The Wicomico County Liquor Control Board, notably commissioners Stewart Haemel and Ron Alessi seem to believe that former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich appointed them lords of their own little fiefdom. Gov. Ehrlich neither possessed the power to do so, nor do I believe that was his intention.
Let's remember, all of the funds taken in by the county dispensary system - less LEGITIMATE expenses - belong to the taxpayer. While Alessi may like to hang out with Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman, that is no excuse for deluding yourself that taxpayer money is his to spend as he wishes.
Yet, we see Alessi being paid for contracting jobs. Haemel and Alessi used TAXPAYER FUNDS to pay for a POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT. Taxpayer funds were reportedly used to fund a dinner at the Green Hill Country Club to discuss with LCB employees how to fight privatization (another blatantly political purpose). Now Haemel and Alessi are under the delusion that they don't have to comply with a request from Wicomico council members Stevie Prettyman and Joe Holloway to produce copies of the LCB's check register.
Councilman Holloway is right. "Refusal to release the information council requested only creates an air of mistrust and the perception of trying to hide something."
If anything, Holloway is too kind. At a minimum, these two are guilty of a particularly disgusting form of arrogance found only among your worst politicians. Their continued refusal to make the records of a public agency available smells of a cover-up.
What you hiding guys?
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Let's remember, all of the funds taken in by the county dispensary system - less LEGITIMATE expenses - belong to the taxpayer. While Alessi may like to hang out with Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman, that is no excuse for deluding yourself that taxpayer money is his to spend as he wishes.
Yet, we see Alessi being paid for contracting jobs. Haemel and Alessi used TAXPAYER FUNDS to pay for a POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT. Taxpayer funds were reportedly used to fund a dinner at the Green Hill Country Club to discuss with LCB employees how to fight privatization (another blatantly political purpose). Now Haemel and Alessi are under the delusion that they don't have to comply with a request from Wicomico council members Stevie Prettyman and Joe Holloway to produce copies of the LCB's check register.
Councilman Holloway is right. "Refusal to release the information council requested only creates an air of mistrust and the perception of trying to hide something."
If anything, Holloway is too kind. At a minimum, these two are guilty of a particularly disgusting form of arrogance found only among your worst politicians. Their continued refusal to make the records of a public agency available smells of a cover-up.
What you hiding guys?
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
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If documents are produced , insure that they are not counterfeit.
ReplyDeleteIt is fairly clear they have had enough time to produce the
requested items.
Has anyone asked the State Ethics Commission about any of this?
ReplyDeletesounds just like the mare's drafts...
ReplyDeleteHolloway must really want his own liquor store pretty badly. I just hope private liquor stores dont start popping up all over the place and ruining good neighborhoods, you know what I mean?
ReplyDeleteMore than likely if they do go private, places that already sell beer and wine will be selling the liquor, there's plenty of them. Places like Cheers are ready and just waiting. They are already selling alcohol, what's the difference?
ReplyDeleteThe employees were told what to tell the public when they ask questions.
I think the employees asked for the meeting/luncheon at Green Hill. Are you sure this was on the taxpayers dime?
ReplyDeleteHolloway and Prettyman both want their own liquor stores. That's why all this started when Prettyman grandstanded and lied about where she got the beer she threw on the table.
You just have to question the motives and honesty of Prettyman and Holloway.
And did the LCB attorney's letter say they wouldn't release records, or that they wouldn't release them to the council. I'm pretty sure it said they would in fact release them to the county executive, as required.
BC
Who mentioned a letter from what lawyer? By the way, the full page ad cost the county taxpayers $675.
ReplyDeleteIf Stevie Prettyman wanted a liquor store (which I seriously doubt)she would have one, just not here. It's not like she is in it for the money. Last I heard Prettyman Broadcasting was not having any financial difficulty.
ReplyDeleteJoe Holloway, I can't speak for but I doubt he wants one either. He's been in the retail business and sold it.
as a county and state regulated business entity shouldn't the books be public information? they have 2 audits a year. january and july
ReplyDeletethere are some shady loopholes though. there has always been a lot of secrecy there, always has been
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteIf Stevie Prettyman wanted a liquor store (which I seriously doubt)she would have one, just not here. It's not like she is in it for the money. Last I heard Prettyman Broadcasting was not having any financial difficulty.
Joe Holloway, I can't speak for but I doubt he wants one either. He's been in the retail business and sold it.
2:38 PM
Yes he did. He was lucky to unload it on those terrorists. Those were the people that were busted for terrorists ties. Who else would have bought a run down store like that. The county health department should have shut it down.
There seems to be a lot of concerned about "liquor stores popping up in every neighborhood". That simply won't happen.
ReplyDeleteThe number of retail licenses would be strictly controlled and issued by the Liquor Licensing Board (not to be confused with the LCB).
Regarding the lunch (dinner?) at Greenhill, I stated that it was REPORTEDLY paid for with taxpayer (LCB) funds. I don't have enough evidence to say that it definitely was. Look at the by-line. If you are familiar with my work, you should know that I'm pretty careful about leveling charges. If I say that someone DID something, you can bet that I've got hard evidence.
I am interested to know who came up with the grand idea that Joe Holloway, Stevie Prettyman (and I guess John Cannon, since he also supports a referendum) all want to own liquor stores. With all due respect, who taught you how to argue a position? Bill Clinton?
they are trying to instill that fear factor regarding liquor stores everywhere, that's their only defense mindless pea brains
ReplyDeleteGood questions GA aimed at the two who seem to have a lot to hide? Do you suppose we'll ever get the answer to the questions? Alessi is great at boondoggling. I know first hand from asking questions at the zoo commission meetings!
ReplyDeleteA. Goetz
There shouldn't be a problem getting the records, they have 4 full time office employees who smoke a lot of cigarette's on taxpayers time.
ReplyDeletePark out back for a couple of days. Have someone in the front too. Give them some work to do so that they don't have so much time to waste and abuse the revenue of that entity.
I may want to speak with Rick Pollitt about a few things I can't even mention, and will request the presence of Mike Lewis. I had to see Ed Baker once because I was required after some stuff walked away and 3 different people reported the same person, even several times to no real justice.