PUT COMMUNITY FIRST

    The attractive town quality that Leonardtown exudes is not an accident.  This is not only our County seat, but also the only incorporated town in St. Mary’s County.  Mayor J. Harry (Chip) Norris III and the Town Council actively oversee and approve development projects. 

   Last week, when the Town Council needed forward funding to assist with the Wharf Project that will make this truly a waterfront town, I gave my support to this most important project.  For many St. Mary’s County residents, Leonardtown is our town. 

   Establishment of our Navy base in the beginning of World War II led to the creation of Lexington Park.  Prior to this time, this area was called Jarboesville.  Certainly, a local name like this was not as good in the Federal mindset than naming for the S.S Lexington which was labeled after a colonial Yankee town. 

   When I grew up in St. Mary’s County, everyone called Lexington Park “Sin City” because of the drinking, gambling, and carousing that the businesses offered to the naval enlistees.  Today, the more family minded contractors who represent the bulk of personnel have established a high tech perimeter around this growing town. 

   Commissioner Dan Raley represents this sprawling Development District.  I often consult with him on Lexington Park issues.  When we confronted the need to redevelop the area around the main gate and the entrance to the town, our commissioner board recognized the importance of removing politics from the business decisions. 

   We tasked the Community Development Corporation with this challenge.  Last week, we met with these fine volunteers who are managing the purchase and bids for the future new look and economic rebirth of this high tech town.  The vision for Lexington Park is slowly becoming a reality with Flattops demolition in full swing and land purchase negotiations underway for urban renewal.  Without State and Federal support, this huge undertaking would have been impossible. 

   At the Northern end of St. Mary’s County, we are blessed to have a large farming community that acts as a buffer between the County Line and the P.G. County one party politics that have overtaken Charles County. 

   The Mohawk Drive water line proposal from MetCom has many of the neighbors concerned with future costs and development in the Charlotte Hall Town Center.  Hollywood residents are concerned as well with the potential costs of water/sewer in their community. 

   In addition to the public response that the County Commissioners are bound to hear regarding these issues, I hope community activists will continue to help us craft initiatives that will help each of our communities grow within the unique character of each community. 

   Our new Commissioner President Capt. Jack Russell ran his campaign on the slogan: “Put Community First!”  These upcoming additions to the County Commissioners’ agenda will be a first test of his true commitment to local communities.  I look forward to advising Capt. Russell on issues in my District.  I am sure Commissioner Tommy Mattingly will be glad to help him as well on issues in the Hollywood/Leonardtown District. 

   I hope the promise of putting communities first will not be an empty election slogan, but a bi-partisan four-year commitment adopted by all of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners who have been elected to serve our citizens.  Only time will tell.