I'd like to clarify a statement attributed to me...

I'd welcome having 200-300 people "overwhelming" downtown from a cruise ship but my concern is that the visits aren't organized or coordinated. Tours could be offered to local attractions, lists provided of local merchants and their proximity to the dock. Maybe we could offer bicycle rentals, rickshaw rentals, or even horse drawn carriages. Something to make the visit unique and memorable.

One more thing...regarding the duck drop. I was think of creating something like a "First Night" event (similar to First Friday) that culminated with the Duck Drop.

See Duck Drop entry under my name. All of the candidates make pretty awesome points, I like

@Joseph Smith - Perhaps you should volunteer for the city tourism department, Main Street or act as a peripatetic tour guide?

The taxpayers are more interested in candidates that are fiscally responsible, who will remove the obstacles that the mayor and current council put in front of economic development and can fix the water/sewer mess.

The comments made by Joseph Smith, and Robert Sawyer prove that they are not ready to serve on the Havre de Grace City Council. I have no problem with new residents serving, if they have done their homework. These Candidates have repeatedly made statements that show they do not understand the City. They have not participated in Tourism events and have not volunteered. I encourage them to become involved in the City and run again in the future. For now, let's elect candidates that understand our City.

I hesitate to respond to anonymous comments but I feel it necessary to correct the misinformation provided by "Business".

My first contact with Havre de Grace tourism occurred over 20 years ago when I attended my first Candlelight Tour. Since then, I have been on the Skipjack Martha Lewis, attended the Farmer's Market almost every Saturday, frequented downtown restaurants and coffee shops weekly, marched in the Fourth of July parade twice, and attended Mardi Gras, Christmas, and Halloween parades. Last weekend, I brought a half dozen volunteers to the River Sweep event.

"Business" has obviously never met or spoken with me or people that know me. I am running because I was encouraged by HdG merchants and residents who liked my point of view, ability to think "outside the box" and willingness to challenge the status quo. One does not have to have participated in "official" HdG tourism organizations to understand what can work in the City and have a point of view.

I have reviewed recent Tourism studies and spoken with Tourism experts at the City and County level. In addition, I have lived and traveled to several communities similar to Havre de Grace and have observed many activities and events that I think good be adapted to the City.

"Business" should do their own homework before making inaccurate comments or statements.

@Joseph Smith -

Your record speaks for itself. Your written comments and posts are very telling. You are neither desirable nor suitable for Havre de Grace council.

@Hans -
You seem to have all the answers and certainly plenty to say. Why aren't you running?

@sef - I don't want to run. I will share my opinion and I will vote.

@Curtiss Coon - Joseph Smith, all the candidates and current elected officials are public figures and I'm not. However my opinions are as valid as anyone else's.

Furthermore you only seem to be upset with my exotic name and yet you have no problem with sef and all the first name only posters?

Are you endorsing Joseph Smith?

Business and Hans
I'm curious as to you're view on where Joe Smith's views are out of touch with the needs of Havre de Grace. Perhaps you are talking about the fact he favors better zoning restrictions for downtown which would have prevented the pawn shop in that location or perhaps the thought that architectural overlays for downtown sites might mean the new 7-11 would blend in better. Or are you talking about his desire to protect tenants rights, do more to explore sharing of City services for cost savings, or maybe his background in business and working as a consultant with the governnment to initiate costs savings in various areas.

His comments about doing something with the boat tourists to help make their stay "memorable" and coordinating with store owners to make that happen seems like a reasonable thought to me. I think we need a little bit of "out of the box" thinking.

Apparently the Record does not share your view of Joe Smith either since they have endorsed him.

@Fran -

Joseph Smith is anti-growth by making more rules, high tax, grow-government because they can do it better than the private sector kind of guy.

Smith can say what he thinks voters want to hear, but he is worse than what we currently have on the council.

Joseph Smith will raise our taxes, he will grow HDG government, it will be difficult to deal with him and we will suffer more than we do today.

Man, I have no idea where you guys are coming from. There is no evidence Joe Smith will raise taxes or grow government. Do you think more rules like an archetectural overlay for the City is a bad idea? Why don't you talk specifics and stop with the broad based statements with no support which makes you sound like political soundbites

@Fran - Joseph Smith is short on specifics other than he wants to increase local regulation on business and maintain a high tax and sewer rates.

Soundbites!

@Fran - Yes Joseph Smith only has soundbites and there all weak and meaningless. Joseph Smith doesn't deserve your vote.

It's too bad nobody wants to talk about tourism, just attacks on Joe Smith.

@Billers Bikes - Joseph Smith is an empty vessel. His words are what you should be concerned about.

Mr. Smith's "most passionate stance" was in regard to the Duck Drop? Why in the world is it held at the middle school? Reason one is to facilitate the use of the Susquehanna Hose Company's 102' tower in the dropping of the duck. Does he know that the Duck Drop is a long standing tradition of the Hose Company's volunteers? Reason two is to the outstanding backdrop of the fireworks behind the duck. Good luck pulling off that stunning visual effect downtown. And good luck getting approval from the Fire Marshall to launch fireworks downtown. Seriously if that's his "most passionate stance" he really shouldn't spend much time planning on a career in politics. He's already started off stepping on toes where he should not tread. And note Mr. Smith - I'm not one to post anonymously.

Thanks for commenting, all.

Without editorializing on this topic, let me add that Mr. Smith isn't the only person to share this opinion.

See here, for one: http://havredegrace.patch.com/blog_posts/ringing-in-the-new-year-duck-drop-2013

I've heard a number of folks around town support the idea of open-mindedness on the topic of improving the Duck Drop -- and all of them have spoken very highly of the organizers that have gotten it to this point thus far.

We'll have our next topic on the election posted early Monday afternoon.

Sean

It's a bit sad that some people feel if you weren't born and raised in Havre de Grace you're not really a citizen, your thoughts and ideas do not matter, pack it up and go home. Everyone is from somewhere, some of us no longer live where we were raised.

The citizens of Havre de Grace have embraced our business even though Mara and I are seven-year transplants. I've never heard any complaints that because we aren't born and raised here we don't do good work, serve our community, and contribute where we can. Thousands of long-time locals are included in our customer base. Joe Smith, and tens of thousands of newcomers to Harford County and HdG, deserve better than the cold shoulder treatment and belittlement.

And again, what about tourism? That is the issue of this article. It's a complex development issue that goes well beyond a duck drop in its impact on the community, its effects on the revenue base, and its place in public policy and planning.

Bash Joe Smith, whether he's right or wrong, if it makes you feel better. There are a thousand Joe Smith's right behind him that are relocating here, love the place and its people, and want to contribute ideas, energy, and at times, healthy debate. -Walter

@Biller's Bikes - I was born elsewhere and have lived from the east coast, west coast and in between.

My criticism of Joseph Smith is he stands for nothing other than more government and for taking credit for other peoples efforts.

I commend the SCHO for the hard work and effort they put into the Duck Drop event on New Year's Eve. I certainly do not question the integrity and passion of those involved. I only ask that I be given the same consideration.

My focus was more on the Duck Drop itself and not so much the fireworks. While together they make an impressive display one doesn't necessarily require the other. The ball drop in Times Square doesn't involve a large amount of pyrotechnics. My logic for moving the event downtown would be to make the event more accessible to people already there at the local restaurants and bars - many have special dinner seatings for New Years Eve. Having the Duck Drop downtown will keep them in town. Many communities have "First Night" event with streets closed and small stages and performers scattered across several venues. Check out Talbot's First Night and "Crab Drop" - http://www.easternshore.com/firstnighttalbot/
This would be a family-friendly event as it is in First Nights held across the country.

This issue is, by no means, what I am most passionate about. My passion is to serve the community by getting people talking and thinking about how to build on the great resources we have available to us. A stronger community lends itself to a stronger economy and a stronger economy means more jobs.

The context of my interview with Mr. Welsh was much broader than he had room to report. I'd be happy to meet anyone in person to discuss these matters in detail.

First off, both do go hand in hand and if you have ever attended, you would know that. Most who come is families with children. I dont appreciate the Susquehanna Hose Company being used as a political ploy of yours in your election campaign. Before you go off making promises, you should first make sure its one you can keep. The Duck Drop will not move based on safety concerns and keeping it hand in hand with the fireworks for the family experience. I would strongly suggest next time, you do not undermine your local volunteer fire company and come and talk to us about your thoughts before taking it to the media.

WOW... all I can say is that no wonder good folks, and new folks, won't even venture to run for public office, even locally. The topic was tourism. The Duck Drop was one aspect. The possibility of any change was a suggestion. I saw nothing again the Fire Company or making promises. The interviewer asked about ideas and thoughts. Golly we do get personal. I love reading about different ideas and approaches, I surely get disappointed by the attitudes. I am fully aware that getting an extended family to 'agree' is a challenge. Getting every citizen to agree is an even greater challenge. But when there's a forum to share ideas that turns into such disappointing attitudes, well, I'm personally saddened. I like hearing ideas. I don't always agree. But we don't have to take it all so personally when it was never meant to be that way. Vote or don't vote for whomever, the point here is to share ideas. It would be ideal if we could do that without the 'attitude.' Just sayin'...

“Why in the world is the duck drop at the school and not downtown?,” Smith asked.
I kinda take it personal

SHCO = Susquehanna Hose Co. I'm sure this was just a typo. New ideas are always welcomed but you are taking a risk trying to change existing traditions. Just saying.

Honestly, folks, the suggestion to move the "Duck Drop" downtown was not intended as a slight to anyone. The quote was taken in the context of a discussion of tourism. The issue was how to get more people into town. Given that Bethlehem, PA, Raleigh, NC, Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA, Memphis, TN, Easton, MD, Mobile, AL, Port Clinton, OH, and Pensacola, FL all hold similar events in the heart of their business districts it seemed like a logical question to ask. My apologies to anyone who might feel offended or threatened by the question.

In My opinion maybe you should have spoke with Ed Grainger or Chief Hurst before making any kind of comment on the Duck Drop. What the general public fails to see is that events like the Duck Drop do not just appear or just happen. Many people who put in many volunteer hours to make these kind of events happen! Which then makes these volunteers take comments such as yours to heart! My husband is a member of the SHCO and every NEW YEARS EVE is on the roof of the middle school while his family watches without him so the public can enjoy! As his family we are proud of him and our SHCO family and DO take offense! The Duck Drop is a family friendly event and it gets better every year. I for one am happy it is not downtown I can only imagine the headache that would cause for all! I was not raised in HDG,Im a HDG transplant moved here in 2003! We recieve many people from out of town in fact last year we had a group of people from New Jersey who have come for the past 2 years and love it. We also have several people from Pennslayania, Delaware and Virgina! I know this from selling raffle tickets at this past event and spoke with many of them!! It has even made it in a New Jersey paper as a place to visit for New Years Eve! I say the Duck Drop is doing just fine where it is and is capable of bringing in many visiters! As for a 3-D duck I think Mr Eds duck works just fine!!!

The Susquehanna Hose Compnay funds this event! This event was not created for tourism this event was created for the citizens. I stated my opinion. I stand corrected anyone has the right to say what they want maybe i should have said that maybe before you make statements such as Mr. Smith did to the media it would be wise to gather facts concerning such events! There was a statement made not just a question asked! I for one do not understand what is so valid about his question, considering I know the history of the Duck Drop! Do you Know how they drop the duck? Are you aware of its machanics? Are you aware of the man hours before, after and during the event? Do you know how many lights are used each year? Do you know how many Volunteer Firefighters and thier spouses help out with event every year? These ma'm are questions worth askiing! Just my Opinion.

Ok I'll talk about tourism, how about the eye sore that is Route 40 in havre de grace. That should be a passion / focal point when trying to get into office let's talk about that. I-95 and Route 40 are major traveled road ways that families drive on while traveling to various locations. While trying to get into town you see Route 40 before you see the beauty of downtown Havre de Grace, as a traveler I would turn around an go else where instead of stopping. If I were running that would be my focal point to get the people in my corner not talking about an event that has it's own uniqueness that is totally different from the ones stated above. The men and women of the fire department do it for the citizens of Hdg and the many others that travel to see it. They enjoy volunteering their time that it takes to set up the New Years celebration that is the Duck Drop. I think by knowing the facts first their would be a better understanding of what takes place and why the current location is key for this event. I agree about the business aspect of it and somewhat of your campaign banter, but the Route 40 issues would be more appealing to voters then talking about this event, it's almost as ridiculous as saying The Duck Dunk will be at Lilly Run. The campaign talk of the revitalization of Rt 40 now that's news and sir that would get my attention.

@ Ron - On this we can agree, the Rt 40 corridor in Havre de Grace does not accurately reflect the charm and beauty of the rest of the City. Property rights being what they are, we may be limited in what we can do but that doesn't mean we can't try to create incentives for owners (or prospective owners) to upgrade their property or build something new that will make us all proud. It's mostly up to the market to decide what happens along Rt. 40 but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to encourage or create market forces that benefit us all.

Many plans and visions have been articulated for Havre de Grace - some good, some not so good. Either way, we need a Council and Mayor that is up to the task of implementing a vision not just maintaining the status quo. I believe I have the right combination of business expertise and organizational ability to help implement a strong vision for Havre de Grace. My vision would be to expand opportunities for growth while respecting local traditions and protecting the environment.

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-12-28/explore/ph-re-duck-drop-1230-20111222_1_duck-ladder-truck-fireworks

http://havredegrace.patch.com/articles/duck-drop-fireworks-ring-in-2012-in-havre-de-grace#youtube_video-8814543

I dunno why people take offense to other people trying to make things better. Your loss.

Katie, you are a joke! What did you wake up one morning and decide to write a blog about a fire company event you want to change. You personally have insulted the local fire company with your blog! You made a "advertisement" of someones event and change the name to a stupid name like rub a dub duck drop really lady have some kind of class! I do not know any of the people who work on this event but it was quite obvious it was fire department related! Why didn't anyone think to contact someone In the fire department to ask questions rather than try to take over a already successful event. You haha at the end of your post like it's a joke. To those volunteers it's not. Money doesn't grow on trees unless your planning on donating to the cause. I am not affiliated with the fire department but maybe I should be. If you think you can do it better maybe you should do your own duck drop for all the bar patrons you want to focus on not the families it's currently entertaining!

Sorry for the delay on the article. Had some breaking news to tackle since closing comments on this article.

The response from Scott Hurst of the SHCO on the location of the duck drop is here: http://havredegrace.patch.com/articles/hurst-drop-notion-of-downtown-duck

I've turned comments on this article back on, but they now require editor approval.

Sean

When you look at the events going on in Havre de Grace, everything is either geared to little, little children, or older to elderly adults. There's nothing for the older youth to do. I would love to see a concert hall, and before you suggest the concerts in the park, we need something a little more diverse than most of the country and bluegrass that is usually booked for that space. A movie theatre that played older cult classics would be cool too, and even for the little kids, having showings of kids movies would work out great. The decoy festival is nice, I hardly know of any teen to young adult that want's to go to that. During a the summer, what about a 'water war' at tydings? People can come with water guns and have a good time getting wet and cooling down. I also definitely agree with the advertising issue. A large majority of the people I talk to at the community college don't even know where Havre de Grace is.