Taxes in Bulle Rock went down by 15% – 30%. So Harford County and HDG will receive a lot less than they did in 2009.
Do you propose changing the tax laws every year to make sure that the local Government gets the least amount possible? Then you could complain about reduced services. Sounds like you just want something to whine about.
No Engineer, I was pointing out that tax receipts will be down dramatically, although I do believe that the Harford County government bureaucracy has run a muck under David Craig. David has grown government and taxes at an astoundingly unsustainable rate.
David could easily pass as a tax and spend democrat. Heck the democrats aren’t putting anyone up against Craig because he is one of them. Craig is as good as it gets for democrats.
My comment was in response to Joan Ryder