The State Highway Administration will carry out nighttime paving work on lanes of the Intercounty Connector from Sunday through Thursday between Shady Grove Road and Interstate 370. Crews will work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. each day. No work is scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9, but might have to resume Oct. 10 depending on weather conditions.
The roads that are closest to the paving are Briardale Road, Polara Place, Rydal Terrace, Epsilon Drive, Amity Court and Amity Terrace. ICC spokesman Ray Feldmann said no nighttime paving will be done in the Winters Run community, where night work had been done earlier this month. He said no local roads will be closed due to the construction.
"The main reason for the overnight work is because we're getting close to a period where weather-wise, we will not be able to do much," he said. "We're running out of time on some of the paving operations."
Paving work can only be done when temperatures are 50 degrees or higher. Construction workers will use vibratory rollers to compact the asphalt, which tends to produce loud noises. SOURCE: Gazette
October 3, 2010
School Bus, Car Involved in Accident in Germantown
GERMANTOWN, Md. - Montgomery County police are investigating an accident involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle. The accident happened around 11:30 a.m. Friday near Great Seneca Hwy and Middlebrook Rd. in Germantown. Details of the accident are not yet known, however, images from SKYFOX show a badly damaged gray vehicle next to the bus. The rear of the bus appears damaged. Officers say the bus was unoccupied at the time. The driver was not injured. The driver of the vehicle was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger was transported as a precaution. The intersection was shut down while crews investigated.
October 2, 2010
Maryland's First Slots Casino Opens in Perryville
PERRYVILLE - Maryland's first slots casino informally opened on Monday, and customers have found it rather quickly. Officials with the parent company, Penn National Gaming, said average attendance for the first three days was 7,000 people per day.
Voters in Maryland approved slot casinos nearly two years ago, and the $98 million facility in Perryville is now open with 1,500 machines. Some of those slot machines look suspiciously like table gambling, which is legal and being offered in Delaware and in West Virginia. A roulette slot machine features a spinning electronic wheel and a spinning and bouncing electronic ball. Patrons can sidle-up to what looks like a gaming table for cards and play "three card poker" or blackjack against a virtual dealer on an electronic screen. The cards are displayed on electronic screens on the flat parts of the table.
A smiling Gov. Martin O'Malley told a gathered crowd that the new Maryland casino is there to, "[prevent] dollars that used to fly across the border from leaving. Instead, [those dollars] are staying here." Under the terms of the licensing agreement, 67% of the profit from each slot machine goes to the state, with half that revenue going to an education trust fund.
Voters in Maryland approved slot casinos nearly two years ago, and the $98 million facility in Perryville is now open with 1,500 machines. Some of those slot machines look suspiciously like table gambling, which is legal and being offered in Delaware and in West Virginia. A roulette slot machine features a spinning electronic wheel and a spinning and bouncing electronic ball. Patrons can sidle-up to what looks like a gaming table for cards and play "three card poker" or blackjack against a virtual dealer on an electronic screen. The cards are displayed on electronic screens on the flat parts of the table.
A smiling Gov. Martin O'Malley told a gathered crowd that the new Maryland casino is there to, "[prevent] dollars that used to fly across the border from leaving. Instead, [those dollars] are staying here." Under the terms of the licensing agreement, 67% of the profit from each slot machine goes to the state, with half that revenue going to an education trust fund.
October 1, 2010
Vovak supports Republican Gov. Schwarzenegger's decision to sign Senate bill 1149, decriminalizing marijuana
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND -- Daniel Vovak, a member-elect (at-large) of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee supports Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision yesterday to decriminalize marijuana when he signed California Senate bill 1449. Schwarzenegger's decision places the Republican Party as the leader in the marijuana movement. Further, it means that elected leaders in America's largest State believe that having less than an ounce of marijuana is no more unethical than driving over the speed limit.
"When I ran for Montgomery County Executive, Montgomery County's Republican leaders chastised me for taking a position on marijuana similar to Governor Schwarzenegger," said Vovak, who has never experimented with marijuana and lost the Republican primary to a lifelong Democrat. "Now Montgomery County will not benefit financially from California's movement, which is sad, since our county badly needs the funding. Maryland will never become competitive for Republicans until Montgomery County Republicans support and unite around leaders capable of making tough decisions, rather than followers."
It should also be noted that Maryland Republican Governor Bob Ehrlich sponsored the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act.
Contact Vovak at 202-367-4835 or DanielVovak@gmail.com.
"When I ran for Montgomery County Executive, Montgomery County's Republican leaders chastised me for taking a position on marijuana similar to Governor Schwarzenegger," said Vovak, who has never experimented with marijuana and lost the Republican primary to a lifelong Democrat. "Now Montgomery County will not benefit financially from California's movement, which is sad, since our county badly needs the funding. Maryland will never become competitive for Republicans until Montgomery County Republicans support and unite around leaders capable of making tough decisions, rather than followers."
It should also be noted that Maryland Republican Governor Bob Ehrlich sponsored the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act.
Contact Vovak at 202-367-4835 or DanielVovak@gmail.com.
A rock n' roll fundraiser for Maria Pena-Faustino for delegate in 39
A “ROCK AND ROLL PARTY” fundraiser for Maria Pena-Faustino Featuring Gus Alzona’s Trademark
Sunday, October 10, 2010. 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Hard Times Café of Bethesda. 4920 Delray Ave. Bethesda MD 20814. 301-951-3300
No cover charge. Free metered parking right across the street in the public garage. Full bar, appetizers and dinner menu items available for purchase. Large screen televisions (muted sound) will display current sports games. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to make “free will” political contributions of $20 or more directly to the candidates, though we are sure they would appreciate any and all amounts received up to the legal limit of $4,000 per election cycle. Please RSVP to Gus Alzona at 1-202-288-8011 or email AugustusAlzona@gmail.com
Free Potter Violin Company Strings Clinic
What: Violin, viola, cello and double bass players are invited to an interactive Strings Clinic offered by The Potter Violin Company and two other partners at the University of Maryland. Strings professionals will present on the history, physical materials and methods used to make bowed stringed instruments. Other presentation highlights include slow motion videography of how strings vibrate and interact with a bow as well as common instrumental problems solved by strings and helpful tips for improving the performance and durability of stringed instruments. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session and the opportunity to share individual experiences. Attendees will receive a FREE personal string consultation with the experts, as well as a free set of strings to evaluate.
When: Saturday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m.
Where: Leah M. Smith Lecture Hall, Room 2200 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
Cost: FREE, no registration required
Contact: 1-800-317-9452
Web site: http://www.pottersviolins.com
When: Saturday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m.
Where: Leah M. Smith Lecture Hall, Room 2200 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
Cost: FREE, no registration required
Contact: 1-800-317-9452
Web site: http://www.pottersviolins.com
Longest-serving member of MOCO Central committee, George Sauer, dies
Today, Montgomery County Daily received a comment from Debbie Hargreaves (of Texas) in a previous entry about George Sauer, stating that he had died. I then called Wilma Sauer and she confirmed that the sad fact was true. Wilma was in good spirits since she had lived a life filled with love with George, though her concerns now were mostly about her family. She told me that there will be a memorial service at Seven Locks Baptist Church in Potomac. However, first there have to be arrangements made with her children, which include long trips from California and England.
Debbie Hargreaves' comment is the following:
"Thank you for giving him a special award. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer last night, Wednesday, September 29, 2010. George Sauer was a fine man. He was also my Uncle. I will miss his wonderful voice and his intelligent wit."
Debbie Hargreaves
I will keep all of you posted as more decisions are made, so we can all give our last respects. Wilma Sauer's phone number is 301-762-7260.
O'Malley, Ehrlich agree to Oct. 11 debate on WJZ
After weeks of wrangling, Maryland's two leading gubernatorial candidates have agreed to at least one televised debate: Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) will square off Oct. 11 on WJZ, the CBS affiliate in Baltimore. The hourlong encounter, to be moderated by WJZ anchor Denise Koch, will be taped that morning before a small studio audience and will air at 7 p.m., according to representatives from both campaigns. The candidates have agreed to cover five to six major topics, with each answering a question and allowing Koch the opportunity for follow-up.
Spokesmen for both Ehrlich and O'Malley said they remain in discussions about other debate proposals from several organizations, including The Washington Post. In their 2006 race, O'Malley and Ehrlich debated twice -- both on the same day. Oct. 11 could have a similar feel. Both candidates are planning to participate in a forum that afternoon hosted by the Maryland Disabilities Forum at a hotel near Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport. Technically, the forum, which will focus on disabilities issues, is not a debate. SOURCE: Washington Post
Spokesmen for both Ehrlich and O'Malley said they remain in discussions about other debate proposals from several organizations, including The Washington Post. In their 2006 race, O'Malley and Ehrlich debated twice -- both on the same day. Oct. 11 could have a similar feel. Both candidates are planning to participate in a forum that afternoon hosted by the Maryland Disabilities Forum at a hotel near Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport. Technically, the forum, which will focus on disabilities issues, is not a debate. SOURCE: Washington Post
September 30, 2010
Franchot Recovers Hundreds of Thousands in Child Support Payments
Annapolis, MD. (September 30, 2010) – Reaffirming his goal to use modern technology for the benefit of Maryland taxpayers, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today his office will be paying more than 1,200 delinquent child support accounts from the agency’s unclaimed property fund. The payments are made possible by using the agency’s computers to cross-reference state files; files provided thanks to House Bill 963, sponsored by Delegate Galen Clagett.
The legislation allows the Comptroller’s office to regularly cross check its Unclaimed Property accounts with the Department of Human Resources file of delinquent child support payers. When matches are found, the Comptroller’s Office directs those funds to DHR, who then makes sure they get to the children and the families who are owed the money.
“I commend Delegate Clagett for his leadership and for his persistence in fighting for this bill,” said Comptroller Franchot. “As we have the technology to run these matches, my agency runs delinquent tax payers through multiple databases on a regular basis and it only makes sense that we do the same with delinquent child support payments. This law helps ensure that the families who are counting on these funds to help make ends meet get what they are owed.”
Comptroller Franchot testified in support of Delegate Clagett’s bill during the 2009 and 2010 Session. During a test run after the bill’s first introduction, the Comptroller’s Office found over 1,600 matching accounts totaling more than $670,000. The Comptroller was very pleased to see the bi-partisan support that led to the bill’s passage this past session.
“We are very happy to have gotten this important bill through after 2 years of hard work,” said Delegate Clagett. “I am delighted that it is working and helping to get money back into the hands of the children and families who so desperately need it.”
In preparing the first remittance for the interception of unclaimed property accounts to offset delinquent Child Support payments, the Comptroller’s office is sending money to 1,281 accounts totaling $458,403.00. The amount being transferred will be significantly lower in future years due to the fact that this is a clean up on all unclaimed property records. Future payments will only match against current owner accounts. Financial institutions, utility and insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurances benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. Funds remain the property of the owners or their legitimate heirs and can be claimed anytime. There is no statue of limitations. The agency has records on approximately 800,000 accounts worth more than $900 million.
The legislation allows the Comptroller’s office to regularly cross check its Unclaimed Property accounts with the Department of Human Resources file of delinquent child support payers. When matches are found, the Comptroller’s Office directs those funds to DHR, who then makes sure they get to the children and the families who are owed the money.
“I commend Delegate Clagett for his leadership and for his persistence in fighting for this bill,” said Comptroller Franchot. “As we have the technology to run these matches, my agency runs delinquent tax payers through multiple databases on a regular basis and it only makes sense that we do the same with delinquent child support payments. This law helps ensure that the families who are counting on these funds to help make ends meet get what they are owed.”
Comptroller Franchot testified in support of Delegate Clagett’s bill during the 2009 and 2010 Session. During a test run after the bill’s first introduction, the Comptroller’s Office found over 1,600 matching accounts totaling more than $670,000. The Comptroller was very pleased to see the bi-partisan support that led to the bill’s passage this past session.
“We are very happy to have gotten this important bill through after 2 years of hard work,” said Delegate Clagett. “I am delighted that it is working and helping to get money back into the hands of the children and families who so desperately need it.”
In preparing the first remittance for the interception of unclaimed property accounts to offset delinquent Child Support payments, the Comptroller’s office is sending money to 1,281 accounts totaling $458,403.00. The amount being transferred will be significantly lower in future years due to the fact that this is a clean up on all unclaimed property records. Future payments will only match against current owner accounts. Financial institutions, utility and insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the Comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurances benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. Funds remain the property of the owners or their legitimate heirs and can be claimed anytime. There is no statue of limitations. The agency has records on approximately 800,000 accounts worth more than $900 million.
Montgomery, Md., man, wounded by officer, gets 18 months for assault
A Montgomery County man who assaulted a police officer during an altercation in which the man was shot five times was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in jail. Ingham "Andre" DeFreitas, 32, also faces five years of probation as a result of his encounter last year with a police officer in the Darnestown area.
The case proved contentious to the end. Prosecutors said DeFreitas had himself to blame for what occurred. A defense attorney said the officer's conduct underscored the department's failure to provide proper training in the use of force. In handing down the sentence, Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Algeo leaned toward the prosecution. "This is not about police brutality or police conduct," he said. "This is about Mr. DeFreitas, who was convicted by a jury of assault in the second degree."
Algeo also pointed to DeFreitas's criminal history - including auto theft and drug convictions - and recent drug tests indicating that he had repeatedly smoked marijuana. "That speaks volumes to me," Algeo said.
DeFreitas, who was not armed during the encounter 12 months ago, still has one arm in a sling. Before bailiffs led him out of court, they tried to handcuff him, but his hand appeared to go limp when part of the sling was removed. SOURCE: Washington Post
The case proved contentious to the end. Prosecutors said DeFreitas had himself to blame for what occurred. A defense attorney said the officer's conduct underscored the department's failure to provide proper training in the use of force. In handing down the sentence, Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Algeo leaned toward the prosecution. "This is not about police brutality or police conduct," he said. "This is about Mr. DeFreitas, who was convicted by a jury of assault in the second degree."
Algeo also pointed to DeFreitas's criminal history - including auto theft and drug convictions - and recent drug tests indicating that he had repeatedly smoked marijuana. "That speaks volumes to me," Algeo said.
DeFreitas, who was not armed during the encounter 12 months ago, still has one arm in a sling. Before bailiffs led him out of court, they tried to handcuff him, but his hand appeared to go limp when part of the sling was removed. SOURCE: Washington Post
Chipotle coming to Kensington
John Kelly, columnist for the Washington Post, and fellow MoCo resident, reports today that Chipotle will be arriving soon at the Kensington Shopping Center. Kelly contrasts the national chain with family-owned Continental Pizza, located in the same shopping center on Connecticut Avenue. Continental’s owners worry that the pizzeria may face stiff competition from the burrito purveyor.
It seems to us that burritos and pizza are different food that can peacefully coexist in the same small shopping center, particularly given the present dearth of eateries in Kensington. It is not as if Continental was the sole restaurant in the shopping center; there is already a Chinese restaurant (Hong Kong Kensington) too.
What do you think? Is Chipotle good for Kensington or the death knell for Continental?
P.S.: The strangest part of this story appears to be that the impetus for Chipotle’s arrival in Kensington was, in some part, due to a Facebook campaign spearheaded by state Delegate Al Carr. Other than Betty White appearing on SNL, this has to be the only time that sending out a demand to the Facebook universe has led to actual concrete action. SOURCE: What's Up Wheaton
It seems to us that burritos and pizza are different food that can peacefully coexist in the same small shopping center, particularly given the present dearth of eateries in Kensington. It is not as if Continental was the sole restaurant in the shopping center; there is already a Chinese restaurant (Hong Kong Kensington) too.
What do you think? Is Chipotle good for Kensington or the death knell for Continental?
P.S.: The strangest part of this story appears to be that the impetus for Chipotle’s arrival in Kensington was, in some part, due to a Facebook campaign spearheaded by state Delegate Al Carr. Other than Betty White appearing on SNL, this has to be the only time that sending out a demand to the Facebook universe has led to actual concrete action. SOURCE: What's Up Wheaton
Community Events
Blessing of the Animals - Saturday, October 23 at 10 am. Celebrate the companions that bring joy to our lives with a short outdoor service of blessing. Rain or shine at the church entrance. For the safety of all, please leash/contain pets. The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. www.mystandrew.org
Model Train Show & Fair - Saturday November 13, 9am-4pm and Sunday November 14, 12 noon-4pm. Come enjoy an extensive mini-landscape of operating model trains! Crafts & train items for sale; breakfast & lunch available. Activities & gifts for kids! Suggested donation - $4 per person, 12 & under FREE! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. www.mystandrew.org
Hearts & Holly Craft Bazaar - Saturday, November 20, 9am-2pm. Handmade treats & treasures, artisan crafts, homemade jams, jellies & savories, quilts and textile arts, ornaments and unique wood pieces, Grandma's Attic (vintage items) and Santa's Workshop (gift shopping for kids). BBQ lunch served 11-1. Your holiday spirit starts here! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD. www.mystandrew.org
Model Train Show & Fair - Saturday November 13, 9am-4pm and Sunday November 14, 12 noon-4pm. Come enjoy an extensive mini-landscape of operating model trains! Crafts & train items for sale; breakfast & lunch available. Activities & gifts for kids! Suggested donation - $4 per person, 12 & under FREE! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. www.mystandrew.org
Hearts & Holly Craft Bazaar - Saturday, November 20, 9am-2pm. Handmade treats & treasures, artisan crafts, homemade jams, jellies & savories, quilts and textile arts, ornaments and unique wood pieces, Grandma's Attic (vintage items) and Santa's Workshop (gift shopping for kids). BBQ lunch served 11-1. Your holiday spirit starts here! The Lutheran Church of St Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD. www.mystandrew.org
September 29, 2010
Statement from Mike Phillips (Candidate MD-08) about Ehrlich poll
Statement from Mike Phillips (Candidate in Maryland's 8th Congressional District) about Ehrlich poll:
The Washington Post released a poll today that characterized former Governor Bob Ehrlich trailing the incumbent Governor O'Malley by 11 percentage points in the race for the Governor's seat in Annapolis. Given the small number of Republicans polled this would make sense. Given the large number of Democrats polled (relative to Republicans), the results make sense. However, what doesn't make sense is the lack of mental gymnastics going on down at the Post.
This is the best news I have had all week! Since the Post can't do math worth printing, it is no wonder their numbers and their conclusions about the Governor's race don't add up. With so few Republicans in the polling numbers and so many non-registered voters in the mix, we could easily extrapolate a blowout in favor of Ehrlich if the Post would only drop the illegal aliens from the poll and use a realistic distribution of voters from around the state instead of manipulating the voter pool to generate the outcome they needed to print the story. The Post even added this disclaimer to each question, "This is a non-scientific user poll. Results are not statistically valid and cannot be assumed to reflect the views of Washington Post users as a group or the general population." What a waste of good print space. Shame on the Post!
Mike Philips,
Candidate for Congress MD 8th District against Rep. Chris van Hollen
703-856-2811
mike@mikephilipsforcongress.com
www.mike4us.com
Bus Accident on I-270 in Bethesda, Maryland off fly way
BETHESDA, Md. - A commuter bus plunged off a highway Wednesday outside the nation's capital, killing one person and injuring at least a dozen, including children, authorities said. Parents and children were aboard the bus that fell 45 feet off a skyramp of the Capital Beltway and landed below along Interstate 270 in Bethesda, said Maryland State Police Sgt. Michael Brennan. The crash occurred about 4 p.m. as the afternoon rush hour started to build, creating a massive traffic jam northwest of Washington.
Television footage showed crews in yellow jackets and helmets walking up ladders and crawling into the holed-out windows of the bus. Rescuers spread out tarp on the roadway where a woman lay with a brace around her neck and held a compress to her head. Police dogs were searching the area in case people were ejected from the bus. Some children also sat in the triage areas surrounded by backpacks, including a girl with a white bandage wrapped around her head. A firefighter could be seen carrying a child in his arms, while others were taken away on stretchers.
Authorities had to extricate several people from the "limousine-style tour bus," said Montgomery County fire department Assistant Chief Scott Graham. Graham said 12 people were taken to area hospitals. Two had critical, life-threatening injuries, two others were critically hurt but should survive and the rest had minor injuries. SOURCE: FOX
Television footage showed crews in yellow jackets and helmets walking up ladders and crawling into the holed-out windows of the bus. Rescuers spread out tarp on the roadway where a woman lay with a brace around her neck and held a compress to her head. Police dogs were searching the area in case people were ejected from the bus. Some children also sat in the triage areas surrounded by backpacks, including a girl with a white bandage wrapped around her head. A firefighter could be seen carrying a child in his arms, while others were taken away on stretchers.
Authorities had to extricate several people from the "limousine-style tour bus," said Montgomery County fire department Assistant Chief Scott Graham. Graham said 12 people were taken to area hospitals. Two had critical, life-threatening injuries, two others were critically hurt but should survive and the rest had minor injuries. SOURCE: FOX
Vovak questions Wash. Post poll with Ehrlich losing 52-41
BETHESDA, MARYLAND – Daniel Vovak, an at-large member-elect of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee has questioned the results of the latest poll of the rematch of former Governor Bob Ehrlich and Governor Martin O'Malley. Vovak, a former journalist who has built his career on being media-friendly, has made a rare decision to question the validity of The Washington Post poll, conducted by The Washington Post, long known to have integrity as a news organization.
Vovak said, "As most of you already know, today The Washington Post released a poll that states that Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is defeating former Governor Bob Ehrlich 52-41 among likely voters. However, there are a few points in this poll that really must be questioned. The foremost point is that 1,448 adults were interviewed, though only 1,196 were registered voters. Why would non-voters be considered as having validity in this poll unless The Washington Post is begging for blatant voter fraud? Further, the poll claims that Ehrlich attracts a mere 27% of Montgomery County voters. There is no way imaginable that that number is true using November reality!"
Vovak encourages other media outlets to also poll the race, believing that no other poll will equal the same results in Montgomery County.
Vovak added, "Yesterday I volunteered at Ehrlich headquarters again and the flow of volunteers literally never ended and I was there for over two hours. Plus, there isn't a doubt in my mind that Katja Bullock [who is managing Ehrlich's Montgomery County headquarters] would agree with me in saying that those numbers for Ehrlich in Montgomery County are just bogus."
Montgomery County is Maryland's largest county for registered voters and is also the number one county in Maryland for registered Republicans.
Contact Vovak at 202-367-4835 or DanielVovak@gmail.com.
Vovak said, "As most of you already know, today The Washington Post released a poll that states that Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is defeating former Governor Bob Ehrlich 52-41 among likely voters. However, there are a few points in this poll that really must be questioned. The foremost point is that 1,448 adults were interviewed, though only 1,196 were registered voters. Why would non-voters be considered as having validity in this poll unless The Washington Post is begging for blatant voter fraud? Further, the poll claims that Ehrlich attracts a mere 27% of Montgomery County voters. There is no way imaginable that that number is true using November reality!"
Vovak encourages other media outlets to also poll the race, believing that no other poll will equal the same results in Montgomery County.
Vovak added, "Yesterday I volunteered at Ehrlich headquarters again and the flow of volunteers literally never ended and I was there for over two hours. Plus, there isn't a doubt in my mind that Katja Bullock [who is managing Ehrlich's Montgomery County headquarters] would agree with me in saying that those numbers for Ehrlich in Montgomery County are just bogus."
Montgomery County is Maryland's largest county for registered voters and is also the number one county in Maryland for registered Republicans.
Contact Vovak at 202-367-4835 or DanielVovak@gmail.com.
High court orders ambulance fee referendum placed on ballot
Maryland's highest court has reversed a lower court decision and ordered that a referendum on a Montgomery County ambulance fee be placed on the Nov. 2 ballot. Thousands of signatures, and thus the referendum, had been rejected under an interpretation of state law that critics said brought about absurd results because it excluded people based on the way they signed their names. A Montgomery Circuit Court judge had ruled that elections officials acted properly and that the ambulance referendum not be put on the ballot.
But after oral arguments Wednesday, the Court of Appeals reversed that decision and sent the case back to the Montgomery court "with directions to enter judgment in favor of Appellants and an order that a referendum on the validity [of the ambulance fee legislation] be placed on the ballot at the General Election to be held on November 2, 2010." Opponents of the ambulance fee called it a stunning victory. SOURCE: Washington Post
But after oral arguments Wednesday, the Court of Appeals reversed that decision and sent the case back to the Montgomery court "with directions to enter judgment in favor of Appellants and an order that a referendum on the validity [of the ambulance fee legislation] be placed on the ballot at the General Election to be held on November 2, 2010." Opponents of the ambulance fee called it a stunning victory. SOURCE: Washington Post
O'Malley Has Significant Lead in Washington Post poll
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- A Washington Post poll shows Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has a significant lead over former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich. The poll published Wednesday says 52 percent of those most likely to vote support O'Malley, while 41 percent say they support Ehrlich. The poll found that Ehrlich has the support of almost every Republican voter in the state as well as wide support among independents. But the newspaper reports that Ehrlich is failing to draw the cross-party support that enabled him to win in 2002. The Post polled 1,448 randomly selected adults, including 1,196 adults and 730 voters likely to cast ballots. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points among registered voters and plus or minus 4 percentage points for likely voters. The poll was conducted Sept. 22 to 26. SOURCE: WBOC
1 Dead in Shooting Near Funeral on U Street in Northwest DC
WASHINGTON - FOX 5 has learned that 21-year-old Jamal Coates was killed after a shooting and subsequent car crash near a funeral for a young woman who was recently shot to death. A cousin of Coates said he had attended the funeral of 21-year-old Ashley McCrae, who was shot Sept. 18 in southeast D.C. McRae was found shot in her car in the 2700 black of Bruce Place. She died later at the hospital.
Late Tuesday night, three people were taken into custody in handcuffs and questioned by investigators. Police have also towed away a tan-colored Buick Regal and removed several guns from a Northwest home at Girard St. in Northwest. The shooting broke out about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday near the Walker Memorial Baptist Church at 2020 13th Street NW. Two others were injured during the shooting.
Late Tuesday night, three people were taken into custody in handcuffs and questioned by investigators. Police have also towed away a tan-colored Buick Regal and removed several guns from a Northwest home at Girard St. in Northwest. The shooting broke out about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday near the Walker Memorial Baptist Church at 2020 13th Street NW. Two others were injured during the shooting.
Ehrlich, GOP supporters accuse O'Malley of cover-up in agency e-mails
Former Maryland governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) and his supporters tried on Tuesday to use a batch of government e-mails released this week to portray his rival, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), as more concerned with politics than job creation. Ehrlich's campaign dropped a second round of documents that show O'Malley's administration scrambling to cope with the fallout from an economic report that was inadvertently posted last month on a state Web site. The e-mails, which The Post obtained and authenticated, do not provide much new information, but offer a rare look at the inner workings of O'Malley's administration, including candid exchanges from top aides who were clearly concerned about public perception and how the internal report ended up in the hands of Ehrlich's campaign.
The report, which described the state's economy as having "stalled" during July, was posted Aug. 20 and taken down a few hours later. The message was at odds with the positive news O'Malley's administration intended to emphasize. Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Alexander M. Sanchez has said that the report was mistakenly posted and that he ordered it pulled from the site.
Republican Party Chairman Audrey E. Scott called Tuesday for Sanchez to resign. In a letter to O'Malley, Scott said the e-mails show that the "culture of the department encourages employees to deceive the taxpayers for political gain."
O'Malley spokesman Shaun Adamec said the governor stands by Sanchez, and that the administration is "focused on job creation, and that's why Maryland continues to create jobs at more than twice the rate of the rest of the nation." In the hours after the administration realized the mistake, the e-mails show the back-and-forth between labor department officials and the governor's office as they worked late on a Friday night to ensure that the errant report was pulled from the site and that the proper one was posted in its place. SOURCE: Washington Post
The report, which described the state's economy as having "stalled" during July, was posted Aug. 20 and taken down a few hours later. The message was at odds with the positive news O'Malley's administration intended to emphasize. Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Alexander M. Sanchez has said that the report was mistakenly posted and that he ordered it pulled from the site.
Republican Party Chairman Audrey E. Scott called Tuesday for Sanchez to resign. In a letter to O'Malley, Scott said the e-mails show that the "culture of the department encourages employees to deceive the taxpayers for political gain."
O'Malley spokesman Shaun Adamec said the governor stands by Sanchez, and that the administration is "focused on job creation, and that's why Maryland continues to create jobs at more than twice the rate of the rest of the nation." In the hours after the administration realized the mistake, the e-mails show the back-and-forth between labor department officials and the governor's office as they worked late on a Friday night to ensure that the errant report was pulled from the site and that the proper one was posted in its place. SOURCE: Washington Post
September 28, 2010
Woman Sexually Assaulted in Germantown
GERMANTOWN, Md. - Police say a 21-year-old woman flagged them down at a Germantown 7-Eleven store around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. She told investigators she was hanging out with friends nearby, and then decided to walk to the store to meet another friend. That is when she was attacked.
"As she was approaching High Point Drive, an unknown man approached her from behind, grabbed her and dragged her to a wooded area," said Lucille Baur of Montgomery County Police.
The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and then ran away. However, the victim did not get a good look at the attacker.
"We have a limited suspect description at this time. [We have an] unconfirmed race of this male attacker believed to be in his 20 or 30s. She describes him as short with a medium build," said Baur.
It's disturbing news to some who live in this community.
"As she was approaching High Point Drive, an unknown man approached her from behind, grabbed her and dragged her to a wooded area," said Lucille Baur of Montgomery County Police.
The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and then ran away. However, the victim did not get a good look at the attacker.
"We have a limited suspect description at this time. [We have an] unconfirmed race of this male attacker believed to be in his 20 or 30s. She describes him as short with a medium build," said Baur.
It's disturbing news to some who live in this community.
Md. Man Charged With Slaying Other Mental Patient
ROCKVILLE, Md. - On a medium-security wing at a state mental hospital, El Soundani El-Wahhabi befriended the woman in the room three doors down who, like him, was committed there after a murder trial. He's now accused of killing her. Video shows the two chatting in a common area on Saturday night, and him later entering her room for a few minutes not long before their bed check, according to court documents released Monday. Inside the room, El-Wahhabi told police that he kissed the woman, then put a string around her neck and pulled it tight.
El-Wahhabi, also known as Saladin Taylor, told police in the interview that he and 45-year-old Susan Sachs struggled until she stopped breathing, the documents state. He has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and is being held at the Howard County Detention Center, according to Lt. Col. William M. Pallozzi of the Maryland State Police. Sachs and El-Wahhabi were described as friends in interviews with police, according to court documents. Later, after Sachs went to her room for the night, the video shows El-Wahhabi entering her room before 11 p.m., then leaving minutes later and stopping at the bathroom on the way to his room.
Sachs' roommate at the Clifton T. Perkins State hospital in Jessup did not notice anything amiss when she entered their room late about a half hour later, police said. But in the morning, the roommate alerted the head nurse, who found Sachs face down in her bed with a long shoe lace around her neck. SOURCE: FOX DC
El-Wahhabi, also known as Saladin Taylor, told police in the interview that he and 45-year-old Susan Sachs struggled until she stopped breathing, the documents state. He has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and is being held at the Howard County Detention Center, according to Lt. Col. William M. Pallozzi of the Maryland State Police. Sachs and El-Wahhabi were described as friends in interviews with police, according to court documents. Later, after Sachs went to her room for the night, the video shows El-Wahhabi entering her room before 11 p.m., then leaving minutes later and stopping at the bathroom on the way to his room.
Sachs' roommate at the Clifton T. Perkins State hospital in Jessup did not notice anything amiss when she entered their room late about a half hour later, police said. But in the morning, the roommate alerted the head nurse, who found Sachs face down in her bed with a long shoe lace around her neck. SOURCE: FOX DC
Silver Spring Hit and Run Victim in Coma
SILVER SPRING, Md. - The family of a 22-year-old Silver Spring woman says she is fighting for her life after a car struck her along the 8700 block of Carroll Avenue Saturday evening. Danielle Elizabeth Alay is the name provided to FOX 5 by her brother Oscar Alay.
"Our mother and the whole family are so sad. She's in a coma," Alay said.
Montgomery County Police told reporters a passenger side view mirror recovered at the scene indicates the striking car may be a dark-colored sedan.
"Our mother and the whole family are so sad. She's in a coma," Alay said.
Montgomery County Police told reporters a passenger side view mirror recovered at the scene indicates the striking car may be a dark-colored sedan.
Takoma Park votes to allow restaurants, but not stores, to sell carry-out alcohol
Takoma Park officials finally made a decision on the city’s century-old ban on alcohol sales. The city council voted Monday night to request a change in its laws so that restaurants may sell carry-out beer and wine. Sit-down restaurants, such as Roscoe’s Pizzeria, won out, but the rules barring retail businesses from selling beer and wine will remain unchanged. The Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-Op, which had expressed interest in selling organic wines and beers, won’t be able to do so any time soon. And entrepreneurs hoping to open upscale beer and wine stores similar to Silver Spring’s Fenwick Beer and Wine, whose owners originally intended to open in Takoma Park, will have to continue to look elsewhere. SOURCE: TBD
Argy completes peer review with stamp of excellence
McLean, VA — September 22, 2010 — Argy, Wiltse & Robinson, P.C. (Argy), a rapidly-growing certified public accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its recent peer review with no deficiencies. Argy has received peer review reports with only the highest possible grade since its inception in 1991 - a level of quality achieved by only a small percentage of CPA firms.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) requires all certified public accounting firms to undergo a thorough review of their attest services and systems of quality control by another registered firm. In this case, a team from a very large national firm performed the peer review. The peer review was conducted by reviewing a sample of attest engagements performed by Argy, as well as reviewing its controls to ascertain that the firm is in compliance with industry standards.
“We are proud of the fact that Argy has completed another successful peer review with the highest possible grade since the firm’s inception,” said Paul Argy, Argy’s President and CEO. “We strive to be the best and accomplish the highest level of quality in every aspect of our business.”
Peer reviews are conducted every three years. Argy will undergo its next review in 2013.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) requires all certified public accounting firms to undergo a thorough review of their attest services and systems of quality control by another registered firm. In this case, a team from a very large national firm performed the peer review. The peer review was conducted by reviewing a sample of attest engagements performed by Argy, as well as reviewing its controls to ascertain that the firm is in compliance with industry standards.
“We are proud of the fact that Argy has completed another successful peer review with the highest possible grade since the firm’s inception,” said Paul Argy, Argy’s President and CEO. “We strive to be the best and accomplish the highest level of quality in every aspect of our business.”
Peer reviews are conducted every three years. Argy will undergo its next review in 2013.
County County District 2 and 4 debates on October 8 at 7 PM
GOCA And The Olney Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a debate between the Candidates seeking office on the Montgomery County Council District 2 and District 4. As we all are aware, Olney is divided between these 2 county council districts. This debate will feature the Candidates running for Montgomery County Council District 2 - Democratic Candidate Craig L. Rice and Republican Candidate Robin Ficker AND Council District 4 Democratic Incumbent Nancy Navarro and Republican Candidate David Horner. The debate will be focused on the many important issues facing Olney and this will be a great opportunity for the Olney community to see and hear these candidates state their views about the issues that matter to us. Information regarding the candidates can be found on the home page of the GOCA website at www.goca.org. In the event you can't attend, please send your questions to any of the GOCA Officers or Virginia Mauk at olneycoc@aol.com. The GOCA Officers can be contacted by clicking the contact tab that appears on the home page at www.goca.org. This event will start promptly at 7:00PM in the Community Room of the Buffington RE/MAX Building at 3300 Olney Sandy Spring Road in Olney. This lively debate is open to the entire Olney community and we look forward to seeing you on October 8th!
September 27, 2010
Hoyer says Colbert was 'embarrassment'; Pelosi says he was 'great'
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md) was neither humored nor pleased with Stephen Colbert's recent testimony before the House Judiciary committee's subcommittee on immigration, calling it an embarrassment for the Comedy Central host.
"I think his testimony was not appropriate," said Hoyer, during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday." "I think it was an embarrassment for Mr. Colbert more than the House."
"You asked me, Chris [Wallace] whether the testimony was appropriate," he added. "I think it was not appropriate."
Colbert appeared before the committee on Friday in his trademark unaware, archconservative character to discuss his 10-hour volunteer work as a migrant farm worker. Almost immediately, lawmakers were piqued by the performance, with some cheering him on and others shaking their head in disbelief. Committee chair John Conyers (D-Mich) asked Colbert to leave the room. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), meanwhile, said she thought the performance was "great" and "appropriate."
"He's an American, right?" said Pelosi. "He came before the committee. He has a point of view. He can bring attention to an important issue like immigration. I think it's great."
The matter seemed settled there. But preceding Hoyer on "Fox News Sunday," House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) twice attacked Democrats for calling a comedian to Congress at a time when they should be passing jobs bills. Perhaps spooked by the charge or merely reflecting his own viewpoint, Hoyer largely agreed.
"What he had to say was not the way it should have been said. If he had a position on the issues he should have given those [positions]," he said. SOURCE: Huffington Post
Redskins Fall to the Rams 30-16
ST. LOUIS - Conventional wisdom says as Steven Jackson goes, so go the St. Louis Rams. The supporting cast made believers of the Washington Redskins. The Rams ended a 14-game home losing streak with a 30-16 victory on Sunday by showing surprising depth. The go-ahead touchdown came on a run by Jackson's backup, and a defense minus both starting safeties consistently made Washington (1-2) settle for field goals.
"I'll bet a lot of people would have written us off," center Jason Brown said. "`Oh, Steven Jackson is carrying the Rams' offense on his back.' Well, you still have to have faith the rest of the players can rally around and fill that void."
The Rams (1-2) won for only the second time in the last 29 games and were confident afterward it wasn't a fluke.
"Hopefully, it's one of many," middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. "I think that's kind of the message that we want to send, that it's not just an awesome celebration because we won one."
Unsung Kenneth Darby scored his first career touchdown on a 12-yard run for a 21-16 third-quarter lead, kick-starting the Rams to their first home victory since beating the Cowboys 34-14 on Oct. 10, 2008. That game was Jim Haslett's debut as interim head coach. Haslett is now the Redskins' defensive coordinator, and his unit surrendered the Rams' best point total in two seasons under Steve Spagnuolo.
"Needless to say, a very, very gratifying win," Spagnuolo said. "When you can rise above some adverse situations, it's even better. We lose some of our best players and other players stepped in there."
Little went as planned for the Redskins, who lost their punter during pre-game warmups. Josh Bidwell felt something pop in his hip and kicker Graham Gano, the stand-in punter, had his first attempt blocked by Dominique Curry. Bidwell was able to hold on field goal attempts, however.
"That doesn't happen very often," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "Something popped. We're not sure what it is." SOURCE: FOX
"I'll bet a lot of people would have written us off," center Jason Brown said. "`Oh, Steven Jackson is carrying the Rams' offense on his back.' Well, you still have to have faith the rest of the players can rally around and fill that void."
The Rams (1-2) won for only the second time in the last 29 games and were confident afterward it wasn't a fluke.
"Hopefully, it's one of many," middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. "I think that's kind of the message that we want to send, that it's not just an awesome celebration because we won one."
Unsung Kenneth Darby scored his first career touchdown on a 12-yard run for a 21-16 third-quarter lead, kick-starting the Rams to their first home victory since beating the Cowboys 34-14 on Oct. 10, 2008. That game was Jim Haslett's debut as interim head coach. Haslett is now the Redskins' defensive coordinator, and his unit surrendered the Rams' best point total in two seasons under Steve Spagnuolo.
"Needless to say, a very, very gratifying win," Spagnuolo said. "When you can rise above some adverse situations, it's even better. We lose some of our best players and other players stepped in there."
Little went as planned for the Redskins, who lost their punter during pre-game warmups. Josh Bidwell felt something pop in his hip and kicker Graham Gano, the stand-in punter, had his first attempt blocked by Dominique Curry. Bidwell was able to hold on field goal attempts, however.
"That doesn't happen very often," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "Something popped. We're not sure what it is." SOURCE: FOX
Bank Robber Strikes in Burtonsville
An armed man robbed a Suntrust Bank in Burtonsville, Md., on Saturday. He was carrying a gun. Montgomery County Police Major Crimes detectives and the FBI are investigating the robbery, which took place at about 9:41 a.m. yesterday. A man in his early to mid-20s entered the Suntrust Bank location at 3901 National Drive. He was wearing a gray sweater, black hoodie, and black pants and shoes. He sported a black bandana over his face and brandished a gun. SOURCE: NBC
September 25, 2010
Plans unveiled for second Bethesda Metro station entrance
Concept designs for a second entrance to the Bethesda Metro station and connecting bicycle trails were unveiled today at a meeting of the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee of the Montgomery County Council. County and Maryland Transit Administration plans call for six elevators that would connect Bethesda station's underground Red Line platform, the planned Purple Line light-rail station and street level, at the corner of Elm Street and Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda.
Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority officials presented a slideshow of maps, diagrams and simulated videos that illustrated access to the Metro through the new entrance. In the most recent report to be made public, a 2005 access demand analysis for the Bethesda station, Metro estimated that 70 percent of the station's 19,000 weekday riders walk to the Metro.
That report projects 2030 ridership totals of 26,800 entries and exits to the Bethesda station with a south entrance and without connection to the Purple Line, and 30,400 with both a south entrance and the Purple Line. Average weekday entries and exits were about 19,000 in 2005, according to the study.
Two elevators on Elm Street at its southwest intersection with Wisconsin Avenue would take passengers to the Purple Line level, just below Wisconsin Avenue. Stairways would also connect the Purple Line level to Elm Street, according to the plan presented by Michael Madden, the administration's study manager for the Purple Line, and Joseph Romanowski Jr., of Rummel Klepper & Kahl, LLP. SOURCE: Gazette
Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority officials presented a slideshow of maps, diagrams and simulated videos that illustrated access to the Metro through the new entrance. In the most recent report to be made public, a 2005 access demand analysis for the Bethesda station, Metro estimated that 70 percent of the station's 19,000 weekday riders walk to the Metro.
That report projects 2030 ridership totals of 26,800 entries and exits to the Bethesda station with a south entrance and without connection to the Purple Line, and 30,400 with both a south entrance and the Purple Line. Average weekday entries and exits were about 19,000 in 2005, according to the study.
Two elevators on Elm Street at its southwest intersection with Wisconsin Avenue would take passengers to the Purple Line level, just below Wisconsin Avenue. Stairways would also connect the Purple Line level to Elm Street, according to the plan presented by Michael Madden, the administration's study manager for the Purple Line, and Joseph Romanowski Jr., of Rummel Klepper & Kahl, LLP. SOURCE: Gazette
September 24, 2010
Is Rhee heading to MOCO?
ROCKVILLE, Md. - Can you run a world-class education system on a budget? Do you know someone who can? You might want to point them in the direction of the Montgomery County Board of Education. After more than a decade as Montgomery County School Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Weast will be leaving at the end of the school year. The resignation has prompted the Montgomery County School Board to begin the search for a new school chief.
In a meeting with Montgomery County's Council this week, school board members suggested it would take a national search to find Weast's successor, and the person would need experience with a large school system. The council may not have to look too far. D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee may soon be in the market for a new job. Chris Barclay, a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education was asked if Rhee would have a shot in Montgomery County.
"I have no idea. This is way too early to talk about taking on any candidate," Barclay says. "To me, she would be just like any other person who applied for this job."
Rhee would be in charge of a system much larger than D.C.'s 45,000 students. Montgomery County Schools have 144,000 students enrolled in their system. Montgomery County schools, which enjoy a good reputation, face a number of challenges. Dr. Weast points out the student population continues to rise, and the number of students with growing needs is increasing. The number of students who are eligible for free and reduced meals - an indicator of low income - is 45,000.
The schools are also under pressure to meet a state funding formula - The Maintenance of Effort - and Montgomery County Council officials say it's unlikely the county can afford to meet the requirement for a third straight year. SOURCE: WTOP
In a meeting with Montgomery County's Council this week, school board members suggested it would take a national search to find Weast's successor, and the person would need experience with a large school system. The council may not have to look too far. D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee may soon be in the market for a new job. Chris Barclay, a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education was asked if Rhee would have a shot in Montgomery County.
"I have no idea. This is way too early to talk about taking on any candidate," Barclay says. "To me, she would be just like any other person who applied for this job."
Rhee would be in charge of a system much larger than D.C.'s 45,000 students. Montgomery County Schools have 144,000 students enrolled in their system. Montgomery County schools, which enjoy a good reputation, face a number of challenges. Dr. Weast points out the student population continues to rise, and the number of students with growing needs is increasing. The number of students who are eligible for free and reduced meals - an indicator of low income - is 45,000.
The schools are also under pressure to meet a state funding formula - The Maintenance of Effort - and Montgomery County Council officials say it's unlikely the county can afford to meet the requirement for a third straight year. SOURCE: WTOP
Doug Rosenfeld runs ad against Ike Leggett
Doug Rosenfeld is a candidate for Montgomery County Executive against Ike Leggett. Rosenfeld was endorsed and thoroughly promoted by current Montgomery County Republican Chairman Mark Uncapher. Promoting Rosenfeld, Uncapher has compared him to President Ronald Reagan. In this "Republican year," Republicans expect to win the county executive seat in Montgomery County!
Harriet Tyson, former Montgomery County Board of Education member, dies at 80
Harriet Tyson, a champion of education reform who served as a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education during the 1970s, died Sept. 15 of complications from treatment for esophageal cancer at the Washington Home and Community Hospices in the District. She was 80. Ms. Tyson became involved in shaping Montgomery schools' policies after the system failed to identify her son's learning disabilities. Elected to the school board in 1972, she served until 1976 and was an ally of parents seeking to exercise greater choice in their children's education.
"Some students learn better in innovative schools, and others do better in traditional schools," she told The Washington Post in 1972. "People should not be forced to go to one or another simply because it is in their attendance area."
She was an advocate for children with disabilities and their parents. In 1973, she led a charge to protect such children from Maryland's efforts to collect information about their diagnoses, citing privacy and civil liberty concerns. Among the categories of disabilities listed by the state were "mental retardation," "multiple handicap" and "schizophrenia." Ms. Tyson, known then by her married name, Mrs. Bernstein, remarked that symptoms of those conditions "are often displayed by board members." SOURCE: Washington Post
"Some students learn better in innovative schools, and others do better in traditional schools," she told The Washington Post in 1972. "People should not be forced to go to one or another simply because it is in their attendance area."
She was an advocate for children with disabilities and their parents. In 1973, she led a charge to protect such children from Maryland's efforts to collect information about their diagnoses, citing privacy and civil liberty concerns. Among the categories of disabilities listed by the state were "mental retardation," "multiple handicap" and "schizophrenia." Ms. Tyson, known then by her married name, Mrs. Bernstein, remarked that symptoms of those conditions "are often displayed by board members." SOURCE: Washington Post
Statement of Comptroller Peter Franchot Regarding Today’s Washington Examiner Story
NOTE: Montgomery County Daily did not call Washington Examiner for comment. Also, Francot faces William Campbell in the general election. Campbell is a superbly qualified candidate for the job, too, making the election a competitive one.
“In the past three and half years I have never felt the need to respond to an article or column written about me, or positions that I have taken on public policy issues. However, today’s Washington Examiner story is such a gross misrepresentation of my longtime position on Maryland’s Purple Line project that I feel compelled to set the record straight.
Over my career in public life, I have been a strong and consistent advocate for creating accessible mass transit options across the state, none more so than the Purple Line. I publicly advocated on behalf of this project as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 20th District, which includes several communities that will be directly served by this vital rail line, and successfully fought to protect project funding as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Transportation and the Environment.
I believe today, as I always have, that the Purple Line will substantially improve transportation mobility in one of the nation’s most congested regions. I believe that the Purple Line will provide reliable and convenient service to communities that are in urgent need of better transit options, and I believe that it will be a catalyst for environmentally sustainable, transit-oriented development that will ultimately enhance our State’s economy and quality of life. It is in that spirit that I restated my longstanding support for the project at yesterday’s Board of Public Works meeting, and expressed appreciation to Governor O’Malley for his support of the project, as well as the proposed Red Line that will serve the Baltimore region, and the Corridor Cities Transitway in the Washington region.
As Comptroller, I take my role as an advocate for the taxpayers very seriously. When items come up for approval before the Board of Public Works, I carefully review them and often ask the presenting agencies questions to ensure that we are managing taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible. At Wednesday’s meeting, I did ask substantive questions about two general engineering consultant contracts with eight-year terms and a total cost of $160 million. Given the magnitude of this investment of taxpayer dollars, particularly at a time when so many other worthy projects around the State have been deferred due to budget constraints, I sought reassurance from Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials that these services “are absolutely vital to the goal of getting these projects funded and built” and that the State of Maryland would truly be getting $160 million worth of work from these consultants.
Given the complexity of these contracts and the large number of consulting firms that are included in the contracts, I also sought reassurance that there were proper management controls in place to ensure the work would be completed in accordance with our high standards. I received thoughtful and detailed responses from the MDOT officials at the meeting, and after being satisfied with the answers, I joined Governor O’Malley and Treasurer Kopp in voting for these contracts. At no point in the meeting did I criticize the projects or their projected costs, and at no point did I suggest that they “are a poor use of money.”
In closing, this story grossly misrepresents my longstanding position on a project that I consider very important. More important, this article does a disservice to the Purple Line project, as well as the Red Line and Corridor Cities Transitway projects, by unfairly questioning the unity and resolve of our state’s leaders at a time when the State of Maryland is preparing to compete for federal funding support. In reaffirming my support for the Purple Line, I am also reaffirming my commitment to work with Governor O’Malley, the General Assembly and our congressional delegation to ensure this project is funded and built in a timely manner. I would also invite the Washington Examiner to actually send a reporter to a Board of Public Works meeting in order to ensure accurate and fair coverage.”
Media Contact: Joseph Shapiro, (443) 871-2244 (cell)
“In the past three and half years I have never felt the need to respond to an article or column written about me, or positions that I have taken on public policy issues. However, today’s Washington Examiner story is such a gross misrepresentation of my longtime position on Maryland’s Purple Line project that I feel compelled to set the record straight.
Over my career in public life, I have been a strong and consistent advocate for creating accessible mass transit options across the state, none more so than the Purple Line. I publicly advocated on behalf of this project as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 20th District, which includes several communities that will be directly served by this vital rail line, and successfully fought to protect project funding as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Transportation and the Environment.
I believe today, as I always have, that the Purple Line will substantially improve transportation mobility in one of the nation’s most congested regions. I believe that the Purple Line will provide reliable and convenient service to communities that are in urgent need of better transit options, and I believe that it will be a catalyst for environmentally sustainable, transit-oriented development that will ultimately enhance our State’s economy and quality of life. It is in that spirit that I restated my longstanding support for the project at yesterday’s Board of Public Works meeting, and expressed appreciation to Governor O’Malley for his support of the project, as well as the proposed Red Line that will serve the Baltimore region, and the Corridor Cities Transitway in the Washington region.
As Comptroller, I take my role as an advocate for the taxpayers very seriously. When items come up for approval before the Board of Public Works, I carefully review them and often ask the presenting agencies questions to ensure that we are managing taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible. At Wednesday’s meeting, I did ask substantive questions about two general engineering consultant contracts with eight-year terms and a total cost of $160 million. Given the magnitude of this investment of taxpayer dollars, particularly at a time when so many other worthy projects around the State have been deferred due to budget constraints, I sought reassurance from Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials that these services “are absolutely vital to the goal of getting these projects funded and built” and that the State of Maryland would truly be getting $160 million worth of work from these consultants.
Given the complexity of these contracts and the large number of consulting firms that are included in the contracts, I also sought reassurance that there were proper management controls in place to ensure the work would be completed in accordance with our high standards. I received thoughtful and detailed responses from the MDOT officials at the meeting, and after being satisfied with the answers, I joined Governor O’Malley and Treasurer Kopp in voting for these contracts. At no point in the meeting did I criticize the projects or their projected costs, and at no point did I suggest that they “are a poor use of money.”
In closing, this story grossly misrepresents my longstanding position on a project that I consider very important. More important, this article does a disservice to the Purple Line project, as well as the Red Line and Corridor Cities Transitway projects, by unfairly questioning the unity and resolve of our state’s leaders at a time when the State of Maryland is preparing to compete for federal funding support. In reaffirming my support for the Purple Line, I am also reaffirming my commitment to work with Governor O’Malley, the General Assembly and our congressional delegation to ensure this project is funded and built in a timely manner. I would also invite the Washington Examiner to actually send a reporter to a Board of Public Works meeting in order to ensure accurate and fair coverage.”
Media Contact: Joseph Shapiro, (443) 871-2244 (cell)
Upcoming Events on Thursday September 30
Thursday, Sept. 30
Maryland Small Business Development Center workshop, "Government Certification 8(a)/SDB/MBE," 2-5 p.m., Eastern Montgomery Regional Service Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring. $60. Registration: www.capitalsbdc.umd.edu, 301-403-0501, ext. 11, or training@mdsbdc.umd.edu.
Business Network International Rockville group, 11:30 a.m., Timpano Chophouse, 12021 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Information: Gary Mininsohn, 240-449-5122.
NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Maryland/D.C. chapter workshop, "Sustainability 101," 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gensler, 2020 K St. N.W., Suite 200, Washington. $30; members $20. Registration: 301-530-8662 or naiopmddc.org.
Baltimore-Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce seminar, "Work Smarter Not Harder — Smartphone and Cloud Computing Applications," 9-10:30 a.m., chamber office, 312 Marshall Ave., Suite 104, Laurel. $30; prepaid members $10. Registration: www.bwcc.org, 301-725-4000 or 410-792-9714.
Frederick County Office of Economic Development "Celebrating Our Workforce" wrap-up of Business Appreciation Month, 3-5 p.m., Frederick County Business and Employment Center, 5340-A Spectrum Drive, Frederick. Registration: mday1@frederickcountymd.gov.
Rockville Chamber of Commerce breakfast with Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), 8-9:30 a.m., Hilton Rockville, 1750 Rockville Pike. $20; members $15. Registration: rockvillechamber.org. SOURCE: Gazette
Maryland Small Business Development Center workshop, "Government Certification 8(a)/SDB/MBE," 2-5 p.m., Eastern Montgomery Regional Service Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring. $60. Registration: www.capitalsbdc.umd.edu, 301-403-0501, ext. 11, or training@mdsbdc.umd.edu.
Business Network International Rockville group, 11:30 a.m., Timpano Chophouse, 12021 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Information: Gary Mininsohn, 240-449-5122.
NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Maryland/D.C. chapter workshop, "Sustainability 101," 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gensler, 2020 K St. N.W., Suite 200, Washington. $30; members $20. Registration: 301-530-8662 or naiopmddc.org.
Baltimore-Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce seminar, "Work Smarter Not Harder — Smartphone and Cloud Computing Applications," 9-10:30 a.m., chamber office, 312 Marshall Ave., Suite 104, Laurel. $30; prepaid members $10. Registration: www.bwcc.org, 301-725-4000 or 410-792-9714.
Frederick County Office of Economic Development "Celebrating Our Workforce" wrap-up of Business Appreciation Month, 3-5 p.m., Frederick County Business and Employment Center, 5340-A Spectrum Drive, Frederick. Registration: mday1@frederickcountymd.gov.
Rockville Chamber of Commerce breakfast with Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), 8-9:30 a.m., Hilton Rockville, 1750 Rockville Pike. $20; members $15. Registration: rockvillechamber.org. SOURCE: Gazette
September 23, 2010
Bruce Stern concedes Maryland's Eighth to Mike Phillips
Rockville, Maryland (September 23, 2010): Bruce Stern, a Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives' seat representing Maryland's Eighth Congressional District, today conceded the primary election to Michael Lee Philips. After absentee and provisional ballots were counted, Stern trailed Philips by 51 votes, a margin of less than .4% of all ballots cast. Philips received 4,716 votes in the primary, or 32.09% of all votes cast, and Stern received 4,665 votes, or 31.75% of all votes cast.
Mr. Stern stated: "I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout this primary election. This has been a fantastic experience and it has given me the opportunity to meet thousands of residents in the Eighth Congressional District who have shared with me their dreams, concerns and ideas on how to better this country. I am humbled and honored by the support I have received and by how close my supporters made this race. I also want to thank my wife, Nicole, and three children, Jordan, Julia and Jamie, who tolerated my absence and distraction over the last six months, endured long hours of canvassing neighborhoods with me on hot, summer days and who were, and remain, my biggest supporters."
Mr. Stern further stated: "I wish Mike Philips the best in his race against Chris Van Hollen and congratulate him on his successful campaign. I also want to congratulate my other primary challengers, Christine Thron and Bill Thomas, for two very well run races and their commitment to make America a better place for us all and to bring real change to Congress."
Franchot blasts Purple Line
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot on Wednesday criticized some of the Purple Line's costs and questioned the planned light rail's ability to win federal funding. Franchot questioned the costs associated with the 16-mile light rail line that would connect New Carrollton and Bethesda and an expansion of Baltimore's subway system -- projects that aren't due for construction until 2016. He targeted planned contracts with two Baltimore engineering consultants estimated to cost $160 million over eight years.
"It just strikes me that an eight-year, $160 million commitment is an awful lot of money for an awful long time for, frankly, projects that are still -- speculative is probably too harsh a word, but the question of whether they are going to get funded is still up in the air," Franchot said during a Board of Public Works meeting on Wednesday.
Gov. Martin O'Malley has rolled out a six-year, $90 million spending plan for the two light rail projects, with $48 million going to the $1.68 billion Purple Line. The state is hoping to win an additional $225 million federal infusion.
Franchot said the contracts are a poor use of money when the state's existing transportation system is ailing.
"We just have an epidemic of potholes," he said, condemning the legislature for sucking $160 million this year from highway user revenues, which help local governments pay for mending local roads.
"This is a crushing problem. ... It's going to cost us a lot down the road if we don't figure out how to get some of this money out to these needs."
Ehrlich has said he would ax the rail projects if he is elected in November and instead focus on fixing existing transportation infrastructure. Read more at the Washington Examiner: SOURCE: Washington Examiner
"It just strikes me that an eight-year, $160 million commitment is an awful lot of money for an awful long time for, frankly, projects that are still -- speculative is probably too harsh a word, but the question of whether they are going to get funded is still up in the air," Franchot said during a Board of Public Works meeting on Wednesday.
Gov. Martin O'Malley has rolled out a six-year, $90 million spending plan for the two light rail projects, with $48 million going to the $1.68 billion Purple Line. The state is hoping to win an additional $225 million federal infusion.
Franchot said the contracts are a poor use of money when the state's existing transportation system is ailing.
"We just have an epidemic of potholes," he said, condemning the legislature for sucking $160 million this year from highway user revenues, which help local governments pay for mending local roads.
"This is a crushing problem. ... It's going to cost us a lot down the road if we don't figure out how to get some of this money out to these needs."
Ehrlich has said he would ax the rail projects if he is elected in November and instead focus on fixing existing transportation infrastructure. Read more at the Washington Examiner: SOURCE: Washington Examiner
Silver Spring sailor killed in Afghanistan War crash
Silver Spring, Md. - A Navy SEAL from the Washington area has been killed in Afghanistan. Brendan Looney was among five Americans killed in the crash of a NATO helicopter in southern Afghanistan Tuesday. The pentagon is not saying whether the blackhawk was shot down or crashed for some other reason. Nine NATO servicemembers were killed Tuesday - the deadliest helicopter crash in Afghanistan since 2004. Looney grew up in Silver Spring and was a star athlete at DeMatha Catholic High School.
"It's just an empty, sickening feeling comes over your body." DeMatha's head football coach Bill McGregor said at the team's practice field in Riverdale, Md. "You just can't believe what you're hearing."
McGregor coached Looney in the late 1990s. He was a wide receiver/defense back.
"His senior year, he was our co-captain and just a great leader. A great young man," said McGregor.
"He was born to be a Navy SEAL," said DeMatha's principal emeritus John Moylan. "And sure enough he gave his life being a seal."
Looney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004. He played lacrosse there with his two younger brothers. All three Looney boys and their father went to DeMatha. Their mom works at the school. The flags at the private Prince George's County high school have been lowered in Brendan's honor. He was in the Class of 1999.
"He's always going to be remembered and always have a special place here at DeMatha High School," coach McGregor said.
At the Looney's home on Windmill Lane in Silver Spring, friends say the family went to Dover Air Force Base to greet Brendon's remains. They say his middle brother Stephen returned home safely from Afghanistan in June.
"The family's got to be grieving like you wouldn't believe," said Moylan. "I know at DeMatha, we are grieving big time. He was a cherished lad."
Besides his parents and two younger brothers, Looney leaves behind a wife and three sisters.
"It's just an empty, sickening feeling comes over your body." DeMatha's head football coach Bill McGregor said at the team's practice field in Riverdale, Md. "You just can't believe what you're hearing."
McGregor coached Looney in the late 1990s. He was a wide receiver/defense back.
"His senior year, he was our co-captain and just a great leader. A great young man," said McGregor.
"He was born to be a Navy SEAL," said DeMatha's principal emeritus John Moylan. "And sure enough he gave his life being a seal."
Looney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004. He played lacrosse there with his two younger brothers. All three Looney boys and their father went to DeMatha. Their mom works at the school. The flags at the private Prince George's County high school have been lowered in Brendan's honor. He was in the Class of 1999.
"He's always going to be remembered and always have a special place here at DeMatha High School," coach McGregor said.
At the Looney's home on Windmill Lane in Silver Spring, friends say the family went to Dover Air Force Base to greet Brendon's remains. They say his middle brother Stephen returned home safely from Afghanistan in June.
"The family's got to be grieving like you wouldn't believe," said Moylan. "I know at DeMatha, we are grieving big time. He was a cherished lad."
Besides his parents and two younger brothers, Looney leaves behind a wife and three sisters.
Storm knocks out power to 8,000
Wednesday night's storm knocked out power for about 8,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County, and the utility company says trees are to blame. Again, Brief, early evening storms swept the county and left thousands in the dark for two to eight hours, and all but one of last night's significant outages in the county were caused by trees "coming into contact with our lines and taking out feeders," Pepco spokesman André Francis says.
Pepco officials like to talk about the perils of a heavy tree cover. They continually brought it up during the Maryland Public Service Commission's August investigation of the utility and tree-trimming is a major aspect of their five-year improvement plan. Perhaps now there will be more public support for Pepco to cut back branches county-wide.
Pepco officials like to talk about the perils of a heavy tree cover. They continually brought it up during the Maryland Public Service Commission's August investigation of the utility and tree-trimming is a major aspect of their five-year improvement plan. Perhaps now there will be more public support for Pepco to cut back branches county-wide.
George Sauer to return home; to be in hospice care
Wilma Sauer just called me with the following information: George Sauer, a member of the Republican Central Committee (District 15) in Montgomery County, will be released to his home today from Suburban Hospital. Sadly, his cancer returned and it is terminal. He will be in hospice care, beginning tonight.
Young Republicans seek help for rally tonight
The Montgomery County Young Republicans are continually sponsoring Campaign Nights at Victory Headquarters (718 Rockville Pike [diagonally across from Marlo's Furniture], Rockville, MD 20895). SO COME OUT TONIGHT. We welcome any and all volunteers looking to make a difference in this election cycle! Dinner will be provided at 6pm.
Also see the attachments for our other Campaign Nights throughout the fall. All candidates and campaigns are welcome to contact us to organize tasks during these evenings. Volunteers will be available to phone bank, stuff envelopes and perhaps door knock.
We look forward to a hard fought campaign season! Please contact us if you are coming out so we can make sure we have enough food and tasks for everyone.
Also see the attachments for our other Campaign Nights throughout the fall. All candidates and campaigns are welcome to contact us to organize tasks during these evenings. Volunteers will be available to phone bank, stuff envelopes and perhaps door knock.
We look forward to a hard fought campaign season! Please contact us if you are coming out so we can make sure we have enough food and tasks for everyone.
Maryland Schools Must Teach Environmental Education
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maryland officials have ruled that schools must include environmental education in their pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classes. The Maryland State Board of Education voted Tuesday to make environmental education part of students' education, but it will not be an official graduation requirement. Still, all students must complete a "local action" project to improve the environment either individually or with their school. It's not clear how much schools will change as a result. In Montgomery County, for example, students already create butterfly gardens and vegetable patches, and "Green Teams" collect recycling items. Beginning in 2015, superintendents will have to certify every five years that the regulation's requirements are met. SOURCE: WUSA9
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