DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Maryland Officials Worry About Bay Bridge Safety
WASHINGTON - It's almost the time of the year when thousands of Washingtonians start crossing the Chesapeake Bay bridge every weekend to spend some time on Maryland's Eastern shore, but two Maryland lawmakers say they're concerned about the bridge's safety.
Speaking on WTOP's Politics Program with Mark Plotkin, both Maryland House Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell and Democratic Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk expressed concerns about the bridge's safety.
"It is unsafe, and we know that already," says Pena-Melnyk.
The Maryland Transportation Authority, which runs the bridge, has made some safety upgrades following deadly crashes, but O'Donnell says it's also about the traffic.
"The capacity of that bridge is failing," says O'Donnell.
More
Speaking on WTOP's Politics Program with Mark Plotkin, both Maryland House Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell and Democratic Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk expressed concerns about the bridge's safety.
"It is unsafe, and we know that already," says Pena-Melnyk.
The Maryland Transportation Authority, which runs the bridge, has made some safety upgrades following deadly crashes, but O'Donnell says it's also about the traffic.
"The capacity of that bridge is failing," says O'Donnell.
More
Troop Drawdown Under Way
It is a critical time for American efforts in Iraq. Troop drawdowns are underway as the military continues its plans to transition from a Defense Department to a State Department run mission. All U.S. troops as slated to leave Iraq by December 31st of this year. Joining us to talk about the process and how the military is working to achieve its goals and deadlines is Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, a spokesperson for U.S. Forces in Iraq.
School Official Resigns Amid Sun Investigation Into His College Degrees
A high-ranking city school official, whose resume includes degrees from institutions that require little or no classroom work and which academic watchdog groups have referred to as "diploma mills," resigned abruptly Thursday after questions about his credentials were raised by The Baltimore Sun.
TROOPERS INVESTIGATING DEATH OF TANEYTOWN MAN
(TANEYTOWN, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a Taneytown man who was found dead in his townhome late yesterday afternoon when a concerned neighbor checked on him.
The man is identified as Carey M. Landskroner, 44, of the 400-block of Red Tulip Court, Taneytown, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He is believed to have lived alone in the townhome.
Just before 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Westminster Barrack received a 911 call from a neighbor of Landskroner who said he had gone to check on the man after not seeing him for a couple of days. The neighbor reported he saw an open window covered by a blind. He moved the blind aside and saw Landskroner lying on the floor.
Maryland state troopers and Taneytown Police Department officers responded to the scene. Upon entering the home, police found the victim deceased and observed that he had sustained trauma to his left arm, leg and side.
Troopers also observed evidence that indicated some type of explosion may have occurred in the home. There were holes in the wall and the chair near Landskroner had what appeared to be charring on it.
After seeing this, troopers requested technicians from the Office of the State Fire Marshal respond to check the townhome for explosives. Out of precaution, troopers evacuated residents from about 25 homes in the area until the search could be conducted.
Office of the State Fire Marshal explosive experts searched the home and found no explosives or explosive devices, although they believe some type of explosion may have occurred in the home. Residents were permitted to return to their homes about 11:00 p.m. yesterday.
Maryland State Police crime scene technicians are continuing to process the scene for evidence as of midnight tonight. Criminal investigators from the Westminster Barrack, as well as deputy state fire marshals remain on the scene and are continuing the investigation.
A cause of death for Landskroner has not been determined at this time. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
The man is identified as Carey M. Landskroner, 44, of the 400-block of Red Tulip Court, Taneytown, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He is believed to have lived alone in the townhome.
Just before 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Westminster Barrack received a 911 call from a neighbor of Landskroner who said he had gone to check on the man after not seeing him for a couple of days. The neighbor reported he saw an open window covered by a blind. He moved the blind aside and saw Landskroner lying on the floor.
Maryland state troopers and Taneytown Police Department officers responded to the scene. Upon entering the home, police found the victim deceased and observed that he had sustained trauma to his left arm, leg and side.
Troopers also observed evidence that indicated some type of explosion may have occurred in the home. There were holes in the wall and the chair near Landskroner had what appeared to be charring on it.
After seeing this, troopers requested technicians from the Office of the State Fire Marshal respond to check the townhome for explosives. Out of precaution, troopers evacuated residents from about 25 homes in the area until the search could be conducted.
Office of the State Fire Marshal explosive experts searched the home and found no explosives or explosive devices, although they believe some type of explosion may have occurred in the home. Residents were permitted to return to their homes about 11:00 p.m. yesterday.
Maryland State Police crime scene technicians are continuing to process the scene for evidence as of midnight tonight. Criminal investigators from the Westminster Barrack, as well as deputy state fire marshals remain on the scene and are continuing the investigation.
A cause of death for Landskroner has not been determined at this time. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
Three Convicted In Terror-Related Cases Later Granted U.S. Citizenship By Obama Administration
Three people convicted of crimes as a result of a terrorism-related investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) were later naturalized as U.S. citizens by the Obama administration, according to federal auditors.
The March 2011 audit (released on April 21, 2011) by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), entitled Criminal Alien Statistics: Information on Incarcerations, Arrests and Costs, shows that three individuals were among “defendants where the investigation involved an identified link to international terrorism but they were charged with violating other statutes [not directly related to terrorism], including fraud, immigration, drugs, false statements, and general conspiracy charges,” referred by DOJ as Category II terrorism-related cases.
The three individuals in question can be found in a DOJ list of unsealed terrorism-related investigations conducted from Sept. 11, 2001 through Mar. 18, 2010. There are 403 defendants on that list of which, according to the GAO, at least 43 percent were aliens--both legal (26 percent) and illegal (17 percent)--at the time they were charged with crimes.
“Prosecuting terror-related targets using Category II offenses and others is often an effective method--and sometimes the only available method--of deterring and disrupting potential terrorist planning and support activities,” explained the DOJ in the document that listed the defendants.
Staff members of GAO's Homeland Security and Justice team who worked on the audit told CNSNews.com in an e-mail that the three individuals were naturalized as U.S. citizens under President Barack Obama.
“One of the individuals was naturalized in late 2009. The other two were naturalized in 2010,” says the e-mail from the GAO.
Read more
The March 2011 audit (released on April 21, 2011) by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), entitled Criminal Alien Statistics: Information on Incarcerations, Arrests and Costs, shows that three individuals were among “defendants where the investigation involved an identified link to international terrorism but they were charged with violating other statutes [not directly related to terrorism], including fraud, immigration, drugs, false statements, and general conspiracy charges,” referred by DOJ as Category II terrorism-related cases.
The three individuals in question can be found in a DOJ list of unsealed terrorism-related investigations conducted from Sept. 11, 2001 through Mar. 18, 2010. There are 403 defendants on that list of which, according to the GAO, at least 43 percent were aliens--both legal (26 percent) and illegal (17 percent)--at the time they were charged with crimes.
“Prosecuting terror-related targets using Category II offenses and others is often an effective method--and sometimes the only available method--of deterring and disrupting potential terrorist planning and support activities,” explained the DOJ in the document that listed the defendants.
Staff members of GAO's Homeland Security and Justice team who worked on the audit told CNSNews.com in an e-mail that the three individuals were naturalized as U.S. citizens under President Barack Obama.
“One of the individuals was naturalized in late 2009. The other two were naturalized in 2010,” says the e-mail from the GAO.
Read more
Israel Braces For 'Large-Scale' Unrest In West Bank
Israel is preparing for widespread Palestinian unrest.
Officials said the ruling Fatah movement was expected to foment unrest throughout the West Bank and particularly in the Jerusalem area. They said Fatah wanted to organize riots and attacks on Israelis in wake of the movement's initial agreement with Hamas.
"We're looking at the most severe scenario," Israeli police chief Inspector-General David Cohen said.
In a briefing on April 28, Cohen, who commands a force of 27,000, said authorities expected the Palestinian violence to intensify within days. He said police and security forces were intensifying deployment and intelligence to respond to unrest.
"We are preparing for the whole of the month of May," Cohen said. "We are conducting a repeat inspection of all of the headquarters. The scenario includes large-scale disruptions of order."
Officials said Palestinian unrest was expected to escalate through an expected United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood in September 2011. They said Israel's military and security forces have agreed to increase coordination to help quell riots and attacks.
More
Officials said the ruling Fatah movement was expected to foment unrest throughout the West Bank and particularly in the Jerusalem area. They said Fatah wanted to organize riots and attacks on Israelis in wake of the movement's initial agreement with Hamas.
"We're looking at the most severe scenario," Israeli police chief Inspector-General David Cohen said.
In a briefing on April 28, Cohen, who commands a force of 27,000, said authorities expected the Palestinian violence to intensify within days. He said police and security forces were intensifying deployment and intelligence to respond to unrest.
"We are preparing for the whole of the month of May," Cohen said. "We are conducting a repeat inspection of all of the headquarters. The scenario includes large-scale disruptions of order."
Officials said Palestinian unrest was expected to escalate through an expected United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood in September 2011. They said Israel's military and security forces have agreed to increase coordination to help quell riots and attacks.
More
PLC Member Puts The Lie To Abbas' Vow To Talk
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member and Fatah party member Fuad Kokali put the lie to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' claims he will negotiate with Israel Thursday.
In an interview with the pro-'Palestinian' Alternative Information Center, Kokali said "it is a must to have this reconciliation because we need the world to recognize a... Palestinian state and without Gaza ... this weakens our position."
"And now they are building a new policy to stop the Palestinian state in September," Kokali said about opposition to unilateral PA efforts outside the Oslo framework that circumvent peace negotiations with Israel, to gain a declaration of statehood by the United Nations in September.
"And they justify their actions [saying] that still the region is not ready, the Palestinians are not ready. So they took the position of Israel. And so that means we have to negotiate another 20 years. And I think this will be refused by the Palestinians," Kokali said.
Kokali also admitted Hamas had not agreed to pursue peace with Israel - one of the Quartet's key conditions for the admission of Hamas to the Palestinian Authority if it wishes to retain legitimacy.
"For Hamas there is no other choice so they will go for this [unity]," Kokali said. "But, if we are talking about principles, for example what will be the position with Hamas toward the peace process, or Fatah, this we will continue to negotiate later."
"We will continue to negotiate with Hamas about the peace process, about the peace with Israel, about the resistance, and what kind of resistance we need if peace fails .. this needs more negotiation," Kokali said.
Kokali's admission that Hamas only agreed to unity because it had no choice, and that Hamas' position vis-a-vis Fatah remained ambigous, underscores not only the tenuous nature of the agreement, but also the tenuous permanence any PA-Israel agreement would have.
It also buttresses concerns the inclusion of Hamas in the PA may lead to a Hamas takeover of PA areas in Judea and Samaria.
INN
In an interview with the pro-'Palestinian' Alternative Information Center, Kokali said "it is a must to have this reconciliation because we need the world to recognize a... Palestinian state and without Gaza ... this weakens our position."
"And now they are building a new policy to stop the Palestinian state in September," Kokali said about opposition to unilateral PA efforts outside the Oslo framework that circumvent peace negotiations with Israel, to gain a declaration of statehood by the United Nations in September.
"And they justify their actions [saying] that still the region is not ready, the Palestinians are not ready. So they took the position of Israel. And so that means we have to negotiate another 20 years. And I think this will be refused by the Palestinians," Kokali said.
Kokali also admitted Hamas had not agreed to pursue peace with Israel - one of the Quartet's key conditions for the admission of Hamas to the Palestinian Authority if it wishes to retain legitimacy.
"For Hamas there is no other choice so they will go for this [unity]," Kokali said. "But, if we are talking about principles, for example what will be the position with Hamas toward the peace process, or Fatah, this we will continue to negotiate later."
"We will continue to negotiate with Hamas about the peace process, about the peace with Israel, about the resistance, and what kind of resistance we need if peace fails .. this needs more negotiation," Kokali said.
Kokali's admission that Hamas only agreed to unity because it had no choice, and that Hamas' position vis-a-vis Fatah remained ambigous, underscores not only the tenuous nature of the agreement, but also the tenuous permanence any PA-Israel agreement would have.
It also buttresses concerns the inclusion of Hamas in the PA may lead to a Hamas takeover of PA areas in Judea and Samaria.
INN
GOP Bill Would Require Birth Certificate From Presidential Candidates
A GOP lawmaker will introduce legislation in the coming weeks to require any candidate running for president to file a copy of his or her birth certificate with the Federal Election Commission.
“It’s the right thing to do and it’s long overdue,” Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.), the bill’s sponsor, wrote in an email to The Hill.
Posey insisted the legislation is not directed at President Obama, who has battled charges that he was not born in the U.S. and is ineligible to serve as president since before he entered the Oval Office.
“This legislation has never been about one candidate,” Posey wrote. “It’s been about addressing something that’s come up at least seven times before. With its passage, this won’t be a distraction for anyone in the future.”
Posey previously introduced the legislation in 2009, when Democrats held the House, but it could have a better chance of moving forward now that Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) is Speaker.
More here
“It’s the right thing to do and it’s long overdue,” Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.), the bill’s sponsor, wrote in an email to The Hill.
Posey insisted the legislation is not directed at President Obama, who has battled charges that he was not born in the U.S. and is ineligible to serve as president since before he entered the Oval Office.
“This legislation has never been about one candidate,” Posey wrote. “It’s been about addressing something that’s come up at least seven times before. With its passage, this won’t be a distraction for anyone in the future.”
Posey previously introduced the legislation in 2009, when Democrats held the House, but it could have a better chance of moving forward now that Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) is Speaker.
More here
Saudi Arabia 'Not Comfortable' With Oil Prices
Saudi Arabia has expressed concern over the high price of crude oil.
A senior Saudi energy official said high oil prices could harm the global economy. He said the market contained sufficient supplies of crude oil and that Saudi Arabia did not need to sustain output.
"We are not comfortable with oil prices where they are today," Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Khalid Al Falih said. "I am concerned about the impact it could have on the global economy."
In an address to an oil conference in South Korea on April 27, Al Falih said Saudi crude oil production capacity was stabilizing the market amid the halt in Libyan supplies. He said two-thirds of Saudi exports went to Asia, particularly China.
World Tribune
A senior Saudi energy official said high oil prices could harm the global economy. He said the market contained sufficient supplies of crude oil and that Saudi Arabia did not need to sustain output.
"We are not comfortable with oil prices where they are today," Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Khalid Al Falih said. "I am concerned about the impact it could have on the global economy."
In an address to an oil conference in South Korea on April 27, Al Falih said Saudi crude oil production capacity was stabilizing the market amid the halt in Libyan supplies. He said two-thirds of Saudi exports went to Asia, particularly China.
World Tribune
HB 839
To: County Council Members , Mr Albero & Other Interested Persons
The below Senate Bill 839 is waiting to be approved by our Govenor. The information shows you what our County would be able to do to help protect illegal use of the Mills . This bill states it would also enable our County to enforce more stringent licensing requirements!
Interested parties ----Please contact our Governor asking him to pass the bill !
A very Special Thank You to Mr.Conway for voting for the bill!
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about legislation that was being considered by the Maryland General Assembly.
Senate Bill 839, entitled Counties - Kennel Licenses - Requirements for Breeders, passed the Senate and the House and has been sent to the Governor for his approval. The legislation requires a person to obtain a kennel license if the person owns or has custody of 15 or more unsprayed female dogs over six months old that are kept for the purpose of breeding the dogs and selling their offspring and the person sells dogs from six or more litters in a year.
For each kennel license issued in a county, the bill requires the county to collect and maintain a record of the name and address of the licensee, the number of dogs maintained, and the number of puppies sold in the preceding year. By January 15 of each year, counties must report the information collected for the preceding year to the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The bill also authorizes a county to establish additional kennel license fees to cover the cost of collecting and maintaining the information and submitting the reports. A county may establish more stringent kennel licensing requirements.
This is a link to the bill's history: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/sb0839.htm Scroll down to Documents and you can access the bill, the fiscal note and vote tallies. I did vote for the bill when it reached me on the House floor.
Again, thanks for writing.
Norman H. Conway
-----Original Message-----
From: The Humane Society of the United States [mailto:humanesociety@hsus.org?] On Behalf Of Edna Walls
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 1:47 PM
To: Conway, Norman Delegate
Subject: Support SB 839/HB 940: Determine the scope of the puppy mill problem in MD
Mar 14, 2011
Delegate Norman Conway
Lowe House Office Building, Room 121
6 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD 21401-1912
Dear Delegate Conway,
As your constituent, I urge you to support S.B. 839/H.B. 940 to require
large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities to be licensed by the
counties -- and to require the counties to report that information
annually to the state. Most counties already license breeding kennels,
so this legislation should not be a significant burden for them.
While most states have statewide licensing and inspection systems in
place for commercial dog breeding facilities, Maryland does not; it is
impossible to know how big of a problem puppy mills are in the state.
This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Gladden and Del. Tom Hucker,
is a critical first step
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that
mass-produce puppies for sale in pet stores and over the Internet. A
recent house fire in Calvert County on a property that reportedly
housed more than 100 animals indicates that such facilities exist in
Maryland. Unfortunately, it's hard to know the scope of the situation
since there is no statewide tracking of this information. Maryland has
been very lax in protecting helpless animals & it is time this
changes!
The reporting requirement of this legislation is critical in
determining how much of a problem puppy mills are in Maryland. With
this information, we can begin to consider the best way to address the
situation.
Please vote YES on S.B. 839/H.B. 940 when it comes before you for your
consideration. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Edna Walls
410 S Kaywood Dr
Salisbury, MD 21804-8601
Fruitland Police Department Press Release
DATE & TIME: April 28, 2011 @ 3:34 p.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of CDS w/intent to Distribute
LOCATION: West Cedar Lane & RT 13 South.
Fruitland, Maryland
CASE NO.: 2011-555
PERSON CHARGED: JONATHAN PHILIP MONROE
AGE: 39
ADDRESS: Grays Corner Road, Berlin, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession w/intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine
Possession w/ intent to Distribute Powder Cocaine
Possession w/intent to Distribute Marijuana
Possession w/intent to Distribute Ecstacy / MDMA
Possession Distribution Paraphernalia
Possession Crack Cocaine
Possession Powder Cocaine
Possession Marijuana
Possession Ecstacy / MDMA
Paraphernalia 8 counts
Traffic offenses
DISPOSITION: Remanded to custody of Central Booking, WCDC
Resume:
A traffic stop conducted by Fruitland officers revealed the vehicle operated by the above named subject to be unregistered and uninsured. In addition the subject’s driving privilege was found to be suspended. Subsequent inquiry revealed the subject to be in possession of Crack and Powder Cocaine, Marijuana and Ecstacy in sufficient quantity for distrubution as well as paraphernalia used in the processing and distrubution of Controlled Dangerous Substances.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY HOSTS DISCUSSION ON TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND IN MARYLAND
Brings together Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding, business leaders, elected officials and stakeholders to discuss the future of transportation funding in Maryland
COLUMBIA, MD (April 29, 2011)– Governor Martin O’Malley today hosted a roundtable discussion on the Transportation Trust Fund in Maryland, the latest in his series of “Maryland Forward” policy forums. Today’s discussion was held at the Wilde Lake Community Center in Columbia, Maryland. Following the presentation of the Interim Report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding, Governor O’Malley facilitated an open dialogue with more than 100 participants on how to strategically rebuild the state’s infrastructure and protect the Transportation Trust Fund.
“We are all here today because we understand that we are in a fight for our children’s future. The states that win will be those states that succeed in creating jobs and expanding opportunity by innovating, educating, rebuilding, and protecting their quality of life,” said Governor O’Malley. “There is an inextricable connection between infrastructure and jobs – it all depends on building and restoring a 21st century infrastructure so we can compete and win in the new economy.”
The Governor kicked off the panel discussion with Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and other members of the Blue Ribbon Commission, local business leaders and elected officials.
“I’m pleased that Governor O’Malley has decided to come to Howard County to begin a much-needed discussion on transportation solutions,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. “I’ve often said that Howard is where Maryland comes together, and that means we see first-hand how highways, transit and other modes of transportation work, and what the state’s needs are.”
The Transportation Trust Fund was created in 1971 as a dedicated fund to support transportation funding in the State. The Fund supports all activities of the Maryland Department of Transportation, including debt service expenses, modal agency operations, and capital projects. Revenues deposited into the Trust Fund are not earmarked for specific programs, and the disbursement of funds to projects and initiatives is made in consultation with state and local elected officials.
“Maryland’s highly-regarded transportation network is the lifeblood of the State, directly affecting every citizen and the essential viability of our economy,” said Blue Ribbon Commission Chair Gus Bauman. “In the highly competitive economic environment that we inhabit, other States and regions will not stand still. We must keep focused on this issue and re-establish the public trust in the Trust Fund.”
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding, initiated in 2010 by the Maryland General Assembly, was established to address funding challenges. The Commission is required to review, evaluate, and make recommendations concerning:
· Current State funding sources and structure of the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund;
· Short– and long–term transit, highway, and pedestrian and bicycle facility construction and maintenance funding needs;
· Options for public–private partnerships, including partnerships with local governments, to meet transportation funding needs;
· Structure of regional transportation authorities and the ability of these authorities to meet transportation needs in various regions of the State;
· Impact of economic development and smart growth on transportation funding; and
· Options for sustainable, long–term revenue sources for transportation.
“To meet the challenge of funding Maryland’s transportation needs it is important to seek the input and ideas of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors,” said Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley. “The Governor’s forum on transportation funding provides a unique platform for a free exchange of ideas as we work together to chart a course for funding transportation in our State.”
The O’Malley-Brown Administration has taken steps to begin resolving the funding issues. This year’s legislative action provides for repayment of nearly $100 million a year in funding to the Trust Fund by fiscal year 2014. During the 2007 Special Session, the Administration took action to address issues affecting transportation funding. The Maryland Department of Transportation was allocated additional revenues in the amount of $450 million per year; the sales tax was increased from 5 to 6 percent; the titling tax was raised to 6 percent; and several Trust Fund transfers were shifted to the General Fund. As a result of these actions and due to the additional revenues expected from these changes, the Department of Transportation added a total of $450 million per year of new capital projects. However, the full impact of the national economic downturn took hold shortly thereafter. The Department was forced to reduce its capital budget by $2.1 billion. While the additional $450 million in revenue did cushion the damage, the severity of the downturn prohibited the State from making the progress expected.
The Administration continues to demonstrate a commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing Maryland’s infrastructure. The first segment of the Intercounty Connector from I-370 to MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) opened in February, and the remaining segments from MD 97 to I-95 are under construction and should be complete late 2011/early 2012 – supporting thousands of jobs in Montgomery and Prince George’s County. The Administration is also working to construct the Red and Purple Lines, has invested $21 million in the Halethorpe MARC station improvement project, and continues to compete for federal funding to bring high-speed rail to Maryland among many efforts to rebuild and restore the state’s infrastructure.
Prior to his inauguration for a second term, Governor O’Malley convened a series of five “Maryland Forward” forums designed to gather the input of various stakeholders, including recommendations for legislative in areas including jobs and the economy; skills and education; sustainability; children and health; and public safety and security. These day-long summits brought together stakeholders to generate concrete actions and recommendations that support the Administration’s strategic goals. Following that series, Governor O’Malley has convened smaller groups of local stakeholders, including today’s discussion, which focused on specific policy areas that will help Maryland be a winner in the new economy, protect our neighborhoods, and create jobs.
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
Shoes
Something we all take for granted these days are shoes. This has all come about during the last 60 years or so. Women have always had a lot of shoes to go with different outfits. Most of the shoes for men consisted of a good solid pair of dress shoes; maybe some work shoes and possibly a pair of athletic shoes. There are very few men who polish their shoes nowadays. This was a habit I picked up when I was away at high school. I still wouldn’t be caught without a nice shine on my shoes.
People got more life out of their shoes years ago, thanks to your friendly shoe arcade. They would put on new heels and soles, either whole or half soles. A good pair of shoes would last a long time with the proper care. And once a good pair of shoes was broken in, there was nothing any more comfortable. For a time in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, some people put metal taps on the heels. There were even toe taps that could be used to make a distinctive sound along with the heel taps; you don’t see any of this anymore,
When I was growing up, the boys had two choices for shoes. Either “penny” loafers or “Chucks” were the order of the day. By “Chucks”, I mean the model of Converse All-Star that was endorsed by Chuck Taylor. They were predominately black with white trim around the sole. Any tennis shoe that was black with white trim but were not Chucks were referred to as “fish heads”. I think they still make Chucks today in many colors. I had a pair that I wore smooth playing basketball on our chip and tar driveway. I remember taking them to my grandfather’s workshop and putting them in a vice. I then proceeded to use one of his saws to put new tread on them. They worked great. This seems like a lot of trouble to extend the life of a pair of $3.98 sneakers, but that is the way things were done in the 1950’s. There was a period in the 1950’s that “white bucks” were all the rage. I remember that whenever someone showed up at school with a new pair, it was the obligation of every other boy to step on the new shoes.
Now, everybody wears athletic shoes, primarily for the comfort. When my oldest son was just beginning to walk, we bought a pair of white, high top leather shoes. The leather soles on them would become slicker than glass after a short time. I would take them to the basement and rough up the soles again. This never lasted too long. Then a sales girl at the Athlete in the old Mall told me that the high top shoes were bad for the development of his ankles. Also, she had a son a little bit older than mine and said she got him a very small pair of Nikes. I did the same and he ran everywhere, without once slipping.
Yes, we have come a long way from home-made school clothes. In those days the only thing purchased at a store was shoes and many a child had to work in the canning factories to get their shoe money. Now, parents think nothing of spending $100 on new shoes for their children.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO PARTICIPATE IN RIBBON CUTTING FOR AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL AT HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 29, 2011) – Governor O’Malley will travel to Hagerstown tomorrow morning aboard a Cape Air regional flight from BWI-Marshall Airport to participate in the opening of the Aviation Maintenance Technology School. The school, operated and administered by the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, trains students to become entry level aircraft technicians. Graduates of the AMT program are eligible to sit for the FAA’s Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification examinations. The program for aviation mechanics will develop a skilled workforce to fill high-paying aviation maintenance positions and allow Hagerstown Regional Airport to expand services. The opening of the school is supported through the Skills2Compete initiative.