Could It Be?

alltel.net Little Rock, Arkansas 4:56:43 pm 1

Are the Clinton's back in Little Rock? Maybe they Googled Sunnyinoc"s Question Of The Day? LOL

After all, we are the #1 Political Blogger in the State of Maryland.

Daily Times Prints Tilghman Lies

Let's forget for a moment that the only reason Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman didn't request an increase in water and sewer rates again this year is because there is an election in less than 12 months (that applies to a property tax increase as well). Let's forget for a moment that the coverage of the Salisbury FY 2009 budget, by the Daily Times, has consisted of little more taking dictation from Tilghman and her cronies. This morning our local paper crossed a big line, printing total falsehoods from Tilghman and treating them as if they were gospel. If that isn't bad enough, Ms. D'Alessandro believes that she did nothing wrong.

This morning the Daily Times printed another piece from Tilghman press secretary (and nominal reporter) Laura D'Alessandro regarding a possible increase in water and sewer rates. Quoting Tilghman:

Tilghman said she did not recommend a water and sewer rate increase last year because citizens were already experiencing a double-digit tax hike -- 12 percent.

The fact that Tilghman ASKED for a 17% property tax increase (not 12%) can be chalked up to a mis-statement or bad math. However, there is no question that Tilghman requested a 10% increase in water and sewer rates last year. One need merely look at last year's budget message, or look it up in Daily Times own archives. The paper mentioned the proposed rate hike (which was defeated only because Councilwoman Debbie Campbell embarrassed the administration and Tilghman's lackeys on council regarding the size of the Water and Sewer Fund surplus) several times.

According to Ms. D'Alessandro, it is not her responsibility to check up on statements from Tilghman (or her cronies) provided that she quotes them:

"I'm quoting her (Tilghman). If she lied then it's her responsibility."

When pressed on the subject, her initial arrogance gave way to whining that "she was new to her job". If Ms. D'Alessandro doesn't have enough common sense to meet any quote from a politician with a certain amount of scepticism then she needs to cover another beat.

D'Alessandro actually believes that the Mayor or her minions have never lied to her until now. While I can't prove the negative, probability leads me to believe that she has.

Let's be honest! Tilghman hopes that she can pass the buck and somehow make her arch-nemesis Debbie Campbell look bad while she sits back and watches the fiscal state of Salisbury collapse upon itself. This is probably a sound political strategy IF she is not planning on running and is merely shilling for her heir apparent, Councilman Gary Comegys.

The bottom line is that our local paper need no longer be the town crier for Barrie Tilghman.

Note - I have been informed by our friends at the Daily Times that a correction will be forthcoming.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, media, fiscal policy, taxation, Laura D'Alessandro, Daily Times, Gannett

Correction To The Correction On Mayor's Quote

By Councilwoman Terry Cohen

The reporter at the Daily Times responded to my submission of a correction to the Water/Sewer Fund article this morning (see post below) concerning the quote by Mayor Tilghman.

According to the reporter, Laura D'Alessandro, she did not make a mistake in attribution, that Mayor Tilghman made statements concerning last year's water rate increase as printed in the paper today. The reporter added that city administrator John Pick made similar statements.

I thanked Ms. D'Alessandro for correcting my error. I also let her know that the mayor's FY08 proposed budget and the official record show the mayor did, indeed, support a 10% water rate increase. I shared with her the sequence of events last summer, including the rescinding of the hike passed by the council majority, as described in the post below.

As Seen On The On Your Side Blog.

Water Resources Element Kick-Off Meeting

The Wicomico County and the City of Salisbury invite you to join us at the Water Resources Element Community Workshop Meeting on Monday, May 19th, starting at 6:00PM, Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Flanders Rooms 3&4.

SPD Press Releases

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Salisbury Police Department is requesting that the witness that reported the assault on Mitchell Rd. to the Salisbury Police on Saturday night, May 17, make contact with Detectives in reference to this investigation. It is critical that detectives speak to this witness. The witness is requested to call Salisbury C.I.D. at 410-548-3113 and ask for Captain Mark Tyler or Detective Sergeant Scott Kolb.

On May 17, 2008 at approximately 7:40 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations which contained the below listed suspect as a passenger. During the traffic stop, officers observed suspected marijuana in close proximity to the suspect. The suspect was placed under arrest and a search of the suspect’s person revealed a quantity of suspected crack/cocaine in his pocket.

ARRESTED: Jermel Lee Moss, 18 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school.

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017422

On May 17, 2008 at approximately 9:06 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police made contact with the below listed suspect in the area of Railroad Avenue and Elizabeth Street. The suspect gave the officers consent to search his person, and as a result of the search, officers were able to recover a smoking device containing suspected crack/cocaine.

ARRESTED: Rodney Elliott Stevenson, 40 years of age Princess Anne, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of crack/cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017433

On May 17, 2008 at approximately 11:08 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. The suspect gave the officers consent to search the vehicle, and as a result of the search, the officers were able to recover a suspected marijuana cigarette, and a quantity of suspected marijuana in a bag.

ARRESTED: Alyssa Joyce Mulinos, 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017447

On May 18, 2008 at approximately 8:50 pm, an off duty Officer of the Salisbury Police observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of Cherry St. in Salisbury. The off duty Officer was able to observe the suspect in the vehicle in possession of a suspected marijuana cigarette. On duty Officers responded and made contact with the below listed suspect. The vehicle was checked and a quantity of suspected heroin and suspected heroin paraphernalia was located in addition to the suspected marijuana cigarette.

ARRESTED: Ashley Janet Bounds, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of heroin
Possession with intent to use heroin paraphernalia
Possession of cds/paraphernalia (2 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017525

Assault On Sheriff's Deputy

Incident: Assault on a Deputy

Date of Incident: 17 May 2008
Location: 7400 Block Gumboro Road, Pittsville, MD

Suspects: Jeremy O. Goslee, 21, Mardela Springs, MD

Narrative: On 17 May 2008 at 0230hrs, a deputy responded to the parking lot of the Talbot Apartments on Gumboro Road in Pittsville, MD for a reported disturbance. On arrival, the deputy observed a male subject, later identified as Jeremy Goslee, being restrained that was yelling loudly and threatening to kill someone. As the deputy approached Goslee, he broke free and charged at the deputy in an attempt to knock the deputy down. The deputy informed Goslee that he was under arrest for assaulting the deputy but Goslee repeatedly pulled away from the deputy who attempted to handcuff him. In an attempt to subdue Goslee, the deputy utilized his pepper spray to gain control of Goslee. The deputy then wrestled Goslee to the ground and held on to him until backup units arrived.

Goslee was transported to PRMC for treatment of the pepper spray and continued to act disorderly there, screaming threats and obscenities at law enforcement and disturbing the general environment of the hospital emergency room.

After treatment, Goslee was taken to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Goslee was processed and charged with Assault, Disturbance of the Peace and Disorderly Conduct. After an initial appearance before the District Court Commissioner, Goslee was held at the Wicomico County Detention Center on $12,500 bond.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Department Press Release

Incident: Theft

Date of Incident: 22 April 2008

Location: Wicomico County Roads Division, 28440 Owens Branch Road, Salisbury, MD

Suspects:
1. Guy William Broadhurst, 36, Salisbury, MD
2. Jeffrey Lee Bromley, 33, Princess Anne, MD

Narrative: On 22 April 2008, a deputy responded to the Wicomico County Roads Division for the report of a theft of metal from that location. Upon arrival, the deputy was advised that six metal roller, designed specifically for the Wicomico Ferry, had been taken from their storage location along with eight snow plow blades. The total value for the stolen merchandise is over $24,000.00.

The theft suspects were seen leaving the area by County employees after they had loaded a pick-up truck with the metal objects. It was also learned that the theft suspects were captured on the new surveillance system installed at the Wicomico County Roads Division. From the witnesses and the surveillance system, the deputy was able to identify the vehicle. Because of previous contacts with the same individuals in this vehicle, the deputy was able to identify the two theft suspects. Based on the investigation, it was now learned that Guy Broadhurst and Jeffrey Bromley were the two thieves. Deputies located Bromley on 24 April 2008 in the same suspect vehicle used to commit the theft and also discovered that he had a receipt from a scrap yard where the pair had sold the stolen metal. The investigating Deputy went to the scrap yard and discovered they too had a surveillance system that caught the same pair receiving payment for the purloined items.

Bromley was arrested on 24 April 2008 for the theft and taken to the Wicomico County Detention Center where he is being held on $10,000 bond. An arrest warrant has been obtained for Guy Broadhurst but he has not been located as of yet. Broadhurst’s last known address was in Salisbury, MD. Anyone with information as to Broadhurst’s whereabouts is asked to call the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

One Year Ago Today

Sherman was playing cool and went flying around the outfield and couldn't stop in time when he had to dump the 4 Wheeler before he hit the wall. The Shorebirds chose this year to keep the 4 Wheelers away from Sherman. IMO, good move.

Budget Hearing

PUBLIC HEARING - CITY OF SALISBURY
FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET
WED., MAY 21, 6 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, GOV'T. OFFICE BUILDING
MAKE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

The Mayor increased her office budget 120%, but the number of police officers ZERO in 10 years…

The Mayor this year has denied meaningful raises for all personnel -
except three members of her own office.

The City Attorney's budget? Up 97% in 10 years… This year, the mayor's budget raises it by 36%.

Bonded Debt has risen 308% in 10 years…

The proposed 13.5% increase in just bonded debt payments this year alone
($247,728) would pay for three police officers or paramedic firefighters.

Will there be a 25% increase in water/sewer rates this year and 20% increase the next year? We don't know, because the Mayor simply plugged in over $4 million of surplus to balance that fund's budget until council decides.

Instead of the Mayor spending $14,250 on a "Citizen Attitude Survey," we need to tell what we think! Our elected officials owe us responsible spending, effective planning and full accountability!

For Sale!!!! Had to stop and take this pic yesterday, just in case any of Joe's readers were looking for such a car!!! hahahahaha

Pics of Ocean City from above

Katelyn took her first flight yesterday for her 9th birthday. These are just a few pics of Ocean City. As you can tell from her Kool-Aid smile, she had a blast. Our dear friend, Dan Sheppard, owns the plane and was eager to take Katelyn and her brother, Brandon airborne for the first time. Thank you, Dan, for keeping us safe.
Click on any pic to enlarge

The Dunes In Ocean City

Last week I visited the beach area in Ocean City to take a look at just how bad the storm had effected the beach area. It's very clear that the dunes not only did their fair share of saving the back areas of the beach towards the structures, the photos also show just how high the tide came in and the sand it brought along with it. The fence is 4 ft tall.

Inside Looking Out

While the fire was started upstairs for training purposes, I was able to capture a few shots from the inside getting an idea of what was about to come for these Firefighters entering the house. The first team came in and made their way upstairs with all their gear on and let me assure you of one thing, that stairway was tight!

Outside, the Cadets were feeding the lines and taking line away whenever necessary. As I'm sure many of these very young men and women wanted to be in the fire, baby steps are what makes a great Firefighter. You learn from the ground, up. This process teaches these men and women that when it is their time, they'll know what to expect and what to respect. When they need line and get it, it's because the people on the line are paying attention knowing lives are on the line.

The good ones stick around knowing that some day soon they'll be in the thick of things helping to save lives and or structures so dear to so many.

The Controlled Burn In Powellville

I thought I'd deliver some additional photos of the controlled burn in Powellville last week. This opportunity for local Firefighters to engage in practices needed to further their experience is critical to all property owners and they're very grateful to have the opportunity to take down aging structures no longer in use.

My personal experience there is one in which I'll never forget. Again, I thank everyone for that opportunity and look forward to not only visiting future burns like this but I'll also be able to better express just what they're doing with a far greater understanding.

On a personal note. It was really cool watching some of the "blue flames" coming out of this fire. It was burning copper and put off quite a show.

Question of the Day, Mon 5/19

Do you and your spouse agree politically?

Do you vote together? To avoid conflict, do you choose not to have political discussions? Do you tell your spouse who you are voting for?

NO Daily Times Again This Morning

Once you've been suckered into buying a yearly subscription, (such as a $20.00 Free Gas deal with local Gordy Marts) and you don't get delivery of your paper, you call their office and get a computerized robotic system that asks you a multitude of questions to a point a real human being just starts feeling stupid that they're actually getting you to answer their questions.

Look, you Idiots, I DON'T HAVE MY FREAKIN PAPER, THAT'S IT! I paid for it, you're supposed to deliver it and damn it I'm not happy that it's not there AGAIN! Oh, you can tell that by now, can't you? LOL

Oh, so you know Folks, when you own a Blog, they read it and within the next 15 minutes I'll have my delivery, you wait and see. In the mean time, all my neighbors will have to wait till they get home from work to get theirs.

430 Pennsylvania Ave Is Back In The News

This blog first broke the news about the rampage and subsequent surrender into custody of two Salisbury University lacrosse players last week. And, now, we can report that this story “has legs” as they say.

Zachery Krissoff, one of the perpetrators of that malicious destruction spree, apparently resides at the notorious rooming house at 430 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Camden neighborhood, or did so until very recently. That property is owned and rented by Mr. & Ms. William Jones, who reside at 162 Old Wharf Road, in Ocean City (zip-21842).

A couple years ago, Mr. Jones applied to have the property declared to be exempt from the City’s “4 to 2” law. His application was denied because the file did not contain the required affidavit about the property being occupied by more than 2 unrelated persons in the past. However, the Housing Appeals Board – which is chaired by a landlord named Richard Insley – ruled that Mr. Jones had actually filed an affidavit and, because it had been “lost” by the City, he could file another one. On the basis of that second affidavit, the Housing Board also held that the property was exempt, so that up to 4 unrelated persons could live there.

At its hearing, the Board was made aware that, when the City inspected the property the inspector made the notation “occupied by single person for 2 years.” In addition, the Board received affidavits by neighborhood residents that the home had been occupied by only one resident for a significant period. If that is so, then the home should not be exempted from the 4 to 2 law.

On December 21, 2007 the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, in Case No. C07-0080, held that the Board should have sent the case back to the City’s compliance official, Tom Stevenson, “to consider the merits of the application, together with all other relevant information, including the occupancy affidavit of Mr. Jones and other affidavits of the neighbors … disputing Mr. Jones’ affidavit.” In that court case, the City Attorney tried to have the Court uphold the Housing Board’s ruling – in essence, providing free legal service for the owner-landlord (Mr. and Ms. Jones) and against a number of City homeowners who live in that neighborhood.

Subsequently, despite the evidence, including the notation made by the City’s inspector about occupancy for 2 years by a single person, Mr. Stevenson has ruled that the home at 430 Pennsylvania Avenue “does qualify for the occupancy exemption” from the 4 to 2 law. His decision letter of March 3, 2008 does not discuss why he disregarded the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Unfortunately, an appeal from his decision means going back to that Board run by Richard Insley, which will again rule for the landlord, so that the only real chance for justice will be to once again appeal the ruling by that Board to the Circuit Court. And the City will probably again pay the City Attorney’s fees to argue for the benefit of the landlord and against the neighborhood residents.

Do you recall a recent Daily Times article bemoaning the 4 to 2 law because 3 veterans were unable to live together in a single-family neighborhood? And do you think that there will be any coverage in that newspaper about the residency at 430 Pennsylvania Avenue of a (former-?) SU lacrosse player named Zachary Krissoff?

Unless You Can't READ?

Some Words Of Wisdom

A taxpayer voting for Barrack Obama or Hillary Clinton is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders.

Satire Comes to Salisbury

Reading this morning’s piece on Barrie Tilghman’s 10^th anniversary as Salisbury Mayor I questioned whether I was reading Gannett’s Daily Times or Megalopolitan’s The Beast from Evelyn Waugh’s novel Scoop (an hilarious satire of journalism where “reporters” write stories of events that they have never seen, nor been near). Laura D’Alessandro, Tilghman press secretary and nominal Daily Times reporter, seems to have leapt from the pages of a book written over seventy years ago. Unfortunately for Tilghman, even having a newspaper in your pocket makes listing fictitious accomplishments difficult when both the Mayor and her press secretary lack imagination.

According to today’s piece, what are Tilghman’s accomplishments? Redecorating the Mayor’s office, including new curtains. Getting email. Growing the bureaucracy by creating departments that lack the power to accomplish their stated goals. Saddling the taxpayers with a capital improvement plan designed to subsidize developers (the now infamous, and disreputable, Growth Pays for Growth strategy).

Amusement abounds when listening to Tilghman discuss her “neighborhood strategy” that was in place during the first three years of her reign. Of course we can’t read about the following seven years. All but her most ardent sycophants in the city’s older neighborhoods have abandoned her. Her greatest legislative accomplishment, as regards the city’s older residential neighborhoods, was her laughable “4-3 bill” which places the full burden of proof on residents and all of the power in the hands of her slumlord allies.