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Matin announces he plans to run for state’s attorney

Maryland Independent, by BETHANY RODGERS

A local attorney and former county prosecutor on Wednesday announced he is entering his name in the running for state’s attorney, the second candidate to make a bid for the post held for 20 years by Leonard C. Collins Jr.

Hammad Matin said that if elected, he won’t offer plea deals in cases involving sex offenders or handguns and will try to hire more prosecutors to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office.


Posted by: Sammy on 08/07/09 at 11:53 AM
    Page 1 of 1 pages
  • 1. · As most of you know, I have performed pro bono work for crimie victims since law school too many years ago. I was also a proscutor, and I even served for 2 years as the general counsel and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the National District Attorneys Association, which represents all the prosecutors around the country.

    While both of the declared candidates will likely be a major improvement over the current State's Attorney, I will be supporting Hamad. He is a sharp attorney, and he has no ties to and is not beimg supported by the the political machine. He has some great ideas about taking the State's Attorneys office in the right direction.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/07/09  at  12:32 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 2. · Pardon me for not using sepll chk. red face

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/07/09  at  12:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 3. · I agree. Hamad is a fine attorney and a lot of the officers at the CCSO support him. He was never one to play politics in the court room. As a prosecuter, he would look at cases thoroughly. Even on the "weak" cases he would at least try, where other attorney's were quick to try and strike a deal.

    Comment by Maria  on  08/07/09  at  02:21 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 4. · It sure would be nice if he could get the FOP's backing. Please talk him up with your buddies, Maria.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/07/09  at  02:27 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 5. · By the way, before I agreed to support him, he promised me that politics would never play a role in his decisions. I believe him, or I would not be supporting him.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/07/09  at  02:29 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 6. · Hammad will do very well as Charles County State Attorney. I am supporting him as well.

    Airwolf>>>You are right please find a Candidate that you like and talk about him or her to all your buddies and also when out and about the county at places like Walmart, Safeway, the Mall, at the ball park, you get the idea. Plus send out e-mails to all your buddies as well.

    2010

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/07/09  at  03:56 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 7. · Sammy, Airwolf. In the words of John McEnroe: "You cannot be serious!!!" Hammad is a nice guy, alot of fun and, aside from the fact that he is a lawyer, is simply unqualified to run the State's Atty's Office. Any serious or even casual observer of the court house knows that. He is the quintessential glad-handing, back-slapping politician without any real experience or substance. Again: Nice guy but woefully ill-prepared to handle the job.

    Comment by Observer  on  08/08/09  at  05:34 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 8. · The fact that he is NOT supported by the "political machine" -- whatever that is -- is quite instructive. He's spent the last five years ingratiating himself to evry politician in the county and state. Yet he gets no support from them... at least yet. They know what he is about. There lack of support should give you a hint. Hammad has been EVERYWHERE. At every chicken dinner. At every fundraiser. Nothing wrong with that at all. But he knows the entire political machine by first name and yet he gets no love. Contrarily, Tony Covington has simply successfully prosecuted the most difficult cases in the county for years and NOT been "politicking" non-stop as Hammad has. Tony's performance in court and within the courthouse and sheriff's office why people that really know what's going on support him. There really is no comparison between the two. For once can qualifications mean more than "politicking" in an election?

    Comment by Observer  on  08/08/09  at  05:45 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 9. · Last thing. Prior to throwing his hat in the ring Hammad has made no bones about his desire to fly up the political ladder. Right now he may talk like he wants this job for the long haul but reality is he merely wants to use it to get a "better" political position. I could give ya 10 names off the top of my head that he's said that to for years. The State's Attorney's Office should not be used as a political stepping stone. Politics can't be part of the decision making process in a prosecutors office. Tony Covington has no other political ambition. He will make his decisions based on the case NOT who the defendant's attorney might be (yeah think Vallario or Miller). Charles county can't afford politics to take over the prosecutor's office. And quite frankly that is what would happen with Hammad the Politician in office. By the way Sammy, isn't Senator Cardin THE political machine? It's obvious you support Hammad but at least be intellectually honest on these things.

    Comment by Observer  on  08/08/09  at  06:00 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 10. · I just went back and checked all the comments, since you were addressing Sammy - I didn't think there had been any...and there aren't besides the posting of the thread...

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/08/09  at  06:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 11. · #9 post did stick out- I was just casually reading and wondered where that came from. Maybe its because Sam does the work of finding topics to post postings and usually allows the rest of us to do the commenting; except to clarify a position?

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/09/09  at  11:12 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 12. · I will agree to disagree with Observer. He has 6+ years of experience. He is the one who is NOT being supported by the local political machine. I think he would be the best choice. But I respect Observer's strong opinions to the contrary.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/09/09  at  04:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 13. · Observer>>>
    Hammad is a nice guy, alot of fun


    Have you been at any dinners or meetings and heard Hammad speak? I have and also he has been at some events where he has been the M.C. at the events. Hammad is a good speaker and he knows what he is talking about. and you are right he is s nice guy and he is a lot of fun to be around.

    Over the last 4 or 5 years it has been fun getting to know Hammad and I feel he would be a very good States Attorney. I knew many months ago that he was going to run but he asked me not to say anything. I will say this if Hammad had not put his name in the hat I would have liked to have seen Kurt run for States Attorney!

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/09/09  at  08:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 14. · sounds like a pretty reasonable assessment of this character, but pardon my ignorance here.

    how can anyone be running for an elected office and NOT be political. it's the only way to get elected, from local offices right up to the presidency.

    maybe this guy is on the up and up, but i believe the best politicians will play their cards close to their hands. in other words, unless you share a bed with him at night, no one has any idea what his personal aspirations are.

    Comment by xcitor  on  08/11/09  at  07:10 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 15. · But you make your decisions, as always on the best information available to you. I think I said before, I used to conduct performance audits of prosecutors offices around the country. I trained prosecutors in child abuse prosecution, and drug crime prosecution, and economic crimes. I edited a book on drug paraphernalia crimes, and wrote a number of Maryland's crime victim rights statutes. In addition, many of you know that I have taken bold stands that are contrary to my own business and personal interests, because I try to do the right thing. I hope that this lends some credibility to my opinion.

    My opinion is that Hamad is ready, and will be a great State's Attorney. It is time for a change.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/11/09  at  09:01 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 16. ·
    unless you share a bed with him at night, no one has any idea what his personal aspirations are.


    I think there are plenty political wives out there who have learned thats not so true either!

    Appalachain trail anyone?

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/11/09  at  09:57 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 17. ·
    In addition, many of you know that I have taken bold stands that are contrary to my own business and personal interests, because I try to do the right thing. I hope that this lends some credibility to my opinion.


    well we don't need to split hairs over this particular candidate. my comments and intellectual pursuits usually speak to the need for true electoral reform, rather than a condemnation of a particular individual.

    i say this because anyone who is elected for public office (again from local elections right up to the presidency) learns two things on day one: (1) you have to campaign for money every single day. you gotta make sure your coffers are well-stocked for the next election. i'm sure i'm not the only one that sees a pathology here. (2) most politicians are guilty of party-line corruption. again, no matter how sincere a candidate seems, the day he takes office, he learns he better walk that party line or else. on The Hill if you don't submit to this, you usually don't get the nice offices and the extra staff, etc. etc. at lower levels, the game is played a bit differently, but the end result is the same: the will of the people is usually spit on because of the horse-trading that goes on for votes behind the scenes.

    Comment by xcitor  on  08/11/09  at  11:19 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 18. · xcitor- what you have said reveals why we havea govt that is bought- not what may be good for the people.

    One area I would love to have reform.

    Same campaign dollars from a pot of money- hey if these busineeses still want to put in their millions they can- it would just go to everyone.

    2- salary and office staff and a apt motel for all to stay in during sessions. No ifs ands or buts.

    3- review of the life time benefits

    4- time limit before the politicians caqn leave govt and become a lobbyist. actually with the above; you wouldnt NEED lobbyists.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/11/09  at  12:00 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 19. ·
    xcitor>>>``Well, Johnny ... looks like you screwed *that* one up.’’


    I can see a LOT of Love is pouring out of you on your above posts. smile

    2) most politicians are guilty of party-line corruption. again, no matter how sincere a candidate seems


    If your talking about me I have news for you, you have no clue of what I am like or about. UNLESS you know me and have been around me you'll know I am not like the above statement. I do not put myself as 'MOST POLITICIANS' I would say if you want to get to know me e-mail me and at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or lets talk. Or call Kurt to get a better feel of what I am like.

    I will say this I do speak my mind and always have. You can like it or not I will open up and say what's needs to be said. Yes sometimes I put my foot in my month at times but also I feel most people get the point that I am NOT IN BED with anyone and any other info on that you can talk to my wife about that.

    Now who I back or not back for 2010 some will agree and some will not. But right now my HORSE is Hammad AND HE'LL BE RUNNING HARD AND FAST JUST TRY AND KEEP UP WITH HIM. Yeppers he is the one I hope wins in 2010.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  08/11/09  at  12:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 20. ·

    If your talking about me I have news for you, you have no clue of what I am like or about. UNLESS you know me and have been around me you'll know I am not like the above statement. I do not put myself as 'MOST POLITICIANS' I would say if you want to get to know me e-mail me and at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or lets talk. Or call Kurt to get a better feel of what I am like.


    i certainly don't know you, nor were any of my comments directed at you. if i came off as anything approaching hostile, i certainly apologize.

    nonetheless, the fab five have a lot of us really pissed off (and rightfully so), but i fear not pissed off enough to effect real change.

    i've read all i can on the 2010 hopefuls, and honestly i feel that not much will change in the county. the devil is a lot better than a placebo, or whatever that saying is.

    i hope i'm wrong. we'll see soon enough.

    using the term ``most politicians'' in making my point may be a hasty generalization---which i was taught to avoid in the 5th grade. but, sadly, it's a pretty accurate depiction. perception is reality.

    Comment by xcitor  on  08/11/09  at  02:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 21. · Airwolf, your credentials notwithstanding, if you think Hammad is ready you gotta another think coming. I've done a little -- not complete but a little -- comparison research on Covington and Matin. From what I can tell Covington has TRIED more MURDER cases than Matin has tried cases of any type before a jury. Think about that for just a second. And it looks like Matin doesn't even have double digit trials under his belt. Covington has over twenty murder TRIALS alone. Covington commands the respect of his entire office (Hammad does not) and the legal community at large -- especially the judges. How is Hammad going to lead any office when he has less experience than EVERYONE in the office? But more importantly for discussion: You say it's time for change. What needs to be changed? Charles county prosecutor's office has a great reputation throughout the state. It is among the highest in conviction rates and winning trials. It has the highest rate of defendant's going to the division of corrections (not the local jail) per capita in the state. There's no reported corruption I can remember. They do their job and do it well. Exactly what is the problem? Other than your personal friendship with Hammad that makes you want "change". If there are issues air them out so we can discuss them. Thanks.

    Comment by Patty  on  08/11/09  at  08:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 22. · Patty's post illuminates a lot for me. thanks.

    Airwolf, besides you being a fellow lawyer with this cat, what do you stand to gain if this guy is elected?

    please let us know, we'll find out eventually anyway.

    Comment by xcitor  on  08/12/09  at  06:49 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 23. · The Charles County State's Attorneys office is one of the worst run in the state, in my opinion. It has actually gotten better, recently, because there has been an attitude shift toward reason.

    It is a terribly uninformed statement that Hamad has had fewer than double digit trials. I believe that I alone have had more than double digit trials in which hamad was the prosecutor, and I don't do that much criminal defense work.

    Regarding corruption of the office, NOT of Covington, whom I respect, a number of years ago, it was revealed that the State's Attorney's office was controlling which circuit judge heard what case (known as judge shopping). This is a serious breach. One of the circuit judges to this day recuses (excuses) himself from any case in which the prosecutor involved in that matter is prosecuting.

    There are many more stories about abuse of crime victims, disregard for their rights and feelings, disrespect for crime victim attorneys and other attorneys, unnecessary prosecution of innocent people (because of failure to screen the cases - as you probably know, anyone can go swear that a crime was committed and get anyone else charged with a crime in Maryland).

    Regarding statistics, the statistic you cite about more criminals going to prison instead of the local jail has much more to do with the good judges we have here than with the prosecutor's office.

    And I will get you some statistics soon about recent prosecutions, but when I researched it for the 2002 campaign to unseat Collins, I found that in circuit court cases (the most serious cases) the rate of plea bagaining was over 99%.

    There are many more stories to tell about the necessity for change in the office, but I can't do them justice in a few paragraphs, and neither Tony nor Hamad are responsible for these things. Both Tony Covington and Hamad Matin have been positives and not negatives within this sea of chaos.

    I honestly believe that Hamad will bring better changes and faster. It is also comforting that he will not owe anything to the political machine here. It is concerning to me that politicians are lining up for endorsements of this sensitive position that should be devoid of politics, and very disturbing that Leonard Collins who is very political, handpicked by the local powers that be, and responsible for the problems of the office, would try to handpick his successor.

    I said in the beginning that either of these guys will be a change for the better, and I believe that. I respect your opinion, and believe that Tony, if elected, would also be a change for the better.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/12/09  at  07:03 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 24. · I consider, by the way, that I have a personal friendship with both candidates, and that my decision to support Hamad has nothing to do with those friendships. Just my best informed judgment.

    Xcitor, you are getting a bit to Xcited. I HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN BUT BETTER JUSTICE, SOMETHING WHICH I HAVE DEDICATED MYSELF WITHOUT PAY SINCE LAW SCHOOL. I have devoted countless FREE hours in cases for crime victims.

    Why do you question my motives? Can't I have an opinion? I have not questioned whether you or Patty or anyone else here have ulterior motives. And I am the only one who lets his identity be known. For all I know, any of you could be one of the candidates, or one of the prosecutors who should leave with Leonard Collins (or right now, for that matter), or someone who believes that he/she will get a job in the new administration, or Wayne Cooper (or one of his press people).

    I have tried give you some of my background for credibility, and I hope it does not come accross as arrogant, or "I know better than you". We are all entitled to an opinion here.

    Some attorneys, in fact many of them, went to law school so that they could make a positive difference in the world. I still try every day, and there is seldom a day that goes by where I am not doing something WITHOUT CHARGE for someone, especially these days. If you want to see my awards from the U.S.Justice Department, the White House, the Maryland Governor, and even a prosecutor in Alabama for my VOLUNTEER work for a better criminal justice system, come on over. I would be happy to meet you at my office.

    I don't want to make it personal, but I do resent the comment "we'll find out anyway" - as if I am concealing something or deceiving anyone. Or is is just that you don't trust attorneys? You should really change attorneys if that is the case. There are many out there who value their reputation for honesty. If you want to make an accusation like that, come out of the shadows, and make it without hiding behind a false name.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/12/09  at  07:57 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 25. · I'm sorry. I should have been more clear regarding trials. I was NOT talking about petty district court trials or jury trials that were district court cases but the defendant asked for a jury trial. I was only talking about felony circuit court jury trials. You know, those cases that require real experience and teach prosecutors their craft. In other words, cases that the public really care about their chief prosecutor being able to handle. In those cases Matin is light-years behind Covington...not to mention most of the other prosecutors in the office. Anyway. Hope I cleared that up. Again I apologize.

    Comment by Patty  on  08/12/09  at  08:32 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 26. ·
    Charles county prosecutor's office has a great reputation throughout the state. It is among the highest in conviction rates and winning trials. It has the highest rate of defendant's going to the division of corrections (not the local jail) per capita in the state
    . Where did you get that information? And don't you think that veracity and integrity should part of the decision when you entrust someone to uphold the power that a prosecutor has?

    And by the way Judges send defendants to jail not the prosecutor.

    Comment by Manny  on  08/12/09  at  08:42 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 27. · Airwolf:

    sorry, sir, it is certainly not personal.

    i use a screen name here, as many do. the domain name i used e-mail address i used to register here is my last name, and although i do not make it public, the admin here can run a simple look up on the net to verify i am not a sock puppet for anyone else. i have been using this name since 1991, and i don't really hide my identity on purpose. in fact if you do some google searches, it won't be hard to figure out my real name. i have nothing to do with the airplane called `Xcitor', so omit those from your search smile now that the mystery is out of the way...

    i am male, 41, and a voting taxpayer in The Chuck. i typically vote GOP, although i have been unaffiliated with any party for over 10 years now.

    i care about what goes on in my community. like i think i posted elsewhere, like many of you i am really pissed off about the state of affairs in our county. when you hear about all the nepotism, you scratch my back, i'll scratch yours deals going down, it's easy to see why we all want change.

    but again, it's not personal, i do not think you have anything to hide. my personal view is that i see a lot of mob mentality here, a lot of groupthink. that kinda makes me nervous, so i like to stir up the pot a bit. it gets people talking, which is really the whole point of this, yes?

    i am not part of the political machine in this county, nor do i have political aspirations. however, as i get older and wiser, i am learning that most of the most egregious civil rights violations, unchecked corruption, and good ole boy network shenanigans go on at the local level. i grew up in a political family (well step-family anyway) in St. Mary's County, so believe me when i say, i know how it all works.

    i'd love to see the best in people. but it's a very hard sell to this cynical 40-something.

    Comment by xcitor  on  08/12/09  at  09:06 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 28. · It seems, contrary to our locking horns above, we have a lot in commion, Xcitor. I don't intend to look up your identity, but I hope to meet you as I am working to get all 5 commissioners out of office. I hope you will join some of the organized efforts to do so. Political Action for Charles County (PACC) is a relatively new group who is working in that direction. Their approach will be more diplomatic than I would have, but they are working in the right direction. Please join. All of these frustrations (on this website) must be converted into something positive.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/12/09  at  10:56 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 29. · Airwolf, thanks for putting those "problems" on the table for discussion. I think it's proper to discuss facts and issues rather than the "My guy is better than your guy because ..... well because he's my guy" discussion these things devolve to sometimes. So I'll look into your issues and respond later. Thanks.

    Comment by Patty  on  08/12/09  at  11:02 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 30. · Thanks, Patty. Please remember that I am in no way blaming Tony for those problems.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/12/09  at  11:06 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 31. · perfect, a meeting of the minds, Airwolf!

    i'm mostly a stream-of-consciousness writer, and sometimes i don't edit for tone. i know i come off harsher than i intend to.

    but i'm certainly angry enough that this election cycle may be the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back. i am wide awake and ready to fight the good fight.

    i'll certainly be looking into PACC. i've often thought one of the shortcomings of our democratic/electoral process is that we have never created a PAC for We The People. perhaps PACC can be a first step in Charles County.

    Comment by xcitor  on  08/12/09  at  11:11 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 32. · You guys are really frustrating me with this "Matin not being part of the political machine" disinformation campaign. Come on. If you know him for years you know he is nothing but a political operative and democratic party charles county insider. 1. He is Senator Cardin's field representative. 2. Has run for Democratic Central Committee post. Almost won. 3. Press refers to him as a standard fixture in the Cobb Island democratic party committee. 4. Rex Coffey and other democratic pols and have him MC their fundraisers etc because they think he's entertaining AND he's their insider. STOP THE DISINFORMATION. Covington is known because of his accomplishments INSIDE the courthouse and really nothing else. Which of course puts him behind Matin in this election. That's Covington's problem and challenge. Matin is known for his activities OUTSIDE the courthouse and really nothing within the courthouse. Yeah he was a prosecutor for many years but apparently was never trusted with serious cases. For my money I want the guy who has made his name within the courthouse. They may both be good guys and smart but the political operative (read MATIN)should NOT beat out the guy whose actually DONE it not just TALKED about it (read Covington). But if Hammad is gonna try to portray himself as the OUTSIDER compared to Covington, Hammad's gonna end up looking like a liar. Cause that just ain't true.

    Comment by Observer  on  08/12/09  at  11:19 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 33. ·
    but again, it's not personal,..... my personal view is that i see a lot of mob mentality here, a lot of groupthink. that kinda makes me nervous, so i like to stir up the pot a bit. it gets people talking, which is really the whole point of this, yes?


    thats what quite a few of us do xcitor; cant have a discussion without getting the dialogue going can we?

    THANKS for your particapation. Its never any regurgitation of some-elses viewpoint.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/12/09  at  11:28 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 34. · Airwolf, is Collins entitled to his opinion just like you? Handpick his successor? Collins announced his intended retirement a year and a half before the election. He's given anybody and everybody plenty of notice if they want to get in the game. He said "I'm supporting Tony Covington". How is that handpicking? It is instructive to those who are not biased, that Collins, who was Matin's boss for 5 or 6 years and presumably knows what Matin is all about, does NOT support Matin. Would you say Collins was hand picking his successor if he had said I support Matin?

    Politicians are leaders and quite frankly are paid (I don't mean that in a bad way) to take positions on issues. Sometimes their opinions are outside of their expertise and I ignore them in that context. But when they take a position on sometrhing in their wheel-house, I and most smart people pay attention. Collins, and for that matter, Gansler have taken a position on an issue they know alot about. That doesn't end the discussion but I think folks should at least pay alot of attention to their informed decision.

    I'm sorry but you're kind of coming off as a Collins hater and throwing Covington under the bus because Collins supports him. That just doesn't seem fair to me. Especially since NO ONE has ever said that Collins was insincere in doing what he thought was best for his agency and the people of Charles County. I for one can't believe he supports Covington for any other reason than he believes Covington will do the best job for the county.

    Comment by Observer  on  08/12/09  at  11:39 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 35. · OK, Observer. So far, I am BIASED, UNFAIR, a purveyor of DISINFORMATION, all because I don't agree with you. Sorry. Not interested in getting into a spitting contest with someone with a closed mind. I suspect now that you are the one with hidden motives.

    I think you attitude reveals your bias. I wonder whose credibility is intact after this discussion, yours or mine?

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/12/09  at  01:19 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 36. · Airwolf, where is this attitude in 35 coming from? I thought we were having a discussion. One in which we both have a different opinion. What, if people don't agree with you, you just take your ball and go home? This forum, it seems to me,is a perfect way for folks that DISAGREE to say so and why. If we allagree what the hell is the point? Just because I believe Covington is clearly more qualified than Matin -- and I think that is a fact not just an opinion -- does NOT mean I'm improperly biased.

    I've done my homework. I've looked at the two men, seen them in action, heard what they've had to say over the past several years and I made my decision. Covington's been an attorney at least twice as long as Matin. Same for their respective time as prosecutors. Covington has almost a decade of managerial experience as an Air Force Officer. Matin hasn't managed anything larger than his one man/one secretary office. That's not a knock on him as a person just the truth. Covington has been in managerial positions in two different state's attorney's office. He has supervised people before. He knows the personnel side of it. Covington knows and has extensive experience in the managerial side of the job that Matin just doesn't. That's huge. Sure Matin could learn it but we're talking about qualifications RIGHT NOW. More than that, Covington is considered by most trial lawyers as the best criminal trial attorney in these parts. Matin hasn't tried enough to earn a reputation one way or the other. By any objective standard Covington is much more qualified than Matin. And on any personality demeanor subjective standard no one could put Matin over Covington. Covington is very personable,accomodating reasonable etc. That's probably why he connects so wellwith jurors. Anyway.

    Maybe I'm overly sensitive to the situation. I am one of those guys that believes hard work and experience that brings excellent results should be rewarded. Covington has worked hard and has gotten great results for the citizens of Charles County. Far too often that's NOT the case in political elections. And that really irks me. I mean in all honesty no one can credibly say Matin is even in the same ball park as Covington. Really. So when I see and hear folks, like Matin himself, "spinning" situations it gets under my skin. (ie Matin in the Independent trying to make it sound like Covington is some political hack backed by the party when the truth is Matin is the political operator who has been seeking party backing for years.) And I'm not alone in that. I truly believe that's why so few people particiapte in the political process anymore. They, like me, are just tired of seeing the "politician" beat out the most qualified guy for the job. I know this happens in every walk of life but that doesn't mean I have to like it or give in to it. As I've said before in this thread: Can qualifications win out for once?

    Comment by Observer  on  08/12/09  at  04:56 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 37. · I am not the one who made the accusations of incincerity, you are. Name calling and questioning integrity is not a discussion. So my discussion is over.

    Put down your talking points. We have heard them 5 times now.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  08/13/09  at  06:30 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 38. · # 36 "Maybe I'm overly sensitive to the situation. I am one of those guys that believes hard work and experience that brings excellent results should be rewarded."

    Observer: Although the recent selection of judges resulted in the selection of qualified, capable applicants, others that were more qualified and truly deserving of the job were not "rewarded" and were overlooked. There is no denying that politics played a role in those selections. If it's good enough for judges (who ultimately have the authority to exact justice), I can't get too spun up about politics entering the State's Attorney race.

    I will support Matin - it's time for a new approach. Matin is qualified and he is a decent man with great enthusiasm for the position, a natual empathy for victims, and an excellent rapor with law enforcement. I belive that Matin's experience as a defense attorney will render him far more approachable and responsive to that segment of the bar that seems to have had issues in the past with the states attorney's office. Collins has been there for a long time - and done a fine job - but it's time to breathe some new life into that office.

    Comment by Faibles  on  08/13/09  at  09:32 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 39. · I’m writing this response because I feel the need to inform others of my experience with the two candidates running for States Attorney for Charles County. As a law enforcement officer in Charles County, I have been involved in hundreds and hundreds of criminal cases and between fifty and a hundred criminal trials in our courts. I have personal experience in some of these cases and trials with both candidates. As a law enforcement officer concerned with the safety of our citizens and the successful arrest and prosecution of criminals, I strongly feel that Hammad Matin is the best choice for the position of States Attorney. This opinion is based on my personal experience having dealt with both Tony and Hammad as prosecutors. When comparing both individuals it is very clear to me that Hammad has the skills and passion to more effectively prosecute criminals in this county. Hammad had continuously demonstrated that he is willing to try difficult, cases where the successful outcome is uncertain based on the evidence at hand, because he is more concerned about justice than statistics. I firmly believe that Hammad’s demonstrated commitment to justice during my experiences with him make him the only candidate for State’s Attorney for Charles County.

    Again this is my opinion based on my personal experience dealing with both candidates in the professional environment that they are both now running for office for.

    Comment by simon kenton  on  08/24/09  at  12:19 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 40. · Thanks, for the input Simon. It's good to hear a perspective from a new voice.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen and, unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed are those of my own.

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  08/24/09  at  12:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 41. · I concur- it is nice to have good new input from a citizen of this COunty and from those who directly deal with the candidates in some fashion.

    I hope we can increase the readership to this blog with this election.

    I have suggested advertising this blog at the fair- to get mnore input but also to increase peoples knowledge of the COunty affairs- I find so many who work out of the County, and have NO IDEA how things run. Then they come asking me questions about what they have heard. Then it gets into lengthy discussions because they do not have the background information to make informed decisions.

    For this purpose- increasing knowledge (and I cant afford to publish a newspaper or create a blog to inform)- I asked if I could try to promote the Delusional Duck. I have some giveaways and business cards to hand out and inform folks at the fair along with a big blow up yellow duckie for display purposes- I just folks willing to pass them out or put them at another booth you may be manning (say the Republican Booth maybe?) I cannot do it for persoanl reasons that some of you already know.

    Please let me know if you can. AN INFORMED EDUCATED public is what is needed to change this County.Please help.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  08/24/09  at  02:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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