BRING THE

ROBERT DYER

VICTORY PARTY

TO YOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD!

Special Announcement!

If I win an At-Large seat on the Montgomery County Council this Tuesday, there will be a Robert Dyer Victory Party sometime after Election Day. To recognize my most die-hard supporters, the party will be held in (or in the vicinity of) the precinct in the county that has the highest number/percentage of votes for Robert Dyer! (I add percentage, because it is more fair to those who live in precincts with a smaller number of voters).

So don't forget to vote on Tuesday - and bring your neighbors to the polls to vote for Robert Dyer, too!

Which neighborhood in Montgomery County wants change the most? Which neighborhood will have bragging rights to the highest turnout for the candidate who will transform our government into one that serves the people, not the other way around?

We'll find out Tuesday night!

There's still time to round up those voters who have told you they're going to sleep through the election. There is too much at stake for people to stay home - traffic gridlock, keeping my Democratic opponents from taking our schools backwards with less money and larger class sizes, bringing JOBS to Montgomery County, and fixing our fiscal crisis before the county goes into bankruptcy.

Show Montgomery County where the real power is - turn out the highest vote for Robert Dyer and replace the county political machine on the "kingmaker" throne, delivering a mandate for balanced budgets, traffic relief and high-wage aerospace jobs:

ELECT ROBERT DYER!

ROBERT DYER

SLAMS OPPONENTS'

CLAIM THAT THEY

"KNOW WHAT TO DO"

TO END FISCAL CRISIS,

DESPITE 4 YEARS OF

INACTION

Exclusive www.RobertDyer.net Video!!!

The weekend is just about here, so start it off by watching this entertaining video from the Montgomery County Council At-Large debate sponsored by the Citizens League of Montgomery County.

This was one of the best moments from the debate, now in an exclusive video for your enjoyment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVS9tJjJt5U

Enjoy your weekend, and get ready to vote for Robert Dyer on Tuesday!

ROBERT DYER

ON

TRANSPORTATION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFvsgUgcBHo

ROBERT DYER

ON

DISABILITY AND

SPECIAL NEEDS

ISSUES

If I am elected, those with disabilities and special needs will finally have an advocate on the council. Whether it is ensuring snow is removed from county-owned sidewalks, or that we have a full spectrum of programs in our schools for special needs students and their parents, disability issues will be among those at the top of my agenda.

To that end, as I announced back in April, I have pledged that - if elected - I will have one staff member who will be appointed to work on disability issues.

Here is a video with more of my comments on the need to finally have an advocate for the disabled on the Montgomery County Council:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RCXgMQDeBg

This video also has an update on the Americans With Disabilities Act violations at Damascus Elementary School, for those of you who have been following along on here about that since last year. The update is very encouraging.

Have a great day, and don't forget to vote early tonight, or on November 2, for Robert Dyer for the Montgomery County Council At-Large!

WHEATON

SECTOR PLAN

Exclusive www.RobertDyer.net Video!

One major issue coming before the next council will be the Wheaton Sector Plan. If elected, I will ensure that any "redevelopment" benefits the people who live there now. There is no need for a full-scale "redevelopment" of this vibrant, diverse downtown area. It would be much cheaper for the taxpayer if we would help keep the properties well-maintained, and address crime and transportation issues. The worst thing that could be done in these terrible economic times would be to allow developers to come in like a wrecking ball, and force out current residents and small businesses. Many are Asian-American and Latino-owned, among the variety of ethnic backgrounds represented. We've already lost some of the best restaurants and shops in Wheaton, thanks to our developer-beholden County Council.

Hear about my different approach in this video from an Asian-American candidate forum this past August:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWJesoO4QFY

If you live, work or own a business in Wheaton, you have a clear choice in this election: Elect me, and I will represent your interests on the council when the Wheaton Sector Plan is voted on. In contrast, my opponents want to replace what's there now with a Disneyland of mixed-use towers. They aren't working for you; they're working on behalf of a hypothetical new, wealthy group of residents they believe will move to the "new" Wheaton after the "old" one has been replaced.

That's why it is critical that you get out and vote - early, or on November 2nd. Without Robert Dyer on the council, developers will run wild in Wheaton. They're even going to eliminate a park dedicated to our veterans!

It's outrageous.

I think we have a great community in Wheaton. I've spent quite a bit of time there during my lifetime in Montgomery County. I've patronized the businesses. I've walked, driven and taken Metrobus through Wheaton a million times. That's one of the problems you have, when candidates like Hans Riemer are new here, and don't know the history of the area. I do.

The challenges in Wheaton can be met without massive redevelopment. Those problems came from the failed leadership on our county council, such as the terrible tax and regulation regime they've created, and their failure to take the real problem of gang activity seriously for years.

I'm confident that we can help Wheaton reach its full potential, and retain diversity, without creating a climate where rents for apartments and business tenants force people to leave, and we end up with five new Starbucks and empty luxury condos in Wheaton Triangle. That's my opponents' plan.

I hope you'll consider voting for me instead, because I believe we can only move this county forward if we all move forward together.

PUNK'D AGAIN

Is it ethical for Ashton Kutcher to serve on the editorial boards of both the Washington Post and the Gazette at the same time?

I'm afraid that their County Council endorsements have been the grand demise of whatever relevance either paper had in the area - they simply have no credibility left.

What a joke.

FINALLY!

NEW VIDEOS!

Just in time for Early Voting, I have two new videos for you this morning.

One is on the massive amount of outside-the-county funds that Marc Elrich, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer have accepted, and are using to "buy" council seats.

Elrich and Leventhal have $16,000 from unions outside of Montgomery County. This was reported once by the Post, but the media has ignored it since. Not only is there the issue of outsiders meddling in our elections, but Phil Andrews has raised the question of whether or not this was an attempt to evade the $6,000 limit on contributions.

And then, you have Hans Riemer's massive donations from K Street lobbyists, from whom he has received checks as large as $4,000 each (!). Think about it: why would someone who doesn't live in Montgomery County be concerned enough that Hans Riemer be elected to the council that they would write a check for four thousand dollars?!

Obviously, they want Mr. Riemer to do something for them once he is elected. What would that be? Riemer, Elrich and Leventhal did not answer the questions I raised in this opening statement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw5TE3kgjsM

Then, I spoke about how we can help small businesses in Montgomery County:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ-7r2i0L4c

If you are voting early, you can watch these - and many other - videos on my website, www.RobertDyer.net and also read about my positions on the major issues there.

When using the electronic voting machines at your polling place, MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE SUMMARY SCREEN before you finish voting, to make sure the candidates you voted for are all listed on the summary page!

RIEMER GOES

OFF HIS

ROCKER

Democrat Calls Republicans, Tea Party Racist at

MoCo Citizens League Candidate Forum

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

I participated in what was mostly an excellent debate last evening, until one candidate brought things to a wacky close with some truly "out there" comments.

Democratic County Council At-Large candidate Hans Riemer cracked under pressure during last night's MoCo Citizens League debate, held at the County Executive Office Building in Rockville. In his closing statement at what had - up to that point - been a substantive debate on fiscal and transportation issues, Riemer suddenly and bizarrely launched into a rant about "racism." He said the Republicans in the race were not "Connie Morella Republicans," and - in an apparent attack on my Republican colleague Mark Fennel - asked the crowd to "think about that for a moment. What would it be like to have a Tea Party candidate on the Montgomery County Council?" And went on to say that, in his opinion, "the Tea Party is associated with racism."

You can read the first mainstream media account of the moment here:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2010/10/riemer_stumbles_over_tea_party.html

I would disagree that this was merely a "stumble" or "gaffe" by Mr. Riemer. Rather, it was an outrageous attack on Republicans, using one of the most highly=charged rhetorical weapons in the English language: "racism." Nothing remotely related to race had even been discussed during the forum.

In my years in politics, and as a county resident, I've never witnessed a candidate charge another with racism, especially when there was no factual justification for doing so.

This was a firebomb thrown by Riemer, and this sort of inflammatory language is not part of a civil discussion in Montgomery County. I don't know how they debate in California, where Riemer recently relocated here from, but we have some level of civility here in the county.

My personal analysis is that, first of all, this reflects the fact that Riemer is new to the county, and hasn't acclimated himself to politics Montgomery County-style.

Secondly, Riemer's outburst demonstrates something about his character and potential operating style on the council. When a candidate who is - according to the local media - a frontrunner in an election can go off the handle like this when keeping quiet would be the best strategy, that indicates something about his or her judgement. When unsubstantiated charges can be thrown about at whim, that is not the type of level-headed councilmember we need in these challenging times.

This might have become apparent sooner, had Riemer been challenged by the media during the preceding months, or had he had to participate in more debates like this after the primary. Instead, the League of Women Voters and other groups damaged their reputations (and should be in danger of losing their IRS tax-exempt status) to help the vulnerable Democratic candidates get through this election. That is shameful.

I have to say that at least Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen and George Leventhal did not stoop to this level of attack. And I commend Mark Fennel for his mature and even response to an outrageous smear by Hans Riemer. He came out the better man of the two in this episode.

Finally, may I suggest that Riemer's trash TV-style attack indicates desperation on his part? Hans Riemer - and Nancy Floreen, who was practically shouting by the end of the debate, for that matter! - are hearing footsteps. It's the sound of myself, Brandon Rippeon and Mark Fennel catching up behind them.

Stay tuned for video from the debate (I don't have video of Hans Riemer's George Allen-style moment, however - thanks to me inviting reporters - we have media witnesses to the incident).

There should be a firestorm of controversy about Riemer's outburst in the closing weeks of this election. This type of behavior is just completely unacceptable in Montgomery County politics. There was booing, hissing, shouting and more from both Democrats and Republicans in the audience. Several attendees got up and left the room in protest when Riemer continued his attack.

I think there will be a bipartisan reaction to this at the voting machines on Nov. 2.

MAIN EVENT

Please attend the biggest event in the final weeks of the campaign: a Montgomery County Council At-Large debate, tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 7:30 PM, in the county Executive Office Building Cafeteria (near East Montgomery and Monroe St. at ground level).

This is your only chance to hear the candidates (including me) debate the issues before Election Day.

If you cannot attend, you can visit www.RobertDyer.net to read my detailed plans for fixing our structural deficit, transportation, education and other issues - and watch videos from previous debates!

PUNK'D

I'm sorry, I didn't know Ashton Kutcher was on the editorial board of the Gazette.

I'll comment on the Gazette endorsements, just as soon as I'm able to stop laughing.

THE

WASHINGTON POST

ARTICLE THAT

BECAME A SCANDAL

Elrich Puff Piece an Example of

Media Overkill, Desperation to Save

Endangered Establishment Democrats

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

I've been getting a lot of positive feedback on my post yesterday about this Washington Post article that seemed to have been written by the Marc Elrich campaign itself.

Read my detailed desconstruction of the piece here:

http://robertdyer.blogspot.com/2010/10/marc-elrich-advertorial-in-washington.html

I have some additional thoughts today on this example of journalistic activism on behalf of the county Democratic Party by the Washington Post.

Thinking about the article, I realized that there was little to no original material or reporting involved. It is simply a fleshed out version of speeches Mr. Elrich has given all summer at candidate forums. The talking points are precisely the same as the ones in those speeches. Since when does journalism involve articles based on the talking points of the subject?

Again, when does a piece change from an article into an in-kind contribution to a campaign?

Then there is the issue of this vulgar display of power by the Post. We're in the final weeks of the campaign. Marc Elrich has over $100,000 in campaign contributions. The Post has written articles featuring his quotes every week this year. He's "gotten his message out" beyond all reasonable measure.

Why the need for this heavy-handed, victory puff piece?

It suggests that Mr. Elrich and his colleagues are far weaker than the "prevailing wisdom" suggests. And rightfully so. They have a record of utter failure. They've offered no new ideas or even any specifics of what they will do if elected/reelected.

Sounds like they and the Post are scared. And they've been running scared. They have yet to agree to a single debate this fall, and they just threw senior citizens overboard, demanding that organizers of a long-scheduled senior issues debate tomorrow cancel it. Of course, they'll never admit that, but, come on, this was scheduled months ago. Only they could have stopped it, as all Republicans were going to attend.

You can give them a real scare by voting Elrich, Floreen, Leventhal and Riemer out of office on November 2.

MARC ELRICH

ADVERTORIAL IN

WASHINGTON POST

A "RADICAL REVISION,"

INDEED

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

This morning's "article" on incumbent councilmember Marc Elrich (D - At Large) is not only another example of the local media's continued policy of featuring only Democratic candidates in the At-Large council race. Moreover, it is a blatant whitewash designed to boost Elrich in the upcoming election, at the expense of his opponents.

Most notably, the advertorial - by Steve Hendrix - completely covers up the fact that Mr. Elrich is under investigation by the Montgomery County Ethics Commission. It characterizes Elrich's ethics scandal as a personal and private disagreement between him and County Executive Ike Leggett. Leggett then goes on the record to say he not only still supports Elrich, but is making a personal contribution to a candidate under an ethics investigation.

What Hendrix and the Post failed to mention, is that this is an ethics scandal, not a disagreement. I am opposed to the Fillmore project. The difference is, I'm not getting paid to oppose it, as Mr. Elrich is. The Fillmore's competitor has made a recent $2500 contribution to the Elrich campaign. In other words, Elrich's actions on behalf of this business stand to profit that competitor, from which he is accepting money. This is a clear ethics violation.

It is also one that the local media is avoiding like the plague.

As for Elrich's radical transformation into a pro-developer councilman, that is easily explained, but the reporter didn't bother getting into the details.

You know, such as that Elrich's Bus Rapid Transit could be used to "radically" redevelop areas like Aspen Hill and Olney into dense, urban centers. And that, oh, there were those little matters of Elrich voting "YES!" on Carmageddon East (White Flint Sector Plan) and Carmageddon West (Science City), which included a resounding endorsement of a 9 mph top speed for rush hour travel.

And, gosh, Mr. Hendrix is just completely unaware that Elrich received $8000 from unions outside of Montgomery County. Gee whiz, who knew?

The article also claims that Elrich is wildly popular in Poolesville. Hold on a minute. I'm laughing so much, I have to stop typing here. Okay, they didn't mention that only Democrats were voting in the Democratic primary. Minor detail. I would like Mr. Hendrix to present Elrich's agenda on a wide variety of issues to a large group of Poolesville residents, and then quote their responses in the Post. Wildly popular in Poolesville? Mmm, not quite.

This is yet another piece of work from the Post that really demands reporting of a different sort: reporting on Mr. Elrich's campaign finance records as an in-kind contribution from the Washington Post. And another example of the local media's truly strange obsession with giving Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer unlimited, free publicity. Despite the fact that they could probably launch their own newspaper with the massive, six-figure campaign accounts they all have.

The only question as pressing as the Post's motivations in helping Mr. Elrich return to office despite his and his colleagues' records of utter failure, is when are the Republicans in the At-Large race going to receive their own puff-piece prominently presented in the Washington Post?

Having contacted the Post's ombudsman twice about their total blackout on the Republicans in the At-Large race, I have received no response. The ombudsman admitted weeks ago that the Post did not provide adequate coverage of the campaigns, beyond the favored incumbents and Hans Riemer. Yet he and the Post have taken no action to correct this. In fact, the problem continues to get worse. I've found the "ombudsman" to be a weak one, who can barely criticize the newspaper that employs him.

I laugh when people claim TBD (I think it stands for To Boost Democrats) is a "Post-killer." TBD could only succeed if it provided the hard-hitting coverage the Post does not in Montgomery County. Every time I complain, they tell me to contact the reporter for the county. When I do, she never writes anything or covers any event. Don't even get me started on Bruce Dupuyt, who - as one of many self-appointed armchair kingmakers in Montgomery County - believes he doesn't even have to answer messages from the unwashed masses regarding his failure to have an At-Large council debate on his program.

TBD is not a serious news outlet. It is a cross between Next Door News (remember that?) and a Twitter feed. Is your elected official incompetent or corrupt? You won't find out from TBD. You will find out that there is a hipster street fair going on somewhere in DC, and that the donuts are ready at the Krispy Kreme down the street. Gee, thanks guys, I couldn't survive without knowing that.

This is why you have to come here, to this blog, to find out what's really going on in Montgomery County - because the local media is too busy trying to elect Democrats to report on the real stories.

"And that's the way it is."
"And so it goes."
"Good night and a good tomorrow."
"Good luck and be well."
"Good night and good luck."
"Good evening, I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

Pulitzer, please. Oh, by the way, the donuts are ready.

Last night I participated in a candidate forum sponsored by the CHI Centers and Arc of Montgomery County at the Lone Oak Center in Rockville.

This was an important forum for me, as I have been an advocate for the disabled over the last decade in the county. The primary focus was on developmental disabilities, and the lack of funding for service providers. State and local governments are both to blame, and there is a massive waiting list for DDA services.

The first thing I pointed out was my pledge to have one member of my staff - if elected - who will focus just on disability issues. With 1 in 10 residents of the county having a disability, you can understand the need and benefit of having such a staff member in my office.

I had to stay on message about my Fiscal Plan (read it at www.RobertDyer.net), upon which every thing we want to fund in any budget will depend. If the new council fails to pass such a plan, we will continue slouching forward as we are now, with less money for schools and the most vulnerable each passing year.

I hope to have some video from the forum uploaded for you soon.

We know that the current At-Large members of the council have failed the disabled. They've cut taxi coupons for the disabled by 50%. They've reduced Ride On service. They don't clear sidewalks after snowstorms. They even froze their contract for public garage cleaning with the Arc of Montgomery County! Remember, Ike Leggett and the council said that developmentally disabled workers had to lose their hard-to-come-by jobs in order to keep golden government employees on the county payroll!

It's outrageous.

It's time for a change on November 2nd, and a new council that actually advocates for the disabled. Make sure to get out and vote. Protect the most vulnerable by voting out these most politically-vulnerable failed councilmembers.

HALLOWEEN COMES

EARLY TO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Leggett, County Council Offer Fright Fest to

Spook County Voters into Approving Ambulance Fees

Beholden to developers and public employee unions, and unable to fundamentally restructure government in the manner my Fiscal Plan (read the plan at www.RobertDyer.net) would, County Executive Ike Leggett and the County Council are now threatening to continue their scorched earth budget cuts that again put public safety and seniors at risk. All for political gain.

Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Hans Reimer all support the dangerous Ambulance Fee. Elrich and Leventhal received $16,000 from unions outside of Montgomery County. And all four have received tens-of-thousands of dollars in cold, hard cash from the employee unions. Add that to their six-figure campaign accounts, courtesy of the developers, and you quickly understand why this outrageous pattern continues.

Because they dare not offend the developers, unions and other special interests that get them elected, Elrich, Floreen and Leventhal have left 80% of county expenditures off the table when cutting the budget. As a result, they could only cut 4% out of the
$4,000,000,000 FY-11 budget(!!) And since they avoid the fat and cut essential services instead, county residents are less safe, and the vulnerable more vulnerable, than they were 6 months ago.

Here we go again.

Now Leggett and his council allies are proposing new cuts, if you dare to vote against Ambulance Fees.

Despite spending $17.2 M on a gas station and dive bar, $172M+ on the Webb Tract, $5M on an infantile pedestrian safety campaign, $2M on a log cabin, etc., etc., they now claim they are in need of $12M!

That's some new math for you.

As you read in my previous post, they've already put our lives at risk with their cuts to the police budget.

Now they're going after fire and rescue resources, putting more lives in danger. Will you vote on November 2nd for councilmembers who are willing to put your life at risk, for their own political gain?

Here is what the Washington Post reports will be cut, if you choose to elect Elrich, Floreen, Leventhal and Riemer:

"roadwork, sports academies for at-risk teens, services for elderly residents, library hours and drug treatment"

"15 ambulances (110 firefighter positions); two rescue squads (eight firefighter positions); six engines (84 firefighters); and five ladder trucks (52 firefighters)"

They are also going to further their ongoing attack on our volunteer firefighters by cutting $1M from their budgets. Hard to believe that newspapers, organizations and chambers endorse candidates who live on Fantasy Island, and believe that one day the county will be able to afford 100% career firefighter staffing of fire stations countywide. Not to mention their complete ignorance and disrespect for the central roles many volunteer departments play in their communities. Try getting through the week without our volunteer firefighters on duty - it's not possible. Think about that before you vote for these Democrats.

This continues the pattern of outrageous political tactics by Leggett and Elrich, Floreen and Leventhal. For shame, for shame.

On November 2, you have the power to put Safety First once again in Montgomery County.

Halloween may be arriving early for Elrich, Floreen, Leventhal and Riemer, but if you make the critical mistake of voting for them on November 2, they will only have tricks for you and your family.

But when you come out to vote, you will make throwing these people out of office a real treat for the citizens of Montgomery County.

Cast a sure vote for public safety, volunteer firefighters and to stop the Ambulance Fee - permanently! - by voting for Robert Dyer!

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

LESS SAFE AFTER

COUNCIL'S CUTS TO

POLICE BUDGET

The Montgomery County Council has once again put the safety of the public at risk for political gain.


Cuts to the police budget ended up in the pockets of developers, non-public safety county employees and other special interests.


Now officers are forced to tell the public about the disturbing results. Not only have I heard directly from officers regarding the effect of the council and executive's reductions, but also in news articles, such as one on the recent crime wave in Montgomery Village, reported by the Gazette.


Officer Diane Tillery, with the community services division of the Montgomery County Police, led a neighborhood watch training Monday night for South Village, Sharon Woods, East Village and East Gate, communities where residents said they are feeling increasingly unsafe.

"We are no longer a patrolling police department. We are a responding police department," she said. "We respond to calls for service. We've lost the luxury of being able to simply drive around. We don't have the manpower."

Is this a situation you feel comfortable with as a county resident? One where officers recognize a shortage of man/womanpower and resources, but elected officials are apparently out of touch with reality? Including an increasing gang population which, if this council is reelected, could one day present a threat such as residents of Baltimore now deal with on a daily basis.

Is this what you want? To be less safe in Montgomery County, just to have a (D) after every councilmember's name? I don't believe the voters are that partisan, to put politics before safety, as the council has.

It's time to make a change on November 2nd, and elect a council that will put safety first.

CLARKSBURG BILL

YET ANOTHER

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

COUNCIL ELECTION

YEAR HOAX

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

We've already heard about the Montgomery County Council's new "fiscal and reserves" policy this past summer. It was the fantasy plan that did not cut a dime from the FY12 budget, did not renegotiate a dime of employee compensation (which accounts for 80% of expenditures), said we could have 10% reserves when we couldn't afford 6% (no giggling, please!), said there was no deficit next year, and - best of all - was not mandatory. So it wasn't only a fantasy, but the council was under no legal obligation to follow the policy!

In other words, it was a hoax.

Are you ready for the latest of several hoaxes that the local media has reprinted without questioning them?

The council knows it is fully responsible for the development disasters in Clarksburg.

Watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSmjTPE15xk

Scrambling in an election year, the councilman who had the greatest oversight responsibility for Clarksburg, Mike Knapp, has introduced a bill to give his colleagues and his council record something to hide behind. (Other headlines, by coincidence of course, not related to the election in any way! No, sir!: "New Clarksburg Development to be Wonderful," "New Clarksburg Fire Station: Coming Soon!!!! I'll buy that for a dollar. How about, "Gold Mine Discovered! County Council to Share Loot with Clarksburg Residents if Reelected!" That would be too over-the-top, I guess).

It has been presented to the public as not only a bill to end the development taxing district in Clarksburg, but as the end of the concept in general.

As you know, these taxing districts are a fourth level of taxation for residents of developments such as those in Clarksburg. They were invented in a joint effort between developers and the councilmembers they control. The idea was novel: transfer costs that developers should be responsible for, such as roads and sewers, to the residents.

Watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCtprtX_H-w

In other words, the council gave a tax cut to the developers, and a tax increase to the residents of Clarksburg. Developers say that if they can't have these districts, gosh darn it, they'll just have to charge a higher purchase price for the homes. As original pioneers in the New Clarksburg can tell you, they paid premium prices for their homes in the early years, and received no discount. So what was that lower price argument again?

Local media are touting the new bill this week. Unfortunately, it's a fake. Examine the fine print. (And forget that Knapp let himself and his colleagues off the hook about the missing Clarksburg grocery store, and that the reporters didn't hit him with tough followup questions!)

A blue ribbon commission will be formed. And - sometime, oh after the election maybe - somebody somewhere will decide just how we get this sum of money from the county, developers, and - guess who? - the homeowners! (Let's just hope they don't charge the citizens $10,000 for serving on the board, as they did with the arbitration scam).

That's right: the county is not going to demand the cost from the developer buddies. Oh no, it's going to come in great part from the homeowners and you, the taxpayer - even if you don't live in Clarksburg.

And that's the other drag on the council's hopes for good election year vibes - the same day as they announce a supposed end to the taxing district in Clarksburg, the county just happens to unveil a taxing district for White Flint!

Doh!

Don't forget, that original White Flint district plan was to tax residents beyond the "New" White Flint. This was a trial balloon floated by the county, and was met with howls in response. The county has tried to play that idea down recently, but it's too late: they've already given themselves away, and there's no way to put that genie back in the bottle again.

Now, you might be saying, "What do I care? I don't live in Clarksburg or White Flint." Here's where this week's hoax, and the ultimate imposition of the taxation districts in those areas affects you:

I submit to you that the taxing district scheme is a clever new tactic to work around the property tax charter limit restriction. And that there is a plan to impose such districts countywide.

How? Well, we know that the developers have joined with politicians and the media that serves both of them, to condition the public to accept the fantasy of "smart growth."

Part of the fantasy of "smart growth," is that building buildings helps the environment (no giggling, please). So they propose turning all residential neighborhood shopping centers into urban "town centers." "Walkable communities," they say. Translation: dense, urban development. More residents, more cars, more gridlock, more strain on utilities. A surprise announcement will be made: "Good people of [Westbard, Woodley Gardens, Aspen Hill {your neighborhood name here}: in order to further the Common Good and Welfare of thine town center, we hearby impose a Taxing District."

You, the existing residents, will then pay a fourth level of taxation to fund infrastructure. Since this council has a clear record of failure in building infrastructure (Watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVi2A-SwT48) , the tax would end up as a slush fund. This would fund tax cuts for developers, and give the council more money to transfer to the developers, unions and non-profits that get them elected. Good deal.

Bad deal for the taxpayer.

Don't believe the hype. The only real Clarksburg bill is one that clearly states that residents are permanently and clearly exempt from funding infrastructure the developers are responsible for.

YOU CAN SAY

THAT AGAIN!

Quote of the week:

"There's not all that much difference between the Democrats. But there's a ton of difference between us and the Republicans."

- Marc Elrich (D)

POOLESVILLE DAY

As regular readers know, it doesn't take much convincing to get me to head out to our rural areas in Montgomery County. This past Saturday was Poolesville Day, and I was in the parade at 10 a.m.

If you haven't been there before, don't wait for the next Poolesville Day to make a visit. Taking Route 28 to get there, you will gradually pass into a simpler time. After riding past the site of the irresponsible "Science City" megadevelopment approved by my opponents - which is currently a pastoral farm - you will soon find yourself in Darnestown (which happens to be the hometown of fellow Republican At-Large candidate Brandon Rippeon). One of the odd juxtapositions on 28 is in Darnestown, where a new Harris Teeter store sits in the center of a historically agricultural town.

Anyway, around the bends and up and down the hills. Including one dangerous curve where a burned-out, once sizable farmhouse stands at a distance from the road. Is it a haunted house?

Once on White's Ferry Road, the Poolesville water tower eventually appears over the trees in the distance. It's a more traditional tower than my favorite, bulbous Damascus water tower. So, for those keeping track at home, Poolesville and Germantown have traditional towers; Damascus has the most interesting one; and Mount Airy is somewhere in between (the new one by the Greene Turtle and California Tortilla). Then there's that one near Germantown on Rt. 27...

Finally, Poolesville ES was around the bend. I pulled up to the check-in table, and found out I was number 50. Then I had to go around the circular driveway to get back out. There were dozens of cheerleaders and band members warming up in the lots in front of the school. I followed the directions to get into the right spot in the parade lineup. I have no way to know for sure which candidates were there, but the only other County Council candidates I saw were Robin Ficker and Craig Rice. Aruna Miller, a Democrat running for Delegate in District 15, was directly behind me in the parade. Scott Graham, a Republican running for the same seat was there somewhere, too. More on that later.

Once the parade started, it turned the corner onto Fisher Ave. You will find a wide variety of buildings along this main street, everything from shopping malls and McDonald's to the historic John Poole house and Bassett's restaurant.

There was a great turnout, and lots of supportive people. Like Damascus and other rural areas of the county, Poolesville is Robert Dyer country. I saw a lot of familiar faces, too, in the crowd and at the booths that lined the parade route. You could smell the fresh pies being sold by the Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church. Among other appetizing scents was the grill of Republican District 15 Delegate candidate Scott Graham. If you want to know about cooking, ask a firefighter, they are usually great chefs. I think he was in the parade at that moment and other people were working the grill. Another District 15 Republican candidate for Delegate, Sylvia Darrow, was in the parade as well. I also saw council candidate Robin Ficker along the way (and his ROBIN FICKER - TERM LIMITS signs along the way on Rt. 28).

Just past the town hall was a collection of tractors. I heard loud mooing coming from an animal exhibit. Republican cows in Poolesville are supporting Robert Dyer, but unfortunately, farm animals cannot register to vote.

There were guides in historic clothing outside of the John Poole house. The parade ended by Bassett's restaurant. When you continue down the street, you pass the water tower, which actually has homes right beneath it. I also spotted a classic Monte Carlo SS.

I'm looking forward to my next visit to Poolesville, and remember the candidate who will protect these rural towns - that are the real America and the real Montgomery County - from urbanization and massive development: Robert Dyer.

DOES THIS SOUND

LIKE YOU?

Suspend your disbelief for a moment. Now, tell me if the following description sounds like you:

You enjoy paying Draconian taxes. You enjoy spending hours in traffic gridlock every morning and afternoon.

You are willing to work harder and pay more, and even cancel your vacation, so that Montgomery County Government employees can have bigger salaries, more perks, guaranteed pensions and even an additional $7,000,000 worth of paid vacations.

You don't care if you have electricity or water. You're delighted to find out that your child's class size has increased this fall as the result of budget cuts in education.

And now, you are ecstatic to find out that Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer are attempting to buy council seats with hundreds of thousands of developer, union and special interest dollars. You look forward to paying more taxes in the future.

You don't even mind people who don't live in Montgomery County deciding the outcome of our county elections, by giving Elrich and Leventhal $8,000 cash apiece.

All of the above makes you want to vote for them even more, according to the Gazette and Washington Post!

Just read these quotes:

"Likely winners"
"All nine [Democrats] will advance to the Nov. 2 general election, where they are expected to win..."
-The Gazette

"If the four [Elrich, Floreen, Leventhal, Riemer] are victorious come November - as many assume they will be..."
-The Washington Post

What is the basis for these statements? A majority of Democrats, as well as all Republicans and independents, have yet to cast a vote on the general election field of 8 candidates in the At-Large race. The incumbents have a record of historic failure, and Mr. Riemer has all the same union endorsements and positions on the issues as the incumbents. Residents are furious, and the county has fallen behind Fairfax County by every measure.

So, on what basis does anyone claim the Democrats are guaranteed to win?

Is it because of all the developer, union and out-of-county money they have?

If that was true, Steve Forbes would be president, and Josh Rales would be a U.S. Senator.

So please tell us, what is the justification for the above claims by the media?

ROBERT DYER

IS THE ONLY SURE

VOTE TO KILL THE

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

AMBULANCE FEE

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

Well, to hear the Gazette tell it, Hans Riemer is "expected to win" on November 2nd (!!). I'm looking forward to hearing the basis upon which such a statement can be made. As soon as I stop laughing, that is. Especially since a majority of Montgomery County Democrats, and all Republicans and independents, have yet to weigh in on Mr. Riemer's candidacy!!!

But opponents of Montgomery County's Ambulance Fee should certainly hope the Gazette is wrong. And they will be sorely disappointed if Mr. Riemer continues to coast his way into office, with the almost-surreal, easy support of the local papers and political machine. (Apparently, in Montgomery County, the media proclaims people as "frontrunners," but does not subject them to the extra scrutiny a frontrunner usually receives...)

This is because Riemer is waffling all over the place on the Ambulance Fee, while I have been solidly opposed to it from the beginning.

Just read the Riemer quotes from the Gazette piece:

FLIP

"A resident who needs to call an ambulance clearly is in a difficult situation, and the county should not pass fees directly on to these individuals," [Riemer] wrote in the association questionnaire.
"Passing these fees directly on to nonresidents is wrong for the same reason, and because many of these callers work in Montgomery County and support our economy. Revenue recovery passed directly to patients is an idea I cannot support."

FLOP

On Monday, Riemer said his position on the fees is clear: "I support ambulance fees when they are paid by insurance companies and oppose them when paid by patients."
On Andrews' anticipated bill to repeal the fees, Riemer said he would not comment on a bill that he hasn't seen.

Would you like a side of sausage with those waffles?

The latter quote describes the Leggett-Floreen-Leventhal-Elrich Ambulance Fee! That's their talking point: "insurance companies pay, not you!" So, Riemer is a solid vote for the Ambulance Fee.

Riemer was caught making promises he didn't intend to keep previously, when his union questionnaire statements conflicted with later comments in candidate forums. The media apparently doesn't have a problem with a candidate who changes his position on issues every five minutes, especially if they are a pro-developer, tax-and-spend Democrat.

But I suspect that you, the voter, do have a problem with that. Particularly with so many critical issues coming before the next council that affect your income, property value, safety and quality of life.

Are those areas of your life in which you want to gamble?

THE BOTTOM LINE: Robert Dyer is the only sure vote to kill the Ambulance Fee. No waffling. You know where I stand today, and you know where I'll stand if I'm elected and have the opportunity to vote to repeal this dangerous fee.

PUBLIC MONEY

FOR PERSONAL,

POLITICAL GAIN

EPIDEMIC CONTINUES

TO UNFOLD ON

THREE COASTS

The saga of the use of public money for personal and political gain continues on three coasts this morning. In Bell, California, a scandal of high council and employee wages has now led to the arrest of current and former councilmembers and other officials.

Several quotes in the Los Angeles Times tell the story:

'Eight current and former Bell city leaders were arrested Tuesday on charges of misappropriating more than $5.5 million from the small, working-class community as prosecutors accused them of treating the city's coffers as their personal piggy bank.

The charges follow months of nationwide outrage and renewed debate over public employee compensation since The Times reported in July that the city's leaders were among the nation's highest paid municipal officials.

"This, needless to say, is corruption on steroids," said Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley in announcing the charges. "This was calculated greed and theft accomplished by deceit and secrecy," Cooley said.'

But wait, there's more!

Let's return across the Atlantic, as a familiar controversy unfolds there as well! Writing in the UK's Telegraph newspaper, Philip Johnston criticizes the out-of-control-government-employee-salary-in-exchange-for-political-election-support tactic so familiar to residents of Montgomery County!!!

"Something has clearly gone seriously awry when pay for the top five per cent of earners in the public sector has risen by 51 per cent in the past 10 years. How has this happened?

Moreover, whereas work in the public sector used to be less well paid than in the private sector –a shortfall made good by greater job security and an enhanced pension –senior public servants now earn salaries that would not look out of place in the corporate world: today, they get both the salaries and the perks.

These high salaries have helped create an unhealthy "them and us" situation, with many in the private sector feeling that they are paying for generous remuneration and pension packages which they no longer enjoy themselves.

Even more galling is that we were told that public sector bosses deserved high salaries to stop them leaving for (or to attract them from) the private sector, and to ensure the best people are running our services. [<---Wait a minute, there's that George Leventhal argument again!!!]

Yet, while the costs have gone up, we have not seen a commensurate improvement in services or in efficiency."

As they attempt to "buy" council seats with six-figure developer/special interest campaign accounts - and tens of thousands of dollars in union and out-of-county donations - Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer represent the vanguard of a new movement: one that requires you, the private citizen, to subsidize superior compensation for public employees, even as you struggle under the burden of Montgomery County's recession and Draconian taxes.

It's outrageous.

Send a powerful message to them, by VOTING for a fiscally responsible and ethical county council on November 2nd.

GOVERNOR MOONBEAM

TO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

COUNCIL:

"YOU CAN'T"

Adding to yesterday's report on the attempt by my Democratic opponents to "buy" the At-Large seats on the Montgomery County Council, using tens of thousands of dollars in union and out-of-county contributions - and hundreds of thousands more from developers and special interests:

As you know, these politicians are now indebted to those unions, developers and special interests. This means they will not be restructuring employee compensation, which accounts for 80% of county expenditures.

A similar case in California caused a near riot in the town of Bell. This town, like Montgomery County, was overpaying government employees with six-figure salaries, and councilmembers were enriching themselves personally (salaries) and politically (campaign contributions). And like Montgomery County, this information had not been shared with the public.

When it was finally exposed, the public - understandably - was not pleased, to say the least. Now, former governor - and current Attorney General - Jerry Brown is suing the city council, and demanding that employees return the loot to the city.

Brown had harsh words that could serve as a wake-up call for our Big Spenders, Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, and new partner Hans Riemer, who are all "in the money" with massive union donations, received in exchange for promises they've made that are simply unsustainable:

"You can't just take the public's money and give it to yourself or give it to your friendly employees or members of the...council just because you want to. There's a standard and that standard is that the pay must be commensurate with the duty and the work."

These actions were "possible violations of various state laws and [a] waste and misuse of public funds."

- Jerry Brown

The use of public funds to win over county employees and employee unions is a common practice not only in Montgomery County, but across the ocean, as well.

Check out this bulletin from the Bournemouth Echo newspaper yesterday:

'A BBC Panorama investigation, screened last night, revealed that there are more than 9,000 public workers in the UK earning more than David Cameron’s £142,500-a-year.Dorset County Council leads the way for local authorities, with its five top officers on salaries of £119,000 upwards. Chief executive David Jenkins’s pay from April 1 was £164,306.

A county council spokesman said: “The council is the largest public sector employer in Dorset and has a budget running into hundreds of millions of pounds, so the chief executive role has huge responsibility. “We pay at the necessary level to attract and retain suitable candidates in a very competitive market.” [<-- Wait a minute! That is exactly what George Leventhal always says when he faces a question about the massive compensation packages he and his colleagues voted for!!]

At Bournemouth council, chief executive Pam Donnellan is paid £125,373, with John McBride at Poole council paid up to £124,951. Martin Baker, chief constable of Dorset Police, saw his pay rise to £133,068 this month. In the education sector, at least one headteacher in Dorset earns £120,000.'

Where's the outrage? Where is the press coverage and criticism? Why are these Big Spenders who have violated the public trust, and mismanaged the county's finances for their own political gain, receiving newspaper and Chamber of Commerce endorsements? What's going on here?

It is vital that you get out and vote on November 2nd, to ensure that council seats are won, not bought with massive special interest contributions and donations from outsiders who don't even live in the county. We must restore ethics to our electoral process and our county council. You - not the special interests - have the power to do that with your vote. Exercise it, and tell everyone you know to exercise their right, as well.

FIDEL CASTRO

MORE FISCALLY

CONSERVATIVE THAN

MONTGOMERY COUNTY?

Say it ain't so! Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, speaking on behalf of himself and the County Council, and the budget they collaborated on and passed, recently made a startling statement.

When asked about the county's lack of lawnmowing of highway medians and rights-of-way, Mr. Leggett said, "If I mow the lawns, then I have to fire people." Wow. Let me give you a chance to think about that one. The question is, is this a government that serves the people? Or is it a charity? Obviously, it is supposed to be the former, but Mr. Leggett and my Democratic opponents believe it is the latter - as well as a personal political machine that can generate tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions at the 11th hour of the election.

This is yet another fundamental difference between myself and my opponents. They believe you must pay more - even as you are hurting financially with the recession and the high cost of living in Montgomery County - to provide even more money, perks, and job security for elite county management and employees. Meanwhile, county residents face the threat of layoffs and devastating furloughs from their own employment every day. Talk about a council that is out of touch with the real world!!

How "out there" are Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, and George Leventhal, as they collect record energy taxes and - along with running mate Hans Riemer - personally reap the financial rewards through massive union cash contributions?

The Castro regime in Cuba has just announced it is laying off 500,000 government workers. This means that your county council is now less concerned about government finances than Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro! You can't make this stuff up. Have your election day decisions been affected by this news bulletin?

THANK YOU!

Thanks to all who voted for me on Tuesday. I cannot win on November 2nd without your continued support.

My Democratic opponents, and their friends in the local media, are already trying to prop up the absurd idea that the election is over. Good luck!

There's a contested election on November 2nd, and a full half of the county electorate has yet to weigh in on the Democratic nominees. With their record of failure, these incumbents cannot expect a cakewalk.

YOU'RE NOT

READY TO

VOTE...

...for Montgomery County Council At-Large,

until you've watched these entertaining and informative videos!

THEY HAVE FAILED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKRcgN3urGs

ROBERT DYER BLASTS MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL FOR FAILURES IN CLARKSBURG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSmjTPE15xk

WELCOME TO FANTASY ISLAND
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhY-VbIbI7U

ROBERT DYER FISCAL PLAN TO FIX STRUCTURAL DEFICIT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEyFD3XbOZs

STAY CLASSY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9SugybAWNo

ROBERT DYER ON "SMART GROWTH"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEzzZCOUqY8

ENJOY!

MORE PHOTOS

FROM

VAPIANO

BETHESDA ROW

VIP GRAND

OPENING PARTY

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

Here are more pictures from Tuesday night's event:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertdyer/

ROBERT DYER

ON

"SMART GROWTH"

IN

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Exclusive www.RobertDyer.net Video!!!

Those who promote a particular twisted version of "smart growth," that allows massive overdevelopment without any infrastructure to support it (in fact, this version of smart growth says you don't even bother about the impact on road capacity or school overcrowding[!!]), have taxpayer-funded TV channels, newspapers, and blogs to advocate for their cause.

They announce that - one day - everyone will live right where they work, and janitors will telecommute, cleaning buildings over the internet.

Thousands of video hours, newspaper words, and blog entries try to condition the public to accept Carmageddon projects like Science City and White Flint as normal - and the resulting gridlock as something you'll "just have to deal with," if you refuse to spend two hours on an un-air-conditioned Metro car to get to work.

And I debunk it in just 90 seconds.

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEzzZCOUqY8

If you want a councilman who will protect our suburban neighborhoods from being annexed into urban town centers, I'm your candidate! If you want to reduce the amount of time you spend commuting during rush hour, elect Robert Dyer! I will not only support Ride On and rail transit, but - more importantly - will build the roads that were called for in the Master Plans of the county. Roads like M-83 upcounty, upon which our explosive growth was predicated, and yet were inexplicably and irresponsibly never built.

VAPIANO

GRAND OPENING

AT

BETHESDA ROW

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

It's not every day that my name is on a VIP guest list with Lady Gaga, Katherine Kennedy and Kate Michael. Or that I am making a red carpet arrival at 7 p.m. at Bethesda Row.

The Grand Opening party at Vapiano was a decidedly different affair from other openings in the area. In a nice gesture, VIP invites to the exclusive party were sent out to local celebrities and notables, bloggers and social media gurus. This was also a smart marketing decision. Recognize influential people in the community, provide a positive first experience, and - as a result - generate favorable publicity. And it will be sincere, as opposed to artificial hype. Some other places just-sort-of-open as an afterthought, and the result of that is, they miss out on a lot of potential buzz online and off.

When I arrived, they asked for my name. The List was on an iPad rather than paper. Then it was a short walk on the red carpet, to the revolving door. A photographer was taking pictures as guests arrived. Once inside, guests were welcomed at the host desk, and given a brief explanation about how the restaurant works: There are several "stations" at the long counter in front of the kitchen. Each one is labeled for a different type of food, ranging from pizza to pasta to salads and panini. As the restaurant's spokesman pointed out during a brief speech given from atop the bar, it is not a self-serve cafeteria. Rather, the setup allows the diner to control what ingredients are included in each order, and every order is made fresh. All ingredients are made from scratch at the restaurant, including bread and pizza dough.

Speaking of pizza dough, you can stand right at the counter where the pizzas are made, and the giant pizza oven is right there, too.

About 2/3 of the restaurant space is devoted to the food counters and seating, which ranges from small tables to larger, communal ones. A comfortable lounge and bar area occupies the remaining third. Last night, there was a DJ playing techno music. Which was appropriate, given the European origins and atmosphere of the restaurant. Vapiano began in Germany, although the cuisine is Italian. And, by the way, they have Peroni.

The staff was exceedingly polite and welcoming, and offered tray after tray of the aforementioned free food and generously-filled glasses of wine. This included tomatoes and cheese, a sort of rolled up sandwich, bruschetta, pizza slices and small squares of a chocolate dessert. Of course, one could also get pasta and other items from the counters.

Decorwise, there is a lot of wood, Italian-themed art that wraps around the interior walls, and creative use of lighting. The underside of the bar counter is lit, for example. Wood floors and tables - and even two trees in the section by the Woodmont Avenue windows - add to the natural-wood theme. Outdoors, wood tables offer curbside dining.

The addition of Vapiano and the Equinox building really transforms this square block of Bethesda. There is now virtually a continuous zone of activity all the way around the block, and it better links the Shoppes at Bethesda to Bethesda Row. A minor logistical roadblock would be to figure out a way to relocate the large dumpsters between the two properties on Hampden Lane. But a Ferrari parked outside the Hampden Lane windows of Vapiano indicated the transformation of a formerly dark corner.

Inside the restaurant, "K Street" Kate was there. So was Angie Goff from WUSA 9. Lady Gaga was in town, but didn't appear as far as I could tell. That didn't stop the restaurant from hoping she might, though. Well, the red carpet was ready.

A different kind of grand opening, and a different kind of restaurant. The unique concept is a great addition to Bethesda Row, much like Taylor Gourmet, the Mussel Bar and Georgetown Cupcake. The bar and lounge seem like a great place for after-work happy hours, and the upscale-yet-casual theme would make Vapiano perfect for dates and small groups.

It was a great event, and I look forward to my next visit.

Here are some photos from last night's event:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertdyer/

WELCOME TO

FANTASY ISLAND

Exclusive www.RobertDyer.net Video!!!

The Labor Day weekend is here! Start it off by enjoying this entertaining video from last night's Montgomery County Council At-Large debate, at the 4-H headquarters on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase. The moderator was Charles Duffy of Channel 16's Political Pulse.

This debate will be televised 5 times on Channel 16 before the September 14 primary, but you can get an exclusive preview right now by clicking on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhY-VbIbI7U

The incumbents made the mistake again of claiming that there will be no budget shortfall next May. It was up to me to set the record straight, so click on the link right now to take a front row seat at the debate!

CHEVY CHASE

DEBATE TONIGHT!

Come out to the 4-H headquarters on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase tonight for a Montgomery County Council At-Large candidate forum, sponsored by the Town of Chevy Chase and 1000 other civic associations and municipalities.

The debate begins at 7 p.m., and will be moderated by Charles Duffy of Channel 16's Political Pulse.

This debate includes Republicans, unlike the private debate the Democrats had last night.

THEY

HAVE

FAILED

Exclusive www.RobertDyer.net Video!!!

It's Friday morning, so as the weekend arrives, why not entertain yourself with this enjoyable video of me speaking frankly about how the County Council has failed us over the last 4 (8!!) years?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKRcgN3urGs

ROBERT DYER

BLASTS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

COUNCIL FAILURES IN

CLARKSBURG

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive Video!!!

Enjoy one of the great moments from Tuesday night's debate, which was co-sponsored by the Greater Goshen, Laytonsville and Clarksburg Civic Associations.

Exclusively on the Robert Dyer Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSmjTPE15xk

If elected, I will be the advocate for Clarksburg on the County Council.

I went to Leisure World yesterday afternoon for a candidate forum that was well-attended. It included candidates for County Executive, County Council At-Large and District 4, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Register of Wills, Sheriff and Board of Education.

This was the second debate in a row that had an audience of mostly "real" voters, as opposed to those where the audience was largely staff members of Democratic campaigns.

It was held in the Ballroom which has a huge chandelier. When it was my turn to speak, I focused on the issues important to seniors. I don't believe seniors are so much concerned about how many establishment groups have endorsed a candidate, as they are in knowing that the bus they take to the grocery store won't be eliminated by the council next week. Or that their Pepco bill won't double next month because the council passes an Energy Tax increase. Alas, the council actually did those terrible things. And this November 2nd is the citizen's chance to hold them accountable.

Now it appears to be official that another threat to the safety and well-being of seniors - the dangerous Ambulance Fee - will not be on the ballot this fall. It is now clear that the basic right of the citizen to take direct action through a ballot question has been eliminated. This is a dark turn of events. How can one petition for a recall of a crooked politician if all signatures and petitions will be struck down through an impossible-to-meet criteria? It appears that the political establishment knows that they are going to have to expand their current practice of governing against the will of the citizens. And are taking direct action to protect their radical legislation, massive tax increases and their own "divine right" to their offices from any and all challenges. They reflect a regional and national trend that smugly suggests you the citizen lack the intelligence to know what is best for you, or to understand the issues. Therefore, you should have no direct ability to decide major issues, and that power should reside solely in our wise, and all-knowing elected officials.

That should be of concern to all voters. It's time that we, the citizens, take "direct action" and elect a new County Council on November 2nd.

Voters I spoke to after the forum were concerned about the county's finances and failure to bring jobs to Montgomery County. Fortunately I have a plan for both of those, as you can find on my website at www.RobertDyer.net. The Fiscal Plan is actually in a video form, which you can review at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEyFD3XbOZs

LAX ADA

ENFORCEMENT

REQUIRES NEW

LEADERSHIP ON THE

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

COUNCIL

USA Today published the results of a survey of Americans with disabilities this week. It asked participants whether the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, had made a difference in their lives. The answer might surprise you.

61% said "No."

Is this because the law was ineffective? No, I believe it is because it has not been adequately enforced.

We can find this to be the case here in Montgomery County. I've filed numerous complaints about ADA violations here in the county, some of which related to county facilities. Most recently, I reported here - and brought to Councilmember Mike Knapp's attention - ADA violations at Damascus ES. I was promised that those violations would be corrected this summer, and I guess we'll find out if that was true soon enough!

This is in addition to the county council's reductions in services for the disabled, including transit cuts and a 50% cut in subsidized taxi coupons for the disabled.

And the many violations of the ADA include the county's refusal to clear sidewalks for days or weeks after a snowstorm. This has a tremendous impact on the ability of those in wheelchairs, for example, to get around or to access Metrobus and Ride On at snowed-in stops.

This is why, if I am elected, disabled residents will finally have an advocate on the council, as will those with special needs.

I have promised that, if elected, I will appoint one staff member to specifically handle disability and special needs issues.

These issues extend to the programs offered in public schools, and the current shortcomings in that area call for new leadership on the council.

STAY CLASSY,

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Exclusive www.RobertDyer.net Video!!!

Exclusive video from Tuesday night's debate in Rockville:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9SugybAWNo

UH-OH,

BETTER SKIP

MAC0

Councilmembers Decline to Attend Ocean City

Vacation, er, Conference, but

Leggett and others Escape to Beach Week...

...on Your Dime!

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

You may have read the Gazette article about the Montgomery County Council skipping this week's MACo Conference in beautiful, sunny Ocean City, MD.

The council's cancellation is certainly a smart political move, considering the bills they've racked up at taxpayer expense over the last 3 summers.

This abrupt cancellation may have had, oh, a little bit to do with something I said at this debate a few weeks ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfgdu6y4dXE

I don't know. Maybe. You think?

Oh, and the politicians are not going to party at Seacrets - Jamaica USA - at your $12000 expense again this year. Darn.

So Ike Leggett and Timothy Firestine, Chuck Short, Vicki Buckland, Tom "Keeping Myself Moving Safely... to Ocean City!" Pogue, Jeff Dunckel, Melanie Wenger, Sheila Sprague and R.C. Bates are heading to Ocean City without the council, according to the Gazette.

They'll be working hard at all kinds of boring workshops and seminars, right?

Well, I thought you might like some further details about the trip you're paying for!!

So grab your SPF 15 and check out what you could be enjoying - for FREE - if you were a county official:

"Sea Kayaking Trip" - "The group departs from the West Ocean City Public Boat Ramp, and paddles to the north end of Assateague Island, approximately 1 mile each way. It includes a short hike on Assateague Island to investigate barrier island ecology, seine for fish and aquatic life, and visit ponies."

Will Ike Leggett's bodyguards (you're paying $1366 for them to go, too!) row for him? Do they wear Hawaiian shirts?

This morning at 10:30 am: "Oyster Shuckers - demonstration and free samples"

Yes, that same old business trip Continental breakfast like us average citizens have, right?

12:00 – 1:30 pm Steel drum band - “Caiso”

Now, how did these guys end up getting scheduled right at the same time as Ben Cardin is going to be giving one of his inspiring, motivating, powerful and entertaining speeches? By the powers vested in me as an elected official, I'm calling on the PSC to investigate!

"Sunrise Yoga and Ice-Cream Break" - "There's no better way to start a day at the Conference at a Sunrise Yoga class on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:00 am outside on the pavillion facing the Bay at the Convention Center. Yoga will be provided compliments of MAC Wellness. And, the Thursday afternoon ice cream break has been transformed to a Health Break, featuring yummy and healthy beverages and snacks. Not to worry, ice-cream lovers, you'll have an opportunity later."

Never believe a politician when he or she promises you'll have anything "later."

"Public Safety Reception on Thursday afternoon in the Bayside Sunset Room. There's a live band, and a Mystery Celebrity Guest planned, with a photographer on hand to capture your picture with him (or her!)"

I just have to know who the Mystery Celebrity Guest is!!

6:30 pm—8:30 pm President’s Reception - “Groovy Sixties” theme. Music by the Charlie Parker Band

Forget Step Up 3-D, can they keep the photographer on hand for this?

Now, how about tomorrow. I mean, after the sunrise yoga?

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm "Clowns, Snacks, Goody Bags"

[insert your own joke here]

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Governor’s Cabinet Reception (by invitation only)

Did Peter Franchot get an invitation? Just wondering.

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Crab Feast - Music by The Klassix (rain or shine)

By the way, don't forget to sign up for the Golf Tournament!

Here's what you get, if you're ready to take on 18 holes even when we're in a budget hole:

"FORMAT Scramble! Check In 7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start 9:00 a.m.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES Included in your golf registration are continental breakfast and beverages and snacks from two golf carts circulating on the course that day.

PRIZES First, second and third team prizes and Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive for both men and women. Great giveaways at the Awards Ceremony."

Finally, you might expect that RobertDyer.net would also let you know who your elected officials will be clinking champagne glasses with...

AFSCME/MD Public Employees/Council 67

Well, there's a shock.

Comcast
Constellation Energy
U.S. Reps Cummings, Ruppersberger,
Sarbanes, Kratovil
U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
(sorry, I can't hear you! Steel drum band "Caiso" is playing!)
and...

Pepco Energy Services, Inc.

Oh, my. Hmm.

Wait a minute... Is that Rodney the Lifeguard in downtown Rockville?

Last night I participated in a Montgomery County Council At-Large candidate forum, sponsored by 17 Asian-American organizations at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. The debate focused on issues of interest to the Asian American community in Montgomery County.

This debate had the best turnout of the 3 I've been in so far. More actual voters than campaign staff in the audience. It was also the first to cover the issues of education and transportation, although I did not get the transportation question. However, you can read about my transportation plan at www.RobertDyer.net.

I did answer questions about education (I'm the only candidate who supports full Maintenance of Effort funding for MCPS), after school programs, language accessibility, public safety, and was asked to give an example of when I have interacted with the Asian-American community in the county.

The best example, as I discussed in response, was in my advocacy against the attempt by developers to "redevelop" downtown Wheaton. There are many successful small businesses there - many owned by Asian-Americans - and they could be forced out by construction and high rents. Replacing them will be the usual national-chain suspects, of course. I'll talk more about the specifics of this issue in the coming days. But I got some applause when I promised that, if elected, I will ensure that any "redevelopment" benefits those who live and own businesses there now. The benefits should not all go to the developers and some hypothetical group of future residents. The response showed that attendees really did come from all over the county, as opposed to just Rockville. The Wheaton Sector Plan is a huge issue, and it will be decided by the next county council. That makes this a crucial vote for those who live in the Wheaton area (much like those who live in Long Branch, Damascus and the Westbard Sector).

I talked to a lot of voters afterward, and even ran in to a former teacher from high school. The debate was very well organized -they even put a tablecloth on the cafeteria table the candidates sat at. I think those who turned out were able to learn a lot about where the candidates stand, and what we will do if elected. It's great to see 17 groups getting involved in the process, and giving their members a chance to question and hear from those competing to represent them on the council. I strongly encourage other community groups around the county to hold these type of events, so that their voices and concerns can be heard before Election Day.

PRIVATE DEBATES,

PUBLIC MONEY

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

It's interesting, with the local media only covering the private, Democrat-only Montgomery County Council At-Large debates, that your taxpayer dollars are now being used to promote yet another private, Democrat-only debate!

Montgomery County Government is promoting an August 23, 2010 debate featuring only the Democratic candidates for the council at-large! And, it is going to be broadcast at further taxpayer expense on MC10, the Montgomery College Channel.

That sounds fair and ethical, doesn't it?

Whatever questions this particular debate and its promotion raise, the critical question ahead of us is (aside from when are the TV, internet and print local media going to start covering the debates when Republicans are included?!), will the League of Women Voters, the Montgomery County Civic Federation, Montgomery College Alumni Association and MC-10 sponsor and televise an equivalent debate - moderated by Lon Anderson of AAA, no less! - for the 8 General Election candidates for County Council At-Large before November 2nd?

There's a debate tonight, in Rockville, at Richard Montgomery HS at 7:00pm. The Republican candidates for council at-large have been graciously invited to participate. I, in turn, invite the Washington Post, Gazette, Sentinel, etc., to attend and publish stories about this debate.

DOES IT REALLY

DO THAT?

Montgomery County Office of Consumer

Protection Takes on a New Responsibility:

Labor Law

Another www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!!

If you tune in to CCM 6 on a regular basis, you are probably familiar with the Director of the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection, Eric Friedman. He is one of several "stars" of Channel 6 who receive quite a bit of screen time - but nobody can beat the screen time that our County Council and Executive get on this, and half-a-dozen other taxpayer-funded channels.

In a time of reduced revenues, Mr. Friedman and other departments have tried to appeal to the taxpayers via television, to make the case for the importance of what they provide to the community. Such a department can play a useful role, if that role is defined. For example, this office can help bring various local consumer scams to the attention of residents. At the same time, simply announcing recalls is duplicative of Federal product recall announcements, which anyone can easily subscribe to online.

But in a time of tight budgets, I was surprised to hear about a new role for the OCP: assisting domestic workers in court cases against their employers. This particular case was hastily brought forward, after the Gazette published an article revealing that no one had ever filed a complaint using the county's domestic worker protection law. After all of the taxpayer expense of legislating and promoting the law, it turned out that it was yet another County Council Solution-in-Search-of-a-Problem Law.

So now they've rounded up a customer. Let's allow the legal process to play out before passing judgement on the complaintant. Having said that, it is interesting to note that, according to the Gazette, the Montgomery County Police Department and the U.S. Justice Department both investigated the case, and declined to bring charges against the accused family. Again, I'm not here to defend the accused without having the case files in front of me. But what does it tell you about a case, when the highest law enforcement authorities in the county and the nation both say there's nothing there to pursue in court?

The real issue here is, what does a domestic worker complaint - a labor issue - have to do with an Office of Consumer Protection at any level? Who is the "consumer?" What was the "product" sold?

This makes no sense at all.

If the OCP has this much time, energy and financial resources to put toward non-consumer-protection related pursuits, is it not an indication that there are more budget cuts to be found in this department? This is a time to narrow activities to the most essential, not branch out on a pro-incumbent councilmember political quest at taxpayer expense. Such a case should be left to the appropriate authorities to investigate.

So when a puff piece featuring Mr. Friedman and Channel 4 consumer reporter Liz Crenshaw appeared the same week as this Gazette story... ...I just had to ask, regarding an Office of Consumer Protection entering into labor disputes, "Does it really do that?"