Old-time Marxism was all about controlling the means of production. But modern-day Marxists? They’ve figured out they can achieve the same thing by strangling businesses with overregulation. It feeds their endless power trip, turning Baltimore County residents into serfs in their kingdom. And what do we get in return? The occasional new park, a paved road, a basketball court, skate park, a brand new school (public indoctrination center), or library. In exchange we get less safety, higher taxes, and onerous (and expensive) regulations. How generous.
One of the aims of Karl Marx ’s manifesto sums up his theory of Communism with a single sentence: Abolition of private property.
How does Councilman David Marks sell this idea so cleverly? By grabbing up land left and right under the guise of "land preservation," all while jacking up property taxes and charging fees for everything short of breathing? Sure, some might say it’s a bold move to leave behind a legacy of parks and pricey land grabs. Real subtle legacy move, Marks. The sad part? He’s managed to convince the whole county that he's some kind of eco-warrior, all while stripping away people’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Well played, if you don’t mind trampling on a few freedoms along the way.
He is thankful for State, County and Federal funding to purchase the former C.P. Crane plant. Here’s the newsletter from March 2024. Maybe he should be learning English spelling and grammar, instead of indoctrinating college students in revisionist history. Lots of spelling, grammar and formatting errors on this one.
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has been in politics for over 12 years, and in that time, he’s been a consistent thorn in the side of Republicans. He often sides with liberal causes and teams up with socialist groups, completely forgetting the people who expected him to champion limited government, lower taxes, and support for first responders and property owners. His record and behavior belie his claims. Need proof? He’s been endorsed by the Sierra Club, TABCO, and the FOP Police and Fire Unions—not exactly bastions of free enterprise and liberty. And to really top it off, he’s nominated Democrats for President of the County Council—twice! Normally, the position rotates between parties each year as a courtesy, but I guess that’s what “Independent and Bipartisan” means in Marks’ world.
He has also demonstrated a lust for power that is truly remarkable to observe. Threatening businesses with rezoning threats is one way. One stark example is how Marks pushed Gary Reisling from Silver Spring Mining Company to call the owner of The Bowman to cancel not one, but TWO fundraising events for Delegate candidate Glen Geelhaar. To be clear, Reisling has 2 business interests he desperately needs zoning approval, as his Silver Spring Mining Company restaurants are failing. Marks has also threatened several businesses (like Fratello’s and Casa Mia) to take down one of his opponents signs or face “consequences”. Those are NOT pro-business or free enterprise actions.
I’m hoping businesses can finally support whoever they want without Democrat and Republican office-holders threatening them with rezoning or legislation that will hurt them. Is it too much to ask to let people choose without the drama?
In all this, he keeps bragging about how popular he is, winning by such large margins. In fact, he’s scared of offending County Executive Johnny Olszewski because, as he once told me, “he might run someone against me.” Kinda shows he’s more about power than principle. His disdain for Donald Trump, Dan Cox and conservative Republicans is even more evident in an interview he gave about 3 years ago to WNST, where he admits he has “become more moderate” over the years.
The truth is, he’s never had a real challenge, but that will change in 2026, especially if he decides to promote himself to County Executive.
Note to Marks: don’t be surprised if things don’t turn out the way you think they will.
Oh, and let’s not forget, Marks is good friends with Democrat activist District 8 Delegate Carl Jackson, helping him to procure several RAC centers, skate parks and even membership to the Baltimore County Game & Fish Protective Association. And, just like Marks, Democrats are guilty of these threats too. Read my post, The Delicate Delegate: Carl Jackson for more on the thin-skinned activist legislating to protect certain minority groups, while pretending to be a “People First” Delegate. They are like a couple of mismatched socks in a dryer—can't escape each other, but you’re never quite sure why they're still together.
Marks attacks other Republicans
He flaunts his so-called "independence" by getting Democrat (and RINO) buddies (Ryan Hensler (one of Marks’ many Treasurers), Keith Wolcott (works for HC Exec Bob Cassily), Ryan Metzgar (son of Del. Ric Metzgar and “minister”), Leo Thuman, Bradley Lang (Senior Legislative Assistant and former campaign Treasurer for Marks), Conner Venn) to bash Glen or gush on social media about his latest park project or tell the tale of “what a breath of fresh air” Marks is (maybe this surrogate is just standing downwind of a sewage plant). Every now and then, he even steps away from his condescending unlit grill photo-ops to take a swipe at other Republicans too. (Joe Boteler, Ken Fitch, and Glen Geelhaar)
Let’s take a look at just a few of the negative, anti-Republican posts Councilman Marks has put up on Facebook against candidates and sitting Delegates.
This isn’t exactly what you'd expect from a sitting Councilman—getting personal when his policies are questioned. But hey, that’s Marks for you. The backlash against his childish comments was quick, so now he’s gone and limited comments on his OFFICIAL Facebook page too. Classic Marks-ist move: censor the critics, and soak up the praise from his loyal fan club in the echo chamber of self-love.
Marks had absolutely no clue what was going on with Joe Boteler after the election, and it had nothing to do with "checking out." But honestly, even if he knew the truth, I doubt it would make a difference—shame isn’t exactly his strong suit. Throwing personal attacks at a respected Delegate? That’s low, even for him. But considering he once served divorce papers to his second wife on Valentine’s Day, it’s pretty clear he’s not too concerned about other people’s feelings when his own fragile ego is on the line.
Remember, this is all happening while Baltimore County residents are stuck under Democrat rule. Thanks to them, we’ve got skyrocketing costs, including a 23% property tax hike and over 338 new fees and taxes from Wes Moore and the State Legislature in 2024. These sneaky taxes are driving people out of the County and the State faster than you can say, "Moving truck!"
Some of the posts were complied into the meme above. Of course, the “proudly purchased by the Sierra Club” prompted a personal email from Richard Norling, Maryland Chapter Chair of the Sierra Club to Glen Geelhaar on Thursday, September 14, 2023, 12:59 pm:
Dear Mr. Geelhaar:
A graphic that you posted twice on Facebook on September 6 and again 17 hours ago contains an untrue statement.
The Sierra Club does not "buy" candidates for public office. The Sierra Club does endorse candidates, based on their public record, who act to protect clean air, clean water, and other aspects of the environment. For the record, the Sierra Club has not paid anything to David Marks or his campaign committee, and David Marks has not asked for any payment.
Please do not continue making untrue assertions about the Sierra Club.
Sincerely,
Richard Norling, Political Chair
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter
— — — — — — — — — — — —
My response on September 16, 2023 at 11:49 am:
The assertions are absolutely true. Maybe you need an English lesson.
The word “purchase” does not refer ONLY to a monetary exchange. The Sierra Club owns the Councilman which didn’t cost a dime. PURCHASED with an endorsement, now he must comply.
Even Jesus PURCHASED our sins with his blood (Gal. 3:13-15). God will take care of those who obey Him.
Your activist and socialist political club has done more to hurt the environment with your extreme actions and false science. Not ONE of the predictions over the last 40 years have proven true.
I look forward to publicizing your message to all media outlets, and just know we will continue the messaging as written.
Tom Henry
— ———————————
Well, color me unsurprised that Marks probably dragged out Norling as his trusty sidekick to, yet again, defend the totally indefensible David Marks. All in a day’s work to keep his halo shining bright with the eco-warrior crowd. How predictable.
Marks' Environmental and Legislative Record: Where Greenwashing Meets Whitewashing
Land Grabs and Environmental “Wins”: So, out of Baltimore County’s 383,000 acres, a whole 77,000+ acres get “set aside”—which, math wizards, is about 20.1%. Impressive, right? Well, if you’re into land grabs disguised as public service. Marks sure knows how to distract with a shiny new park, senior center, or library, all while crime, taxes, and their own cushy salaries and pensions skyrocket. But hey, at least we get a nice view while we’re paying for it!
One dirty little secret about the land grabs. It’s a well known fact that areas dubbed as “land preservation” are usually holding spaces for the right developer…just sayin’.
He has voted not for one pay raise, but two, and has also voted to increase his pension. He favors this because “he works so hard”, and “has to pay for college for his son”. He also attacked then-Delegate Joe Boteler, accusing him of “checking-out”…Yet he still took two luxury trips with his then-fiancé to both Hawaii and Alaska. Did he still collect a paycheck during these trips? Using his own words, “that’s not very taxpayer friendly or fiscally conservative” (see FB post above critical of Del. Joe Boteler)!
Bring Your Own Bag Act: The law requires retail establishments must charge and retain at least five cents for each paper and reusable carryout bag they provide to a customer (they got it down from ten cents, but most retailers are charging 10 cents or more for smaller bags anyhow), and businesses must report it or get fined $500 by the government.
Marks decided to kick off the session by sponsoring the bag ban as the FIRST bill—because, you know, crime, inflation, and property taxes can wait! Councilman Ertel even testified about the million plastic bags he spots while boating in the Bay. But when asked what kind of boat he had, he proudly said it was a sailboat (with an electric backup, of course). And when he was asked how many bags he’d actually picked up while out there, he said…THREE. So, I guess he’s still on a mission to find the other 999,993! Happy hunting, Councilman Ertel!
Never satisfied with banning bags, the Sierra Club wants more….ever more….to quote them from an article from WMAR News:
“Next, we’re going to go for straws and plastic spoons and forks. There’s so much we can do to help this county,” said Deborah “Spice” Kleinmann, chair of the Greater Baltimore Group of Sierra.
The Sierra Club’s insatiable hunger for government control is never satisfied, and I’m sure the Baltimore County Council will gladly provide the sustenance (and the trough).
Environmental Impact Fees: Picture this—at the 2023 Baltimore County GOP picnic, Marks drops a bombshell: the Council hasn't been collecting the required environmental impact fees on developments. Yep, those same fees the Baltimore County Delegation made such a fuss about passing in 2019. But wait, there's more! Turns out they collected a grand total of $0 in 2023 due to developer exemptions. Fast forward to July 2024, and the Council’s big idea? Raising those fees! Because, you know, that’s clearly been working out so well.
Does the Sierra Club even know about his "chicken farm" at his new half-million dollar house with his third wife? Remember how Maryland went after Perdue for chicken waste? Also, don't forget Marks used to be against County residents owning or raising chickens. I guess the prospect of landing a paticipation trophy wife can really change someone's perspective.
Master Plan and Climate Change: Marks was criticized for his role in the Baltimore County master plan, which was said to fall short on addressing climate change. During a public hearing, it was pointed out that the plan’s provisions on climate change were weakened, which led to concerns from community members and climate advocates about inadequate stormwater management and increasing precipitation rates in the area .
Controversial Development Project: Marks faced criticism for his involvement in the LaFarge Quarry Planned Unit Development. Critics, including a former Baltimore County attorney, argued that the development process lacked transparency and was marred by “councilmanic courtesy,” a practice where council members support each other’s projects regardless of their impact.
Pension Reform: David Marks ran on a platform of Pension Reform, after a number of attempts to NOT fix it, enriching themselves was their creative solution.
Term Limits: David Marks campaigned hard on Term Limits, pushing for a 3-term cap for the Baltimore County Council. But when the proposal didn't pass, he shrugged it off, saying, "I've already said I plan to serve three terms regardless." Sure, David—let's see if that promise sticks. Because right now, this bill is looking more like a decorative throw pillow than real reform.
County Council Expansion: The County Council wants to expand its’ members to 9, 11, 13…to create majority-minority Districts, and then call their office a “full-time” position. Well, the 4-member expansion failed on vote, but now they will try to get a 2-member expansion on referendum. My prediction…..it will pass on referendum, and then Marks will do a “victory lap” and say he showed leadership by getting it down to from 11 to 9!
Ok, so if this passes, Marks will show how “fiscally responsible” he is by reducing his salary and pension, now that he has fewer constituents….right? I’m not holding my breath on that one, blue is not a good look for a skin color.
Redistricting Control: He once confessed to me that he had a hand in the redistricting plans to favor him—first to kick Villa Cresta out, and then Towson got the boot the second time around. Apparently, he was just fed up with all their whining! Who knew being a councilman involved so much earplug shopping?
“I don’t support Dan Cox!”
Election 2022: During the last Gubernatorial race, we had some precincts in Legislative District 8 that overlapped with David Marks’ territory. Our team was out there, either knocking on doors or dropping off materials for various candidates, including Marks.
But get this—one day, David Marks himself called up Glen Geelhaar, demanding he stop putting his materials alongside Dan Cox's stuff. Why? Because, and I quote, "I do not support Dan Cox!" How delightfully petty.
I was working one of the polls during the Primary, when Marks came over to me and said, “Don’t be surprised if things don’t turn out the way you think”…..a thinly-veiled threat? Well, turns out he was on the inside of the phony “Marylanders United” group that claims to want to reduce the Democrat majority in the legislature. If you want the whole story about that, check it out here.
Election 2018: Marks jumped all over Del. Joe Boteler for doing printing for his primary opponent (Jay Payne). Note to Marks…..you didn’t give Joe any substantial work, you gave it all to Al Mendelsohn, Baltimore County’s best grifter.
They say it takes one to know one, Dave, and if finger-pointing were in the Olympics, you'd be taking home GOLD. But hey, congrats on your new side hustle—helping Democrats win elections! Who knew you'd be such a team player?
