Monday, February 10, 2014

Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

 
Field Notes
Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
 

Week 5 February 3-7, 2014
 
Monday Evening Session:
 
 
 
Of the Senate bills that crossed over, two stood out:
 
SB-6 would require certain certifications for mechanics performing preventative maintenance on automobiles.
 
SB-77 would increase the exemptions for certain farm vehicles as it relates to vehicle inspections.
 
Tuesday Morning Session:
Senate Bills on First Reader (two bills sent to House Rules which generally correct clerical errors in previous legislation.)

Tuesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
HB-81 would restrict anyone from bringing a “telecommunications device” into a place of confinement and would expand the definition of a contraband device to include chargers, SIM cards, etc. The first offense would be a misdemeanor and a second or subsequent would be a felony.

HB-84 like some of the other bills heard today, this one would ban cell phones being introduced into a correctional facility, but it also goes further and identifies any contraband under the same restrictions and prohibitions.

HB-159 would also restrict telecommunications devices as several other bills heard today. Based upon testimony and questions, HB-81 seems to address more of the specific issues and concerns that folks had about the cell phones in our prisons.

HB-173 would permit the Department of Corrections to polygraph employees as a condition of employment. Surprisingly, the state is prohibited from utilizing this as a tool to insure that employees are not engaging in any inappropriate manner. There were many questions on this proposed change. The correctional officers union does not support the expansion  of the use of polygraphs.

HB-174 would change the name of the Internal Investigative Unit and would define who the unit reports to within the agency.

HB-175 would make it a misdemeanor for a person to “deliver” a telecommunication device to an inmate if signs are posted stating that such action is prohibited. This bill is one of several being offered in response to the Baltimore City Jail fiasco. This particular bill would only make the crime a misdemeanor.


HB-289 would severely restrict the use of automatic license plate readers by law enforcement and would also restrict law enforcement dissemination of the information captured.

HB-294 is referred to as “Christopher’s Law” and it seeks to mandate certain law enforcement training specifically dealing with the recertification on CPR techniques. It would also mandate regular use of force and sensitivity training for law enforcement.

HB-364 would allow the office of the State Prosecutor to provide qualified immunity to a witness in order to compel testimony. This is a tool that the State’s Attorneys have as well as the Attorney General’s office but the State Prosecutor is not included on the list of those who can grant immunity for testimony.
 
 
My Bill Hearings Tuesday Afternoon:

HB-75 was heard in the Ways and Means Committee. My bill would exempt the first  I $50,000 of any Marylanders retirement income from  State Income Tax. I shared with the committee members of the significant migration of our people and their money which is proving devastating to our economy. Maryland has lost close to 70,000 folks in the past ten years along with their $5.5 billion in earnings. Many states have moved to retain their seniors and attract others in their later years by cutting or eliminating income taxes, and eliminating other inheritance related taxes (like death and estate). Maryland is currently classified as the “worst state in which to die” if you want to pass on anything to your children. I explained that this is just one part in a plan to move Maryland toward greater prosperity.

HB-218 as amended, this bill would allow any state worker (who have all been forced to join the union) to opt out of paying the union their service fee and, instead, pay the equivalent amount to any registered non-profit organization of their choosing. Current law allows for a “religious exemption” in order to do the same thing. The process of receiving this type of exemption  is convoluted and this bill would simply recognize that anyone, for any reason, can  have their money go toward a non-profit as opposed to going to the union (that uses the money to support the democrat machine politics that is Annapolis).  Getting the democrats to vote against their own custom made slush fund is beyond wishful thinking, but shameful things like this need to be exposed and I hope the folks are paying attention. This bill was heard in Appropriations, so let’s see if Chairman Conway puts it up for a vote and then we can see where delegates stand on the issue.

HB-234 was heard in Judiciary. It would allow a person who makes a bomb threat to be charged in the jurisdiction where the alleged bomb or destructive device was rumored or said to be placed. With cellular communications and computers, it can be difficult to know exactly where a bad guy was located when he made such a threat. Current law requires a person to be charged in the jurisdiction where they conveyed the threat. I was able to get this bill out of the House last year, but it failed to move in the Senate.
 
 
Wednesday Morning Session
 
Senate and House Bills on First Reader
There were several bills from the House Economic Matters Committee which were on 2nd Reader. There was no debate on any of these bills as most were simple administrative changes to the law.

Wednesday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
HB-108 would create many new and increased fees applied to cases filed in the Court of Appeals Court of Special Appeals, and the various Circuit Courts. The money collected will be utilized to bring the courts into the digital age. There will be a significant increase in public accessibility of records and electronic filing of documents and requests will become common place. Case files will also be available online for viewing. The printing costs are simply going to be handed down to the local level where they will have to be absorbed by the Sheriffs and their respective counties.


HB-345 would alter the statute pertaining to Certificates of Merit involving court action/claims that are filed against licensed design professionals when a negligent act is alleged. It would require someone who wants to file a claim to have the work reviewed by a “qualified expert” licensed in Maryland who agrees with the complaint filed before the matter could go forward. It was brought up that it may be difficult to find an expert in Maryland who would be willing to testify against another fellow design professional (engineer, etc.).

HB-376 would make it illegal to sell any vehicle that it is illegal to operate in Baltimore City. It was said that they have a big problem with people operating “dirt bikes” within the city limits. I raised the issue of 4-wheelers while Delegate Kelly asked about folks who have a bike they want to ride out in the county. This type of transportation is said to be a big problem in the city, but this seems to be a very restrictive approach to address the problem. This is another bill that will take away liberty from Marylanders.

HB-385 would expand the coverage under law for many folks who would be considered “bloggers” as to their ability to protect information or sources. In essence, it would provide certain protections that traditional media currently utilize. There was an interesting discussion on the issue with some of the media representatives on the panel and it highlighted the different direction being taken by traditional media outlets.

HB-386 would assess points on a Maryland Driver’s License for anyone caught and convicted of littering in Baltimore City.

HB-395 would redefine some of the definitions concerning certain providers of medical care.

Thursday Morning Session:
 
Senate and House Bills on First Reader
 

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Committee Hearings:
 
HB-120 is an administration bill which would create additional judgeships in the state. None of those positions is on the Eastern Shore (although a position was added last year). It was stated that this would cut back on the number of hours that retired judges are utilized in these jurisdictions.

HB-315 would grant juvenile status to illegal aliens to the age of 21 for those who claim abused, neglected, or abandoned status in this country. Currently, those here illegally who are under 18 years of age can apply for permanent residency if they show that they suffer, or would suffer from abuse or neglect if they were sent back to their country of origin or that they have been abandoned in this country by a parent or guardian. There were many questions about this system as it seems ripe for abuse by those seeking residency in the United States.

Currently, New York is the only state to have extended juvenile status to those that fall into this category. The committee did not seem convinced that this was a good idea.

HB-383 would change the required age for babysitters. Currently, one must be at least 13 years of age to watch other children. This bill would require one to be at least 15 in order to babysit a child under the age of 3. I think the bill is well intended, but I saw reluctance to change the law by other committee members. There are often tragic events that produce bills such as this one, but most of the time such events are the exception to the rule.

HB-407 would limit the ability of the state to detain any juvenile under the age of 12 for a crime unless the charge was: 1st Deg. Murder/Attempted Murder, 1st Deg. Rape, or 1st Deg. Sex Offense. There were many questions about the logic of releasing an 11 year old who has committed an Armed Robbery (or other violent crime) back into the community under certain circumstances. Our urban areas of the state are dealing with younger violent offenders and many on the committee do not want the ability of the courts to confine someone who represents a violent threat simply because the law would demand their release. An 11-year old who sticks a gun in a clerks face and takes the cash receipts is no longer a “child” and they did not arrive their overnight. I felt this was not simply a bad bill but a dangerous one as well.
 
 
Friday Morning Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
 
We met with Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance and heard a brief presentation. He indicated that a thorough economic impact study was under way on the PMT regulations and should be accomplished by summer. Frankly, this seems to be a moot point. Although there has been a lot of bloviating on this issue, the administration has made it clear they are moving forward with these regulations before the end of 2014. I heard nothing from Secretary Hance that alleviated those concerns. The secretary really did not have that much to say. He referenced some other programs and talked about the success of our cover crops; and he responded to several questions regarding the PMT and the governor’s comments the previous evening at an agriculture dinner which disparaged DPI Executive Director Bill Satterfield. The delegation demanded an apology from the governor for those comments.

The Delmarva Poultry Industry (DPI) was also on hand and made a presentation. They expressed their concerns over the proposed “Chicken Tax” and said they were pleased to hear the governor say he would veto such a bill if it passed. The regulatory environment of Maryland was mentioned regarding the growth of the industry on the shore. The growth of the industry in Delaware and Virginia continues while Maryland declines. We discussed the effect that even proposed regulations have on an industry when an uncertain future is on the horizon.

We also had a brief presentation from LEAD Maryland Foundation by Dale Brown and Wendell Meekins. This is a leadership training institute that many in the agriculture industry have attended and there were many members present in the audience from the foundation.

Many Eastern Shore Mayors attended the meeting as a part of their winter conference. It was nice to see Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, and Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell. They were led by Delmar Mayor Carl Anderton who is also the President of the Maryland Municipal League. I asked the mayor’s their top budget priority and they all stated the restoration of Highway User Funds. Since the state stripped away 90% of that money, all of our local governments are suffering mightily from the loss. Delegate Conway took the opportunity to kid with me about voting for his budget if those funds were restored and I told him it all depended upon where he came up with the money. The proposed budget by the governor includes a $1.8 billion dollar increase in spending and I am quite certain I could never vote for that type of increase.

Friday Morning Session:
 
House and Senate Bills on First Reader
 
Here are the bills that passed on Third Reader.
 
Third Reading Passed (133-0)
 
 
 
 
 
Third Reading Passed (133-0)
 
Third Reading Passed (132-0)
 
Third Reading Passed (129-3)
 
Third Reading Passed (132-0)
 
Third Reading Passed (131-0)
 
Third Reading Passed (130-1)

Saturday Morning Meeting with Wicomico County Council and Executive:
 
We met again with Executive Pollitt and the County Council to hear an update on their budget and for them to share their concerns. The news was bleak for the most part. Wicomico County is simply not recovering from the recession at anywhere near the pace of other jurisdictions. This is clearly being driven by the jobs market, which has been very poor. Maryland policies are not helping the Eastern Shore, and specifically Wicomico County. As our hub of business and industry, we need Wicomico to prosper and that is simply not happening. There have been some efforts at the local level to address some tax issues and concerns, but they simply pale in comparison to enormous burden from the state that we must shoulder. This does not even take into account other crush factors like Obamacare that will impact all of us by the end of this year in a significant way; nor does it take into account the blow that the new Phosphorus regulations will have on our agricultural base. My Democratic colleagues from the Eastern Shore have gone along with the O’Malley administration on their spending and their jobs plan; and all of it has been a miserable failure with the shore suffering the most. We must change the way we think, and our current leadership is not getting the job done in Annapolis.

When you find yourself at a table celebrating jobs from one company that were announced 2-years ago that have yet to happen, it’s time to take a hard look in the mirror.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Riverside Grill Pocomoke ~ Valentine's Day Specials

 
Riverside Grill Pocomoke
 
 Valentine's Day Specials
(in addition to our regular specials & entrees)
 
 
 Drinks: -Chocolate Covered Cherry-tini $5
 -$5 off premium bottles of wine (w/ 2 meal purchase)
 


Soups:
 -Cream of Crab
 -Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Appetizers:
 -Oysters Chesapeake 10.99
 -Crab Balls 12 for 9.99
 
Entrees:
 (Each with a choice of 2 sides)
 -Fresh Salmon 12.99
 -6 oz. Filet Mignon 16.99
 -Surf N Turf- 6 oz. Filet & a Crab Cake 26.99
 
 
 Sides: Baked Potato, Pasta Salad, Cole Slaw,
 Green Beans, Fries, Garden or Caesar Salad
 
 Dessert:
 -Assorted Smith Island Cakes
 -Assorted Cheesecakes
 -Midnight Mousse Cake
 -Homemade Bread Pudding
 -Brownie a la mode

Bloxom Wins Virginia GOP Primary

Robert Bloxom, Jr.
Eastern Shore Republican business owner Robert Bloxom Jr. won his party's nomination Saturday to vie for a vacant 100th District House of Delegates seat in a special election later this month.

Bloxom will face Democrat Willie Randall, a former Northampton County supervisor, Feb. 25 to fill the seat formerly held by Eastern Shore Democrat Lynwood Lewis, who was elected to the state Senate. The General Assembly adjourns March 8.

The 100th House District includes Accomack and Northampton counties and part of Norfolk.

Bloxom defeated Melody Scalley, also from the Eastern Shore, who ran for the seat in 2009. He is the owner of Shore Tire and Auto, Bloxom Auto Supply and Egret Point Seafood, according to campaign materials.

Bloxom's father represented the 100th District before Lewis.

More....


Votes

Bloxom      493

Scalley     244

Bagwell      8

TIME MACHINE ... 1966, Circa 1900, 1905, 1941, 2008

   

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material) 
December, 1966
(The Daily Times- Salisbury)

THOMPSONS FORM A TEAM TO FOIL POCOMOKE CROOKS

By ORLANDO V. WOOTEN Of The Times Staff

POCOMOKE CITY- Take the name Thompson from the roster of the Pocomoke City Police Department and you'd cut the well- known force almost in half.

Three town officers, one of them chief Richard O. Thompson, and the other two brothers William and Leroy Thompson, have been members of the seven-man department four years.

Chief Dick Thompson said he is only distantly related to the other two men, and that it is just coincidence that three-sevenths of his department bears that name.

Then, there's a Maryland State police officer, Trooper Dick E. Thompson of Ocean City. He is a brother of Leroy and William.

All four Thompsons grew up together in Pocomoke, and played as boys in each others home. They went fishing and hunting together and went to the same schools.

All three city policemen are graduates of the course for city police at the State Police Academy in Pikesville. All three are members of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Department. And all three attend Salem Methodist Church of Pocomoke City.

All three spell bad news to lawbreakers in Pocomoke City because the Thompsons think and act together as a team in police work.

A recent example to a typical "Thompson job," was the capturing of two thieves at a breaking and entering at the American Legion home last summer. The chief received a tip that the home was being entered, and quickly summoned the two others at 2 a.m.. In the dead of night officer Leroy entered the back door at the same time the Chief and Bill went in the front door with drawn guns.

They could hear the hammers breaking open equipment, the chief said. The three officers, with cocked pistols, pounced on two startled men at the same instant they were breaking open coin boxes with sledge hammers and crowbars.

Chief Thompson said if the timing had not been so good, or if they had not had drawn guns, those sledge hammers might have come down on an officer's head.

The older of the two intruders is now serving time, and the younger drew a suspended sentence and is on parole.

The Thompsons are strictly professional in their approach to criminals, and firmly believe they should be adequately punished for their wrong doings. The chief said that a lot of their breaking and enterings come from the same few local no-goods, and the only way to protect the public from these burglars is to give proper jail sentences.

Chief Thompson's favorite companion is his handsome German shepherd dog, Max. Usually found curled up in a chair, half asleep, Max will spring to instant attention at the presence of an intruder, and has training in attack and criminal control work with the chief.

Max will hold a suspect at bay while his master makes a search for weapons. Max is the chief's constant companion on his weekend camping trips to Melbourne Landing camping area. Chief Thompson is a deer hunter, and has the distinction of killing the first deer in Worcester County with a bow and arrow.

Run with efficiency and discipline, the Pocomoke City Police Department is one of the few on the shore which has not had difficulty in attracting men. Because of the high morale, they have always had more applications for jobs then they could fill.
 
Circa 1900 (Time Machine archive)
(The Democratic Messenger- Snow Hill)

(1969 One Hundredth Anniversary Edition)

WINTER ON THE RIVER

Around the turn of the century the temperatures were lower in winter than during the last few decades. Consequently, there was more and thicker ice on the river. Skating was a great sport. The young people would have skating parties with huge wood fires on the river bank and skate far into the night. Several people have been known to skate to Pocomoke City, a distance of sixteen miles. Snow Hill and Pocomoke City harvested river ice each winter and stored it in houses built for the purpose. The ice was packed in sawdust providing a supply to last all summer.
 

July, 1941
(Daily Mail- Hagerstown, Md.)

Ask Shiners To Aid In Aluminum Drive

SNOW HILL, Md., July 19 (AP)- And now operators of illicit liquor stills are being asked to aid in the nation-wide aluminum collection campaign.

Sheriff J. William Hall said he personally called upon several suspected still operators and asked them to "dismantle their reported liquor plants of all aluminum parts in order to help national defense."

Cookers, boilers and some coils of stills are made of aluminum. 


July, 1905
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

(Ad)

Watches, Clocks, and Jewelry Repaired on Short Notice.

I Have For Sale Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, Spectacles, Eye Glasses, and Silverware in many styles and at lowest prices.

WM. SARTORIUS

Pocomoke City, Md.

Will be at Accomac C.H. every court day.

Footnote:
An 1896 Ad stated: "The cheapest place to get your Spectacles and Eyeglasses is at Wm. Sartorious. Eyes tested free of charge."

Longtime Pocomoke City residents will remember Dr. Norman Sartorius Sr., and his son Dr. Norman Sartorius Jr., each of whom practiced medicine in Pocomoke for many years. Wondering if William Sartorius may have been the father of Dr. Sartorius Sr? -tk


 
April, 2008
(The Capital- Annapolis)

Official Dessert

An unusual multi layered cake served on Maryland's Eastern Shore has become the state's official dessert.

After being handed two nine-layer yellow cakes with chocolate frosting, Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law a bill making the Smith Island cake Maryland's official dessert.- Associated Press
 

(All-time snow records)
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/akq/wx_events/winter/all-time1.htm
 
 
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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!


 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Another Resident Files For Pocomoke City Council/ District 3


Just in time to meet the deadline Retired Pocomoke City Police Chief J.D. Ervin has added his name to run for Pocomoke City Councilman in District 3.  The seat is currently held by Councilman Don Malloy.

This brings the total number of those residents who have filed for the position  to three.

The three names in the running for Pocomoke City Council- Ditrict 3 in Pocomoke City are:

Dale Trotter - who  has been with either Pocomoke City or now Worcester County since 1997.

Kim Jackson - busness owner in downtown Pocomoke City.

J.D. Ervin - Retired Pocomoke City Police Chief after 16 years of service.


In the Mayoral race no one filed to run against the current Mayor Bruce Morrison. 


The election for District 3 will take place on April 1, 2014.

More information on those in the running as it becomes available.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1966.. It's a team effort of Thompsons on the Pocomoke City Police force; Circa 1900.. Winter in Worcester County; 1905.. Pocomoke's William Sartorius; 1941.. Moonshiners asked to aid in Aluminum drive; 2008.. The Eastern Shore provides Maryland's official state dessert. 

Also, a look at past snowfall records. 

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Virginia Working Waterfronts Workshop

Watermen, water-dependent business owners, and representatives from water-related organizations from the Eastern Shore are encouraged to participate in the Virginia Working Waterfronts Workshop on February 26, 2014, locally from a satellite location at the Eastern Shore Community College Workforce Development Building in Melfa (29300 Lankford Hwy). 
 
The workshop will be held from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.
 
The Eastern Shore’s working waterfronts are of great historic, economic, and ...
cultural value. Unfortunately they are threatened by natural, social, economic, and regulatory stressors.

The workshop, which is being sponsored by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, will be an opportunity to share ideas and suggestions about the issues that are impacting Virginia’s – and the Eastern Shore’s - water access and working waterfronts, and to provide input on development of strategies to keep Virginia’s waterfronts working! The Virginia CZM Program and its partners particularly need to hear from Virginia’s working watermen and businesses.


This event is the first coastal-wide effort to focus on protecting and enhancing water access and working waterfront infrastructure. 
 
 Response to the workshop so far has been tremendous with registrants representing many sectors including watermen on the Eastern Shore, but more voices from the working waterfront community are needed. The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission arranged the opportunity for Eastern Shore residents to participate in the workshop at the Eastern Shore Community College satellite location recognizing that travel to Gloucester Point, the other location for the workshop, may otherwise have made participation difficult.

Registration is required to attend. The event is free, but space is limited. Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided. Register today! Call Curt Smith, Director of Planning for the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission at 787-2936 or csmith@a-npdc.org. 
 

For more details on the Virginia Working Waterfront Initiative Partnership and the workshop visit, http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7x0rfhj7a97d625&llr=nyolw7cab.
 
-Facebook-
 

NASA Technology to Help Develop Noninvasive Medical Treatments

NASA has signed two patent license agreements with GRoK Technologies LLC of Houston to help develop novel biotechnology approaches that could have multiple applications in space and on Earth.

The agreements are the results of the agency's Technology Transfer Program, which helps opens up NASA's research and technology to the public for use and development.

The agreements grant rights for four patented technologies invented by NASA and GRoK scientists. NASA is interested in the potential these technologies present for regenerating bone and muscle.

During long spaceflights, astronauts are susceptible to developing osteopenia, which is a condition arising from the loss of bone and muscle mass and bone density. The patented technologies could help GRoK develop breakthrough products for the research and medical communities and advance our overall understanding of biomedicine.

"Biotechnology research taking place on the International Space Station and at NASA centers around the country continues to push the leading edge of science," said Yolanda Marshall, director of the Strategic Opportunities and Partnership Development Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "This partnership will further enhance NASA's ability to share the unique breakthroughs made in space-based research."

GRoK will be able to use these patented methods on two platform technologies the company is developing.

The first platform, called BioReplicates, will allow users to create 3-D human tissue models that can be used to test cosmetics, drugs and other products for safety, efficacy and toxicity with greater accuracy, reliability and cost-efficiency. Additionally, using such models may reduce the industry's reliance on animal testing.

The second platform, called Scionic, could lead to the development of medical devices designed to target musculoskeletal pain and inflammation in humans and animals noninvasively and without the use of pharmaceuticals.

"The GRoK team is delighted we are now a NASA licensee with the opportunity to bring forward into the commercial sector technologies that have the capacity to improve the lives of people everywhere," said Moshe Kushman, GRoK's founder and CEO.

 "It's not just science fiction anymore. All indications are that 21st century life sciences will change dramatically during the next several decades, and GRoK is working to define the forefront of a new scientific wave."

NASA’s Technology Transfer Program ensures that technologies developed for missions in exploration and discovery are broadly available to the public, maximizing the benefit to the nation.

Making NASA technologies available promotes commercial activity, encourages economic growth, and stimulates innovation in business and commerce.

For information about NASA's Technology Transfer Program, visit:

Elect Bloxom for Delegate ~ Virginia




Elect Bloxom for Delegate

Today is the day to VOTE!
 
Nandua High School
 
 Doors Open 1:30
 Doors Close promptly 2:30
 
Each candidate gives 10 min speech then VOTES are cast
 
Bring photo ID
 
All are invited to The Island House Restaurant immediately after

 

Governor Martin O’Malley Hosts Maryland Mayors Association Reception

 
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Last night, Governor O’Malley invited mayors from across Maryland to kick off the Maryland Mayor’s Association’s Legislative Conference at Government House in Annapolis. More than 50 municipal executives joined the Governor for a reception in the Governor’s residence to highlight better choices for stronger Maryland communities.
 
“We’ve faced some pretty tough times over the last seven years. Together, we’ve made the choice to move our State forward, not back,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “In spite of of these challenges, our mayors have stepped up and pitched in, partnering on a number of initiatives with our agencies and ensuring that our State is stronger than it was before the recession.”
 
“Maryland is a great state because of the work we do together to strengthen our communities and expand opportunity,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “We’ve made great progress, but our success would not have been possible without the partnership and hard work of our Mayors leading at the local level. Whether it’s supporting local businesses or ensuring residents have access to public services, Mayors in cities and towns across our state make Maryland a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
 
Over the last seven years, the O’Malley-Brown administration has worked in partnership with mayors on numerous projects in local jurisdictions all over the State. The Community Legacy program has provided nearly $17 million in funds for over 200 projects in municipalities. Additionally, the State’s Main Street program has facilitated the creation of nearly 1,200 new businesses and 4,190 new jobs in 26 cities and towns across Maryland.
 
“On behalf of the MMA, I would like to thank Governor O’Malley for once again hosting our yearly reception at the Government House. This event affords the Mayors of our great State the opportunity to voice our concerns to the Governor and lobby for ourselves and our municipalities here in Annapolis. We appreciate the Governor providing us the venue to do so,” said Mayor Randy McClement of Frederick.
 
“The O’Malley-Brown administration has supported progressive smart growth strategies over the last seven years.  For Capitol Heights this has meant the acceleration of our TOD strategy utilizing Community Legacy funds.  We are proud to announce the Town is in the process of selecting a developer for a mixed-use, sustainable development at the Capitol Heights Metro station.  Governor O’Malley has been a tremendous partner in our overall revitalization efforts,” added Mayor Kito James of Capitol Heights.
 
The O’Malley-Brown Administration continues to foster partnerships with municipal law enforcement agencies to drive down violent crime. Working together, state and local law enforcement agencies have driven down violent crime to 30-year lows. The FY15 budget includes an increase of $16 million in funding for transportation for municipalities and an additional $68 million in police aid. The Governor’s Safe Streets initiative has driven drive down crime by promoting community partnerships, strategic action and investments in needed equipment for law enforcement personnel.
 
“Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Safe Streets initiative, and $1.2 million in investment, the City of Salisbury has seen an almost 50 percent drop in violent crime over the last seven years. Without the commitment of the Governor, and his willingness to see this through, our strong partnership to fight crime would be non-existent, and we would not see the successes that we have seen to date,” said Mayor Jim Ireton of Salisbury.
 
The Governor’s FY15 budget builds on seven years of record investments in education to the tune of $6.1 billion since FY2008. Also, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has bolstered efforts to reduce the number of temporary learning shacks around the State, investing $2.7 billion in school construction funding over the last seven years. These better choices have led to better results, propelling Maryland to the head of the class in national school rankings and AP scores, while also sparking historic graduation rates for Maryland high schoolers.
 
Cumberland Mayor Brian K. Grim added, “Governor O’Malley is a model leader for working together with local government to make necessary projects come to fruition.  If not for our Governor, Cumberland would still be struggling to band-aid together the oldest functioning high school in Maryland. But thanks to the Governor, funding is in place and our community is building a new, state-of-the-art educational facility in Cumberland.  That speaks to Martin O’Malley’s dedication to education and it speaks to his desire to work with local leaders to solve problems.”
 
“From education to public safety, and through the toughest of times, Governor O’Malley has supported our efforts to build stronger communities for our neighbors. Mayors are on the frontlines of public service and having a strong partner in the State House ensures that we better serve our neighbors and create thriving communities to live, work and play,” Mayor Jeffrey Slavin of Somerset said.

Source:

Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Statewide Operation

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Works  With Agencies  During State Investigations

Members of the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) conducted a two day statewide proactive initiative combating those distributing child pornography on the Internet.
 
            For the past several months Investigators from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force have been conducting investigations and identifying computers on the Internet that are offering pornographic videos of children for others to download.  Investigators were able to trace this information to numerous computers throughout the state.
 
As a result of this operation twelve search and seizure warrants were executed throughout the state.  The participating agencies are as follows: Maryland State Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore field office, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and Army Criminal Investigation Division.
           
            Due to search and seizure warrants numerous items or digital media were seized and several individuals were identified that have a sexual interest in children, several charges are pending.  All digital items have been turned over to the respective agencies Computer Forensic Labs for analysis.
 
Lt. Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Natural Bridge Sold - To Become State Park

The Roanoke Times | File 2007
A deal between current and former owners and state groups will protect the arch, Native American village, the waterfall and more.

The Natural Bridge will become a state park under a deal reached between its former and current owners and several Virginia agencies.

The complicated real estate transaction, recorded Thursday in Rockbridge County, fulfills its longtime owner’s desire to preserve the national treasure once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
 
  Angelo Puglisi donated the 215-foot limestone arch, valued at $21 million, to the newly formed Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund and received conservation tax credits estimated to be worth about $7 million along with $8.6 million in cash for the balance of his Natural Bridge holdings that encompass more than 1,500 mostly forested acres.

“It is something that needs to be preserved as Mount Vernon and Monticello,” Puglisi said. “I’m afraid we are losing the history of our country.”

For Puglisi, entrusting the historic structure to the state offers the assurance that many generations yet to come can stand in awe of Jefferson’s bridge on property surveyed by George Washington and hear the story of the nation’s founding.

Last spring Puglisi contracted with Jim Woltz of Roanoke-based Woltz and Associates to auction the property, but told him that he wanted the national historic landmark to become a national or state park.

“He didn’t want it to be a carnival. He didn’t want to see a zip line off the bridge,” Woltz said.

The deal with the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund goes beyond protecting the bridge, Native American village and waterfall — features most visitors have viewed. Eventually, all of the holdings, save for the hotel and cottages, will become part of the state park system.

“This is truly a historic day for a very special place,” said Faye Cooper, executive director of the Valley Conservation Council.

“Everyone acknowledges the historic value with Jefferson having owned it. But it has special significance as a rather large property with a great variety of conservation values — scenic, ecological, underlying caverns, rare forest connections — and the geological features are truly extraordinary to tell the history of the region.”

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Month Long Investigation Leads To Drug Arrests During Traffic Stop

On January 27, 2014, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team concluded a month long heroin and prescription pill distribution investigation.

 On that date the Criminal Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that was destined to the Berlin area from Delaware for purpose of distributing a quantity of heroin to an undercover detective.

During the course of this traffic stop, an individual identified as Edwin D. Horner, Age 45, of Milton, Delaware and a Juvenile, Age 17, were found to be in possession of 50 individually wrapped bags of heroin. These same two individuals are also involved in the distribution of Oxycodone to an undercover detective of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team earlier in this investigation.

The individuals were charged with the following offenses:

Edwin D. Horner III, Age 45, of Milton, Delaware
 
·         Conspiracy - Distribution of Oxycodone
·         Conspiracy - Possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone
·         Conspiracy - Possession of Oxycodone
·         Conspiracy - Possession of Heroin
·         Conspiracy - Distribution of Heroin
·         Conspiracy - Possession with intent to distribute Heroin
·         Possession of Heroin
 
Juvenile, Age 17
 
·         Possession of Oxycodone
·         Possession of Heroin
·         Possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone
·         Possession with intent to distribute Heroin
·         Distribution of Oxycodone
·         Conspiracy - Distribution of Heroin
 
 
Edwin D. Horner III was subsequently committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $25,000.00 bond.
 
The juvenile was referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice. 
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Lt. Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office