BREAKING NEWS

The (John Doe) victim from Parsonsburg is Jesse Gay of Milsboro, Delaware.

Jesse was known to hang with ONE group of kids and they are under investigation By WBI & WCSO as we speak.

Be Careful What You Drink!

First there was Koolaid, now there's coolpis! MMMMMMM, Good!

Damage Control

Soon after the State Police, WBI & the Sheriff's Department left the crime scene on Esham Road, cars were being pulled over all over the area, some times two at a time as seen above.

I learned recently the victim could be from the Milsboro, Delaware area. More to come.....

Sheriff's Deputy Struck By Vehicle, Hit & Run

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: CDS Arrest/Traffic (flee and elude)

DATE: February 28, 2008

LOCATION: Zion Rd. @ E. Naylor Mill Rd, Salisbury MD

SUSPECTS: Mark R. Barton 22 YOA, Eden, MD

Benjamin M. Wheeling 18 YOA Salisbury, MD

CHARGES: Barton-Leave scene of accident, Flee and elude police
Wheeling-CDS Possess Marijuna


INVESTIGATING DEPUTY DFC Parker Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office


RELEASING AUTHORITY CPL Landing Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office


NARRATIVE: On 02/28/2008 at 2022 hours a WCSO deputy was traveling
south on Zion Rd when a black Pontiac went through a red light at E Naylor
Mill Rd at Zion Rd. The deputy’s vehicle collided with the Pontiac. The
suspect vehicle spun the deputy’s vehicle around and the suspect began to
flee north on Zion Rd. The deputy pursued the vehicle, but the vehicle
quickly became disabled due to the damage it received in the accident. The
driver of the vehicle, Mark Barton, was arrested for leaving the scene of
an accident and fleeing and eluding police as well as a red light
violation. As deputies were checking the suspect vehicle they detected
odor of marijuana, but none was found. After a search of the area deputies
located a small baggie of marijuana. A passenger in Barton’s vehicle,
Benjamin Wheeling, stated that the marijuana was his. Wheeling was charged
with possession of marijuana. Both suspects were released to central
booking awaiting the commissioner.

Another Attempted Murder In Wicomico County

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: ATTEMPTED MURDER/DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

DATE: Friday, February 29, 2008


LOCATION: 100 BLOCK FRANCIS DRIVE, SALISBURY, WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND

SUSPECTS: MILES, CHARLES, 44YOA, SALISBURY

INVESTIGATING DEPUTY AVNET W224 Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office


RELEASING AUTHORITY SGT. WAGNER Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office

Narrative: ON 02-28-08 AT 0116 HOURS DEPUTIES FROM THE WCSO RESPONDED TO
THE 100 BLOCK OF FRANCIS DRIVE FOR A REPORT OF SHOTS FIRED. UPON
INVESTIGATION MILES CHARLES WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE FIRED SEVERAL ROUNDS
FROM A HANDGUN WHILE OPERATING HIS DODGE DAKOTA AT A HOUSE AFTER AN
ARGUMENT OCCURRED INVOLVING AN ESTRANGED GIRLFRIEND AND HER NEW BOYFRIEND.
DEPUTIES BEGAN TO CHECK THE AREA. A SHORT TIME LATER A DEPUTY SPOTTED A
SUSPICIOUS HONDA DRIVING PAST THE VICTIM’S HOUSE. AFTER RUNNING THE TAG IT
WAS CONFIRMED TO BE REGISTERED TO MILES CHARLES WHO HAD SWITCHED VEHICLES.
A PURSUIT ENSUED INVOLVING WCSO, SPD, AND STATE POLICE ENDING IN CHARLES
FLEEING ON FOOT FROM THE HONDA. CHARLES WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT S.
DIVISION AND DYKES ROAD AND CHARLES WAS PLACED UNDER ARREST FOR THE BELOW
OFFENSES.

CHARLES WAS CHARGED WITH THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES: ATT. 1ST DEGREE MURDER,
ATT. 2ND DEGREE MURDER, RECKLESSLY DISCHARGING FIREARM FROM VEH..,
RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, 1ST DEGREE ASSAULT, 2ND DEGREE ASSAULT, POSS. OF A
REGULATED FIREARM BY A FELON, POSSESS A FIREARM AFTER CONV. OF A
MISDEMEANOR CARRYING OVER 2 YEARS PENALTY, WEAR/CARRY/TRANSPORT HANDGUN ON
PERSON, WEAR /CARRY/ TRANSPORT HANDGUN IN VEH., WEAR/CARRY/TRANSPORT
HANDGUN WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, WEAR/CARRY A
HANDGUN CONCEALED ON HIS PERSON.

CHARLES WAS CHARGED WITH THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC OFFENSES:
FAILURE TO STOP AT STOP SIGN, SPEEDING, RECKLESS DRIVING, FAILURE TO STAY
RIGHT OF CENTER, FLEEING AND ELUDING POLICE VEH., FLEEING AND ELUDING
POLICE VEH. ON FOOT.

What's Wrong With These Pictures?

As I was turning onto Memory Garden Road yesterday, this guy was flying past me in the right lane, driving backwards and doing 30+ mph! I turned onto Memory Garden Road and he just kept on going. Is there are Bar around that area I didn't know about?

Murder In Parsonsburg

I have covered several of these type of stories but quite frankly, this one saddens me more than any one I've been to yet.

The deceased, (John Doe) was shot once in the head and twice in the chest. He is a 19 to 21 year old, 6 ft. tall white male with reddish hair. IF you know of someone matching this description and has been missing overnight, please contact WBI or the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office.

Allegedly a neighbor heard three shots around 3:00 AM but ignored it. At around 9:00 this morning he went to get his paper and saw the body 10 yards deep into a field right next to his mailbox.

I know more but I cannot share that information as it could interfere with the ongoing investigation. Besides, it really doesn't matter at this point anyway. I will add more photos of the scene but I will say this, this is very sad. This is something you would see on TV or in the Movies. This shouldn't be going on around here and I hope they find the SOB or SOB's that shot him.

I'll close with this. These people knew what they were doing. I doubt even if I tried, I couldn't hit someone even at close range the way they did this young man.

Tilted Horizon Cafe

"Hi! My name is David Hearne. I am the youth pastor @ Bethesda United Methodist Church here in Salisbury. I just wanted to inform the public about a new ministry that Xtreme Youth Ministries has begun. We have started what is known as the Tilted Horizon Cafe. This is a place for youth and college students to come out every other Saturday night and listen to live bands, hang out in our coffee house cafe, and just enjoy great Christian fellowship. Tilted Horizon Cafe opened up on Feb 16th. I didn't know what to expect. It turned out that word got out and 80 people showed up. It was crazy awesome! I mean we had a mad mosh pit, screaming bands, a giant elmo playing bass, and lots of milkshakes and coffee. The bands that played @ our opening where: "For His Names Sake", "Death By Sunday", and "Mason Summers". Bands are flocking to Tilted Horizon Cafe from all over the tri-state area. Tilted Horizon Cafe is already booked into June!!! The main purpose of Tilted Horizon Cafe is this: to provide a safe place for youth and college students to come out and enjoy live music, coffee, and fellowship. Why does our society tell us we have to go to a bar to hear live bands? Well, i am working against that mindset and trying to provide a quality event that will reach Churched and un-Churched students. Tilted Horizon Cafe opens up its doors again tomorrow, March 1st @ 7 p.m. Its $5 @ the door to get in. This money pays for the bands. The bands that will be playing tomorrow night are : "Da Flock", "Proof of Love", "180 OUT", "Promise". It is going to be an awesome night. The Church walls will be rockin!!! Tilted Horizon Cafe is the place to be every other Saturday Night. BE THERE OR BE NOWHERE!!!

406 N. Division St.
Salisbury, Md 21801

The Follow Up To The Public Input Meeting Feb. 21

GO HERE to see the update from this meeting.

Michael Is Now An Expert On Global Warming?

Do we now have our very own Al Gore on the Eastern Shore? I mean, GET A LIFE MICHAEL! This is NOT a way to meet girls! Oh well, I give up. I have to rate his Blog as the most boring in the state of Maryland. Would you like me to send you a picture of Barrie Tilghman so you can show everyone how cold it is outside? At least there would be some entertainment to your Post. YUK! I'll not link to his Site and longer because he refuses to link to mine every time he talks about me. He will to others but not to me. Stupid is as stupid does.

Google Is Salisbury News Best Friend!

Every so often I'll check out the referrals to this Blog and today was one hell of a surprise! Out of the 100 listed there, 20% of them were referred to us by a Google search.

More and more people are learning about Salisbury News and I think it's so cool that they are finding their way here through Google. There were also Yahoo searches as well but quite a bit of new people get here through Google.

Considering it's not even 9:00 AM, 20% is a great number and we welcome ALL of you to this Site.

RECALL MAYOR BARRIE TILGHMAN

If YOU would like to participate in the RECALL PETITION DRIVE against Mayor Barrie Tilghman, meet us at 300 W. Main Street at the end of the Downtown Plaza tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

If You're Looking For Things To Entertain Your Children In Salisbury...

"Hi, Joe--

I know you post about how kids in Salisbury don't have anything to do. Many local churches are addressing that issue with some great events.

Every Friday night, Emmanuel Weslyan (big church on Route 50 & Beaglin Park) has "Fuel". Hundreds of kids show up at 6:30. They have an indoor half pipe for skateboarding as well as indoor basketball. Many nights they have live bands and a message. It's open to middle and high school aged kids.

Bethesda United Methodist Church on North Division Street in Salisbury just started the "Tilted Horizon Cafe". Every other Saturday, (there's one tomorrow) from 7 to 10 they open a coffee house in the church basement. The first coffee house was a couple of weeks ago and 80 area kids showed up with no advertising, just word of mouth. Four regional Christian Rock bands are playing tomorrow night. My kids said they even had a "mosh pit" for dancing. They call it moshing for Jesus, lol.

I've heard that Oak Ridge Baptist Church, (beside K-Mart) has a coffee house as well, but I don't know the details.

I have 2 teenagers and they love these events. You know, with all the bad stuff kids get into around town, these are very positive efforts."

Great Story from ESPN.com

I just wish that sports, at all levels, could bring out the best in people all the time and show what is most important....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/highschool/columns/story?id=3269083&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1

Sorry guys for the lack of posts of late. I've been sick and have had other committments this week coupled with work. I'll try and get more stuff out!

Nick

Barrie Tilghman Behind The Anti Albero Blogs?

While some wonder who certain people are making damaging statements on Story Chat on the Daily Times, many recall back when Mike Dunn was stepping down and the Mayor said, "We have something in mind for you yet." Many would believe Mike Dunn is allegedly behind some of those people making such mentioned statements.

Then there's what we call the Anti Albero Bloggers. Once it was mentioned a RECALL was in the works against Mayor Barrie Tilghman, all of a sudden the Anti Albero Bloggers went into Full Attack Mode. They dug in deep and started researching information not readily available to most, unless you're in the Law Enforcement Business.

That is why some are now suggesting one of the Anti Albero Bloggers allegedly works in the SPD Full Time and does nothing but bash my every move. Makes sense to me. Barrie Tilghman will stoop to any level to go after and retaliate against ANYONE who speaks out against her. However, she's learned she's met her match.

It is rumored allegedly Doug Church is even behind one of them, another FOB. Barrie, thanks for all the attention. The more you bring me up, the more people come here and check YOU out.

Mayor Barrie Tilghman Pulls The Unthinkable

Talk about being a complete biotch! Last Saturday morning around 8:00 AM, Mayor Barrie Tilghman picked up the telephone and called the Pastor of their Church. No, not to get her sins off her chest. Mayor Tilghman called her Pastor because wouldn't you know it, the Ruark Family goes to the same Church and Mayor Barie Tilghman was "GLOATING" over Davis Ruark's arrest.

Yes Barrie, you are the scum of the earth and you'll stoop lower than anyone I have ever known or met. Scumbag comes to mind. This has been confirmed by three sources, so a lawsuit over such is out of reach, UNLESS Barrie wants the truth to become even further exposed?

To the Ruark Family, forgive me for ANY more exposure on this matter but this woman needs to be cut down to size and this is just the place to do it. You won't read about this kind of stuff in The Daily Rag, which by the way JUST arrived at 7:40 AM.

I hope I can help in any way possible to get this woman booted out of Office. That being said, there's a meeting at 10:00 AM at 300 W. Main Street to recall the Mayor if anyone is interested? Turn your cameras on Chiefy! LMAO!

Today's Grapevine

No more great leaders

Salisbury and the Eastern Shore were defined by great leaders like Dick Hazel, Frank Perdue, Paul Martin and Wayne Gilchrest. Now we are faced with Joe Albero, Mike Lewis, Debbie Campbell and Andy Harris. What happened?

Not for nothing Barrie, I'd say the people you mentioned above might not ever be matched. However, we're the best everyone else has left.

Duvall Takes A Beating Yesterday

While Billy crawls to the computer this morning delivering one or two sentence posts, he doesn't miss a beat when he adds a click HERE and go THERE link. He did however save me from being attacked this morning and for once he actually allowed some people to defend me. Imagine how many comments he didn't allow defending me though? Nevertheless, I sometimes feel liked a battered spouse who stupidly keeps coming back in the hopes that things might get better? Sadly I get perhaps one day a month where Duvall actually delivers something with substance. Sorry Billy but I tell it like it is and quite frankly, your Blog sucks.

At Least We Deliver, Unlike The Daily Times

OK, as many of you know, it's a long walk to the end of my driveway and when it's cold like it is this morning, getting to the mailbox and there's no newspaper, I'm NOT happy! That is the case here this morning. Hey, maybe they're trying to catch up on ALL the news Salisbury News is putting out? Nah! At least it would be worth the wait if they were.

Isn't That Exactly The Same As A Woman Saying, "I DO?"

Oh come on now, it's funny.

A Jersey Airport

I know I said runway tree but yuz knows I meant three. Fagetaboutit!

Mike Pretl Responds

"Joe, thank you for the kind words and flattering photo. If you can have it blown up and framed, I will send a copy to my 92-year-old mother in Glen Arm.

With respect to the recent sewage spill -- WET representatives denounced the last five or six spills, to no avail. As you know, the County is building a new facility at incredible cost to County taxpayers, which will be near capacity when it comes online. What is the solution? Certainly not more septics, or package sewage plants scattered throughout the County. How about we knock down the Bay Bridge, to keep out the likes of me and my family.

Seriously, though, one has to pick your battles; and as an activist lawyer for nearly 40 years, I find damn few that can be won. A number of us in WET looked hard at the 72-inch discharge pipe planned for the Wicomico in Salisbury. If anyone has a legal strategy they believe will be succesful, please come forward so we can consider it.

We are going forward to Circuit Court next month with the first legal appeal in anyone's memory, from a subdivision decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission (via the Board of Appeals) involving a development called Deer Creek, off Morris Road. While the "cluster" designation seems unwarranted, we are also challenging several of the P&Z procedures which seem stacked in favor of developers. Wish us luck; or more helpful, join us in some of these battles.

Your readers are encouraged to see "what we are up to" by viewing our website at www.wicomicoenvironment.org. It is perhaps more fun to sit on the sidelines and pick on our lack of accomplishments. However, WET volunteers contribute several hundred hours of their time each month to what we conceive as the public interest. Come help us, if you agree; if not, then show us where we go astray.

Which brings me back to Andy Harris. I find it ironic that the bloggers criticize WET and others for not taking effective steps to address perceived wrongs in our community; and yet you seem to line up behind the likes of Harris, who bring nothing but negativity, and vote consistently to deny us the tools and the bucks to do anything about these problems. So it goes.
Fondly, Mike Pretl"

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA

MARCH 3, 2008
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Status of FY08 Budget – John Pick/Pam Oland

5:30 p.m. Changes to health coverage relating to dependent children – Pam Oland

5:45 p.m. PILOT agreements for affordable housing developments – John Pick

6:30 p.m. Committee/Commission appointment process – John Pick

6:55 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas

7:00 p.m. Adjourn

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Our Own Nick Loffer Delivers Todays Picture Of The Day

Click on image to enlarge.

106.5 Rocks!!!

I personally cannot stand any radio station who plays the same few "popular" songs repetitively that you hear the songs in your head long after the song has been played. Face it, most of these songs are devoid of any talent or if they are good they get overplayed to the point you hate the song. 98.5 is a great classic rock station with great programming like Bob and Tom in the Morning and Nights With Alice Cooper. Great music and they do not kill a song. New to the block is 106.5, K-Rock, from Pocomoke City. With not nearly as much syndicated shows the station packs a powerful punch through playing more 80's rock which is starting to become the classic rock for the newer generations. K-Rock also brings in a lot of more non-staples of many rock bands which is a nice touch. Modern rock is struggling. Many bands just drop their tuning on their guitars and bang away without a solo like Brian May from Queen or Slash from Guns and Roses. Some bands do come through such as Avenged Sevenfold and Dragonforce who actually play their instruments based on complex theories and rifts.

So check out 106.5 you wont be dissapointed and keep tuned into 98.5 as well.

Council Woman Debbie Campbell Invites Local Developers To Go Green

Click on image to enlarge.

Mr. Pollitt Is Accurate

Below you will find a message from Rick Pollitt's Office which is correct. Although I try to be as accurate as possible, even though I spoke with several people referencing "what they heard as well" sometimes it's not what you hear, it's what you don't hear. The interview I mentioned early, (live) came off as if Mr. Pollitt stated "Sheriff Lewis does not believe Rai is involved either."

I made a trip to WICO and listened to the interview again and Mr. Pollitt's Office is correct. When you listen to the interview, it was Mr. Reddish who made that suggestion as a question to Mr. Pollitt and there was a long hesitation. I am wrong and I'll ask that Mr. Pollitt forgive me for that error? No bones about it, they're right and I am wrong.

Mr. Pollitt's Office said:

"…I transcribed the following from the interview:

RMP: “There’s nothing to make me believe that Mr. Sharma’s broken any laws.”

Reddish: “It’s also my understanding that Mike Lewis has said at this point that nothing points toward Rai…at least the preliminary reports.”

RMP: “There’s nothing official at this time . There’s all kinds of rumours and allegations and we’re going to follow up on every one of them.”

Those were the extent of the comments about Mr. Sharma. Please note that Mr. Pollitt did not state “Sheriff Lewis does not believe Rai is involved either.”

Also, “There’s nothing to make me believe that Mr. Sharma’s broken any laws,” is substantially different from “Rick is claiming Rai Sharma had nothing to do with what’s going on in Wicomico County.”

Mr. Pollitt believes a retraction is in order. Please advise.

Thank you."

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION AUDIT STRATEGY

Following a February 26th meeting to discuss the scope of work involved in conducting an investigative audit into the alleged corruption at the Wicomico County Landfill and other operations; Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. and the accounting firm of Twilley, Rommel & Stephens, P.A., have mutually agreed that the citizens of Wicomico County will be best served by the retaining of a Certified Fraud Examiner to conduct the investigation.



Mr. Pollitt praised Twilley, Rommel & Stephens, P.A. for their quick and honest response to this important step in restoring public confidence in Wicomico County government. Mr. Pollitt said he expects to announce the selection of the Examiner in the very near future.

Wicomico County Taxpayers Should Be Concerned

The following message was sent to me today and I thought I'd share an outside point of view with everyone.

"Unfortunately, Wicomico County Government is like the "Titanic", it has just struck an unseen tip of an iceberg (corruption). Sheriff Lewis and Company need all the help they can get to keep the "Titanic" from sinking due to the greed and corruption involved. It is time the public knew the REAL STORY surrounding both Wicomico County and the City of Salisbury governmental operations. A government employee friend of mine put it this way, "If the public only knew one-half the story ........"

What a shame this is not an election year for the County Council and County Executive positions."

My own personal thoughts to this statement is, I'm not so sure punishing those in this new form of government is correct. I can appreciate the anger of ALL County Taxpayers, that's a given as I am one of them. I can remember back 2 years ago when I contacted the MDE after they had investigated the Salisbury WWTP and were in deliberations over how much to fine the City of Salisbury. I said, the Taxpayers didn't do all of the illegal things that had found. Fining them heavily, (IMO) is not the answer. They firmly agreed and stated that their intent is a positive resolution with a swift punishment IF the City rejected their demands. "Why take from Peter to pay Paul?"

That being said, this is about getting to the bottom of ALL of the corruption involved, removing those people who had any part of it, fixing what is broken and moving forward without hurting the Taxpayers any further.

I honestly believe Sheriff Lewis and Executive Rick Pollitt are indeed making every step to do so. I'll add, before the Blogs came along, many of you probably would not have known the actual depth of just how bad things are. I believe you would have heard about it, yet you might not have had much follow up. In fact, (IMO) it may have ended with the Ray Lewis portion and other sources would have decided it just wasn't worth getting into the County end of it and it may have been swept under the rug.

Now let's look into the future. No Mr. Comegys, not with a crystal ball. The logistics that I have seen from the past, (Mayor & some of the Salisbury City Council) would regularly reflect back to other issues and problems coming from this particular situation in the County.

What I see is accountability, such as, a HUGE break towards Taxpayers. Executive Pollitt stated that much of what has been stolen is covered by Insurance and the return of much of what was recently taken. OK, I'll buy that. However, I'm told this has been going on for 5 to 10 years now. Again, something you won't read in The Daily Times. I'm also told yesterday that it's not $400,000.00 worth of theft. It was announced it was up to $1,000,000.00 and guess what, I'm told that's not accurate either. I'm told it's more like $2,500,000.00 now.

With any hope and luck they'll get to the bottom of this and move forward without excuses. That would be what is called, professional results. Although the Governor may have reduced funds to Wicomico County, hopefully we can see light at the end of the tunnel with many expenses going WAY DOWN?

I'll close with this. I have been told that County Employees had been going to Lawn & Garden Companies and just buying them out of all sorts of things. Of course, each time they went in there they would purchase just under $1,000.00 worth of merchandise, keeping them from having to get a PO# from the County. This is yet another area the Sheriff's Department will have to look into. Mind you, the companies selling these products did nothing wrong, they simply sold products the County wanted to purchase. However, I'm also told you could find MANY of these products at County Employees homes. So just when you think it's over, it keeps getting bigger and bigger. Get to the bottom of it all without excuses in the future and give some relief to the Taxpayers.

Taxpayers Are Concerned Too

Dear Mr. Pollitt and Wicomico County Council Members:

Thank you for your attempts to resolve some of the current problems that Wicomico County currently faces.

Unfortunately, as a property owner and taxpayer in Wicomico County, I feel that again we are being led "down the Primrose Path" regarding the "hiring" of a local accounting firm for your audit purposes.

I would appreciate a response to the following questions regarding the audit:

1. Was a contract put out for public bid so other accounting firms could submit their proposals?

2. Was the firm that was hired the low bidder on the audit contract?

3. Why hire a local accounting firm (what is being "covered up" now?) instead of an out of the area firm?

4. If no other public bids were solicited, why?

Is this contract award another example of the Wicomico County government's "Good Old Boy System" at work, whereas you scratch my back, and I will scratch yours?

Unfortunately, I am sure that everyone is stressed by the events of the last two (2) weeks, but the auditing firm selection process leaves several unanswered questions.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to express my concerns regarding this matter.

Mr. Pollitt Responds:

I alone am responsible for the speedy selection of the Salisbury accounting firm of Twilley, Rommel & Stephens PA to conduct the special audit of the public works department. Having met with Sheriff Lewis and members of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation on Saturday it was my judgment that we needed immediate and competent assistance in determining how such a scheme of thievery could occur and how to best prevent future crimes. TR&S has no official relationship with the county government and they have an impeccable reputation for integrity and efficiency. We have asked them to conduct a forensic audit or, as some may call it, a programmatic audit. It will be divided into two phases. The first will uncover what happened, how it happened and why we didn’t catch it earlier. This will be conducted starting immediately and the results will be shared with the public as soon as we have them. The second stage will involve a systematic review of all of the county’s policies and procedures to help us develop better safeguards for future operations.

I realize and appreciate the skepticism you express. However, I have full confidence in the ability of local, independent auditors to guide us through these troubled times and I am even more confident that we will emerge stronger and better organized than before. Realizing that the public trust has been violated (as has our own trust in some members of our county system) I respectfully ask that you have patience and give us the opportunity of getting our house in order before passing judgment on us. I am as outraged as you are about what has happened and when we have identified those responsible, as I said to Channel 16, “there will be hell to pay.”

Thanks for your note and, hopefully, for your support.

Rick Pollitt

Wicomico County Executive

P. O. Box 870

125 North Division Street

Salisbury, Maryland, 21803

Phone: 410-548-4801

Fax: 410-548-4803

E-mail: rickpollitt@wicomicocounty.org

DOH! As Homer Simpson Would Say

This just in,

"I don't know whether this is the truth or not. Rumor has it that Ken Townsend has jumped ship. Disappeared."

Today's Wildlife Photo

Once again our friend buryvoter delivers yet another spectacular photo. This was taken this morning at the foot of the Rt. 50 Bridge in Ocean City.

Let's Talk About The County Finance Department

Do you remember Stevie Prettyman throwing a fit last year when 6 Employees got a 6% pay increase while everyone else got 4%?

This is important Folks because look at who was getting those pay increases! Pat Peterson, head of the Finance Department. Ted Shea, accused of allegedly having a deck built on his home from Public Works. The list goes on and on.

Look, Pat Peterson buried these increases in a voodoo accounting fashion in a deficit column and if someone had not tipped off the Council, they would have NEVER known about the increases.

Then there's the question, how did ALL of this theft go on without the Finance Director knowing about it? I'm not pointing fingers at a position that hasn't been considered this whole time. 50% increases in fuel & oil in some departments would have sent up the red flag to me anyway.

The bottom line is, some serious digging needs to happen here and a swift hand must be in place. I'm confident the audit will bring some of this to light.

Major Breaking Story

Ladies & Gentlemen, what you are about to read is yet another major cause as to who and how the Wicomico River is being polluted. I was told, "Your friend Rai Sharma had a big hand in the whole thing. All the run off from the Landfill goes right into the Wicomico River and I can tell you how he did it and where to find it."

I listened to Mr. Rick Pollitt this morning on Bill Reddish and once again Rick is claiming Rai Sharma had nothing to do with what's going on in Wicomico County. At the risk of being wrong, I'm telling you he allegedly does have his hands in it and this seriously concerns me for Mr. Pollitt's sake. Mr. Pollitt included Sheriff Mike Lewis into that equasion stating Sheriff Lewis does not believe Rai is involved either. I think Mr. Pollitt should let Sheriff Lewis speak for himself, respectfully. You mark my words right here and now Ladies & Gentlemen, I said it here first and weeks from now you're all going to say, Albero was right.

Is Rai Connected? Follow the bouncing ball............

"Google a map for 28672 Old Quantico RD.

Go out Nanticoke Road, take the first right Old Quantico Rd Rt 815 , walk down the lane that goes between the third and fourth house on the right. Beauchamp owns this property which used to belong to me. There is a huge metal covered spillway there. All the water from the dump eventually goes through there, under Nanticoke Rd. into Parsons Lake under Fitzwaters Street by the City pumping station and out to the river.

When I moved back to Salisbury in 69 there were chicken parts and grease floating on top of this lake coming from Mardel By Products. Are you familiar with them? They were located where I think the county now uses the building for recycling paper etc at the end of Brickiln Rd before the road crosses the railroad tracks. I fought Mardel By Products using the Environmental groups in Annapolis and we caught them red handed pumping chicken mess till it started to flow downhill and into a drain that goes under the road and back into the lake.I took jars of the mess to the County Council Meetings and threatened to uncap and let them smell what was in the jars. I didn't have to....They knew what it was. The health department claimed it was oyster quality water :) Yeah, right. They were supposed to be treating the water but they weren't because they always knew when the inspectors were coming and they treated it then. When they got my complaints they would come down unannounced and they finally caught them. Old history but at least you know the back ground because it gave the County an idea .

Drive up Brickiln Rd. to the first house on the left.There is an old barn in the back yard if it hasn't fallen down and a dip in the road. That is where the water went under Brickiln Rd and into the lake.That is where the old spring that fed the lake was located near the barn. Our lake was all private property... we owned the bottom of the lake. They fouled the lake by pumping the polluted mess on top of the spring. Long story and short story is I made their life a living hell calling Annapolis until they sold the plant .I thought my worries were over. Not so because the County bought the old Mardel Property. In six months the lake cleared up and was almost normal but not for long..

Sometime later I noticed on one of my many trips to the dump a group of men digging a ditch from the right side (dump side) to the left side under Brickiln Rd. It was kind of an odd thing to watch because you could barely see the men's heads because the ditch they were digging was so deep and there were so many men... at least a dozen or more. I called Rai Sharma and he said what they were doing was cleaning out and existing ditch.
A few months later we had a big 5 inch rain.... and the road between the two ponds was under water with fish flopping on top of the road. We could not use the road with the car...My father who built the lakes all the way to Fitzwater St. always told me not to worry about flooding because there was no way they would ever flood and we had many 5 inch rains before. I spent three weeks of my vacation poking in all the pipes trying to find out what was stopping up to no avail. Because we owned the pond we called the State's Road commission and asked them to lower the pond . At one time we had our own wheel and could do it our self. When they lowered the pond so we could work on the spillway we got the answer very quickly. The pipe was not stopped up at all... It was full of water coming through and was taking all the water it could handle. From that point on I was lied to and made to feel like I was stupid by Mr.Sharma. Eventually after numerous run ins with Sharma the County asked for an easement, installed the metal spillway and an 18 inch pipe to replace the 8 inch pipe that was there.

In the end it allowed Sharma to drain the land his Public Works Bldg. is on and ultimately the dump.

The ditch that takes the water from the dump is just before where the road makes a sharp right , It is in between the railroad tracks and Brickiln Rd."

The photos above, (provided by an outside source) show the different ponds, lakes and even pump station that in fact forces the water from a lake far below the ponds, into the ponds and then they run off from there, ultimately to the Wicomico River.

As I'm sure you'll be hearing lots more about this in the near future, I contacted the MDE and they have yet to return my call. How much do you want to bet they'll be calling in about an hour or so? Nevertheless, between the Salisbury WWTP and the Wicomico County Landfill, it's time everyone crack down on the MDE and get them working. dpushkar@mde.state.md.us is one of the main contacts.

Stories like this come along and must be taken seriously. Obviously this person is in the know, just like my source two years ago referencing the Sludge Pit at the WWTP. It doesn't mater WHO they are. It simply matters that something is done about it. I chose to publish this letter for accountability purposes. I want to make sure everyone is aware of the problem and locations so nothing can all of a sudden change.

This information is in the hands of the County Executive and the Sheriff. So why are people coming to Salisbury News first, rather then the Daily Times? Because we not only report it, we get something done about it as well.

Should The Red Flags From Last Year Been Recognized?

Although we had a new County Council come in last year with no experience of the County's Budget, some numbers should have sent up a red flag.

The Solid Waste Department, (GET THIS) went from $250,000.00 a year to $500,000.00 a year for oil & gas!!!!

The Roads Division went from $1,000,000.00 a year to $1,300,000.00 a year for oil and gas.

It was a difficult and confusing time for the Council because you not only had several newcomers on the Council, you also had oil and gas on the rise, (not really) and several people not knowing what the history was.

Looks like we're going to have to do some more serious digging and find out just how bad things were.

Breaking News

I received a message from County Executive Rick Pollitt last night referencing the Auditing Firm and some possible changes some time today. I received a call around 7:30 AM this morning asking me to listen to the Bill Reddish Show and I caught the very end of Rick's interview. He again mentioned something would be happening today referencing the accounting issue.

If I were to guess I'd say they are making the right move and hiring a Firm well outside the Salisbury area simply to protect their own hides. In one of mt conversations yesterday with someone who would make decisions on this matter I said, Rick's crooked, he's on the take, he's known about these problems for years and he hired this Firm knowing they would do what he says. They replied, COME ON JOE, you know that's not true. I replied, yes, I do know that's 100% not true. However, to people like Billy Duvall and other Rick Pollitt haters, that's what they're going to fire back and put into the minds of other taxpayers. Do you want to answer to that once the Accounting Firm is finished?

So you see, this thing can become more complicated than you think. My hope, (for Rick's sake) that he's seen the light and has made some changes? Time will tell. More to come later.........

Prince Georges County Reports 2 Foreclosures For Every 1 Home Sale

In the fourth quarter of 2007, Prince George’s County reported 2,732 foreclosures, the highest in Maryland. However, during the 4th quarter in Prince George’s County only 1279 sold according to the MRIS.


Basically, the number of foreclosures was double the number of houses that sold.

You don't hear the National Association of Realtors talking about figures that while they run ads on TV saying real estate ALWAYS goes up in value.

The housing bust in the Washington, DC area is far from over. This year a rising inventory of foreclosures will put significant downward pressure on prices.

People on the Eastern Shore think that they are ’special’ and while property values are dropping everywhere else things are still going up here. The reality of the situation is the bubble on the shore peaked November 2005 and property values have dropped 40% to 60% across the board.

C’mon who is going to pay $80,000.00 for a Pocomoke City lot in White Oaks next to a stinky clam processor and the train tracks? $485,000.00 for a rancher outside Salisbury or Berlin in what was a soybean field two years ago? People who are selling homes just need to get real and stop sucking on the crack pipe of phantom equity.

Two foreclosures for every one ‘regular sale’ is a sad statistic and could very easily take root right here on the Eastern Shore if people don’t get a grip on reality with prices or simply sell for auction values. The list, price, hold & defend that price method is broken, it can't be fixed and will soon be dead and gone the way of the Dodo bird.

The public wants open transparent real estate transactions, just like they want open government.

There are alternatives to foreclosure and Maryland is leading the nation with legislation to require lenders to report on their loss mitigation programs, but for many homeowners its simply too little, too late.

If you are one of the many who cannot make their payments you do have options, call your lender or visit the Maryland HOPE website

Jermaine S. Wright Released

"Yesterday Jermaine S. Wright was released from ECI. He is a 33 years old, 5'7" tall, black and about 170 lbs. his physique is muscular. his registered address is West Road in Salisbury. This man is VERY dangerous. In 1992 he raped and killed a girl at one of the under 21 clubs in Ocean City. The dna evidence somehow became compromised so they had to let him go. He fled to NC where he raped two more women. he spent 3 years in prison down there. During that time, a circumstantial case was built against him for the rape/murder in 92. He was convicted of that and has spent the last 7 years at ECI. now he's free. he is considered a sexually violent predator. the authorities are 100% sure that his actual history involves many more rapes and possibly murders than are listed above. He seems to prefer white women with no particular pre fere nce to age or physique. he also entered the home of one of the NC victims during the day through an unlocked door. The warden is asking us to put the word out to all of our friends/family/everybody, to please be careful. Women need to keep their doors locked if they are in the house with no adult males. They need also refrain from going anywhere alone at night. this is a rapist and a murderer who has been locked up for the last 10 years. Statistically speaking, it is VERY probably that he will strike again within the next 30 days."

OFFICE OF THE STATE'S ATTORNEY FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

PRESS RELEASE

ONE WEST MARKET STREET SUITE 208

SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863

410-632-2166

FAX: 410-632-3250

Michael W. Farlow Paul T. Haskell
Deputy State's Attorney Deputy State's Attorney
Circuit Court Division District Court Division

PRESS RELEASE

To: All Local News Media

From: Joel J. Todd

Re: Appointment of Special Prosecutor

Date: February 27, 2008

Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel J. Todd announced today his intention to have Thomas M. Degonia, II Esquire, of Venable LLP in Rockville, Maryland as special prosecutor for the case of State vs. Davis R. Ruark, State’s Attorney for Wicomico County. Degonia was formerly an assistant state’s attorney in Montgomery County.

A special prosecutor will be used due to the longstanding professional relationship between Todd and Ruark. Both the State Prosecutor’s Office and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office declined to provide a special prosecutor - the former because this is not an alleged case of public corruption and the latter because of a conflict of interest of their own.

It is essential that the public have confidence in the process, although we are all sometimes dismayed at the result. Some of what has been reported has been inaccurate. Todd has stated that he knew as soon as he received the call about Ruark’s arrest that he would seek a special prosecutor. He told police then to treat Mr. Ruark just like any other drunk driving suspect.

Other than to answer questions about the law, Todd’s office has kept itself out of this case. When contacted by Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino about the alleged handgun violation Todd was asked only what the appropriate law was. He did not direct her to charge or not charge for this crime nor did she ask for such advice. Todd made it clear to Chief DiPino that he was seeking a special prosecutor and could not advise her whether or not to charge.

In addition, it has been reported that Todd’s office prosecuted Ruark’s son’s case. This is also untrue. A special prosecutor from another county handled that case.

The justice system will handle this case objectively through the independent prosecutor. The public should be mindful that Mr. Ruark is, as is every other accused, innocent until proven guilty.

The Audit Nightmare

Although Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt has hired the accounting firm, Twilley, Rommel & Stephens to help save the day and hopefully uncover the balance of any wrong doing, WHAT IF ONE OF THE PEOPLE/COMPANIES ARE ONE OF THEIR CLIENTS?

I was in a deep conversation with a good friend of mine last night where we were discussing this exact issue and he said, why the hell did they hire someone local? They should have reached out across the Bridge to a firm who would be completely neutral? I couldn't agree more.

I placed a call to the Executives Office and brought up this concern, one in which hadn't been thought of. There was a silence once I mentioned it. I then suggested that IF there are ANY businesses involved, they should get written confirmation from this firm stating they do not, nor ever have done ANY work for these companies. The better answer would be, hire someone else outside the Eastern Shore. Someone who wouldn't give a damn either way what anyone thought of their end result findings.

WATCH PAC14!

Ladies & Gentlemen, last Monday night I picked up on something no one else caught. If you watch the re run of the Council Meeting, soon after the Fire Department accepting a donation, Louise Smith brings something to a vote.

Now, what's unique about this is that I had to take a double take when I personally heard it. I then leaned over to Greg Latshaw, (a reporter from The Daily Times) and I said, did you just hear what I just heard? He replied, I think so but I'm not sure. I said, Louise Smith just said, "All those in favor say I, I. All those opposed say Nay, Nay."

I believe Louise Smith Voted Twice! Once she heard Gary Comegys say Nay, she said Nay as well, after saying I originally. We have people watching the CD of it right now to confirm I did in fact hear what I heard but I'm very confident I'm right.

I didn't want to say anything till now so there was no chance to edit the original. I cannot receive PAC 14 so I cannot tell. However, listen carefully and see for yourself just what Louise Smith is up to. I was paying attention because I thought I had heard her do so in the past.

That being said, the Council President isn't even supposed to vote, unless necessary. If you watch County Council President John Cannon, he rarely ever votes. Perhaps Louise is so used to a 2-2 vote on 99% of everything they vote on anyway, she throws in her say. However, she would do so after everyone votes and she would say, "the chair votes I, or Nay."

One Year Ago Today

Can you believe it? It was one year ago today voters opted for Gary Comegys over Tim Spies in the primary? Louise Smith was voted in as a scam allegedly from the Mayor. While many held signs in support of Louise Smith, who would have known at that time everyone was being set up? Victory is bitter sweet.

The question is, do you want to do something about it now? Get involved in recalling the Mayor for starters and send the right message out.

Green Drinking and Driving

I just couldn't resist. Today's Daily Times has an editorial written by Carrie Samis, formerly of the Zoo. She writes a rather lengthy letter about how the latest "thing" in environmental news is to have meetings at local bars/pubs. The statement she says, "What a great idea-gather at a local pub to socialize, share concerns, discuss solutions-and enjoy a beer. The first meeting will take place a Seacrets in OC in March.

Now I have to ask a few questions. Number one, is that the only way to get folks to hold a meeting on going "green?" I'm wondering if other organizations could follow that lead? How about having open bars in Churches where attendance has dwindled? How about an open bar at City/County Council meetings? Man imagine how much livelier they would be! Of course your going to need to hire bouncers for the occasional brawl that might break out. Just imagine the pictures I would be able to post then. Can you say blackmail material?

In light of what our own States Attorney is going through at the moment is it a good idea to encourage people to go out for a drink? I'm sure Layton Moore isn't desperate to have the business, but it doesn't hurt either. Is there going to be a green cab to drive those drinkers home afterward?

The scenarios are endless along with the laughs. The true shame of it all is that the only way to encourage people to get together to discuss "green solutions" is to lure them into a bar. How sad.

Perhaps these folks that are fighting so strongly to encourage going green should get more involved in the sewage spills and discharges into our rivers and bay. Where were they when local municipalities are steadily running huge pipes from our streets right into whatever local waterway is closest? Going green is more then just talking about it and patting yourself on the back about educating people. You have to get people organized to fight what local governments are doing to do the exact opposite of green. And that should have to happen with a beer in your hand.

One of the organizations that is involved in this going green stuff is D LITE, the organization that former Zoo Director Jim Rapp is heading. These are the same people that allowed illegal sewage to run right into the River polluting it. The MDE told Rapp to STOP doing so and the very next day, (once the MDE was gone) Rapp opened the pipes again to drain into the River and the MDE returned and forced them to cap the pipe. Hypocrites!

Once The Mayor Is Gone

There have been many statements about what might happen should the recall against Mayor Barrie Tilghman be a success. Here's the answer to your question.

First of all, they have 90 days to get 3,500 registered voter signatures. On a side note, I'd get every signature possible, including non registered voters. The reason I say that is, this Mayor should know how many people out there feel ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. If someone tells you they're not a registered voter, have a secondary sheet for them to sign and thank them for their support.

After they have received more than 3,500 registered voter signatures and Brenda Colegrove confirms the recall has been successful, the City has another 30 days to set up an election. Voters will then be asked to come out and vote to recall the Mayor.

Once she's been voted out, then it is up to the City Council to appoint a new Mayor of their choosing and this person has to accept the position, obviously. It's my understanding that 47 News will have a piece on this today, perhaps at Noon?

Hopefully this helps everyone to better understand what's involved to get this done and how they'll move forward. ARE YOU READY?

WHOOPS!

OK, I had the biggest laugh yesterday when I was reading The Daily Times. Under "CORRECTIONS" they had screwed up something so bad, well, look and see their correction.

"A sentence in the story "Local fireman calculate future" in Sunday's The Daily Times should have read "Coincidentally, the town is currently lobbying Worcester County Commissioners for a tax differential on duplicated government services, which could save Ocean City taxpayers about $13 million."

How convenient to SCREW that up and then come back elsewhere with "the fix."

Ron Alessi Inserts Foot In Mouth

Wicomico Councilwoman Stevie Prettyman (R-2) seems to have raised the ire of certain members of the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board. Mrs. Prettyman had the audacity to question a board member, Ronald G. Alessi, performing over $50,000 of work for the board. Good for her, and shame on Mr. Alessi and any other member of the LCB that supports his position.

Mr. Alessi refused to answer questions posed by Daily Times reporter Joe Gidjunis yet doesn't hesitate to engage in a written monologue riddled with factual errors. If Alessi's little op-ed piece in Tuesday's Daily Times is any indication of the board's performance then the public would be best served by more scrutiny, rather than the "leave us alone" attitude of Alessi.

It is true that the liquor control board is appointed by the Governor and does not answer directly to the county government. As an agency operating under a state mandate they are held accountable to state ethics guidelines which hold that behavior such as Mr. Alessi's is highly questionable (at a minimum). Even an appearance of conflict is to be shunned. The very fact that Alessi serves on the board and is then paid to perform work for that same agency is certainly an "appearance" of impropriety. That assumes that everything else which Alessi states is true.

This is a big assumption. Alessi states, "we went to the market at a time when construction was booming and received bids for work to be done that were outrageous". The logical inference from Alessi's own statements is that he reviewed the bids from other contractors and then underbid to get the work. I wonder if the other contractors who bid on this business would have enjoyed having the same benefits as Mr. Alessi?

Not only is such a practice unethical, it may be criminal. IF the other members of the board, Stewart Haemel and Cecilia Dennis, were aware that Alessi was accessing bid / estimate information prior to submitting his own bid they, along with Mr. Alessi, should be forced to resign in disgrace rather than wait for Gov. O'Malley's new appointees to take their seats. At a minimum, the Governor should ask for Alessi's immediate resignation based solely upon Alessi's own statements.

Alessi claims in his piece that ALL profits from the Liquor Control Board are given over to the Wicomico Country treasury. This is simply not true. As Councilwoman Prettyman pointed out at the last meeting of the Wicomico County Council, the profits are split between the LCB and the County based on a formula that must be approved by the County Council. Perhaps Mr. Alessi misspoke, but the factual error remains.

Mr. Alessi makes multiple references to his belief that the Wicomico Liquor Control Board should be run like a business. He and I would both agree on the words, but evidently not on the meaning of those words. I believe that a business should be run to maximize the benefit to its shareholders. In the case of the LCB, those shareholders are the citizens of Wicomico County. Alessi seems to believe that a business is to be run to provide benefit to its shareholders while also helping to line the pockets of the "good old boy network" of which Mr. Alessi is a member. The benefit to shareholders (citizens) is merely a means of keeping the "great unwashed" at bay.

I was amused at Alessi's claim that LCB Chairman Stewart Haemel was "ambushed" at the last County Council meeting. Again misstating facts, Alessi argues that this matter occurred in past years. This is only partially true. When the Council received the audit for FY 2007, it was noted that Mr. Alessi had performed work for the LCB in FY 2007. Mrs. Prettyman also noted that Mr. Alessi had done work in the previous year as well. This is hardly an ambush. If Mr. Haemel wasn't prepared to answer questions about the FY 2007 audit he should never have asked to be appointed in the first place.

Alessi also serves as a member of the Salisbury Zoo Commission. I would hope that the Salisbury Council begins to ask if Mr. Alessi, or any business which he is associated with, has done any work for the Zoo. If it turns out that Alessi benefited from this relationship as well, we will truly know his definition of "public service".

Mr. Alessi's parting comments may tell the greatest tale of all:

Maybe the best way for these council members to serve the citizens of Wicomico County would be to better monitor the assets of Wicomico County, instead of meddling in a business that is so very beneficial to all of the citizens of Wicomico County.

I've got news for you Ron. Real public servants like Stevie Prettyman are doing their job. Since a portion of the LCB's profits go to the County the Wicomico County Council has a responsibility to see that profit maximized. While their "meddling" may not be good for your business, it should prove beneficial to the citizens of Wicomico County.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, Salisbury, politics, Wicomico politics, Salisbury politics, Liquor Control Board, Wicomico Liquor Control Board, Stevie Prettyman, Ron Alessi, Salisbury Zoo, ethics, unethical conduct

Minneapolis Fire Chief Takes Baltimore Post

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minneapolis Fire Chief is leaving his job to be fire chief in the city of Baltimore.

Chief Jim Clack was the commander who oversaw the rescue operation in the immediate aftermath of the Interstate 35-W bridge collapse. Mayor R.T. Rybak praised his "calm, collected leadership."

Clack took over the Minneapolis Fire Department in February 2007 and had been interim chief for 10 months before that. He took over after the troubled tenure of Bonnie Bleskachek, who was reassigned following an investigation that showed her tenure was marked by intimate relationships with other female firefighters.

Clack has served a total of 22 years in the Minneapolis Fire Department.

He said the new opportunity is too good to pass up.

Clack is replacing Fire Chief William Goodwin, who resigned in November. Goodwin served in the department for 32 years.

A VIEW FROM THE WEST:And now the beginning...

Congratulations to Jordan. If all goes well (and they don't screw him) he will soon have 90 days to recall Salisbury Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman from office. If he is successful, maybe a porn star will come out and run for office, just like that one did during the California recall election in 2003. But all jokes aside, there is now hope in Salisbury that one does not have to wait until 2009 for Tilghman to be bounced out of office.

With that in mind, a few words of caution...cover your [radio edit].

Remember what happened last year when signatures were collected last year to fight the change to the city charter. 164 signatures were ruled invalid with a big majority of those who signed were only registered to vote in Wicmoico County, not Salisbury. If you want this petition drive to succeed, it is absolutely vital to make sure that everyone who signs the petition to meet what the city requires.

From my view, Tilghman probably was a bad student from the Martin O'Malley school of running a city. When O'Malley taxed Baltimore City to his hearts content, at least his accountants followed the basic principles to accounting. She also does not know how to handle criticism. At least O'Malley knows how to ignore his critics with class and WITHOUT name calling (i.e. Dirty Dozen.)

Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson (D) must have been a star student in O'Malley's school. He just ignores everyone and sends his spokesman to the press. I am starting to wonder if my county has a recall provision in it's charter.

Any who, my point is make sure all of the "i's" are dotted, the "t's" crossed and the names properly registered.

P. Kenneth Burns is the editor/writer of Maryland Politics Today and is a contributor to Salisbury News and Red Maryland. He lives in Laurel, Maryland. His email is kennyburns@marylandpolitics.us.

MAJOR BREAKING NEWS

"Joe,

Today the City Administrator Brenda Colgrove received a letter of intent as required to recall the Mayor of Salisbury. This document is attached date stamped and all. The City has 7 days to process and return to me the necessary recall papers. From there I'll have 90 days to collect the required 3,500 signitures necessary to affect a recall of Barrie Parsons Tilghman. I look forward to comming days and months at the task that lies ahead, as we attempt to end wide spread corruption now taking place in all of Wicomico County. This recall should provide a monumental opportunity for the citizens and students of SU to join efforts as we all seek to improve the quality of life in Salisbury.

Thanks,
Jordan
trackhawk@comcast.net"

Ladies & Gentlemen, THIS IS BIG! Although this is the beginning stage, I suggest everyone come out of the gate full speed. No slacking on this one Ladies & Gentlemen! Obviously there will be more to come and this Blog fully supports this Recall Petition and will do everything we can to make it very clear, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

COUNTY EXECUTIVE LAUNCHES CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION AUDIT

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., met today with the independent accounting firm of Twilley, Rommel & Stephens, P.A., the Wicomico County Sheriff, members of the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation and key county officials to formalize the audit portion of an investigation into government corruption.



Pollitt instructed that the immediate focus of the audit be on the Public Works Department particularly its Roads and Landfill operations. TR&S said that the firm will be responding rapidly with a plan to conduct the audit and the cost of implementing that plan.



Mr. Pollitt emphasized that he wants the actual work of the audit “to begin as soon as possible.” He added, “Our audit process will work hand-in-glove with the criminal investigation to root out the rotten apples and develop safeguards to protect against future violations of the public trust.”

Sheriff Mike Lewis Expects 12 To 15 Arrests

The loss to Wicomico County Taxpayers is on the rise, BIG TIME! What started out as a $400,000.00 diesel fuel and parts crime has grown throughout Wicomico County Employees and outside services to a $1,000,000.00 level.

Workers at the Landfill are cooperating but as I posted earlier, this thing seems to keep growing like a wild fire. Certainly there have been suggestions that have come in that cannot be supported but it has opened the eyes of County Executive Rick Pollitt, Sheriff Mike Lewis and the WBI.

Imagine the lack of trust these gentlemen will have in ALL departments throughout Wicomico County? That goes with Contractors and Vendors. You have to even wonder if the Old Council had anything to do with any of this? I'm NOT suggesting that any of them did. I'm simply suggesting what has to be running through everyone's mind right now.

I was told by one individual high up in Wicomico County that the biggest problem they have faced is the fact that some of the employees that came forward said they had gone to their superiors, telling them they felt someone was stealing. The problem is, those superiors were involved in the theft and that's how it never got to the Council and even the County Executive.

Fortunately certain individuals found comfort in going to Sheriff Lewis on a Sunday afternoon at his home. Mind you, Sheriff Lewis went to the WBI to expose it and they said, WE KNOW!

Sheriff said in a recent interview, "May God Have Mercy On Your Soul if we have to come to you." He went on to suggest if anyone knows anything, now is the time to let us know.

Buying Time!

John Robinson has lucked out over the States Attorney Davis Ruark situation. John Robinson's case was also scheduled to go in front of the Grand Jury yesterday but Mr. Ruark cancelled all cases, along with the Hebron Fire Department accident that ended up in the death of one woman.

John fired off a handgun in his business, (Robinson Clock & Jewelery) where fragments allegedly struck an employee.

Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick.

Mayor Tilghman's New WWTP Project

Whistle Blowers

I want to personally thank ALL of those individuals that have come forward to expose anything and everything they know about any wrong doing in Wicomico County. I told you they'd take care of you.

I shared this information pleading others to come forward because I happen to know things are going to get VERY rough on those who have not come forward and think they can hide.

Playing poker with Sheriff Mike Lewis is STUPID! If you think he's not coming after you, you're wrong! This case is NOT at all closed and there are still plenty of others out there who have NOT come forward.

That being said, I strongly suggest that even if you're NOT a County Employee and you're in a business related to anything that was going on, I will say it again, go to Sheriff Lewis, Rick Pollitt and or send me a e-mail like some have done already and I will make sure it gets to the proper people.

I must also admit, I'm amazed at all the favors that have gone on for so many years to people personally and while they may have been able to get away with it in the past, ALL of it is coming out now and Sheriff Lewis is going to go after those people who stole from the County.

This means labor, supplies, you know what I'm talking about IF you're involved. I'm telling you, come forward before your life gets miserable!