Ireton, Shields Re-elected, Day Wins

Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton and District 1 councilwoman Shanie Shields were re-elected this evening in resounding victories.  Jake Day unseated incumbent councilwoman Debbie Campbell, also by a landslide.  The results were:

Mayor
	Joe Albero	782
	Jim Ireton	1,694
District 1
	April Jackson	77
	Cynthia Polk	80
	Shanie Shields	145
District 2
	Debbie Campbell	612
	Jake Day	1,569

While these results are not official, the margin of victory for each candidate was large enough to negate any impact from the counting of absentee and provisional ballots.  There are approximately 300 absentee ballots outstanding.  As of today, approximately 250 ballots had been returned.

The council will reorganize later this month.

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.

Daily Times–Where’s the Beef?

Yesterday Salisbury mayoral candidate Joe Albero issued a press release claiming that the Daily Times was planning an “October surprise” for Sunday’s edition.  It appears that the article ran this morning.  For the informed voter, little new information was published; but begs us to ask the leadership of the paper – Where’s the beef?

DT reporter Cox obviously devoted much time to researching about the two mayoral candidates personal lives.  So what?

Imagine the service the Daily Times could have done for voters and the city it CLAIMS to love if the same amount of time had been dedicated examining Albero’s plan to revitalize the local economy or council candidate Jake Day’s plan for the city.  Sadly, the DT doesn’t want informed voters.  The great unwashed asking too many questions would spoil their narrative.

Albero asks the right question:

Who cares that Jake Day has a heavy foot, or that our three District 1 candidates have met with personal financial misfortune, or that both my opponent and I have had some minor brushes with the legal system? Why does the Daily Times think that these things take precedence over my plan to bring jobs to Salisbury, Jim Ireton’s repeated attempts to raise our taxes, or Jake Day’s plan to use our tax dollars to subsidize residential development in the city?

We may be wrong.  Maybe voters do care more about trivia and less about creating jobs or improving the city.  … At least that’s what the Daily Times hopes.

Daily Times Prepares “October Surprise”

 

 

Contact: G. A. Harrison                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: 410-713-4005
Email: AlberoForMayor@gmail.com                                             March 28, 2013

DAILY TIMES PREPARES “OCTOBER SURPRISE”
What Happened to “Stick to the Issues”?

Salisbury’s Daily Times is planning its own version of the “October Surprise” for this Sunday’s edition. According to Daily Times city reporter Jeremy Cox, the paper plans to run a front page “expose” outlining the past legal difficulties of incumbent mayor Jim Ireton and his opponent, businessman Joe Albero.
“I’m really disgusted with the entire approach taken by our local newspaper”, stated Albero. “It’s small wonder that they’ve had to put their building up for lease. People just don’t want to read a paper that is one step above the National Enquirer. Who cares that Jake Day has a heavy foot, or that our three District 1 candidates have met with personal financial misfortune, or that both my opponent and I have had some minor brushes with the legal system? Why does the Daily Times think that these things take precedence over my plan to bring jobs to Salisbury, Jim Ireton’s repeated attempts to raise our taxes, or Jake Day’s plan to use our tax dollars to subsidize residential development in the city?”
Albero also noted that early in the campaign the Daily Times stated that they wanted to ONLY report on issues. “Throughout this campaign I have focused on how to make Salisbury a better place to work and to live. It’s unfortunate that they have gone back on their word and chosen to take this path. What have we seen from our local paper during this campaign? Most of the articles we’ve seen this election season have been thinly disguised attack pieces. Any discussion of real issues has been little more than fluff. I don’t believe that reporter Jeremy Cox is either lazy or a bad reporter. I can only conclude that publisher Tom Claybaugh and editor Michael Kilian believe that they can gin up advertising sales from certain business segments or somehow increase readership by attempting to use Gannett’s assets to impact a local election with salacious stories that have no real impact on Salisbury’s residents and businesses.”
Albero’s publication, SBYNews will print a response (written by a named contributor) after the Daily Times runs its piece.

Rep. Andy Harris and Sheriff Mike Lewis Host Town Hall Meeting on Gun Rights

Monday evening a crowd of over 500 people showed up at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center to hear some of their elected officials discuss current federal and state initiatives to curtail Marylanders’ right to keep and bear arms.  The meeting, hosted by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) and Wicomico Sheriff Mike Lewis featured the two hosts, Del. Mike McDermott (R-38B), Wicomico State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello, Worcester Sheriff Reggie Mason as well as Sheriff’s (and their representatives) from around the state.

Each speaker emphasized the individual’s God-given right to bear arms, not just for hunting and sporting purposes, but for the protection of one’s person, family and community.  Another common theme was the fact that pending federal and state legislation do nothing to stop gun crime, but will make criminals out of law-abiding citizens.

Wicomico Sheriff Mike Lewis spoke and acted as the moderator for the evening’s event.  He emphasized the importance of our second amendment rights.  He was obviously torn over the potential consequences of pending state legislation.  Lewis noted that he swears an oath to protect and uphold the constitution of the United States, the state of Maryland and to enforce the laws of the state;  given that most county Sheriff’s believe that this legislation strips Marylanders of their rights to keep and bear arms.  Lewis provided an excellent analogy from the infamous Dred Scott decision - Slaves could not bear arms, because they are not citizens.

Congressman Harris made a moving argument regarding the consequences of attempts to strip citizens of their guns:

“Many of you already know my story.  My parents escaped from communism in the Ukraine right after World War II.  In communist regimes, the first thing they do is disarm the citizens.”

Harris also demonstrated the hypocrisy of claims that more gun control is about keeping guns out of the hands of criminals:

“In 2011, over 76,000 people were caught lying on their ATF form stating that they could legally purchase a firearm.  How many were actually prosecuted?  62! … Prosecute people who break the law!”

While every speaker received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd, Del. Mike McDermott was probably the most impassioned speaker among many impassioned speakers.  McDermott emphasized that pending state legislation calls for registration of firearms and will require gun owners to go through a background check (with fingerprint) and could cost each law-abiding gun owner over $200.  This is on top of the other tax and fee increases already heaped on citizens just in this session.

“This legislation does NOTHING to stop criminals.  However, on November 1st it will make a criminal out of many of YOU.”

State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello gave examples of current cases his office is working on:

“Before I came over here tonight, I was in my office looking at some pending cases – burglary, armed robbery, murder, attempted murder.  Everyone involved a gun.  NONE of those crimes was committed with a LEGALLY OBTAINED firearm!”

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.

Voters Learn More from Candidates at Camden Neighbor Forum

Salisbury voters had one more chance to see the candidates for Salisbury mayor and city council at last Thursday’s Camden Neighborhood Association candidate forum.  Last week’s forum was a bit different than previous outings – incumbent councilwoman Debbie Campbell brought her “A” game and mayor Jim Ireton acted like a petulant three year old.

One of the highlights of the CNA  forum was Ireton making a little sign reading “WRONG” and placing it on the table when his opponent was speaking.  It was challenger Joe Albero who looked mayoral, as he fielded questions and continued to emphasize his plan for improving the city’s quality of life by improving the city’s local economy and bringing more high quality jobs to Salisbury.  When not speaking or making signs, Ireton spent much of the evening engaged in a texting conversation with some supporters in the back of the room.
Campbell showed her neighbors some of the old fighting spirit.  In addition to answering questions, she finally called out challenger Jake Day on his plan – Our Vision for Salisbury.  (While no longer available on Day’s website, you can READ IT HERE.)  Campbell gave a laundry list of Day’s proposals, but asked how they would be paid for.  While Day has claimed that he won’t vote to raise taxes, the projects he supports will require spending AND borrowing millions of dollars – which will have to be paid back with …. TAXES.
Tonight voters will have an opportunity to see Salisbury’s mayoral and council candidates for the last time in a debate setting.  The Salisbury Chamber / PACE forum will be at 7PM this evening at Salisbury University Guerrieri Center, Wicomico Room.
G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.

Daily Times Shows SBY Election Bias

The Daily Times seems hell bent on queering this year’s Salisbury mayoral / council elections just like they’ve tried every other time in recent memory.  Will they be successful?  We’ll know next week.

After a series of scandals destroyed what little credibility remained at Salisbury’s Daily Times, new publisher Tom Claybaugh and managing editor Michael Kilian faced a tough choice.  Change the paper’s ways or simply try to move down the same biased path that has cost them subscribers and readers.

All the News That We WANT to Print

To most of us, changing the paper’s ways is obviously the best path.  In an industry that appears to be dying, regaining credibility amongst readers is a good place to start if you want to rebuild.  The Daily Times can claim some good young reporters.  They’ve shown that, when allowed, they can provide good, accurate coverage of local news.  Alas, Claybaugh and Kilian have decided on a darker path.  Rather than report all of the news, the DT seems determined to only run stories which aid their preferred candidates.
How can I make such a claim?  Haven’t they run stories critical of Jim Ireton?  One!  Haven’t they run stories critical of Jake Day?  Less than one.  Who really cares that Day has a heavy foot?  I’m not claiming that the DT has savaged Joe Albero or Debbie Campbell.  They haven’t.  That’s the Daily Times of old.  Besides, like Katherine Crowell four years ago, I don’t believe that Jeremy Cox would allow his name to be put on pieces that are riddled with lies and innuendo.  No, the DT is playing the stealth game.
Where is the story on Joe Albero’s economic development plan?  Where is a thoughtful analysis of Jake Day’s slick manifesto (which you can’t even download from his site anymore)?  Where is an analysis of Jim Ireton’s attempt to raise taxes (more than once) while he claims that he never raised your taxes (technically accurate, but worth at least four Pinnochio’s over at the WaPo)?  Where is the story about Ireton and Day’s lack of basic math skills (how do to add 500 residential units downtown, plus commercial space when you have less than 100 available parking spots (after you have sold off all of the riverfront lots – which has merit – plus Lot 1 between the library and the plaza?).  WHERE is the story about national real estate interests doing a mailing for Jake Day?
They’re no where to be found.  Why?  Mr. Kilian doesn’t want the public to learn too much about the candidates running for office.  If they did, the DT’s favored candidates wouldn’t stand much of a chance.  Unfortunately, things are worse on the op-ed side of the shop thanks to Mr. Claybaugh and op-ed editor Susan Parker.

WE Decide the News, WE Decide YOUR Opinion

Have you bothered to ask yourself why there haven’t been many letters to the editor in support of Joe Albero or Debbie Campbell?  The answer is simple … the Daily Times won’t print them. 
I’ve only been sent letters regarding Mrs. Campbell’s race, but it seems that they are (almost) all too long, too short, too critical of Jim Ireton, too critical of Barrie Tilghman, too critical of other council members, too critical of the weather, printed on the wrong color paper or using the wrong type of ink.  NOW (from Monday’s paper) …

In other words, we will print your letter to editor IF it doesn’t talk about ANY issue other than the issues WE (the DT) deem worthy of having an opinion about.  Now, it’s the op-ed page.  They certainly have a right to print whatever they want.  Just don’t claim to be the voice of the community.
So… here’s what you can expect between now and Friday:

Dear Editor,
I’ve known Jake Day since he was at James M. Bennett HS.  He planted a garden.  He’s a good guy.  He went to some fancy schools.  He’s in the Army.  He’s a nice guy.  He has lots of ideas but I can’t talk about them because Jake doesn’t want the voters asking too many questions about the cost.
Signed – Someone who probably doesn’t live in Salisbury.

Messrs. Claybaugh and Kilian can be very proud of the business they are running into the ground.
G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was excerpted from his Media Monday column.

Tri-County Council – YOUR Tax Dollars at Work

Next week the Tri-County Council will hold its regular meeting.  Where?  The safe assumption would be that the meeting would be held at the organization’s new $10 MILLION facility at the corner of US 50 and Walston Switch Road.

You would be wrong.  The Tri-County Council is holding its meeting at … a brew pub.

Why are YOUR tax dollars – and that’s what funds the Tri-County Council – being used to hold meetings at a brew pub when you have already paid for perfectly good meeting space?
Wicomico County councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes is the chairman of the Tri-County Council.  Maybe you should ask her.
G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.

Is Salisbury for Sale?

AVAILABLE After April 2nd
Small City, Population 30,000+
Waterfront Opportunities Available
City Government willing to SUBSIDIZE Real Estate Development
Contact Jake Day

That’s the REAL message that showed up in voters mailboxes yesterday in a mailer from the National Association of Realtors.

When was the last time that a NATIONAL Political Action Committee got involved in a LOCAL race in a city the size of Salisbury?
If you read Salisbury council candidate Jake Day’s “plan” the reason is clear – Day’s “solutions” for Salisbury’s local economy are focused almost exclusively on DOWNTOWN and on SUBSIDIZING RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.
Is Jake Day channeling the political corpse of the previous Salisbury administration?

• Developer Reimbursements
• Failed TIF’s
• FREE or SUBSIDIZED Capacity Fees

Are Day and his backers hoping that putting a NEW FACE on an OLD PROBLEM will make voters forget that they are still paying for past mistakes and that Jake Day wants the Salisbury taxpayer to DOUBLE DOWN?

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.

Jim Ireton’s Respect for the Salisbury Taxpayer – Part 2

Giving YOUR Money Away to a Select Few

Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton LOVES to spend other people’s money.  OK, he’s a liberal.  Actually, Jim’s politics are somewhere to the left of Karl Marx.  Ireton has seldom seen a government program he didn’t love.  If Ireton is re-elected, AND if Jake Day is elected to the city council, Jim has a plan to spend some MORE of YOUR hard earned money. It involves re-developing downtown.
Ireton wants to sell the downtown parking lots for a song, subsidize them by waiving the capacity fees for water and sewer, and HOPE that Salisbury will somehow be re-born.
Does anyone believe that adding 500 “affordable housing units” downtown is going to re-vitalize Salisbury’s local economy?  Evidently Ireton, along with Jake Day, councilwoman Laura Mitchell, and councilwoman Shanie Shields do.

The “logic” goes something like this:

1. You build X “affordable housing units” downtown.
2. Businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers will RUSH to build stores.
3. Downtown will be MAGICALLY re-vitalized.
4. The world will be a better place.

Does that make sense to you?

500 Affordable Housing Units

OK, we sell off the parking lots, take EDU’s (water and sewer capacity) away from industrial development that could actually create jobs that pay a living wage, and 500 more housing units appear.  Do you think that businesses will then flock to downtown?  Ireton and his pals do.

Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Boutiques … OH MY!

Before a retail business decides to invest in a site they look at certain things, including traffic count and parking.  Would you build a grocery store based on a target population of less than 2,000?  Of course you wouldn’t!

But wait, wouldn’t people from outside the immediate area come?  Would they?  I live to the southeast of downtown.  There are at least  three grocery stores and at least seven pharmacies closer to my home than the downtown plaza.  Well, maybe the people who live over on the west side will come?  I can think of at least two grocery stores and two pharmacies that are closer.  Well maybe the folks from Newtown?  Maybe.  Where are they going to park?  Remember – Jimmy, Jake, Laura, and Shanie have sold all of the parking except for the parking garage.  Do you really believe that those folks from Newtown are going to walk across US 50 and then schlep their groceries back on foot?

OK, I’ll agree that one convenience store might succeed under the Ireton plan.

It’s MAGIC!

The notion that this will re-vitalize downtown, much less Salisbury’s local economy is too ridiculous for real comment.  Downtown CAN be salvaged.  It CAN be re-vitalized.  It just won’t happen by throwing subsidies at a few developers.

You need a solution that drives traffic.  Business people will then be willing to invest their own capital.  Look at Joe Albero’s plan.  It not only makes sense, it offers a REAL, free-market driven solution for downtown as well as a plan for the city’s entire economy.

Subsidizing residential development was a failure during the real estate boom!  Salisbury borrowed millions of dollars that were handed over to a select group of residential developers.  What did that yield?  Temporary construction jobs.  Subsidizing retail doesn’t yield jobs that pay a living wage.

The key is to allow development without unnecessary government interference.  The key is show potential employers - not just downtown, but throughout Salisbury – that the city will treat businesses, and residents, like valued customers.

Why can’t Jimmy Ireton learn from past mistakes; both his own and his predecessor’s?

Part 1 – Thrift Travel Inn

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.  This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.

Joe Albero Announces Economic Development Plan

ALBERO RELEASES PLAN TO GROW SALISBURY’S ECONOMY
Salisbury Cannot Tax Its Way Out of Current Fiscal Problems

SALISBURY, MD – Salisbury mayoral candidate Joe Albero has released his plan to revitalize Salisbury’s stagnant economy. By attracting new businesses, and encouraging existing businesses to expand, Salisbury’s local economy can become a job creation engine which positively impacts the city’s overall quality of life by increasing home ownership, reducing crime, and providing needed revenue to improve the city’s infrastructure and to improve the level of service delivery.

Albero stated, “Today I have release a detailed outline for improving Salisbury’s local economy. Some may view this plan as broad; and it is. Unlike our current mayor, and his predecessor, I refuse to take a ‘my way or the highway’ approach to policy. While I have outlined the direction I believe Salisbury needs to move, I will ask for input from all relevant stakeholders. This includes the business community and the members of the next city council.

“From the day I declared my candidacy for mayor, I have talked about the need to improve the city’s attitude toward and our reputation with the business community. Successive administrations have had a schizophrenic attitude towards business. Some businesses receive direct taxpayer subsidies while others are viewed as entities to be taxed, fined, and charged fees.

“This view ends on the first day of an Albero administration. Successful businesses deliver superior customer service. The city of Salisbury, and its employees, need to view the city’s businesses and residents as valued customers. Our motto needs to be, ‘How can we help you?’, NOT ‘Write us a check and we’ll get around to it when we can.’ Permitting and requests to public works must be carried out in a timely fashion. Doing business in the city needs to be predictable. Bureaucratic red tape can be hallmarks of communities we compete with but cannot be tolerated here if we are serious about growing Salisbury’s economy.”

Albero is challenging incumbent mayor Jim Ireton. Salisbury voters will choose which direction they wish the city to move towards on April 2^nd.
VIEW THE COMPLETE PLAN HERE

By authority of Luke Rommel Treasurer

Ireton Takes Credit for (Lack of) Rain

No one in the history of local politics can grandstand like Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton.  At a Friday press conference Ireton claimed credit for a “cleaner” Wicomico River.  There’s just one problem – the cause for a marginally cleaner river was last year’s drought.

The report, prepared by Judith Stribling of Wicomico Creekwatchers, cites last year’s lack of rain for improved numbers:

City of Salisbury-led efforts to reduce polluted runoff may have contributed to the reduction, but the biggest cause was almost certainly last year’s drought, said Judith Stribling, a Salisbury University researcher and supervisor of the Creekwatchers program.

Ireton still tried to spin the report, which usually isn’t issued until June, and take credit for a slightly cleaner River:

Dr. Stribling said it right,” Mayor Jim Ireton chimed in. “It’s not just a lack of rain, but it’s also some of the things we’re doing.

That’s NOT what Stribling said.  We should also question whether or not the report’s being issued in the spring also impacted the numbers.  If the readings were not taken at approximately the same time of year, with water temperatures at the same general levels, any conclusions of the report could be invalid.
The report also provided numbers for fecal coliform levels for the first time.  Stribling speculated that coliform levels downstream were the the result of septic tanks.  However, she cited no evidence to back up her speculation versus the possibility that coliform levels downstream were due to a previous spill from the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Jim Ireton's Respect for the Salisbury Taxpayer - Part 1

Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton LOVES to spend money – OTHER PEOPLE’s MONEY.  Being a lifelong government employee, Ireton sees nothing wrong with doling our cash because, in his mind, there is ALWAYS MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM.

Today’s example – Salisbury’s Thrift Travel Inn

This infamous haven for hookers and drug dealers, Salisbury’s poster child for rent-by-the-hour, no-tell lodging luxury was finally demolished last November.

That’s a good thing, right?  In the end it was; but not if the city had done it “Jimmy’s Way”.
Ireton brought a proposal to the city council calling for the hardworking people of Salisbury to pay for the demolition.  Why not?  It’s other people’s money.  The evil, obstructionist council, led by Debbie Campbell, said NO!

Why would they do that?  Those mean, nasty people on city council thought that it was more appropriate for the property’s owners to pay for it.  Shame on you Debbie Campbell!  You took away another opportunity for Jimmy to call a press conference!

Of course, this hasn’t prevented Ireton from taking all of the credit during his campaign for re-election.  I wonder if this is another of Jake Day’s examples that the “mayor needs a partner”.

If Salisbury has any hope of revitalizing its economy, it deserves a Mayor AND a Council that respects the hardworking people and businesses of Salisbury.  These are the folks who pay the bills.

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.
This article was originally printed in the DelMarVa Observer.

Thanks Jim!

I guess that Joe Albero and SBYNews should view the Daily Times’ front page article yesterday as an example of the old adage: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.  I doubt that Salisbury’s incumbent mayor will view it the same way.

While Sunday’s flagship article, an excellent piece by Jeremy Cox, has surprising similarities to an SBYNews post just a few days before, there’s one thing missing – any discussion of Jim Ireton’s involvement in this mess!

No, we don’t blame Ireton for the state of the national economy, but the national economy isn’t in the same shape as Salisbury’s either.  While Ireton has held lots of press conferences attacking others during his nearly four years as mayor, what has he done to attract any jobs to Salisbury?
While Ireton claims that he has “revitalized” downtown, just take a stroll down the plaza.  Notice that Ireton never discusses the REST of the city.  THAT’s where the jobs are!

For almost four years Ireton has “borrowed” ideas from others in the city and claimed them as his own.  Since Joe Albero declared as a candidate it’s ironic that NOW Ireton wants to streamline the city’s permitting process and finally start to treat businesses as something other than people to be TAXED, FINED, or charged FEES.  Naturally, we question his sincerity because he’s had FOUR YEARS to accomplish some rather COMMON SENSE tasks.

If Salisbury’s economy was growing rather than BLEEDING JOBS, it wouldn’t be experiencing such a high vacancy rate.
Thanks Jim!

Help Decide Salisbury's Future - VOTE TODAY!

Today is the primary election for the District 1 and District 2 Salisbury City Council seats currently held by Shanie Shields and Debbie Campbell.  Your vote today can help determine the future of Salisbury.

DISTRICT 1 - Cynthia Polk

Four years ago Cynthia Polk lost to incumbent Shanie Shields by one vote.  We can only imagine the difference in Salisbury if Polk, a local entrepreneur, had been the winner rather than SAPOA's chosen candidate.  Voters in District 1 now have a chance to fix that error.

The District 1 race has been low key, with little media attention.  Neither candidate has been receiving much attention outside of the district, which is a shame.  Neither candidate is taking a public stance on issues which is greatly different from their opponents'.  This makes an informed decision more difficult and reduces this race to one based more on personalities than on issues.

We believe that Polk would be the best choice for District 1, and for Salisbury.  With jobs and economic revitalization the apparent top issues in this year's election, it makes sense that people should vote for a small business person.  The third candidate, April Jackson, appears to be running on the strength of her family name and the support of the local Rudy Cane machine.  Cane's endorsement implies that Jackson would take the same high tax, big government approach to city government that her supporter takes to state government.  Salisbury needs innovative solutions to solve its problems, not simply a higher tax bill.

Shields certainly doesn't deserve a second term.  While the official line of the Daily Times and the city's special interests is that the current council majority is the disruptive factor in city politics, anyone who bothers to attend legislative or work sessions of the council knows that it is Shields and her ally, Laura Mitchell, who have stymied progress.  Shields has even gone so far as to advocate riots in the streets when she and her allies did not get their way over "The Bricks" project.  Salisbury, and the people of District 1, deserve better.

DISTRICT 2 - Debbie Campbell

For eight years the groups which have historically controlled Salisbury government have attacked Debbie Campbell, usually through the pages of the Daily Times.  For eight years Campbell has quietly went about the business of trying to make Salisbury a better place to live and work.  Unfortunately for Salisbury, Campbell has only been able to accomplish much during the last two years.  This was due to the election of Tim Spies and the formation of a working council majority that refused to simply show up and rubber stamp the proposals of the mayor.

We haven't agreed with Campbell on every issue.  We don't need to.  The fact that she will listen to a reasoned argument, and place the best interests of her constituents ahead of a handful of developers and landlords speaks volumes.

While incumbent mayor Jim Ireton likes to label Campbell and the council majority "The Party of No", almost every accomplishment Ireton claims in his quest for a second term is a direct result of the hard work of Campbell, councilwoman Terry Cohen, and Spies:

• Campbell, et al, prevented Ireton's proposed property tax hike without cutting city services.

• Campbell's work on the Crime Task Force, along with Cohen's bringing forward the Safe Streets initiative were the catalyst to a reduction in Part I crime.

• Campbell saved taxpayers over $1 million in the last year alone by cutting wasteful or unnecessary spending.

IF the "Dream Team" council had paid any attention to Campbell's questions, it is likely that Salisbury would not be having to pay TWICE for the failed waste water treatment plant.

There is no evidence that either of Campbell's opponents would be the type of council member that can move Salisbury forward.  Jack Heath is a nice guy, who has refused to take a solid stance on any issue of consequence.  He's basically running to be a "rubber stamp" councilman.  The mess of high crime and massive debt left by the Mike Dunn, Gary Comegys, Lynn Cathcart "Dream Team" should turn off any concerned Salisbury voter.

We understand the appeal of Jake Day, particularly to any voter that gets his or her information from within the pages of the DT.  Day has something to appeal to everybody.  Why not, he has taken multiple stances on every major issue to date.

Salisbury deserves the hard work and honesty of Campbell.

The Letter the Daily Times DOESN'T Want You to Read

Tomorrow is Salisbury's council primaries.  It's little surprise that the Daily Times has, as in the past, refused to publish some letters in support of incumbent councilwoman Debbie Campbell.  What is (a little) surprising is their refusal to print a letter critical of the Salisbury city council ... unless the letter was critical of councilwomen Laura Mitchell and Shanie Shields.

That is exactly what has occurred.  Earlier we published a letter from Salisbury resident Kay Gibson.  Gibson originally submitted her letter to the DT.  Editorial page editor Susan Parker doesn't want you to read it before Tuesday's election.  Her boss, GM Tom Claybaugh agrees.  God forbid that YOU be allowed to make up your own mind:

Mitchell, Shields Stage Destructive Performance

If anyone wants to know the real source of conflict on Salisbury’s city council, they need only look at the two members who complain the loudest about “civility,” Laura Mitchell and Shanie Shields.  Listen to the audio of last Tuesday’s work session on the city’s website, www.ci.salisbury.md.us

Mitchell stationed a tape recorder on the table to capture what was obviously a staged performance.  She and Shields disrupted the meeting for a solid hour or more, shouting, interrupting, berating, accusing and more, even trying to goad the council leadership into fights and into shutting down the meeting.  Neither Terry Cohen nor Debbie Campbell took that bait, and both stayed focused on the work.

Mitchell literally bullied the city attorney, attacked me by name and made misrepresentations about the proposed business disclosure ordinance under discussion.  Later that night at the candidate forum at Salisbury University, candidate Jake Day pretty much parroted what Mitchell said about the proposal.  Was this the purpose of the tape recorder?

Shields admitted that night that she “lost it” at the meeting.  Mitchell’s behavior was just as destructive, done in front of state agency representatives and the general public.  Mitchell’s conduct at the last legislative meeting was thoroughly unprofessional, too.

As a frequent attendee at council meetings, I’ve seen these two be anything but civil for nearly two years.  This was no spirited debate of viewpoints on their part.  It was one of the most disgusting displays of behavior for political purposes I have ever seen.

Mary Kay Gibson
Salisbury, MD

Remember, this letter is only tangentially related to the current city elections.  However, we can't let the hoi polloi find out that councilwoman Laura Mitchell is feeding candidate Jake Day his talking points anymore than we can allow the public to find out that Day doesn't hesitate to take as many different stances on a given issue as there are audiences.  For a more detailed analysis of the DT's actions, see my Media Monday column.

G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a current contributor.  He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer.

Jake Day Receives "Ultimate" Endorsement

Salisbury city council candidate Jake Day kicked off his campaign by tying himself to mayor Jim Ireton:

One of the problems is the council majority, which includes Campbell, and its lack of vision for the city, Day said.  “I think we have a great example with the mayor, but he doesn’t have a partner on the City Council,” he said.

As Day concludes the first phase of his quest for public office, Day has received the endorsement of another Salisbury icon - Barrie Parsons Tilghman.

Salisbury taxpayers should be reminded that Tilghman plunged the city into deep debt.  The city is in the process of paying for Tilghman's waste water treatment plant TWICE.  Why?  Tilghman's "Dream Team" council simply RUBBER STAMPED her every whim.  Day is on record as wanting to join councilwomen Laura Mitchell and Shanie Shields in being Ireton's rubber stamp.

Let's review a few accomplishments of Day's latest champion:

• A DOUBLE DIGIT tax hike.

• A highly questionable city land purchase which yielded "unknown" owners a nearly HALF MILLION dollar profit in four months for the Salisbury fire house property.

• Millions of dollars in developer reimbursements.

• A questionable annexation for the "Sassafras Meadows" parcel, formerly (?) owned by rubbber stamp councilman Mike Dunn and family.

• The piece de resistance - the FAILED Waste Water Treatment Plant.  The grandchildren of city ratepayers will be ponying up for this one.

Salisbury taxpayers KNOW they can't afford another Barrie Tilghman.  Are their pockets deep enough to afford Jake Day?

SAPOA's Candidates Show Flexibility

In 2009, candidate Jim Ireton RAILED against the city's landlords (see videos HERE and HERE). Yet, after a few (primarily unsuccessful) attempts at shutting down illegal boardinghouses, MAYOR Jim Ireton hasn't done much to fulfill his campaign promises when it comes to dealing with the city's rental industry.  Fast forward to 2013.  Jim Ireton signs are pretty prevalent on rental properties.

Travel around Salisbury.  You'll see lots of Jake Day signs.  A few are in homeowners' yards.  Some have been placed in public right-of-ways (is that legal?).  A few more have been placed at local businesses (some with the owner's permissions, others without).  The majority of Day signs appear to be on properties where there are no registered voters.

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It's little wonder that Jake Day appears to share overwhelming support from SAPOA.  In his recently released policy manifesto, Day calls for allowing landlords to self-regulate:

Where the rental industry identifies bad actors within its ranks, the City and the rental industry should first utilize peer-to-peer mentorship to guide them toward best practices.

It's pretty amazing.  Day wants to strip Wicomico landowners of their property rights, but doesn't want one of the city's largest businesses to face regulation.  Day claims that he'll "partner" with mayor Jim Ireton if elected.  Little wonder when both candidates show such "flexibility".

Salisbury's Most Expensive Billboard

A week ago, some office space at the corner of North Division and West Main Streets lay vacant with a few Albero for Mayor signs in the window.

 

Last Friday a Salisbury businessman offered to pay twice the regular rent (over $1,000 per month) for a two month lease.  Is the Plaza going to host a new business?  Hardly.  When asked why he wanted the property, the replay was simple and straight forward, "There's an election!".  Now Jim Ireton and Jake Day campaigns are the beneficiaries of Salisbury's most expensive bill board:

Imagine it; supporters of Jim Ireton and Jake Day are so desperate that they are willing to pay almost any price to promote the campaigns of their chosen candidates. 

Enterprise Zones Are Only Part of the Answer

Tax Credits Won't Lure Business If
City Remains Unfriendly to Business

SALISBURY, MD – Salisbury mayoral candidate Joe Albero says that enterprise zones are only ONE part of the answer in revitalizing Salisbury's economy. “I want to thank Gov. Martin O'Malley for his recent approval of an extended enterprise zone for Salisbury and Wicomico County. I just wish my opponent understood that tax credits are only a small part of the solution. As long as the city is governed by an administration that views business as merely something to be taxed, fined, and charged fees, entrepreneurs will be unwilling to invest in our city”

Business Expansion Held Up By Ireton Administration

 Highlighting the Ireton administration's attitudes towards business, Albero announced his candidacy on January 8^th at a local contracting business where the city has held up an expansion for over a year. “With all else being equal, enterprise zone tax credits can be a deciding factor in a city's favor. Unfortunately, when you are already faced with Maryland's generally unfriendly business environment along with the Ireton administration's bureaucratic brick wall, an enterprise zone (by itself) will not lure new businesses to Salisbury nor will it encourage our existing businesses.

“The city should lend a helping hand to business, not hope that tax credits will attract investment by itself. Jim doesn't even understand what enterprise zones are for. Enterprise zones were designed to provide businesses with an incentive to invest in blighted areas. He thinks they are a means for controlling 'sprawl'. The 'Crossroads of Delmarva' truly is at a crossroads.”

In response to Gov. O'Malley's approval of the expanded enterprise zone, Ireton stated, “As Salisbury grows, this designation will become even more critical to reducing sprawl and revitalizing our downtown and our city’s most historic areas.”

Albero believes that the city and its residents are best served by providing an environment that attracts employers and expands the tax base rather than raising tax rates. Ireton proposed a rate hike in his last budget. The tax hike was rejected by the city council.

When You Don't Have a Record ...

An Albero Supporter BEFORE Vandalism

As reported this morning in SBYNews, Salisbury mayoral candidate Joe Albero is already seeing yard signs being removed from the property of supporters.  Sadly, this is a typical campaign prank.  It just usually doesn't start until later in a campaign.

While Albero has taken the high road to date, stealing yard signs appears to be a minor distraction compared to what else can be expected from Ireton's campaign and some of his supporters.  According to a Salisbury businessman (who asked not to be identified), Ireton said to him last week, "You know Joe Albero hates blacks, Mexicans, Jews, and women."  Compare that to Ireton's claim that he would "run on his record".  I guess when you don't have much of a record to run on ...

Ireton's claimed record is more one of taking credit for the accomplishments of others:

• NOT Raising Taxes - Salisbury taxpayers can thanks the same "council majority" that Ireton has spent almost four years disparaging.  Ireton tried to raise taxes.  The council wouldn't let him.

• A 40% Reduction in Crime - While some are questioning the number, Ireton can rightly claim credit for hiring SPD Chief Barbara Duncan.  It's also a fact that he happened to be mayor when Salisbury began participation in the state's "Safe Streets" program.  He just doesn't want to admit that the idea came from council president Terry Cohen.  He also doesn't want to admit that the vital work done by the city's crime task force was led by councilwoman Debbie Campbell.  As for finally increasing police pay, Ireton only signed off after the council tired of waiting for action and seized the issue themselves.

• A $16 Million Surplus - Thank the city council AGAIN.  Jim Ireton and taxpayer dollars go together like Drunken Sailor and Whorehouse. Quarter Million Dollar Apartments in "the Bricks"?

• Business Friendly - Talk to any businessperson who has waited months or years for permits.

• "I've Kept Every Promise I Made" - I'll save this one until after I control my laughter.