I just heard this morning that someone high up in Obama's Campaign was coming to Salisbury very soon. Everyone else can bring a sign, I'm bringing my camera!
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Breaking News Update
I just had a one on one conversation with John Robinson. He claims the employee was not injured and that her Uncle assaulted him for discharging the gun and striking her.
The Employee stated she had also been hit in the neck but John claims she popped a zit on her neck, it wasn't a bullet wound. "She popped it in my mirror in our bathroom."
Allegedly the Uncle came in quite upset and struck John in the chest. John claims he was pulling the clip out and when he pulled back the whachamajiger to put it on the safety and it just went off.
John claims the bullet disintegrated, (Dee, Dee, Deeee) and just disappeared. POOF! Obviously both parties wil be filing charges against one and other. Who do YOU think the victim is here.
LIVE from Court Plaza.
The Employee stated she had also been hit in the neck but John claims she popped a zit on her neck, it wasn't a bullet wound. "She popped it in my mirror in our bathroom."
Allegedly the Uncle came in quite upset and struck John in the chest. John claims he was pulling the clip out and when he pulled back the whachamajiger to put it on the safety and it just went off.
John claims the bullet disintegrated, (Dee, Dee, Deeee) and just disappeared. POOF! Obviously both parties wil be filing charges against one and other. Who do YOU think the victim is here.
LIVE from Court Plaza.
Breaking News
John Robinson is back in the news Ladies & Gentlemen!
The Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation and the WCSO has been swarming all over Robinson's Clock in the Court Plaza for the past 2 hours or more.
Turns out John Robinson allegedly pulled out a hand gun and allegedly discharged it IN HIS BUILDING. The bullet allegedly hit the concrete and tile floor alegedly pieces struck one of his Employees. I'm told one of the parents of this Employee was hanging out in the parking lot watching what was going on. My guess, he was hoping to see Robinson go out in handcuffs.
The WCSO has left the scene and Robinson is still inside his Store and was not immediately arrested.
The story is coming bit by bit, piece by piece but there's a very strong chance charges will be brought against John Robinson this evening or tomorrow. More to come. Reporting LIVE from the Scene! Pictures to follow.
The Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation and the WCSO has been swarming all over Robinson's Clock in the Court Plaza for the past 2 hours or more.
Turns out John Robinson allegedly pulled out a hand gun and allegedly discharged it IN HIS BUILDING. The bullet allegedly hit the concrete and tile floor alegedly pieces struck one of his Employees. I'm told one of the parents of this Employee was hanging out in the parking lot watching what was going on. My guess, he was hoping to see Robinson go out in handcuffs.
The WCSO has left the scene and Robinson is still inside his Store and was not immediately arrested.
The story is coming bit by bit, piece by piece but there's a very strong chance charges will be brought against John Robinson this evening or tomorrow. More to come. Reporting LIVE from the Scene! Pictures to follow.
A Tragic Accident!
I almost cried when I saw this picture. It is absolutely gut wrenching. It shows the importance of being properly strapped in.
A friend sent this photo of a horrible highway accident in Germany . The picture may be kind of hard to take for some of you. If you look closely you can see what appear to be some survivors of the accident still in the wreckage. Although the picture is quite graphic, it makes you realize how quickly our loved ones can be taken from us.
My friend stayed on the scene to help and even though he performed mouth to mouth on quite a few of them, none apparently survived. (Scroll down).
A friend sent this photo of a horrible highway accident in Germany . The picture may be kind of hard to take for some of you. If you look closely you can see what appear to be some survivors of the accident still in the wreckage. Although the picture is quite graphic, it makes you realize how quickly our loved ones can be taken from us.
My friend stayed on the scene to help and even though he performed mouth to mouth on quite a few of them, none apparently survived. (Scroll down).
Major Accident
A serious personal injury collision just happened at Mt Hermon and Wango Road. The road will be closed at least one to two hours!
The Tractor & Trailer crashed into the Pocomoke River. More to come.....
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On February 1, 2008 at approximately 8:26 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were dispatched to the area of Rt. 13 and Baltimore Avenue for the report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident. The officers found that a vehicle had struck two (2) other vehicles in an intersection and had left the area without stopping. The suspect vehicle was located in a nearby parking lot and was found to be operated by the below listed suspect. As officers made contact with the suspect, the officers observed a smoking device containing suspected marijuana in the driver’s compartment of the vehicle. The suspect was arrested, and a bag of suspected marijuana was found in the suspect’s pants pocket.
ARRESTED: Jason Wesley Baker, 29 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Driving suspended/revoked
Failure to stop after motor vehicle accident
Numerous motor vehicle violations
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 20080003617
On February 1, 2008 at approximately 12:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Ohio Avenue when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed subject # 1, for traffic violations. During the traffic stop, the officers detected the odor of suspected marijuana emanating from the drivers compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the floor of the vehicle. The occupants were then searched, and a quantity of suspected marijuana was found on the person of the passenger, below subject # 2.
ARRESTED #1: Charles Cleveland Byrd, Jr., 36 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
ARRESTED # 2: Bobby Frank Smith, 49 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800003646
On February 1, 2008 at approximately 2:14 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Rt. 13 and Dagsboro Road when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the stop, officers were able to observe a small quantity of suspected marijuana in the driver’s compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was checked, and a bag of suspected marijuana and a smoking device with suspected marijuana residue were located within the center console of the vehicle.
ARRESTED: Ryan Douglas Causey, 19 years of age Laurel, Delaware
CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800003661
ARRESTED: Jason Wesley Baker, 29 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
Driving suspended/revoked
Failure to stop after motor vehicle accident
Numerous motor vehicle violations
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 20080003617
On February 1, 2008 at approximately 12:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Ohio Avenue when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed subject # 1, for traffic violations. During the traffic stop, the officers detected the odor of suspected marijuana emanating from the drivers compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the floor of the vehicle. The occupants were then searched, and a quantity of suspected marijuana was found on the person of the passenger, below subject # 2.
ARRESTED #1: Charles Cleveland Byrd, Jr., 36 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
ARRESTED # 2: Bobby Frank Smith, 49 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200800003646
On February 1, 2008 at approximately 2:14 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department were on routine patrol in the area of Rt. 13 and Dagsboro Road when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the stop, officers were able to observe a small quantity of suspected marijuana in the driver’s compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was checked, and a bag of suspected marijuana and a smoking device with suspected marijuana residue were located within the center console of the vehicle.
ARRESTED: Ryan Douglas Causey, 19 years of age Laurel, Delaware
CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800003661
The Mayor & Council Are The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Salisbury News
Barrie Tilghman sure is getting a lot of attention these day and guess what, MOST of it is from right here on this Blog! Yesterday marked yet ANOTHER Record Day on Salisbury News as people logged onto this Site like never before!
It just seems to keep backfiring on the Mayor and we just get more popular by the day. So thanks Barrie, you're our Marketing Queen and we don't even have to pay a dime for your services.
Let's see now, the Mayor would now like to believe The Daily Times is ganging up on her, WBOC, WMDT and let's not forget the Blogs. The DT, WBOC & WMDT are FINALLY realizing that NEWS SELLS! The more they expose it, the more people will go to listen or read and that sells papers and advertising! GO FIGURE!
Settling in and cruising along simply because you're the only sources in Town doesn't cut it any more. The Blogs have created so much attention that things are actually starting to get exciting here on the Eastern Shore and with any luck the viewers and readers will start to get more fair and balanced news about what's really going on in Salisbury.
I'd say the War was fought and the Battle is now won. Hail to the Blogs as we welcome the rest of the News Media on board.
If I only had a dollar a month from every viewer, O M G! Better watch out Daily Times!
It just seems to keep backfiring on the Mayor and we just get more popular by the day. So thanks Barrie, you're our Marketing Queen and we don't even have to pay a dime for your services.
Let's see now, the Mayor would now like to believe The Daily Times is ganging up on her, WBOC, WMDT and let's not forget the Blogs. The DT, WBOC & WMDT are FINALLY realizing that NEWS SELLS! The more they expose it, the more people will go to listen or read and that sells papers and advertising! GO FIGURE!
Settling in and cruising along simply because you're the only sources in Town doesn't cut it any more. The Blogs have created so much attention that things are actually starting to get exciting here on the Eastern Shore and with any luck the viewers and readers will start to get more fair and balanced news about what's really going on in Salisbury.
I'd say the War was fought and the Battle is now won. Hail to the Blogs as we welcome the rest of the News Media on board.
If I only had a dollar a month from every viewer, O M G! Better watch out Daily Times!
More FREEBIES In Salisbury
If you want your FREE Bumper Sticker, you'll have to earn it. How, simply come to ANY Council Work Session or Council Meeting and they will be handed out for FREE.
The difference, THIS item won't cost the Taxpayers one red cent! The upcoming meetings will be held tomorrow, Wednesday at 4:30 PM and Thursday at 4:30 PM.
These Bumper Stickers can already be seen on vehicles all over the City as people have simply had ENOUGH of Mayor Barrie Tilghman.
Salisbury Audit Meeting Adjourns Early By WBOC
GO HERE to the WBOC Story. DON'T MISS the Video Footage of the actual meeting from the link above! It's the second featured video clip!
SALISBURY, Md. - Salisbury's City Council called a special work session deal with the $10.2 million in misreported money discovered by an audit.
The meeting had problems from the beginning. It originally began in a crowded conference room, but was moved to council chambers to accommodate the many citizens lined up in the hallway to listen.
And people did listen for about 45 minutes, until some council members believe president Louise Smith broke protocol by presenting her findings of the city audit, when other members were only prepared to ask questions of the auditors, who were present.
Laughter broke out in the chamber as Smith unveiled an easel full of numbers; her findings from the audit.
"If you think this is a comedy, you can leave the room," Smith scolded to an unidentified member of the public sitting in on the session.
"No, I think it's a tragedy," the woman quipped back. "I'm not leaving. You need to be fair and tolerant."
That angered Smith, who then called for a five-minute recess to settle things down. She did so without making a motion, a move that drew more comments from the public.
"You don't have the authority to recess the meeting. Read your own rules," yelled another member of the audience.
At that point, Police were called, in case anything escalated. It was only about a minute back from recess when that happened.
As Smith began explaining to the crowd that she would not tolerate any further interruptions, council member Debbie Campbell began a dialogue with her.
"Mrs. Smith, as a point of order...."
"Excuse me, you're talking over the chair," said Smith, followed by a couple seconds of multiple people speaking at once.
"The meeting is adjourned," said Smith, again without a motion.
"You can't do that, Louise," yelled someone from the crowd.
Some members of the city council agreed with that man, and explained Smith broke protocol again by not making a motion to end the meeting.
Regardless, the meeting ended without further incident.
Smith defended her actions after the meeting. She explained that city meetings should be run professionally by both council members and the general public. She even the same thing will happen again if another meeting goes that way.
"We're going to continue it in a respectful way and a professional way. I will not have disruption from anyone," Smith said.
Campbell questioned the motives of adjourning the meeting early.
"It seemed to be an excuse to shut down the meeting and squirm out of talking about a very uncomfortable subject," Cambell said.
The City Council will meet for a second of three work sessions on the city audit on Thursday.
SALISBURY, Md. - Salisbury's City Council called a special work session deal with the $10.2 million in misreported money discovered by an audit.
The meeting had problems from the beginning. It originally began in a crowded conference room, but was moved to council chambers to accommodate the many citizens lined up in the hallway to listen.
And people did listen for about 45 minutes, until some council members believe president Louise Smith broke protocol by presenting her findings of the city audit, when other members were only prepared to ask questions of the auditors, who were present.
Laughter broke out in the chamber as Smith unveiled an easel full of numbers; her findings from the audit.
"If you think this is a comedy, you can leave the room," Smith scolded to an unidentified member of the public sitting in on the session.
"No, I think it's a tragedy," the woman quipped back. "I'm not leaving. You need to be fair and tolerant."
That angered Smith, who then called for a five-minute recess to settle things down. She did so without making a motion, a move that drew more comments from the public.
"You don't have the authority to recess the meeting. Read your own rules," yelled another member of the audience.
At that point, Police were called, in case anything escalated. It was only about a minute back from recess when that happened.
As Smith began explaining to the crowd that she would not tolerate any further interruptions, council member Debbie Campbell began a dialogue with her.
"Mrs. Smith, as a point of order...."
"Excuse me, you're talking over the chair," said Smith, followed by a couple seconds of multiple people speaking at once.
"The meeting is adjourned," said Smith, again without a motion.
"You can't do that, Louise," yelled someone from the crowd.
Some members of the city council agreed with that man, and explained Smith broke protocol again by not making a motion to end the meeting.
Regardless, the meeting ended without further incident.
Smith defended her actions after the meeting. She explained that city meetings should be run professionally by both council members and the general public. She even the same thing will happen again if another meeting goes that way.
"We're going to continue it in a respectful way and a professional way. I will not have disruption from anyone," Smith said.
Campbell questioned the motives of adjourning the meeting early.
"It seemed to be an excuse to shut down the meeting and squirm out of talking about a very uncomfortable subject," Cambell said.
The City Council will meet for a second of three work sessions on the city audit on Thursday.
FREE BUILDING!
I don't care if you're reading this on Blognetnews, the Western Shore or another State. The City of Salisbury wants to give a perfectly good building away for FREE! There's a snag though. You have to put in a proposal right away and send it Certified Mail.
If Bill Ahtes can come to the City and ask that they donate it for a Theater, why not a Church group? I know, how about a specialized Youth Bible Study Center? How could Barrie Tilghman turn that down, right?
How about a Shelter for Battered Women? A training center for jobless people? Oh, I know. How about a HOMELESS SHELTER? Nah, not smack dab in the middle of the City, right? How about an extension of the Public Library?
How about when they close the Zoo, can I have that land for FREE and open a Botanical Garden? Today I'll put in my offer for $1.00 for 1/2 of the GOB, since the City refuses to sign that contract to take ownership of their half. They gave the Dollar but never signed the contract. I WANT IN THAT DEAL TOO!
Nevertheless, the City of Salisbury is actually entertaining an idea to give this building away to a Non Profit Organization and they will never collect any real estate taxes on this location. Is that what a City does after FINDING $8,800,000.00 in the Water & Sewer Fund and $10,200,000.00 in an Audit? Then you have a Mayor who still wanted to increase the Water & Sewer Fund anyway, even though there was an additional $8.8 million in surplus?????
Oh, I know, raise the City's Taxes 14% and THEN find $10,200,000.00 of EXTRA money floating around! Yeah, the City of Salisbury is giving some of its most valuable assets away and all you have to do is ask them and one of you will receive.
TOMORROW, Wednesday, at 4:30 PM the City Council will be meeting with Bill Ahtes in a special Work Session to discuss the future of possibly GIVING this building away to this Group. My suggestion to all of you is, BE THERE! Let this GIFT prove to ALL of the Citizens that IF YOU are a FOB, Barrie Tilghman will reward you with a hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of FREE assets.
There's no denying what this Mayor is doing any more, so don't waste your time getting something for FREE. Oh, make sure you state you're an LLC too, the City LOVES working with LLC's!
Kudos To The Citizens Of Salisbury
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Talk about a massive turn out! The crowd was so large, they had to actually move the meeting to the main Council Chambers because so many turned out. However, it's even more important people turn out on Thursday! We want answers and they're clearly hiding things.
Look, Barrie Tilghman was too quiet last night. Gary Comegys was too quiet and Shanie, well, she's clueless anyway because she trusts these people. I knew that meeting wasn't going to make it last night and I told everyone that. The fact that the key person, Pam Oland wasn't there told me instantly, there's NO WAY a Boss would let someone who is not feeling so well, not to show up. I would be saying, you don't show up, YOU don't have a job! Barrie didn't want her there, that's all there is to it.
Would YOU ever think of flat out missing YOUR most important meeting of the year, dependent on YOUR Department? The Citizens were set up and screwed last night. Now, that being said, Louise may have helped us all in the long run. The meeting ended and now we can expect Pam to be there and take her beating. However, were they slick in the fact that NOW they won't be given as much time with the Auditors and Pam Oland? Yep, that's my guess.
Don't be fooled by this Mayor and her games Ladies & Gentlemen. They knew if the people showed up at 4:30 in the afternoon, they were going to FIND a way to shut that meeting down and that's why everyone was so quiet. It was a set up, period. Now let's see where it goes from here?
A Leader Who Knows Not How To Lead
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When you have a Mayor who must be in control of any and all people, you have a problem.
I can speak confidently about this issue because my Wife and I dealt with it and watched this leadership style fall apart right in front of our eyes.
While my Wife worked for 18 years at the Salisbury Zoo, (as many of you know) we watched the Director of the Salisbury Zoo, (Jim Rapp) hire friends of his who were well known as drinking buddies, golf buddies and even schoolmates.
Did this make excellent Zookeepers? Not one bit! When you look around at each Department in the City, this continues to be a problem, especially in the Finance Department. Now they want to claim their people weren't qualified enough, OH PLEASE! Hell, that started right at the top with Pam Oland.
Nevertheless, the excuses that came pouring out last night were, well, stupid! Herb Geary stated that the accounting group under Pam Oland get a "B" for effort but a "D" as a final grade! Give me a break! Can YOU run a business with an accounting department coming in with a final grade being a D? Come on now, Herb didn't know they were doing so poorly that he'd give them a final grade as a "D"? Someone knew something and didn't say it. Time to FIRE Trice Geary!
I'd also like to ask this question. You see, I've been attending EVERY Council Meeting and almost every Work Session but I know I've attended every meeting Herb Geary attended and NOT ONCE did this man ever indicate there was a problem. As a matter of fact, Herb constantly stated how fantastic a job Mrs. Oland has been doing AND her Staff!
I'd also like to ask this question. You see, I've been attending EVERY Council Meeting and almost every Work Session but I know I've attended every meeting Herb Geary attended and NOT ONCE did this man ever indicate there was a problem. As a matter of fact, Herb constantly stated how fantastic a job Mrs. Oland has been doing AND her Staff!
You cannot have it both ways. Last night my Mother In Law stated to Louise Smith, "Accounting and math are an EXACT SCIENCE, not something you make up as you go along!"
She then confronted the Mayor, (oh, you're going to love this) and asked, "What are you going to do about this financial mess?" The Mayor replied, (placing her hand on Dot's shoulder) "Dot, I'm going to fix it just like I fixed everything at the Zoo."
OK you dumb Biotch, please do explain what you've done to fix ANYTHING at the Zoo? That being said, were you attempting to take a jab at Dot Goetz' Daughter? One way or the other, that statement was just stupid.
The Salisbury Zoo is worse today than it was 3 or 4 years ago when my Wife left. It was going down hill then and my Wife was doing everything she could to expose just how bad it was getting. Today, it's so bad, there's no one running the Zoo and under Gary Muir's leadership the Zoo is destined to close within another year. Either that or many animals will be dead and no one will want to go there anyway.
So the City is being lead by a woman who is completely clueless, yet in control. Each Department has its own major issues and we haven't even gotten into the WWTP! Wait till everyone learns of the multi million dollar screw up that whole thing has become. Yeah, for about 1/2 the price they could have had a far better system with probably twice the volume, but you'll not read about that in The Daily Times because that would really take some investigating and that's too far over their head. Yeah, it's easier to keep their mouths shut on that one.
Last nights meeting was very disturbing in the sense that I have been around some pretty major accounting firms in my day. To listen to Herb Geary constantly lean over to his employee, (not a partner) and ask, "am I saying that right" clearly showed this guy Geary is clueless about what he's doing. If it were me and I owned that company, I'd be going in there firm, direct and confident. Not like a pansy almost asking the Council if that's OK! I wouldn't be smiling, I'd slam the facts down and say, I DID MY JOB, THIS IS WHAT I FOUND, THIS IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AND UNLESS YOU DO IT, I'LL NOT RETURN NEXT YEAR.
That's how you run a SUCCESSFUL business, especially an HONEST one. However, that's not what this Mayor wants and that's not how she's run things for years. I'd even go so far as to say, I'd bet Herb Geary would have been more firm if Barrie Tilghman wasn't sitting in the room intimidating that Firm.
Get Barrie Tilghman out of there and things will come right back and so will the morale.
Log Cabin Gay & Lesbian Group Champions Gilchrest
In stark contrast to Dr. Dobson’s endorsement to Andy Harris, Wayne Gilchrest is hailed a Hero by the Log Cabin Group. Log Cabin Republicans stand on the front lines of today’s most important battles for gay and lesbian civil rights.
http://online.logcabin.org/talking_points/gop-heroes/gilcrest.html
http://online.logcabin.org/talking_points/gop-heroes/gilcrest.html
One Year Ago Today
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With $10,200,000.00 floating around in the City and a 14% unnecessary Tax Increase, how about that new Skate Park?
While you're saying this idea might be stupid, do tell us what else Salisbury has to offer to our youth? This means even College Students. After all, they are a strong part of the local economy.
Bob Caldwell On Bill Reddish This Morning
Mr. Bob Caldwell, (next Mayor of Salisbury) will be on the Bill Reddish show, WICO, 1320 AM at 7:40 AM THIS MORNING!
After last nights fiasco, this should be quite entertaining. Hopefully Bill can act a bit more lively today?
The Diference Between The Daily Times & Salisbury News
IF you happen to have a subscription to The Daily Times, look at the Letters to the Editor today and look at Rachel Polk's letter. Looks to me to be about 50% shorter?
I don't mean to pull the Race Card thing but hey, they still let Jim Rapp, (who's no longer at the Zoo) write whatever he wants and they hold him to no limits. As a matter of fact, they let lots of white folks write whatever they want, if they're a FOB.
Could I be stretching it here, perhaps. However, Rachel's intellect far surpasses Bassett's, that's a given. If you have a letter you want presented in its entirety, send it here and we'll produce the entire thing.
I don't mean to pull the Race Card thing but hey, they still let Jim Rapp, (who's no longer at the Zoo) write whatever he wants and they hold him to no limits. As a matter of fact, they let lots of white folks write whatever they want, if they're a FOB.
Could I be stretching it here, perhaps. However, Rachel's intellect far surpasses Bassett's, that's a given. If you have a letter you want presented in its entirety, send it here and we'll produce the entire thing.
Louise, Louise ueber Alles ...
That was the anthem that played this evening in the Salisbury City Council chambers as Councilwoman Louise Smith asserted herself as der Fuhrer of the Salisbury Council. Finally shouted down by a justifiably hostile public, Smith illegally adjourned Monday's council work session rather than simply follow the recently adopted council rules which provide her with near absolute power. I believe that her problem is that her power is not absolute.
The meeting started in the city's packed conference room. As Smith scanned the assembled crowd and saw only two friendly faces, Smith soldiers Eleanor Mulligan and Kay Beck, she was quite hesitant to move the proceedings to the Council chambers in order to allow the public to view the proceedings. Unfortunately, there was no plausible reason not to move the meeting and she had to do so.
Once the assembled citizens moved to the Council chambers, Smith proceeded to deliver a speech meant to chastise Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen. In a speech that violated her own rules, Smith asserted that she was "disappointed with certain council members monopolizing the council's time with their questions and political grandstanding". Smith was planning on doing some "grandstanding" of her own.
Smith then handed the floor over to her lord and master, Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman. Tilghman then proceeded to read a letter where she states that the concerns raised by the auditor's management letter "are serious and are being addressed immediately". Of course we need to remember that many of the concerns raised in this year's management letter were cited in last year's audit and the Mayor's solution was exactly the same as this year's - claim responsibility and state that the concerns "are serious and are being addressed immediately". Fully expect to hear the same thing next year, but perhaps with slightly different language.
Smith then handed the floor over to Herb Geary, the city's auditor. Geary's presentation sounded great, if you had not read the auditor's management letter. In all honesty you would have thought that you had read an audit of Salisbury but had been magically transported to a meeting of the Easton town council. Geary lauded the Mayor, City Administrator John Pick, city finance chief Pam Oland and all of the city's financial staff. It was particularly interesting that Geary spent a fair amount of time on the one positive comment in his management letter - the Finance Department's accounting for fixed assets. Of course you would hope that there had been improvement given that this had been the single greatest deficiency since Geary's firm had taken over the city's audit contract.
While citing myriad material deficiencies in his written report, Geary claimed that "results are very positive". I honestly thought that I had been teleported to Mars. Geary also applauded the city's ability to generate a multi-million dollar surplus during FY 2007. I applaud them as well, but wonder why Tilghman, Smith, Gary Comegys and Shanie Shields then felt it was necessary to saddle the city's taxpayers with a double-digit tax increase.
It was now time for Smith to grab her moment of glory. Smith began her little moment by reading a prepared speech that, among other things, claimed that she was an auditor. Remember back to her campaign for council and the retired teacher claimed that she had experience with audits and in compliance. NOW, in ten short months Smith has obtained an accounting degree (perhaps from one of the internet diploma mills) and proclaimed herself an auditor. Perhaps if she finds herself a little short on cash, Geary's firm will hire her to audit some of their higher profile clients. I'm quite sure that they will be suitably impressed with her expertise.
At this point Smith rose from her seat and sauntered over to an easel with tables, graphs, etc. Remember, at the beginning of the meeting she read a speech stating that she would not permit any political grandstanding or allow any council member to speak for more than five minutes. Smith had already used her five minutes, but hey, she's Louise. She's special. She gets to do whatever she want. Rules... rules only apply to others.
While Smith was attempting to enjoy her C-SPAN moment, Councilwoman Cohen attempted to remind Smith that, according to her (Smith), this work session was ONLY for council members to ask questions (not make presentations). Smith would have none of that.
At this moment, I will admit that I was bad. I let out a few catcalls and when Smith reasserted her right to do whatever she wished I started to laugh. Then, several other members of the audience began to laugh. Well, we all learned something. Louise does not handle being laughed at very well.
Smith stated that she would recess the meeting. If you have been reading my posts for any length of time you know that I have a hang up about the rules. I'll play any game in town, just tell me the rules in advance and abide by them. The rules of the council are pretty clear. Anything not covered by state law, the city charter or the council's standing orders are governed by Robert's Rules of Order. There is nothing in state law, the city charter or the council's standing orders which govern either the recess or adjournment of a meeting. It's pretty simple. Robert's Rules of Order govern these relatively mundane (outside of Barrieland) tasks.
No. Louise will have none of that. She simply recessed the meeting arbitrarily. When several in the audience, including me, raised a stink she ordered City Clerk Brenda Colegrove to go get the rules. After searching through the rules they appear to have come up with the following:
However, even if this were true there's a little problem. Section 6 of the rules covers regular (or legislative) meetings. This meeting was a work session, which is governed under Section 9 of the council's standing orders. There is NOTHING in Section 9 that even remotely addresses this issue.
Oddly enough, the only thing that Smith had to do in order to act properly was to ask either Gary Comegys or Shanie Shields to make a motion to recess the meeting. The motion would have carried and that would have been all over. Unfortunately for the taxpayers who came to hear about the audit, Smith is far too arrogant to act properly.
After Smith's rump recess the meeting resumed and Smith started to drone on. For some reason, I honestly can't remember why, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell raised a point of order. Smith went apoplectic. She began arguing with Campbell, telling her not to interrupt! Again, I have a hang up about following the rules. A point of order is (what's called) an incidental motion. It is in order when another person has the floor and it is the Chair's duty to recognize a point of order and allow the individual making the point of order to state their point.
Again, rules mean nothing to Louise Smith! Since Campbell refused to back down (rightly so), Smith adjourned the meeting. Smith merely needed to recognize Campbell, let her state her point, rule on it and then go about her business. Der Louise is just not going to be bothered by little things like the rule of law. Remember, she presides in the banana republic of Barrieland.
To get a true flavor of this fiasco, you need to put a few things into context. Barrie Tilghman, hardly a non-controversial individual and certainly not a popular figure amongst Monday's audience was listened to quietly and respectfully by all present. The auditors made their presentation without a peep from the peanut gallery. Councilman Comegys, Campbell, and (I believe) Cohen asked a couple of questions about particular comments made by the auditors. No one flipped out when Smith went off on her little lecture about being Queen of the World and how she wouldn't tolerate any disobedience on the part of us (the great unwashed). ONLY when Smith refused to discuss an obvious fib that she was telling the audience and a couple of us started laughing did all hell break loose.
We also need to remember that this is the second meeting in a row where Smith has threatened to remove a member of the public. While I was never a fan of Mike Dunn's tenure in the center chair he NEVER acted like this; even on the few occasions when be basically had a breakdown during a meeting. I've witnessed Comegys chair one or two meetings and he performed fairly and discharged his duties adequately.
If the primary difference between a fairly smooth running council and the current version (which more closely resembles the Taiwanese parliament) is Louise Smith, what is the logical inference? For the sake of the city's government and reputation it is time for the other members of council to temporarily put aside their differences and put another individual in the center chair.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Louise Smith, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields, Barrie Tilghman, audit
The meeting started in the city's packed conference room. As Smith scanned the assembled crowd and saw only two friendly faces, Smith soldiers Eleanor Mulligan and Kay Beck, she was quite hesitant to move the proceedings to the Council chambers in order to allow the public to view the proceedings. Unfortunately, there was no plausible reason not to move the meeting and she had to do so.
Once the assembled citizens moved to the Council chambers, Smith proceeded to deliver a speech meant to chastise Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen. In a speech that violated her own rules, Smith asserted that she was "disappointed with certain council members monopolizing the council's time with their questions and political grandstanding". Smith was planning on doing some "grandstanding" of her own.
Smith then handed the floor over to her lord and master, Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman. Tilghman then proceeded to read a letter where she states that the concerns raised by the auditor's management letter "are serious and are being addressed immediately". Of course we need to remember that many of the concerns raised in this year's management letter were cited in last year's audit and the Mayor's solution was exactly the same as this year's - claim responsibility and state that the concerns "are serious and are being addressed immediately". Fully expect to hear the same thing next year, but perhaps with slightly different language.
Smith then handed the floor over to Herb Geary, the city's auditor. Geary's presentation sounded great, if you had not read the auditor's management letter. In all honesty you would have thought that you had read an audit of Salisbury but had been magically transported to a meeting of the Easton town council. Geary lauded the Mayor, City Administrator John Pick, city finance chief Pam Oland and all of the city's financial staff. It was particularly interesting that Geary spent a fair amount of time on the one positive comment in his management letter - the Finance Department's accounting for fixed assets. Of course you would hope that there had been improvement given that this had been the single greatest deficiency since Geary's firm had taken over the city's audit contract.
While citing myriad material deficiencies in his written report, Geary claimed that "results are very positive". I honestly thought that I had been teleported to Mars. Geary also applauded the city's ability to generate a multi-million dollar surplus during FY 2007. I applaud them as well, but wonder why Tilghman, Smith, Gary Comegys and Shanie Shields then felt it was necessary to saddle the city's taxpayers with a double-digit tax increase.
It was now time for Smith to grab her moment of glory. Smith began her little moment by reading a prepared speech that, among other things, claimed that she was an auditor. Remember back to her campaign for council and the retired teacher claimed that she had experience with audits and in compliance. NOW, in ten short months Smith has obtained an accounting degree (perhaps from one of the internet diploma mills) and proclaimed herself an auditor. Perhaps if she finds herself a little short on cash, Geary's firm will hire her to audit some of their higher profile clients. I'm quite sure that they will be suitably impressed with her expertise.
At this point Smith rose from her seat and sauntered over to an easel with tables, graphs, etc. Remember, at the beginning of the meeting she read a speech stating that she would not permit any political grandstanding or allow any council member to speak for more than five minutes. Smith had already used her five minutes, but hey, she's Louise. She's special. She gets to do whatever she want. Rules... rules only apply to others.
While Smith was attempting to enjoy her C-SPAN moment, Councilwoman Cohen attempted to remind Smith that, according to her (Smith), this work session was ONLY for council members to ask questions (not make presentations). Smith would have none of that.
At this moment, I will admit that I was bad. I let out a few catcalls and when Smith reasserted her right to do whatever she wished I started to laugh. Then, several other members of the audience began to laugh. Well, we all learned something. Louise does not handle being laughed at very well.
Smith stated that she would recess the meeting. If you have been reading my posts for any length of time you know that I have a hang up about the rules. I'll play any game in town, just tell me the rules in advance and abide by them. The rules of the council are pretty clear. Anything not covered by state law, the city charter or the council's standing orders are governed by Robert's Rules of Order. There is nothing in state law, the city charter or the council's standing orders which govern either the recess or adjournment of a meeting. It's pretty simple. Robert's Rules of Order govern these relatively mundane (outside of Barrieland) tasks.
No. Louise will have none of that. She simply recessed the meeting arbitrarily. When several in the audience, including me, raised a stink she ordered City Clerk Brenda Colegrove to go get the rules. After searching through the rules they appear to have come up with the following:
Section 6, C:Der Louise claims that this rule allows her to do anything she wants. First of all, that argument is ridiculous on its face. If her claim were true, there wouldn't many other rules because everything would be at the arbitrary discretion of Smith.
The Council President shall control discussion of the Council on each agenda item to assure full participation in accordance with the Rules of Order.
However, even if this were true there's a little problem. Section 6 of the rules covers regular (or legislative) meetings. This meeting was a work session, which is governed under Section 9 of the council's standing orders. There is NOTHING in Section 9 that even remotely addresses this issue.
Oddly enough, the only thing that Smith had to do in order to act properly was to ask either Gary Comegys or Shanie Shields to make a motion to recess the meeting. The motion would have carried and that would have been all over. Unfortunately for the taxpayers who came to hear about the audit, Smith is far too arrogant to act properly.
After Smith's rump recess the meeting resumed and Smith started to drone on. For some reason, I honestly can't remember why, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell raised a point of order. Smith went apoplectic. She began arguing with Campbell, telling her not to interrupt! Again, I have a hang up about following the rules. A point of order is (what's called) an incidental motion. It is in order when another person has the floor and it is the Chair's duty to recognize a point of order and allow the individual making the point of order to state their point.
Again, rules mean nothing to Louise Smith! Since Campbell refused to back down (rightly so), Smith adjourned the meeting. Smith merely needed to recognize Campbell, let her state her point, rule on it and then go about her business. Der Louise is just not going to be bothered by little things like the rule of law. Remember, she presides in the banana republic of Barrieland.
To get a true flavor of this fiasco, you need to put a few things into context. Barrie Tilghman, hardly a non-controversial individual and certainly not a popular figure amongst Monday's audience was listened to quietly and respectfully by all present. The auditors made their presentation without a peep from the peanut gallery. Councilman Comegys, Campbell, and (I believe) Cohen asked a couple of questions about particular comments made by the auditors. No one flipped out when Smith went off on her little lecture about being Queen of the World and how she wouldn't tolerate any disobedience on the part of us (the great unwashed). ONLY when Smith refused to discuss an obvious fib that she was telling the audience and a couple of us started laughing did all hell break loose.
We also need to remember that this is the second meeting in a row where Smith has threatened to remove a member of the public. While I was never a fan of Mike Dunn's tenure in the center chair he NEVER acted like this; even on the few occasions when be basically had a breakdown during a meeting. I've witnessed Comegys chair one or two meetings and he performed fairly and discharged his duties adequately.
If the primary difference between a fairly smooth running council and the current version (which more closely resembles the Taiwanese parliament) is Louise Smith, what is the logical inference? For the sake of the city's government and reputation it is time for the other members of council to temporarily put aside their differences and put another individual in the center chair.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Louise Smith, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields, Barrie Tilghman, audit
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Circle Flies
A Republican cowboy from Texas attends a social function which Hillary Clinton is attending and trying to gather more support for her nomination. Once she discovers the cowboy is a Republican, she starts to belittle him by talking in a southern drawl and single syllable words.
As she was doing that, she kept swatting at some flies that were buzzing around her head. The cowboy says, "Y'all havin' some problem with them "circle flies?"
She stopped talking and said, "Well yes, if that's what they're called. But I've never heard of "circle flies."
"Well ma'am," the cowboy replies, "circle flies" hang around ranches. They're called "circle flies" because they're almost always found circling around the back end of a horse."
"Oh," Hillary replies as she goes back to rambling. But, a moment later she stops and bluntly asks, "Are you calling me a horse's ass?"
"No, ma'am," the cowboy replies, "I have too much respect for citizens of New York to call their Senator a horse's ass."
"That's a good thing," she responds and begins rambling on once more.
After pausing to take a breath, the cowboy, in his best Texas drawl adds, "Hard to fool them flies though."
As she was doing that, she kept swatting at some flies that were buzzing around her head. The cowboy says, "Y'all havin' some problem with them "circle flies?"
She stopped talking and said, "Well yes, if that's what they're called. But I've never heard of "circle flies."
"Well ma'am," the cowboy replies, "circle flies" hang around ranches. They're called "circle flies" because they're almost always found circling around the back end of a horse."
"Oh," Hillary replies as she goes back to rambling. But, a moment later she stops and bluntly asks, "Are you calling me a horse's ass?"
"No, ma'am," the cowboy replies, "I have too much respect for citizens of New York to call their Senator a horse's ass."
"That's a good thing," she responds and begins rambling on once more.
After pausing to take a breath, the cowboy, in his best Texas drawl adds, "Hard to fool them flies though."
Will the Dobson Endorsement Affect Andy Harris' Campaign?
You must first answer this question. Is the Harris campaign devoting adequate resources to getting the word out about Dr. Dobson's endorsement to the folks that will be most receptive? If the answer is yes, this could be the one that puts Andy over the top.
Dr. James Dobson is an icon in the evangelical community. His honesty and devotion are beyond reproach. Sure, I haven't agreed with Dr. Dobson on all of his political moves, but I've always been impressed by his ministry.
The affect of Dr. Dobson's endorsement is not in his ability to convert people into becoming Harris supporters. He will, however, motivate many people who might not otherwise go to the polls to do so. If those people go to the polls, they'll vote for Harris.
Andy Harris is the ONLY choice for socially conservative voters. While in my opinion there is no question that Harris is the fiscal conservative's choice, others may differ. There has been a great deal of confusing, and misleading, advertisement from all three candidates as to each candidate's stance on core fiscal issues as well on the hot button issue of immigration.
IF Super Tuesday is fairly decisive in the GOP Presidential race far fewer casual voters will be motivated to go to the polls on February 12th. Some may argue that if McCain locks up the nomination many social conservatives will stay home. The endorsements of people like Dobson and Phyllis Schlafly will motivate those folks to go to the polls while the casual, non-social conservative will stay home.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, politics, Maryland politics, conservatism, James Dobson, Phyllis Schlafly, Andy Harris
Dr. James Dobson is an icon in the evangelical community. His honesty and devotion are beyond reproach. Sure, I haven't agreed with Dr. Dobson on all of his political moves, but I've always been impressed by his ministry.
The affect of Dr. Dobson's endorsement is not in his ability to convert people into becoming Harris supporters. He will, however, motivate many people who might not otherwise go to the polls to do so. If those people go to the polls, they'll vote for Harris.
Andy Harris is the ONLY choice for socially conservative voters. While in my opinion there is no question that Harris is the fiscal conservative's choice, others may differ. There has been a great deal of confusing, and misleading, advertisement from all three candidates as to each candidate's stance on core fiscal issues as well on the hot button issue of immigration.
IF Super Tuesday is fairly decisive in the GOP Presidential race far fewer casual voters will be motivated to go to the polls on February 12th. Some may argue that if McCain locks up the nomination many social conservatives will stay home. The endorsements of people like Dobson and Phyllis Schlafly will motivate those folks to go to the polls while the casual, non-social conservative will stay home.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, politics, Maryland politics, conservatism, James Dobson, Phyllis Schlafly, Andy Harris
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