20071107 I appeared on The Marc Steiner Show

I appeared on The Marc Steiner Show on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 12:40-1:20 with Faser Smith…

Marc talks with WYPR’s Fraser Smith and conservative columnist Kevin Dayhoff about the special session in Annapolis.

LISTEN

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20071109 Westminster Road Runners Schedule for January - May 2008

Westminster (Md) Road Runner Schedule

January-May, 2008

November 9^th, 2007

Tuesday, January 1, 12:00 noon, Winfield Mile, South Carroll

High School, Winfield, Md. Alan Pobletts, 410-549-1873

or franpob@carr.org RACE DAY ENTRY ONLY.

Sunday, January 13, 12:00 noon, Mighty Medford Freeway 5K,

Avondale and Stone Chapel Roads, Westminster, Md. Tom

Yinger, 410-857-2930 or yinger32@yahoo.com RACE DAY

ENTRY ONLY.

Sunday, February 3, 12:00 noon, Bear Run Four Miler,

Pleasant Valley Fire Hall, Pleasant Valley, Md. Sam

Alspach, 410-875-2621 or galspach@mcdaniel.edu RACE

DAY ENTRY ONLY.

Saturday, March 1, 9:00 am, Flying Feet 5K, Bear Branch

Nature Center, Westminster, Md. David Griffin, 410-857-

4974 or Dpgflyingfeet@aol.com RACE DAY ENTRY ONLY.

Sunday, March 16, 9:00 am, Four Mile Predicted Time Run,

F&M Manufacturing Company, Tech Court, Westminster, Md.

David Herlocker, 410-848-8332 or dherlock@mcdaniel.edu

RACE DAY ENTRY ONLY.

Saturday, March 29, 9:00 am, McDaniel College 5K Track Run,

Bair Stadium, McDaniel College, Westminster, Md. Skip

Fennell, 410-848-8991 or ffennell@mcdaniel.edu

RACE DAY ENTRY ONLY.

Saturday, April 5, 9:00 am, Race for the Stars 5K Run/Walk,

Century High School, Eldersburg, Md. Mark Sobota,

410-833-0346 or msobota@verizon.net

Wednesday, April 16, 7:00 pm, Main Street Mile, Westminster, Md.

Beth Weisenborn, wrrc.web@gmail.com or 717-677-6883

Entries are available on-line at http://www.carr.org/~wrrc

MAILIN ENTRIES CLOSE APRIL 1.

ONLINE ENTRIES CLOSE WHEN THE 700-RUNNER LIMIT IS REACHED.

****

For other posts on running or the Westminster Road Runners Club please click on: Sports Running or Westminster Road Runners Club or Westminster Sidewalks and Trails or westminster road runners club or westminster sidewalks and trails. The Westminster Road Runners Club web site is here: http://www.carr.org/%7Ewrrc/

NBH

20071109 News Clips

News Clips

Nov 9, 2007

STATE NEWS

Senate OKs slots plan
Referendum proposal on gambling devices goes to House
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.slots09nov09,0,1274286.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
The Maryland Senate approved last night a referendum on slot machine gambling, moving the legislature one step closer to asking voters in November 2008 whether to allow up to 15,000 of the devices across the state. Senators worked late into the night on a $1.4 billion package of tax increases, and a final vote on the tax plan was expected today.The Senate's 31-15 vote to approve a referendum on Gov. Martin O'Malley's slots proposal came hours after backers fended off efforts to change the planned locations of slot p arlors and to have an up-or-down vote on allowing them.
In the House, delegates planned to begin taking formal committee votes on the tax legislation today, but preliminary meetings held yesterday suggested that they might try to restore some of the measures that senators stripped out of O'Malley's income tax proposal and establish a mechanism that proponents say would prevent large corporations from hiding their profits out of state.
Several Republicans objected to using the state constitution as a vehicle for the slots debate, arguing that the General Assembly has the authority to legalize slots gambling and that the referendum is a political tool. "It's a sacred document, not a weather vane," said Sen. David R. Brinkley, the minority leader from Frederick County. "You don't need to go in and tinker with the constitution." Earlier yesterday, Republicans failed to amend the bill to take out the Worcester C ounty location at Ocean Downs and instead include Rosecroft Raceway in Prince George's County. Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, an Eastern Shore Republican, said that many officials in Worcester County oppose slots, and that the gambling facility would draw tourists away from Ocean City. "That glitz is going to pull a lot of people," he said, "and existing businesses [will] die."

Slots bill goes to House
http://www.examiner.com/a-1038430~Slots_bill_goes_to_House.html
With votes to spare for a three-fifths supermajority, the Maryland Senate on Thursday night approved Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to allow voters to decide next year whether to put up to 15,000 slot machines at five locations. The measure could raise about $500 million for education by 2012. It's now up to the House of Delegates to approve a key component of the governor's revenue-raising package with a similar supermajority, despite the House's long reluctance to embrace the gambling scheme.
Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus, whose Lower Shore district includes the ocean resort, said businesses and elected officials in Worcester County all opposed slot machines at Ocean Downs racetrack.
"Rosecroft would generate another $200 million" over Ocean City, Stoltzfus said. Putting the slots operation in Prince George's "does not cannibalize existing businesses," as putting slots near a resort does. But he said, "I can understand why Prince George's does not want the site in their county."

Voters likely to have final say on slots
http://www.examiner.com/a-1038133~Voters_likely_to_have_final_say_on_slots.html
The Senate moved a step closer Thursday by su p porting Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to install 15,000 slot machines at five locations but also allow voters to give the final say to the gambling measure on the 2008 ballot. It could raise about $500 million for education by 2012.

Senate Removes Landscaping From Sales Tax; Tax Vote Today
http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=65445
Members of the Maryland Senate chose not to stay in session all night last night, and are returning this morning to take a final vote on a revised tax bill which Governor Martin O'Malley and other supporters say is needed to eliminate an up to $1.7-billion structural deficit. Senate President Mike Miller told senators before adjourning last night's session that he hoped today's session would be brief, so that the measure can get to the House of Representatives which has scheduled sessions for 2 pm and 5 pm today.
Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley says Republicans are still planning to filibuster the tax bill to prevent a vote from taking place. Republicans need five Democrats to prevent the vote. Brinkley says his party is close to getting that support. Both Brinkley and Senate Minority Whip Allan Kittleman tell WBAL News they have been approached by several Democrats, who have expressed an interest in joining the filibuster effort.
Brinkley says the vote to cut off debate will be "indicative" of the support the tax plan has in the Senate.

Governor looks to House after Senate alters plan
Anne Arundel would lose $20 million under proposal
http://www.capitalonline.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/11_08-42/TOP
A litany of Senate amendments pushed Gov. Martin O'Malley's deficit proposal into a more cons e rvative posture, and now Maryland's chief executive is looking to the House of Delegates to bring it closer to his original vision. The Senate plans to take full votes today on legislation to cut spending and raise taxes, and on bills to legalize slot machines if approved during a 2008 referendum.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers grilled the budget committee for hours when the amended bills were introduced yesterday.
Their comments included how the public didn't get a chance to testify against the new services placed under the sales tax, and how language about locations in the slots proposal appears to telegraph where the machines will be placed even though there's supposed to be an open bidding process.
"You got Democrats questioning (the plan) just like the Republicans," said Sen. John Astle, D-Annapolis, following the full Senate hearing. "There is a lot of dissension (among Democrats) about aspects of it."

O' M alley tax package faces Republican filibuster
http://www.examiner.com/a-1038134~O_Malley_tax_package_faces_Republican_filibuster.html
The Senate was close to giving tentative approval Thursday night to its reworked version of Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to increase sales, income and corporate taxes that would raise $1.5 billion.
But the plan faces a filibuster to talk it to death Thursday night or Friday morning by 14 Republicans and at least one Democrat.The Senate resisted many attempts to make changes to bill by both Republicans and Democrats.
In a letter to House Speaker Michael Busch, Comptroller Peter Franchot objected to the new computer taxes. "I am frustrated by the seemingly random and arbitrary manner in which these industries have been targeted for taxation," Franchot said.

Senate Votes to Put Slots On Ballot
Md. Tax Package Clears Hurdles
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/08/AR2007110801171.html
A bill to ask voters whether to place slots at five sites in Maryland passed 31 to 15, two votes more the supermajority required for approval. Putting the issue to a public vote was cast as a compromise to an issue that has paralyzed Annapolis for years. Other procedural votes forced by Republicans suggested that Democratic Senate leaders were likely to win the votes needed today to pass other parts of a revenue package that includes raising the sales, tobacco, corporate income and vehicle titling taxes, as well as overhauling the state's income tax brackets.
The Senate agreed late last night to invest up to $50 million over five years in the financially troubled Prince George's County h o spital system if a still-elusive agreement on a long-term solution for the system is reached by state and county leaders or by the General Assembly.
The breakneck pace drew protests from Republicans and even some Democrats, who said legislation was being muscled through the Senate without vetting by lawmakers and the public.
"What is so special that we have to stay here all night to pass this?" Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Queen Anne's) asked his colleagues. "We've done a year's worth of work in a day." Although several more long days await them, some lawmakers said they can envision the session coming to a successful close.

All eyes are on the Senate Solutions begin to take shape
http://www.gazette.net/stories/110907/polinew14300_32371.shtml
A marathon Senate session on Thursday addressed slots and health care expansion a n d sought to answer the question of what's in a sales tax. The solution to the state's projected $1.5 billion budget deficit began to take on a clearer outline during the second week of the General Assembly's special session as the Senate moved forward with its ideas. Republicans spent Wednesday and Thursday making their point that new taxes are unwanted. Their discontent did not change as the debate over taxes dragged into Thursday evening. ''It went from a poison pill to a poison bowling ball, and they're asking the voters to swallow it," said Senate Minority Leader David R. Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market.On Wednesday, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. predicted the session could last another week.
''I think we'll be out of here by next Wednesday, I hope," said Miller (D-Dist. 27) of Chesapeake Beach ''If we aren't able to get out of here by Wednesday, I'm ready to wave the white flag."

Heat from lawmakers' tax jockeying is burning leadership on all sides
http://www.gazette.net/stories/110907/polinew14246_32368.shtml
After a week of testimony and then the first week of bill mark-up, the General Assembly's leadership was taking hits from all sides over the process of the special session. Republicans on Thursday called for an end to the special session. Renegade Democrat Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons complained that the legislature's reputation had been ''stained."
On Tuesday the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee removed health clubs, tanning salons, property managers and massage therapists from Gov. Martin O'Malley's sales tax plan. The four services, like virtually all other services in Maryland, are untaxed. The panel substituted three others - landscaping, computer services and arcades.
Lawmakers had not signaled the services woul d be considered for taxation during the week of legislative hearings on O'Malley's tax plan. That's when the volume on the complaints went to 11.
''It was their unlucky day. They lost Tax Lotto," said Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Dist. 36) of Stevensville. ''It's not enough [Democrats have] got control of the House, the Senate and the governor's mansion. Now they're going against the democratic - lowercase d - process."''We call for an end to the special session because we believe it is out of control," House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby said. ''The governor talks about cost of delay. Here's the cost of haste."
''The reputation of the Maryland General Assembly will be stained by the arbitrary and capricious way this process is being conducted," said Simmons (D-Dist. 17) of Rockville. ''There are people here for whom the ends justify any means."

Bump for slots operators a bad bet, some po l s say
http://www.gazette.net/stories/110907/polinew14244_32367.shtml
Lawmakers on both sides of the gambling debate are bristling over a maneuver this week to sweeten the pot for slots operators who will be competing with existing parlors in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia.The Senate Budget & Taxation Committee boosted the share of gross revenues that will be directed to slots owners from 30 percent to 33 percent, a $72.6 million bump in the first three years of the slots program. One Republican suggested voters will see the additional money as an unfair payday for the wealthy slots operators, haunting Democrats in the next election.
''That's pouring out a gallon of poison instead of a half-gallon," said Del. Richard B. Weldon (R-Dist. 3B) of Brunswick. ''Every policy position that gets rushed through ... strengthens the message that we carry back right now and in two years."
The Senate measure makes a bad bill even worse because it doesn't bring any immediate revenue into the state, said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby.
''To give these licenses away and to propose to give them more of the keep is not a good deal for the citizens of Maryland," he said.

Senate overrides police gun veto
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.guns09nov09,0,6111225.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
The Maryland Senate voted unanimously yesterday to override Gov. Martin O'Malley's veto of a bill that would let police departments dispose of their guns by selling them to a manufacturer.
The bill was approved unanimously this year in both the Senate a nd the House of Delegates. No one testified against it during a Senate committee hearing. State law requires police departments to either destroy the guns or sell them only to another police agency or an active or retired officer.
O'Malley stated that "police weapons should not be potentially made available outside of the law enforcement community." The House of Delegates would need to get a three-fifths' vote for the General Assembly to override the veto.

Smoking-ban talk: waivers, buffers
15 percent loss could get business off hook temporarily
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.smoking09nov09,0,1046638.story
Less than three months before the state's sweeping smoking ban will go into effect, supporters and opponents of the ban tackled the details of the p roposed regulations at a public hearing yesterday, focusing on a provision allowing for temporary waivers. The waivers would give bars and restaurants that prove financial hardship a three-year extension to comply with the smoking ban. State officials are proposing that, to obtain a waiver, businesses would have to show that the first two months of the smoking ban caused gross sales of food and beverages to decline at least 15 percent compared with the same period over the two previous years.Some parts of the state -- such as Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and Talbot counties -- have instituted their own bans. Baltimore passed a ban to make the city smoke-free early next year, helping prompt passage of the state leglslation.

Health plan costs questioned
2 council members raise concerns about the program's eventual bill
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-ho.chamber09nov09,0,463627.story
Howard County Executive Ken Ulman's much ballyhooed health access plan has been widely praised, but two County Council members raised questions yesterday about the plan's eventual costs.
The eventual goal is to enroll up to 12,000 uninsured adults in the program, and Councilman Greg Fox, a western county Republican, and Councilwoman Courtney Watson, an Ellicott City Democrat, said they don't know what the eventual costs will be. "If we need $700,000 for 2,000 people, will we [eventually] need $5 million a year?" Fox asked. He wondered if that much in donations could be raised annually in the future.Dr. Peter L. Beilenson, the county's health officer, said later that he is working to reduce the costs for prescription medicines and specialty care, but "the whole point of the 2,000 in the first year is so we can answer [cost questions] befo r e expanding. The first year is a pilot."

Online versions
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella09nov09,0,2075462.column
The state GOP issued a "Tax Hike Alert" that urged citizens to raise hell with their delegates and senators. It included a link to a state Web site where tax protesters could look up their elected officials.
Then the messages started coming in to the GOP, saying the site was down. "Apparently, we overwhelmed the server with angry citizens looking up their legislators online," said the state GOP's executive director, John Flynn.
State archivist Edward Papenfuse confirmed the site was down for several hours Wednesday, but he said the problem was routine maintenance, not high traffic. "We figured the day after an election would be a good day to refresh the data, " he said.
Flynn wasn't buying it. "What did they have to update? The incumbents won."


EDITORIALS/OPEDS

Contact senators, scream NO!
http://www.examiner.com/a-1038105~Contact_senators__scream_NO_.html
Come on, senators, stand up for Maryland. You can save us from Gov. Martin O'Malley's $1.5 billion sneak-a-tax plan today (unless he slipped it to us in the dark of night). Now is the time for citizens to SCREAM at their senators about this bogus tax plan, the largest single tax increase in Maryland history.Why? Because we just found out Thursday that, guess what? Contrary to O'Malley's smooth lie when he called the special session and said that 83 percent of us would pay less, almost all of us will end up paying more.
This is the standard fast-sh u ffle politicians of all parties at all levels of government play. We can't let them get away with it. Now is the time to tell those who represent us that we are angry at being tricked and taxed.Our senators must stop the tax hikes now. Surely at least four of them have the courage to do the right thing.

Keeping score on taxes no easy task
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.marbella09nov09,0,4546489.column?coll=bal_tab01_layout
For those of you keeping score at home, health clubs and real estate property managers -- they're good. No new sales tax on them. But landscapers, computer service providers and video arcades -- not so good. The grass-cutters, the geeks, the guy, as one legislator imagined, who offers the coin-operated bouncy horsey outside the store -- they should start boning up on the times-six multiplication table.
Surely no one expected, or even necessarily wanted, O'Malley's tax package to come out unscathed. But what's on the table, now that the Senate has had a crack at it, is quite another beast. Some bits have ended up on the cutting room floor, other parts have been amended beyond recognition.
Nothing is final, of course. The House of Delegates still has to speak, for one thing.
Somehow, though, it seems as if there has to be a better way to decide who gets taxed than who happens not to have gotten enough warning and couldn't get someone to Annapolis fast enough to talk their way out of it.

Survey didn't touch on biggest question about slots
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/11_01-34/OPN
The governor must know that the majority support for slots shown in polls might evaporate once people visualize slots emporiums near at hand. So his current idea for a slots referendum is to tie three things voters presumably want - the property tax cuts, expansion of the Medicaid program for childless adults, and $300 million for school construction - to their approval of slots. A slots referendum shouldn't have that sort of blunt coercion. And it should be written so that slots cannot go into any jurisdiction where they are rejected by the voters. If there's really majority support for slots, what's so unfair about that?

A bum's rush for the taxpayer
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071109/EDITORIAL/111090005
Even as Gov. Martin O'Malley and other Democratic Party leaders do everything they can to attract illegal aliens to Maryland, they seem to be competing with one another to see who can do the most to ram through new taxes as rapidly as possible.
A broad-based package of tax increases is moving rapidly through the General Assembly during the current special session; in all likelihood, it is possible that a final tax-increase package could be on the governor's desk sometime this weekend or early next week, barring surprise developments like a successful Senate filibuster. The legislation is now before the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates, which appear to be racing to pass some version of the O'Malley tax-increase package before Marylanders realize the damage that tax increases will do to their livelihoods. Right now, the goal seems to be sending some bill - any bill - to the governor's desk so he can declare "victory." Once again, Marylanders are reaping the "benefit" of the one-party liberalism they voted for in November.

20071109 Veterans Day and Remembering Vietnam: “The Wall at 25” by the Smithsonian Channel

Veterans Day and Remembering Vietnam: “The Wall at 25” by the Smithsonian Channel

November 9^th, 2007

Paull Young, Smithsonian Channel Community Administrator, has been in touch in reference to my post on “Soundtrack” on November 3rd, 2007: 20071101 Smithsonian Channel: Tribute to Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets:

Hi Kevin,

I saw your post on the Smithsonian Channel and wanted to share this promo for ‘The Men Who Brought Dawn’:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iQ2pyEZefs

The Smithsonian Channel is airing a special block of programming ‘America’s War Stories’ (on Direct TV) featuring both ‘The Men Who Brought Dawn’ and a new documentary ‘Remembering Vietnam – The Wall at 25’ that Jan Scrugg (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund founder and president) calls “the best documentary about the wall I’ve ever seen”. After reading your post I thought you might like to check it out.

You can view a promo of the show here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJrCN83mb8o

Remembering Vietnam will be streamed live on the Smithsonian Channel website (www.smithsonianchannel.com) concurrent with its High Definition premiere on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11 at 9pm EST / 6pm PST. You can get all the information about it here.”

A big thank you to Paull Young, the Smithsonian Channel Community Administrator, for being in touch.

For more information on the program, Remembering Vietnam: “The Wall at 25” by the Smithsonian Channel, please read my colleague at The Westminster Eagle’s article in the Wednesday, November 7^th, 2007 edition of the paper, “Documentary recalls a life on 'The Wall' By Heidi Schroeder.”

Please note that unfortunately this link is not a permalink. A permalink will be assigned to the article after the piece is placed in archives. So if you are reading this post several weeks after it is published, please go to The Westminster Eagle, and look for the article in archives.

For more information on Lance Cpl. Muriel Stanley Groomes, a Carroll Countian who was killed in Vietnam on Nov. 2, 1968, please read my column in The Sunday Carroll Eagle, this Sunday, November 11, 2007.

And my Westminster Eagle column for Wednesday November 7^th, 2007 is Jerry Barnes: county state's attorney and veteran : “As Veterans Day fast approaches -- it's this Sunday, Nov. 11 -- it's appropriate to remember that service to our country is a cherished tradition in Carroll County. And so it was that in May 1968, Jerry F. Barnes joined the U.S. Army. Today, we know Mr. Barnes as Carroll County State's Attorney....” [Read full story] [Again - - Please note that unfortunately this link is not a permalink. A permalink will be assigned to the article after the piece is placed in archives. So if you are reading this post several weeks after it is published, please go to The Westminster Eagle, and look for the article in archives.]

Finally, my column in this Sunday’s The Tentacle will also be on Carroll County State’s Attorney Jerry Barnes and the Remembering Vietnam: “The Wall at 25” by the Smithsonian Channel:

“Remembering Vietnam - The Wall at 25,” is the subject of a stunning original Smithsonian Channel Documentary. The program will be simultaneously web-streamed on the Smithsonian Channel Website - www.smithsonianchannel.com with its on-air broadcast to DirecTV subscribers on Channel 267 this evening at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

My colleague at The Westminster Eagle, Heidi Schroeder and I were provided an advance copy of the documentary. We had been contacted for research information by Lynn Kessler-Hiltajczuk last summer.

Ms. Kessler-Hiltajczuk is a writer-producer for Alexandria-based LK Productions and served as an independent producer for the program. She was looking for additional information on Lance Cpl. Muriel Stanley Groomes, a Carroll Countian who was killed in Vietnam on Nov. 2, 1968.

Ms. Schroeder writes that in “addition to a history of The Wall's construction and interviews with veterans, the documentary provides a sneak peek into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Collection, which features over 100,000 items that have been left at The Wall.”

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund founder and president Jan Scruggs calls the program "the best documentary film about the wall I've ever seen." After reviewing it several times, I could not agree more.

[…]

_____

REMEMBERING VIETNAM: THE WALL AT 25

A stirring, surprising and emotional history of a national shrine devoted to remembrance and reflection. The famous “Wall” celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Remembering Vietnam: The Wall at 25 goes back in time to tell the story of the memorial through the eyes of those who conceived it, those who were instrumental in pushing it through bureaucratic and political resistance, those intimately involved with its 25-year history, and those it honors. Above all, the documentary tells the story of a place that is more than a memorial – it is a place where old wounds are healed.

Press Release Source: Smithsonian Networks

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071031/nyw096.html?.v=101

'Remembering Vietnam - The Wall at 25,' Original Smithsonian Channel(TM) Documentary, to be Streamed on Smithsonian Channel Website on Veterans Day (Sunday, Nov. 11)

Wednesday October 31, 11:00 am ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- "Remembering Vietnam - The Wall at 25" - - an original documentary about the history of the famous monument in Washington, D.C. -- will be streamed on www.smithsonianchannel.com, the Smithsonian Channel website, concurrent with its premiere on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11 at 8 pm and 11 pm ET/PT.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund founder and president Jan Scruggs calls it "the best documentary film about the wall I've ever seen."

"We felt this documentary was so powerful that we wanted to make it possible for this moving and important program to be seen by all Americans as we honor the soldiers who have fought for our country this Veterans Day," said Tom Hayden, General Manager, Smithsonian Networks.

The one-hour documentary is produced by filmmaker Lynn Kessler, and is part of a package of original programs to be shown in honor of Veterans Day beginning Friday, November 9 and continuing through Sunday, November 11.

Smithsonian Channel is currently available on DIRECTV's Channel 267.

ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS:

Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels that will showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming largely inspired by the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. The networks will feature original documentaries, short- subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit them on the internet at www.smithsonianchannel.com

---

Source: Smithsonian Networks

20071106 Westminster Road Runners Club: Brown, Baker Bash Competition at Union Mills 8K

Westminster Road Runners Club: Brown, Baker Bash Competition at Union Mills 8K

By Dr. David Herlocker, November 6^th, 2007

Karsten Brown repeated his 2006 win and Ashley Baker won by over five minutes as they dominated the field at the Union Mills 8K, held on November 4.

Karsten pushed his way through the one mile mark in 6:01, fifteen seconds ahead of Westminster High runner Ryan Taylor and thirty seconds ahead of Tom Yinger. All other males by this time were in a different area code.

Not content with such a slow first mile, Karsten ran the rest of the race at a sub 6:00 per mile pace. Reaching the four mile mark in 23:40, he was almost two and a half minutes ahead of Taylor, who led Yinger by twenty seconds.

At the finish line Karsten's margin was over three minutes, and his winning time was twenty-three seconds better than last year's. Taylor finished twenty-three seconds ahead of Yinger (those numbers are correct), with Spencer Hamblen outsprinting first masters runner Bob Leatherman to the finish to finish fourth.

Baker, whose 7:19 time at the one mile mark placed her fourth overall and with a thirty-five second lead over Linda Morris, slowed slightly during the remainder of the race. She was, however, never threatened, finishing seventh overall with a 7:30 per mile pace and a five minute and twenty-one second margin.

Morris finished second as the first masters runner by a very narrow margin over last year's winner Chrissy Pennington. While Pennington's time for this year's race was four minutes and fifteen seconds slower than last year's, the fact that only two months ago she was still carrying young Sadie Pennington is probably a valid reason for the difference. Chrissy vows to do better at the next race, which will be a four mile run at 9:00 am on November 18 at Runnymede Elementary School.

1. Karsten Brown 33 M 29:10

2. Ryan Taylor 15 M 32:30

3. Tom Yinger 37 M 32:53

4. Spencer Hamblen 30 M 36:47

5. Bob Leatherman 55 M 36:49 first 50-59 male

6. Joe Loveland 58 M 37:02 second 50-59 male

7. Ashley Baker 22 F 37:30 first female

8. Klaus Lemke 47 M 38:51 first 40-49 male

9. Scott Kohr 45 M 40:07 second 40-49 male

10. Jim Bullock 64 M 42:30 first 60 and over male

11. Linda Morris 47 F 42:51 second female, first 40-49 female

12. Chrissy Pennington 32 F 42:51 third female

13. Tim Nappal 49 M 44:14 third 40-49 male

14. Gary Baker 54 M 44:38 third 50-59 male

15. Michelle Simpson 49 F 45:41 second 40-49 female

16. Jack Klein 62 M 46:18 second 60 and over male

17. Vicki Borders 50 F 46:58 first 50-59 female

18. Sharon Larrimore 49 F 47:27 third 40-49 female

19. Nancy Myers 38 F 48:34

20. Glenn Smink 58 M 51:28

20071107 State Police Trooper and NCO of the Year Named

State Police Trooper and NCO of the Year Named

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2007

STATE POLICE TROOPER AND NCO OF THE YEAR NAMED - BOTH TROOPERS WORK IN CARROLL COUNTY

(Pikesville, MD) Outstanding police work above and beyond the call of duty was the order of the day as the awards for the Maryland State Police Trooper of the Year and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year were announced at ceremonies held today.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan congratulated Trooper First Class Eric D. Workman, who won 2006 Trooper of the Year honors and Sergeant Robert J. Stryjewski, Jr., who was named the 2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

TFC Workman, who was chosen from among 32 Trooper of the Year nominees, is assigned to the Westminster Barracks Criminal Investigation Section. Sergeant Stryjewski supervises the Carroll County Drug Task Force and was one of 28 nominated non-commissioned officers.

“Both Sgt. Stryjewski and TFC Workman have distinguished themselves as dedicated public servants who are committed to serving and protecting the people of Maryland,” Colonel Sheridan said. “I am very proud of them and appreciate their willingness to lead by example. They have upheld the highest standards of the Maryland State Police and the law enforcement profession through their outstanding service.”

In early 2006, TFC Workman developed a robbery questionnaire that was used to capture vital suspect information and has become an important tool for use by State Police investigators. On his own initiative, TFC Workman applied for and obtained grants for video enhancing equipment. This equipment has enabled police in Carroll County to analyze and enhance surveillance photos and video more effectively.

TFC Workman initiated a warrant sweep in Carroll County that involved extensive investigation. His work resulted in 11 hard to find fugitives being apprehended.

In 2006, TFC Workman was assigned an investigation involving a farm which had a notorious reputation for criminal activity and allegations of cruelty to animals and environmental crimes. Efforts by other governmental agencies to deal with the situation had failed for the past 15 years.

TFC Workman coordinated federal, state, and local agencies in a sweeping investigation that resulted in criminal charges for stolen property and numerous charges for animal cruelty and environmental offenses.

His ability to track fugitives is outstanding. In the summer of 2006, a person arrested on a traffic stop escaped custody and a search ensued all that night and the next day, but to no avail. TFC Workman was on leave, but was called back in and within two hours, the suspect was in custody.

Then, after being shot and critically wounded during the service of an arrest warrant in December of 2006, TFC Workman refused to quit. He returned to full duty long before anyone thought he could or should. On his first morning back to duty, he was out serving warrants.

Sgt. Robert J. Stryjewski, Jr., is no stranger to outstanding performance awards. He was the 2001 Maryland State Police Trooper of the Year. He was promoted to corporal in 2002, made sergeant in 2005, and now holds the distinguished honor of the 2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Sgt. Stryjewski led by example during 2006 and helped the Carroll County Drug Task Force significantly increase its enforcement efforts. According to Major Vernon Conaway, head of the State Police Drug Enforcement Command, Sgt. Stryjewski’s leadership and performance in 2006 was exemplary. He said Sgt. Stryjewski led his unit to substantial increases in every area of enforcement. They include:

-a 61 percent increase in the number of investigations initiated;

-a 153 percent increase in the number of drug purchases made;

-a 64 percent increase in the number of search warrants served;

-a 91 percent increase in the number of felony drug arrests made;

-a 974 percent increase in the amount of drug money recovered;

-a 250 percent increase in the amount of motor vehicles seized;

-a 450 percent increase in the number of real estate properties seized;

-a 400 percent increase in the number of firearms recovered;

-a 1000 percent increase in the amount of cocaine seized and dramatic increases in the seizure of other drugs in Carroll County as well.

Those dramatic increases were not because the task force had an “off” year in 2005. The leadership of Sgt. Stryjewski is credited with having a direct impact on those substantial increases.

The Carroll County Drug Task Force includes police officers from the Maryland State Police, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Westminster Police, and the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office. The task force is charged with identifying, infiltrating, and dismantling drug trafficking operations in Carroll County.

###

CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Shipley

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20071107 News Clips

News Clips

Nov. 7, 2007

STATE NEWS

Panel reworks revenue package
Senate committee cuts top rates and leaves 'loopholes'
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.session07nov07,0,2970127.story
Top-earning Marylanders and big businesses got a break yesterday when a Senate panel amended Gov. Martin O'Malley's revenue package by reducing top income tax rates and eliminating a measure designed to ensure that multi-state corporations pay taxes. The Budget and Taxation Committee also voted to eliminate some of the breaks the governor had included for lower-income households and against O'Malley's proposal to reduce the state property tax by 3 cents per $100 over the next three years.The panel moved to extend the state sales tax to include co mputer services, landscaping and arcade games, but not to other services recommended by O'Malley. And the governor's plan to tie the gas tax to increases in the cost of construction materials also failed in the committee.
Republicans have objected to the notion that services could be taxed without a full public debate, and the capital's lobbyists are in a panic that their clients could be hit. "This is moving very fast, too fast for the public's good," said Sen. David R. Brinkley, the minority leader from Frederick County. The Senate committee approved O'Malley's proposal to increase Maryland's sales tax rate from 5 percent to 6 percent.
The Senate has taken the lead on considering O'Malley's tax and gambling proposals while the House of Delegates has looked for significant spending cuts. However, members of the House committee that handles tax measures were briefed on the Senate's plans yesterday, and they said they expect to make onl y minor changes.

Senators rebuff loophole closing
O'Malley measure to tax profits sent out of state rejected
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-bz.md.corporate07nov07,0,5916983.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
As the Maryland General Assembly considered closing a loophole to prevent corporations from entirely avoiding state taxes, Marriott International Inc. warned legislators yesterday that it might "adjust operations" if they alter the tax system.
While the Bethesda-based hotel operator insists that it pays taxes and stopped short of saying that it would move, business and economic development leaders are worried that fewer companies are choosing to call Maryland home. A dozen major Maryland companies have been bought out this year, often becoming bran c hes of companies with headquarters elsewhere.
The state's corporate landscape helps explain why the General Assembly has balked at passing Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal for "combined reporting," which proponents say would prevent multistate corporations from shifting profits to states with lower or no corporate income tax. A Senate committee rejected the measure yesterday.
More than 20 states have adopted combined reporting, as public outrage has grown over so-called "zero tax" corporations.
But the proposal was rejected yesterday by a Senate committee. While the special session is expected to last at least another week, during which the proposals could be revived, legislative leaders say that's unlikely.

Senate committee approves $1 billion sales tax increase, higher income taxes
http://www.examiner.com/a-1033568~Senate_committee_approves__1_billion_sales_tax_increase__higher_income_taxes.html
Maryland's wealthy taxpayers get whacked a little less, computer services get walloped, car buyers get a tax break on trade-ins, and everybody will pay more on most purchases.
Fitness clubs, massage therapists and property managers will not have to pay sales taxes but smokers will be hit hard by a doubled tax to $2 a pack, as Gov. Martin O'Malley had proposed.Those are among the significant actions the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee took Tuesday on O'Malley's deficit-cutting tax increases. The full Senate will begin debate on the tax increases and the governor's proposed spending cuts today.

Panel Supports Most of O'Malley's Budget Plan
Senate Committee Amends Tax Plans, Backs Vote on Slots
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/06/AR2007110602102.html
A Senate budget panel yesterday scaled back Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to raise taxes for high-income earners and suggested applying the state sales tax to several services that were not in his proposal.
The actions by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee occurred during an afternoon of deliberations that ended when the panel signed off on most components of the governor's deficit-reduction package, but only after making several significant changes. In a nod to Montgomery County lawmakers, the panel reduced O'Malley's proposed new top income tax rate from 6.5 to 5.5 percent. Lawmakers in Montgomery, which is home to more high-income earners than any other jurisdiction in Maryland, had said that the income tax plan proposed by O'Malley could hurt the county's economic interests.
The panel endorsed O'Malley's plan to raise the state sales tax from 5 to 6 percent but rewrote his proposal to apply the levy to several services that are currently exempt. Under the amended plan, Maryland would start taxing computer services, landscaping work and arcades. Those changes were harshly criticized by Republicans, who alleged that the affected businesses had no chance for input. "They don't even know they're in this bill," said Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Queen Anne's). "That's wrong. Democracy is about letting the public have transparency and participating, neither of which took place today."

Many voices, 1 plea: Hands off the cash
Lawmakers urged to forgo spending cuts
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.cuts07nov07,0,5849079.story
Some Maryland delegates voiced skepticism yesterday about proposals for cutting at least $500 m illion in projected state spending as part of a comprehensive package to close the $1.7 billion fiscal shortfall expected next year.
And dozens of groups that oppose the proposed cuts - interests ranging from higher education to the film industry - sought to convey the effect of each suggested reduction, whether it be economic hardship, tuition increases or even a possible cure for painful diseases.
Two suggested spending cuts that would save an estimated $90 million drew numerous questions from legislators at yesterday's committee meeting. The first would eliminate a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for state employees, a proposal that would result in reduced salaries for thousands of workers because of mandated increases to pension contributions. The second is the elimination of about 1,000 vacant state positions. It seems like we're robbing Peter to pay Paul here," said Del. Susan L.M. Aumann, a Baltimore County Republican, adding that t he salary reduction could be a severe blow for state workers. "I can't swallow that." Other delegates questioned why the legislature wouldn't tap millions of dollars set aside to fund vacant positions. "It's a slush fund," said Del. Gail H. Bates, a Howard County Republican. When staffers with the Department of Legislative Services, which has compiled the list of possible cuts at the request of lawmakers, said they didn't have precise figures on past hiring, some delegates said they couldn't see making cuts without more information.

Dixon's win makes Baltimore history
Democrat becomes the first woman elected to lead city
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.md.election07nov07,0,1760654.story
Mayor Sheila Dixon decis i vely won her bid to lead Baltimore yesterday as voters gave her an overwhelming, if predictable, victory and made her the first woman elected as the city's mayor. Unofficial returns showed Dixon with a solid lead over Republican Elbert R. Henderson, who did not aggressively campaign for the position and faced devastating odds before he even put his name on the ballot. Democrats have not ceded the mayor's office in four decades. The city's sleepy general election, which came eight weeks after the more contentious September primary, was met with apathy by voters, most of whom did not turn out. In some cases, relatively few voters trickled into polling places in the blustery weather yesterday and found completely open banks of voting machines. It is not clear that Henderson could have won even if he had taken a more aggressive approach. Registered Democrats in Baltimore outnumber Republicans by more than 8 to 1, and the last Republican elected to the office was Theo d ore R. McKeldin in 1963.

Aberdeen mayor loses heated race
Mudslinging marked Harford Co. election
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-md.ha.harford07nov07,0,5995150.story
An antagonistic campaign in Aberdeen climaxed last night with challenger Michael E. Bennett defeating Mayor S. Fred Simmons, ending a productive but contentious two-year term for the insurance salesman. A citizens group that first squared off against Simmons last year in an annexation battle and then set about campaigning against the mayor figured largely in Bennett's victory. Meanwhile in Bel Air, a quieter and friendlier campaign ended with voters returning Terence O. Hanley to the Board of Town Commissioners, and electing Robert J. Reier, who had been appointed last year to fill a vacancy, as well as n ewcomer Edward Hopkins III to the five-member board.

Governor names five to school board panel
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.nominations07nov07,0,5541077.story
A Crofton attorney, a former school board member and a retired Millersville school guidance counselor are among the appointments Gov. Martin O'Malley made this week to the new School Board Nominating Commission for Anne Arundel County.
Leopold appointee Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold also named Yevola S. Peters of Annapolis, his special assistant for minority affairs, to the commission. "I wanted to ensure that there'd be diversity on the commission," Leopold said of his appointment. "For the first time in Anne Arundel County, the public has the chance to provide direct input into the selection of school board members," Leopold said. "It's a compromise solution that was elusive for more than two decades."

Senate to take vote on override of gun bill veto
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/11_07-02/OUD
The state Senate has scheduled a vote for Thursday in an attempt to override Governor Martin O'Malley's veto of a bill allowing police agencies to dispose of their own guns by selling them to a manufacturer.
It would be the first O'Malley veto to be tested in a Senate override vote.


EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

A year later: Why Gov. Ehrlich lost
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion / oped/bal-op.ehrlich07nov07,0,7570280.story
This month marks the fifth anniversary of Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s election as the state's first Republican governor since Spiro Agnew, and today is the first anniversary of his defeat.
For erstwhile Republican activists like me, these anniversaries prompt reflection and regret. Although our incumbent was popular and charismatic, had a creditable record and raised more money than any governor in Maryland history, the dream of Republican relevance was unsustainable.
But Republicans must persevere. After all, competition heightens accountability and mitigates arrogance among the majority. Republicans need to move forward in their quest for relevancy, and this requires being clear-eyed as to why Mr. Ehrlich lost.
Mr. Ehrlich's communications dollars could have been better spent hammering home the governor's record on jobs, charter schools, the Intercounty Connector, the Chesapeake Bay and other underrepo r ted successes. The campaign also missed an opportunity to energize conservatives by initiating a statewide dialogue about taxation in Maryland.
Unfortunately, the state Republican Party's fate was so tied to Mr. Ehrlich's that his departure relegated it to what it was in 1987: irrelevant, dispirited and bankrupt.
Republicans have no choice but to embrace the lessons of the loss. They need to rebuild the party from scratch, focusing on such fundamentals as candidate recruitment, grass-roots organization and messaging. In other words, they must start over.

Instead of responsible fiscal policy, they give us snack taxes
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.schaller07nov07,0,2733295.column
imagine my visceral unease, figuratively and literally, to news that Maryland legislators are yet again consi d ering a tax on snack foods. Some proposal or another to reinstate the snack tax (it was eliminated in 1996) has reared its head at several other points this decade.I'm hardly averse to higher taxes and rarely find myself in perfect agreement with powerful trade associations such as the Grocery Manufacturers of America and the Snack Food Association. But no state government - certainly not Maryland's, with its huge base of taxable incomes - should fix its structural-deficit problem by imposing highly regressive taxes on food. And yes, that even applies to fattening, high-calorie junk foods.
Consequently, rather than doing either of the two politically responsible things - raising taxes or identifying, by name, major programs to cut - we get budgetary death by a thousand small cuts, coupled with niggling taxes here and there, many of which hit working-class folks disproportionately.

Two Democrats step up for Maryland
http://www.examiner.com/Baltimore-Opinion.html
It looks as if a couple of Maryland Democrats learned a reality lesson in actual economics and democracy. Every citizen should thank Baltimore County Sen. James Brochin for having the courage to act upon his conscience and in the best interests of his constituents.
As long as we have a rare instance of leaders actually showing leadership, six other executives should join Montgomery County's Ike Leggett in opposing Gov. Martin O'Malley's inexplicable raid on taxpayers' pockets.
Brochin said, "I was elected to represent my constituents" in the Towson area, and they've been telling him "NO!" 60-1. Brochin also voted against the "extraordinary session" convened last week because, beyond being unconstitutional, there is no emergency. "Our budget is balanced until July 2008," he pointed out, and t he "structural deficit" for 2009 is less than O'Malley projected to panic lawmakers. Leggett must convince fellow executives to fight tax increases forced down our throats - not to fund essential services, but to pay for accelerated spending increases.
Brochin must convince at least four fellow true Democrats to help democracy work and join 14 Republican senators in spiking this O'Malley fraud upon the people of Maryland.


NATIONAL NEWS

House Clears Streamlined Path to Citizenship for Foreigners in U.S. Military
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2007/6679.shtml
The House passed legislation Tuesday that would make it easier for immigrants serving in the military to become American citizens. "When non-citizens embrace our nation by risking their lives to protect it, the least w e can do is provide a smooth and easy transition to citizenship," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, who introduced the bill. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security, where citizenship applications are processed, to accept military applicant fingerprints taken by the Department of Defense during enlistment. The legislation was introduced in the upper chamber by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., in 2005 as part of the immigration bill. Although it stalled in the Senate in June, Mikulski was successful last year in having DHS create a dedicated customer service hotline for service members applying for citizenship.