Contributor Opinion By Brigitta Mullican: Time For Candidates To Take A stand
Oct 21, 2009 8:00 - 23 Comments
>After November 3 Rockville will have a new City Mayor and Council. Who will the five individuals be? The one important question to the two mayoral and ten council candidates is “who will you vote for on November 3?” This is MOST interesting to me. The answer should include “why” they support a particular candidate over another(s).
Some of the candidates have already expressed their desire not to commit to any particular candidate; they say they will work with those candidates who are elected. In my opinion that answer is too vague and it would help me to know what team they believe will work best.
It is time for the candidates to take a STAND and be firm in who they believe will be the BEST Rockville city council members to represent all residents.
Brigitta Mullican
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Good morning all,While I certainly respect that some want to see where each candidate stands on each other and the mayoral candidates at this time I am going to remain nuetral. Rockville City elections haven’t run with slates in some time and are non partisian for a reason. With almost every candidate expressing the need for civility and the need for the Council to work together in a constructive way I feel that drawing a line in the sand at this time might get the next Council started off on the wrong foot. Of course I run the risk by being the first one to respond here and I am not saying that I wouldn’t express my views if this swings wildly in the other direction. Win or lose in this election I feel strongly that the next Council needs to be productive from the first session. There is lots of information available in print and video that allows the voters to get an idea of whom they would like to see on the next Council. Thanks for your understanding at this time…….Trapper
I don’t agree.I believe the mayor and council candidates enjoy the same right to a private vote that all of us have. There are other valid reasons why they might not want to commit–perhaps they haven’t all made up their minds. Maybe alliances and allegiances shift. One candidate calculated there are 210 possible combinations of how the final mayor and council will look. Knowing what each might choose would be of no value to me. They are running on their own.If they got together and ran as a slate, that would be different. That isn’t happening here.
Opinion are great and I thank Trapper for his honest answer. It will not surprise me if the other candidates agree with him. I know Waleed Ovase and Phyllis Marcuccio agree with him on this question.As much as all the candidates have been presenting their platforms, so many Rockville voters still do not know them. Yes, some don’t even know the incumbents. Walk the neighborhoods and ask them if they do.It takes time to listen to 12 candidates’ views. Many hard working people don’t have the time for “politics”, as they tell me. It is unfortunate, but it is reality…people are busy caring for their families. They hope those of us who have the time, will follow the process and represent them.Those who follow Rockville Central will receive enough information to form a good opinion on who they believe will represent them well on the next Rockville City Council. Unfortunately, I still haven’t been convinced of five individuals who will work best as a team on the council. I will continue to do my homework studying all the candidates. The candidates tell us they will work with whoever is elected. It is the Rockville voters who will decide the BEST candidates. The top winners will decide on Rockville’s policies and how our City taxes are allocated each year. I still would like candidates to tell me who they believe will represent Rockville residents best
Candidates voicing support for other candidates and running together sounds almost like party politics to me, and I definitely don’t want to see that in the Rockville M&C.I think it’s great that I can drive up and down Rt. 28 and see yard signs of one house pair a particular candidate with one set of other candidates and another house pair that same candidate with a whole ‘nother set. If five candidates got together and said “vote for us,” I wonder how that would affect the dynamic of voting in Rockville.
Nick–there’s a house on the Northwest corner of West Montgomery Ave. and Lynch (at the light I believe it is Lynch) that has a sign for just about every candidate–including both running for mayor! I wonder if the residents of the home are simply split or just gave permission to anyone who asked to plant a sign.I guess that’s a sign of democracy in action!
Rockville Zoning and Planning Ordinance has an election sign requirement, which states “…election signs must not exceed five (5) feet in height” and “… must not exceed a total aggregate area of thirty-two (32) square feet.” [Section 25-456 through 25-473]. I confirmed this with the Rockville 2009 Candidate Information Election Packet posted on the official Rockville website (under General Information).I remember clearly when the City Staff recommended the campaign sign ordinance to the Planning Commission. We had a lengthy discussion on the subject before approving the change. We were told that the sign limit would mean no more than 5 signs (the small standard size) are allowed in a yard. Each candidate is responsible to know the campaign sign requirement. How many of them have read it? No easy task while running a campaign.I clearly have reminded Waleed Ovase that no more than 5 sign are allowed in one yard. If citizens do not abide by that rules, it is the City’s responsibility to enforce the law. That is no different from other City laws.I am all for democracy, but I also respect the law. If the law is not good, our elected official are responsible to change it. For the record I am an unaffiliated registered voter (not a Democrat; not a Republican) and do not believe my question is partisan. Even though Rockville election is a nonpartisan election, many of the candidates express their party to the voters. I have proof of this happening in a previous city election. I am proud of how I ran my campaign; took personal responsibility for my campaign signs and followed Rockville rules. My best message to all Rockville voters is go VOTE on November 3 for YOUR Rockville City Council candidate(s).
This is like the old days, back when we had “Slates” here in Rockville. It was common for individuals to serve time in the slates as council memebers, until it might become “their turn” to run for Mayor at the top of the slate ticket. Once I was told, in all seriousness, by the spouse of a high-ranking city official, that I “couldn’t” run for Mayor because it was “Rose’s turn” . I swear, I thought they were joking, but they weren’t.Maybe our resident political observer emeritus Roald Schrack could elaorate.
For those still pondering their choices, the Gazette made endorsements yesterday:Hofffmann, Gajewski, Britton, and Mark Pierzchala and Tom Moore. They noted as “standouts” Max van Balgooy and Virginia Onley. Here’s a link:http://www.gazette.net/stories/10212009/montedi101607_32541.shtml
I am not pondering, but wonder why the GAZETTE did not endorse Carl Henn this year when they did in the 2007? I don’t agree with this year’s endorsement. Some of the running candidates’ names weren’t even mentioned in the endorsement. That is bias and political.This election is not about the GAZETTE endorsement, but about how many Rockville voters cast their VOTES on November 3.At this time it is still a little difficult for me to firm up my 5 choices. I strongly believe Phyllis Marcuccio as Mayor and Waleed Ovase for Council will represent me well. I have many reasons for this choice, mainly because I have spoken to them in great length and they are sincere in their confections. A few other new candidates are starting to shine in this campaign.I am attending all the forums to listen to what ALL the candidates have to say. That is a real test to observe how the candidates will respond to the citizens of Rockville. Please VOTE on November 3.
I do not want, for the same reasons other have stated – we all have a right to a private vote and keeping things bi-partisan/non-slated being the big ones – candidates to declare I have signs for all the candidates in my yard because I have been working hard and will continue to work hard to get the message out to Twinbrook, the largest voting district in the city, to VOTE. Not who to vote for, but to VOTE.Mayor Hoffman and I spent a Saturday in the rain and Mr. van Balgooy’s has also helped me spread that “Please Vote” message by passing out envelopes stuffed with campaign literature from each candidate. Helping me spread that very bi-Partisian message means a lot to me as it means they are supportive of the process of free choice and making sure that people have information to make that free choice.If anyone wants a packet, please email me directly at editor@donnetempo.com
I believe in 2007 only two of the five picks the Gazete made got elected. So, I doubt most voters will be swayed by their endorsements.The Gazette has lost much of its’ credibility with readers. Look at letters that are printed, for example. They are weeks out of step with the news. By the time something is printed it is two or three weeks after submitted and by then it has no relevance…at least on topical subjects. Just look at what has been printed on the garage issue…I submitted this very early this morning but it was not posted…hope it was in error..
All the debates have certainly been very informative. However, last nite at College Gardens many seated had to rise from their seats to see who was speaking.Would have been more accommodating if the candidates could have stood to speak. I personally like to see expressions, so I did stand to see same. Then again, I was not there when the ground rules were given, so perhaps it was the choice. Judy and the Gazette team may have had a slight haze on the crystal ball when making the selections, please only my opinion!! Looking forward to tonite, as I want perfect attendance
Of course, the election is about voting, but that doesn’t mean we can’t review endorsements. By posting a link to the endorsement doesn’t mean I agree with it–although I am supporting a number of those that they chose, including Susan Hoffmann and Pitor Gawjeski.Endorsements are just another piece of information for voters to consider.Some will be swayed one way, some another, others not at all.As far as what the Gazette printed, there is no requirement to mention people you are not endorsing. An endorsement, by nature, is “biased”–the editors are giving you their opinion. It’s not a news story and shouldn’t be judged by that standard.The Gazette also was working a limited amount of space and many candidate names.I give the Gazette credit–the editors actually named a total of five people for only four council slots. That also says to me that this is not an easy decision.
I want to comment to three people who posted on this opinion blog.Point for Theresa: Thanks for clarifying what many don’t understand; they use the endorsement as a big qualifier. Your statement, “An endorsement, by nature, is “biased”–the editors are giving you their opinion. It’s not a news story and shouldn’t be judged by that standard.” but as you state an opinion is “biased in itself.” is clear to me and I completely agree with it. Hurray for honesty.Point for Jacquie: Thank you for being so active and all you are doing to get the message out to vote. However, regarding your campaign yard signs, you need to be aware that the Rockville Zoning and Planning Ordinance states “…election signs must not exceed five (5) feet in height” and “… must not exceed a total aggregate area of thirty-two (32) square feet.” [Section 25-456 through 25-473]. This requirement is posted on the official Rockville website under Elections 2009, “Rockville 2009 Candidate Information Election Packet;” “General Information”. The RPC discussed this issue in good length before it approved it.Since we expect the City to enforce code violations in our neighborhoods, we should also respect the ordinances including the campaign sign requirement. My understanding of the campaign sign rule is that one yard is not allowed to have more than 5 small campaign signs (32 sq ft in aggregate). I point this out because you are in violation so you do need to make a decision which 5 signs you want to post in your yard. I am sure our Rockville City Clerk or City Attorney can give you more specific interpretation.Point for BillYou are right on target with your comment. So many others have experienced concerns with the Rockville GAZETTE not publishing their submissions, but I do know they have the final say on what they choose to print. We all have to accept the different opinions.A final point, many people are working hard to get the message out to VOTE on November 3. Thank you to all of them.
I don’t have any campaign signs up in my yard, but I have to admit that there’s really no way, aside from this particular thread on this particular page on this particular site, that there was any limitation whatsoever on campaign signs in Rockville. I cannot imagine it occurring to most people to specifically hunt in Zoning ordinances for limitations when putting up signs in the first place – I know it wouldn’t have crossed my mind. I’m sure there’s a reason for the law, but it’s not publicized (except in the way that bypasses were “publicized” in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy LOL) so expecting all and sundry to know about it, much less abide by it, might be a bit unrealistic.That said, the election will be over in a relatively short time. Unlike the presidential election, which drags on for so many months, this is not a long process and the presence of yard signs isn’t really a health hazard, a safety issue, or a long-term “pretty community” issue. Is this really such a high-priority?In answer to the original post, I have no trouble with candidates keeping their candidate preferences to themselves if they so choose, or sharing if they so choose, the same as other voting citizens of Rockville. By now we should have a pretty good idea where they stand on a variety of issues that affect our city, which to me should be enough; IMO knowing how our candidates plan to vote themselves is irrelevant in the long run.See you on the 3rd!
the endorsement is by nature an opinion; saying it is biased isn’t a criticism or a cause for celebrating honesty–it just is the definition.
The topic “Time for Candidates to Take a Stand” changed to the campaign sign rules. So I add this. Each candidate is responsible to abide by the City Elections Laws and guidelines in the Candidate Information Packet. The campaign treasurer and candidate are also required to file campaign fund reports on time.Property owners who give permission to post a campaign sign in their yard should know that “Signs may not be erected on public property or in the right-of-way or in such location as to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular circulation onto or off of the property on which the sign is located. “ Now the reader knows without digging into the many pages of the guidelines. Following rules should be a priority. Where do you draw the line?
@Brigitta: Mostly I’m bemused that a post about democracy in action (in this case having lots of signs for lots of candidates) took this turn. There are countries in which husbands and wives wouldn’t be voting for different candidates (assuming the wives were permitted to vote there at all) because husbands could *severely* punish disagreeing wives, and a number of posts here have gotten pretty earnest about 32 square feet of cardboard in a Rockville front yard. Certainly if any lawn decorations, whether campaign signs of Christmas lights, impede a public right of way, that’s a problem. And frankly, it probably wouldn’t occur to me to go wading through rules and regs about Christmas Lights either. Now any reader of *this* thread on *this* page knows the rules, but in the grand scheme of things, what percentage of Rockville residents are really reading this thread?
I’m not saying that rules don’t exist for a reason, but not only does this one seem somewhat arbitrary to me, but that it came up at all, let alone repeatedly, in response to comments celebrating our democracy and the process in action struck me. Color me bemused, that’s all. 
Thank you, Deb, for continuing the dialogue on the difficulty of knowing all City rules. The Rockville Planning Commission considered allowing at least a small sign for the number of council members on the City Council. If we increase the Council, the question is “will the sign ordinance change to accommodate the increase?”Yes, limited number of folks might read this Blog, but they can share what they learn. I reiterate that the candidates ARE responsible to know the rules once they make a commitment to run for Rockville City Council.Please be aware that a yard sign does not mean a firm vote for a candidate. In fact, there are nonvoters who post signs in their yards to show support. The Rockville City Council Members represent all residents even those who don’t vote and pay City property taxes.
They also represent non-property owners, who rent by choice or because there’s not enough “affordable” housing in Rockville…and lots of them do vote. Don’t get me started on that, tho!I’ve never heard of a no-voter “showing support.” I think it is safe to assume people take the signs they allow very seriously and are planning to vote for the candidate on the sign.The candidates spend money for those signs–they’re not cheap. They invest time in seeking permission to post them and in delivering them to voters, sometimes personally. I surely mean all the signs in my yard!
Thank you for mentioning the non-property owners like renters because they are also represented by our Rockville Mayor and Council. When I use the term “resident” I mean everyone who lives in the City of Rockville corporate limits. Of course, commercial property owners, who pay taxes and don’t live in, are also represented by our City Mayor and Council.Not everyone who has a campaign yard sign has contributed to a campaign fund. Do you know that some people don’t know that our city council candidates have to raise their own money to run for City Council? I actually met some of these people and was surprised. I learn something new every day.
@Brigitta: Just curious, wanted to clear up a question in my mind, so I apologize if I’m being obtuse. You’ve mentioned the yard sign issue as being a responsibility of candidates, or so I read this quote to mean: “I reiterate that the candidates ARE responsible to know the rules once they make a commitment to run for Rockville City Council.”But it’s also the responsibility of the owners of the yards in which the signs are displayed, yes? (“I point this out because you are in violation so you do need to make a decision which 5 signs you want to post in your yard.” further back, in response to Jacquie.) Is it the legal responsibility of the candidates, then, to ensure that any homeowners (or renters, come to that) displaying their yard signs are aware of the legislation?Again, I’m not trying to be difficult, this is just nagging at me for reasons unknown and I’m curious since it’s come up and continued as part of the dialogue. Thanks for bearing with me.
I’m another one who likes learning something new every day.
If you read this thread, you come away with the impression that one of the most pressing issues in Rockville is people with too many campaign signs in their yard. So I propose we get the platform position from the mayoral candidates on stricter enforcement of yard signs!Then we can move on to the minor stuff like budgets.