Democrats and Republicans got together in a day of volunteer service Saturday. By Sunday, the gloves had come off and it was politics as usual.
Chris Cavey, chairman of the county Republican Central Committee, issued a statement late Sunday night criticizing David Gildea and Michael Paul Smith for their development of a ticket of candidates that will run for at least three of the expected four open council seats next year. (more…)
Republicans appear to be attempting to use the speed camera issue as a wedge issue in the upcoming 2010 election to unseat Democratic Del. Steve Lafferty in the 42nd District.
Lafferty was first elected in 2006 to the seat that represents Towson, Timonium and part of Pikesville. The seat was previously held by one-term Republican Del. John Trueschler, who decided not to run for re-election citing concerns about the toll the job was taking on his family. The remaining two delegate seats have been held by Republicans since the district was created in 2002.
John Fiastro, president of the 42nd District Republican Club, handed out fliers criticizing Del. Steve Lafferty during the Aug. 19 public meeting on speed cameras, held at the Baltimore County Public Library branch in Towson.
The bright yellow leaflet declares in bold letters “Lafferty voted for speed cameras.” On the reverse side, the group reprinted a blog post that appeared here on July 23 in which Lafferty called for public hearings on the bill. The reprint has several passages underlined with hand-written notes criticizing the delegate.
It should be noted the reprint was done without the permission of Patuxent Publishing Co., which owns this Web site.
Lafferty addressed the flier briefly at the meeting just before speaking about his reasons for supporting speed camera legislation.
“I really love that my opponents have put this piece of crap out,” said Lafferty, who was holding a copy of the flier as he spoke to the crowd of about 60. “Because if you read the other piece, the other side to it, this meeting is about public information. As I’ve walked neighborhoods and talked to voters, people do not fully understand the intent of the legislation and certainly no one has had the opportunity up until now, other than what the county has rightfully put on its Web site, gotten any kind of insights on how (the county) expects to proceed.”
State Del. Steve Lafferty is calling on county officials to hold public meetings to explain how speed camera legislation will be implemented in the county.
Lafferty, a Democrat and supporter of speed cameras, said “it is incumbent upon the county to use (the meetings) as an educational session.”
“I’ve not heard from any community that doesn’t feel (speed cameras) will be a valuable tool if used correctly,” said Lafferty, who represents the 42nd District including Towson, Lutherville-Timonium and part of Pikesville. (more…)