20080323 Frederick News-Post Letter to the editor: Knowing what's best for everyone by Guy Noce

Frederick News-Post Letter to the editor: Knowing what's best for everyone by Guy Noce

Originally published in the Frederick News-Post on March 23, 2008

More than a few years ago, I discussed the legal status of sunny side up eggs served in New Jersey restaurants with a friend, a former member of Maryland's House of Delegates. To my knowledge, you can't get a sunny side up egg in a New Jersey restaurant because of the action of that state's legislature. "You have to understand," my friend said, "that legislators think they know what's good for you."

In light of the Maryland Senate passing a law which permits the use of remote speed monitoring systems in parts of Maryland other than Montgomery County, several parts of the statute enabling "speed cameras" should be discussed. They probably know what's good for us.

Read the rest of the letter to the editor here: Frederick News-Post Letter to the editor: Knowing what's best for everyone by Guy Noce

*****

Related: 20001208 Egg fans uneasy about FDA's 'No over easy' advice

Or here - 20001208 Egg fans uneasy about FDA's 'No over easy' advice

####

20080225 Westminster Police Department offers $500 reward for recent wave of malicious destruction of property

Westminster Police Department offers $500 reward for recent wave of malicious destruction of property

$500.00 REWARD

Captain Nancy Yeager

News Release

February 25, 2008

The Westminster Police Department is offering a cash reward of up to $500.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual’s responsible for the malicious destruction of property in the areas of Union Street, Main Street, Pennsylvania Ave., Schoolhouse Ave. and McDaniel College.

Sometime between the late evening hours of Saturday February 23, 2008 and the morning hours of Sunday February 24, 2008 unknown subjects scratched and spray painted vehicles and buildings in these areas.

The Westminster Police Department is asking the public to assist us in identifying those responsible for these acts of malicious destruction of property. Anyone having information about these crimes are asked to call the Westminster Police Department on-duty supervisor at 410- 848-4646 or to remain anonymous call 410- 857-TIPS (8477).

20080201 Maryland State Trooper Injured While on Patrol

20080201 Maryland State Trooper Injured While on Patrol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2008

STATE TROOPER INJURED WHILE ON PATROL

(Westminster, MD) – A Maryland State Trooper was critically injured this morning after his patrol car loses traction and overturns.

Trooper Kendell L. Clagg, 35, assigned to the Westminster Barrack in Carroll County, suffered massive facial and brain injuries after the patrol vehicle he was driving slid out of control, hit a utility pole, and landed on a concrete porch of a residence home in Hampstead. Trooper Clagg was flown by State Police helicopter, ‘Trooper 3’, to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with injuries deemed serious at the time of the crash.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m., Trooper Clagg was traveling southbound on Route 30, Hanover Pike, north of Hampstead. Since he was in the vicinity, Maryland State Police believe he was responding to a lookout for a vehicle that was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed. As he reached Greenmount Church Road, the trooper’s patrol vehicle lost control, resulting in the crash. There are no other reported injuries.

Trooper Clagg has been upgraded from critical to stable condition. The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assist with the investigation.

Investigation continues…

###

CONTACT: Ms. Elena Wendell

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20080127 Maryland State Police investigate an apparent homicide in Carroll County

Maryland State Police investigate an apparent homicide in Carroll County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2008

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE APPARENT HOMICIDE IN CARROLL COUNTY

(Finksburg, MD) Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation this morning into the apparent murder of a Carroll County man whose body was found last night inside the Finksburg video store where he worked.

The man is identified as Gary L. Hatfield, 54, of the 3300-block of Oak Street, Manchester, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. yesterday, a 9-1-1 call for an injured person dispatched Maryland State Police from the Westminster Barracks and emergency medical personnel to H and D Movie Sales, a store that buys and sells videotapes, in a strip shopping center in the 2000-block of Suffolk Road, Finksburg. Troopers responded and found the victim lying near the counter in the rear of the store. Fire department personnel arrived and determined the victim was deceased.

Members of the victim’s family found him in the store and called 9-1-1. They had gone to the store to look for him when he did not return from work at his usual time. They said the business closes at 10:00 p.m.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded, as did crime scene technicians from the State Police Forensic Sciences Division. They were assisted by troopers from the Westminster Barracks Criminal Investigation Section. A State Police bloodhound team conducted a search of the area.

Investigators saw what appeared to be injuries on the victim’s body. The cause and manner of death have not been determined at this time. The victim’s body has been transported to the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or who may have been in the Tower Center shopping area between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. yesterday, is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Westminster Barracks at 410-386-3000.

###

CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Shipley

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20080120 Westminster cops to add computers to vehicles By Ryan Marshall for the Carroll County Times

Westminster cops to add computers to vehicles by Ryan Marshall for the Carroll County Times

Westminster cops to add computers to vehicles

By Ryan Marshall, Times Staff Writer Sunday, January 20, 2008

Westminster police officers on patrol will soon have faster access to information now that the city police department was awarded a grant to outfit three of its vehicles with portable computers.

The computers were purchased with money from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, said Capt. Randy Barnes, a spokesman for the police department. The grant totaled $20,442.

The grant also included money for docking stations, so officers can set up their computers in their cars.

The computers will let police check driver’s licenses and vehicle information and see if suspects have outstanding warrants, Barnes said. Officers will also be able to create reports from their vehicles, allowing them to stay out on patrol longer, he said.

The computers will be connected to a network that will let Westminster officers communicate with police in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., who are logged onto the system at the time, Barnes said.

Read the entire article here: Westminster cops to add computers to vehicles

20071226 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

A Christmas Tragedy

Kevin E. Dayhoff

We are all mourning this Christmas season after last Wednesday’s senseless death of Smithsburg police officer Christopher Shane Nicholson, 25.

The Joy and Sadness of Christmas

Tom McLaughlin

It’s almost over. I have just about cleaned out the four-story townhouse and have over 100 boxes of stuff. I say stuff because I was not sure what to throw out and what to keep. Most of the stuff was Mom’s and Dad’s.

WE GET LETTERS!

WE GET LETTERS!!! A Walkersville resident commiserates with Steve Berryman and his thoughts about I-270 and its effect on our community. CLICK HERE!!! CLICK HERE!

---

Monday, December 24, 2007

Frederick Children

Roy Meachum

These observations appeared in my Frederick News-Post column the December sleigh-bell-bedecked horses pulled wagons through downtown streets; a spectacle that had disappeared several decades before. It was also the season when my column first appeared.

Family Traditions – Old and New

Farrell Keough

Think back to those exhilarating days just prior to the big event; the chill in the air; the anticipatory extra step in your gait; the constant talk among your friends as to what you might find on that oh-so-special day.

---

Friday, December 21, 2007

More Lennie

Roy Meachum

You want proof farmers have become the new outcasts? Check the Thursday front page of the Frederick News-Post for Commissioner John L. Thompson, Jr.'s latest bureaucratic fandango.

Santa’s in the Seein’

Norman M. Covert

Pardon my impertinence, but a long time ago my blue eyes assured me in the darkness of an early Christmas morning that Santa Claus had come and gone. No question. No debate.

---

Thursday, December 20, 2007

A Primary Explanation

Chris Cavey

Next month will be the beginning, nationwide, of presidential primary voting. In my travels I have run into many people who are both surprised and confused about the advanced voting season. So here is a little primer to help you through the quandary of what and why.

Why Be a Republican? – Part 3

Farrell Keough

When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not your friend. [U.S. Marine Corps]

WE GET LETTERS!

WE GET LETTERS!!!!! A Monrovia resident applauds the Natelli Corporation for its proposal for a YMCA at Urbana and makes suggestions for improvements to the county's planning process. CLICK HERE!!!!! CLICK HERE!

---

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Playing “The War on Christmas” Card

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Fortunately, this year in “The War on Christmas,” no overwhelming weapons of mass Christmas destruction have materialized and it appears that Christmas is winning. And that’s a good thing.

The Chesapeake Bay

Tom McLaughlin

It absolutely can’t be that dirty. No way. The Chesapeake Bay that is. All the information flowing in says the waterway is a cesspool complete with garbage floating on top of its entire length and breath. There are no fish. Anyone catching any are having hallucinations and eating imaginary meals. The water quality sucks with a capital “S.”

Why Be a Republican? – Part 2

Farrell Keough

Aim towards the Enemy. [Instructions printed on U.S. Rocket Launcher]

---

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Today's Uneasy Iraq

Roy Meachum

Holiday seasons are ever thus: intent on buying gifts and celebrating the season, few Americans notice what's happening in the rest of the world.

Why Be a Republican? – Part 1

Farrell Keough

What is the similarity between an air traffic controller and a pilot? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; if the air traffic controller screws up…, the pilot dies. [Anonymous]

20071220 Alert from the Sykesville Police Department

Alert from the Sykesville Police Department

TOWN OF SYKESVILLE “ALERT”

December 20, 2007 9:06 AM

The Sykesville Police Department is seeking the help of the community in locating a RED minivan. This vehicle was operated by a while male, 30 – 35 years old, with black or brown SHORT hair, stubble goatee and medium build. He was last seen wearing a red polo style shirt.

On December 19, 2007 at 6:05 pm this person approached a 14-year-old female at Norris Avenue and Kalorama Road, offering her a ride in his vehicle. The girl refused the ride and the suspect continued to persist; then left the area. The vehicle was last seen on Norris Avenue headed towards Obrecht Road.

Please be on the look out for this RED minivan.

Report all suspicious activity to the police by calling

Sykesville Police Department

(410) 795-0757

or

911

20071216 Frugality county police needed by Mike Zimmer

Carroll County Times Other Voices: “Frugality, county police needed” by Carroll County Commissioner Mike Zimmer

By Michael Zimmer, Other Voices

Sunday, December 16, 2007

I greatly appreciated the Times editorial of December 9 urging the commissioners to refrain from raising taxes to make up for reductions in funding expectations from the state.

In the face of higher sales taxes, higher electric bills and higher fuel costs the last thing the people of Carroll County need is a rate hike in their real property taxes.

[…]

A second topic that deserves comment is the unanimous vote earlier this year by the commissioners to shift our primary law enforcement from a blended system of the Sheriff's Department and State Police Resident Troopers toward a county police force.

If anyone wants to understand the rational for each commissioner's vote, the best thing to do is to review the video archive of our meeting of October 4 on the county government Web site under the video library and agendas header.

[…]

This doesn't mean that I think Sheriff Ken Tregoning has done a bad job. Actually, it is just the opposite. Because he has done such a good job at filling the gap between a capped resident trooper program and our growing needs, he has put the commissioners in a position that allows us to make this decision from a position of strength, not weakness.

[…]

Read the entire piece here: Carroll County Times Other Voices: “Frugality, county police needed” by Carroll County Commissioner Mike Zimmer

And please report dead links…

####

20071128 Carroll could get speeding cameras by Kathryn Leiter

Carroll could get speeding cameras by Kathryn Leiter

I usually like most any technology that enhances safety. And speeding is a constant citizen complaint – especially in residential neighborhoods. But I just am not comfortable the idea of being charged with a crime by a computer - - - about getting a speeding ticket from a computer – and the statistics are all over the map as to the efficacy of the red light cameras or speeding cameras - - except of course, for raising money… Any way:

Carroll could get speeding cameras

By Kathryn Leiter, Times Staff Writer

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Maryland Municipal League creating bill to add devices

Carroll County drivers may soon be facing an increase of police enforcement in residential areas, but not in the form of additional officers.

The Maryland Municipal League is drawing up a bill that would allow Maryland municipalities to use cameras to crack down on speeding in residential areas and school zones.

The bill would go before the 2008 legislative session, said MML Director of Government Relations Candace Donoho.

If passed, it would be up to each municipality to decide whether they use the new equipment, she said. If a town doesn’t have its own police department, the town would have to go to the county to work with them, she said.

“I would certainly support it, and I would love to see it,” said Chief John Williams Jr. of the Sykesville Police Department.

The Carroll County Sherriff’s office is also in favor of the added enforcement, said spokesman Lt. Phil Kasten.

“We support the various alternatives,” Kasten said. “Photo enforcement encourages motorists to be responsible.”

[…]

Read the entire article here: Carroll could get speeding cameras

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/11/28/news/local_news/newsstory2.txt#

And please report dead links… If the link is dead, e-mail Ms. Leiter at Kathryn DOT leiter AT carrollcountytimes.com

20071107 State Police Trooper and NCO of the Year Named

State Police Trooper and NCO of the Year Named

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2007

STATE POLICE TROOPER AND NCO OF THE YEAR NAMED - BOTH TROOPERS WORK IN CARROLL COUNTY

(Pikesville, MD) Outstanding police work above and beyond the call of duty was the order of the day as the awards for the Maryland State Police Trooper of the Year and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year were announced at ceremonies held today.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan congratulated Trooper First Class Eric D. Workman, who won 2006 Trooper of the Year honors and Sergeant Robert J. Stryjewski, Jr., who was named the 2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

TFC Workman, who was chosen from among 32 Trooper of the Year nominees, is assigned to the Westminster Barracks Criminal Investigation Section. Sergeant Stryjewski supervises the Carroll County Drug Task Force and was one of 28 nominated non-commissioned officers.

“Both Sgt. Stryjewski and TFC Workman have distinguished themselves as dedicated public servants who are committed to serving and protecting the people of Maryland,” Colonel Sheridan said. “I am very proud of them and appreciate their willingness to lead by example. They have upheld the highest standards of the Maryland State Police and the law enforcement profession through their outstanding service.”

In early 2006, TFC Workman developed a robbery questionnaire that was used to capture vital suspect information and has become an important tool for use by State Police investigators. On his own initiative, TFC Workman applied for and obtained grants for video enhancing equipment. This equipment has enabled police in Carroll County to analyze and enhance surveillance photos and video more effectively.

TFC Workman initiated a warrant sweep in Carroll County that involved extensive investigation. His work resulted in 11 hard to find fugitives being apprehended.

In 2006, TFC Workman was assigned an investigation involving a farm which had a notorious reputation for criminal activity and allegations of cruelty to animals and environmental crimes. Efforts by other governmental agencies to deal with the situation had failed for the past 15 years.

TFC Workman coordinated federal, state, and local agencies in a sweeping investigation that resulted in criminal charges for stolen property and numerous charges for animal cruelty and environmental offenses.

His ability to track fugitives is outstanding. In the summer of 2006, a person arrested on a traffic stop escaped custody and a search ensued all that night and the next day, but to no avail. TFC Workman was on leave, but was called back in and within two hours, the suspect was in custody.

Then, after being shot and critically wounded during the service of an arrest warrant in December of 2006, TFC Workman refused to quit. He returned to full duty long before anyone thought he could or should. On his first morning back to duty, he was out serving warrants.

Sgt. Robert J. Stryjewski, Jr., is no stranger to outstanding performance awards. He was the 2001 Maryland State Police Trooper of the Year. He was promoted to corporal in 2002, made sergeant in 2005, and now holds the distinguished honor of the 2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Sgt. Stryjewski led by example during 2006 and helped the Carroll County Drug Task Force significantly increase its enforcement efforts. According to Major Vernon Conaway, head of the State Police Drug Enforcement Command, Sgt. Stryjewski’s leadership and performance in 2006 was exemplary. He said Sgt. Stryjewski led his unit to substantial increases in every area of enforcement. They include:

-a 61 percent increase in the number of investigations initiated;

-a 153 percent increase in the number of drug purchases made;

-a 64 percent increase in the number of search warrants served;

-a 91 percent increase in the number of felony drug arrests made;

-a 974 percent increase in the amount of drug money recovered;

-a 250 percent increase in the amount of motor vehicles seized;

-a 450 percent increase in the number of real estate properties seized;

-a 400 percent increase in the number of firearms recovered;

-a 1000 percent increase in the amount of cocaine seized and dramatic increases in the seizure of other drugs in Carroll County as well.

Those dramatic increases were not because the task force had an “off” year in 2005. The leadership of Sgt. Stryjewski is credited with having a direct impact on those substantial increases.

The Carroll County Drug Task Force includes police officers from the Maryland State Police, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Westminster Police, and the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office. The task force is charged with identifying, infiltrating, and dismantling drug trafficking operations in Carroll County.

###

CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Shipley

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20071108 Carroll County Connection Newsletter: Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 4, 2007 to form a county police department…

Carroll County Connection Newsletter: Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 4, 2007 to form a county police department…

Here’s what appeared in the Carroll County Connection Newsletter - November

County to form police force

Posted: November 8, 2007

Carroll County will form a countywide police force in the coming years, unifying law enforcement efforts outside of the county’s eight towns.

The Board of County Commissioners voted Oct. 4 to move away from the Maryland State Police Resident Trooper program and replace it with a county police force, headed by an appointed chief of police.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office eventually would revert to serving summons, transporting prisoners and providing courthouse security, which are constitutionally required duties of an elected sheriff.

A transition team will look at how to shift the 67 certified officers from the Sheriff’s Office to a new police force. Chief of Staff Steven Powell will lead the team.

Through the Resident Trooper Program, Carroll County pays for troopers to be assigned local patrols throughout the county. In the most recent budget year, the County paid $4.9 million for 36 troopers and nine investigators. The cost includes a non-negotiable 22 percent administrative fee.

The Westminster Barrack of the Maryland State Police would remain staffed with general troopers, as all 23 barracks across the state are staffed.

While professionalism is high among both the troopers and deputies, a single police agency would be more efficient than the current system.

The cost to operate a county police force is expected to be comparable to current costs after startup expenses.

####

For this and other news on current happening in Carroll County government please click here or here: Carroll County Connection Newsletter - November

20071103 Carroll County Man Charged With Murder Of His Mother

Carroll County Man Charged With Murder Of His Mother

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2007

CARROLL COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

(Finksburg, MD) – Maryland State Police have arrested and charged a Carroll County man in connection with the murder of his mother, whose body was found in her home last night by a concerned neighbor.

The victim has been tentatively identified as Christine R. Windstein, 57, of the unit-block of East Mayer Street, Finksburg, Md. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been transported to the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy that will confirm the cause and manner of death.

The accused is identified as Eric R. Yates, 39, the son of the victim who resided with her. After consultation with the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, State Police investigators have charged Yates with first and second degree murder and first and second degree assault. He is currently incarcerated at the Carroll County Detention

Center and will appear before a court commissioner later today.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Westminster Barracks received a 9-1-1 call from a neighbor of the victim. Troopers responded to the trailer park community and were told by the neighbor that he had gone to check the welfare of the victim because he had not seen her in several days, which was unusual. He entered the unlocked trailer and found the deceased victim inside.

Criminal investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Westminster Barracks, as well as crime scene technicians from the Forensic Sciences Division, responded to the scene to continue the investigation. A search warrant was obtained for the residence and the scene was processed for evidence.

The victim had sustained what appear to be multiple stab wounds.

Investigators recovered a knife inside the residence that is being forwarded to the State Police Forensic Science Laboratory along with other evidence for examination.

During the investigation, information was developed that identified the victim’s son as a suspect. State Police broadcast a lookout for Yates at about 11:00 p.m.

A short time later, officers from the Westminster Police Department found Yates lying on a bench near the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library on Main Street.

Yates was transported to the Westminster Barracks and, after further investigation, was charged with his mother’s murder early this morning.

A motive for the murder remains unclear at this time. The exact time of the victim’s murder has not been verified, but investigators believe she may have been dead since earlier this week.

The investigation is continuing.

###

CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Shipley

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20070823 Sanctuary cities and counties

Sanctuary cities and counties

Below is a list of cities and counties that have sanctuary policies, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service from June 2007.

August 23, 2007

Alaska

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Arizona

Chandler

California

Fresno

Los Angeles

San Diego

San Francisco

Sonoma County

Connecticut

New Haven

Illinois

Evanston

Cicero

Massachusetts

Cambridge

Orleans

Maine

Portland

Maryland

Baltimore

Takoma Park

Michigan

Ann Arbor

Detroit

Minnesota

Minneapolis

North Carolina

Durham

New Mexico

Albuquerque

Aztec

Rio Arriba County

Santa Fe

New York

New York City

Oregon

Ashland

Gaston

Marion County

Texas

Austin

Katy

Washington

Seattle

Wisconsin

Madison

[…]

Most cities that are considered sanctuary cities have adopted a "don't ask-don't tell" policy where they don't require their employees, including law enforcement officers, to report to federal officials aliens who may be illegally present in the country.

Localities, and in some cases individual police departments, in such areas that are considered "sanctuary cities," have utilized various mechanisms to ensure that unauthorized aliens who may be present in their jurisdiction illegally are not turned in to federal authorities. […]

More information can be found at: Sanctuary cities and counties

20070812 Burglar steals computer equipment from Westminster business

“Burglar steals $2900 of computer equipment from Westminster business”

Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, August 12, 2007

---- At approximately 7:40 PM, Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported burglary at Sel Tec Incorporated located in the 800 BLK of Klees Mill Road. Arriving for work Sunday evening, the owner discovered several doors leading into the business open and notified police.

The Sheriff’s Office’s initial investigation revealed that intruders “kicked-in” a side entry door leading into the office, removing several computers and an assortment of electronic equipment valued in excess of $2900. The Sheriff’s Office investigation continues…

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 410-386-2900, or the toll free anonymous TIPS Hotline at 1-888-399-TIPP (8477).

# # #

20070725 Manchester police chief steps down

Manchester police chief steps down

By Kathryn Leiter, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, July 25, 2007

After being asked to step aside for the second time in two weeks, Manchester Chief of Police Charles Lewis resigned Tuesday.

“I spoke to [Lewis] yesterday afternoon, and he said he would write me a letter [of resignation],” Mayor Chris D’Amario said. “We both agreed it would be better if he resigned.”

[…]

Effective immediately, Lt. Gerald Gall will be taking over as interim chief of police, D’Amario said.

[…]

“I have not found one person who is happy with the mayor’s decision,” said Manchester business owner Gene Woodhouse.

[…]

Woodhouse, who is also a member of the Manchester Area Merchants Association, said the organization still plans to send letters to D’Amario and attend next month’s Town Council meeting to show support for Lewis.

Lewis recently worked with residents of Hallie Hills, Whispering Valley and Crossroads Overlook to let them know what may happen to their communities in the future. The meetings were initiated because of heavy traffic cutting through the neighborhoods.

[…]

Hallie Hills resident Ann Colmus, who attended the council meeting, said she believes the mayor’s request for Lewis’ resignation had to do with Lewis urging residents to air their concerns at the meeting.

[…]

Councilmen Dale Wilder Jr., Daniel Riley and Councilwoman Kathleen Clagg did not immediately respond to phone calls Tuesday.

Councilman David Richardson said he was unaware of the decision and did not know the mayor had spoken with Lewis.

More…

####

20070717 State must investigate abuse of students - Commentary by Frank Keegan

State must investigate abuse of students

July 18^th, 2007

Frank Keegan, writing in the Examiner asks some important questions for us to consider over the matter of Timothy Gounaris. If you will recall, this is the gentleman who “taught at three area schools, two of them after he was forced to resign in 2000 over allegations he sexually abused students….”

It seems at a quick glance that the more layers of this matter that are peeled back, the more it gets curiouser and curiouser.

And just what did happen with Harford County (Dist. 34,) Republican Sen. Nancy Jacobs’ legislation that she filed in the Maryland General Assembly to address this very sort of issue? Actually, I honestly do not remember and I have made a few phone calls myself…

Meanwhile Mr. Keegan writes:

Commentary by Frank Keegan: State must investigate abuse of students

Frank Keegan, The Examiner 2007-07-17

BALTIMORE –

To any officials who claim the system worked in finally getting sexual predator Timothy Gounaris out of the public school system: Not good enough.

Gounaris taught at three area schools, two of them after he was forced to resign in 2000 over allegations he sexually abused students.

How can this happen? His plea in Baltimore County Circuit Court and sentence to 18 months in prison falls far short of answering that question.

The state must assure parents they do not send their children to school every day to be captive prey for abusers. Administrators must prove to taxpayers they are — at minimum — protecting children with the ever-increasing money extorted from us for continually declining results.

A judge last week sentenced Gounaris, on an “Alford” plea to a third-degree sex offense, meaning he maintains his innocence but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him….

[…[

Maryland’s failure to prosecute this case to the maximum and put the criminal and every public official involved on the stand under oath to get some answers is a failure to act in the people’s interest.

[…]

A bill by Harford County Republican Sen. Nancy Jacobs, (Dist. 34,) went nowhere last year, as did a promise by the state to require teachers who surrender certificates to reapply instead of just getting them automatically. The Department of Education promised “they were going to try to do it through regulation,” Jacobs said Monday.

But the Professional Standards and Teachers Education Board blocked the reforms. “I will introduce another bill,” Jacobs said.

[…]

Read his entire commentary here: Commentary by Frank Keegan: State must investigate abuse of students

… and then start asking some questions yourself…

Thank you Mr. Keegan for calling this to our attention.

####

20070627 Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

June 27^th, 2007 – Posted June 28^th, 2007

Hmmm, seems to me that this sort of activity is not on the mayoral behavior recommended list. Where are Andy Taylor and Barney when we need them?

Andy Griffith Show promo

Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

By Audrey Bright

Fox News

Lipscomb, Ala., Mayor Simon Speights Sr. was found driving a stolen vehicle last Friday Jefferson County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Sgt. Randy Christian told FOXNews.com.

When confronted, Speights reportedly told investigators he had indeed driven the vehicle. The car was originally from Virginia and had been reported stolen in Walker County, Ala., in September 2005.

Click here to read the report by MyFOX Birmingham

Read the rest of the Fox News item here: Alabama Mayor Caught Driving Stolen Vehicle

####

20070622 Man reports burglary, gets arrested

Man reports burglary, gets arrested

June 27^th, 2007

I had noticed this news story in passing several days ago and it stuck in mind as a great example of what illegal substances must do to a person’s mind.

I had to create a new “Label” for this one: “Idiot(s).”

According to Ryan Marshall, writing for the Carroll County Times, on June 22, 2007:

Justin Orenge called the Westminster police to report a burglary and ended up getting busted himself.

Police responding to his call on Saturday turned their attention to Orenge after he showed them his Web site where sells pipes, scales…, among other things.

Orenge, 25, who lives on the 700 block of Mulligan Lane in Westminster, was arrested Monday and faces multiple … charges.

More…

For other lunacy such as this go to: Baggy Pants and Crime Prevention, Off-beat news,

####

20070620 News Clips

News Clips

June 20, 2007

STATE ARTICLES

Thousands turn out to greet Ripken
Harford names a day in former Oriole's honor, preceding his Hall of Fame induction
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/ripken/bal-md.ha.parade20jun20,0,1118978.story
The Iron Man hobbled up the stage showing a bit of rust.
A knee injury during a recent pickup basketball game was responsible for Cal Ripken Jr.'s slight limp. But the former Oriole great knows a little about playing with pain.
"I did have nagging injuries when I played. And in the same spirit, there was no way I was going to miss coming out here today," Ripken told a cheering crowd of thousands in Bel Air yesterday after a parade in his honor down Main Street.
It was Cal Ripken Jr. Day in Harford County, and the Aberdeen native returned t o his roots for an event put on by the county government to celebrate Ripken's coming induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame and mark opening day for his minor league team, the Aberdeen IronBirds.

A drug-war setback
Red tape, doctors say, cuts buprenorphine prescriptions
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-md.bupe20jun20,0,3588367.story?coll=bal-home-headlines
Faced with Medicaid's low payments and bureaucratic red tape, some Maryland doctors are reluctant to prescribe buprenorphine for heroin addicts, even though the drug has been promoted as a potential magic bullet in the war against addiction, according to a survey set for release today.
The survey, commissioned by the Center for a Healthy Maryland Inc., found that doctors were not always sufficiently reimbursed for their time and services and that there were other "hassles," including medication preauthorization, a process that in some cases can take 48 hours, and varying and confusing protocols among Medicaid providers.
The report comes as state officials are deciding how to spend an extra $3 million earmarked for buprenorphine treatment in the budget year that starts July 1.

Mayor seeks spending changes
Charter amendments would lessen power of council and public oversight of funds
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.ci.dixon20jun20,0,6488318.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon wants to make several changes to the city charter that would make it easier for the city to buy goods and services - but that also would lessen City Council and public oversi ght of how taxpayer money is spent.
Two charter amendments Dixon introduced in the City Council would reduce public notice requirements for purchases over $25,000, allow the city to adjust spending controls more freely and make it easier for the administration to win approval for over-budget spending.
The legislation comes a year after Dixon faced criticism for her spending practices as City Council president.

Dixon, police meet over crime plan
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.ci.police20jun20,0,3271376.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines
Facing increases in homicides and shootings and a dip in police morale, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon outlined yesterday her plan to reduce violence in a closed-door presentation before roughly 500 city officers who were ordered to attend.
"You hear rumors that people don't understand the [crime] plan," she said in a briefing to reporters after her 30-minute meeting with officers at the downtown police headquarters. "I just wanted to make it very clear what the plan is. ... Communicate the mission. Sometimes there's a breakdown."
The meeting, however, drew criticism from union officials who dismissed the mayor's plan as a "PowerPoint presentation," a political opponent who charged the meeting was a publicity stunt and former police chief Edward T. Norris, who introduced his own crime plan on his talk radio program.

Dixon Tells Police Her Crime Plan; Critics Blast It
http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=59517
During a half-hour, closed door meeting with some 500 police officers who were required to attend, Mayor Sheila Dixon described her plan to cut violence in a city dealing with increasing homicides and shootings.
The meeting was criticized by a union official, who called Dixon's plan little more than a PowerPoint presentation. And a political opponent said the meeting was a publicity stunt.

It's Ed Norris, armchair commissioner by Laura Vozzella
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella20jun20,1,5163921,print.column?coll=bal-home-columnists&ctrack=3&cset=true
In Baltimore, even the felons have crime plans.
And if the felon also happens to be the only guy in memory to knock down the city's horrific homicide numbers, Baltimore apparently is willing to listen.
Ex-commish/ex-con Ed Norris unfurled his prescription for a safer city on his radio show yesterday, and no fewer than seven reporters and four TV camera guys flocked to the WHFS studios for the occasion, The Sun's Julie Bykowicz reports.

Lawyer tries to exclude tapes
Bromwell attorney says FBI recordings won't allow fair trial
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.bromwell20jun20,0,1321438.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines
A new lawyer appointed to represent indicted former state Sen. Thomas L. Bromwell Sr. says that hours of secret FBI tapes peppered with the politician's racial and sexist epithets are irrelevant and should be excluded from his trial because they could impair a jury's ability to reach a fair verdict.
"The vast majority of the recordings simply have nothing to do with the core issues in the case," said Barry J. Po llack, repeating arguments that he made in recent court filings in the case.
Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein, whose office is handling the prosecution, countered that the tapes of phone conversations and dinner chatter are vital to prove the bribery accusations lodged against Bromwell, a Baltimore County Democrat who served in the General Assembly for more than two decades.

Plan for expanded MARC urged
Metro leaders call on governor to develop strategic study on train service
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.marc20jun20,0,3040189.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines
Top elected leaders from the Baltimore region have called on Gov. Martin O'Malley to begin developing a strategic plan for the expansion of MARC train service to prepare for growth expected from military base realignment.

State fees for assisted living may increase
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/06_20-26/GOV
Proposed state fee increases for assisted-living facilities could have those businesses paying much more for a license.
Under proposed new regulations for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene published on May 11, license fees for the estimated 1,280 assisted-living facilities in the state could increase by hundreds of dollars. There are 92 such facilities in Anne Arundel County.
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council - made up of Mayor Sheila Dixon and leaders from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties - wrote the governor asking him to work with them to increase service on the commuter rail system. Among other things, they suggested that Maryland look into the pos sibility of laying additional track to expand the Maryland Rail Commuter system.

Elected school board bid fails
Petition drive for ballot question falls a bit short
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.petition20jun20,0,7870410.story?coll=bal-local-arundel
A grassroots effort to get more say in selecting Anne Arundel County's school board has failed after a petition drive to put the issue on the Nov. 6 general election ballot came up 275 names short.Citizens for an Elected School Board in Anne Arundel County and freshman state Sen. Bryan W. Simonaire collected 6,726 signatures between the end of the legislative session April 9 and May 30, said Mary Cramer Wagner, director of voter registration for the Maryland Board of Elections.
The group was required to submi t 6,264 -- a third of the total required -- by the deadline

County limits emergency aid to schools
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.transfer20jun20,0,4986819.story?coll=bal-local-arundel
Tensions between elected officials and school leaders were aggravated this week when the Anne Arundel County Council approved an $18.9 million budget transfer that fell $3.7 million short of the school system's request and leaves key objectives unfunded.
The emergency legislation backed by County Executive John R. Leopold does not include money for a human-resources computer system, administrative trainees and substitutes for assistant principals. The transfer also does not reimburse the school system $2.6 million for charter schools.
Others concurred with the c ounty executive. Council Chairman Ronald C. Dillon Jr., a Pasadena Republican, said he doesn't want to establish a "use-it-or-lose-it mentality."

Draft transportation plan unveiled for U.S. 1
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-ho.planning20jun20,0,2765467.story?coll=bal-local-howard
With efforts to rejuvenate a long-maligned but potential-laden section of U.S. 1 creeping forward, Howard County officials and the State Highway Administration unveiled a draft transportation plan that calls for adding paths, sidewalks, side roads, bike lanes, bus lanes, car lanes and a median to deal with increased traffic and use as the corridor grows.

Howard County councilman pushes living wage bill
http://www.examiner.com/a-789608~Howard_Cou%20nty_councilman_pushes_living_wage_bill.html
Howard County Council Chairman Calvin Ball is taking steps to require county contractors to pay its workers a sufficient minimum wage - a move he calls "the right to do."
"We should set a higher standard," said Ball, D-District 2.

Commissioners object to power line placement
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=61572
The Frederick County Commissioners will write a letter to the federal government objecting to a designation that could lead to an expedited process for building large power lines.
In a report released in August, the Department of Energy included Frederick County in a draft about the Mid-Atlantic Area National Interest Electric T ransmission Corridor. All of Maryland except Somerset County, and other states in the region, will also be designated in the corridor, according to the draft plan.

Natural Gas Company Seeks to Run 1st Pipeline Under Chesapeake Bay
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/19/AR2007061901909.html
A Delaware natural gas company has proposed building the first pipeline under the Chesapeake Bay, to pump gas from Cove Point in Southern Maryland to Delaware starting in winter 2009, according to a federal official
Eastern Shore Natural Gas's $93 million project is in the early stages of the state and federal approval process, but some environmental groups and a state legislator are raising questions about its environmental effects.

NATIONAL NEWS
Evangelical voters may not help GOP
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.schaller20jun20,0,7390936.column?coll=bal-oped-headlines
Here's a bold prediction: Evangelicals will present few if any obstacles for the Democrats in next year's presidential race, but may prove problematic for the Republican nominee.
I'm not suggesting that a majority of evangelicals will vote Democratic next year. What I am saying is the 2008 presidential race could be a turning point for evangelical politics in America.

Bartlett releases 'earmark' list; Capito and Shuster have not
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=168384&format=html
U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., on Tuesday released his list of fiscal year 2008 pet-project requests - $322.51 million worth - after The Herald-Mail asked for it.
"I am proud of my requests," Bartlett said in the statement. "In previous years, I followed the established procedure and waited until appropriations bills were finalized to distribute news releases with my lists of requests that received funding.
"With greater public interest and the support of Republicans to reform the Congressional budget process, I am releasing the requests for funding that I have submitted."

Progressive Maryland, citizens speak out on Gilchrest voting record
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/NEWS01/706200345/1002
Several co mmunity leaders joined a liberal grassroots organization Tuesday to praise and protest Republican Rep. Wayne Gilchrest's voting record across the street from his District 1 office.
Gilchrest signed a letter Monday siding with the president if he vetoes a Democratic-majority version expected to help Maryland with $31 million in Community Development Block Grants, $6.6 million for home heating assistance and $50.8 million for education, including 20 teachers in Gilchrest's district, according to Progressive Maryland's analysis of the unfinished budget proposals

House Primaries Come Early for Three Maryland Incumbents
http://www.cqpolitics.com/2007/06/house_primaries_come_early_for.html
In most states, congressional primaries in 2008 will be held from March to as late as mid-September. So even most incumbents who face the possibility of primary challenges next year must view full-scale campaigning as still a quite distant prospect.
That, however, is not as true in Maryland, where next year's congressional primaries - dragged along with the "front-loaded" presidential primary contests - will be held on Feb. 12, the earliest-ever date in the state.
The sped-up process has already produced primary challenges, of varying degrees of risk, to Democrat Albert B. Wynn of the 4th District and two Republicans, Wayne T. Gilchrest of the 1st and Roscoe G. Bartlett of the 6th. At this juncture, eight-term incumbent Wynn faces the most serious threat, in the form of a rematch with a challenger who came close to upsetting him in 2006.

NAACP inauguration hosts top politicians
http://www.hometownglenburnie.com/vault/cgi-bin/gazette/view/2007G/06/16-09.HTM
The gala planned by the county's NAACP branch tonight has drawn RSVP's from the state's top politicians, organizers said.
The inauguration gala celebrating Wayne Jearld's ascendancy to the presidency will be attended by Gov. Martin O'Malley; U.S. Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin; House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer; Reps. Wayne Gilchrest, Dutch Ruppersberger and John P. Sarbanes; and Maryland Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch, among others.

Cardin still working to close Oak Hill
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/06_19-10/CWC
In a closed-door meeting Wednesday, U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin said he is still working to close the Washington D.C.'s Oak Hill Juvenile Detention Center in Laurel.Mr. Cardin is still pursuing a bill he introduced with Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski in March that would transfer parts of the prison land to Anne Arundel County, the National Park Service and the Army. Part of the county's land would be turned into a park and others could be open to development.

House bill puts border security over immigration
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA062007.1A.Immig.3a158f7.html
Republican leaders bucked President Bush on Tuesday and filed an enforcement-only bill in the House that calls for shoring up the Southwest border before guest worker and earned legalization programs can be offered.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said he wasn't opposed to breaking up the bill, but signaled difficulties in passing sweeping reform legislation. "I am for a comprehensive bill if we can work out the appropriate provisions in that bill," he said.

Magnet program eyed for Ft. Meade
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/06_19-26/TOP
Congressional and local officials want to tap into the technical expertise at Fort George G. Meade and create a math and science magnet program at the public schools on post.
Still in the conceptual stages, the magnet program would concentrate on math and science at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The idea is to create standout students who are interested and qualified for the post's civilian jobs, said Heather Moeder Molino, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Baltimore County.