2014-06-12 st. mary's county times

8/9/2019 2014-06-12 St. Mary's County Times

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P h o t o B y F r a n k M a r q u a r t

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 WWW .COUNTYTIMES.SOMD.COM

2014 POLITICAL GUIDE - P RIMARY E LECTION P ROFILES , P AGES 16-21


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Thursday, June 12, 2014 2The County Times

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Thursday, June 12, 2014 3 The County Times

4 Local News

10 Cops & Courts

12 Business

14 Education

16-21 POLITICAL GUIDE

22 Letters

24 Sports

26 Obituaries

28 Community

30 Senior30 History

31 Home Page

32 Community Calendar

34 Entertainment

35 Entertainment Calendar

36 Classifeds

37 Business Directory

38 Games

39 Wanderings

39 Vanessa Bright

39 Joyce to the World

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ThursdayJune 12, 2014

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“More and more people

are taking pride in

their homes and no one

wants to see this.

Something has

got to be done.”

— Mill Point Shores resident Barbara

Watkins on seeking the county’s help

in fghting blight in her community. 28 34


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Local NEWS

Chaptico Community WantsCounty’s Help in Blight Fight

Authority McKay for Maryland; Marilyn A. McKay, Treasurer electmckay.com

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

PROVEN LEADERSHIP REAL RESULTSI am impressed with Tommy’s leadership, experience, andaccomplishments in public service to St. Mary’s County andto Maryland. As one who commutes to Northern Virginia formy job, I appreciate the fact that improved transportation is aclear priority for him because it is important to me. With hisrecord of results in transportation matters, I feel assur ed thathe will focus on taking action to keep our roads safe and tominimize congestion. Rose Jiménez Mechanicsville

With his years of experience livingand working here, Mr. McKayunderstands the needs and concernsof the county and its residents. Rachel Anderson Student, St. Mary’s

College of Maryland

As a WWII veteran, I appreciateTommy’s dedicated andwholehearted support of the military

and its continuing presence herein St. Mary’s County. We needa trustworthy representative, adelegate who is going to honor hiscommitments and promises. TommyMcKay has shown the caliber of manhe is from his exemplary service asour Commissioner President. He hasmy vote. Thomas J. Burke. Sr Hollywood

It is essential that the delegate we sendto Annapolis have the experience to worktogether in an overwhelming Democratic

majority while standing firm on a moreconservative approach to financial and socialissues. I feel we need a delegate who hasboth government and business experience;who has served our county and shown he canget things done; who is familiar with the waylocal governments operate and understandshow unfriendly Maryland has become tosmall business. This is why I am supportingTommy McKay as the Republican candidatefor Delegate Jean L. Ferrante Golden Beach, Mechanicsville

By Guy LeonardStaff Writer

The small beach front community of Mill Point Shoreshas existed since 1951, mostly as a summertime retreat butnow families who have moved there and stay year roundsay they are suffering from a growing number of blighted

properties.They say they want the county’s assistance in coming up

with a solution and that their community would be the perfecttest bed for the county’s new property standards ordinance.

“This is the place,” said Thelma Dews, Mill Point Im- provement Association president. “Some of the propertyowners down here have deaf ears.”

She said that the association routinely sends out letters to property owners who have all but abadoned their lots and letthem deteriorate, but the association on its own can do little to

press any property improvements.Dews said the situation came to a head at their commu-

nity meeting last month when about 20 property owners com- plained about 10 blighted properties in the small communityand pressed the association leadership to nally do somethingabout it.

“Everybody had something to say,” Dews said. “They just opened up, everybody was on the same page.”

Barbara Watkins, another Mill Point resident and headof a new committee tasked with solving the blight problem,said she had been in contact with the county government overthe problem.

“Some of these dilapidated buildings you just can’t stayin,” Watkins said. “We want the county’s guidance in how wecan get rid of them.”

The ordinance was passed by a 3-to-2 vote back inJanuary over debate about whether the ordinance should ap-

ply over the entire county or just over the two developmentdistricts.

A majority voted to enact the ordinance to ensure it tookeffect over the entire county, but ofcials said it would only beenforced through citizen complaints rather than continuouslysending out inspectors to survey communities.

The ordinance denes blight as structures with “objec-

tively determinable exterior signs of substantial deterioration,dilapidation or lack of maintenance and which may be reason-ably concluded to signicantly depreciate the economic valueof the properties in the neighborhood.”

Signs of deterioration can include anything from exces-sive amounts of peeling paint, rust corrosion or graftti to

portions of the structure due to re damage.The ordinance offers a litany of other denitions includ-

ing sagging roofs, excessive plant growth and the open stor-age of refuse or even cars or household appliances.

Watkins wrote a formal letter to the county commission-ers last week seeking their help.

“More and more people are taking pride in their homeand no one wants to see this,” Watkins said of the pervasiv

blight. “Something has got to be done.”Phil Shire, director of the county’s Department of Land

Use and Growth Management, said Watkins’ letter to thcounty, which included pictures of the blight, easily demonstrated the problem.

“It’s on the inspectors’ schedule,” Shire said of the community. “Judging from the pictures the concerns are justied.

He said there have been at least a dozen complaints fromaround the county looking for local government assistance indealing with abandoned structures since the passage of thenew property standards ordinance.

[email protected]

Abandoned or dilapidated properties in Mill Point Shores have

community members there asking for the county’s assitance in

fnding ways to remove them.

Photos by Guy Leonard


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Local NEWS

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Planning Commission DelaysVote on Water, Sewer Upgrade

Saturday, June 14 - 10 am to 3 pmSt. Clement’s Island Museum

301-769-2222 • Colton’s Point, MD

Presented by the Museum Division of SMC Department of Recreation and Parks, the St. Mary’s CountyBoard of Commissioners and Friends of t he St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums.

• Free boat rides to St. Clement's Island State Park! • Free admission to theSt. Clement's Island Museum • Folk music by Joe Norr is - 12 noon to 2 pm• Duck decoy car ving by Tommy Deagle • Historical re-enactor portraying

colonial landowner Dr. Gerard • Native American Woodland Indianhistory by Historic St. Mary's City • St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners

ST. CLEMENT’S ISLANDHERITAGE DAY

Wear good walking shoes and bring picnic lunch, water, and camera! Sun screen and insect repellent a must!

By Guy LeonardStaff Writer

The developer of a 50-lot subdivision, known asthe Woodmore project, sought the county planningcommission’s approval Monday to upgrade his 27-acre

plot for water and sewer service in the next three tove years instead of six to 10 but met heavy oppositionfrom local residents in the Sandy Bottom Road areawho both opposed the development itself as well as thewater and sewer lines the developer would put in at hisown expense.

Residents feared that they would be made to pay tohook up to the new lines if the measure was approved,

provoked in no small part by a notice from the county’sDepartment of Land Use and Growth Managementtelling them that was a distinct possibility.

But both land use director Phil Shire and Jacque-

lyn Meiser, public information ofcer and attorney forthe Metropolitan Commission (MetCom), said therewas nothing in the proposal that would require the resi-dents to hook up.

Shire said that the notice had “wording that wasoverly strong.”

Meiser said that since the property in questionwas not part of a dened service area — indeed thereexisted no rm denition of a service area under thecounty’s code that governs hook ups to public waterand sewer — there was no requirement to abandontheir well and septic systems.

But the possibility existed that those residentswould have to hook up in the future, some planningcommission members said, since the county govern-ment was mulling recommendations from a task forcethat was pushing just that requirement.

Local residents were adamant that they did not

want to hook up to any public water or sewer.“Our community does not want or need MetCom

going through our neighborhoods,” said Chris Insleywho said residents were also concerned about overcrowding at nearby Hollywood and Evergreen elementary schools.

They said a new development would only add tothat was well as increase trafc problems.

“Why are we going to compound an issue whenwe haven’t solved it yet,” Insley said. “Not all growthis good.”

The planning commissioners delayed making adecision on the water and sewer status upgrade for twoweeks leaving the record open for more public comment. They should come to a decision in mid-July, according to planning staff.

[email protected]


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Local NEWS

Chamber Members, Public Servants

Honored for Their Contributions

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce honored three people at their annual dinner Tuesday at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor Dan Burris received theBusiness Person of the Year award from outgoing chamber board chair Kim Oliver, Judge Michael J. Stamm, the Public Servant of the year, was honored for his work in the juvenile drugcourt and John Hambel of Air Corps Embroidery in Lexington Park received the Ambassador for the Year award for his work with the chamber.

Margaret Sawyer, of Old Line Bank and the new board chair for the chamber, also presented an award to Oliver, of Amelex, for her service in leading the organization for 2013 tothis year.

Photos Courtesy of St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce


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Thursday, June 12, 20147 The County Times

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Local NEWS Living Civil War History

By Lindsey WebbContributing Writer

Point Lookout State Park recentlysponsored the Blue and Gray Days, aCivil War Living History Program host-ed by The Maryland State Park Serv ice,Department of Natural Resources. Theevent took place on Saturday, June 7 from11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, June 8from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities in thisevent included Infantry Drill and Mus-ket Demonstrations, Hammond Hospitaland Camp Hoffman Exhibits, Life in amilitary garrison, prisoner of war campand civilian occupation of Point Look-out during the Civil War. This twenty-eighth annual program continues to give

people of all ages and interests usefulinformation and experiences that help

them to learn about the Civil War. The program exists to remember prisonersand to give insight into all perspectivesof the war. Ron Sweeney, member ofThe Friends of Point Lookout, said thatthis year the event was very successful,and the directors and coordinators werevery pleased with the outcome.

“The event began in the 1970’s whenwe did commemorations”, said BobCrickenberger, Maryland Park Service

Historic Safety Ofcer. Crickenbergerhas spent more than thirty years volun-teering for Point Lookout. He is evencalled “Mr. Point Lookout” by some thatknow him for everything that he does forthe park.

“The program is exciting for allages because Point Lookout is a great lo-cation for everyone to enjoy. Also, we do

a lot of cannon and rie demonstrationsand incorporate the civilian life in theCivil War,” Crickenberger said.

Not only is the area a popular fam-ily attraction, but it is rich in Civil Warhistory, making the perfect venue for theBlue and Gray Days. The program hasgreatly evolved in the past 28 years andcontinues to grow.

“We are planning on a big evennext year,” Sweeney said. He made sureto thank volunteer efforts that made the

program possible. Make sure to stay updated for next year’s twenty-ninth annual Blue and Gray Days and come to PoinLookout State Park to join in on the fun

[email protected]

Photos courtesy of Bob Crickenberge


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LOKER BUILDING

Police InvestigateFatalities in

Leonardtown By Guy LeonardStaff Writer

Police from the county sheriff’sofce are investigating the death of a34-year-old male found inside an apart-ment on Lawrence Avenue Mondaywhile state police are investigating thedeath of a 29-year-old woman found inthe same apartment just the day before.

Capt. Daniel Alioto, commanderof the sheriff’s ofce vice/narcotics di-vision, said the deceased man was the

boyfr iend of the woman found there.“We believe he may have ingested

some sort of controlled substance, but

what that substance is we do not know,”Alioto said. “The apartments are wherewe’ve conducted numerous investiga-

tions before.”The narcotics commander said thatthe people known to have frequented theapartment made it a narcotics hot spot inLeonardtown.

Sheriff’s deputies are not releasingthe name of the deceased male.

State police are continuing their in-vestigation into the death of the femalevictim.

[email protected] t

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For 40 years, the Cove Point LNG Terminal has worked to protect the

health and natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay—and we won’t stop now.

As Dominion moves forward with its Cove Point LNG export project—which will provide a

significant economic boost to Calvert County— our top priority continues to be making sure

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By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

More than 40 yearsago, The Rex was Leon-ardtown’s movie theatre.When new owner Joe

Kurley was growing up,he remembers there beingan ice cream parlor in the

building. Most recently,the building it was home toMexican restaurant calledCerro Grande. Soon, TheRex will be open again.

Kurley decided togo back to the old name,wanting to evoke Leonar-dtown’s history. Rex alsomeans “king” in Latin,which happens to be Kur-ley’s son’s name.

“It just kind of cametogether,” Kurley said.

Kurley and co-owner

Darrin Atlas are plan-ning a major overhaul ofthe building and intend toopen in late July.

The Rex will be tworestaurants in one, Kurleysaid.

One half of the build-ing will be more of a tradi-tional bar, Kurley said.

The other side, locatedwhere the box ofce andconcession stands oncewere, will be designed asa ode to the old movie the-atre. He has been talking to longtime Leonard-town residents about movies they remember see-ing at The Rex and nding vintage movie post-

ers from those movies to hang up and down thewalls. This is supposed to be a more quiet diningarea, Kurley said. He and Atlas came up with theidea of putting movie posters on the walls, alongwith stories from the Leonardtown residents whosaw them, from bars in New York City. Kurleysaid his favorites bars are the ones that displaytheir history on the walls, and that was the feel hewanted to create.

The renovation won’t erase every thing fromformer establishments. Kurley intends to keepthe tin roof and renish the existing woodenoors while painting the walls red and black, likevintage movie theatres.

The Rex will feature food from Lotus Caféin Solomons. Everyth ing that comes form the Lo-tus Café is fresh cooked and seasonal, which Kur-ley believes will be a good addition to the town.

In the future, following The Rex’s grand

opening, Kurley hopes to bring the theatre in th back of the build ing back to l ife, possibly host inconcerts and showing classic monster movies anwesterns, like the ones he found listed in newspa

per clippings in the basement of The Rex.Kurley and Altas have a long history i

Leonardtown, having grown up in the area angraduated from Leonardtown High School. Kurley spent 14 years as the general manager at thTiki Bar in Solomons. Atlas is the owner of Firehouse Subs in Lexington Park.

Kurley said he has had his eye on the building for a long time, and when it became availablhe approached Atlas and they decided to go intthe venture together.

“It’s got a lot of character,” Kurley said.Kurley looks forward to having a hand i

shaping Leonardtown in the future and making a place for his son to grow up.

For more information about The Rex, contacKurley at 301-247-0110.

[email protected]

Business News

From Theatre to

Mexican Restaurantand Soon To Be Bar

The Rex is Under New Ownership

Photos by Sarah Mille

On June 19, 2013, The Lions Clubs I nternational Founda-tion (LCIF) awarded a $49,900 matching grant to the LionsCommunity Outreach Foundation of District 22-C (LCOF).LCOF is a 501c3 nonprot organization based in Upper Marl-

boro, Maryland. Their primary mission is to prevent blind-ness by providing sight saving services to the community.

Last year the Lions of District 22-C, in partnership withLCOF, provided over 6,000 free vision, hearing, and glau-coma screenings to the residents of Calvert County, CharlesCounty, Montgomery County, Prince George‚Äôs County,and St. Mary‚Äôs County in Maryland and the District ofColumbia. ‚ÄúI am very excited about this opportun ity‚Äù,stated Jim Cocchiaro, President of LCOF. ‚ÄúOur currentequipment is old and outdated. With this grant, we were ableto purchase new screening equipment, a truck and a trailer.Through the efforts of several dedicated Lions (Past DistrictGovernor Sandi Halterman, Lion Bill Halterman, Lion BillyHalterman, and Lion Mark LeRoux), we were able to modifythe truck and trailer into a state of the art mobile health unit.

Now we can expand our coverage to even more people withinour service area and, at the same time, improve the qualityof the experience for our clients‚Äù. The new Mobile HealthUnit was showcased at the Multiple Distr ict 22 Convention inOcean City, Md. in May 2014. It is equipped with two hearing

screening booths, one glaucoma screening station, two visionscreening stations, and one pre-school vision screening sta-tion. Shown in the photo is Lions Clubs International Presi-dent Barry Palmer, Lion Thelma LeRoux of South PotomacLions Club, and Lion Jim Cocchiaro of Suburban Lions Clubin Glenn Dale, Md.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place atthe Leonardtown Lions Crab Festival at the St. Mary’s CountyFairgrounds on June 14 at 12 p.m. The fairgrounds are locatedat 42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. All areinvited to attend and while you are at it, receive free healthscreenings!

LCIF

Awards GrantTo Local Lions

Organization


13/40


By Emily CharlesContributing Writer

It’s that time of the year again—sum-mer. Pool parties are all the rage, holidaycelebrations are being planned, and warmweather weddings are welcoming the sea-son with arms wide open. And what doesevery special occasion need? A cake!Lucky for all party planners, Anita’sCake Shop in California, Md. providescakes of all kinds. The shop sells cakesfor an array of events, from birthdays to

baby showers. Established in 2004 bylong time baker Anita Kriner, the shopspecializes in baking cakes, cupcakesand other pastries. It’s the only local bak-ery with a drive through window, and avariety of cakes, cupcakes and other pas-tries are ready-made and available to takehome upon entering Kriner’s store.

The bakery is open ve days aweek, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdaythrough Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.on Saturdays. Orders must be placed inadvance. The nished food products arevisual masterpieces and are just as highly

praised in regard to their taste. “I pur-chased a cake for my mother’s birthdayfrom Anita and it was both beautiful anddelicious. Mom is a fan of white cakesand this one was delectable!” said localresident Teri Woodburn. There are plentymore who agree. Proof of this lies in theglowing reviews posted to Kriner’s web-site, anitasweddingcakes.com.

Not only does Kriner make wonder-ful cakes, but she’s been known to offerwinter classes in cake decorating andother related activities from time to time.In addition, her website provides guidesas to how to cut your wedding cake mosteffectively, how to wrap your anniversarytier and even how to choose the best cakemaker for you. The extensive gallery of

past cakes she’s created also provides agreat source of inspiration for custom-ers who need a cake but aren’t quite surewhat they’re looking for. Not to mentionits clear examples of Kriner’s vast talent.

Cake lovers all over Southern Mary-land can also look forward to the grandopening of a satellite location Anita’sSweets & Cones, in Solomons, Md., on

June 21. Anita’s expanding business isone not to be missed, so be sure to moseyover to one of her locations as soon as youcan. The new location will feature cup-cakes, snow cones, cotton candy, grilled

panini sandwiches, cold beverages, andmore.

While Kriner is a busy woman,sometimes providing cakes for up to sixevents per weekend, she says, she loves to

bake and would love to help you nd the

perfect cake for your celebrat ion, wheth-er it be in St. Mary’s, Calvert, or CharlesCounty. To learn more, contact AnitaKriner at 301-737-6440, visit anitaswed-dingcakes.com or stop by one of the twolocations at 22741 Three Notch RoadCalifornia, Md. or 14448 Solomons Is-land Road, Suite 22 in Solomons, Md.

[email protected]

Antiques, Collectibles, Gifts & Specialty Shops

Largest Indoor Market in Southern MarylandOver 100 Small Shops

www.chesapeakemarketplace.com

5015 St. Leonard Road • St. Leonard, Md 20685

Enjoy a unique

shopping experience in acountry setting.

Our market is made upof an oasis of 100 smallshops in four buildings

on ve acres.We specialize in antiques

and collectibles,but have an endless

variety of lovelygifts and crafts.

Open: Wednesday - Sunday 10 - 5

Auction every Friday at 6 p.m.

www.chesapeakeauctionhouse.com

Quality Consignments Accepted for Auctions

Look for photos on our website or on

Chesapeake AUCTION HOUSE

Marketplace: 410-586-3725

Auction House: 410-586-1161

Tursday, June 19th - 6 p.m.

General Estate Auction

Friday, July 4th - 9 a.m.

Annual Fourth of July

Holiday Antique and

Collectible Auction

Style, Grace, Anita’s Cakes

Photos by Emily Charle

Business Profile


14/40


Education

Do You Want to Build a Boat?

CSM Administrator Named toMaryland Community CollegeLearning Assessment Group

No Excuses forBad Grades in

St. Mary’s County

By Sarah Miller

Staff Writer

Have you always wanted to own your own boat? Howabout one you build with your own two hands? The CalvertMarine Museum has the opportunity for you.

The Calvert Marine Museum and Patuxent Small CraftGuild are scheduling requests for the Build a Boat by Ap- pointment program. Invite your family and f riends to joinin the fun and choose two consecutive Saturdays or any twodays of your choice. No boat building experience is nec-essary, according to Calvert Marine Museum BoatwrightGeorge Surgent.

With simple hand tools and guidance from experiencedinstructors, your canoe and paddles will be assembled andready to paint at the end of the second day. A fee of $600.for Calvert Marine Museum members and $650 for non-members includes all materials necessary to complete onecanoe and two paddles. Youth groups and children ten yearsand up are welcome in the company of an adult.

Groups that have built boats in the past include BoyScouts, school groups and families, according to museum

volunteer and Patuxent Small Craft Guild President Bill

Lake.CMM offers a similar class in building a 12-foot row-

ing skiff. The cost for the skiff is $950 for members and$1,000 for non-members. A sailing version, including sail,spars, daggerboard, and rudder is an option for an addi-tional $800.

Individuals will go home with a nearly-complete prod-uct, Surgent said. There will be some sanding and nishingleft to do, in addition to painting the boat.

Financial assistance is available to qualied applicantsfrom the Melvin Conant Memorial Youth Fund. The Fundwas established in 2004 to encourage young people, par-ticularly those in need, to participate in programs offered bythe Calvert Marine Museum’s Patuxent Small Craft Center.

The Build a Boat By Appointment program is not theonly way to build a boat. The marine museum offers a veday summer camp every year for children, allowing them to build a 13” boat and learn how to use it. The camp only has10 slots, according to volunteer Bill Wright, and they ll up

fast. Children can register for the weeklong camp up to ayear in advance, Wright said.

For more information, details, and scheduling, contacSurgent at 410-586-2700 or [email protected]. Fomore information about events and programs at the CalverMarine Museum, please visit www.calvertmarinemuseumcom.

[email protected]

Locally owned Magnicent Minds Learning Center has openeda new tutoring facility in St. Mary’s County serving grades K-12 inthe Southern Maryland area. Magnicent Minds is a state-of-the-art

supplemental teaching provider offering personalized, focused anddifferentiated learning opportunities.

Magnicent Minds Learning Center ofcials say the opening oftheir new location will improve understanding of the Common Corestrategies, academic achievement and parent-teacher communica-tion in the community. In addition to tutoring, Magnicent Mindsalso offers specialized summer programs, group sessions and SAT

prep.The new location will permit Magnicent Minds to help parents

and children who would otherwise commute up to 60 minutes to thenext closest tutoring facility.

In addition to assisting students, Magnicent Minds LearningCenter is creating new jobs for local teachers.

Area students may have been coasting along with sub-pargrades, but now that there’s a tutoring facility in town there should

be no more excuses.To learn more about this business, please contact www.magni-

centminds.org.

Magnifcent Minds Press Release

Cami Cooley, lead academic planning and assessment coordinator for the College of Southern Maryland, has been selected to b president for the Maryland Community College Learning Assessment Group (MCCLAG) starting this June. A recognized statewidafnity group for assessment professionals, Cooley will represen

CSM.“I am truly honored to represent the College of Southern Mary

land at MCCLAG and to have been elected to this position,” saidCooley, a resident of Welcome.

In September 2010, the Maryland Council for CommunityCollege Chief Academic Ofcers (M4CAO) approved the creationof MCCLAG, one of the rst of its kind in the nation. Its member ship is open to community colleges in Maryland and WashingtonD.C. as well as for those members engaged in the assessment olearning. MCCLAG meetings involve discussions about assessmensoftware, measurement of core learning areas, program assessments, experiences with Middle States, relevant state and federalaws and other topics related to student learning outcome assessments in Maryland.

Cooley joined MCCLAG in 2011. The group provides a forumfor learning outcomes assessment leaders to share ideas and bes practices from their respective schools.

“The information and support that MCCLAG provides ha been, and continues to be, indispensable,” she said.

For information on the college, visit www.csmd.edu.

CSM Lead Academic Planning and Assess-ment Coordinator Cami Cooley has beenselected to be president for the MarylandCommunity College Learning Assessment

Group (MCCLAG).

Magnifcent Minds Learning CenterNow Accepting Students at Tutoring Facility

Bill Wright gets ready for a boat building camp.

Bill Lake shows off the boat to be rafed off later this year. Ticketsare available at the Calvert Marine Museum.

Photos by Sarah Miller


15/40


Education

SMECO Awards

College Scholarships Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has awarded four

scholarships to high school seniors for 2014. Each year, SMECO awards four$1,500 college scholarships to students who live in the Co-op’s service area.Scholarships are based on the applicants’ scholastic achievement, nancialneed, and school and community involvement. SMECO has awarded schol-arships to 88 students over the past 21 years. Each of the following studentswill receive a $1,500 college scholarship.

Nathan Tyndall, son of Ransom and Amanda Tyndall of Port Republic,is a senior at Calvert High School. Tyndall participates in the National HonorSociety and Foreign Language Club, and he is a founder of the ChemistryClub and plays varsity soccer. In addition to playing the trumpet in the Cal-vert High School Band, he enjoys playing the guitar, saxophone, and piano.According to Jennifer Andreasen, Advanced Placement Specialist at CalvertHigh School, “Nathan is a very mature young man with a thoughtful outlook

on life. His sense of irony and his sense of humor are welcome additions tothe classroom. Yet, he is also very kind. He is quick to rise to the defense ofothers, and he does not use his humor at the expense of others.” Tyndall plansto study chemistry at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City.

Rachel Potts, daughter of Jill Potts of Chaptico, is a senior at ChopticonHigh School. Potts has received many honors, including Academic Achieve-ment awards, Principal’s Citizenship, Science Fair, Student of the Month,and eld hockey athletic awards. She plans to study accounting at the Col-lege of Southern Maryland. Sandra Tolson, Counselor at Chopticon HighSchool, says, “Within the community, Rachel has been honored to serve andgive back to those less fortunate. She volunteered her time in support of afund-raising event for Vacation for Vets, prepared materials for the ChildSupport Awareness campaign sponsored by Social Services, and participat-ed in the Relay for Life Walk. Rachel speaks fondly of her desire to make adifference in the lives of others. I have worked with many students through-out my career and I can truly say that Rachel is exceptional.”

Jabrena Milburn, daughter of Charles and Marion Milburn of Lexing-ton Park, attends Chopticon High School. Milburn served as the historianfor Best Buddies and secretary for the National Honor Society, and she par-

ticipated in Dance Team and Future Business Leaders of America. Milburn plans to study Special Education at Delaware State University. Accordingto Elizabeth Privette, Special Education teacher at Chopticon, “Jabrena’sactions have demonstrated that she has a compassionate heart and a talentfor looking at an individual and being acceptant of their uniqueness. She isdependable and displays a strong work ethic. She went beyond her responsibility as a student aide in the classroom and extended her involvement withthe SAIL (Supporting Academics and Independent Living) population intothe general community of Chopticon High School. Jabrena is a giving, kind-hearted, responsible young woman.”

Josiah Manning, son of David and Marilyn Manning of Huntingtown,attends Huntingtown High School. He plans to attend the University of Mary-land and to study biochemistry. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller,Jr. says this about Manning: “An aspiring Eagle Scout and recipient of manyawards, Mr. Manning devotes much of his non-classroom time to supportlocal civic activities. Using his passion for agriculture, he participates in avariety of 4-H events that donate their proceeds to organizations like theGoldberg Breast Cancer Center of Calvert Memorial Hospital, countywidefood drives, scholarship programs, and local families. His commitment to

the community is exemplary and he shows a great dedication and desire toserve fellow citizens.” Manning’s ambition is to become a veterinarian, phy-sician, or biomedical engineer.

SMECO provides scholarships to local students who excel academi-cally and who show promise in their chosen eld of study. Past scholarshipwinners include teachers, nurses, and a medical doctor.

SMECO is a customer-owned electric cooperative, and we are proud to be a J.D. Power 2014 Customer Champion. We are one of an elite group of 50 U.S. companiesto be named to this list.

SMECO provides electrici ty to more than 156,000 services in southern PrinceGeorge’s County, and in Charles County, St. Mary’s County, and all but the northeast

portion of Calvert County. Co- ops are distinctly different f rom investor-owned utili-ties because co-ops are owned by their customers, and these members elect the menand women who serve on the Board of Directors.

Co-ops also issue capital credits to their members. What are capital credits?They are the member’s share of the co-op’s margins, based on how much electricitythe member purchased and the rate a t which the account was billed . SMECO’s mar-

gins—revenue less expenses— are used as working capital for new construction andsystem improvements. When SMECO’s Board of Directors determines that a percent -age of the capital credits can be distributed to members through a general refund,

capital credits will be issued by check or credited to members’ electric bills.

Nathan Tyndall

Rachel Potts

Jabrena Milburn

Josiah Manning Photo by LifeTouch


16/40


Lawrence D. JarboePolitical Party: Republican

Hometown: Golden Beach

Age: 61Occupation: Lumber Mill

Owner

Political Background:

Currently serving fourth

term as District 3 County

Commissioner

All the GOP candidates have criticized the way the state

taxes and spends. What taxes would you cut or el iminate

and how would you control spending?

“No. 1 you have to control spending within the budget

by saying no.”

As County Commissioners, “we not only held the line…

but we were able to cut taxes three years in a row.”

“When it comes time to vote on the budget you have to

be willing to say no on things that are wrong.”

“You don’t create any new taxes.”

Name specic actions you would push in Annapolis to

better protect the mission at Patuxent River Naval Air

Station.

“At this point in time the best we can do at Pax River is

leave well enough alone, support the local initiatives that are

taking place on the Board of County Commissioners with the

AICUZ and the zoning.”

“The fact that the state is taking over doesn’t help coun-

ties at all. [Gov. Martin] O’Malley and his desire for wind tur-

bines has threatened Pax River.”

“We have to give zoning back to the counties.

The moratorium has to be extended to those wind

turbines.”

What are the region’s main transportation priorities

and how would you work to secure funding for them in

Annapolis?

“Obviously it’s the Thomas Johnson Bridge, in order to

secure that you have to secure allies in Southern Maryland.”

“A partnership could be establised for MARC and sup-

port Charles County’s initiative and the quid pro quo would be

that they support ours.”

How should the county and state best combat the growing

epidemic of drugs, specically opiates and heroin?

“Education, education, education. Once someone is

willing to stick a needle in their arm to get high there’s an 80

percent chance they’re not coming back.

So we have to educate people that getting hooked on

heroin is a terrible way to die.”

Do you support the expansion of the LNG plant at Cove

Point? Do you believe it poses any unusual environmental

or safety concerns?

“America needs to be energy independent and having

a plant that ships energy around the world is the next step to

that independence. We should have access ourselves to natu-

ral gas.

It’s not only for India and Japan it should be for us, too.There are safety concerns but you deal with them.”

Do local schools get enough funding or do they need to do

a better job of allocating their budgets? Why?

“The challenge has been this huge mistake made by the

Board of Education and by their staff. None of us is perfect.

Somebody is going to have to come to the table and nd a way

to cushion the blow.”

Residents often want increased economic development but

sometimes oppose public water and sewer. How would you

solve this issue?

“You can’t blame people for not wanting to pay $20,000

to hook up when they have perfectly good well and septic.”

“You can have water and sewer provided by the [commerical]

developers… but the next tier back stays on well and septic.”

“They like their well and septic and they want to keep

their well and septic and I’m very supportive of that.”

Cindy JonesPolitical Party: Republican

Hometown: Valley Lee

Age: 48Occupation: Independent

business owner

Political Background: Cur-

rently serving as District 1

County Commissioner

All the GOP candidates have criticized the way the state

taxes and spends. What taxes would you cut or eliminate

and how would you control spending?

“You start by nding common ground. I don’t think

people of any political persuasion like wasting money. It’s

easy to build consensus on programs that are clearly waste-

ful; I’d eliminate those rst. Taxes like the estate tax are do -

ing a a lot of damage to small business people and farmers.”

Name specic actions you would push in Annapolis to

better protect the mission at Patuxent River Naval Air

Station.“The major challenge is to make sure that the very spe-

cic things Patuxent Naval Air Station has excellence in are

kept in mind by people who make decisions in the House and

Senate. I would be a tireless advocate for Southern Maryland.

Tony O’Donnell has done a great job but he needs some help.”

What are the region’s main transportation priorities

and how would you work to secure funding for them in

Annapolis?

“One of the things troubling to people in rural Mary-

land has been the raiding of the tr ansportation funds. I would

be a leader to build consensus to nd a way to make sure that

stops happening. We need a more balanced approach to the

way the state spends its transportation dollars. We… have

some signicant transporation needs in Southern Maryland.

I don’t believe the State Highway Administrat ion has built a

road in St. Mary’s County in the last 20 years.”

How should the county and state best combat the growingepidemic of drugs, specically opiates and heroin?

“The opiates and heroin have been the last very prom-

inent issue in a long term challenge with drugs. I see this

primarily a s a public health issue. I’m working on bringing

a program to the county called Drug Endangered Children

… we’ll make long term success by making those partner-

ships stronger and also by public education on the dangers

of addiction.”

Do you support the expansion of the LNG plant at Cove

Point? Do you believe it poses any unusual environmental

or safety concerns?

“Anytime you place a facility like that in the critical

area… we need to absolutely do our due diligence. I abso-

lutely support the expansion of Cove Point.”

Do local schools get enough funding or do they need to do

a better job of allocating their budgets? Why?

“SMC has a very high quality school system. I don’t believe our schools are underfunded but I’ve seen a track re-

cord in recent years of a lack of prioritization. The school

board continues to bring to the county budgets that are unsus-

tainable. There’s a lack of discipline in using only recurring

funds for recurring expenses; over the years they’ve used

fund balances to fund recurring costs. As revenues are at,

it’s very difcult to do that long term.”

Residents often want increased economic development

but sometimes oppose public water and sewer. How would

you solve this issue?

“One of the issues driving whether you hook up is the

Watershed Implementation Plan. How is the federal govern-

ment going to help people hook up to water and sewer if that

is the best practice to improve water quality in the [Chesa-

peake Bay]? Is there a way to have them amortize the cost

over a 20 year period? It’s something we have to tackle head

on, we can’t wait.”

Steve WaughPolitical Party: Republican

Hometown: Lusby

Age: 50

Occupation: Program manager Johns

Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Political Background: Ran in 2010for District 29 Senate seat

All the GOP candidates have criticized the way the state taxes

and spends. What taxes would you cut or eliminate and how

would you control spending?

“The easiest way to control spending is to limit the g rowth of it.

If we can keep that growth [of spending] at or below the rate of ina-

tion then the economy has a chance to catch up. You basically cut the

spending by not increasing the spending. What that will do is create

room for tax relief.”

“The things like the rain tax are more dumb than crippling,

storm water management is crippling.”

“The gas tax… is absolutely hammering everyone.”

Name specic actions you would push in Annapolis to better pro-

tect the mission at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

“No. 1 is to kill these windmill, not push them back but kill

them outright. No. 2 is to restore the transportation funding to the

county, to not just repair the roads, but build the roads we need, and

then argue passionately for the [Thomas Johnson] Bridge. If that

bridge falls down the devastation to our economy will be extraordi-

nary and the time to turn it back on will be devastating. During that

period of time we will be non competitive in a BRAC.”

What are the region’s main transportation priorities and how

would you work to secure funding for them in Annapolis?

“The role of the state senator is to get the resources. Five years

ago we were getting $5 million from the state for highway funds now

we’re getting less than $1 million, so the county commissioners are

hobbled in their ability to maintain and build roads.”

How should the county and state best combat the growing epi-

demic of drugs, specically opiates and heroin?

“While there certainly are public healthcare aspects to the is-

sue… the bottom line is this is a genuinely evil drug and the bizarre

economic affect of decriminalizing marijuana is that they have made

marijuana not a good cash crop for drug dealers so they are turning to

heroin to make money now. The only way we’re going to combat that

is aggressive law enforcement… nd these people and throw them

in jail.”

Do you support the expansion of the LNG plant at Cove Point?

Do you believe it poses any unusual environmental or safety

concerns?

“The approval process will be completed before the election so

anybody who stands up and tells you they will stop the LNG plant…

if you can nd this per son they’re delusional. I believe it will be good

for the county, Southern Maryland and the country. There are r isks…

there are concerns about air pollution, noise pollution and hazard-

ous waste byproducts from liquefaction. I’m quite sensitive to the

concerns. It can be mitigated if you have engaged leaders. If it’s not

inspected, it’s going to be neglected.”

Do local schools get enough funding or do they need to do a better

job of allocating their budgets? Why?

“The school board is elected, the school budget is their sole re-

sponsibility and they should be held accountable for their success or

failure. I believe what we’ve seen is a dramatic failure of oversight in

failing to anticipate the very obvious costs from Obamacare. Their

cost overruns are no one’s fault but their own right now. Does the

school system have all the resources that it properly needs? I don’t

know. Focus on what the schools need to do and do it world class.”

Residents often want increased economic development but some-

times oppose public water and sewer. How would you solve this

issue?

“The state is involving itself in the lowest level of detail for ab-

surd reasons. My well and septic works just ne. They issue these

edicts so somebody in Baltimore can feel better about the fertilizer

I’m using, no thank you. That’s going to be a top pr iority to keep those

people out of our lives a s much as possible. Services like MetCom

looking to foist themselves on people for no apparent reason; there’s

really no rationale to impose that on them. We’d be well served by

clipping the wings of groups like MetCom.”

Maryland State Senate - 29


17/40


Thomas F. McKayPolitical Party: Republican

Hometown: Hollywood

Age: 57

Occupation: President McKay’s family food

store enterprises

Political Background: Former president of

Board of County Commissioners

Matt MorganPolitical Party: Republican

Hometown: Mechanicsville

Occupation: Realtor, net-work administrator


Ran in 2010 for Dist. 29 A

Delegate seat

Bryan BarthelmePolitical Party: Republican


Occupation: AdvertisingConsultant


Currently seeking Dist. 29 A

Delegate seat

Maryland House of Delegates - 29A

Candidate declined to participate in theCounty Times' Political Guide.

Candidate declined to participate in theCounty Times' Political Guide.

All the GOP candidates have criticized the way the state taxes and spends.

What taxes would you cut or eliminate and how would you control spending?

“Most of the pet projects legisla tors are in favor of are on the capital side so

they don’t have hard choices to make. They are able to borrow money to get their

schools, parks and museums built. I think you have to have skin in the game…

I’d like to see our capital projects funded somewhere around 25 percent from the

operating budget to force legislators to make hard choices. The most regressive

tax we have has been the gas tax. Food and gas are basics to our economy. You’re

taking money out of the economy… the poorer you are the more you pay.”

Name specifc actions you would push in Annapolis to better protect the

mission at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

“Pax River is a unique job provider because it’s public sector. What

we have to be concerned about…is that roads are sufcient, that our schools

have sufcient capacity and that they are performing at a high level and

that we have protected the mission at Pax River through our encroachment

policy. [The wind turbines] were developing in Somerset County three years

ago. [We should have brought together] ofcials from federal, state andcounty government and do some type of economic summit… because these

people are living under weak economic conditions.”

What are the region’s main transportation priorities and how would you

work to secure funding for them in Annapolis?

“Everyone likes to point to the Thomas Johnson Bridge as the No. 1 prior-

ity and I’m not suggesting the bridge shouldn’t get some improvements… I’m

concerned however that when we spend transportation dollars there needs to be

a cost benet analysis. There simply isn’t enough to go around. We have 35,000

cars on the bridge and we’re talking about spending $1 billion to improve the

quality of life for those 35,000 vehicles. Alternatively on Route 5 through Char -

lotte Hall and Leonardtown and Great Mills we have nearly 100,000 vehicles a

day that are hitting congestion. For about 20 percent of that $1 billion we could

improve the quality of life for those 100,000 vehicles.”

How should the county and state best combat the growing epidemic of

drugs, specically opiates and heroin?

“While we do need recovery and treatment programs that’s not the solu-

tion. We have got to direct our full attention to the supply side, that means lawenforcement has to make this a priority. We have to put in special operations

units to deal with this problem. We have to close the gates.”

Do you support the expansion of the LNG plant at Cove Point? Do you

believe it poses any unusual environmental or safety concerns?

“I support the expansion of the plant. Are there elevated concerns? Yes.

But can they be addressed? Yes, and they are being addressed in a safe and

reasonable manner. I am concerned however… that as Calvert gets the LNG ex-

panded it’s going to result in another $400 per citizen the government there will

be able to spend. They already spend about $2,500 per citizen, here we spend

about $1,900. Calvert’s going to spend the money on having the best teachers

in Maryland and we in St. Mary’s County are going to be challenged to address

that issue. There should be some reasonable regional consideration when one

county gets that kind of tax boost compared to their neighboring counties.”

Do local schools get enough funding or do they need to do a better job of

allocating their budgets? Why?

“We are one of the richest counties in the state, our funding for education

overall should be in the 13th or 15th rank. Where that funding comes from lo -cal, state or federal we can have those discussions and I will but at the end of

the day we need to bring education funding back in line. We need to be in the

middle of the pack at least… we can stay competitive in the classroom. If the

state would fund the geographic cost of living increase that would level things

out for St. Mary’s County.”

Residents often want increased economic development but sometimes op-

pose public water and sewer. How would you solve this issue?

“There’s already a lot more controls in place than people realize. Lo-

cal government should be the lead in land use not the state legislature. I

want it to be heard at the commissioners table and not at the legislature so

much. I really believe what they get will represent more of what they want

if it’s done at the commissioners table rather than at the state government. I

think at this time we should avoid in the north county avoid extending water

and sewer into the residential communities. However, there needs to be a

limited amount available because of the limits of the Aquia aquifer and the

types of soils there, for a limited amount of commercial. We don’t want out

of control growth but we don’t want a lot of big boxes there either.”


18/40


Rita WeaverPolitical Party: N/A

Hometown: DameronAge: 50

Occupation: Emergency Room Registered

Nurse, Adjunct Professor CSM - Nursing

Political Background: N/A

John Alonzo GaskinPolitical Party:

DemocraticHometown: Scotland

Age: 62

Occupation: Elec-

tronic Technician


Former Member

Democratic Central

Committee

The County Times emailed all St. Mary’s County Board of Education

Candidates an interview form comprised of three questions.

The candidates' responses are published below as they were submitted.

St. Mary’s County Board of Education

Randy DarnowskyPolitical Party:

IndependentHometown: Great Mills

Age: 26

Occupation: Enterprise

Architect for NAVAIR

Political Background: N/A

What qualifcations do

you have that you think

makes you the best candidate for this job?Randy Darnowsky is well qualied for the posi-

tion of being elected to the St. Mary’s Board of Edu-cation. Mr. Darnowsky possesses excellent leader-ship abilities and steadfast dedication to improvingthe educational environment of St. Mary’s for teach-ers, parents and students. Furthermore, Mr. Dar-nowsky is truly passionate about helping the lives ofothers and servicing the community. He has provided

many hours in terms of sponsorship and mentors ofstudents at Great Mills High. Mr. Darnowsky alsolistens to parents’ concerns about requests for furtherimprovement in the processes involved in obtainingan IEP for students of special needs.

Mr. Darnowsky believes that the complex na-ture concerning the scal decit needs to be handledwith the help of a newly elected school board memberwho is qualied enough to understand upon currentand future budgetary line items and how best to man-age tax-payers’ dollars to suit the needs of teachersand school staff.

What major concerns or changes do you hope

to bring to the Board of Education for consider-

ation as a school board member?The biggest concern for St. Mary’s residents is

that of the duciary manners concerning the organi-zation of the school system. Mr. Darnowsky portrays

deep concern for the budgetary issues involving theSt. Mary’s school district. He has proven leadershipabilities by showing commitment to working withvarious representatives at the table, such as speakingone-on-one with teachers, staff and administrationof the school system, providing resources and publicsupport for student after-school activities, and speak-ing openly on school-related matters at county-heldforums and events.

Mr. Darnowsky plans to investigate measuresthat will conservatively save tax-payers and yet pro-vide the best benets for the well-qualied and hard-working teachers in St. Mary’s. Teachers and staff ofSMCPS have proven that hard work pays off and de-serve to be provided with affordable health-care andample classroom resources.

Do you think current funding levels for educa-

tion in Calvert County is too low/too high/about

right? Why?Mr. Darnowsky believes that the scal decit

concerning SMCPS is a combination of the interre-lationships of funding measures provided by county,state and federal levels as well as the management ofthe said funds by the school board and administration.

The county has provided more than the requiredMOE for SMCPS, however, the school system de-serves a larger portion of the allocated county bud-get that will allow for recurring funding for teacher

pay raises. Without increasing tax rates, Mr. Dar-nowsky believes that the county can use more of thetax dollars collected from newly growing businessesin the Pax River area for funding school resourcesand molding more high school graduates into futureworkforce of St. Mary’s County. Furthermore, Mr.Darnowsky strongly advocates for increased federalfunding for St. Mary’s due to the large por tion of fed-erally dedicated land in the county for military usage.

What qualifcations do you have that youthink makes you the best candidate forthis job?

Over the past 30 plus years I have beena PTA president, member of school improve-ment teams, member of NAACP EducationCommittee, Past Board Member of WaldenSierra. Through the years even after my

own children have graduated from school Ihave remained involved with the Educationsystem knowing the stronger our schools arethe stronger our county will be. I enjoy list-ing to the varied view points of my fellowcounty residents when we agreed or respectfuldisagree. I am thankful to have received theendorsement of the Education Association St.Mary’s County (EASMC). If St. Mary’s is toourish and grow we need concerned parents,an educated populist, and a caring communitywilling to make the difference now for educa-tion tomorrow.

What major concerns or changes do youhope to bring to the Board of Educa-tion for consideration as a school boardmember?

I believe our St. Mary’s County schoolsare in good shape given the fact we are in thetop ten out of 24 jurisdiction in the state ofMaryland. I would like to see the number ofteachers increase to reduce class size to givestudents concentrated instructional help be itin STEM or Standard classes to reduce theload that already over extend our teacher andstaff resources. I would like to see the respectfor our St. Marys County Educational Profes-sional increased. I would like to see volunteer participation renewed/ increased across thecounty this is one of our strengths that is underutilized.

Do you think current funding levels foreducation in Calvert County is too low/too high/about right? Why?

I think the funding levels are to low asmentioned St. Mary’s is in the top ten (10) outof twenty four (24) jurisdictions in Marylandand the funding of our schools should reectthe work that has been accomplished. We havea variety of Technology based company’s thatwill employ our students but St. Mary’s Coun-ty must provide the leading edge education forthat to become reality. That is not to say justlavish money on the system we must take thelong view in education tempered with soundthinking to move the system steadily forwardmaking sure that we examine every choicethat is made for present and future educationalgrowth and viability. We are a good schoolsystem but can be better with increased invest-ments with our eye steadily on the future of St.Mary’s County.

What qualifcations do you have thatyou think makes you the best candidatefor this job?

Masters of Science – University of MD School of Nursing, Health Lead-ership & Management.• Sigma Theta Tau International HonorSociety of Nursing

• Marketing and Financial Management• Strategic Marketing in a Global Economic Market• Marketing Management• Managerial Health Finance

Bachelor of Science - Nursing - Stevenson University

• Summa Cum Laude Associates in Nursing –Charles County Community College• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

ACLS Certifcation PALS Certifcation Registered Nurse – 18 yrs

• Emergency Room• School Nursing• Behavior Health

Adjunct Professor CSM - Nursing • Classroom• Clinical teaching at Tri-County Hospitals

U.S. Navy Veteran 8 yrs• Managed Civilian and Military Personnel• Aviation Squadron Budget• Ft. Benning, GA Jump School - “Airborne”

Qualied,1984 Parent of a SMCPS Middle School student.

What major concerns or changes do you hope to bring to theBoard of Education for consideration as a school board member?

Regain control of Board of Education (BOE) meetings as-well-asassigned duties which members are elected to fulll. Provide open com-munication with parents, students, teachers, and community members.

Be available before and/or after BOE meetings to speak with com-munity members. Correspondence, mail, phone, email, will be sentdirectly to the intended BOE member. This will ensure constituentsconcerns are given the proper attention which they deserve.

Bring transparency to the BOE by making budget expenditures/decits available to the community. Within legal connes, make avail-able for public viewing the superintendent’s contract.

Dismantle current SMCPS Ethics Panel. All complaints will be presented to the County Ethics Committee. This will ensure all issuesare looked at from an independent third party, therefore the school sys-tem is not investigating themselves.

Monitor school funding to ensure money is being directed towhere it is needed most; to the students and classroom teachers. Createa Budget Board to provide input on budget spending.

Review bus routes and safety to ensure maximize value for dollarsspent.

Do you think current funding levels for education in CalvertCounty is too low/too high/about right? Why?

Budget should remain as written until a full independent audit isconducted. An independent audit will identify accurate use of funds.

All programs should be reviewed yearly by BOE members withstaff and administration input. This input will identify needs for in-creased/decreased funding in particular program areas.

Meet with State Delegates and Board of County Commissionersto ensure St. Mary’s County Public Schools receive proper funding.Research additional means to assist in funding the school system.

Reestablish good working relationships with St. Mary’s CountyCommissioners as-well-as State and Local Delegates.

Focus on trying to maintain small class sizes. When situationsarise that require a larger class size, additional support should be pro-vided by school administration. This support will decrease the need forteacher extended hours/overtime and work overload.


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The County Times emailed all St. Mary’s County Board of Education

Candidates an interview form comprised of three questions.

The candidates' responses are published below as they were submitted.

St. Mary’s County Board of Education

Karin BaileyPolitical Party: Unafliated


Age: 45

Occupation: Internal Auditor


Appointed member, St. Mary’s County Ethics Commission

Appointed member, State of Maryland Property Tax

Assessment Appeals Board, St. Mary’s County

William Brooke MatthewsPolitical Party: N/AHometown: Chaptico

Age: 43Occupation: Realtor with RemaxPolitical Background: Second year as the Boards’ ViceChairman

Vote Bob Schaller on June 24th

for Positive Community Leadership

BobSchaller2014.com

B Y AU T HORIT Y O F MA

R IA J. N I C

K E R S

O N , T R

E A S U

R E R

What qualications do you have that you thinkmakes you the best candidate for this job?

I am an internal auditor and spend 13 years performing evaluations of busi-ness operations and auditing publicly traded companies. I have an extensive back-ground in internal controls and business processes. Based on the recent headlinessurrounding the budget problems, I think the citizens need someone on the Board ofEducation with business and nancial auditing experience to challenge the budget process, monitor expenses, and ensure that our tax dollars are spent on educatingthe students. We need to put money into the classrooms. Secondly, I am a parentof two children in the public school system, and I have been a volunteer at our el-ementary school for the past four years. I see the challenges within our school and

the classrooms, and I’m sure those same challenges are repeated across the county. ithink a parent’s perspective is necessary on the Board of Education in order to makesure that funding is provided to make our students successful.

What major concerns or changes do you hope to bring to the Board of Edu-cation for consideration as a school board member?

There are two main concerns, the budget and communication. My main con-cern is the budget and nancial position of the school system. I think the Board ofEducation has a responsibility to critically review, question, and monitor the itemswithin the school budget. Controls need to be put in place for timely notication ofcost overruns and appropriate nancial decisions must be made, based on completeinformation, to stay within the approved school system budget. Undisclosed costsand budget overruns based on poor nancial decisions only hurt our students andour schools.

Also, I would like to give parents a better method of communication with theBoard of Education. It is challenging to communicate concerns or ideas with schooladministrators. Parents are involved with a school every day simply because of theirchild’s attendance and the parents have some good ideas that aren’t easy conveyed

to the appropriate ofcials.

Do you think current funding levels for education in Calvert County is toolow/too high/about right? Why?

I believe the most important need within the St. Mary’s County Public schoolsystem is to align the budget and ensure that more money goes into our schools andclassrooms. The goal of our school system should be to offer our children the besteducation possible in order to prepare them for the future. Funding levels should be based on the needs of the students and their learning environment and assessments.Children have one chance to receive a quality education and monitoring their prog-ress provides the justication to request more funding when necessary. I have twochildren in elementary school, and they have a long school career ahead of them. As a parent, I want them to have the best education possible and as a taxpayer, I want to en-sure that our money is being put to the greatest use for the students in our community.

What qualications do you have that you think makesyou the best candidate for this job?

I am a current member of the Board of Education. Thisis my second year as the Boards’ Vice Chairman. I am a fulltime Realtor in St. Mary’s county and my negotiating and people skills are well exercised.Because of my profession, I am always available if someone has a question or concern. Ifeel that I am easy to approach, no matter what the issue or concern might be.

What major concerns or changes do you hope to bring to the Board of Educationfor consideration as a school board member?

I will continue to work to close the achievement gap, strive to keep class sizes at aminimum, and to insure all of our children have access to current technologies. I want toexpand the educational pathways like Stem, Fairlead Academy, Academy of Finance, andGlobal and International Studies. I will push to educate our local policy holders about the

importance of funding our school system, and make sure that we have what we need tomake sure our children succeed. I want to continue to give our teachers the opportunitiesfor further professional development, so they have only the most up-to-date informationto share with our children.

Do you think current funding levels for education in Calvert County is too low/too high/about right? Why?

As the local population continues to grow, it is imperative that our budget contin-ues to grow with it. St. Mary’s county is one of the fastest growing counties in all ofMaryland, and yet we are ranked last in our per pupil funding. Our neighbors in Charles(ranked #10) and Calvert (#12) are much more in line with the wealth factors of their populations. Calvert spends $1,397.00 more per student than we do here at home. I thinkour kids deserve better.


20/40


Joshua BrewsterHometown: Burlington, INAge: 38

Occupation: AttorneyPolitical Background: Always voted Democrat.Worked on U.S. Congressional campaign for NelsAckerson for Indiana's 4th Congressional Districtin 2008. Campaigned for President Obama in 2008.

Why do you want to serve on the Central Committee?

I would like to ensure that Democrats continue to have astrong voice in Southern Maryland politics at the local and statelevel. I feel strongly that the Democratic Party continues to bestrepresent the interests of hard-working, low and middle-incomefamilies in Maryland. I hope to do my part to continue the workof Democrats in St. Mary's County to protect the rights of the un-derprivileged to affordable and decent housing, top-notch publiceducation, accessible and affordable health care, quality public in-frastructure, equal access to goods and services, and most impor-tantly in our changing economy, equal opportun ity to good jobs ata wage that a single-earner fami ly can live on.

Amanda Cross

Justin FioreHometown: MechanicsvilleAge: 25Occupation: StudentPolitical Background: Internship with Doug Gansler forGovernor


Rather simply, I can help put good Democrats in of-ce. Our party got hammered in 2010 and we’re now feeling

the effects of having four Republican County Commission-ers. While we obviously witnessed a pronounced national push from the Republican Part y last election cycle, I don’t believe that our own Democrats here at home are withoutsome blame—frankly, our organization and energy hasdisappeared.

I believe I possess the qualities to help turn this committeearound. While interning as a eld organizer with Doug Ganlser forGovernor, I lead a group that knocked over 2000 doors and madeover 15,000 phone calls. I’ve already helped Bob Schaller and DanSlade as well.

Vote Justin Fiore, thank you.

Joan GelrudHometown: Lexington Park Age: 56Occupation: Hospital Vice President - RNPolitical Background: N/A

Why do you want to serve on the Central

Committee?I would like to become a Democratic Party Central

Committee member to contribute to our community thr ough public serv ice. As a hospital executive, Housing Authorit yCommissioner, Community Development Corporation BoardMember and member of the St. Mary's County Economic Ad-visory Group, I have experience implementing a wide arrayof human services with the business and nancial knowledgeto make balanced decisions. Working in diverse settings pre-

pared me to commun icate well, w ith i ntegr ity, excellent lis -tening skills and open mindedness to embrace all ideas. Asa Democratic Central Committee member, I will be sharing

the importance of voting and the message of the DemocraticParty.

Kathy O’Brien

Walter PowellHometown:

Age: 58Occupation: Business Representative/ Vice PresidentPolitical Background: Have been active in the Democratic Partywith Operating Engineers Union for 38 years.Appointed Central Committee last term.


I would like to continue to serve on the Central Committee tohelp promote and support the best candidates to be elected. I feellike my 38 years experience working with the Democratic Partywould continue to benet the Central Committee. Thank you for

your support.

Ellen Scott

Cindy Slattery

Vincent BaldacchinoHometown: Great MillsAge: 57Occupation: Aerospace Engineer Political Background: I have observed, consid-ered, and evaluated government actions and theconsequences.


Faith Liberty and Constitution are my guiding principles.I believe that the people understand our needs better than theirelected ofcials and can address them better. Therefore we needa smaller more efcient government, lower taxes, and more per -sonal responsibility. Our candidates must be committed to coreRepublican principals. I will work to nd and support candidateswith these principals to protect personal freedom, personal prop-erty, and our very lives including the lives of our preborn. I will promote a St Mary's County Republican platform that states thatno government resources will be used to terminate the lives ofour preborn.

Roland BaringerHometown: Leonardtown

Age: 40

Occupation: System Safety Engineering

Analysis

Political Background: No previous politicalofce held, life-long Republican, Veteran, prop-

erty owner, family man and father of three.


Greetings voters. Perhaps like me, you've been wondering

lately, what is wrong with my political party? and does anyone

even read the U.S. Constitution anymore? As a life-long repub-

lican, and oath-keeping son of life-long Republicans, I've never

wavered from the traditional republican principles of small gov-

ernment, scal and monetary honesty and conservatism, with a

healthy dose of individual liberty. I'll support republican candi-

dates who'll protect and defend these Constitutional values and our

Rule of Law. I'm the overdue face of a republican revolution long

in coming and as Central Committeeman, I'll water these roots of

revolution within our GOP and help return the party to Grandness.

Bryan Barthelme

Mike BoydHometown: ChapticoAge: 38Occupation:Self EmployedPolitical Background: N/A

Why do you want to serve on the Central

Committee?I believe rmly in giving back to the Community. The idea

of serving was brought to me by a fellow local business personthat felt the Community could be better served with some new blood and ideas at the g rass roots level. I d id a little researchonline and discovered the mission of the RCC. At my rst RCCmeeting after announcing I was abruptly challenged by establish-ment Republicans about my motives. That in itself is why I amhere. The Republican Party at all levels needs to be more inclu-sive and less fearful of new ideas and concepts. Furthermore, asmy campaign got going, the most common question I receivedmainly from young Republicans was “what does the RCC do?”Establishment Republicans in St Mar y’s are proud they have overtaken the Democrats in mere numbers. These same establishmentfolks are falling short of the goal line however if the majority ofyour Party has no clue what the RCC even does. I will bring newideas, new vision, and new leadership to the SMRCC, we will beknown for more than passing out bumper stickers at the CountyFair if elected.

Ellyne Brice-DavisHometown: BaltimoreAge: 67Occupation: RETIRED ST. MARY’S COUN-TY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHER ( Elemen-tary School Music grades K – 5 at Oakville El-ementary School 1990 – 2000; and ESOL Teach-er, grades PreK – 12, Leonardtown High School, as my “homeschool”, 2000 - 2009)Political Background: I worked on several campaigns for localcandidates and began attending St. Mary’s County RepublicanCentral Committee meetings as well as St. Mary’s County Re - publican Club meetings. A slot on the SMC RCC came open in2010; I ran for the seat and won. Since becoming a member ofthe RCC, I have attended MD GOP Conventions, and have par-ticipated in increasing county voter registration, in door-knockingcampaigns, and Fundraisers. I have worked at the polls duringEarly Voting, and for the Primary and General elections. I am proud that St. Mary’s County has been the recipient of several

State GOP awards, and I will continue to engage in these endeav-

ors if re-elected.


I am currently the Recording Secretary for the St. Mary’s

County Republican Central Committee and I am running for

re-election. As a life-long registered Republican and as a strong

supporter of conservative values, I believe that the only way tochange Maryland is to get more Republicans elected. Voter turn-

out is the most important GOP goal; the GOP can win if we are

united and will work together. I promise to work tirelessly to-

wards helping the

2014-06-12 st. mary's county times

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