20060825 KDDC Newspaper articles on Mr. Babylon

Newspaper articles on Mr. Babylon

August 25, 2006

Two very nice articles have been written about my father-in-law, former Westminster Common Council President David S. Babylon, Jr. passing away.

Although our family would have certainly rather attention had been given to Mr. Babylon’s accomplishments under different circumstances, it has been heartwarming to see friends and neighbors turn out for visitation and to read about a celebration of his life in the newspaper.

And a special thank you goes out to the Westminster Fire Department for the outpouring of help and comfort last Tuesday night when he passed away.

Since June 1^st, 1949, on countless occasions, my father-in-law has left the comfort of home, office and family to go out into the night with the fire department, to provide a public service of public safety to citizens in need.

It was nice to see the outpouring of the membership to our home when Mr. Babylon was in a time of need. Ultimately, it was Mr. Babylon’s time to be called home and he is at peace now - in spite of the incredible efforts of the EMS personnel from the Westminster Fire Department.

Mr. Babylon’s obituary can be found here. Marjorie Censer, with the Carroll County Times has an article here. And Fred Rasmussen wrote an article in the Baltimore Sun here.

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20060825 KDDC The art of the question

The art of the question

August 25, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

I would like to call to your attention two intelligent and thoughtful “question and answer” blog posts that I have noticed in the last several days.

The first one was the work of monoblogue, when Michael Swartz interviewed District 37 Senator Richard Colburn.

The second is the work of Crablaw, when Bruce Godfrey interviewed Saqib Ali, a Democratic candidate for the 39th District.

Perhaps you are saying to yourself - - well, I’m not really that interested in the elections in District 37 or 39…

Actually, it is important to all of us that an aggregate collection of the very best community leaders that we can find be elected to the Maryland General Assembly.

It is going to take electing good folks from throughout the state to ensure a prosperous future, a quality of life and sustainable approach to the many challenges we face in Maryland.

The two questionnaires reflect the thoughts of two very sharp minds – and give us an important insight to some of the conversations that are going-on across the state.

Both posts, here and here are worth the time to read.

I’m not sure that I am a fan of the “great person” theory of history. All great accomplishments and examples of moving the ball forward takes a large group of individuals working together for the greater good.

Providing depth and thoughtful insight into the byzantine machinations of government and business is one of the more important tasks for bloggers. This great democratization – leveling of the playing field, if you will, is an important right, which those of us on the Internet hold dearly. However, unfortunately, there is not enough conversation or focus on the fact that with these “rights,” come important responsibilities.

Certainly the more colorful blogs, with the reckless conversations, sensational approaches and locker room language get attention, but in the long view it is not necessarily good for the medium or the citizens we serve.

We need a few more bloggers like Mr. Swartz and Mr. Godfrey (and the Association of Howard County Bloggers.)

That’s my view, what’s yours?

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

www.thetentacle.com

Westminster Eagle Opinion and

Winchester Report

www.thewestminstereagle.com

www.kevindayhoff.com

20060825 KDDC Carroll Co. Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge

Carroll Co. Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge

August 25, 2006

Pasted below, please review Carroll County Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge. For more information please click here.

Primary: September 12, 2006
General: November 7, 2006

My Fellow Citizens:

For years, the abbreviation CCG has meant Carroll County Government. I am pleased that during this term of office, we have been able to change it to mean Citizen Centered government (with a small g). That means seeking consensus between citizens and the commissioners. It also means collaborating with other counties and agencies to find out what really works.

I came into office with a desire to create an atmosphere where all citizens are served in a fair, friendly and civil manner. When I was a little girl, government was there to serve the people. For a period of time that attitude changed. I am proud to say we have turned the tide again and County government has moved from closed to open.

In order to recognize the critical importance of the towns, we established the Council of Governments. Each town is represented by its elected officials and participates in a meaningful sharing of ideas, experiences and concerns. The Council promotes representation at the county level from all segments of the County.

In my current term, I have been able to make plans and strategies for the future. Many of the things we planned have been built. There is much more to do.

The next Board of Commissioners will vote on the next Master Plan, which will set the direction for economic development, residential growth and public facilities for years to come.

The next Board of Commissioners will have to address water needs. I support the creation of reservoirs and working with the towns to maintain their water supplies. We also need to protect the quality of the water we drink, and ensure that we do not grow beyond the water supplies we have.

The next Board of Commissioners has to finish dealing with the school crisis. The county must provide the majority of the funding for all-day kindergarten. I have formed relationships with the school system that make it easy for us to work together with a common purpose.

The next Board of Commissioners will have to address the needs of seniors. I have been at the forefront of plans for senior centers, and I just cut the ribbon at the new North Carroll Senior Center. A new center is planned in South Carroll as well.

Through my involvement with the National Association of Counties, I was able to bring home a free prescription discount plan that is available to all citizens. In less than a year, citizens have saved over one hundred thousand dollars on prescriptions, at no cost to the County.

I believe that County government must always be as efficient as possible, and we must do all we can to minimize the cost to all citizens while providing necessary services. We have established the Senior tax credit in order to make it possible for senior citizens to stay in their homes. We improved the homestead tax credit by lowering the cap from 10% to 7% as a way of reducing the effect of escalating home values.

I am a seventh generation Carroll Countian. I want to protect our rural heritage by preserving farmland. Many years ago we set a goal of 100,000 acres in preservation. We now have preserved 50,000 acres with 50,000 to go. This is beautiful farmland that will not become residential development that requires schools and other spending for infrastructure.

I need your support to continue on with the important business of keeping Carroll County all that it can be. After all, it is your government.

Sincerely,

Julia W. Gouge

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My husband, Jesse, and I have been married for 47 years. We are the proud parents of four children and nine grandchildren

We have also been the parents of four foster children and sponsors for three foreign exchange students. We are active members of Shiloh United Methodist Church.

As a family we have been active in our church, volunteer organizations, civic organizations, 4-H, and Boy Scouts. I personally have been a 4-H Leader and an active member of the Federated Woman’s Club, Soroptimists, extension Homemakers and Lioness Club. The love and cooperation of my family have made my life in public service possible.

If you would like to help my campaign, either financially or by working with the campaign team, please call me at 410-239-3119 or send your check to:

Friends of Julia Gouge
444 Lees Mill Road
Hampstead, MD 21074

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