DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Caribbean Joe's Pool Bar To Open Today At Noon With Live Music At 2 PM
From The Facebook Page of Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot
Peter Franchot
The radical anti-abortion bill signed into law yesterday by the Governor of Alabama is a malicious assault on the rights and protections of women everywhere. This bill also represents an assault on the basic values of our country and of the State of Maryland.
I obviously have no direct control over the behavior of Alabama lawmakers who would thrust their religious interpretations upon those they are paid to represent, and who choose to weaponize their system of laws to punish women who are already experiencing great vulnerability.
However, I can work to ensure that Maryland's taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize extremism. Furthermore, experience has shown that MONEY is the one thing that matters more to people of this caliber than their religious prerogatives.
It is in that spirit that, in my capacity as Vice-Chairman of Maryland's State Retirement and Pension System, I will ask our executive management to undertake a complete and thorough review of all relationships that we have with businesses located in the State of Alabama.
This will include a full inventory of assets that are invested in Alabama-based companies, as well as all investment managers, brokers and consultants that are headquartered, or have regional offices in that state. I will ask that this review and full inventory of business relationships be presented to the Board of Trustees on an expedited basis, so that we can hopefully initiate the process of full divestment from the State of Alabama.
In the meantime, I will ask that no System employees or trustees travel to Alabama under any circumstances - be it for professional conferences or meetings with current or prospective investment partners. It is my hope that this travel restriction would be replicated throughout Maryland state government as a whole.
It is my hope that this will put the "leaders" of Alabama, and those of other states who may be contemplating abusing public laws for theocratic gratification, on notice that this is, indeed, 2019. Gratuitous attacks on the freedoms and the well-being of women will come at a prohibitive price.
The radical anti-abortion bill signed into law yesterday by the Governor of Alabama is a malicious assault on the rights and protections of women everywhere. This bill also represents an assault on the basic values of our country and of the State of Maryland.
I obviously have no direct control over the behavior of Alabama lawmakers who would thrust their religious interpretations upon those they are paid to represent, and who choose to weaponize their system of laws to punish women who are already experiencing great vulnerability.
However, I can work to ensure that Maryland's taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize extremism. Furthermore, experience has shown that MONEY is the one thing that matters more to people of this caliber than their religious prerogatives.
It is in that spirit that, in my capacity as Vice-Chairman of Maryland's State Retirement and Pension System, I will ask our executive management to undertake a complete and thorough review of all relationships that we have with businesses located in the State of Alabama.
This will include a full inventory of assets that are invested in Alabama-based companies, as well as all investment managers, brokers and consultants that are headquartered, or have regional offices in that state. I will ask that this review and full inventory of business relationships be presented to the Board of Trustees on an expedited basis, so that we can hopefully initiate the process of full divestment from the State of Alabama.
In the meantime, I will ask that no System employees or trustees travel to Alabama under any circumstances - be it for professional conferences or meetings with current or prospective investment partners. It is my hope that this travel restriction would be replicated throughout Maryland state government as a whole.
It is my hope that this will put the "leaders" of Alabama, and those of other states who may be contemplating abusing public laws for theocratic gratification, on notice that this is, indeed, 2019. Gratuitous attacks on the freedoms and the well-being of women will come at a prohibitive price.
Where drivers are most likely to get a speed camera ticket in Md.
Speed cameras serve a safety purpose. They also bring in money — a lot of it.
And in Maryland, the most money comes to Montgomery County.
Maryland’s largest county had the state’s most lucrative speed camera system last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, citing government data — $15,954,868 in speed camera revenue.
Montgomery County’s total amounts to almost one-quarter of the state’s $64 million in automated traffic enforcement fine data during Fiscal Year 2018.
Speed violators pay a $40 fine for each infraction caught on a Maryland speed camera — Montgomery County’s sum equates to 398,871 paid speed camera citations.
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Editor's Note: Yes Salisbury made the list.
And in Maryland, the most money comes to Montgomery County.
Maryland’s largest county had the state’s most lucrative speed camera system last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, citing government data — $15,954,868 in speed camera revenue.
Montgomery County’s total amounts to almost one-quarter of the state’s $64 million in automated traffic enforcement fine data during Fiscal Year 2018.
Speed violators pay a $40 fine for each infraction caught on a Maryland speed camera — Montgomery County’s sum equates to 398,871 paid speed camera citations.
More
Editor's Note: Yes Salisbury made the list.
Bull receives the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award
Join us on the Bullevard this Friday at 5:00 p.m. as Comptroller Peter Franchot presents our beloved Officer Aaron "Bull" Hudson with the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award. We will gather in front of the performance stage next to the Obelisk on the Downtown Plaza. Ceremony will begin at 5 sharp. Let's celebrate our friend at his favorite place, as part of his favorite event. :)
Established in 2012, the Schaefer Award is presented to the individuals and organizations in each county and Baltimore City best exemplifying William Donald Schaefer’s lifelong commitment to helping people. Winners are selected based on their demonstration of: improving the community; swiftly solving a citizen problem hrough effective government intervention; directly aiding the most vulnerable in society; or creating a public/private partnership to improve the lives of Marylanders.
Summerfest
Spend the evening at a community park during Summerfest, a FREE event series for kids focused on providing cool, unique themed experiences. Children can play games, socialize with family and friends, listen to good music and grab a snack.
From giant inflatable obstacle courses and water slides to kayaking, fishing, archery, robots and dance parties, there’s something fun for the whole family.
A hot dog, chips and a drink will be provided to the first 200 kids for free. A food vendor will be on-site with more options for adults. So come out, bring the family and enjoy a relaxing, fun evening in the sun.
Schedule
- June 20: Sport Spectacular at Billy Gene Jackson Sr. Park
- June 27: Discover STEAM at Doverdale Park
- July 11: Splash Bash at Indian Village Playground
- July 18: Back to Nature at Billy Gene Jackson Sr. Park
- July 25: Movin' & Groovin' at Doverdale Park
- Aug. 1: Bouncin' Around at Lake Street Playground
- Aug. 15: Summer Sendoff at Waterside Park
A Viewer Writes.....Pittsville Water Issues
Good morning Joe.
I don’t know if you have had the opportunity to follow the situation in Pittsville or not with the water but it is time for some answers.
Pittsville Residents were invited to attend a question and answer session last night. We were only permitted to ask one question each but they still refused to answer questions. There were multiple attempts to get answers to no avail. Oh the only thing that was made perfectly clear was that there would be no rebates to anyone’s water bill. Nice to know that we paid for 6 weeks of ice tea colored water that you didn’t want to drink let alone bathe in.
It took 5 weeks for them to hand out bottled water and Ayres United Methodist church organized that. Anyway another meeting Monday night at 730 if you are interested. I really hope Pittsville Residents will turn out again in force. This town is in desperate need of transparency, honesty and accountability. It’s just another example of local government out of control doing whatever they want.
Pittsville Residents wake up and pay attention before they decide to do a special assessment and screw us even more.
Residents do not like traffic circle concept, citing safety
A majority of residents of Ocean Pines believe that a traffic circle proposed by the Maryland Department of Transportation at the intersection of Route 589 and Ocean Parkway at Ocean Pines’ north gate is more than a bad idea, it’s a safety concern.
That appears to be the leading sentiment, according to an collection of comments Board of Directors Vice President Steve Tuttle compiled two weeks ago.
“I’m collecting comments from residents with their views about the concept of the circle,” Tuttle said. “I’m getting that information and I’m passing that on to a representative at MDOT so they can understand what the concerns and thoughts are of our community related to this circle.”
The Ocean Pines directors have been asked to donate roughly a half-acre of land on either side of the north gate bridge in order to complete the project, which could involve expanding that section of the road into a four-lane situation.
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That appears to be the leading sentiment, according to an collection of comments Board of Directors Vice President Steve Tuttle compiled two weeks ago.
“I’m collecting comments from residents with their views about the concept of the circle,” Tuttle said. “I’m getting that information and I’m passing that on to a representative at MDOT so they can understand what the concerns and thoughts are of our community related to this circle.”
The Ocean Pines directors have been asked to donate roughly a half-acre of land on either side of the north gate bridge in order to complete the project, which could involve expanding that section of the road into a four-lane situation.
More
‘She’s My Friend’
“I announced that I wasn’t going to run for the president last time — and I wasn’t going to run against Hillary; she’s my friend,” Biden said at an event at a pizza parlor in New Hampshire, noting that he did 83 events for Clinton in 2016.
Biden said he started thinking about running for president before Clinton announced her campaign but ultimately decided against it.
More here
Stacey Abrams: Trump Wants to ‘Erase Certain Communities’ from National Narrative
Speaking at a National Security Action event in Washington, DC, Abrams said the citizenship question has not been used “since the weaponization of immigration has been part of our body politic” after the country had more “robust international immigration” after the 1960s.
She said the citizenship question is designed to reduce the count of illegal immigrants and “mixed families” and added that it “targets black men” by propping up counts in states in which they are imprisoned instead of their home states. Abrams said poorer communities, as a result, never get the resources they need to respond to the “mass incarceration” crisis.
Abrams also said the Census ignores children in poor communities, leading to over-crowded schools that “never get the resources.”
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SPD Which Are The True Statistics?
Above is the statistics found on the SPD website. Below is from CrimeReports.com The figures on Crime Reports are only for SPD. WCSO or MSP do not use CrimeReports.com.
Above has 2 rapes listed this year, yet 4 show on CrimeReports
Above has 101 thefts yet Crime Reports shows 124 thefts and 20 more thefts from a vehicle from April 1st to April 30th
Above has zero Vehicle thefts for April Crime reports shows 6
WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC FIRING RANGE
The Worcester County Firing Range is located at 9400 Langmaid Road Newark, MD.
Please call 410-632-1111 with questions or concerns.
http://worcestersheriff.com/service/public-firing-range
Baltimore Ceasefire Celebrates Local Mothers Bailed Out Of Jail This Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — It was a Mother’s Day gift several Baltimore mothers were not expecting- getting bailed out of jail.
Sunday, organizers with Baltimore’s Ceasefire 365 held a celebration for local mothers who were given the gift of freedom this holiday.
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Dogfish Head's merger with the maker of Sam Adams fundamentally disrupts the world of craft brewing — and beer lovers have mixed feelings
"Not only are Dogfish Head and Boston Beer two original American breweries, but Jim Koch and I worked hard with other leading craft brewery founders and the Brewers Association to develop and champion what defines independent American brewers," the Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione said in a statement on Thursday, referring to the Boston Beer founder and chairman. "This merger better positions Dogfish Head and our coworkers to continue growing within this definition for many years to come."
Calagione added that he and his wife, Mariah, would be "reinvesting nearly all of the proceeds back into the combined entity," as well as establishing a philanthropic foundation with a portion of their newly acquired Boston Beer stock.
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Sewell found guilty of misconduct in office
Former Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell was summoned back before a jury in Worcester County Circuit Court this week and was, once again, found guilty of misconduct in office stemming from a vehicular collision in November 2014.
Maryland State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt said the two-day trial wrapped up on Wednesday, with the jury returning the guilty verdict at about 4:30 p.m., with a sentencing date still to be scheduled.
Davitt said the state is gratified with the verdict for a case that was remanded back to circuit court after the Maryland Court of Special Appeals rescinded the original guilty conviction from December 2016.
“We feel this case has been mischaracterized by some members of the media,” he said.
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Maryland State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt said the two-day trial wrapped up on Wednesday, with the jury returning the guilty verdict at about 4:30 p.m., with a sentencing date still to be scheduled.
Davitt said the state is gratified with the verdict for a case that was remanded back to circuit court after the Maryland Court of Special Appeals rescinded the original guilty conviction from December 2016.
“We feel this case has been mischaracterized by some members of the media,” he said.
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DEMOCRAT HARRIS VOWS EXECUTIVE ACTION GUN CONTROL IF ELECTED PRESIDENT
California Sen. Kamala Harris, who is running to be the Democrat nominee for President has vowed to enact strict gun control measures by executive order within the first 100 days, if she is elected.
“I’m proposing, one, that if by my 100th day in office when elected president of the United States, if the United States Congress fails to put a bill on my desk … then I’m prepared to take executive action because that’s what’s needed: action,” Harris said in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“We are not waiting on tragedies and we are not waiting on good ideas,” Harris said, adding that “on the issue of the need for gun safety laws, we’re not at any loss for good ideas. People have been having good ideas for decades on this issue. What we’re at a loss is for people in Congress to have the courage to do something.”
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“I’m proposing, one, that if by my 100th day in office when elected president of the United States, if the United States Congress fails to put a bill on my desk … then I’m prepared to take executive action because that’s what’s needed: action,” Harris said in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“We are not waiting on tragedies and we are not waiting on good ideas,” Harris said, adding that “on the issue of the need for gun safety laws, we’re not at any loss for good ideas. People have been having good ideas for decades on this issue. What we’re at a loss is for people in Congress to have the courage to do something.”
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Former Florida Democrat Congressional Candidate Calls for Sex Boycott of Conservative Men
Pam Keith, a former Democrat candidate for Congress in Florida, is openly calling for women to stop having sex with conservative men.
Keith jumped to her Twitter account with the quixotic demand that women should boycott sexual relations with all conservative men:
Ladies: STOP having sex w/conservative men
TOTAL COMPLETE SEX BOYCOTT.
Don’t let them anywhere near you. Give them the hand and keep it moving. Get a B.O.B. But make it a rule to run, not walk, from men who want to steal your agency over yourself & your life.
That’s it.
Keith bills herself as a former U.S. Navy JAG officer, an experienced litigator, and an expert on workplace law.
More
Keith jumped to her Twitter account with the quixotic demand that women should boycott sexual relations with all conservative men:
Ladies: STOP having sex w/conservative men
TOTAL COMPLETE SEX BOYCOTT.
Don’t let them anywhere near you. Give them the hand and keep it moving. Get a B.O.B. But make it a rule to run, not walk, from men who want to steal your agency over yourself & your life.
That’s it.
Keith bills herself as a former U.S. Navy JAG officer, an experienced litigator, and an expert on workplace law.
More
Baltimore’s War on Guns Almost Exclusively Targeted Black Neighborhoods
A report published in the New York Times claims that Baltimore’s war on guns is almost exclusively conducted in black neighborhoods.
The report, written by Baynard Woods and Brandon Soderberg, says: “The war on guns, like the war on drugs, is primarily waged on poor people by small operations units that drive around in unmarked cars looking for trouble.” And the “poor people” being targeted in Baltimore are black people.
Woods and Soderberg claim the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force is doing the targeting; that they “called jump-out boys or knockers, and they do not respond to citizen calls.” Rather, they move undercover in the night, busting through doors to seize firearms in black neighborhoods.
More
The report, written by Baynard Woods and Brandon Soderberg, says: “The war on guns, like the war on drugs, is primarily waged on poor people by small operations units that drive around in unmarked cars looking for trouble.” And the “poor people” being targeted in Baltimore are black people.
Woods and Soderberg claim the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force is doing the targeting; that they “called jump-out boys or knockers, and they do not respond to citizen calls.” Rather, they move undercover in the night, busting through doors to seize firearms in black neighborhoods.
More
DEMOCRATS BACK BILL TO BAN THE SALE OF GAS-POWERED CARS BY 2040
Democrats will introduce legislation to completely phase out the use of gasoline-powered cars by mandating that only zero-emissions vehicles can be sold by 2040.
“When I take a lungful of air in this moment, it has 30 percent more carbon in it than when I was born,” Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, the bill’s main sponsor told The Huffington Post on Wednesday. “That is a change that has never happened in a single generation of humankind on this planet.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Bernie Sanders of Vermont. California Rep. Mike Levin will introduce a House version of the bill, HuffPo reported.
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“When I take a lungful of air in this moment, it has 30 percent more carbon in it than when I was born,” Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, the bill’s main sponsor told The Huffington Post on Wednesday. “That is a change that has never happened in a single generation of humankind on this planet.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Bernie Sanders of Vermont. California Rep. Mike Levin will introduce a House version of the bill, HuffPo reported.
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DEMOCRATS UNANIMOUS AS HOUSE PASSES BILL FORCING SCHOOLS TO LET MALE ATHLETES COMPETE IN GIRLS’ SPORTS
The Democratically controlled House of Representatives voted Friday 236-173 in favor of the Equality Act, which would require schools to include male athletes who identify as transgender girls on female sports teams.
Eight Republicans crossed party lines to vote for the bill, which had unanimous Democratic support.
The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make “sexual orientation and gender identity” protected characteristics under federal anti-discrimination law.
Among other things, that would force public schools to expand female athletic teams to include biological males who identify as transgender girls.
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Eight Republicans crossed party lines to vote for the bill, which had unanimous Democratic support.
The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make “sexual orientation and gender identity” protected characteristics under federal anti-discrimination law.
Among other things, that would force public schools to expand female athletic teams to include biological males who identify as transgender girls.
More
