SHOULD MARYLAND STATE EMPLOYEES AND THEIR UNION GET O’MALLEY’S ELECTION REWARD?

Little known then, details of the deal that Martin O’Malley made last year to assure support by the state employees’ union have now surfaced. The cost to taxpayers, if it becomes a done deal, will be almost $100 Million this year – a $750 "bonus" plus 5 more paid furlough days for each bureaucrat – and even more in 2012 (2% pay raise) and 2013 (3% pay raise). And about that early retirement package he pushed – all of the retirees have been replaces and he’s hired even more.

The union bosses also make out like bandits – state employees who don’t opt to join the union must pay a "fair share" fee of up to $400 per year to the union, which should add about $5 Million per year to its slush funds.

See details here:
http://gazette.net/stories/02022011/polinew160610_32562.php

GOP State Of The State Response

Good afternoon. I’m Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and I am a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 37th District on the Eastern Shore. 

 

I was recently elected Minority Whip in the House and have therefore been afforded the privilege to address you today.

 

I want to thank Maryland Public Television for providing us with this opportunity and I would like to thank you – the viewers – for taking the time to listen to an alternative point of view from the Republican Caucus. 

 

As you know, there is an important difference between hearing and listening. As voters in Maryland - you sent us a strong message in the last election. 

 

The crux of your message was to slow government spending, improve our economy and ensure a stronger future for our State. I believe that you were also saying put the politics aside and get the job done. The Maryland Republican Party wholeheartedly agrees.

  

With that in mind, we expected a budget that was lean, that curbed spending and that addressed our structural deficit. 

 

But over the past few days, legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle have noted the fact that the Governor’s budget only reduces the deficit from $1.6 billion to $1.2 billion. 

 

While the Governor has made a start, it simply is not enough.

 

With spending still outpacing revenues, it will now be up to the Maryland General Assembly to do the heavy lifting.

 

We understand that this is not an easy task and it’s one that requires us to weigh our decisions not as Democrats or Republicans, but as representatives of the people. 

 

The citizens of Maryland have the expectation that we restore the fiscal health of our State and get government back to its core functions and out of your everyday life.

 

As a Caucus, that is a responsibility that we take very seriously.

 

While it would be easier to sit on the sidelines and criticize, we have chosen to be leaders in this process. 

 

Again this year, our budget recommendations significantly reduce the state’s deficit without raising taxes, without reducing vital services and without harming vulnerable populations.

 

These accomplishments highlight key differences in our philosophy and approach.

 

We agree with the Governor’s decision to end state employee furloughs, but to provide every state employee with a $750 bonus and five more days of paid vacation in the midst of a $1.2 billion deficit is irresponsible - especially if it is being paid for with a tax on hospital patients and nursing home residents.

 

Similarly, we agree with the Governor on the urgent need for pension reform.   This is particularly important given the fact that our pension shortfall has grown to billions of dollars. 

 

But the savings achieved from that reform should be re-invested in the fund to ensure solvency in the system. Employees who have worked hard for many years deserve the peace of mind that their retirement will be there when the time comes.

 

We also oppose the continued practice of raiding funds to fuel new spending. In the Governor’s FY2012 budget, dedicated tax payer dollars in the Transportation Trust Fund and the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund will again be diverted for other purposes. 

 

At the same time, Democratic leaders are seeking to increase taxes and fees for these funds. How can we – in good conscience - expect taxpayers to entrust their money to these purposes when the funds are continually raided for new spending?

 

In examining the capital budget, we looked at its effect on our State’s long term debt. Many legislative members, including myself, have important projects that we would like to have funded, but in light of the economic times we face, our Caucus has asked that these projects not be funded. 

 

We believe this to be a more measured approach that provides breathing room and security for the future.

 

The Governor also focused on the need to create and retain jobs in the State of Maryland.

 

Maryland is fortunate to have economic engines such as the Port of Baltimore and lucrative industries such as biotechnology and cyber security. Our beautiful natural resources also allow us to benefit from tourism, film and the arts.

 

But addressing the regulatory entanglements and the tax climate in our state would allow us to grow exponentially. In a time of global competition, we cannot afford to enact policies that cause Maryland to be at a disadvantage. 

 

All time high unemployment insurance rates and the prospect of more government intervention in wage setting and employment practices will be devastating to our small businesses. 

 

Also of concern is our rush to be first in enacting Federal health care reform. It’s important for health care to be affordable and accessible, but creating a new state agency and a government-run health care exchange costs money, adds bureaucracy and risks Maryland jobs.

 

If we must be first, we believe that a privately run exchange would create robust competition among the private sector – to lower health care costs. Medical liability reform and modernized reimbursement rates are other important policies that should be the focus of any health reform agenda.

 

Lastly, I would also like to take the time to offer our perspective on Maryland’s energy policy. In our view, a diversified energy portfolio is essential to providing affordable, reliable and sustainable power to our State. 

 

Off Shore wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable energies are important components. But they are not mutually exclusive to other sources of energy. 

 

A new nuclear power plant at Calvert Cliffs will also bring jobs and clean power and a broader solution to Maryland’s energy needs.

 

All of these policy considerations highlight what we deem the most important to our State at this time.

 

As leaders, we must make sound decisions with an eye toward limited government, supporting private sector growth and reducing the tax burden on our citizens. 

 

Ingenuity, determination and the dignity of a strong workforce will lead us to better times – not government intervention, bureaucracy and the old, tired tax and spend mentality.

 

We see a bright light at the end of the tunnel.   As Marylanders and Americans, we have done it before and we can do it again - but not without participation and true leadership from all branches of government and from both sides of the aisle.

 

As your Republican Caucus, we gladly accept that responsibility and will strive to meet that responsibility to build a strong foundation for future generations.

 

Thank you again for hearing our viewpoint.

 

May God bless you, may he bless the State of Maryland and may he bless the United States of America.

LEXIES

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles , U.C.L.A.

The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.

The batteries were given out free of charge.

A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

A will is a dead giveaway.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Acupuncture: a jab well done. 

Senate Votes On Marriage Equality Thursday

Next Week Are the Senate Hearing* and Vote: Call Your Senator Now to Support Marriage Equality in Maryland   Thursday the Maryland Senate is set to vote on the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, to add gender identity to the state's anti-discrimination law and allow loving, committed gay and lesbian couples to have civil marriages. But prejudice and fear run deep and we need your help now to ensure this vital legislation passes to protect the civil rights of all our families. Please click now and submit the easy form to be connected to your legislator. Just leave your message then click the link to ask 5 friends to do the same. Please say "I do" support equality by calling your legislators NOW! *And join us at the Hearing Tues. Feb. 8, 1 pm in Annapolis. Click for details. We know you believe in equality and fairness. Please don't stand by while opponents use fear and misleading rhetoric against our families.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On February 3, 2011 at approximately 6:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Dollar General Store on South Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that employees of the store had observed the below listed suspect take property from the store without making any attempts at payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

While meeting with the officers, the suspect attempted to flee from the store, breaking a part of the entrance door. After a brief foot chase, the suspect was apprehended and fought with the officers. There were no injuries. A routine records check of the suspect revealed that she was also wanted on an outstanding Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant.

ARRESTED: Shilesha Anne Small, 33 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 500)
Resisting arrest
Disorderly conduct
Obstructing and hindering an investigation
Malicious destruction of property
Wicomico Co. District Court Bench Warrant-
Failure to appear in court
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100004202/201100004206

On February 3, 2011 at approximately 7:17 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department Safe Streets Unit were on routine patrol in the area of Marshall Street and stopped a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect for a traffic violation. Upon making the stop the officers noticed an odor of suspected marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The vehicle was checked and a large amount of suspected marijuana was recovered. The amount recovered was in excess of one pound and was packaged in seven (7) separate bags.

ARRESTED: Calvin Kinzer Reid, Jr., 23 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100004212

On February 3, 2011 at approximately 11:13 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department responded to the parking lot of the Village at Mitchell Ponds for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival the officers located the vehicle and made contact with the below listed suspect, who was the owner. Upon contact the officers immediately detected the scent of suspected marijuana. The vehicle was checked and the officers located a small quantity of suspected marijuana.

ARRESTED: John Henry Borden, 32 years of age
Marion Station, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100004241

Hit The Road With An Upcoming Bus Trip

(Salisbury, MD) Here is a round-trip ticket to fun and adventure.  There are various upcoming bus trips for Happy Timers members and non-members to enjoy.  Let the journeys take you from playing your cards at a local casino to mezzanine seats at a spectacular performance.

A list of trips for the months of February through June is as follows:

·         Harrington Casino, February 22, 2011

Cost: $20.00 for Happy Timers Members/$22.00 Non-Members

Travelers will receive $15.00 in free play and enjoy a free lunch buffet.

·         Johnny Counterfit, OC Jamboree with Lunch at Sunset Grille, March 17, 2011

Cost: $60.00 for Happy Timers Members/$65.00 Non-Members

·         Progressive Dinner in Little Italy in Baltimore, April 12, 2011

Cost: $80.00 for Happy Timers Members/$85.00 Non-Members

          Three different restaurants for appetizer, entrée and dessert

·         Homestead Resort and Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, April 26-28, 2011

Cost: $600.00 per person double occupancy

·         Wicked at the Kennedy Center, June 16, 2011

Cost: $162.00 for Happy Timers Members/$170.00 Non-Members

Enjoy orchestra and first mezzanine seats with three course dinner at Washington, DC restaurant

Happy Timers is a program for men and women ages 50+.  Members are residents of Wicomico County and surrounding areas that like to have a great time traveling. Members of Happy Timers also enjoy participating in activities such as exercising, playing games and making crafts.

For more information on the above trips please call Sharon Engster at 410-548-4900 Ext. 118. If you would like to learn about becoming a member of Happy Timers please visit the Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism website at http://www.wicomicorecandparks.org/

HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER

Downtown

         

Years ago there was only one place to go if you wanted to buy anything – downtown. It was truly a marvelous place that displayed all the latest wares. The only way people had to see what was available besides the newspaper was to go downtown and see it for themselves.

         

This was before the days of television and the internet. The only alternative the populace had was the Sears & Roebuck catalogue. This was commonly called the “wish book”, especially around Christmas.

         

But there was nothing like going downtown where the actual merchandise was on display. The big shopping night was Saturday night. Since almost everybody in town knew everybody else, getting dressed up was the order of the day. It was as much a social occasion as a shopping trip. There was the Ulman Theater, the New Theater and the Wicomico Theater. Some shoppers strolled Main St. before going to the movies.

         

We had three 5 & 10’s - Woolworths, J.J. McCrory and Newbury’s.

It seemed like every department in every store had a different sales person behind the counter and they knew the merchandise well. Most of the stores had wooden floors and had no air conditioning for the hot summer nights.

         

Main St. was open to traffic, but you had to get there early to get a parking place. There were no “municipal lots” in those days.

         

R. E. Powell & Co. had the only elevator that was used by the general public. There was even an elevator operator. I remember the dual system of closing doors that the operator would open and close with great fanfare.

         

There were no charge cards, but a few stores had what were known as store accounts. The Montgomery Wards store on Main St. had some kind of device that sent messages or anything else up to the office by way of cables that ran overhead. This was a great source of amazement to us younger kids.

         

There were certain things on Main St. that you will never see again. Things like the “Big Shoe” in front of Homer White’s shoe store. Before that there was the roasted peanut contraption ran by Tom Cinno. He had a confectionary on the West end of Main St. and hooked up the peanut roaster to a gas pipe that extended out from the front of his building. Since he was directly opposite the Ulman Theater, many a patron got their fresh-roasted peanuts before going to the movies. If it was cold, some of his customers purchase two bags – one for each coat pocket to keep their hands warm.

         

Those gentle evenings of shopping and strolling are now only a memory. The slow pace of a Saturday night spent on Main St. has given way to the fast pace of life in the 21^st Century.