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Friday, October 29, 2010

Another Letter To The Editor

DAILY TIMES DOES DUMBED-DOWN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL

It’s shocking that any mainstream newspaper would publish drivel such as appears in the DT’s recommendations for the contested seats on the Wicomico County Council. Let’s looks at some of the statements made by its editors to explain their selection.

In the 1st District, the Republican, David Goslee, is described as "a farmer" with no mention of his full-time position as a division manager at the Pepsi bottling and distribution firm in Salisbury that has given him extensive business experience that his opponent (who is the DT’s choice) lacks.

In the 4th District, the recommendation is based mainly upon the fact that the choice is a one-term incumbent – which is deemed to give him "experience" that his opponent lacks, even though Bob Caldwell has served as a member and president of the Salisbury City Council.

But, in the 2nd District, the several terms of the incumbent, Stevie Prettyman, are not sufficient to make her the editors’ choice – instead they recommend a self described T-party member who has no experience in government or in business, but does have experience as a rabble-rouser who does effigy hangings at political rallies. No doubt he, too, will "work well" with Ireton.

In the at-large race, David Cowall is deemed to have leadership experience because he once was a medical officer in the Navy – without any mention of what he did in that capacity (apparently he was an entry level doc). Perhaps such military medical service by Andy Harris will result in the DT recommending him over Frank Kratovil.

The basis for these recommendations is ridiculous. For example, they suggest that David MacLeod would better represent the interest of Salisbury residents because he "works well" with Jim Ireton, but fail to mention that only Bob Caldwell, who supports the tax differential for City property, is a City resident and that he favors the full homestead tax credit for all owner-occupied homes throughout the entire County.

We could go on and on, but will conclude as follows – don’t read (or if you have, disregard) those recommendations.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's too bad for Matt Holloway that he is one of those who are favored by the Daily Times, because many folks will vote against all of them.

dinosaur said...

For the Daily Times to fail to endorse Stevie Prettyman in favor of her effigy hanging opponent tells us what a lame newspaper it has become. Take anything they say with several grains of salt.

Anonymous said...

Great Post!!!! The Daily Times should hang its head in shame.

The Editorial Board - what a joke!! In many cases they have picked the WORST possible candidates. It is truly shocking.

That Board certainly IS NOT representative of the majority of Eastern Shore citizens. Where is Mel Toadvine when you need him?? Those were the days!

I really like Greg Bassett and I am so disappointed in him and the Times. I know he has been going through some tough times with the loss of his Dad and maybe his eye is off the ball. What excuse do the others have for such insane choices???

Anonymous said...

I ignore all recommendations, including yours.

Anonymous said...

Prettyman has represented her district so well that many of her constituents have become friends to her and vica versa. She is one of two on the council that investigates all that is on their agenda and is ready to discuss it. For The Daily Times to endorse someone such as her opponent reveals just why The Daily Times subscriptions are so few. Stevie we love you on the westside of Wicomico. You have been good to us so keep representing us the way you have been and life will be good.

Anonymous said...

The Daily Times is a joke. Excellent post.

You can expect even worse from them when it comes to the city elections.

They'll be blaming Terry Cohen and Debbie Campbell for all the division and promoting another SAPOA dream team when the reality is, those "dream teams" have turned life in Salisbury into a nightmare!

Anonymous said...

Goslee is a joke and his business experience in nothing to be proud of. All he talks about is cutting everything. He never says how he will use his business experience to make Wicomico a better place for business. We need jobs, good paying jobs. This has been a problem even in good times.