As an owner of the Square Cup Cafe I would like to extend an invite to all those running in the city election to allow the cafe to host a meet the candidate day/night to each of you that would like to participate.

Please call the Cafe at 301 739 0488 and ask for Misty. She will work with you to select a time that is suitable. We have very limited seating but would like to see the city residents and the candidates engage in some active dialog.

SquareCup, That`s a great idea. Count me in.

Wonderful gesture on your part and could be very informative for the local voters.
i'd be interested to see how many candidates take you up on the offer

Hello

I can tell you right now this is one candidate for Mayor who will be happy to attend. Meeting the people in Hagerstown and hearing what they have to say is something that has been missing from local politics lately.

Sincerely
Tony Campello
Republican Candidate for Mayor

www.tonycformayor.com

Hello Tony.

Do you have an ideas of how the city could attract some high tech or higher paying jobs to the area? It appears that a new warehouse is blossoming somewhere every month, which equates to more lower/moderate paying jobs. Could we possibly gain some BioTech or IT jobs in/near the city? It would be great to attract more companies like NetConn.

HI CommuterMike

Actually we are doing a good job right now at attracting smaller high tech firms. I am not sure if you are familiar with the Technical Innovation Center at Hagerstown Community College or not. They help small start up tech businesses. It is a pretty good program.

But to directly answer your question. First we need to be in a position to have the expansion. We are on a verge of crisis with our sewer systems. We need to be able to support growth and expansion. Right now we aren't in a great position to take advantage of some situation that are going to present themselves. Companies will not consider you if they don't believe you have the needed infrastructure.

I am an IT major at HCC and have sat as a student representative on one committee there for the COmputer Studies Division. Maryland is expanding it's high tech industry tremndously and there will continue to be a large amount of growth. Hagerstown is being looked at by businesses for that potential growth. But when dealing with High Tech you have to be ready to pounce. Right now I am not sure our city and county governments are ready.

The growth is coming. To attract the high tech businesses we need to:

1. Market ourselves to them
2. show them we have cheaper land and would cost them less to come here
3. Have the people that can fill those jobs. Right now the Tech High School , HCC and HBC all have good technology programs. We need to get out there and let these companies know this. If possible we should do everything in our power to increase the availability for training individuals to fill those jobs.

I think we get the warehouses because we are attractive to them given the fact we have a major north/south interstate and an east/west interstate. It makes an easy sell.

We need to take a more aggressive approach at going after tech. I would make that a major priority if elected.

I hope this answer your questions.

Sincerely
Tony Campello

www.tonycformayor.com

HI there again CommuterMike

This morning I didn not have time to really lay out my plan for attracting High Tech to the area.


Hopefully this will be a little more insightful.

The high tech industry holds many conventions and seminars throughout the year. I would form a working group between the city, county, HCC, HBC, the Tech High school and local hotel and convention interest. The goal would be to locate and encourage as many conventions and seminars in the high tech industry to come to Hagerstown for their events.

Once we got them here we would then arrange for the Schools mentioned above to meet people at these conventions and display their programs. The Technical Innovation Center would also be a display piece for us to use.

We would have representatives from the city to offer guided tours to attendees. These tours would include historical sights but in passing we certainly could be showing off our potential places for new facilities and all of our qualification towards new businesses.

Once those people became familiar with us we certainly would be on their minds when decisions are made and it opens oppertunities for us to reach out to them and remind them everything we had to offer. Things they don't have to look on paper to see. It would be things they already saw.

One smaller step is actually alreaady being done but not by the city. We should try to encourage a couple of high tech job fairs a year in the local community. If we offer up good people we will get interest from business. If a large group of good people come from one area and that area is attractive to build in then we would have an even greater advantage.


It doesn't take huge tax breaks to lure a business. You have ot present yourself and sometimes in small ways but numerous ways. We can get those businesses and I would pursue them.


I also forgot to mention that one of the schools on the new USM campus is bringing their Informmation Systems program to Hagerstown. University Maryland University College is the school bringing that program. We will have people in this area with a higher skill level. We are being looked at now by some in the industry this will be an even bigger boost.


I hope I have answered your questions if not ask some more.

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Well I have had two parties request a session of MEET the Candidate at the Square Cup Cafe. After talking with Misty, the shop manager, I have learned that Tony Campello has requested time for next Thrusday Feb 24th and the group that is known as the Republican slate has requested time for Friday Feb 25th.

Tony, please call and firm up a time for your session. I believe "the slate" is scheduled for 7:00 or 7:30pm on Friday.

Those interested should call the store at 301 739 0488 on Tuesday. We should have the final details worked out bu then.

My thanks to the two parties for accepting this opportunity to Meet with those they hope to serve.

Square Cup Cafe has not and will not endorse any candidate nor party.

Tony Will be at the Square Cup Cafe on Thursday at 7:00.

Hi Squarecupcafe

Thanks for giving myself and the other candidates the chance to come in and meet people at your location. Meeting and communicating is what candidates and elections are all about.

Every candidate and every politician should be open to every ctizens comments and opinions.

Thanks again for the forum

Sincerely
Tony Campello

www.tonycformayor.com

Are there, or has there ever been a debate for key positions in city/county government around H-Town/Washington Co?

I would love to see this... Let’s say at a school auditorium at North or South High.

---

I ask this because I am fairly certain that many, many, of the people voting are voting because of: they like the name, candidates gender, age, or heard the name on TV/radio. It would be great to know where candidates stand on certain issues.

CommuterMike,

There is a forum scheduled by the League of Women Voters on March 2nd at the U of M, 7:00.

You should try and attend and here what the candidates who show up have to say about the city and their views of how to improve what some think are wrong.

I know I will be there.

Oh and by the way CommuterMike, the dire situation at the sewer plant is not as dire as some would scare you into believing. I know for a fact that many upgrades were made from 1997-2001. Granted, someone was asleep at the wheel when the first spill happened and then it happened again, but that does not mean we are in critical mode.

Dear Square Cup,

We would be honored to participate. We have been busy going door to door in the City and trying to get the electorate involved. We will contact the Square Cup and let them knwo when we will be available. Also, I think this is a great idea. In 1997 we had similar meet the candidate luches in the city.
Keep up the good work, my husband says that you make a great cup of coffee.

Bob Bruchey for Mayor.
The right leader at the right time!

If anyone has any questions, concerns or suggestions please don't hesitate to call.
Bob - 301-991-1120
Susan - 301-991-4117

or by e-mail to rbruchey@msn.com

Thanks,
Susan Bruchey

Thanks for the kind words about our coffee.

Although the Square Cup will not take sides in the election, we feel local involvement is important in local government. We hope that this gesture on our part to involve the community will be to the benefit of both the citizens and the candidates.

What started us on this path was a call from one of the candidates to place a sign in the store window. I told that person that I would not display signs but would be glad to host the meet the candidate night/day. The immediate response was "that would be great". But I reminded that person that if we announced the event and the paper or NBC25 covered the event and no one showed up they would report that no one showed up to meet candidate ???. I have not heard back from that candidate.

Those of you, just 2 so far, that have taken the oppotunity and chance in calling for these meetings should be considered for office if only because you are willing to meet those you would serve in a totally unscripted dialog. Kudos to you!

We look forward to hosting these meeting and would like more candidates, from ANY political party, to take us up on our offer.

THE CUP

We are now up to 4 candidates. All are scheduled for 7:30pm

Thursday Feb 24th is Tony Campello
Friday Feb 25 is the Republican Team
Monday Feb 28th is Bob Bruchey
Friday March 4th is Kristin Aleshire

Remember - Seating is limited.

Why not tell us who it was? If it is true and you treat everyone the same there is no slander or bias.

The republican team??? Is this the so called slate? Do they do everything in a group? Does their mayorial candidate need help answering questions?

I still don't know why Penny Nigh didn't run for Mayor.
Personally, I think she would have made one heck of a good candidate.

Hi Samy0

I do believe the "slate" does everything together. That is one reason even though I am republican that I will not cast a vote for any member of the slate.

They are proving by their actions that if elected they will have no indpendence from each other. That in turn is going to leave us with no representation. I take that back we will have no representation unless you can give them more money than their "backers".

I for once hope the voters wake up and pay attention at just how dangerous this is for Hagerstown. If the slate wins they will be in total control for 4 years. Think about that. We will have a city government with no checks and balances.

Regardless of what they say with their mouth do any of you honestly believe they will choose a normal citizens opinion over their money men who have backed them?


Sincerely
Tony Campello

www.tonycformayor.com

Would someone please name the members of this so-called "slate"?

Tony?

Hi

Dick Trump, Haru Carter, Ruth Callahan, Dan Kennedy, Scott Hesse and Tory VanReenen


That is the slate. Trump is the only one with competition the rest are running unopposed in the primary.

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Thanks Tony, I kinda figured Trump, but didn't know the others in the team.

Hi Yossarian

I hope none of us get to know them. They and their little special interest buddies need to be sent packing.

In one of the other message threads I issued a challenge:

I challenge every candidate running to give back every bit of campaign contribution that you have gotten. If you truly are looking to serve Hagerstown and not just paying lip service to representing everyone you should prove it.

I have funded my campaign out my own pocket because I was tired of seeing resident not being represented and I wanted to make a difference. By funding it myself I hold no allegiance to any special interest. My only allegiance is to the residents of Hagerstown, ALL of them.

You won't see the other candidates give back money and fund themselves because they are afraid their poositions or lack of them will cost them the election. I think some of the candidate are hoping that if they spend enough people will just think "oh they must be good look how many times I have heard the name."

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Well, Tony, to be fair it is usually only the person with no (or little) outside funding who tries to get others to return their outside funding, and I doubt I'd do it in their situation.

Still, despite being a Republican, I don't like the idea of this "slate" all running in apparent lockstep with each other. Does anyone of them think independently?

Who are these alleged "special interests"? Does anyone know for sure (i.e. via official reports) who is funding them and how much funding they are getting or is this all just unproven allegations?

Have they publicly stated their individual positions on various pending issues?

What, if any, are their ties to developers or other big business or special interests in this area?

Hi Snoopy

The Herald Mail actually ran a story on financing a week or so ago. The slate is being funded by a politcal action committee I may not have this name right but I believe it was "Friends of Hagerstown" They also stated in the story that the slates funding came from primarily 3 businesses( 2 are developement companies) 2 of which were outside the city limits.

I have not seen the slate give specifics they have talked generalities and when they first came out and supposedly were talking issues it was a private invitation only function.

I believe the Herald mail story came from the campaign finance reports filed with the election board. Again I don't have the story but I think the slate has about 11,000 and actually had to give money back to one place because it would have violated the funding laws.

Yes I challenge them to give back the money because they can outspend me 20 to 1. But take away the money and the slate is nothing. If Dick Trump wants a head to head debate I am willing, I have positions and issues defined on my website, Where are his?.

He stated in the paper that he believed the Mayor's job was to be that of a cheerleader. We do not need cheerleaders who only know how to follow the lead of their politcal handlers. Hagerstown needs real independent leaders. That is why I am running.

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Hi Snoopy

I just researched it. The story ran February 12 so I no longer have access to it. If you relly wnat to see it you cna buy it online from Herald Mail archives

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Tony,

With all due respect, I would say that if you are going to make allegations like this "special interest" allegation, you should have facts to support your allegations close at hand. Otherwise, it tends to look suspicious. You're running for a very important position that will require lots of organization, operating from facts, etc. I would expect you to have your bases better covered on this. Again, you might be right, and I'm not a big fan of this slate, but this is JMO.

Hi Snoopy

You are right I should have the article here. First what I quoted came from the Herald Mail. The story was run on February 12th. Any person wanting to get it can certainly go online and buy it. I don't think the Herald Mail would take kindly to me purchasing the article and then pasting it into the forum.

The article specifically stated that there were 2 developement companies who were funding the slate along with one other business. Of the three companies 2 were outside the city limits. I don't know about anyone else but I believe developement companies do qualify as special interest in most peoples minds.

Hope that helps you. If you want to purchase the article and see for yourself I will be happy to find it again and pass the title to you. The article was written by Greg Simmons

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

PS if you look around here in the forums there was a good bit of discussion on the article when it came out

Hi Snoopy

I went and found the post in the forums where it first discussed. I have copied some of the text that was pasted by me when the article was still free. Since it is open and viewable in the forum already the Herald Mail won't be upset.

Here is the text from February 12:

Most of the money contributed to the PAC is tied to one local business and two property development companies.

The PAC returned $1,000 to one donor, Lawton Vista LLC, because the donation exceeded the $4,000 donation limit.

According to information filed by the PAC's organizers, Lawton Vista LLC is at 18702 Crestwood Drive, P.O. Box 2068. Its resident agent is Wayne E. Alter Jr., according to Web-based state tax records.

Besides Lawton Vista, the biggest donors to the PAC have been Dahbura Development Partnership and Hub Labels Inc., each of which has donated $2,500. Corey Stottlemyer, who is helping to organize the slate, gave $100.

Both Hub Labels Inc. and Dahbura Development Partnership are on Shawley Drive north of city limits, according to the election filings. Both are wholly owned by the Dahbura family, including Abbud "Bud" Dahbura, Anton "Tony" Dahbura and Thomas Dahbura, Tony Dahbura said Thursday.



Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Hi Squarecup

I wanted to thank you for inviting me to your business. It may have been a snowy evening but I greatly enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone. I hope every candidate takes the time to do this. It was worth it.

Thank You !!!!

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Hi Tony. How did it go? Who did you meet? Anything or anyone particularly stand out? Learn anything knew? Set anyone straight? Would the Square Cup be a good place for my next book club meeting?

Tony thanks for coming over last night. You are welcomed to schedule again if you would like.

Heather. We have been talking about a Book Club meeting. Please call Misty at the shop and talk with her.

As far as naming the candidate that never called back. I do treat all candidates the same; Those that want to participate are named and scheduled.

By the way.
Kristin Alshire scheduled for Friday March 4th will be joined by Lou Metzner.

Hi Heather

It went very well considering the conditions outside. I got a chance to talk in depth with 5 or 6 people. It really crossed a spectrum from young to old. I certtainly believe it was worth the time. As for setting anyone straight I really wasn't there for that. I was there to learn, to listen and let people know what I stand for.

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

I am a little confused... What is the primary problem with a fairly large employer (like Hub Labels) that isn’t within city limits (but very close) to contribute funds to the Slate?

Hi Commutermike

I don't really have a problem with someone like Hub Labels contributing. I do have a problem with developement companies contributing large amounts to any candidate. The next Mayor and Council will be deciding what is best for the future of Hagerstown. They will be deciding issues that directly relate to those companies.

Do you want them to be in the pocket of 2 developement companies? Or do you want them to be accountable to you the voter and resident? Doesn't it raise any red flags to why a developement company would so strongly support a candidate or group of candidates?

I think most of us are concerned because right now becausethe present Mayor and Council ignore the people. This could be something even worse. If it was one candidate it would be one thing but if the slate wins every single one of them will beholden to those 2 companies. Do you honestly believe they will go against those companies when it comes time to vote on something affecting those companies?

Sincerely
Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Although I was not at the shop for the "TEAM" the report is that there was a good turnout. I also hear that Bob Bruchey was present in the audience, which as a city resident was his right.

Following the primary I would like to host a head to head panel of the candidates.

Pretty smart move, IMO. Know thine "enemy"...

Bob and I thought we should hear what the candidates had to say, after all we have to choose five in the General Election on May 17th.

Bob will be at the square cup on Mar. 3 @ 7:00 I know that he will be excited to see as many of you there as possible.

You can visit Bob's web siet at www.bobbrucheyformayor.org

Check it out, we look forward to your feedback.

See you on Thursday night.

Oh, don't forget about the forum on Wed. @ 7:00 at the U of M.

Two questions for Tony and BluesSoul, and any of the other candidates posting their much appreciated replies to this thread...

1. How many City Council meetings have you attended in the past 12 months?

2. Of those ?? meetings, how many times have you addressed the Mayor and members of the Council?

Thanks.

Hi Yossarian

I'll be straight out honest with you. The answer is zero. I do watch or tape them on TV but last fall and this spring I have had classes scheduled or have been working on Tuesday nights.

Watching them on TV last fall is really what motivated me to run. Seeing how people were treated and the image the Council and Mayor were presenting made me cringe.

Before anyone say the inevitable I will not have classes or work scheduled after May 3rd this year. I will be available on Tuesday nights. LOL

Sincerely
Tony Campello


www.tonycformayor.com

OK, fair enough Tony. thanks!

Hi Yossarian

Thanks for asking the question. I think you all kow by now I am a pretty straight shooter. I will tell you the truth and take the consequences.

Sincerely
Tony Campello

www.tonycformayor.com

Hello Tony. You’re majoring in IT, right? Why didn’t you didn’t major in Business Administration or Management, since you want to be mayor.

Hi

Well I have been in management before and was good at it but it wasn't my thrill at the time. The IT came because of a hobby while recovering from an accident. I found it a very interesting subject and something I was very good at without training. I thought it would be something if trained at I could really excel at.

I think I have made the right choice for my major. It doesn't deal just with computers it involves the logistical and management side as well. I intend to pursue the management side of IT in the future.

Hope that answers the question for you.

Tony Campello
www.tonycformayor.com

Ha!
I received a recorded message at home from our ineffective Sen. Don Munson about supporting Trump in the primary. Talk about a waste of campaign money. Anyone who knows anything about Munson knows that he is an ineffective, sour old man. He still hates Bruchey because Bruchey had the fortitude and the passion in getting Gov. Glendening to rehab the old Baldwin House for the University. At the grand opening of the University all Munson did was take credit for what a wonderful addition the U of M is for downtown and how he personally made this a reality. Talk about a hypocrite!!!! What Munson really did was try to fight this U of M for downtown all the way. At one point he actually had two council members on board to send a letter to the Gov. and tell him that the city really didn't want the U of M downtown. Bill Breichner and Al Boyer were the only two council members that signed the letter along with Sen. Munson.
I really hope that the voters realize just what this Trump slate is all about.
Chicago, years ago, was a city that allowed property owners who owned property in the city but lived outside the city to vote in the city election. The problem was that after many elections and the deterioration of the city from outside residents, the city realized that being controlled by outside influence was a very baaaaaaad thing. That is just what is going to happen to Hagerstown if the Trump slate is elected. By the way, the City of Chicago has stopped this process.

Don't forget, go to the polls on March 8th.