Dear Editor:

I read with humor the letter from County Executive Ulman published on
Jan. 23rd somehow trying to take credit for the large and diverse
candidates running for the Board of Education in this upcoming election.  

I applaud all who continue to sacrifice their time and efforts across our
school system. It is those parents, educators, students, administrators
and leaders who deserve the credit. It is the taxpayer—who pays more per
capita of their wealth than any other taxpayer in the State of Maryland for
education—that deserves the gratitude.

In 2010, I was privileged to run with 10 other individuals for 4 positions.

This year, we will witness a similar contest of 15 individuals vying for 3
positions.

In typical fashion, the county executive is trying to take credit and pat
himself on the back for the greatness of Howard County.  What makes Howard  County one of the wealthiest and most educated communities in the nation has very little to do with our county government, and very much to do with our people, our families, and our businesses. I am humbled to have grown up here and I feel privileged to raise my kids here now.  

Let us never forget that as the government becomes stronger, communities become weaker. And to have strong communities, we must have limited government—that's an indisputable lesson of history.

No matter how much Ulman tries to re-write history or re-cast his misguided
effort to take away voting rights from our citizens to elect their school
board, his efforts failed miserably and the citizens prevailed.  There is no
greater proof of Ulman¹s failure and no greater tribute to the strength of
our community than the fact that 15 individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences decided to stand up and say "vote for me" and ­ not "appoint me" ­to serve the crown jewel of Howard County.  This is a reflection of a strong community and limited government power.

It's un-American to think that anyone, including our county executive, could
believe that government knows better than the people it serves. 

The Howard County that I know is a county that is more than able to choose its elected officials. The credit for the large number of people who continue to run for the Board of Education belongs to those in our community.

I wish all of the candidates well in what is sure to be a tough and important campaign.

Sincerely,

Brian Meshkin