Last Thursday, President Obama hosted Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani of Qatar, otherwise known as the Boss of Al-Jazeera, for a meeting in the Oval Office.
Obama called him “Your Highness” and “His Highness,” even though the Emir dropped his robes of royalty for a business suit.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani financially sponsors Al-Jazeera and its most famous personality, anti-American and anti-Semitic cleric Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who has just returned to Egypt from Qatar to supervise the transformation of that one-time U.S. ally into an Islamic state.
The Emir gave an interview to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer the same day he met with Obama, and made the rather absurd comment that although he, and the government of Qatar, finances Al-Jazeera, “it is impossible for me to have influence to tell Al Jazeera what to do. Because they are journalists, and they will understand if the emir of Qatar is interfering in their job. They will not respect the job they are doing. Even internationally, Al Jazeera will not be respected.”
More here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
House Republicans Embrace Path To Prosperity
It has been said a million times, but it bears repeating still: America’s enormous borrowing is catching up with us. The costs of doing nothing are very real. Medicare is going bankrupt. Future Social Security beneficiaries face an abrupt 22% benefit cut. Americans of all ages face massive tax increases, skyrocketing interest payments, and fewer job opportunities. We cannot tax and borrow ourselves out of this problem. We have to save Medicare and Social Security, cut wasteful spending, and get Washington out of the way of job creation. And we need to start today.
The Budget Committee proposal that House Republicans approved last week begins this important work. Called The Path to Prosperity, this budget cuts $6.2 trillion from President Obama’s spending plan – without raising taxes by a penny. During the budget debate, RSC members presented a plan that would have built on the Budget Committee’s proposal and balanced in just nine years. Although I was disappointed that our balanced budget proposal did not get the votes required for passage, I fully supported the Path to Prosperity.
This is a critical time in American history. The choices we make over the next two years will determine what kind of country our children will inherit. I will continue fighting to ensure the American Dream isn’t taken away from our children and grandchildren by those who seek to solve our problems at their expense.
God Bless,
Congressman Jim Jordan
Chairman, Republican Study Committee
Statement From Representative Andy Harris
“The passing of Gov. Schaefer is truly a sad moment for all Marylanders. He was a true public servant and, because of his “do-it-now” attitude, will always remain an icon in state and local politics. Though the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards will be lasting reminders of Gov. Schaefer for future generations, I will remember him for his lifelong love and devotion to the people of Maryland.”
Chuck Campbell Update
It is with great pleasure that I share with you today a wonderful conversation I just had this morning with Chuck Campbell.
As every one knows, Chuck had a double lung transplant and has dealt with a couple of minor setbacks but today I am pleased to inform every one that Chuck may finally be out of the Hospital as early as tomorrow.
They're getting ready to do a final x-ray on Chuck this morning and if all goes well they'll take out the last tube, monitor him for the next 24 hours and he'll be out of there.
That being said, Chuck and Vicki will have to spend the next four weeks in Fairfax to visit rehab every other day and check in with the Hospital to make sure every one is comfortable with his heading back to the Eastern Shore.
The biggest thing Chuck talked about most this morning was that he wanted each and every one of you to know just how grateful he is for your thoughts and prayers as well as support over the last year and a half. He added that none of this would have been possible without all of you.
For me, it was a really cool conversation because every 5 seconds he didn't have to stop what he was saying to gasp for air from an oxygen tank. Its the old Chuck who is now back with us and ready to take on the world once again.
Salisbury Police Department Press Release
On April 18, 2011 at approximately 10:16 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police arrested the below listed suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant for a domestic assault that occurred on April 17. On that date, Officers responded to a residence on the six hundred (600) block of Riverside Drive for the report of an assault. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female who advised that she had been involved in a domestic type argument with the below listed suspect. The argument escalated and resulted in the suspect striking the victim in the facial area. The victim was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment and was treated then released. The suspect had left the area prior to the arrival of the officers which led to the arrest warrant.
ARRESTED: Charles Richard Carey, III, 30 years of age Delmar, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100014480
On April 19, 2011 at approximately 1:32 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the one thousand (1000) block of John Street for the report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival the officers met with both of the below listed suspects. Each suspect exhibited signs of injury from an assault. The officers learned through interviews that each suspect had assaulted the other during the course of a domestic argument. The suspects did not require any medical attention. Prior to the altercation, suspect # 1 damaged a computer that was the property of suspect # 2.
ARRESTED #1: William Harrison Wilson, 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Malicious destruction of property
ARRESTED #2: Angie De Dennis, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100014792
ARRESTED: Charles Richard Carey, III, 30 years of age Delmar, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201100014480
On April 19, 2011 at approximately 1:32 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the one thousand (1000) block of John Street for the report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival the officers met with both of the below listed suspects. Each suspect exhibited signs of injury from an assault. The officers learned through interviews that each suspect had assaulted the other during the course of a domestic argument. The suspects did not require any medical attention. Prior to the altercation, suspect # 1 damaged a computer that was the property of suspect # 2.
ARRESTED #1: William Harrison Wilson, 21 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Malicious destruction of property
ARRESTED #2: Angie De Dennis, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Second degree assault
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100014792
My Paging Experience: A Student's Perspective On The 2011 General Assembly In Annapolis
By Katie Rodriguez, James M. Bennett High School
This year I had the privilege to serve as a student page in the Maryland General Assembly. I was assigned to the House of Delegates for my paging duties. The first week, Jan. 17-21, was an introduction week. As pages, we did get to learn a lot, however there was not much action on the floor. We ran many errands for different delegates, but we also got to meet and talk with them. Aside from sitting in on committee hearings and meeting with our delegates, much of our free time was spent together, as pages. We grew very close, through our various outings and explorations of downtown Annapolis, and by Friday it was hard to say goodbye. We had our second week to look forward to, though.
My second week, March 7-11, was a lot busier. There was a lot of action on the floor over some very controversial bills. Seeing people come together to advocate for their side of the bill was a great experience. The debates were never-ending, it seemed; however, we never were bored because we ourselves would get consumed by them.
The paging experience opened my eyes to the world of politics. While I have always aspired to become a lawyer, my time in Annapolis increased my awareness and interest in the political world. I met many people - delegates, senators and other pages - who I will never forget. Overall, I had an amazing experience and would certainly recommend this program to anyone interested in politics, or who wants to learn more about politics.
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This year I had the privilege to serve as a student page in the Maryland General Assembly. I was assigned to the House of Delegates for my paging duties. The first week, Jan. 17-21, was an introduction week. As pages, we did get to learn a lot, however there was not much action on the floor. We ran many errands for different delegates, but we also got to meet and talk with them. Aside from sitting in on committee hearings and meeting with our delegates, much of our free time was spent together, as pages. We grew very close, through our various outings and explorations of downtown Annapolis, and by Friday it was hard to say goodbye. We had our second week to look forward to, though.
My second week, March 7-11, was a lot busier. There was a lot of action on the floor over some very controversial bills. Seeing people come together to advocate for their side of the bill was a great experience. The debates were never-ending, it seemed; however, we never were bored because we ourselves would get consumed by them.
The paging experience opened my eyes to the world of politics. While I have always aspired to become a lawyer, my time in Annapolis increased my awareness and interest in the political world. I met many people - delegates, senators and other pages - who I will never forget. Overall, I had an amazing experience and would certainly recommend this program to anyone interested in politics, or who wants to learn more about politics.
More
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES 2011 BLUE CRAB WINTER DREDGE SURVEY RESULTS
Population at 2nd highest level since 1997; Management actions continue to benefit Maryland
RIVA, MD (April 19, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population is at its second highest level since 1997 and well above the target for the third year in a row, setting the stage for a Bay-wide recovery. The results of the 2011 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey indicate that management measures put into place in 2008 are continuing to pay dividends for the crab population, the industry, recreational crabbers and those who just plain enjoy the Bay’s favorite crustacean. Joined by stakeholders, elected officials and staff, Governor O’Malley made the announcement from the deck of Mike’s Crab House near Annapolis, overlooking the South River.
“Today we continue to realize the benefits of the very tough decisions we made three years ago – decisions that are bringing us closer to our ultimate goal: a self-sustaining fishery that will support our industry and recreational fisheries over the long term,” said Governor O’Malley. “At 460 million crabs, our population is at its second highest level since 1997, and nearly double the record low of 249 million in 2007. And for watermen across the Bay, the unusually high abundance we saw last year translated into a harvest of more than 89 million pounds — the highest since 1993.”
The survey also reports that 254 million adult crabs survived an unusually cold winter in the Chesapeake, above the current population target for the third year in a row. This marks the first time since the early 90s that the Bay has seen three consecutive years where the adult population was above the target (200 million crabs) and the combined commercial and recreational harvest was below the target of 46 percent.
“This annual survey, not only gives us the best accounting of our populations, it is also an excellent predictor of the upcoming harvest,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin. “While we are heartened by these results, we remain committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to keep the harvest in balance with the population over the long term.”
Estimates of abundance are developed separately for young of the year crabs, mature female crabs, and adult male crabs. Together, these groups of crabs will support the 2011 fishery and produce the next generation of crabs.
“The Bay’s blue crab population can vary dramatically from year to year, and 2011 has presented some challenges,” said DNR Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “Crabs are vulnerable to extreme cold, and this past winter’s deep freeze is to blame for the fact that as much as 31 percent of Maryland’s adult crabs were lost to winter kill, as opposed to about 11 percent in 2010. Crab reproduction was also lower in 2011—again, not unexpected given its natural variability, which is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.”
“Quite clearly, this year presented a perfect storm,” explained Dr. Tom Miller, professor of fisheries at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. “It was warmer than normal going into the winter, got cold rapidly in early December and then stayed very cold and below average from mid-December to the beginning of February. Any one of these would have caused increased mortality, but in combination, they were exactly what we didn't need.”
Maryland’s management system of daily catch limits and closed periods is designed to adapt and ensure that annual crab harvest stays balanced with annual shifts in abundance. DNR will begin working immediately with the industry, the public and our advisory commissions to determine if minor adjustments to Maryland’s regulations will be made this year.
“Our stakeholders and citizens can rest assured that never again will we allow the removal of 60 to 75 percent of our population, which ultimately resulted in the fishery’s decline,” said Governor O’Malley.
Preliminary harvest numbers in the 88-94 million-pound range confirm that a robust industry can coexist with regulations designed to rebuild a self-sustaining, healthy blue crab population. In addition, recreational crabbing license sales increased by 8 percent in 2010, evidence that word about improved catch rates spread quickly among local communities and more individuals enjoyed this great Maryland tradition.
Through a historic collaboration in 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) took strong coordinated action to reduce harvest pressure on female crabs by 34 percent. At that time, scientists from all three jurisdictions deemed conservation measures necessary as blue crabs suffered near historic lows in spawning stock.
“The Bay’s blue crab population is healthy and now is showing signs of resiliency, thanks to our stock rebuilding efforts with our Maryland partners,” said Steven G. Bowman, Commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
“We cannot control the weather. It was a harsh winter and crab mortality was higher than normal. In fact, it was the worst we’ve seen since 1996. Thankfully, we acted when we did in 2008 to begin rebuilding the crab population, or the crab census results we see today would be grim indeed.”
“The coordinated management of blue crabs since 2008 clearly demonstrates the conservation gains that can be achieved when Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions act collectively toward a common vision – in this case a healthy blue crab population and sustainable fishery,” said Peyton Robertson, director of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office. “The Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team, recently established under the Chesapeake Bay Program, will build upon this collaboration to address other sustainable fisheries issues of shared interest among the Bay jurisdictions.”
The primary assessment of the Bay’s blue crab population is conducted annually by DNR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Since 1990, the survey has employed crab dredges to sample blue crabs at 1,500 sites throughout the Chesapeake Bay from December through March. By sampling during winter when blue crabs are buried in the mud and stationary, scientists can develop, with good precision, estimates of the number of crabs present in the Bay.
With the help of stakeholders and members of the General Assembly, the O’Malley-Brown Administration achieved major victories in the 2011 legislature, passing bills that increased enforcement authority and penalties for certain egregious violations of striped bass, oyster and blue crab rules.
In September 2008, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service responded to Governor O’Malley’s request for disaster assistance funding for watermen impacted by the declining blue crab population. With support from Senator Barbara Mikulski and Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, DNR received $15 million that extends into 2012 to assist management efforts and mitigate the impacts from the blue crab fishery disaster. In Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010, Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly also directed $6 million in capital funding toward these efforts.
Trump: I’m ‘Last Person Obama Wants To Run Against’
Though many still scoff, he says ‘I'm leading in every poll’ among GOP field
Donald Trump’s continued insistence that Barack Obama produce a U.S. birth certificate to prove his presidency constitutionally legitimate may be merely an annoyance to Obama — but that’s not why the White House is watching the real estate tycoon’s latest courtship with a 2012 run of his own, Trump said Tuesday.
But before he can ask the Republican party for the right to represent it in 2012, the 64-year-old host and executive producer of NBC’s “The Apprentice” must first convince a large number of skeptics that he really intends to run, and consequently open his vast real estate, gaming and media interests to close scrutiny.
Video: Trump ups ante in feud with Cosby (on this page)
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Md. Schools Will Hire Firm To Find New Superintendent
Maryland schools ranked No. 1 in the nation by Education Week for three consecutive years and No. 1 in AP Success in the College Board’s “Advance Placement Report to the Nation: 2011,” during the last part of her tenure.
So finding the state's next superintendent of schools is a major initiative.
The Maryland State Board of Education announced Friday plans to hire a search firm to assist in the process of finding the new state superintendent of schools, who will replace retiring Superintendent Nancy Grasmick.
The Board made the decision during a Thursday teleconference, but has not yet settled on a particular firm or a target date to conclude the search. “No timelines have been determined,” said Maryland State Department of Education representative Maureen Moran. “That will all come to fruition when the search firm is hired.”
Grasmick, 72, is the nation’s longest-serving appointed state superintendent, having held the title of Maryland Superintendent of Schools since 1991. Grasmick will retire on June 30, with another year left on her contract.
Delaware Faculty Salaries Top National Average
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- A new report says professor salaries at the University of Delaware are about $20,000 higher than the national average for doctoral institutions.
The American Association of University Professors says the average full-time UD professor receives a salary of $101,500. It also said full professors make on average $136,300, associate professors $92,000, assistants $77,900 and instructors $60,800. The report says those salaries also are well above the national average for public doctoral institutions.
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The American Association of University Professors says the average full-time UD professor receives a salary of $101,500. It also said full professors make on average $136,300, associate professors $92,000, assistants $77,900 and instructors $60,800. The report says those salaries also are well above the national average for public doctoral institutions.
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New Black Panthers Declare Racism Day
The New Black Panther Party – an organization known largely for their intimidation of voters outside a Philadelphia precinct- has announced plans for a “National Day of Action and Unity,” – ironically urging followers (on their day of unity) to boycott all “non-black business” on April 23.
The New Black Panthers plan to protest non-black establishments and entities via “rallies, marches, demonstrations, programs, and confrontations” in over 60 cities.
“Because blacks worldwide are dissatisfied at their current condition,” the Panther’s announcement explains.
The group urges the authorities to leave them be, not to worry about the late April protests.
“This is organized by a new younger leadership un-approved by our former slave or colonial master,” they explain. “We are grassroots activists, youths, residents, union members, community residents, spiritual people, revolutionaries and freedom fighters who have decided to take a stand together April 23rd.”
The New Black Panthers say they are trying to get more attention for the plight of blacks everywhere and will not rest until they are heard.
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Editors Notes: Due to the volume of racial comments I have elected to remove comments on this Post.
GOP's Conservative Agenda Reshaping Nation
Empowered by their election victories in 2010, Republicans are moving ahead state by state with a conservative agenda that could reshape the nation.
Voters put the GOP in the majority in 25 state legislatures and 29 governors’ offices in last year’s elections.
Bills that would have met a quick death under Democratic control have advanced under Republican majorities.
And the Republican gains are turning out to be every bit as important in shaping the nation’s ideological direction as anything happening in Washington, according to an Associated Press report examining the rightward shift in many state capitals.
Newly elected Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s curbs on public sector collective bargaining in Wisconsin has been followed by similar action in Ohio, where Republican John Kasich has replaced Democrat Ted Strickland, and at least 20 states are taking aim at public employees’ pay, benefits or bargaining rights.
In Florida, the Republican-controlled legislature has produced a law imposing more accountability on teachers, along with 18 proposed restrictions on abortions.
Michigan, with Republican Rick Snyder replacing Democrat Jennifer Granholm in the governor’s mansion, has reduced the amount of time unemployed workers can collect jobless benefits.
Indiana may soon have the broadcast school voucher program in the nation.
In Virginia, GOP legislators enacted a law that will close the state’s abortion clinics.
Missouri lawmakers have approved a tax cut long sought by businesses in the state.
In North Carolina, where the GOP won control of both houses of the legislature for the first time since 1870, Republicans appear ready to pass limits on damages in medical malpractice suits and an expansion of charter schools in the state, and have made progress in giving gun owners more rights to carry concealed pistols.
More here
Voters put the GOP in the majority in 25 state legislatures and 29 governors’ offices in last year’s elections.
Bills that would have met a quick death under Democratic control have advanced under Republican majorities.
And the Republican gains are turning out to be every bit as important in shaping the nation’s ideological direction as anything happening in Washington, according to an Associated Press report examining the rightward shift in many state capitals.
Newly elected Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s curbs on public sector collective bargaining in Wisconsin has been followed by similar action in Ohio, where Republican John Kasich has replaced Democrat Ted Strickland, and at least 20 states are taking aim at public employees’ pay, benefits or bargaining rights.
In Florida, the Republican-controlled legislature has produced a law imposing more accountability on teachers, along with 18 proposed restrictions on abortions.
Michigan, with Republican Rick Snyder replacing Democrat Jennifer Granholm in the governor’s mansion, has reduced the amount of time unemployed workers can collect jobless benefits.
Indiana may soon have the broadcast school voucher program in the nation.
In Virginia, GOP legislators enacted a law that will close the state’s abortion clinics.
Missouri lawmakers have approved a tax cut long sought by businesses in the state.
In North Carolina, where the GOP won control of both houses of the legislature for the first time since 1870, Republicans appear ready to pass limits on damages in medical malpractice suits and an expansion of charter schools in the state, and have made progress in giving gun owners more rights to carry concealed pistols.
More here
GOP Members Backing Out Of Commitments To Stop Debt-Ceiling Hike
Despite enthusiastic new support for freezing the debt limit from conservative talk stars Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage and Sean Hannity, a new WND survey of House Republicans shows slippage for the position where it counts most.
Last month, as many as 142 House Republicans were on board with WND's "No More Red Ink" campaign, which urges them to say no to any hike in the debt limit – an action that would require the federal government to stop borrowing immediately and make the biggest cuts in spending in the history of the country. The number was up from 122 Republicans only a few weeks before.
But WND's most recent survey shows that number has slipped further away from the 218 votes needed to block a debt hike, as only 103 now maintain a firm resolve to vote against it, while another 53 say they would concede to a debt-limit raise if other legislative goals are met.
A spokesperson for Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for example, told WND the congressman would vote to raise the debt limit if it were coupled with "enforceable spending caps" and "meaningful budget reform."
"What we see in three successive head counts of House Republicans is that this issue of the debt limit is very volatile," said WND's Joseph Farah, organizer of the "No More Red Ink" campaign. "I remain confident, especially with the outspokenness of other high-profile conservatives, that this is very much a winnable fight. The problem clearly remains with the House leadership, which is inhibiting many members from taking a hard-line position.
"What we see happening in the last week strongly suggests House Republicans need to hear from constituents more than ever," said Farah.
Read more
Last month, as many as 142 House Republicans were on board with WND's "No More Red Ink" campaign, which urges them to say no to any hike in the debt limit – an action that would require the federal government to stop borrowing immediately and make the biggest cuts in spending in the history of the country. The number was up from 122 Republicans only a few weeks before.
But WND's most recent survey shows that number has slipped further away from the 218 votes needed to block a debt hike, as only 103 now maintain a firm resolve to vote against it, while another 53 say they would concede to a debt-limit raise if other legislative goals are met.
A spokesperson for Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., for example, told WND the congressman would vote to raise the debt limit if it were coupled with "enforceable spending caps" and "meaningful budget reform."
"What we see in three successive head counts of House Republicans is that this issue of the debt limit is very volatile," said WND's Joseph Farah, organizer of the "No More Red Ink" campaign. "I remain confident, especially with the outspokenness of other high-profile conservatives, that this is very much a winnable fight. The problem clearly remains with the House leadership, which is inhibiting many members from taking a hard-line position.
"What we see happening in the last week strongly suggests House Republicans need to hear from constituents more than ever," said Farah.
Read more
Arizona Could Override Eligibility Veto
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is admitting it's possible her veto of the state's eligibility bill for office-seekers could be overturned by members of the Legislature.
"One could anticipate that because certainly they have the numbers down there, but I would be really disappointed," the Republican Brewer told Greta Van Susteren of the Fox News Channel last night. "I am hopeful that they won't."
The measure, House Bill 2177, would have required presidential candidates to provide their birth certificates and other documentation to appear on the ballot.
In her veto message to House Speaker Kirk Adams, Brewer wrote, "As a former secretary of state, I do not support designating one person as the gatekeeper to the ballot for a candidate, which could lead to arbitrary or politically motivated decisions."
She continued: "I never imagined being presented with a bill that could require candidates for president of the greatest and most powerful nation on earth to submit their 'early baptismal or circumcision certificates' among other records to the Arizona secretary of state. This is a bridge too far."
Activists are already urging Arizona residents to contact their lawmakers, urging them to override the veto.
A letter one constituent sent to them states in part: "The governor says 'one person' should not have power over the ballot – well, she has just single-handedly vetoed a 2/3 vote of the Legislature and the will of those of us who voted you into office. I don't understand how she can veto a veto-proof vote!
Read more
"One could anticipate that because certainly they have the numbers down there, but I would be really disappointed," the Republican Brewer told Greta Van Susteren of the Fox News Channel last night. "I am hopeful that they won't."
The measure, House Bill 2177, would have required presidential candidates to provide their birth certificates and other documentation to appear on the ballot.
In her veto message to House Speaker Kirk Adams, Brewer wrote, "As a former secretary of state, I do not support designating one person as the gatekeeper to the ballot for a candidate, which could lead to arbitrary or politically motivated decisions."
She continued: "I never imagined being presented with a bill that could require candidates for president of the greatest and most powerful nation on earth to submit their 'early baptismal or circumcision certificates' among other records to the Arizona secretary of state. This is a bridge too far."
Activists are already urging Arizona residents to contact their lawmakers, urging them to override the veto.
A letter one constituent sent to them states in part: "The governor says 'one person' should not have power over the ballot – well, she has just single-handedly vetoed a 2/3 vote of the Legislature and the will of those of us who voted you into office. I don't understand how she can veto a veto-proof vote!
Read more
Liberalism: The New Crack
Early in his legendary “I Have A Dream” speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. assessed the unhappy situation of black Americans, a century after their emancipation. It is the darkest passage in a speech blazing with radiant imagery and uplifting messages of hope:
One hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
The better part of five decades has passed since that speech was delivered, the Civil Rights Act was signed, and Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society was engineered. Sadly, Dr. King’s diagnosis could be pronounced again today, with only a few minor changes.
Most of the social and economic indicators have been getting worse, year after year, despite a vast amount of money and energy poured into the black community by liberal programs. Perhaps “despite” is not the right word… for much of black America’s plight is caused by the Big Government programs intended to help them.
Blacks suffer much collateral damage from the collapse of urban America. Big cities have been wrecked by decades of liberal control. Cities like Detroit have been virtually destroyed as high taxes, stifling regulations, and public-union dominance killed businesses or drove them away.
The system of dependence and futility built around black Americans needs them to survive. It will not easily let them escape. Black children find themselves trapped in a failing public education system, which has vast amounts of money and political clout available to keep the doors chained shut. The District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship voucher program for disadvantaged kids, which was shut down by the Obama Administration but may soon be re-authorized by Congress, enjoys 74% support from the community. That didn’t stop Obama from killing it without any of his customary dithering or fanfare.
Black Americans have the misfortune to be one of the largest political collectives in the American electorate. The Democrat Party depends on collecting 85% or more of a substantial black turnout for its political survival. In order to keep these voters motivated and properly bundled, black leaders and white liberals sell a narrative of hopelessness.
No deviation from liberal orthodoxy is allowed – the Left slanders no one as viciously as a black conservative. The clients of liberalism are reduced to making increasingly angry demands for diminishing increases in a bankrupt quest for “social justice.” Unacceptable results are protected by making alternative solutions unthinkable. The result is a vicious cycle of political addiction. Liberalism is the new crack.
Read more here
One hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
The better part of five decades has passed since that speech was delivered, the Civil Rights Act was signed, and Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society was engineered. Sadly, Dr. King’s diagnosis could be pronounced again today, with only a few minor changes.
Most of the social and economic indicators have been getting worse, year after year, despite a vast amount of money and energy poured into the black community by liberal programs. Perhaps “despite” is not the right word… for much of black America’s plight is caused by the Big Government programs intended to help them.
Blacks suffer much collateral damage from the collapse of urban America. Big cities have been wrecked by decades of liberal control. Cities like Detroit have been virtually destroyed as high taxes, stifling regulations, and public-union dominance killed businesses or drove them away.
The system of dependence and futility built around black Americans needs them to survive. It will not easily let them escape. Black children find themselves trapped in a failing public education system, which has vast amounts of money and political clout available to keep the doors chained shut. The District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship voucher program for disadvantaged kids, which was shut down by the Obama Administration but may soon be re-authorized by Congress, enjoys 74% support from the community. That didn’t stop Obama from killing it without any of his customary dithering or fanfare.
Black Americans have the misfortune to be one of the largest political collectives in the American electorate. The Democrat Party depends on collecting 85% or more of a substantial black turnout for its political survival. In order to keep these voters motivated and properly bundled, black leaders and white liberals sell a narrative of hopelessness.
No deviation from liberal orthodoxy is allowed – the Left slanders no one as viciously as a black conservative. The clients of liberalism are reduced to making increasingly angry demands for diminishing increases in a bankrupt quest for “social justice.” Unacceptable results are protected by making alternative solutions unthinkable. The result is a vicious cycle of political addiction. Liberalism is the new crack.
Read more here
Investigation Of ’Secret’ Obamacare Mee tings Expands
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton is expanding his investigation into the meetings between special interest groups and the Obama White House that set the stage for the passage of Obamacare, sending document requests to 12 industry groups and unions that played a key role in the negotiations.
In April 18 letters to the groups, Upton asks for extensive details and documents about each organization’s interactions with the White House in regards to the health care law.
The requests come as the Obama White House has so far declined to provide its documents about the meetings.
At issue are special deals struck between interest groups and President Obama to either garner the support of major industry sectors or soften their criticism of the health care law.
In one major instance, the pharmaceutical drug sector agreed to back the legislation as long as the costs to that sector did not exceed $80 billion. The drug sector eventually spent over $100 million on television advertisements touting the law.
The industry groups and unions subject to Upton’s request are AARP, AFL-CIO, AdvaMed, AFSCME, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Business Roundtable, Federation of American Hospitals, PHRMA, and SEIU.
Feb. 18, Upton wrote to Nancy-Ann DeParle, who served as Obama’s health care reform “czar” during the period during which Obamacare was considered in Congress and has since been promoted to the president’s deputy chief of staff, requesting a range of documents relating to meetings and negotiations over the health care law.
The letter requested a list of staff working for the White House Office of Health Reform, a list of their meetings on health care with special interest groups, notes or minutes from those meetings and all written communications between the White House and outside groups on changes to the health care system.
In response, White House counsel Robert Bauer suggested the inquiry was too time consuming to comply with.
More here
In April 18 letters to the groups, Upton asks for extensive details and documents about each organization’s interactions with the White House in regards to the health care law.
The requests come as the Obama White House has so far declined to provide its documents about the meetings.
At issue are special deals struck between interest groups and President Obama to either garner the support of major industry sectors or soften their criticism of the health care law.
In one major instance, the pharmaceutical drug sector agreed to back the legislation as long as the costs to that sector did not exceed $80 billion. The drug sector eventually spent over $100 million on television advertisements touting the law.
The industry groups and unions subject to Upton’s request are AARP, AFL-CIO, AdvaMed, AFSCME, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Business Roundtable, Federation of American Hospitals, PHRMA, and SEIU.
Feb. 18, Upton wrote to Nancy-Ann DeParle, who served as Obama’s health care reform “czar” during the period during which Obamacare was considered in Congress and has since been promoted to the president’s deputy chief of staff, requesting a range of documents relating to meetings and negotiations over the health care law.
The letter requested a list of staff working for the White House Office of Health Reform, a list of their meetings on health care with special interest groups, notes or minutes from those meetings and all written communications between the White House and outside groups on changes to the health care system.
In response, White House counsel Robert Bauer suggested the inquiry was too time consuming to comply with.
More here
White House Cooks The Books
White House officials have unveiled a taxpayers’ “Federal Tax Receipt” website to goose publicity for a week of presidential speeches on the deficit, but the online receipt hides the president’s deficit spending and conceals the growing national debt.
But interest payments actually cost the nation $414 billion in 2010, according to the Treasury Department. That’s roughly $1,380 per person, or $4,140 for a family of three, or 218 times more than the White House website shows.
This week, “the president will be heading across the country talking directly about his vision for how we reduce our deficit, create jobs and grow the economy,” Dan Pfeiffer, the White House’s communications director, said in a Friday press conference to announce the website and speeches
The plan for the week’s campaign includes interviews with regional media, town-hall events in northern Virginia on Tuesday and in Nevada on Thursday, plus a moderated question-and-answer session on Wednesday from Facebook’s California headquarters. The Facebook event is expected to reach many younger voters, whose support for Obama has recently plunged to 29 percent, according to a recent Pew poll. Virginia and Nevada are swing states that are important to the president’s 2012 reelection campaign.
The town-hall events, Pfeiffer said, will be headlined, “Shared Responsibility, Shared Prosperity.”
The webpage, at whitehouse.gov/taxreceipt, allows people to plug in their tax payments to see how their income taxes are spent among up to 34 accounts, such as “health care,” housing assistance” or “atomic energy defense activities.”
The site obscures President Obama’s use of borrowed funds, which amounted to $1,293 billion in 2010. That federal deficit was a third of the $3,552 billion spent by the federal government, and about 50 percent more than was paid in taxes.
Read more
But interest payments actually cost the nation $414 billion in 2010, according to the Treasury Department. That’s roughly $1,380 per person, or $4,140 for a family of three, or 218 times more than the White House website shows.
This week, “the president will be heading across the country talking directly about his vision for how we reduce our deficit, create jobs and grow the economy,” Dan Pfeiffer, the White House’s communications director, said in a Friday press conference to announce the website and speeches
The plan for the week’s campaign includes interviews with regional media, town-hall events in northern Virginia on Tuesday and in Nevada on Thursday, plus a moderated question-and-answer session on Wednesday from Facebook’s California headquarters. The Facebook event is expected to reach many younger voters, whose support for Obama has recently plunged to 29 percent, according to a recent Pew poll. Virginia and Nevada are swing states that are important to the president’s 2012 reelection campaign.
The town-hall events, Pfeiffer said, will be headlined, “Shared Responsibility, Shared Prosperity.”
The webpage, at whitehouse.gov/taxreceipt, allows people to plug in their tax payments to see how their income taxes are spent among up to 34 accounts, such as “health care,” housing assistance” or “atomic energy defense activities.”
The site obscures President Obama’s use of borrowed funds, which amounted to $1,293 billion in 2010. That federal deficit was a third of the $3,552 billion spent by the federal government, and about 50 percent more than was paid in taxes.
Read more
CPAC Dumps Director Who Ridiculed Eligibility Issue
The staff director of the nation's largest annual gathering of conservatives was dismissed by the American Conservative Union today, a year after publicly embracing the homosexual activist group GOProud and ridiculing those suggesting Barack Obama had not proven his constitutional eligibility to serve as president.
In a board meeting, the ACU, the host of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, voted to replace Lisa De Pasquale as executive director of the event. Earlier this year, following the CPAC meeting in February, ACU Chairman David Keene was replaced by Washington lobbyist Al Cardenas.
The acceptance of GOProud as a participating sponsor of CPAC led to major controversy within conservative ranks, with many previous sponsors, including the Heritage Foundation, Family Research Council, Concerned Women of America and American Family Association, all abandoning the event their sponsorship in 2011.
But it is on the eligibility issue that the ACU has made its most dramatic turnaround. Last year, after receiving a private email from WND’s Joseph Farah, offering to organize a panel on the eligibility issue for CPAC, De Pasquale never responded – except publicly in the Los Angeles Times where she scoffed at the request.
“Farah asked if he could speak on the issue (birther movement), but that isn't something we're interested in,” she told the paper. “It would fill a room. But so would a two-headed monkey. There really are so many more important issues, and it's only a three-day conference."
This year, however, as WND previously reported, ACU is using the popularity of the eligibility issue as a fundraising vehicle. The group is now soliciting funds for a national advertising campaign based on the theme that Obama is not eligible to be president.
The key argument of the ACU solicitation is that Obama is ineligible to be president because he was adopted by his stepfather, Lolo Soetoro, and, as a consequence, became a citizen of Indonesia when he lived as a child in Indonesia for four years with his mother and his stepfather.Read more
In a board meeting, the ACU, the host of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, voted to replace Lisa De Pasquale as executive director of the event. Earlier this year, following the CPAC meeting in February, ACU Chairman David Keene was replaced by Washington lobbyist Al Cardenas.
The acceptance of GOProud as a participating sponsor of CPAC led to major controversy within conservative ranks, with many previous sponsors, including the Heritage Foundation, Family Research Council, Concerned Women of America and American Family Association, all abandoning the event their sponsorship in 2011.
But it is on the eligibility issue that the ACU has made its most dramatic turnaround. Last year, after receiving a private email from WND’s Joseph Farah, offering to organize a panel on the eligibility issue for CPAC, De Pasquale never responded – except publicly in the Los Angeles Times where she scoffed at the request.
“Farah asked if he could speak on the issue (birther movement), but that isn't something we're interested in,” she told the paper. “It would fill a room. But so would a two-headed monkey. There really are so many more important issues, and it's only a three-day conference."
This year, however, as WND previously reported, ACU is using the popularity of the eligibility issue as a fundraising vehicle. The group is now soliciting funds for a national advertising campaign based on the theme that Obama is not eligible to be president.
The key argument of the ACU solicitation is that Obama is ineligible to be president because he was adopted by his stepfather, Lolo Soetoro, and, as a consequence, became a citizen of Indonesia when he lived as a child in Indonesia for four years with his mother and his stepfather.Read more
White House Email System Carries Union News Releases
The White House this week transmitted two union promotions through its tax-paid email system, and although both praised the president, they gave no appearance of having any other link to Obama administration operations, prompting a Washington watchdog to wonder where is the dividing line between big labor and the president.
The criticism comes from Judicial Watch, which just one day earlier issued a report that the Obama Health and Human Services agency plans to spend $200 million of taxpayer funds to promote Obamacare, the president's signature law that has been declared unconstitutional by two federal judges.
The union promotions were from the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, and the American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees, or AFSCME. While both interact regularly with the government and lobby on behalf of their own interests, they are separate organizations from the government.
The releases from the unions on White House email gave no indication there was any White House interaction; they simply were union statements.
"With the Obama administration, it is hard to tell where big labor unions end and the Obama administration begins," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "It is not unusual for a White House to promote favorable commentary, but it seems improper to slap 'The White House' label on it as the Obama White House did.
"It seems like the radicals at the SEIU are writing official White House press statements. And I didn't think the federal government could lawfully accept 'volunteer' assistance such as that," he said.
Read more and see the document
The criticism comes from Judicial Watch, which just one day earlier issued a report that the Obama Health and Human Services agency plans to spend $200 million of taxpayer funds to promote Obamacare, the president's signature law that has been declared unconstitutional by two federal judges.
The union promotions were from the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, and the American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees, or AFSCME. While both interact regularly with the government and lobby on behalf of their own interests, they are separate organizations from the government.
The releases from the unions on White House email gave no indication there was any White House interaction; they simply were union statements.
"With the Obama administration, it is hard to tell where big labor unions end and the Obama administration begins," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "It is not unusual for a White House to promote favorable commentary, but it seems improper to slap 'The White House' label on it as the Obama White House did.
"It seems like the radicals at the SEIU are writing official White House press statements. And I didn't think the federal government could lawfully accept 'volunteer' assistance such as that," he said.
Read more and see the document
Debt Collector Can't Harass Through Facebook Friends, Court Rules
In a precedent-setting case, a court has ruled that a debt collector can't continue to contact a debtor's friends and family on Facebook about her car payments, reports the Orlando Sentinel. The debt collector had already emailed, texted her, and called her at home and work, according tot he lawsuit, 23 times in one day.
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Make Your Own Laundry Detergent At Home
In just 30 minutes, you can have a five-gallon bucket of homemade laundry detergent that costs 50 cents less per load than store bought, says dollarstoremom. All you need is washing soda, grated bar soap, borax, boiling water, and large bucket. Get the recipe and ideas for adding scents and so forth on the blog. And yep, this mixture will even work on HE washers, according to the commenters.
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GOP Official Under Fire For Email Of Obama As Chimpanzee
Orange County Republican Party member Marilyn Davenport says she doesn't think depicting the president as a chimpanzee is racist.
Check Out President Obama And VP Biden’s 2010 Tax Returns
It’s Tax Day, and if you’re miffed and looking for a Tea Party Tax Day event [1] to join, perhaps you should first take a look at what the Obamas are paying in federal taxes. It might provide a bit of consolation.
According to the First Family’s 2010 tax return [2], the Obamas paid in excess of $450,000 in federal taxes—more than the President’s $400,000 salary. Much of the family’s income is from book sales, which slowed over the past year, causing their income to dip from $5.5 million in 2009 to $1.7 million last year. As the New York Times notes [3], the Obamas had a tax rate of just over 26 percent.
The Bidens earned about $379,000 in income [4] and paid $87,000 in federal taxes last year—a tax rate of about 23 percent.
That’s more than the average federal income tax rate, which, according to the Associated Press is 9.3 percent [5]. The AP also reported that the richest U.S. households—whose income is officially taxed at 35 percent—paid a tax rate of about 17 percent after factoring in lucrative tax breaks.
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According to the First Family’s 2010 tax return [2], the Obamas paid in excess of $450,000 in federal taxes—more than the President’s $400,000 salary. Much of the family’s income is from book sales, which slowed over the past year, causing their income to dip from $5.5 million in 2009 to $1.7 million last year. As the New York Times notes [3], the Obamas had a tax rate of just over 26 percent.
The Bidens earned about $379,000 in income [4] and paid $87,000 in federal taxes last year—a tax rate of about 23 percent.
That’s more than the average federal income tax rate, which, according to the Associated Press is 9.3 percent [5]. The AP also reported that the richest U.S. households—whose income is officially taxed at 35 percent—paid a tax rate of about 17 percent after factoring in lucrative tax breaks.
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Northrop Grumman Hiring In Virginia
Northrop Grumman has taken the first steps to opening its new headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. The Washington Post reports the company is hiring executives, putting its insignia on the new building, and hiring more people. Only about half of its corporate staff, based in Los Angeles, is planning to move. The move is slated to begin in late summer and will be done in phases, and once it is complete the company will give up its Rosslyn office.
CR Could Provide Some BRAC Traffic Relief
The six-month continuing resolution Congress passed earlier this month was mostly about cuts, but it also included several hundred million dollars in new spending pushed through by the Maryland and Virginia congressional delegations. That money will pay to help solve some of the huge traffic problems this year's military personnel moves are expected to create around the DC area.
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In 12 Years, Income For Richest 400 Americans Quadruples, Tax Rate Nearly Halved
New datareleased by the IRSreveals that, over a period of 12 years, tax rates for the richest 400 Americans were effectively cut in half. In 1995, the richest 400 Americans paid, on average, 29.93% of their income in federal taxes. In 2007, the last year for which the IRS has released data, the richest 400 Americans paid just 16.63%.
In 1995, just 12 of the 400 richest Americans paid an effective tax rat of between zero and 15%. By 2007, that number skyrocketed to over 150. The massive reduction is due to both Bush-era tax reductions for the wealthy and the aggressive exploitation of tax dodges and shelters. (For details, check outthis reportfrom BusinessWeek.)
As their tax rates plummeted, the total income of the richest 400 Americans skyrocketed. In 1995, the combined income of the richest 400 was just over $6 billion. By 2007, the combined income of the richest 400 was almost $23 billion.
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In 1995, just 12 of the 400 richest Americans paid an effective tax rat of between zero and 15%. By 2007, that number skyrocketed to over 150. The massive reduction is due to both Bush-era tax reductions for the wealthy and the aggressive exploitation of tax dodges and shelters. (For details, check outthis reportfrom BusinessWeek.)
As their tax rates plummeted, the total income of the richest 400 Americans skyrocketed. In 1995, the combined income of the richest 400 was just over $6 billion. By 2007, the combined income of the richest 400 was almost $23 billion.
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How Many Chernobyls Before We Get It?
Twenty-five years after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion, a massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami devastated northeast Japan, killing and injuring thousands of people and crippling the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant. Though the likelihood of this catastrophic event was known, the plant was not designed to withstand the massive tsunami that disabled its backup power and cooling systems. Compounding the crisis, the plant's disaster preparedness plan and equipment were woefully inadequate for emergency response.
Japanese authorities enforced an immediate (likely permanent) evacuation zone of 12 miles around the plant, later expanded to 18 miles. Within a week, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced a far grimmer assessment of the nuclear disaster's risks, and Americans within a 50-mile radius of the plant were told to evacuate. By day nine, radioactively contaminated agricultural products as far away as 65 miles were banned for sale, and radioactive iodine was found in Tokyo's drinking water 142 miles away. Within a fortnight, an Austrian air monitoring network stated that radioactive releases from Fukushima approached those of Chernobyl. By week three, the new maelstrom was highly radioactive water leaking through cracks into groundwater, spilling into the sea through maintenance tunnels and contaminating marine ecosystems. In week four, a welter of long-lived problems that will worsen over time - namely, stresses on containment structures filled with water, explosive atmospheres in reactor structures and salt buildup from seawater doused on fuel rods -were identified by NRC nuclear engineers assessing the crisis.
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Japanese authorities enforced an immediate (likely permanent) evacuation zone of 12 miles around the plant, later expanded to 18 miles. Within a week, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced a far grimmer assessment of the nuclear disaster's risks, and Americans within a 50-mile radius of the plant were told to evacuate. By day nine, radioactively contaminated agricultural products as far away as 65 miles were banned for sale, and radioactive iodine was found in Tokyo's drinking water 142 miles away. Within a fortnight, an Austrian air monitoring network stated that radioactive releases from Fukushima approached those of Chernobyl. By week three, the new maelstrom was highly radioactive water leaking through cracks into groundwater, spilling into the sea through maintenance tunnels and contaminating marine ecosystems. In week four, a welter of long-lived problems that will worsen over time - namely, stresses on containment structures filled with water, explosive atmospheres in reactor structures and salt buildup from seawater doused on fuel rods -were identified by NRC nuclear engineers assessing the crisis.
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Members Of Congress, Activists Use Tax Day To Call For End To Afghanistan War
To mark Tax Day, a bipartisan group of legislators and activists launched a campaign to show average Americans how much of their money was used this year to continue funding the Afghanistan war.
Progressive advocacy group Rethink Afghanistan created a Cost of War Calculator, which allows Americans to determine the amount of money they personally paid through taxes to continue funding the presence of US troops in Afghanistan. Along with several members of Congress, religious leaders and veterans, the campaign included a press conference and a chance for taxpayers to send their representatives IOU requests for the amount of their wages spent on the war, now entering its tenth year.
Bolstering the significance of Tax Day are the recent debates in Congress over federal budget proposals, as well as burgeoning presidential election campaigns on both sides. "I think the budget fights have drawn everyone's attention to how we're spending money here," said Derrick Crowe, political director at Brave New Foundation, which operates Rethink Afghanistan. "A lot of the time, when people are talking about the costs of war, there are these huge numbers - when you talk in terms of billions and trillions, people don't have a tangible understanding of what that means. With this [IOU] tool ... you'll be able to see what you paid. You'll be able to understand immediately what you could have spent."
The group of Congress members joining in the campaign include Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona), Walter Jones (R-North Carolina), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-California) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-California).
"There are very few national needs that rise to the level of ending our costly, destructive and increasingly pointless wars and April 18 reminds us just where our money is going despite our own preference to bring our troops home," Grijalva said Thursday during a press conference. "This remains a moral, fiscal and national security disaster that is draining our treasury and for what? The American people have been asking that question for years without a satisfactory answer and I think it's time we answered them by bringing our troops home."
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Progressive advocacy group Rethink Afghanistan created a Cost of War Calculator, which allows Americans to determine the amount of money they personally paid through taxes to continue funding the presence of US troops in Afghanistan. Along with several members of Congress, religious leaders and veterans, the campaign included a press conference and a chance for taxpayers to send their representatives IOU requests for the amount of their wages spent on the war, now entering its tenth year.
Bolstering the significance of Tax Day are the recent debates in Congress over federal budget proposals, as well as burgeoning presidential election campaigns on both sides. "I think the budget fights have drawn everyone's attention to how we're spending money here," said Derrick Crowe, political director at Brave New Foundation, which operates Rethink Afghanistan. "A lot of the time, when people are talking about the costs of war, there are these huge numbers - when you talk in terms of billions and trillions, people don't have a tangible understanding of what that means. With this [IOU] tool ... you'll be able to see what you paid. You'll be able to understand immediately what you could have spent."
The group of Congress members joining in the campaign include Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona), Walter Jones (R-North Carolina), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-California) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-California).
"There are very few national needs that rise to the level of ending our costly, destructive and increasingly pointless wars and April 18 reminds us just where our money is going despite our own preference to bring our troops home," Grijalva said Thursday during a press conference. "This remains a moral, fiscal and national security disaster that is draining our treasury and for what? The American people have been asking that question for years without a satisfactory answer and I think it's time we answered them by bringing our troops home."
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CHAIR PETER O’MALLEY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER
ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Democratic Party Chair Peter O’Malley released the following statement on learning of the death of Governor William Donald Schaefer:
"William Donald Schaefer was a remarkable individual and true leader whose unwavering commitment and passion to public service made a real difference in the lives of all Marylanders. From his service in World War II, his work transforming Baltimore as Mayor, to his years of leadership in Annapolis as Governor and then Comptroller, William Donald Schaefer fought tenaciously for Maryland's future. Governor Schaefer's forward-thinking vision was coupled with a deep compassion and steadfast sense of duty to the citizens he served. We should all be grateful for his lifelong service to our great state."
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT CHESAPEAKE BAY ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 18, 2011) –TODAY, Governor Martin O’Malley will make an important announcement regarding the blue crab fishery and the health and future of the Chesapeake Bay.
In 2008, Maryland and Virginia took strong, coordinated action to reduce harvest pressure on female crabs by regulating harvesting in the Bay. At that time, scientists from both jurisdictions deemed conservation measures necessary as blue crab suffered near historic lows in spawning stock.
WHAT: Governor O’Malley to Make Announcement about Blue Crabs in Maryland
WHEN: TODAY, Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Mike’s Crab House
3030 Riva Road
Riva, MD
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO ANNOUNCE MAJOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Governor and County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III to Provide Details of High-end Development and Highway Improvements
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 18, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III tomorrow to announce details of a tri-party agreement that will open the door to economic development in northern Prince George’s County. The announcement will focus on construction of the next section of the Intercounty Connector (ICC/MD 200) and additional highway improvements in the county to support priority projects.
WHAT: Governor O’Malley, County Executive Baker to announce Prince George’s economic development initiative
WHEN: TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Intercounty Connector (ICC) at I-95 construction site**
6101 Van Dusen Road
Laurel, MD
DIRECTIONS FROM I-95:
From Washington, D.C. and points south: Take I-95 north to Exit 29A for MD 212 East toward Beltsville. Merge onto MD 212 South/ Powder Mill Road. Turn left at Old Gunpowder Road. Travel approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto Van Dusen Road. Travel approximately 1.2 mile and location to construction field offices will be on your right. It is signed 6101 Van Dusen Road. Follow service road to event site.
From Baltimore and points north: Take I-95 south to Exit 33B for MD 198 West/ Sandy Spring Road toward Burtonsville. Travel .8 miles, then turn left at Sweitzer Lane. Follow Sweitzer Lane for approximately 1.1 mile, then turn right onto Van Dusen Road. The destination will be approximately 394 feet on your left. It is signed 6101 Van Dusen Road. Follow service road to event site.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE SEPTIC POLLUTION
Governor signs Executive Order establishing Task Force to include agriculture, science, development and public sectors
MILLERSVILLE, MD (April 18, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Delegate Maggie McIntosh, Chair of the House Environmental Matters Committee, Senator Paul Pinsky and Delegate Steve Lafferty, lead sponsors of this year’s septics legislation in the Senate and House of Delegates, and others for the signing of an Executive Order on septics pollution. The Executive Order creates a Task Force composed of a broad cross-section of representatives from business, agriculture, science, environmental advocacy and government to study the issue of the use of septic systems in Maryland, and the extent to which they contribute to the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay.
“There’s greater recognition now for the societal costs of sprawl development on septic. Continuing down the same path will undercut the progress we’ve made on restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay and will overburden our farmers and other industries that are making changes to limit pollution in our waterways,” said Governor O’Malley. “I look forward to reviewing the conclusions from this task force as it examines the issue in greater depth, and my hope is that it will serve to inform our efforts next year to successfully ban new, major developments from relying on polluting septics in our state.”
The creation of the Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal follows a vigorous debate on the issue during the 2011 session of the Maryland General Assembly over the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act (SB 846 and HB 1107). Ultimately, the General Assembly concluded more time was needed to study the issue. Today, Governor O’Malley’s Executive Order establishes the framework of that study.
"Creating a new policy for rural septic use is a win-win solution: it retains our rural farm area and reduces both sprawl and nitrogen, and the attendant and enduring harmful effects of both,” said Senator Paul Pinsky.
"I am very pleased that the Governor is announcing this task force so soon after the legislative session ended, said Delegate Lafferty. “It is a clear recognition that we must address Maryland's future growth and economy without continued reliance on septic systems. We must find new ways to support growth while greatly reducing the pollution septics are causing to our Bay and waterways."
During the next 25 years, new Maryland developments relying on septic systems are expected to account for 26 percent of growth, but 76 percent of new nitrogen pollution. In other words, a quarter of the State’s future growth will cause three-fourths of its future wastewater pollution. Septic proliferation also fragments vital agricultural and forest lands and fuels dispersed land consumption, resulting in increased public costs and the need for additional roads, schools and other public services beyond the State’s growth areas.
Currently, approximately 411,000 Maryland households are on septic systems. If nothing is done, total nitrogen load from septic systems will increase by 36 percent over the next 25 years. Nitrogen is the most damaging pollutant in the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's waterways. To comply with the EPA’s Bay “pollution diet” Maryland must reduce nitrogen 21 percent by 2020.
In March, Governor O’Malley testified before the General Assembly and delivered a presentation outlining the extent of the damage the continued proliferation of septic systems will do to the Chesapeake Bay.
The Executive Order requires the Task Force to report its findings by December 1, 2011. The Task Force will include the members from the Senate and House, and the secretaries of the Maryland Department of Planning, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources. It will also include the chairs of the Critical Area Commission and Sustainable Growth Commission; local government officials, environmental advocates and representatives from the scientific community, agriculture, development and real estate.
Governor O’Malley signed the Executive Order at the Arlington Echo Environmental Education Center, a facility of the Anne Arundel County Public School System on the Severn River in Millersville. The Center serves to inform students and parent volunteers about how their actions affect the Chesapeake Bay and to motivate them to take Bay-friendly actions when they return home. The Severn lies in the Lower Western Shore Watershed, which has the greatest nutrient pollution load from septic systems in Maryland.
In Redistricting, Democrats Look For Electoral Opportunities
With Maryland's 2011 legislative session now over, lawmakers are shifting their attention to congressional redistricting. And if the past is a guide, the Democratic leaders who will draw the new boundaries for the state's eight congressional districts later this year will be looking to eke out any partisan advantage they can.
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BALTIMORE CO, YOUTH CHARGED WITH LASER SPOTLIGHTING OF A STATE POLICE HELICOPTER
(PARKVILLE, MD) – Baltimore County Police charged a teenager last night after Maryland State Police pilots on a training mission were spotlighted by a laser beam while in flight.
The 13-year-old male was charged as a juvenile with reckless endangerment and laser pointer misuse. He was released to the custody of his parents.
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, a Maryland State Police helicopter with two pilots and a flight paramedic on board was in-flight on a training mission over eastern Baltimore County when the cockpit was illuminated with a bright green flash of light. The light was held on the cockpit of the helicopter as it flew.
The light temporarily blinded both pilots. The pilots recovered their night vision while continuing to fly and were able to spot where the laser beam emanated from. A male, later identified as the suspect, was seen running into the house as the helicopter spotlight was used to illuminate the area of the home.
The State Police helicopter crew called Baltimore County Police from the air and stayed overhead while a county police unit was directed to the home. A Baltimore County police officer contacted the suspect and his parents. The officer also recovered the laser pointer.
Shining lasers at aircraft can have dangerous and even deadly consequences. A direct laser strike in the cockpit can cause temporary blindness and disorientation for the crew. This endangers not only people on the aircraft, but also people on the ground in the event a crash occurs.
“The use of a laser to target in-flight aircraft is a very dangerous and irresponsible act,” Major Mark Gibbons, Commander of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command said. “While our flight crews are in the air serving and protecting our citizens, we will not have them jeopardized in this way. We intend to do everything possible to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those who endanger our flight crews, or any other aircraft flying in Maryland. I appreciate the assistance of the Baltimore County Police in our efforts to identify and charge the person responsible for last night’s incident. We have similar partnerships across the state and are working with our allied law enforcement aviation units to address this serious issue. I urge parents whose children have laser pointers to remind them that engaging in this dangerous activity could lead to criminal charges.”
The 13-year-old male was charged as a juvenile with reckless endangerment and laser pointer misuse. He was released to the custody of his parents.
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. yesterday, a Maryland State Police helicopter with two pilots and a flight paramedic on board was in-flight on a training mission over eastern Baltimore County when the cockpit was illuminated with a bright green flash of light. The light was held on the cockpit of the helicopter as it flew.
The light temporarily blinded both pilots. The pilots recovered their night vision while continuing to fly and were able to spot where the laser beam emanated from. A male, later identified as the suspect, was seen running into the house as the helicopter spotlight was used to illuminate the area of the home.
The State Police helicopter crew called Baltimore County Police from the air and stayed overhead while a county police unit was directed to the home. A Baltimore County police officer contacted the suspect and his parents. The officer also recovered the laser pointer.
Shining lasers at aircraft can have dangerous and even deadly consequences. A direct laser strike in the cockpit can cause temporary blindness and disorientation for the crew. This endangers not only people on the aircraft, but also people on the ground in the event a crash occurs.
“The use of a laser to target in-flight aircraft is a very dangerous and irresponsible act,” Major Mark Gibbons, Commander of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command said. “While our flight crews are in the air serving and protecting our citizens, we will not have them jeopardized in this way. We intend to do everything possible to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those who endanger our flight crews, or any other aircraft flying in Maryland. I appreciate the assistance of the Baltimore County Police in our efforts to identify and charge the person responsible for last night’s incident. We have similar partnerships across the state and are working with our allied law enforcement aviation units to address this serious issue. I urge parents whose children have laser pointers to remind them that engaging in this dangerous activity could lead to criminal charges.”
Highlighted Events This Week in Wicomico Schools
NOTE: The Monday, April 18 Red Kayak Night at Salisbury Middle School has been rescheduled for Monday, May 2.
Wednesday, April 20
PJs for PJ Aldridge Day
Westside Intermediate School
Students of Westside Intermediate School in Hebron will take part in a PJs for P.J. Aldridge Day Wednesday, April 20, donating $1 to the P.J. Aldridge Foundation (at http://pjaf.org/ ) to wear pajamas as school that day. The foundation raises funds to support research and awareness of lung cancer, and was started last year by a Westside Intermediate mom who is friends with Aldridge. Aldridge, a gregarious and active Ocean City resident and surfer, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Students will also have the chance to win prizes for their Positive Attitude posters and to meet Aldridge, who will come to WIS Wednesday to judge the winning posters. Staff members are also welcome to participate in the fundraiser for the P.J. Aldridge Foundation. 410-677-5118.
Thursday, April 21-Monday, April 25
Spring holidays for students
Schools will close at the regular time on Wednesday, April 20, and will be closed for students for the spring holidays on Thursday, April 21, Friday, April 22, and Monday, April 25. Schools will reopen to students Tuesday, April 26. Thursday, April 21 is a professional day makeup day for many teachers, and the Central Office will be open as scheduled. All staff members will be off and all offices will be closed Friday, April 22 and Monday, April 25.
Wednesday, April 20
PJs for PJ Aldridge Day
Westside Intermediate School
Students of Westside Intermediate School in Hebron will take part in a PJs for P.J. Aldridge Day Wednesday, April 20, donating $1 to the P.J. Aldridge Foundation (at http://pjaf.org/ ) to wear pajamas as school that day. The foundation raises funds to support research and awareness of lung cancer, and was started last year by a Westside Intermediate mom who is friends with Aldridge. Aldridge, a gregarious and active Ocean City resident and surfer, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Students will also have the chance to win prizes for their Positive Attitude posters and to meet Aldridge, who will come to WIS Wednesday to judge the winning posters. Staff members are also welcome to participate in the fundraiser for the P.J. Aldridge Foundation. 410-677-5118.
Thursday, April 21-Monday, April 25
Spring holidays for students
Schools will close at the regular time on Wednesday, April 20, and will be closed for students for the spring holidays on Thursday, April 21, Friday, April 22, and Monday, April 25. Schools will reopen to students Tuesday, April 26. Thursday, April 21 is a professional day makeup day for many teachers, and the Central Office will be open as scheduled. All staff members will be off and all offices will be closed Friday, April 22 and Monday, April 25.
Coming Up Soon on the Wicomico School Calendar
Wednesday, April 27
Superintendent’s Open Door Session
Board of Education Office
A Superintendent’s Open Door Session will take place Wednesday, April 27 from 4-6 p.m., in the Administrative Conference Room at the Board of Education Office. The Open Door Sessions are opportunities to meet one-on-one with Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen to discuss any issue, idea or concern. No appointments are made: Anyone interested in meeting with the superintendent should come to the Board office that day and sign in. The final Superintendent Open Door Session for this year is scheduled for May 25. 410-677-4495.
April 29-May 7
Annual Wicomico County Student Art Show
Wicomico Public Library
The 33rd annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 works from students in every Wicomico school, opens Friday, April 29th, at the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury. Art teachers have elected 20 to 50 pieces per school, including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture, to represent the creative efforts of Wicomico students. Art teachers will be installing the exhibit on Friday, April 29th in the lobby and throughout the children and Adult sides of the library. The exhibit will be available for viewing during library hours through Saturday, May 7th. The library is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 12 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The library is closed on Sunday. A reception for student artists and their families will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6th. For information about the Wicomico County Student Art Show, please call Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of Music/Visual Art and Special Projects, at 410-677-4573.
Thursday, April 28
Office of Special Education’s Annual Transition Night
At James M. Bennett High School
The Office of Special Education, in collaboration with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, will be holding our Annual Transition Night on Thursday, April 28. It will be held in the Clipper Cafe in the new James M. Bennett High School from 6-8 p.m. Students and families will be able to meet with Adult Service Providers and local colleges to discuss services and supports after high school. 410-677-4430.
Thursday, April 28
Financial Literacy Seminar
Hosted by the Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP
The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP will host a Financial Literacy Seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28 and St. Paul AME Zion Church on Delaware Avenue in Salisbury. Dr. Geri Mason will be the speaker. “You don’t have to become a financial planner to handle your financial affairs,” Dr. Mason says. “Just a few basic steps can help put you in charge of your finances.” The seminar will include values clarification, establishing goals, calculating net worth, developing a spending plan, and organizing records. The event is open to the public. For more information please contact Mary Ashanti at 410-543-4187 or 410-430-1896.
Friday, April 29
Wicomico Middle Walk-a-thon for Cystic Fibrosis
Salisbury City Park
Wicomico Middle School invites all Wicomico schools, staff members and students to participate in a Walk-a-thon for Cystic Fibrosis from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, April 29. The walk will take place in Salisbury City Park, across from the school. Donations of $3 are requested, and will be collected at the park. This event is sponsored by Students for Service at Wicomico Middle School. 410-677-5145.
Friday, April 29-Saturday, May 7
33rd annual Wicomico County Student Art Show
Wicomico County Library
The 33rd annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 works from students in every Wicomico school, opens Friday, April 29, at the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury. Art teachers have elected 20 to 50 pieces per school, including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture, to represent the creative efforts of Wicomico students. Art teachers will install the exhibit in the lobby and throughout the children's side of the library. The exhibit will be available for viewing during library hours through Saturday, May 7. The library is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 12-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The library is closed on Sunday. A reception for student artists and their families will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6. For information about the Wicomico County Student Art Show, please call Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of Music/Visual Art and Special Projects, at 410-677-4573.
Superintendent’s Open Door Session
Board of Education Office
A Superintendent’s Open Door Session will take place Wednesday, April 27 from 4-6 p.m., in the Administrative Conference Room at the Board of Education Office. The Open Door Sessions are opportunities to meet one-on-one with Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen to discuss any issue, idea or concern. No appointments are made: Anyone interested in meeting with the superintendent should come to the Board office that day and sign in. The final Superintendent Open Door Session for this year is scheduled for May 25. 410-677-4495.
April 29-May 7
Annual Wicomico County Student Art Show
Wicomico Public Library
The 33rd annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 works from students in every Wicomico school, opens Friday, April 29th, at the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury. Art teachers have elected 20 to 50 pieces per school, including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture, to represent the creative efforts of Wicomico students. Art teachers will be installing the exhibit on Friday, April 29th in the lobby and throughout the children and Adult sides of the library. The exhibit will be available for viewing during library hours through Saturday, May 7th. The library is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 12 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The library is closed on Sunday. A reception for student artists and their families will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6th. For information about the Wicomico County Student Art Show, please call Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of Music/Visual Art and Special Projects, at 410-677-4573.
Thursday, April 28
Office of Special Education’s Annual Transition Night
At James M. Bennett High School
The Office of Special Education, in collaboration with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, will be holding our Annual Transition Night on Thursday, April 28. It will be held in the Clipper Cafe in the new James M. Bennett High School from 6-8 p.m. Students and families will be able to meet with Adult Service Providers and local colleges to discuss services and supports after high school. 410-677-4430.
Thursday, April 28
Financial Literacy Seminar
Hosted by the Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP
The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP will host a Financial Literacy Seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28 and St. Paul AME Zion Church on Delaware Avenue in Salisbury. Dr. Geri Mason will be the speaker. “You don’t have to become a financial planner to handle your financial affairs,” Dr. Mason says. “Just a few basic steps can help put you in charge of your finances.” The seminar will include values clarification, establishing goals, calculating net worth, developing a spending plan, and organizing records. The event is open to the public. For more information please contact Mary Ashanti at 410-543-4187 or 410-430-1896.
Friday, April 29
Wicomico Middle Walk-a-thon for Cystic Fibrosis
Salisbury City Park
Wicomico Middle School invites all Wicomico schools, staff members and students to participate in a Walk-a-thon for Cystic Fibrosis from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, April 29. The walk will take place in Salisbury City Park, across from the school. Donations of $3 are requested, and will be collected at the park. This event is sponsored by Students for Service at Wicomico Middle School. 410-677-5145.
Friday, April 29-Saturday, May 7
33rd annual Wicomico County Student Art Show
Wicomico County Library
The 33rd annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 works from students in every Wicomico school, opens Friday, April 29, at the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury. Art teachers have elected 20 to 50 pieces per school, including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture, to represent the creative efforts of Wicomico students. Art teachers will install the exhibit in the lobby and throughout the children's side of the library. The exhibit will be available for viewing during library hours through Saturday, May 7. The library is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 12-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The library is closed on Sunday. A reception for student artists and their families will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6. For information about the Wicomico County Student Art Show, please call Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of Music/Visual Art and Special Projects, at 410-677-4573.
Listing Of 2011 Summer Camps And Programs For Wicomico Families
This list of summer camps and programs was compiled as a service for families by The Daily Times, and has been supplemented with information received by Wicomico County Public Schools. For more information on camps, please check with the camp. To have your camp listed, please send information in the format used below to comments@wcboe.org.
GO HERE to view the entire list.
GO HERE to view the entire list.
Check Out These Spring Concerts And Programs In Wicomico Schools
Monday, April 18Charles H. Chipman first graders will present “Broadway Sounds” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the school. Students will present a variety of Broadway pieces, under the direction of Sarah Hofstetter. Admission free. 410-677-5814.
The Mardela Middle & High School Spring Concert, featuring 6th Grade Intermediate Band, West Salisbury Orchestra (including a full orchestra selection with winds and percussion) and State Ensemble Performances, will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the Mardela School cafetorium. Admission free. For information please contact Cory Boltz, Band Director, and Sharon Ehrisman, Orchestra Director, 410-677-5142.
Wednesday, April 27Beaver Run Elementary School kindergarten students will present a spring music concert at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the school, under the direction of Connie Sue Milbourne. The concert will feature “The Orchestra Song – A Mini Musical.” Admission is free. 410-677-5101.
Thursday, April 28
Wicomico Middle School Talent Show featuring 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Wi Middle students share their talents in singing, playing instruments, dancing, magic, comedy, art and poem displays. Teacher/director is Micah Nicholson. Admission $3 adults, $2 students, kids 3 and under free. 410-677-5145.
The James M. Bennett High School Symphonic Band will present its annual Spring Band Concert on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Bennett Auditorium. Music featured will be from George Gershwin, Leroy Anderson, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Band’s District Festival repertoire. The Band is under the direction of Douglas L. Miles. The concert is open to the public and admission is always free. 410-677-5141.
The Mardela Middle & High School Spring Concert, featuring 6th Grade Intermediate Band, West Salisbury Orchestra (including a full orchestra selection with winds and percussion) and State Ensemble Performances, will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the Mardela School cafetorium. Admission free. For information please contact Cory Boltz, Band Director, and Sharon Ehrisman, Orchestra Director, 410-677-5142.
Wednesday, April 27Beaver Run Elementary School kindergarten students will present a spring music concert at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the school, under the direction of Connie Sue Milbourne. The concert will feature “The Orchestra Song – A Mini Musical.” Admission is free. 410-677-5101.
Thursday, April 28
Wicomico Middle School Talent Show featuring 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Wi Middle students share their talents in singing, playing instruments, dancing, magic, comedy, art and poem displays. Teacher/director is Micah Nicholson. Admission $3 adults, $2 students, kids 3 and under free. 410-677-5145.
The James M. Bennett High School Symphonic Band will present its annual Spring Band Concert on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Bennett Auditorium. Music featured will be from George Gershwin, Leroy Anderson, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Band’s District Festival repertoire. The Band is under the direction of Douglas L. Miles. The concert is open to the public and admission is always free. 410-677-5141.
Students In Wicomico Visual And Performing Arts Program Raise More Than $800 With Silent Art Auction For Tsunami Relief
Visual arts students in the Wicomico County Visual and Performing Arts Program put their talents to work for a good cause with a silent auction of student art, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross for tsunami relief. Students donated 17 original works of art (plus one reproduction) for the auction, for which bids were taken until the end of the day Friday, April 15.
"We can't thank you enough for your generous donations," said VPA teacher Hyoe Choi, on behalf of fellow VPA teachers Michael Morris and Julia Kohut and the VPA students. "Our students and instructors have been excited to see our artworks having bids on them. ... Without your great support, it would not have been this successful and meaningful to all of us."
Winners were notified by email on Monday, April 18. Checks should be made out to Wicomico High School and marked "Operation Japan" in the memo line. The school will write one check to the Red Cross.
"We can't thank you enough for your generous donations," said VPA teacher Hyoe Choi, on behalf of fellow VPA teachers Michael Morris and Julia Kohut and the VPA students. "Our students and instructors have been excited to see our artworks having bids on them. ... Without your great support, it would not have been this successful and meaningful to all of us."
Winners were notified by email on Monday, April 18. Checks should be made out to Wicomico High School and marked "Operation Japan" in the memo line. The school will write one check to the Red Cross.
April 18, 2011
Documents
April Notes From The Wicomico County Board Of Education: VRIO Extension And Approved Calendar
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting on April 12 approved the school calendar for 2011-12, and extended and expanded the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Option (VRIO) until May 2.
2011-12 Calendar
The approved 2011-12 calendar will be posted at www.wcboe.org under Quick Links. The school year will begin on Monday, Aug. 29 for most students. The school year will end June 8, 2012. Students will be off Nov. 23-25 for the Thanksgiving break, and Dec. 23-Jan. 2 for the winter holidays (schools will reopen Jan. 3). Due to Maryland’s Primary Election being moved to Tuesday, April 3, schools will now be closed for the spring holidays for students from dismissal on Friday, March 30 until Tuesday, April 10. June 6, 7 and 8 are half-days with early dismissal.
Schools will also be closed Sept. 5 (Labor Day), Oct. 21 (MSEA Convention), Jan. 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday), Feb. 20 (Presidents Day) and May 28 (Memorial Day). Schools will be closed for students (but open for teachers) for professional days on Sept. 30, Nov. 4, Jan. 23-24, and April 2; the September and November professional days that were on Wednesdays on the draft calendar are now on Fridays. Five days are listed as makeup days in case of school closings: April 2, 4 and 5 and June 11 and 12.
VRIO Extension
The Board approved an extension and expansion of the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Option (VRIO), which had been approved at its February meeting and offered until March 15. Thirty-six employees who are eligible for full-service retirement signed up for VRIO under the initial offering. VRIO will now be offered until May 2, both for employees eligible for full service retirement and those eligible for early service retirement, subject to the guidelines established by the respective retirement plans. Employees will have the chance to meet with financial planners to discuss tax and financial planning questions about the retirement offer.
While Board members and the Superintendent continued to express mixed feelings about losing experienced teachers and other staff members through VRIO, the school system hopes to use VRIO to reduce salary costs in a very difficult budget year. A voluntary retirement is preferable to a tap on the shoulder to lay someone off, Board members said.
Information about the extension and expansion of VRIO is posted online at http://www.wcboe.org/departments/HR/Voluntary%20Retirement%20Incentive.htm, and has been shared with employees through a special edition of HR Headlines.
In other business, the Board of Education:
Public Comments
Heard comment from Fred Peterson, as co-chair of the education committee of the Wicomico County Chapter of the NAACP, who read a statement asking the Board to require school uniforms to improve discipline, eliminate gang clothing, reduce bullying, remove class and income differences, and make wardrobes more affordable for families.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Fredericksen reported to the Board that:
The school system is still weighing the impact of the state budget, and that a cut likely to be more than $5 million is anticipated in the County Executive’s budget. The Board will have a public budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the Parkside High School auditorium.
Business Support Services staff members are to be commended for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The certificate was awarded for the school system’s first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Comptroller E. Bruce Ford credited the Superintendent for his leadership in supporting the CAFR, and staff members Gary Green, Accounting Manager, Mary Chandler, Accountant I, and others for creating the comprehensive document that is posted on the Board’s website at http://www.wcboe.org/departments/BusinessSupportServices/reports.php?section=accounting.
Race to the Top (RTTT) continues to be an important area. A number of Wicomico teachers are master teachers who will train other teachers at a state summer institute on RTTT that will be held at James M. Bennett High School.
Shared, in response to some of the public comments given at the March Board meeting, that the school system and the Wicomico County Council will meet on May 17 to talk about the Bennett Middle School project and other capital priorities and find ways to move forward. Another commenter had criticized the lack of parent involvement on the committee to revise the Magnet Program criteria, and the Superintendent said that eight parents were on the committee and their input was considered in setting the new criteria. Changes to the criteria and process will be made as needed, and a major review will be done in three years.
Two people attended the March Superintendent’s Open Door Session. Their topics of interest were technology and auditorium upgrades. The next Open Door Session is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. April 27.
The school system is continuing to work on adjustments to school start and end times for next year, to make the most efficient use of transportation resources. Start and end times would change by no more than 15 minutes.
An evaluation of the Exam Exemption Incentive Program is continuing, as is a review of commencement seating and security, and the naming policy for school facilities.
The March 28-31 Registration Fair for Kindergarten and Prekindergarten went very well, with only two complaints that will be evaluated.
The monthly grants report will be available online next week. A $338,935 grant has been applied for that would allow a current after-school program to continue with a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) focus. Another grant application has gone in, in collaboration with Salisbury University and the Nabb Center, for Teaching American History.
Thursday, April 21 will be a makeup professional day for many staff members.
Comments and input can be made to the Board and school system by contacting comments@wcboe.org or leaving a voicemail on the comment line at 410-677-5251. Families and community members should visit www.wcboe.org for updates on school news; a new format for the website will be launched soon.
Agreements Ratified
Voted to ratify the agreement between the Wicomico County Board of Education and the Association of Public School Administrators and Supervisors, and the agreement between the Board of Education and the Wicomico County Education Association for 2011-12. The two associations agreed to forgo negotiations and operate under the current agreements, in recognition of the challenging budget times the school system faces. Wicomico is likely the only Maryland school system where this level of cooperation has taken place.
Technology Plan
Approved new 3-Year Technology Plan for school years 2011-12 to 2013-14, to extend the work of the current plan and to address instructional and administrative use of technology, access to technology, infrastructure, and evaluating the use of technology.
Bennett Middle Book Approved
Approved the use of “The Skin I’m In” by Sharon Flake for the Bennett Middle One School, One Book Challenge. The book was not on the Middle School Approved Literature list, but students, staff members and parents selected the book as the best choice to engage the entire school in the reading challenge. Students have also invited the author to visit.
Revised Travel Policy
Voted, on first and final reading, to revise the Mileage Reimbursement Policy to reflect current practice. The renamed Travel and Mileage Reimbursement Policy will be posted on the website. The Board received for information the guidelines for travel on school system business.
Spare Vehicle Contracts
Awarded a paid special needs spare vehicle contract to Matthews Bus Service Inc. and a paid spare vehicle contract to Bruce Lewis, after an extensive selection process.
Contract Modifications
Approved credit of $2,185 in contract modifications on the Northwestern Elementary HVAC project, at the recommendation of the engineering firm. The Board acknowledged the broad community support that made this project possible.
Approved contract modifications not to exceed $4,500 act modifications on the James M. Bennett High School project to address a problem with city water pressure. This short-term solution is needed, but in the long term, improvements to the city water system should resolve the problem.
Retirement Plan Amendments
Amended the Retirement Plan for the Employees of Wicomico County and the Board of Education of Wicomico County to clarify the credit for military service that employees can receive on retirement. Employees who have served honorably in the military can receive up to five years of service credit at retirement, unless they are receiving military retirement benefits.
Bid Awards
Awarded the contract for bus digital video system maintenance and equipment to Fairs LLC as the low responsive and responsible bidder.
Awarded the contract for domestic hot water replacement at Parkside High School to T.E. Smith and Son. Inc. as the low responsive and responsible bidder at $94,970. The unit will be replaced this summer.
Reports
Approved the monthly personnel matters report for certificated employees and a budget transfer for April, and received for information the monthly personnel matters report for classified employees.
Received for information the annual report from School Food and Nutrition Service Department on its budget and operations. The Board was informed that due to mandates in the Child Nutrition Act of 2010, portion sizes of fruits and vegetables will be increasing. The cost of paid meals will also rise, to conform to federal pricing guidelines, with 25 cent increases for both elementary and secondary lunches needed for the next school year.
Board Member Reports
Board President L. Michelle Wright noted that there would be a Parent Advisory Committee meeting at the Board office on April 14, and that the annual Wicomico County Council of PTAs banquet would be held at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at Parkside High School. The Rededication Ceremony for James M. Bennett High will be held at 10 a.m. April 18.
Board member Ronald Willey said he has been watching dismissal at James M. Bennett High and Bennett Middle schools, and he continues to be concerned and unhappy with the lack of progress on improvements at the Onley Road intersection that would enable JMB to begin using Onley Road for buses as planned. The Superintendent noted that the school system handed over to the city some years ago the funds to cover its share of the intersection improvements, and the school system continues to await action by the city.
2011-12 Calendar
The approved 2011-12 calendar will be posted at www.wcboe.org under Quick Links. The school year will begin on Monday, Aug. 29 for most students. The school year will end June 8, 2012. Students will be off Nov. 23-25 for the Thanksgiving break, and Dec. 23-Jan. 2 for the winter holidays (schools will reopen Jan. 3). Due to Maryland’s Primary Election being moved to Tuesday, April 3, schools will now be closed for the spring holidays for students from dismissal on Friday, March 30 until Tuesday, April 10. June 6, 7 and 8 are half-days with early dismissal.
Schools will also be closed Sept. 5 (Labor Day), Oct. 21 (MSEA Convention), Jan. 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday), Feb. 20 (Presidents Day) and May 28 (Memorial Day). Schools will be closed for students (but open for teachers) for professional days on Sept. 30, Nov. 4, Jan. 23-24, and April 2; the September and November professional days that were on Wednesdays on the draft calendar are now on Fridays. Five days are listed as makeup days in case of school closings: April 2, 4 and 5 and June 11 and 12.
VRIO Extension
The Board approved an extension and expansion of the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Option (VRIO), which had been approved at its February meeting and offered until March 15. Thirty-six employees who are eligible for full-service retirement signed up for VRIO under the initial offering. VRIO will now be offered until May 2, both for employees eligible for full service retirement and those eligible for early service retirement, subject to the guidelines established by the respective retirement plans. Employees will have the chance to meet with financial planners to discuss tax and financial planning questions about the retirement offer.
While Board members and the Superintendent continued to express mixed feelings about losing experienced teachers and other staff members through VRIO, the school system hopes to use VRIO to reduce salary costs in a very difficult budget year. A voluntary retirement is preferable to a tap on the shoulder to lay someone off, Board members said.
Information about the extension and expansion of VRIO is posted online at http://www.wcboe.org/departments/HR/Voluntary%20Retirement%20Incentive.htm, and has been shared with employees through a special edition of HR Headlines.
In other business, the Board of Education:
Public Comments
Heard comment from Fred Peterson, as co-chair of the education committee of the Wicomico County Chapter of the NAACP, who read a statement asking the Board to require school uniforms to improve discipline, eliminate gang clothing, reduce bullying, remove class and income differences, and make wardrobes more affordable for families.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Fredericksen reported to the Board that:
The school system is still weighing the impact of the state budget, and that a cut likely to be more than $5 million is anticipated in the County Executive’s budget. The Board will have a public budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the Parkside High School auditorium.
Business Support Services staff members are to be commended for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The certificate was awarded for the school system’s first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Comptroller E. Bruce Ford credited the Superintendent for his leadership in supporting the CAFR, and staff members Gary Green, Accounting Manager, Mary Chandler, Accountant I, and others for creating the comprehensive document that is posted on the Board’s website at http://www.wcboe.org/departments/BusinessSupportServices/reports.php?section=accounting.
Race to the Top (RTTT) continues to be an important area. A number of Wicomico teachers are master teachers who will train other teachers at a state summer institute on RTTT that will be held at James M. Bennett High School.
Shared, in response to some of the public comments given at the March Board meeting, that the school system and the Wicomico County Council will meet on May 17 to talk about the Bennett Middle School project and other capital priorities and find ways to move forward. Another commenter had criticized the lack of parent involvement on the committee to revise the Magnet Program criteria, and the Superintendent said that eight parents were on the committee and their input was considered in setting the new criteria. Changes to the criteria and process will be made as needed, and a major review will be done in three years.
Two people attended the March Superintendent’s Open Door Session. Their topics of interest were technology and auditorium upgrades. The next Open Door Session is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. April 27.
The school system is continuing to work on adjustments to school start and end times for next year, to make the most efficient use of transportation resources. Start and end times would change by no more than 15 minutes.
An evaluation of the Exam Exemption Incentive Program is continuing, as is a review of commencement seating and security, and the naming policy for school facilities.
The March 28-31 Registration Fair for Kindergarten and Prekindergarten went very well, with only two complaints that will be evaluated.
The monthly grants report will be available online next week. A $338,935 grant has been applied for that would allow a current after-school program to continue with a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) focus. Another grant application has gone in, in collaboration with Salisbury University and the Nabb Center, for Teaching American History.
Thursday, April 21 will be a makeup professional day for many staff members.
Comments and input can be made to the Board and school system by contacting comments@wcboe.org or leaving a voicemail on the comment line at 410-677-5251. Families and community members should visit www.wcboe.org for updates on school news; a new format for the website will be launched soon.
Agreements Ratified
Voted to ratify the agreement between the Wicomico County Board of Education and the Association of Public School Administrators and Supervisors, and the agreement between the Board of Education and the Wicomico County Education Association for 2011-12. The two associations agreed to forgo negotiations and operate under the current agreements, in recognition of the challenging budget times the school system faces. Wicomico is likely the only Maryland school system where this level of cooperation has taken place.
Technology Plan
Approved new 3-Year Technology Plan for school years 2011-12 to 2013-14, to extend the work of the current plan and to address instructional and administrative use of technology, access to technology, infrastructure, and evaluating the use of technology.
Bennett Middle Book Approved
Approved the use of “The Skin I’m In” by Sharon Flake for the Bennett Middle One School, One Book Challenge. The book was not on the Middle School Approved Literature list, but students, staff members and parents selected the book as the best choice to engage the entire school in the reading challenge. Students have also invited the author to visit.
Revised Travel Policy
Voted, on first and final reading, to revise the Mileage Reimbursement Policy to reflect current practice. The renamed Travel and Mileage Reimbursement Policy will be posted on the website. The Board received for information the guidelines for travel on school system business.
Spare Vehicle Contracts
Awarded a paid special needs spare vehicle contract to Matthews Bus Service Inc. and a paid spare vehicle contract to Bruce Lewis, after an extensive selection process.
Contract Modifications
Approved credit of $2,185 in contract modifications on the Northwestern Elementary HVAC project, at the recommendation of the engineering firm. The Board acknowledged the broad community support that made this project possible.
Approved contract modifications not to exceed $4,500 act modifications on the James M. Bennett High School project to address a problem with city water pressure. This short-term solution is needed, but in the long term, improvements to the city water system should resolve the problem.
Retirement Plan Amendments
Amended the Retirement Plan for the Employees of Wicomico County and the Board of Education of Wicomico County to clarify the credit for military service that employees can receive on retirement. Employees who have served honorably in the military can receive up to five years of service credit at retirement, unless they are receiving military retirement benefits.
Bid Awards
Awarded the contract for bus digital video system maintenance and equipment to Fairs LLC as the low responsive and responsible bidder.
Awarded the contract for domestic hot water replacement at Parkside High School to T.E. Smith and Son. Inc. as the low responsive and responsible bidder at $94,970. The unit will be replaced this summer.
Reports
Approved the monthly personnel matters report for certificated employees and a budget transfer for April, and received for information the monthly personnel matters report for classified employees.
Received for information the annual report from School Food and Nutrition Service Department on its budget and operations. The Board was informed that due to mandates in the Child Nutrition Act of 2010, portion sizes of fruits and vegetables will be increasing. The cost of paid meals will also rise, to conform to federal pricing guidelines, with 25 cent increases for both elementary and secondary lunches needed for the next school year.
Board Member Reports
Board President L. Michelle Wright noted that there would be a Parent Advisory Committee meeting at the Board office on April 14, and that the annual Wicomico County Council of PTAs banquet would be held at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at Parkside High School. The Rededication Ceremony for James M. Bennett High will be held at 10 a.m. April 18.
Board member Ronald Willey said he has been watching dismissal at James M. Bennett High and Bennett Middle schools, and he continues to be concerned and unhappy with the lack of progress on improvements at the Onley Road intersection that would enable JMB to begin using Onley Road for buses as planned. The Superintendent noted that the school system handed over to the city some years ago the funds to cover its share of the intersection improvements, and the school system continues to await action by the city.
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