On the passing of a true Montgomery leader, Neil Potter

Neil Potter was a real democrat in the sense that he sought benefits for the county that aided all residents not the special interests. He fought for limited growth and fair taxation. The June 4 Gazette has a lengthy discussion of his service on the County Council (twice) and as County Executive which should be read by all county residents. Here is a small extract of that article dealing with his stance on taxes and county worker pay increases during a period of economic stress in the early 1990's when he was the County Executive, a time just like the one we are in now.
"During Potter's executive tenure, the county also experienced one of its toughest fiscal times when the country faced a recession. Although some viewed Potter as a liberal he stood up the unions and opposed pay raises.
"We were in the midst of a major recession and he was the right man for the job because it was all about fiscal responsibility and doing it right," said former Councilwoman Gail H. Ewing, who served from 1990 to 1998. "It did not come naturally to him to be the leader but he did what was needed."
The comparison of leadership styles between the present county government folks and Potter stands out starkly because the present leaders have failed to reign in the outrageous union worker's contracts which provide a 30% raise over three years when our fiscal situation can hardly bear the cost.
It is time to identify a new slate of leaders, such as Potter, to be voted into office at our next election cycle. We must find those willing to support the interests of the majority citizenry.