Blog Posts - February 2011

That Smell

Submitted by Larry Jarboe on February 24, 2011

During our Capital budget session on Tuesday afternoon, I was the lone voice and vote of dissent against subsidizing developers with construction of the FDR connector road that was re-estimated from 60 to 48 million dollars.

Opportunities for Privatization

Submitted by Larry Jarboe on February 23, 2011

One of the most logical proposals in County Government is privatization of the Wicomico Golf Course bar and grill as well as the larger privatization of the entire golf operation.

This afternoon, I met with representatives of IXP Corp. to get a second opinion on the rebanding and retrofitting of our emergency radio system.  In addition to bidding on construction of such facilities, they also contract manage emergency systems across the Country for less cost than County run agencies.

A View from the Cheap Seats

Submitted by Editor on February 21, 2011

Political Commentary
By Kenneth C. Rossignol
If anyone can take any comfort in the fact that four GOP commissioners were elected in St. Mary’s County this past November, just watch what they say and do, and have done so far.
Todd Morgan is simply a nice fellow, but a political toad for the defense contractors.

Capital Discourse

Submitted by Larry Jarboe on February 20, 2011

The media focus on the political upheaval in the Middle East has shifted to Madison, Wisconsin.

The Middle Eastern shift from dictatorship to Democracy or Theocracy (Theocracy is the historical outcome) is far different that the American debate that is occurring between the taxpayers and the tax takers.

Maryland Republican leader Tony O'Donnell blasts O'Malleycare

Submitted by Editor on February 18, 2011

The House Republican Caucus responded to the Governor’s proposed health care legislation, and presented caucus legislation and guiding principles of health care reform.


 

Too Many Chiefs?

Submitted by Larry Jarboe on February 16, 2011

In 1995, the all Republican Board of St. Mary's County Commissioners appointed the Development Review Forum to help ease the regulatory process for people who want to improve their property or build a business.

During the next fifteen years, the Forum became noted as a small group that met privately with County Department heads, rather than the open concept originally envisioned.

Yesterday, the St. Mary's Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to disband the Development Review Forum and embark on an open process that solicits help through community input.

One Step Forward, Six Steps Back

Submitted by Larry Jarboe on February 10, 2011

During our budget session on Monday, I presented a list of cuts and deferrals to the Capital Budget.  The commissioners generally concurred with my recommendations that I estmate will shave nearly ten million dollars from the FY 2012 Capital Budget. 

What Say You?

Submitted by Larry Jarboe on February 6, 2011

The front page of the Enterprise highlighted the drastic measures Dr. Martirano is entertaining to balance the St. Mary's Bd. of Ed. budget.  Teacher furloughs,  layoffs, sports fees, and administrators returned to classrooms are on the table as means to balance a $14,000,000.00 shortfall.

However, I received an e-mail that the St. Mary's Bd. of Ed. is proposing that health benefits be extended to "Domestic Partners" of BOE employees.

Presently, I have not seen this proposal from the Bd. of Ed., but I am deeply concerned.  What say you?

Pay levels of top staff of St. Mary's County in 2008

Submitted by Editor on February 5, 2011

Department of Information and Technology
Robert Kelly, Director $107,120
Mark W. Stancliff, Network Manager $91,270
Susan A. Campbell, WAN Administrator $82,722
William Cease, AS 400 Programer / Analyst $76,672
Cabell O. Miller, Lead Technician $74,360
Jeffery Edgin GIS Supervisor $82,722
Human Resources
Susan L. Sabo $86,767
Legal Department
Christy Chesser, County Attorney $109,262
Marcey House
Larry C. Harvey, Director $85,030
Finance Department
Elaine M. Kramer, $136,299
Lorna J. Cudmore $85,030
Desiree A.