This week marks the beginning of summer for me--no I am not moving up the date of the summer solstice or advancing June 21st celebrations--I am cheering the arrival of the tiger lilies along the upcounty highways and by-ways. As I drive by, I note these bright orange blooms waving at me from the un-mowed roadsides that dot our two lane shoulder-less routes. Annually, these plants come in mid-June and are a cheerful reminder of the importance of keeping this upcounty natural beauty open to all. This is a subtle reminder to slow down and literally smell the flowers!
We had a productive round of door-knocking Saturday; at least there was a breeze to relieve the heat a bit. Of course, we can always use more volunteers; many hands make light work. Sign up on the website to volunteer as we are door knocking several times a week-– this is a very big District you know!
I have had a busy time the last few weeks on the campaign trail. Recently I enjoyed the graduation celebration at Leadership Montgomery. Outgoing interim President Hercules Pinckney of Montgomery College was given special honors not only for his distinguished career, but also for his role at a difficult time. It was good to see again many of the colleagues I knew from my days teaching at the college. I know I join many in the county saluting Dr. Pinckney and the other distinguished graduates.
Friday the 11th saw me at the annual District 14 club celebration and awards dinner in honor of several people important to District 14: Former County Executive Sid Kramer; Coach Chuck Carter of youth tennis fame; Hattie Washington, PhD, of Aunt Hattie’s Place; and Jerald Samet, philanthropist and founder of many initiatives not only here, but also across the country. It is great to see how members of our community step up in troubled times to show a spirit of volunteerism and giving back.
Saturday evening found me celebrating the contributions of Rajan Natarajan at his 50th Birthday party. Many elected officials and friends joined me in honoring the accomplishments of this educated entrepreneurial newcomer who has already made a difference in the county and state. I also enjoyed the Indian food, music and dancing!
Yesterday I also stopped by the Juneteenth celebration in Rockville co-sponsored by the Human Rights Commission (now celebrating its' 50th year) and HSBC bank in the Rockville Town Center. Rev. Tim Warner, Tina Clarke, Anita Powell and others commemorated this day of dual importance - not only to the African American Community but to us all.
Days on the campaign trail are both tiring and invigorating. Do let me know of your event. If I can, I will stop by.
My first literature piece was posted on the Maryland Politics Watch blog yesterday. If you haven’t seen it, take a look. It tells more of what my campaign is all about.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Out and About
Well I can hardly believe it has been about a month since I updated this blog. Time has gone by very quickly and the campaign is really picking up speed. Of course, if you have time on your hands, I can probably find some doors for you to help me knock on or envelopes that need stuffing!
Mothers Day saw me at the opening of the Olney Farmers Market where my daughter Hillary and I watched Warren Brown of Cake Love demonstrate – and sample - some of his famous cakes, then we went out for a Mothers Day Brunch! Some days one just has to be a Mom!
I joined the Civic Federation at their annual awards ceremony and dinner held at the Universities of Shady Grove. About 100 people helped them celebrate their heritage as a civic group that has existed for about 80 years. Congrats to Peggy Dennis – President – and to all of their awardees.
The Potomac Hunt called to me on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon as I traveled to Poolesville to watch the races on grass at the Kiplinger fields. Some races were jumping races (over timber it is said) and others were flat out races. Old and young watched, tailgated and cheered. I got to meet and greet …and eat – of course. Thanks to Peter and Cindy Eeg for their hospitality.
Mother Nature rained on the Olney Days celebration and the fireworks, so we did not get to march in the Parade as planned, but I did get a chance to stop by the Rocketeria sponsored Rock Concert at their parking lot stage under a sunny sky, finally. It is always great to see talented youth, and work with those in Project Change, who make such a difference in our county. Congrats also to Arianna and Dave, two talented adults who have taken their knowledge and musical abilities and created a small business teaching music at their store which is now a vibrant part of the community. We often decry the reality of all of our communities looking alike with national chains dominating the commerce, but when there are individuals who realize their dreams for their small businesses, the community should step up and support them as the task of continuing ones own dream can be difficult.
Memorial Day was a weekend for memories; Rolling Thunder again came to town, reminding me yet again of my late brother who served in Vietnam and all those who served before and since.
It was also a time for door knocking as I got out and about the county. Let me know when you would like to join in the fun; meeting voters is always one of the best parts of campaigning! (Contact me here).
This weekend – June 5th I’m off to the Strawberry Festival at the Sandy Spring Museum; always one of the most delicious of events – come on over!
Mothers Day saw me at the opening of the Olney Farmers Market where my daughter Hillary and I watched Warren Brown of Cake Love demonstrate – and sample - some of his famous cakes, then we went out for a Mothers Day Brunch! Some days one just has to be a Mom!
I joined the Civic Federation at their annual awards ceremony and dinner held at the Universities of Shady Grove. About 100 people helped them celebrate their heritage as a civic group that has existed for about 80 years. Congrats to Peggy Dennis – President – and to all of their awardees.
The Potomac Hunt called to me on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon as I traveled to Poolesville to watch the races on grass at the Kiplinger fields. Some races were jumping races (over timber it is said) and others were flat out races. Old and young watched, tailgated and cheered. I got to meet and greet …and eat – of course. Thanks to Peter and Cindy Eeg for their hospitality.
Mother Nature rained on the Olney Days celebration and the fireworks, so we did not get to march in the Parade as planned, but I did get a chance to stop by the Rocketeria sponsored Rock Concert at their parking lot stage under a sunny sky, finally. It is always great to see talented youth, and work with those in Project Change, who make such a difference in our county. Congrats also to Arianna and Dave, two talented adults who have taken their knowledge and musical abilities and created a small business teaching music at their store which is now a vibrant part of the community. We often decry the reality of all of our communities looking alike with national chains dominating the commerce, but when there are individuals who realize their dreams for their small businesses, the community should step up and support them as the task of continuing ones own dream can be difficult.
Memorial Day was a weekend for memories; Rolling Thunder again came to town, reminding me yet again of my late brother who served in Vietnam and all those who served before and since.
It was also a time for door knocking as I got out and about the county. Let me know when you would like to join in the fun; meeting voters is always one of the best parts of campaigning! (Contact me here).
This weekend – June 5th I’m off to the Strawberry Festival at the Sandy Spring Museum; always one of the most delicious of events – come on over!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Out and About in Montgomery
The last few weeks have been very busy for my campaign, so I am a bit behind on the updates here. Sunday a week ago saw me at the NAACP Freedom Fund annual dinner. The Lt. Governor was the keynote speaker. I took some photos - will get them posted soon. The event was held in the beautiful new event room at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville.
I attended the District 15 annual legislative wrap-up dinner at Normandie Farms Restaurant in Potomac; enjoyed good food, great conversations and terrific popovers! Thanks to Daphne Bloomberg for her leadership!
Then on to the Western Montgomery Citizens Association the next night in Potomac where 3 MCPS students demonstrated their winning Science Fair projects...the younger generations are definitely getting smarter! I was quite impressed. We also heard the Legislative round-up from the D15 legislators-(whom I had also heard the night before.) There were also 4 women there of extraordinary achievement: Liza Durant the group President and energizer, Diana Conway, the quite effective President of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, Ginny Barnes, who was recently acknowledged as one of the county's Premier environmentalists over the last 40 years since Earth Day Also in attendance were Joe Horgan and has wife Diane Cameron, the storm water management guru. We do have many people who help make this county special.
Friday evening saw me dressed up and celebrating at the Black Rock Arts Center Gala. My friend Tom Hoffman, a former board member, was being honored; it was fun to celebrate with him and his family in such a beautiful setting. I met lots of really nice people, bid on some silent auction items...and won a couple. I am looking forward to their summer lawn concerts again this year.
Sunday evening saw me at the Annual Democratic Spring Ball (dressed up again) where awards were the order of the evening and faithful Dems were rewarded for their service. Hats off to each of the award winners! Even got a bit of dancing in! And of course I had more good food!
Well, I will keep you updated on my travels around the District...let me know of places I should go...come with me if it is your group. Politics can be fun you know!
I attended the District 15 annual legislative wrap-up dinner at Normandie Farms Restaurant in Potomac; enjoyed good food, great conversations and terrific popovers! Thanks to Daphne Bloomberg for her leadership!
Then on to the Western Montgomery Citizens Association the next night in Potomac where 3 MCPS students demonstrated their winning Science Fair projects...the younger generations are definitely getting smarter! I was quite impressed. We also heard the Legislative round-up from the D15 legislators-(whom I had also heard the night before.) There were also 4 women there of extraordinary achievement: Liza Durant the group President and energizer, Diana Conway, the quite effective President of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, Ginny Barnes, who was recently acknowledged as one of the county's Premier environmentalists over the last 40 years since Earth Day Also in attendance were Joe Horgan and has wife Diane Cameron, the storm water management guru. We do have many people who help make this county special.
Friday evening saw me dressed up and celebrating at the Black Rock Arts Center Gala. My friend Tom Hoffman, a former board member, was being honored; it was fun to celebrate with him and his family in such a beautiful setting. I met lots of really nice people, bid on some silent auction items...and won a couple. I am looking forward to their summer lawn concerts again this year.
Sunday evening saw me at the Annual Democratic Spring Ball (dressed up again) where awards were the order of the evening and faithful Dems were rewarded for their service. Hats off to each of the award winners! Even got a bit of dancing in! And of course I had more good food!
Well, I will keep you updated on my travels around the District...let me know of places I should go...come with me if it is your group. Politics can be fun you know!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Campaign Update
We had a great campaign kick-off on March 14th with lots of enthusiasm and energy among those in the crowd. If you missed the event at Cafe Mileto, you missed seeing a fine restaurant and interacting with many supporters of our issues.
I enjoyed sharing my thoughts and getting feedback from the audience. Now I'd like to hear from you - what are the concerns that you would like to see addressed? I'm continuing to hear complaints about traffic, ICC tolls, and the need for new jobs in the county; I promise to work on several of those issues when elected. Many in the county are hopeful that we can get many jobs promised by Northup Grumman if they decide to locate here. But then that remains a question - are they going to come to the county - if so when and how many jobs will be created?
The county budget is another serious issue. Cuts are going to happen. Frequently we see each interest group or non-profit giving reasons why their particular programs should not be reduced. Since some say we all need to feel the pain; where would you cut programs if you were the person with the budget scissors? Half of our tax dollars fund education - over 2.3 Billion Dollars. Another huge chunk is in fixed expenses, such as employee salaries and supplies and maintenance for county buildings. Discretionary spending is a small proportion, but that is an area from which many cuts will come. Furloughs, as I understand them, will be phased out across the year, so paychecks will get smaller but will continue as scheduled. Some savings will come through attrition; as employees leave their jobs will be discontinued.
This is a major problem. I will not claim to have a magic bullet, but I do know that we need to approach this issue with care and concern. Let me learn of your priorities - send a reply here - let's start a dialogue.
Thanks,
Sharon
I enjoyed sharing my thoughts and getting feedback from the audience. Now I'd like to hear from you - what are the concerns that you would like to see addressed? I'm continuing to hear complaints about traffic, ICC tolls, and the need for new jobs in the county; I promise to work on several of those issues when elected. Many in the county are hopeful that we can get many jobs promised by Northup Grumman if they decide to locate here. But then that remains a question - are they going to come to the county - if so when and how many jobs will be created?
The county budget is another serious issue. Cuts are going to happen. Frequently we see each interest group or non-profit giving reasons why their particular programs should not be reduced. Since some say we all need to feel the pain; where would you cut programs if you were the person with the budget scissors? Half of our tax dollars fund education - over 2.3 Billion Dollars. Another huge chunk is in fixed expenses, such as employee salaries and supplies and maintenance for county buildings. Discretionary spending is a small proportion, but that is an area from which many cuts will come. Furloughs, as I understand them, will be phased out across the year, so paychecks will get smaller but will continue as scheduled. Some savings will come through attrition; as employees leave their jobs will be discontinued.
This is a major problem. I will not claim to have a magic bullet, but I do know that we need to approach this issue with care and concern. Let me learn of your priorities - send a reply here - let's start a dialogue.
Thanks,
Sharon
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sharon Dooley Announces Campaign Kickoff
Council District 2 candidate Sharon Dooley has announced a campaign kickoff event on Facebook. We reprint the notice below. Also, the Gazette profiled Dooley on Wednesday.
Sharon Dooley for County Council
Kickoff/fundraiserType: Causes - Fundraiser
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Cafe Mileto 8059 Mateny Road Germantown MD
Description
Come join Sharon Dooley and friends as she kicks off her campaign for the County Council seat in District 2.
It is a kick off and fund raiser so contributions will be appreciated as this is a grass roots effort which will need the support of you and your friends.
We'll have food and entertainment.Help bring an attitude change to the council - elect a council member who cares about her District and the community.
Sharon Dooley will get the job done!
Website up soon!
Citizens for Sharon Dooley Jim Haddow Treas.
Sharon Dooley for County Council
Kickoff/fundraiserType: Causes - Fundraiser
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Cafe Mileto 8059 Mateny Road Germantown MD
Description
Come join Sharon Dooley and friends as she kicks off her campaign for the County Council seat in District 2.
It is a kick off and fund raiser so contributions will be appreciated as this is a grass roots effort which will need the support of you and your friends.
We'll have food and entertainment.Help bring an attitude change to the council - elect a council member who cares about her District and the community.
Sharon Dooley will get the job done!
Website up soon!
Citizens for Sharon Dooley Jim Haddow Treas.
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