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"Governing With a Rod of Iron" By Delegate Mike McDermott

"The Magic and Machinations of One Party Rule”

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

No matter what side you come down on the issue of same sex marriage in Maryland, you should be offended by the process through which the O’Malley-Brown Gay Marriage Bill (HB-438) passed through the House of Delegates.


We can start with a governor who changed his mind on the issue. Who first pushed for Civil Unions…who then agreed that “the people” should be allowed to vote by referendum…who then made same sex “marriage” a primary legislative focus for 2012. It’s funny as I recall those Eastern Shore democratic legislators telling us how the governor’s focus was going to be on, “Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!”…I just didn’t realize they were talking about wedding planners.


Consider the title of the bill: “Civil Marriage Protection Act”. Titles are intentionally crafted in Annapolis to disguise their intent. After all, when you want to change the definition of marriage, which has been in place since the beginning of time, you start by telling the people you simply wish to “protect” marriage. What kind of caldron produces this stuff?


The committee process in the House was something to behold as well. All of the previous same sex wedding bills have been assigned to the Judiciary Committee, until now. For the first time, in a highly irregular move, the bill was put forward to two committees: Judiciary and Health and Government Operations. The reason was simple: after all their machinations and arm twisting last session, they now lacked the votes to get a favorable vote from the Judiciary members. So, they went committee shopping and found one that would serve their purpose.


Historically, in the rare instances when two committees are utilized for a bill hearing, one of the committees is assigned as “primary” and the other as “secondary”. In this case, Judiciary was the primary committee of record. For voting purposes, the primary committee should vote first before the issue is moved to the secondary committee members. If the vote fails in the primary, it should not move to the secondary. In the case of the O’Malley-Brown Same Sex Marriage Bill, the committee votes were joined together in order to garner the number of votes necessary to claim a “favorable” vote. The fact is, the Judiciary Committee voted “No”, while Health and Government Operations voted “Yes”. The HGO vote was all on partisan lines which is exactly what the Speaker was counting on in the end. They say this has been done before, but no one can remember the last time it was done this way. That speaks volumes.


The combined committees also reviewed amendments offered on the bill with all of them being rejected. Some votes were closer than others. There was an effort to put the issue before the voters as a referendum which had bi-partisan support, but fell short of the votes needed. Following this meeting and voting session, the bill was moved to the House where it was laid over for a day to allow for others to offer amendments.


On Friday morning, a joint meeting of the committees was held to review amendments offered on the bill. I was told there were 200 amendments at the desk waiting for this bill. While many were no doubt duplicitous, the committees would normally review and vet each amendment to determine if it should be adopted into the bill. Our joint meeting lasted about thirty seconds and we were all told that any amendments would be offered and debated on the floor of the House. The rush was on and the fix was in. This action was one of the biggest downfalls of the process, but the next action was even worse.


All bills deserve a free and fair debate. Monumental legislation that seeks to change historic references and definitions should not be rushed. When we came into session on Friday afternoon, the bill was only on Second Reader. This is the time in the process where amendments can be offered to a House Bill by any member from the floor. Normally, these amendments are offered to the respective committee where they can be reviewed, vetted, and debated. There is great reluctance to amend a bill on the floor since that vetting process has not occurred and members are understandably skeptical. I have seen amendments made or questions asked on bills that resulted in a bill being Special Ordered until the matter could be thoroughly addressed and vetted by the assigned committee.


As this bill was debated and amendments offered on Second Reader in the House, there were some clear issues with some of the amendments being offered. Interestingly enough, one of the amendments which had been rejected in committee was offered again on the floor by Delegate Wade Kach (a Baltimore County Republican who did a 180 after a midnight meeting with the governor and decided to vote “Yes” on the bill). Magically now, the amendment was said to be “favorable” by the committee. Of course, this was not true as the same amendment had been rejected. Apparently being part of the deal, the amendment to delay the effective date of the bill to Jan. 1, 2013 was then agreed to by the House.


A second amendment was more troubling. It was a more complicated, technical amendment regarding judicial severability of the bill. It was offered by Delegate Tiffany Alston, a Prince Georges County Democrat who is currently under indictment for election financial fraud. She was originally against the bill and voted against it in committee. Out of the blue, she advised that if her amendment was passed, she would vote in favor of the bill. Her amendment, which she never even spoke of in committee, was said to be “supported by the committee”. It passed and what followed immediately was a significant exodus from the chamber of senior democrats…they knew it was over and they had her vote.


In the fog of war and the battles on the floor of the State House, rumors and scuttlebutt abound. Many are born out of speculation, many based upon practical experience, and many because they are simply true. Two republicans voted with the democrats on this bill. Both had previously said they would not do so. Both, it seems, met privately with the governor in the days before the bill went to the floor. It was said by many that “jobs” were on the table…commission appointments…board appointments…one can only speculate. Weighing out what constitutes thirty pieces of silver in this economy can be tough.


On the Democratic side of the House, Delegate Alston has criminal charges pending to be resolved after session. The case against her was said to be very strong, but was also rumored to have been filed by a governor appointed State’s Attorney following her strong opposition to the Same Sex Marriage bill offered last session. She too had a reported private meeting with the Governor the day before. Another aging Democrat from Baltimore City was rumored to have sold out for a relative who is seeking better state employment opportunities. Only time will tell, but I will leave it to the citizens to do the math.


Come to think of it…maybe this is a jobs bill after all!


On Friday, I again had the opportunity to witness two sunrises and two sunsets in one calendar day…all from my seat on the House floor. Second Readers take place on one day and are followed, generally, on the proceeding day as a Third Reader. However, wishing to plow, ram, shove, this bill through in one day required the magical waiving of the Speaker’s Mace to create another Legislative daybreak…complete with the Pledge of Allegiance and official Prayer of the Day. This was the same tactic utilized to pass the Alcohol Tax last session.


So what normally would have and should have taken a few days to perform with due diligence was forced out of the House within just a few hours. The result on the board for all to see was a vote count showing 71 “Yes” and 67 “No”. It seems now that even this was an illusion.


Following the vote, there was a press release which indicated the count was “72-67”, but that is not what appeared on the voting board. The tally board indicated “71” so something has happened to the count that has not been reflected in actions taken on the floor. Delegate Bahanon (Democrat from St. Mary’s County) would appear to be that extra vote, although he was missing in action on the final count.


It is said you need “71” to pass anything in the House of Delegates, but good leadership is not based on vote total of 71. We are a house divided which cannot stand. It is for this very purpose that consensus must be sought and developed among the people whom we purport to represent. Our leadership has assured us that we will remain divided and, as we move forward, issues will arise which find their Genesis of division in these very votes. It is not “courageous” leadership that squeaks a bill through via machinations, rather it is partisan witchcraft.


I cannot know for certain about jobs promised, or not…I cannot know for certain about other situations which may bring comfort to some for a green vote…but I do know that this issue will only serve to further divide our state at a time when we can ill afford that same division. There will be a referendum of the people (the second one against this governor and the democratic machine) on the definition of “marriage” once the Senate takes their “courageous” vote. Of this we can be sure. There is another vote of which we can be sure as well. It is the one which will occur in November of 2014 when those who put their green vote up on the board will have to answer to those whose place setting they hold in trust.


Keep a watchful eye out for bills that seek to change the referendum process in Maryland to make it tougher on those gathering signatures. Surely this will be tried.


People of Maryland, take back your state!

Authors Kelvin Sewell & Stephen Janis Present Book at Book Signing Yesterday

All seats were taken and there was standing room only at the White Marsh Barnes & Noble on Saturday. Kelvin Sewell, a retired Baltimore homicide detective of 22 years and Stephen Janis, a crime writer, spoke to the crowd about the book "Why Do We Kill?"

The assembled crowd was given a briefing on the book. Mentioned were the gangs/ gang mentality and how disassociated they are from what they do. How most do go to jail for about 10 years except for one gang member discussed in the book, who may never step foot again into society.




Authors Kelvin Sewell and Stephen Janis/
White Marsh Barnes & Noble on Saturday

 

Mr. Sewell was empathetic when speaking to the crowd about what it is like to visit someone's home and tell them their son will never walk through the door again. He envisioned, to the crowd and in the book, what it is like to look through the eyes of the parents.
This book is FACT even though the stories seem so hard to believe that human beings can act the way they sometimes do. What about the grandmother, raising her grandchild? What about the people with no money to move from the crime ridden streets even if they want to? And HOW, just exatly how, do you present yourself, collect your words to tell your own Mother bad news. Case File 8 stopped me dead in my reading tracks! It would be two days before I could finish the book.

This all happened during my personal reading time just  a couple of days before I was to meet Kelvin Sewell (who is now the Chief of Police in Pocomoke City) for the first time.  I had received a signed copy of his book from my husband for Christmas. Most times for Christmas I request several books but this year I bumped all the others for this one. 

When Chief Sewell asked me how I liked the book I stammered and have no idea what I said becasue I was thinking about his Mother. I was thinking about all those Mothers. And I was also thinking about the dead burned body, a body burned alive with leaves found in his lungs during an autopsy.

Not to be forgotten are the grandmothers raising grandchildren and I can still invision those grandmothers rocking and rocking on city porches waiting for their loved ones to come home, knowing there is no way to get out of a city of what seems to be full of nightmarish crimes. Grandmothers....raising grandchildren....because their own grown children can't. Those grown children are caught in the vicious cycle of crimes and drugs too.....and the grandmothers keep rocking.

And this is just but a small portion of the truth this book holds. No crime prevention group for teens can heal this.  The book is proof and if nothing else it raises so many questions.  It did for me.  Do we, because of some mindsets forgive the horrendous crimes committed?  Are these kinds of people to be pitied?  Am I glad that I tried so hard to be a 24/7 parent in the small town of Pocomoke?  YES!  Could THIS type of situation happen in small towns like Pocomoke City?  I don't know.  But it's something to think hard about.

Everyone should read "Why Do We Kill"  to get a clear and honest picture of what crime is in this beautiful city.

There is so much to this book.   Authors Kelvin Sewell and Stephen Janis have done an excellent job  writing about so much more than what has been discussed here and I'm anxiously waiting for a second book.

Thank you Kathy Schoolfield Ben for the photo.

TIME MACHINE ... A 1905 Delicacy From The Eastern Shore

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　

October, 1905

(The Washington Post)

TERRAPIN RIPE AND HIGHER

Trouble in Raising the Reptile Keeps the Prices Up

From The New York Press

Terrapin season is now on but most of the people in New York will not know it because the prices of the dish is above the average purse. Nevertheless this interesting and delicious reptile attracts all the attention its numbers can supply, and the prices does not count with the majority of people to whom it is served.

The chief source is Crisfield, Somerset County, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where the artificial culture of the terrapin was first attempted, and where it has been successfully conducted for twenty years.

"Brer" Terrapin is a peculiar creature. He requires both fresh and salt water daily, and at different times, and this he gets in the inlets and tidal rivers of the Chesapeake. When the tide is out the fresh water flows over him; when the tide is in, the salt. This condition is necessary not only to his best development, but to his existence. If left in fresh water, in a few generations he becomes a common snapper; if in salt he becomes in about the same length of time a sea turtle, and loses his amphibian character.

At Crisfield, A.B. Biggin has a farm containing over 30,000 diamond-back terrapin. They are fed on mashed hard crab meat at low tide, and the scene is highly interesting. The sluggish reptile suddenly awakes to activity and does surprising stunts in the way of fighting for food, which he devours with great rapidity. The pond is a small bay of Tangier Sound, and is enclosed in a stout board fence with wire screens to let the tide flow in and out. The propagation of the diamond terrapins is not very rapid. The females lay from ten to twenty eggs in a season, but as it is the hen terrapins which is the favorite of the epicures, it does not have a fair chance to breed.

There are many other ponds on the Eastern Shore, but the owners buy most of their stock when small from the Pamlico and Albermarle Sound district. The demand for terrapin is now very general, and they are sold in large quantities in the West at the rate of $50 to $65 a dozen for the hen terrapin, and $40 to $50 a dozen for the bulls. An establishment in Delaware makes a specialty of tinning terrapin for the export trade, but it is suspected there is a good deal of red snapper in it, and perhaps some of the dishes served in swell restaurants are not free from the same alloy.

Footnote: During this era turtle dinners on the Eastern Shore were an attraction at public events such as political gatherings.

　

May, 1960

(The Salisbury Times)

Pocomoke Kiwanis Entertain Team

POCOMOKE CITY- The Pocomoke Kiwanis Club had as their guests on Monday evening the varsity basketball team of the Pocomoke Boys Club.

Ben Cohen introduced the leaders of the club, Avery Smith and Dave Wagner. Mr. Smith introduced the boys to the club and praised them on the excellent way they played during the season. He then awarded a trophy to the most improved player. This award went to Jerry Smith.

　　

May, 1968

An exterminating company's use of chemically treated perches was meeting with success in driving pigeons away from downtown Pocomoke City. Councilman Fred Henderson suggested the plan.

　

　

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!

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Feb. 18th, 2012

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Week 6 February 13-17, 2012

Lincoln Day Speech, Monday Session
I was honored to be chosen by our leadership to give the Lincoln Day Address to the House of Delegates. There were several special guests in the House that night including my wife, Laura, and also the governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad. I spoke on the re-adoption of the principles of the Declaration of Independence as the motivation behind the Lincoln presidency. The speech lasted 12-minutes and I enjoyed the opportunity to share with my colleagues the time honored challenges of securing freedom for the coming generations, and for the world.

Judiciary Hearings Tuesday, Feb.14
HB-199 Would modify the current makeup of the Judicial panels conducting Sentencing Reviews by setting the panel number at three. We heard from several judges who have been working with the committee to update current law in order to streamline the review process.
HB-235 Would allow for records of non-violent crimes to be shielded after 10-years from public view yet remain available for criminal justice agencies (need to know). This may have merit but  needs to be amended to insure that the 10-year time span begins following completed service of the original sentence. There was some opposition from Social Services, Nursing Board and various groups who need criminal history to protect their clients.
HB-237 Would require a court to provide people convicted with instructions on the process of expungment of records. It appears that this is already required by the law. There were other flaws pointed out by the State’s Attorney Association.
HB-398 Would expand the Wiretapping statute to include Theft Scheme as a crime to be included on the list of enumerated crimes allowing law enforcement to conduct this type of surveillance. This was requested by several states attorneys who have found it complicated to develop cases against major theft operations involving millions of dollars due to the limitations of the current statute.
HB-411 Would keep the Post Conviction Review by use of DNA evidence in place. It is due to sunset this year. This would allow the reviews to continue.This act has led to some innocent person to be released from prison based upon DNA review.
HB-251 Would allow Ocean City to conduct criminal background checks on taxi cab applicants. This is already allowed in many jurisdictions across the state. There was no opposition.
HB-349 This bill would extend the statute of limitations on misdemeanor Child Pornography charges.  Law enforcement can run into time crunches trying to secure digital evidence in these cases. The addition of two years would make sense in these types of cases.
HB-351 Would include the crime of Burglary as a factor in determining if  a sexual contact offense should be considered as being in the third degree. Currently, this type of contact within the context of a burglary would only be a fourth degree act.
HB-188 Seeks to create a law dealing with possession of synthetic cannabinoids. Worcester County recently took this action locally. This bill seeks to ban the synthetics statewide. Proponents stated that “K-2” or “Spice” is a gateway drug and can cause seizures and other reactions. One chief witness claimed that death has also been a result. The testimony indicated that the substances are already banned in 40-states. Many of the synthetics have already been listed as Schedule One drugs by the federal government making them illegal.
HB-338 Seeks pre trial release restrictions to eliminate Unsecured Bonds for any serious crimes. These are bonds where a person simply signs an assurance that they will appear for court or face forfeiture of a certain cash amount. Their only security is their signature.

Judiciary/HGO Joint Voting SessionTuesday
A joint voting session was conducted on Tuesday with the Judiciary and the Health and government Operations Committees meeting in the House Judiciary Meeting Room to address HB-438, the Same Sex marriage Bill. Several amendments were brought forward and debated. There was great reluctance to allow any changes to the bill on the part of the democrats. here are the amendments which were offered:
1-Would allow public school teachers the ability to opt out of teaching materials relating to sex education or non-traditional families if it were to be opposed to their values or religious teachings. This amendment was defeated following debate.
2. Would allow parents the opportunity to determine what portions of a sex education curriculum that their students will participate in at school. As opposed to opting out of the education, this would require parents to opt into the instruction. This amendment was defeated following debate.
3. Would prohibit a minor from marrying another individual of the same sex. It was fascinating to see all of the democrats agree that it would be alright for a 16 year old boy to marry a 48 year old man...incredible! Even this amendment, reasonable as it is, was defeated.
4. Would allow the effective date to be pushed back by several months to allow for a public referendum to be mounted. There was much debate on the process and whether the rights of the people would be protected should the Attorney General not certify the petition process.There is a lot of concern that shenanigans would follow this process and the people would have their Constitutional rights abridged. This amendment was also defeated on a very close vote.
5. Would protect the definition of marriage and create Civil Unions for same sex couples.It would give all the rights of married individuals to same sex couples, but it would not redefine marriage as being between a man and a woman. I consider this amendment a great compromise that bridges the gap. This was also defeated by the democrats.

Following the amendments, there were closing statements on HB-438 itself. Having made the final arguments, and lamenting that the people were not being allowed to vote for themselves. Several delegates raised concerns on many aspects of the bill, but in the end, both committees voted largely along party lines with a few democrats voting against the bill.  The bill was passed onto the floor by a vote of 25-18.

Judiciary Hearings Wednesday
HB-265 Would create a task force to study the implementation of a civil right to counsel in Maryland. This request was being put forward by members of the judiciary and civil rights advocates. While this is just a study request, no doubt the implementation of expanded rights to counsel would come with a huge price tag for Marylanders.
HB-557 Would provide certain protections to the estates of deceased persons whose names (famous personalities) may be used unscrupulously by persons for profit. This bill would provide protections that would not dissuade famous people from feeling like they needed to leave Maryland in order to protect their estate interests after they died. There was some debate over trade mark issues already in play and available. HB-353 Would require employers to make allowances for workers who must serve on jury duty from being required to work on the same day they have jury duty.  It particularly seeks to protect  employees who must work a night shift. Testimony would indicate that this is not a major problem, but we did here from an employee who had trouble with an employer when she was summoned for jury duty and was required to serve.
HB-318 Would alter the eligibility threshold for “small” estates. This allows for a streamlined process for estates of limited amounts. This bill would raise the threshold amounts to $50,000 and $100,000 respectively when dealing with these estates. The amounts have not been adjusted for many years and this would raise the amounts to a level commensurate with inflation and values. This makes sense and would help folks dealing with these small estates.
HB-527 Addresses amounts in bankruptcy cases which would add $2000.00 in exemptions of firearms which can be shielded from normal bankruptcy proceedings. This would help protect heritage firearms from being sold off as part of a bankruptcy settlement.
HB-524  This bill would allow sheriff’s deputies who are members of the bar in Maryland to practice law in Maryland.

Judiciary Hearings Conducted Thursday
HB-598 Would allow for Arrest Warrants to be issued for Juveniles. Currently, juveniles are often picked up by police and then Juvenile Justice is contacted. This bill would allow for a Juvenile Court Judge to issue a warrant for the arrest of a juvenile who is wanted by police.There was some question as to whether or not this right of the judiciary already exists.
HB-496 Would place criminal penalties against professionals who fail to report child abuse in accordance with proper procedures. The requirement is already in the law, but up till now, there is no fine or sentence attached to this statute. This bill is one of many that have been filed this year (including one of my own) and the primary difference may be found in the fines and sentencing applications.
HB-614 Would require the Department of Juvenile Services to provide address and other pertinent contact information to the victims of certain criminal acts so they can better protect themselves and their safety compromised.This bill would allow the release of juvenile information as to where a perpetrator lives, works, goes to school, etc.
HB-484 Would require a person found guilty of Animal Cruelty to pay the costs associated with the care and medical treatment of the animal. There are a few of these bills being circulated this year.
HB-420 Would continue a pilot program ongoing in Washington County which requires certain individuals to be monitored by GPS Tracking devices.

Friday Session
Friday was a blur of activity culminating in a historic vote on Gay marriage. The machinations to bring this vote about, the creation of “magic” Legislative Days which allowed this to occur, and the back room dealings I will attempt to address in a follow up response to this weeks release. The final vote count was close as the democrats, with the help of two flipped republicans, put up the minimum “71” votes needed to pass HB-438. Much more to follow on this bill.
The Same Sex marriage bill now moves on to the Senate whee it is expected to pass with few obstacles.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... A 1905 Delicacy From The Eastern Shore

Its' chief source was from the waters around Crisfield but it wasn't crabs, and it was an expensive delicasy in demand from New York to the western U.S.

What was it? Details 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!

SATURDAY SPECIAL ~ Shore Beef & BBQ

~SATURDAY SPECIAL~

ALL DAY

1/2 Rack Ribs & 1/2 BBQ Chicken w/ 2 Sides

$16.95

GOOD REASON FOR NOT COOKING TONIGHT!

Two-Year Covert Taxi Probe Nets 91 Drug Charges

Written By

Shawn J. Soper

News Editor

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department’s narcotics unit, in collaboration with allied agencies, late last month concluded a two-year drug distribution investigation utilizing an undercover officer posing as a taxi cab driver and owner with the grand jury indictments of 34 local residents on 91 charges.

Last week, the OCPD announced cursory information about Operation Sand Dollar, a two-year undercover operation targeting drug trafficking in the resort area during which an undercover officer posed as a cab driver to infiltrate Ocean City’s shadowy social circles.

On Monday, OCPD Chief Bernadette DiPino, along with Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason, State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and Mayor Rick Meehan laid out more of the details about the operation.

During the two-year operation, the officer turned cab driver made some drug buys and sales out of the taxi, but also established connections that led to further indictments. The operation was borne out of an idea to target known drug trafficking in the downtown area. After brainstorming, the OCPD came up with the idea of posing an undercover officer as the owner and operator of a legitimate cab company.

With the cooperation of the city, including former City Manager Dennis Dare, the cab, called the “Tipsy Taxi,” was completely legitimate including a taxi medallion.

“The undercover officer posing as a cab driver and owner was a good way to infiltrate the social circle,” said DiPino on Monday. “It’s often a primary mode of transportation for those involved in drug trafficking.”

After conducting Operation Sand Dollar for two years, the gathered information was turned over to the State’s Attorney’s Office and on Jan. 25, a Worcester County grand jury indicted 34 suspects on 91 counts of distribution of various controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and 28 charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS. DiPino said on Monday the operation targeted all forms of CDS distribution, but the primary focus was on the distribution of illegal prescription medication.

On Feb. 2, the OCPD narcotics unit, along with the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, began rounding up the indicted suspects. Thus far, 22 have been apprehended and four more were already in custody on unrelated charges. Information on the remainder of the wanted suspects has been forwarded to the Maryland State Apprehension Team. The total amount of preset bonds for those already in custody totaled $4.55 million.

DiPino praised the success of the operation and hopes it sends a message to dealers and users in the resort.

“We hope this sends a clear message to drug dealers and users to keep the activity out of our community,” she said. “You never know who an undercover officer might be. It could be the maid in your hotel, a bartender or even a street performer on the Boardwalk.”

DiPino said those targeted included local residents engaged in drug use and distribution. DiPino said the operation did not include tourists.

“The list includes many locals,” she said. “At no time were tourists targeted.”  

For his part, Mason said the operation could be the tip of the iceberg and promised similar operations in the future.

“We will continue to go after drug users and dealers,” said Mason. “You’re going to see a lot more to come.”

Mason said he hoped Operation Sand Dollar sent a clear message to users and dealers in Worcester County.

“This is obvious proof there is an absolute commitment to target users and dealers in Worcester County,” he said. “If you’re a dealer, get a new job. If you’re a user, get a new hobby.”

MORE STORY....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OPERATION SAND DOLLAR

ARRESTS, INDICTMENTS, ETC

All in all, the operation led to 34 indictments and 119 total counts including 91 distribution charges and 28 conspiracy to distribute charges. Sixteen of the 34 suspects list Ocean City as their address, while seven others call Worcester County home. Twenty-two suspects have been apprehended, while four were already in custody on unrelated charges. The remaining suspects were still at large as of mid-week.

Among those apprehended already were Ronald Alimo, 51, Ocean City; Jonathan Grubbs, 23, Willards; Troy Middleton, 41, Ocean City; Charlene Chester, 47, Ocean City; James Camper, 49, Trappe; Glynnis Sullivan, 54, Ocean City; Robert Hayes, Sr., 44, Ocean City; Orean Kennedy, 52, Ocean City; Dawn Ramaska, 34, Ocean City; James Hudson, 49, Showell; Robert Ray, Sr., 53, Ocean City; Donald Collins, 53, Ocean City; Mary Baker, 55, Ocean City; Stacy Baker, 38, Ocean City; Guy Erbe, 52, Ocean Pines; Cheryl Merendino, 49, Ocean City; Stanley Layton, Jr., 53, Ocean City; Vernon Spence, 46, Snow Hill; and Robin McCready, 50, Pocomoke.

Those already in custody on unrelated charges included Miranda Florio, 24, Jessup; Lorenzo Sears, 41, Oak Hall, Va.; and Brian Harmon, 39, Westover.

Those indicted but still at large included James Leech, 50, Berlin; John Leo Parker, 57, Bishopville; Darryl Lee Whaley, 55, Berlin; Geraldine Woodland, 49, Ocean City; Christopher Denike, 32, Ocean City; Michael Rose, 54, Ocean City; Paul Francis, 32, Glenwood, Md.; David Allen Brown, 44, Baltimore; Kathy Matthews, 40, Rivera Beach; and Robert Gross, Jr., 43, Kensington, Md.

SOURCE;

Eastern Shore Rural Health Announces Addition Of New Physicians

One new physician, physician assistant join Eastern Shore Rural Health

Pamela Gray, M.D. and Physician Assistant Jessica Day have joined Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. Dr. Gray, an internist, and Day are at Onley Community Health Center.

Dr. Gray has practiced internal medicine since 1985. She last practiced at University Health Systems in Greenville, N.C. She is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School where she also completed her residency. Dr. Gray did a rheumatology internship at University of North Carolina Medical School. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, Medical Society of Virginia and American College of Physicians.

Dr. Grays areas of special interest include osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis (such as lupus, Lymes Disease and rheumatoid arthritis) and adult health care.

Day, also a National Health Service Corps scholar, trained as a physician assistant at Philadelphia University. She is a member of American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants and Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Days areas of special interest include nephrology, ear/nose/throat, veterans health and fibromyalgia.

SOURCE;

Shooting Update- YMCA

2^nd UPDATE ON THE SHOOTING AT THE YMCA POCOMOKE CITY

Feb. 17, 2012

On February 16, 2012 Pocomoke City Police Officers responded to Accomack County District Court to detain arrestee Roderic R. Savage, age 17 who waived his extradition rights and willingly returned to Worcester County Courts. Savage was seen by the Commissioner and subsequently held on one million dollar (1,000,000) bond at the Worcester County Detention Center pending trial. A 2^nd suspect William H. Wilson, age 22 of Onancock, Virginia was arrested and charged with Accessory after the Statute, Handgun on person, and Handgun in vehicle; he was held pending an extradition hearing. A 3^rd suspect Dontrell A. Scarborough, age 20 of Atlantic Virginia was arrested and charged with 2^nd Degree Assault and released pending trial.

These arrest stem from a collaborative effort by local Law Enforcement agencies to include: Pocomoke City Police Department, Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, Worcester County Sheriff’s Department and Snow Hill Police Department. Police are still seeking the whereabouts of one additional suspect involved in this case. Additional information will be available at a later date.

Chief K D Sewell

Pocomoke City Police Department

February 17, 2012

Progress on the New Restaurant- Downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland

Friday, February 10, 2012

Pocomoke City, Maryland

At this point all windows have been installed....

you can tell that they have been covered.

SHORE BEEF and BBQ Friday Specials

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Friday Lunch Special

Beef Brisket Sandwich w/ Side

and Drink ~ $7.50 

Friday Dinner Special

Full Rack Baby Back Ribs w/ 2 Sides

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Accomack Board Takes No Action On Fire Tax

By Connie Morrison

Although many members of the public spoke about the agenda item, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors did not take up the Fire Commissions recommendation for an equalized (flat) fire tax.

Several Chincoteague residents and firefighters, along with Chincoteague Mayor Jack Tarr, spoke in opposition to the proposal, which would implement the same fire tax in all election districts, including instituting a fire tax in Chincoteague for the first time.

 Opponents to the proposal said the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department is self-sustaining, due to on-going fundraising efforts, and does not need additional revenue.

SOURCE;

TIME MACHINE Preview ... A 1905 Delicacy From The Eastern Shore

What was the delicacy from the waters around Crisfield that was much in demand from New York City to our nation's West? (This delicacy wasn't crabs.)
　
Details 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!

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - 1/9/12

January 9, 2012

The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, January 9, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.

Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison

Council Members: Rob Clarke, Tracey Cottman,

Diane Downing, Donald L. Malloy

City Attorney William Hudson

City Manager Russell W. Blake

City Clerk Carol L. Justice

Review Minutes:

In a motion (Cottman, Downing passed), to approve the minutes of December 5, 2011.

Review Bills:

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

Mayor to introduce Mr. Bill Badger, recently appointed Economic Development Director for Worcester County:

Mr. Badger said that he was very pleased to be in Pocomoke City and to meet the Mayor and Council. He stated that he has had 28 years’ of experience in economic development:, 17 years with DBED and 11 years with Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation. He first met City Manager Blake when they worked together on the Beretta project in 1990. Mr. Badger stated that economic development is his first love, and it is a great opportunity to be working with the City and the County to make Pocomoke City a better place economically.

Mr. C.D. Hall of Hall Realty Co., to discuss request for waiver of water and sewer hook-up fees at Drawbridge Villas Condos on Riverside Drive:

Mr. Hall introduced Mr. Fred Adams, a representative of the lender/owner of the Drawbridge Condo property.

Mr. Adams stated that he is with American Acquisition LLC., and that they would like to request that the water/sewer hook-up fees be reduced by half for each unit. The original plans showed only one hook up. With the fees being $63,000 it is not feasible for them to complete the units and pay the fee. They would like to get each unit ready to be rented or to be sold.

City Manager Blake explained that the total cost would be $58,500 rather than $63,000, in accordance with the City’s fee schedule for multi-family buildings.

Mr. Hall stated the original plans only showed one hook-up for the entire building.

Mayor Morrison asked how many units were completed.

Mr. Hall stated four (4) units with three (3) units occupied. There are three (3) more unfinished units, for a total of seven (7).

Councilman Malloy asked how much needed to be done for the other three units to be completed.

Mr. Hall stated that two units could be completed for around $25,000, and the third one would be around $35,000. The flooring and cabinets need to be installed.

Councilman Clarke stated that he had a problem with waiving the fees. He explained that rates were recently increased to cover expenses, and that the general fund had to subsidize the Water and Sewer fund in recent years.

City Manager Blake stated that another option would be to pay half now and the other half would be a lien on the property to be paid when the property is sold.

Mr. Adams stated that he would not like to have liens placed on the property, it would be more complicated once it went to settlement

Councilman Malloy stated that he agreed that they should not be exempt from paying the hook-up. They could pay half now and half when each unit went to settlement.

In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to accept half of the hook-up fee now and the other half once each unit is sold, or when the entire property is transferred.

Second Reading of Ord. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for Cable TV, Internet and other services:

Mayor Morrison postponed this reading until a later date.

Discuss proposal from Center for Research on Biotoxin Associated Illness which will result in a publication of a book concerning the ecology of the Cypress Park Nature Trail and up to $5,000 in grant funds toward completion of the board walk around Stevenson’s Pond:

Councilman Malloy stated that Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker and his daughter Sally are asking for a non-binding expression of support for a study on the wetlands of the Pocomoke River. Completion of the project will include a recorded walking tour of the Nature Trail for use by people visiting the Trail. The City would bear no responsibility or liability for this project, but would receive at no cost a digital publication and walking tour for visitors.

In a motion (Clarke, Downing, passed) to offer Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker support on the publication of a book on the Nature Trail and the “walking tour” of the Trail.

First Reading of Res. A-12-01 to annex property at 1139 Ocean highway (Dr. Leroy Johnson, owner):

Mayor Morrison read for the record Res. A-12-01.

Discuss request from Worcester County Commissioners concerning possible appointment to Commission on Aging:

Mayor Morrison asked for any suggestion for appointment, he stated that the individual did not have to be an elected official. It was agreed that Councilmembers would call Mayor Morrison to recommend someone for this position.

City Manager to present six-month budget summary report:

City Manager Blake presented a six-month budget status report. Revenues are generally better than expected. Real Estate Taxes are at 75%; Room Taxes 58%; State Highway Taxes 67%; Ambulance Department paid memberships are at 102%;. Water and Sewer revenues: water charges received are at 50%, sewer charges are 51%; Sewage Hauler fees 77%. Total revenues are over 54%, while total expenses are at 41%. We will continue to be very careful as to what we spend in the next six months.

Councilman Clarke commended City Manager Blake and Department Heads for keeping expenses under control.

Appoint members of the City’s Board of Elections Supervisors for two-year term beginning February 2012:

Mayor Morrison stated that the five person Board of Elections Supervisors serve for two years, and their terms will expire later this month.

Councilman Cottman made a motion to reappoint for of the current members, ( Barbara Browning, John Haynie, Grace Holland, and Vanessa Jones), motion seconded by Councilwoman Downing, and carried unanimously.

Comments from Audience:

NONE

Adjourn to Executive Session:

Following a motion by Councilwoman Cottman and seconded by Councilman Clarke, the Council voted to meet in a closed session at 8:10 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Morrison, all council members, City Attorney William Hudson, City Manager Blake, and City Clerk Carol Justice. The Mayor and Council discussed real estate and legal issues as permitted under the provisions of Section 10-508 (a), (1), (7) and (8) of the State of Maryland Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Items discussed were Rico DiMattia regarding possible new industrial business on Pocomoke River; Discovery Center financial situation; MIST Building/Possible new industry; and Salvation Army Youth Club status.

With no further business, the Executive Session adjourned at 9:30 P.M.

Approved:_____________________2012

_______________________________________

Carol L. Justice

City Clerk