Animal Rescue And Care Shelter Needs Your Support

Hello,
I’m taking part in the BARCStoberfest Strut Your Mutt to raise money for BALTIMORE ANIMAL RESCUE AND CARE SHELTER - please make a donation by visiting my FirstGiving page: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/deborahmichelle-northam/barcstoberfeststrutyourmutt?fge=ask 

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to BALTIMORE ANIMAL RESCUE AND CARE SHELTER by FirstGiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.
 Please send my page on to anyone who might like to donate!

Hugs!

Deborah Michelle

This young lady has been a foster mom to many helpless dogs for quite a while.  Out of those many  homeless dogs that have found homes she has only had to return two while in her care to the BARCS facility. Put simply, some dogs are not able to forget the horrible  treatment they received at the hand of another human being.  And sadly, not even love, patience, good food and  safe warm surroundings are the answer.

Your donation is very much appreciated and will go a long way towards showing these unfortunate animals that someone does care.  Thank you.

Skylor Harmon Convicted of First Degree Murder

WMDT

By Ryan Hughes, Reporter

SNOW HILL, Md. - After three days, a Worcester County murder trial is over and a jury found Skylor Harmon guilty of first degree murder. "We've been waiting for this for a year and a couple months now," said Evangela Handy, Reginald's mother.

The Handy family says justice is finally being served and now they can start to get their lives back on track. There was hugs and clapping moments after the verdict was read Thursday convicting their son's killer - Skylor Harmon of first-degree murder. It only took two days of testimony and three hours of deliberation."I think they found the right shooter and I believe he did it - he stood up there like he don't have no worries like he didn't care no remorse or anything," said Renasha Handy, Reginald's sister.

The guilty verdict comes 17 months after Reginald Handy Junior was shot in the back in Pocomoke City. A fight broke out on Laurel street ending in gunfire. Harmon's uncle -- Alexander Crippen was the original suspect. But autopsy results proved he did not pull the trigger. Then, in June the judge declared a mistrial after a jury could not determine Harmon was the killer. This time around prosecutors brought forth new evidence and additional eyewitnesses that proved Harmon killed Handy. "We knew we had a strong case and credible witnesses who were going to tell a very compelling story," said Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby.

A story that now has Harmon looking at spending the rest of his life behind bars. "I'm glad that he's looking down at us.  I know he's happy they found justice today - I'm just happy," said Renasha.

Skylor Harmon's family declined an on-camera interview but they told me, "This is not over."     Meanwhile, the judge has ordered a pre-sentence investigation before he determines his sentencing.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/15744456/skylor-harmon-convicted-of-first-degree-murder

Accomack County Board Hears Recommendations On Tax Collection - AGAIN

Still talking it over and rehashing.......Now the brilliant conclusion has been drawn to hire ONE person   on a FULL TIME basis for  collecting delinquent Accomack County taxes.  Well BRAVO!  What a brilliant discovery- FINALLY!  Meanwhile, some of those that are severely delinquent are steady buying properties in the area.....just saying.......

A study ordered by Accomack County came to a conclusion at Wednesday night's meeting in Accomack. Stephanie Davis of the Public Sector Advisors Springsted gave a detailed report on objectives, methods, findings and recommendations for helping collect the County's unpaid taxes from taxpayers.

The report used onsite interviews with several Constitutional Officers of Accomack County, telephone surveys with other counties in the State of Virginia to compare with Accomack County and conversations with County Administrator Steve Miner and Finance Director Mike Mason.

According to the findings, Accomack County does not issue delinquent tax notices in a timely or consistent manner, delinquent tax collection tools authorized in the Code of Virginia are not used, the County lacks written policies and procedures in regard to delinquent tax collection for internal staff, County staff and citizens. The report also found that the County Treasurer's office is currently understaffed by approximately one employee. Several of the Counties which were compared to Accomack in the study had an employee who's sole job was collecting delinquent taxes, a position Accomack does not currently have filled.

Wanda Thorton was unhappy with the study. According to the motion that authorized the study, the study was to emcompass the Treasurer's office, the Commissioner of Revenue's office and the County Assessor's Office. The final report was centered mainly on the Treasurer's office, which Thornton told Davis was "no fault of your own."

Treasurer Dana Bundick spoke after the report was finished, claiming certain details were left out of the report by Davis because "it would make the County look bad." Bundick also stated the Board's direction for the Treasurer's office to work in cooperation with the Commissioner of Revenue's office was the reason for the deliquent taxes notices being late. Finance Director Mike Mason then chimed in and said this claim was "misleading."

Davis concluded that the collection efforts have improved and that the Treasurer's office is making improvements. Davis also recommended the Treasurer's office hire a full time position of tax collector and advertise the position as soon as possible. Currently the position is funded, but no one has been hired. Regular reporting was also a recommendation of the report. Other recommendations included clarifying language regarding customer service, job descriptions and creating an ethics policy for the Treasurer's office.

A motion for the recommendations to be placed onto a checklist to be followed by the Constitutional officers of Accomack County passed unanimiously.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

FREE Shooting Clinic For YOUTH On Saturday

JUST FOR YOUTH- A SAFE AND FUN

SHOOTING EXPERIENCE

October 22 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The Youth Sportsfest Camp hosted by the NOAAWIVA Sportsmen Club on Chincoteague Road (Rt 175E) is open to all girls and boys, ages from 8 to 18. The camp offers unique opportunities for Eastern Shore youth to learn  (from certified instructors) firearm safety orientation, shooting instruction and participation (depending on age/ability) in the fastest growing sports in the nation.


Activities include 20-gauge shotgun/clay shooting, .22-rifle target and reactive shooting, air gun target shooting and junior service rifle competition. Prizes and shooting awards will be given out. The camp activities will end about 3:00 PM.


The NOAAWIVA Sportsmen Club will provide lunch, hearing and eye protection, firearms and ammunition without cost.

Certified instructors, range safety officers, and experienced club members will supervise all activities. Call George Foster (757-442-7287) or Ray Wimbrow (757-336-1966) for email fosterjg@esva.net or further information and directions.

FRIDAY AT SHORE BEEF and BBQ

NEW CHURCH LOCATION TODAY

UNTIL 5:30

FRIDAY SPECIAL

Pit Beef Sandwich/ Side

Drink ~ $7.50

REMINDER:  Shore Beef and BBQ will be located at the New Church Vol. Fire Dept. for the

OPENING NIGHT

OF

 ANNUAL HAUNTED FOREST

6:00 PM....UNTIL...............

BE AMONG THE FIRST TO BE FRIGHTENED!!!!

Don't Miss This GIGANTIC YARDSALE !

ANNUAL FALL YARD SALE

Pocomoke Fairgrounds

Broad Street

Pocomoke City, Maryland

RAIN OR SHINE !

Saturday, October 22, 2011

7:00 AM ~ UNTIL.....

Kitchen will be open serving breakfast

 sandwiches, juice and coffee.

Because of the large amount of wares this gigantic yard sale usually brings there will be  LOTS of shoppers

GET THERE EARLY!

SHOP ALL DAY!

**Most of the tables have been rented. 

Call - 443-614-4456 to see if tables are still available**

~SEE YOU THERE~

The capture and execution of Gaddafi (video)

Remember this?

Gaddafi: Barakeh Obama is friend
Libyan leader praises US president: 'He is of Muslim descent, his policy should be supported, as he now leans towards peace'

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi considers the US president a blessing to the Muslim world. In a speech published in London-based al-Hayat newspaper on Saturday, Gaddafi praised Barack Obama, called him a "friend" and said there is no longer any dispute between his country and the US.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7...877174,00.html

TIME MACHINE Preview ... On The Road- The Early Years!

It's 1902 and a good road from Pocomoke to Snow Hill is needed.

It's 1914 and there's debate on which way the road into Westover should go.. to Pocomoke or to Crisfield?

A famous American's son was one of the first car owners and drivers on the lower Eastern Shore.

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!

98-Year-Old Woman Has Been To Every Cardinal World Series Game

ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—

First pitch of World Series Game 1 came with a temperature of 49 degrees.  Fans were bundled up, and one woman, Clementine Wilkerson, said it was the coldest World Series game she’d ever attended.  That’s saying something considering she’s been to every World Series in which the Cardinals have ever played.

That’s eighteen fall classics in all. Wilson, 98, first went to a series game when she was thirteen.  The year was 1926 and the Cardinals were taking on the New York Yankees at Sportsman’s Park.  The Yankees big star was Babe Ruth.  Her memory of “the Bambino?”

“Just all the hits he got.  And the way he ran,” she said with a smile.  Asked what the running style was like she said, “It was fun.”

We asked her if fans were nervous when Ruth came to the plate.

“Yes,” she said, “just like they do when Pujols comes to the plate.”

She’s kept coming back every time the Cardinals have made it to baseball’s biggest stage.  What’s the draw?

“I like to be with all the people and see the banners and the noise. I just love everything about it.” 

Source;  http://www.fox2now.com/news/ktvi-98-year-old-world-series-attendence-101911,0,6266322.story

~ Mar-Va Theater ~ This Weekend

There's going  to be a packed house for this!!

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

~BACK AT THEIR NEW CHURCH LOCATION~

THURSDAY ~ ALL DAY~ SPECIAL

Pulled bbq Chicken Sandwich/side

Drink ~ $7.50

~~~

Look for Shore Beef and BBQ at the New Church Vol. Fire Dept. on the dates below:

Legislative Updates ~ Mike McDermott

Legislative Field Notes

By Delegate Mike McDermott

October 19th, 2011

Special Session

Morning Session:

We opened the session with the introduction of SB-1, the governor’s redistricting bill. It is a gerrymandered conglomeration of districts and the only  good thing I can say about it is the Eastern Shore is intact. Numerous amendments Amendments to adopt the MD GOP Map (Good Government Map) were rejected along party lines. The same is true for the amended map offered by Del. Hough (known as the

were presented to change the Senate bill to a different map.  

Fannie Lou Hamer PAC) which also went down on party lines. Both of these maps were more generous to creating minority

majority district representation.

There was good debate on the subject. A few democrats spoke about about various aspects of the governor’s plan with which

they took exception. Once all of the amendments were dealt with,the bill was moved to Third Reader.

                                                         

Afternoon Session:

SB-1 was brought up on Third Reader. There was some additional debate followed by the final vote tallied at 91-46 with

five democrats crossing over and joining with the

republicans. 85 votes were needed for passage.

So, once again, Maryland will see the redistricting process moved through the courts as many oppose the gerrymandering

and overtly political process that has produced such

a terrible product. No map is perfect, but the alternative maps offered would have gone a long way to providing all

Marylanders with a meaningful vote at the polls.

There will be a final session on Thursday morning to insure that any action taken by the Senate is confirmed by the House before adjournment.

                                      

Several bills never saw the light of day. I co sponsored many with other Eastern Shore Delegates that would have gone a long  way to halting many of the provisions of Plan

Maryland as well as addressing future toll increases on the Bay Bridge. These will all be reintroduced in the 2012 session as they  were not passed out of the Rules Committee for proper

consideration.

Beautiful Fall Sky

I was headed home a couple of nights ago and I noticed that the moon was full and the sky was full of abnormally high clouds. The night was fairly cloudy with the full moon only peeking through the high flying clouds every so often, but when it did it was a beautiful sight to behold.

I got out my camera (phone) and snapped a few pictures because I have never remembered the nighttime Heavens looking quite like it did that night. As the clouds passed in front of and below the full moon the reflection produced many bright, brilliant colors that sadly the camera didn't reproduce in the pictures. Either way the pictures are still beautiful and worth sharing so here ya go, enjoy.  BTW: the 'dot' to the right of the moon in pictures 3 and 4 was highly visible with the naked eye and is a very bright star or a planet.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

HOW TO ENJOY OBAMA SPEECHES

I used to avoid listening to Obama's speeches.  Now, I look forward to the next one.

Here is something to help make Obama's speeches almost tolerable. Just print this page, distribute it to friends, then tune in to his next speech........

Rules for Bullshit Bingo:

1. Before Barrack Obama's next televised speech, print your "Bullshit Bingo."

2. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.

3. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, stand up and shout "BULLSHIT!"

"OPERATION MEDICINE DROP"

The Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit in partnership with the Assateague Coastal Trust, Berlin Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Health Department will be participating in “OPERATION MEDICINE DROP,” a one-day medication take-back effort to be held on

Saturday, October 29,  from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

“Operation Medicine Drop” is a bi-annual Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) federal program in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to encourage citizens to properly dispose of their prescription drugs.  The objective is to get unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication out of people’s cabinets and off of the streets.  Citizens are urged to not flush their medication or throw them away.  Disposing of medication properly prevents the medication from entering our waterways and landfills.

There will be six drop off locations in Worcester County. 

• Berlin Police Department, 10 Williams St.
• Worcester County Health Dept., Public Landing Road, Snow Hill  
• Ocean City Public Safety Building, 6501 Coastal Hwy, OC/MD
• Pocomoke Health Center, 400-A Walnut Street
• Food Lion, Manklin Creek Rd, Ocean Pines
• Food Lion, Rt 611, West Ocean City

The Maryland Executive Board Members of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) have hailed this effort as a success in keeping unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of persons who shouldn’t have them as well as out ofMarylandcoastal bays and waterways.  This program was considered a success last April, yielding over 130 pounds of prescription medication in Worcester County.   
The program is free and confidential.

  If you have any questions, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-723-6665 or 410-529-5395. 

GIGANTIC YARD SALE

ANNUAL FALL YARD SALE

Pocomoke Fairgrounds

RAIN OR SHINE !

Saturday,  October 22, 2011

      Shop, sell, eat, browse -- just come to socialize if you'd like.

The kitchen will be serving up hot coffee, juice and breakfast sandwiches.

Tables are just $10 indoor or $5 outdoor

Space is limited so please call 443.614.4456 NOW to reserve your table space.
We will provide you with the table and a few chairs.
　
This event usually brings in a few hundred shoppers so gather up your junk, old furniture, glassware, old clothing, etc. and bring it out to the fairgrounds.

TOUCH the SEA ~ Delmarva Discovery Center

Touch the Sea

Delmarva Discovery Center

November 12th

10 AM to 4 PM

Join Andrew Wilson and the aquatic stars of Under the Sea for live animal programs at 1 and 3 PM. Visitors will learn about our fascinating underwater world in interactive presentations.

Guests will also be able to meet live animals, which may include a pufferfish, baby shark, and more and watch a fish feeding in the DDC's 6,000 gallon aquarium at 2 PM. Kid's crafts will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM.  Get your face painted, chat with local artists and view their work, or talk with a fossil expert. There is something for everyone at the DDC!

Event is free with paid admission.

U.S. Postal Service To Raise Stamp Prices By 1 Cent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service announced on Tuesday a one-cent increase in the cost of mailing a letter, starting in January.

The new prices lift the cost of a first-class stamp to 45 cents starting on January 22, 2012, the first increase in more than two years.

The Postal Service is facing a financial crisis because mail volumes have declined as more people use electronic mail or the services of private sector competitors such as FedEx and United Parcel Service.

The Postal Service said the cost to mail a postcard will go up three cents to 32 cents, letters to Canada or Mexico will increase five cents to 85 cents, and letters to other international locations will increase seven cents to $1.05.

The agency, which is allowed to raise prices in line with the rate of inflation, said it filed the new prices with the Postal Regulatory Commission on Tuesday. The regulator has 45 days to approve the changes.


Until the price changes take effect, consumers can still purchase 44-cent Forever stamps, which do not require additional postage after prices go up.

"The overall average price increase is small and is needed to help address our current financial crisis," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "We continue to take actions within our control to increase revenue in other ways and to aggressively cut costs."

The Postal Service has asked Congress for permission to drastically overhaul its business, including cutting Saturday mail delivery and eliminating a massive annual payment to prefund retiree health benefits. The agency also is studying thousands of post offices and processing facilities for possible closure.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-postaltre79h6z3-20111018,0,5507295.story

Annual Den of Darkness Haunted Attraction

COME PREPARED FOR AN EVENING OF FRIGHT !!!

7:00 PM until 10:00 PM

Admission:  $7.00 per person

4264 Firehouse Street

New Church, Virginia 

(Behind the scales on Rt. 13)

Food available by SHORE BEEF  and BBQ

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

2nd YEAR OF FANTASTIC BBQ !

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Pit Beef Sandwich/ side

Drink ~ $7.50

~ALL DAY AT THE
ACCOMACK LOCATION~

Testimony Underway In Skylor Harmon Re-Trial

Written by

Scott Muska
Staff Writer
October 18, 2011
SNOW HILL — The re-trial of a 19-year-old charged with committing murder with an assault rifle got underway Tuesday with opening arguments and the first of the prosecution’s witnesses.

Skylor Dupree Harmon, 19, of Pocomoke City, had his first trial end in a mistrial in July when jurors were unable to agree on a verdict. Harmon is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Reginald Handy Jr.

Among the defense’s witnesses Tuesday were Deputy Dale Trotter, a crime scene investigator for the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. Cropper and members of the State’s Attorney’s office returned on Sunday night to the area of 500 Young St., where the military-grade assault rifle had been found the day after the murder.

Trotter testified that if he had been standing in that area with the gun at the time of night the murder was committed, he would have been able to shoot a person standing where the victim had been shot.

From the area where the gun was found to the area where Handy was shot was about 65 yards, according to Trotter, who said the distance was “definitely” in the rifle’s range.


Testimony is scheduled to continue tomorrow and Thursday.


Harmon's uncle, Alexander Crippen, was originally charged in the May 2010 murder, but charges were dropped before Crippen's trial. Crippen was later convicted of attempting to kill a different man, based on testimony about his actions at the same scene where Handy died.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111018/NEWS01/111018030/SNOW-HILL-Testimony-underway-Skylor-Harmon-re-trial

Legislative Updates ~ Mike McDermott

Legislative Field Notes

By Delegate Mike McDermott

October 18th, 2011
Special Session

Morning Session:
We received HB-2 and HB-3 from the Rules Committee. These two bills address redistricting for the Boards of Education districts in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties. We thought there might be an amendment offered out of the Prince George’s Delegation but it was not forthcoming.

The Senate was moving the governor’s redistricting plan today and spent quite awhile debating the bill. Ultimately it was decided largely along party lines with Senator Muse (D-Prince Georges) being the only cross over vote against the gerrymandered map.

Evening Session:
The House reconvened at 5pm to take up the governor’s redistricting plan passed by the Senate. There are many amendments in the hopper which will be introduced tomorrow as we take up debate on all of the redistricting bills. The session only lasted a few minutes.

Tea Party Rally:
There were about 300 folks from around the state that showed up on Lawyer’s Mall for the House Tea Party Caucus Rally from 12-2pm. Speakers included Grover Norquist (American’s for Tax Reform), Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey, Charles Lollar (President American’s for Prosperity-MD), Senator Pipkin and myself along with a host of other leaders from various tax payer organizations. Del. Mike Smigiel (House Tea Party Caucus Chairman) was the MC and moved the program along. Many in the General Assembly heard the speakers and stopped to listen in on the clear, resonating message: No gerrymandering and No tax increases. There were plenty of homemade signs with messages for the governor.

Whether it was all of the angst expressed publicly in anticipation of tax legislation during this session, or the recent Gonzales polling which revealed a strong public aversion in Maryland to any tax increases, it seems the leadership got the message…for now.

Letter Regarding Newark Blast site

October 17, 2011

Fellow residents and neighbors,

As I testified at the Snow Hill BZA hearing and told individuals on the phone or in person, I promised to listen to your concerns regarding the Newark Blast site.


I had actually made up my mind last week against using the site, after talking with several of you personally. For those of you that spent your resources on meetings, lawyers and yard signs, I am sorry you wasted your time.
However the real loss was to our local economy.


Note, the site is currently an unlimited blast range and sand strip mine. Our activity there would have put limits on the charges, added security, and a link to the community so you would not be surprised. We had planned to environmentally baseline the site and closely monitor it. We were ready to further limit the site to scale testing only, something that is barely noticeable and the key thing that speeds our work. Working with the BZA and the county, we planned to let the public witness the first few tests to be sure everyone was comfortable. Fear of the unknown is usually best battled with simple reality. That is now lost. The range will continue to operate, as it has in the past, completely exempt and unlimited.


As one of the closest neighbors, the occasional noise does not bother or scare my family anymore than a random clap of thunder. I personally don't want our local law enforcement officers dealing with the real thing in a live situation, untrained.
     
During this process, I have been surprised by a few specific individual's public display of sensationalism and engineering ignorance. Images of nuclear explosions and narratives of jackhammers in people ridiculous. It's ok to say you won't make the minuscule sacrifice to hear a loud noise once in a while to help protect American lives, but just come out and say it.


Solid science and responsible resource use should be the basis of any good decision where a community, a country and our warfighter's safety is concerned. Since Hardwire's inception in a South Point garage, the County Economic Development office, County Commissioners, State Government officials, Federal
  representatives and most recently, the BZA, have all taken the time to understand the facts. They played key roles in helping create great products, good high paying jobs, and tens of millions in tax revenues for the Federal, State, County and City Governments. As a prime example, the City of Pocomoke has been an amazing place to do business, and played a pivotal role in our speed and resulting success.


Our company has been entrusted with the lives of the individual war-fighters that are ordered to use our products. The soldier in the field does not get a choice; he or she has to trust we have done our job. This is a responsibility we wanted, we earned and we will protect. As a CEO, as a father, and as an American, I will not let anything stand in the way of doing the best job imaginable, as fast as possible.


Being right is not what's at stake for us. It's being on time with just one piece of armor that saves a life, a limb, a hand, or just a few surgeries.


For those of you that supported the effort, thank you... for the rest, I am sorry you will not experience the pride of knowing you helped when you could have.


George C. Tunis III

Chairman & CEO

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES ~ Mike McDermott

• Special Session Field Notes
• Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
• By Delegate Mike McDermott

Legislative Field Notes
By Delegate Mike McDermott
Oct. 17, 2011

Special Session of the General Assembly
Morning Session:
The first matters that were taken up in the Special Session were the bills from the 2011 Regular Session which had been vetoed by the governor. There were 40 such bills to address. We had discussed all of these vetoed bills in our caucus meeting previously. Most were duplicate or cross filed bills which were passed under another file number and represented technical vetoes. Some of the vetoed legislation was reviewed following passage and found to have flaws which were not picked up prior to passage. These bills were vetoed by request of the sponsor. The only bill which we considered opposing was HB-22 which was a bill submitted by Del. Smegiel and passing easily in both chambers before coming to the governor’s desk. This bill simply called for a uniform Circuit Court subpoena process be established in the Maryland Circuit Courts. It was a money saving measure, but it was opposed by many in the judiciary and court clerks across the state. Following debate on the idea of attempting an override of the veto, it was decided by vote that this was not a battle we needed to fight at this time when considering that we needed to focus all of our efforts on redistricting.

All of the vetoed legislation was combined together by consent of the House members and the governor’s veto was sustained on a vote of 125-6.

There were 21 bills which were filed by several members for consideration by the House during the Special Session. Those bills were introduced into the House and were forwarded to the Rules Committee to determine if they will be assigned to a Committee for review. It is doubtful that any will be considered other than the bills addressing redistricting. On initial review, I did not see any bills calling for tax increases…but the session is young. I remain hopeful that we will stay the course and stick to redistricting issues.

Hearing in Judiciary

• Expungement of Records/Shielding of Records-

Del. Anderson/Walstreicher/Carter
Review of HB-878; HB-1342; HB-1279; HB-1255
We heard from the Task Force on legislation which would address the shielding of criminal records under certain circumstances. There is ongoing debate over the way the courts and the legislature should address expanding guidelines for the shielding/expunging of criminal records. Certain automatic expungements were discussed when a person was found not guilty of a charge as opposed to a written request being required. It was also suggested that one’s driving record should be examined for possible automatic expungement following a set period of time. Some of the committee members like to use the word “mistake” as a substitute for “crime”. There was quite a discussion over providing safe guards for businesses as well as those who may deserve a second chance. The committee took a lot of notes and it is clear we will be hearing this again in 2012.

• Maryland Trust Act

Submitted by the Maryland Bankers Association/Committee members
Review of HB-750 (as submitted in 2011)
We heard from a group of bankers and attorneys in Maryland on the need to revise and codify the laws governing Trusts. The general issue concerns the lack of codified law and the desire of the committee to simplify the process and eliminate the need for continually going back to the courts to address issues that could be done outside of the courts by mutual agreement. There was concern that in trying to codify the rules/law, the committee may have modified existing rules. The submitted legislation is 93-pages and will require a thorough review and many additional hearings to address all of the many concerns. After hearing from the committee members, I am not convinced the “Trust Act” will be ready for prime time in January. The technical law questions are extensive.

On the Lawyer’s Mall there were a few press conferences for alternative bills being offered for redistricting. There are three primary bills which people are rallying behind other than the governor’s plan. All three of the bills address the creation of an additional minority district. We expect all of these bills to be heard in committee tomorrow.

On redistricting, there may be an opportunity to work across the aisle with those from certain districts who may feel disenfranchised by the governor’s gerrymandered map. Currently, a map backed by the Fannie Lou Hamer PAC is being sponsored by Del. Hough (R-Frederick) and Sen. Pipkin (R-Upper Shore) in cooperation with the PAC. It is a good map and would create the potential for a third minority congressional district in Maryland. It would also make some of the other districts more competitive for both parties. It is a balanced approach and has bi-partisan support in both chambers.

The same can be said for a map being offered by Sen. Getty (D-Carroll) and Del. Smigiel (R-Cecil). This map also helps create an additional minority district and provides for greater sense of natural, political, and historic boundaries. In essence, it abides by the Maryland Constitution and is bi-partisan on approach.

The third alternative to the governor’s map is referred to as the “Good Government Map” which has been proffered by the Maryland GOP. This is probably the best drawn map, geographically and it lends itself to an additional minority district as well. Sadly, since it is the GOP map, it is not going to get very far.

Tomorrow at noon, a Rally for Good Government will be held on the Lawyer’s Mall in front of the Capitol steps. Special speakers include Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey, Grover Norquist (American’s for Tax Reform), Sen. Pipkin, Charles Lollar (American’s for Prosperity), Del. Smigiel, as well as myself and others. The people are demanding good government, and all of the speakers will be encouraging Marylanders to press on. We are hoping for a great turnout.

Re-Trial Begins Today For Skylor Harmon

WMDT

SNOW HILL, Md. - An alleged murderer is set to face yet another jury on Tuesday in Worcester County.

Skylor Harmon is accused of gunning down Reginald Handy Jr. in Pocomoke City last year.

Back in June, the jury couldn't come to an agreement on a verdict, leaving the judge with no choice but to declare a mistrial.

Harmon faces first and second degree murder charges.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/15714348/murder-re-trial-for-skylor-harmon-set-to-begin-tuesday