A Comment Worthy Of A Post 1-12-14

John Palmer says: Joe after twenty one years in the Navy I can say I am one who is not afraid to rock the boat and I've been wet plenty of times. This coming election is going to be very important to each individual here on the Shore. I would like to see this election be about issues that directly effect us and are caused directly by the elected officials right here in our own back yard. I would like to see facts about these issues and not just someone spouting off because they don't like Democrats or Republicans. If someone is not sure on an issue don't be afraid to ask for help. This website is a great venue to ask others for assistance. 

Here's an example. Earlier someone mentioned that Mr. Conway voted for the gun laws. I'm not sure but I thought that when the gun law bill was being pushed through he said he was not going to vote for it. So can someone verify what gun law they were talking about and did Mr. Conway actually vote for it? That answer would then become a fact. 

Now here's a fact. I believe we all know what our county dump sticker is. After it was put into effect I don't believe I've ever seen it go down. It always goes up. Who directly was responsible for the new increase which goes into effect this year? 

On Tuesday, May 21, 2013 the County Council met and this issue was presented. Three council members did not want to raise the fee. These were: Joe Holloway, Gail Bartkovich and Bob Culver. Four council members voted to increase the fee. These were: Matt Holloway, John Hall, Stevie Prettyman and Sample-Hughes. So here we have facts that show local elected officials raising fees right here in our own county. In this case the President or Governor had nothing to do with it. 

Joe, I would like to see a spot on your news that keeps a running list of this type of information so that the readers can contribute to it after they verify the facts. I believe these facts will determine the out come of the 2014 elections. The facts will speak for themselves.

Publishers Notes: John, I will do what I can to obtain the information you are requesting but let me openly say the following. 

In many cases the reason for the incredible success of Salisbury News is because of people like YOU. It is our VIEWERS that are the whistle blowers. We simply provide a platform to expose such information and people have come to learn that even though many elected officials attempt to defame us and or twist our finding, the viewers ultimately and quietly trust what we provide.

We are constantly coming across unreal stories that take time to research. We are working on one right now that will blow the minds of City and County residents. We will PROVE that the City and County are not only business unfriendly, we will prove they truly don't care about residential property owners as well. 

We will show that even after you have lived here for 30 or 40 years, they'll find ways to depreciate your home so low that you can't even sell it if you wanted to. I'm talking about GOOD PEOPLE who have lost EVERYTHING.

Will I be popular when we do publish such a story, absolutely not. Will I be able to go to the City and County and say, would you please consider advertising with Salisbury News, absolutely not. I can tell you that even after "Paying It Forward" last year with advertising donations it still cost me personally $7,000.00 to the IRS to keep Salisbury News going. 

We do this because we care. We continue because YOU need a platform to become educated about the truth AND to express your opinion on these matters. 

I'm looking forward to 2014.

BREAKING NEWS: Iran Nuclear Deal To Begin Jan. 20

Iran and six world powers have agreed on the terms for implementing a recently struck nuclear deal, the White House announced Sunday, with the agreement set to go into effect starting Jan. 20.

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SFD Calls For Service 1-11-14

• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 22:06:18Nature: Back PainCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 21:45:07Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 200 Union Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 20:52:02Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 19:59:33Nature: Abdominal PainCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 18:22:39Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Hebron
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 17:37:04Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 16:55:26Nature: Odor InvestigationAddress: 1020 Adams Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 15:55:52Nature: Structure FireAddress: 1013 Adams Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 15:55:52Nature: Structure FireCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 15:55:49Nature: Structure FireAddress: 1013 Adams Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 14:35:05Nature: Diabetic DifficultyCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 14:05:15Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 6400 Hobbs Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 11:00:40Nature: Unconscious SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 08:57:07Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 201 Long Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 08:45:15Nature: Diabetic DifficultyCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 07:28:15Nature: Pro Qa FireAddress: 6400 Hobbs Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 07:28:10Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Saturday January, 11 2014 @ 01:57:12Nature: StrokeCity: Salisbury

Mayor Ireton Wants To Spend $3,000,000.00 On The Salisbury Zoo

Sustainable Community Plan

This is Salisbury's application.

I have not read it all, but on page 8 of 19, they lay out what they plan to do with the Zoo, with a price tag of 3 million dollars.

They also claim "Crime rates in the City of Salisbury have dropped over the last 2 years a combined total of 29%".

GO HERE to learn more.

Is Sheriff Lewis Really Underpaid?

Not that long ago, Sheriff Mike Lewis visited Sheriff Joe in Arizona and took a complete tour. He saw the pink sheets, underwear, living conditions, most of which was outdoors. 

In this case, Sheriff Joe shares a very similar salary to Sheriff Lewis but has far more responsibility than Sheriff Lewis.

I was told yesterday that the Sheriff's Department went to the County Executive and Council to ask for a pay increase. They said they used another Sheriff's salary to compare to Mike's but to be honest, the County used in comparison is one of the wealthiest Counties in the United States of America.

Many are saying Sheriff Lewis is asking for more money because after he serves his next term, (should he be re-elected) he's then qualified for full retirement, which would include that pay increase.

Someone said to me last night, do you really think Mike Lewis would walk away from that job if he didn't get a $10,000.00 pay increase. It's a good question.

In the end, I think a Post like this is necessary. There are some on the County Council that feel NO ONE during these hard times, (including their own, as proposed) should be looking at a pay increase. They did say they would perhaps consider the same 2% pay increase like the rest of the County Employees but $10,000.00 is just out of line. In Sheriff Lewis' case that would mean around $1,700.00 a year instead of $10,000.00. 

In a recent interview with the Daily Times, County Executive Rick Pollitt denied answering any questions on his salary increase because he was up for re-election. Well, so is Mike Lewis. So are many of the County Council members. Yet it was Rick Pollitt who pushed Council President Matt Holloway to bring Mike's salary to the forefront through a resolution TONIGHT, even though the Council had already decided it needed to be brought before the public for a public hearing.

It's all about the process.

Speaker Bush Of The House of Delegates Refuses To Allow MML President Carl Anderton A Seat On The Floor Today

Throughout history the President of MML is afforded a seat on the floor on the first day Delegates return to session but out of nowhere this morning Candidate Carl Anderton was told there is no room and he is not welcome.

One has to wonder if County Executive and President of MACO Rick Pollitt will be afforded the ability to sit on the House Floor today? We will know the answer to that question shortly.

The Mayor of Delmar Maryland, President of the MML and Candidate for Delegate in District 38 B Carl Anderton is running against Delegate Norm Conway, funny how Carl has been REJECTED.

Let the political games begin. I have not spoken with Mr. Anderton about this matter but I will try to get his opinion on this matter. Knowing Carl as well as I do I can guarantee he is taking it with a sense of humor, so I will do what Carl won't. 

Norm Conway and House delegates need to stop acting like children and show some RESPECT. Just what is Conway afraid of, an honorable man stepping up to the plate against a long term VETERAN. If you're that scared, you must have a LOT to hide. 

VOTE Carl Anderton for State Delegate in District 38B. Meet the man and get to know who and what he's about and I can guarantee you'll enjoy every moment of your time and conversations. He didn't become Mayor of Delmar or President of the MML for nothing. 

US Bureau of Labor Statistics - November Labor Data for Wicomico Released Today Shows That The Local Economy Is Deteriorating

According to today's labor force data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it shows that Wicomico's Labor Force declined year over year for the month of November by 1,228 workers compared to November 2012.  Also, the unemployment rate spiked again from 7.4% in September to 8.1% in October to 8.2% in November.

This is not good news for Wicomico residents as it shows that the labor market continues to deteriorate despite the Feds massive printing of money.  Also, the real estate property values indicates that Wicomico experienced a decline in assessable base by more than 6%.  

Labor Force Data By County, Not Seasonally Adjusted
02-2011 through 11-2013
Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics
					Unemploy.	Change over prior
County	Period	Labor Force	Employed	Unemployed	Rate %	years 2011 - 2013
Wicomico	11-Feb	52506	47333	5173	9.9
Wicomico	11-Mar	53116	48391	4725	8.9
Wicomico	11-Apr	52961	48485	4476	8.5
Wicomico	11-May	53444	48877	4567	8.5
Wicomico	11-Jun	53825	48951	4874	9.1
Wicomico	11-Jul	54139	49273	4866	9
Wicomico	11-Aug	53423	48706	4717	8.8
Wicomico	11-Sep	53821	49172	4649	8.6
Wicomico	11-Oct	53384	48809	4575	8.6
Wicomico	11-Nov	53153	48516	4637	8.7
Wicomico	11-Dec	53213	48619	4594	8.6
Wicomico	12-Jan	51246	46321	4925	9.6
Wicomico	12-Feb	52605	47554	5051	9.6	99
Wicomico	12-Mar	53073	48351	4722	8.9	-43
Wicomico	12-Apr	52786	48389	4397	8.3	-175
Wicomico	12-May	53494	49094	4400	8.2	50
Wicomico	12-Jun	54197	49525	4672	8.6	372
Wicomico	12-Jul	54801	50161	4640	8.5	662
Wicomico	12-Aug	53707	49299	4408	8.2	284
Wicomico	12-Sep	53285	49118	4167	7.8	-536
Wicomico	12-Oct	52867	48580	4287	8.1	-517
Wicomico	12-Nov	52796	48411	4385	8.3	-357
Wicomico	12-Dec	53234	48608	4626	8.7	21
Wicomico	13-Jan	51189	46296	4893	9.6	-57
Wicomico	13-Feb	51438	46764	4674	9.1	-1167
Wicomico	13-Mar	52101	47607	4494	8.6	-972
Wicomico	13-Apr	51713	47508	4205	8.1	-1073
Wicomico	13-May	52672	48290	4382	8.3	-822
Wicomico	13-Jun	52595	47842	4753	9	-1602
Wicomico	13-Jul	52964	48588	4376	8.3	-1837
Wicomico	13-Aug	52055	48034	4021	7.7	-1652
Wicomico	13-Sep	51935	48103	3832	7.4	-1350
Wicomico	13-Oct	51896	47706	4190	8.10%	-971	r
Wicomico	13-Nov	51568	47331	4237	8.20%	-1228	p
						-12871	less
p = preliminary.					SOURCE:  BLS, LAUS		workforce
r = revised					7-Jan-14

Article By SBYnews Contributor - Beezer 

WBOC Is A Load Of Crap

Is it fair for your local news station to broadcast a story WITHOUT telling the other side?

Did you watch tonight's broadcast and the story about the Downtown Parking Lots?

EVERY person they interviewed mysteriously and conveniently agreed it was a great idea to sell them off. They ALL agreed we need more housing and shopping. Heck, they even had Brad Gillis on there saying WE DO NOT NEED PARKING DOWNTOWN. Really, seriously?

Do tell everyone where you'll be hosting the Salisbury Festival?

Do tell everyone how far they'll have to walk, (from the parking garage) to Eric's Barber Shop or the Dentist Downtown when you are 70 years old.

Do tell everyone where the people who now own businesses are going to park once those high rise building with apartments are constructed.

Heck, tell us where WMDT is going to park all of their vehicles?

You people are complete Idiots. You are putting the cart before the horse. However, WBOC is being extremely irresponsible by NOT telling the other side. 

No, they're NOT going to come to a guy like me who would tear them a new one over such above issues and believe me there's a lot more where they came from. 

This is just another way to make it LOOK like Ireton is actually doing something. It's also another way to get YOU the Taxpayers to fall for it so once the PARKING is gone, Pollitt will be hitting you up for another $100,000,000.00 to build a new Library because the current one has no parking.

WAKE UP and do not fall for this crap any more people. 

Brad Gillis was shown as, (title wise) a developer. Well, Brad is also your President of the Chamber of Commerce, yet that wasn't mentioned on tonight's show. He has a vested interest Downtown is MANY different ways. The old Fire Station, Feldman's. Oh sure, you can SAY his financial interests aren't in the many projects going on Downtown but are we really that stupid? I have no real issues with Brad but trust me on this one Ladies & Gentlemen, this STINKS really bad and WBOC is hand feeding you the agenda of the Special Interests and couldn't care less what it will do to destroy Downtown. 

Is this what you really want Downtown?

When I Say Cut Me Off, Cut Me Off. It Does Not Mean Thank You Sir May I Have Another!

A few months ago, (September) I called the City and asked if they would please cut off my water Downtown for the season. I was reminded to call them when I received the bill before this one. They cut my water off and I thought everything was cool.

Today I received a bill from the City and I wasn't even going to open it, figuring they sent me a bill for $0.00 and wasted a stamp.

What a pleasure it was to open it up and see I was being billed for non use of water and sewer. NOT! So I called and asked, what's this?

Well Mr. Albero, you called on such and such a date and that was THREE days past the billing cycle. In other words, I PAY THE FULL AMOUNT for the past THREE months because I allegedly went three days past the billing cycle. So I asked, look at my last bill, did I use ANY water and sewer the cycle BEFORE? They replied, NO. So I haven't used ANY water and sewer for at least 6 months but I'm subjected to paying for it even after I cancelled the last billing period? YES. 

I explained how $84. some odd dollars won't break anybody but come on. I did the right thing. I did NOT get any services for at least six months, yet you want to bill me for such usage. There was nothing they could do about it. 

Then they told me, get this! IF and WHEN my building is sold I'll have to PAY the City another $25.00 to go out and read my meter. I said, the water is cut off, why would you bill me to read my meter if I'm NOT using it. Well, some people illegally turn it back on so we have to make sure it hasn't been used. 

OK, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Who in the hell makes up these rules. I just paid for THREE/SIX months worth of service I did NOT use with the exception of three days, in which they verified I actually DIDN'T. And people wonder why the hell so many are running like mad out of the City. 

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Salisbury is NOT business friendly. Oh, I'll PAY the bill but this time tens of thousands of people will READ about it because it has NEVER been exposed before in the past. 

While this may seem small to some, believe me, there's plenty of uncovered stories out there you haven't heard of yet and my hope is that YOU use comments to expose your similar experiences with the City.

SHOTS FIRED AGAIN IN COURT PLAZA

The windows were shot out last night or early this morning of the Imperial Hookah Lounge in Court Plaza.

Business neighbors within the complex have had enough and are staring to make plans to move out and relocate. 

Hookah Lounges are popping up everywhere. They remain open usually until 5 AM where you can bring your own alcohol after the bars close. Yet as we're experiencing right here in the Salisbury area, people are not afraid to pull out guns and take pot shots.

The last time it was two other businesses in the complex but this time the Imperial Hookah Lounge became their own victim.

Here we have Mayor Ireton all worked up about signage for the Red Light District. Someone needs to get their priorities straight.

Its About The Process

There's been a LOT of talk recently about Wicomico County Elected Officials getting pay raises. In a recent work session the County Council decided it wanted to bring it to a public hearing, meaning County Council salary, Rick Pollitt, Matt Maciarello and Mike Lewis. 

In Matt's case, the State sets the guidelines, so that doesn't need to be discussed. However, some are seeing a problem with the "process" because it was announced today that the County Council will be discussing a RESOLUTION for Sheriff Mike Lewis' $10,000.00 a year pay increase in tomorrow's meeting WITHOUT a public hearing.

Now, for me personally, I have said this from the day Sheriff Lewis was elected, he's underpaid, period. When former Chief Webster was paid around $30,000.00 a year more than Mike Lewis, something was very wrong. 

We all know Sheriff Lewis understood the salary from day one and I think we can mostly agree that a pay increase is certainly on order. However, the "process" should be fair across the board.

IF we start hand selecting WHO should or shouldn't be reviewed by the PUBLIC, we've lost ALL control and the County Council should know better.

Again, I HIGHLY doubt Sheriff Lewis would get shot down for a salary increase but it must be openly discussed and put through the same public scrutiny and in this case it is not. 

POTHEADS: D.C Proposal Would Allow Ounce Of Weed, 6 Plants Per Household

Activists in Washington, D.C., plan to submit an initiative by week’s end that would put marijuana legalization on the ballot in the nation’s capital in November — making the city one of a handful of jurisdictions poised to ask voters to consider the issue this year.

The proposal that is expected to be submitted to the D.C. Board of Elections would allow residents to legally grow up to six marijuana plants per household and possess and transfer up to an ounce of the drug without penalty.

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US Workforce Participation - At An All Time Low

 

The employment situation in Wicomico County is a microcosm as to what is happening all across America. Last night on FOX news - Kelly Files - it was shown that 92 million Americans have dropped out of the US labor force - the most in US History.  Who is to blame?  

Obama's economic policies have not worked as this is the worse economy since the Great Depression.  December's US BLS jobs numbers were released yesterday and the job numbers were BAD.   The workforce participation rate hasn't been this low since 1978.  The statistics are terrible. The number of hours worked fell, and, the number of temporary workers went up.

In comparison locally, here in Wicomico County our workforce participation numbers have been falling precipitously each and every month for 11 consecutive months, and, it has fallen 16 out of the past 22 months. Wicomico County is now experiencing job loss rates well over 1000 jobs per month.  We need jobs and we need them fast.  When one factors in the increases in our population growth - we are simply not keeping pace with job generation.

Here at SBYnews we have, relentlessly, been trying to drive this point home so that you - the Voters - will exert pressure to demand a change in direction.  We need leaders that will lead from the front - and not behind.  We encourage all of our audience to stay engaged and not to let-up on holding their 'feet to the fire'.  The election is just around the corner this is the opportune time to try and hold those in office accountable.  As for the newcomers - ' the field has been plowed' - now is the time to engage. 
Article by SBYnews Contributer - Beezer