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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Bassett Furniture Store Update

Hi

I was just notified of a post on your blog regarding our store. I was hoping you would please correct it for me. The person obviously did not read our signs...We are having a Retirement Sale and closing the Bassett Home Furnishings name but we will be remain open as a furniture store under a new name. We are selling all of the Bassett product off our floor so that we can make room for the new product. Also one of the partners in the business is retiring and using this as an opportunity to do so.

Luckily, the "struggling economy" has not put us out of business as the blog post reads and business is good. I just want to make sure it's corrected that we are not going out of business as that carry's a bad connotation....

Thanks for your help.

Danny Harris
General Manager
Bassett Home Furnishings
Delmar, DE
302.846.9001
www.bassettdelmar.com

A Message From Lee About Bassett Furniture

"i guess another sign of our struggaling economy. the whole front doors covered
in pink paper and says store closing. what a shame"

Fruitland Police Department Press Release


Accused: BAKER, GEORGE WILBUR mlw dob: 09/13/1926
417 West Main Street, Fruitland, Maryland
Charges: Vulnerable Adult Abuse Physical Injury
Vulnerable Adult Abuse Family Member
Reckless Endangerment
Disposition: Released to the custody of Central Booking
Accused: MUNDY, SHERRY LYNN w/f dob: 06/20/1948
417 West Main Street, Fruitland, Maryland
Charges:
,
Vulnerable Adult Abuse Physical Injury
Vulnerable Adult Abuse Family Member
Reckless Endangerment
Disposition: Released to the custody of Central Booking
CR 3-604(b)
CR 3-605(b)(2)
CR 3-204(a)(1)
CR 3-604(b)
CR 3-605(b)(2)
CR 3-204(a)(1)
Accused: HUNDLEY, MICHELLE LYNN wlf dob: 02/19/1984
417 West Main Street, Fruitland, Maryland
Charges: Vulnerable Adult Abuse Physical Injury
Vulnerable Adult Abuse Family Member
Reckless Endangerment
Disposition: Released to the custody of Central Booking

Resume: On January 22,2010, Fruitland investigators in conjunction with Department of Social Services, Adult Protection Services Division investigators; initiated an investigation into the alleged abuse and neglect of an 83 year old female at 417 West Main Street, Fruitland, Maryland. The victim was transported to PRMCIER on that date by EMS personnel of the Fruitland Fire Department. The victim's condition was such that she has been hospitalized since that date as the result of severe neglect and medical diagnosis of failure to thrive, significant malnutrition
and varying stages of bed sores. Subsequent investigation revealed that the victims' family members whom all reside at 417 West Main Street, Fruitland,
Maryland, were allegedly responsible for the condition of the victim. An additional arrest is forthcoming.

Lots Of Catching Up To Do


I have just returned from my day trip to Annapolis today and finished moderating comments. Now it's time to get to work once again.

Just as a teaser, I sure do miss Annapolis! I'll be back.

Support HB 653

On Thursday, the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee is due to consider HB 653.  Among other things, HB 653 would require a 2/3 vote to increase taxes.  It would also prohibit the state to assess real property at a value greater than its true cash value.

Among the sponsors of HB 653 are Del. Mike Smigiel (R-36) and Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio (R-37).  Where are the names of our own delegates – Norm Conway, Page Elmore, and Jim Mathias?  As noted earlier, Conway and Mathias like to portray themselves as “fiscally conservative”.  Ditto for Elmore.

History has shown that the only way we can limit government is to “starve the beast”.  Politicians will simply not do it on their own.  Call or email your delegates and ask them to sponsor HB 653.

21 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You

Twenty One Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You:

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, Kentucky, security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Protection for you and your home:

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. Wasp SprayWhen asked by a concerned person about using pepper spray, the local police department recommended that she get a can of wasp spray instead.The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote.

Wasp And Hornet SprayOn the heels of a break in and beating in Toledo, self defense experts have a tip that could save your life.A teacher in the art of self-defense has told his students for decades to keep a can of wasp and hornet spray near their door or bed. "This is better than anything I can teach them." It is inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, "spray the culprit in the eyes". "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save your life. Please share this with all the people in your life.

Another Take on Saturday’s Conway / Mathias Meeting

Maryland Delegates Jim Mathias and Norm Conway (D-38B) While I have the greatest respect for my friend (and SbyNEWS publisher) Joe Albero, I feel obligated to offer a different take on Saturday’s meeting with District 38-B delegates Norm Conway and Jim Mathias at the Wicomico County Public Library.  I don’t disagree with Albero’s assessment that these two gentlemen mean well and are attempting to do their best in representing their constituents.

Why wouldn’t they?  Consciously and deliberately working against the best interest of one’s own constituents is a fast track to defeat at the polls.  I also appreciate these two gentlemen taking time to meet with us.

That said, I have some severe policy disagreements with these two “good guys”.  Their seeming belief that government somehow creates wealth (which is the engine of real economic growth), their quid pro quo approach to state spending and policy, and their hypocritical approach to working with our agricultural community are all areas of great concern.

Contrary to Albero’s concerns, disagreement is not attack.  Belief in the principles of limited government and fiscal restraint are not negative.  Demanding that our elected officials STAND UP for a core set of values is not denigrating their character.

READ MORE …

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

People this is important:

Do you think the Maryland Veterinary Board does a good job? Because I don't. The fact that they don't take stronger action with vets like Nolte leaves all our pets in peril.

In Maryland, we have what is called Sunset Commission Review. This is when a government appointed panel assesses the effectiveness of state regulatory agencies, etc. The Maryland Veterinary Board was supposed to be scheduled for Sunset Review in 2011. I have been waiting more than 5 years for my chance to tell the Sunset Commission how much they suck and how they need to make changes to ensure that they do a better job.

Well, get this: The Maryland Vet Board managed to get legislation passed this spring so that they won't be reviewed until 2021. That's right -- no external assessment of the veterinary board's effectiveness until 2021! This was based on a report the vet board submitted to a committee saying, undoubtedly, that they are doing a great job and don't need to be reviewed!

Please contact your state reps and senators and speak out! Tell them the vet board is not protecting the pet owning public, or our pets, and NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED by an external body.

Find your reps here:

http://mdelect.net/electedofficials/

Delaware Doctor Indicted In Child Sex Abuse Scandal


Physician is accused of molesting his patients, recording crimes on video

DOVER, Del.
- A Delaware grand jury returned a sweeping indictment Monday against a pediatrician accused of serial molestation in what could be one of the worst child sex abuse cases in the nation's history.

The 160-page indictment returned by a Sussex County grand jury charges Dr. Earl Bradley of Lewes with 471 counts of sexual crimes against 103 children.

Attorney General Beau Biden said all of the alleged victims, including one boy, were caught on more than 13 hours of video recordings, some dating to 1998, that were seized from Bradley's office and home.

GO HERE to read more.

If This Doesn't Blow Your Mind, Well...........

$25,000.00 Cash Reward


IF SO… PLEASE CONTACT!

24 Hour Tip Hotline (410) 520-2010

or the

DE State Police (302) 856-5850 X 208

$25,000 REWARD

FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO HIS RETURN

Caption This Photo

Here We Go Again


Joe,

A few weeks ago I sent you an e-mail with photo's of my electric meter to show you how Delmarva Power was misreading the meters and billing people in error. Now a month later, we get our bills and they are ALL estimated. Don't get me wrong. I know it snowed. I know the snow was deep. BUT my meter readings were taken only 4 days ago. The heavy snow was gone. Here is my problem. I have a house where the electric has been shut off at the main breaker for MONTHS. 0 electricity usage. They estimated it at over $300.00 based on last years usage. After seeing your post last time, Delmarva Power contacted me and made the necessary corrections. On this particular meter, the actual charge for last month was less than $6.00. The breaker is STILL off and my estimated charge was over $300.00. C'mon DPL - get off you're asses. Get out of your vehicles and actually read the meters! Your electicity rates are higher that Choptank yet their bills are right every month. How is it that THEY can get out and read the meters but you can't?

Folks, check your meters! You can't help but feel that someone's trying to pull the old "okey doke" - at everyone elses expense.

Ocean City Condo Wars At Bahia Vista I - Home Buyers May Win

Home buyers now have two chances to scoop up new condos at Bahia Vista I, the bayfront condominium building in Ocean City, Maryland, that’s closing out remaining inventory with an auction. We announced late last month that Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Company will auction off 9 luxury condos in the building on Saturday, February 27th. Now in a very interesting development, a separate auction for condos in the same building has cropped up — and this auction is designed to compete.

The second auction for condos at Bahia Vista I is by Marshall Auctions and will take place at the Grand Hotel in Ocean City on February 27th — same date as the Max Spann auction which takes place in Annapolis. Marshall Auctions will auction 11 furnished condos and available boat slips owned by Spiro Buas, a partner in the development of Bahia Vista. Buas openly admits his initial partnership with the other developers at Bahia Vista grew contentious. That partnership eventually dissolved with Buas retaining ownership of some of the condos, 11 of which have remained unsold.

GO HERE to read more and view photos.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases



On February 21, 2010 at approximately 9:58 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of South Division Street and South Salisbury Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by below suspect # 1 for traffic violations. When the officer approached the window of the vehicle the officer detected the scent of suspected marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and a quantity of suspected marijuana was located. In addition, the officers located smoking devices with suspected marijuana residue, scales, and quantities of prescription medication. Both suspects were checked and did not have prescriptions for the medication that was found.


ARRESTED #1: Jerry Lee Howell, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
Possession of hydrocodone
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)

ARRESTED #2: Katelyn Allison Bertier, 20 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
Possession of oxycodone
Possession of hydrocodone
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (2 counts)
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000007286

On February 22, 2010 at approximately 2:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding Wicomico County District Court Bench Warrant for violation of a court order.


ARRESTED: Sherwood Elton Cannon, III, 48 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant-
Violation of a court order
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000007351

Delmar Police Department Press Release

Incident: Drug Violation
Location: Winner Blvd., Delmar, MD
Date: February 19, 2010
Arrested: Jamy Toadvine, white male, 33, Salisbury, MD
Corey Bailey, black male, 33, Parsonsburg, MD

On 02-19-2010 undercover Delmar Police Department Officers made arrangements to purchase a large quantity of cocaine from Bailey. At approximately 7:15 P.M. a vehicle occupied by Jamy Toadvine and Corey Bailey arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location and officers detained Toadvine and Bailey. Upon stopping Bailey, Bailey was observed discarding a large quantity of suspected cocaine. Bailey was arrested. A third subject, yet to be identified was arrested and was uncooperative. An additional search of Bailey revealed another bag of suspected cocaine.

Charges:
Possession of greater than 100 grams of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Cocaine
Possession of Marijuana

Bailey and Toadvine were processed at the Wicomico County Detention Center where Bailey was held on $100,000.00 bond and Toadvine was released from the Detention Center after cooperating with law enforcement and posting a bond.

Bidenism

Just Politics?

All politicians hedge and backtrack, as the daily news proves their previous assertions and boasts wrong. That somersaulting is part of American politics. But even the most astute triangulators know when to go silent, especially in the age of the Internet when one’s past statements are so easily juxtaposed with present reality.

Consider for a minute the Joe Biden odyssey on Iraq, because it has proven a variable primer on how the political class reinvented itself depending on the current pulse of the battlefield. Biden, like others, did not merely “evolve” on the war, but at each stage of his metamorphosis, emerged as a vehement, loud advocate of an entirely new position usually at odds with his prior assertions.

He apparently felt that either his charisma might delude us, or his apparent instability might earn from us an exemption along the lines following his unhinged statement that FDR addressed the nation on TV as President in 1929 — “Ah, that’s just Ol’ Joe being Ol’ Joe”, or that we all suffer from collective amnesia.

Biden’s Timeline — ”Dead, flat wrong”

1990: Biden Votes against the first Gulf War and Bush I’s efforts to get Saddam out of Kuwait.

1998: Biden supports Bill Clinton’s call for regime change and “to dethrone Saddam Hussein over the long haul”.

2002: Biden asserts that Saddam has biological and chemical weapons and is seeking a nuclear arsenal, proclaiming, “We have no choice but to eliminate the threat.” He then votes in October for 23 writs authorizing President Bush to remove the dictator by force if need be.

2005: Joe Biden reassures the country that we must stay in Iraq: “We can call it quits and withdraw from Iraq. I think that would be a gigantic mistake. Or we can set a deadline for pulling out, which I fear will only encourage our enemies to wait us out — equally a mistake.”

2006: Biden declares that a sovereign Iraq is not sustainable, calls for trisecting Iraq into three separate entities and demands that President Bush “must direct the military to design a plan for withdrawing and redeploying our troops from Iraq by 2008.”

He adds that “Mr. Bush has spent three years in a futile effort to establish a strong central government in Baghdad, leaving us without a real political settlement, with a deteriorating security situation — and with nothing but the most difficult policy choices.”

2008: Joe Biden forecasts, “The surge isn’t going to work either tactically or strategically “Tactically it isn’t going to work because … our guys go in and secure a neighborhood, but because we don’t have enough troops, we have to turn it over to the Iraqis, and they can’t hold it or won’t hold it.”

Joe Biden votes for legislation to oppose the surge, declaring that, “It’s an attempt to save the president from making a significant mistake with regard to our policy in Iraq.” He reiterates that the surge will not only fail, but make things worse: “I believe it will have the opposite — I repeat — opposite effect the president intends.”

Biden later elaborates on that, “The purpose of the surge was to bring violence in Iraq down so that its leaders could come together politically. Violence has come down, but the Iraqis have not come together…”There is little evidence the Iraqis will settle their differences peacefully any time soon. I believe the president has no strategy for success in Iraq.”

Biden then tells Gen. Petraeus that he is “dead, flat wrong.” He later concludes there is “no end in sight” in Iraq and staying is “killing us.”

2009: A President Obama accepts the Bush-Petraeus plan of continuing a U.S. combat presence in Iraq, and accepts the status of forces agreement negotiated with the Iraqis by the Bush administration to remove U.S. combat troops as envisioned by the end of 2011.

2010: Biden claims credit for winning Iraq: “I am very optimistic about — about Iraq. I mean, this could be one of the great achievements of this administration. You’re going to see 90,000 American troops come marching home by the end of the summer. You’re going to see a stable government in Iraq that is actually moving toward a representative government.”

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

Posted by Picasa

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases



Incident: Most Wanted Arrest
Date of Incident: 18 February 2010
Location: Church Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Lawrence Leroy Dale, Jr, 43, Fruitland, MD


Narrative: On 18 February 2010 at 7:00 PM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office located Lawrence Leroy Dale Jr. on Church Street in Salisbury, MD. Dale was currently on the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Most Wanted List and had previously been featured on PAC 14.
Dale was wanted on a total of four Wicomico County Circuit Court Warrants from 2006:
Child Support non compliance – held $1,000.00 bond
Child Support non Compliance – held $1,000.00 bond
FTA for a Contempt Hearing – held $1,500.00 bond
FTA for a Contempt Hearing – held without bond.



Incident: Most Wanted Arrest
Date of Incident: 22 February 2010
Location: Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Leon Briddell, Jr., Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 22 February 2010 at 12:28 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested Leon Briddell Jr. who had just been featured on PAC 14 as one of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Most Wanted. Briddell was wanted on an arrest warrant for failing to report to the Sheriff’s Office to register as a Sex Offender.
Briddell was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, Briddell was detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Failure to Register as a Sex Offender



The Following individuals were arrested by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office on Arrest Warrants 15 February- 21 February 2010


Arrest Warrants
Cleveland Antonio Harris III, 30, Salisbury, MD; Possession of CDS, held $5,000.00
William James Luffman, 20, Parsonsburg, MD; Motor Vehicle Theft, released on Personal Recognizance.
Leon Briddell, Jr., 44, Salisbury, MD; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, held $5,000.00 bond.
Devin Jamar Murray, 27, Crisfield, MD; Assault 2nd degree, held $10,000.00 bond.
Orlando Smack, 39, Salisbury, MD; Harassment / Stalking/ Failure to Comply with Peace Order, held $5,000.00 bond.
Justeen N. Martinez, 20, Snow Hill, MD; Escape Second Degree, held without bond.
Rahymeen J. Barber, 29, Salisbury, MD; Rape 2nd degree / Child Abuse, held $350,000.00 bond.
William Michael Willey, Jr., 33, Mardela Springs, MD; Malicious Destruction of Property, released on Personal Recognizance.

Failure to Appear Bench Warrant
Lindsey Elizabeth Henderson, 21, Selbyville, DE; FTA – Theft under $500, held $10,000.00 bond.
Sandra Yvette Strand, 36, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Theft Scheme over $500, held $10,000.00 bond.
Robert Lee Morgan, 32, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Distribution of CDS, held without bond.
Robert Lee Morgan, 32, Salisbury, MD; FTA for a VOP hearing for a DUI, held $10,000.00 bond.
Kelvin Lee Reid, Jr., 20, Salisbury, MD; FTA – Driving Uninsured, held $1,000.00 bond.
Autumn Jade Adams, 20, Adelphi, MD; FTA – Possession of Marijuana, held $10,000.00 bond.


Violation of Probation Bench Warrant
Paul Linwood Wilson, 32, Delmar, MD; VOP – Theft under $100, held $10,000.00 bond.
Anthony Griffin, 28, Mardela Springs, MD; VOP – CDS Distribution, Flee / Elude – held without bond.
Randall Scott Keidel, 22, Salisbury, MD; VOP – CDS Possession, held $25,000.00 bond
Allen Michael Taylor, 21, Delmar, MD; VOP – Possession of Marijuana, held $10,000.00 bond.
Brooks Michael Douglas, 20, Salisbury, MD; VOP – Assault 1st, held $20,000.00 bond.
Sunsharray Coulbourne, 26, Delmar, MD; VOP – Credit Card Fraud, held $5,000.00 bond
Jacquelyn M. Eskridge, 31, Berlin, MD; VOP – Theft over $500.00, held $5,000.00 bond.
Justeen N. Martinez, 20, Snow Hill, MD; VOP – Theft under $100.00 – held $10,000 bond.
Brennan D. Waters, 18, Salisbury, MD; VOP – Assault 1st degree, held without bond.
Circuit Court Indictment
Terry Lamonte Cannon, 44, Princess Anne, MD; Distribution of CDS, held $75,000.00 bond.
Albert Meeds French, III, 44, Delmar, MD; Possession of Child Pornography, held $100,000.00 bond.


Child Support
Darren Lee Adkins, 41, Princess Anne, MD; Child Support Non Compliance, held $1,000.00 bond.
Ramon I. Brito, 53, Waldorf, MD; Child Support Non Compliance, held $500.00 bond.
David Earl Morris, 25, Tyaskin, MD; Child Support Non Compliance, held $1,000.00 bond.
Lawrence Leroy Dale, 43, Fruitland, MD; Child Support Non Compliance, held $1,000.00 bond.
Lawrence Leroy Dale, 43, Fruitland, MD; Child Support Non Compliance, held $1,000.00 bond.


Fugitive
Sheila Derotha Jones, 53, Salisbury, MD; Fugitive from Virginia, Failure to Comply With Sentence Conditions, held without bond pending extradition to VA

Kratovil Meets With Law Enforcement On Sexual Preditors

Kratovil Convenes Meeting with State and Local Law Enforcement to Discuss How We Can Better Protect Our Children from Sexual Predators

Salisbury, MD
– Rep. Frank Kratovil convened a meeting of elected and law enforcement officials yesterday morning in Salisbury to discuss ways in which they can work together to ensure that the law enforcement community has all the tools necessary to properly protect our children from sexual predators.

Congressman Kratovil was joined by Maryland State Delegates Norm Conway & Jim Mathias, Wicomico County State’s Attorney Davis Ruark, Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, Salisbury Police Department Chief Ivan Barkley, and Maryland State Police Lt. Ernie Leatherbury, Commander of MSP’s Salisbury Barracks.

“Our communities are at their safest when local, state, and federal officials are working together to ensure that our law enforcement professionals have the resources and tools necessary to protect our children.” said Rep. Kratovil. “We need better cooperation, tougher sentencing guidelines, and more resources for tracking and monitoring known predators.”

One of the priorities discussed by attendees was implementation of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (P.L. 109-248), a federal law passed in 2006 that set new federal standards for state sex offender registration laws. States face an implementation deadline of July 27, 2010 to bring their state laws into compliance with the new federal standards or risk losing federal funding for law enforcement through the Department of Justice’s Byrne Program. Maryland’s sex offender registry laws will require significant revisions during the current legislative session in Annapolis in order to meet the implementation deadline.

“I am committed to working with state lawmakers and law enforcement personnel to improve our state’s standards and help make our communities safer,” said Kratovil.

Substantial compliance with Title I of the Adam Walsh Act: the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act require significant revision of Maryland’s sex offender registry and notification protocols, including but not limited to:



· Expanding of the class of offenders required to register;

· Increasing how long certain offenders are required to register;

· Expanding the information required to be provided upon registration;

· Strengthening provisions relating to when offenders must update their registration information; and

· Strengthening community notification and disclosure requirements.

“During my career as a prosecutor I found that the most despicable crimes were those perpetrated on innocent children,” said Kratovil. “On account of the recent tragedy experienced in this community I can think of no better motivation for the State of Maryland to make a commitment to protecting our children by coming into full compliance with revised federal standards,” said Kratovil.

Kratovil Introduces The Criminal Penalties For Unauthorized Employment Act Of 2010

Washington, DC – Rep. Frank Kratovil Introduced H.R. 4627, the Criminal Penalties for Unauthorized Employment Act of 2010. The legislation expands the criminal and civil penalties that apply to employers who knowingly hire unauthorized aliens.

“A key to ending illegal immigration is reducing the incentives for individuals to cross the border looking for work,” said Rep. Kratovil. “We need serious enforcement of the rules already on the books, but we also need to let employers know that they too are breaking the law and damaging our economy when they hire undocumented, illegal immigrants.”

The Criminal Penalties for Unauthorized Employment Act of 2010 is designed to replace the current “pattern or practice of violations” determination as a prerequisite to imposition of criminal penalties against employers and instead authorize imprisonment for any individual with direct hiring authority who knowingly hires an unauthorized alien. If passed, the bill will significantly increase the maximum terms of imprisonment, criminal fines, and civil fines that apply for such violations.

Under current federal law, criminal penalties for knowingly hiring an unauthorized alien only apply upon a showing that a person or entity engages in a “pattern or practice of violations.” If a “pattern or practice of violations” can be established the individual is subject to a fine not more than $3,000 for each unauthorized alien and/or imprisoned for a maximum of 6 months for the entire pattern or practice. Under Rep. Kratovil’s legislation any individual with direct hiring authority who knowingly hires an unauthorized alien would be subject to a punishment of $2.5K and/or 1 year in prison per violation, with penalties increasing for repeat violators.

“Employers who hire illegal immigrants are not only breaking the law, but they are also undermining the legal immigration system, creating an unfair advantage over employers who are playing by the rules, and hurting American workers,” said Rep. Kratovil. “We can’t make progress toward reducing illegal immigration until we get serious about cracking down on the bad actors who are creating the incentives. In the coming weeks I will be discussing this bill with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and trying to build momentum in the Congress to get it passed.”

RSC Update: Monday, February 22, 2010

From the Chairman

Today, the Obama administration unveiled its health care plan, which is really just another version of the same government takeover of health care that Americans have already stamped “reject.” Frankly, it’s the Senate plan papered over with a few changes. This time, however, they also threw in price-fixing for good measure.

The not-so-new White House plan still: levies mandates on individuals and employers; leaves $650 billion in savings on the table every year by ignoring real medical liability reform; puts Washington bureaucrats in charge of defining “quality” health care; cuts Medicare Advantage; raises taxes to pay for new entitlement programs (only this time the Medicare payroll tax is even higher than in the Senate bill); and gives the government-run plan a beachhead to eliminate the private insurance market.

The Obama administration also included in its proposal a “Health Insurance Rate Authority” to make sure that insurance premiums aren’t any higher than Uncle Sam says they should be. This attempt at price-fixing isn’t merely an insult to market-based economics. It’s a clear admission by the President that his plan won’t address rising health care costs. What’s clearer is that this administration still has not gotten the message from the American people. Our hard work must continue until this government takeover of health care is shelved once and for all.

Sincerely,

Congressman Tom Price

Chairman, Republican Study Committee

No. 4 Salisbury Starts Fast, Defeats No. 17 Lynchburg

SALISBURY, Md. - The No. 4 Salisbury University men's lacrosse team defeated No. 17 Lynchburg 14-9 in front of 825 at Sea Gull Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With the victory, the Sea Gulls now have a six-game winning streak over Lynchburg and are 16-1 all-time in the series.

The Hornets (0-1) were able to get on the board first, with an unassisted goal by Austin Jeter (two goals) just a minute and forty-three seconds into the game. The Sea Gulls (2-0) would even things up a minute later, with senior attackman Mike Winter (Port Washington, N.Y.) scoring off an assist from sophomore midfielder Sam Bradman (Canton, N.Y.) for Winter's first goal of the year. The Sea Gulls would close out the quarter with a pair of goals just 37 second apart, receiving scores from Bradman and freshman attackman Eric Law (Centennial, Colo.).

SU would open up the scoring in the second quarter with a goal by sophomore attackman Matt Cannone (Bayport, N.Y.), before the Hornets countered with a goal of their own to close the score to 4-2. The SU offense came alive from that point on, as the Gulls scored seven-straight goals to end the half, including an unassisted goal by Cannone just as time expired.

"In the first-half, we were really disciplined on offense," said 22nd year head coach Jim Berkman "We didn't take shots from outside six yards, and that was our game plan coming in to today."

The Sea Gulls would strike first in the third quarter with another goal by Winter with 13:34 remaining in the quarter. Over the next 11 minutes, Lynchburg went on a run of their own, as it scored four-straight goals to bring the score to 12-6 with just 1:54 remaining in the quarter. After the Gulls won the ensuing face-off, Law contributed with an unassisted goal to put an end to the run and cut down on the momentum the Hornets had been gaining. The maroon and gold scored just one goal in the fourth quarter as they opted to spread the field and run some time off the clock.

Winter led all scorers with five goals, which matches his previous career-high for goals that he set on March 17, 2009 against Colorado College. Bradman (three goals, two assists) and Cannone (four goals, one assist) each had their second-straight five-point performance.

On the defensive side, seniors Connor Burgasser (Mendon, N.Y.) and Will Poletis (Baltimore, Md.) led the way as they each caused two turnovers and picked up four and three ground balls, respectively. The SU defense held Lynchburg's preseason third-team All-American midfielder Eddie Bilinkas in check, as he was only able to garner one point in the loss. The man-down unit played well as it held Lynchburg to just 1 of 5 on man-up opportunities. Junior goalkeeper Johnny Rodriguez (Gambrills, Md.) finished with seven saves in the game, including five in the first quarter.

For the second straight game, the Sea Gulls outshot their opponents, this time with a 43-30 advantage and also held a 37-30 ground ball advantage. SU was 23 of 27 on clears, while the Hornets were 19 of 29 on clear attempts. Senior Ryan Finch (Finksburg, Md.) (11 ground balls) propelled the Gulls on face-offs as he won 14 of 21 attempts.

The Sea Gulls will hit the road for a game at Widener University, next Saturday at noon. SU is 6-0 all-time against the Pride, including 2-0 in games played on the Widener campus.

Score by Period 1 2 3 4 Tot
-------------------------------------
Lynchburg........... 1 1 4 3 - 9
Salisbury........... 3 8 2 1 - 14

A Democrat's Confession

I voted Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.

I voted Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

I voted Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.

I voted Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.

I voted Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.

I voted Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.

I voted Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I voted Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

I voted Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit..

I voted Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters..

I voted Democrat because my head is so firmly planted up my rectum that it is unlikely that I'll ever have another Point of view.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."

"The problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." Margaret Thatcher