Comptroller Wants To Tax Pony Rides?

I am a member of the Maryland Horse Council and we have another member with a very peculiar situation. The Comptroller's office has decided to apply the entertainment tax to pony rides - determining that a pony is a piece of equipment. It's gone to court and is now being appealed by the operator. They have assessed this tax (and fees) retroactively and the costs would basically put this man out of business (at least here in Maryland). He took the issue to court. It's now under appeal.

MHC's position is that pony rides (and carriage rides) are activities that are a part of agricultural activities (such as a horse farm operation) and as such are exempt from the entertainment tax.

This is basically a "test case" on behalf of the Comptroller's office and I've been asked by MHC to get a feel from my colleagues as to their opinion on this issue. There are many pony and horse farms out there giving pony rides who have never been required to pay this tax - it could have a negative effect on these activities if the tax is imposed across the industry.

Another Fire Department Accident

GO HERE to see their official article.


BALTIMORE (AP) -
A Baltimore Fire Department spokesman says four firefighters have been suspended without pay after a fatal December crash involving a fire truck.Kevin Cartwright says the firefighters have been off duty since the Dec. 9 crash, and within the last two weeks they were suspended without pay until a final disposition hearing, where they could face additional penalties. That hearing won't occur until the investigation is complete.Forty-nine-year-old Irina Petrov, her husband, 35-year-old Mikhail Petrov, and 24-year-old Igor Saub were killed when a fire truck responding to an emergency call in Northwest Baltimore went through a red light and collided with their SUV.The four firefighters in the truck, driver Nathaniel Moore, Lieutenant Thomas Moore, who is no relation to the driver, Kenneth Jacobs and Darryl Alexander, suffered minor injuries.

Breaking News!

Sheriff Mike Lewis, County Council President John Cannon, County Council Members Gail Bartkovitch and Joe Holloway today at 3:15pm all announced their endorsement for congressional candidate Andy Harris at the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce. More to come...

Major Breaking News!!!!!

I have just been informed a man on Mt. Hermon Church Road just dragged a woman into a home at gunpoint. Wicomico County Sheriff's Department has the road blocked off and are investigating the scene as we speak. The man will NOT answer the phone in the home. More to come.........

Edwards Is Out

Word on the street is Presidential Candidate John Edwards is out of the race.

John Edwards bowed out of the Presidential race for the White House today saying it was time to move aside "so that history can blaze its path." The campaign is now left to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

The Salisbury Zoo Fails To Do Mandatory Reports

Click on image to enlarge.

The report you see above is a State of Maryland Necropsy Report on an animal that had died some time ago at the Salisbury Zoo. If you look about 3/4 of the way down the page you'll see the following. "OTHER: Gizzard full of glass and a penny and an un-detonated 22 cal shell." It goes on to say more, but the 22 cal shell is of interest. What is even more interesting is what is happening or not happening with the Zoo's ISIS, International Species Information System.

A little bird told me that there hasn't been anything coming in about the collection at the Salisbury Zoo. Are they going to claim there have been no deaths or acquisitions? We all know that isn't the case since the "new" male Jaguar died not that long ago and that the Red Wolfs are on site.

Perhaps things are backlogged because of being short staffed or perhaps there is no one watching the troops. You know that saying about when the cat's away, or is it dead? Regardless of what the excuse might be, the Zoo is already going to be scrambling to prepare for re-accredidation without a Director in place. If the AZA catches wind that the Zoo is MIA with their record keeping, who knows what the AZA could do?

I know the Salisbury Zoo has NOT reported ANY information in more than 6 months. "They have not submitted any records (or at least the ones I have pulled up) on their collection to ISIS (International Species Information System), in at least the past 6 months if not more. This is a critical aspect that both AZA and others look at. If the records are not kept up to date then the information could be questioned."

"If you have the ISIS program (www.isis.org) and pull up general information searches for a particular species, it then lists all institutions with said species. As I was doing so today I noticed a Salisbury animal coming up late and check on a few other species for the zoo and it all showed the same (Red)

The system shows you how currently the information is, as animals can die between downloads. Greens are current w/i the last 3 months, Yellow is currently btwn 3-6 months and Red shows that it has been over 6 months that the information was sent."

So what does all this mean? It means the Zoo will fail its AZA Accreditation in more ways than one. It means the Mayor is again, still doing NOTHING to manage that facility professionally. Yes, Salisbury News has its own COEIU, (Crack Offshore Electronic Intelligence Unit) Agent in the field who has access to all this information.

Read all you want in Letters to the Editor and or Grapevine plugs for the Salisbury Zoo, you people are not being truly informed. I also blame Gary Comegys who is also on the Zoo Commission for this failure as well. Back when my Wife worked at the Zoo, this was a vital part of a Zookeepers job, many did not fill out their daily reports and the Zoo got in trouble for such, (the "laundry List") from the AZA.

I truly do not understand what Mayor Tilghman is doing but obviously they are trying to fly under the radar and get away with things the AZA should be acting on immediately. That being said, the final fault lies on the AZA NOT doing their job as well.

It's not looking good for the Salisbury Zoo and the Staff there.

COUNCILWOMAN SAMPLE-HUGHES SCHEDULES FOURTH DISTRICT ONE CITIZEN’S FORUM

The District 1 meeting scheduled for January 24th was cancelled due to weather. Please see below for new date.

Wicomico County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes will hold the fourth in a series of citizen’s forum meetings on Thursday, February 7th at 7:00 P.M. at the Richard Hazel Youth Center-Salvation Army located at 429 North Lake Park Drive. The previous District One forums have been in Hebron, Delmar and San Domingo.

Councilwoman Sample-Hughes said that she will be joined by County Council President John T. Cannon and Sheriff Mike Lewis. According to Mrs. Sample-Hughes, the main agenda items for the meeting will be anticipated 2008 highlights, the opening of the new American Legion Post #145 and two new initiatives from the Services Division of the Department of Social Services.

Wicomico County District One includes Delmar, Hebron, San Domingo, Salisbury- West Side and Mardela Springs. Mrs. Sample-Hughes said the theme of the forums is “Creating Community Connections.” She commented that the purpose of the forums is to provide citizens with an opportunity to speak face-to-face with their elected officials. She further noted that this is the continuation of the fulfillment of her campaign promise to hold quarterly meetings throughout District One.

Mrs. Sample-Hughes said that “I encourage as many of my constituents who possibly can to join us for this important meeting.”

For More Information, Please Contact Councilwoman Sample-Hughes at 443-366-5846 or Via Email at ssample@wicomicocounty.org

Wicomico County Sheriff's Department NAILS Another Bad Guy!

Gilchrest Only Gets 40%

Contrary to popular belief, Wayne Gilchrest will only receive 40% of his Congressional pay once he's voted out of Office.

For many years there has been an e-mail that goes around stating Congressmen get 100% of their pay until they die, that's just not true. It's true if you have 20 years or more in the Congress but if you don't reach that plateau, in Wayne's case he'll get 40% of it. "Newt changed all of that."

I had a wonderful conversation with Mrs. Gilchrest over this matter the other day and she even mentioned the Health Care that's provided to Congressmen and IMO it's a joke! You get the choice of three policies, 2 of which are HMO's and the other is a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Policy you have to pay into, (I believe). Most recently Mrs. Gilchrest went to the Doctor's Office for arthritis in her back and their Insurance Policy REFUSED to pay for it.

So things are NOT as glorious as they have been made out to be. I'm NOT at all suggesting that the Gilchrest Family is in any way, shape or form upset with what is offered to them. They are very grateful for the income, the health coverage and the opportunity to have served the State of Maryland and the United States.

However, should Gilchrest have served the 20 years required, Marylander's would be paying out a full $125,000.00 a year for the rest of his life and or perhaps his Wife's life to boot. At the rate we're looking at today the Gilchrest Family will receive a $50,000.00 a year salary for the rest of his life.

Not too shabby for an old Eastern Shore Painter, eh Wayne?

Andy Harris Delivers Major Breaking News At 3:15 Today!

Dr. Berger, (above) has held his very own fundraiser for Andy Harris as well as Mr. Jim Perdue and Mark McIver. HOWEVER, today will be a MASSIVE day for Congressional Candidate Andy Harris as the Eastern Shore has welcomed him into their homes and talked one on one about the issues that are most important to those on the Shore.

Even those close to Wayne Gilchrest, (and I mean really close) have admitted that "Wayne has really pissed off a lot of Republicans." Upon further discussion it was revealed the reason for such was because of his Vote and support to remove troops from Iraq.

Pipkin is simply out of it. Polls are showing he's not even close to being competition and Andy has a record of beating the incumbent, which I'm sure he'll prove TODAY to be the case against Wayne.

Cathy & Greg Bassett will be crushed over what will be exposed today at 3:15. Be careful what you say Cathy, Andy just might need you and or keep you on Staff. The Daily Times has known what's about to happen today for two days and will have plenty of time to either ignore what will happen today, place it way back in the Paper or they'll do the honorable thing and make it the Front Page News it deserves to be. Tomorrows Newspaper will tell us all just how professional The Daily Times is?

Nevertheless, if you can get off work and be at the Chamber Building at 3:15 you'll see first hand what I've been holding back for three days now. Stick a fork in Wayne, he's well done.

500+ Gang Members Now In Salisbury

You can sugar coat it any way you like, Gang Members are all over the City of Salisbury and as the MSM did everything they could to ignore and refuse to put up any of the graffiti I exposed 2 years ago this month, the reality of crime and Gang Members are now a huge topic and something must be done right away.

Barrie Tilghman and Chief Webster flat out denied any such thing two years ago, claiming there were no Gangs in Salisbury but the reality of it is, they were here, they're growing and they're destroying the quality way of life that is left in Salisbury.

So what does that say for the leaders of our community? It says they'll say and do anything to put a spin on reality and THIS is why I have challenged them right from the very beginning. I believe Chief Webster is a decent guy buy I also believe he has very poor management skills and if Gangs and Crime aren't apparent enough for all of you, then go back into the closet and turn off this Blog Site for good.

Even The Daily Times openly exposed the real issues, 2 to 3 years too late but they're finally admitting there is in fact a problem. Heck, they even stated Salisbury was the #2 crime area in the entire State behind Baltimore! OMG, are you people listening?

Nevertheless, there was a packed house last night with the top officials in the County bringing you REALITY and TRUTH! I guess that's kind of tough for The Daily Times to hide any more.

NO Barrie Tilghman! NO Chief Webster! They don't care Ladies & Gentlemen. If you ignore it long enough you will forget it and it will go away. Well, now the Daily Times is even willing to expose the crime and gang problem in Salisbury and they have finally, (after 2 years) joined the Blogs. You get what you pay for, right?

I loved the on picture above showing one way to FIX crime is to CLONE Mike Lewis! ROTFLMAO! Don't miss the PAC14 presentation but be prepared for them to have LOST the footage of Joe Albero asking good questions as they don't like me too much and seem to "LOSE" footage of me whenever I'm around. Let's see what happens this time around?

Parkside High To Host 2nd Annual Peaceable Communities Fair Saturday, Feb. 9

Parkside High School will host its second annual Peaceable Communities Fair Saturday, Feb. 9, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This year’s Peaceable Communities Fair will feature a special appearance by professional boxer Fernando Guerrero of Main Street Gym, and workshops on Relational Aggression/Bullying, Internet Safety, and Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills. Agencies that will be involved in the Peaceable Communities Fair include Life Crisis Center, Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury University's Center for Conflict Resolution, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention, Main Street Gym and Wicomico County Board of Education.

“This event will offer the people a chance to learn about topics that will help them better serve the youth in their community,” said Katie Griffin, conflict resolution teacher at Parkside High School. ”It also will give youth the opportunity to learn leadership skills such as mediation and conflict resolution.”

Those who attend the fair will receive valuable information for their families, as well as food, fun and prizes. This event at Parkside High is free and open to the community., and both adults and students are welcome to participate. Child care for children ages 2-10 will be provided.

The Peaceable Communities Fair is funded through a grant from MACRO (Maryland's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office). For information, please call Katie Griffin at 410-677-5143.

One Year Ago Today

On weekends when no one is in the GOB, this is what you'll find and see. A Skate Park has been a major topic in Salisbury for years, yet it always finds its way into a trash can or through a shredding machine.

One can only hope they'll leave these kids, (being kids) alone and allow them to enjoy the landscape the have throughout the Downtown area to enjoy until they do something exciting for once for young kids and young adults. After last nights meeting on crime, a Skate Park is very much needed!

Gas Prices A Year Ago

Crime Report Website

There's a new Crime Report Website in which you can type in an address and get an updated crime report daily. GO HERE to see how it works and what they have to offer.

Salisbury Council Is Out Of Order

First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances“.

The framers of the Constitution felt that freedom of speech, the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and the right of the people to present their grievances to the government was so important that it was the FIRST AMENDMENT ..

NOT THE CITY OF SALBURY…Those laws and the enforcement thereof is good enough for millions of people in the United States under a democracy but not applicable for LOUISE SMITH and BARRY TILGHMAN, and MR. WILBER.

Louise Smith (in case someone does not know) is to lead the council to be fair and just under Robert’s Rules of Order here is an excerpt’

“to act according to its considered judgment AFTER a full and fair "working through" of the issues involved. Robert's Rules provides for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation“

Not only did Louise not abide by Robert’s Rules, I really question weather or not she knows her responsibility to conduct the meeting under those rules. Much less the guarantees of the Constitution of the United States.

I was watching the meeting on Monday night, and was about to loose my temper, and almost went down to the council chambers to protest the treatment of Council woman Terry Cohen, and Council woman Debby Campbell by Mrs. Smith and the Mayor and Gary Comegy’s and the lack of enforcement of the rules by Mr. Wilber.

If no one is paying attention, no one cares, no one is willing to take a stand against the behavior of Louise Smith, gaveling down Terry Cohen whilst performing her duties as an elected official, Showing preferential treatment to the Mayor and Mr. Comegy’s during their childish and moronic “out of order” behavior while Ms. Campbell was speaking on behalf of the citizens of Salisbury, I would like to alert you to the loss of your freedoms.

Another heavy duty set of words come to mind .
“Dereliction of Duty“ Ms. Smith has a sworn duty to the members of the council and to the Citizens of Salisbury . In my opinion and it is there to see in every Council Meeting, She is an abysmal failure……..FAILURE and the people of Salisbury are allowing her to continue. Along with the Mayor, and all of her androids.

My right to speak, and my right to assemble, and my rights guaranteed by the Constitution are my most precious rights Why do we allow the Mayor, Mr. Comegy’s, Ms Smith, and Mr. Wilber to take away our rights by their by their behavior and their treatment of our Elected Officials the Council Meetings?

In my opinion the Mayor and Gary Comegy‘s acted like children, and I counted (and I know the facts of the Drainage Project) 6 bold faced lies when the Mayor, Comegy’s ; Public Works android, Mr. Campbell, and Pam Olsen answered direct questions of Council woman Cohen, and Campbell. concerning dates, and procedure, of the Storm Water Drainage Project. Folks, as an example ; Mr. Comegy’s is a project engineer and denied knowing the “process “of a State funded project if that is true he should be fired. He admitted in public that he does not know the “procedures” of his job. PROJECT MANAGER” Look it up on the computer, or under State Highway job descriptions.

Speaking of jobs, I also believe that Mr. Wilber is complacent, he is supposed to tell Louise what the rules are if she is not enforcing them, Mr. Wilber did not does not do his job. He should never allow the Mayor, Comegy’s and Louise to behave in the way they do.

There is really no sense in calling attention to the person who is supposed to show leadership and some level of couth (manners) and in my opinion not only acts like a spoiled child, and wants the attention, is loud and twists the facts like a piece of taffy, but . THE MAYOR. By her actions on Monday; night sucking on a piece of candy trying to talk, and facing the camera full face, was without a doubt equal to the behavior of some of the trash starlets on television . (I am sure you know who I am making reference to) but hey it gets attention.

I wish that I could say the words that her behavior invoke, I and wish that the Citizens of Salisbury would react and do something about it..

We are all guilty of complacency if we allow government officials to behave like those I have stated my opinions about in this posting, But some other folks ( far too many to list here) have felt the same as I do.

Those who expect to reap the benefits of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-- Thomas Paine, The Crisis Number IV

“If one man is enslaved we are all enslaved” paraphrased Abraham Lincoln.

“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it."
-- George Bernard Shaw

SPD Press Releases

On January 25, 2008 at approximately 9:19 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department executed a search and seizure warrant on a residence located on the three hundred block of Lake Street pursuant to a controlled dangerous substance investigation. As a result of the search and seizure warrant, a substantial quantity of suspected crack/cocaine was recovered, in addition to a set of scales and an amount of U.S. currency.

ARRESTED # 1: Joseph Nathaniel Blue, Jr., 41 years of age Cambridge, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia (3 counts)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 20080001368

On January 26, 2008 at approximately 8:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of E. Church St. for traffic violations. During the traffic stop, the officer observed what appeared to be a quantity of suspected crack/cocaine on the floor of the vehicle. The substance was retrieved, and is believed to be crack/cocaine.

ARRESTED: Cathie Jo Jackson, 56 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800002581

On January 27, 2008 at approximately 9:38 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred block of West Isabella Street for the report of an assault with a knife. Upon arrival the officers met with a single victim who advised that the below listed suspect had attacked him with a kitchen knife, attempting to cut the victim in the facial area. The victim was able to escape from the suspect and notify the police, who responded and took the suspect into custody. The victim received a minor injury to his lip, and the suspect was not injured. Upon investigation, the suspect was found to be in possession of a large number of fraudulent identifications.

ARRESTED: Christian Santiago Garcia, 32 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Possession of a deadly and dangerous weapon with the intent to injure
False statement to police officers

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800002985

On January 27, 2008 at approximately 4:24 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Hollywood Video Store on South Salisbury Boulevard in reference to a shop lifting. The witness to the event was able to provide a vehicle description for the suspects as they left the area. While responding, officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle and stopped the vehicle, which was occupied by the two (2) below listed suspects. As the officers checked the vehicle, the officers located 23 DVDs that had been taken from Hollywood Video. In addition, the officers located a quantity of suspected heroin and CDS paraphernalia containing heroin residue.

ARRESTED # 1: Jason Parker Abbott Glasgow, 21 years of age Delmar, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (under $ 500)
Possession of Heroin
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking

ARRESTED # 2: Dana Arthur Lank, 2nd , 28 years of age Willards, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (under $500) of Heroin

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800003019

On January 28, 2008 at approximately 12:45 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Sav-a-lot Store on Cypress St. for the report of a shoplifter that had fled from the scene. Upon arrival, officers met with store employees who advised that a suspect, listed below, had been observed taking food items from the store without making any attempt at payment. The subject fled from the store when confronted. A description of the suspect was broadcast to officers in the area and the suspect was located behind a business on Burton St.

ARRESTED # 1: Shafton Maurice Cuffee, 33 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 20080003101

Model Has 42nd Plastic Surgery Proceedure

While some people may have a little nip and tuck as they age, there is such a thing as too much. Meet Angela Bismarchi. She's 36, 6 feet tall and has long, blonde hair. And she is about to undergo her 42nd plastic surgery operation. Why? She is a Brazilian model who will dance nearly nude ahead of a 300-person drum corps in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival parade in February. She wants to be a sculpted beauty as a "percussion queen."

See photos HERE of Angela Bismarchi, a 6-foot tall Brazilian model who at age 36 has had 42 plastic surgery operations. The record is 47 surgeries, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Do you think she's beautiful?

TRY THIS instead?

Local Fire Fighter Suspended?

The word on the street is that a Local Fire Fighter was suspended recently for allegedly using the N-Word on an Employee of a Salisbury WaWa Store. Personnel matters are private but IF there's any truth to this, I'm personally glad to see these local Fire Chief's taking these matters far more serious than before. This is what we call, progress. My personal thanks go out to those trying to make a difference and better the reputation of the Eastern Shore AND the reputation of the Fire Departments.

Daily Times Supports Drivers' Licenses for Illegals

The Daily Times doesn't want you to wait in line for your drivers' license. Isn't that sweet. The bottom line is that the Real ID act is a minor inconvenience and worth the price of helping to protect the sovereignty of our nation.

Do we want illegal aliens voting in Maryland elections? Without Real ID, that is exactly what we are getting. Go to your county Elections Board. If you present a valid Maryland license or ID, that is all you need. Yet, illegals are permitted those under the current law. The requirements to vote are clear, yet no proof of citizenship is necessary.

The Daily Times argues that being forced to obtain a copy of your birth certificate (at a cost of $15) in order to obtain a drivers' license is simply too onerous. Of course, a tax increase on Salisbury residents (as the "Tilghman Times" refused to critically examine) that amounts to hundreds of dollars is perfectly OK.

I am honestly perplexed at the arguments made by our local newspaper. While it is no secret that I am no fan of their editorial policy, I never would have accused them of supporting illegal immigration or of being anti-American, until today. The paper will of course argue that this was not their argument. Perhaps ... but it is surely the result.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: immigration, media, Tilghman Times, Gannett, national sovereignty

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Congressional Candidate Andy Harris To Make Important Announcement

State Senator Andrew Harris, a Republican Congressional Candidate for Maryland's 1st District, will be making a major announcement tomorrow in Salisbury. This event will occur on January 30, 2008 at 3:15 PM in the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce Building, 144 East Main Street in Salisbury, MD.

This announcement will be important to Wicomico County voters, as well as Republicans throughout the 1st Congressional District. For more information, please contact Dustin Mills by e-mail at dustin@andyharris08.com or via phone: 202-909-6922

Don't Forget Crime Meeting Tonight

Wicomico Neighborhood Congress Hosts Crime Forum in Delmar

Partners with Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement;

Thanks Community Foundation for Book Grant

DELMAR – The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress (WNC) has secured a powerhouse law enforcement panel for a crime forum as the theme of its first congress of 2008, to be held Tuesday, January 29, 6:30 p.m., at Delmar Town Hall, 100 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in downtown Delmar, MD. The November 2007 WNC Convention identified crime as one of the top issues facing Wicomico County residents.

Arminio Gets Cut Off In Salisbury

When enough was enough, the Salisbury Republicans Club finally cut Arminio off before he could even get to his, someone knocked down one of my signs speech.

While I was at the Salisbury City Council Meeting, I popped out of there and into this Republican Meeting because I just couldn't resist. The stress level of just listening to this guy was enough to make me run out of there as fast as I came in.

No Daily Times, they're for Gilchrest. Actually, look on page B4 of today's paper and you'll see an AP story on another Debate/Forum they refused to attend, yet Michael and I were there covering a historical event.

Hey, here's a good question for everyone. Do you think once The Daily Times endorses Wayne Gilchrest they'll finally admit that Greg Bassett's Wife works for Gilchrest??????????

Shanie Shields Supports Study to Aid Gentrification of West Side

When large numbers of residents on Salisbury's West Side are forced to leave their homes thanks to proposed "rehabilitation" of the area along the North Prong of the Wicomico River they should ask Councilwoman Shanie Shields if they can move in with her (in her non-city home on Jersey Road). Monday night the Salisbury City Council voted (with Shields in the majority) to fund a "strategic plan for the revitalization of the North Prong"

There is no secret that the Tilghman administration wants to turn the North Prong (and adjacent areas) into "condo city". Personally, I don't think it's such a bad idea. Of course I don't live there and I won't be displaced. Who will benefit? The slumlords, who will see the values of their property rise ten fold (or more).

Where will these people go? I guess that's not Shields' problem. It appears that Mrs. Shields won't be on council much longer anyway, due to her impending exodus from the city.


Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Shanie Shields, development

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Dear Lord, Just Let Me Land This One Last Deal......

While Mayor Barrie Tilghman sat back and prayed for this drainage deal to go through with the City Council and the SHA, promises might have been made that can't be kept but only time will tell.

I couldn't see if there was an actual Bible in her lap, I was too far away.

Salisbury Students A No Show At Council Meeting

Yesterday was another new Record Day for Salisbury News, comments were still flying on the SPD & SU Students Post while many recommended the Students get off their rear ends and go to a Council Meeting with their concerns.

Not one single Student showed up. Was I surprised, NO! Young people have a way of trying to impress upon the world that they are right and they did nothing wrong. Anyone who has ever raised a child knows this to be very true.

The Students had the perfect opportunity last night while the Mayor and Chief of Police were present. IF their complaint held any merit to it, they would have been there.

You see Ladies & Gentlemen, I have a friend who has a video of SU Students jumping on the backs of Salisbury Police Officers and actually fighting them. I'm having a hard time getting my hands on this video but once I do I will assure you we will youtube it and show the Salisbury Community the "other side" of the coin.

When everyone sees how Police Officers are treated by Students, I personally think everyone will be outraged. In the mean time, not showing up to speak out at last night's Council Meeting spoke volumes to me anyway.

By the way, thanks for visiting.

Look Familiar?

I don't know why this bothers me but it just looks like they took the sign from the Old Mall and relocated it to this collector road project.

Fast Food Is Saying It Lightly

Easy Come, Easy Go! Making way for progress is what its all about and the owners of this Salisbury McDonald's wasted no time tearing it down to bring us something new as fast as possible. We'll keep you posted on their progress. From the looks of it though, you should be able to get a Big Mac by tomorrow afternoon. ARE YOU WATCHING CLOSELY MAYOR AND OLD MALL OWNERS? This is how to do it right. You didn't see these people in for an Enterprise Zone Gift or a TIF from the City/County.

PIPKIN: RENEWABLE ENERGY INTIATIVES . . . SPECIFICALLY MARYLAND STATE ENERGY GRANT PROGRAMS

Mr. Pipkin doesn't like Renewable Energy incentives.

He has been the primary opponent for any of Maryland's Renewable Energy Initiatives.

Pay particular attention to the last House Bill HB 74 co-sponsored by our local delegation representatives Elmore, Haddaway, Eckardt, Mathias!!!

Despite having passed the House by a vote of 136-0 it died in the Senate Finance Committee at the 11th hour on the last day of the Session.

And people wonder what their government is doing to wean ourselves from dependence on foreign oil, escalating electric bills!!!

I know because I was there to testify in favor of all the above and Pipken was staunchly opposed to any of the Renewable Energy Initiatives.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/sb0186.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/sb0187.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb0960.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/hb0074.htm

What Would Your Headline Be For Last Nights Council Meeting?

WHAT IF CNN and FOX News merged?

Here would be some of their headlines on the Salisbury City Council Meeting:

Louise Smith can't run a meeting -- except into the ground.

The Barrie and Gary Show: Mayor jumps up to slip councilman a note, councilman jumps up to go to mayor...is it love, or just making sure the taxpayers AND the environment get a good screwing?

Like Night and Day: Council president ends night plugging her new propaganda show...Councilwoman Campbell ends night plugging a citizens forum on crime.

Shanie Shields Takes a Powder -- misses vote, is barely missed.

Government in the Shoeshine: Tonight, Louise Smith proved she is there to polish Mayor Barrie's shoes by gaveling Terry Cohen and threatening to end the council meeting because Cohen stated the entire council should be informed of content of mayor's notes to Comegys.

Will Camden Pandering Work? Foes of Campbell spend $4+ million in taxpayer money to try to "get her" in her own neighborhood, invoke franking privilege.

Lynn Cathcart Chokes Up Pleading for Unity on Tax Differential -- learns council "been there, done that"

Public Works Guys Stand and Smirk -- "Project's a done deal, has been for a long time."

Shields Tires of Smart Kids Who Do Their Homework...moves to end school early.

Mayor Mirrors Shields, talks with candy in mouth.

Comegys Exposes Himself as Emperor with No Environmental Clothes...confesses to not knowing SHA job.

Mayor Exits Singing, "I Did It My Way." Declares herself a council member and Supreme Ruler of the Free World.

Meeting Ends: Audit's Still Late, Generalissimo Smith Is Still BrainDead (with apologies to Saturday Night Live)

Facts On Ambulance Accident In Delaware Today

Millsboro's ambulance was returning from Beebe Hospital after delivering a patient. The driver and the EMT were up front while the paramedic was sitting in the back. The ambo was stopped at an intersection waiting for other traffic to cross. A Ford SUV suddenly veered and hit the ambo on the passenger side in the area of the rear wheels. The impact opened a large, gaping hole in the side wall of the ambo. The paramedic was ejected via the rear loading doors. He was flown to Christiana with skull/facial fractures and several associated injuries. However, he recognized his wife and has a reasonably good prognosis at this time. The ambo driver was also flown to Christiana, but has since been cleared and has or will soon be released. The EMT was transported to Beebe but has been discharged. The driver of the SUV was dead at the scene. There are reports that this vehicle had been driving erratically for several miles/minutes before the collision.

This tragedy is not at all similar to those in the area of recent times. This is an ambulance in a non-emergency mode in which the EMS personnel became the victims. We all need to do one and only one thing......keep ALL those involved in our thoughts and prayers and let the authorities do what they're assigned to do. I just wanted to get a few of the facts out there before the rumor mills gobble this up.

New Home Sales Drop By Record Amount

One day you read in The Daily Times home sales are up, then they're right back down two days later. Well, here it is Folks, New Home Sales dropped a record 16% in 2007 while prices posted the weakest showing in 16 years!

Sales marked the worst sales year on record, surpassing the old record by 23.1% plunge in 1980.

Oh, I forgot, we're NOT in a recession. I'm really starting to believe our very own President is one of Jerry's kids. Can't wait to see his speech tonight! Oh, that's right, there's a City Council Meeting instead.

Senator Kennedy Backs Obama For President

It's official, Kennedy backs Obama and really ticks off Hillary. Two generations of Kennedys, the Democratic Party's best known political Family endorsed Barack Obama for President on Monday, with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy calling him a "man with extraordinary gifts of leadership and character" a worthy heir to his assassinated brother.

Although I had heard this was going to happen yesterday, I sat back in disbelief until it was just announced. This Country seems to be moving forward.

Miss America Wins Contest In A See Through Gown

This is one way to impress the judges so they don't get you mixed up with all the other beauty queens strutting their stuff on the stage: Wear a see-through gown. That's just what Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund, a 19-year-old aspiring Broadway star, did on Saturday night in Las Vegas and it paid off. She was crowned Miss America 2008.

It may have been inevitable that the blonde Haglund would win this competition, which was jazzed up with a new, hipper look. She has pageants in her blood. Not only is her mother an active pageant volunteer, but also her grandmother was a former Miss America contestant in 1944. The see-through gown was well planned. The dying enterprise had to be given new life, and the pageant officials did just that with sass, humor, blue jeans and racier outfits. How is this for sass? When Miss Utah Jill Stevens, who is an Army medic, failed to make the cut, she dropped and gave the audience pushups.

A student at the University of Cincinnati, Haglund sang "Over the Rainbow," but it was strutting in the black and gold bikini that was the real crowd-pleaser and may have clinched her the coveted title. that comes with a $50,000 scholarship and a year of travel. First runner-up was Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash, while the second runner-up was Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto. Haglund's platform issue will be awareness of eating disorders, an illness from which she herself has suffered.

Arminio Walks The Plank

Look, I'm just going to keep it real and tell you my thoughts on this guy as this Blog is all about my own opinions anyway.

Joe Arminio is a guy in outer space who likes to call Republicans Neocons. While giving his closing statement last night, Arminio pulled out a piece of timber large enough for a barn, not an alleged campaign sign. There was still old nails sticking out of it while he barely got over Pipkin's head, (not hard to do) and this was NOT a fresh piece of wood used for any yard sign. Nevertheless, that's what he was selling anyway.

Arminio went on to try and make people believe this was what was left of one of his signs on a Democrats property. PLEASE! First of all, IF it was on a democrats property, perhaps they realized just how big a nut you are and they probably started reading your book that you more than likely DONATED to them as a swap for allegedly putting your sign up and they busted the sh!t out of it themselves?

Arminio will be at the Chamber of Commerce tonight in Salisbury at 7:30 PM, go see for yourself just how big a nut this guy is, seriously. Although I am expecting some serious fireworks at the City Council Meeting tonight, (SERIOUSLY) I may even go for a good laugh.

Between Pipken playing the Bully and Arminio screaming and yelling as well, they're NOT the type of people you'd ever think of bringing home to your Mother, (if you are a female). So if that's how they are personality wise, who the heck would even think of sending them to Congress? Then again, people voted for Barrie Tilghman. It's a strange country we live in! LOL

I should add. Show me ONE big sign this guy has anywhere anyway? I see a million little signs, I saw them place 5 of them under an Andy Harris sign buut I have yet to see ONE big sign anywhere, have you?

Congressional Candidate Andy Harris On Bill Reddish Tomorrow Morning

Senator Andy Harris will be on the Bill Reddish Show tomorrow morning at 7:40 AM. WICO is located at 1320 AM.

Do You Know Who's Tag This Belongs To?

Last night while sitting on my front porch, I heard tires screeching and then a couple of bangs. I knew someone had just been in an accident so I ran in, got my camera and off I went towards the sound. While I was pulling out of my driveway I saw a vehicle going slow towards me, the black gentleman got out of his vehicle to look at the damage and he told me he had just hit a deer. I went to get out of my truck and the guy hopped in his vehicle and took off.

Being suspicious I started driving up the road to see if there was a deer on the side of the road, nothing. I did get a glance at his rear tag as he pulled away and wrote down his tag number, most of it anyway. The next thing I knew I was driving back towards my home still looking for skid marks when I noticed he had gone off the road, hit a large cattle gate and fence post and actually went into the pasture where my neighbors have several horses.

Fortunately this guy didn't hit any of the horses you regularly see standing right at that gate. Nevertheless, Dee, Dee, Deeee bolted out of there so fast, he left something VERY important behind, his TAG!

The Delaware State Police arrived and started chuckling when we produced the tag as this individual was now SNAGGED! Hit & Run and leaving the scene of an accident. My neighbors had been out of town but had just pulled up to their home within one minute of this guy pulling away. We were able to round up the horses and get them into the barn before any of them got loose.

So IF you happen to be reading this Blog and you're the owner of this tag, I'd suggest you go turn yourself in because the State Police and perhaps now the WCSO are now looking for you.

Ambulance Gets In Accident In Sussex, One Dead

The fatal accident happened near Angola in Sussex County around 6:15 AM this morning. At least two patients were flown to Christiana Hospital.

GO HERE to see the article and photos at The News Journal.

National Review Article - The Sierra Club Congressman

The Sierra Club Congressman
Will conservatives revolt against Rep. Wayne Gilchrest?

JOHN J. MILLER

On February 26, 1998, Andy Harris spotted a headline in a copy of the Washington Post that was sitting in the doctor's lounge of the hospital where he works. "I still remember that it was on the front page of the Metro section, on the right-hand side," he says. Here's what it announced: "Md. Senate Delays Bill on Abortion; Issue Won't Resurface This Year, Officials Say."

The story described how his state senator, a Republican, had played a vital role in killing a proposed ban on partial-birth abortions. "He led the fight against it, which really surprised me," says Harris. "I decided that he couldn't cast a vote like that and not be challenged."

Harris had no political experience beyond his occasional attendance of local Republican-club meetings - the kind of gathering that he says usually drew fewer than a dozen people. Harris nevertheless resolved to take on state senator F. Vernon Boozer, a 17-year incumbent, in the GOP primary - and won a victory that shocked Maryland's Republican establishment.

Now Harris is both aiming higher and trying to repeat history: On February 12, he'll square off in a GOP primary against Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, a liberal Republican who has sat in Congress for as long as Boozer served in the state senate. The contest, which also features state senator E. J. Pipkin, promises to be one of the most expensive in Maryland's history. More important, it could function as a Republican bellwether: Are conservatives so disgruntled following the defeats of 2006 that they'll evict a longtime incumbent whose voting record places him well to the left of his constituents?

Maryland's first congressional district includes all of the state's eastern shore, plus parts of suburban Baltimore. President Bush has carried it easily, winning with 62 percent in 2004. After the 2000 Census, state Democrats gerrymandered the district to contain as many Republicans as possible, with the goal of making other areas more favorable to Democrats. The result is that some of America's most contorted congressional districts lie between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The aesthetics may be questionable, but the election returns were clear: Maryland's House delegation moved from a four-to-four tie between Democrats and Republicans to a six-to-two lead for Democrats.

Gilchrest, a former Marine who won a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star in Vietnam, has never been an especially good match for his district. He favors abortion rights and gun control, and he even won the endorsement of the Sierra Club for his environmentalism. In its congressional scorecard, the American Conservative Union gives Gilchrest a lifetime rating of 61. Only two of his Republican colleagues have earned lower marks, and they at least have the excuse of coming from districts won by both Al Gore and John Kerry.

"The debate over liberal versus conservative is bizarre when it comes to competent public policy," says Gilchrest. "I think I'm a liberal like Gorbachev is a liberal - he wanted to bring freedom to his country. I don't follow a mythical, purist ideology."

That's not all he doesn't follow. Last summer, Americans for Tax Reform condemned Gilchrest for twice violating a no-new-taxes pledge he'd signed. The congressman claims not to remember signing the pledge, but ATR keeps a copy on file. "He gets letters from us regularly that remind him that he took the pledge," says Grover Norquist, ATR's president. "I've never heard that excuse before."

Gilchrest also broke his word in November, when he voted to override Bush's veto of a $606 billion domestic-spending bill. Less than five months earlier, he had joined 146 other House Republicans in signing a letter that promised to sustain the president's spending vetoes. "If I signed a letter such as that, it was to be reasonable about it," he says. "I thought the spending increases were a reasonable amount of money." Most House Republicans disagreed, and they just barely managed to keep the bill from becoming law.

So it's easy to understand conservative frustration with Gilchrest. For Harris, an anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a commander in the Naval Reserve Medical Corps, the breaking point came last spring, when the congressman opposed the troop surge in Iraq. "That issue is just too important to our national security," says Harris. "I looked around and saw that nobody was getting ready to challenge Gilchrest, so I decided to step forward." He declared his candidacy in June.

Since then, conservatives have rallied around Harris, a Brooklyn-born son of immigrants from Ukraine and Hungary. "They hated Communism," he says of his parents. "The only newspaper my father read regularly was Human Events, and he read it cover to cover." National Right to Life, Eagle Forum, and the Washington Times editorial page have endorsed Harris, and so have two-time gubernatorial candidate Ellen Sauerbrey and 18 current members of the Maryland legislature. His most prominent backer is former governor Bob Ehrlich, who once served with Gilchrest in the House.

"We need Andy in Congress, given where we are as a party in this state and at this time," says Ehrlich. "We need someone who wants to build the party in Maryland. Wayne has shown no interest in doing that and Andy has." Conservatives frequently point to Gilchrest's flame-throwing interview with Reason.com last May, in which he tried to explain the Republican woes of 2006 and beyond: "I think the GOP was dissolving. Now it's drying up and the wind's going to blow it away. I just don't think we have the depth of knowledge, intellect, and experience necessary for a viable political party anymore."

This isn't the first time Gilchrest has faced an opponent in a GOP primary. In 2002 and 2004, he beat back conservative challengers without much difficulty. Harris, however, is by far his most significant threat to date: Harris's campaign expects to spend more than $1 million on the race. Gilchrest allows that Harris may outspend him, but says, "We'll have a sufficient amount of money." Last year he agreed to accept donations from political-action committees, which he had made a point of not doing in previous elections.

He'll need every penny. The Club for Growth, a free-market group that concentrates on GOP primaries, has already spent $340,000 on anti-Gilchrest ads and is almost certain to commit more money to the race as February 12 approaches. "My mother said that if I didn't have anything nice to say about somebody, then don't say anything at all," Gilchrest says of the Club for Growth. He pauses, but can't resist: "They're destroying the Republican Party. They're weakening and degrading it."

The Club for Growth has a history of boosting underdogs. Most famously, it backed the 2004 effort by Pennsylvania congressman Pat Toomey to unseat GOP senator Arlen Specter - a near miss. Then, in 2006, it had its first unqualified success against an incumbent when it helped conservative Tim Walberg swipe the GOP nomination from liberal-leaning Michigan congressman Joe Schwarz. "We're going to do the same thing to Wayne Gilchrest," says Toomey, who now runs the organization. "It's hard to believe how far to the left he's moved."

Unfortunately for Harris, a potential spoiler candidate entered the race in November. Like Harris, E. J. Pipkin is a Republican state senator. In 2004, he ran against Democratic U.S. senator Barbara Mikulski and lost badly. Pipkin is anti-tax, pro-gun, and an Iraq War supporter. Although not a 100 percent pro-lifer, he supports most of the abortion restrictions he might vote on as a congressman. If Harris hadn't jumped in first, it's conceivable that the candidacy of Pipkin, a former Wall Street trader with enough personal wealth to fund his own campaign, could have become a conservative cause. Even so, many Republicans are puzzled by a financial contribution Pipkin once made to Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, a Democrat who ran for governor in 2002.

The worry among many conservatives is that because there's no runoff, Harris and Pipkin will divide a large anti-Gilchrest vote and award the congressman a new term that most of the Republicans in his district would prefer to deny him. Yet incumbents don't always survive three-way races: Two years ago, Alaska governor Frank Murkowski, a Republican, finished behind two challengers in a GOP primary. In December, a Club for Growth survey found Harris's support at 26 percent, Gilchrest's at 23 percent, and Pipkin's at 18 percent.

If those numbers hold up, the Washington Post will run a front-page article on February 13 and this time Harris won't merely read the story - he'll be the story.

22 Years Ago Today!

Ladies & Gentlemen, time has a way of slipping by us so fast we just don't realize it. However, this article will bring the reality of the speed of time and just how fast it goes by.

Today marks the 22nd Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster back in 1986! To think there are some people reading this Post who weren't even born then! We lost some unbelievable people in this disaster and the very first Teacher to attempt to go into outer space.

So if you remember this moment, take a moment of silence and remember these hero's who lost their lives 22 years ago today.

BREAKING NEWS

Five U.S. Soldiers killed by roadside bomb in Northern Iraq.

I'll Huff & I'll Puff & I'll Blow Your Sheriff's Department In!

So out of nowhere we get a hurricane in Salisbury/Wicomico County. Not a bad one, mind you. Just one that would produce let's say 60 mph winds.

The next thing you know there are trees down everywhere, some roofs are torn off homes, cars have wrecked on the Bypass, who you gonna call? NOT the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department, that's for sure!

So why wouldn't you get through to the Sheriff's Department? Because their building, (GET THIS) is only rated for 50 mile per hour winds! Not only has this building been a complete piece of sh!t the past few years, it's gonna fall down if the winds get too rough.

Imagine that. We're in a local catastrophe and the one place everyone is going to depend upon will have fallen to the ground. Just what Idiot came up with this design and why the hell aren't you reading stuff like this in the Daily Times? Perhaps we will in the next few days?

Nevertheless, the building has more problems than just wind knocking it over. It leaks everywhere. Every two years or so they're in there replacing carpeting because water driven by rain comes right through the walls and gets the interior soaking wet. This can create what is called, "sick building syndrome." Mold and mildew become airborne and can cause some very serious health issues. My guess is, if they tested that building right now they'd come to find they have a problem.

So what do you do about it? You IMMEDIATELY get the ball rolling to build a new facility, seriously. This is no joking mater. The Sheriff's Department would be the number one resource in any catastrophe in Wicomico County, yet it's the most vulnerable! The Sheriff's Department is also working with Rick Pollitt with Animal Control, perhaps taking that away from the Humane Society and having their own facility.

When you're considering a new location for the Sheriff's Department, it would be smart to include a facility for animals to go with it. Like it or not, something has to happen. We watch all these Fire Departments going after Homeland Security money and so forth, yet the Sheriff's Department NEEDS a facility to provide their service in our time of need and they won't be standing, unbelievable!

Kodak Moments From Yesterday's Forum

I have more to add on another Post. However, Michael has the story in which I won't even attempt to compete with. GO HERE to view a very detailed story on yesterday's Republican Forum.

I was very pleased to finally see Michael show up at one of these Forum's as he is very detailed and right on track while still being fair to the Candidates. You know me, I go for the throat and this is too serious an issue this go around to toy with, so to speak.

Congressional Candidate Andy Harris Speaks Out On Illegal Immigration

Friends,

There has been much debate over the issue of illegal immigration. I wanted to take today's post to clearly discuss my commitment to ending illegal immigration.

The issue with illegal immigration is personal to me. My parents legally immigrated to this country to escape communism in Eastern Europe. My parents followed all of the rules to get into this country. They were forced to sign a document saying they would not be a burden on the government.

The horrors of communism were well understood by my parents. Growing up, they taught us to cherish the wonderful freedoms and blessings America had to offer. They truly understood the American Dream, and because of them, I am living it today. When my parents came into our great nation they followed all of the rules to come here. They had to sign a paper promising they would not accept free government benefits. That like so many other things has changed. Today, illegal immigrants cost taxpayers billions of dollars and it must be stopped!

As a State Senator, I have been a leader in Maryland against giving illegal immigrants government benefits which is why the state leader against illegal immigration, Delegate Pat McDonough has endorsed my campaign. I have co-sponsored legislation to ban illegal immigrants from receiving drivers licenses. I also successfully fought against giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition at our state colleges and universities by threatening to filibuster the legislation. i encourage you to look up newspaper articles from a year ago that discussed how I led the fight to kill that bill.

As your congressman, I will:
Vote to Secure Our Borders
Oppose all forms of Amnesty
Vote to hold businesses accountable

I hope you agree that our nation must end illegal immigration now. Illegal immigration not only costs taxpayers billions of dollars a year, but is also a threat to our national security.

The campaign is coming to a close and I hope I can count on your vote. I hope you will keep visiting our website to see the latest campaign updates.

God Bless,

Andy

Another Exciting Monday in Salisbury

Tonight, the most irrelevant body in government, the Salisbury City Council will meet again. What will Louise Smith and her buddies do?

Will they finally get around to the audit of the city's finances (which is only three months late)? No. Barrie Tilghman and company are still negotiating with the auditors to keep embarrassment in the management letter to a minimum.

Will they hold a serious discussion as to why the old Salisbury Mall project developers are receiving a triple subsidy? How about demanding answers as to why the Tilghman administration deliberately mislead the city council (along with the public and the press) regarding the marketing of the TIF bond? Of course not.

No, the Barrie Tilghman rubber stamp is meeting to spend some more of your hard earned tax money. As we all learned during the last budget deliberations, any discussion of saving taxpayer money needs to be gaveled down quickly. Spending, however ...

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Barrie Tilghman, Louise Smith, taxation, fiscal policy

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Arminio Aides Admit To Illegally Placed Signs

While I confronted Arminio and his Campaign Manager this afternoon, I told them for 90 to 100 miles or so on Rt. 50 there was one of his signs every quarter of a mile. I said, did you get permission to put those signs there and isn't that illegal? Arminio responded, we're working on that. His Campaign Manager admitted he knew they did NOT have permission but everyone else is doing it.

No, I don't agree with that at all. As a matter of fact, people outside the Forum stated they were sick of seeing his signs everywhere and obviously people were knocking them down in anger, as shown above.

I personally think this guy is trying to sell his Book and couldn't care less about winning a seat in Congress. To each his own, I guess.

Washington Times Editorial

Andy Harris gains momentum

THE WASHINGTON TIMES EDITORIAL

January 27, 2008

Things are not looking very good these days for Wayne Gilchrest, the liberal Republican incumbent who has represented Maryland's 1st Congressional District for 16 years. Mr. Gilchrest will be hardpressed to fend off a very difficult primary challenge in this Republican-leaning district mounted by state Sen. Andy Harris, a conservative from Baltimore County, who leads Mr. Gilchrest according to a newly released poll. In 1998, Mr. Harris won election to the state Senate by defeating a moderate/liberal incumbent in the Republican primary, and a decade later he's got a decent chance to do the same thing again: to topple Mr. Gilchrest, a veteran politician who has been drifting well to the left of his moderate-to-conservative district.

GO HERE to read the rest of thre article.

Public Sector Unions

As a former Union member and Executive Officer in a private sector Union I am a strong supporter of Unions in the private sector. In the private sector Unions know that the business they are in have to make money in order for them to get the raises they want or the benefits they want so there is the incentive to make money for the business. In their symbiotic relationship there is a balance that needs to be worked out in order for both to survive.

Unions in the public sector however do not make money. They take money from the citizens when they ask for ever higher wages and better benefits and nice retirement programs. Show me private sector unions which make 6 percent increases ever year. I know the one I was in didn’t and that company made hundreds of millions of dollars. We are at a point where those on the taxpayer dollar are making more than the ones supporting them, how can this be seen as fair. I know teachers perform a needed function and should be paid a fair wage, but they need to realize in lean times sacrifices need to be made. Before the complaint is made that they pay taxes also, they are merely returning taxes that someone in the private sector has already put into government coffers. They are not generating new money but recycling old tax dollars so in reality they are not adding a dime.

As I have said there is no doubt that teachers need to be paid a fair wage but it has to be reasonable and they have to realize that their pay comes from those in the public that do not live off the taxpayer which all government employees do. When times are lean it is easy for them to say tax more, while private sector employees are taking hits in pay or more likely benefits they are then saddled with the additional burden of the higher taxes.

While teachers complain about long hours they are not the only workers in this country that do more than eight hours work a day and don’t get extra pay, many people in the private sector work after they go home. If you don’t like it, take a job where you are not only off the taxpayer payroll but become a real contributor, but you can work your eight hours punch out and go home.

David K. Kyle

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.ar.contracts26jan26,0,2703403.story

Arundel schools' raises in doubt

Funding problems may affect system's ability to fulfill pacts, officials say

By Ruma Kumar | Sun reporter

Anne Arundel County school officials say they might have to renege on promised raises to thousands of teachers, administrators and support staff.

Though County Executive John R. Leopold said he is trying to find ways to foot the $51 million bill for teachers' raises, schools Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell said he doesn't believe the county can afford the $72 million price tag for all four union contracts. The county has issued a bleak budget forecast because of sharp cuts in state education aid and real estate tax revenues.

"It's my belief that I will not receive enough to fund the teachers' contract, let alone the other three," Maxwell said.

The move could create a credibility crisis for a system struggling to hire and retain qualified teachers and administrators, spark political fallout for Leopold in a state where public employee unions carry influence and draw retaliation from the more than 6,000 county teachers who say they are underpaid.

Since the early 1990s, at least two other area school systems, Howard and Carroll counties, have been stung after backing out of contracts because of funding shortfalls. In Howard County, the school board reneged in 1991 on the last two years of a contract that promised teachers annual 8 percent raises. Outraged, teachers retaliated for months by working only contracted hours and refusing to write college reference letters for students, a task they had done on their own time.

"These public employee unions are not only powerful, they're politically active," said Matthew Crenson, professor emeritus in political science at the Johns Hopkins University. "When they get crossed, union members get mad, they organize, and they can really grind things to a halt."

Anne Arundel County teachers expected the third-straight year of 6 percent raises. Administrators also were scheduled to get 6 percent, while support staff like secretaries along with cafeteria workers, bus drivers and custodians had forged contracts for 3 percent raises. The raises made up a large chunk of the $100 million increase Maxwell is seeking for school funding.

Though the contracts are contingent on funding being available, backing out of them could severely handicap the recruitment efforts of a system that loses about one in 10 teachers every year, half of them leaving in their first five years. More than a dozen administrators resigned last year to seek better pay elsewhere.

"When you renege on a contract when you're recruiting it hurts you," Maxwell said. "For how many years will we be plagued by 'You didn't fund the contract'? If you were thinking of coming here, would you trust us? Would you take a chance taking a lower-paying job in a district that failed to honor its agreements?"

News of the possibility had a local teachers union official warning of a range of retaliation, including picketing job fairs to dissuade prospective employees from joining the school system and leaving immediately after the final bell, grinding to a halt hundreds of after-school activities they oversee.

"We would go back to the negotiating table and all previous bets are off," said Tim Mennuti, president of the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County. "If this happens, you'll see the resignation [and] retirement rate would go right through the roof, as it did the last time this happened."

In July 2003, then-County Executive Janet S. Owens didn't fully fund the budget request and the system scrambled to renegotiate contracts and offer teachers a midyear 1 percent raise.

Leopold told local legislators last month that the governor's changes in a landmark education funding formula along with anemic housing sales will amount to about a $20 million loss in revenue for the county this year. Given that reality, Leopold has said the schools budget is "an ambitious request in difficult fiscal times."

Still, John Hammond, Leopold's budget director, said the county executive remains committed to providing the 6 percent raises for teachers, but he was careful not to promise the raises negotiated with the other three unions.

Through a spokeswoman, Leopold said yesterday that he has asked directors of every county department to cut their budgets by 5 percent to help pay for teachers' raises and other needs.

Despite the assurances, schools officials announced this week that they are immediately eliminating 50 unfilled nonteaching positions, and cutting the budget for substitute teachers to help beef up their reserves.

More cuts might be imminent: The system is launching a wholesale review of its operations that might result in outsourcing jobs.