Moving Montgomery Village Forward: Scott Dyer Seeks Re-Election to MVF Board of Directors
As we stand on the threshold of a number of key decisions that will affect the future of the Village, this year’s election for the Montgomery Village Foundation’s Board of Directors (MVF)’s will directly impact three votes for the total nine Board Members representing the nearly 50,000 total residents in the Village. As the only incumbent running for re-election this year, I ask for your consideration of my experience, community involvement and dedication to the Village, as well as proven leadership to represent you on the MVF Board of Directors.
During my currently elected three year term on the MVF Board of Directors, MVF is in the best financial condition of its almost 47-year history. For the first time ever, planning and budgeting moved to looking at a five year plan, which saw no assessment increases (MVF and Designated User) in the 2012 and 2013, and only a Designated User Assessment increase expected in 2014. Cost-savings were across the board, strategic moves were made to improve how we invest funds, outsourcing of maintenance and landscaping, improving Community Management and updating Architectural Standards, a new marketing plan (“flourish”) and a Social Media presence on Facebook and Twitter, new Banking relationships to lower fees and invest Reserve funds more effectively, outreach and coordination with our elected officials and the business community, an increased focus and commitment to expanding services for Seniors, coordination with the County Police and the community (including the HOAs/HOCs and local businesses) to improve awareness and work towards improving public safety, planning necessary updates to our existing seven pools, a new pool heater to allow an expanded pool season for residents, Wi-Fi internet connectivity at the North Creek Community Center, a lighted fountain in the Amphitheater Pond to both aerate and beautify, the MV Farmers’ Market, new signage and landscaping, new events and services (ex. The Great Pumpkin Race/Seniors In Action/MVFit), and a variety of other visible improvements to amenities and services have been appearing each year with more to come. The Long Range Facilities Planning Committee’s report (2010) and MVF’s Vision 2030 Committee’s report (2011), took important steps forward in looking beyond simply how we maintain what’s great about the Village today, but looking how we improve the future of the Village, to ensure the Village remains a great place to live in the years ahead.
If elected for a second three year term, my focus will be on continuing to keep assessments low for residents, increase community involvement (including in meetings and on MVF Committees), protecting the environment and continuing to utilize the experience of the volunteers on the Committee on the Environment in those efforts, seeking to revive the inactive Public Safety Committee as a focused task force to identify additional ways we can increase public safety in the Village with representatives from all stakeholders (similar to Vision 2030) and implement recommendations from their report, expand the new marketing plan (“flourish”) to further improve the image of the Village and provide key marketing materials to Realtors/local media/and perspective residents and businesses, working with the County on the Gaithersburg East Master Plan process (2013-2014) to ensure it aligns with MVF’s Vision 2030, working with the new owner of the MV Golf Course to ensure the proposed development is isolated to the upper open parcels along MV Avenue with access to the community to a still operational golf course and other possible amenities (indoor pool, fitness center, new clubhouse, upscale restaurant, etc.), work with the owners of the Village Shopping Center and connected parcels on both short-term improvements to the Village Shopping Center as well as longer-term redevelopment to finally create a town center (a mixed-use Village Center with retail/restaurants with outdoor dining space/event space/green space with a water feature/offices – including relocation of the MVF offices/a real supermarket/etc.) that will again be a focal point and gathering place for our community, continuing to support the MVF Transportation Policy and protect our community from undesirable projects being dumped on us that seek to provide higher volume and higher speed traffic past our schools and through environmentally sensitive areas as well as that negatively impact nearby homeowners, continue planning and implementation of improvements to our seven existing pools, continue to support MVFit and Seniors in Action to expand offerings to residents, seeking private and State grants for improvements to our walking path system and street lighting, erosion repairs and carefully implemented dredging of Lake Whetstone, a continued focus on private property maintenance to ensure the upkeep of properties in the Village, and advocating to our elected officials (County/State/Federal) on behalf of the residents.
I was elected to the Montgomery Village Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2010, with the second highest number of total votes in the election, against three incumbents. As an MVF Board member, I’ve been involved on the following MVF committees: Communications, Recreation, and Election (served as Chair of the Committee and Moderator of the Candidates Forum in 2012); I also participated in MVF’s Vision 2030. I’m the only elected representative on the MVF Board from the Eastern portion of the Village, and no other candidate running this year is from East Village or Eastgate, so my continued representation on the MVF Board provides important diversity in the communities represented on the Board. I also represent the largest age demographic in the Village (35.4% of Village residents are 25-44 yrs old, according to the 2000 census), as the youngest member of the MVF Board at 34yrs old; I would continue to be the youngest member of the MVF Board, even factoring in the current candidates.
In addition to my elected role on the MVF Board of Directors, I filled a vacancy on the East Village Homes Corporation’s Board of Directors, and then was re-elected to a 3yr term on the Board. My wife, Joy, has been elected to two 3yr terms so far on the East Village Homes Corporation’s Board, and serves as Vice President. My time on the EVHC Board has seen a focus on keeping assessments low each year for East Village residents, an annual community picnic with involvement with the County Police and Elected Officials (State and County), State grants obtained for improvements to storm water management and street lighting, organization of a Neighborhood Watch and improved coordination with the Montgomery County Police, a new maintenance contract with improvements to community landscaping, and a focus on private property maintenance. I’m also the youngest member of the EVHC Board.
In addition to my experience as a MVF Board member and EVHC Board member, I also bring a diverse background of volunteer work and work experience. I’m currently employed by J.P. Morgan in Washington, DC, in a Client Service role, as an Account Opening Specialist (Associate). I’ve been with J.P. Morgan for over six years, and I’ve also held a prior Finance role, as a Business Manager (i.e. Market-level CFO) for their offices in the Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA regions. My prior work experience includes as a Realtor with Long and Foster (in their Montgomery Village, King Farm, and Fallsgrove offices); as a Deputy Chief of Staff with the State Government, at the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT); and as a Procurement Analyst with the Federal Government, at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). I’m also a trained and certified Mediator and Facilitator, and a Notary Public. I’m a twice-elected public official in Montgomery County (Central Committee – two 4yr terms), and have run prior for the Montgomery County Council (notably, for the District 2 seat in 2006, garnering about 40% of the vote). I’ve also worked on several campaigns over the years. My volunteer work has included the Rescue Squad, Red Cross, County Public School System, Marymount University, the County Board of Elections (Voter Registrar), Students in Free Enterprise (S.I.F.E.), etc. I’ve received numerous awards and recognition for my volunteer work, leadership and service to the community, and have been profiled over the years in most of the local (and some regional and national) media outlets. Of note, NBC4, highlighted me during their “Morning Person” segment. I also received the “Call to Service” award from the President of the United States in 2007. I studied Business at Montgomery College (Rockville campus), and then studied Business at Marymount University (Arlington, VA) where I earned my Business degree.
I’m the youngest son of Brigadier General Robert F. Dyer, Jr., MD, Sc.D, a decorated U.S. Army veteran (WW2 and Korea) and physician, who passed away this past July. Dr. Dyer dedicated his life to helping others, through his military service, volunteer work, public service (including notably as part of President Kennedy’s cabinet and on the DC Mayor’s Emergency Council, etc.) and medical career; his medical research has continued to save lives. He continues to inspire me to make a difference, to volunteer my time to help others, and to inspire others. I’m also very fortunate to have married into a family that also gives so much back to the community; my wife, Joyce Kraus Dyer, of the past 8 years, is currently a stay-at-home mom to our 2yr old son, Joseph (a 3rd generation Village resident). Joy is also Vice President of the East Village Homes Corporation’s Board of Directors and has also volunteered her time to Marymount University, the County Board of Elections, etc. Joy has over 15 yrs of experience as an Interior Designer for commercial properties. Her father, John E. Kraus, a licensed architect and Senior Vice President at the JBG Companies, and a U.S. Army veteran (Vietnam), has been involved on the following MVF Committees: Commercial Architectural Review Committee, Vision 2030, Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, and on the Nike Missile Site Redevelopment Committee. Mr. Kraus’ vision of how to redevelop the key commercial sites within the Village were an important framework to Vision 2030, and he is an inspiration to me on his creativity and passion for what is possible for the Village’s future, as well as an inspiration for the number of hours he volunteers on MVF Committees each year to help keep Montgomery Village a great place to live.
As a homeowner raising a family here, this is where our family will continue to live for generations to come, and I have a vested interest in the future of the Village. I ask for your vote and your support in re-electing me to another 3yr term on the MVF Board of Directors, so that I can continue the work of the past three years to continue to make Montgomery Village a great place to live, for both today and tomorrow.
I also encourage you to learn more about and vote for Sharon Cranford and Elena Peterson, for the other two seats on the MVF Board of Directors. Sharon Cranford is currently elected to the Whetstone Homes Corporation and serves as Secretary as well as the MVF Representative Alternate. Sharon has served on the following MVF Committees: Audit, Long Range Facility Planning, Vision 2030, and Food for Schools; she is also a member for Friends of Whetstone Lake (FOWL). Professionally, her work experience has included being an Attorney. Sharon has also been active with the PTSA for Montgomery Village Middle School and Watkins Mill High School. Elena Peterson is currently elected to the South Village Homes Corporation and serves as President (formerly as Treasurer) as well as the MVF Representative (and formerly as Alternate Representative). Elena has served on the following MVF Committees: Recreation, Management Advisory Committee, President’s Council, Long Range Facility Planning, and Vision 2030; she is also a member for Friends of Whetstone Lake (FOWL) and was a former Vice President. Professionally, her work experience has included being financial services professional.
Vote for Sharon Cranford, Scott Dyer, and Elena Peterson on the MVF Board of Directors’ 2013 election ballot, and keep Montgomery Village moving forward!
Bob Hydorn
1:38 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Scott Dyer, Sharon Cranford and Elena Peterson did a superb job last evening at the MVF Candidates Forum. They certainly have my endorsement to have positions on the MVF Board.
Don O'Neill
7:46 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
When a Village resident about naming the new library Montgomery Village Library and renaming the Gaithersburg East Master Plan as the MontgomeryVillage/ Gaithersburg East Master Plan, Scott Dyer's incredible response was, "names don't matter".
If Scott believes that names do not matter, why did he vote for spending ten's of thousands of dollars of residents money on "Flourishing", the Montgomery Village branding initiative?
Little known outside MV News circles, this brand show not signs of going viral; and as Bob Hydorn has learned, if you can't spell it, you can't sell it.
Bob Hydorn
8:42 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Well Don, speaking of spelling, thanks for spelling my name right this time.
Scott R. Dyer
8:47 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Don,
All comments are welcome, and I’m glad you brought this up, since I’m happy to clarify my answer from the candidates forum. It can be tough to answer questions in thirty seconds, but my point was the ideas of naming the library and the master plan to include the name “Montgomery Village” have already been suggested to the County and Gaithersburg, and as MVF has no ownership over either, whether I, yourself, or others would like to see the mention of “Montgomery Village” in the name of both, it’s clear the names are not changing at this point from the lack of any changes put forth by the County or Gaithersburg, and what I suggested is we focus on what we can control at this point, and that’s the Village’s proactive work with Vision 2030 to be ready for the Master Plan process, of which the Planning Board and County Council are already aware of, and we’re ahead of others in being ready to define what the Village wants to see in our future rather than being provided a Plan from the County that we’re then opposing.
Scott R. Dyer
8:47 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
(part 2 of the above comment):
I’ll note, it was unfortunate you didn’t wish to be an active participant in Vision 2030, since you’ve noted ideas afterwards that we were seeking during the process. I stand behind the work of the Communication Committee on the new branding initiative in providing a unique approach with the word “flourish” to tie into what many volunteers in the Village have been working hard to bring about a brighter future, and a branding initiative is important to defining why the Village is a great place to live today and why it will be in the future. I also stand behind my vote to support implementing it. I encourage you to visit the MVF website, the MVF Facebook page, sign up for MVF’s tweets on Twitter, and read the MVF News and marketing materials, as well as take time to talk with MVF staff on our advertising campaign, since you’ll find there is actually a lot going on currently linked to our branding initiative with more planned this year. Names don’t matter, neither does name-calling; actions speak louder than words, and I, along with fellow candidates Sharon Cranford and Elena Peterson, and other volunteers in the community can stand proudly behind our actions.
Scott R. Dyer
8:48 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
(part 3 of the above comment):
I will further note that attacking MVF President Bob Hydorn over a typo shows where your priorities are, and I think that’s unfortunate and not a good use of your campaigning time. I’m glad you took the time to read my post, so you too know where my priorities are. I look forward to seeing you and other members of the community tonight at the MVF Board of Directors Meet and Greet at 7pm, at North Creek Community Center, followed by the regularly scheduled 7:30pm MVF Board of Directors meeting. Montgomery Village has a positive future. I encourage you to focus on letting the community know what your focus would be if elected in working towards that, and leave personal attacks and negativity out of the process, since it just turns off voters who want to know where each of us stand on the issues and what experience we each bring.
Sharon Adams
12:31 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Well, I see even this blog has become yet another route to stray from what was supposed to be it's purpose and instead turned personal. There seems to be attacks and definitely 'sarcasm' (abounds)coming from all sides. And, considering the topic and original blog intent, it is unbecoming of MVF present Board members and those running for current Board. Children, go to your corners! It's timeout time!
Don O'Neill
7:28 am on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Scott,
You stated, "... that attacking MVF President Bob Hydorn over a typo shows where your priorities are". I fully agree; it does show where my priorities are... they lie in protecting our investment in the branding initiative.
The Flourishing brand initiative spent $10,000 in 2012 to initiate and promote its use internally within the Village. Another $40,000 expenditure is planned for 2013 to promote the brand externally across the region.
Care must be taken in promoting a brand and protecting this investment. Misspelling the brand only jeopardizes all that.
Don O'Neill
9:38 am on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Scott,
Sometimes you have to go after things you want and not be content to fiddle with what you control.
My vision for effective leadership would involve establishing a relationship with the City of Gaithersburg, negotiating a position of inclusion for Montgomery Village in the Gaithersburg Library and Gaithersburg Master Plan, and perhaps trading off some things to get it.
But simply asserting a "names don't matter" mantra so that you don't have to engage lacks the essential ingredients the Village will need going forward.
Sharon Adams
10:10 am on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Main things 'flourishing' in Montgomery Village fr/ residents' (we 'common folk'...no political aspirations) viewpoint are neglected, deteriorating communities that get least priority during all the 'politics'. And w/ that 'the flourishing of crime'. Flowery word & how it's spelled is nothing but useless (highly expensive) PR. I'd be happy to know I'm voting for someone who looks beyond his or her community (when believing rest of us enjoy the same 'living standards') & would be pleased as punch for any budget crumbs thrown our way. Foundation is referred to as '"Umbrella of the Village". Said before but representatives seem tired of hearing or, at least, indifferent. That umbrella should shelter all of us & protect all residents fr/ depreciating market values. It shouldn't i.e. cover a golf course, tennis court or the geese @ Lake Whetstone. MVF & HOA's should be jointly & aggressively protecting what should be the real investment in the Village...every single community in the Village where 'real people reside'! I think common sense tells us we live in the now. None of us know what's in the future or if we will even be on this earth in 2030. But, since fortune tellers are no longer banned in Gaithersburg, maybe we should all plan to meet w/soothsayer to see who's gonna win the next election & who's gonna finally put 'community revitalization' on list of platform priorities. I have some dusty snow globes; think those will work as substitute crystal balls? LOL!
jnrentz1
1:22 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
How much are the Board of Directors paid?
Don O'Neill
2:12 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
jnrentz1,
MVF Board of Directors members are paid what they are worth... nothing. They work for free!
jnrentz1
4:34 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
Thank you.
Don O'Neill
2:15 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Sharon,
Your comment centers around the dysfunctional culture in the MVF Board of Directors. I address this issue on my blog on MontgomeryVillage.patch.com entitled, "A Game Changing Transformation is needed at the Montgomery Village Foundation".
Sharon Adams
12:10 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I've held off long enough fr/my initial reaction to this blog. Gives me chuckle each time this retiree revisits this site. But have you ever, more out of politeness, asked someone "so, tell me a little about yourself" only to find that 3 days later that person is still talking about himself/herself and only up age ten (W/20-30 more yrs to go) & basically portraying himself/herself as this God-like creature who has 'successfully' taken on the world single-handedly??!!! Ah, dear sweet 'humility' and reality! LOL!
Derek Hale
5:33 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Don,
I continue to be confused by your comments:
"MVF Board of Directors members are paid what they are worth... nothing. "
Can I interpret this as follows:
(1) You feel the current board (as it stands now) is "worthless"? Or has members that are "worthless" (and please do not disclose names per your personal feelings)?
(2) You bring a sense of "worth" to the Board should you be elected? What is your sense of "worth" that you bring that is not there at present?
Obviously I know there is no pay involved, as is in any other Village HOA, CA, committee.
Sharon Adams
3:47 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
To Derek: Not sure about the Board (in more ways than one) but all full-time positions are salaried, all part time and seasonal employees are hourly. May be a salary scale included with the budget which is online.
Don O'Neill
6:01 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Derek,
My response was to someone who genuinely wanted an answer.
As for my worth, the work is pro bono and I plan to live up that description.
Derek Hale
11:31 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I did genuinely want an answer and thank you for the reply.
I also do note your blog on the Patch and keep up with that as I can.
Walt
4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Mr O'Neill,
Like Mr. Hale, I am confused by your comment that "MVF Board of Directors members are paid what they are worth... nothing. "
Are you in fact saying all nine current board members are worthless?
StevenBarnes
5:04 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Walt, Super question. They should be paid. They spend a bunch of time doing stuff for the us.
Sharon Adams
9:52 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I would like to see those elected to the Board finally recognize
•Grover's Forge
•The Hamptons
•Millrace
•Nathan's Hill
•Walker's Choice
as 'members of the Village'. These communities have been neglected, basically ostracized for decades!!! And, as far as I know, they do 'pay equal share' in what the Foundation advertises as 'Family-Oriented Membership'. Just another 'flowery PR phrase like the flowery phrase 'Flourishing in the Village'. The only inclusions these Cinderella communities share or have in common w/rest of Village are mandated assessment fees and 20886 zip code! I excluded Dockside because those residents have been included only because they border MVF's 'Treasured Lake Whetstone and the cherished & protected geese'. If the remainder were destined to 'die' under MVF's and SVHC's (lack of) care (I now call 'hospice care'), then you should have just thrown them to City of Gaithersburg, ya think?!!!! In the process, they have also been thrown to the G'burg criminal element.
Sharon Adams
10:53 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Bottom line: 5 Village communities 'thrown to the wolves'. Hummm!
Don O'Neill
10:01 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Scott,
The January 13, 2013 Gazette reported that you support the expansion of Goshen Road as part of the Montgomery Village Foundation Board official position. The Gazette reported that the other candidates opposed widening Goshen Road.
I oppose the widening of Goshen Road because it will take land from the some of the Whetstone residents that border Goshen Road. I consider this worth fighting for.
Scott, I would like to know why are you throwing these Whetstone homeowners under the bus? How many homeowners will lose how many feet of property? Why don't you consider this worth fighting for?
Looking forward to your response.
StevenBarnes
4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
My family being residents of Middle Village, I have wondered why more people don’t run for the various homes corporation and condominium boards. Then after reading blogs such as this, I know why. There are those on Patch talking of civility, dysfunctional boards, and attacking those that are serving. I see why no one wants to run and be attacked by such uncivil, dysfunctional residents.
I sure as H - - - would not. Scott Dyer, thank you for running and taking this crap.
StevenBarnes
1:07 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Scott, Reading the Montgomery Village news account of the candidates forum, I would have thrown my hands up in the air as well with comments being made by one of your opponents. Thank you and 2 candidates you are running with for being so positive about things.
Derek Hale
11:26 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013
My ballot came this weekend -
It is clear that the only three candidates who have any substantial record with Village activities are Scott, Sharon and Elena.
Please mark your ballots accordingly. MOST IMPORTANTLY - SIGN YOUR BALLOT or it will not be valid.
Please VOTE! And encourage your neighbors to do the same!
Sharon Adams
11:42 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
Again, Derek, having some sort of 'record with activities (being on boards or committees) does not necessarily mean what takes place in those board meetings or within the committees seeps out into communities in any productive fashion. I'm definitely not going to stoop low enough to name names but I do know one who wants around our community (personal outings; not business) and yet seems to have blinders on when it involves going back to board or committee and reporting 'the conditions and dire needs' of neighborhood where these 'casual strolls' take place. So all of them can 'join' as many Boards, committees as their little hearts desire & increase their 'flowery bios' as they have done w/each election. BS matters little in the long run! Certainly doesn't help bring some of these communities within the Village 'out of the depreciating depths of hell'. And I began long ago viewing participation on MVF Board & HOA Board (& committee to oversee another committee to oversee yet another committee) as not out of community concern but an ego/personal endeavor & even somewhat as a lonely hearts club. Again, it seems to depend on where in the Village you reside (whether you matter as a Village family member) & the personal experience & personal observations made by each of us commenting on this blog.
Derek Hale
5:21 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Scott is the one to vote for.
If you have not already returned your ballot, please do so and sign it.
You may be a renter and not gotten a ballot. If so, you may be reading these blogs or the Village News but your ballot goes to your landlord. Please encourage him/her to vote the way you want.
Scott is the young and energetic blood we need on the MVF Board.
Sharon Adams
10:49 am on Sunday, March 3, 2013
Now that the elections are over & your bio of 'accomplishments' at such a 'young age' seem to far surpass/exceed even someone in their 80's (almost to the point of being omnipotent, Scott...hummm!), let's see how much interest and 'power' you possess in procuring a long-overdue playground @ Lake Whetstone. You failed to compaign in my community to meet those of us seemingly on the 'wrong side of the (Village) tracks'. Maybe, just maybe I will finally meet you when you come here in very near future with shovel in hand to break ground & dedicate that playground! Ya think??!!!
Sharon Adams
11:25 am on Sunday, March 3, 2013
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57572225/sandy-affected-n.j-town-honors-newtown-victims/
Excerpt from article: "I think it's a beautiful idea," said Nicole Hockley, the mother of Dylan Hockley, a 6-year old killed at Sandy Hook Elementary. "A PLAYGROUND BRINGS SOMETHING POSITITIVE TO A COMMUNITY FOR CHILDREN, and that's got to be one of the best ways to memorialize my child and the other children that died that day."
Sharon Adams
10:05 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2013
Now that you have been elected to the Board, Scott, I hope your 2nd priority (after revisiting issue of playground) is revamping the Architectural Review Board by expectng & setting for them the same time limits they set on we homeowners to comply to their 'demands'. No homeowner should be cited for trivial changes 6, 9, 12 & even 20 yrs after minor or rmajor home modifications. And there needs to be a harness on ARB's disparaging enforcement & also discussion or a 'tutoring class in 'Proportionality Law' when they begin to nit-pick good homeowners while ignoring those homes that stand out like a sore thumbs as far away as the Village Avenue when you don't even have to drive 'into' a community to observe the dire, deteriorating conditions & outright blatant architectural violations. People skills might be helpful as well where they should thank a homeowner for being involved & even vocal regarding legitimate, below-standard conditions rather than priactice 'witch hunt' to silence those homeowners who damand MVF & ARB be held accountable for promised responsibilities. Responsibities should not be a one-way street from homeowners only.