NO ANONYMOUS LETTERS!!!

As publisher and editor of this blog, I reserve the right to reject any or all comments for any reason. While I have published nearly every comment received, including some which are most offensive and insulting to me, I will repeat that if I cannot verify your full name and that you are indeed the writer, I will automatically reject your comment. I have been receiving comments about various candidates for office and it is completely unfair to print letters about them when the writer is not clearly identified. Any readers who have sent letters that have been rejected are invited to resend them to paul@foerfront.com with complete contact information (I will not publish your email address).

Anonymous comments eat away at free speech, are unaccountable and are ultimately not worth much--but they are unfair to those who are the subject of the comments. This is not censorship. This is protecting free and responsible speech and the rights of those who seek or hold office because they have their names in front of us every day. If you don't like this, you can write me a comment-as long as your are properly identified...or you may start your own blog.

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Oh-Nine On-Line for April 4

A news release from Sam Shropshire seems to me to be a thinly veiled attack on the environmental credentials of his opponent Josh Cohen... Noting how our waterways remain severely polluted, his news release states "Alderman Sam Shropshire is once again asking the county to follow Annapolis’ lead in passing stricter laws to control residential and business stormwater runoff and to restrict phosphate use in lawn fertilizers. Shropshire, who describes himself as being “pretty damn angry”, is lashing out. He feels that the County Council is “gutless” to take a stand in enacting legislation that will help clean up our waterways."...I am not sure how much mileage Shropshire will get out of this. Unless I am mistaken, Cohen was a supporter of stronger storm water controls....I am not even sure if it's appropriate for a member of city council to vent like this against members of county council. What do readers think? Is this an attack on Cohen? Is Shropshire out of line or is he fighting the good fight?....We continue to ask, where is Kenny Kirby? The putative Ward 6 Democratic candidate is not listed in the telephone book, there is no phone number on his web-page and he does not answer emails. Perhaps he thinks that the 1925 photo of his Uncle Jack tells us what we need to know about him.. Cohen is going to do some cleaning up of his own, this time with Ward Four Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson...I guess this means she has hitched her horse to his wagon. Join them at the Cleanup of Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park, 121 S. Villa Avenue, Start time Apr 11, 2009 9:00 AM until noon. Meet in the rear of the building in the parking lot. Please bring work gloves; plastic gloves and trash bags will be provided. For more info. contact Hilary at hilarycfm@gmail.com.

Send your campaign news to Oh Nine On Line....

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Post Script to the "Annapolis National Clean Energy Park"

News about the new Annapolis National Clean Energy Park made the Baltimore Sun and other publications but it seems that our own city government has little if anything to say about this surprise use of our own 500 acre property. I asked Mayor Ellen "O"'s press secretary, Rhonda Wardlaw, for information about our new Annapolis National Clean Energy Park.

She wrote back, "The renewable energy park or "Clean Energy Park" is in concept only at this point, but I will get you the layout for background. The Park, along with the academic center the Governor just announced in Montgomery County on Tuesday will complement one another, and demonstrates the best in inter-jurisdictional partnerships. I can have more info on this for you this afternoon."

I never got any further information. I wrote back to Wardlaw. Here is her reply:

"Also, regarding the Energy Park, please call Bob Agee and he will take you on a tour and answer all your questions. 410-263-7997."

Why is it so hard to get answers to a few questions? It appears that the city public information officer may have been kept in the dark. Does Bob Agee, who makes over $90k per year not have anything better to do than give me a personal tour? And why does Rhonda Wardlaw, who also makes over $90k per year to provide public information, not simply do that? Why did she not have Mr. Agee call me? I guess he is a little busy now answering charges about a little election matter.

We the people, the taxpayers of Annapolis who pay those handsome salaries and own that property have every right to know what is going on with that park. It may be a great opportunity, but I wish the city would issue some information and explain why nobody seems to have heard about it. (NOTE: A news release and some photos have been posted at www.annapolis.gov, but they really tell us little of any import)

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The Lack of Civility...

Among some of the more nasty names I have been called for having written the first two "Ninth Ward" columns in The Capital:

Moron

sicko

big pig

loud mouthed lout

imbecile

None of these people have signed their full name. All because they don't like something I wrote. This is what has become of "free speech"? You should see some of the anonymous emails I have received.


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City Administrator Bob Agee Faces Election Violations

It could be an honest mistake. It could be a simple clerical error. It could be a serious violation and another example of fuzzy standards in the Moyer administration. I'm taking a wait and see attitude. Read what The Capital said about it here Agee.

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April 9th Sip N' Blog--A Blogger's Roundtable

The table may not be round, but we will sit around and sip at our next Sip N' Blog. Our discussion will focus on the growing impact and potential growth of blogging in Annapolis and in the current election year. Be sure to join us and all your favorite local bloggers....JF?...RB?...JL...JB...not sure yet if it will be at Ahh, Coffee! or at Zu! but we'll let you know....

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Oh-Nine On-Line Report for April 3

Wayne Taylor held the first of many of his town-hall style meetings. Five interested voters showed up for a chance to get to know the mayoral hopeful at the Taylor Avenue Fire Station. Was that street named for Wayne or vice-verse? What the campaign may lack in terms of big impact, it more than makes up for in terms of personal contact. This is Taylor's way to spread his message of making the best use of human capital, of connecting with and establishing relationships with Annapolitans.....Nobody seems to be sure about what rumored mayoral candidate Mike Pantelides is planning to do--maybe he does not either?,,,, We've been talking to a possible candidate for Ward 7 but nothing to report as of today. This person is a relative newcomer to town but well known in Democratic circles.....Chris Fox appears to be intent on running for mayor as an Independent and has a fine web-site. I have been told, but have not confirmed that his employees at his downtown tavern are sporting "Chris Fox for Mayor" shirts. Frank Flyntz has an "authorized by" line but no treasurer. Sam Shropshire also sports the city seal on his web-site while Wayne Taylor's site has no authority line...he lists the dates and locations of his upcoming meetings, but no time...they are at 7 pm... Shropshire is now on a fundraising blitz--of course every candidate is...his most recent email says: "He will be OUR mayor and not some rubber stamp for big business or special interests. And big business and special interests know it. As with state and national campaigns, big business and special interest empty their wallets for candidates they feel they can influence.Without your financial support, we are not going to stay viable in this race. Our opponents are well funded, and they are going to outspend us and try to drown our message of real hope and a sustainable future for Annapolis. Don't let them do it! Sam is trying to raise $2,000 by April 10th. Donate $5, $10, or $20 today, and help Sam meet that goal"......CP asks why only $2000 by April 10th??? Why admit your position of weakness and that you are having trouble staying viable?...

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Oh Nine On Line for April 2

And now, the latest in campaign news and attempted rumor control....Check here often for Oh Nine On Line


Trudy McFall's party at the Boys and Girls Club was a low-key but very positive event that brought out a good-sized crowd, though perhaps not quite as large as Josh Cohen's recent party at Kyma. In her speech, McFall stressed her executive and managerial experience and recounted how she had knocked on over 2000 doors, and plans to visit every Democratic household in town. I hope she has some Dr. Scholl's...I counted local activists from throughout all the wards enjoying conversation and refreshments. Other politicos included Ward One Alderman Dick Israel, Ward Six hopeful Greg Stiverson, former Ward Two candidate and activist Debbie Rosen McKerrow and Steve McKerrow, Clay Street notables Timmy and Ellis from Ward Two, Ward Eighters Harvey Singer, Bob and Diana Corbett and also from Ward One, Brian and Valerie Miller, former aide to County Councilwoman Barbara D. Samorajczyk and Doug Smith and Bill Kardash...and former police captain Barbara Hopkins from Ward Five.

No word yet from Kenny Kirby who is supposedly running for Ward Six alderman although we've tried to communicate with him twice by email. Hullloah! He has a tiny website but there is no phone number. He is still showing the city seal at his site but no "by authority" line. He has 80 year old grainy photos of his uncle on a boat and an almost imperceptible shot of him talking with Janet Owens at Josh Cohen's recent event....what's relevant about any of this???...especially when we notice what is missing from his web-site....His opponent Greg Stiverson has also tried to communicate with him to meet for coffee but got no reply either....One can only wonder....Stiverson expects to have his web-site up soon...


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Introducing "Oh-Nine On-Line"

Annapolis Capital Punishment, the most comprehensive, updated and established Annapolis blog is pleased to announce "Oh-Nine On-Line" your source for all the latest campaign rumors and information. Check here regularly for "Oh-Nine On-Line"

So far, the only mayoral candidates who have actually filed with the city clerk are McFall and Cordle. I guess it's okay to have all the parties, web-sites and announcements first and do the legally required stuff later. Of course the deadline is a ways away, but still.....

Aldermanic Candidates filing as of today are Bowling and Stiverson while Frank B. Bradley has filed for the Republican Central Committee.

Josh Cohen's party at Kyma Restaurant on West Street was a festive but crowded and noisy event--and that's a good thing. Many of the same folks at his announcement a few days before were also present and I was pleased to see Janet Owens who has not been sighted much lately. Cohen is off to a strong start, which is to be expected from this highly experienced campaigner whose manager is local campaign guru Kathy Nieberding. Leading the band at COhen's party was local artist Rob Levitt, who was seen in the crowd at Sam Shropshire's announcement saying that he was supporting Sam and who is listed at Shropshire's web-site as being his "Arts and Public Service Volunteer Consultant." Levitt moved in to Eastport...across the street from where Cohen moved out....

On Wednesday, April 1, 5:30 p.m, a Fundraiser for Trudy McFall, Democratic candidate for Mayor, at the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis, Wiley Bates Heritage Park, 121 S. Villa Ave., Annapolis. Food by Larry Griffin Professional Catering. Suggested donation: $50. RSVP to the other local campaign guru, Dennis Conti at 410-280-0751 or dennis_conti@hotmail.com.

The Wayne Taylor for Mayor campaign is hosting three Town Hall meetings at 7 p.m. on each of the following dates: Tuesday, April 7, at the Eastport Fire Department, 914 Bay Ridge Ave.; Tuesday, April 14, at the Wiley H. Bates Boys and Girls Club, 121 S. Villa Ave; and Tuesday, April 21, at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 199 Duke of Gloucester St. Light refreshments will be served at each meeting. For more info contact Sugar Stallings, campaign manager, at 443-822-9436 or trinidad22us@yahoo.com. (If you go to his web-site, the times are not posted!!!)


Have info to share? Send it to "Oh-Nine On-Line" at paul@foerfront.com.


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Moyer and Nero: Fiddling While Their Cities Burn

Did you know that our little city owns a 500-acre "Annapolis National Clean Energy Park" ?. Once again our mayor is trying to be the tail wagging the dog, create a legacy for herself and put our city on the cutting edge of some great, huge, pressing problem. As if taking our dollars to sole source a contract for creating a clean air curriculum were not enough?

This morning I read in The Baltimore Sun and in The online Washington Business Journal (bizjournals.com) that our city is partnering with a new state program to make Maryland a leader in clean energy. It sounds good, perhaps even really great, but hello, our Market House is empty, our police station renovation has lagged interminably, our own water infrastructure is crumbling, our buses can't seem to run their air conditioners and we just created an "Annapolis National Clean Energy Park" ??? Where did this come from? It must be our Waterworks Park out on Defense Highway but have any of you heard about this?

According to The Sun, "The city of Annapolis will offer the center access and free use of the Annapolis National Renewable Energy Park, a 500-acre site under development near the intersection of U.S. 50 and Interstate 97. City Administrator Bob Agee said projects at the industrial park will generate electricity commercially using solar power, gasification techniques and methane from an old landfill at the site. 'Not only will it be commercially viable for production of energy, but you will be able to come there to see different applications of renewable energy,' Agee said. "

I suppose this is a good and important thing, but where is the information we as citizens need to know? Who has worked on this project? How will it benefit we the residents and taxpayers? What has it cost? Was there any citizen input? How viable is this? Has it been adequately studied? Once again we see an example of how our contracted and acting city administrator (can you say sinecure?) Bob Agee gets his hands into whatever special project Ellen "O" wants and one again we see how Ellen "O" is focused on building a legacy, rather than in running our city. Can you see why we need an independent and professional city manager rather than a stooge for the mayor?

We need to know more about this project and we need to know now Madame Mayor Moyer.

See The Sun's article at: energy-center

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March Was Our Biggest Month Ever

We broke another record! This March we had over 5400 recorded visits and over 8500 page views--and the numbers are actually a lot bigger because we were not being tracked for nearly three days due to overhauling the site. Therefore, the visits were likely closer to 6000 with page views likely near 9500. These figures represent substantial increases from December, 2008 our previous record month, and are close to double those of the previous March.

Thank you to our readers and sponsors. Let's make April even bigger and show the world, or at least our little corner of it, how blogging is the future of media. (How's that for transparency?)


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Meet and Listen to Actor/Environmentalist Ed Begley Jr.

Historic Annapolis Fdn. is hosting Actor and author Ed Begley, Jr. for a reception, book-signing and lecture. Begley has always tried to “live simply so others may simply live” and in this very special evening, Ed will share more than thirty years of expertise on what works, what doesn't–and what will save you money! As many of us are looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet and live a better, greener life, Ed's tips for environmentally friendly living are timely indeed.

The lecture will be preceded by a VIP Reception with Ed. Reception tickets include the reception, lecture, and book signing. The lecture will be followed by a book signing. Mr. Begley’s new book, Living Like Ed: A Guide to Eco-friendly Living will be available for sale at the book signing or for advance purchase at The Museum Store, 77 Main Street, Annapolis.

Monday, April 06, 2009
An Evening with Ed Begley, Jr.
Westin Hotel, 100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis

Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Lecture and book signing: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
VIP Reception, Lecture, and Book Signing - $75
Lecture and Book Signing Only - $25
Tickets are non-refundable.
Click here for more information or to register

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Public Review Draft of the Comprehensive Plan

The Annapolis Planning Commission will be discussing the Public Review Draft of the Comprehensive Plan this Thursday April 2, 2009 at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held in City Council Chambers at 160 Duke of Gloucester Street. All interested parties are welcome to attend, however there will be no opportunity for the public to speak at the meeting.

The tentative list of topics expected to be covered during the April 2 meeting include:

1. Conclude Discussion Topics Begun at March 19 Meeting

2. Central West Street

3. Outer West Street

4. Forest Drive Opportunity Area

5. Chapter 5: Municipal Growth

6. City Dock

7. Chapter 9: Water Resources and Pollutant Loading Reduction Goal

8. Chapter 10: Implementation

The meeting will be broadcast live starting at 7:30pm on City of Annapolis Television (Channel 99 on Comcast Cable for City area residents), and will also be replayed at 9am on Sunday April 5 and again at 9am on Sunday April 12.

Proposed revisions to text and maps are available for public review in the Department of Planning and Zoning located at 145 Gorman Street, 3rd floor. The office is open from 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

The Planning Commission will continue Comprehensive Plan deliberations over at least 1 more meeting. For updates on the progress of the Plan please consult our web page at http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/info.asp?page=8953

(Would you go to this or the PTSA planning meeting for your local school??? Decisions....decisions...)

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Cohen Machinery In Motion

The Cohen Machine gathered a large crowd next to the Market House with plenty of volunteers on Saturday. At least five of them approached me to give me a sign or a sticker. He even had volunteers across the street holding signs. There were plenty of cameras rolling, including one from a "cherry picker" truck from across the way, parked next to Fawcetts. As odd as it appeared in our little town, I assume it was for his campaign, unless it was the CIA or ???

With all his experience campaigning, it's no surprise that this went smoothly and made an impression. This will be followed by a kickoff party.

A few thoughts. Cohen's entry heats things up--a lot. Nobody should place too much emphasis on the announcement or kickoff, but they are telling. Campaigns are like any other form of communication. They have context and content. There is steak and there is sizzle. They do point to overall organizational abilities. Cohen clearly has both.

Democratic stalwarts were out in force, but a few notables should be mentioned. Acting city administrator and perpetual FOE contractor Bob Agee stood in the back (Is he just curious or hoping for something). Incumbent Alderwoman and candidate Classie Hoyle was spotted along with Democratic attack-dog and FOE Chuck Weikel. I am amazed he would show his face in public after leaving his Annapolis Alive! and other trails of disappointment scattered about town. Weikel was holding his own handmade sign--did the campaign not want to give him a printed sign? Across from Weikel was his sidekick and downtown preservation zealot Craig Purcell, an Annapolis native who now calls Baltimore home. Cohen will have to decide whether to distance himself from these two hot potatoes, but as said above, he does not seem to be lacking in volunteers. Attorney and FOE Ron Jarashow, who just chaired the Comprehensive Plan Committee was eagerly holding a sign for Cohen.

Cohen is always a polished speaker. He looks mayoral and sincere when he stands at the lectern addressing a crowd. He hit many of the hot notes such as crime, management of government, and of course, The Market House, saying he is the right person to clean that mess, but he was quite careful to emphasize that he was not pointing fingers at anyone currently in office. Aw c'mon Josh--why not? He proudly spoke of his success with Quiet Waters Park's ice rink and with the bank redevelopment on Sixth Street. He made some pronouncements about the city manager referendum and the ICMA, the professional certifying body, but I did not quite grasp his meaning. Unless I missed it, I don't think he said a thing about public housing, which he also omitted from his recent fund-raising letter.

Cohen's web-site is now active at www.cohenformayor.com.

Of course, he did not mention a thing about how this is the second time he has left office in mid- term to seek another office. Why would he? But I will. Be sure to read it in next Wednesday's "The Ninth Ward" column appearing in The Capital.


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