“Susie C. Bowles, who is the subject of an ongoing ethics probe into her request to be added to the county retirement system while receiving a state pension.”

What a joke this ethics probe is. Hasn’t it been over a year since Susie Bowles was accused of these accusations?  Like I said many months ago, once something goes to the ethics committee, it is just a matter of time before the public forgets about the allogations and the investigated person resumes life as usual.  Obviously, that is what is happening here except that Susie Bowles has the gall to actually put her name up for office while the no-nothing, do-nothing ethics committee delays any judgement until a time that will not be detrimental to the accused person. I wonder what ranking Maryland has in the list of most corrupt States.  I’m sure it is near the top of the list.

I was talking to someone yesterday about this exact thing. I had thought that the request for the ethics investigation was made later last year, not realizing that it was April 2008 that it was requested. Over a year ago!

Matt Simpson is a very active Democrat and is currently serving as an elected member of the Charles County Democratic Central Committee.  He was recently appointed as the committee’s Secretary and was a co-chair of the Truman-Kennedy Dinner subcommittee, our largest annual fundraiser.  I’ve served with him on the Central Committee for nearly 2 years and can say that all of us truly appreciate the abilities and enthusiasm that he brings to the group.

In addition, he’s a law student who will graduate in December 2009, and a lifelong resident of the county.

Is Matt Simpson in any way related to the Beer Baron Simpsons that pretty much controlled Charles County for 20 years and more importantly, fought vigorously to keep Nicks of Clinton from getting a license to sell alcohol so as not to be in competition with all of the Simpsons liquor stores located here and there throughout the County?

Different branch of a Charles county tree.  Matt Simpson’s mother was the editor of the Independent then, and she ran several stories on the issue and wrote several editorials on the issue criticizing the opposition to the Nick’s license as well as to their trying to stop Casey Jones.  Her involvement through the paper may have been what prevented the other Simpson and his sons from succeeding in their efforts.

I think it is sad that this question about Mr. Simpson’s family was even posed.  I would like to think that we are beyond “guilt by association.”  We all have family.

Judge Mr. Simpson or anyone else on who they are, not who they’re related to.

“I think it is sad that this question about Mr. Simpson’s family was even posed.  I would like to think that we are beyond “guilt by association.”  We all have family.

Judge Mr. Simpson or anyone else on who they are, not who they’re related to.”

I just asked a simple question and you have jumped to a conclusion.  When one is in politics, one should expect the public to want to know as much about them as possible—including their background and that includes their family.  I also wonder (for no incriminating reason) if you are related to the Robinson warehouse barons on old Route 925.  Since many politicians have promised certain things and taken certain positions during a campaign and then turned 180 once in office, knowing as much about their background as possible is no sin,

I jumped to the conclusion based on how you posed your question.  You asked if Mr. Simpson was related to people with the same last name who were involved in actions you obviously disagreed with.

I am not related to any Robinson’s who reside or resided in Charles County or anywhere else in Southern Maryland.  My roots are in New York City (Brooklyn) and two generations ago Eastern Europe.

Thanks for your reply.  I like people who run for office with a diverse background.  Your background as having been raised out-of-State probably brings a different perspective on issues then that which a SMIB might have.  I’ve been concerned for decades that Charles County was being run by the Good Old Boys and hoped that the day would come when there was ‘fresh blood’ looking at things.  That day has come.

The Democratic Central Committee is discussing some ideas for showcasing candidates to the general public when the campaigns get into gear.  We’ve discussed the possibility of debates or other “meet the candidate” events where folks will be able to interact, ask questions and get a general sense of those who intend to run for office.  Due to the level of interest on this forum, I hope we have many of the forum posters as attendees and participants.

In the meantime, following the model initiated by Ken Robinson and Johnnie DiGiorgi, I’ll do my best to address questions posed here.

I recently discussed the candidacy of Mr. Simpson with my wife, and we both were in agreement that this seems like a good thing for the County.  I would say it is about time we had a face in politics down here who had potential to go beyond county politics.  I would also say it is time we had a new face that can blend old school traditions with a modern upbringing and education.  It is time we were proud of an elected official again, so hopefully once elected he will not disappoint. My only gripe is that he decided to run for Register of Wills and not Delegate of Commissioner where we could really use him.

I’ve been concerned for decades that Charles County was being run by the Good Old Boys and hoped that the day would come when there was ‘fresh blood’ looking at things.  That day has come.

INDEED, Iam, I’ve been of the same concern as have many in CC.  Folks I know say they will vote for Mr Robinson, but question what can one new Commissioner do when surrounded by 4 Bozos if no one runs against them.  I say A LOT!  When one dissents, he/she can make the other 4 look like Knuckleheads so I don’t expect to see all 5 Commissioners marching in lockstep as they do now.  Better yet to have at least 3 new Commissioners, but I’d settle for one for now if that’s the best that can be done.  Pick ‘em off one at a time!

My only gripe is that he decided to run for Register of Wills and not Delegate of Commissioner where we could really use him.

Young, getting his feet wet with an office that he should be able to scoop up.  Smart move; he’ll learn the workings of CC Gov’t from the ground up.  I think we’ll hear more from him in the future if he decides to stay in politics.

Thanks for the kind words.  Trust me, I don’t run in lockstep with anyone.  Will I upset people at times?  I already do.  Just ask those currently in office.

I would now expect Anne P./Jack Wyatt/Wyatt Earp to post something negative.

Will I upset people at times?  I already do.  Just ask those currently in office.

Thanks for the reply.  Heh, just what we need here in CC—someone to upset the apple cart!

seahorse - 20 June 2009 10:15 AM

Young, getting his feet wet with an office that he should be able to scoop up.  Smart move; he’ll learn the workings of CC Gov’t from the ground up.  I think we’ll hear more from him in the future if he decides to stay in politics.

Excellent point and well put.  But with the caliber of elected officials now… he may already know more about the CC Government than those currently in office.