Shortly after the municipal election last October, we heard a lot of nonsense about unity and putting aside differences from some members of the Ocean City Mayor and Council.At the time, it was obvious this was a hopeful load of hogwash and soon after the divide between the voting seven, plus the mayor, became crystal… Read more »
Yearly Archives: 2011
The Casino at Ocean Downs opened this week, and it was an occasion I didn’t want to miss. Here are some observations:
by Steven Green
— Overall, the facility seemed to meet or surpass most expectations and its opening certainly created some excitement among area residents. When I arrived at 11:30 a.m. to the opening ceremony, there was a line of 100 people waiting to be the first in the doors at 1 p.m. This was a surprise to me,… Read more »
Community Should Be Proud Of Event
Editor:Thanks to the efforts of a handful of people, the Town of Berlin’s Main Street Program successfully hosted about 1,000 residents and guests at Berlin’s first-ever, community-wide New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2011.On behalf of the Town Council and the citizens of Berlin, I wish to thank town resident Barb Stack for first suggesting… Read more »
Citizens Blast City Council Over Employee Changes
OCEAN CITY – The forceful presence of local citizens and employees did not faze the majority of the City Council this week, as they passed all ordinances to reduce town employee pay and benefits.Throughout the meeting, which resulted in 11 ordinances being passed in 4-3 votes, speakers expressed their views on the new direction the… Read more »
Oglesby Called Masterful Prosecutor As He Takes Office
SNOW HILL – State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby was sworn into office Monday in front of a crowd of officials, friends and family.“It’s no secret why Beau has ascended,” said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, who worked with Oglesby when he was a prosecutor for Wicomico County.Lewis pointed out the great working relationship Oglesby had with… Read more »
Ocean City Mayor Urged To Veto Ordinances
OCEAN CITY – The mayor faces a lengthy list of decisions as 11 ordinances, concerning town employee pay scales and benefits, passed second reading during Monday night’s meeting, leaving him deliberating over the power of the veto.“I have to ask the mayor to veto these ordinances … and have them brought back for serious conversations… Read more »
State’s 2nd Slots Facility Now Open At Ocean Downs
BERLIN – Amid much fanfare, the highly anticipated Casino at Ocean Downs officially opened for business on Tuesday, completing a long and often arduous trek for the state’s second slots facility near Berlin.Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and a large contingent of state and local elected officials and dignitaries officially opened the Casino at Ocean Downs… Read more »
Employee Pay, Benefit Changes Okayed In Split Votes
OCEAN CITY – It’s no secret that the Mayor and City Council have become a split government in regards to the town’s financial position and the council’s responsibilities concerning it.After the municipal elections last October, the addition of Councilman Brent Ashley formed a new majority vote amongst the council that includes Council members Joe Hall,… Read more »
Council Rejects Request To Lift Hiring Freeze
OCEAN CITY – The City Council denied this week a request to lift the hiring freeze that has been looming over the town’s public safety departments the last couple years.City Manager Dennis Dare, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and Fire Chief Chris Larmore have repeatedly expressed to the council their need in hiring officers, fire fighters… Read more »
Expanded Casino A Concern For Some
OCEAN CITY – Less than 24 hours after the Casino at Ocean Downs opened on Tuesday, some resort area business leaders and elected officials were already casting a wary eye toward the new slots facility.The Casino at Ocean Downs opened to big crowds on Tuesday afternoon after a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches by state and… Read more »