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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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: 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

Click here to go to CanalSide for the full piece

CanalSide Reports on County Commissioners Meeting

CanalSide has published a report on the commissioners meeting from last night.  I have copied part of it here and click on the link at the bottom to go to the entire story, along with photos.
SRO AT Cecil County Commissioners Meeting – Candlelight Vigil Covered by Baltimore News – Public Calls for the Heads of CCSPCA Top Staff

Del. Mike Smiegel talks to reporter during candlelight vigil

The cat is out of the bag. The horse is out of the barn. Anyway you slice it, the public has demanded that Cecil County Commissioners withhold any further funding from the Cecil County SPCA until changes are made. Hundreds attended tonight’s meeting. At the time I left, around 9 pm, many people had taken their turn at the microphone to speak out on the myriad allegations being levied against staff at the Cecil County SPCA and suggest changes that should be made. Because I attended more with my “photographer’s hat” rather than a “reporter’s hat” I will be brief in my verbiage. Besides, as they say, a picture tells a thousand words, and you’ll be able to read the entire text of the meeting on the County website as soon as it’s posted. It will make for very good reading, trust me. Tonight my faith in my fellow man is restored. I was deeply touched by the number of people who attended the vigil and by their sad stories. I only regret that I do not get the Baltimore news at my home in Delaware….I’d love to see tonight’s 11:00 broadcast. Oh – and Smiegel…don’t tell anyone I said this, but you’re not half bad, for a Republican.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS CONTINUE ON CANALSIDE

Thanks For Making Sure the Message Was Heard

The Commissioner’s meeting tonight went very well and a large, overflow crowd showed up to help make sure the commissioners understood how serious this matter is.  That message came through loud and clear.  Thanks everyone for making sure that this situation is finally getting investigated.  I will have more updates and more important news soon, but it has been a very long day and is getting late now.

There were several Cecil County Bloggers at the meeting tonight so it will be interesting to see what they have to say about what took place.  One of them, Someone Noticed, was blogging live from the Commissioners meeting reporting on what was happening as it took place, so you may see that site for details.  I will try to get more together tomorrow.

Several of the Baltimore television stations also aired pieces so check out those links below.  WMAR promised more investigative reporting in an upcoming broadcast.

It will be interesting to see how the Whig covers today’s happening in tomorrow’s paper. I would hope they no longer characterize this as just two disgruntled employees and it would be nice if they would correct they impression that the SPCA board president is the one who called for the Attorney General to investigate.  They need only read this blog’s earlier entries to know that days prior, I wrote that I had spoken to the Attorney General and sent him a package of information. The Commissioners then followed suit and only after all this was public knowledge, did Ms. Swerzler then called for an investigation. (Also available on the blog is the information included in the blog on “Precious”, (the dog) and how the volunteer worker was asked six months ago “not to report the problems she reported here, to the County Commissioners) Six months ago the SPCA Board President  is asking people to keep quite about complaints now that the word is out, they want an investigation.  Looks like someone is trying to set themselves apart from the allegations and to be in a position to throw others under the bus.  We will see.

Again thank you.  Your help in making sure this matter was finally investigated was essential, we all now know how long these stories have been around.

WJZ Channel 13 Reports on SPCA Allegations

Activists Accuse Cecil Co. SPCA Of Animal Cruelty

Reporting
Kelly McPherson

CECIL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―

Click to enlarge

Disturbing accusations of animal cruelty and neglect against a place that is supposed to be a haven for homeless animals.

CBS

Disturbing accusations of animal cruelty and neglect against a place that is supposed to be a haven for homeless animals.  In fact, the accusations against the Cecil County SPCA are so troubling, they’re causing a flood of outrage.  Kelly McPherson has a response from the SPCA and the demand for answers from the public.

This is the climax of months of angry story-swapping about animal abuse in Cecil County.  Some say the SPCA shot, strangled or neglected animals.

“I opened the door and head horrible screaming and crying.  I knew instantly it was my dog.  It was Molly,” said Jennifer Snellings-Barber.

Allegations have merged into one plea for the county commissioners to cut off funding to the agency.

STORY CONTINUES ON http://wjz.com/pets/animal.abuse.allegations.2.907356.html

WMAR Channel 2 Broadcasts Story About SPCA Allegations

 Animal Lovers Stage Candle Light Vigil

Reported by: Terry Owens Email: owens@wmar.com Last Update: 10:02 pm

Cecil County Commissioners got a loud and clear message at Tuesday night’s budget meeting. Dozens of animals lovers filled the meeting after staging a huge candle light vigil outside complete with hand made signs and pictures of dead animals. The demonstrators turned out to show their concern over allegations of abuse at the Cecil County SPCA. Confronted with the overwhelming turnout commissioner members told the crowd steps would be taken to address the serious allegations that have swirled for sometime. STORIE CONTINUES ON http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/Animal-Lovers-Stage-Candle-Light-Vigil/DOOro36vm0O2Ogf2M6LNQg.cspx

Someone Noticed Disagrees With Whig Assertion About Closed Meetintg

Not too long ago, I didn’t know what a blogswarm or blogstorm was so I will take Someone Noticed’s word for it that there is one going on now.  Several bloggers are actively breaking news or commenting on this subject.  I just noticed that Someone Noticed commented on the Whig’s statement that the county could have a closed door meeting with the CCSPCA since they are a contractor and it is a county personnel matter.  I thought you might want to see what the Elkton blogger said about it.  Thanks Someone Noticed for posting your comments about this.  It is appreciated.

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Someone Noticed

Whig Says Closed Door Meeting Could Take Place

As for the Whig, we noticed they appear to be delivering a legal opinion today when a news section piece said: “That meeting could have been closed to the public and press under state law because the SPCA is a contracted service with the county and the subject matter would have involved personnel issues.” An interesting assertion by the Whig for our Black’s Law Dictionary doesn’t support the employee-employer relationship the daily newspaper is able to see in this contract situation.

article continues on Someone Noticed.

CanalSide Continues Getting the Story First: WJZ Covers CCSPA Protest

Cecil County’s first citizen journalism blog, CanalSide, has been very busy breaking additional stories on the CCSPCA allegations.  Earlier today CanalSide reported on WJZ TV13 coverage of this fast moving story.  Thanks CanalSide for helping keep current information out there, for breaking a number of fresh pieces over and for doing some excellent reporting and writing.

CanalSide

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

WJZ TV13 Covers CCSPCA Protest

Derek Valcourt, reporter for WJZ TV 13 in Baltimore, was in town today to interview the Cecil County SPCA, but was told the director was not there. Unable to get an interview, he spoke with a few of the people who are actively protesting alleged abuses of animals at the facility. According to Gretchen Gross, SPCA director, Jeanne Deemer, is a breeder of purebred Irish Setters and Pointers and is alleged to keep several of her personal pets at the facility. She was seen leaving with three of them in her car yesterday, according to Gretchen. Maybe it’s just me but that seems like a slight conflict of interests to have a dog breeder responsible for trying to find mixed breed dogs homes, not to mention using a taxpayer payed facility to allegedly kennel and groom her own personal dogs.

Story and photos continue on Canal Side.  Click here

CanalSide Posts Original Piece On CCSPCA Allegations: More Witnesses Come Forward

Yet another Cecil County Blogger, CanalSide, just produced an original piece over on its site.  Part of it is copied here, but click on the link at the bottom to go to the full article

—————————–  Post From CanalSide

Allegations Mount on CCSPCA Abuse Issue – More Witnesses Come Forward – WBAL News Crew Turned Away at Door

“…I went around the back of the building, looked up and saw the crane bucket full of dead dogs. They were taking them to the crematorium” said Melanie Bass, tears welling up in her eyes. I almost had a breakdown. “That is supposed to be done after hours” said Jennifer-Snellings-Barber. Apparently they were in a hurry to take care of things today”As a news crew from Baltimore’s WBAL TV was denied an interview and allegedly asked to leave by SPCA director Jeanne Deemer early this afternoon, so were a handful of women who showed up to check on and walk some of the dogs being held at the Cecil County SPCA, according to eyewitness reports.

After being shown the door, the group of women proceeded to Bridge Street in Elkton, which is where I caught up with them. With the temperature hovering at around 34 degrees and north winds blowing, the group stood in front of Lena’s Deli, located next to the Cecil Whig building, and held up signs to tell passers-by their story. Passing cars and tractor trailers blew their horns in support, and the gal behind the counter at Lena’s said “I just put on a fresh pot of coffee for you all”

Article continues on CanalSide including more photos and comments on media coverage.  Thanks CanalSide.

Whig Asks Another Blogger to Remove Content

Friday night, another Cecil County blogger, the Chesapeake City Mirror, was the first to break the story that the Whig had posted a 6:00 p.m. piece saying that county commissioners were going to have a private meeting with the SPCA.  The Chesapeake City Mirror posted the content of the announcement on its website and the news was quickly picked up by other weblogs and spread around the Web through emails, discussion groups, and social networking sites.  This afternoon I noticed the Whig had communicated with the Chesapeake City Mirror asking them to remove the content from the site.  They have complied, but the note making the request is up on the other blog.

Cecil County Commissioners Cancel Closed Door Meeting With SPCA

One of our readers just put up a note advising that that the county commissioners have now canceled the closed door meeting with the SPCA, according to a 3:00 p.m. posting on the Cecil Whig’s web site.  That closed door morning meeting had first been announced Friday night on the newspaper’s web site.  Although the closed door session now appears to be off, the Tuesday evening meeting is still on.

The Rest of the Story: Whig Covers SPCA Statements

This morning’s Whig coverage of statements made by the SPCA on these allegations calls for a lot more information from the other side of this story.  Since only statements from the SPCA were printed in the paper (and some things taken from this blog), I will continue doing  what I can to get the other part of this issue out.  One that needs a response soon is the timeline on this matter.  I am working on it right now, but things are very busy here.  I will get this out as soon as possible so you have a better understanding of how this evolved and how long this has been going on.

Stay tuned and I’ll get it up as soon as possible so readers have as much of the perspective as possible from both sides.  I will also try to present the other side of this, since there was none of that into today’s paper.

A Former Cecil County Editor Says Closed Door Meeting is Wrong

On my blog this morning, I found a post from a former Cecil County Editor, Wayne Fenstermacher.  Wayne was with the Rising Sun Herald and other papers and had a track record of doing some excellent digging into subjects on his beat, Cecil County.  Since he has experience in the news profession and knowledge of Cecil County, I thought his note should be moved to the front of the blog.

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Comment from Wayne Fenstermacher

I have to concur with both the blogs that this meeting cannot legally be held outside the view of the public. In fact, I’d even suggest that the County Commissioners have enough notice about the potential for a large audience at this coming week’s meeting – that they should move it to a venue that will accomodate the expected attendance.To not do this is short sighted. Let them know that you will not accept turning away of any citizen from this meeting. They might want to have the State Fire Marshal’s office there to supervise the capacity of the room. Elected officials with a good sense of what is right will postpone the meeting if too many are turned away. That’s saying a lot as typically, most elected officials of the past would just hold a meeting that excludes the public. As a former journalist covering Cecil County in the 1990’s, I had a few doors closed on my foot, that’s for sure.

I do hope someone can attend the meeting and provide regular updates via the blogosphere. While there’s new TV programming returning this week, I think the entertainment might be worth a look at smigiel.wordpress.com and someonenoticed.wordpress.com on Tuesday night.

Another Cecil Co. Blogger Says Closed Meeting is Wrong for All

Val H  posted a note overnight letting me know that another Cecil County Blog, Someone Noticed, has commented on this situation.  Since many of our readers may want to see this piece, I am copying part of it here and you may click over to see the entire note.  Thanks for letting me know.

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Someone Noticed

Closed Meeting Over SPCA Allegations Is Wrong for All Stakeholders
January 10, 2009 · No Comments

On this icy January evening as a little frozen drizzle falls on Cecil County and we comfort our pets (two stray cats and dachshund) , the weather and the scope of this still unfolding story calls us to make two more remarks.

We read over on the Chesapeake City Mirror that the Cecil County Commissioners are going to hold a closed door meeting to begin an examination on this subject in private.  We don’t know if this was ever the right thing to do back when it first surfaced, but it is definitely not the right thing now for the county, the SPCA, the taxpayers, and the animals.  This has escalated far too much with allegations of attacks on individual character, the depth of the complaints, and with the walls of silence that built up over the past few months.  This needs the sunshine of open government so everyone can now make sure all the political leadership is doing the right things and to restore public trust, which we believe has been badly shaken by these allegations.

We do hope the Whig made a mistake on its Friday evening web posting for surely the county commissioners want to do the right thing which is evidence based fact-finding, providing appropriate care for animals, and restoring public trust.  They surely don’t want to appear to be involved in this  issue beyond making sure things are done right and that the county’s tax dollars are approximately utilized.  It is not the way for a new county administration to start off its term in office.

CONTINUES ON SOMEONE NOTICED

CanalSide Posts Response from ASPCA on Cecil Co. SPCA Allegations

Another Cecil County Blogger, CanalSide, posted a response from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Animals on the Cecil County SPCA allegations. 

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CanalSide…Where North Meets South on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal

Chesapeake City Maryland’s Original Community Blog. Cheerfully reporting from the banks of the C & D Canal since February 2006.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Official ASPCA Statement on Cecil SPCA Allegations

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA with your concerns about the allegations against the Cecil County SPCA shelter. We share your concerns for the millions of animals at risk in our nation’s shelters. ASPCA Mission: Orange is a focused effort by the ASPCA, in partnership with select “target” communities, to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time; where animals receive the compassion and respect due to them as sentient beings, and where there is no more unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable animals simply because of a lack of resources or awareness.

Although the ASPCA is a national organization, we have humane law enforcement authority only in New York State and no authority to investigate shelters or other organizations. The ASPCA also has no chapters or affiliates and we are not associated with the Cecil County SPCA shelter. The ASPCA Community Outreach department provides materials, resources, training, referrals, and advice to animal protection organizations across the U.S. upon their request and we would be happy to offer our expertise if requested. I hope that I can provide some information to help you.

There is no national accreditation program for animal shelters. Licensing of shelters differs from state to state. In many states, the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Health is responsible for shelter oversight. You can find your state’s regulations by going to our website. It is important to document problems before taking action. Write times, places and specific problems down. Photos, videos and other records can be very helpful. Be specific and reasonable.

Article Continues on CanalSide

Wise Words From An Animal Control Professional

I’m getting so many comments on the blog that it’s hard to keep up with them.  Right now, for example, there are nearly 300 posts, reacting to the news.  Many of them are particularly beneficial and helpful but because of the volume of hits and postings readers may miss some of these.  A few minutes ago this one came in from an Animal Control Professional, which speaks for itself.  I think it is something everyone should keep in mind, so I’m moving it to top of the blog.

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Blog Comment from a Visitor

As a professional in the business of Animal Services in another County, I am APPALLED by these allegations. At the same time I would caution all involved, from the accused to the accusers to settle down, stop arguing, go to separate corners be quiet and allow an investigation to determine whether or not these allegations are in fact true. While it sounds as if they are, in this Country one is innocent until proven guilty. I have seen how allegations against a shelter can snowball and facts become distorted, as Mr. Smigiel stated there is no societal business that conjures more emotion that Child or Animal welfare. Heated emotions can and will ruin your agenda, I say this to both sides of this issue. Focus, organize amongst yourselves but stay calm, stay realistic, and don’t turn this into a lynching mob, it will work against your agenda to improve Animal Services within your county. If you all care about this, you’ll consider these things in the coming weeks.

To address the misappropriation of funds, (which beyond the allegations of neglect and abuse I find most upsetting) I am sickened to hear what a generous contract this organization has been given by the County and what they appear to do and don’t do with that amount of money! They have a staff Veterinarian as well. Most shelters would give their right arm to have these resources and that amount of money available to them. When I hear that they ignore testing for communicable disease, fail to treat disease, fail to implement TNR programs with so much public support, both governmental and privately I am sickened. What my organization could accomplish with such funding and support, We could only wish for! It is beyond nauseating to one who works in this industry, looking at it from the outside. The average salary of a Director is within the $50,000 area. No perks such as vehicles, the ability to have their breeding business within the same confines of the shelter they run….. That is just wrong on every level and should not be tolerated. It appears that the management has a wonderful thing going there at the expense of the tax payers of your county. Accountability is something we don’t take seriously anymore and this is what happens when an agency such as this is found to have no policy of accountability! Records should ALL be public information, financial, disposition of animals, medical…. after all the county is footing the bill…. the county means…. the citizens. I don’t feel it’s too much to ask of the management to be always ready to provide this information to anyone who wants to see it. Of course records can and often are fudged, that’s why at this point, an investigation by an agency that has no ties with this organization must be conducted. Let’s see where the tax dollars have been spent, lets make certain that those in charge of making decisions for that organization are spending it wisely and most importantly as the taxpayers wish them to spend it. We have watched over the last year as so many large businesses have face issues of misappropriation of funds, no surprise to me that it happens in not for profit as well, maybe more than people realize…. I applaud the citizens for taking a stand to put a stop to alleged abuse of their tax dollars and what appears to be the deceit of their trust to do the right thing by the county’s homeless animals. Just please keep your heads on during this unfolding time, don’t get heated!

With the amount of funds available to them by combining their generous contract along with private donations I can tell you that you should have one of the most commendable agencies in the state, per your population to square miles capita. Your animal control response and services to the citizens would never require criticism, it would be exemplary, your euth rates should be reasonably low, your community services and outreach should be enviable and your shelter would be magnificent to visit. Your ARE doing something, maybe a lot of things wrong if you can’t boast of any of these, and I guarantee you, I am in a position to know this. At the top of your page you show a photo of a carrier full of adorable kittens, and they are heatwrenchingly cute. However please understand that every shelter everywhere gets this same carrier of kittens in multiple times per day and I’m sorry to say that they are most often put to sleep because there is no one to adopt them. That is not the fault of the staff… it is a social problem that has been left unaddressed. No if the staff can’t say that they are doing everything in their power…. utilizing outsources such as legitimate rescues, the media, the internet, foster homes… then this is a tragedy. There are many facts about sheltering that the general public is either sheilded from or go unsaid because of the shear ugliness of this work. Euthanasia of such large numbers of healthy animals is just one. I believe it is best actually to make those numbers known to the public, only then will they see the tragedy in the senseless deaths, and perhaps become more willing to help. The number of animals in which a shelter may hold and care properly for at any given time is an issue that the public also doesn’t understand. So, if your shelter has a healthy capacity to house and care for 100 dogs and you find your numbers climbing above that, yet no one is coming to adopted, euthanasia must be performed to keep the numbers in a healthy range. It’s an ugly, disgusting aspect of this business, but the decisions must be made. Elderly, sickly, or feral animals are always considered first, to allow younger, healthy animals to have a chance. Would any of your be prepared to make such decisions? It’s hard to sleep at night, I can tell you. I’m not defending the people at this shelter, I just want those of you who are outraged to also see this business from the inside, so that as you rebuild your shelter you keep in mind that SOMEONE has to be in place who can and will make these decisions. Overpopulation leads to deadly illnesses, dog fighting, and insanity of the animals within a shelter. It’s so very sad. The crime I find in it all with this shelter is that even with all this money and donations and volunteers willing to make a difference, they failed to utilize any of it to run a first rate facility. They seem secertive and that’s a big flag to me. When people are let go or volunteers are asked not to return because the ask questions or want accountability…. it’s time to take a very close look at administration, policy and procedures and do some house cleaning. The citizens deserve to be proud of their only shelter and to be made a part of it’s everyday business, happenings, successes and even it’s failures.

I’m watching this with great interest. I used to live in your county and am so very sorry this has come about. Let’s hope all involved will be mindful of their behavior during the coming weeks and remember this is about fixing what is broken, not about lynching, not about tearing apart your only shelter, but finding what is wrong, who is wrong, getting rid of the problems and replacing them with what will give the county’s citizens comfort regarding a very sensitive issue, what to do with all their unwanted animals.

God Bless you all and good luck. May your shelter shine for your homeless animal population when this is all sorted out.

CanalSide, Another County Blog, Reports on Molly

I just got word that CanalSide, another Cecil County Blogger, has a piece on Molly, another one of these stories.  Thanks CanalSide, Chesapeake City Mirror, Salisbury News, It Smells, and all the other bloggers for helping to get the word out and add additional content to this story.  It is also on the Baltimore Sun bulletin board site, Craig’s List and many others.  Thanks for helping to get the word out since the legacy media wasn’t going to touch it without this type of pressure from the public.

Citizens Speak Out on Alleged Animal Abuse at Cecil County SPCA – Animal “House of Horrors” Exposed

Jennifer Snellings-Barber holds the remains of Molly, who allegedly bled to death after an operation at the Cecil County SPCA.

“Molly”

I was shocked and sickened to read the email that just came across my desk from a friend who said she had had her worst suspicions confirmed. It had a link to a recent article on Mike Smiegel’s Cecil County Blog describing recent allegations of animal abuse at the Cecil County SPCA in Chesapeake City, MD.

Story Continues on CanalSide

Is the public to be blocked out?

It appears from multiple media sources that a closed door meeting will be held between the County Commissioners and representatives of the CCSPCA.  The closed door session has been requested by the CCSPCA President, Ms. Nancy Schwerzler.  This is the same Ms. Schwertzler who asked a previous volunteer who’s story is posted on this website (see Joanna’s Precious article), not to speak with the County Commissioners about her concerns just six months ago.  Now all of the sudden after those concerns come to light along with a plethora of others, she wants to hold a meeting excluding the public.  While she is free to hold any private meeting she wishes, our elected officals have an obligation and duty to open government unless it is one of those rare times specified to allow a closed meeting.  All the issues which have been discussed in this open forum, are public knowledge now and should continue to be discussed in public forums, especially when our elected officials are involed and taxpayer dollars at stake.

If you agree, please let the Commissioners know this weekend by emailing and calling!

(note:  The Tuesday night public meeting is still on.  The closed session, according to the Cecil Whig, will be happening sometime prior to that time, presumably so a closed door session can take place before Tuesday evening.  That is the best information I have, which is based on what the Whig wrote on its website.  You may want to contact the commissioners to find out directly what is happening.)

Whig misses the point, closed door hearing to be held

The Cecil Whig has finally begun covering the SPCA abuse story due to overwhelming pressure from the public.  Unfortunately, it appears the allegations of abuse and mistreatment, from you, the public, are being downplayed and the new found willingness of Ms. Schwerzler and the CCSPCA to launch an investigation are being emphasized.

As the readers of this blog will note, three days ago I wrote that I spoke to the Attorney General, Doug Gansler, about doing an investigation of these allegations.  It was two days ago when we posted that the Cecil County Commissioners had notified us that they too were requesting the assistance of the Attorney General to intervene in this matter.  None of this information appears in the Whig article, only that Ms. Schwerzler is coming to the rescue! 

The second thing the Whig seems to be missing is the point that the allegations do not come from “Delegate Smigiel” as they claim.  They come from former employees, as well as numerous citizens, former volunteers and others who have had first-hand contact with the experiences they are relating on this blog. 

Perhaps the greatest concern of all is that the Whig appears to have no concern that the SPCA President “told the  Whig the matter qualifies for closed meeting status under state law because of the contractual services the SPCA has with the county and the personnel issues the controversy involves.”  I hope and trust that the Commissioners have obtained a legal opinion with respect to Ms. Schwerzler’s legal proclamation since my understanding of the “employment” implies discussing personnel issues with county employees.  Secondly, it is certainly stretching the privilege of closed meetings to claim that a discussion of a contract issue would cover this matter.  It is bizarre at the least to say that one would say closed meetings can be held for anyone who contracts with the county.  This issue involves a great breach of the public trust and the amount of investment the public has made in the care and custody of living creatures that cannot speak for themselves. It should be discussed amongst the elected officials and those entrusted in a public forum where those footing the bill have open access to those discussions.  I am appalled that our county government would even consider at this point, knowing what it knows, trying to resolve this behind closed doors.  That is why we are in this situation because for too many years the door has been closed.

What are you thoughts?

It is obvious the CCSPCA strategy is now have their friends in media spin the case to be nothing more than a few disgruntled employees.  To also seek friends in government whow ill hide the truth behind closed doors and if that fails to toss a few under the buss and claim we were with you all the time.

 If you agree that this should be done in public, let the commissioners know.

Wicomico County Humane Society Offers to Help at No Cost to Cecil County

The Cecil County Commissioners received a letter from the Humane Society of Wicomic County on January 9, offering shelter and basic vet care for some of the animals here at no cost to Cecil County. 

Ms. Lugo also posted on this web site, offering to help.  Thank you for offering to assist us.

News About SPCA Allegations Continues Spreading

Since the  allegations about the SPCA finally moved to the Internet five (5) days ago, the word has spread and the response has been enormous.  That interest continues and over the last 24-hours another 5,000 unique visitors stopped by the web site for updates.  Too, nearly 1,500 people stopped by to read the web page overnight.  This is a story people care about.  (See graph below.)

Also, yesterday evening the Cecil Whig finally wrote something about the allegations, saying that the president of the SPCA was now joining in to call for an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General.  Thanks everyone for helping to get wider attention on this important subject.  The allegations have been known for a long time, but now it appears everyone is calling for an independent investigation, including the SPCA.  Notice the website “friends” of the SPCA created in October 2008 (shermansham.wordpress.com) concerning a story that WBAL apparently was going to run about allegations at that time.   

Yet another comes forward to tell her story of dealing with the Cecil County SPCA.

While I have been very vocal on this blog posting numerous times about what you can do to demand change, its now time that I also share my stories regarding the Cecil County SPCA.

I am very active in a dog rescue located in Delaware. In the Spring of 2007 we were asked to help a dog that was running loose in an apartment complex in DE. The dog was very frightened, and so we needed to find a Have A Hart Humane Trap that was big enough for a dog. I was told by the vet that I work for that CC SPCA may have one that I can rent out. I called and they did allow me to rent it out, although I had to sign a piece of paper that said if it was stolen, I would pay $400 for it. A brand new one costs $200 on the internet (hey that extra $200 could have went into Jeanne’s gas tank I suppose!). Anyways, when I went to return the trap, I was told to just leave it out front and Marty would get around to carrying it out back. I didn’t think that was fair, I used the trap, I’ll carry it around back. So I did. And what I saw were 3 approx 4week old kittens running around loose out back. I could not believe this. I tried to catch them, but they just scattered. I was so upset when I got to work, and the vet that I work for called and spoke to John Kitchen. She told him about the kittens and he said they knew about them. People dump cats all the time, and then they breed. The vet that I worked for asked him if they were going to do anything about it and they said they would get around to it. Because the vet I work for also does cat rescue, she offered to come and get them, completely vet them at her own expense, and find good loving homes for them. She was told that Jeanne would never allow that. Letting us come and take the kittens would have cost them nothing except a notch in their pride, while the euthanasia solution they used on these kittens when they found them and killed them I am sure costs money. Most rescues are happy to work with other rescues. This is how more animals are saved. Not the CC SPCA. They do not want any help.

The president of our rescue went through the Animal Behavior College program online for dog training. As part of her training, she was assigned to the CC SPCA to work with a trainer, Peter (don’t know his last name—can find out) and was told by the trainer about Marcus, the dog that the CC SPCA wanted him to train to become a guard dog to “protect” the SPCA at night. The trainer told her he didn’t agree with their decision, and that the dog was a very nice dog that shouldn’t be ruined that way.

The president also offered to take good high quality photographs of the animals at the shelter and get biographies for each one of them so that we could courtesy post the animals on our site for more exposure. Repeated phone calls and messaged for Jeanne went unreturned. I was finally able to reach John Kitchen regarding the matter, and he told me Jeanne had to make the decision on this matter. HAD TO MAKE THE DECISION ON WHAT? HAVING ONE RESCUE HELP ANOTHER AND TRY TO HELP THEM GET THEIR ANIMALS ADOPTED?!?!?!

I have worked in Cecil County for over five years as a vet tech, and have heard down right awful stories from clients, many of which you are reading on these blogs in the last few days. Being involved in animal rescue and sheltering for over fourteen years, I have seen many many acts of animal abuse in my life. But I must say this one takes the cake–because the very people accused of the abuse are supposed to be protecting these animals. No executive director in their right mind, of any animal rescue agency, would breed dogs knowing how many animals die a day in the US simply because of the overpopulation problem. Yet Jeanne Deeming has no problem breeding dogs. Pathetic excuses for human beings, and I hope there is a special place in he** waiting for all of them.

That being said, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT LET UP THE PRESSURE ON YOUR COUNTY GOV’T, NEWS AGENCIES, THE MEDIA, ETC. THE SPCA IS COUNTING ON THE FACT THAT THIS WILL ALL GO AWAY.

At the meeting on Jan 13th, urge the Commissioners to not renew the current Animal Control Contract with the CC SPCA. Lets see how long the can survive without the $600,000+ they get from the county–because I can tell you I don’t think they will be getting many donations after this. Maybe Jeanne could raffle off her truck?

Also, Urge the Commissioners to transfer money from the CC SPCA to the Health Dept of Cecil County to implement a trap-neuter-release program for the County. Dr Carletti, of All Paws Animal Wellness Clinic, has already been doing trap-neuter-return for many years in the county, many of it at her own expense. She has a whole group of trained volunteers and staff ready to assist in helping these cats. She went to bat for the feral cats in Perryville Park and was allowed to trap-neuter-return those cats to the park. While some donations helped to cover the cost of a few of the surgeries, the rest of the expense came directly out of her pocket. The town of Perryville paid her no money for this project. The CC SPCA was awarded $5000 to start up a trap-neuter-return program in Cecil County and admitted they never implemented it. In fact, they said they spent the money on buying Have A heart Humane Traps–for what, a program they weren’t running? Or for more cats to be caught and euthanized at their hands? URGE THE COMMISSIONERS TO MOVE THE FERAL CAT PROGRAM TO THE HEALTH DEPT WHERE IT CAN BE RUN PROPERLY, PROFESSIONALLY, and QUICKLY!

President of SPCA Joins in by Now Calling for AG Investigation

I’m glad to see on the Cecil Whig site that the President of  the Board of  Directors for the Cecil County SPCA is now joining me and the county commissioners in asking the Maryland Attorney General’s office to investigate the allegations of animal abuse, mistreatment of animals, and financial mismanagement at the Cecil County SPCA. Those reading this blog will know that I indicated two days ago that I had already spoken with the Attorney General with regards to a request for an investigation on a subject that has been arounds for months. As reported yesterday, the County Commissioners had notified me that they would also be requesting the Attorney General to investigatite the many allegations. While the Cecil Whig has not covered the issue or spoken to any of the individuals who have come forward with their concerns, it is nice to see that they are finally writing something about the president of the SPCA board calling for an investigation on this important and growing story.

While I’m glad to see that we’re now all agreeing that an investigation is necessary, let’s all work to make sure that it is done in public and not behind closed doors. I trust any meetings with the SPCA and commissioners will be in the public and not behind “closed doors.” We have new commissioners who have promised to maintain an open government.

A Little Background on How This All Started From a Web Site Visitor

This is a posting I just received and since we’re getting so many I thought I’d move this one to the front of the blog

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Kassaundra – Posting on Delegate Mike Smigiel’s Blog

I just wanted to say thank you to Mr. Smigiel and Cailey for getting this story out! They have done a amazing job at trying to get this issue across to people. I’m so happy that people finally know the true story behind the Cecil County SPCA.

My story:
I went to the Cecil County SPCA July 2008.  My cousin wanted to adopt a cat. So of course I took her our local SPCA. I know cats need to be rescued all the time so I thought this was a good idea. So when we got there we signed in and said we wanted to adopt a cat. No one was friendly at all. You could tell they basically hated their jobs and it’s all about the MONEY. They took us to the kitten room. It was so sad. All of the kittens were sick and they all had eye problems. The pink in their eyes were covering their entire eye. I just wanted to take them all home and save them from this misery. My cousin and I burst into tears. How could you let animals get this way? I have had a cat with an eye problem and it takes maybe 3 days to clear it up with the right care, but obviously this wasn’t happening. Then they took us to another cat room with the adult cats. I think these cats were getting put to sleep. They were all just crying for love and attention. They needed someone to save them and just wanted a good home. This wasn’t the place for that!While giving these cats attention and petting them, I looked at the bottom of one of the cat cages and I saw a baby beagle. She was adorable, but she was laying in her pee and feces. I asked him if they were going to clean the cage and he said no he was off duty, meaning she slept in this all night! We then went to the dog room, where there was a GREAT DANE. It was horrible, the cage was too small for him,  he could barely move. I mean a GREAT DANE, they need to run not be in a cage 24/7. By then my cousin and I ran out of the building it was so disgusting what we saw. How could you treat animals like this? I then called my Mom and Dad and told them what happened, they told me to contact the founder of the SPCA which is in New York. They couldn’t do anything about it because Cecil County doesn’t have a Humane Society. My Mom and Dad called me back and told me to go back the next day and take pictures, If I wanted anything to come of this, I needed to have proof. So that’s what I did. Me and my cousin went back the next day and took pictures of everything! Everything was still the same from the day before. The beagle was moved to a different area in the building. She was now in the “sick” room. Why would she be in the sick room? There was nothing wrong with her the day before. I can imagine why she would be in there, because she just laid in her feces all night. That would make anyone sick! We took pictures of how bad the cats eyes were, no water in the dog bowls, animals laying in the pee and feces. I still couldn’t believe what was going on here but at least I had my pictures to show. I then went down the list with my Mom of who to contact with this issue in the County and State. . I contacted the Cecil County Commissioner and Mr. Smigiel. Mr. Smigiel called me two days after I mailed my letter. TWO DAYS!! He wanted to see my pictures and hear my story. I never heard anything back from the County Commissioner. I later came to find out that the President of the SPCA Nancy Schwerzler, and the Director of the SPCA, Ms. Jeanne Deeming were trying to discredit my cousin and I. Ms. Schwerzler sent pictures of my cousin modeling and a picture of me on Facebook to the County Commissioner. She also claimed that we had never been there for service.( AND I DO HAVE A RECIPET TO CONFIRM THIS.)  I still have no idea why this has anything to do with the animal cruelty and the pictures I took of these conditions. It just makes me wonder when I took my rescued cat there, two years ago to get spayed, and how they treated him?  If I had known what I do now, I wouldn’t had called them or gone there. It’s even horrible when trying to call them about animal cruelty, which you witness around your community. They could care less, they don’t do anything about it. Why would they? They are doing the same thing. I really just hope now that people read these stories and BELIEVE the truth from other witnesses NO ONE should take any animals there!! We need to save these animals and get them out of there before anymore die!! Please help fight against animals cruelty against the Cecil County SPCA. They need us more than anything, we are their voices!! Please everyone attend this meeting and help bring these animals justice. We need to get rid of these inhuman people running this place!!

“Friends” of Cecil County SPCA Attack Reporter

WBAL-TV did interview all of the constituents, employees and volunteers responsible for the original allegations reported herein. They also interviewed Jeanne Deeming who I understand to have walked off, ending the interview when asked about the animals being shot with a handgun.   WBAL interviewed over three days time, they have the tapes and they were going to run in October, then November and finally December.  The reporter  and camera man did a fine job, but yesterday one of our readers sent us the link to this site on the Internet.

http://shermansham.wordpress.com.   Here’s a picture of the Internet page that a reader pointed out yesterday.  (It went up in Oct. 2008.)  Once again, as you can see the response of the said County SPCA was an attempted character assassination on the report, Mr. Sherman.  This is the same tactic used against those who have come forward to tell of he allegations of animal abuse and mistreatment.

The content of shermansham.wordpress.com started coming down after one of our readers Googled it, but I have posted two pictures of the screens below.  Scroll down to see them.

Another Volunteer Reveals The Story She Was Asked to Withhold about SPCA Animal Abuse

January 6, 2009

Delegate Michael  D. Smigiel, Sr.

136 East Main St
Elkton, MD 21921

Dear Mr. Smigiel;

I am writing to you today regarding the Cecil County SPCA. I was forwarded your blog today and I’m so glad someone took the first step to bring this to your attention.  I was a volunteer at the Cecil County SPCA from approximately 10/15/07 – 7/7/08. It has been six months since the last time I volunteered my time there. I wanted to help, but Jeanne forced me out.  During those months I went back and forth in my mind as to whether I should write to the County Commissioners or to someone with the problems I saw there first hand. The Cecil County SPCA’s 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, which made it even more difficult to decide to do so.  The animals in this community deserve much more than what they’re getting at the Cecil County SPCA. Enclosed are my documented findings and photos.  I wish I had more. Please use these to help determine whether the County’s money is being spent in the best way and if the homeless animals of our great County deserve better. I also have recorded radio interviews, short videos, proof of all the fundraising I did (brochures, receipts, etc.) and more pictures if helpful.

Sincerely,

Joanna VanReenen

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Care of animals in the facility:

Jeanne stated in the December WJBR interview that the “staff works with each animal individually” to help re-home them. The facility was understaffed during the time I was there and no one was personally working with the animals. Even when there seemed to be plenty of staff members on hand, the animals were not personally cared for. In fact, the animals weren’t allowed to go outside with any of the staff.  Carl (shelter employee at the time) told me Jeanne didn’t want them “playing” around with the animals, she wanted them cleaning and doing other work at all times. Therefore, none of the animals were being walked or personally cared for. Once in a while, a “trainer in training” would volunteer to work with an animal or two there. That’s the only work that was being done to exercise or just take the animals out of their kennel runs.

Dogs were fed once a day and water was there, but if a dog spilled it, no one was quick to replace it. The place was abandoned at about 4:30pm on most days until the staff returned the next morning. I’m not sure exactly when they came in in the morning, but I think it was around 7:30am. That means animals were left from 4:30pm – 7:30am completely unsupervised. That’s 15 hours with no exercise or food or any activity at all.

The kennels were kept fairly clean by the kennel staff throughout the day during open hours.

Dogs that entered the facility were spayed or neutered. There were many times I walked into the back area where the dogs were to find them sprawled out on the floor, ½ of their body lying on a metal grate, ½ on the concrete, still out cold. One time I was there when one woke up, scared out of it’s mind, screaming. I ran to get Jeanne and she looked at him and said “he’s okay.” She went on to say, “they could of at least put a blanket in there.” Some dogs died during or after surgery, but I do not have proof of that, nor can I prove it was due to neglectful vet service, but I think it’s worth investigating. I also heard about the guts hanging out of dogs that Dr. McDermott did not stitch properly. When told about problems the animals were having, he was never in any hurry to see what was the matter or help an animal.

Cats that were turned in already spayed or neutered and got along with other cats seemed to go into the adoption room at the CCSPCA, but I wasn’t  allowed into certain areas of the place and there were always cats in crates stacked by the back door. The cat room was well maintained (except for the  incident discussed below) and the cats had free roam of that room. Cats that came in as strays were not treated, just euthanized. They sat in the back of the building or sometimes outside in the cages the people brought them in to await their fate.

Precious, the dog at the SPCA

There once was a dog at the CCSPCA that I named Precious. Her CCSPCA Intake ID# was 6137. The dog was marked “stray” in their computer system. I saw the record. The dog was in its kennel for one month when I asked if I could give it a bath.  Marty Jr. said to go ahead while he checked the record on the dog. I proceeded to give the poor, sad looking, sweet dog a bath. The dog had a seizure when I put the soap on it. I ran and got someone and then came back and held the dog while it came out of the seizure. Erin sedated it and I dried her off and came up front. Jeanne was sitting there with Marty Jr. and she explained to me that the dog had epileptic seizures and would be put to sleep immediately. I asked why the dog was there and it turns out a mistake was made, the dog was brought in on 3/4/08 by its owner to be put to sleep due to her epileptic seizures. She wasn’t a stray at all. No one noticed her for one whole month, just sitting there. She was put to sleep by Dr. McDermott on 4/4/08. I wonder how her former owner would feel to know his/her dog sat in a kennel for one month before its death? Here is the last picture of poor Precious:

Susan, the “kennel manager” was hired about 2 weeks after this happened. John Kitchen handled the intake of this dog and he is no longer employed there. I don’t know if this incident had anything to do with his leaving and her being hired.

Euthanization:

During a recorded radio interview with Jill Quale in December 2007, which I have a copy of, Jeanne Deeming stated the shelter was a “no-kill” shelter. She told me the same thing prior to the interview. I went on to say that same thing on WXCY radio weeks later only to later be ridiculed for saying something that “wasn’t true” by people who knew what was going on. It wasn’t until I volunteered there for a while that I personally saw they weren’t a no-kill shelter. More animals than I could count were euthanized at the Cecil County SPCA between October 2007 and July 7, 2008. Most were pit bulls or otherwise labeled “aggressive” dogs. Some were dogs that had been adopted and bitten someone or shown some type of aggression. Many of these euthanizations could have been avoided simply by working with the dogs prior to adopting them or by screening potential adopters. Some of these dogs were ear-marked “aggressive” just because they growled at Jerry who brought them in.

Every pit bull or dog that resembled the breed that was not reclaimed within the 3 day holding period was kept in quarantine and euthanized.  Some German Shepherds and other large dogs that didn’t act just so were also euthanized at Jeanne’s sole discretion. She seemed to hate pit bulls and other bully breeds, stating they were the last thing this county needed out there.

Every single cat in the cat room (30+ cats) was euthanized in or around January 2008 because of an outbreak of some type of feline disease, diagnosed by in-house vet, Dr. McDermott. Supposedly, the cat, Tommy (see picture below) was a carrier and had affected other cats that had recently been adopted as well. Lack of air circulation in the building and proper quarantine time for cats and dogs needs to be investigated to prevent a future mass murder of this type.

This dog entered the facility sometime around December or January and just died within days of being there, named “Snow,” they said stress perhaps caused it. Perhaps the dog was euthanized and I was lied to, I’m not sure:

This dog was named Travis. A sweet lab mix. He came down with what Susan diagnosed as “kennel cough.” They placed him in quarantine for about a week and then one day he was just gone. I was told it turned into pneumonia and he was put down.

Adoptions:

Potential adopters were not screened. Someone would come in, fill out a short application and many times, they were “approved” in the same instant.  I asked Marty Jr. once how they could screen so fast and he said there just wasn’t time to screen. “Everyone is too busy and we’re understaffed” he said. I am not even sure as to whether the “do not adopt” service on the Internet (dnapets.org), available to many shelters and rescues, was being used. Jeanne told me once that they did use it. As a matter of fact, recently, Jeanne herself was placed on that list. Here is that information for your review:

From: Krystal McClain <krystal.mcclain@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 7:15:29 PM
Subject: DNT/DNR-Jeanne A. Kraemer-Deeming -Chesapeake City, MdEPOINTER@aol.comKrystal.Mclain@hotmail.com [hotmail]

*Crossposting permitted*

DNT/DNR
Jeanne A. Kraemer-Deeming
Eastern Shore English Setter Rescue
They typically are interested in setters and English pointers
Chesapeake City, Md.
E-Mail:

Jeanne pulls/ volunteers for 4 other rescues that I know of. I am not naming those due to the fact that I do not feel its in anyone’s best interest to have their names involved at this time.

Reason for DNT/DNR:
Lack of medical care
Shelter environment
Weight loss while in care

Approximate Timeline:
June 19th- Levi leaves TX w/ health certificate and in good condition
June 30th- Levi is picked up in Baton Rouge by a trucker experienced with rescue animals and he looks to be in good condition
July 3rd Levi is delivered to Eastern Shore English Setter Rescue in Chesapeake City, MD
July 21st- Levi is picked up at shelter by a volunteer temp foster and taken for his Health certificate/ CVI
July 24th – Levi gets back on with same Trucker to go to his forever home.

Weight loss & Personality: Levi was delivered to Chesapeake City, MD. He was of normal weight and to our knowledge, had no ear infections or any other aliments at that time. He showed no signs or symptoms of illness whatsoever.

About 2-3 weeks later, the trucker picked Levi up to bring him to his forever home and her first remark was how ’skinny’ he had gotten. She was shocked to see this. He was only there for a short time and this happened.

The collar & leash he had with him when dropped him off [which was a good quality one] was gone & replaced with cheap plastic ones that are not made for any dog except little ones. The tags he had were gone too.

He was a shy boy to start with but seemed to be even shyer & more submissive than previously. He was hungry & ate like there was no tomorrow.

Statement from the driver: “I am happy to say that he’s been with me since July 24th and has put on some weight & he is not so submissive as before. I have been working with him on manners & control & he is doing wonderfully. He learns fast & is eager to learn & explore his new world.

I think Levi was saved by [his adopter] just in time because he would not have lived much longer at the weight he was at.” (Keep in mind the previous statement is from someone experienced with rescue dogs, but not a DVM)

Lack of medical care:
Statement from temp foster who pulled him from Eastern Shore to hold him 2-4 days until transport: “I took Levi to my vet and the things we found were his low weight, some tooth tarter, probably from poor diet, and infected ears that weren’t too severe.”
I personally, do not feel it is responsible to allow a dog out of rescue care with ANY ear infection or at such a low weight. These are things that rescues should be correcting before an animal is adopted out and sent on cross-country transport. The tooth tartar/ poor diet most likely were from before he was abandoned by his owners.

Shelter environment: Eastern Shore English Setter Rescue utilizes facilities at Eastern Shore Animal Rescue League/ Cecil County SPCA to house their dogs. I was given the impression that this was a rescue affiliated, but not the same entity/ location as the SPCA. This was my error in not asking more questions. I trusted the judgment of the sender because we had worked together before. These setters are put into a shelter environment and expected to be content and adoptable after an indefinite length of time in that type of containment.
In closing, I have taken about 2 months thinking this over, asking questions of other rescues and their experiences with them and weighing the pros and cons of posting this. I feel it is in the best interest of dogs not to send them into a shelter environment with Eastern Shore English Setter Rescue and Jeanne A. Kraemer-Deeming.

Posted by:
Krystal McClain

Publicity:

The Internet and the Cecil Whig (a donated page twice a month) is the only means the SPCA uses to get dogs and cats adopted.  They do not take advantage of any classified advertising like many other organizations do or any radio or print ads. The only time they were on the radio in recent history is when I went on two stations to hype up the ZooToo.com shelter makeover contest.  Their website is only somewhat current at all times. Back on October 7, 2008, one of the last times I looked at the CCSPCA website, their  “featured dog of the month” (that was on there for 2 months), Finnegan, had a wrapped up broken leg – which happened somehow at the shelter by the way, back in April or May – still said “A true English Setter – loves attention, friendly, good with other dogs, needs leash training, not housebroken. He has a broken leg, but it’s wrapped up and healing. He’s currently working on his obedience training & housebreaking.” No one is working with the dog and the dog’s leg isn’t wrapped up and healing anymore. He’s just sitting there at the SPCA for months on end with the wrong information and no one to care. If their only means of soliciting adoptions is going to be the Internet, shouldn’t the information on there at least be correct and up to date?

I used to update the available adoption boards at both the North East & Elkton Wal-Marts, but since I left, no one does it.  I have checked it, it’s never been updated. These are a free resource that the CCSPCA is not taking advantage of to get adoptions.

Employee morality and ethics:

Jeanne Deeming is driving a brand new Sport Utility Vehicle this year.  I have to assume she used the money she made from all of the adoptions they had due to the publicity of the ZooToo.com shelter makeover contest, the $6,000 they won and the car show funds I personally raised (approx. $1,800) as well as the County’s budget increase for 2008. What about the need for a ventilation system for the building or any of the other things that the animals there need to survive? I was told numerous times by Jeanne about the poor ventilation at the SPCA. Why was a new truck that she merely drives to and from work needed or approved? Her relationship with the President, Nancy Schwerzler, is a personal one. They would frequently speak about having dinner or cocktails together. Nancy took her food every night when her husband was ill and in the hospital. Should the Executive Director of a facility be so personally connected to a President of the Board of Directors? Nancy once told me the story of how Jeanne personally called and hired her for the job?

Jeanne boarded her animals at the CCSPC A. Was she paying for that? I don’t believe she was. While other animals didn’t have kennels, she always had one or two of her dogs in her office and her huge Great Dane staying for weeks on end in the largest kennel in the back. She also enjoys free grooming at the CCSPCA for all of her many dogs.  Her Great Dane who she often keeps there also had major stomach surgery at the CCSPCA in the middle of the night sometime during the time I was volunteering. Did she pay for that? Is there a record of all of the veterinary care Jeanne’s dogs were getting?

Jerry Hawkins (Animal Control Captain) frequently commented about how much he hated working late or being called out at times he should have been off. He would cuss about people that called in complaints and refuse to go out on calls when he didn’t feel like it. I never saw him act with compassion to any animal and I wondered why he was in the position he was in. He would walk by the kennels, glaring in like he hated every last one of the dogs.

In August, a dog was shot and wounded in Cecil County, MD by Officer Hawkins. Here is a statement from Patricia Shoap, a cousin of the dog’s owner:

“My cousin’s dog got out of the yard.  A pedestrian kicked the dog and then the dog bit him.  The SPCA was called and shot at the dog several times, hitting him once and grazing him on the face with a second bullet.  Both their dogs had gotten loose and they ran when they were shot at.  The dog is a pit bull but has never attacked anyone.  In fact if you go to my myspace and go to Rocky on my friends, she has pictures of the dog both before the shooting with the kids and pics of the injuries.  The vet had no trouble treating the dog, he was not aggressive at all.”

Here are pictures of that dog, named” TeTe,” and some of it’s wounds:

This dog is Sadie and was with TeTe, running at large, but not shot.

The owner of the dog would surely like to recoup some of the thousands of dollars in vet bills that her own negligence and the CCSPCA officer caused. What was the public liability when Officer Hawkins just let that dog run off into the woods with 3 or more bullet wounds because he didn’t feel like chasing it? If further evidence or proof of this incident is needed, the Elkton VCA treated and cared for this dog and knows all about what happened.

Susan (Kennel Manager) frequently sat around doing nothing or you would find her out the side door smoking a cigarette. She was so rude to customers and potential adopters that came in I couldn’t believe anyone adopted after speaking to her. She also implemented locked doors all around the facility and a “no volunteer” type policy when was hired in or around January of 2008. Jeanne always claimed Susan knew a lot about animals and was a “better trained vet tech than Dr. McDermott was a vet,” but she didn’t want to be bothered when I would ask her to look at an animal that looked sick. Susan has worked for Jeanne before and Jeanne hired her because she knew her from many years ago according to Jeanne.

Volunteers:

There was no training program or even a set of rules for new volunteers. I didn’t receive any training or guidance, I just jumped in and started asking what I could do. I was reprimanded a few times for doing things they didn’t like, but no one took the time to explain what I could and could not do. When Susan was hired, they gave her the title “volunteer coordinator” but I never saw her train anyone or implement any volunteer program.  She was so nasty to me I actually sat next to her one day and asked her what I had done to her to cause her to be so nasty. She told me “nothing” and continued to be nasty, sometimes walking away from me mid-sentence. I personally saw her pull on the leash of a poodle she once had (that she kept in one of the kennels at the SPCA and has since gotten rid of) so hard that the dog yelped and had fear in its eyes. She told me “that’s what you have to do to make them behave.”

I would frequently find helpful volunteers wandering around aimlessly wondering how they could help. They would ask me “how do you know what you’re supposed to do here?” I would explain that they just needed to jump in and help clean up. I once found a 17 or so year old back in quarantine doing her homework there during her volunteer hours… The volunteers wouldn’t stay long and they weren’t wanted anyway. “Volunteers just cause trouble” Susan was known for saying.

There is no dog walking program. The dogs do not leave their kennels except to be visited by a potential adopter. Many other area shelters are always posting ads for volunteer dog walkers (example: Faithful Friends, DE). Potential adopters would always ask me “why is the dog so hyper?” If you were never allowed out of your small area, you’d be hyper too.

Fund raising activities:

Jeanne told me that a lack of staff prohibited them from participating in more fund raisers. Their major fund raiser is the Annual Dinner and Auction at the Chesapeake Inn. There are so many opportunities to raise funds and decrease a reliance on County funding that are being missed.

I offered to help and I was allowed to participate in two fund raisers for the CCSPCA. One was “The Art Rooms” fundraiser in HDG, MD where about $200 was raised and the second was one I initiated, the Car, Truck and Dog Show, on 7/7/08 which netted about $1,800 for them. Unfortunately, the car show was the last day of my being welcome to volunteer at the CCSPCA. Jeanne’s husband fell very ill in March or April of 2008. He was in the hospital for many months and died just prior to the show. Jeanne was understandably unable to help with the planning of the show while she helped care for her husband. However, when I contacted Board President, Nancy Schwerzler, to help me plan and prepare for the show, Jeanne would no longer speak to me.  She told the entire staff NOT to help me in any way with the show and she provided no help at all even though she worked that day. She even took all of the items I had collected from local businesses for the show and placed them out in the hallway so I couldn’t walk into her office. She removed all “thank you’s” to the sponsors of the car show and never posted one piece of information about that show on the Internet. But, it did exist! There’s a picture below. After this incident, she immediately cancelled all of my password access to Petfinder.com and 1-800-save-a-pet.com that I was updating weekly for them. She cussed at the man I asked to direct traffic for the event who volunteered to help that day. She was also very rude to the other volunteers. Many folks came up to me after the event stating that they couldn’t believe what was going on with all of the help and funds I had provided them.  They all wanted to know what was wrong with her. Why was it such a big deal that I asked Nancy to help out? What don’t they want Nancy to know?

Numerous other citizens have come forward to share their stories of animal abuse and neglect at the Cecil County SPCA

Thanks to the tremendous concern of animal lovers locally and across the nation, the information regarding the allegations of abuse and neglect of animals at the Cecil County SPCA has reached many people, who have now reported similar experiences which support the allegations originally presented.

In the morning , I will post one constituent’s well documented experience as a volunteer and her story of the dog she named “Precious”.  This constituent wanted to report her concerns about  the problems she saw  at the Cecil County SPCA while working there, but writes that ” The Cecil County SPCA’s 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.”

Many have asked why is the media not covering this story.  Partly it may be that, Ms. Schwerzler has an extensive history working in media, having been with the Baltimore Sun, I believe as an Editor. 

WBAL-TV did interview all of the constituents, employees and volunteers responsible for the original allegations reported herein. They also interviewed Jeanne Deeming who I understand to have walked off, ending the interview when asked about the animals being shot with a handgun.   WBAL interviewed over three days time, they have the tapes and they were going to run in October, then November and finally December.  The reporter  and camera man did a fine job, but the lawyers apparently were afraid of the SPCA’s threats of a lawsuit. WBAL-TV has the whole story ready to run but has yet to do so.  I am hoping that they will at least report on what  thousands of dedicated animal loving citizens were able to accomplish.

We can not get any help from the local State’s Attorney because one of his deputy State’s Attorney’s is the Attorney for the local SPCA.  Even if that Attorney is not assigned the case, in a small office, all the Attorney’s know one another and it would be hard for one attorney to aggressively pursue the client’s of another deputy State’s Attorney. Even if they took the case, there would always be the question of whether a deal was too generous or a charge not pressed because an Assistant State’s Attorney represented the defendant corportation. Likewise, we can not send the case to Kent County since the State’s Attorney used to work for the Kent County State’s Attorney’s Office. I would hope that the local Cecil County State’s Attorney would send the matter to Harford County where Mr. Joe Cassilly is the State’s Attorney. He is a good honest man, beyond reproach, who would zealously pursue the matter.

For those of you unfamiliar with our local practices, conflicts of interest are ignored on a consistent basis.  Our County Attorney is also the town of  Elkton’s (our County seat’s)  Attorney.  When there is a dispute between the town and or County, the same attorney is representing both entities in the dispute.  Senator Pipkin and I will submitting legislation to prohibit this from being allowed in the future and I will try to also prohibit an  Assistant State’s Attorney from representing outside corporations, where the possibility of a conflict exists.

It appears the SPCA’s game plan is to sit tight and ride out the storm. They are betting that this story will run it’s course and lose momentum.  There are lots of citizens promising to come to the Commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2008 to discuss the budget and the plan to give over six hundred seventy four thousand dollars to the SPCA.  One of the best opportunities to get a change in the leadership at the board of directors of the SPCA will be through the withholding of the County funding, unless the President of the Board and others responsible for the problems at the Agency are voted out or fired.

In Cecil County our Director of  Health and Sheriff  both sit as voting members of the SPCA board, by statute.  The contract between the Commissioner’s and Board refers to the Sheriff and Director of Health as “Ad Hoc” or non voting members.  The SPCA can not remove by agreement what is required by statute.  Arguably any previous actions, including naming the director and other members would be null and void if the statutorily required members have not been allowed to vote on previous board decisions. (I am sorry to drone on about these legal issues but many have raised questions about how can they be getting away with this)  In short they have been able to create a little fiefdom with little or no oversight and an endless supply of taxpayer’s money.

Now for the good news,  the Cecil County Commissioners today indicated they have requested the intervention of the State Attorney General.  I spoke to Attorney General Gansler yesterday and he had assured me he would have one of his Assistants review the matter.   

Also I have spoken to others who will be advocating that the Animal Control Officers be moved under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff so they will have a chain of command to answer to and professional standards to adhere to.  This would not cost the taxpayer’s any additional money because the salary could be shifted from the SPCA’s current budget.  The trap, neuter and release, ( TNR) program can also be shifted to the Health Department, which is already doing this through private vets and their volunteers, again no additional cost to the taxpayer’s since the funds could be shifted along with the responsibility for rabies control through TNR.

This will leave the SPCA with only the responsibility for Shelter Care and associated activity.  I am sure that once the current administration were removed the volunteers would come back in droves and the cost would go down, fundraising activities would go up, and the care and treatment of the animals would be humane. 

 While the outpouring of support and offers of help have been phenomenal, I am particularly thankful to the offer from the Wicomico animal shelter for their heart felt offer to take all the animals currently housed at the Cecil County SPCA to a location where they would be loved and cared for humanely.  I can not tell you how touched I am by the offer.  I would like nothing better than to see the SPCA accept the offer.  Unfortunately,  the County currently has no control of the facility.  It will take the voluntary resignations of the members of the board of directors and employees or law enforcement must get involved. For now though, it certainly is reassuring  to know there are people willing to step up and to do what is necessary to right such wrongs.   

To that point:  We posted the graphs below showing that we are getting a phenomenal response, that is growing each day, so those hoping to get back to business as usual at the SPCA will know, that will not happen as long as one animal remains under their control in that facility.

News About Alleged Animal Abuse Is Spreading Around the Web

   When I launched this blog to share information that wasn’t available from other sources about a month ago, I was pleased when I would find that I had over 100 unique visitors a day click on my site.  Three days ago I posted the piece on the outrageous conduct at the Cecil County SPCA since it was a story that had to be shared and wasn’t going to be available through any other source.  As world about the alleged animal abuse issues at the SPCA spread through the Internet, I began seeing thousands of visitors each day.   Two days ago, there were over 3,500 unique visitors and today we went over 5,000 people clicking on the site to get information on the Cecil County SPCA.  Thanks everyone for helping me to get this story out there and now that it is spreading throughout the web people are reacting to what has been reported.

Late this afternoon the Salisbury News, Maryland’s # 1 political blog (as reported by BlogNetNews), picked up the story.   Once that happened we saw traffic increase and since their post went up just a few hours ago we are heading toward 400 people who have surfed over from Salisbury News.  And that’s just in a few hours.  Here’s the link to the post they put up and I see they already have 15 comments down in Salisbury on this issue.   Thanks Joe Albero for helping me spread the word.  It is appreciated. 

Scroll down and you will see the graphs frrom our recent hits.    

Over 5,000 visitors checked out the blog during the past 24-hour period.

 

How to help with animal abuse complaints at the SPCA

Citizens have been calling our phone non-stop since we posted the CCSPCA story yesterday and we thank you for your interest and support on this important matter.  The public’s response is essential if we are going to affect change at the Cecil County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). 

Here are three important ways you can help:

1.  If you are a Cecil County resident, you need to call the County Commissioners and demand that action be taken.  You may reach them at 410-996-5201 or go over to the homepage for the five elected officials and email them individually.

2.  If you are a Cecil County resident, you need to be at the public budget hearing on Jan 13 2009 at 7:00 p.m.  at the county administration building located at 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton MD 21921 to share your concerns.  Public comment is taken at these meetings so please be prepared to speak.

3.  Contact any and all regional media outlets.  Media was aware of this problem since Oct. 2008, but the story hasn’t appeared yet.  Here are some numbers to call, but feel free to call others.

A.  Cecil Whig – 410-398-3311

B.  WBAL TV — 410-467-3000

C.  News Journal 302-324-2500

Citizens are reacting to animal abuse complaint

Since we posted the Cecil County SPCA story on the blog two days ago, the reaction to the piece has been overwhelming.  Yesterday over 3,500 unique visitors stopped by our blog to read the story.  Already this morning we have had over 2,100 visitors, so before the day is over we should exceed yesterday’s level of visits.  We appreciate the concern everyone has for this and everyone’s help in spreading the word.

The Cecil County SPCA is accused of outrageous conduct.

(Caution: This blog contains some graphic and disturbing content)

Kittens euthenized at the SPCA. (For other photos, see image page above)

Click here for additional SPCA images

     The 36th district consists of the better portion of four counties. I receive calls from constituents in Caroline, Queen Anne’s, Kent and Cecil County on matters dealing with everything imaginable. I have noticed, over the last six years, where Cecil County is vastly different in one significant respect. I don’t recall ever receiving any complaints about any SPCA associated problems from constituents in any of the other three counties I represent. Yet, I must receive one or two complaints a week regarding the Cecil County, SPCA.

     The Cecil County SPCA is primarily funded by the taxpayers of Cecil County. The Cecil County SPCA (CCSPCA) received six hundred seventy four thousand taxpayer’s dollars ($674,000) from the Cecil County Commissioners last year. The director of CCSPCA, Ms. Jeanne Deeming, receives Eighty five thousand two hundred eighty five dollars ($85,285) plus eleven thousand one hundred fifty eight dollars ($11,158) in benefits and compensation plan, for a total of ninety six thousand four hundred forty three dollars ($96,443) per year. In addition Ms. Deeming receives the use of a vehicle, paid for by Cecil County tax payers, which she is reported to use for non CCSPCA related activities. She has also received a five thousand dollar ($5,000) raise each of the last three years. I am told this makes Ms. Deeming, one of the highest paid shelter directors in the entire State of Maryland.

     One would think that with Cecil County paying such exorbitant amounts of tax dollars, we would be receiving some of the best animal control service in the State. Instead, my office is consistently being contacted with allegations of horrific treatment of animals and inappropriate behavior towards the public.

     Some of the complaints recently raised by various former employees include but are not limited to the following:
Two former employees of the CCSPCA, Mr. Carl Ewing and Ms. Erin Miller, a veterinary technician reported they have witnessed the head animal control officer, Mr. Jerry Hawkins, unnecessarily drag a dog from its kennel on a catch pole, take it behind the SPCA building and shoot it through the chest with a handgun. Ms. Miller advised that she also witnessed a second event where this occurred and that after both shootings she administered the euthanasia drugs to the dogs that were still alive.

     Ms. Miller was ordered to perform euthanasia at the SPCA even though she was not listed with the State as being authorized to be handling the drugs used to euthanize the animals nor has she had any formal training on how to administer the injections.

     Ms. Miller’s duty as a veterinary technician required her to help out the veterinarian, Dr. McDermott, when he performed surgical procedures on the animals. Ms. Miller reports that on numerous occasions Dr. McDermott would leave in the middle of an animal’s surgery, to take phone calls, leaving the animal on the table.

      Ms. Miller reports that she was instructed to tell the public that the CCSPCA was a modified kill shelter which means if the animal was aggressive or sick it would be humanely euthanized. Ms. Miller told me this was a lie, because she had to put down animals that were not sick or aggressive. She wrote in her sworn Affidavit, “I had to kill puppies and kittens that were never given a chance. I also had to kill every cat that came in the door unless it was different looking or an exotic breed that they could adopt out for a higher price.” Ms. Miller went on to explain that animals that became sick at the CCSPCA were prescribed the wrong medications or they may not be treated at all and were just euthanized. Ms. Miller also gave examples of dogs not getting medical attention soon enough, even though they were being kenneled at the SPCA. She said that she or other employees reported what they saw as sick behavior, one dog continued bleeding after an operation and another dog became sick when being left while its owner was on vacation. Both times, Dr. McDermott was reported to take too long in responding to requests to attend to the dogs and both died.  Erin Miller also related that on numerous occasions she witnessed the kennel manager, Ms. Susan Maldonado, yank dogs on slip leaches and choke dogs with slip leashes.

     When Ms. Miller was asked why she was coming forward to tell about the things she had done and seen done at the CCSPCA she quietly responded, with tears in her eyes, “It just got to be too much, we just got tired of it, somebody had to do something.”

      Another employee, Mr. Ewing, stated in his affidavit also that Ms. Maldonado, the kennel manager, punched dogs in the face, kicked them and threw dogs by their scruff and hit them. Carl said,” Susan has stated that dogs need discipline”.

     Mr. Ewing stated in his Affidavit that the animal control officer Mr. Jerry Hawkins used a whip to make a black Russian dog, “Marcus” aggressive, so the dog could be used as a guard dog at the CCSPCA. The dog eventually bit Mr. Ewing’s son, which led to the firing of Mr. Ewing and his deciding to report the inappropriate activities going on at the CCSPCA.

     Mr. Ewing confirmed what Ms. Miller had said in her affidavit about the policy of putting down animals at the CCSPCA. He wrote that he was told by Jeanne Deeming that all pit bulls, including puppies were to be put down in Cecil County. He wrote that Ms. Deeming puts down dogs that growl and all aggressive breeds are destroyed. All cats brought in a trap, any which are sickly looking or feral cats are euthanized by the end of business between 3 and 4 pm. He states the cats brought in are not given food or water once deemed to be euthanized and that people who bring animals in are asked to leave the trap carrier overnight so the animals do not have to be put in the SPCA cages (thus avoiding the need to clean them) While the stated policy is to hold the animals for 3-5 days in case there is an owner, they rarely do so. The animals are not scanned to see if they have identification chips in them. Mr. Ewing writes “Susan Maldonado and Jean Deeming told me to lie to the public if asked about destroying animals. People searching for their cats and dogs that have been put down, are to be lied to.”

      Mr. Ewing reports that any sick animal is put down and most are not treated. “The CCSPCA receives grants to treat heart-worm, but do not use the money to do so unless the dog is an English Setter, Pointer or Great Dane.” “Dr. McDermott and Susan do not check the animals daily and since the cat caretaker left, the cats do not get medicine regularly if they are sick.”

Mr. Ewing’s wife Natasha also worked at the CCSPCA and related many of the same facts as did the other employee’s who gave affidavits but in addition she provided photos (See SPCA photos) above. One additional event she related was particularly horrific and is even more so when you later find out it is corroborated by some very young volunteers. Ms. Ewing relates that a Ms. Kate used to volunteer at the CCSPCA, by all accounts she was a loving woman who gave of her time and energy to care for about 30 feral cats which lived in a barn and shed outback of the SPCA. After Ms. Kate quit, Mr. Ewing’s job was to feed and water the feral cats behind the SPCA building. A couple of weeks after he had started caring for the cats, Ms. Deeming, the Director, told Mr. Ewing to stop feeding them and providing them with water. A week later Ms. Ewing wrote “I saw Jerry Hawkins putting food out. He would stand behind the building with his 22 rifle and shoot cats when they came out.”

Bullet holes still visible in SPCA shed today.

     This story seemed too outrageous to believe until a 14 year old boy who was a volunteer along with his younger sister at the SPCA told me the story about how when they volunteered they would always go out back to see all the cats, till one day they went back there and the cats were all gone but there were bullet holes in the building and .22 caliber shell casings were on the ground. The boy then showed me the casing he had saved from a .22 round which he picked up behind the building where the cats used to be. Combine those stories with the photo above, of the bullet holes in the shed and it becomes all too horrifically real.

     The children told me about seeing people hit and kick the dogs. The little girl was upset about being yelled at after she purchased a collar for a dog that she thought looked sad which was in a cage. She was yelled at and told not to ever buy anything for the animals again. The children’s mother was in to see me about the negative experience that her children had after volunteering at the CCSPCA. In addition to cooberating the information the children shared with me, she told me of an incident where the Director of the Cecil County SPCA, Jean Deeming, told her that “the only good pit bull, is a dead pit bull.” What do you say to children who wanted to do something good to help animals and have this experience?

    The young male volunteer also told us that he saw Jean Deeming and Susan Maldonado with animals on the operating table, being operated on when the Doctor was not there.

     When I have contacted SPCA officials, Ms. Schwerzler, Pres. of the Board of Directors, or Ms. Deeming, the response has been to deny any wrong doing, ever, and then to viciously attack the motivation and character of the employee, constituent or volunteer who made the complaint.

     At some point, after hearing from numerous people, having them sign affidavits, under the penalty of perjury, that, what they are reporting is true and state they will take polygraphs, after having former employees admit to their own wrong doing and participation in activities that they could no longer live with, seeing the photos and documentation to back up their claims, it becomes a duty to act on behalf of the public. I have come to the conclusion that all the former employees, constituents and volunteers who have contacted my office can not all be making these accusations up.

That being said, should any of the employees at the CCSPCA who have been accused of the actions herein, wish to show they believe the allegations to be false, I will be glad to provide a polygraph by a retired police officer, which I will pay for, provided they pass.

     I have seen many individuals try to address these concerns and watched their character attacked. I have seen first hand the CCSPCA defensive machinery get geared up so employees and their families would write in letters attacking whoever spoke against them. That being said, I know that this post will result in a string of nonfactual personal attacks on me and my staff for having decided that these matters must be addressed. That is ok, I realize that if you take this job, you better be willing to take the heat. What I am hoping, is that eventually, when others read this column they will report their experiences and we can effectuate a change that will give the citizens of Cecil County a shelter they can be proud of.

     Let me know your thoughts, experiences and suggestions so we can fix this problem. I will be taking my information to the appropriate authorities and writing a couple of follow up articles which address many other problems that have been brought to my attention by the above individuals and others. Watch for the follow up articles in the next few days.

MVA refusing to answer Delegate Smigiel’s questions about employees who sold licenses to drive school buses to illegal alliens.

It has been about a year since I first asked Mr. Kuo, administrator for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration,(MVA) about the illegal sale of driver’s licenses by MVA employee’s to illegal aliens. I wanted to know about all illegal licenses sold by MVA employees but noted that I was particularly troubled by the number of  licenses sold which would allow the buyer to drive a school bus. I requested details about  what happened to the buyers and sellers of said licenses.

At a hearing in the joint session room I asked Mr. Kuo for the information and was told he was not sure he could disclose it at that time because there was an investigation still on going. I asked, Mr. Kuo, if the Governor was aware of the investigation and I was told “yes, he is.”

Now, first and formost, I do not believe there is any investigation, not involving the legislature or it’s members, of an executive branch of government that should be considered confidential from the legislature. After all, we do decide whether the agencies even exist and certainly should be able to review and investigate the actions of the employees of agencies we create, especially when the lives and saftey of our constituents is at stake.

At the time, I requested all information related to the investigation and any information which was no longer “confidential”. (After all, some information had already been shared with the Governor and therefore there had to be some specifics available to share) I also asked to be kept informed of the status of the investigation. To date I have received no information, despite repeated requests.

From everything I know about Mr. Kuo, he appears to be a good man who works hard at his job. I have no reason to believe that it is his choice to hide this information from the public. I have been in politics long enough to know that his reluctance to provide me the information is most likely because it will prove politically embarrasing for the administration and those who support the “safe haven” approach to illegal immigration.

I am not really interested in embarrasing the administration over their open arms policy towards illegal aliens. (They are doing a fine job of embarrasing themselves without my help)
What I am concerned about, are the efforts to cover up the details about how many State of Maryland employees were involved in the sale of driver’s licenses, how many were sold, to whom and what was done to the buyers and sellers. Were any of the school bus driver’s licenses used, are they still being used and what changes have been made to protect the citizens of Maryland in the future?

While the press were present for my questioning of Mr. Kuo and heard his answers, they have ignored the matter.        I can not ignore the matter. I do not trust the State to do the right thing. Will the State follow up to make sure that all the missing licenses are found and that all those who sold or bought driver’s licenses illegally are prosecuted? Will policies be enacted to protect us from future problems? We need to be sure that there is no possibility that someone is out there driving a school bus with a driver’s license that was illegally purchased from a State employee.

I have written follow up letters and will continue to press, through freedom of information requests, public hearings and or the courts, if necessary to obtain the requested information.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Session progresses.