The Worcester County Commission, like other governments across the state and country, is currently facing a major decision — does it raise the property tax rate to fund School Resource Officers (SROs)?That could well be the crux of this spring’s budget debate. There is no question hiring 13 full-time SROs at a first-year price tag… Read more »
Category: Opinions
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk
by Steven Green
Regarding Mitch Scott’s unexpected passing last weekend, I think Steve Pappas of Greene Turtle fame summed up his buddy best when he said, “he was the most misunderstood guy in Ocean City.”While there are many positives, one negative aspect of a small community such as Ocean City is people often pass judgment on others before… Read more »
Voices From The Readers
Support Group Has Faith In Process Editor:Fully Involved S.T.A.F.F. (Standing Tall Around Firefighters) would like to take this opportunity to thank The Dispatch newspaper for your article, “OC Fire Department Embroiled In Turmoil.”After many years of ongoing issues within the Ocean City Fire Department including the witnessing of deteriorating morale, strong arm management, fear of… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk
by Steven Green
With all the news of late regarding emergency services in Ocean City and Berlin, it’s natural for the public to be concerned about their wellbeing.Indeed, there are major political waves pounding the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) and the Berlin Fire Company (BFC). There are major allegations being hurled about both of these organizations. Through… Read more »
Voices From The Readers
Council Impresses Editor:Earlier this year I had approached the Ocean City Mayor and Council with trepidation on an age-old problem that I had sought for some guidance to rectify.The wariness came not from knowing that the functioning body was made up of a group of professionals that operated your vacation getaway with a high degree… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk
by Steven Green
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan addressed something that has been around for decades — a friction between Ocean City and Worcester County officials.Dozens of elected officials have come and gone over the years, but there has always been some sort of odd, yet palpable, disconnect between the county and the resort. Rarely are their differences… Read more »
Voices From The Readers
Decision To Save Tree Appreciated Editor:I would like to publically thank the Town of Ocean City for saving “the tree” on 4th Street.As background, late last summer, standing in the parking lot of the Atlantic United Methodist Church parking lot and looking north toward the post office, I watched the demolition of the older buildings…. Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk
by Steven Green
Interesting concerns were raised this week regarding the impact the proposed performing arts center will have on the Roland E. Powell Convention Center’s ability to maintain existing big-money bookings as well as appeal to new groups.Internally, word has it the folks who sell the convention center and are charged with securing bookings at the facility… Read more »
Voices From The Readers
Donations Appreciated Editor:The Noel Community thanks everyone for the donations of gloves, hats, socks, and blankets during our eleventh annual gLOVEs drive over the Valentine Day season.Local food pantries, lower income day care facilities, and social service groups will distribute the items collected. Together, we were able to warm the hearts and hands of our… Read more »
Public Updates On Union Contract Talks Needed
by Steven Green
An interesting debate resurfaced this week at City Hall regarding the ongoing union contract talks between the Ocean City Mayor and Council and the city’s respective bargaining units.Since we are in the information dissemination business, we feel nothing should take place in private if it involves taxpayer dollars in any way. However, we understand that’s… Read more »