Debbie Campbell to Lead Panel at National Affordable Housing Conference

Salisbury City Councilwoman Deborah Campbell will lead a panel discussion on “green” development at a national affordable housing conference that starts tomorrow in Washington, DC . The green development panel will discuss how a new emphasis on sustainability is changing the face of affordable housing.

Campbell, the director of Special Projects for Neighborhood Housing Services of America (NHSA) and a Salisbury city council member, will moderate the panel of community reinvestment practitioners at the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders’ (NAAHL) 2008 Washington , DC Conference, which is taking place Tuesday and Wednesday at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Campbell, a member of NAAHL’s inaugural Leadership Forum, a group of emerging leaders in the field of community reinvestment and affordable housing lending and investment, said “It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of professionals on cutting edge issues that are important to the future of Maryland and the nation.”

The green development panel will also feature other Leadership Forum members, including Mike Bielawa , vice president of the Community Investment Corporation; Brian Segel, vice president of the Community Development Department of HSBC Bank; and Bill Thompson, director of finance for the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation.

Campbell, a Salisbury native, has worked in the field of affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization for nearly 15 years.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Debbie Campbell, affordable housing

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The Bank Didn't Fail

One of the most disturbing, albeit low dollar, offenses uncovered in the Salisbury audit was the placement of taxpayer funds in uninsured or uncollateralized accounts. At last Thursday's council work session a question was raised by Councilwoman Debbie Campbell regarding this matter.

The response by city finance chief Pam Oland was more disturbing than the offense. Year after year, the audit has clearly stated that it is against the law to deposit city (taxpayer) funds in bank accounts that are either not insured or otherwise protected through collateral. This point has been made to Ms. Oland on multiple occasions by Campbell since Oland assumed her post at the Department of Internal Services.

Last Thursday Ms. Oland pointed out that yes, this did occur again. However, the funds spoken of in this year's audit were different funds than those from last year. In other words, Ms. Oland took care of the problem from the previous audit, but then turned around and did the same thing all over again.

According to Oland, this wasn't really important anyway. It's only $178,000 and the "bank didn't fail". Try that one again!

When a bank fails, it's simply too late. To compound the error, the solution is as simple as picking up a phone. Large banks are geared up to provide additional assurance through non-FDIC insurance above the current limits or to post collateral. Many smaller banks participate in a program called CDARS.

I don't know who the city banks with. Let's assume for a moment that the uninsured funds are with Barrie Tilghman's favorite bank, the Bank of Delmarva. I know that many out there would want to claim some criminal conspiracy. In fact, leaving uninsured taxpayer funds in the Bank of Delmarva would be a pure act of laziness. Oland would merely need to pick up the phone and tell them that they wanted every dollar above the FDIC limit put in short term CDARS.

This issue goes right to the heart of another question asked to both Oland and City Administrator John Pick - Is it important to obey the law? Of course they both responded that it was. They just can't be bothered with doing it in practice.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, audit, Barrie Tilghman, Pam Oland, Debbie Campbell

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Congressional Candidate Andy Harris

Dear Friends,

I have enjoyed meeting so many of you during the last nine months of the campaign. Now this Primary campaign is coming to a close tomorrow, February 12, 2008. I hope each of you will go to the polls tomorrow and cast your ballots for me.

As I have traveled throughout the district, I have learned that the Republican voters in the first district want conservative leadership. They are tired of Washington politicians who spend their frivilously spend their money and raise their taxes. They are tired of politicians who are not committed to sealing our borders and ending illegal immigration. They are tired of politicians who are not committed to winning the Global War on Terror.

This election, I am giving voters an alternative. I will vote against every tax increase. I will oppose all wasteful government spending. I will vote to secure our borders and end illegal immigration. I will fight to win the Global War on Terror.

Voters have a choice between Wayne Gilchrest, a liberal politician who has become part of Washington; or me Andy Harris, a consistent conservative who will take principled stances to return our party to its Reagan roots. I believe the choice is clear and I am confident we will be victorious on Election Day.

Nine months ago I began my campaign saying we sent Wayne to change Washington, but sadly Washington changed Wayne. Tomorrow we can change congressman.

Don't forget to take your friends and family with you when you go to vote.

God Bless,


Andy

A Military Mom Reaches Out

Please remember our military men & women, who are still on the front lines, when you cast your vote tomorrow.

Please remember those, like Wayne Gilchrest, who voted against them, while in the midst of battle to safegaurd our freedoms and serve their country.

Please remember those, like Wayne Gilchrest, who were sipping tea with the Iranians while their ied's were blowing up our convoys.

As a military mom, whose son lived through the horror of an IED explosion, I humbly ask you to vote the rascals out.

Please cast your vote for those who will support our military & give them what they need to accomplish their mission proudly & decisively.

God Bless our Troops & God Bless America.

Proud Military Mom.

Some More Scary Info Regarding the Salisbury City Audit

I could write for a month and still not fully discuss all of the dirt uncovered by Salisbury's auditors. One of the subsets of information that disturbs me the most are comments from the city's auditors themselves - Trice, Geary and Meyers.

At last Thursday's work session auditor Herb Geary commented regarding the misplaced $10.2 million that this was basically much ado about nothing. "Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it." Maybe the city council should appoint another auditing firm!

In their zeal to protect a lucrative contract, it seems that the auditors just couldn't criticize the Tilghman administration publicly. IF all of the items cited in the audit and in the auditor's letters were so insignificant, why mention them at all? The answer is a simple one. They are significant and Geary could face litigation (or worse) by failing to do so. It just seems that the auditors resent having to show up and explain the actions of their client.

Another related concern was a comment by one of Trice, Geary's people (not Herb Geary) that was heard outside of the council chambers. The gist of the comment was, "This is why the audit should be for the Mayor and Council only. The public just isn't smart enough to understand it".

That's right folks, you're too stupid to understand the information and the problem. Personally, I'd be willing to compare the intelligence of every member of the public attending Thursday's meeting against the Mayor and several members of the Council.

For the gentleman from Trice Geary, here's the bottom line:

We do understand that you are only expressing an opinion on the financial statements in your audit opinion. We do understand that when you give an unqualified opinion you are stating that those (and only those) numbers are correct to the best of your knowledge. We also understand what you refused to explicitly state - those numbers would not have been valid if you hadn't done a great deal of work for the city's Finance Department that was THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. We also understand that there was a cost to the taxpayer, both financially and in the confidence they have in their city government, for having you do that work.

We also understand that Mayor Barrie Tilghman, City Administrator John Pick, and DIS head Pam Oland have repeatedly and deliberately deceived both the public and their elected representatives on the city council. We accept the fact that Ms. Oland may need more staff. What we will never accept are the excuses given by the auditors for the disgraceful performance of the Salisbury finance department. Do not excuse poor performance by claiming that Ms. Oland is overworked because of her additional responsibilities for procurement (or future responsibilities for HR). Oland accepted those responsibilities. Tilghman is the one who demanded that procurement be placed under a new department of Internal Services. Whenever pressed on the issue Tilghman, Pick and Oland all would state that the problems cited in last year's audit were being remedied. This obviously was not the case.

Contrary to what the folks at Trice, Geary may believe, the public is not a mound of mushrooms. They (the auditors) should be ashamed for thinking it, much less stating it aloud.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Herb Geary, Barrie Tilghman, Pam Oland, John Pick, audit

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Sperm Bank

You can't tell me Chris Farley didn't leave something behind?????????

House Calls

Talk about a "Back In The Day" phrase! Check it out, a Vet that will come to your home or business to care for one of your animals. Sounds convenient and it sounds like they're hungry enough to earn your business. I personally do not know about their bed side manner but perhaps someone who has used their services can fill us in?

Senator Rich Colburn Turns 58

Soon after the Lincoln Dinner the other night, a group of us got together at Chef Freds to celebrate Senator Rich Colburns 58th Birthday. Not only is Rich a great guy, he's all business when it comes to his work. The smiles come off his face and he's all about business in Annapolis.

Happy Birthday Rich, may you enjoy many more to come.

The Fire In Vienna

As I was headings West on Rt 50 yesterday there was a huge fire in the distance. Does anyone know what was going on?

Michelle Obama At UMES At 11:30 AM Today

Sadly, I cannot be here at this event today, nor can I make the two events in College Park and Baltimore where Obama will be present.

I wish I had more time this morning to express my feelings towards Obama but I am restricted in time this morning and I'll have to do so later this evening. Try to make this event today Folks. It could be a once in a lifetime thing?

The Obama Camp Comes To Cambridge

With more than a thousand people packing the inside of the Sailwinds in Cambridge, the atmosphere was positive and exciting. I found myself shaking hands with people I knew everywhere I turned.

I didn't necessarily like coming to the front doors and a gentleman was insisting everyone pay a dollar to get in, then he'd say it was a donation. Bumper Stickers were $2.00 each. Heck, we make those damn things at the last minute and they're $ .75 cents each. I can get them in volume for $ .35 cents a piece. I thought the idea was to get the message out, not make a buck while you're at it? Oh well, to each his own, I guess?

I will post another article about Obama's Wife coming to town tonight at UMES later.

DO NOTE: The Daily Times was not present for this event either. Perhaps they'll print something from a Press Release, I don't know? Are you getting what you pay for Ladies & Gentlemen!

MML Wants To Raise Taxes!

As usual when the Maryland General Assembly is in session the "MML" is trying
to pick our pockets.

Delegate Kumar Barve has agreed to act as MML's lead sponsor for legislation to
permit municipalities to impose a maximum 0.5% transfer tax on properties
transferred within municipal borders. The legislation will require that one-
half of the monies raised must be used for growth-related infrastructure such
as roads, streets, water and wastewater facilities, emergency and public safety
services, etc. The League is finalizing a sponsor in the Senate and will be
working with a sub-committee of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee
chaired by Senator James Robey to identify additional sources of municipal
revenues. It is anticipated that this legislation will be included in the
possible new sources of municipal revenues, along with other options such as a
hotel/motel tax and a building excise tax.

[Source: MML Bulletin, current issue]

Gary Comegys is a member of the MML's Board of Directors.

Chelsea Clinton

Chelsea Clinton recently discussed current events with a U.S. soldier.

She asked if, as an American fighting man, anything scared him.

He told her there were only three things he feared:


1) Osama

2) Obama

AND

3) Yo Mama

A Letter To The Publisher

Mr. Albero,

I took this picture as I was coming out of Red Lobster this evening. I just love how our tax dollars are put to such good use for these guys to gallavant around town. I like the Sheriff's office, but here recently I have seen this more and more. I am not at all suprised when the SPD does it, but not the Sheriff's deputies. I figured it would interest you none the less.

Fudruckers Is HISTORY!

What used to be a Fudruckers in Salisbury is now what's known as "U-Turn Burgers."

Another business bit the dust in the City, showing the economy sucks and things are only getting worse.

We've watched Bonanza chains also close all around the area and as you can see from the parking lot in the photo above during the dinner rush hour, there's NO RUSH to get in! Tia's Mexican Restaurant also closed not that long ago as well.

Hey, who knows, now that The Tilghman Times gets to read it here first, maybe NOW you'll see it in their paper tomorrow or a few days later?

I'm told the owners were tired of paying the franchise fee so they dropped Fudruckers and reopened under a new name.

Ron Paul Did NOT Endorse Wayne Gilchrest

Tony Nolan Says: February 10th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

I want to apologize to Bill Reddish for including his name in a premature and erroneous conclusion I drew about a post on this site concerning the Ron Paul endorsement of Wayne Gilchrest in the 1st district congressional race. Mr. Reddish did tell me he did not remember Gilchrest making such a statement, but he also said he would have to review the transcript to be absolutely certain. I should have shown more respect for Mr. Reddish’s professionalism. Evidently Ron Paul did in fact tell Mr. Gilchrest he thought he was the best candidate for the 1st district seat, but he has not issued a public endorsement. And Rep. Gilchrest did make the statement on Mr. Reddish’s radio show Thursday.

I am very surprised by the sentiment expressed by Paul in this instance because of the deep Constitutional differences between Paul and Gilchrest, as manifested by such House votes as the Iraq war authorization and the Patriot Act.

As a long time Ron Paul supporter, I am also very disappointed at Paul’s statement to Gilchrest in light of the candidacy of Dr. Joe Arminio for the 1st district seat. Armino has been a loyal advocate for Ron Paul in the presidential primary, has worked long hours and spoken out publicly for him in addition to working his own campaign. Ron Paul has clearly demonstrated that he does not value loyalty as highly as Joe Arminio does and that he is at best uninformed about the positions of the Republican candidates in the 1st district primary. If he were not uninformed, or indeed ignorant, of the issues in this primary, he would have supported the candidate that is actually right on the issues and part of his own ticket.

I still support most of the policies of Ron Paul, but this incident leaves me with some serious doubts about his certain aspects of his character.

This comment was made/confirmed on Michael Shwartz Site today.

Words Have Meaning ...

... unless your name is Tilghman or Duvall.

Over the last few years I have been a vociferous critic of Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman. In addition to my disagreements with her policies, I have repeatedly pointed out her seeming inability to be honest with the voters of Salisbury. One reason that I have met with some success in my arguments has been my continual striving to put forward cogent arguments backed up by evidence. One of Tilghman's tools in sloughing off arguments by those of us in the blogosphere is by pointing to a few instances by other members of the online media that are simply not true.

While I in no way advocate the position that we don't have the right to say whatever we want online, I have pleaded that my online brethren show some responsibility in their claims. While I readily admit that my own rhetoric can be over the top at times, I am very careful to have sufficient evidence to back up any claim.

Recently, I have read more attacks by local blogger Bill Duvall on a variety of topics that are not only false, there is no evidence whatsoever to back them up.

One case in point is his attack on Maryland Sen. Andy Harris and the endorsement of his congressional candidacy by Dr. James Dobson. Duvall calls Dr. Dobson a "snake oil salesman" and a televangelist. Under normal circumstances I would simply admit that the term "snake oil salesman" is strictly subjective, yet by also calling Dr. Dobson a televangelist any who know Dobson can only attribute such attacks to ignorance. Personally I was dismayed when Dobson became politically active. I have disagreed with him on several key issues. However, as someone who can honestly state that I have listened to hundreds (if not thousands) of programs put out by Focus on the Family, Dobson is not a televangelist.

Webster's defines televangelist as "an evangelist who conducts regularly televised religious programs. Don't worry, I'm not going to argue a difference between radio (Dobson's medium of choice) and television. The simple fact is that Dobson doesn't preach. Televangelists do.

If Duvall had bothered to ever listen to a few of "Focus on the Family's" programs he would know this. Many, if not most, of their programs and publications are focused on children and teenagers. My all time favorite, "Adventures in Odyssey" uses radio plays to teach children about such dangerous concepts as honesty and responsibility. Dobson's own programs discuss family issues from a biblical perspective. If this makes him a televangelist, then I guess we would also have to include every individual who attempts to use the bible in guiding their lives.

More evidence of Duvall's ignorance regarding these matters is provided by this truly bizarre claim that Dobson's endorsement of Harris somehow explains the support of "Salisbury News" publisher Joe Albero for Harris. Duvall makes this claim in multiple posts such as here ... and here. While I don't usually get in discussions of religion with my friend and colleague Joe, I am under the distinct impression that he is not particularly devout, and as a Roman Catholic would not normally fall under the "evangelical" banner. Oddly enough, Harris is the candidate most in line with the views that Duvall has expressed over the years. While you can never prove what is in a man's head, it's a good bet that Duvall would be a Harris supporter if it wasn't for his buddy Joe's loud and unqualified support.

Duvall also ridicules Dobson for "playing the 'it is a matter of conscience' card". Perhaps Mr. Duvall does not have a conscience and is unable to relate. I'm also willing to bet that he voted for Gerald Ford in the 1976 GOP primary. I remember many like Duvall attacking us that year for being "crazies" and for being more concerned with some nebulous set of principles rather than winning elections. You're damn right! There are those of use who are (when it comes to politics) conservatives first, Republicans second. Those of us in the conservative movement may disagree with one another, but most of us try to respect the others' point of view. While I have, and will continue to, disagree with Dobson on issues and candidates I will continue to respect his views.

Back to some facts. Duvall recently posted that Harris would be "the first non-resident (of the Eastern Shore) in the history of the Republic" if elected to Congress. This is simply false. Roy Dyson represented the district and is from St. Mary's County. Let's face it. If it wasn't for a sexual scandal regarding an aide (not Dyson) he could still be representing the First District (with the possible exception of re-districting issues). I posted a comment on DuvaFiles correcting that mistake, but it was struck. Mr. Duvall doesn't seem to handle correction very well.

In the very same post he attacks candidate Harris for "voting to give the 'undocumenteds' college tuition breaks not available to legal residents of 49 states of the union." Again, this is simply not true. While I don't dispute that Harris made the vote, which I disagree with, most (if not all) states have this loophole. Residence for purposes of college tuition is usually based on just that, residence. Colleges don't attempt to determine the legality of that residence. Should they? YES! Do they? NO!

You've got a lot to say Bill. A great deal of it is good. Help yourself out, along with the rest of us, by sticking to the facts.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Maryland politics, Salisbury politics, blogging, Andy Harris, James Dobson, Bill Duvall

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It's Time to "Save Our Salisbury"

Recent events have shown that Salisbury is in trouble. Audits are perpetually late, and when they are finally delivered, they show a pattern of financial chaos. Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman points a finger of blame, but then says she accepts responsibility. Questions are asked about the cost of the new fire station, and go unanswered. Money has been spent before it was authorized. A department head was hired before a department was created. Members of the City Council have been forced to file Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain information. The President of the Council shows how little she knows about conducting meetings, and they become debacles.

It’s time to issue an SOS……….

It’s time to Save Our Salisbury!!

There are many people who have been working for a long time to solve the problems More came on board during our recent Petition Drive to stop the obscene tax increase proposed by Mayor Tilghman. If you would like to join us, we welcome your participation!

Send an email to caldwellr2@comcast.net. Enter SOS as the subject. Once we hear from you, we will periodically send you emails about what’s happening, and how you can help. Your email address will not be divulged or sold. There is much we can do, and we can be effective if we work together! Join us. Help SAVE OUR SALISBURY!

Thanks……we look forward to hearing from you.

Bob Caldwell

Gilchrest Attempts To Steal Arminio Votes?

Wayne Gilchrest is so desperate folks, it appears that he is caught in yet another BIG Lie. The Gilchrest campaign hassent out a press release claiming Wayne was endorsed by RonPaul. Every indication so far points that this is not true.

The endorsement appeared on Friday in the Daily (Rag) times, and other suspect Pro –Wayne Blog sites:. Here is a copy of the Daily times article:I ST DISTRICT: Ron Paul endorses Gilchrest Daily Times Staff Report WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, R-Md.-1st, gained the endorsement of Conservative Congressman and Presidential candidate Dr. Ron Paul today. “I have worked with Wayne Gilchrest in the U.S. House for several years and I have witnessed first hand his thoughtful approach to the issues, his commitment to public service and most importantly his respect for our Constitution. I believehe is the best choice in this race for Congress and he has my enthusiastic support,” said Paul in a statement today.

Mr. Paul’s supporters in MD, and particularly the Arminio campaign, are outraged at the blatant circulation of this false claim, and they are demanding a retraction. This is a shameful and despicable last minute attempt to outright steal another candidate’s voter base. This is a new lowfor the desperate Gilchrest Camp. Shame on you Mr. Gilchrest & Shame on the Daily Times for not checking their stories, before getting their marching orders from Cathy Bassett, Gilchrest’s press secretary.

Here is a copy of some of the outraged comments posted on politickermd.com in regards to this matter:

You should IMMEDIATELY issue a retraction to this insidious piece of irresponsible blather that Ron Paul endorses Gilchrest! No proof or confirmation for this quote or a Ron Paul endorsement of Gilchrest can be found anywhere. I asked, and Ron Paul’s national headquarters office denies it, period! It does not even sound like anything Cong. Ron Paul would say, much less about such a Neocon as Gilchrest. JOE ARMINIO is running on a Ron Paul supporting ticket.Dr. ARMINIO is a consistent voice for patriotic freedom being drowned out by a media blackout of both Ron Paul’scampaign and Joe Arminio’s campaign for Congress in MD 1st District GOP primary.Which ever of Arminio's opponent’s campaign or supporter started this Dirty Trick, lying rumor (Harris, Gilchrest,etc.) should offer a retraction and/or denial. Anything less is tantamount to approval of the lie. But then, maybe that’s all we can expect from them. 02/09/08 7:05 pm • reply

I AM A CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT posted by Tony Nolan

I am a campaign consultant to Joe Arminio. I too would be interested to know the source of your information and particularly the associated quote. The Ron Paul campaign has no record of such an endorsement. On the site Red Maryland, the source for such a claim is given as the Bill Reddish morning show on WICO. However, this morning I spoke by phone to Mr. Reddish who told me he had no recollection of Wayne Gilchrest claiming on his radio show Thursday morning that he had received the endorsement of Ron Paul. This allegation, for which you provide no source or documentation, appears to be an effort to undermine the growing support, especially among Ron Paul supporters, for the Arminio campaign and to associate Rep. Gilchrest with a false claim. State your source publicly or offer a retraction on this site.02/09/08 12:52 pm • reply

ENDORSEMENT? posted by Tim

What's your source of this endorsement? 02/08/08 7:30 pm • reply Post new comment

So you have it folks, Wayne Gilchrest is Full of crap & a Big Liar to Boot. He deserves nothing less then to be booted out of office come Feb. 12.

The Intimidation Zone

A few of us were sitting around discussing Mayor Barrie Tilghman's tactics lately and quite frankly I was a bit disturbed. You see, Barrie Tilghman has been subjected to several new faces visiting Council Meetings recently and she has clearly been seen going into the audience and taking down names.

Now why is Barrie Tilghman doing this? She's doing it to make those people who are attending feel as if SHE'S GOT THEM and she knows who they are. It's a typical form of intimidation because as MOST of you who are reading this Blog rely on me standing up to this Administration, she thinks by doing this it will scare people away from her and you know what, she's probably right.

There have been a ton of people Barrie Tilghman has gone after whenever someone disagrees with you, allow me to name just a few. Carolyn Hall, Von Siggers, Rachel Polk, Jennifer Albero, Joe Albero, Dot Goetz, The Dirty Dozen, Frank Himelright, Jim Ireton, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen, Linda Kent, Police Chief Dykes, Robin Cocky, the list goes on and one and I'm sure in comments here some of you will add to that quick list.

While Bob Caldwell is reaching out to gain more supporters and I applaud his effort, too many people are simply scared of the retaliation of Barrie Tilghman and they truly need to come out of their shell.

Considering the amount of hits I get each and every day, it's obvious just how many people are fed up. It doesn't matter where I go, (and I go a lot of places) the majority of the people out there thank me for what I do. Barrie Tilghman and others like Chief See and Chief Webster may think I do not have the popularity that I do but they're severely wrong.

Oh sure, there are some Anti Albero Bloggers out there that like to bash me daily, that's cool, that's their right. However, there's only a hand full of people that comment there and disagree with me. Think about that for a moment too. I put up an average of probably 10 to 15 articles a day, many of which go after wrong doings in the Salisbury area. That's bound to make some enemies. However, there are literally thousands upon thousands of people who enjoy coming to this Site to see what's new and perhaps who's next, if you know what I mean?

Barrie wants to intimidate you any way she can, even if it means going into a crowd and asking who you are and writing down your name. The next time she does, tell her it's NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! Shove it right in her face and make HER feel intimidated. Then I'd encourage you to work with Bob Caldwell and for crying out loud, get out of that shell and start participating. You are an entire City and she is one woman.