Marc Elrich Wants NPR Out of Silver Spring
By Silver Springer • May 22nd, 2007 • Category: Business and Economic Development, Exclusives, Government and Politics, Real Estate
At a recent meeting in the Woodside community, Marc Elrich reiterated his anti-business/development stance that helped him win an At-Large seat on the County Council.
In front of the Woodside audience Elrich vowed he would do everything within his power to keep National Public Radio out of downtown Silver Spring, showing his disapproval of development in the area. NPR is actively looking for a new headquarters in the D.C. area. The meeting also focused on complaints from residents about Park and Planning’s new headquarters, Silver Place.
Elrich along with Marilyn Praisner have partnered to be vehemently vocal about stopping economic development in Montgomery County. In early 2006 during an election campaign event Elrich proclaimed, “I’m always skeptical about how many jobs we bring to Montgomery Countyâ€.
According to sources in discussion with NPR, the organization picked downtown Silver Spring because of its own merits, Montgomery County government did not reach out to the organization so that it would consider Silver Spring for the running.
NPR would require around 400,000 square feet of office space and has found a viable spot in the Ripley district of downtown. Silver Spring is in the top tier selection along with Crystal City and another unknown location in Va.
Downtown Silver Spring has over 7 million square feet of office space vs. 10 million in Crystal City. The entire Silver Spring area including the Route 29 corridor is around 10 million square feet vs. 35 million in Arlington County a jurisdiction with a population of only about 190,000 vs. over 250,000 in areas called Silver Spring.
About 57 million square feet of office space is in Montgomery County compared to over 100 million in Fairfax County, Va alone, according to CB Richard Ellis, a market research firm.
The lack of office jobs along Route 29 and downtown Silver Spring has exacerbated traffic woes that have become inherent on the eastern side of the Washington region, as many people commute to Northern Virginia and the western half of D.C. and Montgomery County. Marylin Praisner represents territory in Northern Silver Spring along Route 29.
NPR clustered with Discovery Communications and other media organizations like TV One, AFI and World Space would help solidify Silver Spring as the media epicenter of the D.C. area.
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That’s a shame regarding Erlich’s resistance to NPR setting up their home base in Silver Spring. Sad to say, but I think Crystal City will be the winner of this one. I have nothing against other jurisdictions prospering and gaining such high staus neighbors such as NPR, as I work in VA, but frankly, they are going to go where they will encounter the least obstacles and I can’t blame them.
How do we stop elrich?
I (think) I see what Marc Elrich is doing. By stagnating further buisness growth in Silver Spring, he will effectively bring back “The bad old days” of high crime, most of which (he hopes) will move up from his home of Takoma Park.
Mind you this is just an un-informed theory and is in no way ment to be a liable statement of fact. I admit my part in this debacle, mindlessly voting Dem. to show dissaproval of the direction this country is headed. Donkeys & Elephants both belong in zoos where we can keep a safe distance.
I admit my guilt in this Marc Elrich debacle. I mindlessly voted Dem. to show my dissatisfaction with the direction in which the country is going. Perhaps, (and this is just an un-informed theory and by no means ment to be liable or fact based), Elrich thinks by stagnating buisness developement in Silver Spring he can bring back crime, which would move up from his home of Takoma Park.
I admit that this is an ignorant statement of questionable taste, but no more ignorant than the miopic, tunnelvision of Mr. Elrich.
Marc Elrich is being a jerk here.
I still would like to know why he opposes NPR. Did he cite traffic as the principle reason?
Those fucking ass holes in the Woodside community. So every council member has to cater to the residents of Woodside on every economic development and planning issue involving DTSS?????? How much money did Woodside residents contribute to Elrich’s campaign?????
The Woodside residents have been a big in the ass with their traffic restrictions by the way. Because the Woodsiders don’t want traffic and noise in their idyllic housing community. Silver Spring is growing because people like to live and work in the community. That’s the bottom line. If Marc Elrich and the snobby, NIMBY pricks from Woodside don’t get a clue soon…they will stifle Silver Spring’s renaissance for years to come.
I know there is a frequent commenter called “Woodsider” in this forum. He’s afraid that his property will lose value because too many businesses are investing in DTSS???? What do you say Woodsider?
Not exactly an accurate depiction of my view - having worked on and supported the revitalization plan that was successfully implemented in the Silver Spring core and being supportive of the Birchmere project, I don’t view that as being anti-business or anti-developer. What I said, more accurately than is reported, was that I’m opposed to pulling businesses out of the District or Prince George’s County. It is not in our long-term interest to destabilize those jurisdictions or strip them of their tax-base, particularly not if we’d like to see healthier neighbors. It sure doesn’t foster regional cooperation. My objection isn’t to business coming to Silver Spring, but I have concerns about how we bring them here and where they come from. I don’t think we should be telling them we’ll give them a better deal than the District. Now, if NPR makes a choice to leave the District and they’re deciding between NVA and SS, then I’d be very happy to have them here, rather than in NVA.
At another level, I’m concerned about the County using financial incentives to lure jobs here because jobs shifted out of the District don’t necessarily have any positive impact on County taxes and don’t create necessarily create “new” jobs. Job shifting isn’t the same as job creation. Shifting jobs within a region, particularly within a more narrow area, doesn’t necessary result in a corresponding change in residential location. People are likely to continue living where they currently are to get to Silver Spring. Which gets to my comment about being skeptical about job creation when it involves relocations. I’ve looked at the way we calculate job creation and it’s a bit fanciful, overstating the actual creation of new jobs and of new County tax-payers.
As far as what “sources” say, let’s just say that different sources say different things. NPR decided quite on it’s own to look for new space, on that we’ll agree. What happened after that, let’s just say that the sources don’t agree. I didn’t learn about this on the “street”, I learned about it from a highly placed source. I’ve let the Exec side know my views on the issue. I suspect that they’ll go ahead anyway. I don’t have any magic powers to stop it.
We do agree, apparently, about the job imbalance on the East side of the County. As for the comparisons to NVA, I can only say that most people make a conscious decision not to live in NVA and the density and endless congestion are frequently cited reasons. I’m not interested in turning MC into Fairfax.
Is there ever a good reason IHate Yuppies? Elrichs been bitching about traffic and development but not about gangs and illegals.
Marc,
So based on your stand on the “shifting” of jobs, is it safe to assume you were against Discovery moving to downtown Silver Spring?
That was a weird, convoluted argument by marc.
DC’s downtown is doing extremely well - high rents and low vacancy rate. That is why NPR is looking to the burbs.
Silver Spring is another story - getting stronger, but what would happen if Discovery went belly up? Not the same as when they left Bethesda - their space was leased within a year. Here they are a major anchor. We need a few mores to put the ghost town days behind us and I think NPR would be a great mix to the job base in Silver Spring.
Marc I must give it to you.. you are a true politician. Double talking all the way. Last time I checked you were elected to be the councilman for MoCo so how in the world does the best interest of DC or PG come into play? Come on Marc don’t give us that bull about not wanting to take business from those areas. NPR was not solicited by Moco, it was their choice to consider SS, not the other way around. So your argument there doesn’t come into play. We aren’t idiots on this site, we can read between the lines and we have been at several meetings so we know where you stand. Silver Spring needs more business, and if you and your constituents continue to block it, then we as residents need to take some actions and do the right thing. As for your last sentence, not wanting to change MC into Fairfax, no one is considering making Moco another fairfax. Just because we are advocating businesses in this area no way will make it become fairfax. I think your issue is that you are too focused on other counties and not enough on Moco alone. Stop comparing your county to others. Moco can be both a residential and business district. If companies such as NPR have the insight to consider SS or any other place within MOco shouldn’t we feel priviledge? shouldn’t we try our best to see how we can accommodate that company into settling in our county? After all we just don’t want to sleep here we want to work live and play.
I don’t buy the Councilman’s argument. This has nothing to do with shifting jobs from economically challenged DC or PG County to a more affluent MontCo. He is protecting the interests of long-time, well-financed homeowners in Silver Spring who complain about traffic, new business development, and the Purple Line. Elrich has clearly aligned himself with the NIMBY base much to the detriment of business and job growth in Silver Spring.
Unless the MontCo Economic Development office is offering gobs of tax abatements to lure NPR to Silver Spring, I don’t see the problem here.
Elrich, you better not ruin this for us! WE WANT NPR NOW!
Based on Elrich’s comment that he is “opposed to pulling businesses out of the District and Prince George’s County,” then he clearly opposed AFI’s move to Montgomery County from the District.
AFI is one of the cornerstones of Silver Spring’s redevelopement. But according to Elrich’s comments, he would have opposed that move.
Bringing NPR to Montgomery County is tantamount to bringing AFI.
Elrich’s arguement doesn’t hold water. It is very inconsistent and troubling.
Marc: thanks for explaining your stupid logic.
Mr. Elrich. You are a true Takoma Park liberal NIMBY. You people oppose the ICC, purple line, business development, and anything that will make Montgomery County a more prosperous place to live. You want to make Montgomery County like France which has a amazing social welfare system but anemic economy. Montgomery already has the highest taxes of any suburban county and it has a policy that encourages poor people to move here instead of PG. Meanwhile Fairfax and Arlington, even PG for God sake (and you have to be pretty desperate to move your business or home there) are all ratcheting up economic development efforts. I promise you guys in Silver Spring that up here in Rockville we will do everything we can to purge from office anyone that has anything to do with Takoma Park.
Rockviller posted: “Montgomery already has the highest taxes of any suburban county and it has a policy that encourages poor people to move here instead of PG.”
Actually, there is a higher number of low-income residents in Prince Georges County because real estate is more affordable there. Most poor people cannot afford the rents in Montgomery County. The draw back is higher crime and poor county services.
After being very excited about 1-the Purple Line 2-SS revitalization and growth 3-NPR!! My favorite radio, I cannot understand why Elrich has taken a stand against it moving to SS. It defies logic for wanting sustainable business, housing, community. Unfortunately, I have to confess, that I voted for him. Is it too late to retract my vote? We need NPR. We need other businesses. A “cute” Ellsworth is not enough to sustain SS.
Wow, I was surprised that Elrich responded so substantively to such a one-sided attack post. Seeing the reception he got here — knee-jerk opposition and nasty attacks — I can’t imagine why he’d futilely try to engage this group in a conversation.
Gee. After reading the comments on this post, you’d think it is a bad idea to live in Prince Georges County. Is there heated competition between the two counties? All counties have their problem areas one would think. But is it so bad as to be disregarded as a place to live? Let alone a location for a business.
IHY: True, I live in Woodside, but I am 100% in favor of NPR and most other businesses locating in DTSS. Between it and Discovery, we would have a powerhouse media center that would continue to attract very high quality satellite (no pun intended) type businesses that want to be close to them.
Even though I have a yard and a free-standing home, I think of my home as being in an urban location. If a little extra noise and cut-through traffic were really important to me, I wouldn’t have bought here. It’s the price we pay for convenience.
NPR will (over time) continue to add to the increasing home values in the area.
Instead of all of us belly aching, we should try to find a way to stop Ehrlich and help attract NPR to downtown SS. Maybe we can start a petition, rally, community meeting, etc…..Remember we the people make things happen
Dear Bo:
This crowd isn’t into a “conversation.” They already know what they think, so what could they possibly learn from any conversation with anyone, much less an elected official such as Marc Elrich?
Regardless of whether you agree with Councilman Elrich, the tone of the original post as well as the comments is rude, dismissive and boorish.
The attitude is: “You’re either completely in agreement with me or you’re a NIMBY, anti-development jerk.” That’s a fine way to persuade people, yep.
I’m a fan of Marc Elrich in some aspects. He is right, we gave Dicovery millions to move only a couple miles down the road when they should stay in Bethesda. They spent way too much money on Downtown Silver Spring. Its unfair, Bethesda gets nothing while Silver Spring gets all the public money. I hope Elrich will also oppose the Purple Line because it will also increase job growth in Silver Spring by his logic and will destroy lovely neighborhoods in Chevy Chase and East Silver Spring.
Sanjay,
He is claiming he SUPPORTED the plan to revitalize Silver Spring. Moving Discovery there from Bethesda was a key part of that effort. Now he is saying he doesn’t want to do anything to attract NPR because it would supposedly “destabilize” DC. Don’t you see the hypocrisy there?
As far as Bethesda, the town is obviously crumbling and needs much more public funding. It’s not as if they got an $100 million concert hall (yes, I know that is “North” Bethesda…).
Marc wrote: “I’ve looked at the way we calculate job creation and it’s a bit fanciful, overstating the actual creation of new jobs and of new County tax-payers.”
Could you explain this analysis further? I’d like to better understand your thinking on the matter.
It seems to me that a Silver Spring based NPR would generate significant economic benefits for our community.
Dear MoCo Politics:
I am willing to bet that you don’t live in Silver Spring. In fact, I bet you are living comfortably in a more affluent area like Rockville or Bethesda. You see, Silver Spring for the longest time was the toilet bowl of Montgomery County: we got a lot of shit flowing our way but no new businesses, no new jobs, no economic stimulus for the community.
Only since 2002 have things really turned around for Silver Spring. We can’t afford to lose any momentum from Silver Spring’s rebirth. I don’t want to see this community become decayed because we have a council member who opposes positive business investment.
Keep up the good work on Montgomery County politics. But you have a lot to learn about Silver Spring and its people.
The more I read this and think about it, I still don’t understand how NPR will be so detrimental to the welfare of SS if they moved here that one must oppose it. Of all places you would think TP residences would encourage NPR of all business to be in their neck of the woods, it’s not as if they are Phillip-Morris or Enron, but NPR. For god sake what’s next? Doesn’t this go against all TP residential oath? Even the NIMBYs have to step back and say well it is NPR, what harm can they do? On top of that we aren’t dishing out money to attract their interest.
As for poor Bethesda, I’m sure they will get over it… oh wait they have. It seems to be people will say anything to make an unfounded point of view seem relevant. First it’s we don’t want to take jobs from DC and PG now it’s poor Bethesda is hurting because of Discovery. Are you guys for real? Wow. We apparently need better politicians in office, if this is the way they think.
No kidding…it doesn’t take a rocket scientist (brain surgeon? politician?) to realize that you spend tax money where it is needed stimulate economic and societal development. Bethesda didn’t need it, but we (still) do. Any positive outcome for Silver Spring means a positive outcome for Montgomery County and, in turn, Bethesda as well, even though they got limited funds.
As the old adage goes: “A rising tide lifts all boats”.
Our distinguished councilman certainly has the logic of a schoolteacher. I remember a teacher once told me that Spain was in Africa. Last time I checked we were competing with other local jurisdictions for the best jobs, residents, and development. Its friendly competition. Only a “girly man” would be too affraid to fight for the community he represents, and only a traitor would deliberately sabotage it. Elrich is a traitor.
Dear IHate Yuppies:
You would lose that bet. I live in Silver Spring, and have for most of the past two decades. I have experienced and appreciated the new development as much as anyone.
Thanks for the compliment on my political coverage, though. I do appreciate it.
Sincerely,
MoCoPolitics
Bo:
Gee, I wonder why the post was so one-sided? Possibly because the blogger and everyone else on this board realized the ridiculousness of Elrich’s argument. His argument, boiled down and contextually just doesn’t make any sense.
MoCoPolitics:
Perhaps you should participate on this board a bit more often. Or look up the definition of conversation. We were having one, and you “joined” it, if only to make a silly precocious remark. Our attitude right now is DEFINITELY that you’re an ignorant NIMBY, and anti-any-development prick if you oppose NPR for gosh sake. It’s NPR!! Not some corner adult video store that wants to move in. I’m sorry you find our adamant support for a great organization so biased.
I second Pennster’s comments. If you want to hear views from PG county or the District, go read some of their blogs.
The argument from “Marc” was just ridiculous. I’ve heard that sometimes big businesses can end up putting a drain on the local economy due to the incentives used to lure them and that in the long run this can be “bad”. However, for a small non-city like Silver Spring, we need more of pretty much everything. Either way, this is not the argument that “Marc” used, instead he proposed bullshit.
Dear Pennster:
If you can’t see the irony of what you wrote (11:57, 5/24), I really can’t help you. I appreciate your proving my point for me. I’ll pass on that type of “conversation,” thanks very much.
Sincerely,
MoCoPolitics
Everyone who wants NPR here should go NOW to their web site and send an email communicatin that wish and that they are welcome in downtown SS.
MoCoPolitics:
OK, so you are a Silver Spring resident. Why are you opposed to NPR moving to Montgomery County despite that the fact that county is not aggressively offering incentives for the relocation? Clearly, you are defending Elrich’s statement in this blog by noting the lack of civil responses in this blog. Anyone who posts a message attacking the blog owner and like-minded people has sympathy with Elrich’s point of view. Please explain Elrich’s rationale to us because we are really confused here.
Kathy J hit the nail on the head! Here’s to proactivity. I’m sending my e-mail now.
Why not email the councilman and tell him the same thing?
Councilmember.Elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov
Dear IHate Yuppies:
0 for 2, my friend. As it happens, I am in favor of NPR coming to Silver Spring. Reread my initial comment. Nowhere did it take a position pro or con on that issue — instead, I was simply pointing out the unbelievably uncivil and rude tone of the original post as well as a big chunk of the comments.
You see, that’s the problem. You assume I’m against your position because I pointed out the rudeness. Boorish behavior doesn’t become acceptable just because you agree with the person being rude. I’ve seen people on all sides be rude to members of the community as well as to elected officials and government employees. Apparently, there is a belief that in order to make one’s point, it is necessary to shout, be rude and generally dismiss anyone who doesn’t agree with you. IT DOES NOT WORK. IT MAY FEEL GOOD, BUT IT SAYS MORE ABOUT THE PERSON ACTING LIKE AN ASS THAN IT DOES ABOUT THE PERSON UNDER ATTACK. Effective political advocacy is about persuasion, not the volume at which you express your opinion. The commenters here are not being effective political advocates. What they are being is jerks.
To address your point, on this particular issue, I disagree with Marc Elrich. I think, on balance, that bringing NPR to Silver Spring is a good idea. It fits with the rest of the existing development, will not cause major traffic or other infrastructure problems, and will bring more jobs to Silver Spring.
The fact that I disagree with Councilman Elrich on this issue does NOT justify my calling him names, questioning his motives, or generally acting like an ass. Nor does it justify the commenters here doing the same thing. So even though I agree with them, quite frankly I don’t want them on my side. They detract from the strength of the argument by their boorishness. I don’t know why that’s such a hard concept to grasp.
Sincerely,
MoCoPolitics
Mocopolitics, could you elaborate on what was so rude and boorish (as you put it), about my report?
There was no name calling of Mr.Elrich in my post, simply posting what I have been told by highly credible sources and what I have observed in his belief system.
Lastly statistical data was posted on the state of Montgomery County vs other jurisdictions in the region.
MoCoPolitics:
In fairness, this is an emotional issue for some people. The Internet–especially blogs–give posters an outlet for rants and raves. BLOGS WERE NEVER CREATED AS AN OUTLET FOR POLITICAL PERSUASION. You really think politicians spend hours trolling blog sites in order to read constructive comments? Bloggers have the freedom to publish their support or criticism of politicians or policies. Have you read Op-Ed pieces in the Washington Post? Some of those articles written by scholars, pundits, and politicians make the original blog message above look downright cordial. Many people post as a knee-jerk reaction to a comment. That’s how accessible the Internet really is. I am guilty as charged with this behavior.
However, you can’t be this naive to think that political discussions are civil and courteous in the virtual and real world. You won’t find much civil political discussions in the Halls of Congress, the Maryland State Assembly or County Council meetings for that matter. Good luck finding a cordial dialogue on liberal Democrat or conservative-Republican blogs.
While I agree that spewing insults at Marc Elrich is not productive; we have every right to question the motives of Elrich’s views of economic development. The questions and commentary might be acerbic at times but that’s free speech. Free speech can be stupid, kind, menacing or insightful.
Dear IHate Yuppies:
You’re right in one sense. Blogs give people the opportunity to rant and rave. On the other hand, when an elected official who is under assault (politely or otherwise) comes on the blog, it behooves everyone, pro or con, to act with some respect. Marc Elrich respected this blog and its participants enough to come on and politely engage in a discussion. He was met with vitriol and rudeness.
In that sense, this was a political discussion. It was a chance for an elected official to hear what people had to say. How many times have people (on blogs and otherwise) complained that elected officials don’t care what they have to say? So here comes an elected official, interested in a conversation. By shouting him down, you send him the message that you aren’t interested in the very thing that most of us claim to want: access and input. And do you think that, having been treated as he was, that Marc Elrich will come back? Honestly?
I must disagree with you on one other point as well. You have every right to question the views of Marc Elrich or anyone else. I would dispute that you have the right to “question the motives” of Marc Elrich’s views. Why he thinks what he does is really none of anyone else’ business, unless it is for self-interest, which I don’t think anyone believes in the current context.
Bottom line is this: you have the right to say whatever you want. Within broad parameters, you have the right to say it however you want. But having a right and exercising it effectively are two different things. If you want to persuade Marc Elrich or others that you are right and they are wrong, this comment thread is decidedly NOT the way to do it. If you want to persuade people like me (who agree with you on NPR and who knows what else) to work with you, this comment thread is decidedly NOT the way to do it.
You claim that blogs are not an outlet for political persuasion. I disagree, vehemently, in fact. But putting that aside, you are discussing a political issue on a blog. You obviously feel strongly about it, and want to have the outcome go the way you think it ought to go. That is the essence of politics. Take the anger, the energy and the passion and make it work FOR you, not AGAINST somebody else. Banging your head against the wall in frustration may be emotionally satisfying, but ultimately, the end result is a headache and no effective outcome.
Trust me: been there and done that. I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to accomplish positive results. Sometimes the going is hard and I don’t get everything I want. Sometimes change is slow in coming, if it comes at all. But today’s enemy is tomorrow’s friend — unless you pissed off that person so badly that they never want to work with you.
Enough sermonizing. You get the idea.
Dear Silver Springer:
I went back and read the original post, and you are right. I must have conflated some of the comments with the original post. I stand corrected.
Sincerely,
MoCoPolitics
I want to start by thanking the people who wrote me and asked me questions, actually engaged me in a discussion and/or asked me to change my mind. I found it helpful, some of you made some good arguments in response to my concerns, and I also spent some time digging around for more information. I’ve been persuaded by what I’ve found and I support the effort to bring NPR here.
Having said that, I want to clarify a couple of things. First, I never said I’d do anything possible to stop NPR from coming here. In fact, when I was asked whether my opposition included a situation where NPR would make the decision to come here or Virginia, I told that person I had no problem with NPR coming here. My objection is not NPR, it’s to the process that might be used to lure them here. I told the Economic Development people I objected to luring businesses out of DC, that is the extent of what I did. I really do see that as a potential problem in the long run.
Maintaining the economic vitality of DC and Prince George’s County is important to the quality of life in Montgomery County as well as Prince George’s and DC. We do not exist on an island unaffected by what is happening in our neighboring jurisdictions.
Some of you have asked, why the process matters? It matters because we have a two way relationship with DC and there are times when decisions on one side of the border affect the other side. It is not uncommon for one side to ask the other to consider their concerns and interests when making a decision. In the last week, I’ve been in two meetings having nothing to do with NPR where the nature of our relationship with DC and their perceptions of how the County acts affect how DC views the County and may, or may not, weigh our interests. In one meeting, Ike pointed out that there are still bitter feelings over the way a development project was handled in a way DC felt it totally disregarded their concerns and it affects their view of the County still. There are times when we need DC’s cooperation and where their level of cooperation is discretionary. I’m not interested in fostering a hostile climate between the two jurisdictions where the attitude on either is side is “your concerns don’t matter, this is my show.†We can win but we can also lose, and I think that fostering a cooperative climate is better.
As for the nonsense about development, traffic, NIMBYs and the rest – it’s just that, nonsense. This has nothing to do with traffic. No “NIMBYS†complained about their neighborhoods. This area is planned for development, so development here is not an issue. In fact, I helped craft the planning documents that rezoned Silver Spring and I served on the Revitalization Committee that brought about the renewal of the core. I didn’t oppose what’s happened here, I actually helped make it happen. The most recent cause du jour, the Birchmere, I’ve supported from the beginning knowing full well that there’s a large building lurking on the horizon as part of it. I am not anti-development or developer, anymore than I’m anti-NPR. Some may not agree with my concerns, that’s fine.
Anyway, I do appreciate that some of you made to be constructive and to try to persuade me with information and reasoned arguments. Information is a good thing and some of it was extremely helpful or pointed me in the direction where I could follow up.
Now that peace has been made, my children, lets work to get NPR into Silver Spring!
My thanks to Sligo for the councilmans e-address. I sent this…
Mark,
As just a poor, unimportant renter in downtown Silver Spring, I am now dedicated to spending all my spare time informing voters on your pro DC, anti Silver Spring stance. Your reasons are obviously partisan (are you sure you are not republican?), and your plea to save DC from destabilization is the most laughable piece of political double speak I have ever seen from either party. You must be counting on the fact that the DC area has a very high illiteracy rate ( oh yea, you were a teacher weren’t you ?). I promise not to miss quote you as I have printed your reply’s in the local blogs. Very funny material, easy to explain to the working class that you are screwing over, and as they say, fact is always stranger than fiction.
Yours truly,
A registered voter.
I must say I am very impress by Marc for being openminded and clearing things up even further. I am also very happy about our Moco residences who voiced their opinions to Marc. And also to the blogger for starting this and opening our eyes and Marc’s eyes.
Now let’s get NPR!!!!! Let’s welcome them with open arms!!
Marc,
While I don’t know the details, it agree that luring businesses with special breaks and financial incentives can do more harm than good. I also agree with your concern for DC and PG.
On the other hand, luring businesses with excellent transit, reasonable housing and an up-and-coming media scene will do nothing but good. I sincerely hope that NPR sees the potential that I did in Silver Spring - I was born here, and now I’ve bought property and intend to stay.
I am glad to hear that you’ve come to support NPR’s move to Silver Spring.
I don’t believe that a politican can change his or her fundamental beliefs that quickly. Saying you support something may turn out to be different that actually supporting it, or even worse, secretly working against it. We’ll see what happens, and power-hungry Council PRESIDENT Praisner is still against. I think NoVa will win again but I promise we’ll work to take down one by one the “anti-business” “anti-Montgomery County” slate elected last November.