WCSO Press Release 1-27-14

Incident: Possession of Heroin

Date of Incident: 23 January 2014

Location: Catchpenny Road at Nanticoke Road, Quantico, MD

Suspect: Erroll Ralph Jenkins, Jr., 19, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 23 January 2014 at 6:39 PM, a deputy stopped to check on a vehicle in a ditch off of Catchpenny Road near Nanticoke Road in Quantico. During the subsequent investigation of the incident, the deputy discovered a warrant for the arrest of the passenger, Erroll Ralph Jenkins Jr. for failing to appear in the District Court for a case involving charges of CDS Possession and counterfeiting currency. Post arrest, the deputy located what the deputy identified as heroin in individual baggies in close proximity to where Jenkins had been standing prior to contact with the deputy. The deputy was able to conclude that Jenkins had dropped the baggies in an apparent attempt to keep the deputy from locating them on his person. The amount of baggie seized indicated intent to distribute on the part of Jenkins.

The deputy transported Jenkins to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Jenkins was detained on a total bond of $17,500.00 between the warrant the charges stemming from the possession of the heroin.

Charges: Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of Heroin

Jenkins Jr., Erroll

Incident: Theft

Date of Incident: 24 January 2014

Location: 7000 block of Sixty Foot Road, Pittsville, MD

Suspect: Paul Andrew Tatem, 34, Quantico, MD

Narrative: On 24 January 2014 at 11:15 AM, a deputy arrested Paul Tatem in connection with thefts from the Pittsville Dollar General on 14 and 16 January 2014. In these incidents, Tatem is accused of exiting the store with merchandise without paying for it. In the first incident Tatem allegedly walked out of the store on 14 Jan after hiding plastic jugs of laundry detergent in his pants and “waddling” out of the store. Tatem managed to get out of the area before he could be detained. On 16 January, Tatem again returned to the store and again tried to make off with laundry detergent in the same fashion. This time store employees were able to get a description of Tatem’s vehicle and registration plate.

The deputy was able to locate Tatem with the information provided and charged him on 24 January. Upon arrest Tatem was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Tatem in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Theft under $100.00 and Theft Scheme under $100.00

Tatem, Paul

Incident: Assault

Date of Incident: 26 January 2014

Location: 300 block of Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Jay Scott Burrows, 30, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 26 January 2014 at 12:33 PM, a deputy responded to a residence in the 300 block of Glen Avenue for a reported assault in progress. Upon arrival the deputy met with a male victim who advised that he had been attacked by Jay Burrows in the parking lot of the apartment complex. During the investigation, the victim stated that he and Burrows had been consuming alcohol together when, according to the victim, Burrows attacked him unprovoked. The victim told the deputy that Burrows was yelling he would kill him while shocking him with a taser and kicking him in the abdomen while on the ground.

Upon locating and detaining Burrows, the deputy recovered a taser from his possession.

The deputy placed Burrows under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Burrows in the Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

Charges: Assault 1st Degree and Reckless Endangerment

Burrows, Jay

Incident: Attempted Murder

Date of Incident: 26 January 2014

Location: 29000 block of Santa Fe Drive, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Stuart K. Joudrey, 63, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 26 January 2014 at 7:45 PM, a deputy began investigating a domestic assault that escalated into an attempted murder. During the investigation, the deputy learned that Stuart Joudrey had engaged in a verbal argument with his wife the previous day that escalated when Joudrey reportedly assaulted her with an oscillating fan in her leg. According to Joudrey’s wife another argument broke out on 26 January when Joudrey began making statements that he would burn their house down with her inside.

During the investigation of the threats of arson, the deputy observed that Joudrey had in fact attempted to start a fire in the residence by lighting bedding on fire.

Based on the threats by Joudrey and the act of lighting bedding on fire it appeared that Joudrey intended to in fact burn the house down with his wife inside. The deputy arrested Joudrey and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Joudrey in the Detention Center in lieu of $250,000.00 bond.

Charges: Attempted Murder, Assault 1st Degree, Reckless Endangerment, Arson 1st Degree and Threats of Arsons

Joudrey, Stuart

Incident: WCSO Activity 24 Jan 2014

Location: Wicomico County 

• On 24 Jan 2014 at 10:35 AM a deputy arrested Dana Dennard, 25 of Salisbury, on an outstanding District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Dennard violated the terms of her pre-trial release in an Assault 2nd degree and Burglary 4th degree case. Dennard was detained in the Detention Center on a bond of $20,000.00.

 

Dennard, Dana

• On 24 Jan 2014 at 11:30 AM, a deputy arrested Shaquille De Wayne Gaskins, 19 of Salisbury, on an outstanding Circuit Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Gaskins violated the terms of his probation following a conviction in a CDS Distribution case. Gaskins was detained without bond in the Detention Center.

 

Gaskins, Shaquille

• On 24 Jan 2014 at 8:07 PM, a deputy stopped a vehicle in which Monica Louise Everettes, 23 of Eden, was a passenger. During the encounter, the deputy seized what was identified as a marijuana smoking device that still contained a small amount of that drug from Everettes. Everettes was charged on a Criminal Citation and released pending a future court date.

Incident: WCSO DUI Arrests

Location: Wicomico County

• On 25 Jan 2014 at 3:20 AM, a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Katherine Ann Linton, 26 of Snow Hill, for speeding and swerving on Snow Hill Road east of Salisbury. During the stop the deputy suspected that Linton was under the influence of alcohol which was confirmed through sobriety testing. Linton was subsequently arrested for DUI and released upon the issuance of citations.

• On 26 Jan 2014 at 12:50 AM, a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Hepburne George Gilmore, 49 of Salisbury, for traveling on the wrong side of a double yellow line. Upon contacting Gilmore, the deputy suspected that Gilmore was under the influence of alcohol which was confirmed through sobriety testing. Gilmore was subsequently arrested for DUI and released upon the issuance of citations.

• On 26 Jan 2014 at 5:11 AM, a deputy stopped to check on a vehicle stopped in the travel portion of Nanticoke Road in the Tyaskin area without any headlights on. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy observed the operator, Matthew James Golding, 22 of Salisbury, unconscious behind the wheel. The deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from within the vehicle along with a marijuana smoking device in plain view. Following sobriety testing the deputy placed Golding under arrest. Golding would be released upon the issuance of both traffic and criminal citations.

Incident: Theft

Date of Incident: 26 January 2014

Location: 4000 block of Skylar Drive, Fruitland, MD

Suspect: Female Juvenile, 17, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 26 January 2014 at 1:35 AM, a deputy responded to a residence in the 4000 block of Skylar Drive outside of Fruitland for a reported theft. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a pizza delivery driver who told the deputy that the individual at that residence took the pizza and closed the door without paying. The driver knocked on the door for approximately ten minutes with no answer before he contacted the Sheriffs’ Office.

Upon arrival of the deputy the door was opened and the driver identified the subject who had taken the pizza. The deputy identified that subject as a 17 year old female from Salisbury. The juvenile was transported to the Sheriff’s Office where she was released to her mother. The deputy completed a juvenile referral that will be sent to the Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication.

Charges: Theft less than $100.00

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson        Date: 27 January 2014

Walker Expects Bipartisan Support For Tax Cuts

MADISON, Wis.—Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday that increasing the state's projected budget shortfall will not be a deal breaker for his proposed half billion-dollar tax cut plan, even though some Republican senators have raised concerns about it.

Walker said he expects his $504 million property and income tax cut plan to pass with bipartisan support, even though Democrats have been quick to criticize it and some Republican senators have said they want to see changes.

Republicans are zeroing in on the fact that the plan would increase the state's projected shortfall heading into the 2015 budget from about $700 million to $800 million. That shortfall, however, does not take into account any revenue growth, which Walker expects to more than cover the difference.

"One or two people have raised the concern," Walker said in response to questions following a speech at a meeting of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. "I don't think that it's a deal breaker."

Walker outlined his "Blueprint for Prosperity" in his State of the State speech on Wednesday night and then touted it across Wisconsin, making stops Thursday in La Crosse, Madison, De Pere and Hurley.

The tax cuts are made possible by $912 million in revenue above previous projections. Walker argued that the money ought to be returned to taxpayers.

"The budget surplus is really your money," he said at the grocers meeting. "You earned it."

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There Is No Lake In This Photo, Tilt Your Head To The Right.

JUST IN: Caught in the Web: Comptroller Releases Names of Top 50 Tax Evaders

Baltimore, Md. (January 27, 2014) – Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the names of the top 25 businesses and individuals collectively owing nearly $15 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest to the state of Maryland. Known as the Caught in the Web program, the Comptroller’s Office routinely publishes the list of the top 50 scofflaws on the agency’s website, as a public attempt to get people to pay.

“The Caught in the Web program highlights the small number of Marylanders who have chosen to take advantage of the benefits of this great state, but who make a conscious effort to avoid paying taxes,” said Comptroller Franchot.

“These are not people simply down on their luck and unable to pay, but individuals and business owners who knowingly thumb their noses at the vast majority of Maryland taxpayers who fulfill their legal obligations to the state,” he added.

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The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce vs. America

Giant corporations make common cause with leftist special interests to win government favors.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a politically entrenched synod of special interests. These fat cats do not represent the best interests of American entrepreneurs, American workers, American parents and students, or Americans of any race, class, or age who believe in low taxes and limited government. The chamber’s business is the big business of the Beltway, not the business of mainstream America.

If you are a business owner who believes your country should strictly and consistently enforce its borders and deport illegal immigrants who violate the terms of their visas, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce doesn’t represent you.

If you are a worker who believes that the feds should punish illegal aliens who use fake documents to obtain jobs instead of rewarding them with “legal status,” the U.S. Chamber of Commerce doesn’t champion you.

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NO LIMITS MONSTER TRUCK Winter Nationals

Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Friday, January 31 & Saturday, February 1

Monster Trucks Winter Nationals will return to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury for three shows on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. “This year we threw away the rule book will let the drivers turn the horsepower up on their trucks. No maximum engine size, no weight minimum - this will let the trucks really get some big air, which is what the people want to see,” said Big Ed Beckley, owner of Checkered Flag Productions.

Bigfoot, the most famous monster truck in the world, will return to fend off the competition. “We know when we come to race we are a target and everyone wants to beat us,” said Bigfoot driver J. R. Adams. Ready to take on Bigfoot this year are Monster Medic, Jethro Tow, Wild Thang, Wicked Sickness and local truck Saigon Shaker.

Saigon Shaker was built by The Metal Shop in Delmar, DE. Also a sponsor of the event, The Metal Shop has been involved in the Monster Trucks Winter Nationals for years. “Rick Disharoon started in this business nearly 20 years ago with his Backdraft truck and we are excited to see their new truck,” said Beckley.

In addition to the trucks, the show will feature daredevil motorcycle jumper Tim Dyson, who will hit the ramp and fly over 70 feet while doing all sorts of tricks, including a full rotation back flip.

The general public is invited to get involved in the show with street vehicles as part of the Tuff Truck Challenge. Watch local drivers in old demo cars, pickups, Jeeps and SUVs attack the obstacle course as they race against the clock for top honors and the state championship. For more information on the Tuff Truck Challenge, call Checkered Flag Productions at 940-683-4742 between the hours of 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Tickets for the No Limits Monster Truck Winter Nationals are on sale now. Tickets bought in advance are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Adult tickets purchased the day of the show are $25. For a limited time, a group rates are available for groups of 10 or more adults. Tickets are available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office, online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org or by phone at 410-548-4911. Additional fees may apply to all ticket prices.

One Year Later... It Still Makes A Difference

Dangerous Levels Of Methane Gas Are Leaking All Around Our Nation's Capital

Using portable methane detectors, a team of scientists from Duke University found almost 6,000 leaks from gas utility lines in Washington, D.C. Last year the team alerted the Washington Gas Company that 12 of those leaks were large enough to cause an explosion, and the scientists say that nine of those are still leaking dangerous amounts of methane. In addition to posing a dangerous risk of explosion, these leaks have a huge impact on our environment. As a greenhouse gas, methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and it is significantly contributing to global warming. And these Scientists say that DC isn't the only city with thousands of leaks. The team also found more than 3,000 methane leaks in Boston, which means many more cities could have the same problem. For the safety of residents, and our environment, utility companies must repair these methane leaks now.

Rascovar Column: O’Malley’s Boring Valedictory

Yes, there are times when a picture is worth a thousand words — and more. Such was the case in Annapolis on Thursday when Gov. Martin O’Malley turned in an all-too predictable, stilted and boring valedictory in his concluding State of the State Address.

Judge for yourself.

The facial expressions of Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Mike Busch, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown speak volumes in the photo:
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Percentage Of Millionaires

Raw Milk Could Be Legal In Maryland... Again

A proposed Maryland bill would restore the right of the states’ citizens to participate in cow shares, or cow boarding, to obtain raw milk. Maryland citizens lost the right to raw milk via cow shares in 2006, when the appointed director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene redefined the word “sale” to include agistments. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for January 28 at 1:00pm at the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis.

Cow shares or cow boarding refers to a practice in which people buy shares in individual animals for a portion of the milk they produce. These people may not own the land or have the skill or time necessary to own a cow (and since cows produce far too much milk for a single family to consume selling shares even makes sense for people who are able to own a cow or two), but the farmer is paid to care for the animals and distribute the milk to the cows’ owners. It is a very popular way of getting around raw milk bans nationwide.

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Hypocrisy

Pepper-Sprayed Occupy Portland Protester Liz Nichols Gets $7,116 Payment Demand From City

Pay up.

That’s the message Portland is sending Elizabeth Evon Nichols -- to the tune of $7,116.

Nichols is the Occupy Portland protester whose image became widely known for being blasted in the face with pepper spray by a Portland police officer in fall 2011. She sued the city for excessive force but lost after a four-day trial in August in U.S. District Court in Portland.

She had sought $30,000, noting the excruciating pain of pepper spray in her eyes and throat -- and the ensuing nightmares, depression and worsening eczema.

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Welcome To Jobless America

It is becoming laughable to hear the Obama administration talk about a so-called “recovery.” Supposedly, this “recovery” started in June of 2009; however, in reality our economy is on life support and the latest jobs figures just confirm this horrible news.

In the government’s December labor report, the nation’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.7 percent, which is our lowest rate since October of 2008. While this may be heralded as good news, it is truly disturbing. Unfortunately, only 74,000 new jobs were added last month, the worst job growth numbers since January of 2011.

This is anemic job creation, a fraction of the 200,000+ new jobs needed each month just to keep pace with the nation’s population growth. It is even more shocking since most analysts predicted approximately 193,000 new jobs in December.

Even worse, of the new jobs, 40,000 were temporary positions, not what wage earners need to care for their families. Not surprisingly, the average work week for Americans dropped to only 34.4 hours. So, there are few full time jobs being created and on average Americans are working less. No wonder there are 47 million Americans on food stamps and over 50 million people who are considered poor.

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Good Samaritans Rescue Dog Stranded For Hours On Icy Delaware River

Two Good Samaritans risked their lives to rescue a dog that was stranded in the middle of the icy Delaware River for several hours.

'Duke' is one lucky dog thanks to Russ Miller and Ciro Silvestri.

"I didn't think. I just went out there and got him. We had the canoe in case anything happens," said Miller.

What made them decide to do what they did?

"I love animals, that's it," said Silvestri.
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A Very Very Good Question To Liberals Who Don't Believe Liberty Works

D.C. Police Chief Faces Questions About Officer Integrity At Public Safety Committee’s Hearing

D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier asked the City Council on Friday for help ridding her department of officers convicted of crimes, saying that too often, she’s been ordered to rehire officers fired for serious misconduct because of procedural errors in the termination process.

The chief blamed independent arbitrators, who hear appeals that fired officers file with the D.C. Public Employee Relations Board. Lanier asked members of the council’s public safety committee to revise the law and strip those arbitrators of the authority to overrule her decisions when problems are solely technical, such as a missed filing deadline.

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The Washington Post's Readers Are Already Freaking Out At Having to See The Volokh Conspiracy In Their Little Cocooned Cult

That didn't take very long at all, now did it.

The hive reacts frantically and angrily at signs of a foreign presence.

I open up the “Saturday Morning Headlines” email and this is at the top. Is the WashPo going gun nut? They hired what looks like a teenage law professor? “Negroes and the Gun”?? What? And what the hell is a Volokh Conspiracy?

You go to read NEWS, and you get BIZARRE. That’s the internet for ya. Too bad it’s happening at the Washington Post. Yet another sign of decadence.

Eugene Volokh answers him with far greater bonhomie than I could ever hope to manage.

Volokh tries to reassure him that the new libertarian/conservative leaning blog will be offering Washington Post readers solid facts, novel arguments, and fresh perspectives, some of them quite strong and possibly even quite convincing.

I hate to tell him this but: They know that's what you're offering to the public. That's the problem.

Thanks to @tsrblke.

[Update - Andy:] I was about to double-post the Head Ewok on this. Glad I looked.

But this needs a screenshot. Like I said on Twitter, it's like I died and woke up in schadenheaven.

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Kim Jong-un Reportedly Executes Blood Relatives Of Once-Powerful Uncle As Purge Continues

North Korea ruler Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered that all blood relatives of his executed uncle be put to death, continuing an apparent purge of all he sees as threats to his reign.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, citing multiple sources, reported Sunday that "extensive executions" of relatives of Jang Song-thaek had been carried out.

"All relatives of Jang have been put to death, including even children," one source told Yonhap. Among those reported dead were Jang's sister Jang Kye-sun, her husband and Pyongyang's ambassador to Cuba, Jon Yong-jin, and the North Korean ambassador to Malaysia, Jang Yong-chol, a nephew of Jang, as well as his two sons.

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HEEDING THE FALL OF ROME IN AN AGE OF ‘CAESARISM’

The Founding Fathers built this country with the Roman Republic’s model in mind and were even more concerned about what caused its fall than how it rose to prominence. Rob Goodman, author of a new Cato the Younger biography, Rome’s Last Citizen, recently wrote an article in Politico discussing the historical comparison between the United States and the last days of the Roman Republic.

Though the former speechwriter for Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) must be commended for attempting to bring classic Roman history back into modern discourse and for writing the first major biography of Cato since Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, his analysis generally missed the mark.

The modern connection between the Tea Party, Founding Fathers, and Roman republican statesmen is apt, but his idea that intransigence and opposition to D.C. politics is the cause for America’s current dysfunction is inaccurate. American dysfunction comes from the deep divide in values and the destruction of the constitutional safeguards designed by the Founders.

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Mohammed Ali's Son Lives On Food Stamps

The son of boxing champion Muhammad Ali has accused the millionaire's wife of refusing to let him see his ailing father.

Muhammad Ali Junior, 41, who says he is forced to survive on food stamps in a rough Chicago neighbourhood, last saw his father on his 71st birthday a year ago.

But as the legendary boxer turned 72 on January 17, Muhammad Ali Junior claims he couldn't even get through on the phone to wish him a happy birthday.

He alleges his father's fourth wife of 27 years, Lonnie, has made it increasingly difficult for him to see or even speak to the retired sportsman who is in the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

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Bandar Bush Threatens President Putin With Sochi Terrorist Attack

Warning: What you are about to read will destroy any illusions you may have left as to who is really controlling the world and who is really using terror to bring about their own ends. It will also bring into question everything that has occurred in the world since 9-10-2001 and shed new light as to the intricacies of the relationships between the power elites in the United States and those who are funding and controlling them.

The truth goes to oil and it has its roots in the relationship between former CIA director George Bush Senior’s family and Saudi Arabian intelligence chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan also named “Bandar Bush” by the Bush clan. This story has implications on the events 9-11, Bush and his being placed into power, the entire War on Terror paradigm and the acts of aggressive war by the United States and its allies on Iraq and Afghanistan. It also affects everything from the entire Middle East upheaval, Sunni/Shia strife, the death of Hugo Chavez, the attack on the Boston Marathon, the death of Litvinenko, Princess Diana, terrorist attacks by Chechens and the true nature of al-Qaeda.

If this story takes off and is given the attention it deserves it may end the entire “War on Terror” and finally see an end to the wanton illegality being perpetuated by the West and it all boils down to a single conversation between Prince Bandar bin Sultan and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

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Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/2013_08_29/Bandar-Bush-threatens-President-Putin-with-Sochi-terrorist-attack-2596/

Fitch Report Wicomico County As Of October 2013

Page 3
Economic Indicators Remain Weak
While agriculture, higher education and healthcare provide a solid foundation for the economy, socioeconomic indicators are weak. July employment is down 3.3% year over year, in contrast to the employment base of the state and nation, which continues to grow. 

Furthermore, the county's employment base remains about 7% below the pre-recession peak, trailing the rate of job recapture by the state and nation. The county‟s unemployment as of July 2013 was above average at 8.4%. Wealth indicators are fairly in line with national averages but are well below state averages driven by high-wealth counties around the Washington, D.C. area.

Page 4 -
Total taxable value has declined 17% between fiscal years 2012 and 2014. The statewide triennial assessment cycle creates a lag in realized TAV declines, and the county projects declines to continue through fiscal 2017.

http://www.wicomicocounty.org/departments/finance_budget/reports/Fitch%20report.pdf

Publishers Notes: I wonder why the "astute" are sitting around scratching their heads? This kind of information isn't compiled instantaneously. I think Salisbury News should get paid more than $100,000.00 a year to keep the Executives Office up to speed on reality. 

Dinesh D'Souza's 'America' Trailer Released (Video)

The conservative behind "2016: Obama's America" is under indictment for campaign finance violations but his next doc will open on schedule on July 4, filmmakers say.

The filmmakers behind DineshD'Souza's upcoming doc have vowed to press on while their star defends himself after his indictment on federal charges that he violated campaign finance laws in 2012. On Sunday, they released a trailer for the movie, America, that is set for release on July 4.

America is the follow-up to the surprise hit 2016: Obama's America, which earned $33 million in 2012 and became the second most popular political documentary in history, behind Michael Moore'sFahrenheit 9/11, which earned $119 million in 2004.

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Delegates Say 'No Way' To Vehicle-Mile-Traveled Tax

A bill which would ban the creation of a vehicle-miles traveled tax has been introduced in the House of Delegates.

A Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax, is essentially a tax imposed on every mile you drive. In effect such a road tax would constitute a toll on every single road, with rates set based on where and when the vehicle was driving.

A VMT was proposed as part of the Maryland Department of Transportation's 2012 implementation report for Maryland's Climate Action Plan, which stated that MDOT wants to “establish a GHG emission-based road user fee (or VMT fee) statewide by 2020 in addition to existing motor fuel taxes."
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EXCLUSIVE: HOLLYWOOD BRAINSTORMS 'PORTRAYING OBAMACARE IN TV & FILM'

According to an email invitation sent out by the Writers Guild East and obtained by Breitbart News, members of the Hollywood elite and the Obama Administration will be gathering in the middle of next month for a panel titled, "The Affordable Care Act: Comedy, Drama & Reality - Portraying ObamaCare in TV & Film."Julie Green Bataille, a director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will represent the Obama administration.

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Vacancies

§ SC6-12. Vacancies.

In case of a vacancy for any reason in the Council, the Council, within four (4) weeks of the occurrence of the vacancy, shall elect some qualified person to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. In case of a vacancy for any reason in the office of Mayor, the Council, within four (4) weeks of the occurrence of the vacancy, shall elect some qualified person to serve as Acting Mayor for the unexpired term. Any vacancies in either the Council or the office of Mayor shall be filled by a majority vote of all the members of the Council. In case the Mayor or any Councilman shall fail to qualify within five (5) days of notification of election, a vacancy shall exist to be filled as provided in this section. The Council shall immediately certify any vote so taken to the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall record the vote and shall forthwith notify the person so elected, who shall, within five (5) days of notice, qualify in the manner as regularly elected city officials.

Caption This Photo 1-27-14

MSNBC Interrupts Congresswoman For Report On Justin Bieber

SFD Calls For Service 1-26-14

• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 23:10:01Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 603 E College Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 22:18:28Nature: Chest PainCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 20:24:46Nature: Assault EmsCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 18:39:28Nature: Trash FireAddress: 633 Dover St Salisbury, MD 21801
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 17:07:15Nature: Subject FallenCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 16:46:29Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 14:27:55Nature: Flood With Electrical HazardsAddress: 1004 N Schumaker Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 12:36:19Nature: Assault EmsCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 10:40:12Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 10:00:21Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 09:09:56Nature: Difficulty BreathingCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 02:49:08Nature: StabbingCity: Salisbury
• Sunday January, 26 2014 @ 02:22:33Nature: Auto Accident RescueAddress: Brown St and truitt St Salisbury, MD 21802

Field Notes 1-27-14

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

Week 3 January 20-24, 2014

Monday Evening Session:

The House heard a presentation by Delegate Barbara Robinson (D-Baltimore City) in honor of Martin Luther King Day. It was requested that the delegates remarks be Journalized for the record (the entire speech will be included in the written record of the House of Delegates).

These bills were introduced on First Reader.

Tuesday Morning Session:

These bills were introduced on First Reader.

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Briefing:

A briefing was conducted to hear about the recent Court of Appeals decision  which addressed the DeWolfe v. Rchmond decision and the rejection of the fix provided by the General Assembly in 2012. Chief Judge Clyburn made a presentation on the Task Force recommendations on eliminating the problems associated with defendants being entitled to representation during their Initial Appearances before the court (this is currently performed by District Court Commissioners without the presence of counsel). The Office of the Public Defender estimates the additional costs would be around $30 million. The judicial task force estimates they can provide services through a variety of changes and by utilizing video conferencing with judges for a cost of roughly $6 million in total costs. I have previously proposed expanding the ability of persons to be released on citation by law enforcement and I have called for my former bill (HB-119), which passed the House in 2012, to be revisited and considered as a means of dealing with some of these issues. It is clear that there will be additional costs associated with insuring people have representation at all phases of the court process, but Governor O’Malley failed to include any money in his budget appropriated for this purpose.

Wednesday Morning Session:

These bills were introduced on First Reader.

The House Republicans offered a few rule changes from the floor. The first change sought would require that every bill that is heard by a committee must be allowed an up or down vote by that same committee. Currently, many bills have a hearing and are never heard from again as the committee chairman will simply refuse to bring the bill out for a vote. It is a common practice known as “keeping a bill in the drawer”. I have written about this practice in the past. I spoke on the floor in support of the rule change as I do not believe that one delegate should be able to prevent a bill from receiving a vote that is offered by another delegate simply because they elect not to bring the bill forward. I believe the people of Maryland deserve better. This change was referred to the House Rules Committee where it will, no doubt, go to die.

Another proposed rule change would see the creation of a non-partisan House Parliamentarian. Currently, we are the only legislative body in the United States that has a Parliamentarian who is an appointed member of the majority party. Considering that this person makes decisions regarding the interpretation of rules that govern the conduct of the House, when the majority seeks to do something that the minority believes is against the rules, the Parliamentarian always takes the side of the majority. It is a ridiculous system. Even the Maryland Senate at least pretends to have a fair system by naming a Clerk as the Senate Parliamentarian (even though she merely provides advice to the President of the Senate and works on his payroll).

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:

HB-49 would create a uniform percentage of 15% as a “reasonable Attorney Fee” that could be charged in cases involving a Breach of Contract.

HB-59 would allow for the transfer of property and wealth (titles, etc.) by a person to another person that would take place upon the owner’s death. This would be similar to a “Life Estate” that currently exists within the law. It was said that this would help many elderly folks who do not desire to create a will or other type of document, but who do want to insure that their final wishes are implemented upon their death.

HB-83 seeks to codify the Common Law decisions that have been historically used to guide and govern Maryland in addressing Trusts. This bill was passed last year by the House and then was tied up in the Senate. The bill is a significant work that has been worked on in the House for a number of years.

HB-147 would allow Montgomery County to receive the same treatment as the state would in cases where the county acts on behalf of the state in cases arising out of the administration of a State Human Services program being administered by Montgomery County. It seeks to clarify the law as it is currently being carried out relationally between the state and Montgomery County.

Thursday Morning Session:

The session began with a  Special Order on HB-. This bill would offer an open ended extension of the Maryland Health Insurance Program in order to cover the massive mistakes made by Maryland Obamacare provisions. The bill would provide unlimited coverage for anyone who merely claims they tried to get insurance and were rejected prior to the deadline. This bill would provide direct payments to cover any medical issues experienced by these persons during the time that they “claim” they could not receive coverage through Maryland-Obamacare. They propose to tax the hospitals to cover the costs associated by this error. The Special Order will postpone the matter until Friday,

A joint session was then called to order as we invited the Senate into the House Chamber to hear Governor O’Malley’s State of the State Address. It should come as no surprise that the governor did a victory lap on his accomplishments.  You can find the Address here.

Here are some points that come to mind regarding the governor’s speech:

In a nutshell, Martin O’Malley thinks that he has been successful. He thinks our state is stronger than when he first stepped foot in the door. He believes our middle class is more vibrant, healthier, and prosperous than ever in our history. He believes that our state is friendlier for business and is a leader in the country for jobs.

The word “delusional” came quickly to mind.

The governor claimed he entered office “with a $1.7 billion structural deficit” when his predecessor, Gov. Ehrlich, had left him with a billion dollar surplus. Essentially, Governor O’Malley will leave office having increased our spending by over 32% and in debt up to our eyeballs. Quite a contrast.

He forever changed Maryland’s definition of marriage. He raised taxes and fees over 72 times to date. He redefined “rich” as any family making over $100,000 a year (and taxed accordingly), and he threw in driver’s licenses and In-State Tuition breaks for illegal aliens. He has managed to bring our agricultural industry to the brink, makes us all pay $5 a month to flush our toilets, hiked our tolls by 300%, and taxes us for the rain that falls on our roofs. He took away our rifles and did a jig on our 2^nd Amendment Rights. He shut down our mental health care facilities on the shore, and he hiked taxes and fees on our Watermen by 400%.

Yes sir, he has been a true change agent…just don’t forget all those democrat votes that paved the way for his vision of America. I can only say I was glad to be a witness to his last State of the State Address.

Hearing on HB-26

I felt that I had a very successful hearing on my bill which would require the state to provide a fiscal impact statement on any regulations they bring before the AELR Committee (a joint, bi-partisan committee that reviews regulations when we are not in session). It is hard to believe that this is not generally required when you consider the significant impact these regulations often have on businesses and our people. No bill can be approved in the General Assembly without a fiscal note and it only makes good sense to require the same treatment on these regulations. Several folks from the agriculture community came into to testify in favor of the bill. The committee appeared to agree and I look forward to their taking action and approving the bill.

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Hearing:

HB-73 would allow for a rebuttable presumption in cases of damages for injuries sustained from dog bites. It would stop a court from presumptions that a dog is inherently vicious simply because of the breed.

HB-80 would establish by law that the owner of a dog running at large is responsible for any damages caused by the dog whether or not the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. There are exceptions in this bill for service dogs and for dogs that were provoked prior to the attack.

*Note(HB-73 and HB-80 involved an extensive hearing that lasted several hours. There were folks on both sides of the issue. It was said by Del. Simmons, the sponsor of HB-80, that his bill and the senate bill being put forward by Sen. Frosh should be passed without amendments or they risk not being passed)

HB-93 would require that a person who is convicted of Cruelty to Animals may be held responsible by the court for any expenses incurred in the care, treatment, or relocation of the animal. It would apply to all offenses involving animal cruelty.

HB-151 seeks to expand the number of counties that would become part of the pilot program which was started in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The pilot is an intervention program designed to provide alternatives for a Child in Need of Supervision as designated by the state. It has been utilized to keep children who qualify from unnecessarily advancing in the Juvenile Justice system without the benefit of other alternatives. Wicomico was brought in as a pilot county during this fiscal year. This expansion would continue until every Maryland county is included in this program.

Friday Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:

Today we met with the School Superintendents from the Eastern Shore and with State Superintendent Lowry. The Superintendents introduced Dr. Memo Deriker  (BEACON) from Salisbury who relayed, for the second year in a row, the local benefit from tax dollars invested in our public schools. I commented that I felt the comparison could not really be made since the school system must first extract millions from our economy through tax dollars before it returns the money through various sources. Dr. Deriker was dug in on his position.

Much of the discussion was centered around the new Common Core standards that have been implemented in the public schools in every grade level. There was some solid debate regarding these concerns as the superintendents and Superintendent Lowery made an effort to defend the changes. Most of the discussion was anecdotal, but it was made clear that many states are rethinking their commitment and making significant changes to slow their process of implementation.

I asked Superintendent Lowery why Common Core was not phased in over time beginning with Kindergarten and First Grade. She stated that they felt it was in the best interest to adopt the standards system wide so as to give every student a better education (based upon the new standard).  I also asked her about certain standards which give students partial credit for wrong answers during Common Core testing. She agreed that this was the case, but she defended this credit by stating that students who show some degree of understanding, even though the final answer is wrong, should get some credit. I told the Superintendent that I hoped someone who got partial credit for a trigonometry response would not be a future builder of a new Bay Bridge.

Friday Morning Regular Session:

Here are the bills on First Reader.

There was debate on HB-119 which has been presented as an emergency bill to address the failures of Maryland-Obamacare by covering the costs of any medical care received by anyone who merely claims they called and could not get through to the system, They could offer us no realistic estimate on what these costs might be or how long we would need to continue making this available.

So even though they received hundreds of millions to set up this system in Maryland as an “example” to the rest of the states…and even though this democrat bureaucracy under O’Malley-Brown had over 2 years to plan ahead and make it happen…and even though, when questions began to be raised and it appeared months in advance that this was completely in the weeds and not going to work out…we followed the Obama plan and rolled it out to our fellow Marylanders anyway!  To be fair, these liberals that voted for this thing did not let me down…it is exactly as we told them it would be and that’s why every House Republican voted NO!

It is tough living in a “Nanny” state when the Nanny does not show up for work. Well, the final vote on this fiasco will be on Tuesday morning…do I need to say how I will be voting?