Retired Salisbury Police Captain Ronnie L. Stauffer was laid to rest today. Capt. Stauffer was a 28 year veteran of the Salisbury Police Department. After retirement, Capt. Stauffer became the Executive Director of the Worcester County Commission on Aging. You can view the obituary of this dedicated public servant here.
Among those attending Capt. Stauffer's funeral and burial today were a contingent from the Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico Sheriff's Deputies as well as Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and Chief Deputy Gary Baker.
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 12, 2008
A Response to Both Supporters and Detractors
I want to thank all of you for your comments on the recent post "A Little Known Perk at the Wicomico County Board of Education" which appeared both on Delmarva Dealings and on Salisbury News. Whether you supported by point of view (POV) or not, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I am responding in a separate post because I feel the need to correct a few misconceptions, clarify a couple of things and also to acknowledge an error on my part.
First of all a minor point; Joe Albero did not write this post. For those of you reading on Salisbury News, don't hang him with this one. He catches enough grief about things he writes himself. My name is clearly at the bottom of the post (I realize most folks don't look for it since Salisbury News is Joe's blog) and it's cross posted to Delmarva Dealings.
Second, I made an error in the original post. After a lengthy discussion with the good folks over at the WCBOE, I was well aware that one of the justifications given for the Early Notification Program (ENP) was its use as a planning tool. One commenter pointed out that the BOE would use the ENP to help put people into slots as teachers and staff put in for retirement and the BOE could now time such moves more precisely.
Lastly, I want to clarify some items because I evidently wasn't very clear to some readers.
A few of you think that I'm blaming teachers or the MSTA (teachers' union) for the ENP. First of all, I'm not blaming anyone. I clearly state in the post that the WCBOE "has a program to give teachers and staff a 10% raise for each of their last three years on the job". A minor point I know, but several folks seem to be really worried about that one. As for blaming the union, that is not the case. I am a big believer that management bears 100% of the burden of any labor contract that is adopted. It is the union's job to try and get the best package for its members. If management can't live with the contract don't agree to it. To go off point a bit, that is a real bone in my craw. I hear people complain about unions destroying the American economy. B.S.! Every contract that management complains of now was agreed to by one of their predecessors. To be completely candid, I also believe that management has a perfect right to bring in replacements if they feel that a strike or work action will be too detrimental to the financial health of that enterprise.
Back to the comments.
Several readers claim that I misconstrue the BOE when they claim that the ENP is a retention tool. You state that the teachers that are leaving are not the ones ready to retire. True enough. Again, I was well aware of this but failed to explain it properly in the original post. According to the WCBOE they face a problem with teachers leaving who have 20 - 25 years of service. Evidently, this is because you need to have X years in at the new school district to take full benefit of that county's retirement package. The idea behind the ENP is to give an incentive for teachers to stay because they will reap this benefit in later years (right before retirement).
Remember, the state picks up the tab for the pension. The county is on the hook for the retiree medical benefits. Currently WCBOE pays 55% of a retiree's premium for an individual policy only. According to the WCBOE, Worcester County pays 90% of any plan (single, retiree and spouse, family). I have no evidence to contradict this.
There are also numerous comments that seem to confuse two separate issues raised in the post. One is the ENP and the other is a claim often put forth by teachers that they should be paid comparably to the private sector. For the purposes of the post these are totally separate.
Thanks for the comments.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, education
First of all a minor point; Joe Albero did not write this post. For those of you reading on Salisbury News, don't hang him with this one. He catches enough grief about things he writes himself. My name is clearly at the bottom of the post (I realize most folks don't look for it since Salisbury News is Joe's blog) and it's cross posted to Delmarva Dealings.
Second, I made an error in the original post. After a lengthy discussion with the good folks over at the WCBOE, I was well aware that one of the justifications given for the Early Notification Program (ENP) was its use as a planning tool. One commenter pointed out that the BOE would use the ENP to help put people into slots as teachers and staff put in for retirement and the BOE could now time such moves more precisely.
Lastly, I want to clarify some items because I evidently wasn't very clear to some readers.
A few of you think that I'm blaming teachers or the MSTA (teachers' union) for the ENP. First of all, I'm not blaming anyone. I clearly state in the post that the WCBOE "has a program to give teachers and staff a 10% raise for each of their last three years on the job". A minor point I know, but several folks seem to be really worried about that one. As for blaming the union, that is not the case. I am a big believer that management bears 100% of the burden of any labor contract that is adopted. It is the union's job to try and get the best package for its members. If management can't live with the contract don't agree to it. To go off point a bit, that is a real bone in my craw. I hear people complain about unions destroying the American economy. B.S.! Every contract that management complains of now was agreed to by one of their predecessors. To be completely candid, I also believe that management has a perfect right to bring in replacements if they feel that a strike or work action will be too detrimental to the financial health of that enterprise.
Back to the comments.
Several readers claim that I misconstrue the BOE when they claim that the ENP is a retention tool. You state that the teachers that are leaving are not the ones ready to retire. True enough. Again, I was well aware of this but failed to explain it properly in the original post. According to the WCBOE they face a problem with teachers leaving who have 20 - 25 years of service. Evidently, this is because you need to have X years in at the new school district to take full benefit of that county's retirement package. The idea behind the ENP is to give an incentive for teachers to stay because they will reap this benefit in later years (right before retirement).
Remember, the state picks up the tab for the pension. The county is on the hook for the retiree medical benefits. Currently WCBOE pays 55% of a retiree's premium for an individual policy only. According to the WCBOE, Worcester County pays 90% of any plan (single, retiree and spouse, family). I have no evidence to contradict this.
There are also numerous comments that seem to confuse two separate issues raised in the post. One is the ENP and the other is a claim often put forth by teachers that they should be paid comparably to the private sector. For the purposes of the post these are totally separate.
Thanks for the comments.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, education
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VOTING EXTENDED UNTIL 9:30p.m.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Maryland -- Because of the winter weather that hit our area, just in time for the afternoon rush hour by the way, Voting has been expanded by 90 minutes. The polls statewide will close to night at 9:30p.m.
A Comment Worth Posting, IMO
"Officers cutting down each other, Mr. Albero, and civilians for giving opinions.
Officers using profanity in rebuttal.
Officers blaming others for their lack of respect for each other and the citizens who pay their salary.
Officers messing with other peoples significant others.
The lack of compassion for the few who do their job with dignity and loyalty on and off the job.
The lack of truthfulness within the job.
The fact it seems that all the self righteousness that always seem to come to the surface. It almost seems that greed and selfishness has flourished so deeply in the job, that salary and take home cars are the center topic for law enforcement to argue amongst each other. I wanted the job for the risk. Just for the simple fact that I may have a chance to change a life, even save one. When something good is done someone always finds away to put a name on it. I'm surprised that there are not more police on medical leave for hurting themselves by patting themselves on the back so often.
And mostly the lack of acceptance of responsibility. Should I mention the so called "leaders" who continue to let this behavior happen. That is a whole new topic in itself.I remember the day when "brotherhood" meant going to the limits for one another. That means going to the limits to keep each other OUT of trouble, not defend and lie once in it! When it meant something to save each others families, reputations, and feelings not ruin them. To not abuse or take advantage of the "perks" of the job. To stop and help people in need whether in a POV or a take home car. Then when it's all done never even mention it to anybody. Those days are long gone.
I still have hope. It has to start somewhere, apparently not with anyone who logs in here. The way the opinions are voiced here by police is an embarrassment to the respected agencies. Anyone with half a mind can figure out which agencies the voices are coming from.
Sad, Very sad."
Officers using profanity in rebuttal.
Officers blaming others for their lack of respect for each other and the citizens who pay their salary.
Officers messing with other peoples significant others.
The lack of compassion for the few who do their job with dignity and loyalty on and off the job.
The lack of truthfulness within the job.
The fact it seems that all the self righteousness that always seem to come to the surface. It almost seems that greed and selfishness has flourished so deeply in the job, that salary and take home cars are the center topic for law enforcement to argue amongst each other. I wanted the job for the risk. Just for the simple fact that I may have a chance to change a life, even save one. When something good is done someone always finds away to put a name on it. I'm surprised that there are not more police on medical leave for hurting themselves by patting themselves on the back so often.
And mostly the lack of acceptance of responsibility. Should I mention the so called "leaders" who continue to let this behavior happen. That is a whole new topic in itself.I remember the day when "brotherhood" meant going to the limits for one another. That means going to the limits to keep each other OUT of trouble, not defend and lie once in it! When it meant something to save each others families, reputations, and feelings not ruin them. To not abuse or take advantage of the "perks" of the job. To stop and help people in need whether in a POV or a take home car. Then when it's all done never even mention it to anybody. Those days are long gone.
I still have hope. It has to start somewhere, apparently not with anyone who logs in here. The way the opinions are voiced here by police is an embarrassment to the respected agencies. Anyone with half a mind can figure out which agencies the voices are coming from.
Sad, Very sad."
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR ROADS, PARKS
Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. announced today that the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have approved funding in excess of $6 Million for county roads and park projects.
MDOT has approved the following allocations:
--$3 Million to begin the Nanticoke Road Study from Route 50 to Rockawalkin Road
--$1.6 Million to resolve drainage problems on Route 13 at local intersections
--$1.5 Million to resurface Mt. Hermon Road from Route 13 Business to Route 13
North, the Bypass.
MDNR, through Program Open Space, has approved $45,000 for the Pirate’s Wharf Development Study. The study will be to determine the future use and potential development of a marina and recreational facilities on a 342 acre property on the Wicomico River known as Pirate’s Wharf.
Pollitt noted, “These much needed State funds will allow the county to address serious road safety issues and further implement the provisions of the county’s comprehensive plan for recreation and parks, each contributing significantly to the quality of life we enjoy in Wicomico County.”
MDOT has approved the following allocations:
--$3 Million to begin the Nanticoke Road Study from Route 50 to Rockawalkin Road
--$1.6 Million to resolve drainage problems on Route 13 at local intersections
--$1.5 Million to resurface Mt. Hermon Road from Route 13 Business to Route 13
North, the Bypass.
MDNR, through Program Open Space, has approved $45,000 for the Pirate’s Wharf Development Study. The study will be to determine the future use and potential development of a marina and recreational facilities on a 342 acre property on the Wicomico River known as Pirate’s Wharf.
Pollitt noted, “These much needed State funds will allow the county to address serious road safety issues and further implement the provisions of the county’s comprehensive plan for recreation and parks, each contributing significantly to the quality of life we enjoy in Wicomico County.”
Back Seat Bloggers
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You see, it's one thing to sit in the back seat like Bill Duvall and Michael Swartz calling the shots. It's another thing to actually be there, involved with a Campaign and showing up at the Polls to see what people are saying and doing.
In my case, I like being there and I enjoy delivering what Duvall and Swartz don't do. Oh, rarely, whenever there's food involved, you might see Michael pop in but for the most part he's a Back Seat Blogger with just an opinion and Duvall is by far the worst at it.
Today I visited multiple poll locations and I got FIRST HAND answers from people going in to vote and people walking out of the polls. Honest to God, "everyone" I spoke with, (and there were many) have in fact voted for Andy Harris and absolutely were NOT afraid to come right out and say it.
I personally believe Wayne Gilchrest has a LOT to worry about right now Folks because I've been told by people working the polls, the morning is where its at. Most of the people going to vote have already done so.
Parkside High School had a constant flow and it became very evident by the cars in the parking lot. People were coming up to me thanking me for all that I do. Some were telling me I'm the very first thing they do when they get up in the morning, they log onto my Blog.
First of all, thank you, all of you. It is amazing just how often this happens to me each and every day. My friend GA calls all of you my "Cult Followers known as, Joey's." LOL!
Well, take it for what it's worth Ladies & Gentlemen, I'm so confident in Andy Harris, I'm heading to Kent Island tonight for the Victory Party. Please, if you haven't been out to Vote, please do so. Of course I'd love for you to Vote for Andy but as Americans it's simply important to Vote, period. Take the extra time TODAY/TONIGHT and get out there and support YOUR Candidate. They truly need you.
To ALL of you who have been out to Vote, THANK YOU! To those of you who Voted for Andy Harris, Boy, You Sure Are Smart People!
Andy Harris Volunteers Are Just Unbelievable!
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While people are crammed into rooms and even hanging out in hallways making calls, these people are just unbelievable.
While I stood there listening in, everyone was excited and everyone seemed to get off the phone with a, I just voted for Andy answer.
I want to personally thank all these young men and women for working so hard and making a positive difference. Everyone knows how difficult it is to beat out an incumbent, it's a 99.5% chance Wayne would stay in. However, Andy has a proven track record of beating out people in that position and quite frankly, I think he's got it hands down. Yes Michael, if you went to the polls and listened to what people are saying, Andy Harris is going to beat out Wayne Gilchrest, period.
Andy, I know you're watching. You should be VERY proud.
Beware Of Misleading ROBO Calls
There have been reports of Robo calls distorting Andy Harris' record, in the first district.
These are automated computer calls. If you receive or have received such a call please forward your information to me. Please forward me the phone # if you have it & the message content.
It's my understanding it from the Banks Campaign.
These are automated computer calls. If you receive or have received such a call please forward your information to me. Please forward me the phone # if you have it & the message content.
It's my understanding it from the Banks Campaign.
Get Out and Vote!
Don't forget to vote today, particularly if you live in Maryland's First District. Your candidate of choice needs your vote and if you haven't made firm choice, vote for Andy Harris.
My friend and Red Maryland colleague Michael Swartz (of MonoBlogue fame) has gone out on a limb with some pretty detailed predictions. While I will agree that McCain should handily win the Maryland primary and I substantially agree that the First District GOP congressional primary is awful close, I think that Michael is overlooking one thing that will put Andy Harris over the top. I expect Mike Huckabee to garner far more than 26%, both statewide and in the First District.
A Huckabee voter should be a Harris voter. I know of few, if any, Huckabee supporters who are not adamant social conservatives. I cannot understand any social conservative voting for either Gilchrest or Pipken when they have a choice like Harris. I can't imagine a social conservative pulling the lever for Pipken under any circumstances. His record on abortion and same-sex unions effectively knock him out of contention with these voters.
Given strong support (not an official endorsement, but through issues advocacy) through the Association of Maryland Families, and the endorsement of strong values based conservatives such as James Dobson, Phyllis Schlafly and Maryland Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus, Harris should receive the bump necessary to win today.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, politics, Maryland politics, John McCain, MonoBlogue, Mike Huckabee, Andy Harris, E J Pipken, Wayne Gilchrest, conservatism, values, social conservatives, James Dobson, Phyllis Schlafly, Lowell Stoltzfus
My friend and Red Maryland colleague Michael Swartz (of MonoBlogue fame) has gone out on a limb with some pretty detailed predictions. While I will agree that McCain should handily win the Maryland primary and I substantially agree that the First District GOP congressional primary is awful close, I think that Michael is overlooking one thing that will put Andy Harris over the top. I expect Mike Huckabee to garner far more than 26%, both statewide and in the First District.
A Huckabee voter should be a Harris voter. I know of few, if any, Huckabee supporters who are not adamant social conservatives. I cannot understand any social conservative voting for either Gilchrest or Pipken when they have a choice like Harris. I can't imagine a social conservative pulling the lever for Pipken under any circumstances. His record on abortion and same-sex unions effectively knock him out of contention with these voters.
Given strong support (not an official endorsement, but through issues advocacy) through the Association of Maryland Families, and the endorsement of strong values based conservatives such as James Dobson, Phyllis Schlafly and Maryland Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus, Harris should receive the bump necessary to win today.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, politics, Maryland politics, John McCain, MonoBlogue, Mike Huckabee, Andy Harris, E J Pipken, Wayne Gilchrest, conservatism, values, social conservatives, James Dobson, Phyllis Schlafly, Lowell Stoltzfus
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The Saliabury WWTP, Who's Lying & Who's Telling The Truth?
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While the Mayor got on PAC14 last night and announced their calculations were wrong, they had only spilled 5,000 gallons of sewage into the River, not 173,000 gallons, the MDE expressed just moments ago, they're highly suspicious.
Actually, what bothers me even more is, the Mayor claimed it was only 5,000 gallons, yet their report to the MDE now claims it was only 4,400 gallons. You see, it's been my experience that when someone is lying, their numbers are all over the place, get my drift?
The idea that the Mayor didn't get on PAC14 last night and simply say it was 4,400 gallons and not 5,000, I already smell something that stinks! While speaking to the MDE, they agreed, "why would they send in a report at 173,000 gallons when it's allegedly only 4,400 gallons?" I'll add, even the MDE agreed, 4,400 gallons spilled more than likely would have never made it to the river! It's not enough of a spill.
The City is now claiming they had a faulty FLOW METER. It must be the same meters that are telling the City how much water is actually being used in every one's homes!
Oh well, no matter what is said and done, while this Mayor, Barrie Tilghman is in Office, you cannot trust a word out of her mouth, period! RIGHT MR. CALDWELL? "I see he's shaking his head yes."
MML Revenue Bill Gains Support In The House
Mayors from across the State were the first to hear the good news directly from House Speaker Michael Busch during their briefing on Friday afternoon. Speaker Busch indicated to mayors attending the Leader to Leader Forum that he has identified MML's revenue initiative as a "leadership bill" and intends to make sure it passes the House of Delegates during this legislative session. The legislation, HB 1424
sponsored by Delegate Kumar Barve, provides enabling authority to municipalities and 6 counties without such authority with the ability to impose a maximum 0.5% transfer tax with half the monies raised earmarked for growth related projects and activities.
sponsored by Delegate Kumar Barve, provides enabling authority to municipalities and 6 counties without such authority with the ability to impose a maximum 0.5% transfer tax with half the monies raised earmarked for growth related projects and activities.
A Trend Continuing?
Previously we have discussed the recent decision of the Daily Times to begin accurate and unbiased coverage of the Salisbury city government. Today's article continues that practice. For that we thank them. It also leads us to ask a question. Who writes the headlines?
My only real criticism of today's piece is not to be found in Greg Latshaw's reporting, but in the headline - "Unexpected police debts covered". Admittedly this criticism may seem picayune.
To begin with, the expenditures were not "unexpected". The police had originally budgeted for the overtime. The Tilghman administration struck it out in order to balance their budget. Deliberately striking expenditures from a budget that you are confident will occur is deceiving the council and taxpayers, pure and simple. The fact that only Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen are willing to bring this fact to light, much less discuss it, is yet more cause for concern. Can any of the recent rhetoric from Councilwoman Louise Smith or Councilman Gary Comegys regarding the recent audit be accepted given their continued refusal to address the actions of the Tilghman administration.
We applaud Mr. Latshaw's continued attempts to report the news, rather than the paper's past practice of printing Tilghman administration press releases. We hope that the practice continues.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, media, Daily Times, Barrie Tilghman, Louise Smith, Gary Comegys, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen
My only real criticism of today's piece is not to be found in Greg Latshaw's reporting, but in the headline - "Unexpected police debts covered". Admittedly this criticism may seem picayune.
To begin with, the expenditures were not "unexpected". The police had originally budgeted for the overtime. The Tilghman administration struck it out in order to balance their budget. Deliberately striking expenditures from a budget that you are confident will occur is deceiving the council and taxpayers, pure and simple. The fact that only Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen are willing to bring this fact to light, much less discuss it, is yet more cause for concern. Can any of the recent rhetoric from Councilwoman Louise Smith or Councilman Gary Comegys regarding the recent audit be accepted given their continued refusal to address the actions of the Tilghman administration.
We applaud Mr. Latshaw's continued attempts to report the news, rather than the paper's past practice of printing Tilghman administration press releases. We hope that the practice continues.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, media, Daily Times, Barrie Tilghman, Louise Smith, Gary Comegys, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen
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Senator Richard Colburn Endorses Andy Harris
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Editor at the Star Democrat:
Last week, an advertisement was placed in this newspaper attacking me by
E.J. Pipkin. He criticized me because I have given my endorsement to State
Senator Andy Harris in his bid to become our Congressman.
I am thankful for those of you who called my office to express outrage
that Pipkin would attack me. Pipkin has shown he will sink to desperate
measures to try to win this election. The misleading and dishonest attack
by Pipkin is an embarrassment to the voters and unbecoming of a State
Senator.
As you may know, I was born, raised, and have lived on the Eastern Shore
all my life with the exception of my three years in the U.S. Army Security
Agency [1969-1972]. If Senator Pipkin was really one of us like he claims
in his ads, and not just a New York junk-bond trader who moved here less
than 10 years ago after making millions, he would understand that the type
of campaign he is running is not acceptable to the voters on the Shore.
Andy Harris by contrast is a principled leader. He is a strong
conservative and I am convinced he will make a great Congressman. He is a
family man, a doctor at Johns Hopkins, and a veteran.
I am supporting Andy Harris because our nation faces a great threat.
Islamic radical terrorists want to destroy our very way of life. Votes
over the past year have reaffirmed my belief that Gilchrest is definitely
not committed to fighting terrorists. He voted to establish a timeline to
withdraw troops in Iraq and he opposed the troop surge which has proven to
be highly successful. Gilchrest even voted to prevent President Bush from
striking Iran unless they strike us first. Andy Harris has the right
vision to win the War on Terror. Harris is still a member of the U.S.
Naval Reserves Medical Corps and I know he will always support our troops.
Finally, I am endorsing Andy because he believes in traditional values.
Andy Harris is pro-life; Pipkin and Gilchrest are not. Andy Harris opposes
tax-payer funding of abortions; Gilchrest and Pipkin support it. Andy
Harris opposes giving special rights to homosexual couples; Gilchrest and
Pipkin embrace giving special rights to gay couples.
The contrast between the candidates is clear. Andy Harris is the true
conservative in this race; Gilchrest and Pipkin are not. I hope Pipkin
will stop his dishonest and win-at-all cost campaigning and engage in an
open and honest debate of the issues facing our nation today. I know Andy
Harris will keep focusing on the issues and not the type of character
assassination Pipkin has engaged in.
People occasionally ask me why I am supporting someone that is not “from
the Shore.” I am supporting Andy because over the last nine years I have
served with him in the State Senate; he has proven to me that he is the
only candidate who shares our Shore values such as a strong belief in the
second amendment (right to bear arms.) From agriculture issues, to
protecting our tax dollars, to protecting the Chesapeake Bay, Andy Harris
shares our values and will best represent them in Congress.
I know with Andy as our Congressman, that I will no longer have to worry
about how my Congressman is going to vote on issues important to our way
of life. I hope you will join me in supporting Andy Harris for Congress.
Senator Richard Colburn
A Concerned Citizen Writes In.........
"pass this on to all women and girls that you know. yesterday Jermaine S. Wright was released from ECI . he is a 33 years old, 5'7" tall, black and about 170 lbs. his physique is muscular. his registered address is West Road in Salisbury. this man is VERY dangerous. in 1992 he raped and killed a girl at one of the under 21 clubs in Ocean City. the dna evidence somehow became compromised so they had to let him go. he fled to NC where he raped two more women. he spent 3 years in prison down there. durring that time, a circumstantial case was built against him for the rape/murder in 92. he was convicted of that and has spent the last 7 years at ECI. now he's free. he is considered a sexually violent predator. the authorites are 100% sure that his actual history involves many more rapes and possibly murders than are listed above. he seems to prefer white women with no particular preference to age or physique. he also entered the home of one of the NC victims durring the day through an unlocked door. the warden is asking us to put the word out to all of our friends/family/everybody, to please be careful. women need to keep their doors locked if they are in the house with no adult males . they need also refrain from going anywhere alone at night. this is a rapist and a murderer who has been locked up for the last 10 years. statistically speaking, it is VERY probably that he will strike again within the next 30 days."
Duvall's Blog Is Useless Any More
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Click HERE, go THERE, this is what is the substance of Bill Duvall's Blog Site any more and this is one of the many reasons people are so tired of it.
What used to be the most read and most talked about thing on the Eastern Shore 2 years ago has fallen so deep into a pit with no real articles and simply links to take you from what used to be his own work to another site showing other peoples work instead.
For the past year I had almost begged Bill to close up shop and go out on top but he has refused to do so and for those of you who painfully visit his Site daily, it's one of those in and out things. Out of respect you show up but once you get there you skim what he has and then click the x on the top right corner of your computer screen and get the hell out of there.
If it isn't GA making remarks about Billy lying it's someone else. His stories are no longer believable and ever since his alleged COEIU Agent Paul Wilber was exposed, Billy seems to have lost all interest in Blogging and he's even started to take sides with the Tilghman Administration.
What used to be the most looked up to Blog is now dust in the wind. Hopefully Old Man Duvall will get the hint and walk off into the sunset and retire? It's well past overdue. Oh, and don't forget to vote for Andy Harris today! LOL
VOTE ANDY HARRIS FOR CONGRESS
Ladies & Gentlemen, if you want a good Family Man in Office representing the 1st District, vote for Andy Harris today. Let's show everyone just how powerful the Blogs are and show support to a man well deserving of this position. Andy Harris Fore Congress. Please get out there and Vote Today.
WCDC Is Up To No Good Again
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The rumor is that one of the WCDC captains has applied to Rick Polluck (sp?) with the intention of complaining about that advertisment in the Daily Times for Security Chief position. It seems that His Royal Highness, 3D, ignored a certain policy that he, himself, had written to his specifications, in which far higher qualifications were listed. This policy was, until very recently, one of the few to have received 3D's signature, which means it was released and incorporated into Jail Policy way back in '01 or '02. I have also heard that Major Elliot wants to accompany the captain to this meeting and put his 2 cents worth in. As you can see, emotions are running extremely high at the jail because of that ad. Now, I've glimpsed that particular policy (don't ask how) and I know that, not only are its requirements higher, but it also restricts those who can apply for the job to captains and higher. I'm left wondering just why 3D wants all of these requirements tossed aside? Does he have someone already chosen for the position who cannot meet these higher requirements? Or is he expressing his low oppinion of those who work for him?
A Letter To The Publisher
Joe,
In the past, we've had discussions relating to illegal immigration and its impact on our economy. Well, as you know, I operate three small businesses and I have the need on occassion to solicit the services of local contractors and sub-contractors. I also have a small group of employees. I thought I would share with you some observations I've recently made relating to how the workforce is changing. Wait until you read this.
About seven months ago I built a spec house in the Delmar area. Being a project much larger than the renovation of a kitchen or bathroom, I put each phase of it out to bid. For the purposes of this letter, I'll use the framing bid as an example. I got three bids from different framing contractors. Two from contractors who were obviously American, and one from a company owned by a man obviously of Hispanic descent. One of the "American" owned companies gave a bid of $7.25 per sq. ft., the other "American" owned company gave a bid of $6.75 per sq. ft. The "Hispanic" owned company gave me a bid of $4.00 per sq. ft. These were labor prices only. After checking the history of the company and verifying license, insurance, and immigration status, the low bidder framed a 2000 sq, ft. house for $8000.00. The quality was outstanding.
About two months ago, I put an ad in The Guide to hire a laborer. Due to the fact that most construction companies are laying people off in huge numbers, I was inundated with calls. I interviewed as many as I could within the limited amount of time I could commit. The applicants were American and those who were obviously immigrants from Spanish speaking countries. Now this is something that I found extremely interesting. Those who were of Hispanic descent spoke so little English that I could barely communicate......barely. Not enough to work with on a daily basis but enough to understand that they had no carpentry skills (through broken english and many, many hand gestures) but wanted to earn $15.00 and $16.00 per hour....to start. They drove up in vehicles with tags from Missouri, Texas, and North Carolina, yet had no drivers license. I could see trouble for me on the horizon if I were to hire any of them since, by their own admission, they were here illegally. At that rate of pay I could hire a 25 year old with a license and a little carpentry experience - enough to get by and learn as they go. I found it noteworthy that "immigrant labor" was getting expensive.
Last week I got several bids on two seperate items I needed to have done - siding and carpet. I received 2 bids for siding on a small house (labor only) from an American crew and an Hispanic crew. The Hispanic crew came in at $2800.00. The American crew came in at $1300.00. I received three bids for carpeting an entire 4 bedroom house - one from each of the following :
Value One Carpet labor and material - $2900.00
Discount Carpet labor and material - $2300.00
An Hispanic crew labor only - $2400.00
I then had some conversation with some friends of mine in the construction business who stated that they too have noticed that Hispanic workers have been requiring more and more money. The thought is that they are becoming "Americanized". I'm not one to discriminate against someone for any reason but I'm not hiring an illegal and I'm not paying more for something than I must. In the past seven months I've seen a shift in the workforce (as it relates to illegal immigrants) that I believe is unsustainable. The idea that illegal immigrants provide cheap labor is fast becoming history. If illegal immigrants continue this trend of asking for more than they're worth, no one will hire them. But they're already here. They will not go back to their countries because our country will hand them free food, education for their children, and medical care. At this point at least some of them are working but that will not be the case for long if they continue to try to get top dollar for unskilled labor. We haven't even begun to see the full impact of illegal and unchecked immigration if these trends continue. The costs of unpaid medical bills will be passed on to those who pay until even fewer people can afford health insurance. (I don't even want to hear about socialized medecine - the govt. can't even run the veterans hospitals it has) If this continues, we will have massive increases in the numbers of people drawing on public assistance. This increase will result in the need to increase taxes on those of us who do work every day.....until we're ALL out of money. Those of us who work hard to provide a good life for their families will have less. Those who have worked hard their whole lives and are now on fixed incomes will have less. Those who are able - yet refuse to work will have what they've always had - more than they deserve. For those who come here illegally with no money in their pockets - it will be like Christmas all year long. Fel iz Navidad!
Bob Harris
In the past, we've had discussions relating to illegal immigration and its impact on our economy. Well, as you know, I operate three small businesses and I have the need on occassion to solicit the services of local contractors and sub-contractors. I also have a small group of employees. I thought I would share with you some observations I've recently made relating to how the workforce is changing. Wait until you read this.
About seven months ago I built a spec house in the Delmar area. Being a project much larger than the renovation of a kitchen or bathroom, I put each phase of it out to bid. For the purposes of this letter, I'll use the framing bid as an example. I got three bids from different framing contractors. Two from contractors who were obviously American, and one from a company owned by a man obviously of Hispanic descent. One of the "American" owned companies gave a bid of $7.25 per sq. ft., the other "American" owned company gave a bid of $6.75 per sq. ft. The "Hispanic" owned company gave me a bid of $4.00 per sq. ft. These were labor prices only. After checking the history of the company and verifying license, insurance, and immigration status, the low bidder framed a 2000 sq, ft. house for $8000.00. The quality was outstanding.
About two months ago, I put an ad in The Guide to hire a laborer. Due to the fact that most construction companies are laying people off in huge numbers, I was inundated with calls. I interviewed as many as I could within the limited amount of time I could commit. The applicants were American and those who were obviously immigrants from Spanish speaking countries. Now this is something that I found extremely interesting. Those who were of Hispanic descent spoke so little English that I could barely communicate......barely. Not enough to work with on a daily basis but enough to understand that they had no carpentry skills (through broken english and many, many hand gestures) but wanted to earn $15.00 and $16.00 per hour....to start. They drove up in vehicles with tags from Missouri, Texas, and North Carolina, yet had no drivers license. I could see trouble for me on the horizon if I were to hire any of them since, by their own admission, they were here illegally. At that rate of pay I could hire a 25 year old with a license and a little carpentry experience - enough to get by and learn as they go. I found it noteworthy that "immigrant labor" was getting expensive.
Last week I got several bids on two seperate items I needed to have done - siding and carpet. I received 2 bids for siding on a small house (labor only) from an American crew and an Hispanic crew. The Hispanic crew came in at $2800.00. The American crew came in at $1300.00. I received three bids for carpeting an entire 4 bedroom house - one from each of the following :
Value One Carpet labor and material - $2900.00
Discount Carpet labor and material - $2300.00
An Hispanic crew labor only - $2400.00
I then had some conversation with some friends of mine in the construction business who stated that they too have noticed that Hispanic workers have been requiring more and more money. The thought is that they are becoming "Americanized". I'm not one to discriminate against someone for any reason but I'm not hiring an illegal and I'm not paying more for something than I must. In the past seven months I've seen a shift in the workforce (as it relates to illegal immigrants) that I believe is unsustainable. The idea that illegal immigrants provide cheap labor is fast becoming history. If illegal immigrants continue this trend of asking for more than they're worth, no one will hire them. But they're already here. They will not go back to their countries because our country will hand them free food, education for their children, and medical care. At this point at least some of them are working but that will not be the case for long if they continue to try to get top dollar for unskilled labor. We haven't even begun to see the full impact of illegal and unchecked immigration if these trends continue. The costs of unpaid medical bills will be passed on to those who pay until even fewer people can afford health insurance. (I don't even want to hear about socialized medecine - the govt. can't even run the veterans hospitals it has) If this continues, we will have massive increases in the numbers of people drawing on public assistance. This increase will result in the need to increase taxes on those of us who do work every day.....until we're ALL out of money. Those of us who work hard to provide a good life for their families will have less. Those who have worked hard their whole lives and are now on fixed incomes will have less. Those who are able - yet refuse to work will have what they've always had - more than they deserve. For those who come here illegally with no money in their pockets - it will be like Christmas all year long. Fel iz Navidad!
Bob Harris
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