The Key Word Here Is, VOLUNTEER

With more than 200 people in attendance, "there's about 5 times the normal crowd here tonight" said one Police Officer. Citizens were standing for hours. They were packed against the wall like Catholics on Christmas Day in Church. They were even lined out the hallway, 99% of them there to support their Volunteer Fire Fighters.

It's a trust thing. One hour before the Council met last night they were handed a 19 page "Overview and recommendations for the fire service" by the Emergency Service Director, Joseph Theobald. The Volunteers simply can't trust the Council, it's that simple.

Some Council Members threw a fit over the short notice of such an important document and the length of it, they had literally no time to review it. Sound familiar Salisbury? Other Council Members wanted to talk about how they represent the people, maybe not everyone attending but they represent the people. IMO, BS! THE PEOPLE were there last night, open your eyes! The people spoke out against the majority of the Council, been there, done that. Welcome to Salisbury, I thought to myself.

I saw the Barrie Scheme hard at work last night in the City Council and I personally challenge them as they did not VOTE to amend the Agenda last night, yet they voted on an item that wasn't even on the Agenda and The Daily Slime didn't even pick up on it.

Perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps this is just the Eastern Shore and the Good Old Boys can do whatever they like? Nevertheless, it was slammed in the Chief's face last night and I then came to learn that Salisbury Chief See was a Guest last week in the Council Meeting. Wanna know why? Because Chief See is desperate to keep the Fire Fighters he currently has and IF the Town of Ocean City goes 100% paid, Salisbury will get crushed!

The Police were present in full force last night as it was told to me their Chief had been asking around, who can tow Fire Trucks? They expected a riot last night and I even overheard one of the Officers on the phone telling command that things were pretty normal, no one was getting out of line and he recommended they release at least the day shift Officers. Now that's too funny!

Mr. Bobby Jester got up at one point and expressed to one of the Council Members that their math wasn't so great. You see, this Council Member challenged how in the heck someone could figure out it would cost the City $7,000,000.00 if they went to a fully paid Staff? Well, Bobby clearly explained by throwing out the number of paid Fire Fighters they would have to hire, plus benefits. That came to around $4,000,000.00 a year. Then there's the real estate the Volunteers own as well, worth millions. There was NO rebuttal from the Council and or that particular Council Member challenging the numbers in the first place.

I need to at least get this Post up and get to more details later. This way if someone has something to say, they can get started now. More to come.....

Keepin It Real!

In regards to last night’s burglary and police chase:

“The four suspects were identified as Eric Darel Coleman, 20, and Antonio Lamar Harmon, 21, both of Salisbury, and Tiffany Nicole Handy, 20, and Darnell Terrell Harmon, 22, both of Fruitland. They were charged with burglary, felony theft and malicious destruction of property.”

Eric Coleman - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=87040076

Darnell Harmon - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=61872621

Atonio Harmon - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=176981617

Seem like some stand up citizens right there.

Is the Wicomico Liquor Control Board on the Straight and Narrow?

Kudos to Wicomico Councilwomen Gail Bartkovich and Stevie Prettyman! When local politicians seem all too willing to let transgressions slip by rather than criticize neighbors, Bartkovich and Prettyman held their ground Tuesday night when the audit for the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board was presented to council.

Mrs. Bartkovich refused to allow LCB auditor John Stern to brush aside her questions regarding a discrepancy in the Board's beginning inventory numbers. Bartkovich had obviously done her homework prior to the meeting and would not allow Stern's explanation that the bottom line number would not be affected by this error; or that the other numbers were still correct. A change of approximately $100,000 in beginning inventory would affect the profit margin of the LCB (and not for the better). If, as Stern opined, the error would have been covered in the purchases account we still have the question of a material error. Stern promised Bartkovich an answer today. Hopefully she will share it with the public.

Mrs. Prettyman had two questions for Stern and LCB chairman Herman Haemel. First, under who's authority did the LCB determine how much income to distribute to the county each year? Prettyman does not recall the council ever voting on a new method of income distribution between the LCB and the county. Stern could only point to discussions between the County's Finance Director and the LCB. If it turns out that the County Council had voted on the matter, fine. I'm sure that Prettyman will admit that her memory is like the rest of our's. If, however, the bureaucracy rather than the elected representatives of the people approved such a measure this is cause for alarm.

Another inquiry from Mrs. Prettyman didn't seem to sit very well with LCB chair Haemel. It seems that the LCB has awarded contracts of over $50,000 to a board member, Ron Alessi. Prettyman merely asked whether there was a policy covering such matters. Are there competitive bids, etc? Through Haemel's non-answer we received one. There do not appear to be competitive bids. In all fairness, you wouldn't normally bid out projects of this size. However, you also wouldn't award the contracts to board members. Haemel hedged a bit too much for my liking when he claimed that Alessi's price "was the cheapest price for that quality of work". That's a bit too subjective for my tastes when you're handing out money to a board member. Since the LCB doesn't have a policy in place, perhaps the County Council could demand one!

Again, three cheers to Bartkovich and Prettyman!

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, Gail Bartdovich, Stevie Prettyman, LCB, audit

Gary Comegys, A Synonym for Foolishness; Shanie Shields, A Synonym for Hypocrisy

The latest edition of the Merriam-Webster Political Dictionary is out and Salisbury is shamed by multiple entries. This morning's Daily Times shows why.

It appears that Salisbury Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen have begun distributing a newsletter and have set up a website. Kudos to them for wanting to reach out to their constituents. Of course this doesn't sit too well with two of their colleagues on the Salisbury Council.

Councilwoman Shanie Shields, the council's great orator and Tilghman administration house intellectual ("I ain't never seen no wasteful government spending") doesn't think too highly of Campbell and Cohen's efforts:

"To me, this is not being a team," said Councilwoman Shanie Shields, who once put out a minority newsletter with County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes. "Nobody knew anything about it. To me, it's a personal agenda."

As the Daily Times points out, Shields has been "guilty" of the same offense. In the past, County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes has offered Shields space on her newsletter. We have consistently applauded Sample-Hughes for her efforts to reach out to her constituents through newsletters and quarterly meetings. Perhaps Shields is upset because Campbell and Cohen didn't offer to put her name up there with their own. Perhaps Shields wants to approve all of the content prior to publication?

We can also see why Salisbury Councilman Gary Comegys is included under "foolishness":

"I find it ironic Terry and Debbie have the time to do a blog, but not to do real solutions for the community," Comegys said.

Such a comment is particularly sad in light of Comegys' own recent comments regarding the city's audit and the disgraceful state of the Tilghman administration's financial management of the Salisbury government.

In December, 2007 Comegys was toeing the Barrieland line by claiming that "this audit thang (sic) has been blown out of proportion". That's right Gary. Misplacing over $10 million of taxpayer money is nothing to worry about.

At the same meeting Comegys incorrectly stated that the city was balancing (reconciling) its accounts. Of course that hasn't been true for years.

At the council's last work session, which was to design solutions to some of the city's financial management problems Comegys left the meeting early and Councilwoman Louise Smith cut the meeting short rather than seek real solutions without the Tilghman administration marionette there to pull her strings. Perhaps Comegys should worry about his own time management skills rather than worrying about Campbell's and Cohen's.

"Real solutions for the community"? Come on Gary. What have your real solutions been? A triple subsidy to the old mall developers. Refusal to adopt an annexation policy until every developer who wanted to be annexed had been accommodated (ending with the infamous Sassafras Meadows annexation). Let's not forget that even after the Dunn-Comegys council claimed that they would do no more annexations until after the annexation policy was in place, they tried (fortunately the media shamed Dunn into backing down).

Recent Comegys "solutions" have included a double-digit tax increase while refusing to discuss an alternative. Last year Comegys, Shields and Smith were literally watering at the mouth to increase water and sewer rates by 10% and only stopped when persistent questioning by Campbell and Cohen forced the administration to admit that they were misrepresenting surpluses in the city's water and sewer fund.

Amusingly, Comegys and Shields didn't yell quite so loud when Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman wanted the taxpayers to fund a quarterly propaganda sheet that includes the tales of a fictional family. Of course this wouldn't be a problem since the taxpayer is picking up the tab. Perhaps Comegys should be listed under "hypocrisy" as well.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Salisbury, politics, Salisbury politics, Debbie Campbell, Terry Cohen, Daily Times, Gannett, Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields, Barrie Tilghman, Louise Smith, taxation, fiscal policy, hypocrisy, audit

Gangs and the Conditions at Our Schools

Due to time restraints the information on gang activity at schools was brief, but they will be addressed soon at some point. Gang activity does exist in the schools and the Board has recognized this dangerous problem. The Board’s stance is that if they feel that any incident is gang related they will use all available means to investigate and determine if it is gang related. If so determined as gang related they will use the utmost extent of their powers and remedies available in doling out a punishment. They referenced problems from the time around 1992-93 when they had similar problems with local gangs in schools. They expelled them and the problem was quelled. They did not go into much details about the situation during the time.

Expelling students is hard and very likely will lead to them to be lost souls and to problems within our community being out and about on their own. This brings us to the age old question is there a point when one is totally lost? I understand each individual is special and is afforded his personhood, but when one’s actions takes him away from being a good person so far that not even an intimation of the good person one once was or could be is found, is he to be left to his immanent demise? Educators face this dilemma everyday, especially administrators who have to deal with alternative kids who are on the cusp of falling too far away or gang members who pose that ever dreadful thought of some heinous act as a shooting. What are we to do? The mission of the education system is to provide the tools and structure which is to be utilized to become productive good citizens. Some choose to ignore this mission taught by our educators and subsequently will inhibit the classroom/school.

I work in these schools and let me tell you this is real! I can look at a problem student and work back throughout his life and ultimately back to the home and give a pretty close assessment of what the student has done and where he has come from. It’s sad, it really is. These students who are coming up are our future, not to use that hackneyed term, but it is the truth. I feel, as well as others in the profession is that one of the main problems in education, especially in the area, is the support at home. If the schools commitment is not echoed back at the home then there is only so much the schools can do and have done. These kids become lost and unfortunately a detriment to the school system. I pray and hope that these kids get some insight and change. The alternative programs and teachers/administrators do get to some of these kids and become success stories, but not enough.

Why have things been getting worse? Gangs? Demographics? Local opportunities? The administrators have a huge onus of responsibility and accountability. These educators are faced with both Federal Compliance coupled with the needs of the local community and individual schools. It is hard to get these kids to succeed with the pull of a unstable home life while maintaining the standards set forth by the government and our responsibility and belief in in education of each individual. Again they can only do so much and it is up to those at home to help.

This is a constant reminder that our decisions before we have children make an impact on when we have children. If we can not support ourselves or have the skills to be these all important parents then when those who have kids are going to be at a huge uphill climb to succeed in providing a good life for those children. I give kudos to all who work to give our children an education, administrators, teachers, substitutes, janitors, coaches… For now, as our administrators work to preserve our community through education of our generations we can only commit to the ideals of the good of education, work diligently to preserve and practice these ideals, and be unwavering in our continuing effort to education. This is one battle where as Lombardi would say, “There is no substitute for victory”!

This post reflects the opinions/feelings of the Wicomico Board of Education Administrators as well as partially mine. I tried best to reflect these feelings with a limited time to get the post up.

Nick

County Council Meeting Highlights

The Council meeting set off to a somber note with a kind words and a moment of silence for the passing of Richard Hazel lead by Councilman McCain. Again, Mr. Hazel you will be missed.
The first order of business was the discussion of the 2009 State Capital Project grants. Each branch’s representative spoke the usual on why their department were needing and deserving of the grant money for the 2009 fiscal year. There were no major objections by anyone in the public crowd during the hearing. Under General Government the Housing Authority request for $111,300 for Multifamily Apartment Complex was noted that it would be withdrawn from the CIP. 2009 was the only year that monies were to be allotted for the project.

The next major business dealt with the restoration of the Youth and Civic Center through a 2 million dollar bond. I’m all for keeping up the Civic Center but an interesting point was made on the amount of competition that it has to face. The list went on from Cambridge’s Hyatt to every string of centers to Ocean City and the colleges. One thing that the Civic Center has is an open venue for music. I for one am desperate to get great live music. The venues on the other side of the bridge bring in acts all the time, from the local circuit bands to the national headliners. This would be a great outlet for everyone as to adding to the lack of evening/night entertainment which the area lacks. Bring in the bands and get some economy in as well as money which will improve the Center.

Unfortunately I did not have the numbers in front of me from the Wicomico Liquor Board Audit but there were three interesting points made by Gail Bartkovich and Stevie Prettyman. Again, I’m sorry but not having the papers in front of me gave me a small problem of following along. Councilwoman Bartkovich raised the question to John Stern about a discrepancy in numbers from 2005 which affected the current audit numbers. I’m sure Joe will have the full details as he is so capable requisitioning by some means. John did say he would immediately look at the discrepancy Gail pointed out and report back.

Councilwoman Prettyman raised two key points which I believe were thrown around in a previous post. 1. Why was there a increase from $26,000 to $46,000 in advertising expenditures when the WLCB has a monopoly on liquor sales? And why was there over $50,000 plus in renovation expenditures to store #2 for services rendered by the Allessi Co? Makes your head wonder. The response was not there for the advertising question and the response for the renovations was that services from Allessi was the best bang for the buck. Plausible but thanks to Councilwoman Prettyman for pointing out some suspect stuff.

The original reason I attended the meeting was for the open work session concerning the gang activity in schools and the alternative program. I work in the trenches for the Board of Ed as a fulltime substitute and it is important to be informed about your working conditions as well as the procedures they go upon. The Board of Ed. Members first discussed the Choices and Ombudsman alternative learning programs which the County offers. The Ombudsman program was introduced and implemented at the beginning of the 07/08 school year to help provide support for the alternative program and to learn from the Ombudsman program ways and methods. Both programs have been working simultaneously. WBOE presented that the Ombudsman program was a good program it just was not cost effective. To date 33 kids have been a part of the program and around 23 students are currently enrolled. The number of enrolled students change based on the number of students who qualify to be let out of the program and the influx based on the number who qualify.

The WBOE entered a 3 year contract, with an no buy out opt out, at $360,000 total or at $6,000 per student which allows for 60 slots that are available. This price tag is over $3,000 less than the standard cost per student. The problem which was presented is that the $360,000 does not cover food or transportation. The Board has to transport these alternative students from their door, to school, and back to the door because they cause problems on the busses with the regular students. Both the Service and Ombudsman programs are two separate locations which requires more resources and money to be used to keep the regular students safe.

WBOE estimated that the program would be full, but it is not. The other costs and the fact that the program is not getting filled is not cost effective and thus will be opting out of the contract without penalty to the County. The Board is exhibiting some practical wisdom here. First of all they took a very big step in introducing this program to improve and save some kids from ultimate disaster in their lives. They are to be applauded. They assessed that it is not the best thing at the right time. They however have learned a lot from the Ombudsman program which they have implemented in the Service program which they have said has improved it immensely. They feel the Service program is the best course right now. The Board committed to continually finding solutions and a course of action to improve these troubled students lives.
For your information to get admitted into the alternative program a student must have either committed an egregious act, have been suspended for 11 days, all typical means of discipline exhausted, or be referred to a reviewing board on a case to case basis.

I'm sure Joe will have his take on some of this....

WBI

There have been a few comments on various posts relating to the Sheriff's Office getting recognition for much of what was done relating to the Ray Lewis case. Everyone should know that the investigation was conducted by the WBI, or Wicomico Bureau of Investigation. WBI is comprised of Deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office and Maryland State Troopers from "E" Barrack (Salisbury). This multi-jurisdictional venture began in 2000 or 2001 (if memory serves me) as an effort to consolidate the crime solving skills of two separate law enforcement agencies and to eliminate barriers, such as lack of information sharing, which often hinder law enforcement efforts to solve crimes. This resulted in a collection of men and women who can dedicate their time and focus their efforts on solving crimes in Wicomico County that the Road Patrol Divisions would not be able to solve due to time constraints. The WBI work as a team. They don't look at one another as Deputies or Troopers but rather as Co-workers and Team mates. This type of collective effort should be the rule rather than the exception. If every aspect of law enforcement worked together this well to address the quality of life issues of the communities in Wicomico County, I believe we would all enjoy lower crime rates and safer neighborhoods. To the WBI - Great Job! Most of us are good, law abiding citizens and you have made us proud today.

UPDATE

I am in a rush to get out of here again so I must apologize to everyone waiting for further details on the Ray Lewis Case.

After visiting the Press Conference at the Sheriff's Department, some VERY interesting things have come about. RAY LEWIS IS OUT! As a matter of fact, everyone charged was released on their own recognizance! Talk about a boat load of sh!t!

As you know I'll be back later with lots to say about this, imagine someone going into a Bank and robbing them for $500,000.00. Do THEY get out on their own? This is simply unbelievable!

I'll be back after the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department Meeting. Don't miss it, if you can make it. It's tonight at 6:00 PM as well as the Wicomico County CIP Meeting at 6:00 PM.

The Daily Times Proves They're Now # 2

Speaking of #2, A.S.A.P. sewage and Ray Lewis Construction is in deep sh!t and we all know that by now. However, The Daily Times refused to cover this major event. No pictures, no reporters, nothing! They have simply made a few phone calls and got a very weak story posted, but I can assure you they'll be at the 3:00 Press Conference.

The Lewis Family Arrives

Ray Lewis' Parents showed up just moments after their Son was taken away in handcuffs. Could you imagine doing this to your Family?

Many have suggested I revisit the story I produced last summer referencing alleged dumping of raw sewage into fields in Parsonsburg. Some confronted me today talking about how they've been trying to get Ray Lewis for some 8 years now for alleged illegal dumping.

It looks like the Sheriff's Department and WBI have their work cut out for them.

Recycle This!

The Wicomico County Sheriff's Department had the Wicomico County Recycling Center in a sort of lock down mode this morning. While I traveled from one location to the other, clearly people inside this area were concerned, yet quiet about what was going on. Once the cameras started snapping pictures everyone started moving around and the next thing I knew they were pulling out of there in rollbacks and heading over to the Crime Scene to load all the stolen merchandise. Why they had this particular area closed off this morning can only be that some of the material and items recovered came from this lot. Perhaps we'll know more at 3:00 today?

Illegal Diesel Fuel Tanks

These were the tanks "I COULD SEE" from standing behind a barricade. Makes you wonder just how many others there could be on the Lewis Construction Site?

One of the things I learned while I was out there was that you must have a 3 foot concrete wall around each and every tank for safety. Not one of them was legal. Nor was the fuel stored inside.

A gentleman came by while I was standing out front and he said, does this have anything to do with diesel fuel? When I asked him why he was asking he replied, we've been missing a ton of diesel fuel, that's all. Hmmmmmmm?

It's A Convoy!

Wicomico County stopped everything they were doing with their rollbacks and dispatched them to Lewis Construction with an entire Staff to load them. Ladies & Gentlemen, there's a lot of stuff at this location and this could go on for days. There were three trucks that came while I was there and they wasted no time at all taking back what was theirs. It simply makes you wonder just how many people knew about this and or were involved. The next Post will show the illegal Diesel storage tanks all over the place too.

EXCLUSIVE! Ray Lewis Goes Out In Handcuffs

While the Sheriff's Department escorted Ray Lewis out the back door in handcuffs, I was the only one who caught it on camera. There are several other scenes in which I had the heads up on, no one else got. More to come.......

Rolling In The Sh!t!

As the photos above clearly show tires being removed, if you click on the first photo you'll also see boxes upon boxes of Anti Freeze and Motor Oil also stored in this shed. The tires were rolling out like an assembly line and they haven't even started on the two warehouse buildings.

In another Post I'll show you the rollback trucks that were coming in one after the other to retrieve the County's assets. Between all the WBI Agents and County Employees, they were simply everywhere and everyone was absolutely amazed!

I'm told each tire is valued anywhere between $250.00 to $400.00 each!

If Fidel Castro Can Resign, So Can Russ Blake; or Must Pocomoke Citizens Wait another 17 Years?

Today Cuba has been freed by the yoke of slavery cast upon it by Dictator in Chief Fidel Castro since 1958. Fidel Castro announced today that he is resigning from the office of Supreme Diktator of Kuba and President for Life after clinging to power for 49-years.

Dictator Russell Blake, un-elected ruler of Pocomoke City, Maryland for 32-years can take a lesson from Fidel Castro (who like Russ has run his fiefdom with an iron fist) and simply resign, retain some dignity and fade away into the sunset.

X-Councilman Honiss Cane whom has had a seat at the table for 22-years without the formality of a second election could learn from Field Castros example.

The actions of X-Councilman Honiss Cane in illegally and immorally clinging to power combined with Dictator and Pocomoke President for Life, Russell Blakes, refusal to close the city’s open air drug market have caused the City government to lose credibility with the people and other government agencies.

Your corruption and evil ways have been exposed removing the small thread of credibility which people claimed for King Blake, that he could fill out a form to obtain free government money… The people have accepted dis-enfranchisement in exchange for crumbs off the government teat.

CITIZENS take a look at the waste land that is called downtown Pocomoke, watch the tumbleweeds blow and look at the EMPTY LOTS, King Blake tore down most of the buildings… Then cruise up Fourth Street to score some refreshing crack cocaine for the family to enjoy… This is the legacy that X-Councilman Cane & City manager for Life Russell Blake have left behind for the citizens.

The time of the iron fist dinosaur is over.

Thank you Mr. Castro for setting a fine example to the leaders of Pocomoke City to follow.

More Information on the Theft of Goods from Wicomico County

The following are more details relating to the theft of various goods from the Taxpayers of Wicomico County which were relayed to me by Joe Albero. Joe is currently out at A.S.A.P. Septic Service on Forest Grove Rd.

Pursuant to a 12 month investigation by the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office and the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation, Sheriff Mike Lewis conducted a traffic stop at approximately 9:00 p.m. on 2/18/08 on a box truck which was travelling west on Rt. 50, west of Shorebirds Stadium in Parsonsburg, MD. The truck was subsequently searched and found to contain approx. 500 gals. of diesel fuel, tires, and misc. stolen truck parts.

A short time later, two search warrants were executed. One at the business address of Ray Lewis Construction and A.S.A.P. Septic Service on Forest Grove Rd. in Parsonsburg, MD, and the other at the office of Wicomico County Public Works in Salisbury.

The search of the Forest Grove Rd. premises revealed two large warehouse sized buildings filled from floor to ceiling with large containers of diesel fuel, tires, and truck parts which apparently belong to Wicomico County. It is believed that these items were intended for distribution in and around Maryland and Delaware.

Ray Lewis has been arrested. Three employees of Wicomico County are being questioned and it has been said that they are cooperating fully with police. Future arrests may involve some employees of the businesses owned by Ray Lewis.

Wicomico County is currently working on assembling a fleet of dump trucks to retrieve and transport the stolen items so that they can be stored on County property.

There will be a press conference at 3:00 p.m. today which, I understand, will clearly show the magnitude of the crime involved here.

More information to come as the case unfolds.

MASSIVE BREAKING NEWS

The Wicomico County Sheriff's Department has exposed a local businessman who allegedly conspired to steal more than $500,000.00 worth of diesel fuel, tires and parts. I will have more details after I return from the scene.

Ray Lewis of ASAP and Lewis Construction is one of the people arrested and allegedly involved along with THREE County Employees. Search Warrants have been served to Mr. Sharma's office, (he is NOT involved) and the County Landfill is shut down while under investigation.

This is huge Folks, stay tuned.

A New Blog Has Arrived, "On Your Side"

GO HERE to see the new Blog.

A Newsletter for Citizens from Salisbury City Council Members Deborah S. Campbell and Terry E. Cohen

February 15, 2008


About
Debbie Campbell

Debbie Campbell's fiscal management and research experience has resulted in millions of dollars for affordable housing programs throughout the country, including the City of Salisbury. She serves as the director of Special Projects for NHSA-CDFI, a national affordable housing lender.

Debbie's passion for service to local citizens led to her role today as a council member, built on a foundation of work with programs such as Weed and Seed
and continued through her efforts with the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress.

This record of service, including 15 years in affordable housing, resulted in Debbie's selection as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women for 2007.


About
Terry Cohen

Throughout most of her adult life, Terry Cohen has been an advocate for citizens and a leader in her community, championing issues instead of ideologies and putting the public interest above political gamesmanship.

In 1984 at age 26, she was appointed by the governor to a state commission to guide policy affecting the economic, legal and societal well-being of Maryland
citizens and their families. She was reappointed by the next governor in 1988.

Today, Terry brings her experience in legislative affairs and an extensive background in business (from small companies to Fortune 500 corporations),
education, technology and government to serve citizens from all walks of life.

Good News About Bad News
from the Audit Report:
Driving Positive Change

After years of late city audits and limited discussion about them, Debbie Campbell's dedication to the importance of an audit and sound management of taxpayer money has paid off, aided by Terry Cohen's added voice of fiscal responsibility and
accountability on the council. Here, Campbell and Cohen discuss their specific efforts to bring about positive change.

On February 14, our hard work on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers of Salisbury paid off. Council had a productive work session and arrived at consensus on a number of important next steps to rectify the growing problem of financial mismanagement in our city. This problem has escalated in recent years, according to our audit reports.

1. We responded to the administration's request for staffing in the Internal Services Department without unsoundly throwing bodies or money at a problem before we've determined its root cause. In the short term, the current auditor will provide personnel to bring up to date delinquent reconciliations as far back as
August 2007.

2. We successfully advocated for bidding the services of a regional auditor to examine the city's financial status, as well as the long-term staffing needs for
efficient and reliable operation of our city's financial department. This will result in recommendations to remedy the financial mismanagement that has plagued the city for years.

3. We ensured that the 5-year competitive bid process provided for in the charter was honored with a decision to bid out the annual audit.

The city still has funds illegally deposited in an uninsured/uncollateralized account. Unfortunately, the council president adjourned the meeting early,
before we could address charter changes needed to increase accountability and restore checks and balances. We will continue to pursue these important
components to ensure the health, efficiency and soundness of our financial and governmental operations.

A Special Note for Homeowners About the Homeowners Tax Credit

A change in state law to reduce tax fraud now requires homeowners to apply for their Homeowners Tax Credit, instead of receiving it automatically. You'll find the application form in your Maryland property tax assessment notice this month. To be eligible, you must answer five (5) questions on the application attesting to your home's use as your primary residence. This is a ONE-TIME application, but it
must be filed by April 1, 2008. To file electronically, go to:
http://www.dat.state.md.us/.

Look on left side of this site under property owners for additional information.
Homestead Tax Credit Questions: www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/Homestead_app.htm I seem to be having trouble with this link. I'm told if you copy it and paste it, it should work.


Homestead Eligibility Application:
https://sdathtc.resiusa.org/homestead
Also remember on your Maryland tax return to note thatyou live within the incorporated limits of Salisbury.

"The City did not prepare timely, accurate, and complete reconciliations of all cash and investment accounts....The lack of timely reconciliations and reviews...has impaired the City's ability to report reliable financial data." -- Trice Geary & Myers LLC Certified Public Accountants/Business Consultants

To read more, contact Campbell or Cohen for copies of the audit communications or internal control letter.

Moving Annexation Policy Forward with Affordable Housing

Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen have continued their efforts to improve annexation policy in Salisbury. They requested a special council meeting, held on
December 12, with the city's annexation consultant, Chris Jakubiak. During this meeting, language advocated by both councilwomen was tightened for the protection of the city and its citizens. A change in contract process recommended by Cohen was added.

Out of this meeting came a request for Campbell to provide a list of resources for affordable housing. Campbell explained that, in the process of obtaining the most current information regarding state resources, an opportunity evolved to bring the state's experts to Salisbury for a forum with developers interested in providing affordable and workforce housing for the citizens of Salisbury. Additionally,
Campbell shared a vision of how to significantly leverage developer contributions from the annexation process.

The model would provide a continuous financing mechanism in perpetuity for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in the city, without the
duplication of, or competition with, already successful and available non-profit services and resources in the city that would be encountered with the formation of a city-owned/managed community development corporation (CDC). The model also
maximizes the developer contributions for their intended purposes and could attract additional outside resources. Campbell credits a diverse group of volunteers with thinking through the mechanism needed to make the model a reality for the city. She is also convening an affordable housing forum for local developers on March 6.

Tenants, Homeowners Can Benefit from Rental Registration Information Now Online

Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen both urged the posting of current rental unit registration and landlord licensing information online. Tenants and homeowners
alike are excited about the easy access to information that should assist in assuring safe, code-complaint rental units in the city. Go to:
http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Departments/NeighborhoodServicesandCodeCompliance/tabid/536/Default.aspx

Councilwomen Campbell And Cohen To Hold Open Government Public Input Meeting

In response to ongoing constituent feedback regarding open government, Councilwomen Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen invite citizens to share their ideas and concerns about increasing transparency in Salisbury city government during a public input meeting Thurs., Feb. 21, from 7-9 p.m. at Las Palmas Restaurant in the Goliath Shopping Center, next to Giant Food.

The scope of the topic runs the gamut from how meetings are conducted to gaining access to various types of information. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The two council members have also launched a newsletter currently in distribution.

An online version can be viewed at: HERE


For more information, contact Councilwoman Campbell at 410-860-0893 or Councilwoman Cohen at 410-845-0296.

Councilwoman Terry Cohen On Bill Reddish

Councilwoman Terry Cohen will be on the Bill Reddish Show at 7:40 AM. That's WICO, 1320 AM.

Richard Hazel Has Passed Away

Mr. Dick Hazel passed away at his home this past Saturday at the age of 78. The former owner of Pepsi Bottling Company in Salisbury was well known for his giving nature throughout the Salisbury community and will be deeply missed. Mr. Hazel passed away from complications of Alzheimer's.

The viewing for Mr. Hazel will be at the Holloway Funeral Home Thursday, from 6 to 9 PM. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 PM at Oak Ridge Baptist Church. May God Bless Your Soul and Thank You for all you have given.

Bennett Girls Take 3rd at State Indoor Track Meet

PG County Sports Complex

The Bennett Girls conlcuded their indoor season with an impressive 30 points to take third place in the 2-A State Meet. The Clippers tied Northpoint for third and was only 1 point behind second place Loch Raven. Middletown took the State Crown with 48 points. Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you to score 30 points in a State track meet is down right impressive. The pool of quality athletes and the number of different teams that participate makes it hard to score points. Litterally one individual athlete can win the meet by themselves, its been done! Bennet has been producing State Championships, champions, and top 6 finishers every year!

Hats off to the Bennett athletes and coaching staff! Congrats goes out to Ashley Orr, Savanna Bozman, Megan Bebee, Chakira Sells, Briqeque Woodson, Keli Berkman, Chimere Stevenson, the 4x200 team, and the 4x800 team!

Public Input Meeting On Increasing Transparency In Salisbury Government

Public Input Meeting on Increasing Transparency in Salisbury Government

Thursday, Feb. 21, 7-9 p.m.

Las Palmas Restaurant

Goliath Shopping Center, Roland St.

(next to Giant Shopping Center)



In response to ongoing constituent input regarding open government, Councilwomen Campbell and Cohen invite the public to share their ideas and concerns about increasing transparency in Salisbury Government, from how meetings are conducted to gaining access to various types of information.



Bring a friend!

Seating is first-come, first-served.

High School Teams At 1A/2A State Indoor Track Meet

Prince Georges Athletic Complex

The PG County Athletic Complex is a wonderful facility which hosts both regional and state level indoor track meets for Maryland. It has a full 200 meter 6 lane composite track which boasts some fast times that have been ran on it. I had some great memories on that track competing in the mile and half mile at state meet my senior year (my first year living in Maryland). I'm glad to see these young athletes getting the opportunity to have the same experiences and opportunities I had when I ran in high school! The Salisbury area actually has a great base for great performances and sending many athletes on to compete at the collegiate level. Points for team scores go out to the top 6 competetors only! Congrats to these individuals!

Note: results will be continually added...

Women’s 1-A
Place
14 Lake, Dinah Washington 45.96 300m
5 Early, Jessie Mardela 12:53.84 3200m
8 Washington 'A' 1:55.68 4 x 200
9 Mardela 'A' 11:44.39 4x800
10 Scott, Celina Snow Hill 6.97m shot put

Women’s 2-A
Place
3 Orr, Ashley J M Bennett 7.47 55m
8 Robinson, Lora Parkside 43.58 300m
5 Wright, Amanda Parkside 5:38.06 1600m
12 Bozman, Savannah J M Bennett 6:10.83 1600m
9 Bozman, Savannah J M Bennett 13:18.98 3200m
11 Beebe, Megan J M Bennett 13:25.21 3200m
2 Sells, Chakira J M Bennett 8.87 55m hurdles
3 Woodson, Briqeque J M Bennett 9.00 55m hurdles
10 James M Bennett 'A' 1:53.66 4 x200m
12 Parkside 'A' 4:36.01 4x400m
5 Parkside 'A' 10:29.10 4x800m
7 James M Bennett 'A' 10:30.85 4x800m
6 Purnell, Shimae Wicomico 1.47m high jump
9 Stevenson, Chimere J M Bennett 8.69m shot put
10 Berkman, Keli J M Bennett 8.55m shot put

Boys 1-A

Place
8 Cotton, Maurice Washington 2:12.13 800m
5 Cotton, Maurice Washington 4:48.02 1600m
7 Snow Hill 'A' 1:40.71 4x200m

Boys 2-A
Place
9 Bryant, Kwame Parkside 37.64 1 300m
12 Smith, Eldon Wicomico 38.52 300m
5 Dashield, Gerrit J M Bennett 2:07.91 800m
9 Webster, Dan J M Bennett 2:11.54 800m
5 Webster, Dan J M Bennett 4:44.77 1600m
9 Wood, Eric Parkside 10:50.06 3200m
7 Dorman, Zach J M Bennett 3.50m Pole vault

Pocomoke Police REFUSE to Enforce Laws Against X-Councilman Honiss Cane

The Pocomoke Police Department working under Pocomoke City’s un-elected DICTATOR of 32-years Russell Blake, City Manager are refusing to enforce public law & policy… ITS OFFICIAL THE POCOMOKE CITY GOVERNMENT IS OPENLY CORRUPT!

Numerous complaints have been made about X-Councilman Honiss Cane’s moving outside of his district and no longer being qualified (according to the City Charter) to retain his seat on the Pocomoke City Council. Apparently this and many other laws do not apply to ‘Boss Hoggs’ cronies.

X-Councilman Honiss Cane owns a derelict property of Fourth Street which has had no less than 10-untagged vehicles parked junking up the area. The only apparent business being done from Cane’s location on Fourth Street is street level crack cocaine dealing.

Word on the street is the Cane family has openly controlled the crack cocaine market in Pocomoke City which is why the police department turns a ‘blind eye’ and the only drug arrests that stick are made by outside law enforcement agencies WHEN THE POCOMOKE POLICE DEPT IS EXCLUDED FROM THE BUST!!!

City Manager Russ Blake is in charge of the Police Department hence the reason I blame him as being personally responsible for the open air drug market on Fourth Street operating with impunity for over 20-years.

The fact that ground zero for the Pocomoke Free Trade ‘Crack Dealing’ Zone is property owned by X-Councilman Cane is more proof of the openly corrupt government that Pocomoke City has allowed for years.

The Mayor of Pocomoke City stated in the Tattler Forums that X-Councilman Cane had been sent certified letters from the Police Dept about his untagged cars and that he would be dealt with like any other citizen. Now he is dealing with the reality that Russ Blake and his stooges run Pocomoke City and there is not a damn thing anyone can do about it!

Word on the street is X-Councilman Honiss Cane is supporting OUSTED X-Councilman Don Holdren in his race for District Three City Council. OUSTED X-Councilman Don Holdren is currently fleecing the citizens of Pocomoke City out of millions of dollars with his involvement in the’ Discovery Center’ and is being paid over $1,000 per week just to show up.

OUSTED X-Councilman Don Holdren is clearly dumber than a box of rocks being X-Councilman Canes ‘Stooge’ boy to split the white vote on election day… something about Cane not being elected to the Democratic Central Committee…

OUSTED X-Councilman Holdren can only see the Grand a week he is getting for being Boss Hogg’s stooge and is expected to continue with his stupidity, even though he has been told by his ‘Grand PooBah‘ at the Lodge to stand down.

Life is grand in Pocomoke City, open corruption, payola in the light of day, blatant disregard of law by Boss Hogg’s cronies.

Crack Cocaine is easily available day and night on Fourth Street courtesy of X-Councilman Cane and Boss Hogg Ruler, Russ Blake at Pocomoke City Hall.

Citizens are not allowed to have even one untagged car on their private property or it will be towed. X-Councilman Honiss Cane is allowed 12 total piece of crap untagged vehicles junking up two properties (one is crack central).

The Pocomoke City Charter requires a City Councilman to LIVE IN HIS DISTRICT!

X-Councilman Cane has moved outside his district to Butlers Village and waves a phone bill to his former residence on Fourth Street claiming its where he lives. Mr. Cane you are a liar and everyone in town knows it.

The Police Dept of a small town of 4,000 people claims it cannot shut down an open air drug market in a 4 square block area, because ground zero belongs to X-Councilman Honiss Cane…

What an openly corrupt city we live in. How much has Russ Blake been paid by the drug dealers to allow 20-years of a free trade zone?

X-Councilman Cane has a stooge OUSTED X-Councilman Don Holdren to split the white vote in the upcoming City Council election. OUSTED X-Councilman Candidate Don Holdren has submitted totally bogus financial reports for the ‘Discovery Center’ to the State Senate to qualify for a bond issue. The Discovery Center does not have a chance of making a dime in profits, ever and has fleeced the citizens out of $8 million and counting.

A Grand a week for Holdren? what a scumbag to openly ripoff the people, be Cane’s stooge and getting a few bucks as political payback from Boss Hogg.

People of Pocomoke City be advised that the laws do not apply if your name is Cane, Holdren or Blake in Pocomoke City…

To any citizens with EVIDENCE please click the FBI POLITICAL CORRUPTION LINK at the top of this page and file a report. There is a federal investigation into the openly corrupt dealings at Pocomoke City Hall and they will go down.

As long as the unelected dictator of Pocomoke City for 32-years, Russ Blake, continues to darken the doorway of Pocomoke City Hall your vote for any city official is worthless and crack will be plentiful for the children.

Robin Holloway, President Of The WCBOE Responds

I sincerely understand the concerns of many citizens who believe the Wicomico County Board of Education is "top heavy." Ensuring high student achievement, safe schools, and providing effective and efficient operations are the top three goals of the seven member school board. Constantly the board looks for cost effective ways to improve in these areas, and there is always more work to do.

The Maryland State Department of Education 2006 -2007 FACT BOOK can be downloaded at
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE
Specifically refer to pp 8 - 9 to get comparative data on Equivalent Staff (Full time Equivalent) size for all districts in MD. Page 1 of the book will provide numbers of students for each county to put the data in context.

Just as an example, Worcester has 6,830 students. Wicomico has more than double at 14,427. Yet both districts have 3 in Central Office leadership positions: superintendent and assistant superintendents. (Two years ago when Mr. Field became interim Superintendent, he stepped up from Asst. Superintendent and this position was never re-filled). Worcester has 24 Directors, coordinators, supervisors, pupil personnel workers, school and social workers. Wicomico has 51.

Our comparative and ratio data is very close to Worcester and other counties with a similar number of students.

This data must also be considered in context with the students we serve. Wicomico now has 47% of our students qualifying for Free & Reduced meals (FARM), an indication of economic disadvantage by federal guidelines. Worcester has 32% FARM students.

If you look at Title 1 students, (p. 30), Worcester has 1,212 . Wicomico has 2,920. This is more than double Worcester and a much greater % of the student population. (Title 1 is a federal program to help disadvantaged children meet challenging content and student performance standards.) To receive the federal funds, a full time person or grants administrator - must coordinate and adhere to the program guidelines. In addition, a larger % of Wicomico's student population qualify for Special Education services and are English Language Learners.

These students (FARM, Title 1, ELL & Special Ed) are called Students at Risk. Wicomico ranks among the top 5 districts in MD for the largest number of at-risk students. Thus, more staff is required to address these needs and coordinate a myriad of grant programs and community services to address the needs of these students.

While the frustration and community concern have simmered over the last seven years with the perception that the BOE wastes money, I have witnessed the FARM rate of Wicomico County students climb from 36% to 47% and an almost untenable increase in federal and state requirements and mandates that increase the cost of public education. In some of our in Salisbury elementary schools (like Prince Street Elementary), 77% of the students are on Free & Reduced meals. Wicomico has more than 200 students who are homeless by federal defintions. The demographics of Wicomico County are changing exponentially, student and family needs are growing, and at the same time, we are spending less per pupil than the state average and our neighbors in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset. (pp. 26-27 of the FACT BOOK).

If Joe and/or GA will contact me at RHHolloway@yahoo.com, I will work diligently to get you any information needed to clarify some of the long held misconceptions about the Wicomico County BOE.

Most BOE employees work very hard to maximize student achievement, provide a safe learning environment, attain greater organizational efficiency and ensure compliance. It is not a perfect system by any measure, but there are passionate and dedicated educators and staff working diligently in often challenging circumstances to achieve results.

The Board of Education is in the final stages of a national search for a four year superintendent of schools. It is my greatest hope that this community can come together and support a new superintendent for the future of our 14,500 Wicomico school age children.

Robin Holloway
President
Wicomico County Board of Education

Management Of Taxpayers Money Is A Train Wreck

Last Thursday evening during a Salisbury City Council Work Session a multitude of new issues came up with Pam Oland and Herb Geary.

We are currently 3/4 of the way into this year and the City, (Pam Oland) has only reconciled the books up till August, 2007! That's like not balancing your own check book since last August!

Why hasn't the Council had meetings about the Year To Date Budget to actual, to what was projected up till March?

Then there's the major concern referencing Unsecured Accounts. For the past three years, (could be much longer) Councilwoman Campbell has been bringing up the concern referencing tons of taxpayers money being placed illegally in Unsecured Accounts. While we have seen what can happen in the Banking Industry, the Savings & Loan crisis, the City, Mayor or Finance Department have been on notice for this illegal activity and when asked Thursday night if this has been cleared up and or are there and more Unsecured Accounts, Pam Oland stated 1 has been corrected, 1 has not.

This floored Herb Geary as he was obviously unaware of there being a NEW Unsecured Account. Trice Geary knew this was a hot topic in the past and could not believe the City would be so irresponsible again to allow it to continue, especially since it had been red flagged.

The Unsecured Account is a new account and Pam Oland responded to Mrs. Campbell by stating, It isn't a problem unless the Bank goes belly up. How dare Pam Oland be so irresponsible with Taxpayers money!

In closing, Louise Smith should have demanded Pam Oland be terminated immediately. Considering this has been an ongoing situation, Pam Oland is proving time and time again as an alleged CPA, she doesn't belong running this Department for one second longer.

The Tilghman Administration is failing miserably and with any hope, outside resources like The Attorney Generals Office will in fact step in and protect the Citizens of Salisbury.

Does public corruption really have an impact on people's lives?

FBI: Absolutely. Public corruption can take funding away from your child's school and even prevent your street from being re-paved. Police who take bribes endanger your neighborhood. And guess who ultimately foots the bill for these crimes? We all do...through higher taxes. The Government Accountability Office estimates that at least 10 percent of the funding for federal government programs is lost to public corruption and government fraud every year. We're talking tens of billions of dollars.

This is a continuing series on the Pocomoke Tattler from the FBI files on Political Corruption in an attempt to give hope to the people of Pocomoke City. We have been invited to be 'Guest Posters' on the SBY News and thank you for your support.

This interview with Special Agent Dan O'Brien is from June 2005 when the FBI announced POLITICAL CORRUPTION TO BE AMONGST THE HIGHEST PRIORITIES.

It's #4 in our top 10 list of investigative priorities—following counterterrorism, espionage, and cyber. Why do we rank it so highly? What are we doing to stop it? For the answers to these questions and more, we talked with Supervisory Special Agent Dan O'Brien, chief of our Public Corruption and Government Fraud program at FBI Headquarters.

Q: Why's the FBI so concerned about public corruption?

Dan: Two main reasons. First, it strikes at the core of what our country's about. Our democracy depends on a healthy, efficient, and ethical government—whether it's in the courtroom or the halls of Congress. Second, public corruption can have a direct impact on national security. For example, in a recent case in Arizona, 26 current and former department of motor vehicles (DMV) employees were indicted for taking cash bribes for fake driver's licenses, ID cards, and even a hazmat license. What if it's a terrorist trying to get one of those licenses? We've also seen bribes paid at our borders to let drugs come into the country. Again, what if a bribe lets a terrorist get through?

Q: What kinds of crimes are involved?
Dan: They run the gamut. Embezzlement. Voter fraud. Subsidy fraud. Illegal kickbacks. For example, a health inspector might threaten to report code violations unless a restaurant owner pays a bribe. Or a government official might award a contract in exchange for free work on his home or some other favor.

Q: What are you doing to stop public corruption?
Dan: Plenty. We've got a strong national program with agents in place around the nation dedicated to the issue. In our investigations, we use every tool we've got—our cyber capabilities, our surveillance skills, our ability to track financial dealings around the world. Last year, we opened over 900 cases, which led to over 650 convictions or guilty pleas. We're also proactive. We've got analysts specifically trained to uncover corruption, and our agents always have an eye out for new and evolving angles. We’ve got a new initiative to identify DMV employees nationwide who issue fraudulent IDs for bribes and kickbacks. And we’re working with state governments to identify fraud and ways to prevent it.

Q: Does public corruption really have an impact on people's lives?
Dan: Absolutely. Public corruption can take funding away from your child's school and even prevent your street from being re-paved. Police who take bribes endanger your neighborhood. And guess who ultimately foots the bill for these crimes? We all do...through higher taxes. The Government Accountability Office estimates that at least 10 percent of the funding for federal government programs is lost to public corruption and government fraud every year. We're talking tens of billions of dollars.

Q: Last question: what should people do if they come across evidence of public corruption activities?
Dan: By all means, call us! If you don't want to give your name, leave an anonymous tip.
It's pretty obvious that the Pocomoke City Government is DOING NOTHING to clean up it's act or to get rid of 32-years of iron hand dictatorship under City Manager Russell Blake.

The City Government is lining up to support X-Councilman Cane in junking up the community with his untagged cars, illegal retention of a city council seat. The Mayor has proclaimed that 'Fourth Street is not an “Open Air Drug Market” unless your definition of such is African American pedestrian traffic.'

Citizens of Pocomoke, pick up the phone, write a letter, click the TIP link you don't have to take it anymore.

Salisbury News Welcomes Boss Hogg

Ladies & Gentlemen, I am pleased to announce Mr. Billy Burke, aka, Boss Hogg, aka, Pocomoke Tattler to the Salisbury News Team.

I think you'll find our goals to be very similar as well as our writing styles. Welcome aboard Billy.

ACC Play Heats Up For March Madness

No doubt the ACC men’s basketball is good, very good! All but two teams have overall winning records, Virginia (.500, 12-12) and Georgia Tech (.458, 11-13). But who is going to make it on Selection Sunday on March 16? With teams having around 5 games left in the regular season it is all about getting a game ahead of the other. Duke and North Carolina are in and traditionally there usually 5 ACC teams who make the Big Dance. So who are the other three? The main teams who will vie for those spots are Clemson, Maryland, Wake Forrest, and Miami of Florida. NC State and Virginia Tech are peering in hoping to get into the mix.

Opportunity #1, the remaining regular season games. Maryland upsetting UNC and recently Wake Forrest upsetting Duke proves that anything can happen in college ball. Rank means nothing! Maryland has the toughest closing schedule even having already played UNC and Duke. The Terps still have to play Clemson, Wake and Miami at their houses, and a tough Tech game away in the regular season finale. Maryland must win these games, because these teams are all in the mix, so they can lock-up their tickets to The Tourney!

Clemson, Wake, Maryland, and Miami all have similar schedules playing each other which could lend itself to two possibilities. Two of the teams basically win out and get in or it comes down to the ACC Tournament through all four teams having similar records. Miami and Wake have the two weaker conference records (4-6) and (6-5) respectively. Maryland and Clemson both are 7-4. If Miami and Wake raise their conference record it will bolster their stock for being if not the top conference in the country (The Big Ten and Big East are up there). If they finish the regular season neck and neck the selection committee will make their decisions based more on the ACC Tourney.

Opportunity #2 The ACC Tournament. The favorites are the Blue Devils and the Tar Heels to win it. The winner automatically goes to the NCAA Tourney. With the upsets handed to these two it is still a possibility that these two may not win it. If the main four contenders come in tied it will be anyone’s ball game. Once the bracket is set based on the regular season is when we will be able to make conjectures on the outcomes. But do not be surprised if it comes down to the tourney, it usually happens.

But based on schedule and records I predict Clemson will lock up a trip to the Dance at the end of the regular season. They did loose to UNC twice in overtime with one by only 2 points. They’re legit. The other three teams will find out if they’re going to the Dance in the ACC tournament; they’re too close to call. But I will throw this out there because I like to be bold. I think it will be Maryland locking up a spot as well! For the third spot, well I’m not that bold to predict.

Big Brother Is Getting Bigger

I am in full support of cameras being installed throughout the City of Salisbury. Crime is simply out of control and clearly this Mayor & Council are not willing to enlarge the Staff for the SPD.

That being said, I noticed a brand new camera yesterday on the top of Randy Taylor's building overlooking the parking lot there. My only question is, is there enough crime in that particular lot to warrant a camera? I know of one car that was broken into there in the past year or two.

I can see cameras on Church Street but again, I cannot understand a camera being installed at the traffic light at One Plaza East, Main Street & Division Street? Is this a high crime area as well? I have never heard of a problem at that location.

OK, so this will come off as really paranoid but seriously, do they simply want to see who's Downtown and when? In the past I have spoken about how interesting it is that no sooner am I in the Downtown area, Chief Webster shows up driving around. Perhaps it's a coincidence he does show up at all different times of the day or night? All I know is, I now have one next to my building Downtown and they can tell any time I come or go. Installing the one they just did on the Taylor's building is completely blocked off by the Vernon Powell building being in their way, should they claim it's there to look into the other parking lot behind the Plaza.

Oh well, I certainly have nothing to hide but it sure looks suspicious to me.

County Council Meeting Is At 6:00 PM Tuesday

AGENDA

COUNTY COUNCIL OF WICOMICO COUNTY, MD

Room 301, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland

LEGISLATIVE SESSION DAY 2008-04

AGENDA



February 19, 2008 6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. John T. Cannon, President Call to Order

Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance



6:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes of February 5, 2008



6:07 p.m. Matthew E. Creamer, Council Administrator Capital Improvements Program Public Hearing



6:27 p.m. Matthew E. Creamer, Council Administrator

1. Resolution 10-2008-Council approval of FY07 State Capital Project Grants Application and Agreement-Youth and Civic Center Renovations

2. Youth and Civic Center Restoration Bonds

3. Resolution 11-2008-Re-appointment to the Employees’ Retirement Investment Trust-Daniel Kwiatkowski

4. Resolution 12-2008-Re-Appointment to the Employees’ Retirement Investment Trust-Patricia Petersen

5. Shared Facility Agreement-Village Down River

6. Liquor Control Board Audit Presentation



6:45 pm. Edgar A. Baker, Jr.-County Attorney

Public Hearing:

Resolution 13-2008-Donation of land for Pittsville Recreation Facility



6:55 pm. Comments from Attending Citizens



7:05 p.m. Council Members’ Comments



7:10 p.m. Council President’s Comments



7:15 p.m. Adjournment



7:30 p.m. Open Work Session:

Board of Education-Discussion of Choices and Ombudsman program and

Information regarding gang activity in the schools

County Council Office Budget



8:20 p.m. Closed Work Session:

Discussion of Property Acquisition

County Council Office Budget



The County Council reserves the right to close a portion of this meeting as authorized by Section 10-(508) a of the State Government Articles of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Have YOU Ever Received This Message?

The Daily Times Story Chat can, at times, be very interesting. You see, whenever "I" get on there and post a comment, the next thing I know someone sends me this message telling me I'm no longer watching this topic. OH YES I AM! However, its not until I go back on there and post another comment that they'll allow me to get a message every time someone responds.

That being said, does this also happen to you, or am I simply chosen because I am who I am?

Is This Joe G From The Daily Times?

"GA/Joe:

I would appreciate it you would now do a compaign to see the salary comparisons among teachers in Worcester and Dorchester counties. This would be very interesting. Since it seems like you have so much time on your hands. I am sure that you could get the process started, let the daily times do most of the legwork and then sit back and claim all the glory. This would show true "journalism"."

Seems to me, Salisbury News produced this information 5 days before The Daily Times, respectfully. When WE have a Staff of more than 200 and WE start selling advertising, not only will we do so, (IN OUR FREE TIME) we'll do it better than The Daily Times. How you can feel we're taking credit is beyond me. Nevertheless, thanks for paying attention and we're sorry we hurt your feelings, Joe.

One Lesson Wicomico County Council Could Learn from Salisbury's Council

It's no secret that I'm a huge critic of the Salisbury City Council. There is one thing Salisbury Council does that is heads and tails above their county counterpart - providing information to the public about their meetings. When the agenda for each meeting is posted online, City Clerk Brenda Colegrove also includes a copy (in PDF format) of the council's briefing book. Interested citizens can download it and view information that is far more in-depth than that provided on the agenda.

A case in point is tomorrow's Wicomico County Council meeting. In a far too rare evening meeting, the County Council will hold a public hearing the proposed capital budget. How can citizens intelligently comment on something as large and complicated as a capital budget without having ready access to it. That information may be available on the county's website (somewhere), but I didn't find it. Why not make the briefing books easily accessible to the public?

cross posted on Delmarva Dealings

Technorati Tags: Maryland, Wicomico, politics, Wicomico politics, fiscal policy

Toot! Toot!

Whenever I come out with articles similar to this one I get responses, (especially on Story Chat) that I'm tooting my own horn. This may be true but it's important people realize Salisbury News is not only delivering first, we're changing the scope of information not normally provided by The Daily Times. The paper is getting fatter with news and the quality of their work is also excelling quite a bit, thankfully.

Today we're seeing important information referencing the Ocean City Fire Department and the priceless Volunteers being ousted by a controlling majority of the City Council and the Mayor of Ocean City.

It's simple, they want the Volunteers out and they want the Taxpayers to provide a 100% Full Time, Fully Paid Professional Team on Staff. This will cost the Taxpayers a fortune and no one can say that the Volunteer Chief Chris Larmore isn't qualified to direct the Paid Fire Fighters.

In a call early this morning, I spoke with one of the 20+ year Volunteers and I asked him, you guys didn't pass up offering to PAY Chris, did you? Not at all. We did make that offer and they turned us down. You see, it's all about the Paid Fire Fighters not willing to take instructions and direction from the Volunteer Chief.

For more than 100 years the Volunteers have served Ocean City proudly and unconditionally. Clearly the Paid Fire Fighters come with conditions. I personally believe people shouldn't forget where they came from, yet far too often we see this power struggle where municipalities have to prove control.

Use the City of Salisbury as a perfect example. Come on now, a $10,000,000.00 Fire Station has been constructed, why? Because they have to be the biggest and the best. Would they have BUILT a $10,000,000.00 Fire Station IF they had to pay for it themselves? Yet the Daily Times never asked THAT question. The Salisbury Zoo wants to completely rebuild with a $36,000,000.00 Master Plan, FOR WHAT? They can't even keep animals alive and everyone who visits the Zoo can clearly see that it continues to fall apart with double the Staff and a quadruple budget than previous years. You have the old Station 16 that is a valuable piece of real estate being considered as a GIFT to the Artsy Fartsy people and then they, (the SFD) have the nerve to ask for hundreds of thousands of dollars from the City AND County Taxpayers to remodel another Station, yet they aren't willing to SELL the old Station and use the funds from that sale to do the renovations.

Just like the Salisbury Zoo, they have yet to hold a single fundraiser for a so called $2,000,000.00 Animal Services Building. The AZA demanded they construct this building 3 years ago and the Zoo knows it won't cost $2,000,000.00, they start high and when all is said and done they'll get what they want without doing a thing to help fund the expense. They already got $500,000.00 committed by the Taxpayers in the City, now they want an additional $300,000.00 from the County and another $500,000.00 from the State. Pretty SLICK, if you ask me! That building shouldn't cost $700,000.00! One can only wonder if Ron Alessi will attempt to get his Crew in there to build it too?

The point here is, the City has valuable property they can sell to help pay for their wants and needs and this is why I strongly suggest the Attorney General's Office look hard and deep and any so called, FOB's. It's the IDEA of fraud, not the fact that it has happened. It's the idea of opening opportunities for such a problem at the Taxpayers expense.

The idea of Volunteers getting involved and raising funds for such wants and needs are one thing. There's a sense of PRIDE in paying for something on your own. Similar to HELPING your children purchase a vehicle and them paying you back for it. If you GIVE it to them, more than likely they will not respect it as much, knowing once they break it they can just get another one.

The City of Salisbury is hurting the Taxpayers by spoiling these organizations with freebies and each and every year, WE WANT MORE! The Fire Boat is yet another perfect example. My God, Ocean City NEEDS these Volunteers! Think about all the investors who have put up millions, actually, billions of dollars in real estate there. They pay enough taxes on property now plummeting in value, yet the City is still getting top dollars in real estate tax revenue. IF the City could afford a Fully Paid First Response Professional Team in the past, they can't afford it now because the costs are only going up while the values of property will certainly be going down.

Fire Departments are a monopoly business and the Volunteers keep them honest. Taxpayers must have Volunteers or they'll end up just like Salisbury with contention everywhere and a divided organization free to do and spend wherever they so choose.

I'm pleased to see The Daily Times writing such editorials and allowing Letters to the Editor referencing such. With enough outside pressure the scope of their news and delivery of such said news will improve their chances of survival. My only criticism of their Editorial today is, perhaps they could use words the regular Joe out there can clearly understand. No, I wasn't lost but from the many comments I get here, especially from the Fire Department, they lost pretty much most of their attention, yet the Editor looks pretty darned sophisticated.

The real question is, what's better? An article people can read and understand or the idea that they can prove their better educated? Obviously with all the hits I get here each and every day, keeping it simple gets better results. Just food for thought.

Salisbury Zoo Commission, Inc. Announces Meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Salisbury Zoo Commission will be held in the ESBA Education Building on February 20th, 2008 promptly at 2:p.m.

The monthly financial report will be reviewed prior to the meeting at 1:30 p.m. Snacks will be served.

SPD Crime Statistics

GO HERE to view the statistics!

This should blow you away!

Two Important Meetings Tuesday The DT Neglected To Post

On Tuesday, February 19th there are two very important meetings the Public should be very aware of.

The first meeting is the Ocean City Fire Department at City Hall at 6:00 PM. This will prove to be a historical event and I strongly suggest Citizens attend, especially ALL Volunteer Fire Fighters from the entire Eastern Shore.

The other meeting will be the County Council CIP Meeting held at 7:00 PM at the GOB, Room 305. I have already had a meeting with Rick Pollitt and Jim Finneran in reference to certain topics concerning the CIP and believe me when I tell you, you're going to want to attend this meeting and or watch PAC14 that evening.

I will do my very best to cover both events but I'm certain I'll be late for the Wicomico County meeting. Why the Daily Times neglected to post these meetings in today's paper is beyond me, unless they don't want them heavily attended? I can see missing one of them, but both. See you there Folks.

PRESS RELEASE

Salisbury Public Works

Service Center

Lake & Mack Streets

Salisbury MD 21801

DUE TO THE PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY

THERE WILL BE NO BULK PICK UP OR LEAF/YARD DEBRIS PICKUP ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2008.

THE NEXT SCHEDULED PICK UP FOR

BULK AND LEAF/YARD DEBRIS IS

FEBRUARY 25, 2008.

PLEASE CALL THE CITY SERVICE CENTER

AT 410-548-3177



TO HAVE YOUR NAME ADDED TO THE LIST FOR THE FEBRUARY 25TH PICK UP.