Democratic Club of Wicomico County

2012-02-12T02:49:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
Your Dem Club newsletter is available now!

February 15th
Mayor Jim Ireton's 2012 State of the City Address:
Mayor Ireton will premier his 2012 State of the City Address to the club at the start of our meeting on February 15th. Mayor Ireton will reflect on the progress and events of 2011, and share his vision for 2012.

Safe Streets Program Update:
Mayor Ireton, Chief Barbara Duncan, Safe Streets Coordinator Dr. Mark Bowen, and State's Attorney Matt Maciarello will discuss Salisbury's Safe Streets program. Members will hear about the program's success to date and goals for the future.The Safe Streets program has been so successful in Salisbury that it has become the model for other Maryland cities. Come and learn how this success has been achieved and what we need to do to continue on this path.

Other Events:
ESDS (Eastern Shore Democratic Summit) April 21-22:
The ESDS will be held at the Milestone Conference Center in Easton, MD. The two day conference - April 21 & 22 - will include topical discussions and appearances by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and many other top Maryland Democrats. Look for more details on this upcoming event in the next couple of weeks.

2012-01-29T12:59:00.001-05:00

Help wanted: Democrats to reelect Obama! We are looking for coordinators for Worcester, and Somerset Counties especially. Other coordinators are needed for the cities & towns within Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. Email if you want to be a key part of this team. Training provided. WicomicoDems@gmail.com

2012-01-21T23:51:00.004-05:00

Wicomico Democrats Host a State of the Union Watch Party!

Come join fellow Democrats at Break Time Sports Grill to watch President Obama's State of the Union Address. We will have several screens available, including big screens so we can all cheer on the President. Immediately following, we will have a brief discussion on what the President has laid out and what it means for the Democratic Party. You must be 21 to attend.

Space is limited so please RSVP to: https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gppy2h

Time:

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM

Host:

Democratic Club of Wicomico County

Location:

Break Time Sports Grill (Salisbury, MD)

1009 South Salisbury Boulevard
Salisbury, MD 21801

Directions:

Half block north of Salisbury University on Rt 13.

January Meeting & Candidates' Forum

2012-01-08T19:41:00.002-05:00

Democratic Club of Wicomico County
January	2012

Candidates’ Forum

1st Congressional District

Congressional District 1

Candidates' Forum:

January 18^th, Mister Paul’s Legacy Restaurant, 1801 N. Salisbury Blvd.
A candidates' forum for the Democrats that have filed to replace Andy Harris for the District 1 Congressional seat will begin at 7:00. Currently, Wendy Rosen & John LaFerla have filed and both have agreed to participate in the forum at our January 18th meeting. Other candidates will be invited to attend as they declare their candidacy. PACE will moderate and PAC14 will record the event, which is open to the public, so start spreading the word. There will be a "Club Members Only" reception prior to the forum (6:30-7:00), with appetizers and a chance to get to know the candidates personally.

Updates will be posted to our website and to Facebook. Questions for the candidates may be submitted in advance to wicomicodems@gmail.com.

Other Events:

The Wicomico Environmental Trust (WET) is honoring Delegate Conway on January 20th. For more information on that event or visit http://wicomicoenvironment.org/event/wet-annual-dinner.

Please share this information with anyone you feel may be interested in these events and/or Club news and encourage them to subscribe by emailing wicomicodems@gmail.com.

Contact Us

Follow Us on Facebook

Democratic Club of
Wicomico County
Trudy Andersen, President
PO Box 1486
Salisbury, Maryland 21802
Tel: 443-366-5530
email: wicomicodems@gmail.com
Website: Wicomicodems.com

Democratic Club of

Wicomico County

First Meeting at our New Location Tonight!

2011-10-19T08:37:00.003-04:00

Join us in the friendly confines of the Georgia House in Salisbury for our monthly meeting in this new venue. Enjoy a cash bar, food buffet, and social hour starting at 6:30. The meeting with speaker Harry Basehart starts at 7pm. The Georgia House is located at 1801 N. Salisbury Blvd. See you there!

Mayor Jim Ireton to speak at tonight's meeting

2011-02-16T12:29:00.002-05:00

Please join us tonight for our monthly meeting as were are pleased to host Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton who will give his annual State of the City address. The meeting begins promptly at 7p with a meet and greet beforehand at 6:30. Meetings take place the third Wednesday of every month at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 1501 Emerson Ave. in Salisbury.

A Message from the Governor

2011-01-20T09:32:00.002-05:00

For the past four years, Lt. Governor Brown and I have worked to protect Maryland families and children, to create and save jobs, to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe, and to build a more sustainable future for generations to come. It has been both a remarkable and challenging journey as our nation has faced some of the toughest economic times since the Great Depression. But our families and children remain at the core of our hearts and the forefront of our minds as we work to come through this recession.

Governor Announces Major Milestone at Public Safety Forum

Recently, at the final "Maryland Forward" forum on public safety and security, Governor O'Malley announced a major milestone for Maryland's DNA database. The database, housed at the State Police Forensic Sciences Division laboratory, has now made more than 2,000 positive comparisons, or "hits."

In January 2008, Governor O'Malley announced the elimination of an inherited backlog of more than 24,000 untested and uncollected DNA samples from convicted felons. The backlog elimination was the result of additional funding for new positions and new equipment provided by the O'Malley-Brown Administration. Since 2007, law enforcement has made 290 arrests due to positive hits from the DNA database.

Jobs Across Maryland

As Maryland continues to weather the economic storm, there is some good news as the latest Beige Book report by the federal government shows indicators that Maryland's economy continues to improve.

In more jobs news, HBO recently announced that it will begin filming a new comedy in Baltimore, creating more than 700 jobs for our State. Additionally, M. Luis Construction Company is planning to hire 100 new employees at its newly-acquired plant in Rockville.

Recently, Bloosurf, a local broadband provider, announced that it will receive $3.2 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand access to broadband to underserved parts of the Eastern Shore and hire 25 to 30 employees. And in more economic development news, Towson University will begin plans to build a new $68 million arena, which will create jobs for Marylanders in its construction.

For those interested in tapping into the jobs of the new economy, on January 25thfrom 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Tech Council of Maryland will host the Business of Cyber Security Conference at Johns Hopkins University. Click here to register.

Monthly meeting this Wednesday

2011-01-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

Our monthly meeting will be held Wednesday , January 19th at the Salisbury Knights of Columbus hall at 7pm. Mark Bowen, Clerk of Court, will install the Board of Directors and Officers. Hope to see some new faces.

Message from Governor O'Malley: Creating jobs for Maryland

2010-05-14T16:16:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

This week, we announced that in the most recent quarter we created or saved more than 13,800 jobs in Maryland thanks to President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These figures reflect jobs created or saved in key sectors including health, education, housing and transportation.

In addition, thanks to the tough choices we've made investing in our public schools at record levels even in tough times, Maryland finds itself in an appealing position when it comes to teaching jobs. While many states are slashing education budgets to make ends meet, Governor O'Malley's record K-12 investments have not only made our public school system #1 in the nation for two straight years, but it's also meant Maryland continues to be a magnet for the nation's best educators.

Maryland construction workers will benefit from three major development projects in the near future. In Towson, a 12-story office development could bring as many as 500 workers to downtown, including the corporate headquarters for MileOne, one of the nation's largest privately-held automobile sales and service delivery networks. And in Baltimore City, the new expansion of the Shock Trauma Center will employ 300 construction workers, and will add another 250 employees to staff the expansion when it opens.

Finally, we learned this week that Maryland was one of only six states nationwide who saw their number of visitors rise in 2009. The report by D.K. Shifflet & Associates showed that Maryland had 29 million visitors last year, 1 million more than in 2008. While the rest of the nation saw their tourism business drop by 5.5 percent, Maryland enjoyed an increase of 3.5 percent.

Martin O'Malley
Governor

A Message from Lt. Governor Anthony Brown

2010-05-14T16:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

This has been an extraordinarily interesting and exciting week for me in Israel.
I've spent the last week here with an impressive group of Marylanders, including Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John Colmers and Delegate Tony O'Donnell – an old friend from my days in the General Assembly. In addition to representatives from our State government, our group represents Maryland's nonprofit and business communities. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation generously sponsored our educational mission and provided us with the opportunity to engage in a professional exchange with a variety of Israeli colleagues.

We began the mission by meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Israel James B. Cunningham, who provided us with an assessment of U.S. strategic interests in the region and the political and security challenges facing Israel. We also heard from the spokesperson for the U.S. Security Coordinator on our efforts to restructure and train the Palestinian National Security Force so they can enforce the rule of law while making them accountable to the government and the people. Our travels included a visit to the Israeli border with Lebanon and to the Golan Heights where we discussed with Israeli experts the security threats confronting Israel from within and outside its borders. We were introduced to the complexities of Israeli politics by a professor from the Hebrew University and heard first hand the Palestinian perspective from a Palestinian reporter in Jerusalem. No visit to Israel would be complete without a visit to Ashkelon – Baltimore's sister city. In Ashkelon, we observed local efforts to provide educational, employment and other social services to the Ethiopian-Israelis who arrived here nearly two decades ago. And today, we visited the newly renovated Yad Vashem, the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

This mission also provided me an important opportunity to build on Governor O'Malley's business development mission to Israel in 2008. I met with several Israeli business leaders in order to open Maryland's doors to new opportunities and possibilities. Kinneret Savitsky, CEO of BioLineRX – an early-stage pharmaceutical drug development company that recently opened an office in Rockville – commended our shared efforts to increase Maryland's competitiveness in the global economy. Later, I met with a multi-billion dollar high-tech manufacturing company that is interested in opening an office on the East Coast and is seriously considering headquartering its operation in Maryland.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet with men and women from Israel who share our belief that every individual has the power to change the world just as a drop of water can make an impression on a hard stone. I'm excited about returning to Maryland to see my children and to spend the next few months talking to as many Marylanders as possible about the progress we've made together and the work yet to be done.

Thank you for reading.

Anthony G. Brown
Lieutenant Governor

GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY ANNOUNCES VIOLENT CRIME RATE AT ITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1975

2010-05-10T22:25:00.002-04:00

LARGO, MD (May 10, 2010) - Joined by law enforcement officials, including U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein, Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey and members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, Governor Martin O'Malley today announced historic reductions in crime in Maryland for 2009. According to 2009 year-end crime data compiled by the Maryland State Police and submitted to the FBI for use in the national crime statistics report, Maryland's violent crime rate is at its lowest level in Maryland since modern crime-tracking began in 1975. Similarly, total crime declined to its lowest level since 1975, as have homicides, dropping 12 percent since 2008 with 57 fewer people murdered last year in Maryland than the year before.

"Protecting the public's safety is the greatest obligation of government at every level," said Governor O'Malley. "It is not by chance, but by choice that even in tough economic times, we've delivered results for the people of Maryland, driving down crime throughout our One Maryland to its lowest levels in recorded history. Working together, we're aligning our efforts between state, local, county, and federal law enforcement and government at levels never before seen in our State.

These statewide figures are also reflected in Prince George's County, where Governor O'Malley made today's announcement. Overall crime is at its lowest level in the County since 1975, with violent crime in the County is at its lowest level since 1984 and automobile thefts dropping to the lowest level since 1985.

"I want to thank Governor O'Malley for his commitment to public safety that has led to record crime reduction across our state in 2009," Johnson said. "During difficult times, many questioned our methods in reducing crime, but today I am proud that we stayed the course and reached record crime reduction in Prince George's County in 2008 and 2009."

Statewide, data for 2009 show reductions compared to 2008 not only in homicides but also in motor vehicle theft (-23.0%), robbery (-9.0%), aggravated assault (-3.0%), breaking and entering (-5.0%), and larceny-theft (-6.0%).

Twenty jurisdictions reported reductions in total crime, with nine reporting double-digit reductions between 2008 and 2009. Fifteen jurisdictions noted specific reductions in violent crime (murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault), with seven reporting double-digit decreases. Twenty-two jurisdictions noted specific reductions in property crime (breaking and entering, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft), with eight jurisdictions reporting reductions of 10 percent or more.

"For the last three years, Governor O'Malley has directed State public safety agencies to engage in the local fight against crime like never before," said Kristen Mahoney, Director of the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. "By focusing on improving violent probationer compliance, reducing illegal gun trafficking, increasing warrant service, and applying the most effective law enforcement technology and information sharing strategies to our collective fight against violent crime, I am proud to stand with the Governor and our partners on the federal, state and local levels to realize a safer Maryland.

Governor O'Malley tasked the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention with forming both local partnerships, and working partnerships across borders of neighboring states and the District of Columbia to crack down on violent criminals. At today's announcement, Governor O'Malley highlighted some of the programs implemented in the last three years that have contributed to these dramatic reductions, including:

* Public Safety Dashboard: A database of life-saving information shared with 16,000 law enforcement officers and government servants in more than 100 agencies. This innovative approach to information sharing currently registers between 25,000 and 40,000 hits per day.

* License Plate Recognition Software: Through the application of advanced license plate reader technologies, funded largely through the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, local and State law enforcement is delivering real results to crack down on auto theft. Motor vehicle theft dropped 23 percent statewide last year compared to 2008.

* Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force: Through innovative cross border collaboration, this task force comprised of law enforcement agencies from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, has issued 1,000 warrants to help make neighborhoods safer in the DC Metro area.

* Violence Prevention Initiative: This innovative approach to managing and supervising the most violent offenders has driven violent crime down in Maryland to its lowest levels since 1975. Crime data show these individuals have the greatest propensity for committing future acts of violence.

* Anti-gang initiatives: Resulting from reforms championed by the O'Malley-Brown Administration, Maryland agencies now share gang intelligence information among over 100 partner agencies within Maryland and with regional partners.

* DNA: After inheriting a backlog of 24,000 unanalyzed and 15,000 uncollected DNA samples, Governor O'Malley allocated the necessary resources to eliminate that backlog leading to case closures and arrests of violent fugitives. In 2009 alone, 103 murderers, rapists, and other criminals who might otherwise be walking the streets were arrested thanks to DNA technology.

* Unprecedented interagency cooperation: As a result of efficiency reforms implemented by the O'Malley-Brown Administration, the Department of Parole and Probation, and Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Services, and local law enforcement cooperate and communicate at unprecedented levels, ensuring low recidivism and high rates of supervision for the most violent offenders.

2010 campaign kickoff fundraiser

2010-05-05T17:21:00.002-04:00

Featuring United States Senator Ben Cardin

Pittsville Fire Hall, Pittsville, MD

Sunday, May 23rd 2010

3pm to 6pm

Tickets $30/person

Menu – Fried Chicken, Sliced Ham, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, etc…

2010 is an extremely important year for our Local, State, and Federal Democratic Candidates. Come join the Democratic Club of Wicomico County and Senator Ben Cardin, as we rally our candidates and our Party toward victory in November! Your contribution allows us to open a campaign headquarters, pay for literature, and mail to citizens. Tickets are $30 a piece. Make your check payable to the Democratic Club of Wicomico County.

We’ll see you on May 23rd in Pittsville!

A Message from Governor O'Malley

2010-05-04T13:40:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow, I’ll be joined by Lt. Governor Brown, Senate President Miller and House Speaker Busch at a bill signing ceremony to enact a number of important bills designed to protect our children. Among them is a package of bills that will strengthen our laws for prosecuting and supervising sexual predators, as well as legislation that will improve our #1 nationally ranked public school system.

There are a number of bills that we’ll sign tomorrow that may not receive the same amount of attention, and I’d like to take a moment to highlight some of them. These include a bill that will make the Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline more readily available to our students who are in trouble. There’s also a bill to protect our children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. Juvenile courts will now be able to order blood lead level tests earlier in the legal process so detection and treatment can come sooner, potentially minimizing the dangerous effects of lead poisoning for our children.

Another bill modernizes the child support guidelines so parents are financially responsible for their children.

We will also sign legislation sponsored by Senate President Miller to establish a Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program that will provide young adults with meaningful service opportunities and promote, preserve, protect and conserve the environment. This program complements the Civic Justice Corps we created earlier in the Administration to build a more service-oriented culture among Maryland’s youth.

Martin O'Malley
Governor

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON MARYLAND’S ADDITION OF 35,800 JOBS IN MARCH

2010-04-19T10:33:00.001-04:00

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 16, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that the number of employed Marylanders increased for the first time in more than two years in March, adding an estimated 35,800 jobs.

“Today’s announcement is good news for families and businesses in Maryland. While we still have a way to go, these jobs numbers show that our economy is beginning to turn in a positive direction. We will continue to focus our energies on creating jobs, saving jobs, and improving the conditions under which small businesses can create and save jobs in order to keep Maryland moving forward. In Maryland we still have an unemployment rate that is far below the national average, and we will continue to leverage the enormous job-creating potential of our State, including strategic tax cuts for businesses that hire unemployed workers, and investments in important growth sectors of our economy, our world-class workforce, and our nation’s #1 ranked public schools.”

House of Representatives passes comprehensive health care legislation, goes to President Obama for his signature

2010-03-22T19:07:00.003-04:00

USA Today

New York Times

CNN

Baltimore Sun

After almost 100 years it has finally happened. The United States Congress has passed, and the president will sign, comprehensive health care reform legislation.

A quick overview of what this bill will do:

Expand Medicaid to cover an additional 32 million people

Close the Medicare "Donut Hole" and provides rebates to seniors that fall into it

Pre-existing conditions will no longer be able to disqualify an individual from obtaining insurance

End the practice of insurance companies dropping policy-holders just because they get sick

Ends benefit caps

Creates insurance exchanges where people and small business can pool together and buy insurance at a cheaper rate

Provides tax incentives and credits to small businesses so they can provide insurance to their workers

Allows children to stay on their parents insurance plan until the age of 26

Lowers the deficit by 1.3 trillion dollars over the next 20 years

Now, here is what this bill does NOT do:

It does NOT set up government death panels
It does NOT give the government access to your health and financial records
It does NOT ration health care
It does NOT give the government the right to approve or deny medical treatments
It does NOT provide health care coverage to illegal immigrants

Airport Kratovil, Mikulski, Cardin Announce $1.17 Million Federal Grant for Salisbury Airport

2010-03-18T23:05:00.000-04:00

Date: 3-11-10 – For Immediate Release

Contact: Kevin Lawlor, 202 225 5311

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Kratovil (D-MD) along with Sens. Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (Both D-MD) announced that Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico regional airport will receive a $1,175,000 grant from the Department of Transportation

Salisbury Airport will use the funds for construction that will extend the runway and make air traffic safer for the residents of Wicomico County as well as those travelling to the region for both business and pleasure.

“These are critical funds that will make the air travel safer while improving our region’s status as a world class vacation site,” said Rep. Kratovil. “Improving both the safety and capacity of Salisbury Airport means easier access to the Eastern Shore for tourism and commerce, providing a shot in the arm for the local economy.”

"Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport plays a key role in maintaining the Eastern Shore's economy. This runway extension will give more Americans access to beautiful Eastern Shore, while providing easier access to the area's historical landmarks and tourist attractions," said Senator Mikulski. "I have consistently fought for the Eastern Shore in the U.S. Senate, and I will continue to work to ensure that Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport has a voice in Washington."

"Improvements to the Salisbury-Ocean City Regional Airport will be a tremendous benefit to Wicomico County and the entire Eastern Shore," said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin. "Wicomico County is a major tourist destination and airport improvements will help foster overall economic growth and development."

http://grants.ost.dot.gov/public/ViewMessage.cfm?MsgID=b4kmp02jbu

Message from Sen. Mikulski: Census 2010: Making Sure Maryland Gets Its Fair Share

2010-03-18T23:00:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost here. Before long the crabs will swim up the Bay again. But this year, there's another important sign of spring. That's the 2010 Census form in your mailbox.

The formula for success on the Census is simple: 10:10:10. It's 10 questions, which take 10 minutes to fill out, and which will determine for 10 years whether or not Maryland gets its fair share of federal funds. You don't have to worry that your answers will be used for any other purpose than to compile an accurate count. That's the law.

Our Constitution requires that every 10 years, we all be counted. The outcome of the Census determines everything from how many seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives to how much federal money each state receives to create jobs, help with health care costs, build roads and so many other vital things. It's a critically important effort - we each need to do our part to ensure that all Marylanders are counted, because all Marylanders count.

We've done a census every 10 years since 1790. Why is this important?

Information from the 2000 Census has been used to determine how federal funding is awarded during the last last 10 years. Just look at what that meant for Maryland in 2009: $629 million for highway planning and construction; $420 million for housing vouchers; $300 million for unemployment insurance; $191 million for local educational agencies; and $199 million for special education grants.

If we want Maryland to get its fair share for the next 10 years, everyone needs to fill out that census form.

The Census forms will be mailed beginning this week. If you live in a rural area, someone may deliver it by hand to your household.

You have about two weeks to return the completed census form. Households that don't respond by April 1st will receive a follow up letter and a personal visit from a Census worker.

I am so very proud of the of the dedicated federal employees who work at the Census headquarters in Maryland. They're already working hard to make sure that no one is left out.

They need our help. Remember, it takes 10 minutes to fill out 10 questions for 10 years' worth of federal dollars. So be sure to fill out your form so Maryland gets its fair share. You bet I'll be filling out mine.

For more information about the upcoming count, or to find out about temporary employment as a Census worker, go to www. 2010.Census.Gov.

Obama seeks to overhaul ‘No Child Left Behind’

2010-03-14T21:56:00.002-04:00

ATLANTA - President Barack Obama is promising parents and their kids that with his administration's help they will have better teachers in improved schools so U.S. students can make up for academic ground lost against youngsters in other countries.

A plan to overhaul the 2002 education law championed by President George W. Bush was unveiled by the Obama administration Saturday in hopes of replacing a system that in the last decade has tagged more than a third of schools as failing and created a hodgepodge of sometimes weak academic standards among states.

"Unless we take action — unless we step up — there are countless children who will never realize their full talent and potential," Obama said during a video address on Saturday. "I don't accept that future for them. And I don't accept that future for the United States of America."

In the proposed dismantling of the No Child Left Behind law, education officials would move away from punishing schools that don't meet benchmarks and focus on rewarding schools for progress, particularly with poor and minority students. Obama intends to send a rewrite to Congress on Monday of the law.

The proposed changes call for states to adopt standards that ensure students are ready for college or a career rather than grade-level proficiency — the focus of the current law.

The blueprint also would allow states to use subjects other than reading and mathematics as part of their measurements for meeting federal goals, pleasing many education groups that have said No Child Left Behind encouraged teachers not to focus on history, art, science, social studies and other important subjects.

And, for the first time in 45 years, the White House is proposing a $4 billion increase in federal education spending, most of which would go to increase the competition among states for grant money and move away from formula-based funding.

The blueprint goes before the House Education and Labor Committee on Wednesday as Obama pushes Congress to reauthorize the education law this year, a time-consuming task that some observers say will be difficult. Committee Chairman George Miller, a Democrat from California, praised Obama's plan.

"This blueprint lays the right markers to help us reset the bar for our students and the nation," Miller said in a prepared statement.

New name for 'No Child'
Education Secretary Arne Duncan briefed a handful of governors, lawmakers and education groups on the plan Friday, including Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, a Republican.

"The governor is very supportive of the direction the secretary is going," said Perdue's spokesman Chris Schrimpf.

A few other highlights from the blueprint:

— By 2020, all students graduating from high school would need to be ready for college or a career. That's a shift away from the current law, which calls for all students to be performing at grade level in reading and math by 2014.

— Give more rewards — money and flexibility — to high-poverty schools that are seeing big gains in student achievement and use them as a model for other schools in low-income neighborhoods that struggle with performance.

— Punish the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools using aggressive measures, such as having the state take over federal funding for poor students, replacing the principal and half the teaching staff or closing the school altogether.

— Duncan has said the name No Child Left Behind will be dropped because it is associated with a harsh law that punishes schools for not reaching benchmarks even if they've made big gains. He said the administration will work with Congress to come up with a new name.

Amy Wilkins, a vice president with The Education Trust in Washington, D.C., called the blueprint a "culture shift."

"One of the things America has not been clear about is what k-12 is supposed to do," Wilkins said. "In this, we're saying K-12 is supposed to prepare kids for college and meaningful careers."

The nation's first federal education law — Elementary and Secondary Education Act — was passed in 1965 as part of Lyndon B. Johnson's war on poverty. The law has been reauthorized several times since, most recently in 2001 under President George W. Bush.

It was criticized by educators for focusing too much on testing and not enough on learning. Daniel Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, said he is glad to see No Child Left Behind go away.

"We're delighted over that," he said. "We have not been a fan of No Child Left Behind."

----------------------------------
Courtesy of MSNBC

A Message from Governor O'Malley

2010-03-11T22:54:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,
Last month, I was honored to have the chance to visit our troops serving in Iraq, and I was grateful for the opportunity to tell them how much we appreciate their service.
During a refueling stop in Germany, I also had the honor to meet with the Chaplain of the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Major Meyners, and visited with soldiers recovering at the hospital. Many wounded warriors arrive at the hospital from the battlefield with little more than the clothes they are wearing. The Chaplain told me about their Wounded Warrior Ministry Center, also known as the Chaplain’s Closet, a program that provides Wounded Warriors with personal items while they receive care.　
For more information on the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center, please click here.
For additional questions, please contact the Wounded Warriors Ministry Center.
Martin O'Malley

Governor

GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY ANNOUNCES ACTION FOR EASTERN SHORE POULTRY FARMERS

2010-03-11T22:52:00.001-05:00

GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY ANNOUNCES ACTION FOR EASTERN SHORE POULTRY FARMERS

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 10, 2010) - Governor Martin O'Malley announced today new assistance for poultry farmers in Maryland, as the state works with poultry industry stakeholders to address environmental standards and recover from snow-related damage last month. Governor O'Malley met with the Eastern Shore delegation Monday evening, along with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment to discuss concerns and solutions.

"We're working together to find solutions that protect our natural resources and strengthen family farming in our state," said Governor O'Malley. "Maryland farmers serve as stewards of the environment by protecting land that might otherwise be developed. It's our obligation to find way we can continue to protect the environment while keeping family farming profitable. I'm pleased we're able to come together on these actions to support our family farms and the jobs that support them."

"The Department of Agriculture is dedicated to putting farmers first and helping farmers in their times of need, such as recovery from the recent severe snow storms, and also to help farmers comply with regulations that protect soil and water quality, the Chesapeake Bay, and all Maryland families," said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.

Because of the time it has taken to approve the final new source poultry operation guidelines, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will see that new poultry operations take first priority in obtaining technical assistance to prepare Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) that are required by the new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Permit. In addition, to assist farmers who are required to obtain CNMPs, MDA has secured commitments from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service to increase the level of technical assistance available with three additional staff members to develop these plans statewide. Additionally, more than 30 Maryland Soil Conservation District staff will be cross trained to assist with plan development.

Governor O'Malley also discussed ways the state can continue to support farmers struggling to recover from snow-related damage to chicken houses. MDA continues to identify, along with federal agency partners, the damage caused by the snow storms and respond to needs that the agriculture community may have in order to clean up, recover and rebuild from storm-related damage. The goal is to help producers get back in full operation and recover losses as quickly as possible. MDA has compiled a list of available resources for producers, which includes information about indemnity programs, emergency grants and loans, instructions for emergency burning permits, information on disposal of poultry and livestock mortality and information about rebuilding and rebuilding in more energy efficient ways as well as cash incentives for energy projects.

Working with MDA, today the Department of the Environment announced it would extend the deadline allowing the temporary burning of poultry houses to April 18, 2010, other livestock shelters and manure storage structures that suffered structural collapse during the heavy snowstorms of February 2010, subject to conditions that protect the environment and public health.

Following Governor O'Malley's request for an expedited review process, Maryland has completed and EPA has approved construction guidelines needed to build new poultry houses. Maryland is the first State in the country to have final, EPA-approved New Source Review requirements, which allow new construction to proceed under assurance farmers will be in compliance with EPA standards. The Departments of Agriculture and Environment worked closely with farmers on these new requirements.

Maryland is developing "rapid response teams" led by MDA with MDE to evaluate the conditions on farms when environmental issues arise and help farmers take corrective actions if necessary. These teams reinforce the existing MDA-MDE partnership to jointly respond to water quality complaints on farms. The plan is to swiftly make available existing technical expertise and financial assistance to avoid delay in identifying and resolving on-farm environmental impacts if they exist to protect water quality.

###

Rachel McCullough

Eastern Shore Outreach Coordinator
Governor's Office of Community Initiatives

45 Calvert Street, Room 404
Annapolis, MD 21401

Office: 410.260.7483
Mobile: 410.336.8032
Email: RMcCullough@goci.state.md.us

A Message from the Governor Creating Jobs, Making Progress

2010-03-11T22:48:00.002-05:00

A Message from the Governor
Creating Jobs, Making Progress

Three months ago, we stood at the Port of Baltimore and announced an innovative new public-private partnership that would mean new investment and construction at the Port, allow for the State to maintain ownership of the Port, and provide for 5,700 new jobs in the area.

Yesterday, we took an important step forward by breaking ground on a new 50-foot berth at the Port that will provide for 3,000 construction jobs to improve our port and surrounding highways, and give way to 2,700 jobs resulting from the increase in shipping traffic. With this construction, the Port of Baltimore will be one of only two ports on the east coast that can accommodate the mega ships that are becoming the norm in the shipping industry, meaning more business for the port and more opportunity for the surrounding area.

Overall, the partnership will generate $1.8 billion for the state over the terms of the agreement. That means more dollars to fund our #1-ranked public schools, to provide health care to more Marylanders, and to improve our State’s transportation and infrastructure.

By working together and making the connections that create progress, we can create better days and a more prosperous future, not just for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children.

Martin O'Malley
Governor
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Governor O’Malley Releases Results of TELL Maryland Survey

Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by state and local education officials, principals and teachers, recently unveiled the results of the first ever statewide survey of Maryland educators, an initiative titled "TELL Maryland." The survey, championed by Governor O’Malley, serves as a unique opportunity to gather information about school conditions, teacher satisfaction, and opportunities for improvement in the teaching and learning environments throughout the State. More than 43,000 educators took advantage of the survey, providing school-level data on more than 1,000 schools throughout Maryland.

The purpose of the survey is to support sound educational policies and practices based on the views of teachers, principals, and other certified educators in Maryland’s public schools. The survey was available to all licensed educators in Maryland public schools, including pre-K–12 classroom teachers, vocational-technical educators, special area teachers, school-based administrators, principals and assistant principals.

Preliminary results were shared with schools in May of last year, and teachers and principals have already begun implementing many of the actions indicated as needed by the survey results.
Governor O’Malley, Lt. Governor Brown Promote Higher Education Achievements

Governor Martin O’Malley, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., and House Speaker Michael E. Busch, joined by legislators and business leaders, recently celebrated the achievements for Maryland’s higher education system and outlined a blueprint for the future. The O’Malley-Brown Administration remains committed to expanding the opportunity for a college education to more Marylanders rather than fewer.

In 2006, in response to a 40% tuition hike over the previous four years, the General Assembly passed the Tuition Affordability Act to freeze tuition and created the Commission to Develop the Maryland Model for Funding Higher Education, chaired by Delegate John L. Bohanan, Jr. (commonly known as "The Bohanan Commission"). The Bohanan Commission, comprised of university presidents, private sector leaders, elected officials and educators across the State, created a 10 year blueprint for funding the State’s higher education system and continue the development of a top-tier workforce in Maryland. Governor O’Malley has introduced several pieces of legislation this session to continue the higher education gains for students across the State, which were based in part on recommendations of the Bohanan Commission.
Governor O’Malley Announces Boys and Girls Club “Youth of the Year” Winner

Today, Governor O’Malley announced the winner of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Maryland’s "Youth of the Year" award in Annapolis. The winner of the award, Najee Banks is 16 years old, attends Edmondson Westside High School and has been a member of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Baltimore for 10 years. He is also is an honor roll student who someday hopes to be an archeologist.

The Youth of the Year competition is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier annual national competition. Each of the five regional winners receives a $10,000 scholarship and enters the national competition held in Washington D.C. In addition, each year’s five regional finalists are honored at a congressional breakfast in Washington, D.C. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 scholarship, totaling $26,000 in scholarships and is installed by the President of the United States.

E-mail askthegovernor@mpt.org

Maryland Events

10th Annual Gaithersburg St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 13, 10-11am at Washington Center and Grand Corner Ave. in Gaithersburg. Bagpipes, Celtic dancers, marching bands, equestrian units and more.

9th Annual CCBC Women's Expo 2010
March 13-14, 10am-5pm at the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville. More than 100 women in business, health, fashion, home decor including workshops and book fair.

Chesapeake City St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 13, 12N in Historic Chesapeake City, Bohemia Ave. Annual St. Patrick's parade walk, drive, animals welcome, antique cab, bagpiper, free and fun.

10th Annual Eagle Festival
March 13, 8am-4pm at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Cambridge. Festival celebrating eagles and other birds of prey, featuring live animal programs and children's activities.

Office of the Governor

Photos from Governor O'Malley's trip to Iraq

2010-03-02T21:10:00.001-05:00

Wicomico Dems —

I was honored to have the chance this weekend to visit our troops in Iraq.

Some of our service members there are on their third tour of duty. Their bravery and fortitude is inspiring — and I was grateful for the opportunity to tell them in person how much we all appreciate their service.

The visit was sponsored by the Department of Defense. Over the course of it, I was fortunate to meet with members of the Maryland National Guard; Army Reserve A Company of the 323 Military Intelligence Battalion; and Army Reserve 392 Expeditionary Signal Battalion, Task Force Raven.

We took a few photos together, which are now up on Facebook. To view them, click below (or if you'd prefer to see them on our website, click here):

View photos of Maryland troops in Iraq
http://www.martinomalley.com/Iraq

Thank you,

Martin O'Malley

Next Wicomico County Democrats Meeting

2010-02-28T20:24:00.002-05:00

The next meeting of the Wicomico County Democratic Club will be held on March 17th at the Knights of Columbus on Emerson Ave at 7:00pm. Salisbury City Police interim chief Ivan Barkley will be the guest speaker. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

A Message from Lt. Governor Brown

2010-02-28T20:23:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Earlier today, Governor Martin O'Malley, on a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored trip, arrived in Iraq where he will be meeting with Maryland troops and men and women of the Maryland National Guard on active duty in Iraq.

One of the reasons I am so proud to work with Governor O'Malley is because of his strong support for Maryland's military families and our veterans. For 25 years, I have served as a member of the United States Armed Forces and I am proud to continue my service as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Five years ago, I had the opportunity to serve in Iraq alongside some of the most dedicated and patriotic men and women I've ever met. Today, nearly 2,000 Maryland-based soldiers and men and women of the Maryland National Guard are on active duty overseas.

Please join Governor O'Malley and me in keeping our service members and their families in your thoughts and prayers while they serve on our behalf.

Click here for additional photos.

Anthony G. Brown

Lieutenant Governor

Mayor Ireton releases 3rd Friday Video detailing Christmas Lighting ceremony

2009-11-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

A Message from Lt. Governor Brown

2009-11-11T10:10:00.001-05:00

Today, this week, this month and every month, we honor the courage and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. The men and women who have served with honor and dignity in our name have defended our freedoms throughout every chapter of our history. This year, in the days after the tragedy at Fort Hood, Veterans Day is a solemn moment of remembrance. Words fail us during these times and we turn to prayer and seek comfort in the strength from one another.

While we mourn the fallen and offer our thoughts and prayers to their families, it is important that we also pay tribute to those veterans among us. Yesterday, I had the great privilege to join veterans from a "Century of Service" at the War Memorial Plaza in downtown Baltimore as we unveiled a new public outreach campaign to raise awareness about the many services available to our veterans and their families. That announcement is one of many veterans-related events Governor O'Malley, Mrs. O'Malley and I have and will participate in this week.

On Monday, I participated in the annual MCVET Veterans Day ceremony in Baltimore, joined veterans of World War II and the Korean War in Montgomery County for a ceremony honoring the service of our Greatest Generation and spent time with some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. Today, I will take part in the Seat Pleasant Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony, bring greetings at the University of Maryland Veterans Day Ceremony and attend the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 Veterans Day Celebration.

Governor O'Malley and Mrs. O'Malley will kick off the Guard and Reserve Institute Training this morning in Timonium. Later in the morning, Governor O'Malley and Mrs. O'Malley will join Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick and Brigadier General James A. Adkins to launch a letter writing campaign thanking veterans, service members and military families for their sacrifice and service to our country.

We all hope you join our efforts and honor those who have served in your name. Time and again, our veterans have answered our call. This Veterans Day, let us answer theirs.

Best regards,
Anthony Brown
Lt. Governor
Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves

A Message from the Governor: Honoring our Veterans

2009-11-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

This week as we recognize Veterans Day, we pause to honor those brave soldiers who have defended our nation throughout history. Tomorrow, I'll share the holiday first with area educators who will be receiving training on the unique needs of military children, particularly those whose parents are deployed on active duty. Later, I'll join my wife Katie where she will accept letters of gratitude from over 300 students to be sent to military veterans and their families as part of "Operation Appreciation." Students from around the state will write letters of appreciation to our nation's veterans.

Our nation is built upon the generations of brave men and women who squared their shoulders against the forces of fear and tyranny so that we could continue to enjoy the blessings of this nation and our way of life.

Just as these veterans have always been there for us – through times of turmoil and tranquility, through famine, flood and war – we as a people are committed to being there for them. Last year, we signed into law legislation that ensures that Maryland's veterans receive the reintegration services they deserve. In addition to providing crisis services and better behavioral benefits for our veterans, this legislation helps those veterans obtain access to mental health services upon their return home from deployment.

Currently, more than 370 troops from Maryland remain active in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are husbands and wives, parents and friends. To those currently serving, and to the veterans of America: Thank you.

Martin O'Malley
Governor

Sen. Mikulski Announces $2 Million to Extend Broadband in Maryland

2009-11-10T19:51:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today announced Maryland has been awarded a $2 million grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning.

“Forty years ago, interstate highways were crucial for economic growth in our rural areas, now it’s the information superhighway. Expanding broadband in Maryland means economic development, jobs growth and innovation whether you are a small business, a school, a major employer or a NASA Center,” Senator Mikulski said.

NTIA has awarded the Maryland Broadband Cooperative Inc. (MDBC) approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Maryland, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million.

The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers' efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

Policy over Politics: Op-Ed from Congressman Kratovil

2009-11-10T19:48:00.001-05:00

The discussion of health care reform has been one of the most partisan and heated public debates our country has seen in years. As a freshman lawmaker, it has certainly been an eye-opening experience. What has struck me the most, however, wasn’t the anger and unruliness that grabbed so many headlines during August, but rather the number of people I would encounter who believed that I should commit to voting one way or the other before even knowing what would be included or excluded from the legislation. This was perhaps the only aspect of the health care debate that was truly bipartisan; I heard from many Republicans who demanded that I oppose any health care reform package, regardless of its contents, while some Democrats have told me I had a duty to unquestioningly support the bill simply because it was a priority for my party’s leadership.

It’s unfortunate that this debate – on one of the most important challenges facing our nation today – has been reduced to such a black-or-white oversimplification. The need for reform is clear: Without reform, premiums and out-of-pocket expenses continue to rise rapidly for both middle class families and employers. But the pathway for achieving reform is far more complex. The goals of reform must be two-fold: expanding coverage and reducing long-term costs by significantly slowing the rate of health care inflation. This health care reform debate offers us a historic opportunity, but passing a bill that does not truly achieve these goals would waste this historic moment.

Since the introduction of H.R. 3200 in July, I have voiced a number of concerns about the legislation. Chief among these were the bill’s failure to curb long-term costs, it’s potential to increase the deficit, and its inadequate protections for small employers, which I fear may have an adverse impact on job creation. Following the August recess, I also led a group of my fellow freshman in sending a letter to House Leadership urging them to include additional reform proposals in this bill, such as allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines and promoting policies to reduce medical errors, lawsuits, and medical malpractice rates.

While the revised H.R. 3962 made progress toward these goals, I am not convinced that the final bill is a fiscally sustainable approach to reforming health care. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that the bill does not reduce long-term health care costs, and that it drastically increases federal health care spending in the near-term and long-term. Furthermore, while the bill is projected to decrease the deficit over the first 10 years, the CBO said this reduction is largely due to the removal of a $210 billion provision to correct the formula by which doctors are paid under Medicare. That “Doc Fix” language was moved into a companion bill, which Congress will consider later this month. Taken together, these bills will increase the deficit substantially in the years ahead.

To be successful, health care reform must both expand coverage and reduce long-term costs. Unfortunately, this health care reform legislation will significantly increase long-term spending, is unlikely to reduce the deficit, and even costs several hundred billion dollars more than the $900 billion target for which President Obama has advocated. As the debate moves to the Senate, both parties would be well advised to dial back the propaganda, put down the talking points, and focus instead on the substance of legislation before them. I’m hopeful that a better bill is still possible, one that more effectively bends the cost curve while going further to protect small businesses, increase competition, and decrease the deficit. If and when a bill does come back from the Senate, it will be policy, not politics, that will determine my support.

SALISBURY MAYOR JIM IRETON MAKES STATEMENT REGARDING RECENTLY FILED LITIGATION

2009-11-04T14:32:00.002-05:00

Mayor James Ireton, Jr., made a statement earlier this afternoon regarding recently filed litigation against the City of Salisbury.

Mayor Ireton stated, “The City of Salisbury Charter and Employee Handbook clearly states the grievance process, and that process applies to all city employees, including Allan Webster. This lawsuit is a distraction from solving the serious problem of crime that we have in Salisbury and is an attempt to subvert our City Charter. It is a distraction to our citizens and our police officers on the street.

That being said, I will direct City Attorney Paul Wilbur to move to dismiss this frivolous lawsuit immediately. While Part One crimes are up 11% so far this year, it is farfetched to believe it is possible to serve and protect the same citizens you are suing.

All City of Salisbury employees and department heads follow the rules laid out for them in the City Charter and Employee handbook; they agree to these rules and regulations while employed. It is unacceptable and unlawful for one employee to decide to write the rules over in order to suit one’s self.”

Governor O'Malley named Governor of the Year

2009-11-04T10:14:00.002-05:00

Dear Wicomico County Democratic Club,

We've got some exciting news that I wanted to share with you: Gov. O'Malley has been named "2009 Governor of the Year" by Governing magazine.

Citing his "data-driven approach to policy and administration," Governing singled out Gov. O'Malley for "bringing no-nonsense, statistics-based performance measurement to his state, producing a better-informed, better-managed government."

I hope you're as proud as I am that Gov. O'Malley has, with your support, made Maryland a model of smart, 21st-century governing tactics.

Can he count on your continued support to keep up his work to make Maryland a leading example of smart government — with real-world results that benefit all of us?

Contribute to Gov. O'Malley's campaign now:

http://www.martinomalley.com/SmartGoverning

As Governing notes, states around the country are struggling through tough times — and Gov. O'Malley is helping to prove that "strong, smart leadership is possible in the most difficult of circumstances."

When resources are scarce, it's more important than ever that they're used as efficiently as possible.

With programs like BayStat and StateStat, Gov. O'Malley has ensured that resources don't go to waste on projects that don't work, and that taxpayers' dollars are put to use where they will do the most good.

He's accomplished it by making sure that agencies are coordinating with each other, that their leaders are held accountable for their work, and that data is used to assess progress toward goals.

By re-imagining how Maryland's government is run, Governing writes, Gov. O'Malley has shown that states "can improve performance by measuring what they do and relentlessly monitoring their progress."

Gov. O'Malley will continue to put his unique vision to work for Maryland in the years to come — if we give him the support he needs to do it.

Support the O'Malley/Brown campaign with a donation now:

http://www.martinomalley.com/SmartGoverning

Thank you,

Tom Russell
Campaign Manager
O'Malley/Brown Campaign

Crossroads Chronicle

2009-10-27T13:02:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest edition of the Crossroads Chronicle from the City of Salisbury

http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Portals/0/Press/NewsletterFall09FINAL.pdf

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT NEW POLICE OFFICERS, 35K FOR SALISBURY

2009-10-26T17:07:00.001-04:00

Today, Governor Martin O’Malley followed through on a commitment to support federally funded additional police officers with funding for equipment, uniforms, and other needs not covered by federal grants the allowed for the hiring of 112 police officers throughout Maryland. In July, Governor O’Malley joined Vice President Biden to announce $23 million in COPS program grants to create 112 police officer positions in Maryland. Governor O’Malley has directed additional funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help communities purchase radios, bullet-proof vests, computers, and other essential equipment to support each newly hired officer. Maryland is the first state in the nation to provide matching funds for equipment purchase, and will provide up to $10,000 per officer.

“We saw the value of COPS program first hand in the City of Baltimore where we worked with law enforcement and the people of our City to take our streets and neighborhoods back for our families and, together, achieved a 40 percent reduction in violent crime,” said Governor O’Malley, noting that a contributing factor to the success in Baltimore City was a $24 million COPS grant allowing the hiring of 200 additional police officers. “There is no greater or more solemn obligation we have as public servants than the protection of our citizens. Thanks to the leadership of President Obama and our federal delegation, local law enforcement agencies have an unprecedented opportunity to create or save jobs that directly impact the safety of our neighborhoods, and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to relieve the burden of the cost of additional equipment from those local agencies.”

Today, Governor O’Malley announced the first three supporting grants to Baltimore ($448,000), Cambridge ($15,000), and Salisbury ($35,000). Additional grants will be distributed as the application process through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention is completed for each jurisdiction.

As Chairwoman of the Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Mikulski included $1 billion in the federal checkbook for the COPS Hiring Recovery Program in the economic recovery bill. This funding not only prevented layoffs of police officers nationwide; it made it possible for states, like Maryland, to hire additional officers.

“Law enforcement agencies work around the clock to keep our communities safe. We have a responsibility to ensure they are not walking a thin blue line. Our cops need a full team to combat violence, protect families, and fight the crime that's destroying neighborhoods,” Senator Mikulski said. “I was proud to include $1 billion in the federal checkbook for the COPS hiring program. This funding means more cops on the beat from Prince George's to Princess Anne, patrolling our streets and protecting our families.”

The federal Recovery Act provides $1 billion in grant funding to the Department of Justice for the COPS Hiring Recovery Program. The COPS office received applications from 7,272 law enforcement agencies requesting more than 39,000 officer positions nationwide. COPS grants provide 100 percent funding for three years of entry-level salaries and benefits, and are awarded to localities and/or police departments to hire or rehire additional career law enforcement officers.

Following the passage of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the O’Malley-Brown Administration moved swiftly to capture more than $26 million in additional federal funding to put state-of-the-art law enforcement and information sharing technologies into the hands of our police at every level across our State. The O’Malley-Brown Administration is expanding the use of smart law enforcement technology across Maryland, including advanced fingerprinting technology, eliminating backlogs and expanding our DNA database, tracking and monitoring repeat violent offenders, and increased drug treatment funding. The O’Malley Brown Administration is putting families first by making public safety a top priority, with 66 fewer lives lost to homicides in 2008 when compared to 2007, and 40 fewer homicides this year when compared to the same period in 2008.

2nd Annual Convention of the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress

2009-10-26T17:04:00.001-04:00

2nd Annual Convention of the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

At Salisbury University – Guerrieri Center

Nanticoke Room – 6:15 PM Registration

Meeting 6:30-8:30

Guest Speakers to Include:

- County Executive Rick Pollitt
- Wicomico County Sheriffs Department
- First Sergeant Tim Robinson
- Margaret Enloe - Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Michael A. Pretl – Experienced Non-profit Attorney

Topics to include:

- Public Safety & Crime
- Neighborhood Crime Watch
- Water Quality in our Lakes & Steams
- Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels
- Establishing a Neighborhood Association/HOA

NAACP ANNOUNCES PROGRAM FOR NOVEMBER MEETING

2009-10-26T10:43:00.001-04:00

Mary Ashanti, President of Wicomico County NAACP announced today that the topic for the November meeting will be the Revenue Cap in Wicomico County. Ms. Ashanti said that the presenters will be James V. Fineran, Wicomico County Public Information Officer and Patricia B. Petersen, Wicomico County Director of Finance. The meeting will be held on November 19th at 7:00P.M., First Baptist Church, Corner of Delaware and 528
Booth Street, Salisbury, MD.

According to Ms. Ashanti, the presenters will describe the history of the Revenue Cap, how it works and the affect that it has had on the county’s income derived from property taxes. Also, she said that the presenters will comment on how the Cap could be changed or modified if needed.

This event is open to all members of the public. For more information, call 410-543-4187.

A Message from the Governor

2009-10-26T10:41:00.001-04:00

It’s been a little more than a year since we first launched our Marylanders Plant Trees program, and now that summer has quickly turned into fall – there is no better time to plant a tree than today.

Families from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, and all points in between have already joined together to plant 22,000 trees to create that greener, more sustainable future for our children and future generations. But we need your help to reach our goal to plant 50,000 trees by 2010.

Will you help us meet our goal and plant a tree today?

Fall is an ideal time to plant a tree for the future – giving newly planted trees the chance to firmly take root throughout the winter, making them stronger and more resilient come spring.

To make it easy for everyone to plant a tree, we’re offering $25 coupons for the purchase of native trees costing $50 or more at more than 70 participating nurseries. And now everyone in Maryland has the opportunity to join in, simply visit us online at www.green.maryland.gov and TREE-Mendous Maryland can plant one for you through their Gift of Trees program.

We all know that planting trees benefits us all by creating a greener, more beautiful environment. But planting a tree also has the added benefit of improving the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink – and those benefits only grow larger over time with our trees, and multiply as we plant more and more trees across our great state.

Finally, please don’t forget to register your newly planted tree. Our Department of Natural Resources will be holding drawings every month where you can win overnight stays at beautiful Rocky Gap Resort, yacht tours of the Chesapeake Bay, locally-grown Christmas trees and State Park passes. And when you register a tree, you can add your tree to our interactive website, where you can calculate the environmental benefits of your new tree.

There is no better time to plant a tree than right now. By planting one tree, every Marylander can help keep Maryland Smart, Green & Growing.

Please join us at www.green.maryland.gov

Martin O'Malley

Governor

Senator Cardin Holds Press Conference to Announce New Bay Bill

2009-10-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

For decades people have talked about cleaning up one of America’s most cherished and celebrated bodies of water – the Chesapeake Bay. On October 21, I introduced the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act, S. 1816, landmark legislation that will back up that talk with tough, new requirements and a major new federal investment in a clean bay.

Today, 17 million people live in its watershed, which encompasses seven jurisdictions – Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and New York. The Bay’s tributaries -- the Susquehanna, Severn and James rivers -- are home to three state capitals, and the nation’s capital is nestled between two others, the Potomac and Anacostia.

While the Bay has been called a “national treasure” by American presidents ranging from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama, it’s a watershed that is in serious trouble. By every scientific measure, the ecological health of the Chesapeake is poor. The Bay and its tributaries have been harmed from too much urban and suburban development, too many impervious surfaces and too much runoff from farm lands. At the same time, we also have experienced an astounding loss of 100 acres of forest lands every day in the watershed. All of this has led to excess nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pouring into the Bay in recent decades.

I am determined to restore the Chesapeake Bay for future generations. I am leading that effort in Congress and that’s why I recently introduced S. 1816 to make that a reality. My bill would give states strong, new tools to clean up the Bay’s watershed, and, for the first time, sets a firm deadline of 2025 for all restoration efforts to be in place. It also would authorize nearly $2 billion, including a new $1.5 billion grants program to control urban/suburban polluted stormwater, a serious contributor to pollution in the Bay and one that has only gotten worse over time.

To help farmers implement new conservation practices, my bill would ensure that at least 20 percent of the states’ implementation grants would be devoted to helping farmers and foresters reduce farm runoff and to help reforest the watershed. Finally, my measure would codify President Obama’s Chesapeake Bay Executive Order, which was issued in September and requires federal action plans across all federal departments to restore the Bay.

We can restore the Bay to health, but only if we establish a comprehensive plan that is based on a strong federal, state, local and community partnership – a partnership that has the tools and resources to get the job done. This is our legacy to future generations and it is a legacy that I believe people who live in the Bay’s watershed want and support. It is time for us to join together and return the Bay to its former glory – a pristine natural resource that can sustain the ecosystem we all treasure.

Best wishes.

Ben

Kratovil Introduces Legislation to Cut Taxes On Small Businesses Owners Seeking to Reinvest in Their Companies

2009-10-26T10:38:00.000-04:00

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil introduced HR 3898, the Small Business Property Reimbursement Act. The legislation will extend a key tax deduction for small business owners that invest in new equipment for their businesses. Specifically, Kratovil’s bill will extend a provision of the tax code that allows small businesses to expense up to $250,000 of the total cost of qualified assets purchased for business purposes. If Kratovil’s extension does not pass, this deduction will decrease to $125,000 at the end of this year.

Rep. Kratovil’s bill would extend an enhanced Sec. 179 of the Internal Revenue Code through 2010 representing a significant tax subsidy for business investment. “Instead of bailing out giant corporations, we ought to focus on strengthening the small businesses that support our local economies and drive economic growth,” said Rep. Kratovil. “My bill provides much needed tax relief that will allow small business owners to re-invest and create new jobs.”

The higher expensing allowance is designed to increase business investment by augmenting the cash flow of firms that rely heavily on retained earnings to finance their investments. Expensing can increase a firm’s cash flow in the short run because it allows the firm to deduct the full cost of qualified assets in the tax year the firm places them into service. The legislation also serves to simplify the tax code by allowing an immediate deduction, instead of depreciation deductions over a specified recovery period.

Kratovil’s bill has drawn praise from a number of small business advocacy organizations, including the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). “The expanded expensing provision helps smaller manufacturers by lowering the after-tax cost of investing in new equipment and generating new orders from customers,” according to Dorothy Coleman, NAM Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy. “Extending this incentive through 2010 will enhance the effectiveness of the provision to spur desperately needed business investment and job creation.”
“We appreciate Representative Kratovil's efforts in introducing HR 3898. This legislation will provide small businesses with incentives and certainty to make new investments in their business. This is especially important in the current economic environment where small business hiring, capital spending and earnings are at record lows," said Brad Close, NFIB Vice President for Federal Public Policy. “If Congress wants to encourage small business owners to start investing in capital spending, then it is critical that they extend section 179 expensing limits. HR 3898 provides the kinds of tools and incentives that small businesses need to expand and grow their businesses. Small businesses are the engine of our economy, generating seven out of ten new jobs and leading our economy out of past recessions. The NFIB thanks Representative Kratovil for standing up for small business owners, our nation's job creators," said Close.

HR 3898 is the second small business tax incentive bill introduced by Kratovil since taking office in January. Earlier this year, he joined with Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY) to introduce H.R. 1552, the Small Business Formation and Job Creation Act, which would increase the maximum deduction for business start-up expenses to promote the creation of new start-up small businesses. Kratovil has also voted in favor of the Small Business Research and Innovation Act, legislation designed to create new jobs and boost the economy by supporting small business innovation in research and technology. Rep. Kratovil offered an amendment to the legislation that raises the award ceilings for veteran-owned small businesses and creates new incentives for the formation of technology-based companies to compete for defense and homeland security related contracts awards, allowing veterans to capitalize on their service experience.

WET e-news

2009-10-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

Help Create a Vision for the Future of the Nanticoke River Watershed

The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance is kicking off a project to create a vision for the future of the Nanticoke watershed, developed through input from members of the community. The group is inviting residents of Wicomico County to participate in an evening listening session to discuss what they treasure in the Nanticoke area, why they love where they live, and what they hope the Nanticoke watershed will look like in the future.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00)
Where: Wicomico County Public Library, downtown Salisbury branch (RSVPs requested to adequately prepare seating and snacks)
More information or to RSVP: Contact Megan Ward at meganward@nanticokeriver.org or (410) 873-3045

Wicomico County Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day

When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Newland Park Landfill, 6948 Brick Kiln Road, Salisbury (map)
Who: Residents of Wicomico County (driver’s license required to demonstrate county residency)—no businesses or farms
Items accepted include: Gasoline, Gas/Oil mixes, Fuels, Acids, Cleaners, Solvents, Automotive fluids, Bleach, Ammonia, Batteries (all types), Household Smoke Detectors, Asbestos, Pool Chemicals, Dark Room Chemicals, Household and Lawn & Garden Pesticides, Insecticides & Herbicides, Compressed Gas Propane Cylinders (30 gal and under), Painting Products: Oil based paints, Paint Thinner, Turpentine, Wood Preservatives, Wood Strippers, etc. (Dispose of solidified LATEX paint with trash - to solidify add dirt, mulch, kitty litter, etc.).
Items not accepted include: Explosives, Ammunition (contact Fire Marshall, 410-543-6573). Medical Waste, Radioactive Materials
No Materials from Business, Industrial, or Commercial Farm Sources
More information: Call 410-548-4935 or go to http://www.wicomicocounty.org/ and click on Public Works Info (left side of page) and then click on Hazardous Waste Day under Solid Waste & Recycling (right side of page).

Nassawango Preserve Fun Days

When and where: Sundays, Nov. 1 and Dec. 13, times and locations TBA
What: Activities may include walks on Nature Conservancy property or canoe/kayak trips.
Sponsor: The Nature Conservancy
More information: Contact George Parker (chair of the Stewardship Committee) at 757-709-1966 or gvparker@esva.net, or Joe Fehrer (land manager) at jfehrer@tnc.org.

Birding Trip to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, VA

When and where: Sunday, Nov. 15. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Ward Museum, 909 South Schumaker Drive, Salisbury
Sponsor: Tri-County Bird Club
Further information: contact Jean and Larry Fry (trip leaders) at 410-208-4169.

A Message from the Governor: Strengthening our Schools

2009-10-23T08:49:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I was proud to join all 24 public school superintendents from across our State as they gathered in Annapolis to discuss the state of education in Maryland, and how we can build upon the successes and historic investments we've made as One Maryland for our public schools. And this past weekend, I had the opportunity to address more than 700 teachers from the Maryland State Education Association, who gathered at their annual convention in Ocean City.

We are very fortunate in Maryland to have such a talented, committed group of professional educators, who aren't content with simply running in place and defending our number one ranking in America for our public schools. They want, as all of us do, to be competitive globally and we can do that by protecting those priorities we share even when it is difficult to do so.

In the past three years, the O'Malley-Brown Administration has fully funded the Thornton Bridge to Excellence Plan – the first administration to do so – and invested $1 billion over a three-year period in school construction, a first in Maryland's history. In an effort to build upon the system's number one national ranking, we've set ambitious goals for ourselves and for our students, including increasing college and career readiness, improving student achievement, and increasing the number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math college graduates.We've set the bar high for our students, and they're responding. Graduation rates are up. Standardized test scores are up virtually across the board. And we're closing the achievement gap that has historically existed between minority students and their white counterparts. Our high school students are now out-pacing their counterparts nationwide on advanced placement exams, and Maryland now ranks first in the nation in its achievement on those rigorous exams.

I could not be more proud of our students and the dedicated professionals in our public schools. Join me in congratulating them in their achievement, and committing as One Maryland to do everything we can to protect our shared priorities, even in tough times.
Martin O'Malley
Governor

A Message from the Governor

2009-10-23T08:48:00.001-04:00

A Message from Governor O'Malley

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share with you the video from last night’s monthly program on MPT, "Ask the Governor." The program gives us the opportunity to continue our ongoing dialogue directly with the people of our State, and last night, in response to some of those questions, we talked about the state of our budget during these tough economic times, statewide economic development, transportation planning and investments in infrastructure, among others. I hope you will take a few minutes to watch and share with your friends.

Watch the video.
"Ask the Governor" airs on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. You can email your questions at any time.to askthegovernor@mpt.org, or call live during the show at 1-800-926-0629.
Visit the show’s website to learn more and for a schedule of each broadcast.

Martin O'Malley

Governor

Party with Congressman Frank Kratovil At the Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-15T07:19:00.001-04:00

Bring the Whole Family for a Party with
Congressman Frank Kratovil
At the Pumpkin Patch!

October 24, 2009
2:00 to 5:00 pm

Co-Hosts:
John & Leigh Melton
Tony & Hope Harrington
QA County State's Attorney Lance Richardson

Live Eastern Shore Bluegrass Band!
Pig roast with all the trimmings
Face painting and tons of activities for the kids!

Location: Councell Farms
11773 Old Skipton Road ~ Cordova, MD 21625
(Rt. 50, 5 miles north of Easton)

Councell Farms features a Barnyard Jump,
Obstacle Course, Pumpkin Slingers, Corn Maze, and much more!

Suggested Contribution:
$50 Individual $100 Family $500 Sponsor $1000 Host

Please RSVP Lynn at 410-279-0711 or LCaligiuri@Kratovil.com.

Tickets are available online with a credit card at Kratovil.com.
Please note Pumpkin Patch in the comments.
Please make checks payable to Kratovil for Congress.
No tickets will be mailed - Reservations will be held at the gate.

Please RSVP right away - space is limited!

Mayor Ireton releases 3rd Friday video

2009-09-16T01:28:00.001-04:00

Hope to see everyone on the plaza this Friday from 5pm-9pm to support our downtown area.

Mayor Ireton releases 3rd Friday video

2009-08-18T20:59:00.000-04:00

Wicomico County Democratic Club Crab Feast

2009-08-07T13:08:00.003-04:00

Hello all, last month we had a great time at the Tawes Clam Bake, and this month we are going to have a great time at the Wicomico Democrats annual crab feast. It will take place on August 30th from 1-4 PM. Tickets are $35 apiece. Come out and enjoy crabs, corn, and other sides at the Knights of Columbus.

Hope to see you all there.

Mayor Ireton: 100 Days Progress on Crime Prevention

2009-08-02T13:55:00.001-04:00

Photos from Mayor Ireton's Press Conference

2009-07-29T17:08:00.006-04:00

Remarks from Mayor Ireton's Press Conference

2009-07-29T16:46:00.000-04:00

CITY OF SALISBURY
PRESS CONFERENCE
MAYOR JIM IRETON’S REMARKS
JULY 29, 2009

I am honored today to join with our local and federal partners to announce funding to help us reduce crime here in Salisbury. Salisbury, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Federal Stimulus program, has been awarded $795,000 dollars for the hiring of 4 Salisbury Police officers. Many thanks to the officers here in our police department that applied for this money, and to my partners in fighting crime – the Salisbury City Council who endorsed the application – for without their leadership, today would not have become a reality.

The COPS program, Community Oriented Policing Services, since 1995 has invested $12.4 billion to help law enforcement advance the practice of community policing and has enabled more than 13,000 state and local agencies to hire more than 117,000 police officers and deputies across the nation. As the Department of Justice has said, because community policing is inclusive, COPS Office training also benefits state and local government leaders and the citizens that they serve. Now, those benefits have reached Salisbury. As the Department of Justice asserts, moving from a reactive to a proactive role, community policing represents a shift from more traditional law enforcement practices. By addressing the root causes of criminal and disorderly behavior, rather than simply responding to crimes once they have been committed, community policing concentrates on preventing both crime and the atmosphere of fear that it creates.

We have much to thank our partners in government for. Last week we announced $147,000 for our CSAFE initiatives in both our Church Street and Westside neighborhoods through Governor O’Malley’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. We thank Governor O’Malley and our federal partners, whose representatives have joined us today.

My friend and congressman, Frank Kratovil, had this to say, “This is an example of federal stimulus money flowing directly into our cities and towns to create jobs and essential services. When our streets are safer we all benefit, from local businesses to school children.”
Governor Martin O’Malley, whose office called this week to let me know of the award, said, “There is no greater or more solemn obligation that we have as public servants than the protection of our citizens.” Governor O’Malley, Congressman Kratovil, and Senator Mikulski recognized our need here in Salisbury as the $795,000 grant was the third largest in the State of Maryland, and 60% of the allocation for the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Senator Mikulski said it best, “This means saving jobs and saving lives.”

This $795,000 puts Salisbury’s total of federal stimulus grant and loan money at $5 million to date. I applaud the work of staff at City Hall for making certain that we are documenting every penny spent, so the public knows that we take the responsibility of investing President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money seriously.

On a personal note, any assistance from any agency is greatly appreciated. I made a promise this past spring to begin to make Salisbury the safest city in Maryland. I promise to work with Council President Louise Smith and the rest of the City Council to put together budgets that prepare for the time when these officers become our own.

Today is a great day for law enforcement in our city, so congratulations go out to our police chief and our officers in the Salisbury Police Department. Let this day be another reminder to our citizens that we are committed…from our leaders on Capitol Hill, to Annapolis, to here at City Hall, including our City Council and your Mayor, to reducing our crime rates and making this city a much safer place to live.

Mayor Ireton to hold press conference tomorrow at 10am

2009-07-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2009
CONTACT: Office of the Mayor
410-548-3100
SALISBURY MAYOR TOHOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AT SALISBURY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, July 29, 2009, in the first floor conference room of the Salisbury Police Department, 699 W. Salisbury Parkway (at the corner of Route 50 and Delaware Avenue).

Mayor Ireton will talk about the announcement made earlier today by Governor Martin O’Malley, along with Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Eric Holder, regarding a major American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding announcement for law enforcement agencies across the nation.

In Maryland, eight police departments are receiving a total of $23.2 million as part of the COPS Hiring Recovery Program of ARRA. The City of Salisbury will receive funding for 4 police officer positions for a total of $795,068.

COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grants provide 100 percent funding for three years of entry-level salaries and benefits and are awarded to localities and/or police departments to hire or rehire additional career law enforcement officers.

Democratic Club of Worcester County event

2009-07-28T14:40:00.002-04:00

Judge Sonya Sotomayor approved by Judiciary Committee

2009-07-28T14:29:00.002-04:00

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor by a 13-6 vote Tuesday, along almost perfect partisan lines and after two hours of debate.

All Democrats voted for Sotomayor, President Obama's first nominee to the high court. All Republicans except Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, opposed. The nomination of Sotomayor, a 17-year veteran of the federal bench, now goes to the full Senate for a vote. That is likely to be held the week of Aug. 3, just before the Senate leaves for its summer recess.

Graham said he was backing Sotomayor partly because he believed President Obama, having won last November's election, deserved wide latitude to make appointments within the judicial mainstream. Graham deemed Sotomayor "well qualified," of "good character" and within "the mainstream."

Sotomayor would be the first Latina justice in U.S. history. "Now that's a big deal," Graham said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Wicomico County Democratic Club would like to congratulate Judge Sotomayor on being approved by the Judiciary Committee. We know she will make a great supreme court justice once she is confirmed by the full Senate.

The full article may be found here - http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2009-07-28-senate-sotomayor_N.htm

Tawes Clam Bake Photos

2009-07-16T12:06:00.020-04:00

Kim Kratovil talks with Susan Turnbull and Tyler Patton

County Executive Rick Pollitt arrives at Tawes

Rick Pollitt having a conversation

Rick Pollitt meets with Councilman David MacLeod

Tyler Patton, David Sloan, and Mayor Ireton have a laugh

Tyler Patton shares a laugh with Mayor Ireton

Governor Martin O'Malley enjoys a laugh with people in the tent

Governor O'Malley talks with Mayor Ireton

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown talks with constituents

Lt. Governor Brown poses with club president Chuck Cook

Delegate Murray Levy comes by the tent

Salisbury Mayor Ireton arrives at Tawes

Mayor Ireton takes a picture with head of the Maryland Democratic Party Susan Turnbull

It was great to see so many people come out to our tent

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot stops by to say hello

Ernie Leatherbury and Chuck Cook pose for a photo while David Sloan looks on

Chairman Norm Conway enjoys local corn and talks with other people in the Democratic tent

Here are some of the photos taken at yesterday's Tawes Clam Bake. If you have any photos you would like us to put up from yesterday, email them to wicomicodems@gmail.com

Tawes Clam Bake

2009-07-16T11:53:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was the 33rd annual Tawes Clam Bake in Crisfield and the Wicomico County Democratic Club wants to thank everyone that came by our tent. Our tent was visited by many state and local officials including:

Governor Martin O'Malley
Lt. Governor Anthony Brown
Comptroller Peter Franchot
Appropriations Committee Chairman Norm Conway
Delegate Jim Mathias
Delegate Murray Levy
Delegate John Wood
Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton
Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt
Wicomico County Councilman David MacLeod
Wicomico County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes
Salisbury City Councilman Gary Comegys

as well as representatives for Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin and Congressman Frank Kratovil. We were also joined in our tent by several members of the state Democratic Party, and Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack commander and Chair of the Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee Ernie Leatherbury.

The crabs were hot, the beverages were cold, and the company was great. Thanks to everyone who made this great day possible and we look forward to seeing everyone next month for our crab feast.

Lower Shore Young Democratic Club

2009-07-09T00:30:00.002-04:00

The Wicomico County Democratic Club is excited to announce that a new young democrats chapter has been created on the lower shore.

The Lower Shore Young Democrats are currently looking for interested members. Anyone who is under the age of 36 may join. You can reach the Lower Shore Young Democrats at lowershoreyoungdems@gmail.com in interested in joining or if you have any questions.

New Wicomico Democrats Email Address

2009-07-09T00:24:00.002-04:00

The new email address for the Wicomico County Democratic Club is wicomicodems@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Tawes Crab Feast Tickets for sale

2009-07-01T11:02:00.004-04:00

The Wicomico County Democratic Club has tickets to the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake for sale. This is always an amazing event, and by purchasing a ticket you will be able to eat in the Wicomico Dems personal tent. Tickets are $40, please email us at wicomicodems@gmail.com if interested.

The Tawes Crab and Clam bake will be held on July 15th in Crisfield.

Mayor Ireton Hosts Open Houes Today at GOB

2009-06-23T10:22:00.001-04:00

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., will host a City of Salisbury Open House on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It will be held on the third floor of the Government Office Building, 125 N. Division Street.

The Open House will provide Salisbury residents with an opportunity to learn more about City programs and services. Each of the City Departments will have displays and exhibits, freebies, and activities for kids. Staff from the departments will be available to talk to residents about current and future City projects, and distribute brochures on City programs and services.

URBAN SALISBURY TO HOST PUBLIC MEETINGS ON DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

2009-06-04T13:38:00.001-04:00

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., would like to invite the public to join the discussion on the future of your Downtown at one of three public meetings hosted by Urban Salisbury.

The new Downtown Master Plan will be presented to the public at three open houses. These special events will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17th; Wednesday, June 24th; and Wednesday, July 8th, at the Chamber of Commerce building, 144 E. Main Street in Salisbury.

Join your friends and neighbors in a lively discussion of the core of our community. Questions, comments and suggestions will be welcomed by the Urban Salisbury team.

The Master Plan is the start of a program to recapture the center of our City. With your help, it can be the foundation of a brighter future for Downtown Salisbury.

Your ideas are important. Pick the open house that suits you best. Join us on June 17th, June 24th, or July 8th. Help to build the future of your home town.

If you have questions regarding these meetings, please contact Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury, at 410-546-3205.

A Message from the Governor: Safe Neighborhoods, Safe Families

2009-06-04T09:37:00.002-04:00

Improving public safety in our neighborhoods and communities is the most important obligation we have as public servants. Yesterday, I was proud to stand with House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer, public safety officials and community leaders to celebrate the successes of the Capital City Safe Streets program, launched one year ago as a first-of-its-kind state and local partnership to reduce crime in Annapolis. To date, total crime is down 32 percent and violent crime is down 39 percent in Annapolis over the past year, when compared to the 12 months prior.

The Capital City Safe Streets initiative shows that by working together, across borders and throughout our One Maryland, we can harness the necessary tools to make our neighborhoods safer and protect Maryland families. Today, we are seeing the unmistakable benefits of this unique partnership.

We continue to put families first by making public safety a top priority, achieving 66 fewer homicides last year statewide – a 12 percent reduction – the second highest reduction in homicides in nearly a quarter-century. We've increased public safety funding in Maryland by more than $200 million to make Maryland families safer, eliminated an inherited backlog of over 24,000 DNA samples, and created the Violence Prevention Initiative to identify and closely monitor the most violent, repeat offenders in our State to get them off the streets the moment they become a risk to the public.

The initiative in Annapolis demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together. I look forward to similar partnerships with jurisdictions throughout Maryland, as we continue putting families first by improving public safety.

Martin O'Malley
Governor

House Passes Rep. Kratovil’s Resolution Honoring Specialist Michael Yates

2009-06-04T09:33:00.001-04:00

Washington, DC – Today, the House unanimously passed House Resolution 471 introduced by Rep. Frank Kratovil “expressing sympathy to the victims, families, and friends of the tragic act of violence at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq on May 11, 2009.” Kratovil introduced the resolution in honor of his constituent, Specialist Michael Yates, of Federalsburg, Maryland who was killed in the shooting.
Today’s resolution expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this tragic act, and conveyed Congress’ ongoing deep gratitude to all the brave members of our Armed Forces who risk their lives in service of our Nation. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the important work of medical professionals and staff who provide essential mental health services to servicemen and women at Camp Liberty and other clinics both in theater and at home.

“Honoring our commitment to those who serve our Nation means not only offering first class medical care for physical injuries but also providing first class mental health services,” said Rep. Kratovil on the House floor. “Congress must commit to focusing on both the mental and physical well-being of the Nation’s active military, as well as veterans, and to support the policies, resources, and funding necessary to successfully combat the mental and physical healthcare challenges that they may confront.”

“We must make soldier’s and veterans’ mental health a priority and heed Secretary of Defense Gates’ recommendation to support funding for traumatic brain injury and psychological health exams,” continued Kratovil. “We owe this to Specialist Yates and his colleagues who lost their lives as well as the friends and families of those involved in this tragic event.

*Text of the resolution below*

RESOLUTION

Expressing sympathy to the victims, families, and friends of the tragic act of violence at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq, on May 11, 2009.

Whereas on Monday, May 11, 2009, the Nation experienced a tragedy when a soldier at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq, reportedly killed five innocent American servicemen, and wounded three others;

Whereas the shooting resulted in the tragic loss of Navy Commander Charles K. Springle, Army Major Matthew P. Houseal, Army Sergeant Christian E. Bueno-Galdos, Army Specialist Jacob D. Barton, and Army Private First Class Michael E. Yates;

Whereas the lives of the victims were taken while they were bravely and honorably serving the United States on the front lines in Iraq;

Whereas the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq, and similar clinics in theater and at home provide essential mental health services to the Nation's servicemen and women;

Whereas the Nation's protracted military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan call for increased attention to the mental health challenges faced by the courageous members of the Armed Forces; and

Whereas honoring the Nation's commitment to those who serve the Nation and their families means offering these heroic soldiers not only first class medical care for physical injuries, but also first class mental health services: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the May 11, 2009, shooting at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty, Iraq;

(2) conveys its ongoing deep gratitude to the brave members of the Armed Forces who risk their lives in service of protecting the Nation;

(3) recognizes the important work of the medical professionals and staff members, who provide essential mental health services to our servicemen and women, at Combat Stress Control Center in Camp Liberty, Iraq, and other clinics in theater and at home; and

(4) commits to focus on the mental, in addition to the physical, well being of the Nation's military servicemen and women, and veterans, and to support the policies, resources, and funding necessary to successfully combat the mental and physical healthcare challenges that they may confront.

Message from the Governor: "Our Place in Space"

2009-05-28T22:14:00.001-04:00

This week, I joined with leaders of Maryland’s thriving aerospace industry to unveil a strategic vision for the expansion of this high-tech sector of our economy. Maryland’s space industry has been, in many ways, an unsung economic hero for our State.

Home to 16 of America’s top 25 space industry manufacturing and service companies, including the Goddard Space Center, with its 50 year presence in Maryland dating back to 1959, and the Hubble Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute, the greatest orbiting science observatory ever built, Maryland is in a unique position to leverage its public and private assets to grow this unique industry even during difficult economic times.

The modern day Galileos, Magellans, and Da Vincis of our generation work at places like the Goddard and Hubble. Space missions launched from Maryland have revolutionized what we know about our universe, and helped to unlock mysteries about our own planet. Just as we’ve laid out a strategic plan for the expansion of our biotech industry, so too will we leverage the unique assets Maryland provides to the space industry to ensure our State’s powerful position in the emerging knowledge-based economy.

Martin O'Malley, Governor

CITY TO HOLD CEREMONY COMMEMORATING 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF 1909 EVENT

2009-05-27T16:15:00.001-04:00

Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that the City will hold a ceremony commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the Lake Humphreys Dam breaking in 1909. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. It will be held in front of the old Fire Station, 143 S. Division Street. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in Meeting Room #1 of the Wicomico Public Library, 122 S. Division Street.

Mr. George Chevallier of the Wicomico Historical Society will talk about the history of Lake Humphreys and the Lake Humphreys Dam. Mr. Philip “Pete” Cooper, former City of Salisbury Public Works Director, will speak on the implications of the dam breaking from a public works perspective.

Humphreys Lake was located in the heart of downtown Salisbury until the dam holding the lake gave up in 1909. This event was significant in the City’s history and forever changed the appearance of downtown Salisbury. Thanks to the Nabb Center at Salisbury University and Brenda Colegrove, City Clerk, we will have on display historical pictures of this life changing event and minutes from 1909 City Council meetings referencing the event and subsequent cleanup.
The public is invited to attend this event.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 410-548-3100.

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:57:00.002-04:00

We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day.

We especially want to give our thanks to those who have died in service to our country.

Mayor Remedies Council Health Insurance Issue

2009-05-22T15:00:00.001-04:00

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that he has resolved the issue of health insurance for City Council members, which has recently been a subject of disagreement.

Mayor Ireton has directed that the cost of health insurance for City Council members be added to the amended budget ordinance that is to be considered by the Council at their May 26, 2009 meeting.

The Mayor stated that he has researched this issue and concluded that the exclusion of this cost from the proposed budget was an error on the part of the mayor’s office. “My research shows that there has to be a separate vote by resolution to change the health care policy and contract,” said Mayor Ireton. “The mayor’s office cannot cut this funding without that vote.”

Mayor Ireton continued, “The Council can no more refuse this correction than reject other budget corrections, such as the additional cable revenues and additional payment to PAC14, or apply $27,000 additional in Highway User Funds to something other than streets. As with these examples, there does not need to be a separate budget amendment for the health insurance. Corrections to the budget have been made before by the mayor’s office during the budget process. The mayor’s office must correct this error as well.”

“I know Council President Smith supported this funding reinstatement at Tuesday night’s budget session and would want the Council to be in compliance just as much as I want the mayor’s office to be in compliance,” said the Mayor. “If the Council wishes to change the health insurance coverage policy by a resolution to be sent to my desk, then that is within their domain.”

URBAN SALISBURY HELPS RESTORE OLD CITY HALL

2009-05-22T14:58:00.001-04:00

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that thanks to the hard work and dedication of Urban Salisbury, Inc., the Old City Hall will soon get a face lift.

Urban Salisbury is providing a $4,050 grant to St. Peter’s Vestry to help restore the façade of the Old City Hall, located at 110 Church Street. St. Peter’s Church purchased the former city hall and firehouse earlier this year.

“This building is one of Downtown’s landmarks. Helping to preserve it and other heritage structures generates tourist visits which mean new dollars flowing into the community,” said Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury. “So, not only are we protecting Salisbury’s heritage, we’re stimulating the local economy which is our prime mission.”

Renovation of the exterior of the building will begin very soon. Urban Salisbury also has façade grant applications in the works for the Charles H. Chipman Center and Poplar Hill Mansion. “Our program is funded through the Department of Housing and Community Development who works closely with the Maryland Historic Trust,” said Mr. Hope. “We’re hoping to have good news on both of these applications very soon.”

Downtown private property owners and tenants can also apply to Urban Salisbury for façade restoration assistance. Contact Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury, at 410-546-3205, for further details on this program.

MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT DOWNTOWN

2009-05-22T14:52:00.002-04:00

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., would like to invite the public to downtown Salisbury this Saturday, May 23rd, to enjoy a Memorial Day Concert beginning at 1:00 pm, on the Government Office Building stage, 125 N. Division Street.

The Salisbury Community Band and the Federal City Brass Band combine their talents to present this gala concert in honor of our Armed Forces, Veterans and Those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.

Dr. Charles Smith, conductor of the Salisbury Community Band, will lead his talented musicians in program of traditional and contemporary favorites. Always a hit with audiences, the stirring music of the Community Band is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face this holiday weekend.

In honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Federal City Brass Band will present a special program featuring favorite music of Lincoln and the Civil War. This program includes songs from Lincoln’s presidential campaigns, hymns, sentimental ballads, operatic selections, music written especially for his inaugurations and funeral, patriotic airs and popular wartime tunes. Many of the pieces selected for this special program are those which Lincoln is known to have particularly loved and requested on several occasions. The Federal City Brass Band has performed their Music of Lincoln program at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in January and at Ford's Theatre on Lincoln's 200th birthday.

The concert is sponsored by Urban Salisbury and is free to the public. Just bring a chair and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music that pays special tribute to those who have served this great nation.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Allan Hope, Executive Director of Urban Salisbury, at 410-546-3205.

We have received word that Congressman Frank Kratovil will also be joining us for this tremendous event.

O'Malley vows to speed rivers cleanup

2009-05-14T15:00:00.001-04:00

With scientists pointing to some bright spots and even a possible "tipping point" in the long-running struggle to restore the Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Martin O'Malley vowed Monday to more than double the pace of cleanup of Maryland's rivers feeding into the troubled estuary.

On the eve of a meeting in Virginia of the bay region's leaders, O'Malley joined bay scientists aboard the state-owned research vessel Rachel Carson for a firsthand look at the Bush River off Aberdeen Proving Ground, one of a handful of places throughout the Chesapeake watershed where there are signs of recovery from decades of pollution and abuse.

Seeking to jump-start a restoration effort that has missed two cleanup deadlines in the past 26 years, O'Malley, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and officials from the District of Columbia and four other states plan to gather Tuesday at Mount Vernon on the Potomac River. There they are expected to announce what they have promised will be an accelerated and more accountable effort to restore the bay.

"When Maryland goes to the table, we're going to lay out a very aggressive program of increasing our nutrient [pollution] reductions by 2.5 times what we've been doing," O'Malley said. With the help of a boost in federal funds, he said, the state would step up its efforts over the next two years to keep pollution from washing off land - getting farmers to plant "cover crops" and trees to keep fertilizer and soil from washing off their fields.

The leaders are considering setting a new "end date" 16 years from now for reducing nutrient pollution enough to shrink the oxygen-starved dead zone that spreads across the bottom of the Chesapeake every summer, making much of it unfit for the crabs, fish and oysters that once thrived there. O'Malley called the 2025 deadline "realistic," while suggesting that he would press to achieve Maryland's cleanup goals sooner than that.

But more important, O'Malley said, he and other leaders will propose steps aimed at achieving interim pollution-reduction targets, or "milestones," over the next two years. Those short-term objectives will help keep public pressure on politicians, he said, who too often put off tough choices when the consequences extend beyond the next election.

"Setting goals is great," the governor said. "But goals without benchmarks are not very helpful when you have an operation like our government that's run by people like ourselves. You need milestones."

O'Malley also said he expects more help with the bay from the Obama administration. State officials and environmentalists say they expect EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to bring to the meeting a presidential executive order specifying stepped-up federal cleanup efforts.

The governor said he was "buoyed" by the signs of recovery that scientists told him they were seeing in some rivers. While the bay's overall health remains relatively poor - receiving a C-minus in the latest annual assessment by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science - the upper bay at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Bush and Gunpowder rivers along the upper Western Shore are doing better in some respects.

In the past two years, underwater grasses have rebounded significantly in the Bush and Gunpowder, as have clams, worms and other bottom-dwelling animals, said William C. Dennison, the UM center's vice president for science applications, who oversees the annual bay report card. The grasses have grown so thick now, he said, that they appear to be aiding in clearing up the water and allowing vegetation to spread.

"We have some positive feedback going on," Dennison said. The Bush River, in particular, has benefited from a $40 million upgrade in the Sod Run sewage treatment plant, he said. He also noted that Harford County had limited most of its new development to its designated growth area, limiting the spread of pavement and polluted runoff.

O'Malley joined scientists in dipping sensors into the Bush River, finding the water murky but with enough oxygen to sustain fish. The bay grasses have yet to grow out, which would clear up the water, scientists noted.

Donald F. Boesch, president of the UM environmental science center, said there are preliminary indications that the relatively modest pollution reductions to date have been enough to push the bay to a "tipping point," where its water quality becomes more responsive to further cleanup efforts. The key to restoring healthy water conditions to the main bay may lie in reducing pollution in the rivers, the scientists said, noting that the upper Patuxent and Potomac are improving.

For all those hopeful signs, the scientists pointed out that there are just as many, if not more, rivers where water quality is declining. Among the rivers in failing health are the Severn and the other tributaries of the lower western Shore, which are dominated by development, and the heavily farmed upper Eastern Shore and Choptank River.

William C. Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, who joined the governor on the cruise, said there are still indications that the state and federal governments have yet to come to grips with what it will take to finally clean up the bay, either in terms of funding or regulations. He noted that Virginia recently approved an increase in nutrient pollution from a pharmaceutical plant on a tributary of the Potomac. The Annapolis-based foundation has sued the federal government for not taking a more aggressive stance to restore the bay.

By Timothy B. Wheeler | tim.wheeler@baltsun.com

Kratovil Calls for Increased Funding for Mental Health Programs for Soldiers and Veterans

2009-05-14T14:57:00.000-04:00

Kratovil Calls for Increased Funding for Mental Health Programs for Soldiers and Veterans

Joins Bipartisan Lawmakers Expressing Their “Strong Recommendation” In Joint Letter to Chairman John Murtha and Ranking Member Bill Young

Date: 5-13-09 – Media Advisory

Contact: Kevin Lawlor, 202 225 5311

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Kratovil and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are calling for an increase in mental health funding in the FY 2010 budget for the Department of Defense. This request is in support of the funding levels recommended by Defense Secretary Robert Gates in April, but obviously has taken on new importance given the tragic events that occurred two days ago at Camp Liberty in Iraq.
Combat stress has been a growing issue for military leaders and families as fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan has taken its toll on the soldiers, many of whom have been deployed three, four, or even five times.

This bipartisan request letter comes at a time when the suicide rate within the military in 2008 was at its highest since 1980. And with the onslaught of returning service members, 2009’s army suicide rate is projected to further surpass the 2008 level. This increase in funding for mental health programs along with a comprehensive post-deployment program to psychologically screen all of our service men and women will go a long way to protecting our returning veterans. This increase in funding would make it possible for our newly returning service men and women to take care of their physical as wells as psychological injuries through a program of mental health assessments and treatments.

Congressman Kratovil, along with almost fifty colleagues in the House, will be sending a letter to Subcommittee on Defense Chairman John Murtha (D-PA) and Ranking Member Bill Young (R-AK) tomorrow urging the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee to increase overall funding for mental health programs by $300 million in the FY10 defense budget. Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended this figure along with spending over $47 billion on healthcare on April 6, 2009.

“Honoring our commitment to those who serve our nation means offering them not only top notch medical care for physical injuries but also first rate mental health services to help fight the alarming rising trend of suicide and mental illness among veterans,” said Kratovil, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “The Eastern Shore lost a native son this week, Private First Class Michael Yates of Federalsburg in a senseless incident that may have been prevented if greater concern was placed on the mental health of those serving our nation. The death of PFC Yates and his fellow soldiers must serve as a warning sign that the time is now, especially with an influx of returning veterans, to make soldier’s and veteran’s mental health a priority and heed Secretary Gates’ recommendation to support funding for traumatic brain injury, and psychological health exams for our servicemen and women.”

Below please find the text of the letter being sent to Chairman John Murtha and Ranking Member Bill Young.

###
The Honorable John Murtha
Chairman, Subcommittee on Defense

The Honorable C.W. “Bill” Young
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Defense

Dear Chairman and Ranking Member:

As you begin developing the United States Department of Defense budget for FY10 we are writing in strong support of Secretary Gates’ recommendation to increase funding for “wounded, ill and injured, traumatic brain injury, and psychological health programs” in the FY10 defense budget. As the prevalence of suicide amongst service men and women has rapidly been increasing through the years, with 2008 reporting the highest level of army suicide within the military since 1980, we firmly stand by Secretary Gate’s efforts to aggressively address and combat this dreadful trend.

The previous statistics prove the military’s dire need to overcome its dangerous shortage of mental health professionals. Secretary Gates’ recommendation to increase overall spending to fund these efforts by $300 million can create incentives for mental health professional to join and stay in the military. This increase in funding can also serve to make mental healthcare more accessible and inevitably, reduce the stigma behind seeking help for mental injuries while in the military.

We firmly believe that every soldier being discharged from the battle fields of Iraq and Afghanistan should have an exit interview with a licensed mental health professional. But, at this time, it is crucial that our service men and women who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan come home and get the care and benefits they have duly earned. In fact, President Barack Obama’s recent announcement to advance VA funding and overhaul the transition process from military to VA echoes this call and complements Secretary Gates’ suggestions to spend over $47 billion on healthcare in FY10.

Once again, we firmly support Secretary Gates’ funding priorities to fight the phenomenon of military suicides that will inevitably grow if not dealt with immediately. We urge you to fully fund Secretary Gates’ request to increase overall funding for mental health programs by $300 million in the FY10 defense budget.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and welcome the opportunity to work with you to innovate, develop and support these initiatives in FY 10 and for years to come.

East Main Street Neighborhood Association Formed

2009-05-13T07:16:00.001-04:00

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION FORMED

For Immediate Release

Salisbury, MD

May 12, 2009

Wicomico Neighborhood Congress Charter Member Richard E. Widdowson announced that his neighbors have organized into The East Main Street Neighborhood Association. He said the new neighborhood group is spearheaded by Larry Dodd and Cindy Bullock. The association includes residents in the East Main Street area from Route 50 to East Salisbury School and from Church Street to Civic Avenue. Widdowson said that the second meeting is set for May 14th at 6:30 PM at the Epilepsy Foundation Center on the corner of Glen Avenue and Main Street. All area residents are welcome.

In making the announcement, Widdowson commented, “My involvement in the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress has been very helpful in working with many such groups and I look forward to being involved with this one in my own neighborhood as well. We share the same interests as the larger organization…reducing crime, fighting pollution and keeping neighborhoods viable as safe places to live, work and play.”

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. called for the formation of a neighborhood congress in his first “State of the County” address in December, 2006. “I am extremely pleased to learn of the formation of The East Main Street Neighborhood Association and of the growth of the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress in general. County citizens can only benefit by increased involvement at the grass roots level.”

Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton, the president of the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress, said, “The WNC will be convening its general membership at Salisbury University in September. As evidenced by the formation of the East Main Street Neighborhood Association, there is a growing movement for neighborhoods to seek the common good by organizing. I urge any individual or group that wants to be a part of the WNC to contact me at 410-749-5712 or Mary Jane Marine at 410-883-3711.

Senator Mikulski to be Featured in Revealing New Impressions Interview on MPTV

2009-05-12T15:59:00.001-04:00

SENATOR MIKULSKI TO BE FEATURED IN REVEALING NEW IMPRESSIONS INTERVIEW ON MPTV

Baltimore, MD— On Thursday, May 14th, Maryland Public Television (MPT) will air a revealing new portrait of U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. In this personal and revealing 30-minute interview, Senator Mikulski shares her earliest memories of growing up in Southeast Baltimore, why she pursued public service and her professional high’s and low’s along the way.

For more information, go to: http://www.mpt.org/pressroom/pr/prdisplay.cfm?pruid=09050801

The interview will air for the first time Thursday, May 14th at 8:30 p.m. on MPT.

WHAT: Impressions of Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski with MPT’s Rhea Feikin

WHEN: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Check local listings

Smarter, Greener, Growing

2009-05-08T11:44:00.001-04:00

Dear Wicomico Democrats,

Today was a great day for Maryland's environment.

We signed into law more than a dozen bills that will help Maryland combat climate change, reduce pollution, and grow sustainably.

I'm proud of this significant process in making Maryland greener. But government action alone won't be enough. You and your friends and family are also part of the solution.

When lots of us make the effort to go green by saving energy and reducing waste in our daily lives, it adds up to big payoffs for our environment as well as for public health.

Help Maryland go green by sharing your best tips for being environmentally friendly in your day-to-day life. We'll collect your responses and put the best of them on our website for others to see and learn from:

http://www.martinomalley.com/GoingGreen

The bills we signed into law today will help Maryland go green in several important ways:

* Commit our state to reduce greenhouse gases by 25% by 2020, making our state one of the leaders on this front

* Reduce pollution by regulating waste from coal energy production, among other measures

* Encourage sustainable growth in Maryland by promoting public transit and responsible development that considers environmental effects

We've all got a stake in fighting global warming and making sure our air is healthy and free of pollution. So we've all got a responsibility to be stewards of our environment and natural resources.

How are you doing your part? Let us know here:

http://www.martinomalley.com/GoingGreen

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Gov. Martin O'Malley

Delmarva Now: Growth Hurting Bay Health

2009-05-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

SALISBURY -- Environmental officials pointed toward harnessing growth as the final frontier in Chesapeake Bay restoration Monday during the release of the 2008 Chesapeake Bay Foundation Wicomico River Creekwatchers report in the City Park.

Poor water clarity and high nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the Wicomico River contribute to unhealthy conditions, which lead to low dissolved oxygen levels, a high concentration of algae blooms and dead zones. The spread of these conditions through tributary connections contributes to the decline in overall Chesapeake Bay health, said Alan Girard of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The report shows 84 percent of the 25 water quality testing sites categorized in the moderate to severe problem range for nitrogen pollution, which is 4 percent higher than 2007 results.

Girard, project manager with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said all sources of pollution are being addressed except for one -- pollution from growth and development. But help may be on the horizon.

"Finally the time has come," he said, in reference to a vote scheduled today with the Wicomico County Council on a piece of legislation that could end what environmentalists view as rampant growth around Salisbury and skirting the Wicomico River.

Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt, who called himself a "half-full glass kind of guy" during Monday's announcement, said the county is "so very close" to finding a solution. He called for greater community involvement and a focus toward a viable agricultural land preservation program to make restrictive zoning legislation work for both sides -- preservationists and farmers, two groups who may not be mutually exclusive.

"All Eastern Shoremen are environmentalists at heart," Pollitt said.

On the city level, Mayor Jim Ireton said the first step in treating the bay's disease has been made.

"Like with any disease, admitting we have a problem is the first step," Ireton said. "We've learned for yet another year ... that our river is unhealthy."

Ireton said he plans to deliver an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to the Salisbury City Council in the near future. The ordinance, a similar concept to impact fees, is Ireton's solution to unchecked growth within the city limits. He also said the Creekwatchers data will be melded with his Wicomico River cleanup plan for swimmable and fishable conditions in 10 years, in cooperation with recommendations from the Environmental Task Force.

"We need to maintain and enrich this place we call home," said City Council Vice President Gary Comegys, liaison to the task force.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090505/NEWS01/905050330&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Voter Analysis for the 2008 Elections

2009-05-03T20:55:00.001-04:00

WASHINGTON - Nearly one-fourth of voters in last November's election were minorities, the most diverse election ever, fueled by high turnout from black women and a growing Hispanic population, an independent research group found.

The study by the Pew Research Center, released Thursday, also showed that for the first time blacks had the highest voter turnout rate of any racial or ethnic group among people ages 18 to 29. Analysts said it remained to be seen how fully the strong minority participation, a reflection of both changing U.S. demographics and enthusiasm for Democrat Barack Obama, would carry over to future elections.

Pew's analysis of census data found that whites cast about 100 million, or 76 percent, of the 131 million total ballots last November, compared with 79 percent in 2004. It was the sharpest percentage drop in more than a decade.

Blacks, meanwhile, had their sharpest increase in voter participation in more than a decade, with 15.9 million casting ballots to make up 12.1 percent of the electorate. Blacks previously had seen their share decline to 11 percent in 2004 after their low turnout in Republican George W. Bush's re-election win over Democrat John Kerry.

But in 2008, about 65 percent of blacks went to the polls, nearly matching the 66 percent voting rate for whites. Black women had the highest rates of participation among all voters at 69 percent; they were followed by white women (68 percent), white men (64 percent) and black men (61 percent).

Hispanics also had gains in voting share, mostly due to their rapidly growing population. In 2008, about 9.7 million, or half of Hispanics eligible to vote, cast ballots. They made up about 7.4 percent of the total voters, a jump from 6 percent in 2004.

Due to immigration and high birth rates, the number of Hispanics eligible to vote rose by 21 percent from 2004 to 2008 to 19.5 million, compared with a 5 percent increase for the general population. The fastest-growing minority group, Hispanic voters helped Obama flip the battleground states of Colorado, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico.

"Moving into the future, we're going to see a much more diverse electorate," said Mark Hugo Lopez, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center, who co-wrote the report. "Among youths generally and black youths in particular, we have seen an increase in voter participation since 2000, and there's generally been more civic engagement such as volunteering."

Lopez attributed the higher turnout among youths to better outreach, as well as early voting and Election Day registration in some states that allow voters to register when they arrive at the polls.

Other findings:

* Among voters 18-29, blacks had the strongest participation rate in last November's election at 58 percent, compared with 51 percent overall in that age group. Blacks were followed by whites (52 percent), Asians (43 percent) and Hispanics (41 percent).
* The greatest increases in turnout were in Southern states with large black populations who were eligible to vote: Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina and Louisiana, as well as the District of Columbia.
* Women widened their turnout advantage over men. In 2008, about 65.7 percent of women cast ballots — more than 4 percentage points higher than the 61.5 percent rate for men. In 2004, 65.4 percent of women voted compared with 62.1 percent for men.
* About 47 percent of Asians, or 3.3 million, voted in 2008. They made up about 2.5 percent of total voters, up slightly from 2004.

The Pew analysis is based on the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey, which asked respondents after Election Day about their voting registration and turnout. The figures for "white" refer to the whites who are not of Hispanic ethnicity.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Bill will put additional 246 police officers in First District

2009-04-28T22:07:00.000-04:00

COPS Improvements Act Will Put an Additional 246 Police Officers on First District Streets

Date: 4-27-09 – For Immediate Release

Contact: Kevin Lawlor, 202 225 5311

Washington, DC – Last week, Congressman Frank Kratovil joined a bipartisan majority of his colleagues approving H.R. 1139, COPS Improvements Act; a bill that delivers a shot in the arm to the highly successful COPS program. It calls for putting 50,000 additional police officers on the street over the next 5 years via hiring grants and authorizes funds for COPS technology grants as well as for hiring community prosecutors.

The measure is expected to deliver 1,081 new police officers to the State of Maryland, including an estimated 246 officers in the First Congressional District.

“Government’s most basic function is protecting the people – that means putting more cops on the street to fight crime just as much as it mean protecting our borders and improving national security,” said Congressman Kratovil. “Times are tough, but public safety funding cannot be a casualty of poor economic times, we need to make sure we have enough cops on the street and that they have the needed resources to keep our communities safe, and that is exactly what this bill does.”

Created in 1994, the COPS hiring grants program was enormously successful– helping local law enforcement agencies to hire 117,000 additional police officers nationwide from 1995 to 2005. Under the COPS program, our nation experienced a significant drop in crime rates – and independent studies confirm that COPS hiring grants helped contribute to this reduced crime.

“As a former prosecutor, I understand the daily fight to keep our streets safe, and I believe we need to give our law enforcement agencies the resources they need to protect our communities,” said Kratovil.

This bill is supported by numerous organizations, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations Coalition, National District Attorneys Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities.

2009-04-25T11:56:00.004-04:00

Congressman Frank Kratovil addresses the crowd gathered at the Salisbury Festival.

Mayor Jim Ireton addresses the crowd at the opening of the Salisbury Festival.

Congressman Kratovil speaks with Mayor Ireton.

Congressman Kratovil playing guitar for his constituents.

Proposed Salisbury budget now online

2009-04-22T13:35:00.002-04:00

As promised by Mayor Ireton, the proposed budget for FY 2010 is now online.

http://www.ci.salisbury.md.us/Default.aspx?tabid=625

New Mayor Sworn In

2009-04-21T13:16:00.004-04:00

Last night, Mayor-elect Jim Ireton officially became Mayor Jim Ireton. The city council meeting room was packed, as was the hallway. Here are some photos taken last night (courtesy of Amy Zaprowski) and as we get more photos and videos from this tremendous evening we will put them up.

Wicomico County Proposed Budget

2009-04-21T12:44:00.002-04:00

WICOMICO EXECUTIVE PROPOSES $122.5 MILLION OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010…NO NEW OR INCREASED TAXES REQUESTED… FURLOUGHS SCHEDULED FOR FIRST TIME

For Immediate Release

Salisbury, MD

April 21, 2009

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. submitted his Fiscal Year 2010 Operating Budget to the Wicomico County Council today. The budget is $122,538,919, which is about $7 Million under the current FY 2009 operating budget of $129,535,922. New Operating Revenue for FY 2010 is estimated to be $117,970,218, and the difference between anticipated revenue and expenditures was achieved by a series of spending cuts combined with the use of a portion of the county’s “carryforward” and “rainy day” funds and from a loan from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.

“Crafting this year’s budget has been a challenge.” said Pollitt. “The County has been hit with almost $6 Million in cuts from the State of Maryland. In addition, revenue from personal property taxes has dropped sharply, as has interest income on investments,” continued the county’s first executive, “but we have not forgotten our priorities to fund education and public health and safety.”

At the beginning of the budget process, Pollitt ordered all department heads to reduce their operating budgets by 10%. In addition to the economies realized by that, the executive ordered further cuts and saving measures.

Maintenance of Effort Waiver – Board of Education - $2,000,000

50% Funding of Pension Plan - 1,337,582

Zero Funding of postretirement benefits (OPEB) - 1,431,684

Anticipated Savings from Refinancing of Bonds - 700,000

Reduction of Wor-Wic Appropriation - 561,056

4 Employee Furlough Days (no county layoffs in over 30 years) - 333,402

2.

The funding that “fills the gap” between estimated operating revenue and budgeted operating revenue includes:

Use of “Rainy Day” Fund - $ 472,700

Use of “Carryforward” Fund - 4,096,001

Loan from Solid Waste Enterprise Fund - 1,000,000

Pollitt explained that the funds taken from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund are considered to be a loan that will be paid back, with interest. The money in the Fund is to be used to build new cells at Newland Park as needed. According to Public Works officials, a new cell is not planned for the near future.

“Of all of our county departments, Roads has been hit the hardest,” said Pollitt. “Almost all Roads revenue comes from the Maryland State Highway Users Fund. Last year, Roads received about $6 Million. This year, it will be about $3.4 Million,” explained Pollitt. “We expect that this drastic cut will dramatically curtail our paving operations. One redeeming factor in the situation is that we expect to receive $1.8 Million in Federal Stimulus Funds and, while this has many restrictions, we anticipate making good use of the money to keep our roads safe. ”

“As I have mentioned, Wicomico County enjoys an excellent rating with the three major Wall Street bond ratings firms. The steps we are taking in this year’s budget follow our consistently conservative financial management practices. I have sought professional advice and have been assured that the use of a portion of our rainy day fund and a limited use of our fund balance are responsible and acceptable actions that are well within the expectations of Wall Street. This is of the utmost importance in ensuring a good bond rating when we sell our bonds in the Fall,” concluded Pollitt.

####

Released by Jim Fineran, Wicomico County P.I.O.

410-548-1974

jfineran@wicomicocounty.org

Election Night Photos

2009-04-19T19:38:00.009-04:00

Here are a few photos taken at Mayor-elect Jim Ireton's election night party at Flavors of Italy. We'll upload more later this week.

Election Recount in District 1

2009-04-17T20:34:00.002-04:00

Councilwoman Shanie Shields won re-election over Cynthia Polk by one vote. Given the close nature of the election the Board of Elections has decided to hold a recount of all the ballots in district one.

We will post more information here as it becomes available.

Salisbury City Government Inauguration

2009-04-16T22:10:00.006-04:00

Mayor-elect Jim Ireton, along with Councilwoman Debbie Campbell, and Councilwoman Shanie Shields will be sworn-in this coming Monday, April 21st at 6:00 PM at the Government Office Building. We hope to see everyone there!!!

Next Meeting of the Wicomico County Democratic Club

2009-04-16T14:41:00.002-04:00

The next meeting of the Wicomico County Democratic Club will be Wednesday, May 20th at 7:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus on Emerson Avenue.

Environmental Contest

2009-04-16T10:53:00.002-04:00

Host Our Coast Competition from
Delmarva Low Impact Tourism

http://www.hostourcoast.com/

Democratic Events Ahead

2009-04-16T09:26:00.004-04:00

Calling all Democrats!

Saturday, April 18, 2009 - Open house - Congressman Frank Kratovil's Main Street Office - Noon

Saturday, April 18, 2009 - Meet and Greet - Maryland Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Turnbull at Wicomico Library, Division St. - 2:30 PM

For Information Contact: Chuck Cook 443-614-3760

Inauguration Activities for Kids

2009-01-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

This scholastic site is very fun, students would enjoy it!

http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/games_quizzes/electiongame/game.asp?ESP=Teachers/ib/20080101/awa/sa_if_you_were_president_2_5///salp/tout////

Campaign Update Nov 3rd!

2008-11-03T08:42:00.003-05:00

Update from the Campaign...
Kratovil volunteers knocked on 11,217 doors across the 1st Congressional District yesterday and made 23,423 phone calls!

Democratic Headquarters had 6 groups going door to door doing GOTV, and the office made over 1000 phone calls!

COME VOLUNTEER! Canvass Neighborhoods, Phone Bank, Rides to the Polls, Poll Watching!
Monday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM - close

Dem HQ #: 410-546-2660

Call:
Jim Ireton - 410-916-0694 jireton1@hotmail.com
Chuck Cook - 443-614-3760 cooksolutions@gmail.com
Jamie McIntyre - 301-379-0060 jamiemac76@hotmail.com

213 W. Main Street Suite 101, Salisbury - City Center Building

Political Websites for Kids

2008-10-28T09:58:00.001-04:00

ELECTION WEBSITES FOR KIDS

www.kidsvotingusa.org

www.pbs.org/democracy/kids

www.ypa.org (Young Politicians of America)

BOOKS TO READ
“The People Pick A President” Schoolastic – 2008 Edition

921 Calls Made Last Night!

2008-10-24T10:27:00.004-04:00

On Thursday evening, volunteers in 3 locations made 921 phone bank calls for the Obama/Biden and Frank Kratovil campaigns. A new batch of yard signs has arrived if you are interested in picking one up! Volunteers are meeting tomorrow (Saturday Oct 25th) at Headquarters at 11:00 AM to begin the first of our Get Out The Vote Efforts. Please come join the Democratic Club and Central Committee in these efforts. There are sign up sheets at Headquarters for our Nov 1-4 Push! and Sign-ups for Drive Voters To The Polls intitative. This is an exciting time to be involved, please join us!

Headquarters: 213 W. Main Street, Suite 101 City Center Salisbury
Telephone # 410-546-2660
or email
Jim Ireton at jireton1@hotmail.com

Happy Birthday Chuck Cook

2008-10-23T14:47:00.001-04:00

A very happy birthday to Chuck Cook from the Wicomico County for Obama campaign!

Annapolis Capital Endorses Frank Kratovil

2008-10-23T14:42:00.002-04:00

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/10_23-61/OPN

Oct 22 Update! 674 Calls in One Night!

2008-10-22T09:58:00.003-04:00

Democratic Headquarters made an amazing 674 calls last evening as 10 volunteers staffed the phones. Additionally, calls were made out of the DLC office in the Cannon Building! Please consider going to the headquarters at 213 W. Main Street, in the City Center, to sign up to volunteer. We have many opportunities:
1. Mon - Fri 5:30 - 8:30 PM for phone banking and literature drops
2. Saturday Oct 25th - Huge Literature Drop Effort beginning at 10:00 AM
3. GET OUT THE VOTE EFFORTS Nov 1 - 4 all day
4. Driving Voters to the Polls on ELECTION DAY

Many thanks to all the volunteers who have carried us this far! More Obama/Biden signs are being ordered today!

Headquarters Phone # 410-546-2660

Campaign Update...Wednesday Oct 15!

2008-10-15T10:29:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to all those who helped register voters over the past 2 months. Wicomico County should have surpassed the 25,000 mark in registered Democrats!

Democratic Club Meeting Tonight! - Knights of Columbus Hall 7:00 PM - Speakers are 2 delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Final Debate Party is Tonight! 8:30 PM Democratic Headquarters - 213 W. Main Street Suite 101 in the City Center, Salisbury.

Watch for our new WICOMICO for Obama/Biden signs!

Come pick up a Frank Kratovil sign for your yard!

Please consider making a donation at Campaign Headquarters to help pay for more yard signs, mailings, and get out the vote efforts!

Campaign Update...Monday Oct 13

2008-10-13T09:38:00.004-04:00

1. Democratic Club Meeting on Wednesday, Oct 15th at 7:00 PM at Knights of Columbus on Emerson Ave.
2. Debate Watching Party - Wednesday night, Oct 15th, at 8:30 PM at HQ
3. Obama Signs are not here yet, and are not expected to arrive due to overwhelming demand nationwide.
4. Please stop by headquarters and find a way to volunteer between now and election day. Consider taking campaign literature and writing letters to the editor of local newspapers, volunteer to help Get Out The Vote on November 1-4, or sign up to drive voters to the polls on ELECTION DAY!
5. Volunteer on Tuesday (5:30 PM), Thursday (5:30 PM), and Saturday (11:00 AM).

Democratic Headquarters is located at 213 W. Main Street (City Center Building Suite 101) Salisbury Maryland
410-546-2660

Debate Watching Party Tuesday Night!

2008-10-06T14:19:00.001-04:00

For Immediate Release:
October 6, 2008

Democrats to Host 2nd Debate Watching Party!

Local Democrats will gather to watch the 2nd Presidential Debate between Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain.

The Watch Party will begin at 8:30 PM on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. The Democratic Party Headquarters for Wicomico County is located at 213 W. Main Street Suite 101, Salisbury MD (inside the City Center building downtown).

Light refreshments will be served.

For Information Contact:
Jim Ireton - 410-749-5712 (H) or 410-916-0694 (C), or Chuck Cook - 443-614-3760

Volunteer Tonight! 10/2/08

2008-10-02T09:09:00.003-04:00

Phone Banking and Voter Registration Canvassing Continues Tonight!
Please volunteer your time tonight at 5:30 PM at Democratic Headquarters in Salisbury!
213 W. Main Street, Salisbury. City Center Building Suite 101
email Jim at jireton1@hotmail.com with questions

Rally With Frank Kratovil

2008-10-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

Rally With Frank Kratovil In Salisbury

Where? – Wicomico County Democratic Headquarters – 213 W. Main Street City Center

When? – October 4th from 11:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.

Who? – You and your friends

What? –Join Frank Kratovil, distinguished guests, and volunteers as we rally for the sprint to Election Day.

Immediately following, join us for canvassing as we go out into the neighborhood and knock on doors for Frank Kratovil.

Last night's debate at SU was fantastic, and Frank really showcased why he is the best candidate to represent our interests on the Eastern Shore. After all, he is FROM here! Please join us this Saturday for the rally and canvassing. We need to win the Shore for Frank Kratovil!

Debate at SU Tonight!

2008-09-30T13:05:00.003-04:00

Democrat Frank Kratovil will participate in a debate tonight at Salisbury University at 7:00 PM in Holloway Hall Auditorium.

2008-09-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

9/26/08
Democratic Headquarters will host a debate watching party this evening starting at 8:00 PM
Democratic Club of Wicomico County Headquarters is located at 213 W. Main Street Suite 101 in the City Center Building
Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there.

Jim Ireton - President, Democratic Club of Wicomico County

2008-09-21T23:40:00.000-04:00

Sunday's ribbon cutting ceremony at the Wicomico County Democratic Headquarters was a rousing success. About 160 people crowded into the plaza level of the City Center for the event.

County Executive Rick Pollitt and Kim Kratovil (wife of Frank Kratovil) did the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Pollitt and Kratovil were joined by a host of local Democratic politicians, advocates, and campaign representatives, including Wicomico County Democratic Club President, Jim Ireton; Ernest Leatherbury (Wicomico County Democratic Central Committe); City Council members Terry Cohen, Gary Comegys, and Shanie Shields; County Council member Sheree Sample Hughes; Tyler Patton (on behalf of Sen. Barbara Mikulski); Lee Whaley (on behalf of Sen. Ben Cardin); and Wicomico County for Obama representatives Chuck Cook and Chris Demone.

Demone noted; "We had an anticipated turnout of 100 people so, unfortunately, we ran out of pretty much everything-- the yard signs were gone within the first twenty minutes. However, we were able to make arrangements with anyone who didn't get the materials they were looking for, for us to get them yard signs, bumper stickers. It's a good predicament to be in."

HEADQUARTERS OPENING - 9/21/08

2008-09-16T08:47:00.005-04:00

Democratic Headquarters in Wicomico County will be opening this Sunday!
September 21, 2008 at 2:00 PM we will cut the ribbon to open our office for the 2008 general election. Please come join us. Obama/Biden and Frank Kratovil material will be available. For information contact - Jim Ireton, President, Democratic Club of Wicomico County 410-749-5712
Headquarters is located at 213 W. Main Street Suite 101, Salisbury MD
In the City Center Building Downtown Plaza - Ground Floor.