Just How Important Is The States Attorney Race In Wicomico County

One thing that truly amazes me about the States attorney race in Wicomico County AND Worcester County is the fact that most of the candidates chose NOT to do an interview with Salisbury News.

It has been reported that Seth Mitchell believes Joe Albero doesn't like him, so he refused to do one. Since when is this about Joe Albero? I have proven to be fair with each and every candidate. I bit my toungue in many interviews and did everything in my power to keep from expressing any emotions as well.

That being said, Seth, are you just as afraid of other attorneys when you go to trial? If you think you're going to get beat, do you just settle cases out of court?

Moving on, Davis Ruark also chose not to do an interview until after the primary. I should add, the same can be said for Joel Todd in Worcester County. Both men stated they have too much on their plate. No matter their strategy and or excuses, each of these candidates serve at the pleasure of the citizens and in my honest opinion they should step forward and express their answers to our questions. They have the experience to do these interviews and quite frankly I think it is somewhat a smack in the face to those who vote/voted for each of them.

Matt Maciarello has stated from day one that he will follow whatever Davis Ruark chose to do. Considering Matt doesn't have a primary, it makes sense. However, getting your message out there to the voting public and even perhaps taking advantage of the fact that the other two candidates have chosen not to do their interviews, I would have jumped at the opportunity.

Now, Salisbury News is not the greatest thing ever to happen to Wicomico County or the Eastern Shore and I'm not upset that many candidates chose not to do an interview, that's their choice. Salisbury News wanted to give each and every candidate an opportunity to put their best foot forward. We have an audience 2nd to none, there's no denying that any more. The mere fact that this Blog did some 38 interviews speaks volume. The local MSM, (WBOC & WMDT) chose to sit back and not go through the time and expense of providing such a format and quite frankly I can't blame them. It is extremely time consuming and in their case, air time is money.

However, what are the biggest issues facing Wicomico County right now Folks? CRIME!!!

Many of us want answers and playing CHESS is not acceptable to me, nor should it be for you. Like Joe Albero or not, I have proven to show respect for each and every candidate and their excuses simply will not fly.

That being said, I think it's important enough to make one last offer to each of these candidates to step up to the plate and do an interview. The questions are the same as I asked Beau Oglesby, (the only candidate willing to put it all on the line). I am willing to take time this weekend and or early next week to do so.

If you hadn't ever noticed just how busy my schedule is each and every day, let me assure you of one thing, IT IS VERY BUSY! This is by far one of the most important races in Wicomico County and it should be treates as such.

I'll close with this. Each candidate should know that this is one of the biggest questions I get asked, why won't Davis and Matt do an interview. Last Call Gentlemen.

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON HUNDREDS OF ADDITIONAL JOBS GAINED

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 20, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that, for the fifth straight month, Maryland experienced job growth. In July, Maryland employers added 500 jobs to their payrolls, with unemployment remaining steady at 7.1 percent. This marks the best performing January – July period in Maryland since 1999, as Maryland performs at triple the national job growth rate since January.

“Since January, Maryland employers have added more than 40,000 jobs to their payrolls. Our ability to sustain job growth, which is now triple the rate of the rest of the nation, is encouraging considering that national payrolls have declined over the past two months. Maryland’s unemployment rate remains about 25 percent below the national average, and our private sector has now added jobs for five consecutive months, proving that in these tough economic times, we continue to improve the conditions that allow businesses - large and small - to create and save jobs.”

Five New Kittens Up For Adoption

GO HERE to see these kittens.

Ehrlich Pledges To Restore Portion Of Local Transportation Aid Raided By Governor O’Malley

OCEAN CITY – As part of his plan to get Maryland working again, Bob Ehrlich today announced that his first budget as Governor will restore 25 percent of the local transportation aid that Governor Martin O’Malley raided last year. The restoration will equal approximately $60 million and will help local governments maintain deteriorating roads, improve public safety, and strengthen Maryland’s economy.

Ehrlich’s announcement comes two days after Martin O’Malley told The Frederick News-Post he couldn’t restore local transportation aid and five days after he told NPR that “there was no more room to build roads” in Maryland.

“We can’t get Maryland working again if our commuters are languishing on unsafe, deteriorating roads,” Ehrlich said. “The severity of the O’Malley Administration’s fund transfers needlessly puts commuters at risk, squanders economic productivity, and shortchanges the local governments charged with keeping our roads safe and well maintained for residents. I fully recognize the budget crisis facing our state, yet I also recognize we will not get our economy moving again with residents traveling on unsafe roads.”

As Governor, Bob Ehrlich enacted an ambitious plan that generated $247 million in new transportation funding per year and helped launch 123 new road, bridge, and transit projects statewide. The O’Malley Administration has failed to enact any similar plan in four years.
According to The Gazette Newspapers, Montgomery County's share of the highway user funds went from $39 million to $1.3 million. Prince George's County's share dropped from $33.5 million to $1.2 million. Frederick County's dropped from $16.4 million to $563,000. Baltimore County's portion plunged from $37 million to $1.2 million. St. Mary's County's went from $6.9 million $223,000. Baltimore City had its share cut by $66 million. Somerset County saw its transportation aid drop from $2.9 million to $96,000.

Don't Miss the August Third Friday Our Best Ever!

Dear Third Friday Fans,

Get ready for another fantastic Third Friday this August! Downtown Salisbury will be filled with "Summer Sounds" as we showcase three dynamic bands and an array of talented artists.

Stop by the Art Institute & Gallery to check out a special exhibition by the Clay Guild of the Eastern Shore. Bring your friendly dog downtown to participate in the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council's "Dog Days of Summer" event. Looking for a bargain? Downtown merchants are staging the Amazing Sidewalk Sale with deals up to 75% off! Enjoy free swing dance lessons at 7 at St. Peter's Church, followed by an evening of ballroom dancing.

So mark your calendar and head downtown to Salisbury's Arts & Entertainment District this Friday from 5-8 p.m. for an evening of art, music, shopping, food, and fun!

Joni Simpson

"As a local Fine art photographer, I have truly enjoyed supporting Third Friday since it began a year ago. Bringing the arts to Downtown Salisbury is exciting to me and watching the plaza so full of people each month gives me hope that something more can happen for The Arts and for Downtown in our area.

In addition to being a Fine Art and Fashion photographer, I am also a Wedding and Portrait photographer. I have been photographing weddings for almost twenty years and I am grateful that my clients have allowed me to do so with a sensitive and artistic vision. My greatest desire for my photography is to create images that will inspire emotion in the viewer. Through my lighting, sense of motion, and expression I want to take the viewer to an ethereal and timeless place, not of their own world. I am beginning to explore more with models and hope to move further into the area of surrealism."

Joni Simpson's images will be on display this 3rd Friday outside of Parker Place.

Much Much More......

Under Cover Emergency Vehicles

Brew River Special This Weekend

"SUNDAY DECK PARTY WITH RANDY LEE ASHCRAFT 4-8PM. WELCOME BACK SU STUDENTS!!! NO COVER!!! COMPLIMENTARY STEAMSHIP (ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES) SPONSORED BY RM..."

Opposition To Afghanistan Conflict Not Just A Liberal Issue Anymore

Opposition to the war in Afghanistan, once a mainstay of liberals, is no longer a partisan campaign issue.

A majority of voters want the conflict to end quickly – no matter their party affiliation, according to recent polls.

And Senate candidates on both sides of the aisle say they support that goal.

Prominent liberal activists, reacting to President Obama’s plan to move 30,000 troops into the region, warned late last year the surge could cause Democrats to stay home in the midterm election.

Now the issue is spreading across the political spectrum as the last of the surge prepares to move into place – just after Obama ordered the remaining U.S. combat troops out of Iraq.

Already this summer, American forces in Afghanistan suffered back-to-back record casualties and voters are starting to take notice.

A record number of respondents in the latest CNN poll, 62 percent, said they opposed the war there.

“I see some war fatigue back home,” said Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.), who’s running for Senate. “There’s a point where we have to say that the Afghan Army is trained up. There has to be a point where we say it’s time to start withdrawing, taking the training wheels off.”

Army Gen. David Petraeus this week sought to reassure war-weary Americans that the conflict in Afghanistan would soon turn a corner. "We're keenly aware that this has been ongoing for approaching nine years,” he told The Washington Post. “We fully appreciate the impatience in some quarters."

Rep. John Boozman (R-Ark.), who’s running for Senate in Arkansas, said the appointment of Petraeus and the withdrawal of the last combat brigade from Iraq has extended the public’s patience.

“The fact that we are leaving Iraq, that might be taking some of the pressure off of Afghanistan,” he said. “They see we have been able to wrap this up and focus our efforts here fairly shortly as we did in Iraq.”

Boozman, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said opposition to the war was widespread and not confined mainly to liberals as it was in the past.

“It really does cut across support in many different ways,” he said. “You could find among conservatives, liberals or whatever, there is a desire to bring this thing to a close as quickly as possible.”

More here

Unguarded Border Bridges Could Be Route Into US

On each side of a towering West Texas stretch of the $2.4 billion border fence designed to block people from illegally entering the country, there are two metal footbridges, clear paths into the United States from Mexico.

The footpaths that could easily guide illegal immigrants and smugglers across the Rio Grande without getting wet seem to be there because of what amounts to federal linguistics. While just about anyone would call them bridges, the U.S.-Mexico group that owns them calls them something else.

"Technically speaking it's not a bridge, it's a grade control structure," said Sally Spener, spokeswoman for the International Boundary and Water Commission, which maintains the integrity of the 1,200-mile river border between the U.S. and Mexico. The structures under the spans help prevent the river, and therefore the international border, from shifting.

Spener said the river was straightened years ago to stabilize and prevent a shift during high river flow. Without the structures, which also help slow the flow of water in the river, she said it could erode its banks, wash out the river bed and degrade natural habitats.

Whatever they're called, there are fresh sneaker tracks on the structures, indicating they're being used as passages into the country.

More here

The Wicomico Farm & Home Show This Weekend

The Wicomico Farm and Home Show kicked off yesterday afternoon at 4:00 PM. You can GO HERE to see all the details of events available this weekend. The event is held at Winterplace Park in Salisbury.

Shake Weight Inventor Doesn't Think It Really Looks Like You Know What

The inventor of the Shake Weight is actually a pretty casual guy and in a recent Q&A with Inc. mag he really downplays the innuendo-factor. "it depends how you shake it as well," says Johann Verheem. "If you do it based on the three exercises that we have laid out, it's not that suggestive." See, you're just doing it wrong, you pervy-pervs.

More »

TSA Screeners Check Luggage, Investigate Your Marriage & Personal Finances

You have to hand it to the TSA screeners at Philadelphia International Airport. Not only will they look through your stuff to make sure you're not going to go all explosiony on the plane, they'll also bring in the cops to call your husband to double check you haven't embezzled money from him.

More »

Caption This Photo

John Cannon Fundraiser

Two Maryland Residents Diagnosed With West Nile

BALTIMORE (AP) - Two Marylanders have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus, the first confirmed cases in the state this year.

State health officials say an adult from Baltimore County and a senior citizen from Montgomery County have come down with the mosquito-borne illness.

Health officials say most people who contract West Nile won't even show any symptoms. But it can cause illness in older people and those with compromised immune systems. Less than one percent of those exposed to the virus will become seriously ill.

Officials advise taking common sense steps to avoid mosquitoes, including removing standing water and wearing insect repellent.

The state has tested nearly 1,200 mosquito pools, and only one has come back positive for the virus.

Source

Get $70 In Panties For $9 Shipped

A FatWallet member spotted a great deal on some La Fee Verte panties where you can combine a 50% off sale with a coupon code and get free shipping if you get 3 or more.

More »

Alleging Securities Fraud, SEC Orders New Jersey To Cease And Desist

The state of New Jersey has settled a securities fraud lawsuit brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused it of selling $26 billion in municipal bonds [1] without proper disclosures about the state’s financial health.

The suit, which was filed and settled on Wednesday, is the first one of its kind [1] that regulator has ever brought against a state.

The action is evidence that regulators are increasing their scrutiny of the $2.8-trillion municipal bond market [2], over which the SEC does not wield [3] ($) a great deal of regulatory authority, as The Wall Street Journal has noted. (What are municipal bonds? Glad you asked [4].)

As things stand, the SEC can pursue violations of securities laws, as happened with New Jersey. And it can regulate underwriters and sellers of municipal securities, requiring them to demand certain disclosure from issuers.

But that means it "can only impose regulations through the back door," says Theresa Gabaldon, a George Washington University Law School professor. "It's pretty toothless and is a long way from the SEC being able to say, 'Hey, you issuers, you have to make specific disclosures.'"

GO HERE to read more.

American Airlines May Face $25 Million Fine

The FAA is poised to slap a record penalty of $25 million or more against American Airlines for maintenance lapses involving wiring in the MD-80 jet that caused flight cancellations in 2008, according to reports.

GO HERE to read more.

SEARCH FOR JUVENILE ESCAPEE UNDERWAY

(Baltimore, MD) – State, county and city police are on the lookout for a Baltimore teen who absconded from the custody of juvenile authorities yesterday.

The youth is identified as Frederick D. Catchings, Jr., 18, who had previous addresses in the 1300-block of Division Street and the 1500-block of Riggs Avenue in Baltimore. He is described as an African American male, 5’5” tall, 140 pounds, with a tattoo on his neck.

Catchings is reported to have left the custody of juvenile authorities from Utah at about 6:00 p.m. yesterday while awaiting a flight at the Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport. Up until the transfer, he had been in the custody of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.

The Maryland State Police Criminal Apprehension Team, the Baltimore Warrant Apprehension Task Force, troopers at State Police barracks in the Baltimore Metro region, as well as county and city police in the area have been notified and are searching for Catchings. Anyone with information on the location Catchings is urged to contact 911.

Tree Crashes Down At Ben's Red Swings Playground And Salisbury Zoo

This tree fell at about 6:30 pm yesterday near Ben's Red Swings in the Park. It did damage to the fence surrounding the play area and the fence around the Zoo itself.
Thank God, no one was hurt.

Thank God Its Friday

What Will You Be Doing This Weekend?

Four Great Religious Truths

1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.

2. Jews do not recognize Christ as the Messiah.

3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian world.

4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters.

Italian Elbow

An Italian grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson who is coming to visit with his wife.

'You comma to de front door of the apartamenta. I am inna apartamenta 301.

There issa bigga panel at the front door. With you elbow, pusha button 301.

I will buzza you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with you elbow, pusha 3.

When you get out, I'mma on the left. With you elbow, hit my doorbell.'

'Grandma, that sounds easy, but, why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?

'What . . .You coming empty handed?'

Hot 100 Songs Of The Year: 1958-2009

1958 – "Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)" – Domenico Modugno
1959 – "The Battle of New Orleans" – Johnny Horton
1960 – "Theme from A Summer Place" – Percy Faith
1961 – "Tossin' and Turnin'" – Bobby Lewis
1962 – "Stranger on the Shore" – Mr. Acker Bilk
1963 – "Sugar Shack" – Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs
1964 – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" – The Beatles
1965 – "Wooly Bully" – Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs
1966 – "Ballad of the Green Berets" – SSgt Barry Sadler
1967 – "To Sir With Love" – Lulu
1968 – "Hey Jude" – The Beatles
1969 – "Sugar, Sugar" – The Archies
1970 – "Bridge Over Troubled Water" – Simon & Garfunkel
1971 – "Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night
1972 – "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" – Roberta Flack
1973 – "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" – Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando
1974 – "The Way We Were" – Barbra Streisand
1975 – "Love Will Keep Us Together" – Captain & Tennille
1976 – "Silly Love Songs" – Wings
1977 – "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" – Rod Stewart
1978 – "Shadow Dancing" – Andy Gibb
1979 – "My Sharona" – The Knack
1980 – "Call Me" – Blondie
1981 – "Bette Davis Eyes" – Kim Carnes
1982 – "Physical" – Olivia Newton-John
1983 – "Every Breath You Take" – The Police
1984 – "When Doves Cry" – Prince
1985 – "Careless Whisper" – Wham! Featuring George Michael
1986 – "That's What Friends Are For" – Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder
1987 – "Walk Like an Egyptian" – The Bangles
1988 – "Faith" – George Michael
1989 – "Look Away" – Chicago
1990 – "Hold On" – Wilson Phillips
1991 – "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" – Bryan Adams
1992 – "End of the Road" – Boyz II Men
1993 – "I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston
1994 – "The Sign" – Ace of Base
1995 – "Gangsta's Paradise" – Coolio featuring L.V.
1996 – "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)" – Los del Río
1997 – "Candle in the Wind 1997" / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" – Elton John
1998 – "Too Close" – Next
1999 – "Believe" – Cher
2000 – "Breathe" – Faith Hill
2001 – "Hanging by a Moment" – Lifehouse
2002 – "How You Remind Me" – Nickelback
2003 – "In Da Club" – 50 Cent
2004 – "Yeah!" – Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
2005 – "We Belong Together" – Mariah Carey
2006 – "Bad Day" – Daniel Powter
2007 – "Irreplaceable" – Beyonce
2008 – "Low" - Flo Rida
2009 – "Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas

Three Seriously Injured In Hit And Run Accident

Location: Southbound I-495 north of US Rt. 13, New Castle, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday, August 20, 2010 at 1:16 a.m.
Operator 1: Kimra Frett, 35, Wilmington, DE
Vehicle 1: 2008 Nissan Altima
Operator 2: Unknown
Vehicle 2: Unknown make and model tractor with an unknown make and model box trailer.

Injured: Kimra Frett (multiple blunt force trauma to head and body)
Sylvia Frett, 40, Wilmington, DE (fractures to spine)
Troy Twyman, 47, Wilmington, DE (right leg fracture)

Resume: A two vehicle crash closes southbound I-495 early this morning.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. as Kimra Frett was operating her 2008 Nissan Altima and was traveling in the right hand lane of I-495 southbound just north of US Rt. 13 in New Castle. The left rear of Frett’s vehicle was then struck by the right front of an unknown make and model tractor and trailer that had attempted to make a lane change into the right lane from the right center lane of I-495 southbound. Frett’s vehicle then spun and struck a guardrail to the right of the roadway. The vehicle then overturned, ejecting all three occupants of the vehicle who were not wearing their seatbelts. The Nissan then caught fire which was quickly extinguished by the operator of another tractor trailer who had stopped at the scene. The unknown make and model tractor and trailer that had struck Kimra Frett’s vehicle continued traveling southbound on I-495. No further information is available about the vehicle or the operator at this time.

Kimra Frett and two passengers in her vehicle were all transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where they were all treated and admitted in serious but stable condition. I-495 southbound was closed for approximately 3 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. It has since re-opened.
State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this accident to contact the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 302-834-2630.

Eagle With Flag Carving

tommy.winn@yahoo.com

Bob Ehrlich To Make Policy Announcement

Bob Ehrlich will be joined by county and state officials as he makes a key policy announcement in Ocean City, Maryland on Friday. Ocean City is currently hosting the Maryland Association of Counties annual convention.

WHO: Bob Ehrlich
County and State Officials

WHEN: Friday, August 20th at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Homer Gudelsky Park
13055 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City

TRAFFIC ALERT

TRAFFIC ALERT - Tenth America's 9/11 Motorcycle Ride Weekend Traffic on I-95Saturday, August 21

Wilmington -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that the Tenth America's 9/11 ride will occur on Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22. Motorists may expect congestion and delays on I-95 northbound from Newark to the Delaware Memorial Bridge on Saturday, August 21 from 9:30 a.m. through 1 p.m.

Variable message boards will be posted on Route 896 northbound, Route 1 northbound, and I-95 advising motorists of possible delays.

Traffic alerts and traveler information are available online at DelDOT or tune to WTMC 1380 AM.

For more information, regarding the 2010 Itinerary, please visit America's 9/11 Ride

Young Professional Network & Learn: LAW EDITION

Time August 26 · 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Location Adams Ribs, Fruitland MD

More Info The Young Professionals of the Salisbury Area of Commerce have taken a short summer break but are back by popular demand. Back for an educational Network & Learn event: LAW EDITION!

You've been asking for it. You've been heard.

Asking the big question..."What If"
...
What if...you get pulled over when drinking?
What if...you get caught with an open container?
What if...you or your parents don't have a will?
What if...you were wrongly denied a reimbursement of your rental security deposit?
What if...your facing a divorce?
What if...
What if...
What if...

You fill in the blanks.

There are many unanswered law questions Young Professionals face on a daily basis. Now, we have your answers. Special guest Matt Maciarello (local Attorney and candidate for Wicomico County State's Attorney) is here to help!

This is a no-holds-bar Q & A event! We're closing the doors. Asking the tough questions. Getting the right answers.

Join us this upcoming Thursday August 26th at 5:30 for a social networking meet and greet. Adams Ribs restaurant in Fruitland, MD will be providing FREE appetizers and drink specials. Shortly after the meet & greet we will get into the questions and answers portion of the event.

This is an event you won't want to miss....see you there!

Obama And Holder Taking On Arizona's SB1070

Wargotz Calls For "Ground Zero" To Be A National Historic Site

Wargotz: "Obama Wrong on Ground Zero Mosque"

Annapolis - Today, Eric Wargotz M.D., a candidate for the United States Senate, called on Congress and the President to immediately make "Ground Zero" a National Historic Site. This new proposal from Commissioner Wargotz comes on the heels of President Obama's remarks supporting a mosque being built at "Ground Zero" in New York City.

"Ground Zero is a sacred site. For a mosque to be created at "Ground Zero" is a travesty and must be stopped. The families of those killed on September 11th should not be forced to endure the hardship a mosque at that location would create." Wargotz said.

The President and Congress can turn "Ground Zero" insto a National Historic Site or a National Park. Just like Gettysburg, the National Mall in DC, and the USS Arizona site in Pearl Harbor, Ground Zero could become a National Historic Site. Under Wargotz's plan, the National Park Service would oversee all actions at "Ground Zero." The National Park Service would be instructed to ban the creation of any new religious buildings inside the National Historic Site.

"While not all Muslims are responsible for what occurred on September 11th, those who were would view the creation of a mosque at "Ground Zero" as a victory. This mosque would be used by Islamic radicals as a recruitment tool. This must be stopped." Wargotz added.

Edit Draft FALL LUNCHEON AT POPLAR HILL MANSION

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010

117 Elizabeth Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-749-1776

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is pleased to invite you to join us at beautiful Poplar Hill Mansion for our Fall Luncheon, Wed. Oct. 13th, 2010 at 11:30 A.M. The Menu, prepared by Rita Tiso and Louise Nock, includes hearty seasonal soup, chicken salad, green salad, sweet potato muffins, special dessert, coffee and tea. While enjoying your luncheon, a fashion show will be presented by Nancy N. Clothing and accessories will be available for purchace with a percentage going to historic restoration projects. Reservations are required for this sell out luncheon. Cost is $20.00.

Donations for our food bank of non perishable goods are greatly appreciated.

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is a 501 ( c ) (3) dedicated to the preservation of this
fine Federal home, the oldest in Salisbury. Funds raised go toward historic restoration and upkeep.

Want to be a part of it all? Please consider joining the Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion. Member
ship begins at the $25.00 giving level and includes many benefits. Free tours are the first and third Sundays of the month from 1-4, with private, candlelight, and children's tours by reservation for a small fee.

Aleta Davis, Publicity Chair
The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion
www.poplarhillmansion.org
Nancy Marasco, Curator
www.curator@poplarhillmansion.org

Sell, Shop & Save At The Fall Coastal Kids Consignment Sale

Registration now open for Consignors, Volunteers, New Moms and Advertising Sponsors!
www.coastal-kids.com

(Salisbury, MD) They’re doing it again! Coastal Kids Consignment’s Fall sale will help you sell shop & save just in time for back-to-school and the holidays. Recycle your outgrown items and turn them into cash! Infants to teen & maternity too. Coastal Kids Consignment Sales is a semi-annual consignment event providing a great opportunity for local families to clean out closets and attics and cash in on their high quality, gently used items. Inside the sale you’ll find a huge selection of Fall/Winter/Holiday children’s & ladies clothes, shoes and accessories, costumes, toys, baby gear, bikes, high chairs, strollers, pack and plays, bedding, home decor & furniture, books, sporting gear & clothing, dance, karate, cheer, games, puzzles, maternity clothes, home school materials and gear and MUCH more!

New for Fall: accepting ladies brand name clothing and accessories as well as home decor and furnishings.

Consignors are in control of pricing and the decision to discount or donate their items; tag the item with an easy to use online computerized inventory system and it will be sold for you! You do not have to be present to sell. Volunteer during the event and increase your profit percentage up to 65%. Coastal Kids Consignment Sales will mail you a check and donation receipt for any donated items within two weeks of sale close. Unsold items marked “donate yes” will be donated to local charities and shelters on behalf of consignors.

Public Sale
Wicomico Youth & Civic Center ~ Midway Room
Friday September 10, 2010 from 9am – 5pm
(Shop Friday for best selection)
Saturday September 11, 2010 from 9am – 1pm
(Many items ½ price on Saturday)

Free admission! Cash, Visa & MasterCard accepted. Children are welcome to accompany parents while they shop during the public sale hours. Shoppers with young children may bring in strollers of any size. All bags, baskets and strollers will be inspected upon exit so please plan accordingly. Shopping baskets available or bring your own large laundry basket to hold items while you shop.

To learn more about selling items, shopping the sale, registering as a new parent, fundraisers or becoming an advertising sponsor visit www.coastal-kids.com or call 410-603-3925.

SHOREBIRDS SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER WITH SUNS

Series Finale Set for Friday Night at 7:05 p.m.

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds split a doubleheader with the Hagerstown Suns, taking the first game 4-3 and dropping the nightcap 6-2.

The Suns broke on top with a run in the top of the third of game one. Hagerstown designated hitter J.P. Ramirez reached on a single to third to score Eury Perez.

Perez hit a blooper to right to score Stephen King from third and Sandy Leon from second to make it a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth off reliever Brian Parker.

Delmarva cut into the lead with a run in the bottom of the fifth to make it 3-1.

Omar Casamayor and Justin Dalles each singed to start the inning and with two outs T.J.Baxter laid down a bunt that he beat out but pitcher Paul Demny threw the ball away, allowing Casamayor to come across.

The ‘Birds won it with three runs in the bottom of the seventh, all with two outs.

Demny quickly retired the first two batters in the frame before King’s throw from third was wild to keep Delmarva alive and allow Mikey Planeta to reach. Garabez Rosa then singled up the middle to put runners on first and second before a wild pitch moved the runners up a station. Baxter then doubled to right-center field.

Another wild pitch moved him to third and King committed his second miscue of the inning , bobbling Gary Helmick’s grounder as the second baseman beat out the play at first to give Delmarva the win.
David Walters (2-1) earned the win for the Shorebirds, pitching the seventh, while Demny (6-7) went 6.2 innings in a losing effort. He gave up six hits and four runs.

Baxter led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a runs and two RBI.

Delmarva took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first of the second game. Helmick walked with one gone in the frame and Ty Kelly tripled passed an outstretched center fielder Perez’s glove for the lead. Kieron Pope then followed with an RBI single to left to extended the advantage off Suns’ hurler Graham Hicks.

Hagerstown battled back to tie the game at 2-2, on three straight hits with one out.

The Suns put the game away in the seventh with four runs off Moreland and reliever Will Startup, as Brett Newsome, Adrian Sanchez, Adrian Nieto and Mills Rogers each came across.

Luis Garcia (2-3) won with two innings of relief for the Suns and Moreland (7-7) took the loss for the Birds.

The Shorebirds and Suns close the series Friday at 7:05 p.m. Delmarva will send left-hander Nick Haughian (5-4, 3.90) to the mound to oppose Hagerstown lefty Paul Applebee (5-6, 3.50).

SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 8/19 vs. Hagerstown (Doubleheader)

PREVIEW: The Shorebirds and Suns meet for a doubleheader after rain washed away last night’s scheduled game two. The Shorebirds are 1-7 this season in doubleheaders. Their only win came on May 18th in game two against West Virginia. The Shorebirds have been swept in three straight doubleheaders. The Suns are 8-2 in doubleheaders.

BUNDY TWIRLS COMPLETE GAME: Shorebirds starter Bobby Bundy tossed a nine-inning complete game on Monday night in the 4-2 win over Lakewood. He throw just 88 pitches. He became the first Shorebirds pitcher to throw a nine-inning complete game since July 23, 2008 when Sean Gleason tossed a complete game against Hickory. The last nine inning complete game prior to Gleason’s was in 2005 when Luis Ramirez tossed a nine-inning complete game against West Virginia (July 2). Chris Tillman (twice) and Nathan Moreau are the only other pitchers in the Orioles farm system with nine-inning complete games.

MOST STEALS SINCE ‘08: T.J. Baxter stole two bases on Monday night to up his total to 32 on the season. The last Shorebirds player to steal more than 32 bases in a season was Matt Angle in 2008 (37). Kyle Hudson led last year’s club with 31 steals.

HITLESS: Steve Bumbry is hitless in his last 22 at-bats. His batting average has dipped from .279 to .263. He did not play in the last two games of the Lakewood series.

PLAYER TO WATCH: JAMES BRANDHORST
Reliever James Brandhorst is the only original member of the Shorebirds bullpen that is still pitching in the pen. He has not allowed a run in his last five outings (7.0 innings). Brandhorst has only issued three hits during that span. His ERA has dipped from 4.09 to 3.53 during the stretch. Brandhorst ranks third on the club in strikeouts with 60. He leads the pitching staff with 40 total appearances on the year.

Reggie Mason Fails To File Financial Report

Candidate Reggie Mason, (candidate for Worcester County Sheriff) has failed to file his financial report in time and is being fined for such. With all due respect, this is a man who wants to handle a $5,000,000.00 budget and has now proven he can't even handle a financial report for a campaign. Not Good Folks!

Meet Candidate Marty Pusey

Don't Miss Our 6 PM News Broadcast Tonight With Candidate Marty Pusey

Kratovil Continues To Hide From Constituents

Where’s Frank?

Rep. Frank Kratovil continues to hide from the voters of Maryland’s First Congressional District.  You would think, that in an election year, an incumbent congressman would want to get out there with the folks that will decide his or her fate in November.  Not Kratovil!

Evidently, Kratovil’s experience with town hall meetings scared him pretty badly.  Consequently, Kratovil has consistently ducked constituent town halls since last summer.  Instead, Kratovil has used a series of tightly controlled photo-ops and press events to make constituents think that he’s out and about the district.  However, if you want to ask YOUR congressman questions you are out of luck.

Kratovil’s DC office claims that all of these “events” throughout the district are open to the public and that Kratovil would answer questions there.  Fair enough – EXCEPT – Kratovil’s staff doesn’t make events public until the day of the event.  They even go so far as to state:

“We send these press releases out to the local media.  We can’t help it if they don’t print it.”

While I find myself in a strange place defending newspapers such as Salisbury’s Daily Times, we have to ask – How can they print that Frank Kratovil will be in the area on Friday if Kratovil’s staff doesn’t send the release out until AFTER Friday’s edition is published?

In addition, why should constituents have to traipse around in a cornfield in order to ask their congressman a question?  Again, Kratovil’s cracker jack staff have an answer – you can send them an email and they will respond.  Sorry guys!  We don’t want some canned response from Kratovil’s staff.  We want to look Frank in the eye and ask him a straight question.  We would then appreciate a straight answer!

It appears to me that Frank Kratovil simply doesn’t want to risk being put on the spot by his constituents.  That’s a shame.

from Delmarva Dealings

7th Offense DUI Driver Goes On Wild Ride

Location:
Coastal HWY and Old Landing Road Rehoboth

DATE and TIME:
Thursday August 19, 2010

Operator and Vehicle(s):
(Def) Robert A. Hynes Jr-47 Wilmington, Delaware
2004 Saturn Vue
(Vic) Thomas P. Garvey-46 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
2007 Nissan Maxima

Charge(s) and Bond Information:
7th Offense after 6 Prior Offense (DUI)
Leaving the Scene of Property Collision Accident
Failure to Provide Information at Collision Scene
Improper U-Turn
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Roadway
$51,500 secured bond Sussex Correctional Institute

Resume:
Early Thursday morning August 19, 2010 Delaware State Police received a call about a hit and run vehicle from an accident fleeing the scene. The accident occurred on Coastal Highway and Old Landing Road Rehoboth around 2:00 a.m.

The investigation revealed that a 2007 Nissan Maxima driven by Thomas Garvey-46 of Rehoboth Beach was in the left turn lane of Coastal Highway intersecting with Old Landing Road. The second vehicle a 2004 Saturn Vue driven by Robert A. Hynes-47 of Wilmington then rear ended the Maxima.

After the crash Hynes fled the crash scene and began driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway. Just before Midway Outlets Hynes crossed back over to the proper lane and continued northbound. Garvey continued to follow Hynes and advised that just before the Nassau Bridge Lewes; Hynes again began to travel northbound in the southbound lane of Coastal Highway and onto the Nassau Bridge. Hynes next was observed making a u-turn at the top of Nassau Bridge and then driving southbound Coastal Highway.

Troop 7 officers eventually observe the vehicles in the area of Troop 7 and turned to pursue. When Troopers caught up to the vehicles they were turning into the Rolling Meadows Development on Windsor Court Lewes and were subsequently detained.

As a result of the Trooper’s investigation Robert A. Hynes Jr. was arrested for his 7th Offense Driving under the Influence of Alcohol after being convicted on 6 prior offenses. Hynes had convictions in 1986, 1988 (twice), 1992 (twice) and 1993.

It is believed that Garvey was paralleling Hynes who was driving in the wrong direction. (i.e.) Garvey was northbound in the northbound lane while Hynes was northbound in the southbound lane. Speed of vehicles involved is not known. No injuries were reported in this crash and Garvey not charged with any offenses.

Hynes was arrested on the above listed offenses and remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute on $51,500 secured bond.

Found Child Update With Arrest

DATE & TIME: 0/819/10 @ 0953 hours C C. CARD NUMBER: 10-54-007453
LOCATION: Nakomis Ave. and Seminole Blvd. Salisbury Wicomico County, Maryland
BRIEF RESUME:

On 08-19-2010 at approximately 0953 hours, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack were patrolling the area of Nakomis Ave, and Seminole Blvd. in Salisbury, when they were flagged down by a concerned citizen regarding a lost child that was found wandering the streets. The child is an African American and he is approximately two years of age. Attempts to locate his residence and guardian were unsuccessful. The Department of Social Services was contacted and the child was turned over to their custody.

UPDATE WITH ARREST
With the assistance from numerous tips that were called in from citizens, and other investigative tactics, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack identified the child’s residence and two women who were responsible for the welfare of the child. Troopers responded to that residence and located the below suspects who were still sleeping and had apparently not noticed that the child had left the residence.

Located in the residence were several other children whose ages ranged from nine months to eight years of age. The suspects were identified as family members of the child. Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Wicomico County Central booking unit for processing.

The Wicomico County Department of Social Services is continuing with their investigation into this matter.

Suspects:
D’Shondra Rochelle Travers b/f, age 23 of Salisbury Maryland
Natasha Danielle Simms b/f, age 28 of Salisbury Maryland

Both suspects were charged with 2nd degree child abuse and are awaiting a hearing before the District Court Commissioner.

Alexander: Obama And The Socialist Bourgeoisie

"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer." --Benjamin Franklin

If there is one generalization that can be accurately asserted about Barack Hussein Obama and generations of Marxists before him, it is that they are and always have been, universally, hypocrites. They preach classist sermons to the masses, the foundational fodder upon which their failed socialist regimes are constructed, all while living lavish lifestyles characterized by elitism and overly conspicuous consumption.

This generalization holds not just for Western socialists, but also for their Soviet-era mentors, of which I am a first-hand witness.

In 1987, I stepped off an Aeroflot Tu-124 at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, grateful that the "aircraft" had made it all the way to our destination. My moment of gratitude was abruptly interrupted at the bottom of the aircraft steps by two pallid gents in off-the-rack suits who were accompanied by two humorless uniformed Militsiya regulars.
Apparently, my reputation had preceded me.

The suited fellows, representatives of the Soviet Committee for State Security, offered not so much as a simple "welcome." Rather, they insisted that I turn over my credentials and possessions, and accompany them for an "interview." We left the airport and drove to an aging gray building in central Moscow directly across from the Kremlin.

Read the rest here

After Nearly 400 Days Of Ignoring Republican Solutions, Democrats Finally Ready To Talk

Washington, Aug 18 - Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the Obama administration held a forum to finally begin discussing what to do about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Taxpayers are currently on the hook for $6 trillion in Fannie and Freddie debt, with $150 billion already lost. House Republicans have had solutions on the table to reform these entities and end their taxpayer bailout for more than a year.

“It’s about time Democrats started talking about Fannie and Freddie,” said Chairman Price. “House Republicans have been at the table for the last 400 days with plans to end this bailout and protect taxpayers. Democrats did not even start looking for their chairs until yesterday. They have so far refused to take this issue seriously, even claiming that their so-called ‘financial reform’ law would end bailouts when in fact it does the exact opposite. Washington should never again reward reckless financial behavior with taxpayer bailouts, yet the Democrats’ notion of reform guarantees that it will.

“Democrats’ reluctance to address Fannie and Freddie is also a symptom of a larger problem – their refusal to stop spending money we do not have. Federal spending has grown to unprecedented levels under Speaker Pelosi and President Obama, even as the bailout for Fannie and Freddie grows more expensive with each passing day. We cannot afford to ignore the costs of these reckless policies any longer. Republicans are leading the way on both these issues with concrete proposals to cut bloated spending and end taxpayer bailouts for reckless financial entities.”

Go here to read more about the Republican solution..

FOUND CHILD Press Release MSP Seeks Your Help

LOCATION: Nakomis Ave. and Seminole Blvd. Salisbury Wicomico County, Maryland
BRIEF RESUME:

On 08-19-2010 at approximately 0953 hours, Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack were patrolling the area of Nakomis Ave, and Seminole Blvd. in Salisbury, when they were flagged down by a concerned citizen regarding a lost child that was found wandering the streets. The child is an African American and he is approximately two years of age. Attempts to locate his residence and guardian were unsuccessful.

The Department of Social Services was contacted and the child was turned over to their custody.

The State Police is asking for assistance from the public in identifying this child and his guardians. An attached picture of him is included. Please contact the Salisbury Barrack with any information.

Fire Lanes, They're Not Just For Ambulances Any More

What's Wrong With This Picture?

City Of Salisbury TourBook Online

Mayor Ireton announces the City of Salisbury through CGI Communications, Inc. has produced a video about our great city and it is now on the City’s Website: www.ci.salisbury.md.us. In the center of the webpage each section is available to view:

Welcome
Education
Quality of Life
Real Estate and Relocation
Crime Prevention
Growth and Development
Port of Salisbury Marina

“We are proud of the partnership between the City and CGI Communications, Inc. in the production of these community videos. They highlight some of the best parts of living in Salisbury and Wicomico County. The fact that so many are using the internet as their first source of investigating destinations to visit or live, makes it important that Salisbury has this medium to communicate. I appreciate the time that all of the volunteers put into the effort of filming and editing these videos,” Mayor Ireton said.

Statement On Rasmussen Poll Results

ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Republican Party Chairman Audrey Scott released the following statement regarding today’s Rasmussen Reports poll:

“After spending nearly a million dollars to spin his dismal record as governor, Martin O’Malley has dropped nine percent in the polls since January. If today’s poll tell us anything, it’s that no amount of money spent on TV can shield O’Malley from his record tax-hikes, unemployment, and budget deficits.”

Included in today’s poll:

· Bob Ehrlich’s favorable/unfavorable rating of 56 / 38 continues to remain higher than Martin O’Malley’s, 55 / 42.
· Martin O’Malley continues to struggle with his base of Democrat voters, earning the support of only 70% of Democrats.
· 41% of Marylander’s believe our economy is getting worse, not better as Martin O’Malley claims.
· Despite no ad buys, Bob Ehrlich’s message is resonating with voters while O’Malley’s lead has been completely erased.

###

Click here for a link to the Rasmussen poll results.

WICOMICO COUNTY HOMEOWNERS: HOW ABOUT LOWER PROPERTY TAXES?

During a work session after its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council discussed whether the County should allow a “homestead tax credit” against the property tax as most other Maryland counties and the City of Salisbury have done pursuant to the state law. There was no initiative to proceed, although it appears that several Republican members support doing so.

The credit would protect a resident homeowner against future increase in the County’s property tax due to increase in the value placed on his or her home by the tax assessor. The benefit of the tax credit can be seen by comparing the tax on homes in Salisbury that have had the credit against the City’s property tax since the credit was adopted nearly twenty years ago. Salisbury’s tax rate is now higher than the County’s rate, but the tax credit serves to reduce the City tax in many cases to a much lower amount than the County’s tax on the same home. Even with the recent reduction in assessed value, homeowners in Salisbury continue to receive significant reduction as a result of the credit that the City allows.

Twenty of Maryland’s twenty-three counties provide the Homestead tax credit, including the following counties on the Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Worcester. The county with the same tax revenue cap as here (Talbot) has extended the full credit to homeowners there. In the past, two members of the Wicomico County Council – Joe Holloway and Stevie Prettyman – have pushed for the Homestead Tax Credit.

Apparently the County Executive, Rick Pollitt, and the Democrat members of the Council do not support the credit. It’s time for change.

Poll: Many Incorrectly Call Obama A Muslim

Analysts attribute misperceptions of president's religious beliefs to his limited attendance at religious services

WASHINGTON — Americans increasingly are convinced — incorrectly — that President Barack Obama is a Muslim, and a growing number are thoroughly confused about his religion.

Nearly one in five people, or 18 percent, said they think Obama is Muslim, up from the 11 percent who said so in March 2009, according to a poll released Thursday. The proportion who correctly say he is a Christian is down to just 34 percent.

The largest share of people, 43 percent, said they don't know his religion, an increase from the 34 percent who said that in early 2009.

The survey, conducted by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center and its affiliated Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, is based on interviews conducted before the controversy over whether Muslims should be permitted to construct a mosque near the World Trade Center site. Obama has said he believes Muslims have the right to build an Islamic center there, though he's also said he won't take a position on whether they should actually build it.

In a separate poll by Time magazine/ABT SRBI conducted Monday and Tuesday — after Obama's comments about the mosque — 24 percent said they think he is Muslim, 47 percent said they think he is Christian and 24 percent didn't know or didn't respond.

In addition, 61 percent opposed building the Muslim center near the Trade Center site and 26 percent said they favor it.

The Pew poll found that about three in 10 of Obama's fiercest political rivals, Republicans and conservatives, say he is a Muslim. That is up significantly from last year and far higher than the share of Democrats and liberals who say so. But even among his supporters, the number saying he is a Christian has fallen since 2009, with just 43 percent of blacks and 46 percent of Democrats saying he is Christian.

GO HERE to read more.

Free Event at Poplar Hill Mansion

Clara Gunby 171st Birthday Recognition
Sunday, September 12, 2010 1-4 PM

Aleta Davis, Publicity Chair

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion
117 Elizabeth Street
Salisbury, MD 21801

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion invite you to share in the recognition of the 171st birthday of Clara Gunby (Huffington). Her collection of fine oil paintings and personal family memorabilia will be on exhibit throughout the Mansion from 1 – 4 PM on Sunday, September 12, 2010. Come learn the story behind this remarkable local woman and appreciate her spirit.

Please join us for this FREE reception.

Donations of non-perishable goods to our local food bank are always greatly appreciated.

Firefighters Ask For Help During “Fill The Boot”

The Salisbury Career Fire Fighters Association will once again participate in the “Fill the Boot” campaign, on Thursday September 2nd and Friday September 3rd of this year. Fire fighters will be at intersections throughout Salisbury in the morning and afternoon, collecting money during stops in traffic. The annual fund drive collects money on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and 100% of the money goes to help local families through the MDA. This money helps with research, medical costs, and also helps send the kids to a special summer camp.

The history of “Fill the Boot” began over 50 years ago, with a Boston Fire Department, and over the years the International Association of Fire Fighters has donated over $200 million to the MDA. The IAFF is the largest supporter of the MDA, and the SCFFA collected over $10,000 last year alone with the help of many generous people.

We hope that through the generosity of the citizens we can make this another record year in our effort to help the MDA and “Jerry’s kids.” So look for the fire fighters at intersections in Salisbury on the Thursday and Friday before Labor Day, and remember if everyone can give a little, a lot can be achieved.

Brian Haner - Arizona

Worcester FOP Lodge 50 Endorsements

Worcester Lodge 50 www.worcesterfop.org

Worcester County FOP Lodge 50 Proudly supports and endorses the following candidates:

REGGIE MASON for Worcester County Sheriff

MIKE MCDERMOTT for House of Delegates 38B

WORCESTER FOP Lodge 50 Has voted to endorse Reggie Mason for Sheriff in Worcester County and Mike McDermott for Delegate in District 38B.

True Story

Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren't representative of their actual usage, and no matter how they tried to conserve, the high bills continue.

Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems; first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes, underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc., all to no avail.

One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs. He finally got up from his sick bed and went to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of such high water bills.

Apparently this was happening all day long when they were not at home.

Knowing that few would believe him he taped a segment of the "problem", for posterity!

Now watch the video.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Central City District Commission (CCDC) has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 12:00 noon.

The meeting will be held in Room 306 of the City/County Government Building (125 N. Division Street).

Nearly Half Of United States Considering Arizona-Style Immigration Legislation

Twenty-two states are now in the process of drafting or seeking to pass legislation similar to Arizona’s law against illegal immigration. This is occurring despite the fact that the Obama administration has filed a lawsuit against the Arizona law and a federal judge has ruled against portions of that law – a ruling that is now being appealed.

Next month, two Rhode Island state lawmakers, a Democrat and a Republican, will travel to Arizona to speak with Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, local sheriffs, and other officials about how to better craft their own bipartisan immigration bill for Rhode Island, which already has been enforcing some federal immigration laws.

Meanwhile, 11 Republican state lawmakers from Colorado traveled to Arizona this week to meet with officials there on how to craft legislation for the Mile High state.

In addition, Alabama House Republicans announced this week that they would seek to “push an illegal immigration bill similar to the recently approved Arizona law.” This law would “create a new criminal trespass statute that allows local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants for simply setting foot in Alabama,” said Alabama’s House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard.

In Florida, proposed legislation against illegal immigration has been retooled to address some concerns raised by a federal judge who blocked the bill, though it would still allow Florida state police to enforce immigration law.

In all, there are 22 states considering copycat legislation from the Arizona law against illegal immigration, according to the Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee (ALIPAC), a group that advocates for stricter immigration enforcement.

Read more at CNSNews

Sheriff’s Challenge To Obama: Give Me Half Hour, I’ll Show You How To Secure Border

Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County, Ariz., is issuing an invitation to President Barack Obama: If the president will come and spend a half hour with Babeu in Arizona, the sheriff says, he will convince the president he can succeed in securing the border and thus make himself a hero who transcends partisan politics.

Babeu’s southern Arizona county, while not contiguous with the border, has been designated by the Justice Department as part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking region that is a major route for drug and alien smugglers bringing narcotics and illegal aliens into the United States from Mexico. Babeu has joined with Sheriff Larry Dever of neighboring Cochise County, Ariz.—which does sit on the border—as well as with Arizona’s two senators, John McCain and Jon Kyl, in endorsing a ten-point plan for securing the border.

Noting that President Obama has visited Afghanistan to assess the security situation there, CNSNews.com asked Babeu in a videotaped interview whether he would like the president visit with him in Arizona so he can have the opportunity to persuade the president that his plan to secure the border will work.

“If the president gave me a half hour, I am confident that I could convince him and to show him the way that he can personally secure the border, and he would be the hero of everybody that truly transcends bipartisan politics and secures that border,” said Babeu. “I believe that if a leader truly wanted to do that we have the means and the resources necessary to secure our border and to protect America once and for all, and then we can get to the point in the future, only after the border is secure, that there is some type of discussion about what do we do with the approximate 13 million people who are here illegally.”

The ten-point border security plan backed by Sheriffs Babeu and Dever and Senators McCain and Kyl includes provisions to complete 700 miles of double- and triple-layered border fending, significantly increase the number of drone surveillance aircraft patrolling the border, and deploy 3,000 National Guardsmen to the Arizona section of the Mexico border alone until the governor of Arizona in consultation with local law enforcement officials certifies that the border is secure.

Read the rest here

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Reports Recent Arrests

8-16-10 David Jerome Noble of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding failure to appear in court. Noble was released after posting a $ 5,000 bond.

8-17-10 Moses Thomas Johnson of Salisbury, arrested on a warrant regarding two counts of second degree assault. Johnson was later released on personal recognizance.

8-18-10 Dionte Lamont Collins of Crisfield, arrested on a bench warrant regarding violation of probation. Collins was later held on a $ 50,000 bond.

8-17-10 Rodney William Burke of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding third degree burglary, theft over $500.00, and malicious destruction of property. On 8-12-10 deputies investigated a breaking and entering at a residence on Cash Corner Rd, Crisfield, where two atv 4-wheelers were stolen from a locked outside storage building. Through the investigation, deputies recovered one of the stolen 4-wheelers and charged Burke on a arrest warrant. Burke was later held on a $ 10,000 bond.

ACLU Turns Over Blogger IPs In Pa. Defamation Case

A civil liberties group has surrendered the Internet protocol addresses from six posts on an online message board to a local western Pennsylvania official who claims the authors posted defamatory information about him.

PITTSBURGH — The American Civil Liberties Union, who intervened in the case, turned over two IPs on Aug. 11 after an Allegheny County judge last month ruled that Forward Township Supervisor Thomas DeRosa was entitled to the information.

DeRosa has claimed he needs to know who posted the information for a defamation suit he is pursuing against two of them.

The ACLU had argued the identity of the posters was protected and that the messages they posted were so vague they didn’t amount to defamation anyway. Instead, ACLU attorney Sara Rose argued, DeRosa’s suit was simply a means to unmask citizens who disagreed with him.

Rose said the ACLU wouldn’t appeal the ruling, however.

“I think it’s bad for our First Amendment rights to just hand them over,” said Richard Rattanni, who runs the community discussion board where the comments were posted last year.

Rattanni isn’t being sued and the ACLU does not represent the two defendants DeRosa sued in November under the pseudonyms “Howard Doe” and “Robin Doe” because he has yet to learn their real names.

DeRosa claims the comments, posted under the heading “Fwd Twp. DeRosa (Equals) Corruption,” accuse him of spending township money on a car dealership he owns and of supporting a police chief candidate who will help his “corrupt” schemes, among other insults.

DeRosa’s attorney did not return a call for comment in time for this story.

Rose, the ACLU lawyer, said even though DeRosa had the IP addresses, it might take a while for him to learn the identity of the posters.

That’s because the IP addresses identify only the Internet service companies the posters used. While DeRosa’s attorneys can now ask those companies to release the posters’ names, the companies will probably alert the posters to give them a chance to hire attorneys to try to safeguard their identities, Rose said.

Source

Another SOURCE for this topic.

GM Files Paperwork For Initial Public Offering

Automaker could raise up to $20 billion, nearly setting a record

DETROIT/NEW YORK — General Motors Co filed for an initial public offering of stock on Wednesday, clearing a key hurdle toward repaying taxpayers for a controversial bailout just over a year after its bankruptcy.

The automaker said it planned to list the shares on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange after its initial public offering.

Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Citigroup Inc have been selected as the lead underwriters for the IPO by the top U.S. automaker.

GO HERE to read more.

Candidates Clash At Somerset NAACP Forum

If you were looking for excitement, read no further. The title, while misleading, is the closest thing to “red meat” you will find in this post.

Tuesday evening, the Somerset Branch of the NAACP hosted a candidate forum at UMES. In what may have been the most well run example of a VERY LARGE candidate forum (11+ offices, over 40 candidates) that I have ever witnessed, the Somerset NAACP and UMES have set the standard by which all other similar forums should be judged.

Because of the large number of offices and candidates it was difficult to handle many questions or get into specifics. However, attendees were able to walk away with a good sense the candidates and their approaches to various issues.

In the race to replace Maryland Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus (R-38), candidates Jim Mathias and Michael James provided an overview of who they are. Unfortunately, because of time constraints we were unable to grab a true sense of the differences between the two candidates – even on the broad strokes.

The candidates to replace the late Page Elmore as delegate from district 38-A was a slightly different matter. In a general sense there are few policy disagreements between the candidates – Democrat Mike McCready and Republicans Julie Brewington, John Cannon, Charles Otto, and John Phoebus. All candidates talk about the need to bring jobs to the district and a need to reduce taxes and regulation. Four of the five candidates adamantly oppose ag land down zoning while Cannon calls for a more “holistic” approach that includes TDR’s.

The second question posed to the candidates was for them to expand on their introductory remarks, but to be more specific. McCready, Otto, and Brewington emphasized agriculture but did not promote any specific proposals. Cannon spoke about several ideas to promote economic development, including the use of incubators. Phoebus offered the most specific proposals by calling for a repeal of the 20% increase in the state sales tax and a reduction (or even elimination) of the state’s corporate income tax.

from Delmarva Dealings