Delegate Smigiel’s Official Blog Moves to New Address on the Web

I created a blog to share information directly with 36th district constituents late in 2008. Readership grew rapidly as I became aware of the value this new medium provides for communicating directly with citizens. Thus I am moving the weblog to its own address on the World Wide Web and I have done a complete redesign of the site. Using a friendlier magazine format, it is designed to help anyone trying to stay informed about matters in Maryland. My hope is that this improved product will provide you with better, easier to find content and help you find the information you need. I will expand upon this magazine theme in the months ahead, adding more features to help with open exchanges. Feel free to communicate with me by posting your thoughts. I read every one of your posts.

Click here to go to my new blog.

Please add this new site to your visits and check in at the new address often as all posts will now be done at www.delegatemike.com I will continue to maintain the first WordPress address in order to archive the original posts and comments.

The Governor’s, Taxpayer Web Site Hides Public’s Concerns From Public View.

Governor O’Malley is requesting that the citizens of Maryland go to his state web site and give the Governor suggestions on how to address Maryland’s current fiscal crises. 

When I first heard about this, I thought, What a great idea! Unfortunately, like most things in government, the devil is in the details.

To my surprise, I could not read what people were writing to suggest that the governor do about our fiscal crises because the web site does not allow citizens to view what other citizens have had to say to the State’s highest elected official.  So much for the claims of transparency in government.

It is not hard to allow the public to view and participate in an online conversation.  Just look at the end of this blog, there is a comment location where you click to leave a comment or to view the comments others have left and to perhaps respond to the comments of others, if you so choose. It costs nothing for me to do this and is easy enough to learn how to do.

Instead of sending a signal that the O’Malley administration is open to hearing from the citizens of Maryland how they would like to see our fiscal situation corrected, the governor has sent out a message that he does not want the public to know what people really think of his fiscal policies.

I fully expect that we will soon hear that those contacting the governor are telling him to raise fees, tolls and taxes, yet we will never be able to see those suggestions or to comment on them ourselves.

Likewise, we will not be able to read the many good suggestions to save money by cutting truly wasteful programs.

You can visit the governor’s website by clicking here.

Since you can not share your suggestions or comments with the rest of the world at that site, I ask that you please copy and paste your comments to the governors site, also at my comment section below.  This way everyone can see what others have had to say to the governor about taxes and government spending in Maryland.

For those who need a few ideas on what message you can leave the governor I have suggested a few below.

1. Stop saying everything is ok because we have a triple A bond rating.  All that is needed to get a Triple A bond rating is a willingness to raise any tax, on any one, at any time.

2. Write to each of the millionaire’s you chased out of Maryland with the millionaire’s tax and tell them, it was just a joke. Tell them we would like for them to come back, start a business and hire some employees.

3. Eliminate the newly formed department of technology and transfer the duties back to the departments that have handled them previously.

4. Reject Marx and Engels and embrace John Locke and Adam Smith. In fact, why don’t you buy copies of “The Wealth of Nations” and require your staff and Agency heads to read it.

5. Stop saying you have reduced the size of government when you have added just as many new jobs as you have eliminated.

I have many other suggestions but will hold back so that those sending suggestions to the governor can leave copys of their suggestions in our comment section below.  Let the governor and or I know what you think the elected officials in Maryland should do to reduce the size of government and lessen the tax burden or if you prefer tell us why we should continue down the road to socialism and bankruptcy. (I know I slanted that a little but its my blog I get to be opinionated some times)

Cecil Courthouse Garden

Standing outside my office one beautiful summer’s day last week, I watched as they began digging up the new garden outside the Elkton Courthouse. As I wondered what the end product would look like, a woman approached me. Turns out she is one of the folks who got the project going, Ms. Julia Hodge.

 

Ms. Hodge began telling me about the process that she and her team had gone through to get the money and the various approvals to see the project come to life. She is currently a bit frustrated because people are under the (erroneous) impression that the garden is funded with taxpayer dollars.

 

According to Ms. Hodge and an article in the NY Times last year (here), the garden is ENTIRELY funded through private contributions and not public dollars. An organization called TKF Foundation (here) funded most of the project. TKF, according to their website, is “…a private grant-making foundation whose purpose is to create ‘Open Spaces, Sacred Places’. It partners with organizations to create sacred places which increase a sense of community and contribute to a deepening of human connections.”

What TKF didn’t fund, Julia Hodge’s team is making up for in local contributions and in-kind donations.

 

The project is also an opportunity for some middle ground between jail time and getting off scot-free for some kids.  The garden gives judges an option to have children with legal issues work in the garden when they can’t send them to jail but don’t want them to just go home as if they’d done nothing wrong. The really cool thing is that the garden is meant to be a place of meditation and here is a chance for some problem kids to give to the community and contemplate their options if they continue down the same path that brought them to the court system.

 

So, the next time you drive past our courthouse, please stop in and enjoy the new garden. It serves as a fine example of private initiative for a public purpose.

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters “Scorecard” Gets An “F” On Its Rating System.

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters has lost all credibility since allowing its “scorecard” to become nothing more than a partisan tool meant to make Democrats look good and Republicans look bad. Now, before you decide this is just the rhetoric of a Republican upset with the lower ratings Republicans get, read the reasons for my having come to that conclusion.

Each year various organizations publicize a rating for all the legislators based on votes they had taken the previous session. In an effort to inform the public about the voting record of legislators on the topic of the environment the Maryland League Of Conservation Voters publishes its own “scorecard”. Ostensibly, the score a legislator is given should somehow be related to whether the legislator made a good or bad vote on bills which effect the environment.

For the purposes of this blog I am not going to address the “scorecard” votes that should not be counted because they are arguably conflicts of interest for the League of Conservation Voters to be scoring legislators on, such as those bills that are meant to direct money to the League of Conservation voters, directly or indirectly, so that the League can then spend money in support of those legislators who voted to direct taxpayer dollars to their agency. Those conflicts will be discussed in a later blog.

This blog will instead examine the bills used by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters to establish the “scorecard” rating for State Legislators. Unfortunately, there is no effort to try to limit the bills being “scored”, to environmental issues.

For instance, three years ago, in the 2005 – 2006 “scorecard” the League rated legislators on whether they were good or bad environmentalist based on how they voted on the “early voting bill” (SB-478) and a second score was given on whether the legislators voted to over ride the Governor’s veto on the “early voting bill”.  At that time, I had voted correctly, according to the league of conservation voters, on 5 of 7 votes being rated upon. I had a 60 % rating lifetime and was receiving a 71 % for the year. The League wrote the following about that, so called, ”environmental bill”: “SB 478 allows for limited early voting. Under this bill, registered voters will be able to vote in designated early voting centers prior to the election. This bill was vetoed by the governor.”

There was no requirement that the early voting take place in a wetland or in the critical areas, so I have no idea what early voting has to do with the environment or more importantly what early voting has to do with the predisposition of elected officials towards the environment. At the time I asked for anyone at the League of Conservation Voters to answer my questions as to what early voting possibly had to do with the environment. No one has ever gotten back to me with an answer. Why has no one ever tried to explain why votes on early voting were being counted on the environmental “scorecard” as pro environment votes? Simply because such action is indefensible.

I can only conclude that it is no accident that these two votes, which have nothing to do with the environment, were rated as pro environmental votes to make sure Republicans got at least two more bad votes on the environment than their Democratic counterparts. You don’t have to take my word on this, you can click onto the website, www.mdlcv.com and check the archive “scorecard” from 2005/2006.

This year, the scoring system failure was not as blatant as scoring legislators on bills that clearly have no relation to the environment. Instead, the approach is just a little more subtle, in how certain votes are scored by the League of Conservation Voters so as to help Democrats and hurt Republicans. I don’t know whether this is a new or old policy, and it really doesn’t matter because the effects are just as discriminatory.

While this year all the bills upon which legislators are being scored, at least deal with the environment, the League of Conservation Voters does something inexplicable that usually will help Democrats and hurt Republicans. The League of Conservation Voters is only counting the first vote on bills and not the later vote on the same bill, after amendments, which is passed and then sent to the governor for his signature, where it then becomes law. It would seem if your intent is tell the public where a legislator is on the environment it would be better to tell them where he or she ended up and not where they started out. It is much more likely that Democrats would vote for a bill that is full of what Republicans may consider to be excessive regulations or taxes when it is first introduced. It is usually after a public hearing and an opportunity to amend bills in committee and on the floor that Republicans would come on board and find that the bill, having gone through compromise, is now acceptable.

It would seem a more appropriate measure of the environmental inclination of legislators to count the vote they take when the bill is in its final form. Otherwise you end up with situations that are similar to that which I am in this Session. I missed three of the six votes with an excused absence because I had was in the hospital, thus, the League only counts three of the six bills I voted on. HB-295, which I voted “no” on March 28, 2009 was counted against me but I actually voted for the bill after it was amended and it later became law after I voted for it on April 8, 2009.

Despite myself and many other Republicans voting for the “scorecard” bill which passes the house and is signed into law, we are still recorded on the League of Conservation Voters “scorecard” as having voted against the bill. Two of the six votes appearing on the League’s “scorecard” are votes, which I voted “yes” on, and were bills that passed and became law. In addition to HB-295, there was HB-1569 which I received an excused from voting on because of illness on March 28, 2009. On April 10, 2009 the bill came back before the House and I voted for the bill, which passed the House and was eventually signed into law.

So, to recap, 6 bills on the scorecard, 2 of those bills, HB-315 and HB-1305, I receive an “E” on, which means excused absence and they are not counted for or against the legislator. Two bad bills I did vote against, HB-176 and SB-666. The last two bills, I voted for and they were signed into law. So out of the four votes that I was being graded on I voted for half of them. Two out of four would normally be a 50% rating, for some inexplicable reason, I asked and have not received an answer, the league of conservation voters ends up giving me a 0%.

Even after receiving the 0% this session I still have the 2nd highest lifetime score amongst Republicans on the eastern shore, the 6th highest lifetime vote amongst Republicans in the House of Delegates and the 7th highest lifetime score in the entire legislature amongst Republicans.

The problem is I do believe in a clean environment and believe we can work with homeowners, farmers, and business to achieve significant progress towards the goal of a cleaner, healthier environment. I also want to believe that organizations like the Maryland League of Conservation Voters are truly motivated by the same goal and that they can put partisanship aside in pursuit of that goal.

Readers of this Blog will know that when the Town of Elkton refused to do anything about the homeless individuals who had moved in under the Walter Baker Bridge on route 213 in downtown Elkton, I posted pictures of the pollution of the river the town was allowing to occur and I contacted the State of Maryland Authorities and eventually we were able, to have the area cleaned up and posted. You can see the photos by clicking on the “under the bridge” story.

Last year after a headline appeared in the local paper saying that the Bohemia river had been rated one of the most polluted in America, I said, “not on my watch” and set up a meeting at my local district office to address the matter. Representatives from DNR, MDE, various river watcher associations, citizens groups and I came up with a plan to attack the problem. The citizens followed through and last month we had the first meeting of the Bohemia River Association where over 60 people attended. Nowhere in the League of Conservation Voters “scorecard” will that effort or commitment show up. That is why it is important that care be taken by those organizations doing ”scoring” that they score legislators in such a way that they actually inform the public about the legislators true vote on bills important to the environment and that they not score legislators on bills that have nothing to do with what their organizations stand for, such as an environmental group that rates legislators on whether they vote to change the state voting laws and then double the injury by counting the same bill a second time when it comes to over riding the governor’s veto of the early voting bill.

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters are not the only group scoring legislators, the Maryland State Teacher’s Association (Soon to be renamed the Maryland State Education Association) also publish legislative scores, as do a variety of business and other special interest groups. I invite my readers to share with us any problems they see with the rating system used by any other group or organization.

From Delmarva Dealings: Don’t File an Ethics Complaint in Cecil County

From Delmarva Dealings —–

Here in Wicomico County, we’ve seen our share of frivolous ethics complaints lately.  That said, they are part of the price you pay in an attempt to receive good local government.  It appears that the people who govern Cecil County aren’t too interested in that.  Perhaps that is why they attempt to intimidate those who file ethics complaints.

Del. Mike Smigiel notes Cecil County now has a provision in their ethics complaint process which prohibits complainants from discussing the matter with ANYONE.  If they do, they are subject to a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

In reality, this is much ado about nothing.  State law prohibits the county from doing this.  Therefore, its unenforceable.  However, how many people filing ethics complaints are lawyers and / or know that.  Since the “Penalties” are clearly stated on the complaint form, how many people have been intimidated from filing a complaint – frivolous or no?

This sounds like something out of the Barrie Comegys school of governance.

Click here to go to the article

Cecil County Ethics Board Accused of Unethical Intimidation Of Those Filing Ethics Complaints.

Every once in a while a constituent  brings a matter to my attention that I can’t  really believe. Such was the case when Ms. Billye Jo Jackson brought to my attention her concern that the Cecil County Ethics Board had added new language to the decision one receives after having filed an ethics complaint which places a previously unknown requirement on  a citizen who files an ethics complaint about an elected official. 

This blog is not about who she was complaining about or what she had to say about them.  This blog is about the process a citizen of Cecil County is now being asked to subject themselves to in order to file a formal complaint about an elected official’s alleged unethical behavior.

The County recently added a section to the decision letter a citizen receives after a complaintant has filed an ethics complaint. The new language notifys the complaining party that they are prohibited from telling anyone else about the ethics complaint they had filed. The penalty for telling someone you filed an ethics complaint can be up to a year in jail and $5,000 fine.   The basis for the information being put on the form is Cecil County Code Section 166-6C.

The State Attorney General’s Office back in 1981 addressed the question and opined that commissioner counties have the implied authority to enforce local laws or ordinances adopted as required by State Ethics law and further stated that a commissioner county would need express authority to define violations of the public ethics provisions as crimes or to impose fines, penalties or forfeitures for the violations of those ethics provisions.   

The reason local governments can not control the placement of  political signs even when there are sign restrictions in place is because political signs are considered “political speech”.  Political Speech has been declared by the  courts to be the highest form of free speech. 

Citizens have a right to complain that they believe the activities of  local elected officials to be unethical conflicts of interest or that the public official is unethical because they don’t pay their JC Penny Credit Card bills, because they have been accused of abusing their spouses, or discovered is some other unethical or illegal behavior.  A citizen can stand on the Court House Steps and yell all day long and as long as they are not violating some other law, the speech is protected for the most part. There may not be protection if the public official can show the citizen knew the matter not to be true and made the statements in public with that knowledge. It would be argued in such a case that the citizen was malicious in spreading untruths about the public official.  

The public policy in having an ethics board, is to encourage citizens to come forward and report perceived conflicts of interest or unethical behavoir of government officials.  Threatening citizens with the possibility of jail and a large fine for coming forward and later telling someone about their having filed a complaint  is certainly counter productive to the public policy goal of encouraging  the public to participate in such public discourse. 

The Attorney General’s office was asked to review this Cecil County policy and issued a letter stating they agreed that Cecil County can not enforce a criminal sanction against someone who violates this Cecil County Code Provision.  

In light of this, the Cecil County Commissioners should contact everyone who received information telling them they could face potential fines and penalties as a result of their having reported what they perceived to be unethical behavior by a public official and tell them that information on the decision letter was incorrect.  The County should also remove this information from all future communications to the public.

Why Speed Cameras Are All About Raising Money And Not About Public Safety.

Speed camera acceptance is sold under the guise of Public Safety, yet, this is a fiction. The argument is that if the cameras are placed in strategic areas such as school zones and construction sites then the issuing of tickets by a State machine to a privately owned machine will some how change driver speeding behaviorand thus reduce accidents. No empirical evidence is presented to show this theory works. In fact, the state already has increased fines and penalties for speeding in school zones and construction sites. If fines were effective in changing behavior there would be no need for the addition of speed cameras.

 At least, under the current system the fines and the penalties attach to the person driving the car. Under the new system there is no incentive to change behavior for the driver unless they also own the car. Even when the driver is also the owner of the car there is lessincentive to comply because there is no criminal penalty attached with the speed camera citation, no points assessed by the MVA.

 The reason there is no criminal penalty is because our Constitution requires the state to allow a criminal defendant the ability to confront their accuser. This would require that someone would have to show up in court and prove that the speed camera was operating correctly. Instead of arguing about having to comply with Constitutional principles such as Due Process, the State has created a new legal fiction whereby, the State’s machines (speed cameras) can determine if your privately owned machine (your car) is violating a State law and regulation.

 This is where the Governments argument fails. They are doing little to change the behavior of the person responsible for the infraction, the driver, is not the one to whom the penalty is directed. With speed cameras it is the car (not the driver) which is ticketed. The actualowner of the car, whether they are a parent, friend, employer, or a corporation, receives the ticket and the actual driver receives no penalty.

 No matter who is driving, the penalty is given after the event has occurred and does nothing to prevent the occurrence. Speed bumps would actually reduce speed and thus actually protect the individuals whom the State claims it wishes to protect.

 Further proof that speed cameras are about revenue generation and not about safety, fi found in the fact that the legislature rejected an Amendment to the speed camera bill that would havelimited the operation of the cameras to times when construction work or school activities were actually taking place, the Amendment was rejected because the State wants the revenue.

 Now is the time that we, the citizens of Cecil County, must let the County Commissioners know of our opposition to speed cameras. We need to tell them we know that these devices are much more about revenue enhancement than they are about safety. The County Commissioners must realize that the citizens of Cecil County view speed cameras as another infringement upon our personal liberties, thus, while we can’t always stop what happens at the federal level, in Washington D.C. with the deterioration of our liberties we certainly can and will hold our locally elected officials accountable.

 Enough is Enough! While our elected officials can break their promise about raising our taxes and tell us there was nothing to do because “services” to the public took precedent over keeping their promises, in the case of speed cameras the trade off of individual freedom is not acceptable. The one thing we know for sure is once the camera’s are allowed is the area they are allowed in will expand, the speed of the areas they are allowed in will grow beyond the 25 mph areas currently planned and the fines given will increase. If there is a traffic flow problem in front of schools or construction sites there are other ways to address the concerns other than speed cameras, the county can use speed bumps or place officers in the area so there is an immediate notice to the person driving, and responsible for the violation, that they have violated the law.  Currently, if your daughter drives to school and speeds through the speed zone every day for a week, neither you or she would know it until the first of the five or six tickets started arriving in the mail 7 to 10 days later. If the officer was there the behavoir would immediately be corrected and not allowed to continue for a week.

 To protect against any future group of the County Commissioners deciding to place speed cameras in Cecil County we are going to collect signatures to give to the commissioners to let them know the citizens are not willing to so readily give up their rights.

Call your commissioners and sign the petitions if you see them to tell our locally elected officials we do not need nor do we want speed cameras in Cecil County.

CC SPCA Director Deeming Launches Character Assasination Campaign Against State’s Attorney.

The Executive Director of the CC SPCA, Ms. Jeanne Deeming wrote a June 2, 2009 letter to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s, Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Executive Director, Laura C. Downes regarding the agencies investigation into the allegations against the CC SPCA veterinarian Dr. McDermott. Ms. Deeming attached several pages to her letter, which amount to little more than a collection of irrelevant, mistatements and attempts at character assasination.

You need not read any further than the second attached page to the June 2, 2009 letter of Mrs Deeming, Director of the CC SPCA to see just why the citizen, volunteers and employees are afraid to try to report or get involved in any matter involving the CC SPCA because of the resulting charachter assassinations that take place. In what appears to be some sort of press release attached to the letter the first page mistates and selectively reports on the Jonathan Newell, June 1, 2009 letter. On the second page, Ms. Deeming addresses the findings of Mr. Newell which find fault with the manner in which the CC SPCA is operating. In doing so she ends her argument in her defense with the totally irrelevant attempt to now smear the reputation and motives of the State’s Attorney Mr. Newell by writing that Mr. Newell is a Republican in a County that Delegate Smigiel represents half of as a Delegate. Then in a total lack of any relevance and a clear attempt to assassinate his character Ms. Deeming writes:

 “It is also a matter of public record that Maryland’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, ruled 7-0 in March 2009 that Mr. Newell could not violate the free speech rights of two women working as victim witness coordinators in his office by firing them because they had supported the candidacy of Mr. Newell’s Democratic election opponent.”

Please explain to me what that has to do with anything related to the care or treatment of animals by the veterinarian at the CC SPCA. If we are not to believe Mr. Newell because of his alleged bad character when he says something bad about the CC SPCA why should we believe anything he said in favor of the CC SPCA. Everything said by Ms. Deeming in her letter to the Veterinary Board is irrelevant to the allegations of abuse and neglect at the CC SPCA.

 Delegate Smigiel’s office was presented a plethora of complaints about animal abuse and neglect at the CC SPCA. These allegations came from former employees, volunteers and citizens who utilized the facilities. Several of these complaints come from eyewitnesses to behavoir by the Veterinarian Dr. McDermot. There are documents from the agency that support many of the allegations of professional malpractice.

The eyewitnesses have offered to take polygraph tests regarding the allegations they have alleged. There are witnesses to botched operations, neglect and failure to provide follow up care. There are witnesses to nonqualified personell being allowed to perform operations on animals and witnesses with supporting documentation to support veterinary medicine performed by nonqualified individuals on animals treated at the CC SPCA. Delegate Smigiel’s office provided the Veterinary board with documents alleged to have the forged signiture of Dr. McDermott and an internal E-mail from Ms. Deeming herself complaining about Dr. McDermott. None of the specific allegations are addressed by Ms. Deeming, instead she engages in a misdirection of the question to the character of those making the allegations and to a debate of the possible motives for various individuals, (interesting enough, herself included) to have said things about Dr. McDermott’s failure to appropriately provide veterinary care to the animals at the CC SPCA. All the Animal Control Officers have refused to be polygraphed and no one has asked Ms. Deeming or Ms. Schwertzler (The President of the Board of Directors) Susan Maldonado, or Dr. McDermott to take a polygraph. Sure, they might have said no also, but any investigation of allegations of such incompetance should seek to find the truth.

Regardless of whether the CC SPCA personnel volunteer to be polygraphed there certainly is no excuse for refusing to accept the offer of the eyewitnesses who worked, volunteered or utilized the services of the CC SPCA. Ms. Deeming’s letter is devoid of any attempt to address the material facts alleged by the various constituents who came forward with complaints.

Mrs Deeming herself had some interesting things to say about Dr. McDermott in an E-mail she sent to one of the employees who came forward with allegations against the agency. If the State Veterinary investigator had any questions about what was thought of the Doctor’s ability he could have them quickly addressed by reading the E-mail from the CCSPCA director, Ms. Jeanne Deeming of December 6, 2008, where she wrote the following about Dr. McDermott:

“His type of medicine is the reason that we have so much problem with the spays/neuters and sickness. He just doesn’t care about any of the animals, to him it’s all about his money . This is not something that he hasn’t been told about in writing so I am not talking behind his back.”

I am sure the investigator received the same report of the Vet’s abilities from Ms. Deeming and then obtained and reviewed all the documents that “were put in writing” telling the Dr. about his deficiencies. Which begs the question, If the management of the CCSPCA felt this way about their Vet, Why did they continue to use him and promote him to the public? Did they also care more about the money than they did about the animals?

For now, we and the State investigator also know what Ms. Deeming thinks of one of her current accusers, from what she wrote about her former employee in the same E-mail, ”You on the other hand, do care about the animals, are very pleasant with the clients and do your job the best you know how.”

I trust the State will have taken into consideration the credibility assigned to the accused and accuser by the Directer of the CCSPCA before she herself became an accused. We will have to wait and see if the Veterinary Board does it’s job and sends a message to other Veterinarians who may care more about money than they do the care of the animals they are in-trusted with.

We will also have to wait and see if the veterianary board looks beyond the attempts at character assasination and seeks anwers to the questions raised by so many citizens.

One Hundred Forty Characters To Revolution In Iran.

A week ago I was at a campaigns and technology conference in Washington DC. We were learning about the importance of social networking technology in politics.  While we discussed the various uses that could and should be made of the facebook, blogs and twitter, we were discussing it in terms being successful in political campaigns.

 

For those unaware of what Twitter is, think of it as a short hand form of blogging which is limited to 140 characters per communication.  The Twitters are sent out to all those who have chosen to follow what you twitter about. 

 

Our discussions at the conference were about whether this type of communication had a relevance to political campaigns and if so how best to use this new communication tool.  Some, mostly those who already use Twitter were enthusiastic about the prospects for its usefulness and those who don’t did not understand how it could be anything more than a passing fad. 

 

Some of those I overheard discuss Twitter during the break between sessions derided the idea of sending messages of 140 characters or less, as being meaningless dribble about mundane activities, such as what someone was eating for lunch or when they were going to the bathroom.  (The actual phraseology used was a little more in the vernacular of

the street) One of the older participants likened twitter to a children’s toy for adults.

 

One week later, and Twitter can no longer be seen as trivial.  A revolution is being born in Iran through a string of uncensored 140 character messages. 

 

While the Iranian Regime has been successful in stopping the reporters from around the world from reporting live from Iran, they have been unsuccessful in their efforts to shut down Facebook, Twitter and other forms of uncensored electronic communications. 

 

Two thirds of Iran’s 70 million people are under the age of 30. Many of those taking to the streets are students. The students and the educated population of Tehran and elsewhere in Iran, are not only using Twitter to communicate with one another and to coordinate their protests they are sending out reports of their efforts to the world. 

 

The video being put up on You Tube is interesting, in that, it is from the perspective of those involved, not the perspective of  the professional media from some outside country interpreting what the rest of the world should know.  Those protesting or capturing the events of each day are uploading them to the World Wide Web so all of us can see what the Totalitarian Theocracy is doing to subjugate it’s people. 

 

This is a movement not only for freedom from theocratic rule but for equality of woman in Iranian society.  The Supreme Ruler of Iran just gave a speech in which he forbid further protests.  The protests are continuing despite the Iranian government’s best efforts to suppress them. The Chinese, North Korean, and other totalitarian governments are surely taking note of the power of these children’s toys.

 

The question in the coming days will be whether the Iranian military is going to be willing to use force against their brothers, sisters and children. At some point the Military will have to choose whether to use force or restraint. They have started to arrest those students who have been taken to the hospitals and are now raiding homes in the dead of night to take people away.

 

Hopefully some in the military will be following their friends and or family on twitter and will choose Democracy and Freedom for the future of the Persian people.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS BILL TO STEAL THE PREAKNESS RACE.

This is the fifth of the seven worst bills of the 2009 legislative session serious, it is not as timely as it could have been but what do you expect, I am working with legislative time, always a few years late and a billion dollars short.

In 2002, House Speaker Michael Busch made the statement, “If the Preakness left the State of Maryland would anyone really miss it?” Of course back then, a Republican Governor was trying to pass legislation to allow slot machines to be placed at race tracks so the Maryland Equine industry could be competitive with those in the surrounding States which were using slots revenues to subsidize their horse racing industries.

 

If slots had been passed in 2002 the Preakness would not be in danger of being taken from the State of Maryland by its current owners or in the bankruptcy proceedings.

Now that it is clear that the Maryland racing industry is in danger of being lost along with our own second jewel in the triple crown, the Prerakness stakes. All those who were unwilling to vote to keep the Preakness here, by legalizing slots in 2002, are now wanting to rewrite history to  later be able to claim they fought like tigers to keep the Preakness.

This last session, Democratic leadership rose on the House Floor to plead with the membership to “Save the Preakeness” or to help “preserve the Preakness” by voting to use the power of eminent domain to take the Preakness from its lawful owner and transfer possession of the Preakness to the State Maryland.  Eminent Domain is normally only a power used by the State to take possession of Real Property for the purpose of the public using said property to build a road, library,  hospital etc.

 

A few years ago there was a case in the Supreme Court called the Kelo decision which expanded the use of Eminent Domain to those instances when the use was for the “public benefit”, not just the “public use”. There was an uproar across the country regarding the expansion of the use of eminent domain powers. Now the Maryland Legislature has expanded eminent domain powers to taking personal and intellectual property from private owners.  I argued on the  floor of the House of Delegates that this action amounted to an abandonment of Democratic Capitalism and an adoption of Socialistic and Fascist policies. I argued on the floor, “We are not saving the Preakness nor preserving the Preakness, we are stealing the Preakness”.

 

In addition to being anti-american policy, these actions my also be in vein.  The federal bankruptcy court is not bound by any decision the State of Maryland makes but rather is concerned with assuring that the creditors are paid the maximum return on what they are owed.  We argued that the Eminent Domain legislation would stifle potential purchasers from offering top dollar due to the risk that any new purchaser would be limited in where they could take their purchase and in how they could use it. Knowing this, the Governor supported the eminent domain legislation nonetheless. It is the intent of the Governor to say I fought to save the Preakness, if it should eventually leave, and to argue he saved the Preakness should it stay.  

 

The danger of extending the use of eminent domain to the Preakness is that if it is successfully used here why couldn’t the State use it in the future to take a world reknown horse, which a Maryland owner plans to sell to someone out of State but that the State does not want to see go? Just imagine a horse of the stature and re known as was the legendary horse Kelso was to be sold and the Maryland legislature decided it wished to keep the horse in Maryland. Why would anyone in the equine industry want to own property in Maryland if the threat of the use of eminent domain hovers over their heads like the sword of  Damocles?

 

The die have been cast and we only have but to wait and see what becomes of Maryland’s latest efforts at taking private property.

Cecil County SPCA Press Release Is Full Of Errors And Omissions.

 The Cecil County SPCA sent out a press release last week in an attempt to spin a letter to the Cecil County State’s Attorney into a exoneration of all the allegations made against their agency by 16 individuals who came forward and presented complaints about the agency to State Delegate  Michael D. Smigiel, Sr.

 

The CCSPCA claims to be vindicated because one witness out of 22 possible (16 who came forward with complaints and at least 5 people at CCSPCA) was asked to take a polygraph and was told she failed. (The witness denies ever admitting that she lied) The witness, states,  before the test,  she was accused by the officer of being a drug user and was told she was in trouble. She states she was upset by the police before she took the test and then questioned  about whether her husband beats her. She said she felt like she was the defendant not a witness and did not understand why the police were asking about her husband beating her since she was there to testify about animal abuse and neglect she had witnessed while working at the CCSPCA.  ,Her husband states he is, and was, willing to take a polygraph, he just could not do it during working hours. He agreed to take a polygraph either after work or during the weekend but the police would not accommodate his work schedule.

 

The CCSPCA does not mention in their press release that according to State’s Attorney Newell, “several of the animal control officers alleged to be involved in various incidents declined  to take polygraph tests as well, as I understand it. As you well know, results of polygraph tests, or refusals to submit to polygraph testing, are inadmissible in criminal cases, but it may raise a question of their sincerity in the eyes of the public.”

 

According to Ms. Schwerzler, she was not even asked to take a polygraph! The report mentions nothing about Ms. Susan Maldonado, the Director, Ms. Deeming nor the Veterinarian, Dr. Mc Dermott.   All the other witnesses who came forward, including the former volunteers and citizens who just visited  the facilities relate that they were not even asked to take polygraphs despite their volunteering to do so.

 

Some of those witnesses whom the State Police investigator may have wanted to ask to take a polygraph include but are not limited to:

 

1.  Deputy Laura Jones- Who came forward with the heartbreaking story of what happened to her two beautiful Akitas.
2. Thomas Bishop-A young teenage volunteer who states he witnessed dogs being kicked, thrown and slammed when they would not go into their kennels. He also reports seeing animals operated on when Dr. McDermott was not present.
3. Patti Clifton – Who states her dog, Pizza, was killed with a “heart stick” without being sedated.  
4. Jennifer Snellings Barber – WhoseDog, Molly, died according to her, because of the Vets failure to attend to the Dog after a surgery.
5. Ruth Ann Sargent – The owner of, TeTe, who she states, was shot several times by the animal control officer, Jerry Hawkins, as she and her  children begged him not to shoot the dog who was running away from the officer towards the woods. 
6. Erin Miller – Whose affidavit says she participated in giving the euthanizing drugs, even though she was not trained or listed with the State as authorized to do so.  She also swears she was present on at least two occasions when dogs were restrained with a catch pole  around the neck, while the animal control officer (who refuses to be polygraphed) shot the dog through the chest with his  handgun.  She swears the dogs were still alive so she had to get a sedative then a euthanasia drug to put the pets down after they had been shot.  Ms Miller is still willing to take a polygraph but was never asked!  These accusations are totally ignored.

 Instead, the State’s Attorney focused on her accusations about botched operations and said they were just gut feelings. He also dismisses a corroborating internal E-mail which was sent to her by Ms. Deeming. The State’s Attorney said he could not prove it came from Ms. Deeming, yet they did not go through her computer files to see.  Equally disturbing is that the State’s Attorney      wrote in his report that “the CCSPCA suggests that Ms. Miller is a disgruntled former employee with an ax to grind, fired for poor    work ethic and suspicion of involvement in a bungled burglary along with an allegedly abusive drug seeking boyfriend. ”  Ms. Miller    reports she had never been asked about the CCSPCA suggestions. They are not true and irrelevant to the allegations of animal abusea and neglect.   What we do know is that Ms. Deeming wrote the following about Erin Miller while she was working there:

 

                        ”You on the other hand, do care about the animals, are very pleasant with the clients and do your job the best you know how.”

 

                        All that is needed is to find out if she is telling the truth about seeing the dogs shot in the side while being restrained by   the neck on a catch pole.  Certainly a polygraph would be helpful. Yet, no one on this list was even asked to take a    polygraph even though they, along with others have agreed to. 

 

CCSPCA’s press releases do not discuss are the following statements which were in Mr. Newell’s June 1, 2009 letter; Mr. Newell’s “first recommendation”  was to “recommend that the County decide whether they want to continue with the current system of contracting out the animal control function or develop their own county department of animal control, with the immediate oversight available for any other county department. Assuming the County Commissioners do not want to change the overall structure, I would wholeheartedly recommend that the Sheriff, and County Commissioner, and any Assistant State’s Attorneys withdraw from direct service to the CCSPCA, and if necessary revise any ordinance that requires their service….”

 

State’s Attorney Newell further wrote:  “the specific allegation that the director, Jean Demming, is benefiting from a relationship between the CCSPCA and her private purebred rescue is more troubling. While that relationship does not appear to be illegal, per se, it certainly has the appearance of impropriety to the extent it implicates tax dollars. I would recommend that the director sever all ties between the two entities, if any exist. Given the generous salary currently offered to the director, I think it would be reasonable to restrict her ablity to operate a side business that has financial dealings with the CCSPCA….”    

 

 

The Board President, Ms. Nancy Schwerzler, accuses Mr. Newell of falsly claiming that a fired employee, Mr. Carl Ewing, had an attorney hired for him by the Cecil County SPCA.  Yet, in his letter of June 9, 2009 State’s Attorney, Newell, states the following:  

 

        ”In Mr. Ewing’s CCSPCApersonnel file is a letter from his attorney, copied to Deeming, describing how he would be able to get out on work releaseand keep his driving license, while describing how the CCSPCA was going to oversee the payment fo his legal fees.  Later, legal invoices were sent directly to Ms. Deeming at the shelter’s address. Again, such actions are not illegal, but in my view inappropriate considering the degree to which CCSPCA is taxpayer funded.”  

In her June 8, 2009 letter to the Veteranary Board investigating the Vets activities at CCSPCA, the Director Ms. Deeming makes the statement that “CCSPCA did not pay Mr. Ewing’s legal fees.” 

Ms. Deeming then tells writes that Mr. Ewing, while being represented by Mr. Smigiel, last week, accepted a plea bargain admitting theft of fencing from CCSPCA.  This statement is absolutely false! In fact, the court was told that Mr. Ewing does not admit to any wrong doing but was willing to accept the State’s offer for a Stet Docket.  Ms. Deeming would have known this had she stayed in the court but she left moments after I arrived to defend Mr. Ewing. (Which I did for free because I believe the allegations were retaliation for his whistleblowing about the mistreatment and neglect of animals at CCSPCA) Delegate Smigiel also obtained an ethics opinion which concludes the Delegate’s actions in this regard were entirely appropriate. Delegate Smigiel has authorized the full publication of the ethics opinion which will be posted at a later date.

We will be posting additional facts which have been withheld or distorted by the CCSPCA in the near future.

Cecil County SPCA Investigation Concludes – Questions Persist

As you may recall, numerous allegations of the atrocious treatment of animals have been made against the Cecil County SPCA. Apparently, the politics of this is much more important than actually performing a thorough investigation of ALL the facts of the case .

What follows is part one of my analysis of the so called “investigation of all the facts”.

On June 1, 2009 the State’s Attorney for Caroline County, Mr. Jonathan Newell, sent a letter to the Cecil County State’s Attorney (Chris Eastridge) stating that he had completed reviewing  ” the volumes of photographs and documents ” he had been furnished with regarding the allegations of abuse and neglect of animals as it related to the Cecil County Society for Prevention of Animals (CC SPCA).

While there are many recommendations for changes to the current manner of running the CC SPCA (which I will cover in a future posting) there are some interesting additions to the report which I am struggling to understand and have asked to have explained by those responsible for them.

Numerous calls to Mr. Newell’s office have gone unanswered to date.  I was at the meeting of the CC SPCA committee last Tuesday night when Mr. Eastridge came to speak. Mr Eastridge told the committee he had just received the report from Mr. Newell that day and he would be providing the Commissioners a copy of it the next day.

Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. I called Mr. Eastridge’s office and asked if he could please call me ASAP about the CC SPCA letter from Mr. Newell. I also explained I had called Mr. Newell three times over the last few days but had yet to hear back from him. I left a message for Mr. Eastridge, that Mr. Newell had erroneously stated in his letter that I was representing a former employee “at taxpayer expense”.  Not only is this allegation incorrect it is impossible since I am not a public defender.

Particularly troubling is the fact that I was never interviewed as part of the investigation despite the fact that the complaints were initiated by my office after we had been contacted by a visitor to the shelter who was appalled at what she had seen.

After reading this unfounded and defamatory(not to mention IRRELEVANT) statement in the report on the allegations into the alleged animal abuse and mismanagement of the CC SPCA I called the officer who had conducted the investigations to ask him why he would have included such a thing in his report.

I was surprised to learn from the investigating officer that he had not written anything about me in his report. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the false statement about my representation of these complainants at “taxpayer expense” had to have been added by the State’s Attorney Mr. Newell.

Still having not received  any response from Mr. Newell, I called the State Legislative Ethics Counsel and requested an opinion as to whether such a statement could even be possible.  Mr. Somerville quickly responded with a letter indicating that ” I would not consider any of your actions in that regard to have been carried out “at taxpayer expenses”.   “Circumstances were such that the criminal charge may have constituted retaliation against a “whistle blower”.  You offered to represent the individual, pro bono, in the matter.”

I faxed a copy of the letter from the legislative ethics counsel to the Cecil County States Attorney, Mr. Eastridge on June 4, asking that the statement be stricken before the report was disseminated. I explained that not only was the information about me incorrect but there was also incorrect information about Mr and Mrs Ewing and Ms. Erin Miller. I demanded an apology and explanation from Mr. Newell but to date I still have not heard from either States’ Attorney.

I was told by a third party that Mr. Newell has realized he was in error and that he is going to reissue a new report without the defamatory statement claiming that, at “taxpayer expense,”  I am representing someone alleged to have stolen from the CC SPCA.  Unfortunately, I am also informed Mr. Newell intends to add the new accusation that my pro bono representation of this former employee of the CC SPCA is a “conflict of interest”

According to the State Legislative Ethics counsel, Mr. William Somerville.: ” I do not see the existence of a conflict of interest. First of all, you are not being financially advantaged by any of your actions in this matter. Indeed, the provision of free legal service is a detriment to your law practice.  Secondly, I believe that both actions-your advocacy for the investigation of possible abuses by the CC SPCA, and your pro bono legal representation-constitute complementary parts {of} a single interest, rather than separate and conflicting interests.  Your representation of the witness, who may be the victim of retaliation for his testimony, serves to encourage other citizens to come forward with information about possible impropriety affecting the county, in this particular matter as well as in future matters. For these reasons it is my opinion that there is no conflict of interest…”

Unfounded accusations in this report were not limited to myself.  Mrs. Erin Miller had signed a sworn affidavit telling how she, personally had participated in euthanizing animals despite the fact, she had not been properly trained or listed with the State as employed to do so. She also included in her sworn affidavit the details of  instances where she was required to euthanize two dogs which were held on catch poles and then shot through the chest by an animal control officer with his handgun. Ms Miller agreed to take a polygraph test if requested to do so. Yet, the State Police investigators never asked her to take a polygraph. All of the CC SPCA animal control officers refuse to be polygraphed and she volunteers to be polygraphed, yet is not.  What is wrong with this picture?

The reason given for not believing the affidavit of Ms Miller, according to Mr. Newell’s letter of June 1, is that “ the CC SPCA suggests that Ms Miller is a disgruntled former employee with an ax to grind, fired for poor work ethic and suspicion of involvement in a bungled burglary along with an abusive drug seeking boyfriend. Ms. Miller states the first time she ever heard of these “suggestions” and “suspicions” was when I read them to her from the June 1, 2009 letter.  No one, during the investigation, ever raised these accusations with her. She states quite clearly that these allegations are untrue and unfair.

Ms. Miller’s testimony would appear to be some of the most compelling and relevant since she personally participated in the activities she relates.  Clearly,  the reported shooting of these dogs would be prosecutable if a jury or judge believed her. After all, the State’s Attorney Newell, himself, wrote that “if cats were shot and intentionally left to suffer in the manner described by the Ewings, it would certainly constitute a violation of the criminal abuse statute.

Ms. Miller swears in her affidavit, that two dogs were held steady on catch poles around their necks and then summarily shot through the chest area but did not die, so she (personally) then administered a sedative and then a euthanasia  drug to kill the dogs.  Yet, she is not given a polygraph, even though she volunteers to take one! The animal control officer refuses to take a polygraph.   This event is reported to have occurred in the spring of 2008 and is thus within any statute of limitations, but no charges will be filed.  No polygraph is to be given to  Ms. Miller, who is willing to take one and remember that all the animal control officers refused to take polygraphs, according to Mr. Newell’s report.

How can we trust ANYTHING in this report if it can  get it so wrong with the allegations manufactured against numerous people and failed to pursue such patently obvious abuse as shooting dogs with a handgun while they are being restrained on a catch pole?

I will address the other errors involving the Ewings and others, shortly, in my next posting. In the interim, I am going to try to get an apology and an explanation of why innuendo and character assassinations are occurring within what should have been a compilation of facts regarding the allegations brought by the former volunteers, visitors and employees of the CC SPCA.

Stay tuned, as they say in politics, you can’t make this stuff up!

Welcome to the Blogo “smear”.

The internet can be a useful tool for communicating information, for political debate and for discussion of various topics of interest to the public. Yet, like any tool in the hands of the uninformed or those with an evil intent it can be a weapon of propaganda, slander and just used to smear those you disagree with.  Unfortunately the ability to be anonymous on the net allows the uninformed, ignorant or evil at heart to spew venomous untruths free from accountability.  It takes a certain kind of coward to be intelligent enough to utilize the technology associated with the internet  and to set up a web site, yet to hide their name  and affiliation with the product of their labor.  

For instance, some coward has opened a web site called “Smigiel2010″.  This site has nothing to do with me. They have never contacted or spoken to me to ask me about any of the things they post.  If you were to publish a piece of paper with the exact same information that appear on this Web site, State law would require that there be an “authority line” so a reader would know who the author is and who is responsible for the content. 

There is a loop hole in the law that allows someone to claim to be a journalist and thus claim they are not covered by the State authority line requirements when blogging, on line.  I have some attorneys looking into this matter now to determine if  the fact that the annonymous author is hiding behind a site name that gives the public the impression that the site is associated with me is enough to make the State laws apply. In addition to my attorneys reviewing the matter the appropriate State authorities are reviewing for violations of State law.

Whether the State law applies, there are limits on what people can write, even about public officials.  There will be some suits filed in the near future to reinforce those limitations for those who choose to defame out of malice.  

An example of just how misleading and unfair a malicious coward can be is seen in the most recent posting on the above mentioned website where it was written that:

                         {HOUSE BILL 939, which Smigiel proposed, is as follows

:Requiring the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission or a division of the Commission, when entering into a contractual relationship with the State or an entity of the State for television broadcasting services, to include a provision in the contract to allow the Commission or a division of the Commission to select the events it will film and broadcast”

It is still before the House.

How can someone portraying himself as a Patriot, and former Marine, propose a Bill before the House that is contrary to EVERYTHING that every Marine or serviceman and woman has died for in the history of this country?}

The language of the bill cited, simply says that the Maryland Public Television will have a clause in its contracts with the State which allows it to go where it wants, when it wants, to film!

What the writer would have known had they called me, is that a few years ago I noticed that  Maryland Public Television never covered the big controversial stories, such as gay marriage or “right to carry”,  but rather would be recording a hearing on some esoteric non-controversial subject, like what should be the State designated eating utensil.  After asking why this was so, I discovered that the Senate President, Mike Miller or the House Speaker, Michael Busch, scheduled where and when the Maryland Public Television crews would tape.

I  therefore offered a bill called the Maryland Public Television Freedom to Broadcast Act.  The purpose of this bill was the exact opposite of what the author of the smear article cited above writes it is.  This bill sought to allow the Maryland Public Television crews to video tape where ever they chose and when ever they chose. This Bill sought to give them freedom not to take away their freedoms.  While the bill did not pass it was effective, in that when I put the Bill in last year, I received a call from the Maryland Public Television representative telling me they no longer had restrictions upon them.  I therefore withdrew the bill because we had accomplished what we had sought to do.

So the moral of the story is that if you are reading something  but can’t find out who is responsible for the content or find the writer spends little time on facts and a lot of time on charachter assasination, you may want to assume you have stumbled upon one of the vermon in the blogo “smear”  who timidly hide in annonimity.  

 As Teddy Roosevelt said in a speech given in Paris at the Sorbonne in 1910

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

As for the anonymous author of the dribble appearing on the web site, I will debate you in any public forum, on any topic, at any time, if you have the guts to crawl out from under your virtual rock and show your face in public.  I will be glad to give you the opportunity to defend your string of factually incorrect blogo “smears”.

Maryland DMV Giving Those Who Make “Corrections” To Licenses Automatic Renewals For Five Years.

I noticed that there was a small error on my driver’s license that needed correcting.  So I went to the DMV and asked to correct the error. The  charge for correcting an error on the driver’s license is only $22.  Now my license needs to be renewed in three weeks because that is my birthday and it has been 5 years since  my last renewal.  It costs $30 to renew you driver’s license.  To my surprise (feigned somewhat) it turns out that if you pay the $22,  to fix an error, weight, height, etc. on your license, the DMV automatically renews your driver’s license for 5 years.

Now my experiment was not really about saving $8, it was more about seeing if it is true that there is an automatic renewal by the State DMV of those licenses brought in for corrections to them.  It turns out the rumors in the Hispanic community are true.  This brings two problems immediately to mind.

First, how much money is the State of Maryland losing each year to renewals as a result  persons coming in before renewal time to pay for a corrected license and then the license is automatically renewed for five years?   Second, how many illegal aliens have brought licenses in for minor corrections to have them automatically renewed for another five year period?

I am in the process of asking the DMV to answer some questions about how many requests for corrected licenses were made each of the last four years.  I have a sneaky suspicion that the numbers are going up each year.  The Real ID Act is being put in place to halt  the policy of  driver’s licenses being given to those without proof of legal presence in the country. If we do not put a halt to this policy,  the numbers of those seeking corrected licenses and receiving automatic  five year renewals of their driver’s licenses shall continue to escalate. 

I  am also seeking information about where the law or regulation is that allows the automatic five year renewal for those who merely seek to make a small correction on their licenses.  I believe it is an administrative policy that seeks to get around the federal and state legislative actions.   This policy appears to be a pro-illegal immigrant action which will allow thousands of persons otherwise ineligible for a Maryland drivers license to maintain one for a longer period of time and at a cheaper cost than even Maryland residents pay for a five year extension.

I will update everyone once I receive the requested data from the DMV.  In the mean time I trust that the department will at least halt the policy of giving automatic five year extensions to anyone who requests a correction to their license.  I would suggest that ”corrections” be  done but no extensions be given. If a correction is done within six months of the renewal date then the driver should be required to pay the renewal fee and be issued a new license not a corrected license (as I was actually required to do).   For those renewing, it would be preferred, obviously, if they were required to show proof of legal presence. (Yes, we could require that such common sense precautions be taken before issuing driver’s licenses to anyone.) Unfortunately, the prevailing political climate in Maryland is a socialistic, One World State, mentality that subjugates our Independence to an idealistic universalism. None the less,  the DMV needs to correct this policy as soon as possible so as to prevent thousands of illegal immigrants from taking advantage of the  policy in an effort to get around the legislature’s efforts to require compliance with the federal Real Id Act.  It will not take long for the illegal immigrant population to discover that there is no need to prove legal residency if every four and a half years one need only go to the DMV and request a “corrected” driver’s license and receive an automatic five year extension on the life of the license. This policy needs to be addressed and corrected as soon as possible.

Watch for updated information as it becomes available.

Cecil County S.P.C.A. problems persist, public concerned, Commissioners oblivious.

Several times a week I continue to receive complaints about the Cecil County SPCA.  I usually try to get someone to volunteer to help, thankfully there are many good hearted people still involved who help whenever asked. Occasionally, there is a situation like this one that need the Commissioners to put pressure on the appropriate local agencies to find a way to help.  Please contact the Commissioner’s and the new SPCA task force to ask that they help address this immediate situation and perhaps formulate a policy that will assure future circumstances such as this can be handled more efficiently to prevent the slow death of  faithful pets left unattended in a home.

Dear Delegate Smigiel:

 I had the pleasure of meeting you at the vigil that was held in Cecil County in January of this year.  I am writing you today as I am very concerned about animals in a home down the street.  And, more specifically, I am alarmed at the lack of response from the SPCA.

 A concerned neighbor called my husband and I tonight, telling us that the home next to her at 120 Kirkcaldy Drive, Elkton has had no one home for nearly a week and no one checking in and caring for the three dogs and multiple cats.  She called the SPCA this afternoon and was told that they cannot do anything unless there is “probable cause”.  Considering the SPCA is armed with the mission of “preventing cruelty”, I am unsure of what more “probable cause” is needed for them to act.  These animals will die without food and water.  The cats’ bowls can be seen from a window and their empty.  The cats were jumping at the windows trying to get to the neighbor and myself when we went to see if we could get in through an unlocked door to help.  One cat was hanging onto the door – digging into the wood with his nails so that we could see him. 

 Anyway, we’ve since learned that the lady who lives there may have been committed to a mental hospital for treatment.  A message was left at the hospital where she may be; however, due to confidentiality, staff cannot confirm nor deny her presence there. 

 The neighbor who informed me of the situation called the police as well and they said they cannot do anything.  So, the police cannot do anything and the SPCA cannot do anything.  Neighbors will be charged with breaking and entering if we do something.  We’re just supposed to sit by and later hear that these animals died. 

 It would be a beautiful world if people would start standing up and saying “this is what I can do” instead of “I can’t ….”.  Why couldn’t the SPCA say “we’ll drive to residence and take a look”? Tell us what they can do.  Often times, it’s not that they CANNOT do, it’s that they are  not willing to do.  If the staff fails to drive to the residence in question, how will any issues validating “probable cause” even be witnessed?  That’s the key.  They don’t want to witness anything because then they have to take action.

 Delegate Smigiel, it’s a disgrace that the SPCA continues to function this way even with the media scrutiny.  There is a complete lack of concern for these pets.  It’s quite possible that a dead pet(s) will be the result of this non-action.  When the pet owner was hospitalized previously, she failed to have a neighbor care for the pets and one of her dogs did die. 

 Please do whatever is in your power to contact the proper people and act swiftly.  I am very serious when I tell you that these pets are in a very cruel situation and our local SPCA is failing to act at all. 

 I am sending a copy of this email to them as well. 

 Thank you for your help.

 Kathy S. Creek

SAY IT AIN’T SO JOE! COMM’S VOTE 5 – 0 FOR TAX INCREASE!

In politics there has been nothing that has surprised me more than the vote on May 26, 2009 by the Cecil County Commissioners to raise taxes by a 5 – 0 vote.  I was absolutely sure that Commissioner Mullin would keep his word and vote against any tax increase.  Commissioner Mullin is a real estate appraiser by trade and owns his own business.  He knocked on thousands of doors where he personally handed out literature and made verbal promises of  “no new taxes”.  (just 6 months ago)  I am shocked, disapointed and sorry that I told so many that he could be counted on to keep our taxes down. Jim is and will continue to be my friend but I cannot explain why he would vote in favor of what he has pledged to oppose.

I was hopeful that Commissioner Hodge, if gently reminded of his promises to “hold the line on taxes” would uphold his campaign election promises.  After all, Commissioner Hodge had been the Chairman of the Cecil County Republican Central Committee and last year when Senator Pipkin and I held our taxpayer forum at the Elkton branch of  the Cecil County Library, Commissioner Hodge signed up as one of the Charter Members of the Cecil Citizens Against Taxation (C-CAT).  Hodge ran as a business man who knew how to make the hard decisions to have us live within our means.  Yet, this was just six months ago, apparently a life time in politics.

I held out that there was a chance that Commissioner Demmler would join her fellow Republicans and make it a majority vote against any tax increase.  I was in the audience when a citizen turned to ask those in attendance at the May budget hearing, How many persons are willing to pay higher taxes?  Only the former School Superintendent, Mr. Carl Roberts raised his hand.  Likewise, when the audience was asked how many of you would be willing to forgo some public services to keep your taxes lower or the same, every hand was raised, except for Mr. Carl Roberts’.   Surely the Commissioner’s got the message, the public who voted you in would rather do without some services in order to be able to keep more of their own hard earned money.

I had a vague hope that  Commissioner Lockhart may join in with Mullin and Hodge in voting against any tax increase, if Demmler did not, because I thought that Commissioner Lockhart wanted to run for a higher office in 2010. 

I never held out any hope that Commissioner Thome would vote against a tax increase. 

The property taxes had been raised for thirteen years straight on the citizens of Cecil County.  If there was any hope for the citizens of Cecil County it was this year.  Instead, we have seen a 14th straight year of increased property taxes on the citizens of Cecil County.

I was at the last hearing when we were told the vote on the increase on property  taxes would be held at 7pm on Tue. May 26, 2009.  Somehow that hearing was cancelled and a hearing was held at 2 pm. 

How is it possible that in this time of “tea parties” and anti-tax movements is it possible that so many people who made public promises, “elect me and I will keep your taxes from being raised”, decide it was ok to just ignore those promises and betray the trust that the public had placed in them.  

I don’t buy the argument that the public services we are provided are so necessary that they can not be trimmed.  I do not believe that there is a growing need for services that can not be addressed by a more efficient distribution of the services available.  I believe that our children deserve to be free from the bondage of  government intrusiveness into our lives.  The power to tax is the power to destroy and our government is doing its best to destroy Capitalism and the free markets.  Sometimes we feel powerless to do anything at the federal level.  We can though, effect what happens at a local level.  We must work to show that we can live within our means. If we can not do that locally how can we complain when those we elect to represent us in Congress fail to keep their promises to keep our taxes down?

Cecil County Blog Calls Tax Increase A Cut!

What is so hard about understanding that an increase, is an increase,  is an increase!  A decrease in an increase, which leaves an increase in place is still an increase.  It does not matter if you lower the increase 2 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value if you do not reach the constant yield.   

I wrote an earlier piece reacting to the Cecil Whig headline which wrongly declared  the cut of the increase as a Tax cut. Once again for the benefit of Mr Zane and any of his readers who are being mislead by his failure to understand  that in fact the County Commissioner’s are proposing a tax hike on the citizens of Cecil County for the 14th year in a  row!

 The tax rate is currently at 96 cents per $100 of assessed value on real property in Cecil County.  In order to keep the taxes on the same piece of property the same as were assessed last year, the county would have to reduce the tax rate by 6.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  This is because the County has increased the assessed value of real property over the last year.

This additional proposed increase in tax assessments brings in an additional $966,569 of revenue for the county.  Bringing in almost an additional million dollars in taxes does not amount to a decrease in taxes and is not a proposed tax cut!  It is irresponsible to mislead the people and to print the Democratic lie that the reduction of a proposed increase is a decrease in taxes. It is not now nor will it ever be.  Yet Mr. Zane  writes that it is a decrease and that I should be happy with the partial decrease.

At a time when grass roots organizations are springing up across the country to challenge increased taxation; local newspapers and Republican Bloggers call increases, “decreases” and seem to stand with the tax oppressor instead of the tax payer. 

Mr. Zane also took the time to imply that I should not be pointing out that Commissioner Hodge had made promises to hold the line on taxes because I have not attended the budget meetings.  Mr. Zane should perhaps call me or check his facts, in the future, before printing assumptions.  I was at the last public meeting to discuss taxes and since last year when Senator Pipkinand I held community meetings in Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties I have met with members of the Cecil Citizens Against Taxation (C-CAT) to discuss various aspects of the budget and held meetings at my office to discuss the Cecil County  Budget.   Mr. Zane would not know that because he has not been at the budget hearings or participating with the core group of citizens Democrats and Republicans who are working very hard to find places in the budget where cuts can be made or questions need to be asked regarding the budget.

Lastly I want to address the “Anonymous” commenter  who Mr. Zane allowed to attack me without any citation to an event, speech, vote or behavior they disagreed with.  I think that people who do not have the courage to sign their names to their writings should be ignored.  I understand that there may be a rare instance when someone is in fear of retaliation or they wish to be anonymous to save their job but rarely is that the case.  It is more likely to be that the anonymous author knows that what they write is indefensible and perhaps even know that  it is wrong and they therefore wish to be unaccountable for their libels and slanders.

The other problem with Anonymous commenter’s is you can not call them up to tell them they have been misled by the Blog they just read into thinking that their tax increase is really a cut of some kind.  In this instance I think the Anonymous commenter knows the proposed tax increase is actually an increase but has decided to praise Mr. Zane for his misunderstanding of taxes and to encourage Commissioner Hodge to break his election pledges to hold the line on taxes.

Commissioner Hodge Told Voters He Would “Hold the Line on Taxes” During the Campaign.

Since the Commissioners are at the point where they will soon make a decision on whether they are going to raise taxes, I have gone back to check on some of the campaign pledges from the fall of 2008.  While Commissioner Hodge was out seeking votes in the competitive 5th district race, he always made it clear to people that he would “hold the line on taxes” and make sure their voices were heard. His advertisements in the Whig (image below) last campaign season, emphasized his promise as he also assured citizens that he would “protect our rural character.”

His web site (image above), which he still maintains on the World Wide Web at http://hodge2008.com/issues.html outlines his platform with more detail and contains statements he made to a variety of groups while he was out on the campaign trail asking for votes.  Here are a few of those promises made to get elected:

1. Cecil County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum – “Today’s economic challenges mean the citizens of Cecil County have to make tough decisions every day about how to spend their hard earned dollars. The County Commissioners have to step up to the plate and make those same tough decisions and be good stewards of your tax dollars. . . . We have an obligation to hold the line on taxes for the hardworking families of our community. I am committed to work hard every day to do so.”
2. Cecil County Voters Guide – “Like many of us, I’ve been frustrated at the lack of action by the County Commissioners over the years in many areas – including increasing taxes, keeping growth out of our rural areas, increasing crime and gangs, etc. I have the education, background and successful business leadership that will enable me to be ready on day 1 to hit the grounding running as your county commissioner.”
3. Cecil County 21st century Republican Forum – County Commissioners have to prioritize the many competing needs and wants of our citizens, and make tough decisions while being excellent stewards of your tax dollars. . . . This will be especially important in Cecil County’s immediate future because we face decreasing real estate tax assessments, increases in costs for expenditures previously paid by the State, and reduced tax revenues due to the current economic conditions. . . . “

C.C.S.P.C.A. Director Writes That Veternarian Is The Reason For Problems.

 

For those who have not followed the SPCA controversy from the beginning it is hard to understand the position we are in today with animal control in Cecil County. The problems began when Ms. Schwertzler, the Board President and the Cecil County SPCA board decided they did not want to adhere to the book keeping suggestions of Mrs. du Pont and her professional staff. This led to the resignation of Mrs. du Pont and several of her family members from the Board. The result was the birth of an agency without any professional oversight or moral compass. Volunteers who used to do the work of raising money through fund raising events were no longer being welcomed. The volunteers who worked at the facility were no longer welcomed because they asked too many questions. The various businesses that were being run out of the SPCA were accountable to no one for how much money they made or what was done with the money. The previous practice of having the SPCA raise money through fund raising efforts, which were then matched by the County, gave way to the County continually giving more money, each year, until we got to where we are today, with the County giving over $675, 000 per year to the CCSPCA, without any real accountability for what the money is spent on or how the CCSPCA is run.

The County Code requires the Sheriff and the Health Department Director to sit as members of the Board of Directors of the SPCA. An Assistant State’s Attorney is the Attorney for the agency and sits as a member of their Board of Directors. It hardly allows for an independent objective review of any complaints against the CCSPCA, when the Sheriff anda member of the State’s Attorney’s Office sit as members of the Board of Directors of the agency. In addition at least one County Commissioner sits as a member of the Board of Directors. The Attorney General of Maryland has offered an opinion letter that finds the CCSPCA Board Members are public persons because of the quasi-governmental nature of the agency.

Shortly after being elected, Commissioner Hodge asked to be the SPCA Commissioner member of the Board because as he explained it, he was good friends with Ms. Schwertzler and she published the “Cecil Times” on line magazine. In typical Bob Hodge fashion, he did not realize that Ms. Schwertzler had been publishing the Cecil Times anonymously and had just published a blistering piece attacking Commissioners Demmler and Mullin. Shortly after being placed on the Board, Commissioner Hodge  to a closed door meeting of the Board.  Commissioner Hodge took his former campaign director who is a public relations specialist with him. While she was not allowed inside the closed door meeting, Commissioner Hodge states that he told Ms. Schwertzler that her credibility was shot and she needed to hire a public relations spokesperson. The CCSPCA board rejected his advise and so he then appointed his former campaign director to be in charge of the oversight of the investigation of the CCSPCA. It did not take long for Commissioner Hodge to back off of that decision since I pointed out that it was entirely inappropriate for him to have asked Dr. Collotti to oversee the investigation, ask her for lists of qualified persons, and then to just decide without even the courtesy of a phone call to give the position to his former campaign director. The Cecil Whig reported that I had cussed at Commissioner Hodge andyelled at him. They were correct, I did. I told Commissioner Hodge that the stench of what he does behind closed doors emanatesout beyond the doors and leaves an odor on all those associated with him. In this case he was also the Chairman of the Republican Central Committee andtherefore his actions reflected on all Republicans and  it was totally inappropriate to be trying to get his friend a job as the Public Relations person for the CCSPCA.

 After this event, Commissioner Hodge continued to make inappropriate statements that seemed to belittle and down play the seriousness of the allegations that had been made by numerous former employees, volunteers, visitors and customers of the CCSPCA. Commissioner Hodge failed to address any of the three suggested steps we provided for addressing the animal control problems raised in the allegations.

First we suggested that the TNR (Trap, neuter and return) program be set up to address the problem with breeding feral cat colonies and rabies control. The health department is charged with the duty of rabies control and already was contracting with Dr. Colletti to do clinics throughout the county. Dr. Colletti was also known to be running an active nd extensive TNR program throughout the County with volunteers and the use of her own funds. So it made sense to have her bid for the TNR through the Health Department at the same time she would bid for the rabies vaccine clinics. We know the County had made the decision to set up a TNR program because they had funded one with the CCSPCA. The County had already given the CCSPCA $5,000 to set up a TNR program. During a Commissioner hearing the CCSPCA admitted, when questioned by my office staff, that while they took the $5,000 from the County to set up the TNR program they never did so. Eventually, the CCSPCAreturned the $5,000 to the County. Therefore, the money was already available to fund at least a pilot TNR program. If a bigger program was needed it certainly could have been paid for out of a portion of the $675,000 tax payer dollars going to the CCSPCA each year. Though this easy and effective step for correcting the problems with the CCSPCA was laid out for the County Commissioners they have chosen to ignore it and to do nothing about the TNR program.

Second, we suggested that the Animal Control Officers be transferred to the Sheriff’s office control. This is suggested because in Cecil County the Animal Control Officers carry firearms and use shotguns on a semi-regular basis. There is no oversight of the officers who are using these weapons. There is no reason for the animal control officers to be carrying handguns but if they are going to be, they need proper training and supervision. Any additional costs to the Sheriff’s office for absorbing the animal control duties can be covered by taking the funding from the $675,000 a year currently being paid to the CCSPCA. Once these two changes were made to the animal control system of Cecil County then all that would remain would be animal shelter care. This would could be more easily bid out if the animal control and TNR, rabies control portions were not part of the obligation of the bidder. Unfortunately, since the Commissioners refused to address either of the other two previously mentioned aspects of the CCSPCA operations, when the Commissioners decided to put out for bid the animal control operations for the county it was not likely anyone would be able to bid for the job other than the CCSPCA, who are currently a party to the contract.

The Commissioners have set the bid process up for failure. Who would bid to take on the responsibility of the animal control officers running around the county with guns firing them at animals. It is only a matter of time before there is a terrible accident. We already have numerous stories of animals being unnecessarily shot. This problem needed to be addressed by the Commissioners before they sent the contract out for bids. The same can be said of the TNR program. The Commissioners thereafter decided to appoint a commission to advise them what needed to be done with the CCSPCA. The original plan was each commissioner would appoint two people and therefore you would have ten people chosen. Instead Commissioner Hodge, through the assistance of the President of the Board of Directors, Ms. Schwertzler ended up appointing an eclectic group of individuals with talents and experience that seem to be little associated with the running of an SPCA. It will also be interesting to see how they are able to offer advise on what is wrong or how to fix things before any of the many investigations are concluded.

It would appear that the first investigation to conclude would be that of the Veterinarian because there have been statements and affidavits provided by numerous employees, volunteers and citizens that persons unqualified to do so have been performing surgical procedures at the CCSPCA.  In addition there were documents containing the forged signature of the Veterinarian and several incidents of citizens having experienced and reported unprofessional care.

If the State Veterinary investigator had any questions about what was thought of  the Doctor’s ability he could have them quickly addressed by reading the E-mail from the CCSPCA director, Ms. Jeanne Deeming of  December 6, 2008, where she wrote the following about Dr. McDermott:  “His type of medicine is the reason that we have so much problem with the spays/neuters and sickness. He just doesn’t care about any of the animals, to him it’s all about his money . This is not something that he hasn’t been told about in writing so I am not talking behind his back.”

I am sure the investigator received the same report of the Vet’s abilities from Ms. Deeming and then obtained and reviewed all the documents that “were put in writing” telling the Dr. about his deficiencies.  Which begs the question, If the management of the CCSPCA felt this way about their Vet, Why did they continue to use him and promote him to the public?  Did they also care more about the money than they did about the animals?

I hope to be soon sharing some similar thoughts that Ms. Deeming has on the abilities of other CCSPCA personnel including members of the  Board of Directors.  For now, we and the State investigator also know what Ms. Deeming thinks of one of her current accusers,  from what she wrote about her former employee in the same E-mail, ” You on the other hand, do care about the animals, are very pleasant with the clients and do your job the best you know how.”  

I trust the State will have taken into consideration the credibility assigned to the accused and accuser by the Directer of the CCSPCA before she herself  became an accused.  We will have to wait and see  if the Veterinary Board does it’s job and sends a message to other Veterinarians who may care more about money than they do the care of the animals they are in-trusted with.

Elkton Ethics Commission Complaint Still Causing Confusion

From Someone Noticed

The subject of the Ethics Commission complaint against Commissioner Mary Jo Jablonski occupied the attention of the town board for a second meeting. When the mayor asked for public comments Bob Litzenberg once again asked where the complaint he’d filed 6-weeks ago stood, since town still hadn’t responded to his letter. That, as it did last time, caused some interesting exchanges that still indicate there’s confusion around how the town is handling this complaint and how they generally should handle such situations. Commissioner Jablonski added that she too hadn’t been contacted for the investigation and didn’t know what the complaint was about. Bob clarified that matter for the puzzled elected official by saying that it was a conflict of interest concerning her role as a town commissioner and as the Director of the Elkton Alliance, a group that receives substantial funding from the town. When she votes on the budget for the Alliance while also serving as the full-time Main Street Manager and Alliance Director, there is a conflict he elaborated.

Article continues on Someone Noticed

Are Citizens Getting a Tax Cut or Will they Fork Over More? Whig is Confused

From Someone Noticed —— 

Taxes are capturing the headlines right now as local government boards across Cecil consider the levy they are going to place on citizens for the upcoming fiscal year. This subject, which is associated with the constant yield rate, the amount that produces that same tax burden as last year, is confusing a lot of people, including the writers at the Cecil Whig.  On the day the county made its preliminary decision to consider a 4.8% tax increase, the daily paper wrote that the commissioners were proposing a “property tax cut,” while the board issued a statement saying it was raising property taxes!

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

Looking Back One Year Ago: Cecil County Tax Headlines

 

Commissioner Hodge sure to vote against the Budget because it is a tax increase.

When Commissioner Hodge was running for office he made it clear that if the citizens of Cecil County voted for him he would “hold the line on taxes” .   Commissioner Hodge came to the taxpayer forum in Cecil County which Senator Pipkin and I hosted and Commissioner Hodge joined the group Cecil Citizens against taxation (C-CAT) that night.   Mr. Hodge sits as a member of the Republican Central Committee. The party platform promotes smaller government, less taxation, fiscal responsibility all things Commissioner Hodge has pledged to promote.

In fact, Ms. Wendy Hiester’s article in the October 17, 2008 Cecil Whig reported that Candidate Hodge made the following promises just prior to election day. 

“When Hodge spoke about the county budget, he said he was determined to hold the line on taxes.

“Enough is enough. We need to learn how to get by on what we have, especially with these economic times,” he said.

He proposed that each department head be given incentives to reduce spending, including the public school system.

“We need to look really hard at the budget; start with a zero budget. There’s a habit of just increasing the budget year after year. We need to learn how to do more with less.”

We will soon learn whether Mr. Hodge meant what he said about learning to get by on what we have or whether Mr. Hodge was just saying what he needed to say in order to get elected. 

If you have been taxed too much and need relief from further taxes call your County Commissioners and let them know that you want them to take the property tax down to the constant yield.  The story below has E-mail contact information on each commissioner at the end of the story.  If you reach the commissioners or just leave a message, let us know so we can share it with others who are helping to send the “no new taxes message” to our County Commissioners.

Cecil Whig calls a tax hike a tax cut.

This is the political speech of the left, calling a tax increase a decrease  The true “bottom line” is and always will be, if you pay more taxes this year than you did last year it is a tax increase!  End of story, simple but true, no ifs, ands or buts, no political spin.  Conversely, if you pay less tax this year than you did last year it is a tax cut.  (To those just joining the overtaxed minority, the “tax cut” is rare thing indeed.)

The tax rate is currently at 96 cents per $100 of assessed value on real property in Cecil County.  In order to keep the taxes on the same piece of property the same as were assessed last year, the county would have to reduce the tax rate by 6.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  This is because the County has increased the assessed value of real property over the last year.

This additional proposed increase in tax assessments brings in an additional $966,569 of revenue for the county.  Bringing in almost an additional million dollars in taxes does not amount to a decrease in taxes and is not a proposed tax cut!  If the newspaper industry has any questions about what is happening to it, they need look no further than this as an example of what is wrong.  At a time when grass roots organizations are springing up across the country to challenge increased taxation; local newspapers call increases, “decreases” and seem to stand with the tax oppressor instead of the tax payer.

The public will get two opportunities to comment on the proposed tax rate at a public hearing at 2 P.M. & 7 P.M. on Tues. May 12, 2009.  Unfortunately, most of the taxpayers will actually be working at 2 p.m. on Tues. so they can actually pay their taxes.  Therefore I ask those that are unable to make the Tuesday 2 P.M. or 7 P.M. hearing to please call or E-mail your County Commissioners.  (Their email address are found at the bottom of this post.)

 Once you have called or E-mailed your Commissioners let us know by posting a quick comment or note so that we can tabulate and report here on the Blog what the taxpayers of Cecil County feel about this proposed tax increase.   Those who can make it at the 7 P.M. hearing are encouraged to attend if at all possible.

Please note there are encouraging signs, Commissioners Mullin and Hodge pledged during their campaigns that they would not support any new taxes.  I have no reason to believe that they will not live up to their pledge to the citizens of Cecil County.   Commissioners Lockhart & Demmler are inviting the citizens to participate and seem very willing to consider the opinion of the public.  Commissioner Tome has been less vocal on the issue and I trust still has an open mind on the subject.

 I still believe that this is one of those rare times when public input, loud and clear, can effect a change in the direction our government is heading regarding a tax increase.  The starting point is to know the facts and be sure the commissioners know that you know a decrease is a proposed increase, not a cut in taxes.  We are not seeking a cut just the “constant yield.” i.e. keeping our taxes the same as last year.

 The vote on taxes will be on May 26, 2009, so let’s turn up the volume, and tell your friends and neighbors to contact the County Commissioners by one of the methods below.

 

Commissioner’s Email Addresses

1. Commmissioner Demmler’s Email Address:  rdemmler@ccgov.org;
2. Commissioner Hodge’s Email Address:  rhodge@ccgov.org;
3. Commissioner Lockhart’s Email Address:  blockhart@ccgov.org; Commissioner Mullins
4. Email Address:   jmullin@ccgov.org and
5. Commissioner Tome’s Email Address:  wtome@ccgov.org

Maryland’s Leading Political Newspaper Lists Delegate Mike Smigiel As One Of The Up- And- Comers To Watch.

 The Montgomery County Gazette published an article this week entitled “Session sets up some for future stardom” by Sean Sedam and Alan Brody. Looking for those whose political stock is on the rise the authors spoke with leadership  and aids of both parties to identify legislators who could be heard from in years to come.  The article discused   two Senators, Garagiola and Pugh and four members of the House of Delegates,  Guzzone,  Kipke, Haddaway and Smigiel.   Concerning Delegate Smigiel they wrote:

Del. Michael D. Smigiel Sr. (R-Dist. 36) of Elkton Always a big voice for Republicans on the House floor, the House Minority parliamentarian found new ways to stand out in 2009, including questioning the governor during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on a death penalty repeal bill and delivering an emotional account of his personal experience with domestic violence during a floor debate.

“Delegate Smigiel is a very forceful floor presence,” O’Donnell said of the second-termer. “He’s very knowledgeable as an attorney. He has the ability to cut through a lot of the fluff.” Smigiel is being floated as a likely state senator candidate should E.J. Pipkin (R-Dist. 36) of Elkton run for Congress in 2010, as is widely expected.

To see the full article click link below.

Session sets up some for future stardom

Gazette.Net Maryland Community News

Source: www.gazette.net

The Third Sin of the 09 Session Is The Statewide Placement of Speed Camera Systems.

When signed into law, SB-277  will expand the authorization for the use of speed cameras to school zones and Highway work zones.  Local law enforcement agencies or their contractors may issue citations or warnings to the vehicle owners for speeding at least 12 mph over the posted speed limit.  The maximum fine for a citation is $40. The cameras placed in work zones will be set up on expressways or controlled access highways where the speed limit is 45mph or greater. During the first 30 days after the placement of a speed camera, only warnings will be issued. 

 Despite the fact that numerous delegates offered amendments in committee and on the floor to Senate Bill 277 to remove their counties from the speed camera bill,  the legislation  passed without any amendments and, thus, no one was allowed to remove their county from the bill.

One of  the arguments raised against speed cameras is that they are excessive government intrusions into the privacy of citizens. As I argued on the floor, “Seldom is freedom lost in one fell swoop, it is lost one camera at a time.”  In addition to the loss of privacy argument, there was the argumement that the use of  speed cameras deprives the public of the right to confront their accuser. Supporters of the speed cameras reply that since there are no points assessed for the violation, the matter is civil not criminal and, thus, there is no right to confront your accuser. 

Those of us in opposition to speed cameras also point out that if police officers were used instead of cameras, there would be an immediacy to the lesson.  For instance, if your son or daughter drives to school and each day goes through a camera  it might be five or six days till the first ticket arrives at the home of the owner of the car (most likely Dad or Mom’s address) and a new ticket will thereafter arrive  each day until all five or six have arrived.  Unfortunatly, the opportunity to teach the speeding teenager a lesson by having contact with a police officer on the first speeding event is lost each time we put up one of these speed cameras in a school zone.

One thing is certain, there will be changes to the speed camera law and it  does not take a genius or trained prognosticator to fortell what those changes will be in the future.  The speed at which one must be going over the posted limit before the camera is triggered, will be lowered.  The speed limit areas where the cameras are  placed will be expanded to both lower speed areas and higher speed areas eventually.  While it is inevitable that the speed limits you are allowed to exceed the posted speed by, will come down, it is just as inevitable that the fines issued to speeders,  will go up.  Also,  we will see an expansion of the use of speed cameras into residential areas.

Speed cameras have little to do with safety and much to do with revenue generation for the State and the local  jurisdictions installing them. As the revenues generated are dedicated to continuing governmental obligations and the ability to increase revenues by increasing the number of cameras or the price of  the violation continues to be a viable option,  it is inevitable that governments will pursue those options.  So prepare to smile for a camera coming to a roadway near you.

Special Update: Cecil SPCA Allegations featured on WBAL News “C-4″ Talk Radio

Many thanks to all who listened in or participated in today’s 1:00 PM broadcast on WBAL News’ C-4 talk show.

Those of you who may not have heard the details of the allegations of animal abuse by the Cecil County SPCA may want to click on this link to view our original posts and photographs on the subject.

http://smigiel.wordpress.com/cecil-county-spca-images/

Second Sin of the 09 Legislative Session Was O’Malley’s Two Tier Driver’s License Scheme.

For the last two years I have been arguing for the Maryland Department of Transportation to establish a single tier, proof of legal presence, Maryland’s driver’s license.  It was in May of 2005 when President Bush signed the REAL ID Act into law. In January of 2008 that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) issued the final REAL ID regulations. There are 18 mandatory requirements under the Act, one of the most important of which is the state’s ability to verify that the applicant for a State driver’s license is lawfully present in the United States. 

Failure to comply with the federal mandated proof of presence requirement for issuing a driver’s license would mean that Maryland residents holding non compliant driver’s licenses would not be able to enter federal buildings or fly on airlines without other forms of identification such as a passport.

Those who have made Maryland a sanctuary State have argued and worked to obtain a two tiered drivers license system. As of  April 2009, only Maryland, Hawaii, Utah, New Mexico and Washington supplied state driver’s licenses to those illegally in the country. Under House Bill – 387  Maryland has created a two tiered system, wherein, Maryland would not require any proof of legal presence in order to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.   The Maryland  two tiered system attempts to address the legal presence mandated requirement  by continuing to issue a license to the illegal aliens that is federally non compliant and would not be accepted for entering federal buildings or travelling on airlines.  This two tiered system would cost the taxpayers of Maryland an extra 30 million dollars.

Because applicants for driver’s licenses are given voter registration information, an amendment was offered to prohibit voter registration information from being given to illegal aliens obtaining Maryland driver’s licenses. This amendment was rejected by the supporters of the two tiered system.  Now those illegally residing in Maryland who obtain a driver’s license will also continue to be given voter registration information. Clearly those supporting the two tiered system are more interested in currying favor with the Hispanic community than worrying about homeland security issues.

The bill was not going to pass, because the house members wanted a full amnesty for all those currently issued Maryland driver’s licenses and the Senate was adamant on the single tiered system.   The Senate compromised agreeing to allow those currently with licenses to keep them until 2015.  The House members who supported a two tiered system were against the idea of the compromise  and thus were not going to vote for the bill. Governor O’ Malley had the Montgomery County Delegation taken off the floor and into the legislative lounge area.  The Governor told the Delegation that if they did not vote for the conference committee bill then there would be a special session and the Senate single tier system would be voted in.  The Montgomery Delegation members gave in and enough members changed their minds and voted to accept the conference committee report that the bill passed.   The sad part is the citizens of Maryland will not be safer and the compromise will not last.  Maryland will continue to be known as a sanctuary State and those who follow the rules and attempt to become American citizens through legal channels will have a much harder time obtaining the benefits of being an American than those who just violate the law, and sneek into the country illegally.

It is estimated that there are currently around 300,000 illegal aliens driving around with Maryland licenses.  This session, the Senate voted out a single tiered system and the House voted on a two tiered system.  Because the two chambers came up with different versions of the bill the matter was sent to a conference committee.  The Conference Committee decided to agree to grant amnesty to those persons illegally in the country who have obtained Maryland Drivers licenses until the year 2015.  The unfortunate reality is that sometime before 2015, unless the public demands otherwise, the legislature will most likely eliminate the 2015 ending date or to extend the time to a date further in the future for illegal aliens to continue obtaining Maryland drivers licenses.

CanalSide: Cecil County Animal Care and Control Review Committee Meeting April 29

From CanalSide:  Cecil County Animal Care and Control Review Committee Meeting

The Animal Care and Control Review Committee will hold a public forum on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the North East Fire House, 210 South Maudlin, North East. The purpose of the meeting is for the task force members to hear ideas and suggestions from interested citizens on animal care and control services within the county, prior to making recommendations to the Board of Cecil County Commissioners.

The Board of Cecil County Commissioners appointed the Animal Control Task Force to review and make recommendations to the current county animal care and control law, improve animal care and control services that protect the public’s health and safety, as well as the health and safety of animals. A final report will be presented to the commissioners with recommendations for how county government should best ensure humane, cost effective, and professional animal care and control in Cecil County and the reasons for those recommendations.

A sign in sheet will be available at the meeting and speakers will be provided three minutes each to address the task force members.  CONTACT: Howard Isenberg, Chairman, Cecil County Animal Care and Control Review Committee, 410-398-4060, Ext. 11

The Seven Sins Of The 09 Session.

This past legislative session was full of very bad news for the citizens of Maryland. I have chosen what I believe to be the worst seven bills to recap for you here.  I will address each separately so as to avoid sending the readers of this blog into the streets with pitch forks and torches or causing them to drink themselves into a drunken stupor.  When all the bad is seen as a whole it can become overwhelming, in this case the whole, being greater than the sum of the parts. Rather than deal with the deficit through real cuts to excessive spending and reducing the size of government, The first and perhaps the greatest disappointment of the 2009 legislative session, is the manner in which the Maryland legislature handled the budget.

According to the Department of Legislative Services we came into this legislative session facing a 2.2 Billion Dollar deficit. We were in deep trouble and to make matters worse the revenue estimates were coming in much lower than anticipated, primarily because we raised taxes in the face of the impending financial crises. There was talk of making real cuts (as opposed to reducing the size of a projected increase and calling that a cut) and of having to reduce the size of government.  That talk was short lived because President Obama shortly there after announced that a new stimulis package would be sending hundreds of billions of dollars out the the State’s for spending on infrastructure needs, (supposedly “shovel ready” projects).

 Governor O’Malley decided instead, to use the 3.8 billion federal government stimulus dollars to expand existing programs and the size of government thus creating  new continuing obligations. Some of the continuing obligations created were spending stimulus dollars to fund the Geographic Cost Education Index (G.C.E.I.), Medicaid expansion, and expanded unemployment benefits.  All of these programs will be need continued funding once the stimulus dollars are exhausted.  

The idea of the stimulus dollars was to provide money to create funding for infrastructure projects.  If almost 4 billion dollars was spent on repairing water systems, bridges and roads then the workers, currently persons being laid off or out of work construction workers, would have an income to pay their mortgages and car payments and the economy would get a kick start. When the funds were exhausted there would be billions of dollars worth of improvements to the State’s infrastructure.  Unfortunately,  progressives define “infrastructure” as a social safety net. Therefore the money from the federal government stimulus package is being spent on programs that will do little to stimulate our economy and will not improve the financial situation of the working middle class so they can pay mortgages and buy big ticket items.  Adding insult to injury, Maryland so mismanaged the stimulus money it received from the federal government that local governments in Maryland are losing $160 million dollars in road money, whereas if the stimulus money had actually been spent on infrastructure needs the local governments would have been sharing in additional billions of dollars.

After the stimulus dollars are spent, Maryland will still be left with a 1.7 billion dollar deficit. This means in 2011 we will need to either make very deep cuts or to raise taxes to cover the new additional continuing obligations. Since the legislature was unwilling or politically unable to make the necessary cuts at this time of financial crises, I expect the choice in 2011 will be the same and that taxes will be raised once again.

I will write and post on the second of the big sins of the 09 legislative session very soon.

The State Highway Administration Steps Up To Address Homeless Camps Under Bridge On 213.

It was back in December when we first wrote in the article, Elkton Paralyzed By Fear Of ACLU,  about the homeless individuals living under the Walter Baker Bridge on Rt. 213 in Elkton.  We provided photos and told how the town was refusing to do anything to address the homeless problem under the bridge or elsewhere in the town, because of the town having been sued by the ACLU previously. 

Our office received numerous complaints from citizens, shop owners and others regarding the problem of  homeless individuals exposing themselves, urinating in public, being drunk or otherwise disruptive on the streets of downtown. We were told that the police could not or would not enforce many of these violations. As a result Senator Pipkin and Delegate Smigiel met with the Elkton town council, mayor and police chief to ask that the town clean up the mess under the bridge and to formulate a policy to deal with those persons who are choosing not to avail themselves of the shelter services available in Elkton and instead were living in various outdoor locations throughout Elkton.  Delegate Smigiel suggested that the Town pass an ordinance prohibiting anyone from camping out over night in downtown except in designated campground areas. 

Since that time Delegate Smigiel has continued his efforts to get the area under the Walter Baker Bridge cleaned up of the enormous amount of trash and debris which is being piled up on the shore of  the creek.  The Maryland State Highway Administration, (SHA), District Engineer, Mr. Richard K. Lindsay recently wrote Delegate Smigiel to report on the progress of the clean up efforts. 

Mr. Lindsay thanked Delegate Smigiel for bringing to his attention the potential health and safety risk that currently exists around and under the Senator Walter Baker Bridge on MD 213 in Elkton. Mr. Lindsay pointed out that such conditions are, unfortunately, not an isolated incident.  That in fact, many jurisdictions throughout the State are experiencing the same problem.  In order to avoid falling victim to the same legal issues that befell the Town of Elkton, the SHA decided to proceed deliberately and cautiously in developing a long term solution to this increasing problem.

The SHA worked with the ACLU to come up with a plan to provide prior notice to anyone who may have personal belongings under the bridge so the items could be removed prior to the designated cleanup day and the remaining items could be considered abandoned and removed. The ACLU is working with the SHA to address the problem and to avoid any litigation.

Congratulations are due to the State Highway Administration for working in such a way as to be able to address the problem and avoid additional litigation.  Hopefully this will serve as an example of how we can move forward to address the concerns of the citizens regarding the proliferation of the homeless population in the downtown Elkton area without violating the rights or dignity of these homeless individuals.

The SHA has set a good example of how the Town can proceed to address some of the additional matters that still need to be addressed regarding the homeless problem in the area of downtown Elkton.

Young Republicans Urge Taxpayers To Contact The County Commissioners.

The following message is being passed on by the Cecil County Young Republicans and is worthy of your attention, no matter what your political affiliation.

 

On Tuesday, the Cecil County Commissioners will be voting on key
department budgets for this year’s county budget. In order to avoid a
tax increase, the county must cut its spending by about 5% across the
board.

We need as many calls/messages in the Commissioner’s voice mail box
today and tomorrow so they get a clear message that county residents
don’t want new taxes. We also need to flood their email inbox with
encouragements to do what is right — cut spending and keep our taxes
where they are (at the very least).

I am trying to recruit 10 people to help me by leaving a message for the
County Commissioners — all you have to do is just call this number:
410-996-5201

If you call today, you can just leave a message. This makes things very
easy—you don’t have to talk with anybody. And by leaving one message,
that will hit all five Commissioners. So, its just one phone call.

Here is an example voice message you might want to leave:

    Hi my name is _______________ and I live in ______, MD. I am calling
    to urge the County Commissioners to cut spending and keep our taxes
    the same as last year. We are in very tough economic times, and the
    last thing we need is increased taxes! If the County Commissioners
    would like to contact me they can call me at ___________________ or
    e-mail me at _________________. Thank you!

Also, I want to get 10 people to EMAIL each county Commissioner. What
makes this even easier is that you can send all 5 Commissioners e-mails
in one e-mail message—you can get this done in 5 minutes (depending on
how long your e-mail message is).

Here are all of the County Commissioners e-mail addresses (simply copy
them and paste them into your send bar):

wtome@ccgov.org,
blockhart@ccgov.org,
jmullin@ccgov.org,
rdemmler@ccgov.org,
rhodge@ccgov.org

Here is an example email you might use as a starting point — make sure
to edit it and customize it so it applies to you.

    Dear Commissioners:

    I would like to thank you for your service and work for our
    community. I am writing to ask that you join other commissioners in
    cutting spending in order to keep taxes the same as last year.

    Our family is facing the challenges of our tough economy and we have
    no choice but to live within our means. We want our county
    leadership do to the same — please cut spending and keep our taxes
    down.

    I look forward to hearing that you each have done your part. Again,
    thank you for all your hard work for Cecil County.

    Sincerely,

    Your Name Here
    Your Zip Code

If you do call, would you come back to this note and leave a comment
letting me know? My goal and commitment is to get at least 10 people to
call and email.

Please help us out — don’t wait. Just call and write up a quick email
right now. Also, share this with any friends you know that might be
willing to join in. Just a few minutes could possibly mean hundreds of
$$ saved in taxes next year.

smigiel.wordpress.com has 100,000th visitor.

Since going on line last December, The Official Blog of  Delegate Mike Smigiel has had over 100,000 visitors.  We are very pleased that the public has found the information provided to be useful and we are thankful for all those citizens and the media that have utilized the information provided herein.  We are especially proud to be part of something much larger that is occurring in the country. We have experienced a revolution in citizens using various computer sites to participate in the reporting of  information which is informative to the public about local, state and even national issues.  Internet usage, as a tool of informing the public, has created a whole new media source that is still working its way through its infancy.  What is known, is that a blogger can work alone or as has been the experience in our case, several citizen bloggers can work together or  in support of one another and create an informative, viable source, of information where the public can go to get unfiltered information about a number of different issues.

While critics complain that most bloggers are untrained as journalist, there are benefits to the medium that make up for the lack of  professional journalistic training such as the ability of the Internet to allow for instant corrections, additions and updates that are not available through traditional media sources.  Why shouldn’t professionals of various backrounds be able to share their expertise about whatever topic may be before the public that day?

Like any new and growing technology or application of  new technology, there are legal, ethical and professional considerations to be worked out.  It has been a real pleasure to watch how blogs of a liberal or progressive leaning have worked together with blogs of a conservative or moderate leaning to tackle issues that the traditional media have  been unwilling or unable to address.  I look forward to seeing where the future of blogging heads and what challenges await us.  For now, thank you to all the posters, bloggers, readers, and others who have volunteered their time and talents to making this and many other political blogs successful in forcing the local media to cover events they would not normally cover or in breaking stories that the public needed to know about.

Senators Give In To Pressure From The Governor And Reverse Their Votes On Speed Cameras.

Yesterday I wrote a piece praising the Senate for its common sense in protecting Marylanders from the intrusiveness of speed cameras throughout the State of Maryland.   The last thing I wrote in yesterday’s article was “like most bad ideas in Annapolis it will be back again.” In all honesty I did not think  the speed camera issue would be back in under 24 hrs. 

The Governor wants the revenue from these intrusive devices.  He was able to convince Senators, Currie, Miller, King and Zurkin to change their votes in the reconsideration of  the bill and thus this morning it passed 27-20.

It will now be up to the Maryland House of Delegates to defeat this bad idea. I do not hold out much hope that we can do so because those counties that have it or want it have enough votes to force this bad idea upon everyone in the State.  Stay tuned the fight is not over yet.

Senate Votes Down Statewide Speed Camera Bill.

The State Senate voted down, 23-24, an attempt to place speed cameras statewide.  Several Counties have chosen to place speed cameras in their counties.  The justification for these cameras is argued to be that they will reduce speed in school zones (so will speed bumps) and protect workers in construction zones.  The reality is that they are a huge money making machine for those counties and municipalities that put them in place.   The way they work is they are set up in specified locations, primarily school zones and construction sites.  The cameras are set up so the picture is triggered when a vehicle exceeds the speed limit by a predetermined amount.  The catch is it does not matter who was driving the vehicle the ticket (and no points) are assessed to the owner of the vehicle.  A fine is given for the violation.

Imagine your child going to school everyday, exceeding the speed limit by 7 or 8 miles per hour and not knowing they were being caught on camera each day violating the speed limit.  After a week or so you receive your first ticket by mail, everyday thereafter for a week another ticket arrives.  At between $40 and $75 a ticket it quickly gets expensive.  If instead a police officer had caught your son or daughter on radar and ticketed them, they would have received an immediate notice to correct their behavoir and it would not be likely that they would have continued the same behavior for a week straight.  

If individual Counties or municipalities choose to place speed cameras in their jurisdictions that is thier choice (I still don’t vote for them because my constituents may be driving through and receive a fine).   I have often said on the floor of the house during debates that  ”freedom is seldom lost in one fell swoop, it is lost one amendment, one bill at a time.”

For now, we are safe from the expansion of this overly intrusive revenue generating idea. Unfortunately, like most bad ideas in Annapolis it will be back again.

Maryland House of Delegates Votes To Give Driver’s Licenses and Amnesty To Illegal Aliens.

The Federal Real ID Act requires that each state establish a policy of  confirming the legal presence of each person receiving a drivers license.  Forty six states are on their way to compliance, four states, including Maryland are not. For the last few years I have been constantly asking the  Maryland MVA why they have been dragging their feet on this issue.  It seemed more important that they not offend the illegal alien population than move to tighten the license issuance procedures so as to enhance national security. 

If Maryland fails to come into compliance, Marylanders will not be able to use their Maryland licenses to get on an airplane, to enter a federal building or to use your ID to enjoy numerous other activities.  Marylanders would have to travel with their birth certificates and or passports if the State fails to comply with the federal Real ID Act.  Currently, Maryland driver’s licenses are not accepted as Id for anything from security issues or even a simple job application in states such as Arizona, Colorado, South Carolina, Oklahoma, (12 states in total) and the number is growing.   According to a study by the Shaffer Center for Public Policy, Univ. of Balt., Feb. 09,  81%  of Marylanders want a single tier auto licensing system.

The easy way to comply, is to simply require that anyone applying for a driver’s license have proof of citizenship in order to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.     The problem is that there are an estimated 300,000 illegal aliens already driving in Maryland with licenses they have been issued without proof of their legal presence.  Proponents of  the illegal alien population argue we should allow these 300,000 people who are already driving on Maryland licenses to keep their licenses and not ever have to prove their legal presence within the country. The argument is that these are people with families and jobs who would be thrown into chaos should we suddenly make it illegal for them to drive. It is also argued that those driving currently would still drive but without insurance.   In response to the first argument I believe that if you illegally purchased a license to drive, or obtained one by false pretenses, you should not be rewarded with an immunity. If you are not in the country legally but have obtained a license, why not say you have five years in which to become a legal resident.  Wouldn’t it be better to encourage compliance with our laws rather than rewarding criminal behavior?

For the last year I have been asking Secretary John D. Porcari of the Maryland Transportation Authority and Mr. John T. Kuo, Motor Vehicle Administration, Administrator,  to explain how many MVA employees have sold driver’s licenses to illegal aliens? How many licenses were sold and what happened to the licenses which were sold?  I specifically have been asking about licenses that were sold to drive school buses. I want to know how many were sold, who sold them, what happened to the employees selling them and what happened to the people who bought them?  I want to know, How many of the illegaly sold licenses to drive school buses are still out there?  Despite persistently pursuing answers to these questions I have received a run around and some nonspecific answers that I am currently following up on.  In addition to not answering the questions about the MVA employees selling driving licenses to illegal aliens, the MTA and MVA have been refusing to get on board with the Real Id Act requirements, Maryland being one of the last states to start complying with the act.

The State MVA eventually reversed its longstanding policy of dragging its feet with complying with the Real ID Act and indicated this year they were in agreement with moving forward with compliance.  Numerous delegates including myself signed onto HB-387, a bill to require legal presence be established in order to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.  Public hearings were held on the bill. On the day the bill was to be voted on in committee, a slick little move was made which gutted the idea of complying with the Federal Real ID Act through requiring proof of legal presence and instead a two tiered system was inserted into the bill which included amnesty for all those currently holding Maryland driver’s licenses who are illegal aliens.  When this amended bill made it to the floor of the House of Delegates, 63 of  the sponsors of the original legal presence Bill all offered amendments to have their names stripped off the amended bill.  This included roughly an equal number of both Democrats and Republicans.

One of  the most telling acts of the House of Delegates was their voting to reject an amendment which would have prohibited any illegal alien who was being given a federally non compliant license to drive in Maryland the motor voter information at the same time they were receiving their licenses.  Why, would we possibly want to give illegal aliens voter registration information?  In the rare instance we have a citizen who just does not have the proper documents to meet the federal requirements, yet they need to drive, they could get the non-compliant license and take care of their voter registration like everyone else who moves or changes affiliation by going to the local election office.  We do not need to be giving voter registration information to hundreds of thousands of people who will be lining up to get their Maryland driver’s licenses.  Maryland is already second in the number of fraud cases related to driver’s licenses.  Drivers license fraud cases rose 500 % between 2003 and 2007.  Nobody seems to want to know how extensive our voter fraud is, most likely because it would then need to be addressed.   If the policy arguments are not enough to get you upset about the two tiered system you should know that SB-369 will save the State money by not having to license  hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens, on the other hand the two tiered system should cost the State about 30 million dollars.

If you are outraged by the actions of the Maryland House of Delegates, then you need to contact your Delegates and tell them you do not believe illegal aliens should receive non compliant licenses.  The Maryland  Senate got it right and passed SB-369, a Bill that requires all drivers prove their “lawful presence” in the U.S., meaning that they are citizens or temporary legal residents. Ask your Delegates to vote for SB-369, the Senate version of the Real ID Act. 

The first hurdle will be when the Senate Bill, SB-369 goes to the House Judiciary Committee.   You need to contact the members of that committee to let them know you want the Senate Bill, SB-369 to go to the House Floor unamended and that you do not want the House of Delegates two tiered system that grants amnesty to illegal aliens.

With your help, your voice, we can still stop this insanity and demand that those driving on our roads prove they are legally present in the country.

Someone Noticed: Elkton Crime Rate Higher Than Most Places

From Someone Noticed

Elkton’s crime rate is increasing and it is a consistent upward trend.  Beginning in 2004, the numer of serious incidents has increased each year.  (2008 data was not available.)  Another way to gauge how the community is doing is to compare it to others of similiar size and characteristics.  In our case, Elkton has a higher rate than all the places we checked.   For comparison, we though Havre de Grace, Bel Air and Aberdeen were appropriate because the size is similiar and population characteristics probably have parallels. We tossed in few more such as Newark, Easton, and Cambridge so we’d have some more benchmarks.    We were surprised to see that Elkton’s ranked higher than these other places.

Continues on Someone Noticed

CanalSide: Lastest SPCA “Whodunit” Mystery

From CanalSide

While driving past the the Cecil County SPCA this past Tuesday night at around 9:00 pm, a local woman noticed something unusual out of the corner of her eye. According to a post on Del. Mike Smigiel’s blog resident Dan Meadows’ sister witnessed at least three State Police cars with lights flashing as well as an unmarked white van with lights flashing, too, in the facility parking lot” The big question is WHAT was so important as to merit three squad cars AND a van….and not from the Cecil County Sheriff’s office but from the State Police! Isn’t the SPCA under the county’s jurisdiction? Additionally, we haven’t read or heard anything about this incident on television or in the Cecil Whig. There has been an explanation from one of the Cecil County Commissioners, who told one local resident the event was a “false burglar alarm that police and animal control officers responded to” The commissioner added that ” in the future the SPCA may consider posting such events on their website”.

Continues on CanalSide

Chespaeake City Mirror Reports on Financial Situation of Whig’s Owners

Assets include radio and television under Macquarie Southern Cross Media (MSCM), and US newspaper assets via full ownership of American Consolidated Media (ACM). After recently recording a net loss of $127.3 million over writedowns on its ill-timed acquisition of ACM, Macquarie Media’s balance sheet isn’t looking good.

Click here to go the the remainder of this piece

CanalSide: Cecil Whig Gets a Grade of F . . .

Oops We Spoke to Soon – Cecil Whig Gets a Grade of “F” As It Makes It’s Final Approach Into The Abyss of the Chesapeake

Grade: “F”, for failure to progress. On Friday we gave the beleagured little paper high marks for not publishing a biased editorial by Gene Cochrane, one of Cecil County Commissioner Robert Hodge’s BFF’s. We hoped this was a sign of change and things to come from newly appointed editor Mike Bullard. But alas, this was not to be. The snipey little report card appeared yet again in today’s print edition, although not the online version (which is a bit telling in and of itself in our opinion)

.Article Continues on CanalSide

Someone Noticed: Whig Op/Ed Piece Misses the Mark . . . What’s the Rest of the Story?

From Someone Noticed

The Cecil Whig’s op/ed section continued the serialized report card for county commissioners today, as the “citizen columnist” turned his attention to grading individual board members.  The paper’s first installment awarded the board a “generous grade of D.”  Today’s report cards, which were handed out for Commissioners Demmler, Mullin, and Tome, were predictable to anyone following the writer’s work and having a little insight into the rumors associated with Republican Party politics here.  While we are not sure about the assessment’s validity, we noted one particularly harsh appraisal that doesn’t support anything we’ve seen.  Of course, we may not have all the information the political party insiders have, but it does cause us to wonder about the reliability of the other grades.  On the assessment of Commissioner Demmler, Mr. Cochrane mentioned that she had “quiet limited life experiences and, therefore, a very limited personal background . . . .” in areas of expertise needed by the political leadership.  To that he adds something about “limited intellectual curiosity” on the issues she does not understand, combined with an “unwillingness to do the necessary homework to better understand” issues.

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

Flawed Death Penalty Bill Is Forced Through The House Judiciary Committee.

Whether you are an opponent or proponent of the Death Penalty, you should be very concerned with the mess that the legislature is making of the process surrounding this most important public policy issue.  Two years ago the Maryland Court of Appeals held that Maryland had failed to properly vet the death penalty protocols for administering  the deadly cocktail mixture used to put the condemned to death.  The Governor could have addressed this by simply having the matter sent to the AELR committee which could then hold a public hearing on the protocols .   Because he is against the death penalty, the Governor has ignored the law and allowed the moratorium to continue, through his inaction. 

As a justification for the current effort to eliminate the death penalty, the Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment was established last year to look at the issue. The results of the Commission hearings were not a surprise to anyone.  In fact, last year on the floor of the House of Delegates I argued we could save the State a lot of time and money because the results of the Commission were already known to everyone. I argued the Commission would find that there was racial disparity in the application of the death penalty and that it is  too costly to put people to death and that therefore the death penalty should be repealed.  The deck was stacked and as a  result the findings were a forgone conclusion.   It was a waste of  taxpayer money to go through the motions only to justify the result the majority sought.  A real, impartial investigation, with a committee that was balanced may have found some common ground on which both sides could have compromised. Instead the legislature fell into its normal behavoir of manipulating the process to assure the outcome it sought.

Similarly, when the Senate  Judicial Proceedings Committee failed to pass the current death penalty repeal bill  SB-279 out of the Committee, Senator Miller found a way to bring the bill before the Senate , even thought there were no rules that allowed such a procedure.  The move was justified by some nonspecific relation back to a similar procedure used 30 years ago. Yet, no one explained whether the rules actually allowed such a procedure 30 years ago or whether it was actually outside the rules then and thus the procedure should not be looked at as some kind of justification for allowing the procedure today.

On the Senate floor the there was a motion to send the matter back to committee which was met with a tie vote, the only missing vote was that of  Senator Andy Harris who was absent.  Senator Harris has been a advocate on behalf of keeping the death penalty and thus his absence from this critical vote to kill the death penalty was a most unfortunate bit of timing for the proponents of the death penalty. 

The plan to repeal the death penalty was quickly replaced by a plan to tighten the circumstances when the death penalty could be sought.  The end result was a plan that says the death penalty could only be given if one of three circumstances were found to exist: 

                         First, if there was DNA evidence conclusively linking the defendant to the crime.

                         Second, if there is a video tape of the murder.

                         Third, if there is a video tapped confession to the murder.

The State’s Attoney General, Doug Gansler correctly labled this bill as having been constructed in a “clumsy” way and he stated that the bill should be reworked or abandoned. (3-17-09 John Wagner and Henri Cauvin, Washington Post) The Attorney General pointed out that as written the Bill would not consider ballistics, fingerprints, multiple photographs showing a crime in progress, or a signed confession. (Id)

 The Senate President gave clear orders to the House of Delegates, change a comma in the bill he sent out of the Senate (SB-279) and the Bill dies when it comes back to the Senate.  The problem with this is that it eliminates the Constitutional mandated procedure of having two Houses participate in the process.  It eliminates the imput from the public because the amending of the repeal occured on the Senate floor after the judicial proceedings hearings had concluded on the Repeal  Bill.  There has  been and will be no public debate on the amended bill to limit the death penalty to these three scenarios and there will be no such debate unless the dictates of Senator Miller and subsequently the Governor are rejected by the House leadership.  Unfortunately, the House leadership was all too willing to surrender House independence.  The House of Delegates has been relegated to nothing more than a rubber stamp of the Senate and tool of the Executive Branch  because of  the House leadership’s willingness to be subjugated to that role.

When the House Judiciary Committee addressed the Senate Bill last week (the House Repeal Bill is being scrapped so as not to interfere with the Senate Bill and Senator Miller’s dictates to the House) Governor O’Malley came before us in the Judiciary Committee to also tell us he wanted the Senate Bill to come out of the House Judiciary Committee unamended. When I questioned the Governor about the wisdom of leaving the bill untouched even though it has flaws, O’Malley answered that the question “might be better directed to the President of the Senate”.  (Liam Farell, Capital Gazette, 3-18-09)

I then went on to point out to a few of the outrageous scenarios we will face if the bill goes through unamended.  First there is the scenario where an undercover police officer is wearing an audio tape wire, he or she enters a room with a drug dealer to make a purchase, the drug dealer recognizes the officer and says on the tape “You are a cop, I recognize you! ” “You are dead, I’m going to shoot you!”  On the tape you hear the gun shot, you hear the officer yell.  The police rush in and catch the murderer with the smoking gun in their hand and absent the DNA evidence, or a video recording of the murder or confession, the killer of the Officer would not face the death penalty. Yet, the robber who enters the 7-11 and is caught on video shooting the store clerk who dies, does face the death penalty.

I then pointed out to the Governor a lady who was sitting behind him, Mrs Capano, and explained how her son who was in a Western Maryland prison was strangled by his cell mate who had previously tried to strangle another cell mate and was in serving a life sentence for sex offenses.  I asked what we were supposed to do with those who continue to kill while in prison, whether it be guards or other inmates.  I never did get an answer from the Governor on those questions because he had to get up and leave in the middle of my questions.

The last and perhaps one of  the biggest problems with the current bill is that it leaves contract killing as the prefered method of murder in Maryland.  After all, you are not likely to leave DNA evidence if you are paying someone else to do the dirty deed.  You are not likely to be on  a video recording if you sent someone else and I would think that when it becomes known that the only way the police can get the death penalty is to get your confession on tape, most defendants will stop talking.

In committee last friday we offered numerous amendments to try to address some of the concerns that have been raised by both Democrats and Republicans.  As the Governor and the Senate President requested there were no amendments to SB-279.  The arguments will continue this week, probably Tuesday or Wednesday when the House addresses SB-279 when it comes to the House Floor. Those who have an interest in the death penalty or in learning what is wrong with how government operates in Annapolis may want to listen in to the hearings.  You can either listen live or later by going to the State Legislative Web Site.

CanalSide: We Forgot The Whip Cream & Cherry on Top!

We Forgot the Whipped Cream & Cherry on top….

But someone just sent it to us in the form of an anonymous comment, so we are adding it to our triple scoop now!

“Hey where is Cochrane’s column in the Whig today? I want to see those grades he promised last week.

Most of it I’d had already figured out. He would grade Hodge with an A+ or something in that range. As for those underachievers (from Whig’s perspective), Mullins and Demmler, he’d give them something like a D. What I didn’t know what what he might give Lockhart. He might put Tome in that C- category or even a D with the other two. Wasn’t sure about what he’d say about Tome. It could’ve gone either way, depending on whether Tome had disagreed with him and Hodge on something.

Continues on CanalSide

CanalSide: TGIF! Today’s Feature in a Three Layer Scoop

From CanalSide

We noticed that today’s Cecil Whig did NOT feature an anticipated “report card on Commissioners” article by Gene Cochrane, local curmudgeon turned amateur reporter. We like that this did not appear in today’s paper. We think this is an editorially sound decision. We will call this vanilla.

Second Layer: Chocolate: Chocolate is dark. It’s one of those flavors people either like or they hate. It’s a polarizing type of flavor.

Apparently the SPCA task force meetings are moving forward as planned. The group has already met at least twice. So far their agenda reportedly has been to look at the ordinances and make recommendations. This is a good thing. Our problem is, these meetings were intended to be conducted “independently” but a little bird has told us that Commissioner Hodge is showing up at the meetings. Why is this we wonder? Is he there as a messenger to impart wisdom? Or as a liason to the SPCA board? Why can’t he wait for the results? After all, these people are professionals, right? They don’t need their hand held. We’re not sure this constitutes an “independent” investigation.

Continues on CanalSide: 

State Police Withdraw Their Bill To Register Ammunition Purchasers.

HB-1446 is a bill put in at the request of the Maryland State Police which would have required persons engaged in the business of selling ammunition to maintain specified records of sales of ammunition by requiring a person who purchases ammunition to present identification.  The bill would also have required the Secretary of State Police to adopt specified regulations establishing a civil penalty for a violation of  the Act.

The State Police have been taking a beating recently in the legislature for a number of reasons.  First the revelations of their actions in spying on citizens who were merely exercising their Constitutional right to assembly or free speech. HB – 311 seeks to  address this behavior and to guarantee that such actions do not occur again.   At the hearing on HB-311 I asked the State Police, ”What happened to the Officer who was in charge of the spying operations.” I was told he resigned in the summer of 2008.  When I asked, “ Where is he now?”  I was told he was promoted to “Chief Of Operations.”  I pointed out that it was somewhat disingenuous of the State Police to claim they wanted to change their behavoir but in fact had promoted the person in charge of the spying operations. 

The next, faux paus, for the State Police was the position they took on HB296 and HB302, two domestic violence bills which seek to confiscate all firearms from anyone accused of  domestic violence.  In the case of  HB-302 the firearms confiscation can occur even before the respondent has had an opportunity to appear in court and defend himself . There were numerous other problems with these bills, which indicated, that the bills were more about seizing firearms than about protecting abused spouses. 

Nothing made this more clear than the position taken by the Maryland State Police Union when they approached the Judiciary Committee and asked for a “carve out” for police officers.  A “carve out” would have meant that  police officer’s spouses who were given temporary or permanent protective orders would not be entitled to the same protections that all other battered spouses, not married to police officers, were entitled to.  It was a very big mistake for the State Police to ask that they be allowed to keep their guns but that anyone else accused of the same thing have theirs taken.  Needless to say it did not go well in the committee.  As I pointed out in the committee, if these bills were about protecting  battered women then we would be protecting all battered women, not just those who did not happen to be married to police officers.   Even after getting thrashed at the hearing in committee, the State Police attempted to offer a similar amendment on the floor of the House.  I made the same impassioned arguments against their amendment for a “carve out” on the floor and the amendment was defeated overwhelmingly.

Pro Second Amendment legislators spent two days argueing against many of the anti-second amendment bills.  I was the floor leader for the Republicans during the debates and we showed that we would not go quietly into that dark night.  We knew we would eventually lose because we just do not have the votes.  Yet, we did excert our pound of flesh.  It was, in part,  this showing of  a willingness to fight, despite the fact that we did not have the numbers to win, which led to the State Police determining it was not worth going through a fight over a very bad bill such as HB-1446.

HB-1446 would have forced Marylanders to go out of State to purchase their ammunition.  People from out of State who may be coming here to hunt would buy their ammo out of State before coming to Maryland to hunt.  Why would anyone unnecessarily subject themselves to the intrusive questions about what caliber and what amount of ammo they were purchasing?   Not only would the State lose tax revenue that comes from the sale of  ammo and other things bought at the time you are buying your ammo, you also loose the money which comes from the sales which is dedicated to purchasing and preserving parkland under the Pittman-Robinson act.   Why would Maryland want to chase these people and tax dollars away?

 A second problem was that arguably this bill would have only applied to license firearms dealers and since you don’t have to be a licensed firearms dealer to sell ammunition this bill would only adversely effect the licensed firearms dealers and not others selling ammunition.  The State Police would have had the right to enter the firearms dealer’s place of buisness and check their ammunition sales logs. Clearly this would have had a chilling effect on the customers wishing to purchase ammunition.   Just imagine if we were to take the name, address and phone number of everyone who orders or buys alcohole. After all, some people will drink and drive or they are on probation and should not have any alcohole.  I believe most people would find this overly intrusive and to apply it to firearms or ammunition purchases should be seen as  no less intrusive.  The O’Malley administration justifys this intrusiveness because it results in the sale of less firearms and ammunition in the State of Maryland. The administration sees this as being a good thing. It does not matter that legitimate tax paying businesses would be run out of the State or that tax revenue would be lost along with the money being generated to purchase parklands. 

Luckily, for now the State Police realized that there would be a very hard fight against this bill and there would be further damage to their reputation and perhaps they would be hurt on other bills which they may need.  If there is a lesson to be learned it is that even when you know you are going to lose a battle, you fight it and perhaps down the road someone else decides it is not worth the time and effort it will take to fight you on some other battle. 

For now the withdraw of HB-1446 should be seen as not only a victory for second amendment supporters but also for the buisness community and tourism in Maryland.  

The lesson learned here was that even if we do not win a fight on the floor, such as with the two days of domestic violence bills and wanting to allow battered women to obtain permits to carry, we can still win by defeating bad bills that will highlight the other negative problems associated with a sponsor of the bad bill being fought.

CanalSide: “Citizens Want Clean Journalism, Fresh Start”

From CanalSide

A Call For Change : Citizens Want Clean Journalism, Fresh Start It’s no secret that the Cecil Whig has lost a lot of readership over the past few years. CanalSide has heard plenty of folks say they refuse to buy or read the paper due to their perception of biased reporting. Which is one of the very reasons this humble blog has survived. When the Whig was not interested in running certain items relating to Chesapeake City we were only too happy to pick up the slack. People liked it. They really LIKED it. So now that heads have rolled at the local daily, and a new editor is at the helm, many locals are hoping for a fresh new start and a paper they can enjoy with their morning coffee, no matter which side of the political fence they live on. They would LOVE to have a shiny new paper with interesting local news. They would love to have a paper that is for all the people, not just half of them. No more bias. No more political favors. No more exclusion of certain politicians based on the good ole boy network. No more slant on reality. No more coverups. In short, people want old school journalism. This can only be beneficial to both the Citizens of Cecil County AND to the paper. It’s a win-win no-brainer.

Continues on CanalSide

HB 861:Operating on Animals without a License UPDATE!

HB 861: Operating on Animals without a Veterinary License, passed on second reader in the House of Delegates yesterday which means it is almost out of the House and will cross over to the Senate to be voted on.

The bill punishes those who operate on animals without a veterinary license on a first offense with a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding a year or both.  For a second or subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $6,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

CanalSide: Heads Roll at the Cecil Whig

From CanalSide:

Heads Roll at the Cecil Whig

As daily newspapers nationally are dropping like flies, “so too also” (sorry – I have to get every last measure of humor from Palin-speak) are many long-time employees of the Cecil Whig in Elkton, Cecil County Maryland. You may recall a few months back the exit stage-south of former publisher Jeff Mezzatesta

Story Continues on CanalSide

Someone Noticed: Whig Fair and Balanced?

Someone Noticed —-

Fair and Balanced?  Citizen Journalist Grades County Commissioners 

An opinion piece in Friday’s Whig awarded the “Rip Van Winkle” board of county commissioners a “generous D” for their performance.  Next week, we are told we’ll see a continuation of the grading as each of the commissioners is assessed individually.  The last time the Whig scored elected officials was when the daily worried about which Cecil County politician was going to receive credit for resolving the SPCA problem.  It was in the emerging days of the animal abuse allegations when the op/ed writers at the paper advanced concerns to a level that never occurred to us, worrying about which official would receive credit for a successful intervention in a potentially damaging situation.  In that premature appraisal, as the county commissioners stumbled through the emotionally charged issue, the “community columnist” criticized Commissioners Demmler and Mullin, while assuring readers that Commissioner Hodge was capable of handling the still growing entanglement.

This matter of newspapers turning to citizen journalists, community columnists or whatever you want to call them is a national trend.  In this competitive era when corporate owners cut back on content produced by independent journalism professionals, citizen journalists provide legacy media with original local copy, which can be valuable to subscribers.  While there is merit in quality editorial content, which helps squeeze out the stale syndicated columns, there are a few things that should be kept in mind.

article continues on Someone Noticed

WBAL TV: Delegate Smigiel Offers Comments on Gun Control Bill

From WBAL TV

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A domestic violence bill that’s one of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s legislative priorities came under fire Thursday by those who support the Second Amendment right to bear arms.   The bill would take guns away from people who are the target of a protective order.

 In Maryland, domestic abuse suspects get to keep their guns. Victim advocates have fought for years to strengthen the state’s protective order laws while the number of horrendous cases pile up.

The cases include that of Franceea Batts, of Baltimore, who was killed by gunfire two days after unsuccessfully asking a judge to take away her husband’s gun; Gail Pumphrey, whose three children were shot to death Thanksgiving Day by their father during a custody handoff in Montgomery County; and Lisa Spicknall, whose two children were shot to death by their father, Richard Spicknall. Lisa Spicknall obtained a protective order, but the father was allowed to obtain a firearm.

The State House is just days away from voting on a bill introduced by O’Malley that requires anyone under a protective order — even a temporary one — to surrender all firearms, including rifles.

Judges in Maryland are allowed to order firearms be removed after a court hearing and final protection order is issued, but the law does not require it.

Those in support of the right to bear arms rose Thursday in opposition.

Article Continues on WBAL TV

Someone Noticed: Elkton Administration Recommends Tax Rate That Will Produce an additional $1/2-million in Taxes

From Someone Noticed

About the time spring arrives on the Chesapeake, elected officials across the county sharpen their pencils as they begin figuring out the tax levy that will be required for their jurisdictions.  In the case of Elkton, that discussion was underway this afternoon when the political leadership examined budget requests from two departments and discussed the constant yield rate.

Here is the concept behind the constant yield rate.  Since Maryland reassesses the value of properties on an ongoing basis, homeowners would see an increase in the amount of taxes they pay unless the rate was reduced to correspond with the percentage of increase.  Thus each year the state calculates the rate that would approximatley yield the same amount of revenue.  If the elected officials desire to have a rate that is higher than the constant yield, the jurisdiction must meet certain requirements such as advertising the increase and holding a public hearing.  All of that is designed to make sure citizens are informed of the revenue increase.

Elkton’s officials were told that the current Elkton tax rate is .504 per $100 and that the state calculated that the rate that would yield approximtely the same amount of money next year is .464 per $100.   A discussion ensued about this and it was reported that the town would receive almost a half-million dollars in additional revenue by taking the higher rate.  That comes about because of the increases in property tax assessments.

Article continues on Someone Noticed

Someone Noticed: Elkton Should Let Citizens Know What They’re Discussing at Workshops

From Someone Noticed

The town’s policital leadership has advised that it will hold a workshop on March 11 at 4:00 p.m. The announcement does not indicate the items that are going to discussed at the meeting. This practice of not listing the important items the board is going to examine, contrasts with the norms of other area local governments. For example, we just surfed over to the Cecil County and Chesapeake City government sites. Both of those local entities manage to publish the items they are considering. This is a helpful practice for good government since it allows citizens to participate in the process and stay informed.

We’ve mentioned this before, when we wrote a piece called a Tale of Two Towns. We strongly encourage the town to consider this opportunity to help keep citizens informed. It is at these meetings that the commissioners typically get the details on proposals, ask questions, and decide how they’re going to vote on an issue. Unless something most extraordinary happens, they will simply cast their vote at the monthly meeting.

Article continues on Someone Noticed

Your Second Amendment Rights Are Under A Full Fledged Attack By The O’Malley Administration!

The Executive branch of government and its agencies have proposed several bills which attack Maryland citizens who own, possess or use firearms. I have already written about the domestic violence bills, HB-296 and HB-302 and why it is clear that these bills are more about grabbing guns than protecting battered spouses.  (See below, Feb. 26 2009 article, “The Governor’s Domestic Violence Bill Shown To Be Nothing More Than A Gun Ban.” )  In that Article I also wrote about Del. McConkey’s bill, HB-359, which would allow women who were granted domestic violence orders to be granted “Permits to Carry”, should they chose to apply for one.  Despite Democrats and Republicans joining together to refuse to vote the bill “unfavorable” as Chairman Vallerio requested, the Chairman then refused to put the bill up for a favorable vote and instead held it back so he could amend the bill to merely suggest that the State Police consider that a protective order has been issued. Which is what they already do. So the bill has been amended to do nothing and will most likely die in the Senate.  This is just one more instance of the rules not being adhered to when they do not fit into the plans of the Majority.

I also drafted and had Delegate McComas present an amendment to the domestic violence bills that would require the State Police to issue a “Permit to Carry” to persons “under the protection of  a protective order.”  This amendment like numerous other reasonable amendments to  the domestic violence bills were summarily rejected along partisan lines.  (Except for Delegate Kevin Kelly  who is a consistent ardent supporter of Second Amendment rights)

It was very clear and in fact I had been told that it had “come down from on high” that the Governor’s domestic violence bills (ie. gun grabbing bills) would get out with out any material amendments.   So, no matter how powerful or enlightening the arguments on behalf of the numerous amendments were, the result was preordained to be the same.  The Chairman would “motion for an unfavorable”, then the same partisan hands would be raised to kill each amendment.  Only one, non material change was entertained which was to add the requirement of ”safe” transportation of any confiscated firearms.  The problem is that the word “safe” can be interpreted to mean the clip is removed and any rounds in the chamber removed so as to render the firearm “safe from firing”.  Proponents of  the amendments wanted to guarantee “safe transportation of the weapons” in order to preserve their value.  Some firearms can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars and therefore an owner does not want them thrown into a box with other firearms to be bounced around, scarred and nicked up, thus losing value.  For a list of some of the other reasonable but rejected amendments to the domestic violence bills, see the article,  “Reasonable But Rejected Amendments To The Governor’s Domestic Violence Bills”.  (above)

In it’s blind rush to grab up up guns the O’Malley administration may actually be doing a disservice to  the cause of protecting women from domestic violence.  The unintended consequence of forcing judges to order the firearms taken from anyone who has a domestic violence order issued against them may just be that there are fewer domestic violence orders issued.  Two different scenarios come immediately to mind.  The first scenario which is a possible result of  taking away judicial discretion is that judges in Western Maryland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore may be more hesitant to grant a domestic violence order if they would then be forced to take away the firearms from a fellow goose, duck, or deer hunter.  The judge, who has to stand for reelection does not want to be explaining to all the guys at the ducks unlimited or VFW why “Cooter won’t be using his duck blind or deer stand this year”.  

Likewise, many domestic violence orders result from aggrements reached by the parties. The husband may say fine I will get out of the house, stay away from you, and pay some support until we get a settlement agreement and or divorce agreement worked out, in exchange I want the corvette, my fishing gear, tools and guns.  Now the husband would not be able to have his guns and would not be able to shoot, hunt or collect again.  It is quite possible that many who would have previously entered into voluntary orders will not do so under the mandatory changes being proposed by the Governor’s bills.

Another Bill which will have unintended negative consequences for the State of Maryland is HB-1446.  This bill, proposed by the Maryland State Police, would require firearms dealers in Maryland to begin collecting personal information from any persons who purchase ammunition from the dealers.  Setting aside for the moment, the obvious intrusive nature of such a requirement and the chilling effect it would have upon people willing to purchase ammunition in the State of Maryland. Forcing intrusive over burdensome regulations upon persons who would purchase ammunition will only serve to force Maryland to lose millions if not tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue and taxes. Marylanders and those who come from out of state purchase firearms, ammunition targets, clothes and a number of other items when shooting or hunting in Maryland.  Yet, when just about any area of Maryland is within 40 miles of another State, why should anyone subject themselves to the unnecessary intrusiveness of the proposals in HB-1446?   Most sportsman, like myself will simply go to Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia or West Virginia to purchase ammunition or we will buy it on line or through the mail rather than subject ourselves to the over intrusive questioning of the State. 

One interesting point which seems to indicate the sponsors of HB-1466 did not really put much thought into the bill is that Maryland does not require one to be a licensed firearms dealer to sell ammunition. In fact, anyone without a criminal record can go buy ammunition and begin selling it if they so choose.  If this bill were to pass they could still do so and only the licensed firearms dealers would be required to obtain the intrusive information from purchasers.

Before Maryland goes down this road perhaps the unintended consequences of these actions can be objectively reviewed. In these pressing economic times it is not beneficial to chase any business across state lines.  Before we incorporate all these new provisions in order to provide a perceived amount of safety we coud ask at what cost to our freedom do we enact these laws?  I am not as concerned about being safe as I am about being free.

Your help is needed and appreciated. Please contact your legislator by E-mail to tell them how you feel about these new bills and forward a copy of you correspondance to your legislator to our office and I will follow up with them.

Yours in Public Service,

Delegate Michael D. Smigiel,  Sr.

Someone Noticed: “Closed Doors Meetings Don’t Go Unnoticed in Kent County”

From Someone Noticed –

———————–

Closed Door Meetings Don’t Go Unnoticed In Kent County

This week we found exactly the type of reporting that creates a value proposition for subscribers as the Kent County News, an excellent product, covers its beat as well as any small town paper we know about.  Three times since its last edition the county commissioners transacted public business behind closed doors, the weekly reported.  The journalism pros covering the local government beat took time to inform readers of the closure and mention with as much detail as possible the reasons for the executive sessions.  It was also noted that written statements justifying the closure were distributed.

This routine news story is remarkable in several ways.  First a closed door meeting in Kent will not go unnoticed for it will get ink in this community newspaper.  To that we might add, we’ve never seen that paper write a piece justifying the closing of a meeting by officials. We suspect there is enough professional staff in local government to help out with that task, while the professional journalists look out for the broader public interest, helping to make sure elected officials adhere to a few basic state-mandated guidelines.  (It’s hard to report on the people’s business when it is done behind closed doors.)  Third, it is remarkable that officials on the Upper Shore County pass out a written explanation to the public.  We suspect that occurs because of challenges the Kent County News routinely makes with the State Open Meeting Board.

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

ABC2News: Task Force Appointed to Study Cecil County SPCA Claims

From ABC 2 News —-

Task Force Appointed to Study Cecil County SPCA Claims

The task force appointed to study the claims of animal abuse against the Cecil County SPCA met for the first time Wednesday night.

The 13 member panel appointed by the county commission is charged with making recommendations to improve animal control services that protect the public’s health and safety.

The group will look at who would be the best provider of animal control services, draft performance standards, best practices and how they can be monitored.

“I feel good about this task force,” said Cecil County Commissioner Robert Hodge, “I really want this problem to be solved.”

A final report is due back to the Cecil County Commission by May, 15th.

Meanwhile the county also issued a request for proposal for other companies to bid on animal control services in the county.  Those bids are due back by the end of this month.  Who is chosen to run the SPCA in Cecil County will depend heavily on the findings of the task force and outcome of two ongoing but separate investigations by the Maryland State Police and the State Veterinary Board.

Article Continues on ABC 2 News

Someone Noticed: Elkton Commissioners Get Told Where Taxes Come From

From Someone Noticed

———————

Commissioners Hear From Citizens About Where Taxes Come From at Town Meeting

In these demanding times when municipal, state, and federal officials need to worry, more than ever, about tight budgets and the financial burdens placed on taxpayers, a discussion about several expenditures involving the town were on the minds of at least one elected official and two citizens at the Elkton town meeting this evening.

Article continues on Someone Noticed

CanalSide: CCSPCA Advisory Group to Meet Tonight [Wed]

From CanalSide

Cecil SPCA Advisory Committee Work Study Group to Meet Tonight at County Bldg.

At last! The CCSPCA “Work Study Group” is to meet this evening to begin discussions on what changes and improvements can be made to animal control operations at the shelter. The meeting will be held this evening at the County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton at 6:30 pm. The selected members are reported to be “non-biased” however some residents have expressed their concern that the list (minus Dr. Carletti’s name) was allegedly given directly to Mr Hodge by Nancy Schwerzler, president of the SPCA board. We will provide new updates as we learn of them.

1. DIDRA, Sandra 2000 Section 209 County Code Revision Committee Rising Sun
2. DURBOROW, Tina Educator Pennsylvania
3. FEEHLEY, William Certified Public Accountant Elkton -
4. GUTMAN, Deane Kennel Operator Port Deposit
5. HUBBARD, Marian Service Dog Trainer Elk Neck -
6. ISENBERG, Howard Not for Profit Exec Director Delaware -
7. McROBERTS, Rayma Certified Public Accountant Havre de Grace, MD
8. NEDDO, Chris Horse Industry Hack’s Point
9. PULLEN, Dr. Robin Veterinarian Chesapeake City
10. RATLIFF, Nicky Animal Control Manager Carroll County, MD
11. REYNOLDS, Belinda Vet Tech Chesapeake City ~
12. SUAREZ, Ginny Dupont, Animal Rescue Operator Chesapeake City
13. CARLETTI, Dr. Mindy, Cecil County Veterinarian

Notes: All but Dr. Carletti were named by Hodge. Hodge allegedly tried to exclude Dr. Carletti from being a part of this group stating that her “trap, neuter and return program” for feral cats, was a “conflict of interests”. Other commissioners did not agree.

Washington Post: Media Need Not Reveal Web Posters’ Idenities”

From The Washington Post ——

Media Need Not Reveal Web Posters’ Identities

Ruling Applies 1st Amendment to Internet

By Aaron C. Davis

Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 28, 2009; Page B08

 

Operators of newspaper Web sites, blogs and chat rooms that allow readers to post anonymous comments using pseudonyms do not have to readily reveal the posters’ identities in defamation suits, Maryland’s highest court ruled yesterday, further shaping an emerging area of First Amendment law in the Internet age.

The Maryland Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling and ordered that NewsZap.com, an online forum run by Independent Newspapers, does not have to disclose the identities of forum participants who engaged in an online exchange about the cleanliness of a Dunkin’ Donuts shop in 2006.

Article Continues on Washington Post

WBAL: “Court Defends Anonymous Web Posters”

From WBAL Radio News —-

Court Defends Anonymous Web Posters

Court Defends Anonymous Web Posters Saturday, February 28, 2009 WBAL Radio as reported by Robert Lang Read the Maryland Court of Appeals decision in this case. View File The Maryland Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, has ruled that three people who posted anonymous comments online about the cleanliness of a donut shop can remain anonymous. The court decision also offers guidelines for when the identity of anonymous web posters can be released. The decision came in a case filed by Eastern Shore developer Zebulon Brodie, who owns a Dunkin Donuts in Centreville, against Independent Newspapers, Incorporated

Click here to go to the full article

The Governor’s Domestic Violence Bills Shown To Be Nothing More Than A Gun Grab!

The Governor’s Office has been promoting a couple of bills which seek to take all firearms from anyone who has a protective order issued against them. The first bill (HB-302) seeks to give the judge power to take someone’s firearms at what can be an ex-parte hearing (where only one party is present) even when there is no indication any threat to use a firearm has been made.  The bills require no nexus between the firearm and threats of domestic violence. 

The second bill (HB-296) would make it mandatory, rather than discretionary, for a final protective order to order the respondent to surrender to law enforcement authorities any firearm in the respondent’s possession, and to refrain from the possession of any firearm during the duration of the order.

Those who are Second Amendment supporters consider these bills to be nothing more than a gun grab. There was no testimony given to the committee indicating that judges in Maryland were not issuing orders to remove firearms when it was appropriate to do so.  Nor, was there testimony to indicate that judges were not issuing orders to remove firearms and then respondents were using said firearms to commit acts of domestic violence.  There was no evidence presented that those committing domestic violence with firearms were holders of  ”permits to carry” (i.e. those who had gone through the rigorous review before being granted a State Right to Carry Permit.)

Those proposing the bill argue that the time after issuance of a domestic order is the most dangerous time for victims of  domestic violence.  What the bill does not address is that a person intent on doing harm does not need or necessarily use a firearm when committing domestic violence.  Victims are attacked with knives, fists, cars and flammable liquids, amongst many other weapons.  The proponents of the bills argue, you must err on the side of protecting the spouse from being a potential victim of  a firearm injury.

It was halfway through the bill hearing when it became clearly evident that the protection of  woman was a secondary concern to the advocates of these bills and that in fact these bills were nothing more than an emotional cover for an effort to grab up as many guns as possible.  The State Police came in and requested a “carve out” for police.  A “carve out” means that the bill would not apply to the ”carved out” group. 

First, one must understand the State Police do not come in and ask to amend the Governor’s bill unless the Governor has agreed to the amendment. I asked the Officer and others testifying to explain why the spouses of  law enforcement personnel were less worthy of  protection than all the rest of the spouses of domestic violence abusers in the State?The argument was that “Officers could lose their jobs” if unable to have their guns.  I pointed out that many others face serious repercutions such as the lose of a security clearance or professional license.  If the Administration was serious about protecting the victims, it would be protecting them all and not saying the victims of  police officers who commit domestic violence are not worthy of  those protections the Administration claims are necessary for all others.

Second Amendment advocates  argue that if the Administration was serious about protecting victims of domestic violence they would allow them to be issued permits to carry, so they could protect themselves.  Holding up a court order and telling a potential abuser to stop his attack and go away does not have the same effect as the attacker knowing the potential victim has the means to protect him or herself.

After the hearing, a witness asked me if  I could step out in the hall to speak to him about the concerns I had raised. After we had spoken I was approached by one of the witnesses who had been a victim of domestic violence.  She told me she agreed there should not be any carve out but also stated I could not really understand what the victims of domestic violence go through.  I explained, she should not assume I did not know about domestic violence because when I was 10 years old I witnessed my mother’s  abuse at the hands of  her then boyfriend.  One morning,   I heard my mother screaming upstairs and ran up to my little brother’s room to find a man she had been dating was holding her down on a bed with one hand around her throat while he punched her in the face with his fist of  the other hand.  As she screamed I ran downstairs to grab a butcher knife to help my mother. I ran back up the stairs and back into the bedroom where I stood about two feet behind the man who was choking and beating my mother.  I had planned to stab him in the back and to save my mother’s life  because I was sure she was going to die.  I did nothing. I froze. I was afraid he would take the knife and stab me or my mother.   I felt like a coward, I had the means to save my mother, her nose was broke, her eyes were blackened and her face was full of blood.  I, her eldest son, had the means but not the courage to stop her attacker.  I dropped the knife, kicked it under the bed, so he could not get it and screamed for him to stop.  He eventually stopped and he was out of our life shortly thereafter. 

I understand domestic violence, all too well.  I just happen to think that the Administration’s plans to take the guns from every respondent to a domestic order is not the answer.  My mother’s abuser had a handgun, a snub nose .38, but he did not use it.  I had a butcher knife and did not use it.  He used his fists and I used my voice.

We need to leave judges with the discretion necessary to make decisions related to domestic violence cases. We need to be consistent in how we treat the victims of domestic violence.  Currently that is not the case.  The State Police tell the victims of domestic violence who receive protective orders the orders are not indicative of  being under any threat that would necessitate their being given a permit to carry in order to protect themselves. 

State police special order number 29-07-004,  states “ Temporary Restraining Orders/ Peace Orders are not sufficient documentation in of itself to establish apprehended fear”  Yet, the  Governor’s position is that a woman who receives a protective order is under such a threat, that all guns should be removed from the respondent’s possession.

Again the actions of the State are in sharp contrast to the stated position of the Governor.  How is it possible that the issuance of a domestic violence order is so serious as to trigger the automatic seizure of the alleged abuser’s firearms but the issuance of a domestic order is not serious enough to justify giving the victim a good and substantial need to obtain a permit to carry a firearm so as to protect themselves and their children from a violation of said protective order?

WBAL: “Cecil Co. Delegate Stripped of Committee After Voicing Dissent”

From WBAL Radio ——- Cecil Co. Delegate Stripped Of Committee After Voicing Dissent Monday, February 23, 2009 Delegate Mike Smigiel   It is no secret that in Annapolis the majority party, the Democratic Party, has enough votes to do anything it wants to do, and does.  What is a secret is how the leadership utilizes its power in the most Machiavellian manner possible.  One such way, is by imposing the unwritten, but draconianly enforced rule known as the  “Second Reader Rule”. If you look in Mason’s Manual or in the House Rules you will not find any “Second Reader Rule”.  If you ask the Parliamentarian if such a rule exists she will tell you there is no such rule. Yet, should anyone violate this unwritten rule they are punished. Article Continues on WBAL.

New Feature Helps Readers Navigate Blog

Since the blog’s content is growing rapidly, I have added a feature, which will help readers navigate through the large number of stories posted here. At the top of the right hand column, there is a listing of blog categories. Right now, there is legislative news, the Cecil County SPCA, and other news. By clicking on the topic of interest, only the postings related to that subject will appear. I will add additional categories as time goes on.

The Shame of Annapolis, The Second Reader Rule and Other Means of Minority Oppression.

It is no secret that in Annapolis the majority party, the Democratic Party, has enough votes to do anything it wants to do, and does.  What is a secret,  is how the leadership utilizes it’s power in the most Machiavellian manner  possible.  One such way, is by imposing the unwritten, but draconianly enforced rule known as the  “Second Reader Rule”. If you look in Mason’s Manual or in the House Rules you will not find any “Second Reader Rule”.  If you ask the Parliamentarian if such a rule exists she will tell you there is no such rule. Yet, should anyone violate this unwritten rule they are punished.

Each bill must get at least three readings in the House.  The first reading is an informal introduction of the bill by title and number before it is assigned to a committee.  The second reading of the bill comes after it has been passed out of committee. The bill comes back to the House Floor, where it is introduced to the whole House for debate and possible amendments.  It is at this time that those who know the most about the bill, it’s potential problems or hidden agendas are silenced from being able to speak about the bill because of the unwritten “Second Reader Rule”.  All members of the Committee from which the bill came are warned that they should not speak against  any bill on second reading, the Committee members can speak for the bill, but not against it.  This is an important time for all who know about the bill to speak up because this is the only time the bill can be amended on the house floor.  (Senate Bills can be amended on 3rd reader)

Thomas Jefferson said that “Dissent is the highest form of Patriotism”  unfortunately those sentiments are not shared by the leadership in the Maryland Legislature. The imposition of the “Second Reader Rule” completely suppresses the most knowledgeable members of the minority party from being able to voice opposition to the bill at the important time allowed for amending the bill.  No rule similar to the “Second Reader Rule” exists anywhere else in the Country.  You will not find the Second Reader Rule written anywhere because not even leadership can imagine trying to justify silencing publicly elected officials from speaking about a piece of  proposed legislation and then prohibiting them from participating in the finalization of the bills coming before them. 

The leadership of the majority party goes before the public on a weekly basis and preaches the need for a bi-partisan effort to solving our State’s many problems. Yet, the reality is that the opinions of the minority are not only ignored they are suppressed with near jackbooted totalitarian force.  The opposition is not beaten and chased off the floor (yet) they are just intimidated and punished in ways meant to be subtle enough to be hidden behind thinly veiled justifications.  For instance, the House leadership argues that the “Second Reader Rule”  should be adhered to ”out of respect for the committee system.”  The minority members are told they should “respect the product of their committee” by not challenging the product on the floor at the time for amendments. Why should you sit silent about something you may have disagreed with in committee or not even had an opportunity to challenge in committee.  Some issues are moral issues and while either side may never sway the other, our system of government must openly welcome debate upon these differences. 

In Annapolis, all committees are chaired by the Majority Party and all vice chairs are members of the majority party.  Committee assignments are given based upon the percentage make up of  each party in the legislature. Shouldn’t the committee chairmanships and vice chairs be awarded by party percentage within the house also?  Granted, the minority party  may only obtain one Chairmanship and perhaps two vice chairs but it would at least be reflective of the makeup of the legislature. That is not likely to occur voluntarily, our political suppressors are not that benevolent.

The arguments for respecting the committee system seem disingenuous when the respect for the committee system is treated differently considering  what the bill is.  When delegate Dwyer (Republican) wanted to use an existing rule to petition a bill out of committee and to the floor for a debate and vote he was told that to do so would be very disrespectful of the Committee system.  Since when is playing within the rules already in existence  disrespectful?    Yet, this year it is thought that the Senate Bill to repeal the death penalty may get tied up in committee, Senator Gladden (Democrat) has suggested she may use the same rule that Delegate Dwyer proposed using, to get her bill to the Senate floor for a debate and vote.  The only difference is, I hear no talk of how disrespectful that would be to her committee.

The public should be outraged that any speech is suppressed and certainly when political speech of its elected officials is suppressed there should be outrage.  It is shameful to treat minority opinion as something to be annihilated instead of embraced and addressed, especially when the majority party has the votes to pass any bill regardless of the minority opinion on the bill.  The failure to invite, encourage and engage opposing points of view, simply highlights the weakness of the majority position. If your argument can not withstand the scrutiny of a public debate then perhaps your position is one that should be rethought.

I and other members of the minority party (and a few brave members of the majority party) will continue to voice our opposition to the policies and practices that have led our State into the dire circumstances it faces today. Let the punishment of the minority voices continue if it must,  that is a very small price to pay to protect those freedoms, which others have paid a much higher price to protect.

Audio of “Tyranny of the Majority” Speech, Which Gets Delegate Smigiel Punished.

As parliamentarian of the Republican Party it is Delegate Smigiel’s job to argue procedural matters before the Maryland House of Delegates.  In a recent debate concerning the appropriateness of an amendment, House leadership shut down debate and stifled dissent so as to avoid full public discourse on a controversial and emotional public policy issue.

While the members of the house, both Democrats and Republicans, were appreciative of the sentiments expressed by Delegate Smigiel in this emotional debate, House leadership was less appreciative in that Delegate Smigiel was on Friday, stripped of an imprtant committee duty.

Click here to hear Delegate Smigiel’s Speech

CanalSide: Cecil SPCA News Update: Reports from Neighborhood Allegedy Went Unheeded

Post From CanalSide —–

Cecil SPCA News Update : Reports from Neighborhood Allegedly Went Unheeded

CanalSide spoke briefly this afternoon with Ms Connie McIlwain of Rising Sun, Md, whose pet goats were killed last Saturday by german shepherds belonging to nearby neighbors. (watch WJZ News report here) Ms McIlwain described ongoing complaints about the property at 197 Hopewell Lane in Rising Sun, from which the dogs, (now in quarantine at the Cecil County SPCA for lack of proof of rabies innoculations and licenses) escaped. Ms. McIlwain stated that, while generally she tries to “mind her own business”, that after the carnage of last Saturday she feels it is time to “get involved”. She cited numerous complaints by neighbors about the dogs running at large and “barking in the middle of the night”. According to neighbors, the german shepherds “constantly chase the horses” which live within the confines of the property.

The horses, which allegedly stand knee deep in mud day and night, apparently weren’t as easy a target for the dangerous dogs as were Ms. McIlwain’s goats, who suffered a brutal and agonizing death this past week. We have growing concern for the welfare of the horses on the property and whether or not the CCSPCA has volunteered to investigate their condition, as well as the remaining dogs. According to tonight’s report on WJZ news, an attorney representing the property owner denies responsibility for the death of Ms McIlwain’s goats. Based on this, and the photographs taken at the scene, we believe there will be ongoing denial of any wrongdoing whatsoever, and that the Cecil County SPCA is following a policy of “limited involvement”.

Ms McIlwain also stated that during the many times she and others have contacted the Cecil County SPCA regarding this matter, they have spoken to (or left messages for) a “Captain” Hawkins, as the taped answering machine message identifies the animal Control Officer for the CCSPCA. A recent article posted on “ZooToo.com” about the abuse allegations at the Cecil SPCA also refers to the animal control officer employee as “Captain” Hawkins. (The article also states that calls placed to CCSPCA staff were not returned.)

Post Continues on CanalSide

Blog Reader Announces Protest for Saturday

PROTEST #5 ( LOSING COUNT BECAUSE THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR WAY TOO LONG!)

WHEN-SATURDAY FEB 21RST

TIME-11:00

LOCATION-RTE 213&40

WHAT TO BRING-SIGNS -ANYTHING IS FITTING AT THIS POINT!!

COSTUMES WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED!!!!

KEEP UP THE FAITH EVERYONE!!

Someone Noticed: Reporters Can Serve an Important Function as the Public’s Eyes & Ears

From Someone Noticed —

Reporters Can Serve an Important Function as the Public’s Eyes & Ears

February 18, 2009 · No Comments

The Maryland Open Meeting Law helps journalists report on the more important happenings taking place at meetings of governmental bodies across the state. For reporters struggling to thoroughly cover their political beats and get the full story, this important tool helps a lot. It is a tool, as we’ve mentioned before, that our neighboring newspaper makes sure it uses to hold the boards and commissions to the requirements of the law. That is a very good thing for the public’s right to know, as well as for newspaper circulation and revenue.

Curious to know how frequently local newspapers use this method, we surfed over to the violations page of the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board to get an idea of how many complaints the board had investigated from Cecil and Kent counties.

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

CanalSide: Fury Mounts – Cecil Animal Lovers Standing Tough – CCSPCA Director on Defensive

From CanalSide ——

FURY MOUNTS – CECIL ANIMAL LOVERS STANDING TOUGH – CCSPCA DIRECTOR ON DEFENSIVE

Protesters and activists took to the intersection at Rt 40 & Rt 213 in Elkton, Maryland for the fourth time this year, to get the message out about conditions at the Cecil County SPCA. Accoring to Melanie Bass, there were several new faces in this week’s group, including a larger-than-life St. Bernard!

As county commissioners have their newly assigned “work study” group “study” the situation, MD State Police investigate allegations of abuse, and the SPCA mounts a “save our image at all costs” PR campaign, activists plan to continue pressing forward for as long as necessary, until all stray and unwanted dogs and cats in Cecil County can be assured the safety and compassion they deserve.

Continues on CanalSide

Someone Noticed: Cecil County Editor & Publisher Offers Observations . . .

From Someone Noticed

By Dan Meadows

I had a magazine once, for a short time. Some of you may remember it, Pet Companions Magazine. We wrote about all sorts of pet-related issues, both serious and not so. Dog biscuit recipes, books on animal topics, articles about animal welfare issues, and most importantly, a big, two-page list of rescues and shelters of all kinds in this region. I even gave away the back cover, the most prime area of real estate in each issue, to a different rescue or shelter every month. We had money in the bank, issues on the street, and people knew the name. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and folks would tell me how much they looked forward to the new edition, and how excited they were to do the new crossword puzzle. I liked that part the best, I think. I spent two or three hours each month writing all the clues for that puzzle; people with names like animals, cars named after animals, and best of all, lots of questions about old cartoon character animals. I’ve always wanted to work Foghorn Leghorn into something I’ve done. Well, that’s one life’s dream satisfied, anyway.

But now its gone, sucked away in the great fiscal hurricane of 2008, and all that’s left behind is the rubble of collection notices and former friends. Some days, I don’t even miss it. There’s something oddly compelling in getting up, going to work, putting in your eight hours and heading home to start all over again. No decisions to be made more important than whether or not I need gas, no thoughts required short of what I need to get through. But most days, it kills me.

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

Deeming requests public to comment to commissioners on her character.

Jeanne Deeming is requesting that citizens write in to the County Commissioners to vouch  for her character.  The only problem is that at least one citizen left the request for Jeanne to review the document on the top of the letter.    Let’s help Jeanne by writing in to the County Commissioners and letting them know what you think of her character.  (Please note, you do not need to seek her approval of your letter first)

Email to County Commissioners Follows ——

Jeanne:

See how this sounds and let me know. We will send it off to Com. Lockhart

Dear Commissioner Lockhart:

As long time Cecil County residents and a family that cares about animal welfare, we as many others are concerned about the recent allegations concerning the Cecil County SPCA. We have been long time supporters of the SPCA and have volunteered our time and money to the shelter and its various causes. We also have adopted our dog and one of our cats from the CCSPCA and on several occasions sponsored other animals for adoption. When our son was a toddler we visited the shelter once a week to play with the cats in the open cat room. We would also visit the many dogs at the shelter. Although our son is now in school and not able to visit as often, we still make occasional visits to see the animals and the staff, and we continue to contribute to the shelter financially. Never during this time have we observed or heard of any type of animal abuse taking place at the facility. In addition, we have known Ms. Deeming and Ms. Schwerzler and many of the shelter staff for almost ten years, and never during this time have we had any question that they are anything but professional in their care for the many animals at the shelter. Unfortunately, the county budget for the facility does not support a no-kill policy, and some animals must be euthanized humanely, whether due to physical condition or unsuitability for adoption or overcrowding; such a reality may be difficult for some to accept. The important thing is that the shelter activities are carried out in accordance with the law and in a humane manner.

We are very disappointed in the manner that the allegations have been made, and the apparent effort to discredit the hard and dedicated work of the shelter staff. It is clear that Delegate Smigiel has done his best to do the maximum damage to the shelter in the current budget cycle. It is incredulous to us that he is relying on allegations by individuals such as Teresa VanScoy, someone apparently fired from the shelter over 12 years ago, to justify these challenges against the shelter. If Ms. VanScoy’s motives were truly based on the best interests of the animals, one must seriously question why she is only now raising these concerns to the authorities. We fully support the investigation by the various agencies in Maryland and outside animal welfare organizations. We hope that the Cecil County Board of Commissioners allows the full investigation to go forward before making any moves to cut the shelter budget or change the current animal control contract with the shelter.

Dan & Carol White
[material removed to protect privacy]

Two dogs share a tale.

A post from the comments section of the blog

In response to Kathy, Here is the story from Canal Side: (Jen and I called each other at exactly 5:14pm, with 2 dogs that were hit by cars and we took care of)
A very strange thing happened yesterday in Cecil County. Two of my friends witnessed two different stray dogs get hit by cars. Not so odd perhaps, except it was at the exact same time of day. The two women called me and each other and anyone else who might be able to help.They were both frantic and upset. This was during yesterday’s rush hour.

Here is an edit of Ms Melanie Bass’ first person account from yesterday’s events…..
“As Jennifer and I said good bye after a quick lunch in Elkton, we departed. She went her way and I went mine.
While driving home, I witnessed a small old dog get hit by a car on Biggs hwy, No one stopped. I stopped traffic and put my car in the middle of the lane. A school bus stopped as well. I sat in the middle of the road to comfort the dog. Of course, people were beeping for me to move, and I would not budge. The dog was crying and I was able to move him to the side of the road. A wonderful and kind State Trooper, who was off duty, offered to help. He called the SPCA and they were closed. He said he had an emergency number, and of course…no answer!!!
He called my vet in PA for me and they said “come on in”. The dog was old, thin, full of flies, and was hurt due to the car hit. The vet and his techs were so compassionate! Knowing this was an old dog, the SPCA would most likely just thrown it in a kennel until the vet could get to it, and who knows the end result. My vet offered to help immediately!
Meanwhile, Jen was in Elkton chasing a yellow lab mix that she witnessed get hit twice. NO ONE stopped. She was yelling at cars, just like me.
Jenn called me and I called her at exactly 5:14pm.

Serendipity????

When I came home, I called her (not knowing she had left me messages regarding the dog she found) She was crying and frantic, had this dog in her car, and didn’t know what to do or where to go. She had almost no gas left in her car and very little money.

I called my vet. They could not believe it! They stayed open late and waited for me. (note: we had called Middletown Animal Hospital in Delaware and were told the doctor was just leaving)
Jenn brought the dog to my house, and we drove AGAIN to my vet in Oxford.
My vet has named the dogs: Stray 1 and Stray 2.
Guess how much for the final bill folks? $152.00. This included emergency service, fluids, food, and overnight stay!!”

One of the dogs was elderly and will probably not make it. The other dog, a young black lab that had obviously escaped from an abusive situation, will need a good home. Thanks to these two angels for the dogs and a very compassionate vet in Oxford, PA (just over the state line north of Rising Sun) these dogs received emergency care at a modest price. (they did the old guy for FREE) And for the record, Cecil County SPCA’s emergency number was not functioning when an off duty trooper tried to call it.
This big hearted vet deserves some recognition!

Dog and Cat Food Bank

We are a group of Cecil County Citizens who have been supplying the needy citizens and animals of the County with food in order to keep to KEEP THEM OUT OF THE CCSPCA. We have been routinely supplying dog food to the needy/ homeless in this area, as well as providing their animals with much needed medical care.

We have been operating out of our homes for years and now have the opportunity to distribute through the Ray Of Hope Mission Center. This is our first run publicly so please have patience as we work out the details tomorrow. We invite anyone in need to come and pick up food. We also invite anyone with food,supplies or blankets drop it off at this location between 10 am and noon TOMORROW ( Friday Feb 13). If you cannot make it to the distribution and need food or have supplies to donate, please contact us at

DOG FOOD/CAT FOOD BANK

Ray of Hope Mission Center

920 Craigtown Rd. Port Deposit Md

Date: Friday Feb. 13,2009

Time: 10 am -noon

CanalSide: “CCSPCA Not Your Community Animal Shelter – Refuses to Give Vets Records . . .

From CanalSide – - -

Approximately three weeks ago, Cecil County resident Gretchen Walz adopted a small, mixed breed dog from the Cecil County SPCA, for which she paid $300. She was told by staff the high cost was due to vet fees for surgery that had been performed by Greg McDermott, the in-house veterinarian, to remove an embedded collar.“animal control advisory committee”.

Today Ms Walz called the CCSPCA to request vet records for the dog. She was informed by CCSPCA employee Susan Maldanado that they were not legally required to provide said records, as the dog was not the “property” of Ms Walz when the surgery was performed. Ms Walz was unable to get director Jeanne A Deeming or Dr. McDermott to come to the telephone.  So, although Ms Walz was charged an excessive fee for the dog based on “cost of surgery”, she is not entitled to veterinary records from said surgery.  Ms. Walz now has to go to her regular veterinarian and pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 to have the dog’s stitches from that surgery removed.

CanalSide has also received reports that another Cecil County resident is going to file a FOIA request to obtain any and all records from the Cecil County Shelter, including an alleged document given to Commissioner Hodge by SPCA president Nancy Schwerzler containing the names of the people she personally requested to be on the

Article Continues on CanalSide . . .

CecilPets: “Cecil Whig Allegedly is Discarding Letters to the Editor”

From Cecil Pets —-

Cecil Whig allegedly is discarding letters to the editor

More than one person has come forward with the complaint that their Letter to the Editor sent to The Whig has not been printed.   The determining factor seems to be if the letter supports an investigation of the SPCA or is negative towards SPCA in any way.

Article Continues on Cecil Pets

Someone Noticed: Commissioners Hold Closed Door Session to Request Proposals for Animal Control Services

From Someone Noticed —–

When we picked up the Whig this morning, we read that the county commissioners have prepared a Request for Proposals to see if there are any capable organizations interested in delivering animal control services in Cecil County.  While the RFP is an appropriate step, what disappoints us is “that document was supposed to be reviewed during the commissioners closed door session,” the Whig reported.

The purpose of an RFP is to allow the county to advertise for quotes.  Why should such a public document need to be discussed behind closed doors? It escapes us for that is exactly the type of people’s business you want to conduct in the public, especially with the tangle associated with the SPCA matter.  If this item was discussed before the public, the interested stakeholders could monitor the discussion (which helps improve trust) and then perhaps offer constructive comments or new ideas.

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

Someone Noticed Compares Whig’s Attitude Toward Closed Door Meetings with Other Paper in Region

Someone Noticed has commented on how the Whig responds to closed door meetings and the blog compares that paper’s response to the Kent County News.

From Someone Noticed —

We subscribe to the Kent County News because that weekly knows how to covers its political beat, reporting on what is happening at town and county meetings and presenting it as it unfolds in the open sessions. Periodically when the elected officials hold closed doors meetings, the neighboring paper is quick to challenge that decision in editorials and through the legal system. Such detailed, careful reporting of what goes on in public meetings is a critical role newspapers play in helping to keep a balance in the political process and it is an important way editors add value to their product.

Article Continues on Someone Noticed.

CanalSide: Notes From Today’s Commissioners Meeting

Notes From Today’s Cecil Commissioners Meeting Animal Control Advisory Committee Member Recommendations 2-09 NAME EXPERTISE ADDRESS

Click here to go to article on CanalSide

Silent Protest Scheduled for Saturday Feb. 14th

Here is an announcement from one of the blog visitors ——

GRETCHEN said

February 10, 2009 at 11:15 AM

SILENT PROTEST #4

WHERE-RTE 40&213 (SAME AS PAST PROTESTS)

WHEN – SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14TH
TIME – 11:30

WHAT TO BRING- SIGNS CALLING FOR IMMEDIATE DISMALL OF CCSPCA EMPLOYEES

WE WILL BE BRINGING A SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS AND A LIST OF IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS(COMMISSIONERS AND SUCH) AND CIRCULATING THEM AT THE PROTEST I HAVE 500 COPIES OF MELISSA L’S PREVIOUS CCSPCA SUMMARY PAGE AND REGINA HALL HAS PUT TOGETHER FLYERS WITH CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THE CAUSE BUT MAY NOT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT DOING SO HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!

Click here to go to this post

CanalSide: Investigators: CCSPCA Investigation “Far From Over;” Hodge Tell Cecil Citizens to “Send It Certified

CanalSide Posted This News on the CCSPCA Investigation and Citizen Requests For Information From Commissioner Hodge.

———————-

Investigators: CCSPCA Investigation ” Far From Over” :: Hodge Tells Cecil Citizen To “Send It Certified”

Jennifer Snellings-Barber reported today that in conversations with the two agencies investigating allegations of abuse at the CCSPCA, she was told the investigation was a “long way” from being over. According to Ms Barber, both Sgt. David Riggs of the Maryland State Police and Larry Glickman from the Veterinary Board of Investigation both indicated that the more they speak to people the more they are learning and the more they have to investigate. Finally, some good news for the animals and for Cecil citizens who say they have been ignored and insulted for so many years.

In related news, Cecil County citizen Melanie Lynn Bass was told today by Commissioner Hodges that if she wants any information about CCSPCA by-laws or board meetings, she will have to request it in writing via certified mail from the SPCA. Apparently verbal or electronic requests are not good enough to get information from your public elected officials or your community animal shelter. Citizens take note. You’ll have to spend some dough at the USPS to get any meaningful response from the CCSPCA.

Click here to go to CanalSide

Mid-Shore Life: “Horrific Animal Abuse Reported at Cecil County SPCA

From  the blog, Mid-Shore Life ——

Horrific Animal Abuse Reported at the Cecil County SPCA

by Cyndi Paxton Johnson

Cecil County residents and animal lovers across the country are enraged as more reports of horrific animal abuse at the Cecil County SPCA are surfacing. District 36 Delegate Mike Smigiel (Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline & Cecil County) is gathering and sharing information on his blog.

The pictures and first hand accounts of animal torture and deaths need to be shared. The people accused of these actions are still in control at the SPCA as County Commissioners consider the evidence, which began surfacing in October 2008.

Wicomico County SPCA has already offered to house animals – but no decisions have been reached and the animals – and people – remain at the Chesapeake City facility on Route 213. There are also reports (some confirmed) of misappropriated funds (money received for a spay/neuter/release program was not used to begin such a program), personnel using money and supplies for personal use, and more.

Article Continues on the blog Mid-Shore Life

CanalSide: :So Who’s Really In Charge Here . . .”

From CanalSide——–

It has become apparent (at least to me) that Cecil County citizens aren’t asking for much. They just want to know who they can turn to for an honest answer. It certainly isn’t their daily paper or it’s editor – that much has become abundantly clear (and corroborated)  . . . .

Article Continues on CanalSide

Former Cecil County Editor & Employee of the Whig’s Parent Company Writes in About Whig’s Coverage

Dan Meadows, another Cecil County journalists, editor, and publisher, emailed in reference to  ”a long standing dark stain on Cecil County.”  Dan previously worked for the Whig’s parent company, Chesapeake Publishing.  He was also the managing editor of the Nor’easter, the Chesapeake Bay Boating Magazine and the publisher of Pet Companions Magazine.  He says, “I know for a fact that the Whig received reports of this kind of conduct about the SPCA at least 10 years ago, and they were routinely filed away in the dumpster out back.”  In addition, he makes a number of other comments in his piece and he gave us permission to publish it here.  (The scan of the full email appears below).  Dan, thank you for letting readers of this blog know about this.

 

Blogger Requests Commissioner Hodge to Provide Basic CCSPCA Documents

One of the posts we received today in the comments section had some questions for Commissoner Hodge about the SPCA Board.  —– Post From a Reader————————————————————————— Submitted on 2009/02/07 at 1:44pm We have to ask Mr. Hodge a few questions. I think it is time to get the facts: Mr Hodge: 1. Please provide a current list, with phone numbers and addresses of the SPCA Board Members. Since we are PAYING for this, as a taxpayer, it should be no problem to produce this, right? 2. Please provide a list of the bylaws. Since you are a MEMBER, and in the middle of this mess. Surely you can provide us with this information. When we called once before to ask you: You said “Call the SPCA and get a copy” Are you kidding me? 3. Please provide ALL of the SPCA Board minutes from the past two years! The contract clearly states that this is information you have. Now, let’s discuss findings form 10-12 years ago! What was done? Did you investigate this, when all of this came to light again? What were your findings? Did you tell us in any of the meetings? If not, WHY?? Here is Mr. Hodge’s information: County Administrative Building 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2100, Elkton, MD 21921 Cell: 443-553-1517 RJH Management: 410-287-5277 Office: 410-996-5201 Email: rhodge@ccgov.org Email: robert@rjhmgt.com     1

CanalSide: “The Falling Tree in the Woods Paradox: If An Animal Is Abused . . .

This seems to be the question Cecil Commissioners are daring to ask their constituents. In documents obtained by CanalSide today, one council person had the temerity to tell one Cecil resident: “I get a sense that the so called “accounts” of cruelty there may be more in the lines of ‘mass hysteria.’

Article continues on CanalSide

[Note:  In the audio of the Feb 3 meeting Commissioner Hodge is heard discussing his understanding of one of the complaints at the CCSPCA in a conversation with someone at the end of the meeting.  The tape continued running for several minutes while the conversation about that complaint continued in front of the microphone.]

Audio of Commissioners Feb 3 Meeting Is Now Online

The county has posted audio of the February 3 commissioners meeting.  In reference to the CCSPCA issue, the audio contains comments by some of the commissioners and remarks by citizens.

Click here to go to the audio of the Feb. 3 meeting.

Puppy Mill Bill Hearing Scheduled

On February 12th, 2009 at 1:00 pm, our puppy mill bill hearing will be held in front of the Judiciary Committee located at 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis MD 21401.  HB 495 accomplishes three things:

1.  It limits breeders from owning more than 50 dogs.

2.  It outlines requirements for kennel enclosures.

3.  It mandates exercise requirements.

A person who violates this act will be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.00.

If you are interested in testifying on behalf of this bill please contact our office at 410-841-3555.

Regina shares a poem to explain why she cares.

I know that all my collegues in rescue and those that foster dogs will need a tissue when they read this next poem. It makes me cry every time I read it.

To My Foster Family

There I sat alone and afriaid.
You got the call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love. and when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you’d done all you do.
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, “Sweetheart, you’re ready to go,”
I’ve done all I can, and you’ve learned all I know”.
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and a kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so Foster Mom, you know I’ve moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I’ll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You’ll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you’ll always be mine.

Author Unknown

Criminal Investigation Should Be Done in a Few Weeks, Whig Reports

The Cecil Whig is reporting that Cecil County State’s Attorney Christopher Eastridge expects the criminal investigation of the CCSPCA “will be finished soon — within weeks.”

Associated Press and Whig Report on Outside Consultants for the CCSPCA

The Associated Press is reporting that the CCSPCA is expecting a visit in February from the the Humane Society of the United States.  According to Humane Society program manager Carolyn Machowski,  ”the SPCA asked for the consultants to improve its animal shelter operations and its community relations.”

The Whig is also reporting that the CCSPCA is contracting with the ASPCA to evaluate its services.  According to Lanie Anton, senior manager, Internet Community Outreach for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Wayne, N.J that consultation will take place in late February.

Fox 45 Broadcasts Update on SPCA Actions by County Commissioners

Fox 45 talked with Commissioner Hodge, in order to get an update on the CCSPCA matter that is before the county.

Click here to view the video:

  http://www.foxbaltimore.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wbff_vid_1932.shtml

CanalSide Provides Report on Tuesday Evening Commissioners Meeting

CanalSide has posted a story on the SPCA discussion at the Tuesday evening Commissioners Meeting.

Click here to go to the story.

State Police call animal lover to order her to stay off CCSPCA property.

 This afternoon Gretchen posted a comment, which I am moving to the main part of the blog since it contains new information.

——————–

gretchen said

 

February 1, 2009 at 4:47 PM e

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let everyone know that I had a state trooper named Gary Shaw call my home on Saturday night the 31st at 9:30 pm to inform me that I am not to go into the SPCA again or I will be arrested, I asked him “on what grounds” and he told me trespassing. I wasn’t causing any problems down there and was only going in to keep track of the animals that are in there facility and that is not against the law. I asked him if it would be possible to take pictures of ALL of the animals that are in the possession because the county is worried about their safety and well being, and I have been the only outside means as to an accurate description of the animals that are currently there. I also informed him that the public is not going in to look for their missing pets out of fear and worry about being on the receiving end of hostility and verbal abuse and possibly physical altercations. Something has to be done to get those defenseless animals out of their control and soon . I will be sending in different people at all different times to check the animal intake record, description and take head counts so don’t worry I will do my best to keep track of them and keep them safe.

Former Employee of CCSPCA, Carl Ewing’s Affidavit

 

 

 

Photos From Today’s Protest

Someone Noticed: Whig Calls for Changes in SPCA Leadership, 3 Weeks After Story Breaks

Whig Calls for Change in SPCA Leadership, Three Weeks After Story Breaks

January 29, 2009 · No Comments

It has been three weeks since disturbing allegations about practices at the Cecil County SPCA became widely known on the Internet and Baltimore airwaves.  (The Whig got around to delivering the story to subscribers a week later.)  For most of the intervening period, while the situation escalated, the daily paper was busy assessing the performance characteristics of Cecil County politicians, worrying about which elected official would receive credit for straightening out the dark entanglement, and defending a county government closed door decision. 

Story Continues on Someone Noticed

Two recent visitors to CCSPCA relate their experiences.

January 30, 2009 at 5:19 PM e
I’m sorry to report such awful news to everyone- Melanie & Gretchen went to the ccspca today. Gretchen has been there EVERYDAY since this has been made public. She has just been watching – and walking all dogs giving them love and attention (as well as the cats) Doing head counts also!! she even gave all dogs pig ear treats. When she and Melanie made their usual trip today there were twelve less dogs then three days ago! Staff was much ruder than usual when she asked where they were! (public record folks) !! She and Melanie asked why some dogs have been there for a month and still are not up for adoption. Susan Maldinado’s answer was, ” they haven’t seen vet yet! Come on ccspca wtf do we tax payers pay you for?! With every simple question they asked, Susan became nastier and nastier! She yelled at them and told them”If people would spay their dogs they wouldn’t get breast cancer and die”! She, said this over and over louder and louder to drown out their questions! Now I’m sure a few of you know who that comment was directed towards. My Molly! This is not the first time she’s been quoted making this statement everyone! This made me so angry I called there to speak to her about what she said Again! She admitted to saying it and when I asked her why she yelled at me cursing the whole time, she said ” yeah, so what, I said it what are you gonna do about it ?” I said to her, you never know if things are recorded you know- and then she screamed loud in the phone -”who’s recording me? I’m calling the police that’s illegal” I then chuckled and said everything you are doing is illegal, and I hope you go to hell! Yes, I was wrong to say that but come on now, who’s gonna blame me? They murdered my molly and other animals and now they are making a mockery out of all this and my mools death. Enough is enough !

Good Evening, Visit at the SPCA in a small group today. Here are the details: -Dogs sitting in cages since 1-6-09 and “not available”. Was told waiting to see the vet. So what is taking so long? We received 3 different answers. -Got a lecture about how much it costs to keep animals, shots, OH and the type of food they get, and how they work 365 days a week. Our response: “Well, if you do not like your job, then leave and do something else” -Told that we pay for animal control ONLY, none of our business on the conditions of the dogs. -One of the dogs was so playful and licking our fingers, and when an employee walked over, the dog DROPPED to the floor and started shaking! This dog (which by the way, was not avaiable) was petrified -3 different employees told us 4-5 different stories in reference to time for adoption, when they see the vet, etc.. -Comment was made and quote: “Irresponsible pet owners that do not spay and neuter, can get breat cancer”!! WTF?? -All of the cage tag numbers did not match the dogs and descriptions. -We saw a dog yesterday, that we asked about, and here was the answer: “Oh, the owners are picking the dog up, it is in the back”. Then another employee said, “Oh, they already came to pick it up??? What is wrong with this picture? -Comment was made about “depending upon the breed” is how we adopt. AND, the cost varies..starting at $175.00. Also, was told that PUPPIES start at $250, since there is so much money involved to release them. -We asked about an adoption special and were actually YELLED AT, that we even asked. Told that this is not a discount house! This is ONE day my fellow animal lovers, can you imagine all of the other 364 of them???????

Someone Noticed: Newspaper to Close

Someone Noticed has a posted a piece on the closing of another newspaper, the Baltimore Examiner.   A college professor made some interesting remarks on WBAL about the importance of newspapers for keeping citizens informed, and that is quoted on the site.

Click here to go to the story.

CCSPCA Contract With Cecil County

Posted below is what is believed to be the latest copy of the CCSPCA’s contract with Cecil County.  It appears the County was just renewing the old contract each year, since 2001, and not actually drafting any new language to the contract.  If someone knows of a more recent version, let me know.  I am trying to locate one and if I do I will post it.

 As you will note there are numerous problems with the contract that will need to be addressed in any future contract, whether with a new formed CCSPCA or any other agency which the County contracts with. 

————————

Click here to read full contract

Middletown Transcript Covers Both Sides of Story In This Week’s Edition

Animal abuse, neglect allegations plague Cecil County SPCA

By Shauna McVey Middletown Transcript Wed Jan 28, 2009

Chesapeake City, Md. – Recent allegations of animal abuse at the Cecil County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Chesapeake City, Md., have led to the launch formal investigations by several agencies. Two weeks ago, Nancy Schwerzler, president of the CCSPCA Board of Directors, published a statement on the CCSPCA’s Web site stating that she contacted the office of Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler on Jan. 9 to request a review of the allegations. “I was advised that the Attorney General’s office would accept our request and review the allegations and conduct an independent inquiry,” she stated. “The board of the SPCA welcomes such inquiries which will be conducted in a fact-based, reasoned manner.”

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners issued two subpoenas at the animal hospital inside the CCSPCA on Jan. 16. “The vet board did issue two subpoenas related to the SPCA in Cecil County case,” said Julie Oberg, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. “The vet board is investigating this matter.”

In addition, Elena Russo, Maryland State Police deputy director of media communications, said the Maryland State Police will lead an investigation. “Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Terrence Sheridan has agreed to do the investigation and he’s assigned it to our criminal investigation section,” she said.

Free Article Continues on Middletown Transcript Site

CanalSide: “Commissioners Seek Volunteers for SPCA Task Force

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Commissioners Seek Volunteers for SPCA Task Force

CanalSide has learned that Cecil County Commissioners are seeking volunteers for an SPCA “Task Force”. Within the group they would like to have representatives from the following fields/professions: teachers, attorneys, accountants, animal rescue organizations,vet techs and veterinarians.

CanalSide spoke with administrative assistant Tammy Wehner at the Administration Building and was told interested parties can send letters of interest or applications to her at twehner@ccgov.org

Keep in mind this is a non-paying, volunteer position. According to sources, Cecil Commissioners intend to announce the appointees at next Tuesday’s Council Meeting, which means people have less than one week to apply.

CanalSide: CCSPCA Protest # 2 Planned for Sat., Jan. 31

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CCSPCA PROTEST #2 Planned for Sat., Jan 31

Silent Protest on Saturday, 1/31/09 at 11:30am

Where: corners of Rt 40 and Rt 213 (McDonalds and Burger King)

What to bring: Signs asking for dismissal of SPCA board, SPCA staff, etc….

Cecil Whig editorial: “Change in SPCA’s Top Leadership Needed Now

Today’s issue of the Whig has an editorial saying that a change in SPCA’s top leadership is needed.   The blog will quote brief pieces of the article, in accordance with fair use standards, but not republish most or all of the editoral.  Recently the Whig has started challenging blogs that post entire Whig articles, asking that they remove the material.

———

Cecil Whig Editorial — “Change in SPCA’s top leadership needed now.”

“It is very unlikley that the Cecil County SPCA . . . will restore public confidence in its services without a change in leadership.  It’s time for Cecil SPCA Director Jeanne Demming and SPCA board president Nancy Schwerzler to step aside.  New leadership is needed now. . . . Resigning under public pressure may not be fair to those two individuals but public confidence in the county’s ability to deal effectively with animal control issues will be next to impossible to restore unless there’s a change at the top.  And that change needs to be sooner rather than later. . . . While we have no doubt that Deeming and Shwerzler are devoted to the well-being of animals and have been subject to wild accusations and unfair criticism, there’s little public confidence left in the leadership. . . . In the approximately 12 years that they have been at the helm, it’s been a rocky road. . . .  ”

Full article with lots more text appears in today’s issue of the Cecil Whig.

CanalSide:

The Editor of CanalSide has posted a column on that Cecil County news Blog:

———

Politicos Pass CCSPCA Hot Potato, Wankers Worry About Who Will Get Credit

Judging from the last two weeks worth of Cecil Whig’s editorial content, it appears Cecil County is experiencing a “media disinformation blitzkrieg” One thing is abundantly clear…editor Terri Peddicord sure seems to have it in for Delegate Mike Smiegel! Man, who peed on this man’s Cheerios? He seems positively obsessed with Mike Smiegel and his blog! In fact, he seems more obsessed with Mr Smiegel than he does with the issue of animal abuse at the SPCA. While animals are suffering every day, all this supposed community leader can do is try to make himself sound clever by writing snide, sarcastic commentary about an elected official, (as the tides of change rise ever higher around his sinking, small-town soap box). Tsk tsk.

I must say I find the recent editorials by Mr Peddicord petty and bizarre. But then again, a newspaper that keeps vital information away from it’s public is pretty bizarre too, so why should I be surprised? Mr Peddicords Friday Op/Ed diatribe claims that Mike Smiegel started this “controversy” January 6th by posting allegations of SPCA abuse on the “Internet.” WRONG! What started this “controversy” as he calls it, was years of mounting frustrations as citizens had enough of being ignored when they tried to somehow get the word out about horrifying experiences with the CCSPCA. Mr Smiegel didn’t start the fire. He was merely the messenger for a massive group of people who previously had no community voice.

The fact of the matter is, Mr. Smiegel is responsible for bringing this important story to light in Cecil County. So what’s Mr Peddicord’s real beef ? He could have “stolen the thunder” and gained the public’s trust if he wanted to. What’s wrong? Didn’t he think it would make for interesting press? Does he really think everyone is lying, like Keith Baynes implied? Does he really think readers wouldn’t want to know what was going on in their backyard? Yeah…right.
Perhaps Peddicords real problem is that he is no longer in control of what gets out and what doesn’t. You’ll notice he, the Whig and the accused are the only ones trying to put a “spin” on the allegations.

Piece Continues on CanalSide

Affidavit of Natasha Ewing, another former employee of CCSPCA

 

 This is the third Affidavit posted on this blog from a former employee of the CCSPCA.  Affidavits are being posted of those persons who have already went public with said information.  We will continue to post new affidavits of those who have already went public, either on TV,   radio or in print  (See the Media Audio site above).    While we have additional affidavits we will not be publishing them until after the various State investigators have had an opportunity to interview the affiants.  Again, I must warn the reader that this affidavit contains some horrific detailed allegations of animal abuse and neglect.  Please don’t read if you are sensitive to such matters.

—————–

Blog Traffic Exceeds 61,000 Views in Jan.

The blog has had over 61,000 views in just the month of January.  In addition, readers have posted over 1,000 comments.  About a month ago, it was recognized as one of the 100-fastest growing English language blogs in the world.

Reports on Animal Control Discussion at Tuesday’s Commissioners Meeting

Readers have been posting reports on the animal control discussion at today’s commissioners meetings.  Here are the posts.  Thanks Jenifer and Melisa for monitoring these meetings and posting the news so everyone can keep up with what is happening.

——

jennifer snellings-Barber said
January 27, 2009 at 11:55 AM

hi everyone, we went to commisioners work shop meeting this morning. Melissa is posting notes from meeting today. To sum it up a bit, Wicomico county issued a formal letter asking to take some animals from shelter- Commisioner Mullen gave me a copy , which is same copy he gave the cecil whig to be published! Anyone surprised it wasn’t printed? He was annoyed that it wasn’t. Hodge is still doing a soft shoe to dance around the subject. And is trying to drag it out. He says quote” I’m able to sleep at night knowing that the spca staff is on their best behaivor now” Smells like doo doo to me. After he said that commisioner “handed” hodge pictures on poor conditions at spca, and other photos of mistreated animals at the hands of that staff. And wants something done about it NOW! And all but hodge seemed to agree by shaking their heads . And was also said that they have no intention on renewing the contract. And need to release asap letters of intrest to other corporations to sign contract with for a “new” spca. That’s a small summery of meeting. More indepth notes will follow from melissa. So to sum it up Mullins is really fighting for change and wants it now! Hodge is still full of poopoo kaka!

———

Melissa K. said
January 27, 2009 at 2:23 PM

A couple of us attended the Commissioners meeting this morning. The meeting started at approximately 8:55am. The following was discussed:

The idea of a “task force” was discussed. The proposed committee would consist of 8-12 people to work with all investigators and Del Smigiel along with handling expression of interest to take over letters. The committee would be selected with strict qualifications and would include independent, objective, non preconceived and non bias individuals. This committee would consist of an animal control officer, vet, vet technician, accountant, non-profit individual, educator and an individual from the Health Department were examples that were given. Each commissioner will select an individual and submit those names by next Tuesday’s meeting. Stephanie from the Health Department stated that she would like to see a short term committee and for this committee to be dissolved after completion. Commissioner Tome advised that he would like fact finding and clean up.

Commissioner Hodge stated that they are assuming the contract will not be continued. Commissioner Hodge also stated that he didn’t see a need for everyone to be dismissed.

Commissioner Mullens was viewing photos of certain animals in deplorable conditions. While looking at those pictures he stated something needs to be done. He passesd these pictures over to Commission Hodge to view.

Commissioner Tome advised that anyone that is there now is not be there anymore.

Commission Mullens gave Jennifer Snellings-Barber a copy of a letter which was sent from the Executive Director of Humane Society of Wicomico County to the Cecil County Commissioners. To sum up, the letter it states that she is aware of the situation and she would like to offer their assistance. They are willing to take temporary custody of some of the animals to house at their shelter at no cost to our county.
After the topic of animal control, we walked out. Commissioner Mullens came out of the meeting and spoke with us. He stated that he had given the Cecil Whig a copy of the letter to be published, which was not done.

The animal control portion of the meeting ended shortly before 10:00am.

Someone Noticed: Coming in on a Wing & a Prayer, While Whig Worries About Political Credit

From Someone Noticed

———

Coming in on a Wing & a Prayer While Whig Worries about Political Credit

January 27, 2009 · No Comments

Friday the Cecil Whig’s Op/Ed page was concerned with which Cecil County politician will receive credit for resolving the serious SPCA problem.  The day before the editorial writers got around to suggesting that the county needs a new animal control plan.  That is almost two weeks after the story broke on the Internet and in Baltimore media, with the Whig coming onboard with a version of the major headline grabbing occurrence after it was old news in Cecil County.  It’s remarkable that they were busy worrying about our politicians for the first week-and-a-half, rather than calling for a decent animal control plan.  But they’ve finally caught up with everyone else calling for an investigation an action.

In the Friday issue, the two columnists, advancing concerns to a level that had never occurred to us, worried about which Cecil County politician will receive credit for a successful intervention in this damaging situation.  “Hodge has come up with several solutions for resolving the animal control problem in the county,” the editor wrote. 

Article Continues on Someone Noticed

CCSPCA Still Having Credibility Problems With The Public

Convinced aka Gretchen wrote:

Hi everyone..as I was driving home earlier today my phone rang and it was my boss telling me that the SPCA had put up a new homepage and in the link for community events on the page if you go into it it will then show the SPCA at the grand opening at the pampered pet back in 9-08 with a picture of THEIR DOG..A LITTLE POMERANIAN on a table with the caption that says “here are some pic’s from our adoption day at the grand opening of pampered pet” well my employer then called the owner of pampered pet and asked them if the SPCA had brought ANY animals at all that day and her answer was ” ABSOLOUTLY NOT…false advertisement to say the least huh? the owner is calling the SPCA toot sweet today asking for the removal of her clients pets and stated that she is in no way affiliated with the SPCA!GOOD FOR HER!! beings that they actually have pets in the shelter that are needing loving homes why didn’t they just go to the trouble of actually bring the ones that need a home? come on now SPCA get your crap together.

Animal Control on Commissioners Agenda for Jan. 27

Melanie posted a note letting us know about the next commissioners meeting on Jan. 27, since animal control is on the agenda.

———————

Melanie Bass said

January 26, 2009 at 4:08 PM e

Wanted to share: On the Commissioners Website:

Commissioners’ Meetings
Jan 27, 2009
9:00 am

• Commissioners Worksession – TOPIC: Animal Control in Cecil County

200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2100
Elkton, MD 21921

Readers Ask for Info. on Commissioner’s Work on SPCA Matter

As a result of comments into today’s Baltimore Sun by Commissioner Hodge about a taskforce he is proposing to assess the SPCA investigation and develop a plan of action, readers are posting additional questions on the blog.  They are also inquiring about the board meeting he attended with the SPCA.

—————

Hounding Hodge said

January 26, 2009 at 6:49 PM e

In response to Sam:

Okay gang,

It is time to call Mr. Hodge. He keeps insisting on a “taskforce”, for what?? We know the issues, he knows the issues~

Where is the minutes to the “closed meeting”. We have asked for this many times. Also:

1. Who was in the closed meeting?

2. Who attended the meeting and what was said?

3. Why did Moore sit outside?

4. Where are the minutes to this closed meeting?

Click here to go to full reader posts

Baltimore Sun: Probes Begin Into Cecil Animal Shelter

Probes begin into Cecil animal shelter

Allegations of cruelty prompted reviews

By Jonathan Pitts

January 26, 2009

 

 

 Former employees and volunteers of the Cecil County SPCA say they saw abuse of animals. (Baltimore Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby / January 18, 2009) 

Two state agencies have begun investigating allegations of animal cruelty against the Cecil County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the state comptroller’s office said it might investigate the facility’s finances.

The State Board of Veterinary Examiners said its investigation is under way, and several witnesses, including ex-employees of the animal shelter in Chesapeake City, said they have been contacted by state police to set up interviews. State police, who recently said they planned to start an investigation, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Comptroller Peter Franchot was reviewing information supplied by Del. Michael D. Smigiel Jr. and might scrutinize the shelter’s tax compliance as far back as five years, Joseph Shapiro, a spokesman for Franchot, said Friday. “If the facts support it, yes, we’ll do a full investigation,” he said.

The case has sparked a heated debate in Cecil County, where $674,000 in county funding went to the shelter last year.

Article Continues on Baltimore Sun

Silent Protest Saturday

Here’s a note posted overnight on the blog.  The reader requested that I post it on the top of the blog. —————- Submitted on 2009/01/25 at 11:05pm silent protest planned for Saturday Jan 31st at 11:30 where: the intersection of rte 40 & 213 same location as previous protest what to bring: signs calling for the immediate dismissal of SPCA staff and board members we need to keep the pressure on and keep spreading the word dress warmly our goal is to remain out there for as long as possible mike..please post on front page

Another Blog Site Writes About Te Te

Post from the blog Cafemom Concerning Te Te

——–

I live in Cecil County Maryland. Our SPCA is finally under investigation for horriable acts , after 10 years of many many complaints . ” The only good pitbull is a dead pitbull ” was what the director of the SPCA would say , and believed. I am outraged and hearbroken , knowing my tax paying dollars are going to this torture chamber for these poor animals who just want to be loved.

CAFEMOM PIECE CONTINUES HERE

Affidavit of Erin Miller, Former Vet. Tech. At CCSPCA

This is the second of the affidavits of a former employee which we have posted.  The allegations pertain to events occuring more recently than those previously posted in the affadavit of Ms. Van Scoy.  I will post additional affidavits every few days.  If you have personal knowledge of any of the events in any of the posted affidavits then please let us know so we can pass your information onto the investigating authorities.  Some of the information in each of these affidavits is disturbing and should not be read if you are sensitive to graphic descriptions of cruelty to animals.

CanalSide Reports on Today’s Protest

CanalSide has a report on today’s SPCA protest.  Click here to see the post 

CanalSide: This Weeks Cecil Rouge Headlines

CanalSide posted what it called “this week Cecil rogue Headlines.

This Weeks Cecil Rogue Headlines

Imaginary headlines – intended for “entertainment value only”

Someone Noticed: Announces Creation of Another Cecil County Blog

Click here to go to Someone Noticed to read about the latest blogger product in Cecil County

Someone Noticed: Taking Care of His Beat, Cecil County

Someone Noticed:  “Taking Care of  His Beat, Cecil County

————–

By Wayne Fenstermacher, Guest Columnist & Former Cecil County News Editor – Part I ———————

I appreciate Mike’s invitation to write about the recent coverage of the Cecil County SPCA – from a former journalist’s viewpoint. In order to do that, I should tell you about my background and how I came to cover Cecil County for three different newspapers over an 8 year period starting in 1989. I grew up and went to middle school and high school in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I was still in high school, and my part-time job was providing photographic darkroom services to the community’s weekly newspaper, The Sun Ledger, a paper that had its beginning in the 19th Century. I met Jim Wolf in the early 1980s when he purchased the paper. My ties to the paper developed as he encouraged me to add writing to my photography skill set. I was on the staff full-time when we published the first broadsheet newspaper in Pennsylvania entirely on desktop computer systems (Apple Macintoshes).

ARTICLE CONTINUES ON SOMEONE NOTICED

Another Letter the Whig Won’t Print…

Note to editor: You do not have my permission to print this letter unless it is printed in its’ entirety.

 

Whig couldn’t be more off base

 

            Terri Peddicord’s recent editorial concerning Del. Michael Smigiel is absolutely a travesty and like his poorly written articles about the CCSPCA, is incorrect.

 

            Please know I write this letter as a private citizen and thus, you may choose to view my opinion as bias because I am employed by Delegate Michael Smigiel, but I think it is relevant to this discussion to know that I am a registered Democrat.  Day in and day out I observe the inter-workings of politics and have chosen to work for this Republican because I believe that he is one of the truly honest politicians left.  He fights for what no one else will and stands up for those who have no voice. 

 

            It is also relevant to this discussion to note that at least three of the Whig’s employees/editorial writers seem to have personal vendettas against the Delegate.  Inflammatory comments were made by Stephanie Palko at the meeting stating that the Delegate was grandstanding and that I am his “stupid assistant.”  Gene Cochran, despite being in the same party, repeatedly attacks the Delegate with misinformation and you are all now aware of Terri Peddicord’s record.

 

            What is a real disservice to the citizens of this county is that their local paper has repeatedly failed to cover the CCSPCA concerns accurately and has failed to interview both sides of the story.  So much for investigative or even balanced journalism Mr. Peddicord.

 

            FACTS THE WHIG HAS NEVER PRINTED

 

• The Whig has never called our office about the CCSPCA issue.
• There are now five ex-employees who have come forward to give affidavits under penalty of purgery and have stated they will take polygraphs.
• Numerous ex-volunteers, ex-CCSPCA board members and citizens have come forward detailing everything from botched surgeries to misappropriation of funds at the CCSPCA.
• Our office called the Attorney General about the CCSPCA in October 2008.
• Our office could not go to the State’s Attorney because Keith Baynes works in that office and is a member of the CCSPCA Board.  Keith Baynes has stated on the Delegate’s blog, a letter to the editor and in writing to individuals who have contacted him that he believes the allegations to be false and thus, an impartial investigation could never be carried out by his office.
• The purpose of posting the allegations to the blog was to encourage others to come forward (and they have by the hundreds) to corroborate allegations about the CCSPCA.

 

The Whig has chosen to make this issue into a political attack instead of actually looking into the allegations and overwhelming amount of evidence.  Please remember there are always two sides to every story.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Cailey Erin Locklair

Elkton, MD

Protest Planned

Dear Mike,

Can you please post this where everyone can see this?

Silent Protest on Saturday, 1/24/09 at 11:30am

Where: corners of Rt 40 and Rt 213 (McDonalds and Burger King)

What to bring: Signs asking for dismissal of SPCA board, SPCA staff, etc….

News contacted and will come to shoot the pictures and on going story

Letter to Whig Editor

LETTER TO THE CECIL WHIG EDITOR

Subject: SPCA allegations

Oh, Come on, Cecil Whig…You can’t possibly tell me that with all of the HORRIFIC abuse allegations levied against the CCSPCA that the ONE letter you chose to print is one supporting these people.

As for Ms. Gabbert’s letter, the word “euthaniasia” means “ending life in a painless manner”. Surely being slammed to the ground, being held with a pole while being ripped apart by a vicious dog, or the other heinous methods claimed by former employees and volunteers shouldn’t be classified as euthanasia. I’ve yet to hear a complaint about an animal being humanely euthanized due to overcrowding at the shelter. This is simply not what “it’s” all about!

It is obvious the animal population will continue to increase as long as pets aren’t spayed or neutered. Ironically enough it is the CCSPCA veterinarian accused of spaying a dog, yet leaving it’s reproductive organs intact. Isn’t it also a hyprocrisy that the Director of the CCSPCA is herself a breeder of dogs? If nothing else, it seems a huge conflict of interest.

It completely puzzles me as to how the very people accused of these acts are still in power. They should be removed until the investigation is complete.

I also request my subscription to your obviously biased newspaper be cancelled.

Sincerely,

Sharon L. Potts
Elkton, MD

Someone Noticed Reacts to Whig Publisher Comments

From Someone Noticed

—————————————–

Here’s Why We Launched A Blog Mr. Publisher

January 22, 2009

In a farewell message Publisher Jeff Mezzztesta offered wide ranging comments about his career, the state of the media today, and blogs as he prepared to move to another publishing enterprise.

In his column he had this to say about blogs:  “. . . Internet blogging isn’t journalism.  What manages to barely pass the drivel test is there for entertainment purposes.  To me, barking out half-truths and conspiracies under pseudonyms is an insult to professional journalists.  Bloggers have taken their best shots at the Whig and the second guessing just bounces off.  They don’t get the concept that even a little wrong is still wrong.”

We’re not sure to whom Publisher Mazzztesta is referring but we’ll go ahead and offer some remarks on how we discovered the value of blogging for a cause.

ARTICLE CONTINUES ON SOMEONE NOTICED

CanalSide: “A Call To Service . . . Donations Needed . . . No Sweetheart Deals Accepted”

Thursday, January 22, 2009

A Call To Service :: Donations Needed :: No Sweetheart Deals Acceptable

As the investigation into the Cecil County SPCA begins, life goes on for dogs and cats, including the ones impounded at the facility. County Commissioners have said changes will come, but that they cannot happen overnight. I disagree. Yes, the investigation must be a slow, deliberate process. There are things that can be done immediately, however. If the Commissioners brought enough pressure to bear I feel sure we would see some action here. No, they are legally not in a position to hire and fire and the SPCA board is self-regulating (UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE ANIMALS!). But I am willing to bet if the SPCA president was told today “put your people on leave now or you have ZERO chance of public support for future funding” you would see some dust fly. As for the excuse “but who will run it? Don’t worry, as Mike Smiegel knows there are PLENTY of qualified volunteers! I for one do not understand the arrogance and the heel-digging that is going on. I would think these people would feel exposed and humiliated. Instead, they are arrogant and unyielding. As Commissioner Hodges is one both on County Council AND is the ex-officio liason to the Board of the CCSPCA, I certainly hope he doesn’t think the public will be fine with mere “policy changes” Anything other than a full house sweeping will look very much like a SWEETHEART deal.

ARTICLE CONTINUES ON CANALSIDE

Readers Write in About Letters to the Whig Editor

Many readers are telling us that they have sent letters to the editor for publication in the Cecil Whig and they are not being printed.  For instance, see the one below, as an example.  Thanks Sharon for posting your comments.  Feel free to email your letters and I will get them put up on the blog.

————————–

SharonP said

January 22, 2009 at 3:55 PM

I can’t believe the Cecil Whig printed 1 letter to the editor and it was in SUPPORT of the CCSPCA. I just sent a letter to the editor (not in support, so most likely will not be printed)and also included a request to cancel my subscription to their biased newspaper. Maybe more people should cancel subscriptions until they start reporting fairly.

Whig Editoral Says “County Needs New Animal Control Plan”

In an editorial in today’s newspaper, the Whig is calling for a “new animal control plan.”  We are quoting a small portion of it here, since the Whig doesn’t want its pieces reprinted on the Net and asked other bloggers to remove their material 

In part it says:  “It’s clear that the Cecil County Commissioners should move quickly toward developing another alternative for handling animal control problems in the county. . . . Cecil Commisioners’ President Brian Lockhart expressed concern Tuesday that the commissioners should wait for the outcome of the pending investigation before making other plans for animal control.  . . . Hodge and Commissioners Rebecaa Demmler and Wayne Tome made it clear in their remarks the county should have a ‘Plan B’ in place to handle animal control.  . . . Who do we call [some people are asking]?  Our answer is to call the county commissioners’ office and ask them.  And suggest the commisisoners move forward with exploring other options for handling animal control. . . .”

Elsewhere in the piece, the editors note to readers that the 8-member board overseeing the SPCA is “welcoming a state police investigation of the alleged animal abuse charges and is cooperating” with other agencies looking into the complaints.

Hear the Audio: Many Citizens Provide Dramatic Testimony to Commissioners

At Tuesday’s commissioners meeting a citizen told the commissioners about a problem with a surgical procedure for, Brandy, a dog he adopted at the CCSPCA shelter.  In addition a number of other people offered powerful comments and reports on the subject at the commissioners meeting.  These reports are helpful and can be listened to online now since the commissioners are putting the audio of their meetings on the Internet. 

Hearing these citizen reports from so many people is helpful for understanding this situation. 

You may listen to the Tuesday report about a problem with a surgical procedure, as well as other comments, by clicking here.

Popular Baltimore Talkshow Host C4 Discusses SPCA With Delegate Smigiel on WBAL

Click here to listen to audio of the the popular afternoon talkshow on WBAL, 1090 A.M. while the host, C4, discusses the CCSPCA situation.

WJZ TV Wednesday Broadcast on CCSPCA

Click here to go the video of the WJZ TV update about the SPCA investigation.

Baltimore Sun: “State Police to Investigate Animal Shelter”

State police to investigate Cecil animal shelter

State delegate says he has received many complaints of abuse and neglect

By Jonathan Pitts

January 21, 2009

The Maryland State Police said yesterday that it will investigate allegations of misconduct by the Cecil County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, making it the third state agency to look into charges against the Chesapeake City animal shelter.

More than 20 witnesses, including four former employees and four ex-volunteers, have submitted written accusations against the CCSPCA, ranging from animal cruelty and neglect to financial malfeasance.

The state police are to investigate, along with the Maryland attorney general’s office, which has assigned an attorney to look into the case, and the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, a division of the state Department of Agriculture, officials said.

“The people of Cecil County pay good money to this shelter to take care of animals and treat them humanely,” said Del. Michael D. Smigiel Sr., whose office has been taking written testimony from witnesses.

ARTICLE CONTINUES ON BALTIMORE SUN

SPCA President of the Board, Nancy Swerzler’s, calls for investigation now, are inconsistant with her actions six months ago.

On Jan 6, 2009 Ms. Joanna Reenen wrote that while she was a volunteer at the CCSPCA she wanted to report problems at the SPCA, which she saw. These concerns were compiled and eventually posted on this site, below, on Jan 9, 2009.

Ms. Van Reenen wrote that “During those months I went back and forth in my mind as to whether I should write the County Commissioners or to someone with the problems I saw there first hand.” “The President of the Board of Directors, Nancy Schwerzler, personally asked me not to go to the County Commissioners on my last day there, July 7, 2008.”

Comment number 4, posted Jan. 9, 2009 at 4:11, was posted by Ms. Nancy Schwerzler.  Ms. Schwerzler wrote that she appreciated Johanna’s efforts and she apologized that Mrs Van Reenen’s “fantastic efforts were not properly recognized”.

Noticeably absent from her comments was any mention of the allegations of abuse and or neglect of the animals at the shelter and Ms. Schwerzler never bothered to deny that she had asked Joanna “not to go to the County Commissioners”

 I find it somewhat disingenuous that now, after we call for an Attorney General’s investigation, the Commissioner’s call for an Attorney General’s investigation, and now  finally Ms. Schwerzler calls for one.  After my office requests the State Veternary Board and the State Police to investigate, now Ms. Schwerzler joins us in calling for an investigation.

We have been working with many of the outside agencies for months to investigate and only now does she join in calling for them to investigate. 

If Ms. Swerzler truly wanted to get o the bottom of  years worth of  allegations of  animal abuse and financial mismanagement she could have done so six months ago. Instead, she chose to request that Ms. Van Reenen not go to report her concerns to the County Commissioners.  Actions speak much louder than words.

SPCA President Reads Statement on WBAL News Broadcast

WBAL Radio News has an audio clip of a statement Nancy Schwerzler, the president of the SPCA made to the radio station.

Click here to listen to the audio of the SPCA president’s comments and see the full story.

Reader Reports on Tonight’s Commissioner Meeting.

 Ms. JoAnna Van Reenen posted the following regarding tonight’s meeting with the Cecil County Commissioners:

The County Commissioners open meeting tonight was excellent!!! Thanks to all who came out on such short notice. I only wish the Commissioners would share more information with us instead of just listening. The comments and concerns addressed were to the point and quite impactful. I especially applaud the 2 veterinarians, former employee, Theresa VanScoy and former volunteers that addressed the Commissioners. There were at least 3 heartwrenching stories from others as well. The story of a German Shepherd adopted from the SPCA that was cut open to be spayed but wasn’t really spayed, had mange and worms was especially unbelievable!

One point needs to be made to any investigating agency and someone said it at the meeting: It’s going to be the eyewitness accounts of what has been going on there for more than 10 years that are analyzed. The shelter has already had time to “clean up.” Any investigation that doesn’t include sworn statements from the hundreds of people on this blog with first hand accounts would not be fair.

CanalSide Reports on The Morning Commissioner’s Workshop

From CanalSide, The

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

SPCA Gets Subpoenaed – County Commissioners Meet Again Tonight – Investigation To Go Forward

County Commissioners at the mornings workshop

Cecil County Commissioners held a workshop this morning and the SPCA case was on the agenda. Printed here are some notes from by Ms Melanie Bass, with editorial comment following.

“Some of us attended the Commissioners meeting this morning at 9:00am. It was set in a conference room setting.

Article continues on CanalSide along with comments by the editor.  Click here for the CanalSide Report.

News From WBAL Radio – 1090 A.M. Baltimore – State Vets Board Issues Subpoena

Request For State To Investigate Local SPCA

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
WBAL Radio as reported by Anne Kramer and Associated Press

 

Cecil County State’s Attorney Christopher Eastridge has asked state police to lead an investigation into allegations of animal abuse at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals facility near Chesapeake City.

Eastridge asked for the investigation in a letter sent Monday to Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Terrence Sheridan.

He has also talked with the Harford County States Attorney about handling the case to avoid any suggestion of a conflict. An assistant in Eastridge’s office is on the SPCA board and Cecil County Sheriff Barry Janney is an ex-officio member of the board.

Meanwhile, a subpoena was served Friday on behalf of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners at the animal hospital inside the SPCA building.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Commissioners to Hear Citizen’s Concerns About CCSPCA Tonight!

While it is not on the agenda for tonight’s meeting and it has not been advertised, it is our understanding from those in attendance at this morning’s meeting, that the Cecil County Commissioners will be hearing citizen’s concerns with respect to the Cecil County SPCA.  The meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 PM in the Big Elk Room.

Reader Reports on The Morning Commissioners Meeting Ref CCSPCA

Thanks Melanie for an update from this morning’s commissioner’s meeting

——–

Melanie Bass said

January 20, 2009 at 12:56 PM

Some of us attended the Commissioners meeting this morning at 9:00am. It was set in a conference room setting. No SPCA board members attended. The SPCA was on the agenda, when the topic came up, here is some comments:

A letter from John B. Howard was reviewed. On Friday, 1-9-09, the Vet Board of Maryland issued subpoenas to start the investigation.

Chris Eastridge has requested that the Maryland State Police handle the investigation.

On 1-14-08, the SPCA board met and the president suggested to allow the ASPC and; HMUS handle the inside investigation, however the HMUS will charge to do this.

The SPCA falls under 3 catergories: Clinic/Vet, Rescue and; Animal Contriol. The county has no contact with the Vet/Clinic side.

Hodge said that Mr Eastridge talked to Harford County States Attorney office and quote: “They were not too excited about doing it”

Looking into cost of the HSUS; Humane Society of United States

Hodge proposes: An outside task force, other members seemed to agree.

Also, that the SPCA contract needs to “rewrite the current contract”, everyone agrees!!

The Commissioners can terminate the contract without cause in 30 days! The health department and; Sheriffs department, will not support this. They do not want to term the contract.

The board talked about sending an expression of interest letter to see if maybe they can sub it out to another group.

Durong this time, we were tols we could ask 1-2 questions/comments. Then Brian Lockhart told us to come to TONIGHT’s meeting at 7:00pm and sign in to have our 5 minutes. They will be covering the same agenda!

See you tonight!

State Police to investigate the CCSPCA.

It has been reported that the State Attorney General’s Office has requested the Maryland State Police to investigate the accusations of animal abuse and neglect at the Cecil County SPCA.

I have not heard anything official yet, but the press is reporting that the matter has been turned over to the Maryland State Police. Also, WMAR (ABC) is going to run a follow up story tonight.

I will keep you appraised as I learn more.

Fox 45 Broadcast on SPCA Allegations

Baltimore Fox 45 aired a piece on the SPCA allegations.  This link takes you to the report.

ZooToo Pet News: Shelter Faces Abuse Claims, Investigation Ensues

Zootoo’s Pet News Report

———————

Shelter Faces Abuse Claims, Investigation Ensues

By Amy Lieberman

The Cecil County SPCA faces “severe” abuse claims, including unjustly killing animals. Pictured above is one dog who initially survived an alleged shooting at the Maryland facility. (Photo Courtesy of Natasha Ewing)

The Cecil County SPCA is advertised as a place where the “homeless are sheltered and the abandoned are giving care,” according to its Web site, but former employees, clients and one Maryland delegate are accusing the shelter of unjustly abusing and killing its animals. An investigation is now underway.

ELKTON, Md. — The Cecil County SPCA is being investigated for approximately 20 individual, and often overlapping, claims of abuse from former shelter employees and volunteers.

The incidents date back to several years ago, but continue to surface in a “snowball effect,” said Cailey Locklair, chief of staff for Maryland Delegate Michael Smigiel (R-Upper Shore).

“At first, we had three ex-employees come forward, then two more,” Locklair said. “Soon, everyone was just coming forward with some very disgusting, horrific allegations of abuse.”

Smigiel has tried to publicize and document the allegations on his blog, Smigiel.WordPress.com, which has received 33,000 page views since it was created last week.

The stories paint stark, grizzly images of the “modified no-kill” facility, which placed in the top 20 category in Zootoo.com’s shelter makeover contest last year.

“I am shocked to hear about these allegations of one of our shelter makeover finalists,” Richard Thompson, Zootoo.com founder, said in a released statement. “We obviously don’t condone these behaviors, if they are found to be true, and we look forward to see the outcome of the investigation.”

The claims include instances of unjustified shootings of dogs; shooting of a wandering, non-aggressive pet dog; employees beating, kicking and punching animals; euthanizing animals because of their breed or appearance; and faulty veterinary procedures, administered by unlicensed employees.

“Obviously, we had questions about the veracity of such serious claims, but we got a sworn affidavit from all of the people, and a lot of the stories overlap,” said Locklair, adding that all witnesses have agreed to take polygraph tests.

Former employees point blame to shelter executive director Jeanne Deeming and animal control Capt. Jerry Hawkins. After repeated attempts, neither Deeming nor Hawkins returned Pet Pulse’s calls as of press time.

Article continues on Pet News

Letter to Editor (Whig): Suggests Reporters Keep Personal Comments to Themselves

Here’s a copy of a letter to the editor, forward to the Cecil Whig for publication.  It was also posted on the comments section of the blog.

——- Copy of a Letter to the Editor (Cecil Whig)

Dear Mr. Smigiel,

This comment is to inform you about a situation that occurred at the Commissioners Hearing on Jan. 13th. As I sat in my seat attempting to listen to each speaker, my attention was diverted to the two women sitting next to me. Although I was not eavesdropping, they spoke in a manner and a tone that could not be ignored. This is relevant to you, only because you and your assistant Cailey were the topic of their conversation. They not only made personal attacks on your physical appearance, but went on to say that you really didn’t care about the CCSPCA at all. They took your genuine concern for these issues and referred to them as “grandstanding,” and your “stupid pawn Cailey” was just following suit. This is just another example of the Whig bashing good people for standing up for what’s right. It’s employees like this that give the Whig a bad name. I would advise that next time, especially in a public setting they keep their personal comments to themselves, afterall, you never know who may be listening.
Sincerely,

Chris Zeauskas
Former Whig Reader

SPCA Update on Agenda for County Workshop Jan. 20

Commissioners Worksession – January 20, 2009     BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CECIL COUNTY WORKSESSION AGENDA 1/20/09 OPEN SESSION 9:00 AM Evening meeting agenda review Independent contractor agreement for housing hearing officer Facilities management(Aramark) agreement amendment 2009 Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program SPCA update Proposed subdivision regulations amendments relating to Concept and Preliminary plats Miscellaneous Commissioner items CLOSED SESSION 11:00 AM Pursuant to Annotated Code MD.-State Government;10-508(a)(1) personnel matters;(7) legal advice;(9) consider matters that consider collective bargaining negotiations  Meetngs held in open session (may be observed by the public) unless otherwise indicated.  All or part of County Commissioner meetings can be held in closed session under the authority of the state open meetings law by vote of the Commissioners.  Cancelled, rescheduled, and emergency meeting notices will be posted at the entrance to the County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton as soon as information is available.   Email: awein@ccgov.org

Print

Caution, this sworn statement contains unconscionable revelations of animal abuse and neglect.

In this message I am posting a sworn affidavit, which contains horrendous allegations.  I held off on posting this until after the public Commissioner meeting since the statements are so disturbing.  

Unfortunately, the local media continue to mislead the public into believing that these allegations are trivial and only involve two disgruntled employees.  Since local media refuses to help spread the word and we need to gather as much information as possible,  to supply to the investigating agencies, I will publish as many affidavits as possible over the next few days.  

Ms. Van Scoy spoke on WMAR-TV about several of these allegations but because of time limitations they were  unable to broadcast her full interview.   Below is the  full affadavit.  I have already had other persons come forward to coroborate some of these new allegations. Thier information has been provided to the criminal investigators with the Office of the Attorney General. 

Please be warned that there are truly disturbing statements within  this document.

 

Commissioner Hodge gets phone calls, but still doesnt “get it”, according to his constituents.

Here’s a post from the comment section letting us know how one call to Commissioner Hodge went.   Many other readers are providing comments in that section of this web site about their calls to Comm. Hodge too.

Post From Comments Section  —–

Good Morning everyone!

I spoke to Hodge at around 6:30 pm last night. He must have received many calls before mine, because he did admit to the meeting and the entire Board was there as well. I asked him when he was releasing the minutes and what the meeting was about. He said he did not know and would call Nancy. I then asked him “what Nancy had on him”??? And why he sounded as if she were speaking, he claimed nothing, however wanted to know what I felt he needed to do to make a change. I said “Are you kidding me”?

YOU were elected, you are on the board, and YOU are asking ME? So, I let him have it, (nicely). Everything we want, I said. No use in repeating.

I did tell him that the ENTIRE STAFF at the CC SPCA should be dismissed NOW, during this so called “investigation”. He did however go into making sure that everyone files reports on all of the animals that were harmed, and I told him everyone is!

I told him to be bigger and get the job done, he seemed tired, I guess from all of our calls~

Keep up the PRESSURE everyone!

We can do this!

“Puppy Gate” & “Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer”

From the Cecil County Blogs

——–  Someone Noticed

“Puppy Gate” & “Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer”

. . . . We hope this will get resolved professionally by the political leadership but the only way to do that now that the county has stumbled through yet another missteps is to not have a Cecil County Government Committee conduct the investigation.  We can’t imagine given what we’ve heard and seen, including serious allegations, some that have been around since October of last year when an attack was launched on a reporter investigating it and the political missteps on the part of a number of stakeholders, including county government, that this is now a good idea, if it ever was.  What is needed is a truly independent examination, not one by a committee headed by someone experienced at running Cecil County political campaigns and working in public relations.  That type of fact-finding may never have convinced many people, but it sure won’t now with all the serious charges, allegations, and even more rumors zipping around . . . .

Continues on Someone Noticed

Citizens angry over Commissioner Hodge’s closed door meeting with the CC SPCA Board

The following was posted by Ms. Jenn Callahan and is repeated below:

The more I think about the fact that Commissioner Hodge, as an ELECTED official of Cecil County, had a closed door meeting with the SPCA after last weeks planned closed door meeting with Nancy Scwerzler, President of the Board of CCSPCA, was canceled due to public outcry, the madder I get. Who does he think he is? Does he realize he is committing political suicide? He knew how the public felt about a closed door meeting, and then went and stabbed the citizens in the back by having one! How can he be trusted to represent you? How can he be trusted to have any meetings with CCSPCA? Given the fact that he did not care about the citizens feelings on closed door meetings with CCSPCA, how can anyone think he will care about the fact that your tax money is going to this house of horrors? Remember, he works FOR YOU. He does not need to have a job next election.

Any meeting held with CCSPCA officials should be open door, and the public should be allowed to attend and hear what is saying. After all, the tax payers are funding them to the tune of 670K+ of OUR TAX MONEY.

We all need to call Commissioner Hodge over the weekend and let him know how unethical his closed door meeting was, and let him know he should step down from the CCSPCA board and allow another Commissioner who is ethical and cares about your tax money and animals to step in. Let him know that you will not vote for him next time around, and you will not forget what he did. The county is full of closed door meetings, deals taking place to aid the individuals involved, corruption, etc. He is no better than they.

Its time for Commissioner Hodge’s office and CELL phone to start ringing! Its time we told him enough is enough!!

His contact info is: Robert J Hodge
Cell 443-553-1517
Office 410-996-5201
email: rhodge@ccgov.org

CECIL COUNTY RESIDENTS, MAKE HIS CELL PHONE RING THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!

Someone Noticed Comments about Commissioner Hodge and Campaign Manager Meeting With SPCA to Launch Investigation

I just saw that Someone Noticed has a column commenting on Commissioner Hodge and Tari’s meeting  with the SPCA to lanuch and independent investigation. 

I thought my readers might want to see that blogger’s commentary.  Click here

Help Make Sure An Independent Investigation Happens

In the comments section, Jenn posted a helpful piece, which is critical if this investigation is going to get done properly.  Since this is so important I am moving her notice to the top of the blog.  It will be helpful to assuring that this is done right if people let the County State’s Attorney, Chris Eastridge, know that people expect a fair and impartial investigaiton.   Jenn thanks so much for sharing this considerate and helpful information.  Other parts of her post are helpful too so you may want to go see the full piece in the comments section.

Part of Jenn’s Post —–

—-Secondly, the Cecil County States Attorneys Office would have jurisdiction in the CCSPCA allegations because of where CCSPCA is located. However, if they were to perform the investigation, it would be a conflict of interest because the Cecil County Assistant States Attorney is no other than Keith Baynes, the lawyer for CCSPCA who also sits on their Board of Directors. Mr Baynes has also spoken out in favor of the CCSPCA on this blog as well as in the Cecil Whig during this time. Everyone needs to contact Chris Eastridge, States Attorney, and let him know we are aware of this conflict of interest that Mr Baynes represents, and that the fair thing for CC residents is to let the Attorney General decide who takes on the investigation. The animals, and the citizens of CC deserve a fair, impartial investigation onto all of these matters. Mr Eastridges contact info is:
Christopher Eastridge
Office of State’s Attorney
Courthouse, Room 210
129 East Main St., Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 996-5335; fax: (410) 392-7814
e-mail: csmith@ccgov.org

A little bit of good news and lot of same old, same old

Prior to going to the County Chamber’s, Cecil County night in Annapolis I received a troubling call from a constituent who wanted answers from me about Commissioner Hodge’s “closed door” meeting with the Board of the SPCA.
The Constituent wanted to know if it were true that Mr. Hodge had meet in private with the board? Was it true that he took his former campaign manager with him. (It was pointed out that Mr Hodge had previously tried to get his former campaign director hired at the County as a public relations officer but these efforts failed) Was it true that Mr. Hodge suggested to the SPCA Board that they hire his former campaign director as the SPCA’s public relations spokesperson?
My response was complete shock. I told the caller I don’t even know that there was any meeting. I explained I have
been in Annapolis all day but I sincerely doubted that one of the County Commissioners would meet with the SPCA board in a “closed meeting” because just two days ago I complained about the plans for the Commissioner’s to meet with the CCSPCA board in a closed session. After I explained, I believed the planned meeting would violate the open meetings act, since arguably the requirement to have the Sheriff and Health Dept. Officer on the Board make it a Quasi-governmental agency. I told the caller I knew nothing about any such meeting but that I was meeting with the Commissioners in about two hours and I would be glad to ask Commissioner Hodge if he had a meeting and what happened at the meeting.
When I meet with Mr. Hodge and his former campaign manager they confirmed they went to the meeting together. The former campaingn manager was asked by the CCSPCA Board President, Ms. Shwerzler to stay outside to the meeting. I told Commissioner Hodge of the call I had received and he told me that he had explained to Ms. Swertzler that she had lost her credibility and needed to have someone else speaking for the CCASPCA.  Apparantly she said no.
Needless to say, I am incredulous.

The only bit of good news is that during the conversation, Commissioner Hodge conveyed to me that Ms. Swerzler had agreed to return the $5,000 the County paid to the CCSPCA last year to start the pilot program for Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) but in fact the CCSPCA never did start.  My Chief of Staff Ms. Lochlear questioned what happened to the money last year in a public hearing. The CCSPCA could not answer the question, nor could the County but we were told they would find out and get back to us.  No one ever got back to us, so at the hearing on Tuesday we brought it up once again.  To the extent, that Commissioner Hodge was able to assist in convincing the CCSPCA Board to  return these funds to the taxpayer’s, well for that, at least , we thank you.

CanalSide” “Connecting the Dots – Making Sense of . . . “

CANALSIDE:  Connecting The Dots – Making Sense of the Inconceivable

As I sit in my warm home on this bitter cold evening, I reflect on the past several days events. I worry about all the poor chained dogs out in the bitter cold without warmth, companionship, food or water. I worry about the dogs and cats at the mercy of neglectful owners or kennels. I wish I could get those thoughts out of my mind, but that won’t happen until I fall asleep.

I free-associate, trying to piece together and make sense of the hundreds of pieces of information that have been hurled at us in the last few days. Horrible bits of information. Too many to count. Too hard to concieve.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REST OF THE PIECE ON CANALSIDE

Whig Says Outside Consultants to Inspect CCSPCA

The Cecil Whig is announcing that outside consultants will inspect the CCSPCA.  The paper seems to be stating that both the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States will inspect the facility.

Here’s the link

Commissioner Attends Last Night’s SPCA Board Meeting

Two of the bloggers have posts up that we think are of interest as this continues unfolding, so we are posting links here:

———-

Someone Noticed:  Commissioner Attends SPCA Board Meeting To Investigate Matter We received a post several hours ago, which we are going to let go up, since it asks for a confirmation on an action that we hope is untrue.  Someone apparently thoroughly familiar with inside activities at the SPCA and county government or someone trying to shake things up with more rumors, said that County Commissioner Hodge attended the SPCA board meeting. . . .

CanalSide:  Dear Canal Side, Thank you for your excellent coverage of the CCSPCA fiasco. I heard that a meeting of the CCSPCA occurred last night and that the meeting was attended by County Commissiner Robert Hodge . . .

WMAR Posts Additional Info about Upcoming Report on SPCA

This link will take you to a new posting on the WMAR web site concerning new material the station is going to broadcast Thursday evening at 11:00 p.m.

Click Here

WMAR-TV (ABC) to run eyewitness accounts, tonight at 11pm, of animal abuse and sadistic acts by employees of the CCSPCA.

Originally, there were only three former employees, a few former volunteers and numerous citizens who had reported problems to my office about abuse of animals and financial mismanagement at the CCSPCA. Subsequent to publishing a few of those accounts on this blog, over five hundred people have posted comments on this blog, called my office, mailed my office or came by personally. (Over 33,000 have logged onto this site, so far)  As a result of  having a forum for the public to discuss the issue, many, many have come forward to corroborate the original information.  Many new allegations about previous sadistic acts against these innocent animals have also come to light.  Many others have contacted me to say that they or others personally know of other acts but are afraid to come forward just yet.  We are busy collecting sworn statements from those who make allegations about  animal abuse and will provide them to prosecutors. 

Amongst those in the category of bringing to light new allegations or confirming old is the story of the former Assistant Administrator who will be telling her story tonight at 11pm on WMAR-TV, (ABC) news at 11pm.  You should know that the information she relays will be very graphic and emotional, the young or those easily disturbed by such things should not watch the program.  I had this information prior to the Commissioner’s hearing but did not post it so as to not inflame the passions of those who came out to the public hearing.  I also knew of some of the more horrendous allegations but had not discussed them prior because I had not found any eyewitness.  Now that she has come forward another former employee came forward yesterday to confirm her eyewitness accounts.  This newest witness will also be suppling an affidavit given under oath.

In addition to the former Assistant Administrator (the No. 2 position at the facility at the time) going on camera tonight, two of the original three former employees also were taped.  I just do not know what the station has time to show tonight. 

We are in the process of collecting Affidavits from all those who have eyewitness accounts of animal abuse or neglect and or information about the financial mismanagement at the CCSPCA.  If you have information and are willing to swear under oath what you are saying is true. Contact my office and we will arrange to get the information to the proper authorities so we can add your voice to all those coming forward.

Reader Describes Meeting; Thanks Dr. McDermot for Attending

One of the readers described the meeting for us last night over on the comments section, but since the blog is getting so many posts, I have moved it to the front of the log since it contains some instructive information.  The Whig wrote that the SPCA had intended to to be at the meeting, but decided not to because of threats of physical harm so they asked supporters not to place themselves at risk.  Our reader thanks Dr. McDermott for showing up.

—————— Comments Post from Blog

Post in Comments Section Describing the Meeting Last Night

I attended the public meeting last night and I was impressed. I saw an open public meeting being conducted by the Commissioners, democaracy in action. I saw a large crowd of concerend citizens. I saw people voicing their opinions on a very emotional issue with a great deal of decorum. I saw lots of folks, but I didn’t see Nancy Schwerzler or Jeanne Demming. Dr. McDermott was in attendence and he should be complimented for having the guts to show up at the meeting. It’s a shame that the executive management from CCSPCA disn’t show up to explain to the public how the $640,000 of public money is being spent.

CanalSide: “Schwerzler Stonewalls . . . “

CanalSide has more news.  Part of the article is copied here.  Click on the link at the bottom to go to the full story.

———- CanalSide

Schwerzler Stonewalls – Denies Allegations – CanalSide Calls For Boycott of SPCA

“Dame” Nancy Schwerzler, board president of the SPCA, a place some are now likening to the “Dog Auschwitz of Cecil County” and her minions are taking the hard line against any and all allegations of abuse, effectively calling dozens of Cecil countians, eyewitnesses and former volunteers and supporters LIARS. Could it be she doubts their honesty or integrity? Or second guesses their intelligence? Perhaps she doubts their level of dedication to exposing the truth.

In any case, it would appear you good citizens and your beloved pets have all been given the big one finger salute by the dainty dames at the SPCA.

There’s only one problem. Like it or not, this time the case has moved beyond “hearsay” and into the legal arena. Finally. Thanks to one courageous public servant.

I must say I am most curious as to why Dr. McDermott, the house veterinarian, did not speak up at last night’s meeting. He was present, but mum. In my opinion, looking quite glum. Will he come forward to speak? He of all people has knowledge of the truth. I hope he has the courage to do what is right.

ARTICLE CONTINUES ON CANALSIDE

Wilmington Newspaper Reports on SPCA

Animal abuse alleged at Maryland SPCA

Cecil County residents urge county commissioners to investigate blog’s assertions

By IRA PORTER • The News Journal • January 14, 2009

Tempers are flaring in Cecil County, Md., after a slew of allegations from animal advocates and former employees of the Cecil County SPCA about animal cruelty at the shelter.

During the public comment portion of a Tuesday night preliminary budget meeting, residents voiced their concerns to county commissioners and urged an investigation of the CCSPCA, at 3280 Augustine Herman Highway near Chesapeake City.

The allegations of animal mistreatment at the SPCA have been posted on a blog written by Upper Shore state Delegate Mike Smigiel. The blog includes a picture of a shed with bullet holes in the wall.

Smigiel’s blog lists alleged incidents in which an animal control officer took two dogs outside and shot them, then administered euthanasia drugs while they were still alive.

Smigiel’s blog claims that residents from the four counties he represents have complained about euthanasia of animals that were not aggressive or sick. The blog says former employees have come forward with the information.

“The people of Cecil County pay the SPCA to protect and care for homeless and stray animals. Never did we expect what we are hearing to be happening,” Cailey Locklair, Smigiel’s chief of staff, said at Tuesday night’s meeting.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO FULL ARTICLE

CanalSide Publishes the SPCA “dirty laundry list . . .”

CanalSide, another Cecil County blogger, has more on this story

————–  CanalSide

The Dirty Laundry List of CCSPCA Abuse Allegations

I thought it would be a good idea to get everything organized so people can write in an make comments on each allegation, as well as add to the list. This will be an ongoing list to be added to. Please if you have been witness to any of these things come forward with any corroborating information. Make USE comment section to provide details and be sure to call Del Mike Smiegel.

ARTICLE CONTINUES ON CANALSIDE

WMAR Says It Will Have More News on the SPCA Allegations Thursday

On WMAR TV’s Tuesday report on the SPCA allegations, the news anchor noted that the station will broadcast much more on this subject on its 11:00 p.m. Thursday broadcast.

I am posting this announcement here so readers  of this blog are aware of the additional news the station is working on.

SPCA Allegations Air on WBAL

Today WBAL Radio carried information on the allegations about the SPCA and the subject is on the station’s website.

Click here to go to that section on www.wbal.com

CanalSide Reports on Online Petition

CanalSide Reports on Online Petition

An online petition has been created with the hope of gathering 5,000 signatures to be submitted to Governor O’Malley, Attorney General Gansler, and Delegate Smigiel upon completion so that these charges can be investigated and hopefully prosecuted.

Cli