TIME MACHINE Preview ... Mob Threatens Worcester Prosecutor!

A 1932 incident has the State's Attorney in need of police protection... 1969 brings a big State Police promotion to a Pocomoke native... a prominent Pocomoke business and civic leader is remembered in 1977.

Read more this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Candidates For Sheriff- Accomack County - Part 2

Written by

Candy Farlow
The candidates were also asked about relations with the Hispanic Community with Godwin citing the language barrier as a hurdle as well as their reluctance to call police. He said his goal is to treat them like anyone else in Accomack County. Marks suggested that local ministers be utilized in getting the message to the Hispanics that the police are there to help and are not their enemy. He also noted that Spanish classes for deputies were an option. Rogers meanwhile called for the hiring of a bi-lingual officer for the department.

The issue of turnover in the sheriffs department was raised by an audience question. In response Godwin said, Im not here to debate Sheriffs Goddens policies but he noted that he did have two employees return to the department when he took over. He also said some towns had been actively recruiting some of his officers but none applied for the positions.

Marks contended there has been turnover in the department. He said three former deputies were now working for him in Onley.

Rogers commented that he is one of the turnover officers. He went on to say that the workload in the department was affecting all parts of his life and management was not doing anything to relieve that strain.


When asked if there had been a passing of the torch from Giddens to Godwin, the new sheriff stated that he had no control over Sheriff Giddens retirement. He noted that he had started at the bottom and worked his way up to Chief Deputy, the position which the code calls for to be appointed to fill unexpired terms.

 Rogers had a different take on the situation, saying at the beginning of Sheriff Giddens term he said he was going to serve the full eight years. But, said Rogers, he was later told to sit back and wait that his turn would come. Rogers said he was told in 12 years I would get my chance to run the county. We prayed, we cried, he said, we did all we could but the torch was passed.

Source;  http://www.ask4direct.com/infoRead.asp?InfoID=754239&print=on

"Merry Autumn"

Merry Autumn

 by Paul Laurence Dunbar

It's all a farce,—these tales they tell
About the breezes sighing,
And moans astir o'er field and dell,
Because the year is dying.

Such principles are most absurd,—
I care not who first taught 'em;
There's nothing known to beast or bird
To make a solemn autumn.

In solemn times, when grief holds sway
With countenance distressing,
You'll note the more of black and gray
Will then be used in dressing.

Now purple tints are all around;
The sky is blue and mellow;
And e'en the grasses turn the ground
From modest green to yellow.

The seed burs all with laughter crack
On featherweed and jimson;
And leaves that should be dressed in black
Are all decked out in crimson.

A butterfly goes winging by;
A singing bird comes after;
And Nature, all from earth to sky,
Is bubbling o'er with laughter.

The ripples wimple on the rills,
Like sparkling little lasses;
The sunlight runs along the hills,
And laughs among the grasses.

The earth is just so full of fun
It really can't contain it;
And streams of mirth so freely run
The heavens seem to rain it.

Don't talk to me of solemn days
In autumn's time of splendor,
Because the sun shows fewer rays,
And these grow slant and slender.

Why, it's the climax of the year,—
The highest time of living!—
Till naturally its bursting cheer
Just melts into thanksgiving.

187 East Performance Mud Bog Team &"Touch A Truck" in Parksley - Saturday

The 187 East Performance Mud Bog Team will have their mudbogging trucks displayed in the "Touch A Truck" event in Parksley, Virginia this Saturday. 



"Short and Sassy"
Driver Barry Wise

Please feel free to bring you child to see the trucks and get a real hands on experience with them and all the trucks that will be on display. 



"Sod Buster"
Driver Barry Long



Saturday, November 5, 2011

Parksley Town Square

Parksley, Virginia

10:00 AM until 3:00 PM



"All Night Soldier"

Driver Patrick Long



Also on Saturday

THE "UGLIEST TRUCK"  CONTEST

DON'T MISS THE EXCITMENT

SEE YOU THERE !!!

Candidates For Sheriff Debate - Part 1

By Candy Farlow

The second of two candidate forums held by Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore Wednesday night featured the three candidates for Accomack County Sheriff.

Incumbent Todd Godwin was the first to address the gathering, highlighting his 26 years of law enforcement experience, 21 years of which have been served in the office he now administers. Godwin was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Larry Giddens who retired in August and is now seeking to win his first election to the post.

Challenging Godwin is Walter Marks who retired from the Virginia State Police and now serves as the Chief of Police for the Town of Onley. The third candidate in the race to be decided Tuesday is David Rogers, a former deputy with the Sheriffs Office.

Following the introductions, each candidate was asked to explain how they would reduce crime in the county. Marks, noting that there is a prevention program for elementary students, said that similar initiatives are needed for middle and high school students.

He also called for more Neighborhood Watches, utilizing utility and delivery persons as extra eyes for the department and increased visibility.

Rogers called for more manpower and education. He said more manpower could be obtained by establishing a sheriffs auxiliary and an education program could help people learn how not to become a victim.

Godwin noted that crime on the Eastern Shore was down last year over the previous reporting period. He noted that the placing of computers in the department vehicles has allowed deputies to spend more time on the road and less in the office. He said he will also be asking the county to fund the hiring of a county ordinance enforcement officer.

When asked about improvements for the jail, Rogers said the department is dealing with an outdated, overpopulated facility. He said 24 hour nursing is needed and training for officers to better identify inmates with mental illness. He also called for the construction of a sally port for security in transferring prisoners from vehicles to the jail.


Marks said as sheriff he would immediately conduct a security survey in order to make the facility as safe as possible for the inmates, but more importantly for the people who work there.


Godwin said the jail, built in 1968, is structurally sound and secure as are the policies by which it is administered. He noted that a grant received last year provided for the placement of video cameras in all single cells and cell blocks. Godwin said he would continue the jails GED and ministry program as well as work release trash details, programs the other candidates said they also support.

The men also addressed the regional jail which has five beds dedicated to housing Accomack County prisoners. Marks called for more use of the regional facility by Accomack while Godwin maintained it is in the countys best interest to house as many of its own prisoners as possible. Rogers stated he is not familiar with the regional jail agreement between Accomack and Northampton but that he would research it.

All three candidates also spoke in support of cooperation among all law enforcement agencies on the Shore with Marks calling for regular meetings to disseminate information among officers. Rogers agreed and called for a hot sheet to be regularly distributed to share information on cases. Godwin noted that he has already held on roundtable with other agencies, that his office is sharing be on the lookout notices and are informing police chiefs when incidents happen within their towns.

With regard to drug trafficking, Rogers called for more officers on the highway dedicated to patrolling for drugs, and again stated his desire for a sheriffs auxiliary which he said could help free up deputies for such detail. Marks praised the work of the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force and called for more support for that inter-agency team. He also said high visibility and more training in drug interdiction area needed. Godwin, noting that the number of deputies which are funded is determined by the state compensation board noted that he has shifted an administrative position to provide for a second deputy the on the task force.

Source;  http://www.ask4direct.com/InfoRead.asp?id=WESR&InfoID=754031

Home Town Troop Support

Thankyou for your decision to protect this wonderful country.
We salute you, Nick Jones! 
May God bless you and keep you safe along your journey.

Saturday Is Absentee Deadline

Voters may still apply and vote absentee in-person through Saturday for the November 8 elections.


Voters have through Saturday, November 5 to apply and vote absentee in-person.

However, the deadline to apply to vote absentee by mail was November 1. In order to be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the time the polls close at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8.


In order to vote by absentee ballot a voter is required to complete an application listing a qualifying reason. Virginia allows a voter to vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to go to the polls on Election Day for any of the following reasons:


Student-They are a student attending an educational institution or a spouse of a student attending an educational institution, and they are absent from their locality.


Caregiver-They are the primary caregiver for a family member confined at home due to disability or illness.


Business-They will be outside of their locality due to business reasons.


Confinement in jail-They are awaiting trial or have been convicted of a misdemeanor.


Personal Business or Vacation-They will be traveling outside their county or city on personal business or vacation.


Election Official-They are an electoral board member, a Registrar, or an Officer of Election or custodian of voting equipment.


U.S. Uniformed Services or Merchant Marines They are on active duty or are the spouse or a dependent of an active duty service member, and they are absent from their locality.


They are working and commuting to and from home for 11 or more hours during the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.


Disability or illness-Temporarily residing outside of the United States or a spouse of someone temporarily residing out of the United States Religious obligation Pregnancy.


To accommodate in-person absentee voting or to assist voters by responding to other questions, general registrar offices will be open on Saturday. Voters should check with their local registrar for the exact hours of operation.


Voters can also call to check their polling location or precinct before Election Day. The Virginia State Board of Elections is strongly encouraging voters to check this information before going to vote. Even though a voter may not have moved they may still experience a change. As a result of redistricting, a voters polling place, districts, or precinct may have changed.


Voter registration offices in both Accomack and Northampton Counties will be open Saturday for last minute absentee voters. Their hours will be 8:30-12:30 and 1 til 5 PM. For more information in Accomack call 787-2935 and in Northampton call 678-0480.


More Information Complete list of reasons for absentee ballot

Source;  Shoredailynews

Friday Special At SHORE BEEF and BBQ

 !! FRIDAY SPECIAL!!

(You're going to love this special today!)

GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN CLUB

(grilled chicken breast topped with applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese)

w/Side and Drink ~ $7.95

YUMMY - YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT!

But here's what Ron says if you want lettuce and tomato with that!  It's going to cost you

$200.00  !!!  HA HA HA- he says.

But really,

 why mess up a great sandwich like that with rabbit food!

Enjoy!!

Parksely's Fall Festival & 1st Annual Ugliest Truck Contest Combined

Last weekend the weather did not cooperate with the plans the town of Parksley had made for presenting the Fall Festival so.....

This weekend the town of Parksley has combined the Fall Festival with the 1st Ugliest Truck Contest.  Some of the activities arranged for last Saturday have been rescheduled into this Saturdays events.

Ugliest Truck Contest

Begins @ 2:00

Proceeds from the contest go to the medically disadvantaged children of the Eastern Shore.

Games

Prizes

Food

(Parksley Fire Company / Vendors)

AND LOTS MORE !

also

"Touch A Truck"

Gives children a chance to see up close many different sized and types of vehicles.

A wonderful opportunity for children to see many vehicles they recognize but may never get the chance to see what is inside or just how large they are up close.

PARKSLEY TOWN SQUARE

Parksley, Virginia

Saturday, November 5, 2011

10:00 AM  until  3:00 PM

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Mob Threatens Worcester Prosecutor!

A 1932 incident has the State's Attorney in need of police protection... 1969 brings a big State Police promotion to a Pocomoke native... a prominent Pocomoke business and civic leader is remembered in 1977.

Read more this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Thursday Special - Shore Beef and BBQ

SERVING BBQ FROM THE NEW CHURCH, VA. LOCATION

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sunday

THURSDAY SPECIAL

Pulled Pork Sandwich/ Side

Drink - $7.50

Treat  Yourself !

O.C. Police Arrest Wanted Suspect After Standoff

Dennis John Cross
WBOC News

WBOC

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Ocean City police say a suspect wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies was arrested Monday following a brief standoff.

On Monday morning, Oct. 31, Maryland State Police notified Ocean City police that a wanted person who was possibly armed, may be in or heading to the resort town. Ocean City police subsequently began looking for the suspect, identified as Dennis John Cross, 19, of Stockton, Md., who had outstanding arrest warrants on file with the sheriff's offices of Worcester and Wicomico counties.

During the investigation, Ocean City police received information from the Chincoteague (Va.) Police Department that Cross was the primary suspect involved in the theft of a shotgun and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Based on all the information developed during the investigation, Ocean City police detectives and patrol officers began a search of the 8th Street area.

At approximately 4 p.m., police said officers discovered Cross had barricaded himself under the decking of a wheel chair ramp 
attached to the "Beach Bum" apartments (203 9th Street).

Police responded to the scene and surrounded Cross. He was then taken into custody without incident.

According to police, at the time of Cross' arrest he was in possession of a modified shotgun, which was loaded. Cross was also in possession of an amount of prescription narcotics, police said.

Police said that during the standoff, officers observed Cross ingesting an unknown quantity of pills. He was transported to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin as a precaution.

Cross was charged by the Ocean City Police Department with theft under $1,000, possession of a Schedule III controlled dangerous substance, possession of a Schedule II CDS, possession of a Schedule I CDS and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

Cross was also served with two outstanding arrest warrants from the sheriff's offices of Worcester and Wicomico counties.

He was ordered held on $10,000 bond for each arrest warrant and $25,000 bond for the charges from the OCPD.

Police said this case is still under investigation and additional charges are pending.

Source;  http://www.wboc.com/story/15932735/oc-police-arrest-armed-fugitive-after-standoff?Call=Email&Format=HTML

10-Year-Old Trick-or-Treater Pulls Gun

The Augusta Chronicle

Bianca Cain

Staff Writer

A 10-year-old Aiken trick-or-treater pulled a gun on a woman who said she would take his candy on Halloween.

According to a police incident report, the 28-year-old victim told authorities she recognized some boys from her neighborhood while they were trick-or-treating about 6:30 p.m. Monday near Schroeder and George streets and jokingly told them she would take their candy.

One 10-year-old in the group of about 10 juveniles responded with “no you’re not …” and then pointed a 9 mm handgun at her.

According to Aiken Public Safety Lt. David Turno, the clip was not in the gun at the time, but the boy did have a loaded clip in his possession.

The boy’s brother, also 10, told authorities he also had a gun.

The second weapon was recovered Tuesday morning.

The boy who pulled the weapon was brought to the police station where he was turned over to the custody of his parents.

Turno said the boys got the weapons from their grandfather without permission.

Source;  http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/crime-courts/2011-11-01/aiken-trick-or-treater-10-pulls-gun?v=1320212003

Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

What so many have been waiting to see..........

Every Little Girl Loves A Tea Party

What a wonderful occasion for a mother and daughter or even a granddaughter and grandmother to enjoy!

An afternoon tea- just as if Mrs. Costen were living there today. 

Visit her dressing room to accessorize your wardrobe.

Bracelets Used To Smoke Pot

Just a simple looking macrame bracelet.
Could it be that these bracelets are in our area and we just haven't noticed?

Written By

Isabel Mascarenas

Tampa, Florida - A bracelet has some educators and parents worried their about more than making a fashion statement. At first glance, the crafty bracelets made out of a macramé type weave with beads and silver accessories look fashionable, even trendy.

"Looks like those little charm bracelets," says parent Michael Messine.

"They look like regular bracelets," says parent Clyana Wint.

But some school officials in the Orlando area are warning parents the bracelets may be used to smoke marijuana and even hide other drug paraphernalia such as crack, heroin and prescription pills.

Clyana says, "That's crazy. [I] would have never thought that."

Mom Lisa Griner says, "It's too bad our kids feel they have to participate in such things."

Michael wants to see them banned. "Anybody that distributes that, brings it into the county, should put them right in jail."

When the bracelet is pulled apart, one end has a small bowl with a filter. There's a small plastic tube woven into the bracelet capped off by a bead and, when unscrewed, can be used as a pipe.

"I would never allow my child to wear that at all. Never," says Clyana.

Michael says, "It gets in the hands of a young kid, that's a big problem."

Parents we spoke with say kids need to be better supervised.

Lisa says, "I think parents need to be more aware of what children are doing, what they have access to, what they are buying."

The bracelets are sold to smoke hookah, a tobacco from the  Middle East. The bracelets even come in necklace sets and can be bought online or in a hookah lounge.

"I have middle schoolers so I definitely will be looking for them and think the schools need to be more aware, have more knowledge about this kind of paraphernalia," says Lisa.

We checked with Bay area school districts and those that responded, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota, say the bracelets have not shown up in their schools as of yet.

We also checked with many tobacco stores and they say they don't carry the bracelets, but store owners suspect they are ordered online. The bracelets run about $40.

Source;  http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/217779/8/Schools-warn-of-bracelets-used-to-smoke-pot

Meet-the-Candidates Forums - Accomack County

Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore will hold Meet-the-Candidates Forums the evenings of

Wednesday, November 2,

and Thursday, November 3,

at Nandua High School, at which the candidates for the Accomack County offices that will be contested in this years election will present their positions on issues and answer questions posed by the public.

The first session of tonight's Forum, which will begin at 7 PM, will present the candidates for County Treasurer Dana Bundick and Gregory Duncan.

The Forum for candidates for Sheriff Todd Godwin, Walter Marks and David Rogers will follow at 8 PM.

Thursday night forum, which will begin at 7 PM, will present the candidates for the seats for Districts 4, 7 and 9 on the Board of Supervisors. The District 4 candidates are Sandra Hart Mears and Kay Lewis.

The District 7 candidates are Laura Belle Gordy and Emory Hurst. The District 9 candidates are Reneta Major and Wesley Edwards.

Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore has been conducting Meet-the-Candidates Forums for local elections in both Eastern Shore counties for the past seven elections, and they have developed a standard program designed to give each candidate a fair opportunity to make his case for election and provide the voters with an opportunity to learn about the positions the candidates take on controversial issues and evaluate their qualifications.

The Forum will open with the moderators welcoming remarks. Each candidate will then to introduce himself or herself and states qualifications for the office he or she seeks. The candidates then give their responses to several questions that have been submitted to them in advance after which they are asked to answer questions posed by members of the audience. At the end of each session, the candidates have a few minutes to make their appeal for support in their closing remarks.

All of the candidates for contested offices in both Northampton and Accomack Counties accepted the invitation to take part in this years Meet-the-Candidates Forums, which Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore sponsors as a public service.

These Forums provide citizens with the best opportunity they will have to evaluate the men and women who are soliciting their votes, and CBES and the candidates urge Accomack residents to attend these events.

Source;  shoredailynews

SHORE BEEF and BBQ SPECIAL

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

 -THE BEST -

Pulled Pork Sandwich/ Side

and Drink ~ $7.50

On facebook - Shore Beef and BBQ

Town of Onancock Has New Police Officer

Town of Onancock has announced that Donald W. Killmon has accepted employment with the town as a police officer.

Mr Kilmon, known as Donnie, is a graduate of Arcadia High school and a fully certified law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

He was previously employed by the Town of Parksley as a police officer for more than 4 years and served in the Accomack Coumty Sheriff's Department as a deputy for more than five year. Kilmon was a member of the U.S. Navy for four years.

Town Manager Tom Robinett stated,  "Onancock is very fortunate to have someone with Donnie's experience and winning personality as the newest member of our Police Department."

Source;  shoredailynews

BINGO - November 4th

"Friends Of the Nature Trail" Volunteers Still Needed

A huge THANK YOU ! goes out to those that have signed up to be part of the Friends of the Nature Trail!

VOLUNTEERS  ARE STILL NEEDED !!

There are still days left to do some work on the Pocomoke Nature Trail but as we all know the dismal fall weather that is typical for the Eastern Shore is getting nearer each day....  So are the holidays, followed by winter.  Remember how bored we all became last year and how the snow seemed to never end and spring and summer seemed so far out of reach? 

Well, my friends, here's the remedy for all those long, dismal days!  Sign up NOW  for Friends of the Nature Trail so that there will be something to look forward to when the weather clears in 2012. 

There's no reason to dread those long winter days if you know in the spring there will reason to get outside and DO something worthwhile!

Info below and the number to call..........

The Nature Trail Committee is still looking for community sprited people to volunteer to keep the Pocomoke Nature Trail alive and growing.


For many years the nature trail has been growing and it is so very important to keep this project alive and growing in the future. Here is where the "next generation" can step in. Here is YOUR chance to have a role in being one of the Friends of the Nature Trail.

You know, the Pocomoke River is a beauty by boat but it is just as wonderful to see from the nature trail.

Needed for this continuing project are:
Planners
Money Raisers
Schedulers
And of course citizens to help build.

It's a beautiful part of Pocomoke. Pocomoke belongs to YOU.

Grab a friend or relative or two and become members of the Friends of the Nature Trail.

Here's the number to call. Pocomoke City Hall/ (410)957-1333

Give them your name and tell them what part you would like to play in keeping the nature trail growing into the future.

Legislative Updates - From Delegate Mike McDermott

Oct. 31st, 2011

Empty Cupboards and a Demanding King

by Delegate Mike McDermott

As the month of October fades from view, clarity now comes to Marylanders as to the actions taken by the democratic majority in the General Assembly. Those actions culminate in tax, toll, and fee increases at a time when our state’s economic engine is broken and we find ourselves coming in at number 50 in jobs created, and number 1 in jobs lost.

We hear the chant of, “jobs, jobs, jobs”, but the echo can be heard in empty buildings from Garrett to Worcester. Every extra dollar taken by the state government is just another dollar missing from our local economy, and, with a General Fund Budget that spends 12% more than the previous year, and a Capital Budget almost 200 million more than what was recommended by the non-partisan bean counters, increases are unavoidable. The House Republican Caucus offered an alternative budget that limited increases in spending to 3% (the same level of projected revenue increases), but it was rejected.

So, here is a list of what is proposed by the administration and what has been enacted and signed into law in 2011, as unpleasant as it is:

Governor’s Commission on Sustainable Growth (proposal)
Increase in Bay Restoration Fee (Flush Tax)

• In total 200% increase from $30 per year to $90 per year by FY ’15 (July 2014)
• In FY ’13 (July 2012) a 100% increase from $30 per year to $60 per year.
• In FY 15 a 50% increase from $60 per year to $90 per year
• Indexing to inflation beginning in FY 16 with a cap of 3% per year

Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding (proposal)

• 64% increase in the gas tax over three years (from 23.5¢ to 38.5¢)
• 100% increase in emission inspection fees (from $14 to $28)
• 50% increase in vehicle registration fees (from $50.50 to $75.75)
• 8% increase in vehicle titling tax (from 6% to 6.5%) or elimination of trade-in allowance        

Toll Increases (Approved by the Transportation Authority 9/22/11)
Key Bridge/Fort McHenry Tunnel/ Harbor Tunnel

• 50% increase from $2 both ways to $3 both ways effective November 1
• 33% increase from $3 both ways to $4 both ways effective July 1, 2013
• Total increase 100% from 2011 to 2013.

JFK Memorial Highway Section of I-95/Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge

• 20% increase from $5 to $6 effective November 1
• 33% increase from $6 to $8 effective July 1, 2013
• Total increase 60% from 2011 to 2013

Bay Bridge/US 301 Bridge

• 60% increase from $2.50 to $4 effective November 1
• 50% increase from $4 to $6 effective July 1, 2013
• Total increase 140% from 2011 to 2013

Tax and Fee Increases – 2011 Regular Session
Budget/BRFA
Taxes and Fees Increases in the FY 2012 Budget/BRFA

• Vehicle Titling Tax doubled $50 to $100
• Vanity Plate Fee doubled from $25 to $50
• Land Recording Fees – doubled $20 to $40
• Birth Certificate Fees – doubled from $12 to $24
• Increase in Hospital Assessments adding 2.5% to rates
• Increasing Nursing Home Tax from 4% to 5.5%
• Parole Supervision Fee – doubled from $25 to $50

New Taxes and Fees in the FY 2012 Budget/BRFA

• 2% Premium Tax on the Injured Worker Insurance Fund (IWIF)
• Payroll Garnishment Fee for State Employees
• Maryland Higher Education Commission Program Approval Fee

Other Bills With Tax and Fee Increases from 2011 Session

• HB 1196 – Increases the maximum fee imposed by Maryland Historical Trust from 1% to 3%.
• HB 362 – Increases Licensing Fees for the Home Improvement Commission by $25 for each type of license and a new $20 fee for all initial applications.
• HB 1213/SB-994 – Increases sales tax on alcohol 50% from 6% to 9%
• HB 195 – Increases the licensure fee for a secondhand precious metal object dealer or pawnbroker from $75 to $300
• HB 1022 – Establishes a registration and renewal fee of $1,000 for Debt Settlement Services
• HB 881 – Establishes an application fee of $100 and a $100 per vehicle registration fee for transporting waste kitchen grease.
• HB 523 – Requires the State Court Administrator to assess a $100 fee for the special admission of an out-of-state attorney.

Viewing these increases with a backdrop of the 2007 increases is worth noting. How many times will we be told about how increases will be placed in “lock boxes” and how taxes and tolls will support specific projects only to see them channeled into the ever increasing General Fund. Speaking of those not to distant increases, less we forget:

Remembering When… The 2007 Special Session
The Largest Tax Increase In Maryland’s History (so far anyway)

• 20% Increase in the Sales and Use Tax (From 5% to 6%)
• Also included an expansion to Computer Service which was repealed in the ’08 regular session and replaced with the "Millionaire’s Tax", a 6.25% tax rate on incomes over $1 million. The "Millionaire’s Tax" sunsetted on December 31, 2010.
• 18 % Increase in the Corporate Income Tax (From 7% to 8.25%)
• 20% Increase in Vehicle Excise Tax
• 117% Increase In Vehicle Titling Fee
• 100% Increase in Cigarette Tax
• 5% Income Tax Increase on Incomes over $150,000 (4.75% to 5%)
• 11% Income Tax Increase on Incomes over $300,000 (4.75% to 5.25%)
• 16% Income Tax Increase on Incomes over $500,000 (4.75% to 5.5%)

(*Many thanks to the House Republican Caucus for compiling the facts and figures)

We all understand the need for government to collect taxes, but how can we accept outrageous government growth in spending when our wallets are bare? Maryland is suffering under a progressive weight from which she longs to be free. Her people are suffering, her businesses fleeing, and those in power refuse to yield or learn.

Maryland, my Maryland...hang in there. Your people are wiping the slumber from their eyes.