Saturday, January 21, 2012

Legislative Updates - By Delegate Mike McDermott



Jan. 20th, 2012

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

Week 2 January 16-20, 2012
Monday-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
It is a tradition in the House that on MLK Day the Black Caucus picks a member to deliver a speech honoring the fallen civil rights leader. This year the message was delivered by Del. Jay Walker of Prince Georges County. He is a former NFL player and used some analogies of football in his presentation referring to King as a “quarterback” in keeping a cool head when all around him was in turmoil. He focused on a struggle that he sees continuing to this day and his desire to see us move forward. His remarks were a good reminder of how far we have come as a country. Of course I like to remind folks that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican and it was his party that was the champion of civil rights he struggled to secure. Somehow, that message has been stolen.

Following the speech, we conducted a Second Reader for an Emergency Bill (
SB-46)on behalf of Somerset County to address their redistricting (local districts) which was very time sensitive. The bill will be on Third Reader on Tuesday.

Tuesday:
Today I opened the morning session with prayer. This is an honor that members of the House sign up for at the beginning of session and for which I am a thankful participant.
Legislation:
SB-46: Approved by a vote of 135-1. This is the redistricting plan submitted by the local officials in Somerset County which addresses the new census numbers. The law will move to the Governor’s desk for signing so the upcoming elections can take place accordingly.
Judiciary Hearings:
We heard from various advocates regarding Eyewitness Testimony being utilized by police and prosecutors. A study was presented which seemed to indicate a wide discrepency as to the methods used by police in Maryland to present photo line ups or live line ups of suspects to victims of crimes. This has been prompted by several cases involving  eyewitness identification which were later turned over by DNA evidence. The testimony was compelling, but there was some questioning as to the best methods for addressing any potential problems. I believe this may be something better handled through training and the Maryland Police Training Commission along with the State’s Attorneys across Maryland. The advocates would like legislation along the lines which were drafted in North Carolina. They may be right, but it will be important to hear from more folks in the law enforcement community should a bill be filed. Anything we can do to keep innocent folks from being sent to prison should be looked into with diligence.

We reviewed three bills during the afternoon session of the committee:
HB-17: Seeks to increase the penalties for Elder Abuse from a maximum of 10 years to 20 years. It also would make it tougher for those charged with this crime to receive a pretrial release. Increasing the penalty to 15 years may be possible, but the pretrial release was not received well.
HB-25: Seeks to increase penalties for the Malicious Destruction of Property by graffiti. It would require people convicted to perform community service as a part of their sentence along with any fines imposed by the court. In the past, community service has always been an option the court has used, but this would make it mandatory. I kind of like the idea of these defacers of property to spend many days cleaning up their mess.
HB-34: Seeks to change the law concerning the release of mental patients who have been found Not Criminally Responsible (NCR). Under the current system, people deemed NCR by a trial court judge are placed under confinement in a state institution until they are deemed to no longer be a threat to society. Currently, the law provides for an annual review by an Administrative Judge, but the original trial court can only review the findings on appeal. We heard testimony of several individuals who have been released under this system who went out and committed murder. This bill seeks to provide an additional opportunity for the original trial court to conduct a hearing into the case to determine if someone should be released. Arguments were testy at times. I suppose this is to be expected when one side is referring to a homicidal maniac as a “client” and the other side views them as a “criminal”.  I suggested that perhaps the review could be applied to those who are institutionalized for having committed a homicide. I also requested some additional information from the state to better determine the number of persons that would fall into this category.

Wednesday
Judiciary Hearing on Collaborative Law
The committee heard testimony from several attorneys in support of establishing another method of addressing out of court settlements in Maryland. Collaborative law is similar to mediation. From a layman’s prospective, it seeks to allow more revelation at the negotiating table with the hopes of achieving greater success with the outcome. The idea is to do everything possible to come to an agreement together rather than the typical back and forth offered through traditional negotiations. The downside is the understanding that, should an agreement between the parties not be reached after much effort, the client cannot utilize their same attorney for additional court actions. This was seen as a significant draw back and it seemed apparent that this was going to be a sticking point for many of the members.

Thursday
Morning Session:
We received the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, who gave a speech to the members. He implored us to stand strong on terrorism and he thanked Maryland for working with Israel for the purposes of economic development. The ambassador referred to a time in early Maryland statehood when Jewish people could not hold public office and how this law was changed by Thomas Kennedy, a member of the House of Delegates during the early 1800’s.

Judiciary Committee
We held bill hearings on the following:
HB-4: Seeks to change the qualifications of Baltimore County Judges of the Orphan’s Court and would require them to be members of the Maryland Bar. There are currently no non attorneys serving on the panel in Baltimore County. This will most likely be treated as a Delegation Bill if the Baltimore County Delegation agrees. There was testimony that the presence of attorneys-judges allows the processing of cases to move through the system much quicker than was previously done.
HB-39: Seeks to abolish some aspects of the immunity enjoyed by members of the General Assembly while they are engaged in debate or actions as a member.of the House or Senate. Testimony indicated that it is very difficult to prosecute cases against members who are accused of accepting bribes since their floor discussions and debates cannot be used against them in a court of law. There was much discussion on this issue. There was a fear that in lowering the fence of protection could make it difficult for members to act freely or even protect themselves from false accusations and a zealous prosecutor. While the debate was rigorous, it is clear we were left with more questions than answers and the hypothetical renderings carried the committee down many paths with no clarity.
HB-8: Seeks to modernize the Harassment statute which currently only covers electronic mail and does not cover other digital or electronic devices or methods of communication. As drafted, the bill extends coverage to all methods of electronic transmission. There were many questions as to the definition of “harassment” as it applied to this statute. There were also questions about the various methods that one can digitally eliminate the potential for someone to contact them for purposes of harassment. This statute addresses only the actual contact of an individual and not the broadcasting of information to others. It seems likely that this bill may pass out of committee , but there will probably be some amendments adopted to make it better.

Friday
Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
This was a busy meeting with too little time scheduled to address the many questions that we had for the folks who presented.
MD Department of the Environment-Secretary Robert Summers
Sec. Summers attempted to update us on many areas of his department’s involvement across the state and, in particular, the eastern shore. It is fair to say the focus was on the flush tax increases along with the transfers of cash from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund to accommodate the governor’s budget shortfalls. The fees are slated to increase by 100% for average users, but could rise significantly more for higher end users of water. Instead of $2.50 per month, residents will pay $5.00 per month. Those who use more water will see that rate potentially double. This will not bode well for industry and businesses on the shore. This base rate is also projected to rise to $7.50 over the next three (3) years. When questioned about the fund raid conducted on the Bay Trust Fund, Sec. Summers stated that the cash had been replaced with bonds. This is a clever way of saying “state debt”. So we traded cash on hand for debt. It was further pointed ouot that the Eastern Shore was receiving an inordinate amount of scrutiny from his department considering we are only responsible for 3% of the Bay polution levels coming from our septic systems.

I pointed out to the Secretary that farmers have met their goals concerning Watershed Implementation Plans while local governments where not even close to meeting their goals. In spite of this, farmers still get to take it on the chin with delayed permitting and confused oversight.

Thee were some questions regarding hydraulic fracking (extraction method of removing deep deposits of Natural Gas). He towed the party line by indicating nothing will be allowed for another three years while the myriad of reports are compiled.  I believe he thinks we can manage the program with our current regulations in place, but that is different than what the governor and the liberals in the General Assembly want to do. (Presently, Pennsylvania is experiencing a boom accounting for 50,000 jobs and lower energy costs for residents while Marylanders wait...and wait...).

Secretary Summers seems to be a good man, but right now he is a good traffic cop at a lousy intersection...not much he can do to make things better.

Susquehanna River Basin Commission
We met with Ex. Director Paul Swartz and his Deputy Thomas Beauduy of the SRBC. This commission is responsible for managing the Susquehanna River Basin to insure adequate flow and supplies of water are being achieved. They are also suppose to be in charge of providing oversight for quality of water issues. Our concerns centered on the Bay and the impact of the river as one of the principle pollutants. Thee concerns were clearly on flood management and water supplies with water quality coming in last on the list of concerns. They seem to have conceded that the lower river dams like the Conawingo accumulate huge sediment piles that are subsequently stored behind the dams until a large storm increases the need to release water. This  causes large slugs of sediment to enter the upper bay and coat everything with incredible silt deposits destroying fisheries. It was very clear that little is being done to address sediment deposits in the river throughout the basin from Pennsylvania to New York. All upgrades needed in the basin are being funded locally with limited progress. There’s no established fund (such as MD’s Flush Tax) to address the system wide failures on the river. I ventured that perhaps Maryland money would be better spent on the river rather than simply trying to play catch-up with all of the pollution delivered to the  bay through the river.

When asked about addressing this problem, the directors looked at each other and clearly stated that they feel they are making some progress, but funding issues  them from moving ahead. There is a lack of urgency seen from those on the river basin to clean up the Bay.So , as we do our best to clean up our pool, the next door neighbor pumps his septic  in through a hose, and we can’t reach the spigot. Yet, we will continue to pump money into this project to make ourselves “feel good” about what we have tried to accomplish. How about we suit Pennsylvania to get their act together? What a colossal waste!

Eastern Shore of Maryland Educational Consortium:
This group consists of all nine (9) School Superintendents from the Eastern Shore. They brought Dr, Memo Diriker (Salisbury University) with them to make the case that spending on public education creates a return of the invested tax dollars on a scale of 1.90 for every $1.00 spent. The formula and figures were complex, but it was difficult to argue the outcome. For my part, the superintendents looked weary. When asked about a possible transfer of Teacher Pension Liabilities to the counties, their spokesman, Dr. Jon Andes of Worcester County, indicated that this was a burden that would no doubt have a significant impact on local budgets. It was pointed out by Senator Pipkin that the system was suffering from the high salaries being paid out on the western shore while the benefits were being borne by the entire system , This amounts to the Eastern Shore paying  more than their share of the bill due each year.

Governor’s Proposed Budget:
I wrote an article earlier in the week titled  
“The Castle Demands More” which provided a broad oversight of some of the governor’s proposed tax and fee increases along with his increase in spending. I will keep you posted as more of the budget gets fleshed out in the House.

Bills I introduced on Friday:
HB-112: This bill seeks to address a recent Court of Appeals ruling  that now requires a Public Defender to be present at an Initial Appearance before a District Court Commissioner. This has never been the case and it will cause significant budget issues for our office of the Public Defender as well as our Offices of our State’s Attorneys as they will also want to be present as well. I have been working with Wicomico State’s Attorney Matt Macearello and Worcester State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby in addressing these issues.
HB-119: This bill will allow law enforcement officer the option of issuing citations for all misdemeanor crimes ( except for crimes of violence). This would keep more cops on the streets for our more serious crimes instead of tying them up waiting for a District Court Commissioner. I have been working with various groups on this legislation for the past few months.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Pocomoke City Police Department PRESS RELEASE


PRESS RELEASE

Pocomoke Police Department
300 Second Street
Pocomoke, Maryland 21851
410-957-1600


Arrests – January 14, to January 20, 2012


1/14/2012 Shanda V. Robinson, 26, of Pocomoke City was cited for "Knowingly driving a Vehicle with active Insurance Violations" as a result of a traffic stop. Robinson was released on a State Citation pending trial.


1/14/2012 Cherryssa L. Cooper, 41, of Stockton, MD was cited for "Knowingly Driving a Vehicle with Active Insurance Violations" as a result of a traffic stop. Cooper was released on a State Citation pending trial.


1/17/2012 Michele E. Voigt, 44, of Pocomoke City was arrested and charged with several traffic violations after a traffic stop confirmed DMV suspensions. Voigt was released on a several State Citations pending trial.


1/18/2012 Carl Henry Williams, Jr., 20, of Pocomoke City turned himself into the Pocomoke City Police Department for two (2) outstanding warrants; one with charges of Assault 2nd Degree and Escape and the other with charges of CDS Possession of Marijuana that were active through the Maryland State Police. Williams was taken before the Worcester County Commissioner and transferred to the Worcester County Detention Center to be held without Bond pending trial.


1/18/2012 James A. Motkya, 46, of Pocomoke City was arrested and charged with Trespassing on private property. Motkya was released on a Criminal Citation pending trial.


Submitted by:
Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police
PCPD 406

The Delmarva Discovery Center ~ "Pirates of the Chesapeake"

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

NICE CROWD ON THURSDAY !!

FRIDAY SPECIAL

Beef Brisket Sandwich/ w side
Drink ~ $7.50

LET'S MAKE THE FRIDAY CROWD EVEN LARGER !!!

Shore Beef & BBQ are on facebook
leave them a nice comment

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A Tradition Dies A Peaceful Death

Edgar Allan Poe
January 19, 1809 - October 7, 1849

A crowd gathered but the  'Poe Toaster' did not visit the grave of Poe last evening to leave the traditional rose and half-filled bottle of cognac.

According to historians the tradition began in the 1940's.  On the evening before  Poe's birthday a visitor dressed in black cape,  dark wide-brimmed hat and carrying a silver tipped cane paid visit to the deceased writer, toasted him, left the traditional gifts  and snuck back into the darkness.

In the 1990's the Poe Toaster left a note stating that he was passing the 'torch on to his sons'.  Since no 'Poe Toaster' has left a rose and cognac since Poe's 200th birthday in 2009 it is thought that perhaps the yearly tradition  ended on that birthday.

The only known photo
of "The Poe Toaster"
was captured
by a motion activated camera that was set
up in the cemetery in 1990
 Source: Life Magazine
Poe House and Museum curator Jeff Jerome said that during the evening there were  a few who came through the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground but he was able to identify them as impersonators because he and the mystery toaster had a secret signal verifying he was the authentic toaster. 

"I think it's obvious that this tribute is over with, and we should let it die a peaceful death. Anything similar to it is just a cheap imitation." - Jeff Jerome, Poe House Curator

Poe's birthday will always be celebrated and the Poe House will still
host readings of the writer's works.  Readings will be held tonight at 8:00 -

Tradition, nevermore.

....Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door;
Darkness there, and nothing more....
 The Raven/ Edgar Allan Poe

TIME MACHINE Preview ... The Weather Outside Was Frightful!

Our normally moderate Eastern Shore winters are not immune from exceptions and this week we'll take a look at some times when Mother Nature wasn't so kind to us.


It's this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye... bring a sweater!



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!

REMINDER: Purchase Your Gala Tickets By FRIDAY

At the Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

SUPPORT A SMALL BUSINESS

THURSDAY LUNCH SPECIAL
Pit Beef Sandwich w/side
Drink ~ $7.50

OPEN
10:30 AM until  2:30 PM

Look for SHORE BEEF & BBQ on facebook

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Castle Demands More!


by Delegate Mike McDermott
A large pile of books were delivered to my office today containing the Governor’s Budget for the coming year. It makes it crystal clear this governor is out of touch with anyone but the elites of Maryland. The ruling class running this state use to go after millionaires, call them names, raise their taxes, and watch as they moved their residency out of state. Having so successfully destroyed that revenue stream, now they turn to those making only 100,000.00 per year. Sounds like the O’Mallley plan is to expand the “1%” until it becomes the “30%”.
Here are a few low points of the O’Malley budget:
  1.  The governor claims $7.5 billion in cuts as he has done every year. The reality is a spending plan that increases 2013 spending just as in years past by a billion dollars.
  2. The governor mentions $311 million in new tax revenue yet fails to mention the additional tax and fee increases such as the massive flush tax and 15 cent fuel tax. All these taxes will be tacked on to those already existing in the budget...known and unknown.
  3. If you make $100,000 or more, you will see a phasing out of some important Personal Exemptions such as your mortgage deduction and charitable donations.
  4. His budget continues the discredited practice of transferring dedicated funds from established trust funds to cover over spending in the rest of the budget.
  5. This budget will seek to be funded on the backs of small business with phased out tax deductions and new expanded taxing regulations.
  6. The governor has now defined the “rich” in Maryland as being those making $100,000 or more and they will likewise be taxed at  higher rates and experience significant limitations on personal and business deductions..
  7. The budget would apply sales tax to all Internet purchases.
  8. It increases the tax on smokeless tobacco products.
  9. The budget calls for shifting the cost of teacher pensions to the counties who have no room in their budgets for these incredible costs.
The bottom line:
This budget grows government and insures that our private sector will continue to struggle. It expands the definition of “rich” to apply to 30% of our people and insures the middle class will continue to shrink. The disposable income of Marylanders will continue to evaporate, and our local service providers will experience the decline.  Deductions that have helped Maryland families keep more of their income at home will , instead, go to the O’Malley coffers. Counties will be forced into budget decisions that will, no doubt, pass on additional taxes to the people of Maryland.  
While Maryland struggles under the weight of an ever expanding debt, the governor lifts his eyes to Pennsylvania Avenue.
Not so fast guv...not so fast.

LEGO ® Contest

Pocomoke City Library
is having a
LEGO ® Contest

For ages 5 to 12 years old
Saturday, January 21, 2012
11:00 AM
You must bring your own LEGO ®

REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY
Call - 410-957-0878

Edgar Allen Poe Fans: Last Vigil for Mystery Man

By Sarah Brumfield  Associated Press
Baltimore, MD. January 18, 2010 (AP)

Is the "Poe Toaster" nevermore?

For decades, a mysterious man left a three roses and cognac on Edgar Allan Poe's grave to mark the anniversary of the writer's birth. But after the visitor, dubbed the "Poe Toaster," failed to appear two years in a row, Poe fans are planning one last vigil this week before calling an end to the annual Jan. 19 tradition.

The gothic master's tales of the macabre still connect with readers more than 200 years after his birth, including his most famous poem, "The Raven," and short stories including "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Pit and the Pendulum." Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is considered the first modern detective story.

Poe House and Museum Curator Jeff Jerome, who has kept watch for the "Poe Toaster" since 1978, believes that it's Poe's suffering and his lifelong dream to be a poet that people still relate to. While the midnight tribute has a touch of the theatrical, it's also an honest expression, Jerome said. Wherever Jerome travels in the world, he said when people find out what he does, they want to know whether the "Poe Toaster" is real.

"It's such an innocent, such a touching tribute," Jerome said. "People are so captivated by the warmth of the message."

Poe lived for a time in Baltimore, but died in 1849 at age 40 after collapsing in a tavern during a visit to the city years later. He was buried in Westminster Burial Ground, then moved to a more prominent spot in the front of the cemetery in 1875. The rose and cognac tributes of an anonymous man dressed in black with a white scarf and wide-brimmed hat are thought to date back to at least the 1940s.

The vigil inside the former church is closed to the public, but over the years, a crowd has gathered outside the gates to watch. After the "Poe Toaster" failed to show in 2010, last year's vigil attracted imposters, including a man who arrived in a limo as well as a few women.

The visitor has left notes on occasion. A few indicated that the tradition passed to a new generation after the death of the original "Poe Toaster" in the late 1990s, and some even mentioned politics and sports. Those notes make it even more frustrating for Jerome that there has been no message explaining the absence.

"I would have thought they would leave a note for me saying it was over," he said. "That does annoy me a little bit, but they are under no obligation to."

SOURCE;

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Virginia: Bounty Hunter Bloods Gang Member Sentenced

Bounty Hunter Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Attempted Murder

January 12, 2012
NORFOLK, Va. – Draindell Domonta Bassett Jr., 23, of Portsmouth, Va., was sentenced today in Norfolk federal court to participating in a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO) including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and conspiring to distribute controlled substances. 
           
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after Bassett was sentenced to eight years and four months by United States District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
           
According to court documents, in the Spring of 2006, several members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods / Nine Tech Gangsters (BHB/NTG) street gang had an ongoing feud with a rival gang member who belonged to the Crips street gang.  On one occasion the rival Crip gang member had shot a couple of the BHB/NTG gang members.  As a result, Bassett and other BHB/NTG gang members searched for the rival Crip gang member in order to kill him.  They spotted the rival Crip gang member in the Burbage Grant area of Suffolk, Virginia.  Bassett and the other gang members chased after the Crip gang member with a knife.  The Crip gang member jumped into an automobile of a stranger and directed her to drive off quickly.  The BHB/NTG gang members caught up to the automobile before it had a chance to drive away and kicked dents into the doors as they made efforts to drag the rival Crip gang member out of the automobile.  The car then sped away and the Crip gang member was able to escape without harm.  Bassett was also involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics.
           
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Portsmouth Police Department and the Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Muhr and V. Kathleen Dougherty are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Source;

Crime Watch Meetings

Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Crime Watch Meetings

Feb. 8, 2012 (Wednesday) - Stockton Crime Watch
6:00 PM ~ Stockton  Fire Department
TOPIC:  Identity Theft

Feb. 15, 2012 (Wednesday) - Girdletree Crime Watch
6:00 PM ~ Girdletree Fire Department
TOPIC:  Identity Theft

Please makes plans to attend.

"The Winter Wonderland Gala" ~ Tickets Available......

Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ Press Release

WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
January 16, 2012

On January 5, 2012 at approximately 0931 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Larry Randolph Marshall Jr. of Snow Hill, MD on a District Court Warrant for Failure to pay deferred payment of $257.50 for paternity. Marshall was released on personal recognizance.

On January 5, 2012 a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stephen Richard Karafa of Salisbury, MD on a Circuit Court Civil Body Attachment for Failure to appear for court for paternity. Karafa was released after paying $1000.00 bond.

On January 12, 2012 at approximately 0943 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rodrique Samson of Salisbury, MD on a Circuit Court Warrant for Failure to appear for court on 1/11/2012 on the charge of Fraud identity to avoid prosecution and multiple traffic charges. Samson was held on $75,000 bond at the Worcester County Jail.

On January 12, 2012 at approximately 1200 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested John Sullivan Robinson of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania on a Fugitive Warrant from Pennsylvania for Burglary, Burglary Conspiracy, Theft, and Theft Conspiracy. Robinson was held without bond at the Worcester County Jail.

On January 13, 2012 at approximately 0855 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Darry Nebrowski Ames Jr. of Berlin, MD on a District Court Warrant for Failure to appear for court on 1/10/2012 on charges of second Degree Assault. Ames was released on personal recognizance.

On January 13, 2012 at approximately 1145 hours a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested Donshay Hagans of Ocean City, MD on a Circuit Court Warrant for Failure to appear for court on 1/09/2012 on charges of Robbery, Robbery Conspiracy, Theft under $100, and CDS possession Marijuana . Hagans was held on $150,000 bond at the Worcester County Jail.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Snow Hill, MD.

General Assembly Update ~ Virginia Senator Ralph S. Northam


January 2012 Newsletter
Ralph S. Northam, Senator
Virginia's 6th District

Greetings from Richmond!  I hope that everyone had a relaxing holiday season and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Now that 2012 is upon us, it is time for the  General Assembly to convene in Richmond again.   We have many challenges, but also many opportunities this session, and I am excited to begin working with my colleagues in the Senate.   The General Assembly session will be fast paced, so I will be sending out weekly updates to keep all of you informed about what is happening in Richmond.  This will be a great way to track the progress of bills I am involved with as they move through the legislative process.

As this is an even numbered year, our most important task is crafting a budget to fund state government operations for two years.  Last month, Governor McDonnell released a budget proposal that suggested spending a shade under $85 billion dollars. While I applaud the Governor for some of his initiatives, including proposing an additional $4 million for the Wallops Island spaceport, and additional money for ODU and EVMS, there are a number of glaring omissions, including adequate funding for early childhood (pre-k) education, Medicaid, and natural resources protection.  However, I am confident that we can come to reasonable agreement on most budget issues, and at the end of the day pass a bill that helps Virginia remain a great place to live and work.
 
Last month I told you all about legislation that we are working on, addressing issues such as sea level rise, mismanagement of the Atlantic menhaden fishery, increasing physical education in schools to promote a healthier lifestyle among our children, and giving Hampton Roads more influence over regional transportation construction projects. I am working on a number of other bills as well, and I believe that they will greatly benefit the 6th District and Virginia as a whole.  I worked closely with Governor Kaine a few years ago to enact a smoking ban in restaurants, and now I am sponsoring legislation to extend that smoking ban to public school grounds and public buildings, including the General Assembly Building, where, incredibly, we still permit smoking. Additionally, I am advocating for new laws to protect law enforcement and other public servants by making our jails and prisons safer, as well as a measure to restrict the sale of methamphetamine precursors.
 
Most importantly though, I am here in Richmond for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Our office number in Richmond is 804-698-7506, or you can send an email to matt@ralphnortham.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and my legislative assistant, Matt Strickler, will happy to assist you in any way that he can.
 
Thank you again for allowing me to represent all of you in the Senate, and please continue to look for updates each week.  Stay safe and enjoy the weekend!

Sincerely,


Ralph S. Northam
Senator, Virginia's 6th District

Monday, January 16, 2012

MUST SEE inspiratio​nal video - sequel to SURFice dog

Remeber the inspirational SURFice dog video that went viral & brought people to tears? 

We just made a sequel. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INJWcran2fQ 

Please watch the video, and then share it with anyone and everyone, post to FB, Twitter, Blogs, etc. Through this effort, we hope we can make a difference in at least one life.

Thanks so much!! Judy

Pocomoke City Arrests ~ Press Release ~REPOST


~REPOST~


PRESS RELEASE
Pocomoke Police Department
300 Second Street
Pocomoke, Maryland 21851
410-957-1600

Arrests – January 9, 2012 to January 13, 2012


1-09-2012 Shawn A. Brown 41, of Pocomoke City was cited on a Civil Citation for "Hampering Free Passage" of customers at the Rite Aid. Brown was released on a Municipal Citation pending payment of fine.

1/10/2012 Michelle Payne, 30, of Pocomoke City was arrested and charged with several traffic violations after a traffic stop, which resulted in a unregistered & uninsured motor vehicle. Payne was issued several State Citations and was released pending trial.

1/10/2012 Joseph Thomas Revels, 50, of Pocomoke City was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct stemming from a disturbance on Short Street. Revels was issued a Criminal Citation and released pending trial.

1/12/2012 Chico D. Kenney, 39, of Pocomoke City was arrested and charged on a Warrant from the State of Virginia. Kenney was taken before the District Court Commissioner who placed him on No Bail and was transported to the Worcester County Detention Center pending extradition to Virginia. 

1/12/2012 A 15-year-old Pocomoke City juvenile was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree stemming from a fight that occurred on Second Street. The juvenile was released to their parents pending trial.

Submitted by
Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police
PCPD 406

SAVE THE DATE - "Pirates of the Chesapeake"




Sunday, January 15, 2012

TIME MACHINE ... Early Days Of Anti-Liquor Sentiment On The Eastern Shore.

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

 

March, 1888

A presiding Elder.. "Mr. Ayres made stinging references (to) the liquor traffic still going on at Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke City, and Salisbury, all in his district."

(Excerpt from a Denton Journal article on the twentieth meeting of the "M.E. Conference" in Wilmington attended by 112 ministers who were clerical members of the conference.)

 

June, 1890

(The Daily News- Frederick, Md.)

A Model Church

The Crisfield Md. Leader says that a prohibition church will be erected in that town and $600 has already been subscribed. The minister will preach in favor of prohibition party from the pulpit, advocate the party on the stump, manage prohibition conventions and primary meetings, and admit none to church membership except those who truly repent of affiliating with the other parties in the past and promise to henceforth and forever vote the prohibition ticket.

 

July, 1893

A prohibition mass meeting was held in Pocomoke City, according to The Daily News in Frederick. 

 

September, 1900

(The Denton Journal)

(Excerpt)

Rehoboth, which is having the most prosperous season in its history, is to have three great days for the people of Maryland and Delaware. The first- Thursday, September 6- has been set apart as "anti-saloon and Prohibition Day," for the discussion of this question by the most capable speakers on the Peninsula. 

 

November, 1910

(Gettysburg Times- Gettysburg, Pa.)

Saloon Smasher Can Find No Good In Political Parties Delmar, Del., Nov. 7.- Carrie Nation drifted into Delmar and rented the opera house Sunday evening before but few persons knew she was here. Her lecture was attended by a large audience who heard how she smashed saloons, and her views on cigarettes. Mrs. Nation announced herself to be a suffragette. She denounced both the Democratic and Republican parties as crooks and grafters. Theodore Roosevelt was referred to as a man who mixed in with everything except cigarettes and whiskey. Mrs. Nation has been on the Eastern Shore for about a week in different towns, but has attacked (but) one place she considered a "hole." At Parksley she entered the local billiard and pool parlor with the cry "This is a hole," and started to smash things in general, but was taken bodily out before much damage had been done.


Footnote: (Source: PBS- The American Experience) Standing at nearly 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds, Carry Amelia Moore Nation, Carrie Nation, as she came to be known, cut an imposing figure. Wielding a hatchet, she was downright frightful. In 1900, the target of Nation's wrath was alcoholic drink. Nation, who described herself as "a bulldog running along at the feet of Jesus, barking at what he doesn't like," felt divinely ordained to forcefully promote temperance. A brief marriage to an alcoholic in the late 1800's fueled Nation's disdain for alcohol. Kiowa, Kansas was the setting of Nation's first outburst of destruction in the name of temperance in 1900. Between 1900 and 1910 she was arrested some 30 times after leading her followers in the destruction of one water hole after another with cries of "Smash, ladies, smash!" Prize-fighter John L. Sullivan was reported to have run and hid when Nation burst into his New York City saloon. Self-righteous and formidable, Nation mocked her opponents as "rum-soaked, whiskey-swilled, saturn-faced rummies." While Carrie Nation was certainly among their most colorful members, the members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, founded in 1874, left more in their wake than strewn glass. Once the largest women's organization in the country, the WCTU concerned itself with issues ranging from health and hygiene, prison reform, and world peace.

Note to "Your Friend, Slim" who commented a few days ago on this week's preview posting... "This should be interesting! If there is anything near and dear to my heart it is liquor!" Slim- Give thanks you weren't around in Carrie Nation's time! Thanks, as always, for your comments. - tk for PPE 

 

March, 1912

(The Evening Post- Frederick, Md.)


President Price, of the Senate, brought from Salisbury a bottle of Jamaica ginger, which is kept for sale in the stores in Wicomico County. On the label of the bottle there is a guarantee that it contains 94 percent alcohol. Wicomico is a prohibition county and whiskey not being available many persons, Mr. Price says, have taken to drinking Jamaica ginger as a substitute. He introduced a bill prohibiting its sale in Wicomico County, as well as the sale of "Turlington's balsam." "picnic ginger," or any similar preparation except by druggists upon the prescription of a physician. 

 

 

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!

Justin Hadel Gets Extra Year For Attempt to Escape

Could someone please explain to me what a  "new-found" tool is ?

SNOW HILL -- Convicted killer Justin Hadel, serving a life sentence for the 2007 death of Christine Sheddy, got an extra year tacked on last week for his attempted escape from jail in July while awaiting sentencing.

Hadel, 20, of College Station, Texas, was found guilty of first-degree murder in June for the beating death of Christine Sheddy, a 26-year-old Delaware woman reported missing in November 2007 from a farm in Pocomoke where she had been staying with friends. Hadel was found guilty in June and sentencing was set for September. However, while awaiting sentencing, Hadel attempted to escape from jail.

On July 12, jail officials learned Hadel had removed a 12- to 14-inch steel hinge pin from the door of the Administrative Segration 4 area and attempted to use the new-found tool to pry open an exterior window, according to charging documents.

Hadel removed the hinge pin and placed paper in the hinge area to conceal the removal of the hinge pin. Hadel then used the hinge pin and pried the security window casing in an attempt to escape confinement through the window. Last week in Circuit Court, he entered an Alford plea to the first-degree attempted escape charge and was sentenced to an additional year in jail.

Source;

Legislative Updates by Mike McDermott

I negelected to post this last week.  Please read this update  and follow up with the updates from Delegate McDermott that were written for January 14th, posted earlier) if you have not done so.  Regardless of what county, what state, or which town you reside in the decisions made will effect everyone greatly. 


Jan. 4th, 2012


Commercial Striped Bass Quotas Cut 5%...
“presumed” stealing factored into NRP decision.
by Delegate Mike McDermott

The rebounding of the Striped Bass is a great success story. The fishery is healthy and robust at a time when news coming from the Bay has been a mixed bag. In an effort to “protect” the fishery, the Department of Natural Resources is going beyond what many would consider “reasonable” when it comes to quota enforcement.

Quotas for species are set prior to the beginning of a season and commercial watermen adjust their budgets accordingly (as any business owner would do). When the quota is reached, the fishery is closed. Only within the past few years has an illegal catch (poached) discovered by officials been counted as part of the total catch quota. This makes sense as it is the fishery that is being depleted and the resource should be protected and counted as part of the quota.

What is disturbing is the recent action taken by the DNR and Secretary Griffin to limit the quota to 95% of the original set catch amount. This was said to be done in response to the presumption that thievery and poaching is occurring, though it may not be detected. This anecdotal response by Sec. Griffin is not the scientific, thoughtful estimates that the General Assembly has come to rely upon and, as such, is troubling and offensive on many fronts.

The 5% reduction will cost our commercial watermen about $300,000.00 out of pocket in lost revenue. This is multiplied in our local economy to represent a loss of approximately $1 to $1.5 million when you factor in losses faced by the processing and support industries. This at a time when we need every dollar for jobs to be maintained on the shore.

Removing actual tonnage of fish taken illegally is not based on an assumption...it is actual, proven loss to the fishery. To claim a 5% presumed loss through theft by the commercial watermen and punish them based on that assumption is ludicrous. How would we accept it from our employer if they docked our pay 5% based on their assumption that some of their employees may be stealing from them? We would cry foul and demand those wages be restored!

The Watermen approached the Eastern Shore Delegation and requested our assistance. I crafted a letter and submitted it to the entire delegation for their concurrence and signature. Only a couple elected not to sign onto the letter. I spoke with Sec. Griffin and listened to his reasoning, but I found nothing scientific in the decision. I asked him to rescind the order and allow the original quota to be harvested or at least consider a modification to the 5% figure.

I have supported much of what Sec. Griffin has tried to accomplish, but it is prudent to demand that these decisions be based and supported by science and not anecdotal evidence to the contrary. I hope his decision will change, but if I were a  commercial waterman, I’d budget for the 95%.

SPCA Eastern Shore "Mardis Gras"

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Legislative Updates By Mike McDermott


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

Week 1 January 11-13, 2012

It Begins...
Opening day of session involves much pomp and circumstance coupled with historic traditions. The work of the day involves the election of presiding officers. These actions are all staged and predetermined by the Democratic Caucus. The first vote is for the Speaker Pro Tempore who then presides over the body until the election of the Speaker of the House is conducted. With this session, Michael Busch becomes the longest serving Speaker of the House in Maryland history.

All committee Chairmen are reappointed along with committee assignments formalized. No changes were seen this year over recent years. It is not unusual to have most of the congressional delegation present for the opening ceremony along with the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Comptroller. This year was no exception.

I found some of the comments made by the Governor and Speaker very interesting. Both mentioned how important it was to have the views “of the right and the left” expressed in the General Assembly and how we were made better by this diversity of thought and approach to government. On the heels of these fine sentiments came the Governor and Democrats Legislative Redistricting Map which seeks to destroy and eliminate many districts currently held by Republicans. They could not even get through the first stanza of “Kumbaya.’

Changes to the map are possible during the next 45 days but it seems more likely than not that many Republican lawmakers will have some decisions to make in the coming months. Del. Otto and I have seen our districts altered by well over half and now find ourselves together in a single member district. These are the actions of a ruling party that has little interest in hearing from those representing the values of the Eastern Shore.

Thursday
Judiciary Committee:
A hearing was conducted to review the use of phone contracts and collect call charges made by inmates in the prisons and jails throughout the state. In order to provide the specialized phones and recording services, the state and local jurisdictions contract with various companies to furnish all of the equipment needed along with billing services. It is a lucrative business whereby the state collects a profit/commission of roughly 42%. The companies themselves have a profit margin of approximately 5%. In some jurisdictions the profit is used for providing inmate services while in others it is simply placed in their general operating budget.

An advocate for reducing the cost to the inmates of making these types of calls questioned what she referred to as the “kickbacks” being received by corrections officials for providing these services. That term was a misnomer as she was actually referring to the negotiated commissions received by the state. It was pointed out that Maryland is among the lowest in terms of cost to the inmates for local calls. In fact, only Alaska came in lower due to their local calls being free. It was good to see that Maryland State government was competitive in something with surrounding states, even if it is the cost of inmate phone calls.

Friday
Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting:
Secretary of Planning
We met with Secretary of Planning Richard Hall to discuss  Plan Maryland. The plan  provides for increased state oversight of local planning and zoning land use issues. It seems clear from the discussion that the state can and will use state money as the lever to gain active compliance from resistant local governments. The Secretary skated around a lot of the issues that were addressed to him, predominately because the plan is so broad based, no one has any real notion how the implementation will affect local governments and Maryland citizens. The delegation expressed consternation with the plan not coming through the General Assembly and being back doored by the governor. The Secretary offered that the plan was authorized in 1974 and simply had not been acted upon until now.

I was particularly concerned over the private property rights which will be jeopardized by such a broad, centralized plan. It is clear that the governor wishes to expand state control over an additional 300,000 acres of farmland in the next 20-years. I asked if the administration would support a bill I am working with that would require the state to compensate land owners when they create laws and regulations that prohibit that same land owner from being able to develop or utilize their property as they may desire. Secretary Hall said they would take a look at the bill but could not express any support.

There was much concern expressed about the future of poultry on the shore if Plan Maryland continues to move forward with the adoption of additional rules and regulations that only serve to restrict farming activities or make them cost prohibitive. I mentioned that this type of system where rules and regulations are imposed on business create a de facto moratorium on any growth or development of an industry.

It was quite clear that we are at polar ends of the specter with the O’Malley administration when it comes to Plan Maryland, but the concerns expressed were bi-partisan in nature. Maryland has operated for decades with a State Department of Planning  that has worked to provide guidance to local government. This plan will turn that “guidance” into direct oversight. Yet another layer of government bureaucracy to overcome. We met with the governor as a delegation last year to express our concerns over his proposed septic bill (which went down to defeat). It seems the governor has decided that the General  Assembly is not needed when it creates a stumbling block for his programs. It was suggested that we meet with the governor again, but the governor appears to have dug his heels in on Plan Maryland.

"Pirates of the Chesapeake" ~ Delmarva Discovery Center

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Early Days Of Anti-Liquor Sentiment On The Eastern Shore.

Prohibition Church planned.

Liquor traffic cited in Pocomoke and other towns.

Controversial anti-liquor crusader (she was known as a saloon smasher) visits Eastern Shore.


It's 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!