Republican Women and Liberty

This past week, I was delighted to speak at the meetings of the Delmarva Women's Republican Club and the Worcester County Republican Women's Club. It was an honor to speak to these dedicated ladies (and a few of their husbands) about Pocomoke City, Worcester County, and politics in general across this great state.

The meetings bring to mind the importance of being informed and involved in our respective communities. Those on the eastern shore share many concerns which traverse jurisdictional boundaries and party lines. I spoke about freedom and liberty as it relates to our traditional Constitutional Republican form of government, and how they lead to greater wealth, opportunity, education, and ultimate prosperity when they are our focus.

I spoke about individual responsibility and the power of individual freedom. Government was never intended by the Founding Fathers to provide the entitlements we have come to rely upon as a people. Quite the contrary, our government was established to provide protection so we could endeavor to seek, "...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" all the days of our lives.

As a people, we were never meant to become dependants of our government. When we stray from those founding principles, we must pay the price with our liberty. Taxes are how government pays the price demanded by her constituents. In the past 100 years, over 100 new taxes have been added. The average citizen paying taxes will, overall, pay half of their income in taxes to the government. It is a recipe for bondage and further dependence.

It is good to raise these issues and to consider the principles for governing laid out in our founding documents. It is good to remember why we sought to throw off the former government of the British Crown in order to "adopt new guardians" for our future. Those principles have not changed, but we have compromised our liberty, and our future prosperity is in jeopardy if we continue on this course.

Easter Activities

Good Friday Service
The community service for Good Friday was held by the Pocomoke Ministerial Association at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Many of the local ministers participated in the event by taking a small part in a combined sermon text on "the last words of Jesus". There was a nice turnout from many of the local congregations and a great start to a busy, yet reflective weekend.

American Legion
I had a busy weekend around the city. Saturday began with a celebration at the American Legion. I had a great time interacting with the many kids that were on hand to meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a variety of planned activities. For my part, I had the opportunity to read the story of Peter Rabbit to the young ones.

While at the Legion, I also had a chance to sample a great breakfast and to meet with several members of the Flat Land Rescue Team. These are a devoted group that enjoy conducting professional search/rescue operations when requested. I have worked with them professionally in the past as great to see some of them at the event.

Cypress Park Easter Egg Extravaganza
The Pocomoke Police Department also conducted a grand Easter Egg Hunt along with a cook out in Cypress Park from noon until 2:00pm. There was a huge turnout that was very reflective of our city. Many came for the first time, but it surely will not be their last! Six bikes were given away and many other large prize baskets were given to those who found an egg with a special symbol. Along with many members of the police department was Chief J.D. Ervin, Councilman Robert Hawkins, Councilman Honiss Cane, Councilman Bruce Morrison and his wife Laura.

Also helping out was Reverend George Tasker and his son-in-law Frank. They provided the grilling of the burgers, while Councilman Hawkins handled the French Fries. My wife, Laura, joined me in following after the hundreds of children who came to enjoy the festivities. Channel 47 came by and took some great footage of the kids. It was great weather and a great time had by all!

Glad Tidings Assembly Service
Sunday morning, we enjoyed the service at Glad Tidings and had a chance to meet the pastor of a new Spanish speaking church which will be meeting at Glad Tidings on a regular basis. This has been a work in progress for Pastor Bob Blevins, and I am glad to see things are progressing along. It was a way to conclude Holy Week.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Our officers are partnering with the State Police for the next week to provide increased patrols. The MSP Scout Team is a special unit which travels the eastern shore providing local assistance. This arrangement will continue with MSP and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office from now and throughout the summer months.
• Employees of the Duck In reported that a man shoplifted a can of beer valued at $1.05.
• Officers noticed a vehicle on Payne Avenue with a broken side window while on patrol. They made contact with the owner and several items were found to have been stolen from the vehicle.
• Officers have increased their patrol checks of various city fuel tanks in recent weeks.
• Officers reported finding several locations with graffiti this week: Laurel Street, Riverside Drive, Gray Street, and behind the DP & L building on Broad Street.

EMS Department

• Our new ambulance, A-1, went into full service. Director Tighlman is working on securing all of the needed equipment for the spare ambulance to be completely operative.
• DOT inspections are being performed on the two older units.

Public Works

• Crews continued stabilizing berms at the treatment plant.
• Crews installed a new bleeder line and valve box at the end of Greenway Avenue.
• Crews repaired a storm drain and sidewalk problem on Front Street near Linden Avenue.

Golf Course

• DP & L installed a larger meter on our new pole location on Winter Quarters Drive. This is being done in preparation for a new line being trenched into the course which will eliminate the overhead line on Hole #2.
• Crews worked on our pump station and sprayers while repairing the foot valves at the site where we draft water for course irrigation.
• The cart path work was reviewed with the contractor and the bill submitted for payment.

Skateboard Park Update

• All of the equipment has been ordered from American Ramp Company (ARC)and delivery is expected within 8-weeks.
• A fence will be installed prior to the delivery of the equipment.