Delegate McDermott Proposes Several Business-Friendly Bills”

Delegate McDermott Proposes Several Business-Friendly Bills for the 2014 Legislative Session

“Delegate McDermott Proposes Several Business-Friendly Bills”

ANNAPOLIS – Four bills proposed during the 2014 legislative session by Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Worcester & Wicomico) will create a more business-friendly environment for the state of Maryland. Delegate McDermott, who represents the Lower Eastern Shore, is sponsoring several legislative bills aimed at making Maryland work for business.

 “Maryland desperately needs legislation that will make it a more business friendly state.  Our current business environment does not allow it to adequately compete with our neighboring states,” Delegate McDermott said of his proposed bills. “These laws will help out not only big business, but also small business owners, contractors, electricians and the like.  We need to change the way we think about business in Maryland.”

 

McDermott’s “Truth in Permitting” bill restructures the way in which local government responds to proposed building and electrical permits. The current system in place doesn’t require the permit review board to specify why a particular permit was rejected, nor does it require the permit review board to review a permit within a “reasonable amount of time.” Delegate McDermott’s proposal will change this process and require the board to indicate exactly what is wrong with the proposed permit within a reasonable amount of time.

 

“There is a poor system in place today that often fails to tell a contractor what is wrong with their permit,” Delegate McDermott said. “This faulty process results in a back and forth between contractors and architects trying to identify the problem which is often omitted by those reviewing the permit. This adds to the time and money it takes business owners to have their permits approved often resulting in months of lost time.”

 

Additionally, House Bill 199, or the “Corporate Income Tax-Rate Reduction” bill, will reduce the corporate tax-rate from the current 8.25% to a lower 6%, helping corporations statewide. The reduction will give corporations in Maryland more breathing room, allowing them to operate more freely. It would provide a competitive response to surrounding states with lower rates and incentives.

 

Likewise, House Bill 26 will require agencies who are submitting regulations to also submit a fiscal impact statement. Currently, when an agency submits a regulation for review they do not have to assess the fiscal impact of that regulation.  The bill will make sure that before any regulations are passed, lawmakers and Marylanders alike have a chance at analyzing how the regulation will impact the economy as well as the state’s budget. The impact of this bill is far reaching and will affect farmers and other businesses across Maryland.

 

Delegate McDermott’s fourth bill aimed at aiding business will alter the penalty process presently regulated by the Department of Labor and Licensing Regulations (“DLLR”). Currently, the DLLR penalizes small businesses for “non-serious violations” without first giving them a warning. Delegate McDermott’s bill, though, will make sure that a warning is first given for non-serious violations before the DLLR can fine the business owner.

 

 

“Maryland needs to be a more business-friendly state and it can start with this legislative year,” Delegate McDermott said. “We have a real opportunity here to do what’s right, to compete with our neighboring states, and to make Maryland a more prosperous, inviting state in which to do business.”

Rabies Vaccination Clinics Begnning January 25th

732 Pounds of Cocaine Seized At Port of Norfolk

Norfolk, Va. – Customs and Border Protection (CPB) officers seized 732 pounds of cocaine concealed in cans of fruit juice in a shipping container at the Port of Norfolk on December 20th.
The wholesale value is about $12 million with a street value as much as $100 million. The seizure is the largest in the port’s history.

“I have children of my own, I’m always worried about where these drugs end up, are they getting to schools and for that reason I could not be more excited that this amount of cocaine is not going to make it out onto the streets,” said Mark Laria, Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director.

CBP tactical operations officers from the Port of Norfolk were conducting a container inspection operation when they discovered the narcotics.

There was no specific tip that led to the bust, but border patrol workers say the use of fruit cans is just one example of how creative drug traffickers are getting these days. In the past they have even used body bags.

“We used every tool at our disposal. We have large scale x-ray equipment we have small scale x-ray equipment, we have probes, we have various tools and technology that were brought to bear on this shipment and it took every bit of it plus the officers knowledge and intuition to locate the cocaine in this shipment,” said Laria.

The container carrying the drugs was flagged as soon as it left Trinidad and Tobago, but our border protection workers could not check the container until it got to the United States.

The shipment was destined for New York.

No arrests have been made at this time.

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Pocomoke Mayor and Council Meetng~ December 2013

 

Pocomoke Mayor and Council Meetng

December  2013

 

 

December 9, 2013

 

The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, December 9, 2013 the meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.

 

                                       Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison

                                                Council Members: RobClarke,           

               Diane  Downing

                               Don Malloy, George Tasker

                                  City Attorney William Hudson

                                   City Manager Russell W. Blake

                              City Clerk Carol L. Sullivan

 

 

Review Minutes:

In a motion (Malloy, Clarke passed), to approve the minutes of November 4, 2013.

 

Review Bills:

      In a motion (Downing, Malloy passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).

 

Authorize Mayor to sign proclamation for 125^th Anniversary of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company:

       Mayor Morrison read the proclamation for the record.

       In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to authorize         Mayor Morrison to sign proclamation for 125^th Anniversary of the PCVFC.

 

Presentation of retirement plaque to Mr. James Norton following twelve (12) years’ service on the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals:

       Mayor Morrison presented Mr. James Norton a plaque thanking him for his service on the Board of Zoning Appeals.

       Mr. Norton thanked the Mayor and City Council and stated that Pocomoke City has the best Police Department, Public Works Department and city manager on the Eastern Shore. He added that the Mayor and Council deserve resignation for an outstanding job of service to our citizens. He said that he has enjoyed his service on the Board of Zoning Appeals.

 

Special recognition of Chairman Mike Shannon and the Pocomoke Christmas Parade Committee for the successful Christmas Parade held on December 2, 2013:

      Mayor Morrison presented Mike Shannon a Certificate of Appreciation for serving as Chairman of the Pocomoke City Christmas Parade for the past thirteen years.

       Mr. Shannon thanked the Mayor and Council for the certificate. He said that he appreciated everything the City does for the community and he is glad that he is a part of the events and is able to volunteer his time. He stated that there are things going on all the time and that some others are stepping up to volunteer. He announced that there would be a Gala on February 15, 2014, at the Elks. This is a fundraiser for the Boat Docking Contest to be held in August 2014.

 

Authorize City Manager to sign Basic Interconnectivity Agreement with Delmarva Power for new solar electricity-generating system:

       City Manager Blake stated that this is the next step toward the Solar agreement. If all goes well the solar plant should be in operation by late 2014.

       City Attorney Hudson stated that there was no reason that the City could not sign this agreement and that it needed to be signed before going onto the next step.

       In a motion (Tasker, Malloy passed) to authorize City Manager Blake to sign the Basic Interconnectivity Agreement with Delmarva Power.

 

City Manager to present recommendation from Housing Coordinator Harvey Davis for repair or demolition of several buildings:

       City Manager Blake stated that 201 Fourth Street, 516 Laurel Street, 618 Clarke Ave., and 415 Oxford Street have been vacant for some time and no activity from owners. If the Mayor and Council agree to proceed, the owners would receive a notice to repair or demolish the buildings. If they object there would be an opportunity for a hearing at the next Mayor and Council meeting.

       In a motion (Malloy, Tasker passed) to proceed with repair or demolish letters to the owners of all four buildings.

 

Discuss recommendation from Police Chief and City Manager for purchase of two new police patrol vehicle using grant funds from U.S.D.A. and local matching funds:

       City Manager Blake stated that we would be using U.S.D.A Grant Funds in the amount of $43,000 to purchase two Tahoes for the Police Department. The City would match $14,400 funds for these two new vehicles. Chief Sewell stated that the Tahoe’s will be nice for bad weather.

       Councilman Clarke asked if we would piggy back on another agency to get a good price.

       Chief Sewell stated that we would purchase the vehicles from Joe Basil Chevrolet as they have contracts with Law Enforcement Agencies.

       In a motion (Tasker, Clarke passed) to approve the purchase of two Tahoes with U.S.D.A. funds and matching funds of $14,400 from the City.

 

Consider request from Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce for use of City Festival Tent on Sunday, February 23, 2014:

       Mayor Morrison stated that Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce would like to use the City’s tent for their Annual Oyster Roast to be held on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

       In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to allow Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce to borrow the City’s event tent for their Annual Oyster Roast to be held on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

 

Mayor to discuss holiday schedule for City employees:

      Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to propose that City employees have Christmas Eve off as an extra holiday this year for Christmas.

      In a motion (Malloy, Tasker passed) to give City employees Christmas Eve off as an extra holiday.

Comments from Audience:

      Mike Shannon thanked the Mayor and Council for the “Old Fashioned Christmas”, she stated that Karah Lacey did a great job and he felt that she was an asset to the City.

      Kim Jackson, owner of Market Street Bouquet, stated that she was making changes for her facility to be fully accredited to accept insurance for her business, one of the requirements was to have a designated handicap parking space. She asked if there could be a designated handicap parking space near her shop.
      In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to designate a handicap parking space on the corner of Clarke Ave and Market Street.
      Dale Trotter stated that he would like to clarify that he was not responsible for Mr. Gary Mclhiney from Schlachman Belsky & Weiner to attend last month’s meeting. He stated that he was interest in running for Council seat.

Comments from Council:

      Mayor Morrison asked what the Council would like if anything for Leona Hill in donating property for her project.

      After some discussion it was decided that a piece of property near the Farmer’s Market/Cypress Park could be designated for Leona Hill’s playground. Or maybe she could contact Worcester County Commissioners to see if they had any property that they would be willing to donate for her project.

      With no further discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Clarke and seconded by Councilman Malloy to adjourn at 7:57 PM.

 

 

Approved:_________________2014

　

　

　

　

______________________________

Carol L. Sullivan

City Clerk

    

 

Obamacare ‘tech surge’ fails to fix wrong prices, plans

Daily Caller 1.08.14

“If I can enter a zip code for a Radio Shack and have the nearest store listed, then the government should be able to direct people to the nearest ‘in-person’ assistance,” said Paul Ellington, Craig’s campaign manager, in a statement to The Daily Caller News Foundation.

http://dailycaller.com/2014/01/08/obamacare-tech-surge-fails-to-fix-wrong-prices-plans/
Jeannie Haddaway on Obamacare WCBM Sean and Frank 1.09.14

(HHS Secretary) Sebelius is directing Marylanders on the federal  site to other states to seek assistance.

http://wcbm.com/includes/news_items/11/news_items_more.php?id=165881&section_id=11 (@ 2:39)

GOP hopefuls for Md. Governor Debate on Fox 45
Washington Post 1.16.14

Craig said the state’s exchange is “a disaster.” “They knew it was broken before they put it out,” he said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/during-forum-gop-hopefuls-for-md-governor-call-for-tax-cuts-changes-to-common-core/2014/01/16/67a99cae-7f21-11e3-95c6-0a7aa80874bc_story.html
Emergency health care legislation to be heard by committees Tuesday
Annapolis Capital Gazette 1.09.14

 "(The) legislation merely shuffles people from the failing state-run Obamacare exchange into another state-run insurance program for a limited amount of time,” said Haddaway.
 http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/general_assembly/emergency-health-care-legislation-to-be-heard-by-committees-tuesday/article_fd486c0e-29c3-57c9-aac1-cd6f865c1bc9.html
Exchange Difficulties
Hagerstown Herald-Mail 1.12.14

“The O’Malley-Brown Administration’s ill-conceived emergency legislation merely shuffles people from the failing state-run Obamacare exchange into another state-run insurance program for a limited amount of time,” said Haddaway, according to an email from the Craig campaign. “Trying to fix bureaucratic problems with more bureaucracy just creates more confusion and makes it more difficult for consumers.”

http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/annapolis/political_notebook/political-notebook---jan/article_cd822040-7bd5-11e3-8364-001a4bcf6878.html

Jeannie Haddaway: The New Face of the Republican Party in Maryland
Chestertown Spy 1.06.14

Regardless of party affiliation, the community seems to have already declared an early victory for the two term delegate from Neavitt with dozens of highway signs boasting the David Craig-Jeannie Haddaway Republican ticket more than a year before the statewide election.

http://chestertownspy.org/?s=jeannie+haddaway

Vote Trotter in District 3, Pocomoke

Hello;

My name is Dale Trotter and I am a candidate for Councilman in District 3 of Pocomoke City.

I have met with many of you regarding my decision to run for Council but for those I have not yet spoken with please let me explain. In 1993 my wife, Lori and I moved to the Eastern Shore and found the crown jewel, Pocomoke City. Like any new couple we loved the people, stores, and everything about this community. My wife and I have been very fortunate to raise four daughters that have attended or attend Pocomoke City Schools thru the Worcester County School System. My employment has been with either Pocomoke City or now Worcester County since 1997.

Our community, is a place that I call home and I want to work to keep you here, as well as to attract new home owners that may call it home as well.

I would like to see increased community activities in our downtown area, Cypress Park and throughout our great town.

Anyone living here knows, that Pocomoke City is the Friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore and I want to work to keep it that way.

I favor increased participation by our town government to assist and attract business owners to our downtown area, and other shopping areas.

Our river front is seeing increased use since the Riverside Grill opened. A great addition to our area. I also favor boat docking and the possibility of a marina or similar in our downtown area or along the river front. Additionally I would love to see us work hand in hand with our downtown coordinator and allow her the mobility to "think outside the box" and make things happen for Pocomoke City. The Discovery Center and the Marva Theatre are great opportunities that allow for our community to thrive, I miss the "festivals" and the "Downtown Block Parties" that once helped our community come together; lets make it happen again!

Additionally I would like to see us work with the Downtown Association to "make it happen" regarding new businesses coming to town and the building owner, so that both see progress and benefit from our actions. I feel this would assist in eliminating so many "empty" buildings; that do nothing to attract or cause someone passing thru, to stop and be a consumer in Pocomoke which is obviously vital to a thriving community.

I would also like to make it a priority to clean up, restore or demolish properties that have become an eyesore. I would work with other members of the Council and City Manager to help make this attainable rather than so far reached for the property owners.

The major thing I would like to bring to District 3 is the opportunity to always be able to contact your Councilman, by phone, text, facebook or any other electronic means or in person with your problems and know in your heart that the issue will be addressed to the greatest extent of my power and that I am approachable.

Several of these ideas are in place already, we just need to work harder at keeping it on the fore front of our mission and continue to watch Pocomoke prosper and grow and I feel I am your choice for Councilman.

Many of you know me personally, I take my job serious and I am commited to your service. I look forward to visiting with you in your stores and homes over the next several weeks leading to April 1st. Thanks for your time reading this, I sincerely hope it was time well spent and you realize my love and passion for Pocomoke City.

The job of Councilman will far reach outside our district and involve our community, I am open to your concerns and welcome the opportunity to serve as your City Councilman, please vote Dale Trotter on April 1st, 2014.

Thanks again;

Dale Trotter

Candidate for City Council, Pocomoke City

Heart ~n~ Home Gift Store - SAVE 20% Off Purchase

 

 

 

 

 

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Pocomoke Businesswoman Files For Council Seat In Pocomoke City

“You want to do what?” 

This is a question I have been hearing quite a bit lately.  And the first question is generally followed by, “Why on earth do you want to do that?”


Let me introduce myself and explain.

 

 My name is Kim Jackson, and I am running for Pocomoke City Council, District 3.

 

I remember being asked similar questions one year and six months ago. That is when my husband, Ed and I chose to buy a house here, and make Pocomoke City our home.  The big question then was:  “Why do you want to move to Pocomoke?”  My response was, “Why not Pocomoke?” It did not come as any surprise to me; having longtime residents ask such questions about these kinds of decisions. Over the years I have learned we all can sometimes take for granted, things in our own backyard.  We can loose perspective of all the wonderful things we have right under our noses.  We came here with a new perspective, and chose Pocomoke because of all the great things it had to offer: a beautiful riverfront, plenty of green space (especially found in Cypress Park and the trail), old homes with personality and charm, good schools, city and emergency services, cultural arts and museums, a downtown district, and all within walking distance...I could go on and on.  This is why we came to Pocomoke!

 

Fast forward to the present.

 

I am now a small business owner on Market Street in downtown, working within the community.  The downtown business district (in voting district 3) is full of potential; it's  just waiting to come back to life once again. Studies have shown that downtown revitalization helps make an area strong by encouraging locals to come back and shop local. It brings visitors to the community, and can help create jobs, too. This can generate additional revenue for the community as visitors come for the day and enjoy our city.  Added revenue can go to improving and maintaining safe streets for our district. I feel historic preservation is also important because people love to experience the past. Whether its museums, houses, churches or old storefronts; people love to feel connected to the past; they want to experience a change from today's  hustle and bustle. Cities all across the country have benefitted from revitalization efforts. We have all the “right stuff”. Let's  make it happen. 

 

On April 1, 2014, if you live in District 3, Help me bring a new perspective to Pocomoke City, District 3.

 

 I would appreciate your vote.

 

 ~ Kim Jackson

Accomack Board Hears Report on Wallops Park

By Wesley Edwards
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors heard a report on Wednesday night from the Wallops Park Commmittee that the Wallops Industrial Park should be open and ready for business later this year.

Mr. Young, chairman of the committee, explained that phase 1 of the development process was now complete.

 Bill Remington explained that the design process was 95% complete and that bidding documents were being reviewed and would be sent out by February 15, 2014. Timmons Engineering is overseeing the design and infrastructure for the roads and water sewer.

Mr. Bob Roop then explained that the infrastructure would be complete by September and that the taxiway would be complete by December 2014. They expect occupants to be in place as early as September.

 Carolyn Massey explained that they were in the development process of a marketing plan and were speaking with a college professor to help develop the plan.

 When questioned by Supervisor Grayson Chesser about the 3 to 5 calls per week that she had previously reported, she said she could not say exactly when people would move in but now with the park underway there would be space available for different types of industry seeking benefits of being at Wallops controlled airspace as well as being close to the activities surrounding the development of unmanned vehicles and other related Wallops activities.

 In addition to business related to the aerospace Massey explained that there would also be a study about the change of the shoreline from Long Island New York to Virginia Beach conducted from Wallops.

She then said there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony sometime in September.

Source:

Also: Wallops Research Park

The Federal Brewing Company, LLC Opening In Federalsburg, MD

There has been a lot of buzz around the town of Federalsburg lately!

A brewpub is about to open its doors near the scenic Marshyhope  Creek! A family friendly place where you can sit down, have a drink (beer, wine, coffee, lemonade, tea) along with a little something to munch on and occasionally be entertained, without feeling rushed.

Brewpub specializing in craft beer made on site and food.

 Where? At 102 S. Main Street in Federalsburg - on the corner of Main & Central in the 3-story high former bank building. Federalsburg is in beautiful Caroline County, just minutes from the MD/DE State Line.

 When? The Federal Brewing Company has a target open date of Spring 2014.
 

Cheers!

On the web:  http://www.thefederalbrewingcompany.com/

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Join the Fight to Change Maryland!

  Larry Hogan In the News

 

 



Md. GOP Hopeful Larry Hogan plans to announce bid for governor Jan. 21Washington Post

"Hogan, a Cabinet official under former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., signaled in November that he intended to enter the GOP primary early this year."

Read more»


Announced GOP governor candidates post weak financial numbersThe Baltimore Sun

"Maryland's three announced Republican candidates for governor have posted weak numbers in the campaign finance reports due Wednesday – leaving the door wide open for the expected entry of a new contender. Larry Hogan, founder of the conservative advocacy group Change Maryland, plans to announce his candidacy Tuesday."
Read more»


Hogan to officially announce run for governorBaltimore Sun

"The former appointments secretary to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. sent an e-mail to supporters Sunday saying he would make the announcement at Mike's Restaurant & Crab House in Riva."
Read more»


Republican Hogan to enter Md. governor's raceABC2 News

"The 57-year-old Hogan is an Anne Arundel County real estate broker who served as appointments secretary under former Republican governor Robert Ehrlich. He currently leads Change Maryland, a government watchdog group."
Read more»



Center Maryland Talks 2014 Gubernatorial ElectionCenter Maryland

"If I were betting as to who the nominees are going to be, I would say Anthony Brown vs. Larry Hogan."
Read more»



Change Starts Now – Larry Hogan's Campaign for Maryland Governor Officially BeginsRaging Against the Rhetoric

"If the work of Change Maryland is any indication, which I have no doubt it is, we will see a strong platform based on fiscal conservatism, improving Maryland's struggling business climate, and greater transparency in our state governance."

Read more»


Republican Hogan to enter Md. governor's raceFoxDC
Read more»




Larry Hogan to enter MD governor's raceWBAL Radio

Read more»



Republican Larry Hogan to announce his candidacy in Md. governor's race later this monthThe Republic (IN)
Read more»



Republican Hogan to enter Md. governor's raceCarroll County News

Read more»

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1990.. Great economic news for Pocomoke City; 1939.. Big festival in Onancock celebrates Delmarva's chief product of that era; 1941.. War effort production evident in Crisfield; 1891.. Merchant offers Eastern Shore of Virginia customers "Free Travel" to Pocomoke City; 1893.. Miss Nellie stands her ground against Pocomoke burglar.

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!

NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Releases 2013 Annual Report

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), an advisory committee that reports to NASA and Congress, has released its 2013 annual report examining NASA's safety performance over the past year and highlighting issues and concerns to agency and government officials.

The report released Wednesday is based on the panel's 2013 fact-finding and quarterly public meetings; "insight" visits and meetings; direct observations of NASA operations and decision-making processes; discussions with NASA management, employees, and contractors; and the panel members' own experience.

"This year's annual report centers on risk, risk management, accountability, and transparency," said panel chairman Joseph W. Dyer. "The panel notes that in pursuit of a U.S. capability to launch humans into space, and in light of constrained budgets, an argument to accept additional risk could be rationally put forward. The ASAP underscores the need to speak transparently about risk and reward. Acceptable risk needs to be formally accepted, made accountable, and explained to the NASA team, Congress, and the public."

The 2013 report highlights: 

-- Commercial Crew Program
-- Exploration Systems Development
-- Funding Uncertainty
-- International Space Station (ISS)
-- Technical Authority
-- Risk Management

The panel reported significant progress has been made in improving safety related to the International Space Station by implementing measures to mitigate the risk of damage to the station from micrometeoroid and orbital debris, as well as planning for the end-of-life and deorbit of the station.

The panel was most pleased to report NASA has clearly articulated changes to the technical authority process, in which technical experts apply their specific expertise to resolve questions and concerns, and is in the process of implementing them. The panel recommended NASA fully adopt these changes without delay.

Congress established the panel in 1968 to provide advice and make recommendations to the NASA administrator on safety matters after the Apollo 1 fire that claimed the lives of three American astronauts in 1967.

For more information about the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel and to view the 2013 report, visit:

http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/asap/index.html

Former WTKR Anchor Person Enters Guilty Plea

Court documents detail international fraud

By    Rachel West

 

NORFOLK, Va. ( WAVY ) - Former WTKR anchor Juliet Bickford pleaded guilty Wednesday to filing a false tax return, but court documents paint a much larger picture.

The charge was a misdemeanor and Bickford was released on a personal recognizance bond.
According to the statement of facts on the case, Bickford lived with a boyfriend from at least September 2009 through September 2011 who had no regular employment in the United States. The boyfriend is not named and is only listed as a Canadian national.

Documents state Bickford held a Bank of America account, which she allowed her boyfriend to use to receive various wire transfers. From May 2009 to September 2011, Bickford's account received about $526,530.51 in wire transfers from foreign bank accounts in the Bahamas, Canada and Turks and Caicos, all in the names of Cullen Johnson and/or Elaine White. Some of the funds were used for joint expenses of Bickford and her boyfriend.

READ MORE...

BALTIMORE MAN ARRESTED FOR TEXAS THEFT OF HIGH-END HANDBAGS

Maryland State Police Press Release

(BALTIMORE, MD) -- Maryland State Police criminal investigators located and arrested a Baltimore man who is wanted by Texas law enforcement in connection with the burglary and theft of high-end purses valued at $200,000.

The accused is identified as Edward M. Bryant, 40, of the 4100-block of Glenhunt Road, Baltimore, Md. He is being held on a fugitive warrant at the Harford County Detention Center as a result of felony warrants issued in Texas for burglary and theft over $100,000. Texas authorities have begun extradition proceedings against him.

Earlier this week, troopers in the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division were contacted by investigators from the West University Place (TX) Police Department, who requested assistance with the investigation of a December 7, 2013, residential burglary during which eight Herme´s handbags/purses valued at $200,000 were stolen. The investigation by West University Place Police had identified two suspects in Maryland, one of whom was Bryant.

Maryland State Police criminal investigators enlisted the assistance of personnel from the Maryland State Apprehension Team, the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, the US Marshal’s Service and the Baltimore Sheriff’s Office. West University Place Police detectives flew to Maryland to work with State Police on the continuing investigation.

Bryant was arrested at his home without incident on the morning of January 14th. Police recovered four of the stolen handbags at another location in the Baltimore area which is not being identified due to the ongoing investigation. The handbags included three Herme´s Birkins, two valued at $38,000 each and one worth $30,000. The fourth was a Herme´s Kelly valued at $15,000.

A search for the second suspect is continuing. Additional charges are pending. The investigation is continuing. 

NASA Visitor Center ~ FREE ~ Movie Night

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Field Notes ~ By Delegate Mike McDermott

Field Notes

 

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

 

By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

Week 1: Jan. 7-10, 2014

 

Tuesday-Joint Republican Caucus Hearing

 

Republican Senators and Delegates heard overviews on several of the issues that we will need to address in the coming months. We heard from Travis Brown, the author of “How Money Walks”. He provided insight into how money and people are moving from state to state. Maryland is one of the states that are losing people and money at an alarming rate.

Al Redmer provided information on the problems associated with Maryland-Obamacare roll out and other issues that are causing folks to be without health insurance or unable to afford what is being offered. The situation in Maryland is a real mess and there is talk of closing down the program and turning people over to the federal government program which only further confuses folks.

Lindsey Burke of the Heritage Foundation and Dr. Jack Smith from the Maryland Dept. of Education presented two differing sides on the Common Core rollout in our schools. This change of standards has caused quite a stir and left many with unanswered questions. I questioned Dr. Smith on a couple of items: Why was the program not phased in beginning with First Grade instead of requiring wholesale change even for those preparing to graduate? Why would Maryland (which lauds being “First” in the country in education) choose to move away from local controls which have been so effective in the past? Why should we adopt a program that gives partial credit on tests for wrong answers?

 

Dr. Smith’s answers: He does not know why the program was not phased in…this is the way it was presented (i.e.…if Maryland liberals want the money they have to dance for their supper). He feels adopting the new standards will keep us progressive in our education. Perhaps most interesting was his response to the kids receiving partial credit for wrong answers: He believes it is acceptable to give credit where a student has tried and showed some work product even if the final outcome was in error. To which I replied: “Doc, I do not want to drive over a Bay Bridge built by an engineer who got partial credit for a wrong math answer…how about you?”

 

We received an update from MACO President Rick Pollitt (Wicomico Executive) on Local and Regional Transportation Funding. Local governments continue to feel the pain of missing Transportation Funds that the state has failed to restore. Pollitt advised us how the group was looking for greater flexibility in local taxing authority as one means of covering these lost revenue. We agreed that the local tax burden for many counties was already maxed out and the citizens could not afford another back door tax to replace taxes they already pay for road projects. It is a grim picture, and, as I have stated many times, it represents a new normal for local government when it comes to returns of tax money from the state so long as these same folks are running the General Assembly and the Governor’s Mansion.

 

Congressman Andy Harris provided an update on federal activities and responded to several questions that were asked. Many focused on Obamacare and federal spending.

 

 

Wednesday-Opening of 2014 Session:

Opening Day begins at noon and is generally scripted ceremony along the lines of a spaghetti western. This year was slightly modified since the Republican Caucus decided to nominate Minority Leader Nick Kipke for Speaker of the House. Of course, the nomination was defeated on a voice vote. Following a scripted process, Busch was elected to continue as the Speaker of the House. No one could recall the last time the minority party nominated one of their own for the Speaker’s position.

 

Here is a list of my pre filed bills. Some have already been assigned hearing dates in January.

 

A curious side note occurred: Mayor Carl Anderton of Delmar, who is also the President of the Maryland Municipal League, was in attendance along with folks like Executive Rick Pollitt, who is President of the Maryland Association of Counties. It is common for elected guests such as Pollitt and Anderton to be allowed a special seat on the floor of the House during the Opening Day ceremonies. While Executive Pollitt had a seat, Anderton was told there was no seat available for him on the floor. There were well over 10-seats available. It made many of us ponder if there was any connection between this slight and the Mayor’s candidacy for the Delegate seat currently held by Norm Conway. If so, it would be an incredibly petty act on the part of leadership.

 

Thursday Morning Session:

 

No much to report. Some bills were on First Reader and assigned to committees.

 

 

Special Republican Caucus Meeting:

 

A meeting was called on Thursday morning to discuss the Democrat leadership plan to potentially expel Delegate Don Dwyer (R-Anne Arrundel) from the House. Dwyer explained the situation (Boating Accident/Subsequent DWI), apologized for his actions, and detailed his reclamation actions. He indicated his acceptance of the punishment outlined for him which included his expulsion from the Ways and Means Committee.

 

Delegate Dwyer is not the first member to ever have issues arise from drinking and driving and subsequent legal battles. There are some prominent members of the Democratic side of the House who have faced similar situations in the past.

 

 

Friday Morning Session:

 

Other than a few bills on First Reader, the only other action was the removal of Delegate Dwyer from his committee assignment while maintaining full House privileges. Dwyer took to the floor and apologized to the body bringing the wrong kind of attention to the House of Delegates. He also indicated his willingness to accept the actions taken by the House leadership and his committee removal. He asked for forgiveness from the membership. There were no further comments or actions requested or taken by the members.