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Monday, April 21, 2008

EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS

There has been a murder in Mystic Harbor in West Ocean City. A Joan Parker, around 60 years old was stabbed to death in her home, just inside her front door. Maryland State Police are on the scene.

Ms. Parker worked at Frontier Town and is known to be a very nice lady. Neighbors are very surprised and are very concerned. There are small children in the area and there was a murder last year in Mystic Harbor.

A Message From Andy Harris

Dear Friends,

We just filed our quarterly fundraising totals with the Federal Election Commission. With your help, I was able to maintain the tremendous momentum we had leading up to the primary by raising just over $400,000, more than twice what my Democratic opponent brought in. Needless to say, this was a great start toward my goal of raising $1.2 million for the General election. Thank you for your support and assistance.

I want to take a moment to discuss a pressing issue that is facing all of us, especially in the business world – the economy. There is no doubt that the United States is weathering an economic downturn. Gas prices are at all time highs, inflation is at near-term record levels, and everyone – families as well as businesses – are finding it harder and harder to meet the financial bottom line. To help Maryland's families and businesses, just this week, I called on Martin O'Malley to call a Special Session in order to suspend the state gas tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day, just as John McCain has requested for the federal tax. This would help alleviate our pains at the pump, particularly during the summer driving and vacation season. Funds could be transferred from other sources in Annapolis so that road building and improvement would not be affected.

As Congressman, I plan to make "reviving the economy" one of my top priorities in Washington, DC. I want to cut spending and reduce taxes so that individuals and businesses can re-energize this economy. One huge difference between me and my liberal opponent is that he believes that Big Government is the solution to our economic woes, and I believe it is the problem. My philosophy of less spending, less taxes and less government means more money in the pockets of families and entrepreneurs. That was Ronald Reagan's successful philosophy, and it will be mine when I serve in Congress. Throughout the next 6 months I will be outlining my policies on the economy, so please stay tuned and check my website (www.andyharris.com) for updates.

My opponent was hand-picked by Martin O'Malley to run for this seat, and he is being backed by Nancy Pelosi. He has said on many occasions that he believes in O'Malley's style of governing, and would like to be Governor O'Malley's ally in Washington. The last thing we need is another tax and spend liberal like Martin O'Malley roaming the halls of Congress.

If you are interested in contributing to my campaign or would like to host a fundraiser for me, please contact my Finance Director Dave Schwartz at (443) 797-5144. Thanks again for your support and I hope to see you on the campaign trail!

Andy

PS – I have attached some recent articles on the campaign below…feel free to forward them to friends and family! If you would like to contribute to my campaign please click here: www.andyharris.com.

Harris leads in fundraising in 1st

Republican takes in twice rival's total

By Bradley Olson | Sun reporter

April 15, 2008

Republican state Sen. Andy Harris raised nearly twice as much as Democratic Queen Anne's County State's Attorney Frank Kratovil Jr. during the past two months in the race for Maryland's 1st Congressional District, according to figures released yesterday by the campaigns and the Federal Election Commission.

Harris brought in more than $400,000 in contributions, compared with about $190,000 for Kratovil, during the final three weeks leading up to the Feb. 12 primary and the period through March 31. The totals include money raised for the primary and the November general election.

Those figures underscore a potentially huge fundraising advantage Harris has developed since winning the Republican primary by a surprisingly comfortable margin over nine-term incumbent Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest and fellow state Sen. E.J. Pipkin. The race was described as one of the most expensive and bitterly contested primaries in the nation.

Including the most recent totals, his campaign has raised nearly $1.5 million and spent about $1.3 million, with $204,000 on hand.

Kratovil also won by a wide margin over an aide to a former congressman who represented the district, which includes the Eastern Shore and parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford counties. Kratovil has raised a total of about $430,000 and has about $180,000 on hand, according to a campaign spokesman.

The Harris campaign seized upon the figures as an indication of the Baltimore County anesthesiologist's advantage going into the November contest.

"Doubling our opponent's fundraising totals clearly shows the Andy Harris campaign is gaining momentum heading into the general election," said Chris Meekins, Harris' campaign manager. "Andy's message of lowering taxes and decreasing wasteful government spending to stimulate economic growth is resonating with voters and donors."

Erik Gulbrandsen, Kratovil's spokesman, said the campaign was "pleased" with the figures - noting both campaigns have similar amounts of money in the bank.

"We feel we're on track to wage a competitive campaign," he said.

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Harris Calls For Gas Tax Repeal

Thursday, April 17, 2008
WBAL Radio and Associated Press

Harris called Thursday for Governor O'Malley to call a special session of the General Assembly to suspend the state's gas tax this summer to help motorists facing high fuel prices.
Harris told WBAL's C4 Show today that the state can afford to suspend the gas tax, since there is unspent money in a number of state funds.
The state's gas tax is 23.5-cents-a-gallon.
If the governor calls a special session, it would have to be held at some place other than the State House, since that building is closed until January for repairs.
Lawmakers this year also agreed to take $250-million from the state's transportation fund over the next five years to make up for money that would have been generated by the state's computer service tax.
That fund is made up of gas tax money.

Dave Schwartz
Andy Harris for Congress
PO Box 1527
Annapolis, MD 21404
(443) 797-5144 - c
www.andyharris08.com

Sheriff Lewis Is Awarded Degree From National Sheriff's Association


Click on image to enlarge.

2nd Annual Delmarva Technology Expo Comes to Salisbury

2nd Annual Delmarva Technology Expo Comes to Salisbury

Inacom Information Systems has announced that the 2nd Annual Delmarva Technology Expo will take place at the Fountains Wedding and Conference Center on April 23rd, from 10AM-4PM.


The Delmarva Technology Expo features a trade show style exhibition floor with solution demonstrations by Inacom, Cisco Systems, Avaya, Hewlett Packard, Symantec and more. Breakout sessions give attendees the opportunity to see firsthand how IP Telephony, Internet Marketing, and various Computer Networking solutions can benefit their organization. Special appearances will be made by the Microsoft Across America Truck and Cisco Network on Wheels van.

Delmarva TEch Expo
Last year’s event, geared towards local business decision makers and their IT staff, was well attended with 100 event participants from within 60 miles of Salisbury. To make the Expo even better, we’ve planned for more breakout sessions to help attendees learn how technology can help their organization become more productive, improve customer service, cut costs, and secure their important business data” states Travis Fisher, executive vice president of Inacom Information Systems.

For more information and to register for the 2nd Annual Delmarva Technology Expo, visit www.delmarvatechexpo.com.

Editors Note: As a long-time business technology advocate I personally recommend that any business owner, manager or tech people attend this event. Inacom has been a local technology leader and has been reported to be one of the BEST employers in the DelMarVa area and their team has a great attitude.

I am going for the Internet Marketing & Network Security Sessions because this looks like a great way to learn something new and maybe network with other professionals.

Breaking News Press Release, WANTED!


Carlos Gonzalez, B/M, 21, Salisbury, MD.

James Alfred Hill, W/M, 28, Salisbury, MD.

On 4-19-06, Deputies from the WCSO responded to the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center to investigate a motor vehicle theft. Upon arrival it was discovered that two work release inmates from the WCDC, James Hill and Carlos Gonzalez, who were working at the Civic Center gained access to a set of keys to a county vehicle and took off with the vehicle.

The vehicle is a 2000 Green Dodge Caravan with Maryland Tags, <578013. Both subjects are presumed to still be in the vehicle and their current whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information as to the location of Hill or Gonzalez, OR the Dodge Caravan is asked to contact the WCSO at 410-548-4891.

Because the two did not return to the Detention Center, Arrest Warrants have been issued charging them with 2nd Degree Escape. In addition, both suspects will face additional charges in relation to the vehicle they stole from the Civic Center.

Pork In The Park Revisited!

This year was the first time I had the opportunity, prior commitments kept me from attending, to come out to Pork in The Park and it was a blast. I had my first rack of ribs at 10:30 am and I kept going through out the day.

My favorite aspect was walking around the BBQ competitors set-ups. Each competitors BBQ equipment varied from "the Egg" which was a egg shaped ceramic cooker, custom made smokers, and whole custom made trailers. These trailers were commercially finished which could be used for both competitions and for vending; no expense was too much. I spent a lot of time talking to these people and they, after things settled down from cooking competitively, were very accommodating to shoot the breeze. Truly these were some friendly people!

I was amazed at the time some of these people spend on the road. One gentleman was a nurse on the weekdays and once the weekend came he transformed into BBQ Chef. He said he traveled pretty much every weekend to go to competitions or cook. The Skin n' Bones crew, the stand with the line that never seemed to get shorter, from Florida travels year round competing across the Country. Talk about dedication! Passion is these peoples' middle name!

The "blues" finished off the ambiance to a T. BBQ and Blues is one of the greatest combinations in the history of man. Eating a massive BBQ sandwich, washed down with one of the many beers they had to offer, well maybe 2 sandwiches with a few beers, followed by mellowing out to some music while not falling asleep is a great feeling! Each of the performers put on a great show.

Pork In The Park is growing and I'd love to see this event get bigger; a few more vendors, more attractions, bigger band names. Everyone was commenting how much it has grown since its' inception! There was much rejoicing during the celebration of the BBQ'ing of the pig and good times was had by all.

SPD Press Release

On April 17, 2008 at approximately 8:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the four hundred (400) block of Truitt St. for the report of an attempted robbery. Upon arrival, Officers met with a victim who advised that he had been inside of the residence when two (2) suspects knocked on his rear door. The victim opened the door then was confronted by two (2) suspects, the first of which displayed a handgun. The victim alerted his roommate and both the victim and his roommate fled from the residence through the front door. The suspects fled from the rear of the residence. No property was taken, and there were no injuries. The suspects were described as follows:

Suspect # 1: Black male, mid twenties, 6’00” tall, thin to medium build, dark complexion, dread lock style hair, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.

Suspect #2: Black male, mid twenties, 6’00”tall, thin to medium build, short hair, wearing a light blue t-shirt and jeans.

The suspects were seen leaving the area in a gray 90’s style Nissan Pathfinder.

If anyone has any information concerning this incident they are asked to contact the Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165. CC # 200800013407

SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

APRIL 21, 2008
CONFERENCE ROOM 305
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING

4:30 p.m. Further discussion - rental registration program – Tom Stevenson

5:10 p.m. Flood Mitigation Study – Jim Caldwell

5:35 p.m. City Attorney/Legal
•Additional funding for remainder of FY08
•Establishing a policy for City involvement in litigation

6:15 p.m. FY08 budget
•Status of FY08 budget
•Additional budget funding – sources other than surplus

6:35 p.m. Posting work session minutes on web site

6:55 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas

7:00 p.m. Adjourn

The Salisbury Hampton Inn, The Best Place In Town To Take A Leak!

Last night was mayhem in Salisbury when many people staying overnight at the Hampton Inn in on Naylor Mill across from Toys-R-Us busted a water valve and the entire place was flooded!

Apparently they had to evacuate everyone last night and they had major flooding. It took the City Public Works Department about 45 minutes to respond and water was steady rolling out and there was nothing the Hampton Inn could do until the City got there.

Christmas In April, Thanks To The Board Of Education


Not long ago our Grandson came home from school and said he won a Bike. I looked at him and said, what do you mean you won a Bike? He said, I did really good on my test and I won a Bike.

I asked my Wife what was going on and she said, I don't know, he's been talking about it ever since he got home. The following day he insisted we pick him up from School so he could get his Bike and bring it home. OK, call us stupid, we went up there and to our surprise the little guy actually won a Bike!

I don't know about you but I used to daydream in school about having my very own new Bike but reality set in and there was no way I was getting something like that. Not for Christmas, Easter, nothing!

Now all you have to do is go to school and do well on your test and the Board of Education will hand you a Bike, a Helmet, Knee Pads, you name it! Tell me, what's wrong with this picture?

Today's Wildlife Photo


by J.D. Simpkins

What's The Difference Between John Jacobs & Jim Caldwell?


NOTHING! It's business as usual in the Public Works Department Leadership. Several months ago a Jaguar mysteriously died of a ruptured spleen. We were assured a necropsy was being done and we would be told the results of what caused the mysterious death. However, I contacted two Council Members over the weekend and asked what the findings were and they replied, "I don't know."

This animal didn't die from a natural cause. If it had, the Mayor would have announced immediately what had happened. Like I said, more than likely a Zookeeper dropped the guillotine door on the animal and badly injured him. Hopefully we hear something more about this soon so we can make sure the Zoo fixes the defect in that door forever so it never happens again.

Good Eatin This Weekend



It didn't matter if you went to opening day for Little League in Delmar or if you went to Pork in the Park, the food was out of this world!

I don't know about any of you but I certainly got some sunburn this weekend, fortunately not all too bad. Looking around though, many others did as well.

A Patriotic Albero


Some of you may have seen this image featured a few months ago in the Daily Times? Nevertheless, this was an Oak Tree in my Father's front yard that became diseased. My Father took it upon himself to cut it down, climbing up into the tree and cutting away, piece by piece, limb by limb.

While doing so, he made a run to Delmar and ran into a couple of guys who were selling some wood art and asked if they'd be interested in doing something with the tree in his front yard. They agreed to look at it and the next thing you know he wanted something patriotic and showed them a photo of a Soldier and asked if they could duplicate it. The photo above is what is left of the tree. I don't know about any of you but that's really cool!

If you'd like the address to go see it, e-mail me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com and I'll give it to you. It is in Salisbury.

The artist that did this work is:
Covered Bridge Creations
Tommy Winn. 434-738-8207
http://www.3ddriftwoodart.net

Calling All Units, Calling All Units



While the Sheriff's Department set up their Mobile Command Unit for the Pork in the Park event, some Officers seemed lost when they returned to their base and the Command Unit was gone? It turns out they packed it in and brought the unit back to the Sheriff's Department. I was told the event was pretty easy going on the law enforcement end.

Did you go? Did you enjoy it? Do you have any recommendations for next year? I have one. I believe the County should fine any vendor that packs up early and leaves. I have done Trade Shows for 25+ years and that's exactly what they do if you attempt to leave a Show early. A $1,000.00 fine should keep everyone there till the end. If not, then the County takes in a few more worthy bucks.

More Gas Humor

Don't miss the Blue Crab Guru on TV !

Whitey Schmidt
Delmarva's own Blue Crab Guru, Mr. Whitey Schmidt, can be seen Monday night at 9pm on MPT(local PBS stations). He is a "crab connoisseur " & his seafood recipes have been featured in Southern Living Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and many other publications. He has also authored 10 cookbooks, which are widely available on-line at Amazon and through Marian Hartnett press. Whitey is a Maryland native and Crisfield resident whose crab recipes are famous worldwide. If you love all things crab in the kitchen, treat yourself and tune in!