Political notebook: Howard's election roster appears set
By Larry Carson, The Baltimore Sun
Updated: 1:44 PM 7/10/2010
Parading about
Unusual vehicles are always popular in Howard's three July 4 parades, and in election years such as this one, politicians like to get in on the act.
Ironically, although incumbent county executive Ken Ulman, a Democrat, has strongly pushed hybrid and electric vehicles for county government use as part of his environmental focus as executive, he rode in a borrowed Mustang V-8 convertibles in all three parades.
Meanwhile, Republican Trent Kittleman rode her Segway electric scooter in the River Hill parade. Though she lacked the big, visible entourage that 2006 Republican candidate Christopher B. Merdon displayed, or the traditional appeal of Ulman's Mustang, she pointed out a possibly salient fact: "He didn't win," she said about Merdon. Later, Kittleman said the Segway is a great way to campaign, and a wonderful conversation starter with voters, not to mention fun to use.
This year, Ulman, who hustled to all three parades in River Hill, Longfellow and Atholton, was the most visible politician, thanks partly to squads of volunteers from the county police and firefighters unions.
Schrader, who marched alone at Atholton wearing a campaign T-shirt nearly indistinguishable from his Republican companions' running for other offices, was perhaps the least visible. Terrasa, his opponent, marched with a large team of supporters in bright purple campaign attire.
Schrader said he wasn't worried about his visibility. "This is about the neighborhood kids. I came early to talk to the kids" about national values and patriotism, he said.
Sheriff James F. Fitzgerald didn't have Ulman's volume of volunteers, but he did have his electric Gem-e car, a tiny electric-powered, four-seat vehicle his office used $19,000 of a federal grant to buy for patrolling the large parking lots around the county's Circuit Courts. Doorless versions are popular among tourists in Key West, Fla., and other resort towns.
"It's worked out very well. It's a nice tool to have," said Lt. C.L. Roles, who got the car to the parade for Fitzgerald to ride in. The sheriff, who is opposed by Republican Charlie Moore of Sykesville, said he participated in the parade as a public official, not as a candidate.
larry.carson@baltsun.com
Trent Kittleman for Howard County 3000 Kittleman Lane * West Friendship, Maryland 21074 *(301) 661-3344 * Campaign Manager: Josette Wheatley (410) 206-9539 Trent@Kittleman2010.com * Josette@Kittleman2010.com