Cecil County Council GOP Candidates: Anti-Government ‘Campaign for Liberty’ Faction vs. Problem Solvers, Economic Development Backers
Republicans running for the Cecil County Council in this year’s June primary election squared off Thursday night in a political forum, with two chief factions emerging in the contests– local education and economic development backers and problem-solvers contrasted with allies of the state and national anti-government “Campaign for Liberty” organization. But there were also some nuanced positions in the middle.
The forum, which was sponsored by the Cecil County Republican Club and held at the county administration building in Elkton, was largely polite and restrained in tone, under strict guidelines for decorum set in place by the club’s president, Steve Moore. (Husband of County Executive Tari Moore.) But one candidate, incumbent Councilor Diana Broomell (R-4), did get a “warning” from Steve Moore when she burst into laughter at comments of another candidate. Under the forum’s format, questions were posed to one candidate at a time but other candidates running for any seat had the chance to offer a rebuttal comment.
Only three of the five County Council seats are at stake in this year’s election: District 2, currently represented by Joyce Bowlsbey (R); District 3, currently represented by Michael Dunn (R); and District 4, currently represented by Broomell (R). All three incumbents are seeking to return to their seats. Candidates run at-large, meaning that voters all over the county can vote for candidates from any district.
Challenging the incumbents are two staunch backers of the “Campaign for Liberty” (C4L) group—which is aligned nationally with Sen. Rand Paul and his father, Ron. Robert Willick, chairman of the Cecil County C4L group and an admitted political newcomer, is running against Dunn. Chris Zeauskas, who chairs the county’s GOP Central Committee but is a backer of C4L, is running against Bowlsbey.
C4L “is no compromise,” Willick said. “We happen to believe the extremes define the middle” and his approach to politics and government is “pulling people out from the center out to the right.”
Michael A. Dawson— a former one-term, one-vote winner as a Perryville town commissioner and a frequent county political candidate— has been less visible in the C4L organization but voices identical views to the group’s anti-government positions. Dawson (known locally as MAD Dawson to differentiate him from Michael W. Dawson, another Perryville resident who is running for county Register of Wills on the ballot as “Good Mike” Dawson) ran unsuccessfully against Broomell and Moore in the GOP primary for county executive in 2012. He is now running against Broomell for Council, after earlier filing but then withdrawing as a candidate for a state Senate seat in 2014.
Dawson got one of the few laughs of the night from a room-filling audience when he introduced himself by saying, “I was trying to think of a nickname but apparently all the good ones have been taken.” In response to a question, he dismissed the facts that he pulled out of the Senate race, only filed for Council a few hours before the deadline for candidacy, and his home is for sale as irrelevant, and said that if elected he and his family would rent a home in the county.
In contrast to the C4L devotees, Bowlsbey—a former Gore executive, Chamber of Commerce leader and architect of successful efforts to convert Cecil County to Charter government– and two other candidates emphasized their community, business and county government volunteer experience. They outlined their views on fiscally-responsible promotion of education and job training, economic development, and infrastructure in the growth corridor to attract business, to expand the tax revenue base and job opportunities as investments in the county’s future.
George Patchell, executive director of the county’s YMCA and an active volunteer in youth groups, is running against Broomell and MAD Dawson in District 4. Dan Schneckenburger, an engineer and longtime member of county business and economic development advisory groups, is running against Dunn and Willick in District 3.
Bowlsbey, Patchell and Schneckenburger outlined what they were “for,” and not just “against,” in responses to questions at the forum. All three said they supported the county’s acquisition of the Basell property, which will be converted to a modern vocational-technical school. (Broomell and Dunn voted against the vo-tech facility project as county Commissioners and Council members.)
“We need a skilled workforce to fill the jobs that are going to be created,” Bowlsbey said, as the county seeks to attract new business and expansion of existing business in the county. A skilled workforce is a key factor in decisions to locate a business in a community, she said.
Zeauskas, Bowlsbley’s opponent, strongly opposed the tech schools project during the forum, saying that students should get job training through private employers’ “apprenticeships” as he did as a ‘floor sweeper’ at a Baltimore steel mill, rather than through county schools’ education programs.
On the county’s economic prospects, Schneckenburger said he was “bullish” on the future of the county’s economy and “Cecil County has great potential.” He added that he was “a fiscal conservative” and mindful of taxpayers’ wallets so the county only “spends within our means.” But some investments, in job training and infrastructure in the county’s growth corridor, he said, would pay off in the long run. Expanding the business tax base, he said, is the key to easing the burden of providing basic services to residents without boosting homeowners’ taxes.
But MAD Dawson, a former Prince George’s county police officer, proposed eliminating any county spending on economic development activities and said that money should be given to law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs. He did not address the socio-economic and health-related aspects of drug addiction.
Patchell said the county needed to focus on “business retention” of current employers, so they don’t move out of the county, as well as attracting new employers. And the county needs to consider economic/family issues, such as the high proportion of low-income students in county schools, leading to drop-outs and drug usage. “That’s unacceptable,” he said. Job training would help address that issue, he added.
On other issues, Willick, an electrician from Rising Sun, said he was upset that the county libraries spent money on video games for patrons to borrow, opposed building a countywide park at Calvert that he thought the private sector should build, and advocated cutting county school funding to the state-mandated “maintenance of effort” minimum level. He also said the county should strip out unnecessary regulations, such as adherence to a national electrical standards code, “and stuff like that.”
Candidates were asked about the “dysfunctional” local Republican Party, which has been divided for the past several years between business-oriented members and allies of the Smipkin political organization led by Del. Michael Smigiel and former state Sen. E.J. Pipkin. The Smipkins, who control the current county GOP central committee, were responsible for smear attack mailings against fellow Republicans such as Moore and Council President Robert Hodge (R-5) in the last GOP primary election.
MAD Dawson, who is also running for the local GOP Central Committee, said party members “gotta man up” and be “honest” that the Republicans should not be “one big tent.” He said he didn’t care that “95 percent of the people can’t stand me.”
Willick, who is also running for a seat on the county’s GOP central committee, said Republicans “should stop trying to be Democrats light.” And, Willick added, he thought a Council member should use the position as a “bully pulpit” on issues such as gun ownership rights, and speaking out on such matters in Annapolis “should be first priority.”
Meanwhile, the usually silent at Council meetings Dunn spoke more during the forum than he probably has in the past three-plus years as a Councilor. “I’ve been a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars,” Dunn said. And he said his time on the Council gave him an “insight” into budget issues that his opponents lacked. He also said he had been a “voice of calm and reason” on the Council and “an independent thinker.”
Dunn, who is also running for a seat on the GOP Central Committee, said he thought it was a good sign that there were so many Republican candidates running in the party’s primary for Council.
Schneckenburger said that GOP infighting was counter-productive and attacks on fellow Republicans were “coming from people who probably like to fight more than come up with solutions.” And he said his “mindset” is “finding a solution” to a problem, rather than complaining or attacking others on an issue.
Meanwhile, Broomell found herself in the unusual position of being on the defensive, in contrast to her usual attack-mode at County Council meetings. She supported the Calvert Park, unlike some C4L candidates, and tried to portray herself as an anti-establishment candidate. She said she spent more time than any other Council members attending local meetings and various state issue sessions in Annapolis. Broomell also emphasized her votes against the county budget and county spending on upgrading the Seneca Point sewage treatment plant. “We have to live within our means,” she said.
But, as she often does at Council sessions, Broomell couldn’t resist getting in verbal shots at entities she perceives as opponents. She launched yet another attack on the Cecil Guardian weekly print newspaper, without actually mentioning it by name, that seemed to go over the heads of all but the most regular attendees at county meetings.
[UPDATE: A big thank you to Bob Laird, who videorecorded the Council candidates forum and has uploaded it to Youtube. We know it took a lot of hard work and time for Bob to upload his video. You can see it here:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLisNbLc203mRJDuzPUbZFvCHXowbT6Ujp
Be careful when those seeking election start speaking about expanding the tax revenue base, this means only one thing, their coffers are expanding and your wallet will be shrinking!
You could go back in the woods behind the Elkton Acme and find better candidates.
Those poor folks in the woods would be better managing the taxpayer’s money and doing more with less than some of the current ones running the government.
Perhaps, Joe, but we aren’t thinking about the same people, are we?
I am talking about the free spenders.
Wow, in a desperate (and obvious) attempt to help certain candidates while trying tarnish others, Ms. Schwerzler somehow missed reporting on Bowlsbey’s comments supporting Common Core and Schneckenburger’s attempt to deflect questions about his appearance on “Green TV”, his support for “Green” executive orders and his ties to liberal organizations like the Delaware Valley Green Building Council.
It’s all good though, I’d much rather be the candidate that liberals like Ms. Schwerzler oppose than the one she supports. It’s very telling.
Wow! Having attended the forum I can attest to the accuracy of this story. The writer reported the facts.
Many citizens support Common Core while many others don’t. And how would you replace the money that the state and federal government attached to Common Core?
We citizens need to self-educate rather than rely on others. A biased reporter might have mentioned that the Campaign 4 Liberty MD State Coordinator, Ted “The Planner” Patterson, is a full time employee of the U of D and is a leader in planning and implementing “green” projects. Campaign 4 Hypocrisy? Willick should denounce Patterson.
Bob,
More telling was the line of questioning which seemed to be very slanted against the “not chosen ones”, while most of the questions were designed to help the “chosen ones”! While Mr. Moore did a good job managing the event, I felt the line of questioning was not fair and many times were redirected by Mr. Moore to help the home team! Actually it was not surprising at all, the big spenders will go to any length to retain their strangle hold on power at the expense of the average taxpayer.
Joe,
I felt the opposite. We would need to see all the questions proposed by the audience in order to gauge bias. I submitted four questions, none of which was asked. The Three Amigos claimed to be “fiscal conservatives” and will have cost the county millions in lost opportunities. The average taxpayer benefits from commercial development, as the increased tax base allows for a reduced tax rate.
bob,
Is that why, Harford County taxes are less than Cecil county’s–Not!! The Free Spending Three are plunging the county into hopeless debt! No opportunities were lost, the rate payers won when Artesian walked away from the wastewater because public utilities in MD are guaranteed a return on investment (translation profit), the county just has to break even. Rate payers win!! Infrastructure can be put in, just have those who benefit foot their fair share of the cost. What is your problem with that??
I have no problem with people paying their fair share. How would people who subsequently connect to a main line with laterals reimburse those who paid initially?
Joe,
If you are going to compare Cecil and Harford, you should also compare the unemployment rate which is almost 1% higher in Cecil. The median household income as of 2009 in Cecil was $60,500, up only $10k since 1999, while in Harford it was $76,187, up $20k from 1999. The median salary is approximately 27% higher in Harford than Cecil, yet cost of living is only almost 3% higher.
According to 2009 statistics, we have 11% of our population living in poverty, while Harford has only 6%. Harford beats us in both high school and college degrees per capita. We have a comparably lower tax rate than many of the counties in MD, but we also have higher unemployment, higher levels of poverty, lower levels of education, and a lower median salary.
Joe, your attempts to attack me for trying to “help the ‘chosen ones'” are without merit, and misplaced for a Republican of your experience and credentials.
Since you were present at the forum for the Cecil County Council candidates, you know everyone in the audience had the same opportunity to ask questions of all candidates via the question form. The questions asked came directly from the audience present. Your accusation that the questions were unfair and many times “redirected” to “help the home team” is patently false. By design, our format to allow rebuttals prevented me from selectively posing the questions for one candidate versus the other.
Of the submitted questions, there were many on both sides that were quite accusatory and therefore I rejected them as personal attacks. There is no doubt in my mind that some of these rejected questions would have caused personal embarrassment and the anticipated responses would have resulted in a complete loss of the appropriate Republican civility and decorum that the Republican Club desired for the evening.
As confirmation of the fairness of my questioning, I offer the exact words of Mr. Willick and Mr. Zeauskas in their response to my message that they had not been endorsed by the Republican Club. Mr. Willick responded, “Thanks for the heads up and the opportunity to participate. Once again, great job on running a clean forum.” Mr. Zeauskas added, “Ok. Thank you for a well run debate.” The remainder of the candidates offered similar, but spoken “Thank You’s” to the Republican Club, with some remarking on how they expected a “set up” instead of a fair, respectful Republican debate over the real issues facing our County.
My hope was that the remainder of the Primary season could have been focused on the positions of the Candidates instead of the rancor and personal attacks that were prominent prior to our forum Thursday evening. I still believe that this ideal is still possible, but only to the extent that Republican leaders like you and I serve as examples to those with less tenure with the Republican Party. I am committed to do my part, and I hope that I can count on you for your part in this leadership responsibility.
Steve Moore
President, Republican Club of Cecil County
Steve,
I told you that you did a good job. You maintained control, but in my opinion and that of several others at the forum, the questions were definitely slanted against the “not chosen ones” and at one point you left the initial person questioned (Dan), rebut his own question.
You attempted to throw a “high and tight fastball” to Mike Dunn concerning the discord within the party, but he hit a “home run” off of you. The discord in the party is caused by candidates who run as Republicans, then act as Democrats once elected raising fees, taxes and debt. You also engaged in verbal sparing with Diana Broomell, when it was not warranted.
I know that at least two tapes were recorded of the whole event, perhaps you could arrange for one of those or both of the tapes to be displayed in their entirety so that those who were not there can draw their own conclusions. Yes, I have worked hard to build and make Cecil County a Red county, but it sickens me when people do not keep their word with the voters and party after being elected,. This is why I am not running for Central Committee after being elected three straight times.
Jackie,
So how is raising sewer and waste fees going to help all these poor folks in Cecil County. Sounds like it will make it worst!
According to the county code, sewer and waste services are an enterprise fund, meaning it must be self-funding and self-sustaining. A fee for a service is not a tax any more than your Delmarva or Comcast bills are “taxes.” If the government is overcharging and making a profit on its fees then that needs to be addressed, but no evidence has been provided to show that is the case. In fact, an independent audit of the waste water fund showed the opposite.
As inflation occurs in the economy, the cost of providing these services goes up, just like anything else. I can understand that people don’t want to pay the increased fees. I don’t like to pay more for inflated food prices at the supermarket either, but that’s the way the market works. Personally, I favor privatizing waste water services. We had an opportunity to at least partially do that a couple of years back, but Diana Broomell torpedoed that with her anti-property rights friends at ARCA and CLUA. And we the taxpayers ended up paying for related legal fees she incurred without the board’s approval as she was looking for ways to sabotage the contract.
The other big curveball that several candidates tried to throw was that Cecil County taxpayers are paying for enterprise activities with general tax revenues. This is false and to my knowledge has not happened at the county level, but is being used as a scare tactic to justify huge increases in fees for sewer and solid waste. This is all being orchestrated by those who want the current users to fund the infrastructure on RT 40 that will benefit those who own property along the corridor.
I have no problem with the installation of infrastructure, but those who benefit should foot the bill through project bonding as has been done in other projects throughout the county. Unfortunately, those who are pushing the most want a free ride on the back of the current rate payers. They have even gone as far as transferring funds from the solid waste division (landfill) to the wastewater fund. This is a recent change which is part of the grand plan!
Bob,
The new customers would pay for their portion of the project and the bond payments can be used to retire the project debt. My point is no free rides for anyone, like what is being proposed.
I think the service areas should be prioritized based on likely hood that it would be used for industrial uses, not more housing as we currently have at Charlestown Crossing. What happened to the commercial portion of that project, conveniently forgotten! People keep saying we do not want to look like New Castle County, but that is exactly where we are headed.
Don’t you wonder why our County executive (T. Moore) received $4000 dollars in campaign donations after she was elected from a prominent Harford County developer?? Enough said!
How would the “new customers” pay? They would have to reimburse those who funded the original line. Who will set the cost? Complex accounting would be required to determine current value versus original cost when connecting years later. Those who run lateral lines from the main would reimburse costs of the main. Too complex. This argument has defeated “development in the growth corridor”.
“Grand Plan”?The grand plan has been infrasruture in the growth corridor for almost 50 years now.Broomell and Dunn voted against the funding of it AGAIN and coaxed the way too diplomatic Hodge into recusing.So how’s this for a “Grand Plan”:the clueless two prevent county growth and send county jobs across the state line AGAIN and presto chaingo no JOBS.
Why did Hodge recuse himself? Because it would have run in front of his NE business. As I have said, we need to prioritize the project, build were we get the greatest return. If sewer was put in that short section, would Hodge suddenly hire more people??
Joe, your narrow focus is frightening. This project was about filling the gap in infrastructure in our growth corridor. This has been a goal in our community for decades, part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan, and a necessary component of being able to attract business here. Will Hodge hire more people because of it? Probably not. But it could be a deal clincher for the currently undeveloped property in that section.
Mary Ann,
As I have said before and I will say again, I am not against infrastructure, but it must be paid for by those who are benefiting, just like it was in other parts of the county. Also, how much other land already exists which has services available? Deal crusher I do not think so. The land across the street is for sale, I am sure the price would go way up with sewers, pay to play! No special deals!
Glad we can agree the cost for infrastructure “must be paid for by those who are benefiting” and that there should be “no special deals”.
I do not know if Mr. Carabetta is already aware (see, Joe C’s request that video of the forum be shared), my video playlist is now up and available for anyone to view. This was actually the reason why I wanted to record the event, so everyone could see for themselves and make their own choices.
I would like to comment on what you said to Steve Moore above:
“…but in my opinion and that of several others at the forum, the questions were definitely slanted against the “not chosen ones”…”
Blaming Steve for the quality of the question pool makes no sense since the questions came directly from an audience in which you and “several others” were seated. If the questions that you wanted to hear were actually submitted then perhaps they fell under the pointed question category….
“…and at one point you left the initial person questioned (Dan), rebut his own question…”
After watching the footage as much as I now have (probably 10 times through in total), it could easily be argued that Steve gave leeway to every person on the dais at one point or another. He did make this moderating error but I just don’t see it as something calculated.
“…You attempted to throw a “high and tight fastball” to Mike Dunn concerning the discord within the party, but he hit a “home run” off of you…”
In order for Steve to have thrown this “pitch” AT Mike Dunn, it would have had to have been either (a) directed to Mike personally (it wasn’t) or (b) given to Mike first out of the eight candidates (it wasn’t). If you watch the video, you will see that Steve first went far out of his way to make certain that all realized that the question was not directed at a particular faction. Then, he threw the question out as a one-minute “toss-up” or “jump ball” question to which Chris Z responded first).
“…The discord in the party is caused by candidates who run as Republicans, then act as Democrats once elected raising fees, taxes and debt…”
Mr. Carabetta, the type of discord to which the question was referring had nothing to do with these types of matters. It had to do with the selfish gamesmanship and – at times – vulgar nature that can be seen from many angles and many factions of our Republican Party.
“You also engaged in verbal sparing with Diana Broomell, when it was not warranted…”
Steve engaged Diana one time. He gave her a verbal warning – at a time where you and I will probably disagree if it was warranted or not. Other than that, she self-sparred a few times but not with Steve.
“…Yes, I have worked hard to build and make Cecil County a Red county, but it sickens me when people do not keep their word with the voters and party after being elected,. This is why I am not running for Central Committee after being elected three straight times.”
This would seem to be a shame. I do not know you personally but at a time when our party needs unity in order to defeat an even greater foe in November, wouldn’t you have been better able to do so from the inside?
The playlist of my recording can be found at the following location: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLisNbLc203mRJDuzPUbZFvCHXowbT6Ujp
Bob,
Thank you for taping the event and posting it. Everyone who cares can now watch and draw their own conclusions. To answer your last question, I can not continue to go out and try to get people elected who will not keep their word and remain true to party principles. Your word is your bond.
Dunn hit a homerun? In what league–fantasy baseball? He asserted he attends “many” public functions. Are you kidding me? The man slithers out the back door of every public meeting he attends to avoid the public. Does he think we don’t notice? Wow he’s delusional.
Duct Taper,
You must be stuck on discrediting Dunn, some much so you missed the point. The point was about when Steve Moore tried to trap Dunn about party discord. Yes he did hit a home run on that question! He may go out the back door but at least he does not try to steal the roof covering many taxpayers by raising debt by 50% like the “Free Spending Three”.
Um? Do you mind telling me how a question that was (as I thoroughly explained once before) NOT directed to Mr. Dunn was somehow intended to trap him about party discord?
I can’t argue with you about your personal view that he hit a homerun on the question (since not a single one of the 8 candidates actually answered the question that was asked, I don’t know how that’s possible but, OK) but at least be honest about the question itself. Can’t you do that Joe C?
Bob,
I heard the question and the tone of the moderator. The question was leading and was intended to entrap Mr. Dunn and was vein attempt to blame him for the discord in the local Republican party that has been exacerbated by Tari Moore and her turncoat tactics after being elected by local Republicans.
Joe C,
That’s just plain blind loyalty hogwash. A question that was written to all eight on the dais CANNOT BE intended to entrap one person!
Second, I WROTE THE STINKIN’ QUESTION. I know the intent and I know how it was spoken was exactly my intent!
Third, since neither you nor any of the 8 candidates understood the intent of the question, let’s try it again in an even more simplified fashion. “Ther is discord in the Cecil County Republican Party (whether it is ‘better than it used to be’ is irrelevant.) Once the primary season has ended, how will you [the primary candidate] work to bring the party together to defeat our mutual opponents on the Democratic side?”
This cannot be much more clear.
Joe,
Good job at taking a totally unrelated question and turning it into a dig on Tari, as if you don’t realize that the discord preceded her and would exist without her. Could you be any more transparent?
Bob,
I appreciate the question and the thought, but I heard what I heard and the tone and demeanor of the questioner was to try to put pressure on Dunn. He has done nothing to add to the discord, he stays outside any frays. Why was the question not directed to Dan Snechenburg who wrote negative articles in a Delaware paper about sitting Republican officials in Cecil County? That would have been fairer and more interesting.
Dear Mr. C–The point wasn’t missed. The man totally misrepresented himself on public appearances which makes everything else that comes out of his mouth a dribbler back to the mound. Next up for the Clueless Two…
Mr. Stuck-up(AKA duct taper), Mr. Dunn does make public appearances and besides how would you know? Are you everywhere or are you stalking Mr. Dunn?
Joe, you know full well that Dunn does not even attend committee meetings which he agreed to be an ex officio member for the council. He has refused to engage the public ever since he took office and has a reputation for never responding to calls or emails.
He has absolutely nothing to offer or contribute at the council meetings. If he says five words at a meeting the audience is shocked. He does not participate in Citizens’ Corner and goes in and out the back door of meetings to avoid interaction with the public. Are these the actions of a “public servant?”
In addition, he has voted in opposition to property rights several times and has supported expensive initiatives such as unionizing public safety offices with binding arbitration and passing costs of teachers’ pensions onto the county. He also opposed privatizing our waste water services.
“Done” Dunn reports no activity during the Council Member Comments portion of meetings.
So do other council members!
Dunn consistently reports “nothing’ when other Council members report on their activities in the community. Others consistently report attendance at meetings and community events. Listen to the audio.
Now batting for the Clueless Two, designated hitter Diana Broomell (designated by her coach, Mike Smigiel.) Councilwoman Broomell doesn’t play the field because she has no experience in the field and every time she goes out in the field, she makes errors.
But she is exciting to watch because she hits the longest foul balls this county has ever seen!
Duct Taper,
Stop throwing spitballs and high and tight pitches for the Evil Empire and their friends.
“Bob, I appreciate the question and the thought, but I heard what I heard and the tone and demeanor of the questioner was to try to put pressure on Dunn. He has done nothing to add to the discord, he stays outside any frays. Why was the question not directed to Dan Snechenburg [sic] who wrote negative articles in a Delaware paper about sitting Republican officials in Cecil County? That would have been fairer and more interesting.”
OK, Joe C, in fairness to you I went back and watched it again.
Of the 8 people who were asked the question – and it WAS asked openly of all 8 as I requested – I was (personally) least interested in hearing from Mr. Dunn because he has done nothing and stayed out of the fray. In fact, that night was only the second time his vocal chords have been put to use in my presence.
Riddle me this? How does one gauge “tone and demeanor” from Mr. Moore when he only says “Mike?” as he offers Mr. Dunn his turn to answer? Where do you get this from?
Riddle me this as well? Why is it so difficult for you to digest that the question was asked of all 8 because it was NOT ABOUT who has or hasn’t caused the problem but, rather, what will be done to fix it? I could easily have pointed the finger at every single candidate for causing some sort of disharmony along the way (except Mr. Patchell but that is only because I have no personal knowledge of anything). It would only have been interesting to single out Mr. Schneckenberger or Mr. Willick or Mr. Zeauskas, et al. if I wanted to show them up for their past sins.
Why don’t YOU want to know more about how the future leaders of our county’s GOP will work to bring us closer together?
Bob,
We will not have unity because people have diverse opinions and the actions of people cause angst in the party. For example, the actions of Tari Moore who abandoned the party after using it to get elected will not bring different groups together only further separate them.
“Unity”– Did you reference the word “unity”? You blindly support the most divisive commissioner/councilperson(Broomell) ever then imply we need unity.
County Executive Moore did not sidestep her party– she side stepped its county Republican Central Committee, of which you are a member, to prevent another Smipkin whack job (as if two aren’t enough) from further NON-UNITY on the Council!If you want unity my suggestion is to purge the council and central committee of any Smigiel/Smipkin association.
I say purge all who broke campaign promises or who are unethical! Tari Moore faked out a lot of people acting as a Republican, but her actions of increasing the debt 505 and raising fees reveals her real philosophy. Tax rates will be next when she has to pay all the big bills she is racking up.