Larry Riggs - Your Frederick County Specialist

Almost daily I post a story on my facebook page, Larry's home info, about a new business startup in Frederick county.

I am so proud of those brave souls who, despite all the negative media, venture out to accomplish their dreams. They are varied in their nature from marriage and family therapy to a specialty shop selling imported oil and vinegar. You can even catch a relaxing eco-friendly pedi-cab ride through Baker Park if you like. It's obvious that some of our citizens see clearly a solution that our politicians can't. I think Thomas Jefferson put it aptly: "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

I pray that this entrepreneurial spirit will catch on across our nation like wildfire. A wildfire that will burn away the wasteful, power hungry and sweep in those who believe in providing opportunity and then getting out of the way. This isn't about red or blue. It's about human nature and the desire to achieve. Unfortunately human nature also can lean the other way and promote apathy from those who only want to play the role of portraying themselves as victims. Let's face it, we have all been victimized at some point. The question is, what will we do with that knowledge? Will we learn to face those situations and rise above them or will we simply allow ourselves to be crushed by them? The choice is always ours.

I was struck by an article in our local newspaper the Frederick News Post this morning. A local radio host, Blaine Young was criticized for not giving up his radio show when recently appointed to the position of Frederick County commissioner.

Here's my issue. Blaine Young was appointed to this post after a sitting commissioner stepped down. Now commissioner Young agreed to step down from his show when he files to run for the post in the fall. However there is no law the requires that he stop broadcasting in his current position. The headline in the paper reads "Local Democrats launch campaign to force Young off radio show" What happened to free speech? Mr. Young is not an active candidate therefore he is not violating any campaign laws. The group attacking Mr. Young clearly stated he is not violating any laws but he is, in their opinion, violating the "spirit" of the law.

The issue here is not specific to Blaine Young. The issue is that when certain groups want something their intent overrides the letter of the law. However when those they disagree with do something they don't like then the "spirit" of the law overrides the letter.

Mr. Young has been on the air for 13 years. While I have to admit he can be a little rough around the edges at times, you never have to wonder where he stands on an issue. I find that refreshing. Perhaps that's what scares his accusers. I only hope Mr. Young and WFMD, the station that carries his show refuse to bow to this pressure.

I ran into a past client recently in Home Depot. She was a first time buyer I sold a townhome to not long ago in Waterside development in Frederick Md.

She had a great idea of what to do with the $8,000 tax credit she received from Uncle Sam. She remodeled her kitchen. Think about it, taking the money that was a give away and not only putting it back into the economy by purchasing services and materials but she also added value to her home.

We're coming to the end of that government program so I hope those reading this will consider what they could do to help themselves and the economy. I don't know about anyone elses political beliefs but I believe if we all do whatever we can to encourage the growth of our economy through wise investments we will all be better for doing so.

So if you're reading this and thinking of buying and you qualify for this program go for it! In the long run real estate has always been the safest of investments. While short term investment has it's risks, long term you just can't beat owning a home.

Although this post was prompted by an article here in the Frederick News Post it actually represents a trend that, while always with us, seems to be increasing exponentially.

At issue here in Frederick County Maryland is an ordinance passed by the Frederick County Commissioners that would interfere with the municipalities right to determine their own growth policies. The emphasis from the commissioners is that growth policies within the municipalities can have an adverse effect on residents of the county. The primary concern expressed was overcrowding of schools. School overcrowding is a hot issue here but many would argue it has to do with how the schools are planned in the first place.

The point is, although I have no doubt that the commissioners, particularly quoted in the article are Commissioners Jan Gardner and John Thompson, are acting in what they believe to be the best interests of the county, they are imposing their beliefs on the municipalities that, by state law have the right to determine their own policies. Herein lies the rub!

Throughout our history when power or the ability to seize power is placed before someone, they generally take that opportunity to increase their own influence. In one sense this is called leadership. On the other hand, when do we step back and allow some degree of self determination. I believe this idea of self determination is what our great country is founded on. Of course there have to be laws but there should also be a system of checks and balances to keep an individual or a group of individuals from gaining too much power.

I think it is obvious to anyone who has eyes and ears open that this situation here in Frederick County is only a reflection of what is happening on a national and even global scale. Those in power become drunk with power. The worst part is that, once a certain level of power is achieved those in power shield themselves from accountability. I think this is clearly demonstrated on the national level when those who caused this financial mess in the housing industry are beating their chests and calling for the heads of others rather than admit their error.

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a legislative breakfast with members of our state delegation. Delegate Rick Weldon got up and made a case for changing our county government from a board of county commissioners to one with a county executive thereby increasing accountability. I appreciate Delegate Weldon's courage for taking such a stand. The idea of the buck stopping with one person rather than a group pointing fingers at each other has great appeal. I'll finish with what Delegate Weldon listed as his favorite quote. "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Abraham Lincoln.

Although I've never been a fanatic about history I do appreciate when I have the opportunity to take a great listing in an historic town. The town is Funkstown, Maryland and they are gearing up for their "Old Tyme Christmas" celebration.

The event will be held on December 11, 2009 from 6PM - 9PM at the town hall. I suppose there are those who would rather attend an event at a major city with 100,000 of their closest friends but I think there's something to be said for small town charm. Events include a performance by the kindergarten class, a bonfire, local talent and the winner of the best ornament contest! Perhaps I'm showing my age here but I think there's something to be said for innocence.

Funkstown was actually originally named Jerusalem. The town was founded by Jacob and Ann Funck. For a time it was referred to as Jacob Funck's Jerusalem and eventually came to be known as Funkstown. It's German heritage comes from Dr. Christian Borestler who settled there in 1784 and brought 70 German families with him. By 1875 the town had an iron furnace, grist and woolen mills and a host of small shops. The main street still has a collection of quaint businesses to this day.

I don't go back to the 1700's but I do remember what it was like growing up in a small town where people still knew each other and life was much slower and simpler. So if you're in the area and want to take a liesurely trip back in time stop by and visit Funkstown's Old Tyme Christmas. To learn more click on the "event" link to go to the official Funkstown website