FHLetters

Last Updated 3/5/2010

Letters to the Editor

This page is for citizens who submit articles for publication. The Editor reserves the right to determine which letters will be published.

Larry M Stoner, March 3, 2010

George, I am appalled that the Mayor and the current administration has not let the citizens know what is going on with the Towns finances and not letting us know what our money is being spent on! Even if the treasurer is busy working in the 09 audit, all she has to do is push a couple of buttons and give us an accounting of what our money is being spent on and how much is in each account! I would like to know if the Town is solvent? I thought that the treasurer had to give us Quarterly reports? This is inexcusable, has she been fined yet or since she is another one of the Mayor friends, she can come to work when she wants and not be held accountable to us! We don't even know when she comes to work or when she leaves! Is there something in place that lets us know what her schedule is, when can she be contacted? " I want to know what our money is being spent on!"

Former Mayor, Larry M Stoner

Jacqueline Goodall, February 25, 2010

I am sure by now all of you have heard the news that "Forest Heights" has been designated a Community Legacy Community. It has been a long road to get this designation, but we have finally arrived. The question is now where do we go from here.

Community Legacy is a Smart Growth tool that we can use to bring many changes to our town; as well as a "carrot" that can be used in our annexation goals. Community Legacy is a flexible revitalization resource to fill gaps not met by other State incentive programs. It requires us to develop practical multi-year plans for investing in change, although funding was very limited this past FY, there are still many opportunities to use the many benefits (http://www.dhcd.maryland.gov/Website/Default.aspx). Bond bills at a reduced interest rate to fix our streets, tax incentives to help our business are among a few of the opportunities that are available.

In addition, to the Community Legacy we now must think of how do we become a Sustainable Community? We have been working towards that goal every since we decided to become a green community, however we still have a long way to go. We have partnered with the University of Maryland, Department of Natural Resources and now Catholic University and the University of Vermont on many projects, but in the end we need our citizens and ourselves to become more innovative and involved to make Forest Heights the Greenest Town in Maryland. Writing down our goals and objectives for our town is very important, taking the 'Strategic Plan' to the next level will require work from each an everyone of those who love Forest Heights talking to the community finding out what is important about our town that they would like to maintain, change and expand on. I ask that you begin to talk to other residents about the possibilities and the need for their assistance. This is beyond the normal need for recreation for our youth and development of programs for our seniors - we need to think outside of the box on what we want Forest Heights to look like in the years to come.

Spring 'Stream Clean UP' April 17th - need volunteers for the committee this is not an option it is required by our NPDES Permit that we have a stream clean up as well as workshops regarding pollution. February 20th the first meeting only the Mayor, Councilperson Reifsneider and myself showed up Councilman Kennedy was on vacation). This is not an option the town can be fined by the State for not meeting the requirements of the NPDES. Please check with your affiliations maybe they have persons that would be willing to volunteer.

Weatherization Program - Councilwoman Reifsneider is now going over the requirements of the program which I received from the DHCD on Friday, Feb. 19th we will begin working on setting up a 'pilot' program very soon. If you are not able to assist her maybe, you know of someone in your district that is retired and would like to volunteer some hours each week to get this program going.

We have come such a long way, yet we still have a ways to go before we catch up to other municipalities. Let's roll up our sleeves and everyone pitch in.

Take the time to check out DHCD website as well as the information on Sustainable Maryland.

Thanks
Jacqueline Goodall

Editors Note: Ms. Goodall is a Councilwoman from Ward I.

Theresa Brownson, January 31, 2010

Editor,

As a resident of Forest Heights, I was recently introduced to your website as a place to get creditable information regarding the Town of Forest Heights. I was astonished by the errors and the one-sided information. Your web page clearly has a very personal and bias tone. For example, you wrote that Mayor McClutchon rejected a proposal by Mayor McClutchon. Also, you reported that Councilman McLaurin had assault charges filed again him by Code Enforcer Epps but you failed to report to Code Enforcer Epps had charged filed against him by Councilmember McLaurin. In addition, you have decided to print numerous reports of former Mayor Spires' inappropriate actions but failed to print any follow-up actions taken by Mayor Spires against the Town of Forest Heights. Finally, I fail to read anything about the actions of the current Mayor in regard to the discontent of the residents.

My observations are this: if you are going to write about the not-so-positive actions of some, then you need to write about the not-so positive action of all. If not, you are teetering on bias and prejudice reporting and can possibly be opening yourself up to slander.

I would like to know where do you get your information and is it your interpretation of the facts;

Make sure you are not reproachable!

Theresa
Brownson

Editors Note: Ms. Brownson is a neighbor of Mr. Spires and is a candidate for Ward II Council seat in the March 10, 2010 election.

Brian McLaurin, January 28, 2010

George
Just for your information the FH Code enforcer was also charged with assault. Case #4E00371067.
Plus The State's Attorney has determined that case # 4E00371046 will not be prosecuted.
There are always more than one sides to a story!

Brian McLaurin
Ward III Councilman

Lynn Smith-Barnes, March 11, 2009

My dear fellow constituents. The letter [below] from Mr. Kennedy is our democracy in action. I have urged one and all to come to the council meetings. Then you will see for yourself who is working for your best interest. Frequently during an election cycle a candidate will disparage their opponent. I for one will be willing to answer any of the issues raised by Mr. Kennedy in this letter. Come to the next town council meeting, then we will talk.

Thank You,
Lynn Smith-Barnes, Ward 1 Council

John Kennedy, March 9, 2009
To: editor@forestheights.biz

March 11th, 2009, is the most crucial day in the town of Forest Heights’ history. I implore every registered voter to go out on this day and VOTE!

Awhile back we had a Mayor, Myles Spires, who with the assistance of the Council took away our Voting Rights, among other illegal deeds to which the Citizens of Forest Heights stood together “UNITED” and who was subsequently indicted and also at the voting polls showed the others where they could go – back home and out of political life.

Now comes another era when we, the Citizens of Forest Heights, can take back control of “OUR TOWN” and show those who are currently in office and those running again that we do not forget what they did to us before and will do to us again. I am referring to Larry Stoner, who was not elected by us and has begun the same practices as before under Spires leadership. Also, Clifton Atkinson, is running for the Council seat in Ward 2 (my ward). I implore upon the good citizens of Forest Heights to come out and vote and show these two individuals that we don't forget what they did to us in the past and I assure you if they get in again, will happen again.

I, for one, love the Town of Forest Heights and always have. I've been active in attending most Town Meetings since I moved here in 1980. I read the “Forest Heights News” and the propaganda Stoner is feeding us. Please don't be taken aback by his smooth talking words. Don't take my word for it. Come out to the town meetings and see for yourself. It is your town – lets take it back and keep it for “All Citizens of Forest Heights” not just a few who have personal goals and have no considerations for your Town.

We've had so many change-overs in our administration over the past few years, but I can tell you that we have at least three good Council Persons who are doing the “Will of the People” and they are Andrea McCutcheon (who is running for Mayor against Stoner (who was not elected by the people of Forest Heights)), Anne Reifsneider who is asking for your vote to be re-elected in Ward 2 and Jacqueline Goodall, who is asking your vote to be re-elected in Ward 1. If you want to take your Town back, come out to the polls and support these three candidates.

If you believe what you read in the Forest Heights News or various local newspapers, then vote for Stoner and Atkinson. Anybody who attends the meetings knows just the opposite. Stoner has been running the town like a Dictator using Clarke, Smith-Barnes and McLaurin to do HIS bidding. McCutcheon, Reifsneider and Goodall are kept in the dark and were stripped of all duties wherein they would have access to town records. Whereas they had duties prior in which they were qualified for, Stoner has put unqualified people over them to keep tight control of the town records.. Stoner has claimed to have done a lot since becoming the Mayor a lot of which is not true. He claims to have represented the Town in the Nickens, Spires and Ross case (nothing could be further from the truth). In fact he supported these three individuals all the way (look up the court documents (public records). In fact, when I read the lies he prints in the Forest Heights News, I ask myself: “Who in the world is Stoner referring to?” Here are some of the accomplishments of what Stoner has managed to do in such a short period of time:

•     Consistently violated several Town Charter rules, Ordinances and Annotated Code of Maryland rules.
•     Made several decisions that were beyond the scope of his authority.
•     Terminated the Town Treasurer who was not afforded a hearing in open meeting.
•     Consistently, mismanaging/overspending on budgeted items. Some accounts that were overspent by THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EACH are (1) Administration Office supplies, (2) Telephone Municipal Bldg, (3) Personnel Ads, (4) Gasoline Police, (5) Cell Phones (6) Gasoline Public Works, (7) Police Vehicle Repairs, and (8) Administration Copier to name a few.
•     When this information came to light to the Council persons representing the Town's business (McCutcheon, Reifsneider and Goodall) they asked that an immediate audit of our Town's finances be done. Mayor Stoner, Council persons Clark, McLaurin and Smith-Barnes voted “NO”.

I could go on and on about the misdeeds but you, the Citizens of Forest Heights, can make a difference.

In closing, we need our stimulus money to create sidewalks, pave our streets, repair our crumbling sewer system, capture streams and other projects in our Town. We can't afford Mayor Stoner's misconduct, abuse of authority, failure to meet obligations or inefficiency. I WILL NEVER SUPPORT, GO ALONG WITH, STAND BEHIND, MAYOR STONER OR ANYONE THAT IS WRONG AS I DESCRIBED.

In closing, does this seem like a personal attack on these individuals, I guess you could say it is for the reasons I stated above. I am only one person, the Town needs ALL YOUR SUPPORT to correct the injustice already done to our Town. Elect Andrea McCutcheon for Mayor, and keep Council persons Anne Reifsneider in Ward 2, and Jacqueline Goodall in Ward 1. Show them that we will not stand for people in the position of authority doing illegal things in our Town. It is your Town – take it back.

PLEASE GO VOTE. Thank you.

Wes & Mary Jane Toepper, January 23, 2008

Thank you editor Wiggers. We pulled up the January 2005 newsletter and compared it to the January 2008 message. Much of the mayor's message is indeed word for word the same. The sentiments are still appropriate, but credit should be given where it is due. (Blackhawk Drive)

Paula Noble, January 14, 2008
To: editor@forestheights.biz

It saddens me to read the January 2008 message from the
Mayor. 
The act of plagiarism is stealing.  It is an illegal practice that
warrants prosecution.  I wrote those words in 2005 to the
citizens of
the town of Forest Heights.  I did not expect them to be
copied 3 years
later, and hidden in the Forest Heights newsletter on page 6.  I
await a public apology and acknowledgement of this blatant
disrespect
for former government officials.   

  --

former Mayor, Prince George's County, MD 

(301) 466-1549 

mayornoble@comcast.net

Editors
Note: A comparison of the text of the two articles in question can be
seen by clicking
here (PDF). Go to the Forest Heights
Newsletter page to view the complete January 2005 and 2008 editions
of the Forest Heights News.

Delores Jones, April 30, 2006
To: NewsEditor@forestheights.biz
cc: Gloria Lawlah; Darryl Kelly; Barbara Frush; Mikulski; Sarbanes; et al.
SenecaDr

Mayor Spires and Town Council.

This
letter serves as a request
to the Town of Forest Heights, Maryland to repair and restore the
street and curb area in front my residence on Seneca Drive. To give
some background in 2004 and 2005, WSSC advised that the damage to the
street is the result of an underground spring that is coming to the
surface. Moreover, I am a handicapped, retired and disabled detective
police and as a result the damaged street poses a danger to me and all
others who travel over the the street. 

Furthermore, the town seems to be aware of the situation due to the appearance of a hazard cone near the sink hole. Due to the town's faulty maintenance, I must park my car in my driveway with caution and as such if my car is damaged from this situation, I will demand that the city repair any damage done to my car. Immediate attention given to dangerous situation would be appreciated.

George, you should report news objectively and fairly. You should mention that the residents of Forest Heights have demanded their rights to vote on the Charter amendments that you and your colleagues approved on November 16, 2005. In fact, you should advise your readers that the Law provides an opportunity for Forest Heights registered voters to APPROVE your (Proposed) Charter Amendments. Their Petition for Referendum guarantees them now, that you will give then an opportunity to vote YES or NO to your proposed changes to the Charter.

Article 23A of the Annotated Maryland Code, the same law that allows Council to initiate changes to the Charter allows voters to demand their rights to be heard on the initiation and says that when the Council refuses the voters that right, 20% of us must sign a Petition for Referendum (Referendum: “the submission of a law proposed or already in effect, to a direct vote of the people.” Webster’s) same law that permitted Council to initiate charter changes permits us voters to present a minimum of 20% of our signatures on a Petition. Anne Reifsneider and John Kennedy ran a Petition for Referendum on Forest Heights Town Council Resolutions 3 – 14 and successfully collected more that the 20% required. The People will decide the changes to the Charter when we go to the polls in the very near future. Until we vote, nothing changes.

Merry Christmas!
Joyce A. Beck, Mayor
Town of Forest Heights
December 22, 2005

Editor's Note: The news article to which Mayor Beck refers was written and posted prior to the December 21, 2005 Town meeting where Citizens Anne Reifsneider and John Kennedy presented a petition to Mayor Beck. Ms. Reifsneider and Mr. Kennedy then withdrew the petition at the meeting in order to collect more signatures and a transmittal letter dated December 23, 2005 was placed in Council members mailboxes at the Municipal Building. However, this Council member has yet to be presented with the petition as required by Article 23A § 13(f) and (g). Click here for Article 23A (PDF Format) (HTML Format).

Harry Lee, November 21, 2003
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and considerateness in sending me the updated edition of your Internet news media. This, I believe, is an icon of American democracy and it serves as a model of what and how the American media should be. Keep it up.
The writer is the Editor-in-Chief of Korea Press International

Tish Parker, October 17, 2003
To the Forest Heights Police Department:
I would like to extend my appreciation to the Forest Heights Police Department for all your fine work. Your work is commendable and is not going unnoticed. I will continue to pray for the safety of the Police Department and town. Thanks, Tish Parker

John Kennedy, June 25, 2003 First of all, I'd like to thank you when you email me letting me know to look on your site even though I have it bookmarked. I seldom remember to look until I get your emails. Again, thanks for keeping me apprised, as the rest of the community. You print the news as it happens regardless of color, race or other requirements. One can expect direct reporting from you, which I for one, appreciate. Keep up the good work.

Patricia Parker, May 17, 2003 Congratulations to all winners of the recent Forest Heights elections. Immediately, I would like to see not just a picture of the Mayor McGinnis in the town monthly newsletter. Starting June 2003, I would like the picture of the Mayor to include all members of the Council. I believe this will show the beginning of unity between the Mayor and Council. So I ask all of you to make an effort to do this. Also, Forest Heights is a government township. There are rules and regulations in place to govern. I expect the Mayor and Council to uphold total integrity in during their job. A check and balance system is in place to use, so use it.

Sharon Mc Innis, May 15, 2003 I agree with Paula Noble's comment that you should not use ex-council member. It does seem to have a negative connotation. Your website is extremely helpful to the town and I think we should mention it in the town newsletter. I would certainly mention it at the next town meeting. While it is not the "official" website of Forest Heights, it contains a wealth of useful and timely information.

Paula Noble, April 29, 2003 George - To give more credibility to your website, you should change ex-council member to maybe "longtime resident and former council member" in the intro. The ex seems to attach negative connotations to me. I believe you have a very informative website. Have a great day!!

Lynette Cameron, April 17, 2003 Great site!!! The site is very easy to navigate and contains more info that I had ever expected. Keep up the good work.

Marjie F. Lampley, June 12, 2002 On the 27th of December 2001, I called you about a broken wheel on my trash can that the workman for the Goode Trash Company had damaged, due to apparent mishandling. I stated that I had called the company several times with no success; I, therefore, called you for assistance. I'm pleased to report that within two weeks, a company representative came to my house to present me with a gift card from Home Depot for purchasing a replacement can. I wrote a letter of thanks, faxed it to the municipal building, and requested that it be printed in the Forest Heights Newsletter. After two months passed, the article had not appeared in the Newsletter, so I called to ask about it. I was told by Michelle Dyer that "the Mayor had not yet approved the article for publication." Well, the article still has not appeared in the newsletter, I'm, therefore, writing directly to thank you for your help.