The 4/5th Democratic Club hosted a La Plata candidate forum at the Green Turtle, La Plata, on Monday, April 14.
All candidates attended:
Mayor, Jeannine E. James (incumbent), Ralph Wayne Winkler
Ward I, Paul C. Guttenberg, David Winkler (incumbent)
Ward II, Richard Gilpin, Patrick McCormick
Ward III, Tarinna Olley, Gregory Sampson, Jr.
Ward IV, Tyjon C "TJ" Johnson – unopposed
Questions were provided to the candidates before the forum.
Format:
2-minute opening statement
2-minute response to three questions
2-minute closing statement
All candidates were requested to provide written or video responses after the form ended.
The forum was recorded.
This was an informative event. It provided an opportunity to learn about each candidate, their communication skills, and why they are running.
Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of the Town of La Plata.
My view/takeaways:
Candidates provided thoughtful answers.
Some were better prepared than others
Some responses were critical of the Town Council:
*Approving development without the necessary infrastructure
*Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO not done
Full disclosure- perhaps I'm biased by criticism of the Town Council, but accept them as a current Council member (until May 12, 2025)
While these criticisms are valid, additional facts (good and bad) and perspectives are provided rather than just criticizing the town and processes.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.