20060228 Information you can use on annexation legislation

“Information you can use on annexation legislation”

February 28, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff (1050 words)

To judge from the feedback on “Annex This” which appeared in The Tentacle on February 22, 2006, there is no doubt that issues concerning growth, development and annexation are a hot topic.

[February 22, 2006 – “Annex This” – “Once again the Maryland General Assembly is being asked to step between municipalities and county governments over an issue that threatens the peace and tranquility that should exist between them. This time another crisis is building over growth and development.”]

Many who responded had a fair point - we know how you feel, we want to make up our own minds on this issue – give us the talking points from both points of view, without any spin or commentary.

Okay.

First, to refresh your memory, Senate Bill 536 and its counterpart in the House of Delegates, House Bill 1239 are titled the “Annexation Planning and Procedures Act of 2006.”

The Fiscal and Policy Notes explain: “This bill provides for the implementation of a joint planning agreement (JPA) between a county and a municipal corporation, and sets forth provisions under which land may be annexed and developed by a municipal corporation. The bill takes effect June 1, 2006.”

As this column is being written, a hearing on SB536 is scheduled on March 1, 2006, in the Senate’s Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.

The House Environmental Matters Committee has scheduled a hearing on HB1239 for March 2, 2006.

One very good place to begin a thorough analysis of this legislation is to review the “Fiscal and Policy Note,” which is dated February 28, 2006. It can be found on the web at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/fnotes/bil_0006/sb0536.pdf. It is six pages long, so this column will not rehash what you can easily read for yourself.

The Feb. 6, 2006 Maryland Municipal League (MML) bulletin reports that in a meeting between the MML leadership and House Speaker Michael Busch, D., Anne Arundel County:

“Speaker Busch also indicated that he is monitoring the land use/growth issue and reassured MML that the Chairman of the Environmental Matters Committee Delegate Maggie McIntosh will not pass any legislation relating to growth or annexation that is not fair and balanced or more detrimental to one organization or another.”

The same MML bulletin reports on a meeting between Governor Ehrlich's new Director of Legislative Policy Alan Friedman and the MML Legislative Committee on Wednesday, February 1:

“When asked about the land use and growth issue, Mr. Friedman stated that, "The administration is sorry that MACo is going after MML." According to Mr. Friedman, it is obvious that growth is an issue and Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Department of Environment have recognized growth issues. Mr. Friedman also said that the administration recognizes that planning is primarily a local issue and they are hopeful that the organizations can work it out.”

MML Legislative Chairman and Rockville Mayor Larry Giammo: “noted that it is unfair for the counties to attempt to shift the blame for crowded roads and schools to the municipalities and MACo's efforts to derail annexation are merely a smokescreen to hide the fact that counties are also responsible for controlling growth.”

As many requested, the arguments for both points of view (the MML and Maryland Association of Counties) are presented below – in their own words.

The Maryland Association of Counties’ website supports the legislation by stating:

“Annexation is increasingly becoming a mechanism to circumvent county land use policies and laws.

The problem has become more pronounced recently as developers more frequently partner with municipalities to annex large tracts for intense development. This practice arises from the existing annexation law denying county perspectives meaningful weight in annexation decisions.

To create a fair balance the existing annexation law must be refined to provide reasonable deference to adopted county land use policies and affected citizen concerns.

Annexations should be subject to all statutory Smart Growth standards now applicable to counties and development on annexed property should be consistent with county adequate public facility laws and zoning.

And, existing referendum rights should be extended to citizens living outside the annexing municipality, but proximate to the boundary of the property to be annexed, with a county having the ability to initiative a referendum not just in the property to be annexed, but also in the municipality.”

From the MML point of view, again, in their own words, in the beginning of February 2006, the MML explained its position on planning for growth:

“To better control growth and encourage mutual land use communication and cooperation between municipalities and counties, MML supports the establishment of joint municipal-county planning agreements and the development of growth boundaries around both incorporated and unincorporated population centers. This ensures that all parties are in agreement pursuant to future population allocation between incorporated and unincorporated areas.”

The MML continued by saying:

“According to MACo, growth boundaries should be established ONLY around incorporated cities and towns. Why shouldn’t counties also be required to establish growth boundaries around unincorporated areas such as Towson, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Waldorf, Kent Island, Columbia, Crofton, Germantown, Beltsville, Catonsville, Ocean Pines, Glen Burnie, Edgewater. MACo’s bill would do nothing to address out of control growth around these and other unincorporated population centers in the State.”

“Counties are not required by law to establish growth boundaries in county comprehensive master plans. Shouldn’t growth around unincorporated population centers also be accountable, responsible and subject to public input and scrutiny? If it makes sense for municipalities to establish growth boundaries, why shouldn’t counties also be required to do the same?”

“It is important that a distinction be made between annexation and growth. The issue is not annexation - the issue is growth. Restricting annexation will not restrict growth. Growth will simply occur in rural areas of the State on well and septic systems instead of around existing population centers on wastewater treatment plants.”

Finally, the MML offers this information:

“In 1990, excluding Baltimore City, 2.7% of Maryland's total land mass was located inside municipal borders. As of the year 2004, that percentage has increased to 3.3% in total land mass located within municipal boundaries. This represents an increase in total municipal landmass of just over 0.5% in the past fourteen years.”

There you have it. Both sides, in their own words.

This legislation, will at some time in the future, affect almost each and every Tentacle reader. If you have profound feelings about this legislation, now is the best time to weigh in.

Contact information on the Senate Education Health and Environmental Matters Committee is found at: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/com/02eco.html.

Contact information on the House Environmental Matters Committee can be found at: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/04env.html.

Maryland General Assembly Opera, Maryland Municipal League, Maryland Association of Counties

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at: kdayhoff(at)carr.org

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20060224 Kelly’s Dream Deferred by Kevin E. Dayhoff

Kelly’s Dream Deferred by Kevin E. Dayhoff February 24, 2006

Related:

Another Case of Cronyism in the Ehrlich Administration by Progressive Maryland: Gov. Ehrlich has been called on his cronyism once again, this time in Allegany County. His nominee for Allegany’s District Court bench, friend and former colleague Del. Kevin Kelly, has been judged unfit for the job and summarily rejected by a judicial nominating commission made up of the governor's own appointees. The Allegany lock, The Baltimore Sun

Or find it here: 20060218 Another Case of Cronyism Progressive MD

Baltimore Sun: 20050828 Politics fills space around judicial vacancy by David Nitkin and Jennifer Skalka

20060217 “Vacant judge position filled” By David Nitkin

Vacant judge position filled Ehrlich picks Cumberland solicitor for seat that had been empty since 2004 By David Nitkin Sun reporter February 17, 2006

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. has filled the longest judicial vacancy on a district court in Maryland, but not with a friend from the General Assembly who wanted the position.

*****

Kelly’s Dream Deferred by Kevin E. Dayhoff February 24, 2006

On February 16, it became official that a longstanding friend of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., conservative Western Maryland Democratic Del. Kevin Kelly, would not have his name submitted to fill the judicial vacancy of the District Court of Maryland for Allegany County.

In the political arena where disappointment is frequently greeted by silence and friends who stare at the floor, folks often don’t heed what Martin Luther King once said: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Many Tentacle readers are aware of the hard work of Delegate Kelly and were disappointed to learn that he was not to be referred to in the future as Judge Kelly.

As a newly minted elected municipal official in the late 1990s, I have fond memories of those folks who were friendly and helpful as I tried to unravel the byzantine rituals of the Maryland General Assembly. Perhaps, first among equals in that helpful group was Delegate Kelly.

Most members of the Frederick and Carroll County delegations were very supportive.

Several of the other names that quickly come to mind when I think of friendly folks who went out of their way to lend a hand were: Del. Brian R. Moe (D., Anne Arundel/PG); Del. Bennett Bozman (D., Wicomico/Worcester); Del. Norman H. Conway (D., Wicomico/Worcester); Sen. Donald F. Munson (R., Washington); then-Del. Charles McClenahan (R., Somerset, Wicomico & Worchester); and Judge Paul G. Goetzke, then Annapolis city attorney.

Always quick with a smile and a joke, Delegate Kelly went out of his way on several occasions to help when I barely knew the difference between the House Environmental Matters and Economic Matters Committees.

Many had lost track of this current sideshow, since the judicial vacancy for the District Court of Maryland for Allegany County has been unfilled since the fall of 2004. It was announced last Friday that Delegate Kelly was passed over for H. Jack Price, Jr., the city solicitor for the mayor and city council of Cumberland since 1990.

[…]

Read my entire column here: Kelly’s Dream Deferred by Kevin E. Dayhoff February 24, 2006

20060224 Kelly’s Dream Deferred by Kevin E. Dayhoff

####

20060217 “Vacant judge position filled” By David Nitkin

Vacant judge position filled

Ehrlich picks Cumberland solicitor for seat that had been empty since 2004

By David Nitkin Sun reporter February 17, 2006

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. has filled the longest judicial vacancy on a district court in Maryland, but not with a friend from the General Assembly who wanted the position.

The governor has named H. Jack Price, solicitor for the city of Cumberland since 1990 and a private practice lawyer, to a seat on the Allegany County District Court.

Price, 50, fills a vacancy created when Judge Paul J. Stakem announced his retirement in 2004.

[…]

Kelly submitted his name to a nominating panel but was found not qualified for the position. After meeting in December 2004, the panel submitted three names to the governor, but Ehrlich waited until yesterday before announcing the selection.

Meanwhile, criminal cases backed up in the district court - to the consternation of many courthouse veterans.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Vacant judge position filled

20060217 “Vacant judge position filled” By David Nitkin

####

20060218 Another Case of Cronyism Progressive MD

Another Case of Cronyism in the Ehrlich Administration by Progressive Maryland

Retrieved February 18, 2006

Gov. Ehrlich has been called on his cronyism once again, this time in Allegany County. His nominee for Allegany’s District Court bench, friend and former colleague Del. Kevin Kelly, has been judged unfit for the job and summarily rejected by a judicial nominating commission made up of the governor's own appointees. The Allegany lock, The Baltimore Sun

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.kelly04sep04,1,3587363.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines

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

20060218 Another Case of Cronyism Progressive MD

20060205 Pocomoke City State of Pocomoke City report by Mayor Michael McDermott

Pocomoke City State of Pocomoke City report by Mayor Michael McDermott

State of the City Report

By Michael A. McDermott, Mayor

(Downloaded February 5^th, 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 Pocomoke City. The coming year will see further changes and transitioning, but my commitment to an open, approachable government will continue to guide our actions.

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 Pocomoke City develops as an incubator for space based and other advancing technologies. This is one of the biggest opportunities projected in the region, and it is right in our own backyard. We will work closely with Worcester County and the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a strong environment conducive for this emerging technology.

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 Worcester County which would develop land around the 4^th Street MAC Center as a park. We are also exploring the creation of a Skate/Bike Park to meet the needs of our community.

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 Pocomoke Garden Club and the Downtown Association to further this process.

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 Pocomoke City never looked brighter.

For more information on the happenings in Pocomoke City, please visit our website at cityofpocomoke.com.

20060203 HoCo Hayduke: New protocols on nonfunctioning traffic lights

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 Howard County police department have enough officers to address all the intersections that may be impacted by a widespread power failure?

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...

HoCo Hayduke

Friday, February 03, 2006

New protocol...

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 Columbia last month, Howard County police will require officers to stay at nonfunctioning signals until they are fixed or until a stop sign or another temporary device is taken to the scene.

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...

Westminster should rethink partnership Letters to the Editor for Sat., Jan. 28, 2006

Letters to the Editor for Saturday, January 28, 2006

Westminster should rethink partnership

Editor:

Thank you for John Westerman's Jan. 21 article on Estonia and its recent refusal to prosecute Harry Mannil.

I have been troubled by Westminster's strong association with Estonia for several years for another reason. Disturbing to me is the fact that the financing of our municipality's partnership program with that country is kept from the public record.

Since the Westminster/Estonia Partnership's money is handled by a powerful local non-profit, financial records like donor lists and expenditures abroad are unavailable for public examination. Yet Westminster City Hall employees, on city time, travel there. Any taxpayers' questions about costs at city council meetings I have been present at have not been well received or explained. We have recently seen in the news the possibly problematic relationship between government and non-profits.

Now we are facing some troubling international news about the justice system in Estonia.

To understand the hunt for Mannil, one has to understand who his hunter is and who Evald Mikson was. Dr. Efraim Zuroff is director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem, a world respected human rights organization, and he is its coordinator on Nazi War Crimes Research.

Zuroff considers Mannil to be one of the top 10 Nazi war criminals left living. It was while investigating another Estonian, Evald Mikson, Mannil's unit leader, that Mannil's name first surfaced.

Briefly, Mikson had served as deputy chief of the Estonian Political Police in Tallinn and as leader of the fascist Omakaitse vigilante squads in the Vonnu district during World War II.

Zuroff wrote in his 1998 paper, "anti-Semitism in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia," that "These units assisted the Nazi invasion in July 1941 and helped round up and slaughter Jews. In January 1942 the Nazi leadership reported that Estonia was judenfrei."

Zuroff discovered Mikson living in Iceland. The evidence he presented convinced the Icelandic Justice Ministry to seek a criminal murder case against Mikson, but Mikson died before he could be tried in Reykjavik. But before his death, Mikson revealed the Venezuelan whereabouts of former squad member Mannil.

It must be also considered that Mannil has grown extremely wealthy in the auto parts business in South America, where he fled in 1943 and where he still lives. He is a heavy monetary contributor to his homeland, Estonia. His financial success is considered a source of pride by the Estonian government. He is listed in the current Famous People of Estonia as "policeman and philanthropist." However, our own Justice Department doesn't allow him to walk on U.S. soil.

Perhaps it is time for our mayor and city council to examine the cost to all taxpayers of the city's four-year entanglement with Estonia. After reading the Mannil saga, I believe even more strongly that it is time for our city elected officials to do some important soul searching.

Rebekah Orenstein

Westminster

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2006/01/28/news/opinion/letters/letters28.txt

20060128 Westminster should rethink partnership rocctltte
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

20060118 Westminster Municipal Band looks to 2006

Ending year on musical note, Municipal Band looks to 2006

01/18/06 by Kevin Dayhoff Special to The Eagle

Photo: Members of the Westminster Municipal Band make their way along the parade route in Kingsville during the 2004 Independence Day Parade. File photo by Mike Buscher.

It's gray and cold outside, and spring concerts and summer parades seem so far away, but on a recent Monday, the Westminster Municipal Band started warming up for another busy 2006 schedule.

"We had a great year in 2005," said Sandy Miller, who has been the band director since March 2000.

Sandy has been in the band for about 15 years with her husband, Dave, who plays the trumpet and fills in as the drum major occasionally.

The Millers are one of many husband-and-wife teams in the band. She plays the clarinet - when she's not out front and waving a baton, that is.

"We're looking forward to an even greater year in 2006," said Scott Flohr, a band member since 1978. When he is not playing the trombone, he also handles responsibilities as the band's vice president.

Flohr said he "takes a great deal of pride in being part of a community tradition that goes back to the 1800s É and I can't tell ya how much fun it is to play in the band."

According to the band's Web site, the organization was formed in 1893 as the Westminster City Band. The site's history of the band notes that in 1916, many members of the band went into the Maryland National Guard under the heading 'First Regimental Band of Maryland National Guard,' and were sent to the Mexican Border. In 1918, the band even went to France during World War I. The band reorganized in 1950 under the current name Westminster Municipal Band.

The Web site adds that "a Color Guard was added in 1957 and is now the trademark that separates us" from other bands.

Westminster Common Councilwoman Suzanne Albert said she always enjoys hearing the band.

"I hear great compliments on how well the band performs and represents the city throughout the state," she said. "They always look so sharp marching up the street. ... I'm particularly impressed with the color guard."

Band president Greg Wantz, who started with the organization in 1978, is another example of the many "band families."

His wife, Karen, carries the band banner; brother Steve is the band's drum major; mom plays the saxophone and dad, Jim, plays the trombone.

"The band has been a family tradition for over 40 years," he said.

"We had many memorable performances in 2005, including the August community concert at Belle Grove Square, winning first place at the annual state fire fighters' convention in Ocean City and the Fourth of July parades in Catonsville and Havre de Grace," Wantz said.

"Huge crowds," he said. "Great publicity for Westminster."

Band treasurer Delbert Myerly plays drums, and said, "I joined the band around 1960. It's a good group of men and women who love to play music. We come together like family and have a lot of fun."

Myerly also seizes every opportunity to drum up some donations for the band.

"We're a nonprofit and always looking for contributions," she said.

Band drum major Steve Wantz echoed what many band members said: "the one big highlight of 2005 was dedicating our newly renovated band home on May 15, 2005" on John Street.

Wantz said that for most of the history of the band, members rehearsed on the third floor of the old firehouse on Main Street or on the second floor of the Stone Building - above "B's Coffee Shoppe" on Liberty Street.

The fire company moved in 1998, and O'Lordan's Irish Pub now occupies the Stone Building. The band was homeless for several years.

Working with the Westminster Fire Department and city government, band members rolled up their sleeves, set aside their instruments and performed with shovels, hammers and screwdrivers for many months to get their new home ready.

According to Flohr, George West served as the renovation project manager, assisted by Jim Wantz; and Jay Markle was the head carpenter. Blaine Flickinger was chief electrician.

Flohr said he is also happy to now have a garage for the band's 1947 Chevrolet panel truck used to transport equipment to band events.

In 2005, the band played in 37 events. Just before Christmas, at its annual band member recognition event, Mike Mora, Chris Crofoot, Mike Buffington, Larry Myers, Tony LaRose, Eric Utermahlen, Gene White, Brandy Simpson, Sue Mora, Joan Magnant, Dave Miller and Charlie Simpson were all recognized for attending the most band events and rehearsals in 2005.

"We're all one big family. We're proud to represent Westminster," said Greg Wantz.

"It's a great satisfaction marching up the street celebrating a great family tradition and our community," Miller said.

Both Miller and Wantz noted that the band is always looking for new members and donations.

And although the band probably won't be going to France or the Mexican border this year, fans can stay tuned with their schedule at www.westminsterband.com, or by calling 410-848-8852 or 410-857-0344.

E-mail Kevin Dayhoff at kdayhoff AT carr.org.

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20060111 Open Season I Love You You Love Me

Open Season I Love You You Love Me

By Kevin Dayhoff January 11, 2006 6 PM

Today was open season, err - opening day for the Maryland General Assembly (MGA).

I arrived early in Annapolis. Partially because I wanted to see if I could stop by and see a few elected officials and get some bearings on the day and upcoming session in general. And to be sure to get a parking spot in a nearby parking garage.

If you are considering visiting the Maryland General Assembly during the current session that lasts until April 10, 2006, please take a look at: Helpful Hints for 2006 Maryland General Assembly visitors and familiarize yourself with the security procedures.

Not everyone can easily make it down to Annapolis so you may want to check out: Listen to the Maryland General Assembly. At this web site, you can listen to the proceedings on your computer. I believe the sessions are available live. I usually go through the pull down list and listen to past sessions that are available to be heard.

I then proceeded to check off the next big item on my checklist – coffee. I am not a morning person and leaving Westminster at 7:30 AM was not pretty. At this point, I usually sleep walk over to “City Dock Coffee” within very easy walking distance of the Statehouse at 18 market Street.

After obtaining coffee, I found a place to sit in the Statehouse and decided to see if I could find any wireless access. I found a site – but needed a password to get in. I haven’t a clue as to whether that password will be available to members of the press. That will be a future exploration.

If I remember correctly, there is internet access down in the pressroom, on the basement floor of the Statehouse. I didn’t go near there today. The Statehouse was packed with media and I didn’t need wireless from Annapolis today.

A new House of Delegates Office building is being built and apparently, it is running behind schedule. On the House side, the chaos of construction was omnipresent. A visitor was not allowed street-access to the House office building because of construction. In order to get into the House office building, you had to enter the Legislative Services building off Lawyer’s Mall, which is directly in front of the Statehouse. Once inside you went down one floor on the elevator and walked through the tunnel over to the House office building.

I have always been fascinated with the interconnecting tunnels. I have not a clue as to when they were built or any knowledge of their history. I have it noted to research this in the future.

The Statehouse has a tunnel that goes over to the Legislative Services building. From there you can walk, by tunnel over to both the Senate office building and the House office building. This is great to know when the weather is bad, as it so often is for the next ninety days.

As far as catching up with some elected officials before the opening session began at 12 noon – forget it. Not an elected official was to be found. They were all in meetings.

Oh, I did run across Harford County Executive David Craig and his beautiful wife Melinda. I consider David to be a good friend. When I was the Mayor of Westminster, he was the Mayor of Havre de Grace. He has a long history of being an elected official and is very wise and knowledgeable. In the past, he has been a Havre De Grace Councilmember and mayor. He has also served in the Maryland Senate and recently he was appointed Harford county executive when former executive Jim Harkins was appointed to head up MES – Maryland Environmental Services, by Governor Ehrlich.

Finding no elected officials, I made my way back to the Statehouse.

I arrived early to the press area in the House chambers, thinking that I would get a good seat. What was I thinking?

First of all – the press tables had been replaced with a number of rows of chairs for dignitaries. What space remained for the press was – well, very little. Almost non-existent. We all managed. But it was an endurance contest. We all stood for the ninety minutes of the opening session.

The opening session began at exactly 12 noon. I mean, exactly.

After a very very short opening prayer, the first order of business was the election of the Speaker Pro Tem. Piece of cake. Adrienne Jones (D – Dist. 10 Baltimore County) was nominated from the floor; seconded and unanimously accepted by voice vote. Delegate Jones has been a member of House of Delegates since October 21, 1997. She was first elected to be the Speaker Pro Tem in the 2003 legislative session.

So far – so good. Perhaps the spirit of Barney was present? It was a gritted-teeth love-in. All smiles and hugs. Can you sing: “I love you, you love me?”

As I wrote in my Tentacle column for this Thursday, January 12th, 2005: “The Kool-Aid Acid Test:”

“Maybe it is time that we ask for all the delegates and senators to go down several days early for group therapy in problem identification and conflict negotiation counseling? Or arrange for a guest appearance of Barney, the Purple Dinosaur, to lead the opening session in a rousing chorus of “I Love You – You Love Me.”

I asked a colleague who was mashed against me in the press area: “How long the love-in will last?” His prediction – 45 minutes.

He was wrong. It lasted about 12 minutes or until the time came to elect the Speaker of the House. This is when everyone started to squirm in his or her seats. The purpose of opening day is to be very friendly and ceremonial. It is universally accepted that there be no blood left on the floor the first day.

It is in that spirit, that the other day, the Republican Caucus had approached Speaker of the House Michael Erin Busch (D - Dist. 30 Anne Arundel County), to facilitate accepting a floor nomination for House Minority Leader, George C. Edwards (R - Dist. 1A, Garrett & Allegany Counties), to be Speaker of the House. Delegate Edwards has been a member of House of Delegates since January 12, 1983. He has been Minority Leader since the 2003 legislative session. Delegate Edwards didn’t have a snowball chance in heck in being elected, but the Republicans wanted to have the satisfaction of having an election instead of a plebiscite.
The Republican Caucus got three answers: no. No. NO!

I explained this in the “The Kool-Aid Acid Test:”

“For those of you following along in your books at home – there are 141 delegates in the Maryland General Assembly. Ninety-eight are Democrats – so I guess there is a good chance that the Democrats will elect ah, let’s think about this – a Democrat to be the Speaker of the House. Gee, brilliant deduction, eh?”

Michael Erin Busch (D - Dist. 30 Anne Arundel County) was nominated and seconded. When the voice vote was called, Speaker Pro Tem recognized House Minority Leader, George C. Edwards, who requested a roll call vote.

In other words, he asked that the votes for the speaker election be recorded on the huge tally board that overlooks the chamber. Surprise, Delegate Busch was elected by a vote of 95 to 34. Yes, for those math wizards reading along at home; that totals 129. There was an absence or two, but all the Republicans in the Anne Arundel contingent did not vote, perhaps appropriately, out of respect for their fellow county colleague.
Dignitaries were recognized and there was a moving series of tributes paid to the very popular Delegate Tony E. Fulton (D – District 40 Baltimore City,) who had passed way last May 20, 2005.

There were also some remarks by Speaker of the House Busch and Governor Ehrlich…

The “Calendar of Vetoed Duplicative Bills” on the “Consent Calendar #1” was put to a vote. These are the House bills that were approved in the last session of the legislature, but were for various reasons, duplicative. They are routinely vetoed by the governor and the House routinely votes to sustain the veto.

The “Calendar of Vetoed Policy Bills #2” was special ordered until Friday. In other words – they will vote on them on Friday instead of on opening day.

The ninety minutes went by quickly and at approximately 1:30 PM, it was all over.

The large lobby area between the House and Senate chambers was packed with opening day visitors. It is an interesting ritual. Media folks hunted down various elected officials for the obligatory “Opening Day in Annapolis” pieces.

One of the better primers for the opening of the 421st session of the Maryland General Assembly was written by my boss at the Westminster Eagle. Can you say: “suck-up?” Whatever. Please see his editorial: “A few key issues could set mood.” In part he wrote:

“While we hope for the best, there are a few keys issues facing the assembly that could give us an indication of whether partisan politics will rule in Annapolis.”

Another good piece on opening day and this year’s legislative session is today’s Frederick News Post article by Clifford G. Cumber: General Assembly gets ready to rumble. Writing for the Gazette, Doug Tallman and Thomas Dennison always do a good job covering the Maryland General Assembly. Their preview on opening day can be found at: As session dawns, veto overrides in play

For a good primer on the weekly “progress” of the Maryland General Assembly, please begin with reading General Assembly Journal 2006 - Part 1 and A 2006 Session Primer by Richard B. Weldon, Jr. (R – Dist. 3B, Frederick & Washington Counties.) Delegate Weldon had been writing a weekly commentary about his experiences in the Maryland General Assembly, ever since he first started representing Washington and Frederick counties in January 2003.

Other web sites that you may wish to visit are: Fired Up Maryland, Soccer Dad and The Hedgehog Report… to mention a few… Fired Up Maryland usually takes the Democratic Party point of view and Soccer Dad and The Hedgehog Report usually takes a conservative point of view. The Hedgehop Report also reports on many Howard County politics.

In the future, you may want to go and read the coverage of Bryan P. Sears in the Towson Times.

One of the best-kept secrets in political writing these days is the work of Justin Palk with the Carroll County Times. Mr. Palk has covered the Maryland General Assembly for four years… This will be his fourth year. Three years with the Carroll County Times and one year with the Capital News Service. For a short, quick and accurate view of the day-to-day reporting of the MGA, you will have a hard time finding better reporting.

I’d like to try and get down to Annapolis personally as often as possible, and bring you the latest on the Maryland General Assembly. Between personal trips, I’ll bring you as many updates as time will allow.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
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20060109 Credit Where Its Due Online by Greg Lindsay - MediaBistro

Credit Where Its Due Online

January 9^th, 2006

I’ve received the t-shirt on this issue… More when I get a chance to explain…

I read with great interest the article by Greg Lindsay – January 9, 2006 on MediaBistro: “Credit Where It's Due: Online.”

You will find it interesting also. For other posts about the phenomena of on-line journalists working hard and breaking stories or adding insight to a fast moving story; only to have the main stream media pick it up and not properly attribute the material – click on: Media Commentary MSM Give credit where credit is due

Mr. Lindsey wrote a thoughtful and lengthy analysis so be sure to click on their permalink and read the entire piece. It is obvious that he put a great deal of time and thought into what he wrote. And all of us toiling away thank him…

Credit Where It's Due: Online

When independent journalists and bloggers break news, traditional media is not always eager to attribute

By Greg Lindsay – January 9, 2006

Rafat Ali was upset. On September 20, 2005, he'd broken the story on his website, PaidContent.org, that Viacom was close to swooping up the online film and digital content company iFilm for around $50 million. PaidContent scooped the mainstream press and even the trades like Variety by hours—an eternity in the online news business.

But the next day, a brief, unbylined story appeared on The Wall Street Journal Online with news of the potential deal, attributing its information to "people familiar with the situation." The fact that the news had appeared on PaidContent hours before wasn't mentioned. Ali hit the roof.

Unlike The Wall Street Journal, PaidContent has been a one-person operation for most of its nearly four years of existence. Ali started in the site in late 2002 after stints at Inside.com and Jason Calacanis' pre-blogging ventures. Ali began covering digital content on his own, eventually building a small business that today has some support staff and a co-editor.

He'd also become sufficiently sourced up to break scoops like Viacom & iFilm, or the news back in August that Amazon intended to launch a digital music store, which, come to think of it, The Wall Street Journal also borrowed from PaidContent without attribution. After some indignant emails, the editors fixed the story. But now, a month later, WSJ had done it again.

Tired and angry, Ali posted a note on his site at two in the morning calling out Paul Steiger—the Journal's managing editor—and his top online deputies for the theft of his story. "Shame on you, Paul Steiger, Gordon Crovitz, and Bill Grueskin (and whoever edits the media section, and writes these stories)," he wrote, "…teach yourself and your journalists some ethics on crediting. Your reporter was not up till 2 AM in the night confirming and writing this...I was."

Someone was listening. The Journal's corrected its story later that day on its site with a note high in the story that read: "News of the talks was reported earlier by the Web site paidcontent.org," plus a link to the site.

I’ve already quoted too much – read the rest here: Credit Where It's Due: Online. It gets better and better…

Thank you Mr. Lindsey.

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20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award

20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

December 29, 2005 by Kevin Dayhoff

Writers note: A shorter version of this article titled, “CFCC on lookout for good deeds in honoring philanthropists” appeared in the Westminster Eagle on 01/05/06

“Charitable giving comes from the heart and mirrors the soul. Community philanthropists deserve to be recognized,” said Kathy Brown, the Director of Shepherd’s Staff as she multi-tasked at the front desk, answering questions and waiting on customers.

“It’s marvelous what the Foundation is doing for families in Carroll County.”

Brown was referring to a recent announcement that the Community Foundation of Carroll County (CFCC) is looking for “nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Audrey Cimino, CFCC executive director noted, “This is something we have wanted to do for quite sometime. We want to recognize those heroes who give of their time and money to make a better community. And it’s not always the huge donations – it is the accumulation of all the small donations that make things happen. You could not put a price on the volunteerism hours.”

According their website, CFCC is an umbrella organization to facilitate philanthropic activities in Carroll County since 1993. That is when a steering committee of “James Wise, Arthur Valenzano, Calvin Seitz, Peggie Roland, Donald Hull, George Giese, William Gering, and Audrey Cimino, began the process of making the Community Foundation of Carroll County a reality.”

“Beginning with a gift of sixty thousand dollars from the Estate of Rosa B. Null, a Hampstead, Maryland resident, the Community Foundation has grown to 3.4 million dollars in endowments, operations funds, scholarships and funds managed for other community organizations.”

The press release announcing the new awards program states: “The Community Foundation of Carroll County is requesting nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Cimino said in the announcement, this “is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-tradition of honoring the philanthropic efforts of Carroll County residents and businesses. Often, the long-term impact of those efforts is not recognized. Our goal is to honor and thank those in our local community who consistently respond to needs with generosity and leadership.”

CFCC marketing chair Fred Teeter gives a lot of credit to CFCC Board Chair Linda Ryan for “getting behind this effort and giving it some legs. “The Foundation came up with this project because there is no countywide recognition program to recognize philanthropists in [Carroll] County. The objective is to award an individual or family, a business, an organization, and a youth who exemplify the spirit of giving through financial support, and volunteerism.”

“Through its partnership with the Carroll County Times,” CFCC will recognize Carroll philanthropists “during the first annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards program on April 5, 2006,” the announcement continued.

Hampstead mayor Haven Shoemaker thinks the award program “is a fantastic idea.”

When asked what private sector contributions means to municipalities, Shoemaker, president of the Carroll Chapter of the MD Municipal League said, “town governments can’t do it alone… [Hampstead] is just all-local government… We operate on a shoestring budget and without philanthropy; taxes would be a lot higher than they already are. For example, we really appreciate the Hampstead Lion’s Club providing citizens with recreation, baseball programs, and the like…”

“Charitable donations mean everything to us,” Brown said, referring to Shepherd’s staff, a Westminster based Christian outreach and emergency support center. “We depend on the charity giving of the community because we don’t accept any county state or federal funding.”

Commissioner Perry Jones said, “The generosity of the community has been critical to Carroll County being the great place that it is for all our families. Carroll is very fortunate to have the Community Foundation.”

Timmi Pierce, the new executive director of the Historical Society of Carroll County remarked that she had already discussed with her staff who to nominate. “Volunteerism is really a core element for a community. Carroll County has a rich history of generosity in the community that goes to back to the founding of the county.”

A nomination form must be completed in its entirety for each nominee, and mailed to the Community Foundation of Carroll County, P.O. Box 170, Westminster, MD 21158, postmarked by Thursday, January 12, 2006. Nomination forms are available on the web at www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org or by contacting Lisa Aughenbaugh, CFCC Project Manager, 410-876-8772 or Fred Teeter, 866-775-2185.

Forms are also available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157, during regular business hours.

20060106 Security Badge

Security Badge

The Winchester Report

By Kevin Dayhoff January 6, 2006 6 PM

Today was the day I had set aside to travel to Annapolis, present my press credentials, and be processed for a security badge.

Thanks to the Westminster Eagle and Patuxent Publishing Co, I may very well be the first blogger to be credentialed in Annapolis. I should mention that Patuxent Publishing Company is owned by Tribune, which also owns the Baltimore Sun.

For a really interesting piece on the affect of blogging and the internet media on government and state-level politics, please read the “Cover Story/Politics & Technology” of the July 2005 issue of Governing magazine, “Instant Influence” by Christopher Swope. Mr. Swopes invites the reader to review his piece with an opening line, which reads: “A new generation of web scribes is shaking up state capitol politics.”

Also of interest is an article entitled: “Web logs challenging mainstream media” by Ryan Pitts, in the Spokane Spokesman-Review on Thursday, October 14, 2004. Unfortunately, I did not get the URL address of the article when I clipped it and they have a paywall in front of their archives… It mentions Matthew Testa and Scott Hollenbeck from Westminster:

"Of the ones I've checked out, blogs are poorly written and boring diaries," said Matthew Testa of Westminster.”

"I trust the blogs because they are open and upfront about who they are," said Scott Hellenbeck (sic) of Westminster. "They don't have to make the big money like networks do, so they have different priorities and have to earn their audience."

I have enjoyed working with both gentlemen… Matthew, I hope that this blog is not one of those “poorly written and boring diaries.”

The process of getting my security badge was painless and quick. There were only a few folks in line. The Department of General Services police were very courteous and helpful. It took – perhaps 15 minutes. Of course, the picture for the badge is almost as bad as the photo on my driver’s license. Whatever.

I’m glad that my security badge identifies me as “media.” I would hate to have to wear a badge that identified me as a “lobbyist” – shades of Nathaniel Hawthorne and “The Scarlet Letter” - Salem, Massachusetts in the1630s under the leadership of Speaker Busch – err, John Winthrop.

Although considering the Maryland General Assembly majority party’s intolerance of dissenting ideas – perhaps mentioning The Scarlet Letter was Freudian:

“The religious sect was known for its intolerance of dissenting ideas and lifestyles. In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses the repressive, authoritarian Puritan society as an analogue for humankind in general. The Puritan setting also enables him to portray the human soul under extreme -pressures. Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, while unquestionably part of the Puritan society in which they live, also reflect universal experiences. (Cite)

In the past, I had a badge that identified me as an elected official and that badge was also quite helpful. Otherwise, standing in the lines to get through the checkpoints can be time consuming. Especially since, I always have a laptop and briefcase… And I’m always running late. I’ve gotten to know quite a few folks down there and every trip down the hall is measured in however many ‘conversation stops’ it takes. I guess this is a good thing – I mean it’s better than being ignored…

There have been a few articles written about the issue of security passes in Annapolis – in the last year. Since the decisions about security issues are being made by several pay grades above mine, I’m not sure what my 2 cents is worth. Besides, in the post 9/11 world, safety is an overriding concern.

Richard B. Weldon, Jr. (R – Dist. 3B, Frederick & Washington Counties) had a thing or two to say about the security badges in his piece: General Assembly Journal 2006 - Part 1.

Recently, on January 1, 2006, David Nitkin, with the Baltimore Sun, wrote a piece on the issue called “Lobbyists get a pass on lines.”

Unfortunately, the Baltimore Sun does not use permalinks, so the hyperlink will probably not work. The first several paragraphs of his piece are:

“A new security system in Annapolis means that visitors should expect longer lines outside the State House and other government buildings when the General Assembly session begins this month.

But most Annapolis lobbyists won't be waiting in them.

The professional State House lobbying corps, which boasts 14 members who earned more than $500,000 in 2004, has managed to preserve its rapid access to the historic capitol complex, overturning an earlier decision that would have made them stand outside and pass through metal detectors like day visitors.

The Maryland Department of General Services, which provides security at state buildings, had first determined that lobbyists should not receive the same entry privileges as the governor, the first lady, lawmakers, legislative services workers and members of the news media.

But some of the most powerful players in Annapolis, including former legislators who now work as lobbyists, refused to accept a decision handed down in November.

"I went ballistic. A couple of other people went ballistic," said lobbyist Bruce C. Bereano. "We brought pressure to bear and turned it around."

A few weeks after the fall ruling, state officials changed the regulation and decided that registered lobbyists can bypass the police and security equipment at the entrance to government buildings. The privilege will go only to those who are registered with the Maryland State Ethics Commission, undergo a background check and pay a $50 fee for their badges.

Among those fighting to maintain rapid access was Barbara A. Hoffman, the former chairwoman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee who became a lobbyist after a 2002 election defeat.”

Next trip to Annapolis is for Opening Day – The second Wednesday of every January – January 11, 2006, this year.

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20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award

20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

December 29, 2005 by Kevin Dayhoff

Writers note: A shorter version of this article titled, “CFCC on lookout for good deeds in honoring philanthropists” appeared in the Westminster Eagle on 01/05/06

“Charitable giving comes from the heart and mirrors the soul. Community philanthropists deserve to be recognized,” said Kathy Brown, the Director of Shepherd’s Staff as she multi-tasked at the front desk, answering questions and waiting on customers.

“It’s marvelous what the Foundation is doing for families in Carroll County.”

Brown was referring to a recent announcement that the Community Foundation of Carroll County (CFCC) is looking for “nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Audrey Cimino, CFCC executive director noted, “This is something we have wanted to do for quite sometime. We want to recognize those heroes who give of their time and money to make a better community. And it’s not always the huge donations – it is the accumulation of all the small donations that make things happen. You could not put a price on the volunteerism hours.”

According their website, CFCC is an umbrella organization to facilitate philanthropic activities in Carroll County since 1993. That is when a steering committee of “James Wise, Arthur Valenzano, Calvin Seitz, Peggie Roland, Donald Hull, George Giese, William Gering, and Audrey Cimino, began the process of making the Community Foundation of Carroll County a reality.”

“Beginning with a gift of sixty thousand dollars from the Estate of Rosa B. Null, a Hampstead, Maryland resident, the Community Foundation has grown to 3.4 million dollars in endowments, operations funds, scholarships and funds managed for other community organizations.”

The press release announcing the new awards program states: “The Community Foundation of Carroll County is requesting nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Cimino said in the announcement, this “is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-tradition of honoring the philanthropic efforts of Carroll County residents and businesses. Often, the long-term impact of those efforts is not recognized. Our goal is to honor and thank those in our local community who consistently respond to needs with generosity and leadership.”

CFCC marketing chair Fred Teeter gives a lot of credit to CFCC Board Chair Linda Ryan for “getting behind this effort and giving it some legs. “The Foundation came up with this project because there is no countywide recognition program to recognize philanthropists in [Carroll] County. The objective is to award an individual or family, a business, an organization, and a youth who exemplify the spirit of giving through financial support, and volunteerism.”

“Through its partnership with the Carroll County Times,” CFCC will recognize Carroll philanthropists “during the first annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards program on April 5, 2006,” the announcement continued.

Hampstead mayor Haven Shoemaker thinks the award program “is a fantastic idea.”

When asked what private sector contributions means to municipalities, Shoemaker, president of the Carroll Chapter of the MD Municipal League said, “town governments can’t do it alone… [Hampstead] is just all-local government… We operate on a shoestring budget and without philanthropy; taxes would be a lot higher than they already are. For example, we really appreciate the Hampstead Lion’s Club providing citizens with recreation, baseball programs, and the like…”

“Charitable donations mean everything to us,” Brown said, referring to Shepherd’s staff, a Westminster based Christian outreach and emergency support center. “We depend on the charity giving of the community because we don’t accept any county state or federal funding.”

Commissioner Perry Jones said, “The generosity of the community has been critical to Carroll County being the great place that it is for all our families. Carroll is very fortunate to have the Community Foundation.”

Timmi Pierce, the new executive director of the Historical Society of Carroll County remarked that she had already discussed with her staff who to nominate. “Volunteerism is really a core element for a community. Carroll County has a rich history of generosity in the community that goes to back to the founding of the county.”

A nomination form must be completed in its entirety for each nominee, and mailed to the Community Foundation of Carroll County, P.O. Box 170, Westminster, MD 21158, postmarked by Thursday, January 12, 2006. Nomination forms are available on the web at www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org or by contacting Lisa Aughenbaugh, CFCC Project Manager, 410-876-8772 or Fred Teeter, 866-775-2185.

Forms are also available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157, during regular business hours.

20060105 Enemy Imaging

Enemy Imaging

January 5, 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff (1,127 words)

Former Georgia Senator Max Cleland (D) has resurfaced in the news once again. In Maryland? What the heck is going on here?

Last month Governor Robert L. Ehrlich announced hiring Bo Harmon to be his political director for his re-election campaign. The Baltimore Sun ran an article on December 10, 2005, which said, in part:

“Maryland Democratic Party spokesman Derek Walker said he was shocked that the governor would hire Harmon, and compared the political director to Joseph F. Steffen Jr., the former Ehrlich aide who was fired after admitting to spreading rumors about Mayor Martin O'Malley.

Democrats here and in Georgia immediately criticized the hire, saying Ehrlich is bringing to Maryland a virtuoso of nastiness who attacked the patriotism of Cleland, an Army veteran who lost three limbs in Vietnam.”

The Sun continued its criticism by calling the readers’ attention to a negative ad run by Senator Cleland’s opponent in the 2002 Georgia Senate race.

The ad used, what is known in the business as “enemy imaging.” Identifying an opponent with a nefarious character. Sorta like, running a picture of Governor Ehrlich with a fired state employee – Mr. Steffen.

The only difference is that after many folks, understandably, criticized the Chambliss campaign ad, the ad was taken off the air, changed and ran without the nefarious character images.

In the MD4BUSH–Steffengate saga; long after it has been revealed that MD4BUSH was a political dirty trick by democrats for which it has been suggested that several members of the Maryland Democratic Party have lost their jobs; the Sun is still running the negative ad which ‘enemy images’ Governor Ehrlich with Mr. Steffen.

So what is the rest of the Senator Cleland story? He lost his 2002 senate re-election bid because of his liberal voting record while serving in the senate and representing a conservative constituency.

Rich Lowry, writing in National Review on February 20, 2004, “Max Cleland, Liberal Victim,” put it best.

Democrat Senator Cleland “was on record supporting countless tax increases, and voted with his party's leadership against protecting the Boy Scouts from a campaign to keep them out of public schools and against banning partial-birth abortion. In many of these votes, he parted ways with his more conservative and popular colleague Miller, thus creating a major political vulnerability. He lost fair and square.”

This is what happened.

Senator Cleland returned home from Vietnam terribly wounded with injuries that would stop anyone but Superman. But he didn’t let being disabled stop him and he worked hard to recover and continue to serve his community and his country.

It was said best in a poignant Washington Post article on July 3, 2003, entitled “Political Veteran.”

After Mr. Cleland returned home from recovering from his injuries, in “1970, at 28, he became the youngest person ever elected to the Georgia Senate. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed him to head the Veterans Administration. In 1982 he was elected as Georgia's secretary of state” and served until 1996.”

In 1996, when Senator Sam Nunn (D) decided to retire from the U.S. Senate after serving 24 years, Georgia Secretary of State Cleland tossed his hat in the ring. Senator Nunn had always been strong on national defense and Vietnam veteran Max Cleland seemed a perfect replacement.

He wasn’t.

In 1996, Mr. Cleland narrowly defeated his opponent, businessperson Guy Millner by 30,000 votes. He only got 49 percent of the vote.

Slate published an article by Michael Crowley on April 4, 2004 called: ““How the disabled war veteran became the Democrats' mascot.” It is not a poignant or deferential piece. Mr. Crowley wrote, “There was little reason to expect Cleland to be a star senator, and he wasn't.”

Of his 1996 campaign, Mr. Crowley wrote:

“In that campaign, Cleland made up for his lack of political skill—the Atlanta-Journal Constitution noted that he "has never been known as a deep thinker" and was prone to "platitudes" in debates—by harnessing the emotional power of his war injuries…”

After six years in the Senate, Senator Cleland’s re-election was in deep trouble at home. Although he could serve his southern constituency well enough on local Georgia issues, “Cleland's undoing was that he couldn't negotiate the dilemma facing many Southern Democrats — how to vote liberal in Washington while appearing conservative at home.” (Rich Lowry, February 20, 2004, “Max Cleland, Liberal Victim” National Review)

In the 2002 election, Senator Cleland was challenged by four-term conservative Republican congressman Saxby Chambliss, “who'd been elected in the "Contract With America" class of 1994.” (July 3, 2003, “Political Veteran” Washington Post)

Mr. Crowley wrote: “Most of Chambliss' attacks were based on Cleland's most "liberal" votes on social issues like partial-birth abortion. But in the race's closing weeks, Bush and Chambliss hammered at the fact that Cleland was voting with Senate Democrats against Bush's proposed Homeland Security Department because of its infamous provision limiting union rights. The message was that Cleland was kowtowing to big labor at the cost of protecting America.”

Then came those “GOP television ads.” They crossed the line. They were unnecessary and inappropriate and should have never been aired.

In the Washington Post July 3, 2003 article it was noted:

“both sides ran attack ads, but none was as controversial as Chambliss' homeland security spot. It opened with pictures of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. "As America faces terrorists and extremist dictators," said a narrator, "Max Cleland runs television ads claiming he has the courage to lead. He says he supports President Bush at every opportunity, but that's not the truth. Since July, Max Cleland voted against President Bush's vital homeland security efforts 11 times!"

After both democrats and republicans condemned the inappropriate ad, the ad was removed from the air.

Which brings us full circle. Since the Sun has brought it up. Beyond the issue of comparing how many articles the Baltimore Sun ran on MD4BUSH-Steffengate with how many articles it ran about the alleged criminal identity theft of Lt. Gov. Michael Steele’s personal financial records by Senator Schumer's staff at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee…

Now that MD4BUSH has been outed as a democratic dirty trick, the Sun needs to do a reality check and realize that by continuing to run the picture of Governor Ehrlich with Mr. Steffen on their web site, they may think that they are cleverly perpetuating a negative “enemy-imaging” ad on Governor Ehrlich.

What they are really doing is perpetuating a reminder of despicable gutter politics at its worse.

It is a rule of classier political practitioners that the family of an elected official or candidate for office is off limits – out of bounds. No matter what party to which they belong.

When is the Sun going to take the picture off their web site?

Just asking.

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