WASHINGTON POST

DEMOCRAT PROTECTION

PLAN IN EFFECT

FOR

IKE LEGGETT

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!

Despite my making Washington Post reporters aware of County Executive Ike Leggett's improper use of taxpayer-funded County Cable Montgomery to engage in partisan campaign activity (read previous entry below), the Post has yet to print a word about it.

There is no accountability for our elected officials when the local press actively protects the interests of Democratic politicians.

FULL "DISCLOSURE:"

WASHINGTON POST

UNDERARMOUR

HIT PIECE

MOTIVATED BY

POST COMPANY

FINANCIAL INTEREST

IN NIKE

Post Co. Director Buffett Owns Over

7.5 Million Shares of Nike Stock,

Valued at $448 Million; Son Peter

Operates Nike Charitable Foundation

Another www.RobertDyer.net EXCLUSIVE!

Holy conflict of interest, Batman! You might have seen the "expose" hit piece on Maryland athletic apparel company UnderArmour in the Washington Post Sports section recently.

In this piece of "journalism," the reporter tried to create the impression that UnderArmour was engaged in inappropriate recruiting activity on behalf of the University of Maryland. And failed to make a strong case to verify that accusation. It also included a vulgar quote suggesting that the UnderArmour shoe in question was low in quality.

At the same time, it presented one of the warmest, most favorable impressions of sweatshop giant Nike that I have ever read. It stated, for example, that Nike would never engage in this sort of activity. And that Nike would never allow a high school athlete to tour its Oregon factory.

There's just one problem.

Washington Post Company Director Warren Buffett just happens to own massive amounts of Nike stock. Furthermore, he has pledged $1 billion in Berkshire Hathaway Stock to a Nike charitable foundation that just happens to be operated by his son, Peter.

Most importantly, the Post article failed to disclose this incredible conflict of interest.

And what a conflict of interest it is, ladies and gentlemen! Any athletic apparel analyst knows that UnderArmour is one of the fastest growing companies in the field. It is now moving into the shoe market, currently dominated by... Nike. So this article, potentially directed by Buffett himself(?), cast a shadow on the integrity of upstart UnderArmour. It cast an extremely favorable light on Nike. And it went so far as to - conveniently - trash a shoe line that is a potential threat to Nike.

It's outrageous.

Of course, we know that failure to disclose conflicts of interest is simply operating procedure at The Washington Post. But once again, the Post has embarrassed itself and made clear that it operates under the lowest of journalistic standards.

When it comes to using the Post as a weapon for his business interests, Warren Buffett has one message for his newsroom:

Just do it.

COUNTY CABLE

MONTGOMERY

USED FOR

PARTISAN

POLITICAL PURPOSES...

AGAIN!

Leggett Attacks District 4 Special Election

Candidate Robin Ficker on Taxpayer-funded

Cable Program

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

Last evening, County Executive Ike Leggett used his taxpayer-funded program, "One on One," to attack and mock Republican County Council candidate Robin Ficker. Host Holly Woerner stated that Ficker had moved from Damascus (wrong - he lived in Boyds) to Silver Spring so he could run for the District 4 special election. Woerner asked Leggett what his reaction was to that.

Leggett replied that Ficker would now show he can lose in every part of the county. Just one problem - under county and state campaign finance and ethics regulations, Mr. Leggett is not allowed to make that type of partisan campaign remark on County Cable Montgomery.

Readers of this blog well remember how I exposed a previous incident of partisan use of County Cable Montgomery. CCM was airing promotional segments on Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. In essence, our taxpayer-funded channel was being used to promote statewide candidates on behalf of the Maryland Democratic Party.

That was wrong, and so was last night's broadcast. The offending statements should be removed from any rebroadcast of "One on One," and the county owes the taxpayers an explanation for this partisan electioneering on behalf of Democratic council candidates.

BUT WAIT,

THERE'S MORE!!!

Hold the phone... Ike Leggett and the council are also buying the Webb Tract, according to The Gazette.

It's going to be more than $120 million in taxpayer dollars. So, that brings the Shady Grove boondoggle to a whopping $182 million dollars - and counting!

That is about a third of the whole budget shortfall! Have our elected officials truly lost their minds?

The Webb Tract is owned by developer Miller and Smith. Can somebody run that in the campaign finance database, and find out if Miller and Smith donated to anyone who votes for this debacle?

Once again, the Upcounty gets the second-class citizen treatment from the executive and council, who just obliterated the Upcounty Ride-On schedule.

Let me leave the last words to an actual taxpayer and resident of Montgomery Village, as quoted in the Gazette:

"Now the county thinks that the Webb tract is a perfect dumping ground for all the trash that they don't want… because we put up the least resistance of anybody," East Village resident Brian Benhaim told the board after the county's presentation, echoing the comments of several residents. "This is ridiculous; this does nothing good for the community. This will devastate the community … that whole area will get wiped out in value. Please fight this; this makes no sense."

It's outrageous.

COUNTY COUNCIL

SPENDS $62 MILLION

ON PROPERTIES DESPITE

$500 MILLION

BUDGET SHORTFALL

Public Safety Employees Losing Pay,

Benefits, While Big-Spending Council

Acquires Properties for Shady Grove

"Smart Growth" Boondoggle

Unbelievable. Just weeks after I testified a second time against the council's effort to deny retirement benefits for disabled police officers - and told the council to save money by cancelling the so-called "Smart Growth Initiative" - what has happened?

The council - in league with executive Ike Leggett and their dear friends at the Washington Post editorial board - is still making police officers and firefighters scapegoats for their fiscal mismanagement. And, after a very public fake-out, have gone ahead with the Shady Grove dumb growth boondoggle to satisfy the needs of the developers and special interests who elected them.

In other words, the complete opposite of what I suggested in my testimony.

Please tell me where the council found $72 million dollars for 2 completely unnecessary land purchases? Who did they buy them from, and which politicians did the owners contribute campaign funds to?

The Post just attacked our career firefighters (I guess the Post needed a break from their attacks on our volunteer firefighters) and said that the union's concessions would only save $7 million. Let's do the math... $7 million vs. $72 million... uh, let's see...

We have the most irresponsible, incapable, and incompetent council in Montgomery County history, and this land purchase proves it.

You can't spend money you don't have.

How about that $900,000 the council gave to good friends at Centro Familia, which the Inspector General says is entirely unaccounted for?

No problem, said Councilmember George Leventhal in the Post.

Okay, almost 1 million dollars missing and no one on the council is doing anything about it? Do they realize how much money that is? Unaccounted for? Usually people go to jail when this kind of thing happens. The organization is now claiming the money is accounted for, but no evidence has been provided to the public so far. And the spokeswoman is no longer speaking to reporters.

And now we hear that the county economic development department gave $25,000 to a company run by the son of a Leggett appointee.

The council seems to have money for everything except public safety.

It's outrageous.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

BOWLING TEAM

BOOTED FROM

SHADY GROVE 300?

Here's a troubling story from The Gazette. Apparently, the county Special Olympics bowling team was told their time was up when AMF reopened its Shady Grove bowling alley.

Now called "300," the new clientele is supposed to be more upscale. (This is pretty much a clone of Strike Bethesda). That's why I find it disturbing that the team was suddenly unable to be accommodated - how convenient.

The good news is that the Special Olympics team has found a new home at Bowl America on Clopper Road. Still, why shouldn't the team be able to enjoy the fancy new facilities at 300 like any other resident?

According to the article, AMF insists it is a chaperone issue. However, the article goes on to add that only 2 of the facility's past bowling leagues re-signed contracts with 300.

Debbie Fickenscher, who is both a team coordinator and a team member's mom, according to the Gazette, was quoted as saying that the team did in fact appreciate the new alley before they got the boot:

"For the time we were there, it was wonderful, and it was not lost on the
athletes that they were in a brand new thing," she said.

I'm not sure if this is a violation of the ADA yet, but at best, it is a public relations disaster for 300.

DR. YES

FUELS

DEVELOPERS'

STEAMROLLER

TO TURN

NEIGHBORHOOD

STRIP MALLS

INTO

FOOL'S GOLD

Westwood Shopping Center Plans

Revealed in Planning Board Document

The draft of the Montgomery County Planning Board's new growth policy argues for the demise of the strip mall countywide. In its place, developers will be permitted to profit from building vacant luxury apartments and empty retail storefronts, as they have done in recent years.

But as we know, that money is fool's gold for the taxpayer. Developers make money, but no economic activity is generated by largely vacant housing and failing boutiques. Politicians direct taxpayer funds to developers and pro-developer master plans. A portion of developer profits is then returned to the politician in campaign contributions. Politician is reelected, and here we go again.

I've already covered the issue of why strip malls are indeed appropriate in neighborhoods and along Rockville Pike. We've already had a preview of the concrete canyon proposed for Rockville Pike. Only in the fantasy world of Dr. Yes and his developer buddies does replacing a parking lot with a building improve our environment. Exactly who wants to dine at an outdoor table on the curb of a major state highway? Can you smell the exhaust? I feel like I'm in Paris already.

The open environment of the Pike should be retained. 355 should be widened not only for traffic, but also for bus and bike lanes. Small areas of the heavily-used - and therefore much needed - surface lots can be modifed to improve drainage and add green space. Surface lots are not only essential for shopping, but are also safer than garages. Garages are not green - just check out how many lights are burning away inside of the nearly-vacant garages in Rockville's town center. I'd like to hear a conversation in which Dr. Yes and Mr. Stanley from our planning department tell Pierre Charles L'Enfant about the virtues of concrete canyon design.

And we already know that the current plans for the Westwood Shopping Center and Westbard Sector are simply too large in scale and unacceptable. Once again, I offer the Shops at Sumner Place as the ideal model for how a neighborhood shopping center should be redeveloped. It has what the residents need, but does not draw heavy traffic from outside the neighborhood. And it doesn't have vacant apartments above it. What is does have is open space, well-lighted surface parking, and doesn't tower over the neighborhood.

Here's the exact quote, to give you an idea of what planners and developers have in store for your neighborhood:

"Every strip mall in the county, or large surface parking lot, should be considered a potential site for mixed-use development."

- Montgomery County Planning Board Growth Policy Draft Report, 2009

Says who? It's time to restore a citizen-driven process, where residents are making decisions. All the Planning Board is giving us are commands, orders, and "here's how it's going to be, whether you like it or not." Remember, we pay their salaries and we - the residents - are the boss. Not Dr. Yes, and not the developers. But it is increasingly hard to tell that is the case.

NEW DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE BROCHURES

AVAILABLE FOR

DOWNLOAD

The Montgomery County Commission for Women has published a new brochure designed to help victims of domestic violence. Titled, Let's Talk About Violence in Relationships, it explains how to recognize - and hopefully prevent - violent and abusive relationships.

You can read the brochure online in six languages at:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfwtmpl.asp?url=/content/cfw/index.asp

It is in a box in the left center of the website homepage.

CHRIS BROWN:

SHOULD DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE BE A

COSTLY ACTION

FOR THE

RICH AND FAMOUS?

YES!

The news that recording artist Chris Brown has been arrested and charged with felony domestic violence - and that the victim is allegedly his equally-famous girlfriend, Rihanna - shows once again that domestic violence affects people at all levels of society. But it also raises the question of whether the public will be outraged enough to stop buying the products of a man who is - allegedly - coldly capable of beating a woman and putting her in the hospital.

This is certainly not the first case of celebrity domestic violence. Nor will it be the last. But if today's movies are going to continue to glorify violence against women, the real world needs to at least maintain what is left of its moral compass.

And this is certainly a case of sheer stupidity on Mr. Brown's part, as he could not have chosen a worse moment to perpetrate - allegedly - such heinous acts.

Criminal acts should have consequences. And much like our local politicians who have been convicted of drunk driving, the rich and famous require consequences that also take into account their influential status in society. Children will get a message out of this. Hollywood, the media, and the criminal justice system should ensure they get the right one.

PAUL BLART:

CASINO COP

"Mommy, what's a

slot machine?"

In the grand tradition of candy cigarettes and "alcopops," Maryland is about to experience a new gateway addiction: slots marketed to children at Arundel Mills Mall.

That's not a misprint, and it is the shocking new development in the sordid dealings of Gov. Martin O'Malley & Co. with the casino industry.

You heard right. In the near future, soccer moms will be able to add one more stop when making the rounds at Hanover, MD's popular mega-mall: the casino.

"You guys have fun at Build-A-Bear, I'll be in the casino."

We heard ad nauseum that slots were needed to save the horse racing industry. Aside from the issue of why the taxpayer should pay for an increasingly abusive "sport" that few apparently wish to patronize... ...how come now the slots aren't even going to be located at the Laurel track? I can hear a cuckoo clock going off in the governor's office right now.

But then wait a minute - remember how in Baltimore, the slots are going to the crumbling industrial neighborhood soon to be developed by a major Democratic campaign contributor, and not to Pimlico. You know how these things work. A classic bait-and switch.

Slots are funding education alright! Kids are learning about slots at an early age. And everyone at the mall is about to experience the likely increase in crime slots will bring. To the family oriented mall. Is this really happening? In the liberal state of Maryland?

Sounds like the first details of the Paul Blart sequel are writing themselves. Paul Blart: Casino Cop. Look at him trying to stop a Leisure World resident speeding towards the Arundel Mills Casino!

Turn right at Abercrombie!, left at Sbarro!, and follow the magic sounds of

money, money, money!!!.

Which is what the slots scheme is all about.

SUPER BOWL

SPECIAL REPORT:

"GAME DAY DRINKING

INCREASES

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE"

Here is an interesting story from WJZ-TV 13 in Baltimore:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=4226712&cl=11825740&src=news

GIVING WOMEN A

FIGHTING CHANCE

AGAINST VIOLENT

CRIME AND DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE

Concealed Weapon Laws are

Proven to Reduce Crime

While I am pleased that my Republicans Against Domestic Violence campaign succeeded in getting the issue back on the County Council agenda here in Montgomery County, I am disappointed that important changes in the law are not being considered.

I have quite a list, but one of those I'd like to talk about today is a new law that would give women the right to carry a concealed firearm.

This right, of course, is already theirs. It is guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Of course, as you know, that right has been infringed upon by liberal governments across this country.

But I'd like to speak to not only those of you who - like me - believe in our right to bear arms, but also to those of you who favor strict gun control.

I believe we can give women the right to carry a concealed weapon and have an increase in public safety, and a decrease in violent crime against women. Is this new protection needed?, you might ask.

The answer is, Yes!

A series of horrific, violent attacks and sexual assaults against women in the county and state just recently vindicate the need for just such a law.

This month, at The Cheesecake Factory in White Flint Mall, a woman was sexually assaulted in the ladies room by a restaurant employee.

Recently, a 34-year-old Laurel woman was shot twice in the face. She had a protective order against the man who shot her.

And just two weeks ago, another Laurel woman, 21, was abducted and raped by 3 men in a red SUV. She was abducted in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, which is known as a high-crime area. The men dropped her off in the 7200 block of Muncaster Road.

All of these crimes were monstrous. And, clearly, current law was insufficient to protect these 3 women.

Unlike our elected officials, I am not content to let the status quo continue. With violent crime on the increase, and sure to worsen as the economy does, women need to have the right to defend themselves.

A concealed firearm could have made a huge difference in many cases, including the three above.

Any law-abiding woman over the age of 18 should have the right to carry a concealed weapon. With the proper training and the right handgun, women who would like this option would now have a formidable line of defense against the vile villains and domestic abusers who would do them harm.

And since women are rarely the perpetrators of gun violence, this is one new law that gun control activists cannot justifiably oppose.

While I hope that Democrats in Annapolis will reverse their shameful course and pass new domestic violence laws this year, the ones on the drawing board are simply insufficient. The law to seize all firearms hardly guarantees that a domestic abuser would not obtain a firearm illegally.

Let's put forward a bolder, proactive agenda on domestic violence. One that empowers women, and prevents crime before it is committed. That has to be the goal in the future if we are going to make a difference.

FULL "DISCLOSURE:"

WASHINGTON POST

CONDEMNS PROTECTION

OF U.S. STEEL INDUSTRY...

NEGLECTS TO MENTION

POST COMPANY HAS

FINANCIAL INTEREST IN

SOUTH KOREAN STEEL

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive

The Washington Post has once again failed to disclose a financial conflict of interest in yesterday's editorial on "free" trade. While asking President Obama and the Congress to avoid adding new protections to our own American steel industry, Post editors conveniently left out an important fact:

Washington Post Company Director Warren Buffett owns 4% of POSCO, a massive South Korean steel maker.

Here's a quote from CNBC for you:

"The Oracle of Omaha, as Buffett is known, stands to make a tidy profit on his investment which he bought for $572 million. The stake was worth 1.23 trillion won ($1.31 billion) as of its Wednesday's closing share price."

And all at the expense of our own American steelworkers... isn't that patriotic?

As you now know, the Post continues to have a major disclosure problem. The Post continues to have major conflict of interest problems. (The editorial below the one on steel, on environmental issues, promotes positions that stand to benefit Post business associates such as General Electric among others).

Finally, just think about it: The Washington Post is favoring its own financial interest in South Korean steel, at the expense of American workers and what little is left of our heavy industry. That is shameful. Perhaps it's time President Obama takes action on trade issues, as he promised - he can start with his own newspaper, the pro-South Korean steel Washington Post.

WATER MAIN

BREAK UPDATE

The water main break on Ridgefield has been stopped, but there is a deep crater in the middle of the road. Only a small tripod has been placed over it, with yellow tape. On Friday, there was a flashing light in front of this to warn approaching vehicles. By last evening, that lamp had been removed or stolen. This has made for a dangerous situation; approach with caution. I assume WSSC will be back Monday to complete the job.

THAT DID IT

www.RobertDyer.net Once Again

Generates Not Just Words, But

A C T I O N

13 hours after my previous post on the water main break appeared online (and 72 hours after the main broke, causing dangerous, icy road conditions), a WSSC crew arrived on the scene to finally stop the leak. I hope to have an update on the repairs and street conditions after I pass by there later today. It appeared that the actual break was further up the hill, while the water was bursting out at the intersection below. I would suggest you still approach the intersection with caution, as I don't know if the mess is cleaned up yet, and it is currently below freezing.

AS REMAINING

INFRASTRUCTURE

CRUMBLES AWAY,

WSSC TAKES PHONES

OFF THE HOOK

Monopoly Utility Lets Broken Bethesda

Water Main Run for 2 Days and Counting

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

And they say they're going to charge us an additional $20 a month? Monopoly water utility WSSC has apparently taken its phones off the hook, as residents are unable to report a water main break at the intersection of Ridgefield Road and Kirkwood in Bethesda.

Avoid this intersection! I have been on the scene myself yesterday and Tuesday. By today, the entire area around the intersection has a heavy coating of ice and black ice on it. Dodging cars and using my flashlight, I located two little fountains shooting up. They are only a few inches in height - one at the curb by the 4th Presbyterian Church, and the other in the middle of the road.

These appeared today, and the road has begun to crack and buckle in places. Certainly, nearby residents called this in on Tuesday. I tried to call myself last night...

The WSSC "emergency" number put me on hold for 22 minutes. They never answered.

I hung up and tried again. The same thing happened again.

Ladies and gentlemen, it appears that the WSSC has taken its phones off the hook.

Someone could be killed if a car goes out of control on that ice. Not to mention that nearby homes could be flooded if this water main break continues to be ignored by the WSSC.

It's outrageous.

I'll check it out again today, and report back. But this is what happens when our county government fails to exercise leadership in its oversight of the WSSC, and what happens when we have no competition or accountability in our utilities.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE,

COUNCILMEMBERS

TRY AGAIN TO DENY

DISABILITY BENEFITS

FOR DISABLED COUNTY

POLICE OFFICERS

Shameful Attempt Continues;

Washington Post Blacks Out Coverage

(So Far) of January 15 Public Hearing

10 degrees was an appropriate temperature for a public hearing where Montgomery County councilmembers Phil Andrews and Duchy Trachtenberg continued their cold approach to compensation for our county police officers.

As regular readers remember, county officials began this bizarre quest to deny disabled officers retirement benefits a few months back. The public was growing more outraged by the minute about the fiscal disaster our county executive and council had mismanaged their way into. Desperate for a sideshow to divert attention, Ike Leggett and some of the councilmembers invented a "scandal," suggesting that a majority of retiring police officers were defrauding taxpayers by improperly receiving disability benefits.

Other than two high profile cases being investigated at the federal level - and neither of those has yet reached the legal threshold to win a fraud case - not a single shred of evidence has been presented by Mr. Leggett, Mr. Andrews, or Ms. Trachtenberg.

Yet at last Thursday night's hearing, Andrews and Trachtenberg not only weren't apologizing for this shameless smear against Montgomery's finest, but were continuing to make disparaging remarks.

When I arrived at the council building, all nearby street parking was filled with county police cruisers. This impressive display was matched by the crowded hallway and hearing room filled with officers, many in uniform.

Those of us testifying in support of our county police were limited to just 3 minutes. Then councilmembers not only babbled on and on themselves, but also chose to only call upon the speakers who supported their attempt to deny disability benefits to retiring disabled officers.

Councilmember Valerie Ervin tried to suggest I did not know that the executive negotiates with the unions, not the council. I knew that, and did not suggest otherwise in my speech - but of course, as a citizen I am not allowed to rebut the endless jabbering of our councilmembers. In fact, my speech was correct - the executive reaches the agreement, BUT, the council MUST approve the agreement by appropriating the funds. So it is Ms. Ervin who needs a civics lesson, not me.

In short, the council "signed" these labor agreements and is trying to get out of this and other union deals for political reasons.

The attempt to deny benefits to disabled police officers is a new low in Montgomery County politics. It is shameful. It is outrageous.

Yet this attack on our officers, who risk their lives each day to protect the citizens of Montgomery County, was not condemned by the remaining councilmembers. Many appear to be hedging their bets. Marc Elrich is on both sides of the issue at once; hardly the hallmark of strong leadership. Other councilmembers had little or nothing to say.

As I said in my speech, after our elected officials are done lashing out at schoolchildren, senior citizens, volunteer firefighters, Upcounty residents, and disabled cops, I shudder to think who else is on their list of scapegoats? Girl Scouts? Puppies?

Maybe you can catch this hearing on Channel 6 when it is replayed.

Don't miss the end - kudos to Gino Renne for saying what others might have liked to all evening. Lashing out at the offending councilmembers. And punching the microphone button off with panache, standing up, putting his coat on, and leaving while exchanging words with Andrews.

Like the rest of us there to support our county police, you had to be passionate about this issue to come out on a brutally cold night like this.

What I found most despicable of all, was the suggestions dropped all evening by Andrews and Trachtenberg. Such as the claim which gave the impression that there is a sizeable number of convicted felons on our police force. Or Trachtenberg's suggestion that officers would not respond to emergencies if this immoral legislation is passed by the council. Such outright false statements are outrageous, out of bounds, and truly disgusting; both councilmembers owe our police officers an immediate apology (at least).

I have no clue how our elected officials can launch such a crusade against the men and women of our police department.

But I and many, many others know one thing for sure: we won't let this happen, and this legislation must and will be defeated. As I always say regarding compensation for our police officers and firefighters: as Dan Marino said in the old glove commercials, you need to "take care of the hands that take care of you."

STAY TUNED

I will report on the County Council hearing last night (regarding the county's shameless attempt to make it more difficult for disabled police officers to receive disability compensation).

Also, a domestic violence story in Laurel that is directly related to the law that will come before the General Assembly this session.

METRO JOINS

INAUGURAL COMMITTEE

IN EXCLUDING

THE DISABLED

Transit Officials Warn Disabled:

"Stay Home!!"

The outrages continue as the inauguration approaches. Now Metro officials are saying disabled Americans should not try to attend the events. They are making no special arrangements to accomodate the disabled, in direct violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Even worse, MetroAccess service for the disabled will be canceled in areas closed for the ceremonies, according to The Washington Post. It's outrageous. I had expected President-elect Barack Obama to intercede on behalf of the disabled, but there has been no such announcement yet.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S

LOVE CANAL?

My favorite story from the Neutron plant disaster: According to a document I've examined, a Neutron executive was making a business trip to another nuclear facility. When he entered the facility, his suit set off all of the alarms! The equipment detected radioactive material on his suit. That's when you know your plant has problems!

KEPT-QUIET NUCLEAR

FACILITY CONTAMINATES

POOLESVILLE

Former Cobalt-60 Site May Be

Making Residents Sick

EXCLUSIVE DETAILS ONLY HERE ON

www.RobertDyer.net !!

WJLA 7 has reported a suspicious incidence of rare cancers diagnosed in several Poolesville residents who live on the same street. This is again a case of previous concerns I have raised gaining new credibility with new developments.

There is one major part that I was not aware of, and no one else I've spoken to in the last 48 hours is either: a defunct Dickerson nuclear facility that was quietly the site of an environmental catastrophe.

I've talked - and posted on the internet - for ten years about the power plant at Dickerson, and we've also learned of a sewage site and a toxic waste dump on PEPCO property adjacent to the Potomac river. A nearby resident has apparently been silenced in his effort to get that site cleaned up, and we've heard nothing since in the press.

But this Neutron Products, Inc. site is news to me and every other average citizen of Montgomery County. Apparently, a dramatic legal battle played out quietly between residents, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and Neutron Products, Inc. My understanding is that, while the state was successful in closing down the facility, the site and contamination which spread to homes and railroad and industrial sites in nearby Poolesville were never cleaned up.

This latest cancer development is frightening but not surprising. While documents show that the plant has shut down, this material (Cobalt-60) has not been contained and is spreading.

Furthermore, exclusive to www.RobertDyer.net, I have obtained a document which shows that Neutron Products, Inc. has recently filed with the state of Maryland for a permit to build a water treatment plant at the (supposedly shuttered) site! Watch out Deer Park and Vitamin Water - that sounds like some real healthy water!

Finally, you as residents of the county should know - and have not been informed by our all-Democrat county executive and council - that Cobalt-60 plants are known terrorist targets for the al-Qaeda organization. Therefore, by permitting this toxic site to remain, the county and state Democrat governments have put all of us at risk. The site could be targeted by terrorists, and the Cobalt-60 material is also sought after as small amounts are highly toxic.

Stay tuned for more exclusive details, but I had to get this up ASAP as The Washington Post and other outlets are ignoring this environmental catastrophe and new reports of illness.

A BOLD

INAUGURATION DAY

PREDICTION

We were shocked when Capital Properties allowed the production crew of National Treasure 2 to set up a tent city at the Westwood Shopping Center parking lot. We were surprised again when the Obama campaign was allowed to use the lot as a staging area last November 4.

So let me use my vast psychic powers to predict the future: How much do you want to bet that some use will be found by Capital Properties (who will be paid of course) for our shopping center lot on January 20? Such as bus, truck, RV parking? Tent city? Another use we haven't even thought of? And whatever use is made, expect that once again the neighborhoods won't be informed.

Stay tuned. But don't be surprised.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

County Police Forward New Immigration

Policy to Leggett for Approval

Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger has forwarded a new immigration policy to County Executive Ike Leggett for approval. But there's been no public response from Mr. Leggett yet. The clock is ticking, and the public's safety hangs in the balance with each passing minute. A decision must be made.

The problem for Mr. Leggett is that the public is demanding this new policy - which would allow an examination of immigration status when an arrest is made for violent crimes - but Leggett's strongest allies oppose it.

I am sure many of those people and organizations started out with good intentions. But the situation is changing rapidly and dramatically.

Now, after the deaths of an innocent boy and senior citizen, county residents appear to be shifting towards a stronger illegal immigration position. This is putting Leggett and his fellow Democrats in a weak position, as they are now out of sync with many of their own voters.

The new police policy is a step in the right direction. One interesting outcome of the controversial policy in Prince William County was that the county police found it advantageous in breaking up human trafficking rings. So these types of policies can also assist in cracking down on international forced prostitution rings, and other violence against women that is a horrific problem here and around the world. It's also important that domestic violence victims know that they can report their abusers to the police without fear of deportation.

And there is quite a bit of overreaction by those on the left, in regards to the new policy. In practice, it would never affect most immigrants; only those arrested in relation to violent crimes. Therefore, I believe it will have a broad spectrum of support.

Will Mr. Leggett respond to the public, and thereby betray his closest allies among liberal Latino groups? Or will he cave to political pressure, and face the consequences in the 2010 election?

This is going to be one of the most interesting Montgomery County moments of 2009.

INAUGURATION

COMMITTEE TO

DISABLED AMERICANS:

"STAY HOME!!"

INAUGURAL CEREMONY TO

VIOLATE AMERICANS WITH

DISABILITIES ACT

We're not a white or black America. We're not a red or blue America. We're not a rich or poor America... But apparently, we are an able-bodied and disabled America; and Barack Obama's inaugural committee has made clear that this is one difference we cannot unite on.

In a stunningly offensive announcement, the committee warned disabled Americans to avoid attending the January 20 inauguration. Should disabled citizens try to join in the festivities, the committee advised that it would be very unpleasant for them. Bad weather, rough terrain, long distances between transportation and the site, etc. But no special accomodations, either.

Ladies and gentlemen, this a blatant violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Under the ADA, the inauguration must accomodate - by all means necessary - any disabled person who wishes (dares?) to attend.

We may disagree on the issues, but there are certainly many disabled liberals and Democrats who voted for - and may have even worked for - Mr. Obama. There are others who want to witness the historic inauguration of our first black president. First many elderly civil rights veterans were advised it would be too difficult to attend. Now they have compounded the outrage with the most insensitive, bigoted insult to disabled Americans I have heard in some time.

It's outrageous.

But I haven't heard one peep from the liberal, bleeding-heart media. Only here, on www.RobertDyer.net are you hearing the real story, or any critical questioning of the committee's actions.

Once again, as a Republican who has advocated on behalf of disability access since I was in college, I find my Democrat counterparts to be shockingly hypocritical and ignorant of that very issue.

We may have elected a black president, but it appears that we still haven't enlightened ourselves into the 21st century when it comes to disability access. The ADA was one of President George H.W. Bush's greatest accomplishments. Yet, I find myself filing complaints years later as governments and major corporations fail to comply with this mandatory set of regulations.

Is it too late for Mr. Obama (or George W. Bush) to step in and enforce the ADA by January 20? Let's hope their - and the media's - silence on this issue ends soon.

ALL TALK, NO ACTION:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT RATE

SURGES IN 2008

Wealthy County's Increase Among Highest in MD

Here we go again. When it comes to domestic violence, Montgomery County's elected officials enjoy hearing the sounds of their own voices.

No one should enjoy the statistics that were released this week, that showed the rate of child abuse and neglect skyrocketing by nearly 30% in Montgomery County. Remember, we are the richest county in Maryland. And under the supposedly politically-correct leadership of an all-Democrat county council and executive.

Yet Anne Arundel County - under the leadership of Republican executive John Leopold - had a decrease in its abuse rate. A rare exception among counties, and Mr. Leopold is to be applauded.

I want to take this opportunity again to point out that domestic violence needs to be a Republican issue. This year, I launched an initiative to turn words into action on domestic violence in Montgomery County.

By September, when reports of this popped up in The Gazette, our all-talk Democrat officials were scrambling to respond. Within two weeks of a cable-televised speech I gave on behalf of the Heartly House shelter (www.HeartlyHouse.org) in Frederick, Duchy Trachtenberg was calling a press conference.

After two years of inaction, Councilmember Trachtenberg announced that she was beginning efforts toward the creation of a "one-stop shop for domestic violence victims" in Rockville. I'm not sure if this is even the best use of scant resources for this cause. No one I have discussed ideas with on how to reduce domestic violence has even suggested such a thing. It not only sounds like another expensive bureaucracy, but is reactive, rather than proactive.

There are some county and state legal reforms that would make a difference before a woman or child becomes a victim. Isn't that the real goal here? We don't just want to help victims, but to reduce this terror for once and for all.

Our state's archaic, unconstitutional firearm laws also prevent women from taking a proactive role in defending themselves from domestic and other criminal aggressors. That needs to change as well.

I've also suggested that we pass a county or state law that would mandate 3-5 days of paid leave for victims of domestic violence.

We also have two existing shelters, the Krahnke Center and Heartly House, which need funding more than ever in these tight financial times. They are directly helping victims already, and are more effective than another Big Government bureaucracy.

However, at least the wheels are turning again. It took some action - Republican action - to get people to focus on this issue again. And it's hard to believe that people weren't acting already, given that this year alone has witnessed some of the most horrific domestic violence fatalities in Montgomery and Maryland history.

But this year was just the beginning. I want to do more in 2009, and I'm going to need more people to join in this crusade against domestic violence and the other problems in our county. We can make a difference, and we will.

Despite the all the bad news in 2008, you have to be optimistic. Our county is ripe for change. The failures in leadership are taking us deep into the dark night. But every night comes to an end, and in November 2010, the dawn will be upon us.

To all readers, have a safe New Year's Eve, and a very happy new year. May God bless each and every one of you.

BARVE BUSTED

...AGAIN!!

It is well past time for Democrat House Majority Leader Kumar Barve (District 17) to step down. Certainly from his leadership position, and preferably from his seat in the House of Delegates. Mr. Barve is assembling a rap sheet that is inconsistent with any standard that should be applied to elected officials.

Mr. Barve's latest escapade was reported by The Washington Post, but hidden in a tiny box in the back pages, on a holiday. Clever work by the Post to try to hide it.

The truth is that Mr. Barve has dodged taxes by claiming two homes simultaneously as his primary residence. Here's the best part: Barve apparently passed a law through the House targeting scofflaws who try this very scheme!

A psychologist might have a field day with Mr. Barve's new habit of breaking laws that he wrote himself. (The first was his conviction - and slap on the wrist - for DUI last year. Barve had written drunk driving laws as a legislator which passed in the House).

But as for the citizens, we've had quite enough. It is time for Mr. Barve to step down, especially since he has yet to explain his behavior in a candid and detailed manner.

SEARCHING FOR

A CLUE

Montgomery County's Failed Leadership

Pointing Fingers in All the Wrong Directions to

Protect Itself and Monopoly WSSC from

Criticism on 2nd Water Disaster this Year;

County's Reverse 911,

WSSC Alert Systems

Fail Again

If you believe The Washington Post, County Executive Ike Leggett, Governor Martin O'Malley, and the all-Democrat County Council, the River Road water main catastrophe was not the fault of the WSSC. Instead, they are blaming a defunct pipe supplier and you, the taxpayer(!!).

It's outrageous.

Leggett and other officials say that you weren't willing to pay the massive yearly fee proposed by the WSSC in concert with their Democrat buddies in Rockville. And that prevented the monopoly utility from maintaining its system.

Not true. As readers of this blog know, the WSSC was given sufficient funds over the years to maintain and repair our water system, but chose to spend those funds on other things.

Let's get this straight. There is no accountability to the taxpayer, yet the taxpayer is being asked to give gigantic new sums to our monopoly water company.

It's outrageous.

What's worse is that Mr. Leggett and the all-Democrat county council have not held the WSSC accountable either. In fact, they voted for the massive fees until they were stopped by their counterparts in Prince George's County. There, County Executive Jack Johnson went on the record as agreeing that WSSC was given sufficient funds, but spent them on other things.

Mr. Leggett failed to show the same leadership as Mr. Johnson. The WSSC should not be rewarded with new money from either Montgomery residents nor the American taxpayer through new Federal awards for "infrastructure." Incompetence and mismanagement are not to be rewarded. Instead, the public needs to know where all the money went. Why has the WSSC failed to maintain its system. Where is the accountability? The people who were in charge need to be held accountable for their mismanagement. Not the customer.

Most importantly, where is the competition in utilities that will raise quality and lower prices?

You'll have to elect new leadership to make that happen.

Until then, Montgomery's leaders will continue to put politics first, safety last.

Once again, there was no reverse 911 to inform the public of the catastrophe. No reverse 911 to inform the public of possible drinking water contamination. And the WSSC alert system did not send any email messages out - none at all!! (I know because I signed up for the alerts months ago.)

This was an instant replay of the June disaster all over again. And with all of that experience, the executive and council chose to handle it exactly the same way.

Then O'Malley and Leggett do a photo op on River Road, attempting to take credit for the valiant rescues by firefighters and the State Police helicopter.

Here's one other detail - exclusive to http://www.robertdyer.net/ and not mentioned on TV or in the papers - that State Police chopper had to come from Andrews Air Force base. That's because, currently, our executive and council (in concert with the governor) have sat idly by while Montgomery's own helicopter was removed from its base within the county!!!

It's outrageous.

Once again, our county government puts politics first, safety last.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO

DR. YES

Here is the top item on Royce Hanson's Christmas list:

A Nintendo DS game called "Build A Lot." You can play this game and be Dr. Yes or a developer! You can social engineer! You, too, can abuse your powers of eminent domain!

A quote from the game description:

"Become a real estate mogul and take over the housing market as you construct, upgrade and sell houses for huge profits. You can flip houses for quick cash or sit back and watch the rental income pile up. Travel to scenic towns and perform special tasks for the local mayors (hint, hint), or toss out the blueprints (or even the current residents!) and create your own dream neighborhood in Casual mode. There's plenty to do and lots of fun ahead in Build-a-lot!"

Sounds just like real life in Montgomery County!

The perfect gift for the mixed use developer or elected official on your holiday shopping list!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM

WWW.ROBERTDYER.NET!!!

Let's take a break from all of the economic catastrophes, political scandals, Montgomery County corruption and pollution, etc. for the holidays.

Here are some inspiring examples of the disabled having a chance to participate in activities alongside their able-bodied peers. You may remember the long controversy over a local disabled high school athlete who wanted to compete in track events. Endless attempts at legal intervention ensued, all with the goal of preventing her from competing - or even racing without the results counting! It was outrageous.

Follow this link, and find out what happens when closed minds and bigotry don't get in the way. You should reach a Yahoo! menu, and on the right side - among other stories - you will see headlines about disabled students participating in "The Nutcracker" ballet, and playing football.

http://spotlight.news.yahoo.com/v/11076595

This is really what the goal is: mainstreaming disabled and special needs children, instead of isolating them.

DR. YES'

URBAN LEGEND

Floreen, Knapp, and Greedy Developers Agree:

Montgomery County is Urban, not Suburban(???)

Dr. Yes has made a breakthrough! Now that the future plans of Dr. Yes (a.k.a. Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson) are becoming known (such as a plan to build Bethesda Row from the Naval Hospital to Clarksburg along 355), he's making no bones about it. He wants to declare Montgomery County to be one large city, and replace a suburban development concept with an urban one.

Is Montgomery County an urban city? Not quite. Downtown Bethesda (and only the downtown) is urban, and should be developed that way. Downtown Silver Spring... it is now an urban area. Friendship Heights? Too small to be a city, but definitely urban in character. Rockville? Not unless Disneyland counts as "urban." (I'm referring to the only "urban" part of Rockville, the new "Town Center," so aptly described recently by a citizen as a "food court with gift shops.") Rockville Pike is not urban. It is a suburban commercial strip such as you would find anywhere from Westminster to 301 in Southern Maryland to Towson. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. "It is what it is," as the business majors say.

The rest of the county - a majority - is suburban, exurban, or rural in nature. But there won't be much nature left if Dr. Yes has his way.

He wants to increase density, pave over green space, and turn old shopping centers such as those on Westbard into gargantuan, mixed use debacles. As usual, the mass transit fantasy will be used (don't forget Dr. Yes approved minimal surface parking for Clarksburg Town Center, which is about as far from Metro as the moon!!) to justify a simple cash scheme: Planning Board and County Council rubber stamps for developer greed. Somebody get the Illinois governor on the phone...

The Gazette states that councilmember Nancy Floreen (D - At Large) "agrees with much of what Hanson is advocating." "I think the vast majority of residents bought into a suburban lifestyle," she said. News update: this is the suburbs!

Dr. Yes plans on a risky financial scheme that could further threaten the county's financial stability - even as our Democrat leaders have run the budget into the ground already.

But who will really pay the bills for Dr. Yes' freakish concept? YOU! Check the fine print: "special taxing districts" will be created, so that citizens can pay even more taxes.

Mike Knapp says greater density equals less traffic. There's a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, ladies and gentlemen.

"Royce sees the future as now," says Knapp.

What a scary future it is. Sort of like Back to the Future II, with the homeless guys warming their hands over barrels. Concrete canyons, high crime, and toxic waste. Cramped apartments over Metro stops (do you know how much exhaust and carcinogens are in the air around those bus stations, anyway), low wages, and lots of welfare and big government programs.

Residents must stand up and say "NO" to Dr. Yes.

MEANWHILE,

BACK AT STATELY

WAYNE MANOR...

You've played by the rules... and lost again! If you didn't McMansionize your home already, the County Council has just reduced your property value. New restrictions mean that your property cannot be built/mansionized to the size and degree that McMansion pioneers were allowed to build.

Hard to believe, but Mike Knapp was actually right on an issue for once. Knapp was the only councilmember to vote against this too little, too late legislation. It's not that I'm in favor of the abuses committed by McMansionizers over the last few years. Nor do I enjoy the tremendous noise, dust, stench, and filth generated by these projects - some even after business hours or on weekends. But property rights are an issue, as long as one was within the current guidelines.

The problem is, the legislation is not retroactive. So all this means is that homeowners who cheated will prosper. And now other homeowners have a different, stricter standard. That is an affront to private property rights. Shouldn't the rest of us be allowed to be McMansionizers, too?

The law should apply to everyone, or to no one - isn't there something about that in the Constitution?

ZERO TOLERANCE

FOR

DEMOCRAT DRUNK

DRIVERS?

Driving on Little Falls Parkway yesterday, I saw an electronic sign warning people not to drink and drive. It went on to say "Zero Tolerance. Go to Jail."

That's the way it should be. Just one question. Why didn't Democrats Del. Kumar Barve and O'Malley Budget Secretary T. Eloise Foster go to jail when they were busted for DUI last year. .001% tolerance perhaps, but clearly not Zero Tolerance. Why are some people above the law and others not?

WESTBARD INDUSTRIAL

ZONE POLLUTION

REVEALED?

USA Today Investigation Reveals High

Levels of Pollution and Carcinogens at All Schools

Near Westbard Industrial Zone; Raises New

Questions about WWI Munitions Recovery Operations

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

My discovery last year of brownfields in the Westbard industrial zone, and concerns about pollutants there, have been vindicated by a new USA Today report.

This week, USA Today is publishing a series (also online at http://smokestack.usatoday.com) on air pollution near schools. Strangely, all of the schools in the vicinity of the Westbard zone rated highly for pollutants.

(Westland MS, Westbrook ES, Washington Waldorf School, Washington Episcopal School, Little Flower School, Abingdon Montessori School, Holden Montessori Day School, Wood Acres ES).

They are the only "grey"-colored schools on the list in Bethesda!

Is this just a coincidence?

I believe this again shows the need for comprehensive environmental testing of the entire industrial zone. The USA Today report details a variety of chemicals present. In the print edition only, it names benzene as a carcinogen present at Westbrook ES. This is found in cleaning chemicals, and other cleaning chemicals were present at the former chemical lab site brownfield. Importantly, there is an American Chemical Co. building (which has not even been investigated yet) and numerous other potentially-polluting businesses in the zone. Hydrochloric acid is found in oil-related industry, and the MTBE brownfield was a former fuel transfer station. Not to mention the many auto-related businesses in there. (Manganese = car batteries?)

So where are these chemicals coming from?:

1. The Westbard industrial zone is a likely source, but no one other than myself is currently onto this possibility.

2. The USA Today report fingers only one local source, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site at Dalecarlia. This raises new questions. Against nearby residents' wishes, a towering pile of dredged sediment is being compiled near Sibley Hospital. But there is more going on there than the Corps is telling us, and I suspect the buried munitions are more widespread than thought.

3. The levels of chlorine and sulfuric acid found by USA Today are consistent with World War I gas munitions.

4. Of course, we are within range of the Alexandria and Dickerson power plants. Hence the carbonyl sulfide.

In summary, I believe residents have a right to know what we are being exposed to from the Westbard zone, and the Dalecarlia operations.

Unfortunately, the USA Today reporters were unaware of the information I discovered about the industrial zone, or the full nature of the Dalecarlia operations.

ALL DEVELOPERS ARE

NOT CREATING EQUAL

I realize that I am often critical of developers on this website and in speeches I have given. Sometimes I hear from developers who disagree with my opinions. Some have asked if there are any development projects I like.

In fact, there are some projects I believe are outstanding. They include:

The Chevy Chase Bank and Newlands buildings in downtown Bethesda. B.F. Saul's former is pure Gotham; the latter is Art Deco meets Bethesda. I love how you can see the CCBB over here in west Bethesda, when the leaves are off the trees in winter. Both are big, tall, and glass (not brick) unlike so many unimaginative brick low-rises in downtown Bethesda. Also the Bethesda Metro Center.

As outlandishly rich as the Collection at Chevy Chase is in these tough economic times, as a project it is a phenomenal success. Notice that, to my knowledge, it has no vacant condo/mixed use features. It is just an upscale shopping and dining center. (There ought to be free parking, though).

Little Falls Mall (a.k.a. the shops at Sangamore Place) is the definitive blueprint for how you redo a strip mall the right way. It should not only be used as a model for the redevelopment of the Westwood Shopping Center, but for all of the strip malls targeted by developers along Rockville Pike. If W.C.&A.N. Miller's Sangamore Place is not award-winning, it ought to be. I almost can't believe it was rebuilt in such outstanding fashion in this time of mixed-use development excess. It is an understated triumph. (Free surface parking).

There are a lot of terrible projects in the works for Rockville Pike and downtown Bethesda. But I like what I've heard about the plans for Chevy Chase Lakes shopping center by the Chevy Chase Land Co. (who also did the Collection). And there was a fantastic plan being floated a few months ago for Langley Park. It was going to incorporate Spanish colonial architecture (which I love) and Latin American colonial plaza designs into a world-class redevelopment of the area.

So don't think that all developers and development are bad; just call it like it is, and when a dumb growth project is approved by Dr. Yes, I won't hesitate to hold our officials accountable on this website. And I will have positive comments when developers do the right thing. You just read them above.

DWD

(DRIVING

WHILE

DEMOCRAT)

Democrat Kumar Barve Received

Slap on the Wrist in DUI Conviction;

Republican Fossella Headed to Slammer for

Same Offense

Let me start off by saying that both House Majority Leader Kumar Barve and Rep. Vito Fossella (R) should have received a tough penalty for drunken driving. Mr. Fossella (to an extent even beyond Mr. Barve) further disgraced himself as a public official in the most reprehensible manner.

The problem is, only the Republican got the sentence of 5 days in jail (still weak for such reckless behavior). Why did Barve and fellow Maryland Democrat T. Eloise Foster avoid even a similar sentence for their drunken escapades on Maryland's highways?

Is it because Democrat elected officials are above the law?

Prosecutor David Lord said that "Fossella's case was handled 'in the same fashion as all DWI cases,'" according to the Associated Press.

Not in the same fashion as Barve and Foster's.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE

FOR THE

WASHINGTON POST

DEMOCRAT

PROTECTION PROGRAM?

Martin O'Malley is!

When the Washington Post wasn't singing the praises of Ike Leggett and the county council today (who have a $650 million deficit looming in 2010) as "fiscal" heroes(!!! pretty strong stuff in that coffee at the Post, apparently)....... .........it was playing ventriloquist dummy for the latest hogwash Martin O'Malley press release out of Annapolis.

Yes, the Post/Gazette Democrat Protection Program has its O'Malley reelection campaign fully underway. And away we go!

There was no critical analysis whatsoever by John Wagner of O'Malley's expensive land preservation program. There is merit to the initiative, but surely there are negative aspects to any expenditure during a budget crisis of this size. This comes only days after puff pieces on topics such as a website for "tough times." I guess that's where Baltimore residents are supposed to get daily instructions after O'Malley left the city in ruins.

This is not journalism, it is an illegal in-kind contribution!

WHEN IS A

DEAL NOT A DEAL?

"I'm the first to say we can't afford

generous agreements offered in

better times."

- George Leventhal (D-At Large)

The current budget crisis in Montgomery County is outrageous enough. But what are we to make of the bizarre negotiations over contracts agreed to by Ike Leggett and the all-Democrat County Council with the unions of county employees?

What is the point of a negotiated deal or a contract, if one side does not live up to the agreement? This is exactly what has happened. Mr. Leggett and his Democrat allies on the council made these deals for political gain. In return, they had the full political support of the unions.

Now that they have mismanaged the county budget, Leggett & Co. want out of the contract. The amazing part is, the unions apparently are going to let them.

Are these the same union leaders and employees who battled and heckled their way through tense negotiations and hearings earlier this year?

Why no more Mr. Nasty Guy? Well, it appears that once again it is politics first, safety last in Montgomery County.

The unions and their members wanted 8% increases. They got them for political reasons. But now, they are willing to give them up for political reasons. They recognize that if the county goes bankrupt, their Democrat buddies will be pushed to the curb by voters in 2010. So now they will forsake the 8% to save the Democrats.

There are a number of problems here besides politics first, safety last.

1. There is something morally bankrupt about taking away increases from firefighters and police officers. These were agreed to, and the county must live up to its end of the bargain. Our public safety employees take on life-threatening tasks, and therefore more financial risk.

2. If the union leaders are willing to give away their members' money, what is their reason? If not politics, then what?

3. How can the county be trusted at all in future negotiations? It seems they can agree to anything and go back on it later if they need to politically. Is that satisfactory to union employees?

4. Now that the Democrats have broken the agreement, will the unions support Democrats in 2010? If so, why?

Here's the bottom line. The county executive and council taxed and spent their way into a $450-$650 million dollar shortfall. This was caused partly by agreeing to large union contracts, for political reasons, when it was assumed that the taxpayer's dime would cover the cost.

That is the most basic failure of our elected officials. It is fiscally irresponsible to agree to contracts without considering at all that revenues could fall in the future. A fiscal conservative would not assume that today's revenue would be tomorrow's; it is as simple as that. Leggett and the council made that assumption, and now they must pay the price for that in 2010.

Secondly, even if the Democrats succeed in breaking the union contracts, they will save only $125 million. Out of up to $650 million needed to balance the budget. Given that the only other big item put forward - and rejected by the council - was a $19 million dollar MCPS budget cut, it is mathematically impossible for the county to balance this budget. Or at least, to balance it and still get reelected in 2010.

What are they going to do? Seriously.

Finally, how about that quote from At-Large Democrat George Leventhal?

What is a "generous" agreement? Does that mean "paying out more than necessary," or "more than we can afford if the economy changes for the worse?" Was there a political motive for being so "generous?" I dare say, yes there was!

What does Leventhal mean by "offered?" I thought the unions asked for the increase. Was the 8% number brought to the table by Mr. Leventhal and not the unions? That would add another twist.

And the most important phrase is "in better times." That relates to what I said earlier - that a true leader, a safe money manager, and a fiscal conservative would give our public safety employees increases they deserve - and direct funds wasted elsewhere to police and fire budgets. But such a leader would never, ever, agree to increases that could not be delivered when times change. And Democrats, awash in your taxpayer funds, agreed to such irresponsible increases.

"I'm the first to say..." Leventhal said. So why wasn't he the first to vote against reckless fiscal decisions when they were made by the body on which Leventhal sits?

The chickens have come home to roost. Will UCFW Local 1994 MCGEO, and the police and fire unions let Leggett, Leventhal, et al, get away with breaking a legal agreement?

Stay tuned.

However this chapter ends, you get to write the ending in November 2010.

EVEN DR. YES

SAYS, "YES, TIMES

ARE TOUGH!"

Attend this Montgomery County planning meeting, but line up early, as hot items are being given away:

"Montgomery County planners seek to learn what you value most about your community -- be it clean air and water or walking in vibrant downtowns. Tell us what you think at one of our community meetings on what should be part of the next county Growth Policy. First 50 in the door will receive a free nylon backpack."

Hurry! Dr. Yes is giving away free! nylon!! backpacks!!!

Wait a minute? How can they afford to give away anything at this point? They've run out of money months ago.

BAMBI DOUBLESPEAK

County government says:

"Be Aware: Deer Management Operations Began October 24

The Department of Parks has listed park closures on various days from sunrise until sunset for seasonal deer management beginning Friday, October 24 at Hoyles Mill Conservation Park."

"Deer Management Operations?"

Translation: Many of these beautiful animals will be unnecessarily killed, for the sake of out-of-control development that has snapped up forests and farmland. For shame, for shame.

DOUBLE THE

CATASTROPHE,

DOUBLE THE

FAILURE OF

LEADERSHIP

Montgomery County finance officials have just revised the numbers - and the county's projected deficit has just doubled! The Ficker Amendment passed just in time. This mess is a disaster of the council's own design. They failed to execute the basic requirements of leadership and fiscal responsibility. Now, where will they find the money as we enter the 2010 election cycle?

Don't worry, The Washington Post and Gazette will find a way to make the council successful in time for the election. I don't know how, and it will take some real spin to do it, but don't they always protect their Democrat friends? It will be entertaining to witness. Where to cut - public safety, social services, education? There are no good options for a council that has detonated the budget with out of control tax-and-spend fiscal mismanagement.

WASHINGTON POST

CONTINUES

O'MALLEY REELECTION

EFFORT

Yesterday's Post continued the newspaper's unethical public relations offensive on behalf of its new dear friend, Governor Martin O'Malley. (Not to be outdone, MPT has announced a new O'Malley TV show, patterned on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's Alo Presidente - I'm curious if this show will include footage of the violence and open air drug markets in O'Malley's Baltimore, and the other failures of his leadership there for which he was so unjustly rewarded with the governor's mansion in 2006?)

According to John! Wagner!!, O'Malley is about to end hunger in the state of Maryland. Check out the disclaimer though - it's not an O'Malley program, he's just going to apply for George W. Bush's existing federal aid. And that doesn't mean he'll get it. Happy Holidays, and warm wishes from your governor who cares so much about the hungry children that he prevented Bob Ehrlich from taking over their failing schools. Believe, indeed.

OBAMA ADDS

SECOND

PRO-ABORTION

CABINET MEMBER

Barack Obama's new Domestic Policy boss was quoted in Obama's own Washington Post as being a passionate supporter of Roe v. Wade. Once again, pro-life Americans have been slapped across the face by divisive pro-abortion appointments by the president-elect who promised to unite the country. Instead, he has united the old Clinton administration.

OBAMA,

WASHINGTON POST:

A STRANGE WAY OF

"FINDING CONSENSUS"

So much for all of the soaring rhetoric (a.k.a. cliches) and talk of "one America." President-elect Barack Obama has predictably swept his "reduce the number of abortions" promises under the rug, and has joined his official newspaper, The Washington Post, in taking hurtful actions to divide America on the abortion issue.

Obama's first action on the life issue was to appoint the head of Emily's List(!!!) as his new White House communciations director. For those many Americans who don't pay attention to the debate... they need to know that Emily's List is a pro-abortion organization.

This is "bringing people together?" This is "finding consensus?"

What could be more offensive to pro-life Americans than appointing such a divisive, polarizing figure to his administration? As always, you have to ignore words, and examine the actions of a leader. And these actions could not be more offensive or hurtful. What a slap in the face to any pro-life American who fell for the Obama "bipartisan, faith-based" hoax.

This story has been covered up - bigtime. It should be a top news story, as Obama has gone back on his promise to unite the country before even taking office.

But what the Post (which has two members of its board of directors on the Obama economic team) did yesterday was to amplify its leader's message.

The Post magazine published an article that was designed to desensitize weak-minded readers to the reality of abortion. It was truly disgusting; a pro-abortion, anti-life propaganda piece.

Is this how Obama finds "consensus," by launching a broadside against pro-life Americans?