Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor campaign literature

Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor campaign literature received April 8 2009

WHAT THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW

The week BEFORE the public hearing on water and sewer rate structures, a representative from Tylex Technologies in Seattle, Washington was flown into Westminster. He worked on the city computer software program and CHANGED the current water and sewer rate structure over to match the proposed rate increase.

The city followed procedure by having a public hearing, HOWEVER it was a SHAM, as the rates had already been changed by the representative at a cost of over $6,000 to the tax payers.

The city paid over $55,000 to a consultation company for the water rate study. However the city staff could have come up with the same numbers on their own. They had all the necessary information on hand.

The city’s software program itself, comes from a company in Washington State. If a problem arises, the city is billed $125 an hour for phone calls to the company. If someone has to come out to Westminster, the city has to pay ALL EXPENSES for the representative, air fare, hotel, rental car etc. PLUS THE HOURLY RATE!

There are companies within driving distance of Westminster that have similar software programs, making the cost of working on the system much less for the taxpayers. (The present system from Washington State HAS COST THE CITY OVER $300,000 SO FAR.)

In another Sham the city spent over $60,000 for consultants to look at the pay scale for city employees, although the same information could have been obtained with an online search and some phone calls to similar cities

The city spent over $7,000 to the Mercer Group to find a city manager while the city staff could have handled this task just as well and for a much cheaper cost to the taxpayer.

Time and time again the City Council, (WHICH INCLUDES SUSAN ALBERT & KEVIN UTZ) as well as, the current Mayor has RECKLESSLY SPENT YOUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS!!

THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN ON MY WATCH!!!

On MAY 11th Make Sure It Doesn’t

Vote DENNIS FRAZIER for MAYOR

Westminster Elections 20010514 on Westgov.Net

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Elections%2020010514

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor literature

Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor literature - received April 8, 2009



DID YOU HEAR?

Dennis Frazier is running for Mayor of Westminster!

I believe I should try to make Westminster the best place it can be to live, work, and raise children.

I believe the way to do that is through community service. I have been: President of the Greens HOA, a member of the Tree Commission for the city, Member of the Parks board, and a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. I want to continue this work as Mayor.

I believe in a fiscal policy that promotes efficient use of resources and has open accountability to the taxpayer at all levels.

I believe we owe our children a clean and safe environment: so we must strike a balance between preservation of our land and development of our city.

I believe that elected officials should listen to and respond to the people that put them in office. If you call me when I am Mayor I will call you back.

I want to know what you believe. Email me at: dfraz4@yahoo.com and tell me. I need your input to make Westminster a better city for our families.

Please come out and vote May 11th.

Westminster Elections 20010514 on Westgov.Net

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Elections%2020010514


Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Damian Halstad for Westminster Council literature

Damian Halstad for Westminster Council literature

April 6, 2009

20090406 Damian Halstad for Westminster Council literature

Westminster Elections 20090511 on Westgov.Net

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Elections%2020090511

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

March 30 2009 email from Darcel Harris

March 30 2009 email from Darcel Harris

From: darcel harris _____
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 12:02 AM

To: ______
Subject: VOTE Darcel Harris for City Council

Hello All

I am running for Westminster's City Council. I need your support in a number of ways.

First, take a look at the attached flier and if you believe I am that person, then tell another via word of mouth, forward the flier, or pass out the flier.

Second, tell them about the Darcel you know.

Finally, vote for me on May 11, 2009.

Forever grateful

Darcel

[…]

Westminster Elections 20090511 on Westgov.Net

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Elections%2020090511

20090330 March 30 2009 email from Darcel Harris

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Suzanne Albert for Westminster mayor advertizing material

Suzanne Albert for Westminster mayor advertizing material

March 22, 2009

May 11, 2009 Westminster, Carroll County Maryland municipal elections

20090322 Suzanne Albert for mayor ad

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor campaign lit

Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor campaign lit

Campaign literature from Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor acquired sometime around the middle of March 2009

More on the election: Westminster Elections 20090511 on Westgov.Net

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Elections%2020090511

20090315 Dennis Frazier for Westminster mayor campaign lit

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Westminster council president Chiavacci mayor Ferguson not to run again

Westminster council president will not try for reelection

February 24, 2009

Writing for the Carroll County Times, reporter Bryan Schutt has posted a news brief on the newspaper’s web site at 6:20 pm, Tuesday, February 24, 2009, that the Westminster council president, Roy Chiavacci, will not run for re-election.

“Westminster Common Council President Roy Chiavacci won’t be running for re-election this spring. In an announcement during the latest Common Council meeting, Chiavacci, an eight-year council member, sited professional and family reasons for not trying to refill his post.

“The city’s election is May 11. Two council seats and mayor are up for election and the deadline to put a name on the ballot is April 13.

“Westminster Mayor Thomas Ferguson had also told city staff he won’t be running for re-election several weeks ago.”

Actually Mayor Ferguson announced at the annual employee Christmas luncheon last December 2008 that he will not be running for re-election.

So far, councilmembers Suzanne Albert and Kevin Utz have announced for mayor and former council president Ken Hornberger has formed an exploratory committee in consideration of tossing his hat in the ring for the mayor’s office.

Meanwhile, it is broadly rumored in town that Council President Chiavacci’s son, Tony, is considering running for office as well as Jeff Dixon, who ran unsuccessfully for council several years ago.

20090224 Westminster council president will not try for reelection

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Ken Hornberger for Westminster mayor Explore Committee ad

Ken Hornberger for Westminster mayor Explore Committee ad

January 28, 2009

Ken Hornberger ad announcing the formation of an exploratory committee for running foe Westminster mayor in the upcoming municipal elections on May 11, 2009

20090128 Ken Hornberger Explore Committee ad

More: Westminster Elections 20090511 on Westgov.Net

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Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Westminster Councilwoman Suzanne Albert web site bio

Westminster Councilwoman Suzanne Albert web site bio

Councilwoman Suzanne P. Albert

Retrieved January 15, 2009

Suzanne is a native of Westminster and was first elected to the Westminster City Council in May 1995, on which she is currently chair of the Committee on Economic Development & Community Affairs and vice-chair of the Committee on Finance. Suzanne also serves as the Council's Liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Council of Governments.

Suzanne is a graduate of the Women’s Hospital Nursing School (now GBMC), University of Baltimore and holds masters degree from Western Maryland College.

She participated in Leadership Carroll and Leadership Maryland, Class 1996 and is a former member of the following: Nurse Practice Issues Committee of the State Board of Nurses, past District President of the Maryland Nurses Association, Governor’s Board of Drug Abuse Prevention and the Anne Arundel County Executive Board of Health Cost Review. Suzanne is active in the community as Past Board President of Carroll County Rape Crisis Intervention Services, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church Parish Council, Greater Westminster Kiwanis Club and Vice Chair of Westminster Women’s Club.

Suzanne retired from 32 years State Service and has worked or volunteered in Long Term Care. She is an Academy of Excellence in Local Governance Fellow. Her council term expires in May 2007.

If you wish to contact Councilwoman Albert, you may send her an email, a fax (410-876-0299) or make an appointment to see her by calling 410-848-2522.

20090115 Westminster Councilwoman Suzanne Albert web site bio

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Elect Suzanne Albert Westminster City Mayor: Qualifications – Questionnaire

Elect Suzanne Albert Westminster City Mayor

Qualifications – Questionnaire

January 15, 2009

Why do you want to be Mayor?

As Mayor, it would be an honor to work in a leadership position to meet the difficult economic challenges, team build with other municipalities, county and State officials and the Public; while supporting sustainable changes expected to improve public services.

What are your qualifications?

Elected to four, four year, terms on the Westminster Common Council.
32 years Public Sector Services
Experienced Professional Administrator
Volunteer in the Community

What are your Goals?

Listen, learn and contribute to the election process
Represent the City with best public services practices
Promote healthy/safe neighborhoods and welfare of families, children and individuals
Support transparency in government works
Enhance communications with staff and citizens
Accelerate cost savings
No new taxes
Conserve water and search for new water sources.
Support economic growth opportunities with the provision of public water and sewer services
Follow through with comprehensive planning including street and transportation improvements

1-15-2009
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
20090115 Albert

Veteran Councilwoman Suzanne Albert has filed for Westminster Mayor

Veteran Councilwoman Suzanne Albert has filed for Westminster Mayor

January 14, 2009

Veteran Councilwoman Suzanne Albert has filed for Mayor in the upcoming Westminster Municipal Election, May 11, 2009.

She has served on the council for 15 years. Currently, she is President Pro-Tem, Chairwoman for the Public Works Committee and is Liaison for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

During her 15 years of service, she was the initiator for the International/Harvest development on the corner of Liberty and Green Street that is presently the city garage, apartments, business offices, and O’Lordan’s Restaurant. She was an active advocate in protecting the residents of Wakefield Valley by voting against the development of the area. Currently, Albert has initiated efforts to preserve the clock tower.

Having grown up on Main Street and as the grandchild of former Westminster Mayor, David E. Walsh, she continues to demonstrate her lifetime commitment of Community services.

Submitted 1-14-2009

Committee to Elect Suzanne Albert, Mayor

20090114 Veteran Councilwoman Suzanne Albert has filed for Westminster Mayor

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Utz Resume Elect Kevin for Mayor City of Westminster Md

Kevin's Utz Resume' Elect Kevin for Mayor City of Westminster, Md

Elect KEVIN UTZ for Westminster, Md MAYOR (City of Westminster, Md. 21157 21158)

11/14/2008: Kevin Utz KEVIN R. UTZ
352 Doral Court∙ Westminster, MD 21158 ∙
(410)848-6999 or (410)984-8204 ∙

Kevin@teamutz.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Accomplished community leader with excellent consensus building skills. Proven ability to perform well in multi-faceted setting, leading disparate groups to accomplish common goals. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. A seasoned professional with extensive "all hazards" experience in preparedness, prevention, response and recovery. A natural leader with proven abilities in local community issues, state wide law enforcement, fire suppression, emergency medical services and emergency management.

ACHIEVEMENTS

4 years of local legislativeØ experience as an elected Councilman Westminster, Maryland

28 years of lawØ enforcement experience covering all aspects of criminal justice. Uniformed road patrol, criminal investigation of misdemeanor and felony crimes, response coordination to large scale emergencies, resources management and dispatch responsibilities, aerial law enforcement and medical evacuation, community policing and hostage barricade situations.

36 year veteran and Life memberØ of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department rising to Chief responsible for a $1.5 million operating budget providing fire and emergency medical services to over 33,000 people.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

City of Westminster Maryland (2004 to Present)

Councilman

• Elected as Councilman in 2004 to uphold the laws of the City, State and Nation and to legislate for residents of Westminster with a total budget of over $44,000,000.

• Chair, Public Safety Committee, Implemented strategy for the creation of continuity of operations plans for all city agencies.

• Provide leadership and established interoperability between all response agencies in the City.

• Co-Chair for the Council of Governments leading the state and county efforts to establish memorandum of understanding between governments to work as a unified force in the event of a catastrophic event.

• Representative to the Maryland Municipal League – Legislative and Communications Committee

• Member of the Carroll County Emergency Planning Group charged with the responsibility to discuss, implement emergency response, planning and training for all agencies across the whole spectrum of the County Government. This group includes government and non-profit volunteer assistance organizations.

• Appointed by Carroll County Commissioners to the Carroll County Regional Airport Technical Advisory Master Plan and worked to assure emergency management issues were being recognized.

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Engineering Assistant 2008 – Present
National Security Technology Department – Homeland Security – Planning, Preparedness & Response

• Provide subject matter expert and technical consultation in the field of public safety and emergency services.

Fire Safety Officer-Lieutenant 2003-2008
Direct the operation and administration of the fire department.
• Respond to structural and vehicle fires, emergency rescue situations, and hazardous chemical spills. Drive or accompany emergency vehicles on call.
• Operate appropriate equipment to suppress fires, assist rescue, or provide emergency medical treatment.
• Inspect Laboratory buildings for potentially hazardous conditions and compliance to code.
• Operate, test and maintain all fire and emergency equipment.
• Teach or assist with fire department sponsored training classes, and act as resource to all Laboratory staff on fire and safety issues and inquires.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE (1975 – 2003)
Shift leader/Supervisor Westminster Barrack, Carroll County Maryland
• Managed, directed, and coordinated uniformed road patrol personnel responsible for law enforcement services for Carroll County Maryland.
• Established command and control of large scale emergencies coordinating the emergency response of fire service personnel and acting as liaison officer for law enforcement investigators.
• Led a team of eight criminal investigators to successfully investigate and close major crimes including murders, armed robberies and multi-jurisdictional burglaries
• Coordinated investigative services with Federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The United States Secret Service and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• Analyzed criminal investigation reports to develop operational intelligence to determine trends, and "mode of operations" in county wide multiple case investigations.
• Provided on scene direction and control of hostage barricade incidents.
• Performed community policing techniques by providing a communications link between the State Police and the community. Conducted security surveys, crime prevention activities, and investigated traffic complaints considered to be a community hazard.

Flight Paramedic, Aviation Command
• Provided managerial oversight to the Aviation Command Training Section and improved medical continuing education for 54 flight paramedics by developing enhanced standards and contracting physicians to provide professional-level medical training.
• Established, staffed and managed the flight dispatch center (SYSCOM) responsible for the appropriate use of eight twin engine instrument flight rule equipped helicopters, providing full medical evacuation, search and rescue and law enforcement services to the State.
• Drafted policy and established contingency plans for the flight dispatch center's transition through the Y2K event.
• Subject matter expert on the procurement of a $30 million twin engine, multi-functional helicopter fleet acquisition, replacing aging medevac helicopters.
• Functioned as a Flight Paramedic providing emergency medical advanced life support and rescue capabilities in a state wide helicopter medevac program.

Civilian Police Communications Operator
• Five years experience in a full service police installation taking 911 calls for emergency and routine law enforcement services.
• Experience in coordinating law enforcement response with allied police agencies.
• Experience with law enforcement data resources such as the Criminal Justice information System; the Maryland Information Law Enforcement System and the National Crime Information Center.

Westminster Volunteer Fire Department (1975 – Present)
Fire Lieutenant

• Former Chief of the Department responsible for the fire suppression, emergency medical care and rescue services to 33,000 residents of the City of Westminster. Voluntary reduction in rank to assume duties as Westminster City Councilman.
• Provided leadership and accountability for 125 personnel (paid and volunteer) utilizing 12 emergency response vehicles housed in a 29,600 square foot facility.
• Coordinated fiscal oversight with administrative officers for the $1.5 million operating budget.
• Provided command and control authority on all incidents involving fire and rescue services in the City.
• Active member of the Carroll County Emergency Services Association Operations Committee; responsible for establishing county wide policy and procedures for response and recovery from emergencies. Providing leadership and strategic planning for the future of fire suppression, emergency medical services and rescue capabilities for the county.
• Represented Carroll County to the Metropolitan Chiefs Association and was instrumental in obtaining Urban Area Security Initiative funding for General Staff and Command training.
• Joined the Carroll County Elder Health Working Group by invitation from the group leader to provide an overview of the ongoing needs of the elderly community as it related to the emergency fire and EMS system in Carroll County and provided invaluable resource information for publication to the elderly community.
• Identified high profile Critical Infrastructure/Key Assets and established real time communications link with 911 Center and first responding fire and police units. Currently Carroll Hospital Center, McDaniel College, Carroll Community College and Carroll Lutheran Village have communication capabilities with incoming units.
• Implemented a coordinated response plan for all hazards at the Carroll County Regional Airport working directly with State and Local Emergency Managers and County Commissioners.
• Participated in annual terrorism related emergency response exercises for county wide response to WMD events.

EDUCATION

2008 UMUC
Criminal Justice/Homeland Security
1997 Essex Community College
EMT – Paramedic Certificate
1996 Saint Cloud State University
Driver Education and Safety Credits.
1981 Catonsville Community College
Criminal Justice study – 30 credits.
1981 Maryland State Police Academy
Maryland State Police Trooper.
1975 Westminster High School
High school diploma.

CERTIFICATIONS
University of Maryland Fire Rescue Institute
University of Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Systems Services
United States Fire Administration
National Fire Academy

Certified Fire Officer I and II
Certified Fire Instructor I
Certified Firefighter III
Hazmat Technician
Rescue Technician Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (1982 - 2001)
Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
Staff and Command Leadership courses
Incident Command
Introduction to Command and General Staff
Command and General Staff Functions in the Incident
Command and General Staff - Incident Management Team

Awards
• Superintendent's Commendation in 2003, Westminster Barrack for providing outstanding leadership and superior managerial performance as the Criminal Investigation Division supervisor.
• Governor's Citation 2003 for 28 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Maryland
• Superintendent's Commendation in 2003 for 28 years of outstanding performance.
• Superintendent's Commendations for outstanding performance in criminal investigations in 2000
• Awarded Westminster Volunteer Fire Company's 2000 Fire Fighter of the Year for exemplary department and community leadership.
• Qualified as an expert witness, Carroll County Circuit Court, in the kinetics of injury involving motor vehicle collisions in 1998.
• Letter of Recognition for outstanding performance from Superintendent 1994.
• Letter of Recognition for exemplary performance from the Carroll County State's Attorney in 1983.
• Received citizen letters of recognition for commendable acts of kindness and compassion

Affiliations

Maryland State Troopers Association Lodge 20
Maryland State Police Alumni Association
Maryland Fireman's Association
Maryland Fire Chiefs Association
Carroll County Emergency Services Association
Business Networking International
Maryland Municipal League
National Realtors Association
Carroll County Association of Realtors
Realtors Association of York and Adams County

http://kevinutzformayor.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-custom.cgi?d=kevin-utz-for-westminster-mayor&page=5013

20090114 Kevin Utz Resume Elect Kevin for Mayor City of Westminster Md

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Utz for Westminster Mayor - News Release January 10, 2009

Kevin Utz for Westminster Mayor - News Release January 10, 2009

January 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Councilman Kevin R. Utz
(410) 984-8204

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCILMAN UTZ DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR

Westminster City Councilman Kevin Utz announces his candidacy for Mayor of Westminster citing his experience and ability to lead the City of Westminster during these challenging economic times.

"I want to see this city meet the expectations that we all have for it," Utz stated. "America has never been proven by cities of gold, but by citizens of character." Utz believes the strongest asset the City of Westminster has is the residents, and that he is the right man with the right experience to continue revitalization efforts begun over the past four years which strengthens the City's economic base. Utz will be committed to the continued revitalization of downtown and producing additional interested industry to the Airpark Business Center that is essential to keeping the tax rates affordable.

Kevin Utz is completing his first term as a city councilman, and serves as the Chairman of the City's Public Safety Committee. He is a member of the Maryland Municipal League's Communication's Committee and is a former member of the Legislative Committee. He is a local businessman, a retired Maryland State Trooper where he earned numerous citations and recognitions, and is the former Chief of the Westminster Fire Department, and a life-long community member.

Utz stated, "It is time to get Westminster moving." The City has made tremendous improvements over the past four years in public safety, public works, infrastructure improvements and general government operations. "With the current economic climate we have to watch how we spend every penny of every tax dollar, but we also cannot turn back the clock on the improvements we have made."

Over the past four years Councilman Utz is pleased to have been a part of a successful team that has lead and made vast improvements to the quality of life for the residents of Westminster. Some of these successes have included the modification of a new water treatment plant ensuring a healthy and safe water supply, as well as saving the taxpayers more than $96,000 per year; and the adoption of a current budget that reduced revenues by over 8%; additionally, the staff of the sewer treatment center just introduced a cost saving measure in the operations of the plant that will save the city approximately $99,000 yearly. Utz strongly commended the dedicated City employees for their incentives for cost reduction ideas.

Kevin Utz has also provided leadership in setting goals to reduce expenses for Westminster Government to meet the stiff economic challenges being faced at all levels of government. Some of these goals consist of a 10% reduction in fuel consumption, 10% reduction in energy costs, a 15% reduction in the consumption of office supplies and a program to increase Westminster's recycling rate.

As a local businessman Kevin Utz knows the challenges in meeting a payroll and as a councilman knows the importance of providing governmental services on a budget.

Kevin Utz will focus on economic development for Westminster and to continue his commitment to public safety if elected as Mayor of Westminster.

Kevin Utz will campaign on a platform of Taking Action, Getting Results!

The election for Mayor is Monday, May 11, 2009.

20090110 Kevin Utz for Mayor news release

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Carroll County Times editorial: Look ahead for future shortfalls

Carroll County Times editorial: Look ahead for future shortfalls

Editorial for Monday, August 4, 2008

Look ahead for future shortfalls

Local governments are only a month into the new fiscal year, but they already need to be planning on additional shortfalls in next year's budget.

[…]

At the state level, budget analysts last month said revenues in the state were considerably off. Income tax revenue was almost $50 million short of projections, and sales tax revenue was down more than $25 million. Add to that shortfalls that states are experiencing in other areas, such as less gas tax money because people are changing their habits and driving less, and states across the nation are scrambling to figure out how to deal with shortfalls.

[…]

Now is not the time to get involved in costly long-term projects unless there is a clear need or an immediate return in the area of future savings. In addition, existing programs and where the money is going need to be closely examined to ensure that every single tax dollar collected is providing a definite return for citizens.

Many governments struggled this year trying to hold the line on their budgets. Some areas increased taxes or other fees to fill voids or make up for shortfalls. But with more and more families struggling to make ends meet, returning to taxpayers for additional money is going to be a hard sell.

[…]

Read the entire editorial here: Look ahead for future shortfalls

Westminster Dept Finance Budget 2009 – 2010 FY, Westminster Elections 20090511 Mayoral, Westminster Elections 20090511 Mayoral Financial Issues

20080804 Carroll County Times editorial: Look ahead for future shortfalls

20090511 Westminster Municipal Elections May 11 2009 Dates and Overview

20090511 Westminster Municipal Elections May 11 2009 Dates and Overview

May 11, 2008

Municipal Elections take place on the second Monday in May during odd-numbered years. The Mayor and the five Council Members serve four-year terms.

In 2009, the election will be held for the positions of Mayor and two Council seats. The terms of Mayor Tom Ferguson, Councilman Kevin Utz and Council President Roy Chiavacci expire on May 11, 2009

In 2011, the election will cover the remaining three Council seats.

ELECTION INFORMATION

Registered voters in the City of Westminster as of March 4, 2008: 9,772

Votes cast in recent elections:
2003 - 578
2005-1,106
2007-411

Upcoming election: May 11, 2009

Polls are open from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M.

Voters residing on the West side of Maryland Route No. 31 vote at the Community Center, 325 Royer Road and voters residing on the East side of Maryland Route No. 31 vote at the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company

Important deadlines include:

1. Monday, April 13, 2009 - deadline 5:00 P.M. for both voter and candidacy registration

2. Monday, May 1, 2009 - final date to submit absentee ballot requests

3. Monday, May 11 - election and announcement of winners at the regular Mayor and Common Council meeting

4. Monday, May 18, 2009 - special biennial Council organizationalmeeting