Steve Hendrix writes in the Montgomery Extra section of today’s Post:
Neither of the mayors of Rockville and Gaithersburg was on the ballot last week, but Nov. 6 proved to be a winning day for both: Most of the candidates they endorsed in nonpartisan races were elected, and those they campaigned against were defeated. As a result, political observers say, neither city is likely to have a significant departure from recent policies and governing styles.
Katz and Drzyzgula said the efforts from outside of the city, which included endorsements and automated calls to voters from Leggett and other Maryland politicians, may have backfired. Both attributed the record high turnout in part to a sense of affront by some residents who resented what they saw as meddling.
Any comments from Leggett or any other politician in the Socialist State of Maryland should not matter. They are out for one thing and that is to pick your pocket clean (they think we are ATM machines), force a socialist form of government in this state down our throats and tell us how to live our life under their thumb. All the time bringing people here illegally to increase the cost, crime and hopefully more votes for them at the REAL taxpayers cost.
Remember Socialism brings misery to it’s citizens, would you like to live in China or Cuba? If the answer is you would not mind then go there. If your answer is NO, do something about it…STARTING WITH RECALLING O’MALLEY AND LEGGETT…
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery
-Winston Churchill
The events surrounding the creation and operations of the group known as One Gaithersburg presents a troubling precedent and legal challenge to our city. As I understand and read of the events, city campaign laws most likely were violated but state laws prohibiting this sort of financial campaign activity in local municipal elections were clearly violated.
Such campaign activities and any involvement by the candidates supported by One Gaithersburg must be dealt with fairly and decisively to demonstrate that the law really does mean something. To not deal with this situation clearly and firmly is to lose control of the election process in the years to come.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. To claim lack of knowledge as to to the purpose and designed activities of One Gaithersburg is to ignore the obvious. No reasonable candidate could ever assume that One Gaithersburg’s purpose was nothing less than to influence the outcome of the election using tactics that quite possibly could be ruled illegal in more than one forum. Although I do believe that at least some of the named candidates were deceived it does not excuse the actions. Should One Gaithersburg and its candidates be found to be in violation of the law and its willful misuse then action must be taken. This should include, if applicable, removal from office and financial penalties. Our citizens were clearly misled and their dedication to the electoral process shaken. Winning at any costs is unacceptable.
I urge the BOSE to act with dispatch to investigate and rectify the situation as soon as possible. To delay or avoid the situation would in itself be a crime against the citizens of Gaithersburg.
Our city and its Council dodged the proverbial bullet during this most recent and historic election. The Council’s refusal to understand that its responsibility to its citizens and legal residents goes well beyond the usual ‘it’s not my job’ form of democracy has been an ongoing problem. I have said publicly for years that the Council is the first line of defense against both internal and external threats. I believe the new Council configuration is now well aware that my warnings were not meant for deaf ears or the faint of heart.
This time the threats came from the office of the County Executive and a confederation of agents of foreign governments and the usual carpetbaggers and scalawags normally associated with such ventures. These interlopers have no real interest in the progress of this City. They resemble nothing more that a swarm of ‘political locust’ who earn their money then move on to another town or city to reap another pay check. They violate the city, county, and state laws with impunity for ‘they’ will not be around when judgment comes. Yes, they left a fifth column within our midst. This must be dealt with. The only real positive is the political damage done to our esteemed Mr. Leggett. His unwanted intrusion into our affairs will never be forgotten. I dare say that Boss Leggett will no longer be able to count on votes or a rubber stamp from Gaithersburg.
To our Council, ‘I told you so!’ Now suck it up and get back into the game. Each of you owes me and the rest of our citizens a full four year term.