DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Salisbury University Students Can Sleep Well Tonight
The individual who worked for the WCDC and threatened Students has admitted himself into a Mental Hospital and is no longer a threat to Students.
Delmar Firfighter Gets A No Contact Order Against Him From A 7 Year Old Child!
It was a long morning in the Georgetown Courthouse today as the case against Wayne Barrall, (the Delmar Firefighter who trespassed on my property last Thanksgiving) was heard.
We arrived around 8:30 AM and Wayne felt he was going to allow the case to be heard, therefore I had to sit there the entire time. That was no big deal as I was plenty to say against him and his infantile actions.
Nevertheless, as time went on and Wayne got to witness case after case of people pleading deals so Wayne decided to go the easier way out. They worked a deal to drop the Terroristic Threats and accept a 2nd degree Criminal Trespassing with a 90 day Protective Order. Should Wayne follow the guidelines he'll get off with a PBJ. If he doesn't follow their guidelines he will be arrested and the original charges will come back on him.
I did get to face the Judge and I said the following. Your Honor, I am not the only victim here. I am the only adult here. The real victim is a now 7, he was 6 when it happened, year old child in which my Wife and I are raising. Yesterday I sat in the Wicomico County Courthouse in the McMichael Trial where the States Attorney offered a 7 year plea deal and the honorable Judge turned down the plea based on McMichael being a Police Officer. Mr. Barrall is a Fireman and I believe my Grandson was violated by his actions as well and I'd hope the Court would reconsider this plea deal. I also explained how the President of the Delmar Fire Department and I believe their Treasurer came to my home the following day and allowed my Grandson to see the inside of their rescue vehicle in the hopes of re securing a child's trust in the Fire Department once again.
The Honorable Judge clearly understood my position and ADDED that Wayne Barrall also not have ANY contact with our Grandson as well. Rather than Wayne learning any lesson from today, I have been told one of those Fire Fighter blogs, they already posted an article defending Wayne. It's a shame that red headed step child will never get over his temper problems and I had truly hoped he would see some light after his experience today. Sadly that is not the case and it was more of a I win, you lose situation.
This must be a banner day for Wayne Barrell and the Delmar Fire Department to have a member who has a no contact order with a 7 year old. How proud they must be!
The Other Side Of The Robinson Story
Tuesday morning, just before we opened at 10:00 am, I took my Glock (the gun is licensed and registered to me), out of the cash drawer where I had stored it overnight. I do not keep a loaded gun in my store during the day when I am in and out of the store. I took the clip out of the gun and then pulled back the slide to clear the chamber of any round. While doing so, I kept the gun pointed down and slightly away. Obviously, I did not clear the chamber properly because I fired a single round into the floor.
Lauren Porter who helps us out part time was behind me as I had turned my back to her. She was only 3 feet away from me at the computer when I fired the gun. The bullet disintegrated on contact into the carpet and concrete. Some concrete did fly off the floor. The entire gunshot area was not even the size of a quarter, and the concrete that chipped away was less than the depth of a quarter lying flat.
I immediately checked Lauren who said she was OK. She had NO signs of any injuries at all and had NO marks at all in or on her clothing. I told her to go to the restroom and check herself. She did so and said other than her ears ringing she was fine. I went to Wal-Mart to get some supplies and came back. I asked Lauren if her ears were still ringing and she replied, “a little.”
Howard Shockley, a clockmaker that does clock work for us was here the entire time. Also, Cindy, who does engraving for us came in at 10:30ish and she worked all day. We had a normal day at work. At 11:30ish Lauren went out and got a hotdog from Elliott’s. Then around 2:15ish I made Lauren leave so she would not miss her class at Wor-Wic. She said good-bye and left.
Around 3:15, Lauren’s Uncle “Hank” came in the store irate at what happened, screaming like a lunatic. I told him to calm down and come in the back so I could tell him what happened. He came around the counter hit me with two fists, spit on me and threatened to burn down my house since he said he knew where I lived. I had 5 customers in the store at this time that can verify this if need be.
Then after telling him I was going to call the police and have him arrested he said he was calling them to report the incident. This was around 3:30. The Salisbury Police immediately called me and told me Deputies were in Route. The Guy “Hank” then proceeded to spit on my front door and scream more threats. A male customer told him to leave and made sure he went outside of the store where he drove his truck around and eventually pulled up on the sidewalk and left his vehicle running there until just before the police arrived.
It was at this point, about 6 hours after discharging my gun into the floor that Lauren apparently discovered some injuries and went to the hospital to be checked. I do not know if she was injured or not and have not heard from her or her family since. She NEVER told me all day she was injured in any way shape or form. She did tell Howard she was hit by some concrete, something I learned the next day, but she also told him she was “Fine.” She never told Cindy of the incident or of any injuries, at all.
I obviously feel terrible about the entire ordeal but at no time would I ever intentionally put Lauren or anyone, in harms way. In fact, I have been very kind to Lauren giving her money to pay her cell phone bill and just last week I gave her a tanning bed for helping us out. She is also helping out at the store to pay off a ring she still owes money on. I do know she is currently on medicine for psychological problems and is going to counseling. Something she openly told us within the past few weeks. I have already and do again express my sincerest apologies for the incident as I know how it was a shock for all involved.
John D. Robinson, Sr.
This is a copy of statment of facts. Given to police
John Robinson Arrested At Robinson Clock & Jewelery
This is the official Press Release on the John Robinson arrest today. John had told me he was getting ready to put the gun away, which made no sense to me, but that's what he said. I know if "I" owned a store like his and I had a permit to carry, I'd have that puppy on me 24/7 while I was IN the store.
It was said that John allegedly made the employee who was allegedly hit by fragments from the gun going off stay at work the rest of the day without the ability to seek medical attention.
Once a Family member learned what had happened that day, (from what John told me directly) the guy came in ready to beat the crap out of him. John claims the man shoved him, or something like that. IMO, he's lucky the guy didn't kick the sh!t out of him.
John then claimed this young female had a zit on her neck and that the fragments from the gun going off didn't hit her there. Obviously the Police and Grand Jury didn't buy it.
Well at least everyone knows what to expect when they go into the Robinson Clock & Jewelery Store and the safest time to do so is right now, while John is behind bars.
Ocean City Fire/EMS Division Press Release
Town of Ocean City
Department of Emergency Services
Fire / EMS Division
Joseph Theobald
Charles Barton
Director
Division Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Ocean City Fire / EMS Division Provides Fire, Rescue, & EMS Service to the entire Town of Ocean City
The Fire/EMS Division of the Department of Emergency Services is a full service public safety agency that provides Fire, Rescue, Special
Operations and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents and
visitors of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. The Ocean City Career
Fire Fighter/Paramedics are municipal employees of the Town of Ocean
City.
The career personnel consist of 74 certified Fire Fighter/EMS employees
who consistently deliver first class, efficient and timely response to
serve and protect the community.
The career personnel protect the lives of over 7,500 year round
residents, the local business community, property owners, over 8 million
annual visitors, and 11 billion dollars in property.
In 2007, the Fire/ EMS Division responded to over 5600 fire, rescue and
medical calls for service.
The career personnel staff, maintains, and respond from all Volunteer
Fire Company stations located in Ocean City, and operate all Volunteer
Fire Company fire apparatus, and municipally owned paramedic units.
In addition to operating all Volunteer Fire Company apparatus, career
personnel staff and operate the Volunteer Fire Company’s Engine 16, a
Maryland State Certified Paramedic Engine, housed at Station 3 on 74th
Street.
The Town’s Fire/EMS Division is a proud recipient of the Maryland Seal
of Excellence. The Seal of Excellence is awarded to Fire, Rescue, and
EMS organizations that maintain high standards to assure the delivery of
quality emergency services.
The Fire/EMS Division manages a State approved Fire/Rescue/EMS Training Academy. Career personnel have extensive experience and training and all are certified and/or licensed to state and national standards. Some areas of specialization include dive and water rescue, high rise firefighting operations, advanced technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
In addition to training career personnel, Fire/EMS instructors offer a
wide range of classroom instruction and practical training for members
of the Volunteer Fire Company.
CAREER FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE PROVIDED THE OCEAN CITY COMMUNITY DEDICATED SERVICE FOR NEARLY FIFTY (50) YEARS. WE ARE DEDICATED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICE AND PROTECTION TO YOU AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST, AS WE DO TODAY, AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY, INTO THE FUTURE.
“ALWAYS ON THE FRONT LINE…SERVICE, COURAGE AND DEDICATION”
Department of Emergency Services
Fire / EMS Division
Joseph Theobald
Charles Barton
Director
Division Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Ocean City Fire / EMS Division Provides Fire, Rescue, & EMS Service to the entire Town of Ocean City
The Fire/EMS Division of the Department of Emergency Services is a full service public safety agency that provides Fire, Rescue, Special
Operations and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents and
visitors of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. The Ocean City Career
Fire Fighter/Paramedics are municipal employees of the Town of Ocean
City.
The career personnel consist of 74 certified Fire Fighter/EMS employees
who consistently deliver first class, efficient and timely response to
serve and protect the community.
The career personnel protect the lives of over 7,500 year round
residents, the local business community, property owners, over 8 million
annual visitors, and 11 billion dollars in property.
In 2007, the Fire/ EMS Division responded to over 5600 fire, rescue and
medical calls for service.
The career personnel staff, maintains, and respond from all Volunteer
Fire Company stations located in Ocean City, and operate all Volunteer
Fire Company fire apparatus, and municipally owned paramedic units.
In addition to operating all Volunteer Fire Company apparatus, career
personnel staff and operate the Volunteer Fire Company’s Engine 16, a
Maryland State Certified Paramedic Engine, housed at Station 3 on 74th
Street.
The Town’s Fire/EMS Division is a proud recipient of the Maryland Seal
of Excellence. The Seal of Excellence is awarded to Fire, Rescue, and
EMS organizations that maintain high standards to assure the delivery of
quality emergency services.
The Fire/EMS Division manages a State approved Fire/Rescue/EMS Training Academy. Career personnel have extensive experience and training and all are certified and/or licensed to state and national standards. Some areas of specialization include dive and water rescue, high rise firefighting operations, advanced technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
In addition to training career personnel, Fire/EMS instructors offer a
wide range of classroom instruction and practical training for members
of the Volunteer Fire Company.
CAREER FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE PROVIDED THE OCEAN CITY COMMUNITY DEDICATED SERVICE FOR NEARLY FIFTY (50) YEARS. WE ARE DEDICATED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICE AND PROTECTION TO YOU AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST, AS WE DO TODAY, AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY, INTO THE FUTURE.
“ALWAYS ON THE FRONT LINE…SERVICE, COURAGE AND DEDICATION”
BREAKING NEWS! The OCVFC Press Release
PRESS RELEASE * MARCH 12, 2008
The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) has presented the Mayor and
City Council with a plan that it believes resolves all the issues in the
continuing discussion of how to best manage fire and rescue services.
After examining all proposals made during this year-long process, and
consulting with some of the top experts in the field, OCVFC has proposed a
simple division of responsibilities that would save taxpayers revenues,
and avoid possible conflicts between volunteer and current career
personnel.
Under the plan, the OCVFC would assume all responsibility for firefighting
in the City, while the paid EMS division would provide emergency medical
services. As always, the fire company would remain answerable to the town
government on budgetary matters, and would add sufficient staffing to
maintain round-the-clock firefighting coverage for the City.
This plan would also allow the City’s paid EMS Division to save money by
focusing on the delivery of emergency medical services. In addition, by
giving all firefighting responsibility to the volunteer organization, the
potential arises to save the taxpayers greatly in the years ahead.
The OCVFC acknowledges the plan put forth by the City Council two weeks
ago to name Fire Chief Chris Larmore as interim chief of a joint program
combining the volunteers and the paid EMS division. However, after
careful review, this plan has several troubling aspects, the least of
these is the requirement that he be required to resign as Chief of the
OCVFC in order to assume the post. Instead, the OCVFC proposes that money
budgeted for a paid fire chief be used to enhance the firefighting
capabilities of the volunteer company. This would be a more efficient use
of taxpayer funds at a time when government is struggling to make ends
meet in a troubled economic climate.
The OCVFC senses discomfort on all sides with the proposed hybrid
operation, especially with the Council only voting 4-3 in favor.
Simultaneously, the paid EMS Division union members have made it clear
they would be uncomfortable answering to a volunteer fire chief, even in
the interim. The volunteers are also leery of becoming involved in a
situation containing so many variables that organizational success is
questionable.
The OCVFC delivered its plan to the Mayor and City Council in midweek, and
has asked to meet at their regularly scheduled March 17 meeting.
Remember, you got it here FIRST!
The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) has presented the Mayor and
City Council with a plan that it believes resolves all the issues in the
continuing discussion of how to best manage fire and rescue services.
After examining all proposals made during this year-long process, and
consulting with some of the top experts in the field, OCVFC has proposed a
simple division of responsibilities that would save taxpayers revenues,
and avoid possible conflicts between volunteer and current career
personnel.
Under the plan, the OCVFC would assume all responsibility for firefighting
in the City, while the paid EMS division would provide emergency medical
services. As always, the fire company would remain answerable to the town
government on budgetary matters, and would add sufficient staffing to
maintain round-the-clock firefighting coverage for the City.
This plan would also allow the City’s paid EMS Division to save money by
focusing on the delivery of emergency medical services. In addition, by
giving all firefighting responsibility to the volunteer organization, the
potential arises to save the taxpayers greatly in the years ahead.
The OCVFC acknowledges the plan put forth by the City Council two weeks
ago to name Fire Chief Chris Larmore as interim chief of a joint program
combining the volunteers and the paid EMS division. However, after
careful review, this plan has several troubling aspects, the least of
these is the requirement that he be required to resign as Chief of the
OCVFC in order to assume the post. Instead, the OCVFC proposes that money
budgeted for a paid fire chief be used to enhance the firefighting
capabilities of the volunteer company. This would be a more efficient use
of taxpayer funds at a time when government is struggling to make ends
meet in a troubled economic climate.
The OCVFC senses discomfort on all sides with the proposed hybrid
operation, especially with the Council only voting 4-3 in favor.
Simultaneously, the paid EMS Division union members have made it clear
they would be uncomfortable answering to a volunteer fire chief, even in
the interim. The volunteers are also leery of becoming involved in a
situation containing so many variables that organizational success is
questionable.
The OCVFC delivered its plan to the Mayor and City Council in midweek, and
has asked to meet at their regularly scheduled March 17 meeting.
Remember, you got it here FIRST!
Breaking News From The OCFD Part 1
OCEAN CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY INC.
12 March 2008
Mayor Rick Meehan
Post Office Box 158
Ocean City, MD 21843-0158
Dear Mayor Meehan:
Thank you for your 20 February 2008 letter. I appreciate and share your
sincere desire to resolve this issue. Since receiving your
correspondence, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company has intensely
reviewed the terms and conditions contained therein. With assistance from
top experts in the field, we have prepared an alternative plan that we
believe resolves all issues in the continuing discussion of how to best
manage fire and rescue services in the Town of Ocean City.
Our plan proposes a simple division of responsibilities that will save
taxpayers money, and address any possible conflict between volunteer and
paid personnel. We will soon issue a press release that will address
this issue and, with your concurrence, will make a full and detailed
presentation before the Mayor and City Council at your next regularly
scheduled meeting on Monday, 17 March 2008. I would appreciate your
earliest response.
Chris Larmore
Fire Chief
1409 Philadelphia Avenue, Post Office Box 27, Ocean City, Maryland 21843-0027
410-289-4346 .Fax: 410-289-8421
I expect to introduce the Press Release very soon, (part 2).
Stay tuned and remember, you heard it, saw it and experienced it here FIRST!
12 March 2008
Mayor Rick Meehan
Post Office Box 158
Ocean City, MD 21843-0158
Dear Mayor Meehan:
Thank you for your 20 February 2008 letter. I appreciate and share your
sincere desire to resolve this issue. Since receiving your
correspondence, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company has intensely
reviewed the terms and conditions contained therein. With assistance from
top experts in the field, we have prepared an alternative plan that we
believe resolves all issues in the continuing discussion of how to best
manage fire and rescue services in the Town of Ocean City.
Our plan proposes a simple division of responsibilities that will save
taxpayers money, and address any possible conflict between volunteer and
paid personnel. We will soon issue a press release that will address
this issue and, with your concurrence, will make a full and detailed
presentation before the Mayor and City Council at your next regularly
scheduled meeting on Monday, 17 March 2008. I would appreciate your
earliest response.
Chris Larmore
Fire Chief
1409 Philadelphia Avenue, Post Office Box 27, Ocean City, Maryland 21843-0027
410-289-4346 .Fax: 410-289-8421
I expect to introduce the Press Release very soon, (part 2).
Stay tuned and remember, you heard it, saw it and experienced it here FIRST!
BREAKING NEWS SAFETY ALERT From Salisbury University Police and Student Affairs
Please be on alert for Matthew Scott Lawson, who is not permitted on the Salisbury University campus. Mr. Lawson is a 29-year-old, white male with a short crew cut and mustache, 5'7" weighing approximately 300 pounds. He drives a 2002 Black Nissan truck, Maryland license # 68R 192. Mr. Lawson is not a member of the SU community. He is alleged to have made comments which, if true, raise potential concerns for the safety of the campus. If you see a person fitting Mr. Lawson's description, please contact University Police immediately at 410-543-6222 or 911.
According to information the University has received, Mr. Lawson is not viewed by local officials as an imminent threat to the campus community; however, the University feels it is important to keep you informed. University police are in frequent contact with local officials and are being kept apprised.
Dane Foust, D.Ed.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
410-543-6080
drfoust@salisbury.edu
It is my understanding that this gentleman WAS employed by the Detention Center and has been suspended from his duties. More to come!
According to information the University has received, Mr. Lawson is not viewed by local officials as an imminent threat to the campus community; however, the University feels it is important to keep you informed. University police are in frequent contact with local officials and are being kept apprised.
Dane Foust, D.Ed.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
410-543-6080
drfoust@salisbury.edu
It is my understanding that this gentleman WAS employed by the Detention Center and has been suspended from his duties. More to come!
Councilwoman Ticketed, Accused Of Driving 88 MPH
MILLINGTON, Md. -- An Easton Town Council member has an April 4 court date for the speeding ticket she received in Queen Anne's County.
Police said Moonyene Jackson-Amis was cited for driving 88 mph in a 55 zone along Route 301 on Dec. 23.
The charge carries a possible fine of $290.
Jackson-Amis is an attorney and represents Ward 4 on the council.
Police said Moonyene Jackson-Amis was cited for driving 88 mph in a 55 zone along Route 301 on Dec. 23.
The charge carries a possible fine of $290.
Jackson-Amis is an attorney and represents Ward 4 on the council.
O’Malley Gives More Pay Raises And Wants Executive Pay Kept Secret
Maryland GOP Calls for Full Disclosure of Executive Pay
ANNAPOLIS— Following up on a Washington Times report that Governor Martin O’Malley approved over $600,000 in pay raises for his top aides, the Times has now uncovered that O’Malley has created a new pay grade to give higher salaries to staff who were capped out from earning more. At the same time these pay raises have come to light, O’Malley is pushing for legislation that would repeal his obligation to report this information to the Department of Legislative Services.
The Washington Times is reporting that Governor O’Malley has created a new pay grade, EX91, which will pay four of his employees as much as $235,000. High-ranking employees were previously capped out at $159,632. Among those employees is Public Service Commission Chairman Steven Larsen, who will receive a pay raise from $118,280 to $188,700 under the new pay scale. According to the Washington Times, O’Malley had already exceeded the pay cap for three of the four employees in question. O’Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese stated that “[t]he creation of the new scale allows for more transparent and open reporting.”
At the same time O’Malley’s spokesperson is saying they are acting to make pay scales more transparent, the O’Malley administration is advocating to make executive pay kept secret. Last month, Budget Secretary T. Eloise Foster testified in favor of Senate Bill 349/House Bill 458, which would repeal current law that requires the Secretary of Budget and Management to submit to the Department of Legislative Services on a yearly basis a list of the position, pay grade, step, and pay rate of each employee in the Executive Pay Plan. By a vote of 46-0, the Senate passed an amended version of SB349 that would actually keep the law in place and require quarterly reports from the administration, above and beyond the current annual reports.
Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement:
“Each day, Martin O’Malley figures out a new way to offend our senses. He has not only given astronomical raises to his top aides while state employees get the shaft, but we now learn that he has created a new pay scale as a way around pay caps. To top it off, he is supporting a repeal of a law that requires him to report these executive salaries to the Department of Legislative Services, where members of the public can keep tabs on their government.
“The Maryland Republican Party opposes a repeal of these reporting requirements by the governor, especially in light of this governor’s zeal for giving major pay hikes at the same time he hikes up taxes. Marylanders have had enough of government operating in the shadows, and the Maryland Republican Party calls for the rejection of the original versions of Senate Bill 349 and House Bill 458 and supports the amended versions of these bills that would create greater reporting requirements on a quarterly basis and the ability to better scrutinize our executive branch.”
ANNAPOLIS— Following up on a Washington Times report that Governor Martin O’Malley approved over $600,000 in pay raises for his top aides, the Times has now uncovered that O’Malley has created a new pay grade to give higher salaries to staff who were capped out from earning more. At the same time these pay raises have come to light, O’Malley is pushing for legislation that would repeal his obligation to report this information to the Department of Legislative Services.
The Washington Times is reporting that Governor O’Malley has created a new pay grade, EX91, which will pay four of his employees as much as $235,000. High-ranking employees were previously capped out at $159,632. Among those employees is Public Service Commission Chairman Steven Larsen, who will receive a pay raise from $118,280 to $188,700 under the new pay scale. According to the Washington Times, O’Malley had already exceeded the pay cap for three of the four employees in question. O’Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese stated that “[t]he creation of the new scale allows for more transparent and open reporting.”
At the same time O’Malley’s spokesperson is saying they are acting to make pay scales more transparent, the O’Malley administration is advocating to make executive pay kept secret. Last month, Budget Secretary T. Eloise Foster testified in favor of Senate Bill 349/House Bill 458, which would repeal current law that requires the Secretary of Budget and Management to submit to the Department of Legislative Services on a yearly basis a list of the position, pay grade, step, and pay rate of each employee in the Executive Pay Plan. By a vote of 46-0, the Senate passed an amended version of SB349 that would actually keep the law in place and require quarterly reports from the administration, above and beyond the current annual reports.
Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement:
“Each day, Martin O’Malley figures out a new way to offend our senses. He has not only given astronomical raises to his top aides while state employees get the shaft, but we now learn that he has created a new pay scale as a way around pay caps. To top it off, he is supporting a repeal of a law that requires him to report these executive salaries to the Department of Legislative Services, where members of the public can keep tabs on their government.
“The Maryland Republican Party opposes a repeal of these reporting requirements by the governor, especially in light of this governor’s zeal for giving major pay hikes at the same time he hikes up taxes. Marylanders have had enough of government operating in the shadows, and the Maryland Republican Party calls for the rejection of the original versions of Senate Bill 349 and House Bill 458 and supports the amended versions of these bills that would create greater reporting requirements on a quarterly basis and the ability to better scrutinize our executive branch.”
BREAKING NEWS: John Robinson Arrested!
Wicomico County Sheriff's Department has just arrested John Robinson for reckless endangerment. It's my understanding bond has been set at least at $5,000.00.
This arrest is based on John accidentally discharging a fire arm at his place of business.
More to come...
This arrest is based on John accidentally discharging a fire arm at his place of business.
More to come...
Everyone Is Canceling Their Daily Times Subscription
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This note was passed to me from someone in Monday night's Council Meeting. My phone has literally been ringing off the hook, people asking me if I'm going to continue doing what I do so they can cancel their subscription to the Daily Times.
So the big question to all of you is, have you canceled your subscription too?
Louise And Barrie "Get Their Game On"!
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The Game? With the title sung to the children's chant:
"I'm More Transparent That Youuuu Are, Neener, Neener, Nee-nerrr!"
As I noted in an earlier post, Louise Smith felt that if she repeated the word "transparency" enough times at the city council meeting Monday night, people might think she was actually promoting transparency.
She and the Mayor Barrie both pounded on Debbie Campbell's motions to put items on the agenda about overdrawing accounts and strengthening financial oversight with:
"We shouldn't add things to the agenda because it doesn't give the public notice and that doesn't promote transparency."
(Now we have "City1732" posting on the Daily Times StoryChat that very same mantra. Could the regulars on that little "chat" be right that City1732 is Mayor Barrie herself? She sure isn't spending time worrying about the city's finances.)
Cohen supported Campbell and said she was all for public notice, but these things needed to be addressed, or something to that effect. Campbell pointed out that she had made several requests to place the items on the agenda, but was refused.
Game, set, match to Campbell.
You see, Louise and Barrie, we peons learned MORE about what's going on from that discussion Monday night than we ever would have from a little public notice. And if you were REALLY transparent, it WOULD have been on the agenda.
Louise, Barrie, when it comes to transparency, Campbell and Cohen will best you every time. Why? Because unlike you, it's not a game to them to be won by 11th-hour phrases. They live it. Their honest in their dealings. They have a long reputation for being straight up that goes way back before they got elected. You two? You only have to look at your recent track record.
Let's see...Louise Smith touted accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility during her campaign.
Record? Sides with mayor on almost everything including the color of the toilet paper. Keeps anything Campbell wants off the agenda. Closes down meetings when she doesn't get to perform. Breaks her own rules. Lied to the people who campaigned for her.
The Mayor? Withholds information from all but her anointed ones. Pushes to add to bureaucracy. Sneaks a charter amendment in at the last minute to raise taxes through the roof. Hides the fact that the audit says our financial situation is "ripe for fraud" until it just can't be hidden no mo'.
Ah, yes. Very transparent, those two.
As for City1732's assertion that Campbell and Cohen play "gotcha," here's a clue: Barrie and The Puppets do "gotcha" to themselves. They don't need a lick of help.
And not putting the insurance overdrafts on this agenda and waiting 'til March 24 to discuss it? Louise and John Pick said the administration needed time to "prepare." (How much time do they need? Didn't Cohen say the accounts have been overdrawn since at least Jan. 30?) Yep. They're going to prepare their excuses why overdrafting an account by $45,000 is no big deal. They're going to prepare why their pattern of fiscal irresponsibility is no big deal. And they're going to prepare their next attack on Debbie Campbell.
Because that's the name of another game they love to play: Attack Debbie Campbell.
And they aren't winning that one either.