Common Ground

In politics, it is easy to define our differences, but I have learned that it is far more important to explore the common ground that we share. Commissioner President Jack Russell and I may come from distant parts of St. Mary’s County, but we both have some unique similarities.

Many of you know that Capt. Jackie Russell is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers on a tonnage vessel. I also had a 100 ton 200 mile offshore Coast Guard ticket for twenty years before I decided my duties as a County Commissioner and local business operator made license renewal impractical.

On land, both Commissioner President Jack Russell and I share a very common goal to truly preserve the rural character of St. Mary’s County. Our Commissioner President has pushed to establish a Transferable Development Rights program that is fair to all farmers and rural landowners. I agree with this important initiative, but recognize the importance of including social and environmental protections unique to our County.

Two weeks ago, Commissioner President Jack Russell had asked for the County Commissioners to select appointments to a Rural Preservation District Task Force. Though there seemed to be some hesitation at the table this week, Commissioners Raley, Dement, and Mattingly agreed to seek out their appointments. Bubby Norris who will be recognized for his long-term dedication to local agriculture this week at our next meeting has accepted the responsibility to be my appointment. Both Commissioner Jack Russell and I are ready to get this done.

Probably the most dynamic similarity between Jackie and I is the fact that both of us drive vehicles powered by alternative energy. I drive an all-electric battery powered car that was converted from a 1985 Toyota MR-2. Our Commissioner President drives a diesel powered VW sedan that is fueled by waste vegetable oil.

That is right! Jack Russell gets about forty miles per gallon from used frying oil that he recycles from the commercial kitchen at the Lundeberg School. Unlike myself, who needs to charge up every fifty miles, our Commissioner President can travel across the Country by stopping at fast food restaurants for a fill up.

Two of the five members of the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners are seeking solutions that will make our Country energy independent in years to come. If we can cross party lines to make this happen, the answers to the problems in our County can be set in motion over the next four-year term.

Let us get it done.

Larry Jarboe 03/11/07