20080409 News Clips

NewsClips 04-09-2008

STATE NEWS

The cost of being rich

New tax bracket for Md. millionaires becomes law

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.millionaire09apr09,0,1722614.story

With the General Assembly's passage of the new 6.25 percent top tax rate on incomes above $1 million, and Gov. Martin O'Malley's signing of the bill yesterday, Maryland has apparently become the first state to create an actual millionaires' bracket. To join the Maryland club, you have to be a real millionaire - earning $1 million a year you can't offset with deductions. Just owning a big house that's appreciated won't cut it. Some sole proprietorships, limited liability corporations and other small businesses will pay, however. Howard Rensin, a successful Howard County businessman and developer, thinks many Maryland millionaires will decamp for less taxing locales. But others who move in affluent circles think most of those privileged enough to feel the additional burden will just "grin and bear it." By the end of the session, the idea of taxing the rich wasn't looking so bad to many of the Assembly's leaders. O'Malley jumped aboard the repeal bandwagon and re-endorsed the millionaires' tax.

Wrap-up for 'grueling' time

Officials complete session by signing foreclosure, computer tax bills

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.laws09apr09,0,5132764.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley and top General Assembly leaders capped off a whirlwind legislative session yesterday, signing into law the final piece of a foreclosure reform package and legislation that repealed Maryland's new computer services tax. Asked whether Marylanders would feel the effects of the additional budget cuts passed this year, O'Malley said, "Hopefully, if we've done our job, we'll be able to do cuts without biting into their priorities." "The 2008 legislative session has been another disappointing example of Gov. O'Malley's failure to provide responsible fiscal leadership," Del. Anthony J. O'Donnell, the House minority leader from Southern Maryland, said in a written statement. "Government continues to grow virtually unchecked, and the appetite for taxes has not been satisfied."

Global warming fight goes on

Success of other bills leaves O'Malley camp unfazed by failure of greenhouse measure

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.warming09apr09,0,1509972.story

The O'Malley administration plans to move forward with efforts to combat global warming, despite the legislature's rejection of a high-profile bill that would have curbed Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions, officials said yesterday. Secretary of the Environment Shari T. Wilson said that even without the bill mandating a 25 percent emissions reduction by 2020, Gov. Martin O'Malley secured enough of his energy policy priorities during the legislative session that ended Monday to make progress on climate change. Environmentalists, though disappointed by the failure of the Global Warming Solutions Act in the final hours of the 90-day legislative session, took heart in the energy legislation, which they say should advance the cause significantly. "I think the problem was that obviously there were a large number of us, including most prominently labor, who were very concerned about the potential impacts of what was, after all, one of the most far-reaching pieces of legislation the General Assembly has ever considered," said Michael C. Powell, a lobbyist for the Maryland Industrial and Technology Alliance, a group of manufacturers. With a batch of amendments being offered by proponents and opponents alike and the session ticking to a close, members of the House Economic Matters Committee opted to let the bill die.

Equal-access bill passes

Within three years, schools must allow disabled to compete

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-sp.disabled09apr09,0,6049210.story

Amid its flurry of final-day action, the General Assembly unanimously approved a bill requiring schools to provide disabled students access to sports programs, either among themselves or with able-bodied students. Under the measure known as the Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities, schools have three years to fully implement the requirements. The legislation, which takes effect in July, requires local school systems to submit their plans to the state education department, which would investigate complaints and could sideline noncompliant teams or withhold money from schools or school systems.

Carroll executive expansion OK'd

Bill will add two commissioners; police-force issue to go to referendum

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/carroll/bal-md.ca.govern09apr09,0,3351847.story

Carroll voters can expect an expanded Board of Commissioners, and a say in creating a county police force, with the approval of two bills aimed at helping to resolve both issues. The General Assembly passed the measures Monday - one requiring a referendum on a local ordinance to create a county police force, the other designing districts for five commissioners. "It was a struggle, but we got it out," said Del. Tanya Thornton Shewell, a District 5A Republican. But several Carroll state legislators, including Shewell and Sen. Larry E. Haines, said they favored giving residents a say - something Tregoning and others have supported. "The people needed to have a chance to weigh in on public safety issues," Shewell said. "I'm happy the people have won." Del. Susan W. Krebs said she had hoped the issue would be resolved locally, not in the Assembly. "Unfortunately, this just punts the ball down the road," Krebs said. "Now the commissioners have to go out and sell their plan. ... It's going to take a lot of good information being put out ... so that people can understand what their choices are." Also passed Monday was redistricting legislation that paves the way for a five-member Board of Commissioners.

Speed-camera, property bills fail during Assembly session

Funds for 3 parks, Healthy Howard plan approved

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-ho.bills09apr09,0,3163193.story

Bills allowing speed cameras and mobile home park residents the right to buy the land under their homes before a park is sold failed to win General Assembly approval before the 90-day session ended Monday night. The two bills represented the biggest issues local legislators faced this year, but they weren't the only local bills approved by the county delegation that failed to be enacted. A third measure offering liability protection, enjoyed by county government, to the new Howard County Revenue Authority under a self-insurance program also failed.

State called ‘an embarrassment’ for failing to pass anti-immigration bills

http://www.examiner.com/a-1328836~State_called__an_embarrassment__for_failing_to_pass_anti_immigration_bills.html

Bills seeking to deny many state benefits to illegal immigrants never made it out of committee this session. But Senate Republicans in the final hours almost succeeded in passing a floor amendment that would have made applicants for commercial driver’s licenses prove their legal presence in Maryland. Senate GOP leader David Brinkley of Frederick and Carroll counties said Maryland is now one of only five states that allow undocumented aliens to get a license. “Even the District of Columbia requires legal presence,” Brinkley told his colleagues. “We need to make sure they’re here legally.” Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus, a Lower Shore Republican, called the state “an embarrassment.” “We have become a mecca” for illegal aliens and a potential haven for terrorists, he said. Stoltzfus said a relative who works at the Motor Vehicle Administration told him that “van loads of out-of-state people” come to MVA offices for licenses. Responding to a question from The Examiner, O’Malley said he thought it was appropriate to wait three years to implement the documentation requirements of the REAL ID Act.

Electronic gambling device ban could affect jobs, boost slots

http://www.examiner.com/a-1328839~Electronic_gambling_device_ban_could_affect_jobs__boost_slots.html

The General Assembly late Monday enacted a ban on electronic gambling devices that supporters called necessary to combat competition to slot machines and the state lottery. Supporters of the ban, including House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, said the games compete with the state lottery and legitimate slot machines that could be legalized in a November referendum. “The fact of the matter is, you lose revenue by not voting on this for the state of Maryland,” Busch said. Opponents of the ban, including most lawmakers from Anne Arundel County, say the machines are tightly regulated. Anne Arundel is home to about 200 devices in three commercial bingo halls. If signed by O’Malley, the county stands to lose about $1.6 million in annual taxes and fees, and some parlor employees could lose their jobs.

Session wraps up on a green note

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080409/METRO/516368290/1004

Maryland lawmakers approved broad environmental and energy initiatives to close the 2008 General Assembly session but delayed tough decisions on the state's persistent budget problems until they return in January. Critics cautioned against celebration, noting the slowing economy and a series of one-time fixes — such as cutting payments to a retiree benefits fund — to balance the state's $31.2 billion budget. "Government continues to grow virtually unchecked, and the appetite for taxes has not been satisfied," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell, Southern Maryland Republican. "The Democrat leadership is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the taxpayers with empty rhetoric about spending cuts and sound fiscal management." Budget writers left $250 million in the state's cash reserves in expectation of deepening budget troubles before the 2009 session begins in January. Officials began preparing for a fight over a referendum to legalize slots gambling. Voters will decide in November whether to approve the placement of up to 15,000 slot machines across the state.

Strife Sinks National Harbor Bill

Showdown Engulfs Liquor Licenses

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/08/AR2008040803252.html

A bill to create new liquor licenses for the massive National Harbor development in Prince George's County died in the waning hours of Maryland's legislative session Monday night, torpedoed amid heated arguments about minority contracting at the project that escalated into a showdown between Gov. Martin O'Malley and a state senator. The bill would have allowed for 40 liquor licenses at National Harbor's entertainment complex on the Potomac riverfront, 20 of them to be issued by the county's liquor board in the next year. The bill also would have allowed liquor licenses at nightclubs that do not serve food, otherwise banned in the county, and alcohol at outdoor festivals for 120 days each year. A compromise worked out at the tense meeting Monday afternoon among O'Malley and senators would have capped licenses at 13. Soon after, National Harbor representatives requested that the bill be killed. Monday's unraveling of long-sought legislation -- a similar bill failed last year -- left some county politicians deeply concerned about elected leaders' inability to work out disputes.

Compromises Play Key Role in O'Malley Legislative Wins

Compromises Play A Major Role in Legislative Success

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/08/AR2008040803095.html

By the time the confetti fell at the close of Maryland's 90-day legislative session Monday night, Gov. Martin O'Malley had racked up far more wins than losses. But some of those victories arguably should be recorded with asterisks. O'Malley's willingness to compromise does not always guarantee success. His bill to expand the use of speed cameras statewide unexpectedly died Monday night as lawmakers raced toward their midnight adjournment. And an O'Malley-backed bill to curb greenhouse gases collapsed on the session's final day even after it had been watered down. Senate Minority Whip Allan H. Kittleman (R-Howard) said Democratic leaders engaged in a "24-7 attempt" to embarrass Ehrlich, making cooperation difficult. What appears to be compromise by O'Malley, Kittleman said, is often a realization by the governor that he is overreaching. "I think it is the legislature saying you can't go that far, even in the liberal Maryland legislature," Kittleman said. O'Malley's plan to compensate for lost revenue from the repealed computer services tax includes a $50 million cut in funding for transportation projects. Given that lawmakers increased spending on projects by more than $400 million a year during the special session, O'Malley said he considered the loss of $50 million a reasonable compromise.

Howard Community College gets Senate productivity award

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/college/bal-ho.hcc09apr09,0,5438610.story

Howard Community College has earned the U.S. Senate Productivity Award, announced earlier this week by the University of Maryland and U.S. Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin. The award, part of the university's Maryland Performance Excellence Awards Program, honors organizations for successfully implementing systematic processes for continuous improvement and achieving outstanding results. "Howard Community College is an incredible institution -- but an institution is only bricks and building. What makes it great is determined students, powerhouse faculty and consistent leadership," Mikulski said in a statement. "Community colleges are the gateway to the future. Howard Community College is an example of everything we want for our higher education facilities in Maryland." "I am very impressed by Howard Community College's commitment to offering its students the highest standards of quality, and by its continuous monitoring of student success and employee satisfaction," said Cardin in a statement.

Lawmakers pass bill to fill District 4 seat

Supporters say process will save money; opponents say congressman failed commitment to constituents

http://www.gazette.net/stories/040908/montnew62559_32355.shtml

Minutes before the General Assembly session ended Monday, lawmakers passed emergency legislation allowing a special summer general election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn. Wynn had represented the district since 1993. Donna F. Edwards of Fort Washington, who defeated him in the Feb. 12 primary, still faces Republican Peter James in November. Current law would have required Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) to leave the seat vacant or to call special primary and general elections. O’Malley said the single special election will save taxpayers money As part of the legislation, candidates for the special general election would be chosen by the local central committees for each party, which would then submit their recommendations to the state committees. But the reduced cost of the one special election was not enough to sway some GOP lawmakers. ‘‘This is an important piece of legislation, one that will choose the next congressional representative and one that will cost citizens $1.2 million because one individual decided he didn’t want to fulfill his obligation to his office,” said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby. ‘‘Citizens of Maryland should not pay this bill and we don’t need it if [Wynn] ... stays in office till the normal time.” Others — including James — have questioned whether the process gives Edwards an unfair advantage in securing the seat.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

A session of compromise

Our view: Lawmakers wrap up a curative, cautious 90 days

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.session09apr09,0,6978191.story

There's likely enough good news coming out of the recently completed legislative session to soften the blow of last fall's tax increases and return a bit of luster to the image of Gov. Martin O'Malley, who took a subsequent beating in opinion polls. The $2 billion settlement with Constellation Energy Group (including the $170 credit for BGE customers), the rollback of the much-reviled tax on computer services, the imposition of greater controls on development around the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, and an anti-crime initiative that expands the state's DNA databank all are likely to sit well with the public. Still, there were limits to the General Assembly's willingness to tackle the controversial. Lawmakers failed to pass a global warming bill that ran afoul of labor unions. Meaningful campaign finance reform died in the Senate once again despite widespread support - and a willingness to defer its still-modest costs until after 2010. But there's also a pattern of cooperation and compromise that was often missing in Annapolis during the last term. Whether voters will see and appreciate this bigger picture remains to be seen; it's never easy for elected officials to brag about cutting public services a little bit instead of a lot. Yet that may be exactly what these challenging times require.

Children victims in latest session

http://www.examiner.com/a-1328827~Children_victims_in_latest_session.html

Shame on Del. Sheila Hixson. The Montgomery County Democrat held a bill in committee that could have helped boost education funding by millions throughout the state for both private and public school students. The Building Opportunities for All Students and Teachers, passed the Senate with bipartisan support. But thanks to Hixson, the House never voted on the measure, which would have given tax credits for up to 75 percent of donations by corporations to private scholarship funds and to public schools to start innovative programs. The Maryland State Teachers Association, which endorsed Hixson and whose political wing has donated more than $4,000 to her campaigns since 2001, opposed the bill because the group claimed it would take money away from public schools. True, it would reduce the number of students attending public schools and the funding following them. But fewer students require less money. Besides, is quantity of students the only thing that the unions care about? What about giving each student in Maryland a quality education? By killing the bill, Hixson basically said that if public schools can’t get every cent of funding, no one should.

Maryland's downhill slide

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080409/EDITORIAL/89573083

The Maryland General Assembly ended its regular 2008 session Monday night with confetti, and Gov. Martin O'Malley, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch all congratulated themselves on their accomplishments. But only a half-hearted thank you is in order. Perhaps the most important success was the decision to repeal the 6 percent "tech tax" on computer services companies that lawmakers passed during the fall special session. The tax would still be on the books if it had not been for a superb public-relations campaign launched by high-tech businesses to educate Marylanders about the fact that the tax would drive computer firms out of state. Unfortunately, during the final hours of the session, lawmakers decided to replace the job-destroying tech tax with a different plan to chase job producers to places like Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. On other issues the just-completed session was a mixed bag. On other issues the just-completed session was a mixed bag.. But in other areas, lawmakers failed miserably: They failed to bar violent sexual predators from receiving "good time credits," which can substantially reduce their prison sentences; and, despite a valiant effort by Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley, the legislature failed to require that driver's license applicants prove that they are legally in the country.

20080409 Carroll Arts Center’s “Peep Show” winners announced

Carroll Arts Center’s “Peep Show” winners announced

MEDIA RELEASE

April 9, 2008

Contact: Sandy Oxx

(Attached photo is of winning entry “Peeps with Wings” by the Megan Taylor Foundation)

Carroll Arts Center’s “Peep Show” winners announced

Ants to invade soon……………..

A standing room only crowd was on hand Tuesday evening to hear the announcements about which Peep ® creations had received the most votes from the public.

A total of 111 marshmallow masterpieces were on display for the past week, far exceeding the organizers’ original estimates and expectations.

“The works were engineering marvels, artistic masterpieces, hilarious social commentaries on pop culture and incredible gestures of financial generosity,” reports Executive Director Sandy Oxx. “Carroll County is to be applauded for their imagination. They’ve truly started a new tradition that will only grow.”

Thousands of visitors to the event purchased vote chips to acknowledge their favorites. Nearly $4,500 was raised through the event.

The over-all audience favorite was “Peeps with Wings” by the Megan Taylor Foundation.

The other results are as follows:

Audience Favorites (in no particular order)

“Amazing Peep Show Circus” by Alannah Van Horn

“Peep Posse” by Ruth Perkins

“Peep Pyramid” by North Carroll Community School

“Proud Peepcock” by Heather Hodge & Clark Shaffer, Esq.

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

“Tin Grin Peeps” by Dr. Edward Goldman & Staff

“Chesapeep Bay Crabs” by the Lowe & Adams Families

“Corbit’s Charge” by Gabby Hash

“Easter Parade” by Grace Woo

“Peep my Pumps” by Carroll Hospital Center’s White Rabbit Thrift Shop

Winning decorators were awarded prizes packages from the Just Born Company of Bethlehem, PA, maker of PEEPS ®.

Five emerging film makers submitted movies starring Peeps ® A panel of judges from the community reviewed them, and the winner in the film category was Tom Walker for his charming stop-action entry entitled “World Peeps.”

Some special awards were also announced. Most hilarious entry was awarded to Danielle May-West for “Split Peep Soup.”

Best entry using a single Peep went to Elizabeth Ellis for her touching photograph “God Peeps all his Children in his Hands.”

Best hi-tech entry went to Jim Voter of Gizmos Art for his power point entry “Peeps on Wheels,” and the Spirit of Generosity Award went to Dutterer’s Flower Shop for their amazing entry “Peeps a Bloomin’ that used more than 400 Peeps, and their creation of other magnificent entries for the Megan Taylor Foundation and the Night Rider Foundation.

The Arts Council staff and board are now planning for an ant invasion, as well as next year’s event which is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

####

20080409 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Wendi Peters – Mount Airy’s Steel Magnolia

Kevin E. Dayhoff

People were delighted to see former Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., last Friday when he came to Frederick County in support of Mount Airy Councilwoman Wendi Wagner Peter’s re-election bid.

Fallen from Grace

Tom McLaughlin

I have trouble equating human life with money. It’s like combining an apple and an orange to make a new fruit. Shakespeare and algebra simply will not go together in a publishable book.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Bemoaning Rick Weldon's Farewell

Roy Meachum

The legislative process, state or federal, frequently invokes the image of grass growing; it is generally long and tedious, unmemorable. The real trick for a journalist comes from watching out for "moles," the bills that work slightly undercover, like the fuzzy critters.

How to Avoid Getting Run Over…

Farrell Keough

Sometimes you are the bug and sometimes you are the windshield. It seems that recently we taxpaying residents of Maryland have been the bug. Of course, this covers a multitude of sins.

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Monday, April 7, 2008

“1984” Predicts 2008

Steven R. Berryman

Enabling legislation passed by our Maryland General Assembly will allow Frederick to use red light cameras for law enforcement. Frederick is now one small step closer to becoming Montgomery County. Your accuser may be “Big Brother” instead of a police officer. Beware the trend.

The Yin and the Yang of Annapolis

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

This place is really odd. There is just no more appropriate one-word definition. We begin our legislative session in middle of winter’s icy grip, and we end it in all of spring’s emerging glory.

Moses Without a Chariot

Roy Meachum

Charlton Heston and I met a couple of times in Washington. He went to testify before a congressional hearing, something about the American Film Institute.

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Friday, April 4, 2008

Columns' Fodder

Roy Meachum

"Columning," as this racket is sometimes called, relies totally on other people's mistakes, usually politicians. They are naturals because they wield public power. And distribute the public purse.

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Thursday, April 3, 2008

Of Traffic Woes and Solutions

Tony Soltero

Traffic congestion is an issue most of us can relate to, whatever our political leanings. A significant number of Frederick County residents – myself included – commute daily to jobs in the D.C. and Baltimore areas, sometimes crossing over into Virginia. License plates from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania dot the major arteries in the region every morning and evening.

Sense and Sensibility

Patricia A. Kelly

I just finished reviewing a recent speech by Newt Gingrich, a well known moral icon from government, who has been rewarded with lots of cushy commentator jobs for his incredible act of attempting to impeach a president while hiding his own very similar behavior.

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Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The McCain Vice President Decision

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Speculation persists as to who presumptive Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain will choose as a running mate. This upcoming decision has sparked a growing debate among many political pundits for a number of reasons.

Farmers and the Bays

Tom McLaughlin

Where in the world are we going to put the chicken poop? That is the question most people on the Eastern Sore are asking. “Not in my back yard!” said the towns. “Not in my backyard” said the counties. Not on the fields said the wacko environmentalists.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

War That Won't Disappear

Roy Meachum

Despite administration strategy to keep the war in Iraq out of sight, the official image formed over the past five years busted out in the open last week. The accompanying text confirmed the road to peace had made another violent turn. Those surprised belonged to the administration's Coue faction.

In The Preacher’s Defense

Derek Shackelford

So far this presidential election has developed many subplots. They – if we are not careful as voters – will take us away from the important issues that affect this nation.

Roadmaps to Success

Nick Diaz

What is happening to American institutions requires both art and science. From its churches to its educational system, from the government and political party system to the military, an invasive form of totalitarian groupthink has been artfully and successfully applied to those institutions.

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Monday, March 31, 2008

Hang ‘Em High, Just Not in Maryland!

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

As the 2008 General Assembly session starts to wind down, the issues are easier to define. The big revenue shortfall is the 800-pound gorilla, but there a whole bushel of other topics that have garnered the attention of the press corps.

The Semantic War 4000

Steven R. Berryman

Survey says: You don’t want to hear it. The 4,000 war-attributed deaths in combat were reported as a “milestone” event last week in our Iraq War. Why did one have to turn to page A-3 in many papers to read the story? Strange, as we are told by President George W. Bush’s administration that this is the defining issue of our day, even in light of the “recession.”

20080408 A workshop on the future of Carroll County Maryland’s solid waste options

A workshop on the future of Carroll County Maryland’s solid waste options

7 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008

(I attempted to “live blog” this event as I watched it on cable TV. If anyone who attended the event has any corrections, amendments, additions or edits – please be in touch and I’ll be more than happy to make the appropriate changes.) See also: 20080331 Future of Solid Waste Public Hearing Dates Released and 20080408 Links to related materials on Carroll County Maryland’s future solid waste management decisions

This evening, the Carroll County Commissioners, the Carroll County Environmental Advisory Council, and the Carroll County Department of Public Works held a workshop on the future of Carroll County Maryland’s solid waste options.

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At 7 PM Cindy Parr, Carroll County's director of administrative services introduced the panel members and welcomed everyone to the workshop.

Some of the panel members she introduced included:

Carroll County Maryland Board of Commissioners Michael Zimmer, Julia Gouge, and Dean Minnich.

Robin B. Davidov, the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority’s executive director

Penn Township’s environmental director Gene Hejmanowski, Penn Township, Pa.

Neil Seldman, Washington-based Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit research group that advocates for resource conservation

Members of the Carroll County Environmental Advisory Council

Michael Evans, county public works director.

Representatives from Covanta Energy and Wheelabrator Technologies of Houston, Texas.

And others…

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7:06 PM The first question:

Nancy Dunn: The question I would have … whether the county staff has the will to operate a comprehensive recycling in the county?

Mike Evans answers yes.

Vince DiPietro: Why aren’t we taxing people who do not recycle? The proposed tax would be referred to as a “recycle tax and it would appear on the homeowner’s property tax…

Mike Evans: Approx. 50 percent of the waste that comes to the landfills is generated by households.

Dean Minnich: reiterated that there is an emphasis by the current board to increase recycling.

EAC member Sher Horosko discussed having a bar code on each household’s trash container so that the government may keep track of the disposition of each homeowner’s trash.

Mr. DiPietro wants to go after the house of anyone who does not recycle.

Penn Township representative Hejmanowski discussed his constitutional right to go through a person’s trash. In Penn Township - 1990 took 4,000 tons of trash. 17 years later. 3,039 tons. [see: “Pay as you throw” By Carrie Ann Knauer, Times Staff Writer Sunday, August 12, 2007 and 20071010 Carroll County Environmental Advisory Council recommends “Pay as You Throw” program to reduce waste, by Carrie Ann Knauer, Times Staff Writer]

Rebekah Orenstein: “Thank you for the meeting… It cheers my soul that the EAC is here.” She encouraged folks to go to the EAC web site to see their recommendations. [see: Environmental Advisory Council Recommendations on Addressing Solid Waste in Carroll County and 20070912 Carroll County EAC votes to promote recycling by Carrie Ann Knauer] We don’t want an incinerator. We do not want the airport to be expanded. We don’t want a police force.

Gentleman from Finksburg is in favor of an incinerator. Suggests that we bring in more trash and build a larger incinerator.

Mr. Evans discussed rail options that have been explored in the past.

(Another question – I did not understand who asked it): Has mandatory recycling been explored?

Mike Evans responded that it has been explored. It is a decision that the commissioners must make. Recent court decisions seem to support the ability of local government to implement mandatory recycling.

Robin Davidov said that Montgomery County is the only county in Maryland that has mandatory recycling.

(A discussion ensued of various recycling rates in various jurisdictions. I wish I had recorded the various numbers…)

Penn Township representative Hejmanowski described his process of checking the town residents’ trash.

EAC member and Mount Airy town council president Dave Pyatt discussed Mount Airy’s recycling efforts under the leadership of Wendi Peters. Mount Airy’s recycling rate has currently leveled-out at around 31 percent. He discussed some of market challenges with recycling.

A long and complicated question was asked about the particulars of the efficiency of the proposed waste-to-energy plant and specific business aspects of the operation.

Dean Minnich remarked that he views generating electricity as part of recycling trash. The bottom line for Commissioner Minnich is it safe?

Mike Zimmer cited an Environmental Matters report (I did get the name of the report) which has determined the Montgomery waste-to-energy facility to be safe… He was curious as to whether or not there is a report available that refutes the aforementioned report.

Covanta and Wheelabrator representatives addressed some of efficiency questions such as: 650 KW hours per ton of trash. There was some discussion about a compare and contrast with the efficiency ratios of generating electricity with coal and or oil…

Mr. Evans then detailed the business considerations..

EAC Chair Karen Merkle explained that many of the studies have only had a short duration of perhaps 5 to 15 years and that her concern was the long term affects for as much as 50 years.

Robin Davidov explained that waste-to-energy plants have operated in Europe for 50 years and studies have concluded no hazardous ramification…

_____ 8 PM _____

There ensued a protracted discussion of epidemiological studies and the construct of the various studies…

Neil Seldman questioned why no environmental groups support waste-to-energy.

[See: “U.S. Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration,” signed by the Carroll County Commissioners on August 30, 2007. It is a two page document… and an action item on page two reads:

WHEREAS, many counties throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that better provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reducing energy bills, preserving green space, implementing better land use policies, improving air quality, promoting waste-to-energy programs, expanding transportation and work choices to reduce traffic congestion, and fostering more economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new technologies.]

Mr. Seldman said that living next to waste-to-energy is dangerous. [See: Cumulative Health Risk Study for Dickerson Area Facilities]

That the only folks who are here supporting the waste-to-energy plant are the folks who have a vested interest... (Clapping – I missed some of his additional remarks…) He addressed a number of financial aspects of solid waste management. [See: 19880900 To Burn or Not to Burn an interview with Neil Seldman]

Robin Davidov addressed a previous question as to what if EPA standards are not met. She explained that has not happened in the history of the plants in which the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority has been involved.

Covanta representative: Covanta operates 34 WTE plants in North America. We process 15 million tons per year. Some of our facilities are steam generating. 24 facilities are on an EPA performance track which recognizes operations that have operated within the guidelines… We are the most highly regulated combustion utility in the nation…

All of the communities in which they operate a plant have aggressive recycling programs.

He cited an example of one facility that has increasingly improved their recycling program. He noted some of the improvements in the recycling markets.

Wheelabrator representative: Wheelabrator operates 16 plants. Wheelabrator is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Management - the largest recycling company in the country.

Dean Minnich: Wanted to know more about the difference in the East Coast recycling market with that of the West Coast. Paper is stronger on the West coast…

Robin Davidov remarked 70 percent of our recycled paper material goes to China.

Dean Minnich: asked if either Covanta or Wheelabrator have ever been sued for health impacts and their answer was no.

Sally Sorbello from Frederick Co. praised the CC EAC - - including the pay as you throw. She feels that we are getting premature. She said that there is no public support for a waste-to-energy facility in Frederick. She noted that the Frederick Tourism Council is against the waste-to-energy. She suggested that a recycling facility recovery park would be a tourist draw. She asked as to why a recovery park has not been more thoroughly pursued. She had questions about the disposition of the ash. [See: 20070305 “Better options than burning our trash” Carroll County Times letter to the editor by Sally Sorbello]

John D. Witiak, Union Bridge advocated recycling strategies and believes that a recycling center would be a better alternative than an incinerator. [See: 20080402 Recycling is better than incinerator by John Witiak or find it here - Recycling is better than incinerator]

Karen from Brunswick and that she is against the waste-to-energy facility and in favor of recycling.

Mr. Witiak wanted to know why the county hasn’t hired a consultant to help evaluate the options. [See: 20080306 Timeline to date on the Carroll County Maryland Integrated Waste Management Decision]

Mr. Evans explained that this process began with a consultant and the county has utilized various consultants throughout the process.

Ms. Davidov explained visiting countries in Europe and gathering information.

Dean Minnich discussed the challenges of 100 percent recycling and risk ratios associated with any decision we make.

A gentleman from Chesterfield Farms explained his operation of recycling and composting combined food waste, horse manure and yard waste.

The Wheelabrator representative gave an overview of gasification technologies.

Steve Cassis, Solid Waste Analysis Group in Frederick was concerned that the issued were being oversimplified and that the question is not recycling versus waste-to-energy…

The workshop ended at 9:03.

20080408 Links to related materials on Carroll County Maryland’s future solid waste management decisions

Links to related materials on Carroll County Maryland’s future solid waste management decisions… Related to: 20080331 Future of Solid Waste Public Hearing Dates Released

20080317 Recent columns on the future of Solid Waste Management in Carroll and Frederick Counties

20080317 More information on Waste to Energy and the future of solid waste management in Frederick and Carroll Counties

20080309 The Sunday Carroll Eagle: “History will know us by our trash”

In The Tentacle:

March 6, 2008

Making Trash Go Away – Part 2

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The February 26th joint meeting between Frederick and Carroll County over how to make trash go away came after two years of discussions and deliberations resulting from the Frederick County commissioners’ adoption of Resolution 06-05, on February 16, 2006.

March 5, 2008

Making Trash Go Away – Part One

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On February 26, the Frederick and Carroll County commissioners met to discuss how to make a combined 1,100 tons of trash-a-day go away.

*****

Related: Environmentalism Solid Waste Management or

Environmentalism Solid Waste Management Recycling or

Environmentalism Solid Waste Management Waste to Energy

And:

Citizens for a Green Mount Airy

Maryland Waste Study Group

"The Story of Stuff"

Friends of Frederick County

****

19880900 To Burn or Not to Burn an interview with Neil Seldman

19960900 The Five Most Dangerous Myths About Recycling

“Pay as you throw” By Carrie Ann Knauer, Times Staff Writer Sunday, August 12, 2007

20070912 Carroll County EAC votes to promote recycling by Carrie Ann Knauer

20071010 Carroll County Environmental Advisory Council recommends “Pay as You Throw” program to reduce waste, by Carrie Ann Knauer, Times Staff Writer

20071112 Frederick County seeks Carroll participation in trash incinerator

Carroll County Times editorial from November 14, 2007: “Talk some trash with the county”

20080318 Frederick News Post Tourism Council opposes incinerator by Karen Gardner

20080331 Future of Solid Waste Public Hearing Dates Released

Links to meetings and videos:

http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/pubworks/sw-future/default.asp

Board of County Commissioners Meetings

Future of Solid Waste Dates Released

Commissioner Discussion on WTE Shared Facility March 28, 2008

Future of Solid Waste Options March 10, 2008, public discussion

Future of Solid Waste Options March 5, 2008, public discussion

Joint meeting with Frederick County Board of County Commissioners
February 26, 2008

Presentation on home composting February 28, 2008

Economics of a shared Waste-to-Energy facility February 21, 2008

Presentation of recycling policy February 14, 2008

Discussion of integrated materials management strategy November 19, 2007

Report on recycling and update on solid waste August 14, 2007

Environmental Advisory Council Meetings

County's electronic recycling March 11, 2008

Food waste composting January 8, 2008

Council priorities review December 11, 2007

Presentation on composting November 13, 2007

Resource assessment, continuation of EAC discussion on waste management October 9, 2007

EAC discussion on waste management September 11, 2007

Pay per throw, Recycling August 14, 2007

Municipal waste options July 10, 2007

Pay per throw program, Solid waste practices in Montgomery County, and update on commercial recycling June 12, 2007

Solid and hazardous waste management, Sierra Club's waste management views, and Lancaster waste-to-energy trip May 8, 2007

Links to documents:

Waste To Energy Option for Carroll County

U.S. Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration

Waste to Energy: Investment/Expense/Income

Environmental Advisory Council Recommendations on Addressing
Solid Waste in Carroll County

Environmental Advisory Council Recommendations (DPW's presentation)

Managing Recycling and Reuse

Multiple Pathway Health Risk Assessment

Municipal Waste Combustion Ash, Soil, and Leachate Characterization

Carroll County Waste Reduction, Recycling and Buy Recycled Policy

Resource Assessment (Richard Anthony report)

Solid Waste Decision Timeline

Integrated Materials (Waste) Management System

Carroll County, Maryland Solid Waste Management Options (R.W. Beck report)

Cumulative Health Risk Study for Dickerson Area Facilities

20080408 News Clips

NewsClips 04-08-2008

STATE NEWS

Session 2008 Ends: Lawmakers Approve Constellation Deal; Reject O'Malley Global Warming Bill; Speed Camera Bill Dies

http://wbal.com/stories/templates/news.aspx?articleid=4419&zoneid=2

Lawmakers spent all day and evening Monday considering hundreds of bills. One of the last bills approved would ban the expansion of electronic bingo machines, which legislative leaders claimed amounted to illegal slot machines. A bill backed by Governor Martin O'Malley to place speed cameras in highway work zones did not pass. A conference committee did approve a compromise version of the bill, but the full Senate did not consider it before midnight, because Republicans had threatened a filibuster. 'Speed cameras are gone, and I think it's clear if there had been a majority in the Senate, it would have come up," Senate Majority Whip Allan Kittleman told WBAL News. In one of the final major votes of the session, lawmakers gave final approval to a multi-billion-dollar settlement between the state and Constellation Energy over monthly credits to BGE customers. Lawmakers decided to kill the governor's proposal to address climate change by slashing carbon emissions. The governor told WBAL News last night that he will introduce the bill again next year. This morning, Governor O'Malley will sign more than 100 bills enacted during the session, including the repeal of the computer service sales tax. The governor will also sign legislation to help homeowners facing foreclosures, as well as create a new state Department of Information Technology. The governor is expected to decide the fate of hundreds of other bills over the next two months.

Democrats see victory as session concludes

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.session08apr08,0,2454892.story

The General Assembly adjourned last night after an annual session that saw the passage of new protections for homeowners against foreclosures and new funding for consumer energy efficiency incentives but the failure of legislation authorizing statewide speed cameras and banning the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving. O'Malley and legislative leaders highlighted their achievements in spite of an economic downturn that hampered their ability to roll out new spending initiatives. Much of the legislature's agenda this year has been dominated by O'Malley's priorities, because major spending bills introduced by lawmakers were generally rejected because of budget concerns. Republicans, however, said that many new Democratic initiatives would hurt taxpayers and businesses. "A lot of things we've done will be very damaging, especially the economic ones," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell, who represents Southern Maryland.

BGE's customers to get $170 rebate

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.rates08apr08,0,3890845.story

BGE customers will get one-time rebates of $170 and other benefits totaling $2 billion in the coming years under a settlement agreement with the utility's parent company approved by the General Assembly last night. The deal passed in the final hours of the General Assembly session after the Senate reversed course on an amendment seeking to partially reregulate Maryland's electric utilities. The agreement ended a bitter public and legal feud, with both sides agreeing to drop lawsuits against each other.
But the truce was cast in doubt Friday, when the Senate tacked an extra provision onto the settlement. The amendment, offered by Rosapepe and Sen. E.J. Pipkin, an Eastern Shore Republican, would have required any new power plant built in Maryland to offer its electricity for sale in the state and to be subject to regulation by the state Public Service Commission. Sen. Nathaniel J. McFadden, a Baltimore City Democrat who voted for the Pipkin-Rosapepe amendment, said he had been getting a lot of pressure from O'Malley's office. McFadden said his constituents are excited about the $170 credit, but he worried it wouldn't be enough because it would just be a one-time payment.

DNA collection bill wins approval

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-dna0407,0,5838470.story

The Maryland General Assembly cruised toward adjournment tonight, approving an expansion of DNA sample collections in Maryland's legal system. The DNA measure allows the collection of genetic material from people who have been charged with violent crimes and burglary. With most of the heavy lifting behind them, lawmakers were working on some final details in the waning hours. Lawmakers decided to set up a panel to review capital punishment and whether it should be repealed. Another bill that has been getting attention in recent days is a proposal to change state law to fill the seat of departing Rep. Albert Wynn. The General Assembly also approved the state's $1.5 billion capital budget, which includes $333 million for school construction, about a third of the budget for state buildings.

Lawmakers pass county police force referendum

http://www.examiner.com/a-1326669~Lawmakers_pass_county_police_force_referendum.html

Voters will decide the primary police agency in Carroll after a bill creating a referendum survived lawmakers’ infighting. On the last day of the General Assembly’s session, Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9B, threatened to block the bill’s passage if Sen. Larry Haines, R-District 5, did not stop holding up two other bills supported by the delegation. One of those bills allowed liquor stores in Carroll to stay open on Sundays; the other expanded the board of commissioners from three to five members elected by districts, a measure that failed two years ago. Krebs said Monday her plan to use the police referendum as leverage worked, and all the bills were expected to pass. “We’ve had a number of local bills not get through the Senate and we’re getting a little frustrated about it,” Krebs said. “We’re working as a delegation and we’re trying to get all the bills through, and then we find out he’s working behind the scenes.” County commissioners voted unanimously in October to create a police department with an appointed chief while reducing the Sheriff’s Office and abolishing the state’s only Resident Trooper Program, in which the county contracts troopers to patrol it. But Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning and many residents have spoken against it, and they say the public was excluded from the decision.

DNA sampling extended to felony suspects

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080408/METRO/364012598/1004

The Maryland General Assembly cruised toward adjournment yesterday, signing off on a $2 billion settlement with Constellation Energy Group Inc. and approving an expansion of DNA-sample collections in Maryland's legal system before adjourning for the year at midnight. But lawmakers ended up killing a bill to address global warming by slashing carbon emissions. A House committee voted down a proposal to slash carbon emissions 25 percent by 2020. The DNA measure allows the collection of genetic material from people who have been charged with violent crimes and burglary. "The DNA bill was our top public safety priority, and that will, in essence, allow local police officers to be able to solve more violent crimes and get predators off the street — put them behind bars before they rape or murder other citizens again," Gov. Martin O'Malley told reporters. Lawmakers decided to set up a panel to review capital punishment. The proposal came after it became apparent earlier this year that lawmakers were not going to abolish the death penalty. Legislation needed final approval from both chambers by midnight, or the bills would die for the year. Many other bills needed fine-tuning to eliminate differences between the House and Senate versions. But Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, Howard Republican, said much of the session was devoted to cleaning up errors made during November's special session. Lawmakers ended up repealing a $200 million computer-services tax and replacing it partly with a tax on people who make more than $1 million a year. He also said the General Assembly should have made more budget cuts. "We said it many times — that we don't have a revenue problem in Maryland," Mr. Kittleman said. "We have a spending problem. ... We just have this desire to spend money."

Funeral home bill advances

With zoning OK, city chain could build in Balto. Co.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.co.council08apr08,0,3905991.story

A Baltimore funeral home chain likely will be able to expand to Baltimore County under legislation that unanimously won approval from County Council members last night. The zoning measure allows funeral homes to be built on cemeteries in certain rural areas with special permission. "It seems rather sensible," said Councilman T. Bryan McIntire, a north county Republican who co-sponsored the legislation with Councilman Kenneth N. Oliver, a Randallstown Democrat. Having a funeral home at the same location as a large cemetery reduces traffic, McIntire said. And because the company still must have permission of the zoning commissioner, a public hearing will be held before the new funeral home is approved, Oliver said.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

A notable decline in crime

Our view: Targeting violent offenders is paying off

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.murder08apr08,0,1166234.story

Frederick H. Bealefeld III has been doing police work for too many years to be giddy about the reported drop in murders in Baltimore. As the city's police commissioner, he can take a certain amount of credit for the apparent milestone: 50 murders in the first three months of this year, marking the lowest quarter in 23 years. But his guarded optimism about what the statistic means for Baltimore is a wise sentiment. Mayor Dixon has taken a more holistic approach to stopping the violence, calling for an end to wholesale arrests for quality-of-life crimes and emphasizing community-based programs that focus on prevention. But fewer murders in one 90-day period won't make residents in the most crime-ridden neighborhoods feel safe enough to sit on their porches at dusk or walk their dogs at night. As days grow longer and daylight lingers, the city's fight to take violent criminals off the street will face the test of a hot Baltimore summer. Success should be measured over time, not one day at a time.

Evil millionaires latest tax casualty

http://www.examiner.com/a-1326647~Evil_millionaires_latest_tax_casualty.html

Repealing the sales tax on computer services makes sense. But taxing millionaires to replace the lost revenue is about as logical as going to war to reap economic boom. This exchange only shifts the burden; it does not help to stimulate the economy as legislators and the governor claim. This is especially so because many entrepreneurs who would have been hit by the computer services sales tax will now see their incomes drained through another route. Anyway, even if our governor and legislators think the rich are trapped, that thinking is shortsighted. Maryland’s growth depends not just on those who live here, but those who choose to live and to start businesses in Maryland in the future. Gov. Martin O’Malley, who supported the tech tax before finding a less desperate, less vocal and smaller group to skewer, would serve all Marylanders well by outlining his vision for a fair tax system and sticking by it. That would help to prevent random acts of taxation in future legislative sessions and show members of the business community the state wants to foster the kind of stable tax climate they need to thrive.