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?