I feel this is a waste of time. Instead of this, we should be focusing on realizing English is not going to be the dominant language of this country within the next few decades and we should instead embrace this new time of change and help to educate all those in the new language (Spanish most likely) instead of trying to convince ourselves that by making English the official language we are somehow avoiding the issue.

If Haven Shoemaker is so darned tired of pushing the #2 on his phone for English he should write an ordinance to make it illegal to so in the County. That is NOT what this stupid, bigoted ordinance does and he knows it. This draft ordinance is just a place for him and his Caucasian Commissioner buddies to mount a political soap box and play footsie with their wing-nutty intolerant friends.
This law will be an embarrassment to Carroll that will permanently mar the county’s reputation and taint the honor of every person that lives or works here.
These five arrogant, bitter, bigoted Commissioners were not elected to pass dumb laws that do nothing but appease their political whims. The ordinance should be scrapped before it goes any further and if these Commissioners think the Citizens of Carroll want a law that makes English the official language in Carroll then they should have the courage to put it on a referendum ballot so the citizens can choose what image they want their community to portray.

Don't these nitwit Commissioners have anything better to do with their time? Is this what we are paying them to do? So far , as commissioners, they have accomplished next to nothing except waste our tax dollars. Maybe they should run for Congress next time around. It's nice to see that English doesn't matter when collecting payments and fines.

I'm all for it and if residents are given the opportunity to vote on it I have no doubt it will pass by a landslide.

I totally agree. Waste of time. How is passing a law in Carroll going to stop *private businesses* from choosing to have the option of conversing with their customers in other languages? You know, sometimes business and (shocker!) governments actually want to communicate information to people. If they opt to use a language other than English, what's it to you, Commissioners? This just comes from a place of bigotry. Again, I'm embarrassed by our BOC.

Mi perro, Spot, es más inteligente que el Sr. Zapatero.

Por cierto, Zapatero es el español de Shoemaker.

It's par for the course that our Commissioners are scrounging around for more stupid useless things to support, which a majority of people might agree with, instead of doing anything to demonstrate real leadership. Just because the majority agrees with something, certainly doesn't make it right. If so, we probably wouldn't have the need for civil rights legislation. Whether it's gays, non-Christians or now hispanics, this board of Commissioners will find something subtly bigoted to promote in the name of scoring political points with ignorant people, who I'm very sad to admit happen to represent the majority of people in Carroll.

What's next for these bigoted, self-righteous Tea Party fanatics...white sheets and torches? Just when we thought Carroll County had moved beyond its disgraceful past. In 1995, I had an intern who lived in Baltimore City. When we had an assignment in New Windsor, she refused to come to work. She later confided that it was because she was terrified. She told me she had grown up hearing horrible stories about Carroll County and what people here do to young black women. My heart ached for her. It also ached because of what this said about our community. Are we really going back there? Are we really going to let these crazy commissioners take us back there? Speak up Carroll County!

I want to weigh-in on 3 matters related to the need to declare English our "official" language:

First, I motorcycle all over America, and whether its Shenandoah, Virginia; Grand Island, Nebraska; or Greeley Colorado, a disturbing pattern of employment discrimination has developed. I increasingly meet & talk to young well-spoken college graduates that cannot get jobs in their OWN HOME TOWNS because they do NOT speak the language of a foreign country. It is patently unacceptable to see American students driven-out of their home towns because they speak "only English". How would you feel if your own daughter said, "Sorry mom, I have to move and relocate to an area where English is still acceptable" ?

Second, as a country that purportedly embraces diversity, why is it that anyone that defends the American culture, American heritage, or American language (English) is subject to attack or ridicule? In spite of the negative banter that self loathing leftists choose to believe about America, traditional America is still a great culture worthy of defending. We make NO APOLOGIES FOR DEFENDING OUR CULTURE; OUR LEGACY; OUR HERITAGE; OR OUR LANGUAGE.

Third, although Carroll has no serious language problem at this point in time, I applaud Commissioner Shoemaker for his initiative. The best way to protect against this problem is through preemptive measures that prevent it from ever becoming a problem.

- Commissioner Richard Rothschild, Unwavering Conservative Leadership

Truly disturbing.

In all the years I have been in Carroll County I have yet to be addresed in Spanish (because, lets face it, that's the language these people are afraid of), or to have to "press #2 for English" (usually you press 1, not that those 2 seconds are a big deal anyway). So yes, this resolution of a big waste of time and taxpayer money, and is a clear pandering to voters irrational fears that somehow our current high unemployment is due to illegal immigrants taking all the good
And although i find it rather hard to believe that hordes of well spoken college graduates are being refused jobs simply because they don't speak another language, maybe in a difficult job market, employers would rather hire the candidate with more skills, including proficiency in a second language. (shouldnt a college graduate have that anyway?)

However, maybe we are being unfair. If the Commissioners can name one actual .thing that this bill would accomplish, one tangible improvement that this resolution is designed to make to Carroll County, then I will consider supporting it.

Carroll County deserves a higher level of leadership....the tent must fall on this five ring circus soon, before any more damage can be done to the reputation of Carroll.
Total ass backward perceived leadership...

I agree that it is pointless and a waste of time and my tax dollars. We are a country founded on immagration, and it has only made us stronger. My forebearers spoke Swedish and German when they arrived. Did my great grandfather the cobbler take a job from someone who was already here? Maybe. But then his sons actually created more jobs. Immigrants start more small businesses than the rest of us, and that is a good thing. Needlessly bashing a group of people that Carroll County depends on to pick their crops seems mean spirited. Let's spend our energy on growing jobs in the county and giving the next generation the best education possible instead.

Rothschild seems to speak to his actions here, and I respect that, whether I agree with him or not.....But why doesn't Shoemaker have what it takes to justify his very poor actions on a forum like this....?

I'm not sure how this initiative will improve the quality of life in Carroll County. Rather it may unintentionally (or intentionally) portray us as an unwelcoming, narrowly focused, Incapacious community. Instead of this excluding ordinance, I invited the Commissioners to expand and fully fund the English For Speakers of Other Languages program.

I agree that drafting such legislation isn't a good use of the commissioners time, however, our nation has become splintered for a variety of reasons. Without a common language, we are doomed. My ancestors moved here and learned English. It's only practical. When I lived in Brazil, I learned Portuguese, even though a lot of people spoke English. When in Rome... As mentioned in the article, I would rather see more attention paid to offering more ESOL courses. That's not to say children shouldn't continue to learn other languages. Being bilingual (at least) is a valuable commodity in today's world.

YOU WANT TO LIVE IN AMERICA? SPEK THE LNGUAGE!!!
http://www.careerjet.com/spanish-speaking-registered-nurse-jobs/maryland-384.html
http://www.careerjet.com/spanish-speaking-jobs/baltimore-12350.html
http://jobs26.com/usajobs/jobs/spanish-speaking-leasing-specialist-needed-silver-spring-md

English has always been the common language in the US and will always continue to be....this is a non-issue waste of time and money. Our Country will continue to evolve regardless of perceived rules and regulation...always has~ always will..not a darn thing this narrow minded little government can do about it.

Waste of time and a totally obvious example of xenophobia in Carroll County. There is NOTHING harmed by offering people information in their native tongue. But, I guess here in Carroll where it's always 50 years ago, it makes sense. I guess the next vote from these clowns will be to make heterosexual the official sexuality and Caucasian the official race.

As for English being the American language, I'm sure there are a lot of Chippewa, Lakota, Cherokee, etc. who would disagree with that assessment. Give me a cosmic friggin' break...

those who have no citizenship have no right of protection via the Constitution.

Commissioners - PLEASE stop wasting taxpayers money on topics that are not important, and quite frankly embarassing! Whether you have to press 1, 2, or 9 on your phone to hear English is simply ridiculous. If you are looking for something to do I would challenge you to take a look at issues that ARE important such as: aging and crumbling schools in the county; water resources; wildlife preservation; county employees salaries (teachers, police officers, fire fighters, etc.); county-owned facilities for children and teens - such as community centers, and so on.

that's right commissioners.....base all your judgement on the premise of "horribly embarrassing, ignorant, and quite frankly rude". Where can we find that in Constitutional law????

That proposed ordinance is as nonsensical as when a college student, who lived in the room next to mine hung a miniture, metalic tiger paw on his door. And when I asked him for what purpose, he said it served as a talisman for warding off evil spirits and tigers, in particular. And offering as evidence of its miraculous powers, that there were no tigers to be seen running up and down the hallway. The next day I moved to an apartment on another floor.

Then move to another county.....see how simple it is? I suggest Montgomery..

Melissa, I merely pointed out that he take his own advice...Just as he moved to another floor because of his disgust of his next door neighbor exercising his right to FREE SPEECH, he can do the same on this issue....get the hell outta Mayberry!!! this county is NOT going to be dictated by a handful of people who think they should rule the world....GET OUT!!! Perhaps you'd best go back a few years in the Patch Memoirs and see just who it is that wishes the conversation end....

see how they are??? They dictate EVERYTHING!!! how you SHOULD feel...how you SHOULD speak..What is APPROPRIATE.....How you MUST live.... How much soda you are ALLOWED while they pump your minor child with the morning after pill.....MY CAPS ARE YELLING....K????? Don't like it??? buy ear plugs..

There is no official language of the United States. Why should there be one of Carroll County?
BTW, many jobs require a second language not just for communicating with local customers, but also to communicate with business partners elsewhere in the world.
If the county officials are that worried about English profeciency, how about offering ESL classes?
JoAnn, it's the the BOC who wants to dictate how we should speak! Getting all bent out of shape when businesses wish to communicate with their customers in other languages.

This is a ridiculous waste of time that will change absolutely nothing. The reasoning, "Im tired of pressing 2 for english" is simply a way of rationalizing a blatantly prejudice bill. Most of the sotuations that require this type of action are from companies outside of Carroll County. He will still be required to do this ecerytime he calls Verizon, BGE, or any other company. Quit wasting time on these ridiculous bills and begin using the Governments time for more constructive purposes.....like balancing the budget or supporting crime fighting initiatives. I believe these are better quality of life issue that must be adressed. Suck it up and take the extra step during your phone call and start addressing the true needs of the community.

Don't tell these Yahoo's that the State of Maryland is now offering Hunter Safety courses in Spanish. Their collective heads will explode!

Regarding David's comment about the Chippewa, Lakota, Cherokee, perhaps if they spoke the same language, they would have been more unified. What happened to the Native American culture isn't the point of this conversation, however. Do you insist on speaking English when traveling abroad? I try to speak as much of the country's language as I can. However, because English is essentially the de facto language of business, most people, world wide, know enough to communicate. Asking people to learn the language of the country they have chosen to live in is not racist or bigoted. It is practical. I would not move to another country and expect to speak English. I would learn the language of that country. While the US does not have an official language per se, the majority speaks English, plus laws, official documents, etc. are written in English. In addition, more than half of the states have made English their official language. I assume that everyone above who does not see the importance in having a common language is fluent in Spanish. If not, you should be.

When a state is DEAD LAST in job creation and at the FRONT of the line in UNEMPLOYMENT GAIN, and there is ONE job offer that requires a candidate be Spanish speaking in order to qualify in America/Maryland, you've got some serious priority issues going on. Bravo Commissioner Shoemaker...Don't let these loud mouths that troll this, and every other media source, do their best to cause doubt and stop you...This country needs new, fresh and brave ideas and leadership...Carry on and you will be supported in a way you never dreamed.

In response to Commissioner Shoemaker...approximately ten years ago I worked for an attorney that practiced a great deal of cases in Frederick. Prior to the new team of Commissioners that have begun to straighten out that county, the courts were not only filled with illegals committing crimes but a full time interpreter was staffed at the courthouse 24/7 to handle the legal matters of this group. I am sick and tired of paying for others that don't belong here in the first place. And being one who actively collected signatures to oppose the Maryland Dream Act, there are thousands and thousands of citizens just like me....sick and tired....carry on Commissioners...do the right thing.

Regardless of whether or not one agrees with the basic premise of this proposed ordinance, it should be noted that many of you seem to misunderstand it. Although, I admit that Mr. Shoemaker has done quite poorly in explaining it, both in writing, and in his appearances on local newscasts. This ordinance does not seek to control what language anyone speaks. It simply will state what language the county will use in an official capacity. If passed, the county will only print documents, accept documents, etc. in English; county governnent business will be conducted in English. If one wants to do conduct business with the county government, it must be done in English. No where is this ordinance attempting to control what language is spoken in any other way. Private businesses are still free to offer their services in any language, or as many languages, as they choose. Private citizens can continue to live their lives using any language, or as many languages, as they choose. Again, agree or not, this is the point of the ordinance. Do you think that any particular private business that chooses to operate only in English is bigoted and mean-spirited?

I think a better question for these communist zealots is do they feel a private business should staff an interpreter to do business with the immigrants who are too lazy to learn our language? because that will be their next demand....and when they cannot afford to buy a loaf of bread because of all this politically correct nonsense their spew for their utopia, they will riot over that....tune these lunatics out Commissioners and govern with common sense...this is a good start...let the fat cats in Montgomery County who are broke too, spend all the taxpayers money on this nonsense...

why don't you show us all your "in depth" studies on what you seem to know more about than a former mayor? Typical from someone who has a closet filled with skeletons to assault a man hired who happened to win against them....revenge is never good Bucky...

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While this may be important to some - there are REAL issues going on in this county, such as the possibility of 3 school closures county wide. If three schools close, this will impact ALL students in the county (as shifting of jurisdictions will have to take place), 100 teachers will lose their jobs, and class sizes will increase. Lets spend some time on this SERIOUS topic, and not worry about what number you have to press to hear English!!

Trish, there are some schools with a 44% enrollment and dropping....why would you think it prudent to staff, heat and maintain this on the taxpayers back? After all, our governor has now pushed the school pensions onto the counties because he has spent all the money and doesn't wish to be blamed when the bottom drops out...he hopes to leave his mess behind while he spends time campaigning for 2016 presidential run...and Buck, I'm asking you to state those facts right here about Shoemaker and Eminent Domain in Hampstead....lay it out...maybe there's something to be learned....stop attacking him and prove what you charge..

Regarding the surplus of school space issue....Shoemaker was also the Mayor that pushed really hard to have the massive school built between Hampstead and Manchester that incurred huge cost over runs and is currently only filled at half capacity....how on earth does he explain this one??? You won't need a detailed study to verify the school debacle...

I cannot comment on Shoemaker's involvement in the push to build schools when they were not needed but I do accuse Delegate Krebs of that....It is how she began her political career....she was drooling over the two new "green" schools....as for this eminent domain issue, if Kym does not feel it is a priority it is most likely smoke and mirrors Buck...I've asked you to bullet point HERE on this thread what Commissioner Shoemaker did to railroad the town of Hampstead with respect to the eminent domain issue...you have not done that....if you cannot support your charges it is a non-issue and hogwash...

From the eyes and minds of the Native Americans...we all were the illegal immigrants...no stretch to this truth...unless you're in denial of it...

I will admit that I was against the Howard budget which raised the appropriations to the school board in a depression and also with so many schools under capacity. Shoemaker voted in favor of this budget along with Rouse. Rothschild and Frazier voted against it....But if memory serves me right, I seem to remember overwhelming support to Howard on this risky budget during the debate here on Patch by the Occupy Patch Mob...No politician is in my favor all the time. This was one that disappointed me as we were promised smaller government and although I begrudge no one a raise, not at a time when so many are struggling...that's just a big slap in the face for me....you don't do that by raising the spending...

Oh yes WestMonster (another coward who won't use their name)....You'll do anything to defer the conversation from your pathetic governor O'Shameless which has taken this state to dead last in job creation during his tenure, taken a billion dollar surplus that met him to pushing off his addictive spending on counties to now fund and pay for the pensions his crew promised....nice try but his decision to push these pensions off will have much to do with under capacity schools being closed when the ball drops.....

once again you controlling commies...don't you dictate what I can and cannot respond to...got it??? why don't you scold your little ally Trish for bringing up an "off topic" subject of school closings???? the one thing that is so common, and I do mean COMMON, between you communists is your insatiable thirst to control what others think, feel, say, do, etc, etc.

and Bucky, how's Eminent Domain pertinent to this topic???Hmmmmm????

JoAnn-two noteworthy clarifications to offer...1st, Shoemaker told many lies about Julia Gouge in his numerous campaign mailings in an effort to paint her as a self-serving politician, which couldn't be further from the truth. Unfortunately it worked, but it is not surprising that while Mayor, he supported the use of eminent domain to take property from private owners at a huge cost to the taxpayers and then turns around and claims he's a loyal Tea Party supporter of "property rights". Pity voters couldn't see through this hypocrasy. As to the schools, it wasn't Krebs who built MVHS. She was elected delegate in 2002 and was long gone from the school board when the decision to build it was voted on (you are thinking of Winters Mill & Century).The past Board of Ed pushed MVHS (and yes, Shoemaker supported it) and the last Board of Commissioners approved it 3-0 without a cent of State funding. They didn't even ask for any, as they knew it wouldn't be approved. Carroll is the 1st county in over a decade to build a school without state funding, so this stupid decision cost us a cool $37 million extra. Just imagine all the things that $37 million would buy for our schools. Operating 2 half full schools also likely costs us over $5 million a year in wasted operating expenses. This lame board you support has shown zero financial leadership and is very unlikely to fix the problem, preferring to blame it on a school board that cannot be trusted to fix a problem they created.

well then, I guess this article in the Baltimore Sun got it all wrong about the high school and who pushed it...one thing I do know is Susan Krebs and Julia Gouge were good buddies....there was a time I supported Susan Krebs....when I believe she was a conservative, but she is not...she is a BG RINO and she was and always has been in the back pocket of the school board...I quote this article...."Land has been secured for the new high school site in Manchester, but county officials recommended excluding the $70 million project from a six-year plan for capital improvements. However, the county commissioners pushed for the project, including it in their proposed budget." I see Havens name NO WHERE in this article...
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2007-06-03/news/0705250032_1_manchester-carroll-county-hampstead

@JoAnn- There's nothing wrong with this article. Julia did push for the school, against Budget Director, Ted Zaleski's counsel after the school board recommended its construction. It was a bad decsion. Had they merely waited for the Hampstead Bypass to be completed, the issue with busing kids 45 minutes from Manchester to Hampstead would have resolved itself. Shoemaker's support, consistent with everything he does, came after the fact, in an effort to take credit for supporting the school to gain votes. During his campaign, he took credit for numerous things in Hampstead, which he had little or nothing to do with, including the large senior housing conversion. He still supports both MVHS & N. Carroll emphatically. He managed to dodge blame for the Oakmont Greens emininent domain case, which cost Hampstead dearly. I actually feel pretty much the opposite as you about Krebs today. She used to be much more moderate, but now she's all about conservative politics. It's probably all the bruising battles with that nut Helminiak to prove who is more conservative. It's become tiresome and I'm no longer a fan. Kittleman is the only member of our present delegation, who seems real and will stand up for what he believes in. The rest are all a bunch of whiners. You'll get no argument from me that O'Malley's isn't corrupt, but they need to figure out how to get things done in Annapolis, instead of crying incessantly about Democrat oppression. It's a poor excuse.

A while back I read an article on the founding of Carroll County. According to the article, the ballots presented to citizens to vote were printed in German and English. According to History of Western Maryland, Carroll County, Chapter 38: "A very large meeting was held at Westminster and an able address issued, which was published in pamphlet form in the English and German languages and very freely circulated in the counties.".

If anything, the current board is going against county tradition.

So does gay marriage Mr. Yates....but you liberals wish for us to swallow that tradition being altered...

One of Shoemaker's "English only" supporters posted the following above: "When a state is DEAD LAST in job creation and at the FRONT of the line in UNEMPLOYMENT GAIN, and there is ONE job offer that requires a candidate be Spanish speaking in order to qualify in America/Maryland, you've got some serious priority issues going on." For once I agree with the person who wrote that. Carroll County does have "some serious priority issues going on" and it's time for the Commissioners to start paying attention to those issues.

talk to your Governor O'Shameless Bonnie Grady....he's the chief executor of the mess that he made...and you left out the rest of what I said...that he came in with a billion dollar surplus and because of his addictive lust for spending other people's money we are now billions in the hole with him shoving the unfunded pensions he promised off on the counties...what a pathetic excuse for a leader...

Once again, the Occupy Patch Mob agrees with the Communists.....Q: What has the YCL ever done to improve this country?

A: It has always worked to help raise class consciousness in the working class, and organize the unorganized. Along with our fraternal organization, the CPUSA, and organized labor, we have been leaders in the fights for the right to organize, unemployment insurance, social security, affirmative action, and civil rights, as well as the fights against english-only laws, immigrant bashing, hate crimes, and the like.
http://www.yclusa.org/article/articleview/1445/1/278/#ycl

You must know your enemy well Bucky...In order to defeat them you must learn their every move......

To be 100% in sync with Communists is a pretty sad resume....

JoAnn seems preoccupied with Communists the same way Rothschild is with the UN Agenda 21. They clearly come from the same conspiracy theory club. It must be very difficult to sleep when they are so paranoid. Kinda surprised that these Commissioners didn't seize the opportunity to end the school holidays for Yom Kippur and Roshashana, but maybe they felt they needed to save something stupid for next year!

Well, Joe Eldersburg, the "moderate conservative" as you claim to be.....you seem to have some strange bedfellows for one that claims to be a conservative....you are damned right I'm preoccupied with Communists....because this country and state is being dictated by them....YOU are included in that sentiment...at least the people who come out and admit they're a Communist and don't hide behind some screen name has SOMETHING I can respect...you on the other hand appear to think I care what you think....I DON'T!!!!

So back the topic... Anybody catch that they're trying to do this during "Hispanic Heritage Month"? Also at the Smithsonian AMERICAN History museum tomorrow will be a concert including a chorus singing the Star-Spangled Banner en espanol! Should be a great time for us communists!

charles Yates.....your argument shows how liberals work....when tradition doesn't work for their agenda, such as "traditional marriage" vs "gay marriage" they whine and cry about how society has changed, demographics have changed, blah, blah, blah....but you seem to think we should still be speaking German since you charge we once printed documents in both language and since this move by our Commissioners does NOT fit neatly into your agenda, you try and use "tradition" as a basis for why they are wrong....I find it hypocritical and to even use such a poor example. So, NO I do not think what you said means a hill of beans to this decision. Taxpayers are going broke.....these Commissioners are the stewards of the citizens money in this county....the governor has weaseled his unfunded pensions off on them and they are doing their best to keep taxes low and not bankrupt their constituents...the taxpayers are not some ATM...if you feel strongly about this getntogether will all your buddies here on Patch and you all can pay for this...