Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

This Comment Deserves A Post

I'm not an Albero lover or a firefighter lover, not a hater of either. I read this blog because it approaches things about this area in ways I haven't seen in print before, in good ways and bad. But for once, I'm going to stick my nose into something.

Respectfully, as Albero might say.

First, Albero, I think we all got your point about the SFD and diversity and the promotions, etc. Some of your criticisms seem to be founded. But as you yourself have said, I believe there are a lot of good folks in the fire dept. I've known some in other places I've lived, so I suspect here is no different. And, as you've also said, the mayor retaliates against anyone who speaks out. I followed a lot of that forum and budget business, too.

But I think you went over the top and should have stopped while you were ahead.

But that brings me to some of the comments believed to be firefighters. And sorry guys (and gals), I do believe a lot of those comments were from firefighters.

Saying things like Albero might not be protected if harm came his way or response might be slower, well, it just sucks. Not just because it shows a lack of professionalism and ethics.

It sucks also because its a form of political retaliation just like what Albero has stood by the SFD against when it came to the forums and the mayor cutting their raises. Based on everything I read in the Daily Times, read here, the timing of it, what I heard on the street -- yep, there was lots of talk about it -- I don't believe for a second that the mayor didn't cut those raises out for spite.

So it bothers me quite a bit that folks who have been a victim of such would in turn deal with those they don't like in the same way. I don't know, maybe it's like abused children grow up to be abusers because that's what they got taught.

So, as just an average guy looking at all this from the outside and not knowing all the players, it just seems to me that both sides need to take a break and a step back.

Seems to me you guys need to find a way to get past this and work on what you have in common, which is dealing with a mayor that sticks it to guys and gals who put their lives on the line and sues bloggers for expressing an opinion that they suck at public service.

Maybe I'm just in a Thanksgiving mood, and my brother and I got passed some crap and his whole brood is shipping in tomorrow for some family time. Or maybe I just look around Salisbury and see something good dying off and think, "Damn shame." I don't know where the blame goes for that, but I don't the mayor's helped it, from all I read and hear. But maybe the blame lies with each of us for not taking a higher road with each other, being more involved, whatever.

The wife is calling for help with the table leaves, so I'll just say Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

A Message From The Pokomoke Tattler Billy Burke

Roy Figgs of Salisbury, MD was elected president of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce today.

Talk about a vote of confidence for Pocomoke by Pocomoek business owners.

Dr. Daffy stuffed the ballot box behind closed doors with "absentee ballots" which she reportedly has been soliciting in true Pocomoke fashion since mailing the slam letter.

It's Pocomoke...

Do You Think The SFD Wants More Attention?

"well joe how do you know it is SFD not DFD, or PFD or FFD or anybody else so get the hell off the god dam SFD why dont you frickin get the hell out of this town or off your frickin high horse they are gonna find you while the SFD has a alert for a dumpster on fire and after the SFD puts it out there gonna find your JIHAD ass in it burnt the hell up and you ask who is this well my nuts will answer that if you ask politely you are a sad sad person you think your tough lets go to the boxing ring and solve our issues if if if your MAN ENOUGH --- i can met you only if you are a man see if you post this JIHAD JOE"

Idiot! A man would have signed his name.

Another SFD Representative Tells Me Off, I Think?

"alright where did you dumb idiots get you education from?? we are not un educated, we just like to use our own terms. just remember to all that no matter what happens we are still here to save your ass no matter how we speak or think. so joe answer me a question how many good relations do you have we the FDs in this area? I am pretty sure there are not too many. I think your the one pulling the strings on this site with all your little puppets. you sicken me and I have no more respect for you or what you do. if you hate what is going on in this town and its general area maybe you should just leave and go back to which ever hole you crawled out of. because you know there will come a time when you are going to need the FD or PD and nobody will be around to help, well wait they will be around but it might take them just alittle bit longer than normal. So I say to you why dont you just get the hell out of dodge before you piss more people off than you already have."

DEE, DEE, DEEEE!

Rumor Has It The Daily Times Is About To Blast The Fruitland Police Department


I am told that tomorrow’s edition of The Daily Times will contain a scandalous piece of tabloid trash by none other than Joe G. He is doing an article on the failed attempt by former Councilperson Margaret Pennewell to have the results of the agency’s year old Police Department review made public. A Judge ruled against its release and rightfully so. It is not worth the paper it was written on due to the personal agenda of certain Officers with the help of others who, by the way, are no longer employed there.

It is Pennewell’s attempt to redeem herself as she lost her re-election bid last year. I am told her motives are suspect, at best. I’m sure the Daily Times will give this a negative spin?

Let's see what tomorrow brings? My guess, Barrie Tilghman will now send in her team of Damage Control Experts to see once again just where Albero gets his information. ROTFLMAO!

The Pokomoke Tattler Slam Dunks Cornbrooks!!!

Ernest I. Cornbrooks, III ecornbrooks@webbnetlaw.com

Again, I urge you to secure representation by a competent attorney. You now have six business days to comply with Dr. Duffy's request.

William F. Burke, Publisher of the Pocomoke Tattler responds.....

Dear Mr Cornbrooks:

I find it incredulous that you are continuing make demands on behalf of your client after reading my response and the supporting documentation sent yesterday, but churning legal fees is what makes a successful law firm.

Could you please provide me with the ad copy that your client is demanding we publish in the Gannett owned Worcester County Times for 4 weeks?

How can a reasonable person agree to an unknown demand from a person who has a history of publicly acting in an unstable and irrational manner?

We would also need to review any and all statements that you are proposing we "retract" the source of the statements, the capacity of the individual being addressed in said "statements", the date the "statements" were originally published and of course your or her interpretation of the context of any such statements.

Are you representing Ms Duffy in the capacity of an individual? of a medical doctor? as the president of the Chamber of Commerce? as a public figure who has run for city council & Mayor?

Is Ms Duffy making these claims in the capacity of the woman who waved original copies of the Pocomoke Tattler over her head like a lunatic in June of 2005 in front of witnesses' at Pocomoke City Hall threatening to sue me while illegally photocopying my copyright protected intellectual property on city owned copiers?

Is this threat of litigation a response to the cease and desist letter sent by myself in the capacity or role of publisher of the Pocomoke Tattler for the copyright violations?

The lines seemed to be blurred between demands made by a private individual or a public figure acting on behalf of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce or a person with some other political agenda.

Please define or clarify your role of who exactly you represent and in what capacity these allegations and claims are being made.

This is important as it will define the type of specialty we should seek in selecting a competent attorney to review this frivolous claim.

You have suggested twice that I seek representation of a competent attorney but I need a clearer definition of capacity and the exact claims you are making.

It is very difficult to locate a competent attorney on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and one could waste a significant amount of money asking for legal revue of your vague claims.

One more point that we will need is how your client has been financially damaged after going public with this threat of litigation; in the event of litigation will you be able to provide proof of financial damages or actual losses which are a direct result of the unnamed statements you are claiming we made? If there is such a loss I am sure that competent counsel would at the least require a summary review to determine if there is any merit to that claim.

Once more question:

Did you client make a public apology to Reverent Tasker at the Chamber of Commerce election meeting today?

When you have clarified your allegations and capacity we will be in a better position to respond accordingly.

Sincerely,

William F. Burke, CAI - AARE
Publisher
Pocomoke Tattler

The WCSO Official Press Release From Yesterday's Bust

WNC to Host Forum on Growth in Hebron, Maryland

--Fruitland-- The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress announces that Jason Sartori, of the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education, will be the guest speaker at the November 27, 2007 meeting of the congress. Sartori is expected to focus the meeting on the “Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance” or “APFO’s.” The November 27th meeting is being held at Westside Intermediate School, 8000 Quantico Road, in Hebron at 6:30 PM. Wicomico Neighborhood Congress members and the public are invited to attend.

The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress pinpointed growth as one of the major issues to address in the first year of the group’s existence. The 1st WNC Convention in September 2007 identified the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance as one possible solution to the issue of rapid growth in Wicomico County. The WNC Steering committee was able to secure Mr. Sartori, of the National Center for Smart Growth Education and Research for the November meeting.

“With the issues of Waller Landing, the updating of the Wicomico County Comprehensive Plan, and many developments still in the pipeline throughout Wicomico County and its municipalities, a consistent dialogue among residents is essential for the public’s voice to be heard on these matters,” said Jim Ireton, Steering Committee Chairman for the WNC.

The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress was formed by County Executive Rick Pollitt at the beginning of 2007 and has a mission of advocating, educating, and organizing neighborhoods in Wicomico County. The 1st Neighborhood Convention was held in September of this year.

Attached is a draft agenda for the November 27, 2007 WNC meeting in Hebron, and a biography for Mr. Sartori is below.

Applications are available on-line (www.wicomicocounty.org) for any individual or neighborhood group who would like to join the congress. Dues are $10 for individuals and $25 for neighborhood groups.

Jason K. Sartori is a principal partner of Integrated Planning Consultants, a firm specializing in participatory planning and planning project management, and currently an affiliate of the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education. Sartori graduated magna cum laude and with honors from the University of Richmond with a B.A. degree in economics and political science. He later earned his Master of Community Planning degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, where he specialized in economic development. Over the last ten years, Mr. Sartori has managed a variety of stakeholder participation, strategic planning and implementation initiatives for corporations in the private sector, local government agencies, and a number of non-profit organizations. In this capacity, he has maintained multi-million dollar budgets, coordinated the efforts of large and diverse project teams, and served as an intermediary between groups of people with varied, and sometimes opposing, interests. Sartori is currently serving as the program director of the Partnership for Land Use Success, through which he is leading an effort to develop and evaluate future growth scenarios for the State of Maryland. He also recently performed the role of project manager for Reality Check Plus, a statewide growth visioning effort involving nearly one thousand government, business and community leaders from across the State of Maryland.

WICOMICO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS

First Neighborhood Meeting

HEBRON, Maryland

Westside Intermediate School

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2007

6:30 to 8:30 P.M.

The Issue for the Evening Is:

EMPOWERING COMMUNITY RESIDENTS TO RESPOND TO GROWTH

6:30 Overview (J. Ireton)

6:40 General Approaches to Growth in the Local Community

Neighborhood Congress Issues (R. Widdowson, K. Byrd)

Guest Speaker: Managing Growth (J. Sartori)

Adequate Public Facilities Laws (A. DiGiovanna)

7:20 Hebron Issues: Empowering the Community

Status of Hebron Planning Process (K. Bergen)

State and Local Perspective on Community Planning (T. Gordy, J. Lenox)

Hebron Community Efforts (F. Mumford, C. Insley)

Community Organizing for Local Planning (B. Johanssen)

** Dialogue and Recommendations (Members of the Congress)

8:10 Business of the Neighborhood Congress

Nominating Committee for January 2008 Elections (M. Pretl)

Assessment of Member Dues (J. Ireton)

8:20 Remarks of the County Executive, and Adjournment

Joe Albero Is A Sure Winner!

THE FINAL 4 TURKEYS SHOULD INCLUDE:

THE BIGGEST TURKEY OF THE YEAR

JIHAD JOEY ALBERO 44.7% 16643

SLICK RICKY POLLITT 26.2% 9757

O'GOVERNOR O'MALLEY 10.2% 3807

GARY "SVENGALI" MACKES 8.9% 3307

LOUWEASEL SMITH 7.9% 2951

THE QUISLING GILCHREST 1% 367

RT.REV. DR. HARRIS 0.9% 328

THE POSTER GIRL LES CALLETTE 0.2% 78

total votes: 37238 ROTFLMAO!

Even though Billy Duvall, (aka the Grim Reaper) admitted to his Poll being fixed and actually promised to replace it with a more accurate Poll, I knew confidently that the man wasn't going to reach into his pocket and actually pay for a professional service.

That being said, it looks like a BLOGGER, NOT a Politician has won the esteemed Turkey of the Year Award, hands down. You have to wonder what the results would have been if the Grim Reaper himself would have actually added his own name to the Poll? Shhhhh, don't say anything to him though because I wouldn't want him beating me at his own game.

Salisbury News Rocks! Thanks for proving that to everyone Billy.

The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress Meets Again


Dear Members, Interested Citizens, and Elected Officials:

November 27, 2007 marks the second formal meeting of the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress. The issue for this meeting will center around growth, which was identified as one of the most pressing issues facing Wicomico County. Our speaker, from the National Center for Smart Growth Education and Research, is Jason Sartori. We have made every effort to include members from the Hebron community, including concerned citizens, members of Hebron Planning and Zoning, and experts in the field of growth.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM at Westside Intermediate School, 8000 Quantico Road in Hebron. We extend an invitation to WNC members, elected officials, and members of the general public. Please remember to bring dues of $10 for individuals and $25 for neighborhood associations and groups. Members of the public will be asked to join, but do not have to pay in order to attend the congress meeting. Attached is the draft agenda for the evening. If you have any questions please feel free to email me. Additonally, please pass this on to members of the community who you feel might benefit from the program. Jim Ireton, WNC

Jim Ireton 203 W. Philadelphia Avenue Salisbury, Maryland 21801 410-749-5712

There Are Three Sides To Every Story. Theirs, Yours & The Truth


Joe,

"I have been an avid reader of your blog for the past several years now. As a law-enforcement professional and active member of our community I would like to put
my two cents in with regards to the incident at Break Time.

First, the subject that was detained at Break Time left the scene of an armed robbery that occured near the Chesapeake Inn at that date/time. He was observed entering a white Salisbury Taxi near the scene of the crime and was later transported to Break Time.

Unfortunately, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was later released. The majority of the Salisbury Police Department is comprised of hard-working, professional individuals. I'm not sure where you obtained your information in regards to this incident but I can say with %100.00 accuracy that your information is incorrect."


As I respect and appreciate the message I have received, it is important for others to know I have two sources for this story who were present when it happened. The only portion of this message that I will strongly disagree with is my information being 100% incorrect. Other than that, we now have a two sided story/information and I appreciate that VERY much.

I'll add, like any business, we cannot be 100% accurate all the time and or do everything perfectly all the time. Being a Police Officer and being in the public eye is truly one of those businesses in which you walk a very fine line, hence so many criminals getting off for technicalities, respectfully. It must be extremely frustrating to have to work the long hours these Officers do, only to be dragged into Court many times on their own time and in the end watch a criminal walk for such said technicalities!

What must be understood here is the Citizens saw one thing while the Police were attempting to do another. Perhaps this could be explained better in the future to a business like Break Time so they can better inform their PAYING Customers what just happened and why it's still safe and OK to visit that business. IMO, actions like what happened there that evening without question scares the women Customers and drives them away from coming back and that's not fair on Break Time. Just food for thought.

Perhaps the title should say, Theirs, Yours & Mine? LMAO!

More Local Visitors


Like I said, every so often I'll check to see who's visiting and from where. The photo above clearly shows the visitors are in fact from the Eastern Shore. Thanks for the support Ladies & Gentlemen.

The Daily Times Continues To Attack Bloggers Day After Day


It would seem the Daily Times would like to impress upon their readers that Bloggers are simply bad people. Considering there's no accountability on the Grapevine, management allows attacks against Bloggers daily.

I personally don't know why Charlie simply didn't put his message today as a letter to the editor instead of hiding behind anonymous but you know how some of those whore lawyers stick together like glue. Oh, Duvall, respectable? Have you READ his Blog in the past year? For what it's worth though, what local Blog is truly respectable? Informative, yeah. Respectable, NO! It's more like fighting fire with fire.

Another Idiot Public Figure Wants To Sue A Local Blogger



We say, GET IN LINE!

Dear Mr Cornbrooks:

This e-mail is in response to the threatening letter you sent on behalf of Lynn Duffy certified mail today.

We deny all claims made in the letter and are still awaiting an answer from the Chamber to the cease and desist demand made November 14th.

It appears that you did not take the time to read the postings on the Pocomoke Tattler which address your client in her position as a public figure; President of the Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce:

http://www.pocomoketattler.com/?p=114

The posting and subsequent comments do not address her professional ability to deliver services to clients, customers or "patients" they all have to do with public activities related to the Chamber of Commerce and public behavior towards the Board of directors and its constituent members.

I do not take threats of litigation lightly nor coercion or extortion demanding me to publish 1/4 page advertisements in local newspapers.

Did you review the cease and desist letter mailed to the executive Board of Directors of the Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce requesting that they cease and desist from using our copyright materials?

Perhaps you can review the letter that sparked this write-up on our political blog website (Constitutionally protected by the First Amendment) and ask "Dr" Daffy which one of the two samples of handwriting belong to her? (or perhaps a patient)

We are still expecting an answer from the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to our cease and desist demand request dated November 14th 2007.

The letter is very clear that either Lynn Duffy or one of her "minion supporters" has used copyright protected material from our website in a feeble attempt to slander and defame a Minister of the Christian Faith who is running for President of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce.

Dr Daffy is responsible for this behavior because it has happened "on her watch" during her presidency of the Chamber.

A reasonable person can see she has been acting in a manner that has clearly established a "corporate culture" of fear and intimidation where use of such a libelous piece could even remotely be construed as an acceptable community standard.

Apology?

Lynn Duffy owes Reverend George Tasker a public apology at the Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce meeting tomorrow.

As a member of the bar you know that there is no merit for filing a frivolous suit and if anyone has a claim it is the Pocomoke Tattler for copyright infringement and your client made that a federal case when the letters were sent through the US Postal service from Virginia.

Sincerely,

William F. Burke, CAI - AARE
Publisher

GO HERE to see more directly from the Pokomoke Tattler's Blog Site.

IMO, this woman has quite a few screws loose. I will repeat to you exactly what a Judge stated to me when Jim Rapp was attempting to get a Peace Order against me because I stated in a letter to the Mayor that I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. The Judge laughed and said, Mr. Rapp, you are a Public Figure. Get used to it. You may not like what Mr. Albero has to say about you but he has every right to his opinion.

Billy, Wilber's Office is riding off the shirt tails of their partners in slime in Easton. I call them, WHORES. Don't you worry though, they cannot win, you'll see. Will she be suing me next for calling her an Idiot? Also note, the letter Wilber's Office sent you does not say private and confidential. Therefore his Client, (the Idiot) must not have been harmed too much if she wants to go PUBLIC with a Lawsuit!

Royal Farms Store Still Shut Down


It was a year ago today that this Royal Farms Store closed their doors on Old Ocean City Road near the old Lowes in East Salisbury. If only they knew gas would be up another 50% today, perhaps they could have survived?

CORRECTION! It turns out this Store has in fact reopened. It should be noted that it was in fact a Post about what was going on one year ago today. It is always comforting to know something has taken its place and hopefully everyone agrees.

Could The Daily Times Be Breaking The Law?




As the Daily Times prepares to relocate to their new facility in North Salisbury, word on the street is that they're already working out of this new facility with distribution. Delivery drivers are allegedly picking up materials, (inserts) from this location and considering they have construction still under way, I doubt very seriously that they have permission to start operating out of this facility.

Nevertheless, several questions come to mind when they do open this facility in February. Will they file for another Enterprise Zone? What will they do with the old facility? I don't care what anyone says, they're not going to work out of both facilities. They may do so for a short while but as large as this new facility is, they're going to fully relocate to this new facility in no time.

Now don't go breaking the law guys or you'll have to print an article about yourselves.

Let me see, a Strip Club right across the street from the Hospital? Yeah, I might be interested in that property too. Plenty of parking. I don't think there's a Church anywhere in that area either and I believe that building is in the new Arts District, PERFECT! If I can't get the Fire House and I buy this building instead I'd have to come up with a new name. I had "Poles & Hose" for the old Fire House. The old Daily Times building could be renamed, "Strippers and Pasties." LOL

Why Is This Small Lot Such A Hot Topic For Some?


Because Pete Richardson already has a buyer for it. That's right, and he'll even take it to auction contingent upon the City annexing it.

No matter who the buyer is or the seller, the property should be annexed into the City and just get it over with. There is a limited use for it and it's just over an acre. I'd make it contingent to NO Left Turns in or out of the property though.

City Council Work Sessions Start At 4:30


Can YOU see the time on this clock?

Bill Clinton Doesn't Have What It Takes To Be President Any More. Does She???


Well, maybe if she borrows them once in a while!

New Jersey Humor

A young woman in New Jersey was so depressed that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the Delaware River.

She went down to the docks and was about to leap into the frigid water when a handsome young sailor saw her tottering on the edge of the pier, crying.

He took pity on her and said, "Look, you have so much to live for. I'm off to Hawaii
in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship. I'll take good care
of you and bring you food every day."

Moving closer, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and added, "I'll keep you
happy, and you'll keep me happy."

The girl nodded yes. After all, what did she have to lose? Perhaps a fresh start in Hawaii would give her life new meaning.

That night, the sailor brought her aboard and hid her in a lifeboat.

From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit, and they made passionate love until dawn.

Three weeks later, during a routine inspection, she was discovered by the Captain.
"What are you doing here?" the Captain asked.
"I have an arrangement with one of the sailors," she explained.
"I get food and a trip to Hawaii and, in return, he's screwing me.

He certainly is," the Captain said.

"This is the Cape May - Lewes Ferry."

JUST GOTTA LOVE THOSE JERSEY BOYS!!!!