Dayhoff Soundtrack

Sunday, August 20, 2006

20060819 KDDC Wi Fi for Carroll County

Wi-Fi for Carroll County

August 19^th, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

Although getting a conversation about Wi-Fi for Carroll County among the candidates for political office in this fall’s Carroll County elections has failed to get any traction, apparently it is being discussed as a campaign issue in our neighbor to the south, Howard County.

As I was grazing the blogs of my colleagues in Howard County, I came across this excellent post by Evan on the Howard County Blog: “Wi-Fi.”

In my column for the Westminster Eagle, I have written two pieces specifically on Wi-Fi, which has received enthusiastic response from readers, however, hardly a peep out of the candidates. (09/07/05 - If technology available, why not Wi-Fi? And 08/02/06 -Building ramps to information highway will pave the way to Carroll's future)

As a matter of fact, I am seeing little of substance out of many the candidates for office in Carroll County except a lot of bile.

Issues such as managing growth and development are being discussed as well as taxes. These issues are important – especially, well – both. I mean, it is imperative that we maintain a well-thought-out approach to growth in order to maintain what quality of life we have left in Carroll County.

Diversification of the tax base and over-all tax relief is also an important subject.

However, I’m seeing little conversation about growing our commercial and industrial tax base and most importantly – attracting jobs to Carroll County.

I have as little interest in more houses in Carroll County as the next person, however, that limited and well managed growth approach must not disallow appropriate business and employment base growth. Unfortunately that is just what is happening.

Of course, one of the best ways to thwart further erosion of our quality of life is to look for ways to support the business of agriculture in Carroll County and I’m not seeing much of that conversation either.

In the near future, if it is not already here, the issue of Wi-Fi will be a critical infrastructure, quality of life and business development issue in Carroll County.

A Columbia Flyer editorial on August 3^rd, 2006, states accurately and succinctly:

“Like running water, electricity and cable television before it, wireless Internet capability will soon be widely considered a part of living and doing business in American communities.

Some day in the not-too-distant future, it'll likely be a utility that people take for granted.

Communities that don't have it will find themselves at a competititve disadvantage for attracting and retaining business and keeping residents happy.

So it's good to see that the three candidates for county executive all realize that and support efforts to lay the groundwork for widespread Wi-Fi in Howard. (emphasis mine)

Officials will have to find the answers to two pressing questions: What's required, and at what cost? The sooner they can accomplish that, the better.

But, make no mistake, this technology is coming. And in a few years, we'll probably be wondering how we lived without it.”

Read it again. This time, every time you see the word “Howard,” replace it with the word “Carroll.”

I did a search on “Wi-Fi” on the Westminster Eagle’s web site and came up with:

09/07/05 - If technology available, why not Wi-Fi? By Kevin E. Dayhoff

I've been fascinated with public Wi-Fi and all the possibilities it can provide Carroll County.

On Aug. 15, Silver Spring, in Montgomery County, announced that it now has...

08/02/06 - Building ramps to information highway will pave the way to Carroll's future 2006-08-02 00:00:00 Kevin E. Dayhoff Building ramps to information highway will pave the way to Carroll's future By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The politics and economics of roads, growth, development, bu...

09/21/05 - Letters

While the decision to take the Westminster Bypass off the county plan may come as a disappointment to the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce membership, it is clear that the commissioners did n...

09/21/05 - Report from the 'Left Coast' discovers (sort of) intelligent li 2005-09-21 00:00:00 Opinion Report from the 'Left Coast' discovers (sort of) intelligent li By Kevin Dayhoff

Greetings from sunny Southern California. I'm writing this week from the "Left Coas...

06/28/06 - What are local candidates for office proposing for the future of Carroll County? 2006-06-28 00:00:00 Kevin E. Dayhoff What are local candidates for office proposing for the future of Carroll County?

Many Carroll Countians are clamoring to hear discussions about plans and i...

_________________

Meanwhile, I did a search on the Columbia Flyer’s web site on “Wi-Fi” and came up with:

08/03/06 - County catching on to Wi-Fi Internet

If the county ever offered free wireless Internet service in all of downtown Columbia, it would be a welcomed addition, Go said. p>Although senior county officials have made no formal plans to ...

03/27/03 - At a glance

Resident David Hlass is challenging incumbent Linda Odum for the Long Reach seat on CA's 10-member board.

The proposal, offered by County Council member Chris Merdon, now goes before the c...

08/03/06 - What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi, which stands for wireless fidelity, is a way certain devices can connect to the Internet outdoors without using wires.

Wi-Fi accessible devices, such as computers and personal digital as...

08/03/06 - Wi-Fi inevitable, and we need to be ready 2006-08-03 00:00:00 Opinion Wi-Fi inevitable, and we need to be ready OUR VIEW

Like running water, electricity and cable television before it, wireless Internet capability will soon be widely co...

02/16/06 - New Columbia health club flexes its muscles

Lifetime Fitness, a Minnesota-based health club conglomerate with facilities across the country, opened Feb. 9 on Lee DeForest Drive in east Columbia, about a two- or three-minute drive from Co...

06/17/04 - I-95 project may be wave of the future

The project is part of Maryland's strategic approach to provide assistance to tourists and business travelers and to show businesses that Maryland is on the technological cutting edge. p> If s...

We need to begin a meaningful conversation about Wi-Fi in Carroll County yesterday.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

www.thetentacle.com

Westminster Eagle Opinion and

Winchester Report

www.thewestminstereagle.com

www.kevindayhoff.net

_____

Technology Wi-Fi, Technology

20060819 KDDC More on Cardinoma Ben

Saturday, August 19, 2006

20060819 Hybrid Owners of America

Hybrid Owners of America

August 19^th, 2006

Wonkette calls to our attention that a “New lobbying group, “Hybrid Owners of America” to demand unlimited access to smug attitudes. [Detroit News]”

I own a hybrid - - a Prius. I sure hope that I don’t have a “smug attitude.”

I bought it for a number of reasons.

Not in any particular order… Although one of the main reasons I purchased it is because I wanted to reduce the amount of money I send to folks in the middle-east who want to cut off my head.

Talk about playing a role in our own victimization.

I don’t think continuing to depend on fossil fuels (dinosaur crap) is good for the environment.

I like the cost savings.

The article can be found here: Detroit News

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Hybrid owners get lobby

Organization will push for the existing and new incentives for users of alternative fuel cars.

David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Hybrid vehicle owners have it pretty good: tax credits, unlimited access to car pool lanes and free parking in some places.

Now they'll have their own lobbying group in Washington.

Taking a page from the SUV Owners of America, a new group calling itself "Hybrid Owners of America" will kick off its lobbying efforts today to "advocate for the interests of the more than half a million Americans who already own hybrid gas-electric cars and other vehicles."

[…]

The hybrid owners group is founded by the Newton, Mass.-based Civil Society Institute, a group that lobbies for higher fuel economy requirements. Its Web site is www.40mpg.org.

Read the rest here.

Kevin Dayhoff

####

20060819 KDDC Carroll Co. Commissioner Dean Minnich

Carroll Co. Commissioner Dean Minnich

August 19^th, 2006

For more information click here.

Pasted below, please review Carroll County Commissioner Dean Minnich:

Dean’s Thoughts

What I stand for:

Frugal, efficient and open government

Quality schools

Managed growth allowing for affordable and incremental investment in public safety (fire and ambulance services, policing, courts and justice system) and a sustained quality of life.

Economic development

Preservation of farms and open space.

Thoughts on government:

The less government, the better; but government must provide the foundation to protect the overall quality of life in the community.

Local government, closest to the people, is best. State and Federal government should defer to county and municipal governments whenever possible.

State mandates should be better funded. Up to 80 percent of the cost of local government goes to fund mandated services required by state or federal laws; only 20 percent of the local budget is left to the discretion of the commissioners. No state or federal legislation should be passed without funding by the entity that creates it. If a state or federal law is passed with funding, and that funding is subsequently reduced or eliminated, the law should be automatically repealed.

Thoughts on taxes and revenues:

Growth should pay for growth. Seven of ten homes sold are sold to new arrivals. We need to find alternatives to the property tax and rising assessments to pay for residential growth. Most new residents could afford and would be willing to pay a fee at settlement that would take the pressure off current homeowners.

Anything that impacts the financial reserves of property owners on fixed incomes should be required to have a safety valve or exclusion, so senior citizens or long-time residents are not assessed or taxed out of their homes by growth or rising costs of government caused by new residents.

Thoughts on rules and regulations

The fewer bureaucratic regulations, the better. Basic rules for order are laid out in a reasonable master plan, in which the citizens have a voice. Out of that come planning and zoning ordinances and the foundation for allowing people to live together in communities with a maximum of personal liberty while recognizing the rights of others to the enjoyment and value of their homes and property.

Economic development

We are predominantly a residential county, but we must continue to maintain and grow our economic base to help pay for the costs of services, provide employment and economic vitality, and enhance our sense of balance and community.

First, we will help local businesses and industries grow and prosper. Second, we will work with the towns and state agencies to encourage appropriate new industry that will add to the overall well-being of our county. That emphasis will include the new high-tech economies of research, knowledge and high-tech information/communications, through the development of employment campuses in strategic locations.

Three Major Issues

1. Continuity and institutionalization of the planned growth policies developed over the past three years. Consistency, balance, maintenance of adequate facilities requires it. On-again, off-again growth policies are bad business and bad public policy – and ultimately more expensive to the taxpayer. I would continue the growth policies of the current board of commissioners as determined through the Pathways initiatives and the input of the communities. I would also continue to work with the towns and the council of governments to develop surface water reservoirs and address the need for smart growth around towns and the preservation of farmlands.

2. Sound fiscal policies. Continuity of quality of life requires balance and consistency in maintenance of effort to provide good schools, public safety, recreational facilities and economic development while controlling the costs of government. It requires finding the common ground where needs and wants are met while holding the line on the tax rate. Four years ago, we proposed that “growth should pay for growth,” with fees and taxes on new home construction. Polls showed public support for that concept. We need to find a way to work with delegates to Annapolis to make that happen, and take the pressure off property assessments as the way to pay for needs.

3. Form of local government. The delegation should represent the county’s interests in the state general assembly, but the county government should run the county’s day to day operations and be directly accountable to the public. I will support hearings and public discussion of Code Home Rule government.

If that passes, I will revisit the issue of five commissioners elected by district along the lines recommended by the duly-appointed, bi-partisan redistricting committee (also known as Option 2), which was voted in by a majority in the last election, but thrown out by the courts because of the ineptitude of some members of our delegation in Annapolis.

Before we change the county government, we would hold additional educational sessions and a public hearing. The delegation has already indicated that if Home Rule does not pass, and the responsibility for decisions on local form of government stays with the delegation, they will try to put through Option One again, despite the fact that it was opposed by most residents, two business associations, and all eight incorporated towns' mayors and councils (unanimously).

Straight Talk Leadership

By Authority: Friends of Dean Minnich, Joyce Buckman, treasurer

20060819 KDDC Commissoner Perry Jones

Commissoner Perry Jones
August 19th, 2006

20060819 KDDC Reaction to New York Times parody

Feedback on “20060816 KDDC NYTimes Warsaw Ghetto Uprising an Over Reaction.”

…More on the satire of the New York Times’ coverage of the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict and the New York Times’ coverage of the war on terrorism.

Although I usually do not respond to comments, the comment left by Zum was thoughtful and responsible in its approach and that kind of dialogue is always good, whether we agree of disagree.

Thank you for your feedback Mr./Ms. Zum.

If you did not catch it because the post has fallen off the front page of kevindayhoff.com, Zum says:

“I looked at this NY Times paper you've posted and at first look I was really skeptical that it could be the real thing. American sentiment in 1943 was very anti-Nazi since we were fighting the Germans at that time and having every front page article being anti-semitic seemed absolutely ludicrous to me.

I started to do some research and found that the New York Times archives did not have any articles with these headlines, and especially not on May 10, 1943. I researched the famous photo further and found out that it was actually originally taken by German SS troops and printed in a report to Himmler that was only recovered AFTER the war-----well after 1943.

Finally, I did some more looking around and found out that the whole thing is a hoax published by the The People's Cube, a Web site devoted to lampooning left-wing "political correctness." You can get all the details here:

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_1943_nytimes.htm

It's extremely ironic that you posted this to decry media propaganda when that is exactly what you have fallen prey to yourself. I hope you post a correction and apology so that the issue can be laid to rest in an honorable manner.

And I hope that you start to double check some of the propaganda that you post. There is a lot of misinformation flying around the internet and I hope that you feel strongly against being a tool of propaganda organizations, especially when they are outright lies.”

In the interest of full disclosure, I had hypothecated that the depiction of the May 10^th, 1943 New York Times was a satirical hoax before I popped it up on the blog. Or, allow me to say it this way, I certainly hoped that it was a hoax.

That said, the venerable Old Gray Lady has recently presented with signs of senility, if not, outright dementia in its coverage of the Bush Administration’s policies and approach to the war on terrorism.

For more on this line of thought, please read my August 16^th, 2006 Tentacle column: “London's calling.” Or, “Operation Mata Hari.”

There have been many recent responsible commentaries about how alarmed folks have become with the Times’ approach to putting Americans in danger in its passionate hatred of the Bush Administration.

Several pieces within easy reach of my keyboard are two Michael Barone columns, one from Monday, August 14^th, 2006, titled, “London plot exposes Left.” Or perhaps a better example is Michael Barone’s June 26^th, 2006 column, “Why do "they" hate us?”

Specifically, I am appalled at the propaganda approach of the liberal media in support of Hezbollah. To be certain, I have no first hand knowledge of a specific New York Times article or editorial that was detrimental to the Israeli cause. I have read suggestions and anecdotes that the Old Gray Lady was on Israel’s case. I have given-up on utilizing the New York Times as an important information source. I did discuss some of these issues here.

The thought that some folks may have considered that the satirical depiction of a hoax New York Times’ front page to be “real” speaks well for the suggestion that the New York Times has become iconography (the poster child, if you will) for irresponsible approaches to our nation’s national security and the safety and welfare of Americans – or anyone else that the jihadists may want to harm.

After all, satire works best when the “suspension of disbelief” works. In the case of the New York Times, many of us have long since lost any ability to give the New York Times any benefit of doubt.

To the point that the recent comment made by Ann Coulter has received so much play… Are you aware that the New York Times’ “reaction to al-Zarqawi's death was to lower the U.S. flag at the Times building to half-staff. (Ha ha -- just kidding! Everybody knows there aren't any American flags at The New York Times.)”

Zum calls to our attention an Urban Legends and Folklore article about the “May 10^th, 1943 New York Times” front page satire. Now ya know a satire has arrived when Urban Legends feels the need to address it.

In the article, Urban Legends asks the question: “Do you think this parody is a valid critique of the editorial stance of today's NY Times?”

My view is a resounding, YES!

Urban Legends says:

1943 New York Times Calls Warsaw Ghetto Uprising 'Over-Reaction'

Netlore Archive: Circulating via email, an image purporting to show the front page of the May 10, 1943 edition of the New York Times with a headline declaring that the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising against Nazi oppression was an 'over-reaction'

Comments: Nothing of the sort ever appeared on the front page of the New York Times. It's a parody, ripped from its original context in a satirical article published by the The People's Cube, a Web site devoted to lampooning left-wing "political correctness."

Albeit heavy-handed and overwrought to the point of incoherence, the piece is an attempt to ridicule those who have criticized Israel for a "disproportionate use of force" during its recent military conflict with Hezbollah by implying they would have done the same in reaction to the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising by Polish Jews against Nazi oppression during World War II.

Given any thought, the headlines themselves betray the author's satirical intent: "European Leaders Blame Jews for Disproportionate Response," "Jewish Resistance Shatters Hopes for Peaceful Final Solution," and "Peace Vigil Calls for a Cease-Fire." It's an understatement to say they don't reflect the reality of the time.

For good measure, I scanned the New York Times archives and found several articles reporting the horrific conditions in the Warsaw Ghetto, the events leading up to the uprising, and the uprising itself, none of which evinced even a hint of criticism toward the Jews who took up arms against the Nazis in 1943.

Many feel that The People's Cube approach was appropriately “heavy-handed and overwrought to the point of incoherence,” In response to the New York Times’ “heavy-handed and overwrought to the point of incoheren(t)” approach to issues of our safety and national security.

My only regret in posting the parody of the New York Times is that I did do the parody myself. When I was younger and had different time constraints, I so enjoyed doing the very same approach to newspapers with a consistent irresponsible approach to currents events and issues of the day.

If anyone owes anyone an apology, it is the New York Times.

I will be flying in a week, and I sure hope that the New York Times does not reveal anymore anti-terrorism programs between now and the time I board the plane… to Hezbollah – or anyone else who wants to cut my head off simply because I am an American and because they have issues going back to the reign of Caesar.

I respect that militant jihadists are upset. I do not respect the killing of innocent civilians to promote a dialogue about their issues. Or hiding behind innocent civilians as they rocket and kill even more innocent civilians.

Ultimately, I have lost all respect for the New York Times. For that - I post parodies. This is a profoundly different approach than the New York Times, which expresses its lack of respect for the Bush Administration by putting all our lives in danger.

I also have a great deal of respect for Zum, for taking the time to write a thoughtful comment delineating his disagreement with the post. Thank you.

As always, your thoughtful consideration is appreciated regardless of the outcome on any particular issue. Whether we agree or disagree, always find my door open for friendly constructive dialogue.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060819 Wi Fi for Carroll County

Wi-Fi for Carroll County

August 19^th, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff

As I was grazing the blogs of my colleagues in Howard County, I came across this excellent post by Evan on the Howard County Blog: “Wi-Fi.”

As a matter of fact, I am seeing little of substance out of many the candidates for office in Carroll County except a lot of bile.

Diversification of the tax base and over-all tax relief is also an important subject.

However, I’m seeing little conversation about growing our commercial and industrial tax base and most importantly – attracting jobs to Carroll County.

In the near future, if it is not already here, the issue of Wi-Fi will be a critical infrastructure, quality of life and business development issue in Carroll County.

A Columbia Flyer editorial on August 3^rd, 2006, states accurately and succinctly:

“Like running water, electricity and cable television before it, wireless Internet capability will soon be widely considered a part of living and doing business in American communities.

Some day in the not-too-distant future, it'll likely be a utility that people take for granted.

Communities that don't have it will find themselves at a competititve disadvantage for attracting and retaining business and keeping residents happy.

So it's good to see that the three candidates for county executive all realize that and support efforts to lay the groundwork for widespread Wi-Fi in Howard. (emphasis mine)

Officials will have to find the answers to two pressing questions: What's required, and at what cost? The sooner they can accomplish that, the better.

But, make no mistake, this technology is coming. And in a few years, we'll probably be wondering how we lived without it.”

Read it again. This time, every time you see the word “Howard,” replace it with the word “Carroll.”

I did a search on “Wi-Fi” on the Westminster Eagle’s web site and came up with:

09/07/05 - If technology available, why not Wi-Fi? By Kevin E. Dayhoff

I've been fascinated with public Wi-Fi and all the possibilities it can provide Carroll County.

On Aug. 15, Silver Spring, in Montgomery County, announced that it now has...

The politics and economics of roads, growth, development, bu...

09/21/05 - Letters

While the decision to take the Westminster Bypass off the county plan may come as a disappointment to the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce membership, it is clear that the commissioners did n...

09/21/05 - Report from the 'Left Coast' discovers (sort of) intelligent li 2005-09-21 00:00:00 Opinion Report from the 'Left Coast' discovers (sort of) intelligent li By Kevin Dayhoff

Greetings from sunny Southern California. I'm writing this week from the "Left Coas...

Many Carroll Countians are clamoring to hear discussions about plans and i...

_________________

Meanwhile, I did a search on the Columbia Flyer’s web site on “Wi-Fi” and came up with:

08/03/06 - County catching on to Wi-Fi Internet

If the county ever offered free wireless Internet service in all of downtown Columbia, it would be a welcomed addition, Go said. p>Although senior county officials have made no formal plans to ...

03/27/03 - At a glance

Resident David Hlass is challenging incumbent Linda Odum for the Long Reach seat on CA's 10-member board.

The proposal, offered by County Council member Chris Merdon, now goes before the c...

08/03/06 - What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi, which stands for wireless fidelity, is a way certain devices can connect to the Internet outdoors without using wires.

Wi-Fi accessible devices, such as computers and personal digital as...

08/03/06 - Wi-Fi inevitable, and we need to be ready 2006-08-03 00:00:00 Opinion Wi-Fi inevitable, and we need to be ready OUR VIEW

Like running water, electricity and cable television before it, wireless Internet capability will soon be widely co...

02/16/06 - New Columbia health club flexes its muscles

Lifetime Fitness, a Minnesota-based health club conglomerate with facilities across the country, opened Feb. 9 on Lee DeForest Drive in east Columbia, about a two- or three-minute drive from Co...

06/17/04 - I-95 project may be wave of the future

The project is part of Maryland's strategic approach to provide assistance to tourists and business travelers and to show businesses that Maryland is on the technological cutting edge. p> If s...

We need to begin a meaningful conversation about Wi-Fi in Carroll County yesterday.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

www.thetentacle.com

Westminster Eagle Opinion and

Winchester Report

www.thewestminstereagle.com

www.kevindayhoff.net

_____

Technology Wi-Fi, Technology

20060818 KDDC Geritol

Geritol

I was in the drug store the other day, re-stocking on vitamins – it’s an advancing age thing – and saw Geritol on the shelves.

I was not aware that it was still being marketed. Brings back memories of sitting with Mom and Dad watching The Lawrence Welk Show.

Back in the day when I was an elected official, I used to joke that there were days when I needed “Geritol IV-Drip” from my iron-poor blood.

I wished that I had looked at the label. I wonder what’s in it – besides ground up scrap iron.

I know, DUH – I’ll Google-it.

Yep – I found it. And this is what’s in it.

And oh, I found this in the FAQs:

Will the use of Geritol® increase my sex drive or fertility?

There's no evidence that Geritol® can increase fertility and we don't make that claim. We're not sure how the rumor got started, but there's no truth to it.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060818 KDDC Android Synchronization

"Android Synchronization"
(c) Kevin Dayhoff
August 18, 2006

20060819 Re-elect Commissioner Perry Jones

Re-elect Commissioner Perry Jones

August 19th, 2006

20060818 KDDC The NYTimes and the difference between Torricelli and DeLay

The New York Times: the difference between Torricelli and DeLay?

Soccer Dad, posting at the Pillage Idiot calls to our attention yet another example of hypocrisy on the part of the New York Times.

This link sends you to a web site that is banned in St. Louis. Too funny. I wonder if the Daily Kos was also banned?

Anyway, Soccer Dad writes, in part: “When it came to the race for senate in New Jersey a few years ago, the editors of the Times approved of the state's high court ignoring the law to allow former Senator Frank Lautenberg to run in place of disgraced Senator Robert Torricelli. An editorial on October 3, 2002 applauded this violation of the law.”

Soccer Dad continued, “What's equally predictable is that these high minded principles only apply if they are likely to produce the correct result… Friday's editorial about the race for Tom Delay's seat contained this line…”

Read the rest here.

A big thanks to Soccer Dad and the Pillage Idiot.

####

Friday, August 18, 2006

20060818 KDDC That's a Haven on the horizon

That's a Haven on the horizon.
A billboard on Rte 140 in Westminster for Hampstead Mayor Haven Shoemaker, candidate for Carroll County Delegate to Annapolis, District 5A.
August 18th, 2006
Kevin Dayhoff

20060817 KDDC Re Elect District 5 Senator Larry Haines

Re-Elect District 5 Senator Larry Haines
August 17, 2006
For more information please click here.

Pasted below, please review Senator Larry Haines'

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The citizens and voters of Maryland’s Legislative District Five have graciously bestowed upon me the honor and privilege to represent them in the State Senate and Maryland General Assembly for sixteen years.

I take the responsibility of public servant very seriously and am seeking re-election to the State Senate. As the ranking Republican member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Senate Executive Nominations Committee.
I have had the privilege of providing leadership in many very important public policy issues including the Senate Special Commissions on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, Legislative Sportsman Caucus, Maryland Rural Caucus, and Taxpayers’ Protection Caucus.

The Senate President has given me the responsibility of serving on the Rules Committee, the Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds, the Special Committee on Substance Abuse, the Congressional Redistricting Committee and the Transportation Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The past twelve years, I have served as Chairman of the Carroll County Delegation to Annapolis.

In 1990, I campaigned for a new and expanded State Police Barrack and a full service MVA Center for Carroll County and followed through on these promises. I have been instrumental and provided leadership in securing state funds for the Carroll County Hospital expansions, Hospice, the Carroll Community College Campus, the Agricultural Center, the Historical Society, the Carroll County Arts Council and other projects, including planning and development of the new courthouse.

I have sponsored a number of legislative initiatives of which 38 bills have become law including several major drug crime bills and increased funding for Maryland farmland preservation – now signed into law. I am recognized as the leader of the conservative block in the Senate for family and fiscal issues. I co-sponsored State Bill 4 known as Jessica’s Law, which mandates a 25 year mandatory sentence for a convicted sexual child molester. This bill was signed into law by Gov. Ehrlich in June.
Creating jobs at home, reducing taxes on families, and reducing the regulatory burden of local and state government will continue to be one of my top priorities.

The past Glendening/Towsend administration derailed and delayed our most significant transportation needs. During the 2003 legislative session I introduced a Joint Senate Resolution to fund and start construction of the Hampstead by-pass. With Gov. Ehrlich, myself, Del. Stocksdale and Del. Shewell we broke ground on June 30, 2006 - construction will be completed in 2 years.

We desperately need an inpatient drug treatment facility, and I have worked with the task force in helping this become a reality at The Springfield Hospital Center Prevention and Treatment Programs will be expanding as I serve on the Special Substance Abuse Committee.

I will continue to find sources to increase farmland preservation funding without increasing taxes.
I believe in small government, and that government should have a balanced budget just like our families, and that taxes must be cut to help families.
This is my twelfth year as Chairman of the Carroll County Delegation. As a Maryland State Legislator I have the responsibility to provide leadership that is in the best interest of my local constituency. I have a proven record of initiating and following through with local state projects.
I sponsored legislation to allow local governments to collect their own recordation taxes saving Carroll approximately $1 million annually based on recent collections. As Senator my role is to introduce local legislation initiatives. However, the Annapolis delegation has the final authority over local bills of which are subject to a public hearing prior to approval.
The current Board of Commissioners supported a 1% real estate transfer tax, the only bill the delegation rejected. This tax increase would have generated over $22 million in new annual revenue based on last year’s collections. This was an unnecessary increase, based on the surplus funds from other increased revenues. Direct aid from the state to Carroll County increased from $109,859 in FY 2004 to $155,228 in FY 2007 for a 41.3% increase.

My past initiatives to reduce government spending, reduce the property tax on owner occupied homes and the personal income tax will continue to be my program for tax reform.

My record is clear on gun control, gambling, abortion and capital punishment.
I oppose gun control, I support the second amendment, the citizens right to “keep and bear arms.”

Any type of legalized gambling is poor public policy. I have sponsored legislation to ban partial-birth abortion, which passed the Senate, and I have been the leader on pro-life issues.
Your support and vote is greatly appreciated.