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Blair Lee: Hughes Recap Continues
 Part Two of Gazette Columnist Blair Lee's recap of former Governor Harry Hughes biography continues. This week, Blair Lee's father (Blair III) gets mentioned as the story of the 1978 election is told, and how Hughes pulled the biggest upset in Maryland Political history, that came on the heels of an endorsement from The Baltimore Sun, who was looking for a pro-Baltimore Governor.Labels: Blair Lee, Governor, Harry Hughes
Apologizing...But No Reparations
 State Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D-Dist. 24) has introduced a resolution calling for the Free State to express "profound regret" for it's role in slavery which was allowed until 1864.
More from The Baltimore Sun.
The Legislative Black Caucus said that it would consider whether or not to back the proposal.Labels: Apology, Resolution, Slavery
More Time Does Not Encourage Voter Turnout
 Back on December 17, the editorial board of The Capital in their wisdom, said that early voting for all intents was a waste of time, hardly worth reviving. So why is the democratic majority bucking the editorial and the minuscule Republican front on State Circle?
State Sen. Roy Dyson (D-Dist. 29-Southern Maryland) told The Baltimore Sun, "We are one of the most educated states, but we're No. 30 in the nation in terms of voter turnout. We don't know all of the reasons why that happens, but by extending the period and giving voters an opportunity on the weekend, we're doing everything we can to encourage people to vote."
Personally, I think if you give people one month to vote, you will still have the same percentage turnout to cast their ballots. I happen to agree with the editorial in The Capital, in which it says that "...those who truly can't make it to the polls have access to absentee ballots." I would also like to add a couple of more thoughts to the equation. It is a constitutional right for someone to cast a ballot, no one can block any eligible voter from doing so. Then there is my little story about casting a ballot in 2004. When I went to my polling place in South Laurel, there was a nice long line for people wanting to cast their vote on the scheduled election day. Many of them like me took time off from work to do so.
State Sen. Dyson might not know why people would not want to vote, but I have a prime example that sums it up in five letters, slots. In essence, people elected Robert Ehrlich, the first Republican Governor in the free state in four decades for the main reason of the hope of bringing slots to Maryland. That and admittedly, Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend ran a disorganized and sloppy campaign that bit her back in the end. One of the years that Governor Erhlich was getting together a slots bill, I remember House Speaker Michael Busch (D-Dist. 30) taking phone calls from citizens on WBAL (1090AM) from people who wanted slots passed in Maryland. Busch, simply ignored the phone callers. That is one of my illustrations as far why voter turnout is low.
People who want to cast ballots will do so on the day that is scheduled. If they cannot make it, they will get to their board of elections office and fill out an absentee ballot as in years past. Politicians can encourage the vote by listening to their constituents and not to the party pecking order. The pecking order has cost the Democrats the Government House in 2002.Labels: Commentary, Early Voting
Vote Early, Debate Now Often
 Remember when the state's highest court said that the Maryland Constitution said that election day should happen on one day in November, ruling that early voting was unconstitutional? Well, the Democrats have found away around that...propose a constitutional amendment.
The Baltimore Sun says that debate in Naptown is under way and will continue on Tuesday in the state Senate. The amendment will let voters decide whether they want a limited number of polls to open several days before an election.
If passed, then the amendment would appear on the ballot for Free Vote 2008.Labels: Amendment, Constitutional, Early Voting
Wicomico County: Un-COG The Wait
Leaders in Wicomico County want to stop the planning and move forward before the momentum disipates in forming the Wicomico County Council of Governments.
Officials tell The Daily Times says that is has been nearly a year since the COG was proposed by a county growth commission.
The plan calls for an initial meeting where municipalities wishing to participate submit resolutions of support. They are currently looking at a model that is used in Carroll County.Labels: Council of Governments, Wicomico County
Keeping Maryland Healthy...One Pack At A Time?
 House Speaker Michael Busch announced a proposal with the intentions to cover the nearly quarter million Marylanders with health insurance. One might wonder on how to pay for it....by doubling the cigarette tax.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller tells The Baltimore Sun that the tobacco tax increase is dead on arrival, while adding that the state cannot afford to enact expensive social programs without addressing a state deficit that reaches $1.3 billion in the next fiscal year.
The proposal would expand Medicaid to every child while requiring that higher-income individuals and families buy insurance or pay a fee. It would also give subsidies to small businesses and require that private insurers allow adults up to age 25 to stay on their parents' plan.Labels: General Assembly, Health Care
Where Are They Now? - George Johnson
George Johnson (D) is an Anne Arundel County Law Enforcement Veteran. He served three terms as Sheriff of the County before jumping into the contest for County Executive for 2006. It was a tight race, with Johnson the heavy favorite going into the fall. But after the counting of absentee ballots, Delegate John Leopold (R) pulled ahead to claim the County Executive office.
Johnson a couple of weeks ago was named superintendent of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police. Maryland DNR Police enforce conservation and boating laws in addition to homeland security efforts on the water.
Source: The Examiner
Labels: Anne Arundel County, DNR, George Johnson, Maryland DNR Police
'Ehrlich' Insurance Still Being Pursued
 Despite the fact that an inquiry into some questionable firings by Governor Robert Ehrlich (R) did not find anything illegally done, the General Assembly is moving forward with a bill to protect state workers from being fired by reducing the number of at-will positions. The decision to pursue the bill still comes after Ehrlich lost the election in November to Governor Martin O'Malley (D). More details from The Washington Times.Labels: At-Will, Employment, Governor
The Family March
 This week, the two major newspapers in the free state followed O'Malley's March....Katie O'Malley that is. Catherine Curran O'Malley starts her day at 5:30 in the morning, takes the kids to school before she shows up to her day job, as a District Court Judge in Baltimore City. It should also be noted that her father is former Lt. Governor and recently retired Attorney General Joe Curran. It should also be noted that O'Malley is not the first leading lady of a state that was also a current judge. Marjorie Rendell, is a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. Her husband is Pennsylvania Governor and former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell.
More about Katie O'Malley's March from The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post.Labels: Catherine Curran O'Malley, Katie O'Malley
Wicomico County; Former Sheriff Now Administrating
 *Schonbrunner is on the far leftRumblings first reported by the Salisbury News Blog has been confirmed by council vote and in this morning's story in The Daily Times. Doris Schonbrunner, the former second in command of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office who unsuccessfully ran in the primary against Mike Lewis (who won the general election,) left days before his swearing in as acting Sherriff has been appointed as Wicomico County Council Administrator.
The vote was split 4-3, but it was not along party lines with Council President John Cannon (R) joining the three democrats in approving the appointment. The appointment was not without drama however. Prior to the vote, Council Vice President Stevie Prettyman said that she felt some key information about Schonbrunner may have been mismanaged. Cannon said that all council members had the same information.
Also, a spokesman for the FOP said that they, along with some Wicomico County Sheriff deputies would not be supporting Schonbrunner in general. There have been claims by some deputies over mistreatment. Lewis said that he reluctantly came out against Schonbrunner after overwhelming requests from his deputies. He believes she would undermine his efforts to improve the sheriff's office.
Cannon downplayed the protests and said that the overall feeling is that Schonbrunner would do a good job.
Labels: Administrator, County Council, Doris Schonbrunner, Sheriff, Wicomico County
Dunn Interviewed By Employer About Council Run
 From time to time, I admit there are websites and information that I overlook. Being a one man operation is kind tough, which is why I ask for you to email me tips, links and press releases to pkbnews@gmail.com. With that in mind here is an item from the "I completely Missed It" Department:
In addition to being President of the Salisbury City Council, Mike Dunn is also the Corporate Support Manager for Public Radio Delmarva (WSDL 90.7FM/WSCL 89.5FM). He was interviewed last week on the news that he will not be running for another term on the city council. During the interview, he did reiterate that he feels that there are some in the community that thrives on controversy, but he did not however make any comments about bloggers in the community or use the now infamous "Dirty Dozen" reference that he and Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman labeled on citizens who disagree with Dunn and/or Tilghman.
(Editor's Note: The link goes directly to the MP3 file on Public Radio Delmarva's Website.)Labels: Audio, City Council, Mike Dunn, Salisbury
Jessica's Law Makes Comeback
 All 14 Republican State Senators and 10 Democrats are sponsoring the reintroduction of Jessica's Law.State Sen. Nancy Jacobs (R-Harford County) is among the group, she tells The Examiner that that a law passed last year which bolstered punishment for sex crimes and supervision of offenders after their release was a good start, but said that parts of it were watered down. Under Jessica's Law, those convicted of a first degree sex offense or rape will get a mandatory minimum of 25 to life. A second degree conviction will get at least 5 years. Neither degrees will have a possibility of parole. Labels: Jessica's Law
Blair Lee Reads Hughes Book
 
Gazette Columnist Blair Lee has announced to the world that he has read Governor Harry Hughes' autobiography, "My Unexpected Journey." And now, he is sharing highlights with the rest of us (well God bless you, Blair.)
Lee gives his impression of the book, in addition to sharing highlights. He also credits Hughes in part one of a series of columns for shaping the face of modern Maryland.Labels: Blair Lee, Governor, Harry Hughes
Here We Go Again
Pipkin Wants De-Reg Inquiries
  First to criticize deregulation, first to call for the head of now former PSC chairman Kenneth Schisler (he resigned last week,) and now State Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Dist. 36) is the first to call to re-inquire about deregulation in Maryland.
The Baltimore Sun says that Pipkin, whose district covers the upper and middle counties of the Eastern Shore, pushed for a reconsideration of electric deregulation during the last special session.
He says once Governor Martin O'Malley picks a new chairman of the Public Service Commission, he wants to see those inquiries done again. Adding that they need to take consumer interest into account.Labels: Deregulation, E.J. Pipkin, PSC, Public Service Commission
O'Malley On WNAV Radio Today
 Governor Martin O'Malley (D) will be interviewed this afternoon on WNAV (1430AM) in the Annapolis Area for their program "Capital Caucus."
The program will come on at 2:00p.m.Labels: Governor, Martin O'Malley
Grounding Ground Rents
 This past December, The Baltimore Sun did a series of articles on a system that goes back to the early colonial times of the free state. This was definitely a top priority for those in the Baltimore City delegation going into the session.
And now, lawmakers visited one man who was about to be thrown out of his home over back ground rent before Christmas. The home of Vernon Onheiser on South Milton Avenue in Baltimore hosted Governor Martin O'Malley (D), Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon (D) and a host of lawmakers (and press as well) to announce a number of reforms to the arcane system.
The Baltimore Sun reporting that emergency legislation has been introduced in the Senate to 'ground' all new ground rents. In the meantime, new reforms would include preventing ground rent holders from selling leases without first giving homeowners a chance to buy them.
O'Malley said that it is fundamentally unfair and unjust to throw someone out in the cold over back rent of $24. State Sen. Lisa Gladden lightened a mood handing Onheiser a plaque that read, "Ground Sweet Ground."Labels: Baltimore City, General Assembly, Ground Rent
It's Cold, And For Once I'm Talking About The Weather
 Right now, at this moment, the current temperature reading at the Burns Media Centre in Central Maryland is +8ºF, with a wind chill of -6ºF. In Salisbury, Wicomico County, it is currently 12º, also with a wind chill of -6ºF.
The big question on everyone's mind, especially on the Eastern Shore, has to be...will Joe Albero be out and about taking pictures?
Just kidding Joe. :)
And now let's talk shop and get back to work....Labels: Fun and Offbeat
Did O'Malley Have A Hand In Cancelling A Radio Show?
 Once again, Governor Martin O'Malley (D) and radio does not seem to be a good combination. The difference this time is that this conflict doesn't involve WBAL Radio...and it might not even involve O'Malley.
Anne Arundel Community College Director of Institute for Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Public Service Dr. Tyrone Powers claims that O'Malley put the squeeze on his radio home WEAA (88.9FM) causing him to be 'suspended indefinately.' WEAA is owned by Morgan State University in Baltimore. The governor controls the budget of the of the station, which just happens to be O'Malley.
Baltimore resident Powers, a former state trooper and FBI special agent, was critical of O'Malley's handling of crime in the city when he was Mayor on his radio program. Powers admits to The Capital that nothing was watered down and that O'Malley did not like his comments. I doubt that he'll like the lawsuit that Powers filed against the governor, seeking $88.9 million, the number is a play on the station's freaquency. O'Malley's office did not comment on the story for The Capital, but they did speak to Baltimore Sun Columnist Gregory Kane on January 27 and then again on January 31. The spokesman at first said that the Governor was unaware of who Powers is. Four days later, another spokesman said that the governor had no hand in what happened. State Senators Joan Carter Conway and Nathaniel McFadden are working to solve the situation amicably. An AACC spokesman said that the conflict would not affect his employment at the college.
Whether or not O'Malley really is involved in this situation, he has been involved with radio flaps before and with the same station. In 2002, he told WBAL (1090AM) hosts Chip Franklin and Rob Douglas that he would "kick [their] ass" after hearing comments made by the hosts. He had arranged a detour to Television Hill to confront the two on air. Later, he would pull the plug on his bi-weekly show over constant criticism made by talk show hosts on the station.
Labels: Martin O'Malley, Radio, Tyrone Powers, WEAA
Stumping Knows No Bounds
Here's a change of pace:
At a high school in Charles County, candidates were passing out campaign swag, showing off campaign websites and following advisors. No, there is not an election in the county that I'm aware of, this is all for the chance to represent the voice of students across the free state on the State Board of Education.
800 student delegates from all over the state came to North Point High School in Waldorf for a meeting of the Maryland Association of Student Councils, to pick two nominees for Governor Martin O'Malley to ponder over the post. I am happy to say that the two students nominated are from Prince George's County in their junior year. I am excited to say that one of them attends my high school Alma Mater.
The Washington Post is reporting that O'Malley will have to choose between 17-year-old Renford Freemantle of Beltsville, a student at High Point High School, and 16-year-old Haywood Perry III of Accokeek, a student at Oxon Hill High School.
As a High Point alum, I think it goes without saying who I am pulling for. :)Labels: Prince George's County, State Board of Education, Student Member
Published Statements, 'Dunn,' But Waves Continue
 Comments from this time last Sunday, made by City Council President Mike Dunn are still causing waves this week. This time an update from The Daily Times as Dunn's statements toward bloggers have come to the fore front for Free Vote Salisbury.
Dunn says that he is not suprised by blogger response, many of whom are happy that he is not running again. Dunn asked for candidates to denounce blogs, alleging that they are destroying the spirit of the community.
One candidate who was accused of being a notorious blogger, Terry Cohen, admitted that she responds to some blog posts and fed information to blogs, but she is not a blogger...because she does not have one. She is also calling for civility, asking for the issues be discussed and the negativity checked at the gate. Cohen also says that she does not condone any personal attacks.
As far as 'The Dirty Dozen," one resident is calling it a badge of honor. Kate Manizade says that Dunn's comments were typical, saying that she has attended council meetings where Dunn was 'obnoxiously rude' when people did not agree with him.Labels: Bloggers, Free Vote 2007, Mike Dunn, Salisbury, Terry Cohen
Aftermath: Democrats Are Starting To Wonder
 Why didn't former Anne Arundel Teacher Association Head Sheila Finlayson (D) give her Republican challenger, mortgage company president James Conley the thumping of his life at the polls, which the democrats were hoping for, especially considering that they out number the GOP in Ward 4 at a ratio of 3-1.
That is what the democrats are wondering as they figure out, what happened to the landslide. Finlayson tells The Baltimore Sun that it's a sign that Republicans are getting stronger. Others say that the democrats failed to mobilize the black vote.
Conley says he lost because 50 of his neighbors didn't vote. Conley had the support of Wayne Taylor, who lost to Finlayson decidedly in the primary. Finlayson defeated Conley in the general election by 35 votes, which is considered a razor thin victory.Labels: Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Free Vote Special, Sheila Finlayson
Where's Janet?
 Former Anne Arundel County Executive and State Comptroller Janet owens (D) is busier than the man who called her "Mother Hubbard."
Owens tells The Baltimore Sun that she and her husband are building a new home in Crownsville and that she recently joined the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation. She is also looking into alternatives in the private sector.
Unlike some former politicians, she says that she does miss it and that she would never rule out another campaign.Labels: Anne Arundel County, Janet Owens
Feed Yourself with Politics
Maryland Politics Today is now feeding you, through syndication, with a RSS/Atom reader or a live bookmark if you have the right browser. Our address is http://feeds.feedburner.com/mdpoliticstoday, thanks to the kind folks at FeedBurner. Icon to be added soon.
Also, you may have noticed that the Maryland has been spelled out in the short hand name for Maryland Politcs Today (which was MDPT.) I thought about it and I didn't want to risk the possibility of getting a letter or email from a lawyer at MPT:Maryland Public Television. So to keep things simple, You'll see the short name at "Maryland PT."
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