Richard, I must disagree with you. This vote is about integrity, which is not Mr. Gajewski's strong suit.

He has taken questionable shady deals with his campaign headquarter, taking money from notorious developers, approved the annexation of Silverwood (knowing that developers were behind him) and rubber stamps his tax and spend policies in as good for business at the expense of the Citizens. The Choice Hotel was an issue about how much money the City of Rockville was kicking in, which should have been discussed further rather than rubber stamping it in the name of good business. In my opinion, wanting to discuss the differences of opinion about the money issues shows a great deal of understand and that all issues are not always black and white.

Mr Fahey

What are "notorious developers" ? You people have really gone over the top on this issue.

Mr. Fahey, are you the Tim Fahey that's involved with the Rockville Science Center?

Mr. Fahey's characterization about Choice ("rubber stamping it in the name of good business") is offensive and an attempt to mask Mayor Marcuccio's inability to grasp the financial details and implications: revenue from parking spaces, new tax revenue and increased local economic activity. Yet, Mayor Marcuccio's inner circle persists in labeling this a corporate give-away. This indicates a deep lack of understanding of the financial issues or a blatant distortion of the facts. Either way, it is disquieting. Mr. Fahey excuses Mayor Marcuccio's negative vote due to lack of time. Hwever, our decision was not based on one meeting. Rather, it was an iterative process that involved input from numerous participants in multi-meeting discussions. I had reviewed various financial analyses previously presented and had multiple conversations with the owner of the proposed building, the broker for the Choice Hotels team, Montgomery County's development director, the director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc., and city financial staff. To call our process a "rubber stamping" is superficial and violates the integrity of legitimate public discourse. Only one who did not adequately prepare for our meetings or who did not understand the implications of the arrangement could argue that there was not enough time within which to make a decision. In contrast, Councilmember Gajewski approached this process in a prudent and comprehensive manner.

Councilmember John Britton

Mr. Fahey is correct, the vote IS about integrity. Except he is mistaken about which candidate has none.

Choice Hotels Headquarters is coming to Rockville. And if you believe Mayor Marcuccio, she is responsible for that. Simply look at her campaign materials mailed to Rockville citizens. Is she “Championing our City’s Economy” by voting against Choice Hotels’ relocation from Silver Spring to Rockville?

Choice Hotels is bringing their headquarters and approximately 400 of its employees to Rockville Town Center largely in part to the vision of Councilmembers Piotr Gajewski, John Britton and Mark Pierzchala. Mayor Marcuccio voted against bringing Choice Hotels to Rockville while Councilmember Bridget Donnell Newton abstained, effectively disagreeing with the Mayor without voting against her.

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Putting the debate about the subsidy given to Choice Hotels aside, the vote to bring their Headquarters and employees to Town Center provides the City with additional patrons to the fine establishments of Town Center. If Choice Hotels, or another large employer, had moved to Town Center earlier, would we have lost so many businesses in Town Center? Would Primo Italiano still be here? How about The Fractured Prune? Gifford’s Ice Cream? Greystone Grill? Mo’s Southwestern Grill? Bobby’s Crabcakes? I suspect these establishments, and their counterparts who remain in business, would have welcomed Choice Hotels to Town Center. How about the revenue, taxes and employment that will be generated by these 400 employees new to Rockville? You can talk about subsidies and what should or should not be given to employers willing to relocate to Rockville, but you can’t debate the economic impact of 400 employees working in Town Center five days per week. Providing a parking subsidy to Choice Hotels, (while arguably making a profit for the City) is pennies compared to the economic impact of these additional 400 people.

Mayor Marcuccio hasn’t “Championed our City’s Economy.” She voted against it and continues to mislead the citizens of Rockville. The vote for integrity means a vote for Piotr Gajewski.

Two items. First, I have spoken with Piotr Gajewski about his ideas for tackling Rockville's problems and they make sense to me. To address large, capital projects (e.g. new police station; water line overhaul), Mr. Gajewski knows that in a climate of ultra-low rates, Rockville can get exceptional deals when borrowing money thanks to its excellent credit rating. At the same time, Mr. Gajewski looks to save Rockville money by eliminating support for such boondoggles as the RedGate golf course. Mr. Gajewski represented Rockville well in its recent bargaining with Choice Hotels and we can thank his working with the other council members for this achievement. Further, Mr. Gajewski has constantly endeavored to increase transparency into the workings of our city government so that Rockville residents can better participate in discussions and priority setting. I'm certain Piotr Gajewski will make an excellent mayor.

Second, Rockville voters can vote early by showing up at the City Clerk's office at City Hall on 111 Maryland Avenue between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. You don't need to wait until Tuesday Nov 8 to vote.

I agree, this would be an effective group I believe.

Gajewski, Hall, Pierzchala, Onley and Newton

Mr. Parson, much of what you wrote is a repeat from the GAZETTE. Your point of view is from the business side. Have you listened to any of the many debates? Do you give weight to the Rockville citizens?
Marcuccio has tried to get answers to questions I am concerned about as city property tax payer. We are told that 70% of the city revenues come from the residents who pay property tax above the county and state tax. Whatever the accurate percent is, the Rockville tax payers should be best represented on the Rockville City Council. The commercial base is also important, but it is the citizens who vote for the city council members.
My strongly recommend voting for Phyllis Marcuccio, John Hall, Bridget Newton and Dion Trahan. Mr. Trahan represents the future of Rockville, will bring diversity to the city council, and will bring his planning commission experience which is needed for smart growth.
In all the debates John Hall has emphasized the Rockville Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. I hope he makes sure that the Rockville APFO is not in conflict with the County's APFO because this might keep good developments from coming to Rockville. We need to increase the commercial revenue by allowing smart growth into the City.
One reason I am not supporting Mark Pierzchala and Piotr Gajewski is what I heard them say about the Redgate Golf Course over the two years. At one point they were ready to sell the property and consider a stadium. That decision changed.

I wish I lived in Rockville and could vote. Peter sure would get my vote. One would think that the incumbent Mayor was running for a county office, the way she attends grand openings all over the county.

Thank you Patch for endorsing Virginia Onley and for summarizing the reasons I have been helping her campaign. And thank you for the link giving easy access to the Gazette's endorsements. Readers may have noted the Gazette's caveat on its endorsement of Ms. Onley: "...she would have some heavy lifting do to get up to speed on current city issues, such as the APFO." In my view, it is the Gazette that needs to get up to speed on the APFO. Virginia is being thoughtful in not falling in with the APFO ideologues who are flogging that poor, abused old nag. The minority report on the APFO, published by Patch on October 21, gives good reason why it needs to be examined critically, particularly by those who care about affordable housing. Virginia does care.

Rockville will not succeed over time without partnerships for redevelopment and development with the business sector. City contributions to new projects is a hallmark of effective business/community partnership. Ms. Marcuccio and her supporters fail to recognize this reality.
As Robert McCartney, Washinton Post, said at the recent Economic Summit, Rockville needs to understand what kind of community it wants to be in the future and work with the business community to make that happen.
With the myopia of Ms. Marcuccio and her supporters we will not achieve this goal.

I am a citizen, a tax-payer, a resident, a homeowner. I posted my picks. Do those not count? And as far as the Gazette and Mr. Parsons being together--as the saying goes, GMTA.

I also abhor the divisions and the labeling. Developer, lawyer, renter--and now business owner?--all said in the same breath as if they're child molesters and drug dealers. This election has seen some ugly tactics used to obscure indefensible voting records. I trust the voters will not fall for it.

Doug, I would like to have an off-line conversation with you. Please send me your email address. Brigitta Mullican coburg1@verizon.net

I'm glad Mr. Kelly has reminded me that this election is about integrity. Your team of apologists all listed in this post, including the Gazette, have some explaining to do when it comes down to calling something a smear campaign, when Mr. Gajewski attacked people who questioned his finances, and then lied about his campaign finances. See post below. He took money from campaign contributors then voting in support support their legislation. There is a name for that kind of action. Asking someone to explain something doesn't make it a smear campaign. The citizens and the mayor and council have the right to question something when it goes over budget. That's called accountability. You and your apologists wouldn't allow this type of lack of moral values and integrity in your own companies, then why would permit kind of person to represent the city and bring real shame to our city's good name. Values dictate behavior. Organizational values start at the top. Hopefully, the next group of leaders elected on Tuesday will work together instead of working against one another for personal gain.
http://rockville.patch.com/articles/new-campaign-fund-reports-show-contributors-benefitted-from-candidate-s-votes#comment_1797970