Reader Note By Cheryl Kagan: At Long Last… The ICC!

After roughly five decades of discussing options and drawing routes… purchasing parcels of land and dealing with politics… rising costs and controversy… the Intercounty Connector (ICC) finally opened yesterday. As readers likely know, this east/west road will ultimately connect I-270 to I-95 and Route 1. It will make trips to BWI airport a breeze, and will link jobs and friends from across the state.

On Monday, Governor Martin O’Malley led the ribbon-cutting for the first segment of this road. This long overdue event, held in the bitter cold (with rain for good measure), was well-attended by current and former elected officials, business leaders, and long-time community members who have consistently supported this transportation improvement.

The significance of this long-awaited (and for some, long-dreaded) day was reflected by the presence of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who joined his Deputy, former MD Transportation Secretary John Porcari at the ceremony. Former Governor Bob Ehrlich, former County Executive Doug Duncan, and many former transportation, business, and legislative leaders were also in attendance. The Mayor, City Manager and entire City Council of Gaithersburg were there to celebrate; Rockville was represented by City Manager Scott Ullery. State Senate President Mike Miller asked local State Senator Jennie Forehand to represent him; Maryland House Speaker Mike Busch asked the same of Del. Kumar Barve.

What does the opening of the ICC- the new Route 200- mean to you? Check it out and see (best to do so before tolls kick in on March 7th). You’ll find it attractive, clean, and quick… and your taxes helped build it! I suspect we’ll all choose BWI as our airport more frequently now that it is so much easier and quicker to get there. Check out www.mtaiccbus.com for the details on the $5.00 trips that are scheduled hourly between the Shady Grove Metro station and the airport. Thanks to the ICC, it will be much easier to get to the airport without worrying about traffic or steep parking fees!

It will be interesting to see how many drivers choose the Intercounty Connector for their regular commute or for pleasure trips. The sticker shock of the tolls will certainly dissuade many of us, but transportation officials predict that the time savings will entice drivers onto the road. Remember that- just like Metro- the ICC uses time-sensitive pricing. Rush hour commuters (those using the road 6 -9am & 4-7pm on weekdays) will pay $1.45. It will be less expensive for off-peak hours ($1.15 from 5-6am, 9am-4pm and 7-11pm on weekdays, and 5am-11pm on weekends) and a bargain at 60 cents for the overnight hours of 11pm-5am.

I’ve heard from a number of people who hope their commutes will be quicker based on other people using the Intercounty Connector. It remains to be seen how many of us will become “those people” who will choose the ICC on a regular basis.

Cheryl Kagan served in the MD House of Delegates from 1995-2003 and supported the ICC throughout her tenure.

This is a Reader’s Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, meetings, and more. Get in touch with us at [email protected] if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Opinion by Art Stigile: Using FOIAs To Intimidate Opponents Of Subsidizing RedGate Is Unacceptable

On Monday morning I sent a press release to the Gazette announcing that I was soliciting signatures on a petition condemning Joe Jordan’s attempt to silence my criticism of using taxpayers’ money to bail out the RedGate golf course, I also announced that additional information is available on my website (www.rocktrash.org).

Here’s a summary of what led me to take this step.

At Citizens’ Forum last summer (and here on Rockville Central), I posed 10 questions to the golfing community about the future of the RedGate golf course. The RedGate Advisory Committee largely ignored these questions on their quest to convince taxpayers that somehow we benefit from the privilege of paying huge subsidies for other people to play golf. September gave way to autumn, and I slipped into my normal budget season schedule of working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. From October through the end of January, I was totally uninvolved in City issues and had no time to follow Mayor and Council action on any issue. I confess that I didn’t even have time to read Rockville Central!

I was gone, but apparently not forgotten. In late January, I was astounded to hear that Joe Jordan, chair of the RedGate Advisory Committee, had filed a FOIA request for all emails between me and Rockville City email addresses. I asked the City for confirmation and received a copy of Mr. Jordan’s FOIA request for my email, and a second FOIA request that he filed asking for email between the City Manager, the City Finance Director, and the Director of Parks and Recreation.

I don’t mind having a vigorous debate about the substance of public policy. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy and respect Rockville Central so much. But going on a fishing expedition for the email of your political opponent, and using City staff as a political punching bag go well beyond anyone’s definition of acceptable political behavior.

So, at the Feb 7th Citizens’ Forum, I spoke out against Mr. Jordan’s tactics, saying “You don’t have to be a political genius to see that Mr. Jordan’s action is designed to intimidate and silence critics of using taxpayers’ dollars to bailout the Golf Course.” I went on to say that his actions are “a perfect example of why many, if not most, Americans view politics with disgust.”

For anyone doubting my characterization of the intent of Mr. Jordan’s FOIAs, I refer you to his statement in the Feb. 16th edition of the Gazette:

“[I asked for it] because of [Stigile's] outspokenness on the golf course,” he said. “I don’t know [how it will be useful].”

I don’t care how you parse his statement, it says he targeted me because I oppose the golf course bailout.

I thought the public exposure might cause Mr. Jordan to rethink his political tactics. However, late last week, I learned that Mr. Jordan has expanded his FOIA request to cover email through Feb 12th of this year.

As I said at Citizens’ Forum, I fully support Mr. Jordan’s request for copies of my email. He absolutely has a legal right to see public records. In fact, I asked the City on Feb. 7th and again on Monday morning to post all of my email on the City web site, so that everyone can enjoy them.

But just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right. Mr. Jordan represents the City. His political tactics send the wrong message to any resident who wants to participate in the political process and isn’t a life-long fan of the Broad Street Bullies’ brand of hockey. (Sorry Caps fans.) I concluded my remarks at Citizens’ Forum by saying that this kind of politics is not acceptable from someone who represents the City, and I asked the Mayor and Council to discharge Mr. Jordan from his position on the Advisory Committee.

If you are appalled by political intimidation like this, I invite you to go to my website at www.ROCKTRASH.org and sign my petition condemning Mr. Jordan’s behavior.

I hate this kind of politics. It’s cheap and tawdry, and it taints all of us, even when we are pursuing honorable means. But turning our heads only encourages more of the same.

Art Stigile

p.s. I don’t send many emails, and I rarely keep email, so I don’t have copies of all of them. But I’ve posted a few that I have on my website. Enjoy!

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Contributor Opinion By John Britton: The Tag Line, The Logo, Our Process

By Councilmember John Britton:

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Rather than address each comment individually (and at the risk of inciting a new round of criticism), I submit this in response to comments by Rockville Central, the Communications Task Force and others who have expressed concern and dismay with the selection of the tag line (“Get Into It”) and logo (R) and the process for that selection. I fully understand and appreciate the comments and concerns as to whether the tag line and logo may or may not be representative, creative, inclusive, resonant, poignant (insert your adjective here). Such characteristics are hugely subjective with varying levels and intensity of acceptance or rejection. In fact, dare I suggest, the tag line and logo, as happens often in similar situations, may actually over time become an acquired taste. I appreciate too the expressions of consternation over the decision process and I am sorry there is a feeling that public opinion was summarily dismissed. It was not. I respectfully disagree with the characterization that in this process, public opinion was totally disregarded and the decision capriciously made. Specific to this characterization, I set out below my understanding of and involvement in the process that led to my favoring the selected tag line and logo. At the outset, let me make clear that I speak only for myself. The other Council members who voted for the tag line and logo – Piotr Gajewski and Mark Pierzchala – surely have their own bases for their processes and votes. Having said that, it is my observation that both have been deliberate and thoughtful in their analyses of all issues throughout this term (regardless of outcomes that may differ from my own), so I may safely hazard a guess that they did not act in blatant disregard of public opinion in this instance.

Keep in mind, this has been an ongoing process for more than a year; it is not just the citizen input survey that underlies its analysis. The previous Mayor and Council initiated the RFP and selecting the consultant who would ultimately submit the three tag line and logo options. It was early in this session that the current Mayor and Council, by a vote of 4 to 1, authorized the contract to proceed, i.e., the expenditure of $75,000 for the development of tag line and logo options. By the time these options were presented, the consultant’s work was nearly done and importantly the funds were already expended. The process publicly set last year was for the collection of demographic information and other data including interviews with select representatives of different stakeholder groups, the analysis of such data, a mechanism for random public input on tag line and logo options and the presentation of all of this information to the Mayor and Council for final selection. I do not dispute the benefits of an enhanced process that would have taken us into prolonged post analysis of the submitted options, including multiple focus groups, and likely the unending consideration of a myriad of additional options. We were constrained, however, by a limited project budget that was itself the subject of intense criticism. At no time throughout the process was there discussion of expanding the budget to include controlled, more representative surveys or focus groups. In fact, the opposition to the expenditure of any additional funds on this process was vehement and any discussion by the Mayor and Council of such additional funds was stillborn. Despite this, the rationality of the process we did engage in is not necessarily diminished nor is the decision making and its result any less reasonable. Based on my conversations with others, particularly in our public and business sectors, and my observations and research with respect to branding in other locales, I see a tremendous benefit to a branding infrastructure. I was sufficiently satisfied with the collection and analysis of data by the consultants and their identification of the lack of consensus among us (read broadly) of what kind of place Rockville should mean to all of us. I accepted the consultants’ options and felt the time was organically right to make a decision.

Let me explain then the how of my preferred choice. As a member of the previous Mayor and Council, I was privy to the extensive presentations by the RFP respondents on the benefits of branding, experiences with different municipalities and the approach each would take for branding in Rockville. I also reviewed the reports submitted by the consultant, discussed the results of the consultant’s research and analysis with others throughout the city and in different capacities in the city, participated in the presentations by the consultant before the Mayor and Council and conducted my own background research into the initiation and efficacy of branding processes and campaigns. This is all part of information gathering and analysis that I undertake for any issue before the Mayor and Council. Another component of information gathering for this was my review of the survey, in particular the comments submitted with many of the votes. I never understood our citizen input survey to have a mandated result. Rather, I used the survey and the comments therein to inform my decision but not be determinative of it. If we intended the latter, then we would have announced that the winner of the survey would be the absolute determining factor for selection of the tag line and logo, regardless of any other factor, and we would not have needed any further discussion of the survey. We made no such announcement. Nor could we. Nor do we operate in such manner in any other forum or for any other topic. As in other processes, I put the survey information in an analytical context and based my decision on a multiplicity of factors, including the survey and its comments.

Rightly or wrongly, the survey was a random sampling, hardly the appropriate mechanism on which to solely rely in making a decision. With this random survey, there is no geographic, racial, ethnic, age, gender, education or income break-down. I do not submit that all of these categories must be known in a survey, but it is impossible to know how representative of your population your respondents are if at least some of these categories are not present. The Rockville Central Opinion titled “I Feel Branded” stated that the “will of the people” should not necessarily be followed, but focused its criticism of the process for not doing just that – blithely making a decision based solely on a random numbers game. With this as a mantra, Rockville Central and others made the audacious assumption, without ever attempting to validate such assumption, that, in this process, the will of the power was “summarily” rejected by those of us who voted for the selected tag line and logo. So sure of the arbitrary dismissal of the “will of the people”, not one person contacted me or even undertook the slightest of inquiry to determine if there might be a countervailing rationale on my part.

Even apart from the randomness of the survey, the simply stated tally warrants stricter scrutiny and statistical parsing. The tag line and logos were rated 1,2 and 3 in a dancing-with-the-stars-like vote tally. But the reality of the preferences is murkier. For example, a number of the none of the above vote actually intended to reject the process altogether either because branding itself was an unacceptable activity or the expenditure of funds on this activity was wasteful. There were a number of “hybrid” selections, i.e., one of the tag lines mixed with another of the logos or modifications to the submitted option. For example, approximately 15 comments selected either tag line #1 or tag line #2 (thus, the “winner” for that vote), but with attachment to logo #3. I am not suggesting that further scrutiny in this way necessarily changes the finish line position of the options. But categorizing the votes in non-permeable categories was a disservice to the overall sentiment. Put differently, it was not as clear cut as the vote tally suggests. I also carefully reviewed the survey comments which I found more telling of sentiment. (I wonder how many of those who bemoan my vote as egregious actually read, as I did, the comments in the survey as well as all of the demographic and stakeholder interview reports and other pertinent and relevant materials.) Some of the comments rejected option number 3 because the tag line did not resonate with some easily identifiable component of Rockville. As one comment suggested, it is no good if it has to be explained. I considered this seriously, but in light of the varying concepts in all of the materials, including the survey, about what is the primary component of Rockville, I personally thought a more interpretative tag line would be appropriate. It has a breadth of interpretation and an elasticity in its application or, following other survey comments, it is both an invitation and a recommendation to find out more about Rockville.

The characteristics of my process and vote are as varied as our citizens’ concepts of Rockville. Are you colorblind? (No, I am not.) Any child could come up with a better tag line. (I am struck by the inordinate number of 5 and 7 year olds in Rockville who are purported to be proficient in marketing and graphic arts.) Midlife crisis? (Maybe, but I think I addressed that with my recent skydiving.) Result of beer drinking frat boys? (No quip here – this unfortunate comment does a disservice to intelligent, substantive public dialogue.) Also, the charge that we are the laughing stock of the entire region is hyperbolic. To prove the point of ubiquitous ridicule, Rockville Central refers us to the “dcist” blog. But, even a cursory review of the blog comments reveals that it’s not really this process that is being ridiculed; rather, it’s outdated stereotypes of Rockville being parodied, with an unflattering picture of Rockville Pike signage and faux tag lines such as “The World Class City That Nobody Cares About”; “Rockville: It Probably Isn’t Getting Any Better Than This”; “Rockville: We [heart] Strip Malls” “Rockville-Because I Didn’t Know Any Better”; “Rockville: Home of Hank Dietle’s Tavern!” (which it technically was not); “Rockville: On The Way To Somewhere Nice”; and on and on. And by the way, the blog author states that the selected tag line is the least ridiculous of the three options. (Well, not the endorsement one typically solicits but an endorsement nonetheless!) If you really want to read some ridicule of Rockville process and policy, try some of the local and national transportation blogs on our recent CCT decision.

For those still awake at this point, I do not pretend that any of this will convert you to disciples of “Get Into It”. You may still consider the tag line and logo “astonishingly unimaginative”. Just know that I based my decision on an analysis of all the data and information presented, including the survey and its comments, my own research and observations of branding campaigns and my own emotive response, the latter obviously to the chagrin of the opponents of the tag line and logo. Anyone has the right to criticize my analytical process on a substantive basis and my artistic pretensions on even a WTF basis. I believe, however, the sweeping generalization of my summary disregard of the public will is misplaced and unwarranted. The roll-out of the tag line and logo is not immediate but gradual, an approach determined wholly by fiscal considerations. Only time will tell if this works to the city’s advantage or is inherently destructive of the branding attempt. A small irony of this public dialogue is that a number of people are using the tag line, albeit not necessarily in the preferred way, either in the context of this process issue or related to another concern or issue. What’s the usage count before we can say it is now in common parlance?! In the meantime, I encourage you to “get into it” with respect to any aspect of the good life in Rockville!

John Britton

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Reader Note From Rotraut Bockstahler: Upbeat Report From Pinneberg, Germany

Rockville Central friend Rotraut Bockstahler, of the Rockville Sister City Corporation, passed along this nice note from our friends in Pinneberg, Germany. Pinneberg and Rockville are sister cities, and this report appeared in the Pinnebrg local newspaper from the German-American Association Rockville Pinneberg (DAGRP) in German. Rotraut helpfully translated for us!

German-American Association Rockville Pinneberg (DAGRP): Birgit Drechsler, Angelika Schulze, Margrit Ziegler, Herbert Hoffmann, Hans-Dietmar Bethke Inge Heinrich, Bernd Hinrichs, Michael Patt

“It lives, it fits, and we are moving forward. We are carried by an expanding wave of self sustaining power.” Bernd Hinrichs, President of the German-American Association Rockville Pinneberg (DAGRP) reported right at the beginning of the annual membership meeting (taking place at the VfL-Building) the very positive development of affairs for the association.

Lots of activities and exchanges straight across the ocean, a growing number of personal friendships between members of the association and its US counter part, the Rockville Sister City Corporation (RSCC): The President of the 166 member association is satisfied.

Besides the sponsorship of traditional activities, such as the Thanksgiving Dinner, the German American Day, bicycle tours, and the Fast Food Breakfast, the board members are busy initiating new projects. For the first time, a hiking tour through the Harz mountains (June 30th - July 3rd) is being organized. From August 18th - August 25th as a test balloon “Bike Ride Baltic Riviera”, a bicycle tour through the eastern regions along the Baltic Sea, Usedom-Rügen-Hiddensee, is on the program. For the Spring of 2012, very engaged members of the association are planning a USA group trip by taking advantage of the seasonally lower airfares.

One major event: The Pinneberg artist Detlef Allenberg will show his works at the Glenview Mansion in Rockville. The full exhibit will open in September 2011 with a reception of the artist on September 9.

Our activities this year will have to stay within a tight budget. Our reserves are down to 443 Euros, warned Treasurer Hans-Dietmar Bethke. The welcome activities left their traces on our balance sheet. Last Fall, DAGRP supported the visits to Maryland by a group of Theodor-Heuss High School students and the Pinneberg Music School Clarinett Ensemble. The DAGRP visitors program and Pinneberg hosts generously treated the Rockville Chorus members during their visit in June.

Our Board of Directors has two new faces: Members of the annual meeting elected Birgit Drechsler and Michael Patt unanimously. Jürgen Kleinhans and Erika Wupperman did not run again. Vice President Margrit Ziegler and Treasurer Hans-Dietmar Bethke were re-elected and remain in their current positions. The remaining board members have not completed their terms and will be up for re-election in 2012.

At the beginning of the evening and before the business meeting, Robert Lucke, history teacher at the Theodor-Heuss-High School and two of the 12th-graders, Isabell Priebe (18) and Kirstie Alcock (17) described their impressions of their visit to Rockville in the Fall of 2010. The visit to New York City and the warm welcome by host families in Rockville impressed them most. “The concept of hospitality received new definiton”, said Lucke.

This is a Reader’s Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, meetings, and more. Get in touch with us using our contact form if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Opinion by Martha Klasing: Will Our Mayor And Council Take Time To Evaluate The Best Course Of Action For Redgate?

What will RedGate’s future be? Our Mayor and Council may decide this on Monday night, as RedGate is once again on the agenda. City staff recommends following the National Golf Foundation’s (NGF) suggestion to outsource the management of the course. This would certainly bring in the needed expertise that has been lacking thus far. RedGate has suffered over the past several years under City management due to lack of marketing and lack of care. The negative rhetoric about its poor financial performance, cost to taxpayers, and possible closing of the course has kept golfers away and resulted in lost rounds of golf and revenue.

For anyone who had the patience to read my lengthy posting back in September, I attempted to explain exactly what the City (and others) were calling “RedGate’s Deficit”. For those who did have the patience to slog through the numbers, hopefully you understood that the majority of any accumulated deficit attributed to RedGate did not stem from RedGate’s operations, but rather from the City’s allocation of administrative and overhead charges. Costs that weren’t a result of operating RedGate and costs that the City would have to pay whether RedGate existed or not. If anyone is still laboring under the idea that RedGate is costing taxpayers a large sum each and every year, here is a figure for you. Over the past decade, the accumulated deficit in the RedGate fund – which includes over $1.3 million of City overhead not directly attributable to RedGate’s operations– amounts to just $6.97 per household annually.

This past week, an article in the Gazette states that the City could save more than $200,000 a year by outsourcing the management of the course. This is the management option that NGF recommends. I’ve studied NGF’s financial projections and I tend to disagree that outsourcing would save the City up to $200,000 per year. This is what it boils down to: The City would terminate its employees that work at the golf course. In turn, the City would hire an outside company to manage the course. So, rather than pay our current City employees, the City would pay a comparable amount (slightly more, based on their projections), to a 3rd party management company. The numbers are as follows: over the projected 4 year period FY 2012-2015, the City would save $1.452M on salary and benefits by terminating the city employees. They would then spend $1.488M on additional line item expenses related to the management company – NO NET SAVINGS! So, where do any projected savings come from? Here’s the answer, and please think about this carefully - if RedGate is outsourced to an outside management company, the City anticipates reducing the allocation of CITY admin/overhead charged to RedGate from a total of $1.359M to a mere $240,000 over the same 4 year period. There’s your savings. But, it isn’t really savings to the City, because those amounts of City admin/overhead represent City costs for running the City government and still have to be paid. They will just tuck it away in some other fund. So, as a city resident and taxpayer – and I am not a golfer so I’m not floating these ideas to preserve my hobby – I ask, how does this make sense? I can’t see that outsourcing is really saving any money at all –it’s just moving numbers around on a piece of paper. And, people will lose their jobs.

What outsourcing would do for RedGate is to bring in professionals who operate in and know the golf business. This would be a plus, and it is needed. Per the NGF study, the market favors golf operators in this area. RedGate is well situated to capitalize on an improving economy, increasing population, and a shake down in the industry, as some courses close. It highlights what RedGate has going for it – attractive venue, dedicated staff, and a core group of loyal customers. It provides the basic steps to take in order to get the course back on track. The study points out that RedGate needs to be able to operate competitively without decisions being made by those who don’t know the golf business (like City Hall). Outsourcing is one way to do that. If you read the RedGate Advisory Committee’s response to the NGF study, there is another way to do this, which could be a lower-cost alternative. Hire a golf director that has the experience and golf business acumen to run a golf business. Sure, this would require the city to create a new position, but it may be a more frugal approach to full outsourcing. Herndon has taken this approach with their course (a comparable facility to RedGate) and has been quite successful. Herndon’s golf course expenses track similarly to RedGate’s, but they enjoy nearly half a million more dollars of revenue than RedGate. This is something RedGate could do with the right direction and control. Do we really need to lay off City workers and take their livelihoods away? And then take those savings and pay an outside 3rd party to do something the City could easily do with the right expertise? I hope not – a very sad statement indeed when the entire nation is talking about job creation and job preservation.

If it is all about saving money, then outsource the care for all our passive parks - that costs a significant amount more than the golf course. The City could lay off even more workers and just hire a 3rd party landscaping company to do the same job for a lot less money. I hope our Mayor and Council have more of a vision than this.

By Martha Klasing

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Contributor Opinion By Sean P. Carr: Brand On The Run

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By Sean P. Carr:

A brand should be something that ties a community together, that unifies its diversity, that identifies something special or unique about the community.

By a 3-2 vote, the City Council brought the community together — but against the brand. In news stories and online comments, people in Rockville have agreed on one thing: they just can’t “get into” the council’s choice. Sure, “Get into it” is simply awful. Uninspiring. Too begging of the question “Get into what, exactly?” As Brad Rourke wrote at Rockville Central, “I assumed that it was just the third option the consultants presented because they had to present three.”

But the choice’s dubious quality is not the real problem.The real problem is that the council asked the people of Rockville for their opinion — and more that four in five picked something else. Yet, three members inexplicably selected the least popular option. One can argue that the poll was not scientific. One can argue that there weren’t a lot of votes. But the council did ask the question. If you’re going to ignore the answer, don’t ask the question.

Actually, the council did worse than ignore the results — it voted in direct opposition. Out of four choices, it picked the least popular, one preferred by just 17% of respondents. This sets a bad example. Seventeen percent may be a higher percentage of the vote than any of them won in the last election, but it also means 83% preferred another option — such as the near-winner, “No choice made.”

Last year, a group of volunteer city residents served on a Communications Task Force created by the council. After months of meetings, interviews and reviews of city practices, we generated proposals to help city government speak with and listen to the people of Rockville. Two recommended principles were to clearly communicate how the the city is hearing feedback and addressing concerns and to solicit ideas “to encourage citizens to help improve the city and its operations.”

In Rockville Reports, Councilmember John Britton wrote about a “disconnect” between city government, residents and businesses and called for “increased communication and information sharing.” After all, he said, too often “we fail to address such issues and concerns through a long-term and community-inclusive approach.”

We couldn’t agree more. That’s why we call on the council to reverse its vote. If a branding initiative is to be continued, the process must be respectful of the perspectives of residents.

Noreen Bryan
Sean Carr
Sam L. Elowitch
Shashi Koduru
Steve Maroon
Waleed Ovase
Russ Rubin

Members of the Rockville Communications Task Force, 2010

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Contributor Opinion By Joseph Jordan: Pros And Cons Of NGF RedGate Report

Contributor Opinion by Joseph Jordan:

Photo courtesy Redgate Golf Course

On Monday, February 7th, RedGate Golf Course will once again be on the Mayor and Council agenda. This will be an opportunity for the Council to discuss their reactions to the National Golf Foundation study (presented on January 10th), to determine next steps and give some direction to the staff. The RedGate Advisory Committee was invited to submit its response to the NGF Report, and will be given time on the agenda to speak. You can read the Committee’s report here at this link.

The NGF report contains a great deal of information on the history of the golf course, including the controllable and uncontrollable factors that contributed to RedGate’s current situation. It also lays out several options the City might consider going forward. We highly recommend that people read the report to get a better understanding of the issues and the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

The Advisory Committee’s report, though brief, highlights what we think are the pros and cons of the NGF recommendations. Bringing in an outside company to manage the course means current RedGate employees will likely lose their jobs. While on the surface, outsourcing may seem to produce better financial results, there are costs associated with such an arrangement. There would be, of course, the fee paid to the management company. There would also be other additional line item costs the City would have to cover that would be passed through from the management company. Based on the projections provided by NGF, these additional line item costs exceed the savings from terminating the city employees. These and other considerations are covered in our report, so please take a look.

We trust our elected officials will do the hard work required of them and do whatever necessary to keep RedGate a City owned and operated golf course. Given the jobs at stake and the future of our green space, we need them to approach this thoughtfully and carefully, and not make a quick decision that has long term repercussions that will stretch way beyond their terms.

Joseph Jordan, Chairman
RedGate Advisory Committee

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Reader Note From Cheryl Moss Herman: Update On The Julius West And New Elementary School Feasibility Studies

Photo from the MCPS website

Thanks to Cheryl Moss Herman, Richard Montgomery Cluster Co-coordinator to Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA), for agreeing to post this important information on Rockville Central.

Projects are moving forward as part of the plan to manage the overcapacity situation at elementary schools in the Richard Montgomery (RM) Cluster and the future wave of enrollment expected at Julius West Middle School (JWMS).

The Feasibility Studies for an addition at Julius West and for new construction (RM Elementary #5) on the site of the former Hungerford Park site have begun. Architect selection and approval for each is complete and dates have been set for the Feasibility Advisory Committee public meetings. (See below for details.) The committees will work with the architects to provide a series of options that will meet the program needs of the schools. The committees will also select a preferred option at the end of the process. These committees will NOT be discussing potential boundary changes for the Richard Montgomery Cluster.

While MCPS’ usual plan is to work with existing PTAs/PTSAs at schools where an addition or construction is contemplated, this is not possible for RM Elementary #5 as it is a new school. Moreover, since the composition of the school population will not be known until a boundary study process is completed in the 2013 timeframe, representatives from all four elementary schools and their communities are being invited to participate. MCPS sends letters only to those homeowners whose properties are adjacent to the school(s). The rest is up to the schools and their PTAs.

Similarly, while MCPS is working primarily through the JWMS PTSA, the reality is that the prospect of an addition at JW will affect most of us. This is because a majority of our current elementary students could be at JW during construction, or for those in the lower grades, would benefit by an addition at the school. The Feasibility Advisory Committee meetings and/or the final Community Presentation are an excellent way to stay informed and participate in the process.

These two new feasibility studies join an already completed Feasibility Study for an addition at Ritchie Park Elementary School and on-going studies for additions at Beall and Twinbrook Elementary Schools. You will recall that this summer MCPS intends to take all of these studies and its new enrollment projections and make a “comprehensive RM Cluster” recommendation for new classroom capacity next fall. Watch your e-mail for more info on participation as this process goes forward.

Also, mark your calendars for testimony to the County Council on the Capital Budget on the evening of February 8, 2011. Strong community support is essential.

RM CLUSTER ELEMENTARY #5 Feasibility Study (all meetings at Children’s Resource Center/Hungerford Park site at 322 W. Edmonston Drive)
Work Session Meeting #1 Monday, February 28, 2011 7:00 pm
Work Session Meeting #2 Monday, March 21, 2011 7:00 pm
Work Session Meeting #3 Thursday, April 7, 2011 4:00 pm
Work Session Meeting #4 Thursday, April 28, 2011 7:00 pm
Community Presentation Meeting Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:00 pm

JULIUS WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL Feasibility Study (all meetings at JWMS)
Work Session Meeting #1 Wednesday, February 2, 2011 3:00 pm
Work Session Meeting #2 Thursday, February 24, 2011 7:00 pm
Work Session Meeting #3 Wednesday, March 9, 2011 3:00 pm
Work Session Meeting #4 Wednesday, March 23, 2011 7:00 pm
Community Presentation Meeting Tuesday, April 12, 2011 7:30 pm

Cheryl Moss Herman

This is a Reader’s Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, meetings, and more. Get in touch with us using our contact form if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review by Cheryl Kagan: YumBurgers

This Contributor Review is from Rockville Central friend, Cheryl Kagan, who recommends one of Rockville’s newest dining locations, YumBurgers in King Farm.

When one’s tastebuds are all primed for Russian blini, caviar, and goulash, it’s not the most pleasant surprise to find that the restaurant at King Farm has been replaced by a joint called “YumBurgers.” Lucky for us, the four of us decided to stay and enjoyed the discovery of an affordable new Rockville dining establishment.

I have a bias for locally owned restaurants and shops. In my opinion, they are more attuned to our community, more generous in their local giving, and more responsive to customers’ reactions. Michael Passas, a resident of Gaithersburg, bought this space with his wife when it came on the market in November. They’ve kept much of the experienced staff while transforming the menu and décor.

Addressing the menu first: it is in some ways, a straightforward burger joint, with hot dogs, burgers, and chicken with countless condiments and accompaniments. (Think Cheeburger, Cheeburger without the screaming kids and insane portions.) Michael is of Greek heritage, and his chef is Peruvian. There is a bar menu of options that reflect both.

While we were waiting for our food, we enjoyed a deliciously decadent appetizer called “Chester’s Sweet Tots.” The sweet potato nuggets were warm and tender insider the crispy exterior; the Buttermilk Garlic dressing and parmesan cheese made for a perfect complement!

The Greek-spiced lamb chops were completely delectable and very reasonably priced at approximately $12. The cole slaw that accompanied our dishes was tasty and without the mayonnaise gloppy texture I’ve sometimes found. We also enjoyed their chili, which was served (after they generously allowed us to sample it) in a large bowl over pasta. It was meaty with large chunks of tomato. It definitely had a bite but wasn’t overwhelmingly spicy. Lastly, the namesake of the place, their burgers, were delicious. I chose a customized “That’s My Burger” with my choice of cheese, 4 regular toppings, and 2 premium toppings. Although the kitchen accidentally left off the promised fries (which I didn’t need), I found the meal to be filling without the insane portions one finds at many restaurants. One can choose the burger with a bun or in a bowl; an extra dollar buys a second 5-ounce patty.

The owner was diligent in checking in to be sure we were satisfied. His eagerness for feedback makes it likely that the table service (fairly average) and kitchen will improve in the coming months. I’d recommend “YumBurgers” for a family with or without kids. It’s neither fancy nor fast food, but the friendly ambiance and tasty meals make it a new place worth patronizing soon!

Cheryl C. Kagan

YumBurgers Grill
800 Pleasant Dr, Suite 160
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 355-4979
[email protected]
www.yumburgers.com
Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Free Wi-Fi

This is a Contributor Review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected] if you would like to submit something!

Reader Note From Rockville REDI: Congratulations INNoVATE Graduates

By Lynne Benzion, Associate Director of Rockville REDI:

Don Springer (PNC Bank), Sally Sternbach (REDI), Keith Nalepka (BioLOGIS)

Last week, 20 budding entrepreneurs gathered at Glenview Mansion to graduate from INNoVATE, a 9-month program that teaches people how to evaluate the commercial viability of a technology from a federal or university laboratory, prepare the business case for the technology, and start a company based on it. This is a special group, because it is the first INNoVATE class, and many of the graduates are postdoctoral fellows working in local federal and university labs. Postdocs have rarely been targeted for such intensive entrepreneurial training; the National Science Foundation funds this program.

Rockville City Councilman and entrepreneur Mark Pierzchala spoke to the class at the graduation. He gave them some marketing tips (never leave the back of your business card blank: you can summarize 30 years of experience in that space!) and described the increased respect he received from colleagues and friends after he started his company. He also advised the graduates to be prepared for surprises, as business is full of them.

Mark Pierzchala Addresses INNoVATE Graduates

Sally Sternbach, Executive Director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc., one of the key organizers of the program (along with The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business; the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development; and the National Institutes of Health) emceed the program and read the Kauffman Foundation “Entrepreneur’s Pledge”. Among other things, entrepreneurs “bring something of value to society, making a job for themselves and others, and creating wealth that benefits the family, the community, the country and the world.”

Rockville is already seeing the benefit from the INNoVATE program, as one company, BioLOGIS, has formed, settled in Rockville, and has customers. BioLOGIS monitors the transport of high-value biologics and other valuable goods. A second business has launched, and 12 others are in various stages of formation.

Congratulations to the INNoVATE graduates, and to Rockville, for having the vision to seed tomorrow’s technology companies – and the high-paying jobs that go with them – today.

This is a Reader Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us us if you would like to submit something!

Contributor Review By Hena Khan: Like a Moth to a Flame: Matchbox opens in Rockville

Photo from Matchbox.

I am extremely pleased to welcome this Contributor Review from my friend, Hena Khan, a children’s book author who you may know from her wonderful work and local appearances. Thank you Hena!

When deciding where to entertain a pizza and burger-loving friend visiting from California for a great meal and hip atmosphere last Friday night, one place came instantly to mind: Matchbox. Although I’d been eagerly anticipating the opening of the popular DC restaurant’s new Rockville location in Congressional Plaza on December 11, our plans pre-dated the grand event by one day. So down to Chinatown we trekked in the bitter cold, to pay a visit to the original Matchbox that opened its doors in 2003.

Even though our group of four was hungry, I was met with skepticism when I declared that we must order at least nine—if not more—mini-burgers as a starter. But all doubts disappeared the moment our tower of burgers arrived: black angus beef cooked to a touch of pink, snuggled inside fresh brioche bread and topped with our choice of gorgonzola and gouda cheeses. Piled on top like a crown was a glorious heap of the crispiest and lightest onion strings you’ll ever taste, sprinkled with a dusting of parmesan cheese.

Sure enough, in a matter of minutes, we were negotiating who got the last burger and emphatically agreeing on one thing: Matchbox was a winner. And we hadn’t even gotten to the wood-fired brick oven pizzas yet.

Photo from Matchbox.

Ever since my husband first introduced me to Matchbox years ago, fanning a box of spicy meatball pizza under my nose as we waited in line for a concert at the Verizon Center, it’s been a family favorite (I had to endure the whines of my sons who heard that I dared go eat there without them). But as exciting as it was to learn that it would soon be so close to home, I was a little nervous that something might be lost in the new Rockville location, which took over a historically unsuccessful spot. I wondered if the atmosphere and experience would somehow be diminished by a suburban setting.

I had nothing to worry about. The expansive 10,000 foot building, which was rebuilt from the ground up, dwarfs the Matchbox in Chinatown and its other location in Capitol Hill. But the space retains Matchbox’s signature design elements and rustic charm, with walls made of old barn wood from New York and fireplaces crafted from reclaimed brick. The 67 tables inside were each handcrafted by one of the principal partners, Ty Neal, who painstakingly poured layers of resin to highlight the centerpiece of each table: a unique matchbox.

“Customers bring us matchboxes all the time, from all over the world,” Neal explains—a personal touch that adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The two-story space includes a mezzanine level, two patios for outdoor seating, as well as a spacious private room (with clever plans underway to host birthday parties for the kid-friendly plaza).

The Rockville menu is exactly the same as the DC locations. Apart from the trademark mini-burgers, the signature wood-fired pizzas include ‘spicy meatball’ and ‘fire and smoke’ for those who like it hot, traditional favorites like ‘four cheese’ and ‘white pizza,’ and a variety of other choices boasting gourmet toppings like coppa Italian ham and arugula, wild mushrooms, grilled marinated chicken, and more (or build your own). With its crispy, blistered thin crust, the pizza is sure to please. But if you fancy something else, the menu features delicious salads, sandwiches to satisfy the most discerning foodie, and a host of creative entrees to choose from (like succulent braised beef short ribs served with garlic mashed potatoes and bacon-gorgonzola brussel sprouts in a red wine reduction). Plus, every day, long time Rockville resident Executive Chef Jonny Mac serves up original creations for lunch and dinner.

It’s really challenging to save room for dessert, but if you can swing it, it’s absolutely worth the extra calories. My favorite is the warm chocolate chip bread pudding, served with banana, rum caramel, and whipped cream—yum.

And how does the food in Rockville match up to the original? Perfectly. Plus, the fact that I didn’t have to drive downtown, circle around city streets searching for parking, wait for a table (at least, not yet!), or suffer a long bathroom line for a single stall might have allowed me to enjoy my meal even more than in the district. Now I can take comfort in knowing that my favorite grown-up comfort food, in all its glory, is just around the corner. All I need is an errand that takes me to, say, the Container Store. Don’t I need some new closet organizers?

Hena Khan

Hena Khan is a Rockville native, communications consultant and children’s book author (Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story, Chronicle 2008). She enjoys sharing her stories and talking about writing with local audiences and schools, and can be reached at [email protected].

This is a Contributor Review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Reader Note From Justine Cowan: A Magical Holiday Concert Sun. Dec. 19

We’re happy to pass along this announcement about a very festive and great family event in Rockville this weekend:

Rockville Chorus Photo From The City Website

Winter is here and Magic is in the Air! Join the Rockville Chorus on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM, for “A MAGICAL HOLIDAY” Concert at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

For this concert, Rockville Chorus Director, Bryan Seith, has chosen a wide variety of selections with a holiday theme that will appeal to all ages and musical tastes. Highlights of this performance include THE RELUCTANT DRAGON by John Rutter. This whimsical piece tells the tale of a dragon that prefers writing poetry to fighting. More traditional selections include THERE SHALL A STAR FROM JACOB by Felix Mendelssohn, the CHERRY TREE CAROL by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker, as well as John Leavitt’s traditional Hebrew OSE SHALOM. Another selection by Robert Shaw, THE CAROL OF THE BIRDS, a jazz version of the well known HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, and another classical selection, HOW LOVELY ARE THE MESSENGERS from St. Paul by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy round out the program.

The Rockville Chorus is currently composed of 70 members. They have been delighting local audiences of all ages with quality musical selections for more than thirty years. New members are always welcome and can schedule an audition at the beginning of the Fall semester or Spring semester by calling Julie Farrell at (240)314-8682.

The Rockville Chorus Concert is free. No tickets are required. Donations are appreciated. Ample free parking is available. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis. For more information call the Theatre Box Office at 240-314-8690 or the recorded direction line at 240-314-5004.

Justine Cowan

This is a Reader Note. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us us if you would like to submit something!

Reader Note From Kate Gordon: National Philharmonic Singers At Christ Episcopal Church Sat. Dec. 18

From National Philharmonic

Rockville Central friend Kate Gordon has passed along a reminder about a Rockville holiday tradition: The National Philharmonic Singers free concert at Christ Episcopal Church. Here’s what Kate says:

The National Philharmonic Singers has presented concerts at Christ Episcopal Church for the last 5 years or so, free of charge, with all donations going to support a local charitable organization. The National Philharmonic has deep roots in the Rockville and this concert is one way we try to provide accessible, exemplary arts experiences for the whole community. We encourage families to attend together (although it is most appropriate for kids 7 an older-lots of sitting still…)

And she included the official announcement:

National Philharmonic Singers - A Christmas Fantasia

Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville will be the setting for The National Philharmonic Singers’ holiday program, to be presented on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 8 p.m.

Join the Singers as they perform Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, motets from Continental Europe, and rarely heard carols from England and the United States, culminating in a celebration of traditional holiday favorites for the season. This concert promises to be an intimate celebration of this very special time of year.

No tickets are required, and there is no admission charge. Donations in support of Community Ministries of Rockville will be gratefully accepted.

The National Philharmonic Singers, conducted by Stan Engebretson and Victoria Gau, is the chamber ensemble of the National Philharmonic Chorale, the resident choral group of National Philharmonic at the Music Center at Strathmore. For more information please visit nationalphilharmonic.org or call 301-493-9283, ext 116.

Christ Episcopal Church is located at 107 South Washington Street in Rockville, MD. Directions to Christ Church may be found at christchurchrockville.org or call the church at 301-762-2191, ext. 3.

Reader Note By Bill Burchett: Support RMHS December 13

Click for full size

This from Rockville Central friend Bill Burchett:

The Richard Montgomery Booster Club is holding a fundraiser at Gillys Craft Beer and Fine Wine on Monday Dec. 13th from 5-9 pm.

Gillys is located on Chapman Ave next to Urban Barbeque just off of Rockville Pike. They have one of the largest craft beer selections in the area and they maintain a good wine selection. They have a deli with interesting sandwiches and they have a decent cheese selection as well. Visit their website www.gillyscbfw.com

For this event, reps will be there from Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada. Firestone wines will also be poured. Gillys always rotates an interesting selection of beers on tap.

The fundraiser is being held to replace the flags in the Roy Lester sports stadium. The old flags are faded and worn. The Boosters Club receives 10% of all purchases in addition to the raffles and the suggested $10 donation. The donation is only suggested and people can certainly come and shop without donating at all. Visit the RMHS booster club home page for more info www.rmboosters.com

I have shopped at Gillys since they opened. The Washington Post featured them on the front cover of the Weekend section this past summer. It’s a different place. Yes it’s a beer and wine store but you can also have a sandwich or try a draft beer that you’ve never had before.

If you plan to buy beer or wine for yourself or as a gift for someone else this holiday season please consider stopping by and supporting us. You can also just stop by for a sandwich. And please, tell your friends…especially those friends who love good beer.

Testimony From Jeremy Martin: Pedestrian Safety and Neighborhood Connectivity

Rockville City Hall

Here is the full text of Jeremy Martin’s remarks to last night’s Mayor and Council meeting:

Thanks for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the traffic and transportation commission. There are two subjects we wanted to address this evening: pedestrian safety and neighborhood connectivity.

Three recent pedestrian fatalities on the Rockville Pike, one inside and two just outside the city limits, make it crystal clear that pedestrian safety is a life or death issue throughout the city, and especially on the Rockville Pike. This is a topic to which the commission devotes a great deal of time and thought, and we feel these fatalities quite acutely. I wanted to pass along a few thoughts to you in person.

There were a number of contributing factors to these recent accidents, including lighting problems, the location of bus-stops and the proximity of cross-walks, and generally intersections that are not pedestrian friendly. Several of these factors have been promptly addressed, and for this we want to commend the work of the city’s interdepartmental task force on pedestrian safety.

But we need to avoid the next fatality, rather than react to it. To do this, we hope the city will encourage all city employees, especially those on the roads after dark: police officers, refuse collection and others, to report problems with street lights, so these dangerous situations can be quickly resolved.

We also need to ensure that the pedestrian safety projects are adequately funded in the upcoming budget. We hope that you can find the resources to fully fund the Accessible Pedestrian Signals, Sidewalks, the Intermodal Access Project on Baltimore Road, and Asphalt Repair. Keeping citizens safe on Rockville streets should be a top priority, even when budgets are tight.

The other topic I wanted to address is neighborhood connectivity. The recently proposed brand statement highlights the importance of connectivity between Rockville’s neighborhoods and residents. Connectivity, for pedestrians, cyclists and all users is another topic to which the traffic and transportation commission devotes considerable energy.

Unfortunately, we have not been very successful improving connectivity. Numerous examples, from the Princeton Place access to Montgomery College, the road abandonment associated with the Victory Housing project, and many others have failed to realize the potential for improved connectivity.

I didn’t come here to grouse about these missed opportunities, but to offer our assistance, in whatever capacity would be most effective, to support improved connectivity throughout the city. The commission wants to remind the Mayor and Council of our commitment to improved connectivity, and our eagerness to work with you, with the planning commission, with the county, with the college, with the Rockville bicycle advisory committee, or whomever else we can engage to build a city that meets our ambitions for safety and connectivity. We hope you will think of us, and find ways we can work together in an efficient and effective manner to improve our city.

We invite anyone who testifies during a Public Hearing or at Citizens Forum to send us your remarks, which we will consider for publication at Rockville Central as a public service. As with any opinion piece, our publication of an article does not mean we endorse the author’s opinion.