Council Right To Question Air Show On Accord

Council Right To Question Air Show On Accord

The Ocean City Mayor and Council was smart to not rubberstamp approval for the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OC Air Show and the city. If agreements are not honored, they are not worth the time to discuss. If public funds are used inappropriately, scrutiny is required.Heading into the meeting it was evident… Read more »

OP Best To Slow Rental Changes

OP Best To Slow  Rental Changes

When it comes to the drafting of short-term rental regulations in Ocean Pines and other areas, the philosophy needs to be don’t let perfect get in the way of good.There is no magic formula to address some of the ills associated with short-term rentals, such as crowding, trash and noise. Governments should do what they… Read more »

Lifting Capacity Limits Confirms Progress

Lifting Capacity Limits Confirms Progress

This week’s announcement rolling back capacity limits and other restrictions is more about symbolism than pragmatism. Loosening the restrictions represents progress, but it comes with complications as far as a realistic impact on improving life within the hospitality industry.As he has been prone to do over the last year, Gov. Larry Hogan dropped a surprise… Read more »

Drone Shows Should Wait A Year In Ocean City

Drone Shows Should Wait A Year In Ocean City

Considerable discussion was held last week on the possibility of adding drone light shows to Ocean City’s special events offerings this summer. These are worthwhile talks, but there is no need to rush this year to fund the $200,000 required to hold eight drone shows over the next two summers.Illuminated drone shows set to music… Read more »

Testing Mandate Confirms Out Of Touch Claims

Testing Mandate Confirms Out Of Touch Claims

Among the many things confirmed over the last year has been education decisions are complicated because there are multiple layers to weigh in nearly all judgments. However, in nearly all cases, keeping convoluted matters as simple as possible should be the guiding force.An example would be there is no debate in-school instruction is superior to… Read more »

Confidence, Industry Norms Key To New Contract

Confidence, Industry Norms Key To New Contract

Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor and the Board of Education formalized a second four-year contract this week. The new contract represents a significant increase – about 13% — over his current salary, but a little research shows his new salary of $210,000 effective July 1 is consistent with counterparts in Maryland and across… Read more »

Reducing Park’s Size Wise For Berlin

Reducing Park’s  Size Wise For Berlin

It helps when weighing the future of Berlin’s Heron Park to realize it’s not really a park currently. It’s an industrial site with some green space on the outskirts.Back when Berlin purchased the 60-acre property – for about $2.75 million in 2015 – one of the reasons was to protect the land from being developed… Read more »

In-Fighting Over In-Person Learning Unproductive

In-Fighting Over In-Person Learning Unproductive

There is no productive reason for this ongoing war of words through letters, newspaper columns and press conferences between the governor, the state superintendent of schools and the teachers’ union.The focus needs to be ensuring public schools are as safe as possible while committing to the highest level of in-person instruction as possible. The political… Read more »

Committee Approach On Fire/EMS Issues Wise

Committee Approach On Fire/EMS Issues Wise

Creating a committee to study the complex issues surrounding fire department funding in Worcester County is an appropriate direction.Though they face similar issues, mostly centered around funding, the needs and concerns of the various fire departments in Worcester County vary by their response areas. Forming a committee of commissioners, fire service leaders and county staff… Read more »