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Letters to the editor As published Aug. 19, 2009 A pre-cooked a deal on Mt. Airy Pathways south of I-70 Mayor Pyatt wrote in the Messenger, “The Secretary of the Environment said as a result of intensive lobbying by Commissioner Julia Gouge the Maryland Department of the Environment [MDE] would not object if Carroll County chose to rezone from Conservation to Industrial Campus property including the headwaters of the Patapsco River—Parr’s Spring and several miles of the South Branch—such that it would no longer have an environmentally protected status, a designation it has had since 1962”. This tells us of a county precooked deal to rezone South I-70 over its long upheld environmental restrictions. Secretary Wilson replied to Pyatt’s statement, “However, to the contrary, I have never discussed this or any specific zoning or annexation issue with Commissioner Gouge.” Wilson does not deny Pyatt’s account – she denies speaking directly with Gouge. However, speaking directly is not necessary for the statement to be true. If your man lobbies my man, it’s the same as you lobbied me. Mr. Horn’s involvement is also apparent. Horn stated from discussions with MDE, that they were positive on rezoning SI-70, and of all areas, MDE had the least issue with SI-70. Why would MDE provide any positive response before the review period, or say they had the least issue with SI-70 – the most environmentally sensitive area in the plan, and one of the most environmentally unique areas in the state? In a July 28 email, Brigid Kenney, MDE planning director, states that, “Beginning in 2007, Mr. Horn, presented various Pathways concepts to MDE. MDE was concerned that some aspects of the conceptual plan could have threatened water quality in Loch Raven, Liberty and Prettyboy Reservoirs. “In this context, MDE said that site south of I-70 near Mt. Airy would be preferable to some others that were being considered by Carroll County as employment centers, because it is not in a reservoir drainage area. Mr. Horn can legitimately characterize these comments as positive; however, the comments were made in the context of preliminary discussions and did not represent MDE's complete evaluation of the draft Pathways Plan as it was later presented to the public.” Director Kenney said “Beginning in 2007,….”, thus an ongoing process involving Horn working to persuade MDE on SI-70. This is called lobbying. The message also says that Horn’s statements regarding MDE’s disposition are made out of context. Horn presented SI-70 to MDE within a manipulative context by offering only comparatives located over drinking water, obviously stacking the deck, with no alternatives. This is a deceitful ploy by Horn using out of context MDE comment gathered from rigged presentation. We should assume the statements from Pyatt, Wilson, and Kenney are truthful. They are also consistent. From Pyatt, Wilson said she was lobbied by Gouge for South I-70. Wilson’s reply does not deny Pyatt, but limits that Gouge and Wilson have not spoken directly. Kenney’s statement adds that beginning in 2007, Horn presented manipulative concepts to MDE involving the area as compared against unreasonable alternatives. Therefore, Pyatt’s account of Wilson’s statement is consistent with Horn lobbying Kenney (MDE) on behalf of Gouge. Everyone so far is telling the truth (except Horn), we just have to read carefully. If Horn acted without Gouge’s knowledge and authority, then he must be fired. Otherwise, staff is properly presumed acting under direction and authority of senior management (Gouge). This sum information indicates that SI-70 has been an attempt to pre-cook a deal to steal equity, push 200 families from their homes, destroy the 624 acre Conservation environment protecting the Patapsco headwaters, and deny the people of Mt Airy their right to self determination by Carroll officials backdoor lobbying the MDE. We deserve the truth and a fair process. A county commissioner cannot sit in judgment of a pre-cooked deal, nor can the zoning commission. Allowing this issue to go unaddressed creates a serious credibility problem regarding standards of conduct for Carroll County Commissioners and staff. Skip Colvin, Mt Airy Base discussion on facts As Carroll County undertakes an important conversation about the proposed Pathways Plan, it is important that the discussion be based on the facts. In his July 15, 2009, column, Mt. Airy Mayor Pyatt alleges I said "as a result of intensive lobbying by Commission Julia Gouge, the Maryland Department of Environment would not object" if Carroll County chose to rezone a property designated for conservation to industrial use. However, to the contrary, I have never discussed this or any specific zoning or annexation issue with Commissioner Gouge. I did have a chance to meet Mayor Pyatt at the recent Maryland Municipal League Convention, and we did discuss the importance of a comprehensive plan. I told him I understood there were difficult issues with the proposed Pathways Plan to work out. The Department of Environment does continue to discuss with the county, its municipalities, and its citizens a variety of critical issues related to comprehensive planning, water and sewer service areas, water resources, and protection of water quality in our reservoirs and streams. Decisions that will be made with the adoption of the County's Comprehensive Plan are critical to the future of the county, its ability to have an adequate water supply and its ability to protect drinking water supplies and streams. We understand that many of these issues are of deep concern to local residents. It's important to note that no commitments or decisions have been made, and we look forward to working with all of the parties on these difficult but important issues. Shari T. Wilson, secretary Maryland Department of the Environment Appalled by behavior It was appalling to view the video clip of our county officials making a mockery of Pathway’s 60-day review procedure and citizens of this county, carroll.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=845. I have heard twice now, officials stating more is done with kind words than a harsh tone. Here is what I find funny. You blind side us with a sucker punch and then cry foul because you don't like the way we fight. Please remember, we did not ask for this. We were chosen. This is the fourth time that we have had to defend our homes, so this may explain the anger in our voices. Since the EDLENS report was fatally flawed and only relied on assumptions and predictions with no analytical data to back it up, our summer has been consumed with doing the county's work for them. Yet the county continues to parrot the assumptions of this report, leading us down the same slippery slope as Eldersburg. One only has to look at the debacle of the county intentions to draw high tech jobs to the Eldersburg area to know we are headed for more wasted taxpayer’s money. I find it ironic that Ms. Gouge's website talks of transparency in the county government but we have learned of memos sent for no government workers to attend the EAC meeting, and pre-wired deals being lobbied with state officials. I have yet to see the transparency from our government. Please remember, respect is not given but earned. And you folks have not earned it with the negligence, contempt, and corruption displayed throughout this procedure. So I do not offer an apology to those standing in the direct line of fire of the citizen's angry voice. Kelly Double, Mt. Airy Clarifying misquoted information I wish to clarify misquoted information regarding the Carroll County Draft Pathways Plan (the Plan), featured in the July 15, 2009 "Mayor's Report." In his report, Mayor Pyatt stated, "... as a result of intensive lobbying by Commissioner Julia Gouge the Maryland Department of the Environment would not object if Carroll County chose to rezone from Conservation to industrial Campus property..." I have not discussed the Plan in any way, with either Mayor Pyatt or Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary, Shari Wilson. In her letter to the editor, dated July 20, 2009, Secretary Wilson states, "As Carroll County undertakes an important conversation about the Proposed Pathways Plan, it is important that the discussion be based on facts... However, to the contrary, I have never discussed this or any specific zoning or annexation issue with Commissioner Gouge." According to Maryland Law, Article 66 B, the Draft Pathways Plan, is at this time, in the hands of the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission. Once the Plan has been finalized and brought before the Board of Commissioners, they will have 60 days to vote for or against the Plan. All comments regarding the Plan should be directed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. I hope this will clear up any misunderstandings. Julia W. Gouge, president Board of Carroll County Commissioners Response to recent Mayor’s Report Dear Mayor Pyatt, Your July 15 "Mayor's Report" in the Mt. Airy Messenger addresses the importance that Carroll County's Comprehensive Plan plays in the protection of sensitive environments. I agree. Ensuring our residents will have enough quality water is a major concern of Carroll County Government. We continue to work diligently with our municipal partners to secure sources for everyone's future. I take issue, however, with two points you make in the column. While I find several questionable statements in your column, I will address two points that need specific clarification. First, you state that the Environmental Advisory Council will recommend the commissioners remove the proposed land rezonings south of Mt. Airy and in Taylorsville from the comprehensive plan. The commissioners will not receive the plan until the Planning and Zoning Commission considers citizen comments and incorporates any changes they deem appropriate. In accordance with state law, the plan will then be passed to the Board of County Commissioners for their consideration. The board can essentially accept or reject the plan as presented. If the board rejects the plan, it will return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further evaluation and consideration of commissioner comments. Essentially it remains a Planning and Zoning Commission plan until approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Second, you imply that planning staff should have attended a July 7 meeting of the Environmental Advisory Council. In a letter dated June 10, I explained to EAC Chairwoman Robyn Gilden that I could not authorize county staff to attend because the plan was not in the hands of the county commissioners. It is important to understand that the Planning Department staff serves dual roles. They work for both the county commissioners and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Under state law, they serve the Planning Commission when working on the comprehensive plan. Hence, their role at the time of the July 7 meeting was of service to the Planning and Zoning Commission. I hope these explanations help to clear the ambiguity surrounding this process. Steve D. Powell, chief of staff Carroll County Thank you for your carnival help The Auxiliary to the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank everyone who assisted in any way with the Auxiliary Food Stand. We could not have done it without your help! The Auxiliary gives a special thank you to Frank Illiano and the Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille for their generous donation of bottled water. Even though we had some type of rain every night, the community participation was greatly appreciated. We wish to thank everyone for their support in purchasing our platters and other menu items. It truly made our week prosperous. The profits will be used to continue our support of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company which is our primary purpose. We hope to see you next year! Peggy Fleming Carnival Chairman, Food Concession Auxiliary to the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Co. Thank you for your support The Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company wishes to thank the community for their support of our annual carnival, which took place from July 20th until July 25th, and was a huge success! Our special thanks to all of the volunteers from the community – without you we couldn't do it! Congratulations to our $4,000 Giant Cash Raffle winner, George Fusco of Mt. Airy, and our $1,000 Cash Raffle winner, Mary Johnson, also of Mt. Airy. Kimberly Ward of Frederick won the Junior Fire Company Raffle prize, a Compaq laptop computer. Again, thanks everyone for your support! The Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company |
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