Not to beat a dead horse, but the quick reaction by Delmar, Maryland, Commissioner Carl Anderton along with Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt and Delmar Elementary to help make Mike Harpool's life easier is proof there is hope. This was local government working the way it should- for the community.
In this era of "vote them all out", I think this small victory should serve as a reminder to all of us to continue to pay attention to the people that are elected/appointed to serve us. The "vote them all out" is a lazy route of outrage. While I can certainly understand anger after the Wall Street bailouts, the health care debates, political corruption on both sides of the aisle and numerous other things, there are still men and women that want to serve our communities to the best of their ability. Believing "they're all crooks" is not only untrue, it doesn't help our position as tax payers that foot the bill for services such as police, fire, wastewater, water and trash collection (among others). What this belief does, however, is allow the public to throw its collective hands in the air and stop their engagement with the system becoming politically apathetic. In turn, governments with a lack of engagement from their citizenry are more open to corrupt officials because these criminals have fewer people to con. This is exactly what the criminals in the system would have you do.
While there is no doubt that Joe has clout in the area, I know firsthand that Mr. Anderton has been responsive to citizens when the spotlight was off. If you have a question, concern or a position you want to share with your representatives then do it. I'm not asking a 20 hour a week commitment here, but if your schedule is such that you cannot attend local government meetings, send emails or make phone calls. It's now easier than ever to make your voice known. Along the way you'll meet public servants like Mr. Anderton and perhaps your faith in our system increase, not to blind devotion, but cautious optimism.
Power to the people.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
7 comments:
I don't think they had a choice in the matter. I thought it was either state or federal law that required all intersection curbs to be sloped for wheel chair access. Nice they got it done quick nonetheless.
Carl Anderton is about the best you'll ever see as an elected official on the local level.
Hey Carl, how about more police presence on the west end of town, juveniles roam like packs of wild dogs
7:26, exactly what I was going to say! They have 30 days to correct the non compliance. If it is not corrected in the allotted time they will face a hefty fine because of the ADA and the person who is being limited in his mobility can also file suit for discrimination.
I am not saying they didn't care about the person however, they are well aware they could be sued for a hefty sum and would more than likely lose.
I agree about Anderton. Great guy! Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen are the other two officials people should keep in office.
To the post author, this is one of the best posts ever on Joe's blog. You are right about us all having the responsibility of doing our homework. I hope you will be a regular here.
Actually, as Joe pointed out in his post the curb was in compliance. The curb cut is in the middle and often is blocked by traffic. So the town didn't have to do anything.
Folks, you need to keep in mind that the Delmar Elementary School is NOT in the Town limits of Delmar. It is in Wicomico County!
Wicomico County is the reason this was not done in the first place correctly, not the Town of Delmar!
Kudos to Carl Anderton for standing up to Wicomico County and getting something done! He's the ONLY one on the Delmar, MD side willing to do ANYTHING for the Delmar voters! Remember that next election and get some GOOD people to run for office this time around!
How 'bout running for Mayor Carl????
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