The conficts raise questions about the future of the controversial project
NEW YORK — The group of Muslims planning to build a 13-story Islamic center and mosque near ground zero appears plagued by divisions that raise questions about the future of the project, with one major investor saying he is prepared to sell some or all of the site if the price is right.
Hisham Elzanaty, an Egyptian-born businessman who says he provided a majority of the financing to gain control over the two buildings where the center would be built, told The Associated Press this week that while he supports the concept, he needs to turn a profit.
He said one of the buildings is worth millions if it is redeveloped, and he intends to seize the opportunity. He said he would like to see the other building turned into a mosque, but if his community doesn't come forward with enough cash for him to break even, he will turn it over to someone else.
"I'm a businessman. This was a mere business transaction for me," said Elzanaty, a U.S. citizen who has lived on Long Island for decades, owns medical clinics in New York City and invests in real estate on the side.
Representatives of some of the project's backers said they have just started trying to raise the estimated $100 million needed to build the center and the millions more required to run it.
Elzanaty said his real estate partnership, which paid $4.8 million for half the site last year, has already received offers three times that much to sell that parcel.
"Develop it, raze it, sell it," he said. "If someone wants to give me 18 or 20 million dollars today, it's all theirs."
GO HERE to read more.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
A Necessary Reminder About Cursing
Today we have witnessed quite a few comments that were instantly rejected because of cursing or words with &*$@% and so forth in them.
The bottom line, we will not process any of them. There are plenty of other words that can be used in their place, so don't get upset with us if you don't see your comment going up.
I don't know why so many of you today wasted so much time on decent comments all the way up to the curse word/words. Anyhow, that's our rules and we're sticking to it. Our numbers are up every day, so it's not like we lost any traffic because of this new rule.
Thanks for understanding.
The bottom line, we will not process any of them. There are plenty of other words that can be used in their place, so don't get upset with us if you don't see your comment going up.
I don't know why so many of you today wasted so much time on decent comments all the way up to the curse word/words. Anyhow, that's our rules and we're sticking to it. Our numbers are up every day, so it's not like we lost any traffic because of this new rule.
Thanks for understanding.
Is Obama Dishonest, Naive Or Both When He Talks About Our Economy?
The longer President Obama refuses to acknowledge the direction of our nation's economy the greater the impact will be when the looming depression that awaits is named in his honor.
For a leader who has had the advantages of an Ivy League education, our president seems to be an exceedingly poor student of history. But in 120 days no one will be able to dispute that the economic mess the United States finds herself in belongs to anyone except the man in the White House.
The basis of this reality is rooted in two truths that became quite pronounced last week. The first is that President Obama is ignoring the very real direction the nation is headed. The second is that he is purposefully ignoring the impact his looming historic tax increases will have. Both are contributing to the pessimism that overarches the morale and tone of the entrepreneurial framework of the future.
Last week President Obama spoke to the White House press corps -- and by extension the nation -- to claim that the nation saw job growth of 67,000 jobs in August. Even if this number was real it would be a pitifully tiny percent of the 14,885,000 who are both on unemployment (1 in 10 Americans) as well as those 23,768,000 who are underemployed (working but not earning enough for basic needs -- 1 in 5 families).
The bigger problem for the president, however, is that the number isn't real. The fact is the nation saw 114,000 people added to the unemployment lines in August and the net jobs lost for the month sat at 54,000.
GO HERE to read more.
For a leader who has had the advantages of an Ivy League education, our president seems to be an exceedingly poor student of history. But in 120 days no one will be able to dispute that the economic mess the United States finds herself in belongs to anyone except the man in the White House.
The basis of this reality is rooted in two truths that became quite pronounced last week. The first is that President Obama is ignoring the very real direction the nation is headed. The second is that he is purposefully ignoring the impact his looming historic tax increases will have. Both are contributing to the pessimism that overarches the morale and tone of the entrepreneurial framework of the future.
Last week President Obama spoke to the White House press corps -- and by extension the nation -- to claim that the nation saw job growth of 67,000 jobs in August. Even if this number was real it would be a pitifully tiny percent of the 14,885,000 who are both on unemployment (1 in 10 Americans) as well as those 23,768,000 who are underemployed (working but not earning enough for basic needs -- 1 in 5 families).
The bigger problem for the president, however, is that the number isn't real. The fact is the nation saw 114,000 people added to the unemployment lines in August and the net jobs lost for the month sat at 54,000.
GO HERE to read more.
Bridgeville Woman Sought For Prescription Drug Fraud
Location:
9561 Bridgeville Center Road Bridgeville, De
DATE and TIME:
Tuesday September 7, 2010 7:50 p.m.
Victim(s):
25 year old man Frederica, De
Suspect(s):
Tia A. Tucker-25 Walnut Street Bridgeville, De
Pending Charge(s):
Identity Theft (F)
Possess Prescription Drug by Fraud/Forgery
Resume:
Bridgeville-Delaware State Police Tuesday September 7, 2010 investigated a prescription drug fraud involving Tia A. Tucker-25 of Walnut Street Bridgeville. The prescription drug fraud occurred at the Walgreen’s Pharmacy located at 9561 Bridgeville Center Road in Bridgeville.
The investigation revealed that when the 25 year old victim went to fill his prescription of Oxycodone pills he was denied by the pharmacy. The pharmacy staff advised the prescription had already been filled.
Additional State Police investigation revealed that Tia A. Tucker responded to the Walgreen’s Pharmacy filled out the prescription in the victim’s name. The Trooper obtained copies of the prescription which showed Tucker signed for the prescription.
State Police have attempted to located Tucker at her residence unsuccessfully and ask citizens to contact police regarding her whereabouts. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.
Louise Smith Abuses Office, Holds Salisbury Hostage
As promised, folks, Salisbury News is delivering what media like the Behind-the-Daily-Times just can’t – or won’t! Forgive me for the length? Without the background, you won’t FULLY understand how totally messed up Louise Smith is and how TOTALLY this woman is messing Salisbury up by ABUSING her office. You heard me, ABUSING HER OFFICE! Just my opinion, but I don’t know what else you would call what you are about to read and hear.
Louise Smith did, indeed, bring last night’s work session meeting crashing to an early end, something she has done before, and if you people want to know why NOTHING is getting done in this town, I’ll give you two words:
LOUISE SMITH.
What could have brought this on, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you, again in two words:
LOUISE’S EGO.
Or maybe it’s more, in which I’ll talk about in a moment. But first, let me run this down for you. The council was discussing new towing company legislation. Some of the towing operators not only gouged the pants off people during the emergency snow route tow away this winter (allegedly as high as $1,400!!!), but some of the tow owners had established several company names so they could get on the police rotation call list more times than they should.
Here’s how it works. The Salisbury Police call the tow company to come get your call if it’s illegally parked or there’s an accident. YOU don’t get to call the company of your choice. I know, that seems stupid and unfair. But I understand the police’s position on this. They want to clear things in a hurry to avoid safety situations and if the first company they call isn’t ready to be right there, boom, they call the next ones until they find one that can come RIGHT NOW. No waiting for YOUR man to show up when he gets around to it.
Mayor Ireton and Chief Barkley have been working to get the law rewritten to be fair to the towing companies playing by the rules and to protect people from these kind of rip offs. Some tow companies went to a work session a couple months ago and Queen Louise would not allow them to speak. They wrote to the council and Councilwoman Debbie Campbell responded by meeting with them to discuss their concerns. She then shared EVERYTHING from that meeting with the rest of the council and the mayor. Once again, people like Debbie Campbell (or in other situations Terry Cohen) do the heavy lifting while Louise sits back and “holds court” and Shanie Shields leans back and grunts into the microphone.
This work session, several tow companies were present and not only would Queen Louise not let them speak, she wouldn’t even let them raise their hands when Debbie asked to see by a show of hands how many in the audience were tow company people!!! Debbie was trying to make a point and Queen Louise would have NONE of it and RECESSED the meeting!
The council returns, Debbie tries to finish her sentence and Queen Louise RECESSES the meeting again! They come back, Terry Cohen tries to ask a question about the tow companies and Queen Louise threatens HER with another recess. Debbie Campbell starts to speak again and WHAM! Queen Louise ADJOURNS the meeting! So no discussion about the Humane Society, the Onley Road Intersection, the Stormwater Utility, the Housing Board, Retirees Insurance, nothing, nada, zip. The rest of the schedule, out the window.
I swear, listening to the audio, you’d think you were listening to a boxing match, only it’s not a good guy like Fernando Guerrero delivering the body blows!
In fact, take a little more than 5 minutes of your time to listen to this audio by clicking here. You’ll hear about 3 minutes of Queen Louise puffing her own importance up by saying not enough input came from the towing companies (that she wouldn’t let speak or raise their hands). She completely discounts ANY work done by Debbie Campbell because Louise Smith is NO TRUE LEADER who gladly gives credit where credit is due but tries to steal it all for herself.
Worst of all, you’ll hear Queen Louise wringing her hands for the towing operators’ income saying they’ll be cut off the list. No they won’t, Louise, only the ones double-dipping, triple-dipping, quadruple-dipping will be stopped from doing unfair practices at the straight up towing operators’ expense, not to mention the general public’s!!! You know, the people you TOOK AN OATH TO SERVE???
Is that what you’re afraid of Louise? Do you have friends that will be forced to play by the rules? We all know how you love to break rules, Louise. You show us every meeting. I think we need a new acronym, folks:
FOL – Friends of Louise.
By Smith’s own behavior, we all now know the landlords are FOLs. Maybe she’s got some other special interests to look after, too? Oh, and to answer the reader who asked about Ireton, yes, he was at the meeting and he called out Louise’s demand for even more involvement from the towing companies to be another “fox in the henhouse” because she was pretty much demanding they write the legislation!! I have to give Mayor Ireton an “atta boy” for calling that one out. He did say he would meet with the tow owners right then and there since so many were there, which was probably a smart move to try to keep something in this town moving forward. You can listen to the complete audio on Debbie and Terry’s website, but I’ve taken the time so you don’t have to.
Just in case you folks missed it, there was a second audio associated with this meeting, because Louise wanted to be sure you didn’t miss what she was doing.
Click here to hear another fine ending to another fine mess in the city of Salisbury, courtesy of her royal majesty, Queen Louise Smith.
Yes, Louise – YOU’VE BEEN BLOGGED (AGAIN!!!)
Louise Smith did, indeed, bring last night’s work session meeting crashing to an early end, something she has done before, and if you people want to know why NOTHING is getting done in this town, I’ll give you two words:
LOUISE SMITH.
What could have brought this on, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you, again in two words:
LOUISE’S EGO.
Or maybe it’s more, in which I’ll talk about in a moment. But first, let me run this down for you. The council was discussing new towing company legislation. Some of the towing operators not only gouged the pants off people during the emergency snow route tow away this winter (allegedly as high as $1,400!!!), but some of the tow owners had established several company names so they could get on the police rotation call list more times than they should.
Here’s how it works. The Salisbury Police call the tow company to come get your call if it’s illegally parked or there’s an accident. YOU don’t get to call the company of your choice. I know, that seems stupid and unfair. But I understand the police’s position on this. They want to clear things in a hurry to avoid safety situations and if the first company they call isn’t ready to be right there, boom, they call the next ones until they find one that can come RIGHT NOW. No waiting for YOUR man to show up when he gets around to it.
Mayor Ireton and Chief Barkley have been working to get the law rewritten to be fair to the towing companies playing by the rules and to protect people from these kind of rip offs. Some tow companies went to a work session a couple months ago and Queen Louise would not allow them to speak. They wrote to the council and Councilwoman Debbie Campbell responded by meeting with them to discuss their concerns. She then shared EVERYTHING from that meeting with the rest of the council and the mayor. Once again, people like Debbie Campbell (or in other situations Terry Cohen) do the heavy lifting while Louise sits back and “holds court” and Shanie Shields leans back and grunts into the microphone.
This work session, several tow companies were present and not only would Queen Louise not let them speak, she wouldn’t even let them raise their hands when Debbie asked to see by a show of hands how many in the audience were tow company people!!! Debbie was trying to make a point and Queen Louise would have NONE of it and RECESSED the meeting!
The council returns, Debbie tries to finish her sentence and Queen Louise RECESSES the meeting again! They come back, Terry Cohen tries to ask a question about the tow companies and Queen Louise threatens HER with another recess. Debbie Campbell starts to speak again and WHAM! Queen Louise ADJOURNS the meeting! So no discussion about the Humane Society, the Onley Road Intersection, the Stormwater Utility, the Housing Board, Retirees Insurance, nothing, nada, zip. The rest of the schedule, out the window.
I swear, listening to the audio, you’d think you were listening to a boxing match, only it’s not a good guy like Fernando Guerrero delivering the body blows!
In fact, take a little more than 5 minutes of your time to listen to this audio by clicking here. You’ll hear about 3 minutes of Queen Louise puffing her own importance up by saying not enough input came from the towing companies (that she wouldn’t let speak or raise their hands). She completely discounts ANY work done by Debbie Campbell because Louise Smith is NO TRUE LEADER who gladly gives credit where credit is due but tries to steal it all for herself.
Worst of all, you’ll hear Queen Louise wringing her hands for the towing operators’ income saying they’ll be cut off the list. No they won’t, Louise, only the ones double-dipping, triple-dipping, quadruple-dipping will be stopped from doing unfair practices at the straight up towing operators’ expense, not to mention the general public’s!!! You know, the people you TOOK AN OATH TO SERVE???
Is that what you’re afraid of Louise? Do you have friends that will be forced to play by the rules? We all know how you love to break rules, Louise. You show us every meeting. I think we need a new acronym, folks:
FOL – Friends of Louise.
By Smith’s own behavior, we all now know the landlords are FOLs. Maybe she’s got some other special interests to look after, too? Oh, and to answer the reader who asked about Ireton, yes, he was at the meeting and he called out Louise’s demand for even more involvement from the towing companies to be another “fox in the henhouse” because she was pretty much demanding they write the legislation!! I have to give Mayor Ireton an “atta boy” for calling that one out. He did say he would meet with the tow owners right then and there since so many were there, which was probably a smart move to try to keep something in this town moving forward. You can listen to the complete audio on Debbie and Terry’s website, but I’ve taken the time so you don’t have to.
Just in case you folks missed it, there was a second audio associated with this meeting, because Louise wanted to be sure you didn’t miss what she was doing.
Click here to hear another fine ending to another fine mess in the city of Salisbury, courtesy of her royal majesty, Queen Louise Smith.
Yes, Louise – YOU’VE BEEN BLOGGED (AGAIN!!!)
Chester Woman In Critical Condition After Motor Vehicle Crash
Location:
US 13 Sussex Highway S/O Beach Highway SR 16 Greenwood, De
DATE and TIME:
Monday September 6, 2010, 10:06 p.m.
Operator(s):
Sakinah Daniels-27 Chester, Pa
Vehicle(s):
Tan 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
Medical Condition:
Closed Head injury (status critical) Christiana Hospital
Resume:
Greenwood-Delaware State Police Monday September 6, 2010 investigated a serious single vehicle crash on Sussex Highway S/O Beach Highway. The crash occurred around 10:00 p.m. as a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 27 year old Sakinah Daniels was northbound on Sussex Highway south of Greenwood Delaware.
When Troopers arrived they observed the Chevrolet Tahoe in a cornfield however Daniels had been ejected from her vehicle. Daniels was located on the ground approximately 53 feet away from the Tahoe in the parking lot of an area business.
Investigators have not been able to interview Daniels however believe she may have fell asleep, drifted into the media of Sussex Highway then overcorrected back onto the roadway before overturning her vehicle.
Delaware State Police Aviation was summoned to the scene and a search conducted because of a car-seat found in the vehicle unattended. Delaware State Police were able to contact family members who verified that a child was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Delaware State Police is continuing their investigation. Alcohol is unknown.
Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.
US 13 Sussex Highway S/O Beach Highway SR 16 Greenwood, De
DATE and TIME:
Monday September 6, 2010, 10:06 p.m.
Operator(s):
Sakinah Daniels-27 Chester, Pa
Vehicle(s):
Tan 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
Medical Condition:
Closed Head injury (status critical) Christiana Hospital
Resume:
Greenwood-Delaware State Police Monday September 6, 2010 investigated a serious single vehicle crash on Sussex Highway S/O Beach Highway. The crash occurred around 10:00 p.m. as a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 27 year old Sakinah Daniels was northbound on Sussex Highway south of Greenwood Delaware.
When Troopers arrived they observed the Chevrolet Tahoe in a cornfield however Daniels had been ejected from her vehicle. Daniels was located on the ground approximately 53 feet away from the Tahoe in the parking lot of an area business.
Investigators have not been able to interview Daniels however believe she may have fell asleep, drifted into the media of Sussex Highway then overcorrected back onto the roadway before overturning her vehicle.
Delaware State Police Aviation was summoned to the scene and a search conducted because of a car-seat found in the vehicle unattended. Delaware State Police were able to contact family members who verified that a child was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Delaware State Police is continuing their investigation. Alcohol is unknown.
Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.
UPDATE MISSING JUVENILE SEAFORD AREA
Resume:
Seaford-Delaware State Police 20 minutes ago located Sierra M. Fowler of Seaford. Fowler was located by her parents in the area of Herring Run Road and US 13A Seaford, Delaware. Fowler is currently in custody at Delaware State Police Troop 5 facing 1 count of Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle.
DSP News Release: State Police Searching Missing Juvenile Driving Car Underage
Location:
Garden Lane Seaford, De
DATE and TIME:
Wednesday September 8, 2010 7:05 a.m.
Suspect/Victim(s):
Sierra M. Fowler-15 Garden Lane Seaford, De
Description: 5’04”, 170 lbs, strawberry blonde hair
Vehicle(s):
Bluish/Grey 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4 Door Delaware registration CL99433
Pending Charge(s):
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (M)
Resume:
Seaford-Delaware State Police is seeking the publics help in locating 15 year old Sierra M. Fowler of Seaford, Delaware.
A State Police investigation revealed Fowler removed keys from her parent’s possession this morning and took off in a 1992 bluish/grey Oldsmobile Cutlass 4 door sedan. The Oldsmobile being driven by unlicensed driver Sierra Fowler is displaying Delaware registration CL99433.
Fowler who is now facing an unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle charge is believed to be in route to the 2800 block of Shaws Corner Road Kenton, Delaware west of Smyrna.
Anyone having contact with Sierra M. Fowler or the vehicle is asked to contact police immediately. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Seaford-Delaware State Police 20 minutes ago located Sierra M. Fowler of Seaford. Fowler was located by her parents in the area of Herring Run Road and US 13A Seaford, Delaware. Fowler is currently in custody at Delaware State Police Troop 5 facing 1 count of Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle.
DSP News Release: State Police Searching Missing Juvenile Driving Car Underage
Location:
Garden Lane Seaford, De
DATE and TIME:
Wednesday September 8, 2010 7:05 a.m.
Suspect/Victim(s):
Sierra M. Fowler-15 Garden Lane Seaford, De
Description: 5’04”, 170 lbs, strawberry blonde hair
Vehicle(s):
Bluish/Grey 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4 Door Delaware registration CL99433
Pending Charge(s):
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (M)
Resume:
Seaford-Delaware State Police is seeking the publics help in locating 15 year old Sierra M. Fowler of Seaford, Delaware.
A State Police investigation revealed Fowler removed keys from her parent’s possession this morning and took off in a 1992 bluish/grey Oldsmobile Cutlass 4 door sedan. The Oldsmobile being driven by unlicensed driver Sierra Fowler is displaying Delaware registration CL99433.
Fowler who is now facing an unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle charge is believed to be in route to the 2800 block of Shaws Corner Road Kenton, Delaware west of Smyrna.
Anyone having contact with Sierra M. Fowler or the vehicle is asked to contact police immediately. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
City Dog Park Project – Status Report
Mayor James Ireton Jr. is pleased to announce that work on the Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park at the City Park is soon to begin. Recently the City received clearance from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that will permit this project to go forward.
For almost three years the City of Salisbury and the members of the Dog Park Committee have been working on the creation of a Dog Park in the Salisbury City Park. Dog Parks offer both dogs and their owners an opportunity to socialize. The creation of an enclosed play area gives dogs the opportunity to run without endangering themselves or others. In addition, dogs who are accustomed to playing with other dogs and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-socialized and react well toward strangers. Well exercised dogs are better neighbors who are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, and /or destroy property. A Dog Park will also help to prevent off-leash animals from infringing on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be afraid of dogs. The presence of dogs and their owners may also help to deter crime in the City Park by increasing public traffic in an area that is currently underutilized.
The City was awarded a Program Open Space (POS) grant for the project in 2008 from the MD Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $10,000, to be matched with $3,270 in City labor during construction. Since that time the Dog Park Committee members have been working hard to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the
project.
In April 2010 the City received a very generous donation for the Dog Park in the amount of $25,000 from M.W. “Mat” Tilghman, Jr. and M.W. “Bill” Tilghman, Sr., who requested that the park be named the “Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park” in memory of their mother and wife, respectively. This donation, combined with the POS grant and the $5,000+ in additional donations from the community, has enabled the project to move forward, and construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
The Dog Park will consist of .5 acres, and will be located in the City Park next to the Kiwanis Pavilion.
The Dog Park will include two separate play areas – one for large dogs and one for small / timid dogs and puppies – with a central vestibule / unleash area with a concrete pad. The park will include clean-up mitt dispensers, benches, trash cans,
and signage outlining the rules of the Dog Park.
The City of Salisbury recently applied for a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment / Water Management Administration for the construction of a Dog Park in the floodway / floodplain area. The permit was approved by MDE, and the Authorization to Proceed has been received with an effective date of August 10, 2010.
During the planning for this facility, the City’s water department was consulted to determine whether the Dog Park would have any effect on the City’s water supply. Several City water supply wells are located in the vicinity of the planned location of the Park. Their conclusion was that the dog park would have no effect on these wells.
The Dog Park is to be located southwest of these wells, while the well recharge areas are located to the northeast. In addition, the wells are located at a higher elevation than the proposed dog park. We also believe that the emphasis placed in the Dog Park towards cleaning up after the dogs will actually help reduce pollutants in the Park.
For almost three years the City of Salisbury and the members of the Dog Park Committee have been working on the creation of a Dog Park in the Salisbury City Park. Dog Parks offer both dogs and their owners an opportunity to socialize. The creation of an enclosed play area gives dogs the opportunity to run without endangering themselves or others. In addition, dogs who are accustomed to playing with other dogs and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-socialized and react well toward strangers. Well exercised dogs are better neighbors who are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, and /or destroy property. A Dog Park will also help to prevent off-leash animals from infringing on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be afraid of dogs. The presence of dogs and their owners may also help to deter crime in the City Park by increasing public traffic in an area that is currently underutilized.
The City was awarded a Program Open Space (POS) grant for the project in 2008 from the MD Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $10,000, to be matched with $3,270 in City labor during construction. Since that time the Dog Park Committee members have been working hard to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the
project.
In April 2010 the City received a very generous donation for the Dog Park in the amount of $25,000 from M.W. “Mat” Tilghman, Jr. and M.W. “Bill” Tilghman, Sr., who requested that the park be named the “Frances J. Tilghman Memorial Dog Park” in memory of their mother and wife, respectively. This donation, combined with the POS grant and the $5,000+ in additional donations from the community, has enabled the project to move forward, and construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
The Dog Park will consist of .5 acres, and will be located in the City Park next to the Kiwanis Pavilion.
The Dog Park will include two separate play areas – one for large dogs and one for small / timid dogs and puppies – with a central vestibule / unleash area with a concrete pad. The park will include clean-up mitt dispensers, benches, trash cans,
and signage outlining the rules of the Dog Park.
The City of Salisbury recently applied for a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment / Water Management Administration for the construction of a Dog Park in the floodway / floodplain area. The permit was approved by MDE, and the Authorization to Proceed has been received with an effective date of August 10, 2010.
During the planning for this facility, the City’s water department was consulted to determine whether the Dog Park would have any effect on the City’s water supply. Several City water supply wells are located in the vicinity of the planned location of the Park. Their conclusion was that the dog park would have no effect on these wells.
The Dog Park is to be located southwest of these wells, while the well recharge areas are located to the northeast. In addition, the wells are located at a higher elevation than the proposed dog park. We also believe that the emphasis placed in the Dog Park towards cleaning up after the dogs will actually help reduce pollutants in the Park.
Alan Hudson Legal Fund
Here is an update on the September 23 event to raise money for the Alan and Kristin Hudson legal fund that we brought to your attention early this week.
There are no more tickets available for the September 23 dinners at the Waterman’s Seaford Restaurant near Ocean City. The organizers are thinking about future events, including larger sites
Donations for the legal fund can be made to the Worcester County Landowners Association and mailed to
Lee Richardson
7494 Richardson Road
Willards, Maryland 21874
There are no more tickets available for the September 23 dinners at the Waterman’s Seaford Restaurant near Ocean City. The organizers are thinking about future events, including larger sites
Donations for the legal fund can be made to the Worcester County Landowners Association and mailed to
Lee Richardson
7494 Richardson Road
Willards, Maryland 21874
New Positions
To Mayor Ireton,
Apparently you, the Mayor have authorized Acting Chief Rick Hoppes to fill four (4) vacant paramedic positions. Several budgets back the Mayor and Council approved six (6) new paramedic positions for the Salisbury Fire Department. The incompetent leadership of the Salisbury Fire Department opted to hire basic EMT’s instead. That is right, BASIC EMT’s with minimal training when they were approved Paramedics and told to hire Paramedics.
In the opinion of many this is a violation of a direct order. In case you didn’t know there is a major difference in a Paramedic’s training vs. an EMT’s training.
What did they do with that extra money from the salaries? The Salisbury Fire Department has recently lost another 6 Paramedics and now Hoppes and Gordy is going to replace them with basic EMT’s again. The current Paramedics are burnt out and seeking employment elsewhere. This will have a devastating effect on the fire departments ability to provide essential EMS service.
The Paramedics are overworked, underpaid and treated like second class citizens. They have to work long, hard hours in run down ambulances. Hiring a firefighter/EMT is not the answer. It is not even putting a band aid on a big problem. Allowing them to hire firefighters instead of paramedics is compounding the problem for years to come.
These firefighters do not want to become paramedics so you are stuck with them for their entire career. Allowing them to be hired on the pretense they will become paramedics is a fallacy. They have tried that and the firefighters either failed out of paramedic school or dropped out. These are lost positions.
If they decide to go to paramedic school it will take a minimum of 3 to 4 years before they MIGHT become licensed and qualified or eligible to be a practicing paramedic on street. What a terrible waste of tax dollars.
There are numerous volunteer firefighters that can ride the fire engines, but there are NO volunteer Paramedics that ride the ambulances. This is what some would call malfeasance in office to allow this to happen.
These positions need to be filled by paramedics and paramedics only. Allowing this to continue is poor leadership on all levels.
THE NEED IS FOR PARAMEDICS NOT FIREFIGHTER EMT’S!!!!
Recent Paramedic Positions lost
David Merritt
Chad Snyders
Patricia Arnold
Bobby McCrorey
Corey Roberts
Shirley Reddish
UTILITY WORK SCHEDULED
Salisbury Public Works Traffic Department will be closing Mill St to through traffic between Route 50 and Carroll St. to replace/upgrade traffic signals.
The date is Thursday September 9, 2010. This closure will begin at 7:00 PM and traffic is expected to return to normal flow by 3:00 AM. For more information or questions, please contact the Traffic Department at 410-548-3177.
The date is Thursday September 9, 2010. This closure will begin at 7:00 PM and traffic is expected to return to normal flow by 3:00 AM. For more information or questions, please contact the Traffic Department at 410-548-3177.
Seth Mitchell Supporters
In the past week I have seen John Robinson and his company vehicle putting up signs for Seth Mitchell. Soon after he was seen at the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress supporting Seth with his buddies.I personally had a wonderful conversation last night with Seth, a very like able man. Capable, I don't believe he can "better" the States Attorney's Office but a very like able man.
Louise Smith Shuts Another Meeting Down Early
Folks, word on the street has it that Salisbury City Council President lost it last night at the work session and shut the meeting down early before numerous important items ever got heard.
Salisbury News will be working today to get more details, so stay tuned to this blog. You sure won't get it from the Daily Times, which has not a word about it in today's paper.
NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING
September 7, 2010
NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING
The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled "Firearms in Commerce: Assessing the Need for Reform in the Federal Regulatory Process" for Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
By order of the Chairman.
Maryland Legislature Just Can't Get It Together On A Renewable Energy Policy - You Want To Know Why?
Marylanders can't get a comprehensive energy policy out of Annapolis because the entrenched career politicians are beholden to special interest. There is nothing more compelling and convincing than actually seeing it for yourself.
To search for recipients for Energy Political Action Committee go to:
http://www.mdelections.org/campaign-finance/contributor
select organization, and enter the word 'energy' and select the 2010 Election cycle.
Do any of you recognize any of our local boys? It's no wonder Constellation Energy got away with the highest electricity rate increase - (72%) - ever recorded in US history.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in our series on how to try and clean-up the corruption in Annapolis.
To search for recipients for Energy Political Action Committee go to:
http://www.mdelections.org/campaign-finance/contributor
select organization, and enter the word 'energy' and select the 2010 Election cycle.
Do any of you recognize any of our local boys? It's no wonder Constellation Energy got away with the highest electricity rate increase - (72%) - ever recorded in US history.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in our series on how to try and clean-up the corruption in Annapolis.
Chris Dodd's Last Act: 'Control The People'
WASHINGTON – Alarms are being raised over what probably is retiring Sen. Christopher Dodd's last major piece of legislation, the Livable Communities Act, which has been approved by the Senate Banking Committee and how is heading to the Senate floor, for its likely U.N. inspiration and goal of controlling people.
The plan would create a new federal bureaucracy, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, armed with some $4 billion in federal grants, to pressure local communities into a more "green" development agenda.
Detractors say its priorities can be traced back to the U.N., which at an Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 adopted Agenda 21, outlining the goal of having government control over people.
On its face, the program would have grants to underwrite local community planning efforts that direct actions toward a "sustainable development."
Dodd, a scandal-plagued Connecticut Democrat, decided last year not to run for re-election in 2010.
The law is promoted as an effort to fight traffic congestion, strip malls and ugly urban sprawl, and it would "encourage" local communities to create high-density population centers linked by mass transit networks.
Michael Shaw of Freedom Advocates, a pro-constitutional rights group, told WND, "They call it 'smart growth.' It literally means they draw a circle around the community and say nothing will be developed outside of this wall. Land inside the wall goes up in price as shortages develop. You end up with highrises, with people living on the top floors, stores on bottom floors and offices in the middle. Humans wind up living in the sky. They never touch the ground or leave the building."
The bill, approved by the Senate Banking Committee on a party-line vote in August, "is on a fast track," said Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center, a grassroots group promoting free markets and limited government.
"The Democrats are doing everything they can before they lose power in the next election. They're working on a plethora of environmental bills we've been fighting for years, things that we thought were dead," he said.
Shaw and DeWeese warn of numerous unpublicized consequences of the Livable Communities Act and similar "sustainable development" legislation.
It's a "socialist trap," DeWeese said.
"The Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities would end up overseeing development in every community," he said.
Homeowners would end up paying exorbitant costs and losing control over their own homes, according to DeWeese. "To get the money a community must meet environmental standards. That requires houses to be equipped with new roofs, new windows, and efficient appliances. They did this last year in Oakland. It costs an estimated $35,000 to make a house comply with the environmental regulations. They say homeowners can't sell their houses if they don't meet these standards."
More here
The plan would create a new federal bureaucracy, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities, armed with some $4 billion in federal grants, to pressure local communities into a more "green" development agenda.
Detractors say its priorities can be traced back to the U.N., which at an Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 adopted Agenda 21, outlining the goal of having government control over people.
On its face, the program would have grants to underwrite local community planning efforts that direct actions toward a "sustainable development."
Dodd, a scandal-plagued Connecticut Democrat, decided last year not to run for re-election in 2010.
The law is promoted as an effort to fight traffic congestion, strip malls and ugly urban sprawl, and it would "encourage" local communities to create high-density population centers linked by mass transit networks.
Michael Shaw of Freedom Advocates, a pro-constitutional rights group, told WND, "They call it 'smart growth.' It literally means they draw a circle around the community and say nothing will be developed outside of this wall. Land inside the wall goes up in price as shortages develop. You end up with highrises, with people living on the top floors, stores on bottom floors and offices in the middle. Humans wind up living in the sky. They never touch the ground or leave the building."
The bill, approved by the Senate Banking Committee on a party-line vote in August, "is on a fast track," said Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center, a grassroots group promoting free markets and limited government.
"The Democrats are doing everything they can before they lose power in the next election. They're working on a plethora of environmental bills we've been fighting for years, things that we thought were dead," he said.
Shaw and DeWeese warn of numerous unpublicized consequences of the Livable Communities Act and similar "sustainable development" legislation.
It's a "socialist trap," DeWeese said.
"The Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities would end up overseeing development in every community," he said.
Homeowners would end up paying exorbitant costs and losing control over their own homes, according to DeWeese. "To get the money a community must meet environmental standards. That requires houses to be equipped with new roofs, new windows, and efficient appliances. They did this last year in Oakland. It costs an estimated $35,000 to make a house comply with the environmental regulations. They say homeowners can't sell their houses if they don't meet these standards."
More here
WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS GRANT FUNDS
Wicomico County, MD – The Wicomico County Health Department is soliciting grant proposals from county organizations interested in conducting tobacco use prevention projects within their communities. Consideration will be given to all local community groups, including civic organizations, churches, non-profit agencies, colleges and universities.
Proposal applications can be obtained at the Wicomico County Health Department, Room 209, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland. Completed proposals are due by Friday, October 8, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., E.S.T.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal meeting to address questions about the grant proposal submission process. The meeting will be held Friday, September 24, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., at the Wicomico County Health Department, second floor Administration Conference Room, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland.
Funds are made available through the Wicomico County Cigarette Restitution Fund. For more information, please call (410) 546-5311.
Proposal applications can be obtained at the Wicomico County Health Department, Room 209, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland. Completed proposals are due by Friday, October 8, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., E.S.T.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal meeting to address questions about the grant proposal submission process. The meeting will be held Friday, September 24, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., at the Wicomico County Health Department, second floor Administration Conference Room, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland.
Funds are made available through the Wicomico County Cigarette Restitution Fund. For more information, please call (410) 546-5311.
Justice Sues Arizona (Again) In Green-Card 'Hurdles'
The Justice Department has brought yet another legal challenge against Arizona, accusing the Maricopa County Community College District in Phoenix of illegally asking foreign nationals to show their Permanent Resident Cards, or "green cards," before being offered jobs in the 10-college system.
The lawsuit alleges that the school district engaged in a "pattern or practice of discrimination by imposing unnecessary and discriminatory hurdles to employment for work authorized non-citizens," and seeks a penalty of $1,100 for each of 247 non-U.S. citizens identified during a yearlong investigation.
The Aug. 30 lawsuit, first reported by the Arizona Republic, said the school district required noncitizen job applicants to present additional work authorization documents beyond those required by law, but did not require U.S. citizens to do the same.
Tom Gariepy, spokesman for the community colleges, said the district would have no comment on the lawsuit.
The Justice Department said Maricopa Community Colleges "imposed different and greater documentary requirements on the 247 non-U.S. citizens identified in the probe, and did not end this practice until January 2010, well after the Justice Department initiated its investigation."
The lawsuit said Zainul Singaporewalla, in applying for a job with the school system, completed a Homeland Security Employment Eligibility Verification Form and produced a driver's license and Social Security card saying he was a lawful permanent resident. When he was unable to also produce a green card, he was not hired. The lawsuit described that as discrimination.
More on this story
The lawsuit alleges that the school district engaged in a "pattern or practice of discrimination by imposing unnecessary and discriminatory hurdles to employment for work authorized non-citizens," and seeks a penalty of $1,100 for each of 247 non-U.S. citizens identified during a yearlong investigation.
The Aug. 30 lawsuit, first reported by the Arizona Republic, said the school district required noncitizen job applicants to present additional work authorization documents beyond those required by law, but did not require U.S. citizens to do the same.
Tom Gariepy, spokesman for the community colleges, said the district would have no comment on the lawsuit.
The Justice Department said Maricopa Community Colleges "imposed different and greater documentary requirements on the 247 non-U.S. citizens identified in the probe, and did not end this practice until January 2010, well after the Justice Department initiated its investigation."
The lawsuit said Zainul Singaporewalla, in applying for a job with the school system, completed a Homeland Security Employment Eligibility Verification Form and produced a driver's license and Social Security card saying he was a lawful permanent resident. When he was unable to also produce a green card, he was not hired. The lawsuit described that as discrimination.
JetBlue Flight Attendant Agrees To Mental-Health Evaluation
Slater's legal team seeking plea deal with prosecutors over JFK meltdown
NEW YORK — The flight attendant accused of onboard antics that captured the nation's attention when he told off a passenger and slid down the plane's emergency chute with a beer will undergo a mental health evaluation with the aim of avoiding jail time in a possible plea deal.
Steven Slater, dressed in a trim blue suit, appeared in a Queens courtroom for a brief hearing on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing after last month's meltdown aboard a JetBlue Airways Corp. flight from Pittsburgh that had just landed at Kennedy International Airport.
GO HERE to read more.
NEW YORK — The flight attendant accused of onboard antics that captured the nation's attention when he told off a passenger and slid down the plane's emergency chute with a beer will undergo a mental health evaluation with the aim of avoiding jail time in a possible plea deal.
Steven Slater, dressed in a trim blue suit, appeared in a Queens courtroom for a brief hearing on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing after last month's meltdown aboard a JetBlue Airways Corp. flight from Pittsburgh that had just landed at Kennedy International Airport.
GO HERE to read more.
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