Voters can now electronically view campaign finance records not easily seen before.
Since the University of Maryland electronic Campaign Finance Database did not have information from every candidate for Calvert County Commissioner, the Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) obtained paper copy reports for those who submitted only hardcopy.
These reports are posted at our web site www.daccamd.com under the label Campaign Finances. If the label does not appear on your screen, use your browser’s Refresh button.
The reasons a candidate would choose to make their information either widely or less available can run the continuum from avoiding public scrutiny to something as simple has insufficient resources.
Though not endorsing specific candidates, DACCA supports Controlled Growth meaning one sets population, commercialization and density targets; measures progress and ensures the various ordinances achieve those targets. The current growth rate of about 2% per year appears sustainable and healthy for Calvert County; down from previous Uncontrolled Growth of 7%.
Uncontrolled Growth forces under this election year’s guise of Calvert Alliance for Responsible Leadership (CARL) desire removing the established control constraints and in their words considerably increase the growth rate with, “vigorous residential and commercial centers.”
To encourage voters to select candidates who would return us to Uncontrolled Growth, CARL bought full page ads (Calvert Independent, Wednesday, September 6, 2006; and others) identifying candidates who are supportive of “CARL’s Principles”: Cal Steuart (R), E. Lloyd Robertson (D), Barbara Stinnett (D), Dixie Miller (D), Mike Benton (R), and Mark Frazer (D).
What DACCA found so far this election year is substantial funding of some candidates by Real Estate, Development, Gambling Interests and related Special Interest Groups, and at least one state-level Party Boss. The financial records (contributions and expenditures) of some who are aligned with CARL’s vision for Uncontrolled Growth gives the appearance of wanting to “buy the office.” Personal and business partners stand to make millions from their investment in a vigorous growth vision.
A quick look as of Sept. 1, 2006, at candidate largest funding sources simply raises questions as to how receptive some candidates would be to the average citizen compared to the larger financial backers. Three candidates in particular, among others filed only hardcopy financial statements (now listed on the DACCA web site www.daccamd.com ).
Mark Frazer (D) received his largest contributions from: Marylander’s for Miller (Mike Miller, Leader in state Democrat Party) $3,000. Interesting side note, DACCA found where Marylanders for Mike Miller returned $10,000 to Gerald Donovan and the Rod N Reel, but cannot yet determine why. Yes, we asked Senator Miller and are awaiting a response. Beach Boys Pizza (Dunkirk) as well as Mark Frazer and his associates contributed $2,000. JW Graner provided a contribution of labor ($1,411). Also providing $1,000 each were Marrick Properties, Kaine Homes, RAR Associates Development Co, Beach Boys Pizza (Prince Frederick), Beach Boys Pizza (Solomons), Beach Boys Pizza (Chesapeake Beach), K&H Electric, Calvert Orthodontics, L.C and