BREAKING NEWS

Four men went fishing today on Johnson Pond on the dam. One of them fell over the edge and a second went in after him. A search went out for the two men but was called off because of the lack of visibility and thew search for their bodies will continue tomorrow. The other two men, (shown in the last two photos) were clearly upset and did not want to speak to the Press. I'll have more to share tomorrow morning.

I did not see the Daily Times there but Wayne Barrall from Fire in the Hole was there and he does work for them on the photos end. I'd expect him to have additional photos up on his Site this evening or tomorrow.

Breaking News

CNN reports that gas stations will start showing PORN movies on the screens of the pumps so that you can see someone else get screwed at the same time you do!

When is Enough ENOUGH?

Today's Washington Post featured a front page article about the trailers provided to Hurricane Katrina victims by FEMA supposedly being substandard, and causing health problems for thousands and these thousands are embarking on a major class action suit against the government the trailer manufacturers, and anyone else involved in the process.
According to the article, FEMA placed an order for the trailers with several mobile home companies to fill the need and fill it fast.

2.7 Billion worth of trailers and mobile homes were ordered all with a 'single page of specifications'. This single page of specifications is where health officials and defense attorneys say lies the problem. They claim that more specification needed to be in place to protect the potential occupants of the trailers.

It turns out that Trailers and Mobile homes safety standards are not the same as those in a permanent home or stick built homes.

Formaldehyde seems to be the culprit in this issue.
Formaldehyde (embalming fluid) is a preservative. It is used as a wood preservative and is also found in construction adhesives.

Formaldehyde is one of those chemicals that when exposed to heat and moisture; emanates it's harmful gases. When thinking of Louisianan and Mississippi; heat and moisture are two words that are the first that come to my mind. However, according to the government there is no regulation on the amount of formaldehyde laden wood products that can be used in a RV or Trailer, because they are considered to be 'temporary' and that long term exposure to these chemicals would not be a factor.

Additionally, much of the wood used in these structures is imported from guess where????
China of course, and they use so much formaldehyde in their wood that if an American Plywood plant tried to put out products such as these; their plants would be deemed an EPA Superfund sight.

Where does the blame game end?

Tens of thousands of people live in an area that everyone on the planet knows is below sea level.

Hundreds of Millions in government money has been poured into this same place over the last century to try and make the Levey's storm proof.

Hundreds of millions of dollars were given to the victims in the form of debit cards so that they could relocate.

Then the people who refused to leave were given a home, made from the same stuff that these home and RV manufacturers make their products out of every day.

Our government signed a bill in the 90's opening up trade with China, a country that we know doesn't give a rip about it's people, but we sign a trade agreement with them, and end up cutting the carotid artery to our country's economy, as there is absolutely know way that we can compete with their prices because they use slave labor.

Self Righteous Politicians stand before us every day telling us of they are going to make it all better.

When the truth of the matter is that our government is promoting racism and slavery by trading with these countries.

We are not humanitarian. There is no regulation on the trailers because poor people live in them. There is no regulation on the imports from China and India and all of the other places we import from because we want stuff cheap and we want it in one store and we want it now.

Our country is so different than it was the last time the Mississippi devastated as much as it did after Katrina.

My Grandfather was a child during the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. He lived in Tennessee on the Cumberland River and the flood was sooooo great that it backed up adjoining rivers over several states. Over a million people lost their homes and were displaced. Well over 1000 people died, but probably many more because there were so many people unaccounted for because we didn't have the luxury of communication the way that we do now.

My point in sharing this about the flood of 27 is because there was no FEMA then, there were no debit cards sent out to the victims. The military was not dispatched to help rebuild the cities.

People got sick and died and no companies were sued because the river flooded.
Communities came together and helped as much as they could. My Grandfather told me that they were already so poor they didn't really notice much of a difference in their lives after the flood except that their house washed away, and they stayed with his Grandfather for a while until they found another house that they could live in. It wasn't big enough, and my Great Grandmother asked a wealthy childless couple if they would be willing to raise my Grandfather and in return he would do all of the work that they needed to be done around their farm.

Her only request was that he be allowed to go to school and get his education. They agreed and when he was twelve he went to live with this couple. He rose every morning before dawn and milked the cows, gathered the eggs, and slopped the hogs, before school. After school he went fishing. The fish he caught was to be brought to the house and the lady of the house would pick which fish she wanted then he took the mule into town and was to sell the rest. The money made was given to the lady. He planted the couples garden and the vegetables and flowers were also taken into town and sold, with the money made going back to the lady.

My Grandfather was an indentured servant here in America.

He graduated high school, which happened to be right in the middle of the Great Depression, and he thanked the couple for their care and walked to town, hopped on a freight train and went looking for work. He became an iron worker and followed building booms around the country.

He was one of the men who built many of the bridges along the east coast including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It was on this bridge that he lost his eye. He was shot in the head with a hot rivet out of a rivet gun. He didn't fall off. He climbed down and was taken to the hospital. A week after being released from the hospital, he went back to work. He didn't sue his company, he didn't sue the bridge authority, he didn't sue the rivet gun manufacturer. He did at some point run into the guy who accidentally shot him. The man profusely apologized, and said what a horrible mistake he had made. My Granddad accepted his apology and that was that.

This is the way it used to be.
This is the kind of character that made our country great.
This is the kind of life our forefathers led.

These are the examples that have been set before us and at some point in time we stopped listening to them and stopped watching them.

No one takes responsibility for anything anymore, the buck is passed and passed and it stops with no one.
It is time for each of us to take responsibility. It is time for our government officials to take responsibility.

It is time to stop teaching our kids that some one else is going to take care of them.

Let's stop supporting and perpetuating the things that we know are wrong.

Life happens and life is sometimes dangerous. We do what we have to do, and others do what they do.

Poverty isn't a crime, it is a state of your wallet, or lack thereof.

Wealth doesn't make you a better person, it makes your wallet fatter.

The victims of Hurricane Katrina were victims of a storm, and they unlike any other victims on the face of the earth have received more attention, aide, money and help.

Is it not yet enough?

Today's Sunday Daily Times

Ladies & Gentlemen, if you don't get the Daily Times any more you certainly didn't miss anything in today's paper. As a matter of fact, the Daily Times covered news today, (their biggest day) on news I produced more than a week ago!

Nevertheless, for those of you who do get the Daily Times, was today's SUNDAY paper the thinnest you've seen in a very long time, or what? If it wasn't for sale ads you could complete the paper in 10 minutes flat!

I guess it is interesting reading week old article featured on Salisbury News in a different format, right? It's kind of like watching 47 & 16 News on TV, it's mainly Salisbury News pieces on TV. The events I've gone to recently there was no Daily Times at all and I wondered if they were going to be "sent" pictures from the people in these events because they fired 50% of their photographers? Looks like I was wrong. They're just not going to cover these events at all.

The Wife and I are debating our subscription once again and trying to decide if it's worth paying for any more? How many of you have cancelled your subscription so far? Also, how many will be cancelling their subscription after they were ripped off this week from OLD NEWS?

Question of the Day, Sun 5/25

Today is National Neighbor Day.
Do you like your neighbors? Are you neighborly? Have you had neighbors that you haven't liked? Have you had to move due to bad neighbors?

BREAKING NEWS!

Fernando Guerrero gets a 1st Round Knock Out Saturday night making him now 7 - 0, all by way of knock out!

He came out of his corner and clobbered the guy with a wicked hook and knocked him down to the canvas in which his opponent barely got up before the 10 count was given. Fernando proceeded to knock him down 4 times in the 1st Round and he could not get back up after the 4th knock down.

This kid is just something else Ladies & Gentlemen. I am working on arrangements to travel perhaps to his next fight and be there live blogging away and calling the fight from ring side. It may be a short post but I truly enjoy this young man and want to offer all the support I can from Salisbury.

Congratulations Fernando and Hal. Thanks for the update and safe home.

Have a great Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Weekend is here , and summer has officially kicked off but while we are running around buying food and beer, or outdoors grilling, or paying through the nose for gas in order to drive somewhere, let us not forget what the Holiday means. While we are enjoying a three-day weekend, there are many members of our US Military who are halfway around the world, away from their families and friends, risking their own lives.There will be many cookouts and other gatherings this weekend across Delmarva and the entire country who will be missing one or more family members, because they are in Iraq, or Germany, or out at sea.
There are also many others who lost their lives who have proudly served their country in the past. That, my fellow Americans, is what this Holiday is truly about.
I also wanted to mention that forty years ago this week, the USS Scorpion disappeared with 99 men aboard and was later officially listed as missing in June by the Navy. About six months later the Skipjack class nuclear submarine and her crews remains were found deep in the Atlantic Ocean.the submersible was based in Norfolk,, Virginia.
Let us all take the time this weekend to remember these brave sailors and others who lost their lives serving their country.

Councilman Comegys Blocks Handicap Spot?

10 minutes ago a call went out to check a tag for a vehicle blocking a handicapped ramp. Allegedly it came back to Councilman Comegys and you know what, there was a handicapped person trying to get down ramp and couldn't.

Way To Go Gary! Bubba Comegys, Yo Nex Mare! LOL

UPDATE: No question about it any more. The car was registered to Gary and Debbie Comegys. Now, let's see if he got a ticket for doing so, or not? FOB? The fine is at least $100.00 plus.

Car Fire At Wrights Market

Remember the 72% Water & Sewer Rate Increase

Well, it's one thing to have an average bill of $972.00 a year right now that will go up to $1,572.00 a year. It's another thing when you're a resident just OUTSIDE the City Limits who already pays 150% on that $972.00. Their normal yearly bill is $1,458.00 a year. When you tack on a 72% increase their bill will go to $2,507.76 a year! The rates I'm giving you are RESIDENTIAL rates, not business rates.

It's one thing when you have competition but it's another when you have a monopoly on a business and you create increases like they have. In other words, if McDonald's had a burger for $1.00 and they increased it to $1.72, you could go to Hardee's and still get their burger for $1.00 and the competition would keep things in check or McDonald's would go under. There is no Hardee's in the Water & Sewer business, so screw the Taxpayer and make them pay for the mismanagement mistakes of the Mayor.

Look, there are numerous reasons in which I have watched this Mayor mismanage the City of Salisbury while the majority of the Council sat back and rubber stamped Developer Reimbursements not knowing what the hell they were doing. If you'll even recall, the contract the City had with these Developers was, IF the City couldn't afford to pay back these reimbursements, they didn't have to. Debbie Campbell challenged this long ago and clearly stated, the City of Salisbury is NOT in a financial position to give back money to ANY of these Developers. The Mayor and majority of the Council ignored her and instead had a 14% Tax Increase on the TAXPAYERS and in reality forced the Taxpayers to foot the bill for these reimbursements.

Would YOU have someone running YOUR business this way? Well, it IS YOUR BUSINESS! It's time to get rid of these people and put someone in Office that would get back to accountability. Get the accounting department back to the way it used to be. Heck, I could go on and on about what I'd do but I'm sure you get the picture. I know my example in the burger business is a small one but it sends the message home in comparison.

You people need to make some serious changes or the City will certainly be Bankrupt, just like the Council Vice President. Whoops, did I say that? In the mean time Mr. & Mrs. Cathcart, enjoy your new increases and showing such undying support for Barrie Tilghman's decisions.

Memorial Day

It is the *VETERAN*, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the *VETERAN*, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the *VETERAN*, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the *VETERAN*, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the *VETERAN*, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the *VETERAN*, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the *VETERAN* who salutes the Flag,

It is the *VETERAN* who serves under the Flag,

*ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.*

I Remember When

Question of the Day, Sat 5/24

Happy Memorial Day weekend. Summer is practically here. Children are just a few weeks away from summer vacation from school.

What vacations do you have scheduled this summer? What's your idea of "roughing it" while on vacation? Is your vacationing plans changing due to the economy and fuel prices?

DON'T MISS THE BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING ON PAC 14

The Budget Public Hearing on PAC 14 plays again at 1 p.m. tomorrow, (Saturday) and again at 8:59 p.m.

Monday AT 9:25 p.m., they play the budget hearing again.

The photos above are just some of the concerned taxpayers/citizens expressing their thoughts, concerns and ideas referencing the Mayor's Budget for 2009. Believe me Ladies & Gentlemen, this is a must see Show on PAC 14. You can skip the first 30 minutes of the Mayor's grandstanding. I love how she pulled, (for the third time in a row now) the old, how much was that loan rate for that project Mr. Caldwell? (No reply the first time from Caldwell) I believe it was .04% wasn't it Mr. Caldwell? I believe he's shaking his head yes. Boy, I sure would love to have that kind of rate on my home, said the Mayor.

Click HERE to start the streaming with REAL Player.

IF you want to navigate from their website HERE look for PAC 14 Services on the taskbar near the top of the page, and click there. The pull-down list includes Live streaming of PAC 14 (Real Player).

Latest McCain News

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 22) - Republican John McCain on Thursday rejected endorsements from two influential but controversial televangelists, saying there is no place for their incendiary criticisms of other faiths.

McCain rejected the months-old endorsement of Texas preacher John Hagee after an audio recording surfaced in which the preacher said God sent Adolf Hitler to help Jews reach the promised land. McCain called the comment "crazy and unacceptable." He later repudiated the support of Rod Parsley, an Ohio preacher who has sharply criticized Islam and called the religion inherently violent.

McCain issued a statement Thursday afternoon announcing his decision about Hagee. "Obviously, I find these remarks and others deeply offensive and indefensible, and I repudiate them. I did not know of them before Reverend Hagee's endorsement, and I feel I must reject his endorsement as well," he said. Later, in Stockton, he told reporters: "I just think that the statement is crazy and unacceptable." Then in an interview with The Associated Press, McCain said he rejected Parsley's support, too."I believe there is no place for that kind of dialogue in America, and I believe that even though he endorsed me, and I didn't endorse him, the fact is that I repudiate such talk, and I reject his endorsement," McCain told the AP.Hagee had sparked controversy since the San Antonio pastor endorsed McCain on Feb. 27 shortly before the Texas presidential primary. Parsley's views were aired Thursday in an ABC News report.

Hagee has referred to the Roman Catholic Church as "the great whore" and called it a "false cult system." He also has linked Hitler to the Catholic church, suggesting it helped shape his anti-Semitism. And Hagee said Hurricane Katrina was God's retribution for homosexual sin. McCain has faced a barrage of criticism over Hagee, with some comparing the situation to the controversy Democrat Barack Obama faced over the views of his longtime and now former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.McCain tried Thursday to draw a distinction between the Obama-Wright connection and his own relationships with Parsley and Hagee, saying Hagee was not his pastor."My church I attend is North Phoenix Baptist Church; my pastor and spiritual guide is Pastor Dan Yeary," McCain said. "I've never been to Pastor Hagee's church or Pastor Parsley's church. I didn't attend their church for 20 years. I'm not a member of their church."

Today's Wildlife Photo

HELP! SOS! 911! SPD Needs You Again!

On Friday, May 23, 2008, at approximately 2:02 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Bottle Factory Nightclub on Roland Street for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival Officers found a victim with a single gunshot injury to the upper chest. The victim was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she died from her injury. The victim has been identified as 21 year old Kiaira Kishay Jones, of Salisbury. This investigation is continuing.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or to contact Crime Solvers. CC # 200800018108 OK Chiefy, what's Crime Solvers phone number????????? Obviously if you call Dispatch at SPD, they're not going to take your name.

On May 22, 2008 at approximately 3:37 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the six hundred (600) block of Fitzwater Street for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victims of the assault a short distance from the residence. The victims had not sustained any gunshot injuries. One of the victims advised the officers that he had been in an argument with his girlfriend earlier which led to a physical altercation. The girlfriend, listed below as the suspect, used a knife and damaged the victim’s property. The suspect then enlisted the assistance of several other subjects who physically assaulted the victims. During the assault, one of the suspects attempted to break the victim’s door, then shot through the door with a firearm. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests are forthcoming.

ARRESTED: Marqueta Kiesha Schoolfield, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment
Malicious destruction of property
Telephone misuse

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800018049

Northwestern University Center For Public Safety

Wicomico County Sheriff's Department Chief Gary Baker, Lieutenant Babe Wilson and Sheriff Mike Lewis

Left to Right- Tom Gianni of the Maryland Highway Safety Office, Lieutenant Babe
Wilson, Michelle Camden of Northwestern University

Northwestern University
Center for Public Safety
School of Police Staff and Command

Lieutenant Babe Wilson Graduates from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the recent graduation of Lieutenant Babe Wilson from the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University. Lieutenant Babe Wilson has successfully completed the ten (10) week Staff and Command program held in Sykesville, Maryland from February 18, 2008 – May 2, 2008 and is the first deputy to attend the training from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. This program, which was implemented by the Center for Public Safety in 1983, has graduated over 7500 students both nationally and internationally. Lieutenant Babe Wilson was a student in SPSC Class 263 which accommodated a total of 32 students for the ten week period. Lieutenant Babe Wilson was nominated and elected as the President of SPSC #263. Tuition was paid for by the Maryland Highway Safety Office and the Maryland Sheriff’s Association.

The School of Police Staff and Command provides upper-level college instruction in a total of twenty-two core or mandatory blocks of instruction and utilizes nine additional optional blocks of instruction during each session. The major topics of study include: Management and Management Theory, Organizational Behavior, Human Resources for Law Enforcement, Budgeting, Staffing Allocation and Personnel Deployment.

Each student is academically challenged through a total of eighteen written examinations, projects, and quizzes in addition to two research papers that are a required part of the curriculum. Upon successful completion, students may be awarded a total of 8 units of undergraduate credit and a total of 2 units of graduate credit from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

The Center for Public Safety was established at Northwestern University in 1936 with the specific goal of expanding university-based education and training for the Law Enforcement Community. Since its inception, the Center has broadened its original objective and now provides a variety of courses and programs in the area of Police Training, Management Training, and Executive Development.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office anticipates a variety of benefits from Lieutenant Babe Wilson attendance at this program. Many of the program’s graduates do go on to achieve a variety of leadership positions within their respective agencies. Currently, over 750 graduates hold the title of Chief of Police and 39 of the 50 Directors of State Police Agencies are also graduates of this program.

OC Open Container Law

On a previous post, I saw a few questions/comment raised about the new law in Ocean City regarding open containers.

I totally agree with the following comment. How about you?

This is what Anon 12:12 had to say:

Yeah, that is the thought but do you honestly think these guys that violate the law are actually gonna pay for the ticket. From what i hear this is what will happen.

1) if you are caught with a open container, you are given a ticket for it.

2) if you pay it within 1 or 2 days, then the fine is $100

3) if you pay it after that it is $200.

4) if you dont pay it at all, its not a criminal matter so its only gonna get sent to collections. NO WARRANT, so homeless people have no reason not to drink and have a ball. I just think that it brings a little bit of trash to a town that has gone down hill over the years.

I can remember years ago taking the kids down there and it being a nice place. Now, its a town on the verge of becoming a trashy town. At least with the open container law, they were able to lock up the kids that were out drinking and prevent them from either getting hurt, struck by cars, beating up in fights, drownings....stay tuned folks...could be a rough year in OC
12:12 PM

3rd Murder In Salisbury In The Past Two Weeks

I am told there has been a third murder in Salisbury from a drive by shooting last night at the Bottle Factory in Salisbury. Allegedly this time it involved a 21 year old woman.

More to come.......

WY&CC Hosts Over 2000 Wrestlers This Weekend

(Salisbury, MD)

What: National High School Coaches Association’s National Wrestling Duals

When:
Saturday, May 24 9:00am-8:00pm
Sunday, May 25 9:00am-8:00pm
Monday, May 26 9:00am-5:00pm

Where: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (Normandy Arena, Midway and Flanders Rooms)

Details: Wrestling teams from 25 different states will come together in Salisbury this weekend to compete at the elementary, junior high and high school levels. 130 teams and over 2000 wrestlers will battle for the national title, making this the largest dual meet event in the United States.

The event is open to the public. At the door admission is $10 per day. A 3-day pass is available for $25. Students, with proper id are admitted ½ price.

For more information on this event or the NHSCA visit www.nhsca.com.

Quotes of the Day... Today You Get 4 ! ...Read, Chew, Repeat

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." - Plato

"The state has, in order to control us, introduced division into our thinking, so that we come to distrust others and look to the state for protection! But the roots of our individualism remind us that what we are is inseparable from the source from which all others derive; that coercive practices that threaten our neighbor also threaten us".: - Butler Shaffer

"The propagandist's purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human": -Aldous Huxley

"Because we fear the responsibility for our actions, we have allowed ourselves to develop the mentality of slaves. Contrary to the stirring sentiments of the Declaration of Independence, we now pledge "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" not to one another for our mutual protection, but to the state, whose actions continue to exploit, despoil, and destroy us": -Butler D. Shaffer

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Sadly Reports Fatal Accident on Route 113

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Wednesday 5-21-08 at about 0655 Hrs. Dodge Caravan was North on Newark road approaching Rt. 113 in Newark Maryland. The Vehicle veered off the road and drove across a corn field. The vehicle then jumped over a 22 foot wide ditch. The vehicle continued across the corn field and crossed the rail road tracks and struck a tree.

The driver was identified as Gregory Hudson 41 years of age of Newark Md. Mr. Hudson was transported to Atlantic General hospital and pronounced dead. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office believes that Mr. Hudson may have suffered from a medical condition causing the crash. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Our sympathy goes out to the friends and family of Mr. Hudson; Vaya con Dios.

Lynn Cathcart - A Double Dose of Hypocrisy

During Wednesday night's Salisbury City Council public hearing on the budget attendees had the pleasure of hearing the well expressed views of many of their fellow citizens. None was more interesting than former city councilwoman Lynn Cathcart.Like her fellows, did Mrs. Cathcart offer solutions to save the city (therefore the taxpayers) money? No. Did she provide prescient comments on the current state of the city's fiscal affairs? No.

Mrs. Cathcart instead launched a tirade pointed at individuals ranging from me, to Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, and ultimately included every other speaker that evening (save herself and one other). Of course, this is perfectly fine. The First Amendment has not been suspended, even in Barrieland (particularly for a FOB like Cathcart). No, the problem lies with the inaccuracy of Cathcart's claims coupled with a double dose of blatant hypocrisy.

To quote Cathcart regarding citizens not offering solutions:

"We need more police officers," said resident and former Councilwoman
Lynn Cathcart. "I have heard people complain about things not being
done and I haven't heard people make many suggestions on how to pay for
them."

This is clearly not true. While a few speakers spoke only of taxes or water rates, most of those speaking offered suggestions for myriad spending cuts. Now I understand that a died in the wool liberal like Mrs. Cathcart simply can't comprehend the notion of cutting government spending or slowing the rate of growth of said spending. That said, there is a big difference between DISAGREEING with the solutions offered by her former constituents and claiming that they DID NOT OFFER ANY SOLUTIONS.

Just as her statement about citizens whining without offering solutions was ridiculous on its face, so too was Cathcart's attacks on Sheriff Mike Lewis and his deputies:

Cathcart suggested forging an agreement with the Wicomico County
Sheriff's office to receive help patrolling the city which she said,
after all, is part of the county. "We all pay county taxes," she said.

In light of recent information indicating an MTV series called "Busted"
had been filmed through cooperation with the Sheriff's department,
Cathcart said that time could be well-spent doing something to benefit
the city.

"The (Wicomico) County Sheriff's department apparently
has time to run around filming college students. If they have that much
time, they owe Salisbury the equivalent of six officers," she said.

Cathcart must not get out of the house much. If she does, she obviously isn't very observant. Travel around the city of Salisbury and count how many Sheriff's deputies you come across. While my evidence is admittedly anecdotal, I see them all the time. My favorite example is Eastern Shore Drive / S. Division Street. I often drive that route to Coulbourn Mill Road on my way home. On one day, I'll pass two Salisbury Police cars and one Sheriff's car within the city limits. The next day, I'll see two deputies (like yesterday) and one SPD car. Some days I won't see either.

For Cathcart to assert that the Wicomico County Sheriff is not patrolling Salisbury is a shamefully false claim! However, there was reason to Cathcart's apparent madness. As noted before, Cathcart doesn't except the notion of reducing city spending on such essential items as surveys, paying the city attorney to attend council meetings where his services are not needed, or handing out fat raises to Tilghman's chosen few. No, people of the same belief (desire for power fails to qualify as a philosophy) as Cathcart, Comegys or Tilghman want MORE MONEY to $PEND!

A competent politician (she saved Comegys' bacon in the last election), Cathcart was using her specious attack on the Sheriff's office to pimp for that most revered notion - the TAX DIFFERENTIAL! Cathcart is behind the times. Even her friend Barrie has stopped using that discredited term. What Cathcart and Barrie want is a fat check courtesy of the Wicomico taxpayer, or as Tilghman now calls it - a TAX SET-OFF - in order to waste more money, not on needed services, but on unnecessary bureaucracy.

As for my frail and delicate personage, Cathcart attacked those of us who were audacious enough to make comment but don't live in the city of Salisbury. Cathcart makes a valid point, except:

1. The rules of the public hearing don't prohibit non-city residents (or non-city property owners, or non-city business owners) from speaking and ...

2. Cathcart is a blatant hypocrite on this matter.

Let's forget the rules. It might be possible to change them and I wouldn't lodge any particular complaint. It's Cathcart's gross hypocrisy, and her failure to stand by her own words that gets my goat!

First, note that Cathcart attacked those who did not LIVE in the city. Cathcart only objects to non-city residents speaking who oppose her (translation - Tilghman's) point of view. When non-city residents came out last year to hawk for more zoo funding that's perfectly OK. When friends like T. J. Maloney or Donnie Williams speak out, that's OK too! It's only when people who disagree with her speak out that it seems to be a problem.

After the meeting I spoke with Cathcart and asked her about this. I used the specific example of last year's budget hearing and those supporting more funding for the zoo and in opposition to charging a modest entrance fee. Her response:

"Well, the city SUPPORTS the zoo!"

Using a bizarre strain of thought, which is to logic what Bubbanomics is to the worldly philosophy, it is somehow proper for a non-city resident to speak IF Cathcart agrees with that person. She then denied that she said that those who don't live in the city should not be able to speak. She was talking about people like me who don't live in the city, don't own property in the city, or don't own a business in the city. Of course it doesn't matter that this was not what she said. Of course it also doesn't matter that these new criteria would immediately cease to apply IF the person speaking supported her POV.

The double dose of hypocrisy comes from her statement in whole. We all need to remember that Cathcart, besides being famous for the now infamous quote, "Schools are the county's problem!", loves to attack people like Councilwoman Debbie Campbell by claiming that they are always running the city down and never offering a positive solution (another specious claim by Salisbury's premier rhetorician).

As shown at the beginning of this piece, citizens did come and offer solutions. They just aren't the solutions that Cathcart and her like minded, fiscally incompetent friends want. Therefore to attack them, when Cathcart has claimed so many times to abhor this type of rhetoric is hypocrisy yet again.


cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

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GO TO PAC 14 NOW!!!!

RED NET ALERT, The Council Budget Public Hearing is on RIGHT NOW on PAC 14!

Council, Will You Look At Me When I Speak To You?

Honest to God, this is what happened when this Citizen stood up in front of the Council and said, whenever people come up here to speak you start reading magazines and you don't look at the people confronting you. "Will you look at me please?" Once she said that I snapped off the next two pictures below her, (look at the properties) and you'll see just how the Council reacted, or should I say, didn't react.

Because Shanie just sat there all cocky and leaning so far over, her body language simply said, I don't give a shit. Nevertheless, this Citizen looked right at Shanie and said, if you don't like being on the Council, why don't you get up right now and leave?

Nevertheless, it was very clear that even Louise Smith refused to look up so this Citizen confronted her directly and said, Louise, LOOK AT ME when I speak to you. Louise looked up for a second and I swear to you she immediately put her head back down and started drawing on her pad of paper once again.

RUBBER STAMP, RUBBER STAMP, RUBBER STAMP, RUBBER STAMP, RUBBER STAMP, RUBBER STAMP!

Chiefy, Chiefy, Chiefy!

BREAKING NEWS!

Remember the Press Release I put out last week about the Salisbury Police Department looking for the witness of the murder on Mitchell Pond?

GET THIS! This calls for an early Dee, Dee, Deeee Award of 2008! The Witness called 911 allegedly stating they had witnessed the murder. 911 asked this person to stay there until Police arrived. The Police arrived and interviewed this person at length. When they were done the Witness simply walked away.

Now I know your sitting there thinking, NO WAY! Yes Way, THEY NEVER GOT THEIR NAME! Chiefy Webster's Salisbury Police Department had to put out a Press Release begging everyone to please help them find this Witness so they could get their name.

And people wonder why I have clearly stated time and time again, Chief Webster sucks at what he does. THANK YOU CHIEF WEBSTER, for proving ONCE AGAIN that I was right about your lack of management skills. The next time you drive by me in that black cruiser smiling your ass off, know that I'm smiling back and thinking about that Dee, Dee, Deeee Award. I've been Downtown twice this week at different times with witnesses, (yes I can name them) and Chiefy has, (as usual) out of nowhere shown up driving around.

I Told You So!

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, the Salisbury Police Department was able to make contact with the witness that was being sought in connection with the homicide of Emmanuel Johnson that occurred on Saturday, May 17. This witness is no longer being sought by police.

You're Welcome Chiefy. Salisbury News delivers again!

SPD Press Releases

On this date the Salisbury Police Department was able to make contact with the next of kin of the victim of the homicide that occurred on Saturday, May 17. As a result, the identity of the victim may be released. The victim of the homicide was identified as: Emmanuel (nmn) Johnson, 34 years of age Mardela Springs, Maryland
CC # 200800017444

On May 20, 2008 at approximately 11:10 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Riverside Pharmacy on Riverside Drive for the report of a fraudulent prescription. Upon arrival, the officers were advised that employees of the store had received a prescription from the below listed suspect that was found to be fraudulent. The officers located the suspect in the parking lot of the pharmacy and the suspect was placed under arrest.

ARRESTED: Lynn Robinson Burse, Jr., 42 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Forgery of a prescription
Uttering a forged prescription
Unlawful attempt to obtain a prescription drug
Fraudulent use of a copy of a prescription
Possession of a fraudulent prescription

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800017734

On May 20, 2008 at approximately 3:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed subject for the theft and sale of aluminum. An investigation regarding the theft of bulk aluminum from a business in Salisbury led to the recovery of a quantity of the aluminum and the identification of the suspect. A quantity of the stolen aluminum was located at a local recycling plant and returned to the owner. The investigation revealed that the thefts by the suspect had been occurring for a period of time.

ARRESTED: Craig Maurice Handy, 45 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (under $ 500)
Theft (over $ 500)
Theft scheme (over $ 500)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800016675

On May 20, 2008 at approximately 4:54 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the below listed two (2) suspects for traffic violations on First Street. During the traffic stop, officers observed a suspicious bag in the vehicle. A closer inspection of the bag revealed eleven (11) smaller bags of suspected marijuana. During a closer inspection of the two (2) suspects, Officers located a glass tube containing twenty-three (23) individual pieces of suspected crack/cocaine on suspect # 1’s person. Additionally, suspect # 2 was also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for drug charges.

ARRESTED #1: Jimmy Lee Taylor, 27 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Conspiracy charges

ARRESTED #2: Antonio Jamar Watson, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute
Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute
Possession of cocaine
Possession of marijuana
Conspiracy charges
Arrest Warrant-
Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
Possession of marijuana

DISPOSITION: Both suspects released to Central Booking CC # 200800017790

On May 21, 2008 at approximately 11:01 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department Community Action Team executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence on Newton Street in Salisbury. Located during the execution of the search warrant was a quantity of suspected crack/cocaine and related paraphernalia. The residence was occupied by the below listed suspect:

ARRESTED: Harry James Johnson, 50 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of cds/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION:Released to Central Booking CC # 200800015533

Times are tough & gas prices are soaring - but what do you all think of this?

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20080522/Gas.Prices.Police/

With the costs of gasoline climbing beyond what anyone could have imagined, everyone is doing what they can to conserve. Now, it seems, it's having an effect on the way the governments of some jurisdictions do business. Read the article at the above link and share what you think. Should our Law Enforcement agencies consider this?

PAC 14 Interviews Fernando Guerrero

Phil Tilghman came out to the Main Street Gym recently to interview Fernando Guerrero and his Trainer/Manager Hal Chernoff. Fernando and the White Shadow, (Hal) head out today for his 7th Professional Fight against his first southpaw in his Pro Career. We'll keep you posted as I've been assured by Hal that we'll be their very first call immediately following the fight.

Obviously I was present during this interview and I have to tell you, Phil did a fantastic job and asked what I felt was fantastic questions. Fernando's answers will surprise you and you can expect to see it aired some time next week.

The Mystery Wall At The GOB

Does anyone, (ANONYMOUS) want to let the cat out of the bag and let all of us know just what's under the all you can eat crab paper? Let's see if we can truly tick off her Highness.

Dough Blowers Future Plans Suck!

I truly don't understand Billy Gibbs thinking on this one and I'm even more confused as to why the Mayor and Council would approve such a concept.

For many years our kids have worked for Dough Rollers and one of the nice parts about working there is that they always offered housing for their Staff. With property values at a high, (back in the day) the Gibbs sold off many of their properties, making it more difficult for Staff to find a place to live over the summer.

Both our boys lived above the Dough Rollers that burned down and get this, they paid $75.00 a week to stay two to a room. They all shared a bathroom upstairs, so the Gibbs were getting $600.00 a month per room for a good ten rooms upstairs. $6,000.00 a month towards your mortgage ain't so shabby!

OK, so now they're going to build a brand new Dough Blowers in the same location but they're not putting on a second floor and or any housing for their Staff. As things get worse and housing becomes scarce as it always does over the summer, cutting back on Employee Housing throughout Ocean City flat out sucks and I'm truly disappointed in the Gibbs. If they couldn't get a room from the Gibbs it would probably cost them more than $100.00 a week for extremely low paying jobs throughout Ocean City and the kids get completely screwed.

I have always felt that Ocean City should be building something similar to Student Housing in Berlin with a Bus Service every 30 minutes during peak hours in and out of Ocean City. Instead, they encourage foreign students that live literally 6 humans to a studio apartment, (ONE ROOM)! I have personally seen it and when I spoke with these people they simply work out arrangements to work certain jobs where half the people work day jobs and the other half work nights. I can assure you as well, many of these foreign students work at least two full time jobs or one full time and two part time. They're here to make money over the summer, period!

Then the Landlords, true SLUMLORDS, screw them for the maximum amount of money possible and no one gets to hear their complaints. The local MSM isn't willing to go against the grain in Ocean City and print stories about just how bad it is out there for these young kids but believe me, there's a major story to be told.

The Gibbs should reconsider their plans. More importantly, Mayor Meehan needs to stop this plan immediately and consider these employees now short another 10 rooms and or 20 people. Ocean City is acting very irresponsible, IMO.

Question of the Day, Fri 5/23

Tattoos? Do you have one/some? Spouse? Other family members? How many tattoos are too many? If you do not have tattoos, what is your opinion/comment to people who do have tattoos?

Yes, I have two. My husband has one. My mother has one (just got it at 54 years old). My father has 2 (just got at 57 years old). I feel it is a way for someone to express themselves. I don't believe in too many, but tattoos on the face, neck or hands is where I personally draw the line.

The Haunted House

Decisions made by these two will haunt us for many years to come.

Avery Hall Gets All Patriotic

Casa D' Ice Is At It Again

SO, WHY WAS WILBER THERE?

Some inquiring minds want to know why Paul Wilber, Salisbury’s City Attorney, was present at the City Council’s public hearing on the mayor’s proposed budget on May 21.

The only purpose of the meeting was to hear comments by members of the public. Beside that the only other matter on the agenda was another rehash of her proposed budget presented (or should that be “performed”) by Barrie Tilghman. There was no other business or action of any kind taken or discussed by the Council.

But Mr. Wilber sat there for about 2 hours – and we assume that he was “on the clock” and will soon charge for that time at his agreed rate of $165 per hour ($2.75 per minute) for doing nothing. Did he just show up, or was he asked to attend – and, if so, why (and by whom)?

Will this episode really cost the City $300 or more to line Wilber’s pocket. If so, how does someone get a deal like that?

The Budget

How to generate funds in Barrie’s proposed budget for more policemen & firemen,
road replacement, etc.:

Action Funds

Cut City Zoo to $750,000 $187,118
Cut Mayor’s Office to $400,000 79,645
Cut City Attorney to $250,000 85,000
Cut “Attitude Survey” entirely 14,250
Cut “all-American City” entirely 5,000
Cut “GASB 45" bond service entirely 50,000
Cut Community Promotions by 1/3 66,500

Total for more essential things $487,513

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Yes, it was taken in Downtown Salisbury.

We're Celebrating 5,000 Posts

This Post marks the 5,000th Post here on Salisbury News with Blogger. Believe it or not, there were many more for the year we were not with Blogger but all in all I thing it says a lot about the fact that we've had a lot to say over the past two years.

Most Bloggers put up 1 article a day and some never really post articles, they just send you HERE and THERE, if you know what I mean? Believe it or not, this shows we're averaging more than 20 posts per day!

Thanks to all the new Contributors, Salisbury News has so much more to offer and hopefully everyone is enjoying what they're reading. From the volume of comments, (averaging more than 150 comments per day) is a sign of success.

Remember Folks, if you post a comment under anonymous there's no way for anyone, including myself to know who you are unless the FEDS feel the need to find out. General comments will never be known unless you put your name up there. Barrie Tilghman, Chief Webster, none of them will know.

The Tag Is Cool, But The Sticker?

Tag, BNGR8FL = Being Grateful. Sticker, FOB = Friend Of Barrie?

Dualization of Route 113 on Hold

The State Highway Administration has put the dualization of Rt.113 on hold. The reason?

Because of the danger posed by the Rt. 12 & Rt.113 intersection.

The Worcester County Commissioners took up the issue at their meeting yesterday.

Last year SHA sent out postcards informing Worcester County residents of a public information meeting that they would be holding telling about their idea of putting in a 'cloverleaf' at the intersection that would essentially eliminate the danger of the intersection.

The only problem is...they don't have the money to do it.

It was suggested with a petition signed by close to 1000 Worcester County Citizens to simply just put in a 'stop' light, with flashing approach signs and lights in both directions, and bring traffic to a complete stop instead of having cars dodge their way across full speed traffic.

The State responded that this was in fact more dangerous than having nothing at all.

I wrote a letter to the State and asked them exactly how many signatures would be required to have a 'Stop' light installed at this intersection.

Their answer...'it doesn't matter how many signatures are gathered, it is dangerous and won't be done'.

OK, so their are close to 1000 citizens who want to have a 'stop' light installed, but we the citizens are not educated professionals and we don't know what we are talking about.

So now the State Highway Administration and the Worcester County Commissioners are at a standstill.

Things were going real well. We are actually getting to Snow Hill from Pocomoke relatively safely, however once past Snow Hill one is back on 'Mr. Toad's Wild Ride'. Between Combines driving at 35 mph, and Road Racers zipping in and out of traffic at over 80mph, the average driver arrives at their destination needing a Valium and a deep tissue massage from the 'white knuckle' experience called Rt.113.

It's time for the State and the County to move forward with this highway project. Dualize the rest of the highway and install a 'stop' light at the intersection.

I believe this is a case where something is better than nothing...we have warning approach lights up and down Rt.13, and they work I don't see how they wouldn't be equally effective on Rt. 113.

I've personally lost two close friends at the intersection with nothing at it at all, and I really don't want to lose anymore.

Hold The Presses!

Yes, the GOB, Courthouse and several businesses have closed their doors Downtown but it wasn't exactly what we thought it was. It turns out it was not the same water main that broke. Public Works was working, (so I'm told by them) on opening a valve and they dug too deep with the backhoe and punctured a main line. In this case, (so they claim) it was human error. I tried getting in touch with the GOB to see if any meetings were going to be held tonight and there was no answer at 12:05 PM. I'll dig into that some more.

UH OH!

The United States Department of Justice visits Salisbury News? Now I wonder if that's because I'm the #1 Blogger in the State of Maryland or could this Mayor be more powerful than I had thought? At the time they were on for 9:53 seconds. The average visit is around 6:00 minutes. Maybe I should go back and see if they're still snooping around?

BREAKING NEWS

The Circuit Court has just been shut down. The water main just busted again. The GOB has officially closed their doors at 12:00 as well. This is a serious one Folks! Remember, it was only a few weeks ago this same main broke and was repaired. Your tax dollars hard at work in the City of Salisbury. I wonder if the County will ask for their losses back from having to close down today? More to come......

Is It A Miracle?

And the Lordith comeith upon the City of Salisbury and said, CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT PEOPLE?

Can YOU Afford To Pay $12.00 For ONE Load Of Laundry?

Mr. Donny Hall owns a local Laundry mat in the City of Salisbury and a Car Wash. Last night Mr. Hall was concerned enough to get in front of the City Council and express his concerns on the newly proposed 70% Water Increase that will be imposed on all businesses and residences. Currently it costs around $5.50 a load but with the new increases he'll need to raise that rate to around $12.00!

Look Folks, when are you going to see the writing on the wall? What's it going to take to realize this new Wastewater Treatment Plant is going to cost you more money than you ever imagined? Dunn, Comegys, Cathcart, Shields, Jacobs and Barrie Tilghman not only over spent on building that facility, they insisted on enlarging it even more AFTER they were under contract and agreed to do so because they claimed they should do it now or it would cost many millions more at a later point, should the City choose to enlarge.

My main point here is, you have a Council Vice President who's already declared Bankruptcy because he failed to MANAGE his funds. Shanie Shields is looking at Foreclosure and doesn't care one bit and blames it on her deceased husband. IMO, Shanie makes an additional $10,000.00 on the Council above and beyond her regular job and I'm sure she collects something from her Husband's past. You have a Mayor who was a Housewife, (all due respect) who never ran a multi million dollar business and they have proven to spend, spend, spend. Now just ask yourself, WHY?

All that being said, the State of Maryland raised your tax rate from 5% to 6% Sales Tax. The City of Salisbury isn't just nickle and diming you to death, they're killing people financially. Please think of all those people on fixed incomes. They cannot afford these increases, nor did they ever plan on it. You have all these Senior Housing Projects in the works around Salisbury. How are these people going to afford it?

One last thing. Think about why the Mayor and Council retaliate against those people coming in front of the Council on PAC 14. They don't want people coming to these meetings and challenging them and how dare we do so, right? We have been trying to educate ALL of YOU about everything you're now seeing for years and we have gone to every extreme to get YOU involved. Without YOU, these rates increase and that's all there is to it. The Mayor gets reelected over and over again because YOU'RE NOT EDUCATED! I'm getting sued by this Mayor to shut me down and make me go away because it's no fun with me around. Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen, (as well as the Dirty Dozen) have been trying to protect you from this for a very long time.

People are asking you to unite. Stop leaving all of this on our shoulders, get involved. Go to these meetings and thank you Donny, for standing up for not only your business and your investment but for looking out for your Customers as well. Most want to act like all you do is make money. You should make money, you're taking all the risks. However, NO ONE can survive with increases like this. Lynn & Don Cathcart are Idiots to stand in front of the Taxpayers and say all of this is just fine. It's NOT fine! I can't wait for another 20 years to pass us when the two of you are on fixed incomes and things like this come back and bite you in the a$$!

Get involved people. Come to these Council Meetings and Work Sessions and speak your mind. If you don't, well, enjoy the $12.00 a load to wash your clothes! Enjoy the $20.00 basic car wash because you're too old to do it yourself any more or you don't have the time. Either that or watch these buildings go vacant and your taxes go up even more because Lore' Chambers got an $8,000.00 pay increase after only one year on the job. Yeah, hire her for less and do that leader deal and come back and screw the taxpayers next year. Same with Paul Wilber and his $90,000.00+ pay increase over last year! Is a $500,000.00 bill THIS YEAR for a new Animal Services Building at the Zoo truly necessary? Mind you, they claim that building will cost $2,000,000.00 total! Build a $10,000,000.00 Fire Station and then order 5 Brand New Trucks and cover it up in their Budget? I was told last night the Chief is still pushing the new $800,000.00 Fire Boat!

WAKE UP PEOPLE!

Barrie Tilghman's Adoring Public Speaks

Not one person spoke out in favor of Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman's budget at last night's public hearing. Even Tilghman sycophant, and former council member, Lynn Cathcart did not endorse the "I Love Bureaucracy" budget which Tilghman and her three council lackeys (Louise Smith, Gary Comegys, and Shanie Shields) are in the process of foisting upon the public.

The medium sized crowd was so adamantly opposed to the Tilghman plan that Councilwoman Louise Smith did not try her usual tactics of admonishing audience when applauding for some speakers. Even I received a round of applause for my little tirade.

I'm out of town today, so a more detailed account is forthcoming.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

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Obama Exposed

Please take 13 minutes out of your busy day to watch this video. You will not be disappointed. This validates everything. Proof. I need your opinion, especially those who still stand behind this quack!

Here's your link:

http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/video.aspx?RsrcID=2036


This link coming from Anon 8:28:

http://savagepolitics.com/?page_id=326

PUT YOUR HAND DOWN, PUT YOUR HAND DOWN!

Mrs. Lynn Cathcart can't practice what she preaches. While Louise Smith was speaking, Lynn couldn't resist getting attention by continuously holding up her hand for what seemed like forever because she wanted to be HEARD!

Back when Lynn was on the Council she tore Tim Chaney a new one for his raising his hand because he too wanted to be heard and she yelled at him, "Young Man, Put Your Hand Down, Put Your Hand Down Now!"

Lynn went on last night at the podium stating the many of the people getting up there to speak last night weren't even residents of Salisbury. This brought my boiling point over the top and as I was not going to get up and speak last night, I too started raising my hand so I could be heard.

When I got up there I had asked the audience just how many of them were born and raised in the City of Salisbury. 4 hands went up. Out of 50 or 60 people there last night, 4 was a small number but it was making my point. Once everyone saw just how few people were actually FROM HERE I explained to Lynn how the majority of people here in Salisbury, (including the Mayor) are COME HERE'S, not FROM HERE'S. Considering that point, don't you think it would be much better WELCOMING people in the hopes it could bring more Come Here's and help us with this tax burden?

I was trying to express that their attitude is driving people away, not welcoming them. I went on to look at Lynn directly and help her to recall names like Cave People, Dirty Dozen and so on. These were names HER Council started calling Citizens, doing everything they could to drive citizens away from attending Council Meetings. Their goal, (IMO) was to keep the good citizens away from that microphone so the rest of you have no clue what's really going on in the City and do everything in their powers to make things look bright and happy all the time. Many of the people who spoke last night, (including myself) have Family living IN the City and or own property in the City. We stood up there because we care and we should have a voice, even if we're speaking for someone else afraid of the retaliation of this Mayor and Council.

Keep in mind Ladies & Gentlemen, this Mayor and Chief of Police are suing me. Think about that now. These are Public Officials who cannot be defamed, yet their going to challenge the system and waste taxpayers money attempting to sue me and shut me up. I don't continue simply because I'm cocky. I continue with this Blog because these two are out of control. We have rights as citizens and I'm fighting for my rights and YOUR rights.

I asked that this Council change their ways and consider welcoming people more, rather than attacking them. I pointed out how the Mayor purposely writes down peoples names when they come into the Council Chambers Room in order to intimidate them. Many have come back, (like one woman stated last night) and announced she had been retaliated by the Mayor after she got up and spoke out. She said she fully expected that to happen again and I shouted out, "NO THEY WON'T!" This may have been standard practice for the Mayor in the past before there was a Blog reaching out to a larger audience than even the Daily Times has. We're a force to be reckoned with and they know it, hence two lawsuits.

Anyhow, my point is, the Mayor and Council need to act like professionals and treat the Citizens with respect or it will be time for the Citizens to retaliate against these figures. You do so by VOTING! Let's just see if they take my advice to heart and make those changes. In the mean time Lynn, PUT YOUR HAND DOWN!

Question of the Day, Thur 5/22

Do you think happiness is "found" or "made"?

I have been with my husband for 13 years, married for over 8 years. Since marriage and/or children have no instruction manuals, sometimes it can be a struggle. I feel I have "found" happiness in my life, BUT I must work at keeping it happy, therefore the answer to my question would be both "found" and "made." Right?

I Swear

Everybody Swears But Barrie, and Lynn Really Likes To Do It

Let’s hope – but please don’t hold your breath – that at the City Council meeting last night (May 21) we heard the final budget blather by Barrie Tilghman in her role as Salisbury’s mayor. And the rude insult she bestowed upon City residents who attended what was proclaimed to be a public hearing for citizen input, beginning at 6 PM.

At that time we were greeted by live and vintage Barriespeak, not for just a couple or even 5 or so minutes, but for almost a full half hour, during which she gave her typical breathlessly delivered spiel of BS.

But that was not the only insult directed at those who came to speak rather than listen to more BS by Barrie. Louise Smith decreed that citizens could not speak their mind about Barrie’s proposed budget unless they had first been sworn to tell the truth. That occurred after she had allowed Barrie to proceed without that prerequisite.

Several speakers objected to such obvious intimidation. But Lynn Cathcart, a former member of the Council who apparently likes that “touch,” defended the requirement of being sworn for no particular reason.

The speakers, Ms. Cathcart excepted, were uniformly critical of the budget and/or the manner in which it has been presented by the mayor. Her revised sewer and water budget – proposing rate increases that would total about 65% during the next few years – presented by Barrie this week (more than a month late) drew the greatest fire. Next in line was her reduced funding for road replacement – Barrie wants to have greater funding for the mayor’s office, including a huge pay raise for a certain person, rather than that road work.

The only speaker who seemed to support Barrie’s budget was Ms. Cathcart. However, she did not do so with anywhere near the zeal that her husband displayed when he supported Barrie’s double-digit tax increase last year. Do you think that Lynn wants to follow in Barrie’s footsteps?

Old PHOTO Of Barack & Hillary