DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, October 27, 2014
Comments, We're So Sorry...
For what it's worth, there's nothing I can do about it at this time. They are up to something and we just don't know what it is. Some seem to be coming through just fine and others are frustrated because they are not being heard.
At least we are able to publish information that hopefully educates the public. One thing for sure, the traffic hasn't slowed down and we thank you for that.
A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Lobbyist
http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/james-hickey.asp?cycle=10
I find it odd that this lobbyist donated $1,000.00 to county executive when he only donated $250 to a US congressman..
There must be a very important client this guy is working for and they want something from Pollitt
I find it odd that this lobbyist donated $1,000.00 to county executive when he only donated $250 to a US congressman..
There must be a very important client this guy is working for and they want something from Pollitt
Josh Hastings Special Interest Mailer
Also notice the stamp in the lower left hand corner. Some union and special interest group paid for this mailing and it wasn't local. At the bottom of the stamp is the location. Proof that Josh Hastings election is being bought by special interest groups outside of Wicomico County and Maryland just like the Salisbury City Council was bought for Jake Day and Jim Ireton. Shame on you Josh Hastings for being bought and paid for by the Democrat Machine.
'Mainstream media outlets cover up for President Obama and kill unfavorable stories'
Bombshell claims made by former CBS reporter in explosive new book
An ex-CBS reporter is releasing a book that blames mainstream media outlets for covering for President Obama.
Sharyl Attkisson left CBS in the spring and opened up about her former employer and colleagues in 'Stonewalled' and claims that the media is liberal and covers up for the current administration.
According to a review in the New York Post, officials within the administration constantly criticized Attkisson's report efforts as 'unreasonable.'
More
An ex-CBS reporter is releasing a book that blames mainstream media outlets for covering for President Obama.
Sharyl Attkisson left CBS in the spring and opened up about her former employer and colleagues in 'Stonewalled' and claims that the media is liberal and covers up for the current administration.
According to a review in the New York Post, officials within the administration constantly criticized Attkisson's report efforts as 'unreasonable.'
More
A Letter To The Editor: Wicomico County residents should be informed about recent events involving the County Executive and his staff
It has come to my attention that on October 17 the Wicomico County Public Information Officer sent an e-mail message to various persons announcing a joint press conference to be held by Anthony Brown, Rick Pollitt (Brown’s local campaign manager), and the mayor of Salisbury to criticize Brown’s opponent, Larry Hogan. In her e-mail Ms Lee-Brooks stated that she “was asked to forward” the announcement but did not identify by whom. However, Mr. Pollitt is her superior, in essence if not directly.
It is my understanding that such a communication is a clear violation of the County’s ethics law by Ms. Lee-Brooks, and more significantly the supervisor who ordered it, reasonably assumed to be Mr. Pollitt or another member of his staff. Using public resources (and personnel) for partisan political purposes is strictly prohibited by the law.
Other conduct by Mr. Pollitt and/or members of his staff deserves the voters’ consideration, as well. It has been reported that County vehicles are being used for personal matters, including visiting a local bar and grill. And – in response to Freedom of Information requests – it has been disclosed that Mr. Pollitt has used his County credit card to buy personal groceries on more than one occasion and pay for meals at restaurants. Such conduct is unacceptable, even if Mr. Pollitt promptly reimbursed the County. This, too, is a likely violation of the County’s ethics law.
A complaint is being filed with the County’s Ethics Commission asking for appropriate sanction for matters discussed above. That body should investigate the charges and act appropriately in advance of November 4.
Greg Belcher, Wicomico
It is my understanding that such a communication is a clear violation of the County’s ethics law by Ms. Lee-Brooks, and more significantly the supervisor who ordered it, reasonably assumed to be Mr. Pollitt or another member of his staff. Using public resources (and personnel) for partisan political purposes is strictly prohibited by the law.
Other conduct by Mr. Pollitt and/or members of his staff deserves the voters’ consideration, as well. It has been reported that County vehicles are being used for personal matters, including visiting a local bar and grill. And – in response to Freedom of Information requests – it has been disclosed that Mr. Pollitt has used his County credit card to buy personal groceries on more than one occasion and pay for meals at restaurants. Such conduct is unacceptable, even if Mr. Pollitt promptly reimbursed the County. This, too, is a likely violation of the County’s ethics law.
A complaint is being filed with the County’s Ethics Commission asking for appropriate sanction for matters discussed above. That body should investigate the charges and act appropriately in advance of November 4.
Greg Belcher, Wicomico
A Letter To The Editor: Pemberton Elementary School & Health Concerns
Hello, I was wondering if you have looked into (or could look into) the recent outbreak of who-knows-what at Pemberton Elementary School in Salisbury. Three kindergartners from one class were sent to the hospital with fevers and respiratory problems on Wednesday - awfully reminiscent of Enterovirus D68, which has already killed at least eight children. The Wicomico Health Department has announced that it will not be testing these kids for the potentially deadly virus, citing some "inconsistency of symptoms" BS.
Personally, I find three kids having breathing trouble to be alarmingly consistent and as a parent, I'm very concerned. If this virus is circulating in our schools, parents have a right to know and to take precautions as they see fit. There seems to be a media blackout on this throughout the state, as Maryland officials have been more than happy to appease the administration by not testing for EV-D68, thereby keeping the number of confirmed cases down and maintaining their plausible deniability.
There needs to be transparency and Maryland parents deserve accurate information. Having read your blog, I thought you might take an interest in shedding some light on an issue about which local and state bureaucrats are keeping parents in the dark and our children at risk.
Delmarva's Parent Company Prepares For 2015 Merger
Officials with Pepco Holdings and Exelon say the companies are currently targeting the summer to complete the $6.9 billion merger of the utility giants.
The acquisition of Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power, Atlantic City Electric and Pepco, would make Exelon one of the largest power providers in the country, serving about 10 million customers primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. Exelon, based in Chicago, acquired PECO Energy in 2000 and Constellation Energy Group — parent company of Baltimore Gas & Electric — in 2012, and is aggressively looking to expand.
Currently, officials are seeking regulatory approvals from four of the five jurisdictions involved — Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. — as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Justice. On Oct. 8, the two sides received approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The deal had been announced in April and approved by Pepco Holdings shareholders Sept. 23.
More
The acquisition of Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power, Atlantic City Electric and Pepco, would make Exelon one of the largest power providers in the country, serving about 10 million customers primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. Exelon, based in Chicago, acquired PECO Energy in 2000 and Constellation Energy Group — parent company of Baltimore Gas & Electric — in 2012, and is aggressively looking to expand.
Currently, officials are seeking regulatory approvals from four of the five jurisdictions involved — Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. — as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Justice. On Oct. 8, the two sides received approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The deal had been announced in April and approved by Pepco Holdings shareholders Sept. 23.
More
Larry Hogan boasts 11 newspaper endorsements to Brown’s 3
ANNAPOLIS, MD – With just 10 days to go before Marylanders find out who their next governor will be, the majority of the region’s newspapers have already spoken: “Larry Hogan for Governor.”
Mr. Hogan has gained the endorsements of the following publications, 10 of which are based in Maryland while one is in Washington, D.C.: Maryland Gazette, Montgomery Gazette, BayNet.com,Crofton Gazette, Bowie Blade-News, Capital Gazette, Maryland Independent, St. Mary’s Enterprise, Calvert Recorder, Daily Times, and the Washington Times. According to Anthony Brown’s website, he has gained the endorsement of the Washington Post, the Afro, and, as of today, the Baltimore Sun.
Some are questioning whether the Sun’s endorsement for Brown can really be labeled as such. It reads, in part:
“The unrepentant mendacity of Mr. Brown’s attacks on the Republican’s positions on abortion and school construction is nearly reason enough to endorse Mr. Hogan. … Mr. Hogan has performed an invaluable service by forcing Mr. Brown to address the most important issue of this campaign, which is making the policy shifts necessary to secure Maryland’s economic future. If not for Mr. Hogan’s intense focus and pointed criticism, we doubt Mr. Brown would have pledged not to raise taxes or to transform Maryland’s regulatory culture. We give Mr. Brown our endorsement, but we intend to hold him accountable for keeping his promises and for running the government with far more intellectual honesty than he has this campaign.”
According to Hogan spokeswoman Erin Montgomery, “It's no surprise that the liberal Baltimore Sunendorsed Lt. Gov. Brown. But even this far-left paper couldn't fully endorse Brown due to his false attacks against Mr. Hogan and his failed record on the economy and lack of focus on creating jobs.At the end of the day, it’s the voters, not a wishy-washy newspaper editorial, who make the ultimate endorsement.”
Mr. Hogan has gained the endorsements of the following publications, 10 of which are based in Maryland while one is in Washington, D.C.: Maryland Gazette, Montgomery Gazette, BayNet.com,Crofton Gazette, Bowie Blade-News, Capital Gazette, Maryland Independent, St. Mary’s Enterprise, Calvert Recorder, Daily Times, and the Washington Times. According to Anthony Brown’s website, he has gained the endorsement of the Washington Post, the Afro, and, as of today, the Baltimore Sun.
Some are questioning whether the Sun’s endorsement for Brown can really be labeled as such. It reads, in part:
“The unrepentant mendacity of Mr. Brown’s attacks on the Republican’s positions on abortion and school construction is nearly reason enough to endorse Mr. Hogan. … Mr. Hogan has performed an invaluable service by forcing Mr. Brown to address the most important issue of this campaign, which is making the policy shifts necessary to secure Maryland’s economic future. If not for Mr. Hogan’s intense focus and pointed criticism, we doubt Mr. Brown would have pledged not to raise taxes or to transform Maryland’s regulatory culture. We give Mr. Brown our endorsement, but we intend to hold him accountable for keeping his promises and for running the government with far more intellectual honesty than he has this campaign.”
According to Hogan spokeswoman Erin Montgomery, “It's no surprise that the liberal Baltimore Sunendorsed Lt. Gov. Brown. But even this far-left paper couldn't fully endorse Brown due to his false attacks against Mr. Hogan and his failed record on the economy and lack of focus on creating jobs.At the end of the day, it’s the voters, not a wishy-washy newspaper editorial, who make the ultimate endorsement.”
Mr. Hogan has also gained the endorsements of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Maryland Farm Bureau, and the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association.
Officials say suspect in killings of California deputies was deported twice
The suspect alleged to have shot three northern California sheriff's deputies Friday, killing two, was deported twice and has a criminal record, federal officials said late Saturday.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman said that the fingerprints of the suspected shooter match those of a man named Luis Enrique Monroy-Bracamonte. Monroy-Bracamonte was initially deported to Mexico in 1997 after being convicted of drug possession in Arizona. Four years later, he was arrested and deported again for an unspecified offense.
"The fingerprints were the basis for our request for an immigration detainer," ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice told The Associated Press. The detainer requests that local authorities transfer him to federal custody after his case is adjudicated so ICE can purse his deportation, Kice said.
More
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman said that the fingerprints of the suspected shooter match those of a man named Luis Enrique Monroy-Bracamonte. Monroy-Bracamonte was initially deported to Mexico in 1997 after being convicted of drug possession in Arizona. Four years later, he was arrested and deported again for an unspecified offense.
"The fingerprints were the basis for our request for an immigration detainer," ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice told The Associated Press. The detainer requests that local authorities transfer him to federal custody after his case is adjudicated so ICE can purse his deportation, Kice said.
More
Machines flip GOP votes to Democrats in Maryland
Voting machines that switch Republican votes to Democrats are being reported in Maryland.
“When I first selected my candidate on the electronic machine, it would not put the ‘x’ on the candidate I chose -- a Republican -- but it would put the ‘x’ on the Democrat candidate above it,” reported Donna Hamilton.
“This happened multiple times with multiple selections. Every time my choice flipped from Republican to Democrat. Sometimes it required four or five tries to get the ‘x’ to stay on my real selection,” the Frederick, Md., resident said Thursday.
Two other Maryland voters reported the same problem in Anne Arundel County on Friday.
A similar vote-switch turned up in Chicago earlier in the week.
More
“When I first selected my candidate on the electronic machine, it would not put the ‘x’ on the candidate I chose -- a Republican -- but it would put the ‘x’ on the Democrat candidate above it,” reported Donna Hamilton.
“This happened multiple times with multiple selections. Every time my choice flipped from Republican to Democrat. Sometimes it required four or five tries to get the ‘x’ to stay on my real selection,” the Frederick, Md., resident said Thursday.
Two other Maryland voters reported the same problem in Anne Arundel County on Friday.
A similar vote-switch turned up in Chicago earlier in the week.
More
From Seed To Smoker: The Medical Marijuana Process
But before medicinal cannabis ever changes hands from retailer to consumer, it has already gone through an extensive trek. There is a complex process between the time a marijuana seed is planted and when the consumer picks up a prescription at the counter.
That whole intermediate process is one of the factors delaying Maryland’s implementation of medical marijuana.
More
Wicomico County Public Candidates Forum while on CAR time
Giving Back to our One Maryland
Thank you to all of the Marylanders who served throughout Maryland during this year’s Day to Serve. Once again, our state joined together in this regional effort with Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C and achieved a record level of service.
In 2014, 27,000 Marylanders participated in 479 service projects across the State. This year, Maryland volunteers:
recorded 100,000 hours of community service — a 66% increase in volunteer hours from 2013;
collected over 395,000 pounds of food to help feed the hungry;
removed nearly 3,500 pounds of trash from our environment — almost twice as much as last year; and
planted 3,110 trees — doubling last year’s efforts.
During Day to Serve, I joined culinary students to make a healthy lunch for residents of The Light House in Annapolis, which offers transitional housing for people who are homeless. The generous actions of the culinary students show that each of us can make a difference — sometimes one meal at a time — and all of us must try.
One of the highlights of this year’s Day to Serve included expanding the partnership between the Maryland Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month, the Maryland State Police, and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Marylanders donated over 33,000 pounds of food this year at barracks, offices, and service shop drop-off locations. Other organizations made a big impact too — for example, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints donated 40,000 pounds of food to the Maryland Food Bank.
In Baltimore, the Baltimore Area Council of Boy Scouts brought together over 1,100 volunteers to clean up trails and streams as well as participate in flag retirement ceremonies. And the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County partnered with the United States Naval Academy to bring together over 200 volunteers and midshipmen in a park clean up for Project Green: A Day of Service and Remembrance.
As part of our commitment to service, the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism awarded a total of over $25,000 in matching funds to fourteen different projects throughout Maryland. One recipient of the grants, Zion Development Corporation used the funds to get their project off the ground and clean a gazebo in the Upton community.
I’m grateful for the many ways in which volunteers across our One Maryland came together this fall to feed the hungry, clean up our neighborhoods, and improve our communities – giving back to the places that we call home. Thank you to all who volunteered to change our communities for the better and I look forward to seeing the impact that Marylanders make next year for the 2015 Day to Serve.
In 2014, 27,000 Marylanders participated in 479 service projects across the State. This year, Maryland volunteers:
recorded 100,000 hours of community service — a 66% increase in volunteer hours from 2013;
collected over 395,000 pounds of food to help feed the hungry;
removed nearly 3,500 pounds of trash from our environment — almost twice as much as last year; and
planted 3,110 trees — doubling last year’s efforts.
During Day to Serve, I joined culinary students to make a healthy lunch for residents of The Light House in Annapolis, which offers transitional housing for people who are homeless. The generous actions of the culinary students show that each of us can make a difference — sometimes one meal at a time — and all of us must try.
One of the highlights of this year’s Day to Serve included expanding the partnership between the Maryland Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month, the Maryland State Police, and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Marylanders donated over 33,000 pounds of food this year at barracks, offices, and service shop drop-off locations. Other organizations made a big impact too — for example, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints donated 40,000 pounds of food to the Maryland Food Bank.
In Baltimore, the Baltimore Area Council of Boy Scouts brought together over 1,100 volunteers to clean up trails and streams as well as participate in flag retirement ceremonies. And the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County partnered with the United States Naval Academy to bring together over 200 volunteers and midshipmen in a park clean up for Project Green: A Day of Service and Remembrance.
As part of our commitment to service, the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism awarded a total of over $25,000 in matching funds to fourteen different projects throughout Maryland. One recipient of the grants, Zion Development Corporation used the funds to get their project off the ground and clean a gazebo in the Upton community.
I’m grateful for the many ways in which volunteers across our One Maryland came together this fall to feed the hungry, clean up our neighborhoods, and improve our communities – giving back to the places that we call home. Thank you to all who volunteered to change our communities for the better and I look forward to seeing the impact that Marylanders make next year for the 2015 Day to Serve.
As momentum surges, Larry Hogan has $100K cash-on-hand advantage over Brown
Annapolis, MD – With just 10 days before the Nov. 4 election, Anne Arundel small business owner Larry Hogan’s momentum is surging as overtaxed Marylanders appear likely to end the O’Malley-Brown era.
In the final campaign finance reports of the general election, committees allied with Hogan showed a $100K total cash-on-hand advantage over those supporting the embattled Lieutenant Governor.
According to Hogan Communications Director Adam Dubitsky, “Overtaxed Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are embracing Larry Hogan’s plan to rein in reckless Annapolis spending so we can begin rolling back Anthony Brown and Martin O’Malley’s punishing tax hikes. Despite being outspent by $14 million in special interest money over the course of the election, our grassroots campaign is poised to put an end to one-party rule in Annapolis. These numbers show that Marylanders are increasingly united and ready to put partisan politics aside so we can create jobs, fund priorities, and restore integrity to Annapolis.”
Account Breakdowns:
Maryland Democratic Party: $265,994.74
Brown – Ulman Slate: $47,578.34
Friends of Ken Ulman: $0.00
Friends of Anthony Brown: $31,497.26
Brown campaign and allied committees: $345,070.34
Maryland Republican Party: $150,355.20
Hogan-Rutherford Committee: $291,549.60
Hogan campaign and allied committees: $441,904.80
Hogan overall cash advantage: $96,834.46
Heaven & Hell...
While walking down the street one day a Corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem.
"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven.
"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.
They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, t is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven...”
So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
"Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell...
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.
"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil smiles at him and says,
"Yesterday we were campaigning, Today, you voted.."
Vote wisely in November 2014
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