Tonight I attended the SMECO Annual Meeting at the Blue Crabs Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf where customer-members came out to cast votes for the available SMECO board seats prior to the start of the proceedings. Refreshments and local entertainment gave this well attended event a lively feel. I was glad to see such interest from the Southern Maryland county residents because engaged citizens are the backbone of strong communities. I had the pleasure of meeting many of you there, either outside the building or inside on the concourse. I had my volunteers outside too, along with the volunteers of several other local candidates, passing out campaign media. This is all part of the process of introducing ourselves to residents. Remember that the gubernatorial election primaries are coming up on September 14 and if you don’t know who we are and what we stand for, how will you know how to vote?

What a wonderful evening I had for my 2010 Pre-Election Day Rally yesterday! So many friends, supporters, special guests, and fellow candidates in the gubernatorial races gathered at my house in a celebration of our political process. Good food, good music, good company, and good weather all combined to make a very enjoyable event for us all. To top it off, I was truly honored to have special guests U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes and Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown there and the crowd was just as enthusiastic as I in welcoming them. Senator Sarbanes encouraged us with his wise words and spoke on the responsibility of our elected officials to govern. Lt. Governor Brown inspired us with his message that we are all winners when we come together to achieve progress as he and Governor O’Malley have on education, crime prevention, and green space protection.

I invited all the candidates to come speak at this event and to bring their campaign materials along too because I believe that we must work together to get things done for the benefit of our children, our grandchildren, and our succeeding generations. I urge everyone to learn about the candidates, find the ones that you believe in, and then contribute and volunteer to their campaigns. Trust me, no one gets into political office without lots of help. The system only works when we all participate and vote – because government does matter.

The great and historic NAACP organization is alive and thriving in Charles County as our local branch, Unit 7016, held its monthly meeting tonight at the Sheriff’s Office, Waldorf District 3 Station. While the regular meeting place is in transition, the Commissioner’s meeting room at the station was borrowed and the room was crowded with many members and candidates for political office in attendance. I asked Julie Vanderslice to sit in for me as I had another commitment and thus missed this productive meeting led by President William Braxton. These important proceedings ensure that political, educational, social, and economic equality for all persons is maintained and excelled through a continuing focus. The group makes our communities stronger and more just for every one of us.

As the summer is winding down, I’ve arranged convenient “meet & greet” opportunities around various Charles County neighborhoods so that you can come talk to me about issues that are important to you or ask me about current legislation. Today I held these events at the Bryans Road Shopping Center, the Nanjemoy Community Center, and the Cobb Island Fisherman’s Field. I also made two unplanned stops at Indian Head’s Village Green Park and Nanjemoy’s Old Durham Church. It was great to see all those who came out to visit with me. During this campaign season I bring yard signs along with me in my truck for those who choose to show their support by posting my campaign signs on their property. It is wonderful to know that I have so many committed supporters as I travel throughout the county. My next “meet & greets” are coming up next Friday and Saturday and I look forward to seeing you at these locations:

August 20

• Waldorf Farmers Market at O’Donnell Lake (4 – 7 p.m.)

August 21

• Westlake High School Parking Lot  (9 – 10 a.m.)
• Stoddard Middle School parking Lot (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
• Waldorf Giant Shopping Center (12 – 1 p.m.)
• Hughesville – Pond/Park next to old Mitchell’s Supply (1:45 – 2:45 p.m.)
  

Do you enjoy the abundant summer fruits and vegetables at our local farmers markets like I do? These are our freshest sources for nutritious and less expensive healthy foods. This afternoon I spent time with constituents at the Waldorf Farmers Market at O’Donnell Lake where my volunteers had set up a campaign tent and table for me. Although breezy, I had a great time here and sampled some of the home baked goods as well. This market location is in its first year of operation and already has some regulars who come on Fridays after work to stock up and then attend the evening concerts that follow. St. Charles offers many benefits to the community and this is one that I recommend you try out soon.