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Thursday, January 07, 2010

MAPP Transmission Lines Met By Stiff Local Opposition

At tonight's meeting held by MAPP officials at the Holiday Inn Express located in Cambridge, Maryland there was overwhelming public opposition to basically all three of Pepco and DP&L's -proposed MAPP route plans through Dorchester County.

In fact - excluding the utility mapping representatives themselves - there was no one who spoke in favor of the proposed transmission lines. Many of the opponents included critical areas representatives as well as overwhelming public opposition to the proposed concept.

There was a motion made by opponents to the transmission lines that included complete withdrawal of the proposed transmission line concept because a feasibility study had not ascertained that the lines are even needed. There were in excess of 100 individuals to a standing room only crowd. Reasons cited for opposition to the proposed transmission lines included; advances in renewable energy technology - (solar, wind) - changing utility legislative policies - (proposed feed-in tariff for renewables) - and detrimental environmental conditions.

The dollar amounts quoted for each of the proposed routes through Dorchester County ranged from 550 million to over 1 billion dollars.

Governor O'Malley Pledges To Sarah Foxwell, "There Is Still Work To Be Done"

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO OFFER ‘STATE OF PUBLIC SAFETY’ ADDRESS AT ANNUAL MEETING OF COUNTY LEADERS

CAMBRIDGE, MD (January 7, 2010)
Governor Martin O’Malley will offer remarks at the Maryland Association of Counties Annual Winter Conference in Cambridge tonight where he will outline the “State of Public Safety,” citing 25-year-lows in the state’s homicide rates but acknowledging that the tragedy of Sarah Foxwell reminds us all there is still work to be done.

“Tonight, our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah Foxwell, for her family, and for her fellow citizens in Wicomico County and in every part of our State who are stricken by the grief of her loss,” Governor O’Malley will say this evening. “Maryland is undeniably a safer place than it was just three years ago, but we are reminded everyday of the work still ahead. Even in a year when together we’ve achieved historic reductions in homicides and juvenile homicides, Sarah Foxwell reminds us that there is more work that must be done. I am committed to working with members of both parties to build on and strengthen laws -- like Jessica’s Law that I signed in 2007 -- to make sure that our most dangerous predators never have the opportunity to harm a child.”

In 2007, Governor O’Malley signed Jessica’s Law, taking away the possibility of parole for certain sex offenses.


Governor O’Malley will outline a number of positive crime trends, including a 2009 murder rate 26 percent lower than 2006, and 11 percent lower than 2008. Prince George’s County alone recorded 24 percent fewer homicides in 2009 and the year prior. The Governor touted a number of innovative partnerships and initiatives to protect Maryland families and neighborhoods, including:

Eliminating an inherited backlog of 24,000 unanalyzed and 15,000 uncollected DNA samples, making 192 arrests as a result;
Developing an interoperable radio network to connect all law enforcement, first responders, and public safety agencies statewide;
Creating the public safety dashboard which is now connecting 15,600 law enforcement officers and government servants in more than 100 agencies, receiving some 25,000 to 40,000 hits per day;
Connecting all 46 Maryland acute care hospitals to protect citizens from the spread of pandemics;
Creating the Violence Prevention Initiative, collecting 3,000 warrants for Maryland’s most violent offenders;
Developing an information-sharing network on gangs between the Department of Corrections and over 100 partner agencies throughout Maryland.

Yesterday, Governor O’Malley announced Salisbury as the second Maryland Safe Streets Program site, providing more than $156,000 in grant funds to address high incidences of crime in the city and surrounding areas.

Governor O’Malley will also briefly address plans for the upcoming legislative session, including efforts to close a $2 billion deficit in the FY2011 budget.

“We’ve worked to reduce $4.6 billion in state spending and to strategically reduce the size of our state government these past three years,” said Governor O’Malley. “We’ve done so mindful of the challenges you face at the local level, and of the urgency for protecting the very investments our families will need to come out of this recession stronger. Priorities like public education, public safety, and jobs.”

Georgetown Man Succumbed To Injuries From A December 22nd Crash

Location: State Route 5, Indian Mission Road, east of Millsboro

Date of Occurrence: Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009, at approximately 2:00 pm

Victim: James I. Cogswell, 86 years old, of Georgetown, DE

Resume: On December 22nd 2009 at approximately 2:00 pm Mr. Cogswell was operating a 2009 Toyota Avalon. Mr. Cogswell was traveling southbound on Indian Mission Road, east of Millsboro. The investigation determined that due to Mr. Cogswell falling asleep, the vehicle exited the east edge of the roadway striking a utility pole. Mr. Cogswell was transported to Beebe Hospital where he was admitted for a sternum fracture sustained in the accident.

Mr. Cogswell died on January 6th, 2010 at approximately 1:00 pm as a result of complication deriving from his injuries.

Mr. Cogswell was properly restrained at the time of the accident.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TALKS JOBS WITH EASTERN SHORE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

CAMBRIDGE, MD (January 7, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley stopped by an Eastern Shore poultry business before hosting a roundtable discussion with local business leaders in Cambridge today. The Governor highlighted recently-announced initiatives to strengthen small businesses in Maryland, create jobs, and fuel innovation to drive economic progress through Maryland.

“Small and family-owned businesses are the heart and soul of our State and the key to how we’re going to turn the corner from recession to recovery to prosperity,” said Governor O’Malley. “Nearly three in five jobs in our State come from businesses with fewer than 100 employees. These businesses are vital to strengthening our economy, helping us grow and strengthen our middle class, fuel innovation, and create jobs in Maryland.”

Governor O’Malley visited AviHome, a Cambridge poultry industry plant that manufactures vapor barriers and flooring to replace woodchips and dirt in poultry houses, where CEO’s Rafael Correra showed the Governor some of the innovative industry tools developed at the Cambridge facility. Later, the Governor joined about thirty area business leaders for a discussion about the challenges and opportunities during these tough economic times, recently-announced initiatives to create jobs in Maryland, and partnership opportunities to fuel innovation and drive economic progress.

“I’m excited about the potential of AviHome’s technology as it positively affects the most important industry in our community and the important role it plays,” said AviHome CEO Rafael Correa.

“We are very pleased and appreciative that Governor O’Malley is visiting the Eastern Shore and our companies to see first-hand the innovative products that are made by the many small businesses that dominate the Shore,” said Richard Bernstein, President & CEO of LWRC International, LLC, an affiliated company with AviHome. “Small business has been the backbone of the job creation over the past decade and with strong leadership provided by Governor O’Malley, will continue to lead the state and nation out of the current recession.”

Recently, Governor O’Malley announced an economic agenda that includes an expansion of small business loan guarantees to expand access to credit for Maryland small businesses; a job creation tax credit for businesses who hire unemployed workers; and immediate tax relief for small businesses who are facing steep increases in unemployment insurance taxes due to rising unemployment over the last year.

“Maryland is fortunate to have the insight and involvement of a diverse and diversified business community,” said DBED Secretary Christian Johansson. “Today’s convening of Cambridge and mid-shore based business owners and leaders continues a robust dialog between small business and the Governor focused on concrete actions we can take to strengthen our economy like the recent recommendations put forward by the Small Business Task Force and adopted by the O’Malley-Brown administration.”

Governor O’Malley has held similar small business roundtable discussions throughout the state over the past several months. These small business “check-in” discussions allow small business owners an opportunity to meet informally with Governor O’Malley and members of the Administration to discuss relevant topics, including the impact of the national recession on local small businesses, the need for health care reform so employees of small businesses can have access to affordable, quality health care, and the many resources and services available to Maryland companies looking to grow.

Over the last several months, the Governor has aggressively pursued a strategy to strengthen small businesses and expand opportunity, including the creation of the Small Business Task Force, the release of a ten-point strategy to strengthen small business in Maryland, development of MBE University to encourage women- and minority-owned firms to grow and do business with the state, and encouragement of the Maryland Congressional delegation to target TARP funds to expanding access to capital for small businesses.

Maryland remains one of only seven states in the nation to defend a Triple A bond rating, and the state’s unemployment rate remains consistently well-below the national average. Maryland is home to a strong competitive advantage with the nation’s best public school system, according to Education Week Magazine, and therefore one of the strongest workforces in the country.

Suspect Arrested For Burglary, And Endangering The Welfare Of A Child

Location: 31000 Block of Collins Court, Atkins Acres, Millsboro, DE

Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, January 6th, 2010, at approximately 11:00 am

Suspect: Daniel Chavez-Martinez, 21, of Georgetown, DE

Resume: On Wednesday January 6th, 2010, Troopers responded to a residence on Collins Court, Millsboro, DE, in regards to a domestic incident.

Upon Troopers arrival they spoke with a 20 year old female who advised them that her ex-boyfriend Daniel Chaves- Martinez, broke into the home and removed their newborn daughter from the residence. The female stated that Daniel Chavez-Martinez, entered the home through a side window after she would not let him in the front door. She stated that after removing their daughter from her bedroom Daniel Chaves- Martinez exited the home through the front door and fled in his vehicle.

While Troopers were interviewing the 20 year old female victim, Daniel Chaves-Martinez returned to the home with their newborn daughter. Troopers interviewed Daniel Chavez-Martinez, who advised them that he did break into the house through the window, only after his ex-girlfriend would not let him in. Daniel Chavez-Martinez also told Troopers that he only wanted to take his daughter to an appointment with the Division of Public Health in Georgetown, DE. The female victim took custody of their newborn daughter, and Daniel Chavez-Martinez was taken into custody without incident.

Daniel Chavez- Martinez was transported to Troop 4 where he was formally charged with Burglary 2nd (f), Criminal Mischief (m), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (m). Daniel Chavez-Martinez was arraigned on his charges and committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $5, 750 cash bail

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO ANNOUNCE PLANS TO REAUTHORIZE HERITAGE TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

Tax credit program proven effective to create jobs, revitalize communities

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 7, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley tomorrow will announce plans to seek reauthorization of the Heritage Tax Credit, which provides tax credits for the rehabilitation of certified heritage structures. He will also announce awards for four heritage rehabilitation projects in Maryland.

The Governor will detail the nature of the reauthorization at an event tomorrow in Baltimore at the site of the Union Mill where Seawall Development Company is restoring the stone mill as teacher apartments and as office space for non-profit organizations. A report last year by the non-profit Abell Foundation concluded that commercial projects over the life of the program have employed roughly 15,120 people, earning $673.1 million in 2009 dollars.

Top City In Fruitland On Fire

Top City is Fruitland is currently on fire. A friend sent a photo but for some reason it won't come through. Hopefully we'll be able to provide an image some time later today. From the photo I saw, it's a pretty serious fire. More to come......?

Andy Harris for Congress Announces Endorsements Of Maryland's Two Republican County Executives


Craig, Leopold endorsements show united front against Pelosi agenda

ANNAPOLIS
--Andy Harris for Congress today announced that it has received the endorsements of Maryland's two Republican County Executives, David Craig of Harford County and John Leopold of Anne Arundel County. The endorsements demonstrate the strong support for State Senator Andy Harris' campaign and further signify that Republicans around the state are unified behind Dr. Harris. Harris released the following statement:

"I am deeply gratified by the endorsements of David Craig and John Leopold," Harris said. "Their support and the near unanimous support I've received among the elected officials in the General Assembly within the First District are proof positive that we can and will defeat the far-left agenda of Nancy Pelosi in November. The support that is uniting behind my campaign is critical to changing the direction that Pelosi and her foot soldiers are taking our country. I will continue to bring together Republicans, Democrats and Independents that want to see Congress working on the issues that they are most concerned about, including finding and keeping good jobs, protecting the important industries in the district, ending Washington's waste and out-of-control spending and stopping reckless tax increases on family budgets that are already stretched thin. The radical agenda being pushed in Washington by these members of Congress threatens Marylanders' livelihoods, health care, and their future prosperity and is uniting voters from all over the political spectrum behind my campaign."

Craig and Leopold's decision to support Harris is particularly noteworthy since both supported another candidate in the 2008 primary. Their endorsements, and the recent decision by Caroline County Commissioner Jeff Ghrist to drop out of the race and support Harris, demonstrate that Republicans throughout the district are lining up behind Harris. Harris has now received the endorsement of nearly all of the Republican General Assembly members that represent parts of the district.

Dr. Harris has a distinguished record as a three-term State Senator in Annapolis fighting for fiscal responsibility and strengthening Maryland’s families by promoting job creation, smaller government, and the need for tax relief, not increased burdens on Maryland taxpayers. Harris resides in Maryland’s First Congressional District with homes in Cockeysville and Cambridge that he shares with his wife and five children. He is a practicing obstetric anesthesiologist, with an appointment at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, as well as practicing at Easton Memorial Hospital and Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He served our country in the United States Naval Reserve for 17 years, achieving the rank of Commander, and is a member of the American Legion.

Lost Dogs UPDATE: FOUND

THEY HAVE BEEN FOUND AND ARE NOW HOME WITH THEIR OWNER.
Thanks again folks!



Joe,

I read your blog everyday and know that it works wonders when it comes to finding lost dogs. Our 2 dogs dug under our fence around 10am this morning and have disappeared. We have 2 very upset little boys, as we have been riding around for hours looking for them. I have attached a picture. They are chocolate and yellow females. The chocolate lab has a tag with her name and our phone number and the yellow just has a collar on. We live off of N West road on Canterbury Drive. They may be in the jersey road/adkins road area or log cabin area. If anyone has seen them please please give us a call. Our little boys are heartbroken. Our phone number is 410-896-2022 and my cell is 443-235-3667.

Thank You

M Meade

Memorial Site For Brian Wagner


If you would like to LEAVE POSITIVE condolences to the Wagner Family? You can Visit http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/BrianWagnerMemorial/homepage.aspx

If anyone is interested in helping An educational fund has been set up to benefit Claire and Grant through the Bank of Delmarva. Donations can be made at any Bank of Delmarva branch or be mailed to:

The Children of Brian L. Wagner Education Fund
Bank of Delmarva
c/o Michelle Thomas
2245 Northwood Drive
Salisbury, Md. 21801

"The Joe Albero Show" Special

This week we will have a 1 hour long Special Edition Show. My Guests will floor you as well as what we'll provide on the Sarah Foxwell story. We'll even have a special musical performance of "Yesterday." If there's one Show you're going to want to see, this is it!

Saturday morning at 9:00 AM on WRDE, Channel 9 Comcast or Mediacom Channel 99. Watch out MSM, we're about to prove the little guy can actually do it better!

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases


On January 5, 2010 at approximately 1:10 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police met with the below listed suspect for the report of a theft from a business. During the investigation it was revealed that the suspect had taken bank deposits from the FYE store in the Centre at Salisbury while employed at the business.

ARRESTED: Michael David Horseman, 33 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (over $ 1000)
Theft scheme

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201000000541


On January 5, 2010 at approximately 4:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant charging the suspect with a robbery and assault that occurred on November 9, 2009. The investigation of the robbery revealed that the suspect was one of a group of males who assaulted, then robbed a single adult male victim in the area of East Church St. and Naylor St. The victim sustained minor injuries during the robbery and assault. The investigation is continuing as to the additional suspects.

ARRESTED: Donald Henry Ellis, 28 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Robbery
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Theft (under $ 100)
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200900040021

Republican Establishment Donors Are Upset

There's been a lot of recent evidence that the old-guard Republican powerbrokers are still in charge-- and that they still don't 'get it'-- pushing people like Dede Scozzafava in the NY Congressional race. Or Fla. governor Charlie Crist, who endorsed the Stimulus bill, etc.

Still pushing their hand-picked candidates, even though many are so-called 'moderates' (AKA RINOs).

And they're crying out for emergency contributions to help them do it.

The Republican National Committee's chairman, Michael Steele is in hot water with some of the major contributors now.. probably because he is bucking the party line and criticizing the candidates and methods, and hasn't personally called the big donors to plead for their money.

Kinda like the local minister that won't go visit the old ladies every week.

But actually, this may be a good thing.

Why? Because many contributors are beginning to send their money straight to the candidates that they support, not to the state and national organizations who give the money to their hand-picked candidates.

And perhaps that how we can get this thing turned around-- starve the beast.

Send your money to the candidate-- let him or her use it ALL, instead of getting leftovers from the machine.

Don't send a dime to the national organizations until they prove themselves worthy of support.

They'll get the message eventually.

Security For 9/11 Trials In NYC Will Cost More Than $400M

New York City projects it will cost more than $400 million to provide security if the pre-trial preparation and trial of the suspects in the Sept. 11 terror attacks takes two years, which insiders say is virtually certain, according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

It will cost another $206 million annually if the trial runs beyond two years, which some fear is possible, the mayor's office estimates.

In a letter to the director of the federal Office of Management and Budget supporting Sen. Charles Schumer's proposal for federal reimbursement, Bloomberg projected a first year security price tag of $216 million and an ongoing annual cost of $206 million. "The City of New York's financial resources are in short supply," Bloomberg wrote. "Thus securing the trial will require us to pull existing personnel from crime prevention resources from around the city." The civilian trial of the Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other suspects in the attacks that killed nearly 2,750 civilians will take place in a Manhattan federal courthouse just blocks from where the towers stood.

GO HERE to read more from ABC News.

Editors Note: $200 M, $400 Million, will someone in the Press make up their mind please!

Breaking The Will Of The People: The Real Purpose Of Body Scanners

The clamor to ramp up airport security with invasive naked body imaging scanners has nothing to do with ensuring the safety of travelers. Rather it is part of an ongoing incremental push to break the will of the people and encourage mass subservience and meek obedience.

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the body scanner push is that people are willingly accepting it. As Bloomberg news reports today, “Passenger acceptance of airport body scanners has increased following the failed terrorist attack,” with 92% of passengers at Manchester airport in northern England now agreeing to pass through the machines in a voluntary trial, compared with 75 percent before the incident.

The same report indicates that Around 90% of Muslims and Orthodox Jews were opting to use the scanners even prior to the Detroit incident rather than risking physical contact via pat downs and strip searches.

GO HERE to read more.

Kennedy Replacement Could Threaten Dem Majority

The race to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., is closer than many expected, and the results could, in the words of one analyst, "rock American politics."

Republican candidate state Sen. Scott Brown is within nine points of the Democratic nominee in the heavily Democratic district, according to the latest Rasmussen poll. That assessment said Democrat Attorney General Martha Coakley would get 50 percent of the vote, while Brown would get 41 percent.

But strategists with the Massachusetts Republican Party say their internal polling indicates the Jan. 19 special election is closer than the Rasmussen poll shows.

Brown says voter turnout will be crucial.

"If everyone gets out and votes, this election will be very competitive. I'm working about 20 hours a day on this campaign. I'm working to get the voters to the polls," he said.

"We have teams of people all over the state making sure that young people and the elderly who are with us have rides to the polls," Brown said.

More..

(Want to contribute? Go here..)

Looks Like Ehrlich Will Take A Stab At Running For Governor Of Maryland Again



Kendel Ehrlich: 'Numbers look pretty good' for husband to run

"Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is likely to run for governor if he can win, Ehrlich's wife announced at a Republican fundraiser in Frederick on Tuesday night," reports Erin Cunningham for The Gazette. 'The numbers look pretty good,' Kendel Ehrlich said. 'He doesn't want to do this without winning.' ... Kendel Ehrlich filled in for her husband during a fundraiser and 40th birthday celebration for Del. Joseph R. Bartlett (R-Dist. 4A) of Middletown. The former governor had been scheduled to appear at the event at Volt restaurant in Frederick, but canceled due to a business meeting, Bartlett said."

Bob Ehrlich, you'll recall, said back in November that his wife is "wildly enthusiastic" about him running again.

Source

Congressional Reform Act Of 2010

1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.

A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


2. No Tenure / No Pension:

A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately.. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.


4.. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

American Police Force?

Joe,

I just learned that was occurring about 3-4 months ago in Montana. An American Police Force that hides it's true identity and other things from the community. This is being paid for with taxpayers money approved by Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y5qL3Vi9H0&feature=related

The law enforcement function being carried out by a private company under the control of the Federal Govt. HMMM. Not good at all.

Please Pray For Brooke


Please pray for Brooke. There is a possability that the Neuroblastoma could be back. We had a clinic appt today at CHOP and while we were waiting to see the doctor I noticed that her pupils were unilateral (her right pupil was constricted & left was dialated) and were not responding to light. We were quickly taken for a head CT scan which was negative (I believe they were ruling out a brain tumor or bleed). However there is a possablilty that it's Horner's Syndrom again which presented a week after she was initially diagnosed last January. Horner's Syndrome is typically one of the first side effects from NB to present and what can cause doctors to test for neuroblastoma. The attending, Dr. Adamson, was later able to get the pupils to respond to light changes. We are staying the night in NJ with my mom and have to be back at CHOP at 7:30am for an 8:00appt. They are going to do a chest and neck CT scan with contrast. Dr. Weiser is also going to try to make an appt Tues with nucleor medicine for an injection and then have an MIBG scan on Wed. Another thing that is concerning is last night at 4am Brooke woke up screaming in pain (legs) and it took her about 30 mins to fall back asleep. This was also what was happening when she was first diagnosed. I am trying to stay hopeful but fear is consuming me. I just keep thinking that this can't be happening...please God don't let it be this...she has come so far and done so well. Please don't take my baby from me...I really can't bring myself to write any more tonight I just wanted to let everyone know what is going on and to please, please, please pray for her.

God Bless,
Amy

Security For Terrorism Trials Estimated At $200 Million A Year


Providing security for the trials of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and other terrorism suspects connected with the Sept. 11 attacks will cost more than $200 million a year, according to the Bloomberg administration, making it one of the most expensive security operations ever taken on by the city.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg outlined the city’s projected security expenses in a two-page letter sent on Tuesday to Peter R. Orszag, the director of the federal Office of Management and Budget. The letter, which seeks federal reimbursement for all security costs, was released on Wednesday.

In the letter, the mayor said the cost would be about $216 million for the first year and $206 million per year in subsequent years. Much of the expense — about $200 million each year — would be for personnel. The rest would cover equipment-related expenses of $12.5 million in the first year and $2.5 million in each subsequent year.

GO HERE to read more.

Stimulus Funds For Special Ed Bypass Special Ed


This is one of our editors' picks from our ongoing roundup of Investigations Elsewhere.

The federal stimulus package set aside $11.3 billion for special-needs education in this school year and the next, but school districts across the country are using those funds for other purposes, reports The Wall Street Journal. A provision in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a version of a statute originally enacted in 1975, makes the move perfectly legal, but it has left special-needs advocates feeling shortchanged.

And She Said This With A Straight Face..

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) defended Congress' work on a healthcare bill Tuesday saying the process has displayed historic transparency, just as C-SPAN mounts an effort to open the negotiations.

C-SPAN wrote a letter to congressional leaders Tuesday asking that TV cameras be allowed to film negotiations to reconcile the House and Senate versions of healthcare reform legislation.

But Pelosi said Congress has already been transparent throughout the process.

"There has never been a more open process for any legislation," Pelosi said at a press conference.

Read more..

Pick The Correct Penny


Pick the correct Penny I cannot believe how many people did not choose the correct one!

Take a look, and see if you can choose the right penny. No cheating;do not look at a real penny first. I know you've seen a real one!

See if you can pick the correct one here.

Click on the line below to take the test.

Common Cents

Anti-Gun Senator Shoots Intruder

Long time Anti-Gun Advocate State Senator R.C. Soles, 74, shot one of two intruders at his home just outside Tabor City, N.C. about 5 p.m. Sunday, the prosecutor for the politician's home county said. The victim, Kyle Blackburn, was taken to a South Carolina hospital, but the injuries were not reported to be life-threatening, according to Rex Gore, district attorney for Columbus, Bladen andBrunswick counties..The State Bureau of Investigation and Columbus County Sheriff's Department are investigating the shooting, Gore said.

Soles, who was not arrested,declined to discuss the incident Sunday evening. "I am not in a position to talk to you," Soles said by telephone. "I'm right in the middle of an investigation." The Senator, who has made a career of being against gun ownership for the general public, didn't hesitate to defend himself with his own gun when he believed he was in immediate danger and he was the victim. In typical hypocritical liberal fashion, the "Do As I Say And Not As I Do" Anti-Gun Activist Lawmaker picked up his gun and took action in what apparently was a self-defense shooting.

Why hypocritical you may ask? It is because his long legislative record shows that the actions that he took to protect his family, his own response to a dangerous life threatening situation, are actions that he feels ordinary citizens should not have if they were faced with an identical situation. It has prompted some to ask if the Senator believes his life and personal safety is more valuable than yours or mine. But, this is to be expected from those who believe they can run our lives, raise our kids, and protect our families better than we can.

Democrats And The Nation

Democrat Pollster Pat Caddell and David Horowitz Talk about the Democrats and the Nation - Video

Here is video of Democrat Pollster Pat Caddell and writer David Horowitz talking about the Democrat Party and the condition of our nation at an event last month hosted by Horowitz called "Restoration Weekend."





Just in case videos don't pop up, GO HERE.

CITY OF SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

Meeting #1 January 11, 2010 6:00 p.m.
City/County Government Office Building Room 301

Times shown for agenda items are estimates only.

6:00 p.m. CONVENE – LORD’S PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6:04 p.m. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

6:07 p.m. PROCLAMATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr. Proclaiming “Mentoring Month”

6:12 p.m. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr. William Briddell Salisbury Middle School Band

6:20 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA – City Clerk Brenda Colegrove
December 14, 2009 minutes
December 21, Special Meeting minutes

Resolution No. 1875 - accepting grant funds to remove abandoned, submerged vessels located in the North Prong area

Resolution No. 1876 - accepting grant funding in cooperation with the Wicomico County Emergency Services and the State Domestic Preparedness Grant and Equipment Program

Resolution No. 1877 - reappointments to the Marina Committee

Resolution No. 1878 - reappointments to the Zoo Commission

6:25 p.m. AWARD OF BIDS – Internal Services Director Pam Oland

6:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2095 - amending 5.22.070(A) of the Code to increase the percentage of the cable television franchise fee that is dedicated for the Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Channel

6:35 p.m. ORDINANCES – City Attorney Paul Wilber
Ordinance No. 2097 - 1st reading – approving an amendment to the FY10 Sewer Fund budget (chemical costs)

Ordinance No. 2098 - 1st reading – approving an amendment to the FY10 General Fund budget to budget the expense for several vehicles that were budgeted in FY09 but not delivered and paid for until FY10 and to budget for a replacement for a fire destroyed vehicle

6:55 p.m. RESOLUTIONS – City Administrator John Pick
Resolution No. 1879 - rescinding Resolution No. 1470, which adopted an Annexation Fee Schedule, and adopting a new Annexation Fee Schedule

Resolution No. 1880 - adopting policies on the uses for annexation funds generated for neighborhood reinvestment and workforce housing

Resolution No. 1881 - authorizing two metered parking spaces on the east side of Court Street and installing two 20-minute meters

7: 25 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS

CLOSED SESSION – following conclusion of regular meeting agenda Consult with legal counsel on a litigation matter as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland
Section 10-508(a)(7)(8)

Proposed agenda items for January 25, 2010 (subject to change)
Certificates of Recognition - Salisbury University Field Hockey Team and Santa’s
Workshop

Ordinance No. 2095 - 2nd reading - amending 5.22.070(A) of the Code to increase
the percentage of the cable television franchise fee that is dedicated for the Public, Educational & Governmental ((PEG) channel

Ordinance No. 2097 - 2nd reading - amendment to the FY10 Sewer Fund budget
(chemical costs)

Ordinance No. 2098 - 2nd reading - amendment to the FY10 General Fund budget to
budget the expense for several vehicles that were budgeted in FY09 but not delivered
and paid for until FY10 and to budget for a replacement for a fire destroyed vehicle
Resolution - approving PAC14 Contract

Sam Malhotra Chosen As Wargotz Finance Chair


Successful entrepreneur’s experience also includes civic, political involvement
U. S. Senate candidate Dr. Eric Wargotz announced that Sam Malhotra, a veteran executive with extensive business management experience, will serve as Finance Chair for the campaign.

Malhotra is the founder and CEO of SUBSYSTEMs, a business he started and built on his own. The firm provides professional services in information technology, engineering and manufacturing, information security, and enterprise program management support to the federal government. SUBSYSTEMs has received many business awards, including being named to the Inc. 500, Deloitte & Touche 500, and Washington Technology FAST 50.

In addition to his business activities, Sam serves on the Board of Directors of the Holy Cross Hospital and is on the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the University of Maryland's Board of Visitors, College of Computational Mathematics and Physical Science. A former member of the Montgomery County GOP Central Committee, Malhotra is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Georgetown University, and the Harvard Business School.

“Sam is one of Maryland’s outstanding citizens and business leaders,” Dr. Wargotz stated. “He is well respected as a successful entrepreneur, businessman, and civic activist. He will help us meet the financial goals needed to wage a vigorous and effective campaign. I welcome him to my growing team.”

NAACP TO HOLD 13th ANNUAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION

Salisbury….Wicomico County Branch #7028 of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its 13th Annual African-American Celebration at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the Chipman Cultural Center, 325 Broad Street, Salisbury. The keynote speaker, author David “Nicky” Henry, will speak to the theme “Continue the Fight for Bold Dreams, Big Victories in 2010.”

Mr. Henry was born in Cambridge, MD. He graduated from Mace’s Lane High School in Cambridge, MD in 1957, Bowie State College in 1963 and Coppin State University’s Graduate School in 1977. He was an educator and taught school for thirty-eight years. He retired in 2001 to fulfill his interest in creating pictorial history books about the African American Community of Cambridge-Dorchester County, MD. He has completed two volumes (released in 2005 and 2007) that are a collection of pictures that depict the accomplishments of local African Americans.

Returning to provide music and liturical dancing is Zeal of Zion Youth (from Mt. Zion UMC, Quantico, directed by Faye Wilson) and Voices United, a community choir representing members from Friendship, St. Luke, and Mt. Zion United Methodist Churches and New Missionary Baptist Church. The choir is under the direction of Faye Wilson and Linda Mitchell. By request, Zeal of Zion will perform one of their signature dances “Freedom.”

Also appearing are the Wesley Temple United Methodist Church Youth Praise Dancers and Youth Choir under the directorship of April Jackson.

Branch President Mary Ashanti invites the public to attend this free celebration. An elevator lift provides access to the second floor of the Chipman Cultural Center. For more information, call 410-543-4187.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO ANNOUNCE CYBER SECURITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Governor to unveil State’s first comprehensive inventory of cyber security sector and release CyberMaryland Report

BALTIMORE, MD – Next Monday, Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, U.S. Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian Johannsson, and other federal and military officials and business leaders, will announce and outline a cyber security economic development plan that will strengthen the State’s already strong cyber security industry and increase career and business opportunities for Marylanders. In addition, Governor O’Malley will kick off the “CyberMaryland” Summit, and will release Maryland’s first comprehensive inventory of the cyber security sector in Maryland, the “CyberMaryland” Report.

The announcement and the Summit will be held this Monday, January 11, 2010 at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, charged with advancing and promoting U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness to enhance economic security. The Summit brings Maryland’s technology companies, research laboratories, federal facilities, key industry leaders, and university officials together to position Maryland as the leader in the nation’s cyber security industry.

Enjoy Breakfast With The Westside Community Center

(Salisbury, MD) The Westside Community Center in Bivalve, Maryland will host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 8:00am-10:00am.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Children three and under are free. For advance tickets, call the Westside Community Center at 410-873-2993 or 410-873-2472.

All proceeds benefit the Westside Community Center, which is located at 21109 Bivalve Lodge Road in Bivalve, MD. Operated by a local advisory council, the Westside Community Center provides recreational and educational programs to the Nanticoke, Bivalve, Tyaskin, Whitehaven and Quantico communities.

1-13 MARCH ON ANNAPOLIS

Americans for Prosperity Wicomico
1-13 MARCH ON ANNAPOLIS
January Dates~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
in this issue
1-13 MARCH ON ANNAPOLIS
Wicomico County Council Night Meeting January 5th
Wicomico AFP Chapter Meeting January 26th

Dear Joe,
Happy New Year! Let this be one that will bring us all REAL hope for change. There are A LOT of exciting events this month and even more ways to get involved. Please mark your calendars for these important events.

March on Annapolis 1-13: Sign up for the Buses Seats are Limited!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For months our attention has been placed squarely on the happenings of Congress and the shenanigans on Capitol Hill. Health care, cap-and-trade, card check-- all are attempts by the federal government to take away our freedoms. Unfortunately, the situation with the state government in Maryland is no better.

When Gov. O'Malley and our legislators convene next month to begin the 90 day Maryland General Assembly legislative session, they will be facing a $2 billion budget deficit. Even after the largest tax increase in Maryland history (2007) and nearly $4 billion in federal stimulus funding, the politicians in Annapolis are projected to spend more money than they can collect. Combine the deficit with a 26-year high unemployment level, and we the taxpayers have a huge mess on our hands.

Gov. O'Malley (D-MD), House Speaker Michael Busch (D-District 30) and Senate President Mike Miller (D-27) have already talked about tax increases to cover the budget hole. The last thing taxpayers and small businesses need right now is another tax hike. We need to let the politicians in the State House know we will NOT stand for that. We need to send them a message: "No More Deficits, No More Tax Hikes, Bring Back Our Jobs!"

The chance to send them this message is a TEA Party on January 13, 2010 --the first day of the MGA legislative session. AFP-Maryland has launched a special website for this event. At 7pm, along with hundreds of others, we will convene at the steps of the State House in Annapolis to make our voices heard. Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform and our national president Tim Phillips will be the keynote speakers. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE. You can pre-register for the TEA Party, see other activities to participate in that day, and find out how to catch a local bus to the event. (Please make sure you register for a bus with the BUS CAPTAINS)

We have the ability to change the way business is done in Annapolis. Unlike Congress, the members of the General Assembly are, for the most part, more accessible and easier to track down. With 2010 being an election year, AFP-Maryland is in a great position to affect policy.

Please join us in making a difference in our state!
PLEASE ATTEND Wicomico County Council's NIGHT Meeting: Tuesday January 5th at 6pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~For MONTHS, we at AFP have been pushing the Wicomico County Council for greater transparency and Night meetings. In the wake of huge deficiets and pending tax increases, I ask that you PLEASE attend this first night meeting complying to our request to hold them at a time when people can attend, after work ours. You can find the agenda for this meeting here. For additional information on the Wicomico County Council web site, please go here. For more information of whay you shou attend, click here
Wicomico County AFP Chapter January Meeting: Tuesday, January 26th 7pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Make sure you attend our January 2010 meeting Tuesday, January 26th at 7pm at Adams Ribs on Route 13 South in Fruitland! This is going to be THE YEAR when our votes REALLY count and we need to start making our action plan. We have a lot lined up for this meeting and we NEED you participation!!

Blondes Year In Review

January
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.

February
Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels.....
Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer!!!

March
Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months.....
Box said ' 2-4 years!'

April
Trapped on escalator for hours ..
Power went out!!!

May
Tried to make Kool-Aid.....wrong instructions.....
8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!

June
Tried to go water skiing.......
Couldn't find a lake with a slope.

July
Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....
Learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!

August
Got locked out of my car in rain storm......
Car swamped because soft-top was open.

September
The capital of California is 'C'.....isn't it???

October
Hate M & M's......
They are so hard to peel.

November
Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days ...
Instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!

December
Couldn't call 911.
'Duh'.....there's no 'eleven' button on the stupid phone!!!

OLD FART PRIDE

I'm passing this on as I did not want to be the only old fart receiving it. Actually, it's not a bad thing to be called, as you will see. Old Farts are easy to spot at sporting events; during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner (or O Canada ). Old Farts remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them.

Old Farts remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing. They remember the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005, not to mention Vietnam .

If you bump into an Old Fart on the sidewalk he will apologize. If you pass an Old Fart on the street, he will nod or tip his cap to a lady. Old Farts trust strangers and are courtly to women.

Old Farts hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.

Old Farts get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don't like any filth or dirty language on TV or in movies.

Old Farts have moral courage and personal integrity. They seldom brag unless it's about their children or
grandchildren.

It's the Old Farts who know our great country is protected, not by politician's, but by the young men and women in the military serving their country.

This country needs Old Farts with their work ethic, sense of responsibility, pride in their country and decent values.

We need them now more than ever.

Thank God for Old Farts!

Pass this on to all the Old Farts you know.

I was taught to respect my elders. It's just getting harder to find them.

PRESIDENT IN 2012

Here we are, already discussing the future President of the United States, beginning with the Year 2012.

For those of you who would like THE VERY BEST choice for President, we have a solution: It is probably time we have a woman as President. One choice is a very special lady who has just about every answer to assist in helping us to solve our problems.

PLEASE give this a thought when you have a moment...

MAXINE FOR PRESIDENT!

The CNN Sarah Foxwell Story!

Coming up, an 11-year-old found dead on Christmas. Why was this man, a sex offender who once dated her aunt, around?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Tonight, a horrifying discovery on Christmas day: a beautiful little girl found dumped in the woods. Now cops have arrested a registered sex offender and charged him with kidnapping, but why not murder?

Sadness mixed with outrage in the wake of an 11-year-old girl found dead on Christmas day, of all things. Cops are focusing on a registered sex offender with a rap sheet. Sarah Haley Foxwell`s body was discovered just three days after she was reportedly last seen by her little sister. The news, totally devastating to her Delaware neighbors.

SHERIFF MIKE LEWIS, WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND: At approximately 4:00 p.m. this afternoon a ground search crew in the area of Melson Road just west of Hampton Court (ph) located the body of 11-year-old Sarah Foxwell.

30-year-old Thomas Leggs Jr. has now been charged with kidnapping and burglary. He is behind bars with no bond. While Leggs is the focus of the investigation, the sheriff tells ISSUES they are not rushing to hit him with a murder rap until they have all the evidence, including DNA.

It pains me to report that Leggs is a registered sex offender in two states, Maryland and Delaware. In Delaware he`s listed as high risk. Police say he was the last person seen with this precious child.

Sarah and her kid sister live with their aunt. This suspect was reportedly the aunt`s ex-boyfriend.

Unfortunately this kind of development has become way too predictable. How many times have we seen this pattern before? How many times do we have to say these things over and over again? Cops say a, quote, "juvenile witness", reportedly Sarah`s 6-year-old sister saw Sarah leave their bedroom with, quote, "Tommy", allegedly Thomas Leggs.

Sarah`s aunt meanwhile told cops the child`s toothbrush was missing. A green toothbrush was found in a truck that police say Leggs admitted to driving. They also found a lollipop.

This makes me sick to my stomach.

Straight to amazing my panel of guests: back with John Lucic, Dr. Dale Archer, plus we are again delighted to have with us Judge Larry Seidlin. He of course presided over the dramatic Anna Nicole Smith body custody case, and as you remember, he became quite emotionally involved in that case.

But first straight out to Michelle Sigona of michellesigona.com; Michelle, you`ve been doing some digging all day. What is the very latest on this very sad case?

MICHELLE SIGONA, MICHELLESIGONA.COM: Well, I spoke with Sheriff Lewis earlier today and this case is ruled a homicide. And there are multiple causes of death surrounding Sarah and her murder, but those particular -- all of those details are not being released yet.

The grand injury does meet two times a month and later on this month more charges may come about in addition to the abduction and burglary charges.

On the evening that Sarah went missing -- I should say the early morning hours -- her grandfather was home at the time. Her legal guardian, her aunt, was not home.

And Sarah`s 6-year-old sister who shares a room with her woke up to hear Thomas, allegedly in the room talking with Sarah, then at some point they disappeared. She was then reported missing later on that morning, and within two hours Wicomico County sheriff`s officers had him in custody and charged within two hours of Sarah`s disappearance.

On a side note, Leggs was only required to check in with Wicomico County Sheriff`s office two times a year. He had just checked in, in early December, but the sheriff`s deputies had gone out to his residence seven times within 2009 and found him living in an 8 by 4 shed on his parents` property. Also living at the property was his sister and their -- her three children, which now a separate investigation is underway to see if those children have been harmed.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: He`s a registered sex offender. What is he doing with kids? The sheriff didn`t hold -- ok. Who -- yes, I need help here. Judge Larry Seidlin, jump in.

JUDGE LARRY SEIDLIN, PRESIDED OVER ANNA NICOLE SMITH CASE: Jane, these sex offenders have a high recidivism rate. We have to keep them on a shorter string. We, as a society, have to decide how many parole officers we want out there, how many probation officers. They`re overworked. So we have to keep an eye on these sex offenders. We should be checking on where they are at all times. And they`re out...

VELEZ-MITCHELL: How many cases have we covered where the parole officer or the probation officer goes right to the door and knocked on the door, doesn`t realize there`s a bunch of kids in the backyard? We all know about that case, where there were kids living for years, and a suspect was raping a woman repeatedly for decades and the parole and probation officers didn`t figure it out.

Now the sheriff didn`t hold back in the wake of this truly grim, heart-wrenching discovery. Here`s what he had to say on, of all things, Christmas day.

LEWIS: If there`s ever been a case that screams for the death penalty, it`s this one. But we are obviously going to have to work for the next several hours well into tomorrow processing this crime scene. We`re going to give this victim all the dignity and all the respect that she deserves.

But we`re going to slow down; we`re going to methodically process this crime scene so we leave no stone unturned tonight. We`re going to recover every single piece of evidence that is needed to successfully put this man behind bars. We know he`s the one who did it, and he`s going to pay the price.