Lawmakers Question TSA $50M Uniform Contract In Light Of Sequester

Republican lawmakers have written to the head of the Transportation Security Administration questioning whether a recent contract for new uniforms worth as much as $50 million was money well spent -- when officials are warning that budget cuts will cause staff shortages and flight delays.

"The rationale behind the timing of TSA's uniform contract and other uncertainties surrounding the contract award raise concerns," the lawmakers wrote. The letter to TSA chief John Pistole was signed by Reps. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and John Mica, R-Fla., who each chair House oversight subcommittees.

The letter comes after the TSA agreed on a deal last month worth up to $50 million to purchase new uniforms. Agency officials signed the contract just days before the start of the $85 billion in federal budget cuts known as sequester. 
More 

Motorcycle Fail

Kagan ’09: ‘There is No Federal Constitutional Right to Same-Sex Marriage’

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. It’s 2009, and Elena Kagan is answering questions during her confirmation hearing for the position of Solicitor General within the Obama administration. According to William Jacobson at Legal Insurrection, who posted this piece on March 25, this is what she had to say about gay marriage:

1. As Solicitor General, you would be charged with defending the Defense of Marriage Act. That law, as you may know, was enacted by overwhelming majorities of both houses of Congress (85-14 in the Senate and 342-67 in the House) in 1996 and signed into law by President Clinton.
a. Given your rhetoric about the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy—you called it “a profound wrong—a moral injustice of the first order”—let me ask this basic question: Do you believe that there is a federal constitutional right to samesex marriage?

Answer: There is no federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

 More

SPD Press Release 3-29-13

Pope Francis Sparks Outrage With Washing Of Women’s Feet

Pope Francis broke with Catholic Church tradition and washed and kissed the feet of two young women during the Holy Thursday Mass ritual that has always been confined to men.

The two women were confined at a juvenile detention center, The Associated Press reports.

Church traditionalists decried the move, and accused the pope of setting a “questionable example,” AP reports. Modernists, however, welcomed his action and perceived a church attitude of inclusiveness was on the horizon.

The foot-washing ceremony is rooted in biblical principle.
More 

WCSO Press Release 3-29-13

• 3/28/2013 Forgery and Theft Arrest - Weber
• 3/28/2013 Burglary Arrest - Nock
• 3/28/2013 Assault Arrest - Nock

City Commissioner Arrested In Baby Shooting Investigation

A Brunswick, Georgia, city commissioner is accused of influencing a witness and obstructing law enforcement in the investigation into the shooting death of a 13-month-old boy, the Glynn County Sheriff's Office said Friday.

James Henry Brooks, 59, is being held in jail pending a court appearance, according to the sheriff's office.

Police earlier arrested the mother, aunt and sister of one of the two suspects in Antonio Santiago's death on various charges accusing them of hindering the investigation.

Authorities say De'Marquise Elkins, 17, and Dominique Lang, 15, shot Antonio in the head after trying to rob the infant's mother as she walked him in a stroller on March 21.
More 

Resort Entering Key Phase In Police Chief Search Process

OCEAN CITY -- The process to find a new Ocean City police chief has entered a critical phase with the calendar about to flip over to April and the summer season looming.

Former Chief Bernadette DiPino’s departure last year has triggered a national search to find her replacement while three veteran captains taking turns as interim chiefs.

Ocean City recently concluded its national search, which resulted in 86 applicants from all over the country. According to City Manager David Recor, the first cut reduced that list to 39 candidates, who then received a written supplemental questionnaire seeking specific information regarding their management style, the handling of finances and other matters. That process winnowed the list of potential candidates to 36 as three more applicants dropped out at that point, and that list will be cut by about a third during the next phase of the search.
 More

Gay and Godless On The Public-School Stage

Liberals who demand church-state separation would pitch a fit if a public school decided to perform a play that reverently told stories of the Old Testament, whether it was the story of creation, the story of Noah, or Moses or Joseph and his brothers.

But somehow, if a public school decides to put on a play mocking God and the Old Testament, that is not a church-state violation. The separation police don't want religious (or atheist) minorities to face religious indoctrination in a public school. But anti-religious indoctrination mocking the Judeo-Christian majority is a glorious festival of free speech.

Take, for example, the taxpayer-funded Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School in the People's Republic of Massachusetts. The school is in South Hadley, part of the same community of Northampton which was happily nicknamed "Lesbianville, USA" after the 2000 census showed more lesbians live there per capita than anywhere in the country. MSNBC host Rachel Maddow has a house there.
 More

Uh Oh!

Video Captures Bumbling Burglary Suspect

Found Kitten

Hi Joe. 

I was wondering if you would be able to put this little gal's picture on your blog? She was found almost a week ago in the Delmar/North Salisbury area (off Dagsboro Road). She appears to be less than a year old and very well taken care of. There has to be a family out there who is missing her. My number is 410-251-1182. Thanks very much!

Independent Report Confirms Divide In OC Public Safety Operations

 

OCEAN CITY -- An independent review of Ocean City’s emergency services dispatch system has confirmed the town has a major communication problem involving two key public safety departments.

The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Public Safety Management was commissioned by Ocean City last year to conduct an in-depth analysis of the town’s emergency services dispatch operation as a result of the town “facing a decision regarding the future of this department,” according to the 18-page document.

While heaping praise on the town’s communications center and its structure and operations, the report reaches a stern conclusion that there is a “disconnect in communication” between the Emergency Services Department and the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD). The report was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by The Dispatch, and the ICMA presented its findings to the Mayor and Council in January in a closed session. A public reporting of the review, which was budgeted at $17,000 plus expenses, according to City Manager David Recor, is expected in the near future.

 More

Lawmakers: Anti-Bullying Conference Bullies Conservatives, Christians

A group of nearly two dozen Republican lawmakers is threatening to pull state funding from an Iowa community college unless they defund an anti-bullying program that the lawmakers say bullies Christians and conservatives.

The Des Moines Area Community College is one of several sponsors of the Iowa Governors Conference on LGBTQ Youth – scheduled to be held next week. The program was founded by Iowa Safe Schools.

The college’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter filed a Freedom of Information Act request and discovered that tax and tuition dollars were being used to cover the costs.
More 

Salisbury Native Previously Charged For Child Porn Arrested Again

 

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ)—A University of Maryland student has been charged with trying to solicit sex from a 12-year-old girl. And prosecutors say he was already facing serious charges in another sex-related case.

Gigi Barnett reports the student was attending classes until this week.

Undercover detectives say they had numerous online chats with University of Maryland College Park freshman Akshay Rajshekar.
More

MVA

FYI---MVA is closed today, Saturday & Monday. I just stood in line for 45 minutes for the kiosk that went out of service on the guy ahead of me. My guess is it’s out of paper.

It’s one of those service reduction things. 

Thanks, Gov.

Del. Mike McDermott Endorses Joe Albero For Mayor Of Salisbury

Salisbury is the economic engine for the lower shore. When Salisbury succeeds the entire Lower Shore succeeds. Unfortunately, for too long, a few political leaders in Salisbury believe that government should lead the way, that over-regulation is a good thing and that entrepreneurs and private employers are the enemy. I fight this battle in Annapolis at the State level all the time. Economic prosperity does not come from the government, but from individuals, entrepreneurs and the private sector.

Salisbury needs a new leader with a new vision of economic prosperity. A vision that is not reliant on government spending, higher taxes and burdensome regulations.

My friend Joe Albero is running for Mayor. He comes from the private sector, has a record of accomplishment and understands how to attract and create jobs for Salisbury. And, most importantly, he knows how to build consensus.

He is the best candidate to move Salisbury forward. He is the best person to help restore Salisbury as an economic leader for the Lower Shore. 

Joe Albero has my full support and I encourage you to vote for him for Mayor on Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

With best regards,

Delegate Mike McDermott

 Editor's note - This is one more example of a letter to the editor which the Daily Times refused to print.

Former Mayoral Hopeful Adam Roop Clears The Air On Upcoming Election

Hi Joe,

Adam Roop tagged you in a post.

Adam R wrote: "I have done a lot of watching and sitting back during the Mayoral and Council race here in Salisbury, MD and been very patient to make a public statement. I am not one to hold back on commenting because of "what others will think of me" or "what I say will do to my business or reputation" whatsoever, but I think there are a lot of people who are. Let this post be the outlet for you to share your opinions (whether right or wrong) and share your vote or 2-cents. This is not an attack, just my opinions, and the best people for the job will prevail. If you don't agree with my statements then so what. If you do, then great. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then maybe this will help you. But either way, life will go on and Salisbury will still be facing problems. We just need to become problem solvers, and not just trash talkers. SO instead of just complaining all the time, write your own post, and let the world know what you stand for....because if you fall for anything, you'll stand for nothing. God bless America.

No matter who you vote for, just make the right vote for Salisbury, not for the hype and 5 minutes of fame. I think Jake Day has a lot going for him and I like him personally, but unfortunately I think he has leaned towards Jim Ireton and I think that has hurt him. I can't fully assume he has because he won't come out and publicly endorse anyone, but what do you think? If he supports Ireton, do we really want a divided council like we have had before? Or do we want people who will work together as a well oiled unit for a similar cause? Jake has a great background in education and also military but in the critical point in Salisbury's future, does he have the government experience to pick up where his challenger left off? Education is good, but the city is a 51 million dollar a year business...and we desperately need people who have experience running it/one (the right way). I don't know how many council meetings and sessions Day has attended over the last year, but were they enough to give him the knowledge he needs to help this City without having to spend a year or two trying to "catch up"? I know if I ran for Mayor, a lot of you would had said the same thing about me. I knew I would be running a campaign full of ridicule and hate (so I commend you Jake for stepping up when most people won't). But I was going to be up for the challenge if it meant the best for this city. Consequently, I thought there was a better suited candidate in Joe Albero to do and accomplish much more than I could of - all while giving a full time effort to the position. I can't knock the knowledge about Salisbury, the experience in the local government or the work ethic of current council member Debbie Campbell. She has proven to be a valuable asset for our local government. Debbie and I have had many talks in the past about the future and direction of Salisbury. I always found her to be easy going and always open to ideas and suggestions. She was played as someone who was against Jim Ireton, but in all reality she was for him, just like I was (early on). I will admit, I voted for Jim Ireton 4 years ago and bought into his "hype" and over promises. Shortly after voting for him, I realized I made the wrong decision. Debbie found this out quickly also, and the two grew apart, but Debbie always kept professional, when in most cases Ireton did not. I can remember I was at a City Council meeting earlier in the year, and I could hear Ireton ranting on and laughing in the other room when the council meeting was going on. He wasn't even in the room and then came in and wanted to know what he missed. It was embarrassing. Ireton, has done more bad than good in this city and has made a mockery of Salisbury politics. It has been more like a episode of the Jerry Springer show. Calling people racists, pumping false accusations, creating drama, lacking leadership, and basically looking for the lime light and photo op rather than leading a City and it's citizens. I have found myself becoming mad and upset at times that he would sour the reputation of Salisbury. Ireton's actions have pushed people out of this City and damaged many good people and businesses from entering it. I can't believe I read that the Daily Times wanted to give Ireton "another chance"...after then complaining about everything he had done, and then asking for forgiveness, that's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Wow. We gave him 4 years! I'm all about second chances and trying to become a better person...but when it comes to Politics there is minor room for error or this type of ongoing behavior. Joe Albero. Yeah I know everyone has a lot to say about Joe Albero. But before you point fingers and bash the man, take a look in the mirror. Do you even know this man, other than from his blog? It's a blog. It's a business. Do you always agree with with Obama says? How about when Bush was in office, did you agree with everything he said? Exactly. And whether you like or hate Joe Albero, you have to admit that he has climbed the rank to get his voice heard, has given back to the community more than you and many of us combined, and has a real interest in the success of Salisbury. And you know what your right, he lived in Delaware, but he still has more passion and knowledge about Salisbury than most of us and people who have lived here all their lives. I'm not saying I agree with everything that is posted on his site or his opinions (you take some and leave some) but I am saying that he has the knowledge about politics, the business experience, and the connections in business and government that could help move Salisbury forward. He is a visionary and that is what Salisbury needs. He will treat this position professionally and give it his best effort. He does not need to do this, he wants to do this...and I commend him for taking a risk, stepping out of the box, not worrying about what other people think or say about him and get his hands dirty. I don't know much about candidate Polk but I have liked what I have seen in her candidate forums. Sheilds has her longevity and hope she can remain consistent with the progress Salisbury needs on a much larger scale and not just in her district. I'm not saying that I haven't had my fare share of criticism over the years. Ive come to accept that if you want to have a voice, whether in Salisbury or anything else you do in life, you will have people who disagree with you, talk trash on you, and challenge you. It comes with the territory. We all have our problems we must face and come to terms to in life. We all have things in our life that we would like to take back, but Salisbury needs a team of leaders who can take it forward. We have to stop worrying about those people who just criticize and do nothing to help. We have to rip the rear view mirror off and only focus on making this city a better place to live and to conduct business in. And us as citizens, have to hold ourselves accountable and ask our selves: "are we contributing" or "are we just complaining". Salisbury has a lot to fix. It will be a challenge for those involved. I just hope you listen to the facts and the right people. Don't listed to your friend or neighbor who has no idea what is going on or has never been to a council meeting and take their opinion on the candidates. Don't listen to someone who will just bash another person when they don't personally know that person or have taken the time to research their core values and visions for this City. Don't listen to the press when they try to pit the candidates against each other just for ratings. Take time to reach out and call or message the people running for office. Meet with them personally and ask them questions...then make your decision. For those who have never voted, let this be your first. And to all who will vote, don't vote off emotions or just because it's someone you are friends with. Vote for the right person. In this election we need a Salisbury united. One with leaders, and not leeches. One with reason, not excuses. And on with vision for the future, not pipe dreams. What ever you do, just vote this Tuesday.

These are just my opinions...what are yours? #SalisburyUNITE #VoteTuesday #Joe Albero"

Lilies Kill Cats

N. Korea's Kim Aims Rockets at DC, LA, Hawaii And Austin

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s latest threat is his most specific yet – a vow to strike the U.S. mainland, complete with a photo on the state-run media showing Hawaii, Washington, Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, as the targets of choice.

Photos believed to have been taken at an “emergency meeting” Friday appeared in the state-run Rodong newspaper and showed Kim signing an order putting rockets on standby to fire at U.S. targets, the paper said. Behind Kim, a chart titled "U.S. mainland strike plan" can be seen and a map shows missiles arcing into the U.S. locations.

Kim warned Friday he is preparing to "settle accounts with the U.S." after the U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers to South Korea to participate in a training exercise Thursday.
 More