20070515 Westminster Eagle Week in review

Westminster Eagle Week in review

Posted May 16^th, 2007

http://news.mywebpal.com/index.cfm?pnpid=978

Local News

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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]

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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]

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'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]

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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]

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'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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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

Education Notes

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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20070516 CyberAlert

CyberAlert

Media Resarch Center

The 2,411^th CyberAlert. Tracking Liberal Media Bias Since 1996

6:05am EDT, Wednesday May 16, 2007 (Vol. Twelve; No. 84)

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1. Falwell Derided Over Teletubbies, CBS: He Wanted Women in Kitchen The ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts Tuesday night couldn't resist ridiculing the late Jerry Falwell for pointing out how a children's character on a PBS show appeared gay -- though gay rights advocates had earlier made the same observation -- and CBS brought aboard liberal presidential historian Douglas Brinkley who called Falwell "comedy fodder for people," found it relevant that "feminists never liked him," and dismissed him as "a backlash figure" whose "returning to family values was returning to women being in the kitchen."

2. Newsweek Diagnoses Bush Ill for His 'Pathological Certainty' Is President Bush mentally ill? Sharon Begley is a Senior Editor for science at Newsweek, which apparently entitled her to conduct a tired psychoanalysis of President Bush and his state of denial about the war in Iraq, suggested earlier in his life by his comforting his mother as his sister Robin died of leukemia at age three, and his alcohol abuse as an adult. It "could all be dismissed as psychobabble," Begley wrote in the May 21 issue, but she marshaled experts to diagnose him from afar for his "pathological certainty that things are going well."

3. ABC Panics Over 'Highest Gas Prices Ever'; Skews Oil 'Truth Test' Matching Monday's World News on ABC, Tuesday's Good Morning America forwarded the canard about the "highest gas prices ever," when, adjusted for inflation, they are lower than in 1981. GMA co-host Diane Sawyer and reporter Claire Shipman hyperbolically investigated "soaring" gas prices, and after noting that oil companies have been publically presenting their explanations, Sawyer wondered, "But are they true? We put them to the truth test." To prove the oil companies are dissembling, ABC featured a soundbite from Gulf Oil President Joe Petrowski's May 14 interview with CNN in which he, Sawyer asserted, blamed refineries. Shipman then maintained that "what you didn't hear those CEOs talk about is those refineries, and the people who own them, are reaping windfall profits right now because of the higher prices." In fact, Petrowski said exactly that in a portion of the CNN American Morning interview not played by ABC: "It is refining profits that are at absolute record levels. Normally, a refining margin to turn the crude into refined products is between 15 and 20 cents a gallon" but now "those margins are at absolute all-time record levels to a degree that's 80 cents a gallon."

4. NYT: 'Unclear What Role, If Any, Religion Played' in Ft. Dix Plot "Unclear What Role, If Any, Religion Played" in Fort Dix Six Terror Plot? In the face of clear evidence, New York Times reporter Alan Feuer claimed in a Monday story: "It is unclear what role, if any, religion played in the attack Mr. Shnewer and the five other men are charged with planning." In contrast to the Times' uninformative, politically correct take, the New York Post had a complete story with details on the suspects' radical Islamic beliefs.

5. 'Top 10 Surprises During the Queen's Visit to the White House' Letterman's "Top Ten Surprises During Queen Elizabeth the Second's Visit to the White House."

20070516 Quote of the day

Quote of the day

Wednesday, May 16^th, 2007

“What is the test of human character? It is probably this: that man will know how to be patient in the midst of hard circumstance, and can continue to be personally effective while living through whatever discouragements beset him and his companions.”

Samuel Lyman Atwood Marshall (1900-1977) Military historian

Thanks TC

20070515 News Clips

State News

May 15^th, 2007

BGE rate decision could come this week

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/05_14-40/TOP

State regulators could issue a decision on Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.'s request for a 50 percent rate increase this week, leaving customers only days to decide whether to sign up for a deferral plan.

I think you could expect to see something within a week. Two weeks on the outside," Public Service Commission Executive Secretary O. Ray Bourland said last week.

O'Malley Considers Gas Tax Increase

Transportation Projects Would Benefit From Funds

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/14/AR2007051401577.html

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said yesterday that he is weighing an increase in the state's gasoline tax and other options to help pay for billions of dollars in transportation projects that the state could not otherwise afford in coming years.

O'Malley (D) said that state transportation officials have advised him that an additional $400 million to $600 million a year will be needed to keep pace with the state's needs during the next two decades, including a proposed light-rail Metro line connecting Bethesda and New Carrollton and light rail or bus service along part of the Interstate 270 corridor.

House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert) said it would be "ill-advised" to raise the gas tax at a time when the price of gasoline is so high.

"That's a horribly bad idea now," O'Donnell said. "I think most of my constituents, and most Marylanders, think we should be cutting the gas tax instead of raising it."

O'Malley Ponders Ways To Raise Money For Transportation Projects

http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=57805

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley says the state needs to find "progressive" means to pay for road projects as it attempts to shore up the Transportation Trust Fund.

He says the current transportation spending levels aren't enough to protect state residents' quality of life.

Ehrlich calls OMalleys decision a prudent move

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7371&Itemid=35

Although declining to offer specific criticisms or speculate as to the motivation, former Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich called Martin OMalleys call to departments to reduce spending by $200 million a prudent move. Even though the state is looking at a $1.5 billion structural deficit next year, the General Assembly took no measures to create new revenue streams or increase existing ones during the session that ended last month. Governor OMalley had pledged not to increase taxes during his first year. Last week the Governor instructed his cabinent to look for budget reductions from every state department. Ehrlich, who now hosts a weekly talk show on WBAL radio, was asked about the plan by a caller

O'Malley to sign smoking ban in bars, restaurants

http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20070514-112229-4454r.htm

Gov. Martin O'Malley is set to sign a statewide smoking ban and tougher penalties for repeat child-sex offenders Thursday.

Advocates for tougher sex-crime penalties and state Republicans said they are pleased that Mr. O'Malley will sign what is known as Jessica's Law, which they sponsored in the General Assembly session.

O'Malley cutting wire on first Allegany Business Center building

http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_134093648.html

Gov. Martin O'Malley will participate in a wire-cutting ceremony for the first building in the Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University on Tuesday.

The invitation-only event will include Maryland Secretary of Business and Economic Development David Edgerley, FSU President Jonathan Gibralter, the Allegany County commissioners, Sen. George Edwards and Glenn Weaver of Academic Privatization of Maryland.

O'Malley to be in Allegany County Today

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7373&Itemid=35

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley will participate in a wire-cutting ceremony for the first building in the Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University this afternoon, and will spend much of his day in the county. The event will include Maryland Secretary of Business and Economic Development David Edgerley, FSU President Jonathan Gibralter, the Allegany County commissioners, Sen. George Edwards and Glenn Weaver of Academic Privatization of Maryland. The new 50,000-square-foot technology facility, the FSU Resea rch Center, is being developed by a group of private investors known as Allegany Research Properties, LLC. A spokesperson for the company says this project has come to fruition because of the tremendous teamwork exhibited between the state and the county

Kelly expects major changes in Attorney General's office

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7374&Itemid=35

Delegate Kevin Kelly, a longtime member of the House Judiciary Committee in Annapolis, says he expects major changes in the office of the Attorney General with last falls election of Doug Gansler. The position had been held by Joe Curran for 20 years before he opted to retired in 2007, and many critics argued that the office become stagnant. Kelly, addressing area business leaders, describes Gansler as a dynamic, ambitious leader who ultimately will run for the states highest office. Until then, Kelly said citizens can expect a different approach in the coming years from the Attorney Generals Office

National News

State Senator Considering Challenge To Gilchrest

http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=57799

One of the two Republicans in Maryland's congressional delegation could face a challenge in next year's primary election.

State Senator Andrew Harris told WBAL News that he's going to use this weekend's spring Maryland State Republican Convention in Annapolis, to gauge support for a run against incumbent Congressman Wayne Gilchrest.

Sen. Harris mulls run against Rep. Gilchrest

http://www.wmdt.com/wires/displaystory.asp?id=61586345

First District Congressman Wayne Gilchrest could be facing a re-election challenge from within his own party.

Republican state Senator Andrew Harris says he's testing the water for a possible run against Gilchrest next year in a party primary.

Bush, Once Party-Builder, Leaves Republicans Weakened, Worried

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aLEVpghgS04Y&refer=home

Representative Tom Davis, a veteran Republican campaign strategist, sees one bright spot for his party's prospects in 2008: President George W. Bush's term will be drawing to a close.

Many Republicans blame Bush's pursuit of the Iraq war for putting them in the minority in 2006 and fear further losses in 2008. Increasingly, they're looking past Bush at a perilous future.

Representative Wayne Gilchrest, a Maryland Republican, said Bush policies that catered to a narrow swath of ideological base voters on issues such as abortion, the role of religion and stem-cell research have hurt the party's image of inclusiveness.

``The rhetoric coming out of the Bush administration has exacerbated a view of the Republican Party that is not reality,'' he said. ``It's a separate little niche in the Republican Party that never really had the bully pulpit before for a lot of reasons, and now they have the bully pulpit.''

Democrats Domestic Agenda Hits Gridlock

http://public.cq.com/docs/cqt/news110-000002511613.html

Democrats face a legislative traffic jam that threatens to leave the party without a single high-profile domestic victory heading into the Memorial Day recess.

On issues ranging from energy policy to a lobbying overhaul, Democrats acknowledge that they must show as soon as possible that they can govern.

Most immediately, some Democrats see an immigration overhaul (S 1348) pending in the Senate as the partys best hope for scoring a legislative victory.

The office of Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., released a statement last week with 14 bullet points of legislative accomplishments. The accomplishments, though, were weighted toward bills passed by the House but not enacted into law.

Vice President Cheney Says "There's Been Not Enough Attention Paid To The Consequences" Of Adopting Democrats' Iraq Policies. THE VICE PRESIDENT: "I think there's been not enough attention paid to the consequences that would flow if we were to adopt the policies that have been recommended by a majority of the Democrats. Nancy Pelosi and 169 Democrats last week voted for immediate withdrawal from Iraq. Everybody I've talked to in the region everybody thinks it would be a disaster. And it's important that we succeed in Iraq. If we can't succeed in Iraq, then it does have consequences for the broader war on terror. Al Qaeda has said Iraq is the central front in their war on the United States. You do not want to withdraw and give them a victory in Iraq." (Fox News' "Special Report," 5/14/07)

Secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice Discusses U.S.-Iran Talks On Iraq. "Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday the United States decided to hold talks with Iran about security in wartorn Iraq because officials believed the timing was right. She said the idea of the talks came from talks with Iraq's neighboring countries in the region, saying 'we all made a commitment there to do what we can to help the Iraqis.' 'And one of the most important things is to help the Iraqis is dealing with their border issues, with the flow of foreign fighters and arms across the border,' Rice added, 'and from our point of view and the coalition's point of view, dealing with the dangerous technologies that are originating in Iran that are putting our soldiers at risk. So this seemed to be a good time to follow up on some of the general commitments that the neighbors took.'" (Matthew Lee, "Rice Confirms Talks With Iran," The Associated Press, 5/14/07)

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih Expresses Optimism For Progress On Oil Law And Amending The Constitution. "Iraq's parliament should pass a new oil law and make progress on amending the constitution before the end of the month, two key 'benchmarks' being demanded by U.S. officials, a top Iraqi official said yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, one of the highest-ranking Kurdish officials in the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, said that despite the increasingly pessimistic debate in Washington, Iraqi lawmakers should take action on both difficult issues in the coming days. 'In any other cou ntry, such a law would take years and years to draft, even if you had stability,' Mr. Salih said. 'We've done the basic work in six months on what has historically been a very contentious issue.'" (David R. Sands, "Iraqi Backs 'Benchmark' Action," The Washington Times, 5/15/07)

20070515 MSNBC is reporting that Rev. Jerry Falwell has passed away

MSNBC is reporting that Rev. Jerry Falwell has passed away

Moral Majority leader Falwell dies

May 15, 2007 2:30 PM

Evangelical pastor was found in his university office

BREAKING NEWS

MSNBC staff and news service reports

Updated: 2:09 p.m. ET May 15, 2007

LYNCHBURG, Va. - The Rev. Jerry Falwell — founder of the Moral Majority and the face of the religious right in the 1980s — died Tuesday after being found unconscious in his office, a Liberty University executive said.

Ron Godwin, Liberty's executive vice president, said Falwell, 73, had been found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital.

Read the entire article here: Moral Majority leader Falwell dies

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20070510 Commanding General David H. Petraeus' Letter about Values

Commanding General David H. Petraeus' Letter about Values

HEADQUARTERS
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE - IRAQ
BAGHDAD, IRAQ
APO AE 09342-1400

10 May 2007

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen serving in Multi-National Force-Iraq:

Our values and the laws governing warfare teach us to respect human dignity, maintain our integrity, and do what is right. Adherence to our values distinguishes us from our enemy. This fight depends on securing the population, which must understand that we - not our enemies - occupy the moral high ground. This strategy has shown results in recent months. Al Qaeda's indiscriminate attacks, for example, have finally started to turn a substantial proportion of the Iraqi population against it.

In view of this, I was concerned by the results of a recently released survey conducted last fall in Iraq that revealed an apparent unwillingness on the part of some US personnel to report illegal actions taken by fellow members of their units. The study also indicated that a small percentage of those surveyed may have mistreated noncombatants. This survey should spur reflection on our conduct in combat.

I fully appreciate the emotions that one experiences in Iraq. I also know firsthand the bonds between members of the "brotherhood of the close fight." Seeing a fellow trooper killed by a barbaric enemy can spark frustration, anger, and a desire for immediate revenge. As hard as it might be, however, we must not let these emotions lead us - or our comrades in arms - to commit hasty, illegal actions. In the event that we witness or hear of such actions, we must not let our bonds prevent us from speaking up.

Some may argue that we would be more effective if we sanctioned torture or other expedient methods to obtain information from the enemy. They would be wrong. Beyond the basic fact that such actions are illegal, history shows that they also are frequently neither useful nor necessary. Certainly, extreme physical action can make someone "talk;" however, what the individual says may be of questionable value. In fact, our experience in applying the interrogation standards laid out in the Army Field Manual (2-22.3) on Human Intelligence Collector Operations that was published last year shows that the techniques in the manual work effectively and humanely in eliciting information from detainees.

We are, indeed, warriors. We train to kill our enemies. We are engaged in combat, we must pursue the enemy relentlessly, and we must be violent at times. What sets us apart from our enemies in this fight, however, is how we behave. In everything we do, we must observe the standards and values that dictate that we treat noncombatants and detainees with dignity and respect. While we are warriors, we are also all human beings. Stress caused by lengthy deployments and combat is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that we are human. If you feel such stress, do not hesitate to talk to your chain of command, your chaplain, or a medical expert.

We should use the survey results to renew our commitment to the values and standards that make us who we are and to spur re-examination of these issues. Leaders, in particular, need to discuss these issues with their troopers - and, as always, they need to set the right example and strive to ensure proper conduct. We should never underestimate the importance of good leadership and the difference it can make.

Thanks for what you continue to do. It is an honor to serve with each of you.

David H. Petraeus
General, United States Army
Commanding

20070514 Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Announces Art Competition Winners for 2007

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Announces Art Competition Winners for 2007

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lisa Lyons Wright or Monica DeLong at

May 14, 2007

lisa.wright@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC - Congressman Roscoe Bartlett is pleased to announce the winners from the Sixth Congressional District of the Artistic Discovery Competition for Senior High Students.

Mr. Nicholas Kasnia from Carroll County was named "Best in Show."

"The 2007 Congressional Artistic Discovery Competition for Senior High School students provided a wonderful opportunity for the young people of the Sixth Congressional District to showcase their talents," said Congressman Roscoe Bartlett.

"Congratulations to all the winners of the competition and all of the students who entered the competition for their hard work and dedication to their passion."

Artistic Discovery is a high school art competition coordinated by individual Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Best in Show winner Nicholas Kasnia is a student at Century High School in Carroll County. His winning entry will be on display with other district winners in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Congressman Bartlett called Mr. Kasnia to congratulate him as well as the winners in the five categories.

The other winners from the Sixth Congressional District in five categories were:

Photography - Brittany Kline, Middletown High School, Frederick County

Mixed Media - Dhaval Kumar Kalavadia, Winters Mill High School, Carroll County

Computer Generated Art - Soren Dodge, Middletown High School, Frederick County

Drawing - Lauren Sasser, Winters Mill High School, Carroll County

Painting - Emily Benfield, Middletown High School, Frederick County

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20070511 George Will digest

George Will Columns in review February 18 2007 to May 11 2007

May 14^th, 2007

I’ve always been a fan of George Will’s column – both when I agree with him and when I disagree with him…

Recently I have been remiss in keeping up with Mr. Will’s work. Not having much time for reading this evening, except for work… I noticed earlier this evening that someone had linked to one of his recent columns.

This reminded me to save a handful of links of his recent work - - and I figured that perhaps someone else might appreciate having a digest of George Will at their fingertips also…

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A Bustling Hate-Crime Industry

Political entrepreneurship involves devising benefits to excite or mollify niche constituencies. Hence HR 1592 , the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, which has passed the House, trailing clouds of sanctimony -- lots of members announced their hatred of hate.

The Real World Bank Problem (By George F. Will, May 10, 2007, Page A23)

The Dignified Slugger From Mobile (By George F. Will, May 6, 2007, Page B07)

The Road to a GOP House (By George F. Will, May 3, 2007, Page A25)

When the Skies Filled With Dust (By George F. Will, April 29, 2007, Page B07)

Real Change In China? (By George F. Will, April 26, 2007, Page A29)

Tommy Thompson's Gamble (By George F. Will, April 22, 2007, Page B07)

Drinking Age Paradox (By George F. Will, April 19, 2007, Page A27)

Taking a Bat to Prejudice (By George F. Will, April 15, 2007, Page B07)

Fuzzy Climate Math (By George F. Will, April 12, 2007, Page A27)

Fred Thompson's Idea of 'Reform' (By George F. Will, April 8, 2007, Page B07)

Same Old 'Soaring' Gas Prices (By George F. Will, April 5, 2007, Page A17)

The Return Of That '70s Thing (By George F. Will, April 1, 2007, Page B07)

The Seat Congress Can't Offer (By George F. Will, March 29, 2007, Page A19)

Anger Is All The Rage (By George F. Will, March 25, 2007, Page B07)

Wallpapering With Red Tape (By George F. Will, March 22, 2007, Page A21)

A Shot in the Arm for the GOP (By George F. Will, March 18, 2007, Page B07)

Why This Primary Push? (By George F. Will, March 15, 2007, Page A19)

Fighting The Real Gridlock (By George F. Will, March 11, 2007, Page B07)

Three Good Options for The Right (By George F. Will, March 8, 2007, Page A23)

Tripping Over the Inevitable (By George F. Will, March 4, 2007, Page B07)

An Assault On Corporate Speech (By George F. Will, February 27, 2007, Page A15)

Iwo Jima's Lesson in Empathy (By George F. Will, February 25, 2007, Page B07)

George F. Will: A Lack of Courage In Their Convictions (By George F. Will, February 22, 2007, Page A19)

Political Markets In Action (By George F. Will, February 18, 2007, Page B07)

Read More Columns by George F. Will

20070514 Westminster Common Council Mins and Election results

Westminster Common Council

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

Minutes of City of Westminster Council Meeting

May 14, 2007

QUORUM:

A meeting of The Mayor and Common Council was held in City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of May 14, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. Council President Chiavacci; Council Members Albert, Wack, Utz, and Pecoraro; City Administrator Wolf; Acting Director of Planning and Public Works Glass; Chief Spaulding; Director of Recreation and Parks Schroers; City Treasurer Unger; and City Attorney Walsh were present.

Mayor Ferguson read a Proclamation declaring Wednesday, June 6, 2007 the Carroll County Law Enforcement Torch Run Day for the benefit of the Special Olympics.

MINUTES:

Mrs. Albert moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 23, 2007. Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Ms. Sandy Ebaugh of the Office of Housing and Community Development summarized the Community Development Block Grant Program Citizen Participation Plan and the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. There being no further comment, Mayor Ferguson closed the hearing and the record.

Mr. Gary Ehlers, Manager of Housing and Community Development, summarized the Annual Public Housing Administration Plan and the Annual Administrative Plan for Fiscal Year 2007 – 2008. There being no further comment, Mayor Ferguson closed the hearing and the record.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR:

Mayor Ferguson announced his reappointment of Mr.Jay Bogash and Mr. Joe Barley to the City Tree Commission. Upon Motion of Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mr. Utz and unanimously passed, the reappointments were confirmed.

Mayor Ferguson introduced Toni Pomeroy and Jill Paparonous of the recently opened Pomeroy’s Jewlers, along with their landlord, David Baxter. At the Mayor’s request, Chief Spaulding reported on several initiatives to deal with a group of people that has been loitering near the store on Locust Lane and in front of the Library. He reported that the Police and the Library are working closely together to resolve the issue.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES:

Dr. Wack reported that the Cable Committee would meet on May 24, 2007.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Dr. Wack moved to adopt Resolution No. R07-4 - Community Development Block Grant Program Citizen Participation Plan. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Albert moved to adopt Resolution No. R07-5 - Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Mr. Utz seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Utz moved to cancel the meetings of May 28 and June 25, 2007. Mr. Pecoraro seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.

Council President Chiavacci announced that the Biennial Organizational Meeting and the Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Tax Rate, the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, and the Capital Improvements Program would take place in City Hall on Monday, May 21, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Mr. Schroers reported on the success of the Flower and Jazz Festival. He thanked the Streets Department and the Police Department for their assistance.

Mr. Schroers reported that the family of the late Brandon Main, an avid skateboarder, donated $3,200 to the City skatepark after holding a fundraising event.

Mr. Glass reported that the annual hydrant flushing would begin during the next week. He also gave an update on various construction projects.

Ms. Wolf thanked Sandy Ebaugh for organizing the first annual small business reception on behalf of the Greater Westminster Development Corporation and Carroll Community College.

Ms. Wolf noted that she was working with the Community Media Center to film a program concerning the water situation. The Center has invited the City and the Water Task Force to make a presentation concerning public education about issues with water.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Toni Pomeroy, owner of Pomeroy’s Jewelers, thanked City staff for helping her to open the store and expressed concern about loitering in the area of Main Street and Locust Lane. She also thanked the Chief for his efforts thus far to deal with loitering problems.

Greater Westminster Development Corporation President Lori Graham reported on recent activities of the organization. She also advised that the second annual Jeff Graham Memorial Ride would take place on Sunday, May 20, 2007.

Council President Chiavacci recessed the meeting at 7:55 P.M. He reconvened the meeting at 8:15 P.M.

Mayor Ferguson presented City resident Susan Thomas with a Mayor’s Recognition for her years of service on the Historic District Commission.

Chief Judges of Election Nancy Smelser and Susan Thomas announced the results of the election held that day, reading the following Statement.

Today’s election results are as follows: The total number of votes cast is 411.

Of that number, the votes cast for each candidate are as follows:

FOR COMMON COUNCIL

Suzanne Albert 287

Charles Cull 104

William Gill 105

Gregory Pecoraro 284

Robert Wack 319

Kenneth Warren 52

Kevin Dayhoff 3 (write-in)

The three candidates who received the highest number of votes for Common Council are: Robert Wack, Suzanne Albert, and Gregory Pecoraro.

Respectfully submitted this 14th day of May, 2007, Nancy A. Smelser and Susan H. Thomas, Chief Judges of Election.

Council President Chiavacci adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Laurell E. Taylor

City Clerk

20070514 Upcoming Meeting of the Westminster Common Council

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Upcoming meetings for the Mayor and Common Council which are open to the public:

MAY 14, 2007 - Regular meeting of the Mayor and Common Council

MAY 21, 2007 - Biennial Meeting of the Mayor and Common Council to swear in newly elected council members. Also, a Public Meeting will be held regarding Tax Ordinance, 2007-2008 Budget and the Six Year Capital Improvements Program.

MAY 28, 2007 - There will no meeting due to Memorial Day Holiday.

20070514 Be sure to vote in the Westminster City Election today

Be sure to vote in the Westminster City Election today.

For more information: Elections 20070514 Westminster Councilmatic Election

“Elections have consequences.”

May 14, 2007

So if you are a Westminster voter – get out and vote in the municipal election today, Monday, May 14, 2007

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.

Read the entire article here: Westminster Elections: Six vie for three seats

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20070514 Military puts MySpace, other sites off limits

Military puts MySpace, other sites off limits

May 14^th, 2007

DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- Soldiers serving overseas will lose some of their online links to friends and loved ones back home under a Department of Defense policy that a high-ranking Army official said would take effect Monday.

The Defense Department will begin blocking access "worldwide" to YouTube, MySpace and 11 other popular Web sites on its computers and networks, according to a memo sent Friday by Gen. B.B. Bell, the U.S. Forces Korea commander.

The policy is being implemented to protect information and reduce drag on the department's networks, according to Bell.

[…]

The sites covered by the ban are the video-sharing sites YouTube, Metacafe, IFilm, StupidVideos, and FileCabi, the social networking sites MySpace, BlackPlanet and Hi5, music sites Pandora, MTV, and 1.fm, and live365, and the photo-sharing site Photobucket.

Several companies have instituted similar bans, saying recreational sites drain productivity.

Read the entire article here: Military puts MySpace, other sites off limits

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20070514 CCT coverage of the Westminster Municipal Election

Carroll County Times coverage of the Westminster Municipal Election Monday, May 14^th, 2007

For more information:

Elections 20070514 Westminster Councilmatic Election

Westminster candidate profiles – May 14^th, 2007 edition

Westminster: How do you plan to encourage development? – May 8^th,2007 edition

When Westminster signed an agreement with the Maryland Department of the Environment to make improvements to the city's water system, it lifted a moratorium on growth in the city. The end of the moratorium meant water was freed up for economic develo…

Westminster candidates: How do you propose to manage growth? – May 7^th, 2007 edition

An agreement between Westminster and the Maryland Department of the Environment in April to make improvements to the city's water system lifted a moratorium on growth in the city. The agreement frees up 60,000 gallons per day of water for projects in…

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20070514 Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day - Look

Monday, May 14, 2007

“If you're looking at things with the right set of eyes, people are endlessly fascinating. And then, of course, if you look at it the wrong way, then the whole world is horrible and tedious and boring. That's the battle, really--to keep looking at the world in the right way.” John Cusack Actor

Thanks TC