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Delgaudio criticized for disparaging comment about Sterling Park
A Loudoun supervisor, known for being outspoken with respect to the issue of illegal immigration, is drawing criticism for comparing the district he represents to a sewage pit.During the Kojo Nnamdi "Politics Hour" on WAMU 88.5 June 20, Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) sparked controversy when he said that illegal immigrants have turned Sterling Park into a "cesspool."
"Great, someone who wants to buy a house in Sterling is going to Google Sterling Park and see that someone called it a cesspool," said George Hidy, a 24-year resident of Sterling Park, who lost to Delgaudio at last year's local Republican primary. "If he really feels that way, then he should sell his house and move the heck out of Sterling."
Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D), whose Potomac District includes parts of Sterling, called Delgaudio's comments "disappointing."
"Sterling is a wonderful place to live and work," she said. "And to characterize Sterling in the manner that he did is bad for business and bad for the reputation of Sterling."
Delgaudio was asked to appear on the lunch-hour show after Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson announced June 17 that his deputies would soon begin checking the citizenship of people arrested for felonies.
Delgaudio spoke briefly near the end of the program. He called Sterling Park a cesspool, which is a pit for retaining sewage, after he was asked if the community's problems, which include complaints of unkempt lawns, litter and overcrowded homes, could be attributed to urbanization.
"This is not urbanization," he responded. "This is a cesspool. People are coming from outside our culture and they are dumping their crap on the streets on our town."
Delgaudio's comments also ran on local NBC4 News and on its Web site, as well as on the Web site for the National Policy Institute, a Georgia-based think tank accused of being a white supremacist group.
For Delgaudio, who is in his third term on the board, this is not the first time critics have attacked him for bashing living conditions in Sterling Park, Loudoun's first suburban community, built in the 1960s.
Last summer, while trying to drum up support for a slew of illegal immigration initiatives he had proposed, Delgaudio often referred to Sterling Park as littered and crime-ridden. He made similar comments in the lead-up to last November's election.
"Same old rhetoric," Supervisor Susan Klimek Buckley (D-Sugarland Run) said of these latest comments.
Despite the interview being available for download off the station's Web site, Delgaudio refused to admit that he called Sterling Park a cesspool. He said his comments were that illegal immigrants "are trying" to turn it into a cesspool. "And they're failing," he said.
He added: "Sterling Park is a beautiful place, and I'm fighting for it."
Sterling Park's Joseph Budzinski, who is with Help Save Loudoun, which wants tougher enforcement of illegal immigration, said while Sterling Park may not be a cesspool, it is "in danger" of becoming one.
"Some areas, such as around the shopping center [Sterling Plaza], have become dangerous at night," he said, "and there are sections which are just plain sad because of the lack of zoning enforcement. Things are definitely going in the wrong direction in some of our communities."
In the nearly eight years she's lived in Sterling Park, Anne Lawver said her neighborhood has become dotted with boarding houses. Vandalism and litter are also common, she said, as are groups of Hispanic men who "hang about and shout at women driving or walking by."
"Sadly, I have to agree with Mr. Delgaudio," she said. "We still love Sterling but are deeply saddened to see it becoming a cesspool."
Jeanne West, who lost to Delgaudio in November's race for Sterling supervisor, disagrees. She moved to the community in 1974. She called Sterling Park an aging community in need of some attention – but not a cesspool.
"Yes, we have some problems, she said. "It is an older community. But don't call it that name. If the mayors of New York and Washington called their cities cesspools, people would be in an uproar."
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com
Well this is interesting. Two people who lost races to Mr. Delgaudio namely Mr. Hidy too are quoted disagreeing with him and two Democratic supervisors who think everything in Loudoun is cookie cutter that isn't a plantation. It is nice to hear Ms. McGimsey say something nice about some neighborhoods at least.
Posted by observer
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I am appalled that people continue to elect bigoted public officials such as Mr. Delgaudio, who are not only intolerant but an obvious liability with their tendency to flap their jaws unabashedly. I agree that if he does not want to live in and represent an area he believes to be a "cespool". In fact, it would be a public service for him to move elsewhere.
Posted by leesburger
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Sterling Park has ALWAYS been a cesspool. I grew up in Loudoun in the 1970's and 1980's, Sterling was full of hippies, druggies, and "undesirable" people. Maybe there are some good areas to live around Park View High School but it has never been considered a “nice neighborhood”.
Posted by dpunty
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Jason Jacks could have made this story a little more credible if he had sought "anti" comments from people not either those who lost to Delgaudio in the last election season (Hidy and West) or his political opponents on the Board (Buckley and McGimsey).
But it does demonstrate there are differences of opinion in eastern Loudoun County.
I listened to the WAMU broadcast, and my view is that Delgaudio was referring to a negative trend, rather than saying the community is unlivable. The quote as it reads, "this is a cesspool," is different from how it sounds in the discussion, IMHO. Plenty of people in Sterling would agree with his assessment.
Posted by hensley
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hensley, I listened to WAMU as well and I must agree with you on what Delgaudio meant and he is right as one can see when looking at the other blogs that have people from Sterling agreeing with him that it is becoming a "cesspool." As well, leesburger, he doesn't want to leave Sterling because he wants to help them, just because there is a problem with SP doesn't mean you should just leave he is trying to do something about it. There a few definitions for a bigot one would be stubborn in your beliefs if that's the kind your talking about than damn right he's a bigot and thank God for it and so am I. If one isn't willing to stick to his beliefs people as a whole would be a "cesspool" of indecision and immorality.
Posted by Inconceivable
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I just do not get why? he will do such a comment that Sterling Park is "cesspool." Why those comments? Does he is jealous about it or what is he is trying to do by that? What is his problem? He really seem soo unhappy person, I really feel sorry for him....
Posted by aescobar
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English please... If you meant why does he use such comments like "cesspool" than the answer is simple. He is trying to add emphasis to the fact that life in Sterling is getting worse. This is a legitimate approach for it gets peoples attention and then more can be done about the situation. He's not unhappy just worried for the people and he's doing what he can for them but he is just being shot down by the other supervisors of Loudoun.
Posted by Inconceivable
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I think most sensible people would agree that the true problem with Sterling Park is not totally because of illegal immigration. It is because our county supervisor lacks the mental capacity to develop real solutions to enhance the quality of life in sterling. Montgomery County is considered a haven for illegal aliens, why is it that Montgomery County does not have the problems of Sterling?
He is an extremist, who is close to the early stages of Adolph Hitler. He is not a leader.
The “unsafe” areas in sterling are because of the urbanization of the County call for a police department. There is not enough “real” police presence in sterling.
The whole 287-G thing is just 100% political with not real substance. Only 3 deputies out of how many will have the ICE training?
The Pepe’s controversy is a smear too. Delegado never once spoke about the overcrowding citations at other establishments. And the fact that he said “there has been criminal activity there” is another lie. Troxwell, of the LCSO said “he could not recall in crimes tied to Pepe’s.”
Wake up! This whole illegal immigration thing is a smear for the problems in the government.
Posted by SterlingParkTruth
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Actually you're wrong. I will agree that illegal immigration is not the whole problem just most of it. As well Delgaudio is not attacking illegal immigration now anyway he is only trying to pass laws that will make people clean up the garbage and help keep the peace.
Also, you obviously know nothing about Adolf Hitler maybe you should read a little more about his life and his ideas.
3 Deputies is actually quite a bit for illegal immigration seeing as how the federal government only sends about one official or at most two to deal with a problem.
I will also agree there should be more of a police presence. However, I COMPLETELY disagree that the illegal immigration thing is a smear for the problems in the government. Illegal immigration is a huge problem in more places than just Sterling but is also a huge problem in Sterling as well. It should never be ignored or thought of as propaganda that would be an idiotic thought. The only problem here is that the other supervisors are getting in his way and attacking him any chance they get.
Posted by Inconceivable
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There have been fights at Pepe's both inside and in the parking lot, an assault case a few weeks ago, a shooting or stabbing last year - if Troxell says he doesn't know of any crimes then Troxell is on drugs. Pepe's needs to be shut down permanently and the fact it has not been means the owner has friends in high places (or the own is in high places) if you ask me.
Posted by hensley
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"There have been fights at Pepe's both inside and in the parking lot, an assault case a few weeks ago, a shooting or stabbing last year - if Troxell says he doesn't know of any crimes then Troxell is on drugs. Pepe's needs to be shut down permanently and the fact it has not been means the owner has friends in high places (or the own is in high places) if you ask me."
I think that LCSO Troxwell is an idiot.
One of two things are happening:
1.Troxell is out of touch with his department and does not know what the hell he is writing about!
2.LCSO is engaging in defamation activities to close a private establshment. Police Reports are not being written properly by deputies, therfore, crimes that have occured are wrongfully being contributed to Pepe's name.
I just went on the LCSO website and there has nevr been a shooting at Pepe's. But there was one at Safeway!Lets shut down Safeway ASAP!. Or, is there a double standard.
I think that illegal defamation is going on by both private and goverment entities to:
1. Attract Anti-Immigrant Customers.
2. Push the 287-G initiative, along with other anti-immigration initiatives.
We need a new leaders people!
Oh yeah maybe the shopping center where Pepe's is would of contracted with a Private Security Company, if they really thought that there was a public saftey issue.
The issue is lack of a "real" police presence. Not people counters!
You know what, the next time I go out to an American Bar in Loudoun for a popular sports event, and it appears to be overcrowed, or there is a large crowd of people in the parking lot of the establishment, I will be an upstanding citizen and report it to the LCSO. I would love to see the responce!
Posted by SterlingParkTruth
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I think the druggies and hippies is the funniest comment yet! More police aren't needed, we need a few good men to simply uphold the law! How many people really offer solutions? Ever thought of organizing a neighborhood clean up day? Politely talk to the neighbor who does not know how to clean their yard?
Yeh, us kids used to circle the Sterling mall on Friday night, but can you really compare that to the front of the laundry mat now every night? (the one beside the liquor store and the bar) At least the deputies used to chase us away for loitering, now they turn a blind eye, and our property value takes a dive.
For all the complainers, have you actually got involved, or do you just complain?
Next time you see an addition being built, look for the permit. If you don't see it, report it! If there are 10 cars in the driveway, yard, and carport, report it! If there is a mountain of trash on the curb weekly, report it.
If we wait for someone else to do something, we may be waiting a long time.
Oh yeh, if you don't like Sterling, don't come here. We live here, so we have seen a drastic change, and it's not urbanization, if there is such a word!
Posted by FearlessScottyB
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Supervisor Delgaudio is a racist and bigot. Omia’s was busted several years ago for illegal, I believe, gambling. And it is still open. Delgaudio has been the supervisor for 9 years but the decay and issues surrounding Sterling have increased under his watch. He used illegal immigrants bashing as his campaign theme, and yes there are issues and problems, but calling Sterling Park; crime-ridden, littered and a cesspool is just going to far.
Delgaudio needs the press to keep his name in the paper and creating issues and hate in the community is one of his ways to “appear” that he is doing something. His latest example of protecting the community is voting against not taking developer money from those who come before the BOS for approval. Since 70% of the donations of his $210,000 for the 2007 election came from developers, he voted to increase density in Sterling from 8 single family homes to over 250 apartment units for a Great Falls developer who gave him $10,000, conflict of interest, lack of morals and ethics? He got $10,000 the people of Sterling more cars and traffic. So while the quality of life declined in Sterling, Delgaudio voted to add over 50,000 homes to the county, that is what $140,000 donated to his campaign by developers got the people of Sterling Park. That helped Sterling how?
I wonder if he can prove his relatives came to the country legally, I know I can.
Posted by concernedcitizen
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this is for the one who calls himself or herself "inconceivable" I also, feel sorry for you too, because at least I tried to learn another language, "the right English, not slang" but what about you? Please do not be jealous, and try to spend your time in more interesting things other than be in other people's business. Also, I hope for you too that you can find peace, and love because seem that you really
need it.
Posted by aescobar
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dpunty, what part of Loudoun did you grow up in? I grew up in Sterling Park in the 60's and 70's and NEVER considered it a cesspool. Back then it was a great place to live. Sure, we had our problems and they included drugs and "hippies", but what town didn't have those problems in the 70's? But I was never afraid to walk the streets -- even late at night. Sterling Park is definitely not the same place now as it was then.
Let's call a spade a spade. Immigrants have a LOT to do with the decay Sterling Park has experienced in recent years. That's the bottom line. And as long as we have weak immigration laws, little or no enforcement, and politically correct sissies who think we should throw open the gates and offer amnesty, things will never improve.
Posted by outtathere
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Thank you Supervisor Delgaudio for your candid comments today regarding illegal aliens trashing Loudoun County. I too have seen first-hand what these thugs have done to the once proud community of Sterling Park. It is the unprecedented cowardliness of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors over the last twenty years that has stood-by and allowed the county and the community to be over-run with people that have an absolute contempt for the rule-of-law in our country. It is high time your peers on the current BOS stand-up for the LEGAL citizens of Loudoun County. My family has the inalienable right to reside in a country/state/county/community of LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS. It is my desire that the next Loudoun BOS meeting, when the supervisors stand, face our country¢s flag and offer their personal pledge of allegiance, that you will give careful consideration to your responsibilities to the citizens of Loudoun.
Mr. Baxter.
Posted by PHenry
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