Letter to the editor - Commissioner Hodge

I am proud of Cecil County.

On June 16th, there was a Public Hearing at Perryville High School for input on the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) proposal to increase tolls on the Hatem Bridge and other MDTA facilities. I went, concerned that not enough people would attend to effectively show Cecil County’s opposition to this proposal. I was wrong.

Estimates for attendance have varied from 700 to 1200 participants, while an untold number of people were turned away due to the immense crowding. This turnout makes me proud, as it shows that Cecil County residents will stand up for ourselves, and that we will fight the things that must be fought.

What I am really happy about is the unified stance of all of those participants against the proposed increases. Hundreds of people were willing to give up an evening of their personal time to let MDTA know exactly how we feel. I hope the MDTA listens to all who spoke out against the toll hikes and provided ideas and alternative solutions.

This fight is not over. On Monday, June 27th, the MDTA is holding another Public Hearing at the Havre de Grace Activity Center, 351 Lewis Lane in Havre de Grace. Registration for public comment begins at 5:30 PM and formal presentation and testimony begins at 6:00 PM. We must go and support our fellow Marylanders in Harford County in our fight against the MDTA proposal.


Robert J. Hodge
County Commissioner 5th District
Robert@rjhmgt.com

Anger to Understanding

On Tuesday, the county commissioners voted 5 – 0 to raise our property taxes by 4.3 cents to 94 cents. Along with the majority of the county, I wasn’t too happy. I thought that things would be a lot different this year with 3 Republican commissioners. Promises were made last fall about holding the line on taxes. Were these empty promises made again during an election to get elected? Commitments were made soon again after the elections to hold the line on taxes.

My first reaction was to crucify the 3 Rs in public for their votes. But after sitting down to write this post, after putting my thoughts on paper, my anger started to subside. Were the two commissioners sincere when they committed to holding the line on taxes last winter? I believe they were. The commissioners would have had to cut the budget by another $4.3 million to maintain the constant yield rate of 89.7 cents. If the state hadn’t cut the state revenue to Cecil County by $4 million, it would have been an easier task.

Where would you have cut the budget by $4.3 million to maintain the constant yield? Education – doesn’t work for me, I have 3 kids in school and education is very important to me (plus with my wife on the school board, she would have hurt me). Public safety – I personally want more deputies on the road, not less. Parks and Recreation – I don’t think that there is enough. We belong to a Harford County soccer league because none exist in the western part of the county. Libraries – nope, not here either, my kids fully utilize the Rising Sun library. So basically what I am saying is that there is no easy answer. There are services provided by the county that we want more of or at least maintain at the current level. Was there fat in the budget that could have been cut out? I don’t know, what is fat to some is essential to others. I have to trust that the commissioners that I voted for have done their job the way that I would have expected them to.

Another way to look at this is to look at our elected state officials. We all know that Delegate Smigiel, Delegate Sossi, Senator Pipkin and Senator Jacobs would never vote to raise taxes. Delegate Smigiel and Senator Pipkin are quite vocal about it and I respect them for their stance. If you would take Delegate Smigiel or Senator Jacobs and put them into the position that they had to vote for a tax increase or a major decrease of funding to public safety, how would they vote? I would immediately say they would vote no to new taxes, but public safety is a major area of concern to them. So what would the outcome be? (I took liberties with the state budget scenario, we all know that there is so much fat, no, not fat, blubber, that this would never happen)

I do not think that it is “my patriotic duty to pay more taxes” and never will. I believe the economic policies of President NObama and Governor NO’malley are disastrous for this county and state. I am not happy with the increase in property taxes and am disappointed with the 3 R commissioners. But I will not crucify them for their decision. I think that they did their best with what they had to work with. I will continue to keep the faith that they will do their best to represent me and others. So I will continue to support Commissioners Demmler, Mullin and Hodge.

Response to Delegate Smigiel's Blog

Please see the copy below of the response to Delegate Smigiel's blog about me and the Cecil County Blog. I have submitted it to his blog and hope that it gets posted.

First of all Mike, thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I want to clarify some points that you made about my last post. I was not claiming that there was a 2 cent tax cut. I pointed out that there was a 2 cent reduction in the amount that it could have been increased by. I know a tax increase when I see one, I was commenting on the fact that it could have been worse. When is the last time that we have seen this reduced?

As for implying that you did not attend the budget hearings, if that was my intent, I would have said that Delegate Smigiel didn’t even attend. The implication made was that there are many folks out there complaining about the actions of their elected officials and that they do not even take advantage of the public meetings. This was even noted in an earlier Whig article. And you are correct, I did not attend any of these meetings, I would expect that the commissioners that I voted for would do the right thing for me.

My question was why you were pinning this all on Commissioner Hodge. He is just one vote among five others. As you had pointed out in an earlier posting on your site, Commissioner Mullin also pledged that he would not support any new taxes. Where is his headline? When the state passed all of the new taxes last year, we all know that you were there fighting against the increase taxes, yet I did not hold your feet to the fire because they passed.

As for the Anonymous posting, I could force people to give a name to leave a comment but it is too easy for people to give a false one. My blog is open to all, I have had people even complain about my wife on the school board and did not edit it. I am trying to have an open forum and will delete anything to gets to far out of line.

Thanks for the opportunity to respond.

What is Delegate Smigiel's Point with Latest Blog Posting

On Delegate Smigiel's blog, his latest post is about Commissioner Hodge and the budget process. I am curious on why he is focusing on Hodge. This is the first time in years that the county commissioners have done something in trying to reduce the pain of paying property taxes. I know that my property taxes have doubled in the 10+ years that I have lived here. We all would have loved if the county kept the property taxes at the constant yield which would have meant a 6.3 cent reduction. But after a $5.5 million cut in state revenues flowing to Cecil County, we all should be happy about a 2 cent reduction. When is the last time any of us have seen a reduction?

It is amazing how folks can complain about the budget, yet never show up during the budget process. I am fiscally conservative and probably would have ideas where to cut more. But my priorities are not the same as everyone else in the county and a lot of people would not be happy. The budget process is a balancing act, not everyone will be happy.

Commissioner Hodge is only one voice along with 4 other commissioners. His job is also a balancing act. He is trying to present a lean budget while maintaining his promise to improve public safety and education. The budget will not be adopted until May 26, please voice your concerns with Commissioner Hodge and the others before the budget process is done, not after.

Republican Candidate Reception Planned in Patriots Glen on October 29th

(Elkton, MD) – A “Meet the Candidates” reception for Republican candidates is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th at the Patriots Glen Golf Course Clubhouse, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Special guests will be Andy Harris, U.S. Congressional candidate; Jim Mullin, candidate for Cecil County Commissioner (District 1) and Robert Hodge, candidate for Cecil County Commissioner (District 5).

This is event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Tari Moore at (443) 350-3669 or moorestrategies@comcast.net.

Hodge 2008 Campaign Announces Unveiling of New Website

Hodge 2008 Campaign Announces
Unveiling of New Website

(North East, MD) – The Robert Hodge 2008 campaign announced the unveiling of their new website at www.hodge2008.com.

The new website features links to local and state government offices, a calendar for events and meetings, a fresh “community” section, and a Paypal link for campaign donations – in addition to Hodge’s biography, the issues, volunteer opportunities, etc.

“People are busy – but they still want to know more about the candidates and what they stand for on issues,” stated Hodge’s Campaign Manager Tari Moore, “we want to encourage people to visit the website, get to know Robert better, and contact him with any questions or concerns.”

Robert Hodge is a candidate for Commissioner in District 5, a long-time resident of Cecil County, and a local businessman. He is running for the seat being vacated by Commissioner Mark Guns.

For additional information, contact Robert Hodge at 443-553-1517 or visit www.hodge2008.com

“Picnic Under the Pavilion”

Robert Hodge Family Picnic Fundraising Event – September 28, 2008

(North East, MD) – The Robert Hodge 2008 campaign will be holding a family “Picnic Under the Pavilion” on Sunday, September 28, 2008 from 3 – 6 p.m. at Uncle Bob’s Western Corral. Tickets are $25 per person, children under 12 are free, and the public is invited to attend.

Uncle Bob’s Western Corral is located at 555 Kirk Road in Elkton, and the event will be held in the outdoor pavilion. Numerous activities for children are planned, with music and entertainment provided by Jack Foreaker and Nancy Tyler-Lester (Nancy’s Christian Daycare) – including a moon bounce, face-painting and many prizes.

Robert Hodge is a candidate for Commissioner in District 5, a long-time resident of Cecil County, and a local businessman. He is running for the seat being vacated by Commissioner Mark Guns.

For tickets or information regarding this event contact Robert Hodge at 443-553-1517 or www.hodge2008.com

Hodge is Unfairly Accused

In his letter in Wednesday’s Cecil Whig, Dr. Mulvey indicated that he may be in the wrong profession. He should be an old-time politician since he has already mastered one of their defining characteristics, the habit of attributing only altruistic motives to all of his friends and only self-serving interests to all of his opponents. It never seems to occur to those folks that anyone could run for public office with a genuine desire to improve the community in which they live and work. I’m sure that when Robert Hodge was considering a response to the people who asked him to run for County Commissioner, it never entered his mind that it might be financially advantageous, as Mulvey suggests. Instead, I imagine he pondered the considerable sacrifice in time, money and piece of mind that it would involve, not to mention the media abuse to which he would become vulnerable.

It is grossly insulting to accuse a candidate of wanting to profit from a public office, with absolutely no evidence of such thoughts. It also indicates a complete ignorance of the County’s excellent ethics laws. A Commissioner is bound by law and by his personal integrity to recuse himself from all decisions remotely connected with his private affairs. I believe that Robert’s primary purpose in running was to attempt to reverse a trend in County affairs that he found very troubling. He saw, as I do, that opportunities for young people to start and succeed in business have been steadily eroded by excessive taxes, onerous regulations, and government interference. I believe he felt an obligation to try to preserve the elements in our society that allowed him to prosper and to enjoy life and work in Cecil County.

I was fascinated by Mulvey’s claim to knowledge about who owned the properties where Hodge’s campaign signs are displayed. Surely he didn’t check the land records for all of those locations. I’ll bet Hodge doesn’t even know where they all are, since they were erected by a small group of hard-working supporters, whose only instructions were to distribute them around the County and to get the land owners’ permission. It seems logical that a random distribution would put many of them on the properties of people who own the most land. All of this indicates that Dr. Mulvey is probably not going to join the throng of citizens who want to improve the quality of our County government by voting for Robert Hodge for County Commissioner in the Republican Primary on Tuesday.

Lulu's Beau

Endorsements for Tuesday

Please remember to vote on Tuesday (Feb. 12th) in the Maryland Primary Election. Until last Thursday, there were 3 races here in this area that were being closely followed by the area Republicans, the Presidential, Congressional District 1 and Commissioner District 5.

In the Presidential battle, I will not be endorsing any of the remaining candidates. I was the Cecil County Chair for the Mitt Romney Campaign which tells you who I was previously cheering on. In fact, many of the Maryland County Chairs for Romney will be still voting for him on Tuesday, just to send a message. But at the end of the day, I will still support the Republican nominee for the general election.

I am endorsing Robert Hodge for County Commissioner in District 5. Politically, this was an easy choice. I believe that Robert has the business experience that Cecil County needs going forward with BRAC coming to the area. Personally, it was a tough choice; I have known Tom McWilliams for over 6 years now. And like many other people, like Tom a lot. I just believe that he lacks the business experience that will be necessary to move the county forward.

I am endorsing Senator Andy Harris for Congress. I believe that he has the conservative values that match mine the closest. Congressman Gilchrest lost me when he supported a timeline for a troop withdrawn from Iraq. How can you vote to send folks to war and then turn around and withdrawn your support when the political winds change. With that being said, I had to say that this has been one of the most negative campaigns that I have even seen. My mailbox has been clutter almost on a daily basis with negative brochures from all three major candidates, Senator Pipkin, Congressman Gilchrest and Senator Harris.

Cecil County Young Republicans Club

The Cecil County Young Republicans will be co-hosting an event with the
Cecil County Women's Republican Club on Thursday, January 10th 2008 at 7pm
at Rising Sun Library. Our guest speakers will be Robert Hodge and Tom
McWilliams who both seek the Republican nomination for Commissioner in the
5th District (North East, Elk Neck). We will have questions prepared for
both candidates and will give them both time to make statements. We will
also take questions from the audience. Please do not pass up an excellent
opportunity to learn about the candidates at this forum. Remember the
Feb. 12th primary is quickly approaching. Refreshments will be provided.
Thank you.

Sincerely and respectfully,

Theodore A. Patterson
President, Cecil County Young Republicans

Hodge Files for County Commissioner

For Immediate Release....

October 17, 2007
Hodge Files for County Commissioner

Today, Robert Hodge filed papers with the local Board of Elections to become an official candidate for County Commissioner " District 5.

The election is just a few short months away and with the presidential races in full swing, there is a lot of interest already in the 2008 elections, said Hodge. I needed to start right away doing the things necessary to run a successful county-wide campaign and earn the support of voters.

Hodge has already earned the respect of State Senator Nancy Jacobs.

Robert Hodge will work hard in his campaign to meet and listen to Cecil County voters. Once elected, he will work even harder to build a consensus and tackle the critical issues this county faces," said Jacobs. "Robert Hodge represents the very best Cecil County has to offer as a candidate for County Commissioner. I am glad to see that Robert is running because he will bring a sense of urgency to the Board to preserve the rural character of the county and protect our pocketbooks.

Hodge decided to run for County Commissioner because he sees a need for action by local leaders to address the needs of Cecil County.

We are getting squeezed for more money from every angle " property assessments are through the roof, Annapolis wants to raise taxes on nearly everything, and gasoline prices are continuing to rise, said Hodge. During these tough financial times, Cecil County deserves local leaders who will look critically at the budget and do more with less, said Hodge.

Robert Hodge, who owns and operates several businesses in the area, believes that his business management experience will prove an asset to Cecil County taxpayers at budget time.

As a business owner I bring a unique perspective to the County Commissioners. In my businesses, week in and week out I have to balance the budget and meet payroll, said Hodge. Often, this means finding creative solutions which cut costs and bring the budget in line with actual revenue. It is a practice that I would follow as County Commissioner " making government more efficient and productive.

Robert Hodge wants to take a more active role in the leadership of the county. In 2005, he graduated from the Cecil County Leadership Institute and recently served as the Chairman of the Land Use Sub-committee for the BRAC Action Plan. Additionally, Robert serves as Chairman of the Cecil County Republican Central Committee.

Robert Hodge is a member of the Cecil County Farm Bureau and the Economic Development Commission. He was also recently appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee for the County.

The reality of BRAC is that while we could attract many new jobs to the area, it could also mean an increase in residential growth. We must act quickly to take advantage of the positive aspects of BRAC while minimizing the negative, said Hodge. Implementing an infrastructure plan in the growth corridor of Cecil County is the best way to solve many of the growth issues that we face.

Cecil County is a great place to live because of its rural character. As county commissioner, I'll work to keep it that way.

Robert Hodge lives on a cattle and horse farm outside North East. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Agricultural Economics from Penn State University and has made Cecil County his home for the past 25 years.

He hosts his Kick-Off Fundraiser at the Chesapeake Inn on November 15th, 2008 from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Those interested in learning more about Robert Hodge can visit his web site at www.Hodge2008.com.

Hodge Forms Campaign Committee

Robert J. Hodge
For Immediate Release...
Contact: Robert J. Hodge October 5, 2007 443-553-1517
Hodge Forms Campaign Committee

Robert Hodge announced today the formation of the “Hodge for Cecil County” campaign finance committee in advance of his filing to run for Cecil County Commissioner in District 5. The campaign committee will raise and spend money prior to Hodge filing as an official candidate for the Cecil County Commissioner in District 5. Jim Brady will serve as Chairman of the committee and Allan Loomis will serve as the Treasurer.

“I am honored that Jim Brady and Allan Loomis have volunteered to serve in leadership roles in my campaign for County Commissioner. Jim is an active member of the community and I look forward to having his leadership and counsel during my campaign,” said Robert Hodge. “Allan has the keen eye for detail that is needed to manage the finances of a campaign committed to winning in our county.”

Jim Brady operates his family’s sheet metal fabrication business in Elkton, MD. He has served as president of the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce (2000-2001) and on two county appointed task forces. Other affiliations include the Susquehanna Workforce Network Board of Directors and Executive Committee and the Boy Scouts of America – Cecil District Committee. Jim lives outside of North East with his wife of 21 years, Linda, and their two sons.

Allan Loomis is a retired duPont employee who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland. He has over 35 years’ service with the Boy Scouts of America and presently serves as the Chair of Cecil District’s National Eagle Scout Association. Allan is also the Treasurer of the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware and is the Vice President of the United Methodist Men of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. Allan lives near Fair Hill with his wife of almost 40 years, Portia.

“Since announcing that I intend to run for County Commissioner in District 5, I have received an outpouring of support and encouragement from voters throughout the county,” said Hodge. “By forming this committee, we have taken an important step toward becoming an official candidate for County Commissioner and now we shall begin to build a winning campaign.”

“Our county faces many tough decisions in the coming months and years and it is important that we have leadership on the Board of County Commissioners committed to making ---and following through --- on those decisions. We can no longer drag our feet in seeking ways to responsibly manage growth in Cecil County, preserve the rural character of our county, and strengthen its agricultural base,” said Hodge.

Robert Hodge lives on a cattle and horse farm outside North East. Hodge, a local Businessman who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Agricultural Economics from Penn State University, has made Cecil County his home for the past 25 years.

County Commissioner Race - 5th District

I had mentioned earlier that I was hearing about three potential candidates for the 5th district. The two Republican names are Tom McWilliams and Robert Hodge. Tom has run in the past twice for county commissioner and once for a school board seat. He has been very active in the county and is well liked by many. But for some reason that has not gotten him the votes needed to be elected. Robert Hodge, chairman of the Republican Central Committee is a local businessman who has been very active politically behind the scenes. I believe that he will get the support of the local businesses. The other potential candidate that I have been hearing about is Democrat Robert McKnight, the mayor of North East.