First, let’s look at the elected executives, starting with the big guy. Following his second and a very narrow victory over a political buffoon in late 2010, Rick Pollitt has embarked upon empire building once again. His attempt to expand and glorify his staff has been rejected for the time being by the County Council. But, he is engaged in sleight-of-hand shenanigans, having just engaged a new “public information officer” (adios, Jim Fineran) trained in the art of “creative writing.” And, despite his campaign promise that it would be up to the public to take the initiative in changing or repealing the tax revenue cap, he is leading that effort, and asking the Council to commit immediately to the Bennett Middle School project that would require a tax rate increase of about 10% in the next budget cycle.
Then there’s Jim Ireton, who has abandoned his frequent campaign promised to change the tone of City government and actually surpassed Barrie Tilghman in personal attacks on City Council members who don’t drink his kool-aid, calling them racists among other things in his many media events. His public temper tantrums seem to have decreased in recent months (medication, perhaps), but behind closed doors, who knows?
In these and many other ways, both Pollitt and Ireton have revealed themselves as typical politicians who say whatever helps them get elected but then disregard and dishonor their pledges to the people.
A couple of Council members have distinguished themselves the year by bashing their cohorts. Laura Mitchell has followed Ireton’s lead in that regard. And Sample-Hughes has made clear her dislike of a certain member, suggesting that only those with a high school diploma are qualified to serve on the County Council and that he is unfit to be its president. Could she be speaking for Rick Pollitt, as well?
With leaders like these, the future well-being and stature of the County and City are very much in jeopardy. The folks in Worcester County and Sussex County are overjoyed at the continuing debacle in the County and City that purport to be the leaders on the Shore.
Happy New Year, but things probably won’t get better and could become worse.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
No doubt every year has it's dark days filled with villainous moments, but surely you could at least share some of the positive elements of the year instead of starting the new one in doom and gloom.
ReplyDeleteLaura Mitchell's actions were very predictable.. it was clear she was owned by SAPOA.
ReplyDeleteIt was another one of those situations where you had to hold your nose and vote for the least offensive of the remaining candidates.
While I don't always agree with SBYnews - I have to admit that in this mornings article - you pegged
ReplyDeleteit in your anyalysis.
Be optimistic, think positive! Things WILL be better in 2012. Doom and Gloom attitudes only make things seem worse.
ReplyDeleteHow can one be positive when you still have all the negative sitting on these boards getting ready to slam us taxpayers this year?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteBe optimistic, think positive! Things WILL be better in 2012. Doom and Gloom attitudes only make things seem worse.
January 1, 2012 9:49 AM
The negative has been instilled in us for the last 14 years. You have no clue what you are talking about. Jim Ireton is worse than Barrie Tilghman because we expected much better. I will never cross party lines and vote Democrat again.
Please commit to lighting a candle and not cursing the darkness.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has a role in making this area a better place.
Please dont constantly bash the people that do it for a living.
Jeff Simpson and Jim Ireton has ruined the Salisbury Fire Department as well as the City itself and I can't see it changing for the better for years to come. Their wasteful spending will hurt the city employees and tax payer with little hope of recovery. Spending thousands of dollars on Class A dress uniforms, new style work uniforms,combat boots, an entire new embroidered wardrobe for Simpson, gifts good ole boys, a $ Million fire boat, a $500K Air Truck, 6 take home cars for his followers, an overtime budget blown in 2 months, numerous vacation/training trips, etc. With that said we need to get rid of Jeff Simspon or Ireton soon. Mr. Ireton it would be in your best interest to consider the mistake you made with this one if you have any designs on your future political career.
ReplyDeletePlease dont constantly bash the people that do it for a living.
ReplyDeleteJanuary 1, 2012 10:48 AM
Why not? If they're not doing their job they should be 'bashed'.
Everyone has a role huh? That may be true to some extent but sounds like you're trying to pass off your duties and responsibilities to the general public.
You know, the ones who pay you to do it.
Hey you Happyjacks out there:
ReplyDeleteSalisbury and Wicomico County are sinking fast into socialistic government. Ireton is a small time version of Obama; both were elected because of the anti-Republican tide in 2008-2009 caused by the Wall Street mess created by the policies of Democrats like Dodd and Frank.
Pollitt got elected only because he had an absurd opponent, both times, due to the asinine Republican Party in this County.
That's the way it is and only Sbynews reports it.
Keep up the good work in covering what we don't get in the main stream media, especially the Daily Times.
Nice to know that sbynews is here to bash people. It's an important role and there is no one better at it. The day you stop with innuendo and subliminal messages is the day I take you seriously.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 12:12, yet you keep coming back. My guess, you come here to gather up attacks against me for your own Blog.
ReplyDeleteJoe- why only focus on the negative? How about the positive turnover in Delmar Maryland that you endorsed? I have great hopes for Mayor Anderton along with councilmen Gibbs and Luffman. I see good things ahead for that community!
ReplyDeleteanonymous 12:23, when did I ever say anything negative about Delmar?????
ReplyDeleteTo 12:12
ReplyDeleteI can only guess - but I am quite sure that you are one of the other rival media representatives that presently tout;
1. Flourishing local economy
2. Increased sales tax collections
3. Increased gas tax collections
4. Record employment
5. Robust economic enviroment
6. Environmental soundness - (ex: WWTP)
On the flip side - SBYnews publishes factual evidence to the contrary - and then you have the odacity to say that SBYnews is people bashing and sending out subliminal messages?
Your pale has holes and holds no water. LONG LIVE SBYNEWS
In his big media event last week, Pollitt said that construction of the Bennett Middle School would start this year. What's he smoking?
ReplyDelete