Since the adoption of charter government, the people of Anne Arundel County, through our local elected officials, have steadily achieved a level of public safety services which enhances the quality of life for all the citizens of the County.
We have superior public safety services, a good education system, excellent parks, an array of elderly, family and youth services, recreation programs for all services, an outstanding library system and an increasing number of cultural opportunities.
If these services are important to you, why risk losing the progress of the past 25 years? The real way to ensure responsive, responsible government, including tax programs, is to elect dedicated qualified individuals to the County Council and County Executive's office.
Let's do that Nov. 6 rather than vote for a proposal that can possibly cause great harm and, certainly to my mind, no good. Vote "against" Question D.
ENDORSE STARR AND THE TAX CAP PROGRAM
From: Dr. Frank Phelps
Pastor of Grace Assembly Sanctuary
Gerald P. Starr, candidate for County Council, 1st District, supports the 4.5 percent (tax) cap program, or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
He feels this will be the taxpayers' check on the county executive and the County Council by limiting the amount of funds they will have to spend.
I believe Mr. Starr has the financial background to get the job done, and because of his ability, will be an asset to Anne Arundel County.
THANKS FOR MAKING TOY RUN A SUCCESS
From: W. Ray Huff
Delegate, District 31.
I would like to publicly thank the Anne Arundel County and State Police and the Anne Arundel County Fire departments for their cooperation and efforts on Saturday, Oct. 13 during the "Toy Run" at Fort Smallwood Park.
The organized traffic control and courtesy to area residents and participates was observed by all. Only a couple of "fender benders" were reported, according to (Anne Arundel County Police) Capt. Shanahan.
What I feared would happen during this event happened Tuesday night, October 16. A motorist hit a telephone pole stretching lines across Fort Smallwood Road, closing the road for almost two hours. No one could go either direction. The accident also left the area without electrical power.
If there had been an emergency requiring fire or ambulance equipment, there would have been more serious problems.
During the "Toy Run", everyone felt more comfortable knowing the fire and ambulance equipment were stationed nearby for the day. A special thanks to Mr. Connell, fire administrator, and (Anne Arundel County) Police Chief Wellham.
Fort Smallwood and Mountain roads have shared this same problem of being "trapped" when an accident occurs on these main corridors to our many communities in the area.
There have been a lot of good suggestions, mine included, to alleviate the problem. We must consider action in the near future.
Thanks again for the cooperation from all who worked or shared in the unique "Toy Run." I am glad it was a relatively safe day.
VOTE FOR THE FUTURE, AGAINST QUESTION D
From: John L. and Carolyn T. Wisthoff
Pasadena
Our most recent property tax bill was $1,570. It includes a one-acre plus lot with our home and a separate half-acre lot in a water-access community.
Our property taxes require $4.30 per day, which includes all county services -- schools, libraries, police, fire, trash, recreation and parks and other governmental functions.
Our question is a simple one. How can we conscientiously expect these services at a lower cost? We cannot operate either of our cars for $4.30 a day when you consider depreciation, operating costs, and insurance. We are not overtaxed by the county property tax!
The arbitrary and artificial control of property tax revenues as proposed in Question D will not significantly lower our tax bill, but it is a cruel hoax on most property owners.
The property tax break will decrease services if the county growth rate continues above the 4 percent level. We will be asked to pay for services through increased nuisance and income taxes. The worst effect will be a county with increasing population and ill-maintained roads, overcrowded schools, deteriorating environment, and an overburdened public safety system.
A vote for Question D is a vote for the return of Anne Arundel County of yesteryear -- a waterman's and truck farmer's home with a nickel and dime mentality.
The reality is that today's county has over 400,000 suburbanites clamoring for services. Some think we can turn back the calendar. We are voting 'no' on Question D for an Anne Arundel County for today and possibly tomorrow.
EX-PUPIL OF RILEY ENDORSES HIS TEACHER
From: Michael C. McCallister
Pasadena
I am 18 years old, and a recent registered voter.
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. James J. Riley as a teacher in American government. He helped us understand and appreciate just how great our country is.
