Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label Journalists Culleton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journalists Culleton. Show all posts

Sunday, February 13, 2011

CULLETON: They who fail to learn from history are doomed to butcher it


The history of Carroll County is enshrined in records somewhere, and columnist Kevin Dayhoff reminds us of interesting or amusing tidbits in his space here in The Eagle.

He follows a tradition of reciting facts so the current generation doesn't forget -- or worse, distort -- what came before.

But not everyone has Kevin's respect for the historical record. One of the items that is to be cut from Maryland's education budget is a mandatory test in government, what we used to call "Civics." … http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/5167/they-who-fail-learn-history-are-doomed-butcher-it/

20110211 ExpCar Culleton They who fail to learn history are doomed


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Monday, June 29, 2009

Culleton: We need industrial land in Carroll County that will stay that way


Culleton on Carroll: We need industrial land, but also some insurance it’ll stay that way

By John Culleton Posted on
www.explorecarroll.com 6/25/09

Carroll countians want top ranked schools, low taxes and no industry nearby.

It is a case of pick two out of three. Half the County budget is for education, and our taxable base is 80 percent residential. The only way to lower taxes is to get some industrial development to increase the proportion of industry and hence decrease the proportion of residential tax base.

To put it another way, so long as most real estate taxes are paid by residences, the taxes on me and thee will be high compared to other counties.

This is not news, although the friends of the residential developers like to obscure that fact. Complaining about higher taxes won't help. Industrial development will.

The county shows foresight in proposing to rezone land from agricultural to industrial in large chunks and in suitable locations. But after the rezoning county officials need to consider worst-case analysis.

[…]


Read John Culleton’s entire column here: Culleton on Carroll: We need industrial land, but also some insurance it’ll stay that way

By John Culleton Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 6/25/09

20090625 Culleton We need ind land that will stay that way

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/3059/we-need-industrial-land-but-also-some-insurance-itll-stay-that-way/

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics by John Culleton

Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics

Culleton on Carroll - By John Culleton Posted on
www.explorecarroll.com 5/18/09

Sykesville has lost two of its best elected officials. We learned earlier that Jeannie Nichols had declined to run again for the Town Council.

Now, in a surprising development, Jonathan Herman was defeated for mayor. These two were among the most able elected officials I have had the privilege to see in action. I wish their successors well, but undoubtedly Sykesville will be poorer for their absence.

Carroll County has had a persistent and serious problem. The industrial tax base is too small. With residential values falling and hence future residential taxes to decline as well, the county will find itself in a fiscal bind.

The one bright spot in our largely unsuccessful effort to attract industrial taxpayers has been the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center, which takes a piece of non-taxable, state-owned property and converts it to corporate campus-type facilities.

Mayor Herman was the prime mover in this project. His experience in contracting and construction gave him special skills to handle the details.

He was also well connected with the Democratic committee chairs in the General Assembly. Annapolis is a partisan town, and as a leading Democratic voice in Carroll County, Herman had access other officials lacked.

The election itself is a puzzler. Only 560 voters showed up at the polls?

The population of Sykesville in July 2007 was estimated at 4,417. The median household income was estimated at $91,467.

The vote tally was 294 for Miller, 266 for Herman.

I can only speculate that between his day job and his duties as mayor, Herman devoted insufficient time to campaign. But a turnout of 560 voters is embarrassing.

Those who run for office in towns such as Sykesville are essentially volunteers; the stipend of $200 per meeting for the mayor doesn't cover much. Even our county commissioners, who receive $45,000 per year, must have other sources of income.

All our public officials, commissioners, mayors, council members and elected members of the school board are seriously underpaid.

Volunteerism is all very well, but those salaries are ridiculous.


Read Mr. Culleton’s entire column here: Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics

http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/2910/hermans-loss-sykesville-blow-countywide-economics/

For more information please see: Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle on “Soundtrack.”

Charles Schelle’s article may found here: Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle

The election results may be found here: Sykesville, Carroll County Maryland May 5 2009 municipal election results

20090518 Hermans loss in Sykesville by John Culleton