Recent update on the BOE Paint Issue and the Senior Prom

I received a call earlier today from Tom Field who stated that he looked into the lead paint issue and has assured me that there are no lead paint issues at the two schools with which the two citizens had issues. He further stated that he had conversation with the Principal Fruitland Primary in ref. to the paint chips. He stated that the maintenance people there will be going back to clean the area again this coming week. He added that the area that had been powerwashed which caused the paint chips will be repainted soon as well.

Mr. Field advised that he e-mailed the lady responsible for the Q&A segment which was to be posted on the BOE website. Prior to getting a response, he also contacted the webmaster who advised that he was not aware that a "Q&A" section was supposed to have been added. A short time later, the person responsible contacted Mr. Field and apologized stating that she didn't realize that it was a high priority. According to Mr. Field, she is now well aware that the issue is one of high priority and will be taken care of upon her return to work.

I can only attest to what I was told folks. I am not posting these things with the intent of pointing fingers. This is a civilized attempt to bring back the fundamental understanding that public employees answer to the taxpayer. Plain and simple. The taxpayers see these issues and want them fixed - they should be fixed not avoided. They only way to assure that this occurs is to bring it up and stay on it.

Now.......How many of you feel that that the word "Youth" is being systematically stripped from the "Wicomico Youth and Civic Center"? How many of you think that Wicomico County High School students should have their Senior Proms at the Civic Center instead of having to leave the county to go to UMES? Wasn't it donated to the County for the benefit of the youth of the county?

Salisbury University's Relay For Life Next Friday!

In one week, Salisbury University will kick off its' annual Relay for Life on Friday May 2 at the SU Intramural Fields. As of this post, SU has raised nearly $60,000 for the American Cancer Society. Salisbury University is one of the top collegiate institutions for Relay for life. Over $100,000 was raised alone last year.

Students and campus organizations gather at the intramural fields forming a large oval track with their booths. You can find anything from bake sales to games, entertainment to flinging pies at each other to raise money for their Relay Teams. Besides the fundraising the students gather all night tossing Frisbees, playing catch, kick ball, and tons of other games in a fraternal gathering. Relay is quite the social event!

Please donate to any of these teams or to Relay For Life!

http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeSouthAtlanticDivision?fr_id=9376&pg=entry&JServSessionIdr004=275yo1ofk1.app312b

Hoopers Fundraiser A Huge Success

Hooper's Crab House was a HUGE success for Miss Talia Pleasant!!!

Not only did they have a packed restaurant last night, the servers also gave their tips as a donation! Also the 50/50 was given back as a donation.

Grand total $10,300 !!!!

Talia will be leaving for Disney World on Monday.

If you would like to sign her guest book or follow her trip, please go to http://www.caringbridge.org/md/taliapleasant

COUNTY EXECUTIVE OBSERVES ARBOR DAY WITH TREE PLANTING

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., joined by school and county officials, planted a tree in observance of Arbor Day at the newly-renovated Prince Street Elementary School in Salisbury. Pollitt said he chose the location because, “There is a close relationship between renewing our natural environment at the same time we renew our schools. Both will have a significant impact on the world we leave to the next generation.”

“Arbor Day reminds us of how fragile our natural environment has become and that it is our obligation to future generations to assure the survival of the trees,” said Mr. Pollitt in anticipation of the event.

Left-to-Right…

Prince Street Principal Wauchilve Jackson-Snyder, Board of Education President Robin Holloway, Wicomico County Councilman David MacLeod, County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., Lee Whaley representing U. S. Senator Ben Cardin.

Wicomico Budget - It's All Because of the Revenue Cap

If you actually believe this, then voluntarily send more money in to the county.

Today's Daily Times provides evidence that the mainstream media loves big government and those that love to spend the money of the average taxpayer. Reading Greg Latshaw's piece almost makes me want to change my voter registration.

According to the Daily Times, Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt, and even Wicomico County Council President John Cannon there is just no place to cut. Not only are they mistaken, Pollitt's ongoing parlor trick of blaming the county's revenue cap for every conceivable fiscal problem has grown old to the point that even a die hard cap opponent such as myself is no longer in favor of its repeal.

Pollitt's embrace of the O'Malley tax increase is evidence that a Pollitt administration should not be permitted to increase property taxes. Pollitt's initial claim that his support of the Governor's tax plan was "to protect funding to Wicomico County" has blown up in his face. Not only are we paying higher taxes, funding to the county is expected to fall. This is why Pollitt and the County Council are now faced with a "flat budget".

Are there alternatives? Of course there are. For starters, county employees do not have to receive a 3.5% pay hike. I know, it's a "cost of living" adjustment. How many voters working in the private sector are receiving pay hikes of 3.5%? On a recent trip south I learned that the city of Virginia Beach is providing it's employees a hike of 1.5%.

If the council shows some political courage and cuts (or eliminates) this pay hike they will have accomplished several things. First, they will show their constituents that taxes are levied to pay for a county government that will provide those services that are necessary. This means things like public education (which Maryland citizens long ago determined is a necessary service) and law enforcement (to provide for public safety and to protect private property - which is the FIRST charge of government according to political philosophers going back to Locke).

Is it necessary for taxpayers to subsidize myriad non-profits? Valid arguments can be made for entities such as the Humane Society because they provide services that the vast majority of citizens deem necessary and the government would have to provide these services in their stead. Others are more difficult to justify. Sure, there are constituencies for each and every one. Sure, these are "nice" things to have and make us all feel warm and cuddly. Are they necessary? Are they part of the county's governmental mission?

The Board of Education budget, taking up the largest share of the county budget, is an obvious place for substantial cuts. I realize that it is difficult to trim ALL of the fat from a large, bureaucratic enterprise such as the WCBOE. I also realize that a greater effort should be made. A recent example was posted recently. A large enterprise such as the WCBOE should be managed more like business. Poor performance should not be provided blanket protection. If an employee is not doing their job they should be dismissed rather than left where they are or transferred off to another department (which seems to be the preferred method of our local school system). ANY pay increases should be awarded based on performance rather than seniority. EVERY position should have an express purpose and a measurable performance standard. The economic boom of the 90's was due primarily to increases in private sector productivity. Can you imagine what kind of surplus the county would run if it demanded similar increases in productivity?

Last, but certainly not least is the need to cut taxes. Councilman Joe Holloway (R-5) called for a cut in the county's income (piggy-back) tax rate earlier this year. Hopefully the council will vote for adequate spending cuts to pay for such a reduction. Even if the tax cut is small, the message would be loud and clear - the Wicomico County Council cares about its taxpaying citizens.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, Maryland politics, taxation, fiscal policy, education, Rick Pollitt, John Cannon, Joe Holloway, media, Daily Times, Gannett

War on the Shore Tommorrow!

The annual War on the Shore between the men's lacrosse teams of Salisbury and Washington College of Maryland is tomorrow at Seagull Stadium at 1pm. This tradition is always a hard fought game for the Charles B. Clark Cup which will not disappoint. The Gulls are 17-0 overall and 7-0 in the CAC. The Shoremen are 12-1 overall and 7-1 in the Centennial Conference.

Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser Tonight!

If you love your military vets from 4-close at the Monkey Barrel will be the Wounded Warrior Project which helps families in paying for financial bills that they incur. Also many programs such as job placement, mentoring, and outdoor activities are funded through these fundraisers. Proceeds will go directly to the WWP.

There is no cover before 7pm and they will have 6 bands including Adam and Johnny, Pressing Strings, Skitzo Calypso, Stolen Element, Josh from Goatbag, and Poison Orchid. There will be food and drink specials all night long with $2 rails and Coors Light Bottles, $5 bombs, and $8 large pizzas. All cover charges go to the WWP.

www.woundedwarriorproject.com

Red Net Alert, HELP

Joe,

My name is Patricia Brittingham and I am in Millsboro DE. Our 16 yr old Daughter has been missing since early yesterday afternoon. If you could maybe post about her on your blog, I know you get a lot of traffic.


Her name is Susan

We believe she was last seen at school Sussex Central DE around 2pm. She is wearing blue jeans, dark brown Uggs, white and gray stripped short sleeve sweater (with a hood), she is carrying her back pack which is orange and navy blue Hawaiian flower print (LLBean) and she also took her coat. Dark blue Big Dog coat with red lining. Dark brown hair (straight) with blond highlights in the front and brown eyes.


DE State Police Georgetown 302-856-5850

If you can help us get the word out, it would be most appreciated.

Thanks again,
Patricia Brittingham

Movin On Up, To The West Side

Allow me to start with countering a comment I saw yesterday referencing the furniture in the new Firehouse. The Volunteers offered to pay for ALL of the furnishings in the new Station, Gordy & See refused to accept the money. Instead, they chose to put it on the Taxpayers back in the sum of around $70,000.00.

Many Firefighters are already laughing at the Ikea style furnishings, stating it just doesn't look right and it's certainly not the style of furniture they would have chosen. I looked at it and I can't say as I blame them. It works though and that's all that matters.

The Salisbury Festival Starts Today

The Festival kicks off at 4:00 PM today.

Fernando Guerrero Fights Again

Fights at the Fritz

Fernando will be fighting at in Tunica, MS. at the Fitzgerald Hotel and Casino

Fernando Guerrero, 5-0 Salisbury MD VS Anthony Bowman 7-28 Jackson MS.

Fernando's next bout will be at the end of May.

After his ESPN debut, ESPN became supporters of Fernando and called to say that they want him to fight on the network again soon. They even tried to get a date at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, but it was booked on the date they wanted.

Knock Em Out Fernando!

Paint in the schools and other BOE issues

Today I spoke with Tom Field, A/Supt of Schools for Wi. Co. I expressed my displeasure with the fact that the "Questions and Answers forum" was never implemented. Mr. Field stated that he was embarrassed and "assumed" that it had already been implemented and was up and running. He further advised that the Lady responsible for setting it up is presently out of town and that he would make certain that it will be up and running upon her return. We'll see.

I asked him about the paint issue at East Salisbury of which we posted pictures last week as well as the paint chips at Fruitland Primary. Mr. Fields stated that the paint is peeling off of the wall in the gymnasium due to the failure of several mortar joints in the exterior block work allowing rain water to penetrate. They have gotten estimates and just last week the BOE approved to money for the repairs. Mr. Fields didn't know when the repairs would be made but believed it should be very soon. He was unaware of the paint chips at Fruitland but stated that he will look into it and let me know about the clean-up. He will also look into whether or not there has been a lead abatement procedure performed at these locations if required.

I did have conversation with Mr. Field in reference to the High School Senior Proms being held at the Civic Center. To be fair, I am scheduled to meet with Gary Mackes next Tuesday and would like to get his input in the event there are any....uh....misunderstandings which may exist before I post anything. I want to be fair and give both the BOE and Parks and recs. to have the opportunity for input.

I would say this though. Last year approx. $16,000 was figured into the budget to "supplement" the senior proms.....to offset the cost of the Civic Center. It was eventually cut out. I would proffer that with the savings of about half a million dollars which will not be used to supplement the fuel costs of an unnamed local business, our County Exec. and Council should be able to carve this minuscule amount out of this windfall of savings which will, by the virtue of the math, exist when calculating this years budget. C'mon y'all. I know that every department has there hand out for a piece of that pie but can't the kids get a few crumbs for their prom? We'll just have to see.

A Marine Chimes In To Salisbury News From Iraq

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE WWW.ANYMARINE.COM OR WWW.ANYSOLDIER.COM IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO DROP ITEMS OFF DURING THIS DROP OFF, BUT WISH TO SEND ITEMS, YOU CAN GET A POINT OF CONTACT FROM THAT WEBSITE AND SEND THE ITEMS DIRECTLY TO A SERVICE MEMBER IN IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN. THE OLD BAY IS A GREAT IDEA, ESPECIALLY THE OLD BAY POTATO CHIPS, NICE REMINDER OF THE SHORE!

THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT...

CORPORAL IAN D. INSLEY, USMC
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ

Today' History Lesson

A short history lesson on the privilege of voting ...

The women were innocent and defenseless. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and with their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of "obstructing sidewalk traffic."

They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air..
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the "Night of Terror" on November 15, 1917 (a mere 91 years ago), when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

So, refresh my memory... Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie "Iron Jawed Angels." It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.

All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.

My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself.

"One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie," she said. "What would those women think of the way I use--or don't use--my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn. "The right to vote" she said, had become valuable to her all over again.

HBO will run the movie periodically before releasing it on video and DVD.

I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum. we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.

It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy. The doctor admonished the men: "Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity."

Please pass this on to all the women you know. We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women.