Fishermen, by their nature, are a sensitive and cynical bunch. This is usually the case whether you are a recreational or commercial type. However, the current situation involving proposed flounder restrictions is reason for concern.There are times when fishermen cry foul unnecessarily. There are some who seem to take the proverbial “us vs. them” mentality… Read more »
A major decision, one that should have long-range ramifications for Ocean City and the surrounding area, was made at City Hall this week.Presented with a number of options for the expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the Ocean City Mayor and Council chose the most aggressive. It was the right decision. The option selected… Read more »
Optimism is difficult to come by for many folks these days, but that’s exactly what Berlin residents should have today because a major step was taken this week toward lower electric rates for town households.A major water cooler conversation over the last year in Berlin has been electric rates. Many people can’t afford to pay… Read more »
After all the bids were submitted last week, it’s appropriate to refer the current turn of events regarding slots in Maryland as a debacle.The word “disappointment” was often used over the last two weeks to describe the fact there were only six bids offered for the five selected sites for slots parlors in Maryland. More… Read more »
On an almost weekly basis, it seems the Ocean City Mayor and Council is facing tough decisions, revolving largely around saving money while trying to balance financial common sense and quality service to the community and visiting public.All in all, the judgment of the town’s elected officials seems to be on par. Proposals to cut… Read more »
All public sector employees should be forced to go at least one year without any kind of salary increase or addition to the benefits package they already receive. Although some may find it drastic, mandating federal, state, county and municipal employees go without any kind of increase for at least one year is necessary and… Read more »
The County Commissioners’ recent letter to the local state delegation seeking specific changes to the slots legislation has agitated officials in Ocean Pines, Berlin and Ocean City.A little background: On Dec. 22, 2008, the County Commissioners wrote Gov. Martin O’Malley, Senator Lowell Stoltzfus and Delegates Jim Mathias and Norman Conway asking for “some changes to… Read more »
It’s unclear what action the Ocean City Mayor and Council will take after this week’s public hearing on proposed changes to the town’s mass transit system. Although there were strong sentiments expressed to not alter the bus service to save money, we think the council should institute some reductions.Government, at times, is all about compromise,… Read more »
Ocean City property owners are now receiving their assessment notices and discovering first hand what happens when a real estate market basically collapses.Three property owners we spoke with this week saw annual decreases in property values of 2 percent, 7 percent and 11 percent. One property owner saw an increase of 4 percent because his… Read more »
What Others Are SayingState’s Budget Blues Unlike Any Of LateForget the comparatively minor cash crunch that Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. faced as governor. Even the three-year budget debacle that began in 1991 under William Donald Schaefer has been eclipsed. Last week, it became official: The national recession is pulverizing the state budget like no other… Read more »