By Dennis Brent Melby

• Nobody in America pays more for electricity than we do in Maryland.
• Nobody in America pays more for water & sewer service than we do in Maryland.
• Nobody, not even in far-left California...

…and if you drive 20 miles away, northwest into wet, wild and wonderful West Virginia it’s the cheapest rate in ALL 50 states! Go figure.

Taxes and regulations, that’s all. Bad decisions and left wing loopy ideals cause us to pay through the nose…and it doesn’t have to be like that. Our single party government goes out of its way to out-left the Left. Our “Progress” is the highest tax, the highest public government salaries and the most lackadaisical service in the region – because huge portions of our income are from government work – either straight on the government payroll or from a government contractor position.

It doesn’t have to be so. In an area that says it prides itself on diversity, we don't really mean it. Diversity of thought’s OK if it doesn’t mean the Democrats don’t have all levers of government.

To the Left, diversity of opinion doesn’t give you the right to support the police, to want a two party system, the purchase of a private home, gas and electric when you want it and other middle and upper middle class “rights.”

To the extreme Left, diversity of viewpoint doesn’t mean you can want folks who came here illegally, without permission -to leave! No, not even if they’ve committed serious crimes. It doesn’t mean you can choose a plastic bag, or a plastic straw, or a leaf blower to clean your yard – these all go by the wayside and they call you names if you “diverge” from their left wing desires. And if you don't want roads you paid for to be turned into empty bike lanes...too bad. Your opinion doesn't matter.

We think there’s a better way. We think you should hear all viewpoints and welcome them into the public square. True diversity can be edifying, refreshing and invigorating – and might even lead to some tolerance and understanding of your neighbors – even if they vote differently from you.

Diversity of thought, opinion and representation.  Just a thought.

What do you think. Tell me at [email protected]

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Dennis Brent Melby, is the 2026 Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman. He's a previous 4 term Councilmember in Friendship Heights and former local REALTOR President. To reach him, email [email protected].