The County Commissioners do not allow public comment at their meetings. Sure, in public hearings and in rare instances like this week’s discourse on slots at Ocean Downs, people can stand up and be heard. However, contrary to nearly all other governments in the area and state, there is no time allocated at each meeting… Read more »
Logic Behind Room Tax Plan ExplainedEditor:I feel compelled to respond to recent letters regarding the high cost of vacationing in Ocean City. While it is quite easy to get caught up in the mindset that Ocean City’s prices are driving tourists away, there are a few very important things to keep in mind. Operating a… Read more »
Some calendars said it. Most computers acknowledged it. There was reason to be confused about when Daylights Savings Time actually expired. For the record, it’s Sunday at 2 a.m., meaning you will gain an hour of sleep (or drinking at your favorite watering hole for some). A friend of mine was truly thrown by the… Read more »
The Ocean City Mayor and Council affirmed its position on slots this week – it’s opposed to the expansion of gambling through the one-arm bandits anywhere in the state. Immediately after that confirmation on Tuesday, the inevitable criticism started flowing. While there was a wide range of comments heard this week through interviews, blogs, forums… Read more »
Revisit Parking LawEditor:Apparently, the Ocean City Town Code allows a mere 48 hours to pay a parking violation ticket without extended penalty. For many, this is impossible. They are on a budgeted vacation and have planned accordingly – they have not included a parking ticket. Many wait until they get home to pay – this,… Read more »
Conspiracy theories have been flying along Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City in recent weeks. It’s understandable, considering strangers have been walking along the road and on private properties, marking sidewalks and utilities with spray paint. Questions circulating include: Is the state expanding the roadway for a bus lane? Are the utility lines finally going to… Read more »
Here’s to hoping the latest wind farm proposal for off Ocean City’s coast goes over better than the one presented years ago.Years ago, when a major wind farm was last pitched for miles off Ocean City, the man making the proposal was practically chased out of City Hall. It was difficult to find fault with… Read more »
A 35-Year ReflectionEditor:Thursday, Oct. 19, marked the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act. Thirty-five years later, our waterways are still polluted, and the protection we largely take for granted is virtually non-existent.In 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act, making a promise to the American public that the sewage stench, oil… Read more »
A big slots rally is planned for the Boardwalk tomorrow morning. A press release from the Stop Slots Maryland organization reports the event is a rally for the anti-slots movement in Maryland and timely because it’s about a week before the legislature is expected to convene for a special session. According to the press release,… Read more »
Governor Martin O’Malley has officially summonsed legislators to Annapolis for a special session starting Oct. 29 to discuss and ultimately approve a reform package aimed at addressing an estimated $1.7 billion structural deficit.The governor believes time is of the essence and his proposed budget plan needs the state’s attention immediately rather than next January. “Now… Read more »