CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that President Bush sent a ``message of confrontation'' during his recent Mideast trip. Bush spent much of his visit to the region, which he wrapped up on Wednesday, rallying support among Arab allies for a strong stance against Iran - calling the country the world's top sponsor of terrorism.
GO HERE to read the rest of the story, if you can.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Go To Hell?
In the past two days I have received 4 pieces of mail referencing this Blog Site and tips for future stories. Not that I have never received such said information, I have. However, one of them was quite interesting. "Friends Don't Let Friends Go To Hell."
Heck, if I hadn't received these documents, I may have just been heading directly to Hell and if my anonymous "friend" hadn't sent it to me, I would have been clueless!
The only thing good about going to Hell would be the never ending flames to fire up my big cigars. There are other advantages, I guess? I'd be there with Al Gore and we wouldn't have to worry about Global Warming any more. The freakin Gas & Electric Companies couldn't send us outrageous energy bills any more. There wouldn't be any wait for the oven to heat up. I better stop, this is starting to sound too perfect to me.
Look, if I go to hell, I go to hell. If there's a Heaven and the Good Lord wants me there, that would be way cool too. However, I live my life the way "I" see fit and nothing you send me is going to change who I am.
So my advice to all of you is, please don't waste the postage suggesting how I handle myself and or treat others. AND, if you were a friend, you wouldn't have sent this letter with brochures anonymously. I know who GOD is and I know who the DEVIL is. I don't know who ANONYMOUS is but I do know the intent of God & the Devil!
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the Family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, Piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent. Sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Never pretend to be something you're not.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the Family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, Piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent. Sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Never pretend to be something you're not.
Not Everyone Has High Speed Internet Access
While I am attempting once again to navigate The Daily Times Website, I have been sitting for literally 15 minutes to get to my second page choice and it's just so damn slow I can't stand it.
When I attempt to pull up their Site, the first 10 minutes I sit waiting until a small pop up advertising screen finally arrives and of course I immediately close that screen and await for what seems like forever for their home page to come up.
Then when I see something I'm interested in and click on it, well, there goes another 5 minute wait. Now I know I've mentioned this before but I have to ask all of you, is this any way of running a business?
Honest to God, I have never in my entire lifetime had to wait so long for any single Website. Technology has changed over the past 10 years to speed up even Dial Up Users yet the Daily Times couldn't care less?
As far as I'm concerned, they're losing business and for those who are paying for advertising, you're losing your rear ends because for those Dial Up Users we're deleting you before you ever get the chance to show who you are.
Oh well, perhaps this is yet another reason why I should start up a new Site that will actually compete and sell advertising? I can assure you of one thing. Even though it's just GA and I right now, we'd be sure to have someone running this Site that would accommodate EVERYONE and not just High Speed Customers.
When I attempt to pull up their Site, the first 10 minutes I sit waiting until a small pop up advertising screen finally arrives and of course I immediately close that screen and await for what seems like forever for their home page to come up.
Then when I see something I'm interested in and click on it, well, there goes another 5 minute wait. Now I know I've mentioned this before but I have to ask all of you, is this any way of running a business?
Honest to God, I have never in my entire lifetime had to wait so long for any single Website. Technology has changed over the past 10 years to speed up even Dial Up Users yet the Daily Times couldn't care less?
As far as I'm concerned, they're losing business and for those who are paying for advertising, you're losing your rear ends because for those Dial Up Users we're deleting you before you ever get the chance to show who you are.
Oh well, perhaps this is yet another reason why I should start up a new Site that will actually compete and sell advertising? I can assure you of one thing. Even though it's just GA and I right now, we'd be sure to have someone running this Site that would accommodate EVERYONE and not just High Speed Customers.
Thank You
I received two comments, (one right after the other) sending me to a Site I was unaware of that showed the MISSING Girl Article was actually a HOAX. Why anyone in their right mind would come up with such a thing is beyond me but nevertheless, thank you for the heads up. Joe
Breaking News Story
A child, 10 years old was in fact killed this morning while trying to get onto the Bus in Cambridge. It happened at 7:29 AM where a man fell asleep at the wheel and struck the child.
WMDT 47 News will break in at 11:45 AM to bring everyone the story. Our thoughts and prayers go out to this child's Family. God Speed.
WMDT 47 News will break in at 11:45 AM to bring everyone the story. Our thoughts and prayers go out to this child's Family. God Speed.
New Lower Shore Young Republicans Club Gets Off The Ground
Joe,
We are a new club in Salisbury that is attempting to get off the ground. We are the Lower Shore Young Republicans, which is for ages 18-40. We will be holding our first meeting on January 31st at 7pm at the Ramada Inn Lounge on Rt. 13 in Salisbury.
If you could please publish this information, it would be greatly appreciated. If you or anyone has any questions, please direct them to respond to lowershoreyoungrepublican@gmail.com. Thank you very much.
Thanks,
Young Republican Leadership Team
We are a new club in Salisbury that is attempting to get off the ground. We are the Lower Shore Young Republicans, which is for ages 18-40. We will be holding our first meeting on January 31st at 7pm at the Ramada Inn Lounge on Rt. 13 in Salisbury.
If you could please publish this information, it would be greatly appreciated. If you or anyone has any questions, please direct them to respond to lowershoreyoungrepublican@gmail.com. Thank you very much.
Thanks,
Young Republican Leadership Team
Child Hit By Vehicle In Cambridge?
Word on the street is that a child in Cambridge was hit by a vehicle this morning while trying to get to the School Bus and died from his/her injuries. I am poking around where I can to see if the story is factual and hopefully I/they am/are wrong.
More to come..........
More to come..........
Jim Ireton Becomes President Of The Democratic Club
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Jim Ireton adds to his extremely long list of accomplishments, the appointment of becoming the President of the Democratic Club last evening.
As a former City Council Member in Salisbury and my God, the list read off last night of his accomplishments went on for more than 5 minutes, (seriously). Many spoke under their breath about what they might expect out of Jim in the future and one stood up and showed their support should Jim choose to run again for a position in the City of Salisbury. Could they be suggesting Mayor?
I asked Jim what his thoughts for the future might be in the City of Salisbury and quite frankly he replied, Joe, we'll see what the future and the will of the people bring.
Congratulations Jim! With your enthusiasm I'm sure lots of people will have tired feet by the time you're done with your one year term going door to door.
Going Once, Going Twice,
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SOLD, to the Republican in the back of the room with the camera for $1.00! Well, I never said I'd walk the Party Line. I'll go anywhere for a good deal. They had free snacks and finger food too. LOL
One Year Ago Today
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Susie Hearne came to me and asked if I could help relocate several Cats who had lived at their property along with the Mounted Patrol Horses. Since the Horses were no longer there and there wasn't hay stacked from floor to ceiling, the Cats were very cold and needed a place to live.
I'll never forget John Robinson stepping up to the plate and stating he wanted two of them for his Clock Shop. That was VERY short lived as the next thing you knew he was feeding them behind the building and when Ms. Hearne went to check up on the Cats, they were nowhere to be found. Mr. Robinson did NOT keep up his end of the deal and the cats disappeared.
Always wanting to be the center of attention, Mr. Robinson really let down the Hearne Family and when Ms. Hearne went to check on these animals and the Hearne Family went out at night to try and find them, there was no food or water for them each time they went to look, so THEY would leave food and water behind Robinson's Clock Shop.
Thanks for all that you do John. What A Guy!
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The Truth Will Make You Sick
At Monday's Salisbury City Council meeting the public was treated to the latest installment of the Lynn Cathcart for City Council '09 campaign. Former Councilwoman Cathcart rose to state that the "attacks" thrown against her during the December 10, 2007 Council meeting by Councilwoman Terry Cohen made Cathcart "sick to her stomach".
I have always maintained that Cathcart is no slouch as a politician. In true Hillary Clinton fashion Cathcart played the victim to the max. What did Cohen say in December? She stated that she could not vote for someone (Cathcart) to serve on the city's Board of Zoning Appeals who had voted for an illegal zoning in the past. Shocking!
If Cohen had asked my advice prior to making the statement I would have said to not make it. Unfortunately for Mrs. Cathcart, Ms. Cohen was 100% accurate. Cathcart voted for the original re-zoning of the old mall, which was ruled illegal by Judge Jackson.
What part of Ms. Cohen's statement was not true?
I always heard that "the truth shall set you free". I guess Mrs. Cathcart plans on not using that one when she runs again in 2009.
I'm guessing that her vocal support of the Tilghman / Smith / Comegys tax hike of 2007 will be labeled "an attack" if spoken of publicly. The same will probably apply to her abuse hurled at the petitioners attempting to stop the same tax increase. I wonder how she'll respond to a reminder of her most famous public remark? - "The (public) schools are not our concern."
I have always maintained that Cathcart is no slouch as a politician. In true Hillary Clinton fashion Cathcart played the victim to the max. What did Cohen say in December? She stated that she could not vote for someone (Cathcart) to serve on the city's Board of Zoning Appeals who had voted for an illegal zoning in the past. Shocking!
If Cohen had asked my advice prior to making the statement I would have said to not make it. Unfortunately for Mrs. Cathcart, Ms. Cohen was 100% accurate. Cathcart voted for the original re-zoning of the old mall, which was ruled illegal by Judge Jackson.
What part of Ms. Cohen's statement was not true?
I always heard that "the truth shall set you free". I guess Mrs. Cathcart plans on not using that one when she runs again in 2009.
I'm guessing that her vocal support of the Tilghman / Smith / Comegys tax hike of 2007 will be labeled "an attack" if spoken of publicly. The same will probably apply to her abuse hurled at the petitioners attempting to stop the same tax increase. I wonder how she'll respond to a reminder of her most famous public remark? - "The (public) schools are not our concern."
crossposted at Delmarva Dealings
Rick Pollitt's Office Returns With A Reason Behind The $23.00 Pens
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As you can clearly see from the first photo, County Executive Rick Pollitt is very concerned when he first learned of the $23.00 pen.
However, Rick's Office told me yesterday that the money did NOT come from the General Fund or Property Tax Revenue. The money to pay for those pens came from the County Room Tax & Hotel Tax.
OK, I'm going to leave the rest of this alone and let everyone make their own comments about this one.
Cambridge Plagued With Graffiti
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A year ago at this time, Salisbury was being bombarded with graffiti everywhere you turned. Someone asked me yesterday, did they ever catch anyone or get a lead on all the damage that was done in Downtown Salisbury. I had to reply, NO. Nothing has ever happened but I can say that the Salisbury Police Department has picked up on their patrols, which was a given now that they are allegedly up to 84 Officers on staff.
While I was shooting the fire in Cambridge, I had my telephoto lens on and I was the only one across the river taking shots from an angle no one else got. While there, I notice graffiti all over the place and thought I'd take a shot of it to remind everyone just how good we've got it right now in Salisbury.
Where's E. J. Pipkin?
Tuesday, my Red Maryland colleague Brian Griffiths reported that Congressional candidate, Maryland Sen. Andy Harris (R-7) was attending a fundraiser in New York while the Senate was having a night session. May be, but when Andy's in Annapolis he seems to be pretty busy looking out for Maryland citizens.
Where's that bastion of "who knows what" E. J. Pipken? To date Harris has introduced (or co-sponsored) nine pieces of legislation. Pipken - ZERO!
Now before the Harris bashers start whining that the bills are "meaningless", let's take a look at a few:
SB-008 - The Maryland Taxpayer Protection Act that would require a 2/3 vote by both houses of the Legislature to enact any tax increase or to enact a new tax.
SB-040 - a bill to prohibit Maryland public colleges and universities from granting in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens.
SB-041 - a bill repealing the Democrat imposed sales tax on computer services.
SJ-001 - a resolution calling for a day to commemorate President Ronald Reagan.
SB-015 - the Citizen's Tuition Protection Act.
SB-093 - a bill prohibiting the issuance of a driver's license to any individual who cannot prove legal residency in the US.
Again, where's E. J.?
Correction -
We stated that Sen. Pipkin had not sponsored any legislation do date. This was based on the Sponsor's index site of the Maryland Senate. A commenter pointed out that Sen. Pipken had sponsored legislation and was correct. We apologize for the error.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Where's that bastion of "who knows what" E. J. Pipken? To date Harris has introduced (or co-sponsored) nine pieces of legislation. Pipken - ZERO!
Now before the Harris bashers start whining that the bills are "meaningless", let's take a look at a few:
SB-008 - The Maryland Taxpayer Protection Act that would require a 2/3 vote by both houses of the Legislature to enact any tax increase or to enact a new tax.
SB-040 - a bill to prohibit Maryland public colleges and universities from granting in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens.
SB-041 - a bill repealing the Democrat imposed sales tax on computer services.
SJ-001 - a resolution calling for a day to commemorate President Ronald Reagan.
SB-015 - the Citizen's Tuition Protection Act.
SB-093 - a bill prohibiting the issuance of a driver's license to any individual who cannot prove legal residency in the US.
Again, where's E. J.?
Correction -
We stated that Sen. Pipkin had not sponsored any legislation do date. This was based on the Sponsor's index site of the Maryland Senate. A commenter pointed out that Sen. Pipken had sponsored legislation and was correct. We apologize for the error.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Transparency in Government - Louise Smith Style
Last year when she was running for the Salisbury City Council, Councilwoman Louise Smith only had a few issues. Initially the only two things she could talk about were getting the city audit completed on time and Government in th Sunshine. Later on she latched on to higher salaries for the city's public safety employees.
We all know that the audit was due before November 1 and it still has not be formally presented to the Salisbury Council. As for public safety employee salaries - the police did receive a raise, but Louise went out of her way to renege on her promise to the city's Firefighters (whose union supported her campaign).
What about Government in the Sunshine? For Louise this has many facets. For Smith the concept includes public participation, council participation and lastly openness of process. Unfortunately for the voters of Salisbury, Louise fails in all three areas.
Public Participation -
Louise's view towards the voters, particularly towards those that disagree with her, is that of a latter day parent towards children. The public should, preferably, be seen but not heard. If the truth be know, Louise would prefer that they not be seen either.
During her campaign Smith stated numerous times that she would never allow citizens to be treated as they had been under Mike Dunn's term as Council President and that citizens would be given ample time to speak and that they would be treated with respect. When Smith first entered office she made a capital mistake. She went on the record that she would not only allow citizens to speak during the "Public Comment" portion of the meetings but also allow citizens to speak before to individual pieces of legislation before a vote. While she has made several attempts to back out of that particular promise, she seems to have buckled under constant reminder from Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen. The one saving grace left for Salisbury citizens is that Louise just can't handle public humiliation.
As to not treating citizens like her predecessor did, there has been little improvement. When a citizen asks a question they are not provided an answer - unless it suits the agenda of Smith. They are reminded that an answer will be given to them in the future. Initially Smith claimed that answers would be provided within two weeks. However this is seldom the case. Some citizens are waiting for answers after months.
It should be noted that Louise never hesitates to violate her own rules when the mood suits. At the December 10, 2007 meeting some folks were allowed to question city staff, council and City Administrator John Pick about a drainage issue. This suited Smith's agenda, so the rules go out the window. In a truly open government ALL citizens would be given answers to their questions whenever possible.
It should also be pointed out that questioning the lack of integrity of the Smith troika is also not tolerated. I was threatened with removal last year and just this week citizens were threated with removal because they evidently laughed at one of Louise's ploys to keep the Barrie Tilghman Railroad running down the tracks. It should be noted that I was watching on television and there certainly was no audible disruption from the audience.
Council Participation -
Smith's predecessor in the center chair was the personification of grace and gentility compared to its present occupant. If there are any doubts as to my opinions regarding Mike Dunn's tenure as Council President one need merely search the archives of Delmarva Dealings. However, he usually allowed a member expressing an opposing point of view to ask questions and to speak their mind. Not so under the fascist rule of Smith.
When one of her rubber stamp colleagues personally attacks either Councilwoman Campbell or Councilwoman Cohen they are allowed to do so, despite the fact that such behavior is expressly forbidden in Smith's vaunted Code of Conduct. Yet, when the aggrieved party attempts to respond they are gaveled out of order. Smith claims "that ground has already been covered" and that "it's time to move on".
When legislation is debated Campbell and Cohen are often, if not constantly, interrupted by Smith. In all fairness to Councilman Gary Comegys, he never hesitates to strongly express his views in a debate but he doesn't (as a rule) interrupt his fellow council members.
Smith will never direct the administration to provide an answer to a question from Campbell or Cohen any more that she demands valid answers from the public at large. Information is clearly not needed for legislation, only the knowledge that the Mayor's agenda must be pursued at almost any cost.
Openness of Process -
This is the area that most people think of when one discusses transparency in government. Again, Smith fails miserably. I would dare say that if it were not for state law, and willingness of City Attorney Paul Wilber to only go so far, open government would be nonexistent in the land of Barrie.
A key tactic of the Salisbury City Council in this matter is one that Smith did not start, but one that she has allowed to live on - hiding legislative opinion from the City Attorney under the ridiculous claim that it is "privileged". This disgraceful tactic was used again at Tuesday's work session. The Tilghman administration does not want to pull the non-conforming use permits from several of the city's slumlords. Now the law is quite clear on this matter. If an owner voluntarily gives up their non-conforming use for a period of 12 months it is lost. The city's rule also take away the non-conforming use if a landlord fails to pay his or her licensing or registration fees.
Evidently several landlords are about to lose their ability to exceed the city's 4-3 law and Tilghman, along with Smith, Comegys and Councilwoman Shanie Shields are desperately trying to find a way around the law without having to publicly admit to being in the service of the city's slumlords. They need Paul Wilber to run to the rescue.
Wilber claims that court precedent won't allow the city to yank a non-conforming use for a licensing violation. When asked what his authority was, the specious claim of privilege was made. Under the rule of the Tilghman administration, and now with the concurrence of "Little Miss Government in the Sunshine", any ruling by Wilber is subject to litigation. Therefore, this constitutes lawyer / client work product and is therefore privileged.
Now, in this day, almost anything is subject to litigation. Spill your coffee at McDonald's? Sue. Dry cleaner lost your pants? Sue. The motivation of the Tilghman administration, and now Smith, is quite clear. By claiming privilege, Smith has prohibited Campbell and Cohen from publicly debating the merits of legislation. Therefore, Tilghman and the Smith troika are saved the embarrassment of publicly being shown to be fools and/or lackeys to certain special interests.
Another tool that has not seen much abuse, yet, under Smith is the abuse of closed meetings. However, that could well be coming. Tuesday it was obvious that the "council leadership" really didn't want to discuss landlord licensing in public. Fortunately, even Paul Wilber couldn't make up an excuse to allow that one to go into closed session.
Smith is in power. The sun has set. Salisbury must look to Government in the Darkness.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
We all know that the audit was due before November 1 and it still has not be formally presented to the Salisbury Council. As for public safety employee salaries - the police did receive a raise, but Louise went out of her way to renege on her promise to the city's Firefighters (whose union supported her campaign).
What about Government in the Sunshine? For Louise this has many facets. For Smith the concept includes public participation, council participation and lastly openness of process. Unfortunately for the voters of Salisbury, Louise fails in all three areas.
Public Participation -
Louise's view towards the voters, particularly towards those that disagree with her, is that of a latter day parent towards children. The public should, preferably, be seen but not heard. If the truth be know, Louise would prefer that they not be seen either.
During her campaign Smith stated numerous times that she would never allow citizens to be treated as they had been under Mike Dunn's term as Council President and that citizens would be given ample time to speak and that they would be treated with respect. When Smith first entered office she made a capital mistake. She went on the record that she would not only allow citizens to speak during the "Public Comment" portion of the meetings but also allow citizens to speak before to individual pieces of legislation before a vote. While she has made several attempts to back out of that particular promise, she seems to have buckled under constant reminder from Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen. The one saving grace left for Salisbury citizens is that Louise just can't handle public humiliation.
As to not treating citizens like her predecessor did, there has been little improvement. When a citizen asks a question they are not provided an answer - unless it suits the agenda of Smith. They are reminded that an answer will be given to them in the future. Initially Smith claimed that answers would be provided within two weeks. However this is seldom the case. Some citizens are waiting for answers after months.
It should be noted that Louise never hesitates to violate her own rules when the mood suits. At the December 10, 2007 meeting some folks were allowed to question city staff, council and City Administrator John Pick about a drainage issue. This suited Smith's agenda, so the rules go out the window. In a truly open government ALL citizens would be given answers to their questions whenever possible.
It should also be pointed out that questioning the lack of integrity of the Smith troika is also not tolerated. I was threatened with removal last year and just this week citizens were threated with removal because they evidently laughed at one of Louise's ploys to keep the Barrie Tilghman Railroad running down the tracks. It should be noted that I was watching on television and there certainly was no audible disruption from the audience.
Council Participation -
Smith's predecessor in the center chair was the personification of grace and gentility compared to its present occupant. If there are any doubts as to my opinions regarding Mike Dunn's tenure as Council President one need merely search the archives of Delmarva Dealings. However, he usually allowed a member expressing an opposing point of view to ask questions and to speak their mind. Not so under the fascist rule of Smith.
When one of her rubber stamp colleagues personally attacks either Councilwoman Campbell or Councilwoman Cohen they are allowed to do so, despite the fact that such behavior is expressly forbidden in Smith's vaunted Code of Conduct. Yet, when the aggrieved party attempts to respond they are gaveled out of order. Smith claims "that ground has already been covered" and that "it's time to move on".
When legislation is debated Campbell and Cohen are often, if not constantly, interrupted by Smith. In all fairness to Councilman Gary Comegys, he never hesitates to strongly express his views in a debate but he doesn't (as a rule) interrupt his fellow council members.
Smith will never direct the administration to provide an answer to a question from Campbell or Cohen any more that she demands valid answers from the public at large. Information is clearly not needed for legislation, only the knowledge that the Mayor's agenda must be pursued at almost any cost.
Openness of Process -
This is the area that most people think of when one discusses transparency in government. Again, Smith fails miserably. I would dare say that if it were not for state law, and willingness of City Attorney Paul Wilber to only go so far, open government would be nonexistent in the land of Barrie.
A key tactic of the Salisbury City Council in this matter is one that Smith did not start, but one that she has allowed to live on - hiding legislative opinion from the City Attorney under the ridiculous claim that it is "privileged". This disgraceful tactic was used again at Tuesday's work session. The Tilghman administration does not want to pull the non-conforming use permits from several of the city's slumlords. Now the law is quite clear on this matter. If an owner voluntarily gives up their non-conforming use for a period of 12 months it is lost. The city's rule also take away the non-conforming use if a landlord fails to pay his or her licensing or registration fees.
Evidently several landlords are about to lose their ability to exceed the city's 4-3 law and Tilghman, along with Smith, Comegys and Councilwoman Shanie Shields are desperately trying to find a way around the law without having to publicly admit to being in the service of the city's slumlords. They need Paul Wilber to run to the rescue.
Wilber claims that court precedent won't allow the city to yank a non-conforming use for a licensing violation. When asked what his authority was, the specious claim of privilege was made. Under the rule of the Tilghman administration, and now with the concurrence of "Little Miss Government in the Sunshine", any ruling by Wilber is subject to litigation. Therefore, this constitutes lawyer / client work product and is therefore privileged.
Now, in this day, almost anything is subject to litigation. Spill your coffee at McDonald's? Sue. Dry cleaner lost your pants? Sue. The motivation of the Tilghman administration, and now Smith, is quite clear. By claiming privilege, Smith has prohibited Campbell and Cohen from publicly debating the merits of legislation. Therefore, Tilghman and the Smith troika are saved the embarrassment of publicly being shown to be fools and/or lackeys to certain special interests.
Another tool that has not seen much abuse, yet, under Smith is the abuse of closed meetings. However, that could well be coming. Tuesday it was obvious that the "council leadership" really didn't want to discuss landlord licensing in public. Fortunately, even Paul Wilber couldn't make up an excuse to allow that one to go into closed session.
Smith is in power. The sun has set. Salisbury must look to Government in the Darkness.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Andy Harris Sponsors "Maryland Taxpayer Protection Act"
Maryland Sen. Andy Harris (R-7), the conservative candidate to replace Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, has sponsored SB-8 - the Maryland Taxpayer Protection Act. The bill would require a 2/3 vote by each house of the legislature to enact any tax increase or to impose a new tax.
It's unfortunate that this bill probably will never see the light of day. Gov. Martin O'Malley has too many more surprises in store for the Free State to risk something as sensible as Sen. Harris' proposal.
My thanks to Brian Giffiths and Red Maryland for providing a heads up on this bill.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
It's unfortunate that this bill probably will never see the light of day. Gov. Martin O'Malley has too many more surprises in store for the Free State to risk something as sensible as Sen. Harris' proposal.
My thanks to Brian Giffiths and Red Maryland for providing a heads up on this bill.