I'm sure you have readers all over! You can count THIS one in Tampa Florida! Is Bill Martin a REAL politician that no one listens to? Hmmmm......?

We all have said some things we later regret. I hope you receive some "regrets" after a few people reflect on this article. I read the patch daily and comment frequently. Although there are some criticisms I have to offer, such as pseudonyms should be put in a separate forum, I feel you can't beat the reporting seen here. No journal I know of publishes without error. Politicians seem to inherently not like the press. But, our Constitution sure does love it! and, so do I.

They needed to down play the facts. They know they are wrong and are trying to justify their actions. Let's see how the new fence at Market and Revolution Street plays out.

For the record, I read The Patch every day, and thank you!

I read it daily and love reading about the local updates. Keep up the great work!

I read the patch daily and sometimes comment, too! It's hard to find local information about HDG in the other news media.

I read the patch every day, especially the comments. I love it!

I read the patch everyday and love it alot better than The Record

Sending you LOVE Sean!!!! I LOVE Patch! Read it all the time... Even cancelled my subscription to the Aegis!!! Tee hee hee.....

It's the best way to get instant news about what is happening around and in our community. I recommend it to everyone I talk to..

We just moved to MD three months ago. Patch has helped us learn about local things to see and do, learn the layout of town, get a feel for the sense of community etc. it's been invaluable to us.

To me *our* 'Patch' is all about community. Is it hard hitting world news? Nope, and no 'Patch' can claim that they are (and I read them from across the country every morning). And it's not meant to be, at least not in my opinion. It's a 'warm fuzzy home grown feeling' to read it from my iPad each morning, sitting on my back deck with a hot cup of coffee, dog in my lap. Yeah, I'm a romantic, I guess.

I am not sure if Bill meant because it is not subscription based, has a lack of a host of 'official' journalists, etc. I haven't heard nor read his actual comments, so I cannot and will not speak to what he had to say. I do know there are those that feel an online newspaper is 'bloggish' as opposed to 'journalistic'. It's a matter of taste, I suppose. Personally, I like the Patch because (especially on the articles you write, Sean) there seems to be no agenda, again, at least not in my opinion. I could do without the voting feature because I feel it 'pits' people and businesses, but that again is personal taste. Others I know enjoy it.

What is annoying are the psuedo posters too afraid to face up & own up to their own opinion - saying things they never would never dare say in public, face to face with another person (wimps)...that I certainly could do without because it smacks of that 'other' online 'paper'. But I thoroughly enjoy the Patch for what it is, what it is meant to be (IMO) and what it does offer. Again, it comes down to personal choice and taste.

I read patch everyday! I enjoy the variety of topics covered! Patch is the only daily media source that exclusively covers HdG news and interests! Most other so-called local media sources seem to forget about us! Heck, half the time TV news doesn't even mention when there's been a nasty accident here. Keep up the good work, Patch! Your readers appreciate your hard work and dedication!

I read the Patch everyday, sometimes several times a day. Your journalism is better than most. As many others have said, I don't even read the Aegis or Record anymore. If there was a classified section here I don't think I would ever buy our newspapers. Keep up the good work you do a wonderful job!!!

Hello Sean,
One part of this article is not completely correct.
"When the Occupy marchers rolled into town last fall, Patch provided up-to-the-minute information about the whereabouts of a group of 40 protestors on a chilly night. That reporting enabled the city's response."

Your reporting was not what enabled the response. I was in contact with the marchers when their original route put them through Rising Sun and I was the one to email them and advise changing this route to go through Havre de Grace. The day they were to come in I met with the Captain of Police to inform them of everything concerning the marchers they needed to know and worked with them and others throughout the day to make the marchers time in HDG safe and legal. Yes, you did report on it but you did not enable the city's response. It was the citizens who enabled the response.

Please take into consideration changing this section of the article to reflect the actuality of events.

Thank you,
Kayla Layton

If you want to see the meetings, just log onto The Harford Cable Network http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/HCN/
Click on Watch Your Favorite Programs Online at the top right corner.

Sean, While I'm from the generation that has trouble learning to use some of the new electronic technology and the social media, I can say that I think you do a great job here. I also do not like the fact that people post comments while hiding behind a fake name, I understand that it is difficult to control. I personally pay little attention to comments that are made by someone who is afraid to let anyone know who is making them and would be afraid to make them to someone's face. As for "The Patch" not having any readers, apparently Councilman Martin felt it did during all his campaigns. He took the time to do the video message that was provided by The Patch and to answer the questions posed by The Patch. I think it should be evident to everyone that The Patch has had an impact on peoples lives in our city and has had an impact on things like our elections. Since we no longer have a local newspaper here in the city (we have one by name only) I think your site is even more important and will continue to grow.
Keep up the good work!!

I have no interest in reading newspapers but I'm very attached to the Patch. Disregard any criticism.

Sean, as you are aware the paridigm has changed and the Patch, albeit in Harve de Grace or Columbia, is the local newspaper of the digital age.
To paraphrase John Feinstein, you've likely spent more time studying your craft than Martin has spent learning how to be a politician.

I always look to the Patch for interesting, updated, local news. No other news station, newspaper, or blog that I have come across comes close. While at work my co-workers and I are always discussing articles or comments on the Patch. Sean, somehow you have an amazing gift to be... everywhere! You don't miss a beat about what's going on in HdG, and to me that's what real journalism means.

I moved from HdeG to Rockford, IL, over 8 years ago. I've been a loyal subscriber to The Aegis and The Record for many, many years. I've already let my online subscription to The Aegis lapse, and will probably not renew my subscription to The Record. I look at the Patch almost daily for up-to-date info about my friends and former community. Keep up the good work and thank you!

Hey, I must be a nobody, too! I read Patch every day. Do I get ALL of my news from Patch? Of course not. There are world news sites that bring the world closer to me, but nothing compares to Sean Welsh and Patch for bringing my own home town closer to me. Kudos, Sean!

Sean, I read the Patch every day. I have not subscribed to The Record in well over a year. I do think you offer a less biased view of the news. However, on some occasions, you have not fully investigated the claims that have been made. In the matter of the "Fence", you allowed the comment by The owner that the house and fence were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission, without checking. I am a member of that commission, and we only gave approval to the house. Please check the facts more carefully before you report. Perhaps, that could have been why Councilman Martin made his comment. I look forward to many great articles in the Patch :)

I rarely read the Patch, due to residing in another state, but let me say that when I do, the journalism is top notch. After reading this article I plan to make more frequent stops to catch up on my old home town.

You must be successful, Sean. A sure sign is when local politicians start downplaying your influence. Keep it up. Democracy is messy... free speech can be infuriating. But isn't that what America should be all about? I think so. Keep up the great work!

Sean, I can't believe the ignorance behind Bill Martins comment...oh wait, yes I can. This is the same government that has allowed a pedophile to represent the City during City functions. The same government that harasses a citizen just trying to make HdeG a little nicer. The same government that allowed a senior member of the Police Department to retire with no notice, only to then immediately take a position in City Hall magically created just for him...matching his former salary while paying his Departmental pension.
Am I still a HdeG resident? No...but I was born and raised there and will always consider it home. And Patch is how I stay up to date. And Patch is better journalism than anything I have EVER seen from Aegis or Record. More comprehensive, accurate, current and UNBIASED!
And in the spirit of full disclosure, yes I have some ill will towards the City, being a former employee, discharged without cause or explanation (yet still judged eligible for unemployment because no fault of mine could be cited...but I digress). Regardless, my points and opinions still stand on their own merit.
Sean, I now and will support you and Patch and will remain a loyal and faithful reader.

It appears that Bill Martin spoke in error. Bill may want to consider a public apology. If not, then maybe the Patch article "Meet the Candidate" has no real meaning:

http://havredegrace.patch.com/articles/meet-the-candidate-bill-martin#video-9737250

Yes! I read Patch almost daily and pay particular attention to the comments made by the readership. As an elected official in HdG, it is important for me to have the opportunty to hear how the public perceives issues. Yes it is frustrating to see rude comments posted by individuals who do not use their real name. Keep up the great work Sean!!!! From what I hear, the monthly HdG Patch readership is ~twice the population of HdG... so someone is obviously reading!!!!

I read the Patch on a daily basis. I am also happy to say that both my 11-yr old and 16-yr old daughters read the patch daily also. They may not pick up the local newspaper when it is delivered to our home but I do know that they keep up on what is happening in our town daily - by reading THE PATCH. We think it is a great news source for our town.

Shame on Bill Martin. Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes from him. Don't sweat it Sean! Patch is the only local news venue I read. I also read other Patchs, from my parents neighborhoods, and I think Sean's reporting is exemplary. I have spoken with friends and neighbors who do not read the patch (few) and I am always better and more acurately informed. Patch is also the best way for residents to make our voices REALLY heard- using our OWN names- and make our community better.

Sean, I read the Patch daily. Sounds like you struck a nerve. It has been my observation that when persona try to downplay your worth, they infact believe just the opposite. You do a great job and most important, you care.....Remember the old Saxon proverb......An Eagle Hunts No Flies..... Keep the faith and most important.....Keep reporting.

I think Pam has something. Keep up the good work Sean. Thanks for your contribution keep the real journalism coming. Maybe his comments could cause more people to read the Patch!

Two points: First, I consistently read the Patches from HdG, Aberdeen and Bel Air; they define where I live. Second, having been a journalist since 1976, I think I know *real* journalism, and that's what the Patch offers. Thanks, and keep it up!

Just wanted to show my support (from the United Kingdom). I'm a Maryland native and try to keep up with goings-on back home (mainly Gburg, Towson & Timonium, but one of them sent me to HDG). To be fair, I don't know anything of this guy or the topic, but I think what Patch does for the survival of local news is indispensable (arguably more so than the work of elected officials) so keep it up.

Take it from someone who has been reading real newspapers and magazines since I was sitting on bundles of them as a child in my grandfathers and parents news stand.....and from someone who was an editor as well....The Patch is a real news outlet and community news resource by today's standards. The Online world has changed everything and we must adapt and never under estimate the power it holds. Any publication that has an editor that is up at the break of dawn insuring new content and factual happenings of our community are posted for all to read, who follows emergencies, events, sports, human interest, and local government is a real news outlet in today's media world. Sean you do an excellent job! Thanks for being a vital piece to many of our world's and for keeping us informed and for giving HDG it's very own Patch edition.

haven't bought a "record" newspaper in years...and i read the patch every morning...just saying...

Maybe Bill Martin WISHES nobody read The Patch. LOL

Yup, I read every day as well. First, the objective content of the article, then the comments to get the news behind the news. Yes, some comment is subjective but I get the overall community take on things. I may be behind a fake name, but I play by the golden rule and do not disrespect others.

I read the Patch everyday as well. Keep up the good work!

I read Patch daily, both Havre de Grace and Aberdeen. I enjoy reading them, and often find myself amused by the comments. That being said, I also know Bill Martin. He is a good man, who truly wants the best for the people of his city. He made a comment describing his private feelings in a public forum, much like those who comment on this site. I did not attend the meeting or watch the broadcast, so I am not clear on the context of the statement, so I cannot defend this particular statement, but I do know that EVERYONE will find themselves in a position of having said something off the cuff that they later regret. Has Councilman Martion bee approached for an explanation of the statement?

Fantastic response to an inane comment from a clearly out-of-touch councilman. A snarkier reporter would have simply replied that Martin's office wasn't real government and nobody knows about or votes for him but I like your constructive strategy better...
Thanks for all you do!

Too bad Patch was not around a couple years ago when the bar fight broke out a Coakley’s Pub. Maybe the truth would have come out.

I love the Patch, this is how I get ALL of the local news. If it went away I would be very disappointed. I don't agree with everything, but isn't that how REAL journalism works? Thank you for all that you do! You are appreciated AND NEEDED!

First, this is a tough one. I am close friends will both Bill and Sean. I read the patch everyday multiple times and have a professional relationship with both. I do think the Patch is fantastic journalism and great for Havre de Grace. With that being said, has anyone who commented on here been attacked the way Bill has been attacked in recent months. I know Sean was not pleased with what Bill said and I have to agree that it was probaly not the right thing to do. However, Sean felt a need to respond to ONE critisism. Imagine, having to respond to hundreds. I believe thats what Bill was doing out of anger. He and his family have been attached on the Patch over and over by the same people. Just look at this article, the same people attacking and others who make great points. Just look at the Coakleys Pub comment from 4 years ago. Imagine having your children reading some of the comments about you and you family on here. I had to recently call Sean to have him take down some comments in regards to the local fire department and some libel and slanderess remarks made in regards to the fire company being in illegal activities with members of the council. How riduculous is that? You probaly didn't see it because it was only posted for a few minutes. Sean immediately took the comments down, however, this fake name has continually posted on the Patch making slanderess remarks and demeaning remarks time and time again. Funny thing is, its not even a good fake name.

CONTINUED LOL. I even told Sean when I called him that the Patch had turned into a mini dagger press. The solution is simple, get rid of the fake names. Require and full name and home address with confirmation to be able to post. On top of that, maybe Sean can approve all posts before they are put on here. That would eliminate some of the libel and slanderess remarks. Just my two cents, but its a solution. Lets get the Patch back to what it was when it first came to our little town. Its great for Havre de Grace and I personally love it. Its just disheartening to see the personal attacks, libel and slanderess remarks in regards to our wonderful City. Love ya Sean and Bill, you are both great for Havre de Grace. Go RAVENS!!!

Sean, the fact that you have close to 3k followers (more than any other local site I know of) on this site speaks volumes about its importance and relevance. Keep up the good work.

Having actually watched the City Council Meeting in which the comments were made, it is clear that Mr. Martin's comments about the Patch were made with a smile. While he was clearly irritated with the comments on the Patch and possibly the handling of the article itself, I think it is rather obvious that the comment was made tongue in cheek and was exaggerated in that vein as well.

That being said, just as any media outlet, the Patch has at times not presented matters accurately and has not always been the best at getting both sides of the story before reporting, which lead to the Mayor's comments at the same meeting. I hope that the Patch will continually strive to be fair in its reporting and take any criticism as a call to improve, just as politicians and all people should.

@Jessica Craig

Just to be clear you'd like The Patch to make its best efforts to report accurately and for people to express their opinions freely?

I’m a nobody too that reads that Patch and I also use my real name. I know people who know Bill on both a personal and professional level – everyone says he is a very upstanding individual. I can understand saying something in the heat of the moment. We were part of the BRAC last year and we nestled into this small town community…I’m use to larger towns with abrasive people. People here are much friendlier – it’s awesome; however, I’ve said negative things about politicians in the heat of the moment on the Patch – good thing nobody reads them. I also said something about Nancy Jacobs because our views are different. Well, I saw Nancy at First Friday, I approached her, my dialogue with her started off abrupt “the NJ in me” and it turned out to be a great conversation because she was very pleasant. She gave me her personal email address and we’ve been corresponding and I feel we’ve become friends. Too bad nobody will read this – it was an awesome experience 

Maybe Sean and Bill can "patch" things up and just agree to disagree .

I am new to The Patch and I really enjoy reading the articles and getting timely updates about what is going on in my area. I like the cross between journalism and social media and hearing about local programs and events. Keep up the good work and don't let the haters get you down.

Comments from Hans-Adam III, Prince of Liechtenstein have been deleted for violation of Patch's Terms of Use.
-Sean

Thanks for the comments, everyone.

I wanted to say that Councilman Bill Martin and I spoke this morning at City Hall during a previously-planned meeting between myself and Mayor Wayne Dougherty. City Director of Administration Carol Mathis attended, as well.

Councilman Martin said he respects the job I do with Patch, as I respect the work Councilman Martin does for the City. I want to assure all readers that Patch's coverage will remain fair and unbiased.

Again, thank you for all of the compliments. I welcome any criticisms, tips or critiques. You can reach me by email: sean.welsh@patch.com or by phone/text at 443-299-7702.

-Sean

Scott Hurst - this is when a "like" button would be great. ;) We share the same sentiments about the out of hand comments and comments that have no bearing on the actual story. We wonder where bullying comes from within the younger generations? Just read some of the comments on this and other stories. Not much to wonder about, honestly.

Really, it just comes down to catty people being themselves, misconstruing prior conversations or trying to garner some form of attention or "settle a score" (I guess they never seem to think that it's a bad representation of not only themselves but of our town, especially from those outside the area that read the comments). But, it's HDG; we've come to expect it from some and can only guess at the hidden identities of others.

Bottom line is the Patch does a good job, we all exercise our freedom of speech (no matter how poorly) and Bill does obviously care about the town and does his job FOR us - not *against* us.

It truly does come down to this: "Lord, let my words be sweet and tender for tomorrow I may have to eat them." Even *I* wrestle with that one...

Havre de Grace is fortunate that the AOL/Huffington Post people chose HdG as a test market. Mr. Martin's frustration with an engaged media and electorate is understandable; politicians aren't crazy about folks watching their sausage being made. Havre de Grace is undergoing rapid change and Patch is reporting on it. Hope Mr. Martin musters an apology to Patch's local editor, Sean Welsh, and its thousands of "nobody" readers and citizens. -Walter Biller

Perhaps its a good thing that the article on "the fence" was written and the responses made. Sometimes it takes a little dust up to clear the air. It also allows for a process where people can judge for themselves responsible, fair, reporting and likewise, responsible commenting by the public. I, for one, am an ardent proponent of a free and expansive press. One of the prices of true liberty is that sometimes things end up in print or, in this day, digitally, that bear a less than "genteel" resemblance to journalistic decorum or the truth. At times, controversial reporting of one color can dominate the landscape. But that does not justify a "fairness doctrine" or any other type of censorship designed to quiet a free press. One of the great things about our Republic is its people and their right to think as they please.
In this local case a few good things probably resulted. Patch, I'm sure, will double their efforts to report fairly on all sides of a controversial issue. Our politicians will be more cognizant that the press is watching and finally, those who make inappropriate comments designed to impugn personal reputations and who have political agendas will be exposed. All in all, a good thing.

Sean,I began reading the Patch several years ago and believed it to be a real asset to the community. Your reporting was timely and I agree with one reader you seemed to be everywhere,but over the last year I have read the Patch less and less because of the ugliness which seemed to dominate this publication. The negativity seemed to begin during the previous election for Mayor and has deteriorated from there. Honestly, I had forgotten the positive contributions you have and continue to make until you pointed them out. Sean you are correct,the Patch has the ability to galvanize a community, it also has the ability to divide a community. Many of the citizen comments are deliberately distorted and create animosity within the community. I too know and respect Bill Martin and believe his statement was made out of frustration with inappropriate comments repeatedly being made and not being flagged. A very few people continually comment on the Patch with their personal agenda of dividing the city council,the citizens and the community.Sean, it is my hope that you will more closely monitor these comments and use your obvious influence among your readers to promote a positive,proud and cohesive community.

With the state of modern journalism, it's nice to have an information outlet period. It's nice to have editor who is actually in the community. And focussed on HdG? What a treat.

Is it the New York Times? No. But last week, NPR did a sad, but great report on how 'news' is delivered to the public on a massive scale. Currently, due to layoffs and paper closures, many articles are written by people across the country and in some cases, abroad.

When we moved here, we couldn't believe the fish wrap they called a paper. It is unfortunately still the case. One of my big disappointments in Harford County, is that they never raise the bar. Harford is an old county, but it should be on par with the rest of the modern world. We like our town, we like our friends - but for goodness sakes - join the 21st century. Be proactive in informed and knowledgable discussions of issues.

If politicians thought about doing real research on issues before they spoke, they might not have so much trouble.

And yes, Sean, you are an excellent editor and writer. But you do need a 'like' button, too. Thanks to Miss McLHinney, too. Your comments were well said.

Sean for MAYOR!!!

Popular In PA.
Quite a few people who live in Pennsylvania but spend their weekends on their boats in (and around) HdG read the Patch. It's how they keep up with the news at their "other home". They probably don't count with the politicos since they're not registered voters in Maryland but they sure count when it comes to spending money here.
Anyway, the Patch's strong suit is 'ultra local news' so it's where I go when I want to know about happenings in HdG.
(thinking about changing my Patch I.D. to "just another nobody")......(just kidding!)
Keep up the great work Sean.

I appreciate your work! Thank you!
Cheri Withers

I am new to the Patch but find myself checking each night to see what is happening in Havre de Grace. Though I live outside City limits, I went to school in Havre de Grace and have had ties there most of my life. Maybe the voters need to remember his comments come next election. Seems like there would be more important business during Council meetings than putting down someone who is trying to keep us up to date on current happening in Havre de Grace. Keep up the good work

churches say people vote with their feet;
pundits simply tweet;
Retailers see the vote of the wallet;
Umpires just call it (as they see it).
Voters who are interested, usually educated, wanting to watch -- have a hard time finding a match for Patch.

Well I have been a "PATCHER" since DAY1!!!I lookk to it for all Havredegrace,BelAir,Aberdeen etc...BUT...Hdg patch is what I consider my home town pulse button..I refer MANY people both locals nd visitors to check this out daily..I also try my best to help Sean stay informed on school based events as he does have many other hats the most important one being a DAD!!!Yet he still manges to take care of his wonderful family and he is devoted readers..Mr.Martin as it has been said you yourself used the Patch to make your political statement,Sure everyone has an opinion well just to let you know that is part of JOURNALISM!!!!Sean NEVER EVER stop doing what you do and my friend as i read all these comments there are VERY FEW BILL MARTINS on this site ..one more thing...

THANK YOU SIR!!!!.

I am so glad to hear that you are monitoring comments
Axe on the patch. Many who hide their identity have made snide remarks. As to your response to my comment earlier, thanks that it was timely and, as always, respectful.
However, my complaint still stands. ""The fence that rings the immaculate waterview home that was recognized by the city’s historic preservation committee."
In my opinion, the wording of this sentence could still imply that the fence was recognized. And Sean, it is the Havre de Grace Historic Preservation Commission, not Commitee.
Keep up the good work. I like the Patch because it is truly local. It seemed to me that in recent years the the Record had a lot of Bel Air news, and wasn't really about Havre de Grace.

Sean, I don't know where the non-word "Axe" came from, but it was probably was the result of the spell-checker on my mobile device!

In a discussion about the legality of the fence, whether or not the house it surrounds is recognized by the Historic Preservation Comission is irrelevant. I am not asking for Sean to write something ungrammatical. Rather, I was suggesting that it be written so as not to confuse. Why was there any mention of the HPC in regards to the fence?

And it is Commission, not Committee.

I love the Patch -- objective reporting of the stuff that happens in a community, large or small. I wish my town had a Patch! Keep up the good work. The people who complain about Patch are afraid of accountability.

I am a FAITHFUL PATCHER"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do in the evening is read The Patch (Havre de Grace, Aberdeen & Bel Air). By doing this, I am well-informed as to what is happening in my hometown, as well as surrounding towns. I have not subscribed to The Record or The Aegis for quite some time, since there is very little about Havre de Grace included in their news reports. I can get all of the information that I need from The Patch. Thank you, Sean, for doing a great job. Keep up the good work!!

Very well put, Sean. During long storm related power outages in CT, the mayor of Naugatuck "highjacked" the local Patch when his blog went down. Using smartphones, residents were able to read about where to get water, use electricity, get a meal, and keep up with developments in power restoration. He was MOST appreciative. Patch is more up-to-the-minute than print journalism and many, many people are reading it.