Should Elected Officials Respond to Blogs?

Some times it is difficult to respond to someone who is both nasty and anonymous about how they think you are doing in your job. Therefore, many choose not to get involved. Those who blog can be incredulous about the lack of response, but it is understandable.

In our country, folks enjoy the right of being able to confront one’s accuser. It is a cornerstone of our system of justice. With many willing to point the finger, it is easy to see why this would carry over into other avenues of discourse in our daily lives. Why should someone respond to one who’s credibility is in unknown, and therefore, in doubt?

Credibility is everything in communication. It is how we weigh what is said. It makes us careful with our words and statements knowing that our credibility is on the line. Quite frankly, Mr. Anonymous has no credibility. Oh, he or she may be correct, but they come to the table with zero credibility since motives are also a consideration when we evaluate the truth and fairness of any statements or conversations we have with another person.

On any given blog, outrageous claims can be made, without any validation, by someone of no reputation. The problem with most folks is when they see something in print, they tend to believe it. After all, “Inquiring Minds want to know…” . In the midst of all this comes an elected official who is challenged in deciding if engaging in post responses is worthwhile.

I choose to engage. I enjoy the additional challenges that a blog and subsequent posts can present, but I also believe they can be an effective tool for communication in a real time atmosphere. In my opinion, it is not as good or effective as face to face meetings. Neither is it as effective as a simple phone call. It also lacks the follow up that an email allows. I prefer the aforementioned methods, but I will not back away from the blogs.

What is it about the other forms of communication that I find superior? It is the relationships that are built as a result. This is one thing that is sorely missing from the blogs. It is difficult to have relationships with personifications. We may think we know the person, but they are really just a made up character in our mind. We only know what they write about themselves, and they generally do not reveal anything that would make them look bad. A guy with no job, no hair, and no life can be Prince Charming with a few mouse clicks and some interesting prose.

Our society cautions children about this all of the time so they are careful when they are on line. “You do not truly know who you are talking to on line…”. This carries over to blogs as well. We simply do not know, hence the credibility gap. This does not mean people are not who they represent themselves to be, it only means that until we meet people face to face, our knowledge is limited and we should remain skeptical.

There are those who have chosen to use their true identity, as I do. I think this is important for those who are elected and I encourage others to do so as well. Building bridges and establishing relationships with folks is paramount for good government. It is the way of true accountability.

I get concerned when I see people turning more to a screen name than to their neighbors. I also know that there are many more checks and balances when we deal with people face to face. If blogging promotes more real relationships, it would go a long way in aiding society. My fear is that it may be moving us away from one another, and we are sacrificing what is real with that which is speculative at best.

Bridge Failure Memories

The tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota is a terrible reminder to us all how fragile life can be. At the same time, it is a clarion call to be vigilant over the infrastructure needs of our country. A quick survey of area bridges revealed no immediate problem bridge structures in Worcester County. This, of course, includes the two bridges spanning the Pocomoke River here in Pocomoke City.

There were several bridges in Somerset and Wicomico Counties which did not fair as well on the survey. Pocomoke City has known the failure of bridge infrastructure first hand when our famous draw bridge collapsed without warning in the dark of night in 1988. Fortunately there was no injuries or loss of life. Mayor Curt Lippoldt was at the helm and I remember being assigned by the late Sheriff McAllister to a security detail for Governor Schaeffer as he toured the site.

That day there was a friendship forged between a mayor and a governor that would last for many more years to come. At a time of budget cuts and state money problems, the idea that our draw bridge would be reconstructed was not a given. In fact, there was talk that the bridge was not needed anymore. Well, thankfully, Mayor Lippoldt made sure that that the governor followed through on the promise he made on the morning he surveyed the collapsed piece of history: “You will have a new bridge”. It also prompted significant changes in the manner which Maryland would approach bridge inspections in the future.

The governor was true to his word and some time later, work began on the draw bridge that would continue to be an icon for this eastern shore town. Those of us who were here at the time recall the printed T-shirts, “Pocomoke Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down…” and
the anticipation that built until the day they began new construction.

Communities are made and lost to these types of events. Next time you crossover the draw bridge, try and think what our city would be like without its picture perfect presence. Fortunately for Maryland, the Pocomoke Draw Bridge was the last bridge failure the state has experienced.

Past Weeks Police Blotter

Latoya Marshall reported the theft of a purse from her shopping cart while she shopped at Walmart. Police are reviewing the in-store cameras for clues on the suspect.

Cpl. Michael Strong put on a K-9 Demonstration for children at Princess Anne Elementary School. He was assisted by Lt. Lee Brumley.

Cpl. Craven conducted a special radar detail on Clarke Avenue where he issued two citations.

The YMCA reported that someone had caused damage to a gate and slide on their property. Total cost of damage was estimated at $350.00.

Attorney John Bloxom’s Office reported a complaint of company forged checks. Police have a suspect and charges are expected.

Kevin Musgrave reported the theft of hand tools and copper wire from the new firehouse construction site. The value of the tools was estimated at $260.00. The value of the copper welding leads are valued at $450.00.

Jessica Lynn Curtis reported that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Omar Alonza Williams.

Police responded to a Burglar Alarm at 115 C Willow Street and discovered a broken window. Two pairs of shoes were located nearby, but no other items were reported missing by the owner. Damages estimated at $100.00.

Who's Coming to National Night Out in PC?

Here is a partial listing of some celebrity types who will be in attendance on Tuesday evening in Cypress Park to help us Celebrate National Night Out:

Bernard Robinson-NJ Nets
Michael Walton-USA Olympian Track and Field
Heather Ward-"American Idol" Season #5 (She will be singing)
Charlotte Bobcats Cheerleaders
Tony Grier-ESPN
Jimmy Allen-"Showtime at the Apollo"
Danya Bachus-WMDT Channel 47
Paul Butler-WBOC Channel 16

Of course there will be free food and lots of give-a-ways. Come join this community event Tuesday Night from 6-9 in Cypress Park.

National Night Out

Tuesday, from 6-9pm in Cypress Park, Pocomoke City will participate in the National Night Out Program. Taking the lead in organizing the celebration is our Police Department. This years event is under the direction of Cpl. Scott Mitchell. There are a number of celebrities who will be on hand and I will give you a break down on the who's who tomorrow.

Primary Well Back On Line

Monday, our primary well was back on line after a calcium deposit was removed by Somerset Well Drilling Company. The process took longer than expected due to the original diagnosis being iron rather than calcium. Each requires different chemicals to eliminate. The flow rate on this well has diminished over the past year but has stabilized and is providing us a sufficient level for our daily needs.

Thank you for cutting back on your irrigation needs over the past two weeks. While we always encourage smart water usage, you are free to resume normal water use in the city.

New Well
We began preparations last fall for establishing a new well in the Pocomoke Aquifer. We settled on a test well down the road from our current primary well which promised a flow rate between 500-600 gallons per minute. This is good news and we hope to have the clearance from the county and state to move forward with the well in the coming month.

Wednesday's Radio Broadcast 540AM 10:30am

I will be speaking with Cpl. Scott Mitchell of the Pocomoke City Police Department and we will be talking about the National Night Out program scheduled for next week in Pocomoke City in Cypress Park.

I will also be discussing the local work being done on sidewalks by the SHA. Some have complained that the contractors work is shoddy.

Also, I will give you an update on our current municipal water supply and well situation. Was it calcium, iron, or what? How about the flow rate? Are we being hindered by the drought? I will address all of these issues on the show and later in the week on this forum.

Tune in at 10:30am on WGOP 540AM

Free Golf in Pocomoke City?

Free Golf in Pocomoke City?

Pocomoke City residents received a special bonus with their July Water Bills this year-a free round of golf! That’s right, imprinted on their July Water Bill is a coupon worth 18-holes of golf at Winter Quarter’s Golf Course in Pocomoke City.

“We wanted to do something special for our citizens this year and draw attention to a city recreational resource at the same time”, said Pocomoke City Mayor Michael A. McDermott. The coupon is good for a round of golf anytime through the end of October.

The city wants to highlight the course for citizens who may not have played it in awhile. They are also looking to build up membership in the course and increase the number of rounds played on a daily basis.

The recently hired Golf Superintendent, Doug Gunns, has been working with his staff to insure the course remains in prime playing condition throughout the summer season. Many changes and upgrades are in store for the course including new cart paths and better defined fairways. The recent focus on drainage issues in the spring has improved course conditions and everyone is commenting on how nice the greens are playing.

In addition to the July coupon, the Mayor and Council also agreed to cut rates for play as an additional incentive to encourage folks to visit the course. The coupons are fully transferable, so even if the property owner does not play, they can give the coupon to a friend or family member so they can enjoy a round.

The city believes that once you have played the course, you’ll come back again.

A better way of solving problems

Blogging is the latest method of communication being used by the public. I believe the experience can be positive even in dissent. There is no need for name calling and defamation to insure that your voice is heard. We can do better!



Mayor's Advisory Committee

The pages of this site will serve as a Mayor's Advisory Committee of which you can be a part. Your comments will provide an effective way for me to receive the feedback so necessary for effective, open government. I will use this site to post updates on the activities of the Pocomoke City Mayor and Council, community events, and items I find of particular interest. If you want something listed, please feel free to email me at: mayormcdermott@cityofpocomoke.com

I will do my best to include your information in my posts.

RADIO SHOW

I will also update you on discussion topics and featured guests who may make an appearance on my weekly radio show, The Mayor's Report. You can tune into the show on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:00 at AM 540 WGOP.

For The People...

Please use the site to communicate with the entire community as we work toward solving common problems. Some are long standing, and some are contemporary. Surely there will be complaints from time to time. I only ask for civility in discussion no matter how passionate your point of view.