What Chief Webster Was Trying To Hide From Me! Remember Folks, You're Seeing It Here First And NOT Any Other Source Of Media!

Chief Webster Throws Me Out Of A Public Press Conference In A Public Building While Being A Public Official

Perhaps Barrie Tilghman and Chief Webster weren't privy to the following? More to come.....

http://www.aclupa.org/pressroom/suitagainstwashingtoncount.htm

Suit Against Washington County, PA Police Chief over Harassment of Internet Critics Settled

Release: Immediately, January 24, 2006

More information on case, including legal documents

Pittsburgh: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Greater Pittsburgh Chapter has reached a settlement with a Washington County municipality and its suspended Chief of Police that will ensure the freedom of residents to debate political issues on a local website without fear of retaliation from local authorities.

“In the Supreme Court’s words, ‘it is a prized American privilege to speak one's mind, although not always with perfect good taste, on all public institutions and this opportunity is to be afforded for ‘vigorous advocacy’ no less than ‘abstract discussion,’” said Witold Walczak, ACLU of Pennsylvania Legal Director. “Just because a police chief or other public official doesn’t like what is being said about them on an in Internet bulletin board doesn’t give them license to use official powers to threaten and intimidate critics, or take steps to shut down the website,” cautioned Walczak. “As the saying goes, if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”

The settlement arises out of a lawsuit filed by the ACLU in 2004, charging that North Franklin Township police chief Mark Kavakich had attempted to use criminal subpoenas to learn the identities of residents who had criticized him on a website known as “localscoop” (www.localscoop.net). The suit also charged that Kavakich, who has since been suspended from the North Franklin police department pending an investigation of unspecified conduct, had threatened to arrest those who refused to cooperate with his investigation of the online critics.

Localscoop.net is an Internet community forum created and run by Terri and Munir Chavla of North Franklin, who were plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit.

The settlement announced today includes a consent order that extends and strengthens an original temporary restraining order that had been entered by consent at the outset of the case. The two-page original temporary restraining order prohibited the North Franklin police from threatening to use criminal proceedings against critics on the website. The four-page final order recently agreed to by the parties, and signed this morning by United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti, expands on these restrictions as well as prohibiting other kinds of harassing tactics, such as confronting critics in their homes, or threatening to reveal their identities to their employers or others.

Terri Chavla said she hopes “that this police chief now understands that he cannot criminally prosecute people for merely posting their opinions.”
As part of the settlement, North Franklin Township also agreed to pay the sum of $42,000.00 to the Chavlas and their lawyers.

Walczak raised concerns about police intimidation and threats made against critics on the Internet. He noted that police officials need to pay more careful attention to the constitutional limits on their authority to investigate those critical of police activities. “It is not an issue for the police when an Internet poster says something nasty about someone else, even if what they say is false and defamatory,” said Walczak. He added that the victim can file a defamation suit, but the police have no business in the matter.

In addition to the Washington County case, the ACLU signed a court agreement in late December with the Pennsylvania State Police over a situation where an officer convinced a web host to shut down a Scranton couple’s political website after they criticized a Scranton official. That case, which is pending in federal court in Scranton, is Pilchesky v. Pennsylvania State Police. More information can be found about that and the Chavla case at www.aclupa.org.

The Chavlas were represented by Walczak and ACLU cooperating attorney Ronald Barber of the Pittsburgh law firm Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Potter. The case is Chavla v. Kavakich, 04-CV-0594 (W.D.Pa., Conti, J.). A copy of the complaint and both the original and final consent orders can be found at www.aclupa.org.

Mike Lewis Is The New Wicomico County Sheriff

In the last three years I have attended so many different events. Throughout my business career I had attended trade shows and seminars around the World. However, NOTHING compared to yesterday's swearing in of Mike Lewis.

If you were fortunate enough to be there you know exactly what I'm talking about. There was an overwhelming sense of confidence and belief that this man was going to make a difference.

Mike Lewis was so blessed to have his Wife, Children and especially his Parents present. A Family couldn't be more proud of their Father, Son, Brother In Law, Uncle & Husband. This is in fact a good man Folks.

The support from former co-workers within the Maryland State Police was also overwhelming. Chief Webster was in fact present but there was no Barrie Tilghman nor anyone from the City Council. Quite a few members from the County Council were present but the fact that The Daily Times did not promote the event at all, yet they gave Rick Pollitt front page coverage in today's paper speaks volumes to me as well.

Mike Lewis, if you're reading this, (HA) start seeing who your friends are. The Mayor didn't attend, the Daily Times refused to promote the event, some of us will be the eyes in the back of your head because you are what this County desperately needs and we're all very blessed to be so fortunate that you have accepted such a challenge.

I almost forgot to mention the fact that Hunter Nelms refused to attend as well. No Major Doris Schonbrunner either.

God Speed Mike Lewis.

Blogger Problems

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Please be patient today as I am having problems loading pictures onto Blogger. This happens from time to time and I know many of you are awaiting pictures of the swearing in of Mike Lewis and I do have a complete series of photos of that event. I will get them up as soon as Blogger allows. In the mean time, don't forget the County Council swearing in ceremony as well as Rick Pollitt.

On a separate note, Barrie Tilghman, unless you hadn't noticed, there were thousands of people NOT waving back to you the other day in the Parade. I read this morning that there were a dirty dozen people against you right now. Do you by chance know how to multiply? Did you learn your math from Mike Dunn? You know, the guy that claimed there were a good 100 people that confronted him in support of the Old Mall project but none of them have ever come forward?

Mike Lewis WALKED that entire Parade with PRIDE and his head held high, thanking people and wishing them a VERY Merry Christmas. Barrie Tilghman slumped down in her seat, waving to her peasants. Perhaps she was slumped down in her seat in fear of being nailed by eggs? Nevertheless, there's no pride left in a Mayor who has to constantly defend herself regularly in the Daily Times. Think about it Folks. If the Mayor had "ANY" confidence she would have blown the whole thing off. Instead, out of guilt, she is defending herself and a portion of the City Council because she knows she's a liar, a cheat and a horrible politician. If you're a FOB you get anything you want.

The Blogs are what have exposed this Mayor and you know what Folks, I guarantee John Pick told the Mayor a thousand times, DON'T GO TO THE PRESS ABOUT THE BLOGS!" I could be wrong but as Barrie reads this, should it be a fact, she has to be kicking herself in the rear end because her anger backfired, just like running to the paper will backfire this time as well.

A Letter To The Editor From Tim Spies

In response to Michael Weisner Letter to the Editor of December 3rd (“Neighborhood spruce-ups meaningless without safety”,) I offer the following:

Neighborhood cleanups and the visual attractiveness of homes do, indeed, lower the incidence of crime. Well-maintained properties are not as likely to attract criminals, as they communicate to them that the residents care about their properties and those of their neighbors, and that they also are more alert to the presence of persons who may not “belong” in their neighborhood. In established neighborhoods, particularly those with a concentration of homeowner occupied homes, people look out for one another to a higher degree than in areas where residence is of a more transient nature. They are also more likely to call police to report suspicious persons and crimes.

Areas that contain concentrations of run-down houses are crime magnets. Poorly kept properties indicate to potential criminals that the houses and residents are more vulnerable than those in well-kept properties. They know that the odds are lower that these neighbors look out for one another to the extent that others might, and even if victimized, won’t call police. They know that there are more unlighted entries to houses, more unlighted or otherwise concealed routes of escape, fewer good locks on doors, more unsecured windows, and more opportunities for successful criminal activity. And, of course, there’s the fact that many of the criminals themselves live in these areas, giving them the important advantage of familiarity with both the properties and the residents.

As a former police officer, I can attest to the fact that high police presence and visibility do contribute to a lower crime rate, but that police presence has its limits in every city, and that policing itself is only a small part of the whole crime prevention picture. Education of the public as to how to avoid being a victim, enforcing residential zoning laws to eliminate crowding and blight, providing adequate lighting of streets and homes, and, yes, sprucing up the neighborhood all have their place as strategies in crime prevention. The responsibility for ensuring that all these are consistently met is not only the city’s; it’s ours.

To view information regarding neighborhood cleanups and property maintenance as regards crime prevention, I invite your attention to: http://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/physenv.txt.

For a free crime prevention assessment of your property by an officer of the Salisbury Police Department, call 410-749-5151 during daylight hours.

Tim Spies
President, Camden Neighborhood Association
Co-chairman, Salisbury Area Weed & Seed Program

Red Net Alert

G A Harrison, (Delmarva Dealings) will be on the Bill Reddish show (7:40 A.M.) on WICO (1320-AM)!

Is This A Conflict Of Interest?

Mr. Chris Handy is currently employed with the Wicomico County Humane Society. From what I have been told, he is working with the aggressive animals there as well as his main position as a Dog Control Officer, (aka, Dog Catcher).

Mr. Handy also has a side business obviously called U.S. Kennels. He seems to be taking advantage of advertising his business right there at the Humane Society in a couple different obvious ways. His vehicle and then the placement of an advertisement sign just below the Salisbury Humane Society's main sign on the main road.

So obviously the County is endorsing this man and his business. So what about all of the other Trainers, Handlers, Kennels, Groomers and heck, how about the Salisbury Kennel Club? They donate funds to the Humane Society and have done so for many years and they've never been given such treatment?

So maybe the Humane Society should have a billboard outside their location whereas "everyone" can equally pay for space and promote their businesses? IMO, this is a conflict of interest, unless the U.S. Kennels business is actually paying the Humane Society a percentage of their business?

I'll leave it up to all of you. However, if you're an electrical inspector for the City/County and you have a side business for electrical repairs, fixing and or working on jobs the City/County had you inspecting would easily be a conflict of interest. I personally think this falls into that same category.

I'll add, why is the City/County paying this man to work with unruly animals? It has been well known across the entire Country that if an animal is that aggressive they put it down. Not in Wicomico County. They pay this man on the sly to work with these animals in the hopes of turning them around. I can't wait to see the first lawsuit when one of these dogs attacks a child or anyone else.

The Humane Society is a vital part of any community. I think they ought not forget where they came from.

It's Lonely At The Top!

I received so many phone calls this morning asking me if it was really true that Barrie Tilghman was waving at people and no one responded. Well Folks, here's two pictures proving this to be a fact. That's Barrie in the passengers seat waving away and just take a look for yourself, no one is trying to make eye contact with her and or waving back at her.

Barrie, you're a legend in your own mind. The Citizens know you're a phony and I personally know you're one of the biggest liars and back stabbers I have ever come to meet in my entire lifetime. What goes around, comes around. It simply cracked me up to no end watching everyone smiling and saying positive things when Debbie Campbell came by with all those kids.

A smart Mayor would have followed behind Debbie and taken credit for all the positive input. Instead, whenever Barrie came by there was this silence that was deafening. What a loser!

Sheriff Mike Lewis Gets Sworn In Today At 4:00

Through personal friends and numerous people commenting on this Blog Site, 4:00 at Wi Hi can't come soon enough.

Mike Lewis will be sworn in today and to be quite frank, I can't believe I didn't read anything about it in today's Daily Times? Nevertheless, everyone should show up in support of this fine gentleman and sit back and watch Wicomico County be taken back by storm. Congratulations Mike Lewis.

When You're A Taylor, You're A FOB

It doesn't matter what time of day or night you drive by the Taylor's Antique Shop they're going to have a vehicle illegally parked and they simply don't care. Wait till I move in next dor and call the Police over and over again for these violations. I figure, if Jim Rapp can call the Police and waste their time, so can I. I'm a tax payer of the City too.

The Salisbury Christmas Parade

Although Mike Dunn was in fact AWOL, Mike Lewis lead the parade with high spirits and the Jaycees outdid themselves once again! Debbie Campbell received the greatest reception of anyone or any thing in the Parade! The Mayor would drive by and there would be silence. Honest to God, she'd wave at people and no one would wave back. IMO, it's pretty sad when you're the Mayor of a City and you have to sport a name tag on the side of your car so people will know who you are. I was thinking of selling eggs at this event.

Why Should The Merchants Pay For Trash Pickup When The City Will Use Your Tax Money To Do So?

Welcome To Downtown Salisbury

As you drive down Rt. 50 through the heart of the City, these are just some of the wonderful sights you get to view while traveling through. Are there even permits for these things?

Ladies & Gentlemen, Sheriff Mike Lewis

Allow me to be the very first to introduce the first photo of Mr. Mike Lewis in a Sheriff's Uniform. Mike lead the Christmas Parade waving to "everyone" and wishing them a Very Merry Christmas.

Before & After

For those critics who claimed this place was never going to amount to anything and or ever get open, Kiss My Grits!

Station 7 is scheduled to open its doors not this Monday but the following Monday. Wait till you see the decorations going up! This place will be out of this world! They did a sample cooking Saturday of their BBQ Ribs in their new smoker and I was told by friends it was the finest food they had ever eaten!

Another Illegal Deer Stand On My Property

Yesterday we took yet another stroll around our property in Willards and out of nowhere came yet another illegal deer stand directly on our property. This time they were a little more slick about it as they placed it deeper into the brush where a vehicle couldn't pull right in. However, they're close enough to my Pond to make sure they catch anything trying to take a drink of water. I think I'll take my shotgun to this one and just leave it there in bits and pieces.

Calling All Health Department Inspectors!

There's a good reason why so many other cities across America have the windows painted in a vacant building. However, in Salisbury they don't feel the need to cover-up what will soon become VERY obvious to everyone reading this Post. As we start to look deeper towards the back walls of the store it becomes very evident wherever they were prepping your food, there was BLACK MOLD EVERYWHERE!

It would run down the walls where all the meats were. Let me ask you Folks, do you think they'll REPORT this mold to the next tennants? By law they have to. By law they have to hire a specialty company to come in and remove this mold. Then there's the thought of the people who were working there at Giant and were they becoming ill because of all the mold in the store?

What I want to firmly know is, where the hell were the Health Department Inspectors? This is unacceptable and even more so, unbelievable!

Westside Park Beautification

Saturday, December 2nd, at Waterside Park, marked the completion of the first efforts of Salisbury's Neighborhood Beautification Team, a volunteer group assembled by the Department of Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance under the leadership of Housing Supervisor Susan Phillips. The event was an obvious success, as more than a dozen volunteers, including DNSCC Director, Tom Stevenson, for once not wearing a suit and tie, cleaned up trash, mowed the grass, trimmed trees, planted flowers and shrubs, and painted playground equipment. Lunch was provided courtesy of Cato Oil, whose main office is just across the street from the park.

Waterside Park, located at Parsons Road, is a city park that has, for some time, been a prime location of drug deals and other less than savory activities. The work completed on Saturday by members of the Beautification Team is part of a developing plan to improve the appearance and function to public areas in Salisbury. Statistics show that areas that are well-maintained and kept attractive to families and other members of the public have a positive impact on controlling negative behaviors, such as drug transactions and gang activities. The efforts of the Team and groups like it are positive moves toward taking back our parks and recreation areas from those who would keep them as locations for illegal activities. Hats off to those who made Saturday's efforts a success! And kudos to Cato Oil for the donation of a tasty Popeye's chicken lunch!For more information on the Neighborhood Beautification Team, and how to volunteer for upcoming events, contact Susan Phillips at sphillips@ci.salisbury.md.us, or call (410) 341-9550.