Dayhoff Soundtrack: Westminster Council Pecoraro G

Showing posts with label Westminster Council Pecoraro G. Show all posts

Monday, June 23, 2008

20080618 Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

20080618 Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

June 18, 2008

Kevin E. Dayhoff Sunday, June 18 Why I can't say the 'S' word Friday, June 20 is officially the first day of summer and, for those of us who like it hot, it doesn't come a day too soon.
In recent years, summer months are as busy as the rest of year. Gone are the lazy southern Carroll County summers.
However, growing up in Carroll in the 1950s and '60s, sum... [Read full story]

Paul Causey was the mortar that built many lives in Carroll On May 25, folks filled Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster to say good-bye to one of our community's unsung heroes, Paul Causey. Like Mr. Causey, the folks who came to celebrate his life of 81 years are the foundation of our community.
Mr. Causey would have been annoyed over all the fuss and att... [Read full story]

Food, canning history and eating my way across Westminster On May 3, 1946, a newspaper article carried a story that Carroll Countians opened "approximately 3,163,000 cans of food É annually."
"Citizens of Carroll County can anticipate dramatic developments in canned foods during 1946, many of these products having first been packaged for the armed forces... [Read full story]

Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention Political and presidential historians are often quick to point out that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the Unites States.
However, many folks may not be aware that much of the roots of the party are arguably in Maryland.
The U.S. Democratic Party, and specifically, the Ma...[Read full story]

Pictures are worth a thousand words, but not the whole picture Last Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States released videotape of an "undercover investigation" which claimed to show the "shocking abuse of 'downer' cows occurs not just at slaughter plants but É at livestock auctions and stockyards around the country," according to the humane society p...[Read full story]

More Headlines

For this year's prom, 'Come as you are' ... and stay a while

College may be expensive, but the experiences are priceless

Rhodes offers a helping hand to those in need

Dr. Herlocker set a pace in more ways than one

Days of bicycles, playgrounds, swamps and turkeys

Jeff Morse incident is a lost opportunity

Inns and hotels important in the early history of Carroll County

Hypocrisy and poor money management plague client No. 9

Beet juice, Romeo and Juliet and the 1856 Guano Islands Act

Trouble with trash is nothing new, but the technology may be

Don't let 'wrap rage' leave you in stitches

Looking at Bowling Brook one year later

'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll

It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it

How culture and song can save a nation

Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words

Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case

Something we really must talk about

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Thursday, May 29, 2008

20080528 Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Food, canning history and eating my way across Westminster
On May 3, 1946, a newspaper article carried a story that Carroll Countians opened "approximately 3,163,000 cans of food É annually."

"Citizens of Carroll County can anticipate dramatic developments in canned foods during 1946, many of these products having first been packaged for the armed forces...
[Read full story]

Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention
Political and presidential historians are often quick to point out that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the Unites States.

However, many folks may not be aware that much of the roots of the party are arguably in Maryland.

The U.S. Democratic Party, and specifically, the Ma...
[Read full story]

Pictures are worth a thousand words, but not the whole picture
Last Wednesday, the Humane Society of the United States released videotape of an "undercover investigation" which claimed to show the "shocking abuse of 'downer' cows occurs not just at slaughter plants but É at livestock auctions and stockyards around the country," according to the humane society p...
[Read full story]

For this year's prom, 'Come as you are' ... and stay a while
May is prom season in Carroll County -- one of the most anticipated nights on a young adult's calendar.

It's also the time of the year when many young adults are looking forward to the end of the school year or graduation ceremonies and parties.

The celebrations bring another set of challenges ...
[Read full story]

College may be expensive, but the experiences are priceless
Any family with a high school senior is well aware that April is crunch time for the college selection process.

In conversations with parents and students over the last several months, folks have told me that they are simply overwhelmed with myriad factors that must be considered in choosing a col...
[Read full story]

More Headlines Rhodes offers a helping hand to those in need
Dr. Herlocker set a pace in more ways than one
Days of bicycles, playgrounds, swamps and turkeys
Jeff Morse incident is a lost opportunity
Inns and hotels important in the early history of Carroll County
Hypocrisy and poor money management plague client No. 9
Beet juice, Romeo and Juliet and the 1856 Guano Islands Act
Trouble with trash is nothing new, but the technology may be
Don't let 'wrap rage' leave you in stitches
Looking at Bowling Brook one year later
'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll
It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it
How culture and song can save a nation
Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words
Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case
Something we really must talk about

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

20080528 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Ham Nation

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Newspaper junkies learned last week that Mary Katherine Ham is joining The Washington Examiner as the online editor of “the publication’s forthcoming new web site.”

Beach Ladies

Tom McLaughlin

I love women and now that the Memorial Day weekend has just passed, they are parading on the beach in as little clothing as possible. And I am sitting in my sand chair watching.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Joe's Bench

Roy Meachum

It took place in front of Joe Cohen's cigar store; the one with the walk-in humidor - although these days not a lot of folks walk in. Uncle Joe, as he is called, also maintains a bench against his North Market Street window.

The “Invisible” Road Not Taken…

Nick Diaz

The annual “Ride to the Wall” just took place yesterday, and judging from the amount of publicity about this annual event, you have probably heard about it.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Elementary, My Dear Watson – Part Two

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Last week, we covered the symbols and name recognition in Maryland. This week, we look at how to make a speech about how a legislator works interesting to a fourth grader. No small feat, that!

Short Takes

Steven R. Berryman

Here are some short takes on happenings and observations from the last few weeks. From a Diversity Festival, to an Air Show, to English as a national language, to the proposal for 2300 new Beazer “green” homes, things are happening at a fast and furious pace!

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Banished War

Roy Meachum

The war does not take up very much time on the presidential campaign trail. Emphasis rests on the economy. In rooting around for the causes of the recession, few politicians will finger the real culprit. It is, of course, the war, stupid.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Maryland’s Pulse

Chris Cavey

About two weeks ago I started my fascination with “gas station politics.” We have all encountered this brand of political wisdom, spewed from the innocent perspective of the common citizen normally at too high of a volume and in a public place.

End The Charade; Open The Books

Joan McIntyre

The Board of Education Budget Begging Parade is nearly completed for yet another year. When is this humiliating practice of parading parents, students and teachers before the public - begging for funds - going to stop? Are we just so used to it that we don't even notice anymore?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Another Lock-Step Decision

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Friday, Westminster Common Councilmember, and Democratic National Convention superdelegate, Greg Pecoraro endorsed Senator Barack Obama. His endorsement comes as the Democratic primaries draw to a close and presidential historians are looking to a very busy summer.

Decoration Day

Tom McLaughlin

Even when he was deep into his Alzheimer’s state, Dad always seemed to know when it was Memorial Day – Decoration Day, as he called it. I guess it might have been the war movies that showed constantly on the television that clued him in, or maybe he just knew.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Negative Ladies

Roy Meachum

Much has been made in recent politics about gender, nationally and locally. The chase for the Democratic presidential nomination has been reduced to the candidates' personal plumbing. For the thrill of seeing a woman elected, Hillary Clinton's supporters are prepared to use any weapons at hand.

One Problem, No Single Answer

Farrell Keough

When we were last together, we discussed a presentation given to the Farm Bureau on nutrient problems in the Chesapeake Bay. Since that time, a number of rebuttals have been made with respect to the comments. Here is a brief commentary on some of those points.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Elementary, My Dear Watson – Part One

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

No, not the off-handed comment famously rendered by the brilliant English detective Sherlock Holmes to his trusted companion, Dr. Watson. I’m talking about that generation of learners who fill our elementary schools, our next generation of leaders, scientists, entertainers, and thinkers.

Energy Absurdities

Steven R. Berryman

How does one gage the pain level of rising energy prices on a household budget? When the price at the pump for gas at Sheetz hits $3.79 for unleaded regular, does that do it?

Sunday, May 25, 2008

20080521 Westminster Eagle: Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention

Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention

05/21/08 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Political and presidential historians are often quick to point out that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the Unites States.

However, many folks may not be aware that much of the roots of the party are arguably in Maryland.

The U.S. Democratic Party, and specifically, the Maryland Democratic Party "is among the oldest, continuous existing political organizations in the world," according to a brief history of the Maryland Democratic Party written by Carroll County historian and former Maryland Secretary of State John T. Willis.

Mr. Willis is considered by many to be a nationally known authority on political history -- especially Democratic Party history.

In his historical account he notes that it was on this day in 1827, "that a meeting of Andrew Jackson supporters organized a political structure in the State designed to help one of the national founders of our Party win the PresidencyÉ"

Five years later, on May 21, 1832, the first national political convention of the Democrat Party was held in Baltimore.

According to Willis, it "was held at the Atheneum (and Warfield's Church) É located on the southwest corner of St. Paul and Lexington Streets. Twelve delegates from each county and six delegates from Baltimore City were invited to attend."

From 1832 to 1872, eight of the 12 Democrat party national conventions were held in Baltimore. Considering that two of the main routes to Baltimore, from all points west, travel through Carroll County, an historian's imagination can run wild as to what national political figures may have passed through Carroll in those days.

Fast-forwarding to the present, as the Democratic primaries draw to a close, presidential historians are looking forward to a very busy summer.

However, one portion of the drama of the longest presidential campaign in history may be coming to an anti-climatic finish, as presidential candidate and Illinois Senator Barack Obama seems to be close to a mathematical edge over his rival for the Oval Office, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

In one important development that made national news, just last Friday, Westminster Common Councilmember and Democratic National Convention superdelegate Greg Pecoraro endorsed Senator Obama.

The term, "superdelegate" is relatively new in our political lexicon.

It's actually an informal term coined for a credentialed delegate at the presidential convention who is either a party leader or an elected official. For example, Gov. Martin O'Malley is another superdelegate.

They are free to endorse whomever they choose at the national convention.

Mr. Pecoraro's announcement was carried by outlets as far and wide as the Associated Press, Time magazine's political blog, "The Page," as well as the highly entertaining and controversial political blogs "The Daily Kos" and "The Huffington Post."

In a statement released on Obama's Web site, Pecoraro said, "Today, I am very excited to join the large majority of Maryland Democrats who expressed their enthusiasm for Senator Obama's candidacy in our state's presidential primary. Like them, I believe Barack Obama is the right leader for our time."

Pecoraro praised Senator Clinton, too, but ultimately decided: "I strongly believe that Senator Obama offers us the best opportunity we have had for many years to turn away from the politics of division and despair, and look towards an America of opportunity and progress."

Mr. Pecoraro will join Maryland's 99 delegates who will vote at the Democratic National Convention, which will be held this year from Aug. 25 through the 28th in The Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.

Mathematics has been a preoccupation of many political observers for the past number of months as the numbers involved in the convention are bewildering.

One published account estimates that it will cost approximately $15 million just to prepare The Pepsi Center for the estimated 35,000 folks who are expected to attend. That includes more than 15,000 members of the media.

However, it's the sheer numbers of the delegates that is mind-boggling -- there are 4,048 voting convention delegates attending.

In a phone conversation with Pecoraro the other day, he seemed unfazed. He said he's attended every National Democratic Convention since 1980 except one.

Moreover, he said it's a great honor to be a part of history and that he was looking forward to this year's convention.

He's not the only one. Outside of the summer blockbusters in movie theaters, it might be the best source of suspense we'll see this summer.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff@carr.org.

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

20080521 Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Westminster Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

May 21, 2008

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Pecoraro makes 'superdelegate' stand in advance of convention

Kevin E. Dayhoff Wednesday, May 21

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Political and presidential historians are often quick to point out that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the Unites States.

However, many folks may not be aware that much of the roots of the party are arguably in Maryland.

Mr. Willis is considered by many to be a nationally known authority on political history -- especially Democratic Party history.

Five years later, on May 21, 1832, the first national political convention of the Democrat Party was held in Baltimore.

Fast-forwarding to the present, as the Democratic primaries draw to a close, presidential historians are looking forward to a very busy summer.

In one important development that made national news, just last Friday, Westminster Common Councilmember and Democratic National Convention superdelegate Greg Pecoraro endorsed Senator Obama.

[Read full story]

For this year's prom, 'Come as you are' ... and stay a while
May is prom season in Carroll County -- one of the most anticipated nights on a young adult's calendar.

It's also the time of the year when many young adults are looking forward to the end of the school year or graduation ceremonies and parties.

The celebrations bring another set of challenges ...
[Read full story]

College may be expensive, but the experiences are priceless
Any family with a high school senior is well aware that April is crunch time for the college selection process.

Rhodes offers a helping hand to those in need
Recently I had an opportunity to catch-up with one of Carroll County's true whirlwinds, Laura Rhodes.

We first compared notes on the Rock Ball, this week's fund-raiser for Granite House, one of the largest nonprofit mental health care organizations in Carroll County.

Rhodes is currently program ...
[Read full story]

More Headlines Dr. Herlocker set a pace in more ways than one
Days of bicycles, playgrounds, swamps and turkeys
Jeff Morse incident is a lost opportunity
Inns and hotels important in the early history of Carroll County
Hypocrisy and poor money management plague client No. 9
Beet juice, Romeo and Juliet and the 1856 Guano Islands Act
Trouble with trash is nothing new, but the technology may be
Don't let 'wrap rage' leave you in stitches
Looking at Bowling Brook one year later
'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll
It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it
How culture and song can save a nation
Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words
Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case
Something we really must talk about

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

20080521 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Another Lock-Step Decision

Kevin E. Dayhoff

(Writer’s note: As with most magazines – and newspapers – the journalist does not write the headline. We may suggest a headline and in the case of this piece, I suggested simply, “Westminster superdelegate endorses Obama.”

This is one of the rare occurrences, with this particular editor, in which I disagreed with – and am unhappy with the headline assigned to my column. Greg Pecoraro thinks for himself and is about as far as one can get from a person who makes “lock-step” decisions. Kevin Dayhoff May 21, 2008)

Pecoraro’s selection signals that the drama of the longest presidential campaign in history may be coming to an anti-climatic finish as the Illinois senator edges closer to garnering enough superdelegates to give him a mathematical edge over his rival for the Oval Office, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

[…]

Mr. Pecoraro’s announcement is important for several reasons. Over 16 months after this drama began, and with only a couple of primaries left, Democratic National Convention mathematicians are still crunching numbers in the calculus known best to alchemists. And all the equations require each and every vote of every single superdelegate to be plugged into the formulas.

Secondly, Mr. Pecoraro has developed a national reputation for possessing a first-rate political mind. His decision to cast his lot – and the future of the party – with Senator Obama is sure to gather attention and influence other national Democratic Party leaders.

[…]

Read the entire column here: “Westminster superdelegate endorses Obama.”

Decoration Day

Tom McLaughlin

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Negative Ladies

Roy Meachum

One Problem, No Single Answer

Farrell Keough

Monday, May 19, 2008

Elementary, My Dear Watson – Part One

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Energy Absurdities

Steven R. Berryman

How does one gage the pain level of rising energy prices on a household budget? When the price at the pump for gas at Sheetz hits $3.79 for unleaded regular, does that do it?

Friday, May 16, 2008

Berlin Remains Still Berlin: Marlene Sang

Roy Meachum

The trickle of Berlin Airlift stories this week did nothing to persuade that I am not old: 60 years ago on June 24 the first Gooney birds rambled down the runway at Rhine-Main Air Force base. I was living in a nearby castle.

Mad At Madden

Edward Lulie III

Back in the 1990s, John Madden, former coach and aspiring broadcaster, gave his name and efforts to design a computer game about football. Thus was born the Madden line of football simulators which have become part of our culture and even influenced the National Football League.

Antony & Cleo's Asp

Roy Meachum

In last week's Shakespeare Theatre Company's review of "Julius Caesar," I touched on why American directors and producers are loath to do repertory. Even plays by the same author can demand actors create a differently separate persona; in effect, that instills a schizophrenia that does not entirely go away no matter how long productions run.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Signal Legislation, Unavoidable Question

Tony Soltero

As America's military commanders and troops brought World War II to a close, finishing off the formidable Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan war machines barely three and a half years after Congress declared war, our government at home expressed its appreciation for our servicemen's sacrifices with the landmark G.I. Bill.

Through the Glass Darkly…

Patricia A. Kelly

It’s happened again. A daunted writer sitting in front of a blank screen facing a deadline.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Investigating A Downer

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On May 7, the Humane Society of the United States held a press conference in which it showed the results of an “undercover investigation” of stockyards and livestock auctions in Texas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and at the Westminster Livestock Auction in Carroll County.

A Failure to Communicate

Tom McLaughlin

In my last column, I said I would contact Black leaders to try to answer my questions about the perceived new relationship between Blacks and Whites. I didn’t. The reason is lack of courage.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sadness for My Beloved Home

Roy Meachum

As we were told on yesterday’s Frederick News-Post front page, the Walkersville council plans at its next meeting (tomorrow) to take up the question of designating English as the town's official language.

Same-Ol’-Same-Ol’

Nick Diaz

In my last column I devoted some time to present you with a minority opinion about the “made-in-the-USA” motorcycle, the Harley Davidson. I concluded with the statement that Harley Davidson is not really an American motorcycle, inasmuch as the spirit of American creativity, ingenuity, and innovation are nowhere to be found in motorcycles made by “The Motor Company.”

Monday, May 12, 2008

Always There When Needed

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

A consequence of political service is speeches. They run the gamut in both topics and the diversity of organizations before which the speech is given.

Anticipating the Air Show!

Steven R. Berryman

Time to break with your hibernation from the winter blahs, stop getting upset about the politics of Democratic deconstruction and more illegal aliens for a time. Andrews Air Force base, in nearby Prince George’s County offers the best Air Show in the region once a year, and it’s this coming weekend!

####

20080521 This week in The Tentacle

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

20070611 "Concerned Citizens United" takes their case against airport to City Hall

"Concerned Citizens United" takes their case against airport to City Hall

June 11^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

About a dozen members of Concerned Citizens United took their case against the proposed expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport to the Westminster Common Council meeting this evening.

After protesting outside for about a half-an-hour before the meeting, the group attended the common council meeting; waiting an hour for the opportunity to speak during “citizen’s comments.”

At the beginning of citizens comments Council president Roy Chiavacci asked who wanted to speak on the matter of the airport and gave each speaker five minutes each. A number of members of the group took him up on his offer.

The first person to speak was Victoria Oneda, the organizer of the group, who went through all the talking points and questions in a handout they provided for the council members.

Ms. Oneda said that she and her group was “trying to create a dialogue about” the proposed expansion. And that she and members of her group – and Carroll County “citizens were unaware about the airport expansion” until only recently.

“Where is the water,” asked Ms. Oneda as she proceeded to ask some questions about city plans to develop a water supply from Medford Quarry. Where is the county going to get water for the expansion, asked Ms. Oneda.

She continued by asking, “What is the progress of the improvements for Rte 97? What if Marty Hill cannot sell his houses because of the airport?”

The next gentleman to speak announced that he lives in the city and has “consistently paid for more water than he uses…” He said that he has “lived here for over twenty five years... (and that the city) seems to be always be behind when it comes to sewage facilities.”

After further questions about “airport expansion taxes,” the dialogue continued as to whether or not the airport is not in the city… The runway is in the county? But the businesses out by the airport were in the city…, he asked?

He finished by remarking that in the research impact study that he reviewed, it did not take into consideration the impact on city.

The next person to speak had concerns about the economic impacts the proposed expansion of the airport will have on the city.

He then commented that earlier in the meeting “Mr. Pecoraro has alluded to a disconnect between the city and the county. The city will be impacted by the 737 larger planes that will be landing at the expanded airport.”

Commenting further he expressed concern about “noise pollution and air pollution” and that “conflicting information was being disseminated.” It has been reported that “the FAA is going to pick up 95 percent of the cost. (But) his calculation is that the FAA will only cover 25 percent of the costs for the expansion… It is not all as rosy as the commissioners” are presenting the expansion, he concluded.

Mr. Oneda was the next person to speak. He advocated the formation of a “Citizens Advisory Committee” (CAC). He noted that in information he read, the FAA required a TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) but also strongly suggested the formation of a Citizens Advisory Committee.

The reason he cited that it would be good to form a CAC “because the county has been so quiet about (the proposed expansion) and it is raising public distrust. Why are they hiding from this?”

Former Westminster Common Councilwoman, Rebekah Orenstein expressed concerns about Pennsylvania Avenue. She remarked that she had “met with Mr. (Steve)Powell (Carroll county commissioners’ chief of staff) last week for over an hour.”

Ms. Orenstein expressed concern that “none of you all are aware of (the airport expansion.) I’m very concerned about this,” in a reference to earlier discussion that the Westminster officials had expressed some concern that they had asked for a briefing about the purposed expansion but that meeting never took place. And yet she was able to easily able to have a meeting with Mr. Powell.

Her next concern was the “noise issue.” The “big jets are terrifying…” She expressed fear of the noise the big jets made, “especially after 9/11.”

“You folks have let this city and its residents down. Ms Kowalski came to you months ago and you dusted her off.” And the county has also dusted the Westminster officials off, she lectured.

The next person to speak said that she “was not a citizen of the city.” But she spends “a lot of time here.” I’m opposed to the airport because of the larger jets that it will be using it. Bigger planes make bigger noise,” she said.

“I would think that you would demand better communication with the county commissioners. You have every right to demand that you be kept informed. The Westminster council deserves to know what is going on,” she implored.

David Taylor, the next speaker, had safety concerns that he wanted councilman Kevin Utz to comment. A discussion ensued about safety issues concerning the airport expansion…

Beatrice Wolf remarked that the airport “has a lot of planes coming in low, making a lot of noise and I’m opposed to it.”

And finally a gentleman said he didn’t “think that it is necessary for the airport to have larger airplanes.” He noted that BWI is not that far away.

####

Monday, May 21, 2007

20070521 May 21 2007 Biennial Organizational Meeting of the Westminster Common Council

May 21 2007 Biennial Organizational Meeting of the Westminster Common Council

City Council

Minutes of City Council Meetings | Agenda for next City Council Meeting

Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting

May 21, 2007

QUORUM:

The Biennial Organizational Meeting of The Mayor and Common Council and the Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Tax Rate (Ordinance No.764), the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program took place in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of May 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Ferguson; Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Wack, Utz, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Acting Planning and Public Works Director Glass; City Treasurer Unger; City Attorney Walsh; Major Stevens; Recreation and Parks Director Schroers; and City Clerk Taylor were present.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Mayor Ferguson conducted a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Tax Rate (Ordinance No.764), the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program.

City Treasurer Unger summarized the proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Unger also explained the constant yield tax rate.

City resident Rebekah Orenstein suggested several cost-saving measures. She complimented Ms. Wolf and Mr. Unger on the budget process.

City resident Ronald Powers expressed concern about rising taxes and costs.

There being no further comment, Mayor Ferguson closed the hearing and the record at 7:27 P.M.

BIENNIAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:

The Chief Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court for Carroll County, Theresa Mozzano administered the oath of office to Council Members Wack and Pecoraro.

Mrs. Albert, who was out of town, had taken the oath separately the preceding Thursday.

Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Chiavacci congratulated the successful candidates.

On Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mr. Utz and unanimously passed, Mr. Chiavacci was elected Council President.

On Motion of Council President Chiavacci, seconded by Dr. Wack and unanimously passed, Mrs. Albert was elected President Pro Tempore of the Common Council.

Council President Chiavacci read a list of his and the Mayor’s recommendations for appointments to standing committees and other bodies:

Finance and Personnel – Dr. Wack, Chair, and Mr. Pecoraro Vice-Chair;

Economic Development and Community Affairs – Mr. Pecoraro, Chair, and Dr. Wack, Vice-Chair;

Public Works – Mrs. Albert, Chair, and Mr. Utz, Vice-Chair;

Public Safety – Mr. Utz, Chair, and Mr. Chiavacci,

member; Planning and Zoning Commission – Mrs. Albert;

Parks Board – Mr. Chiavacci;

Cable Regulatory Commission – Dr. Wack;

Westminster Town Center Corporation – Mayor Ferguson and Mr. Chiavacci;

Greater Westminster Development Corporation – Dr. Wack;

County Arts Council liaison – Mr. Pecoraro;

Council of Governments – Mrs. Albert and Mr. Pecoraro as co-representatives;

and the Westminster Cemetery Board – Mrs. Albert.

Mr. Pecoraro made a Motion to approve all of the recommended appointments.

Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Mr. Walsh noted that Ordinance No. 764 – Levy of Taxes for Fiscal Year 2008 – needed an amendment to correct the hearing date in the second “Whereas,” paragraph. Dr. Wack moved to adopt the Ordinance as amended. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mr. Utz moved to adopt the Budget for Fiscal Year 2008 and the Capital Improvement Program. Dr. Wack seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Council President Chiavacci adjourned the Meeting at 7:40 P.M.

Laurell E. Taylor, City Clerk

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

20070515 Westminster Eagle Week in review

Westminster Eagle Week in review

Posted May 16^th, 2007

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Local News

Hearing on city budget is shifted

Call it a dress rehearsal -- Monday's public hearing regarding the City of Westminster's proposed 2008 budget was rescheduled to May 21 after state officials ruled that the hearing was not advertised properly.

About a dozen residents showed up at City Hall on Monday for the budget session, ... [Read full story]

Westminster Elections: Six vie for three seats

Elections for three seats on the Westminster Common Council will be held next Monday, May 14.

Three incumbents — Suzanne Albert, Dr. Robert Wack and Gregory Pecoraro — are squaring off against a trio of challengers — residents Charles Cull, William Gill and Kenneth Warren.

The non-partisan position is for a four-year term.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on voting, call Laurell Taylor at city hall, 410-848-9000.

Suzanne Albert (I)

Albert was first elected to the council in 1995,... [Read full story]

'Little Mermaid' swims onto stage at Carroll Arts Center

The role of a sailor in "The Little Mermaid" calls for jumping off the ship to the seas below.

While Dan Cormany of Eldersburg knew there wouldn't be a real ocean involved in the Carroll County Arts Center's production of the children's play, he was still dreaming big.

"I like the part where you jump off the ship," Cormany, 9, said. "I was hoping we would have to jump off the stage. We jump off over a cutout of the ship waist-high."

Cormany is one of a cast of about 30 children ranging in age from 7 to 10 who have been rehearsing since auditions in February for this weekend... [Read full story]

Family is reconnected with memories of World War II
More than 30 years after his death, the ancestors of Samuel Alasha gathered recently to recall a time of war, a time of sacrifice and a time of service.

"It was really the last war that touched everybody," said U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, recalling the days of Victory Gardens, "Rosie the Riveter" a... [Read full story]

'Looking up' to appreciate local history Members of the City of Westminster's Historic District Commission believe preservation efforts in the city are "looking up," and they hope local residents will also look up -- literally -- to participate in a contest designed to promote the community's historic architecture.

This month the c... [Read full story]

Recreation

Westminster falters, then ties for title

Girls' Lacrosse

The Century Knights have faced greater challenges this year than in their brief but highly successful past, which includes two state championships in the first five years of the program.

An early-season overtime loss to Liberty, the Knights' first defeat ever against county competition, put Century's four-season streak of Carroll titles in jeopardy.

In Tuesday's critical matchup against a Westminster team that entered with an undefeated county record, Century looked to its two brightest stars to keep the goal of a fifth straight Carroll title alive.

Sophom... [Read full story]

Opinion

Carving the crust from budget pie Editorial

The Board of County Commissioners is coming down to the wire in the deliberations on this year's budget package.

After work sessions scheduled for May 10 and May 15, the commissioners are expected to vote on a final plan May 22.

Judging by those who attended last week's public hearin... [Read full story]

The Passing Parade

Presidential race as wide open as Kentucky Derby Trying to pick a winner in either event based on their past performance and preparation for the race is potluck.

And there's nearly as many wannabe presidents as those that were in the "run for the roses," just two shy at this point in time of matching the number that were in the starting gate las... [Read full story]

Wolf at the Door

Passing on the good word is simply a matter of experience Words fascinate me. I love dictionaries and can spend hours reading them.

If I travel, I always have one with me for any language I'll need.

Having an interest in words, and how we use them, can give me a real index on new people I meet.

Words you use can define your educational background, as... [Read full story]

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The legacy of Westminster's 'Singing Barber' Tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of the "singing barber of Main Court Inn," James Hope, who passed away on May 10, 1900.

Mr. Hope opened his barbershop in Westminster around 1873. His obituary was published May 12, 1900 in the American Sentinel, which noted: "He leaves a widow, but no chil... [Read full story]

Kevin E. Dayhoff Wednesday, May 16 Who was Kate Wagner, and why did she rule the road? How many folks pass by Kate Wagner Road in Westminster and wonder to themselves, “Just who was Kate Wagner?”

I did not know myself until recently, when I happened to have a conversation with one of my Westminster High School class of 1971 classmates, Steve Sinnott.

... [Read full story]

Recalling Westminster's Disney World: Bobby's Hobby Lobby
In the 1950s and '60s, Main Street in Westminster was the center of the entire known universe.

We could easily walk or ride our bicycles downtown and there we could safely visit Heagy's Sport Shop, G.C. Murphy's, Stu's Music Shop, Davis Library, Shaffer and Company Variety Store and Mather's -- to... [Read full story]

This 'Candy drive' benefits the East Middle School Bulldogs ... and the three Rs Westminster East Middle School PTA president Candy Arnold is on a mission.

Ever since she took over the reins of the Parent Teacher Association, she has dreamed of having "an Art Deco-style marquee in front of our beautiful school."

East Middle School, which is located in the same building which... [Read full story]

In the storied history of Carroll Hospital Center, Steve Bohn poised to take a 'SPIRIT'-ed place As Carroll County grows and changes, folks too often take for granted past improvements in our community that have been the result of visionary leaders overcoming enormous obstacles.

Also too often in today's deliberations, it's the usual naysayers that get all the newspaper attention.

O... [Read full story]

[Local news archives]

Literacy council recruiting new tutors The Literacy Council of Carroll County, which offers free and confidential instruction in reading and math to adults and children, is in need of tutors to help the program.

A 14-hour series of tutor training workshops will be held beginning Thursday, May 17 and will include training in how to tuto... [Read full story]

More Headlines Flowers and jazz take over Main Street Family is reconnected with memories of World War II

Education Notes

05/09/07 By Heidi Schroeder Email this story to a friend

'Looking up' to appreciate local history

News Briefs Stone, Harrison and Morse sent to O'Malley

After interviewing 22 applicants on Monday to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education, the current school board members have recommended three candidates to Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Virginia Harrison of Sykesville, Jeffrey Morse of Taneytown and C. Scot... [Read full story]

Movie Capsule

Tuesday, May 15

Movie Capsules New Movies

"Delta Farce" (PG-13). Not reviewed. This comedy stars Larry the Cable Guy as a jobless man mistaken for an Army Reservist and shipped off to battle. Bill Engvall, D.J. Qualls and Keith David co-star; C. B. Harding directs. Opens Friday, May 11. "The Ex" (PG-13). Not reviewed. Zach Br... [Read full story]

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