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Media Rounds
As the candidates go into their final stretch for Tuesday's primary, a number of candidates are making their rounds on television and radio.
This morning, Louise Smith was interviewed on WICO (1320AM.) Come Monday, host Bill Reddish will have a crack at Terry Cohen. She's scheduled to appear at 7:40a.m.
Meanwhile on PAC 14, "One on One with Phil Tilghman" will replay 90 minutes of interviews with three of the candidates tomorrow:
Don Ewalt at 5:00p.m.
Gary Comegys at 5:30p.m.
and Terry Cohen at 6:00p.m.
If you missed today's replay of the Salisbury Career Firefighters Association Candidate Forum, you have one more day to catch it this week, that's tomorrow at 10:00a.m. and following the Terry Cohen interview on "One on One" at 6:30p.m. Consult pac14.org for showtimes on Sunday and Monday.
If you can't catch the visual presentation, Salisbury News has posted the audio on their website.Labels: candidate, City Council, Forum, Free Vote 2007, Media, Salisbury
MTA: Running On An One Year Delay
 Acting Transportation Secretary John Porcari says that there is be a one year delay on three major transit projects, two of them in the capital region.
The Baltimore Sun reporting today that Porcari, before the House Appropriations Committee, said that public hearings for the Purple Line between Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, the Corridor Cities Transitway in Montgomery County and the Red Line between Fells Point in Baltimore City and Woodlawn, Baltimore County will not be going forward.
Porcari said the projects will be delayed for at least a year giving officials time to develop more accurate and specific ridership projections, when they go to the federal government for money.Labels: John Porcari, MTA, Purple Line, Red Line, Tansportation
PSC Commissioner Leave 'On His Own'
 Chuck Boutin resigned from the Public Service Commission yesterday, thus giving Governor Martin O'Malley (D) an opportunity to stamp his signature on the PSC.
Boutin was appointed by Governor Robert Ehrlich, and was apart of the commission who was taken to task last year over electric rates. And if that wasn't enough, The Baltimore Sun said that Boutin's name came up in an email to a prostitute in Harford County.
Boutin said that quiting was his idea, adding that he had enough of the stress from his position. He is looking for a career in the private sector.Labels: Chuck Boutin, PSC, Public Service Commission
Burns Speaks To G. Gordon Liddy
You've read it right! As many of you know, I work full-time in radio..which makes me a complete whore at times (hence why I am sharing this with all of you.)
The subject of the segment was an article in this morning's edition of The Washington Times. If you have already read the article, yes, I am going there and yes, this was coming. Being the only black person in close proximity, I was asked about my feelings about this bunch of bull.
CLICK HERE to listen to the segment. It's a big MP3 file so if you have dial-up...sorry.
After you listen, we can continue on our more traditional path of blogging.
Labels: Free Vote 2008, Fun and Offbeat
Prince George's County: Another Possible Band Aid For Hospital
Del. Doyle Niemann (D-Dist. 47) wants to put his stamp, or rather Band Aid, on the financial bleeding of Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly, all for the sake of making it look more attractive to any suitor willing.
The Washington Examiner reporting that Niemann is sponsoring a bill giving power to a governor appointed board to strip Dimensions Health Care, the hospital's operator, of the $150 million debt it has.
As you may recall, the county gave Dimensions a $5 million bail out to keep it Prince George's Hospital open through the end of March. Dimensions said at the time of the announcement, it needed $9 million to stay open through June. The county said it would have an operator in place by that time, but one official is calling that unrealistic.
County Spokesman John Erzen said that County Executive Jack Johnson does not have a position on the bill, but he opposes an amendment from the state, which Erzen said could require the county to pay future operational costs to keep the facilities open and capital costs for construction and renovation, in addition to the $150 million.Labels: Doyle Niemann, Prince George's County, Prince George's Hospital Center
Washington County: Commissioners Name County Administrator
The Washington County Board of Commissioners have named Gregory Murray as their new administrator. He will be taking over the reins from retiring administrator Rodney Shoop, who had served in that role since 1995.
Murray was cited for his 24 years of public administration and his leadership as Director of the Department of Water Quality for the past ten years. He originally was hired by the Washington County Sanitary District as Laboratory Director, later becoming Supervisor of Facilities from 1989-1994. He also was Director of Utilities and Public Works for the Town of Hancock before serving as director of DWQ.
Murray will be officially appointed at the next Commissioner Meeting.Labels: County Administrator, Greg Murray, Washington County
Not Just Annapolis, Not Just Salisbury, But For ALL of Maryland
From time to time, I welcome new readers, especially now that Maryland PT is growing. First and foremost, thanks to Joe Albero at Salisbury News and my fellow team members at Free State Politics and the readers who come over from that blog. Also thanks to those of you who linked up from Blog Net News and to the guy behind Delmarva Dealings (I've been watching you.) My goal is to bring both sides of the argument and bring stories to a statewide platform that you might not find in your locale if not at all. More information about me and Maryland PT can be found at the top link to your left.
You also may notice the heavy doses of news from Salisbury recently...not only is there a number of hot topics on the lower eastern shore currently, but I get tips from readers...like you. If you have a press release or information, even news links, email me. The address is pkbnews@gmail.com. I am a one-man operation who is not getting paid for this blog, so I cannot hire an army of people or pay myself to hit the road, although I try to keep up on the internet.
Thank you for reading Maryland Politics Today.Labels: promo
Baltimore City: Rawlings-Blake Urges Confirmation Of Successor
Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (D) in a statement yesterday strongly urged he colleagues to confirm the nomination of Sharon Green Middleton when it meets on Monday. Middleton has been nominated to finish out the term of Rawlings-Blake, who represented the sixth district before she was elevated to City Council President.
This might pose a conflict of interest for Middleton's husband, Glenard Middleton Sr. The Baltimore Messenger says that Mr. Middleton is president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 44. He is also Executive Director of AFSCME's MAryland Council 67.
More about Sharon Middleton's nomination in The Baltimore Sun.
Labels: Baltimore City, City Council, Sharon Green Middleton
Montgomery County: Council Is Coming To Hillandale
The Montgomery County Council is coming to the Hillandale Section of Silver Spring this Wednesday. The town hall meeting sponsored by the council will take place at Francis Scott Key Middle School, 910 Schindler Drive. Things kick off at 7:30p.m. with a reception, the main event following at 8:00p.m.
If you miss it, the event will be broadcast on County Cable Montgomery Channel 6. Call (240) 777-7931 for information.Labels: County Council, Montgomery County, Town Hall
Prince George's County: Inspired By Bill Clinton?
 Prince George's County Councilman Will Campos (D-Dist. 2) is the currently representing my home district, which covers Adelphi, Hyattsville and Mount Rainier (I grew up in Adelphi.)
Just like me, he picked up the saxophone in 5th grade. That is sadly where the similarities end, I don't play as much as I used too (although I never really had an opportunity or an outlet after high school.) Campos continues the craft and is using it to benefit restoring youth arts programs in New Orleans.
Colours in Arts Educational program is a non-profit program based at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville. They will be having a concert this weekend in hopes of raising $15,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast, the Renaissance Project; the Delta Blues Crossroads Project; and Ashe Cultural Arts Center – all victims of Hurricane Katrina and venues for young artists in the Delta region.
The “Back to the Delta” music concerts scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Northwestern High School Justice Auditorium, 7000 Adelphi Road. Yes, "When The Saints Go Marching In" is included in the set. Colours.org for more information or contact the Office of Council Member Will Campos at (301) 952-4436.Labels: County Council, Prince George's County, Will Campos
Anne Arundel County: Rental Car Tax
 Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold (R) joined the County Council in asking their delegation to enact a bill allowing them to tax rental cars. The legislation would not be on vehicles with leases of more than 180 days, taxicabs, limos or for rental cars being used as replacement vehicles while personal vehicles are in the shop.
Both Leopold and the council said that the authority to levy the tax would not be used unless all other options have been exhausted in boosting revenue.Labels: Anne Arundel County, Car Rental Tax, County Council, County Executive
Candidates Forum On TV Tonight
I am just checking my email now, Tuesday night's City Council Candidates Forum WILL BE on PAC 14 tonight at 9:00p.m. (in other words, less than 20 minutes from this post.) The Two Hour Event will be ran several times, leading up to the primary on Tuesday.
Here are the show times for the rest of this week:
Friday: 7:30a.m., 5:00p.m.
Saturday: 10:00a.m., 6:30p.m
Go to pac14.org to for the scheduled times for early next week.Labels: candidate, City Council, Forum, Free Vote 2007, Media, Salisbury
Salisbury: Focus On The Old Mall
At "High Noon" tomorrow on WSDL (90.7FM) it will be a verbal showdown. The topic is the Old Salisbury Mall, which has been a lightening rod for discussion. Guests will be G.A. Harrision, Developer Jon Natelson and Councilwoman Lynn Cathcart. Cathcart, whose term ends this year, is not seeking re-election for her council seat.
As you may remember, the city council approved a TIF for mall developers while the Wicomico County Council said no, making the project do an about face for the moment.Labels: Mall, Media, Salisbury
Ehrlich To Bring In Carolina Law Firm
 The Baltimore Sun is reporting that former Governor Robert Ehrlich (R) will be opening the Baltimore-area office of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, a major law firm based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The 500-member firm employs several former elected and appointed officials, including former North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. (D).
The firm had been looking to expand in the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland in particular because of the number of life science businesses. The office will be based in Linthicum, Anne Arundel County, and Ehrlich will not be alone. Several of his former aides will be joining him, including former Communications Director Paul Schurick. The office will include a public affairs consulting group as well.
The Sun also adds that former First Lady Kendel Ehrlich has found work as a director of the Bank of Annapolis.Labels: Governor, Robert Ehrlich
O'Malley Testifies Against The Death Penalty
 In a surprising move, Governor Martin O'Malley(D) testified in favor of a measure that he is not sponsoring...repealing the death penalty.
The Baltimore Sun says that lawmakers are trying to figure out how to respond to a Court of Appeals ruling in December that stated lethal injection procedures should be reviewed by the legislature, a moratorium in theory until they do just that.
O'Malley said before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee that the question of whether the value of partial retribution outweighs the cost of maintaining the death penalty if as applied is inherently unjust and without a deterrent value.
Sponsors of the bill hope that O'Malley's testimony can sway critics on the Senate Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.Labels: Committee, Death Penalty, General Assembly
Candidates Discuss Issues
UPDATED 2/27/2007 10:21PM
All but one of the ten candidates participated at a forum sponsored by the Salisbury Career Firefighters Association. The scene for the forum, the Knights of Columbus Hall on Emerson Avenue.
The Daily Times said that incumbent Gary Comegys emphasized the moves by the council for the past term, but critics took the current council to task when it came to blighted areas, high crime and lack of revenue.
Terry Cohen, Louise Smith and Tim Spies agreed that an adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to make developers contribute to the cost of necessary infrastructure, while two candidates, John Atkins and John Harris, supported the "growth pay for growth" model supported by the current council.
UPDATE: Blog Delmarva Dealings gives their take, blow by blow, on the forum last night.
Labels: candidate, City Council, Forum, Free Vote 2007, Salisbury
STOP THE MADNESS!!!
 Allow me to bring some things to light. I am a black man...heh, fine, African-American. I am also a registered Republican who is a moderate. Please do not label me a Democrat, a liberal or a conservative. I am common sense.
Now with that out of the way, you can understand why I am going to say the following. STOP IT! I want Governor Martin O'Malley to stop the show. The show I am referring to is making it a point (very loudly) that he is committed to proving that he will not take the black vote for granted. I want black democrats to stop complaining that their party didn't do enough to support black candidates for statewide office. I want to ask them, why don't they step up to the plate and run for something statewide.
In the same vein I want blacks to get over being bitter, knowing that their vote is being taken for granted by the democrats. This is the very reason why I registered as a Republican when I moved to Laurel four years ago. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's attitude at THE 2002 Gubernatorial Debate, that I should vote for her because I was black, pretty much sent me over the edge. I was an independent at that point, philosophically I still am, but now I have that "scarlet letter" that former Lt. Governor Michael Steele so stupidly called it.
Thanks to very vocal Black Democrats, and Howard Dean, we now have a "black rain" with the appointments made by Governor O'Malley, House Speaker Michael Busch (D) and Senate President Thomas Mike Miller (D), all in the name of saying "Hey black democrats, we care and we want you." STOP IT! Now don't get me wrong, I am all for a rainbow cast, but I want a qualified rainbow cast. Don't pick people because their color fits the rainbow.
So don't look for me to give a "standing O" when O'Malley announces a black appointment or when he says that his office will not take the black vote for granted. Personally, I think it will go out the window come election time. I will not be sending props to House Speaker Busch or Senate President Miller, because they picked one of my peeps to lead a committee. For one thing, it should of happened long ago (if they are qualified mind you.) I also think that the current timing of events is more reactionary than well thought out.
And on top of that, for the most part, it's known, if not believed or observed that the black vote has been taken for granted once again by the democrats. I better not hear one more scream of bloody murder by a black democrat who helps a leading candidate because they know what is going to happen. Why repeat the cycle?Labels: Black Democrats, Black Vote, Commentary
Comment TODAY: We Are A Decade Behind
Governor Martin O'Malley got his wish, he will not have to deal with the slots issue until 2008. That is thanks to the Ways and Means Committee quietly tabling a bill to legalize slots. To make matters worse, a proposal from the industry for $30 million un purse supplements was halved.
This information was not brought to my attention through my usual means of gathering information (i.e. news section,) I found it in the sports section of today's edition of The Washington Examiner. Columnist Rick Snider reports the information while saying that the free state is "off to the races - literally."Labels: Horse Racing, Slots
Mending Bridges
 Governor Martin O'Malley (D) is trying to mend the racial divide, one at a time. This past Monday the governor was at a diversity forum at Bowie State University in Prince George's County (aka: Ground Zero for Free Vote 2006.)
The Baltimore Sun quoted O'Malley at the Black History Month event that "Our challenges may change but our continued pursuit of that needful thing, call it freedom, call it justice, does not."
The county saw a lot of visits from candidates (especially Democrats) in the black voter rich jurisdiction. Even though county leaders were able to turn out the black vote for O'Malley, they were largely divided. A group of black democrats led by former Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry (D) crossed party lines to endorse the U.S. Senate run of former LT. Governor Michael Steele (R). Part of the reason was that they (along with those who didn't endorse Steele) felt that the Democrats were taking advantage of the Black Vote.
O'Malley is reaching out to blacks, or at least trying to. MyOPINION later today on why I think it's all for show.Labels: Governor, Martin O'Malley
The Question Will Be Asked...but not as 'early'
 The state Senate has passed their version of a constitutional amendment to allow for early voting. The question will be asked on the 2008 ballot, but before that happens, the two sides need to work out their differences or adopt one of the bills in conference.
The Baltimore Sun said that the vote was largely along party lines. Two Democrats voted against the measure out of concerns of fraud and workloads at election offices. Republicans, who were largely against the bill, tried to put more restrictions on early voting. For example, requiring ballots to be casted in the home county of the voter.Labels: Constitutional, Early Voting, General Assembly
Rally For Complete Freedom
 Hundreds of people came to Naptown on Monday to rally for the rights of felons who have paid their debt to society. The issue is wiping out the three-year waiting period for those who have a second felony or more on their record, but paid the price of the crime. Currently, those who committed one felony do not have a waiting period once their sentence and probation are complete. Those with two or more, must wait three years, thanks to a law passed in 2002.
The Gazette is reporting that several bills are being debated to wipeout the waiting period for those with a second or subsequent felony conviction. One of the bills is being sponsored by Prince George's Del. Gwendolyn Britt (D-Dist. 47.) Her bill goes before a committee in a couple of week.Labels: Felons, General Assembly, Voting Rights
Annapolis: Coffee Talk With Moyer
 Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer is inviting city residents for coffee and a chat. Moyer is inviting people to have "Coffee With The Mayor" starting next month at City Hall. This is apart of a new series of "Let's Talk"events in which she invites citizens to talk with her about current pressing issues.
"Coffee With The Mayor" will be held every Thursday morning in March at 8:30a.m., except for the third week which will be held on March 12 at the same time.Labels: Annapolis, Ellen Moyer, Mayor
Baltimore County: Undecided About Education Board
 Three weeks ago, you read that the two leaders in the General Assembly were not a fan of a board of education being elected by constituents. Senate President Thomas Mike Miller went so far as to say that creating an elected board in Prince George's County would be a reason he would end up in hell. House Speaker Michael Busch seemed a bit more reasonable about it stating that if the majority wants one, he would not stop them.
Well, it looks like both men might get their wish in Baltimore County, assuming that they do not agree on one of the several proposals that are on the table. State Sen. Bobby Zirkin (D-Dist. 11) told The Baltimore Examiner all of the proposals could indeed fail if lawmakers are torn over the proposals.
Zirkin adds that a fully elected school board and full appointed school boards have their quirks. The main ones are as far as the appointed board are less accountable because they do not have to face an angry public, while an elected school boards tend to be political. Personally when it comes to the latter, the Prince George's County Board of Education pre-2002 comes to mind.
Seven jurisdictions currently have an appointed school board. Queen Anne's County voted this past fall overwhelmingly to have an elected school board. That transition will start in 2008.Labels: Baltimore County, Board of Education
Q&A with Thomas Perez
Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Thomas Perez answer's some questions from The Gazette. Perez was a candidate for Attorney General until he was ruled disqualified by a judge for not meeting a requirement to run for office. He was picked last month by Governor Martin O'Malley to fill his current appointment. On a side note, Perez completed three Boston Marathons.Labels: DLLR, Thomas E. Perez
Pushing, But Not Quite Dead
 Baltimore Examiner Columnist Michael Olesker tells the story about Central Maryland's favorite socialist in democratic clothing, A. Robert Kaufman, who at last check was assaulted again in a robbery attempt outside of his home, while returning from a dialysis session.
The perennial candidate last lost the chance to become the free state's junior senator (that would ultimately go to Ben Cardin.)Labels: A. Robert Kaufman
Candidates Debate
 There were only two cameras at the City Council Debate taping at the WMDT television studios, the station's and Joe Albero's. For the record, WMDT did have more, but they had to. Salisbury News had the exclusive access to the taping of the debate which was yesterday. All ten candidates were present as shown above, including incumbent Gary Comegys. The debate, moderated by Kenny Beck (nice name,) will air this Saturday at 7:00p.m. on WMDT (Channel 47).Labels: City Council, Debate, Free Vote 2007, Media, Salisbury
Meet The Candidates Tonight
The Salisbury Career Firefighters Association is inviting the public to their "Meet The Salisbury City Council Candidates Forum" tonight that begins at 7:00p.m. Doors will open at the Knights of Columbus Lodge, 1501 Emerson Avenue at 6:30 p.m. More information can be found by calling (410) 430-8900.
Because of the number of candidates running, there will be a primary held next Tuesday to decide the field down to six who will run in the general election in April for three available council seats.Labels: City Council, Forum, Free Vote 2007, Salisbury
Carter Calls For 'Home' Policing
 Del. Jill Carter (D-Dist. 41) wants to know why have community policing when most of the top commanders live outside of the community. Carter, who is also running for Mayor, responded to a Baltimore Examiner article that found only two of the top 50 commanders in the Baltimore City Police Department actually live in the city. Most of them live in other parts of Maryland, while eight live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Yesterday on WBAL (1090AM) Carter said that top cops should be required to live in the city, just like elected officials. She adds that Boston and Philadelphia have similar requirements.
Labels: Baltimore City, Free Vote 2007, Jill Carter, Mayor, Police, Residency Requirements
Cold Case:Maryland
 Attorney General Douglas Gansler (D) is thinking about creating a cold case unit that would look at unsolved murder cases from across the state, with an emphasis on solving crimes from the civil rights era.
WBAL (1090AM) said that the unit would use modern forensics and DNA technology to investigate a civil rights case load that is low, compared with states in the deep south.
Gansler, who discussed the idea with his top aides this past Friday, says a survey is needed to count feasible cases with civil rights implications.Labels: Attorney General, Civil Rights, Cold Case, Douglas Gansler
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