Politics – Page 305

Bye bye early voting!

Thanks to both Duvafiles and Justice For All? I was informed of the great news that the Maryland Court of Appeals has thrown out early voting in Maryland. So while the petition drive that I worked on didn’t do the trick, a shrewd legal eye that read the Maryland Constitution and said, “hey, you can’t do this, says so right here” managed to get the proper result in the proper venue – unlike the Wal-Mart bill being overturned. Here’s the coverage in the Sun as well.

Also tossed off the ballot was Democrat Attorney General candidate Tom Perez; it seems that being admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2001 leaves him five years short of qualifying. Lawyers for Perez unsuccessfully argued that 12 years as a federal lawyer should count as well but the Court of Appeals disagreed.

I did a little bit of looking at the backgrounds of those on the Court of Appeals. It’s going to be REALLY hard to argue partisanship when 5 of the 7 judges were appointed by then-Governor Glendenning between 1996 and 2001. One of the other two (Judge Irma Raker) was appointed by William Donald Schaefer during his tenure and the newest one (Judge Clayton Greene, Jr.) was appointed by Governor Ehrlich in 2004. In other words, 6 of 7 were appointed by Democrats.

For the Democrats’ part, they’ve not updated their website with news that had to have hit them like a sledgehammer between the eyes. But they haven’t stopped with intoning that any election where a Republican wins had to be tainted, like this recruiting piece:

The Maryland Democratic Party needs you help! We are currently recruiting lawyers and law students to help us protect to vote.

Now, more than ever, with new voting machines and new election regulations, it is essential that we work to uphold our strongly held Democratic belief that elections in our State must be conducted in strict accord with federal and state laws. It is vital that we, the Democratic lawyers and law students of our State, join together to insure that no political party’s operatives or outsiders interfere in Maryland’s upcoming elections.

To assist us in our Voter Protection efforts, fill out the form below. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Liz Aloi, at 301-306-2480 or laloi@mddems.org.

(Editor’s note: You know sometimes I reread posts and they’re funnier the second time. I did cut and paste that passage verbatim from the mddems site last night – it just occurred to me this afternoon that spelling and grammar aren’t their forte.)

I think that one sentence should read, “no political party’s operatives or outsiders (except ones that we want to like felons and illegals) interfere in Maryland’s upcoming elections.” And don’t think Martin O’Malley wouldn’t love to get his opportunity to reshape the Court of Appeals into a rubber stamp for the General Assembly. I’m sure he can find more people like State Senator Lisa Gladden, who remarked about the initial court decision, “A constitution is a living, breathing document. If you always literally interpret the constitution you get strange results, like ‘all men are created equal,’ so what do you do with the women?” Hey Lisa, that’s the Declaration of Independence you’re thinking of. But it’s all the same oppression right?

Besides, with the “shall issue” absentee ballots still allowed, we have de facto early voting that you can do in the comfort of your living room. Why make things more complicated? So a big thank you goes to the Maryland Court of Appeals for this, and a big sigh of relief from 23 of the 24 county boards of elections. (Since Baltimore City sent out thousands of postcards saying that people could vote before Election Day, that’s just a little egg on their faces.)

Looks like it’s time for an update to the Patriot Post.

Ten questions for…Addie Eckardt

Today I get a much shorter set of answers to my Ten Questions as I turn back to the Maryland General Assembly races. If you see a hot pink political sign in certain parts of the Eastern Shore, there’s a good chance the person supports District 37B incumbent Addie Eckardt. Addie’s been at it for a number of years now and judging from the little bit I read on her answers prior to starting this post, she’s leaning heavily on her experience to maintain the seat. As for the rest we’ll find out together as I start another chapter in this TQ saga.

Question #1:

Some of you participated in the recent special session to modify the large rate hikes that were to be enacted by Baltimore Gas & Electric. However, our electrical rates from the local Eastern Shore suppliers went unchanged.. With that in mind, would you be more in favor of a total repeal of the 1999 deregulation laws, or do you believe the concept is sound and only needs a few guardrails and rate safeguards?

I did participate in the special session and did not vote for the bill that was presented and ultimately passed. During my tenure as Delegate I have closely followed the deregulation process. My understanding of the issue is that since the market in which Maryland is a player is mostly deregulated and the cost of power was increasing, deregulation in Maryland would bring the cost to consumers down and offer choices in the market place. Some legislators were not in favor of deregulation from the beginning and put many roadblocks to the plan. One was to put caps in place so that constituents would be guaranteed a stable low rate and the caps would come off in a defined period of time in a phased-in process according to the geographic areas of the state. In the meantime, costs across the county continued to rise due to increased usage. Other influencing factors contributing to the consumption of global resources were 9/11, the War, Katrina, Rita, and China. Maryland’s rates have remained artificially low because of the cap and I do believe lawmakers never anticipated the situation to turn out the way it did given the multiple catastrophes in play. I did not support the caps because I was concerned that the longer we delayed implementation of deregulation, the greater the possibility of interference would delay competition in the market place. In other words, the Maryland legislature in 1999 gave the marketplace a double message- come to Maryland and do business but wait 6 years to do it. At the time companies were ready to do business but when legislators began to intervene, the interest waned. The new legislation has increased the cost of doing business in Maryland. The Governor and the industry were developing a phase-in of the rates which I believe could have worked. Since then I am very concerned because citizens have again a fixed rate which may help for now but the cost over time will be greater than if completion had been encouraged and choices given.

Question #2:

In the last two sessions of the General Assembly, the issue of health insurance and who pays for it has taken center stage. (Examples: the Fair Share Health Care Act and its proposed expansion with last year’s HB1510, which was sponsored by Delegate Hubbard and defeated in committee.) Recently the state of Massachusetts adopted legislation effective in 2007 mandating all residents secure coverage under some public or private health insurance plan or face a financial penalty. Do you see this concept as an idea Maryland should adopt?

Health Care for all citizens has always been an important issue and one that I have worked on while a legislator. Having been a participant in the discussion of health care reform for the last 20 years, I find ourselves in a similar situation to the utility one – that in spite of all the effort to make health insurance available, affordable and accessible, more citizens find it increasingly harder to get access and the costs increase. Last year I put in a bill that was a modification of the Massachusetts plan but it didn’t get much attention because the Health care Commission didn’t think smart cards would work and did not want to provide incentives to small businesses to offer the coverage to employees. The Massachusetts plan has some excellent possibilities, for example, a central clearinghouse for the plan, but I do not think mandatory insurance with penalties is the way to go. Most citizens could afford a catastrophic plan, coupled with a health savings account in the consumer driven model. Make the premiums tax deductible. There is another proposal on the table from last session (HB1412) and I will be working on the introduction of it for the 07 session. Yes we will have this discussion and I am sure bills will be introduced (HB1412) that model the Massachusetts plan.

Question #3:

Within our area, Somerset County traditionally has among the highest unemployment rates in the state of Maryland. In every election, well-paying jobs and how to secure them is an issue. If you are elected to the General Assembly, what policies would you favor commencing or retaining in an attempt to create or lure good-paying jobs for the Eastern Shore?

Economic Development and good paying jobs have been and are an important of my platform since my election in 1994. I have been pleased with the progress but it is slow because retention of jobs is also important. When businesses are not domiciled in Maryland or on the Shore it is easy for them to pull out and move to where the cost of doing business is less. At least 85% of business in Maryland is small business and working with citizens to build small businesses is in a continual focus of the Department of Business and Economic Development – Small Business Administration, the regional economic councils, local economic development offices, and Minority business offices. The recruitment of business also means that our educational system is responsive to the need of the community and workforce preparedness is in place. Right now the Eastern Shore faces a severe shortage of health care professionals – nurses, dental hygienists, pharmacists, radiology technicians and others. I have been working with the Administration to provide resources for nursing education as well as clinical sites and experiences for the health care providers. In addition, there are many projects for agricultural based/resource based job opportunities and many high-tech business proposals being discussed. For example, I serve on a board that is recruiting some very exciting potential business that uses feathers for product. Venture capital is necessary and a greater focus on research and development through our local universities will facilitate the business development.

Question #4:

This year a state takeover of several failing Baltimore City Schools was thwarted by the General Assembly overriding an earlier veto of a bill Governor Ehrlich rejected. A few states, though, are attempting to remove themselves from the federal “No Child Left Behind” regulations for various reasons, even at the risk of losing federal dollars. Do you support the federal NCLB mandates or do you feel the state could and should go without the additional restrictions (and funding)?

With regard to” No Child Left Behind” there are some very good aspects, especially the focus on every child receiving a quality education and meeting reading and math standards. Yes, there are some parts that need modification and there has been much discussion with the federal government about this. I would not reject the opportunity to continue with the program. What is more important to me is that we have put over 1 billion dollars into education over the past five years and we put a plan in place to assist schools in the event that students and schools were not making progress. What will happen to those students in the Baltimore city schools who are not reading and doing math? Will they graduate? I think not. Will they be able to get jobs and find meaningful work without the skills necessary to succeed? Or will they not graduate and wind up unemployed, on the streets, or in jail? I have visited an elementary school (an Edison School) that is doing well – students are achieving. I favored the intervention from the State Board to help those failing schools.

Question #5:

In the 2006 General Assembly, the Blackwater development in Cambridge became a contentious issue which led to legislation that was eventually defeated. However, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has continued to apply pressure to legislators and encourage voters to speak out on what they perceive as a threat to bay water quality. On the other hand, the city of Cambridge sees Blackwater as a needed shot in the arm for its economy and tax base. Where do you see yourself on this issue and related development matters?

There was a bill in Annapolis that would interrupt the local planning process regarding land development. In regards to the Blackwater legislation, the bill was introduced by western shore legislators without any conversation with the local delegation, which is the customary way of bill introduction. I did not support the bill as it did not come through the local delegation and would usurp the local process prematurely. Dorchester County is often the last frontier for development and since the development of Sailwinds Park, the subsequent focus on the Hyatt, and downtown redevelopment, I believe the process put in place through smart growth and the critical areas needed to be honored. The entire community needed the conversation about growth and the impact on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. As I have traveled across the country, I have been impressed with development that has been managed with sensitivity to the local culture as well as the environmental assets. I have always believed that growth will come to Dorchester and it is important that it be managed carefully with as many citizens involved in the discussion and subsequently the decisions. Cambridge cannot expand services for citizens without some growth. Most of the county is not available for development due to the tidal and nontidal wetlands and the amount of farmland necessary to maintain farming as one of the major businesses. I co-sponsored HB114, which makes several changes regarding local planning and requires local jurisdictions to plan for potential annexation and include in planning documents. It also requires cities and counties to work together. I believe this legislation will address the concerns raised by the Blackwater situation.

Question #6:

The last two sessions of the General Assembly have seen an inordinate amount of time spent dealing with personnel matters and political appointments. Some have claimed this as a usurpation of power properly belonging to the executive branch (governor’s office) but others see this as a proper extension of the duties of the General Assembly. In your opinion, has the General Assembly gone too far or does the Governor still wield too much power when it comes to personnel decisions?

I believe the General Assembly has gone too far to block the Governor’s prerogative that has been the practice for the past 40 or more years. In the previous administration the changes were frequent but I don’t remember anyone questioning the Governor at that time. Government can get pretty entrenched over the years and if agencies are not functioning well, the Governor is held responsible whether he was responsible for the problems or not. The Governor answers to the citizens and if there was one message that rang true during the 2004 campaign it was that government was growing too fast and was not as efficient as it could be. The current Governor put together a transition team to review state government and to recommend changes, which they did. Outcome performance measures were established and managing for results became the expected practice. I did learn this past session that the Legislature does wield a lot of power as well and action became overreaching as bills were introduced and passed that exceeded Constitutional authority.

Question #7:

For the Eastern Shore, transportation can sometimes be tricky because of Bay Bridge traffic and traveling to and from the beach on a summer weekend can be a real headache. Solutions advocated range from another Bay Bridge to a ferry service to a light rail system, and as always people want the existing highways improved. What transportation improvements do you feel are a priority for the Eastern Shore, and how would you pay for them?

Transportation is always an area of concern for the Shore as the numbers of cars on the roads increase each year. There was an opportunity to address the issue of traffic and the Bay Bridge this year and the results was simply “Yes we need a bridge but not in my back yard”, so actually not much happened. Now is the time to plan if in fact a bridge is necessary and it probably will be. A monorail has been suggested but determined to be cost prohibitive. I think one reasonable option that I have worked on is to expand small business from homes as an option and this is occurring. With the expansion of broadband and other technology, the possibilities are tremendous. If we are serious on the Shore about diversifying our economic bases we can offer more opportunity to stay on the Shore to work. The counties will have these decisions so that the Shore does not become just a bedroom community. In the meantime, I think that toll roads with certain access for local users are a possibility – at least we could cover the increasing cost of our roads and bridges. If we adopt a policy of all who use contribute and initiate a conversation on how to improve and maintain our highway system I think we can establish a plan.

Question #8:

Drugs and gangs are a growing problem on the Eastern Shore. The local authorities do their best but we’re a long way from fighting the problem successfully. In what ways do you think the General Assembly can best address this crime issue, and what tools do you see working best?

Much crime is driven by substance use, and that has been an ongoing concern of mine. About 80-85 % of the jail population is fatherless and has substance abuse issues. Treatment is necessary and can work. Maryland has some of the finest diagnostic tools available in the country for determining who can benefit from treatment and who cannot. The issue has been how to implement the programs and how to pay for them. I have been an advocate of employment in recovery models so that individual cannot only benefit from treatment but also from job training. Many who get out of jail have no aftercare and no ongoing support to continue the behavior change over time. The Governor initiated two programs: one for those in jail and who are returning to the community and another for those as an alternate to incarceration. I also have been an advocate of drug courts and while I have been in office we have gone from one or two to almost one in every jurisdiction. What has been necessary is the research to support what interventions work and what doesn’t and we now have that information.

Question #9:

This year, you will be the first in the history of the General Assembly to be nominated and elected through the use of early voting. Proponents have stated that early voting is beneficial for turnout, but others claim the new regulations will encourage fraud and have petitioned to place the issue on the ballot as a referendum. In addition, these same laws have made absentee ballots available upon request with no reason needed. With that in mind, are you in favor of repealing the early voting laws, and why?

I did not support the early voting legislation and I would support legislation to repeal the laws. The Constitution clearly sets out how voting is to be handled and I do not believe the early times will address the issue of access. Those who want to vote and consider it an important right will take the time or make the time to exercise that right. We have a mechanism for early voting and that is by absentee ballot. I think citizens have many reasons for not voting and if we wanted to seriously address the issue we might convene some focus groups at the local level and gather information about the reasons individuals don’t vote. Responsibility is a significant factor.

Question #10:

It is almost a certainty at this early date that either Governor Ehrlich will be reelected or Baltimore mayor Martin O’Malley will take over the governor’s chair early next year. If you are elected to the General Assembly and the representative of the opposite party (i.e. a Democrat would be working with Governor Ehrlich, a Republican would be working with Mayor O’Malley) wins election, with what issues do you see being able to find common ground with the governor?

I have had the opportunity to work with Governors from both parties and have been able to work on issues of common ground. For example, Initiatives involving economic development- the Hyatt development and Eastern Shore Hospital Center relocation; the One Maryland program and tax incentives that resulted in the regional councils; Historic tax credits; Cultural Heritage Tourism Areas; Arts and Entertainment Districts; the Children’s Health care program; Senior prescription programs; Small group health insurance reform; Education investments; child care and children coming to school ready to learn; environmental issues- clean air, water and lead paint remediation to name a few

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I don’t know what happened to the period at the end of the last sentence (maybe the prior TQ answerer stole it to sustain all of her commas) but I thought Addie put up some excellent answers and more importantly gave good examples. But I suppose it’s the advantage of incumbency there.

As of this moment I have vacancies on both Friday and Saturday for my Ten Questions. I’ve resent out a couple for the General Assembly so I harbor hope that someone will come through on Saturday, meanwhile I’m hopeful that Jim Corwin gets back to me for Friday. Time’s growing short before the primary.

Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll revise the questions and/or resend them to the primary survivors. It may happen on the Congressional side since only one person assured of being on the November ballot (Green Party candidate Kevin Zeese) has answered the questions – the presumptive frontrunners (Steele, Cardin, Mfume) have not. Now if Allan Lichtman or Dennis Rasmussen can convince enough people to vote for them then I’ll have the Democrat nominee as well. But right now the poll numbers of TQ responders aren’t too good on the U.S. Senate side. Now, on the Maryland General Assembly side it obviously depends on who wins the 4 sets of primaries that carry through to November (House of Delegates District 37A will be decided in September because no Republican filed and Senate District 38 belongs to unopposed State Senator Lowell Stoltzfus.)

But with fewer candidates to deal with, this won’t need to be such a chore; in fact, I can probably get away with doing TQ part 2 in a total of six “debate-style” posts tailored to the U.S. Congress and Senate races and each district. I’ve sort of hit a backlog of opinions I have to share here and the next several days will be busy (hey, it’s the Shorebirds’ last homestand!) so it will give me an opportunity to get back to that once the primary passes. Any reposting of TQ after the primaries won’t be until mid-October at the earliest.

Hopefully this isn’t it until the “debates” occur in early September but if it is be looking for them.

Ten questions for…Lih Young

Once again, Ten Questions looks at a U.S. Senate candidate, and this time it’s a woman who’s apparently a perennial candidate, Taiwan native Lih Young. In looking at the file I downloaded from her, she has some of the longest answers to the Ten Questions so I’ll be up late reading as I go. Oh well. So without further ado, here are her answers.

Question #1:

There are several schools of thought regarding the problem of illegal immigrants, or as some would call them, “undocumented workers.” Some solutions offered range from complete amnesty to sealing the border with a wall to penalizing employers who hire these workers. Currently there are competing House and Senate measures – in particular the House bill has spawned massive protests around the country. While I have listed some of the possible solutions, it’s no exhaustive list. What solutions do you favor for the issue?

Stop minorities bashing. Support civilian review board. Improve quality officials. race relationships, diversity in good faith, not rhetoric or abuse as often by “fraud-crime- injustice networks”. Clean-up; not relaying/shuffling at the expense of justice, productivity, good workers, minorities, immigrants. Investigate/ prosecute/ eliminate: unjust appropriation, siphoning resources to benefit a few.

All people, including minorities have a lot to contribute; should have opportunities to reach their potential. Support: good-faith diversity, not rhetoric or bad-faith (used for wrong purposes: unjust practices, unlawful acts, falsification, false/misleading testimonies, bad proposals, or for token only etc.), equality (opportunities, education, employment, business, procurement, contracting, promotion; learning, environment); fair election process; people input, open public hearings, town hall meetings (not for formality only); accurate timely information, report, statistics; assistance to needy, disability, elderly, vulnerable, but not to be diverted to benefit a few or “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation. Protect people (rights, resources, reputation, liberties, constitutional, litigation, jury trials, due process, grievance, complaint, records), families, affiliations, social relationships, heritages. Improve: accountability, cost-effectiveness; benefit people, all ethnic groups, (not like current system siphoning public fund/resources (local- federal) mainly to benefit a few); quality of officials. Support affirmative action, smart growth, “proper growth”. Restore principle, function, fairness, non-discrimination. Examine/ eliminate: racial profiling, endless unjust practices, double standards; false arrest, citation, charges, detention, incarceration, bond/bail, unjust sentencing, police brutality, “official misconduct- fraud- crime- injustice networks”; improper accounting, records; abuse/diversion of social benefit programs, distortion of fund; disparity of inmate population, false excuses/disguise of abuse, detention, imprisonment. Many officials (3 branches, past, current) are problems, not solution; unjust manipulation, influence, misleading, deceit; controlled by or be part of “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” = 4th branch which overlap private and public sectors. Eliminate serious problems: public agencies, private businesses (e.g., financial, legal/judicial, accounting, etc.); unjust practices, manipulation, influences; immoral, unethical, unlawful acts, fraud, crime; falsification, false excuses, false arrest, citations, liens, foreclosure, etc; deprive/ damage/ destroy people (individuals, families, business; personal, political, civic, association, social relationship); silencing people down with threats, coercion, discrimination, victimization, retaliation, civil/human rights backwards, socio-political problems, vicious cycles, people-slaves; official violation of laws, unjust schemes; bad-faith; sole sources, secret deals, abandonment of public resources especially without public knowledge; distortion of fair market mechanism in many aspects: planning, construction, land deals; disregarding important factors, justification, priorities, cost-benefits (whether education, school construction, economic development, affordable housing, medium priced dwelling units, traffic, parking…,); heavy burden with taxation, bond/debt, fees.

Issues are interrelated, horizontally, vertically, local-global; e.g., budget, education, public safety, health care, etc. See other issue statements. Problem solving approaches: proactive, diagnostic, cost-effective, preventive; not minorities-bashing. America: founded, grown, because of immigrants. Declaration of Independence, US Constitution: simple, valuable for hundreds of years, result of immigration. Republican candidate Steve Rosen seems to forget that with false excuse of illegal immigrants; disregards real problems of “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”= “EXIS OF EVILS” IN OUR HOMELAND = “super classes of crimes, welfare, parasites” = “cruel tyranny” = “robbery machine” = penetrating, expanding everywhere (inc. non-profit, civic organization) = the most terrifying terrorists on daily basis; worse then World Trade Center 9-11-2001 incidence, pre-emptive wars with Patriot Act, Florida election 2000, President Nixon’s Watergate, Financial/accounting/legal disasters (e.g., Enron bankruptcy), etc; opposite the purposes of education, government function, judicial missions; destroy our society, democracy, justice, peace; with double standards; endless unlawful, criminal acts, unjust schemes, scams, depriving of resources (public, private); fraud, theft, identity theft, hate crime, false arrests, citation, detention, imprisonment, contempt of order, bond/bail; murder, attempt of murder; harassment, victimization, discrimination, retaliation; cause homelessness, poverty, serious socio- political- election- media problems in vicious cycles; civil/human rights backward, people-slave. Scapegoat on minorities: bashing, harassing; false excuses to benefit, facilitate “official misconduct- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation. In a local candidate forum at Jewish Community Center, Steve Rosen arrogantly said that he could influence media. Candidate LIH YOUNG pointed out that Rosen should examine the violation of “rule of law” (Rosen’s own quoted words), problems about media (LIH YOUNG testified on such and other problems frequently), Rosen’s preference treatment from LWV with earlier access to Dnet, uploading more issues, lengthy statements; evidence of unfairness, unjust manipulation, as often by “official misconduct- fraud- crime- networks”. Note: Candidate LIH YOUNG’s repeated requests, including placing Young’s photo on Dnet was denied, when supposed to. LIH YOUNG SUPPORT: measures to promote democracy, productivity, heath, education, public safety; equality, employment, reaching potential to contribute most. Focus: strengthen the implementation, enforcement of Constitutional law, good existing laws; not abuse, misuse. Protect people’s rights (liberties, constitutional rights, litigation, jury trials, due process, resources, properties, reputation, association); not deprived, damaged, destroyed; not secret detention, deprivation, disparity treatment, sentencing. Investigate/ prosecute/ eliminate the false arrests, detention, falsification, false excuses, unjust practices, manipulation, influences, as often by “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”. OPPOSE: anti-immigrants approaches, hate-crime; obstruct, destruct, hinder productivity, employment, job search, purchasing power, family life; deprive, damage liberties, rights, resources; bad legislative bills with hidden agenda (regarding unjust heavy penalties, driving, license, vehicles, etc.) to benefit/ facilitate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation at the expense of the people, especially minorities.

Question #2:

Another top-burner concern is the current spike in the price of gasoline. Again, this is a broad issue with many scenarios that can be played out. Possible solutions that have been bandied about in recent days are a temporary suspension of the federal 18.4 cent a gallon tax on gasoline and easing environmental restrictions on gasoline blends (as happened after Hurricane Katrina). Further down the road but possibly affecting prices on the futures market would be the approval of additional oil drilling in ANWR and the Gulf of Mexico. If you were elected, what solutions to this issue would you pursue and why?

Major transaction or land deal should be rigorously reviewed objectively by academically very well trained, based on merits, priorities, cost- effectiveness, social cost-benefits, etc., through competitive processes, general soliciting, fair market mechanism; not arranged by the developer or inner circle; should be openly discussed with residents, in official meetings, Mayor/Council/ public hearings; not misleading, concealing, unjust manipulation or influence; not rushed through as the consent agenda items as mall purchases of goods and services. Eliminate, prevent: abandonment of public resources, land, properties to benefit a few or “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” including developer, government attorneys, lawyers, law firms, etc.) at the expense of general public and future generations, including other jurisdictions, especially with grants and public debts from the state and federal; sold, leased out (secret hidden agenda, even huge acres, decades-long lease) with zero or no fair compensation, despite citizen’s objection; unnecessarily leased private properties for government use at very high costs even with short lease (a few years or shorter); with extra high costs to construct building, furnish expansive equipments; and when construction is done, lease expires, completed products abandoned or free to a few; often disguised by partnership, economic development, school, education, public safety, etc.; several rounds of unjust abandonment and purchase; misleading public roads, highways, when abandoned to private; unjust projects, appropriation; misuse, abuse, misappropriation; false road construction, maintenance; false records: land, roads, maps; unjust demolition of building even in good condition to initiate new construction, project, purchase, including library or school.

Question #3:

Recently the news has featured ethics scandals involving GOP donor Jack Abramoff and former House member Duke Cunningham of California as well as Democrat House members William Jefferson of Louisiana and Allan Mollohan of West Virginia. If elected, what steps would you take to help eliminate ethical improprieties among our elected representatives?

Rigorous review, analysis: budget, based on merit, principle, priorities, cost-effectiveness, social cost-benefits. Promote quality, peace, justice, fair election processes; televise, disseminate, maintain meaningful information; issue, candidate, debate. Oppose: unjust practices, manipulation, influence; bad legislative proposals, hidden agenda with false excuses (economic development, housing, transportation…whatever) for private gain (officials, developers, lawyers, etc.); nonsense grants, programs, projects: facilitate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”=cruel tyranny= robbery machine; continuing, on-going, expanding, penetrating, threat, coercion, victimization, deprivation, discrimination; endless immoral-unlawful acts, rob/destruct resources (public, private; business, civic, political), frivolous litigation, levies, foreclosures; improper processing of complaints, proceedings, docketing; cause vicious cycles: socio- political- election-media; civil-human rights, people-slave.

Question #4:

Along that same line, many people have seen the vast sums of money that seemingly are required to run for public office and were under the impression that campaign finance reforms such as those enacted with the McCain-Feingold bill were supposed to relieve this inequity. On the whole, however, the money trail has not ceased even with these laws. How do you favor strengthening these laws to make them more effective, or do you agree with some First Amendment advocates who think these laws should be eliminated?

The way to eliminate corporate corruption is not by rhetoric legislative bills. Most likely the legislative bills are bad, and often with serious hidden agendas and appropriation to benefit a few. A lot of legislative bills are unnecessary, except to keep legislators busy, without time to think, or to deal with more important bills or other things, e.g., resolving and provide proper remedies against “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks: operation, unjust practices; actually prosecuting and eliminating frauds, crimes or corruption (public or private, corporate or government). There are Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and other existing good laws, which need to be enforced, implemented; but are often ignored, violated intentionally, as by the rampant of “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” with endless immoral, unlawful acts, frauds and crimes, which breed more corruption and violence domestically and globally. U.S. Senate, or even three branches of government, law enforcement, government attorneys, prosecutors, local- federal are not doing rights; failed to carry out their responsibilities to enforce the good laws, protecting people, their rights, resources, properties, reputation, due process, etc. Important but often ignored: Prosecute and eliminate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation, unjust practice, manipulation, influence. Stop processing bad or unnecessary legislative bills; proper processing of complaints, files, records, resolution. Based on merits, cost-effectiveness, priorities, socials cost-benefits; stop bad appropriation. Rigorous review, analysis: budget, based on merit, principle, priorities, cost-effectiveness, social cost-benefits. Promote quality, peace, justice, fair election processes; televise, disseminate, maintain meaningful information; issue, candidate, debate. Oppose: unjust practices, manipulation, influence; bad legislative proposals, hidden agenda with false excuses (economic development, housing, transportation, whatever) for private gain (officials, developers, lawyers, etc.); nonsense grants, programs, projects: facilitate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”. Major transaction or land deal should be rigorously reviewed objectively by academically very well trained, based on merits, priorities, cost- effectiveness, social cost-benefits, etc., through competitive processes, general soliciting, fair market mechanism; not arranged by the developer or inner circle; should be openly discussed with residents, in official meetings, Mayor/Council/ public hearings; not misleading, concealing, unjust manipulation or influence; not rushed through as the consent agenda items as mall purchases of goods and services. Eliminate, prevent: abandonment of public resources, land, properties to benefit a few or “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” including developer, government attorneys, lawyers, law firms, etc.) at the expense of general public and future generations, including other jurisdictions, especially with grants and public debts from the state and federal; sold, leased out (secret hidden agenda, even huge acres, decades-long lease) with zero or no fair compensation, despite citizen’s objection; unnecessarily leased private properties for government use at very high costs even with short lease (a few years or shorter); with extra high costs to construct building, furnish expansive equipments; and when construction is done, lease expires, completed products abandoned or free to a few; often disguised by partnership, economic development, school, education, public safety, etc.; several rounds of unjust abandonment and purchase; misleading public roads, highways, when in fact abandoned to private; unjust projects, appropriation; misuse, abuse, misappropriation; false road construction, maintenance; false records: land, roads, maps; unjust demolition of building even in good condition to initiate new construction, project, purchase, including library or school.

Question #5:

While the above issues have captured the headlines, our War on Terror (particularly in Iraq) is never far from our minds. It goes without saying that the vast majority of us support our troops; but the question is whether you favor our current approach or something different in terms of sending additional troops, seeking more multinational support, or a complete pullout. Maybe your thoughts are someplace in between these listed or would be considered “out of the box” thinking. What approach would you favor?

Support humanity, peace, justice. Respect other’s cultures. Cooperate with United Nation, other countries. Oppose: horrible violent force, invasion, occupation, Deprivation/destruction (countries, population, properties, soldiers; resources, reputation; public, private); unjust practices, manipulation, influence, falsification, false excuses; problems (credibility, moral, mental, financial, fiscal), official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks Government budget to carry out necessary government function; maintain truly quality, honest, integrity employees, appointees, commissioners, volunteers; etc.; eliminate “fraud- crime- injustice networks”, corporate welfare. Define and identify the “terror” or “crime” right; not opposite, falsification, misleading, deceit; false excuses to victimize people (here or overseas), as often by the “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks: Fighting the terror overseas, with UN, alliance of other countries. Pay for damages, restitution, reparation to victims; penalties against those who caused the problems or damages. Reconstruction mainly to benefit the general public of the victimized countries; not to benefit a few; with UN, alliance of countries.

Question #6:

Related to the above question is the controversy over Iran’s nuclear program. The oil-rich nation claims that this program is for the peaceful use of generating electrical power for its citizens, yet on the other hand its leadership has threatened the nation of Israel with annihilation hinted as being from a nuclear bomb. While the President has the final decision, what course would you advocate he take (a pre-emptive military strike, diplomacy either through the UN or some other way, or leaving them alone as a sovereign nation) and why?

Stop minorities bashing. Improve quality of officials. Support civilian review board.
Improve race relationships, by deeds, not rhetoric; diversity in good faith, not for political reasons; or to benefit/facilitate “fraud-crime- injustice networks” operations; not relaying/shuffling at the expense of justice, productivity against good workers/citizens, especially minorities. Investigate/ prosecute/ eliminate: serious problems: unjust appropriation, siphoning resources to benefit a few, “fraud-crime- networks” Investigate/ prosecute/ eliminate: minorities-bashing, hate crimes; injustice, false excuses, imprisonment, detention, torture, unfair treatment, victimization; deprivation of resources, reputation, families, social relationship; racial profiling, discrimination, victimization, retaliation, official misconduct, falsification; unlawful acts, crimes; tampering of evidence, witnesses, etc.; three branches, local- global, especially by “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice works”, including DOJ, FBI, law enforcement, judicial/ legal/ financial/ accounting personnel, their unjust practices (false excuses, manipulation, influence, destruction) destroy individuals, families, businesses, communities, peace, democracy. Their damages are more serious than 9-11-2001 World Trade Center incidence, President Bush’s wars, President Nixon’s Watergate, Florida election 2000, financial/ accounting/ legal disasters, notorieties (e.g., Enron bankruptcy, Andersen accounting). Illinois Governor issued moratorium, because of DNA tests disapproved the death sentences of some death row inmates. Maryland conducted a study about the disparities in death penalty. Examine inmate/detainee population, true causes of imprisonment, bond; disparate treatment; official misconduct, brutality, frivolous cases (civil, criminal), improper complaint processing, procedures, proceedings; administrative, judicial levels. Thorough investigation, using the complaints/cases, testimonies of this candidate before officials, legislative committees, public hearings, the Office of Court Administration; varieties of issues, including legislative proposals, budgets, etc.; accumulative, never properly resolved. Shame: judicial branch asked lawmaker (Maryland General Assembly) to abolish the record- keeping or accounting.

Question #7:

Back to domestic issues. One pillar or goal of the Bush administration was to enact Social Security reform in the second term, but it has stalled because of claims there’s no problems with the program and privatization reforms are simply a way to enable Wall Street to profit. Do you think the Social Security program is fine as it is, or what changes would you advocate happening with the program?

Clean up government; lack of accountability, unreliable records, accounting, bookkeeping, records, files; improper complaint processing. Prosecute, eliminate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” with unjust deprivation of resources (public, private) by various unlawful, unethical, immoral acts, frauds, crimes; deprived of people’s salaries, benefits (fringe benefits, insurance benefits, retirement, pension, annual/sick leaves), insurance benefits, retirement, pension, annual/sick leaves), unjust manipulation, influence: improper records, bookkeeping; improper shuffling of processing employees’ earnings, benefits, calculation of social security benefits; unjust deprivation of resources (public, private) by various unlawful, unethical, immoral acts, frauds, crimes; unjust manipulation, influence: improper records, bookkeeping; improper shuffling of processing and employees’ earnings, benefits, calculation of social security benefits; unjust denial of benefits; damage/harm supposedly workers, retirees, elderly, beneficiaries, families, socials relations, endless damages/harm (physical, mental, bodily, financial), unjust manipulation and influence: medical services, insurance plans and coverage, rehabilitation services, etc. .The problems are not just in SSA agencies, but also related agencies, e.g., Maryland State Department of Education, Barbara Smith and Susan Page, employees or phony persons, falsification, false records, refuse to provide information, files for inspection, etc.

Clean up government. Support universal national health insurance (all, Medicare, Medicaid, prescription, uninsured, catastrophic); single payer (government); simple, effective, equal, quality, meaningful, merit, accountability, preventive, affordable, low premium, cost containment (goods, services, wholesale, professional review); public funded research should benefit taxpayers not to benefit a few; public education, consumer protection. Eliminate deceit, frauds, “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation, unjust practices.

Prosecute, eliminate abuse, misuse, frauds, crimes, victimize people, deprive resources, capability (public, private), fraudulent charges; unnecessary medical services, drugs, medication, equipments, surgeries, catheters, etc.

Question #8:

Some in Congress have raised the question of “pork” or excessive earmarks because our federal budget always runs in deficit and eliminating these earmarks would be a simple way to help balance the budget. But no Congressman or Senator wants to cut their district’s or state’s project. To balance the budget, would you consider sacrificing some of your district or state’s federally-funded projects or would you prefer measures to enhance federal revenues to meet the gap?

For issue of economy and federal deficit:
Focus on principle, merit, fairness, cost-effectiveness; not for the best interest of the people. Redirect priorities, budget, focus. Improve productivities which increase government revenue. Eliminate: waste, abuse, nonsense projects, unnecessary expenditure, abandonment of land, properties, resources, “fraud-crime- networks”; less social problems, less government expenditures; public debt/ bond (burden of taxpayers and future generations; more time, resources for people, families, less traffic congestion; unjust abandonment/ destruction/ lease-out/ sale public land, buildings, schools (free or without fair compensation, even decades long leases); purchase/ lease-in/ construct land, facilities (at outrageous costs, many times market values); improper planning, misleading, deceit; improper reserve fund (not savings for potential capital investment, but by borrowing, public debt, bond); raising taxation, fees, bond/debts mainly to benefit a few; false excuses, unjust practices, manipulation, misleading, deceit, influence; abuse of power, litigation, legal costs; especially by legal/judicial personnel; “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”; false citations (issued by city manager, police, inspection; municipal, traffic, or phoney – refused to give identities or full names), improper/unjust legislative bills, proposals, appropriation, expenditures; ineffective/nonsense projects, programs (e.g., Greater Rockville Partnership, Rockville Housing Enterprise, Annual Night-Out, Rockville University, Citizen Police Academy, CALEA police accreditation, City Attorney Paul Glasgow, related law firms, “fraud- crime- injustice networks”); Rockville City Attorney Paul Glasgow: not salaried employee, highly paid contractor; conflict of interest, ethic rules (more serious than usual employees; county, state, federal); abuse of power, litigation, complaints, files, contracting (arbitrary criteria, selection); improper complaint processing, procedures, proceedings, legal services (disservice); improper land deals, abandonment of public land, resources, properties; improper procurement, not open bid (e.g., Rockville Town Center, goods, services; all stages; design, development, construction, etc.); abuse of public land, resources for private gains; benefit a few: reimburse private expenses; improper or no records, responses, files, pleadings on complaints/cases; resolution, remedies on complaints/requests; false citation, harassment, arrest, intimidation, conspiracies, cover-up numerous serious unlawful acts, fraud- crimes, frivolous cases/litigations, unjust influences, manipulation of televised camera; without proper public hearing; as part of “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation. STOP/ELIMINATE: OFFICIAL FRAUD, SCAM, UNJUST DEVELOPMENT PLAN, e.g., Rockville Town Center Plan (misuse/abuse of power, law, litigation, public resources); public fund $99+millions (upward, city, county, state, federal) mainly to benefit a few, “fraud- crime- injustice networks”, which in turn hurt people and society further; destroy families, communities, businesses, democracy, fair election process, peace; cause serious socio-political- election- media problems; worse than Florida election 2000, World Trade Center 9-11-2001 incidences, President George Bush’s wars, President Richard Nixon’s Watergate, financial/ accounting/legal disasters (e.g., Enron/ WorldCom/ Anderson).
Reduce: the need for people to drive or get on the roads; traffic congestion, stress, accidents; the need to go to courthouses, administrative or judicial hearings/ trials; false citations (traffic, municipal infraction); abuses, unjust manipulation; taxation, fees, burden to residents; the need for more family members to work; need for multiple jobs for each person; need for cars; more trips; more stress, fatigue; abuse, waste; unjustified budget, appropriation; taxation, fees, public debt, people’s burden; improper processing of complaints, assignment of cases/hearing across all jurisdictions; unjust cancellation of hearings/ trials; unjust deprivation and rulings without affidavits, hearings, trials; need for appeals, further complaints. Provide mass transit services, bus schedules, (good, frequent, reliable); proper implementation of laws, and processing of complaints/ cases. See also other issue statements – interrelated.

Question #9:

Now to the question of trade. When I go to a store, many’s the time that I see a product is made in China – hence we run a large trade deficit with that nation. President Bush has advocated a hemisphere-wide free trade zone that would add Central and South American countries to the umbrella originally created by the NAFTA agreement a decade ago. Given these items, and knowing also that the number of manufacturing jobs in this country remains flat to slightly lower even in this era of steadily expanding employment, where do you stand – do you see free trading eventually shifting our economy to one mostly comprised of service and technology jobs, or do you feel we should take more steps to preserve our core manufacturing positions?

Major transaction or land deal, local- global, should be rigorously reviewed objectively by academically very well trained, based on merits, priorities, cost- effectiveness, social cost-benefits, etc., through competitive processes, general soliciting, fair market mechanism; not arranged by the developer or inner circle; should be openly discussed with residents, in official meetings, Mayor/Council/ public hearings; not misleading, concealing, unjust manipulation or influence; not rushed through as the consent agenda items as mall purchases of goods and services. Eliminate, prevent: abandonment of public resources, land, properties to benefit a few or “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” including developer, government attorneys, lawyers, law firms, etc.) at the expense of general public and future generations, including other jurisdictions, especially with grants and public debts from the state and federal; sold, leased out (secret hidden agenda, even huge acres, decades-long lease) with zero or no fair compensation, despite citizen’s objection; unnecessarily leased private properties for government use at very high costs even with short lease (a few years or shorter); with extra high costs to construct building, furnish expansive equipments; and when construction is done, lease expires, completed products abandoned or free to a few; often disguised by partnership, economic development, school, education, public safety, etc.; several rounds of unjust abandonment and purchase; misleading public roads, highways, when abandoned to private; unjust projects, appropriation; misuse, abuse, misappropriation; false road construction, maintenance; false records: land, roads, maps; unjust demolition of building even in good condition to initiate new construction, project, purchase, including library or school.

Question #10:

This question should present you with the shortest answer. Given that in 2008 either you will be seeking re-election to the House and hoping for some coattails at the top of the ticket, or preparing to work with a new President (for the Senators), if you had a short list of 3 to 5 names you’d like to see seek the job, who would they be? Please note that they do not have to be candidates who are considered to be running for the post at this time.

To have someone who will be willing, capable, and able to solve socio-political-election- media problems. Top 3 priorities:
(1). Society is in vicious cycles, as in need of revolution, if we don’t act. First, prosecute, eliminate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”. Oppose: unjust practices, manipulation, influence; bad legislative proposals, hidden agenda with false excuses (economic development, housing, transportation, whatever) for private gain (officials, developers, lawyers, etc.); nonsense grants, programs, projects: facilitate “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”=cruel tyranny= robbery machine; continuing, on-going, expanding, penetrating, threat, coercion, victimization, deprivation, discrimination; endless immoral-unlawful acts, rob/destruct resources (public, private; business, civic, political), frivolous litigation, levies, foreclosures; improper processing of complaints, proceedings, docketing; cause vicious cycles: socio- political- election-media; civil-human rights, people-slave. E.g., Problems (A): OPM, DOJ, IRS, SSA, FBI, law enforcement, National Park Service (Prettyman?), Library of congress (Neil Gladd), financial/brokerage/ accounting/ bill-payment processing/ collection agencies, insurance, car-dealers Lakeforest Oldsmobile; phone/utilities/cable, judges, legal/court personnel, detective/ process server/ impersonators or with phony names; Leslie Gradet, Tamera Jones, William D Roessler; offices of treasury, comptroller, attorney general: Joel Jacob/Jacobson, Gail Malle-Davis, Sylvia J. Brokos, Mary Hawse, Linda Tanton, Gerald Langbaum, John Barry, Pamela Porter, Leo F. Partridge, Mark Vulcan, Jamis Riley, James Britt, Audrey Thomas, Jeanne Lippy, Jesse Rosenburger, Ralph Lepson; transcribers Margaret Bauer, Senators: Walter Baker, Barbara Hoffman, Thomas Middleton, Trooper: Marty Sealey, Vincent Mass, State Election Board Ross Goldstein; Lobbysts/municipal attorneys/lawyers/affiliates, Paul Glasgow, David Venable, Joseph Stoltz, Jr., Barry Gordon, Stephen Perouka, David Steinberg, Wolpoff & Abramson, Richard D. Mirsky, Poppleton, Garrett & Polott, P.C., Marc Sliffman, Samuel White, DOEd Susan Page, Barbara Smith?, accountant Hilda K. Matijevic..more.
(B): The problems are interrelated horizontally and vertically, among all issues, locak0 global. Montgomery County Circuit Court Loretta Knight, Bettie Skelton, District Court Clerk Jeffrey Ward, Administrstive Judge Cornelius Vaughey, Sheriff Elliot Tolbert, etc. government attorney John McCarthy, Kristen Bender are part of the “:fraud- crime- networks: with harassment, false arrest, imprisonment, false citation, false trespass, false testimony, withholding witnesses, etc.
( C). False frivolous levies, liens, garnishment, foreclosure, tenant-hold-over- eviction, etc. Thousands of cases are pending in the court systems for years or even decades; probably filed by “fraud- crime- networks” while continuing to victimize people; without proper services and proceedings; major causes of “homelessness” and poverty; not because of the problems of citizens, but because of unjust judicial/court/legal personnel, and court auditor Robert Romero as part of “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”. Judges include John Debelius, Durk Thumpson, Ann Harrington, Louise Scriver, Lawrence De Beard, etc.
(D). Further example of violating Constitution or Bills of Rights (U. S. and State), police brutality or sheriff misconduct, attorneys and affiliated law firms and related “fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation are evidenced with official misconduct, e.g., District Court Judge Gary Everngam, Judge Gary Crawford, Sheriff Earnest Turner, other court personnel for improper processing of cases, including failing to docket, concealing of pleadings, falsification, denial of fair trial or jury trial demand, counter-claim, cross-claims, etc.
(E). Problems of privatization, irresponsibility, disabilities of government attorneys and judicial/legal/court personnel. Problems are very serious, expanding, local- out of state- nationwide- global; exporting injustice everywhere, including overseas. In Rockville city, in Montgomery County, in State of Maryland, in New Jersey Monmouth County, Judge Robert McLeod, Judge Patricia Bueno Cleary (?).

(2). Restore: principle, fairness, cost-effectiveness, accountability, reliability, capability; fair election, justice, peace (including civic, non-profit organizations), “check and balance”; Restore: TRUE essence of democracy, fair election process; easy access to government, files, records, transcripts; not unjustly manipulated, influenced, misled by wrong person, information, or “official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” = serious causes of socio- political – election –media problems, which destroy people, families, society, peace, justice, democracy. Based on merits, justification; double standards, improper processing of complaints, procedures, proceedings; falsification, false records, tampering of evidence, data; harass, intimidate complainant, witnesses; false charges, citation, bond, imprisonment, disparities, improper treatments, etc., disguised by abuse of laws, power, authorities.

(3). .Promote quality, competition, people input (policies, issues, officials, judges); televise public hearings, citizen/candidate forum/debate; maintain, disseminate meaningful accurate information, records, capability, reasoning, good sense of justice, public interest.

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I read this and I still don’t understand it. All I know is that if I were paid by the comma I would be quite the wealthy guy about now. *shrug*

Anyway, I can promise you that tomorrow I’m doing Addie Eckardt’s Ten Questions for her bid to retain her seat in the General Assembly and I don’t recall seeing 1/5 of the commas when I printed her remarks. And I got a comment for Congressional candidate Jim Corwin asking me to resend TQ to him so I might get his answers back in time to post them before the primary.

For Wicomico County Sheriff

Tonight will be the first of my endorsements for the primary election season. I chose to begin with the Sheriff’s race because it seems to have the highest amount of interest and the largest number of candidates. This means an earlier endorsement may do the most good.

To be honest, in almost all cases I would support the winners of the Republican primary in the general election, although I can think of a couple exceptions off the top of my head if certain scenarios and matchups played out. However, in this case as well as other contested races I’m going to endorse a winner from both parties. If that primary race turns out in a different manner, I’ll revisit the endorsement prior to the November election.

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I’m going to begin with the Democratic primary contenders. All three have longstanding ties with the current Sheriff’s Department, and two of the three have the WCSD as their present employer. In my opinion, all three have strengths but all three also have what I consider glaring weaknesses based on comments they’ve made in the various forums. Kirk Daugherty spoke of acquiring “CSI technology” which is a nice idea but what I’d like to know is how useful that would be in our county where the crimes aren’t generally that convoluted to figure out. Most homicides here stem from the drug trade. Ken Pusey told us that grants to get technology “don’t cost taxpayers a thing” when the reality is that, unless it’s a private institution giving the grant, anything from the government does have a price. It’s just not directly taken out of our pockets, in general it’s diluted to pay for the bureaucrats who have to be sucked up to in order to get a grant. Meanwhile, Robin Roberts spoke glowingly of having a “diverse” department. Can’t we just have the best and brightest officers and not worry about how much pigment they have or whether they carry a “Y” chromosome?

To me, the race on the Democrat side is between the two in the WCSD right now. Kirk Daugherty has ran a good campaign, but I think the two currently in the department are the two who are most qualified to continue on. On balance, though, I believe the Democrat nomination should go to Robin Roberts. While Ken Pusey does have some good ideas regarding manpower and “special ops” units, I think his promise to “clean up” the department could impact morale in the coming months. Roberts wants to focus attention on recruiting by having good role models in the WCSD and soliciting citizen input, which may help somewhat in gathering intelligence about what’s going on down on the streets. He also wants to rework the WCSD to form “interdiction units” and reopen the substations still closed.

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This brings us to the Republican side. Unlike the Democrat side, most of the candidates are currently outside of the WCSD. Only Doris Schonbrunner is inside the department, she’s currently second-in-command under retiring Sheriff Hunter Nelms.

It’s my feeling that Wayne Lowe and Chris South have certainly made good points in this race; South seems to have a good attitude toward making the WCSD more user-friendly, while Lowe makes a very good case for himself based on achieving an end result of prosecuting criminals. Certainly there are elements of both mens’ platforms that would be useful for the next Sheriff to adopt and bring into their term.

Being more involved with the local GOP than with the Democrats, I obviously can get the pulse of those whose business it is to know these things and the conventional wisdom (such that we have) is that it’s become a two-person race between Mike Lewis and Doris Schonbrunner, with Lewis having a slight advantage. Mike Lewis certainly is good at creating enthusiasm for his work whenever he speaks.

Lewis is a wonderful teacher. I sat in last month’s WCRC meeting and was fascinated by Mike’s presentation. I’m not a cop but I learned a lot about traffic stops and drug interdiction from just 20 or 30 minutes listening to him speak. Had Hunter Nelms decided to run for another term, I’m certain Mike Lewis would be starting a second career traveling the country and even internationally as a teacher and expert on drug interdiction. It almost seems like a waste having him as a county sheriff when he could do a great job and touch many more people with a career path like he was contemplating.

But, for reasons unknown to me, Hunter Nelms decided it was time to turn over the badge to another. Now, if there wasn’t another person who was qualified to assume the Sheriff’s duties I’d certainly have no problem with Mike Lewis as our next Sheriff, despite the lost opportunity of having an expert interdictor and outstanding teacher making a difference nationally in combatting the scourge of drugs.

Fortunately we do have just such a qualified person ready and willing to assume the role of our next Sheriff. Her name is Doris Schonbrunner. Just as Lewis worked and studied to become the expert in his field, Doris Schonbrunner has worked and studied to become Sheriff. She’s made her way through the ranks and has mastered the administrative side that the job truly entails. Being Sheriff is akin to being a CEO of a company and degrees in Criminal Justice and Human Resource Management along with Masters’ work in Public Administration hold her in good stead for that side of the job, while graduating from the FBI National Academy works well for the criminal side.

I’m sure some will say, “but Mike Lewis is going to get the criminals off the street.” Mike Lewis isn’t going to do this by himself, it’s going to be those officers out doing the patrol work who are on the front lines. I think Doris has a good idea where she proposes to evaluate the lower echelon officers’ strengths and interests and pair them up with more senior officers in a mentorship program. I’m somewhat familiar with the concept because intern architects now have to participate in a similar style of mentorship in order to qualify for their architectural examination.

In sum, let’s keep the people on the Republican side doing what they can do best. Chris South by all accounts is doing a fine job for US Air, Wayne Lowe is doing wonderful work in the State’s Attorney office, and Mike Lewis is outstanding in his chosen field of drug interdiction and enforcement. With her experience and education, I have no doubt that Doris Schonbrunner is going to make a great Sheriff and a worthy successor to Hunter Nelms, so I endorse her for this post with the strongest enthusiasm.

Election Calendar – August 21 thru September 3

As faithful readers of monoblogue have already discovered, I’m back in town. I actually have some thoughts to share on my trip to Pennsylvania and Ohio, perhaps this week I’ll compile them and the pictures for a post. But for now it’s a return to the Election Calendar, which this goround covers the span of time up to Labor Day weekend.

First and foremost, Tuesday the 22nd is the final day to register to vote for this year’s primary. After that you’re SOL.

I still have no more info on Jim Corwin‘s plans to be at a “Wicomico Crab Feast” on August 27.

Like last time, District 38B contenders Bonnie Luna, Jack Lord, and Sonny Bloxom all have events on their respective calendars. They still tend to conglomerate at a few events:

August 23-26: Great Pocomoke Fair (Lord, Luna).
August 26: Mardel Republican Club Crab Feast (Lord, Bloxom).

Luna also has a candidate forum in Snow Hill on her calendar for August 29th, I’d be reasonably certain that the other 38B contenders would be there too seeing as it’s a Worcester-based event.

Still upcoming as well are two events featuring Sonny Bloxom; the dedication of the Jordan Daycare Center on August 24th at 3:00 p.m. and Wor-Wic’s Annual Steak Out on August 25th. I believe both of these are at the Berlin Wor-Wic campus, hopefully Sonny will read this and correct me if I’m mistaken. And indeed he did, both events are at the Salisbury campus.

And I cannot forget that it’s that time of the month – the regular meeting of the Wicomico County Republican Club occurs on Monday, August 28 at the Chamber of Commerce building (144 E. Main in Salisbury.) We’ll begin the schmoozing at 7:00 p.m. and get to hear from Bonnie Luna (her again) about 7:30 or so. I’m sure almost every Republican that’s on the Wicomico County ballot will be there. (Oh, and the person doing the club’s website needs to see monoblogue for additional links I have that they don’t.)

Also upcoming is a fundraiser for County Executive candidate BJ Corbin on August 31st, 6-9 p.m. This $50 event will be held at the Old Mill Crab House along Route 54 at Waller Road just west of Delmar.

You know, I honestly wish I’d get more input from Democrats, Greens, Libertarians, etc. on what they’re doing. It’s not like I don’t look for their stuff but obviously I get more news from the GOP side. Love to know how the other sides live as well.

Finally, Bill Reddish of WICO came through for me again and submitted his interview schedule for the next few days. All of these take place in the half-hour from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m.

August 21: Mark Bowen (incumbent Democrat Clerk of the Courts)
August 22: Rich Colburn (incumbent Republican District 37 Senator)
August 23: Hilary Spence (Democrat candidate for District 37 Senator)
August 24: James Adkins (Democrat candidate in House of Delegates District 37B)

By the way, Colburn and Adkins have already answered my Ten Questions, Hilary Spence should now have a copy. I think a few candidates may have blocked my original e-mail because I attached the TQ as a file instead of placing it in the body of the e-mail. Lesson learned.

Next week’s Election Calendar will be the final one for the primary season. I’ll take a couple weeks off from it and resume things the Sunday after the primary since we’ll have eliminated the pretenders from the contenders at that time. That’ll be the day after we in the GOP eliminate a few dozen crabs because our WCRC Crab Feast is the 16th at Schumaker Pond. (But any D’s, Greens, Libertarians, etc. are welcome to join in.)

Tossing the bull around

Some of the rejects that will be saved for next year's contest.

All right, they were buffalo chips. Not the nicest thing to hold but held relatively harmless by a squirt of antibacterial soap and a good hand washing. I was one of the participants in this year’s Buffalo Chip Toss at the Wicomico County Farm and Home Show. There were about 30 politicians who participated; mostly local but we did get U.S. Senate hopeful George English as a lone statewide candidate.

The man behind monoblogue with a sample.

I probably should have thrown this one, instead I used a smaller model.

Ready to fling as best I can.

I’d have to say the “average” toss was about 60 feet, mine was a little under that at 55′-5″. By the way, the man clapping behind me is Clerk of the Courts candidate James Gillespie. I point this out because I swear that guy is everywhere I go. I even ran into him coming out of a workout in the fitness room at the apartment complex where I live (for now).

For the record, the winning toss was thrown by incumbent Clerk of the Court Mark Bowen, who threw his about 85 feet. Sheriff candidate Mike Lewis was second and County Executive hopeful BJ Corbin was third, all of them were over 80 feet. So I was well short of the money. But – being the lone Central Committeeman to participate from either party and as far as I’m aware the only candidate blogger to participate (Robin Roberts didn’t attend), I suppose I can claim the title belt in those two divisions. And I need to thank the nice lady (whose name I didn’t get) that took the pictures of me, whoever she is.

After the festivities I went inside to check out our party’s booth at the fair. Most of the signs I helped put up from working the booth Thursday are still there, only a couple additions have been made. I’ll be back over there to take them down shortly!

This year's edition of the Wicomico Republican Party's booth at the Farm and Home Show.

As you can see, several candidates and supporters are there manning the booth after the contest. From left to right, the gentleman that is half cut off with his back to the camera is Central Committeeman Blan Harcum, then it’s Jeremy Schonbrunner, the son of Sheriff candidate Doris Schonbrunner (in the red and white top), her husband Alan, County Council at-large hopeful Sheryl Peters (back to camera, red hair), current Sheriff Hunter Nelms, and on the far right with the cane, County Council at-large aspirant Lucy Graf. I wanted to see her throw a buffalo chip, but she declined to. By the way, the banner in the back is brand new and I helped with creating the tagline (“Preserving Our Values, Building Our Future”) at a recent Central Committee meeting.

Everything you wanted to know (and more) about our Republican slate.

Of course, most of the candidates had items there for public inspection. Certainly among the most eye-catching was Addie Eckardt’s hot pink signs and literature.

County Executive candidate Ron Alessi had his own space.

I found it sort of interesting that Ron Alessi decided he needed his own space. There are only two political entities at the Farm and Home Show, and you’ve now seen both of them. I notice a few other candidates with their items sitting at the Alessi booth, but no volunteers. Alessi was a participant in the chip toss, and I beat him as far as distance goes – of course I think I have about 20 years or so on him so it wasn’t quite a fair fight.

There’s one thing I noticed about this event though – the attendance isn’t what you’d expect for something that’s basically our equivalent to a county fair. It has the judging of the agricultural and artistic entities that one expects to see at a county fair (next year I may mount up and enter some of my photography) but it doesn’t have the midway and games that a typical fair has. Being that the show is held at Winterplace Park, obviously there’s room for it so I wonder why this is.

However, today I had fun out there in the lighthearted event that is the Buffalo Chip Toss, even though I didn’t win and was among the bottom-feeders of the group. There’s always next year!

Ten questions for…Richard Colburn

Today I get to read and write what the District 37 Senator wrote to me. As with all of these that come to me via snail mail, I’m going to do this verbatim so if there were spelling or grammatical errors in the answers, they’re going on monoblogue.

Question #1:

The Special Session did not address the interests of Eastern Shore residents. Experience has taught us that deregulation has not benefited the consumer in the State of Maryland. However, with that in mind, we should move carefully in regards to totally repealing the 1999 deregulation laws.

Question #2:

My major concern with the Massachusetts law is that I do not think government should mandate health care for everyone. However, despite the fact that I have not had the opportunity to thoroughly study the Mass law, I do see positive aspects. In regards to Massachusetts, the state acts as a conduit, or a large clearinghouse. As a result, there is a large clearinghouse with the insurance companies, so there are more people buying into the plans, it makes insurance more available, and keeps insurance costs down. In other words, the individual basically owns his/her insurance plan, and they pay a portion while the employer pays the rest. That in turn makes it easier for the employer to buy the employee’s health insurance. For instance, a cheap insurance policy would be more likely covered by the employer. Having said all of this, I want to emphasize that Maryland still needs meaningful, real tort reform to help keep insurance costs down, and the matter was not addressed during the 2004 Christmas Special Session as it should have been.

Question #3:

First off, I would sight my experience in helping to create a good economic development program for the town of Federalsburg. Economic development flourishes when elected and community leaders work in harmony toward a pro-business atmosphere. In addition, we need to lessen, not increase, mandated costs to businesses on the Eastern Shore. There is a program called One Maryland, which covers counties like Somerset, Dorchester, and Caroline Counties. I helped sponsor and push this legislation through the General Assembly and I believe it is a good program and should be retained. The program is designed to provide incentives for large industries in these counties in order to also bring more jobs to the area.

Question #4:

Maryland can ill afford to forego federal dollars by removing schools from the “No Child Left Behind” regulations. I continue to urge my constituents to do as we have done which is to urge federal representatives to address federal “No Child Left Behind” regulations making them more reasonable. The current regulations cause the teachers to spend an inordinate amount of time and resources preparing the children to pass tests in order to graduate instead of getting back to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Question #5:

Regarding Blackwater, I am a strong believer in private property rights. Also, a project that is 3 years old and $10 million dollars into the process should not be thwarted. When it comes to related development matters, I favor managed growth. Growth should be limited to regions already set aside for it in the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan should not be easily amended simply to accommodate a large development.

Question #6:

The General Assembly has gone too far. Thousands and thousands of dollars have been spent already regarding this issue. This is a waste of time and a waste of taxpayers’ dollars. The Governor is the Chief Executive of the State and consequently should be able to work with individuals with like-minded philosophies. My question is what exactly do my Democratic counterparts not understand about the definition of an at-will employee?

Question #7:

One of the transportation improvements that are a priority for the Eastern Shore is the complete dualization of MD Route 404. According to AAA, this highway is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in America. Therefore, dualization would make it safer for everyone, including local traffic and Western Shore traffic. Also dualization of Route 404 would increase utilization of that highway, thus, lessening traffic through Easton, Cambridge, and Salisbury. A new Dover Bridge is also desperately needed since it links Southern Caroline and the northern portion of Dorchester County to Easton Memorial Hospital. These improvements would be paid for through the gas tax. I would support an increase in funds for transportation by implementing a dedicated sales tax in those areas that have the full benefits of a mass transit system. We cannot afford to continue funding mass transit transportation costs through the gas tax, which should strictly be used for construction and maintenance of highways and bridges. Mass transit needs a dedicated funding source.

Question #8:

The most significant tools that will help fight drugs and gangs are sufficient funding and community cooperation. First, funding will help train officers and provide programs for education and public outreach. Cooperation is needed from schools, social services agencies, and community residents to identify problems and to report them to police. Crime prevention methods should be employed and police presence should increase in areas that are known for drug dealing and gang activity.

Question #9:

No one has ever given me in over twenty-eight years of politics, a reason why they were unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. The early voting laws passed recently by the Maryland General Assembly do not require proper voter identification. Therefore, early voting laws should be repealed. The citizens of Maryland deserve competent, credible, and nonpartisan elections. A fair and safe election is the bedrock of our American Democracy.

Question #10:

The issues that will be common ground for all parties are growth, education, and the general welfare of all of Maryland citizens. We must always try to not let partisan views interfere with the general welfare of Marylanders. Governor Ehrlich is the fourth Governor I have had the opportunity to work with. If Martin O’Malley is elected, and I am re-elected, he will be the fifth Governor I will have worked with. I have always tried to have a good working relationship with every Governor since it benefits my constituents on the Eastern Shore. However, I always draw a line when a Governor decides to implement policies, pushes legislation, etc. that would be detrimental to the Eastern Shore and its residents (i.e. Governor Glendenning).

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Of all the responses I have received, it’s quite possible that Senator Colburn’s is the one that matches most closely with my personal views (with a few exceptions here and there). My wrists are a bit tired from typing all that (monoblogue needs a real computer table I guess) but it was fun to read and write that at the same time.

Having said that, though, I’m glad that my next two featured folks (Lih Young for U.S. Senate on Tuesday and Addie Eckardt for House District 37B on Wednesday) chose to e-mail their responses, it makes life a LOT easier for me. I guess next week is Ladies Week then, particularly if I get a response from Jeannie Haddaway (District 37B), Bonnie Luna (District 38B), Hilary Spence (Senate District 37), or Moonyene Jackson-Amis (also Senate District 37) for Saturday. There’s also another woman in the U.S. Senate race by the name of Teresa Scaldaferri.

Also, my fellow Maryland Bloggers Alliance member Bruce Godfrey of Crablaw’s Maryland Weekly was kind enough to spread the word about my Ten Questions. So thanks to him for that. He’s sort of the Alan Colmes of the MBA but we like him anyway, he presents some interesting points of view we don’t always consider.

Ten questions for…George English

Surprise, surprise, surprise. I’m not Gomer Pyle, but I was shocked to have not one, but TWO responses to my U.S. Senate Ten Questions awaiting me upon my arrival back on the Eastern Shore after a fun and relatively relaxing vacation.

However, today’s is a little different. Mr. English chose only to answer Question #10 regarding Presidential candidates – as far as the rest he’s deferred to his website. I can give the Democrat a couple points for economy of effort but the idea behind TQ is to get specific answers to compare and contrast. Since returning I’ve been working on compiling the “debate” posts, which are going to be LONG, so much so that I’m dividing them into three separate dates. At the moment (subject to change) the dates will be September 1st, 6th, and 8th. With no original answers to Questions 1 through 9, he’s going to miss out on that portion of the campaign.

But here is George’s answer to Question #10. I’m actually just going to place the bulk of his e-mail response here, aside from greeting and close:

Question #10:

My apologies for the belated response, but I been kept busy filling our questionnaires, etc and other campaign activities. My campaign website contains 24 issue mini-papers that would answer most of the questions that you have asked below. If your readers would access my website, they could click on the titles of any of the issue papers of interest plus an extensive biographical summary directly from the home page. These issue papers range from one to three pages in length and are quite comprehensive despite their brevity. (Editor’s note: I have a link to his campaign in the right-hand column.) Tell your readers to use the URL search windows on their computers to locate my website if their browsers cannot find it.

Regarding my choice for President, my first choice would be Representative Dennis Kucinich, whom I have seen and heard during the 2004 campaign and my second chioce would be Senator Russ Feingold. Mr. Kucinich spoke about about his first job working for a newspaper in Ohio during the Vietnam War. He had to visit the homes of the parents of sons who had been recently killed in Vietnam to borrow photos that would be used in the deceaseds’ obituaries. Many of these homes were very modest and their dead sons obviously had been the center of their parents lives. Mr. Kucinich recalled how palpably he felt their soul-wrenching grieving and how devastating their loss was when he spoke with them. That is why he was one of the few members of Congress to resist the stampede to war in iraq and made the issue the highlight of his unsuccessful campaign for President. I hope that he runs again for President and that the citizens of this country will now listen to him and recognize how courageous he was and still is by his steadfast opposition to the war. Mr. Feingold impresses me with he personal integrity, a virtue which I find seriously lacking in most members of the Congress. Their fixation with “Political Correctness” has morphed into “Political Cowardice”. The interminable morass this country now finds itself mired in the Middle East is the direct result of their moral weakness.

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I suppose this sets a record for the shortest response. I did sneak a peek at my next U.S. Senate response upcoming on Tuesday because it was sent to me as an an attachment to the e-mail and she may have the longest ones. Her name is Lih Young and she’s running as a Democrat as well.

Tomorrow I’m going back to the Maryland General Assembly race for Rich Colburn’s responses. I didn’t get any new responses over the few days I was away so at the moment I have no one in next Wednesday’s slot (hint hint). While there may be some who discourage participation, I’m ready for more responses from those who truly want to answer the questions voters want to know about and who disdain “politics as usual.”

Late edit: Just after I finished this I checked my e-mail and what should I find but TQ responses from District 37B incumbent Addie Eckardt. So she will have Wednesday’s TQ slot.

Ten questions for…James Adkins

The Democrat challenger and former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs gets his turn in the monoblogue spotlight this week, and beyond. He gets the luck of the draw as I’ll take a blogging vacation for a week after I do the Shorebird of the Week post tomorrow. There won’t be another Ten Questions until a week from Saturday UNLESS I get a last-minute U.S. Senate response, in which case that would be Friday the 18th.

But here is what James sent back to me for his answers. Enjoy, it’s got to last you for about 10 days!

Question #1:

Some of you participated in the recent special session to modify the large rate hikes that were to be enacted by Baltimore Gas & Electric. However, our electrical rates from the local Eastern Shore suppliers went unchanged. With that in mind, would you be more in favor of a total repeal of the 1999 deregulation laws, or do you believe the concept is sound and only needs a few guardrails and rate safeguards?

I, like many other Maryland consumers, have yet to see the benefit of deregulation. The restructuring that took place in the late 90’s has failed to provide the consumer with the desired results. Unfortunately, the Public Service Commission may have also failed to represent the consumer as well as it could have. This is a very complicated matter and will have to reviewed and addressed in 2007 and beyond to ensure that whatever is done protects the consumer and strikes a balance between what is fair for the consumer and what is fair for the providers of electricity.

Question #2:

There is a lot more to the bill than just mandating residents secure coverage. I believe businesses will have to pay $295/year for each individual that they employ but do not provide coverage for, if they have 11 or more employees. The program will also require Massachusetts to subsidize the coverage of many of its residents who cannot afford to pay for insurance. Others, who can afford health insurance but do not obtain it, could face significant fines. The devil is in the details on this one, but we will have to continue to watch for lessons learned from this intiative

Question #3:

This is a multifaceted issue. We must ensure the workforce is educated and trained to fill good-paying jobs. This means that we must ensure our schools are preparing their students for life after school. Good-paying jobs also means higher technology in some cases and we must ensure the Eastern Shore is “wired” so that new businesses, which require higher connectivity, can plug into the global market. More public-private partnerships will have to be established while taking advantage of our higher education resources here on the Shore to entice business to locate here.

Question #4:

I would have to look at the numbers and whether or not Maryland could stand to lose the funding. Right now, NCLB is placing an ever increasing burden on our school systems. The real question is whether or not our students are graduating with more knowledge and are better prepared to enter the workplace and adulthood due to NCLB. Only time will tell, but “bright ideas” from Washington and even from Annapolis may not be as effective as the appropriate resourcing of good ideas by those who have to implement policies.

Question #5:

In the 2006 General Assembly, the Blackwater development in Cambridge became a contentious issue which led to legislation that was eventually defeated. However, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has continued to apply pressure to legislators and encouraged voters to speak out on what they perceive as a threat to bay water quality. On the other hand, the city of Cambridge sees Blackwater as a needed shot in the arm for its economy and tax base. Where do you see yourself on this issue and related development matters?

I don’t think we should use housing construction alone as the answer to strengthening the Eastern Shore’s economy. We need a full spectrum of employment here on the Shore and must look over the horizon to see what the Shore will look like in the next 50 years. It is a difficult balancing act to recruit the businesses and then make sure that we can provide the employees to run the businesses. The Eastern Shore needs to be able to plug into the high technology located in places like Montgomery County. Unless we can provide this type of opportunity here on the Shore, we will continue to build houses here and people will continue to drive across the Bay Bridge for work there just adding to the congestion on our roadways. Just think what our roads will be like in the future, if we don’t solve this problem. Finally, we have only one chance to get this right. We have to get a handle on growth here on the Shore or we will lose our way of life.

Question #6:

Maybe the answer is yes and no to both questions. The Governor was operating under expanded “at will” authority provided during the previous administration and authorized by the General Assembly. We can’t keep changing the rules depending on which party is in power. A governor needs the flexibility to have key positions filled by those who support and will implement his or her vision for operations of the executive branch. However, the chief executive and his staff must use good judgment and fairness when implementing policy.

Question #7:

The immediate priority is to leverage state and federal funding to correct transportation problems that directly impact on driver safety. No doubt someone in the State Highway Administration already knows where these areas are. Long term we have to visualize what type of transportation network will be needed in our future. How are we going to deal with commuters? How are we going to deal with the ever increasing traffic to Ocean City and other weekend destinations? These are questions that need to be addressed. We probably should start planning now for mass transportation entities that will be essential to preserving our quality of life in the over the next fifty years.

Question #8:

As the Eastern Shore grows and changes, we will have to deal more and more with the problems that jurisdictions on the Western Shore have been dealing with for years. The General Assembly needs to listen to local law enforcement agencies as well as the Maryland State Police to see what legislative tools are needed to help them deal with the problem. And like everything else, the state will have to apply resources/funding to help deal with these issues as the local level.

Question #9:

Until it becomes obvious that there is a problem with fraud, I support the law. The more the population is engaged in the political process, the better our democracy will be. The key is to make sure that the process is fair to all and that it does not favor one party or another. It is being used successfully in other states. Early voting may need some tweaking here in Maryland, but let’s see how it goes before we decide to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Question #10:

We have to talk about Maryland’s future. Where do we want Maryland to be in twenty or thirty years and beyond? Our focus needs to be on accomplishing things that are important to Marylanders and the future of this great state. No matter who gets elected, both parties will have to reach across the aisle with the intent to work for a better and brighter future for Maryland. We have to get beyond party politics.

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Of all the answers I’ve gotten from Democrats, those are among the best. I recall at the NAACP forum Adkins came across as more forward-thinking than most. Honestly, that’s an asset a politician needs to have and more politicians need to show, rather than thinking about what will get them through the next election. I myself like to believe that I’m thinking about the next generation, it’s not like mine’s going to have that great of an impact now. It’s too settled into its ways.

What’s interesting about his race is that should he win the primary, he likely gets to face two incumbent members of the General Assembly who are over a generation apart. That would make for an interesting debate.

Speaking of debate, when I come back next week I’ll need to start setting those posts up. In the meantime, I encourage you to sample all of monoblogue and visit or revisit some of my earlier posts. It’s a bit like the “best of” shows entertainers do when they are away.

But I’m planning on being back and back at this in about a week or so after SotW tomorrow. I’ll probably go into my break with SotW and come back with next week’s.

Election Calendar – August 7 thru August 27

All right, now I have a few minutes before the storm hits here to attempt to update the Election Calendar.

This time I have more events, including some who have a large number.

Democrat candidate for U.S. Congress Jim Corwin and U.S. Senate candidate Josh Rales are among those planning to being amongst the crowds at the Seafood Feast-I-Val in Cambridge on August 12th. Corwin also has plans to be at a “Wicomico Crab Feast” on August 27. But that was all the info I had.

District 38B contenders Bonnie Luna, Jack Lord, and Sonny Bloxom all have several events on their respective calendars. They all tend to conglomerate at a few events:

August 11-12: Worcester County Fair (all three).
August 17-19: Wicomico County Farm and Home Show (Lord, Luna).
August 23-26: Great Pocomoke Fair (Lord, Luna).
August 26: Mardel Republican Club Crab Feast (Lord, Bloxom).

Luna will also be at the “Concert on the Lawn” in Berlin on August 13th, several “House Parties” over the next three weeks, and she’s holding a fundraiser with Governor Ehrlich on August 17th at 6:30 p.m. For information on that, the number to call is (410) 749-1736.

In addition to the above, Jack Lord will be at the Lions Club Crab Feast in Ocean City on the 23rd. You know, I always thought the political circuit was the rubber chicken circuit, but I guess on the Eastern Shore it’s rubber crab.

Now I’m assuming that the former event is part of Bloxom’s duties as a Worcester County Commissioner, but he’s going to be at the dedication of the Jordan Daycare Center on August 24th at 3:00 p.m. and Wor-Wic’s Annual Steak Out on August 25th. (I’m guessing these are both at the Berlin Wor-Wic campus, his calendar doesn’t specify between the two campuses.)

As for Bill Reddish’s radio show…I didn’t get an update either through my e-mail or by listening. So as the thunder rolls, I will give you the two dates I have, tomorrow and Wednesday:

August 8:: District 38B candidate Jack Lord.
August 9: District 38B incumbent Norm Conway.

Two more dates:

August 10: The last District 38B candidate, Bonnie Luna.
August 11: District 37B incumbent Addie Eckardt.

Remember, there will not be a Election Calendar next Sunday as I will be out of town. The man behind monoblogue takes a long-awaited vacation! I’ll be back for another dose August 20th.

Breaking political news

For the second time this year, a local Democat politician has died.

I just read on Crisfield Girl’s blog that District 38A candidate and onetime officeholder Tony Bruce has passed away from a ~~heart attack~~ massive stroke, according to the Daily Times. I’ll accept this since she has no reason to make such a thing up, however, ~~I see no coverage of this yet on the local news sites~~. (As of Sunday night, it’s in the Daily Times for tomorrow.)

First and foremost, my condolences go out to his family.

As far as political impact, it means that Patrick Armstrong gets to face Page Elmore in the general election for District 38A since Bruce, Elmore, and Armstrong were the only three who filed.

I’m certain funeral arrangements are being made as I type for the well-known Princess Anne attorney.

Ten questions for…Sonny Bloxom

Today I return to the Maryland General Assembly races by looking at District 38B Republican hopeful Sonny Bloxom. By luck of the draw and his relatively quick response he’s up today, a day after appearing on Bill Reddish’s WICO-AM radio program and also a day after my post on the NAACP state candidate forum.

Following are the longtime Worcester County commissioner’s answers to the Ten Questions:

Question #1:

Some of you participated in the recent special session to modify the large rate hikes that were to be enacted by Baltimore Gas & Electric. However, our electrical rates from the local Eastern Shore suppliers went unchanged. With that in mind, would you be more in favor of a total repeal of the 1999 deregulation laws, or do you believe the concept is sound and only needs a few guardrails and rate safeguards?

I believe that the concept is sound but was poorly executed by the General Assembly (ie. artificially capping rates below market for such a long period). I think that some safeguards can be put into law, such as what costs are allowable to calculate the appropriate rates, which will make deregulation work.

Question #2:

Absolutely not! This would be the epitome of “big brother government” and smacks of socialism.

Question #3:

We need to support high-speed broadband coverage for the entire shore; upgrade natural gas pipelines; need to market the region to potential new businesses and entrepreneurs.

Question #4:

I support the federal NCLB mandates and would urge the state to seek modifications to it where appropriate for our state needs.

Question #5:

In the 2006 General Assembly, the Blackwater development in Cambridge became a contentious issue which led to legislation that was eventually defeated. However, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has continued to apply pressure to legislators and encouraged voters to speak out on what they perceive as a threat to bay water quality. On the other hand, the city of Cambridge sees Blackwater as a needed shot in the arm for its economy and tax base. Where do you see yourself on this issue and related development matters?

The state needs to be more involved in land use issues, especially where their interest is greatest (ie. bay water quality, sensitive habitats, and road/transportation systems).

Question #6:

The General Assembly has gone too far only because we have a Repulican Governor. They would never have done this with a Democratic Governor. They have a legitimate role to play but should do it for the right motives not for politics. Also, they need to remember they are the legislative branch of government and not the executive.

Question #7:

We need to dualize certain highways that have increased traffic on them and have become dangerous, such as US 113, 404 and 589. Also, we need to go ahead and build the overpass at US113 and Rt. 12 and the one for Rt. 50 and 589. The state can afford to do it, they just need to stop putting so much of the highway user revenues into the mass transit on the western shore.

Question #8:

The Maryland State Police could be part of a local task force to fight gangs just like they are now doing with illegal drugs.

Question #9:

Early voting laws should be amended to require you to vote in your home county and to require a photo ID.

Question #10:

I would have to wait and see what O’Malley would propose, but based on his liberal past and his arrogant attitude (he is just like Parris Glendening except he has a backup band!), I think it would be difficult to find common ground, other than on economic development issues.

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Sonny, tell us what you REALLY think on that last question, will you? I got a chuckle out of that so there’s extra humor points for this response. I think in doing this that it’s also become a quick glance at the personality of the respondent – some are quite effusive with what they say (like I am) and others are short, sweet, and to the point. It’s going to make for interesting posts as the primary draws closer.

Next on the legislative agenda is District 37B candidate James Adkins, his answers will appear Wednesday. After that, I’m taking a break for my vacation and will return to the General Assembly hopeful Ten Questions on Saturday, August 19 (two weeks from today) with Sen. Rich Colburn. Now, I have 16 other possible candidates for these seats so I think I’m going to have to start “stacking” posts beginning on the 19th in order to make this work out in time for the primary election.

My tentative plan for the Ten Questions is as follows:

August 8, 11, 18, 22, 25, 29, and September 1 will be reserved for any U.S. Senate candidates who respond. The final submission date for them is August 31.

As for the Maryland General Assembly, I have posts set for August 9 and 19. After the 19th, I’ll post their responses (stacking if necessary) on August 23, 26, 30, and September 2. The deadline for submission is September 1.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 5 I will do what I call the “debate” format…each of the Ten Questions will be reposted with all candidate responses placed within – so one can read the question and see all responses. I’ll probably begin compiling these much sooner so all I have to do is clip in the later answers. Most likely I’ll post two questions per day per race which will take up the dates of September 5 thru 9.

In the meantime, I’ll begin to do candidate endorsements for various other races that didn’t get the TQ treatment, so look forward to heavy posting in the latter stages of the primary race.

On September 13, I wrap up the primaries and probably take a few days off! It’s an ambitious schedule I’m trying to get through but I think with some planning and prior work I can do it. Then I can get back to more commentary and less reporting for awhile, although I’ll still be heavily into the election mode until November.