Peggy Ruth
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for reelection for Ward 2 alderman in Coopertown. My husband, COL (Ret) Henry Ruth and I have lived in Coopertown for seven years. Our ties to the community include membership in Coopertown Men’s Club and Springfield First United Methodist Church. We have a grandchild who is a student at Coopertown Middle School.
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maryland and completed coursework for a Master’s degree in reading instruction. I taught second and fourth grades for 12 years.
Prior to teaching, I worked as a staff assistant to a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven years. I assisted service members and veterans with their problems.
I have been very concerned with the finances of Coopertown. It is very difficult to obtain financial reports; the budget is not amended as required by law; thousands of dollars were missing and not reported to the state; the budget was overspent more than $300,000; charitable contributions were made over budget; the mayor’s private attorney was paid $56,813 with City money. Many lawsuits have been filed against the mayor and the town, threatening our financial security.
I have a special interest in the planned development of Coopertown and I served on the Planning Commission. Our State planner helped us create requirements for green space within our new communities. Following a local developer’s objection, the green space requirements were rewritten and the mayor removed me from the Planning Commission. I would like to continue planning desirable residential and commercial development under a new administration. I am ready and willing to work with elected officials from the county and neighboring cities to attract quality businesses to Coopertown.
Our police officers should not be producing the majority of revenue for the town. If the State legislature passes a bill this year to prohibit towns from patrolling the interstate, Coopertown will be forced to find a new source of funding. We should rely on State revenue and conduct a census so we can receive additional money for increased population. We can operate our government without a property tax.
In order to create a change in Coopertown, we need to elect candidates who share the same vision. I ask that you vote for me for alderman, Ward 2, and support Sam Childs for mayor and Linda Lee for alderman, Ward 1. Our team will serve you with honesty and respect