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Beretta’s Future In Maryland Tied To State’s Gun-Control Debate

Great article!  Especially the last sentence on page 2.  Please read.


By Aaron C. Davis  
    

Feb 24, 2013

 

On the production floor of Beretta USA sits a hulking new barrel-making machine ready to churn out the next object of obsession in America’s love-hate relationship with guns: a civilian version of a machine gun designed for special operations forces and popularized in the video game Call of Duty.

Beretta, the nearly 500-year-old family-owned company that made one of James Bond’s firearms, has already invested more than $1 million in the machine and has planned to expand its plant further in Prince George’s County to ramp up production.

But under an assault-weapons ban that advanced late last week in the Maryland General Assembly, experts say the gun would be illegal in the state where it is produced.

Now Beretta is weighing whether the rifle line, and perhaps the company itself, should stay in a place increasingly hostile toward its products. Its iconic 9mm pistol — carried by every U.S. soldier and scores of police departments — would also be banned with its high capacity, 13-bullet magazine.

“Why expand in a place where the people who built the gun couldn’t buy it?” said Jeffrey Reh, general counsel for Beretta.

Concern that the company will leave, and take its 300 jobs with it, is palpable among state lawmakers who worry it could be collateral damage from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed gun-control bill.

Among other restrictions, O’Malley’s bill would ban assault rifles, magazines with more than 10 bullets and any new guns with two or more “military-like” features. Gun experts said it’s a near-certainty that Beretta’s semiautomatic version of the ARX-160, now only a prototype, would be banned under O’Malley’s bill.

“I’m concerned. I think they’re going to move,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert). “They sell guns across the world and in every state in the union — to places a lot more friendly to the company than this state.”

In Beretta’s low-slung factory along the Potomac River in Accokeek, where walls are lined with trophy heads of caribou, wild boars and black bears shot by employees, the legislation proposed by O’Malley (D) feels like an affront.

In testimony this month in Annapolis, Reh, who oversees the plant, warned lawmakers to consider carefully the company’s future. Reh pointed to the last time Maryland ratcheted up gun restrictions in the 1990s: Beretta responded by moving its warehouse operation to Virginia.

“I think they thought we were bluffing” in the 1990s, Reh said. “But Berettas don’t bluff.”
READ MORE....
Washington Post 

In Case You Missed It: Change Maryland in the News

Md. businesses hope for more influence in Annapolis

Baltimore Sun 2.24.13

"Almost 400 gathered to hear speakers at the event, organized by Change Maryland."http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-maryland-business-voice-20130224,0,2396206.story

Economic summit looks to become more pro-business
Carroll County Times 2.22.13

"Change Maryland, which was formed in 2011, is a collection of 30,000 members who are calling for a more pro-business Maryland, said founder Larry Hogan."http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/business_technology/economic-summit-looks-to-become-more-pro-business/article_cd5a3dbc-2d22-5a5b-ad51-bd8eccb4bea7.html

Group rallies to change Maryland’s business climate
Maryland Reporter 2.22.13

"Hogan told the crowd, 'My hope this morning is that you will never give up hope in this state.”http://marylandreporter.com/2013/02/22/group-rallies-to-change-marylands-business-climate/

Maryland’s business climate scrutinized
Baltimore Post-Examiner 2.22.13

“This event today was to raise awareness in the business community,” Hogan said.http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/group-rallies-to-change-marylands-business-climate/2013/02/22

Summit: Fixing tax policies will attract, retain businesses
Annapolis Capital - Gazette 2.22.13

“We’re slipping in terms of our demographics. We’re slipping in terms of our business community, both small and large,” said panelist Anirban Basu, CEO of Baltimore consulting firm Sage Policy Group.
http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/annapolis/summit-fixing-tax-policies-will-attract-retain-businesses/article_c0585bfa-3be3-5574-88b5-b63fec1b634b.html

Md. business climate must be improved, speakers say
Baltimore Sun 2.21.13

"Nearly 400 people packed a conference room Thursday to hear leaders argue that Maryland is in critical need of a better business climate as big federal spending cuts loom."
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-02-21/business/bs-bz-change-maryland-business-climate-20130221_1_business-climate-change-maryland-sequestration

Business leaders gather to find way to improve MD competitiveness
Fox 45 2.21.13

"Five years ago, Maryland was home to eleven Fortune 500 companies but only three remain. In six years, lawmakers have raised 24 taxes, tolls and fees - hardly what a perspective business wants to hear."
http://foxbaltimore.com/news/features/featured/stories/business-leaders-gather-find-ways-improve-economic-climate-md-569.shtml#.USkmwB0p_dd

Yes to jobs, no to higher minimum wage
Frederick News-Post 2.20.13

"Raising the minimum wage would also add to Maryland's anti-business reputation. Turning that around is the subject of a summit (where I am a panelist) in Annapolis Thursday sponsored by Change Maryland."
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_columnist.htm?StoryID=147108

In gauging Maryland's competitiveness, stick to the facts
Baltimore Sun 2.19.13

"This week, Change Maryland is convening a bipartisan gathering of 400 business and community leaders from across the state."
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-02-19/news/bs-ed-business-climate-20130219_1_marylanders-governor-o-malley-gas-tax-proposals

Change Maryland: We Have Work To Do On Jobs and the Economy
Rockville Patch 2.18.13

"Maryland is lagging behind other states in the region in economic performance, and this forum is the first of what will be many bi-partisan, tangible steps towards a much-needed course correction."
http://rockville.patch.com/blog_posts/change-maryland-we-have-work-to-do-on-jobs-and-the-economy

Change MD talks to Jimmy Mathis
WBAL 2.14.13

"This situation with our lopsided tax code is not impossible to fix."
http://www.wbal.com/article/97591/template-story/Jim-Pettit-from-Change-MD-talks-to-Jimmy-Mathis

Two bills filed to reduce Maryland's corporate income tax rates
Red Maryland 2.20.13

“It’s too late for timid half measures,” Hogan said.  “The corporate income tax needs to be reduced immediately and dramatically, perhaps even eliminated altogether, to stop the bleeding of 6,500 businesses and chronic economic under-performance in the region."
http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2013/02/two-bills-filed-to-lower-marylands.html

No consensus on how to fund state’s transportation needs
Daily Record 2.19.13

“Basically, it's just a tax shifting scheme that places the onus on local governments," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.
http://thedailyrecord.com/2013/02/19/no-consensus-on-how-to-fund-states-transportation-needs/

O’Malley Makes Big Push For Wind Energy Legislation
OC Dispatch 2.15.13

“It seems Martin O’Malley’s priority is to make electricity and gas more expensive,” said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan
http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/articles/2013/02/15/Top-Stories/OMalley-Makes-Big-Push-For-Wind-Energy-Legislation

O'Malley proposes wind energy bill 

Easton Star-Democrat 2.12.13

Hogan said the bill is a "scheme, is really a tax increase by another name and a financial waste."
http://www.stardem.com/article_837198f0-7569-11e2-873f-001a4bcf887a.html

O'Malley spinning magical tales in state of state speech

Washington Examiner 1.31.13

"Sadly, the governor's real legacy is a record of lost businesses, lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases and broken promises."
http://washingtonexaminer.com/omalley-spinning-magical-tales-in-state-of-the-state-speech/article/2520138

Budget scrutiny on transportation

Gazette 1.21.13

“Nowhere in this budget document is any mention made to helping Maryland’s blue-collar workers or other working people,” Chairman Larry Hogan said.
http://www.gazette.net/article/20130116/NEWS/130119281/0/gazette&template=gazette

O'Malley's budget gets mixed reviews
Easton Star-Democrat 1.16.13

"Hogan said what's missing from the budget is an understanding on how to bring jobs and businesses back to Maryland."
http://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_ada85342-6061-11e2-8e56-0019bb2963f4.html

Odds and Ends No. 69

Monoblogue 1.19.13

"Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan also had some suggestions for Martin O’Malley on rebuilding Maryland manufacturing."
http://monoblogue.us/2013/01/19/odds-and-ends-number-69/

State quickly replaces Johansson
Gazette 12.19.12

"DBED has not been aggressive in job creation,” he said. “Maryland is not on the radar screen for most national site selection consultants,” said Larry Hogan.
http://www.gazette.net/article/20121219/NEWS/712199463/0/gazette&template=gazette

New economic development chief named for Md.
Baltimore Sun 12.19.12

"But the new appointment was criticized by Change Maryland, a group that has characterized the economic development department as primarily focused on positive-spin marketing."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-new-economic-development-secretary-20121219,0,801460.story

Tax data Maryland needs — and almost lost
Baltimore Sun 12.19.12

"Virginia, here I come" is a popular refrain on social media posts on groups like Change Maryland's Facebook page, with 25,000 followers who have legitimate qualms about the state's relatively high corporate and individual income tax burdens."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-taxpayer-migration-20121219,0,6782551.story

Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies Assist In Inauguration Parade Route

January 19^th through the 22^nd - Eleven  Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies had the honor in assisting the Washington Metropolitan Police Department in securing the parade route for the 57^th Presidential Inauguration.

 

The 11 Deputies endure cold temperatures and long hours while posted along the Inauguration Parade Route. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office worked together in securing a city block during the parade.

“It was great to be a part of history.” One Deputy stated.

 

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to participating again for the 58^th Inaugural Parade.

-

 

Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 

 

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

 

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

 

Feb. 24th, 2013

 

Week 7  Feb.18-Feb. 22, 2013
Tuesday Meeting-Special Work Group on Gun Bill:
Today, we heard from many psychiatric professionals regarding their thoughts on addressing the mental health aspects of the governor’s gun bill. They shared many concerns regarding folks who may choose to forgo treatment if it has a direct impact on their right to possess a firearm. We also spoke about where effective lines could be drawn as to when a restriction should come into play. There was not a lot of give with these folks and I could hear some frustration with my colleagues on this unwillingness to address the concerns expressed about finding this measuring line.

Tuesday Judiciary Hearing:HB-476 seeks to correct technical challenges to the legislation that was passed last year regarding bail bonds written for alien defendants. It would not hold bondsmen responsible for alien defendants who are deported by US authorities while under bond.HB-489 would provide that a State’s Attorney or Asst. State’s Attorney should be covered by laws covering threats against public officials. This is a result of a recent homicide of an Asst. State’s Attorney on the western shore after she had received many threats from an individual.HB-531 would create a new theft charge relating to mail which is taken from any location. This would provide state sanctions that replicate federal law.HB-540 would require a foreign entity to honor a Search Warrant which is served on a person representing the entity in Maryland. This can often pose a problem for law enforcement to access court ordered records from larger corporations who do not hold their records or headquarters in Maryland.HB-544 deals with transfers of Registered Sex Offenders and would make it a requirement for local law enforcement to be notified when a registrant moves into their area. It was argued that current provisions within existing law already provide for this type of notification.HB-651 would create a specific charge for an inmate using a contraband cell phone while incarcerated. This bill has been modified each of the last two years and I believe it is very necessary given the current smuggling and use of cellular phones within our correctional facilities.HB-652 addresses the identity of a minor being disclosed when they are acting as an informant for law enforcement. The shielding would remain until the trial begins.HB-709 would expand the penalties for the crime of Accessory to Commit Murder: in 1st Degree cases to a 20-year maximum; and in 2nd Degree cases to a 10-year maximum. This bill attempts to address some recent problems associated with significant support provided by accomplices to homicides. Many of these are grievous situations that a 5-year sentence simply does not provide adequate punishment.HB-713 would allow for the forfeiture of property utilized in human trafficking. Much like we confiscate and move for forfeiture in drug cases and other smuggling acts, we do not do so when it relates to human trafficking. We heard many speak passionately about the great need of the victims of this crime.HB-719 would allow a person who makes a false statement regarding a destructive device (a bomb threat) to be prosecuted in the jurisdiction where the alleged device is to have been planted. Often it is difficult to know where a call was made or to prove jurisdiction during prosecution and this would simplify the matter considerably. There was no opposition.HB-727 makes the crime of Theft over $100 and less than $1000 able to be charged via Criminal Citation. This charge was inadvertently taken out of last year’s Citation Bill and this bill simply restores this as a crime which can be charged with a citation. There was no opposition.HB-737 seeks to create a separate charge for defacing property with graffiti instead of simply charging the individuals with Malicious Destruction of Property.HB-1109 would require a comprehensive risk assessment be performed on defendants held under No Bond to determine if they truly represent a risk to the public if they are released. This would require quite a bit of personnel infrastructure in many areas of the state.
HB-1175

  would require a member of the Chief’s Association of Prince Georges County to be appointed to the Maryland Police Training Commission. I believe we would see other metro counties seek similar representation if this is approved.

Wednesday Meeting-Special Work Group on Gun Bill:Today we heard from the Baltimore County Chief of Police. He is an advocate for the governor’s gun bill. There was no new information exchanged. The chief believes reducing magazine capacity creates an opportunity for unarmed people to attack a shooter when he is forced to reload. I asked him that if he advocated an attack, why not allow the people to be armed in the first place so they could truly defend themselves. He rejected that notion out of hand. As a police officer, he made it clear that he never goes anywhere without being armed, but he does not see this as desirable for the law abiding public. He also believes that gun registration and fingerprinting would stop straw purchases of firearms. It is tough for liberals to give up on their policies even when they have limited success.

Wednesday Judiciary Hearing:HB-629 seeks to provide some protections for bank customers when a garnishment is attempted against a joint account held by married couples. The bill would notify an individual of their entitled exemption of $3000 by the holders of the account.HB-509 this would create a Maryland False Claims Act of 2013. This is designed to cover the Whistle Blowers who detect fraud being performed within business or government entities. It would establish in Maryland what already exists within the federal government. Currently we allow for this type of action within our Medicaid system and health care, and this would expand the law to cover all manner of fraud.HB-599 would require employers to pay the wages of an employee to attend to the requirements of Jury Duty. This bill would have a significant impact on Maryland businesses by forcing them to pay for a traditional civic duty.HB-732 seeks to include “unmarked” police vehicles under the statute governing Fleeing and Eluding from a Law Enforcement Officer. It was pointed out the changing nature of police vehicles over the years and the lights and sirens employed which further identify them as police vehicles. There was no opposition.HB-765 would qualify the testimony of a Drug Recognition Expert and their opinion as acceptable as evidence in Maryland courts. It would accept the protocols which have been scientifically accepted.HB-821 would allow certain disclosures of otherwise privileged communication between a psychiatrist and their patient. In particular where criminal activity is discussed or a threat is made directly against the psychiatrist and the disclosure is being utilized in court to prove a case. The psychologists testified of the need to protect their doctors from threats, but I found it interesting that they do not feel the same obligation for disclosing directly to police on other threats made during their treatment sessions.HB-987 would create another level of crime for those convicted of multiple DWI’s or for operating with a blood alcohol level beyond a certain level and allow for punitive damages to be awarded to victims of these acts.HB-1271 would create protections for the use of a name or likeness (usually someone with celebrity status) in the state. This is similar to copyright or trademark laws.

Thursday Morning Session:HB-226

, the governor’s offshore wind bill, was on 2nd Reader. A couple of amendments were offered to try and make the bill better. I offered one which would have required that suppliers purchase their green energy from the least expensive provider. This would greatly reduce the cost for energy being passed onto consumers. This was rejected by the democrats. Another amendment was offered by Del. McDonough which would have required that the production of the wind turbines would need to be performed in America. This was also rejected by the democrats. So a chance to give consumers a break and to make sure any jobs would actually be in the United States were summarily rejected.

Thursday Judiciary Hearings:HB-442 seeks to codify current procedures already in place with Child Care Providers across the state.HB-282 addresses the expungement of Juvenile Records. This would allow for greater expungement of juvenile records when certain criteria are met. Some actions would preclude someone from qualifying as would an established period of time which needed to elapse before a person would qualify.HB-245 would require that a health practitioner report any infant that is deemed to be “substance exposed” if certain factors exist. Ironically, the bill only addresses a child that is outside of the womb. There was quite a bit of discussion concerning whether the bill could address pre-natal issues. It was clear from the testimony that the reporting requirement is not applicable under the proposed law unless the child is outside of the womb.HB-264 would allow for the sharing of certain Juvenile Records to other states and their respective juvenile authorities. This bill has been refined since it was presented last year.HB-539 would require the reporting of the death or disappearance of a minor.HB-428 would require a college or university to disclose and report allegations of abuse. It is designed to prevent something like what occurred in Pennsylvania (the Sandusky case) where reporting requirements were unclear as to sexual assaults committed by faculty and staff members.HB-588 would allow the Baltimore City Health Department to access certain criminal  records for juveniles involved in specified activities and criminal activity. The bill is a continuation of a current practice that sunset in September of 2012.HB-876

would create a civil penalty for failing to report acts of Child Abuse and mandate reporting by certain individuals. It would also create a task for to look at other options going forward. The fines levied would be used to further prevention and detection of child abuse.

Friday Morning Session:
We had a special Joint Session recognition service to honor the 100th anniversary of the Woman’s Suffrage March which began the legislative movement to give women the right to vote. We began with only the men occupying the Chamber (there are 86) and the women members came in together. It was a good history lesson for everyone.
Voting on Third Reader Bills:
The only debated bill was the governor’s Offshore Wind Bill, HB-226. I have written more extensively on the many problems with this legislation. I believe the bill is a true boondoggle and I highlighted the issues before the assembly. Sadly, this bill is a “leadership vote” and most of the democrat’s line up and vote for these with little thought. Such was the case today as well…a bad day for consumers.
HB 1
Third Reading Passed (132-0)HB 70
Third Reading Passed (135-0)HB 99
Third Reading Passed (135-0)HB 103
Third Reading Passed (131-4)HB 206
Third Reading Passed (133-0)HB 226
Third Reading Passed (86-48)HB 262
Third Reading Passed (133-2)HB 312
Third Reading Passed (134-0)HB 346
Third Reading Passed (135-0)HB 359
Third Reading Passed (133-0)HB 425
Third Reading Passed (134-0)HB 494
Third Reading Passed (134-0)
Friday Voting Session of Judiciary Committee:
Bills which were voted “favorable” by the Committee which will move to 2nd ReaderHB-83-Adds to the number of judge positions across the state.HB-153-Addresses Public Defender representation at certain Bail HearingsHB-197-Adds 5 points to a person’s Driver’s License if convicted of Illegal DumpingHB-244-Grants subpoena power to certain individuals within Dept. of Corrections Adm.HB-254-Allows Allegany County Jail to hold prisoners pending Initial Appearance.HB-309

-Allows for discovery proceedings to aid enforcement in monetary settlements.

Senate Action-Gun Bill
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee passed SB-281, the governor’s gun bill, out of committee with amendments. It will be introduced to the full Senate on Monday and the debate will begin on Tuesday. 

Traffic Stop Turns Into Foot Chase By Police in Worcester County

More fantastic work from the Worcester County departments!

On February 20, 2013, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team along with the Snow Hill Police Department and the Pocomoke City Police Department concluded a joint cocaine distribution investigation of Laron J. Collick, Age 32, of Pocomoke, Maryland.

 On this date, officers of the Snow Hill Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Collick at which time he exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Collick was apprehended in a wooded area near the intersection of Snow Hill Road and U.S. Route 113, Snow Hill, Maryland.

Investigators located a small quantity of marijuana and approximately 11 grams of powder cocaine and crack cocaine packaged in 27 individual clear plastic bags which was found in the area that Collick fled.

 Once Collick was taken into custody, members of the Pocomoke City Police Department and the Criminal Enforcement Team executed a search and seizure warrant at Collick’s residence in Pocomoke, Maryland.

 No additional contraband was located at Collick’s residence.

Collick was charged with the following offenses:

·       

  Possession with the intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine

·         Possession with the intent to Distribute Cocaine

·         Possession of Crack Cocaine

·         Possession of Cocaine

·         Possession of Marijuana

 

 

Collick was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $50,000.00 bond. The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was also assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division.

 

Submitted:

Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

 

 

 

Pocomoke Man Arrested for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder

Pocomoke Police Department

 

1500 Market Street

Pocomoke, Maryland 21851

410-957-1600

 

On February 23, 2013 at approximately 1358 hrs Pocomoke City Police responded to a call for Domestic Assault. Upon arrival Police observed the suspect holding the victim against her will in the stairwell of the home. Police ordered the suspect to allow the victim to come down the stairs in which he refused. At that time police observed the suspect throw a knife down the hallway. As the Police were attempting to arrest the suspect he began resisting, after a short struggle the suspect was apprehended and placed in the Police vehicle.

 

Upon interviewing the victim, police learned she and the suspect ensued in a verbal argument which became physical as he put her in a rear neck choke several times during the struggle. The victim states she attempted to leave the home several times but; was not able to as the suspect was holding her upstairs against her will. At one point during the struggle the victim stated the suspect pulled out a knife, grabbed her by her jacket and attempted to stab her in the chest area with the knife. The victim was able to move to avoid being stabbed.

Police then interviewed all of the witnesses at the scene.

Arrested was Andrew R. Miller, age 23 of Pocomoke City. Miller was charged with the following:

 Attempted 2nd Degree Murder

Assault 1st Degree

Assault 2nd Degree

Reckless Endangerment

False Imprisonment

Resist/Interfere with Arrest

Fail to Obey a Lawful Order

Miller was held at the Worcester County Detention Center on $500,000 bond pending trial.

 

Submitted:

Chief Kelvin Sewell
February 25, 2013

Abandoned Structure Fire- Accomack County/Monday Night

Abandoned Structure Fire
Monday, February 25, 2013
9:05 PM 
Saxis Road &Wessells Farm Road
Temperanceville, Va.

Units arrived at the scene at 9:14 to report a single structure fully involved. Firemen were able to quickly control the fire.  While fighting the fire power lines went down.  NO traffic has been allowed to pass through the intersection so please take an alternate route or wait patiently.

Units from Bloxom, Saxis, Atlantic and New Church responded to the blaze.

Below is a photo taken in Sept. 2012 just a few days after it was spray painted.  Ironically, IF this is the house that has burned tonight, it sits across from the empty lot where a landmark house/business once stood.  That building was also torched by an arsonist a little over a year ago.

 

More information and photos tomorrow.

Tonights Full Moon Is Called "Snow Moon"

The full moon in February is called the "Snow Moon"

 

 

MORE INFO

MISSING BEAGLE

HAVE YOU SEEN LUCY?

 

LUCY - 4 year old 13 inch Beagle.
Last seen Monday, February 18, 2013 near the Jenkins Bridge area of Saxis Road in Temperanceville, Virginia
Contact 757-894-0580

 

 

$250 REWARD