In light of many, many debates going on in this county and our neighbors in Queen Anne’s and Dorchester of late regarding development, infrastructures, jobs, etc… came across two links that although they circle around dealing in Montomery County and New Jersey, if you replace the names of the towns/county/state…the song remains the same – and it’s not a good one to listen to.

Officials Pleaded Guilty, But Town Was Changed Forever

Developer Tactics: A Tutorial

And to think just a couple of days ago, I wrote this: Affordable Housing, Development and more Hmmm…

I just called the Talbot Board of Elections as I was curious about where the districts were for voting a new school board, and also looking for websites for all of the candidates. I will be going up there to get a copy of the maps so that I can understand where all the boundary lines are. I’m guessing since I had this question, there must be others out there too.

I also found out a couple of other things…

On September 12th, everyone living in districts 7 (Bay Hundred Area) and 3 I think (Cordova and parts of Easton) will also be able to vote for a School Board Member no matter what their political affiliation is – even if it’s none. So…Please get out there and vote!
We will also be receiving a mailing from the Election Board on or about Aug. 15th with voter regis. cards, maps defining the districts and ballot information.

Just for all of you folks out there who don’t read the paper every day and want to start your candidate research early, here is a roster of all the folks running for office…

U.S. Senate:
U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, R-Md.,1st
Talbot County Democrat — Christopher R. Robinson of Trappe.
Democrat Kostas Alexakis, of Arnold
Democrat Dr. Jim Corwin, of Severn

MD State Senate:
Sen. Richard F. Colburn, R-37-Mid Shore.
Independant Moonyene Jackson-Amis, Easton town councilman
Democrat Ronald Warden Sr., of Preston
Democrat Hilary B. Spence, president of the Talbot County Council

MD House of Delegates District 37B:
Del. Jeannie Haddaway, R-37B-Talbot
Del. Adelaide C. Eckardt, R-37B-Dorchester
Redgie Lancaster, R, of Talbot County
Tim Quinn, D, of Talbot County
Robert Cheek, D, of Caroline County
James A. Adkins, D, of Dorchester County

MD House of Delegates District 36
former state Del. Wheeler R. Baker, Democrat
Republicans
Jay A. Jacobs
Del. Michael D. Smigiel Sr.
Del. Richard A. Sossi
Del. Mary Roe Walkup
Gerard William Wittstadt Jr.
Democrats
Robert Glenn Babbitt
Randall Bellows
Mark Guns
Joan O. Horsey
Green Party candidate Joseph Sanchez.

Talbot County Council
Republicans
Current councilman Peter A. Carroll
John General
John R. Volatile Sr.
Al Silverstein
Darrin Lowery
Corey W. Pack
Dirck Bartlett
Democrats
Councilman Philip Carey Foster
Former Councilman Levin F. “Buddy” Harrison IV
Owen Wormser
Councilmen Hope R. Harrington
Thomas G. Duncan

Talbot County Board of Education
Gloria Y. Farrare (Democrat, District 1)
Steven Harris (Republican, District 1)
Mary-Beth S. Goll (Democrat, District 3)
Robert Burris (Republican, District 3)
Venita Southworth (Republican, District 3)
Monica Dyott Heinsohn (running unopposed, District 4)
William Carroll Hollis III (Republican, District 7)
Judith Amdur (Republican, District 7)
Sandra E. Kleppinger (Republican, District 7)
The Rev. Daniel Greeley Higgins Jr. (Democrat, District 7)

Register of Wills
James K. Camper (unaffiliated candidate)
Alice Anderson (Democrat)

Judge of the Talbot County Orphans Court
Harvey E. Smith Jr. (Democrat)
Ronald L. Frampton (Democrat)
Jacques T. Baker Jr (Democrat)
Carville Don Duncan (Republican)
Donald E. James (Republican)

Democrats Scott Patterson, State’s Attorney for Talbot County, and Mary Ann Shortall, Talbot County Circuit Court Clerk, are both still running unopposed.

Talbot County Sheriff
Current Sheriff Dallas G. Pope
George N. Ball Jr.

Talbot County Circuit Court Judge
Incumbent Sidney Sawyer Campen Jr.
Jo Ann Asparagus

There’s not much going on in the way of official Bozman news…However, Casey & Sherry are back at the top of Bozman road selling produce, so go get some fresh fruit and veggies. Other than that, an unmarked car has been patrolling Rt. 579 catching speeders – local and tourist alike, so slow down everyone. It’s not the bozmanobahn. I’m as much to blame as the next person, but it’s a good reminder for us all to slow down and enjoy the trees, wildlife and gorgeous so far preserved scenery.

The next Bozman Village meeting will be slated for sometime in September after Janet Hammed goes to the inaugural Village Center Board Orientation Meeting. Meanwhile I’m using the site to post pertinent political information as we’re quickly approaching the primaries on Sept. 12 – and Bozman will be again (HOORAY) a designated voting location!

The other day I was going to visit a client’s house, who lives off of Dutchman’s Lane extended. It was a Wednesday afternoon around 3pm. I sat at this light for almost 15 minutes before I was able to cross Rt. 50. The first thing I saw was the utter and complete decimation of not just the old house that used to sit there, but probably more than 5 acres (or so it seemed) of trees!!! All for another convenience store. Do they really need to chop down that many trees? (Here’s a novel concept – why didn’t they just move that house, let someone LIVE in it and save a few of the trees for beauty’s sake???)

After that shock, I drove down Dutchman’s past the Easton Club East development, which I must say is not only visually unappealing, but also incredibly unimaginative. It really could be any development, anywhere USA.What happened to this Neighborhood Village feel that keeps getting touted about??? Oh, and of course these start in the what, upper 300’s?? Who that lives in this county, that also works in this county, and is not a benefactor of a trust fund or other fortune, can buy these houses?

Driving further I see the next development, again, unimaginative in design, no “Village” feel whatsoever, but this time it’s for those who are 55+ and have obviously invested every cent they ever earned, because these too, are extremely high priced. My grandmother, who is 89, really wants move over here, but can’t because of the “starting” costs of most retirement homes that are for sale.

On the other side of Dutchman’s is another new development which I am assuming has been designed in this “neighborhood” style, yet these houses might as well be condos…they all look the same, right down to the exact same sloping of the driveway and are maybe 30 feet apart. It’s like something from Edward Scissorhands! And I’m guessing these are selling the same price range as the others $280k and up. There’s also more building going on between Dutchman’s and Landing Neck Road too.
The current definition of affordable housing means that a 30 or 40 something person, couple or family has a snowball’s chance of buying anything in this area. Especially if they do volunteer for a services organization, but, also if they’re working at a business anywhere in this county, doing almost anything. Even if they are a dual income couple, both with decent paying jobs, constantly trying to improve their positions and income – still have a hard time buying a house here, and won’t qualify for most of the “incentive programs” because they’re earning too much money. BTW folks, affordable housing isn’t just for those just off the welfare program earning $5 an hour. It’s for those who are also earning $15 or $25 or $50 an hour. We’re not indigent, we’re young.

My husband and I were among the last fortunate ones that fit this description when we bought our “fixer upper” 4 years ago. The purchase price in 2002 was $125k. That was affordable housing. While we were hoping for a bigger house, or something that we didn’t have to roll up our sleeves and work on (which we have been for the past 4 years), those homes one, were in a development, not solidly built, in the mid-200’s, and out of our price range.

People like us don’t want to be house poor (meaning we pay a gigantic mortgage and eat Ramen noodles every night). We don’t want neighbors on top of us, the driveways all looking the same, the houses only being differentiated by the house number or shingle color. We don’t want to feel like we have to hold our hat for a leg up either or search high and low for a “program” to get us into a new house.

And here’s an eye opener, if it weren’t for us thirty/forty somethings, most of the folks who can afford these new homes wouldn’t have the support they do – business support, safety services, infrastructure services, and just plain services. Plus most of us are the ones who have the kids to fill the schools. However, our money is flying out the door as fast as we make it, just so we can keep living here. And in our case, if it weren’t for my husband commuting across the bridge to earn what he does we would never be able to have what we do. So, we like many, may never to be able to save up or move up.

This whole ball of wax is tied together…I’m for creating affordable housing, to the sensible revitalization of areas throughout the county that are empty, run down, and need updating. I’m also for creating sensible developments, but not to the extent such as the examples above – vast open spaces of former farmland crammed with cookie cutter houses or apartments using the thinnest drywall, the cheapest cabinets, the lowest grade of lumber, etc. And think about this, if all the trees are gone, then how energy efficient are these houses, really?

I also know that $10-$12 an hour, or even up to $40k a year is about maxed out for any job in this county. The income potential for most is quite limited, as the business base is as well. So there is an obvious catch 22 that needs to be addressed.

In response to a truly new idea from one local candidate, creating more rental properties – why? So we can see even more developments, but this time they’re apartments? Aren’t we all programmed that we need to improve our stations in life so that we can invest in real estate? That is unless of course, the rent is half of what they’re asking now, so that we can save up for a down payment on a house one day? Good luck in finding a decent, safe 2 or three bedroom rental in the $400-$700 range anymore. Yeah, honey let’s you and me and our kids rent this one bedroom apartment in Easton for $900!!!!

Without exception, every single new home being built or on the market is not attracting us – the thirty/forty something family/couple. It’s for those who have made their money elsewhere, want a weekend home, retirement home (not for those over 75 mind you). It is for those who will continue to make their money elsewhere, who do not consistently contribute to the local economy. Look, just because we don’t net a six figure income, doesn’t mean were not worthy to be your neighbor, and we’re not going to bring a lot of rambunctious, destructive kids to your neighborhood either. We’re normal middle class Americans. (Although these days, we sometimes feel like we are on the brink of the poverty level and because we work hard trying to make a decent living, we’re damned).

And something else on this development issue – is there any way at all that someone can control what seems to be excessively rampant commercial development in Easton??? Which it seems is where the majority of the building is happening – all within town limits.

Since I live in the county, it seems I really don’t count when it comes to what happens in the town limits, but it’s affecting all of us. There are far too many vacant store fronts, yet it seems of late, if there’s green space in Easton, call the bulldozers! We gotta bild on er!

I understand that the twain shant meet when it comes to town vs. council rulings and legislation, but hey, it’s getting beyond nuts up the road. It almost seems like the town is scoffing the council and it’s “smart growth” ideas. It really is beginning to look a lot like Glen Burnie hon.

Why does Lowe’s have to move to the other end of the shopping center when most of their parking lot sits empty? Have they really done so well in serving us that they deserve a bigger store? And what is going to happen to the one they leave behind? What about the empty space that Yesteryear’s used to hold? What about the countless other stores that are waiting for someone? Haven’t any of these developers heard of the concept that us lowly first time home buyers know about – RENOVATION???

I have NEVER minded driving across the bridge or to Salisbury when I felt like eating at a chain restaurant or had to get something from the mall or along those lines. But know this, I always try to support a local business first, before I go elsewhere.

Listen, I may be the oddball in this county, and I’m not trying to win any friends with this (and probably won’t) but we (I’ve been here for 20 years and my husband’s with me) chose to stay in TC because it was more affordable than the Western Shore in terms of housing and living expenses, there was less traffic, because it’s so pretty, feels safer, with smaller schools with less problems…hmmm. My, how things have changed in 4-5 short years. Read Housing/Living/Traffic…the other things are fairly still intact, but for how long???

Why on earth would we want to stay then you ask? One because we love where we live, despite all of the work we have put into our house, and two, because we will never be able to buy another house that comes even close to this in the immediate or surrounding counties no matter how much equity we accrue – unless of course, we move way, way, way out to the North/Eastern/Southern reaches of the shore that haven’t been hit by the millionaire’s club bug. Then, our commutes increase, our monthly expenses increase because we have to drive further to have access to things like grocery stores and other neccessities…so it ends up being a wash. Plus we do deserve to live here too, don’t we?
If all of the politicians running for small government offices want to truly make an appeal to all voters, they need new and innovative stands on development, the environment, housing, economy and education that really make sense. Perhaps what they should do is poll those who fall in the 20-45 age group, and find out what they need – because you know what baby boomers? We’re 15-30 years behind you with a much smaller population base, incomes and homes and we’re going to be the ones who will have to find a way to do something with all of those developments and shopping centers you created for yourselves, without any regard to the future or what it’s going to do to the open spaces once populated by geese, herons and produce.

I was given the promise of the American dream, to own a house with a white picket fence that I could let my children play behind safely, to have neighbors we can trust, who were from a wide variety of backgrounds and age groups, to have a great job and live happily ever after. We’re lucky, because even though we’re struggling we are there…but what about the many, many others out there, is there a chance for them?

Political platforms are great, but only if they take a look at the whole picture – and serve to help everyone – those who really need help, those who are working to help themselves and those who have been helped along the way, who genuinely want to help others now.

I hope I’ve given you something to think about!

The campaign hats are flying into the ring left and right! Since I have in one way or another had direct contact, worked for/with or in one candidate’s case, happen to be the daughter of, feel I should mention my support for:

Carol Bilek – County Commissioner for the 2nd District of Queen Anne’s County

Owen Wormser – Talbot County Council

Richard Colburn – Maryland State Senator for District 37 (Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico)

These days more than ever, I am an Independant Democratic Republican in that I think Independantly across party lines to decide who I feel best represents the needs of my family and community. I Democratically choose those representatives in an election on Election Day and yes, I tend to lean towards the conservative Republican on some of the issues.

But…my ideals of what a Republican or Democrat should be are stuck in History Class – Roosevelt, Truman, Reagan and Kennedy. You knew without a doubt when you listened to them or read their speeches, on which side of the fence they firmly stood. Nowadays, by and large, it just seems to be about who can schmear who better, who can get the dirt thrown wider and farther…and in the end, the voter (like me) stands there a couple of years later with dazed look and wonders what happened. That being said, I give my support to the candidates above, as they do not appear interested in following the current fashion for campaigning.
First – Richard Colburn. I have come to know since his run for Congress three years ago. I must say, Rich is perhaps one of a rare breed of men left. He is a genuinely kind person who is incredibly loving to his wife, believes in things like returning calls promptly, and that an email is simply not sufficient enough communication when you want to express gratitude – that it should be written. Also, I think that he has been quite misunderstood in many regards. He is not part of a political machine. He is earnestly concerned about each and every resident in his district and the Eastern Shore. Plus, I think if there were anyone keenly attuned to what is going on, it would be Rich. He is not interested in playing tit for tat, he wants his constituents to know the full story on the issues before they make a fair decision. While he is “omnipresent” in his district and always on the campaign of late, I have found him to genuine, humble, full of endless energy, somewhat shy and almost always thinking about his duty as Senator. There is so much more to be said about this man – but I want each of you reading this to know, Rich Colburn is a bonafide, old fashioned public servant. It is what he has running through his veins and I know he will continue to tirelessly work for the best of all, not the interests of a few.

Next, Owen Wormser. While my communique thus far with Owen has been via email, I have to say I am impressed. We have discussed a variety of topics – regarding the Village Center Board, the school system, amongst other things. I think he may have reached a point in the road of his life, where he has read the articles for too long, heard the stories from neighbors, and has seen too many drastic and possibly detrimental changes to our area, and that it was time for him to make it happen differently. To do more than just go to the polls on election day – to actually make a sharp turn off of the road, and really make a difference. His emails to me indicate that to be the case. When one takes to the time to write more than a couple sentences to dash off into hyperspace, there is some earnest thought that goes onto the screen. I believe Owen will do everything in his power to upset the apple cart so to speak – to change the wheels that have been grinding away while we as residents of Talbot County work and live. To try to preserve what we have left on our beloved Eastern Shore. And bring us up to date with some of the outdated operations in this county that would benefit from an overhaul.

Lastly, Carol Bilek who is also my mom, is running for Commissioner of District 2 in Queen Anne’s County. She, like many is running because of a multitude of reasons. Primarily because government doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. It is supposed to be a representation of the people for the people. Somewhere along the lines, that key six letter word got overlooked in Queen Anne’s County recently. Carol has more honesty, integrity, and get the job done ability than anyone I’ve ever known. Plus she excels at crisis management as she raised my sisters and I! She has ideals, values and appreciations that I don’t think many people even stop to consider anymore. Growing up, no matter how much it made us groan and grumble, she stuck to her guns, was strict with us and I have to say because of it, I am a much better person. She worked hard, and was sometimes hard on us because she knew that one day, we would live by her example. Because of my mom, I think I am in so many ways where I am today. While you may not know me, do know that my mom is and always will be my hero. Words fall short of the endless respect I have for her. And despite her being my mom, I also know professionally and as a representative for QA County, she will do a great and honorable service – just as she has for me.

I felt that you, the reader, the resident, the voter, should know there are some true quality candidates (and incumbents) out there. That we should all start learning as much as we can about all of the candidates so that we can truly deserve our rights to elect our representatives. Not wake up two years later, looking around with that dazed look of confusion, wondering how we could have made the choices we did. I personally plan, before the primaries (Sept. 12), to really take the time to learn about all of the candidates available, instead of randomly choosing a name, only because I feel I have to pull a lever (Oh, that’s right it’s digital now isn’t it?). And yes, I know, I may not have helped in any way telling you about their platforms. I have made these decisions based on what I do know about the facts, followed by what I know about them as people. That makes up as much of a person – their character, as what they “stand for”. Digital Soapbox Session is concluded for now.

Janet Hammed called the other day to say that an official Village Center Board Meeting has been scheduled in August. Date and time will be forthcoming. A Bozman Village Neighbors meeting will be scheduled for mid-September to learn about the meeting and Janet’s participation.

I just got off the line with our Village Rep Janet Hammed – and so far no news from the Council regarding when they’re meeting or a confirmation letter, etc. I’m sure that once the holiday is over it will kick into gear. We’ll keep you updated!

Thanks to our friends on Talbot Today for the info belowAppointments to the Village Center Board were made at yesterday’s County Council meeting. Below is a list of those people who were appointed. Official letters of appointment will be sent this week. The Council is still seeking applications for Bruceville, Ivy Town and Wittman.

Village Center Board

Village– Appointee– Term Expiration

Bar Neck/ Jerome Alanko/ June 30, 2007
4855 Bar Neck Road
Tilghman, MD 21671

Bellevue/ Jacqueline Greene/ June 30, 2008
5659 Gates Street
Royal Oak, MD 21662

Bozman/ Janet Hammed/ June 30, 2009
23084 Twin Pines Road
Bozman, MD 21612

Bruceville / No application submitted

Claiborne/ Barbara Reisert/ June 30, 2007
10449 Claiborne Road
Claiborne, MD 21624

Copperville/ Leslie “Les” Roslund / June 30, 2008
26329 Martingdale Lane
Easton, MD 21601

Cordova/ Howard Callahan, Sr./ June 30, 2009
11416 Kitty’s Corner Road
Cordova, MD 21625

Fairbank/ Gary Crawford/ June 30, 2007
4815 Fairbank Road
P.O. Box 336
Tilghman, MD 21671

Ivy Town/ No application submitted

Longwoods/ Mike Linardi/ June 30, 2008
11325 Longwoods Road
Easton, MD 21601

McDaniel/ Albert Kubeluis/ June 30, 2009
9223 Mallard Point Road
McDaniel, MD 21647

Neavitt/ Art Reeside/ June 30, 2007
6472 Bozman-Neavitt Road
P.O. Box 188
Neavitt, MD 21652

Newcomb/ Frank Cavanaugh/ June 30, 2008
25736 St. Michaels Road
P.O. Box 126
Newcomb, MD 21653

Royal Oak/ Allan “Jay” Fox, IV/ June 30, 2009
25913 Royal Oak Road
P.O. Box 440
Royal Oak, MD 21662

Sherwood/ Merton Jarboe/ June 30, 2007
7529 Sherwood Road
P.O. Box 58
Sherwood, MD 21665

Skipton/ Jeffrey Rathell, Sr./ June 30, 2008
29432 Buckingham Drive
Cordova, MD 21625

Tilghman/ Mary Ann Schmidt/ June 30, 2009
6053 Development Road
Tilghman, MD 21671

Tunis Mills/ Rachel Papkin/ June 30, 2007
9702 Leeds Landing Circle
Easton, MD 21601

Unionville/ Harriette Lowery/ June 30, 2008
26990 Tunis Mills Road
Easton, MD 21601

Williamsburg/ Charles Gale/ June 30, 2009
6321 Ocean Gateway
P.O. Box 337
Easton, MD 21601

Wittman No application received

Wye Mills/ H.M. Orrell, III/ June 30, 2007
14122 Old Wye Mills Road
Wye Mills, MD 21679