20080411 News Clips

20080411 News Clips

NewsClips 04-11-2008

STATE NEWS

O'Malley backs U.S. aid for foreclosures

On Capitol Hill, governor seeks help for states

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/bal-md.foreclosure11apr11,0,6467737.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley appeared on Capitol Hill yesterday to urge passage of legislation that would direct federal dollars to augment state efforts to deal with a growing foreclosure crisis. Congress and the Bush administration have put forward a number of competing plans to help more homeowners head off foreclosure. The Senate passed a package yesterday that includes tax breaks for homebuilders, tax credits for people who buy foreclosed properties and other steps designed to help homeowners weather the housing crisis. Many of those new laws are "prospective," and more needs to be done to help borrowers who are already in trouble, O'Malley said. His administration has worked to extend financial assistance to homeowners, but some efforts have fallen short of expectations. Some lawmakers contend that a bailout for homeowners would give rise to "moral hazard," meaning that insulating those who bought homes they couldn't afford would not discourage such behavior in the future. Others say that some homeowners were victims of predatory lending and should be protected, and they point out that the government recently stepped in to bail out Bear Stearns Cos., an investment bank. O'Malley is firmly in the camp of policymakers who believe the government should play a role in fixing the foreclosure debacle.

Alonso plan shifts focus

Schools proposal redirects funds for principals, gifted

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/k12/bal-md.ci.schools11apr11,0,5619111.story

The Baltimore school system would more than quadruple the amount of money it spends on gifted students and funnel more money into high schools under a proposed funding formula that schools chief Andres Alonso unveiled yesterday. The proposal earmarks about $22 million for gifted students, $58 million for struggling students and $11 million for low-income high school students in the school system's budget for next academic year. The Board of Education is expected to adopt the budget Tuesday. In proposing to increase spending on gifted education from about $5 million to $22 million, Alonso is trying to stop a trend of students performing above grade level when they are young, only to lose that advantage as they age. "It is a tragedy that those numbers decline so drastically over time," he said at a school board work session yesterday. "Students don't go from gifted to needing remediation over time because of their contribution. ... It is the school system's failure." School board members were divided in their response to Alonso's proposal.

Tax credit seen as boon to Route 140

http://www.examiner.com/a-1333422~Tax_credit_seen_as_boon_to_Route_140.html

Merchants along Route 140 in Finksburg who fix up their businesses could cut their taxes by up to 75 percent, under a county proposal. The proposed “Gateway tax credit” would give the five-year tax credits to roadside businesses that invest more than 25 percent of their properties’ value in improvements to storefronts, lighting, sidewalks or pedestrian plazas. “We wanted to look at a place that’s most problematic for siting new businesses,” said Commissioner Dean Minnich. “Route 140 is, for the most part, our front door... It’s the first impression of Carroll County most people get.”

Lawmakers tout session wins, bemoan losses

http://www.examiner.com/a-1333416~Lawmakers_tout_session_wins__bemoan_losses.html

Howard’s state lawmakers introduced or co-sponsored more than 750 bills this session, varying from foreclosure relief to tech tax repeal to banning texting while driving. Some sailed through to passage, got caught up in committees and stalled as the clock ran out on the 90-day General Assembly session that ended Monday. Del. Gail Bates, - For Bates, repealing the tax on computer services took front and center for much of the session. Although she’s pleased it was repealed, substituting the so-called “tech tax” with one on millionaires didn’t sit well. “We proved multiple times over that tax could have been repealed without any further tax,” she said. The overall tone of the session wasn’t positive, Bates said, perhaps because of how soon it followed last fall’s special session. The state’s spending still is generating concern, she said. “We are still spending a lot more than I believe we should,” she said. Del. Warren Miller, R-District 9A - Miller’s triumph was the passage of his bill creating a Web site for government spending. Miller said he was still disappointed with the outcome of the special session in November, particularly the sales tax increase. Sen. Allan Kittleman, - Kittleman said he “saw a session where promises were unfulfilled.” “Many legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, came into the general session hoping to correct the errors in the special session.”

No money for Route 3 improvement

Greenip: BRAC siphons off state funding

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_10-47/GOV

Lawmakers were unable to scrape up funds for long-awaited improvements to busy Route 3 during the General Assembly session that adjourned this week, state Sen. Janet Greenip told the Greater Crofton Council. Instead, the thousands of federal jobs coming to Maryland's military installations took priority for transportation spending, the Crofton Republican said Tuesday. Improving Route 3, a state road and major artery through the Crofton area, has been a priority for local civic groups for decades. Mrs. Greenip also told the civic group that a bill that would allow more people to challenge developments failed during the 90-day session. The enabling legislation, which would have required the county's approval to take effect, would have allowed any person to protest a development anywhere in Anne Arundel, she said.

Mikulski seeks review of Army's lab

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080411/METRO/881319610/1004/metro

U.S. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski said yesterday that she will seek a health and safety review of the Army's planned biodefense laboratory expansion at Fort Detrick, an installation virtually surrounded by homes and businesses. "While we continue to build the technology to keep us safe from new challenges and new threats from predators, we must also remember that public safety must be our top priority," said Miss Mikulski, Maryland Democrat. She issued the statement shortly after the Frederick Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to ask her to request a National Research Council review of the project's public health and safety risks.

Wynn Takes Himself Off Committee

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/10/AR2008041003504.html

U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn, under pressure from congressional ethics watchdogs after announcing he will resign from Congress in seven weeks to take a job at a lobbying law firm, has stepped down from his congressional committee assignments. "While I believe I've complied with both the letter and spirit of the ethics laws, as well as engaged in the appropriate recusals, I am stepping down so that this issue will not be a distraction from the critical work of the committee to combat climate change, achieve energy independence, and protect our environment," he said in a statement. A number of Maryland politicians have blasted Wynn for forcing the state into a choice between paying as much as $2 million for a special election to fill his seat or leaving it vacant until a successor can take office in January 2009, after the regular general election in November between Edwards and Republican nominee Peter James. On Monday, the Maryland General Assembly passed emergency legislation designed to let the state forgo a special primary election before a special general election. The measure could halve the cost of the process to $1 million. If he signs the legislation, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) would then set a date for the special election.

Gilchrest to go his own way after nine terms

The outgoing Republican representative is not afraid to set himself apart from party

http://www.gazette.net/stories/041108/polinew200216_32359.shtml

Gilchrest, a Vietnam War veteran who used to grow all his own food and once took his family to live in the Idaho wilderness, is fascinating but quirky. Well read, yet simple. Reflecting on his 17 years in the House, Gilchrest said his legacy will be his support for the environment and effort to connect with lawmakers across the globe. But his colleagues will remember him for his character and thoughtfulness. Gilchrest became one of two Republicans voting to set a timetable for a withdrawal of troops from Iraq last year, because he was not afraid to separate himself from his party and his conservative district, said U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Dist. 6) of Buckeystown. ‘‘He knew that he was potentially alienating himself from his base, but that was the price he had to pay for being honest ...,” Bartlett said. ‘‘I have a few simple principles that guide my votes. If it’s bigger government or more taxes or more regulation, the answer is very easy. It’s no. Wayne really works, struggles over each vote.” ‘‘The thing that mattered most to his district was the Bay and the environment, and there Wayne was pre-eminent,” he said. ‘‘He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and caring.” But Gilchrest has had enough of campaigns and is planning his next move. He’s deciding between a number of offers, including teaching and traveling.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Trying times? Wait till next year

http://www.gazette.net/stories/041108/poliras182642_32361.shtml

Let’s see if I’ve got this straight: The crowning achievement of the 2008 Maryland General Assembly was repeal of a $200 million tax on computer services that threatened to destroy the state’s burgeoning information technology industry. The key to making repeal possible: passage of a revenue offset — a three-year income surtax on Maryland’s super-rich. In other words, legislators tried to fix what they screwed up back in November. Plus, Gov. Martin O’Malley has been assigned the dirty work of cutting another $50 million from state agencies. How nice of lawmakers to leave the messy part of the deal to someone else! With this as the session’s high point, it’s hard to pick the low point. Last November’s special session and the just-concluded 2008 session amounted to a painful learning experience for freshmen lawmakers. Most of these liberal reformers came into office believing they could make sweeping changes. That’s why they were elected, right? Now they’ve developed a greater appreciation for the nuances and limitations of lawmaking. It’s not as simple as it looked from the outside. Program reforms often aren’t possible unless you raise taxes — a highly unpopular step. What lies ahead? A wobbly economy that could require more budget cuts. A battle royal over legalizing slot machines. A political donnybrook over presidential candidates. And the possibility of another major budget shortfall when the 2009 state budget is submitted next January. So forget about the positive spin put out by O’Malley and top lawmakers after the session’s conclusion. This could be a trying period for the governor and for lawmakers when they return to Annapolis. The 2008 session was merely a warm-up for what is coming our way.

Governor’s glass half empty?

http://www.gazette.net/stories/041108/polilee182643_32362.shtml

OK, everyone’s doing their obligatory post-session wrap-ups treating the 90-day general assembly session like it was a lacrosse game. Who won? Who lost? Who emerged as the big alpha male, who wimped out? Faced with a sinking economy and sinking approval ratings, O’Malley went with a modest agenda in January — public safety, fighting foreclosures and going green. Mistake No. 1 was going too green. O’Malley hooked up with the environmental crazies, people whose answer to climate change is never building another highway or home. Repealing the ill-advised computer services tax was a lose-lose situation for O’Malley. After staunchly opposing repeal for months, he flipped in mid-March and backed the ‘‘millionaires tax” substitute plan, which included a $50 million raid on the Transportation Trust Fund, something he vowed never to do. Nor was it democracy’s finest hour. As usual, instead of taking legislative votes and abiding by the outcome, votes were delayed until enough lawmakers were bludgeoned or bribed into producing the ‘‘correct” outcome desired by the legislative bosses. For instance, poor Sen. Donald Munson (R-Dist. 2) of Hagerstown, against his will, voted for the ‘‘millionaires tax” because leadership threatened to kill funding for Hagerstown’s university campus. And several Senate bills had to be reconsidered when wayward senators cast independent votes without their leaders’ approval. Hey, looking for deadwood and non-essential fat in the state budget? Let’s abolish all but two members of the 188-member assembly and let the governor, the speaker and the president run things alone. After all, democracy is so troublesome.

NATIONAL NEWS

Conservatives nix Bush at Olympics

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/NATION/541456569/1002

Conservatives are beginning to coalesce — with some notable exceptions — around the idea that the American athletes should not be penalized by a general boycott of the Beijing Olympics but that President Bush should not attend. No previous American president has attended an Olympic Games on foreign soil. Erick Erickson, founder of the conservative Web site www.Redstate.com, has enlisted readers to sign a petition urging Mr. Bush to boycott the Olympics. The petition said Mr. Bush "who has spent eight years liberating parts of the world from tyranny, should not give the seal of approval on China's behavior — approval his presence at the Olympics would most certainly give to the Chinese people." "If American athletes want to compete in China, we wish them well and hope they crush their Chinese opponents under the heavy weight of many gold medals," the petition adds. "But we call on the president to personally boycott Peking during the Olympics." Republicans in Congress also seem to be joining in the call for Mr. Bush to stay home. Others are not so sure. But Oliver North, founder of Freedom Alliance and a Fox News analyst, dismissed the idea of a presidential boycott as "too little, too late," explaining that when China was being considered as an Olympics host, he wrote a column saying conservatives should have acted.

New Historic Trail In Maryland... http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11102&Itemid=35

U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski applauded Senate passage of legislation to create a new National Historic Trail and a National Heritage Area to honor Maryland and the region’s historic past and links to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. The Senate bill contains Senator Cardin’s proposal to designate the route of the British invasion during the War of 1812 as the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 will be celebrated in 2012, and Maryland is expecting a large increase in tourists who want to commemorate the historic event. U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes has also introduced similar legislation in the House. Some highlights from the area include homes of James Madison, Dwight Eisenhower, Zachary Taylor, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, and Civil War battlefields at Manassas, Monocacy, Ball's Bluff, Antietam, South Mountain and Gettysburg.

Guess who's moving to town?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.marbella11apr11,0,2828480.column

First daughter Jenna Bush and her by-then husband, Henry Hager, are moving into a two-story, 128-year-old rowhouse in a lively neighborhood south of downtown. It's unclear when Jenna -- the blonde half of President and Mrs. Bush's 26-year-old twin daughters -- and Hager, a former aide to Karl Rove, will move in. If you take away the presidential link, the newlyweds would be just another couple of young professionals who have chosen the neighborhood for their first house. Close to the stadiums, nightlife and, increasingly, trendy boutiques, it has a younger vibe than nearby Federal Hill, and with more remnants of a less gentrified, Formstone-clad past. "I would move in yesterday," said neighbor Jen Kearney, who pronounced the house in "fantastic shape." She was tickled to learn who had bought the house, welcoming them -- and whatever fringe benefits they bring. "I'll love having her security," Kearney said of the Secret Service detail that guards members of the president's family.

DNA bill convicts before trial

http://www.examiner.com/a-1333401~DNA_bill_convicts_before_trial.html

Innocents and criminals alike, watch out. Starting next year, if you are charged with a violent crime, police will sample your DNA to enter into a database of offenders. Gov. Martin O’Malley hailed the legislation authorizing the taking of genetic evidence as “our top public safety priority.” For whom? The government or those it serves? DNA is no fingerprint or photograph. It is a sophisticated identification system that needs no witnesses to corroborate and is more accurate than fingerprints when — if — the people storing and analyzing the data work right. It also treats those charged as if they were criminals before a court reviews their cases. How does that mesh with “innocent until proven guilty”? The state could avoid both the civil liberties conflicts and financial burden by reverting back next year to the previous law permitting the collection of DNA only from convicted felons. Technological advances are no excuse to trample the rights of Maryland’s citizens.

Legislative session had fewer ambitions, some achievements

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_10-19/OPN

Last fall's General Assembly special session was supposed to let Gov. Martin O'Malley and the legislature take an unavoidable political hit for raising taxes and fees roughly $1.4 billion - and, by doing so, clear the decks for 2008. It didn't quite work out that way. In part, that's because of a blah economy. And in part it's because the legislature planted its foot firmly on a jumbo-sized banana peel called the "tech tax," an ill-considered 6 percent levy on computer services. The tech tax was scrapped, which should at least avert an exodus of computer services firms from the state. Most Marylanders won't mind that the legislature compensated for this by raising taxes on roughly 6,000 state households with $1 million or more of taxable income. But some will mind a lot when they realize that the legislature also grabbed $50 million a year from the transportation trust fund - money that was supposed to be used, in large part, to reduce the state's huge highway maintenance backlog.
It was not a great session. The legislature refused to require that driver's license applicants prove citizenship, to outlaw the use of handheld cell phones by drivers, or to allow jurisdictions to set up automated speed cameras. So, even if the roads are deteriorating, Marylanders can at least speed on them while gabbing on handheld cell phones. Is that supposed to be a comfort?