I was reading comments and someone had asked about a local sex offender registry and I wanted to pass that info along,en masse. Wicomico County Sheriffs Office has an EXCELLENT countywide sex offender registry complete with offenders photos and info on where they live AND work.You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it and it is available at http://www.wicomicocounty.org/wcso/SexOffenderAgreement.htm
Outside of Wicomico County, you can utilize a statewide registry-just go to http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sor/
You can use zip codes as search parimeters to check specific locales.
I feel as a mother it is every parents duty to check sex offender registries for their area often,because that is the ONLY way to know for sure who is in your neighborhood. Unfortunately, the registries only reveal those offenders who actually bother to register in the 1st place-nevertheless registries are better than nothing.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
200 Comments So Far Today!
There is exactly 200 published comments posted on just today's Posts and probably another 50 comments on older Posts. Fortunately I haven't had to delete/reject as many as normal but clearly people are participating and sharing their opinions on all sorts of topics.
Again, I can't thank all of the Contributors of Salisbury News, as well as the commenters. If you don't think we're making a difference in Salisbury you're sadly mistaken.
Oh, let's see what the Daily Slime does with that correction tomorrow too. I'll keep you posted, for those of you who no longer subscribe to that piddle pad.
Again, I can't thank all of the Contributors of Salisbury News, as well as the commenters. If you don't think we're making a difference in Salisbury you're sadly mistaken.
Oh, let's see what the Daily Slime does with that correction tomorrow too. I'll keep you posted, for those of you who no longer subscribe to that piddle pad.
Sheriff Mike Lewis Wants Police Motorcycles
I spoke with Sheriff Lewis this morning and we discussed the Wicomico County Sheriff's Departments request for two Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Sheriff Lewis confirmed that there has been a request made for such, especially with the cost of fuel. The Harley Davidson Motorcycles can get between 36 and 42 miles per gallon and can maneuver in and out of traffic much easier than the standard Patrol Vehicles.
The really cool part about this idea is the fact that the Harley Davidson Shop of Ocean City is willing to DONATE the motorcycles being proposed. However, there's an additional cost to the Taxpayers to dress these Bikes. There's riding gear that could cost around $1,300.00 per Officer. The lights are extra and other equipment necessary to make it a standard Police Bike.
I for one think it's a great idea at a very minimal cost to the Taxpayers of Wicomico County. I know more Officer that ride Bikes than those who do not. There's also an additional cost to each Officer to go through a special one month long training course.
What's your thoughts? Do you support a move like this? Would you agree that the major cost is absorbed by the Harley Davidson Shop of Ocean City? If the County wouldn't support the cost to dress these Bikes, would you be willing to participate in a fundraiser to raise what's necessary to make this a reality?
One Year Ago Today Part II
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It was one year ago today Governor O'Malley came to Salisbury and met with all the Eastern Shore Politicians to get a grip on what's going on here and what the future holds for our area.
Today he avoids Salisbury because it stinks like human feces and reflects exactly what Donald Schaefer stated about the Eastern Shore years ago.
Schaefer should have Tee Shirts made up that say. "Salisbury, We Resemble That Remark!"
One Year Ago Today Part I
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O'Malley Says, And here's the #1 Political Blogger in the state of Maryland, Joe Albero/Salisbury News. Do you think it was killing Barrie to listen to that line?
Follow Up On Gas Prices
Now here's something I think ALL of you will find interesting.
I just went by Sam's Club and spoke with one of the Managers there referencing their $3.93 price per gallon this morning. I explained how there are MANY local Gas Stations offering gas for much less than Sam's Club, why?
His response was, they're not cheaper than what's on the strip right here on Rt. 13. I said, what's that got to do with anything? I'm a Member at Sam's Club and I purchase 100% of my fuel from them for ALL of our vehicles. I would have expected that Sam's was the lowest price in Town and today I found out that's not only wrong, I found out why they're higher.
The Managers are required daily to contact the Corporate Office and give them the prices posted each day by other local Stations. Corporate then comes back to them and gives them their rate for the day and that's it. They are not required to go outside that STRIP area on Rt. 13, therefore it doesn't matter that they just paid 10 cents less per gallon. It only matters what everyone else if posting.
So is there price fixing going on? I'd have to say something doesn't smell right? ALL of you have seen the lower prices posted on our earlier Post this morning. Sam's is $3.93 per gallon, why are there Stations selling for 10 cents less per gallon even in rural areas? Because they're more honest than the rest of the people on the STRIP on Rt. 13, that's why.
I should state this in closing. I'm happy to see there are other Stations out there offering lower prices and for those of you who live in that direction and can easily access that fuel, you should do so. In my case, I like getting a bill from one place, once a month, so it's that convenience for me that I will continue to purchase from Sam's Club. However, it should also be noted that when Sam's made the arrangement to provide gas to their customers, the agreement with the City was to provide gas 5 cents less than anyone else around. Then Sam's told me that the reason their prices weren't 5 cents less a gallon than anyone else, (years ago) they claimed it was because they were keeping everyone else honest. NOT! If Sam's was being HONEST they would now be $3.80 a gallon and NOT taking advantage of their location, higher profits and more importantly, their Customers/Members!
The Manager also told me that if we wanted to see honest gas prices we should go to the old system of odd and even days, (back in the late 70's) to purchase gas and we'd see the price of gas drop immediately.
Wicomico Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
Date of Incident: 24 June 2008
Location: 5000 Block of Blue Marlin Drive, Eden, MD
Suspects: Mario Lopez, 32, Eden, MD
Narrative: On 24 June 2008 at 10 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded and met with a 14 year old female who reported being the victim of unwanted sexual solicitation by an adult. The victim stated that she was walking down the street when she was approached by Mario Lopez, 32, who began asking the victim sexually related questions and asked the victim to have sex with him. The victim managed to locate an adult who notified the Sheriff’s Office. The investigating deputy located Lopez and after an investigation placed Lopez under arrest.
Lopez was transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Lopez was processed and charged with Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. After an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, Lopez was held in the Detention Center on $50,000.00 bond.
Incident: Malicious Destruction of Property
Date of Incident: 24 June 2008
Location: Midway RV, Beaver Run Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: none
Narrative: On 24 June 2008, at 1030AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to Midway RV on Beaver Run Drive for a report of vandalism to the inside of two Camper Trailers. The investigating deputy discovered that an unknown suspect entered the trailers during the overnight hours and discharged fire extinguishers inside both trailers, spraying the fire retardant spray throughout the interiors. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Date of Incident: 24 June 2008
Location: 5000 Block of Blue Marlin Drive, Eden, MD
Suspects: Mario Lopez, 32, Eden, MD
Narrative: On 24 June 2008 at 10 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded and met with a 14 year old female who reported being the victim of unwanted sexual solicitation by an adult. The victim stated that she was walking down the street when she was approached by Mario Lopez, 32, who began asking the victim sexually related questions and asked the victim to have sex with him. The victim managed to locate an adult who notified the Sheriff’s Office. The investigating deputy located Lopez and after an investigation placed Lopez under arrest.
Lopez was transported to the Central Booking Unit at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Lopez was processed and charged with Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. After an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, Lopez was held in the Detention Center on $50,000.00 bond.
Incident: Malicious Destruction of Property
Date of Incident: 24 June 2008
Location: Midway RV, Beaver Run Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: none
Narrative: On 24 June 2008, at 1030AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to Midway RV on Beaver Run Drive for a report of vandalism to the inside of two Camper Trailers. The investigating deputy discovered that an unknown suspect entered the trailers during the overnight hours and discharged fire extinguishers inside both trailers, spraying the fire retardant spray throughout the interiors. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
MISQUOTE Correction Requested
Robin H. Holloway, Board President Wicomico County Board of Education sent in the following message to Mr. Greg Bassett at the Daily Times.
"Greg & Candace,
Thank you for Candace Evan's coverage of yesterday's Special Session of the Wicomico County Board of Education in which our Board unanimously passed our Fiscal '09 operating budget.
We appreciate Candace's efforts in working with our PIO Tracy Sahler, Interim Superintendent Tom Field, Comptroller Bruce Ford and me in gathering background for the story. Unfortunately, however, Mr. Field's comments during the meeting were misquoted and printed out of context as reported in the Daily Times.
Mr. Field was quoted in the newspaper as saying, "It's disappointing that we don't get the support from our local government, but we will get the job done with this budget."
I sit next to Mr. Field and did not recall his comments in this context. In checking our Executive Assistant's minutes, Mr. Field's exact quote was:
"We are always disappointed when we don't get the level of support from our local government, but we will get the job done with this budget."
Mr. Field was referring to the $ 1.7 Million in reductions made by the County Executive and County Council from our proposed budget submitted to the County in March 2008. In recent years, as you know, local government has not fully funded Board of Ed requests, though we fully acknowledge that the Board of Education receives the greatest portion of the county's budgeted allocations.
I urge you to immediately correct this misquote in the Daily Times.
Thank You.
Robin H. Holloway
Board President
Wicomico County Board of Education
27194 Loch Lomond Court
Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone: 410-749-0577
RHHolloway@yahoo.com"
EDITORS NOTE: Everyone should know I received this message at 10:46 AM this morning, it's NOT damage control. I was not able to access my e-mail from the location I was at, hence the late Post on the letter.
"Greg & Candace,
Thank you for Candace Evan's coverage of yesterday's Special Session of the Wicomico County Board of Education in which our Board unanimously passed our Fiscal '09 operating budget.
We appreciate Candace's efforts in working with our PIO Tracy Sahler, Interim Superintendent Tom Field, Comptroller Bruce Ford and me in gathering background for the story. Unfortunately, however, Mr. Field's comments during the meeting were misquoted and printed out of context as reported in the Daily Times.
Mr. Field was quoted in the newspaper as saying, "It's disappointing that we don't get the support from our local government, but we will get the job done with this budget."
I sit next to Mr. Field and did not recall his comments in this context. In checking our Executive Assistant's minutes, Mr. Field's exact quote was:
"We are always disappointed when we don't get the level of support from our local government, but we will get the job done with this budget."
Mr. Field was referring to the $ 1.7 Million in reductions made by the County Executive and County Council from our proposed budget submitted to the County in March 2008. In recent years, as you know, local government has not fully funded Board of Ed requests, though we fully acknowledge that the Board of Education receives the greatest portion of the county's budgeted allocations.
I urge you to immediately correct this misquote in the Daily Times.
Thank You.
Robin H. Holloway
Board President
Wicomico County Board of Education
27194 Loch Lomond Court
Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone: 410-749-0577
RHHolloway@yahoo.com"
EDITORS NOTE: Everyone should know I received this message at 10:46 AM this morning, it's NOT damage control. I was not able to access my e-mail from the location I was at, hence the late Post on the letter.
FREE TICKETS!!!!!!!
I have 10 extra tickets for the Robbie Knievel event at 'The Swamp' in Gainesville this weekend if anybody wants them. He's going to try to jump 500 Obama supporters with a bull dozer.
Maryland Attorney General in Pocomoke Today Auditing the Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries
Hey Joe,
Maybe you can get him to look into the Wicomico River as well!
This just in...BALTIMORE, MD (June 18, 2008) - Attorney General Douglas F.
Gansler will visit Pocomoke City and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, located in Princess Anne, on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 as part of his audit of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Pocomoke City will be the Attorney General’s second stop on his statewide tour of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
I got a call that there was a lot of activity at the Discovery Center this morning but by the time I got there everyone was gone. I ran into the Mayor at the corner of Clarke and Market talking to handsome gentleman in a suit. I had to stop at the signal and said hi from my jeep. He turned and replied "Hello".
I asked what was going on earlier downtown and he stated the Attorney General was in town today to make preparations for the Governors visit next month.
Governor O'Malley will be attending the Great Pocomoke Fair, here in Pocomoke next month.
During my drive by interview I asked the Mayor if that was the reason the helicopter was buzzing the city yesterday, he said "No, he didn't know what that was about either."
When I Googled our Maryland Attorney General and his image I found the above picture and discovered the gentleman that was accompanying the Mayor on the corner was in fact our Attorney General Doug Gansler.
Who Has The Answer?
WHY is Pam Oland attending the MML conference in OC this week? She is supposed to be a CPA, NOT a city administrator, mayor or council person.
WHY are we paying for her to be hanging out in OC for 3 days instead of posting to the general ledger, preparing for closing the books at year end, which is NEXT WEEK?
WHY are we paying Trice, Geary & Myers for support staff to get the books up-to-date when we were already told the audit would be late, AGAIN?
WHY is Pam Oland still in the city's employ? Don't answer that, we know she is Kasey Tilghman's friend from college.
WHY are we paying for her to be hanging out in OC for 3 days instead of posting to the general ledger, preparing for closing the books at year end, which is NEXT WEEK?
WHY are we paying Trice, Geary & Myers for support staff to get the books up-to-date when we were already told the audit would be late, AGAIN?
WHY is Pam Oland still in the city's employ? Don't answer that, we know she is Kasey Tilghman's friend from college.
Sharing Constituent Concerns Over Sewage Spills
Whether the incidents are called “Sanitary Sewer Overflows,” “waste water spills” or “sewage accidents,” last week’s double environmental hit to the Wicomico River from the Salisbury Waste water Treatment Plant (WWTP) has all of us concerned. Many constituents have contacted each of us.
To the best of our knowledge, reports from the city to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) have been filed on time and the MDE is due to issue some position statement on the incidents soon. Just to assist the public in staying informed about the issue, we are publishing the emails we’ve sent to City Administrator John Pick (cc’d to others in the city government) with our questions about these recent spills and safeguards at the WWTP in general.
June 17, 2008 (after the first spill) --
John,
This sounds like a similar problem to the last spillage problem that happened. Is it? When will we know the root cause of the problem?
What are the costs associated with the first response, clean up and any repair for both this one and the last one? By contract, who is accountable for the problem and the associated costs, for this and the last spill? What safeguards are being put into place to lower the risk of this happening again?
Thank you,
Terry
Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410.845.0296
June 19, 2008 (after the second spill) --
John -
My constituents are infuriated by yet another spill. They are raising many
questions about how this could happen, who is going to take responsibility,
and what taking responsibility really means. Please provide me with copies
of whatever plans were in place to safeguard against/control spillage during
construction. I would also like to know to what degree those plans were
followed and any additional details that can be provided.
Thank you.
Debbie
June 24, 2008 (follow up) –
John,
I would like copies of the reports on last week's spills that the city provided to MDE, as well as any communications from MDE concerning the spills.
Will this information answer the questions I raised last week after the first spill (besides the one you answered stating that these incidents were "unique" events in terms of root cause)?
Citizens are very anxious for answers, as I know you can appreciate, especially concerning what steps are being taken to prevent additional incidents and about accountability.
What is the water sampling schedule and is it showing levels of improvement to indicate an approximate time period when the water activity bans will be lifted?
Thank you in advance for your follow up.
Terry
Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410.845.0296
From http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com
To the best of our knowledge, reports from the city to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) have been filed on time and the MDE is due to issue some position statement on the incidents soon. Just to assist the public in staying informed about the issue, we are publishing the emails we’ve sent to City Administrator John Pick (cc’d to others in the city government) with our questions about these recent spills and safeguards at the WWTP in general.
June 17, 2008 (after the first spill) --
John,
This sounds like a similar problem to the last spillage problem that happened. Is it? When will we know the root cause of the problem?
What are the costs associated with the first response, clean up and any repair for both this one and the last one? By contract, who is accountable for the problem and the associated costs, for this and the last spill? What safeguards are being put into place to lower the risk of this happening again?
Thank you,
Terry
Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410.845.0296
June 19, 2008 (after the second spill) --
John -
My constituents are infuriated by yet another spill. They are raising many
questions about how this could happen, who is going to take responsibility,
and what taking responsibility really means. Please provide me with copies
of whatever plans were in place to safeguard against/control spillage during
construction. I would also like to know to what degree those plans were
followed and any additional details that can be provided.
Thank you.
Debbie
June 24, 2008 (follow up) –
John,
I would like copies of the reports on last week's spills that the city provided to MDE, as well as any communications from MDE concerning the spills.
Will this information answer the questions I raised last week after the first spill (besides the one you answered stating that these incidents were "unique" events in terms of root cause)?
Citizens are very anxious for answers, as I know you can appreciate, especially concerning what steps are being taken to prevent additional incidents and about accountability.
What is the water sampling schedule and is it showing levels of improvement to indicate an approximate time period when the water activity bans will be lifted?
Thank you in advance for your follow up.
Terry
Terry E. Cohen, Member
Salisbury City Council
410.845.0296
From http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com
Questions of the Day --- Needed
It's quite hard to think of good daily questions. I run a business with my husband, have 2 kids and 5 dogs...not to mention in the process of building a home.
I would love some input from our readers. Do you have a question or thought you would like to post on Salisbury News? I will not use your name or blog nickname if you choose.
Please email SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com.
I would love some input from our readers. Do you have a question or thought you would like to post on Salisbury News? I will not use your name or blog nickname if you choose.
Please email SunnyInOC at atlanticjw@aol.com.
BREAKING NEWS
Last night the Father of a 8 week old baby took the infant into bed with him and fell asleep on the bed with the baby on his chest. I'm saddened to report the Father rolled over in the middle of the night and some time between 3:00 or 4:00 AM he awoke to find that he has smothered the baby and the baby suffocated to death. May this Child forever rest in peace and may God help this Father to survive such a tragic event. It's a sad day in Salisbury.
Quote of the Day
There are three kinds of men...
The one that learns by reading.
The few who learn by observation.
The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence to see for themselves.
-Will Rogers
Government Spying Passed in the House, Now it's in the Senate, Call Your Senators Today!
As you may remember last week I wrote an article encouraging you to call your Congressman to tell them to vote NO on the FISA bill - H.R. 6304 sponsored by George Bush and Congressman Steny Hoyer (former Prince Georges County Delegate).
Unfortunately, the House passed the Bill and it has been sent to the Senate for a Vote.
Now is the time to call your Senator and implore them not to pass this bill! We cannot allow these telecom companies to have such immunity. This is our privacy and if it is passed we might as well kiss the 4th Amendment of the Constitution away. Call them today!
The bill gives the green light for unchecked domestic spying going forward by creating loopholes for the president.
The bill also gives blanket immunity. Courts are directed to look only at whether telecom companies got a note from the president, rather than considering if these companies actually broke the law.
While it is designed to make it look like there is a judicial process for companies accused of illegally handing over millions of phone calls and emails to the government, it really turns the court into nothing more than a rubber stamp.
This plan is completely unacceptable. It is not a compromise on immunity; it's blanket immunity. I urge you to reject it.
Here's how such proposals would offer blanket immunity in three steps:
1. Lawsuits are sent to court. Either a district court (as House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has recently suggested), or the FISA court (as Senator Kit Bond suggested).
2. When the lawsuits get to court, Congress gives very specific instructions to the judge: if a telecom company got a note from the Bush administration merely claiming it was legal to participate in the warrantless spying program, let them off the hook without looking at whether or not they actually violated any laws.
3. Since telecom companies did get notes from the White House saying their behavior was legal, according to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the judge must dismiss the lawsuit.
You don't just have to take my word for it. I hope you will read this letter from Senators Dodd and Feingold that explains this sham court review in more detail:
http://action.aclu.org/doddfeingold
Instead of looking at whether or not companies had a pass from the White House, courts need to look at whether the telecoms actually broke the law. If there are no consequences for illegal behavior, telecom companies will have no incentive to follow the laws Congress passes in the future.
Call Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, the House passed the Bill and it has been sent to the Senate for a Vote.
Now is the time to call your Senator and implore them not to pass this bill! We cannot allow these telecom companies to have such immunity. This is our privacy and if it is passed we might as well kiss the 4th Amendment of the Constitution away. Call them today!
The bill gives the green light for unchecked domestic spying going forward by creating loopholes for the president.
The bill also gives blanket immunity. Courts are directed to look only at whether telecom companies got a note from the president, rather than considering if these companies actually broke the law.
While it is designed to make it look like there is a judicial process for companies accused of illegally handing over millions of phone calls and emails to the government, it really turns the court into nothing more than a rubber stamp.
This plan is completely unacceptable. It is not a compromise on immunity; it's blanket immunity. I urge you to reject it.
Here's how such proposals would offer blanket immunity in three steps:
1. Lawsuits are sent to court. Either a district court (as House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has recently suggested), or the FISA court (as Senator Kit Bond suggested).
2. When the lawsuits get to court, Congress gives very specific instructions to the judge: if a telecom company got a note from the Bush administration merely claiming it was legal to participate in the warrantless spying program, let them off the hook without looking at whether or not they actually violated any laws.
3. Since telecom companies did get notes from the White House saying their behavior was legal, according to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the judge must dismiss the lawsuit.
You don't just have to take my word for it. I hope you will read this letter from Senators Dodd and Feingold that explains this sham court review in more detail:
http://action.aclu.org/doddfeingold
Instead of looking at whether or not companies had a pass from the White House, courts need to look at whether the telecoms actually broke the law. If there are no consequences for illegal behavior, telecom companies will have no incentive to follow the laws Congress passes in the future.
| Senator (D-Maryland) Barbara A. Mikulski's Office | |
| Phone: (202) 224-4654 | |
| District Phone: (410) 962-4510 |
| Senator (D-Maryland) Benjamin 'Ben' L. Cardin's Office | |
| Phone: (202) 224-4524 | |
| District Phone: (410) 962-4436 |
Call Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gas Prices
WaWa in Delmar has the best gas price today. $3.90 per gallon this morning. Does anyone know of a better deal?
Wicomico Superintendent Berates County Government
Wicomico County Board of Education Interim Superintendent Tom Field as let off a salvo aimed at the Wicomico County government, and the County Council in particular. Upon the passage of a final budget by the WCBOE, Field remarked:
Unlike the WCBOE, which will be coming back in a few months complaining about fuel prices, the Wicomico County Council did the responsible thing and set up a fuel contingency fund for the county. There is no question that there is waste in all government, but the Wicomico County government isn't in the same league as our Board of Ed.
How are citizens supposed to feel comfortable with how their tax dollars are being spent by the WCBOE when they announced at a recent council meeting that they had created a new position - School Climate Coordinator. Upon questioning by council, we discover that this warm and fuzzy sounding job is actually responsible for school safety and discipline.
As someone who strongly supports public education (vs. blindly funding the bureaucracy and bowing to the MSTA), I believe that we deserve better from the WCBOE. Board chair Robin Holloway should demand the IMMEDIATE resignation of Field. I know that he only has a few days left in his tenure. So what! If Field wants to play politics, let him run for office. He can't have it both both ways.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
"It's disappointing that we don't get the support from our local government," Field said. "But we will get the job done with this budget."There is no question that public education is the number one priority of the county government. It just doesn't seem to matter to Field, speaking for the bureaucracy over at the WCBOE, that there are other things that need to be taken care of with citizens' tax dollars.
Unlike the WCBOE, which will be coming back in a few months complaining about fuel prices, the Wicomico County Council did the responsible thing and set up a fuel contingency fund for the county. There is no question that there is waste in all government, but the Wicomico County government isn't in the same league as our Board of Ed.
How are citizens supposed to feel comfortable with how their tax dollars are being spent by the WCBOE when they announced at a recent council meeting that they had created a new position - School Climate Coordinator. Upon questioning by council, we discover that this warm and fuzzy sounding job is actually responsible for school safety and discipline.
As someone who strongly supports public education (vs. blindly funding the bureaucracy and bowing to the MSTA), I believe that we deserve better from the WCBOE. Board chair Robin Holloway should demand the IMMEDIATE resignation of Field. I know that he only has a few days left in his tenure. So what! If Field wants to play politics, let him run for office. He can't have it both both ways.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
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Technorati Tags: Maryland, politics, Wicomico, Wicomico politics, WCBOE, educationWillards Fireworks Event Getting Bigger
Yesterday evening members of the Wicomico Eastside Chamber of Commerce met at Good Fella's Restaurant in Pittsville to welcome a new member and sample the food. During our get -together we discussed the progress of the Fireworks event we've been planning for July 5th at the Willards Elementary School which was originally supposed to begin at dusk. It appears that this event is growing. Whitey's Barbecue will be on site at around 7:00 p.m. as will Alex's Lemonade. Families are welcomed to come out early, set up a blanket, enjoy the food and drink, and get ready for an enjoyable evening. Who's to say that it won't get even bigger as the next week passes?
Helping the Historic District Commission Move Forward
By Councilwoman Debbie Campbell
Recently, a scathing ruling in a court case against Salisbury’s Historic District Commission (SHDC) drew renewed focus on how the city can improve the way that the commission reviews applications and renders decisions, as well as raising other issues. (Click here to see the actual judges’ opinion. Salisbury_v_Leer)
Prior to these latest criticisms, the council has heard concerns regarding the “hoops” that owners of historic buildings are forced to go through, even for small repairs that routinely come before the commission for approval.
I believe that the preservation of historically significant homes, buildings and landmarks is important to maintaining the character and identity of a community. I am supportive of making it as easy as possible for owners to complete repairs and improvements that support historic preservation. The right tools and guidelines will also make the commission members’ work easier and more effective.
Over 18 months ago, I suggested that repairs that are routinely approved should simply require a permit and inspection for compliance. An example of such repairs would be removing plywood or salt-treated porch flooring and replacing it with tongue-and-groove flooring that would be in keeping with what was original to the building. Unfortunately, there has been no further discussion or change to make it easier to achieve preservation and protect historically significant buildings.
Last week I asked several questions about the Salisbury Historic District Commission of the Mayor and Mr. Pick. Mr. Pick, the city administrator, advised me that the Mayor would provide answers. The answers have not been provided. Yesterday I raised the questions again. I am sharing the email exchange so that the public will know the questions and the reasoning behind them.
June 17th –
John –
I am interested in the City making sure that the SHDC has the toolsneeded to make decisions that will benefit preservation of historicallysignificant homes in historic neighborhoods while improving the process for Salisbury's residents of historic districts. To that end, answers to the following questions will be very helpful. What is the current status of the SHDC's new guidelines for decisioning? I remember that they were in draft a while ago. Have they been finalized? It is my understanding the Dept. of the Interior no longer recognizes that alphabetical or numerical ranking system, rather a significant of non-significant (or something similar) ranking.
I also wonder if this determination is given at the time of hearing or if an inventory is conducted and all houses classified accordingly so that owners will know whether or not they need to apply for approval for improvements/repairs.
When is the next meeting of the commission?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Regards.
June 19th --
Debbie - the Mayor has stated that she will respond to your questions.John
June 23rd -
Mayor/John -
I still haven't received a response and I believe that we may have a commission meeting soon. If we have not adopted guidelines and addressed the deficiencies, I think that the meeting should be postponed until we do. It would be unfair to the applicants, the historic neighborhoods, and the commission members to conduct meetings without the appropriate written guidance. Please send a response regarding the current status per my e-mail of last week.
I would also like to know what measures have been taken to address the highly objectionable behavior by the Chair, as articulated by the judge.
Regards.
Debbie
Tomorrow (Wednesday) the commission will convene to consider more than a dozen applications. I close with this question: How is it possible that answers to such basic questions haven’t been provided, yet we are moving ahead?
From http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com/
Recently, a scathing ruling in a court case against Salisbury’s Historic District Commission (SHDC) drew renewed focus on how the city can improve the way that the commission reviews applications and renders decisions, as well as raising other issues. (Click here to see the actual judges’ opinion. Salisbury_v_Leer)
Prior to these latest criticisms, the council has heard concerns regarding the “hoops” that owners of historic buildings are forced to go through, even for small repairs that routinely come before the commission for approval.
I believe that the preservation of historically significant homes, buildings and landmarks is important to maintaining the character and identity of a community. I am supportive of making it as easy as possible for owners to complete repairs and improvements that support historic preservation. The right tools and guidelines will also make the commission members’ work easier and more effective.
Over 18 months ago, I suggested that repairs that are routinely approved should simply require a permit and inspection for compliance. An example of such repairs would be removing plywood or salt-treated porch flooring and replacing it with tongue-and-groove flooring that would be in keeping with what was original to the building. Unfortunately, there has been no further discussion or change to make it easier to achieve preservation and protect historically significant buildings.
Last week I asked several questions about the Salisbury Historic District Commission of the Mayor and Mr. Pick. Mr. Pick, the city administrator, advised me that the Mayor would provide answers. The answers have not been provided. Yesterday I raised the questions again. I am sharing the email exchange so that the public will know the questions and the reasoning behind them.
June 17th –
John –
I am interested in the City making sure that the SHDC has the toolsneeded to make decisions that will benefit preservation of historicallysignificant homes in historic neighborhoods while improving the process for Salisbury's residents of historic districts. To that end, answers to the following questions will be very helpful. What is the current status of the SHDC's new guidelines for decisioning? I remember that they were in draft a while ago. Have they been finalized? It is my understanding the Dept. of the Interior no longer recognizes that alphabetical or numerical ranking system, rather a significant of non-significant (or something similar) ranking.
I also wonder if this determination is given at the time of hearing or if an inventory is conducted and all houses classified accordingly so that owners will know whether or not they need to apply for approval for improvements/repairs.
When is the next meeting of the commission?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Regards.
June 19th --
Debbie - the Mayor has stated that she will respond to your questions.John
June 23rd -
Mayor/John -
I still haven't received a response and I believe that we may have a commission meeting soon. If we have not adopted guidelines and addressed the deficiencies, I think that the meeting should be postponed until we do. It would be unfair to the applicants, the historic neighborhoods, and the commission members to conduct meetings without the appropriate written guidance. Please send a response regarding the current status per my e-mail of last week.
I would also like to know what measures have been taken to address the highly objectionable behavior by the Chair, as articulated by the judge.
Regards.
Debbie
Tomorrow (Wednesday) the commission will convene to consider more than a dozen applications. I close with this question: How is it possible that answers to such basic questions haven’t been provided, yet we are moving ahead?
From http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com/
Question of the Day, Wed 6/25
THIS "QUESTION OF THE DAY" BROUGHT TO YOU BY MELISSA MALONE:
Just like everyone else, I too was careless about my spending. I starting to look at where I was throwing money away and started asking myself, do I really need all this? So in my research I started to see how companies have started a kind of don't tell system. So I want to tell. I started telling my family about this and especially with my parents, how they have no clue and believe everything these people tell them on the phone. It is criminal. As a kid, we only had 3 channels. TV wasn't that important, we played outside all the time. We went to Salisbury from Seaford twice a year to shop at the mall. Imagine the good we can do all the way around. We can have a savings account if we really try.
" Ways to Save" (It is not about whether I can afford it, it's about wasting my money)
DID YOU KNOW?
Comcast does not provide this information on their website, so I called and asked what the cost of their basic cable was for zip code 19940 (Delmar) It is 15.99. The next package is $55.95. No in between. So if you are looking to cut back here is one way. Now, when digital goes into effect in Feb 2009 you may not need Comcast at all. Go to DTV.gov and request your (2) $40.00 coupons for the digital box that will be required. Wal-Mart sells the boxes for $49.99 and with the $40 coupon, your cost is $9.95
Have you ever gone on Verizon website and looked for their basic package. It is nowhere to be seen. But after calling them and asking basic phone, no long distance unlimited calling to local areas. 16.95 a month.People don't know this and feel like they have to play the games. We need to do something about the money we are putting these big corporations who are misguiding us. We can do without and with each person doing a little because they want to not because they are forced to. We can make a difference.
Just like everyone else, I too was careless about my spending. I starting to look at where I was throwing money away and started asking myself, do I really need all this? So in my research I started to see how companies have started a kind of don't tell system. So I want to tell. I started telling my family about this and especially with my parents, how they have no clue and believe everything these people tell them on the phone. It is criminal. As a kid, we only had 3 channels. TV wasn't that important, we played outside all the time. We went to Salisbury from Seaford twice a year to shop at the mall. Imagine the good we can do all the way around. We can have a savings account if we really try.
" Ways to Save" (It is not about whether I can afford it, it's about wasting my money)
DID YOU KNOW?
Comcast does not provide this information on their website, so I called and asked what the cost of their basic cable was for zip code 19940 (Delmar) It is 15.99. The next package is $55.95. No in between. So if you are looking to cut back here is one way. Now, when digital goes into effect in Feb 2009 you may not need Comcast at all. Go to DTV.gov and request your (2) $40.00 coupons for the digital box that will be required. Wal-Mart sells the boxes for $49.99 and with the $40 coupon, your cost is $9.95
Have you ever gone on Verizon website and looked for their basic package. It is nowhere to be seen. But after calling them and asking basic phone, no long distance unlimited calling to local areas. 16.95 a month.People don't know this and feel like they have to play the games. We need to do something about the money we are putting these big corporations who are misguiding us. We can do without and with each person doing a little because they want to not because they are forced to. We can make a difference.
One Of The Best Singles Ads
This has got to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting. .....
Please scroll down . . ..
Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting. .....
Please scroll down . . ..
Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.
Dogs Know!
Have you ever heard that a dog "knows" when an earthquake is about to hit?
Have you ever heard that a dog can "sense" when a tornado is stirring up, even 20 miles away?
Do you remember hearing that before the December tsunami struck Southea st Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed?
Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire?
Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away?
I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth.
And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.
Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right .. . when impending doom is upon us . . they'll always try to warn us.... !
Have you ever heard that a dog can "sense" when a tornado is stirring up, even 20 miles away?
Do you remember hearing that before the December tsunami struck Southea st Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed?
Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire?
Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away?
I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth.
And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.
Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right .. . when impending doom is upon us . . they'll always try to warn us.... !
Crisfield Fireworks
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The Somers Cove Marina and the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the FIREWORKS on Friday, July 4th - from Somers Cove Marina - approximately at
9:00 p.m.
Also, the Somerset County Arts Council will be hosting the "Just Folks Festival",
the next day, Saturday, July 5th at the City Dock, from 10:30 - 3:00 p.m. with entertainment, arts/crafts, demonstrations, food, etc. For further information, please contact the Arts Council at 410-968-2787.
Thank you!
Valerie Howard
Director, Crisfield Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 292
Crisfield, MD 21817
(410)968-2500
info@crisfieldchamber.com
Up Sh*t Creek?
What the hell is going on? Two WWTP spills in three days? This is a public health nightmare. The American public is currently living with a heightened sense of awareness relating to the existence of blood, food and water borne pathogens and something like this happens - again and again and again.
I have had conversations with quite a few people recently and we all seem to agree on one thing. The City of Salisbury owes much of its existence to the Wicomico River. And this is how it is treated. I don't think the Mayor personally has anything to do with these spills but she is in charge of this ship. After this many spills, she and her administration must shoulder the responsibility of not only the spills, but also the long and short term effects of the spills. Due to the nutrients released during these spills we are likely to see algea blooms this summer which will steal oxygen from the river and kill fish. When this happens, will we again blame the farmer or will Barrie "accept full responsibility"?
Last week we took our boat from the marina in Salisbury, down the river to the Bay and up the Bay to St. Michaels. What a beautiful harbor. Clean. No floating bottles. Didn't stink. We stayed for a week to celebrate our anniversary. While we were there we couldn't help but think of how lucky the people of St. Michaels were to have such a resource. The attention given to that harbor by its residents reflects in it condition. It creates jobs for the residents, tax revenue for the town, and opportunities for business owners. I couldn't help but think of the wasted resources and opportunities back at my home port - Salisbury - Sh*t Creek. I wasn't even aware of the latest poop spills even as we returned to port on Friday.
In a week when the warning is lifted and I go to my boat for a ride to the Bay, I will make preliminary checks of sea strainers, etc., which require me to come into contact with the river water. There are likely to be pockets of water in the sea strainers which contain bacteria from the recent spills which will not be flushed out by the changing tides. No matter how careful I am an engine room isn't a sterile environment. If I should contract E.Coli, Salmonella, or Hep., will the Mayor "accept full responsibility"? Is it any wonder the number of boats at the marina gets smaller and smaller? Can you expect people to continue to pay $1500.00 a year to keep their boats in a marina that can't deliver fuel and the water is contaminated with fecal matter?
Barry, your legacy will touch the lives of everyone who lives on or near the river for years to come. You should be ashamed of yourself.
I have had conversations with quite a few people recently and we all seem to agree on one thing. The City of Salisbury owes much of its existence to the Wicomico River. And this is how it is treated. I don't think the Mayor personally has anything to do with these spills but she is in charge of this ship. After this many spills, she and her administration must shoulder the responsibility of not only the spills, but also the long and short term effects of the spills. Due to the nutrients released during these spills we are likely to see algea blooms this summer which will steal oxygen from the river and kill fish. When this happens, will we again blame the farmer or will Barrie "accept full responsibility"?
Last week we took our boat from the marina in Salisbury, down the river to the Bay and up the Bay to St. Michaels. What a beautiful harbor. Clean. No floating bottles. Didn't stink. We stayed for a week to celebrate our anniversary. While we were there we couldn't help but think of how lucky the people of St. Michaels were to have such a resource. The attention given to that harbor by its residents reflects in it condition. It creates jobs for the residents, tax revenue for the town, and opportunities for business owners. I couldn't help but think of the wasted resources and opportunities back at my home port - Salisbury - Sh*t Creek. I wasn't even aware of the latest poop spills even as we returned to port on Friday.
In a week when the warning is lifted and I go to my boat for a ride to the Bay, I will make preliminary checks of sea strainers, etc., which require me to come into contact with the river water. There are likely to be pockets of water in the sea strainers which contain bacteria from the recent spills which will not be flushed out by the changing tides. No matter how careful I am an engine room isn't a sterile environment. If I should contract E.Coli, Salmonella, or Hep., will the Mayor "accept full responsibility"? Is it any wonder the number of boats at the marina gets smaller and smaller? Can you expect people to continue to pay $1500.00 a year to keep their boats in a marina that can't deliver fuel and the water is contaminated with fecal matter?
Barry, your legacy will touch the lives of everyone who lives on or near the river for years to come. You should be ashamed of yourself.
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