DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Prediction
I'd count on the Daily Times completely ragging on Jim Ireton tomorrow. They're scared to death that he might get elected so they're probably going to do everything they can to bash him to no end on their busiest day of the week. Let's see what happens. Keep your chin up Jim, not many read that rag any more. More importantly, no one trusts them any more either.
Blades Man Arrested On Drugs And Weapons Charges
Seaford – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 46 year old Blades man on drug and weapons offenses after troopers caught him with unauthorized prescription drugs.
The investigation began after detectives received information from an individual who informed police that William E. Smith was in possession of stolen weapons and was involved in the illegal distribution of prescription pills. On Thursday, February 26, 2009 as detectives continued the investigation additional information was provided that Smith would be in possession of illegal prescription pills on that date while operating a vehicle on River Road.
At 3:10 pm, detectives encountered Smith driving a green Chevy pick-up on River Road and conducted a traffic stop. Smith was found to be in possession of 30 Endocet pills packaged in a plastic cigarette box wrapper. He had no valid prescription for them. He was taken into custody without incident.
As the investigation continued detectives learned that Smith did indeed have two handguns at his shop at Poorman’s Auto. Police recovered a stolen Highpoint 9MM handgun that was taken during a residential burglary on Woodland Road, Seaford in May 2008. Troopers also recovered a puppy .22 caliber revolver that was not reported stolen and does not belong to Smith. Police continue to investigate the origin of that weapon.
A subsequent search of his home yielded drug paraphernalia. As a result of the investigation, Smith was arrested for 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Narcotic Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License. He was released after posting a $13,000 secured bail.
Lost & Found Dogs Tomorrow Morning
At 9:01 AM tomorrow morning I will have a Post up showing 6 dogs that were found this week and are at the Wicomico Humane Society. Here's what I'm asking. If you happen to recognize any one of these 6 dogs, please contact the Humane Society. It would be really cool if their owners saw them but even if you're a neighbor and know where these dogs belong, that would be even better. Perhaps the owners don't have Internet access or come to Salisbury News? Nevertheless, let's do what we can to get these guys back to their homes. We'll be providing street names and areas in which they came from as well. Thanks for your help.
PROOF That The New Ladder Truck Can Stop At Traffic Lights
This photo was taken just seconds ago by a loyal reader. It's just a shame ALL Firefighters can't see this Post any more. LOL
Media Need Not Reveal Web Posters' Identities
MARYLAND COURT OF APPEALS
Ruling Applies 1st Amendment to Internet
By Aaron C. Davis
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 28, 2009; Page B08
Operators of newspaper Web sites, blogs and chat rooms that allow readers to post anonymous comments using pseudonyms do not have to readily reveal the posters' identities in defamation suits, Maryland's highest court ruled yesterday, further shaping an emerging area of First Amendment law in the Internet age.
The Maryland Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling and ordered that NewsZap.com, an online forum run by Independent Newspapers, does not have to disclose the identities of forum participants who engaged in an online exchange about the cleanliness of a Dunkin' Donuts shop in 2006.
Zebulon J. Brodie, an Eastern Shore businessman, had contended that the anonymous posters -- using such screen names as "CorsicaRiver" and "Born & Raised Here" -- had defamed him in comments about his Centreville restaurant.
The Appeals Court ruled that Brodie had not correctly identified the forum participants and, therefore, was not entitled to learn of their identities.
More broadly, however, the court used the case to recommend a strict, five-step process for judges to follow "to balance the First Amendment right to anonymous speech on the Internet with the opportunity on the part of the object of that speech to seek judicial redress for alleged defamation."
The process, which closely matches one set out by a New Jersey court in 2002, requires a plaintiff claiming defamation from an online comment to try to notify the anonymous poster that the person is the subject of a subpoena -- including by posting a message on the relevant online message board.
The plaintiff must then identify in court filings the exact statements purportedly made by each anonymous poster, as well as show how those comments have caused damage.
Maryland's court also went further than New Jersey's, adding that the plaintiff might have to provide specific evidence supporting each element of the defamation claim. Finally, it indicated that judges also have to balance the anonymous poster's right of free speech against the need to disclose a defendant's identity.
Sam Bayard, assistant director of the Citizen Media Law Project at Harvard Law School, said that, taken together, this and other recent state court cases show a convergence of law surrounding the right to online anonymity.
"It seems to be pretty much following a recent trend that we've been seeing -- that there is at least a qualified right to speak anonymously on the Internet," Bayard said. "Courts are going to require the plaintiff or others seeking identities to make a heightened showing that they have a valid cause of action."
Paul Alan Levy, a lawyer for Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group that argued the case for Independent Newspapers, agreed. "It's obviously a reaffirmation of the right to speak anonymously," he said, adding that the right is increasingly important as more people post comments online.
"The media are looking to the online world as a place to convey their information and to draw readers into participation and exchanges about what's going on because that leads to increased readership interest in their sites," Levy said.
"In a lot of cases, [the comments] are either hyperbole or just opinion," he said. "But if accusations are of something the community would regard as wrongdoing and you can show that it's false and the damage it's caused, [the court ruling] is saying you then go and proceed" with court action. The Washington Post-Newsweek Interactive and several other media organizations filed a brief in support of Independent Newspapers.
E. Sean Poltrack, a lawyer for Brodie, said in an e-mail that he had not yet read the ruling last night, so any comment would be premature.
Bailey's Taxi
"Joe:
About an hour ago I was driving, doing the speed limit, down the narrow 2 lane Camden Avenue several blocks before the college which contains a double yellow line. A greenish GM station wagon from Bailey's Taxi, with the first three numbers on the Maryland tag being 411, started to ride my bumper and then recklessly spedup and passed me on the left crossing the yellow line. I called the Salisbury police and was told there was nothing they could do. I then called Bailey's and they said they would mention it to the driver.
I have used Bailey's in the past and will no longer do so and urge others to do the same. Such criminal activity could have resulted in a severe accident with horrible consequences. This incident proves that Bailey's does not hire professional or considerate people."
About an hour ago I was driving, doing the speed limit, down the narrow 2 lane Camden Avenue several blocks before the college which contains a double yellow line. A greenish GM station wagon from Bailey's Taxi, with the first three numbers on the Maryland tag being 411, started to ride my bumper and then recklessly spedup and passed me on the left crossing the yellow line. I called the Salisbury police and was told there was nothing they could do. I then called Bailey's and they said they would mention it to the driver.
I have used Bailey's in the past and will no longer do so and urge others to do the same. Such criminal activity could have resulted in a severe accident with horrible consequences. This incident proves that Bailey's does not hire professional or considerate people."
Women Supporting Women TONIGHT!!!!!
Lead News Anchor Stacy Sakai will be hosting an event this Saturday evening at Vinny La Roma's Restaurant from 9 to 12 PM. Tickets will be $25.00 each in advance or $30.00 at the door. Tickets are limited. There will be a Buffet Dinner, Music and Silent Auction.My Wife and I will be attending and since there's only around 80 total tickets available, you may want to get in early on this fundraiser. You can R.S.V.P. to Stacy at, stacy_sakai@wmdt.com. Come join us for a great time.
All proceeds go to Women Supporting Women - Please make Checks Payable to the Ocean City Parrothead Club. Thank You!
Reduction in Charitable Deductions?
A comment a few days ago concerned me greatly regarding Charitable Deduction in Obama’s 2010 budget. This has to be the most ridiculous things I have ever heard, but it appears to be true.
Working with several non-profits that are already struggling, they might as well get ready to shut their doors. This is scary.
Obama Plan Would Reduce Charitable Deduction for Some Wealthy Donors
Suzanne Perry
Feb. 26, 2009, Chronicle of Philanthropy — President Obama today proposed to cap the rate that high-income taxpayers can use to claim charitable deductions as part of a plan to finance changes to the country’s health-care system.
In a document outlining his 2010 budget plans, the president proposes to limit the tax rate for itemized deductions at 28 percent for families making more than $250,000.
That would reduce by as much as 20 percent the amount wealthy taxpayers could reduce their federal tax payments for charitable donations. Under the current system, taxpayers who are in the 33 percent or 35 percent tax brackets use that rate to claim deductions.
The proposal would raise $318-billion over 10 years, the plan says. That money would help pay for a 10-year $630-billion reserve fund designed to help make health care more affordable and available.
“With this budget, we are making a historic commitment to comprehensive health-care reform,” President Obama told a news conference. “It’s a step that will not only make families healthier and companies more competitive, but over the long term it will also help us bring down our deficit.”
‘Rebalance the Tax Code’
The proposal to limit the itemized-deduction rate is included in a package of measures designed to free up money for the reserve fund, including reducing Medicare overpayments, cutting drug prices, and improving post-hospitalization care as a way to reduce readmissions.
The plan is an effort to “rebalance the tax code so that the wealthiest pay more,” the document says.
But the idea is raising concerns in the nonprofit world.
Sheldon Steinbach, a lawyer in Washington who represents colleges and universities, said the proposal comes at a time when many nonprofit groups are already facing decreased resources. As a result, the plan could have drastic consequences for many groups.
“Any disincentive to charitable giving, especially in the current economic climate, will have an impact far beyond the black letter law,” Mr. Steinbach said. “It will have an exponentially negative impact.”
But while many charitable-giving experts expressed alarm about how reduced rate for charitable deductions would affect giving by wealthy Americans, others said that Mr. Obama’s proposal may be less cause for concern than it initially appeared.
The reason: Many wealthy Americans who would otherwise be in the 33- or 35-percent tax bracket — and thus able to take that same percentage deduction for their charitable gifts — have used mortgage payments and other deductions to qualify for the alternative minimum tax rate of 28 percent, said Robert F. Sharpe, a Memphis planned-giving consultant.
By paying the alternative minimum tax rate of 28 percent, those wealthy taxpayers are already restricted to the same percentage on their charitable deductions, Mr. Sharpe said. “A lot of the rich are already used to the 28-percent deduction,” which means the Obama proposal would not result in any change for them.
Impact on Large Institutions
Bruce Flessner, a fund-raising consultant at Bentz Whaley Flessner, in Minneapolis, says the plan would likely have little impact on organizations that have a broad base of donors. But large institutions — particularly colleges and universities and academic medical centers — could be particularly hard hit if the plan moves forward.
“It seems like unusual public policy to try, as the President announced to the Congress this week, to return the United States to world leadership in access to higher education and then make it more difficult for extraordinary donors to contribute great gifts to colleges and universities,” Mr. Flessner said. “Likewise, it seems like unusual public policy to penalize the great medical centers that contribute so much to scientific breakthroughs by making it more difficult for donors to make the six-, seven-, eight-, and nine-figure gifts.”
Working with several non-profits that are already struggling, they might as well get ready to shut their doors. This is scary.
Obama Plan Would Reduce Charitable Deduction for Some Wealthy Donors
Suzanne Perry
Feb. 26, 2009, Chronicle of Philanthropy — President Obama today proposed to cap the rate that high-income taxpayers can use to claim charitable deductions as part of a plan to finance changes to the country’s health-care system.
In a document outlining his 2010 budget plans, the president proposes to limit the tax rate for itemized deductions at 28 percent for families making more than $250,000.
That would reduce by as much as 20 percent the amount wealthy taxpayers could reduce their federal tax payments for charitable donations. Under the current system, taxpayers who are in the 33 percent or 35 percent tax brackets use that rate to claim deductions.
The proposal would raise $318-billion over 10 years, the plan says. That money would help pay for a 10-year $630-billion reserve fund designed to help make health care more affordable and available.
“With this budget, we are making a historic commitment to comprehensive health-care reform,” President Obama told a news conference. “It’s a step that will not only make families healthier and companies more competitive, but over the long term it will also help us bring down our deficit.”
‘Rebalance the Tax Code’
The proposal to limit the itemized-deduction rate is included in a package of measures designed to free up money for the reserve fund, including reducing Medicare overpayments, cutting drug prices, and improving post-hospitalization care as a way to reduce readmissions.
The plan is an effort to “rebalance the tax code so that the wealthiest pay more,” the document says.
But the idea is raising concerns in the nonprofit world.
Sheldon Steinbach, a lawyer in Washington who represents colleges and universities, said the proposal comes at a time when many nonprofit groups are already facing decreased resources. As a result, the plan could have drastic consequences for many groups.
“Any disincentive to charitable giving, especially in the current economic climate, will have an impact far beyond the black letter law,” Mr. Steinbach said. “It will have an exponentially negative impact.”
But while many charitable-giving experts expressed alarm about how reduced rate for charitable deductions would affect giving by wealthy Americans, others said that Mr. Obama’s proposal may be less cause for concern than it initially appeared.
The reason: Many wealthy Americans who would otherwise be in the 33- or 35-percent tax bracket — and thus able to take that same percentage deduction for their charitable gifts — have used mortgage payments and other deductions to qualify for the alternative minimum tax rate of 28 percent, said Robert F. Sharpe, a Memphis planned-giving consultant.
By paying the alternative minimum tax rate of 28 percent, those wealthy taxpayers are already restricted to the same percentage on their charitable deductions, Mr. Sharpe said. “A lot of the rich are already used to the 28-percent deduction,” which means the Obama proposal would not result in any change for them.
Impact on Large Institutions
Bruce Flessner, a fund-raising consultant at Bentz Whaley Flessner, in Minneapolis, says the plan would likely have little impact on organizations that have a broad base of donors. But large institutions — particularly colleges and universities and academic medical centers — could be particularly hard hit if the plan moves forward.
“It seems like unusual public policy to try, as the President announced to the Congress this week, to return the United States to world leadership in access to higher education and then make it more difficult for extraordinary donors to contribute great gifts to colleges and universities,” Mr. Flessner said. “Likewise, it seems like unusual public policy to penalize the great medical centers that contribute so much to scientific breakthroughs by making it more difficult for donors to make the six-, seven-, eight-, and nine-figure gifts.”
Ford Plant In Brazil
This is VERY interesting ...
One look at this and you will be able to tell why there will probably never be another assembly plant built in the USA ..
It will also point out why more assembly plants will go offshore ..
Don't fear that Ford, GM, and Chrysler are going to go under.
They will survive , but their assembly operations in the U.S. likely won't --whether we provide a bailout or not ..
Watch the video .
http://info.detnews.com/video/index.cfm?id=1189
One look at this and you will be able to tell why there will probably never be another assembly plant built in the USA ..
It will also point out why more assembly plants will go offshore ..
Don't fear that Ford, GM, and Chrysler are going to go under.
They will survive , but their assembly operations in the U.S. likely won't --whether we provide a bailout or not ..
Watch the video .
http://info.detnews.com/video/index.cfm?id=1189
How Did Cutting Off SBYNews Affect Us?
Well, let's take a good hard look at the numbers. First of all, Salisbury News hits are right where they were a week ago, honest to God. Nevertheless, our numbers are actually up.
On Wednesday we had 379 Comments. Thursday brought us 407 Comments. On Friday we had , (so far) 374 Comments. Mind you, we rejected hundreds of comments and death threats that didn't follow our rules on top of the numbers above.
Yeah Barrie and Chiefy See, you really smacked us hard. ROTFLMAO! I told you, no matter what you do any more, Salisbury News is so over the top with visitors every day, we're now the #1 News Source on Delmarva. Hey, I know what you can do. Pass legislation before the door hits you in the butt saying that ALL City of Salisbury Employees can't read SBYNews.com at home either! Then you'll REALLY see who's listening to you even more! 51 more days Barrie!
On Wednesday we had 379 Comments. Thursday brought us 407 Comments. On Friday we had , (so far) 374 Comments. Mind you, we rejected hundreds of comments and death threats that didn't follow our rules on top of the numbers above.
Yeah Barrie and Chiefy See, you really smacked us hard. ROTFLMAO! I told you, no matter what you do any more, Salisbury News is so over the top with visitors every day, we're now the #1 News Source on Delmarva. Hey, I know what you can do. Pass legislation before the door hits you in the butt saying that ALL City of Salisbury Employees can't read SBYNews.com at home either! Then you'll REALLY see who's listening to you even more! 51 more days Barrie!
HISTORICAL MOMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
THE GREAT CONCH INCIDENT
Sometime in the 1950’s, after a big storm, there was a bounty of conch shells that washed up on the beaches of Ocean City. Now, it was not unusual for beachcombers to scour the beaches of Ocean City for all kinds of things to wash up on the beaches. They may find an old Spanish coin from the 1700’s or a piece of unusual looking driftwood. I guess the same circumstances exist today. There has never been a situation like the one in the 1950’s.
My grandfather liked to fish in the surf at Ocean City and he went over after this storm to do a little fishing. When he saw the amount of conch shells along the beach, he saw dollars, not conch shells. Upon returning to Salisbury, he called his old friend, Norm Holland, at Pocohantas. Having used Pocohantas many times for their sand and concrete in his construction business, Norm was more than willing to grant my grandfather a favor. So, one of Pocohantas’ trucks went to Ocean City and completely filled it with conch shells. They then proceeded to dump them at the end of my grandfather’s driveway at the corner of Church and Truitt Streets. My grandfather was ecstatic by this display of his new found cache of wealth. He knew that conch shells sold for good money and he was going to clean up.
At this point things started going downhill. Its seems that a portion of the conchs still contained their live inhabitants. Today, that would be a nice bounty, as conch, now known by its Italian name of Scungilli, sells for about $4.00 a pound. That was not the case in the 1950’s. At best, it was fish bait. Time brought about the death of the conchs and the subsequent accompanying fish smell to the whole neighborhood. Needless to say, people started to complain and he saw no solution except to have the Pocohantas truck remove all the conchs and the offending smell.
The only good that came out of it was that my grandmother took a few of the empty shells and lined a walkway in her garden. At the time they were exotic and were a nice addition. I still have some of the shells from her garden and a nice memory of “the great conch incident”.
Crime Solvers Announcement
Serving Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester Counties
Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is pleased to announce that on Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 5:30 PM, the Westside Revitalization Committee will be presenting a check to our organization in the amount of $3,000.00. The presentation will take place at the Salvation Army Richard Hazel Youth Center located at 429 North Lake Drive in Salisbury.
On behalf of the Westside Revitalization Committee, we cordially invite all interested parties and media to attend this event. Any media inquiries may be directed to Tim Robinson at 410-548-4892 X. 207
Crime solvers Unites Local Law Enforcement for a Safer Community
Crime Solvers is a 501C – 3 organization
http://www.crimesolverses.com" 410-548-1776
Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is pleased to announce that on Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 5:30 PM, the Westside Revitalization Committee will be presenting a check to our organization in the amount of $3,000.00. The presentation will take place at the Salvation Army Richard Hazel Youth Center located at 429 North Lake Drive in Salisbury.
On behalf of the Westside Revitalization Committee, we cordially invite all interested parties and media to attend this event. Any media inquiries may be directed to Tim Robinson at 410-548-4892 X. 207
Crime solvers Unites Local Law Enforcement for a Safer Community
Crime Solvers is a 501C – 3 organization
http://www.crimesolverses.com" 410-548-1776
COMEGYS TURNS TO NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING BEFORE THE PRIMARY
At the Camden Association's forum for Salisbury’s mayoral candidates, Mr. Comegys distributed a special flyer entitled “Jim Ireton’s Record” that makes various assertions about Mr. Ireton’s position on matters going back to 1995 – when he was 25 years old – several years before he was elected to the City Council. Most of the matters involve Jim’s votes when he served on the Council.
Coming from Comegys, some of the assertions are downright humorous. For example, he suggests that Jim disregarded his constituents’ wishes in annexing the then vacant site of the current Village at Tony Tank Creek subdivision, which has added immensely to the City’s property tax and also the income tax revenue. Does Comegys point out the he himself voted for such annexations as the Hearne site on S. Division Street and Dykes Road and many other sites without requiring any developer funding of the required public infrastructure? Of course he does not.
He also criticizes Ireton for voting for a 5% increase in sewer and water rates in 1998 – but fails to point out the several and much greater increases that he has supported, including the large one last year, or the several tax rate increases that Mr. Comegys has supported, including the double-digit increase in 2007.
Apparently, having decided to hang up the stiletto that she last used on Tim Spies two years ago, Barrie Tilghman is no longer available to do last minute hits on candidates who want to restore Salisbury. That must be why Comegys is doing his own character assassination this time.
New Legislation Alert - AWNNAA
Washington , DC - President Barack Obama and the Democrat controlled Congress is considering sweeping legislation that will provide new benefits for many Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act. AWNAA is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills or ambition.
'Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society,' said California Senator Barbara Boxer. 'We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing.'
In a Capitol Hill press conference, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 74 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S employer of Persons of Inability.
Private-sector industries with good records of non-discrimination against the Inept include retail sales (72%), the airline industry (68%), and home improvement 'warehouse' stores (65%). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has an excellent record of hiring Persons of Inability (63%).
Under The Americans With No Abilities Act, more than 25 million 'middle man' positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.
Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given so as to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability into middle-management positions, and gives a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.
Finally, the AWNAA contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the non-abled, banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as, 'Do you have any skills or experience that relate to this job?'
'As a Non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them,' said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint , Michigan , due to her inability to remember 'rightey tightey, lefty loosey.' 'This new law should be real good for people like me,' Gertz added. With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL): 'As a Senator with no abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities. It is our duty as lawmakers to provide each and every American citizen, regardless of his or her inadequacy, with some sort of space to take up in this great nation and a good salary for doing so.
'Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society,' said California Senator Barbara Boxer. 'We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing.'
In a Capitol Hill press conference, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 74 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S employer of Persons of Inability.
Private-sector industries with good records of non-discrimination against the Inept include retail sales (72%), the airline industry (68%), and home improvement 'warehouse' stores (65%). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has an excellent record of hiring Persons of Inability (63%).
Under The Americans With No Abilities Act, more than 25 million 'middle man' positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance.
Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given so as to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability into middle-management positions, and gives a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires.
Finally, the AWNAA contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the non-abled, banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as, 'Do you have any skills or experience that relate to this job?'
'As a Non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them,' said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint , Michigan , due to her inability to remember 'rightey tightey, lefty loosey.' 'This new law should be real good for people like me,' Gertz added. With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL): 'As a Senator with no abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities. It is our duty as lawmakers to provide each and every American citizen, regardless of his or her inadequacy, with some sort of space to take up in this great nation and a good salary for doing so.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On February 23, 2009 at approximately 9:30 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to an apartment on Parsons Road for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim who advised that she had been assaulted during an argument by the below listed suspect. The victim did not need medical care. During the argument, the suspect also took property from the female victim and refused to return the property.
ARRESTED: Desmond Flamond Gale, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900006004
On February 23, 2009 at approximately 2:08 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the area of the railroad tracks behind the Royal Farms Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim that had received injuries to her facial area. The victim advised the officers that during an argument, the suspect had struck her several times in the facial area with his fist and then hit her head against a concrete slab. The victim was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment and the suspect, listed below, was taken into custody.
ARRESTED: Darrell Glen Johnson, 50 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900006047
On February 23, 2009 at approximately 5:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Target Department Store for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that the below listed suspect had been observed by store personnel taking clothing from the store without making payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Krystalyn Rose Reilly, 19 years of age Seaford, Delaware
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 500)
DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900006055
On February 21, 2009 at approximately 9:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant. The suspect was wanted for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Tony Lamont Franklin, 46 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant-Failure to appear in court for: Driving while suspended
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900005855
On February 24, 2009 at approximately 8:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant. The suspect was wanted for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Dane Charles Strickland, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant-Failure to appear in court for:
Possession of cds/opiate without prescription
Possession of cds-not marijuana
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia (3 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900006180
On February 25, 2009 at approximately 1:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Bench Warrant for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Thomas James Price, 44 years of age No fixed address
CHARGES:
Bench Warrant-Failure to appear in court for: Child support hearing
DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900006203
ARRESTED: Desmond Flamond Gale, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900006004
On February 23, 2009 at approximately 2:08 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the area of the railroad tracks behind the Royal Farms Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers met with a female victim that had received injuries to her facial area. The victim advised the officers that during an argument, the suspect had struck her several times in the facial area with his fist and then hit her head against a concrete slab. The victim was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment and the suspect, listed below, was taken into custody.
ARRESTED: Darrell Glen Johnson, 50 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900006047
On February 23, 2009 at approximately 5:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Target Department Store for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that the below listed suspect had been observed by store personnel taking clothing from the store without making payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.
ARRESTED: Krystalyn Rose Reilly, 19 years of age Seaford, Delaware
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 500)
DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900006055
On February 21, 2009 at approximately 9:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant. The suspect was wanted for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Tony Lamont Franklin, 46 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant-Failure to appear in court for: Driving while suspended
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900005855
On February 24, 2009 at approximately 8:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant. The suspect was wanted for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Dane Charles Strickland, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant-Failure to appear in court for:
Possession of cds/opiate without prescription
Possession of cds-not marijuana
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia (3 counts)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900006180
On February 25, 2009 at approximately 1:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Bench Warrant for failing to appear in court.
ARRESTED: Thomas James Price, 44 years of age No fixed address
CHARGES:
Bench Warrant-Failure to appear in court for: Child support hearing
DISPOSITION: Released to central booking CC # 200900006203
What was used to cleanup beaches of Prestige oil spill, 2002?
Was trying to post this comment, but couldn't remember my google account
Reading through this article I am reminded of an e-mail I received. I was asked about health of workers who had cleaned up an oil spill in 2002 and were having serious health concerns ... such as the beach workers of the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup. So now I am wondering ... was it the cleanup of the Prestige oil spill? And in that clean up did they also use a product that contained 2-butoxyethanol? If so, they should be noticing health signs such as that of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or 'gulf war syndrome' Many housewives are also at risk because this is a component in many home cleaning products and NOT disclosed. March 24, 2009 is the 20 year 'anniversary' of the EVOS and I'm afraid we have not learned anything about the health of the workers. http://www.valdezlink.com/evos/20year.htm
Article: http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/02/11-most-expensive-catastrophes-in.html
Margaret Diann Hursh
box 233
Valdez, AK 99686
Reading through this article I am reminded of an e-mail I received. I was asked about health of workers who had cleaned up an oil spill in 2002 and were having serious health concerns ... such as the beach workers of the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup. So now I am wondering ... was it the cleanup of the Prestige oil spill? And in that clean up did they also use a product that contained 2-butoxyethanol? If so, they should be noticing health signs such as that of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or 'gulf war syndrome' Many housewives are also at risk because this is a component in many home cleaning products and NOT disclosed. March 24, 2009 is the 20 year 'anniversary' of the EVOS and I'm afraid we have not learned anything about the health of the workers. http://www.valdezlink.com/evos/20year.htm
Article: http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2009/02/11-most-expensive-catastrophes-in.html
Margaret Diann Hursh
box 233
Valdez, AK 99686
Marriage
This is what marriage is really all about . . . . ..
He ordered one hamburger, one order of French fries and one drink. The old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half. He placed one half in front of his wife. He then carefully counted out the French fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife.
He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them. As he began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the people around them kept looking over and whispering. You could tell they were thinking, 'That poor old couple - all they can afford is one meal for the two of them.'
As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table. He politely offered
to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man said they were just fine - They were used to sharing everything.
The surrounding people noticed the little old lady hadn't eaten a bite. She sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink.
Again the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another meal for them.
This time the old woman said 'No, thank you, we are used to sharing everything.'
As the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet to eat a single bite of food and asked 'What is it you're waiting for?'
She answered . . . .
(This is great)
**********
'THE TEETH.'
He ordered one hamburger, one order of French fries and one drink. The old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half. He placed one half in front of his wife. He then carefully counted out the French fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife.
He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them. As he began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the people around them kept looking over and whispering. You could tell they were thinking, 'That poor old couple - all they can afford is one meal for the two of them.'
As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table. He politely offered
to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man said they were just fine - They were used to sharing everything.
The surrounding people noticed the little old lady hadn't eaten a bite. She sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink.
Again the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another meal for them.
This time the old woman said 'No, thank you, we are used to sharing everything.'
As the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet to eat a single bite of food and asked 'What is it you're waiting for?'
She answered . . . .
(This is great)
**********
'THE TEETH.'
10 Fast Facts On The Administration's FY 2010 Budget
Washington, Feb 26 - As the Obama Administration released its FY 2010 budget today, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) warned taxpayers that “the era of big government is back, and Democrats want you to pay for it.” In 2009, federal spending will approach $4 trillion, or 28 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) – a one-third increase in the size of government in a single year. The budget released by the White House today is loaded with job-killing tax hikes and a slate of even more government spending. Overall, the blueprint projects a record $1.75 trillion deficit this year while doubling the national debt over the next ten years. Following are just 10 fast facts about the Administration’s budget, which our children and grandchildren will be paying for far into the future:
1. The Administration’s projected budget deficit of $1.75 trillion is higher than the last five years of deficits combined, and under this plan, we will see three consecutive trillion dollar deficits between now and FY 2012.
2. While it was purported to cut the budget deficit in half – from $1.75 trillion in 2009 to $533 billion by 2013 – this budget projects higher deficits in 2014 ($570 billion), 2015 ($583 billion), and 2016 ($637 billion). In 2019, the final year in the budget, the deficit is projected to be $712 billion.
3. Including the recently-enacted trillion-dollar “stimulus” spending bill, discretionary spending will soar by 24 percent this year under this budget.
4. The budget projects that the national debt will increase from $8.4 trillion in 2009 to $15.4 trillion in 2019.
5. The Administration’s budget contains $1.4 trillion in tax increases – tax hikes that will impact everyone, from small businesses, charities, and seniors to everyone who owns a 401(k) and anyone who flips on a light switch.
6. After promising that he will reduce taxes on 95 percent of Americans, the Administration’s budget establishes a $646 billion energy tax hike that will impact anyone who uses electricity, drives a car, or relies on energy in any way.
7. This budget forecasts more than $1.5 trillion in new health care spending, including a 10-year, $634 billion health care “reserve fund.” The budget also calls for seven percent annual growth in Medicare and more than six percent annual growth in Medicaid over the next 10 years.
8. The budget includes a $750 billion placeholder for a second round of spending under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), even though the first round of TARP spending is not yet finished, nor is there a clear explanation of how funds under the initial round was spent.
9. The Administration’s budget claims that reducing the number of troops in Iraq over the next 10 years will cut the deficit by $1.6 trillion; however, that is only because the budget allocates the same amount of funds for the Iraq war each year over the next decade, even though most combat troops may be withdrawn during the next 19 months. The savings are, at best, deceptive.
10. The budget provides a scant 2.9 percent pay raise for military personnel as required by law, less than a week after Democrats in Congress provided the necessary funding to implement District of Columbia locality pay for overseas Foreign Service officers, which would constitute an 18 percent pay increase.
Source HERE.
1. The Administration’s projected budget deficit of $1.75 trillion is higher than the last five years of deficits combined, and under this plan, we will see three consecutive trillion dollar deficits between now and FY 2012.
2. While it was purported to cut the budget deficit in half – from $1.75 trillion in 2009 to $533 billion by 2013 – this budget projects higher deficits in 2014 ($570 billion), 2015 ($583 billion), and 2016 ($637 billion). In 2019, the final year in the budget, the deficit is projected to be $712 billion.
3. Including the recently-enacted trillion-dollar “stimulus” spending bill, discretionary spending will soar by 24 percent this year under this budget.
4. The budget projects that the national debt will increase from $8.4 trillion in 2009 to $15.4 trillion in 2019.
5. The Administration’s budget contains $1.4 trillion in tax increases – tax hikes that will impact everyone, from small businesses, charities, and seniors to everyone who owns a 401(k) and anyone who flips on a light switch.
6. After promising that he will reduce taxes on 95 percent of Americans, the Administration’s budget establishes a $646 billion energy tax hike that will impact anyone who uses electricity, drives a car, or relies on energy in any way.
7. This budget forecasts more than $1.5 trillion in new health care spending, including a 10-year, $634 billion health care “reserve fund.” The budget also calls for seven percent annual growth in Medicare and more than six percent annual growth in Medicaid over the next 10 years.
8. The budget includes a $750 billion placeholder for a second round of spending under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), even though the first round of TARP spending is not yet finished, nor is there a clear explanation of how funds under the initial round was spent.
9. The Administration’s budget claims that reducing the number of troops in Iraq over the next 10 years will cut the deficit by $1.6 trillion; however, that is only because the budget allocates the same amount of funds for the Iraq war each year over the next decade, even though most combat troops may be withdrawn during the next 19 months. The savings are, at best, deceptive.
10. The budget provides a scant 2.9 percent pay raise for military personnel as required by law, less than a week after Democrats in Congress provided the necessary funding to implement District of Columbia locality pay for overseas Foreign Service officers, which would constitute an 18 percent pay increase.
Source HERE.
Flea Market
Flea Market
Vendors Welcome
Come join us every saturday 7am
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
conveniently located on Rt. 50
in Hebron Md.
Rent a space for just $10.00
Bring your own tables or rent ours for $5.00 each
Vendors Welcome
Come join us every saturday 7am
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
conveniently located on Rt. 50
in Hebron Md.
Rent a space for just $10.00
Bring your own tables or rent ours for $5.00 each
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wife Of Salisbury Police Officer Speaks Out
Joe, I am the wife of an SPD officer who tries to let him keep his work at work. I finally asked him and another officer on his squad about SPD and this is what I learned.
When they are full staffed there are 88 sworn officers, which has been the same about for past 10 - 12 years.
There are four road patrol squads who are made up of 3 supervisors and about seven officers each.
The CAT unit which used to be the bike unit only has four officers who work the streets. (supposedly they dont want them riding bikes that much)
There are about eleven detectives to include the supervisors.
Lets think about this, that is only about 32 officers, not including supervisors, who work the streets.
My question is why so many sworn officers not on the streets in this time of crisis. Maybe if they take some of those detectives and put them back on the street, there would not be some many crimes, then they would not need all those detectives anyway.
My husband loves his job, but is tired of being short handed, working his a$$ off for alot less money then other agencies in the area, and of working with supervisors and a command staff that does not care one bit about the road officers.
There are many great officers at SPD who do some great work, but all the command staff and supervisors want are people to handle calls, not be proactive.
I hope and pray that change is coming and for all the officers not only at SPD but all over to be able to go home to their families and loved ones every night.
I know Jason King very well and know him to be the best officer SPD has, ask any of the officers at SPD. Sounds like you are bitter, what you didnt get any awards? Do some work, study more for your test and maybe next time you will be recognized.
I will get off my soap box with this, out with the mayor, out with the chief and the major. For obvious reasons I wil not sign this cause it would come back on my husband. Thank you and God bless you all.
When they are full staffed there are 88 sworn officers, which has been the same about for past 10 - 12 years.
There are four road patrol squads who are made up of 3 supervisors and about seven officers each.
The CAT unit which used to be the bike unit only has four officers who work the streets. (supposedly they dont want them riding bikes that much)
There are about eleven detectives to include the supervisors.
Lets think about this, that is only about 32 officers, not including supervisors, who work the streets.
My question is why so many sworn officers not on the streets in this time of crisis. Maybe if they take some of those detectives and put them back on the street, there would not be some many crimes, then they would not need all those detectives anyway.
My husband loves his job, but is tired of being short handed, working his a$$ off for alot less money then other agencies in the area, and of working with supervisors and a command staff that does not care one bit about the road officers.
There are many great officers at SPD who do some great work, but all the command staff and supervisors want are people to handle calls, not be proactive.
I hope and pray that change is coming and for all the officers not only at SPD but all over to be able to go home to their families and loved ones every night.
I know Jason King very well and know him to be the best officer SPD has, ask any of the officers at SPD. Sounds like you are bitter, what you didnt get any awards? Do some work, study more for your test and maybe next time you will be recognized.
I will get off my soap box with this, out with the mayor, out with the chief and the major. For obvious reasons I wil not sign this cause it would come back on my husband. Thank you and God bless you all.
HELP
A friend home was broken into in Salisbury today. While several items were stolen, two were of big concern, two guns. Here's where I need every one's help. We need to know all of the local locations of gun dealers that would purchase these weapons. With any luck the thief will have taken them to one of these dealers and can be identified. We're pretty sure who did it, now all we have to do is match him up with the buyer of the guns.
Wall Street Suffers Worst February Since 1933
US stocks pushed to a bear-market low as an expanded federal rescue of Citigroup and a dividend cut for General Electric hit even more of their share values and the broader market.
In the last day of trading for February, traders did exactly what they had for most of the month, either selling out of or shorting large banking stocks. Pacing off the session's decline, Citigroup closed down US96 cents, or 39 per cent, at $US1.50, after the US Treasury Department said it is willing to convert up to $US25 billion ($39 billion) of its preferred stock holdings into common stock in a move that would give the Government a 36 per cent share of the giant bank. Over the last few weeks, concern that banks would need even more capital has weighed on share prices across the sector. And those few traders willing to even play in banking stocks are mostly holding short positions.
GO HERE for more information.
In the last day of trading for February, traders did exactly what they had for most of the month, either selling out of or shorting large banking stocks. Pacing off the session's decline, Citigroup closed down US96 cents, or 39 per cent, at $US1.50, after the US Treasury Department said it is willing to convert up to $US25 billion ($39 billion) of its preferred stock holdings into common stock in a move that would give the Government a 36 per cent share of the giant bank. Over the last few weeks, concern that banks would need even more capital has weighed on share prices across the sector. And those few traders willing to even play in banking stocks are mostly holding short positions.
GO HERE for more information.
GANNETT TAKES NOSE DIVE ON INVESTMENT DOWNGRADE
Gannett Co., Inc. - (The Daily Times parent company) - stock price eroded further after yesterday's announcement by Moody's regarding their downgrade to junk status.
Price of the stock slide to an all-time record low of just $3.22/Share shattering yesterdays record low and setting yet a new record low.
In addition, Gannett announced it was cutting its preferred dividend by 90% to just .04/share.
Click here to see today's trading: http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:GCI
Today on Bill O'Reilly's daily radio broadcast he announced that the New York Times may file bankruptcy by May 1st. Recently, the New York Times has borrowed 250 million dollars to stay a float from Mexican Businessman Carlos Slim Helu at an astronomical 14% interest rate.
Price of the stock slide to an all-time record low of just $3.22/Share shattering yesterdays record low and setting yet a new record low.
In addition, Gannett announced it was cutting its preferred dividend by 90% to just .04/share.
Click here to see today's trading: http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:GCI
Today on Bill O'Reilly's daily radio broadcast he announced that the New York Times may file bankruptcy by May 1st. Recently, the New York Times has borrowed 250 million dollars to stay a float from Mexican Businessman Carlos Slim Helu at an astronomical 14% interest rate.
9 Day Old Crane
Friday Morning Sept. 26 2008 - Castle Hill/Sydney
9 Day Old 250t Liebherr Crane (never used before)
$4mill price tag (USD or Aussie?)
9 Day Old 250t Liebherr Crane (never used before)
$4mill price tag (USD or Aussie?)
Failure of back propping beneath the 200mm thick concrete deck
Crane support outrigger punches through slab causing crane to lose balance and collapse across the site and onto adjoining property
Crane balanced in the air for approx 1 hour before entire rig & boom collapse completely across site and rigs falls through to the basement level.
Miraculously no one was seriously injured or killed.
Comegys Pulls A Fast One
Gary is receiving special treatment from the Cottages at RiverHouse on Pemberton. The same group Gary just help get fee waivers and money.
I was told that Gary pushed Resolutions 1557 & 1558 - to support a loan
from the State and a waiver of capacity fees for Cottages at Riverhouse. The Resolutions were approved unanimously, granting them $78,764.40, plus a Loan not to exceed $1.5 million provide by Dept of Housing and Community Development.
Other candidates have approached the Cottages about coming out there and they put them off. They said they wanted to wait and invite all the candidates, but if that were true, why do we now discover Comegys is going out there for dinner with no word to the other candidates?
Aother person for another campaign also called out there several weeks ago to inquire and the Manager told her as well, that he "had just gotten a call from another candidate and the owner was "going to call the Mayor and find out what to do". Well, we know what she told him..
I was told that Gary pushed Resolutions 1557 & 1558 - to support a loan
from the State and a waiver of capacity fees for Cottages at Riverhouse. The Resolutions were approved unanimously, granting them $78,764.40, plus a Loan not to exceed $1.5 million provide by Dept of Housing and Community Development.
Other candidates have approached the Cottages about coming out there and they put them off. They said they wanted to wait and invite all the candidates, but if that were true, why do we now discover Comegys is going out there for dinner with no word to the other candidates?
Aother person for another campaign also called out there several weeks ago to inquire and the Manager told her as well, that he "had just gotten a call from another candidate and the owner was "going to call the Mayor and find out what to do". Well, we know what she told him..
URGENT “BEAT THE PEAK”
7 A.M. to 9 A.M., Monday Morning, March 2
6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monday Evening, March 2
7 A.M. to 9 A.M., Tuesday Morning, March 3
Because of the colder than normal temperatures expected across our region early next week, between the hours of 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Monday morning, March 2 AND 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monday evening, March 2 AND 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Tuesday morning, March 3 we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights or appliances during these hours as well as turning your thermostat down 3 degrees.
While the largest consumers of electricity in the home during these hours and during this time of year are heating costs and lighting, other large consumers of electricity include major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, hot water heaters and stoves.
By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances as well as reducing your thermostat 3 degrees between 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Monday morning, March 2 AND 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monday evening, March 2 AND 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Tuesday morning, March 3, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.
We thank you for your help. Together we can “Beat The Peak”
6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monday Evening, March 2
7 A.M. to 9 A.M., Tuesday Morning, March 3
Because of the colder than normal temperatures expected across our region early next week, between the hours of 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Monday morning, March 2 AND 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monday evening, March 2 AND 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Tuesday morning, March 3 we are asking you to delay the usage of all unnecessary lights or appliances during these hours as well as turning your thermostat down 3 degrees.
While the largest consumers of electricity in the home during these hours and during this time of year are heating costs and lighting, other large consumers of electricity include major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, hot water heaters and stoves.
By delaying the use of unnecessary lighting and appliances as well as reducing your thermostat 3 degrees between 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Monday morning, March 2 AND 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monday evening, March 2 AND 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. Tuesday morning, March 3, we can save energy resources, avoid high cost energy and help the environment.
We thank you for your help. Together we can “Beat The Peak”
WCDC Loses Inmate?
I was at the District Court in Wicomico County today to testify for a friend. While I was there the case of State vs Brinton Cox was called. This is the inmate who attacked Sergeant Stone. When the case was called Mr. Cox was not present. The state was ready with its witnesses. When the Detention Center was called to have Mr. Cox brought to court the Detention Center said that they did not have an inmate by that name.
I thought this was odd so I went to the Maryland Judicary website and looked up Mr. Cox's case. Here is what I found out.
1. An arrest warrant was issued on Janurary 12, 2009 for assault on a correctional officer and reckless endangerment.
2. On Janurary 13, 2009 Mr. Cox had a apperance before a district court commissioner and a bond of 9500 dollars imposed.
3. Mr. Cox had an bond review in district court and the bond upheld.
4. I found no place where Mr. Cox was released on bond pertaining this case.
These are all public records and even I was able to look them up with no problem.
Since this is a Wicomico County case and the detention center is to keep track of all their inmates, where is Mr. Cox?
I went so far as to call to the Detention Center myself and was told that Mr. Cox was released from Wicomico County Custody on Feburary 24, 2009.
What kind of jail do we have when a inmate is released that should not be.
I thought this was odd so I went to the Maryland Judicary website and looked up Mr. Cox's case. Here is what I found out.
1. An arrest warrant was issued on Janurary 12, 2009 for assault on a correctional officer and reckless endangerment.
2. On Janurary 13, 2009 Mr. Cox had a apperance before a district court commissioner and a bond of 9500 dollars imposed.
3. Mr. Cox had an bond review in district court and the bond upheld.
4. I found no place where Mr. Cox was released on bond pertaining this case.
These are all public records and even I was able to look them up with no problem.
Since this is a Wicomico County case and the detention center is to keep track of all their inmates, where is Mr. Cox?
I went so far as to call to the Detention Center myself and was told that Mr. Cox was released from Wicomico County Custody on Feburary 24, 2009.
What kind of jail do we have when a inmate is released that should not be.
Murder Suspect Extradited And Arrested Today
Dover – The Delaware State Police arrested Demitrius L. Hoskins today at 1 pm after he was extradited by Delaware State Detectives from New York to Troop 2 today. Hoskins was responsible for the March 31, 2006 killing of Shelton Smith.
He was formally charged with Murder 1st degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, Robbery 1st degree and Conspiracy 2nd degree. He was incarcerated at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center with no bond.
###
Newark Man Indicted in 2006 Murder Investigation
Released Friday, July 11, 2008
Dover – The Kent County Grand Jury has indicted a 22-year-old Newark man for the murder of Shelton Smith. The indictment was obtained on July 7, 2008 after Delaware State Police homicide detectives provided information to the grand jury indicating that Demitrius L. Hoskins, 22 formally of Piano Drive, Newark was responsible for the March 31, 2006 killing.
Police focused the investigation towards Mr. Hoskins after a concerned citizen told them Mr. Hoskins was responsible for the murder. As the detectives proceeded with the case, they were able to obtain cellular telephone records from Hoskins that placed him in the area of the crime when it occurred. Along with additional evidence that has been obtained from investigators linking Hoskins to the crime, the indictment was issued. Police have confirmed that Robbery was the motive for the murder and that Hoskins was responsible for robbing the victim of a large sum of money.
Arrest warrants are on file for Hoskins for Murder 1st degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, Robbery 1st degree and Conspiracy 2nd degree. Currently, Hoskins is incarcerated in Rikers Island Prison in New York on unrelated charges. Detainers from Delaware authorities are being sent to New York to ensure his incarceration continues until he can be extradited to Delaware for the charges.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing investigation with additional suspects being sought. To protect the integrity of the case and future court proceedings, this is all the information that can be released.
Note: The location of the shooting occurred on Dover-Kenton Road south of Cheswold.
Demitrius Hoskins
###
Original Release
Homicide Investigation
Cheswold- The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting death of a 20-year-old Dover man, which occurred sometime late yesterday afternoon in the Cheswold area.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. the victim was dropped off at Kent General Hospital by a friend. The victim was suffering from a gunshot wound to the right upper torso and was rushed into surgery; however, he succumbed to his injuries and died a short time later.
According to the victim’s friend, the shooting occurred in the Cheswold area, but the exact location has not been determined at this time. The friend also advised that the victim was shot by two black males that were operating a dark red Nissan with Pennsylvania registration.
The victim has been identified as Shelton Smith, 20, of Dover.
This investigation is on-going, and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the State Police Homicide Unit at (302) 739-5939, 9-1-1, or Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.
He was formally charged with Murder 1st degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, Robbery 1st degree and Conspiracy 2nd degree. He was incarcerated at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center with no bond.
###
Newark Man Indicted in 2006 Murder Investigation
Released Friday, July 11, 2008
Dover – The Kent County Grand Jury has indicted a 22-year-old Newark man for the murder of Shelton Smith. The indictment was obtained on July 7, 2008 after Delaware State Police homicide detectives provided information to the grand jury indicating that Demitrius L. Hoskins, 22 formally of Piano Drive, Newark was responsible for the March 31, 2006 killing.
Police focused the investigation towards Mr. Hoskins after a concerned citizen told them Mr. Hoskins was responsible for the murder. As the detectives proceeded with the case, they were able to obtain cellular telephone records from Hoskins that placed him in the area of the crime when it occurred. Along with additional evidence that has been obtained from investigators linking Hoskins to the crime, the indictment was issued. Police have confirmed that Robbery was the motive for the murder and that Hoskins was responsible for robbing the victim of a large sum of money.
Arrest warrants are on file for Hoskins for Murder 1st degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, Robbery 1st degree and Conspiracy 2nd degree. Currently, Hoskins is incarcerated in Rikers Island Prison in New York on unrelated charges. Detainers from Delaware authorities are being sent to New York to ensure his incarceration continues until he can be extradited to Delaware for the charges.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing investigation with additional suspects being sought. To protect the integrity of the case and future court proceedings, this is all the information that can be released.
Note: The location of the shooting occurred on Dover-Kenton Road south of Cheswold.
Demitrius Hoskins
###
Original Release
Homicide Investigation
Cheswold- The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting death of a 20-year-old Dover man, which occurred sometime late yesterday afternoon in the Cheswold area.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. the victim was dropped off at Kent General Hospital by a friend. The victim was suffering from a gunshot wound to the right upper torso and was rushed into surgery; however, he succumbed to his injuries and died a short time later.
According to the victim’s friend, the shooting occurred in the Cheswold area, but the exact location has not been determined at this time. The friend also advised that the victim was shot by two black males that were operating a dark red Nissan with Pennsylvania registration.
The victim has been identified as Shelton Smith, 20, of Dover.
This investigation is on-going, and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the State Police Homicide Unit at (302) 739-5939, 9-1-1, or Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.
THE JOE ALBERO VERSION OF THE CAMDEN FORUM
If I were running for Mayor, here's how I would have responded to the questions being asked.
1. How would I handle crime in the City of Salisbury?
Let's get right to the beef of this question with a confident answer. I would immediately terminate the Chief of Police, contract or not. Your Wife, Daughter, Son, Mother, Father or even your own life is far more important to me than the legalities of his contract. I believe he has not performed his duties to a level in which we as citizens can be comfortable with. I know for a fact he is not willing to work as a team with other law enforcement agencies and I want a partner who will work with everyone to make Salisbury a better and safer place to live.
The SPD is too top heavy with Chiefs and not enough Indians, period. Our Chief would not be an executive. He or she will be a cops, cop. Sub Stations, give it a rest. I want our Officers on the streets knowing who everyone is, not inside of a building waiting for someone to knock at the door. I want them on bicycles and foot patrol. If you don't like where I'm going, don't vote for me because that's the direction I'm heading in.
2. Boards and Appointments?
No special interests. Let's take the Zoo for example. How many acquisitions and dispositions have there been in the past 30 days. I'd want that report every single month. Ron Alessi, GONE! Richard Insley, GONE! I believe it doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to understand what's going on out there. I would request a letter of interest explaining how you feel you could serve each Board. As far as a resume, a letter will do just fine. I will share these Candidates with our City Council and gain their wisdom by asking them to participate as well. However, I would hold the final answer. There needs to be only one head of household on answers like this one.
3. Views of fiscal budget 2010? Line item budget?
Line Item Budget, period! There will be no games played. We WILL break down every department and fine tune your tax dollars. Many say I'm tighter than a ducks a$$ and that's waterproof. I didn't get to retire at 40 years old by spending, spending, spending. I saved, saved, saved instead. As far as getting my hands on short notice to the current Budget, I'd do everything I could in the mean time to cut corners but not jeopardize quality of service. Look, every one is going to have to give and take, including the taxpayers. However, if YOU want a break anywhere along the line, we're going to have to cut things in the mean time.
4. Mall TIF, Developer subsidies? No More! Let's just look at the history of past experience. The people have spoken and I will work for the people.
5. Surplus Assets? I love this question. I believe, (considering my past business history) I could create a department of perhaps two people who could market and sell ALL of our surplus items. I believe I could easily have that department paying for itself within the very first year and probably much sooner. Selling items on EBay and or arranging certain items to be sold at local auctions would certainly bring in more money than unloading lot items for next to nothing. I would also encourage items to be inventoried like all the equipment left over on a Fire Truck, (for example) to be inventoried and sold, rather than given away or sold at a Department Heads pleasure.
6. Repairing infrastructure? The first few things that come to mind are of course road, curbs, sidewalks, pipes, the Zoo, Station 2, I'm sure there are more. Look, our City is starting to look like crap, let's face it. As many of you know, I used to own the old Fire Station in Pittsville. They took that structure and added on, rebuilt the old portion and created an incredible Restaurant inside for LESS than what they want to spend to rebuild Station 2, NOT GOOD ENOUGH! I smell a skunk on ALL of these projects and I for one will not stand for things like this any more. I think back the the almost $100,000.00 to REPAIR an elevator in the GOB. I happen to be business savvy enough to know a brand new elevator, including the shaft for a three story building cost around $100,000.00. The buck stops here! The Zoo, every ounce of spending will immediately STOP until they can proven they can become self sufficient. Every other Zoo in America is, we should be no different. Sidewalks and curbs, let's find a Contractor that wants to work with the City and or use our own Public Works to at least get out there and repair key areas within our City. Roads, I'd ask ALL citizens to come forward with the worst roads first and satisfy their needs immediately. I would ask for state money wherever I can find it and create a program whereas we can get back on track with our roads and cutting millions of dollars from the Zoo and Fire Departments would be a great start. Pipes, we must get up to speed as well there and maintain this City the way the taxpayers expect and deserve it to be.
7. Position of Richard Insley on Landlord Board? Again, the Mayor serves the Public. The public has spoken and the City has spent entirely too much money on additional lawsuits referencing this man. He would be terminated immediately and a fair and just board would be recreated.
8. Campaign Contributions, 1 candidate has all large donations while others are small. Too much is being made of this issue, IMHO. If it is the will of the people to change those rules, I am all for supporting the will of the people. For now, no one is breaking any rules. I would have no problem as a Candidate to make each and every donation posted on my Website every single day, if that would please the people. I have absolutely nothing to hide.
9. Stand Pipe, it's stable and determined to be safe. Is it historic? We cannot afford it, grant money or not. I will be just as responsible to the State of Maryland as I will be for the City of Salisbury. Same goes with a Fire Boat and other ridiculous spending currently going on with the Tilghman Administration. The structure is secure and with times as hard as they are for ALL taxpayers in the state, I'm not going to ask for things that are not NEED items. Wants are simply out of the question. If you want to vote for another Candidate who will take advantage of the rest of the Taxpayers, cast your vote for them. I will be responsible and accountable, period. As for its history, it's a pipe people. Isn't it like putting lipstick on a pig?
10. How much time can you devote towards being Mayor? Fortunately I can afford to work full time as your Mayor and I'd be honored and proud to do so. I will agree with Mr. Ireton, there are others who would qualify for this position and could better represent most of the Candidates currently running for Mayor if the job paid properly. Fortunately I'm in a financial position I could afford to be paid what the Taxpayers are offering but while I'm in Office I would NOT ask for any increase. I understood what the pay was coming into this election and I will stand behind that pay for the next 4 years. If YOU believe I deserve more money after 4 years because I have turned the City around financially and saved you enough money, the compliment would be well received. For now, it is what it is and I accept that.
11. How will you stimulate the economy? I'd start with working closer with the Economic & Development people in the City & County. They must perform or they must be replaced. Incentives to relocate Downtown is a plus but I cannot in good conscience ask the owners of those properties to lower their rents to encourage others to relocate there. Instead, I would create a plan that would make people want to be a part of the Downtown area. I would encourage people to bring in attractive businesses that can cater to the Downtown wants and needs. It's not that difficult to look at your surroundings and realize that the Downtown area is mainly lawyers. An Office Supply Store would be a great asset for starters. I would encourage business people Downtown to tell us what their wants and needs are and go from there. In a forum where there's not enough time to provide expanded answers I would suggest everyone to go to my Website where details of such a complicated subject could be expressed in great detail because Salisbury is not just Downtown. There you would find answers thought out years in advance as to all of the wants and needs for our economy.
12. Do you believe there are Gangs in Salisbury? Heck, everyone knows, I'm the one that brought Gangs to the forefront in Salisbury. While this Administration and Chief of Police was in denial, while the local Media, (MSM) refused to expose this problem, I brought it out and forced everyone to recognize there is in fact a serious problem with Gangs. We need a Task Force to work hand in hand with ALL of the local Police Departments and truly take a bite out of our crime and Gangs. I can tell you first hand, walking the streets at night in Downtown Salisbury put the Graffiti to an immediately halt. Recognizing it years ago could have prevented the growth of these Gangs but they ran free and as the stats continued to climb and crime became so bad, ignoring it was probably the worst thing that could have happened. The County wanted to create laws to remove Graffiti within 24 hours and the City refused to work with the County on such a law. I will work with the County and I will turn the Gang situation around. Gang members start out very young. I believe working with our schools and tackling the problem head on there first would be a great start.
13. Should the City draft legislation for doing business with LLC's and expose who the players are? This is a no brainer. The City of Salisbury will never again do business with an LLC not willing to expose the Principals within that LLC or any other Corporation trying to be protected from being known by the general public.
14. Transparency & Open Government? If I can get it, YOU can get it. I would use the exact same policy Rick Pollitt uses. I would immediately demand that ALL Department Heads answer to our Council. Does it take time away from their job, absolutely. However, we need to stop covering everything up and bring everything to the table because this is YOUR City. In 4 years from now when you're wondering who to vote for as Mayor in the next election, I'd be proud to run on my record and NOT give you answers like other politicians have done to you in the past.
My closing statement would be as follows. You have seen me at almost every City Council Meeting for the past 4 or 5 years. You have seen me at City and County events and I have a pretty strong handle on who's doing what and where. You have seen me get involved with Salisbury News and expose the rights and wrongs in Salisbury. You know where I stand on these issues as well as many others not asked or touched in these forums. For example, what would I do with Station 16, the old Fire Station. I would make it a First Response EMS Station, period. I would KEEP that building and use the upstairs for more space for any department outgrowing the GOB. If this was not the will of the people I would then suggest a children's library and offer FREE Parking around that building with additional Handicap spaces, which are extremely limited right now within the City. As your next Mayor I would make you PROUD to live in Salisbury and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Jim Mathias in the sense that our City is the finest City in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! That in itself would rebuild our economy and want others to relocate to our HOME. I'll end with, has everyone else answered your questions, or did they fluff their answers?
There was one question I believe I missed and that was Salisbury University Students not feeling welcome here. The students are one of the biggest life lines in Salisbury. I would embrace them. I would even encourage one of them to run for our City Council and or possibly create a 6th seat on the Council. One way or another, I would find a place in the City to welcome them to be a part of our lives in such a way. Have you ever gone somewhere or some place you knew you weren't welcome, yet you were paying big bucks to be there? Enough said.
1. How would I handle crime in the City of Salisbury?
Let's get right to the beef of this question with a confident answer. I would immediately terminate the Chief of Police, contract or not. Your Wife, Daughter, Son, Mother, Father or even your own life is far more important to me than the legalities of his contract. I believe he has not performed his duties to a level in which we as citizens can be comfortable with. I know for a fact he is not willing to work as a team with other law enforcement agencies and I want a partner who will work with everyone to make Salisbury a better and safer place to live.
The SPD is too top heavy with Chiefs and not enough Indians, period. Our Chief would not be an executive. He or she will be a cops, cop. Sub Stations, give it a rest. I want our Officers on the streets knowing who everyone is, not inside of a building waiting for someone to knock at the door. I want them on bicycles and foot patrol. If you don't like where I'm going, don't vote for me because that's the direction I'm heading in.
2. Boards and Appointments?
No special interests. Let's take the Zoo for example. How many acquisitions and dispositions have there been in the past 30 days. I'd want that report every single month. Ron Alessi, GONE! Richard Insley, GONE! I believe it doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to understand what's going on out there. I would request a letter of interest explaining how you feel you could serve each Board. As far as a resume, a letter will do just fine. I will share these Candidates with our City Council and gain their wisdom by asking them to participate as well. However, I would hold the final answer. There needs to be only one head of household on answers like this one.
3. Views of fiscal budget 2010? Line item budget?
Line Item Budget, period! There will be no games played. We WILL break down every department and fine tune your tax dollars. Many say I'm tighter than a ducks a$$ and that's waterproof. I didn't get to retire at 40 years old by spending, spending, spending. I saved, saved, saved instead. As far as getting my hands on short notice to the current Budget, I'd do everything I could in the mean time to cut corners but not jeopardize quality of service. Look, every one is going to have to give and take, including the taxpayers. However, if YOU want a break anywhere along the line, we're going to have to cut things in the mean time.
4. Mall TIF, Developer subsidies? No More! Let's just look at the history of past experience. The people have spoken and I will work for the people.
5. Surplus Assets? I love this question. I believe, (considering my past business history) I could create a department of perhaps two people who could market and sell ALL of our surplus items. I believe I could easily have that department paying for itself within the very first year and probably much sooner. Selling items on EBay and or arranging certain items to be sold at local auctions would certainly bring in more money than unloading lot items for next to nothing. I would also encourage items to be inventoried like all the equipment left over on a Fire Truck, (for example) to be inventoried and sold, rather than given away or sold at a Department Heads pleasure.
6. Repairing infrastructure? The first few things that come to mind are of course road, curbs, sidewalks, pipes, the Zoo, Station 2, I'm sure there are more. Look, our City is starting to look like crap, let's face it. As many of you know, I used to own the old Fire Station in Pittsville. They took that structure and added on, rebuilt the old portion and created an incredible Restaurant inside for LESS than what they want to spend to rebuild Station 2, NOT GOOD ENOUGH! I smell a skunk on ALL of these projects and I for one will not stand for things like this any more. I think back the the almost $100,000.00 to REPAIR an elevator in the GOB. I happen to be business savvy enough to know a brand new elevator, including the shaft for a three story building cost around $100,000.00. The buck stops here! The Zoo, every ounce of spending will immediately STOP until they can proven they can become self sufficient. Every other Zoo in America is, we should be no different. Sidewalks and curbs, let's find a Contractor that wants to work with the City and or use our own Public Works to at least get out there and repair key areas within our City. Roads, I'd ask ALL citizens to come forward with the worst roads first and satisfy their needs immediately. I would ask for state money wherever I can find it and create a program whereas we can get back on track with our roads and cutting millions of dollars from the Zoo and Fire Departments would be a great start. Pipes, we must get up to speed as well there and maintain this City the way the taxpayers expect and deserve it to be.
7. Position of Richard Insley on Landlord Board? Again, the Mayor serves the Public. The public has spoken and the City has spent entirely too much money on additional lawsuits referencing this man. He would be terminated immediately and a fair and just board would be recreated.
8. Campaign Contributions, 1 candidate has all large donations while others are small. Too much is being made of this issue, IMHO. If it is the will of the people to change those rules, I am all for supporting the will of the people. For now, no one is breaking any rules. I would have no problem as a Candidate to make each and every donation posted on my Website every single day, if that would please the people. I have absolutely nothing to hide.
9. Stand Pipe, it's stable and determined to be safe. Is it historic? We cannot afford it, grant money or not. I will be just as responsible to the State of Maryland as I will be for the City of Salisbury. Same goes with a Fire Boat and other ridiculous spending currently going on with the Tilghman Administration. The structure is secure and with times as hard as they are for ALL taxpayers in the state, I'm not going to ask for things that are not NEED items. Wants are simply out of the question. If you want to vote for another Candidate who will take advantage of the rest of the Taxpayers, cast your vote for them. I will be responsible and accountable, period. As for its history, it's a pipe people. Isn't it like putting lipstick on a pig?
10. How much time can you devote towards being Mayor? Fortunately I can afford to work full time as your Mayor and I'd be honored and proud to do so. I will agree with Mr. Ireton, there are others who would qualify for this position and could better represent most of the Candidates currently running for Mayor if the job paid properly. Fortunately I'm in a financial position I could afford to be paid what the Taxpayers are offering but while I'm in Office I would NOT ask for any increase. I understood what the pay was coming into this election and I will stand behind that pay for the next 4 years. If YOU believe I deserve more money after 4 years because I have turned the City around financially and saved you enough money, the compliment would be well received. For now, it is what it is and I accept that.
11. How will you stimulate the economy? I'd start with working closer with the Economic & Development people in the City & County. They must perform or they must be replaced. Incentives to relocate Downtown is a plus but I cannot in good conscience ask the owners of those properties to lower their rents to encourage others to relocate there. Instead, I would create a plan that would make people want to be a part of the Downtown area. I would encourage people to bring in attractive businesses that can cater to the Downtown wants and needs. It's not that difficult to look at your surroundings and realize that the Downtown area is mainly lawyers. An Office Supply Store would be a great asset for starters. I would encourage business people Downtown to tell us what their wants and needs are and go from there. In a forum where there's not enough time to provide expanded answers I would suggest everyone to go to my Website where details of such a complicated subject could be expressed in great detail because Salisbury is not just Downtown. There you would find answers thought out years in advance as to all of the wants and needs for our economy.
12. Do you believe there are Gangs in Salisbury? Heck, everyone knows, I'm the one that brought Gangs to the forefront in Salisbury. While this Administration and Chief of Police was in denial, while the local Media, (MSM) refused to expose this problem, I brought it out and forced everyone to recognize there is in fact a serious problem with Gangs. We need a Task Force to work hand in hand with ALL of the local Police Departments and truly take a bite out of our crime and Gangs. I can tell you first hand, walking the streets at night in Downtown Salisbury put the Graffiti to an immediately halt. Recognizing it years ago could have prevented the growth of these Gangs but they ran free and as the stats continued to climb and crime became so bad, ignoring it was probably the worst thing that could have happened. The County wanted to create laws to remove Graffiti within 24 hours and the City refused to work with the County on such a law. I will work with the County and I will turn the Gang situation around. Gang members start out very young. I believe working with our schools and tackling the problem head on there first would be a great start.
13. Should the City draft legislation for doing business with LLC's and expose who the players are? This is a no brainer. The City of Salisbury will never again do business with an LLC not willing to expose the Principals within that LLC or any other Corporation trying to be protected from being known by the general public.
14. Transparency & Open Government? If I can get it, YOU can get it. I would use the exact same policy Rick Pollitt uses. I would immediately demand that ALL Department Heads answer to our Council. Does it take time away from their job, absolutely. However, we need to stop covering everything up and bring everything to the table because this is YOUR City. In 4 years from now when you're wondering who to vote for as Mayor in the next election, I'd be proud to run on my record and NOT give you answers like other politicians have done to you in the past.
My closing statement would be as follows. You have seen me at almost every City Council Meeting for the past 4 or 5 years. You have seen me at City and County events and I have a pretty strong handle on who's doing what and where. You have seen me get involved with Salisbury News and expose the rights and wrongs in Salisbury. You know where I stand on these issues as well as many others not asked or touched in these forums. For example, what would I do with Station 16, the old Fire Station. I would make it a First Response EMS Station, period. I would KEEP that building and use the upstairs for more space for any department outgrowing the GOB. If this was not the will of the people I would then suggest a children's library and offer FREE Parking around that building with additional Handicap spaces, which are extremely limited right now within the City. As your next Mayor I would make you PROUD to live in Salisbury and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Jim Mathias in the sense that our City is the finest City in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! That in itself would rebuild our economy and want others to relocate to our HOME. I'll end with, has everyone else answered your questions, or did they fluff their answers?
There was one question I believe I missed and that was Salisbury University Students not feeling welcome here. The students are one of the biggest life lines in Salisbury. I would embrace them. I would even encourage one of them to run for our City Council and or possibly create a 6th seat on the Council. One way or another, I would find a place in the City to welcome them to be a part of our lives in such a way. Have you ever gone somewhere or some place you knew you weren't welcome, yet you were paying big bucks to be there? Enough said.
BREAKING NEWS!!!!
Salisbury City Park
My mother in law and sister in law were riding by the park on the back way in (by the residential area going towards the moose lodge) and saw these three guys standing by the building. One was peeing on the building and the other 2 were looking out around the building. Then they saw this woman jogger coming by and they looked they were going to jump out. The next thing you knew she went by and never saw them and they took after the woman. My mother in law pulled over and called 911. My sister in law jumped out of the van and went running down the hill towards the woman screaming "they're behind you run, faster!" because the woman had no idea they were even there. She said the 3 guys kept coming at them then took off when they saw my mother in law with the phone in her hand. It took the cops a good 25 min to get there and they said they would ride around and see if they saw anyone. My sister in law was really upset because it took them so long and something could have happened to them before the cops even got there. She said the woman was really grateful they had seen these guys because no one knows what they could have done to her. My sister in law lives by the park and said that she has never seen anyone just hanging out around the buildings on that back side. Usually just walkers and joggers since it just wraps around the park. She said that if she hadn't noticed them standing there, it may have not turned out as good. Please let your community know since I know that the cops weren't concerned about it at all. I would hate to see something happen to someone at our park because of unawareness.
Thanks!
Crime is becoming a very serious issue Folks. It's rare to see Police Reports and Press Releases from the SPD any more and they don't want you to know about situations like this because there's an election just days away.
Please look out for each other and THANK YOU to the individuals who had that woman's back. GREAT WORK!
My mother in law and sister in law were riding by the park on the back way in (by the residential area going towards the moose lodge) and saw these three guys standing by the building. One was peeing on the building and the other 2 were looking out around the building. Then they saw this woman jogger coming by and they looked they were going to jump out. The next thing you knew she went by and never saw them and they took after the woman. My mother in law pulled over and called 911. My sister in law jumped out of the van and went running down the hill towards the woman screaming "they're behind you run, faster!" because the woman had no idea they were even there. She said the 3 guys kept coming at them then took off when they saw my mother in law with the phone in her hand. It took the cops a good 25 min to get there and they said they would ride around and see if they saw anyone. My sister in law was really upset because it took them so long and something could have happened to them before the cops even got there. She said the woman was really grateful they had seen these guys because no one knows what they could have done to her. My sister in law lives by the park and said that she has never seen anyone just hanging out around the buildings on that back side. Usually just walkers and joggers since it just wraps around the park. She said that if she hadn't noticed them standing there, it may have not turned out as good. Please let your community know since I know that the cops weren't concerned about it at all. I would hate to see something happen to someone at our park because of unawareness.
Thanks!
Crime is becoming a very serious issue Folks. It's rare to see Police Reports and Press Releases from the SPD any more and they don't want you to know about situations like this because there's an election just days away.
Please look out for each other and THANK YOU to the individuals who had that woman's back. GREAT WORK!
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Theft
Date of Incident: 26 February 2009
Location: 35000 block of Cobbs Hill Road, Willards, MD
Suspect: Juvenile, 16 YOA, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 February 2009 at 11:13 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 35000 block of Cobbs Hill Road and met with a taxi driver who claimed his fare refused to pay for a ride from Salisbury to Willards. The Deputy discovered that the taxi did in fact pick up a 16 YOA juvenile in the Long Avenue area of Salisbury and drive him to the Cobbs Hill Road area of Willards. The Taxi driver advised that the juvenile would not pay the driver. The deputy located the juvenile inside the residence where he had been dropped off and placed the juvenile under arrest.
The juvenile was transported to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released to a parent pending action by the Department of Juvenile Services.
Charges: Theft under $100.00
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 26 February 2009
Location: 1700 block of Wilson Lane, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Dionte Keith Dutton, 24, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 February 2009 at 12:33 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Wilson Lane, Salisbury for a reported altercation between two subjects. Upon arrival, they met with a subject who claimed she had been assaulted by a cohabitant identified as Dionte Dutton. During the investigation, the deputy observed injuries on the victim consistent with her statements. Dutton, who was on scene, was arrested.
Dutton was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, he was held in the Detention Center in lieu of $7,500.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Baltimore, MD Man Jailed In “LSD” Sting
Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has arrested a 46-year-old Baltimore, MD man for several drug related offenses after completing an ongoing undercover operation into the delivery and distribution of LSD and Marijuana Hashish.
During the investigation, detectives derived information that Robert A. Ewers, 46 of Baltimore, would be delivering a quantity of LSD and marijuana hashish to the parking lot of business on S. Main Street in Bridgeville yesterday.
At approximately 3:00 pm, acting on the aforementioned information, members of the Sussex Drug Unit, Sussex County Governors Task Force, and Troop 5 patrol units established surveillance of the parking lot and observed Robert A. Ewers arrive in the parking lot in a black Dodge Caliber. Detectives then contacted Ewers and continued the investigation.
A subsequent search of Ewers jacket resulted in the seizure of 220 individual dosage units of LSD and 29 grams of marijuana hashish. Inside the vehicle, detectives located a digital scale. Ewers was arrested for Trafficking LSD, Possession with Intent to Deliver LSD, Delivery of Marijuana Hashish, Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances, and 2 counts of Possession of Drug paraphernalia. Ewers was committed to SCI in default of $40,000 cash bond.
Detectives also contacted a passenger named Richard V. Rorke, 56 of Baltimore. Rorke, who was intoxicated, refused to cooperate with the investigation by not revealing his hands to police. Investigating officers, concerned for their safety, continued to direct verbal commands at Rorke to reveal his hands. After refusing to do so, troopers approached him at which point he physically resisted detention. After a brief struggle, he was apprehended without further incident.
Rorke was arrested for resisting arrest and committed to SCI on $1000 secured bond.
During the investigation, detectives derived information that Robert A. Ewers, 46 of Baltimore, would be delivering a quantity of LSD and marijuana hashish to the parking lot of business on S. Main Street in Bridgeville yesterday.
At approximately 3:00 pm, acting on the aforementioned information, members of the Sussex Drug Unit, Sussex County Governors Task Force, and Troop 5 patrol units established surveillance of the parking lot and observed Robert A. Ewers arrive in the parking lot in a black Dodge Caliber. Detectives then contacted Ewers and continued the investigation.
A subsequent search of Ewers jacket resulted in the seizure of 220 individual dosage units of LSD and 29 grams of marijuana hashish. Inside the vehicle, detectives located a digital scale. Ewers was arrested for Trafficking LSD, Possession with Intent to Deliver LSD, Delivery of Marijuana Hashish, Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances, and 2 counts of Possession of Drug paraphernalia. Ewers was committed to SCI in default of $40,000 cash bond.
Detectives also contacted a passenger named Richard V. Rorke, 56 of Baltimore. Rorke, who was intoxicated, refused to cooperate with the investigation by not revealing his hands to police. Investigating officers, concerned for their safety, continued to direct verbal commands at Rorke to reveal his hands. After refusing to do so, troopers approached him at which point he physically resisted detention. After a brief struggle, he was apprehended without further incident.
Rorke was arrested for resisting arrest and committed to SCI on $1000 secured bond.
Camden Association Forum
With a crowd of more than 80 people, this Forum was by far the best one yet. The questions were more in line of what your next Mayor's responsibility might be as well as many of the hot topics we face in hard times. I'll share my thoughts at the end of this article. The following are my notes.....
The first question asked by Mr. Bill Reddish was based around crime and what will you do as Mayor to work on this issue?
Della Penna: I've heard we need more Police Officers, I don't believe it. Crime has gone up elsewhere and I don't know about you but I still leave my back door wide open.
Comegys: Any crime is a problem. When we increased pay, crime went down. We need more Officers and technology. We need to re institute Crime Watches. Invest more into Grant opportunities.
Ireton: I reviewed a Comprehensive Study from 2006. There was a 1 1/2 to 4 1/2% increase in crime over Baltimore. Open up Sub Stations again. Bike Patrol. More money for Police Officers. I stood in front of the Council and showed then where they could cut $1.6 million. We have more than 7,000 students at SU.
Caldwell: Crime exists and it's going to continue. We're not going to be able to afford new positions. Crime Watch. Things will be tight for the next 24 to 36 months.
City Boards & Appointments.
Ireton: It's hard to find people to serve. We need to stop bringing in people who could benefit from serving. It's like the fox in the hen house, like Richard Insley.
Della Penna: No favoritism for anyone. The Zoo is a big priority. The Zoo used to be the best around. It's not like that any more now.
Caldwell: Repetitive. Find people competent.
Comegys: We need to better advertise. Take in letters of intent. Make sure the city is represented as best as we can.
Views of fiscal budget 2010? Line item budget?
Comegys: New Mayor will have an impact on our new budget. I believe a program budget works. It's a better management tool than a line item budget.
Della Penna: I'm in favor of a program budget.
Caldwell: The incoming Mayor will have less impact than Mr. Comegys says. There's not much time for the new Mayor to impact the budget. I am in favor of a line item budget. I believe the Mayor should present a budget to the Council, (like we used to do) and then it becomes their budget. I would offer a charter amendment to the Council to change it back to the way it used to be.
Ireton: I'm weary about this one. It will be in conjunction with 5 Council Members. I'm in favor of the line item budget.
Competitive Bidding, such as the City Attorney and other services?
Ireton: Competitive bidding is great but I have seen my fair share of change orders in my time. The City's lawyers salary needs to be set and the lawyer needs to stick to that figure. We need to get the best bang for our buck.
Caldwell: Some can be outsourced and some can be under our control. It truly depends on the service. Set a price for City attorney and set a figure for any additional services required.
Della Penna: The City attorney should not work elsewhere.
Comegys: I'm not going to low bid my attorney just like I wouldn't low bid my Doctor. In 1998 &1999 we spent $180,000.00 in attorney fees. In today's money we're spending just about the same.
Mall TIF, Developer subsidies?
Comegys: We have no risk in the Mall TIF. We still get base line taxes. No tax payers are at risk. County just purchased 5 acre lot from the old mall.
Caldwell: Development is good for all of us. Our previous Council did a good job doing so. However, we need to be more careful. The status of the old mall is unclear to me.
Della Penna: I agree with the TIF. The City is dragging their feet.
Ireton: I would not be in support of a TIF. There is the population of the entire town of Delmar in that one location, the old mall. For 30, 40, 50 and even 60 years these people need to pay for their services from the City. Yes, we were all happy to see the old mall come down but it was sad to see that citizens had to sue.
Surplus Assets?
Della Penna: Have an auction.
Comegys: We have a good system in place. We advertise to solicit bids. If no one bids, then that's the value. I think we have a good system. Old Fire Trucks bring what they bring.
Ireton: I agree with Mr. Comegys. We have a problem with crime, let's get back to that.
Caldwell: No change in system is warranted. I see no reason for change.
SU Students don't feel welcome in Salisbury?
Comegys: We have a problem with the lack of housing.
I stepped out of the room at that moment.
Repairing infrastructure?
Comegys: In 1957 we spent 33% in infrastructure. Today we spend 59%. We need to put more tax money into streets and sidewalks.
Ireton: 3 ways. 1, line item budget. 2, An adequate public facility ordinance and 3 put our own fiscal in order. We raised taxes 25% over the last 6 years. I'll provide audits on line, on time.
Caldwell: Infrastructure, lack of building permits in recent years. This is a very important issue for our next Mayor. Salisbury needs someone with experience.
Della Penna: We need a strong infrastructure. Why does it take so long for permits. Our roads need to be fixed.
Position of Richard Insley on Landlord Board?
Ireton: In the opening rules you mentioned no personal attacks. I feel this question does just that and I opt not to respond to that question as I feel it goes against your own rules. The audience broke out into applause.
Comegys: I agree with Mr. Ireton.
They chose to drop that question and move on.
Campaign Contributions, 1 candidate has all large donations while others are small.
Caldwell: Everyone is following the law.
Comegys: I would like to thank all those people who made donations to my campaign. We've all complied with that. We're all operating on a shoe string.
Della Penna: I didn't raise anything.
Ireton: We all need to give a check to Mike Della Penna. I've been in this a long time. You should be discriminating.Some people on Boards & Commissions, you should be worried about who's donating. We have had a history of politicians who have been bought & sold. I do not have property on the edge of town to be annexed.
Citizens Questions.
Stand Pipe, it's stable and determined to be safe. Is it historic?
Comegys: It should be preserved. Part of the cost will come out of the water & sewer fund. If we get grant money to pay for it, why not. It's a part of our history.
Della Penna: Anything historic should be saved.
Ireton: Most of our historical things are gone. We've become a place of concrete and strip malls. It should be saved.
Caldwell: I disagree. Just because it's old doesn't mean it's historic. I don't think it has any historic sense. $140,000.00 could hire two cops instead.
How much time can you devote towards being Mayor?
Della Penna: 24 hours a day. I don't have a job.
Ireton: This question has been an elephant in the room for a while now. If I'm lucky enough to be elected, is $25,000.00 a year enough? Do we pay enough per year? I will do everything necessary to be successful as your Mayor.
Caldwell: Whatever time it takes.
Comegys: Whatever is necessary.
Ireton came back and said, it's important that all incomes are represented.
How will you stimulate the economy?
Ireton: Downtown. Brew Pub, the Council needs to get more involved. Maryland is sometimes a difficult place to do business. We need to offer credits to businesses willing to come Downtown the way it is, not after it's built back up.
Caldwell: Create an environment to make it desirable to do business with. Make the system work and invite businesses.
Della Penna: I'm not a politician, I'm a businessman. Lower the rent.
Comegys: Developers know our process takes a long time.
Do you believe there are Gangs in Salisbury?
Della Penna: Work with Police and remove the Gangs.
Comegys: Gangs are here. To what extend, I don't know. I would want the Police Chief to inform me better. I'm going to demand this of our Police Chief. (note, the Chief had left the building when that statement was made). The school system has a role in this as well.
Ireton: Dan Dougherty can tell you exactly how many Gang Members there are in Salisbury. Job problems, schools, faith groups, code compliance, sub stations. Get cops into the sub stations and cops back on the streets.
Caldwell: I think admitting they're here was the first step. Graffiti needs to be cleaned up immediately after it happens. A task force is necessary.
Should the City draft legislation for doing business with LLC's and expose who the players are?
Comegys: I'm not so sure. LLC's are a legal entity. There are some corporations we don't know who the owners/players are.
Ireton: Note: I have no notes.
Caldwell: Disclosure is important to the City.
Della Penna: I'm not a lawyer, I don't know.
Transparency & Open Government?
Caldwell: You will not see Mayor Caldwell interrupting City Council Meetings and arguing with the Council.
Ireton: 220 signatures on a petition to reopen sub stations. Note: I got lost from there.
Comegys: Consider all of our records here. Do you want5 a Mayor to talk about problems or resolve problems.
For the very first time, Salisbury University Students were represented in a Public Forum and invited. They walked out of this meeting very happy and pleased and enjoyed their experience.
I think if you were someone new to Salisbury and you came into this Forum trying to get educated, Gary Comegys probably came off as the winner. However, since everyone is NOT new to local politics, I believe Ireton and Caldwell did a fantastic job. Ireton is always more charismatic than anyone else and if you ask me, if I wanted someone going to Annapolis representing the City of Salisbury, Jim Ireton would be the best Candidate for Mayor of Salisbury. Bob Caldwell would be a very close second. Mike Della Penna is a nice enough guy but who's kidding whom here, the man is certainly not Mayoral material. I know I didn't deliver this kind of post from the last three Forums. The main reason for such is how long it takes to type this out. This Forum was far more important so I took the additional time to do so.
I will say this however, Jim Ireton has out performed everyone in each of the Forums held to date. While I question Jim's commitment towards this position being a full time job for him, I take no credit away from his answer because I personally feel he's right on target when it comes to paying your Mayor. Look, this is a serious job and Salisbury is certainly big enough to be paying at least $50,000.00 a year. I feel the same way about Mike Lewis and the job her does as Sheriff. It's an insult to pay so little and in order to get properly represented you have to be retired and financially secure.
Jim is a great candidate and I believe Jim when he says he's do everything it takes to be a success as your Mayor. Comegys is conveniently retiring but I have to say Folks, if you want more of the same, then give him your vote. Bob Caldwell is a great man, period. However, I just haven't heard Bob sell me on solid answers and convincing answers. I would want to know exactly what it is you're going to deliver as the next Mayor and delivering careful answers at these meetings just doesn't cut it and that goes for ALL of the candidates.
If I have the time later I'll provide to you what "I" would have said as a Candidate and you determine if anyone answered these questions with confidence and convincing enough to gain your respect and vote.
Again, here's what I want YOU to think about. When you make your vote on Tuesday, think about which one of these men you want standing there in Annapolis representing the City of Salisbury.
UPDATE: While Mr. Comegys seemd very proud of the fact that the County has in fact purchased 5 acres of the old mall property and implied last night that a deal was complete, this was absolutely inaccurate. The following statement just came in from Jim Fineran. "Here’s the situation…program Open Space has encumbered $1.5 Million for acquisition of 5 acres of land for use as a parking lot on what is known as the Old Mall property. There has been no purchase from the property owners. Negotiations are ongoing."
That being said, Mr. Pollitt assured me that there would be no purchase of that property with Wicomico County Taxpayer Money. OK, so this program is state money but it does come out of your pockets. I personally believe nothing should be done until the task force comes back with an answer on if they believe they should build a new Civic Center, or not.
HISTORICAL MOMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
Don't forget tomorrow's "HISTORICAL MOMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER" at 9:00 AM sharp.Somerset NAACP on Participation in Sports
Kudos to the Somerset County branch of the NAACP for demanding that students be required to keep a 2.0 average in order to participate in sports. These folks obviously have their priorities in order.
Unfortunately for the Wicomico and Worcester Boards of Education this raises a serious question. Why do they seemingly place a higher priority on sports participation than academic achievement?
Wicomico only requires students to maintain a 1.6 GPA. Worcester? 1.75 As we approach budget time, the two boards should be asked some hard questions. Bad teachers can't be fired. Money is wasted on often meaningless bureaucratic programs. But ... we need to make sure that kids who can't get at least a C in all of their classes should be able to play football or basketball.
I'm dying to hear a response to this one.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Unfortunately for the Wicomico and Worcester Boards of Education this raises a serious question. Why do they seemingly place a higher priority on sports participation than academic achievement?
Wicomico only requires students to maintain a 1.6 GPA. Worcester? 1.75 As we approach budget time, the two boards should be asked some hard questions. Bad teachers can't be fired. Money is wasted on often meaningless bureaucratic programs. But ... we need to make sure that kids who can't get at least a C in all of their classes should be able to play football or basketball.
I'm dying to hear a response to this one.
cross posted at Delmarva Dealings
Milford Man Killed In Pedestrian Fatal Crash
Milford – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the fatal crash involving a hit and run driver who struck and killed a 90-year-old Milford man last evening..
Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 9:08 pm in the area of S. Rehoboth Blvd - approximately .1 tenth of a mile south of the corporate limits of Milford - after a passing motorist discovered a person lying on the southbound shoulder of the roadway.
The ensuing investigation revealed Paris M. Sharp, 90 of Milford was walking across S. Rehoboth Blvd when an unknown vehicle struck him. After the collision, the striking vehicle fled the scene. Sharp was taken to Milford Memorial Hospital where he died of injuries sustained in the crash.
Sharp was wearing dark colored clothing, had no light in his possession and was not crossing at a designated crosswalk. The investigation is continuing and investigators have no suspect vehicle description. The DSP is asking for anyone who may have information on this crash to contact investigators at 302.697.4455 ext 213 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.TIP.3333.
The road was closed for approximately 2 hours as investigators examined the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 9:08 pm in the area of S. Rehoboth Blvd - approximately .1 tenth of a mile south of the corporate limits of Milford - after a passing motorist discovered a person lying on the southbound shoulder of the roadway.
The ensuing investigation revealed Paris M. Sharp, 90 of Milford was walking across S. Rehoboth Blvd when an unknown vehicle struck him. After the collision, the striking vehicle fled the scene. Sharp was taken to Milford Memorial Hospital where he died of injuries sustained in the crash.
Sharp was wearing dark colored clothing, had no light in his possession and was not crossing at a designated crosswalk. The investigation is continuing and investigators have no suspect vehicle description. The DSP is asking for anyone who may have information on this crash to contact investigators at 302.697.4455 ext 213 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.TIP.3333.
The road was closed for approximately 2 hours as investigators examined the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Response to the Response - by Two Sentz
I hope we are starting to see the point here.
For every "he said" there is a "she said". For every republican stereotype about democrats, there is a democratic stereotype about republicans. And for every stereotype there is factual evidence to both support it and equal evidence to disprove it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
If sunnyinoc has a right to do a post making fun of democrats that is only a “joke” and democrats are supposed to “accept” it as “free speech,” then shouldn’t twosentz be allowed to do a post making fun of republicans which they too should see is only a “joke” to be “accepted” as “free speech”?
I know the stereotypes I posted are NOT true and I know the stereotypes sunnyinoc posted are NOT true. But what we have to realize as a community and as a nation is that there are people who are like us, but that disagree with us. When we make hurtful statements, we should expect a scornful reaction.
Obviously politics gets people’s blood boiling. We all know this. That’s why sunnyinoc posted his/her post, that’s why I posted mine, and that’s why we all tune in to this blog to see the reactions.
I know SBY News is traditionally a haven for right-wingers but Joe is clearly taking steps to bring it toward the center, which I think is something to be commended. We are just experiencing some growing pains.
Here’s what I think would be VERY fruitful for this comment thread: let’s list all the things Republicans and Democrats have in common, whether good or bad. I’ll get us started.
Both Reps and Dems are Americans.
Both Reps and Dems serve in the Military.
Both Reps and Dems have died for this country.
Both Reps and Dems own firearms.
Both Reps and Dems pay taxes.
Both Reps and Dems cheat on their taxes.
Both Reps and Dems are rich.
Both Reps and Dems are poor.
Both Reps and Dems believe in God.
Both Reps and Dems break the law.
Both Reps and Dems up hold the law.
I could go on and on. Let’s see who can put petty differences aside for a minute and step up to the plate.
Two Sentz
For every "he said" there is a "she said". For every republican stereotype about democrats, there is a democratic stereotype about republicans. And for every stereotype there is factual evidence to both support it and equal evidence to disprove it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
If sunnyinoc has a right to do a post making fun of democrats that is only a “joke” and democrats are supposed to “accept” it as “free speech,” then shouldn’t twosentz be allowed to do a post making fun of republicans which they too should see is only a “joke” to be “accepted” as “free speech”?
I know the stereotypes I posted are NOT true and I know the stereotypes sunnyinoc posted are NOT true. But what we have to realize as a community and as a nation is that there are people who are like us, but that disagree with us. When we make hurtful statements, we should expect a scornful reaction.
Obviously politics gets people’s blood boiling. We all know this. That’s why sunnyinoc posted his/her post, that’s why I posted mine, and that’s why we all tune in to this blog to see the reactions.
I know SBY News is traditionally a haven for right-wingers but Joe is clearly taking steps to bring it toward the center, which I think is something to be commended. We are just experiencing some growing pains.
Here’s what I think would be VERY fruitful for this comment thread: let’s list all the things Republicans and Democrats have in common, whether good or bad. I’ll get us started.
Both Reps and Dems are Americans.
Both Reps and Dems serve in the Military.
Both Reps and Dems have died for this country.
Both Reps and Dems own firearms.
Both Reps and Dems pay taxes.
Both Reps and Dems cheat on their taxes.
Both Reps and Dems are rich.
Both Reps and Dems are poor.
Both Reps and Dems believe in God.
Both Reps and Dems break the law.
Both Reps and Dems up hold the law.
I could go on and on. Let’s see who can put petty differences aside for a minute and step up to the plate.
Two Sentz
Pizza In 2010
This is funny, but the scary part is that it's probably not too far away from being reality
Want to know how to order a pizza in 2010? Click the link and see... turn up the volume. . . listen closely. . . watch the pointer carefully!
This seems so true, it's frightening!
CLICK HERE!
Want to know how to order a pizza in 2010? Click the link and see... turn up the volume. . . listen closely. . . watch the pointer carefully!
This seems so true, it's frightening!
CLICK HERE!
Cell Phones Should Be Rejected From Schools
Lessons from Columbine:
"Just minutes after the first explosion of a pipe bomb on the roof of Columbine High School, the entire 911 phone system at the Jefferson County PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) became overwhelmed. During the first hour and forty minutes, 119 calls were received via 911, with an additional 114 received in the subsequent three hours. In addition, non-emergency lines quickly reached capacity. These numbers reflect a 2,000 percent increase in the average call volume. In addition, many calls were taken by surrounding agencies when the county's system reached capacity.
Adding to the call volume were the calls from the media persistently seeking any and all information they could get, even to the point of calling 911 knowing they would get through to someone. Within the first 12 hours, 339 phone calls were received from the news media alone. These calls continued for weeks at an alarming level from around the world.
All phone systems were impacted. As soon as the first media report, conventional phone circuits became completely overloaded in the immediate area of Columbine, and all of the Denver Metro area experienced similar problems once the story broke nationally as family and friends called to assure that loved ones were accounted for and safe.
Immediately, cell sites reached overload, rendering cell phones virtually useless by first responders. Initially, most of the cell traffic was from students and faculty who were affected. Even when COW's (Cell On Wheels) were brought in, they too reached capacity very quickly, as news media took up a large portion by locking into a connection with their news room and maintaining it for hours.
Without question, the hardest obstacle faced that day, both at the scene and at the various communication centers that were involved, was dealing with the tremendous amount of information. Information was coming from phone calls both inside and outside of the school. Students were relaying information to law enforcement officers and firefighters. Parents, friends and other jurisdictions were calling to relay information they had received from students barricaded inside the school. School officials also had information they were receiving from staff members over their own two-way radio system. From every direction, command staff was bombarded, and much of the incoming information was out of sequence, unclear and conflicting. Making sense of it became extremely difficult. For example, in the first six minutes, law enforcement construed that there were six to eight shooters based on the information they received. In the end, as we know, there were only the two shooters, Dylan and Eric, randomly and rapidly moving throughout the school firing their guns, throwing grenades and setting off pipe bombs. "
The Impact of Governance, Operations and Technology on Critical Emergency Response: Lessons from Columbine
By: Chuck Burdick, former
Operations Chief
Littleton Fire Department
Columbine CO
"Just minutes after the first explosion of a pipe bomb on the roof of Columbine High School, the entire 911 phone system at the Jefferson County PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) became overwhelmed. During the first hour and forty minutes, 119 calls were received via 911, with an additional 114 received in the subsequent three hours. In addition, non-emergency lines quickly reached capacity. These numbers reflect a 2,000 percent increase in the average call volume. In addition, many calls were taken by surrounding agencies when the county's system reached capacity.
Adding to the call volume were the calls from the media persistently seeking any and all information they could get, even to the point of calling 911 knowing they would get through to someone. Within the first 12 hours, 339 phone calls were received from the news media alone. These calls continued for weeks at an alarming level from around the world.
All phone systems were impacted. As soon as the first media report, conventional phone circuits became completely overloaded in the immediate area of Columbine, and all of the Denver Metro area experienced similar problems once the story broke nationally as family and friends called to assure that loved ones were accounted for and safe.
Immediately, cell sites reached overload, rendering cell phones virtually useless by first responders. Initially, most of the cell traffic was from students and faculty who were affected. Even when COW's (Cell On Wheels) were brought in, they too reached capacity very quickly, as news media took up a large portion by locking into a connection with their news room and maintaining it for hours.
Without question, the hardest obstacle faced that day, both at the scene and at the various communication centers that were involved, was dealing with the tremendous amount of information. Information was coming from phone calls both inside and outside of the school. Students were relaying information to law enforcement officers and firefighters. Parents, friends and other jurisdictions were calling to relay information they had received from students barricaded inside the school. School officials also had information they were receiving from staff members over their own two-way radio system. From every direction, command staff was bombarded, and much of the incoming information was out of sequence, unclear and conflicting. Making sense of it became extremely difficult. For example, in the first six minutes, law enforcement construed that there were six to eight shooters based on the information they received. In the end, as we know, there were only the two shooters, Dylan and Eric, randomly and rapidly moving throughout the school firing their guns, throwing grenades and setting off pipe bombs. "
The Impact of Governance, Operations and Technology on Critical Emergency Response: Lessons from Columbine
By: Chuck Burdick, former
Operations Chief
Littleton Fire Department
Columbine CO
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