Salisbury News: 03/29/13

Friday, March 29, 2013

Lawmakers Question TSA $50M Uniform Contract In Light Of Sequester

Republican lawmakers have written to the head of the Transportation Security Administration questioning whether a recent contract for new uniforms worth as much as $50 million was money well spent -- when officials are warning that budget cuts will cause staff shortages and flight delays.

"The rationale behind the timing of TSA's uniform contract and other uncertainties surrounding the contract award raise concerns," the lawmakers wrote. The letter to TSA chief John Pistole was signed by Reps. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and John Mica, R-Fla., who each chair House oversight subcommittees.

The letter comes after the TSA agreed on a deal last month worth up to $50 million to purchase new uniforms. Agency officials signed the contract just days before the start of the $85 billion in federal budget cuts known as sequester.
More

Motorcycle Fail

Kagan ’09: ‘There is No Federal Constitutional Right to Same-Sex Marriage’

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. It’s 2009, and Elena Kagan is answering questions during her confirmation hearing for the position of Solicitor General within the Obama administration. According to William Jacobson at Legal Insurrection, who posted this piece on March 25, this is what she had to say about gay marriage:

1. As Solicitor General, you would be charged with defending the Defense of Marriage Act. That law, as you may know, was enacted by overwhelming majorities of both houses of Congress (85-14 in the Senate and 342-67 in the House) in 1996 and signed into law by President Clinton.
a. Given your rhetoric about the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy—you called it “a profound wrong—a moral injustice of the first order”—let me ask this basic question: Do you believe that there is a federal constitutional right to samesex marriage?

Answer: There is no federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

Pope Francis Sparks Outrage With Washing Of Women’s Feet

Pope Francis broke with Catholic Church tradition and washed and kissed the feet of two young women during the Holy Thursday Mass ritual that has always been confined to men.

The two women were confined at a juvenile detention center, The Associated Press reports.

Church traditionalists decried the move, and accused the pope of setting a “questionable example,” AP reports. Modernists, however, welcomed his action and perceived a church attitude of inclusiveness was on the horizon.

The foot-washing ceremony is rooted in biblical principle.
More

WCSO Press Release 3-29-13

City Commissioner Arrested In Baby Shooting Investigation

A Brunswick, Georgia, city commissioner is accused of influencing a witness and obstructing law enforcement in the investigation into the shooting death of a 13-month-old boy, the Glynn County Sheriff's Office said Friday.

James Henry Brooks, 59, is being held in jail pending a court appearance, according to the sheriff's office.

Police earlier arrested the mother, aunt and sister of one of the two suspects in Antonio Santiago's death on various charges accusing them of hindering the investigation.

Authorities say De'Marquise Elkins, 17, and Dominique Lang, 15, shot Antonio in the head after trying to rob the infant's mother as she walked him in a stroller on March 21.
More

Resort Entering Key Phase In Police Chief Search Process

OCEAN CITY -- The process to find a new Ocean City police chief has entered a critical phase with the calendar about to flip over to April and the summer season looming.

Former Chief Bernadette DiPino’s departure last year has triggered a national search to find her replacement while three veteran captains taking turns as interim chiefs.

Ocean City recently concluded its national search, which resulted in 86 applicants from all over the country. According to City Manager David Recor, the first cut reduced that list to 39 candidates, who then received a written supplemental questionnaire seeking specific information regarding their management style, the handling of finances and other matters. That process winnowed the list of potential candidates to 36 as three more applicants dropped out at that point, and that list will be cut by about a third during the next phase of the search.
More

Gay and Godless On The Public-School Stage

Liberals who demand church-state separation would pitch a fit if a public school decided to perform a play that reverently told stories of the Old Testament, whether it was the story of creation, the story of Noah, or Moses or Joseph and his brothers.

But somehow, if a public school decides to put on a play mocking God and the Old Testament, that is not a church-state violation. The separation police don't want religious (or atheist) minorities to face religious indoctrination in a public school. But anti-religious indoctrination mocking the Judeo-Christian majority is a glorious festival of free speech.

Take, for example, the taxpayer-funded Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School in the People's Republic of Massachusetts. The school is in South Hadley, part of the same community of Northampton which was happily nicknamed "Lesbianville, USA" after the 2000 census showed more lesbians live there per capita than anywhere in the country. MSNBC host Rachel Maddow has a house there.
More

Uh Oh!

Video Captures Bumbling Burglary Suspect

Found Kitten

Hi Joe.

I was wondering if you would be able to put this little gal's picture on your blog? She was found almost a week ago in the Delmar/North Salisbury area (off Dagsboro Road). She appears to be less than a year old and very well taken care of. There has to be a family out there who is missing her. My number is 410-251-1182. Thanks very much!

Independent Report Confirms Divide In OC Public Safety Operations

OCEAN CITY -- An independent review of Ocean City’s emergency services dispatch system has confirmed the town has a major communication problem involving two key public safety departments.

The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Public Safety Management was commissioned by Ocean City last year to conduct an in-depth analysis of the town’s emergency services dispatch operation as a result of the town “facing a decision regarding the future of this department,” according to the 18-page document.

While heaping praise on the town’s communications center and its structure and operations, the report reaches a stern conclusion that there is a “disconnect in communication” between the Emergency Services Department and the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD). The report was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by The Dispatch, and the ICMA presented its findings to the Mayor and Council in January in a closed session. A public reporting of the review, which was budgeted at $17,000 plus expenses, according to City Manager David Recor, is expected in the near future.

Lawmakers: Anti-Bullying Conference Bullies Conservatives, Christians

A group of nearly two dozen Republican lawmakers is threatening to pull state funding from an Iowa community college unless they defund an anti-bullying program that the lawmakers say bullies Christians and conservatives.

The Des Moines Area Community College is one of several sponsors of the Iowa Governors Conference on LGBTQ Youth – scheduled to be held next week. The program was founded by Iowa Safe Schools.

The college’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter filed a Freedom of Information Act request and discovered that tax and tuition dollars were being used to cover the costs.
More

Salisbury Native Previously Charged For Child Porn Arrested Again

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ)—A University of Maryland student has been charged with trying to solicit sex from a 12-year-old girl. And prosecutors say he was already facing serious charges in another sex-related case.

Gigi Barnett reports the student was attending classes until this week.

Undercover detectives say they had numerous online chats with University of Maryland College Park freshman Akshay Rajshekar.
More

MVA

FYI---MVA is closed today, Saturday & Monday. I just stood in line for 45 minutes for the kiosk that went out of service on the guy ahead of me. My guess is it’s out of paper.

It’s one of those service reduction things.

Thanks, Gov.

Del. Mike McDermott Endorses Joe Albero For Mayor Of Salisbury

Salisbury is the economic engine for the lower shore. When Salisbury succeeds the entire Lower Shore succeeds. Unfortunately, for too long, a few political leaders in Salisbury believe that government should lead the way, that over-regulation is a good thing and that entrepreneurs and private employers are the enemy. I fight this battle in Annapolis at the State level all the time. Economic prosperity does not come from the government, but from individuals, entrepreneurs and the private sector.

Salisbury needs a new leader with a new vision of economic prosperity. A vision that is not reliant on government spending, higher taxes and burdensome regulations.

My friend Joe Albero is running for Mayor. He comes from the private sector, has a record of accomplishment and understands how to attract and create jobs for Salisbury. And, most importantly, he knows how to build consensus.

He is the best candidate to move Salisbury forward. He is the best person to help restore Salisbury as an economic leader for the Lower Shore.

Joe Albero has my full support and I encourage you to vote for him for Mayor on Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

With best regards,

Delegate Mike McDermott

Editor's note - This is one more example of a letter to the editor which the Daily Times refused to print.

Former Mayoral Hopeful Adam Roop Clears The Air On Upcoming Election

Hi Joe,

Adam Roop tagged you in a post.

Adam R wrote: "I have done a lot of watching and sitting back during the Mayoral and Council race here in Salisbury, MD and been very patient to make a public statement. I am not one to hold back on commenting because of "what others will think of me" or "what I say will do to my business or reputation" whatsoever, but I think there are a lot of people who are. Let this post be the outlet for you to share your opinions (whether right or wrong) and share your vote or 2-cents. This is not an attack, just my opinions, and the best people for the job will prevail. If you don't agree with my statements then so what. If you do, then great. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then maybe this will help you. But either way, life will go on and Salisbury will still be facing problems. We just need to become problem solvers, and not just trash talkers. SO instead of just complaining all the time, write your own post, and let the world know what you stand for....because if you fall for anything, you'll stand for nothing. God bless America.

No matter who you vote for, just make the right vote for Salisbury, not for the hype and 5 minutes of fame. I think Jake Day has a lot going for him and I like him personally, but unfortunately I think he has leaned towards Jim Ireton and I think that has hurt him. I can't fully assume he has because he won't come out and publicly endorse anyone, but what do you think? If he supports Ireton, do we really want a divided council like we have had before? Or do we want people who will work together as a well oiled unit for a similar cause? Jake has a great background in education and also military but in the critical point in Salisbury's future, does he have the government experience to pick up where his challenger left off? Education is good, but the city is a 51 million dollar a year business...and we desperately need people who have experience running it/one (the right way). I don't know how many council meetings and sessions Day has attended over the last year, but were they enough to give him the knowledge he needs to help this City without having to spend a year or two trying to "catch up"? I know if I ran for Mayor, a lot of you would had said the same thing about me. I knew I would be running a campaign full of ridicule and hate (so I commend you Jake for stepping up when most people won't). But I was going to be up for the challenge if it meant the best for this city. Consequently, I thought there was a better suited candidate in Joe Albero to do and accomplish much more than I could of - all while giving a full time effort to the position. I can't knock the knowledge about Salisbury, the experience in the local government or the work ethic of current council member Debbie Campbell. She has proven to be a valuable asset for our local government. Debbie and I have had many talks in the past about the future and direction of Salisbury. I always found her to be easy going and always open to ideas and suggestions. She was played as someone who was against Jim Ireton, but in all reality she was for him, just like I was (early on). I will admit, I voted for Jim Ireton 4 years ago and bought into his "hype" and over promises. Shortly after voting for him, I realized I made the wrong decision. Debbie found this out quickly also, and the two grew apart, but Debbie always kept professional, when in most cases Ireton did not. I can remember I was at a City Council meeting earlier in the year, and I could hear Ireton ranting on and laughing in the other room when the council meeting was going on. He wasn't even in the room and then came in and wanted to know what he missed. It was embarrassing. Ireton, has done more bad than good in this city and has made a mockery of Salisbury politics. It has been more like a episode of the Jerry Springer show. Calling people racists, pumping false accusations, creating drama, lacking leadership, and basically looking for the lime light and photo op rather than leading a City and it's citizens. I have found myself becoming mad and upset at times that he would sour the reputation of Salisbury. Ireton's actions have pushed people out of this City and damaged many good people and businesses from entering it. I can't believe I read that the Daily Times wanted to give Ireton "another chance"...after then complaining about everything he had done, and then asking for forgiveness, that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Wow. We gave him 4 years! I'm all about second chances and trying to become a better person...but when it comes to Politics there is minor room for error or this type of ongoing behavior. Joe Albero. Yeah I know everyone has a lot to say about Joe Albero. But before you point fingers and bash the man, take a look in the mirror. Do you even know this man, other than from his blog? It's a blog. It's a business. Do you always agree with with Obama says? How about when Bush was in office, did you agree with everything he said? Exactly. And whether you like or hate Joe Albero, you have to admit that he has climbed the rank to get his voice heard, has given back to the community more than you and many of us combined, and has a real interest in the success of Salisbury. And you know what your right, he lived in Delaware, but he still has more passion and knowledge about Salisbury than most of us and people who have lived here all their lives. I'm not saying I agree with everything that is posted on his site or his opinions (you take some and leave some) but I am saying that he has the knowledge about politics, the business experience, and the connections in business and government that could help move Salisbury forward. He is a visionary and that is what Salisbury needs. He will treat this position professionally and give it his best effort. He does not need to do this, he wants to do this...and I commend him for taking a risk, stepping out of the box, not worrying about what other people think or say about him and get his hands dirty. I don't know much about candidate Polk but I have liked what I have seen in her candidate forums. Sheilds has her longevity and hope she can remain consistent with the progress Salisbury needs on a much larger scale and not just in her district. I'm not saying that I haven't had my fare share of criticism over the years. Ive come to accept that if you want to have a voice, whether in Salisbury or anything else you do in life, you will have people who disagree with you, talk trash on you, and challenge you. It comes with the territory. We all have our problems we must face and come to terms to in life. We all have things in our life that we would like to take back, but Salisbury needs a team of leaders who can take it forward. We have to stop worrying about those people who just criticize and do nothing to help. We have to rip the rear view mirror off and only focus on making this city a better place to live and to conduct business in. And us as citizens, have to hold ourselves accountable and ask our selves: "are we contributing" or "are we just complaining". Salisbury has a lot to fix. It will be a challenge for those involved. I just hope you listen to the facts and the right people. Don't listed to your friend or neighbor who has no idea what is going on or has never been to a council meeting and take their opinion on the candidates. Don't listen to someone who will just bash another person when they don't personally know that person or have taken the time to research their core values and visions for this City. Don't listen to the press when they try to pit the candidates against each other just for ratings. Take time to reach out and call or message the people running for office. Meet with them personally and ask them questions...then make your decision. For those who have never voted, let this be your first. And to all who will vote, don't vote off emotions or just because it's someone you are friends with. Vote for the right person. In this election we need a Salisbury united. One with leaders, and not leeches. One with reason, not excuses. And on with vision for the future, not pipe dreams. What ever you do, just vote this Tuesday.

These are just my opinions...what are yours? #SalisburyUNITE #VoteTuesday #Joe Albero"

Lilies Kill Cats

N. Korea's Kim Aims Rockets at DC, LA, Hawaii And Austin

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s latest threat is his most specific yet – a vow to strike the U.S. mainland, complete with a photo on the state-run media showing Hawaii, Washington, Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, as the targets of choice.

Photos believed to have been taken at an “emergency meeting” Friday appeared in the state-run Rodong newspaper and showed Kim signing an order putting rockets on standby to fire at U.S. targets, the paper said. Behind Kim, a chart titled "U.S. mainland strike plan" can be seen and a map shows missiles arcing into the U.S. locations.

Kim warned Friday he is preparing to "settle accounts with the U.S." after the U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers to South Korea to participate in a training exercise Thursday.
More

Md. Electronic Crab Reporting Gaining Interest

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland crabbing industry officials say electronic harvest reporting is catching on.

Maryland's Blue Crab Industry Design Team says almost 270 commercial crabbers and crab dealers have expressed interest in participating in the electronic reporting program for the 2013 crabbing season, which starts on April 1.

Fifty watermen used mobile devices last season to report their catch. Organizers say that eliminates the need for costly printing and processing of paper reports and improve management of the fishery.
More

After 40 Years, Vietnam Memories Still Strong

The last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam 40 years ago Friday, and the date holds great meaning for many who fought the war, protested it or otherwise lived it.

While the fall of Saigon two years later is remembered as the final day of the Vietnam War, many had already seen their involvement in the war finished -- and their lives altered -- by March 29, 1973.

U.S. soldiers leaving the country feared angry protesters at home. North Vietnamese soldiers took heart from their foes' departure, and South Vietnamese who had helped the Americans feared for the future.
More

Get The Facts

Tennessee Becomes Newest State to Completely Block Obamacare

This morning Governor Haslam of Tennessee stated he would not accept the medicaid expansion. In a 12 minute speech to lawmakers this morning he stated, “I cannot recommend to you that we move forward on this plan.” This comes as a surprise to many who have been mounting the effort to keep the medicaid expansion out of Tennessee. To block the Patient Affordable Care Act on the state level two things had to be done. First, the states had to opt out of the state exchange. Second, states had to block the medicaid expansion. Through grassroots pressure Tennessee residents kept the Governor’s feet to the fire.

Enrollment in the food stamp program — officially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — has soared by 70 percent in the years since President Obama first took office, a new report finds.

The government said the recession ended in 2009, The Wall Street Journal reports, but enrollment in the food stamp program didn’t wane, as would be expected in an improving economy. Since 2008, it’s been on a steady rise, The Journal reports.

A record 47.8 million people participate in the program, as of December 2012 — a figure that translates into a 70 percent rise since 2008, The Journal says. Why?
More

'Obesity On The Menu' For Kids, Group Says

(CNN) -- Fried chicken fingers, hamburgers, French fries and sugary sodas dominate children's menus in most chain restaurants, and most kids meals fall short of meeting basic nutritional standards, a nonprofit health advocacy group said Thursday.

Some 97% of nearly 3,500 kids meals analyzed don't meet basic nutritional standards, the Center for Science in the Public Interestsaid in its report "Kids' Meals: Obesity on the Menu."

What's more, 91% don't meet the National Restaurant Association's own nutritional guidelines for its Kids LiveWell program, a voluntary program for restaurant owners, according to the report.

BERLIN -- An Ocean City native and Stephen Decatur High School graduate, now an experienced U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot serving in Korea, was honored last week with a Joint Service Commendation Medal after piloting his aircraft and leading his crew on a daring rescue of seven U.S. Marines last month.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Adam McDonough, a 1993 Stephen Decatur graduate and former high school quarterback, was honored for piloting a Blackhawk helicopter during the precarious rescue of seven Marines whose helicopter crashed on Feb. 20 in a remote area of Thailand about 20 miles north of Phitsanulok.

The seven crewmembers suffered severe burns, lacerations and fractures to varying degrees, but were difficult to reach because of the remote location. A second Marine Sea Knight helicopter attempted a rescue, but was forced to land on the ground about 1,000 feet below the crash scene and sent crew members on a dangerous ascent up the face of the cliff.
More

More Than A Name On A Wall

Top Donors Threaten Dems: Do The Right Thing on Guns, or No More Money

With red state Democratic Senators remaining skittish about embracing Obama’s gun proposals, at least two top Democratic donors are stepping forward and vowing to withhold any and all future financial contributions from any Democrats who don’t support the centerpiece of Obama’s plan: Expanded background checks.

Kenneth Lerer, a New York businessman who is chairman of Buzzfeed.com, and David Bohnett, a technology entrepreneur and philanthopist based in Los Angeles, are both major financial supporters of Democratic candidates, having each given scores of large contributions over the years. They are both key players in the political fundraising world and wield influence among other donors and fundraisers.

Obama Administration Moves Ahead With Sweeping Rules Requiring Cleaner Gasoline

The Environmental Protection Agency will move ahead Friday with rules requiring cleaner gasoline and cars nationwide, despite fierce protests from the oil industry and some conservative Democrats, according to several individuals briefed on the matter.

The proposed rules — which had been stuck in regulatory limbo since December 2011 in the face of intense political opposition — would cut the amount of sulfur in U.S. gasoline by two-thirds and impose fleetwide pollution limits on new vehicles by 2017.

The regulation enjoys support from auto companies, state regulators, environmental groups and equipment manufacturers. But oil industry officials and their congressional allies argue the proposed standards would raise gasoline prices and could result in greater carbon dioxide emissions because they will spur additional refining activity.
More

Good Friday

Kansas GOP To Legalize Quarantine Of HIV Patients

The Kansas legislature is about to empower the state to quarantine people with HIV and AIDS. The local Fox affiliate says the legislation is expected to become law in the next few weeks.

Republicans in the Kansas state legislature promise that the quarantine power will never be exercised against people with AIDS, but they then shot down a Democratic-led effort, by Senator Marci Francisco, to exempt people with HIV and AIDS from the quarantine provision.

Funny how they don’t ever plan on using it against people with AIDS, but then refuse to exempt people with AIDS from the quarantine they promise they’ll never use.

Senate OKs Bill Exempting OC From Recycling Measure

OCEAN CITY -- Legislation that would provide an exemption for the countless condominiums and apartment buildings in Ocean City from placing mandatory recycling bins on their properties cruised through the Senate this week.

Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation requiring the owner or property managers of condominiums or apartment complexes of 10 or more units across Maryland to provide curbside recycling containers for their residents and visitors. The bill required the recycling facilities be in place by October 2014 and included all condominium and apartment buildings in the state, including Ocean City.

However, in 2010, Ocean City abandoned traditional curbside recycling in favor of a more cost-efficient program in which solid waste, including most recyclables, is incinerated to create a renewable energy source. Consequently, Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38) earlier this month introduced a bill that would provide an exemption for Ocean City from the state’s recycling program for condominiums and apartment complexes.
More

HERE ARE THE 10 FREEST STATES IN THE U.S. (AND THE LEAST)

North Dakota is the freest state in the U.S., followed closely by South Dakota, Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma, according to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University’s third annual “Freedom in the 50 States.”

The 223-page report “scores all 50 states on their overall respect for individual freedom, and also on their respect for three dimensions of freedom considered separately: fiscal policy, regulatory policy, and personal freedom,” the study explains. Surprisingly, Texas did not make the top 10 and was ranked the 14th most free state.

“In order to calculate these scores, we weight public policies according to the estimated costs that government restrictions on freedom impose on their victims,” the report adds.
More

CITY OF SALISBURY/WICOMICO COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED

Salisbury, MD – City of Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton and Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt would like to remind citizens that government offices will be closed for Good Friday on Friday, March 29th. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, April 1st.

The Jaw-Dropping Reason Congress Drafted DOMA: 'Moral Disapproval of Homosexuality'

When Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan read aloud from the 1996 Report to Congress that accompanied the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act, there were audible gasps of shock in the courtroom, according to several people who attended oral arguments Wednesday.

"I'm going to quote from the House Report here," Kagan had said "... 'Congress decided to reflect and honor of collective moral judgment and to express moral disapproval of homosexuality.' Is that what happened in 1996?"

Maryland Executive Cabinet's Top Earners

We take a look at some of Maryland government's top salaries, beginning with the governor's executive cabinet.

Source

Daily Times–Where’s the Beef?

Yesterday Salisbury mayoral candidate Joe Albero issued a press release claiming that the Daily Times was planning an “October surprise” for Sunday’s edition. It appears that the article ran this morning. For the informed voter, little new information was published; but begs us to ask the leadership of the paper – Where’s the beef?

DT reporter Cox obviously devoted much time to researching about the two mayoral candidates personal lives. So what?

Imagine the service the Daily Times could have done for voters and the city it CLAIMS to love if the same amount of time had been dedicated examining Albero’s plan to revitalize the local economy or council candidate Jake Day’s plan for the city. Sadly, the DT doesn’t want informed voters. The great unwashed asking too many questions would spoil their narrative.

Albero asks the right question:

Who cares that Jake Day has a heavy foot, or that our three District 1 candidates have met with personal financial misfortune, or that both my opponent and I have had some minor brushes with the legal system? Why does the Daily Times think that these things take precedence over my plan to bring jobs to Salisbury, Jim Ireton’s repeated attempts to raise our taxes, or Jake Day’s plan to use our tax dollars to subsidize residential development in the city?

We may be wrong. Maybe voters do care more about trivia and less about creating jobs or improving the city. … At least that’s what the Daily Times hopes.

Kentucky Legislature Approves Bill To Legalize Hemp Production

The Kentucky legislature on Wednesday approved legislation that permits industrial hemp production in the state.

“This historic legislation puts Kentucky in position to be first in line if and when the federal government legalizes production of industrial hemp,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said in a statement. “By passing this bill, the General Assembly has signaled that Kentucky is serious about restoring industrial hemp production to the Commonwealth and doing it in the right way. That will give Kentucky’s congressional delegation more leverage when they seek a federal waiver allowing Kentucky farmers to grow hemp.”

Taxpayers To Subsidize NY's Higher Minimum Wage

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A hike in New York's minimum wage is a big win for Democrats, but a provision buried inside the tentative state budget shows taxpayers will be paying much of the bill.

The "minimum wage reimbursement credit" is spelled out at the bottom of a revenue bill in the budget separate from the minimum wage measure. The credit would reimburse employers for part of the difference in wages from the current $7.25 minimum wage as it rises to $9 an hour by 2016.

Once it reaches $9 an hour, employers would pay 40 cents and taxpayers $1.35 of the extra $1.75 an hour workers are paid.

Employers including big-box department stores and fast-food chains will get tax credits for seasonal employees, ages 16 to 19, who are still in school, which some advocates for low-income residents say will hurt adult workers.

The cost of the measure approved in closed-door negotiations between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders won't be known publicly until after the budget gets final legislative approval, which is expected by the end of this week. Early estimates are between $20 million and $40 million, with no cap on the total.

"You are kind of flying blind on this," said Frank Mauro of the progressive Fiscal Policy Institute.

Advocates for the working poor fear the credit will prompt employers to replace adults with students. Mauro said Tuesday the credit also would result in the first maximum wage for many employees because employers would lose the credit if they raise wages over the minimum wage.

The credit "flies in the face of sound tax policy, good labor market practice, or common sense," Mauro said.

The think tank said the credit would "dangle $1,560 to $2,808 out in front of employers for every adult worker they manage to substitute with a student."

Source

14th Annual Easter Event In OC Offers Activities For All Ages

OCEAN CITY -- The 14th Annual O.C. Easter Art & Craft and Kids Fun Fair will be held at Ocean City's Roland E. Powell Convention Center on Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The art and craft portion of the event is timed perfectly for Mother’s Day coming up and will feature over 70 vendors from near and far displaying a wide variety of creative and unique gifts, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, and accessories galore.

The Easter Kids Fun Fair is the perfect place for children and their parents to enjoy continuous festivities throughout each day including Beanie the Easter Bunny, over 15 Easter egg hunts, jelly bean guesses, coloring tables, door prizes and more surprises.
More

Salisbury University PACE FORUM

Daily Times Prepares “October Surprise”

Contact: G. A. Harrison FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: 410-713-4005
Email: AlberoForMayor@gmail.com March 28, 2013

DAILY TIMES PREPARES “OCTOBER SURPRISE”
What Happened to “Stick to the Issues”?

Salisbury’s Daily Times is planning its own version of the “October Surprise” for this Sunday’s edition. According to Daily Times city reporter Jeremy Cox, the paper plans to run a front page “expose” outlining the past legal difficulties of incumbent mayor Jim Ireton and his opponent, businessman Joe Albero.
“I’m really disgusted with the entire approach taken by our local newspaper”, stated Albero. “It’s small wonder that they’ve had to put their building up for lease. People just don’t want to read a paper that is one step above the National Enquirer. Who cares that Jake Day has a heavy foot, or that our three District 1 candidates have met with personal financial misfortune, or that both my opponent and I have had some minor brushes with the legal system? Why does the Daily Times think that these things take precedence over my plan to bring jobs to Salisbury, Jim Ireton’s repeated attempts to raise our taxes, or Jake Day’s plan to use our tax dollars to subsidize residential development in the city?”
Albero also noted that early in the campaign the Daily Times stated that they wanted to ONLY report on issues. “Throughout this campaign I have focused on how to make Salisbury a better place to work and to live. It’s unfortunate that they have gone back on their word and chosen to take this path. What have we seen from our local paper during this campaign? Most of the articles we’ve seen this election season have been thinly disguised attack pieces. Any discussion of real issues has been little more than fluff. I don’t believe that reporter Jeremy Cox is either lazy or a bad reporter. I can only conclude that publisher Tom Claybaugh and editor Michael Kilian believe that they can gin up advertising sales from certain business segments or somehow increase readership by attempting to use Gannett’s assets to impact a local election with salacious stories that have no real impact on Salisbury’s residents and businesses.”
Albero’s publication, SBYNews will print a response (written by a named contributor) after the Daily Times runs its piece.

Popular Posts

Friday, March 29, 2013