Last Voting Hurdle from the Anne Arundel County Horse Council

November 2006

Stablemates, election day will determine if our dream of a Horse Park on 875 acres in Anne Arundel County will be realized, or if it is just another dashed hope. The choice is just that clear.

As we learned painfully last winter, no plans for the Horse Park will go forward without the support of the Anne Arundel county executive. While there are many other factors involved, that is the only absolute. The county executive can (and did) derail the project. The pending change in administration gave us another chance this year, but the election of a county executive who opposes the Horse Park will end further discussion.

John Leopold is opposed to the Park. He has not demonstrated a willingness to discuss the matter with interested constituents, Horse Park advocates, or even state officials. He turned down our entreaties to speak with him and address whatever concerns he had.

George Johnson remains open and interested in the project. While not committing himself to any specific terms for building the facility, he was interested enough to spend an entire day visiting the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, speaking with Pony Club organizers who were sponsoring activities, touring the facilities, and studying the economic impact it has on the region.

That is the kind of reasoned analysis you would want from a leader on any issue.

Sheriff Johnson needs our support at the polls Nov. 7. He also needs to know the equestrian community is active and visible in backing him. Please vote on Nov. 7!

This isn't the final jump, but it is the biggest so far. Let's clear it and make up for lost time.

Other election notes:
Mike Shay, candidate for Dist. 33B Delegate, continues to demonstrate his understanding of the significance of this park for the horse community, agriculture, the environment and the economy. He has also been instrumental in helping to enlighten other candidates. If you are in District 33B, please give Mike the support he has given the horse community.

And finally, if it were not for the vision of Governor Bob Ehrlich, this project would not have gotten off the ground. His administration initiated the project and ha s continued to show support.