Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
25 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi
Happy Valentine's Day Except in Orlando, Florida
To contact us Click HERE
This morning, I was in a grocery store and watched four high school students picking out Valentine's Day cards and flowers before they headed off to school. They were all over the store, shopping with a vengeance and making sure that they got the right card, flowers and boxes of candy. It actually was kind of cute as to how excited and enthusiastic they were.
Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
A Much Slower Pace
To contact us Click HERE
I have been in South Carolina for the past week and I have come to realize that the pace is so very different between the North and the South. I know that Maryland is technically in the South, but from a pace perspective, you would never know it.
I took a car to the dealer for servicing last week for an 11 AM appointment. I arrived at 10:57 and waited and waited to be able to pull into the service bay. Finally, I got out of my car and stood with my arms folded. At that point, two service reps came out and said that they would be with me in a minute. They went back into their offices and continued their very jovial conversations with the customers who they were helping. No hurry to get the cars to be serviced out of the drive up bay. I finally got to interact with a service rep about 15 minutes later. He said to me, "you aren't from around here are you?" I replied that I wasn't. He said that it appeared that I was used to a different pace. I said that I was, but that I also looked at it from a service excellence perspective. What I am used to is that as soon as you pull into the service bay there is someone there to check you in and move the car out of the service bay. It was more efficient, but I explained that their approach seems to work for the slower pace in the South. It all worked out and we were laughing and joking by the end of our interaction.
As I write this blog, I am in an airport in the Charleston, SC. We learned that our flight to DC was going to be delayed about 30 minutes due to service issues with our plane coming from its last destination. It was amazing as to the reaction. People who were impacted by the delay with their connections in DC casually got up walked up to the gate agent and began the process of changing their flights. Up North, the scene would have been very different. Loud sighing, complaining and anger would have been the order of the day. The difference was amazing. Eventually, I plan to retire to the South and it will take some time to get used to the slower pace, but I think that I am going to like it. Everybody is so nice.
I took a car to the dealer for servicing last week for an 11 AM appointment. I arrived at 10:57 and waited and waited to be able to pull into the service bay. Finally, I got out of my car and stood with my arms folded. At that point, two service reps came out and said that they would be with me in a minute. They went back into their offices and continued their very jovial conversations with the customers who they were helping. No hurry to get the cars to be serviced out of the drive up bay. I finally got to interact with a service rep about 15 minutes later. He said to me, "you aren't from around here are you?" I replied that I wasn't. He said that it appeared that I was used to a different pace. I said that I was, but that I also looked at it from a service excellence perspective. What I am used to is that as soon as you pull into the service bay there is someone there to check you in and move the car out of the service bay. It was more efficient, but I explained that their approach seems to work for the slower pace in the South. It all worked out and we were laughing and joking by the end of our interaction.
As I write this blog, I am in an airport in the Charleston, SC. We learned that our flight to DC was going to be delayed about 30 minutes due to service issues with our plane coming from its last destination. It was amazing as to the reaction. People who were impacted by the delay with their connections in DC casually got up walked up to the gate agent and began the process of changing their flights. Up North, the scene would have been very different. Loud sighing, complaining and anger would have been the order of the day. The difference was amazing. Eventually, I plan to retire to the South and it will take some time to get used to the slower pace, but I think that I am going to like it. Everybody is so nice.
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
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FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Meet New Era Custom Design & Cabinet Works, Inc
To contact us Click HERE
Monday Retention Visit: Five Questions with Johnny Gage, Project Manager/Estimator, New Era Custom Design & Cabinet Works, Inc.
270 Interstate Circle, Suite 100Frederick, MD 21704301-695-4310www.gonewera.com
How long have you been in business?
New Era Custom Design and Cabinet Works Inc. was founded by current owner and operator John Gage in 1979. We have grown over the years from a 2 man operation to over 80 personnel. Currently, our headquarters occupy approximately 48,000 sq ft of manufacturing, warehousing, and office space which was purpose built in 2007. We like to believe that not only is our products manufactured with superior craftsmanship, but we strive for excellent customer service for repeat business as well. It is our goal to be the MID-ATLANTIC leader in custom commercial architectural millwork. New Era Custom Design strives to acquire the latest and greatest in equipment and technology in order to provide our clients with the highest quality product possible. We are a full service architectural millwork provider for commercial applications. All wood products furnished and installed by New Era are engineered in house and installed by our skilled carpenters.
How many employees do you have?
New Era has 80 people within our organization. Many of our employees have been with New Era over 20 years.
Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
New Era Custom Design will continue to be successful in Frederick County because the location is spectacular for the markets we serve. Our markets reach locally is within the DC/VA and Baltimore areas for new construction and renovation projects. With both areas being within a 1hr drive. New Era also supplies work out of state as well. Being close to regional airports provide our company with a strategic advantage in order to meet our national account needs quickly and effectively. Frederick County also provides a great pool of talent to draw from a Human Resource stand point. Many of the employees that work at New Era Custom Design live in the County.
If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
New Era has donated excess inventory of raw materials to local high schools in order to promote finished carpentry. We also are able to reach out to schools to inform students about careers and other opportunities at New Era Custom Design. We support the Religious Coalition of Frederick County
What are you most proud of?
New Era Custom Design has very dedicated staff that we acknowledge by offering good compensation and benefit package. We have continued to grow through many economic cycles over the last 34 years, including the current economic challenges. We are lucky to have such and talented individuals on staff that can turn an impossible project into reality.
270 Interstate Circle, Suite 100Frederick, MD 21704301-695-4310www.gonewera.comHow long have you been in business?
New Era Custom Design and Cabinet Works Inc. was founded by current owner and operator John Gage in 1979. We have grown over the years from a 2 man operation to over 80 personnel. Currently, our headquarters occupy approximately 48,000 sq ft of manufacturing, warehousing, and office space which was purpose built in 2007. We like to believe that not only is our products manufactured with superior craftsmanship, but we strive for excellent customer service for repeat business as well. It is our goal to be the MID-ATLANTIC leader in custom commercial architectural millwork. New Era Custom Design strives to acquire the latest and greatest in equipment and technology in order to provide our clients with the highest quality product possible. We are a full service architectural millwork provider for commercial applications. All wood products furnished and installed by New Era are engineered in house and installed by our skilled carpenters.
How many employees do you have?
New Era has 80 people within our organization. Many of our employees have been with New Era over 20 years.
Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
New Era Custom Design will continue to be successful in Frederick County because the location is spectacular for the markets we serve. Our markets reach locally is within the DC/VA and Baltimore areas for new construction and renovation projects. With both areas being within a 1hr drive. New Era also supplies work out of state as well. Being close to regional airports provide our company with a strategic advantage in order to meet our national account needs quickly and effectively. Frederick County also provides a great pool of talent to draw from a Human Resource stand point. Many of the employees that work at New Era Custom Design live in the County.
If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
New Era has donated excess inventory of raw materials to local high schools in order to promote finished carpentry. We also are able to reach out to schools to inform students about careers and other opportunities at New Era Custom Design. We support the Religious Coalition of Frederick County
What are you most proud of?
New Era Custom Design has very dedicated staff that we acknowledge by offering good compensation and benefit package. We have continued to grow through many economic cycles over the last 34 years, including the current economic challenges. We are lucky to have such and talented individuals on staff that can turn an impossible project into reality.
Meet Richard B. Rudy, Inc.
To contact us Click HERE
Monday Retention Visit: Five Questions with Ken & Gary Rudy, President and Senior Vice President (respectively), Richard B. Rudy, Inc.
1 Bernard St.Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 663-9041www.rbrudy.com
How long have you been in business?
Founded in 1938 by Mr. Richard B. Rudy, the company began using a single truck and stainless steel cans to provide milk transportation services to dairies for local area farms in Frederick County Maryland. Richard B. Rudy, Inc was incorporated in 1960 and remained in the dairy industry until 2002. Diversification into liquid sugars and finished food-grade items came along in the mid 1970’s. Now 73 plus years and three generations later, the family operated business is proud and honored to continue to have many of our long-term employees and customers, which we entered into the food-grade industry with. Still located in Frederick, Maryland, our current terminal includes an office complex, a five bay, full service shop, an automated tank wash facility with three pull-through bays, as well as dry storage and cold storage warehousing.
How many employees do you have?
We currently have 75 employees. We are situated on 11 acres with 8500 square feet of space.
Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We have a niche market for the food handling industry, food certification and transportation of bulk products such as liquid sugars and corn syrup.
If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We regularly make significant contributions and donations to various non-profit groups and are very proud to be able to do so.
What are you most proud of?
Richard B. Rudy, Inc has built long-term relationships with both customers and employees. Some employees have worked here for 40 plus years with the oldest employee having been here for 47 years. We have a number who have been here 30+. The main segment of our customer base dates back to the 1960s. With this kind of loyalty and longevity, we are proud to offer a top quality service.
1 Bernard St.Frederick, MD 21701(301) 663-9041www.rbrudy.com
How long have you been in business?
Founded in 1938 by Mr. Richard B. Rudy, the company began using a single truck and stainless steel cans to provide milk transportation services to dairies for local area farms in Frederick County Maryland. Richard B. Rudy, Inc was incorporated in 1960 and remained in the dairy industry until 2002. Diversification into liquid sugars and finished food-grade items came along in the mid 1970’s. Now 73 plus years and three generations later, the family operated business is proud and honored to continue to have many of our long-term employees and customers, which we entered into the food-grade industry with. Still located in Frederick, Maryland, our current terminal includes an office complex, a five bay, full service shop, an automated tank wash facility with three pull-through bays, as well as dry storage and cold storage warehousing.
How many employees do you have?
We currently have 75 employees. We are situated on 11 acres with 8500 square feet of space.
Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We have a niche market for the food handling industry, food certification and transportation of bulk products such as liquid sugars and corn syrup.
If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We regularly make significant contributions and donations to various non-profit groups and are very proud to be able to do so.
What are you most proud of?
Richard B. Rudy, Inc has built long-term relationships with both customers and employees. Some employees have worked here for 40 plus years with the oldest employee having been here for 47 years. We have a number who have been here 30+. The main segment of our customer base dates back to the 1960s. With this kind of loyalty and longevity, we are proud to offer a top quality service.
24 Şubat 2013 Pazar
Mid-Level Corporate Associate Job in Duane Morris LLP - Baltimore, MD
To contact us Click HERE
Job Title: Mid-Level Corporate Associate
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Corporate
Level: Mid Level
Description: Duane Morris LLP has an opening in the Baltimore office for a Corporate associate. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-6 years of experience in private equity/venture capital, inbound international and project/corporate finance along with a general corporate background. Stellar academics and excellent writing skills required. Maryland bar preferred. EOE/AA/M/V/D/V.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Duane Morris LLP
Contact Details
Name: Peggy Simoncini Pasquay
Title: Manager of Attorney Recruitment and Relations
Email: Simoncini@duanemorris.com
Phone: (215) 979-1161
Address: 30 South 17th Street
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Country: USA
Zipcode: 19103-4196
Apply Online: To Apply online click on the Source link
Location: Baltimore
State: MD
Practice Area: Corporate
Level: Mid Level
Description: Duane Morris LLP has an opening in the Baltimore office for a Corporate associate. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-6 years of experience in private equity/venture capital, inbound international and project/corporate finance along with a general corporate background. Stellar academics and excellent writing skills required. Maryland bar preferred. EOE/AA/M/V/D/V.
Source: Firm Web Site
Firm Name: Duane Morris LLP
Contact Details
Name: Peggy Simoncini Pasquay
Title: Manager of Attorney Recruitment and Relations
Email: Simoncini@duanemorris.com
Phone: (215) 979-1161
Address: 30 South 17th Street
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Country: USA
Zipcode: 19103-4196
Apply Online: To Apply online click on the Source link
Politics of O'Malley's Offshore Wind Plan Changed, Economics Have Not
To contact us Click HERE
Governor Martin O’Malley is hoping the third time is the charm for his offshore wind boondoggle. Yesterday, O’Malley testified before the Senate Finance Committee on behalf of his plan to build wind farms off the coast of Maryland. Previous efforts died in the Finance Committee the last two years.
O’Malley is hopeful that the General Assembly will approve the plan this year.
What has changed? The politics.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a proponent of O’Malley’s offshore wind plan, reassigned Senator Anthony Muse from the Finance Committee to Judicial Proceedings, and replaced him with Senator Victor Ramirez. Muse had been an opponent of O’Malley’s offshore wind proposal. O’Malley also sweetened the deal by including millions in state grants for minority businesses to compete for offshore wind energy contracts. Muse was among the three African American senators who voted against the bill in the Finance Committee last year.
While the politics of O’Malley’s offshore wind plan have changed, the bad economics have not.
However, the DLS analysis also underscores the uncertainty of the assumptions of O’Malley’s cost estimates noting in several instances scenarios where the monthly cost could exceed the $1.50 limit. The analysis also stresses that additional cost impacts may vary due to approved bids and state and federal subsidies available to developers.
State and federal subsidies serve to mask the true cost of wind projects. In particular the federal wind production tax credit. In addition to any new monthly charges on their electric bills, Maryland ratepayers are already paying for massive federal subsidies for wind farms. The federal wind production tax credit (PTC), extended by one year in the fiscal cliff deal, will cost U.S. taxpayers $12 billion. The PTC gives wind power producers a $22 per megawatt hour/2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour credit for energy produced. In some cases this subsidy counts for between 50-70 percent of wholesale price of electricity.
If Congress extends the PTC beyond 2013, U.S. taxpayers would be subsidizing at a minimum, 12 percent (assuming the maximum price of $190 per megawatt hour) of the cost of one OREC generated by a Maryland offshore wind farm. Assuming the same maximum price, taxpayers would be subsidizing 33 percent of the energy costs of one OREC. Given that wind power is produced during periods of low demand OREC prices will tend to be lower than $190 per megawatt hour, meaning taxpayers will be subsidizing a larger percentage.
If O’Malley’s bill passes, construction of any wind farm is still in serious doubt because the federal wind production tax credit faces an uncertain future, and his financing model is not viable (i.e. ratepayer subsidies not large enough) to attract investors to support such a costly project. Peter Mandalstam, an offshore wind developer, told the Washington Post that O’Malley’s plan “may make it difficult or, in a worse-case scenario, impossible to build a project off the coast of Maryland.” Mandalstam’s contract to build a wind farm off the coast of Delaware collapsed because he could not secure financing.
Governor Martin O’Malley is hoping the third time is the charm for his offshore wind boondoggle. Yesterday, O’Malley testified before the Senate Finance Committee on behalf of his plan to build wind farms off the coast of Maryland. Previous efforts died in the Finance Committee the last two years.
O’Malley is hopeful that the General Assembly will approve the plan this year.
What has changed? The politics.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a proponent of O’Malley’s offshore wind plan, reassigned Senator Anthony Muse from the Finance Committee to Judicial Proceedings, and replaced him with Senator Victor Ramirez. Muse had been an opponent of O’Malley’s offshore wind proposal. O’Malley also sweetened the deal by including millions in state grants for minority businesses to compete for offshore wind energy contracts. Muse was among the three African American senators who voted against the bill in the Finance Committee last year.
While the politics of O’Malley’s offshore wind plan have changed, the bad economics have not.
However, the DLS analysis also underscores the uncertainty of the assumptions of O’Malley’s cost estimates noting in several instances scenarios where the monthly cost could exceed the $1.50 limit. The analysis also stresses that additional cost impacts may vary due to approved bids and state and federal subsidies available to developers.
State and federal subsidies serve to mask the true cost of wind projects. In particular the federal wind production tax credit. In addition to any new monthly charges on their electric bills, Maryland ratepayers are already paying for massive federal subsidies for wind farms. The federal wind production tax credit (PTC), extended by one year in the fiscal cliff deal, will cost U.S. taxpayers $12 billion. The PTC gives wind power producers a $22 per megawatt hour/2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour credit for energy produced. In some cases this subsidy counts for between 50-70 percent of wholesale price of electricity.
If Congress extends the PTC beyond 2013, U.S. taxpayers would be subsidizing at a minimum, 12 percent (assuming the maximum price of $190 per megawatt hour) of the cost of one OREC generated by a Maryland offshore wind farm. Assuming the same maximum price, taxpayers would be subsidizing 33 percent of the energy costs of one OREC. Given that wind power is produced during periods of low demand OREC prices will tend to be lower than $190 per megawatt hour, meaning taxpayers will be subsidizing a larger percentage.
If O’Malley’s bill passes, construction of any wind farm is still in serious doubt because the federal wind production tax credit faces an uncertain future, and his financing model is not viable (i.e. ratepayer subsidies not large enough) to attract investors to support such a costly project. Peter Mandalstam, an offshore wind developer, told the Washington Post that O’Malley’s plan “may make it difficult or, in a worse-case scenario, impossible to build a project off the coast of Maryland.” Mandalstam’s contract to build a wind farm off the coast of Delaware collapsed because he could not secure financing.
The Broadside 2-19-13
To contact us Click HERE
Latest episode of The Broadside is up--with a cleaner sounding recording. Here's what we talked about.
Cato and Maryland Public Policy Institute fellow, Tom Firey joins the show to talk about Martin O'Malleys offshore wind boondoggle, and the economic fallacies behind raising the minimum wage.
Ben Howe of RedState on the Obama administration funded smear of the Tea Party.
And...
Andrew Langer for MDGOP Chair!
The Broadside and all Red Maryland Network programming is available on Itunes.
Listen to internet radio with redmaryland on Blog
Talk Radio
Cato and Maryland Public Policy Institute fellow, Tom Firey joins the show to talk about Martin O'Malleys offshore wind boondoggle, and the economic fallacies behind raising the minimum wage.
Ben Howe of RedState on the Obama administration funded smear of the Tea Party.
And...
Andrew Langer for MDGOP Chair!
The Broadside and all Red Maryland Network programming is available on Itunes.
Listen to internet radio with redmaryland on Blog
Talk Radio
Two Bills Filed to Lower Maryland's Corporate Tax Rate
To contact us Click HERE
Two bills filed in the current legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly propose to lower the state’s corporate income tax rate. One bill, SB34, proposed by Republican Senator David Brinkley would immediately cut Maryland’s 8.25% corporate tax rate down to 6 percent. The other bill, SB 411, filed by Senate Majority Leader, Rob Garagiola, a Democrat, would gradually reduce the current rate .05 percent each year over several years to 7.75 percent.
Maryland increased its corporate tax rate to 8.25 percent as part of Governor O’Malley’s $1.4 billion tax package during the 2007 special legislative session.
According to Maryland Reporter, Garagiola, and the two Democratic chairs of the Senate and House tax-writing committees, told a Maryland Chamber of Commerce business policy conference they were open to lowering the corporate rate.
Economist Anirban Basu told the same audience that lowering Maryland’s corporate tax rate was crucial if Maryland’s economy, which is overly reliant on federal spending, is to attract private capital and weather any federal spending cuts that would come with sequestration. Basu argued that in order to compete with Virginia, the rate has to be slashed. Virginia has 6 percent corporate tax rate.
Maryland’s high corporate tax rate is considered one of the many reasons Maryland has a well-earned reputation as a state with an unfriendly business climate. Maryland ranks 41st in the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index, and 40th in CEO Magazine’s Best/Worst States to do Business.
A Department of Legislative Services analysis of Brinkely’s bill stated that state revenues would decrease by $300 million over the next five years. Brinkley defended his bill before his own Senate committee arguing that lowering the corporate rate would attract more businesses and jobs to the state.
Forbes columnist Joel Kotkin points out that there is a national debate over how to generate economic growth between high tax/tax hiking blue states, and low tax/tax cutting red states. Kotkin says the data suggests low tax red states are winning the argument.
Garagiola’s Legislative Director, Erin Robertson, told Watchdog Wire Maryland, that lowering the corporate rate would be good for job creation and make Maryland competitive with surrounding states.Some like Change Maryland Chairman, Larry Hogan, are not impressed with Garagiola’s gradual reduction.
“While we are pleased that the majority party is listening to Change Maryland about the need to cut taxes,” Hogan said, “lowering it to 7.75% over eight years is a joke.”Robertson said the gradual reduction would protect the state’s general fund revenues.
“It’s too late for timid half measures,” Hogan said. “The corporate income tax needs to be reduced immediately and dramatically, perhaps even eliminated altogether, to stop the bleeding of 6,500 businesses and chronic economic under-performance in the region."
Brinkley’s bill has no co-sponsors, while Garagiola’s bill has nine co-sponsors including four Republicans.
Maryland increased its corporate tax rate to 8.25 percent as part of Governor O’Malley’s $1.4 billion tax package during the 2007 special legislative session.
According to Maryland Reporter, Garagiola, and the two Democratic chairs of the Senate and House tax-writing committees, told a Maryland Chamber of Commerce business policy conference they were open to lowering the corporate rate.
Economist Anirban Basu told the same audience that lowering Maryland’s corporate tax rate was crucial if Maryland’s economy, which is overly reliant on federal spending, is to attract private capital and weather any federal spending cuts that would come with sequestration. Basu argued that in order to compete with Virginia, the rate has to be slashed. Virginia has 6 percent corporate tax rate.
Maryland’s high corporate tax rate is considered one of the many reasons Maryland has a well-earned reputation as a state with an unfriendly business climate. Maryland ranks 41st in the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index, and 40th in CEO Magazine’s Best/Worst States to do Business.
A Department of Legislative Services analysis of Brinkely’s bill stated that state revenues would decrease by $300 million over the next five years. Brinkley defended his bill before his own Senate committee arguing that lowering the corporate rate would attract more businesses and jobs to the state.
Forbes columnist Joel Kotkin points out that there is a national debate over how to generate economic growth between high tax/tax hiking blue states, and low tax/tax cutting red states. Kotkin says the data suggests low tax red states are winning the argument.
Garagiola’s Legislative Director, Erin Robertson, told Watchdog Wire Maryland, that lowering the corporate rate would be good for job creation and make Maryland competitive with surrounding states.Some like Change Maryland Chairman, Larry Hogan, are not impressed with Garagiola’s gradual reduction.
“While we are pleased that the majority party is listening to Change Maryland about the need to cut taxes,” Hogan said, “lowering it to 7.75% over eight years is a joke.”Robertson said the gradual reduction would protect the state’s general fund revenues.
“It’s too late for timid half measures,” Hogan said. “The corporate income tax needs to be reduced immediately and dramatically, perhaps even eliminated altogether, to stop the bleeding of 6,500 businesses and chronic economic under-performance in the region."
Brinkley’s bill has no co-sponsors, while Garagiola’s bill has nine co-sponsors including four Republicans.
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
To contact us Click HERE
FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
23 Şubat 2013 Cumartesi
Victor Ramirez Slanders Rand Paul
To contact us Click HERE
Maryland State Senator Victor Ramirez (D Prince George's) took to his Facebook page today to slander US Senator Rand Paul (R, KY) and the Tea Party.
Ramirez wrote:
The thing is, Rand Paul didn't say that.
Ramirez was quoting a killed AP story that left out the word "don't" as in Paul said voters "don't want somebody who wants to round people up, put in camps and send them back to Mexico."
The AP retracted that story yesterday.
While Paul is a Tea Party Favorite, he also takes a more libertarian approach to immigration that differs from most Tea Party activists. In fact, Ramierz and Paul probably agree more than they disagree on immigration. However, Ramirez intention wasn't to enlighten his constituents, it was fear mongering.
UPDATE
Ramirez posted a correction to his Facebook page. No apology for posting misinformation that was corrected. You decide his sincerity.
Ramirez wrote:
"Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky says he sees voters wanting, quote, "somebody who wants to round people up, put in camps and send them back to Mexico." He is a Tea Party favorite! Good luck!"
The thing is, Rand Paul didn't say that.
Ramirez was quoting a killed AP story that left out the word "don't" as in Paul said voters "don't want somebody who wants to round people up, put in camps and send them back to Mexico."
The AP retracted that story yesterday.
While Paul is a Tea Party Favorite, he also takes a more libertarian approach to immigration that differs from most Tea Party activists. In fact, Ramierz and Paul probably agree more than they disagree on immigration. However, Ramirez intention wasn't to enlighten his constituents, it was fear mongering.
UPDATE
Ramirez posted a correction to his Facebook page. No apology for posting misinformation that was corrected. You decide his sincerity.
Two Bills Filed to Lower Maryland's Corporate Tax Rate
To contact us Click HERE
Two bills filed in the current legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly propose to lower the state’s corporate income tax rate. One bill, SB34, proposed by Republican Senator David Brinkley would immediately cut Maryland’s 8.25% corporate tax rate down to 6 percent. The other bill, SB 411, filed by Senate Majority Leader, Rob Garagiola, a Democrat, would gradually reduce the current rate .05 percent each year over several years to 7.75 percent.
Maryland increased its corporate tax rate to 8.25 percent as part of Governor O’Malley’s $1.4 billion tax package during the 2007 special legislative session.
According to Maryland Reporter, Garagiola, and the two Democratic chairs of the Senate and House tax-writing committees, told a Maryland Chamber of Commerce business policy conference they were open to lowering the corporate rate.
Economist Anirban Basu told the same audience that lowering Maryland’s corporate tax rate was crucial if Maryland’s economy, which is overly reliant on federal spending, is to attract private capital and weather any federal spending cuts that would come with sequestration. Basu argued that in order to compete with Virginia, the rate has to be slashed. Virginia has 6 percent corporate tax rate.
Maryland’s high corporate tax rate is considered one of the many reasons Maryland has a well-earned reputation as a state with an unfriendly business climate. Maryland ranks 41st in the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index, and 40th in CEO Magazine’s Best/Worst States to do Business.
A Department of Legislative Services analysis of Brinkely’s bill stated that state revenues would decrease by $300 million over the next five years. Brinkley defended his bill before his own Senate committee arguing that lowering the corporate rate would attract more businesses and jobs to the state.
Forbes columnist Joel Kotkin points out that there is a national debate over how to generate economic growth between high tax/tax hiking blue states, and low tax/tax cutting red states. Kotkin says the data suggests low tax red states are winning the argument.
Garagiola’s Legislative Director, Erin Robertson, told Watchdog Wire Maryland, that lowering the corporate rate would be good for job creation and make Maryland competitive with surrounding states.Some like Change Maryland Chairman, Larry Hogan, are not impressed with Garagiola’s gradual reduction.
“While we are pleased that the majority party is listening to Change Maryland about the need to cut taxes,” Hogan said, “lowering it to 7.75% over eight years is a joke.”Robertson said the gradual reduction would protect the state’s general fund revenues.
“It’s too late for timid half measures,” Hogan said. “The corporate income tax needs to be reduced immediately and dramatically, perhaps even eliminated altogether, to stop the bleeding of 6,500 businesses and chronic economic under-performance in the region."
Brinkley’s bill has no co-sponsors, while Garagiola’s bill has nine co-sponsors including four Republicans.
Maryland increased its corporate tax rate to 8.25 percent as part of Governor O’Malley’s $1.4 billion tax package during the 2007 special legislative session.
According to Maryland Reporter, Garagiola, and the two Democratic chairs of the Senate and House tax-writing committees, told a Maryland Chamber of Commerce business policy conference they were open to lowering the corporate rate.
Economist Anirban Basu told the same audience that lowering Maryland’s corporate tax rate was crucial if Maryland’s economy, which is overly reliant on federal spending, is to attract private capital and weather any federal spending cuts that would come with sequestration. Basu argued that in order to compete with Virginia, the rate has to be slashed. Virginia has 6 percent corporate tax rate.
Maryland’s high corporate tax rate is considered one of the many reasons Maryland has a well-earned reputation as a state with an unfriendly business climate. Maryland ranks 41st in the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index, and 40th in CEO Magazine’s Best/Worst States to do Business.
A Department of Legislative Services analysis of Brinkely’s bill stated that state revenues would decrease by $300 million over the next five years. Brinkley defended his bill before his own Senate committee arguing that lowering the corporate rate would attract more businesses and jobs to the state.
Forbes columnist Joel Kotkin points out that there is a national debate over how to generate economic growth between high tax/tax hiking blue states, and low tax/tax cutting red states. Kotkin says the data suggests low tax red states are winning the argument.
Garagiola’s Legislative Director, Erin Robertson, told Watchdog Wire Maryland, that lowering the corporate rate would be good for job creation and make Maryland competitive with surrounding states.Some like Change Maryland Chairman, Larry Hogan, are not impressed with Garagiola’s gradual reduction.
“While we are pleased that the majority party is listening to Change Maryland about the need to cut taxes,” Hogan said, “lowering it to 7.75% over eight years is a joke.”Robertson said the gradual reduction would protect the state’s general fund revenues.
“It’s too late for timid half measures,” Hogan said. “The corporate income tax needs to be reduced immediately and dramatically, perhaps even eliminated altogether, to stop the bleeding of 6,500 businesses and chronic economic under-performance in the region."
Brinkley’s bill has no co-sponsors, while Garagiola’s bill has nine co-sponsors including four Republicans.
Capital Punishment: Questions for Death Penalty Repeal Supporters
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--Richard E. Vatz
In 2007, New Jersey became the first state to legislatively abolish the death penalty. Saved from execution, among others, was Jesse Timmendequas, who, according to CNN, “lur[ed] Megan Kanka into his Hamilton Township home to see a puppy, then rap[ed] her and strangl[ed] her. As a professor of persuasion for over 40 years, I have been struck by not just the illogic of those legislators seeking repeal of the death penalty. According to Patch.com, Sen. Bobby Zirkin argues that his change of heart on the issue is based on the utterly selective and unrepresentative “testimony of some victims who said the death penalty provided little closure because of lengthy appeals” and the irrelevant observation of the fact that “the state hasn't executed anyone in nearly a decade.” But I have been more taken by the lack of repeal supporters’ publicly engaging the critical arguments at all. Please allow me to ask the following important questions to legislators and others, questions which should be addressed – or should have been addressed -- before the state of Maryland repeals capital punishment. Failing that, these are questions for which voters in a referendum should seek the answers before sustaining the end of executions.
1. If there is a Newtown in Maryland with children massacred, will you stand by your vote for the repeal of the death penalty?
The lack of implementation and the lengthy time of disposition of executions should not be the basis for eliminating them. It should energize Maryland to shorten the period between conviction and execution. The fear of a mistake can be alleviated by raising the standard of proof, if need be, to “beyond any doubt.” That would also eliminate the possibility of serial murderers continuing their grisly behavior. Even a death penalty unused, but utilized for plea bargaining, is superior to not having its availability. Regardless, to act in such a definitive way to save murderers from executions deserves a full addressing of the issues, not a rush to irresponsible action.
Professor Vatz has taught Persuasion for decades at Towson University, is author of The Only Authentic Book of Persuasion (Kendall Hunt, 2012, 2013) and will be giving a keynote address on the book at the Southern States Communication Association Convention in April.
1. If there is a Newtown in Maryland with children massacred, will you stand by your vote for the repeal of the death penalty?
The lack of implementation and the lengthy time of disposition of executions should not be the basis for eliminating them. It should energize Maryland to shorten the period between conviction and execution.
Professor Vatz has taught Persuasion for decades at Towson University, is author of The Only Authentic Book of Persuasion (Kendall Hunt, 2012, 2013) and will be giving a keynote address on the book at the Southern States Communication Association Convention in April.
Happy Valentine's Day Except in Orlando, Florida
To contact us Click HERE
This morning, I was in a grocery store and watched four high school students picking out Valentine's Day cards and flowers before they headed off to school. They were all over the store, shopping with a vengeance and making sure that they got the right card, flowers and boxes of candy. It actually was kind of cute as to how excited and enthusiastic they were.
Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
To contact us Click HERE
FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
22 Şubat 2013 Cuma
Red Maryland Radio: 2/21/13
To contact us Click HERE
Another big episode of Red Maryland Radio came at you tonight on the Red Maryland Network.
Listen to internet radio with redmaryland on Blog Talk Radio
On this week's show:
Listen to internet radio with redmaryland on Blog Talk Radio
On this week's show:
- The Anne Arundel County Council should be filling the County Executive vacancy tonight. How is that going to play out?;
- Mike Miller called Republicans "Neanderthals" for opposing higher taxes; what will really happen with higher gas tax rates?
- More discussion on the speculation surrounding the next Maryland Republican Party Chairman (#DraftLanger)
- The most important thing to come out of last weekend's Russian meteor crash? The fascination with Russian Dash Cam Videos. We'll discuss their impact on the American legal system tonight. Here's a primer on Russian Dash Cams.
Enough is Enough
To contact us Click HERE
The latest story in the trials and tribulations of Anne Arundel County came last night. We all knew that the County Council was going to select a new County Executive. And we all knew that it was going to come down to a choice between Delegate Steve Schuh and Acting County Executive John Hammond.
Except it didn't. At 10 am Friday morning, Laura Neuman will be sworn in as Anne Arundel County Executive.
Until yesterday, I had absolutely no idea who Laura Neuman was. With her background, she has an intriguing, unique, and inspiring story. She seems to have done fantastic work in her current job running Howard County Economic Development Authority. But the thing is that the County Council was required to select a Republican County Executive. And other than meeting the legal qualifications for serving as County Executive I know nothing, as a long-time Republican activist living in Anne Arundel County, about the political leanings or loyalty of my highest ranking Republican official.
What I do know is that she has made one political donation in her life. A $1000 donation. In December. To Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. A Democrat. Who is running for Governor. So you'll excuse me if I have a tremendous sense of trepidation and uneasiness with the politics of my new, ostensibly Republican, County Executive.
No matter who was going to get picked as County Executive, however, was going to change one fundamental fact about the selection process; the vacancy selection process is broken. The Anne Arundel County Charter requires that the County Council serve as the only body to fill a vacancy for County Executive or among the members of the County Council. And as we have seen twice in the last year, the County Council often breaks down and has trouble selecting the best candidate instead of the most politically expedient one. In the case with the Council 1 vacancy, it took 106 ballots to break the tie between Peter Smith and Mike Wagner.
The County Executive vacancy became a gigantic mess of an affair. Both Councilmen Grasso and Walker intended to apply, but chose not to based on an ethics opinion. But Grasso intends to run for County Executive in 2014 anyway. Councilman Fink was business partners with Delegate Schuh until late this afternoon, when Schuch stepped down from the business in order to remove a potential conflict of interest. And that left the three Democrats who were in the position to select a candidate who was either the weakest candidate to run for re-election, or a candidate who was a registered Republican who was more sympathetic to their world. view. At this point, Laura Neuman could fit either of those criteria.
Is this any way to run a government?
The latest debacle in Anne Arundel County proves to me that enough is enough. It's time that appropriate action be taken to fill vacancies, at the very least on the Anne Arundel County Council, by Special Election. We can no longer afford for County Government to get distracted and divided by the parochialism and opportunities for career advancement that inevitably take precedence when vacancies like these pop up. We must figure out a way to have an orderly succession to an interim County Executive and then towards a short election process (perhaps conducted solely by mail-in ballot) to allow the people the right to pick their County Executive.
No matter how the process unfolds from here, Anne Arundel County cannot afford to have another spectacle like this one...
Except it didn't. At 10 am Friday morning, Laura Neuman will be sworn in as Anne Arundel County Executive.
Until yesterday, I had absolutely no idea who Laura Neuman was. With her background, she has an intriguing, unique, and inspiring story. She seems to have done fantastic work in her current job running Howard County Economic Development Authority. But the thing is that the County Council was required to select a Republican County Executive. And other than meeting the legal qualifications for serving as County Executive I know nothing, as a long-time Republican activist living in Anne Arundel County, about the political leanings or loyalty of my highest ranking Republican official.
What I do know is that she has made one political donation in her life. A $1000 donation. In December. To Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. A Democrat. Who is running for Governor. So you'll excuse me if I have a tremendous sense of trepidation and uneasiness with the politics of my new, ostensibly Republican, County Executive.
No matter who was going to get picked as County Executive, however, was going to change one fundamental fact about the selection process; the vacancy selection process is broken. The Anne Arundel County Charter requires that the County Council serve as the only body to fill a vacancy for County Executive or among the members of the County Council. And as we have seen twice in the last year, the County Council often breaks down and has trouble selecting the best candidate instead of the most politically expedient one. In the case with the Council 1 vacancy, it took 106 ballots to break the tie between Peter Smith and Mike Wagner.
The County Executive vacancy became a gigantic mess of an affair. Both Councilmen Grasso and Walker intended to apply, but chose not to based on an ethics opinion. But Grasso intends to run for County Executive in 2014 anyway. Councilman Fink was business partners with Delegate Schuh until late this afternoon, when Schuch stepped down from the business in order to remove a potential conflict of interest. And that left the three Democrats who were in the position to select a candidate who was either the weakest candidate to run for re-election, or a candidate who was a registered Republican who was more sympathetic to their world. view. At this point, Laura Neuman could fit either of those criteria.
Is this any way to run a government?
The latest debacle in Anne Arundel County proves to me that enough is enough. It's time that appropriate action be taken to fill vacancies, at the very least on the Anne Arundel County Council, by Special Election. We can no longer afford for County Government to get distracted and divided by the parochialism and opportunities for career advancement that inevitably take precedence when vacancies like these pop up. We must figure out a way to have an orderly succession to an interim County Executive and then towards a short election process (perhaps conducted solely by mail-in ballot) to allow the people the right to pick their County Executive.
No matter how the process unfolds from here, Anne Arundel County cannot afford to have another spectacle like this one...
Permitting Fees at Last Year's Rates to Encourage Business Friendly Climate
To contact us Click HERE
FREDERICK, MD – Frederick County permitting fees were due to automatically increase as of July 1 by 3.2 percent to keep pace with inflation this year. But, with business-friendly goals of utmost concern to the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, the board recently chose to keep rates the same as last year.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
The board also agreed to clarify fee schedule policies in the Community Development Division to provide clarity and consistency with other regulatory issues in the Department of Permits and Inspections. It establishes, eliminates and/or clarifies other fees for certain approvals that are a result of new or modified planning and development review approval processes and also incorporates comprehensive planning and zoning fees into the fee schedule to coincide with the division’s reorganization last year.
Key changes in the fee schedule include the clarification to the “agricultural buildings” definition to be consistent with the building code; establishing of a “minimum permit” fee instead of a “per square foot” charge, and elimination of the fire code revision fee charged for additional plan reviews. In addition, the board will exempt the county’s capital improvement program from payment of the fees in accordance with its strategic goal to “consider eliminating review fees for county capital projects.”
Board President Blaine Young commented, “We believe that holding the permitting fees at the same rate is good for business, and what is good for business is good for Frederick County. The decisions the board has made are part of our strategic goals to consider proposals to reduce, alter or eliminate rules and regulations to help improve county processes.
“We commend our employees for working diligently to help businesses more easily and efficiently navigate their way through the process. We welcome continued feedback from our citizens -- from the homeowner to the large business to the small business.”
At the beginning of their term in office, the Frederick Board of County Commissioners initiated a review of over 200 recommended changes to rules and regulations as part of their goal to improve the “business friendly” atmosphere in Frederick County, and have made good progress toward completion.
The items on the “business friendly action items” list were proposed after meetings with officials from the former Permitting and Development Review and Economic Development Divisions and members of the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, Frederick County Builders Association, commercial business representatives and many other stakeholders.
The changes coincide with the Board of County Commissioners’ proposed Strategic Plan goal of providing improved predictability for businesses. The goal states that “Frederick County needs to implement predictability in the business community in order to reduce inefficiencies, allow cost control, provide an effective process and increase understanding in daily business processes within Frederick County Government.”
For further information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/permits or contact Director Gary Hessong, Permits and Inspections Department, at 301-600-1172 or via e-mail at ghessong@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Happy Valentine's Day Except in Orlando, Florida
To contact us Click HERE
This morning, I was in a grocery store and watched four high school students picking out Valentine's Day cards and flowers before they headed off to school. They were all over the store, shopping with a vengeance and making sure that they got the right card, flowers and boxes of candy. It actually was kind of cute as to how excited and enthusiastic they were.
Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
Then, a little later, I sat down and read the newspaper. In the paper is an article about two high schools in Orlando, Florida, banning the exchange of any gifts, cards or flowers "in order to maintain our instructional focus and avoid distraction." You have got to be kidding me. I guess the good news is that the principals didn't make it that if you brought a card for your Valentine that you would have to bring one for every student so no one felt left out. So much for the joy and happiness that Valentine's Day is supposed to bring.
The Shooter
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I recently read the article in Esquire entitled "The Shooter." The article was based on a series of interviews with the Navy Seal who shot Osama bin Laden. That Seal, who remains unidentified, has left the Navy after 16 years of service without any pension or health insurance. There are no economic safeguards for any of these individuals who, on their way to every mission, never expect to return home alive. Here is a Navy Seal who is truly a hero in every sense of the word and yet he has to remain unidentified; otherwise, he and his family will be killed. For such heroism, there should be a fund or a foundation to support these men from a grateful nation. Instead, he was offered the government's witness protection program where he could have given up everything to obtain a new life of driving a truck in Milwaukee. Since he and his wife are now heading for divorce (as is the case with most Seal marriages), he had to decline or never see his children again. After the interview with Esquire, he is now being investigated by the Department of Defense as to whether or not he broke any secrecy laws. So much for that grateful nation. How about taking the $25 million dollar reward money that was never awarded for the information leading to the capture or death of bin Laden and setting up a trust fund for the members of Seal Team 6? Whenever one needs examples of how not to do something, isn't amazing that one can always find a plethora of examples from government.
21 Şubat 2013 Perşembe
Speed Bumps on the Gas Tax Highway
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The folks over at Americans for Prosperity have released a poll on the gas tax proposed by Maryland Democrats, and to the surprise of absolutely nobody, the Miller Tax Plan will cost jobs here in Maryland:
Those losses are predicated on the idea that the gas tax would only be raised by 3%; that says nothing about a potential higher increase enacted by the General Assembly. And of course it isn't the only study out there which talks about the harm this gas sales tax will do to middle and working class families.
Now in a state such as Maryland, where job-killing taxes are the rule not the exception, the idea that the General Assembly would consider a 3%, 5%, of flat 10-cent tax hike on gas really does not shock people. Nor does it shock people when Democratic leadership considers indexing the gas tax to inflation instead of leaving it as a flat rate. But Democrats continuously stick to their arguments that a gas tax hike is necessary in order to pay for infrastructure improvements and to pay for the expansion of mass transit through the construction of the DC Area Purple Line and the Baltimore Red Line.
Past experience however, leads one to believe that these job losses would wind up in vain:
And as the Democrats continue to raise taxes, they will continue to wonder why businesses like Virginia so much better....
Maryland will lose 959 jobs and $124.4 million in economic activity, if Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller's transportation funding plan passes, according to a study released Wednesday.
The study, “The Effects of a Gas Tax on Maryland’s Middle Class," was commissioned by Americans for Prosperity Maryland, the Hanover-based affiliate of a national group linked to the tea party. It was produced by Baltimore-based Sage Policy Group.
Maryland should consider alternative funding mechanisms to raise money for transportation projects, including higher tolls during certain periods of the day, high occupancy/toll lanes or higher vehicle registration fees, the reports says.
Those losses are predicated on the idea that the gas tax would only be raised by 3%; that says nothing about a potential higher increase enacted by the General Assembly. And of course it isn't the only study out there which talks about the harm this gas sales tax will do to middle and working class families.
Now in a state such as Maryland, where job-killing taxes are the rule not the exception, the idea that the General Assembly would consider a 3%, 5%, of flat 10-cent tax hike on gas really does not shock people. Nor does it shock people when Democratic leadership considers indexing the gas tax to inflation instead of leaving it as a flat rate. But Democrats continuously stick to their arguments that a gas tax hike is necessary in order to pay for infrastructure improvements and to pay for the expansion of mass transit through the construction of the DC Area Purple Line and the Baltimore Red Line.
Past experience however, leads one to believe that these job losses would wind up in vain:
- Time and time again Maryland Republicans have introduced legislation that would create a lockbox for Transportation funding. Why? Because time after time Governors have raided the Transportation Trust fund in order to cover funding shortfalls in other areas. In fact since 2003 over $1 BILLION has been reallocated from the Transportation Trust fund to general fund spending. I don't expect SB 253 to go very far this year, but year after the year the same amendment is re-introduced because year after year the fund gets raided to balance the budget.
- Do you remember the Audit over at the Department of Transportation last year? We do. If we are are raising additional money to give to the MDOT to cover the costs of transportation projects, what has changed that ensures Maryland taxpayers that the money will be spent in a legal and ethical manner?
- A huge chunk of the proposed revenue would be dedicated to Maryland Transit Administration expansion projects, particularly the proposed Purple and Red Lines. You'll notice that we have an entire label of stories that detail at length MTA Incompetence, with stories that range from poor service, delays caused by autumn, drivers using their buses as toilets, using stimulus money to buy hybrid-electric buses, 2010's Train Ride from Hell, rewarding students for not misbehaving, woeful farebox recovery rates and issues with crime. A bad situation, that of higher gas tax rates, will be made even worse solely due to the fact that the agency to whom the revenues are being earmarked is beyond incompetent.
- The Democrats plan calls for additional construction of Mass Transit projects, but not once does it call for the serious addition of added lane miles to solve ridiculous highway congestion, nor does it even guarantee that any of the increased revenues will be dedicated to highway maintenance and construction.
- And finally, one of my pet issues, privatization. I have called on the state of Maryland to privatize operation of our toll roads and our mass transit systems for use. Mike Miller's bill does call for the privatization of the Intercounty Connector, but does not take the additional aggressive step to call for the privatization of the Harbor Tunnel, Fort McHenry Tunnel, John F. Kennedy Higway, Harry Nice Bridge, or the Bay Bridge. Nor does it address the idea of allowing for the Purple or Red Lines to be built and operated by private companies in lieu of government investment.
And as the Democrats continue to raise taxes, they will continue to wonder why businesses like Virginia so much better....
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