From Sen. Nancy Jacobs:——— In today’s global marketplace, our children are already competing with their peers around the world. We are falling behind in science technology, engineering and math, the keys to economic growth. Our schools must prepare the next generation to meet the challenges of a changing world. While Maryland’s public schools are ranked top in the nation, many are still failing. Parents deserve the right to choose the right school for their children. No one should have to settle for an inferior education. While many public schools excel, we must still foster excellence and …

From Patrick McGrady: ———Our politicians in Aberdeen are back at the wheel, trying to steer the residents of Aberdeen down a path in which they have no interest. The Mayor and City Council had a “retreat” at Ripken Stadium a few weekends ago, where they started to work on their plans to solve the problems here in Aberdeen. Some of the ideas have merit, but are approached from the wrong angle. Mayor Bennett proposes securing investments for a pub or bar in “downtown Aberdeen"—we can describe this as the area on West Bel Air Avenue between the train tracks—and he explains that we need to …

Editor,Maryland revenues have steadily increased over the last four years yet Governor O'Malley's administration continues to bemoan budget shortfalls. Maryland doesn't have a revenue problem; this administration has a spending problem. A spending problem that Governor O'Malley intends to solve by raising taxes (12 percent on Maryland families). He's also proposing a 6 percent sales tax on gas while prices at the pump are topping $3.75 a gallon. In addition, he is proposing all Maryland vehicle owners must purchase an easy pass transponder - for each vehicle owned! Governor O'Malley, please …

  We are vigorously opposed to the implementation of a hotel tax in Harford County.  All the politicians seem to think about is increasing or dreaming up new taxes. The idea of building a convention center is a bad one. It will likely take private property off the tax rolls and the rest of the private citizens and businesses will have to take up the slack. It will divert business from places like Bulle Rock, Richlin Ballroom, Durangos, HEAT Center, etc. that have plenty of facilities for conventions already. The best way to attract business and tourists to Harford County is to keep taxes low…

  Dear Stakeholders: On behalf of the Harford County EDAB, I would like to invite you to visit www.prohctourism.com and sign the petition in support of enabling legislation for tourism funding.  This is an important next step. Please share this site with your colleagues, employees, constituents and members, and encourage strong participation. Regards, Eric E. McLauchlin, EsquireChair, Economic Development Advisory Board 

Dear Aberdeen Neighbor, On November 8, 2011 you voted in the Aberdeen City election. Thank you. Not all of our fellow citizens participated in that opportunity to make Aberdeen a great place to live. I was a candidate for Mayor of Aberdeen. With the number of votes at 766 to 741, the incumbent mayor, Michael Bennett, was re-elected by a 25 vote margin. Not only were he and the City Council members re-elected, but they will now be serving a 4-year term, which the Bennett administration had created last year. This 4-year term replaced 2-year terms, which had been City law since 1892. Clearly …

I'm voting for Patrick McGrady on November 8th and the following is just one of the reasons. Mayor Bennett did not seem to care about the elementary school redistricting. I called and emailed for his assistance with stopping the Harford County Board of Education from redistricting our elementary school students. I never received a response. My daughter was going to one school in the ‘10-’11 school year, and this year the community was split, friends were separated and it has been a huge adjustment for these children.I know that Patrick McGrady will be our voice to the Harford County Board of …

Cindy Sharretts is a businesswoman and political activist in Harford County. In this letter, she questions how ethical it is for politicians to use voter registration information for redistricting boundaries. Below is her letter unedited and printed in full: As long as voter registration data and election results are used for redistricting, district boundaries will be drawn, to some degree, to achieve calculated election outcomes. Though a Maryland tradition, that practice is not a scenario for honest elections and in Maryland it is an unconstitutional practice. Our Declaration of …