Another Case of Cronyism in the Ehrlich Administration by Progressive
Retrieved February 18, 2006
Gov. Ehrlich has been called on his cronyism once again, this time in
http://progressivemaryland.org/page.php?id=1136&subid=1122
Related: 20050828 Politics fills space around judicial vacancy by David Nitkin and Jennifer Skalka: Politics fills space around judicial vacancy Some say Ehrlich wants friend on list of nominees; Allegany seat empty since 2004 By David Nitkin, Sun Staff, August 28, 2005
Pocomoke City State of Pocomoke City report by Mayor Michael McDermott
By Michael A. McDermott, Mayor
(Downloaded February 5th, 2006)
As we turn the corner into 2006, it is good to review the progress of the city with a view toward the future. 2005 was a year of changes which impacted many aspects of
Last spring, we had just over 500 dwelling units at some stage in the development pipeline. That number has grown to 750. All of this projected, planned growth is identified as in-fill development (all built within the current corporate limits requiring no annexations). The types and styles of the housing will range from town houses and duplexes to larger, single family homes. It represents a good mix of available housing for families at various economic levels.
The focus on in-fill development is in line with the concepts being outlined by our updated Comprehensive Plan. The draft plan has been presented to the Planning and Zoning Board and is currently under review. The board is hopeful the plan can be presented for public comment by early spring. Following the adoption of the plan, the city will move into a review of current zoning templates now in effect to see if any will require modification.
Financially, the city is on strong footing. A Reserve Fund was established in December at the recommendation of our Accounting/Auditing Firm. Our debt service is not impaired and investments made by the city in the way of infrastructure, improvements and planned growth have created a positive cash flow for the city. We have been able to cut the tax rate in half on manufacturing equipment and look forward to additional reductions in the future. Creating a positive environment for commercial and industrial growth to flourish will remain a primary focus in the coming years.
In the spring, we will see the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology locate their offices in our Industrial Park. Other tenants are expected to follow as
2006 will see a concerted effort to improve city parks and establish new opportunities for recreational activities. Upgrades include a large bandstand, improved Nature Trail, and a potential joint venture with
Citizens can look for continued and growing opportunities to be involved in the governmental process in the coming year. There will be public meetings addressing the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning process. There will be meetings scheduled to receive input on the Skate/Bike Park concept and development. Efforts will be made this year to establish a community organization called Friends of the Park which will act as a vehicle to assist the city with improvements, upgrades, and beautification of our current park facilities. We will continue to work together with the
There will be efforts targeting neighborhoods with specific needs. Neighborhood meetings and clean up times will be encouraged and developed with the city providing assistance in the process. We will look for ways to help and encourage citizens as they work to strengthen and beautify their individual neighborhoods.
County requirements and our moral responsibilities will find us aggressively pursuing recycling with our city refuse. We will need the assistance and compliance of our citizens to insure that our costs for disposal remain static as we increase the percentage of recyclables in our weekly collections. Citizens will be kept abreast of any required changes before they occur.
2006 will see the further redevelopment of our downtown core. This will include restaurants, eateries, and other enterprising business drawn to our beautiful river front. At center stage should include the grand reopening of the MARVA Performing Arts Theater slated for early summer.
If the city were a convertible, I would tell you to “hold onto your hat!” The best is yet to come, and the future of
For more information on the happenings in
HoCo Hayduke: New protocols on nonfunctioning traffic lights
February 5, 2006
I have not read the “new policy,” however, one of the obvious questions that comes to mind are staffing issues. Does the
Is this an opportunity to utilize non-sworn, but trained safety personnel such as a “police auxiliary” or fire police?
There are reports that LED traffic signals require much less electricity. Perhaps the battery back-ups are the way to go? Then again, what is the fiscal note for retrofitting existing traffic signals with battery back-ups?
Clearly, as traffic congestion increases, this is an growing public safety issue... Meanwhile our hearts and prayers are extended to the families of the teenagers...
Friday, February 03, 2006
It won't bring back Scott E. Caplan and Theresa E. Howard, but it's a sensible policy that could save lives in the future.
In a change ordered after two teenagers were killed at a nonfunctioning traffic light in
The county also is moving ahead with plans to test its first battery backup system for traffic lights, which can keep a signal running for up to eight hours after it loses electrical power.
Read more: Click on HoCo Hayduke or go this article here: New protocol...
