Candidates eyeing 2010 begin races

Two challenge sitting commissioners

Friday, July 10, 2009

If that adage holds true, La Plata resident Johnnie DeGiorgi will be sitting at a Charles County commissioner's desk next year.

As of Thursday, DeGiorgi was the only person to officially file with the county for the 2010 primary election as a county commissioner candidate. He is listed as a Democrat for District 2, which is currently represented by commissioners' Vice President Edith J. Patterson (D)

"I wanted to be the first one to file," DeGiorgi said proudly on Wednesday.

On May 3, 2007, not only did DeGiorgi blow out birthday candles, he also announced his decision to run, having lost the election a year earlier.

"I'm hoping to be able to make a difference," DeGiorgi said earlier this week. "I know how to talk to people out in the community. I think residents need someone who is in tune with them. I want to talk about what is close to [the people's] hearts. I'll listen till the cows come home."

DeGiorgi said his platform lies in communication with residents, as well as pursuing affordable housing and supporting fire and emergency services.

"I'm going to look at that office as a full-time job," DeGiorgi said. "I don't want to consider this as a part-time position where I'm only doing half the work I should be doing."

DeGiorgi will be running against incumbent Patterson, who confirmed this week she would be seeking re-election.

"There is a lot of concern for quality of life for [Charles County] residents," Patterson said. "I want to make sure that all of us have an equal chance for that."

Patterson said she would adopt a similar platform from her 2006 campaign, championing education, creating jobs, affordable housing and fiscal responsibility.

Arguably just as punctual as DeGiorgi is Swan Point resident Ken Robinson, who tossed his hat into the ring in January by registering a campaign finance committee with the state for the 2010 election.

Though he is not on the county's list just yet, Robinson confirmed he would have his name on the District 1 list as a Democrat by the end of the week.

"There are a lot of things the county needs some new direction on," Robinson said. "I keep hearing about plans … but nothing gets done. I think it's time for new blood that can hopefully make things happen."

A Charles County Board of Zoning and Appeals member since August 2008, Robinson said he is interested in growth management, water and the environment, transportation, infrastructure and transparency within the government.

Commissioner Samuel N. Graves Jr. (D) said he will defend his seat against Robinson.

A former captain with the Charles County Sheriff's Office, Graves said he has not decided when he will officially file, but will be running for the same seat, contrary to rumors he would be pursuing another office.

"I'm very happy with the commissioner seat, even though it's where the rubber meets the road," Graves said. "[In 2006] I ran as a ‘commissioner for the people.' I think that's what I've tried to be and what I plan to continue to be."

Charles County commissioners' President F. Wayne Cooper (D) and Commissioner Reuben B. Collins II (D) have both confirmed they will run again for office, though neither the two men nor anyone else has filed to contest their seats.

Cooper said among his top priorities are education, jobs in the county, transportation and guiding the county through a tough budget and financial times.

"It's going to be a difficult few years, and I hope people recognize the experience here," Cooper said.

In a similar vein, Collins spoke of the course the current board has set for the county and the hope to continue down that path in office.

"We've put in play significant changes in the overall operation of the county, and unfortunately change isn't always the prettiest thing," Collins said. "I want to continue that course and continue the projects that we've put in place."

Collins said he would focus on the housing authority, Waldorf urban plan, a light rail system and development of the Indian Head technology park.

Commissioner Gary V. Hodge (D) confirmed in an e-mail that he would be seeking re-election.

"What I'm focusing on every day is achieving the goals I set during my campaign in 2006, addressing the vital issues facing our community and making progress toward our vision for the future," Hodge wrote. "During the months ahead I'll be thinking about how I can be of greatest service to the people of Charles County in the years to come."

Hodge remained quiet on the rumors as to whether he will pursue the president's seat or run to hold his position as representative for District 4.

"I haven't made a definite decision," Hodge said.

Though 24-year-old Charles County Democratic Central Committee member Matthew T. Simpson announced his plan to run for register of wills in late May, only incumbent Susie C. Bowles' name graces the board of elections' file.

The law school student went on record two months ago saying, "It's time that Charles County has a new face in politics and a new generation of leadership."

Bowles (R) has held the position for two decades.

"In this particular job, I think experience counts," Bowles said in an earlier interview. "I don't think it has anything to do with youth, or not [being young]. It's a job you really have to know. It's very complicated, and there are a lot of facets to being register of wills."

She is currently the subject of an ethics investigation surrounding her request to be added to the county retirement system while receiving a state pension.

Leonard C. Collins Jr., the state's attorney in Charles County for the past 20 years, recently announced he won't be running for re-election in the upcoming race. Instead, Collins (D) is backing Deputy State's Attorney Anthony B. Covington (D), who made public his candidacy last month.

Although they haven't filed, three people have declared they will be running for county sheriff. Sheriff Rex W. Coffey (D) is entering a bid for re-election. Retired sheriff's officer Dave Williams (D) is also campaigning, as is Jesse Williams (D), who works for the patrol unit of the sheriff's office.

Declared party candidates and unrecognized party affiliates for the board of commissioners have until July 6, 2010, to file with the county's board of elections.

msomers@somdnews.com