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Tuesday, October 06, 2020
Eddie Van Halen, legendary rock guitarist, dead at 65
One of rock 'n' roll's singular and most gifted guitarists, Eddie Van Halen, has died. He was 65.
Van Halen's son, Wolf, confirmed the news on Tuesday.
"I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning," he wrote on Twitter.
"He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on stage and off stage was a gift," Wolf continued. "My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss."
"I love you so much, Pop," he concluded.
According to TMZ, citing sources, Van Halen died at a Santa Monica hospital on Tuesday. Wolf, his brother Alex, and his wife, Janie, were by his side.
Van Halen told Billboard magazine in 2015 that he had one-third of his tongue removed due to cancer that had also spread to his esophagus.
“I used metal picks -- they’re brass and copper -- which I always held in my mouth, in the exact place where I got the tongue cancer,” he said at the time. “Plus, I basically live in a recording studio that’s filled with electromagnetic energy. So that’s one theory. I mean, I was smoking and doing a lot of drugs and a lot of everything. But at the same time, my lungs are totally clear. This is just my own theory, but the doctors say it’s possible.”
CNN’s Chris Cuomo slammed for coronavirus hypocrisy after ‘off-the-wall rant’ attacking Trump
CNN’s Chris Cuomo was roasted on Monday night after attacking President Trump’s return to the White House amid a battle with coronavirus.
Cuomo, the younger brother of Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, specifically questioned Trump’s timeline even though the CNN anchor’s own coronavirus timeline was scrutinized earlier this year.
The “Cuomo Prime Time” namesake famously videotaped his “official reentry” into normal society after recovering from coronavirus back in April, claiming he had been stuck in his basement for weeks. But Cuomo had previously admitted he was involved in a heated altercation that took place outside his second property, not the home where he was allegedly confined to the basement.
New York Times media columnist Ben Smith even mocked the situation at the time, comparing CNN to a reality TV show.
Days later, Cuomo dug himself a hole when he tried to combat a Twitter critic by claiming he was “past quarantine” on the date of a now-infamous altercation with a cyclist, which appears to have occurred days before he claimed he was first healthy enough to emerge from his basement.
But Cuomo’s debacle didn’t stop him from criticizing Trump’s return to the White House.
Cuomo, the younger brother of Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, specifically questioned Trump’s timeline even though the CNN anchor’s own coronavirus timeline was scrutinized earlier this year.
The “Cuomo Prime Time” namesake famously videotaped his “official reentry” into normal society after recovering from coronavirus back in April, claiming he had been stuck in his basement for weeks. But Cuomo had previously admitted he was involved in a heated altercation that took place outside his second property, not the home where he was allegedly confined to the basement.
New York Times media columnist Ben Smith even mocked the situation at the time, comparing CNN to a reality TV show.
Days later, Cuomo dug himself a hole when he tried to combat a Twitter critic by claiming he was “past quarantine” on the date of a now-infamous altercation with a cyclist, which appears to have occurred days before he claimed he was first healthy enough to emerge from his basement.
But Cuomo’s debacle didn’t stop him from criticizing Trump’s return to the White House.
New York woman accused of using six kids to steal Trump lawn signs
A woman was arrested Sunday for allegedly using six kids to steal Trump campaign lawn signs from numerous sites in upstate New York, a report said.
Deana Algarin, 45, was busted with the signs in her car by the New York State police on Highway 103 in Montgomery County, Fox News reported, citing the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The stolen signs were from locations in Montgomery and Schenectady counties, the report said.
Algarin was charged with six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny and marijuana possession, police said.
She was also slapped with two citations for seatbelt violations.
It’s unclear if Algarin was related to any of the children.
Deana Algarin, 45, was busted with the signs in her car by the New York State police on Highway 103 in Montgomery County, Fox News reported, citing the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The stolen signs were from locations in Montgomery and Schenectady counties, the report said.
Algarin was charged with six counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny and marijuana possession, police said.
She was also slapped with two citations for seatbelt violations.
It’s unclear if Algarin was related to any of the children.
Pence faces tall task in VP debate
Vice President Pence faces a challenging environment in the first vice presidential debate on Wednesday, which will take place against an unprecedented backdrop of events.
Pence will take the stage as President Trump, his running mate, battles the coronavirus. Trump left the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday evening amid continued questions about his health.
The White House is also dealing with a growing outbreak within its walls. On Monday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and two of her deputies came down with COVID-19.
A Biden aide said Harris will continue the Biden campaign’s strategy of homing in on Trump’s failed leadership “which of course includes the handling of COVID-19.”
“Harris has every advantage coming into this debate,” one GOP strategist conceded. “Pence is going to have to try and turn this around all on his own and that’s a pretty daunting situation to be in.”
The White House is also dealing with a growing outbreak within its walls. On Monday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and two of her deputies came down with COVID-19.
A Biden aide said Harris will continue the Biden campaign’s strategy of homing in on Trump’s failed leadership “which of course includes the handling of COVID-19.”
“Harris has every advantage coming into this debate,” one GOP strategist conceded. “Pence is going to have to try and turn this around all on his own and that’s a pretty daunting situation to be in.”
Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats leave town, fail the American people
Wheels up, off to California after adjourning the House until after Election Day. It’s a shameful display of partisanship in the wake of our recovery from the coronavirus. Rather than help small businesses continue to access unused funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is willing to block reasonable relief efforts, all in the name of politics. She doesn’t want to risk President Trump and congressional Republicans getting an ounce of credit in the final weeks of this election.
Some things are simply more important than political posturing, like ensuring American small businesses can weather the storm of the coronavirus pandemic. We have unspent funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID relief program that saved 51 million jobs in the United States, 2 million in Ohio alone. Its authorization is expiring, meaning the program is closing up shop, despite $138 billion left in the coffers.
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Some things are simply more important than political posturing, like ensuring American small businesses can weather the storm of the coronavirus pandemic. We have unspent funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID relief program that saved 51 million jobs in the United States, 2 million in Ohio alone. Its authorization is expiring, meaning the program is closing up shop, despite $138 billion left in the coffers.
More
Virginia governor displaying mild symptoms after positive COVID-19 diagnosis
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said Monday that he is displaying mild symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19 last week.
The 61-year-old Democratic governor released a video on Facebook, in which he said he and first lady Pam Northam “continue to make good progress” in their recovery. Northam reported he developed “mild cold-like symptoms” and lost his sense of smell.
“But otherwise, we’re doing well and staying in good spirits,” he said, while sitting next to his dog Pearl.
Northam told The Washington Post in an interview, shortly after the Facebook video went up, that he hasn’t experienced a fever, shortness of breath or coughing and said Pam “is doing well also.” The couple has not received treatment for the virus but are making efforts to keep track of their health and oxygen levels.
The 61-year-old Democratic governor released a video on Facebook, in which he said he and first lady Pam Northam “continue to make good progress” in their recovery. Northam reported he developed “mild cold-like symptoms” and lost his sense of smell.
“But otherwise, we’re doing well and staying in good spirits,” he said, while sitting next to his dog Pearl.
Northam told The Washington Post in an interview, shortly after the Facebook video went up, that he hasn’t experienced a fever, shortness of breath or coughing and said Pam “is doing well also.” The couple has not received treatment for the virus but are making efforts to keep track of their health and oxygen levels.
Here’s What You Need To Know About The Donut Hole And Medicare Open Enrollment
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a very important time for anyone who has a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan. Here are some important points.
The OEP begins October 15 and ends December 17. This is your opportunity to review your coverage for next year.
Watch for a notice of changes from your plan around October 1.
Review the changes and figure out the impact on you.
If you are satisfied with the premium, benefits, and costs, don’t do anything and your plan will renew automatically. However, if there are changes that you don’t like or they won’t work for you, review other plans and enroll in one by December 7. The new coverage will begin January 1.
Remember: If you do not take action, you’ll be stuck with whatever coverage you have, come January 1. Pay attention and avoid unpleasant surprises.
The donut hole
Those who take costly medications should know about the donut hole.
Its official name is the Coverage Gap.
It is the third payment stage in Medicare Part D drug coverage.
In 2016, over 5 million beneficiaries hit the donut hole.
By design, the beneficiary is responsible for most or all of the costs in this stage. However, discounts were introduced in 2012.
In 2020, the donut hole closed and discounts on all medications now and in the future will be 25%.
The OEP begins October 15 and ends December 17. This is your opportunity to review your coverage for next year.
Watch for a notice of changes from your plan around October 1.
Review the changes and figure out the impact on you.
If you are satisfied with the premium, benefits, and costs, don’t do anything and your plan will renew automatically. However, if there are changes that you don’t like or they won’t work for you, review other plans and enroll in one by December 7. The new coverage will begin January 1.
Remember: If you do not take action, you’ll be stuck with whatever coverage you have, come January 1. Pay attention and avoid unpleasant surprises.
The donut hole
Those who take costly medications should know about the donut hole.
Its official name is the Coverage Gap.
It is the third payment stage in Medicare Part D drug coverage.
In 2016, over 5 million beneficiaries hit the donut hole.
By design, the beneficiary is responsible for most or all of the costs in this stage. However, discounts were introduced in 2012.
In 2020, the donut hole closed and discounts on all medications now and in the future will be 25%.
Statement from Comptroller Peter Franchot
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (October 5, 2020) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announces that Len Foxwell will no longer serve as chief of staff as of today and will separate from the agency at the end of the month.
Comptroller Franchot thanks Mr. Foxwell for his 12 years of dedicated service and contributions to the Comptroller’s Office and the State of Maryland, and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
Emmanuel Welsh will assume the role of acting chief of staff. Mr. Welsh has served as deputy chief of staff since 2016.
Comptroller Franchot thanks Mr. Foxwell for his 12 years of dedicated service and contributions to the Comptroller’s Office and the State of Maryland, and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
Emmanuel Welsh will assume the role of acting chief of staff. Mr. Welsh has served as deputy chief of staff since 2016.
Monday, October 05, 2020
New Blog Host
We do finally have a new blog host, and designers will be working on Tuesday to design the blog as closely to the old format as possible.
We are hoping to be able to redirect you by sometime tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks so much,
Joe
Friday, October 02, 2020
Trump, first lady experiencing 'mild symptoms' as WH doc releases details about treatment
President Trump's physician released details about the commander-in-chief's medical condition and treatment Friday, following the bombshell announcement hours earlier that the first couple had been stricken with COVID-19.
On Friday afternoon, Dr. Sean P. Conley, the president’s physician, released an update on the president's condition.
“Following PCR-confirmation of the President’s diagnosis, as a precautionary measure he received a single 8-gram dose of Regeneron’s polyclonal antibody cocktail,” a memo released Friday afternoon by Dr. Sean P. Conley, the president’s physician, stated. "He completed the infusion without incident.”
"In addition tot he polyclonal antibodies, the President has been taking zinc, Vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin," Conley said.
Conley added that "as of this afternoon, the President remains fatigued but in good spirts."
"He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps," Conley said.
Conley added that the first lady "remains well with only a mild cough and headache, and the remainder of the First Family are well and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 today."
More
On Friday afternoon, Dr. Sean P. Conley, the president’s physician, released an update on the president's condition.
“Following PCR-confirmation of the President’s diagnosis, as a precautionary measure he received a single 8-gram dose of Regeneron’s polyclonal antibody cocktail,” a memo released Friday afternoon by Dr. Sean P. Conley, the president’s physician, stated. "He completed the infusion without incident.”
"In addition tot he polyclonal antibodies, the President has been taking zinc, Vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin," Conley said.
Conley added that "as of this afternoon, the President remains fatigued but in good spirts."
"He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps," Conley said.
Conley added that the first lady "remains well with only a mild cough and headache, and the remainder of the First Family are well and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 today."
More
Pro-Life Activist Sued by Kamala Harris Says “Everyone should be afraid” of VP Nominee
In August, pro-life activist David Daleiden told Fox News’s Tucker Carlson that during her time as California’s Attorney General, Kamala Harris used her power to attack his First Amendment rights as an undercover journalist.
Daleiden alleges that Harris conspired with Planned Parenthood to suppress his rights after he released undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood executives discussing the buying and selling of aborted fetal remains.
According to federal law, the buying and selling of human body parts is illegal. Engaging in the traffick of aborted baby body parts is punishable by 10 years in jail and fines up to $500,000.
After a Congressional investigation, Congress made dozens of referrals for criminal and regulatory charges to local authorities against Planned Parenthood.
At the time, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General. She had received $15,000 in contributions from Planned Parenthood during her 2014 reelection campaign. Instead of opening an investigation into Planned Parenthood, Harris went after Daleiden. Harris sued Daleiden under a California eavesdropping law that had never been used against an undercover reporter. In addition, she met with 6 Planned Parenthood executives in early 2016 in what Daleiden alleges was a conspiracy to put an end to his investigations and to suppress his First Amendment rights.
“So she used the power of armed law enforcement to crush someone who criticized her donors,” Tucker Carlson concluded in August’s interview.
“Exactly,” Daleiden responded. “Everyone should be afraid,” he said of Harris, and “her radical disrespect and contempt for the First Amendment.”
In response to the videos, both Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation filed lawsuits against Daleiden. Planned Parenthood was awarded $2.2 million by a San Fransisco jury hearing the case last November.
Daleiden alleges that Harris conspired with Planned Parenthood to suppress his rights after he released undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood executives discussing the buying and selling of aborted fetal remains.
According to federal law, the buying and selling of human body parts is illegal. Engaging in the traffick of aborted baby body parts is punishable by 10 years in jail and fines up to $500,000.
After a Congressional investigation, Congress made dozens of referrals for criminal and regulatory charges to local authorities against Planned Parenthood.
At the time, Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General. She had received $15,000 in contributions from Planned Parenthood during her 2014 reelection campaign. Instead of opening an investigation into Planned Parenthood, Harris went after Daleiden. Harris sued Daleiden under a California eavesdropping law that had never been used against an undercover reporter. In addition, she met with 6 Planned Parenthood executives in early 2016 in what Daleiden alleges was a conspiracy to put an end to his investigations and to suppress his First Amendment rights.
“So she used the power of armed law enforcement to crush someone who criticized her donors,” Tucker Carlson concluded in August’s interview.
“Exactly,” Daleiden responded. “Everyone should be afraid,” he said of Harris, and “her radical disrespect and contempt for the First Amendment.”
In response to the videos, both Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation filed lawsuits against Daleiden. Planned Parenthood was awarded $2.2 million by a San Fransisco jury hearing the case last November.
President Trump, first lady test positive for coronavirus, set to quarantine at White House
President Trump announced early Friday that both he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and will quarantine at the White House, sending shockwaves through the political universe and igniting an outpouring of support for the first family.
He added: “We will get through this TOGETHER!”
He added: “We will get through this TOGETHER!”
Melania Trump also tweeted, "As too many Americans have done this year, @POTUS & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together."
Thursday, October 01, 2020
Black Chairman of Proud Boys Speaks Out after Liars Joe Biden and Chris Wallace Call Them White Supremacists
For months now violent leftists, antifa terrorists and Black Lives Matter have been torching businesses, terrorizing communities, shooting cops, looting stores and rioting in cities across America.
But at Tuesday night’s debate Chris Wallace demanded that President Trump denounce white supremacist violence in our streets. And Joe Biden added that Trump needed to condemn the white supremacist Proud Boys group.
On Wednesday Proud Boy International Chairman Enrique Tarrio, an African-Hispanic American, spoke out against the smear that Proud Boys is a white supremacist group as Joe Biden claims.
Joe Biden, Chris Wallace and the media are LYING TO YOU!
Joe Biden, Chris Wallace and the media are LYING TO YOU!
Leftist Former CEO of Twitter Dick Costolo Wants to Watch His Political Opponents Get Lined Up Against a Wall and Shot in the “Revolution”
Former Twitter CEO and multi-millionaire Dick Costolo admitted on Wednesday night that he wants to murder those people he doesn’t agree with politically.
Costolo tweeted this out on Wednesday night.
Seagram’s heir sentenced to prison in branded sex slave case
A wealthy benefactor of Keith Raniere, the disgraced leader of a self-improvement group in upstate New York convicted of turning women into sex slaves who were branded with his initials, was sentenced Wednesday to almost seven years in prison in the federal conspiracy case.
Seagram’s liquor fortune heir Clare Bronfman was taken into custody to begin her 81-month sentence immediately after her appearance in federal court in Brooklyn.
Bronfman, 41, admitted in a guilty plea last year that she harbored someone who was living in the U.S. illegally for unpaid “labor and services” and that she committed credit card fraud on behalf of Raniere, leader of the group called NXIVM.
At trial, prosecutors told jurors the 60-year-old Raniere’s organization, NXIVM — pronounced NEHK-see-uhm, operated like a cult whose members called him “Vanguard.” To honor him, the group formed a secret sorority comprised of brainwashed female “slaves” who were branded with his initials and forced to have sex with him, the prosecutors said.
Bronfman’s lawyers argued she deserved leniency because she had no direct involvement in the most disturbing allegations and has a health condition that could put her at greater risk for a coronavirus infection if incarcerated.
The defendant had long been affiliated with NXIVM, giving away tens of million of dollars to bankroll Raniere and his program of intense self-improvement classes. She also paid for lawyers to defend the group against a lawsuit brought by its critics.
Seagram’s liquor fortune heir Clare Bronfman was taken into custody to begin her 81-month sentence immediately after her appearance in federal court in Brooklyn.
Bronfman, 41, admitted in a guilty plea last year that she harbored someone who was living in the U.S. illegally for unpaid “labor and services” and that she committed credit card fraud on behalf of Raniere, leader of the group called NXIVM.
At trial, prosecutors told jurors the 60-year-old Raniere’s organization, NXIVM — pronounced NEHK-see-uhm, operated like a cult whose members called him “Vanguard.” To honor him, the group formed a secret sorority comprised of brainwashed female “slaves” who were branded with his initials and forced to have sex with him, the prosecutors said.
Bronfman’s lawyers argued she deserved leniency because she had no direct involvement in the most disturbing allegations and has a health condition that could put her at greater risk for a coronavirus infection if incarcerated.
The defendant had long been affiliated with NXIVM, giving away tens of million of dollars to bankroll Raniere and his program of intense self-improvement classes. She also paid for lawyers to defend the group against a lawsuit brought by its critics.
State Lawmakers Vow To Pursue Stronger Legislation After the chaos in OC
The resort area’s representatives in Annapolis have vowed to pursue even stronger legislation aimed at thwarting some of the behavior associated with the pop-up car rally that inundated Ocean City again last weekend.
State Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C), who represents Ocean City and Worcester County, was on the front lines for much of the weekend, riding along with the Ocean City Police Department on Friday and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. Hartman said in a taped message what was displayed in pictures and videos of the unofficial event did not do it justice.
“It’s hard to describe and hard to imagine what happened in Ocean City and how intense it was and the magnitude of it,” he said. “It was typical for 12 to 15 law enforcement officers to be dispatched to a particular site to disperse crowds. More often than not, those law enforcement officers were met with rocks, water bottles, beer cans and fireworks being shot at them.”
Hartman, who was instrumental in getting the enhanced special event zone legislation through the General Assembly last winter, vowed to go back to the drawing board this year.
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State Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C), who represents Ocean City and Worcester County, was on the front lines for much of the weekend, riding along with the Ocean City Police Department on Friday and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. Hartman said in a taped message what was displayed in pictures and videos of the unofficial event did not do it justice.
“It’s hard to describe and hard to imagine what happened in Ocean City and how intense it was and the magnitude of it,” he said. “It was typical for 12 to 15 law enforcement officers to be dispatched to a particular site to disperse crowds. More often than not, those law enforcement officers were met with rocks, water bottles, beer cans and fireworks being shot at them.”
Hartman, who was instrumental in getting the enhanced special event zone legislation through the General Assembly last winter, vowed to go back to the drawing board this year.
More
Hollywood celebrities fuel Texas Democrats' fundraising push in bid to turn Lone Star State blue
Hollywood celebrities are flocking to support Texas Democrats, urging their fans to chip in $38 to help turn the Lone Star state blue in the November election.
The group of celebrities, which includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Schumer, Mark Ruffalo and Pink, asked for supporters to chip in $38 for Democratic causes in Texas to buoy Biden's chances of securing the state's 38 electoral votes -- one of the biggest delegate prizes on Election Day.
"There’s no debate: If we #TurnTexasBlue, Trump is through. $38 for 38 electoral votes. Match me: 38for38.com," they tweeted, sharing a message that has gone viral across social media.
The "Turn Texas Blue" campaign began percolating on social media ahead of the first presidential debate.
According to an aggregate of polls from RealClearPolitics, Trump is leading Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by 3.2 percentage points in Texas, and incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn is polling ahead of his Democratic challenger, M.J. Hegar, by more than 8 percentage points.
The group of celebrities, which includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Schumer, Mark Ruffalo and Pink, asked for supporters to chip in $38 for Democratic causes in Texas to buoy Biden's chances of securing the state's 38 electoral votes -- one of the biggest delegate prizes on Election Day.
"There’s no debate: If we #TurnTexasBlue, Trump is through. $38 for 38 electoral votes. Match me: 38for38.com," they tweeted, sharing a message that has gone viral across social media.
The "Turn Texas Blue" campaign began percolating on social media ahead of the first presidential debate.
According to an aggregate of polls from RealClearPolitics, Trump is leading Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden by 3.2 percentage points in Texas, and incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn is polling ahead of his Democratic challenger, M.J. Hegar, by more than 8 percentage points.
Berlin Ethics Commission investigates conflict of interest complaints after Austin Purnell appointment
The town’s ethics commission on Wednesday dismissed complaints filed regarding a recent planning commission appointment.
The Berlin Ethics Commission met Wednesday to review five complaints filed regarding the appointment of Austin Purnell to the Berlin Planning Commission. Purnell was nominated by Mayor Gee Williams and approved by the town council on Monday.
“The ethics commission unanimously voted there was no violation,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said.
"Purnell is the son of a sitting councilman and works with his father, who is heavily involved in local real estate." said one of the citizens. She went on to say, “Austin Purnell’s position on the planning commission would always be suspect in any decisions that were made whether he recused himself or not.”
“Under the manipulative hand of Mayor Williams, the elected leadership of Berlin has routinely failed the taxpayer,” another citizen said. He then added, “Today the appointed members of the ethics commission fell in line with their appointer’s wish, a local developer/councilman gets another ‘in’ and the taxpayer will again be left to suffer the consequences of poor leadership.”
Williams, however, maintains that he would not have nominated Purnell for the position if there was any question regarding ethics.
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The Berlin Ethics Commission met Wednesday to review five complaints filed regarding the appointment of Austin Purnell to the Berlin Planning Commission. Purnell was nominated by Mayor Gee Williams and approved by the town council on Monday.
“The ethics commission unanimously voted there was no violation,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said.
"Purnell is the son of a sitting councilman and works with his father, who is heavily involved in local real estate." said one of the citizens. She went on to say, “Austin Purnell’s position on the planning commission would always be suspect in any decisions that were made whether he recused himself or not.”
“Under the manipulative hand of Mayor Williams, the elected leadership of Berlin has routinely failed the taxpayer,” another citizen said. He then added, “Today the appointed members of the ethics commission fell in line with their appointer’s wish, a local developer/councilman gets another ‘in’ and the taxpayer will again be left to suffer the consequences of poor leadership.”
Williams, however, maintains that he would not have nominated Purnell for the position if there was any question regarding ethics.
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California GOP lawmakers demand Newsom cancel $35M voter outreach contract awarded to Dem consulting firm
California’s secretary of state has reportedly awarded a $35 million voter outreach contract to a consulting firm with close ties to the Democratic Party. Now, California Republicans are calling upon Gov. Gavin Newsom to cancel the contract for compromising the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.
The California agency responsible for overseeing elections awarded the contract last month to SKD Knickerbocker, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm whose managing director is Anita Dunn, a senior advisor on Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and White House communications director under President Barack Obama.
Under the terms of the “Vote Safe California” contract, the money was intended to help counties prepare for the November election amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. California’s budget allows the money to cover costs like ballot printing, mailing and postage, extra staffing, and outreach, among other needs, the Sacramento Bee reported.
But the nature of the contract and the process by which it was awarded to SKD Knickerbocker – who have openly declared themselves on “Team Biden” – has come under some scrutiny.
Under the terms of the “Vote Safe California” contract, the money was intended to help counties prepare for the November election amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. California’s budget allows the money to cover costs like ballot printing, mailing and postage, extra staffing, and outreach, among other needs, the Sacramento Bee reported.
But the nature of the contract and the process by which it was awarded to SKD Knickerbocker – who have openly declared themselves on “Team Biden” – has come under some scrutiny.
Ocean City PD to expand despite budget challenge
Resort officials this week approved the recruiting and hiring of 10 new full-time police officers for the Ocean City Police Department, acknowledging the challenge will likely be how to pay for them.
During Tuesday’s work session, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro and OCPD Captain Mike Colbert came before the Mayor and Council seeking approval to hire 10 new full-time sworn officers. Buzzuro said the number of full-time officers has been stagnant for as long as he has been chief in 2013, while the town’s offseason special events have multiplied and in-season crowds have increased.
Buzzuro also said with police departments all over the country under increased scrutiny, the challenges in recruiting summer seasonal officers has increased in kind. His recommendation was to beef up the full-time year-round police force and scale back somewhat on the seasonal officer program.
“We’re seeing increased difficulty with the seasonal officer program,” he said. “We’ve seen a decline in applications in recent years, especially with the challenges facing police departments all over the country.”
Buzzuro said the department would like to add more full-time police officers over time and reduce the reliance on the seasonal officer program.
More
During Tuesday’s work session, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro and OCPD Captain Mike Colbert came before the Mayor and Council seeking approval to hire 10 new full-time sworn officers. Buzzuro said the number of full-time officers has been stagnant for as long as he has been chief in 2013, while the town’s offseason special events have multiplied and in-season crowds have increased.
Buzzuro also said with police departments all over the country under increased scrutiny, the challenges in recruiting summer seasonal officers has increased in kind. His recommendation was to beef up the full-time year-round police force and scale back somewhat on the seasonal officer program.
“We’re seeing increased difficulty with the seasonal officer program,” he said. “We’ve seen a decline in applications in recent years, especially with the challenges facing police departments all over the country.”
Buzzuro said the department would like to add more full-time police officers over time and reduce the reliance on the seasonal officer program.
More
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