Drzyzgula: Gazette Snub is "Payback"

The Gazette’s endorsements this week for Gaithersburg City Council has one incumbent—Councilwoman Cathy Drzyzgula—saying that the weekly newspaper’s snub of her candidacy was “payback” for supporting a state bill the publication had opposed.

Of the three incumbent council members running to hold onto their seats Nov. 8, the Gazette on Wednesday endorsed two—Councilmen Jud Ashman and Ryan Spiegel. Instead of supporting Drzyzgula, as it did in 2007, the newspaper endorsed challenger Tom Rowse.

Drzyzgula said the Gazette chose not to endorse her because she testified in favor of proposed state legislation that would have allowed local governments to publish public announcements on the Internet rather than in print publications such as the Gazette. The bill—HB 909—died in the Environmental Matters Committee on March 25, according to online state legislative records.

But Drzyzgula said she believes her support fueled the Gazette’s decision.

"The Gazette chose to make a business decision," she said at a Gaithersburg Germantown Chamber of Commerce lunch on Wednesday. "It's payback that I testified on a bill that would allow online advertisement. You don't even have to read between the lines, it's right there."

David Simon, the Gazette's managing editor, declined to comment for this story.

In its endorsements, "Opportunity for change in Gaithersburg," the Gazette questioned Drzyzgula's record.

"... her individual accomplishments on the council are scant and she admits to having few big ideas, preferring to assess and advocate based on the suggestions of others," the paper’s endorsement states.

The paper, however, praised Rowse.

"He wants to lower the property tax rate, bolster public safety, build a senior center and improve communication with residents, including a return to print advertisements for public hearings," the Gazette writes. "He has the potential to bring both heat and light to the council."

Rowse was obviously pleased with the newspaper's endorsement.

"I think they hit it all right on the mark," Rowse said Wednesday. "Everything that was said was in perspective. It's time for change."

The paper also praised Ashman and Spiegel for tangible accomplishments: Ashman for the Gaithersburg Book Fest and Spiegel for the “Bank on Gaithersburg” program.

While the entire council was officially in support of HB909, Drzyzgula was the only council member to testify.

Ashman came to Drzyzgula's defense, calling the Gazette’s snub of the one-term councilwoman "sickening."

"I'm pleased with my endorsement," he said. "But it's bittersweet because of Cathy. They missed the ball about what Cathy's leadership has meant to the council."

"Her humility and lack of flash is mistaken by them as her missing something," he added.

The Gazette also did not endorse Paula Ross, writing that her “tax and legal problems … do not reflect well on her business acumen."

Ross dismissed the critique Wednesday, saying those issues have long been resolved. She said she was pleased that the Gazette’s suggestions for the new council’s agenda mirrored her campaign platform.  

Del. Kirill Reznik (D-Dist. 39), who sponsored HB 909, said he met with Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz and Gazette Publisher James Mannarino over the issue of authorizing local governments to advertise its public meetings online rather than in newspapers. Mannarino, he said, was understanding of the purpose of the legislation.

"My concern has always been we're not prepared with this area of the law should there be one newspaper left in a particular area and it should go out of business or its print edition goes entirely online. What should the municipalities do?" Reznik said.

Reznik said he doubted that Drzyzgula’s support of the bill would have resulted in “residual wrath” from the newspaper because other council members also supported it.

"I can't imagine why she would be particularly singled out for this. It seems a little odd," Reznik said.

The legislation has faced opposition from the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association and Reznik said he would work with MDDC on a compromise.

Drzyzgula said she is ready to live with the consequences of the Gazette’s decision to endorse a rival and keep her campaign moving forward.

"I knew it was a risk when I took it," she said of testifying. "I'm willing to take risks. That's how you make change."