Couple Finds Traded-In Clunker For Sale

Dan and Tara took advantage of the Cash for Clunkers program, trading in their 2001 Nissan X-Terra for a $3,500 government-backed discount with the assurance that their gas guzzler would be taken off the road for good, as Cash for Clunkers mandated.

So they were surprised to their old jalopy for sale at the dealership a few days later.
The couple cried foul, but it turns out everything was on the up-and-up. The Orange County Register reports:

"They came in for the cash for clunkers, but we went out and looked at the car and decided it's a pretty clean car, so we took the car on a trade-in," said Ken O'Donnell of VW of Garden Grove. "We decided we're going to give them the $3,500 they would have gotten from the clunker program as the trade-in. We're not asking the government for any reimbursement."

Indeed, the feds confirm that the dealership did not seek money for the Nissan under the cash-for-clunkers program.

So fear not, those of you who took advantage of Cash for Clunkers, then think you catch a glimpse of your old ride in your rear-view mirror. That's not a resentful zombiemobile out for vengeance, just a clunker that the dealership eyed and decided its polluting days were far from over.

Source

Reminder

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen Holds first Open Door Session of 2009-10 on Wednesday, Sept. 23
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen has announced the dates for his Superintendent�s Open Door Sessions for the 2009-10 school year. The first one will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Administrative Conference Room at the Board of Education Office.

Open Door Sessions provide the opportunity for people to meet one-on-one with the superintendent. People may express concerns, offer comment, or ask questions on any issue involving Wicomico schools. No appointment is needed.

Open Door Sessions will also be held from 4-6 p.m. on these additional dates: Oct. 28, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 24, March 24, April 21 and May 26. All Open Door Sessions will take place in the Administrative Conference Room of the Board of Education at Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. For information, please call 410-677-4495.

Priceless

Shots Fired At Pemberton Apartments

It's been reported Police are everywhere right now at the Pemberton Apartments where one witness heard the gun shots going off. More to come...... Originally posted at 9:10 PM.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO DECLARE FREDERICK MARYLAND’S ‘CAPITAL FOR A DAY’

Governor to visit Great Frederick Fair, Maryland School for the Deaf, Carroll Creek Park

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 22, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley will be joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Frederick Mayor William Holtzinger, Frederick County Commission President Jan Gardner, other local officials, members of the Executive Cabinet, and area residents to declare Frederick Maryland’s “Capital for a Day” tomorrow. The monthly program launched by Governor O’Malley in 2007 brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities. Below is the full public schedule for Governor O’Malley’s visit.

12:00 p.m. Governor O’Malley to visit the Great Frederick Fair and share lunch with Board members and local officials

Location: The Great Frederick Fair, 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick

1:30 p.m. Governor O’Malley to participate in a ribbon cutting for new elementary school complex at the Maryland School for the Deaf

Location: Maryland School for the Deaf, 400 South Carroll Street, Frederick

NOTE: Rain location is inside auditorium at 101 Clarke Place, Frederick

3:00 p.m. Governor O’Malley to host Cabinet Meeting with local officials

Location: Carroll Creek Park Amphitheatre, between Market & Carroll Streets, Frederick

NOTE: Rain location is Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St, Frederick

4:00 p.m. Governor O’Malley to walk Main Street

Location: The walk will begin at the Cabinet Meeting site above

In addition to Governor O’Malley’s official schedule, Lieutenant Governor Brown and members of the Executive Cabinet will be meeting throughout the region with their respective local counterparts:

Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown

Prior to joining Governor O’Malley at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Lt. Governor Brown will preside over a BRAC Subcabinet Meeting at 9:30 a.m. at 12 East Church Street in Frederick.

Office of the Secretary of State:

Secretary John McDonough will meet at City Hall with representatives, including Shuan Butcher, Dirci Borelli Marquart (Brazil-Frederick Program), Alderman Alan Imhoff and others, of Frederick Sister Cities Association to discuss the programs with Germany and Brazil including success, activities, and the Maryland Sister States Program.

Maryland Military Department:

Secretary James Adkins will visit the Frederick Armory prior to the Cabinet Meeting.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs:

Secretary Ed Chow will meet with local veterans before the Cabinet Meeting and attend a meet and greet with the Asian Community following the Cabinet Meeting

Department of Juvenile Services:

Secretary Donald DeVore will visit a school with a DJS Spotlight on School worker in the morning and attend a public safety meeting at City Hall in the afternoon.

Department of Natural Resources:

Secretary John Griffin will attend a meeting on East Frederick Rising, a smart growth redevelopment initiative in Frederick, along with the Maryland Departments of Planning, Housing and Community Development, and Transportation.
Secretary Griffin will also participate in a Marylanders Plant Trees & Urban Tree Canopy Media Event & Nursery Tour
Later, the Secretary will have lunch with Frederick County Parks & Recreation Staff & Tour local Program Open Space projects.

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services:

Secretary Gary Maynard will participate in a Public Safety roundtable involving a group of law enforcement and public safety officials from Frederick and surrounding communities to discuss local issues of importance to them. Secretaries Sheridan, DeVore, and Kristen Mahoney will also attend.

Maryland State Police

Colonel Sheridan, Lt. Colonel G. Robert Turano, Chief, Filed Operations Bureau, and Lt. Michael Brady, Commander, Frederick Barracks will attend the Public Safety Roundtable at City Hall.

Department of Labor, Licenses, and Regulation:

DLLR representatives will meet with Robert McGeeney (Labor & Industry) for a amusement ride safety inspection and tour Frederick County Fair grounds
Later, they will meet with Richard Ramsberg, Principal at Frederick County Public Schools' Adult Education and Flexible Evening High School

Department of Human Resources:

Secretary Brenda Donald will meet with Child Welfare Staff at the Frederick County Department of Social Services in the morning, and later tour and visit to the Maryland Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Inc

Maryland Energy Administration:

Director Malcolm Woolf will tour the Bishop Claggett Center, a full service conference and retreat facility located near Buckeystown. The Center was a community grant recipient for a solar hot water installation that services an industrial kitchen.

Director Woolf and MEA staff will also tour BP Solar Headquarters, which employs more than 500 people, speaking 39 languages in a facility that operates around the clock. BP Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in North America and worldwide.

Department of Agriculture:

Secretary Earl “Buddy” Hance will visit MDA Frederick Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and later will meet and greet with the Frederick County farm community.

Department of Aging:

Secretary Gloria Lawlah will join in a home delivered meal route, and later meet seniors and the senior center coordinator at the Urbana Senior Center, the County's newest senior facility, for the monthly made-to-order omelet bar and an opportunity to talk with seniors

Secretary Lawlah will also meet executive director Leslie Schultz at Daybreak Adult Day Services in Frederick for a visit and tour of this adult day care and the site of County's only Senior Center Plus program.

Department of Business and Economic Development:

Deputy Secretary Dominick Murray will attend the BRAC Subcabinet and Hearing in the morning, and later tour the Glass Factory downtown.
Deputy Secretary Murray will also visit We Localize (local software translation company), and Sycamore Associates (federal contractor/IT services and security)
Later, Murray will connect with 12 small business owners representing the quality of life industry (tourism, arts, culture) – Weinberg Theater, walking tour of Downtown Frederick Arts & Entertainment District.

Department of Budget and Management:

Secretary Eloise Foster will attend the BRAC Subcabinet Meeting in the morning and later attend a working luncheon with local Budget Administrators.

Department of Environment:

Assistant Secretary Steve Pattison will attend the BRAC Subcabinet meeting in the morning.

Department of Information Technology:

Secretary Elliott Schlanger will attend an introductory and explanatory lunch meeting with Dale Spangenberg (CIO/Director, Interagency Information Technologies, Frederick County Government), and John Ungerer (Information Technology Manager, City of Frederick).

Higher Education Commission:

Secretary James Lyons will attend the BRAC Subcabinet meeting in the morning, and later meet with Frederick Community College President Carol Eaton, deans, board members and student leaders to discuss issues and take a brief tour.
Secretary Lyons will also meet with Dr. Ron Volpe, President of Hood College, provost, deans and students and take a brief tour.

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:

Secretary John Colmers will tour Frederick County Health Department in the morning, and later visit a school-based health center in Hillcrest Elementary School
In the afternoon, Secretary Colmers will visit the Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Department of Transportation:

Secretary Beverly Swaim-Staley will meet Frederick Transportation Officials for lunch.

Representatives from the State Highway Administration will also accompany Secretary Raggio to a meeting in New Market to discuss the streetscape project along MD 144 in New Market.

A representative from the MDOT Office of Planning and Capital Programming will join Secretary Hall for a 9:00 a.m. to meet with a large group of civic and community leaders regarding the East Frederick Rising initiative.

State Department of Education:

Superintendent Nancy Grasmick will attend the BRAC Subcabinet Meeting in the morning and later visit the School-based Health Center with DHMH Secretary John Colmers and Frederick County Superintendent Linda Burgee
In the afternoon, Superintendent Grasmick will share Lunch with Dr. Burgee and visit another school in the afternoon.

Department of Planning:

· Secretary Rich Hall will meet with East Frederick Rising, a community group formed to ensure that smart growth principles are maintained and later meet with Marshall Stevenson, Enterprise GIS Manager for the Frederick County Government, Office of Interagency Information Technology.

· Secretary Hall will also share lunch with Joe Adkins and Eric Soter and take a walking tour of Carroll Creek Park followed by a presentation of the comprehensive plan by City of Frederick Planning staff.

Department of Disabilities:

· Secretary Cathy Raggio will tour the Arc of Frederick to discuss their programs with staff and clients.

· Later, Secretary Raggio will share lunch with the Director of the Freedom Center, a nonprofit that provides assistance and advocacy to individuals with disabilities lead independent and productive lives.

Department of Housing and Community Development:

Deputy Secretary Clarence Snuggs will attend a Smart Growth meeting in the morning and later tour the Frederick Community Action Agency
Snuggs will also tour Carroll Creek, including a driving tour of Market Street, finishing for HOPE VI.
Later, Deputy Secretary Snuggs will have lunch at Moxie Café and receive a local briefing with County and City representatives.

Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs:

Special Secretary Luwanda W. Jenkins will attend the BRAC Subcabinet meeting in the morning and later participate in a BRAC Small and Minority Business Outreach Meeting

BREAKING NEWS

Councilwoman Campbell Calls for Full Disclosure of Documents & Tapes

In support of continued transparency in government, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell has made a public request for immediate release of all documentation and surveillance tapes associated with a series of 1998 break-ins at the Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services (SNHS) office on Baptist Street. Questions related to a copy of a tape associated with the break-ins and investigation were first raised by the former mayor Barrie Tilghman just a few days prior the April 2009 city election.

During a September 9, 2009 press conference, Campbell explained that after a series of break-ins at the SNHS office she agreed to allow the investigating officers to install surveillance equipment in an attempt to catch the intruder(s). Campbell was not aware that anyone believed that she had a copy of a tape related the investigation of the break-in until she received a call from the police chief and e-mails from the former mayor a few days before this year’s election. Campbell was also unaware of the content of memos between former Mayor Tilghman, Capt. Mark Tyler, and Chief Webster accusing her of having a copy of the tape. These memos were dated April 3, April 6 and June 30, 2009.

Campbell said, “Those who oppose my tough stance on issues like wasteful spending, crime, and neighborhood blight have often chosen attempts to discredit me rather than engaging in meaningful debate on public policy.”

“As I stated to the police chief, the former Mayor, and the press, I have never seen this tape. I was never given a tape. I never requested a tape,” Campbell said. “They were not satisfied with my answers and I can only surmise why my political opponents have tried to make so much out of nothing.”

“However, it is clear that recent newspaper articles have left the public with more questions. I have more questions, too,” Campbell said, “so I am hopeful that the Salisbury Police Department’s immediate and full disclosure of all documents and records associated with the break-ins and the subsequent police investigation will provide members of the press and the public with answers to any outstanding questions they may have.”

Campbell says that at this point she is very curious to see the records and the tapes and wonders whether the tapes exist. The Daily Times has published copies of several documents provided by “anonymous sources,” (attached to on-line Daily Times articles published on 8/27, 9/1, & 9/11 2009) including communications between former Mayor Tilghman, Chief Alan Webster and Cpt. Mark Tyler. Campbell stated that she wonders why documents full of accusations were created eleven years after a simple series of break-ins and who “fed” them to the Daily Times.

Campbell has asked that all existing records will be made publically available immediately. “Once that happens,” Campbell said, “we can return our full attention to finding solutions for the tough challenges facing the city.”

Campbell’s letter, addressed to the Mayor and copied to the Chief of Police and fellow council members is attached.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Debbie Campbell at 410-860-0893

Debbie S. Campbell
Member, Salisbury City Council
809 Camden Ave.
Salisbury, MD 21801
9/21/09

Mayor James Ireton
Government Office Building
Salisbury, MD 21804

Mayor Ireton –

Due to the recent coverage in the paper I am requesting that you direct the Chief of Police to immediately provide all documents and tapes involving the surveillance at my SNHS office approximately 11 years ago be made public, so that everyone, including the press, can review all the facts and understand exactly WHAT their police force was doing, WHEN they were doing it, and WHY. Please also provide copies of any and all official police property logs as to who was in possession of the tapes and when.

I appreciate your cooperation in filling my request and creating the transparency that the public expects and deserves.

Sincerely,
Debbie Campbell

Maryland’s Population Growth Slowest In 28 Years

http://www.mdp.state.md.us/msdc/Pop_estimate/Estimate_08/StatePopEst_08.pdf


Shocking:

Maryland’s growth rate was also well below the bordering states of Delaware (1.3%, ranked 13th), and Virginia (0.9%, ranked 20th), as well as the District of Columbia (0.7%, ranked 31st).

Why Obama Wishes He Were King

Or at the very least, he wishes he were Mel Brooks

WASHINGTON - Responsibility without authority is a recipe for frustration. But popularity without power is a recipe for aggravation.

Consider Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, a man who, by dint of his title, is deemed by the great majority of the population to have "responsibility" for the economy.

To any intelligent person, the notion of one man having "responsibility" over an economy the size of America's is a joke; and yet, a stunningly large percentage of the population will, nevertheless, grade Obama's performance as President largely on the basis of the performance of the economy over the coming months and years.

GO HERE to read more.

4 In Va. Town Bludgeoned To Death

Suspect is an aspiring rapper who befriended two victims through music

FARMVILLE, Va. - Four people found slain in a small Virginia college town were bludgeoned to death, authorities said Tuesday, and the aspiring rapper suspected of killing them befriended two of the victims through a subculture of violent, macabre music.

Richard Alden Samuel McCroskey III, 20, is already charged in the killing of Mark Niederbrock, a pastor at a Presbyterian church in central Virginia. He's expected to face more charges in the future, after investigators sift through hundreds of pieces of forensic evidence.

At a news conference Tuesday, the other victims were identified as Longwood University professor Debra Kelley, 53; Emma Niederbrock, 16, the daughter of Kelley and Mark Niederbrock; and Melanie Wells, 18, of Inwood, W.Va.

GO HERE to read more.

Grassroots Or Astroturf

THANK YOU

First of all I want to thank ALL of you for your support with my Mother. Mom has been diagnosed with cancer but they're running numerous tests to see just how bad it is and just how far it has spread. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.

My next thank you is for understanding things are a bit slower these past few days on Salisbury News and I'm doing my best to keep things updated while dealing with numerous personal issues.

I'd like to also thank the individual who found my Mother In Law's purse and returned it to their home today. Say what you want about the City of Salisbury, there are some WONDERFUL people in this community and sometimes we get so lost in all the wrong, we forget to recognize those who are truly "Good People."

My Mother In Law was at Giant shopping and she took my Father In Law with her to get him out of the house. Art has been quite ill and any breath of fresh air is a good thing. Nevertheless, in trying to load the groceries and get Art into the car, she left her purse in the cart and drove off.

She called the Police after trying to go back to Giant and see if it was anywhere to be found but she had no luck. The Police took a report, she cancelled all her credit cards, phone, you name it. Well, today she went to go out one of the three doors to their home and wouldn't you know it, someone had returned the purse with absolutely everything still in it. We don't know who you are but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

On another note, last night my Wife was out shopping and decided to bring home some chicken from one of those Fast Food joints. You know, the one named after that cartoon character who loves spinach.

Anyhow, I spent the entire evening, every hour on the hour and all day today so far praying to the porcelain God and that's why things have been so slow today, sorry. Fortunately this is a FREE Site and right now I can get away with it. But again, I thank you for understanding. No, I will NEVER eat something from that dump again.

In closing I'd like to thank ALL of you once again for delivering yet another record day yesterday to Salisbury News. While a few of you have stated we'd have a difficult time getting advertisers because of some of the content we put up on Salisbury News, I bet to differ. We tell you the real news and this Site will always be free for those who choose to come here and read the content. We don't sugar coat things and quite frankly, rather than some of you telling us how we're failing, well, the numbers we see every day prove you have no clue what you're talking about. Your power of suggestion is a joke and reminds me of the old Tilghman Administration.

Believe what you want, I don't care. Our phones are ringing off the hook every single day of the week. We get between 600 to 800 e-mail messages a day and I think many of you would be amazed at just who we talk to on a daily basis.

Last but not least I want to thank all of those people who send us tips and worthy information to Post each and every day. Now there are times in which I get things far too risky to Post but don't you ever think I'm not cracking up laughing, because I am/do.

We're making a difference Folks and that's what Salisbury News was designed to do. Thank You!

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Incident: Wanted Subject
Location: Wicomico County
Suspect: William Cleatus Stier, 45, Hurlock, MD

Narrative: In August 2009, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into the alleged scamming of individuals in Wicomico County for money. Investigation revealed that William Cleatus Stier would approach an unwitting subject and prey on their good nature. Stier would give a sad story about a vehicle being broken down or family members being stranded and would ask for money to alleviate the situation. Upon receiving the money that was given to him to help him out, Stier allegedly purchased drugs with it.

On 8 September 2009 a warrant was obtained for the arrest of Stier, charging him with committing theft and conducting a theft scheme. Also on 27 August 2009, a bench warrant was issued for Stier for failing to appear in a Motor vehicle theft case. The pre-set bond on the bench warrant is $25,000.00

Stier is a white male, 45 years old, 6’2” 245lbs.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Stier is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776

Charges: Theft / Theft Scheme

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES ALEX SANCHEZ AS SECRETARY OF LABOR, LICENSING, & REGULATION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 22, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced the appointment of Alex Sanchez as the new Secretary of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation today at a press conference in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State House. Sanchez’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Maryland Senate, and he will begin leadership of the approximately 2,000 employee agency in October.

“I am proud to nominate Alex Sanchez to lead the Department of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation. At a time of economic uncertainty, it is critical we have effective leadership at the agency that often serves as the only protection against fraud and abuse for many consumers and businesses,” said Governor O’Malley. “Alex’s years in the non-profit community, as well as his legal expertise, bring a unique set of skills and talents to this new role, and I’m confident that his leadership at DLLR will help continue our progress fighting for the working men and women of our State.”

Sanchez joins the O’Malley-Brown Administration from United Way of America where he currently serves as Senior Vice President for Community Impact Leadership. In that role, Sanchez established the organization as the largest national partner of the Internal Revenue Service and created the Financial Stability Partnership, an economic self-sufficiency initiative for working families that last year increased the generation of Earned Income Tax Credit refunds to more than $420,000,000 and earned additional multi-million dollar corporate and foundation investments.

“It is a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Maryland as the Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation,” said Sanchez. “Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Secretary Perez the Department has earned a position of national prominence in its work to protect and empower the citizens of Maryland. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to build upon the Department’s achievements. I want to thank Governor O’Malley for his continued commitment to the success of the Department and for his faith and confidence in selecting me to lead this important work.”

Sanchez replaces Tom Perez who has served in the position since the start of the O’Malley-Brown Administration and leaves to join the Obama Administration as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice.

“It has been an honor to serve the O'Malley-Brown administration,” said Perez. “Under the Governor’s leadership, we have been able to implement a wide range of innovative programs to protect and empower Marylanders. From foreclosure prevention to living wage implementation to workforce development, the Governor has charted an aggressive path that has enabled DLLR to help Marylanders in so many different ways. I am certain that this progress will continue under Alex Sanchez’s leadership, and under the able leadership of the dedicated staff at DLLR.”

Prior to joining the United Way in 2005, Sanchez served as President and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of America, a national, non-profit umbrella organization whose mission is to strengthen and empower member organizations to foster neighborhood pride, local decision-making and better social conditions and to help individuals and families lift themselves out of desperate social conditions in some of America’s most threatened neighborhoods. Sanchez developed job training and employment programs, and earned an Annie E. Casey Foundation national family strengthening award grant partnership during his tenure there.

He also served as Executive Director for the Hispanic National Bar Association & Foundation, where he was successful in increasing membership more than 30 percent through promoting the interests of Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors and law students throughout the United States.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College in 1990, and holds a Masters of Government Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. Sanchez remains involved in local community organizations, including the American Red Cross, Center for Families and Children, and the Center for Community Solutions.

MAN DROWNS

On September 21, 2009, at approximately 6:30 P. M., Ocean City Police, Fire Departments and Beach Patrol responded to 35th Street and the beach, in reference to swimmers in distress. Ocean City Fire Department personnel Amanda Shoemaker and Maria Berdan were first to arrive at the scene.

Witnesses on the beach related that two males were in the ocean and in distress. Berdan and Shoemaker observed a distressed swimmer about 50 yards from the shore. Both OCFD personnel entered the water. The first person rescued was a 16 year old male, who advised that his father was still out in the ocean. OCFD Firefighter Berdan remained in the water and continued to search for the missing adult male. Off-Duty OC Beach Patrol personnel Lt. Ward Kovacs and SRT Conner Braniff arrived at the scene to assist with the water search for the missing adult male.

Rescue personnel remained in the ocean for over 40 minutes attempting to locate the missing male. The Maryland State Police helicopter and U. S. Coast Guard arrived in the area to assist with the search. At approximately 7:10 P.M., a surfer spotted the male two blocks north of the initial call. Rescue personnel entered the water and removed the male. Paramedics began CPR on the beach, both the adult male and the 16 year old were transported to Atlantic General Hospital.

The 16 year old son was treated and released. The adult male (father) was pronounced dead at the hospital. The deceased has been identified as Richard Robert Wagner, 52, of Boyds, Maryland.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol, Police and Fire Departments recommend citizens to use caution when swimming in the ocean even when life guards are present on the beach. Rip currents are very powerful and can overcome unsuspecting swimmers. The Ocean City Beach Patrol advises citizens to swim only when life guards are on duty, which is between 10 A.M. and 5:30 P. M. daily.

This schedule will remain in effect until this Sunday. If you are caught in a rip current, remember to remain calm, don’t panic and call for help, swim parallel to the beach for the length of a backyard pool, then swim at an angle toward the beach. OC Beach Patrol reminds citizens to keep their feet in the sand until the life guard is in the stand.

Rep. Kratovil to Host Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Frank Kratovil will be hosting a foreclosure prevention workshop this Saturday afternoon at Maces Lane Middle School in Cambridge, MD. The workshop is open to any residents of Maryland’s First Congressional District currently facing or at risk of facing foreclosure. Counselors and representatives of major lenders will be on hand to meet with attendees individually to discuss what options are available to help homeowners stay in their home.

“People are getting hit hard by this economic crisis, and the biggest fear for many is losing their home,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “This workshop will help distressed homeowners learn about their options before it’s too late.”

If you would like to participate in this free and confidential workshop, more information is available on Rep. Kratovil’s website at www.house.gov/kratovil or by calling his district office at (443) 262 – 9136. Attendees will have the opportunity to sit down privately with lenders and loan counselors to discuss all available options. Anyone wishing to attend the workshop is encouraged to bring with them all relevant documents, including a hardship letter, letters of default or foreclosure, a summary of monthly expenses, two most recent pay stubs, two most recent bank statements, and 2007 and 2008 tax returns.

“All of our neighbors facing the threat of foreclosure need to know that they have options, and that there are counselors who can help them get through these tough times. I encourage anyone who finds themselves in this difficult position to stop by and take advantage the resources that the community can offer,” said Rep. Kratovil.

Who: Rep. Frank Kratovil, Congressional Staff, Lenders, Loan counselors

What: Congressional Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Where: Maces Lane Middle School, 1101 Maces Lane, Cambridge, MD

When: 1PM – 6PM

In addition to Congressional Staff the following organizations will also be present: Fannie Mae, MD Dept of Housing & Community Development, Freddie Mac, GMAC, Bank of America, USDA Rural Development, Wells Fargo, Federal Reserve, Wye Mortgage and Bancshares, JP Morgan Chase, Saxon Mortgage, HUD, NeighborWorks, Community Law Center, Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Svcs, Inc., Delmarva Community Action Center, CCCS of Maryland and Delaware, Mid Shore Pro Bono, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Catholic Charities, Legal Aid Services, Board of Education/Maces Lane Middle School.

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR & COMPTROLER

Gentleman:

According to a Google search, the budget for the State Highway Administration is $1.7 billion. Do you believe all of the projects included in this budget are critical to the states survival? As you make the many cuts in spending that impact the daily lives of the people of the state, would it not make sense to put off the repaving of some roads? Does a highway that has existed for decades suddenly need an overpass, or curbs or a round about? Is it more important to make cuts in health care, education or public safety?

Do you think you can force yourselves to forego campaign contributions from paving contractors or their families? Are the jobs of construction workers more important than those of care givers? Please don't give us the usual political smoke that all jobs are important while you protect those of your contributors at the expense of everyone else.

Joel Brandes

"You Lie" -- Joe Wilson Outburst A Charade

When Rep. Joe Wilson's interrupted the hypnotic rhythms of Barama's speech Sept. 9 with the cry "You lie," he shattered the illusion of plausibility required for participation in the great Charade of Democracy

Of course the President is lying. Politicians are supposed to deceive the people. (Does "9-11" ring a bell?) They are chosen for their lying skills. ("I never had sex with that woman.")

Obama promised that illegal immigrants would not be covered by public health care, but a few days later he said they all should become legal.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/18/obama-ties-immigration-to-health-care-battle/?feat=home_cube_position1


Wilson interrupted the theatre. Obama could have confessed, "I'm not going to lie to you. I am going to lie to you. You're all suckers and this is an act."

But we must keep up the illusion that politicians are honorable men, not stuffed suits who have betrayed their country and fellow citizens by joining a Satanic cult, the Freemasons (Illuminati.)

So everyone pretended to be real shocked and demanded an apology. Wilson was censured. The illusion was restored. Millions of dollars flowed into Wilson's coffers and that of his opponent. Illuminati alumnus Jimmy Carter ventured that all opposition to Obama could now be dismissed as "racist." Obama magnanimously demurred. Great theater.

GO HERE to read much more.

SALISBURY: A NEW TAX MAY BE ON THE WAY!

Whoops, make that a new fee – for a “stormwater utility” fund, or program (whatever). Here’s how it goes: instead of paying the cost to maintain and upgrade the City’s stormwater drainage system that handles the water that runs down drains in the streets, etc., from the City’s property tax revenue, there would be a special enterprise fund for that cost.

Guess how and by whom it would be funded by creating what Mayor Ireton calls a “progressive revenue stream” according to the Daily Times? OK, please, don’t shout so loud, and what does “WTF” mean?

Property owners, and that could include homeowners, would contribute an annual fee – don’t call it a “tax” in public because that might make it invalid if challenged in court. But if you really love paying taxes to the City you can call it a disguised tax in the privacy of your home.

So, you may ask, would you get a property tax reduction for paying the “fee.” Now it’s my turn to shout at you -- “IDIOT!” The name of the game is “Feed the Beast” that thrives and grows faster and larger on any “progressive revenue stream” that it can get its claws into.

This could be the start of something big. With enough special revenue streams to feed enterprise funds – for roads, parks, you name it – Salisbury may never need to have another property tax increase.

I’m not making it up about a stormwater utility fee. That one was presented to the City Council for consideration at its work session yesterday. Don’t be surprised; didn’t someone tell us that “help is on the way”?

Feldman Ranovation Ideas Emerge

Restaurant, offices, apartments one proposal as buyer is sought

SALISBURY -- The downtown site of a local furniture company turned antique dealer could see significant renovations in the future to include a restaurant and office space or apartments, according to a concept plan from Temco Builders.

The Feldman's furniture building was condemned last year after city officials discovered numerous code violations -- including toxic mold, a leaky roof and nonfunctioning emergency exit signs -- as a safety hazard to patrons and dealers. But owner David Miller has yet to make serious changes and has his hopes pinned on a sale.

"We are currently negotiating with the owner and the lending agency to put together a temporary rehab plan that will, in effect, make the property more presentable while there is an attempt made to transfer the property," said Tom Stevenson, director of Salisbury's Department of Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance.

Miller and code enforcement officers began work on the property's exterior Monday. Stevenson said the inside is not a concern at this time. The maintenance is being done at the expense of the current owner, who said one of three interested buyers may take over the property soon.

"We have a very interested group of buyers that want to have an antique store there, plus a restaurant and some offices," Miller said.

As to the progress of the sale, he and other parties involved declined to comment.

"It's over when it's over," Miller said.

Regardless of the sale, Miller said exterior modifications will be made, if only just to make the property more appealing to a buyer.

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EDITORS NOTE: I have already made the attempt to purchase at least 1/3 of these buildings and the Bank of Delmar turned my offer down. In fact, they replied with a counter offer almost three times higher than my CASH offer, pretty much what Mr. Miller owed the Bank for the entire property.

This plan is absolutely NO DIFFERENT from Urban Salisbury's BS plan to make everything "look good" for Downtown Salisbury. Get a couple of artists to draw you up something really nice but what the IDIOTS at the Daily Times neglects to mention is the massive parking issues this would create and it's a BS pipe dream.

"The parcel is for sale for $1.1 million, and Dashiell estimates renovations could cost $2 million to $3 million. But it would be worth it, according to Dashiell, whose company has done renovations for the Lofts at Manhattan Square, One Plaza East and Metropolitan Magazine." Mr. Miller only owed the Bank $350,000.00, or so. Now, of course, the Bank wants to screw their stock holders by holding out on a piece of property they feel they can do catch up on bad loans with. Stupid is as stupid does.

Maybe one day the Daily Times will do their homework. Oh, that's right, unless the story is handed to them any more, they don't deliver any more investigative reporting. THERE IS NO PARKING DOWN THERE!

Caption These Photos

In the following pictures, you see people with very strong facial expressions.

Can you identify their expression?