The first female head of a Fortune 20 company — and the first to be fired by its board — Carly Fiorina was anything but a dazzler when she debuted on the political stage during the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain in 2008.
But that was then.
Now, Mrs. Fiorina's polished performance in her bid in California to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer is turning heads among influential social and religious conservatives. Win or lose, they say, the former Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO's campaign-trail transformation and her political convictions make her a top-of-the ticket contender for the Republican Party down the road.
"Carly Fiorina could easily be a presidential candidate," said Larry K. Burbach, a Burbank advertising executive and social conservative. He was one of many attendees at a recent private gathering of conservatives who were wowed by an address by Mrs. Fiorina.
Besides being impressed by her fiscal know-how — critiquing the state of California's tax structure, environmental regulations and state employees retirement benefits on businesses — they admired her general election strategy of emphasizing her opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, a risky move in a liberal-leaning state.
"Carly Fiorina showed the kind of leadership that we so desperately need," said Beverly LaHaye, chairwoman of Concerned Women for America. "The ovation she received from some of America's leading conservatives said it all."
While former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has parlayed defeat as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008 into a national political platform, a victory by Mrs. Fiorina in the nation's largest state would quickly elevate the former CEO's profile while giving her time to hone her policy and political skills on Capitol Hill.
But first she has to defeat Mrs. Boxer. Polls show Mrs. Boxer, a three-term incumbent Democrat, holding an average 3 percentage point lead, leaving Mrs. Fiorina well within striking distance of becoming the first California Republican elected to the Senate in 22 years.
About 3 percent of voters remain undecided. A poll released over the weekend by Reuters/Ipsos had Mrs. Boxer ahead by 1 percentage point.
More from The Washington Times
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Lemon Continues
Hi my name is Josephene Shockley. Your viewers may remember a story on sby news titled " MY Lemon" back in June of this year.
Sadly to say I have uncovered that Preston has ripped off my daughter in the sum of $3,632.86 to be exact.
I came about this discovery because in doing my bank records Chase had taken an extra payment from my account in May of this year prior to the buyback of this vehicle which to this day after sending Mr. Jamie Dimon CEO of JP Morgan Chase the documents proving this.It's nice to know that a big company like Chase keeps money they know does not belong to them but that another story. I knew something was wrong but i didn't know what.
My daughter has yet to receive a statement for the new auto loan yet she still continues to make her payments chase response was she doesn't need statements. After going through her records I noticed three contracts dated for June25,2010. What they were doing is beyond me who makes a customer sign three contracts all with different amounts and different percent rates addresses. Strangely enough Preston didn't want her to come up and sign the paperwork at their place they sent a salesman down to a parking lot on the west side of Salisbury to do the paperwork strange very strange.
I had an expert look over the contracts and came up with what they did wrong keep in mind Mr. Wilson Jr. agreed to refund the full purchase price for the 2009 Ford Focus with the only stipulation that my daughter had to buy from his dealership which she did. Mr. Wilson left this on the answering machine (which I still have the recording), also telling this to my daughter and son Ford and Chase I have the letters from the companies proving this. I hope I would not have to come back and report this but they have left me with no choice Mr. Wilson's assistant Dianne Vincent nor the general manager Chris Marks or the finance manger Jamie will not let me speak to Mr. Wilson I tried to call his cell phone but won't call back. I was told he was at a car show in Detroit and didn't have time to speak with me not that he can help with this whats done is done and also that I was the meanest "curse word" old miserable lady they had ever meant.
I hope i could report back that this was all a misunderstanding and they had fixed their problem. If the viewers are wondering why I'm writing this my daughter this whole ordeal has become to over exhausting for my daughter to handle emotionally and physically. My daughter has given me written permission to handle these concerns for her I may be 71 but I'm a fighter who won't quit. I'm enclosing my phone number in case Mr.Wilson wants to contact me and a breakdown of what the refund and purchase should have been $21,271.02(2009 purchase price)-$13,741.94 (payoff of loan) = $7529.08 to be refunded to customer-$3000 that was refunded to customer = $4529.08 that should be applied as cash down payment on the new car $22,297.36 (2010 purchase price) -$3750 (ford rebates) - $4,529.08=$14018.28 to be financed the amount the contract reads is $17,651.14 (amount financed) - $14,018.28 the correct amount that should be financed=$3,632.86 the difference that Preston owes my daughter. simple add and subtraction.
The way the contract reads is the price of the car was price jacked over $3,180 plus taxes on one of the three contacts.
Thank you Sby news
Christine O'Donnell
Mr. Joe Albero,
As you well know, I'm an avid reader of Salisbury News, you know all to well I find what you report to be accurate and for the betterment of Salisbury, Wicomico, Maryland, and the State of Delaware.
I was born and raised in Salisbury, I moved to Wilmington, Delaware three years ago.
I've always followed politics, and now with the race between Mr. Chris Coons and Ms. Christine O'Donnell, I found myself writing you this.
On October 12, 2010 I organized a candle light vigil at Dravo Plaza on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware. This vigil was to remember the recent deaths attributed to suicide in the last 6 weeks due to harassment and bullying. As has been reported in all media outlets, several teenagers who were perceived homosexuals or out homosexuals committed suicide after bullying in school.
In emails sent to Christine O'Donnell's campaign I invited her to attend this candle light vigil. I made it clear in the invitation that I was not asking her to advocate for gay rights. I made it clear that I was asking her to take a stand against bullying. To make it clear that we cannot stand for bullying that is killing American teenagers. Although we did recognize those gay teens who committed suicide I made sure that people from any background knew where to get help if they were suicidal.
This is the email that I sent to Ms. O'Donnell. I sent this letter to all the email addresses listed on her campaign website on a numerous number of occasions. Not only did she neglect to attend but she didn't even respond. Ms. O'Donnell did not respond nor did anyone from her campaign.
Ms. Christine O'Donnell:
My name is Ryan Stevenson, I would like to cordially invite you to a candle light vigil on October 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM at Dravo Plaza on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
We are gathering to remember the teenage victims of suicide from across the county. The suicide victims we are gathering to remember were known victims of homophobic harassment.
We are requesting your attendance not because we want you to advocate for gay rights, although we wouldn't mind it either. We asking you to attend so you as a candidate for United States Congress can stand with us and make it abundantly clear that violence and bullying against any group, including the gay community, will not be tolerated on any level.
In your new ad you say you are one of us. We are anticipating a very large crowd, that shows the Delawareans are taking a stand, show Delaware that you are one of us; stand with us on Tuesday night.
I assure you as the event organizer that all participants, speakers, and attendees will be treated with respect as we will be there to remember the young lives lost this last month and to appeal to school age and college students that suicide is not the answer. You are welcome to speak as well, that is your decision.
Regardless of political views the harassment and bullying of Delaware and America's youth is not right. So I am asking you again, please stand with us on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM at Dravo Plaza on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
Respectfully
Robert “Ryan” Stevenson
Event Organizer
My name is Ryan Stevenson, I would like to cordially invite you to a candle light vigil on October 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM at Dravo Plaza on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
We are gathering to remember the teenage victims of suicide from across the county. The suicide victims we are gathering to remember were known victims of homophobic harassment.
We are requesting your attendance not because we want you to advocate for gay rights, although we wouldn't mind it either. We asking you to attend so you as a candidate for United States Congress can stand with us and make it abundantly clear that violence and bullying against any group, including the gay community, will not be tolerated on any level.
In your new ad you say you are one of us. We are anticipating a very large crowd, that shows the Delawareans are taking a stand, show Delaware that you are one of us; stand with us on Tuesday night.
I assure you as the event organizer that all participants, speakers, and attendees will be treated with respect as we will be there to remember the young lives lost this last month and to appeal to school age and college students that suicide is not the answer. You are welcome to speak as well, that is your decision.
Regardless of political views the harassment and bullying of Delaware and America's youth is not right. So I am asking you again, please stand with us on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM at Dravo Plaza on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.
Respectfully
Robert “Ryan” Stevenson
Event Organizer
Ms. O'Donnell did not have any events for that night listed on her campaign website. I'm writing you this because I want to know why Ms. O'Donnell neglected to attend or respond. Why hasn't she acknowledged the crisis of bullying in schools? Why has she not, as of yet, released a statement in relation to bullying in schools.
For the record, Mr. Chris Coons was invited and did attend. Also in attendance was staff from Governor Jack Markell's Office and Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden's Office, we also read statements from Governor Markell, Lieutenant Governor Matthew Denn, Attorney General Beau Biden, and Wilmington Mayor James Baker. We also had speakers from Delaware universities, Miss Wilmington America, Mr. John Brady, Delaware Clergy, and the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Delaware.
This is NOT just a gay issue, I don't want people to view this as just a gay issue. Bullying is a issue in all schools in America.
Ms. O'Donnell, you failed the children of Delaware by not taking a stand. Ms. O'Donnell, you failed the parents of children who are bullied by not taking a stand. Ms. O'Donnell, you failed Delaware schools by not taking a stand. Ms. O'Donnell, you failed the people of Delaware.
Joe, I thank you.
Ryan Stevenson
Moms, Teach Your Daughters About Money Too
Financial knowledge is just as crucial as reading, writing and math
Laura Wellington was left in the financial dark when her husband, Dean, died in 2002.
At age 35, Wellington was a widow with four children; a boy, 9, and three girls aged 3 through 7. She also became the head of her husband's two small information technology businesses. Like many couples, before her husband's death, she took care of the day-to-day household expenses, and he handled bigger money issues like insurance and investing.
"I knew a certain amount of what was going on," she recalled. But the majority of the decision making was left to Dean.
When he was gone, the Ridgewood, N.J., mom had to make sense of everything on her own.
Stereotypes say situations like Wellington's usually involve women who lose their husbands late in life, then face financial uncertainty as they puzzle through bank accounts and investments for the first time. But it's not just older women who leave the big money questions to their husbands. Despite strides in the workforce, traditional roles are still common at home. Women as young as their 20s frequently defer financial decision making to their spouses or even their fathers.
GO HERE to read more.
Man To Give $1,000 For Each Jobless Worker Hired
Philanthropist is promoting a $250,000 effort called Hire Just One
NEWTOWN, Pa. — A suburban Philadelphia philanthropist who believes charity is a powerful incentive thinks he can help get Americans back to work one donation at a time.
Gene Epstein, 71, is promoting a $250,000 effort called Hire Just One, with plans to make $1,000 donations to charity in the name of businesses that hire an unemployed person and keep the worker on the payroll for at least six months.
Epstein, who amassed a personal fortune through car sales and real estate investments, has set aside his money for the first 250 hires — and thinks thousands more jobs could be created if others took on his idea, too.
GO HERE to read more.
Baltimore Cop Killed Over Parking Space
An off-duty Baltimore City Police Department detective was killed on Saturday night in a dispute over a parking space.
The Associated Press reported that a preliminary police investigation has revealed that a suspect struck the off-duty officer with a large rock or piece of concrete.
Detective Brian Stevenson, an 18-year-veteran, was celebrating with a friend for his birthday on Sunday. He would have turned 38 today.
After sustaining head trauma, Stevenson was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he later died.
The suspects, described as a man and a woman, fled the scene. Interviews with witnesses on the scene led investigators to "people of interest," who have been taken into custody, according to the Associated Press.
Police did not say how many people had been taken into custody.
Tea Partiers Get The Constitution Wrong
Tea Party evangelists claim the Constitution as their sacred text. Why that’s wrong.
Since winning the Republican senate primary in Delaware last month, Christine O’Donnell has not had trouble getting noticed. When the Tea Party icon admitted to “dabbl[ing] into witchcraft” as a youngster, the press went wild. When she revealed that she was “not a witch” after all, the response was rabid. O’Donnell has fudged her academic credentials, defaulted on her mortgage, sued a former employer, and campaigned against masturbation, and her efforts have been rewarded with round-the-clock coverage. Yet few observers seem to have given her views on the United States Constitution the same level of consideration. Which is too bad, because O’Donnell’s Tea Party take on our founding text is as unusual as her stance on autoeroticism. Except that it could actually have consequences.
Last month, the candidate spoke to 2,000 right-wing activists at the annual Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. She wore a black suit and pearls, and swept on stage to the sound of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Most of the speech was unremarkable: a laundry list of conservative platitudes. But near the end she veered into stranger—and more revealing—territory. O’Donnell once told voters that her “No. 1” qualification for the Senate is an eight-day course she took at a conservative think tank in 2002. Now she was revisiting its subject: the Constitution.
GO HERE to read more.
Since winning the Republican senate primary in Delaware last month, Christine O’Donnell has not had trouble getting noticed. When the Tea Party icon admitted to “dabbl[ing] into witchcraft” as a youngster, the press went wild. When she revealed that she was “not a witch” after all, the response was rabid. O’Donnell has fudged her academic credentials, defaulted on her mortgage, sued a former employer, and campaigned against masturbation, and her efforts have been rewarded with round-the-clock coverage. Yet few observers seem to have given her views on the United States Constitution the same level of consideration. Which is too bad, because O’Donnell’s Tea Party take on our founding text is as unusual as her stance on autoeroticism. Except that it could actually have consequences.
Last month, the candidate spoke to 2,000 right-wing activists at the annual Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. She wore a black suit and pearls, and swept on stage to the sound of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Most of the speech was unremarkable: a laundry list of conservative platitudes. But near the end she veered into stranger—and more revealing—territory. O’Donnell once told voters that her “No. 1” qualification for the Senate is an eight-day course she took at a conservative think tank in 2002. Now she was revisiting its subject: the Constitution.
GO HERE to read more.
CPR Switch: Chest Presses First, Then Give Breaths
Heart group flips the old "ABC" -- airway, breathing, compressions -- to "CAB"
DALLAS — New guidelines out Monday switch up the steps for CPR, telling rescuers to start with hard, fast chest presses before giving mouth-to-mouth.
The change puts "the simplest step first" for traditional CPR, said Dr. Michael Sayre, co-author of the guidelines issued by the American Heart Association.
In recent years, CPR guidance has been revised to put more emphasis on chest pushes for sudden cardiac arrest. In 2008, the heart group said untrained bystanders or those unwilling to do rescue breaths could do hands-only CPR until paramedics arrive or a defibrillator is used to restore a normal heart beat.
GO HERE to read more.
Debate Comes Up Short Again On Policy Proposals
If elected again as Maryland’s governor, Bob Ehrlich would eliminate traditional pensions for new state employees and give them defined contribution plans like the 401(k)s that dominate the corporate world.
That’s one teensy bit of news – as in something you’ve never heard before – that came out of the second televised debate between the Republican ex-governor and incumbent Democrat Martin O’Malley.
GO HERE to read more.
That’s one teensy bit of news – as in something you’ve never heard before – that came out of the second televised debate between the Republican ex-governor and incumbent Democrat Martin O’Malley.
GO HERE to read more.
Second County Considers Immigration Law Enforcement
Washington County stands to become the second Maryland jurisdiction to join a controversial immigration program when it completes its planned jail expansion next year.
Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore said the county is eyeing the 287(g) program, which gives some powers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to local deputies.
"Once we get some additional space, we will certainly consider implementing the 287(g) program in its entirety," Mullendore said.
Jail overcrowding is the main reason why the county is not participating now, Mullendore said. The sheriff's office needs the space for local prisoners and can't provide beds to federal agencies, he said.
GO HERE to read more.
Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore said the county is eyeing the 287(g) program, which gives some powers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to local deputies.
"Once we get some additional space, we will certainly consider implementing the 287(g) program in its entirety," Mullendore said.
Jail overcrowding is the main reason why the county is not participating now, Mullendore said. The sheriff's office needs the space for local prisoners and can't provide beds to federal agencies, he said.
GO HERE to read more.
My Fellow District 4 Voters
My name is Craig Theobald and I’m asking for your vote for the Worcester Board of Education on November 2nd. . Please take a few moments to find out why.
This past school year I became a "Community Volunteer" at the Worcester Technical High School. I donated over 400 hours to the teachers, staff and students that year and continue to do so this year. I’m retired and I have the time to dedicate myself for the betterment of our community. I enjoy giving back and I hope you’ll give me the chance to make a difference.
While volunteering at the school, I saw some things that concerned me. I listened to the teachers, staff and students and I heard about the problems they face. I saw wasteful spending and some staff that work very hard for very little money. So, I did some research. As a retired police officer, that kind of thing comes naturally to me. Here’s what I found:
1. School Security is virtually non-existent. This will be the first thing addressed when I become a member of the school board. This should be a concern to us all!
2. Taxpayers spend $80,000.00 a year to have a private company take our school’s trash to our own landfill! Can you believe it? Just to take out the trash! Let’s take out our own trash and put that money in the classroom.
3. The School Board members each are paid a "stipend" of $5,000.00 a year. "Stipends" are just a way to pay someone without calling it a paycheck. Over the 4 year term of the 7 of the school board members, that’s $140,000.00 of your tax dollars. And how much time do they work for that money? They meet for 3 hours a month. I want to change this. I’ll do it for $1.00 a year or $4.00 for my entire 4 year term. I’ll turn the other $19,996.00 over to fund school programs. That money belongs in the classroom!
Our teachers, staff and students need to be safe at school and I will make our schools a safer place. And our teachers, staff and students will do better if waste is trimmed and that money goes where it belongs, in the classroom.
But to do that, I’ll need your vote on November 2nd
.
My name is Craig Theobald and I’m asking for your vote for Board of Education, District 4
This mailing was paid for by the candidate.
Authorized: Judith Kolarik, Treasurer
This past school year I became a "Community Volunteer" at the Worcester Technical High School. I donated over 400 hours to the teachers, staff and students that year and continue to do so this year. I’m retired and I have the time to dedicate myself for the betterment of our community. I enjoy giving back and I hope you’ll give me the chance to make a difference.
While volunteering at the school, I saw some things that concerned me. I listened to the teachers, staff and students and I heard about the problems they face. I saw wasteful spending and some staff that work very hard for very little money. So, I did some research. As a retired police officer, that kind of thing comes naturally to me. Here’s what I found:
1. School Security is virtually non-existent. This will be the first thing addressed when I become a member of the school board. This should be a concern to us all!
2. Taxpayers spend $80,000.00 a year to have a private company take our school’s trash to our own landfill! Can you believe it? Just to take out the trash! Let’s take out our own trash and put that money in the classroom.
3. The School Board members each are paid a "stipend" of $5,000.00 a year. "Stipends" are just a way to pay someone without calling it a paycheck. Over the 4 year term of the 7 of the school board members, that’s $140,000.00 of your tax dollars. And how much time do they work for that money? They meet for 3 hours a month. I want to change this. I’ll do it for $1.00 a year or $4.00 for my entire 4 year term. I’ll turn the other $19,996.00 over to fund school programs. That money belongs in the classroom!
Our teachers, staff and students need to be safe at school and I will make our schools a safer place. And our teachers, staff and students will do better if waste is trimmed and that money goes where it belongs, in the classroom.
But to do that, I’ll need your vote on November 2nd
.
My name is Craig Theobald and I’m asking for your vote for Board of Education, District 4
This mailing was paid for by the candidate.
Authorized: Judith Kolarik, Treasurer
WNC Candidate Forum TONIGHT!
THE WICOMICO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS, INC.
Sponsors a
PUBLIC FORUM OF CANDIDATES FOR WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL
(Contested Seats Only)
on
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
7 to 9 PM
In the
Amphitheatre of Guerreri Hall (GH 101)
WOR-WIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CANDIDATES INVITED:
At Large: Dave Cowall -- Bob Culver – Matt Holloway -- Ed Taylor
First District: David Goslee -- Sheree Sample-Hughes
Fourth District: Bob Caldwell -- Dave MacLeod
Candidates Will Be Questioned on Significant Issues Expected to Face the County Council during the Next Term – 2011 through 2014 by DON RUSH of WSCL/WSDL (Public Radio Delmarva)
Bank Account
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheetsung on his window.
I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.
Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.
'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank.
I am still depositing.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheetsung on his window.
I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.
Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.
'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank.
I am still depositing.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
SBYNews Interviews
Hello Joe,
This coming election I believe voters will be going to the voting booth with more information about each candidate than ever before. This is all because of the time and effort by SBY News. I know that because of work it is difficult for me to get to all the public forums. Now I can simply go to SBY News and view them at my leisure. What is especially good about this is that if you weren't quite sure about what the candidate said you just go back and listen again. Your recent interview with former councilmen Ed Taylor brought back some memories that I almost forgot about. When you asked about the possibility of any tax breaks for the citizens Mr. Taylor made it quite clear that in this current economic climate this was not the time for any tax reductions. I wish you could have followed up and asked Mr. Taylor exactly what kind of economic conditions would be suitable for him to give the taxpayers a little break. I seem to remember a time when Councilmen Mathews wanted to reduce the Piggy Back Tax from 60% to 45% after an unexpectedly large revenue windfall for the county. Mr. Taylor voted against that measure. So by watching that SBY News interview and remembering what has happened before it seems to me that there is no way a taxpayer will get any kind of tax break from him. It was also clear from the interview that Mr. Taylor is no fan of the revenue cap on property tax rates. In fact he said it cost the county 50 million dollars.I don't know about you but I would rather see that money in the hands of our county taxpayers than in the hands of many county departments. The interview also brought up something that I believe most voters have forgotten about. Wasn't Mr. Taylor on the County Council that voted for the 24-26% increase in property tax rate and that started the push for the revenue cap? I'm sure someone will correct me on that if I'm wrong about that. Without having SBY News Interviews as a reminder a lot of this information might just have slipped into the back of my memory. Thanks Joe for the great job of keeping the voters informed informed about our county.
John Palmer Jr.
Vietnam And Yom Kippur Wars Were Closely Connected, Newly Released U.S. Documents Reveal
Henry Kissinger, at 50, was at the height of his powers: secretary of state and national security advisor, hero of the negotiations that led to America's withdrawal from Vietnam, master of the mediation between Israel and Egypt and Syria. Golda Meir, a woman of 75, was Israel's prime minister. When the two met, they were usually accompanied by colleagues, aides and transcribers.
Nguyen Van Thieu was a military man and a politician, the president of South Vietnam and Kissinger's contemporary. Like the prime minister of Israel, he was a cranky and ungrateful client of the United States government. On November 29, 1973, about a month after the end of the Yom Kippur War, in a meeting of the crisis management team he headed in Washington, Kissinger confessed: "I've always had this secret desire to get Golda [Meir] into negotiations with [President] Thieu. What a scene that would be! They both deserve each other."
A week later, Kissinger met with South Vietnamese foreign minister Vuong Van Bac, who asked for fighter planes and antitank weaponry.
"If you promise not to record this," Kissinger said, "I'll tell you one of my secret wishes - that is to get President Thieu into negotiations with the Israeli prime minister. That would be a match. Your president is a real pro. The Israelis also want anti-tank weapons. So let the Israeli prime minister and President Thieu negotiate to see who would get our antitank weapons. No, seriously, I appreciate your need for antitank weapons."
Kissinger hastened to reassure Bac: "[Let] me say again we will do the maximum possible to preserve your independence and integrity."
In other words, the United States would act only within the bounds of what was actually possible; the administration would do only what Congress approved.
Or as Bac heard a year later from a new president, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon's successor, "I want to reassure you we will support President Thieu in every way - economically, politically, diplomatically. Our problem is not us, but on the Hill." These are quotes from secret U.S. documents released last week, just as transcripts of Golda Meir's war cabinet from the terrible days of October 1973 were revealed. The American papers are included in the last volume of Vietnam War documents published by the U.S. State Department - extending until the fall of the regime in South Vietnam and the occupation of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City ) in April of 1975.
Last week Kissinger was the main speaker at a conference convened at the State Department, his old stomping grounds, to mark this last volume's publication.
He spoke about the polar differences between the two sides at the end of the 1960s and the start of the '70s. The Americans sought a compromise; the North Vietnamese a victory, to replace the regime in the south and to unite the two halves of Vietnam under their rule. When they became stronger militarily, they attacked; when they were blocked, they agreed to bargain; when they signed an agreement, they waited for an opportunity to break it and win.
Read more here
Nguyen Van Thieu was a military man and a politician, the president of South Vietnam and Kissinger's contemporary. Like the prime minister of Israel, he was a cranky and ungrateful client of the United States government. On November 29, 1973, about a month after the end of the Yom Kippur War, in a meeting of the crisis management team he headed in Washington, Kissinger confessed: "I've always had this secret desire to get Golda [Meir] into negotiations with [President] Thieu. What a scene that would be! They both deserve each other."
A week later, Kissinger met with South Vietnamese foreign minister Vuong Van Bac, who asked for fighter planes and antitank weaponry.
"If you promise not to record this," Kissinger said, "I'll tell you one of my secret wishes - that is to get President Thieu into negotiations with the Israeli prime minister. That would be a match. Your president is a real pro. The Israelis also want anti-tank weapons. So let the Israeli prime minister and President Thieu negotiate to see who would get our antitank weapons. No, seriously, I appreciate your need for antitank weapons."
Kissinger hastened to reassure Bac: "[Let] me say again we will do the maximum possible to preserve your independence and integrity."
In other words, the United States would act only within the bounds of what was actually possible; the administration would do only what Congress approved.
Or as Bac heard a year later from a new president, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon's successor, "I want to reassure you we will support President Thieu in every way - economically, politically, diplomatically. Our problem is not us, but on the Hill." These are quotes from secret U.S. documents released last week, just as transcripts of Golda Meir's war cabinet from the terrible days of October 1973 were revealed. The American papers are included in the last volume of Vietnam War documents published by the U.S. State Department - extending until the fall of the regime in South Vietnam and the occupation of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City ) in April of 1975.
Last week Kissinger was the main speaker at a conference convened at the State Department, his old stomping grounds, to mark this last volume's publication.
He spoke about the polar differences between the two sides at the end of the 1960s and the start of the '70s. The Americans sought a compromise; the North Vietnamese a victory, to replace the regime in the south and to unite the two halves of Vietnam under their rule. When they became stronger militarily, they attacked; when they were blocked, they agreed to bargain; when they signed an agreement, they waited for an opportunity to break it and win.
Read more here
IDF Confirms Attack On Northern Gaza
One Palestinian was killed and two other injured in an IDF strike in northern Gaza on Sunday, Palestinian sources report.
A statement by the Israel Defense Forces said that Israel Air Force attacked a terrorist cells planning to launch Qassam rockets or mortar bombs at Israel.
According to Palestinian reports, Israel Navy attacked a Hamas training facility north of Gaza city. Gaza hospital confirmed that one man was killed and two other were wounded, one of whom in critical condition.
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers, and will continue to act firmly against terror," an army statement said Sunday, adding that Israel held "Hamas solely responsible for the situation in Gaza and for maintaining the peace there.
According to the Israeli military spokesman's office, a total of 165 rockets and mortars have been launched from the Gaza Strip at Israel so far this year.
More here
A statement by the Israel Defense Forces said that Israel Air Force attacked a terrorist cells planning to launch Qassam rockets or mortar bombs at Israel.
According to Palestinian reports, Israel Navy attacked a Hamas training facility north of Gaza city. Gaza hospital confirmed that one man was killed and two other were wounded, one of whom in critical condition.
"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers, and will continue to act firmly against terror," an army statement said Sunday, adding that Israel held "Hamas solely responsible for the situation in Gaza and for maintaining the peace there.
According to the Israeli military spokesman's office, a total of 165 rockets and mortars have been launched from the Gaza Strip at Israel so far this year.
More here
DHS: 'Assassins? We'll Put Up Warning Signs'
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned Arizona law enforcement officials in May that Mexican drug cartels were deploying assassins to kill bandits highjacking their drug loads in the Vekol Valley, 70 miles inside Arizona. Then the federal government set up signs in the region to warn American citizens away from this area of U.S. sovereign territory.
That local law enforcement would be left to confront agents of a foreign cartel coming across the international border of the United States to carry out a deadly drug war on U.S. soil is further evidence that the federal government is not doing its duty to secure the border, said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.
“This is confirmed intelligence that Mexican drug cartels are now working in concert to protect their drug loads in the United States, literally, to send well-armed, military trained--even with ballistic vests--up to my county,” Babeu told CNSNews.com.
“This clearly is no longer a public safety issue,” he said. “This is a national security issue. The violence is bleeding into America and we must stop it.”
The DHS sent an e-mail on May 13, 2010 to several law enforcement agencies warning that Mexican drug cartels were deploying “sicarios” (assassins) into the western part of Pinal County, Ariz., to “take out” bandits that were robbing drug smugglers who had entered the United States from Mexico through the Arizona desert.
The e-mail was made public this past Friday, Oct. 15 (five months later), after local media in Arizona obtained the e-mail and questioned local law enforcement about it.
Here is more
That local law enforcement would be left to confront agents of a foreign cartel coming across the international border of the United States to carry out a deadly drug war on U.S. soil is further evidence that the federal government is not doing its duty to secure the border, said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.
“This is confirmed intelligence that Mexican drug cartels are now working in concert to protect their drug loads in the United States, literally, to send well-armed, military trained--even with ballistic vests--up to my county,” Babeu told CNSNews.com.
“This clearly is no longer a public safety issue,” he said. “This is a national security issue. The violence is bleeding into America and we must stop it.”
The DHS sent an e-mail on May 13, 2010 to several law enforcement agencies warning that Mexican drug cartels were deploying “sicarios” (assassins) into the western part of Pinal County, Ariz., to “take out” bandits that were robbing drug smugglers who had entered the United States from Mexico through the Arizona desert.
The e-mail was made public this past Friday, Oct. 15 (five months later), after local media in Arizona obtained the e-mail and questioned local law enforcement about it.
Here is more
Frau Merkel States The Obvious
Attempts to build a multicultural society in Germany have "utterly failed", Chancellor Angela Merkel says.
In a speech in Potsdam, she said the so-called "multikulti" concept - where people would "live side-by-side" happily - did not work.
Mrs Merkel's comments come amid recent outpourings of strong anti-immigrant feeling from mainstream politicians.
A recent survey showed that more than 30% of Germans believed Germany was "overrun by foreigners".
The study - by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation think-tank - also showed that roughly the same number thought that some 16 million of Germany's immigrants or people with foreign origins had come to the country for the social benefits.
Speaking to a meeting of young members of her Christian Democrats (CDU), Merkel said allowing people of different cultural backgrounds to live side by side without integrating had not worked in a country that is home to some four million Muslims.
"This (multicultural) approach has failed, utterly failed," Merkel said.
Merkel faces pressure from within her CDU to take a tougher line on immigrants who don't show a willingness to adapt to German society and her comments appeared intended to pacify her critics.
Mrs Merkel told the gathering on Saturday that at "the beginning of the 60s our country called the foreign workers to come to Germany and now they live in our country... We kidded ourselves a while, we said: 'They won't stay, sometime they will be gone', but this isn't reality.
In her speech, the chancellor specifically referred to recent comments by German President Christian Wulff who said that Islam was "part of Germany" like Christianity and Judaism.
While acknowledging that this was the case, Mrs Merkel stressed that immigrants living in Germany needed to do more to integrate, including learning to speak German.
"Anyone who does not immediately speak German", she said, "is not welcome".
More here
In a speech in Potsdam, she said the so-called "multikulti" concept - where people would "live side-by-side" happily - did not work.
Mrs Merkel's comments come amid recent outpourings of strong anti-immigrant feeling from mainstream politicians.
A recent survey showed that more than 30% of Germans believed Germany was "overrun by foreigners".
The study - by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation think-tank - also showed that roughly the same number thought that some 16 million of Germany's immigrants or people with foreign origins had come to the country for the social benefits.
Speaking to a meeting of young members of her Christian Democrats (CDU), Merkel said allowing people of different cultural backgrounds to live side by side without integrating had not worked in a country that is home to some four million Muslims.
"This (multicultural) approach has failed, utterly failed," Merkel said.
Merkel faces pressure from within her CDU to take a tougher line on immigrants who don't show a willingness to adapt to German society and her comments appeared intended to pacify her critics.
Mrs Merkel told the gathering on Saturday that at "the beginning of the 60s our country called the foreign workers to come to Germany and now they live in our country... We kidded ourselves a while, we said: 'They won't stay, sometime they will be gone', but this isn't reality.
In her speech, the chancellor specifically referred to recent comments by German President Christian Wulff who said that Islam was "part of Germany" like Christianity and Judaism.
While acknowledging that this was the case, Mrs Merkel stressed that immigrants living in Germany needed to do more to integrate, including learning to speak German.
"Anyone who does not immediately speak German", she said, "is not welcome".
More here
Christine O'Donnell: Where’s My Party?
Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell ratcheted up her frustration with the National Republican Senatorial Committee Thursday for its reluctance to help finance her campaign to defeat Democratic challenger Chris Coons, according to Fox News.
“The Republican Party on the state level or on the national level, neither have come in to help me close the gap in the polls,” O’Donnell said, noting the Democratic Party has upped the ante by running more ads against her. “And my opponent…there’s so much to attack him on, yet the NRSC refuses to play, and that baffles me because he’s a sitting duck. There’s a lot to go after him [on].”
During her debate with Coons Wednesday night, O’Donnell acknowledged the difficulties she’s had with Republican leadership ever since she launched her campaign against party favorite Rep. Mike Castle, whom O’Donnell defeated in the state GOP primary.
“I've had to fight my party to be here on this stage to win the nomination, and to some extent I am still fighting my party,” she said.
Here's more
“The Republican Party on the state level or on the national level, neither have come in to help me close the gap in the polls,” O’Donnell said, noting the Democratic Party has upped the ante by running more ads against her. “And my opponent…there’s so much to attack him on, yet the NRSC refuses to play, and that baffles me because he’s a sitting duck. There’s a lot to go after him [on].”
During her debate with Coons Wednesday night, O’Donnell acknowledged the difficulties she’s had with Republican leadership ever since she launched her campaign against party favorite Rep. Mike Castle, whom O’Donnell defeated in the state GOP primary.
“I've had to fight my party to be here on this stage to win the nomination, and to some extent I am still fighting my party,” she said.
Here's more
MSP Press Release
DATE & TIME: 10-16-10 @ 0855hrs
LOCATION: Pittsville, Wicomico Co., MD. 21801
CASE NUMBER: 1054-009245
CRIME: 1. 2nd Degree Assault
Accused: Joseph Worley Sr of Pittsville, MD
BRIEF RESUME: On the above date and time, Tfc Goldman responded to an assault in Pittsville, Md. Investigation revealed Joseph Worley Sr had assaulted his stepdaughter at the residence. The step daughter received minor injuries as a result of this incident. Joseph Worley was placed under arrest for assault and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center for Processing.
LOCATION: Pittsville, Wicomico Co., MD. 21801
CASE NUMBER: 1054-009245
CRIME: 1. 2nd Degree Assault
Accused: Joseph Worley Sr of Pittsville, MD
BRIEF RESUME: On the above date and time, Tfc Goldman responded to an assault in Pittsville, Md. Investigation revealed Joseph Worley Sr had assaulted his stepdaughter at the residence. The step daughter received minor injuries as a result of this incident. Joseph Worley was placed under arrest for assault and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center for Processing.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Accident Involving a Motorcycle on College Ave
Major accident involving a motorcycle and a car on College Ave in front of Super Fresh. Several police and firefighters are on the scene. Injures are unknown at this time.
More to come....
More to come....
Large House Fire in Salisbury
Very large house fire on the corner of Lincoln Ave and South Division Street. The fire has expanded to a second building. All of Salisbury's Fire Departments are on the scene. Neighboring Fire Departments are covering the Salisbury area.
More to come.....
More to come.....
Not So Golden Years: Rise In Capital Gains And Dividends Tax Would Hit Seniors Hard
The baby boomers' nest egg will soon start to crack if the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire.
Retired seniors could be among the hardest hit by the failure to extend Bush-era tax cuts on Jan. 1 since they rely most on investments and savings
Lawmakers have been warning for months about the income-tax consequences for working families, including penalties on marriage and a reduction in child tax credits.
Retired seniors could be among the hardest hit by the failure to extend Bush-era tax cuts on Jan. 1 since they rely most on investments and savings
Lawmakers have been warning for months about the income-tax consequences for working families, including penalties on marriage and a reduction in child tax credits.
But those living off investment income would see not only their 401(k) and savings accounts taxed at higher income rates, but also dividends and capital gains skimmed deeper and deeper by the federal government.
Studies of IRS data put out by The Tax Foundation show seniors over 65 earn more from dividends and capital gains than any other age group -- more than $77 billion in dividends and more than $150 billion in capital gains in 2008.That means for retired workers, every penny is that much more valuable. Investment income typically supplements Social Security, or vice versa, and tax analysts say that if the Bush tax cuts expire, it could mean thousands of dollars less every golden year
.
Pete Sepp, executive vice president at the National Taxpayers Union, called it a "serious tax squeeze" for retirees."A lot of them still have money in things like traditional mutual funds," he said.
GO HERE to read more.
Dual Rainbow Shines Upon 3rd Friday Event
Apply Now For A Seasonal Job
If you're looking to pick up some extra cash this holiday season, around $10.60 an hour, the time to apply for a seasonal job is now. Stores are already putting out the Christmas Creep so managers are already thinking about staffing. Here's a few things you can do to make yourself stand out from the competition, which is expected to be fiercer than ever:
More »
More »
Second Safe-Streets Anti-Crime Legislation Public Dialogue
Second Safe-Streets Anti-Crime Legislation Public Dialogue
to Air on PAC14 Friday and Saturday
Thanks to involved citizens, a taping of the second public dialogue on the 2010 Safe Streets Neighborhood Legislative package, held at First Station 16 Headquarters on Cypress Street October 12, will air on cable channel PAC14 this Saturday, October 16 at 2:20 p.m. and Tuesday, October 19 at 7:56 p.m. Additional dates for the 3-hour 4-minute meeting will soon be scheduled and will be found on the PAC14 programming schedule at http://www.pac14.org/.
The meeting was hosted by Council Members Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen, who were joined by the city clerk, select department heads and Director of Gang Intelligence for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Mark Bowen. As with the first such meeting to gather public input about the proposals, the house was full and spilled into the lobby. Although a show of hands indicated what Cohen referred to as “a nice mix” of homeowners, tenants and landlords, the majority of speakers had ties to the rental industry.
“With few exceptions, both meetings produced a respectful give and take,” Campbell noted. “We received many constructive comments between the two meetings that could lead to improvements in the legislation.”
Cohen started the meeting with a slide show that outlined the “bigger picture” of the Safe Streets initiative, what tasks it had already set in motion, and how the package proposed by Mayor Jim Ireton was only one portion under the Safe Streets “umbrella. Cohen had said at the outset that she did not envision the legislation remaining unchanged, but to date, Council President Smith has refused to place it on a work session agenda for the council to discuss, as it does other legislation.
Campbell and Cohen said they would put the audio recording of this second public dialogue on the website they share, http://www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com/ next week, but that it is also available on CD from city clerk’s office, 410-548-3140, for $5, which covers the office’s cost of production. Sometime next week, the slideshow will also be on that website, as well as the City’s website, http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/. The legislation proposals can be viewed on both websites as well.
Both council members expressed thanks to the public for their attendance; to the mayor, the administration and the city clerk for their availability at and support of the meetings, and to PAC14 for their assistance in making video recordings of the meeting available to the public.
Mexican Assassins Headed To Arizona
Drug smuggling gangs in Mexico have sent well-armed assassins, or "sicarios," into Arizona to locate and kill bandits who are ambushing and stealing loads of cocaine, marijuana and heroin headed to buyers in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has warned Arizona law enforcement authorities.
In a memo sent in May and widely circulated since, the department said: "We just received information from a proven credible confidential source who reported that a meeting was held in Puerto Penasco in which every smuggling organization who utilizes the Vekol Valley was told to attend. This included rival groups within the Guzman cartel."
JoaquÃn Archivaldo Guzman Loera heads what formally is known as the Sinaloa Cartel, which smuggles multi-ton loads of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the United States. One of the most powerful and dangerous drug gangs in Mexico, it also is known as the Guzman cartel, which has been tied to the production, smuggling and distribution of Mexican marijuana and heroin and has established transshipment outlets in the United States.
The Vekol Valley is a widely-traveled drug smuggling corridor running across Interstate 8 between the Arizona towns of Casa Grande and Gila Bend, continuing north towards Phoenix. It gives drug smugglers the option of shipping their goods to California or to major cities both north and east.
The Homeland Security memo said a group of "15, very well equipped and armed sicarios complete with bullet proof vests" had been sent into the valley. It said the assassins would be disguised as "groups of 'simulated backpackers' carrying empty boxes covered with burlap into the Vekol Valley to draw out the bandits." Once identified, the memo said, "the sicarios will take out the bandits."
The federal government has posted signs along Interstate 8 in the Vekol Valley warning travelers the area is unsafe because of drug and alien smugglers, and the local sheriff says Mexican drug cartels now control some parts of the state.More here
In a memo sent in May and widely circulated since, the department said: "We just received information from a proven credible confidential source who reported that a meeting was held in Puerto Penasco in which every smuggling organization who utilizes the Vekol Valley was told to attend. This included rival groups within the Guzman cartel."
JoaquÃn Archivaldo Guzman Loera heads what formally is known as the Sinaloa Cartel, which smuggles multi-ton loads of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the United States. One of the most powerful and dangerous drug gangs in Mexico, it also is known as the Guzman cartel, which has been tied to the production, smuggling and distribution of Mexican marijuana and heroin and has established transshipment outlets in the United States.
The Vekol Valley is a widely-traveled drug smuggling corridor running across Interstate 8 between the Arizona towns of Casa Grande and Gila Bend, continuing north towards Phoenix. It gives drug smugglers the option of shipping their goods to California or to major cities both north and east.
The Homeland Security memo said a group of "15, very well equipped and armed sicarios complete with bullet proof vests" had been sent into the valley. It said the assassins would be disguised as "groups of 'simulated backpackers' carrying empty boxes covered with burlap into the Vekol Valley to draw out the bandits." Once identified, the memo said, "the sicarios will take out the bandits."
The federal government has posted signs along Interstate 8 in the Vekol Valley warning travelers the area is unsafe because of drug and alien smugglers, and the local sheriff says Mexican drug cartels now control some parts of the state.More here
FOP 10 For Beau Oglesby
It is very important that the citizens of Worcester County are made aware of the importance of electing Beau Oglesby as Worcester County State's Attorney. Beau will hold the criminals responsible for their actions instead of offering plea agreements to keep convictions rates appearing high. Beau is supported by all the local FOP lodges. These endorsements come from the working men and women in law enforcement, not administrators and friends that haven't been in a court room in years.
November 2nd is fast approaching. Please help to spread the word about Beau Oglesby. He is dedicated to making Worcester County a safer place to live. I imagine you have an extensive email list of contacts and friends. I would greatly appreciate any help you could provide in forwarding this message.
Joe Bushnell
Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 10
Executive Board Member
November 2nd is fast approaching. Please help to spread the word about Beau Oglesby. He is dedicated to making Worcester County a safer place to live. I imagine you have an extensive email list of contacts and friends. I would greatly appreciate any help you could provide in forwarding this message.
Joe Bushnell
Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 10
Executive Board Member
Crash-Rt. 13 Near Dagsboro Road
DATE & TIME: 10-15-10 @ 1859 hrs C C. CARD NUMBER: 1054009228
Driver # 1/ Veh. #1: Amanda Brooke Truitt
Seaford, DE
2002 Honda Civic
Charges: TA 21-901.1b – Negligent Driving
Driver # 2/ Veh # 2: Sungjin NMN Lee
Salisbury, MD
2010 Nissan Sentra
Driver # 3/ Veh # 3: William Severn Bradley 3rd
Salisbury, MD
2003 Nissan Pathfinder
LOCATION: S/B Rt 13 N/O Dagsboro Road
BRIEF RESUME: On the above date and time, troopers responded to the above address reference to a three vehicle property damage collision. Investigation revealed that all three vehicles were S/B on Rt 13 North of Dagsboro Rd. Vehicles 2 and 3 came to a stop due to traffic congestion. Vehicle 1 was traveling too closely and failed to stop in time to avoid collision with vehicle 2 subsequently, pushing vehicle 2 into vehicle 3.All occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. All occupants were released at the scene. No alcohol was involved in the collision.
Driver # 1/ Veh. #1: Amanda Brooke Truitt
Seaford, DE
2002 Honda Civic
Charges: TA 21-901.1b – Negligent Driving
Driver # 2/ Veh # 2: Sungjin NMN Lee
Salisbury, MD
2010 Nissan Sentra
Driver # 3/ Veh # 3: William Severn Bradley 3rd
Salisbury, MD
2003 Nissan Pathfinder
LOCATION: S/B Rt 13 N/O Dagsboro Road
BRIEF RESUME: On the above date and time, troopers responded to the above address reference to a three vehicle property damage collision. Investigation revealed that all three vehicles were S/B on Rt 13 North of Dagsboro Rd. Vehicles 2 and 3 came to a stop due to traffic congestion. Vehicle 1 was traveling too closely and failed to stop in time to avoid collision with vehicle 2 subsequently, pushing vehicle 2 into vehicle 3.All occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. All occupants were released at the scene. No alcohol was involved in the collision.
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On October 14, 2010 at approximately 4:34 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol on the eight (800) block of W. Isabella Street and observed the below listed suspects trespassing on property that had been posted against trespassing by the owner. The suspects were arrested and below listed suspect # 4 was found to be in possession of a smoking device containing suspected "crack"/cocaine residue.
ARRESTED #1: Willie (nmn) Frazier, Jr., 58 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Robert Lee Kennedy, 58 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #3: Gorge Roosevelt Morris, 63 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #4: Raymond Harold Hitch, 60 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (All): Trespassing
Additionally, suspect # 4 was charged with:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
On October 14, 2010 at approximately 6:56 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on a warrant received by Salisbury Detectives for a theft that occurred on October 12, 2010. On that date it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a victim had her wallet and credit card stolen from a local business. It was found that the below listed suspect then took the credit card and made several purchases at a store in the Salisbury area.
ARRESTED: Michael Jack Elliott, 31 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1000) (2 counts)
Theft (under $ 100)
Theft scheme (under $ 1000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000040682
On October 14, 2010 at approximately 8:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of E. Church St. and Walston Avenue and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the stop, the officer observed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the floor of the vehicle next to the below listed suspect.
ARRESTED: Alrise Kemora Walker, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000040992
On October 15, 2010 at approximately 12:18 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Alabama Avenue for the report of a domestic altercation. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised the officers that he had been involved in an argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument the suspect struck the victim several times in the neck area causing a minor injury. The injury did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Katherine Nicolle Fitzgerald, 21years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000041048
On October 15, 2010 at approximately 2:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of the WaWa Store on South Salisbury Boulevard. The officers entered the store parking lot and were verbally assaulted by below listed suspect # 1. The officers avoided the suspect who pursued the officers and continued to verbally harass the officers. As the officers attempted to calm the suspect, the suspect became disorderly and was ordered from the property by the store management. The suspect refused to leave the parking lot and continued to yell profanities resulting in his arrest. During the arrest of suspect # 1, suspect # 2 attempted to intervene and interfered with the officers as the officers arrested the first suspect.
ARRESTED #1: Brandon Tewordros Stamps, 23 years of age
Willards, Maryland
CHARGES: Trespassing
Disorderly Conduct
Failure to obey a lawful order
Second degree assault
Resisting arrest
ARRESTED #2: Aaron Corday Sadberry, 25 years of age
Pittsville, Maryland
CHARGES: Interfered with lawful arrest
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000041059
ARRESTED #1: Willie (nmn) Frazier, Jr., 58 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #2: Robert Lee Kennedy, 58 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #3: Gorge Roosevelt Morris, 63 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
ARRESTED #4: Raymond Harold Hitch, 60 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES (All): Trespassing
Additionally, suspect # 4 was charged with:
Possession of cocaine
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
On October 14, 2010 at approximately 6:56 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on a warrant received by Salisbury Detectives for a theft that occurred on October 12, 2010. On that date it was reported to the Salisbury Police that a victim had her wallet and credit card stolen from a local business. It was found that the below listed suspect then took the credit card and made several purchases at a store in the Salisbury area.
ARRESTED: Michael Jack Elliott, 31 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1000) (2 counts)
Theft (under $ 100)
Theft scheme (under $ 1000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000040682
On October 14, 2010 at approximately 8:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of E. Church St. and Walston Avenue and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the below listed suspect for traffic violations. During the stop, the officer observed a quantity of suspected marijuana on the floor of the vehicle next to the below listed suspect.
ARRESTED: Alrise Kemora Walker, 19 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession of marijuana
Possession of cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000040992
On October 15, 2010 at approximately 12:18 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on Alabama Avenue for the report of a domestic altercation. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult male victim who advised the officers that he had been involved in an argument with the below listed suspect. During the argument the suspect struck the victim several times in the neck area causing a minor injury. The injury did not require medical attention.
ARRESTED: Katherine Nicolle Fitzgerald, 21years of age
Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000041048
On October 15, 2010 at approximately 2:05 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of the WaWa Store on South Salisbury Boulevard. The officers entered the store parking lot and were verbally assaulted by below listed suspect # 1. The officers avoided the suspect who pursued the officers and continued to verbally harass the officers. As the officers attempted to calm the suspect, the suspect became disorderly and was ordered from the property by the store management. The suspect refused to leave the parking lot and continued to yell profanities resulting in his arrest. During the arrest of suspect # 1, suspect # 2 attempted to intervene and interfered with the officers as the officers arrested the first suspect.
ARRESTED #1: Brandon Tewordros Stamps, 23 years of age
Willards, Maryland
CHARGES: Trespassing
Disorderly Conduct
Failure to obey a lawful order
Second degree assault
Resisting arrest
ARRESTED #2: Aaron Corday Sadberry, 25 years of age
Pittsville, Maryland
CHARGES: Interfered with lawful arrest
DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking
CC # 201000041059
Ten Rules For A Happy Marriage:Understanding Women
Ten Rules for a Happy Marriage:Understanding Women
- The woman always makes the rules
- These rules are subject to change without notice
- No man can possibly know all the rules
- The woman is never wrong
- If it appears the woman is wrong, it is because of a flagrant misunderstanding caused by something the man did or said
- The man must apologise immediately for causing the misunderstanding
- The woman can change her mind at any time
- The man must never change his mind without the proper consent of the woman
- The man must read the mind of the w oman at all times
- At all times, what is important is what the woman meant, not what she said.
The Secret of Marriage - Understanding Men
- Because I'm a man, when I lock my keys in the car, I will fiddle with a coat hanger long after hypothermia has set in. Calling a garage is not an option. I will win.
- Because I'm a man, when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another man shows up, one of us will say to the ot her, 'I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know where to start.' We will then drink a couple of beers and break wind, as a form of Holy Communion.
- Because I'm a man, when I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You're a woman. You never get as sick as I do, so for you, this is no problem.
- Because I'm a man, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store, like milk or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items like "cumin" or "tofu." Fo r all I know, these are the same thing.
- Because I'm a man, when one of our appliances stops working, I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.
- Because I'm a man, I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I may miss a whole show looking for it, though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator instead (applies to engineers only).
- Because I'm a man, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't . . . and if you are feeling amorous afterwards ... then I will certainly at least remember the name and recommend it to others.
- Because I'm a man, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it, looks fine.. It does not make your rear look too big. It was the pasta and potatoes and Margaritas that did that. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?
- Because I'm a man, and this is after all, the year 2009, I will share equally in the housework. You just do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning, the vacuuming, and the dishes, and I'll do the rest; like wandering around in the garden with a beer, wondering what to do.
Hilarious Advice On How To Look After Your Husband
This advice was allegedly in a Home Economics textbook.∞
Have his dinner ready. Plan the night before to have a delicious meal ready for him on time. This will let him know that you've been thinking of him and concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the thought of a good meal is part of the warm welcome he needs.Make yourself look nice. Take a 15 minutes rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives home. Touch up your make-up and put a pink ribbon in your hair. Don't forget he has just been with a lot of work-weary people, so he will need you to look fresh. Be gay and interesting, as his boring day will need a lift.Clear away the clutter around the house. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives home and gather up school books, toys, paper, etc. Run a duster over the tables. Then, when he arrives home, your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order. It will give you a lift too.Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash their hands and faces, comb their hair and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.Minimise all noise. As soon as he arrives home, turn off the washer, dryer, dishwasher and vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and look glad to see him.Don't greet h im with problems and don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day. So make him comfortable. Have him lean back in his armchair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind. Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or other pleasant entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to unwind and relax. Your goal is to try to make your home a place of peace a nd order where your husband can relax in body and spirit.
Q&A On The Magnet Program And High Performing Learners (October 2010)
1. What were the qualifying factors for students entering Magnet this year?
The entrance criteria expanded from 3 to 7 factors, and the school system raised standards from 85th percentile to 90th percentile, and followed entry criteria closely in admitting students to the Magnet Program. We used math GPA, Math Benchmark averages, Math Cumulative Final, Reading GPA, Reading Benchmark Averages, Leveled Reading Passages, and Gates-MacGinitie Reading Assessment. We were looking for a 90+% in either reading or math cumulative and an 80+% in the supporting area. We also added additional mid-program assessments, inviting an additional 12 students to join the Magnet Program for Fall '10. We are progressing towards a more scientifically defensible entry standard.
Total NSS PES
The Magnet Program currently serves: 3rd Grade 97 69 28
4th Grade 173 107 66
5th Grade 145 83 62
Total 415 259 156
Students invited to the Magnet Program for grade 3: 148 102 46
The following number of students accepted that invitation: 97 69 28
The 65.5% portion accepting the invitation is virtually identical to the 65% accepting in previous years.
We have reviewed the population of potential students multiple times and feel confident that we have invited everyone who qualified and would benefit from the Magnet Program on the basis of the data from last spring. However, we continue to watch current students for characteristics of Magnet Program potential and will move students in or out as appropriate as has been done in the past.
2. What has changed in Magnet?
We added four data points to the entry criteria, raised the entry standards from 85% to 90%, and increased the level to which we held to those criteria. The curriculum, instruction, support staff, most teachers, and most administrators remain the same.
3. What portion of Magnet Program students qualified in the past?
In reviewing student record data and in interviews on professional observations with various professional staff involved with the Magnet Program, it was determined that from 30 – 80% of students participating in the Magnet Program did not qualify under the published standards for the program. These data points come from either test data or staff observations of students in the program and how instruction had to be adjusted to match the abilities of some students.
4. Were the factors of ELL, FARMS and race used in addition to the seven data points to determine which students would be invited to full-time Magnet in the July 9th mailing?
We did not use ELL, FARMS, or race in deciding who was invited into the Magnet Program.
5. Are there fewer minority students in the Magnet Program this year, even though the stated goal specifically sought to have the "populations in specialized classes [to be] representative of WCBOE student population?"
There are slightly fewer minority students this year. We have to make difficult choices. One of those choices was whether to focus on increasing rigor and consistency or on increasing under-represented groups of students. We chose to identify for the Magnet Program students who would be most likely to benefit from the increased rigor, consistency, pace and workload of the Magnet Program and other similar programs.
6. Were people who were appealing their lack of an invitation to participate in the Magnet Program treated respectfully?
We have worked closely with all of the staff working on this project and have monitored the activities going on with the appeals. We have personally walked by the window in the door of the conference room numerous times during these meetings. We have participated in some of the meetings. At no time during this process have we observed any staff member treat a family member or student in a rude, disrespectful, or inappropriate manner. They have always been highly professional, courteous, and seeking of information that might assist in making the very best decision possible for the student.
7. What commitment do we make to our top learners?
We have emphasized with all teachers – in all schools and all grades – the importance of meeting the needs of students of all levels with direct explicit instruction. We can and do make the commitment that we will do our best to provide them with learning opportunities that allow them to make the most of their skills and abilities. We will do this for all students to the very best degree possible in light of the extremely difficult financial challenges we face. Public schools are measured by the yardstick of how our various sub-groups do on tests and are funded to address shortcomings in challenge areas such as students with handicaps, students who don't speak English in the home, or students who don't have an adequate level of family income or support. When we say all students, we mean all students. A teacher who has 60 minutes to spend on reading must spend approximately equal amounts of time working with students who are working toward level, on level and above level. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the needs of all students are met, and that the needs of high performing learners are met whether they are in a more homogeneous grouping such as a Magnet classroom or heterogeneous grouping in another school classroom. We have assertively stated that it's not acceptable for a teacher to spend most of their classroom time with any particular group and give the high performing students (or any other sub-group) a worksheet and a book and cut them out of direct explicit instruction. The teacher is to secure the specialist or instructional support services needed to get the lowest performing students up to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) proficiency standards and to assist the high performing learners to make the most of their skills, too. We have excellent teachers and they can do this. All of us must support them in this endeavor.
8. The school system talked about partial placement in the Magnet Program. What has happened with that?
Partial placement in the Magnet Program, which has been done with a few students during the course of the school year in the past, was considered on a broader scale this summer to provide more students with the opportunity to attend the Magnet Program in a subject in which they excel. For example, a student who qualified for Magnet on Math but not reading could attend the Magnet Program for Math and all other subjects except reading, which would be taken in the home school program at the school at which the Magnet Center is located. While partial placement is not being used this year, it has been successful for some students in the past. Students who qualified for partial placement were admitted to the Magnet Program for 2010-11, and their performance will be reviewed at the end of the first marking period to ensure that the program is the right fit.
9. Can a student meet the eligibility requirements for TAD but not Magnet?
The school system is reviewing how Wicomico County students are served by the Magnet and TAD (Thinking and Doing) programs. Though many students are served by both programs, the criteria for the Magnet Program and TAD (a program for Gifted and Talented students) are different. The Magnet Program is designed for students who are high performing, while the TAD program is designed for students who are gifted, a measure of potential rather than performance. The Magnet Program is offered at the Magnet Centers at North Salisbury Elementary and Pemberton Elementary, while TAD classes are provided for each elementary school with eligible students in grades 3-5.
The TAD teachers screen all third grade students starting with the data points used for entry into the Magnet Program except for the WCBOE Math Cumulative Assessment and the Leveled Reading Passages. Students must meet at least 4 out of the 5 following criteria: 85% or higher on reading Benchmark (average of all 2nd grade benchmarks), 85% or higher on math Benchmark (average of all 2nd grade benchmarks), 3.5 or above GPA in reading, 3.5 or above GPA in math, 85% or higher on the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test, the students were administered the TCS, or Test of Cognitive Skills, by the TAD teachers.
In the Magnet Program sites, where all students meet the criteria, all third graders are tested for TAD. In other schools, students who met the criteria for TAD testing are given the TCS with parental consent. Students scoring a Cognitive Skills Index of 125 or higher are invited to participate in the TAD program. A Cognitive Skills score of 125 or higher indicates that a student has the potential to benefit from TAD, an enrichment program for students identified as gifted learners. In TAD, students work in small groups to develop their critical and creative thinking skills through extended, in-depth real-world problem solving experiences. TAD is a pullout program in which students meet with a teacher once in a cycle for two hours.
Wicomico students in grades four and five who have not previously been enrolled in TAD are tested for TAD if they meet at least 5 out of the 7 following criteria: 85% or higher on reading benchmarks (average of all 3rd or 4th grade benchmarks), 85% or higher on math benchmarks (average of all 3rd or 4th grade benchmarks), 3.5 or above GPA in reading, 3.5 or above GPA in math, Advanced on Reading MSA, Advanced on Math MSA, Lexile 90% or higher. Parent consent to test is acquired and students are administered the TCS, or Test of Cognitive Skills, by the TAD teachers. Students scoring a Cognitive Skills Index of 125 or higher are invited to participate in the TAD program.
10.A. Do you plan to make changes to the starting and ending times of the Magnet school day?
No. However, we regularly review the starting and ending times of all schools and programs for effective instruction and for operational efficiency. We are reviewing the starting and ending times of the entire set of elementary, middle, and high school groups of schools to maximize learning and minimize support costs such as transportation, extra supervision, and the like. One of the key goals is to see if there are more efficient ways to use our current student transportation services and reduce the amount of extra transportation time that students in the Magnet Program have to endure to participate in the program without increasing costs.
10.B. Would additional expenses be incurred if the school system made changes to transportation?
Our goal is to reduce transportation and other non-instructional costs.
11. Why was there staff turnover this year?
At the North Salisbury Elementary Magnet Program, three teachers retired and two transferred to other schools. One position (grade 5M) was filled by school transfer, another position (3M) became a North Salisbury home school position due to enrollment changes, and three teachers (4M) were hired through the application process. At Pemberton Elementary in the Magnet Program, one Magnet teacher transferred to a TAD position and one transferred to a reading intervention teacher position at North Salisbury through Title I. The vacant positions at Pemberton (5M and 4M) were covered through school transfers and the opening in grade 1 that resulted from the staffing shifts was filled through the application process. At both schools, with fewer students in third grade, one less 3M teacher was needed this year, and the excess teacher FTEs were reallocated elsewhere in elementary. No transfers or other adjustments are planned for this year.
12. Why were three key administrators, Lee Powell, Scott Thorpe, and Dave Harris, reassigned?
We take transfers very seriously. Transfers are the way we match the needs of the program or school to the skills of the administrator. There are many factors we consider when transferring any employee, with one goal in mind - school betterment.
13. What professional development will enable teachers to meet the needs of those High Performing Learners who are learning in the traditional classroom? How does one become equipped to teach highly-able learners?
The teachers will be working on their on-going staff development activities, Professional Learning Communities, and instruction surrounding various aspects of differentiation. Principals select teachers for High Performing Learners on the basis of skill and interest. Many have a personal interest and take classes and workshops to prepare. Currently and in the past, 35% of our students invited to participate in the Magnet Program choose not to participate, staying in their home attendance area. They test out at a level that is not statistically significantly different than the students who accept participation in the Magnet Program. Data would suggest that these teachers, support staff, and administrators are doing a satisfactory job of helping these children learn.
14. How are we accountable for the money expended on behalf of learners with special education needs and/or at-risk conditions and who have yet to make adequate progress?
While most of our students with Special Needs perform at or above the proficient level, our obligation is to help every student achieve at or above the proficient level. In fact, all students (including students with Special Needs) who qualified with credits, grades, and community service hours passed the (new in 2009) High School Assessment (HSA) requirements in both 2009 & 2010. We are deeply concerned about those who are struggling and are revising curricula and services to address those concerns. We are also accountable via annual, quarterly, and monthly financial audits as well as regular in-depth educational audits of program services and procedural regulations. These have regularly been clean and we are working to keep them that way. We are deeply concerned about the challenges of the No Child Left Behind legislation as it ratchets up to the goal of 100% proficiency in 2014. Our students with special needs require extra care and we will do it to the degree possible within the regulations and our finances.
15. What is the status of the High Performing Learners Committee?
The Superintendent's Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners (HPL) will meet at least once or twice (possibly more as needed) this fall. A meeting was held Thursday, Oct. 14.
16. Will the committee continue to work on the original goals?
Yes. The HPL committee will continue for a short time, as the tasks needed now are more detailed and not as well suited for a group the size of the HPL team. The focus of the committee will be to review the criteria for admission. It will also look into other possible assessments that could assist us in the identification of students for the Magnet Program.
17. Is the school system planning to eliminate the Magnet Program?
There is no intention nor plan to drop the Magnet Program. Rather, there is an interest in increasing the spectrum of high performing student services that we offer within budget constraints in areas such as science, technology, fine arts, language, business, and the like.
18. What are the next steps?
This year we plan to review the entry criteria (Maryland is moving towards using CogAT [Cognitive Abilities Test] and we might benefit from considering it), and review scheduling (work towards getting Magnet on the same schedule as elementary). We anticipate having one or two large group meetings of the Superintendent's Advisory Committee on Addressing the Needs of High Performing Learners and doing most of the work in our smaller focused teams. The first meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. We'll consider class size guidelines (we're facing very difficult funding in the next few years), and analyze transportation to see what might be done within the existing budget to improve delivery time and reduce student bus ride concerns. We will continue to analyze how high performing learners in grades 3-5 are served throughout the county, with the goal of ensuring that all high performing learners receive instruction at their level whether they participate in Magnet or attend their home school.
The entrance criteria expanded from 3 to 7 factors, and the school system raised standards from 85th percentile to 90th percentile, and followed entry criteria closely in admitting students to the Magnet Program. We used math GPA, Math Benchmark averages, Math Cumulative Final, Reading GPA, Reading Benchmark Averages, Leveled Reading Passages, and Gates-MacGinitie Reading Assessment. We were looking for a 90+% in either reading or math cumulative and an 80+% in the supporting area. We also added additional mid-program assessments, inviting an additional 12 students to join the Magnet Program for Fall '10. We are progressing towards a more scientifically defensible entry standard.
Total NSS PES
The Magnet Program currently serves: 3rd Grade 97 69 28
4th Grade 173 107 66
5th Grade 145 83 62
Total 415 259 156
Students invited to the Magnet Program for grade 3: 148 102 46
The following number of students accepted that invitation: 97 69 28
The 65.5% portion accepting the invitation is virtually identical to the 65% accepting in previous years.
We have reviewed the population of potential students multiple times and feel confident that we have invited everyone who qualified and would benefit from the Magnet Program on the basis of the data from last spring. However, we continue to watch current students for characteristics of Magnet Program potential and will move students in or out as appropriate as has been done in the past.
2. What has changed in Magnet?
We added four data points to the entry criteria, raised the entry standards from 85% to 90%, and increased the level to which we held to those criteria. The curriculum, instruction, support staff, most teachers, and most administrators remain the same.
3. What portion of Magnet Program students qualified in the past?
In reviewing student record data and in interviews on professional observations with various professional staff involved with the Magnet Program, it was determined that from 30 – 80% of students participating in the Magnet Program did not qualify under the published standards for the program. These data points come from either test data or staff observations of students in the program and how instruction had to be adjusted to match the abilities of some students.
4. Were the factors of ELL, FARMS and race used in addition to the seven data points to determine which students would be invited to full-time Magnet in the July 9th mailing?
We did not use ELL, FARMS, or race in deciding who was invited into the Magnet Program.
5. Are there fewer minority students in the Magnet Program this year, even though the stated goal specifically sought to have the "populations in specialized classes [to be] representative of WCBOE student population?"
There are slightly fewer minority students this year. We have to make difficult choices. One of those choices was whether to focus on increasing rigor and consistency or on increasing under-represented groups of students. We chose to identify for the Magnet Program students who would be most likely to benefit from the increased rigor, consistency, pace and workload of the Magnet Program and other similar programs.
6. Were people who were appealing their lack of an invitation to participate in the Magnet Program treated respectfully?
We have worked closely with all of the staff working on this project and have monitored the activities going on with the appeals. We have personally walked by the window in the door of the conference room numerous times during these meetings. We have participated in some of the meetings. At no time during this process have we observed any staff member treat a family member or student in a rude, disrespectful, or inappropriate manner. They have always been highly professional, courteous, and seeking of information that might assist in making the very best decision possible for the student.
7. What commitment do we make to our top learners?
We have emphasized with all teachers – in all schools and all grades – the importance of meeting the needs of students of all levels with direct explicit instruction. We can and do make the commitment that we will do our best to provide them with learning opportunities that allow them to make the most of their skills and abilities. We will do this for all students to the very best degree possible in light of the extremely difficult financial challenges we face. Public schools are measured by the yardstick of how our various sub-groups do on tests and are funded to address shortcomings in challenge areas such as students with handicaps, students who don't speak English in the home, or students who don't have an adequate level of family income or support. When we say all students, we mean all students. A teacher who has 60 minutes to spend on reading must spend approximately equal amounts of time working with students who are working toward level, on level and above level. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the needs of all students are met, and that the needs of high performing learners are met whether they are in a more homogeneous grouping such as a Magnet classroom or heterogeneous grouping in another school classroom. We have assertively stated that it's not acceptable for a teacher to spend most of their classroom time with any particular group and give the high performing students (or any other sub-group) a worksheet and a book and cut them out of direct explicit instruction. The teacher is to secure the specialist or instructional support services needed to get the lowest performing students up to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) proficiency standards and to assist the high performing learners to make the most of their skills, too. We have excellent teachers and they can do this. All of us must support them in this endeavor.
8. The school system talked about partial placement in the Magnet Program. What has happened with that?
Partial placement in the Magnet Program, which has been done with a few students during the course of the school year in the past, was considered on a broader scale this summer to provide more students with the opportunity to attend the Magnet Program in a subject in which they excel. For example, a student who qualified for Magnet on Math but not reading could attend the Magnet Program for Math and all other subjects except reading, which would be taken in the home school program at the school at which the Magnet Center is located. While partial placement is not being used this year, it has been successful for some students in the past. Students who qualified for partial placement were admitted to the Magnet Program for 2010-11, and their performance will be reviewed at the end of the first marking period to ensure that the program is the right fit.
9. Can a student meet the eligibility requirements for TAD but not Magnet?
The school system is reviewing how Wicomico County students are served by the Magnet and TAD (Thinking and Doing) programs. Though many students are served by both programs, the criteria for the Magnet Program and TAD (a program for Gifted and Talented students) are different. The Magnet Program is designed for students who are high performing, while the TAD program is designed for students who are gifted, a measure of potential rather than performance. The Magnet Program is offered at the Magnet Centers at North Salisbury Elementary and Pemberton Elementary, while TAD classes are provided for each elementary school with eligible students in grades 3-5.
The TAD teachers screen all third grade students starting with the data points used for entry into the Magnet Program except for the WCBOE Math Cumulative Assessment and the Leveled Reading Passages. Students must meet at least 4 out of the 5 following criteria: 85% or higher on reading Benchmark (average of all 2nd grade benchmarks), 85% or higher on math Benchmark (average of all 2nd grade benchmarks), 3.5 or above GPA in reading, 3.5 or above GPA in math, 85% or higher on the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test, the students were administered the TCS, or Test of Cognitive Skills, by the TAD teachers.
In the Magnet Program sites, where all students meet the criteria, all third graders are tested for TAD. In other schools, students who met the criteria for TAD testing are given the TCS with parental consent. Students scoring a Cognitive Skills Index of 125 or higher are invited to participate in the TAD program. A Cognitive Skills score of 125 or higher indicates that a student has the potential to benefit from TAD, an enrichment program for students identified as gifted learners. In TAD, students work in small groups to develop their critical and creative thinking skills through extended, in-depth real-world problem solving experiences. TAD is a pullout program in which students meet with a teacher once in a cycle for two hours.
Wicomico students in grades four and five who have not previously been enrolled in TAD are tested for TAD if they meet at least 5 out of the 7 following criteria: 85% or higher on reading benchmarks (average of all 3rd or 4th grade benchmarks), 85% or higher on math benchmarks (average of all 3rd or 4th grade benchmarks), 3.5 or above GPA in reading, 3.5 or above GPA in math, Advanced on Reading MSA, Advanced on Math MSA, Lexile 90% or higher. Parent consent to test is acquired and students are administered the TCS, or Test of Cognitive Skills, by the TAD teachers. Students scoring a Cognitive Skills Index of 125 or higher are invited to participate in the TAD program.
10.A. Do you plan to make changes to the starting and ending times of the Magnet school day?
No. However, we regularly review the starting and ending times of all schools and programs for effective instruction and for operational efficiency. We are reviewing the starting and ending times of the entire set of elementary, middle, and high school groups of schools to maximize learning and minimize support costs such as transportation, extra supervision, and the like. One of the key goals is to see if there are more efficient ways to use our current student transportation services and reduce the amount of extra transportation time that students in the Magnet Program have to endure to participate in the program without increasing costs.
10.B. Would additional expenses be incurred if the school system made changes to transportation?
Our goal is to reduce transportation and other non-instructional costs.
11. Why was there staff turnover this year?
At the North Salisbury Elementary Magnet Program, three teachers retired and two transferred to other schools. One position (grade 5M) was filled by school transfer, another position (3M) became a North Salisbury home school position due to enrollment changes, and three teachers (4M) were hired through the application process. At Pemberton Elementary in the Magnet Program, one Magnet teacher transferred to a TAD position and one transferred to a reading intervention teacher position at North Salisbury through Title I. The vacant positions at Pemberton (5M and 4M) were covered through school transfers and the opening in grade 1 that resulted from the staffing shifts was filled through the application process. At both schools, with fewer students in third grade, one less 3M teacher was needed this year, and the excess teacher FTEs were reallocated elsewhere in elementary. No transfers or other adjustments are planned for this year.
12. Why were three key administrators, Lee Powell, Scott Thorpe, and Dave Harris, reassigned?
We take transfers very seriously. Transfers are the way we match the needs of the program or school to the skills of the administrator. There are many factors we consider when transferring any employee, with one goal in mind - school betterment.
13. What professional development will enable teachers to meet the needs of those High Performing Learners who are learning in the traditional classroom? How does one become equipped to teach highly-able learners?
The teachers will be working on their on-going staff development activities, Professional Learning Communities, and instruction surrounding various aspects of differentiation. Principals select teachers for High Performing Learners on the basis of skill and interest. Many have a personal interest and take classes and workshops to prepare. Currently and in the past, 35% of our students invited to participate in the Magnet Program choose not to participate, staying in their home attendance area. They test out at a level that is not statistically significantly different than the students who accept participation in the Magnet Program. Data would suggest that these teachers, support staff, and administrators are doing a satisfactory job of helping these children learn.
14. How are we accountable for the money expended on behalf of learners with special education needs and/or at-risk conditions and who have yet to make adequate progress?
While most of our students with Special Needs perform at or above the proficient level, our obligation is to help every student achieve at or above the proficient level. In fact, all students (including students with Special Needs) who qualified with credits, grades, and community service hours passed the (new in 2009) High School Assessment (HSA) requirements in both 2009 & 2010. We are deeply concerned about those who are struggling and are revising curricula and services to address those concerns. We are also accountable via annual, quarterly, and monthly financial audits as well as regular in-depth educational audits of program services and procedural regulations. These have regularly been clean and we are working to keep them that way. We are deeply concerned about the challenges of the No Child Left Behind legislation as it ratchets up to the goal of 100% proficiency in 2014. Our students with special needs require extra care and we will do it to the degree possible within the regulations and our finances.
15. What is the status of the High Performing Learners Committee?
The Superintendent's Advisory Committee on High Performing Learners (HPL) will meet at least once or twice (possibly more as needed) this fall. A meeting was held Thursday, Oct. 14.
16. Will the committee continue to work on the original goals?
Yes. The HPL committee will continue for a short time, as the tasks needed now are more detailed and not as well suited for a group the size of the HPL team. The focus of the committee will be to review the criteria for admission. It will also look into other possible assessments that could assist us in the identification of students for the Magnet Program.
17. Is the school system planning to eliminate the Magnet Program?
There is no intention nor plan to drop the Magnet Program. Rather, there is an interest in increasing the spectrum of high performing student services that we offer within budget constraints in areas such as science, technology, fine arts, language, business, and the like.
18. What are the next steps?
This year we plan to review the entry criteria (Maryland is moving towards using CogAT [Cognitive Abilities Test] and we might benefit from considering it), and review scheduling (work towards getting Magnet on the same schedule as elementary). We anticipate having one or two large group meetings of the Superintendent's Advisory Committee on Addressing the Needs of High Performing Learners and doing most of the work in our smaller focused teams. The first meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. We'll consider class size guidelines (we're facing very difficult funding in the next few years), and analyze transportation to see what might be done within the existing budget to improve delivery time and reduce student bus ride concerns. We will continue to analyze how high performing learners in grades 3-5 are served throughout the county, with the goal of ensuring that all high performing learners receive instruction at their level whether they participate in Magnet or attend their home school.
October 15, 2010
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