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Councilman Gary Comegys A No Show Again At Today's Work Session

Gary Comegys was a no show again to today's work session. I have come to learn that the e-mail correspondences from Gary to the Council have ended. As always, we wish Gary a speedy recovery.

SB411, Civil Immunity Bill, Signed Into Law

We're pleased to report to you that SB411 was signed into law by the Governor today. This bill, now law, provides protection to homeowners in the event of the injury or death of an assailant while in the act of committing a crime.

Our community spent several years working on this bill and it's a perfect example of how persistent pressure and focused efforts can reap concrete results.

The law will go into effect October 1 of this year.

Don't Miss Our 6 PM News Broadcast Tonight

MARYLAND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS FULLY FUNDS JMB HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. and Wicomico County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen jointly announced today that the Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $9,975,425 in funding for the completion of the new James M. Bennett High School. The State of Maryland Public School Construction Program informed the officials of the BPW decision in a letter dated May 21, 2010 (attached).

As of last January, only $7,000,000 had been allocated to complete the project. Both Pollitt and Fredericksen made personal appeals before the Board of Public Works to increase the allocation by almost $3,000,000. Dr. Fredericksen said, “The success of our appeal was made possible by the efforts of Appropriations Committee chair, Delegate Norman H. Conway (District 38B) and members of the Wicomico legislative delegation. This type of support in Annapolis is what will make for a great 2010-2011 school year for the first group of students to enter the new JMB.” Pollitt had high praise for the BPW members, Governor O’Malley, Treasurer Kopp and Comptroller Franchot for their “high level of concern for the schoolchildren of our county.”

James M. Bennett High School will open its doors to students in August…a full year ahead of schedule. Governor O’Malley visited the construction site on August 15, 2008 and discussed the unprecedented support his administration has provided for funding school construction. While there, Governor O’Malley joined members of the JMB Band, singing and playing guitar. The Board of Education is inviting alumni and guests of JMB to the school for a final visit on Sunday, June 6th, from 1-to-3 P.M.

DNA RESULTS CONFIRM THE IDENTITY OF HUMAN REMAINS

The human remains recovered by the Ocean City Police Department on April 28, 2010, were positively identified through DNA evidence, as that of 29-year-old missing Delaware resident Greg Forte. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled the cause and manner of death as undetermined.

Forte was last seen on February 9, 2010 at approximately 11:30 p.m. in Fenwick, Delaware. The investigation into Forte’s disappearance is being conducted by the Delaware State Police, with the assistance of the Ocean City Police.

If you have information in regards to the disappearance of Forte, please contact Delaware State Police Troop Four at 302.856.5850.

Ireton Concerned About Short Sighted Decision On Bateman/Onley Road Issue

Mayor James Ireton, Jr. issues this statement regarding the Salisbury City Council postponement of a much needed upgrade to the Onley Road/Bateman Street intersection on South Division Street in Salisbury. The postponement happened at Friday morning’s council worksession.

“The Board of Education, Salisbury University, and the City of Salisbury have presented a workable, affordable solution to the bottleneck at Onley Road/Bateman Street along the South Division Street Corridor. The council, today, asked for a timeline going back 10 years and questioned the ability of the Salisbury Public Works Director to sign public works agreements. Public works agreements are administrative matters per the city code. It is a huge overreach for the council to attempt to micromanage these agreements – making them subject to political winds. Since March 1, 2010 we have been on the same page with Salisbury University and the Wicomico County Board of Education in finding a fiscally responsible solution that will take that intersection from a Grade D to Grade B under criteria from the National Transportation Research Board. Council has delayed action, again, putting the safety of pedestrians, busses, and schoolchildren in the balance. I urge them to reconsider and act swiftly on my plan to bring the intersection to an acceptable level of safety,” said Mayor Ireton

Ireton Submits Budget Concerns To City Council

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr. submitted this letter to Salisbury City Council members today, in response to the council finalizing their deliberations on May 18, 2010. Below is his correspondence to council members.

Council members – First, let me commend you for your work in preparing the FY2011 Budget for our city. I am keenly aware of the time and energy it takes to go through page by page and ask relevant questions.  Staff has worked exceptionally hard and lightning fast to answer your many questions in order that you could perform your charter duties. 
My concerns are few as to where you ended up in the process, yet they are important enough for me to ask for a response in writing.
1.      Elimination of Code Enforcement Officer Position – The increase in rental registration fees that I proposed was to create a position in a severely understaffed department. Specifically speaking, if the money generated by the fee increase, the first since 2004, went for anything other than the position, I could not support the increase.
2.      No furloughs for employees making under 30K/no reclassifications – Plainly speaking –council members have refused to support raises recommended by the administration for employees working at a higher pay grade than what their paycheck reflects on the basis that you didn’t want to single out a group of employees for separate treatment and, yet decided to, in the same vein, create a class of employees that are subject to a different set of rules (exempting employees under $30,000 from the furlough plan).  The furlough plan I submitted equitably dispersed the pain of this budget over all of our employees –which was the only way I could conscionably approach the difficult decision.  In my opinion, the council has sent mixed signals about its intention - employees that are underpaid for their jobs are acceptable, yet employees making under a certain amount are immune from budget difficulties.  I ask you to please clarify for me.
3.      Engine Replacements – Engine replacements for a sedan in the Salisbury Fire Department and Water and Sewer Department are, at best, a micromanaging of resources that I find the council has no purview over.  After reviewing the situation, I asked for new vehicles, in that the motor of each was more expensive than the total worth of the car.  The council indicates that it has no trust in the administration to determine if a car is needed in a department.  I remind you that I cannot administrate if we are debating the viability of carburetors – that is what staff is for.
4.      No In-house attorney/rebid procedure for legal department – This particular scenario leaves us in no different a position than what we now experience.  Surely you know that the day-to-day operations of city government, with the many questions of employee rights, dump trucks, zoning issues, etc., warrant that the city executive have an attorney that works directly for the government.  With the issues listed above, and the on-going wastewater treatment plant litigation, it is clear we need in house attorney.  I respectfully ask you not to micromanage this situation, as you have others, and realize that the city attorney – the highest paid in our budget, needs to work every day, all day solely for Salisbury.
5.      Bidding of Liability and Property Insurance – I object to the deletion of this appropriation that has the chance of saving us money by going out for competitive bid.
6.      Harbor Pointe Sidewalks – All of the work that has been done, by this administration and the previous one, would be sidetracked if the council changes the policy for handling this special assessment at the last minute.  I am not in disagreement with the policy.  Yet, this is not the scenario that the city and Harbor Pointe have been working under.  If you change this decision now, you will need to completely explain to the residents of Harbor Pointe that you have switched the policy at the last moment and have affectively put off the sidewalk project for that neighborhood until 2014.
I welcome the chance to dialogue with you and discuss the divide that we have on these issues.  The issues of neighborhood integrity, legal department, and micromanaging are not ones that I take lightly, so I look forward to that discussion.  I need to be clear, that a reasoning that solely rests on fiduciary responsibility will not be sufficient in these situations, I am hoping for much more.
In seeking a way to resolve these issues collaboratively, I suggest the following modifications to the budget crafted by the Council:
Add the Code Enforcement Officer back into the budget on the basis that the added fees were to pay for the position but we budget on the assumption that that person will not actually start until September 1 (cost $35,000)
Add a vehicle associated with this position to be purchased on lease-purchase (cost $5,000)
Add the consultant fee for the bidding of the property and liability insurance back in on the basis that there may be significant cost savings as a result of this project that may help us in preparing the FY 12 budget (cost $5,000)
Remove the exemption for employees under $30,000 in salary on the basis that to exempt one group of employees places an extra burden on all other employees (savings $29,500)
Provide for the purchase of the vehicle for the Nuisance Officer on a lease-purchase basis rather than a cash purchase as currently in the budget (savings $15,000)

The above changes balance each other and would maintain a balanced budget.

Agree to an in-house attorney on the basis of the need for the attorney to work closely with the City’s chief executive (this has no budgetary impact)
Add Harbor Pointe sidewalks back in on the basis that it is not fair to the Harbor Pointe community to switch the rules in the middle of the game (this point has no budgetary impact since we would be appropriating $55,000 in surplus to offset the $55,000 in cost).

I look forward to hearing from you.
Mayor Ireton

New York Man Arrested On Drug Charges After Car Stop

Location: U.S. 13 south of CR 534, Seaford, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: May 18, 2010 at approximately 7:20 p.m.
Suspect: Sean A. Greene, 36, Bronx, NY

Resume:

Delaware State Police have arrested a Bronx, New York man after he was stopped for a traffic violation near Seaford.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday May 18th a state trooper stopped silver car with suspended New York registration. When the trooper made contact with Greene, who was driving the car. Trooper also learned Greene had a suspended driver’s license. He could smell an odor of marijuana coming from inside the car and later found 114 grams for marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The marijuana was packaged in such a manner so it could be sold in individual packets.

Greene was charged possession with the intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for keeping controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and driving an unregistered vehicle. He was arraigned and committed to the Department of Correction in default of $10,602.00

WHY WON’T RICK POLLITT MEET WITH THE WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCIL?

Apparently Mr. Pollitt is unwilling to confer with the County Council regarding details of his proposed County Budget. If anyone out there knows why he won’t disclose this information and discuss the budget with the Council, please send a comment.

Team Guerrero Announcement

Hello All,

Whenever we have news to announce we are eager to get it to you and keep you updated on Fernando's career.

Team Guerrero is pleased to announce that Fernando next fight will be on Friday June 25th. The bout will take place at the Santa Anna Star Casino in New Mexico. Fernando's bout will be the Main Event on Sho Box once again and will be televised worldwide. Due to the fact negotiations are still ongoing, our opponent can not be named at this time and will be released as soon as negotiations are completed.

For anyone wanting to travel to the fight, you would fly into Albuquerque NM.

Although Fernando's success does seem to be moving him toward bigger fights and outside of our home, we want all of our supporters to know that, as always, we will work to bring him back home to fight again, if and when that opportunity presents it's self.

We also look forward to the time that we can fight in Atlantic City, so that our supporters have the opportunity to travel the few hours north and enjoy the time leading up to the fight. "My hometown supporters aren't a small part of my career, they are huge part of what drives me, whether they are sitting ringside or not, whether they know it of not, I take them with me"......Fernando Guerrero

Salisbury Challengers Little League

Come out and support the West Salisbury Challengers at Applebee's in Salisbury on May 22 from 8:00 - 10:00 am. We will be having an Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser to help with the costs of uniforms, equipment, and trips/events such as the World Challenger Jamboree, Wish a Fish, and the end of season team picnic.We will also be having basket raffles, a bake sale, and a 50/50. Tickets can be purchases at the event for $6In case you don't know, The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide. The West Salisbury Challengers are associated with the West Salisbury Little League and has children from Wicomico and Sussex counties.

You can contact the team at salisburychallengers@hotmail.com and you can find us on Facebook too: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000786170778

We hope to see you there!!!

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON PRINCE GEORGE’S HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FINAL REPORT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 21, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the release of the Prince George’s Hospital Authority’s final report.

“I want to thank Chairman Ken Glover, and all the members of the Prince George’s Hospital Authority for the time and extraordinary effort they put into this process. It remains our strong commitment to improving access and quality of healthcare for the people of Prince George’s County. There is still work ahead of us in this process. The Authority’s report and recommendations provide a pathway for the state and county to work together, leveraging a combination of existing assets and public funds to build a new healthcare delivery system with greater access to primary care, and ultimately, a new hospital.

“I look forward to continuing the work ahead with County Executive Johnson, the County Council, legislators from the area, and all Prince George’s County stakeholders to achieve these goals.”

Mike Calpino Files Files For District 2 County Council

Is this what the citizens of Wicomico County want? I mean, what the heck is going on around here. You've got one guy claiming to be a republican, backed and supported by all democrats and now we've got a County Council race where this Libatarian who has a degree in religous science claiming he wants to represent YOU on the County Council.

Man, Obama has certainly brought out the BS artists and wing nuts. I did an article back in July of last year on this guy and believe it or not the photo went world wide. It even made the Huffington Post. Even the DNC got involved by stealing the image to use it for ad campaigns HERE. Our original article was HERE that gained 122 comments. I personally wasn't happy with the way this guy carried himself. What if Frank Kratovil's kids and Wife had come along, like they do to so many of his events.

Nevertheless, even Jonathan Taylor has claimed he wants to run for office, Tom McGuire and his other half Nikki ran for Mayor and Council in Delmar and now we've got this guy who believes hanging someone in effigy is the answer to District two. Oh well, its your vote Folks. Let the games begin.

Oh, take a wild guess who's supporting this guy. McGuire and Taylor.

MARYLAND STATE POLICE CRIMINAL NEWS RELEASE

DATE & TIME: 5/19/2010 at 1339 hours
LOCATION: Rt 346 @ New Hope Rd, Wicomico Cnty
CASE NUMBER: 1054-004724
CRIME: CDS Possession
VICTIM: State of Maryland
SUSPECT: Christopher Charles Dennis, B/M, 24 YOA Glen Burnie, MD

BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time, Tfc Mann was working speed enforcement at the above location when he stopped a green Toyota T-100 pickup truck displaying NJ registration. Upon stopping the vehicle, contact was made with the driver, identified as Christopher Charles Dennis. An MVA check of the registration plates indicated that the tags belonged to a buick passenger vehicle. Additionally, Tfc Mann observed Dennis and the female passenger to make furtive movements inside the vehicle. Tfc Mann ultimately had Dennis exit the vehicle for safety reasons. As he exited the vehicle, he grabbed his belongings and was backing away from the Tfc Mann. Tfc Mann advised Dennis to walk back to the vehicle at which time he spoke to Dennis regarding the registration plates. While being detained, Tfc Mann observed an orange metal smoking device behind the rear tire of the vehicle on the driver’s side. Tfc Mann retrieved the smoking device with suspected marijuana inside of it. Dennis was charged with CDS possession, CDS paraphernalia, as well as traffic charges. He was turned over to the Wicomico Cnty Detention facility.

Tom McGuire Needs to Get a Life!

Delmar resident Tom McGuire evidently needs to find a hobby. Take up golf, fish, chase your girlfriend around the house. Instead, McGuire seems to have a manic obsession with SbyNEWS publisher Joe Albero.

McGuire recently sent off for vanity plates. What do they say? FUJA1.

For the uninitiated, FUJA stands for “F*** You Joe Albero”. Nice car to drive the kids around in; don’t you think?

Now you know that I like to document accusations, and I expect that McGuire and his defenders will try to claim that “FUJA” doesn’t really mean what I claim. Here’s a review of a couple of blogs (including a not-so-flattering take on SbyNEWS):

On Taylor's main page theres a sticker that reads "FUJA" which stands for "F*** You Joe Albero", kinda funny yes. But then it reads "Salisbury's Answer to the bullying that has gone on for far to long". This guy is a moron with a keyboard. The grinch's blog is not about any news reporting whatsoever. It is more about spreading rumors, lies, and anything generally destructive about people he doesn't like … (sic, emphasis and asterisks mine)

While McGuire’s tag probably violates Maryland’s regulations against issuing tags with obscene or racist remarks (even abbreviated), you can always shrug your shoulders. My concern is the bizarre lengths some of these anti-Albero types go to in order to attack Albero. I guess the world needs all types – including sickly strange people like Mr. McGuire.

O’MALLEY ON MARYLAND’S SECOND STRAIGHT MONTH OF JOBS GAINS

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON MARYLAND’S SECOND STRAIGHT MONTH OF JOBS GAINS

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 21, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that, for the second straight month, Maryland experienced net job growth. In April, Maryland’s unemployment rate dropped .2% to 7.5%, marking the first monthly decline in the state’s jobless rate since December 2007.

“Today’s announcement is another positive sign for families and businesses in Maryland. Building on our progress in March, Maryland created thousands of jobs in April as we come through the national recession. While there is still more to do, this second straight month of jobs gains shows that our economy is turning in a positive direction.

“We will continue to focus our energies on creating jobs, saving jobs, and helping our small businesses create and save jobs, delivering results for the people of our state and moving Maryland forward.”

Maryland’s unemployment rate is now approximately 25 percent below that national rate, which rose last month to 9.9 percent. The addition of 8,200 jobs last month marks the highest three-month jobs gain for Maryland in at least 20 years. The O’Malley-Brown Administration continues to leverage the enormous job-creating potential of our State, including strategic tax cuts for businesses that hire unemployed workers, and investments in important growth sectors of our economy, a world-class workforce, and America’s #1 ranked public schools.

Breakfast At Ginger's

More Questions About Joe Ollinger

Five-Plank Platform Highlights

Serve as the Primary Representative and Advocate of the Wicomico County Taxpayers

Implement a County-Wide Pay-for-Performance Compensation Plan

Transform our Public Schools into the Safest and Most Disciplined in the State of Maryland

Empower the County Executive to Appoint All Members to the County’s Board of Education

Create a One County-Wide Law Enforcement Agency

For a detailed explanation of my platform, please click on "My Platform".

When you read his platform and IF you know what you're talking about, most of what Joe has presented can't be done. It seems to me he has a platform that simply sounds good. You know, what everyone wants to hear. However, he can't, (as County Executive) actually make the BOE do what he wants. Nice try Joe. Again, sounds good but impossible to do. You need to check into this more.

As for the County Wide Police Department, you neglect to mention what this will cost the taxpayers. What you don't know and or understand Joe is that each agency has a different retirement plan. You can't just shove it down their throats and demand that they all become one. Not unless you want the taxpayers to pay out hefty legal fees defending a case from the F.O.P.. Good sound bites but no real meat.

What puzzles me more than anything else I read was the name of your Treasurer.

While you claim to be a "long-time registered Republican," your campaign Staff are registered Democrats. Again, something the regular citizen wouldn't pick up on.

"By Authority of Committee to Elect Joe Ollinger, John B. Long II, Treasurer"/Registered Democrat.

Two Years Ago Today

Fernando Guerrero has certainly proven he is all about Salisbury. On Tuesday Fernando was in a soup kitchen for the homeless washing dishes. He just couldn't believe the volume of people they serve every day.