People wonder why Salisbury has such a hard time attracting new businesses. While certainly not the only factor, the Salisbury city government’s cavalier attitude towards the rule of law may be a significant factor.
The great Peruvian economist, Hernando de Soto Polar has shown a strong correlation between economic growth and societies that have strong property rights and a rule of law. When it comes to these two factors, Salisbury is on a perilous downward slide.
In the past, we’ve discussed Mayor Jim Ireton’s desire to strip landlords of their property rights under the guise of “crime legislation”. Recently we’ve witnessed two instances of the city not being able to transfer property within the law.
A few weeks ago, the city council agreed to sell local developer Palmer Gillis three parcels of land, including the old Station 16 firehouse. The problem is that the two riverfront parcels were never advertised as part of the package. Donna Ennis appeared before council on Monday and showed ample proof of this transgression.
At the same meeting, the city council also agreed to take the “Linens of the Week” property. This was done by passing a resolution.
There’s just one minor problem. It appears that selling or receiving property must be done by ordinance (you know, two readings and a public hearing). According to Article 23A, Section 2 of the Maryland Code:
“To take by gift, grant, bequest or devise and to hold real and personal property” … is part of a municipal government’s “Express Ordinance Making Powers”.
In addition to not passing an ordinance to handle the transfer, there is another problem with the way this transaction has been handled. The city is “holding harmless” the owners of the property. This should also requires an ordinance.
I know … we should all be like Shanie Shields and Louise Smith. If we worried about dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” we would never accomplish anything. We also know that even if you do, you can still be screwed – just ask all those people who were holding Chrysler senior debt before Obama and his thugs stole from them. However, without the rule of law, we quickly disintegrate into a third world city, county, state, or country.
Why are Salisbury taxpayers paying precious tax dollars to a city attorney and a multitude of city staff if they can’t properly handle a few real property transfers?
10 comments:
G.A. , these idiots in power (shanie , smith and comegy) don't have a clue what's going on in the U.S.. It is obvious that they have tunnel vision. None are qualified for the position they hold. They all agree we should keep on printing money without thought of the outcome.
I will say that it doesn't say good things about the Salisbury residents , they elected these idiots. Maybe the $$$$$ has gone to their heads.
They wonder why radical people do the things they do , 50-75 years ago these idiots would have been gone , tarred and feathered.
Wilber strikes (taxpayers) again!
The triumvirate isn't going to let a pesky little thing like the law get in the way of their objectives! The peasantry, er, citizenry, should understand that the council knows better and is doing what is best for us. All we need to do is to keep re-electing them so they can continue to do what they have been doing--"serving" us.
Vote the bums out!
A new Salisbury "dream team" -- Jim-Beau Ireton, Paul Wilber and Lore Chambers.
Can this be happening? It can't be true, can it?
The only thing Shields, Comegys and Smith are interested in are giveaways to their buddies and personally harassing Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen. How much has this nonsense over health insurance cost the taxpayers?
I supported Ireton but now I wonder if he has lost his soul. What's the difference between him and Barrie Tilghman really? Paul Wilber? Please! He makes even more money being wrong so often.
Wheres the Attorney General Office?
No one cares around here. Look at the dismal voter turnout we have. I have no idea how any intelligent person can be proud of any thing here. The corruption and favoritism is rampant from the small business level all the way up to the local govt. Crime rates are horrible and there is an inconsiderate disgruntled general public. For anyone that thinks this area is some kind of utopia, ignorance truly is bliss.
Having grown up here and moved elsewhere I have no idea why any of the long time residents stay.
I purchased my property with a licensed (Housing Code and Compliance) efficiency apartment over the garage that had been taxed as such for 19 years. A rental license had been issued for six years even though they cannot provide me with copies past two years. It has now been 16 months since the Department of Zoning notified me that the rental is "illegal". I have obtained two attorneys, who appealed the case to Circuit Court. The Court found that the decision and subsequent notification to me from the zoning appeals board did not contain a "finding of fact" SO back to zoning then last Thursday zoning issued a "finding of fact" so NOW the case goes back to the judge......I am so frustrated - this rental income pays 49% of my mortgage and has never been cited for ANY violations. As well zoning stated that they issued an occupancy permit but they can't find it either. Oh by the way I understand that another 60 homeowners should be receiving letters advising them of similar circumstances with their properties - good luck!
as a long time resident, I'll tell you why we stay.
we can't afford not to. as homeowners, there's no way to make enough for sale of the house to buy a comparable one. Can't rent @ 700 for 2 br. uh, uh.
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