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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Wicomico Political Sign Pollution – And The Early Leaders Are ...


There's a reason for that: the Circuit Court position is the political plum of 2014 – a 15 year term at a starting salary of $144,908/year plus huge benefits and long vacation. And it certainly is political. In Maryland, a circuit court judge must stand for election after being appointed and may be challenged, a process the Democrats would like to scuttle.

A contested judicial election is something of a rarity and different from a typical race. The candidates are on the ballot for each party in the primary, and if one of them wins in both primary votes, then the race is essentially over. If each wins in one party’s vote, then the race continues until the general election.

The Circuit Court race, with the possible exception of that for County Executive, is the most important one this year, so we will be examining the candidates -- Spyros J. Sarbanes and Melvin J. Caldwell -- carefully in future posts. They are distinctly different – a Democrat (“Jimmy”) with limited trial experience but major league political connections and a Republican (“M. J.”) with much more extensive courtroom experience. Both were on the short list that was sent to O'Malley for his appointment, which went to the Democrat.

If you would like to share any personal experience that reflects on the qualification of either candidate to sit in judgment of others, please contact us.


44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why would I want a judge with political connections? As far as I am aware a judge applies the law as it is written. There is little that should be political about it. The one you want is the one with a track record of experience.

The fact that Sarbanes is even sitting right now shows you what a politically connected person he is. I would prefer our courts focus on the law and not on favors owed to people who put you in power.

Plus 15 years is a long time to live with a mistake.

Anonymous said...

Mr Sarbanes is probably an excellent candidate and, perhaps, would do a good job. However, he was appointed by O'Malley, which means he's lost my vote. If he supports O'Malley it means he supports Obama. This is where I'm coming from when I say we have to start on the local level. I don't want any liberal Democrat making a decision that might effect me, my family, or friends.

Anonymous said...

Experience is vital in ruling over court cases...and MJ holds the lead hands down. O'Malley simply wants the family backing should he run for higher office positions....plain as day to see the reasoning.

Anonymous said...

Any judge that is appointed by a democrat will not follow the law. O'Malley and Obama only enforce the laws they choose. Sarbanes will get the votes of illegal aliens, pot smokers, transgenders, and gays.

Anonymous said...

MJ disposition won't serve well as a judge. Jimmy on the other hand has the personality to be a judge.

Anonymous said...

This capitalist cronyism is no better than living under a dictatorship! Hail the Elite good ole boys, they need to be in the cross hairs of oversight. This kind of crap should be criminal.

Anonymous said...

The unfortunate part of the election process is that 1:56 & 2:47 are allowed to vote since they don't have the ability to see beyond a label and evaluate a candidate's qualifications and experience.

Anonymous said...

I'm a democrat and an Obama suppporter but I will vote for Caldwell because he is better qualified and would the other candidate even have been nominated if he had another last name.

Anonymous said...

The decision should be made based on the qualities that the person possesses...Thoughtful, measured, patient, not bound by doctrine. I do not know either man however I have heard from multiple people that Caldwell doesn't have the right temperament to be a judge. Sarbanes, however, has been described as being unlike his father in that he isn't a partisan. That's a very good thing. He has been described as having the right temperament for a judge. Just because his last name is Sarbanes doesn't mean he is a raging liberal that can't rule by the law. People should be what any judge needs to be - a gatherer of facts and not blinded by personal prejudices.

Anonymous said...

3:50 - I've heard similar things. Seems like Sarbanes is very well liked by many. Caldwell apparently can be snarky and highly partisan. Not something that you really want in a judge.

It is a nice thought that people would be more open-minded and not assume how someone is by their parents or last name....hard to find around here though - LOL!

Anonymous said...

I am crossing over to vote for Caldwell. Some of us look past labels and determine if they are right for the job.

Anonymous said...

Looks like local lawyers prefer Caldwell by a big margin over Sarbanes. What does that mean?






Anonymous said...

The Sarbanes group is already into negative stuff about MJ as some of the comments show.

Anonymous said...

I will not support anyone that O Mally appoints

Anonymous said...

This is an election 4:37 not an appointment, try educating yourself instead of just mouthing off.

Anonymous said...

4:59 You are wrong. Sarbanes was appointed by O'Malley. Perhaps you are the one that should educate yourself instead of mouthing off. It's my guess that you are a Democrat, which explains your ignorance.

Anonymous said...

Sarbanes uncle -- one of the most ultra liberal senators in history, now retired.

Sarbanes cousin is a current Congressman and ally of Nancy Pelosi.

Sarbanes father -- liberal teacher and school principal and 1 term member of the County Council.

Vote for Caldwell (I am).

Anonymous said...

Just checked the online Maryland lawsuit site on both of them.

MJ has much more experience – Sarbanes may have no criminal experience in the Circuit Court and never defended someone before a jury.

But there’s more – several lawsuits against Sarbanes and his wife that look like nonpayment of debt.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The decision should be made based on the qualities that the person possesses...Thoughtful, measured, patient, not bound by doctrine. I do not know either man however I have heard from multiple people that Caldwell doesn't have the right temperament to be a judge. Sarbanes, however, has been described as being unlike his father in that he isn't a partisan. That's a very good thing. He has been described as having the right temperament for a judge. Just because his last name is Sarbanes doesn't mean he is a raging liberal that can't rule by the law. People should be what any judge needs to be - a gatherer of facts and not blinded by personal prejudices.

April 24, 2014 at 3:50 PM

I believe you are the blind one. You are to stupid to vote so I hope you forget what day it is. MJ will walk circles around you and Spyros.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
MJ disposition won't serve well as a judge. Jimmy on the other hand has the personality to be a judge.

April 24, 2014 at 2:55 PM

Please tell us what kind of personality that is needed to be a judge? I don't remember seeing that on a job description.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The unfortunate part of the election process is that 1:56 & 2:47 are allowed to vote since they don't have the ability to see beyond a label and evaluate a candidate's qualifications and experience.

April 24, 2014 at 3:24 PM

Look you Democrat moron Spyros has absolutely NO experience.

Anonymous said...

Someone with no experience may be better than someone with ties to special interest. I will do more homework before deciding.

Anonymous said...

mous said...
The Sarbanes group is already into negative stuff about MJ as some of the comments show.

April 24, 2014 at 4:30 PM

It's all family. They want to make sure Spyros gets paid that cushy $144K for life. Wouldn't you want that for your son?

Anonymous said...

Well, if hid Daddy, uncle and cousin think he's the best man for the job, well I guess I'll be voting for the other guy.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Someone with no experience may be better than someone with ties to special interest. I will do more homework before deciding.

April 24, 2014 at 11:17 PM

All the Sarbanes involved in politics have been bought and paid for by special interests. If you are trying to say that MJ has ties to special interests then you are typical of a Democrat to tell a lie until someone believes it.

Anonymous said...

It is apparent that the Sarbanes group has decided to divert attention from his lack of experience by mudslinging at MJ Caldwell. My guess is that Mr. Pretl is behind that tactic.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
3:50 - I've heard similar things. Seems like Sarbanes is very well liked by many. Caldwell apparently can be snarky and highly partisan. Not something that you really want in a judge.

It is a nice thought that people would be more open-minded and not assume how someone is by their parents or last name....hard to find around here though - LOL!

April 24, 2014 at 4:24 PM

It's funny how the Sarbanes Klan gets on here and says nasty things about MJ to make it look like Spyros is the better candidate for Judge. Marty should have never appointed this clown.

Funny you mention snarky and highly partisan. WTH do you think the appointment was! Highly partisan.

I am sure it is the same one or two people making these comments, but it can't be Tony because he is to stupid to know how to use a computer.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
This is an election 4:37 not an appointment, try educating yourself instead of just mouthing off.

April 24, 2014 at 4:59 PM

I've got a better idea why don't you try education yourself Dumb@ss, Jimmy Boi was appointed by O'Malley!!

Anonymous said...

The judges wife equals husbands half. They obviously don't feel they need to pay their bills:

Complaint, Judgment, and Related Persons Information

(Each Complaint, Hearing, Judgment is listed separately, along with each Related Person)


Complaint Information

Complaint No: 001(ATLANTIC PLASTIC SURGERY) Vs:(SARBANES, MARGO A. )
Type: REGULAR CLAIM
Complaint Status: DISMISSED (RULE 3-506)
Status Date: 03/15/2012Filing Date:01/27/2012Amount$208.82Last Activity Date:03/15/2012

Anonymous said...

WOW Jimmy doesn't pay his bills and let his house go into Foreclosure! That is stealing! He is a Thief!! They are attacking MJ so this definitely needs to be posted so that the voters can decide if they want this irresponsible person making decisions for them and making a guaranteed $145,000 per year at the expense of us the tax payers.

Circuit Court of Maryland
Case Information

Court System: Circuit Court for Wicomico County - Civil System
Case Number: 22C08000102
Title: MacFadyen, et al vs Sarbanes, et al
Case Type: Foreclosure Filing Date:01/22/2008
Case Status: Closed/Inactive
Case Disposition: Decree or Order Disposition Date:02/22/2008

Plaintiff/Petitioner Information
Party Type: Plaintiff Party No.:1
Name: MacFadyen, Kenneth J
Address: 210 E. Redwood Street
City: Baltimore State: MD Zip Code:21202

Party Type: PlaintiffParty No.:2
Name: Loftus, James J
Address: 210 E. Redwood Street
City: Baltimore State: MD Zip Code:21202

Party Type: Plaintiff Party No.:3
Name: Benzer, Eric J
Address: 210 E. Redwood Street
City: Baltimore State: MD Zip Code:21202

Party Type: Plaintiff Party No.:4
Name: Fuchs, Miriam S
Address: 210 E. Redwood Street
City: Baltimore State: MD Zip Code:21202

Defendant/Respondent Information
Party Type: Defendant Party No.:1

Name: Sarbanes, Spyros James
Address: 29807 Deer Harbour Drive
City: Salisbury State: MD Zip Code:21804

Party Type: Defendant Party No.:2
Name: Sarbanes, Margo A
Address: 29807 Deer Harbour Drive
City: Salisbury State: MD Zip Code:21804

Anonymous said...

I read at least 7 cases against the wife of this judge wannabe with judgments for 7 doctors and medical facilities DISMISSED!! Tell me these people don't have special interest ties ANON 11:17 PM. Some of the cases were elective surgery such as the one with a plastic surgeon. Did she have breast enhancement done? This is not a medical emergency.

So all 7 of these medical judgments were dismissed meaning Judge Jimmy is a crook and that is not who should be a judge for the circuit court in Wicomico County.

Just because he is a nice guy to some people doesn't qualify him to be elected as our next judge in Wicomico County. Anyone that votes for Jimmy Sarbanes is advocating voter fraud. This whole situation is nasty and speaks volumes for the credibility of your Governor O'Malley. MJ should have been appointed Judge a long time ago.

Anonymous said...

I also read cases that Jimmy handled for people who let their homes go into foreclosure. I guess Jimmy had the experience in foreclosure so he helped them with theirs.

Anonymous said...

If you have been paying attention you might have noticed that Tony has been doing all the work for Little Spyros. Little Spyros was to good to take the time to go to the Volunteer Fireman's Association Meeting last week so Tony went there and spoke on his behalf.

Anonymous said...

Jimmy owed Wells Fargo $5,000 and got the case dismissed with his connections. I smell a rat. WOW You talk about crooked politics. He is a thief! And note how he changes his name around from S. James Sarbanes to Spyros J. Sarbanes as if the average person wouldn't notice. This is not who should be our Circuit Court Judge.

DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND

Case Information
Court System: DISTRICT COURT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY - CIVIL SYSTEM

Case Number: 020300014892008Claim Type: CONTRACT
District/Location Codes: 02 / 03Filing Date:03/04/2008Case Status: CLOSED

Complaint, Judgment, and Related Persons Information

Complaint Information
Complaint No: 001(WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL) Vs:(SARBANES, SPYROS J. )
Type: REGULAR CLAIM
Complaint Status: DISMISSED (RULE 3-506)
Status Date: 06/03/2008Filing Date:03/04/2008Amount$4775.47Last Activity Date:06/03/2008

Judgment Information

Judgment Type: COMPLAINT DISMISSED (RULE 3-506)Judgment Date:06/02/2008
Judgment Amount: $0.00Judgment Interest:$0.00Costs:$0.00Other Amounts:$0.00
Attorney Fees: $0.00Jointly and Severally: In Favor of Defendant:
Possession Of Property Claimed valued At: $0.00Is Awarded To The: Together With Damages Of:$0.00
Value Of Property Sued For: $0.00Plus Damages Of:$0.00Is Awarded To The: Dismissed With Prejudice: Replevin/Detinue Amount: $0.00
Recorded Lien Date: Judgment renewed Date:
Renewed Lien Date: Satisfaction Date:

Anonymous said...

OMG look at this. Jimmy Sarbanes had almost $20,000 in a judgment dismissed. This is definitely crooked politics. This guy can not pay his bills so he had a friend in the court system dismiss the judgment. This means it will never have to be paid. What a Crook and dirty politics at it's best.

DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND

Case Information

Court System: DISTRICT COURT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY - CIVIL SYSTEM

Case Number: 020300071502007Claim Type: CONTRACT
District/Location Codes: 02 / 03Filing Date:11/27/2007Case Status: CLOSED

Complaint, Judgment, and Related Persons Information

Complaint Information

Complaint No: 001(CHASE BANK USA, N.A.) Vs:(SARBANES, SPYROS J. )
Type: REGULAR CLAIM
Complaint Status: DISMISSED (RULE 3-507)
Status Date: 05/21/2009Filing Date:11/27/2007Amount$18356.6 Last Activity Date:05/21/2009

Judgment Information
Judgment Type: COMPLAINT DISMISSED (RULE 3-507)Judgment Date:05/20/2009
Judgment Amount: $0.00Judgment Interest:$0.00Costs:$0.00Other Amounts:$0.00
Attorney Fees: $0.00Jointly and Severally: In Favor of Defendant:
Possession Of Property Claimed valued At: $0.00Is Awarded To The: Together With Damages Of:$0.00
Value Of Property Sued For: $0.00Plus Damages Of:$0.00Is Awarded To The: Dismissed With Prejudice: Replevin/Detinue Amount: $0.00
Recorded Lien Date: Judgment renewed Date:
Renewed Lien Date: Satisfaction Date:

Anonymous said...

Looks like Spyros is good at breaking the law. I thought it was a $500 fine? I guess that was dismissed as well.

DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND

Court System: DISTRICT COURT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY (SALISBURY) - TRAFFIC SYSTEM
Citation Number: 00000036N0AZ3Case Status: CLOSED CASE

Violation Date: 02/10/2014 Violation Time: 09:24 AM
Violation County: WICOMICO COUNTY (SALISBURY)
District Code: 02 Location Code: 03

AgencyName:BARRACK E (SALISBURY)
Officer Name:GOLDMAN, TFC
Officer ID:5099

Defendant Information

Defendant Name: SARBANES, SPYROS JAMES
Address:29825 JACKSON RD
City: SALISBURY State: MD Zip Code:21804

Race:WHITE,CAUCASIAN,ASIATIC INDIAN,ARAB
Sex:MHeight:600Weight:215
DOB:08/1970

Charge Information

Charge: Article:TASec:21Sub-Sec:1124.2Para:D2Code:
Description: DRIVER USING HANDS TO USE HANDHELD TELEPHONE WHILEMOTOR VEHICLE IS IN MOTION

Location Stopped: RT 212 @ RACE ST

Fine: 83

Vehicle Tag: 38190M4 State: MD Vehicle Description: 08TOYT08


Disposition Information

Plea: GUILTY
Disposition: GUILTY
Disposition Date: 03/18/2014

Sentence Date: 03/18/2014

Costs: Fine: 83 CourtCost: 0 CICF: 0
Suspended: Fine: 0 CourtCost: 0 CICF Cost: 0

Event History Information

Event Date Comment
SUSP 2014-03-18 FAILURE TO COMPLY SUSPENSION
SUSR 2014-03-18 FAILURE TO COMPLY SUSPENSION RECALL EFFECTIVE 031814
SCHG 2014-03-18 D226;A TO C

Anonymous said...

Another judgment dismissed as recent as 2012 so they won't have to pay their bills. This is a sad state of affairs for someone who wants to be a judge.

DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND

Case Information

Court System: DISTRICT COURT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY - CIVIL SYSTEM

Case Number: 020300023012012Claim Type: CONTRACT
District/Location Codes: 02 / 03Filing Date:04/04/2012Case Status: CLOSED

Complaint, Judgment, and Related Persons Information

(Each Complaint, Hearing, Judgment is listed separately, along with each Related Person)

Complaint Information

Complaint No: 001(PENINSULA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER) Vs:(SARBANES, MARGO A )
Type: REGULAR CLAIM
Complaint Status: DISMISSED (RULE 3-506)
Status Date: 06/04/2012Filing Date:04/04/2012Amount$1279.71Last Activity Date:06/04/2012

Judgment Information

Judgment Type: COMPLAINT DISMISSED (RULE 3-506)Judgment Date:06/01/2012
Judgment Amount: $0.00Judgment Interest:$0.00Costs:$0.00Other Amounts:$0.00
Attorney Fees: $0.00Jointly and Severally: In Favor of Defendant:
Possession Of Property Claimed valued At: $0.00Is Awarded To The: Together With Damages Of:$0.00
Value Of Property Sued For: $0.00Plus Damages Of:$0.00Is Awarded To The: Dismissed With Prejudice: X
Replevin/Detinue Amount: $0.00
Recorded Lien Date: Judgment renewed Date:
Renewed Lien Date: Satisfaction Date:

Anonymous said...

Joe-

This new info about Judge Jimmie makes me wonder if O'Malley bothered to do a background check before appointing him to cotton up to the Sarbanes clan to help him run against Hillary in 2016.

Anonymous said...

Lots of important stuff here -- can this post go to the top for today and Saturday?

Anonymous said...

Fine them, lol.

Anonymous said...

In the past I've always voted for the best candidate, but I'm seeing a trend with democrats that scares the hell out of me and would be hard pressed to vote for any candidate with democrat attached to their name. Obamacare, bengazi, the ease in which most democrats spew lies, the welfare system and the general economy under the democratic party currently in office, no way! They are destroying the family values and promoting class warfare. What ever happened to work hard and the American dream. Today to many people are dependent on the government and the America way no longer exist. Can't wait for November.

Anonymous said...

That one sign belonging to Jimmy Sarbanes is in front of the Country House which is run by Michael Delano who is a big RINO. He should be ashamed of himself. He ranks right up there with RINO Wayne Strausberg.

Anonymous said...

I collect as many of these signs as I can when they are on public property. They make excellent targets. Just tape a 50 yard bullseye to them and shoot away.

Anonymous said...

I say bring back the whipping post.When the elections are officially over give each candidate 1 week to remove their signs.After that week is up,tally up the # of signs still up in each candidates name and give them 1 lash per sign.