Ag, Bay groups remain wary of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Ag, Bay groups remain wary of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Update March 21, 2015 - Sadly this is a dead link: http://www.americanfarm.com/TopStory3.21.06a.html

3.21.2006 by STEPHANIE JORDAN

For years, the agricultural community has been distrustful of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

But in recent months, various officials from the farm community and the foundation have been able to sit at the same table and push for a common goal — to have a viable, profitable agriculture that protects the environment.

Both sides are critical of the “dating” relationship the two groups are experiencing, and both say that marriage is far into the future.

Down for the count?

Before 1997, CBF and the farm community had what some have called a mutual existence.

“I guess we had a non-relationship prior to 1997,” said Bill Satterfield, executive director of the Delmarva Poultry Industry.

In 1998, however, that changed, when Pfiesteria was discovered to have caused fish deaths in the Chesapeake Bay.

“We did what we believed was right at the time,” said Kim Coble, Maryland executive director for CBF. “That’s when the relationship severed. I think (the farmers) resented our call.”

That call was to crack down on nutrient management. A scientist from North Carolina State University had come out with research that said the Pfiesteria was caused by poultry manure. The foundation wanted poultry companies to share responsibility for their growers’ manure handling, and the Parris Glendening administration agreed.

“We may be part of the problem, but we’re not the biggest part of the problem,” said Buddy Hance, president of the Maryland Farm Bureau.

Though the research was disproved, the relationship between the two communities was severed.

“The two communities have been fairly separate historically, which is unfortunate,” said Michael Heller, farm manager of CBF’s Clagett Farm. “By approaching the problem in a one-dimensional way, they put the agricultural community on the defensive.”

Read more here: Update March 21, 2015 - Sadly this is a dead link: http://www.americanfarm.com/TopStory3.21.06a.html

Taking a risk

In the past, CBF would tell farmers one thing, but turn around and release a report that would say another, said Delegate Paul Stull, R-4A Dist.

“It seemed like every article that came out, (they) were ridiculing the farmers,” he said. “We all want to see clean water and a clean bay. Farmers aren’t the only ones polluting the bay.”

Hance received a call last summer regarding the the CBF’s report, “Vital Signs: Assessing the State of Chesapeake Agriculture in 2005.” The foundation called to ask him if he would be willing to go to the press conference in September announcing the report.

He checked with Farm Bureau leadership, and asked to see the report, which details the importance of agriculture to the Chesapeake Bay, ahead of time to help make the decision.

“Everyone always says be careful who you get in bed with,” Hance said. “We haven’t gotten in bed with anybody. People just have to move on. You can’t dwell on the past. You can’t hold a grudge.”

And meeting in the middle and working together, officials say, is the best way to accomplish goals for the both groups.

“I think we all need to know when we’ve got a goal to meet,” said Lew Riley, Maryland’s secretary of agriculture. “I think the farm community realizes the importance of the Chesapeake Bay. I think the environmental community realizes the importance of the agricultural community.”

Relationship counseling

Both groups can now sit at the same table in the Lowe House or Miller Senate buildings in Annapolis without going after the other.

“I’ve got to hand it to the farm community,” Coble said. “There wasn’t one person who wasn’t willing to turn the page from here. I have a lot of respect for the farming community for turning the page that quickly.”

But some are still critical of the cooperative spirit that has surfaced in recent months.

“It wasn’t that many years ago, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation was accusing agriculture of causing Pfiesteria in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Sen. Richard Colburn, R-37th Dist. “You just have to be careful in any new friendship. Hopefully it will be a lasting alliance. It’s a wait-and-see attitude that you have to take.”

And while farmers are happy to have CBF on their side, they say they are still wary.

“Everyone I’ve talked to is viewing it with guarded optimism,” said Steve Moore, a Sudlersville farmer. “In the past, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has been an adversary to the farmers, rather than an asset. We’re happy to see them working with the legislature … and we hope that continues.”

The foundation acknowledges the communication barriers of the past, and says it is working to show farmers that it really is on their side.

There were “mistakes of poor communication and we apologize for those,” said Will Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Saving the bay and saving the farm are just two sides of the same coin. If we lose our agricultural heritage, we’re going to lose the bay.”

Moving on

Changing its perspective has helped elevate the foundation in the agricultural community. The foundation now sees farming as the most cost-effective way to save the bay, and as the best way to help the environment.

“They had a change of direction,” said Jim Saathoff, a farmer from Denton whose land in Dorchester County would be impacted by the Blackwater Development. “We’re treading lightly. They’ve been honest so far, at least with me. They’ve come to realize that blaming the farmer isn’t going to save the bay.”
Saathoff said the organization deserves a chance to prove itself.

“Let’s work with them and see if they’re serious about this,” he said. “We don’t have many more chances to save the bay. The watermen will tell you there are dead zones out there, and farmers didn’t make them.”

Trust takes time, as it does with any relationship, and officials from both groups admit that change hasn’t taken place overnight. The farm community is still suspicious of the bay foundation, and the environmental community has accused CBF of being too lenient on farmers now.

But the groups say they are willing to give each other a chance.

“We’re not going to agree on everything,” Hance said. “We’ve agreed to disagree. So far, it’s working out. It takes time. We didn’t expect everyone to agree on everything. But you can still have differences and get the work done.”
Looking at the change of heart from both groups is almost a sigh of relief for some, and the sigh brings with it a hope for the future.

“There’s a very genuine sense that we really want to help farmers keep farming,” Heller said. “If we lose farms, we’re losing a valuable ally for solving water quality issues. It’s more than just a change in saying what we think of agriculture. We have to link farm viability and bay health, and not just focus on the bay health piece.”

Back to the future

Forgiveness is divine and the groups are moving forward, putting the past behind them, said Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, R-38th Dist., and Senate minority leader.

“Inside, I still have a lot of frustration about what happened under the Glendening Administration. At the same time, we must extend the olive branch and we must go beyond that anger. We must work out a genuine, long-lasting partnership.”

As far as “first dates” go, Riley said he married his first date, and hopes that the groups will continue to work together to have a true partnership.

“It comes together very well when you’ve got a cooperative effort,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see the two sides coming together. Life’s a lot more pleasant for me and a lot more pleasant for farmers.”

Both sides recognize the advantages in working together, and look to cement a relationship that can go beyond dating.

“The farming community has met us more than halfway,” Baker said. “I think we’ve gotten over the past and we’re moving forward. We’re working for the future and trying to put the past behind us. We realize we have to earn the trust of agriculture, and we’re prepared for the long term investment. I believe it. I’m committed to it. We’re committed to it.”

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

20060324 “We Warned Them," Says PSC's Schisler

“We Warned Them," Says PSC's Schisler

Friday, March 24, 2006, WBAL Radio

The chairman of Maryland's Public Service Commission is dismissing claims by some lawmakers that they were blindsided by BGE's plans to raise rates precipitously when price caps come off in July.

WBAL News has obtained records that show numerous conferences and meetings between PSC agents and lawmakers over the course of several months last year.

At least 20 briefings or meetings are documented by the PSC.

According to chairman Kenneth Schisler met personally with Senator Thomas Middleton on October 19th.

Sen. Middleton is one of the supporters of a measure that would put the proposed merger between BGE's parent Constellation Energy and Florida Power and Light on hold in order to force a reduction in the proposed rate increases, said to average 72 percent or about $740 dollars more a year for BGE customers.

Schisler said he spent a great deal of time last summer trying to notify people of the pending increases.

House Speaker Michael Busch told WBAL News that some lawmakers might have been blindsided, but that Schisler never met privately with him since becoming chairman of the PSC.

Critics have charged the PSC with being too supportive of utilities and leaders from both parties in Annapolis have said the rate hikes are too high and must be lowered, or at lease deferred over more time, for customers.

####

Additionally, “The Sun Lies” wrote on June 29^th, 2006:

One of our readers sent us an email making a very good point. The author said that The Sun has found plenty of time to criticize the PSC, but not a single word of criticism towards a Senate deregulation committee that met only four times and did not produce any suggestions or reports. In their quest for journalistic glory, The Sun seems to have missed an entire chunk of the story that really details why this isn’t really about the PSC, but instead why this is about a partisan hatchet game by the Maryland General Assembly.

####

20060123 No proof seen Donner clan were cannibals

20060123 No proof seen Donner clan were cannibals

By Kevin Dayhoff Monday, January 23, 2006 11 PM

For the history buffs: (Hat Tip – Baltimore Sun, January 13, 2006) In a January 13, 2006 Los Angeles Times article by Eric Bailey: “No proof seen Donner clan were cannibals - Pioneers split into 2 camps; it appears only 1 group resorted to eating flesh.”

“SACRAMENTO -- Nudging the history books, archaeologists studying one of two campsites used by the ill-fated Donner Party during a snowbound Sierra winter 160 years ago announced Thursday that a study had unearthed no physical evidence of cannibalism.

The stranded emigrants settled into two camps during the harsh winter of 1846 and '47, and previous scientific studies confirmed cannibalism at the principal encampment, on the east shore of what is now Donner Lake.”

Hmmm, reminds me that in 1967, President Lyndon Johnson was quoted: "Do you know the difference between liberals and cannibals? Cannibals eat only their enemies."

That’s all for now folks. I need some ice cream and a nap.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060121 Ehrlich Submits Budget; MD Assembly Overrides Vetoes

Ehrlich Submits Budget; Senate Overrides Minimum Wage Veto; House Overrides Election Vetoes.

By Kevin Dayhoff Saturday, January 21, 2006 11 PM

Last Tuesday, January 17, 2006 was the day that Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich sent to the legislature his $30 billion state budget. More information is available at: Governor Ehrlich Submits $23.8 Billion Budget.

The Washington Post blog: Maryland Moment, had it’s own spin in, “Spending a Surplus.”

“With a news conference practically every day rolling out another spending initiative, there was little suspense when Gov. Bob Ehrlich delivered his $29 billion budget this morning.”

Gee, conveniently overlooked in the liberal commentary regarding the growth in spending in the Governor’s recently announced budget is that a majority of the spending growth is not discretionary.

The majority of spending growth is the result of mandated funding increases in education (Thornton), health care (Medicaid) and higher education (Cade and Sellinger formulas).

Each of these mandates were passed by the liberal legislature and governor PRIOR to the Ehrlich Administration. If the lawmakers have a problem with spending growth this year they should take a long, hard look in the mirror because they created it. They mandated the funding increases that are causing most of the growth.

In a January 17th, 2006 press release from the governor’s office: “Governor Ehrlich Introduces Fiscal Year 2007 Budget,” it was noted:

ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today submitted a balanced, sustainable FY 2007 operating budget. For the fourth consecutive fiscal year, Governor Ehrlich balances the State budget without raising sales or income taxes, while making record investments in education and health care.

“Since taking office, we have turned $4 billion in inherited deficits into a $1.2 billion surplus through prudent fiscal management,” said Governor Ehrlich. “We have made government leaner and more responsive to the citizens of Maryland. This budget makes new investments in programs that make Maryland a cleaner, safer, and a more prosperous place to live while returning a portion of the surplus to the citizens of Maryland.”

Fiscal Responsibility: Governor Ehrlich saves for the future by allocating $644 million for the State’s “Rainy Day Fund” and establishing a $670 million reserve for Fiscal Year 2008 expenditures. The Governor proposes tax relief for military retirees, homeowners, caregivers, and small businesses, among others. The Governor also invests $100 million in future retiree health care. Maryland is one of only six states to retain its coveted “AAA” bond rating.

Education: To improve public schools, Governor Ehrlich proposes a record $462 million funding increase for K-12 education and $281 million for school construction, the largest allocation in 35 years. In addition to record investments in higher education, Governor Ehrlich proposes a $19.5 million (28 percent) increase in need-based college scholarships. Governor Ehrlich has doubled funding for need-based scholarships since taking office, helping more than 12,000 students go to college. Governor Ehrlich also launched a $1.5 billion capital campaign for the University System of Maryland.

Meeting Maryland’s Needs: The Governor proposes a $370 million increase in Medicaid and related programs to care for 770,000 vulnerable Marylanders and $43 million to fund wage increases for community health care workers. His budget also proposes full funding for Program Open Space to better preserve environmentally sensitive land. To attract and retain high-quality law enforcement officers, the Governor also proposes salary adjustments for police and correctional officers.

Fostering Economic Growth: The Governor proposes $20 million for stem cell research and $13.5 million for a new Center for Regenerative Research to attract world-class researchers. His budget also makes new investments in the biotechnology tax credit and nano-biotech to solidify Maryland’s reputation as a national leader in the technology economy. Governor Ehrlich also increases investments by $3 million (60 percent) for the Community Legacy Program to revitalize urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Maryland. The budget also invests $10 million in state support for Maryland’s horse racing industry.

The Governor’s budget can be found online at: http://www.governor.maryland.gov.

An additional review of Governor Ehrlich’s budget reveals:

Environment:

Governor Ehrlich will fully-fund Program Open Space to preserve environmentally sensitive land. The Ehrlich Administration has preserved nearly 60,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land since 2003. The Governor also makes new investments in targeted watershed projects and to rebuild wastewater treatment plants.

Higher Education:

The Governor announced a $172 million funding increase for higher education and launched an unprecedented capital campaign for the 13-campus University System of Maryland. Governor Ehrlich has boosted higher education funding by $219 million since taking office, bringing it to its highest point in history.

K-12 Education:

Building on his unprecedented investments since 2003, Governor Ehrlich proposed a record $462 million funding increase for public schools. Since taking office, Governor Ehrlich has fully-funded public schools with a $1.4 billion increase. The Governor also increased school construction funds to $281 million, a 35-year high.

Disabilities Investments:

The Governor proposed nearly $90 million in funds to lower unemployment levels for individuals with disabilities and to support them in their communities. The Governor’s proposal fully implements a Medicaid Buy-In for workers with disabilities and enables more than 1,500 people to return to work without losing health coverage under Medicaid.

Sex Offender Initiative:

Governor Ehrlich will dramatically toughen Maryland’s sex offender laws by requiring lifetime imprisonment, lifetime supervision upon release for sexually violent predators and child sex offenders, toughens registration requirements, and closes a loophole that allows registered sex offenders to enter school grounds or childcare facilities.

Tax Relief:

Governor Ehrlich proposes tax relief for homeowners, military retirees, caregivers, small businesses and many more. Governor Ehrlich’s ability to turn $4 billion in projected deficits into a $1.2 billion surplus means taxpayers deserve tax relief.

Homeowners:

In addition to a 15 percent state property tax cut, Governor Ehrlich proposed overhauling the Homeowners Tax Credit Program to help 50,000 low and moderate income Marylanders. The Governor’s plan would save the average qualified homeowner $167 more on their property tax bill.

Science & Technology:

Governor Ehrlich will invest an unprecedented $13.5 million to build a new Center for Regenerative Research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and $20 million to fund stem cell research, solidifying Maryland’s reputation as a national leader in science and technology. The Governor also makes new investments in Johns Hopkins University, East Baltimore Biotech Park, University of Maryland, and the Teacher Education and Technology Center at Salisbury University.

State Employees:

For the third consecutive year, Governor Ehrlich gives state employees Cost of Living Increases and steps, and accelerates salary schedules for law enforcement and correctional officers.

****

News also traveled quickly last Tuesday: according to WBAL’s website: Ehrlich Submits Budget; Senate Overrides Minimum Wage Veto; House Overrides Election Vetoes. You may want to take a minute of your time to review the reporting of WBAL's Robert Lang and The Associated Press on the deliberations and votes taken in the legislature today.

Minimum wage. WBAL says:

“… today, Maryland became the 18th state to require a higher minimum wage than the federal baseline Tuesday when lawmakers voted to raise the wage a dollar, to $6.15.

The higher wage, which takes effect in 30 days, became law when the state Senate voted by the required three-fifths margin to override Gov. Robert Ehrlich's veto from last session. The House voted to override the veto last week.

As to the vote to override Governor Ehrlich’s vetoes of the two election bills. WBAL says:

“Lawmakers also overturned Ehrlich's vetoes on two election bills.

One would allow people to vote up to five days before an election -- including on a Saturday. The other would make it easier to cast provisional ballots for voters who show up at the wrong precincts. The House overrode those vetoes today, after the Senate overturned them last week.”

House Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell (R): “… says the bills open the door to voter fraud since county election officials would not be ready to enforce the law.”

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060117 Sen. Kennedy Severs Ties to Harvard Club

20060117 Sen. Kennedy Severs Ties to Harvard Club

By Kevin Dayhoff Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11 PM

Sen. Kennedy Severs Ties to Harvard Club

(Hat Tip – Baltimore Sun, January 17, 2006)

First, on the national news front; today it was revealed by the Associated Press: Sen. Kennedy Severs Ties to Harvard Club. In a story By ANDREW MIGA, Associated Press Writer, January 17, 2006, 3:14 PM EST:

“WASHINGTON -- Sen. Edward Kennedy, who criticized Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito's past membership in a controversial Princeton University alumni club, severed his ties Tuesday with a former Harvard college social club that bans women members.”

I guess I don’t feel an overwhelming urge to hurtle myself off a bridge in commentary on this turn of events. Instead take a look for yourself: Kennedy Wants Executive Session To Subpoena Alito Records (AUDIO); Political Teen; Cat fight in the big house...; or - Full transcript here. CT at Severe Writer’s Block has this cogent comment:

“Remember The Boy Who Cried Wolf? Someone needs to remind the Democrats the moral of that story. Making every SCOTUS nominee look like an extremist is not going to help them in the long run.” 1/11/2006 07:35:00 PM

“Michelle Malkin also has video.”

You can draw your own conclusions about Captain Oldsmobile.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060117 J Fund WSJ columnist visits MD Gen'l Assembly

20060117 John Fund WSJ columnist visits MD General Assembly

By Kevin Dayhoff Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11 PM

John Fund On the Trail

Word in the hallways of the Maryland Statehouse today was that John Fund, noted Wall Street Journal – OpinionJournal columnist, John Fund attended a session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) today. Mr. Fund writes a column called “John Fund On the Trail.”

No definitive word as to why Mr. Fund was in town. It is reported that he listened in on the debate as to whether or not to override House Bill 391 – minimum wage.

My guess is that Mr. Fund may have been more interested in House Bill 622 - absentee voting on demand…

For a number of years, Mr. Fund has lectured on issues of “voter fraud.”

In his bio published for a lecture on “Elections 2000 and Voter Fraud,” at the Ashbrook Center for Public affairs at Ashland University on Thursday, October 19, 2000, it reports that:

“John Fund is a member of the Editorial Board of The Wall Street Journal, where he previously served as deputy features editor. He is also an on-line columnist for MSNBC’s Internet news service and a regular on-air contributor to the Fox News Channel and CNBC.

His work has appeared in such magazines as Esquire, Reader’s Digest, Reason, New Republic, and National Review. He has written extensively on Congressional reform, Constitutional issues and the influence of money in politics.”

Around September 2004, Mr. Fund released a book on “America’s election problems.” This according to a September 13, 2004 book review that appeared in National Review, “Democracy Imperiled – America’s Election Problems.”

The book is titled: Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy, from Encounter Books.

Democracy Imperiled is a lengthy read – 3,046 words, but fascinating and troubling…

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

####

20060116 Photo Faux Pas at the New York Times

20060116 Photo Faux Pas at the New York Times

By Kevin Dayhoff January 16, 2006 11PM

It would seem that the New York Times has goofed on a picture it ran on the January 16, 2005 front page of its website. You can see the picture here. Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin · January 16, 2006 10:13 AM What's wrong with this picture?

Ms. Malkin elaborates: “The only thing that would have made this staged news better: A canoe.”

Please check out her reference to: “A canoe.” It is more fun than you can stand.

Meanwhile, back to the New York Times photo in question…

Thomas Lifson, the editor and publisher of the American Thinker, has much to say… Photo fakery at the New York Times (Hat tip: Lucianne )

“Is a fake staged photo fit to print? What if it staged in a way that makes the US forces fighting the War on Terror look cruel and ineffective? The evidence argues that yes, it can run, and in a prominent position - at least in the case of the New York Times website.

It appears that the Times, once-upon-a-time regarded as the last word in reliability when it comes to checking before publishing (which makes them so much better than blogs, of course), has run a fake photo on the home page of its website. The photo has since been removed from the home page, but still can be seen here.

The picture shows a sad little boy, with a turbaned man next to him, a little bit further from the camera, amid the ruins of a house. Other men and boys peer in from the background….”

Remember, we not responsible for the content of any website linked in this blogspot. You can talk with them about it. Right now, I’m going to have a big bowl of ice cream and take a nap.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060113 Attempting to Park in Annapolis

20060113 Attempting to Park in Annapolis

By Kevin Dayhoff January 13, 2006 6 PM

Parking is a huge issue in Annapolis. One would think that with all the difficult challenges in front of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA)… What is the question I get asked most frequently at the beginning of every session of the MGA – Where do ya park down there?

There is nothing worse than arriving in Annapolis at the last minute and then spending a great deal of time hunting for parking. In the past, I have been there and got the T-shirt.

Apparently so has the daughter of Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., (D - 27, Calvert & Prince George's Counties):

“The session marks Miller’s 20th as president. His election was witnessed by his wife, Patti, and two daughters, Melanie and Amanda. A third daughter, Michelle, missed the event, apparently trying to find a place to park. ‘‘She’s the one that votes ‘R,’ so she has to use the Naval Academy parking lot,” Miller joked.” (Gazette Opening Day 2006 by Thomas Dennison, Douglas Tallman and Alan Brody.)

I usually prefer to park at Gott’s Court Garage off Northwest Street because it is so convenient – only a short walk from the Statehouse. However, in the future I may try parking at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and use the shuttle. The cost of parking in Annapolis is quite reasonable. Today, for example, it cost $7.50 for the entire day. If I am not mistaken, Gott’s Court Garage has an $8.00 maximum charge. Nevertheless, it only costs $4.00 to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

One trick you might keep in mind is that when a sign is displayed at the entrance of the parking garage - that the parking lot is full – don’t always believe it. The first hour is free, so if go past the sign and take a look, there is nothing to lose. More often than not, there is turnover throughout the day and a space is available.

If you Google “Annapolis parking,” you will find several web sites. Perhaps the best is Downtown Garages and Parking Lots – this page has a great map and lots of misspelled words. It is a City of Annapolis web site and one would expect better.

Another good site has been developed by the “ Office of the Clerk is located at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County” - Parking In Annapolis.

Good luck. Take a deep breath and a chill pill. After the challenge of parking comes getting through the security checkpoints and then one must navigate the byzantine labyrinth of offices and hearing rooms to find where you need to be – on time.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

####

20060111 Open Season I Love You You Love Me

20060111 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 12^th, 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 421^st 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

####

20060105 Enemy Imaging

20060105 Enemy Imaging
By Kevin Dayhoff January 5, 2006 11 PM

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, Maryland USA
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
####