Gubernatorial Candidate David Craig visits Government Center

Folks, I know that there’s an old saying that says, “It ain’t over until it’s over,” but reality is starting to sink in regarding the fate of the North Point Government Center.

However, that doesn’t mean that the community has to like what’s happening. And, we can hope that—like a good boxer—the issue won’t go down for the count without a heck of a fight.

Anyway, it seems that eastside politics have reached the top of the state’s political chain—the race for Governor—as GOP Gubernatorial David Craig stopped by our beloved Government Center for a tour of the “now on life support” facility. Mr. Craig listened attentively as selected members of the community spoke on some of the issues facing the property’s development.

For example, some residents have a beef with the potential impact on home values. If this was my blog (and it is), I would say that it does not take a genius to understand that the future will not be “bright” for residents surrounding the basketball courts. Or, more accurately, the future will be too bright.

So, for those that don’t get this reference, let me explain. You see, the courts will be lighted, and those lights will butt right up to people’s homes. That means that people used to a modicum of privacy and the welcome darkness of twilight will be subjected to a well-lit nightmare. And that has the potential to lower the value of those bricks and mortar by plenty of dollars and cents.

So much for “community input” on the matter. You remember that whole “give me a call to discuss your issues” speech, right? If not, here is a quote from my blog:

“Mr. Weinberg tried the conciliatory act and said there will be many meetings. He then offered his card to anyone who wanted to chat about any issues.”

It was a nice, but empty, gesture, it seems. From what I have heard and witnessed, every phone call placed to the number on the card has gone straight to voice mail. Also, questions about when the next meeting will be held to get more community input have gone unanswered.

I’m beginning to think that the folks at Vanguard are ducking the subject.

Here is another little ditty from the “money talks and citizens walk” crowd that is at the core of our county government:

“This is just part of the process. We are in the early stages and we want input from the community.”

(Blogger’s note: Good luck with that.)

Now, I’m no umpire, but I believe that I made the right call on that one. “Citizens, yer outta there!”

Sad to say, but this is the county’s standing operating procedure (SOP) when dealing with the voters—at least the ten that voted on the east side.

After all, this SOP has been practiced not only for the Government Center sale, but regarding the armed guards in elementary schools, Fort Howard, the Chief Johnson “where do you live” mess (speaking of which, the Chief now supposedly resides on a “battleship” in the county, pun intended), and a host of other issues as well, like the fire house in Towson and Mays Chapel.

That’s a lot of SOP-ing, folks.

Too bad Mia Biggs dropped out of the council race. Her command of the facts sadly put Dundalk in the poverty stricken area among other sections of the county, but the rumor is that could play into the ultimate plans of Mr. Weinberg. Apparently, once he signs the check, we may have a brand new convenience store/car wash/rest stop for the new Americans flocking to the area, as well as anything else the developer’s heart desires.

But I digress…

Back to Mr. Craig, who did not try to take over the meeting like some other well-heeled political types; rather, he seemed profoundly interested in the community’s plight. He toured the theater and other sections of the Government Center, where he saw firsthand what will be history in the making when the county sells park land to a developer.

This all reminds me of the fundraiser held by Connie DeJuliis at the “state-funded” Green Turtle, where all discussion about the “silliness” (as Mr. Kamenetz called it) over stealing campaign signs was avoided like a communicable disease.

To wrap this up, I want to say kudos to Mr. Craig for taking the time to see how the county operates. At the very least, I am quite sure he learned what not to do if elected Governor.

To see who was at the meeting, please view the posted photos. And, to you other folks out there, the PUD (or, as I prefer to call it, the “MUD”) process mumbo jumbo is listed as well. 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to go make sure that the life support machine for the Government Center is still plugged into the socket…