OK, Sam Boston is related to another Commissioner, Rex Simpkins. All in the family? The fundamental question is, how is this gent qualified to run a $50 million business? For that matter or fact, who in Somerset County has the background, education or experience to run a business of this magnitude? As one writer provided, "he's a nice man", so?
OK, let's go to another Somerset County "Good Old Boy" example. Recently, the State, Somerset County and City of Crisfield coordinated to follow State legislation to form a "Somers Cove Marina Commission". This Commission was to be headed by an "Executive Director", and accordingly, the position was advertised for prospective candidates. Cut to the chase. the "selected" candidate, over others with current, profit and loss and marina expertise, was non other than a local "Somerset County Good Old Boy". Yes, the "chosen one" has a Doctorate in Education, but does not own a boat, perhaps never has, has no experience in retail operations - let alone Marina operations, and has been on the $60K annual salary job for one month without any recognizable return to the new Marina Commission Board. Just another case of the "Good Old Boy" network in Somerset County "taking care of their own".
And while we're on it, why is the Somerset County Tourism office open daily in Crisfield this time of year when absolutely no one travels to Crisfield unless they have to?
Moving on.....
Ken Ballard of Somerset County has an existing "School Bus" operation with the Somerset County Schools. He was and is the NAACP President for the County for several years. A "Somerset County Schools" citizen's Committee went to Ballard in 2002 for assistance in reversing a Somerset County Board of Education decision to close Crisfield High School, that would have required all County high school students to be bused to Washington High in Princess Anne.
Think about this decision's ramifications for high school students on Smith Island: wake up at 4:30 AM, shower, shave, dress, have breakfast and walk to the Island Dock to jump the "School Boat" to Crisfield at 5:15 AM. Arrive at the Crisfield City Dock at 6:15 AM,, and board a County School bus to be transported to Washington High to make 7:30 AM classes,, only to be repeated in the PM. By the way, what are the provisions for any student in extra curricular activities, and what if the "ice breaker" isn't there early enough to lead the school boat to Crisfield? Note, we taxpayers pay our school administrations to come up with such novel ideas as these!
Ken Ballard, President of the Somerset County NAACP, did nothing to assist in reversing the Somerset Board of Education's decision to close Crisfield High School, a school comprising 40% blacks and 60% white and additional minorities. Why. Ballard had school buses working for the school system and didn't want to "buck" the Board for fear of losing his contracts with the Board of Education. Once again, it's the "Good Old Boy" network in Somerset, a County of 50% blacks and 50% whites and other minorities. Ken Ballard is a USAF veteran, but does not represent the ethical and integrity standards of the uniform. His decisions, based on practical experience, are based upon his personal gain - thus, how can he faithfully lead the NAACP with this "personal bias"?
Word on the street is that the Somerset County Commissioners are looking to appoint Ken Ballard to the replace Commissioner Sam Boston on the Somerset County Board of Commissioners. Not only is Ken Ballard the wrong person to be appointed based on qualifications, experience, background and recent run ins with the law, but, he does not represent anyone in the County other than his personal gain! So, what does this say of the current Somerset County Commissioners who would select for appoint a man of this caliber. Certainly, a County of 50% black and 50% white and other minorities must have a Board of County Commissioners that well represents the makeup of the County's 25,000 citizens, and the five white dudes comprising the County Board doesn't cut it - and neither does adding Ken Ballard to that Board.
Is there anything else you'd like me to look into?
Sam's father-in-law was Tom Simpkins, the former attorney for the Town. Kirk Simpkins, his son, took over the family law office, and then the Town Attorney mantle after his father's death. It only took Kirk three times to pass the MD State Bar Exam.
ReplyDeleteIs this the man that worked at ECI back in '88?
ReplyDeleteShow's how much you know Joe. The Democratic State Central Committee nominates people for the position and is picked by the Governor.
ReplyDeleteGet your facts straight.
No, that would be Rex. He was injured(?) on the job and took some disability for it.
ReplyDelete2:24, you are right, but think about this: Ken Ballard is on the Democratic State Central Committee along with Dana Boston (Sam's son) and Bob McCready (father of Commissioner Mike).
ReplyDeleteJoe: I think you have two people confused Ken " Big Groove" Ballard does not have any ties to the school system, I think you are refering to Oliver" Napoleon Dynamite" Hearn, He is another of the good old boys.
ReplyDeleteI am confused, what family relation are the gentleman who got the marina job to the rest of the mentioned people. How about Mr. Ballard? is he any family relation.
ReplyDeleteQuote "For that matter or fact, who in Somerset County has the background, education or experience to run a business of this magnitude"?
ReplyDeleteIf I lived in Somerset County I would certainly take exception to this statement! He'll deny it, but Jabronie Joe is saying that there's nobody in Someset County qualified.
Mr. Rodger Daugherty
ReplyDeleteDirector of Facilities & Transportation
as a resident of somerset county, I am loving all of this joe.Thank you for showing those of us who dont know much about politics and nepotism in the county how things really are. Keep up the good work!!
ReplyDeleteLook into the State's Attorney!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso the County Attorney has a record!!!!
Joe, the citizens in Somerset may not be smart enough to run a lightbulb factory, but I can say we have several that run large opperations and know about balancing the books when the numbers have more than one comma.
ReplyDeleteSomerset is still living in the
ReplyDelete1930's . The Widowsons and Simpkins
are the biggest outlaws in the state. They have stolen more money from people , sort of a blackmail
scam they have had for years.
Thank you Joe for opening some doors.
I got to love these theories that everyone has left. What makes anyone qualified for there jobs? If I'm correct and know that I am, Mr. Boston has spent the last 6 years as a Somerset County Commissioner, which was voted by the public. Does this mean the public is wrong? I don't think so. In 90% of business, it's usually someone inside the business already that gets a promotion and this seems to be the case for this. He has already been overseeing a $50 million dollar business. He already knows and understands Somerset County. I laugh when I read the criticism of this decision. Who is related and all that BS. I guess this is a case of proof that Boston's or Simpkins' are very intelligent people if they find themselves working in positions that can make such decisions. From what I've read you have two other Simpkins'/Boston's who are lawyers in this town so that says something about their intelligence. By the way, I think it's funny how people attack someone's integrity from behind a computer without identifying themselves. If you truly believe in the intelligence of what you're saying why not identify yourself. Just my thought.
ReplyDeleteThe bs doesn't just stop with the Somerset County Commissioners. I have personal knowledge that a handicapped young lady was sexually assaulted while on her way home from the Somerset County Developmental Center. The bus she was on is operated by the center and provides transportation to and from the center for the clients. A report was filed with the state police and a medical examination was completed and determined that some type of violation had occurred. A peace order was issued to keep the accused and victim apart. The victim's mother continually stayed in contact with the court system to find out when a trial date would be set for the case. Seems that the day the trial was conducted, there had been no notification to the mother so that she and the victim may attend. The accused and representatives of the Developmental Center were however contacted and did appear in court. As a result of the mother and victim not appearing in court the case was dismissed. When the State's Attorney was contacted by the victim's mother, he stated he had made a miatake based on information he had received from the center. Today she did receive a notice from the court to appear in court and state why the peace order should continue. I have heard that certain people have connections in the county with those in power. Sadly that seems to be quite true. God willing the victim's day will come.
ReplyDeleteAnother misinformed misguieded putz. The Somerset County Developmental Center is not a County Run Agency. You people amaze me. You should try to get your facts straight before you go off running on about the keyboard.
ReplyDeleteWWWWWWHHHHHHOOOOOOOOWWWWWWEEEEE Lets all give them a big MTVWW
ReplyDeleteYou want some real Som Co News?
ReplyDeleteThe new shopping center on UMES BLVD Collapsed.
Where is the FBI to look into the Courts/Crooks. If you are white and in the right family NOTHING HAPPENS! Just ask folks about someone's son and all that he has gotten away with. If it were anyone else, DOC time, and the State's Attorney makes sure of that!
ReplyDelete4:22, that is a very sad story. I am not surprised at all. States Attorney Kristy Hickman has never prosecuted anyone associated with county government except Bill Brumbly for murder. All others including the sheriff and a couple of deputies, a correctional officer, and most obvious the former warden (now dog catcher) James L. Henderson Jr. She fails to bring charges against any of her cronies and political henchmen. Voters have short memories but as far as I'm concerned, next election they should all be voted out.
ReplyDeleteObviously some people are nervous,or this article wouldn't tick them off so much.
ReplyDeleteAs president of the NAACP Ken Ballard did nothing to help the blacks when they were being abused at the Somerset County Detention Center. He was made aware of the situation that was occuring there but was obviously intimidated by Warden Henderson and SA Kristy Hickman. Doesn't say much about this individuals integrity.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter if it took Kirk Simpkins 3 times to pass the bar - he is one of the most honest and caring lawyers i know.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, John Perry! I want a name with your opinions, cowards!! I am proud to call Kirk Simpkins my friend AND my attorney. Not only is his knowledge of the law expansive, he has the common sense to go along with it because he had great mentors; his father, Tom Simpkins and his uncle "Hotdog"! If you don't like your local government, call a town meeting and have the guts to show your "anonymous" faces!! Don't pick on Kirk Simpkins because you don't like his brother-in-law!
ReplyDeleteWell John Perry, Jimmy Ring has been a county commissioner for 20 years. Do you want him to be your county administrator? No one could question his experence.
ReplyDeleteKeep diging Joe. Two members of the Central Committee put their names in for the open seat. Please give me a break. Only in Somerset.
ReplyDeleteOut of all the people who are seeking the post,I would endorse Ken Ballard-he does what he says he will-something alot of politicians seem to lack these days.
ReplyDelete