Peter Murphy District 28 Delegate - Welcome » community

SMECO Annual Meeting

Peter — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:48:53 +0000

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?

2010 Pre-Election Day Rally

Peter — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:01:26 +0000

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.

NAACP Charles County Branch Meeting

Peter — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:13:17 +0000

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.

Meet & Greets Around Charles County

Peter — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 04:04:08 +0000

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.)

Waldorf Farmers Market at O’Donnell Lake

Peter — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 04:16:27 +0000

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.

4th & 5th District Democratic Club Dinner

Peter — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:36:21 +0000

I visited with the 4th and 5th District Democratic Club members tonight for their monthly meeting at Shymansky’s Restaurant on Cobb Island. These local clubs give communities a chance to come together over a nice meal and learn about political issues that affect their districts. This being an election year, they also give political candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the public and explain the platforms they are running on. Communication with my constituents has always been of the utmost importance to me and so spending time with these friendly club members is a wonderful opportunity for me. All of us running for political office were allowed a few minutes of official speaking time too. Candidates seeking election as Delegate, Sheriff, County Commissioner, Judge of the Orphan’s Court, State’s Attorney, Register of Wills, Clerk of the Court, Charles County Democratic Central Committee Member, and Charles County Board of Education Member were all represented here. I encourage Charles County citizens to become responsible voters by learning about the candidates running for office and then exercise your right to vote in this gubernatorial election. The Primaries are coming up soon on September 14.

Education Q&A with Lt. Governor Brown

Peter — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:21:04 +0000

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown visited La Plata today to speak about the significant steps that Governor O’Malley has taken to move forward on education here in Maryland. This Question & Answer session was held at the Sleep Inn & Suites on Rte. 301 where teachers and interested citizens gathered to pose questions and give their feedback to the Lt. Governor. As this was a simulcast event, questions came via the internet as well. I was honored to be part of the Lt. Governor’s panel for the event along with Roberta “Bobbie” Wise, Charles County Board of Education Chair. Maryland Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton provided the introductions to start the event. During this recession, the Governor has made difficult budget choices in order to prioritize the education of Maryland’s students. Indeed, by focusing on funding for schools and community colleges, Governor O’Malley has made it possible for our young people to be better prepared to go into the job market. In my panel remarks I also gave credit to our School Superintendent Jim Richmond. Under his leadership and vision, our Charles County kids are readied for the high tech global jobs of the future as well. We can be very proud of North Point High School and the planned St. Charles “green” high school opening in 2013 which serve as state models for new high schools. Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown both stand with us in their efforts to improve education standards and to move students out of temporary trailers and into permanent classrooms. I applaud their achievements.

National Night Out

Peter — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:16:57 +0000

The annual National Night Out celebrations were held tonight uniting citizens, law enforcement officers, and fire & rescue teams for the common cause of crime prevention. Begun in 1984, this event is celebrated across the United States, showing the spirit and energy of our communities when we come together as neighbors. At many locations, the Sheriff’s officers provide K-9 demonstrations, fire fighters give children rides on fire trucks, and EMT’s show off the equipment on their rescue vehicles. Citizens provide their hot dog grilling skills, hospitality, and outdoor games for the kids. I am proud to say that Charles County is so active in its participation on National Night Out that we won a national award for it in 2009. I enjoy these nights as a way to visit with many of you in your own neighborhoods and learn about your public safety concerns. I was at several of these gatherings tonight but if I didn’t see you, please feel free to contact me with any issues you’d like to discuss.

Educational Exchange IV

Peter — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:49:57 +0000

Today I had the real pleasure of attending the Educational Exchange IV where it was encouraging to hear School Superintendent Jim Richmond speak on new opportunities for Charles County and its students. The “green” high school coming to the St. Charles community will be built and operated using many green products, methods, and smart technologies. It brings such promise to our county wherein students will have environmental technology studies, including real life problem solving opportunities. Most importantly, graduating students will enter the job market ready for the future jobs in new green technology. I am grateful to Governor Martin O’Malley for approving 300 more student placements, and to U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski who secured 5.5 million dollars toward this school with its high tech, digital classrooms. Our county benefits tremendously from their support.

Also on the agenda was a fascinating presentation by guest speaker Dr. Amitabha Ghosh, a planetary geologist serving as the missions operations person for the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. He helped develop, and currently monitors, the Mars Rover activity. This advanced robotic vehicle is shedding light onto this mysterious planet and showing us that there are many geologic similarities between Earth and Mars. Who knows how much can be learned about our own planet from these studies in far off space?

This enlightening event was held at North Point High School in Waldorf where the Culinary Arts students prepared the lunch for us and did a great job as always.

Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-Group Relations Meeting

Peter — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Last night the Charles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-Group Relations held their monthly meeting once again at the College of Southern Maryland. This group works hard to provide an open forum for understanding through discussions on race relations, religious tolerance, and the old prejudices that exist among long time residents of the county and our many newcomers. This Commission regularly invites important county figures to come in as guests for question-and-answer sessions regarding progress in the areas of diversity training and acceptance within their organizations. In light of this important work, I asked my representative, Julie Vanderslice, to attend on my behalf since I was scheduled for another event that evening. As is often the case, I learned that participants held lively discussions during this Blue Ribbon Commission’s meeting. I encourage the public to attend these meetings to provide your own input to this ongoing conversation on our differences and our unity.

July 4th Celebration in Indian Head

Peter — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:18:06 +0000

Happy 4th of July! Today we not only pay tribute to our Founding Fathers but enjoy our summertime pleasures which their achievement allows us to enjoy. I spent some time today in Indian Head at the Village Green Park July 4th Celebration. Amongst all the food and games on hand, this was a great opportunity to meet some of my constituents and hear their interests and concerns for Charles County. Topics ran from motorcycle helmet laws to greater publicity for the new Indian Head Rail Trail (a terrific county asset, by the way, for walkers and bicyclists). How ever you celebrate the holiday, I hope you take a moment to appreciate our unique freedoms and system of government in the United States of America.

Smart Growth Public Forum

Peter — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:03:11 +0000

As we all know, Waldorf has grown at a rapid pace. Now it can be redeveloped in a smarter way. This was the premise for the public forum held at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center last night, sponsored by The Smarter Growth Alliance for Charles County. Julie Vanderslice represented me there for the presentation, “Investing in Waldorf: A Smarter Way to Grow,” conducted by Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. Smart growth plans create walkable communities which encourage better health, promote neighborhood safety, increase national security (through less use of oil from unfriendly sources), conserve the environment, draw in new businesses, create mass transit options, and use our redevelopment dollars more efficiently. Smart growth means we use existing assets in the county and think creatively to make better living spaces incorporating areas for work, homes, farms, recreation, and shopping. Waldorf can be redone this way, and without building the cross-county connector which would destroy the Mattawoman Creek. Many environmental group members passed out information at the forum in support of smart growth for the county. As our public funds become more limited, a smart growth plan shows us the way forward for future redevelopment in Charles County.

Diversity and Inter-Group Relations Meeting

Peter — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:25:24 +0000

This evening I was represented by Julie Vanderslice for the meeting of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-Group Relations held at the College of Southern Maryland. This apolitical group was formed by the Charles County Commissioners in May of 2007 and the members meet regularly to discuss current community issues related to Charles County’s diverse make up. This includes relations between long-term residents and newcomers, relations between age groups, and ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural differences. Their goal is to promote more understanding and coordination among these disparate groups. Charles County has come a long way from its original roots and we can become an even more vibrant community through the efforts of groups like this Blue Ribbon Commission.

St. Charles Walk 4 Haiti

Peter — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:03:40 +0000

This morning, in conjunction with the Juneteenth celebrations at O’Donnell Lake Restaurant Park in St. Charles, I participated in the Walk 4 Haiti. This event was organized to raise funds for our neighbors in Haiti who’s lives have been ravaged by the recent earthquake. I joined with my volunteers, and those of many other groups, to make the walk around O’Donnell Lake on this hot day. The opening ceremony began with remarks by Bonita Adeeb, Vice Chair for this event and the Black Leadership Council for Excellence (BLCE). I had the opportunity to make a statement and thanked all the participants. The Habitat for Humanity spokesperson brought the focus of our mission to the forefront by reminding us that funds raised by this Walk 4 Haiti will be used by their organization to build much needed housing for the Haitian people. The Haitians should not be forgotten even as their stories disappear from the daily news headlines.

Health Partners Dessert Fest

Peter — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:01:49 +0000

How often do you hear that dessert helps with health? Probably not too often, but this evening I went to the Health Partners 18th Annual “Dessert Fest” which included an open house and a dessert auction at the Health Partners Primary Care Clinic in Waldorf, MD. As a former Health Partners volunteer, I was very pleased to attend this event again, and not just because of the desserts! Health Partners, Inc. is a non-profit agency which uses volunteer medical professionals to provide primary care services for many of the 20,000 uninsured and underinsured Charles County residents living in poverty. This event allows Health Partners, Inc. to continue these vital services in our community.

2010 Relay for Life

Peter — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:10:28 +0000

Last night I attended the American Cancer Society’s 2010 Relay for Life at the Regency Furniture Stadium. I was asked to provide the welcoming remarks for this event which supports the continuing fight against cancer. I’d like to remind everyone that June is Prostate Cancer Month and I encourage all men to be checked for prostate cancer. Wives, partners, mothers, and sisters too can make a big difference in the health of the men in their lives by doing whatever they can to get the men to go have a prostate checkup. Early detection can be the life saver for men with prostate cancer.

General Smallwood Middle School Promotion Ceremony

Peter — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:07:13 +0000

I returned to the General Smallwood Middle School this morning as a guest speaker for the Promotion Ceremony of the 2010 8th Grade Class. I am so impressed with this school’s accomplishments over the last year and of its outgoing 8th Graders. Under the direction of Principal Cynthia Baker, the Charles County Principal of the Year and recipient of a Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, the school has done very well. The rightfully proud parents showed respect and enthusiasm for all these wonderful students throughout the ceremony. In my speech, I challenged the class to use this summer to consider how to strengthen and present their character as they enter 9th grade. I also encouraged them to show up for class as a good foundation and find school groups and clubs that would interest them. By joining in they will have the friends and mentors they need to transition into the next phase of their education. I hope they will take me up on this.

Indian Head VFD & Rescue Squad Annual Installation and Awards Banquet

Peter — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:33:19 +0000

Tonight I joined with the Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad and their families for a fun 70′s themed evening at their Annual Installation and Awards Banquet. This year they celebrate 61 years of service to the state of Maryland, Charles County and the Town of Indian Head. These dedicated members are our neighborhood heroes who stand on alert and come to our aid all year round. Their families sacrifice too while the members are on duty and away from their homes. So this event was a well deserved party for all. Awards were given out by IHVFD&RS President Rick Bowie and Chief Jeff Williams. Both were duly proud of the new building renovations and the new apparatus on display. Charles County Commissioners Sam Graves and Edith Patterson came to present special awards as well.

Reaching Out Now Event

Peter — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:37:18 +0000

Today, among my many scheduled events, was a very important one, the Reaching Out Now event. This organization provides food in the summer for children who receive assisted food supplementation during the school year. I am impressed with the vision of this organization that thought enough about these children to take action to this degree. The event had a great turnout and was held at the Regency Furniture Stadium, home of the Blue Crabs baseball team. The activities including food, door prizes, and vendor booths. Reaching Out Now is a real asset to our county and the schools in the community.

Cobb Island Day Festival

Peter — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:30:12 +0000

This morning I attended the Cobb Island Day festival, the annual kickoff to the summer season on the island. This is always a great event put together by the Cobb Island Citizens Association. The day began with the Community Parade in which I rode with my grandson Brice in a classic car. The Parade Grand Marshals were long time Cobb Island residents Lenny and Stevie Norris of Norris’ Seafood. I was then able to meet some of the residents walking on The Old Fisherman’s Field, the center of activity for games, dance group performances, food vendors, craft displays, K-9 demonstrations by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and fire engine rides for the kids courtesy of the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department. My volunteers set up a booth there for me and sold raffle chances on two books. The drawings were held at day’s end and the winners were Margaret Rollins of Waldorf, MD for a colorful BBQ grilling book, and Nancy Schertler of Newburg, MD for the book, Chesapeake Bay Country.