For several years, Wicomico County has wrestled with the concept of going from a school board appointed by the governor to an elected school board or a combination of the two. In 2011, a bill that would have put the question to the voters in Wicomico through the referendum process passed through the House with amendments and got before the full Senate, but the clock expired on the session before it could come to a vote. Nearly four years later, the issue has surfaced again and has gotten particularly nasty this time around. State Senator Addie Eckardt (R-37) has introduced legislation that would put the question of an elected school board to the voters in the general election in 2016.
Wicomico remains one of the few jurisdictions in the state with a school board fully appointed by the governor. In the proposed referendum, the voters in Wicomico would ostensibly have a choice between keeping a school board appointed by the governor or opting for the bill’s proposed hybrid proposal, which would include five elected members from each of the county’s council districts along with two appointed members chosen by the County Executive with the advice and consent of the County Council. Also included would be one non-voting student representative.
In typical protocol, a “local courtesy bill” such as a request for a referendum for an elected school board would come with the blessing of both senators from the jurisdiction making the request, in this case Eckardt and Mathias. However, Eckardt has introduced the bill without Mathias as a co-sponsor, an omission that did not get by the committee chairperson. As a result, Mathias was lambasted this week by the Salisbury News blog for his perceived lack of support for the hybrid school board proposal. The blog on Wednesday published Mathias’ contact information, including his cell phone number.
The blog urged readers to reach out to Mathias immediately to voice their displeasure with the fact he was not a co-sponsor of the bill. As a result, the senator was bombarded with calls, texts and emails, not all of which were entirely pleasant. However, Mathias stood by his decision not to sign on to the legislation at this point and said his resistance was based on his notion the public had not been fully engaged in the issue and that he had co-sponsored the legislation in 2011 that just failed to get to a vote before the session expired.
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65 comments:
Recall this fool before he does any more damage. For those of you who voted for Mathias, see what you get? McDermott would have listened to the people of Wicomico County. Recall, recall, recall, I will certainly get out there and gather as many signatures as I can possibly get in the district he represents.
We, the voters, get to decide our level of engagement on the issue of an elected school board. He does not. Wonder who's influencing him more than we seem able to do?
Ocean City is too good a place for him - send Liberal Jim back to Baltimore!
Let's not forget that he is pushing wind power in Somerset County too.
I agree, 615. He states that it's been 3.5 years out there, yet he NEVER asked us for our input? Who the heck has had it out there for 3.5 years? WE, THE PEOPLE!
There are 2 petitions to be made and voted on by the people; one for the elected school board, and one to recall Mathias.
And neither require his input! Let's do this.
Good for Mathias. Now the officials in Wicomico County have their marching orders and a year to accomplish them. Hold public hearings on this, get the BOE involved and do your due diligence.
Any action (or non-action in this case) that serves to keep the power out of the hands of the people, is highly suspect.
And since when did the degree of "public engagement" ever nake the slightest difference what these assclowns do? Their agenda frequently depends on what they can slip in under the radar.
It seems to me that there's no better way to get the public "engaged" than by putting a question to referendum.
Joe, there is something fishy about the confusing stance of the teacher's union WCEA and MSEA. How can Ireton and Johnson, or Stephanie Lewis state the wishes of teachers on this issue when they have never told the teacher membership about this? The general membership had not been informed whether WCEA supports or is against the elected school board before this hearing so how can Lewis, Johnson, and Ireton even say what teachers want? it's a no brainier that MSEA is against this, hence why Mathias will not support. The MSEA and WCEA know they have no chance pushing through their agenda if Republicans control the school board. Example: Fair Share Act that would force union dues on everyone who works for the school system. Maryland democrats passed the legislation to allow the MSEA to take workers money because they know the union would give them thousands to win seats with their PAC money. Just look up how much MSEA contributed to Mathias's campaign. It's all a game and the union is playing off the ignorance of its members and keeping their members in the dark and Mathias is following the orders of his money train and not the will of the people he represents. Something is definitely fishy.
I recall seeing where most of Wic co voted for McDermott. Mathias is exacting his revenge and retaliation on Wic's citizens. Wic should not expect any support from him, recall is about the only option.
Choice voice, voice choice-what the heck is all that supposed to mean?
When an elected officials feels so strongly that the public isn't engaged and they feel so strongly the public needs a voice, then the elected officials hosts multiple townhall type meetings on the issue at hand. They don't sit around waiting for others to do something they feel is so important.
"And since when did the degree of "public engagement" ever nake the slightest difference what these assclowns do"
For real 7:21. I've not ever heard of anything so silly. If that's his basis and reasoning behind his votes then he should never vote to pass any new law or change any existing law because very few of the bills voted on are even known to the public.
The public isn't involved because unlike Del McDermott, he isn't keeping the public up to date.
So what can be done ...this is unacceptable..get another bill together? Recall this moron? Petition to get it on ballot ..??something has to be done. Dont tell me you can't do nothing In the next 4 years
Joe Collins and the AFP brought this up some 6 years ago. It has been brought in front of the County Council numerous times. How Mathias has been so out of touch is beyond me. How he can say the public hasn't shown enough interest is beyond me.
Many people went well out of their way to bring this to light and Mathias IGNORED it.
It's very simple Ladies & Gentlemen. Mathias could have very easily allowed this to go to referendum. His spite by dropping any support of due process is flat out sickening.
As Americans, we need to rid of this Senator who is UN AMERICAN. No one forced it down his throat. A referendum would allow the people to say their peace in a vote.
He must not have taken as many lumps as you think. he doesn't give a crap about us. he's only in it for one thing, self advancement. That is why they are all in office!
Maybe it is time to flood the new governor with information on our school board so he can see problems.
Actions speak so much louder than words. If he were even remotely concerned with what the public thinks then he would be doing just as Mike McDermott so diligently did, and publicly post the comings and goings in Annapolis that directly concern his district.
You can not have it both ways and expect the public to believe you are sincere. If public engagement is such a big factor then why in the world has he never done a thing to get the public engaged. Unbelieveable.
As Judge Judy is so fond of saying that she titled a book as such-Don't Pee On My Leg And Tell Me It's Raining.
This guy Mathi-ass is a dirt ball if there ever was one. Damn the system...no one should get to vote for anything?? What the Hell?
I agree with the comments about what better way to have public engagement than to let the people VOTE on the issue. How absolutely absurd that you have to have PUBLIC HEARINGS on whether an up or down vote on an elected school board can be put on the ballot. What better public hearing than a vote? Mathias doesn't have the right to block this from the citizens. Say good-bye Jim. No amount of time will erase this betrayal from your record.
This just doesn't speak to the lack of respect that Mathias has for his constituents, but the way the legislature thinks about Wicomico County. What do you expect when we had a buffoon as a County Executive for 8 years. He spent his time begging for a political appointment or do-nothing state job. They didn't respect Pollitt and it reflects on their feelings about our County. Then the likes of Ireton and Ashanti testify? No wonder they think we don't know what the h#ll we are doing!
This is such a slap in the face and insult to every citizen in the County. Mathias is basically saying we are not smart enough to go to the polls and vote on this issue. Who needs public hearings? I think it is quite clear how the people feel, but JIMBO THE DEMBO blocked this. No matter how he wants to spin it, he will NEVER WIN ELECTION AGAIN!
"Mathias said he did not sign on to the Eckardt bill because he was not confident it represented the will of the majority of the citizens in Wicomico."
Isn't the purpose of a referendum to determine the will of the majority? What an idiot and a clown.
On a side note, how great is it that Salisbury News has gotten acknowledged in the Dispatch and the power of the readers in contacting Mathias? As a regular reader and some times commenter, I am glad to see this blog finally being recognized and given credit for the impact it has. Maybe now some of the folks who are afraid to admit they are reading sbynews will now feel they can admit it! Great work Albero.
horse thief
what an hilariously biased "news article" Seriously, keep it coming. YOu cannot get this stuff for free!
Jim obviously isn't in touch with his constituents if he doesn't realize the MAJORITY want this on the ballot. Very bad decision and one that will come back to haunt him.
He's not going to be for anything that benefits the taxpayers.
Mathias is so worried about the minority input, yet he doesn't even represent the west side of Wicomico County. How about those of us you do represent? I wanted the ability to vote. You failed me.
The title of this article should have read: MATHIAS HELPS COVER UP BOE GIFT CARD SCANDAL.
8:26 I agree with your comment, but I would add that more and more people are openly quoting things they've read on here. It is because this blog is truly the best source for news and back and forth discussion. To Mr. Albero, as the saying goes, you've come a long way baby!
Surely - Jim Mathias isn't so ignorant that he doesn't recognize this is issue will mark the END OF HIS POLITICAL CAREER.
Just look what happened to Norman Conway - over his taking the same issue to O'Malley and having O'Malley derail the same measure the last legislative session.
I agree with an earlier poster - he should be recalled - and rightfully so.
This "news" article states he was "bombarded" with communications, but Liberal Jim states there was not enough public engagement on the issue. For once, the local newspaper published the inconvenient truth about its favorite "son".
Mathias' vote makes no sense. There has to be more to this story. What is his PERSONAL investment in this issue? His home county (remember, he is not a Wicomico resident) has an elected school board and his children went to private school. He has an ulterior motive.
Since Mathias has played his hand, it's time for the voters to play theirs. Contact the County council President Cannon and request for this be put on the agenda with high priority. When public hearing are held, be there in numbers to counter the WCBOE naysayers and other groups who will be there saying the same old BS. E-mail, call, text, meet face to face with council members and let them know your opinions. Wicomico county voters can get this across the finish line and overcome the groups who do not want a elected school board.
His position on fighting off the will of the people is political suicide. A man of his stature should realize that his fighting-off an elected school board will prove disastrous for the ensuing years - right up until the next election.
It could have even more dire consequences as he could even be recalled before the next election.
Does anyone know what the referendum count has to be to enable an official legislative recall?
HOW COME MATHIAS GETS CONTRACTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR HIS DISASTER COMPANY? ?????????????????
I would have respected him more if he had just come out and said I'm opposed to the referendum, instead of this idiotic position that I can't support it, because I believe the voters of Wicomico county are not "engaged" on the issue.
He must think the voters of the county are fools, to make such a statement.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST,
Any more all capitol letter comments and they will all be rejected, that goes for everyone else. NO MORE! I don't care how good the comments are, you do it again and they will go right into the trash.
"Anonymous Anonymous said...
This "news" article states he was "bombarded" with communications, but Liberal Jim states there was not enough public engagement on the issue. For once, the local newspaper published the inconvenient truth about its favorite "son".
March 27, 2015 at 8:42 AM"
You get it and I get it and Sby News readers get it, but he is pandering to his base which is those who supported Ireton and the NAACP and we all know what they are as per democrat insider Jonathan Gruber-Stupid American voters.
"Now that being said" as the Senator is so fond of saying, he could be right about this. his supporters (Ireton crowd and NAACP) are too stupid to decide who should be on the school board so the government has to make the choice. This is the way of those people. They can't do anything for themselves because they aren't smart enough. They need the government involved in every aspect of their lives. This is the message he is sending. Blacks and other need to take note-He thinks you are too stupid to vote on issues.
Truly, Jim Mathias has turned out to be a disaster representative to, both, Wicomico & Worcester counties. No wonder OC has run-a-way budgets and union problems. By the guy's own actions - he is a political lunatic.
Ocean City has their own problems and it was caused by the Council and many jumped ship before it gets exposed.
So here's the deal. OC had a HUGE slush fund for many years and I mean MILLIONS of dollars.
Well, guess what, after this year it is all gone!!! No more cushions.
So next year they will finally have to start cutting back BIG TIME or raise taxes in a big way.
The Employees of Ocean City have enjoyed a nice ride but the economy has NOT come back in OC and they are in deep doo doo.
So the former jackasses who were on the City Council KNEW what was coming, KNEW what they had done to the Town and then bailed just before the crash hits.
Look at the salaries of the Police, Firefighters, City Hall Employees, it's disgusting!
Politicians in Ocean City are DESPERATE too stay on Jim Mathias' good side because they know, they are done for.
Now there's a massive story for you Coastal Dispatch. If you think I'm kidding, DIG INTO IT, it's all factual.
I agree with Joe's OC's financial assessment. Wicomico also employed the very same law firm that negotiated OC's collective bargaining agreement.
Now - what do you think Wicomico is going to look like in just a few years. We all have seen the salaries of Ocean City's Police Chief, Building Inspectors, Firefighters, right on down the ladder. Unbelievable salaries - and escalating as I am writing this comment.
And people wonder why Wicomico's former officials are all retiring. That's because the 'pawns (taxpayers) are fed-up'
If you are wondering why people are running away from the Shore in record numbers, look no further then your liberal elected officials who believe they know what's best for you.
Sharee Sample Hughes, Jim Ireton, Jim Mathias. ALL of them denied the public's right to a referendum on this matter.
WE THE PEOPLE no longer have any say and THAT was Carl Anderton's message to the VOTERS. THAT is why he blew the doors off Norm Conway.
Come on now, we're ALL going to disagree with some stances our elected officials take on certain matters, it's a given. However, all Mathias had to do is let this go to referendum and he had a PERFECT OUT! The people spoke!
Mathias is a liar, a con man and disrespects that TAXPAYERS in his District. I'm not kidding Folks, this guy has got to go.
Now, let's look at TOMORROW. Thousands of people ticked off. MANY of these people will say, that's it, I've had enough of the Shore and Maryland. They'll list their homes and move away. Some slumlord will buy their property CHEAP and instead of someone buying it and moving in, we'll have more transient renters instead.
YOU keep letting this happen and guess what will be left, CRIME! Lower property values. Gangs.
This morning we're delivering a video with Jim Ireton flat out LYING saying Joe Albero had something to do with the new district lines in the County. This guy is so full of crap it isn't funny. They LIE people.
I challenge you Jim Ireton and Chuck Cook, show ONE shred of evidence Joe Albero had ANYTHING to do with what Jim is LYING about. You are a scam artist Jim Ireton and Jim Mathias is holding your hand.
Senator Mathis did exactly the right thing. The entire motion was half baked and not ready for prime time and anyone with any knowledge of how the process works knows that. This isn't a junior high school science project.
Jim Mathias is a true, SNAKE IN THE GRASS, politician. He simply will not walk-the-talk. And I, a Democrat, will be the first to admit it.
After repeated messages to his voice mail, text messages and a dozen emails I finally spoke with Jim whom I have known for 40+ years and it's official he is off the farm as the saying goes! He is 100% politician and I closed our conversation with Jim you might as well move to Howard or P.G. county because that's where your heart and your votes are! He didn't even know what to say!
"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Senator Mathis did exactly the right thing. The entire motion was half baked and not ready for prime time and anyone with any knowledge of how the process works knows that. This isn't a junior high school science project.
March 27, 2015 at 10:23 AM"
Okay then explain just what needs to be done in order for this to be ready for "prime time."
10:49 I am a long time friend too - or so I thought. At least you finally spoke with him. He never returned my messages. Jim has really made a misstep on this issue. How can he say he is not an obstructionist when he won't allow the voters to decide? If that isn't obstructionism, I don't know what is! I don't care to hear from him now. Hearing his rationale would only make me think even less of him.
10:23 - what has to be "prime time" for the voters getting the right to vote on this issue? Oh that's right, you and your supporters have to manage and control things to manipulate the vote - THEN it will be ready for prime time. It is because of thinking like yours that there was a Republican tide last November.
"Anonymous said...
Senator Mathis did exactly the right thing. The entire motion was half baked and not ready for prime time and anyone with any knowledge of how the process works knows that. This isn't a junior high school science project.
March 27, 2015 at 10:23 AM"
Oh BS! It's absolutely amazing the way the lies can flow so easily out of your mouths 10:23-AMAZING!
As stated above you need to explain right now why this question was not ready to be put to referendum. I bet we don't hear another peep out of you because this is how you liars operate. You throw something out there hoping to get it to stick with a few uninformed people.
10:23 "junior high science project". No it is American citizens having the right to voice their vote. Not complicated. Simple, basic right to vote yes or no. What you and people like you are saying is the electorate is too stupid to vote the way you want them to. Shame on you!
Jim was elected with union money. Funny how wcea came out in favor of the vote and Mathias screwed them too
I have nothing against Jim Mathias personally. But politician Sen.Mathias is wide open and fair game.
Joe, What kind of headline would it take to go national or viral with this ?
"Dem.Senator Denies Citizens the Right To Vote" With copies sent to ZH,Alex Jones,
Heritage Found.Wash.Times ect
What I like best about this post is that all of the media, those who write opinions and those who support the other part-time, vulgar blogger, can now see that sbynews is widely read and can spur people into action. There is power in that and the fact that it provides the people an outlet to express their views.
I do not agree with every post and every comment, but I like the fact that I have the OPPORTUNITY to read what I want and disregard what I want. I can express my opinion and debate with others.
The point is, this is the only news site that allows that. It is also filled with more local news and issues than any other media.
Albero has taken a lot of bashing through the years and still does in some quarters, but I believe most of it now is based on jealousy because of the information he delivers.
I think it is about time sbynews gets more respect and I'm happy to see the Dispatch's article.
I just hope more people let go of the past ugliness and appreciate what this blog is providing to our community.
No, I'm not related to Albero. LOL. Just calling it like I see it.
He thinks We as voters are smart enough to vote for him but not a school board??....just confirmed why I didn't vote for him in the first place....
12:10 I agree. I'm sick of all the hypocrites who won't admit they are avid readers of this blog. It is time everyone stands up and supports the only place where the unvarnished truth is told.
first 12:10 that would be great. I think the fact that the state and Mathias won't allow the citizens of a county to vote up or down on whether to put an elected school board on the ballot is real news.
Based on his notion? If he was more in touch with his constituents and the area he represents he would have had far more than a notion that this is what we the taxpayers want. Keep screwing around and you'll have very few taxpayers left in this area, they'll all be welfare recipients and illegals, none of which pay taxes to keep your sorry butt in office.
Apparently he's in strep with the socialist who are ruining the country. Why is he afraid to back her right of a referendum vote that affects all taxpayers. He's either a coward, a socialist or just a complete waste of a political office. "We the People" should exercise our voting right and recall this socialist as soon as possible.
The liberals will come out and attack anyone who tries to bring this up because it's against the children.
For real 3:34 when all the while liberals could give a rat's butt about their OWN children much less anyone else's. What the democrats have done to the children is a disgrace and if their own children had brains they would spit in their faces. But they won't because just like the parents they are without any morals, principles and values. Just a bad class of people.
Liberal Jim's motto:
Things go better with coke!
10:23's your typical liberal. Lies like crazy but when confronted on their lying runs like hell never to be heard from again.
This article is horrible. It fails to address the most important question which is why was he in favor of an elected board before he was against it. So much in favor that he sponsored the bill in 2012, I believe it was.
So after all the comments, how do we start a recall of this person?
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