Don, in my opinion it really does not matter whether he writing as a resident or the President of MVF Board. He is a public figure in MV and as such (due to a good taste and being ethical) he should not list these names. He is not a celebrity promoting people, but a person who wants to get "old same falks" in his team to run MV (which by the way it is not run the right way). That is plain wrong.

Don... Quit rocking the boat on the Good ol' Boys Club. New and progressive ideas aren't allowed.

"The Mayors of Gaithersburg and Rockville both publicly supported their friends and colleagues for their council elections." The only difference is they don't get out there publicly via Village News & PATCH & (claim to) as in MVF case 'encourage' all residents to run for office or join committees; then, if they don't like them (for diverse opinions, etc.), send in the 'troops' to cut candidate to pieces! Who would want that! A masochist! Who would want to run for office knowing they aren't 'one of the favored children'!

Sure Don, Their new progressive ideas are included in reports from committees they have all been on. Sharon Cranford worked on the Vision 2030 the long range committee Audit committee looking to the future, Scott Dyer as a Board member worked on the long range committee, communication committee 2030 Vision Committee all looking forward, Elena Peterson was on the Vision 2030, Long Range committee, Recreation Committee, and President of South Village, looking to the future. I got these from the Village News. What committees and homes corporations have you served on? What new and progressive ideas are you presenting? I really wanted to have my landlord vote for you, but the way you have been sounding and acting I just can’t.

Pete,

You listed activities. I expected you to list new and progressive ideas.

I take part of what I said back in previous or will deflect from making the name 'government housing project' sound in any way like a slur. My parents basically lived in a government housing project when my dad reentered civilian life after WWII. The homes were called rowhouses then rather than the 'fancy word' used today, townhomes. {Fancy names were not important to them; maintained homes & close neighbors/friends working together, looking out for each other were their priorities!) And they had no HOA's back then. People had very little but they took pride w/o having to pay a Homeowners Association to 'get on their backs'. We have an HOA who mandates fees; yet still don't enforce oversight. Something terribly wrong when every resident is expected (under penalties) to pay fees. I will be quite pleased when & if MVF & HOA's take this issue alone seriously. You want the Village to 'flourish' in a positive sense; then bring most, if not all, the communities up to acceptable standards. Don't keep making that platform before election a 'broken promise' that goes by the wayside after election is over! If just one candidate can promise me that, I'll see if I can beat the system and vote for you 6000 times!!!

The only thing that I want to say about the MVF election is that the verbiage being thrown around on Patch is just what Sharon said above, not worth the paper it is written on or in this format typed on. We have received 2 flyers at our door for the slate running. They seem to be out there working in hopes of winning. If Bob Hydorn wants to endorse someone on Patch that is his right, he did not endorse anyone in the Village News. Sharon you have every right to endorse Don O’Neill on this patch. I think you all need to end this worthless chatter and work for what you want, get out there and do something

Don,

I call upon you to make a campaign promise to never run again when you're not elected in this election. Further, when not elected, to retire your soap box of "Don-centric" ramblings, and spend some time in the fresh air and work on your tennis game.

The Patch blogs are just that, a public soap box, that you've stood on just as many times as Mr. Hydorn, to state your opinions. They are just that, OPINIONS...did you miss that part? Do you think the Patch has made you a reporter, and that these Blogs are news reporting? It just shows you're simply out of touch. Mr. Hydorn speaks his opinions, and you in turn continue to state yours. Mr. Hydorn owes you no response nor has done anything wrong. He hasn't even mentioned anything about. Clearly, he nor others like myself, wish to vote for you; you're nothing but backward and negative, and provide no vision, just complaints.

I agree, I met one of the candidates in my neighborhood, and they actively are meeting residents and wanting to earn votes. Where is Don? Oh, wait, in front of his PC recording more youtube videos about how miserable his life is in the Village; yep, that's who we all want representing us, someone who can't find one good thing about the Village. I'm sure he won't come by, since he might actually hear that people don't agree with him.

I am neutral regarding Don O'Neill's candidacy, but the "slate" is a bunch of toadies ready to rubber stamp anything Hydorn wants. He is ruining MV and most of you are completely fooled. He is a vindictive, evil person.

And the sarcasm prevails! I mentioned years back that the Foundation was becoming way too political. {Take a survey & see just how many 'normal families' in the Village really care or have time to 'play politics' or have aspirations to be center attention on the State Assembly floor!} Well, it has unfortunately far exceeded that 'opinion & perception'. {Please note I said 'opinion' so you don't go off half cocked in a quest to protect 'The Brotherhood'!} It has become 'Dirty Politics'. I sure hope that some of those making comments & 'requests' don't go through life w/people convincing them that they are always 100% wrong & that they NEVER have ideas, concepts, opinions, DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES THAT BRING ABOUT DIFFERENT OUTLOOKS, etc that are worthy of some validation or, at least, worthy of 2% recognition. No one can be 'all bad'!!!

Oh, Don, please tell me it isn't so! Not after Bob gave someone hell in past PATCH articles for not have the 'intestinal fortitude' to identify themselves. If what you are saying is true, I'm crushed. LOL!

Mr. O'Neill...I learned long ago that getting into a "pissin' contest with a skunk" is a singularly unpleasant experience. I have neither the time, nor the inclination to spar with you in person OR on an insignificant online outlet. I do, however, know when I have been libeled through your insinuation and sarcasm. No sir... alas, I am not Ed Nigma. I am flattered, however, that you feel I might write with such grace and clarity. As you have been reminded before in public forums....I speak for myself, I speak my mind. Use or insiunate my complicity in your game again and you will be facing a libel suit.

Don, Your comments attacking Alice Hydorn once posted are always on Patch. You removed them but remember anyone that posts on a blog receives an update email copy of all postings to that blog. What a super posting by Alice. Looks like you met your match or was it her legal threat that finally got your attention?

Not to burst anyone's bubble. Juast sayin'! But these blogs are pretty much a free for all as long as no outright threats or profanity. Seems to be no complaints or threats whatsoever when one person is outright attacked, belittled, etc for different point(s) of views. But suddenly becomes legal issue when a first name is used (check phone directory 'cause there are many w/that same 1st name) or mere insinuation rather than direct statement of accusation. Timeout, folks!

An observation –

Don – the Patch can only show five blogs at a time on the main page.

After that they drop off and you have to click More Patch Blogs >> to see them and/or search them.

You seem intent on having a blog being posted on the main Patch page at all times with your name and picture for some reason.

Then, each time your blog moves off the main web page, you start another one, this latest one started on Feb 8. Again, to be prominently posted on the front of The Patch.

Concentrate on the issues, not being in front of your computer. Move with your feet and your actions in the community and not with a keyboard.

The other three candidates are out there speaking to residents and/or leaving flyers with their positions. I had one candidate here today at my door on a Saturday asking about my issues and sharing viewpoints.

It is not South Village, therefore I especially then encourage Don, Scott, Elena and Sharon to be in those communities and actively give their views (and their observations of conditions there that affect residents).

To Just Me: You 'hit the nail on the head!!!! It's been that way for 31 years! Do any of us think that will change! Rhetorical! We have literally turned into what could be considered 'Hospice Care' if even that!

Don, In case you didn't realize how Patch works, here is your comment about Alice being Ed Nigma prior to your changing it after she took you on.

Don O'Neill also commented on Sticking a Finger in the Eye of Montgomery Village Democracy.
"Alice, You started to say something? "He hasn't even mentioned anything about." Please complete your thought."

From the Tuesday, Jan 22 MV Candidates' Forum:

Alice Hydorn - I have one comment. My name is Alice Hydorn.
I was under the impression that this was a Candidates’ Forum
where individuals could ask questions and receive answers from
the people who are sitting at the front table. I am sitting really far
from my husband tonight because the last time I dared to stand up
and ask my own question I was accused of being a mouthpiece for
my husband. I feel that is important to put it in the record that
this is supposed to be a question and answer period, not a time for
individuals at the front table to take cheap shots at people who are
sitting in the audience. I request that Mr. O’Neill withdraw his
statement.

Don O’Neill
Do I hear a question? Would you restate the question?

Pam Bort
Ms. Hydorn requested that you withdraw the statement
you made regarding her husband’s spelling of the word
flourish.

Don O’Neill
No, because you can go on Patch.com and see what transpired.
Yes, that was a little bit of a needle. I give Bob a lot of
credit for a lot of things. Bob knows that there are pluses
and minuses, well, that is one of the minuses. Sorry, Alice.

Alice Hydorn - Well I don’t believe you are, sir.

My question is this, "How was Pam Bort able to decipher a question from this resident's rant?"

Could it be that Ms. Bort is far more astute than yourself Mr. O’Neill? As for Ms. Hydorn ranting as you say she did, I do not read what was said and by the way recorded, to have been spouting off at you. I see her comments as being directed at you for being so obnoxious and disrespectful to others, yes including her husband.

Who was it that said, "... this is supposed to be a question and answer period"?

The MVF Election committee, have you not read the guidelines?

Don, back to the Tuesday, January 22 MV Candidate's Forum, you stated:

"Flourish. Our President of the Montgomery Village Foundation stumbled over the very spelling of our brand. If you can’t spell it, you can’t sell it. "

Are you referring to an online comment or electronic post or something in print?

Many of us frequently make a typo in posting something via our smart phone or a quick post on our laptop or other device. If it was something in print, yes then both the author and the editor of the publication should have corrected that simple mistake.

“You’ve got a friend in me.” - Your slogan. The word "friend" meaning contact, pal, colleague. An admirable slogan.

You make a simple typo as well which is easy to do. Here is your typo:

“You’ve got a fiend in me, now the definition changes which is "person of great wickedness" - and I am just quoting the word fiend from the Merriam Webster dictionary. I do not mean to attribute this to you, this is from the dictionary.

Do you see how a simple typographical error can change so much?

Pete,

Wrong answer! The statement, "… this is supposed to be a question and answer period", appeared in the resident's rant posted verbatim by Derek above. Despite knowing this, the resident did not pose a question. How was Pam Bort able to decipher a question from this resident's rant?

Derek,

Yes, as an electronic post. As you pointed out again, Bob Hydorn did misspell "Flourish", the Montgomery Village brand. This appeared in the Scott Dyer promotional Patch blog in which you were a participant. Here's why it's a problem.

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.

On "friend" versus "fiend", good pickup. You live by the sword; you die by the sword. Well done!

Why don't you all get a life? Screw the spelling. Get over the nasty comments. Try to work together and improve the Village. Don, Sharon, Pete, Derek, all of you, how about we see you on committees working, instead of running your mouths on here?

As for Steven's comments above, I have done so in the past and may do in the future as well. Job, family and other issues are all items that fall into those who can volunteer their time.

I have to say that I mailed my ballot today all signed properly for the 3 postive attitude candidates. Good luck Ms. Crandford, Mr. Dyer and Ms. Peterson.

Please remind your friends if they have not yet completed and turned in their ballot, there is still time.
March 1 at 5:00 p.m. is the closing of balloting. The ballots will be counted on Saturday morning, March 2.
Ballots may be mailed back in (they are postage paid) or dropped in the secure mailbox at the MVF parking lot.

On the Candidates Forum video Mike Conroy, MVF Director of Communications, reports, "The video is still available on YouTube, and there is a scrolling alert still advertising it on the MVF website. I’ve also added a menu item for it under 'Village Governance'. The full transcript is still in the Village News, available on the Village News page, as well as in print, by request from the office. Additionally, residents have been reminded numerous times in the Village News and on Facebook and Twitter to vote, submit on time, etc. There will be one final online push next week to collect as many votes as possible."

This is a reminder that the MVF Board of Director ballots will be counted on Saturday, March 2 at 9:00 a.m. at the Montgomery Village Foundation office.

Any and all individuals are welcome to attend to watch the ballot counting process.

Time to revisit w/another Spring and Summer approaching making such a total of 32 yrs where the parents & children of ostracized area of the Village have no place to take their children within 'safe walking distance.
Not one of those running for office mentioned long, overdue interest or concern that reality. Not one candidate stepped up to the plate putting 'children of the Village' who reside near Lake Whetstone as priority. Has been hush hush since meeting regarding playground w/apparently the hope that this parent/grandparent would suddenly forget the 'needs of children'. Sorry but that hasn't happened no matter how silent my representatives remain on this topic.
So, it will be another summer where children of Dockside, Mill Race and Nathans Hill find no other play equipment but the improvised use of mailboxes, street signs, & residents' brick walls & fences as 'playground and means of exercise'.
Shame on all of you for dusting this 'need' under the carpet during all your political bio boasting(s), repetitive platform promises (that seem to go by the wayside after ballots are counted) & rants and raves particularly on PATCH.
Think of the accolades as well (since there are some on Board who have been shown to have exaggerated egos) how much praise and 'glorification' you would receive if such a playground was constructed @ Lake Whetstone & one that incorporated play equipment as well that accommodated those children in OUR VILLAGE who are physically disabled!!!!

Sharon,

Food for thought here. Have you thought about a "wish list" of equipment you would like (keeping in mind a reasonable budget) for that area?

Often (in the Village and other communities as well, we are not immune), playground areas tend to sometimes (I say "sometimes" as always is not the case and in some areas, never) turn into "hangout areas" for older teens afterschool and that is intimidating to the younger children to which they are intended. Outside of the parents (older than the teens obviously) being with the children, do you see any thoughts on the children attending the area unattended?

I am neither a parent or grandparent so your thoughts are better on this particular subject.

Derek, this retiree hoofed it one Saturday and passed out flyers to over 200 homes and even got councilman involved. Ordered playground catalogs from 4-5 different companies to cart in wheel carry-on bag because 30 plus catalogs were so heavy. Had copies of those catalogs for each and every member on the Board. Well, most were returned to me after that meeting 'cause only two on board at least at the decency to feign interest & actuallytook catalogs home. According to one of the attendees (who was once active in ecological committee but later ousted...ah, they love to create new committees in a heartbeat)...that cold metal turtle & dolphin @ Lake Whetstone were play equipment. Say what again?!!!! Then there was 'discussion' to bus kids out of communities to other playgrounds 'throughout' the County. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Tis a longer story than that but painful to dwell on the 'bizarre'!!! As far as 'unattended', no child should be left unattended ANYWHERE. But, at least the stay-at-home mothers in this area would have some place safe to walk without taking sometimes as many as 3-4 small children (two at the hip; one in a stroller or carriage) in tow across 'very busy' Village Avenue to trek like a caravan to South Village Park .

And, if the Foundation can post very large sign (you pay by the 'letter") w/ regs re precious, overdone dock & paddle boats that I continue to witness get very little use (& certainly not living up to Foundation's reasoning for spending so much money, that such would bring folks to the Lake & monies for massive renovation would be recouped), they can sure post a sign regarding playground w/age restriction, etc. If not adhered to, then security would have authority to disband hangers-on (teenagers or even delinquent adults). How can that lake attract many when there is nothing there to entice them to spend any considerable family time. Hey, let's take our 2-3 yr old there & watch him or her fall off dock into Lake Whetstone or fall out of a paddle boat. That's sounds like a 'fun day' for all! And time for children to take priority over geese no matter how pretty those birds might be, ya know! We have FOWL. How 'bout FOFSVK?! Friends of Forgotten South Village Kids! By the way, Derek, before that mtg to discuss playground, I even contacted MC School system & was provided statistics (by age & grade) of the numbers of kids in this specific area of the Village. Numbers were 'high' & they only included those who rode the bus; not those transported to and from school by their parents. Homework was seemingly waste of time 'cause MVF had its heels dug in (prior to meeting & since) that no playground would 'desecrate' the socalled 'aesthetic' of Lake Whetstone.

I can't resist (as usual), Derek, chiming in w/one last comment. LOL! Chatty Cathy! But it is a shame when the Powers That Be find the 'laughter and joyful play' of children aesthetically 'displeasing' @ Lake Whetstone!!!! To many 'old farts' who sadly have forgotten what it is like to be a child are running the Village! I'm not talking about activities in the Village where most cost a 'registration fee'. Most in this area do not have the money! I am referring to the 'free, entitled play activity that requires only the vivid imagination of a young child...where play equipment becomes a fortress or a castle or a mountain to climb. And a place for gathering, neighbors meeting neighbors w/shared primary interest (family) & where young children enjoy the socialization with their peers.

Sharon, Just maybe with some new people on the MVF Board they will support Bob Hydorn who tried to move such a playground forward before. At least there is a chance now, that some going off the board that live next to the park won't have a say. That one guy was always a naysayer because of crime and perverts. I hate taking my grandson there having only an old concrete turtle to play on.

Sharon, I sure hope that Don O’Neill does not win a place on the MVF board. We might never see anything new, fun or exciting in the park. I just read the Village News on line and that guy is complaining about the number of volunteers. Bob Hydorn is wrong again according to him. I volunteer at my church in Montgomery Village as lots of people do, they volunteer at the schools, at the MVSA, all those types of groups. It has to be several thousand volunteers.

And you tell me! Had that playground (and the children) really been of interest/priority, the Powers That Be could have made it happen. And the cost would have been pee compared to what was spent on that dock. Argument for that dock was it needed to be repaired. I would say they went way behind 'mere repair/renovation', wouldn't you! I'm thinking of moving in & making the dock 'my new home'! Hummm! God knows, when it is 'one of their pursuits or passions', they somehow always seem to persuade or 'manipulate' others to agree, come over to his or her side. Hummm! Too bad they aren't as 'passionate' about OUR children! Not the kids whose parents can afford those registration fees, baseball uniforms, shiny new cleats, etc. but the children whom MVF eases their conscience by providing a basket for donations @ the Apple Ridge Office!

Just read #1 of Don O'Neill's last entry regarding essential prerequisites" "1. Please outline your educational, profession or volunteer experience that particularly qualifies you for membership on the committee of your choice ( a resume may be attached):"If that is truly required in order for a resident to volunteer, that is laughable! Maybe those wishing to donate their time should have a 'security clearance' as well. That might be more relevant! LOL!

Just started to chuckle when I thought of my last comment entry! Irony! One always had to be current on their assessments to have the 'privilege' of receiving their pool pass or 'privilege' to vote. But one (at least, in past) could run for office without same criteria. Now that's funny! I swear I'm gonna write a book & it's gonna be on the 'Best Sellers List' or, at least, in Ripley's Believe It or Not! LOL!

Gee, Derek, we were still holding our breaths before the election for them to show up in our neighborhood. I knew I should have provided them 'directions' to this end of the Village. Hummm! Well, now that it has been determined that the 'Monarchy' is still intact, let's hope one of them steps up to the plate & the children are surprised by a playground this summer @ basically-barren, human-deserted Lake Whetstone. Will hold my breath yet again!