Comments for Voice

Comment on GRANOLAPARK: We want beige, and we want it NOW! by Sligo Creek Resident

Sligo Creek Resident — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:27:16 +0000

All this talk of curbs: what I want to know is when Takoma Park will become a real city with a viable tax base? I used to support rent control when I lived in a section of town where middle-income single professionals and small families starting out rented units they actually cared about and took care of as partners to homeowners and everyone pitched in to keep the place clean and safe. Now I live in a ward which is almost all renters and the units are the least attended to, cheapest, and most dirtiest units in Takoma Park, mostly occupied by people who pay little, get little, and mostly don’t care where their trash drops, where they urinate when they are drinking, how many shopping carts pile up around their homes, that drug deals go on in broad daylight, or how much noise they make at all hours of the day and night. I would like to see rents come on par with the rest of the region and tenants move into these units who have an investment in where they live. Rent control is creating ghettos and turning responsible landlords away. It’s an experiment that hasn’t worked anywhere else. Why do we keep insisting on it here in TP?

Comment on Granolapark: Safe Grow, votes, and bikes by maxine

maxine — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:56:01 +0000

Here’s the site for the petition opposing the Safe Grow Act.

http://www.change.org/petitions/takoma-park-city-council-say-no-to-safe-grow

Comment on Granolapark: Safe Grow, votes, and bikes by Sligo Creek Resident

Sligo Creek Resident — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:53:21 +0000

This law is another proposed regulation that in addition to imposing another fine-based burden on property owners, possibly rendering Takoma Park exempt from any county help in pest control, and impossible to enforce, will do little to improve our environment. Our lawn is home to everything from insects to deer to feral cats. The Roundup we sprayed four years ago to kill poison ivy did absolutely nothing to harm them. We also have bees, butterflies, moths, lady bugs, even cockroaches courtesy of the apartments next door. This is another nanny law proposed based on emotion rather than science with no city support. Moreover, it opens the door to ban everything the uuber parents suppose might harm their children–none of whom should be on anyone’s property without permission.

Comment on GRANOLAPARK: We want beige, and we want it NOW! by Patty Barden

Patty Barden — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:16:16 +0000

How about during the streetscape presentation when the lead committee member suggested that streetscape construction decisions should not be made on site “by the lowest common denominator who wants to go home and drink beer on Friday night?” You could almost the troglodyte’s knuckles dragging on the ground as the attempted to finish their task without the watchful guidance of more superior beings. And regarding yellow pads on the the accessibility ramps–could we keep them if we call them “colonial yellow?”

Comment on CITIZEN BILL: A song of the mow by Alan Abrams

Alan Abrams — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:46:24 +0000

How many times must a man mow the lawn, before he cries out in vain,
And how many times must a man rake the leaves, before he’s bent o’er in pain,
And how many times must the gutters be cleaned, before he just goes insane?
The answer my friend’s a condo-mini-yum,
The answer’s a condo-mini-yum.

(Alan resides at Parkside Plaza…)

Comment on COMMUNITY: Blues and more in Silver Spring by Shawn Hanson

Shawn Hanson — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:18:53 +0000

Ed Levy’s story makes me want to move back to the DC Metro area!

Comment on Granolapark: Safe Grow, votes, and bikes by Gilbert

Gilbert — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:53:54 +0000

One way would be to ban a certain quantity of specific chemicals.

Comment on GRANOLAPARK: No acid by Steve Davies

Steve Davies — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:24:53 +0000

Bring on the Precautionary Principle!

Comment on Granolapark: Safe Grow, votes, and bikes by Steve Davies

Steve Davies — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:17:47 +0000

I’m not sure how if it would be legal to ban commercial lawn-care services but allow residents to do their own thing.

Comment on CITIZEN BILL: A song of the mow by admin

admin — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:43:31 +0000

I didn’t have room in the panel for the chorus.

(to the tune of “Roll Down” by Peter Bellamy)
And we will mow-oh-oh-down,
Walk around me brave boys and mow down

More mowing songs:

(to the tune of “Rolling Down to Old Maui,” traditional sea chanty)
It’s a damn tough life full of toil and strife we mower-men undergo
And we don’t give a damn when the ground is rough or how hard we push to mow.
We’re homeward bound, ’tis a grand old sound
And the reels are pushing free
And we don’t give a damn if we jump the verge,
And mow down the shrubbery

Mowin’ down the shrubbery, me boys, mown’ down the shrubbery
We’re homeward bound, tis a grand old sound,
Mowin’ down the shrubbery!

(to the tune of “Rolling Home” by John Tams)
Round goes the push reel mower
be not afraid to stride
There’s air with no pollution
Upon the other side

There’ll be wind and sun and bicycles
You’ll need no gas, just brawn,
When we go mowing lawns, when we go mowing lawns

More at the Citizen Bill Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Citizen-Bill/281490776019?ref=tn_tnmn

Comment on ENVIRONMENT: Toxic lawns initiative tangled up in vines by admin

admin — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:00:32 +0000

This article is almost a year old. It’s doubtful anyone is reading the more recent comments. I suggest you leave comments on more recent articles on the subject if you want people to see them.

For example: http://tpssvoice.com/2013/05/31/granolapark-safe-grow-votes-and-bikes/

Comment on Granolapark: Safe Grow, votes, and bikes by Gilbert

Gilbert — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:29:50 +0000

Correction made! Thank you. Please post any other helpful links or remarks in this comment section.

Comment on Granolapark: Safe Grow, votes, and bikes by Julie Taddeo

Julie Taddeo — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:42:34 +0000

Gilbert– The correct link to our petition to restrict cosmetic lawn pesticides in TP is

https://www.change.org/petitions/approve-the-safe-grow-initiative-to-restrict-the-use-of-cosmetic-lawn-pesticides

Thank you.– Julie Taddeo, SGZ

Comment on Bulldozers are coming to Rachel Carson Meadow by Of Bulldozers and Democracy: The Death of a Meadow in Silver Spring | So Takoma Park

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:38:15 +0000

[...] that a soccer field and a meadow can effectively switch places. And yes, it does sound crazy, but a 2011 Takoma-Silver Spring Voice article sheds some light on the “reasoning” behind this decision: simply renovating the [...]

Comment on ENVIRONMENT: Toxic lawns initiative tangled up in vines by Neighbor on Sligo

Neighbor on Sligo — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:18:48 +0000

Comment on COMMUNITY: Taste the world in Fenton Village by COMMUNITY: Blues and more in Silver Spring - Voice

COMMUNITY: Blues and more in Silver Spring - Voice — Fri, 31 May 2013 17:29:25 +0000

[...] co-sponsors with the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board, the June 2, 2013, Taste the World in Fenton Village festival, with the participation of 26 area restaurants, free music, and a raffle. SSTCI’s signature [...]

Comment on GRANOLAPARK: Whose money? by M on Sligo Creek Parkway

M on Sligo Creek Parkway — Wed, 29 May 2013 21:23:21 +0000

Coming in late to the discussion because I just learned about this blog while looking for opposition to the Safe Grow legislation. Indeed, Takoma Park seems to penalize people for owning their own homes and somehow sees justice in deciding who has too much money, so therefore, should be forced to give it away. A tax rebate should reflect what the taxpayer pays–not based on income. On that same note, if ability to pay is criteria, it is the high taxes that are forcing our senior out. Nope. If there is a tax rebate (something I pray fervently for), taxpayers should get what they paid in to support duplicate services, regardless of their income level. As well, putting it toward paying down debt accrued by stupid decisions made by City Council is unfair. There is only one thing worse than a neoconservative–a neoliberal. In the end, they look alike–both pushing ridiculous agendas supported by small but vocal activists. And those of us seeking balance almost always pay the price.

Comment on COMMUNITY: Local students pedal 4,000 miles to support cancer communitities by The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults – UCF In the News in 2013

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults – UCF In the News in 2013 — Sun, 26 May 2013 21:46:30 +0000

[...] June 6, 2012 THE VOICE Local Students Pedal 4,000 Miles to Support Cancer Communities [...]

Comment on THE HEART OF LIVING: Dealing With Difficult People by Emory Luce Baldwin

Emory Luce Baldwin — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:14:39 +0000

Hi Jess,
Good question. In my experience, the “fight or flight” reaction is always there for me when I’m nervous, such as when I’m dealing with a really difficult person. My palms sweat, my stomach knots, etc. But even if my voice is shaky, I can still respond in ways that express respect and self-respect. This almost always makes the situation better, or at least keeps it from getting worse. What I learn from these experiences over time helps me calm my “fight or flight” response and feel more confident and even a bit more relaxed. I hope this is a useful response to your question.

Comment on ENVIRONMENT: Toxic lawns initiative tangled up in vines by Richard LaNore

Richard LaNore — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:38:00 +0000

I oppose the ordinance, Takoma Park Safe Grow Zone Initiative. I would like to bring to your attention the facts of the benefits of ornamental turfgrass and landscape culture. Well managed turfgrass has many benefits including erosion control, it cleans the air, filters runoff, is a safe place for sports and activity (fewer injuries than synthetic turf), sediment control, creates oxygen, increases property value, and has a cooling effect. Our trees, shrubs and landscape plantings provide beauty and shade to our urban environment. The proper management of turfgrass requires the judicious use of fertilizers and pest control. Trees and shrubs fall victim to a myriad of disease and insect problems that require the use of fungicides and insecticides. Our members are trained and certified lawn and landscape specialists. We know how to diagnose and treat lawn and landscape problems while reducing the amount of pesticides needed.

In addition, contrary to the statements of the ordinance and the studies and comments you cited therein, there is no documented, peer reviewed scientific data that the activity of using general use pesticide products is in anyway linked to increased cancer or to health problems. The only one that is cited in the comments that has any validity is the NIH study. The NIH study cites two pesticides; paraquat and rotenone as being linked to Parkinsons Disease. While there are no official statistics from Maryland, I personally do not know of a lawn care company that uses these products. In personal conversation with my sales representative from John Deere Landscapes, he relates that he has not sold a bottle of either in his entire carreer (20 years). To back that up, in New Jersey in 2010, the pesticide survey for pesticide use on lawn and landscapes reported only 13lbs ai. of paraquat and no rotenone was used by lawn care companies and landscapers in New Jersey in 2010. And, they are not on your banned list. Yet, your statement says that in general ALL pesticides are linked to Parkinsons Disease according to the NIH study. Rotenone is actually a botanical and is on the list of products that can be used in organic farming. So, if you are eating organic vegetables, you are probably ingesting rotenone. This is just one example of the inconsistencies in the testimony that is prompting your action and there are many more.

As a lawn care operator and certified pesticide applicator that provides a quality and essential service to homeowners in your area, I urge you to do more research before blindly banning pesticide use in your city. If you would like professional advice, I would be more than happy to volunteer and supply more professional knowledge to your process. Call me if I can be of service. I am a Master Gardener in Charles County and I help the new MGs by giving a pesticide class every year. I am sure you would find my input valuable.

Richard LaNore
Director, Maryland Turfgrass Council
Owner, MRW Lawns
Work # 301-870-3411
Email rickl27928@rocketmail.com