After hours of heated and sometimes tearful debate, Maryland’s House of Delegates narrowly passed a bill on Friday to make illegal immigrants eligible for in-state tuition.
The bill, which has been revised several times to gain support of wavering Democrats, would allow undocumented immigrants who graduate from Maryland high schools to pay in-state tuition at community colleges if they can prove their parents are state taxpayers. Students who receive an associate’s degree could transfer to a four-year state college and pay the lower rate.
With only three days remaining before the General Assembly adjourns, the measure now returns to the Senate, which last month passed a different version of the legislation.
But Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) this week said that if the House passed the bill, he expected that the two chambers would be able to work out their differences. Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has said he will sign the bill. SOURCE: Washington Post
April 9, 2011
O’Malley blames GOP ‘hate’ for approaching federal shutdown
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) on Friday afternoon blamed Republican “hate of government” for the approaching federal government shutdown.
O’Malley’s statement came as some ramifications of a shutdown in Maryland started to emerge, including an announcement by the Maryland National Guard that it would postpone some planned weekend unit training, regardless of whether Congress reaches a deal by midnight Friday.
O’Malley, who is playing a bigger role on the national stage these days as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, said a federal shutdown will hurt Maryland’s economy. He accused Republicans in Congress of caring “more about hurting our government than they do about helping our recovery.”
Statement of Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D)
“Congressional Republicans are allowing their hate of government to hurt the hardworking families of our country. It appears they care more about hurting our government than they do about helping our recovery.
“Maryland is home to thousands of federal civil servants – moms and dads who will go without pay because Speaker Boehner and the Republicans have chosen to wage an ideological war instead of putting the interests of their nation first.
“Maryland faces the prospect of reduced state income tax revenue should federal workers experience a furlough without retroactive pay. In addition, state revenue losses are anticipated from the furloughing of federal contractors working in the State. Further impeding our economic recovery would be the loss of projected revenues from reduced spending on taxable goods.” SOURCE: Washington Post
O’Malley, who is playing a bigger role on the national stage these days as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, said a federal shutdown will hurt Maryland’s economy. He accused Republicans in Congress of caring “more about hurting our government than they do about helping our recovery.”
Statement of Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D)
“Congressional Republicans are allowing their hate of government to hurt the hardworking families of our country. It appears they care more about hurting our government than they do about helping our recovery.
“Maryland is home to thousands of federal civil servants – moms and dads who will go without pay because Speaker Boehner and the Republicans have chosen to wage an ideological war instead of putting the interests of their nation first.
“Maryland faces the prospect of reduced state income tax revenue should federal workers experience a furlough without retroactive pay. In addition, state revenue losses are anticipated from the furloughing of federal contractors working in the State. Further impeding our economic recovery would be the loss of projected revenues from reduced spending on taxable goods.” SOURCE: Washington Post
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools to retire in June, after 20 years of service
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick announced her retirement on March 30 after serving in the position for nearly 20 years. Her last day as superintendent will be June 30, according to Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Media Relations Director William Reinhard. The Maryland Board of Education is responsible for appointing her replacement but has not selected anyone yet.
Grasmick, 72, has been the superintendent of Maryland schools since September 1991 and holds the title as the longest-serving appointed chief in the nation, according to a press release by the MSDE. After many years in office, Grasmick felt it was time to step down, according to Reinhard. "After 20 years on the job, she thought it'd be a good time to pass the torch on to somebody else," he said. "She wanted to go now, she certainly deserves it."
Grasmick is proud of the progress that has been made in the stateís education and found her job rewarding. ìIn general, Maryland education has become recognized as the nationís leader in public education," she said. "I believe that our stateís strong policies and the support they have engendered made that happen.î
One of Grasmick's top priorities was raising test scores across the state and improving Maryland's national ranking, according to Maryland State Senate President Thomas Miller. "She has emphasized test scores. There's an actual road map of how well [Maryland] students have achieved nationally," he said. In addition, Grasmick created the "Blue Ribbon Program," which recognizes schools that show improvement and achievement, according to Miller.
This national success was evident this past year by Education Week, which recognized the state's education system as the best in the nation and cited Maryland students' Advanced Placement (AP) performance as superior to the rest of the country. Last summer the U.S. Department of Education granted Maryland $250 million for the "Race to the Top" program, which provides money to schools and helps give them qualified teachers and principals.
Sidney Lumet, Director Of Network And 12 Angry Men, Has Died At Age 86
Sidney Lumet, the director behind an astonishing number of classic films and who boasted the distinction of directing a film in each decade since the 1950s, died today at age 86 after suffering lymphoma. His most recent and final film was Before The Devil Knows You're Dead, the 2007 crime thriller that was named by many critics as one of the year's best, and his resume also includes The Verdict, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Fail-Safe and The Wiz. Many of his most remarkable movies were made within a five-year stretch of the 1970s; it's still incredible to look back and realize that Serpico, Murder on the Orient Express, Dog Day Afternoon and Network were made in such a short period of time.
Though film nerds can argue for hours about which of Lumet's films is the best, Network often wins out, and it's the one I'll be thinking about today. The chronicle of a TV network given over to greed and spectacle and sheer insanity, it's an astonishingly clear-eyed glimpse at the media landscape we were about to inherit, not to mention a riveting and sometimes hilarious drama about what inevitably happens when terrible people are put in power. You can essentially throw a dart at Lumet's filmography and come away with a film worth watching, but for anyone unfamiliar with this titanic director's work, Network may be the essential place to start.
Share your own favorite Lumet films or moments in the comments; it's a great day to remember the work of a profoundly influential filmmaker, blessed to remain an essential part of the film world even in the final years of his life.
Sentencing postponed for District man charged in Brian Betts murder case
The sentencing of the third man involved in the murder of Brian K. Betts was postponed Wednesday in Montgomery County Circuit Court after prosecutors cited a recent development in the case that could affect the judge's decision.
Deontra Q. Gray, 19, of the 1300 block of Southview Drive in Oxon Hill, was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to robbery and a handgun charge Jan. 26. The sentencing will be held instead on May 13 to allow assistant state's attorneys Sherri D. Koch and Mary C. Herdman time to investigate additional information in the case that they said was only recently developed. Koch declined to comment on the postponement or disclose the nature of the information cited in court when reached for comment Friday afternoon.
Barbara Graham, Gray's private defense attorney, said she was frustrated by Judge Eric M. Johnson's decision to allow the delay, especially because neither Koch nor Herdman offered any details.
"Without telling us anything about what this information related to, the court has decided to grant the continuance," she said outside Johnson's Rockville courtroom. "They have [Gray's] record, they should have all the evidence related to the crime; I mean, they've sentenced two [of Gray's co-defendants] already."
Members of both Gray's and Betts' families were present in the courtroom Wednesday, but neither family wished to comment on the case.
So far Herdman and Koch have overseen the sentencing of two of the four defendants charged in the murder of Betts—the former principal of the District's Shaw at Garnet-Patterson Middle School—in his home in Silver Spring last April 14.
Alante Saunders, 19, of the 5300 block of Third Street in Northwest, who police and attorneys say planned the robbery and fired the shot that killed Betts, received 40 years in jail after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. Joel Danay Johnson, also 19, of the 4300 block of Third Street, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty as an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. SOURCE: Gazette
Deontra Q. Gray, 19, of the 1300 block of Southview Drive in Oxon Hill, was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to robbery and a handgun charge Jan. 26. The sentencing will be held instead on May 13 to allow assistant state's attorneys Sherri D. Koch and Mary C. Herdman time to investigate additional information in the case that they said was only recently developed. Koch declined to comment on the postponement or disclose the nature of the information cited in court when reached for comment Friday afternoon.
Barbara Graham, Gray's private defense attorney, said she was frustrated by Judge Eric M. Johnson's decision to allow the delay, especially because neither Koch nor Herdman offered any details.
"Without telling us anything about what this information related to, the court has decided to grant the continuance," she said outside Johnson's Rockville courtroom. "They have [Gray's] record, they should have all the evidence related to the crime; I mean, they've sentenced two [of Gray's co-defendants] already."
Members of both Gray's and Betts' families were present in the courtroom Wednesday, but neither family wished to comment on the case.
So far Herdman and Koch have overseen the sentencing of two of the four defendants charged in the murder of Betts—the former principal of the District's Shaw at Garnet-Patterson Middle School—in his home in Silver Spring last April 14.
Alante Saunders, 19, of the 5300 block of Third Street in Northwest, who police and attorneys say planned the robbery and fired the shot that killed Betts, received 40 years in jail after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. Joel Danay Johnson, also 19, of the 4300 block of Third Street, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty as an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. SOURCE: Gazette
Christie's to Auction Liz Taylor Jewelry, Art
NEW YORK (AP) - Christie's auction house says it has reached an agreement with Elizabeth Taylor's family to sell her prized jewelry collection, as well as some of her art, clothing and other memorabilia.
Christie's says it is planning a series of auctions that will be announced later this spring.
Taylor died last month at age 79.
The screen star was known for her passion for opulent diamonds.
She published a book in 2003 entitled, "Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry," and her collection has included some of the world's most expensive stones.
Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpps/entertainment/christies-to-auction-liz-taylor-jewelry-art-dpgapx-20110409-gc_12695975#ixzz1J3KPMZ9O
April 8, 2011
General Assembly Approves $10 Million for Municipal Highway User Revenue Fund
Maryland Municipal leaders are applauding the General Assembly for recognizing the critical transportation needs in the state’s municipalities and including $10 million for the Highway User Revenue Fund in the recently passed FY 2012 budget. Governor Martin O’Malley’s proposed budget included just $1.6 million for the fund. Please find more information below.
Thanks for letting me know if you’re interested in speaking with a representative from the Maryland Municipal League or if you have any further questions.
Superintendent named for Wilson County Schools
Wilson County Schools has a new superintendent.
Sean Bulson, 42, community superintendent for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, will take over July 1 for Larry Price as superintendent of the school system. The decision was announced Wednesday at a special Wilson County Board of Education meeting.
“It’s very exciting,” said Board chairwoman Robin Flinn.
Flinn has been involved with the search since former board chairman Marvin Sessoms signed a contract agreement in September retaining the North Carolina School Board Association’s superintendent search services at a rate of $9,500, plus additional, out-of-pocket expenses.
“It has been a long process, and a stressful process just in the fact that we wanted to make sure that we made the right decision,” Flinn said. “And we believe we did.”
“Mr. Bulson brings a passion for education, an energy that I think is just going to propel our school system even further,” she added. “We’re going in the right direction and he’s just going to help us go even further.”
Bulson, who lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Kate, and 6-year-old daughter, Emily, is currently responsible for supervising 36 elementary, middle and high schools, and serves approximately 24,000 students. He serves under Superintendent Jerry D. Weast in his current position.
As superintendent of the Wilson school district, Bulson will supervise 25 elementary, middle and high schools, and approximately 12,500 students.
“It feels outstanding,” Bulson said of Wednesday’s announcement.
“It’s hard to sit on information that’s so exciting,” he said. “It sounds like they did a pretty good job here.”
Bulson stumbled across the job posting in October. He spent the next three months preparing an application, which he submitted to the district Jan. 21.
School board members received 25 applications from the NCSBA. Bulson was one of seven selected by members to be interviewed in closed session at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley in the initial stages of the search. He made it through that stage and was interviewed a second time along with two other finalists last month at the Embassy Suites off Harrison Oaks Boulevard in Cary.
Board members didn’t bring any of the candidates to the district throughout the search. However, Bulson said he took it upon himself to visit the district a couple of times where he “mostly just drove around.” He also said he went to Parker’s once or twice. SOURCE: Wilson Times
Montgomery County Neighborhood News
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 4-7-11
From the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc
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Glen Echo Park programs likely to be affected by a Federal shutdown. The Regional Services Center has received word from the National Parks Service that all classes, programs, events, and performances at Glen Echo Park are likely to be impacted in the event of a Federal Government shut down. Please consult the website of the Glen Echo Partnership for Arts and Culture for up-to-date information. www.glenechopark.org/
Weekly Crime Reports District 1 (Rockville/Potomac) www.connectedcommunities.us/showthread.php?t=43366
District 2 (Bethesda-Chevy Chase, North Bethesda) www.connectedcommunities.us/showthread.php?t=43365
Coffee and Conversation with Ken Hartman Friday, April 8, 2011 Ken Hartman - County Executive Leggett's representative to Potomac, Bethesda, and Rockville - will meet with the community on Friday, April 8th, from 9:30am to 11:00am at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. Ken regularly holds open houses throughout his area. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to meet Ken, discuss issues and partnership opportunities, and learn about County services. Please drop by and take part in the discussion.
Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting April 11- 7:00 pm The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board (WMCCAB) will host their monthly meeting on Monday, April 11, 2011 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. The board will have discussion and approval of the County Executive’s FY12 budget.
***SCHEDULE CHANGE*** The next meeting of the BRAC Implementation Committee will be Tuesday, April 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the B-CC Regional Services Center. The main topics will be updates on federal funding for transportation projects and discussion of the updated BRAC web site and public education campaign focusing on BRAC-related construction and traffic, and commuting alternatives.
Bethesda Art Walk April 8, 6-9pm www.bethesda.org/bethesda/galleries
Free Tax Preparation Offered at Twinbrook A free tax preparation program is being offered for residents who live in Montgomery County and earned less than $49,000 in 2010. Walk-ins only will be accepted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Bring your W-2 and/or 1099. www.rockvillemd.gov/events/calendar/event/2011-4-9/free-tax-preparation/530C8D761A24A49606C8BACD6915A8C5
Enjoy the Rockville Arts Scene Rockville will host the 13th annual Rockville Arts Sampler, where you can catch vignettes from the City's resident performing companies, at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. Find your arts scene for free. www.rockvillemd.gov/rockvillereports/2011/apr/arts_and_entertainment#taste
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) to Mark National Library Week With Online Customer Satisfaction Survey April 10-16 To help determine the effectiveness of its services and programs, MCPL will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey in its 20 branches during National Library Week, April 10-16. This year’s survey, for library customers 12 years of age and over, will be an online questionnaire available through the library website. www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Libraries/newsandevents/PR_details.asp?PrID=7448
Volunteer to help clean up our local watershed -- Saturday, April 9, 9am - noon Among those participating are Friends of Rock Creek Enforcement (FORCE) and Little Falls Watershed Alliance.
Friends of Rock Creek Enforcement - www.friendsofrockcreek.org/
Little Falls Watershed Alliance - www.lfwa.org/event/sweep-creek-trash-free-little-falls
More Bethesda Green Events: www.bethesdagreen.org/Programs/UpcomingEvents/tabid/296/Default.aspx
Bethesda Literary Festival April 15–17 www.bethesda.org/specialevents/litfest/litfest.htm
Free Financial Seminars to be Held in Bethesda The workshops will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD. Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 9:00am – “Macro Planning” Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 11:30am - “Retirement Planning” To register please send email to: richard.bingham@montgomerycountymd.gov or contact Richard at 240-777-8207 for further information.
The Career Gateway! Job Search training classes for Montgomery County residents age 50+ Turbo-charge your resume, hone your interviewing skills, network effectively, discover the hidden job market, and develop a personal job-search plan. The program features small classes, a long-term mentor, 30 hours of intensive training over two weeks (9am-4pm Mon., Wed., Fri), and valuable take-home materials. The final session for Spring 2011 begins on May 9. $75. Call 301-255-4200/4215 or email JCAUniversity@AccessJCA.org. Classes meet at the Jewish Council for the Aging, 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville.
The Dept. of Permitting Services Proposes Fee Revisions Effective July 1, 2011 You can review the proposed fees and provide comments by April 30, 2011 Click on the link below for more information. www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/Register/April11TOC.asp
Glen Echo Park programs likely to be affected by a Federal shutdown. The Regional Services Center has received word from the National Parks Service that all classes, programs, events, and performances at Glen Echo Park are likely to be impacted in the event of a Federal Government shut down. Please consult the website of the Glen Echo Partnership for Arts and Culture for up-to-date information. www.glenechopark.org/
Weekly Crime Reports District 1 (Rockville/Potomac) www.connectedcommunities.us/showthread.php?t=43366
District 2 (Bethesda-Chevy Chase, North Bethesda) www.connectedcommunities.us/showthread.php?t=43365
Coffee and Conversation with Ken Hartman Friday, April 8, 2011 Ken Hartman - County Executive Leggett's representative to Potomac, Bethesda, and Rockville - will meet with the community on Friday, April 8th, from 9:30am to 11:00am at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. Ken regularly holds open houses throughout his area. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to meet Ken, discuss issues and partnership opportunities, and learn about County services. Please drop by and take part in the discussion.
Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting April 11- 7:00 pm The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board (WMCCAB) will host their monthly meeting on Monday, April 11, 2011 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. The board will have discussion and approval of the County Executive’s FY12 budget.
***SCHEDULE CHANGE*** The next meeting of the BRAC Implementation Committee will be Tuesday, April 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the B-CC Regional Services Center. The main topics will be updates on federal funding for transportation projects and discussion of the updated BRAC web site and public education campaign focusing on BRAC-related construction and traffic, and commuting alternatives.
Bethesda Art Walk April 8, 6-9pm www.bethesda.org/bethesda/galleries
Free Tax Preparation Offered at Twinbrook A free tax preparation program is being offered for residents who live in Montgomery County and earned less than $49,000 in 2010. Walk-ins only will be accepted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Bring your W-2 and/or 1099. www.rockvillemd.gov/events/calendar/event/2011-4-9/free-tax-preparation/530C8D761A24A49606C8BACD6915A8C5
Enjoy the Rockville Arts Scene Rockville will host the 13th annual Rockville Arts Sampler, where you can catch vignettes from the City's resident performing companies, at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. Find your arts scene for free. www.rockvillemd.gov/rockvillereports/2011/apr/arts_and_entertainment#taste
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) to Mark National Library Week With Online Customer Satisfaction Survey April 10-16 To help determine the effectiveness of its services and programs, MCPL will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Survey in its 20 branches during National Library Week, April 10-16. This year’s survey, for library customers 12 years of age and over, will be an online questionnaire available through the library website. www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Libraries/newsandevents/PR_details.asp?PrID=7448
Volunteer to help clean up our local watershed -- Saturday, April 9, 9am - noon Among those participating are Friends of Rock Creek Enforcement (FORCE) and Little Falls Watershed Alliance.
Friends of Rock Creek Enforcement - www.friendsofrockcreek.org/
Little Falls Watershed Alliance - www.lfwa.org/event/sweep-creek-trash-free-little-falls
More Bethesda Green Events: www.bethesdagreen.org/Programs/UpcomingEvents/tabid/296/Default.aspx
Bethesda Literary Festival April 15–17 www.bethesda.org/specialevents/litfest/litfest.htm
Free Financial Seminars to be Held in Bethesda The workshops will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD. Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 9:00am – “Macro Planning” Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 11:30am - “Retirement Planning” To register please send email to: richard.bingham@montgomerycountymd.gov or contact Richard at 240-777-8207 for further information.
The Career Gateway! Job Search training classes for Montgomery County residents age 50+ Turbo-charge your resume, hone your interviewing skills, network effectively, discover the hidden job market, and develop a personal job-search plan. The program features small classes, a long-term mentor, 30 hours of intensive training over two weeks (9am-4pm Mon., Wed., Fri), and valuable take-home materials. The final session for Spring 2011 begins on May 9. $75. Call 301-255-4200/4215 or email JCAUniversity@AccessJCA.org. Classes meet at the Jewish Council for the Aging, 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville.
The Dept. of Permitting Services Proposes Fee Revisions Effective July 1, 2011 You can review the proposed fees and provide comments by April 30, 2011 Click on the link below for more information. www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/Register/April11TOC.asp
B.F. Saul Company to continue renovating Downtown Wheaton
Real estate business B.F. Saul Company will redevelop Downtown Wheaton to create a more transit-oriented community in collaboration with the Wheaton Redevelopment Advisory Committee (WRAC). After three to four months of gathering community input, B.F. Saul submitted a concept plan to county stakeholders and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in mid-March for negotiation and approval. So far, the county has had about two weeks to look over the plan. There is no estimated date for the plan's finalization.
The redevelopment of Wheaton is still in its beginning stages. "None of this is a done deal," WRAC chair Greg Baker said. "This is part of the county's effort to attract redevelopment. It doesn't mean it will happen." With a large planning and building process ahead of them, developers do not anticipate starting construction for a few years. "Optimistically, it will be 2015 before the shovel hits the ground," Manager of Business Development Pete McGinnity said.
Redevelopment in Downtown Wheaton will occur in phases, according to Baker. B.F. Saul will convert one third of what is currently Parking Lot 13 into a town square. Its size and functionality are yet to be determined, as the developers are working to satisfy community interests, according to Baker. SOURCE: Silver Chips
The redevelopment of Wheaton is still in its beginning stages. "None of this is a done deal," WRAC chair Greg Baker said. "This is part of the county's effort to attract redevelopment. It doesn't mean it will happen." With a large planning and building process ahead of them, developers do not anticipate starting construction for a few years. "Optimistically, it will be 2015 before the shovel hits the ground," Manager of Business Development Pete McGinnity said.
Redevelopment in Downtown Wheaton will occur in phases, according to Baker. B.F. Saul will convert one third of what is currently Parking Lot 13 into a town square. Its size and functionality are yet to be determined, as the developers are working to satisfy community interests, according to Baker. SOURCE: Silver Chips
Poll: Trump Could Be a Contender in 2012 Presidential Race
(NewsCore) - Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney appears to be the early front-runner in the largely unformed race for the Republican nomination for president, but real estate magnate Donald Trump may be a surprise 2012 contender, according to a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll released Wednesday.
Among Republican primary voters, Romney captured the support of 21 percent in a broad, nine-candidate field. Trump was tied for second with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, with 17 percent.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich got 11 percent, just ahead of former Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's 10 percent. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, considered a strong contender by political handicappers, remains largely unknown, with just six percent of support.
Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota had five percent, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum had three percent, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour had just one percent of support in the poll.
Trump "may be a punch line but when he talks about the way to solve our problems, he makes a lot of sense to the average guy out there," said Todd Mauney, a conservative Republican in Weatherford, Texas. "I don't know if people can get over him being the butt of every joke but for me, he can be serious when it's time to make real decisions."
In a narrower field of five candidates -- excluding Trump but including Gingrich, Pawlenty and Barbour and Bachmann -- Romney comes out with a comfortable 20-point lead, or 40 percent to Gingrich's second-place 20 percent. Pawlenty had 12 percent and Bachmann, 11 percent.
Barbour, a former Republican National Committee chief and chairman of the Republican Governors Association, has a powerful fundraising network and a vast Rolodex of contacts, but he has yet to catch on with primary voters. He garnered just three percent of support of those polled in the narrower field. SOURCE: FOX
Among Republican primary voters, Romney captured the support of 21 percent in a broad, nine-candidate field. Trump was tied for second with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, with 17 percent.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich got 11 percent, just ahead of former Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's 10 percent. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, considered a strong contender by political handicappers, remains largely unknown, with just six percent of support.
Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota had five percent, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum had three percent, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour had just one percent of support in the poll.
Trump "may be a punch line but when he talks about the way to solve our problems, he makes a lot of sense to the average guy out there," said Todd Mauney, a conservative Republican in Weatherford, Texas. "I don't know if people can get over him being the butt of every joke but for me, he can be serious when it's time to make real decisions."
In a narrower field of five candidates -- excluding Trump but including Gingrich, Pawlenty and Barbour and Bachmann -- Romney comes out with a comfortable 20-point lead, or 40 percent to Gingrich's second-place 20 percent. Pawlenty had 12 percent and Bachmann, 11 percent.
Barbour, a former Republican National Committee chief and chairman of the Republican Governors Association, has a powerful fundraising network and a vast Rolodex of contacts, but he has yet to catch on with primary voters. He garnered just three percent of support of those polled in the narrower field. SOURCE: FOX
April 7, 2011
New District Court in downtown Rockville to open in June
Delays in safety inspections at the new District Court in downtown Rockville have pushed the opening to June 20.
The opening had originally been planned for December, but was already pushed back until February because of bad weather and routine construction delays.
At the same time, a permanent cure for the intense sunlight reflections off the building's southern windows is due soon. The state is evaluating a solar film that will decrease the reflection by 80 percent.
Barthol L. Thomas, acting assistant secretary for Facilities Planning, Design and Construction at the state Department of General Services, said the most recent delays were caused by safety inspection requirements.
"We've had a few setbacks with the emergency generator and we are now doing our final tests," Thomas said.
The court sits on the former site of the Rockville Library at the corner of Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue. It sits across Jefferson Street from the current District Court building. SOURCE: Gazette
The opening had originally been planned for December, but was already pushed back until February because of bad weather and routine construction delays.
At the same time, a permanent cure for the intense sunlight reflections off the building's southern windows is due soon. The state is evaluating a solar film that will decrease the reflection by 80 percent.
Barthol L. Thomas, acting assistant secretary for Facilities Planning, Design and Construction at the state Department of General Services, said the most recent delays were caused by safety inspection requirements.
"We've had a few setbacks with the emergency generator and we are now doing our final tests," Thomas said.
The court sits on the former site of the Rockville Library at the corner of Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue. It sits across Jefferson Street from the current District Court building. SOURCE: Gazette
Regal Bethesda Evacuated After Leak of Substance Reported
The Regal Bethesda movie theater has been evacuated after a report of a leak of an unknown substance in one of the movie theaters, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. The substance may be coolant from the HVAC system, but investigators are still working to determine what it is, according to Capt. Oscar Garcia, a Fire and Rescue spokesman.
A hazmat unit was dispatched around 12:38 to the theater, located at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, and were still on the scene shortly before 1p.m. There were no injuries or illnesses reported, but no patrons were being allowed back into the theater, Garcia said.
"It appears to be some type of coolant from the HVAC system that has pooled at the bottom of the movie theater," Garcia said.
Garcia couldn't yet say how much of the substance was spilled. The leak was contained as of 12:49, but the substance still remained. Hazmat teams are working with the theater's maintenance workers to try to identify the substance and come up with a cleanup plan, Garcia said. SOURCE: Bethesda Patch
A hazmat unit was dispatched around 12:38 to the theater, located at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, and were still on the scene shortly before 1p.m. There were no injuries or illnesses reported, but no patrons were being allowed back into the theater, Garcia said.
"It appears to be some type of coolant from the HVAC system that has pooled at the bottom of the movie theater," Garcia said.
Garcia couldn't yet say how much of the substance was spilled. The leak was contained as of 12:49, but the substance still remained. Hazmat teams are working with the theater's maintenance workers to try to identify the substance and come up with a cleanup plan, Garcia said. SOURCE: Bethesda Patch
Sources say O’Malley’s offshore wind bill shelved with study
Maryland lawmakers will not pass the centerpiece of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s environmental agenda, a plan to build one of the nation’s first offshore wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean, before they adjourn Monday, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations.
Sources in both chambers of the state’s General Assembly say lawmakers are expected to agree to further study the estimated $1.5 billion project in coming months and reconsider the legislation either this fall when they reconvene in a special session for redistricting, or in their 2012 session in January.
O’Malley lobbied lawmakers heavily in recent weeks to pass the measure. It is backed by a coalition of environmentalists as well as unions who believe construction of the massive turbines would bring 2,000 jobs or more to the state, as well as make Maryland a leader in green energy.
But the plan ran into significant opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature, who said they had too many unanswered questions about the potential costs on the state’s electric ratepayers.
Under a complicated set of steps laid out in the bill, the state would require Maryland utilities to sign 25-year agreements to buy offshore wind power at a price far above the current market rate. The subsidy would go to developers of the offshore wind farm who say they could not secure financing for the project otherwise. The cost would be spread among all residential and commercial customers through a monthly fee on electric bills. SOURCE: Washington Post
Sources in both chambers of the state’s General Assembly say lawmakers are expected to agree to further study the estimated $1.5 billion project in coming months and reconsider the legislation either this fall when they reconvene in a special session for redistricting, or in their 2012 session in January.
O’Malley lobbied lawmakers heavily in recent weeks to pass the measure. It is backed by a coalition of environmentalists as well as unions who believe construction of the massive turbines would bring 2,000 jobs or more to the state, as well as make Maryland a leader in green energy.
But the plan ran into significant opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature, who said they had too many unanswered questions about the potential costs on the state’s electric ratepayers.
Under a complicated set of steps laid out in the bill, the state would require Maryland utilities to sign 25-year agreements to buy offshore wind power at a price far above the current market rate. The subsidy would go to developers of the offshore wind farm who say they could not secure financing for the project otherwise. The cost would be spread among all residential and commercial customers through a monthly fee on electric bills. SOURCE: Washington Post
Montgomery County Young Republicans cordially invite you to our Annual Charity Ball on 4/16
The Montgomery County Young Republicans cordially invite you to our Annual Charity Ball. We promise an evening of dancing, drinks and entertainment, with all proceeds raised supporting the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers’ Relief Fund (MCLEORF), a Non-Profit Organization providing assistance to the families of police officers in need.
This year's Ball is held in honor of Officer Hector Ayala, who tragically tragically lost his life in the line of duty one year ago. Officer Ayala left behind his son, Hector Jr., and his wife, Melissa, then pregnant with triplets who were born two months later.
You need not be Republican nor young to be moved by this heartbreaking story, not to mention all of the unsung stories of other fallen, wounded and needy heroes whose lives have been touched by MCLEORF. Please join us in showing appreciation and support for the dedicated service of our Montgomery County Police Officers.
DATE: Saturday April 16th 2011 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
EVENT: Full Open Bar, Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, and a Night of Dancing
LOCATION: BETHESDA WOMENS CLUB
5500 Sonoma Road, Bethesda, MD
COST: $50 per person
Sponsor Levels:
$250 Silver - 2 Tickets and Signage Included
$500 Gold - 4 Tickets and Signage Included
$1000 Platinum - 8 Tickets and Signage Included
To purchase a ticket, please mail checks made out to the Montgomery County Young Republicans or Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers’ Relief Fund to: 11343 Amberlea Farm Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
For further information, please contact:
Carl T. Weber III
MCYR President
This year's Ball is held in honor of Officer Hector Ayala, who tragically tragically lost his life in the line of duty one year ago. Officer Ayala left behind his son, Hector Jr., and his wife, Melissa, then pregnant with triplets who were born two months later.
You need not be Republican nor young to be moved by this heartbreaking story, not to mention all of the unsung stories of other fallen, wounded and needy heroes whose lives have been touched by MCLEORF. Please join us in showing appreciation and support for the dedicated service of our Montgomery County Police Officers.
DATE: Saturday April 16th 2011 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
EVENT: Full Open Bar, Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, and a Night of Dancing
LOCATION: BETHESDA WOMENS CLUB
5500 Sonoma Road, Bethesda, MD
COST: $50 per person
Sponsor Levels:
$250 Silver - 2 Tickets and Signage Included
$500 Gold - 4 Tickets and Signage Included
$1000 Platinum - 8 Tickets and Signage Included
To purchase a ticket, please mail checks made out to the Montgomery County Young Republicans or Montgomery County Law Enforcement Officers’ Relief Fund to: 11343 Amberlea Farm Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
For further information, please contact:
Carl T. Weber III
MCYR President
GGCC & 5th District Commander recognize Officer
Gaithersburg, MD (April 7, 2011) – Police Officer Michael J. Phillips was presented with the “Germantown District Commander’s Recognition Award” and “Commander’s Coin” yesterday for his dedication and service as a Montgomery County Police Officer.
“Officer Phillips has served the police department for seven years, but his experience and commitment far exceed others with his years on the job,” said Commander Luther Reynolds, Germantown 5th District Station. “For all his efforts and continued willingness to share his wealth of tactical experiences, I am pleased to thank Mike for his contributions to making our community a better place to live and our officers safer through better training and tactics”.
Officer Phillips is a member of the Germantown Special Assignment Team and of the Decentralized SWAT team. In addition to his regular police duties, Officer Phillips is currently teaching a two hour tactical block for all Department Sergeants and Team Leaders.
“Mike is a good teacher and his sharing of this important expertise continues to make us a more confident, professional and safer workforce as we face ongoing challenges in the days ahead,” Reynolds said.
For his commitment, Officer Phillips received a gold Commander’s coin, a Commander’s Recognition plaque and will have his name added to the Chamber Recognition plaque that is displayed in the squad room of the 5th District Headquarters.
“Today was another outstanding example of the strong support we experience in our district, in particular from the Chamber of Commerce. Your help is appreciated and has a great impact on our troops,” Reynolds said. “Recognition of their efforts and saying thanks for the difference and impact they are making means a great deal to them. For those who made it today, thank you for taking the time to be there and for all of you, thank you for all your support throughout the year!! We are headed in the right direction and it is a great feeling knowing that we have your support.”
According to Reynolds, Officer Phillips is a retired Navy Officer with “extensive expertise in weapons and tactics”. Phillips shares his experience and offers specialized training to other members of this agency “which they would never have had the opportunity to get in any other venue”.
“Being safe in our home and in our community is a fundamental aspect of quality of life here in Montgomery County. The work that the police officers do every day makes it safe for residence and businesses to thrive and we are very thankful that they do such a great job,” stated GGCC President Marilyn Balcombe.
For more information on the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber please visit the GGCC website at www.ggchamber.org.
PICTURE: (l:r) Commander Luther Reynolds is presented with the GGCC 5th District Police Officer Recognition Plaque by Executive Director Marilyn Balcombe and Board Chair Doug Wrenn
Bill to change Md. primary dates headed to O’Malley
A bill that would shift the dates of Maryland’s presidential and gubernatorial primaries is headed to Gov. Martin O’Malley (D).
Under the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday, voters would cast ballots in the 2012 presidential primary election in April and the 2014 gubernatorial primary would move from September to June.
In 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the District all held primaries Feb. 12, creating a Potomac Primary that gave the region greater importance in the competitive race. That was undone by the national party rules effecting early nominating contests in the 2012 presidential cycle.
The legislation, which O’Malley sponsored, also would move Maryland’s gubernatorial primary from the second Tuesday in September to the last Tuesday in June.
The change is partly a response to a federal law passed in 2009 designed to ensure that military and overseas voters have sufficient time to receive absentee ballots and participate in elections.
Moving the primary to June in gubernatorial years would be a major change in Maryland politics — effectively extending the general election campaign by a few months.
The House passed the identical bill last month.
Under the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday, voters would cast ballots in the 2012 presidential primary election in April and the 2014 gubernatorial primary would move from September to June.
In 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the District all held primaries Feb. 12, creating a Potomac Primary that gave the region greater importance in the competitive race. That was undone by the national party rules effecting early nominating contests in the 2012 presidential cycle.
The legislation, which O’Malley sponsored, also would move Maryland’s gubernatorial primary from the second Tuesday in September to the last Tuesday in June.
The change is partly a response to a federal law passed in 2009 designed to ensure that military and overseas voters have sufficient time to receive absentee ballots and participate in elections.
Moving the primary to June in gubernatorial years would be a major change in Maryland politics — effectively extending the general election campaign by a few months.
The House passed the identical bill last month.
Maryland's mobile millionaires
After passing a millionaire surtax in May of 2009, nearly one-third of Maryland’s millionaires have gone missing, thus contributing to a decline in state revenues, according to the Wall Street Journal. The politicians in Annapolis said they’d collect $106 million by raising the state’s income tax rate on millionaire households to 6.25 percent from 4.75 percent.
In cities like Baltimore and Bethesda, which apply add-on income taxes, the top tax rate with the surcharge now reaches as high as 9.3 percent — fifth highest in the nation. Liberals claimed this was based on incomplete data and that rich Marylanders hadn’t fled the state. Well, when the state comptroller’s office confirmed the final tax return data for 2008, the first year that the higher tax rates applied, it showed:
The number of millionaire tax returns fell sharply toc5,529 from 7,898 in 2007 — a 30 percent decline. The taxes paid by rich filers fell by 22 percent, so instead of their payments increasing by $106 million, they fell by some $257 million.
While in reality a big part of that decline results from the recession that eroded incomes — especially from capital gains — stated the Journal, there is also little doubt that some rich people moved out or filed their taxes in other states with lower burdens. One-in-eight millionaires who filed a Maryland tax return in 2007 filed no return in 2008. Some died, but the others presumably changed their state of residence.
vvA Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysis of federal tax return data on people who migrated from one state to another found that Maryland lost $1 billion of its net tax base in 2008 because of residents moving to other states. That’s income that’s now being taxed and financing services in Virginia, South Carolina and elsewhere, says the Journal.
Montgomery County, outside of Washington, D.C., is Maryland’s wealthiest county and was especially clobbered, losing nearly $4 billion in taxable income in 2008, with some 80 percent of those lost dollars from high-income returns. States like Florida and Texas have no personal income tax, so the savings for a rich person who stops paying taxes in Baltimore or Montgomery County can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. SOURCE: Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal
The number of millionaire tax returns fell sharply toc5,529 from 7,898 in 2007 — a 30 percent decline. The taxes paid by rich filers fell by 22 percent, so instead of their payments increasing by $106 million, they fell by some $257 million.
While in reality a big part of that decline results from the recession that eroded incomes — especially from capital gains — stated the Journal, there is also little doubt that some rich people moved out or filed their taxes in other states with lower burdens. One-in-eight millionaires who filed a Maryland tax return in 2007 filed no return in 2008. Some died, but the others presumably changed their state of residence.
vvA Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysis of federal tax return data on people who migrated from one state to another found that Maryland lost $1 billion of its net tax base in 2008 because of residents moving to other states. That’s income that’s now being taxed and financing services in Virginia, South Carolina and elsewhere, says the Journal.
Montgomery County, outside of Washington, D.C., is Maryland’s wealthiest county and was especially clobbered, losing nearly $4 billion in taxable income in 2008, with some 80 percent of those lost dollars from high-income returns. States like Florida and Texas have no personal income tax, so the savings for a rich person who stops paying taxes in Baltimore or Montgomery County can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. SOURCE: Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal
April 6, 2011
Potential government shutdown's impact on region
With just days left before a possible government shutdown, D.C.-area residents and tourists braced for the impact a possible shutdown would have on the region.
If a budget compromise isn’t reached, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will close. All “non-essential” employees will be sent home. Thousands of stores in the District, Maryland, and Virginia that rely on spending from government employees and tourists could be hurt.
"It’s gonna be difficult,” said Tom Martin, a Department of Commerce employee. “I have a young son. My wife is also working in commerce, so we'll be without both of our incomes.”
Essential federal workers would stay on the job, including FBI agents and Coast Guard workers. Social Security payments would still go out and the mail would be delivered.
Another commerce department staffer, Jeff Pedersen, said he luckily has some money saved up.
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