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We have definitely entered into the political season here in Anne Arundel County, MD. I've had at least six aspiring office holders knock on my door here in Crofton, the mail carrier's back is hunched with all the post cards he has to deliver, and of course...the signs.

As Realtors we know about signs, don't we? Here, our temporary signs are restricted as to time and location. No earlier than Friday at 3 PM, and down by Monday at 9 AM. State and County highway right of ways are a no-no. Violate these simple rules and your signs are subject to removal...and you're subject to fines.

No so for politicians. These are the same citizens who make the rules we have to live by. However, when those same rules might impact something they want to do...the just exempt themselves. Do not call list isn't a problem for politicos, is it? Temporary signs, which would be illegal for any other citizen in the County, aren't a problem for politicians. Me, I'm going to vote for the person with the nicest looking sign. That's the way its done, isn't it?

Maryland has a primary on September 14, 2010. The winners of the primary will keep their signs up and the losers...well, those signs are destined for posterity. Sometime after the General Election on November 2nd, we'll get our sight lines back on the highways and byways.

Gee, I wonder what would happen if I put my directional right in the middle of this pack?

Some members of Congress are still playing the game I used to love when I was a kid, "hide and go seek."

I called my Congressional representative's office yesterday to find out when he was going to be holding "Town Hall" meetings. It's my understanding that a part of the time when Congress in on recess, is used by some elected representatives to once again "connect with the people" in their districts.

It seems like "connect with the people" has taken on a new meaning during this recess. I was told that Representative Sarbanes would be conducting "telephone town halls." The staffer told me that these are like "radio talk shows," where you could call in and get your questions answered. After I questioned him about this, he agreed that the "questions" were monitored and filtered. So much for transparency.

The problem as I see it with this approach, is that you typically only get one side of the argument. The one that agrees with your position...DUH! That certainly isn't representative government.

To their credit, they did say that they were still trying to work out the logistics of having actual "town hall" meetings in person, and "hoped" to have them soon. Being the skeptic that I am, I'll give them credit for "accomplishments," not "intentions." I may be close, but I do live outside the beltway, where we believe that words have meaning. I guess this recess must have snuck up on everybody. 

I asked why Representative Sarbanes met us in person when he was looking for our votes, but now has to hide behind a telephone to discuss difficult issues. They thanked me for my call.

Now, if my memory serves me, if we couldn't find someone in hide and seek, we ended the game by saying, "allie, allie, in for free."

Representative Sarbanes..."come out, come out, wherever you are." Some of your Maryland constituents are tired of playing Washington games.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

©2009 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved
©iStock Photo - Licensed for Use

Annapolis MD, once the Capitol of the United States, held a symbolic Tea Party protest today on the City Dock under spectacular weather. Of course, due to environmental concerns, no tea was actually thrown into the water.

A couple of hundred respectful protesters listened to speeches, carried signs and banners, and rallied against the fiscal policies of Local, State and Federal governments. Some of the most vociferous speeches were reserved for Local governmental policies, but no level of government escaped scrutiny.

This was a multi-party protest, not against the Obama administration, but against the general lack of fiscal restraint by all levels of government. A sympathy shared by many in the crowd.

It's the right of the people to be heard, and they were heard in Annapolis MD today. Throughout the weekend there will be 611 "Tea Party's" held in States all over the country. If you're interested in attending one in your State, click here for a State by State list. 

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com

Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist

©2009 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved