Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label MD Gen Assembly 2008 425. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MD Gen Assembly 2008 425. Show all posts

Sunday, July 12, 2015

July 9, 2015 update to Feb. 2008 story: “Compact avoids Do Not Deliver free newspaper law.”

July 9, 2015 update to Feb. 2008 story: “Compact avoids Do Not Deliver free newspaper law.” http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-9-2015-update-to-feb-2008-story.html

Update July 9, 2015 - A reader has been in touch to say that the link is dead for this story, “Compact avoids Do Not Deliver newspaper law, February 29, 2008.

Kevin E. Dayhoff July 9, 2015

Westminster Md. - The February 29, 2008 story was about proposed legislation in the Maryland General Assembly to stop the delivery – that is to say, the littering - of unwanted spam newspapers on your front yard – and the agreement that was reached that stopped the legislation from moving forward.

Word on the street in February 2008 was that the “do not deliver” legislation faced an uphill battle but had a better than average chance of passing because unwanted papers piling up in your front yard annoys both conservatives and liberals.

In Carroll County, the bipartisan initiative was spearheaded by a leading community liberal as far back as 1995 – and introduced in the Maryland General Assembly in 2008 by a leading community conservative. A copy of the November 13, 1995 citizen’s complaint was forwarded to the Westminster mayor’s office on November 14, 1995. 

The issue of the free newspapers littering neighborhoods was brought-up frequently in community meetings with homeowner associations and community groups from 1995 to 2008.

Actually, the free newspapers in the area ultimately made the decision for the legislative initiative as a result of failing to respond to the citizen complaints of many neighborhoods throughout the community.

Many in February 2008 felt strongly that the agreement did not go far enough. That in addition to the opt-out phone number, the agreement ought to have required the free newspapers to stop delivery at an address where it was obvious the free papers were not being retrieved – and as a result the papers were piling-up in an unsightly mess.

The accumulation of unwanted newspapers on a property in the neighborhood is an eyesore. In the words of one neighborhood newsletter, “Free papers laying around make the neighborhood look bad, and can invite crime by advertising when you may be away from home.”

More often than not, the accumulation of the unwanted free papers eventually has to be cleaned-up by municipal or county maintenance workers – which is a burden upon the taxpayers.

Or worse yet, the unwanted free newspapers end-up clogging the stormwater drains, causing damage and more cost to the taxpayers because government maintenance workers need to spend time cleaning-up the mess.

Apparently the problem has raised its ugly head again.

If you will recall, the February 2008 agreement with local newspapers was successful in getting Carroll County Delegate Shewell to withdraw the “do not deliver free newspapers” legislation.

In return for the withdrawal of the legislation, the local papers would provide a phone number that homeowners could call and opt-out of the free delivery.

Today, over seven years later, no one remembers the legislation or the agreement that stopped the legislation - - and the number published on the front of the free newspapers has evolved into voice mail jail that ultimately, if you are patient enough, lands you with someone who does not know where Westminster or Carroll County Maryland is located. “Never heard of it.” You cannot make this up.

In other words, it is a number provided so that the free newspapers can say that they are in compliance with the agreement. After-all, no-one said that the agreement required that the published number has to actually work as it was intended by the agreement… Just saying.

Meanwhile, what many folks have long forgotten is that according to Channel 2 in Baltimore, “Newspapers would have seven days to comply with a request.  If it's still delivered, consumers could register a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and the newspaper could face a fine.”

Maybe more folks ought to contact the Attorney General's Office and complain - or maybe better yet, this legislation ought to be brought back for re-consideration with stiffer penalties or maybe just outlaw the unwanted spam from being littered on your property altogether.

To be sure, we have greater problems to solve in the greater community, but this might be one small step in the correct direction to take pride in the appearance of our community, protect our neighborhoods from unwanted corporate spam, obviate the potential for attracting crime and protect the environment.

I’m just saying.

Kevin E. Dayhoff July 9, 2015

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Compact avoids Do Not Deliver newspaper law


spaceFriday, February 29, 2008
space
ANNAPOLIS — Four free-delivery newspapers in Maryland have agreed to crack down on deliveries to customers who say they don’t want them, pre-empting an attempt to set up what would have been one of the nation’s first “Do Not Deliver” laws.

The newspapers have agreed to publish a phone number that homeowners can call to stop deliveries. The number will be on the second page of each home delivery edition and will be in a 12-point bold font.

Under the agreement announced Thursday, the newspapers also said they would increase supervision of carriers to make sure deliveries stop when people make requests.

“We’re certainly not out to hurt businesses, but we do need to answer constituents’ concerns,” said Delegate Tanya Shewell, R-Carroll, who said she plans to withdraw two bills that would have fined newspaper publishers who failed to meet requests to stop deliveries within seven days.

Shewell says she proposed the bills after a flurry of complaints from constituents that the free newspapers littered their lawns and deliveries didn’t end even after homeowners requested them to stop.

The agreement applies only to Carroll County, northwest of Baltimore. But the director of the Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Press Association said many free newspapers would comply with provisions to prevent consumer complaints.

“Newspapers don’t want them going to people who don’t want them and won’t read them,” John “Jack” Murphy said during a meeting with Shewell.

The papers include The Examiner, the Carroll County Times (which distributes both free and paid papers); The Gazette, and Kapp Advertising, which produces a free-delivery periodical called The Merchandiser.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Do Not Deliver" Bill Delivers Controversy


Some say it's a nuisance and others call it community service. Free newspapers pop up on your front steps everyday. Now one Maryland lawmaker wants a "Do Not Deliver" registry.

"I do recycle them, but some of them do fly away in the yard and go onto the street and down the gutters," said Essex resident Cathy Benzig. 

In fact, a state delegate from Carroll County goes as far to say the newspapers, that are delivered with no cost, infringe on the rights of property owners.

Delegate Tanya Shewell from Carroll County says consumers have the right to say what's on their front lawn.  She wants a phone number printed on newspapers that you can call to stop delivery.

The bill is modeled after the national Do Not Call Registry that let's you decide about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home.  Delegate Shewell wants consumers to have the final say with free newspapers.  But some of her colleagues in Annapolis think the plan will hurt small businesses.

"I think it's much to do about nothing.  It's an intrusion.  It's shooting a flea with an elephant gun.  And it's unfair to local publishers who do a wonderful job for the community," said Del. Pat McDonough, (R) Baltimore County.  

Delegate McDonough says he's talked to publishers of local papers who say they'll stop delivery when asked.  But we talked to people with failed attempts. 

Newspapers would have seven days to comply with a request.  If it's still delivered, consumers could register a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and the newspaper could face a fine.

20080128-freepaperCh2ShewellDoNotDeliverBillDelsControversy - 20080128 Do Not Deliver Bill Delivers Controversy
*****

Thursday, April 03, 2008

20080403 News Clips


News Clips 04-03-2008

Senate panel votes to repeal 'tech tax'

Levy on millionaires would replace measure

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.tax03apr03,0,1108579.story

Legislators took a first step yesterday toward repealing Maryland's new computer services tax and replacing it with an income tax surcharge on millionaires, the most significant victory yet for business groups warning that the levy could destroy the state's high-tech economy. Under the bill backed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, the $200 million sales tax on computer services, scheduled to take effect July 1, would be scrapped and replaced with about $110 million in annual revenue generated by a new income tax bracket of 6.25 percent for earnings above $1 million. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration. The House of Delegates has not yet taken up a computer services tax repeal proposal. Sen. Donald F. Munson, a Washington County Republican, was the only GOP member to vote for the bill. He said he did so in part because he hoped the O'Malley administration would help persuade the House to reverse significant budget cuts to a higher education center in Hagerstown.

Panel OKs income tax rise

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080403/METRO/325180172/1004

A Senate committee voted yesterday to increase the income tax on Maryland's highest wage earners. Members of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee voted 10-5 to increase the personal income tax on residents who earn $1 million or more, as part of a plan to repeal the tax on computer services they passed in November. The income tax increase was proposed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, and raises the tax to 6.25 percent for those who earn more than $1 million. The tax would last for three years, and the proposal includes cutting $50 million in spending and transferring $50 million from the state's Transportation Trust Fund to the general fund. The full Senate would have to pass the measure, then the House would have to approve it. Senate committee members hinted at some of the political trade-offs necessary to secure their support for the new tax. Sen. Donald F. Munson, Western Maryland Republican, said he voted for the tax increase to save the Hagerstown Higher Education Center, an institution budget leaders are considering slashing funding for this week. "What I'm trying to do by this vote is save my university," he said.

Bill would expedite filling Wynn's seat

O'Malley wants to call special general election without holding another primary

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.fourth03apr03,0,5691603.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley is working with state lawmakers to pass emergency legislation that would allow him to call a special general election to replace Rep. Albert R. Wynn, the Prince George's County Democrat who is leaving Congress in June to join a Washington lobbying firm. O'Malley wants to skip the special primary election now required under Maryland law and go straight to a general election to get the seat filled before Congress concludes its business for the year. State Sen. David R. Brinkley, the Republican minority leader, also criticized Wynn's decision but agreed that a special election was the best option to ensure the district is represented. O'Malley said he would work with Republican and Democratic leaders in both chambers to get the bill through the General Assembly before the final day of the session next week.

Senate reverses on energy

OK's conservation measure and move to provide more low-income aid

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.energy03apr03,0,1764030.story

The Maryland Senate reversed course yesterday on a key piece of Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan for reducing the state's energy consumption, giving it preliminary approval after reaching a compromise that directed more money toward financial help for lower-income families' electric bills. After taking a procedural vote to reconsider the bill that had failed, the Senate voted to amend the bill to reduce the rate relief and direct more money to the Electric Universal Service Program, which provides assistance to the poor. Sen. E.J. Pipkin, an Eastern Shore Republican, argued that ratepayers deserve a bigger break, especially as they are struggling with higher prices for electricity and a host of other consumer goods. He called the compromise amendment a victory for bureaucrats at the Maryland Energy Administration, which would run the efficiency and conservation programs. "All I've ever wanted was a fair shake for the ratepayers," said Pipkin, the only senator to vote against the amendment. "Utility bills of the average person are too high. This is a tremendous missed opportunity."

Angry Bingo Players Protest At State House

http://wbal.com/stories/templates/news.aspx?articleid=4250&zoneid=3

About 100 bingo players spent the morning demonstrating on Lawyer's Mall in front o the State House in Annapolis this morning, to protest a proposed ban on electronic gaming machines, including video bingo. Under legislation backed by Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Mike Busch, the machines wound be banned. The machines look like slot machines, but use a different formula to pay off prizes. The operators of Bingo World in Brooklyn Park, whose customers were part of the group demonstrating today, say their machines are "taxed and regulated." "If Senate Bill 959 passes, we employ about 165 people, almost immediately, we'll loose half of those people. We will have to lay half of them off," Clemens told WBAL News. The bill, along with a House version of the bill are still being considered by different committees.

McCain revisits Naval Academy

'Service to America' campaign tour makes stops in Annapolis

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/politics/bal-te.mccain03apr03,0,2212448.story

John McCain, promoting his life story with a "service to America" campaign tour, stopped yesterday at the place that service began more than half a century ago, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. McCain chatted with midshipmen at one of the tables, an academy spokesman said. Department of Defense policy prohibits military installations from being used for political campaigning. We encourage our nation's leaders to visit federal grounds, and this is a great opportunity for the midshipmen to interact with him," said Ensign Laura Stegherr, a Navy spokeswoman.
McCain also stopped at Chick and Ruth's Delly, a political hangout not far from the Statehouse, and joined patrons in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a longtime tradition. Among those on hand were former Govs. Marvin Mandel, a Democrat, and Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a Republican. McCain greeted Operation Welcome Home volunteers and visited the USO lounge at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport before heading for stops in north Florida, where he trained as a pilot and came back, years later, as a just-released POW.

Anne Arundel misstating funds, county auditor says

http://www.examiner.com/a-1317686~Anne_Arundel_misstating_funds__county_auditor_says.html

The Anne Arundel County government consistently is misstating its financial records — which could create budget problems — and has not placed controls to prevent employees from stealing money, according to an annual audit. “If someone buys our bond and we tank because we didn’t disclose our financial statements properly, we could be in trouble,” said county Auditor Teresa Sutherland. Anne Arundel failed to spend a $5 million federal grant in time and had to repay it — along with $400,000 in interest. Though the county reapplied for the grant and got the money back, the damage was done. “If you start not following federal government’s procedures, they’re going to start yanking the grants,” said Sutherland, who added that misspending of grants is not new in Anne Arundel. Another major issue is the lack of security controls to prevent employees from stealing money from fees or misappropriating funds. Several employees have unauthorized access to financial programs, and some employees process an entire financial transaction, leaving little supervision over the process.

School bands march toward victory as House considers noise ordinance bill

http://www.examiner.com/a-1317689~School_bands_march_toward_victory_as_House_considers_noise_ordinance_bill.html

Marching bands in Carroll County got the ear of state lawmakers. Now the legislature’s on the verge of passing a bill that would exempt the bands from a county noise ordinance. The bill would exempt all schools from the noise ordinance between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. It passed the House unanimously is expected to be voted out of a Senate committee tomorrow, said Republican Sen. Larry Haines, chairman of the Carroll delegation. “I don’t see why anyone would” object to it, Haines said. “I think everything will pass.”

Tax district to fund BRAC

http://www.examiner.com/a-1317693~Tax_district_to_fund_BRAC.html

Tax districts to pay for BRAC-related growth in Harford have received state lawmakers’ approval. The districts, which need County Council approval, would allow the county to charge developers the additional tax for building new schools, roads, sewers and such. If all the landowners within a proposed district agree, the county council could pass the additional taxes for that district to pay for the added strain of Base Realignment and Closure-driven development, said Sen. Barry Glassman, one of the bill's sponsors. “For folks at the north end of the county, BRAC growth won't be subsidized by the general taxpayers' funds,” Glassman said. County Council President Billy Boniface, who worked with Glassman to draft the bill, said Harford would be unique among the other nine counties with authority to create special taxing districts. Of these, he said, only Harford requires all landowners to agree to the tax.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Rebate redux

Our view: Promoting conservation is in ratepayers' interests

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.energy03apr03,0,7204733.story

In the final week of a legislative session, bills have a way of dying and then reviving. So it wasn't too shocking that the Senate yesterday reanimated Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to promote energy conservation one day after killing the measure. The real surprise was the continued false portrayal of the bill as a choice between giving money to ratepayers or handing it over to faceless bureaucrats. Let's set the record straight: Programs that encourage conservation aren't a waste. Without a serious commitment to decreasing energy demand, there are real doubts about whether the state will have an adequate power supply in the not-so-distant future. The Senate actions may prove acceptable, but it's still not clear that ratepayers are any better served. A utility rebate may be helpful to legislators seeking re-election in two years, but it isn't meaningful energy policy.

Transparency now

http://www.examiner.com/a-1317702~Transparency_now.html

The state Senate is scheduled to vote today on the most fiscally responsible bill to grace the floor this year. The transparency bill already passed the House unanimously last month and was voted out of committee unanimously in the Senate earlier this week. Every senator must vote yes. Giving citizens the tools to hold their government accountable must not be a partisan issue. We think the threshold should be lower and that state salaries should be included in the database, as all of that information is public and relevant to the proper running of state government. But the bill makes it much easier for all Marylanders “to see where their money is spent,” said Del. Warren Miller, R-Howard, the bill’s sponsor in the House. He’s hoping — as are we — the bill will spur Maryland’s local governments to create their own Web sites to monitor local spending.

Monday, March 31, 2008

20080331 "Session set for hectic ending" by the Baltimore Sun


"Session set for hectic ending" by the Baltimore Sun

March 31, 2008

When I first read this in the wee hours of the morning while desperately in need of a cup of coffee, I did a double take and had to confirm the source.

And sure enough, it was written by the Baltimore Sun. When I first began reading it, I could have sworn it was a press release from the Maryland Democratic Party.

The contrast between the coverage of the current administration and the previous administration is profound. One could teach a college class in the difference in slant and bias.

In this case, as is the case with most of the Baltimore Sun writers, they write quite well, if they would only be as equally capable and competent with reporting the news “straight down the middle.”

Oh, I love the take that this governor is swooned over as he rides in to take care of problems that his administration essentially created…

Ay caramba.

****

Session set for hectic ending - O'Malley on way to 2 key victories

By Laura Smitherman | Sun reporter

March 31, 2008

One week ago it appeared that Gov. Martin O'Malley's second legislative session would conclude with few victories and plenty of unresolved problems.

The Democratic governor was mired in a fight with the state's largest utility over high electricity rates that have dogged him since his inauguration, and computer companies were threatening to leave the state over a new tax he signed into law late last year. His poll numbers were down, and he faced opposition from his own party on several of his legislative initiatives.

But in 24 hours, the logjam of bad news broke. In that time, O'Malley struck a rate- relief settlement with BGE's parent company, Constellation Energy Group, that includes a one-time $170 rebate to each customer. And he floated a proposal to repeal the unpopular computer services tax that is likely to dominate debate in the final week before the General Assembly adjourns for the year.

Finalizing the computer tax repeal and the BGE settlement - both of which must be done through legislation - would give O'Malley political victories after a cantankerous special session in November that raised taxes by $1.3 billion to help balance the state's budget.

Read the rest of the article here: Session set for hectic ending - O'Malley on way to 2 key victories

Related links

The Session: News and notes from Annapolis

Photo gallery

View photos from the 2008 General Assembly session

Blog: The Session

Video: Daily updates

State of the State: Text | Video

Issues: What to watch for during the session

####

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Testimony of MD Sen. David Brinkley in support of SB 675 Carroll County five districts legislation…

Testimony of MD Sen. David Brinkley in support of SB 675 Carroll County five districts legislation…

On or about March 7, 2008


Senate Bill 675 would create five new districts for the purpose of changing county commissioner elections in Carroll County from three commissioners elected at-large to five commissioners elected by district.  The bill adopts the districting plan known as “Option 1” prepared by the Carroll County Districting Commission in 2006.  The two options presented in the Commission’s final report are attached and available in color on-line at: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/topics/redist-map/default.asp.

This same “Option 1” districting plan was incorporated in House Bill 491 which was passed by the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee during the 2006 Session.  However, that bill failed to reach final passage by sine die and the districting plan became the subject of court proceedings.  The case reached the Court of Appeals which ruled that only the General Assembly can create commissioner districts in Carroll County.  The court ruling reverted the 2006 election to three commissioners elected at-large.

The chief critic of the “Option 1” plan is Martin Radinsky, Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Carroll County, who views the map as a right-wing conspiracy patently unfair to Democrats because it “divides the pockets of Democrats that exist in the county, and I believe this is the intention of our 100 percent Republican delegation.” (Carroll County Times article, February 23, 2008)

I can assure this Committee that nothing is further from the truth than Mr. Radinsky’s comments.

First, there are strong policy reasons to adopt Option 1 over Option 2, including:

Option 2 violates the Commission’s own Guidelines by splitting municipal boundaries.  At the beginning of the districting process, the Commission adopted guidelines that included: “High regard should be given to the boundaries of political subdivisions, and where possible, the splitting of municipalities should be avoided.”  Option 2 bisects the municipality of Sykesville splitting the historic town from newer annexations including its major economic development project known as the “Warfield Complex.”  Option 1 does not split any municipal boundaries and supports a overall districting scheme in which larger municipalities serve as anchors for each district with Sykesville anchoring District 5 and Mt. Airy anchoring District 4.

Option 2 bisects a large unincorporated community planning area know as Finksburg.  On the eastern side of Carroll County is a growing residential area that does not have the advantages of municipal government but is organized informally within the Finksburg Area Planning Council.  Residents of this area oppose Option 2 because it literally splits in half the community planning area.  Option 1 preserves the unification of the Finksburg region and also supports the overall districting scheme in which larger municipalities serve as anchors for each district with Hampstead anchoring District 2.

Secondly, Mr. Radinsky is wrong when he claims that the Option 1 map “divides the pockets of Democrats” to provide an unfair political advantage to Republican commissioner candidates.  As shown by the attached tables, it is actually Mr. Radinsky’s Option 2 map that dilutes the Democrat voting strength.  In contrast, Option 1 provides the Democrats with two districts where the margin of Republican to Democrat voter registration is less than 16%.

As you can see from the voter registration data, the Carroll County Delegation has placed policy considerations above politics by selecting Option 1 and by rejecting Option 2 which would dilute Democrat voting strength by “dividing the pockets of Democrats that exist in the county.”  For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Committee give a favorable report to Senate Bill 675.





*****

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

20080213 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The McCain Maalox Paradox

Kevin E. Dayhoff

At this point in the Republican 2008 presidential primary campaign Senator John McCain has over three times as many Republican National Convention delegates as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Most people have resigned themselves to the fact that Senator McCain is the de-facto Republican nominee.

When I appeared on WYPR’s Marc Steiner show to discuss the 2008 presidential campaign, just after the New Hampshire primary, it was still a wide-open race and no one could really forecast what was going to happen.

There were so many unpredictable dynamics in play, especially since the primaries were developing to be less of an exercise in intellectual voting as much as a raw-emotional vote. Some people were looking forward and others are looking backward. Some people were upside down and many uber-conservatives were looking at their navel through a cracked mirror.

Earlier in the campaign, many thought the election was going to turn on national security and the war in Iraq; but as “the surge” continues to be successful, the war in Iraq is quickly being replaced by the economy.

To be certain, immigration, or more specifically, illegal immigration continues to be a hot button issue, driving people to a particular candidate.

For some conservative Republicans, “resigned” is the operative adjective as the inevitability of Senator McCain’s nomination continues to rankle the hard rightwing.

Looking back, “they/we” have not trusted Senator McCain's moderate (liberal) positions on some issues in the past and his willingness to work to (over)reach across the aisle and work with (give-in to) Democrats in Congress. There is concern that if he had a desk in the Oval Office he will repeat those behaviors.

Many conservatives have threatened to sit out the November 2008 presidential election if Senator McCain is the Republican candidate.

Ay, caramba. I take no pleasure in pointing out the fallacy in this illogical approach which is being contemplated by some of my conservative friends.

Read the rest of the column here: The McCain Maalox Paradox


Tuesday, February 12, 2008

They Are Coming

Roy Meachum

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins shapes up as the least likely Hitler I can imagine: I know the man. His critics are way off the mark when they say he plans to turn his department into a latter-day Gestapo. It's not in him.


Our Most Important Election Isn’t for President

Farrell Keough

On February 5, your plucky columnist put together a forum at the Urbana Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station for the Board of Education candidates seeking to gain a nomination today for a seek on that body. An impressive array of candidates showed up and spent three hours taking on questions and listening to others.


Monday, February 11, 2008

Political Stupidity Masquerading as Conscience

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

So, the GOP has its presumptive nominee. With all due respect to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, it just ain’t Hucka-happenin’!


Activist Frederick County

Steven R. Berryman

Great news! The System works. Activism is alive and well and living in Frederick County, Maryland. Where the system fails to work, it is fixing itself; and isn’t that what the system really is?


Friday, February 8, 2008

What a Ride!

Roy Meachum

Did anyone notice? Tuesday's primaries in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia could be important; unlike past years when our votes came after the fact of the parties' selecting their nominees.


Thursday, February 7, 2008

The Clothes-Pin Election Nightmare

John W. Ashbury

It started too early. It might end earlier than ever before. And the choices are far from prime. Yet, a selection must and will be made in November.


Comparatively Speaking…

Tony Soltero

One of the amusing sideshows of the Republican presidential nomination fight is seeing individuals like John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney desperately elbowing each other out of the way to stake a claim on being "the true inheritor" of Ronald Reagan's legacy.


Wednesday, February 6, 2008

The SB2 Virus

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last November the Maryland General Assembly inadvertently installed a “Trojan Virus,” now named “SB2,” on the critically important Maryland technology industry.


“To moratorium or not to moratorium…”

Alan Imhoff

Recently I had the opportunity to attend opening night of the Maryland Shakespeare Theater’s fast-paced, hilarious two hour production of the Bard’s complete works (abridged).


Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Presidential Elections Past

Roy Meachum

Registered Frederick County voters received a notice from the elections board last week: Enclosed was a list of candidates for federal jobs, including wannabe delegates to next summer's party conventions and the gang trying out for the Board of Education.


The Power of Weenie Numbers

Nick Diaz

In all my years of teaching middle school mathematics, I’ve been exposed to many an “impossible” problem which can be solved by studying the pattern involved. Some people have been endowed by our Creator with the ability to notice, recognize, and apply such patterns to solve given problems. Most people, however, must be taught these skills.


Monday, February 4, 2008

Trash, Manure, and Politics

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

No, the title of this piece is NOT a game of “which of three things is not like the other,” mostly because the differences are so insignificant.


John McCain Facing Forward

Steven R. Berryman

The Florida Republican Primary contest is now behind us and it certainly was a watershed event. John McCain won large. Rudy Giuliani bowed out afterward despite having wagered heavily in that state, chock-full of retirees from New York. This may have been the arena where McCain’s age was a trump card. What does he face going forward?

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

20080206 This week in The Tentacle


This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

The SB2 Virus

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last November the Maryland General Assembly inadvertently installed a “Trojan Virus,” now named “SB2,” on the critically important Maryland technology industry.


“To moratorium or not to moratorium…”

Alan Imhoff

Recently I had the opportunity to attend opening night of the Maryland Shakespeare Theater’s fast-paced, hilarious two hour production of the Bard’s complete works (abridged).


Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Presidential Elections Past

Roy Meachum

Registered Frederick County voters received a notice from the elections board last week: Enclosed was a list of candidates for federal jobs, including wannabe delegates to next summer's party conventions and the gang trying out for the Board of Education.


The Power of Weenie Numbers

Nick Diaz

In all my years of teaching middle school mathematics, I’ve been exposed to many an “impossible” problem which can be solved by studying the pattern involved. Some people have been endowed by our Creator with the ability to notice, recognize, and apply such patterns to solve given problems. Most people, however, must be taught these skills.


Monday, February 4, 2008

Trash, Manure, and Politics

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

No, the title of this piece is NOT a game of “which of three things is not like the other,” mostly because the differences are so insignificant.


John McCain Facing Forward

Steven R. Berryman

The Florida Republican Primary contest is now behind us and it certainly was a watershed event. John McCain won large. Rudy Giuliani bowed out afterward despite having wagered heavily in that state, chock-full of retirees from New York. This may have been the arena where McCain’s age was a trump card. What does he face going forward?


Friday, February 1, 2008

Another Jennifer Mess

Roy Meachum

Jennifer Dougherty and my columns have been through a lot. They supported her the first time she ran for mayor; then she thought she had the talents and temperament to make a good county commissioner. They sat out that one. In both instances, voters decided otherwise. The third time proved a charm although something else for other Fredericktonians.


Thursday, January 31, 2008

State of the State Smoke & Mirrors

Chris Cavey

Recently Gov. Martin O’Malley delivered the State of the State address to the applause of a Democrat-dominated General Assembly. In case you missed it, the speech was about 40 minutes of infomercial to which the press paid little attention. Here are a couple of nice highlight.


Step Up To The Plate…

Joan McIntyre

Okay! This is a first for me, so bear with me and I'll do my best to keep you informed in a fair and balanced way. Yeah, right! Like I don't have any opinions. That will be the day. Those who know me are now spitting out coffee all over their computer. Those that don’t will learn soon I’m not shy about opinions.


Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Senator Robert Hooper – R.I.P.

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Thursday, former State Senator J. Robert Hooper, (R., Harford) passed away from colon cancer while surrounded by his family at his home in Street. He served in the Maryland Senate for nine years.


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Bill Clinton a Drag

Roy Meachum

There are others out there: People who believed William Jefferson Clinton ranked some where close to Thomas Jefferson in ranking U.S. presidents by brain-power. I felt that way. Once again, the man is proving that intelligent does not equate to smart. His performance in his wife's campaign demonstrates how very dumb he can be.


A Labor of Love…

Farrell Keough

Breaking News: Group able to accomplish acquiring and building football field for local children without government help.


Monday, January 28, 2008

Presidential Wannabes – The Democratic Field

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

My last column dealing with the presidential race broke down the GOP field and offered worthless advice, but no less worthy than the advice being offered by big whig media pundits. This week, the fickle finger of foolishness is pointing at the Democratic Party presidential wannabes. They’d be wise to duck.

WE GET LETTERS!

WE GET LETTERS!!! An Adamstown resident takes issue with Roy Meachum's column, posted last Tuesday, on the upcoming Maryland primary. CLICK HERE!!! CLICK HERE!

20080206 This week in The Tentacle

NBH

Monday, January 28, 2008

20080123 MPT’s “State Circle”: MD Senator David Brinkley’s response to the State of the State address by MD Governor Martin O’Malley


MPT’s “State Circle”: MD Senator David Brinkley’s response to the State of the State address by MD Governor Martin O’Malley

January 23, 2008

State Circle’s Jeff Salkin, the host of Maryland Public Television’s “State Circle” and State Circle’s correspondent Charles Robinson interview Senator David Brinkley (R) and get his thoughtful and wide-ranging response to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s State of the State Address

Some of the best reporting on Maryland General Assembly matters is on Maryland Public Television’s “State Circle.” Lots of great content in their video archives, which can be found here: State Circle Video Content

http://www.mpt.org/publicsquare/statecircle/video.cfm

Click here for more information about the MPT “State Circle” news correspondents: About State Circle http://www.mpt.org/publicsquare/statecircle/about.cfm

For more coverage of the Maryland General Assembly go to: “State Circlehttp://www.mpt.org/publicsquare/statecircle/

20080123 MD Sen Brinkley resp to MD SOTS address

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net

_____

Response to the State of the State Address: Senator David Brinkley (R).

20080123 Press Release: Governor O'Malley Delivers 2008 State of the State Address

20080123 January 23rd, 2008 State of the State Address by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

20080123 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Iron Chef Maryland

Kevin E. Dayhoff

As members of the Maryland General Assembly prepare a menu of legislative edicts that will save the world from global warming, the weather feels rather chilly for State Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick.

Never fear, Mrs. Grasmick, word in the airways is that Gov. Martin O’Malley is breaking out the large backyard crab pot and the sharp knives – and you, my dear, are to be served for dinner.

Fellow Maryland crab aficionados are aware that crabs are put in water, in a large pot – alive. Heat is slowly applied and before you know it, after a brief kerfuffle, the tasty crustaceans are boiled alive. Of course, at first the crabs just think they have escaped the bushel basket to go for a swim.

In December, the state school board voted to extend Mrs. Grasmick’s contract. Ah, the cruelest hoax of all is the hope for safety. The Democrat leadership of the General Assembly and the governor’s office were less than pleased.

The program in Annapolis is really called “Iron Chef Maryland,” with all appropriate apologies to any reference to the hit “Food Channel” program “Iron Chef America.”

Today, the governor will utter the opening battle cry – and serve his State of the State “appetizer” to the legislature assembled jointly in the kitchen-chamber of the House of Delegates.

Sure to be included in the annual address will be… Read the rest of the column here: Iron Chef Maryland


A Funny Thing Happened on The Way…..

Farrell Keough

A funny thing happened to the Resource Conservation Zoning areas the other day – they got a reprieve from potential damage by the Board of County Commissioners. But, only a reprieve. These zoned areas and the rules surrounding them are still on the altar of political distortion.


Tuesday, January 22, 2008

All Over But...

Roy Meachum

Marylanders' primary vote in three weeks could mean bupkus (less than nothing). Nothing will probably matter after a whole passel of states square off the week before, February 5. It looks to me like the traditional Democratic bosses want Bill Clinton's former first lady. After the Iowa surprise, that's what we have seen. They took over in New Hampshire and Nevada.


Teaching is Not Telling

Nick Diaz

“Teaching is not telling.” Wise words spoken many years ago by a well-known Frederick County Public Schools administrator. This man is still working in the trenches, down at the school level, where he continues to make things happen.


The President Visits Frederick – Chapter Two

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Once the other greeters had arrived, a member of the White House advance team called us together for a briefing. Nothing is left to chance, and every single movement is scripted. You’re told where to stand, how to line up, and where to go once you’re spoken to and shaken hands with the president.


Monday, January 21, 2008

The President In Frederick, Chapter 1

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Okay, having the President of the United States in Frederick isn’t really such a big deal. In case you didn’t know, he spends many weekends up at Camp David. In fact, I think at the end of his two terms, he will have spent more time in the Catoctin Mountains than any previous president.


From Walkersville With Bias

Steven R. Berryman

Advice from the publisher of The Tentacle, John W. Ashbury given to me recently correctly told me that “A pancake, however thin, always has 2 sides,” in reminding me to consider the aspects of perspective and fairness in my columns.


Dr. King’s Call

Derek Shackelford

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is arguably the greatest orator of the last 50 years in America. Today portions of some of his Speeches will be played to celebrate the federal holiday celebrating his birth.


Friday, January 18, 2008

Governing by Fiat

Roy Meachum

Back on October 26, I offered TheTentacle.com readers this observation: "From here the omens are not good for the governor's session that opens Monday. Martin O'Malley hoped calling the legislature in would lead to answers for Maryland's staggering deficits. I don't think it's going to happen." I was wrong.


My world turned upside down

Edward Lulie III

It is amazing, as many people know, how one day can turn your life upside down with no way possible to upright it.


Thursday, January 17, 2008

How Quickly We Forget

Chris Cavey

What a difference a few years make. It seems like it was just 2004 and The Sun of Baltimore commissioned a poll where, oddly enough, a Republican governor – after his first year in office – scored a rating of 56% popularity from the citizens of Maryland. The press and media were in disbelief.


Wednesday, January 16, 2008

“When all else fails, read the Constitution”

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Thursday, Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Thomas F. Stansfield delivered a decision in the lawsuit filed by Republicans, which sought to overturn more than $1.3 billion in new taxes passed in the special session of the Maryland General Assembly in November.


Joining The Great Society

Norman M. Covert

Whether one likes it or not, this is the moment when the reality of socialism strikes my generation in the face. We cannot avoid it. All manner of protestations about the rightness of conservative values cannot compete with the reality of Big Government – and truly this is not George Bush’s fault.


Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Elitist Commissioners

Roy Meachum

John "Lennie" Thompson and the commissioners he continues to dominate see Frederick's development strictly in terms of profit hungry and all-powerful builders.


What’s Behind This Moratorium?

Farrell Keough

To moratorium or not to moratorium; that is not necessarily the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the traffic jams and loss of beautiful landscape, or take action against our development issues and end them…


Monday, January 14, 2008

Lessons Learned

Steven R. Berryman

I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed the quasi-legal proceedings of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Inc.’s (AMC) hearings to obtain approval of a special exception that would allow them to build a 43,000 square foot convention building in Walkersville.


General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 1

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

With the tension of the recently completed special session still hanging thick in the Annapolis air, and the unusual spring-like warmth banishing the normal overcoats and gloves, 188 legislators again descended on the state capitol to begin the 425th session of the Maryland General Assembly.

_____

January 16, 2008

“When all else fails, read the Constitution”

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Thursday, Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Thomas F. Stansfield delivered a decision in the lawsuit filed by Republicans, which sought to overturn more than $1.3 billion in new taxes passed in the special session of the Maryland General Assembly in November.

January 9, 2008

The Special Session Lawsuit

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The 425th session of the Maryland General Assembly begins today. Hopefully, the first order of business for that august body will be to re-visit and fix all the problems created during the special taxing session last November.

January 2, 2008

Spiro Agnew: Patron Saint of Alaska

Kevin E. Dayhoff

I was treated to a white Christmas last week. It snowed everyday the entire week I stayed at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, which is incidentally the same hotel where the patron saint of Alaska, Maryland’s own Spiro Agnew, stayed on an impromptu stopover in 1981.

20080123 This week in The Tentacle