What would you expect from one who is a Fred Homan clone and sits on a throne. Theses types only view issues as related to their stature as in the arrogance of power.

What kind of leadership is this. You mean to tell me our elected officials can't think for themselves. I wonder how many times they followed this logic with Jack Johnson who is resting in federal prison.

Here is the quote: "She (Del. Sheila Hixson) told me the committee has a standing policy of holding bills when county executive opposes them," said Boteler.

Sort of absolute power is absolute. The problem here is the potential disconnect in the dots as in controlling the school board. Considering the relationship between Kamenetz and O'Malley the motive is apparent.

There should be a better vetting process for school board members - an elected board is not the answer. Just what we do not need - more politics in education. I am with Kevin on this one.

just curious Buzz; DO you have a real JOB??

buzz, you spend so much time HERE, just wondering if you have a life at all!!!!???

Margo, I will not have to WORK hard at answering your question since you have a total of there posts including repeating yourself. I spend too much time and you just started to spend time. Not sure I follow the logic on that one.

My job now is to exercise my Constitutional right at free speech. To some I'm the devil in disguise, to others I'm a naysayer while to others I watch their backs.

All three keep me busy. I have too jump up and respond to Timmy.

Buzz, I'll respond to Timmy, although anything said by anyone, which disagrees with his mind-set is the equivalent of talking to a stone wall.
In 1983 and again today we have been plagued by rubber-stamp appointed school boards, which supported arrogent superintendents Stuart Berger and recently Joe Hairston. (These two could be arrogant because our school boards did nothing to curb their malfeasance.). Fortunately County Executive Donald Hutchinson convinced Berger that he wouldn't receive any county pension if he was fired. Berger resigned. (Like Sheila Dixon he continued to recieve the remaining year of his salary too.) i
I asked Kamenetz to intercede like Hutchinson had with Berger. Silence is not always golden.
Nevertheless, Hairsten resigned. During and after Hairsten's intransigence, our school board held several unannounced meetings (The most recent meetings concerned our new superintendent hiring process.) without taking and/or making minutes available. We have no idea if a deal was broached with Hairston.
"All politics is local. All Metropolitan Baltimore counties had elected school boards until Governor Brown, in a political power move, wrested this right away from all of us in these counties in 1893. Finally, our metropolitan residents have begun doing something about this democratic travesty. Harford County was finally successful. Presently, Anne Arundel County is suffering the same political intransigence that Baltimore County is.

Karl, well done. The truth, as they say, will set us free. Isn't it amazing how far back and deep rooted some of these issues are. There is a fine line between true leadership and dictatorship. There is spin and then there is the - no spin zone.

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"; is the famous quote. We the people have a tool at our disposal which is our collective voices. We have become the watchdogs of this absolute power and will hold those accountable that "power corrupts absolutely."

In my research, what I have found amazing is not only the longevity of those in power, but the many issues that are born out of that longevity.

In my latest blog you can trace some these issues back to the days of Dutch and his attempt at eminent domain regarding the Yorkway development among others.

http://dundalk.patch.com/blog_posts/ethical-questions-raised-regarding-seagrams-and-zoning-hearing

Fortunately, the voters rose up and struck down Senate Bill 509. History is rife with stories of struggle between the people and those who wish to maintain the status quo of absolute power.

Kamenetz believes the people of Baltimore County are wrong. He believes he understands the school board and its composition and functions better than the student's parents. As such, and as he is such a strong opponent to the desires of the people of Baltimore County, spend a little time reporting back to us, the voters and parents, why we are wrong. If he cant speak publicly, then write. But do something. He has a web page that announces ribbon cuttings and discussing the weather, why not use it for a better purpose? Check out Ulman's page, there is a man who knows how to connect with his voters and share his opinions and positions (howard county's executive). Kamentez could learn a thing or to from him

You say "Kamenetz believes the people of Baltimore County are wrong." This is big government at it's worst. We have voiced our opinion on this and want the elected board. I am sick to death of Kamanetz and O'Malley telling us what is best for us after we outwardly say what we want (that is opposite to what they do). When we voice our opinion on what we want, they are supposed to do our bidding BECAUSE WE ELECTED THEM TO DO SO. (I did not vote for either, btw...I knew better) We are not children and should not be treated as such. Remember this when it's time to vote.

Being from the old school, with a touch of the new, each morning dawns the same routine. Turn on the computer and get the paper.

In today's Sun this headline grabbed my attention.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/sun-investigates/

But was more telling was the opening paragraph which read: "Last week, The Baltimore Sun staff launched a new blog, "Sun Investigates."

Could it be the Sun is shinning on the Patch grass roots of those of us who partake in this experience. It would be nice to think that we are all warriors in a common cause - Truth, Justice and the American Way - who said that?

I might point out that this article Bryan wrote is a BLOG!

I wonder what the repercussions might be for the Council members that oppose Kamenetz and support the bill and ask important questions. It seems like a reasonable compromise and there is a need to question the decisions of the executive office. Kamenetz certainly had no problem questioning Smith when he was on the Council.

Stewart, see the attached org chart for the county http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/executive/orgchart.html

Scenario: Day 1, County Council tables a bill that is/was the demand of the County Executive. Day 2, A constituent of a council member meets with the council member and to discuss a community need or objective. Day 3, County Council gets back to constituent to report, "sorry, that 'department' is under the authority of the County Executive and the County Executive is not willing to talk, meet or work with the Council since we tabled his bill.

It becomes a Kevin against the County world of community gridlock.

If the Council represents the people, as they have done thus far, and it happens to be in conflict with the personal objectives of the County Executive, the community LOSES.

Get a life, Ginny Towson. All of this hatred is not good for your health. Just look at Buzz.

Don't tell me, Barney Frank? Or could it be Senator Chris Dodd? Was that the ex fed you were referring to, you know the collapsed one? No wait a minute, it's coming to me, it's none other than my ole buddy "Calmdown."

Why the name change? The housing collapse maybe? Yeah, I can understand that, or maybe Councilman Marks hurt your feelings.

"The neural correlates of hate have been investigated with an fMRI procedure. In this experiment, people had their brains scanned while viewing pictures of people they hated. The results showed increased activity in the middle frontal gyrus, right putamen, bilaterally in the premotor cortex, in the frontal pole, and bilaterally in the medial insular cortex of the human brain."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatred

I was trying to find the words political discourse, facts/factual, truth, opinion, free speech and the democratic process in there some where but I couldn't.

Since you mentioned the word I thought you might help me with part of the definition I quoted. That would help me a lot in resolving my issues. I'm sure "Ginny" (sic) would appreciate that to.

Buzz, you can always dish it out but can never take it. You'll be chomping at the bt to respond to this..... Come on, buzz, go ahead.

Buzz, i may have repeated myself but you have yet to answer the question! Do you have a REAL job??? loser!!

honestly, do you actually bring home a paycheck ? or do you just need this PATCH platform to vent your anger? if you were successful at ANYTHING in life you would NOT have so much time to spend HERE!! GET A JOB/LIFE! and then maybe you would be a little qualified to pass judgement on all the people you seem to disagree with! GET A JOB!

Keep up the good work Buzz! ... margo seems entertained by your charm...

Has anyone noticed how Margo has managed to take your focus off the real issue here? My suggestion...ignore Margo.

39 years without a promotion and canned ......twice! I wouldn't exactly call that a stellar career.

Buck, there is a famous quote that goes, "“Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.”

Now if I was going to challenge someone, - ya think I might want to study them before commenting. It's not like I'm hiding. I did count to ten before peeking.

What ever side their on - I think that is as foregone conclusion - I'm glad I stand on the opposite corner.

When I am challenged on this site, it is generally for disagreeing with the leadership of Baltimore County. Rarely, if ever, have I been challenged on my philosophy or content. Those whom have made negative comments based on my posts, have done so, in the same way Kamenetz treats his "staff" and the County Council, with arrogance, condescension and disregard for any positive affect. If there is a charge, that Kamenetz is right and the voters are wrong, it is his duty to report back to us and tell us why we are wrong and why we should reconsider our support of an elected, if even partially elected, school board. The same type of communication would prove to be of benefit to the voters of Baltimore County on other contentious topics. However, we have heard nothing from this Executive, leaving us to scratch our heads and ask, "what does this guy stand for? what are his visions and ideas?" Rhetoric, ribbon cuttings, ceremonies and isolation are not what I expect from a strong leader. Prove me wrong and show me he can make a positive difference. Kamenetz supporters, ask our County Executive to show us what he CAN do. Tell us the plan. Describe the vision. Put it out there. How does it get executed? Lets go.

Ginny Towon, you are a bitter woman. KK is doing a great job in tough times. You need take a long break from the internet.

Please tell us what Kamenetz has accomplished since taking office.

I wish to thank all who have stood up for those of us who engage in adult political discourse. I have had many debates with people I admire for their intelligence and their respect for others.

It's not hard to see that there are those who take this beyond the intellectual discussion of politics into the realm of personal issues. It may take me a minute to identify them (names change frequently) but once I do, I will ignore their taunts.

Thanks to those who stand up and protect the integrity of this site

@ Calmdown,

Here is a simple form to describe (just) two great accomplishments of the County Executive thus far. It seems to be taking you a while and I don't want you to over think the exercise. Just be brief, cut and paste the below:

Johnny,

The two great things that Kevin Kamenetz has done since taking office are:

1.

2.

-Calmdown

Calmdown,

Need to phone a friend? Ask the audience? Its OK. I will give you all the time you need to research and think. If anyone has some suggestions for calmdown, that is OK too (he has some blockage going on)

Ginny Barnhart, just reading your meltdown let's us know that you are having a tough time. Talk to your neighbors, Ginny, they will tell you that Kevin is doing I good job.

@ Calmdown,

My neighbors are not claiming that Kamenetz is doing a "great job." I would like to remain open minded to possibility that evidence exists that Kamenetz has done something good for the County since taking office and you should be able to give me at least 1 example (cut the task in half for you). Just give me the one big highlight, dont even need a complete sentence, just the fluffy sound bite.

Gee Ginny, how about no increase in the tax rate, a balanced budget, and regular payments to your pension?

Calmdown, thank you.

Those accomplishments truly we help him execute his vision of being (his words, not mine), "the ideas county of the region." Look out Ulman!!

Now that the sound bites are done and we have identified the highlights of Kamenetz' first year +, if you have the stamina to continue after the hour it took you to create the list above, some insight to the accomplishments of NOT raising taxes, submitting a balanced budget, and continuing regular payments to my pension would go along way in my education of understanding how amazing these accomplishments were (especially as you will tell me given the economy). Again in the interest of time, pick any of your three. I promise, this time, and after you respond with some details of his great accomplishment (why, the challenge he overcame, the benefits, vision- that sort of thing) , if I am still awake, I will tear it apart or offer my apology and concede.

KK as referred to..is doing a "good" job for Towson,Owings Mills, and other areas considered prominent. I think he is a joke. All of those democrats out there who voted to tow the party line you are getting what you deserve----Shabby representation. Back-door deals, Higher taxes, High Unemployment. "KK" is shifty. He can stay in bed with O'Malley. KK has not been kind to Dundalk where I live, but he sure did not mind coming here to campaign with all of his promises. He and John Olszewski Sr promising us many updates to our community. I certainly wasn't fooled. Wasn't long after he got in, he yanked our funding for specially funded projects. Though I heard that Owings Mills was getting a face lift. The Senator in Towson was getting a helping hand. KK wants absolute power and I am sure that he will retain it because like most politicians they are corrupt. It is hard to prove to someone in the more needier areas of the county that this is not true. Hopefully VOTERS WILL FINALLY WAKE UP AND SEE THROUGH THESE LIES..VOTE CHANGE>>>VOTE THEM ALL OUT OF OFFICE>

If you mean kk has been giving Jim Brochin a helping hand, you are very misinformed.
If you are referring to the Senator Theater, that's located in Baltimore City.

Two "s"es in misinformed. Sorry.

I think that an elected school board is a terrible idea. The people who are elected because they have some grand plans are not responsible for raising the revenues to pay for these big ideas. I'm still disappointed that my son has to attend a BCPS school without air conditioning. His scores will be compared with the scores of climate controlled test takers when applying to college. If I was elected to be on the school board, we would have air condition in ALL schools. I don't know exactly how it would be paid for. See?

I personally don't think an elected School Board is a good idea. If the Board is elected, then it will be full of politicians, those who must take lots of their time and attention to raise money for elections.
That being said, I don't think Kamenetz is doing the right thing here.
The hybrid plan is a compromise, and Kamenetz is showing an unwillingness to compromise, and is, in essence, standing pat and stomping his foot in rebellion.
Having a tantrum is not a good look for a County Executive.

Bart, read the opening sentence: "A bill creating a partially-elected Baltimore County Board of Education ..."

As I have stated before if politicians were doing such a great job, why are we facing a decline in our nations standing. We currently rank 25th in the world in math proficiency.

These figures were published in the Sun pertaining to area AP test scores. The criteria is based on the passing grade (scoring 3 or better out of 5 on at least one AP test.)

These figures are the reality and not the rhetoric of the situation. Some examples of the percentages of students passing the tests: Kenwood 7%; Dundalk 4%; Overlea 3%; Kenwood 7%.

Only five schools in the county achieved a percentage above 50% and they were Hereford, Eastern Tech., Carver Ctr Arts, Dulaney and Towson.

There is a lot more to AP scores than what you've listed. You need to first consider the number of students who are enrolled, some students are even coerced in certain school to take the test even though they aren't prepared. Most educational ranking are more concerned with the number of test-takers than the pass rate.

You also need to consider the fact that you are talking about the percentage of high school students who are passing a college exam. What does that really measure? Eastern Tech and Carver are very selective in the students that enter the building. And lets be honest, students in Dulaney, Towson, and Hereford can afford a little extra AP help. Overlea, Kenwood, and Dundalk don't get to handpick their kids; they place a large number of "zone" students into AP settings and "push" them for an entire year. Not passing one exam isn't necessarily an indicator of what they've learned, or more importantly, how they've learned to study/engage/etc.

Sounds like you are making excuses for a failed system.

"Not passing one exam isn't necessarily an indicator of what they've learned, or more importantly, how they've learned to study/engage/etc." Possibly, but this is an indicator and a serious one at that.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/us-falls-in-world-education-rankings_n_793185.html

If Kamenetz is not open to compromise that is a very telling character flaw....satisfying his own personal political agenda is not the job that he was elected to do.
A "click" driven public servant leader is worse than an uneducated public servant leader because they are not their own person, but rather a puppet of the click....public service stemming from the click arena is tainted every time.
It would seem that Kamenetz is doing the best that he can for the puppeteer's that control him....compromise is not part of the political control puppet show...
A narrow, sad mindset for a political public servant leader...

Buck, you asked, it is my opinion that the quality of the members of the Board of Ed will go down. Only time will tell.

While I can't stand KK, I don't agree with this bill. Whether the board is fully appointed, fully elected or a mix, there are going to be political side effects to the school board. If a politian picks the board, then there’s political influence. However, if the school board is elected, the people running for the board positions are at that point also essentially politicians. The people running will need to have campaigns and will need campaign funds. Campaign funding is one of the most corrupt parts of politics, and this bill brings all of that corruption into the school board. Also, politicians do not need any qualifications to win an election and certainly do not need any qualifications to run for a position. I would think a system like how the SCOTUS is picked and affirmed would be the best for this board. The members would be nominated by the executive and then confirmed by the Senate or House, etc.

Buck the problem with comprise is that it gets in the way of power. The recent purge of the police command staff is an indicator of that.

Get rid of the colonels because we're not having that rank anymore. Wrong! It's just the right dots were not in that rank. It's always about connecting the dots.

The problem as I understand it, is the appointed board gives the counties no input. The appointment is from the Governor. It there is a hybrid elected/appointed board at least the counties stand a chance of having local input in education of our children.

Hendo, thanks. You would make a good car partner, someone you could count on to watch your back.

I'm getting old now. Heck by the time I got out of the car the disturbance would be over.