In print no. 7

It’s obvious to me that someone at the Daily Times reads monoblogue because as soon as I noted that I’d sent a letter in, bam! it was in print the next day. Apparently I’ve gotten to the point where they don’t have to call me anymore to verify I wrote it.

They actually stayed fairly true to what I wrote in their print version, and I suppose it reads a little bit better. But here’s what I actually wrote in to them, just as a comparison.

Recently the local ‘pajamas media’ revealed a letter written by Barrie Tilghman regarding her ban on city employees participating on the “AM Salisbury” radio show hosted by Bill Reddish. This stemmed from his May 4th interview with City Council president Louise Smith, which culminated a long-standing feud between the mayor and Reddish.

As it turned out my name came up in the Smith interview as a source of comments Smith purportedly made in front of the Wicomico County Republican Central Committee on which I serve. I contacted Reddish later that day and informed him of the misstatement, for which he quickly apologized. However, the statement in question was uttered by Smith on other occasions, including a forum that I recounted for my website, monoblogue. Reddish’s sole error was placing Smith’s remark in the improper location when it was spoken.

I was satisfied with Reddish’s apology and I considered that portion of the matter closed. Further, Reddish made another apology for his lack of professionalism the next time he was on the air, May 7th. So it saddens me that Reddish has had a fatwa of sorts aimed at him by Barrie Tilghman and that Louise Smith has not distanced herself from it by accepting the apology Reddish provided.

I’m a regular listener to the “AM Salisbury” show and have been fortunate enough to be a guest on a few occasions. At no time in my dealings with Bill as a studio guest has he been less than professional. Slipping from his high standards on one occasion because his passion for the city got the better of him does not justify the calls for his job that have come from a few in and out of city government. Those who seek his dismissal are just as guilty of letting their emotions get in the way, and maybe they owe Bill Reddish an apology.

Reasonably close, except I paragraph differently. The point still remains that I consider the matter closed as far as my involvement is concerned and I think all of the affected should as well. If Louise Smith is this thin-skinned it’s going to be a struggle for four years.

On a sort of unrelated subject, I did get word about the Debbie Campbell press conference this afternoon (thanks Debbie!) but unfortunately I can’t attend midday stuff like that except on Fridays. At that time I was in the middle of designing flats for a project in OC, which is part of my paying job. But there is one part I’d like to get more info about, to wit:

Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Cohen will unveil their cuts in spending and increases in revenue (emphasis mine) totaling approximately $3 million. These changes in the budget proposed by Mayor Barrie Tilghman will allow the salary increases for city firefighters, which the Mayor cut from her budget, to be reinstated.  Money would also be made available for the six paramedic positions, which have also been cut from the Mayor’s budget.

It’s a simple matter of priorities,” states Mrs. Campbell.  “What is more important to the health of our city – being able to retain our police officers or adding to the bureaucracy by creating an Assistant City Administrators position?  What is more important for the safety of our residents – being able to retain our firefighters or funding a bike path?”

I guess I’m a bit disappointed in my fellows, assuming one or more had an opportunity to attend the press conference…what are the cuts? The Daily Times has a sort of basic outline, but no more depth than a pie pan. And more importantly, where do the increases in revenue come from?

If Debbie and/or Terry would be so kind to provide me a list so that someone who actually doesn’t have a deadline or space constraints could take a look at it, I’d appreciate it! I’m sure some of my fellows in the local blogosphere would say the same thing.

Tomorrow I’m going to look at the newly-christened Andy Harris campaign. Cato (of Delmarva Dealings) sure seems to be in favor of it, and I did check out the website (you’ll notice it’s linked now.)

Author: Michael

It's me from my laptop computer.

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