Elections Today for Maryland Cities: Rockville, Salisbury, Gaithersburg, College Park, Greenbelt, Takoma Park & More!

By Matt Verghese

Election Day 2015 is upon us. Nationally, Democrats and progressives have a number of competitive races to watch: Attorney General Jack Conway battling to keep the Kentucky Governor's mansion in Democratic hands; Republicans trying to fortify their one-seat State Senate majority in battleground Virginia; 3 open Pennsylvania State Supreme Court seats that could determine which party controls redistricting in 2022; Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood trying to keep his title as the last Democratic statewide official in the Deep South; and, a number of ballot measures including initiatives to legalize medical and recreational marijuana in Ohio and a referendum on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.

In Maryland, some of the largest municipalities head to the polls. The vast majority of municipal elections are non-partisan. Baltimore City (elections in '16), Frederick ('17), Annapolis ('17), and Hagerstown ('16) are among the few exceptions.  Many of the contests this year feature open races, multi-candidate fields challenging incumbents, and the usual accusations of stolen yard signs. With many town and city officials going on to run for higher office, Maryland Juice runs through some races to watch.

ROCKVILLE: Incumbent Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton faces a stiff challenge from political organizer and consultant Sima Osdoby, with development and growth being among the top issues in the race. Osdoby is part of Team Rockville slate - which includes incumbent city Councilmembers Julie Palkovich Carr and Virginia Onley, former Councilmember Mark Pierzchala and first-time candidate Clark Reed. Also running are Councilmember Beryl Feinberg, Twinbrook Civic Association President Rich Gottfried, former candidate Brigitta Mullican, Planning Commission member David Hill, and businessowner Patrick Schoof. The Mayor and Council are being elected to a 4-year term for the first time.

Mayor

• Bridget Donnell Newton (i)
• Sima Osdoby

At-large Council (4 seats)

• Beryl Feinberg (i)
• Richard Gottfried
• David Hill
• Brigitta Mullican
• Virginia Onley(i)
• Julia Palakovich Carr (i)
• Mark Perirzchala
• Clark Reed
• Patrick Schoof

GAITHERSBURG: Current Mayor Jud Ashman - who was appointed to the post after Mayor Sidney Katz was elected to the Montgomery County Council,  longtime Councilmember Henry Marraffa and Darline Bell-Zuccarelli are running to fill the balance of Katz's term. Ashman has been endorsed by Mr. Katz. Running for the 3 at-large Council seats are City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel, appointed Councilmember Neil Harris, African American Democratic Club President Laurie Anne-Sayles, and attorney Robert Wu.

Mayor

• Jud Ashman (i)
• Darline Bell-Zuccarelli
• Henry Marraffa

At-large Council (3 seats)

• Neil Harris (i)
• Laurie-Anne Sayles
• Ryan Spiegel (i)
• Robert Wu

BOWIE: 21 year city council veteran Dennis Brady is challenging Mayor G. Frederick Robinson, who has the position since 1998. A number of newcomers are challenging incumbents as Bowie residents elect councilmembers who will now serve a 4 year term. These include veteran Kelly Rowe challenging Councilmember Diane Polangin in District 2, and former President of the Bowie Chamber of Commerce Craig Muckle trying to oust Councilmember Isaac Trouth. Two open city council races have attracted Comptroller Senior Advisor Monica Best-James, former Senator Peters aide Michael Esteve, and County Executive Baker intergovernmental affairs attorney Courtney Glass among others.  Dufour Woolfley, Jimmy Marcos and Henri Gardner - all sitting Councilmembers - are vying for 2 at-large spots.

Mayor 

• Dennis Brady
• G. Frederick Robinson (i)
• Keith Alphonso Jackson

At-large Council (2 seats)

• Henri Gardner
• James L. Marcos
• Dufour Woolfley (i)

Council District 1

• Jenmaire Dewberry
• Michael P. Esteve
• Pauletta G. Handy
• Monica Best-James

Council District 2

• Diane M. Polangin (i)
• Kelly P. Rowe

Council District 3

• Babatunde O. Alegbeleye
• James Scott Hessberger, Jr.
• Courtney D. Glass

Council District 4

• Isaac C. Trouth (i)
• Craig M. Muckle

COLLEGE PARK: District 4 Councilwoman Denise Mitchell and District 1 Councilman Patrick Wojahn are vying to succeed Mayor Andy Fellows, who is stepping down after three terms. Mitchell would be the first African American woman to hold the post, and Wojahn would be the City's first openly gay mayor. Incumbent Councilmembers Faziul Kabir, P.J. Brennan, Monroe Dennis, Robert Day, Stephanie Stullich and Alan Hew all face competitive races. Interesting to note that 6 out of 18 candidates running in College Park are either UMD alumni, professors or students.

Mayor

• Denise Mitchell
• Patrick Wojahn

Council District 1 (2 seats)

• Faziul Kabir (i)
• Christine Nagle
• Cory Sanders

Council District 2 (2 seats)

• Daniel Blasberg
• P.J. Brennan (i)
• Vivian Conway
• Monroe Dennis (i)

Council District 3 (2 seats)

• Ryan Belcher
• Robert Day (i)
• Robert McCeney
• John Rigg
• Stephanie Stullich (i)

Council District 4 (2 seats)

• Mary Cook
• Oscar Gregory
• Alan Hew (i)
• Dustyn Kujawa

SALISBURY: The Eastern Shore's largest city has revamped its electoral system for 2015 -- moving elections from the spring tot he fall, synchronizing terms of all elected officials, creating five single-member districts and eliminating their primary election. Current Mayor Jim Ireton decided against running for reelection, and instead filed to run for Council. City Council President Jake Day is running opposed for Mayor. All four City Council members are running for reelection - with Jack Heath and Tim Spies contesting from the same district. In the open District 2, former candidate and Libertarian Muir Boda seems to have the inside track.

Mayor

• Jake Day

Council District 1

• Sarah Halcott
• April Jackson
• Shanie Shields (i)

Council District 2

• Keyvan Aarabi
• Marvin Ames
• Muir Boda
• Justin Gregoli

Council District 3

• Jack Heath  (i)
• Kevin Lindsay
• Tim Spies (i)

Council District 4

• Jim Ireton
• Roger Mazullo

Council District 5

• Laura Mitchell (i)

LAUREL: Mayor Craig Moe running unopposed for a fourth term, and all five City Council incumbents are favored to win reelection. Laurel has been in the news recently over the possible closure of Laurel Regional Hospital and the local MARC train station.

Mayor

• Craig Moe (i)

At-large Council

• Michael Leszcz (i)

Council Ward 1 (2 seats)

• Carl Dewalt
• Jeffrey Mills
• Valerie Nicholas (i)
• H. Edward Ricks (i)

Council Ward 2 (2 seats)

• Donna Crary (i)
• Fred Smalls (i)
• Mansoor Zia

GREENBELT: Residents elect a 7 member at-large Council with the highest vote getter traditionally being selected as mayor. Emmett Jordan -  who became the City's first African American Mayor in 2013 - is running for reelection, along with former longtime Mayor Judith 'J' Davis and the 5 other incumbent members of the City Council.

At-large Council (7 seats)

• Silke I. Pope (i)
• Susan H. Stewart
• Emmett V. Jordan (i)
• Leta M. Mach (i)
• Konrad E. Herling (i)
• Rodney M. Roberts (i)
• Edward V. J. Putens (i)
• Judith F. Davis (i)
• Kathleen Marie Shaw
• Bill Orleans
• George R. Boyce

TAKOMA PARK: Councilmember Kate Stewart and local landlord Warren Holmes are facing off to become Takoma Park's next Mayor. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Williams - who is completing his 22nd year on the City Council - was the region's first openly gay elected official. Stewart - who has been endorsed by Williams, State Senator Jamie Raskin and County Councilmember Tom Hucker - is the frontrunner. The only other contested race is in Ward 1 where former HUD Assistant Secretary Peter Kovar and two others are running to replace Seth Grimes.

Mayor 

• Warren Holmes
• Kate Stewart

Council Ward 1

• Peter Kovar
• Victor Thuronyi
• Elizabeth Forbes Wallace

Council Ward 2

• Tim Male (i)

Council Ward 3

• Rizzy Qureshi

Council Ward 4 

• Terry Seamens (i)

Council Ward 5

• Jarrett Smith (i)

Council Ward 6

• Fred Schultz (i)

ABERDEEN: Incumbent Mayor Michael Bennett who prevailed in 2011 by only 26 votes, is fending of challenges from the City's first elected Mayor Ruth Elliott, Republican activist and perennial candidate Patrick McGrady, and former teacher and Delegate candidate Marla Posey-Moss. The City Council race includes incumbents Sandra Landbeck and Stephen Smith, and a 3 person slate aligned with McGrady. Mayor Bennett has endorsed both current Councilmembers as well as Appeals Board member Melvin Tyalor and  teacher Tim Lindecamp.

Mayor 

• Michael Bennett (i)
• Ruth Elliott
• Patrick McGrady 
• Marla Posey-Moss

Council (4 seats)

• Carol Bruce
• Sean DeBonis
• Daniel Forte
• Jason Kolligs
• Barbara Kreamer
• Sandra Landbeck (i)
• Tim Lindecamp
• Stephen Smith  (i)
• Melvin Taylor

TONIGHT: Join Rep. John Delaney, MoCo Exec Ike Leggett & Doug Duncan for Q&A at Maryland Juice's Million Views Party

Tonight Maryland Juice bloggers David Moon & Dan Furmansky are hosting our first ever reader party to celebrate our newest milestone: over 1.1 million article views and growing!  Join us MON 11/18 from 6 to 8 pm for a fun evening of horserace talk and tasty snacks (cash bar):

Maryland Juice Unplugged - "Million Views" Party

Paladar Latin Kitchen

11333 Woodglen Drive

Rockville, MD (White Flint Metro)

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Food for the event is being sponsored by Progressive Maryland & Congressman John Delaney

ASK THEM ANYTHING: Maryland Juice readers will be joined by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, former County Executive Doug Duncan, and Rep. John Delaney for live Q&A about Maryland politics. While we're hoping to have an unfiltered conversation with these three elected officials, we are going to encourage readers to observe some fairly basic ground rules:

• Ask a real question that can be answered fairly quickly (eg: don't just make statements about your views)
• Try not to ask about things that a quick Google search can answer or that's already been well-covered on Maryland Juice or another outlet
• Be respectful of the candidates' participation, as they don't have to answer every question

Personally, I'm hoping to hear some new insights into local politics, campaign strategy, nuances on issues or other enlightening matters. See you tonight!

Del. Luiz Simmons to Run for Sen. Jennie Forehand's Seat // PLUS: Delaney Endorses Simmons & Cheryl Kagan Weighs Run

Maryland Juice received a  press release this morning (see below) indicating that Delegate Luiz Simmons will be vacating his District 17 Seat to run for the State Senate seat currently held by Jennie Forehand. Notably, Forehand announced last month that she was still deciding whether to run for re-election or retire, but it appears that Simmons is plowing forward anyway. Simmons today also announced the endorsement of Congressman John Delaney in his bid for Forehand's Senate seat.  Former Delegate Cheryl Kagan is also known to be weighing a State Senate bid in D17, and we note that she posted the following message to her website today:

CHERYL KAGAN - Dear Friends: Thanks for visiting my website! I have received many calls over the last several weeks, urging me to run for the District 17 Senate seat in next year's election. I am humbled that so many of you have thought of me.

Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County face real challenges. We need an effective leader in the State Senate who will get things done and stand up for the values and interests of our communities.

I am looking at the race and will be announcing my plans shortly.

Stay tuned!

Cheryl

The departure of Luiz Simmons from the House of Delegates will trigger a race for his open-seat, and already a small number of challengers have been laying the groundwork to run for the D17 vacancy, including former Rockville Mayor Susan Hoffmann, former DNC and congressional aide Andrew Platt, and MoCo Young Dems Vice President Laurie-Anne Sayles. In any case, you can see the press release from Simmons below:

PRESS RELEASE

Del. Luiz Simmons To Run For State Senate, Receives Rep. Delaney’s Support

Rockville, MD  – Today, 3-term State Delegate Luiz Simmons announced that he will run for State Senate in District 17, which includes the cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg.

Since 2002, Delegate Simmons has been a strong voice for residents of Rockville and Gaithersburg. In the State Senate Simmons will continue to put his community first over status-quo politics, and ask the tough questions to find answers to the issues facing District 17 and all of Maryland.

“It has been a true honor and privilege to serve my community as a State Delegate.  We have accomplished a lot, but there is more to be done – more to do on education, more to do on domestic violence, more to do on our economy -- and I plan on getting right to work in the State Senate,” said Del. Luiz Simmons.  “I will always see to the needs of my community first. I hope to be a voice of reason and a voice for solutions.”

Del. Luiz Simmons launches his campaign for State Senate with the support of Congressman John Delaney (D-Maryland).

"For over forty years, Luiz Simmons has been dedicated to helping the residents of Rockville and Gaithersburg. His work as a local attorney and his tenure as Delegate show that Luiz is a committed public servant. I am proud to call Lou a friend and to support his candidacy for the State Senate. I am confident that he will place the needs of his constituents over politics, and continue to make Maryland a place we are all proud to call home,” said Congressman John Delaney (D-Maryland).

Simmons thanked Delaney for his support saying, “I am tremendously grateful for Congressman Delaney's support and his confidence in me. Congressman Delaney has been a true leader both in business and now in the House of Representatives.  Whether it is in the halls of Congress, fighting to fix our failing infrastructure, or standing up for our state's working families by leading the charge to increase Maryland's minimum wage, he is someone who we can count on."

To learn more about Del. Luiz Simmons and his campaign visit www.LuizSimmons.com.

###

Maryland Municipal Election Results: See Election Winners in Frederick, Rockville, Annapolis, College Park, Greenbelt & More

UPDATE: At the urging of a reader in our comments section below, we are providing the results of the recent elections in Bowie, Maryland. Unofficial tally available at Bowie Board of Elections. The Mayor and one Councilmember faced challengers this week, but all incumbents were re-elected:

Mayor

1. G. Frederick Robinson (incumbent) - 3,979 (85.53%) - WINNER
2. Richard Dahms - 666 (14.32%)
3. Write-In - 7 (0.15%)

At-Large Councilmember

1. Todd Turner (incumbent) - 3,585 (51.03%) - WINNER
2. Dennis Brady (incumbent) - 3,415 (48.61%) - WINNER
3. Write-In -  25 (0.36%)

District 1 Councilmember

1. James Marcos (incumbent) - 1,019 (98.84%) - WINNER
2. Write-In - 12 (1.16%)

District 2 Councilmember      

1. Diane Polangin (incumbent) - 1,232 (98.88%) - WINNER
2. Write-In - 14 (1.12%)

District 3 Councilmember

1. Henri Gardner (incumbent) - 792 (74.79%) - WINNER    
2. Babatunde Alegbeleye - 266 (25.12%)
3. Write-In - 1 (0.09%)

District 4 Councilmember

1. Isaac Trouth (incumbent) - 1,020 (99.80%) - WINNER
2. Write-In - 2 (0.20%)

Yesterday, numerous Maryland municipalities held elections for city offices. Below Maryland Juice provides a quick round-up of election results from some of the jurisdictions who declared unofficial winners last night.

ELECTION #1: FREDERICK CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Frederick Board of Elections: Incumbent GOP Mayor Randy McClement won re-election, while Democrats won 4 of 5 seats on the Board of Alderman.

Mayor

1. Randy McClement (R) (incumbent) - 3,714 (48.75%) - WINNER
2. Karen Lewis Young (D) - 2,407 (31.59%)
3. Jennifer Dougherty - 1,480 (19.43%)
4. Write-In - 18 (0.24%)

Board of Alderman

1. Kelly Russell (D) (incumbent) - 4,212 (12.18%) - WINNER
2. Michael O'Donnor (D) (incumbent) - 4,169 (12.05%) - WINNER
3. Josh Bokee (D) - 3,789 (10.96%) - WINNER
4. Phil Dacey (R) - 3,781 (10.93%) - WINNER
5. Donna Kuzemchak (D) - 3,656 (10.57%) - WINNER
6. Katie Nash (R) - 3,492 (10.10%)
7. John Daniels (D) - 3,395 (9.82%)
8. Alan Imhoff (R) - 2,938 (8.50%)
9. Dave Schmidt (R) - 2,617 (7.57%)
10. Daniel Cowell (R) - 2,469 (7.14%)
11. Write-In  66 (0.19%)

ELECTION #2: ROCKVILLE CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Rockville Board of Elections: There were formal/informal opposing teams running for Rockville's races. Two City Councilmembers faced off for the Mayor's race: Mark Pierzchala and Bridget Newton. Pierzchala ran on a team with incumbent Councilmember Tom Moore and Beryl Feinberg, Virginia Onley and Julie Plakovich Carr. The rival team was composed of Don Hadley and Claire Marcuccio Whitaker (sister of outgoing Mayor Phyliss Marcuccio).

Mayor

1. Bridget Newton - 3508 (53.06%) - WINNER
2. Mark Pierzchala - 3086 (46.68%)

City Council

1. Julie Palakovich Carr - 4308 (18.66%) - WINNER
2. Virginia Onley - 4063 (17.60%) - WINNER
3. Tom Moore (incumbent) - 4035 (17.47%) - WINNER
4. Beryl Feinberg - 3698 (16.01%) - WINNER
5. Don Hadley - 3610 (15.63%)
6. Claire Marcuccio Whitaker - 3167 (13.72%)

ELECTION #3: ANNAPOLIS CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Annapolis Board of Elections: Republicans likely unseated incumbent Democratic Mayor Josh Cohen, but the Board of Alderman remained in Democratic hands with Republicans only winning 1 of 8 seats. Note: The Baltimore Sun is calling the Mayoral race "too close to call" with 300 or so outstanding absentee ballots.

Mayor

1. Michael Pantelides (R) - 3,728 (50.57%) - WINNER
2. Josh Cohen (D) (incumbent) - 3,644 (49.43%)

Alderman Ward 1

1. Joe Budge (D) (incumbent) - 780 (57.40%) - WINNER
2. Allen Furth (R) - 579 (42.60%)

Alderman Ward 2

1. Frederick Paone (R) (incumbent) - 760 (51.74%) - WINNER
2. Kurt Riegel (D) - 709 (48.26%)

Alderman Ward 3

1. Rhonda Pindell Charles (D) - 574 (100%) - WINNER

Alderman Ward 4

1. Sheila Finlayson (D) (incumbent) - 277 (100%) - WINNER

Alderman Ward 5

1. Jared Littmann (D) (incumbent) - 554 (100%) - WINNER

Alderman Ward 6

1. Kenneth Kirby (D) (incumbent) - 317 (54.94%) - WINNER
2. Steven Conn (I) - 260 (45.06%)

Alderman Ward 7

1. Ian Pfeiffer (D) (incumbent) - 433 (61.68%) - WINNER
2. James Clenny (R) - 269 (38.32%)

Alderman Ward 8

1. Ross Arnett (D) (incumbent) - 993 (100%) - WINNER

ELECTION #4: COLLEGE PARK CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at College Park Board of Elections: All incumbents in these non-partisan races faced challengers but were re-elected.

Mayor

1. Andy Fellows (incumbent) - 1,127 (80.21%) - WINNER
2. Robert McCeney - 278 (19.79%)

District 1 City Council

1. Fazlul Kabir (incumbent) - 472 (45.38%) - WINNER
2. Patrick Wojahn (incumbent) - 443 (42.60%) - WINNER
3. Benjamin Mellman - 125 (12.02%)

District 3 City Council

1. Robert Day (incumbent) - 466 (41.72%) - WINNER
2. Stephanie Stullich (incumbent) - 359 (32.14%) - WINNER
3. Matthew Popkin - 292 (26.14%)

ELECTION #5: GREENBELT CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Greenbelt Board of Elections: All incumbents were re-elected in these non-partisan races.

City Council

1. Emmett Jordan (incumbent) - 1,476 - WINNER
2. Judith Davis (incumbent) - 1,368 - WINNER
3. Rodney Roberts (incumbent) - 1,300 - WINNER
4. Konrad Herling (incumbent) - 1,223 - WINNER
5. Leta Mach (incumbent) - 1,214 - WINNER
6. Silke Pope (incumbent) - 1,171 - WINNER
7. Edward Putens (incumbent) - 1,164 - WINNER
8. Susan Stewart - 992
9. William Orleans - 317

ELECTION #6: TAKOMA PARK CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Takoma Park Board of Elections: Councilmember Terry Seamens was the only incumbent to face a challenger, but his opponent dropped out at the last second. All incumbents were re-elected in these non-partisan races.

Mayor

1. Bruce Williams (incumbent) - 989 (88.94%) - WINNER
2. Elizabeth Forbes Wallace (registered write-in) - 62 (5.58%)
3. Write-In - 61 (5.49%)

Ward 1 City Councilmember

1. Seth Grimes (incumbent) - 229 (90.16%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 25 (9.84%)

Ward 2 City Councilmember

1. Tim Male (incumbent) - 242 (91.32%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 23 (8.68%)

Ward 3 City Councilmember

1. Kay Daniels-Cohen (incumbent) - 189 (89.15%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 23 (10.85%)

Ward 4 City Councilmember

1. Terry Seamens (incumbent) - 218 (94.78%) - WINNER
2. Eric Mendoza (withdrawn from race) - 10 (4.35%)
3. Write-ins - 2 (0.87%)

Ward 5 City Councilmember

1. Jarrett Smith (incumbent) - 72 (91.14%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 7 (8.86%)

Ward 6 City Councilmember

1. Fred Schultz (incumbent) - 125 (97.65%) - WINNER
2. Write-ins - 3 (2.34%)

ELECTION #7: GAITHERSBURG CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Gaithersburg Board of Elections: These non-partisan races were uncontested.
Mayor

1. Sidney Katz (incumbent) - 1,649 (95.32%) - WINNER

City Council

1. Michael Sesma (incumbent) - 1,500 (86.71%) - WINNER
2. Henry Marraffa (incumbent) - 1,489 (86.07%) - WINNER

FIELD REPORTS: Maryland Voters Show Massive Interest in Voting Early // Photos & Reports From Polling Locations

Maryland Juice is hearing reports of massive interest in early voting today -- the first day that voters can cast ballots for the 2012 federal elections and Maryland ballot questions. It is possible voters are trying to cast their ballots before Hurricane Sandy hits Maryland, but it is equally plausible that folks are fired up to weigh in on the ballot questions and Presidential race.

In fact Maryland Juice is very excited to vote early this year, and we encourage everyone to stay in line and make their voices heard. After all, as I recall, the early vote totals will be the first ballots counted on election night! Below you can see a few random reports from the field:

HUGE INTEREST IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING: First, Capitol News Service has been on the ground today at the early voting polls at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Check out their Tweet below:

MASSIVE INTEREST IN GERMANTOWN: The report of high early vote turnout was also confirmed by Senator Ben Cardin on Twitter. The photo below was taken at the Germantown early vote location, and you can see that Democratic officials are out working the polls today. Comptroller Peter Franchot, CD6 candidate John Delaney and Senator Ben Cardin can be seen greeting voters. We hear Governor Martin O'Malley was also out at Germantown today and met hundreds of voters heading into the polls:

HIGH TURNOUT IN PRINCE GEORGE'S AND RANDALLSTOWN: A Maryland Juice source also emailed us while in line at the Rockville early vote center to report that turnout is looking strong as she gets ready to vote. But its not just Montgomery County locations that are witnessing high turnout. A knowledgeable source who has been in touch with officials around the state reports that in Frederick, voters were lined up two hours before the opening of polls. Yet another source reports the same early voting surge in Anne Arundel County. Meanwhile, one anonymous Prince George's politico reports high turnout in that County and therefore expects 2012 early vote turnout to blow the 2010 numbers out of the water. Lastly, a source reports that there was an extremely long queue of cars at the Randallstown polling location in Baltimore County.

ANONYMOUS SOURCE: At the Randallstown early voting center this morning, there was an enormous line of cars stretching all the way through to the Home Depot. One person thought it was a funeral procession!

Below you can find information on how to vote early. Don't sit this election out!

All Maryland voters can vote early:

Saturday, October 27 through Thursday, November 1.

Early Voting Hours:

10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday &

12 to 6 pm on Sunday, October 28.

NOTE: You must vote at one of the early vote centers in the County where you live and are registered to vote. Find your County's early voting locations:

Allegany County	Anne Arundel County	Baltimore City
Baltimore County	Calvert County	Caroline County
Carroll County	Cecil County	Charles County
Dorchester County	Frederick County	Garrett County
Harford County	Howard County	Kent County
Montgomery County	Prince George's County	Queen Anne's County
St. Mary's County	Somerset County	Talbot County
Washington County	Wicomico County	Worcester County

MARRIAGE EQUALITY: New "Vote For 6" Radio Ad with Obama // PLUS: Rockville Councilmember Attacked for Lawnsigns

JUICE #1: NEW RADIO AD FEATURES OBAMA: Today Marylanders for Marriage Equality has released a new radio ad featuring President Barack Obama's endorsement of marriage equality earlier this year. Listen to the new spot below:



JUICE #2: CRAZY ANTI-MARIAGE TRUCK AD: A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us the image below of a crazy anti-marriage equality truck ad. See the image below and accompanying explanation:

READER: Saw this on I-270 this morning. The side said "Shame on America."

JUICE #3: LIMITED SUPPLY OF FREE "VOTE FOR 6" LAWNSIGNS: Thanks to a generous donor, Marylanders for Marriage Equality is now offering free "Vote for Question 6" lawnsigns to the first 1,000 people who request them. You can pick up signs from Marylanders for Marriage Equality offices in Silver Spring, Baltimore, Cumberland and Frederick.

[ CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A LAWNSIGN ]

JUICE #4: ROCKVILLE COUNCILMEMBER TOM MOORE UNDER SEIGE FOR PRO-MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAWNSIGNS: Last week, Maryland Juice reported that Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore decided to print city-specific lawnsigns urging a "vote for" Question 6. Note: You can pick-up signs at his house 11 Forest Ave in Rockville starting next Monday, October 29. In any case, Moore's effort is now under attack from the opponents. See the update below:

TOM MOORE: This is not particularly a news item, but I thought you might enjoy it.   I'm not concerned that it will amount to anything, but man -- no good deed goes unpunished. Debra Daniel, for your reference, is Rockville's City Attorney.

On Oct 24, 2012, at 11:07 AM, xxxxx <xxxx@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Ms. Daniel,

Once again, I find it necessary to question the recent  action of Councilmember Tom Moore. During Monday’s Council meeting, Mr. Moore displayed the image shown below. He announced that yard signs are available, and can be picked up at his house. It is my opinion he conflated the Council’s position on Question 5 with his personal position on Question 6.

The sign Mr. Moore displayed, and will distribute, gives the impression that the City, through the Mayor and Council, has taken a position on this issue. Who does Mr. Moore think he is, that he can speak for all of Rockville? Mr. Moore doesn’t seem to understand that as an elected official, when he uses such language as “Rockville Votes For”, he is representing our City, and goes far beyond expressing his personal views.

I am hereby requesting that Mr. Moore be told he cannot distribute or display the sign. The City did not approve this, does not take a position on the issue and Mr. Moore is not entitled to speak for all of Rockville.

I would like a timely response to my request, and what action, will be taken. If you feel that, as the City Attorney, you cannot respond directly to me, then I ask you direct your answer through the City Manager or the Mayor. If it is the decision of the City Attorney, City Manager or City Council that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Moore’s language, I would like an explanation as to why.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

http://r4em.moores.org/

NEW: Rockville-Specific Marriage Equality Lawnsigns // PLUS: Elijah Cummings Hiding from Civil Rights & PG Dems Speak Out

UPDATE: Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore sends us word that Rockville marriage equality supporters have reached their fundraising goal. Signs will be ready for pickup next Monday:

TOM MOORE: Thanks for the link over the weekend.  We raised $645 in a flash with help from Maryland Juice! I've shut down the fundraising, I've ordered 300 signs, and they're being rushed back here.  Pickups start at my home -- 11 Forest Ave. in Rockville (map below) -- starting next Monday, Oct. 29.

JUICE #1: NEW ROCKVILLE QUESTION 6 LAWNSIGNS - Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore has also decided to go rogue and print his own Question 6 materials. He is organizing pro-marriage equality Rockville residents to print a batch of "vote for" 6 lawnsigns. Here's some information from his new website:

TOM MOORE: Here's the deal: A few folks in Rockville wanted to get the message out by printing up some yard signs and giving them away. They've kicked in around $700. A few more folks said, "How can we help?"

This is how you can help. Click on the Paypal link below and give anything you'd like -- anything up to $50. (Please, no more than that -- over $50, and we may have to report your name, and we'd rather skip the hassle.)

Here's how it's going to work: The signs will be shipped to the home of the reasonably upstanding Rockville citizen Tom Moore, where anyone and everyone can come by and pick up a few signs for their yard. Whether or not you kick a few bucks toward the effort, you're more than welcome to nab some signs. Tom's house is at 11 Forest Avenue in Rockville.

JUICE #2: DOES REP. ELIJAH CUMMINGS GET A FREE PASS ON SUPPORTING CIVIL RIGHTS? - Shouldn't there be some expectation from the party base that long-time "pro-civil rights" advocates actually do something to help Maryland families in their time of need? Rep. Elijah Cummings has been in office for a decade and a half and is never in danger of losing his seat. So much so, that Maryland Juice wonders if he thinks he's earned enough chits with progressive voters that he doesn't have to help with civil rights causes like marriage equality anymore. Cummings' silence is completely voluntary.

At last check Rep. Cummings' position on the issue was: "It’s now up to the voters to decide whether to uphold the law." Is this an acceptable position for a safe member of Congress in a one-party Democratic state?  He wants to subject individual rights to a popular vote?  Remind me not to vote for Elijah Cummings in the Democratic Primary if he ever runs for U.S. Senate.

I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR ELIJAH CUMMINGS FOR U.S. SENATE

JUICE #3: LAST CALL FOR OBAMA-DREAM-MARRIAGE SIGNS IN BALTIMORE - Maryland Juice & allies have been distributing lawnsigns throughout the state urging residents to vote for:

1. Obama
2. Dream Act (Question 4)
3. marriage equality (Question 6) 

BALTIMORE SIGNS AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP: We are almost completely sold out, but there are a handful of signs left in Baltimore. If you are able to pick them up in B'more and are interested in spreading the word in your neighborhood, please email me at david@marylandjuice.com for instructions. Maybe you can even put a few up in Rep. Elijah Cummings' neighborhood.  :)


JUICE #4: PRINCE GEORGE'S DEMOCRATS GLENN IVEY & JOLENE IVEY COMBAT MISINFORMATION: Lastly, if you're sitting on your laurels while this battle is going on in Maryland, it is time to wake up! The haters are airing television advertisements trying to confuse and mislead voters into voting against basic legal rights for Maryland families. They are seizing on Gallaudet University's suspension of their anti-marriage equality "diversity & inclusion" provost as evidence that "we're all at risk."

This has led our side to divert efforts from our basic message to try and fend off the misinformation campaign. Delegate Jolene Ivey and her husband Glenn Ivey (former P.G. State's Attorney) released the following ad to counter recent propaganda from the anti-civil rights forces:

REPORT FROM THE FIELD: A Sign of Questionable Tactics from Anti-Marriage Equality Petition Gatherers

Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore posted the following disturbing report on his Facebook page today. He mentions that a petition-gatherer at his polling location was gathering signatures to repeal marriage equality, but may have used questionable tactics to get LGBT-rights supporters to sign the haters' petition for repeal. The extreme right is spending massive resources trying to subject Maryland's newly passed marriage equality law to a repeal effort on November's ballot. See the irritating note below:

The report from Mr. Moore comes on the heels of yesterday's report that the anti-gay "National Organization for Marriage" (aka NOM) was robo-polling voters to try and identify marriage equality opponents to steer toward Anthony Muse's U.S. Senate campaign. NOM was also recently condemned by a Maryland NAACP leader for getting caught red-handed trying to stoke racial divisions by exploiting African American and Latino figures.

MoCo's Battle Over Building Height Limits // Maryland Juice Makes Cameo Appearance at Rockville City Council Hearing

UPDATE: A reader provides more context to the development battles in Rockville, by way of a recent Gazette article. The City Council is currently weighing changes to their "Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance" -- which creates standards linking infrastructure with development.

A couple days ago, the Rockville City Council held a public hearing to discuss proposed mixed-use development at the Twinbrook Metro. As is becoming the norm, building heights were the topic of much of the discussion. Coincidentally, the February 27th hearing came only days after Maryland Juice published an article lamenting that activists too often fight density near Metro -- and that this could unintentionally thwart environmental and social justice goals.

The fact that Montgomery County is now more expensive to live in than New York City and San Francisco triggered this discussion on Maryland Juice, and we hope that the dialogue continues among policymakers throughout Maryland. But in the meantime, we are humbled to note that a reader reports that our article was invoked by a citizen activist at the hearing. A Rockville juicer testified in favor of the development project in question and for greater height limits near Metro stations.

We provide a short clip of the hearing below (Note: it begins with bits of testimony from an opponent of greater density at Twinbrook Metro):





Keep drinkin' the Juice!

Rockville Mayor & City Council Debate 10/13/11 - Watch Online

Rockville Maryland holds elections every two years, at which time the mayor and four council seats are up for election. The next election is on Tuesday, November 8 and polls will be open 7 am - 8 pm. For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/election11. The candidates for Mayor and Council participated in a videotaped forum last nigh, sponsored by the Fallsmead Homes Corporation. You can watch the video online below:

Rockville & Baltimore 2011 Election Controversies // Time to Rethink MD's Municipal Election Calendars?

Maryland Juice recently unearthed mutual acquaintances with Baltimore blogger Adam Meister at Charm City Current. We were therefore excited to discover from a recent blog post, that Mr. Meister shares our passion for pushing higher voter turnout through calendar changes. Specifically, Mr. Meister wants to see Baltimore elect city leaders at the same time as higher turnout races. Baltimore Council candidate Shannon Sneed's write-in campaign (announced today), seems to be putting a spotlight on reforming Baltimore elections. We explain the (much ignored) issue below and note how this relates to recent controversies in Rockville, Maryland elections (ie: Bob Barker and deer hunting or City Council candidate Tom Moore and campaign finance law).

On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, voters in Baltimore, Greenbelt, Takoma Park, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and other Maryland cities will be electing new Mayors and City Councilmembers. Do you live in one of these cities? If so, were you even aware there is an election in a few weeks? Do you care? You can check your local election schedule here.

Bob Barker to Rockville, MD: Proposed Hunt "Cruel, Pointless"

Former Price is Right host Bob Barker waded into Rockville politics this month with an appeal to the city's Mayor and Council. The letter, which was emailed to city officials on August 20th, reads (in part):

Dear Citizens of Rockville, Maryland:

COME ON DOWN and tell your mayor and city council that you can learn to share your great city with the deer! I know that you can do it! But you must do it in writing by September 9. And you must be at the meeting for the decision on Oct. 24. I am begging you to make time to go....

I have unfortunately recently discovered that my deer friends in your city may be killed....

You can read the full letter below.

Kumar Dominoes: Rockville Official Retires, Seeks TBA Future Office?

UPDATE: Rockville City Council candidate Tom Moore provides some updated information:

"I read with interest your posting about John Britton's possible political plans, and wanted to point you to some slightly better information: This newer Patch posting notes that there are now four candidates qualified for the ballot (rats!), the addition being Virginia Onley. Also, current councilmember Mark Pierzchala is running for real and is almost certainly going to get on the ballot."

The Gazette today reported that Rockville City Councilmember John Britton announced his retirement from office:

"John Britton, 56, will end a decade-long history of involvement in city activism and a four-year stint on the council."

The article also noted that Britton was contemplating a future run for public office:

“Just nothing in the short-term,” he said.