This Comment came in from THIS ARTICLE from Salisbury News and I thought it worthy of a Post...........
Daily Times Article
"Pittsville Commissioners pass skateboarding ordinance
By Earl Holland • Staff Writer • December 17, 2008
PITTSVILLE -- Town residents who skateboard will now be limited to private property and away from streets and sidewalks.
The Pittsville Commissioners passed a new town skateboarding ordinance by a majority vote of 3-1, with one person abstaining.
The law, which prohibits the use of skateboards on town streets and sidewalks, went into effect at the start of the business day Tuesday morning. Anyone caught in violation of the ordinance could be subject to confiscation of the board and the possible issuance of a municipal citation and a fine.
At last month's meeting, the town voted to move the proposed ordinance from first reading to a second reading, consisting of a public hearing and final vote.
Commission President Denver Moore said the intent of the ordinance was to curb concerns over harassment by skaters of residents as well as safety of skateboarders.
"Some children would not show the proper respect to people when they were asked not to skate on their property or to move out of the way on the streets," he said. "No one wants to see a child on a skateboard getting struck by a car and killed."
Moore, along with Commissioners Ted Farlow and George Whited, voted in favor of the ordinance, with Commissioner Lucille Jones voting against. Commissioner Wayne Knapp abstained from the vote.
Jones said she voted against the ordinance on the grounds that the mandate would be tough to implement.
"Who's going to enforce it and who's going to determine fines?" she said.
In addition to the worries about enforcement, Jones said the ordinance unfairly penalizes those who have been courteous and have adhered to the rules.
"I don't see any reason to punish all of the children because of the actions of a few," she said. "Not all of the children who skateboard are bad ones."
"THE GODS HAVE SPOKEN"
I've lived here all my life, and I would like to know how these assholes get into office, they're not elected by any election procedure that I know of! Why is there always at least one ranking Fireman always on the team?
Native Son"
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
43 comments:
Show me where a Skate Boarder has been hit and killed by a car. Im 38 and still skate. I havent scene it yet. We need to dig up the old skate bowl by the civic center for these kids.
We will skate anyway the cops are to busy with real crimes to deal with this bull crap. Oh Im also a fireman that is pro skate boarders.
It's called the Good Ole Boyz Network. Towns like that will never pass into the twenty first century.
When the time comes, you need to activate the entire electorate and flush that body waste down the toilet.
So wait, George Whited voted for it, maybe he should vote against drunk driving, but that would be too close to home.
Tad Farlow, what a joke he is. The fire department is running that town now, George Whited, Wayne Knapp, and the biggest joke of all, Tad Farlow. I guess tad saw that his brother actually kind of amounted to something being a DA so Big Brother Tad had to go pass his own laws. LOL... IDIOTS!
Wait, next on the agenda for Pittsville:
- Refunding tax money from Richard Chapman's payroll checks.
- Investigating how the fire department uses tax payer money.
You will never hear an issue about the fire department now.
If my son wants to skateboard, he will skateboard, who will enforce it? What about the fines, what if an out of towner comes through town on a skateboard? Does this really matter?
pittsville officials run that town like a dictatorship. i do not know how those idiots got in to office either. i had to move out of that town becase i hated having a big brother waching over you
with all the crime out there they are worried about a skateboard? this is such bs......this is a sign of people getting a big head.....they have nothing else to make them feel important to they had to come up with something and the kids pay the price....clowns all of them. I.m glad i don't live in Shitsville.
LaLou
Just watch now the crime rate is going to go up.... poor kids cant even be kids anymore....
This is an outrage.
Concerned,
ACS
Are there no elections of town council members in Pittsville?
No to skate boarders. Yes to drug dealers standing on Anne and Baker st selling drugs. No to skate boarders, yes to arrestees getting away with DUI's in court. No to skate boarders, yes to gangs on Smith St. Where are the priorities in America?
Skate on, dont listen to them.
There are elections but you never hear about them. They run small ads in a paper nobody reads anymore. There should be flyers posted all over town to draw out new blood but that would upset the balance of power.
Issues are already decided by the time they get to a meeting. Speaking your mind gets you nowhere except maybe a half hearted word of alleged understanding.
I am moving in the spring and wish the new resident on my home the best of luck.
Hey 9:41,
When I come through town and your son is skateboarding in the road and I run over him -- I dare you to sue me -- read into it you a@#hole! It is to protect your kids. And as far as who is in office, why don't you show up to the meetings and do something about it instead of just sitting back and bitching. You sound like a piss poor parent who has and axe to grind with the fire dept. Let's see, am I getting warm?
Yes they are voted in. Problem is no one cares enough to run against them. Anon 9:41 Its TED Tads father get your facts straight before bashing people. Geez!
(some) skate boarder destory propety. take a good look at railings with the paint off, or stone blocks wore down and a waxy built up on them.
I'm sure that you wouldn't want a stake boarder sliding down your stair railing on your house or steps; then why should businesses want the same.
I work at a business that routinely deals with skate boarders and the damage they DO and CAN cause. So, if you wish to complain, kindly post your home address and I'll gladly send them there.
OH, and the liablity if they injury themselves on private property. YES, our place of business has been SUED because a skate boarder took a nasty fall.
BUILD THEM A SKATE PARK!!! I'll even donate!!!! It will keep them off private property and keep them out of trouble.
If there is an election it is the same problem as everywhere else, Voter Apathy.
People need to realize that local elections are the most important. It's the only level of government where we can make a difference how our tax dollars are spent and stand up and be heard during meetings, not just at election time.
Get involved, vote and go to meetings to watch your lame government in action, and voice your opinion aloud. Opps, make sure your house is up to code first, for the good ole boyz will come give you your Christmas present, a work order.
Do you remember the Christmas show "Santa Claus is Coming to Town? Remember the Burgermeister Meisterburger? He took all of the kids toys away. This situation reminds me of that show. You have to watch these friggin' Farlow boys. They will soon have governmental intervention in every aspect of our lives. They are enemies of Democracy and friends of Socialism. Not too long ago the Commissioners voted to enact a "dog running at large" ordinance. There is no one to enforce that ordinance either. They have a code enforcement officer but how will he determine who owns the dogs running at large? Will he chase a dog down and try to read it's license? Who will set the fines? How will the defendants get their day in court? Will the town assess fines and attach them to property tax bills? This violates due process requirements on so many fronts it isn't funny. It seems like Paul Wilber is serving the Town of Pittsville in the same manner in which he serves Salisbury - inadequately. All of this is a waste of time. Stupid legislation meant to appease a vocal minority without being thought through completely. It seems as though Wilber may be creating job security by helping create ordinances that will undoubtedly cause him to have to defend the town in court at a later date. Mo Money Paul?
11:03 Amen! Don't sit behinh your computer and bitch about it. Get off your asses and do something. Go to meetings and get involved. Make a difference in your town instead of bashing it.
Speaking of Pittsville. Someone told me of a Paramedic who worked there and was a volunteer there also. They failed a test and let there certification expire and were still allowed to work there? When they were found out, they were fired, but still allowed to be a volunteer? Anyone know what this is about? What about accountability?
Lets get those bicycles next! Fines double for those wearing spandex racing suits who haven't signed up for a race in the last 6 months! Then we get those kids playing basketball. They're all CRIMINALS!
I see an Eastern Shore version of "Footloose" coming soon, to a town near you!!
It looks like just another way the town can create revenue to me. They can biuld all the skate parks they want and it still won't end the spirit of "skaters". To skate has been a form of rebellion for ages now.
It is a freedom that most children have experienced at one time in their lives. And to ban this form of venting a child has is to only promote breaking the law. It may become one of the stepping stones to becoming a full fledged criminal.
Do any of the board members have children of their own ? This is just rediculous to implicate.
Besides, I just bought a "rip-stick" skateboard for my daughter for Christmas. You mean to say she cannot ride it with in the town limits ? Why was there not a period of open discusion of this proposal so that I didn't have $80.00 bucks go down the drain ?
The police are either getting lazier and need easier ways to get fine funding or the police are upset for all the trivial laws the town is enacting for them to up hold.While the real crime rate is growing everyday.
The next thing you know there will be a law against "high heels". I'm sure they are alot more dangerous to walk in than "flats". Get it.
Hey Pittsville, a judge in Salisbury already determined that Paul Wilber writes laws for the few, not the masses. Cut your losses now, FIRE WILBER.
I cant wait to see who actually enforces this. Pittsville has no police. Who is allowed to confiscat the boards? I didnt know Pittsville was a mecca for skateboarders. There are no sidewalks or curbs here. Only 3 kids on pines street doing it in thier driveway.
A Rip Stick is technically NOT a skateboard! I think 12:51's kid is on to something here! Let's all get these for our kids. They're COOL!
There will be fines for fat people next.
anon 9:41
You wanna back up your ALLEGATIONS against George Whited with some facts or are you just a fat blow hard who is jealous of someone getting somewhere in life? He is a good man and doesn't hurt a soul. If you can do better than use your name and go for it! Otherwise, shut your pie hole. Use your brain for something other than a hat rack.....stupid, back woods red-neck! And I KNOW the type, being from that area and knowing the people for over 30 years! Get over yourself!
Brandi (not scared to use my name...what's your problem?)
He Mr. Editor, publish all the commentts.
If you have a personal problem with the Farlows, Pittsville Fire Dept, or anyone else in Pittsville, take it up with them directly, don't try to post it here because it won't see the light of day.
You guys should try to get the old blue ramp from back in the day. Remember Ocean city had that skate park that went belly up, well some of your parents remember. Its was fiberglass, there was a half pipi with two feet of vert and a qaurter pipe with a run ramp,(it was narrow though). When the place in O.C. went under somebody got a big movin truck and stole it., thats stuff was heavy,(from what Im told). The irony is two things, the ramp and pieces of it are in Pittsville, T-JONES uncle farm is where they have been for ten years. Fiberglass dont rust or rott. I cant remember the street, long time ago. We were gonna set it up here then my wife reminded me I was 34, and people sue these days, so that ideal bit the dust. She was right, sucks but true. Ill call a buddy tomorow and verify if its still there, but I know it is. You neeb a tractor trailor flat bed to get it, HEAVY. I said irony twice because I sat in a bar after a wonerful dinner one night about seven years ago and was talking to the man who actualy owned the park and the ramp and told him. He was cool as skaters.He said, "Im just glad some skaters are still using it, at least I didnt have to get pay to have it moved".
(Thats some crazy shit, huh).
(Ill enquire).
Ill add one thing if I can, It sat there for probably 4 or 5 years abandoned and over-grown. That park did have a Full-pipe, first one on the shore, Mark Emin actually did a complete revolution on a board, radical shit. Boomer tryed it on a bike a couple times, that didnt work out so well. Momentum is a must.
They should just outlaw children all together in Pittsville. I'd say there are very few positive role models for them to look up to anyway.
The town has or had a code enforcement officer whom is governed by the town. This being said he or she is sworn by the town and given the authority to issue civil citations which is utilized to enforce a city ordinance. These ordinances right or wrong (all is entitled to an opinion) are put in place to govern the town. It is no difference than buiding code ordinance to ensure the saftey of the building to be occupied or down to the trash and grass compliance to keep the town looking half way straight. The same goes for the skateboard ordinance it is for the saftey of the children, could the town look into providing a skate park, "yes" but this cost money. The fire Dept owns the Pittsville Park but the county county manages it yearly for a small donation at the county's request, maybe the county could work with the town and provide a small skate park at the park. Instead of bashing everything on this site put good use to your time and investigate and put into affect new ways and means to make things better, Hell i'm sure there is probally some type of grant out there for this kind of thing because it is for the saftey of our children. Look what Pocomoke City did there was a write up in the daily times about their skate park that recently opened. Do something positive with all the negative energy. It's a true shame that people have nothing better to do with their time. I have seen some of these kids be given friendly warnings from police officers that live in the area around the post office (2) state troopers to be exact and they still continue to ride in the road and block the free flow of traffic, it only takes a second of not paying attention and there will be another childs funeral or a major medical expense from the hospital grow up and think smart.
4:38 Why won't it see the light of day? I cant believe that Joe would withhold any post about any of these issues, unless they are covering up for him. Lol yeah right.
Anon 8:15 you are absolutely right, none of them would cover anything up for Joe. Having said that, Joe is not moderating tonight, I am. He is taking a much deserved break. I'm not Joe and I'm not going to publish anything I feel is out of line or way off topic, simple as that. When Joe takes over moderating again, he can put through what he wants, until then lets stay on topic.
There have been posts regarding the PVFD in the past and everyone was afforded the opportunity at that time to bash the Farlows, the FD, Chapman and anyone else that came through their fingers. This post concerns the ban on skateboarding. People can either stay on topic or not. If not, their comments won't see the light of day.
EarlsSister there was important issues in the posts that you denied. Very important issues and I cannot honestly believe that they were added to this post. But whatever, crediability is slipping away from SBYNews now.
Anon 8:54 I agree there are important issues in this post that Joe put up today. However, in the post TED FARLOW is named, not his sons or Chapman. If you read the comments that were rejected you would know why they were rejected. It has nothing to do with the skateboard ordinance. Like it or not, the skateboard ordinance is the issue at hand not the PVFD.
skate on folks...roadways are the only public spaces in some places, how the hell can they bad a non motorized vehicle from operating on a roadway...i told a cop straight up in OC once to go find something better to do than bug me..also people may I point to out federal laws and international transportation agreements that give rights to road users...the same way that marijuana is legal is some places does not mean that the federal law making it illegal does not apply..so skate on and when in doubt take in to the higher courts..that is rediculious, this is america for god sakes..riding a freaken piece of wood on a public space provided for wheels..whats the harm in that..get a life freaken conservative pieces of Shi&
Then PLEASE PLEASE tell Joe to bring back the Richard Chapman post.
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2008/10/paramedic-richard-chapman.html
I know a few people that have submitted the same information to Joe today it has been denied. Bring that back so we can get the attention for the topics we care about.
I agree with the poster who suggested having an area set aside at the town park for the skaters. It is extremely dangerous for kids to skate in the roadway and a nuisance to property owners but the kids have got to be able to go somewhere safe and skate. Bored kids with nothing to do get into all kinds of trouble, they need an outlet for their energy.
The "Footloose" comment was funny-even though todays generation has never seen that great 80's movie..........
Maybe the youngsters will stage a "skate-in" LOL
Can't wait til someone sues. I'm sure theres something with this ban that does not hold water legally.
Then the city will lose millions, and be crying there broke.
I love that my tax payer dollars, and elected officials time is wasted on stuff as stupid as this.
Like it or not, when conserned citizens come to the town with a valid issue, it has to be addressed. if they come up with a solution based on what facts they have, thats what they go with. Once again you should have come to the meetings to voice your opinion.
God forbid a child ride a skateboard on a side street where there is no traffic, but its ok for the town to ride around in their golf cart on any road they see fit. If you try to improve your home they want to hound you about that to you just about have to jump through hoops to be able to do anything, yet they let these slum houses do what ever they want. For years we got notices about how we were short on water yadda yadda yadda yet the car wash was left open. Since we now have firemen on the council you dont see that much anymore, hmmmmm I wonder why. I guess they think we should all take our kids to the park, YEAH RIGHT. There is nothing but a bunch of thugs that go there its not even safe to go there with your kids. SO what are kids suppose to do?
would longboarding be considered skateboarding?
"Code enforcement officer"? What a joke. He didn't know any more about building code than morse code, and probably less. No worries, the kids can outrun him, skateboards in hand. Fines and "enforcement" could have been enacted for the irresponsible behaviors mentioned, not for skateboarding itself. We have idiots who race up and down the road on atv's and crotchrockets, is Pittsville going to ban those, or just the potentially dangerous behaviors? Of course not. Many of them are potentially voting "adults". The kids have absolutely zero say-so, and that's why.
I enjoy watching the kids on their skateboards having clean, honest, non-destructive fun on public property, but some people would rather them sit in front a video game all day. Take away what fun they can have, and all that'll be left for them to do is smoke dope in the park.
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