Sidewalks...A Few Thoughts

Was it because of the manner in which the new tax was enacted that upset everyone? Was it just seen as another abuse of power by an arrogant and out-of-touch administration? Or are people angry because it's another tax, when it should be managed like any other public space? Or was it because we the citizenry were asleep and ignored the due process when this became law? The answer may be all of the above, but one thing is for sure--few issues have attracted as much public outcry in this town.

My view is that sidewalks are extremely important and beneficial to a healthy urban life and community. We've shirked our responsibilities to properly, design, build and maintain the system or walking pathways that we so desperately need. Even so, we have a lot of fine paths and sidewalks and parks and green spaces thanks to the efforts of Ellen Moyer whose leadership in this area for decades have brought about many improvements. One of her first acts as mayor was to repair some poor sections of sidewalk downtown that had been neglected.

I could go on and one about this, and I've thought a lot about the streetscape and urban environment and its relationship to walking, which in turn, has social, economic, health and so many other facets to it, that I could write a book. Walkability is the number one determinant of livability and livability is what it's all about-right? And sidewalks mean walkability. On the other hand, it's Saturday and I'm going to the Truxtun Park Pool and then to the concert at Quiet Waters Park later--and by the way, I may ride my bike, which I often do. Lovely public spaces that exist for all of us--like our sidewalks.

But before I head out, let's first observe how our city and our whole planet is built and overbuilt and screwed up essentially for cars--and more cars. Not just roads, but parking lots, driveways, gas stations, sales lots, junkyards etc., etc. The one place--the only place where walking and walkers are supposed to be protected and shielded so we can walk--are our sidewalks. Yet they are violated constantly, often permanently by utility poles, fire hydrants etc. So this is why CP feels it is so important to properly design, build and maintain our sidewalks and our entire walking infrastructure.


Please be sure to vote in this week's survey about sidewalks and attend the CIty Council hearing on July 21 (see elsewhere on CP for info.

I gotta for a bike ride--see you at our lovely public spaces such as Truxtun and Quiet Waters. I hope the people driving their cars respect my rights on my bike.

Crips & Bloods In Annapolis

Gang warfare seems to have been called to the plate. Last night, all hell broke loose and at least 4 people were stabbed. As usual, piecing it together is tough because many do not want to talk.

On July 12th, 2008 at approximately 12:44AM, Officers from the Annapolis Police Department responded to the area of 201 Center St. for a large fight and stabbing. Officers arrived on scene and located three victims who had been stabbed. Victim #1, Andres Marino, was stabbed in the left leg near the femoral artery. Marino was taken to Shock Trauma for treatment. As of this writing Marino is in serious condition at Shock Trauma. Victim #2, Mario Gabino, was stabbed in the center of his chest. Gabino was taken to Shock Trauma for treatment. As of this writing Gabino is in surgery and listed in serious condition at Shock Trauma. Victim #3, Rodolfo Calleja, was stabbed twice in the left shoulder. Calleja was transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). Calleja had his injuries sutured. While on the scene, officers were advised that there were two more victims of the stabbing at The Anne Arundel Medical Center. (AAMC) It is unknown how these two victims got to AAMC. Victim #4, Melanie Mucciolo, was stabbed in the abdomen. As of this writing Mucciolo is in surgery for treatment of her injuries. Victim #5, Santiago Serrano, was stabbed in the left arm near his elbow. As of this writing Serrano is still in surgery for treatment of his injuries. Several witnesses were located and transported to police headquarters. Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. While officers were in the initial stages of the investigation, the Annapolis Police Department received a call stating that the suspect in the stabbing was at AAMC. Officers responded and located Ernesto Contreras at AAMC. Contreras was detained by officers and transported to APD.

Witnesses were interviewed and stated there was an altercation with several subjects on Center St. Contreras displayed a knife and stabbed one victim (Santiago). When the victim's friends intervened, they were stabbed by Contreras as well. Witnesses stated that the Contreras was with a white female (Mucciolo) when he arrived. Witnesses heard the Contreras apologize to the white female, after he stabbed her. While interviewing one of the witnesses, he revealed that he too had been stabbed. He was stabbed near the groin. He refused medical treatment. Witnesses and one victim were able to identified Ernesto Contreras , date of birth of 2/22/89, of 1221 Barbud Lane as the person that stabbed everyone.

Contreras has been charged with 30 criminal violations, 5 counts of attempted 1st degree murder, 5 counts of attempted 2nd degree murder, 5 counts of 1st degree assault, 5 counts of 2nd assault, and 5 counts of reckless endangerment. He is currently being held at the Detention Center on a No Bond Status.
To view a photo of Contreras, please go to:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/hdalton/ContrerasErnesto.jpg

A Craiglslist Posting

This is just too funny not to share:

From a Craigslist posting titled To the little asshole that broke into my house today

Here are a couple tips:

#1. Don't break into a house that neighbors a cops.

#2. Just b/c I didn't answer when you ring the doorbell a couple times, does NOT mean I'm not home. It means I didn't want to answer the door for you, b/c you might be a robber. Turns out you were.

#3. When you sneak in the side door of my house... that little chirping when you open the door means the house is armed and there will be a girl waiting for you with a hole punch in her hand ready to throw it at you. And I did.

#4. If you plan on robbing someones house, don’t wear a black shirt w/ neon dots.. b/c the cops found you within 3 minutes of me calling them on the side of Rt. 301.

#5. When there is a count of 10 police officers, a K-9 unit ,helicopter hovering above and traffic is stopped on the highway..... it’s probably not wise to “resist arrest”. Because the police will beat you down. And they did.

#6. When you run away from a house that you just tried to rob, make sure you don’t run out of your shoes, because they’re getting a warrant to get the DNA from them and pin you down to your crime.

All in all, it was an exciting day. I will admit I felt sorry for you when the cops were hitting you with that stick but that passed by quickly. Your mom probably bailed your dumbass out of jail by now, but it’s okay and that brings me to my last tip:

#7. A wise man once said “Don’t shit where you eat.” Meaning don’t rob a house that you live 10 doors down from, you. Heard it over dispatch.

Hope you had a great day in jail, you little shit.

Love, The furious girl w/ the hole punch

Sidewalks....Crime...Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My...Arnett prepared to tell Mayor, "There are no such rules"

From Alderman Ross Arnett:

Residents

On Monday 21 July there will be two important meetings in Council Chambers.

At 5 PM there will be a full Council Workshop taking up the sidewalk issue. I have asked that the City Attorney address the issue of liability for sidewalks and the Director of Public Works to discuss the number of sidewalks in disrepair and the approximate time and dollar cost to fix those walks. The Council will then discuss the legislation passed last October and consider any amendments to that legislation. The public may attend and, in my view, offer input.

At 7 PM the Public Safety Committee will receive a full briefing from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) on the crime and policing study they conducted earlier this year for the City. ICMA will present their findings and their preliminary recommendations. Chief Pristoop will also be making comments. Public questions and input will be sought.

Following this briefing and pending any further input from the Chief or the Council, ICMA will prepare and deliver to the City its final report. That report will be made available immediately to the public.

I hope that you will be able to attend both important meetings.

Tomorrow I will be sending you my usual blast email on the 14 July Council Meeting to be held in Council Chambers at 7:30 PM

Ross

CP NOTES: I asked Ross about his statement, "The public may attend and, in my view, offer input." Ross said that, "The Mayor takes the position that residents can attend but not participate in workshops. There are no such rules and I disagree with that approach. I will ask for time for input from those who attend."

I think we should take Ross's lead and offer input if we feel so inclined. If the mayor can cite an ordinance, ruling or case law that would prevent citizens from providing input at this meeting, let her do so.

More Immigration Raid Criticism

I know this may seem a contrary opinion to a few entries the other day, but no one denies that being a cop is a tough job. It has its dangers.

When you are pulled over, take a look at how the cop approaches your car. Usually with his hand on his weapon until he is assured of his safety. Tinted windows, the hand stays on a little longer. And it does not matter if you are a thug or a granny.

A traffic stop is out in the open and as any episode of Cops will show you, anything can (and does) happen. But here in Annapolis, there are complaints that the police had weapons drawn when they raided several homes of illegal immigrants.

OK, they are going in hopefully as a surprise, but not guaranteed, through a door that is solid, to arrest people that have broken the law by their very existence in the country. If you read any of the police reports, the illegal alien community is certainly no stranger to minor crimes, theft, drugs, driving without licenses, failure to register vehicles, etc. SO why wouldn't a cop be suspicious?

Are they expected to just knock politely and take whatever is coming to them? What would have happened if instead of a half naked guy in the shower they were met with a shower of bullets from an illegal AK-47?

Guns were drawn--not blazing. Emotions and adrenaline runs high. These guys are doing their jobs--cut them a freaking break!

Moyer Halts Search

Mayor Moyer has halted the search for a police chief. Does this mean that we may have a viable candidate already leading the troops? From what anyone has seen from Acting Chief Pristoop, he seems to be the guy for the job!



Apparently hiring him was the recommendation of the consultant on the Crime Report!



Finally, the Mayor is listening to someone! Now if she will only listen to someone about the Market House!

A Glimpse into Police Activities

Taken from the city's Crime Watch reports:

SUSPENDED DRIVER: On July 8th at 1:46 PM, a traffic stop was made at
Hilltop and Chatham Lanes due to a driver failing to stop for a
pedestrian in the cross walk at Hilltop and Spa. The driver was
identified as Lisa Dawn Williams 40, of Aberdeen. A check revealed that
her license was suspended. She was charged with the Crosswalk Violation
as well as Driving On A Suspended License. Due to the fact that she had
two small children with her, she was not taken into custody, but rather
released on her signature. A friend with a valid license responded to
drive her car for her from that point. (08-004190)

Did you get that? Her name is Lisa Dawn Williams! Why are her children who are in the car more important than our children who might have been in the crosswalk? Why does she think she can drive on a suspended license? Why was it suspended? What say ye Lisa Dawn Williams of Aberdeen? This is another example of why supposedly minor or routine traffic violations are NOT MINOR!!

And another story....You Have Just Won A Toyota!!! Send Money to Guatemala Now!!

FRAUD: 7/7 245 Farragut Ct. - a 33 year old resident reported that
she received a letter in Spanish that told her she had won a Toyota. She
was instructed to wire $1,800.00 ostensibly for taxes. She did so to an
address in Guatemala. She then received instructions to send another
$1,800.00 and made inquiries and discovered that it was a fraud.
(08-004183)

Hmm.....

Take A Look At Our Congressman

Quick--what congressional district do you live in? Who is your representative?

In case you don't know, the Congressman for the Annapolis-area, which is MD's Third District, is John Sarbanes. Visit his web-site at http://www.johnsarbanes.com (sorry but we're having problems posting links...)

And check out his YouTube video from the web-site as well. He wants to hear from you.

Baltimore Needs More Buses...even like this one!

National Bush Legacy Bus Tour to Make Latest Stop in Baltimore on Thursday, July 10, Spotlight Failed Bush/Conservative Agenda

45-foot, 28-ton Museum on Wheels Features Several Exhibits on How Disastrous Bush/Conservative Policies Have Harmed Our National Security, Ruined the Economy and Sacrificed Key Domestic Priorities.

Washington D.C. – In what supporters of the President have dubbed his “legacy year,” Americans United for Change, the progressive issue-advocacy group best known for leading the successful fight to beat back President Bush’s effort to privatize Social Security in 2005, has hit the road with its latest effort, the Bush Legacy Bus: a 45-foot long, 28-ton, clean bio-diesel powered museum on wheels featuring several interactive exhibits on how two terms of failed conservative policies supported by Bush and his allies, including Sen. John McCain, have weakened America’s security abroad while neglecting and undermining important priorities here at home.

The latest stop on the national Bush Legacy Tour will be in front of Baltimore City Hall from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST on Thursday, July 10th, 2008, where the people of Maryland will be given an opportunity to reflect on how 8 years of failed Bush/conservative polices have left an economy in shambles, millions more without health insurance, an endless and mismanaged war in Iraq that has stretched our military to the breaking point, and thousands each day losing their jobs, their homes, and their dignity.

The Bush Legacy tour kicked off in Washington D.C. on June 24th and will travel coast-to-coast throughout the summer, making nearly 150 stops throughout the nation, both national political conventions and symbolic and historic locations like New Orleans and Crawford, TX.

Now That's Not A Horse Of A Different Color

You know how I feel about this mayoral race, which keeps heating up. I hate to do this, but I guess I have to write about it. Trudy McFall, WHO IS running for mayor (again...yawwwwnnn...) has created a fancy web-site and raised some bucks-to which she has already sent out a news release telling us how many dollars she has already raised. Politics as usual. A year and a half away. Heck-I did not even know she even had a web-site. I guess telling me how much money she has raised was more important than telling me she had a web-site. Somehow or another we knew she was running for mayor.

Is Trudy McFall going to be The McCandidate in the McFall of 2009?

I just think this is bogus. Here we are a year and a half out and Trudy is setting herself up as a frontrunner before anybody has officially (at least to my recollection) even declared--all because she has some money--and where did the contributions come from? And from whom? Let's see the figures on that please.That's what counts in my mind. As if finance is what it is all about! That's what I find so offensive about political campaigning--and Trudy is engaging in the worst aspects of it--for a mayoral race in November of 2009.

How much money does she expect to raise? Is $50 thousand + or - not enough? IS she planning on buying tv ads? Placing billboards up? Hiring James Carville? If one can run an aldermanic campaign on a few thousand dollars and there are 8 wards, it seems as if $50k is already enough to run a campaign--unless of course the objective is to merely raise more than everyone else and make that the issue!

When I ran for alderman, I made it clear that I wanted to gather just a few thousand and to spend it all specifically on the campaign--and I did, with most of it going to the website and then low-key, quality and SMALL signs, not like offensive billboards that others put up. I lost. Campaign ended. Money spent. Bank account closed. No war chest.

What Trudy is doing is just business---and politics, as usual, as far as I can tell.

Trudy, it's not just about winning--or money!. It's how you play the game--unless I'm in the wrong game. Will this be an obscene race to see who gathers the most money? And then we have to ask, how does that money get spent in the campaign? Does it get used later for a "war chest" and how does it distort campaigning--not to mention how do these contributions come back to haunt later?

Tell me I'm way out of line--please! Tell me I'm being ridiculous to bring this up. Tell me that it's not really Trudy's idea to raise all this money she has to do it in order to win...at any cost.....right?

I intend to be equally tough on all candidates and am not likely to make an endorsement. I leave that to others. I prefer to really expose the issues and the candidates without any sugar coating.

I wrote a similar message to Dennis Conti, who serves as Trudy's campaign manager and we plan to meet to discuss it, but in the meantime, he said:

Of the 113 donations Trudy did receive, about 1/3 are from the Annapolis area – they are long-time friends, volunteers, and business colleagues. With respect to the Annapolis area, this initial fundraising phase did not intend to reach beyond these people. When Trudy reaches out beyond her local long-time friends in future fundraising, we expect she will have a strong grassroots response.

It is true that her other donors, who are also long-time acquaintances typically work in the affordable housing field in various professional support and technical capacities, such as architects, accounting, legal, market studies, and construction. However, she has virtually no developer contributions. She received corporate donations from only two (2) development entities, and even counting personal donations from persons active in the development field, this only adds three (3) additional firms.

To our knowledge, none of these development firms have anything in process or plans to work in the City. What is important to note is that she has not sought or accepted donations from developers or land-use attorneys who do work in the City."

Instead of showing us where her donations came from, she sent out the noticeably brief, summary reports from all municipal candidate filings, most of which may or may not be relevant, because they may or may not be mayoral candidates. I had to go elsewhere to find out where the dollars came from.
www.annapolis.gov/upload/images/government/depts/CityClerk/reports/Friends%20of%20Trudy%20McFall.pdf

Judge for yourself. The majority of contributors are from outside of town with Trudy being the largest among them, which is no surprise, but if you're going to send out a news release saying how you lead the pack, it's only appropriate to deduct the amount you have provided and be clear about that. She was not. Among the donors are deep-pocket accountants along with law firms, builders, property managers etc. This may or may not be a big deal. Only time will tell. What's bothersome is how she is basing everything on the money--even when much of it comes from her. If this is how you are going to campaign Trudy, you can rest assured that at least CP is going to find it....entertaining.

What Is Wrong With This Picture?

On July 5th, an off duty, armed Anne Arundel County police officer attempted to help a "stranded" motorist" and instead gets robbed and shot at.  Seems like a perfect opportunity to get a few bad guys off the street.



This officer just gave them his money and as they were running off, they fired a shot. Again, it seems that the officer should have done something. Anything. Obviously this was a suprise attack and undoubtedly stressful for the officer, but aren't they trained for this stuff? Wouldn't the armed officer have the upper hand in this confrontation? Do criminals expect their victims to be armed cops?



The official response from the police department is:



"If you're put in a situation where a person is flagging you over, you should go to the nearest phone and call police to help them."



Well, the poilice were there, the guys ran off into the woods and  no chase was commenced, no weapon was drawn. The two are still at large.



I think the police dropped the ball on this one. Police work is a tough, dangerous, and necessary job. The recruits know this when they sign up. This officer witnessed a felony in progress and acted completely as a civialian. Compare this to the off duty Secret Service Agent in the mall a few years back.  Night and day!

He's In Like Flyntz....

I know. I know. I have repeatedly and consistently said that I won't give a $@^#(*!! about the upcoming mayoral race until six months before the election, which would mean spring of 2009, but hey, a journalist has to be out front, so here goes. I'm not happy about having to write about this so soon, but a fellow by the name of Frank Flyntz has just set up a website announcing he wants to fill Ellen Moyer's shoes (and we're not talking ruby slippers here neither...)

Thanks to local Democratic activist and Annapolis Alive guru Chuck Weikel for bringing this to my attention(Chuck by the way, might also be a candidate....maybe? perhaps?).

I go to visit Flyntz's web-site and learn that he has been an Annapolis resident for 35 years, but CP, who has been a resident for over 25 years, has never heard of him. Okay, one can't know everyone, but it's safe to say I know most folks who have been active in local government and politics, and certainly someone poised to sit in the big chair would fit into that category. Flyntz is a naval reserve officer, a Vietnam era pilot and has worked in the field of maritime training. His online resume is vague but it appears that he held a high level civilian position with the US Coast Guard.

Where exactly does he live? I could not find him in the phonebook. Does he have family? He mentions that his children used to walk to Rookies Market (that will date you!)but what else do we really know about this man or his background or his family? His site says, "He has been an active community member including board member and President of the Annapolis Roads Community Association and President of the Ward One Residents Association." Okay, when was he with Ward One? That should be the kiss of death. What about Annapolis Roads? Do we need to annex that to make him a viable candidate?

Flyntz on this issues, as with his background, is....to put it mildly, vague. He writes, "The number one priority is to support our Police Department, ensure the safety of our citizens, and create opportunities for our young people to thrive and succeed." Okay, that's reasonable, expected, straightforward and altogether....rather lame.

Thin gruel indeed.

He says he wants to make our streets safer. Gee, I want them more dangerous so property values will fall. Okay, the only folks who will argue with that are the criminals I suppose. I guess they won't vote for Frank. He says we should "Improve the parking issues". I'll have to think about that one. Hmmm....hmm. Yeah I guess we should improve the issues too, but what about improving parking? As if he would be willing to propose bold and innovative solutions? Not likely.

He wants to "Take Back the Market House". Yikes! I thought that was the problem. Perhaps what we need to do is get rid of it. He wants to take it back? To where? To when? Can we please take back the White House first--it might be easier.

We cannot tell from his site if he is partisan or independent but his logo is worth noting. It makes me think of former (and future?) candidate Herb McMillan or of John McCain, also navy pilots. The jet with the red and white trails....what about the yellow, red and black colors of the Maryland flag? There is nothing particular or evocative of Annapolis or Maryland. Is this but a quibble--or is CP on to something?


Here is a scorecard from the web-site Ratemyprofessors.com (highly suspect and unscientific but hey-it's public record) www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=393241&page=2 shows the following descriptions from students such as "horrible...old, crusty guy and sucks."

This is from a stinging document about Mr. Flyntz taken from the site of the Gulf Coast Mariner's Association. Again, it is opinion and may not be worthwhile, but it too can be found online:
"Here, as I recall them, is a roll call of the individuals who
were placed in charge of the Merchant Vessel Personnel
Division (subsequently reorganized as the National Maritime
Center) since 1989. The majority of these individuals, with the
sole exception of Captain Boothe, had no real background in
the job they took over and performed with sad but predictable
results.
•Captain Fred Grady (1989-92) … Retired.
•Captain John McGowan (1993-94) … Promoted in spite of
our protests.
•Mr. Frank Flyntz (1994) … Civilian. Transferred/ St.
Lawrence Seaway...(my emphasis)
•Captain K.L. Ervin (1994-1995) … Retired.
•Mr. Norman Lemley (1995-1996) … Suddenly Retired.
•Captain M.M. Rosecrans (1997-1999) … Transferred.
•Captain Chip Boothe (as of July 1999)
-------------------------
We respectfully submit that Coast Guard military officers
have done such a pitifully poor job of managing merchant
marine personnel (including selecting individual civilian
successors) that they should be permanently removed from
control over merchant marine personnel. s/Richard A. Block,
NAME Newsletter Editor.
[NAME Comment: If any business entity in this country
handled its business affairs the way the Coast Guard handles
them they would have been out of business a long time ago.]"

Well, if the mariners who had to work with Mr. Flyntz said that about him, it's worth considering. On the other hand, it may just be sour grapes.

Find out for yourself at www.frankflyntz.com but I daresay, I've pretty much told you everything else. I would guess The Capital will be doing a piece on him too, but thanks to the wonders of electronic blogging, I think I've beaten them to it.....not that it matters since as we all know, the election is almost a year and a half away. Yawwwwnnnnn.....

In the meantime Mr. Frank Flyntz, if you'd like to make your phone number and address available to the public you wish to represent, that would be a step forward. I could not find it on the web-site or in the phonebook.

Declaration....Take Three....Reign of Witches

CP received this letter from Nancy Duden in response to the recent post on the Declaration of Independence:

Nancy Duden said...

"I enjoyed your King George v. W posts. I keep this quote with me for encouragement: "A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public debt....If the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at stake." -- Thomas Jefferson, 1798, after the passage of the Sedition Act"

Thanks for the note Nancy. Yes we are a country of contradictions and this was embodied in Jefferson. Yup--he owned slaves-but freed them upon his death. He spent himself into poverty. He died on July Fourth, but speaking of the Aliens and Sedition Act, so did his arch political rival John Adams! And so did Jesse Helms the other day! You may wish to know that the man responsible for preserving Monticello was an American Jewish Naval Officer named Uriah Levy who suffered discrimination, oppression and six courts martial because he was despised by other officers for being Jewish. He loved America and admired Jefferson. Twice it took the direct intervention of US presidents to exonerate him and he eventually rose to the rank of Commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron. He also worked to abolish flogging in the Navy. It took until recently for the Navy to honor him.
Yes we are a country of contradictions, of great right and wrong, but we have this amazing capacity to change and adjust. I just hope that has not been seriously diminished by this horrible Bush Crime Family. Locally, speaking of the reign of witches, we have plenty of our own problems too.

Baltimore and Annapolis Commute

CP has been trying to get Maryland Transit Administration to re-establish the former 210 bus route which ran express commuter service between our state capital and our largest city, only 30 miles away. How odd that we don't have such service! How odd that our local elected officials are not saying much and odder still that two Annapolis Aldermen are leading the charge for rail but not pushing first for a bus. We need to put this on the front burner. It is outrageous that there is no express service between Annapolis and Baltimore, especially with escalating fuel prices. You may recall that Erhlich axed this route as a cost-cutting measure a few years ago. Well, would you rather have had slots or a commuter bus?

CP personally knows many Annapolitans who commute to Baltimore. Their choices are limited and not very convenient.

CP is communicating with MTA and with the District 30 delegation, with the most support coming from Virginia Clagett, but movement seems slow. Here we have a large, state-run metropolitan, multi-modal transit system and a small, city-run bus system, yet we can't seem to get it together. One can take a bus (every two hours) to light rail or take a slow, local bus every hour to light rail, but it's not anywhere near as convenient as it could or SHOULD be. Or one can take an expensive and not too frequet Greyhound bus.

What we need are a few morning and a few afternoon peak service commuter buses from a central location, or perhaps two, in Annapolis to either light rail and/or downtown Baltimore. And what we will really need is for MTA to put some effort into promoting and marketing this route. And we need this now. Not next year or in 2010 but now, in 2008! This is not too much to ask. Let's get it going!

CP asks you to request that your state senator or delegates work to get MTA moving--so we can get moving too!

Declaration of Independence...Take Two

I read it again and posted it below for all CP readers to do the same. Speaking of King George versus President George, I found a few choice phrases which seem to ring true today. For example:

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.(Abuse of executive power)

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. (Well not judges, but certainly federal attorneys)

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. (or at least to make us wait in long lines to seize our nail clippers...)

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences (Hmmm....Guantanamo? Abu Ghraib?)

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. (Can't argue with that one--can we?)

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. (Hey--now it's starting to remind me of Mayor Moyer!)Speaking of which, try this one on...

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

Okay, so I am waxing poetic. Just a thought or two...

Back In The Swing of Things...

In today's Capital, Editor Tom Marquardt memorializes longtime former editor Ed Casey, Eric Hartley observes a nonchalant attitude at our police department regarding a traffic matter (something CP wrote about a while back) and Features Editor Kathryn Flynn writes a mea culpa about being engrossed,happily so it would seem, in silly, flowery Hollywood entertainment gossip. If you're anything like CP (yikes) you'll be as disgusted as I was when reading this maudlin piece. If that truly reflects the interior life of our newspaper's features editor, well, I guess it says a lot. Read on...http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/07_06-16/COL

Police: Honorable Or Not?

While the police are to be commended for the dangerous job they do, they also need to be very aware of public perception. I am not talking about those "oh so scary tattoos" that Chief Teare from Anne Arundel wants to abolish, I am talking about the perception that they just don't care. Or worse yet, that they are inept or just as crooked as the criminals they chase.



On page 1D of today's Capital, there were two stories that stood out from the rest. One was about a shooting in Newtowne, where two passengers and one cab driver feared for their lives and are now in need of a new set of underwear. The police are "investigating".



In an opinion column, Eric Hartley recounts the story of a less violent hit and run accident where the police were "investigating" but did absolutely nothing to solve this "minor" crime. While the two crimes are certainly worthy of having differing priorities, what is unique about hit and run is that the police were handed the culprit, the evidence, and a confession and still brushed it off. More details of this incident can be found on the victim's blog at FOIA Tales.



So how much confidence do we put in our police? Are we really safe? In the recent past, we have an alleged cop killer mysteriously murdered in PG County and the police are suspect. We have Anne Arundel County police who are demanding a "flash of flesh" to get out of a ticket. We also have Anne Arundel police throwing away evidence in an attempted rape case.



Throw in a Mayor that wants to hide any notion that we are anythign but the perfect crimeless city on the Bay and is it any wonder why people are untrusting of the police?