St. MARY’S TODAY

GREAT MILLS -- The woman from Crofton was elated Roy Dyson promptly responded to her and helped check the power rate hike.

“I was the first to call him,” said Pat Adams-Gardner, who thanked Senator Roy Dyson (D. St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles) for promptly responding to her. Senate President Mike Miller (D. Prince Georges, Calvert) called a special senate session to deal with the power rate issue.

“Seventy-two percent is three quarters of your electric bill. That’s too much,” said Adams-Gardner. “Dyson helped bring it to 11 percent,” she said.

But for Jim Hodges of Hollywood the reason he supports Dyson was even simpler. “He represents the people,” Hodges said.

People from a cross-section of life, many of them diehard Republicans, turned up in large numbers Saturday morning to show support to Dyson as he opened up the old honeymoon cottage of his parents on Route 5 as his campaign office.

 “If you do the right thing people are going to vote for you,” said Kenny Dement (R. Piney Point), who was present at the opening with his wife Shirley. “It’s not about party,” Dement said.

Registered Republican voters rubbed shoulders with die-hard Democrats, giving an impression Dyson’s re-election was way above party allegiance.

“He’s the best man. We love him,” said Pam Vallandingham, a Republican, who grew up in Piney Point but now lives in Hollywood. She said Dyson gives importance to everyone

“I feel very good. It’s a great turnout,” said Dyson.

Dyson said people who showed up had not come to socialize but to help. “It’s an old fashioned campaign,” he said.

Suzanne Henderson said she has known Dyson since the day he came into the world 58 years ago. She said, “Roy is a people’s person. We need him. He’s always been there for us.”

Henderson said “He’s fair. He’s honest. He’s a good man.”

Speaking as a citizen, Mary Ruth Horton said Dyson has always been very responsive to her concerns. “He always returns my calls. He continues to work with people on local and state issues,” Horton said.

Merv Hampton of Scotland said he backs Dyson because he delivers and works on people’s issues. “Route 5 is critical to our safety and wellbeing. He has been solidly behind upgrading it.”

Merl Evans said at times he disagreed with Dyson, but remains his supporter nonetheless. “He tries to do things that benefit St. Mary’s County,” the planning commission member said.

Orphans Court judge Russ Cullins said the reason he is present is that Dyson has done a good job. “He tries to help people.”

One of the main speakers, Senate President Mike Miller said education, unchecked growth and transportation were some of the issues confronting Southern Maryland.

“Getting a handle on development and lowering classroom size were some of the priorities,” Miller told ST. MARY’S TODAY.

Miller predicted a big Dyson victory as he said the man identifies himself with the issues of the voters. He feared Dyson’s seat would become the center of a mean-spirited whispering campaign as Governor Bob Ehrlich’s spin doctors would be using all kinds of gimmicks. “Ehrlich has handpicked Dyson’s opponent,” Miller said, without naming McKay.

“All politics is local,” declared Dyson, implying reliance on an outside authority figure would not help his rival.

Commenting on Bob Ehrlich’s alleged plan to spend nearly 400,000 dollars out of a $20 million fund to help his rival candidate Commissioner President Tommy McKay (R. Hollywood), Dyson said, “You can’t buy elections is what we have proven all these years.”

Dyson assured his supporters of continued legislation on vital issues that affect their wellbeing. He pointed to the passage of his bills on teen driving and identity theft which he said was real help for real people. “I need you now,” he said.

As wailing fire-engines raced by on Route 5, Commissioner Dan Raley (D. Great Mills) poked fun at McKay, saying they were going to rescue the commissioner president who was trying to peep and see how many people had shown up and has had a fall.

“Commissioner Tom Mattingly was here last night,” said Dyson, adding three of the commissioners were publicly supporting him. Dyson was silent about the position of Larry Jarboe (R. Golden Beach), but many Democrats believe he is their fifth column in the GOP.

Those present included former Senator J. Frank Raley, Alfreda Mathis, Russ Collins, Cyndi Slater, Jack Russell, Clare Whitbeck, George Sparling, Patrick O’Brien, Dr Sal Raspa, Mary Washington, Sissie Buckler, Linda Vallandingham, and Susan McNeill.

Father Joe Sileo of the Holy Face Church blessed the opening of the office.

More than two dozen Dyson family members, including his twin brother Lee Dyson, were among those present.

House Delegate John Bohanan said he has worked for Dyson since he was 15 years old and joked his views about his brother-in-law were unbiased and neutral. “He’s been a great mentor and a great inspiration,” Bohanan said.

“He has been a great leader,” said author Janeen Grohsmeyer, an avowed Democrat.