Ron Young’s Wonders
There broke a story this week of another example of ex-Mayor Ron Young’s foresightedness. He has shaped Frederick into the city Pushkin and I live in now. Fortunately, he found a second career in the Maryland Senate.
The Frederick News-Post reported, with endowed thousands, a hotel and conference center will rise along the Carroll Creek project, his most visible accomplishment. It’ll join the Weinberg Center for the Arts, Harry Grove Stadium and the Clustered Spires Golf Course, all established on his watch.
My first impression of my future and present hometown was of decrepit streets and adjoining cluttered sidewalks; the former mayor changed all that. My ex-wife, her father and I followed behind him from 7th Street to Square Corner in the first In the Street in 1983, celebrating the modern downtown. I think of the difference when the English pointer takes me out twice daily through the yellow door, onto North Market.
Ron Young’s genius lay in not only originating concepts but recognizing great ideas, which he implemented with great gusto. His political career became unraveled with his longtime marriage; it’s back roaring since he took a new wife. I suspect Alderwoman Karen Lewis Young is behind his crusade against people who abuse animals. I agree wholeheartedly that prospective employers should not force job applicants to turn over personal passwords. Having been offered Lee’s jeans in Bangladesh where they are manufactured, I support his “Buy American” legislation to bring jobs back home.
As a freshman senator, he does not chair a committee but serves as a member on several; his most important locally is the Special Subcommittee on Program Open Space/Agricultural Land Preservation.
Having escaped from Bethesda after living since 1949 in the Washington area, I dread above all the metro mentality taking over this city and county. I sleep better at night knowing birthright Frederick citizens – Democrat Ron Young and New Market’s Republican David Brinkley – represent us in Annapolis’ upper house.
Along the way, Ron Young has created a political legacy. In addition to his alderwoman wife, the Board of Education’s Brad Young and his younger brother, Blaine, heads the Board of County Commissioners – a formidable family that sometimes agrees. Individually, each is making his mark in local history. But it all starts with the former teacher.
Hurrah for Ron Young!
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