3rd Quarter 2007
Déjà Vu…All Over Again
By Chuck Weikel
What if we could throw a switch and take Annapolis back 30
years in time?
We would have work boats at City Dock, boat building in Eastport, a
farmer’s market that reflects the flavor of the City, a less polluted Bay
and Creeks and perhaps less hassles getting into and out of town.
Unless we could do it to the whole planet, we would still be in
trouble.
Annapolis would still be surrounded by 165,000 county residents
who would want to come downtown or travel through the City on
their way to and from work. Annapolis Transit wouldn’t exist, nor would
Knighton or Gotts Court Garages. The Historic District would not have
the infrastructure to handle the congestion and historic preservation
would be ahead of us.
Many times we’d like to find another way to solve tough problems,
but the simple fact is that looking forward is our only option. Clearly,
the present is not a sustainable situation.
This means limited, context sensitive development. Preserving the past
with economic vitality...and acknowledging there are new neighborhoods
and communities.
Transportation must be enhanced. This must occur from the grass roots
up. If individuals, neighborhoods and communities do not push for a full
consideration of light rail, ferry service and non-vehicle options, then these simply will not happen. Stop widening roads and building more parking
lots.
Sometimes taking a step forward means taking a step backward.
Businesses, residents, and institutions should come to the table and
discuss what consensus can be reached to limit vehicle access to some
streets at specific times and conditions.
“We are concerned that most Annapolis residents
would agree that one thing the downtown
district doesn’t need is another fudge shop. But
no one seems to know what can be done – or if
anything should be done… It is common to hear
long-time residents say they no longer want to
shop downtown anymore.”
-- Evening Capital editorial, May 31, 1979
Sound familiar? We need to move beyond the same tired debates and
provide some answers for change.
Help in Your Neighborhood
Next February, we will face the most important Presidential Primary election in a generation. The Maryland State Legislature has moved our Primary election up to February 12, 2008. This will give Annapolis voters new clout in selecting the next President of the United States. The rest of the nation will be watching us here in Annapolis and in Maryland.
You can help. We need you to help Democrats win in your neighborhood.
• Do you have time to attend a political event?
• Can you contact your neighbors for Democrats?
• Can you host a neighborhood get together?
Then join us!
Please contact: Chuck Weikel, AA County Democratic Central Committee Member at 410.919.8147 or cweikel@mac.com.
Make Annapolis Greener!
• Walk or take public transportation.
• Buy Energy Star Appliances.
• Switch your bulbs to compact
fluorescents (CFLs).
• Switch to a green energy provider.
• Use a cloth bag for groceries.
• Switch to online bank statements and
bill paying.
• Don’t air condition an empty room.
• Recycle metal, glass, plastic & paper.
• Use green cleaning products.
• Unplug your chargers when not in use.
• Sail, don’t motor.
From: Small Steps, Big Strides, NYC Planning Department
Annapolis's Maritime Heritage
Midshipman Weikel gets an
adjustment to his new cover
from
his father, July 1975
|
The Bluenose of Nova Scotia arrives alongside the USNA
seawall last June
escorted by the S/V Kea from Annapolis.
|
The Rumor Mill • juicy news to know about people and events in our District
End of Summer Fun: Match an Elected Official with their Rumored Electoral Aspirations in Three Years!
1. Alderman Sam Shropshire
2. Ex-Delegate Herb McMillan
3. Councilman Josh Cohen
4. Speaker Mike Busch
5. Alderman Julie Stankivic
6. President George Bush |
a) Delegate, then Governor
b) Governor
c) State Senate (in 7 years!)
d) Delegate
e) Mayor
f) Permanently retired
|
One possible set of solutions: 1-d, 2-e, 3-c, 4-b, 5-a, 6-f. Or make up your own rumors!
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3rd Quarter 2007 ::: 2nd Quarter - 2007 ::: 1st Quarter 2007
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