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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Chief Webster Throws Me Out Of A Public Press Conference In A Public Building While Being A Public Official
Perhaps Barrie Tilghman and Chief Webster weren't privy to the following? More to come.....
http://www.aclupa.org/pressroom/suitagainstwashingtoncount.htm
Suit Against Washington County, PA Police Chief over Harassment of Internet Critics Settled
Release: Immediately, January 24, 2006
More information on case, including legal documents
Pittsburgh: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Greater Pittsburgh Chapter has reached a settlement with a Washington County municipality and its suspended Chief of Police that will ensure the freedom of residents to debate political issues on a local website without fear of retaliation from local authorities.
“In the Supreme Court’s words, ‘it is a prized American privilege to speak one's mind, although not always with perfect good taste, on all public institutions and this opportunity is to be afforded for ‘vigorous advocacy’ no less than ‘abstract discussion,’” said Witold Walczak, ACLU of Pennsylvania Legal Director. “Just because a police chief or other public official doesn’t like what is being said about them on an in Internet bulletin board doesn’t give them license to use official powers to threaten and intimidate critics, or take steps to shut down the website,” cautioned Walczak. “As the saying goes, if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”
The settlement arises out of a lawsuit filed by the ACLU in 2004, charging that North Franklin Township police chief Mark Kavakich had attempted to use criminal subpoenas to learn the identities of residents who had criticized him on a website known as “localscoop” (www.localscoop.net). The suit also charged that Kavakich, who has since been suspended from the North Franklin police department pending an investigation of unspecified conduct, had threatened to arrest those who refused to cooperate with his investigation of the online critics.
Localscoop.net is an Internet community forum created and run by Terri and Munir Chavla of North Franklin, who were plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit.
The settlement announced today includes a consent order that extends and strengthens an original temporary restraining order that had been entered by consent at the outset of the case. The two-page original temporary restraining order prohibited the North Franklin police from threatening to use criminal proceedings against critics on the website. The four-page final order recently agreed to by the parties, and signed this morning by United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti, expands on these restrictions as well as prohibiting other kinds of harassing tactics, such as confronting critics in their homes, or threatening to reveal their identities to their employers or others.
Terri Chavla said she hopes “that this police chief now understands that he cannot criminally prosecute people for merely posting their opinions.”
As part of the settlement, North Franklin Township also agreed to pay the sum of $42,000.00 to the Chavlas and their lawyers.
Walczak raised concerns about police intimidation and threats made against critics on the Internet. He noted that police officials need to pay more careful attention to the constitutional limits on their authority to investigate those critical of police activities. “It is not an issue for the police when an Internet poster says something nasty about someone else, even if what they say is false and defamatory,” said Walczak. He added that the victim can file a defamation suit, but the police have no business in the matter.
In addition to the Washington County case, the ACLU signed a court agreement in late December with the Pennsylvania State Police over a situation where an officer convinced a web host to shut down a Scranton couple’s political website after they criticized a Scranton official. That case, which is pending in federal court in Scranton, is Pilchesky v. Pennsylvania State Police. More information can be found about that and the Chavla case at www.aclupa.org.
The Chavlas were represented by Walczak and ACLU cooperating attorney Ronald Barber of the Pittsburgh law firm Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Potter. The case is Chavla v. Kavakich, 04-CV-0594 (W.D.Pa., Conti, J.). A copy of the complaint and both the original and final consent orders can be found at www.aclupa.org.
http://www.aclupa.org/pressroom/suitagainstwashingtoncount.htm
Suit Against Washington County, PA Police Chief over Harassment of Internet Critics Settled
Release: Immediately, January 24, 2006
More information on case, including legal documents
Pittsburgh: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Greater Pittsburgh Chapter has reached a settlement with a Washington County municipality and its suspended Chief of Police that will ensure the freedom of residents to debate political issues on a local website without fear of retaliation from local authorities.
“In the Supreme Court’s words, ‘it is a prized American privilege to speak one's mind, although not always with perfect good taste, on all public institutions and this opportunity is to be afforded for ‘vigorous advocacy’ no less than ‘abstract discussion,’” said Witold Walczak, ACLU of Pennsylvania Legal Director. “Just because a police chief or other public official doesn’t like what is being said about them on an in Internet bulletin board doesn’t give them license to use official powers to threaten and intimidate critics, or take steps to shut down the website,” cautioned Walczak. “As the saying goes, if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”
The settlement arises out of a lawsuit filed by the ACLU in 2004, charging that North Franklin Township police chief Mark Kavakich had attempted to use criminal subpoenas to learn the identities of residents who had criticized him on a website known as “localscoop” (www.localscoop.net). The suit also charged that Kavakich, who has since been suspended from the North Franklin police department pending an investigation of unspecified conduct, had threatened to arrest those who refused to cooperate with his investigation of the online critics.
Localscoop.net is an Internet community forum created and run by Terri and Munir Chavla of North Franklin, who were plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit.
The settlement announced today includes a consent order that extends and strengthens an original temporary restraining order that had been entered by consent at the outset of the case. The two-page original temporary restraining order prohibited the North Franklin police from threatening to use criminal proceedings against critics on the website. The four-page final order recently agreed to by the parties, and signed this morning by United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti, expands on these restrictions as well as prohibiting other kinds of harassing tactics, such as confronting critics in their homes, or threatening to reveal their identities to their employers or others.
Terri Chavla said she hopes “that this police chief now understands that he cannot criminally prosecute people for merely posting their opinions.”
As part of the settlement, North Franklin Township also agreed to pay the sum of $42,000.00 to the Chavlas and their lawyers.
Walczak raised concerns about police intimidation and threats made against critics on the Internet. He noted that police officials need to pay more careful attention to the constitutional limits on their authority to investigate those critical of police activities. “It is not an issue for the police when an Internet poster says something nasty about someone else, even if what they say is false and defamatory,” said Walczak. He added that the victim can file a defamation suit, but the police have no business in the matter.
In addition to the Washington County case, the ACLU signed a court agreement in late December with the Pennsylvania State Police over a situation where an officer convinced a web host to shut down a Scranton couple’s political website after they criticized a Scranton official. That case, which is pending in federal court in Scranton, is Pilchesky v. Pennsylvania State Police. More information can be found about that and the Chavla case at www.aclupa.org.
The Chavlas were represented by Walczak and ACLU cooperating attorney Ronald Barber of the Pittsburgh law firm Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Potter. The case is Chavla v. Kavakich, 04-CV-0594 (W.D.Pa., Conti, J.). A copy of the complaint and both the original and final consent orders can be found at www.aclupa.org.
Mike Lewis Is The New Wicomico County Sheriff
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In the last three years I have attended so many different events. Throughout my business career I had attended trade shows and seminars around the World. However, NOTHING compared to yesterday's swearing in of Mike Lewis.If you were fortunate enough to be there you know exactly what I'm talking about. There was an overwhelming sense of confidence and belief that this man was going to make a difference.
Mike Lewis was so blessed to have his Wife, Children and especially his Parents present. A Family couldn't be more proud of their Father, Son, Brother In Law, Uncle & Husband. This is in fact a good man Folks.
The support from former co-workers within the Maryland State Police was also overwhelming. Chief Webster was in fact present but there was no Barrie Tilghman nor anyone from the City Council. Quite a few members from the County Council were present but the fact that The Daily Times did not promote the event at all, yet they gave Rick Pollitt front page coverage in today's paper speaks volumes to me as well.
Mike Lewis, if you're reading this, (HA) start seeing who your friends are. The Mayor didn't attend, the Daily Times refused to promote the event, some of us will be the eyes in the back of your head because you are what this County desperately needs and we're all very blessed to be so fortunate that you have accepted such a challenge.
I almost forgot to mention the fact that Hunter Nelms refused to attend as well. No Major Doris Schonbrunner either.
God Speed Mike Lewis.
Blogger Problems
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Please be patient today as I am having problems loading pictures onto Blogger. This happens from time to time and I know many of you are awaiting pictures of the swearing in of Mike Lewis and I do have a complete series of photos of that event. I will get them up as soon as Blogger allows. In the mean time, don't forget the County Council swearing in ceremony as well as Rick Pollitt.
On a separate note, Barrie Tilghman, unless you hadn't noticed, there were thousands of people NOT waving back to you the other day in the Parade. I read this morning that there were a dirty dozen people against you right now. Do you by chance know how to multiply? Did you learn your math from Mike Dunn? You know, the guy that claimed there were a good 100 people that confronted him in support of the Old Mall project but none of them have ever come forward?
Mike Lewis WALKED that entire Parade with PRIDE and his head held high, thanking people and wishing them a VERY Merry Christmas. Barrie Tilghman slumped down in her seat, waving to her peasants. Perhaps she was slumped down in her seat in fear of being nailed by eggs? Nevertheless, there's no pride left in a Mayor who has to constantly defend herself regularly in the Daily Times. Think about it Folks. If the Mayor had "ANY" confidence she would have blown the whole thing off. Instead, out of guilt, she is defending herself and a portion of the City Council because she knows she's a liar, a cheat and a horrible politician. If you're a FOB you get anything you want.
The Blogs are what have exposed this Mayor and you know what Folks, I guarantee John Pick told the Mayor a thousand times, DON'T GO TO THE PRESS ABOUT THE BLOGS!" I could be wrong but as Barrie reads this, should it be a fact, she has to be kicking herself in the rear end because her anger backfired, just like running to the paper will backfire this time as well.
Please be patient today as I am having problems loading pictures onto Blogger. This happens from time to time and I know many of you are awaiting pictures of the swearing in of Mike Lewis and I do have a complete series of photos of that event. I will get them up as soon as Blogger allows. In the mean time, don't forget the County Council swearing in ceremony as well as Rick Pollitt.
On a separate note, Barrie Tilghman, unless you hadn't noticed, there were thousands of people NOT waving back to you the other day in the Parade. I read this morning that there were a dirty dozen people against you right now. Do you by chance know how to multiply? Did you learn your math from Mike Dunn? You know, the guy that claimed there were a good 100 people that confronted him in support of the Old Mall project but none of them have ever come forward?
Mike Lewis WALKED that entire Parade with PRIDE and his head held high, thanking people and wishing them a VERY Merry Christmas. Barrie Tilghman slumped down in her seat, waving to her peasants. Perhaps she was slumped down in her seat in fear of being nailed by eggs? Nevertheless, there's no pride left in a Mayor who has to constantly defend herself regularly in the Daily Times. Think about it Folks. If the Mayor had "ANY" confidence she would have blown the whole thing off. Instead, out of guilt, she is defending herself and a portion of the City Council because she knows she's a liar, a cheat and a horrible politician. If you're a FOB you get anything you want.
The Blogs are what have exposed this Mayor and you know what Folks, I guarantee John Pick told the Mayor a thousand times, DON'T GO TO THE PRESS ABOUT THE BLOGS!" I could be wrong but as Barrie reads this, should it be a fact, she has to be kicking herself in the rear end because her anger backfired, just like running to the paper will backfire this time as well.
A Letter To The Editor From Tim Spies
In response to Michael Weisner Letter to the Editor of December 3rd (“Neighborhood spruce-ups meaningless without safety”,) I offer the following:
Neighborhood cleanups and the visual attractiveness of homes do, indeed, lower the incidence of crime. Well-maintained properties are not as likely to attract criminals, as they communicate to them that the residents care about their properties and those of their neighbors, and that they also are more alert to the presence of persons who may not “belong” in their neighborhood. In established neighborhoods, particularly those with a concentration of homeowner occupied homes, people look out for one another to a higher degree than in areas where residence is of a more transient nature. They are also more likely to call police to report suspicious persons and crimes.
Areas that contain concentrations of run-down houses are crime magnets. Poorly kept properties indicate to potential criminals that the houses and residents are more vulnerable than those in well-kept properties. They know that the odds are lower that these neighbors look out for one another to the extent that others might, and even if victimized, won’t call police. They know that there are more unlighted entries to houses, more unlighted or otherwise concealed routes of escape, fewer good locks on doors, more unsecured windows, and more opportunities for successful criminal activity. And, of course, there’s the fact that many of the criminals themselves live in these areas, giving them the important advantage of familiarity with both the properties and the residents.
As a former police officer, I can attest to the fact that high police presence and visibility do contribute to a lower crime rate, but that police presence has its limits in every city, and that policing itself is only a small part of the whole crime prevention picture. Education of the public as to how to avoid being a victim, enforcing residential zoning laws to eliminate crowding and blight, providing adequate lighting of streets and homes, and, yes, sprucing up the neighborhood all have their place as strategies in crime prevention. The responsibility for ensuring that all these are consistently met is not only the city’s; it’s ours.
To view information regarding neighborhood cleanups and property maintenance as regards crime prevention, I invite your attention to: http://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/physenv.txt.
For a free crime prevention assessment of your property by an officer of the Salisbury Police Department, call 410-749-5151 during daylight hours.
Tim Spies
President, Camden Neighborhood Association
Co-chairman, Salisbury Area Weed & Seed Program
Neighborhood cleanups and the visual attractiveness of homes do, indeed, lower the incidence of crime. Well-maintained properties are not as likely to attract criminals, as they communicate to them that the residents care about their properties and those of their neighbors, and that they also are more alert to the presence of persons who may not “belong” in their neighborhood. In established neighborhoods, particularly those with a concentration of homeowner occupied homes, people look out for one another to a higher degree than in areas where residence is of a more transient nature. They are also more likely to call police to report suspicious persons and crimes.
Areas that contain concentrations of run-down houses are crime magnets. Poorly kept properties indicate to potential criminals that the houses and residents are more vulnerable than those in well-kept properties. They know that the odds are lower that these neighbors look out for one another to the extent that others might, and even if victimized, won’t call police. They know that there are more unlighted entries to houses, more unlighted or otherwise concealed routes of escape, fewer good locks on doors, more unsecured windows, and more opportunities for successful criminal activity. And, of course, there’s the fact that many of the criminals themselves live in these areas, giving them the important advantage of familiarity with both the properties and the residents.
As a former police officer, I can attest to the fact that high police presence and visibility do contribute to a lower crime rate, but that police presence has its limits in every city, and that policing itself is only a small part of the whole crime prevention picture. Education of the public as to how to avoid being a victim, enforcing residential zoning laws to eliminate crowding and blight, providing adequate lighting of streets and homes, and, yes, sprucing up the neighborhood all have their place as strategies in crime prevention. The responsibility for ensuring that all these are consistently met is not only the city’s; it’s ours.
To view information regarding neighborhood cleanups and property maintenance as regards crime prevention, I invite your attention to: http://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/physenv.txt.
For a free crime prevention assessment of your property by an officer of the Salisbury Police Department, call 410-749-5151 during daylight hours.
Tim Spies
President, Camden Neighborhood Association
Co-chairman, Salisbury Area Weed & Seed Program