Come to the Lagoon Bar at the Fountain's and enjoy a fine cigar this evening. There's no charge and you'll meet some fine people from the Eastern Shore. We'll meet from 7 to 10 PM.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Cigar Club Tonight At The Fountain's
Come to the Lagoon Bar at the Fountain's and enjoy a fine cigar this evening. There's no charge and you'll meet some fine people from the Eastern Shore. We'll meet from 7 to 10 PM.
This Just In From Mayor Ireton
In response to Gary Comegys letter posted below:
-----Original Message-----
From: James Ireton
Sent: Wed, Dec 2, 2009 4:00 pm
I have just received this request from Councilman Gary Comegys. I received it from the Daily Times. WBOC-TV has the request. I did not see this request until 3:30 PM today, after all other media outlets had it. I question Mr. Comegys motives when the media has the request before the Mayor does. Yes, Mr. Comegys, crime is truly an emergency. Mr. Comegys has been on council for 6 years, each year denying the police department the requested officers they needed. He did this with his vote, over and over again. Today, after campaigning that crime was not a problem in Salisbury, he wakes up. This administration is working with all allied agencies to address the current spike in our crime rates. I have officially asked for WSO and MSP patrol checks throughout Salisbury. The current situation is this. Our Chief of Police is out of town hunting, and our losing mayoral candidate sends his emergency crime request - 6 years late - to the media and not the mayor. Salisbury needs to know that they have, in me, a mayor that works every day on every aspect of crime. What is clear is that all who serve the citizens don't view their jobs the same way I do.
Mr. Comegys request will be brought before the city council for consideration, if Council President Smith grants the time.
Jim Ireton 203 W. Philadelphia Avenue Salisbury, Maryland 21801 410-749-5712
Editors note: It was at a very recent council meeting that Debbie Campbell wanted to find $86,000 to fund the police and Gary Comegys said he didn't want to take money from the Zoo to fund Police. Today he wants $200,000 to triplicate services. We don't need a crime prevention coordinator, we have WBI, they are already organized and set up. Comegys wouldn't know this because Webster does not participate with WBI.
To little, to late Comegys. You will see how effective you have been as a legislator in the next election.
-----Original Message-----
From: James Ireton
Sent: Wed, Dec 2, 2009 4:00 pm
I have just received this request from Councilman Gary Comegys. I received it from the Daily Times. WBOC-TV has the request. I did not see this request until 3:30 PM today, after all other media outlets had it. I question Mr. Comegys motives when the media has the request before the Mayor does. Yes, Mr. Comegys, crime is truly an emergency. Mr. Comegys has been on council for 6 years, each year denying the police department the requested officers they needed. He did this with his vote, over and over again. Today, after campaigning that crime was not a problem in Salisbury, he wakes up. This administration is working with all allied agencies to address the current spike in our crime rates. I have officially asked for WSO and MSP patrol checks throughout Salisbury. The current situation is this. Our Chief of Police is out of town hunting, and our losing mayoral candidate sends his emergency crime request - 6 years late - to the media and not the mayor. Salisbury needs to know that they have, in me, a mayor that works every day on every aspect of crime. What is clear is that all who serve the citizens don't view their jobs the same way I do.
Mr. Comegys request will be brought before the city council for consideration, if Council President Smith grants the time.
Jim Ireton 203 W. Philadelphia Avenue Salisbury, Maryland 21801 410-749-5712
Editors note: It was at a very recent council meeting that Debbie Campbell wanted to find $86,000 to fund the police and Gary Comegys said he didn't want to take money from the Zoo to fund Police. Today he wants $200,000 to triplicate services. We don't need a crime prevention coordinator, we have WBI, they are already organized and set up. Comegys wouldn't know this because Webster does not participate with WBI.
To little, to late Comegys. You will see how effective you have been as a legislator in the next election.
Solutions To Crime
We've all had time to release anger and frustration, now let's provide the 3 cry babies on the city council with solutions. They always say all we, as a people do is complain, as if it wasn't our right to do so. Let's offer up some solutions to resolve some of our issues in the city.
I would offer the following:
1. Terminate Chief Webster immediately
2. Appoint an interim chief that is not afraid to do the job and has the respect of the troops. (The only way to know who that is would be to poll the troops, individually to avoid retaliation from above)
3. Request Mike Lewis and Ernie Leatherbury to orchestrate a surge in all crime laden neighborhoods.
4. Round up every single known gang member.
5. Round up everyone displaying gang signs, colors, or symbols no matter their age.
6. Remove the STOP sign at the intersection of Naylor & Church Sts. It only accomodates open air drug trafficking.
7. Shut down all nuisance properties. Properties that are known to house drug dealers, bordellos, shooting galleries, etc.
7. Continue with these surges often until the drug dealers, gang members and anyone else considering a life of crime gets the message they will not be tolerated any longer.
It won't be easy and it will be costly. The question is how much is your safety and quality of life worth?
How many victims do we have to have before we say ENOUGH?
I would offer the following:
1. Terminate Chief Webster immediately
2. Appoint an interim chief that is not afraid to do the job and has the respect of the troops. (The only way to know who that is would be to poll the troops, individually to avoid retaliation from above)
3. Request Mike Lewis and Ernie Leatherbury to orchestrate a surge in all crime laden neighborhoods.
4. Round up every single known gang member.
5. Round up everyone displaying gang signs, colors, or symbols no matter their age.
6. Remove the STOP sign at the intersection of Naylor & Church Sts. It only accomodates open air drug trafficking.
7. Shut down all nuisance properties. Properties that are known to house drug dealers, bordellos, shooting galleries, etc.
7. Continue with these surges often until the drug dealers, gang members and anyone else considering a life of crime gets the message they will not be tolerated any longer.
It won't be easy and it will be costly. The question is how much is your safety and quality of life worth?
How many victims do we have to have before we say ENOUGH?
Gangs Hunt Victims- SPD Chief Webster Hunts Deer
After receiving far to many phone calls concerning the shooting of Greg Knowles we have learned that our not so beloved Chief of Police is out deer hunting. What the hell is wrong with this guy? His only concern seems to be suing the city, mayor, and council members instead of providing protection or at the very least, proactive policing to the citizens of Salisbury.
Last night we all heard Mike Lewis say he called Webster offering assistance of 11 detectives to assist with the investigation of the shooting and armed robbery at East Side Deli and Webster declined Lewis's offer. We all heard Lewis say he doesn't wait for Chief Webster to call, HE makes the call to Webster.
We all heard Davis Ruark say the mayor can step in and make the decision Webster won't make. Webster does not cooperate with the other police agencies, he doesn't even have members working with WBI while the other agencies do. Webster doesn't want to solve crime, he wants to deer hunt, sue the city, collect a paycheck and retirement. We also heard Ruark say he has called for additional State Troopers to help in this area. He said that a month ago after the council meeting. Maybe,Ruark doesn't know that Sheridan and Webster are very good buddies. Maybe, this is why a month later he is still waiting for additional police to come to our aide. Whatever the reason for the delay, SALISBURY IS BURNING, while we wait.
I have contacted the Mayor a number of times over the past 16 hours. I strongly suggested the termination of Chief Webster at the end of each conversation. I knew when requesting he terminate Webster and let the chips fall where they may, that he could not and would not speak about personnel matters. He also advised I call my council members and let them know of my concerns. I did call Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Cohen, calling those other bozos would be a waste of a call. Gary Comegys doesn't want to trade off one amenity (the zoo) to fund crime, calling him would be futile. Louise doesn't know her butt from first base without being directed by Comegys and Shanie doesn't think it's murder if they know the person they are shooting. Calling them would be another exercise in futility.
People are outraged to a level I don't remember since Coulbourne Dykes rounded up the shooters at the Old Mall. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Webster to round up anything, other than his hunting gear.
Email them all or email them individually, it doesn't matter what district they represent. What matters is that crime is out of control and the chief of police is off deer hunting, while Greg Knowles lies in recovery from gun shot wounds.
As I've said repeatedly, to the mayor, over the past 16 hours FIRE WEBSTER, NOW!!!
Call them all. Comegys, Smith and Shields always say no one calls them, they never hear from constituents. Now is the time, let them hear your concerns, tell them what you want and expect from them.
To email all City Council Members
ALLCityCouncilMembers@ci.salisbury.md.us
Jim Ireton
410-548-3100
jireton@ci.salisbury.md.us
Louise Smith
410-860-1717
LSmithNKey@aol.com
Gary Comegys
410-548-1623
gacomegys@verizon.net
Debbie Campbell
410-860-0893
debbiescampbell@comcast.net
Terry Cohen
410-845-0293
Terry@TerryCohen.com
riter1115@yahoo.com
Shanie Shields
443-736-3306
sshields820@aol.com
Last night we all heard Mike Lewis say he called Webster offering assistance of 11 detectives to assist with the investigation of the shooting and armed robbery at East Side Deli and Webster declined Lewis's offer. We all heard Lewis say he doesn't wait for Chief Webster to call, HE makes the call to Webster.
We all heard Davis Ruark say the mayor can step in and make the decision Webster won't make. Webster does not cooperate with the other police agencies, he doesn't even have members working with WBI while the other agencies do. Webster doesn't want to solve crime, he wants to deer hunt, sue the city, collect a paycheck and retirement. We also heard Ruark say he has called for additional State Troopers to help in this area. He said that a month ago after the council meeting. Maybe,Ruark doesn't know that Sheridan and Webster are very good buddies. Maybe, this is why a month later he is still waiting for additional police to come to our aide. Whatever the reason for the delay, SALISBURY IS BURNING, while we wait.
I have contacted the Mayor a number of times over the past 16 hours. I strongly suggested the termination of Chief Webster at the end of each conversation. I knew when requesting he terminate Webster and let the chips fall where they may, that he could not and would not speak about personnel matters. He also advised I call my council members and let them know of my concerns. I did call Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Cohen, calling those other bozos would be a waste of a call. Gary Comegys doesn't want to trade off one amenity (the zoo) to fund crime, calling him would be futile. Louise doesn't know her butt from first base without being directed by Comegys and Shanie doesn't think it's murder if they know the person they are shooting. Calling them would be another exercise in futility.
People are outraged to a level I don't remember since Coulbourne Dykes rounded up the shooters at the Old Mall. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Webster to round up anything, other than his hunting gear.
Email them all or email them individually, it doesn't matter what district they represent. What matters is that crime is out of control and the chief of police is off deer hunting, while Greg Knowles lies in recovery from gun shot wounds.
As I've said repeatedly, to the mayor, over the past 16 hours FIRE WEBSTER, NOW!!!
Call them all. Comegys, Smith and Shields always say no one calls them, they never hear from constituents. Now is the time, let them hear your concerns, tell them what you want and expect from them.
To email all City Council Members
ALLCityCouncilMembers@ci.salisbury.md.us
Jim Ireton
410-548-3100
jireton@ci.salisbury.md.us
Louise Smith
410-860-1717
LSmithNKey@aol.com
Gary Comegys
410-548-1623
gacomegys@verizon.net
Debbie Campbell
410-860-0893
debbiescampbell@comcast.net
Terry Cohen
410-845-0293
Terry@TerryCohen.com
riter1115@yahoo.com
Shanie Shields
443-736-3306
sshields820@aol.com
Red Kettle Campaign - UPDATE
If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464).
THANK YOU, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.
Man Do I Have A Lot Going On!
I apologize for the delays in Posts this morning. I spent the entire day at Sam's and then went to the meeting last night and didn't get to bed until late last night. This morning my Wife came in and informed me that our horses got loose. A large branch from one of the trees took out the electric fence and some time last night they discovered it and took off.
We spent most of this morning looking for them and when I finally found them we had to walk them all the way home and then walk back to get our vehicles. Oh what a treat these guys are at times. Nothing but very expensive lawn ornaments.
Anyhow, it's a crazy day and I have literally hundreds of e-mail messages and articles to get out to everyone. I have the Red Cross Luncheon at Noon and don't forget, tonight is Cigar Club Night at the Lagoon Bar at the Fountain's. Come join us. You'll meet some very fine people there.
I'll do my best getting some Posts up and some news will be a little late. Thanks for your patience.
We spent most of this morning looking for them and when I finally found them we had to walk them all the way home and then walk back to get our vehicles. Oh what a treat these guys are at times. Nothing but very expensive lawn ornaments.
Anyhow, it's a crazy day and I have literally hundreds of e-mail messages and articles to get out to everyone. I have the Red Cross Luncheon at Noon and don't forget, tonight is Cigar Club Night at the Lagoon Bar at the Fountain's. Come join us. You'll meet some very fine people there.
I'll do my best getting some Posts up and some news will be a little late. Thanks for your patience.
NBC Goes To Comcast - GE Goes Back To Making Stuff
(AP) For General Electric Co., the NBC entertainment division was always an odd fit.It's a marriage that will likely soon end. As GE prepares for an expected $30 billion deal that will give control of NBC to cable TV operator Comcast Corp., the conglomerate is shifting its focus back to its industrial divisions.
GE is shrinking its finance arm, which has been severely buffeted by the financial crisis. It has sold some businesses and shopped others around. And it is chasing nearly $200 billion in stimulus money from worldwide governments, much of it earmarked for such products as medical equipment and wind turbines. This new GE will likely look a lot like GE did before it acquired NBC in 1986.
"When you are running a company like GE, your roots are ultimately in manufacturing," said Nicholas Heymann, an analyst with Sterne Agee who once worked for GE as an auditor.
GE has reached a tentative agreement to buy out the 20 percent stake in NBC Universal that is held by French media company Vivendi SA, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. GE and Comcast are then expected to turn NBC Universal into a joint venture, with Comcast holding a 51 percent stake. GE likely would fully leave the partnership in a few years.
The financial crisis and recession of the past year have been difficult for GE, which is based in Fairfield, Conn., and has 323,000 employees. The company was forced to slash its dividend by 68 percent. It lost its coveted top bond rating, and its stock fell as much as 90 percent below the peak it had hit in 2000. GE is still trying to work through big losses at its GE Capital lending unit, once the source of half the conglomerate's profits, in areas such as commercial real estate and credit cards.
GE earned $8.1 billion over the first nine months of this year on revenue of $115 billion, but that marked a 43 percent drop in profit and a 15 percent revenue decline.
Dear Mayor Ireton
If there was ever a letter I wanted you to read, this is the one.
Last night I attended a Crime Meeting hosted by the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department. At some other point I'll get into the details of that meeting but right now I'm tired and not really in the mood for a long Post.
That being said, there came a point in last nights meeting where the topic came up, where's the Salisbury Police department. Davis Ruark was there, Sheriff Lewis was there, Ed Lashley, Chief of SU police was there, why no City representation?
Now why would several policing Agencies be there but the SPD wasn't invited, some brotherhood. Nevertheless, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell started asking some pretty good questions, one of which was, what's it going to take to wake others up that crime is a serious issue and who's going to take charge.
Sheriff Lewis was very clear by stating that after last night's shooting, (East Side Deli) the Sheriff contacted Chief Webster and offered the immediate services of 11 of his Detectives to immediately assist with this shooting. Not one of his Detectives were dispatched. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Webster turned down the Sheriff's offer.
That being said, Sheriff Lewis went on to say that if a shooting or a murder occurred in the County, his Detectives would work two to three days straight without sleep until that crime was solved, whatever it takes, my people will not sleep. It's been reported that the City of Salisbury Detectives were home within two hours after the East Side Deli shooting and the crime was NOT solved. Perhaps an 11 additional Detectives working several days in a row could have HELPED solve that crime, I don't know.
I address this letter to Mayor Ireton and offer it publicly because the public needs to know that there was one other thing said last night after the Sheriff and States Attorney Davis Ruark was challenged. Someone asked, if the Chief of the SPD won't take Sheriff Lewis up on such an offer, who can take charge, who can make that decision to better protect our City. The answer was, Mayor Ireton can. Davis Ruark said, while it would have been quicker for the Chief of Police to accept the help, the Mayor can step in and make such decisions. The Mayor has the authority to request other Agencies to come inside the City limits to assist.
So Mayor Ireton, just when will YOU grow a set and demand protection for the Citizens of the City of Salisbury. It's time to grow up here Jimmy and become Jim. These murders and shootings are now YOUR responsibility. Chief Webster stated to WBOC yesterday that the Chief is tired of certain people blaming his department for all the crime in the City and that the citizens need to get more involved and start telling the Police who's doing the crime. The citizens are NOT blaming the Salisbury Police Department, they are blaming CHIEF WEBSTER. Those men and women can only do as much as Webster will allow.
"Fight Crime, Not Opinions" Chief! Quit your bellyaching about people like me and do your damn job for once in your life. Man up and resign your position and let others take over the SPD who have a proven track record in solving crimes. When WBI and the Sheriff's department comes to you and offers their services, TAKE IT! Some have said the Chief didn't want to pay the overtime. Again, the Taxpayers that pay your salary and getting shot and killed in their own businesses and you're worried about overtime!
Businesses are starting to close their doors at 5:00 PM because of the high crime. Others are locking their doors and some are building security walls with bullet proof glass to protect their loved ones and employees. My God, what's next.
Mayor Ireton, while I may be speaking out of place here, I believe the Taxpayers have had enough as well as Chief Webster's BS. I have been asked to put together a Bon Fire with Citizens to gather together to denounce this Chief of Police and the Mayor as well, if necessary. I personally believe a pro active meeting where citizens come together to provide possible solutions is the answer.
If you're interested, (citizens) please let us know here in comments and we will put this together on a private piece of property where the Chief cannot stop such a rally. Enough Is Enough and we're not going to take it any more!
Last night I attended a Crime Meeting hosted by the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department. At some other point I'll get into the details of that meeting but right now I'm tired and not really in the mood for a long Post.
That being said, there came a point in last nights meeting where the topic came up, where's the Salisbury Police department. Davis Ruark was there, Sheriff Lewis was there, Ed Lashley, Chief of SU police was there, why no City representation?
Now why would several policing Agencies be there but the SPD wasn't invited, some brotherhood. Nevertheless, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell started asking some pretty good questions, one of which was, what's it going to take to wake others up that crime is a serious issue and who's going to take charge.
Sheriff Lewis was very clear by stating that after last night's shooting, (East Side Deli) the Sheriff contacted Chief Webster and offered the immediate services of 11 of his Detectives to immediately assist with this shooting. Not one of his Detectives were dispatched. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Webster turned down the Sheriff's offer.
That being said, Sheriff Lewis went on to say that if a shooting or a murder occurred in the County, his Detectives would work two to three days straight without sleep until that crime was solved, whatever it takes, my people will not sleep. It's been reported that the City of Salisbury Detectives were home within two hours after the East Side Deli shooting and the crime was NOT solved. Perhaps an 11 additional Detectives working several days in a row could have HELPED solve that crime, I don't know.
I address this letter to Mayor Ireton and offer it publicly because the public needs to know that there was one other thing said last night after the Sheriff and States Attorney Davis Ruark was challenged. Someone asked, if the Chief of the SPD won't take Sheriff Lewis up on such an offer, who can take charge, who can make that decision to better protect our City. The answer was, Mayor Ireton can. Davis Ruark said, while it would have been quicker for the Chief of Police to accept the help, the Mayor can step in and make such decisions. The Mayor has the authority to request other Agencies to come inside the City limits to assist.
So Mayor Ireton, just when will YOU grow a set and demand protection for the Citizens of the City of Salisbury. It's time to grow up here Jimmy and become Jim. These murders and shootings are now YOUR responsibility. Chief Webster stated to WBOC yesterday that the Chief is tired of certain people blaming his department for all the crime in the City and that the citizens need to get more involved and start telling the Police who's doing the crime. The citizens are NOT blaming the Salisbury Police Department, they are blaming CHIEF WEBSTER. Those men and women can only do as much as Webster will allow.
"Fight Crime, Not Opinions" Chief! Quit your bellyaching about people like me and do your damn job for once in your life. Man up and resign your position and let others take over the SPD who have a proven track record in solving crimes. When WBI and the Sheriff's department comes to you and offers their services, TAKE IT! Some have said the Chief didn't want to pay the overtime. Again, the Taxpayers that pay your salary and getting shot and killed in their own businesses and you're worried about overtime!
Businesses are starting to close their doors at 5:00 PM because of the high crime. Others are locking their doors and some are building security walls with bullet proof glass to protect their loved ones and employees. My God, what's next.
Mayor Ireton, while I may be speaking out of place here, I believe the Taxpayers have had enough as well as Chief Webster's BS. I have been asked to put together a Bon Fire with Citizens to gather together to denounce this Chief of Police and the Mayor as well, if necessary. I personally believe a pro active meeting where citizens come together to provide possible solutions is the answer.
If you're interested, (citizens) please let us know here in comments and we will put this together on a private piece of property where the Chief cannot stop such a rally. Enough Is Enough and we're not going to take it any more!
Baltimore's Mayor Dixon Guilty Of Misdemeanor - Another Case Against Her Pending, Maybe More Charges
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore's mayor was convicted Tuesday on a single charge of taking gift cards from a program intended for the city's poor children and using them to buy electronics, including an Xbox video game system.
The misdemeanor charge could eventually lead to Sheila Dixon's removal from office, but she said after the verdict she would return to City Hall and her attorneys said they would begin an appeal.
Her conviction of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, but prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek jail time.
The jury acquitted her on three other counts, including felony theft, and failed to reach a verdict on a second count of misappropriation.
Jurors deliberated more than six days before finding the Democrat guilty of the single count: Sometime between mid-December 2005 and late January 2006, when she was City Council president, she solicited at least $525 in gift cards from developer Patrick Turner and bought electronics at Best Buy and knickknacks at Target.
Prosecutors portrayed Dixon as a corrupt official who used the $25 gift cards on shopping sprees for items including an Xbox, a PlayStation 2 and a video camera found in a raid of her home.
Defense lawyers had argued that Dixon thought gift cards delivered anonymously to her office were personal gifts from developer Ronald Lipscomb, a married man who was pursuing her romantically with presents, including an anonymous bouquet. Dixon, who is divorced, has acknowledged having had an affair with Lipscomb.
A juror who identified herself only as Shawana told reporters after the verdict that a key piece of evidence was Turner's testimony that the gift cards he bought were meant for children.
"There's no explanation for why you would use gift cards that were for children," Shawana said, adding later, "there's no excuse for what she did."
The verdict marks "a sad day" for the city of Baltimore, State Prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh said outside the courthouse. "The message is that there's nobody above the law," he said. A decision on whether to try Dixon on the undecided charge could be made by the end of the week.
More from The Washington Times here.
The jury acquitted her on three other counts, including felony theft, and failed to reach a verdict on a second count of misappropriation.
Jurors deliberated more than six days before finding the Democrat guilty of the single count: Sometime between mid-December 2005 and late January 2006, when she was City Council president, she solicited at least $525 in gift cards from developer Patrick Turner and bought electronics at Best Buy and knickknacks at Target.
Prosecutors portrayed Dixon as a corrupt official who used the $25 gift cards on shopping sprees for items including an Xbox, a PlayStation 2 and a video camera found in a raid of her home.
Defense lawyers had argued that Dixon thought gift cards delivered anonymously to her office were personal gifts from developer Ronald Lipscomb, a married man who was pursuing her romantically with presents, including an anonymous bouquet. Dixon, who is divorced, has acknowledged having had an affair with Lipscomb.
A juror who identified herself only as Shawana told reporters after the verdict that a key piece of evidence was Turner's testimony that the gift cards he bought were meant for children.
"There's no explanation for why you would use gift cards that were for children," Shawana said, adding later, "there's no excuse for what she did."
The verdict marks "a sad day" for the city of Baltimore, State Prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh said outside the courthouse. "The message is that there's nobody above the law," he said. A decision on whether to try Dixon on the undecided charge could be made by the end of the week.
More from The Washington Times here.