The proposed budget numbers are now being made available at the city's website.
Those planning to attend tonight's budget hearing might want to look at the numbers in advance to see if there is anything that they want to ask about.
The hearing is a part of the regular monthly council meeting that begins at 7:30 PM at Fruitland City Hall.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Gas Tax Is Back
The Liberals in Congress believe that if gas costs more you'll drive less. That's why they want to increase the gas tax. All in the name of saving the environment while destroying the economy.
And so tomorrow, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) will unveil their new energy tax, which may include a new tax on gasoline, diesel, and other transportation fuels.
They will say, however, that it is not a gasoline tax because it doesn't raise the specific Federal Gasoline Excise Tax, currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon. But their proposal, according to multiple credible reports, is actually a tax imposed on top of the existing Federal Gasoline Excise Tax.
And Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who helped craft this new gas tax, admitted the higher costs for energy companies "will be passed on" to motorists at the pump.
At American Solutions, we believe that if Americans pay more for something because of a government requirement, it's a tax. It's little wonder why a recent American Solutions poll found that 71% of Americans oppose a new gasoline tax.
We're not sure how much the new tax will raise gasoline prices. Researchers at Harvard University, however, recently determined that President Obama's ideal energy policy could lead to $7 per gallon gasoline.
In addition to potentially increasing the price of gasoline and diesel, the Kerry-Lieberman energy tax will increase the cost of energy for all American families. And the independent Congressional Budget Office recently determined that a new energy tax will kill jobs and reduce American productivity.
We believe raising taxes and killing more jobs is the wrong solution for America's 9.9% unemployment rate. We plan to fight this devastating legislation from day one, and we hope you will join us.
After the bill is introduced tomorrow, we will follow up with details about the bill and ways you can help.
Your friend,
Newt Gingrich
General Chairman
American Solutions
And so tomorrow, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) will unveil their new energy tax, which may include a new tax on gasoline, diesel, and other transportation fuels.
They will say, however, that it is not a gasoline tax because it doesn't raise the specific Federal Gasoline Excise Tax, currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon. But their proposal, according to multiple credible reports, is actually a tax imposed on top of the existing Federal Gasoline Excise Tax.
And Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who helped craft this new gas tax, admitted the higher costs for energy companies "will be passed on" to motorists at the pump.
At American Solutions, we believe that if Americans pay more for something because of a government requirement, it's a tax. It's little wonder why a recent American Solutions poll found that 71% of Americans oppose a new gasoline tax.
We're not sure how much the new tax will raise gasoline prices. Researchers at Harvard University, however, recently determined that President Obama's ideal energy policy could lead to $7 per gallon gasoline.
In addition to potentially increasing the price of gasoline and diesel, the Kerry-Lieberman energy tax will increase the cost of energy for all American families. And the independent Congressional Budget Office recently determined that a new energy tax will kill jobs and reduce American productivity.
We believe raising taxes and killing more jobs is the wrong solution for America's 9.9% unemployment rate. We plan to fight this devastating legislation from day one, and we hope you will join us.
After the bill is introduced tomorrow, we will follow up with details about the bill and ways you can help.
Your friend,
Newt Gingrich
General Chairman
American Solutions
Breaking News
David Cameron Becomes British Prime Minister
Conservative leader David Cameron becomes Britain's youngest prime minister in almost 200 years, after Gordon Brown resigns.
MORE DETAILS: http://www.wbaltv.com/tu/5PEzIdz2j.html
Lost Dog Found In Delmar, MD.
Hi Mr. Albero,
I love you site, and I see animals returned to their owners all the time. I am hoping you can help me with one that ended up at my house at 4:30 a.m. Monday morning. He is about 8 -10 year old Chocolate lab, with a little white on his muzzle. No collar, and appears to have some arthritis. Please call 410-543-6626 and ask for Jeani Kerley.
Burglary Arrest
Worcester County Bureau of Investigation
Date & Time March & April 2010 Case #: 10-0072
Location Occurred: Worcester Co. MD
Crime or Violation: Residential Burglaries
Victims: Shire Dr. Berlin, Woodlawn Rd. Berlin, Marina Dr. Berlin,
Meadow Bridge Rd. Eden, St. Lukes Rd. Snowhill, two residences on Blueberry
Rd. Whaleyville and Shavox Church Rd, Whaleyville.
Accused: Brad Donaway,
Male age 32
From Pocomoke, Worcester Co. MD.
Charges: Burglary/Theft
Narrative: The following cases were investigated by the Worcester County Bureau
of Investigation during the month of April and the beginning of May, 2010
These burglaries occurred in three regions of Worcester County; Snow Hill,
Whaleyville, and Berlin, during a two day period.
Through the investigation, it was found that Brad Donaway (Wht/Male -- age 32,
who resided in Worcester Co. MD), has been identified as the suspect involved
and committing the burglaries as stated above. The suspect has been charged
through the District Court of Maryland, and is currently being held in the
State of Delaware, awaiting extradition back to Maryland.
Method of gaining entry into the listed residence was by force, usually the
prying of a door or window
Date & Time March & April 2010 Case #: 10-0072
Location Occurred: Worcester Co. MD
Crime or Violation: Residential Burglaries
Victims: Shire Dr. Berlin, Woodlawn Rd. Berlin, Marina Dr. Berlin,
Meadow Bridge Rd. Eden, St. Lukes Rd. Snowhill, two residences on Blueberry
Rd. Whaleyville and Shavox Church Rd, Whaleyville.
Accused: Brad Donaway,
Male age 32
From Pocomoke, Worcester Co. MD.
Charges: Burglary/Theft
Narrative: The following cases were investigated by the Worcester County Bureau
of Investigation during the month of April and the beginning of May, 2010
These burglaries occurred in three regions of Worcester County; Snow Hill,
Whaleyville, and Berlin, during a two day period.
Through the investigation, it was found that Brad Donaway (Wht/Male -- age 32,
who resided in Worcester Co. MD), has been identified as the suspect involved
and committing the burglaries as stated above. The suspect has been charged
through the District Court of Maryland, and is currently being held in the
State of Delaware, awaiting extradition back to Maryland.
Method of gaining entry into the listed residence was by force, usually the
prying of a door or window
Playboy Centerfold To Jump Off Page In 3-D
Magazine hopes to remind ‘readers’ how nice it is to hold, keep print editionCHICAGO - Playboy readers who can only imagine what it would look like if a centerfold jumped right off the page are getting new specs to help them see into Hef's world.
The magazine's June edition hits newsstands Friday equipped with 3-D glasses. Now the toy that has kids dodging dragons, meatballs and tall blue aliens at the movies will help adults focus on what is, at first glance, a very blurry Playmate of the Year.
"What would people most like to see in 3-D?" asked Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. "Probably a naked lady."
GO HERE to read more.
Viral Campaign: Send a T-Shirt and a Message to Live Oak High School Students
Chris W. at My Thoughts on Freedom had a great idea to support for the students of Live Oak High School in California. Please read the following and support if you can.
Send A T-Shirt And Send A Message from My Thoughts on Freedom
The latest assault on America came last week when five high school students in California were sent home for the day because they chose to be patriotic and wore t-shirts depicting the American flag on Cinco de Mayo. This act of patriotism was deemed incendiary by one school official and offensive and disrespectful by students of Mexican descent who claimed that this was their day to celebrate Mexico.
This cannot be tolerated. Even though the school's principal has since apologized, that does not begin to address the issue which is this is America and every day we are a free nation is a cause to celebrate that.
To this end, we need to band together to show the anti-America crowd that we will not accept these assaults on free speech and patriotism. We also need to show, not only these five student but, students across the country that they should not be ashamed or fearful of showing their pride in America at any time.
To let these kids know that America has their backs please show your solidarity and send a flag adorned t-shirt or any other representation of the flag to
Flags for Free Speech
c/o Live Oak High School
1505 East Main Ave
Morgan Hill CA 95037
There are approximately 1300 students at Live Oak HS and we would like to see that they each get one.
Thank you
Brooke Mulford Update
I just wanted to let everyone know that Brooke made out fine with her bone marrow biopsy today. She was scheduled for 8:30 this morning but they didn’t start the procedure until this afternoon so it was a longer day than I expected. Brooke was very anxious about having the iv put in her hand but she did great when they actually put in in and didn’t even flinch. She has never liked having an iv in her hand since the beginning and never wants anyone to see it and keeps it covered with her blankie at all times. When she woke up from the procedure she was fairly pleasant until she saw that the iv was still in her hand and she had a fit until they could take it out! We won’t know the results from the biopsy for at least a few days and I promise to update as soon as I can.
We were so happy to get to see some of our NB friends today that were in the onco day hospital waiting to get admitted (Please pray for Charlie, Beth & Robyn as they go through their treatments this week).
Thanks everyone so much for all the prayers – my scanxiety has not been nearly as bad as I thought it would be!
God Bless,
Amy
Delta Paid $2,800 For Lost Dog Valued At $20,000
Paco wasn't the only dog lost in transit before it was loaded onto a Delta aircraft. Four years ago, Vivi, a whippet who won the Award of Merit in the Westimnster Kennel Club Dog show, escaped from her kennel as it was being loaded onto a Delta flight and was reportedly seen running across the tarmac before escaping into the marshy marsh. A media frenzy ensued....
...and a 100-volunteer hunt, complete with helicopter patrol. Flyers were distributed in seven different language and at one point 34 pet psychics were on the case. Vivi was never found and Delta paid the owners $2,800, though the dog's value was estimated to be $20,000. But according to the psychics, you should shed no tears. They say Vivi is fine and happy, living in Brooklyn.
GO HERE to read more.
...and a 100-volunteer hunt, complete with helicopter patrol. Flyers were distributed in seven different language and at one point 34 pet psychics were on the case. Vivi was never found and Delta paid the owners $2,800, though the dog's value was estimated to be $20,000. But according to the psychics, you should shed no tears. They say Vivi is fine and happy, living in Brooklyn.
GO HERE to read more.
Toyota's Earnings Bounce Back As Sales Recover
‘This year will mark a new beginning for Toyota,’ CEO says
TOKYO - Toyota cruised back to profit in the latest quarter as the world's top carmaker cut costs and hitched a ride on the global auto sales recovery while fighting to salvage its reputation for quality.
But the automaker's top executive and analysts alike said Toyota is still far from a full recovery while another potential blow to its image looms after U.S. federal authorities launched a fresh investigation into a steering recall.
Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday that January-March profit totaled 112 billion yen ($1.2 billion) compared with a 766 billion yen loss the year before.
GO HERE to read more.
County's New Government Has Had A Bumpy Start
Approaching the end of the first term of Wicomico County's executive form of government, a few comments follow. This observer served two terms on the County Council and was a member of all Charter Review Commissions.
The first executive retained virtually all personnel and programs of the past. With a few major snags, harmony has been the big priority.
The legislative (council) branch is another story. Starting with a staff of one, it seemed not to appreciate that the powers given it by the new charter were essential to separation of powers, and checks and balances. After a fatal effort to hire an administrator, council members settled on one grounded in ways of the old charter.
Council efforts to empower itself have been largely futile. Two essential tools have been missing:
It has failed to recruit an internal auditor for needed checks and balances for its fiscal responsibility.
Another missing tool is its failure to retain an attorney for those rare instances when the county attorney (a department head appointed by the executive) offers the council debatable advice.
The county charter provides a strong executive, but the council needs to arm itself. The Charter Review Commission limited the executive to two terms; unfortunately, this provision was deleted by the old council in the copy presented to the voters.
I hope the coming campaigns will focus heavily on these issues.
Kenneth T. Matthews
Source
The first executive retained virtually all personnel and programs of the past. With a few major snags, harmony has been the big priority.
The legislative (council) branch is another story. Starting with a staff of one, it seemed not to appreciate that the powers given it by the new charter were essential to separation of powers, and checks and balances. After a fatal effort to hire an administrator, council members settled on one grounded in ways of the old charter.
Council efforts to empower itself have been largely futile. Two essential tools have been missing:
It has failed to recruit an internal auditor for needed checks and balances for its fiscal responsibility.
Another missing tool is its failure to retain an attorney for those rare instances when the county attorney (a department head appointed by the executive) offers the council debatable advice.
The county charter provides a strong executive, but the council needs to arm itself. The Charter Review Commission limited the executive to two terms; unfortunately, this provision was deleted by the old council in the copy presented to the voters.
I hope the coming campaigns will focus heavily on these issues.
Kenneth T. Matthews
Source
Councilman Gary Comegys Seat Remains Empty
Perhaps Mayor Ireton still holds hope that if Mr. Comegys were to return at some point they could get that third vote he so desperately needs to move forward with the Linnens of the Week property.
Perhaps we'll even witness the "last minute" savior suggestions Mr. Comegys always delivers on the Budget each year.
One thing is for certain, he may be down right now but I can guarantee you he isn't out.
Violent Home Invasion Suspects Sought
Location: Memo’s Auto Sales, 2000 block of North DuPont Highway, New Castle, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Monday, May 10th, 2010, just prior to midnight
Suspect(s):
White male, approximately 5'10'' - 6'01'', average to thin build, approximately 20-25 years of age wearing a black mask concealing his face, a black hooded shirt over his head, black shoes, wearing blue latex gloves.
Hispanic male, described by the victim’s as having a Puerto Rican accent, approximately 5'05'' - 5'07'', thin build, 20-25 years of age wearing a black mask concealing his face, black shirt, black shoes, and wearing black gloves.
Resume: On Monday, May 10th, just prior to midnight, a home invasion robbery occurred inside Memo’s Auto Sales on North DuPont Highway in New Castle. It should be noted that this business also consist of several rooms rented out by the owner as apartments.
This investigation revealed two male suspects, one armed with a handgun and the other armed with the auto theft deterrent known as “The Club,” broke into the business by unknown means. Once inside, they responded to the victims’ apartments. The suspects then robbed the victims at gunpoint.
One of the victims initially did not believe this to be a bonafide robbery and asked if ‘this was a joke.’ The armed suspect replied by firing a shot into the room. No one was hit.
The bandits then ransacked the business- stealing multiple items such as electronics, money and a computer. They also confronted one victim who did not have any money to give them. They then beat him.
Prior to leaving the business, the suspects located keys to a BMW which was for sale and parked out front. The suspect armed with the handgun then fired another shot into the business, nearly missing one of the victims as the duo fled the scene. The suspects used the BMW as a get away car.
The vehicle was eventually located abandoned just south of the crime scene in the parking lot of another business.
There is no surveillance video in this case. The victims did not require medical attention.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call Troop 2 detectives at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Date of Occurrence: Monday, May 10th, 2010, just prior to midnight
Suspect(s):
White male, approximately 5'10'' - 6'01'', average to thin build, approximately 20-25 years of age wearing a black mask concealing his face, a black hooded shirt over his head, black shoes, wearing blue latex gloves.
Hispanic male, described by the victim’s as having a Puerto Rican accent, approximately 5'05'' - 5'07'', thin build, 20-25 years of age wearing a black mask concealing his face, black shirt, black shoes, and wearing black gloves.
Resume: On Monday, May 10th, just prior to midnight, a home invasion robbery occurred inside Memo’s Auto Sales on North DuPont Highway in New Castle. It should be noted that this business also consist of several rooms rented out by the owner as apartments.
This investigation revealed two male suspects, one armed with a handgun and the other armed with the auto theft deterrent known as “The Club,” broke into the business by unknown means. Once inside, they responded to the victims’ apartments. The suspects then robbed the victims at gunpoint.
One of the victims initially did not believe this to be a bonafide robbery and asked if ‘this was a joke.’ The armed suspect replied by firing a shot into the room. No one was hit.
The bandits then ransacked the business- stealing multiple items such as electronics, money and a computer. They also confronted one victim who did not have any money to give them. They then beat him.
Prior to leaving the business, the suspects located keys to a BMW which was for sale and parked out front. The suspect armed with the handgun then fired another shot into the business, nearly missing one of the victims as the duo fled the scene. The suspects used the BMW as a get away car.
The vehicle was eventually located abandoned just south of the crime scene in the parking lot of another business.
There is no surveillance video in this case. The victims did not require medical attention.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call Troop 2 detectives at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Today's Survey Question
If Your Property Value Dropped 50%Would You Walk Away From It
&
Turn It Over To The Bank?
World Health Organization Moving Ahead On Billions In Internet And Other Taxes
The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations' public health arm, is moving full speed ahead with a controversial plan to impose global consumer taxes on such things as Internet activity and everyday financial transactions like paying bills online — while its spending soars and its own financial house is in disarray.
The aim of its taxing plans is to raise "tens of billions" of dollars for WHO that would be used to radically reorganize the research, development, production and distribution of medicines around the world, with greater emphasis on drugs for communicable diseases in poor countries.
The irony is that the WHO push to take a huge bite out of global consumers comes as the organization is having a management crisis of its own, juggling finances, failing to use its current resources efficiently, or keep its costs under control — and it doesn't expect to show positive results in managing those challenges until a year from now, at the earliest.
Fox News initially reported last January on the "suite of proposals" for "new and innovative sources of funding," prepared by a 25-member panel of medical experts, academics and health care bureaucrats, when it was presented of a meeting of WHO's 34-member Executive Board in Geneva.
Now the proposals are headed for the four-day annual meeting of the 193-member World Health Assembly, WHO's chief legislative organ, which begins in Geneva on May 17.
The Health Assembly, a medical version of the United Nations General Assembly, will be invited to "take note" of the experts' report. It will then head back with that passive endorsement to another Executive Board meeting, which begins May 22, for further action. It is the Executive Board that will "give effect" to the Assembly's decisions.
What it all means is that a major lobbying effort could soon be underway to convince rich governments in particular to begin taxing citizens or industries to finance a drastic restructuring of medical research and development on behalf of poorer ones.
The aim of its taxing plans is to raise "tens of billions" of dollars for WHO that would be used to radically reorganize the research, development, production and distribution of medicines around the world, with greater emphasis on drugs for communicable diseases in poor countries.
The irony is that the WHO push to take a huge bite out of global consumers comes as the organization is having a management crisis of its own, juggling finances, failing to use its current resources efficiently, or keep its costs under control — and it doesn't expect to show positive results in managing those challenges until a year from now, at the earliest.
Fox News initially reported last January on the "suite of proposals" for "new and innovative sources of funding," prepared by a 25-member panel of medical experts, academics and health care bureaucrats, when it was presented of a meeting of WHO's 34-member Executive Board in Geneva.
Now the proposals are headed for the four-day annual meeting of the 193-member World Health Assembly, WHO's chief legislative organ, which begins in Geneva on May 17.
The Health Assembly, a medical version of the United Nations General Assembly, will be invited to "take note" of the experts' report. It will then head back with that passive endorsement to another Executive Board meeting, which begins May 22, for further action. It is the Executive Board that will "give effect" to the Assembly's decisions.
What it all means is that a major lobbying effort could soon be underway to convince rich governments in particular to begin taxing citizens or industries to finance a drastic restructuring of medical research and development on behalf of poorer ones.
Read more here
I'd Like To Cancel My Account
Bank of America : Can I help you?
Customer: Yes, I want to cancel my account. I don't want to do business with you any longer.
The Bank: Why?
Customer: You're giving credit to illegal immigrants and I don't think it's right. I'm taking my business elsewhere.
The Bank: Well, Mr. Customer, we don't want to see you do that, but we can't stop you. I'll help you close the account. What is your account number?
Customer: (gives account number)
The Bank: For security purposes and for your protection, can you please give me the last four digits of your social security number?
Customer: No.
The Bank: Mr. Customer, I need to verify your information, but in order to help you, I'll need verification of who you are..
Customer: Why should I give you my social security number? The reason I'm closing my account is that your bank is issuing credit cards to illegal immigrants who don't have social security numbers. You are targeting that audience and want their business. Let's say I'm an illegal immigrant and you've given me a credit card. I have a question about it and call for assistance. You wouldn't be asking me for a Social Security number, would you?
The Bank: No sir, I wouldn't.
Customer: Why not?
The Bank: Because you would have pressed '2' to speak in Spanish. We don't ask for that information when calling in on the Spanish line.
If it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, then forward it to every human in the country including every representative in Washington, DC four times a week for a month.
Customer: Yes, I want to cancel my account. I don't want to do business with you any longer.
The Bank: Why?
Customer: You're giving credit to illegal immigrants and I don't think it's right. I'm taking my business elsewhere.
The Bank: Well, Mr. Customer, we don't want to see you do that, but we can't stop you. I'll help you close the account. What is your account number?
Customer: (gives account number)
The Bank: For security purposes and for your protection, can you please give me the last four digits of your social security number?
Customer: No.
The Bank: Mr. Customer, I need to verify your information, but in order to help you, I'll need verification of who you are..
Customer: Why should I give you my social security number? The reason I'm closing my account is that your bank is issuing credit cards to illegal immigrants who don't have social security numbers. You are targeting that audience and want their business. Let's say I'm an illegal immigrant and you've given me a credit card. I have a question about it and call for assistance. You wouldn't be asking me for a Social Security number, would you?
The Bank: No sir, I wouldn't.
Customer: Why not?
The Bank: Because you would have pressed '2' to speak in Spanish. We don't ask for that information when calling in on the Spanish line.
If it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, then forward it to every human in the country including every representative in Washington, DC four times a week for a month.
Provided "snopes" for doubters:http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp
Elena Kagan: Wall Street’s SCOTUS Pick
Democrats are going gaa-gaa over Obama’s Supreme pick Elena Kagan. “Democrats praised Kagan as ‘razor sharp’ and impeccably qualified for the lifetime appointment on the nine-member bench, but Republicans promised to vigorously vet a ’surprising’ choice, noting she had never been a judge,” reports Agence France-Presse. “I have selected a nominee who I believe embodies… excellence, independence, integrity and passion for the law, and who can ultimately provide that same kind of leadership on the court,” Obama said at the White House.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
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