Chamber members divided on blogger

SALISBURY -- It's difficult to separate Web loggers from digital-age journalism.

So a public forum on "the impact of Internet communications on local politics" that excludes Salisbury News blog publisher Joe Albero, arguably the region's most politically charged and recognized blogger, is illogical.
At least that was the thinking behind a decision by the Local Legislative Committee of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce to invite Albero to be a guest speaker at the Thursday morning forum at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury.
Apparently, some members of the local business community disagree. The request for participation by the Salisbury News Web log site publisher has caused an uproar among Chamber membership, and some people want the invitation rescinded, said Brad Bellacicco, Chamber executive director.
"We're getting phone calls and e-mails from people venting about Joe Albero," Bellacicco said Friday. "He's a polarizing influence, so it is to be expected."
The May monthly forum also has invited Kye Parsons, Web managing editor at CBS affiliate television station, Salisbury's WBOC-Channel 16.
"The goal is finding out the long-term impact and tenor of the community discussion," Bellacicco said. "What is the impact of Internet communications in the future, and what's going on with this new forum for political activity."
Albero said the impact is phenomenal, and accepts some credit for the outcome of last month's municipal election that seated former councilman Jim Ireton as Salisbury mayor after a closely watched contest between him and Tilghman cohort, City Councilman Gary Comegys.
Albero and his Salisbury News have been gaining in popularity -- and notoriety -- over the last few years, when he launched the blog that frequently criticizes former Salisbury mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and city Police Chief Allen Webster. Salisbury News in 2008 was ranked the Most Influential Political Blog in Maryland by BlogNetNews, a national consortium of top state, local and topic-focused blogs.

"I'm ranked No. 1, and so far, I've dominated 2009 for 16 weeks," Albero said.
And on Thursday, naysayers and supporters alike can expect him at the forum.
"I accepted the invitation," Albero said Friday. "There is no other (better) choice; it is the impression of the Chamber that Salisbury News had a big influence on Jim Ireton's election."
Matthew Creamer, chairman of the Chamber's Local Legislative Committee, cites the role of the Internet in the historic campaign that in November elected the nation's first black U.S. president, Barack Obama.
"In the most recent presidential election and Salisbury city election, some have said that nontraditional, community media played a part in election outcomes," Creamer said. "Blogs, chat rooms, YouTube, Twitter -- they are new ways to communicate."
Parsons is interested in bringing a unique perspective.
"It is a new form of media that just 10 years ago was in its infancy," he said Friday. "In today's time, the Internet is important when it comes to politics and elections; it can reach millions and millions, and it will certainly increase over time. I'm going to present a different viewpoint than Albero; I'm in a different business than he is."
Bellacicco expects the forum to attract a record number of members and guests, given that Albero has evolved into a household name.
Some local critics frown upon Albero's often conservative, content frankness, while others are angry about his printed criticisms of municipal leaders, the blogger said. Civil lawsuits were filed against Albero by Webster and Tilghman.
The lawsuit with Webster was settled out of court, while the judge ruled in Albero's favor in the Tilghman lawsuit.
Regarding defamation of character charges, Albero says this: "Webster sued me. Look where that went. Tilghman sued me. Look where that went."
And it is that curiosity factor that Bellacicco thinks will probably produce some possibly pointed questions at Albero.
"Oftentimes, these bloggers don't get a chance to be questioned in public about what's on their blog," Bellacicco said. "We expect a lot of people to come out and ask why they do it, and why they can put things there without verifying facts, and be aggressive and, even, nasty."
Some Chamber members, especially among those over age 30, are intrigued about the information age in general and its influence on politics and business in particular, said Creamer.
Chamber officials stand behind the invitation, underscoring the value of exploring digital news and information on politics.
"I had heard the name, 'Albero,' but I really don't know him," Creamer said. "The meeting is not about an individual or an individual blog. Mr. Albero has a local blog, and would be the person who would have an opinion. This is a Chamber of Commerce meeting -- not a public hearing."
Neither guest speaker anticipates that criticisms about Salisbury News or Albero will be a distraction.
"If it's drama you're expecting to see, don't come," Albero said.
dgates@dmg.gannett.com
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