Comments on: Help Us By Providing Questions And Suggestions For The Candidate Forum

By: Frank Anastasi

Frank Anastasi — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:03:22 +0000

With all the talk about the need for a return to “civility” on the M&C, I have been wondering if it’s reasonable to think that five people who (hopefully) represent the diversity of Rockville’s citizenry will all just happily get along for two years. We constantly bring contentious issues before them, making each one of them stake out positions that are likely to conflict with their colleagues. I think there will always be dissention – unless we go back to the “Slate” method like in the old days.Don’t most government bodies have all kinds of dissagreements along the way to that final vote? Maybe some RC folks who watch closer than me could say, but I wonder if there isn’t more talk about incivility, than actual bad behavor, on the M&C?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:24:17 +0000

My suggested question for Carl Henn:Mayor & council civility has been a major concern of residents for several years. During your time as President of Hungerford Civic Association, you’ve sometimes used arguably extreme rhetoric (e.g., drawing parallels between the ICC and the Holocaust). If elected, where would you draw the line between zealous promotion of your personal views and civil interaction with those who disagree?

By: Frank Anastasi

Frank Anastasi — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:39:14 +0000

I have a question for the mayor candidates Which is the real Rockville – Ms. Marcuccio’s, facing a dire economic crisis, about to go down the drain? Or Ms. Hoffmann’s, where we’re doing great? I am not sure which one I live in. Could each of you come to the forum with three financial facts that support your position. enquiring minds want to know…..

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:54:05 +0000

Extra points for Pig Latin. Carl?

By: Brigitta Mulilcan

Brigitta Mulilcan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:27:05 +0000

My observation of some Rockville residents is that they are either: 1) willing to allow change which will benefit a much needed housing need, or 2) will use any rhetoric to fight a city project. Of course, some are willing to compromise. Thank goodness we have them.The concern is that all facts (and process) are not understood and people are not willing to learn or listen to all the issues. Yes, there are Nimbi’s in Rockville. I welcome them in the process, but they should also be reasonable.Whoever gets on the Rockville City Council, the City will continue to function as it has in the past. Some council members have represented us better than others. The choice of candidates boils down to who each individual believes will represent them best. I don’t agree with both mayoral candidates on all issues so I decide on my most important issues. It has always been how the budget process is handled that keeps my interest. Past City Councils have stated they are for fiscal responsibility, but I believe they have failed to ask proper questions. The questions need to come BEFORE the budget proposals are printed. Yes, it takes homework and discussion. Does anyone remember the discussion of the $200,000 cost for the Hometown Holiday Band and what was the reaction to this high cost for one event? Only when the cost was questioned this cost did the council discuss the outrageous obligation.

By: Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:36:31 +0000

Trapper, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. You will be missed on Saturday. Safe travels next weekend.

By: Trapper Martin

Trapper Martin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:04:31 +0000

Brad et all,I am not going to be able to attend the RC forum this weekend due to a funeral in NC. I would like to have a statement read if possible and would be happy to respond to the questions via email before or after the forum. Thanks again for putting this together. Trapper

By: Jacquie Kubin

Jacquie Kubin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:46:12 +0000

I would like to ask the council candidates that as the mayoral camps seem to have drawn lines in the sand, if “your choice” for mayor is not elected, how will you insure that the next Mayor and Council handle business in a manner that is not only civil but that keeps the cities and citizen’s need above personal agendas and egos; and I keep hearing candidates speak about “what is wrong” but very little about what “they will do.” I would like to know, from the mayoral candidates, the top, concrete thing that they will do as Mayor to FIX any of the cities identified problems (and I hope that one thing will be more than the obvious fall back, that budget. There is also construction, traffic, over-population, environmental concerns created by all the construction, traffic and over population. )

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:27:34 +0000

Question for each candidate: Why are you running for Mayor/Council? What issue(s) have motivated you to run for office (or run again)?@Saul: your criticism is duly noted, but have you (y’all?) any actual questions for the candidates? It’s apparent that you have many opinions, and even though due to your age you cannot yet vote, I would be interested to know what substantial questions you might put to those you so glibly criticize.

By: Saul Parker

Saul Parker — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:46:35 +0000

I love the way y’all know it all wonks split your infitives…….goes great with your logical fallacies that abound ad nauseum!!!

By: Theresa Defino

Theresa Defino — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:50:55 +0000

The Stop Beall’s Grant people have sent an email, as I stated at the end of my post, that said support Phyllis and Bridget. Perhaps you are not aware, but I was one of the people who gave “freely” of their time to work on this a member of BGII committee and do not share your version of events or agree with your assessment of why people have opposed it. Victory Housing is not too big and if you have attended any of the meetings, you would know that size is hardly ever mentioned by the opposition. It’s like 1 reason out of 10 they have given for trying to oppose the project.Perhaps at candidate forums both mayoral candidates will have a chance to more specifically state their positions.

By: Joseph Jordan

Joseph Jordan — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:06:39 +0000

Ms. Defino, what is it you are implying by stating there are people in the West End that support Phyllis Marcuccio for Mayor? I read your sentence several times and I don’t get the connection.If you are going to include Phyllis’ name in the context of NIMBY and “well-heeled” residents, please be clear what it is you are suggesting.It was over a year ago that Phyllis supported the idea of citizens and MHP getting together and working out a compromise on BGII. For over a year, people gave freely of their time and energy to work out a compromise. Phyllis and other council members attended the meetings. When it came time to sign the MOU, at the very last minute, MHP said they wanted three addendums added to it. That was the end of any good faith agreement or negotiations.Phyllis Marcuccio sat as a member of the Rockville Housing Authority for ten years. She is on record as being in support of affordable housing and senior housing. Her only caveat, and one shared by any reasonable person, is the size, density and scale should fit the location. Despite what you and others say, this is what was objectionable with Victory Housing. It was never about NIMBY, or not wanting the housing…it was always about the scale.I am not looking to have a debate with you on BGII or Victory Housing. I am asking you to go on record and explain what difference it makes if any West End resident supports Phyllis for Mayor and what role you think she played that was any different than Susan Hoffmann or any other council member.And while this is a comment in response to something you wrote, and not an editorial or opinion piece, I’ll remind those who might have forgotten, I am managing Phyllis’ campaign to be elected Mayor.

By: Jon Snellings

Jon Snellings — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:10:40 +0000

Theresa, Great question regarding the prevalent confusion over our form of City Government. I suggest the respective roles of Mayor & Council vs. City Manager & staff is I hope it is asked is a critical issue as we go forward.Also, thanks for your other thoughful, obviously sincere comments. This includes the one you posted about my “demeanor” comment (my first ever on a public forum.) I feel that all candidates, whether I support them or not, have a professional obligation to behave with the utmost courtesy during others’ comments. Jon

By: Tom Moore, Candidate for Rockville City Council

Tom Moore, Candidate for Rockville City Council — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:42:36 +0000

@Bill: Nice try! The discussion here is to generate questions, not answers. You can find out my dynamic answers to these and *many* more exciting questions at the Rockville Central candidates’ forum on Saturday morning, October 24, at 9:30 am at the Thomas Farm Community Center.If I’m going to have to be shaved, showered, and sociable on a Saturday morning, you should, too! See you there!

By: Theresa Defino

Theresa Defino — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:24:50 +0000

If I may, I think there should be a question about whether the candidates support changing the form of government to a strong mayor and council, like there is in other cities (DC, Newark).People in Rockville seem confused. Our mayor and council are part-time and we have a paid, professional, full-time city manager. This is a strong city manager form of government, with a necessarily “weak” mayor and council component. Their roles are limited, yet people keep ascribing duties to them that properly belong to the manager and city staff.