DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
87 comments:
Hello Joe. Looks like the daily times, got the front page wrong.
The Hardwire's new product is not Seacrets Spiced Rum.
Thanks
Liquor and free education all in one day. Economic Development is alive and well in the county.
This is a joke and should not have happened. Bob Culver did this on his own and he should have asked the public for their input on this heated issue, but he sneaked it through using that Barrie Tilghman reject Paul Wilbur claiming he found a "Loop Hole."
If the Public doesn't speak up about this then they have not right to complain.
7:51 public opinion doesn't matter anymore. Talk all you want, and they will keep doing what they want. Remember obammiecare? No one wanted that and now we're stuck with it. Until it destroys the economy.
There has never been a clear explanation as to why this was considered not possible by Baker for years. A new attorney comes in and it is suddenly fine. Was Baker wrong? Incompetent? Lazy? Playing politics? Or what?
After all that was paid to Baker to be the county attorney and to become an employee, if he was so wrong on this issue, doesn't it call all of his other "advice" into question?
The public deserves an answer. I realize the Executive's office loves to stonewall and not share rationale with the public, but this is a very serious matter and we need answers.
I refuse to respond to a drunk and disorderly at the CC unless Security has them under control and cuffed before I arrive.
8:21, While that's a good question, people elected Culver because of his vision. While I have come across several people who have stated they are upset because we, (as a county) assured the Family who donated the land that we would not have liquor at that location.
A legal loophole clearly allows the county to move forward with this license. That being said, it does in fact build economic development. It allows thousands of new acts that would not even consider coming to this county.
Only time will tell in the next election IF this will hurt Culver or not. However, it is a wise business move as this facility has cost the taxpayers for a LOT of years and this will certainly help keep them in the black.
It doesn't make sense that after all the years of this not being possible, it suddenly is. Seems a little sketchy to me.
Yes, Joe. This is much better for economic development than free college at Wor Wic. I would much rather see the Wor Wic money go to continuing improvements at the CC. That makes more sense.
The county has been wanting to have alcohol in the WYCC for a decade to boost its income and make it more attractive to the public. The public likes alcoholic beverages at events. The civic center is going to need a huge overhaul before long, and that money would have to come from taxpayers. The place doesn't pay for its day to day operations or maintenance with the money from events and activities. Serving overpriced alcoholic beverages at some events is hoped to boost attendance and bring in some sorely needed cash.
Joe, if there is a legal loophole, why didn't Baker use it? Politics? What are your thoughts?
This is a positive as an additional stream of revenue for the county. We need all we can get. Compare this to the Wor Wic expense and it is likely a wash. Just another reason Wor Wic tuition is not economically smart.
8:47, Pollitt ran away from this at warp speed because he wanted to get reelected.
You keep pointing your finger at Baker but seriously, since when is Baker an elected official who would make such decisions?
Culver saw an opportunity and took it. Business decisions are not always welcomed. Look at Target, for a recent example.
Will Culver pay the price in 2 years, I just don't know. However, I will say that he made a decision that absolutely will offer relief to every county taxpayer.
Joe, can you tell us who would not even consider coming here if alcohol were not served? Just curious.
Respectfully Joe, the County Attorney is to give legal opinions to the Executive/Council. If Pollitt asked for a legal opinion on the CC, then it would be nice to know why the County Attorney at that time said it wasn't "legal" to sale alcohol. Or, to your point, did Pollitt DISREGARD legal advice and "ran away" from it for political reasons? Perhaps ultimately it doesn't matter.
However, whoever decided it wasn't possible, kept the county from generating extra revenue for YEARS apparently. THAT is not being a public servant, but someone self-serving.
8:29 AM - Based on your comment, I presume you are a law enforcement officer. If that is so, how can you preemptively declare that you will not do your job in a particular situation? Are the taxpayers paying you to selectively enforce the laws or are you bound by a professional code of conduct like the rest of the police community?
If you don't like doing the job you were hired to do, please find another line of work that does not have the potential to destroy other peoples' lives.
Mark my word. Serving alcohol is NOT going to "build economic development" ONE iota. I'm not being negative as some like to say just stating the facts.
Even if it were to bring in "thousands of new acts" it not "economic development" by anyone (who is smart)stretch of the imagination.
Economic development that means anything are good paying jobs. Jobs that employers have to fight for employees and not the other way around. Jobs in not only manufacturing but the tech industry. Getting 2 or 3 employers who employ 50 or more people and in a field that doesn't rely on the local economy to exist is economic development. Anything else is nothing more then a feel good gesture that the uneducated populace falls for.
Yes let's look at Target. Business decisions are not always welcomed and there is a reason. Yes just look at Target. Losing money faster than a hole in a dam and stock prices falling. Usually the public as a whole are much smarter than any politician esp Culver who is a failed business person.
9:09. ANY growth is economic development.
Baker stated for many many years as did the Woodcock family that this was not permissible.
9:05, ANY attorney working for the county must be INSTRUCTED to do something. It is NOT their job to just take on projects without being directed.
Just curious, how much is this going to cost us to begin selling at the CC? You know, the start-up costs. Inventory, storage, personnel, etc.?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
There has never been a clear explanation as to why this was considered not possible by Baker for years. A new attorney comes in and it is suddenly fine. Was Baker wrong? Incompetent? Lazy? Playing politics? Or what?
After all that was paid to Baker to be the county attorney and to become an employee, if he was so wrong on this issue, doesn't it call all of his other "advice" into question?
The public deserves an answer. I realize the Executive's office loves to stonewall and not share rationale with the public, but this is a very serious matter and we need answers.
June 22, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Say what you want Paul Wilbur, Ed Baker had nothing to do with it. The previous councils listened to the Will of the People, unlike Bob Culver and John Cannon!
Joe said....
"It allows thousands of new acts that would not even consider coming to this county."
Joe please tell us some of thousands of new acts that will come to this county because of the civic center selling alcohol. I have been in the industry for many years. I have also attended concerts all over the nation and I don't recall any of them selling alcohol at concerts.
Wicomico County YOUTH and Civic Center.
It is still a YOUTH Center and I do not want my kids around a bunch of drunks. They can't handle the crowds that stand up in front of everyone in the aisles so how are they going to handle a bunch of drunks standing in the aisles. This whole thing is wrong and our elected officials can't be trusted.
Anonymous said...
The county has been wanting to have alcohol in the WYCC for a decade to boost its income and make it more attractive to the public. The public likes alcoholic beverages at events. The civic center is going to need a huge overhaul before long, and that money would have to come from taxpayers. The place doesn't pay for its day to day operations or maintenance with the money from events and activities. Serving overpriced alcoholic beverages at some events is hoped to boost attendance and bring in some sorely needed cash.
June 22, 2016 at 8:46 AM
That huge overhaul has already been paid for by those outrageous ticket fees that were implemented 10 years ago specifically for that huge overhaul. Where is that money now?? $50 a ticket for a rinky dink concert is criminal. No acts are coming here because they sell alcohol? People don't go to concerts for alcohol they go there for the music. You people have been duped by that excuse.
9:53 & others...
Most major acts demand in their contracts that they get a piece of the alcohol sales as part of their contract. Many refuse to do their acts unless there are alcohol sales, period. Claiming you've been in the business for a long time is a load of crap.
as for 9:53, Do you really believe the Civic Center is going to sell alcohol during YOUTH events? Come on now! This allows the county to sell alcohol during ADULT events and acts. Have you ever been to a Shorebirds game? I mean, come on now.
For every one of you against alcohol sales there and won't participate there are a THOUSAND of other people who WILL attend.
Get with the times.
I heard a councilman at the meeting yesterday say, "we can ask Ed about that" when speaking about a legal opinion. The rumor must be true that the foolish council has hired Baker back just like they hired Creamr back. When will this cycle of users finally end.
I think it was a good business decision. Even the Shore Birds sell Beer. Like it or not it is part of our culture. If someone gets out of hand they will be arrested or asked to leave. Most Civic Centers offer this. This county needs something to bring in more revenue.
I think Culver make the right decision.
All the revenue from these sales should go for the FREE WOR WIC Education !
Will this pay for your free college bob and cannon ?? Rinos.
"It is still a YOUTH Center..."
No, it's a youth AND CIVIC center. The rest of the civilian population (ya know - adults, the part of society that pays taxes) should be able to enjoy the facility as they see fit.
Life, liberty AND the pursuit of happiness.
Why are people so against freedom?
The ones against it are sitting at home with no drivers lic living in there moms basement at the age of 60 with 5 dwi.
Movie theaters, art museums and even barbershops/salons serve alcohol in more civilized areas of the country. You wonder why the eastern shore is backwards? It is because of not keeping up with the times and being a marketable venue for national acts. I applaud the change and hope that the county does more to be more modern and business friendly.
This will be great for the Civic Center and for us sinners who have to travel out of town to enjoy a concert with a beer. Hopefully we will finally get better shows in this area. The Civic Center does need upgrades so maybe this will help.
NO that's not how it was intended to be seen fit!! This property was donated with the stipulation no alcohol to be allowed by occupants. This is nothing more than BOB CULVER. sticking it in your backs!!! He's done this fir 30 years or more, he milked all his family farm land dry by trying to develop, then this self serving agenda of alcohol at civic center, then the Wor Wic deal. Why are one of you complaining about his proposed park he's building in Whitehaven?? His family owns waterfront farmland there as well that I would bet he will develop once he gets his park and boat slips in fir his own personal gain. Wicomico county you've been had
It might have been a legal loophole, but it just proves you can't trust a person's word or promise. It should have been left alone. And sometimes kids are at events that are meant for the whole family. So yeah, you are going to have to deal with drunks then. That's why we don't go to the Shorebirds games much. People drink throughout the whole game and get nasty. I am against drinking, but why don't they put a limit on how many people can buy? Don't want to be around it, thanks anyway.
As a father of two that has taken my children there for many events i will no longer be part of this and just find some other form of entertainment for them. As i am sober for almost ten years now i felt comfort in knowing i would have a place to go that was promised to be alcohol free,now thats over do to no real city voice or public concerns. just lost my family ,alcohol at a youth center give me a break or build a new building with our tax money theres plenty of room across the street insted you want to build fountain parks that no one with ever feel safe useing
10:42, Anyone who has the right to sell alcohol also have the right to refuse service to anyone intoxicated.
This is not a desperate business, (like some local bars) who are desperate for that next sale to survive.
This is also not a business who isn't going to follow the rules. The Liquor Board requires each person serving alcohol to pass a course that truly helps you know the stages a person is in when drinking. I personally know that this class works and ANYONE who serves someone too much alcohol doesn't belong working for that business.
The sky is not falling here. Some of you simply want to come up with any kind of reason to make this a bad thing.
10:58, Notice how you are ALONE on this one. Do you really think when the Circus, (for example) comes to town they'll be serving alcohol??? Get over it and grow up. No alcohol will be sold on the type of events you take your children to. Glad to hear you are sober. Take your kids to the movies if you continue to fight this for no real reason.
Joe, By the looks of the ones around us drinking at Shorebirds games, they are not being refused service and they are ruining the night for others. I am surprised you are supporting this. But to each his own.
"As i am sober for almost ten years now..."
That's fantastic. Congratulations.
Now can I enjoy the legally allowed freedoms without having to be responsible for YOUR behavior?
If you can't be around alcohol, don't be. Just don't try to keep me from enjoying my own diversions. They tried that. It was called 'Prohibition'. Didn't work so well.
There are drunks at the Shorebirds games. Do you really think they are going to say nope, you've had enough as much as those beers cost?
If they were following the rules, these people would have been refused service at some point. They ruin the night for the ones around them. And then they drive home, that's the scary part.
11:09, There's always one in the crowd. However, you seem to keep returning to Shorebird games and obviously with your children. I'd relocate to another area of the ball park if it bothered me so much.
Come on people, get over this drunk crap. They haven't even served a single drink and the sky has completely fallen. You expect fights, DUI's, obnoxious drunks, you people are just amazing.
Are these the very same people who DON'T have a problem with two men or two women getting married, holding hands and kissing in public though???
I am 11:09. I do not have children, I just don't like to be around it. And I go to far less games than I used to. Where do we relocate at the game, pray tell? They used to have an alcohol free section at the stadium for years (and the section was usually full) but they did away with it. :-( Oh well, that's life!
11:35, WOW, so everyone who has a beer is a drunk? I thought I had divorced one of you, LOL.
Where do you relocate, ANYWHERE away from an alleged drunk. You act like the whole stadium is loaded with drunks who enjoy paying four times above the average price for a beer.
Sorry people, I'M NOT BUYING IT.
Pollitt couldn't run if his life depended on it.
Ridiculous remarks are being made about this decision. Take the stick out of your a**. I sure won't miss any of you who don't believe in drinking and going to these events. More seats for my family and friends...thanks
Took my son to two ball games in Baltimore.
First and last one.
I'm a drinker, but didn't enjoy being in that climate with my ten year old.
Short and to the point.
Does anyone besides me find it odd that Culver hires Ms. Kenny to be his public relations person who is chairman of the liquor license board and then her lawyer buddy finds a loophole and the Civic Center gets an license to sell alcohol?
Civic centers, arenas, etc are always a no win situation for both tax payers and from an economic growth perspective. You have to look at the big picture and the hidden costs With big name acts comes more people and with more people comes bigger presence of LE, public works, EMT etc. This causes more of a need for revenue (because these places never ever even break even) so tax payers are again footing the bill and the more the government takes from them the less they have to spend which is the only thing that makes for economic growth.
That woman has a conflict of interest. Most people would have given up the liquor job. Wonder why she didn't?
While I have not consumed alcohol for over 38 years, I'm a big boy and don't need others to not consume just to make me happy. Alcohol sales at the Civic Center may mean we can finally entice a minor league hockey team to the area. That's good for adults and youth! Those of you complaining about alcohol being served: does that mean you never go to area restaurants that serve beer?
12:29 What? Not cool. Oh what a tangled web we weave....
I can't believe Culver has a "public relations person". That's a hoot. His PR is terrible.
Move to a Islamic country see how that works for you.
Joe said 10:58, Notice how you are ALONE on this one. Do you really think when the Circus, (for example) comes to town they'll be serving alcohol??? Get over it and grow up. No alcohol will be sold on the type of events you take your children to. Glad to hear you are sober. Take your kids to the movies if you continue to fight this for no real reason.
June 22, 2016 at 11:04 AM
Joe, many movie theaters do serve alcohol now. At the civic center many children attend the Broadway show series, the rodeo, wrestling, and similar events. Don't tell me you think those events will be alcohol free.
For years we have become more desensitize to the increased amount of alcohol used and number of places where it is being used by both men and women around children.
There are people, lots of them, who don't have a clue that they can live wonderful lives without drinking alcohol and can't believe it when somebody says they have never drunk alcohol.
There is a huge opportunity to make money off those that use alcohol in production and sales and in the policing and medical fields and I understand why certain people want to promote its use as the adult thing to do.
Like smoking once was, it continues to be sold to more and more people, perhaps as our society becomes less Godly, as the sophisticated thing to do.
I am sure we will not completely destroy ourselves, and we will continue as a species. However I hate seeing us doing destructive things to ourselves and to others for money and a very questionable pleasure that can turn so viciously against us in so many ways.
The civic center once a unique place of safety and tranquility, among the madness, now no longer exists.
Forget the minor league hockey idea. The civic center is about 4 or 5 times too small for what they want now. There are still a few home arenas for hockey with smaller capacity but the trend is now about 12,000, (14,000 even more inviting) capacity. This is why smaller ones are merging with other teams because too small arenas.
While I have not consumed alcohol for over 38 years, I'm a big boy and don't need others to not consume just to make me happy. Alcohol sales at the Civic Center may mean we can finally entice a minor league hockey team to the area. That's good for adults and youth! Those of you complaining about alcohol being served: does that mean you never go to area restaurants that serve beer?
June 22, 2016 at 1:03 PM
Yes, I am not one of them but there are people some of them Christians who never go to restaurants that serve beer or stronger products. I don't know all their reasons. Some do not want to be in an immoral atmosphere, to appear to approve of the immoral behavior of others or financially support the immoral owners of the business.
Money drives everything. Wants, needs, livelihoods, businesses - heck even religion in most cases. The opportunity to fill up a house of worship on Sunday, means more money in the kitty Sunday night...to benefit those less fortunate of course.
'
Money it always has and always will be - whats for dinner!!!
From an economic growth standpoint it's time to stop worrying about civic centers and sports arenas altogether. Bull doze it down. The economic growth promised from these things never materialized even during the heyday of conventions/concerts, etc. Now there is too much competition because the number of US conventions and shows has dramatically decreased in the last decade while convention center space has increased dramatically. As far as concerts ticket prices have decreased for concerts so the bigger the act the bigger the capacity they want to fill the void.
The civic center needs to expand not sell $7 and $8 beer. No real entertainer or team would go where capacity is 5,000
@2:27 you nailed it!!! There's no way an arena like the civic center can even come close with alcohol sales to being an economical asset with seating of what 6,000 and rarely ever coming close to selling out. The attention needs to be on and stay on your local county executive and his complete 180 on his platform while running for this office and all his decisions as of late
I am in this business and have never heard if any act receiving a percentage of the alcohol sales, tickets sales absolutely. I'm not sure it's even legal!
I agree tear it down. Anyone who thinks this outdated facility is going to draw big acts and more conventions and shows because alcohol is now served is out of touch with reality. They may get some more local organizations to use the meeting rooms because of the alcohol (though I heard they would bring their own) but I don't agree with the meeting rooms to begin with because that's government competing with the private sector like restaurants and hotels.
Yes 4:09 I know for a fact with minor league hockey they do negotiate a portion of food and alcohol sales in with their contracts. But as much as know that as a fact I also know this venue is way too small for what they look for nowadays. If hockey does it you can bet others do too.
No it's not unheard of at all 4:06. It's standard with sports teams to receive a share of the alcohol revenue.
4:27, Let me pick your brain a little bit, as well as other nay sayers.
Do tell me how many people the Shorebirds seat?
To say NO TEAM would ever consider coming here is BS. Also, the civic center seats more then 5,000.
I'll be waiting.
4:09PM You are dead wrong. Acts now demand a percentage of alcohol sales along with ticket sales. Regardless of that, our Civic Center isn't big enough to warrant top name artists. Most will only play in arena's with 10,000 seats or more. Culver has been sold a wrongful bill of goods by those who want a hockey league(which is doomed to fail). People in the county(and surrounding areas) will not support it.
Shame on Culver for screwing the legacy of the Woodcock Family. I'm just not comprehending any of it. And, why the Liquor Board gave their seal of approval on this is beyond my thinking.
This action will go down in History as just a very sad day for Wicomico County.
4:09, You are full of crap. You are NOT in the business and you are a liar.
Okay Joe sit there and hold your breath waiting for this hockey team and all these big acts and see what happens. You will be wrong and I am going to be the first to tell you Told You So.
4:34 said... "This action will go down in History as just a very sad day for Wicomico County."
REALLY, seriously? Just because you can buy a beer. Some of you are just the kind of people who love to say NO about anything and everything.
in fact, no one has ever heard they go to the civic center in masses because they DON'T sell alcohol.
Its just like those people who complain about the beautiful downtown plaza and the bars that line the street. Those jackasses never go to the plaza anyway, yet they just love to complain.
Look, the MAJORITY of you people do NOT support local businesses anyway. I know a LOT of local business owners and their biggest issue is the fact that locals just don't support them. That is, until Jim Ireton or Jake Day have one of their liberal SHOP LOCAL days. Then people come out in masses and buy the cheapest things those businesses have for sale.
I say, if you don't like the alcohol sales at the civic center, don't go there any more. I can assure you, there are thousands more people who will replace you.
Now the thugz can have there concerts and boose it up.
4:40, People like you crack me up. You hide behind anonymous challenging a real man who uses his real name and say, remember, I told you so. YOU WHO? If you are so confident and aren't afraid to look like a complete fool, put your name out there. I never said a hockey team was coming here.
Hey Dumb Dumb 9:05 what makes you think Paul Wilbur's "opinion" is correct? He's getting paid to tell Bob Culver what he wants to hear.
Most Civic Centers do? Start naming them. There is a difference in a civic center vs. a convention center. This was a bad decision. When they start losing customers you will know why. By the way did the public have a say in this?
4:42pm No, Joe, it won't be because of: you can buy a beer at the CC. It's because Woodcock's Will has been broken no matter if there was a loophole or not. The intention NOT to sell alcohol was there. I'm not an attorney & I don't know what that loophole was to lead to selling it there, but if you look at the history of the land given to the county & how everything came about, it's clear what the intention was.
OK I'm not here to agree or disagree with anyone's business knowledge but there WAS a hockey arena here in Salisbury back in the 70's on the east side heading out of town on rt 50 and guess what it didn't last too long
Anonymous said...
Respectfully Joe, the County Attorney is to give legal opinions to the Executive/Council. If Pollitt asked for a legal opinion on the CC, then it would be nice to know why the County Attorney at that time said it wasn't "legal" to sale alcohol. Or, to your point, did Pollitt DISREGARD legal advice and "ran away" from it for political reasons? Perhaps ultimately it doesn't matter.
However, whoever decided it wasn't possible, kept the county from generating extra revenue for YEARS apparently. THAT is not being a public servant, but someone self-serving.
June 22, 2016 at 9:05 AM
"Respectfully Joe, the County Attorney is to give legal opinions to the Executive/Council."
And you know that how???
"to sale alcohol"
Really!!
"whoever decided it wasn't possible, kept the county from generating extra revenue for YEARS apparently."
And you are making the assumption that Barrie Tilghman Reject Paul Wilbur is providing "legal" information to the County Council and the public? Maybe Paul Wilbur and Bob Culver is "not being a public servant."
You have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you don't have a clue what you are talking about.
I think we should all get drunk and think about this for a while
Yes At the civic center and bill Rick Pollitt he likes to spend other peeps $$$.
6:39 your comment is ridiculous. Have another drink.
Multi-millions have been spent on OC's convention center and for what? Still TBD....and they (City Hall) want to spend more for an additional expansion. WOW...
all the time, West OC has been booming with several big name hotels and lots of businesses leaving the island and building inland.
So 30 miles away has spent an enormous amount and it will take YEARS for good ROI. Things could be worse folks.
Someone said that Ed Baker was hired by the Council. Is that true? If so, every Council member who agreed to that needs to be voted out next election. Another double dipper like Creamer. What is so complex about Wicomico County government that no new blood is allowed? Why does the Council need their own attorney anyway? Just more expense for the taxpayers and I guess a sign that they are going to continue to fight Culver on everything.
The Council is THE WORST by continuing to hire the same good old boys who have run this county into the ground. Creamer and now Baker. Wasting our money! Cannon was around for both hires. Does that tell you anything?
Rick Pollitt was and is a a NO talent moron he held back wicomico but made sure he helped himself and friends to the tax payers coffers goooooooo BOB.
I hope this does bring some extra money into this county department for it surely needs it. The parks in Sharptown really need attention and time spent doing general grooming and needed painting. Just today I saw a county parks truck with a black box body zooming thru town cellphone in hand.Grass has been cut but several more things need attention here.
ABOMINABLE. Showing the value of a "trust" built into a deed. Kinda like returning adopted children to their biological parents. ABOMINABLE!
I was wondering if there are any county parks on the grounds of Salisbury University. During the 2016 semester I saw one of their ford pickup trucks almost daily riding around mostly in the area of the sports operations of the facility.
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