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Fenty School Takeover On Hold
Blame Maryland
 For those of you who are unaware, this is the youthful energetic promo machine we call Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty (D). He has done more in the first few months of his administration that his predecessor Anthony Williams and the final term of Marion Barry combined.
One of the victories he has celebrated as of late was passing a bill putting the long ailing school system directly under his control. A significant victory considering that there was a protest held outside of his Northwest Washington home. Don't worry folks, I know this is a blog about Maryland politics, but every now and then, DC creeps into the free state, especially since it's the free state that is blocking progress from Fenty to run the schools.
But more specifically, junior Senator Ben Cardin (D) who was not happy about the District's decision to rebuild the Oak Hill Youth Detention Center in Western Anne Arundel County. That caused the Cardin to put the bill giving control of DC schools to Fenty on hold.
For those who are unaware, DC does have home rule, but only what is allowed by Congress. Anything that is passed by the DC City Council, must then be approved by congress for even more scrutiny. One of the most famous examples of this was an amendment in 1998 by Georgia Congressman Bob Barr (R) that kept DC from allowing a test run of Medical Marijuana after it was approved by voter referendum. Did I mention that they have no voting representation, but I digress,
More from The GazetteLabels: Adrian Fenty, Anne Arundel County, Benjamin Cardin
Somerset County: Students Arrested Investigated
 In Crisfield, Somerset County, the NAACP and the Attorney General are going to look into the arrests of students who did not have any drugs or weapons on them. They didn't even assualt the officer. The issue is whether they are arresting students for issues that could have been handled by administrators.
A spokesman for the Somerset County NAACP tells The Baltimore Sun that they do not believe there was racial intent behind the arrests. They are advocating that policy should explain when a resource officer should be involved with discipline. The NAACP was notified by a parent after their daughter was handcuffed. The arresting officer was black.Labels: Attorney General, NAACP, Somerset County
Franchot: Let Them Talk
 One of the issues that I learned about while covering the 2006 election for WNAV (1430AM) was a project called "Four Seasons," a housing community that was suppose to be built on the eastern shoreline in Queen Anne's County.
It is a very controversial project considering that it's built near a critical area. In 2003, the developer won a lawsuit against the county. As part of the settlement, the board of commissioners was gaged as far as talking about the project...namely their opposition. Three of the commissioners signed the settlement, but they were voted out. One of the commissioners, Gene Ransom III (D), was a commissioner at that time, he refused to sign.
He tells The Baltimore Sun that county attorney's advised him not to testify at the Board of Public Works meeting, although he would love too.
Ransom along with the current commissioners might have an ally in Comptroller Peter Franchot, who called for the gag order to be 86ed. Franchot, along with the other members, Governor Martin O'Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, decided to postpone a vote until they read an impact study. They also expressed reservations about building in a critical area.Labels: Board of Public Works, Four Seasons, Queen Anne's County
$200 million down, $1.3 billion to go
I guess we should be happy that after beating the drum of "let's wait a year to address the budget," Governor Martin O'Malley (D) ordered state agency heads to find $200 million to cut.
According to The Baltimore Sun, O'Malley said that service reductions and layoffs might be necessary to address the fiscal crisis. I say I would not be surprised if this leads up to tax hikes.
Anywho, O'Malley said that they already found some savings...closing the Jessup House of Corrections in Anne Arundel County will save $5 million a year and that the number of assistant secretaries in the Department of Natural Resources was reduced from five to three.
Forgive me for pointing out the obvious but the latter part of this story doesn't even make a dent when there is a $1.5 billion structural deficit.Labels: Budget, Governor, Martin O'Malley
Democrat Leader Leaves On High Note
 Maryland's democratic leader is stepping down to become the Chief of Staff of U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-5th). He is leaving after 2 1/2 years, leading the party to victory in the most contentious gubernatorial and U.S. Senate election in recent memory.
Lierman, 59, tells The Baltimore Sun that they took back "our state" and now he wants a role in taking back "our nation." Lierman has been friends with Hoyer for 26 years in what Hoyer's current chief of staff Bill Cable calls a match made in heaven. Cable is retiring.
I would be remissed if I did not mention that Lierman and the Democrats in Maryland were spanked by National Chairman Howard Dean over the "Micheal Steele Problem," in which the Democrats on the statewide tickets were not as "diverse" as expected.Labels: 5th Congressional District, Chairman, Democrats, Steny Hoyer, Terry Lierman
A Reddish 'Mea Culpa'
 WICO (1320AM) Morning Host Bill Reddish heard a replay of his interview last week with Salisbury City Council President Louise Smith, and did not like it...as far as his part was concerned.
Salisbury News says that Reddish agreed with the many people who commented over the weekend saying that he went over the line. Reddish says that his passion for the city brought him over the top.
He apologized to Smith and hoped for her forgiveness and her return to his program. He also said that he would restrain himself as long as Smith was willing to be open.Labels: Bill Reddish, Louise Smith, Salisbury, WICO, Wicomico County
Washington County: Tourism Week Next Week
Washington County Commissioner President John Barr presented a proclamation to the County Convention and Visitors Bureau designating May 12-20 as Tourism Week in the county. The week will include the annual National Pike Festival and Wagon Train, set to happen on the weekend of May 19-20.Labels: Washington County
Prince George's County: Johnson Goes To School
 Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson (D) emerged from Upper Marlboro to visit Northern Prince George's County. One of my biggest criticisms, especially as I started learning more about local government, particularly with the Board of Education, is the lack of visits from County Leaders to places north of Landover.
Johnson stopped by Laurel High School to teach students about government and life. He talked about the different career paths that guided him to become Prince George's County Executive. Johnson told the students, “You need a good education to be effective in society and to build your future. There isn’t anything you can’t do, if you put your mind to it.” Hopefully he is using that method to look at county problems, particularly crime and....education.
Johnson was able to weave in questions to the students about government during his talk. He left the students with encouraging words...then more than likely went back to the safe confines of Upper Marlboro.Labels: Jack Johnson, Laurel, Prince George's County, School Visit
Mrs. Johnson Helps Take It To The Streets
 Speaking of Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County's First Lady Leslie Johnson helped WHUR (96.3FM) personality Tony Richards this morning to take it to the streets in the town, during the local cut-in segments during The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Harvey's national morning show is based in New York.
The broadcast originated from the "More Than Coffee Lounge" on Main Street.Labels: Leslie Johnson, Prince George's County
Long Time Mayor Ousted
 Wayne Dogherty, Gary Wasielewski and Frederick Cullum are members of the Havre de Grace City Council. I probably should use the past tense term of "were." These three vacated their seats with hopes of ousting longtime Mayor John Correri Jr. One of them has succeeded, thus making way for a new council and mayor.
The Baltimore Sun reporting that Correri was laggin far behind the two front runners as of last night. Dogherty had a 38-vote lead over Wasielewski, while Cullum came in last. Absentee and provisional ballots had not been counted, Maryland law says that will happen tomorrow.
As far as the new Councilors, Joe Kochenderfer, Barbara Jenifer-Ferguson and Randolph Craig, son of Harford County Executive David Craig, will be filling in the seats that were vacated. There were three seats open on the council. The Mayor and the new council members will serve two years terms.
 More Free Vote news from Carroll County...
The Baltimroe Sun also reporting that incumbent Christopher Nevin and new comer Joe Zynel won the two seats that were available on the Hampstead Town Council. They will be sworn in Tuesday. Mayor Haven Shoemaker Jr. was up for re-election this year, he was unopposed.Labels: Carroll County, Free Vote 2007, Hampstead, Harford County, Havre de Grace
And Now They Are Law....
Governor Martin O'Malley had a tired hand yesterday. He signed some 200 bills into law, 203 to be exact plus two joint resolutions. Some of the major measures was signing the nation's first "living wage" bill which requires state contractors and subcontractors to pay at least $11.30/hour and $8.50/hour. The higher amount is for those who live in the Metro Washington and Baltimore-Towson areas. The bill also adds a mandatory change to the living wage based on the consumer price index.
 Other bills signed by O'Malley include sweeping reforms to Ground Rents. The Tuition Affordability Act of 2007 essentially freezes tuition at the schools of the University System of Maryland.
Governor O'Malley is required to proclaim February, Black History Month. Counties and Municipalities are now empowered to promote more affordable housing for individuals or families with low or moderate income. And O'Malley established the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board who is charged with supporting and attracting biotech companies to the free state.Labels: Bills Signed, Governor, Martin O'Malley
New Windsor Undecided For Third
 The counted the votes in New Windsor. Once, Twice, Three times a tie! Election judges were baffled when two people tied for the third town council seat. Incumbent Kevin Null had the most votes with 115. Fred “Tracey” Alban II was second with 83. The people tying for third are Steve Farkas and Byron Welker with 76 votes each. Ed Smith was in last place with 26 votes.
This is not the first time this has happened, the Carroll County Times said that in happened in 1999 in which the council decided who would get the third council seat. In 2001, town laws were amended to have a run-off election, in case a tie should ever happen again.
 In Union Bridge, 22.5% of registered voters came out to vote. Edgar Wentz is the newest town councilman defeating another first time candidate, John "Tommy" Hyde III. Wentz will join incumbents Donald Wilson and Mayor Bret Grossnickle.
More from the Carroll County Times.Labels: Carroll County, Free Vote 2007, New Windsor, Union Bridge
Prince George's County: Removal Requested
 The Prince George's County Board of Education voted unanimously to request the removal of At-Large member Nathaniel Thomas following his being charged with a third-degree sex offense.
The vote was 7-0 with board member Donna Hathaway Beck not attending. That requests now goes to the State Board of Education. Their decision my be approved by the Governor. The removal is being sought on the basis misconduct in office and immorality.
The Gazette says that before the four-hour meeting which began at eight this morning, Thomas' name was removed from the dais.
Thomas posted bond at $85,000 without spending time in jail. He is ordered to not have any contact with the victim and he cannot have any unsupervised contact with anyone under 18.
 BOARD DID GOOD JOB WHILE SHOWING UNITY
I must give kudos to the Board of Education in the way they handled this situation. They did not drag their feet, nor did they rush ala the Duke case. With swift and comprehensive action, they handled the situation involving one of their own well in My OPINION.
I am a full believer of innocent until proven guilty, but for Thomas to bring a student with him on a trip that was not authorized to go, should have been reason enough to at least suspend him. That might be a little extreme for some people but we are talking about young people who can be easily fractured mentally. Sending the case to an independent authority was a good move as well.
Jacques Chevelier might be a lot of things, but when it comes to requiring background checks for Board of Education members, he might have a point because we do not know who we are electing to the board. But with the same respect, in regards to Thomas, it might not have shown anything because Thomas was 26-years-old, thus not giving him enough time to do anything wrong if he wanted to.
I am happy that the Board acted swiftly in regards to the case. If Thomas is indeed proven innocent, I think removal from the board should still be sought due to the fact that he took a student to San Francisco without permission, while causing a worry for that student's parents and for the Superintendent of Schools.
Labels: Board of Education, Commentary, Nathaniel Thomas, Prince George's County
O'Malley Returns The Favor; Endorses Clinton
 Governor Martin O'Malley (D) was endorsed by former President Bill Clinton during this past state election cycle. Today at the City Dock in Naptown, O'Malley returned the favor by endorsing the presidential run of New York Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton (D).
WBAL (1090AM) is told by a campaign official that O'Malley is the second sitting Governor to endorse Clinton, the first being New Jersey Governor (and recent case for buckling up) Jon Corzine (D).
O'Malley says that Clinton has the kind of experience this country needs to repair alliances abroad and to address domestic needs. Clinton praised O'Malley for signing the first living wage bill in the nation. Last month, Senior Sen. Barbara Mikulski was named co-chair of Clinton's campaign.Labels: Free Vote 2008, Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, U.S. President
Thomas: Surrender, but Never Resign
 Well let's put this in perspective...We barely made it to the six month mark in as far as the Board of Education in MarylandPT's home county of Prince George's and we already have a mess on our hands in regards to said board.
Two weeks ago, I told you that newly elected at-large Board of Education member Nathaniel Thomas was being investigated into why he took a student with him on a trip to San Francisco. During that investigation, it turns out that he might not have been completely kosher.
A warrant was issued this past Friday for Thomas on allegations that he had a relationship with a 15-year-old male student (he's 17 now) while teaching at the Forestville Military Academy. Thomas was suppose to turn himself in yesterday, but he didn't. He did however turn himself in this afternoon at Prince George's County Police Headquarters in Palmer Park.
The Gazette says that Thomas was accompanied by his attorney and family members. He is facing a third degree sexual offense charge. If convicted, he could be jailed for ten years.
And there has been one call for board members to have criminal background checks. School Board Candidate and Board of Ed. meeting mainstay Jacques Chevalier tells The Washington Examiner the situation is appalling to parents.
Thomas' attorneys said that he will not resign, but instead will ask for a leave of absence.Labels: Board of Education, Nathaniel Thomas, Prince George's County
Daily Pants Down?
Could the local Salisbury newspaper that was scooped by a blogger feel embarrassed to the point that they are blocking the web addressed from even being mentioned?
I received a call from Salisbury News Writer and MarylandPT's Eastern Shore Insider Joe Albero who told me something unbelievable. He says that if you list his website sbynews.com while commenting on a story on Gannett's delmarvanow.com.
I looked at the posts in question that were talking about the Lousie Smith interview heard Friday Morning on WICO (1320AM). Responses mentioned that it was posted to Delmarva Dealings and badgerbadgerbadger.com (which is an interesting website.) As a balance, I registered and tried to mention just to be sure and it covered Albero's web address with some form of the badger website.
Click Here to see my results.
Delmarvanow.com is the official website of The Daily Times (owned by Gannett) which also publishes several weeklies in the area.Labels: Joe Albero, Salisbury, The Daily Times
WICO Morning Man Brings Heat To Council President
 This past Friday, WICO (1320AM) morning host Bill Reddish took Salisbury City Council President Louise Smith to task, and boy did he take her to task.
We hear from Salisbury News Editor and (Unofficially) MarylandPT's Eastern Shore Insider Joe Albero that Reddish "ate her alive." The interview which was posted on Salisbury News late Friday was a half-hour interview in which Reddish asked questions ranging from the voting for the removal of a tax cap, her becoming council president and a secret meeting involving Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and Council Vice President Gary Comegys.
Words cannot describe the interview nor would it do justice to the integrity of the tape.
Click HERE to listen to the interview (courtesy Salisbury News and WICO Radio)
This might be one of the reasons why a certain publication might jealous.Labels: Bill Reddish, Louise Smith, Salisbury, WICO
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