Primary 2010 endorsements

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010

In next week's primary election, Charles County Democrats and Republicans will choose their nominees for the general election in November. The Maryland Independent's endorsements in the contested primary races are:

U.S. House of Representatives — Democrat

As majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat Steny Hoyer has influence and has used it in ways that have benefitted many of his constituents in Maryland's 5th District, particularly federal workers and those whose work is associated with Southern Maryland's military bases. He deserves credit for working effectively to bring his district more than its share of federal support. Because of his leadership position, he also deserves a share of the credit — and the blame, depending on your point of view — for what Congress has done and not done during the last two years in the aftermath of the financial system's near-collapse and the subsequent deep economic recession. Hoyer's leadership platform, including his support of the health care bill and his disregard for the tea party movement, has justifiably angered some Southern Maryland voters, but his ability to keep our bases as viable economic engines for our economy has earned him our endorsement.

U.S. House of Representatives — Republican

Charles Lollar is an articulate, hard-charging Republican candidate in Maryland's 5th District. He campaigns with a conservative message that has attracted attention and support from those energized by the tea party movement, and he also understands that to be effective and to serve his constituents as congressman, he would have to reach out and work with people beyond that movement and beyond his party. His background in the U.S. Marine Corps, the work he already has done to meet with and listen to those associated with the district's military bases and his pledge to be a forceful advocate on behalf of the people and projects at those bases make him the strongest candidate on the GOP ballot.

House of Delegates, District 28 — Democrats

There are seven Democrats in this crowded race for three spots. These are seven people, many of whom bring much experience and knowledge that you would want an elected official to possess. Experience is important, and Charles County is lucky to have two delegates who are running to retain their seats in the Maryland House of Delegates. Sally Jameson and Peter Murphy excel at constituent service, something many people believe is lacking these days from the people who are elected to represent them.

During her second term, Jameson has quietly developed a reputation as a leading voice on energy issues. Her leadership role with the National Conference of State Legislatures has given her the opportunity to testify before federal panels examining nuclear energy policy. As a former executive director of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Jameson has an appreciation for small businesses, which will be a big focus this year and beyond as the economy continues to sputter. Her successful advocacy this year for a bill that changes how traffic court dates are issued demonstrated her desire to find efficiencies in government, something that legislators in Annapolis need to look at more closely.

Murphy isn't flashy, and he's not a prolific bill sponsor. On the surface, Murphy appears to have few legislative victories during his first term. But his even-keeled and thoughtful approach to issues is the exception in the partisan-fueled atmosphere of Annapolis. Murphy excels at coalition-building and is Southern Maryland's lone representative on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which oversees all tax proposals and education policy. He's a strong advocate for the environment and senior citizens. With a full term under his belt, Murphy offers stability in the delegation and a grasp of complicated and critical issues that will arise in the next four years.

We believe political newcomer C.T. Wilson is a good choice to round out the trio. He's young, energetic and extremely personable. That will go a long way to help him forge relationships with his colleagues. Working well with others is important when you are but one representative in a group of 141. His challenging upbringing, military service and legal background — he's prosecutor in the region — would serve him well. Those life experiences will offer some keen insights into how what our legislators do in Annapolis affects the lives of the ordinary citizens whom he would represent.

House of Delegates District 29A — Republican

There are three Republican candidates in the primary to represent northern St. Mary's and a portion of Charles County in the House of Delegates. They have nearly identical views on most issues. Joe DiMarco, who holds deep and sincere conservative views on social issues, is hoping for a rematch of his race four years ago against incumbent Del. John F. Wood Jr. He and candidate Henry Camaioni answered questions from the audience at a candidate forum held in St. Mary's County. Matt Morgan did not. Morgan is an otherwise dynamic, well-spoken and energetic candidate, but said he thought it somehow unfair that Democrats in the audience who have no primary opposition could listen to the GOP debating points. This kind of focus on political gamesmanship is disappointing in a candidate out to challenge the old way of doing business in Annapolis, and it makes this race a difficult choice for voters, with no clear favorite.

County commissioners

It has been a tumultuous few years for the current board of commissioners, to say the least. We've been critical of the board's handling of several issues: most recently the disbanding of the county's economic development and tourism department, the board's general lack of transparency and the ill-conceived plan for affordable and work force housing in Newburg. The latter was signed, sealed and delivered to the neighbors in the Cliffton on the Potomac community without allowing them one word of input. And those are just a few instances in the past few months.

We could go back to last fall when the board members took the issue of giving themselves pay raises to a public hearing when they could have nipped that discussion in the bud. They could have simply said "No, thanks, not this time around" (that's how the governor and the legislature handled the issue).

In the midst of furloughing county workers, they also took criticism for purchasing county SUVs for their use and renovating their meeting space in the county government building. But they pushed on, garnering what we believe to be valid criticism from constituents.

We've also seen the group struggle in the past month or so without its president, Wayne Cooper, at the helm. He was the man in charge, and we've not see much indication that the remaining four didn't simply do as he told them to. That is not leadership, and that is why you won't see those candidates listed among our endorsements.

It is time for change in county government, starting at the top.

In the Democratic primary for commissioners' president, we endorse Candice Quinn Kelly.

One of the first tasks the new board must tackle is to restore the public's faith in its government and its leaders. And we believe that the hardworking Kelly is in a good position to do that. She understands why bringing everyone to the table in discussions is key to moving the county forward and making sure the citizens are being heard. Kelly has some experience sitting behind the commissioners' desk (she served for 17 months as a commissioner in the mid-2000s) and has shown to be the best candidate in the commissioner race, with the depth of knowledge of the issues and insight on what it takes to serve on the board. She also has a well-thought-out plan for moving economic development forward. That is crucial for the county.

In the Republican primary for the board's president, Jack Cheseldine and Jim Thompson have some similar thoughts on how the county should proceed. Both men have a commonsense approach to government. But we contend that Thompson would be the better choice. He has a better grasp of the issues currently facing the county. We were disappointed at a recent forum when Cheseldine took a pass on a very important question dealing with property taxes. When one is in the running to lead the board of commissioners, there's little time for on-the-job training. One must go in from the start with ideas on how he would fix the problems. Thompson seems better prepared to do that.

Ken Robinson is our choice for commissioner in the District 1 Democratic primary. Robinson has a reputation for being a good communicator. That is something that could be very useful as a new board begins to try to regain the trust of the citizens and restore confidence in government. Robinson is bright and has proven that he is a consensus builder. He also has proven that he is an independent thinker. His ideas on transit show he is trying to find different ways to solve problems. The District 1 winner will face Republican Scot Lucas in the general election.

A crowded field of four is running in the Democratic primary for District 2. We would give the nod to political newcomer Leo Bachi Eyombo. Eyombo is a local businessman and isn't afraid to take an unpopular stand on issues. He voiced concern about six years ago about the location of a medical clinic in the western part of the county. He said then that the clinic should be moved to a more central location where it could serve more people and be a more efficient use of taxpayers' money. His idea was met with resistance, but it is now the decision that the county and clinic officials have made. The winner in this primary will face Republican Rick Campbell.

Voters will have an opportunity in the District 3 Democratic primary to choose another candidate who has some experience in a commissioner seat. Al Smith, too, served as a commissioner from 2001 to 2006. He's never been afraid to speak his mind. When he was a commissioner, he very often disagreed with his fellow members. The discussion was always lively, and that is something the current board has been lacking. Smith's never been one to idly sit by and not fight for what he believes in or give opinions that many in the community often hold. We recommend a vote for Smith.

On the Republican side of the ballot, Eric Vrem is the better choice. Though he ran unsuccessfully in 2006, Vrem has spent the past four years building an extensive community service résumé and is more versed this time around on the problems facing the county. He served as president of the Waldorf Jaycees, the county's premier nonprofit organization, which touches all aspects of life in the county, be it schools, law enforcement, health and human services. His work with that group has provided him the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of people in the county.

The District 4 race also is packed with four unknown Democrats vying to meet Republican Don Derencin in the general election. Joe Lehan is the best choice in this race. He is knowledgeable about issues now before county government. He appears to have a good understanding of what kind of work is ahead for the new board. Again, he's another independent thinker. That is something the new board will need.

State's attorney —– Democrats

The race for Charles County state's attorney's will be decided in the primary. The two Democrats — Tony Covington and Hammad Matin — both are running for the first time. The winner will inherit an office with a solid statewide reputation for being tough on criminals. The two are vying to replace Leonard Collins, who has held the position for nearly 20 years. One is running on a campaign for change. The other is touting his experience. We believe Covington's prosecutorial record makes him the best choice. He already has earned the endorsement of his boss, Collins, one from Maryland's Attorney General Doug Gansler and another from the local Fraternal Order of Police.

Between the two candidates, there is no comparison. Covington has practiced law for more than 18 years; about 13 of them have been spent as a prosecutor.

Covington, by far, has more courtroom experience than Matin. He has prosecuted more homicide cases than any other attorney in the county. His opponent never has prosecuted a murder case. He's made thousands of grand jury presentations; his opponent has presented none. Another aspect of the job involves supervising and guiding the other prosecutors in the office. Many of them have more experience than the opponent.

Covington also spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force where he earned experience in administration and personnel. These are other duties of the state's attorney which Covington is well-equipped to handle. In this race, we believe that experience does matter and should be the deciding factor in who runs the state's attorney's office.

Sheriff — Democrat

Every four years the county experiences a divisive campaign for sheriff. The department is divided; the rhetoric is heated. But when it's all said and done, regardless of who gets elected, the job of maintaining law and order continues and everyone gets back to work to see that the citizens of our county stay safe. The county is lucky that its sheriff's department has been managed well for decades. That is a fine testament to the men and women in the office.

In the Democratic primary for sheriff, there are four individuals with varying degrees of experience in law enforcement. All have different personalities and different ideas about how to run the office. We liked a lot of what we heard from all of them, particularly 25-year veteran of the office Dave Williams. But the bottom line is the department hasn't experienced many major problems. Charles County has seen a double-digit reduction in crime during the past year. Police presence on our streets and in our neighborhoods never has been more visible.

When it comes times to give credit, then that credit must go to incumbent Sheriff Rex Coffey. We see no reason why the citizens shouldn't return him to office.

In the primary, the field of 19 will be pared down to 13 in the race for the Charles County Board of Education. The Independent will endorse in that race closer to the general election.