Contributor Opinion By Anne Robbins: Employee Compensation Program Unwise And Inappropriate

To All: For many, many months, I have fought this massive employee compensation, and it seemed that nobody, but Phyllis Marcuccio, our Rockville citizens, and members of other governments, have listened to me. Thank you, Randy Alton, for your recognition that residents have heard the call and will respond. Sadly, our friends in other governments, will think twice when Rockville needs a handout, and that day will come. Rockville taxpayers will pay higher fees and the 4th year of a property tax reduction rate has been scuttled, (I had hoped this would be an annual policy), to fund this unwise, untimely, and inappropriate $1.7 million dollar employee compensation plan. (I exempt our employees covered by a union contract, from any reduction, as I honor union contracts.)

Mayor [Susan] Hoffmann has written about ” punishing our hardworking staff” to not give this huge compensation to the Rockville employees; nothing could be further from the truth as I recognize and honor our superior work force, many of whom, I have known for years. I believe that it would give these employees a good feeling to join other governments in making a statement that, “we are all in the same boat”, recognizing that we are all living in the worst recession since after WWII.

Anne Robbins
City Council Member

This contributor opinion is by Council Member Anne Robbins. It is in response to a letter by Randy Alton published in the Gazette.

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Contributor Opinion By Mark Pierzchala: Support Closure Of Princeton Place Fence; Only Open When Smoking Areas Are Provided On Campus

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

One more note. Mark has announced that he is running for City Council. We do not know of other declared candidates yet; as we do, we will try to make sure we provide a balanced forum for all voices.

Dear College Garden Neighbors (via the College Gardens Forum ListServe),

Montgomery College has informed the City of Rockville that with respect to the Princeton Place access to Montgomery College, it plans to “modify and close the opening of the fence to provide immediate relief for the residents. College and city staff agree that immediate relief has to be provided to those residents most adversely affected by the College’s Tobacco Free Campus policy. The College expects to close the opening and erect a new fence beginning as soon as February 28, 2009.”


The information above comes from an internal City memorandum dated February 23, 2009. One of the action items on the memorandum is that there will be a stakeholder’s meeting on March 16 where various options will be presented and feedback from the stakeholders gathered.
Since I’m running for City Council some people including some neighbors would like me to reiterate my oft-stated position on this issue. There are two points: First, given the current Montgomery College policy of absolutely no smoking on campus, I support the closure of the fence to provide relief for the campus’s near neighbors on Princeton Place. The impacts on them have been severe and real. Second, I would support the re-opening of the fence but only if this is accompanied by the implementation of a smoking area on campus. I can’t see any other solution that would provide permanent relief to the Princeton Place residents while re-establishing access.

Please keep in mind that it is Montgomery College that has caused the problem. The Princeton Place residents are defending their children and their property; I can’t fault them for that. We should not allow unilateral action by Montgomery College to cause a rift in our neighborhoods.

With the current MC policy, either keeping the gate open or closing it, would have negative impacts on the community. This fact was clearly established in Citizen’s Forum to Mayor and Council and in testimony to the Planning Commission and the MC Board of Trustees the past several weeks. It is my opinion that the only unifying position for our community is if both College Gardens and Plymouth Woods rally around a position for the College to modify its policy and establish one smoking area on campus.

Other groups, such as the Rockville Bike Advisory Committee should also make the establishment of a campus smoking area central to their efforts to re-open access. Further, I call on Mayor and Council to formally state such a position by resolution. The facts are known and other so-called solutions have been proposed and found lacking. Though I recognize that individual council members have been vocally supportive, it is time for all our elected to go on record and to formally take a clear and strong stand in defense of its neighborhoods.

Yours,

Mark Pierzchala

Contributor Opinion By Art Stigile: Response To Redgate Golfers

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

The following contributor opinion is by Art Stigile.

I read with interest Joe Jordan’s recent contributor’s opinion about the RedGate Golf Course, and I listened closely to the statements made by many golfers at the recent Citizen’s Forum. Golf is not my game, but I understand and respect their passion. I think hockey is life. But if golf is your passion, I hope you can continue to enjoy playing at RedGate for many years.

Unfortunately, nothing that I heard from golfers deals with one very important inconvenient truth. RedGate is drowning in a sea of red ink, and taxpayers are being asked to fork over increasingly large subsidies for as far as the eye can see. Over its first 28 years, golfers paid for all of RedGate’s operating and capital expenses. Since FY99, the golf course has operated in the red every year, except one, despite receiving $600,000 in taxpayers subsidies over the past three years. The current budget projects an FY09 deficit of $275,745 that grows to $388,479 in four years. By the end of FY13, RedGate’s cumulative deficit is expected to exceed $2 million – more than the expenses to run RedGate for one year. Red seems to be the appropriate color for the golf course.

Who’s paying for this? Taxpayers.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. In May 2006, Mayor and Council approved a Five Year Business Plan for RedGate. (See here.) The Plan promised to put RedGate “in the black” by FY09.

By any measure, the Plan has failed.

The Plan identified two key ingredients to success – average dollars spent per round, and total rounds played. Below are the Plan’s projections for both measures and results to date. Results have fallen far short of the Plan, and the results for FY09 will not be any better, given the sharp drop in rounds played last summer.


I have 2 questions for golfers. Why should we taxpayers subsidize golfers? How much subsidy is enough?

The closest thing to answer that I’ve heard is that the City subsidizes other recreation, so why shouldn’t it subsidize golfers? I’ll tell you why. I pay high taxes, with no complaints, to fund services that benefit all of us – a first-class police force, good roads, conservation of our natural resources, snow removal – and to provide opportunities to less fortunate folks who are struggling to stay afloat in the worst economy in 35 years. I don’t expect to pay high taxes to subsidize middle-class adults who can afford to pay for their favorite recreation.

If golfers disagree, if golfers feel they are entitled to a taxpayer subsidy, then I have a suggestion. The Community Services section of the Rockville budget provides funding to nonprofits that provide social services to the needy. Let’s add a line for Taxpayer Subsidies to Golfers. That way, golfers can come down to City Hall each year and explain to Mayor and Council and to all taxpayers why they have a higher priority than folks who are finding it hard to stay in their homes and pay for their kids’ health care.

Frankly, I’d rather spend my tax dollars helping the truly needy.

There is an alternative. Increase fees immediately by $7-8 per round of golf, and it would eliminate the annual deficit.

Art Stigile

Events In Rockville 2/19/09 – 3/1/09

Pick of the Week

2nd Science Cafe
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
6:30 PM at Branded ‘72 (formerly O’Brien’s)
Science Cafes are gaining in popularity and now we have one here in Rockville! Of course we do! Mac West, an evolutionary biologist will be speaking at this event sponsored by the Rockville Consortium For Science. Incidentally he was the consultant hired by Rockville to report on the proposed science center, which we heard much about during last week’s discussion on Rockville Central Radio about the Pink Bank. Save room for Darwins’ 200th birthday cake!

Events in Rockville

This community event listing is a partnership between Rockville Central and Rockville Living. If you would like your community event to be listed, you must submit your request through Rockville Living using this form. Your event will be considered for publication in Rockville Central’s events listing and Rockville Living’s Calendar. We need your help collecting and posting events — that is how this resource will get better and better. Please become a regular contributor by requesting a username so that you can enter the information directly to the database. We publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. Please be advised that all of the event information is contributed by readers and event details can change. You should check with the source before attending. The inclusion of events is at our discretion.

Thursday, February 19

10:00 am
Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info

10:15 am
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info

12:00 pm
Free SCORE Business Plan Development Session at Rockville Public Library Write your business plan with the assistance of SCORE counselors and research librarians. Entrepreneurs may come back each week until their plans are completed. Each participant must bring a USB or flash drive to download and store their business plan between sessions. To register, phone 240-777-0001. Before your first session, go to www.score.org/template_gallery.html and dowload the following onto a USB drive, review them, and bring to the library:
-Business Plan Template; Sales Forecast (12 months_); Start-up Expenses; Opening Day Balance Sheet; Projected Balance Sheet; Breakeven Analysis; Cash Flow Statement (12 months); Cash Flow Statement (4 years); Competetive Analysis; Personal Financial Statement; Profit and Loss Projection (12 months); Profit and Loss Projection (3 years); and Financial Forecast. more info

1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Assertive Communication Skills for Women at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center In this workshop, you’ll learn how to express your opinions, feelings, attitudes and rights more effectively with your family, friends and co-workers, and without undue anxiety. $30, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

1:30 pm
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info

6:00 pm
Spanish Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library Practice and improve your Spanish through conversation. Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30. more info

6:00 pm
African American Book Discussion Group at Rockville Public Library The African American Book Discussion Group of Rockville Library will meet in Meeting Room One, on the first floor, and discuss the book “Sula”, by Toni Morrison. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate. For additional information, contact Dianne Betsey at 240-777-0078. more info

7:30 pm
Meet Bryan Prince, author of A Shadow on the Household: One Enslaved Family’s Incredible Struggle for Freedom at Barnes & Noble Bryan Prince will speak about his new book, A Shadow on the Household, about the Weems family of Montgomery County and their struggles to free themselves from slavery and reunite. Shannon Prince, dressed in 19th century garb, will bring several of the characters to life with brief re-enactments. There will be an opportunity to buy the book and have it signed. This event is co-sponsored by Barnes & Noble and Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation, Ltd. More about the book and author more info

Friday, February 20

10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info

10:15 am
Storytime for 2’s and 3’s at Rockville Public Library Stories and activities for ages 2-3 with an adult. more info

Saturday, February 21

10:15 am
Cuddle ups for walkers at Rockville Public Library Stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 12 to 24 months, with an adult. more info

1:00 pm
Craft for Kids at Twinbrook Library Join us for a craft for all ages run by 4H Club volunteers.
“Bark, Bark, Do Art” 1:00pm-3:00pm. more info

9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: Under Cover Band at The Potomac Grill The Potomac Grill is Proud to present to you: The Under Cover Band: UnderCover is Rock n’ Roll …distilled down to its roots…. Danceable, Fun, Lots of Energy… more info

Sunday, February 22

1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Annual Student Art Show at Glenview Mansion Art Gallery at Glenview Mansion Students who live or attend school in Rockville, grades K-12 are invited to deliver 1 piece of 2-D or 3-D artwork on February 22nd between 1pm – 3pm to be exhibited in Rockville’s annual Student Art Show. The exhibit will run from March 1 – March 24, 2009.
more info

Monday, February 23

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Improve Your Memory at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Memory problems? The good news is that memory quality and capacity can be improved with exercise. Come to this workshop and learn the appropriate exercises to improve your memory. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

6:45 pm
CONVERSATION CLUB at Twinbrook Library Join us for our informal conversation classes, as we practice speaking English every Monday at 6:30pm. New members are always welcome, no need to register. more info

7:00 pm
Act it Out Kids Book Club at Rockville Public Library For children in grades Kindergarten, first and second grades. We will share stories and act them out. Please register at 240-777-0140. more info

7:15 pm
American Sign Language Practice Club at Rockville Public Library Volunteer coaches will be available to help participants practice sign language. Participants must have already taken a sign language class. Drop in, registration is not required. For more information, contact Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community at drcinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-0001 or TTY # 240-777-0902. more info

Tuesday, February 24

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Negotiating Salaries and Benefits at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Knowing negotiating strategies can help when you’re seeking a position or want to improve your present job. You’ll learn concepts and techniques in this workshop that can help your career. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info

10:30 am
Preschool Storytime at Twinbrook Library Stories, songs, fingerplays, chants, and a short simple craft.
more info

6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Conflict-Resolution for Couples at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center This workshop gives couples a framework to use to tackle small conflicts and reach resolution through negotiation goodwill, and the communication tools learned in our “Let’s Talk” workshop. [Prerequisite: must have taken the "Let's Talk" workshop.] Couples only; limited to 10 couples. Must be interviewed (by phone) before registering. Call Louise Hanson at 240-777-8300. $20 per person, payable at registration. more info

6:30 pm
Rockville Science Cafe at Branded ‘72 Join us at the Rockville SCIENCE CAFE, an informal gathering at Branded ‘72 (previously O’Briens), to celebrate Darwin’s 200th birthday. Dr. Mac West, an evolutionary biologist, will be the speaker.

8:00 pm
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Julia Fischer, violin at Music Center at Strathmore No classical music library is complete without the iconic recordings of this fabled ensemble, beloved for their “marvelously etched, musicianly performance” (The Birmingham Post, England). In this 50th Anniversary U.S. tour, the Academy is joined by Gramophone Magazine’s 2007 Artist of the Year, violinist Julia Fischer.
BRITTEN Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge
BACH Violin Concerto in A Minor
BACH Concerto for Violin No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1042
WALTON Sonata for Strings
Program subject to change
NEWS! January 28, 2009: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Julia Fischer’s album, released January 27, 2009, shot straight to the number one spot on the Billboard Classical Music Chart! more info

Wednesday, February 25

6:00 pm
Crochet Club at Twinbrook Library Join us every Wednesday as we meet to learn and/or practice our crocheting skills. more info

8:00 pm
Chris Chandler & Paul Benoit and special guest Pam Parker at Branded ‘72 “Don’t expect a typical folkie. Chandler has been called ‘a performance poet’ whose wordy creations owe as much to the traditions of theater and slam poetry as to music. If he had been born in another time, Chandler would have been a roaming minstrel or an edgy court jester. As his press materials assert, ‘Today, gritty road warriors do the same — outside the castle walls of corporate America,’ and Chandler calls himself ‘a troubadour road warrior.’ ” — The Washington Post

Thursday, February 26

10:00 am-12:00 pm
When a Loved One Leaves Home at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center If a loved one has moved out, your family dynamics change. Join us in this workshop, where we’ll talk about the emotions you may be feeling, the changes in your home life, and steps you can take to make your home nurturing place for you, filled with positive memories and new dreams. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To registe or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:00 am
Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info

10:15 am
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info

1:30 pm
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info

6:00 pm
Spanish Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library Practice and improve your Spanish through conversation. Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30. more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. Half-price preview performance on February 26. more info

12:00 pm
Free SCORE Business Plan Development Session at Rockville Public Library Write your business plan with the assistance of SCORE counselors and research librarians. Entrepreneurs may come back each week until their plans are completed. Each participant must bring a USB or flash drive to download and store their business plan between sessions. To register, phone 240-777-0001. Before your first session, go to www.score.org/template_gallery.html and dowload the following onto a USB drive, review them, and bring to the library:
-Business Plan Template; Sales Forecast (12 months_); Start-up Expenses; Opening Day Balance Sheet; Projected Balance Sheet; Breakeven Analysis; Cash Flow Statement (12 months); Cash Flow Statement (4 years); Competetive Analysis; Personal Financial Statement; Profit and Loss Projection (12 months); Profit and Loss Projection (3 years); and Financial Forecast. more info

Friday, February 27

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Divorce Legal Seminar, Part II (child-related issues) at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Attorney-led overview of legal and physical custody, visitation, child suport and health insurance. Offered monthly. [Non-child-related issues covered in Divorce Legal Seminar, Part I, on Feb. 13.] $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Perfectionism at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Is your self-worth based on achievement? Do you selectively see your mistakes but not your accomplishments? In this informative and supportive seminar, you’ll learn realistic steps you can take to successfully manage your perfectionist tendencies. $20, payable a registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info

10:15 am
Cuddle ups for pre-walkers at Rockville Public Library Stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 0-12 months, with an adult. more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. There will be a half-price preview performance on February 26. more info

Saturday, February 28

10:15 am
Storytime for 2’s and 3’s at Rockville Public Library Stories and activities for ages 2-3 with an adult. more info

11:00 am
Family Storytime at Twinbrook Library Join us for a storytime designed for families with young children. All ages welcome. more info

7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Open Mic Night at Pump House Open Mic night. All ages welcome. No amps required (unless it’s very small). Bring your own munchies and NON-alcoholic beverages. Space limited. Send questions to hausheercs@yahoo.com more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. There will be a half-price preview performance on February 26. more info

9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: Sherwood Blues at The Potomac Grill more info

Sunday, March 1

2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents The Merry Widow at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater VLOC presents Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow. This operetta is an intoxicating whirl of elegant ladies, eligible bachelors, can-can dancers and ever-flowing champagne.
Tickets: $20 Adult, $15 Senior and Student. There will be a half-price preview performance on February 26. March 1 is Community Outreach Day. Two students (15 & under) are free with each paying adult. There will also be backstage tours and children’s activities. more info

If you attend an event, we invite you to write a Contributor Review. Just send it in and we will consider it. Rules: Event is in Rockville; fairly recent; article is your work; you are not offering it for publication elsewhere. Try to keep it under 500 words; we will edit for length. Include a photo if you have one!

Contributor Opinion By Carl Henn: The Five Trees Agreement For Princeton Place

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central authors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

The following contributor opinion is by Carl Henn.

The Montgomery College smoking issue is expressed in sharp relief by two neighbors who spoke at the Planning Commission hearing last week.

One Princeton Place mother asked a smoker to please move from in front of her house. The smoker yelled back three times to “mind your own business and watch your children.” Further testimony spoke of constant littering, drinking, bottles and broken glass, aggression towards residents, parking problems and drag racing. No one should have to put up with that.

Another parent related that she has two disabled children. Her older son attends Montgomery College, but isn’t able to drive due to his disability. Walking up Princeton Place is a short, safe journey. If the access is closed, his walk would be increased by about a mile down poorly lit and heavily trafficked roads. The woman fears that closing the gate will close off Montgomery College from her son’s life options. Person after person spoke of using the access to get to class, attend events, catch the bus, play tennis, walk dogs and more. The ability to walk and bike in America is suffering death by a thousand cuts, and we in turn are suffering the diseases of the car dependent – obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

What we need is a solution that protects the quality of life for residents on Princeton Place and preserves access between the college and community. Such a solution is possible. Neighbors and city staff confirm that there was no problem at Princeton Place before the smoking ban. If students are given a nearby place to smoke on campus, the smokers would move over, particularly if the City simultaneously bans smoking in Princeton Place and perhaps restricts parking as well.

There is a perfect place for such a smoking area 50 yards south of Princeton Place where 5 large trees demark an area where the college’s perimeter fence takes a turn back into woods. It’s shaded and pleasant, well marked by the fence and the trees. It is at the far end of the parking lot and just about the same distance as Princeton Place is from the class buildings so that it wouldn’t encourage smoking through greater convenience.

This solution is blocked by the Montgomery College Board of Trustee’s refusal to consider any limitations on its smoking ban. The Board claims that their policy is a moral issue so that compromise isn’t possible. But it isn’t moral to push your problems onto your neighbors. The Board has another motive. They have wanted to close the gate ever since they got a security audit in 2003 that recommended “defining the college perimeter.”

Fencing off bike and pedestrian access won’t enhance security. The College’s own emergency evacuation plan shows Princeton Place as the escape route for 6 buildings. 2003 was the height of America’s paranoid reaction to 9/11 — the year we invaded Iraq. It is time for a level headed reassessment. The security consultant’s recommendation to define the perimeter should be implemented by putting a “Welcome to Montgomery College” sign at the access point on Princeton Place.

2003 was also the last year that oil production increased. Since then we experienced 5 years of oil production plateau. Oil prices doubled, doubled again and finally popped our real estate bubble and collapsed our economy into its present dire straits. Oil production is falling in most oil producing countries. When we leave the current plateau, it will be in the downward direction. The world is becoming a smaller place where barriers to pedestrians become barriers to prosperity. Over half of MC’s buildings have no bicycle parking. They should put in bike racks, not fences. The Board wouldn’t push so hard to close the gate if they truly understood our energy problems.

College representatives also present the “slippery slope” argument, claiming that an agreement here will lead to a slow reversal of their campus-wide ban. But since there is no other similar access point anywhere around the campus, there is no reason for establishing any other smoking areas. Regardless, any further change would be under the control of the Board of Trustees. The argument has no merit.

Police rarely ticket you for doing 58 in a 55 zone. They have the discretion to ignore minor violations. The Board wouldn’t need to rescind their smoking policy, even for this one small smoking area. They could post signs at the small area 50 yards south of Princeton Place between the parking lot and the fence reading “Smoking Policy Non-Enforcement Area.”

Perhaps posting such a sign would feel like a defeat to the Board. What is needed isn’t defeat or compromise — it is a compassionate, thoughtful agreement. They could post a series of statements on the trees that delineate the smoking area such as:

We do not wish to push our problems out into the surrounding community.

Sometimes a compromise that protects the community is better than rigidly enforcing a policy, even when the policy is well intentioned and generally sound.

We didn’t mean to hurt our neighbors, and responded compassionately when we realized the harm our actions caused.

Smoking cessation aid is available through Student Services.

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Placing these statements on the five trees that delineate a small smoking area just south of the current area of conflict, together with direction to the security staff that they are to focus their smoking enforcement efforts elsewhere would be all we need from the College to solve this problem. The City should also designate Princeton Place as a nonsmoking area and implement permit parking on the street in order to end the current problem. Call it the “Five Trees Agreement” if you will.

The Board of Trustees to date have expressed no interest in such a solution. They need to hear from us that we insist that they reconsider their position. The Board can be reached at Trustees@montgomerycollege.edu and their board meetings are open to the public as described here.

Carl Henn

Contributor Opinion By Joseph Jordan: Connect The Dots On Redgate

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central authors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

The following contributor opinion is by Joseph Jordan.

I have been hesitant to write an opinion piece on the controversy over how Redgate Golf Course will be managed. My hesitancy stemmed from weighing what might be best for the “factory”…the golf course itself, versus what would be best for the Redgate staff, residents of Rockville and the men, women and children that enjoy what Redgate offers. After Monday’s amazing outpouring, it is obvious to me, the City must keep management of Redgate with the City.

If you have been following the story in the Gazette and Sentinel, or watched the Council meeting Monday, you know the City is moving in the direction of turning the management of Redgate over to a third party, viz. the Montgomery County Revenue Authority. Brad Rourke covered the essence of what went on during Citizen Forum Monday. Over 60 people turned out in support of the City keeping management of the golf course within the City, and 25 to 30 of those spoke publicly to that point. While Brad did “..note that the depth of support did appear to move members of the Mayor and Council…”, it is my opinion all it did was maybe slow down an inevitable conclusion. Here is why I think that, and I welcome differing views.

First of all, it is extremely frustrating trying to get opinions made public because the Council has decided to meet every other week rather than weekly, and the Gazette and Sentinel are weekly publications. I love the idea of Rockville Central, but doubt it is seen by as many people that follow Council meetings or read the paper. So, here is what I want Rockville Central readers to do…please connect the dots on this Redgate business. I said from the very start that this was on a fast-track, a moving freight train that would be difficult to stop, or even slow down. However, as stated above, we did slow it down a bit this week. Why? Consider what was said by Councilmember [Piotr] Gajewski and Mayor [Susan] Hoffmann at Monday’s meeting..”…of course we will take public comment.”, “…we will of course have a hearing.”

Okay, now consider the facts stated by the City Manager, Scott Ullery, in this week’s Gazette. The target date to consummate the deal is April 1. The draft lease is expected to go before the council on March 23rd, which will be in general session. Without too much strain on the brain, one can deduce that, before the turnout Monday, the council will have had to vote on the decision that evening in order to meet the April 1 target date. To now say a public hearing will be held the following week, March 30th, and was always going to be held, is disingenuous at best. This, no doubt, would move the date for the Revenue Authority to take over because I assume the council will have to wait for the next council meeting to vote, which would be April 6th.

What is at issue is more than who manages Redgate. The issue is how our City government has chosen to do business. I continue to maintain things were done behind closed doors to prevent such outpourings as Monday and to get the deal closed as quickly as possible. The timeline was about as short as you could get it and still do business in a responsible fashion. I don’t want to see this swept under the carpet like other issues we still have no answers to, such as the Town Center pavers debacle. I believe we need to have all the facts on the evolution of this proposed deal. When did discussions start? Who was in those discussions? Who initiated the deal? Were RFP’s or RFQ’s sent to other golf course management companies? If not, why not; if not, were there even informal discussions with other management firms?

A public hearing is great, but to paraphrase the newly-former governor of Illinois…let’s hang him…wait, he’s entitled to a fair trial….right, let’s give him a trial then hang him.

Regardless of where you stand on whether or not Rockville should own and manage a golf course, please consider expressing your opinion at the public hearing on the 30th of March. You don’t have to a golfer. If you think the City should not run Redgate, come and tell them that and why. Likewise if you have an opposite view. But remember this, every Parks and Recreation facility and program is open to residents and non-residents, not only the golf course. Remember, every operation under Parks and Recreation gets taxpayer subsidies…not one I am aware of pays for itself, and Redgate is one that does (on a cash basis) or comes closest, and ask yourself why the golf course is the only amenity in the Parks and Rec department that remains an Enterprise Fund, exposing it like no other amenity, and not placed in the General Fund. I know it is a long way off, so write it on your calendars. Post your opinions here on Rockville Central. Watch a replay of Monday’s Council meeting on TRC 11, or at your convenience on the City website.

I won’t have many friends in City Hall these days, but I am passionate about this idea of openness and transparency. You should be too.

Joseph Jordan

Events In Rockville 2/12/09 – 2/22/09

Pick of the Week

Celebrate Black History Month with
The 14th Annual African-American Heritage Production
Featuring The Finest! Youth Performance Troupe
Friday, February 13, 2009 at 8 PM
Saturday, February 14 at 2 PM
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre

This year it’s “Broadway Bound” where you’ll learn about African-American performers, activists, inventors, and educators and their contributions to American society. Here’s how the City press release describes the performance: “Set in New York City on Broadway, the show features portrayals of everyday people going about their lives as well as Josephine Baker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The performance includes scenes from “Raisin in the Sun,” “Purlie,” “Sarafina,” “Fences” and “The Color Purple” and a rousing dance number from “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk” that will have the audience tapping their feet.”

Check out the cool myspace page for Kashi-Tara and Kelly Chauncey, who are back in Rockville to bring out the absolute best artistic abilities of our youth. They go beyond choreographing to teaching life lessons. The 40 cast members range in age from 5 years through adulthood and they’re all from the Rockville area.

Tickets for the show are $15 adults and $10 seniors 60 and older and children 12 and younger. To purchase tickets call the Box Office at 240-314-8690 or visit in person between 2-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are also available online or from performers in the show.

Events in Rockville

This community event listing is a partnership between Rockville Central and Rockville Living. If you would like your community event to be listed, you must submit your request through Rockville Living using this form. Your event will be considered for publication in Rockville Central’s events listing and Rockville Living’s Calendar. We need your help collecting and posting events — that is how this resource will get better and better. Please become a regular contributor by requesting a username so that you can enter the information directly to the database. We publish event listings occurring in & around our coverage area (map) on Thursdays. Please be advised that all of the event information is contributed by readers and event details can change. You should check with the source before attending. The inclusion of events is at our discretion.

Thursday, February 12

10:00 am
Conversation Club at Twinbrook Library Join us for a weekly session of informal English conversation practice. New members are welcome, no need to register. more info

10:15 am
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info

12:00 pm
Free SCORE Business Plan Development Session at Rockville Public Library Write your business plan with the assistance of SCORE counselors and research librarians. Entrepreneurs may come back each week until their plans are completed. Each participant must bring a USB or flash drive to download and store their business plan between sessions. To register, phone 240-777-0001. more info

1:30 pm
Preschool Storytime at Rockville Public Library Stories, music, and action activities for ages 3 1/2 to 6. more info

6:00 pm
Spanish Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library Practice and improve your Spanish through conversation. Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30. more info

6:00 pm-8:00 pm
International Association of Administrative Professionals Montgomery County Chapter Meeting at Rockville Public Library “Setting Yourself Apart in a Competitive Market: How Working with a Staffing Agency Can Advance Your Professional Edge”
Presenter: Mr. David Lakner, Account Executive, Ultimate Staffing 6:00 Networking/Light Refreshments; 6:30 Program. Members: $5, Guests Free. It’s past the RSVP date of 02/10 charlotte.iaap@gmail.com more info

7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Social Bullies: Dealing with Cliques and Exclusion at Rockville Senior Center Every day thousands of teens wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students of all races and classes. Bullying has everyone worried, not just the kids on its receiving end. Yet because parents, teachers, and other adults don’t always see it, they may not understand how extreme bullying can get. People used to think of bullies as the big kid on the playground taking your lunch money. Today, girls and boys are using less direct techniques to bully such as forming cliques, exclusion, rumors, and teasing. These bullies are less likely to identify their behavior as bullying. Come and explore these behaviors and discuss strategies for helping bullies, victims and bystanders. Children and teens welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. Call: (240)-314-8620 to register or go to www.rockvillemd.gov and click on enroll. Course #26791. For additional information contact Cynthia Bangali, Program Coordinator at (240)-314-8317.

8:00 pm
Town Hall Meeting with Councilmember Piotr Gajewski at Rockville City Hall Councilmember Piotr Gajewski will lead a townhall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. at Rockville’s City Hall. The agenda for the meeting will include a discussion of topics, such as the budget and taxes, appointment of the new in-house city attorney, Bealls Grant II, RedGate Golf Course and the Twinbrook Plan. “Given the difficult fiscal climate, I especially look forward to hearing from citizens with ideas on what the City’s budgeting priorities should be as the Mayor and Council begin work on the FY10 budget,” Gajewski said. The meeting will be held in the Black-Eyed Susan room at City Hall, located at 111 Maryland Ave. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 240-314-8280.

Friday, February 13

10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Dealing with Workplace Stress at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Whether you’re grappling with new policies, programs and procedures or trying to do more with less, this workshop can help. You’ll learn how to channel workplace stress and frustration into cooperative, creative action, greater productivity and team-building. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Divorce Legal Seminar, Part I (non-child-related issues) at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Attorney-led overview of grounds for divorce, spousal support, property distribution, settlement agreements, choosing an attorney, and methods of dispute-resolution other than litigation. Offered monthly. [Child-related divorce issues covered in Divorce Legal Seminar, Part II, on Feb. 27.] $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

10:15 am
Cuddle ups for pre-walkers at Rockville Public Library Stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 0-12 months, with an adult. more info

8:00 pm-10:30 pm
The Finest! Broadway Bound: African-Americans on Broadway at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater The Finest! presents the 14th Annual African-American Heritage Production.
Broadway Bound: African-Americans on Broadway.
Enjoy a sampling of the arts and techniques African-Americans have contributed both on and off stage. Tickets $15 Adult, $10 Senior and Children more info

Saturday, February 14

10:15 am
Storytime for 2’s and 3’s at Rockville Public Library Stories and activities for ages 2-3 with an adult. more info

11:00 am
Family Storytime at Twinbrook Library Join us for a storytime designed for families with young children. All ages welcome. more info

11:00 am
Dinner Specials All Day for Valentine’s Day at The Potomac Grill Enjoy The Best & Most Affordable St Valenetine’s Specials on The Pike. Have your pick of The Best Selling Entrees of The Year All in One Special Night Price is $38.00 All Including, Salad, Dessert, Soft Drink, Coffe, and Your Pick off Six Fabulous Entress

2:00 pm-4:30 pm
The Finest! Broadway Bound: African-Americans on Broadway at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater The Finest! presents the 14th Annual African-American Heritage Production.
Broadway Bound: African-Americans on Broadway. Enjoy a sampling of the arts and techniques African-Americans have contributed both on and off stage. Tickets $15 Adult, $10 Senior and Children more info

2:00 pm
Puppet Stories at Rockville Public Library Kaydee Puppets will perform “The Princess and the Pea” and “The Little Red Hen’s Wacky Week” for children ages 3 to 8.

9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: Skyla Burrell Blues Band at The Potomac Grill “With a female vocalist whose voice jumps out and grabs you by the blues, The Skyla Burrell blues band is the real deal in a solid package that stays true to the real meaning of their genre.”
- St. Croix Music Magazine

Monday, February 16

6:30 pm
CONVERSATION CLUB at Twinbrook Library Join us for our informal conversation classes, as we practice speaking English every Monday at 6:30pm. New members are always welcome, no need to register. more info

Tuesday, February 17

10:00 am
English Conversation Club at Rockville Public Library The English Conversation Club, for new speakers of English, meets every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.(in meeting room #1 on Tuesday and meeting room #2 on Friday) of the Rockville Library. No registration is required. more info

10:30 am
Preschool Storytime at Twinbrook Library Storytime for 2-5 yr olds include stories, songs, rhymes, stretches, and a simple craft.<br> more info

6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center This trusted and widely-used personality assessment will identify your personality type. With that knowledge, it can help you improve your work and personal relationships by understanding how different personality types relate to each other. Offered monthly. $50, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Caring Communication for Couples at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Each person in a relationship has different ways of expressing affection and love. In this workshop, you’ll learn to recognize what you and your mate each need to feel loved, respected and secure. You’ll also gain valuable insight into understanding each other’s ways of communicating. Couples only; limited to 10 couples. Must be interviewed (by phone) before registering. Call Louise Hanson at 240-777-8300. more info

7:30 pm
Twinbrook Book Club at Twinbrook Library Join us every third Tuesday as we discuss the choice of the month.<br>Everyone is welcome, no need to register. more info

Wednesday, February 18

6:00 pm
Crochet Club at Twinbrook Library Join us every Wednesday as we meet to learn and/or practice our crocheting skills. more info

6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Divorce, Money and You at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Come to this workshop to learn about the potential financial consequences of divorce and how both partners can get equitable financial settlements at divorce. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

6:30 pm-9:00 pm
Getting Paid To Talk: An Introduction to Voice Overs at Rockville Senior Center This exciting class will explore numerous aspects of voice over work for television, film, radio, audio books, documentaries and the internet in your area. We will cover all the basics including how to prepare the all-important demo, how to be successful and earn great income in this exciting field. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and to hear examples of demos recorded by professional voice actors. Class participants will even have a chance to record a commercial script under the direction of a professional producer. This class is informative, fun, and a great first step for anyone interested in voice acting professionally. Fee: $21 Registration Information: (301)762-4284 more info

Thursday, February 19

1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Assertive Communication Skills for Women at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center In this workshop, you’ll learn how to express your opinions, feelings, attitudes and rights more effectively with your family, friends and co-workers, and without undue anxiety. $30, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

7:30 pm
Meet Bryan Prince, author of A Shadow on the Household: One Enslaved Family’s Incredible Struggle for Freedom at Barnes & Noble Bryan Prince will speak about his new book, A Shadow on the Household, about the Weems family of Montgomery County and their struggles to free themselves from slavery and reunite. Shannon Prince, dressed in 19th century garb, will bring several of the characters to life with brief re-enactments. There will be an opportunity to buy the book and have it signed. This event is co-sponsored by Barnes & Noble and Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation, Ltd. More about the book and author more info

Saturday, February 21

9:00 pm
Live Music Saturday Night: Under Cover Band at The Potomac Grill The Potomac Grill is Proud to present to you: The Under Cover Band: UnderCover is Rock n’ Roll …distilled down to its roots…. Danceable, Fun, Lots of Energy… more info

Monday, February 23

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Improve Your Memory at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Memory problems? The good news is that memory quality and capacity can be improved with exercise. Come to this workshop and learn the appropriate exercises to improve your memory. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

Tuesday, February 24

10:00 am-12:00 pm
Negotiating Salaries and Benefits at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center Knowing negotiating strategies can help when you’re seeking a position or want to improve your present job. You’ll learn concepts and techniques in this workshop that can help your career. $20, payable at registration; early registration recommended. To register or for more information, visit our website or call 240-777-8300. more info

6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Conflict-Resolution for Couples at Montgomery County Commission for Women Counseling & Career Center This workshop gives couples a framework to use to tackle small conflicts and reach resolution through negotiation goodwill, and the communication tools learned in our “Let’s Talk” workshop. [Prerequisite: must have taken the "Let's Talk" workshop.]
Couples only; limited to 10 couples. Must be interviewed (by phone) before registering. Call Louise Hanson at 240-777-8300. $20 per person, payable at registration. more info

8:00 pm
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Julia Fischer, violin at Music Center at Strathmore No classical music library is complete without the iconic recordings of this fabled ensemble, beloved for their “marvelously etched, musicianly performance” (The Birmingham Post, England). In this 50th Anniversary U.S. tour, the Academy is joined by Gramophone Magazine’s 2007 Artist of the Year, violinist Julia Fischer.
BRITTEN Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge
BACH Violin Concerto in A Minor
BACH Concerto for Violin No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1042
WALTON Sonata for Strings
Program subject to change
NEWS! January 28, 2009: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Julia Fischer’s album, released January 27, 2009, shot straight to the number one spot on the Billboard Classical Music Chart! more info

If you attend an event, we invite you to write a Contributor Review. Just send it in and we will consider it. Rules: Event is in Rockville; fairly recent; article is your work; you are not offering it for publication elsewhere. Try to keep it under 500 words; we will edit for length. Include a photo if you have one!

Contributor Opinion By Temperance Blalock: Clean Up The Old Giant Parking Lot

The following contributor opinion is by Temperance Blalock:

Saturday night I sprained my left ankle in the “Old Giant” parking lot on North Washington St. Despite the fact that I live across the street from that parking lot, work right next to it, and walk through it or past it every day, I didn’t realize how truly dangerous it can be until I stepped into a pothole in a spot with no overhead lighting. While the parking lot looks merely run down during the day, at night it becomes a treacherous derelict.

The “Old Giant” building has been empty for many years now, and once that store closed the parking lot passed into a vague status. The lot is very large, and presents an “empty” break in the line of sight in downtown Rockville. It has become a heavily trafficked route for automobiles, since drivers like to use it as a short-cut between Hungerford Drive and North Washington, bypassing Beall Ave. That isn’t too much of a problem during the day, but at night it becomes very dangerous because the traffic lanes are not clearly defined, and thus drivers casually careen through the lot, choosing their own route regardless of parked cars or pedestrians.

The businesses that operate out of the “parking lot building” next to Gateway Tower have become increasingly popular, particularly Bobs 66 Noodle restaurant, which has a great reputation throughout the large Asian community. The Beer/Wine/Deli is also always busy, though it doesn’t generate the same volume as Bobs 66. Last Saturday night there were scores of cars parked near those businesses, which is what forced me to park in the center of the lot. When I stepped out of my car, into the darkness, I stepped almost immediately into a pothole in the asphalt, and painfully twisted my ankle.

The asphalt surface of the parking lot is in terrible shape, full of potholes. The parking lot is not lit at night, meaning that drivers and pedestrians are in danger of collision with each other. The entire place looks trashy and run-down, diminishing the attraction of nearby Town Center.

I started working at Gateway Tower in the summer of 2001, and the old Giant store was closed about a year later. Since then, the status of that piece of land has doubtless been the subject of great controversy and negotiation, of which I know very little. All that I do know for sure is that seven years is an excessively long time to allow such a large piece of real estate to crumble and deteriorate. There is no sign that it will be developed in the near future, but in the meantime there is the potential for physical danger to the people who walk and drive in that lot, and the customers who patronize those businesses. It’s time that the owners or managers of that lot be held accountable for its appearance and physical condition.

Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors as well as other guest columns. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central. We encourage you to contribute too! To submit your piece for consideration, contact us.

Contributor Opinion By John Britton: State Of The City Reprise

[Note: a draft version of this article was inadvertently published. Its content was the same, but formatting was not included. Here it is properly set-up. Sorry for the confusion.]

The following Contributor Opinion is by City Councilmember John Britton:

I am reminded of the old adage: “Never a dull moment in local politics.” Well maybe not so old and maybe not an adage just yet, but ever so true.

As you may have heard, Mayor Susan Hoffmann will not be in attendance at the public gathering scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th. Alas, I think it unfortunate as we will miss her contributions to the public dialogue and other musings that may occur; one less perspective for the mix. The public will have to corner her another time! But, as they say (a la Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland), the show will go on. Councilmember Marcuccio and I still intend to carry on and present our perspectives on all things past, present and future, well at least those things that may be within City jurisdiction and reflect on the state of the city. And we hope our discourse can have some positive effect on the public weal. So, same place – first floor meeting room, Rockville Library; same time – February 11th, 7 p.m.; same issues – anything. All are welcome.

Remember: Buy Rockville! Save your appetites that evening for dining in Rockville Town Center either before or after the public gathering. Think of shopping a bit as well. And by all means, just don’t stop at the first floor of the library. Go inside and take advantage of our beautiful flagship library and check out a book, CD or DVD, or just enjoy the people and the surroundings.

Councilmember John Britton

Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors as well as other guest columns. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central. We encourage you to join the growing list of contributors! To submit your piece for consideration, contact us.

Further Information On Tonight’s WECA Meeting

The following is by Bridget Newton:

The meeting tonite is a meeting of the WECA Committee on Beall’s Grant II which includes representatives of MHP. It is not a Mayor and Council Meeting as is stated on their website (Meeting 3 – 09 February 5, 2009) nor is it a discussion between the Mayor and Council, WECA and MHP as was earlier announced on the city website.

To give an update on the status for tonite’s meeting, Councilmembers Robbins, Marcuccio and Britton have declined to attend. As there will no longer be a quorum, this meeting does not fall under the Maryland Public Meetings Act. Councilmember Britton has requested that the announcement of the meeting be removed from the city’s website as an official Mayor and Council meeting.

Tho our meetings are not “closed” meetings, we are a working committee and our charter is to “work with MHP to come up with a plan that is an asset to both the West End and MHP.” To date, we have made significant progress in defining our goals and principles for this important project. We have presented these principles to MHP and are looking forward to their response.

Unfortunately, the information recently published on Rockville Central misrepresents the process that we have tried to implement in the wake of earlier mishandling. By including verbiage from a Draft Agenda that Cheryl Kagen created and sent to the committee chairs, Dennis Cain and myself, Rockville Central is playing an unwitting role in the continuing drama in this already delicate situation. As Committee Chair, Dennis has responsibility for setting our agenda as he does each week. Tonite’s agenda does not include “community feedback” or a “mini-charette”. MHP is presenting their revised proposal to the Committee tonite. It would be premature and counterproductive to seek community feedback before the committee has had an opportunity to evaluate their proposal and how well it reflects the committee principles.

We had hoped to give an update on our progress at the January WECA meeting but that meeting was canceled. We look forward to giving the update in February and hope to be able to present the Committee’s recommendation to the WECA membership at a future General Membership meeting.

In the meantime, if any resident of the West End has questions about this project or the process, please feel free to contact either myself or Dennis Cain.

Respectfully,
Bridget Newton

Rockville Central welcomes contributions from all members of the Rockville community — including (and especially) ones that critique Rockville Central itself. Simply send them our way for consideration.