October 2009 Archives

Who won?

By Gilbert on October 31, 2009 9:56 AM | 4 Comments

Dear Readers,

Now that the Takoma Voice Candidate Forum is over, the hot issue on everyone's mind is: who won the bingo game?

We are pleased to report that S. Leitch came in with the high score of 15 points. Second was former councilmember Hank Prensky with 10 points.

Prensky garners another 2 points for noting how many times each key word or phrase was uttered, and by whom. It makes an interesting gauge of what issues figured most prominently.

down to "Special Local Events" and click on 2009.

You can also see it rebroadcast on Takoma Cable TV at the following times:
Thursday, Oct. 29, 12:00 noon
Saturday, Oct. 31, 12:00 noon, 8:00 pm
Sunday, Nov. 1, 3;00 pm and 11:00 pm

There were about 35 people present to observe the forum. They were well behaved. There were no outbursts, only a few murmurs of approval for Ward 4 Councilmember and candidate Terry Seamen's when he spoke about the difficult economic times his constituents were experiencing.

The statement that most stirred up the audience and the candidates was a proposal from Ward 4 candidate Eric Mendoza that he would like to cut funding for the city police and divert it to youth activities.

All of the candidates presented themselves credibly. We have a serious crop of them this election year.

They have been sent a questionnaire with questions from the audience and viewers, and questions from the Voice staff that didn't get covered in the forum. Their responses have been posted on the Voice site.

And, don't forget to vote! Polls Takoma Park Community Center - Sam Abbott Citizens' Center, 7500 Maple Avenue. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vote at the Community Center on November 3!

(continued)

Continue reading Who won?.

BINGO!

By Gilbert on October 23, 2009 7:37 PM | 1 Comment

Dear Readers,

Here is your OFFICIAL granolapark 2009 Candidate Forum BINGO card. Or download the candidate forum BINGO.pdf. Don't forget to attend or watch the Takoma Voice candidate forum this Sunday, October 25, 7 - 8:45 PM in the Azalea Room in the Takoma Park Community Center, 7600 Maple Avenue.

- Gilbert


candidate forum BINGO.jpg

Committee Interrupted

By Gilbert on October 23, 2009 3:16 PM | 1 Comment

Dear Readers,

The council may euthanize the Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee (PSCAC). The mayor said that by his informal count a majority of councilmembers are leaning towards dissolving the committee, allowing the Police Chief's Advisory Council to take on some of it's mission.

(continued)

Continue reading Committee Interrupted.

Council Forum Rescheduled

By Gilbert on October 22, 2009 5:24 PM | 6 Comments

The election forum has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 25, 7 - 8:45 PM.

It will be held in the Azalea Room in the Takoma Park Community Center: 7600 Maple Avenue.

What questions would you like to see asked? Post them to the comments, or email.

- Gilbert

A Mending of the Budget

By Gilbert on October 18, 2009 6:30 PM | 4 Comments

The council passed the budget amendment allowing the city manager to tap speed camera revenues to make up a good portion of the shortfall. That shortfall came about as a result of the state's belt-tightening measures.

The council delayed the vote until Oct. 12 so that they and interested citizens could review the amendment. There were a LOT of interested citizens. Councilmember Terry Seamens somberly announced that the amendment "brought to me more constituent feedback than anything recently."

Guessing from the nodding heads and serious expressions on the council dais it appears that was the case for rest of the council.

(continued)

Continue reading A Mending of the Budget.

Candidate Forum Cancelled

By Gilbert on October 17, 2009 3:36 PM | 6 Comments

The Takoma Voice candidate forum scheduled for Sunday, October 18 has been cancelled to encourage community members to attend the memorial open house for Ruth Abbott at 7416 Holly Avenue. (If you plan to attend, be aware that it is a potluck.)

The Voice staff is preparing a questionnaire for candidates, which we will publish online in lieu of the forum.

If you have any pressing questions for candidates, please send them to editor@takoma.com. We will be sending out our questionnaire on Sunday evening.

Thank you

Eric Bond
Takoma Voice
Silver Spring Voice

ericbond@takoma.com
301-891-6744

takoma.com
silverspringvoice.com

Election Forum: October 18

By Gilbert on October 13, 2009 4:06 PM | No Comments

A message from the boss:

On Sunday, October 18, the Takoma Voice will be holding an election forum from 3:30 - 6:30.

The forum will be held in the Azalea Room in the Takoma Park Community Center: 7600 Maple Avenue.

All official candidates for Takoma Park Council will be asked to outline their plans for the city over the next two years.

In addition candidates in contested races: Mayor, Ward Four and Ward Six will answer questions submitted from the community.

Please submit questions to Takoma Voice editor Eric Bond: ericbond@takoma.com.

We look forward to a lively community discussion.

Eric Bond
Takoma Voice
Silver Spring Voice

ericbond@takoma.com
301-891-6744

takoma.com
silverspringvoice.com

Guest Blog: Contested elections in Takoma Park: Sknnnxtzzz! (thanks Dagwood!)

By Gilbert on October 13, 2009 12:57 PM | 13 Comments

Dear Readers,

Your Gilbert does not necessarily agree with or endorse any of the incendiary, controversial, ROCK YOUR WORLD opinions expressed in the following post by one of our frequent commentors.

We turn the digital floor over to Alain in the service of free speech, democracy, and the sacred electoral process! Long may it wave! Also, we are lazy and prefer to let someone else do all the writing for once. In addition we are secretly (shhh!) pleased that Alain's remarks prove there is an even grumpier curmudgeon than Your Gilbert in town.

- Gilbert

******************************************************************************************

by Alain Thery

This deafening silence that you may notice is the sound of the electoral campaigns of Bruce Williams (incumbent) and Roger Schlegel for Mayor of Takoma Park.

I must say that given their respective profile and platforms in the Takoma Voice of October 2009, it may be best that we hear so little about them! In fact, the best unit of measurement of the respective programs so far may well be the Torr, a unit of measurement of vacuum!

(continued)

Continue reading Guest Blog: Contested elections in Takoma Park: Sknnnxtzzz! (thanks Dagwood!).

Why Don't We Do It In The Road?

By Gilbert on October 9, 2009 12:55 PM | 6 Comments

Dear Readers,

Where, oh where can the city find an extra $578,000 to replace the funds cut by the state?

In the road, that's where! The city manager just found it there, gushing out of the speed cameras! She found almost enough to keep the city humming along through the fiscal year. She's short $135,705, but that may be partly "offset" by vacant staff positions.

There IS a catch to this revenue source, however! The speed camera funds can ONLY be spent on projects that "improve public safety."

(continued)

Continue reading Why Don't We Do It In The Road?.

Seriously!

By Gilbert on October 3, 2009 11:50 AM | 4 Comments

Dear Readers,

To Your Gilbert's bitter disappointment, Roger Schlegel says his candidacy is not a hoax or spoof, as we speculated, but a serious effort to become Takoma Park's next mayor.

His website is now active: roger4mayor.com

- Gilbert

Dogs, Circle, D.O.A.

By Gilbert on October 2, 2009 4:21 PM | 7 Comments

Dear Readers,

Councilmember Josh Wright requested at the Sept. 28 council meeting that a discussion about dog parks (designated places and/or time where dogs can be allowed off-leash) on an upcoming work session agenda. Councilmember Dan Robinson supported that request. This issue has been brought up repeatedly by councilmembers and citizens since the beginning of the fall council session.


Circle

Despite last week's critical citizen comments, the council unanimously voted to approve the installation of New Hampshire Gardens area traffic-calming measure, including three traffic circles.

Councilmember Josh Wright noted several e-mails from residents saying that building a sidewalk should be the priority in that neighborhood. He asked whether such a sidewalk is in the city's plan.

City staff said it was and it is conceivable that it could be included in the spring installations.


D.O.A.

The city's lobbyists didn't have a lot of good news. They say the state legislature is so focused on the revenue disaster that any proposed legislation with "a glimmer of extra cost is dead on arrival." So, if any of the city's pet projects, such as the tenants-rights "Just Cause Eviction" bill involves any expenditures, even a task force or study group, they are likely doomed.

- Gilbert

Seamens Declines Mayoral Nomination

By Gilbert on October 1, 2009 2:26 PM | 4 Comments

Nominated for two seats in this year's election, Ward 4 councilmember Terry Seamens has turned down the mayoral nomination, opting to run for his current council seat.

Seamens says in a statement to the Takoma Voice, "I can only run for one office this year, so I've spent the hours since the nominations talking with my family, friends and advisors to decide on the best course for me to follow. My candidacy for Mayor would provide a strong, visible platform from which to advocate for the changes I feel would improve the quality of life for city residents. Yet, there is much work to be done to implement lasting, systemic changes in Ward 4. Although I might gain personal prestige should I become the Mayor, my personal commitment to my constituents in Ward 4 must come first. For that reason, I will again run for the Ward 4 Council position, and strive to address the outstanding issues."

Seamens says his nomination for mayor at the nominating caucus held September 29 " was both a surprise and an honor. It was a strong demonstration of appreciation from the city residents, who I strive to serve. The many kind words offered in support of my nomination for continued work as the Ward 4 Council representative gave further feedback that my past work has been properly focused."

Seamens faces a challenger this election, Eric Mendoza. Mendoza was described by his nominator as a protégé of councilmember Seamens. In fact it was Mendoza who nominated Seamens for mayor.

mendoza.jpg

Photo: Mendoza nominates Seamens for Mayor.

Seamens states "I was excited and very pleased to see another person step forward to run for Ward 4. I have worked hard to strengthen the sense of community in our neighborhood, and encourage people join in building a better community. I accept Eric Mendoza's nomination as a positive outcome from that work."

His statement shifts to campaign mode, describing the areas he says he will focus on in his Ward for his next term: reducing and calming traffic, expanding recreational activities, achieving fair and equitable treatment, inclusion and empowerment, improving economic opportunities for young adults, and systematizing support services for needy residents

Seamens mentions the difficult economy and significant revenue cuts, saying his long council experience make him "the best Ward 4 candidate to find the budget reductions while still filling community needs.

-Gilbert

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