Editor:
First, I must congratulate you on your “favorite commissioner” being chosen president of the county commissioners.
Secondly, I feel obliged to thank you for making your “Between the Lines” editorial so entertaining. I haven’t had such a good laugh since I can’t remember when. Your description of these heated discussions among the Board of Commissioners makes it sound like they are constantly at each other throats. The truth is that they mostly discuss things professionally and with civility.
I find it interesting that the only place that I find race interjected in the discussion is in the Dispatch’s “Between the Lines” editorial. Maybe the Dispatch needs more controversy to make it more widely read.
As for the humor involved, your idea that the newspaper had the power to control the Board of Commissioners, (albeit opposite of your intentions) reminds me of my little terrier dog who absolutely knows that he alone is the reason the UPS truck speeds away out of my driveway.
You state that not every commissioner is pleased to see your “favorite commissioner” in the center seat, and that you find it “hilarious’. If they didn’t want him there, they would have voted against the motion. I find it hard to believe that if there is the kind of animosity this paper describes between these board members that they would have chosen him unanimously.
As for the Dispatch directing what issues be addressed, maybe you will have a lot more sway with your “favorite commissioner” being in the driver’s seat. The Dispatch obviously wants a so-called ethics bill passed.
This bill, as the paper wants it passed, is a misnomer. Much like the Federal McCain Fiengold Act, this bill would only serve to consolidate power in the hands of incumbents. By restricting political contributions, you would effectively eliminate people of limited means of having a chance to challenge any incumbent.
As a local newspaper editor, this would empower you by limiting funds to candidates, and making it your choices for issues or candidates to receive most of the available publicity.
Unfortunately, even in local elections, money is what allows everyone’s ideas to be espoused. Naturally, your “favorite commissioner”, as an incumbent and your choice for everything, would love to limit any chance of anyone running for office.
I hope the other commissioners will take the high ground and block any attempt to further limit campaign contributions. The Board of Elections already have numerous regulations controlling campaign contributions. We don’t need any more.
As for me, I can only hope that your “favorite commissioner” rises to his new position and makes the right choices in the coming months. He has the intelligence; I hope he has the judgment to do what’s best for his constituents and not worry about the newspapers.
Ted Elder
Editor’s Note
Our readers need to understand the letter writer lost to County Commissioner Virgil Shockley in the 2006 election and, due to the obvious personal grudge, his comments have little, to no, credibility with this newspaper.
However, we print his letter to encourage discourse on the subject, although it’s clear he has no working knowledge of how politics work in Worcester County. Of course, once again, The Dispatch has no ‘favorite commissioner’. We find that accusation ‘hilarious.’
Editor:
The preferential treatment proposed for the Amusement Parks in Ocean City are not fair. Why should one segment of the tax base in Ocean City receive tax breaks? There is no justifiable reason for this action. The
owners are assessed just as all other property in Ocean City.
If these assessments are incorrect…then maybe the premise upon which assessments are based is incorrect. The increase in assessments on all property has gone through the roof based on a peak in value that occurred a few years ago. Ocean City’s value today is not what it was a few years ago. I am sure all property owners in Ocean City would appreciate special tax treatment.
It seems to me the market should dictate what action the owners of the
Amusement Parks should take…why should all the other tax payers subsidize the amusement industry in Ocean City. If they cannot afford to operate under the same conditions as all other business then maybe they should either become more efficient or go out of business. The fact that the Trimper family has been here for years should not influence the decision to grant tax relief.
The rides in Ocean City are priced out of line…we take our grandkids to Rehoboth because the prices are much better and the rides are fine. If they are having problems with profitability they should examine their management, pricing and operating practices…not look for a hand out from the other Tax payers in Ocean City. Just another case of corporate welfare.
Bernard R. Jacobs
Ocean City
Editor:
When we lament 5 years of Iraq war, we’re flabbergasted by those who exclaim, “It’s been 5 years?” We must confront the ongoing tragedy of this needless war of, not on, terrorism, death and destruction. Since the “shock and awe” of March 19, 2003, close to 4,000 U.S. service men and women and up to 1,000,000 Iraqis have died. Thousands are maimed. Families are disrupted and mourning. The human, societal and economic costs of war mount. The national debt jumps to $410 billion this year. At home and globally, we’re on shaky ground.
Peace is the way to a just and secure world. We have to make it happen. The Peace Alliance of the Lower Shore (PALS) and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Salisbury (UUFS) will co-sponsor three events, in observance of the 5th anniversary of the start of the Iraq war.
Ted Nunn, Maryland State Coordinator for the campaign to establish a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence will speak on “TOWARD A DEPARTMENT OF PEACE!” at 11:00 A.M., Sunday, March 16, 2008, at the UUFS, 2812 Old Ocean City Rd., Salisbury. Nunn has embraced the “pro-peace” approach of the U.S. Department of Peace campaign as being the best way to institutionalize nonviolence as an operating principle in our society.
A POTLUCK FOR PEACE will follow.
A MEMORIAL SILENT PEACE VIGIL will be held from 2:00-3:00 P.M., corner of Route 13 and College Ave.
Please come, learn and act to bring H.R. 808 to the floor of Congress!
Jackie Fritch, Coordinator, Peace Alliance of the Lower Shore
Andy Pica, President, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Salisbury
Editor:
Princess Patti here, with a message for her subjects…I have just completed a month long quest for this year’s Ocean City Parrot Head Mardi Gras crown. As one of eight candidates in the “court”, I agreed to hold a number of fundraisers during the month of February knowing that the donations would be awarded to two very important charities… the Life Crisis Center and the Lower Shore Jr. Red Cross Club program.
As a Princess, I held only three events but with the incredible support of my friends in the business community, these events were first class and successful beyond my wildest dreams. I would like to thank all of my friends (old and new), who joined me on my month long journey, especially those who chose to attend one, two or all three of my events. And for friends who were bitten by the flu bug, or away during my events but still sent donations, well, a Princess couldn’t ask for anything more.
My first event, a fabulous Progressive Dinner, would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of Lovin’ Life Limo & Galaxy owners Tammy and Roger Cebula. The Queen of England couldn’t have experienced a larger dose of “royal treatment” than my guests received that night from the Cebulas at the Galaxy, John Fager of Fager’s Island, Jen Dawicki-David of the Globe Theater and Gary Beach of the Marlin Moon Grille.
My guests will never forget the incredible experience of riding in the dreamy luxury of Lovin’ Life Limos “Royal Coach”, fabulous courses at each restaurant and the treats included in the ladies gift baskets which were provided by Studio S, Candy Kitchen and Andrea Janson of Arbonne Products. It was truly a night to remember.
Guy Bayshore of the Solstice General Store hosted my second event, the Solstice Wine Tasting. The unseasonably warm temperatures added a warm, California wine festival feeling to the evening, transforming the streets of Berlin into a bustling scene of sipping and strolling. Sincere thanks to Guy, Bob and Mark for a wonderful affair.
A great big thanks goes to the Master of Ceremonies of my grand finale, Pudge Rupert and the staff of the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. During my Little Red Golf Cruise, Chef Scott Chatterton led my guests on a journey of three Ports of Call through the diverse flavors of New Orleans, Jamaican and Mexican cuisine. Pudge covered every detail from décor to a welcome toast of each Port of Call.
The very talented DJ Wax choreographed the evening’s music perfectly, as we transitioned from one Port of Call to another. Also, A very special thanks to Jill and Todd Ferrante, of Park Place Jewelers for their generous donation of stunning Diamond earrings for our “Hunt” on the beach of Cozumel. The diamond hunt was suspenseful and a grand spectacle.
I would also like to thank the following businesses for their generosity and for making this gal, one happy Princess: Patricia Ilczuk-Lavanceau of Comcast Spotlight, Walmart in Berlin, The Harrison Group, Robin Walter Salon & Day Spa, the Holiday Inn Express, Oasis Car Wash, Oasis Travel, The Mill Outlet, Old Pro Golf, Krista Radena of Longaberger Baskets, Liljenquist & Beckstead Jeweler’s, Senor Cigars, The Blue Ox Steakhouse, Castle in the Sand, The Carousel Hotel, Inn on the Ocean,
Connoisseurs, Bull on the Beach, Greene Turtle, Dough Roller Restaurants, La Hacienda, Mancini’s, the Rice House, Adolfo’s Italian Rest., Grove Market, Ta Da, Scott Murrell & Links at Lighthouse Sound, Victoria’s Charm in Berlin, Jim Adcock, Donald’s Duck Shoppe, Bahia Marina, Fish Tales, Beach Music, Value Carpet One of Salisbury, Michelle of Parties Your Way, Kevin Fitzgerald, Eunice Sorin and to your news organization for the articles and coverage you provided throughout my reign as Princess. Last but not least, I owe a world of gratitude to India, Marie, Irene, the OCPHC Board and the rest of the members for becoming Founders of the Lower Shore Jr. Red Cross Clubs by choosing my organization as a recipient of this year’s Mardi Gras fundraiser.
Sincerely, Princess Patti Miller
Co-organizer of the Jr. Red Cross Club Programs
Editor:
Each day, social workers come in contact with some of the most vulnerable people in our society – children and adults in crisis. Social workers are dedicated, trained, and licensed professionals who are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of vulnerable children and adults.
Working together with other community agencies, the social workers of Worcester County Department of Social Services provide positive outcomes for children and families. They investigate allegations of neglect and abuse, work with families to resolve issues, and educate the public to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and how to report their concerns. Last year, we investigated over 600 cases of abuse and neglect of both children and adults. These investigations ranged from investigating financial exploitation of senior citizens, child pornography production, child homicide, and medical neglect of children and adults, just to name a few scenarios. As one can see their work requires them to engage in stressful and even dangerous situations on a daily basis.
Together, we are making great strides in ensuring that every child has a place to call home, that the elderly and frail are safe from abuse and neglect, and that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
March is National Social Work Month. I acknowledge and congratulate each of our Social Workers for their professionalism, passion, and commitment to the Worcester County Department of Social Service and the citizens of Worcester County.
Peter J. Buesgens
Director Worcester County Department of Social Services