DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, May 13, 2012
HOW CAN THE DAILY TIMES SAY THAT?
In its recent editorial about the numerous e-mails between Martin O’Malley and the lawyer who represents Perdue, the Daily Times was quick to suggest that there is nothing sinister about their close relationship. Among other things it proclaimed to readers that in the e-mails “there's no smoking gun, no threats of retaliation or demands, no indication of capitulation on key issues.” The piece bears the subtitle “'Cozy relationship' lacks evidence of corruption”
Although the disclosed portion of the e-mails – there is some “redaction” of the text -- may not contain a “smoking gun” do you really think that two lawyers would place anything of that sort in e-mails that are subject to disclosure under the freedom of information process? Does it occur to the Daily Times that they have other means of communication, both directly and through others, that are virtually impossible for the public (and even a prosecutor) to obtain.
And some of the e-mails involve matters of concern to Perdue, such as the positions and performance of Maryland’s “Secretary of Agriculture” and the effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay by limiting runoff of pollutants from chicken litter.
We agree with the editorial’s comment that the Perdue-O’Malley relationship “bears watching.” But that is an understatement and fails to address the significant questions: “how” and “by whom”. If that is its recommendation, why does the editorial conclude by bashing the watchdog group (Food and Water Watch) that brought the relationship to public attention by incorrectly suggesting that it had called the relationship corrupt? Apparently the Daily Times feels that it should not be so aggressive in trying to keep the public better informed that the readers of the Daily Times.
Until more is known about the relationship, no meaningful conclusion can be made. The Daily Times editorial is irresponsible journalism.
Although the disclosed portion of the e-mails – there is some “redaction” of the text -- may not contain a “smoking gun” do you really think that two lawyers would place anything of that sort in e-mails that are subject to disclosure under the freedom of information process? Does it occur to the Daily Times that they have other means of communication, both directly and through others, that are virtually impossible for the public (and even a prosecutor) to obtain.
And some of the e-mails involve matters of concern to Perdue, such as the positions and performance of Maryland’s “Secretary of Agriculture” and the effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay by limiting runoff of pollutants from chicken litter.
We agree with the editorial’s comment that the Perdue-O’Malley relationship “bears watching.” But that is an understatement and fails to address the significant questions: “how” and “by whom”. If that is its recommendation, why does the editorial conclude by bashing the watchdog group (Food and Water Watch) that brought the relationship to public attention by incorrectly suggesting that it had called the relationship corrupt? Apparently the Daily Times feels that it should not be so aggressive in trying to keep the public better informed that the readers of the Daily Times.
Until more is known about the relationship, no meaningful conclusion can be made. The Daily Times editorial is irresponsible journalism.
New Posts to fall below.
MR. POLLITT: THE PROBLEM IS THE PHOSPHORUS
The Daily Times recently ran Rick Pollitt’s vociferous paean paying homage to the poultry industry on Delmarva – written in response to the recent revelation of the close and influential relationship between the Perdue firm and Martin O’Malley through a Baltimore lawyer with close ties to the latter – in which the writer attempts to downplay the environmental harm caused by the use chicken manure to provide soil nutrients for crop production. He (or was it Pollitt’s public information officer) states that the manure contributes only 6 percent of the nitrogen loading in the Chesapeake Bay.
Apparently whoever wrote that letter is not aware of the real problem caused by the use of poultry manure as a “free” form of fertilizer – the relatively high level of phosphorus. If the manure is applied in sufficient quantity to furnish the appropriate level of nitrogen, the soil becomes overloaded with phosphorus, some, sometimes much of which runs off eventually into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Almost half of the phosphorus loading in the Bay comes from manure, primarily that which is applied to fields on Delmarva. Phosphorus is more difficult to deal with than nitrogen and can be just as harmful to the Bay. Mr. Pollitt and his mouthpiece can go here for more information:
https://www.environmentmaryland.org/sites/environment/files/reports/An-Unsustainable-Path-web_0.pdf
For years the Delmarva poultry industry, led by Perdue, has successfully defeated efforts to limit the use of “poultry litter” in crop production in Maryland. No doubt Mr. Pollitt and his pals, including those at the Daily Times, know all about that.
Apparently whoever wrote that letter is not aware of the real problem caused by the use of poultry manure as a “free” form of fertilizer – the relatively high level of phosphorus. If the manure is applied in sufficient quantity to furnish the appropriate level of nitrogen, the soil becomes overloaded with phosphorus, some, sometimes much of which runs off eventually into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Almost half of the phosphorus loading in the Bay comes from manure, primarily that which is applied to fields on Delmarva. Phosphorus is more difficult to deal with than nitrogen and can be just as harmful to the Bay. Mr. Pollitt and his mouthpiece can go here for more information:
https://www.environmentmaryland.org/sites/environment/files/reports/An-Unsustainable-Path-web_0.pdf
For years the Delmarva poultry industry, led by Perdue, has successfully defeated efforts to limit the use of “poultry litter” in crop production in Maryland. No doubt Mr. Pollitt and his pals, including those at the Daily Times, know all about that.
New Posts to fall below.
Chinese Cities Coming to America
A Chinese Group Plans To Construct A 200 Acre "China City" In Michigan
A Chinese group known as "Sino-Michigan Properties LLC" has bought up 200 acres of land near the town of Milan, Michigan. Their plan is to construct a "China City" with artificial lakes, a Chinese cultural center and hundreds of housing units for Chinese citizens. Essentially, it would be a little slice of communist China dropped right into the heartland of America.
A Chinese group known as "Sino-Michigan Properties LLC" has bought up 200 acres of land near the town of Milan, Michigan. Their plan is to construct a "China City" with artificial lakes, a Chinese cultural center and hundreds of housing units for Chinese citizens. Essentially, it would be a little slice of communist China dropped right into the heartland of America.
This "China City" would be located about 40 minutes from both Detroit
and Toledo, and it would be marketed to Chinese business people that
want to start businesses in the United States. Unfortunately, this is
not just an isolated incident. In fact, Chinese companies have been
buying up land and businesses all over the country in recent years.
There has even been talk of establishing "special economic zones" inside the United States modeled after the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
It was inevitable that the Chinese were going to do something with the
trillions of dollars that they have made flooding our shores with cheap
products. Now they are rapidly buying up pieces of America, and many of
our politicians are welcoming them with open arms.
Kansas Lawmakers Pass Effective Ban on Islamic Law
Kansas lawmakers have passed legislation intended to prevent the state courts or agencies from using Islamic or other non-U.S. laws in making decisions, a measure critics have blasted as an embarrassment to the state.
The legislation, which passed 33-3 in the state Senate on Friday and 120-0 previously in the House, is widely known in Kansas as the "Sharia bill," because the perceived goal of supporters is to keep Islamic code from being recognized in Kansas.
The bill was sent to Republican Governor Sam Brownback, who has not indicated whether he will sign it.
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'Gays' to YouTube: Don't let anyone see THIS!
The newest battleground over the California legislature’s decision to
establish a day to honor homosexual activist and politician Harvey Milk
is YouTube.
SaveCalifornia.com President Randy Thomasson says YouTube recently pulled the video simply because homosexual activists complained.
“Homosexual activists didn’t like the truth that was in the video; they complained to YouTube and YouTube’s committee yanked it,” Thomasson said. “They did the bidding of the homosexual activists and apparently don’t do their research and all of these are true facts.”
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SaveCalifornia.com President Randy Thomasson says YouTube recently pulled the video simply because homosexual activists complained.
“Homosexual activists didn’t like the truth that was in the video; they complained to YouTube and YouTube’s committee yanked it,” Thomasson said. “They did the bidding of the homosexual activists and apparently don’t do their research and all of these are true facts.”
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Developer Plans 200-Foot-Tall Cross in Missouri
Kerry Brown said the “God-given vision” of the Branson Cross came to his father Dean two decades ago after he bought land atop Bear Mountain near the intersections of U.S. highways 160 and 65 in Branson, tourist mecca famous for its country music venues.
“It started as a vision with a 7-foot-tall cross just so people would have a place to go and meditate with the Lord,” Brown told FoxNews.com. “As time went on, additional portions of the vision came to him and ultimately it was to build the largest cross that anyone has ever seen.”
Special Session Unlikely To Hurt Dems
Swift fix of budget plan should maintain political status quo, analysts say
Maryland Democrats were barraged with criticism after failing to pass a budget during the regular legislative session, but observers say the majority lawmakers don't have much to worry about in terms of lasting fallout from the stalemate or the upcoming special session.
As far as Republicans are concerned, they could stand to gain a seat or two in the next election, but little more, said Todd Eberly, professor of political science at St. Mary's College of Maryland in St. Mary's City.
“This is not the thing that's going to launch Republicans into true two-party status,” he said.
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Maryland Democrats were barraged with criticism after failing to pass a budget during the regular legislative session, but observers say the majority lawmakers don't have much to worry about in terms of lasting fallout from the stalemate or the upcoming special session.
As far as Republicans are concerned, they could stand to gain a seat or two in the next election, but little more, said Todd Eberly, professor of political science at St. Mary's College of Maryland in St. Mary's City.
“This is not the thing that's going to launch Republicans into true two-party status,” he said.
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Two Dogs Found In Salisbury
Do you recognize these two dogs? They were both dumped off in a friend of mines fenced in front yard on Spring and College Ave. Hopefully there's a friendly outcome with this and someone placed them in their yard to keep them from getting harmed.
Call 443-235-4555
Lawmakers Agree On Tax Hike For Special Session
Compromise spending plan will raise nearly $200 million, but huge budget gap remains
After months of debate about who should pay more taxes in Maryland, state lawmakers are poised to return Monday and pass an income tax increase similar to Gov. Martin O’Malley’s January proposal.
The compromise tax plan, which is nearly identical to the bill that died on the desk on the last day of the General Assembly regular session, would raise $195.6 million in state revenue in fiscal 2013 through income tax hikes and $51.7 million by phasing out personal exemptions. The tax changes would affect single Marylanders making more than $100,000 a year and couples earning more than $150,000.
“For folks in the $150,000 to $200,000 range, it’s going to be in the neighborhood of a buck a week,” said Neil Bergsman, director of the Maryland Budget & Tax Policy Institute. “The amount we’re talking about should be manageable for everyone. It’s not going to affect the lifestyles of any millionaire or half-millionaire in Maryland.”
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After months of debate about who should pay more taxes in Maryland, state lawmakers are poised to return Monday and pass an income tax increase similar to Gov. Martin O’Malley’s January proposal.
The compromise tax plan, which is nearly identical to the bill that died on the desk on the last day of the General Assembly regular session, would raise $195.6 million in state revenue in fiscal 2013 through income tax hikes and $51.7 million by phasing out personal exemptions. The tax changes would affect single Marylanders making more than $100,000 a year and couples earning more than $150,000.
“For folks in the $150,000 to $200,000 range, it’s going to be in the neighborhood of a buck a week,” said Neil Bergsman, director of the Maryland Budget & Tax Policy Institute. “The amount we’re talking about should be manageable for everyone. It’s not going to affect the lifestyles of any millionaire or half-millionaire in Maryland.”
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Obama Pushes Billion-dollar Stimulus Plan
Putting pressure on Congress
to approve parts of his latest economic stimulus plan, President
Obama urged Americans Saturday to push lawmakers to approve his
multibillion-dollar “to-do list” for creating jobs.
“Each of the ideas on this list will help create jobs and build a stronger economy right now,” Mr. Obama said in his weekly address. “Let’s push Congress to do the right thing. Let’s keep moving this country forward together.”
The president’s list includes an expanded program to help homeowners refinance their mortgages, a proposal to give small businesses tax breaks for hiring more workers, a program that would help veterans find jobs, and an extension of tax credits for clean-energy companies.
More
“Each of the ideas on this list will help create jobs and build a stronger economy right now,” Mr. Obama said in his weekly address. “Let’s push Congress to do the right thing. Let’s keep moving this country forward together.”
The president’s list includes an expanded program to help homeowners refinance their mortgages, a proposal to give small businesses tax breaks for hiring more workers, a program that would help veterans find jobs, and an extension of tax credits for clean-energy companies.
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Maryland Court Of Appeals Nixes State Control Of Development
After receiving all required local and State permits to develop a mixed-use adult community on Kent Island, Hovnanian applied for a license from the Board of Public Works to fill or dredge State wetlands. The filling or dredging involved four elements that would have impacted 9,939 square feet of State wetlands. The evidence indicated that the impact on the wetlands would have been minor and well-compensated by mitigation efforts. Both the State Department of Environment and the Wetlands Administrator recommended approval of the application, attesting that the project met all legal requirements, including requirements of the Board’s own regulations.
Nonetheless, by a 2-1 vote, the Board denied the license, not because of any finding regarding the impact on the wetlands of the requested dredging or filling, but because two members concluded that the project as a whole was unsuitable for Kent Island for environmental, traffic, and public safety reasons. The Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County, concluding that the Board had applied inappropriate standards and thereby exceeded its lawful discretion, vacated the Board’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration by the Board.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court judgment. The question of whether the
development was suitable for Kent Island was committed to other State and local agencies
which, over a 13-year period, had considered all applicable requirements and approved the project on multiple occasions. In deciding upon an application to dredge or fill State wetlands, the Board of Public Works does not act as a super land use authority but may consider only whether, applying the considerations set forth in Md. Code, Environment Article, § 16- 202(g)(1), which look to the impact of the dredging or filling on the affected State wetland, issuance of a license is in the State’s interest. The case was remanded to the Board to reconsider the application using the proper standards.
David Paulson, a spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General, which represented the Board of Public Works in the court case, said the ruling is being reviewed. Comptroller Peter Franchot thinks the ruling unfairly limits the authority of the Board of Public Works, said Joe Shapiro, a spokesman for the Comptroller. The Board of Public Works should be able to continue its "invaluable oversight role on behalf of the taxpayers," Shapiro said. Gov. Martin O'Malley also disagreed with the ruling, saying in a statement that it is "a setback for the protection of our remaining wetlands, the health of the bay and public safety in flood zones."
Maryland Board of Public Works, et al. v. Kent Hovanian’s Four Seasons at Kent Island, LLC, et al., No. 67, September Term 2011, filed April 23, 2012.
http://mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2012/67a11.pdf
Nonetheless, by a 2-1 vote, the Board denied the license, not because of any finding regarding the impact on the wetlands of the requested dredging or filling, but because two members concluded that the project as a whole was unsuitable for Kent Island for environmental, traffic, and public safety reasons. The Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County, concluding that the Board had applied inappropriate standards and thereby exceeded its lawful discretion, vacated the Board’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration by the Board.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court judgment. The question of whether the
development was suitable for Kent Island was committed to other State and local agencies
which, over a 13-year period, had considered all applicable requirements and approved the project on multiple occasions. In deciding upon an application to dredge or fill State wetlands, the Board of Public Works does not act as a super land use authority but may consider only whether, applying the considerations set forth in Md. Code, Environment Article, § 16- 202(g)(1), which look to the impact of the dredging or filling on the affected State wetland, issuance of a license is in the State’s interest. The case was remanded to the Board to reconsider the application using the proper standards.
David Paulson, a spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General, which represented the Board of Public Works in the court case, said the ruling is being reviewed. Comptroller Peter Franchot thinks the ruling unfairly limits the authority of the Board of Public Works, said Joe Shapiro, a spokesman for the Comptroller. The Board of Public Works should be able to continue its "invaluable oversight role on behalf of the taxpayers," Shapiro said. Gov. Martin O'Malley also disagreed with the ruling, saying in a statement that it is "a setback for the protection of our remaining wetlands, the health of the bay and public safety in flood zones."
Maryland Board of Public Works, et al. v. Kent Hovanian’s Four Seasons at Kent Island, LLC, et al., No. 67, September Term 2011, filed April 23, 2012.
http://mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2012/67a11.pdf
June Cleaver to Gloria Pritchett: 5 great TV moms
Why settle for one great mom when, as any TV viewer knows, you can adopt a series of them?
Here's
five of the best, from the demure 1950s version to the
freewheeling 21st-century incarnation. These fictional mamas may have
set the bar high for generations of real ones, but they did something in
return: kept families entertained so they'd give mom a break, if only
until the next commercial. No Mother's Day card is necessary, but let's
give each of these TV moms a big hug for her holiday:
City rules church not 'charitable' enough
A city in Maine has decided to enforce thousands of dollars in
property taxes on a congregation because, its assessment board ruled,
the church doesn’t qualify as a charity.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Rockland, Maine, filed suit in the Knox County Superior Court last month over a legal loophole that allows the city to charge taxes on the church’s driveway and parking lot, while exempting other non-profit organizations from the same costs.
“Maine’s tax exemption statutory scheme is fundamentally flawed,” explains the Alliance Defense Fund, a non-profit legal organization that defends religious freedom. “The statute broadly exempts property owned by and used for not-for-profit groups, including charities, hospitals, fraternities, child care centers and veterans groups. The parking lots of these organizations are tax-exempt, no questions asked.
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Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Rockland, Maine, filed suit in the Knox County Superior Court last month over a legal loophole that allows the city to charge taxes on the church’s driveway and parking lot, while exempting other non-profit organizations from the same costs.
“Maine’s tax exemption statutory scheme is fundamentally flawed,” explains the Alliance Defense Fund, a non-profit legal organization that defends religious freedom. “The statute broadly exempts property owned by and used for not-for-profit groups, including charities, hospitals, fraternities, child care centers and veterans groups. The parking lots of these organizations are tax-exempt, no questions asked.
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