LETTERS | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

Within a little more than one year we have had three department heads for the Department of Aging.

Just what is so stressful with this job that we need a change every few months?

For those not involved with the Department of Aging, you may ask, "What is the big deal?" I say that if we had a new police chief every few months or a new school superintendent every few months, we would soon hear a lot of noise.

We don't even get a choice of selection as the other departments do. We are just assured that we are getting the very best that money can buy; about $100,000 per year.

So, if they are the very best, what are their plans for our future? The new selectee, Dr. Carol Baker, is nearing the age of 70 and may not be too energetic to propose new policies. Why should she? Just serve out her time, punch the time clock and retire for life with a fixed pension amount.

If the County Executive John R. Leopold does not survive a new election in two years, a new broom will sweep new departments in office.

We are wallowing in millions of dollars shortfall in future budgets. If Mr. Leopold felt a new selectee was necessary, why didn't he select one of the over 4,000 employees already on board? What happened to the county freeze on new employees?

The current unfunded service liability for just employees, not county police of fire plans, is now at least $26 million.

JOHN J. MIARA

Severna Park

Independent thinking

I am writing in response to the letter submitted by Mike Metzger (Maryland Gazette, July 26). I wanted to thank him for telling me, a Democrat, what I want. I probably wouldn't be able to figure it out for myself had he not sent in this heart felt letter.

I find it hilarious that after almost eight years of the worst president in my lifetime (God willing) someone, independent or not, can find it within themselves to blame everything on Democrats. You should turn off Fox News and settle into some free thinking.

Look what happened at Compass Pointe Golf Course. Does a Democrat own that course? Do only Democrats golf there? I doubt it. Everyone is guilty for the illegal immigrant problem.

What have you done to fix the problem? Are you voting for those who have a track record of improving the issues you seem to care so strongly for?

What are the Democrats supposed to help you do? Vote for someone who won't drag the military here and there until it is so thin that we can't even help our own people? Get our economy out of the toilet? What independent is doing such a great job in these areas? The Democrats are no worse than others.

I don't want to "give" anyone anything. I want them to work for it just like I always have. There will not be a change until we stop pointing fingers and get off our butts and actually do something instead of whining about it.

That should be the American way. At least my grandparents told me that is how it use to be.

JACQUELINE SMITH

Pasadena

Leopold's style

While generally accurate, the editorial regarding my "style" (Maryland Gazette, July 26) requires a response.

The statement that "those who have business before the county see … an executive who isn't inclusive" should have started with the words, "some of those who have business before the county…"

I have met with the representatives of a number of organizations, and most have recognized the importance of disagreeing agreeably, eschewing public insults in order to maintain a climate of civility in which problem-solving and compromise can occur.

During the course of my political career spanning 40 years, I have enjoyed a measure of success in public life by being inclusive and collaborative, and this ability to collaborate was recognized nationally in 2000 by the National Republican Legislators Association.

The Maryland Gazette should guard against hyperbole and not allow some discordant voices to speak for all; they don't.

JOHN R. LEOPOLD

County Executive

Annapolis

Immigration raid

The recent raid on the homes of possibly unauthorized immigrants, as it was reported in local newspapers, smacked of Gestapo tactics.

The violent smashing down of doors and unnecessary damage to homes, and the intimidation of American citizens when their homes were searched by agents armed to the teeth was a frightening episode in Anne Arundel County's life and should be alarming to all Americans.

What role did the county government have in the investigation and the decision to raid? Why were the local police employed in this raid? Are employers being held accountable? Our congressional delegation should be asked to investigate this episode.

The League of Women Voters does not support deporting unauthorized immigrants unless they have a criminal history or are guilty of criminal activity. When they are apprehended, humane treatment and due process should be accorded them.

The league urges a new comprehensive immigration policy that will take into account the business and economic needs of the United States and offer a defined way for immigrants already here to achieve legal status.

This is part of a comprehensive position of the U.S. League of Women Voters, formed from a nationwide study of immigration and a consensus process undertaken by 850 local leagues.

SUSAN W. COCHRAN

President

County League

of Women Voters