Ken Ulman' Letter to the Editor
Never one to be left out of the headlines or to jump into the fray. Councilman Ken Ulman submitted a letter to the Howard County Times regarding Doughoregan Manor. Councilman Christopher Merdon has taken a lead role in ensuring that all the relevant parties are participating in the discussions regarding preservation of the Manor and Mr. Ulman must want to be seen as a co-leader in the effots.
Mr. Ulman was absent from the recent tour of the property by State officials. Of course he was. Mr. Merdon arranged the tour and many elected officials were left off the invitee list in order to respect the wishes of the Carroll family.
I have a keen interest in this issue because of my Irish Catholic background and my involvement in the activities of the Irish Community – including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, past Chairman of the Baltimore St. Patrick Parade, current Chairman of the Board of St. Patrick Celebrations, Inc., and of course my extensive collection of traditional Irish music 
Charles Carroll's cousin was John Carroll, also a native of Maryland. He studied as a child with Jesuits at Bohemia, Md., and later at Saint-Omer in Flanders, since Catholic secondary education was not allowed in Maryland.
According to his biography "[John]Carroll returned to his native Maryland as the Revolutionary War was being fought. Revolutionary spirits were high, and the state of government was uncertain. John Carroll was a true patriot and ardent supporter of the American Revolution. He joined Charles Carroll, his cousin and a Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Benjamin Franklin, his good friend, in a diplomatic mission to Canada. The men went in hopes of persuading the Canadians to join the struggling American patriots in their revolt against Britain. Though their mission was unsuccessful, John Carroll had proven his dedication to democracy and to his country."
John Carroll later went on to become the first Roman Catholic Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in America and his seat was in Baltimore.
To me the preservation of the Manor goes beyond the property itself. The contributions that the Carroll family made to the Revolution, and their faith is embodied in the property.
As for Mr. Ulman's statement:
I believe that one important component of these plans should be to guarantee that Howard County has the right of first refusal if and when the descendants of Charles Carroll choose no longer to keep Doughoregan Manor as their home. We must ensure that this treasure is kept in the hands of stewards who will appreciate and preserve it appropriately.
Why? Howard County alone can not preserve this property. It requires a partnership with other governmental agencies at the State and Federal level. The interest in this property goes way beyond the County's own interests. I also think Mr. Ulman misses an important point. No one but himself has suggested that the Carroll family will "Choose to no longer to keep Doughoregan Manor as their home". The whole point is to ensure that they can remain and continue their excellent stewardship – in private.
I am glad Mr. Ulman is interested and seemingly agrees with Mr. Merdon's position for the most part. However, I see his letter as a another "Me Too" moment.
