Wanna Hear The Fireworks?

GO HERE and listen to the MP3 Audio File of last Monday night's City Council Meeting where Debbie Campbell & Terry Cohen tore the Mayor, Pick, Oland, Smith & Comegys a new one.

God Bless Our United States Marines

Young Republicans Hold A Successful Meeting

Last night the Wicomico County Young Republicans met at the Chamber of Commerce. Quite frankly, their group has almost as many in attendance as the regular Republican Club Meetings. It's truly a great sight to see these young people getting so involved. More Power To Them!

The Wicomico County Mobile Command Unit

Well, it's been a year since they received the unit from the Wicomico County Library and let me assure you, they put good money after good money on this project.

Today the Press had the pleasure of getting an exclusive tour through this unit, which is quite impressive. Cameras everywhere, inside and out. Internet access throughout the unit so Officers can set up with their laptops and get immediate information on suspects on the scene. It truly is an impressive piece of work, all for around $61,000.00!

The paint job alone is impressive, let alone the interior cabinets and flooring. The mounted lights on the rear have tripods where they detach from the unit and can be set and directed just about anywhere to illuminate the area.

This unit isn't just for emergency situations. It will also be used as a command center for events like Porqueena In The Park and other large events. A new Unit would have cost the Taxpayers at least $300,000.00, so retrofitting this unit was certainly a great taxpayer investment and once again the Sheriff's Department has proven fiscal responsibility and we should all be very proud of such an example.

This unit was paid for three different ways. Community Policing grant money, Wicomico County tax dollars and most importantly, Forfeiture money from drug arrests.

One Year Ago Today

Thanks to Linda Kent and several others, one year ago today she settled an agreement with the Old Mall Owners to make a donation to the Public Library as well as a reduction of units to be built on that location. Linda was also instrumental in taking these same owners to Court and getting a decision in her favor referencing the zoning for this property. Thank You Linda!

League of Women Voters Founding Meeting

Good Morning Folks.

Hope you all are ready for our second "founding" meeting for the League of Women Voters of Wicomico County. We were applauded for our "interest" meeting at the Market Street Inn, now we have a reputation to uphold; which should not be difficult with our group.

Please save the date of the 22 ND of April,In the evening, We have not worked out the details, however, some have requested a late in the month date, and this looks promising so far. The end of the month will be our permanent date for meetings. Honestly how often, where etc will be up to the group, we need your input.

If we continue along with a schedule we might be able to so something ambitious like have a 1st district debate prior to the election. (that would be wonderful to be able to establish Salisbury as a hub for 1st District political activities.)

We would appreciate it if you would invited friends to this meeting since it is
"Getting to Know You" meeting, and we will begin the process with the help of our mentor Carole Conors, VP of the State of Maryland League. Whom some of you all met at our dinner. Wonderful speaker and very committed person and so gracious to put her precious time into helping us.

You all have my e-mail,and most my phone number. 410-334-2344 please feel free to call me, with names if you want me to notify friends of the meeting, with ideas, with anything you wish to contribute.

Thank you, and happy spring.

Capitals Still In The Hunt For Postseason

With a 4-3 shootout overtime win against Tampa Bay last night the Washington Capitals remained in contention for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in a 5 way battle. The Boston Bruins won last night to bring them in a tie for 7/8th place with The Flyers with 88 points. Washington is only two points behind with 5 games remaining. The Caps have another game with Tampa Bay who are currently tied for the least number of points and have the fewest wins in the NHL. Two games are with the Florida Panthers who are mathematically still alive in the playoff hunt with 81 points.

The Capitals will also face the current playoff bound Carolina Hurricanes who are leading the Southeast Division. All Carolina is looking to hold on to their playoff spot and currently have 88 points. If Carolina falls from the top of the division Washington will secure their first playoff birth since 2002-03 season. The Caps need to get at least 7 points coupled with a loss or two by one of the teams. It's going to be a grinding final leg of the regular season.

Washington travels to Florida Saturday to play the Panthers at 7pm and will be aired on Comcast Sports.

The Criteria To Become An "All American City"

You tell me, does Salisbury qualify?

CRITERIA
For a community to be named an All-America City, it must be able to demonstrate successful resolution of community issues through collaborative effort. Award winning criteria include the following: active citizen involvement, effective and efficient government performance, maximized local philanthropic and volunteer resources, a strong capacity for cooperation and consensus building, community vision and pride, inter-group relations, community information sharing, and intercommunity cooperation.

All-America City Award Criteria

Participation of the public, private and nonprofit sectors and key constituencies to the maximum extent possible; Recognition and involvement of diverse segments and perspectives (ethnic, racial, socio-economic, age, etc.) in community decision-making; Creative use and leveraging of community resources; Significant and specific community achievements; Projects that address the community’s most important needs;
Cooperation across jurisdictional boundaries; Clear demonstration of project results and impacts (dollars raised or lives impacted); Projects which have impacted the community significantly within the last three years, and have potential to continue improving the quality of life; and at least one project should document ways in which the lives of children and youth have been tangibly improved.

110 Years Later....United States vs. Wong Kim Ark

A historic decision was handed down by the Supreme Court on March 28,1898, a decision that decreed any child born inside the United States to foreign parents who were NOT American citizens was indeed a U.S. citizen by virtue of birth.While it might have seemed like a good idea at the time,over a century later it is an economic,societal and diplomatic disaster.School systems,social services and other community resources are overburdened by the very large families of illegal immigrants who are taking advantage of Americas benevolence.They know that any children born inside American borders is an "instant citizen" and therefore qualifies them for food stamps,cash assistance,Medicaid and a host of other programs.Their children are also entitled to a public education and since many of them do not speak English,all of these taxpayer funded agencies have to hire extra people who can translate.A friend of mine who lives in a distant state reported that in her school district,public Pre-K is strictly limited to a)children in a home under the poverty level or b) children who do NOT speak English!Her tax dollars are good enough to support Pre-K instruction but her child is not welcome!The only alternative is expensive private school Pre-K or pre-school.Similar tales come in from those who have worked in a welfare office or hospital or clinic.Since Medicaid picks up the tab for prenatal care and childbirth,there is no incentive NOT to keep breeding more "citizens".As a country,when do we stand up and say we have had enough?Considering the horrific treatment that Chinese and other Asian immigrants received in the 1800's I can understand why it happened.(the decision)Although they worked long hours building railroads and working in mines among other things,they were severely discriminated against.Like the immigrants of 2008,they did jobs that were deemed too dangerous or difficult for anyone else.Unlike 2008 immigrants,these were proud immigrants who wanted to adapt to their new country,rather than force it to adapt to them.They were anxious and grateful for the opportunity they perceived to be here and they struggled to learn the language and understand the American culture.They did not demand to have Chinese or Cantonese translators-or run through the streets waving Peoples Republic of China flags and flaunting their illegal status.They paid their own way because there was no welfare back then.Older,more established immigrants networked to help new arrivals from their homeland to assimilate and survive.So the Supreme court could not possibly foresee the impact the decision would have decades later.As a Mother,the reality of this decision hits my heart-The Baltimore Sun did a story not too long ago about the American-born children of illegal immigrants who have had one or both parents deported.What happens to these young Americans when their father is picked up by INS?Unfortunately this issue never came into play when the historic decision was made in 1898.What do we do about it now?Do we give immunity to the parents,even though they are illegal,in an attempt to preserve families?Do we deport the minor children with the parents,although they are Americans just like you or I?

Dog Park Soils

The photo map has the Kiwanis Pavilion at the upper left of the colored box; N. Park drive goes thru diagonally from the lower left.

The soil classifications are:

KgB Klej-Galloway complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, Partially
Hydric
LO Longmarsh and Indiantown soils, frequently flooded, All
Hydric
W Water, Unknown, Hydric

Hydric soils are defined by the National Technical Committee for Hydric
Soils (NTCHS) as soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding,
or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in
the upper part (Federal Register, 1994). Under natural conditions, these
soils are either saturated or inundated long enough during the growing season to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic vegetation.

The dog park would be in the KgB soil area for the most part

Fire Engine For Sale

The Volunteers at 40 are sad to announce the selling of Engine 402, a 1987 Hahn HCP-15 1500GPM/500GAL Pumper, Selling Price of $52,000, Contact any Chief Officer at Station 40

Like I said, the Salisbury Fire Department WOULD NEVER consider such a fine piece of equipment.

Pocomoke News: City Council Election Debate See How They Do It Boss Hogg Style

As you may be aware, a few weeks ago the Tattler called both District 3 Candidates to ask what their platform was yet received no response from either candidate.

We were willing to do a written platform questionaire for them that we would post so that they would have the opportunity to get their messages out to their constituents. There was no answer at either of the candidates residences.

Mr. Morrison's answering machine answered and I personally asked that he call me back. Ms. Hayes apparently doesn't have a machine and I gave her the courtesy of three calls but the phone was never answered.

So today's Daily Times has an article stating that District 3 Candidates will have the rare opportunity to square off in a debate.

The article states that the debate will be held tonight at New Macedonia Baptist Church at 7pm and is being sponsored by the Democratic State Central Committee.

What is so amusing is that Pocomoke City Council members has historically been non-partisan. But the mission of the State Central Committees for both parties is to see their members elected to political offices anywhere.

Morrison is a Republican and Hayes is a Democrat.

Hayes is also a member of the Democratic State Central Committee District 1.

Additionally, polictical activist and possibly the most annoying person anyone would ever want to meet; President of the Worcester County NAACP Edward Lee, and Democratic State Central Committee District 2 representative is seemingly making it his job to see that Ms. Hayes get elected. Even though another person from the DSCC was quoted in the times article, I highly doubt it was anyone else's idea.

Apparently, Mr. Morrison, must have pissed off Eddie Lee, as Mr. Lee was actively involved in 'getting out the vote' for Mr. Morrison when he originally won his seat three years ago. If you piss off Eddie Lee he makes it his job to see that you either don't get in office or don't get re-elected. I know this from personal experience. Catching Eddie Lee in at least a dozen lies within a matter of minutes in a 'Mayoral Council Meeting' was enough to secure our place on his personal shit list.

Typical to Pocomoke form, the debate is not being held on neutral ground in any sense of the word. But instead, at the New Macedonia Baptist Church. The organizers are undoubtedly well aware of the racial divide in Pocomoke, and by arranging this Candidate Forum at this venue will certainly be very helpful in shoring up Ms. Haye's base.

Why oh why are these games still be played?

When are we going to move past this?

Miss Hayes, if you are the decent peacemaking woman that you have always portrayed yourself to be, why then would you allow the debate to be held at a predominantly if not completely black church. I would think that you would want to move past this.

If we are ever going to move forward as the town that everyone wants us to be this nonsense has got to stop.

Mr. Morrison, Good Luck!

Why couldn't this forum be held at the Marva, or the Log Cabin, or the Library, or the High School?

This is ridiculous!

Stephanie K. Burke (Mrs Boss Hogg)

The Urban Assault Command Post Vehicle

On January 30, 2008 the Command Post Vehicle was used for an emergency situation just off Mt. Hermon Road.

On February 29, 2008 it was used again in the homicide case in Parsonsburg.

There have been a couple of comments talking about how this unit has no real use but they're wrong. The unit was in being retrofitted for quite some time and no sooner has it come out with its new face lift it has gone right into service.

I'd say this was good money after good money. A perfect example of good money after bad money would be a new Fire Station on the west side of Salisbury, leaving no reserves for a new Fire Station on the north side of town where it was without any question needed far more than the west side. Of course that's just my opinion and as many Firefighters would disagree with me, I believe many others would agree with my view.

The Sheriff's Department is actually getting a return on the money being spent on that Department while the Salisbury Fire Department continues to be a money pit. That being said, lay off the WCSO because they're staying afloat while the Fire Department sinks.

Oh, I'll close with, let's see where things stand 6 months to a year from now with Volunteers. My guess is that Gordy and See will be hitting up the City for more money to pay Firefighters because they can't retain, can't encourage Volunteers to come to the new Station. All the money and toys in the world aren't going to get them to race all the way across the City just to catch a Fire Truck back to their neighborhoods.

My hat is tipped to Sheriff Lewis for being open and willing to accept this piece of equipment and put it back into good use. It won't be used that often, (hopefully) and there was no reason to buy new. Something See & Gordy cannot and will not understand or accept.

Guilty Verdict For Man Who Microwaved Baby

GO HERE to see this Blog that writes a story about a man who microwaved a baby.

On 3-13-07 The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress Was Established

Just over a year ago the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress was established.

One Year Ago Today

It was one year ago today Kenny Beck and WMDT 47 News held a City Council Debate. A commenter on the last Post also recognized that is was in fact one year ago today as well that the Wicomico County Library donated the Bookmobile to the Sheriff's Department on this very same day.

WICOMICO SHERIFF TO USE RETIRED BOOKMOBILE AS COMMAND POST

At a 10:00 A.M. ceremony on Tuesday, March 27th, Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt and Library Director Tom Hehman will turn over the keys to the retired Wicomico County Library Bookmobile to Sheriff Mike Lewis. The transfer will take place at the Sheriff’s Department.

The retired Bookmobile, which logged 120,000 miles in its 15 years of service, will be used as a mobile command post according to a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Department. The vehicle will be used in a wide variety of on-the-scene law enforcement situations.

Dog/Cat Park?

Let me get this straight. At a time when there are a huge number of families losing their homes to foreclosures, gas prices are projected to hit the $4.00 a gallon mark, people are having a hard time finding enough grocery money to feed their families, and we are going to spend $10,000.00 in Open Space money on a Dog Park? Do people feel that money also grows on trees? Do they not understand that it is tax dollars? Are bureaucrats so removed from the real world that 10k is a pittance that can be tossed at any pie in the sky project like it's chump change.

Wouldn't the homeless shelters in the area love to get their hands on that money? Or how about the Humane Society? I keep hearing that one of the back lashes of the foreclosure problem is the number of pets that are getting dumped at shelters and literally on the streets. I bet that money would certainly help with that problem. I know about it all to well because someone keeps dropping off their cats on our road. They even show up with collars on but will scavenge any free food they can find. Its pretty sad.

So why not a Dog Park in the City Park. As I already pointed out, the show dog crowd won't use it and it's an awful big chunk of money for a one week show and a weekend show. Local pet owners already use Picnic Island and the rest of the City Park to walk their dogs on leash. Just ask the folks that use the horse shoe grounds how mad they are at dog owners that keep allowing pooping pooches into their fenced area to relieve themselves. From a health stand point you are walking your family member through one of the most heavily infested raccoon areas in the city, with the exception of the dump. They're there because of the river and the abundance of free food at the Zoo. Ask the Zoo Staff about the number of rabid/distemper carrying raccoons that are trapped and euthanized in that area. And that's right where your walking your beloved family member.

Logistics are also a problem. Not much room there and lets squeeze in a skateboard park and the existing pavilion and where the heck is a dog supposed to run other than in circles. Are they going to clear out the woods right there next to the river?

Then there's the question, who's going to keep it clean? You can't police everyone visiting the site and believe me, plenty will not clean up after their animals. So now the Public Works Department will be in the cleaning up dog sh!t business as well? I'd bet most of the people working there won't appreciate that very much. That being said, there goes the taxpayers money once again.

I have been to almost every single City Council Meeting for the past 3 years or so and let me assure you, they do NOT want to be GIFTED these kind of projects because they know, (for example) if a Developer gifts the City with a Playground, someone is going to be responsible for maintaining it. So open your eyes Ladies & Gentlemen, this project will flop and it will become an exact example of the Salisbury Zoo and fall in the pockets of the taxpayers in the very near future.

Once earlier comment mentioned another perfect location off of Beaglin Park Rd. I believe it used to be a part of the Boy scouts at one point and time. It's far more open space and IMO if you were to truly think of anything for the location proposed, it would make far better overflow parking for the Zoo.

OMG, that's right, someone might have to cross a street! Let me tell you people a little something about that fear. I grew up in NYC. We played stick ball in the streets as there was no Open Space to speak of in the immediate neighborhoods. I can't think of one person who was killed by a car. Teach your kids to LOOK BOTH WAYS before they cross the street and quit pampering the crap out of them.

So what about a Cat Park next? There are as many Cat lovers as there are Dog lovers. We would like to see a Horse Park. You know, a space we can take our horses and ride for the day. Oh, that's right, we'd probably have to pick up after our horses as well and that wouldn't be cool either.

I was also thinking about the Families that go to that pavilion for reunions and special events. After all, that's what that area was designed for and currently used for. I wonder just how comfortable these people are going to be visiting that area now with a ton of barking dogs?

Once again, (IMO) the Mayor has brought forth another stupid idea not well thought out. What's your thoughts?

Lower Shore Young Republicans Meeting Tonight

The Lower Shore Young Republicans Club will be meeting tonight at 7pm in the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce building. Anyone from the ages of 18-40 are invited to attend and enocouraged to participate. A social activity will follow the meeting.

Any questions please send an e-mail to lowershoreyoungrepublicans@gmail.com

How To Translate Italian Body & Sign Language

Oh, so yuz dink yuz can speak a to me a dat way, eh?

Ga head, ga head, take da first shot yu somabich.

I'm ana be a, whacha call a, how dey say dis in a english, fair, ifn ya know what I mean?

My a meatballs starta outta bout dis a bigga. Denna we squish dat somabich down lika basea balla size and a momma mea, she cook it lika yuz neva senna before.

Hey, so I a lied, whatchagonna do a bout it, eh?

Michael Has Only 1 Comment In The Last 8 Posts

While I continue to tell Michael his Posts are too lengthy, wordy, verbose, he refuses to listen and cut back. The idea of a Blog is to be interactive and get your readers to share their opinion.

However, when you write articles that are thousands of words long, people get into the second paragraph and decide, this just isn't for me and I don't have time. Oh, Michael might argue that he was #2 this week and I'm #3. Just more proof the system doesn't work at Blognetnews because we have a pretty good idea how many people visit his Site daily and it isn't one percent of what Salisbury News sees daily. If you want to call that influential, then the system is right and I'm wrong. After all, it's supposed to be about the most influential Political Blogger and getting no one to visit your site and or even comment clearly proves it's not influential at all.

This should get interesting.........

Granddad Teaches Olympic Style Ski Jumping

While Granddad got up in front of a large crowd Tuesday night to discuss the Crooked Oak Park project, he obviously was showing the "techniques" of ski jumping and how to do it right.

Just how much drag is on that old gut there old man? LOL They better deliver my Daily Slime soon before I go ticking everyone off.

"Snake Oil" Salesman charged in Texas

"Bayou Bob",AKA Bob Popplewell of Santo,Texas,turned himself in to authorities on Monday to face charges brought against him by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for sticking rattlesnakes into bottles of cheap vodka to preserve them and billing it as an "ancient Asian cure" and selling it for about $23 a bottle to visitors to his Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch.He claims that alot of Asian people buy it from him and it is no different from the Taiwanese practice of spiking liquor drinks with the gallbladder of a freshly killed snake,considered an aphrodisiac elixir.Bayou Bob adds that he simply finds the cheapest vodka he can and uses it for his "miracle cure" and does not feel he is breaking the law.The State of Texas emphatically disagrees,stating that 429 bottles of snake vodka and one bottle of snake tequila was confiscated,about $10,000 worth,and since Popplewell was not licensed to sell liquor he is a criminal.He faces a year in jail and/or 1k in fines.Hopefully since he is 63 yrs old and all they will go light on him and demand in the future he refrain from selling booze.Now I honestly have never heard of embalming a snake in a bottle of liquor.Popplewell says that his concoction tastes sweet and syrupy.Yuck!I am familiar with the whole worm in the tequila bottle thing.Most of your premium Mezcals(Monte Alban,for example) have an agave worm in the bottle and it is reputed that whoever consumes the worm in the bottle will see visions-and of that I have no doubt!I am also familiar with the practice of buying cheap corn liquor and steeping fruit in it to make a quart of brandy(alot of older people do that),but snakes?When you consider that on average,a half gallon bottle of cheap vodka runs ten bucks,a fifth bottle even less,there was "low overhead"Popplewell got the snakes for free,because he had a snake ranch-and then he gets $23 bucks a bottle?He was making a killing and obviously not paying any taxes on it.Not to mention since he is not a licensed distiller there are no sanitation practices in place to assure the stuff is even safe to consume!Mr.Popplewell would be wise to stick to rattlesnake ranching and preferably not handle the snakes while sipping on the vodka....

Don't Forget This Fundraiser On Sunday

Click on image to enlarge.

The Daily Slime Pulls It AGAIN!

"We're sorry but we're having a production problem. You will get your paper later today, if that's what you're calling for."

If I didn't have this Blog and I didn't need that paper daily, honest to God I would have cancelled that paper long ago. Their service SUCKS, their printing SUCKS, the new layout SUCKS and Salisbury News Rules. There, now I feel better. Good Morning Everyone!

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Guess what's back on the City Agenda again? The Dog Park! They have raised $10,000.00 from the State for an Open Space Grant. One of the representatives there stated that it will help the Poodle Show. OMG, are you one of Jerry's Kids, or what?

No professional Dog Owner or Handler would ever consider bringing one of their Show Dogs all the way down to that Park to piss and crap, believe me! Most of those dogs never touch grass or dirt, that's how picky these people are. So please, before you make a statement like that again, at least find one that people might believe.

Do you also think they would allow their $50,000.00 Show Dogs go into an area with other agressive Dogs and play?

My Wife has been breeding Show Dogs for many years and we're surrounded by a multitude of Show Dog people that would never consider risking our animals to the diseases spread in an environment as proposed. Nor should other Dog Owners!

Now, that being said, who's going to clean and maintain this Dog Park? I'm told tonight that someone stated they're going to hold fundraisers to help maintain and clean it. PLLLLLEASE! Isn't that exactly how the Salisbury Zoo got started?

You Taxpayers in Salisbury will fall for some of the dumbest sh!t I have ever seen. Once they open it, YOU will be taxed to maintain it. The Zoo went from a small gem to a $1,000,000.00 a year tax burden! Now you're going to tack on yet another one, simply because a few geeks dog owners think the majority of people want this. I'll tell you what. Let the Daily Times create a Poll asking how many people truly want a Dog Park and watch what the end result is. This won't be a large Park where you throw Frisbees and so forth. This will more than likely be a small area in which dogs can piss and poop, yet they're calling it a park.

OK, now let's discuss this Idiot of a Mayor who made the statement while she was a Guest Speaker at the Democratic Club a few weeks ago that the River is polluted as bad as it is because of the Dog pee & poop and Pigeon poop. Dee, Dee, Deeee! HELLO Barrie, where will this Dog Park be? RIGHT ON THE RIVER! I know, let's add to your BS excuse of a problem already, right?

This is yet another feel good BS project that will once again screw the taxpayer down the road and until you people stop this crap from happening, we in Delmar will once again visit your FREE Zoo and perhaps take our non Show Dogs to Salisbury for a leak. Oh, don't forget your Daily Times paper to clean up the mess.

Hillary Clinton Has Her Own Trading Card!

Upper Deck has a tradition with their "Predictor" insert series. If the player or team on the card achieves a specific goal which the card dictates, then the collector can send the card in for a premium prize. The 2008 baseball set has taken the Predictor Series to the next level with the "Presidential Predictor" Depicted on the cards are the likes of McCain, Obama, and Hillary. By entering a code on the card the owner has the chance to win a trip to throw out the first pitch at a Major League game if that candidate wins the election.

Here's the catch, the Hillary card has been pulled because it is "inappropriate". Some cards have made it to the market and the prices are soaring. Beckett magazine, the leader in sports card pricing, has the value over $1,000. An E-Bay bidder has his card up for $1,500. Rediculous! Well here's the pic and judge for yourself if its inappropriate. Personally I think it's gross.

The rest of the set can be found here: http://sports.upperdeck.com/baseball/presidentialpredictor/default.aspx

Crooked Oak Update

As I commented on the earlier post, I picked up those appraisals and took them to my appraiser this morning. This evening I again spoke to the appraiser to get a feel of what this would cost me and to see if they had a feel of what they were looking at as far as a final valuation of the target property.

The answer to both questions shocked me.

First.... the appraisers advised that they found so many discrepancies and points with which they took exception that the narrative necessary to point them all out would exceed 12 pages for each appraisal. They conferred and cut the price down for me as much as they possibly could and it is still going to cost me $800.00. Wow. I expected between $300 - $500.

Second....They explained that the problems with the appraisals were greater than they imagined. They said that a more accurate estimate of the property value will be between $800,000 and $1,000,000. No More. An exact valuation could be made as soon as I agree to the price and give them the green light. Business is business.


I spoke to John Cannon and advised him of the aforementioned results. I explained that I was prepared, if necessary, to pay the fee and provide the information from my appraiser. He stated that the council was to meet on Tuesday to discuss the matter further and that he would call me to let me know the results.

I was not expecting to pay so much for the appraisal but I will do so if necessary. The discrepancies appear to be so large that we cannot let this purchase go through. This whole thing is just wrong!

Also....someone brought something to my attention this evening. Some of the people who spoke last night listed "the children" as their primary concern. If they were REALLY concerned about the convenience of having things within 3 miles, why aren't these same people complaining of the fact that their schools are much farther away than that? Interesting question.

Courageous Christopher 5k

I'm back from vacation and into the swing of things again finally. I hope all of you had a great Easter Break with your families. My trip to OBX was much needed and 100% relaxing and spending time with my parents was great.

Since I was out of the loop my mother showed me an article about Christopher Mull in the Daily Times. If you missed the article in Saturday's Times, Christopher suffers from Dravet Syndrome which causes seizures and is currently incurable and very difficult to treat. On Saturday, May 17th there is a charity 5k starting at Asbury Church in Salisbury to help raise $11,000 for a trained dog from 4 Paws for Ability which will sense when Christopher will go into a seizure. All proceeds will go to pay towards all expenses in getting the dog. A pig roast and picinic will follow.
The cost is $25 for pre-registration and $30 on the day of the race. Registration begins at 8:30 am and the race goes off rain or shine at 10am.

This is a great cause and I will be out running the race if I can. If not, I'm still donating!

The official website is http://www.courageouschristopher.com/


If anyone has information or is in charge of any charitable fundraisers please e-mail me and I will put the information and reminders up. Again, I appreciate any feedback on how to make the site better on sports. I will try to post as much as I can, albeit work and other committments take up time.

Thanks,

Nick

LLOYD Visits OC 104

UNIVERSAL RECORDING ARTIST LLOYD MADE A STOP IN GEORGETOWN, DELAWARE TO THE WOCQ (OC104/Salisbury/Ocean City, Md.) STUDIOS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 25TH TO PROMOTE HIS NEW SINGLE & ALBUM.

PICTURED FROM L TO R ARE PD DEE-LITE, POOT, SWEEET ALFIE, LLOYD, JESSICA, CROOKIDD, APD/MD BILL BAKER "THE RUMPSHAKER", & CHUBB LOVE.

Housing Market Crash "Quote of the Week"

"What started in subprime is likely to continue cascading into the markets and keep the economy down until 2010, Bottom line for homeowners: An average drop of 25%."

Princeton Economist & New York Times Columnist Paul Krugman

The Daily Times Can't Get It Right

While The Daily Times had a feature article yesterday in the Business Section titled, House sales rise unexpectedly in February, today the Associated Press put out the following statement. Sales of new homes fell in February for the fourth straight month, pushing activity down to a 13-year low as the steep slump in housing continued.

The Daily Times stated sales rose 2.9% in February, yet today's article stated sales dropped 1.8 percent last month. That would be FEBRUARY, wouldn't it?

Oh well, while you're PAYING for their news and information, you're not getting your moneys worth, IMO.

Don't Let Rebates Fool You

Last month I went out and bought a new 2008 Toyota Pickup Truck. I made every attempt to do so right here in the Salisbury area but no one was willing to budge lower than the Factory Rebate, swearing there's no real profit and they're in huge demand.

My Son told me about a friend of his who worked at a dealership, Car Max in Jessup Maryland who would be willing to give me a great deal on one. This Dealership is set up to make a one time offer with a discount and there's no haggling past that price. Considering this was thousands of dollars less than what our area could offer, I made the trip over the Bridge to see if this was for real or not?

When I arrived, we looked over a fantastic selection and I asked, do you have one in black? They did not but they were happy to look at another Dealer close by to see if they had one. The Salesman said he had located one, why don't we go to lunch and he'd have it there at their Dealership in an hour.

By the time we returned from lunch, there it was. It was exactly what we wanted and the price was more than reasonable. On Monday I went to the Delaware Motor Vehicle to pay the taxes and get the tags and to my surprise, they charged taxes on the rebate.

Considering the taxes were only around 3%, who cares. However, when you're purchasing a vehicle and you get a rebate, know they will charge you taxes on that rebate. That was my experience anyway.

Idiot Eludes Wicomico County Sheriff's Deputy

While Deputy Joel Arnold was doing a routine speed trap on Jersey Road he pulled over this vehicle. He walked up to the car and just as soon as he got to the drivers side window, the Idiot took off like a bat out of hell. Racing down Jersey Road he failed to negotiate a turn near Adkins Road, swerved across the road, hit a power line pole and went airborne while landing on the hood of the vehicle. Deputy Arnold stated he had been in excess of 100 mph during the chase.

A Chopper was brought in but the diver was conscious when they extracted him from the vehicle so they took him to PRMC in an Ambulance. They did find a large bag of weed on the scene.

Why the Wicomico Park Deal Smells of a Sweetheart Deal

IF the Wicomico County Council is truly serious about being good fiscal stewards then they can't possibly vote for buying the Davis property for use as a park. I truly hope that our elected officials do take their responsibility seriously.

There are many excellent reasons for putting a new park on the west side of the Salisbury metro core. Those of us that were able to attend Tuesday night's public hearing heard them. Unfortunately for the park proponents, they were unable to present any valid argument for the county putting the park on THAT PARTICULAR PIECE OF LAND. Instead, the proponents would gloss over the "appraisal problem" and go straight to "it's for the children".

Now I don't mean to ridicule the proponents of the park. I'm the first to admit that I have an innate prejudice against such an argument due to eight years of Bill Clinton in the White House. I'm still waiting for Clinton to claim that he stained Monica Lewinsky's dress because it was "for the children".

Nevertheless, opponents of the park provided too many alternatives to putting a park on the sight advocated by County parks chief Gary Mackes. While I didn't agree with all of the proposed alternatives (such as using a small, unobtrusive section of Pemberton Historical Park) these alternatives should be thoroughly explored. Since the vast majority of the park proponents want ball fields, one alternative seemed particularly interesting - a parcel that the county already owns just a few miles up Nanticoke Road.

To make matters worse, no proponent of the park seems to be able to overcome the "appraisal problem". Why should the taxpayers pay $18,000 per acre for property when there is other land nearby available for far less? This isn't speculation. One lady, a Mrs. Black, stood up and stated that her farm is for sale and she has been unable to sell it at $5,000 per acre.

I understand that the Davis property has been subdivided and that it's value should be higher. So what? If land is available nearby, for a far cheaper price, doesn't it make sense to sacrifice a little convenience (location) to save the taxpayers a sizable chunk of change?

IF Mr. Mackes had presented alternative sites to the public. ... IF Mr. Mackes made a semi-objective case for each piece of property. ... IF Mr. Mackes was willing to publicly defend his choice in comparison to the other alternatives, that might make a difference with the public.

Mackes was quite forthcoming one on one. He makes a good argument for several of the problems I have seen with this proposal. Unfortunately, the milk seems to be spoiled. When you have citizens coming to a public hearing and offering to sell their property because of the high price being offered for the Davis property (and gladly admitting that they can't get anywhere near that amount per acre for their property) the perception is that it's a sweetheart deal. When you add in the fact that the Davises are a prominent and well-connected family, the stench meter goes up a few more notches.

In all fairness, I don't know the Davis family. My only contact with any of them has been my opposition to the Hearne annexation, attending a few events at The Fountains, and listening to one member of the family testify at the education impact fee hearing. Mr. Davis was the only developer who testified in favor of the the education impact fee.

Whether any blame for this fiasco is held by the Davis family is now irrelevant. Any elected official who supports this particular land purchase will be tainted. Unfortunately for our seven council members, they will not have the luxury of straddling the fence as our County Executive has done. To support this purchase smacks of a sweetheart deal, whether it is or not. There is simply too much circumstantial evidence for the public not to conclude otherwise.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, Gary Mackes

2ND OPEN GOVT. FORUM STIMULATES CITIZEN INIATIVES

Salisbury City Council members Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen held their second public input meeting Tuesday night on the topic of increasing transparency in city government. After a brief recap of developments from the previous such forum held in February, participants were introduced to citizen-driven initiatives on budget oversight and governmental accountability taking place in other locales.

Following the presentations, attendees were given an opportunity to toss out questions about a wide variety of topics. Then they broke into workgroups where they defined projects of interest. These included collection of public safety data, a spending affordability analysis for short- and long-term planning, and access to line item financial data of the city, to name a few.

“We were pleased to see a number of new faces during this meeting,” Campbell said, noting that some previous participants also came while others who could not attend noted their desire to stay involved. “These citizens are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a positive contribution,” Campbell added.

Further details from the meeting will be forthcoming on their website, HERE within the next day or two. For more information, contact council members Debbie Campbell, 410-860-0893, debbiescampbell@comcast.net, and Terry Cohen, 410-845-0296, Terry@TerryCohen.com.

West Metro Core Park aka Crooked Oak Park

The two land appraisals used in determining the purchase price for the land for the proposed West Metro Core Park are now public. They are available for review in the County Executive’s Office during regular business hours.

James V. Fineran

Wicomico County Public Information Officer
Government Office Building
125 N. Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801-4940
410-548-1974
410-548-4803 fax
jfineran@wicomicocounty.org

The Numbers Just Don't Jive

Back on Feb. 21, 2008 I wrote an article about another spill at the WWTP. Ironically, two years ago to that exact date I have put together the very first article about my findings at the Salisbury WWTP. GO HERE to see the original article.

Their numbers are all over the place. A 4 minute spill only released 28,000 gallons of crud into the River. A month or so ago it was a 20 minute spill and only 5,000 gallons of crud. Let me assure you Ladies & Gentlemen, I have a phone message describing the spill and let me assure you, it wasn't pleasant. It explains a fountain of sewage shooting into the air and what started out being almost 200,000 gallons all of a sudden dropped to 5,000 gallons. Whoops, we screwed up the numbers, a valve wasn't working properly.

Like I said yesterday though. There's no way 5,000 gallons or even 20,000 gallons would make it all the way from the Plant area all the way over to the River. Not unless it flows through a pipe directly into the River. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a community whenever the Mayor made a statement everyone would just say, wow, that's a shame. Instead, Salisbury is loaded with BS excuses and once they see the public outcry, the following day they create all new numbers on everything they do.

Then again, who's counting?

Crooked Oak Comments

Last night at the Civic Center many people showed up to voice their opinions about the proposed "park" on Crooked Oak Ln. Although there were about 50 - 60 people, I had hoped that more would attend. The important thing was that people showed up to take part in the democratic process. A great deal of information was shared ranging from property value to soil composition.

Rick Pollitt was not present and thats fine. This was not a question and answer forum and Ricks job was get the matter before the legislative body. It was the Councils responsibility to hear the comments from the public so that they can use the input to represent the will of the people when they vote on this matter.

Now - down to brass tacks. I did not count the number of people for or against "a" park but I believe it was about 50/50. BUT that's not the end of the story. Many of the people who spoke in support of "a" park were not supportive of either a park at that location OR a park which costs more than what is fair.

Those who spoke in favor of a park at that location regardless of the cost seemed to me to be driven by what they perceived to be good for "the children" of Wicomico County. They didn't offer much rebuttle to the claims that the infrastructure couldn't support the park or that the costs to improve the infrastructure would be incredibly high at a time when we are, by some estimates, suffering from a 10 million dollar backlog of road repairs we cannot afford to make. Neither did they rebut, with any substance , the claims that the appraisals were extremely suspect. They seemed to be of the mindset, by and large, that we need a park for the children regardless of the cost or impact.

Those who spoke in opposition to the purchase of the land at that location for a park seemed to have taken the time to either gather facts or engage in thought relating to the impact this park would have. I was part of this group. Let me say that I went to this meeting with an open mind AND the opinion that we don't need another park. When I left, I was of the opinion that we do need another park....but that we should use land we already have.

As I mentioned in my earlier post prior to last nights meeting, I had been in contact with John Cannon and Rick Pollitt in attempts to get some questions answered as well as to get copies of the appraisals for review. I was unable to get them in time for the meeting so I contacted an appraiser and a real estate agent. I was told by this appraiser that a fair market value of this property (with which he was familiar) was approx. $1,250,000.00. The real estate agent conducted a market analysis of the property in question which resulted in a price of approx. $1,185,000.00. I trust the aforementioned sources without question and have ALWAYS found them to be on the money. The two appraisals completed at the direction of the County Exec. are now avail. for review. I got an e-mail from Rick Pollitt yesterday at about 1:00 p.m. I intend to get copies of these appraisals and have my appraiser render his opinion. The fact is I want to know for sure if the cost for this land is as ridiculously high as it seems. I believe that the appraisals are way way too high. When I gave my opinion last night I expressed that this land deal stinks. I explained that I wasn't accusing anyone of wrongdoing but that in light of recent events there is a feeling that the county is crooked and that this deal wreaks of impropriety. If Rick Pollitt and this Council want to rebuild the trust of their citizens in their government, they MUST avoid deals like this at all costs.

In support of the figures I presented last night, many people stood to state that they also belived the cost per acre ($18,000.00) was way too high. One couple currently have a 200 acre farm with 4 wells for sale in Hebron, which is not too far from the property in question. This property has been listed for sale for two years. It is listed at $6000.00 per acre and they have been told that the price per acre is about $1400.00 per acre too high! This may be a viable alternative.

Another gentleman stood to advise that he has a couple of parcels which, I think, total 70 acres right on Rt. 50 in Hebron with access to major roads that would appear to be able to handle the increase in traffic without the disruption of local rural neighborhoods.

I don't know Gary Mackes. I didn't even know what he looked like until last night. Admittedly, I've never had a high opinion of him due to the fact that I believe he has been instrumental in creating a situation where OUR high school students have to go to another county to have their prom (This is a battle which I will most assuredly fight at another time). Despite this fact, if the statements made relating to the ten year search for property for a park on the west side of Wicomico county are true, then Mr. Mackes has failed to do enough to actively seek real estate that would fit the bill in a manner which would make the best use of taxpayers money. Plain and simple.

I have heard from Rick Pollitt that this is not county tax money. That it comes from real estate transfer taxes. This money still belongs to the tax payers. This tax was put in place by our elected officials pursuant to an act of legislation. Legislation could be enacted to re-route this money to the general fund to ease the tax burden on the citizens of this state.

Folks, we are on the brink of $4.00 per gallon gas prices. We have seniors on fixed incomes who must make decisions on what they can cut from their food budget in order to heat their homes. We have families with children who are cutting things from their budget to be able to afford the gas to get back and forth from work. People are being laid off due to a "slump" in our economy which may prove to rival that of the early '80's. In spite of this our state is reaching into the pockets if its citizens to fund a self-imposed 1.4 billion dollar budget deficit, yet they manage to fund projects like "Open Spaces" which permits millions of dollars to be spent by individual counties on land aquisition, then say it's not tax money.

I am asking our local officials to make a stand. Don't spend this money. Send a message to our state legislators that we need to stop this frivolous spending and ease the burden on it's citizens. We cannot justify squandering tax payers money on a local level then demand fiscal restraint at a state and federal level. It has to start right here.

Did Bill McCain Violate Wicomico County Ethics Rules?

It's a rare occasion when I am able to attend a Wicomico County Council meeting. Although I try to watch the meetings on PAC-14, I was unable to watch the March 18, 2008 council meeting. Therefore, it was with great interest that I read a charge made by local blogger Bill Duvall that Wicomico Councilman Bill McCain (D - At-Large) had behaved unethically by performing an appraisal on property that a developer wanted an easement on.

A few days later, Duvall reaffirmed his charge, claiming that he had rechecked the issue. I've deliberately shied away from this issue because I had not been able to view the meeting. Well, I finally got a chance to view the meeting yesterday. Unfortunately, Duvall misstated what occurred.

Here's a synopsis:

- A request for a utility easement was made for the Iott / CrossRoads business park development. McCain immediately stated that he had to recuse himself because he had a business relationship with the developers.

- Councilman Joe Holloway questioned whether or not McCain's actions were ethical.

- No one objected sending the matter to the County Ethics Commission.

Now Holloway was absolutely correct in questioning the matter and questioning McCain's behavior. McCain was not totally clean in the way he handled this. When he told the Council that he would recuse himself, that was it. He should have never entered the discussion over this matter, which he did. In addition, McCain stated that he was recusing himself because of a "business relationship". Now this certainly wasn't a lie, but some people would take McCain's explanation as being less than honest since he had actually done an appraisal on the piece of property in question so that the developers could use it in asking for their easement.

However, Duvall wants to infer something far more nefarious:

The Council was asked to approve the conveyance of the easement in consideration of the payment of a sum to the county determined by an appraisal. Buried deep in the paperwork submitted to the Council was the identity of the appraiser.

Who was it, you ask? Oh no, it can't be Billy Mac, can it? But he never disclosed to the Council or the public that he was double dipping and playing both sides of the deal.

McCain recused himself right from the start. Granted, he should have immediately disclosed that he had performed the appraisal for this particular piece of property; but he certainly didn't deny the fact.

Hopefully we will hear from the Ethics Commission in the near future. I hope that they draw the correct conclusion and that McCain takes their ruling to heart. However, to paraphrase Joe Holloway - I don't think that McCain's appraisal was wrong, I just think that the whole think doesn't look right.

Holloway is correct. While there is no doubt that McCain's job will be the source of countless conflicts during his tenure on council, as long as they are properly disclosed and McCain recuses himself there shouldn't be a problem.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, Joe Holloway, Bill McCain, ethics, Bill Duvall, blogging

Cell phones - New Law

According to a proposed new law that would go into effect Oct 1, 2008 you will no longer be able to use a cell phone while driving unless you have a 'hands free' adapter. I went to Circuit City and they wanted $50 for a headset with a microphone for my cell phone. Having a friend in the cell phone business, I talked with him and was able to come up with an alternative, working through Office Depot.

These kits are compatible with any mobile phone and one size fits all. I paid him $0.08 each because he bought in quantity. Then we tried it with Motorola, Sprint, Verizon and Nokia units and they worked perfectly.

A photo is attached so scroll down & take a look and let me know if you want one.

Municipal Hotel/Motel Tax Bill Moving

After the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee voted unfavorably on the Municipal Hotel/Motel Tax bill (SB 131/HB 178), the bill was reconsidered by the Committee and voted out with amendments to restrict the imposition of the tax to only those counties without a hotel tax that dedicates more than 50% of the monies to tourism and those counties that don't already have a hotel tax. As a result of these amendments, only municipalities in Montgomery and Somerset Counties would be
eligible to impose the hotel/motel tax. The House bill has not been voted on in the Ways & Means Committee as yet. Last year, the House passed a similar bill without the restrictions added in the Senate. Assuming the House again passes the bill as introduced, both would go to a conference committee to address the components that differ, including the provisions added in the Senate, some of which are constitutionally questionable.

[source: MML's e-bulletin -- March 24, 2008]