During the recent book ban discussions at the Worcester County Board of Education meeting as well as across the state and country, it seemed inevitable there may be some legislation introduced on the topic. A review of newly introduced legislation in the Maryland General Assembly this week shows at least one bill being weighed on… Read more »
Category: Opinions
Voices From The Readers – January 26, 2024
Commissioners Wrong On Diakonia DecisionEditor:I was incredibly disappointed by the Commissioners recent vote to effectively delay the expansion of Diakonia.Its mission is second to none and represents what I believe to be the finest quality of the people of Worcester County — when there is tragedy, adversity, or loss, this community comes together to help those… Read more »
Editor Weighs In On Newspaper Merger
“For the times they are a-changin.”The phrase is repeated five times in the Bob Dylan song by the same name. It’s been the prevailing sentiment around our office for several weeks ahead of the merger of two long-time competing newspapers.Life is about timing and the time is right for The Dispatch and OC Today to… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – January 26, 2024
It’s clear to all it’s an election year on the national front with a disturbing Biden-Trump rematch inevitable on the presidential level, but there will also be much decided on the local front this fall with the first filings taking place already.It’s a mid-term election as far as the Worcester County Commissioners and other notable… Read more »
Diakonia Project Merits Exception
A 4-3 vote by the Worcester County Commissioners has jeopardized the future of a 42-unit affordable housing project operated by Diakonia.Diakonia’s current facility on Old Bridge Road can no longer meet the needs of the growing local population of homeless and livelihood-stressed individuals who need help getting back on their feet. At a new site… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – January 19, 2024
It was a pleasant surprise to see the Worcester County Commissioners vote 5-2 to explore implementing a public comment period at its meetings. Making the motion was Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and supporting the effort to seek a public comment mechanism at their meetings were Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Ted Elder, Eric Fiori and Diana Purnell. Opposed… Read more »
Voices From The Readers – January 19, 2024
Tax Relief Needed For Middle ClassEditor:When I first starting to pay my taxes in the 60’s we could deduct all interest payments. Credit was difficult to get, unlike now. Now credit easy is to get but the interest rates are higher than what loan sharks got arrested for back then and cannot be deducted. With the… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – January 12, 2024
In 2024, it appears there will be two Jeep events in Ocean City – Jeep Fest and Jeep Week. More specific plans for Ocean City Jeep Week, tentatively scheduled for May 9-12, and the associated Jeep Jam in Pittsville are expected to be presented to the Ocean City Mayor and Council soon. In fact, the… Read more »
Public Meetings Should Allow Public Comments
Because it’s been one way for decades is not reason enough to continue doing something that’s wrong. It’s our position on public comments not being accepted at Worcester County Commissioners meetings.Unlike nearly every government in the region, there is currently no mechanism for public comments at the Worcester County Commissioners meetings unless there is a… Read more »
Voices From The Readers – January 12, 2024
Commissioner Off Base With BOE AccusationsEditor:(The following letter was addressed to Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori.)I read your “thoughts and reasoning into your vote” to not fully fund the school budget but to merely vote for MOE (Maintenance of Effort). You stated that the topic was “A New $37 million BOE Admin/Office Building”. We both agree… Read more »