Our recently elected newcomer Maryland Delegate Mathias may not realize but Maryland's Medivac helicopter system was subject to controversy right from the very get go.
You see I'm not against a Medivac helicopter system, I'm just against our State running it. From the very outset the entire Helicopter medivac concept was suppose to have been researched and studied, prior to, implementation, INCLUDING PRIVATIZATION. The problem is that then -(1986)- Maryland State Police director, Colonel Mazone, wouldn't answer questions related to certain operational cost of the program despite even having been served a Freedom of Information request. And then there was a 1986 Senate Bill, SB 970, that was to permanently increase the gas tax by 2 cents rather than temporarily increasing the vehicle registration fee.
And what do you think was suppose to happen to the old fleet of Bell Ranger helicopters before the purchase of their new fleet? They were suppose to be phased-out but like everything else in our great State the Bell Rangers were turned over to the Department of Natural Resources and instead of Maryland having one fleet of helicopters we were burdened with TWO HELICOPTER FLEETS. And not to mention the Maryland Air National Guard Division's fleet.
And then comes the illustrious financial legislation that was latter tacked onto the backs of Maryland Motorist whereby they have now been assessed a Maryland Medivac fee on every registration renewal. In case you haven't noticed our tag registration has gone through the roof partly because of the Medivac system itself.
Remember what you read here folks as the Maryland legislature embarks on yet another breathtaking round of additional taxes that are about to hit you squarely in your BUTTOX.
And how did I know about all of this. . . because I was there . . .yes in 1986.
I might just decide to run against Mathias the next go around as I watch him and others spend and squander our hard earned tax dollars.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
29 comments:
Mathius will have my vote.
I'm for keeping the helicopters with MSP. I have several reasons that influence my decision 1. Are these private helicopter fleets going to be covering the same area that the MSP fleet does and staffed 24/7. Will they respond for minor calls for service to Smith and Tangier Islands where the helicopter is needed because no other transportation is possible.2 Will there be multiple aircraft to handle multiple patients that are routinley flown out with multiple MSP aircraft from major accident scenes. 3 will these private helicopters be available to handle emergencies when they are doing routine hospital to hospital transports. 4 Are these private helicopters going to do rescues like the MSP and US Park Police do during the many water and mountain rescues they do every year. 5 and the big one for last. The MSP helicopter flight costs citizens nothing except for the registration fees $100 or so every other year. These private helicopter flights cost around $5k per flight that a. will increase our insurance costs and b. will cost uninsured patients a life long bill when the MSP aircraft will cost them nothing especially if they dont own a car and pay for registrations. Here is one final note. Charge out of state persons who do not pay the MD registration fees for the flights. This should raise a substantial amount.
Maryland State Police Medivac SAVES lives. I will advocate and support those who support it...and I will help rally others as well...and we'll work against those who don't.
This is one program that should not be cut. There is more than enough waste in other areas. If we are one of the richest states, if not the richest, the reason we are in the shape we are in is NOT because of Medivac.
these MSP Helicopters are an aging fleet that needs to be replaced...I support keeping it in the hands of govt. This medevac system is the oldest in the nation, and it took a tradegy 21 yrs. ago to get a new comprehensive fleet
Several years ago I had to take the flight in the Medevac. At that time it was worth every penny I had paid for my tags. They helped save my life that day. It is one of the services that we take for granted and grumble about the cost until it affects you or your family. That changes your perspective pretty quick.
I agree with anonymous 12:30PM. The MSP medivac helicopter program has saved thousands of lives during the time it has been in operation. The MSP is one of the finest organizations--if not THE best under state control. They will never go on strike if they can't negotiate a new contract and they will always be there when needed. We don't need a private contractor taking over anything this important.
The reason the fleet is in such poor shape is because the State Government did NOT take care of it. I don't think anyone is against having the capability. Outsourcing will give MD a better and more reliable product. It's a no brainer.
I've gotta admit that I don't see what Mathias has to do with this.
The MSP medevac system is amazing.
Mathias is not.
He 'grieved' with my family at my father's funeral, and before, at my mother's home, but had no clue who I even was a few months later when he introduced himself to me at a meeting.
So very sincere . . .
Not!
At least the Dem party had the sense to tell him to lay off the partying.
Sondra Bozman Daisey
Sondra,
I'm sorry for your mother's loss. However, do you really think it's right to critisize a man who meets thousands of people a day?
Look, I run into people with this Blog every day as well and people expect me to remember who they are all the time too. It's not arrogance, it's simply the fact that some people can retain names and faces and some people can't.
Critisize the man on his work, not because he didn't remember you. I can assure you, his sympathy towards your family was real. Jim Mathias is a great man and let me tell you why I know this to be a fact. Jim Mathias served the people of Ocean City and only at the tail end of his being Mayor was his salary still only at $35,000.00 a year. This was his full time job up until Royal Plus came along. He has two children attending or attended college and as a provider his part was $35k a year. I think you are out of line. Just my opinion.
It's Ok, Joe - we all have our opinions.
Look at it this way - he was soooo very nice to our family because he wanted something - a nomination.
He got it. Meeting thousands of people vs. sucking up the family of the deceased? Like he didn't know who we were? Oh well . . .
I agree that he was a great mayor for OC, and did great things there. He has worked very hard to be a real politician, but I do not think he realized the amount of dedication that would be required. I am glad he is stepping up to the plate.
His silly actions in OC will haunt him, though. It is not cool in Annapolis to do some of the things he did in OC. You know what I am talking about ;).
Mary Lou and the Who would Touch her Anyways??? Ewwww. Show some class.
Sondra
Sondra, you have yet to give a reason why he's a bad Delegate. Your personal emotions have taken the best of you and that's a shame.
Jim is a Democrat, I am a Republican. I would vote for jim Mathias on his dedication and public service any day of the week. As for the other stuff you mention, I don't know about it. I don't want to know about it and in order for me to believe any of it I would ask the man myself before I allowed any of it to go public simply because someone has a chip on their shoulder.
Be happy people aren't coming on line and spreading such hate towards you personally as well.
I support also support the MSP aviation division. One they are a great resource to so many agenceies. They handle numerous medical calls where seconds matter. and i also believe that they equally spaced out so they can cover for other helicopters in case one is in use. And i think that is 60 miles not 100% sure though. And i would like to know if the dumb state government is going to help me and you if we need that service of a private helicopter and your insurance does cover it all and it won't and we get stuck with a bill between 7,000and 12,000 dollars. And like someone else said will there be enough of the Maryland units aval. to help with rescues in storms or whatever the case to be. If the maryland government is willing to take this resource away it is going to be bad times for the state. I don't agree with the move to get rid of them. I support the MSP helicopters.
I can tell there are a lot of MSP posting their opinions on this blog.
I'm only speaking for myself, and I have no personal or vested interest - especially monetarily speaking.
Given the history behind the political condition of this State, they should be out of the helicopter business.
I don't know if the viewing audience is aware, but each Medivac crew is also issued a Maryland State Police car. Their tags are identified by AV - abrev.
Owe, one last thing, if you ever visit their hangar at the Wicomico County airport you'll notice that they gym equipment rivals the Salisbury Fire Departments to.
I believe there are quite a few people that are on the 'public dole' posting about this article.
It is a most interesting observation that the ones on the receiving end are also the ones to brandish their viewpoints to advance further recipient payments into a flawed system.
Beezer, I don't know who the heck you are but by the tone of this post and your previous postings I'll gladly vote for you.
It's about time our people got someone in there that are genuinely for the people instead of for themselves.
Signed
Taxpayer
I'm with Beezer on this one.
If the State cannot maintain the reigns on the State Highway Administration personel - (Comegy, Drewer, etc) - then how can it maintain the reigns on the coffers that supply them.
My opinion, privatize it or pay the Delaware State Police and allow Delaware's legislature to run it.
No chip on my shoulder, just a bad 'vibe,' which hasn't been made to go away.
I never claimed that he was a bad Delegate; only that I wouldn't be voting for him.
Lawsy- If I were mad at anyone, it would be the DT - they gave my father an autopsy, killed him in an ambulance, and quoted my mom - none of which happened.
Then, there would be WBOC - which announced that the poor man had died, BEFORE they even told my mother!!! Talk about fun!!!!
Steve Hammond is my friend regards,
Sondra
Reference to 2:21 p.m. Post
Mathias went on record in today's Daily Times that Maryland Medivac System is the best in the world.
My opinion though, Mathias just isn't knowledgeable yet to make an informed decision.
The accident rate among the medivac fleet from a safety viewpoint is unsatisfactory. That's why all of the fuss about investigation into the system itself.
"No chip on my shoulder, just a bad 'vibe,' which hasn't been made to go away."
A VIBE? And you're a Teacher?
Yep, and we rely on those 'vibes' to help our kids.
LOL.
Have gotten some really interesting 'vibes' from some kids you know. It's all OK.
:)
Sondra,
Your father was a great man and delegate. However, Jim grieving with your family did not win him the nomination by the DCCWC. I do not believe your family had a vote for your father's replacement as delegate.
Anon 3:26
Unless you are willing to go through flight training, paramedic training, MSP Academy or MOST IMPORTANTLY - to put your life on the line everyday...all for low pay - quit complaining about the fact that they are given a car and have nice gym equipment. As a taxpayer, these "perks" don't bother me for the services they render for all of us for very little compensation. And by the way - how do you know that the equipment wasn't donated or paid for by non-state funds? You know what happens when you assume....
I am not in law enforcement - I just appreciate what they do - and pray to God that if anyone I love ever needs them, they will be there.
Beezer will that private chopper be there for law Enforcement needs if some fat cat needs to lift to Baltimore for an ingrown Toe nail. Leave it with MSP. They have proven they have a great system. The crashes happen all over the country. No different than cars, palnes and trains. Thats why they call them accidents. Hmmmm I think J.M. has done a great job. I recently called his office and got an immeadiate call back. I have not seen that from some others. I wont name who but also called two other local politicians and they never called back. I do not have an "Eastern Sho" name like some love to post on this site. I do however follow local goverment and maybe they should consider electing more people from the Westernshore. They are not as prejduiced against those that do not have the hall mark of an Goood Ole Boys Family. Real Shame. Most move here for the Friendly enviroment. Only to find out if you are not Baptised in in the Weeekmo Riva you just aint one of us. Leave Goverment to those who know how to run it. As for the privatized Medivac. I bet someone has a much larger financial interest than just taxes. Have A Delmarvalous Day Yall !!!
Taxes always go up when the Democrats are in power.Money is wasted. Nice work governor on spending over 70,000 dollars for a few acres of land.That makes me feel really great since I just got laid off from work. Thank you for your concern for the people of Maryland.I know you will have no trouble paying your bills.
Stop all the fighting ! If you want to fight go to isreal ? I have been in a situration that needed a air lift and i am glad it was there. Who gives a rata azz who provided it.
As far as my vote . I was a independant until the democrats stole the presidencial election. Now I will vote Republican across the board for a stand on the wrong that was committed.
Like it or not , I dont care! Thats what you get when you steal.
7:21
No - my family did not have any choice in the selection, but it sure didn't hurt to look like he was so 'concerned' and such a caring guy. ;)
Reference 9:57 Post
You must not of read the post. Beezer did not say he was against a medivac emergency. What he said makes sense in that we now have (2) helicopter fleets and possibly (3) with the Maryland Air Guard.
You must be on the public dole and thus on the recipient side. You have got to expand your horizons to see the full picture. Someone has to ante-up. As for me I feel I've already given enough. Enough is enough and we need some sanity to an insane system.
How did this turn into a political debate? And who is this uneducated turd that thinks the Democrats stole the Presidential election? Last I checked, Obama overwhelmingly won the election, it wasn't decided in the courts like the GW Bush scandal. Sounds to me you're just a bitter redneck who can't stand the idea of a black (or half-black) man in the White House.
Hey we got it all an educated person of color. need I say more. Times are just dandy. Let the good times roll. I just have an issue with Blamimg Big Jim M. for the chopper thing. It was going on long before Jim got involved. lets keep it real. I just dont think the private route is allways best in these situations you will pay one way or the other it woill not be a free ride. Have A Great day All keep on Blogging. Thanks Joe
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