tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55719013345786647002024-03-13T11:02:15.755-04:00HoCo RisingTom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-26697251893420963822017-04-10T08:04:00.002-04:002017-04-10T11:04:31.458-04:00Elevate Maryland - Episode One: A Short Talk With An Old FriendI love podcasts. In fact, I love podcasts so much that I will do things I don't want to do just for the opportunity to listen to a podcast. When I walk to work, drive my car, exercise, do yard-work, or vacuum, I listen to podcasts. <br />
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So, obviously, when the opportunity arose to do a podcast with my friend Candace Dodson Reed, I excitedly said yes. When the extremely talented Ilana Bittner of HoCoMoJo agreed to produce, I knew we could do something special. <a href="http://elevatemdpodcast.com/2017/episode-one/">Our first episode</a> hit the interwebs on Friday, and I'm really pleased with how it came out. Admittedly, the door bell at Joe's Deli is a bit annoying, but as one friend suggested it made the podcast "more real". (I may be trying to make the next podcast "less real" on that front if at all possible.)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3VvsehVjQs/WOt0r-j39wI/AAAAAAAADec/uNaeSAjFm3ozjkIkbXOMvfSbA5aE8TAFQCLcB/s1600/ElevateMD%2B-%2BKen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3VvsehVjQs/WOt0r-j39wI/AAAAAAAADec/uNaeSAjFm3ozjkIkbXOMvfSbA5aE8TAFQCLcB/s320/ElevateMD%2B-%2BKen.jpg" width="320" /></a>For our first go, we wanted to make a big splash with a well-known newsmaker. I feel like we really lucked out by being able to have former County Executive Ken Ulman on as our first guest. We asked about what he's been up to since 2014, particularly his work as CEO of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/margravestrategies/">Margrave Strategies</a>. I hear the phrase "dream job" more and more recently, but I can tell with Ken that it is actually true. While County Executive, you always had the feeling that Ken had a vision for what he wanted Howard County to be and this vision was shown in the actions, initiatives, and policies that he put forward. Ken wanted Howard County to be more green, more cutting edge, and an exemplar for other communities to follow. That brought him plenty of criticism from those who thought Howard County was perfectly fine just the way it was. But for those of my generation and anyone looking to raise a family in Howard County, that vision seems to have paid off.<br />
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Now Ken gets to market that place-making vision to those looking to be more green, more cutting edge, and exemplars in their own way. He, along with his team at Margrave, works with college towns to utilize their foundational strengths to build amazing places to live. These institutions of higher education realize that in order to compete for the best talent, both in the student body and academia, they need great towns. Ken has found a very powerful niche that works well for his talents.<br />
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What I enjoyed most about this first podcast was the "rapid fire" portion at the end. When I began the first question with "I'd like to ask some questions of you as a person...", Ken's eyes got big like I was about to ask him "boxers or briefs". As I finished by asking him about books, movies, and music he would recommend, I could tell that he enjoyed the opportunity to step away from policy and talk on human terms. From talking to many of you, I know that the book, TV show, and music he recommended were all downloaded, ordered, or viewed within the weekend.<br />
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For the next show, we would like to have someone on from the Republican side of things. We understand and appreciate that some in the GOP may be hesitant to come on a show with two Democrats, but I would respond that we will have a failing show if we don't respect our guests. We do not intend to offer a liberal rallying point with this podcast. Rather, we want to offer up local content in an interesting way. We want those who make public decisions to have a forum to express why they did what they did, why they think the way they do, and maybe what they'll be watching on Sunday night with their spouse. I think we did that well with the first show and can't wait to see what comes next.<br />
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Have a great Monday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-49532652527009913332017-01-06T09:56:00.001-05:002017-01-06T09:56:58.842-05:00Safe for Six Year OldsTwo years ago next week, I walked into a family law court hearing for the first time in my life. I had received an urgent message from Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services indicating that a client needed representation for an emergency hearing on her petition to terminate family rights. She did not speak English and did not have anyone available to translate.<br />
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The case was docketed for Howard County Circuit Court and I had room on my plate, so I took the case. I did not speak Spanish, so my first conversation with the client was at the <a href="http://www.firnonline.org/">FIRN office</a> in Columbia. Through an interpreter, she explained that her six-year old daughter had been sexually abused by the client's ex-boyfriend, who was the girl's father. The father had a drinking problem, which brought on these episodes of abuse. While the couple was not together, they lived in the same apartment along with the client's mother. She was in the process of finding a new place to live and/or getting her ex to move out. Due to her unfamiliarity with the legal process, and discomfort in engaging the authorities, eviction was not an option.<br />
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When I asked her whether she had called the police regarding the abuse, the client responded that she was afraid to do so due to her immigration status. She had overstayed her visa after fleeing violence in Guatemala. Many of her family members, including her father, had been killed in her home country and it was not safe for her to return. She had been told that refugee status was not available.<br />
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The client had called a social worker about the abuse, who had involved the police. When the police arrived at her house, her ex jumped out of the back window of the apartment and ran. Due to her concern about deportation, she refused to cooperate with the investigation and it was closed. There was a period of time in which the ex was no longer living in the apartment, but after about two weeks he showed up again. The client worked about 12-14 hours a day as a house-cleaner and asked her mother to watch her daughter while she was gone. The ex would be around the house during those periods and she was concerned that the abuse would continue outside of the purview of her mom. Every day she would leave home for work, she knew that she was leaving her daughter vulnerable to a predator.<br />
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I am happy to say that we were successful with both the termination of parental rights and a protective order requiring the father to stay away from the little girl both at home and at school. Through the course of the proceedings, we learned that he would sometimes show up at her school asking to take his daughter out of class. Thanks to perceptive and invested educators, those efforts were normally blocked.<br />
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Almost every time I met with my client, she cried. Tears of frustration, guilt, fear, and sorrow. She lived as a part of an underclass for which many government services we take for granted, like the protection of police, were not available. Where many of us see "protect and serve", she would see a trip back to near certain death and destitution. It is almost inconceivable for any of us to think of a circumstance where we are forced to live with someone who is actively abusing our child, yet that is not unique for the immigrant underclass.<br />
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Council Bill 9-2017 operates to disconnect the administration of civil immigration laws from the protections offered by local law enforcement. It will have a practical and meaningful impact on the lives of people like my former client. If I could have assured this woman that engaging the police would not implicate deportation, not only would her child be protected, but all of our children would be less vulnerable due to criminal prosecution of a suspected offender. And this extends to all aspects of civil society. Imagine being in a hit-and-run car accident where the only witness is an undocumented immigrant. Do you want them to be discouraged from completing a witness statement? Do you want them to be afraid of interacting with police?<br />
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I am empathetic to those who share different views on this legislation. There is a firm construct in all of our minds that laws are there to be followed and immigration law is no different. However, we forget that immigration law is civil law - the same as traffic laws and other offenses that result in a fine. In fact, deportation is not intended to be a punishment; it is just the manner in which the law is applied and open to revision.<br />
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We can, and should, have a vigorous discussion about what laws like CB 9-2017 mean for our community, but we need to begin with the premise that children should be safe, regardless of their parentage. If CB 9-2017 makes them more safe, then any alternative needs to carry that floor. There are experiences that are completely foreign to us, such as this. That does not diminish their legitimacy or their need to be addressed. <br />
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Have a great Friday doing what you love.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-71923496189025096922016-08-16T09:12:00.000-04:002016-08-16T09:13:34.928-04:00In Memoriam - Rhoda TobackI learned this morning that Rhoda Toback passed away over the weekend. While I knew she had some health problems, this came as a shock to me. And it would. Rhoda always conveyed energy and vitality. She was a genuine and loving person. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAtD2OzYiJs/V7MRdjmaB_I/AAAAAAAADUU/Uo4Juo4PYVw8qlYwE38D5pw8w1UMpiQbwCLcB/s1600/Rhoda-Toback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAtD2OzYiJs/V7MRdjmaB_I/AAAAAAAADUU/Uo4Juo4PYVw8qlYwE38D5pw8w1UMpiQbwCLcB/s320/Rhoda-Toback.jpg" width="295" /></a>I came to know Rhoda during the effort to have the Inner Arbor plan passed through the CA Board. She loved the plan immediately and was a steadfast advocate for passage. Rhoda attended every meeting and spoke forcefully in favor of the plan. I will always remember how my early impression of Rhoda as a kind but meek woman was dashed as she responded to an Inner Arbor critic with sharp wit and devastating certitude. I knew then we would be friends.<br />
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During my campaign for delegate, she constantly sent me encouraging notes and emails. After the loss, she pulled me aside to say how it was much more important for me to be there for my daughter and that I would find other ways to serve. It was that balance between steadfast support and consoling mentorship that made Rhoda such a great person to be around.<br />
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Rhoda never met Harper, but she would always tell me how much she enjoyed seeing her pictures on Facebook. As a Dad, I get a little self-conscious about posting too many pictures, but she would assure me that they were enjoyed by more than just family.<br />
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Rhoda was a dedicated supporter of the arts and watershed management, two things that have been weighing heavy on my mind in 2016. She even wrote me one email in the form of a poem. Admittedly, I thought it was somewhat eccentric at the time, but I will probably remember Rhoda for the rest of my life because of that eccentricity.<br />
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She loved this blog and commented often - always when the posts were the most optimistic and positive.<br />
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Rhoda Toback was a great woman and was a quintessential Columbian. She will be missed.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-72432942158695447002016-08-15T09:44:00.004-04:002016-08-15T09:56:45.484-04:00Ellicott City - August 15, 2016The greatest challenge coming out of the second week of clean-up is connecting business owners to volunteers. As I indicated last week, the original notion was that businesses would have to recruit their own volunteers. I was then told this was incorrect and that the County would be coordinating this in order to track volunteer hours. Yesterday, I was told that this position had been reversed due to liability concerns and it was back to the "wild west" of volunteer recruitment. My wife Nicole went down this weekend to help Rumor Mill and remarked to me that a neighboring business did not have any volunteers. She noted how sad it must be to see a dozen volunteers next-door and not have any of your own to help. <br />
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So let's try to fix that. The Ellicott City Partnership has the same liability concerns as the County in this regard, which limits the organization's ability to play match-maker. There are numerous electronic forums (i.e., Facebook, Reddit, Craigslist) that could facilitate this process, but we should consider that many, if not all, of those businesses that could recruit volunteers had Facebook pages to begin with. Those that did not...did not. Please leave your suggestions in the comments (either here or the Facebook page).<br />
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Friday was a day of big announcements. The County Executive announced that former County Executive Jim Robey will lead a "flood recovery committee", which will be made up of residents, business-owners, and representatives from local nonprofits and from the faith community. The members have not yet been announced and the specific tasks of this committee, other than "recovery", are not yet known.<br />
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The County Executive also <a href="https://www.howardcountymd.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=hYMbxOvF1uI%3d&portalid=0">entered an Executive Order </a>creating a "Recovery Fund Committee" (referred to as the "EC Strong Fund Committee") that will create a uniform means of applying for relief funds and making recommendations to the United Way and Ellicott City Partnership on how those funds should be distributed. News reports after Friday's press conference suggested the committee would be making distributions. They will not. The County Executive's Order states that the committee will be making recommendations, which will go to the organizations making disbursements. The primary purpose of this is to ensure that grants were not being paid for services already offered by the government. A secondary purpose is to create uniformity in application. I think this committee serves both purposes well and look forward to seeing it progress.<br />
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There has also been some confusion over whether there is a collective "EC Strong Fund". There is not. The United Way has an "ECStrong Fund", but the ECP is maintaining a Flood Relief Fund under the "Ellicott City Partnership". We have already received a few checks made out to the "EC Strong Fund", which we can only hope will either be honored or rewritten. If you would like to support the relief effort, please continue to send contributions to the Ellicott City Partnership at <a href="http://www.helpellicottcity.com/">www.helpellicottcity.com</a>. <br />
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Last week, the Ellicott City Partnership continued to issue short term relief by way of $100 check cards and, starting today, will begin making distributions of the $500 Emergency Relief Grants. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and hope to have the second batch reviewed and processed by the end of this week.<br />
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The Ellicott City Partnership also offered relief by way of an arrangement with ServPro Ellicott City to help get professional crews into these businesses for clean-up and mold remediation. The ECP will pay 50% of all contracts not covered by insurance and 100% of all deductibles for those who had insurance. As may be expected, this caused some frustration among those who had insurance who believed they were being discounted for "doing the right thing". Speaking for myself, and not for the ECP, I am very sympathetic to that position and know we will do more to make it up to those people. But for now, this fund can only be used for "uninsured losses not otherwise covered by government funds or services". It is the best way to serve the most amount of people and address the most profound needs.<br />
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Week 2 seems to be the week of rumors, which is unfortunate. Some have suggested that the Ellicott City Partnership is only assisting merchants and is not helping residents. That is incorrect and belied by two weeks of coordinating supplies and check cards for those affected on the West End. The ECP has accepted Emergency Relief Grant requests from residents and will continue to direct resources to all those affected in Historic Ellicott City.<br />
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That's all for today. Have a great Monday helping Ellicott City.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-47976608801605946332016-08-10T09:04:00.001-04:002016-08-10T09:18:15.458-04:00Ellicott City - August 10, 2016A week and a half never went so fast.<br />
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First, I've received a number of questions about volunteering. From my perspective, the best way to volunteer is to link up with a restaurant, merchant, or resident to help clean-out their store this Saturday (presuming they will be allowed access). You can also volunteer through <a href="https://www.howardcountymd.gov/ECFlood-Volunteer-Opportunity">Howard County</a>, which has been sending groups of volunteers on "missions" around Main Street. I recommend the former only because I know how much it has meant to those affected by the flood. If you do not have a personal relationship with a store owner or resident, there may be opportunities to link up this weekend (stay tuned). Also, in preparation for that opportunity, please be prepared to throw away whatever clothes you wear on Main Street and bring boots. <br />
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Second, what has the Ellicott City Partnership been doing? A lot. We continue to distribute $100 check cards and have rolled out a $500 Emergency Relief Grant program, which will begin issuing checks as soon as tomorrow. Individuals and businesses in need of assistance may download the one-page application <a href="https://ecpartnership.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/ellicott-city-partnership-relief-request-v2.docx">through this link </a>and submit it back to the ECP by August 22. The Partnership is in discussions to create a public/private panel of representatives from government and nonprofit agencies, which will review grants for larger sums. We hope to see that group established by next week. The thought behind it is that privately raised dollars should not be going towards needs otherwise serviced through government support. While the public support has been tremendous, it is also finite. We need to be responsible, while also nimble in our distribution of funds. On that count, I can't say how proud I am to be a part of the ECP. <br />
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Third, please continue to <a href="https://ecpartnership.org/#donate">donate </a>and <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/baltimore-diner-blog/bal-food-and-drink-fundraisers-to-benefit-ellicott-city-20160801-story.html">attend the many fundraisers</a> dedicated to the relief effort.<br />
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Fourth, this is really exciting:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uElJjWVWQGo/V6skJalyPOI/AAAAAAAADTw/9HDumXLR9zYjfyFbzL_m0uT6sKWHh2J9wCLcB/s1600/ECMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uElJjWVWQGo/V6skJalyPOI/AAAAAAAADTw/9HDumXLR9zYjfyFbzL_m0uT6sKWHh2J9wCLcB/s400/ECMarket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This Saturday, 9:00 am to 4 pm, the <b><i>Ellicott City Market will be back in action</i></b>. It will be relocated to Mt. Ida (next to the Courthouse) and will not only include the normal slate of awesome vendors, but also Main Street merchants and restaurants affected by the flood. There will be music, food, and the most amazing, resilient, and hard-working people you could ever meet. It's gonna be a party, y'all.<br />
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Have a great Wednesday loving Ellicott City.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-37052236014149148652016-08-04T09:19:00.003-04:002016-08-04T10:36:58.922-04:00Ellicott City - August 4, 2016Obviously, the primary concern today, as it was yesterday, is getting access to the properties along Main Street. Yesterday afternoon, Council-member <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JonWeinsteinHoCo/photos/a.96592404986.22938.54869164986/10150670260549987/?type=3&theater">Jon Weinstein posted this aerial photograph</a> indicating what properties could be accessed for clean-up and repair:<br />
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Per Jon's post, those interested in accessing these properties should call 410-313-2900 for more information.<br />
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As for the remaining properties, I expect that we will hear more information today regarding when business owners can access their stores and for how long. Many business and property owners are concerned about mold and sustained water damage to otherwise salvageable materials. I also understand that the County's primary focus is making sure we do not compound this tragedy with unnecessary deaths or injuries. I wish I knew more on this subject, but that's all I have for now.<br />
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<b>What is the Ellicott City Partnership doing? </b> Yesterday, Kelly Secret (an all around amazing person) was handing out Visa gift cards to residents and business owners for clean-up supplies and other necessities. The ECP also continued to coordinate supply distribution with Courtney Watson (also amazing). We have also arranged a resident/merchant/property owner ONLY meeting for Saturday. Due to the nature of this meeting, I am not comfortable posting the details here, but please feel free to <a href="mailto:tcoale@gmail.com">email me for details</a>. In the coming weeks, we intend to hold resource workshops to help business owners with the practical issues they may face after an event like this (i.e., insurance coverage, corporate filings, tax issues, etc.). Nevertheless, please be advised that the BEST way to navigate these hurdles is by contacting the <a href="http://www.hceda.org/">HCEDA</a>. As always, stay tuned.<br />
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Ellicott City resident Alex Belush (corrected) has created the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepellicottcityworking/?pnref=story">Keep Ellicott City Working</a>" page for Main Street employees who need to find work. If you find work through that page, make sure to come back once we rebuild.<br />
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Floria Volynskaya accomplished what I could not, which is a comprehensive list of GoFundMe pages. You may find that list through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FloriaVolynskaya/posts/10154533419102189?pnref=story">this link</a>.<br />
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Yesterday afternoon, I drove over to the Columbia Alehouse to thank them for raising money for the Ellicott City Partnership. I had to park next to Potbelly (sorry Potbelly) and walk. It was packed. Thank you Justin Dvorkin and Flying Dog for being such great friends to Ellicott City.<br />
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And on that note, many people have asked me where they should contribute money if they want to help. We have a number of great nonprofits that are focused on doing important work in Ellicott City. My focus is on the Ellicott City Partnership. We are the only organization that has Main Street business owners and residents on our board. These are our friends, neighbors, and family members. The ECP has created a separate fund for all money raised in response to Saturday's flood, which will be 100% dedicated to Main Street residents, merchants, and business owners. You can contribute through <a href="https://ecpartnership.org/#donate">this link</a>.<br />
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Have a great Thursday helping Ellicott City.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-21247589668050444552016-08-03T09:30:00.004-04:002016-08-03T09:57:26.440-04:00Ellicott City - August 3, 2016First things first, the topic of insurance has been raised repeatedly over the last three days. Those outside of town say "I hope they have it" those on Main Street are wondering "Do I have enough?" Due to safety concerns, business owners and residents have been limited in their ability to access their property, which has ultimately prevented claims adjusters from accessing the property and business owners from receiving payment on their policies. Of even greater concern is the fact that there are certain remediation efforts that are necessary to prevent a total loss, which are also impossible due to limited access. I know the County is working as expediently as possible to get this resolved, but for those who are frustrated you should know you are not alone.<br />
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Second, for those who thought you had flood insurance, but have since been told otherwise, please see this note from the <a href="https://www.howardcountymd.gov/ECStrong-Recovery-Resources">Howard County Disaster Assistance Page</a>:<br />
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The Maryland Insurance Administration will have representatives available to assist Marylanders filing insurance claims as a result of the flooding in Howard County. Consumers can contact the Maryland Insurance Administration at 410-468-2340 or 1-800-492-6116 if they need assistance with property and casualty claims related to the storm.</blockquote>
I will also be looking to pull together a list of insurance coverage attorneys for those who are unable to find relief through the MIA. If you are denied, make sure to get it in writing.<br />
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Third, the Ellicott City Partnership is continuing to fire on all cylinders. Business owners and residents began picking up clean-up supplies yesterday and even more have been contributed. Fundraising continues and we will begin looking into additional ways to get those resources out to the community ASAP. The <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScT7ry5Jva3sRMnXevvMIPJUbSRroVrGG_J8othEl766f094g/viewform">Needs Assessment online form</a> went up yesterday and we've begun compiling the results. Business owners should also consult with the <a href="http://www.hceda.org/news-events/news/2016/ellicott-city-flooding.aspx">Howard County Economic Development Authority</a>, which is performing a needs assessment of its own.<br />
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Fourth, the Howard County Council held an emergency session this morning at 8:00 am to provide for the <a href="https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhowardcounty.granicus.com%2FDocumentViewer.php%3Ffile%3Dhowardcounty_48b69beaafa0693ce484621652b0a92b.pdf%26view%3D1&embedded=true">consideration of emergency legislation</a> extending the County Executive's emergency powers past the expiration date of August 6, 2016. There will be a special public hearing on the emergency legislation <i style="font-weight: bold;">this Friday</i> at 8:00 am, which will be followed immediately by a vote. You can sign up to testify <a href="https://apps.howardcountymd.gov/otestimony/">via this link</a>.<br />
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Fifth, many of you have asked me questions about GoFundMe pages and how to determine if they are "legitimate". As a preliminary matter, we should all understand that these are not tax deductible contributions and are intended for private use. GoFundMe is a great mechanism for helping business owners stuck in between disaster and insurance coverage. I <i style="font-weight: bold;">strongly</i> encourage everyone to support these business owners in their individual efforts (or those of their friends) to get back on their feet. The best way to determine if it is "legitimate" is to evaluate the relationship between the person who set up the GoFundMe page and the designated recipient. Did the designated recipient "like" or "share" the page? Does the description suggest some level of intimacy that may be different from a person off the street? If you are really concerned, try contacting the business owner directly and asking them if the page is going to benefit them. BUT if it is a general page intended to help all of Ellicott City and you do not see a nonprofit associated with that page, send your money elsewhere. <br />
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Finally, enough time has passed since Saturday that we're now going to hear less about how to help and more about "what went wrong". Among those opinions is the thought that we should not rebuild. If you hold that opinion, I would respectfully suggest that you keep it to yourself for at least the next month. However well intended, it will be not be well received. And if you're talking about that instead of talking about how to help, your opinion likely doesn't matter much to begin with.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-37249449623965133292016-08-02T08:25:00.000-04:002016-08-02T15:41:38.356-04:00Ellicott City - August 2, 2016First things first, for those with immediate needs with regard to clothes, food, or shelter, you can find help through this link to the <a href="https://www.howardcountymd.gov/ECStrong-Recovery-Resources">Howard County Disaster Assistance </a>page. You can also be connected to all County agencies by calling 410-313-2900 and stating your need.<br />
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Second, what is the <b>Ellicott City Partnership</b> doing? Over the last 48 hours, the ECP has compiled a database of over 2,000 volunteers and we are in the process of putting that information into Constant Contact. With the tremendous assistance of Courtney Watson, we have arranged for storage of clean-up equipment at EZ Storage in Ellicott City, pending the go ahead from the County to access properties. <b>Thank you EZ Storage for your generous donation of the storage space.</b> We have also purchased gift cards for clean-up materials and other necessities that will be distributed with the donated materials. I understand that the West End is already in the midst of clean-up and to the extent any materials are needed, please feel free to <a href="mailto:tcoale@gmail.com">email me directly</a>. Over the next 3-4 hours, we will have a webpage that will allow business owners and residents to report their needs and we will arrange for those needs to be met. (<b>Update</b>: You can <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScT7ry5Jva3sRMnXevvMIPJUbSRroVrGG_J8othEl766f094g/viewform">find that form here</a>.) Past that, we also anticipate being able to provide funds directly to those affected by the flood. <br />
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The bottom line is that I want people to be assured that this organization is working overtime to meet the pressing needs of the community. I am honored to work with such dedicated people.<br />
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Third, yesterday I asked for referrals of benefit events, which may have underestimated the interest. Here are the events dedicated to raising funds for the Ellicott City recovery efforts:<br />
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August 1 -13 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/39minuteworkout/photos/a.416756881667840.104173.310467728963423/1279398745403645/?type=3&theater">David Bears 39 Minute Workout</a> - $20 drop-in classes with all proceeds going to the Ellicott City disaster fund<br />
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August 1 - 5 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nachomamascanton/photos/a.148802511850513.34243.108960582501373/1191828417547912/?type=3&theater">Nacho Mama's (Canton, MD)</a> is donating 20% of all food and beverage purchases<br />
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Wednesday, 3 pm - 10 pm <a href="http://flyingdogbrewery.com/old-e-c-got/">Alehouse Columbia</a> (Flying Dog)<br />
Wednesday, 5 pm - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/554650028075278/">Yogi Castle Ellicott City</a><br />
Thursday, 3 pm - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/272841573084350/">Jailbreak Brewing</a><br />
Friday, ?? pm - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1128883513853317/permalink/1128883517186650/">Chef Paolino </a>(details unclear)<br />
Friday, 9 pm - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/554650028075278/">Boozehounds Rock Ellicott City for Ellicott City</a> (Bare Bones)<br />
Friday - 6:30 pm -<a href="http://www.towsonchamber.com/feet-on-the-street/">Feet on the Street</a> (Towson, MD)<br />
Saturday, 5 pm - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1774839709438525/">Heavy Seas Brewery</a><br />
Sunday, 4 pm - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1557625597879834/">White Oak Tavern</a> (Flying Dog)<br />
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September 24 - A<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/242276362816487/">VOCA Decorator Showhouse</a><br />
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I am 100% certain I left something out, but please add any other events <i>in the comments</i>. Please also check out the list compiled by the <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/baltimore-diner-blog/bal-food-and-drink-fundraisers-to-benefit-ellicott-city-20160801-story.html">Baltimore Sun</a>. As much as I would like to update this list, there just isn't capacity to do so.<br />
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Fourth, there are also additional GoFundMe pages to share:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2hm3uys">Portalli's Employee Relief Fund</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2hdy2n8">Maxine's Antiques</a></li>
</ul>
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Again, please add any others in the comments. I assure you that readers here check the comments, particularly for something like this.<br />
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Fifth, I spoke with representatives of <a href="http://www.howardbank.com/">Howard Bank </a>yesterday, who are offering to do whatever they can to help. They are going to tremendous efforts to ease the financial burden on their Main Street clients and I hope other banks will follow their example. This is community banking at its best.<br />
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That's it for now. I will try to keep updates coming as I have them on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoCo-Rising-170674291175/">HoCo Rising Facebook page</a>.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-29202739424438892412016-08-01T09:23:00.002-04:002016-08-01T17:27:58.745-04:00Ellicott City - August 1, 2016First things first, if you are a resident or business owner, the Howard County Fire Department Information line is 410-313-2900. You can call this number to get information about your building or any concerns about pets that were left behind. Please do not call this number unless absolutely necessary. There will be an information session this afternoon, <b>4:30 pm, at the Howard County Senior Center, 9411 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, Md. 21042,</b> which will provide more general information about repair efforts and when people will be allowed to access their property.<br />
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Second, for those who want to help, the following nonprofits are collecting funds to help business owners, residents, and property owners:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ecpartnership.org/#donate">Ellicott City Partnership </a>(Full disclosure: I am on the board)</li>
<li><a href="http://preservationmaryland.org/help-ellicott-city-recover-descructive-flood/">Preservation Maryland</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.redcross.org/local/maryland-delaware">Maryland Red Cross</a></li>
</ul>
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There are also "GoFundMe" pages for individual businesses:</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2hcxcxbr">Cunningham Studios</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2hdbnw4">Still Life Art Gallery</a></li>
</ul>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Update</u>: Some additional GoFundMe pages I have been asked to share:</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2hccer7j">A La Mode Ellicott City</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/2ha83m5w">Jason Barnes/All Time Toys</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Second Update</u>: My personal friends Matt and Lexi Milani have a GoFundMe page:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/therumormillec">The Rumor Mill</a></li>
</ul>
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If you see an ambiguous website offering to "Help Rebuild Ellicott City", be wary of contributing. I hate to say it, and I hate to see it, but some people will look to profit from tragedy.</div>
</div>
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Third, for all of the wonderful people who want to give their time or resources to help, please consider waiting until there is a request at hand. We seem to have done a great job of collecting things, but not as good of a job at finding out what people actually need. You can sign up to volunteer <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKJrLas914ff7a1Behr8i02STiY7qoV5rJCm8S1iU0yh9tSA/viewform">via this link</a>.</div>
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There will be a lot more to say and a lot more to do, but for now what is more important is to collect information, plan for volunteer roll-out, and prepare for the same. It is possible that volunteers may not be able to engage for a number of weeks.</div>
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Also, consider this paraphrased advice from our (amazing) new director of tourism, Anthony Cordo - the best way the public can help the victims is to promise to come back once they reopen. Be compassionate, be courageous, be determined, but don't let the disaster out-size your town.</div>
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And finally, it is ok to feel helpless and anxious. I feel so much of that myself. But it is better to be helpless than in the way. </div>
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Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-40954518851677728202016-07-07T09:32:00.000-04:002016-07-07T09:39:39.055-04:00Fear of AmbiguityI've spent a lot of time looking at my little girl and wondering what the world is going to be like when she grows up. Maybe it's the election season or maybe it's just where our mind goes as parents, but it is persistent and often troubling. I read about climate change, sexual assault on college campuses, violence, and people just hating one another for no good reason. And I see her play with her blocks, kiss the pages of a Paw Patrol book, or run with complete joy in her heart, and think "she's OK for now."<br />
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I have one thing in my pocket. I can always tell my little girl that if she is in trouble, she should trust the police. I can always tell her that she is safe in proximity to law enforcement. And I will tell her that with complete faith that I am correct. She will be safe even when I'm not around.<br />
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One of the reasons I've stepped away from blogging is because I became a bit turned off by the certainty it requires. The compulsion to take a position, hold that position, and, potentially, convince others of sharing it with you. When you step away from all that, and listen, I've found myself understanding things much better and being more compassionate to those who don't agree with me. I say this to explain that I have no intention of lecturing or getting self-righteous about what I'm about to say. I just feel morally compelled to say it.<br />
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Yesterday, I saw a video of a man being shot by a police officer while he was held to the ground. That happened within these United States of America. It happened a day after our most patriotic holiday. It was not in a foreign place that allows distance in relation to a foreign culture or different language. It was here.<br />
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Alton Sterling was 37 years old, just a little bit older than me. He was a father.<br />
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When I look at my little girl, I can hardly imagine being a parent of an African American child and thinking of the dangers they will face. The ambiguity of safe places and safe people. The ambiguity of what you can or can't do to be safe. The idea, haunting in its persistence, that any time they are out of my sight they are not safe no matter where they are or what they are doing. And the worst part - that many of the dangers they will face will be endorsed, funded, and propagated by the country I live in. These United States of America.<br />
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Not so long ago I had a good friend ask me "What's it like to be a white male in the 21st Century?" I had never been asked that question and let an awkward laugh fill the response space. I'm still doing that in many ways. When it comes to issues like this, the question becomes one of balance. Collaborating without patronizing. Passion without righteousness. Determination without goal.<br />
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I believe the United States of America is the best country in the world because we have a method of government that allows empathy for a stranger to create policy and law. I believe the greatest mistakes we've made as a nation have been in direct proportion to those times we were less empathetic, more selfish, and more short-sighted.<br />
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I don't have any answers or suggestions. I just wanted to take the time to tell those parents who are looking at their little boy or little girl with the fear of ambiguity that I care about your child. I want them to be safe.<br />
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Have a great Thursday doing what you love.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-17990771011837661142016-04-28T09:43:00.005-04:002016-04-28T10:01:17.097-04:00Death, Disgrace, or DefeatI can't remember where I heard it, but maybe four years ago someone told me that the vast majority of political careers end in one of three ways: death, disgrace, or defeat. For every voluntary retirement, there are 3-4 politicians seeing their way out through one of those three doors. And ever since I heard that quote, I see the victorious elected politician a little differently. They have won the day, for now. They have the respect of a majority of their constituents, for now. They are given discretionary power over a vast array of public needs, for now.<br />
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And for those who lose, particularly those who have served, that victorious day was once theirs. They earned the respect and support of the community. They utilized it to the best of their ability. And then, they lost. The office is transient but the human being underneath remains.<br />
<br />
In light of that, I have come into the belief that after elections are over it is appropriate to 1) thank exiting officials for their service, and 2) thank candidates for running. Kindness and empathy are free. In fact, one of the most treasured moments of my campaign for delegate in 2014 was an e-mail Jon Weinstein sent me after the loss. I think back on it often. And since then, I've told myself that I will do that for others. Maybe those people will continue the chain. We can disagree, we can do so vociferously, but when it's done we can say "good game".<br />
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Many people confuse "disgrace" with "defeat". I know I did. But there is no harm in losing. More often than not, it can lead to better things. And often enough the disgrace is not on those who lose. Rather, it is on those who can't accept the win with grace; those who insist on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PQ6335puOc">turning the win into wrath</a>. And yet those same people lament that "more good people don't run for office". Huh. Wonder why.<br />
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My opinions on the Board of Education race are well stated. I think the Board took their power for granted and railroaded decisions without stopping to listen to their constituents. I think there is a very serious problem with the manner in which HCPSS staff are being compelled into the political arena on matters important to the Superintendent. I think the Board chair is in an echo chamber that is forcing one bad public statement after another. Overall, I am frustrated that it has come to this when any reasonable adult would have stopped to say "What can I do to make this better?"<br />
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Nevertheless, I do not believe that anything will be made better by way of punitive electoral justice. That's how this fine country earned itself the Tea Party caucus and I'm not sure that's worked out so well. My concerns, and the concerns of many of the people I've spoken with about the Board of Education, will only be resolved if rational, fair-minded, collaborative people are elected. Those who want to involve the community in the conversation, but are not looking to burn the whole thing down in the process.<br />
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Transparency is a false god that can never be satisfied. What we really want and need is community participation, ownership, and buy-in on educational policy. Transparency is a warehouse full of documents that you may review at your leisure. Community participation means showing your work. What problem were you trying to solve and how did you get here? There are so many stakeholders in an education system that it is imperative that motivations be plain and predictable. This Board has presumed that we're not smart enough to understand what they're doing, which is why a very different Board will be seated this December. But I caution those who have six months left to run: choose your dance partner wisely. Be clear in your objectives. There will always be more people to punish and more seats to fill. If you are fortunate enough to win, you're no longer an outsider fighting an unjust system. You're in charge of making it just.<br />
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Have a great Thursday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-21952002497090193702016-03-16T09:45:00.001-04:002016-03-16T11:00:37.910-04:00My Questions for the Howard County Board of EducationThere have been few things over the past five months that have bothered me as much as what is going on with the Howard County Board of Education. It is not only the fact that I disagree with some of the decisions and actions that the Board has taken, but also the paralyzing helplessness that comes with those decisions.<br />
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We can talk all day long about whether the Board should be elected at-large, by district, or a combination of both, but there is something fundamentally undemocratic about how it currently operates. Board member Ann Delacy brazenly acknowledged this disconnect by suggesting that she was <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/columbia/ph-ho-cf-foose-contract-renewal-0204-20160204-story.html">more concerned about what children thought of Board decisions</a> than "the adults...who are complaining." Rarely will you find such disdain for the electorate in the same year that individual's name will be on the ballot. Rarely will you see it matter less than the Howard County Board of Education race.<br />
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I would presume that the majority of those reading this post have already made a general decision on whether they will be voting for the three incumbents on this year's ballot. I would also presume that a small minority have decided to re-elect all three. This election has already shown its warts and has been quite nasty in some corners. In light of this, I thought I would offer my concerns as questions; questions that, if answered, would significantly change my current disposition on the Board. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Utilization of HCPSS Personnel for Political Purposes</i></b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>On February 4, 2016, were HCPSS administrators instructed via text message to remain in their chairs after the budget discussion? If so, why? Also, were school principals directed to attend the contract renewal meeting? If so, why?</li>
<li>Were HCPSS personnel directed to testify regarding state legislation that would have elected future Board members by district? Did the Administration use HCPSS email to coordinate this effort? If so, please explain the educational interest in defeating this legislation. If not, please explain <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1652648218315788/videos/1700386883541921/">this vide</a>o.</li>
<li>Does HCPSS have a policy regarding the utilization of HCPSS personnel for political purposes? Is there a policy regarding the use of HCPSS e-mail for political lobbying, political speech, or coordination of political action?</li>
<li>Can a principal or administrator be fired or demoted for failure to comply with a political directive?</li>
</ol>
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<b><i>Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)</i></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>In 2012, shortly after Dr. Foose was hired, HCPSS began the process of implementing the <a href="http://www.hcpss.org/academics/testing/map-information/">Measures of Academic Progress</a> (MAP) program, which had been utilized by the Superintendent during past employment. The MAP program requires computer labs in all elementary and middle schools sufficient to accommodate such testing. What has been the total cost of implementing this program?</li>
<li>How many testing days does MAP add to the school calendar?</li>
<li>Understanding that Dr. Foose had implemented MAP in Montgomery County and Baltimore County prior to coming to Howard County, which of these jurisdictions has retained the program? My understanding is that it has been discontinued or is in the process of being discontinued in both.</li>
<li>To what extent did Dr. Foose and her leadership team incorporate feedback from HCPSS administrators regarding the implementation of this program?</li>
</ol>
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<b><i>HCPSS Management</i></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li> By what percentage has the public relations/marketing office increased in size since 2012?</li>
<li>How many administrators have been fired or demoted since 2012? How does this compare to the four year period between 2008 and 2012?</li>
<li>How many days per week is the Superintendent at the Administrative Building?</li>
<li>When was the last survey of job satisfaction by HCPSS administrators? What were the results?</li>
</ol>
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Political disagreement is often dismissed when it can be characterized as a personal attack. None of this is personal. I am deeply concerned that the public trust placed in the Board of Education is either being disregarded or broken. Answers to these questions would go a long way to deciding which.</div>
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Have a great Wednesday doing what you love!</div>
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Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-90441729400990824162016-02-29T09:28:00.000-05:002016-02-29T10:14:46.608-05:00Understanding TrumpIf you're like me, the subject of Donald Trump running for, and likely winning, the Republican nomination for President of the United States is baffling. Outrageous? Sure. Terrifying? You betcha. Half-decade abroad? Depends on whether your work skills are transferable. But ultimately, behind all of that, baffling.<br />
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In pursuit of my 2016 goal of using more question marks than exclamation points, I've taken every available opportunity to talk to those who support Trump to find out why. And despite the stereotype, I have the good fortune of having smart, contemplative, and well-educated friends who have found themselves in that camp. They don't wear the red hats with the braid across the front. They don't go to rallies. But they do support Trump.<br />
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So "why"? Admittedly, they do share some of his professed beliefs. They are isolationist at home and interventionist abroad. They think America is "losing" and want to see it "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMQD6FGGBzw">win so much we'll be bored of winning</a>". Nevertheless, those positions tend to fold under questioning. Mostly the question "What do you mean by that?" And after one conversation with a Trump supporting friend, he gave up the ghost.<br />
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"You know what, Tom - I just think we need to blow the whole thing up and start over. If Trump wins the Presidency, he'll blow up the government. If he can't win the Presidency, then I think we need to blow up the Republican party."<br />
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Violent imagery aside, I think that's the key to understanding the Trump phenomenon.<br />
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There is an apparent contradiction (some would even say "deceit") in the candidacy of a modern day Republican: they are running to lead an organization that they hate. They proffer the unquestionable merits of free enterprise, but reject that career pursuit in favor of writing laws. Drowning the government in a bathtub is something that an outsider can say, but it's not something you expect to hear from the soap. And as the anti-government rhetoric has heightened, deal-making, however one-sided, has only enraged those who expect to see the whole thing burned down.<br />
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The Republican party has not always been this way. There was, and in many corners still is, a GOP that stood for government as a way to organize and manage societal change. Low taxes, but not no taxes. Compassion for the blameless poor with an emphasis on getting people back to work. And nothing I write here should be read to suggest that this reasonable element of the Republican party is extinct. I'm just not sure it is in charge.<br />
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There are no longer moderates among the top three Republican contenders. In fact, they pride themselves in their extremism. The difference is that one candidate embodies the destruction of the federal government as we know it, while the other two promise to effectuate this destruction through the regular means of governance.<br />
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I have a great deal of respect for the Republican world-view. I don't share it, but there is intellectual heft and good reasoning behind most of the ideas my Republican friends hold dear. I feel genuine compassion and empathy for them right now. I would say the Republican party is at a precipice (as Senator Rubio is fond of saying), but I think the party is already over the hill. Trump is not an aberration. He is the party. And if given the opportunity, you can be sure that something, either the Republican Party or the US Government, is going to drown in that bathtub. <br />
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Have a great Monday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-47827350170236109162016-02-05T10:04:00.002-05:002016-02-05T13:34:44.027-05:00Public Criticism and Decision-MakingMost people can go through their entire lives without a single decision being criticized in the public eye. Sure, they may have a skeptical spouse or an incensed teenager, but their decisions remain outside of the realm of open assault by strangers. Those who enter elected office, serve on government committees, or even serve on nonprofit boards, all should expect, and in many respects welcome, public critique.<br />
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I will probably always remember my first vote of public consequence. It was to elect the chair of the CA Board. I had been privately lobbied from the moment I had joined the Board by two different coalitions supporting two different candidates. I knew the vote would be tight and that I would be the deciding factor. This vote was picayune to the point of irrelevance, but it made me nervous. Sure enough, after it was over, the losing candidate came up to me with anger in their eyes to say "I know how you voted and I do NOT appreciate it." Needless to say, I cared less and less about such scrutiny as time went on.<br />
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The effect of outside critique on an individual is not particularly interesting. Some shut down and close their office door. Some tune it all out and press ahead. Some break down and go in whatever direction the wind is blowing regardless of whether it is consistent with the long term plan. In any of those circumstances, the integrity of the office stands firm despite the weakness, or strength, of the individual.<br />
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What is interesting, and concerning, is what public critique can do to an organization or government body. It can result in the construction and reinforcement of walls. The members trust no one but themselves. They "read their own press releases" and discount outside commentary as either uninformed or motivated by some out-of-proportion conspiracy to take them out. The members justify withholding information and orchestrate <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1652648218315788/videos/1700386883541921/">farcical expressions of public support</a>. They engage in more closed meetings, faster decision-making, and less explanation for the same.<br />
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Why? Because they know best. The hardest thing to accept is that they actually have good intentions. They believe the are on the right side of the issue, but they don't consider how they could ever find out if they weren't. "If everyone who disagrees with us is a bad guy, then anything we say must be good."<br />
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This approach to public criticism is most offensive when you consider the alternative: recognize the institutional flaws, correct course, and open up the debate. In one word - deescalation. Stop, breathe, respond.<br />
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I'm obviously talking about the Howard County Board of Education and their decision to renew the contract of Howard County's highest paid public employee - the Superintendent. I have been avoiding this issue for two reasons: 1) Although I don't know her, I have had nothing but pleasant interactions with Dr. Foose, and 2) I have a great deal of respect for just about all of the current members of our Board of Education.<br />
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I am writing now because I am deeply disappointed and disgusted by what has become a public embarrassment. I don't need to talk about mold, transparency, or racist videos to identify troubling aspects of how our school system is being run. In just the past three months we have seen a HCPSS budget that has no chance of being passed , two out of the three members of the Board of Public Works (one of whom was the Governor) criticized our school system openly in a public forum, and public information act requests are being stonewalled on a near monthly basis. In this context, it is downright baffling that not only was the Superintendent's contract renewed, but the public was essentially shut out of the process (in some cases <a href="http://53beersontap.typepad.com/53beers/2016/02/the-16m-rubber-stamp.html">literally</a>).<br />
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I posted something last night and I believe it is true - It seems like the Howard County Board of Education has mistaken winning a vote for winning the issue. That's what happens when public critique makes you insular. You pack a room with supporters so you can hear their applause. But you do something else too - you let all the outsiders sit together as they <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2016/02/these-doors-are-shut.html">recognize they've been wronged</a>.<br />
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Have a great Friday doing what you love.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-23074081867983385792015-12-31T11:20:00.000-05:002015-12-31T11:20:23.951-05:00Goodbye 2015I started 2015 looking for change and I am happy to say I found it. I have a restless soul by nature and am inclined to take chances on new opportunities. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't, but I can easily say I am in a better place now than I was in December of 2014.<br />
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I enjoyed 2015, but I'm happy to see it go. It was a year filled with emotion - happiness, anger, hope, frustration, love, disgust. That's not the way I normally like to live my life. I prefer an even keel, marked goals, and predictability. Emotions upset all of that. They cause erratic behavior, destroy relationships, and are ultimately self-serving. I think that's out of my system, but I can't say there haven't been long-lasting consequences that I ultimately regret.<br />
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But I also learned a lot this year. After spending 18 months focused on the outside (voters, endorsements, fundraising), I spent the last 14 months looking in. I didn't go to as many events. I didn't write as much (at least not publicly). Heck, I even gave up Facebook for 40 days (and probably will do so again). I can tell you that the inside work is much more exhausting than any amount of time knocking on doors. <br />
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I appreciated what my friend Candace posted on Facebook this past week:<br />
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1. Decide on what matters the most.<br />2. Say no to everything else.<br />3. When something falls in the gray area, re-read #2.</blockquote>
My 2015 was spent thinking about #1. I haven't been great at #2, but I think that's because I haven't been able to answer #1. My family, of course, my friends, of course, but then what?<br />
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The past few months have helped me rediscover abandoned passions and hobbies. I've read more books this year than the past two put together (and that is with a toddler on the loose [who is adverse to unripped paper]). I've restarted a program I created for ex-offenders in Baltimore City that will be going on its fourth session next month. I've taken leadership positions on nonprofit boards that previously seemed outside of my depth. I have a lot of pans on the stove.<br />
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I've committed myself to make my 2016 a year of building and growth. No more change. I want to be a better husband, a better father, a better son, and a better friend. I want dedicate time and effort to my professional career in a way that I haven't since passing the bar exam nearly 10 years ago. I'm going to ensure that every hour I spend working with nonprofit boards or in our community has a commensurate positive outcome. And I'm going to "say no to everything else". <br />
<br />Have a great 2016 doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-70933246987338630792015-12-14T09:09:00.002-05:002015-12-14T09:12:14.678-05:00Respecting IdealismOver the weekend I listened to a Politics & Prose podcast that featured <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/live_at_politics/2015/12/jon_meacham_discusses_his_new_book_destiny_and_power.html">Jon Meachum discussing his new biography of George H.W. Bush</a> (high on my Christmas book wish-list). There were many insights worth sharing, but one of my favorites was a quote from President Bush addressing then House Minority Whip Newt Gingrich and one of his lieutenants, Representative Vin Weber. Rep. Weber had asked the President to tell them his greatest fear about them (i.e., the conservative wing of the party). Bush responded "I’m worried that sometimes your <b><i>idealism </i></b>will get in the way of what I think is sound governance." (<i style="font-weight: bold;">emphasis added</i>).<br />
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In using the word "idealism", President Bush was allowing these partisans their ideological passion without accusation of fault. Sure, the quote is certainly patronizing, but we can presume the alternative would have been to say nothing or to tell them to "carry on" fighting the "good" fight.<br />
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Ever since I heard that, I have been trying to think of political convictions in the context of idealism. As I've suggested previously, one of the perils of engaging in political debate is that there is rarely a final disposition from which to judge whether you were right or wrong. Every outcome has a spin and because we have generally maintained partisan balance between the branches of government, each side can normally find room to blame the other. You may think your party's actions were correct, but what good is that if you will never be able to convince the other side?<br />
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Wouldn't things be a little lighter, a little more enjoyable, if instead of seeing each other as right or wrong, informed or uninformed, smart or stupid, we just viewed one another as idealists? An idealist may say that if only government would get out of the way, we would all be treated fairly and become prosperous. An idealist may say that if only the government could take control of XX, we would all be better off. Very rarely, and only along certain main drags of state capitals and Washington, D.C., will you see those engaging in political debate with malicious (or fully funded) purposes. Most of us engage because there is some ideal world in our heads and we want to advocate on its behalf.<br />
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It's been about six months since I said that <a href="http://www.hocorising.com/2015/06/understand-me-here.html">I didn't have any Republican friends</a> with whom I would be interested in discussing politics. It was a quick reminder of just how many Republican friends I have, how many of them read this blog, and how sensitive they are to reproach. I really didn't mean it as an offense to others - it was a self-critique. And quite frankly, it wasn't even true. What I am really tired of are political "fights". I've depoliticized my Facebook and cut back on this blog because I've found that there is far too much flesh and bone in political speech. Feelings are hurt, regardless of intention. Beware of attacking someone's idea for you never know how much of themselves they've put into it. You may end up with blood on your hands.<br />
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I love to write and will continue to do it as much as I can. And when I can figure out a way to respect someone's idealism, while advocating for my own ideal world, I will. But at the very least, especially for this holiday season with all the family gatherings that may ensue, I thought this may be a good way for all of us to look at each other. Idealists.<br />
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Have a great Monday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-58966820717268450262015-12-01T09:34:00.004-05:002015-12-01T09:34:46.098-05:00#GivingTuesday in Howard CountyToday is Giving Tuesday. While I appreciate the sentiment that we shouldn't <i style="font-weight: bold;">need</i> a day to give, my experience in nonprofit service tells a very different story. Philanthropy is down. Way down. While smaller nonprofits have been able to tighten belts and (continue to) freeze salaries, larger nonprofits are holding their breath and waiting for things to recover.<div>
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Based on my anecdotal experience, corporate giving is what has gone down the most. With the consolidation of private firms (particularly banks), there just aren't as many "givers". The sentiment that those who profit from a community should contribute some percentage of that back into the nonprofit sector has lost its compulsion.</div>
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<br />There are certainly exceptions. I don't think I've been on a nonprofit board or attended a nonprofit event without seeing names like Howard Bank, Harkins Builders, or Williamsburg Homes. There are many others that I am sure I am leaving out, but your work speaks much louder than anything I might write here.</div>
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Individual contributions seem to have remained steady, which is odd in the age of the individual. If we are "bowling alone" and freelancing and decentralizing our life, you would think we would do the same with our giving. I've previously <a href="http://www.hocorising.com/2013/01/my-columbia-foundation-fund.html">advocated for planned giving</a> and continue to believe this is an important way to make a significant impact. Nevertheless, I must admit that with a campaign, a baby, and a new job the support for my fund has slowed. But even in the haze of "keeping up", I try to always remember that someone else is just trying to get their feet under them. And so, my wife and I still give.</div>
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Here are some nonprofits I would recommend as deserving your attention on this #GivingTuesday (whether you think we need the "holiday" or not):</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://lirhowardcounty.org/">Living in Recovery</a></u> - You will recall that a few years back <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/livinginrecovery2/fundraiser/hocorising/donate">we raised over $5,000</a> to help establish some of the first "Sober Houses" in Howard County. That nonprofit has continued to flourish and currently has a generous donor willing to <a href="http://lirhowardcounty.org/donate-to-living-in-recovery/">match donations up to $2,000</a>! If your philanthropic budget is limited, I think this is a great place to start.</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Voices for Children</u> - If you've spent any time on this blog, you may know that I've served on the Board of Directors for Voices for Children for over 8 years. I currently serve as Board Chair, which has renewed my enthusiasm for a quiet nonprofit that does very important work for our county's abused and neglected children. If you are looking to invest in giving children the comfort and protection they need, please <a href="http://www.voicesforchildren.org/giving.aspx">contribute via this link</a>.</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Columbia Festival of the Arts</u> - I joined the Board of Trustees for the Festival last winter. Admittedly, I am not particularly well versed in the arts, but I believe in the mission of this organization. Without culture, without the arts, Columbia is just a place with a name. We will always have our collective history, but we'll lack the glue that makes us a community. The Columbia Festival provides that glue and is undergoing an exciting change that will continue to evolve with our city. If you see the inherent value in the way a collective experience can help define a place, you can <a href="http://columbiafestival.org/donate/">donate here</a>.</div>
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Even if my recommendations are not on point for you today, I would encourage you to find an organization that is. They need you.</div>
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<br />Have a great #GivingTuesday donating to what you love!</div>
Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-8521972331149450522015-11-19T08:54:00.001-05:002015-11-19T12:36:23.468-05:00Refuge in HowardTwo days ago, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan <a href="https://www.facebook.com/larryhoganmd/posts/1066737440037687">issued the following statement</a>:<br />
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<i>As governor of Maryland, the safety and security of Marylanders remains my first priority. Following the terrorist attacks on Paris just four days ago, and after careful consideration, I am now requesting that federal authorities cease any additional settlements of refugees from Syria in Maryland until the U.S. government can provide appropriate assurances that refugees from Syria pose no threat to public safety.</i></blockquote>
There are many things wrong with this statement. First, the reference to the attacks on Paris suggests that the attackers were Syrian refugees. That is incorrect. We don't know all the facts yet, but we do know that most of the attackers were <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34832512">French and Belgian nationals</a>. One of the attackers had a fake Syrian passport, but is of unknown origin. Hence, this statement begins based on what can best described as an "urban myth".<br />
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Second, the Governor presumes some degree of authority over the federal placement of international refugees in Maryland and/or the "security" of Maryland's borders. Last time I checked, the only distinction between Maryland and Pennsylvania is a difference in road paving materials. The Governor's authority to limit refugees rests entirely on the cooperation of social services within the state. Said otherwise, all Governor Hogan can do is refuse to offer assistance to refugees once they arrive, which raises legal issues of an entirely different sort.<br />
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Finally, Governor Hogan's statement fails in asking the federal government to prove a negative. Stating that you wish to foreclose all refugees until the U.S. government can "provide appropriate assurances that refugees from Syria pose <i style="font-weight: bold;">no threat to public safety</i>" is a waste of digital ink. No one can prove that an entire demographic will pose "no threat to public safety". In fact, in an irony that was not lost on most, the front page of the Baltimore Sun yesterday included an article about Hogan's rejection of refugees and an article about a white kid from Pennsylvania picking up a gun from his parents' house and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/eastern-shore/bs-md-wash-college-wednesday-20151118-story.html">closing down an entire university for two weeks.</a> </i>Please, no more white kids from Pennsylvania until the U.S. government can provide appropriate assurances that white kids from Pennsylvania pose no threat to public safety...and will not shut down our institutions of higher learning.<br />
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This is a scary time, folks, and not the way many may have you believe. People running for President of the United States have suggested that there should be a religious test for those fleeing violence. Others are suggesting we can, and should, close down certain religious facilities due to over-generalities and prejudices of violence. We are repeating<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_St._Louis"> our most embarrassing and shameful moments</a> without any reasonable explanation for doing so.<br />
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Just as Governor Hogan has no legal authority to refuse refugees, Howard County has no prohibition against going over his head. We can, and should, reach out to federal authorities and nonprofit relief organizations to assist in the placement of refugees here, regardless of their nation of origin. In order to be accepted as a refugee in the United States, one must go through 18-24 months of screening, multiple interviews, and a background check. This is not an easy process and, had the Governor done one Google's search worth of research, he would have known that. The unfortunate thing is that I don't think he cared. This is political posturing, not policy.<br />
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Tell me if you've heard this one before: "Howard County is one of the wealthiest counties, in one of the wealthiest states, in the wealthiest country in the world." Don't listen to the people who try to put manufactured scarcity or unfounded security concerns before the basic principle that we are the home of the brave. Bravery is not just something we sing about at sporting events. It means taking risks in pursuit of our virtues. Being proud of being extraordinary. Holding that torch high in the air and saying "This place is safe."<br />
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One last thing - <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/11/18/3723440/france-refugees/">After Attacks, France Increases the Commitment to Refugees</a><br />
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Have a great Thursday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-17841522799747226442015-11-04T09:18:00.001-05:002015-11-04T09:39:42.066-05:00364 DaysThree hundred and sixty-four days ago, I was sitting in my wife's OB's office when the doctor said "Did I see you on a street corner the other day?"<br />
"Yes. Yes you did. I was running for state delegate."<br />
"Oh wow. That's so cool."<br />
"If you saw me, you're probably in the district. Did you vote?"<br />
"I did vote."<br />
...<br />
...<br />
"I don't think I voted for you. Sorry."<br />
"That's ok. Most people didn't."<br />
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Two hours later, I'm standing in the Howard County General Hospital Emergency Room checking my wife in for the birth of our first child. My mind is racing. I feel equal parts joy and fear. I'm running through all of the obstetrical information gained from six years as a medical malpractice attorney while attempting to flush out all of the horrors that may be attached to such information. My phone rings:<br />
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"Hello?"<br />
"Hi, Tom. It's Dr. *****."<br />
"Is everything ok? We're at the hospital."<br />
"Yes. I just wanted to tell you I did vote for you."<br />
"Oh."<br />
"You and your wife have different last names, right?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"See - I did vote for you. I just wanted you to know. I felt so bad for saying I didn't vote for you."<br />
"Well..thank you. I appreciate the call."<br />
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Approximately seven hours after that, I met my daughter.<br />
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This is one of the weird, amazing, and lasting memories I gained from running for office. On the precipice of one of the most important events of my life, someone called me with the (fair) presumption that the election was equally significant. And at that time, prior to my daughter being born, I likely would have agreed with them. The loss felt heavy. Too heavy. As with most other big disappointments, it also felt permanent. Most of you know where this story goes. My daughter lifted me back up. <br />
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Even still, in the days, weeks, and months after the election, I felt embarrassed. I think that is a fair emotion to feel, but looking back it was without merit. For all past and future candidates, successful or not, the result of the election is the same. The people that didn't like you still don't like you. The people that liked you still like you. Everyone else who never met you and never knew you still won't care one way or the other. The only exceptions for me personally have been a gentleman who works at the Dorsey's Search Giant who continues to call me "Mr. Politician" (he thinks I won) and an occasional random kind person who says "I voted for you".<br />
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The only lasting pain is found in the inability to do the things that need to be done. The e-mails I still get from people who need help, but aren't getting responses from Annapolis. It seems likely that three years from now the same issues I spent 18 months talking about will still be left to address. That may be a politician's dream, but it is a community's tragedy. That part still hurts.<br />
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I walk to work, enjoy what I do there, and have lunch with my family almost every day. Life is good and getting better. 365 days ago I lost an election. 364 days ago, my life started over as something brand new.<br />
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Have a great Wednesday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-63903384262490917282015-10-19T09:23:00.001-04:002015-10-19T09:32:09.855-04:00Politics of Scale - A Better Board of EdMy Council-member, Jon Weinstein, and Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary made a huge splash last week by announcing their efforts to transform the way we elect our Board of Education. Amanda Yeager and Lisa Philips with the <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/ellicott-city/ph-ho-cf-school-board-restructure-1022-20151016-story.html">Howard County Times write</a> that under their bill five board members will be elected by councilmanic district and two will be elected at large. This effort has been spearheaded by Councilman Weinstein pursuant to his campaign promise of increasing accountability for the Board of Education.<br />
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This is a great bill and an important change for Howard County. It seems that every two years I offer up the confession that despite my intense focus on local news and local politics, Board of Education politics escapes me. Not only while they are deliberating and voting, but, more importantly, when I am deciding who I want to represent me on the Board. You can confess too. It's ok. No one will judge you. There are often 10+ people running for 3-4 spots. A thorough study of the candidates will likely offer you little more than platitudes and campaign platforms that sound more like corporate-speech than education policy (ex., capitalize, leverage, synergy, capture, release, promote, empower, maximize). And without a doubt, during some point in your evaluation of Board candidates someone will tell you it is the "most important vote you make" because our education budget is 60% of the County budget. "Thanks. It was a hard choice as it is, but now it is a hard and stressful choice. I'm now going to go back to figuring out who's going to think outside of the box in a synergistic way that STEAMs the hell out of Howard County." <br />
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With so many candidates running (and confusion regarding what they are actually looking to do once elected), name recognition rules and accountability is lost. If you can get your sign at more gas stations than the next person, you win.<br />
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Enter Team Weinstein-Atterbeary. By grounding five of the seven members in geographic terms, voters benefit from "politics of scale". The number of candidates will be manageable, more specific issues will be addressed, and, once the election is over, Moms and Dads will have someone to call when they have questions or concerns about their school. It is that simple. <br />
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We should be thankful that Jon and Vanessa were willing to take up this issue. The Board of Education has recently been a third-rail for Howard County politicos. While everyone gets together behind ribbon cuttings and anti-bullying campaigns, Board-Council and Board-Executive relations have often been strained. Why? Because the Board gets to write a check for the County to cash. And sometimes, the County needs to make painful decisions in other areas of budget to come up with the funds. Any push-back in this regard is destined for failure so long as the headline would read "[Insert Elected's Name] Seeks to Cut Education Budget". They may as well move to Cecil County before the Flier hits your doorstep.<br />
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Optimistically, a new method of elected Board members will change that. If you feel your taxes are too high, you'll have three people to address that with - your Executive, your Council-member, and your Board-member. And I'm going to guess the first two will send you to the third.<br />
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Do I expect this new structure to result in more restrained education spending? No. And do I think the current Board is irresponsible with education dollars? No. But do I think our current method of electing our representatives is fair? I don't. <br />
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That's all for today. Have a great Monday doing what you love.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-11287728057637565382015-09-03T09:30:00.005-04:002015-09-03T13:28:30.037-04:00Social Media and the Veil of Confirmation"How can you possibly think that's true?"<br />
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That is the second most common question that comes to mind when reviewing my Facebook feed after "Aw, cute baby". How can you possibly have bought into that bit of fear-mongering? How can you possibly have weighed the facts and reached that conclusion? How can you possibly have such a different world-view than myself?<br />
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It is that last question that turns the inquiry in reverse. How can I possibly think that way? What opinions have I accepted as unimpeachable truths without scrutiny? What news makes me comfortable? What news makes me uncomfortable? How do I leave myself open to conversation and conversion after staking out a position? Am I using more question marks than exclamation points?<br />
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During my blogging sabbatical, I've been thinking about these things a great deal. I had a great discussions of "Politics in a Pub" last week with a number of people with differing views and was reminded of how much fun it is to disagree respectfully with an interest in understanding one another.<br />
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Next Wednesday, September 9, the Howard County Library will be hosting a Choose Civility "Happy Hour Power Up" at the Rumor Mill addressing Social Media and how it affects our consumption of news, our interpretation of current events, and our political beliefs. Here's a summation from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/867499566668813/">Facebook event page</a>:<br />
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At our Happy Hour edition Power Up, Tom Coale will speak about how social media has affected our individual and collective news filters, and how trends in social media have led to a personalization of our news feeds. How has social media changed what we accept as "truth"? What stories are we being sold and what stories are we missing? Join us in this conversation. </blockquote>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcccJu4iMqE/VehJX_vyiqI/AAAAAAAABC0/sWWDoI3bsCc/s1600/Choose%2BCivility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcccJu4iMqE/VehJX_vyiqI/AAAAAAAABC0/sWWDoI3bsCc/s400/Choose%2BCivility.jpg" width="400" /></a>I facilitated a similar discussion in 2013 with Sheilah Kast addressing "Civility in the Media", which, thanks to those who participated, was one of the most enjoyable, enlightening, and far-reaching round-table discussions I have ever participated in. <br />
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You, reader of this blog, really should do your best to attend next Wednesday. You are the type of person who would likely enjoy and feel enriched by this kind of discussion. The event is free to attend and will include appetizers from The Rumor Mill (one of my favorite restaurants in Howard County). Tickets are limited, so if you plan to attend please <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-power-up-tickets-18138542870?aff=efbevent">reserve your seat today</a>. There are <strike>only 9 tickets left!</strike> ONLY 6 tickets left!<br />
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Have a great Thursday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-53462130302999475852015-08-13T07:44:00.000-04:002015-08-13T16:21:04.411-04:00Claire McGill - Howard County Will Miss YouThis weekend, one of my very good friends moves back to the UK. Claire McGill, aka Desperate English Housewife in Washington, is leaving after three years living, breathing, and "being" everything that Howard County, Maryland, and the United States has to offer.<br />
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I often think about how we (i.e., Howard County/Columbia) are perceived by other people around the state. We have a peculiar way about us that makes detailed study a worthwhile endeavor. When the greatest public nuisance is considering whether a Grateful Dead Tribute performance simulcast around the world was "too loud", you need to look around and think "I sure do love this place, but it's not 'normal'."<br />
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That was one of the things I loved (and still love) about <a href="http://ukdesperatehousewifeusa.com/">Claire's blog</a>. She would write about something being "Americaland" (innit?) that was actually quite Columbialand. On other occasions, she would comment on a certain style or attitude being "American" that was otherwise quite foreign from Howard County. Her observations were rarely wrong, but the fact that observations were being made at all merited attention and scrutiny of the world around you. Packaged by a great writer with an amazing sense of humor and a constant camera, and you have one amazing blog.<br />
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But Claire's blog was the smallest of her contributions here. When you live in proximity to someone soaking up everything life has to offer, the world looks different. That random ad about a festival or musical performance changes from background noise to an agenda. Small amounts of time are stretched and packed with memories, stories, and people. At some point you think, "I should do this all the time" before your subconscious convinces you that you are too tired, you have too many chores to do, or you can't afford it. Here's a secret I learned from Claire - you're not, you don't, and you probably can.<br />
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Personally, Claire is one of the best friends Nicole and I have. And not just because she brought so much fun to our life. She was there for us when we were sick, when we needed help with our new baby, and even when we just needed someone to say "Hey, get out of your house." Babies have a way of making you shut-ins and that wasn't something Claire was going to allow.<br />
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I'm not good with goodbyes. Never have been. We're already planning a trip to the UK next year. But even if I never acknowledge a "goodbye", I know I will miss Claire, Jel, and Harry every time I just want to "do something" without making the obligatory plans one week in advance that so many of my friends (rightfully) require. I will miss them when I see a festival or fair that I know they would enjoy. But the best thing we can say about friends we will miss is that you have valued your time together. It would be impossible to overstate how much that time has meant to me and how it will hold a special place in my heart.<br />
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Have a great <b><i>Thursday</i></b> doing what you love.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-593854969129073232015-08-05T07:18:00.000-04:002015-08-05T12:27:14.796-04:00James Coale, You (Kinda) Owe Some People Some MoneyTo beat a thoroughly <a href="https://hickoryridgevillage.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/columbia-flier-confusion/">dead</a> <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2015/08/home-delivery.html">horse</a>, I returned from a weekend away yesterday to find an invoice addressed to "James Coale" from the Columbia Flier. It invited me/James to pay $19, if we were so inclined, but concluded with the assurance that if I did not pay, my free weekly paper would still be delivered as scheduled.<br />
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I don't think you'll find a much stronger supporter (financial and otherwise) of local media, but I'm not paying those $19. And I can't speak for James, but if he's as stubborn as all the other Coales I know, he isn't either.<br />
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As indicated by the letter and the posts cited above, this was what can best be described as a "dry run" for when the Flier converts to paid subscriptions. They want us to know what it will feel like to receive an invoice. I suppose the greatest merit for this exercise is having readers consider "What is this paper worth to me?" If it is not worth anything to you, $19 incorporates your drop off. If it is worth substantially more to you, congratulations, you have a discount weekly paper. For the rest of us, $19 may be just about right.<br />
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Every Thursday morning, I pull my Flier from The Sun (I know some of you receive it separately), read whatever Political Notebook Amanda Yeager has written that week and then flip to the editorial page. I can normally guess the number and tone of letters based on the hot issues of the week. Plus, the bi-monthly anachronistic letter urging CA to go in a different direction on Symphony Woods.<br />
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More recently, I've discovered that Glenn Foden, the cartoonist for the Flier, "inks from the right" and otherwise spends his...um...comedic genius (?) addressing subjects like <a href="https://twitter.com/GlennFo/status/624364031818788868">abortion</a> and "<a href="http://cns7prod.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/cartoon_640/s3/cartoons/foden20150626-gray_lives.jpg?itok=FxHKUFm4">gray lives matter</a>". In fact, I've never found Flier editorials to meet the stereotype of either Columbia or "liberal media". They're fairly right-leaning and that's ok. Sometimes Columbia (and Howard County) needs a splash of cold water. The only problem is that such pages (and the cartoons that accompany them) carry the weight of authority that may not be due or may not be otherwise accepted if the right-leaning nature of such pieces were plain.<br />
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And that makes the "poor jar" letter a little more interesting. It may be a very "Columbia" thing to do, and many people may pay the $19, but I would presume and expect our more conservative friends at around page 22 of the Flier to skewer the effort. What kinda capitalistic enterprise are you running here? What cartoon would best capture the absurdity of paying for something that's free?<br />
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We all love you, Flier, but it sure would be interesting to see you be the subject of your own scrutiny.<br />
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Have a great Wednesday doing what you love.Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-72452980404689526672015-07-30T07:24:00.002-04:002015-07-30T07:24:29.928-04:00New Ellicott City Staircase in ActionThis video was posted to the Old Ellicott City (Historic District) page last night and was too cool not to share:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P0IUOQGzV2Y" width="560"></iframe><br />
Credit: Cecilia LaneTom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5571901334578664700.post-85731464989367892015-07-29T07:16:00.001-04:002015-07-29T07:16:56.524-04:00Bus Rapid Transit: A Sparkle in Someone's EyeI don't think I've read as many conditional statements of ambiguous support as can be found in this <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/clarksville/ph-ho-cf-bus-rapid-transit-20150724-story.html">article about the possibility of Bus Rapid Transit</a> (BRT) in Howard County. I don't blame the reporter, Andrew Michaels - this is a news story, but it is as close to a possibility as "that novel you're thinking about writing".<br />
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First of all, I appreciate the County Executive's willingness to explore this possibility. He has put some great people on his Public Transportation Board and I know they will take this seriously. The hearing was last night and I look forward to hearing more.<br />
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Second, we need to get serious about public transportation in Howard County. We're spending a fair amount of money on a system that very few people use, but for those people that green bus is a lifeline of immeasurable importance. I would love to see an initiative focused on increasing the utilization rate for mass transit, which may include greater awareness of routes, schedules, and connectivity with other transit systems (MTA, Light Rail, BWI, DC Metro). It bears mentioning that poor utilization may be the result of affluence. Why double (or even triple) your commute time when you can pay more to get there in a fraction of the time? The answer is that if we had better utilization, those comparative commute times may come closer in line, congestion would be less, and we would be transporting ourselves in a more environmentally sound manner.<br />
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Third, there's a chance that our demand for public transportation may outpace our ability to produce it. I know this is in apparent contradiction to the paragraph immediately preceding this, but my concern relates to Town Center parking. Don't get too used to it. I don't think Howard Hughes is interested in maintaining acres of free pavement. Parking will always be available in Downtown, but it will not be free (despite a recent contention that "free parking" came after "pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence). Parking costs are a big reason why I often choose the Metro when heading into DC and I can see similar considerations putting me on the green bus when I want to go to the Lakefront.<br />
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Finally, as great a BRT may be, it will come with sacrifice. In addition to the economic cost, "rapid transit" presumes preference for the bus over other vehicles by way of dedicated bus lanes. The best advertisement for BRT is seeing a bus drive by you unimpeded while you sit in traffic. That means lanes on the highways and byways of Howard County that you cannot use. BRT is not without controversy in this regard.<br />
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Overall, this is a very good thing for Howard County. Millennials want and expect mass tran options. Many don't own (or want) a car. Are we planning for the future or sitting on the past?<br />
<br />Have a great Wednesday doing what you love!Tom Coale (HCR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03637571896291463784noreply@blogger.com