Announcing My Candidacy for Delgate

Today, I officially announced my candidacy for the House of Delegates in District 38-B. You can find out by going to my official website at

www.electmikemcdermott.com

You can also check out my upcoming eastern shore, family friendly BBQ scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd. Tickets can be purchased through the website.

Weekly Update

Police

• Police arrested two men for disorderly conduct at Cypress Park: Gerald Philpot Jr. of Marion and Robert Satchell Jr. of Lynnhaven Drive.
  
• Jonathon Cave reported a theft from his residence at 102 Berwyck Circle. An investigation is continuing.
• Officers observed a suspicious person at the Railroad Station property. He was identified as Thomas Sellers, 52, of Delmar, DE. He was wanted on a warrant in Worcester County and was arrested and turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Public Works

• We received some addional grant money toward the cost of our new well. The new funds should cover the entire cost of $350,000.00.
• Crews worked to pick up Bulk Trash this week.
  
• Crews inventoried all city signage making a list of those which need to be replaced. They also conducted a review of all Fire Hydrants to schedule repainting of those in need.
• Our new Public Works facilities are moving along. The Fire Suppression System was pressure tested this past week.
• The Fire Company tested the new Dry Hydrant set up for Jenkins Orchard and were very satisfied with the operation.

Visitors in Town

• We are expecting around 20 large cruising yachts associated with the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club to be tied up at our docks this weekend. The club will be taking tours around town at all of our attractions.

Awards

• The city was notified that we will receive three Crime Prevention Awards from the Governor's Office this fall. This is quite an honor as competition for recognition is tough throughout the state.

New Business Opening

• The Bay Queen Coffee Shop will be open for business by the end of next week. It will be located next to the MARVA Theater on Market Street downtown.
  

Golf Course

• Crews prepared for top dressing and aeration of the course for the next two weeks.
  
• Dead or dying trees/branches have been identified for removal this fall.

Play Ground

• The Tot Lot has some new play equipment as well as the playground at the Winter Quarters Recreational area.

Board of Zoning Appeals

• A hearing will be held on Wednesday, the 16th regarding a request for a variance submitted by Gordon Harrison on Winter Quarters Drive concerning a storage building in his rear yard.

Demolitions

• Contracts have been sent securing services for the low bidders on two demolition projects: 600 Young Street and 209 Laurel Street. Work will begin soon.
  

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Mark Burton, 42, of 434 Bank Street reported that he was assaulted by Kuyes Saecheing, 54. Saecheing was charged with Assault and Reckless Endangerment.
• Police have continued with Saturation Patrols in partnership with units from the State Police and Sheriff's Office.
• Police arrested Darren Mills, 22, at Sunshine Village Apartments following a reported Domestic Disturbance.
• Officers located and arrested Kirk Knox on a warrant at 206 Seventh Street.
• Eric Byrd was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
• Geneva Timmons, 26, from Snow Hill was charged with Shoplifting from Wal Mart.
• Daris Coxx, 19, was arrested at the Bonneville Avenue Apartments charged with possession of Alcohol in public and creating a disturbance.
• Kim Trainor was charged with Indecent Exposure.
• Fardale Johnson, 32, was arrested on an outstanding warrant following a traffic stop.
• Terrance Gale, 27, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct following an incident at the Meadows Town homes.

Golf Course

• Crews continue to work on general maintenance projects. A tree was taken down near the Log Cabin which was not doing well.

ENR Project

• We have been approved for our Stimulus funding for the Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades to our Treatment Plant. The grant award was for $500,000.00. A pre-bid conference will be held next week.

Public Works

• Crews worked hard in preparation for the Fair.
• Small paving projects were performed around town.
• Bulk pick up was performed throughout the city.

Weekly Update

Police

• A guest at the Quality Inn reported that his unlocked behicle had been entered and a few items were missing
• Active patrols continue on the waterfront as the department took on the Dock Master responsibilities this year. All live aboards on extended stays are being tied up on the western side of the drawbridge this year. Usage is up from previous years.
• National Night Out was deemed a great success with over 1000 hamburgers consumed and 1200 drinks provided. Neighbors came together for the annual summer cook out in Cypress Park for fun, food, and prizes.
• We were advised that we would not receive any grant money in the first round of COPS Grants from the Federal Stimulus Funds. Our low crime rate was a significant factor in their decision.

Finance

• Auditors were in town this past week reviewing our books. They will issue their annual report on the city's fiscal status in about 60 days.
• We continue to await our County Grant ($400,000.00) and the first round of Property Tax Collections from Worcester County. This year we saved money by having the county provide tax collection through their office and billing.

Cypress Park

• Paving contracts for the bike/walk paths will be opened on the 17th. This project is one of several being funded through Project Open Space funding.

Public Works

• Work should begin on the new well in the next two weeks. Somerset Drilling is our contractor for the project. We were successful in lobbying for stimulus money to pay for the project which is estimated at $368,000.00.
• We are in the process of advertising bids for our ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) upgrade to our Waste Water Treatment Plant. We have secured 90% grant funding for this project as well.
• Crews have been preparing the Fairgrounds for the Great Pocomoke Fair as well as doing a lot of trim work around the city.
• Repairs are being made to the horse barn and storage facilities at the Fairgrounds as well.
• Paving projects continued around town. Several areas of Eighth Street were repaired along with others.

West Nile Virus

• On August 6th, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reported a detection of West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool sampling from our area. While this is typical for this time of year. residents are cautioned to use proper precautions when performing outdoor activities. For additional information, contact the MDA at 410-841-5870 or visit them on the web at www.mda.state.md.us

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Two juveniles were stopped after they were found riding dirt bikes through the greens and sand traps at Winter Quarters Golf Course earlier in the week.
• Maraunita Holland was arrested on an outstanding warrant through Worcester County. She was transported to the Worcester County Jail under $5000.00 bond.
• Craig Lamont Dooling was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia earlier in the week.
• Terry Latori Tankard, age 20, along with a juvenile were arrested for theft at Wal Mart.
• Marcus Lamount Dennis, 25, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop.

Public Works

• Crews worked on roadway repairs this week on Bel Air and Dorchester Streets.
• A dry hydrant was installed at the Jenkins Orchard storm water pond.
• Work continued in Cypress Park for brush removal and clean out of the creek area.
• Work continues on the older section of the Nature Trail.
• Crews worked on chipping debris still remaining from the storm from several weeks ago.

Golf Course

• Irrigation work was performed at the course.
• Crews applied pesticides to the greens.
• Regular mowing of the roughs and fairways was conducted.

Finance Department

• Auditors were in town this week conducting the annual review of city finances.
  

Summer Happenings

At the midway point of the summer, Pocomoke has been buzzing with activity and grand openings of all types. In June we were all invited to take part in the grand opening gala for the Delmarva Discovery Center. This tremendous project is the culmination of years of effort by a dedicated group of volunteers to see a regional, interactive museum serve as an attraction for the lower shore. A crowd of over 400 attended the event to recognize the accomplishment. Kudos abounded to Barbara Tull for her determination and work at seeing this dream become a reality. The center will also boast the largest public aquarium in the region (set for fall completion) where visitors will be able to view the river from a most unique perspective.

June also marked the reopening of the Black Water Café (Second and Willow Streets downtown) following a successful renovation. The café is offering extended hours of operation and a new karaoke night.

July marked the completion of the Discovery Nature Tail extension which provided a direct boardwalk link from the River Walk and making a connection with the original Cypress Nature Trail. The extension project provides a beautiful walk for visitors and is designed to be handicap accessible. The trail was engineered and designed to “float” on the ground and was carefully woven through the land with no negative impact to the environment. It is a nature lover’s dream come true and a great place to take a stroll on a warm summer day.

A companion book has been authored by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, with art work by Doug Dryden, which provides the background on the nature trail and serves as a guide to those exploring the trail. It is a beautiful, collectible book and is available at the Discovery Center Gift Shop. The proceeds from the book are being utilized to secure the future of the trail and to hire a Naturalist for the city who will provide tours and help maintain the city’s park and trail system.

July also saw the grand opening for “The Vault”, an antique specialty store providing one of a kind items through direct sales and Internet/Live auctions. Entrepreneur Eileen Kirkwood purchased the majestic old Peninsula Bank Building downtown and is already drawing folks from outside of the region to view her unique offerings. Kirkwood has big plans for her business and her expansion plans include an art studio downtown.

This summer has also seen visits by Senator Mikulski and Representative Kratovil to discuss the expansion of our Industrial Park in light of the developments at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Space Port on Wallops Island. We are working with Virginia to secure a rail spur which could direct link the Space Port with our Industrial Park. This will provide a more efficient means of transporting rocketry and satellite components from one place to the other. The prospects are exciting. We have enjoyed working closely with the Business and Economic Development Departments of Maryland and Virginia to insure the success and expansion of opportunity for our region.

There is a lot to be optimistic about on the lower shore. Take advantage of these new offerings this summer in Pocomoke City and don’t forget to take in a movie at the MARVA where a fully restored, art-deco theater waits with a comfortable chair; and the $5.00 price for first run movies is a recession buster.

There is a lot to see and do on the lower shore. Get out and explore!

Nature Trail Extended

This photo shows the hard work being done by members of the Nature Trail Committee and volunteers. You can see Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker in the foreground and Jim Norton wearing his "explorer" hat directing the work of volunteer young people. The trail extension, which is now complete, connects the river walk to the original nature trail for easy access. The trail runs right along the banks of the river and goes by Stevens Pond and onto the Golf Course. It was designed and engineered to provide a surface which "floats" on the ground. The new section was woven through some mature Cypress swamp and was designed to be handicap accessible. Hats off to the volunteers and Trail Committee Members for their efforts in making this dream a reality!

Weekly Update July 10th

Police Department

• Police responded to a domestic assault complaint at 718 Sixth Street.
• Officers responded to Wal Mart for a shoplifting complaint. Keyrria Tenai Corbin, 20, of New Church, VA was arrested and charged with: Theft, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Interference with an Arrest. Janet A. Sample, 20, of Pennsauken, NJ was also arrested for Theft.
• Officers responded to the America's Best Value Inn to assist the Department of EMS. Officers Tucker and Howe began CPR and activated their assigned AED to assist before the arrival of EMS. Their job performance under these circumstances generated Commendation Letter from the Worcester County Emergency Management Office.
• Police arrested Ceasar Sanchez Gomez, 34, and charged him with DUI and other traffic violations.
• Units responded to a hitch hiker on Rt. 13 reportedly carrying a sword. Police found Victor Wayne Taylor, 45, of Hallwood, VA and discovered that he was wanted on charges out of Florida. He was arrested and held without bond pending his extradition.
• Our officers assisted the Worcester County Sheriff's Office with four arrest warrants for persons located on Cedar Hall Road.
• Jerome Scruggs, 25, of 509 Bonneville Ave. was arrested for Second Degree Assault on Keisha Harris at 400 Walnut Street.

Public Works

• Crews began working on multiple paving jobs after obtaining hot mix from the asphalt plant.
  
• Mr. Bill Rice was contracted to install a new dry hydrant at the storm water management pond at Jenkins Orchard. This should assist in fire fighting efforts should the need arise.
• Crews worked on the Nature Trail and coordinated efforts with a volunteer youth group on the completion of the new boardwalk connections to the river.
• Bulk metal pick up was accomplished.
• The city tent was taken down following the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company annual Bar-B-Q on the highway.
• Crews installed connection lines for water and sewer for a new house on Eighth Street.
• Crews repaired a sink hole in the street at Second and Cedar Streets.
• A new hydrant was ordered for the Market Street hydrant in front of the Fire House.
• Serv-Pro began cleanup efforts at the administrative office for Public Works in preparation for the renovation following the arson fire.

Dignitaries/Visitors

• The city received a visit from Cabinet Secretary Raymond Skinner and his staff from the Department of Housing and Community Development. I took them on a tour of the Discovery Center as well as several business sites downtown and the MARVA Theater.
• Representatives from the State Highway Administration were in town to review our Nature Trail project and discuss sidewalk extensions.

New Business

• Eileen Kirkwood hosted a Ribbon Cutting for her new store, The Vault, located in the former Penninsula Bank building downtown. She is operating an antique emporium and live Internet auction site at the location which promises to be a great business venture.

Golf Course

• Crews continued debris cleanup from the last storm.
  
• Pesticides were applied to the greens.
• Fairways were manicured and irrigation utilized.
• Temporary workers were utilized for wood chipping underway.
• Mulch has been applied to various projects.

Sewage Treatment Plant

• The city continues to move forward with required ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) for our plant. Engineering studies have to be submitted by the end of the month to assist in securing additional funding from the Stimulus Funds. We have already secured funding from the State Flush Tax account for much of the expansion and changes required.
  

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Larry Collins on Lynnhaven Drive reported that his vehicle received some damage and several items had been removed including: a stereo system, two speakers, and the third row seat for a Ford Expedition.
• Teresa Williams of Carsons Court reported that her door was damaged by three subjects who entered her residence and then fled on foot.
• Police recovered a $5.00 counterfeit bill from the Stop and Shop store. The money was recovered from Eric Bishop who stated he had received it from T's Corner. The bill was turned over to the US Secret Service.
• During the past month, police issued nine (9) abandoned vehicle notices. They further identified 23 out-of-state vehicles who are suspected of being Maryland residents.
• Absolute Security was able to debug some of the recent problems we were experiencing with our surveillance camera system. They are all functioning as they should.

Planning and Zoning

• Tom Grigsby has been named as the Chairman of Planning and Zoning. Tom replaces Chairman Royce Smith who will remain as an Alternate Member of the Board.
• The Commission forwarded a recommendation to the Mayor and Council to approve a small building extension for Hardwire LLC on Quinn Avenue.

Water and Sewer

• Crews completed the installation of a new 8-inch water line from Dorchester Avenue to Central Avenue. They also made significant progress on the new line running to Bel Air Avenue. These lines connect to a 10-inch line on Lynnhaven Drive and should greatly improve water quality and circulation in the Pocomoke Heights. Prior to being utilized, super chlorination must occur and residents will be kept advised on dates and times.

New Business

• Joseph Waters has applied for and received a Business License to operate the Bank Street Garage at 428 Bank Street. This is the former location of David Stewart's Garage.

Old Business

• Authorities from banks in Pennsylvania arrived at the former Bonanza Restaurant to change the locks and secure the premise. The future of the site remains unsure, however it is being looked at by a local restaurant owner.

Golf Course

• Crews completed the installation of new exterior doors on the cart rental shed.

EMS Department

• Our crews have not dropped a call in months and have been successful at responding with three crews when needed. This is a terrific turnaround for the department.
• Free CPR Classes have been offered and classes are always full. Those wishing to take these classes can sign up by calling City Hall.

MARVA Theater

• The Wizard of Oz was a great success. Hundreds came to the free shows and many new members were signed up over the weekend. It was great seeing the show on the big screen for the first time in the theater since it previewed in the 30's.

Election News

• The Filing Deadline for the upcoming election in Districts 4 and 5 is Friday, February 6th. Candidate requirements and filing information is available at City Hall. To date, the incumbents have filed for reelection:

District 4-Tracey Cottman;

District 5 Rob Clarke.

2008 in Review

Pocomoke City 2008 Review
By Mike McDermott, Mayor

2008 was great for Pocomoke City! We enter the New Year with the fantastic announcement by Orbital Science and the secured contract for multiple cargo rocket launches from Wallops Island over the next few years. The billions of dollars invested into this resupply system for the International Space Station will provide a recession proof economic boost to our area. Talk about a Christmas present!
The success of the Space Port is just one of the many highlights we experienced in the city over the past year. Being named Maryland’s “Capitol for a Day” in August was quite an honor for all of our citizens and the lower shore. It provided Governor O’Malley a chance to view many of the completed projects in Pocomoke City, conduct a tree planting ceremony, recognize and congratulate our Maryland State Championship teams, tour our beautiful river, visit our bustling Industrial Park, and complete his journey at the Great Pocomoke Fair.
We celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Captain John Smith’s exploration and landing near Pocomoke City with a visit by the crew sailing the shallop replica making the long, commemorative journey. It was appropriate that the hand made boat would dock alongside the recently opened Delmarva Discovery Center where folks could learn and continue their “discovery” of the river and our heritage.
2008 saw the opening of our Skate/Bike Park providing our young and young at heart a safe place to ride and perform their daring fetes of skill. Thanks to hard work from the Nature Trail Committee and Public Works staff, several hundred feet of new floating boardwalk was added to the existing trail with final connections slated for a spring completion. A new book detailing the nature trail and surrounding area by local Doctor Ritchie Shoemaker is on it’s way to the publisher. Proceeds will go toward funding a Naturalist position to work with the city and the Discovery Center. Another work was published and distributed this year detailing much of the History of Pocomoke City by local authors Robin Chandler-Miles and Norma Miles. Both of these are available at the Discovery Center Gift Shop.
There was big kudos going out to public safety in the past year. The Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company competed Phase I of their new headquarters on Market Street. This beautiful addition to city architecture will be an admirable presence for decades to come. The Police Department received National Accreditation by CALEA joining a small percentage of agencies able to meet the tough demands and requirements established for such recognition. Our National Night Out program conducted by the department was ranked 22nd in the nation. This is an incredible accomplishment for our community.
Continuing in the line of Public Safety have been the many improvements and accomplishments of our Department of Emergency Medical Services. The department now maintains three ambulances and is often able to generate even third duty crews when required. Our staff has conducted classes for the public on CPR and First Aid and look forward to continued positive strides in 2009
2008 was an amazing year of sports for Pocomoke High School Teams. We were able to claim the crown for three Maryland State Championships in Soccer, Field Hockey, and Basketball. Perhaps an even greater award is the continual recognition our players receive for the sportsmanship they display on the fields or on the courts. This never hurts with our reputation as “the friendliest town on the eastern shore”.
The Mar-Va Performing Arts Theater opened in the past year and began showing movies in December when “The Polar Express” was shown to big crowds the week of Christmas. The movies follow many successful events and productions hosted by the Mar-Va during the past year, and many more are on the way.
The city received a great audit report for the previous fiscal year and ends this year with revenue projections ahead or on target for this fiscal year. We were able to provide a reduction in taxes for homeowners while holding the line on water and sewer rates in 2008.
Our municipal golf course, Winter Quarters, saw increased play and many improvements including new cart paths, underground utilities, and several new pieces of service equipment which have aided in beautifying the course.
Our Planning and Zoning Board is busy putting final touches on our new Zoning Code which will be presented in early 2009. The city also received a grant from the state providing needed funds for mandated changes that must be accomplished within our Master Comprehensive Plan by 2010. Funding for Phase I of our Enhanced Nutrient Removal at our Sewage Treatment Plant was also granted to the city. This will allow us to further upgrade our system to comply with future goals in the ongoing efforts aimed at cleaning up the Bay.
Public Works crews are busy making the finishing connections for several dead end lines in the Pocomoke Heights. The new project, tying in access to a 10-inch main line should provide increased circulation and improvement to overall water quality for many households.
Community support and efforts focused by the Pocomoke Soroptomist Club and the Samaritan Shelter Board resulted in a significant expansion of the current facilities. The increased space will provide a better means of aiding individuals with children who need a temporary place to call home. Pocomoke City is one of only a few communities on the shore who has this type of outreach for those in need. “Hats off “to all who help in this wonderful endeavor.
New businesses opening their doors in 2008 included the 10th Street Pharmacy, Tractor Supply Company, The Backpack Educational Supply Store, Black Water Café, The Bay Queen Tour Boat Company, The Book Store on 2nd Street, Homespun Treasures, and the Good News Bookstore on 4th Street. The city also said “goodbye” to Trader’s Chicken after 28 years of serving our community.
Pocomoke City saw areas of large expansion in our Industrial Park. This includes the work being performed at the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology, the HAWK Institute, Bennelli Arms, and the new river front headquarters and production facilities of Hardwire Company. Pocomoke City is fast becoming the place for state of the art plastics, aerospace and defense contractor development on the shore; and the future is very bright.
Sadly, 2008 also found our Public Works Facilities destroyed by the actions of an arsonist. The loss to the city was great, but through insurance negotiations and the hard work of our staff, our citizens did not experience any significant loss of services during those tough times. It is a credit to our resilience as a city, our fiscal principles, and the much appreciated offers of assistance from our neighboring cities and towns.
Looking ahead in 2009, we will see continued improvements to Cypress Park in time for the Cypress Festival, a new well, a new Public Works Facility, a new Fire House Community Center (Phase II), and the completion of the Delmarva Discovery Center. It is possible that the foundation for a new river front restaurant will be laid by the end of the coming year along with continued investment and redevelopment of our downtown core.
We have a lot to be thankful for in 2008 and so much to look forward to in 2009.

Updates

I want to apologize for not being more consistent in posting on my site during the past month. My plan is to continue to update you on a weekly basis with a report on city wide activities and to provide more commentary on events or other news worthy items.

I want to remind you that I host a weekly radio show on WBEY 97.9 fm and WGOP 540 am from 10:30-11:00 am every Wednesday. I hope you can take the time to listen to the show. I often bring in guests to talk about the goings on in our area and it is a lot of fun.

Look for several updates this weekend!!!

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Twice this week police responded to the Skate/Bike Park for juveniles not wearing proper safety equipment. They were advised on the requirements.
• McDonald's reported they had received a counterfeit $50.00 bill. The case was turned over to the Secret Service.
• Worcester County Animal Control responded to Second Street near Oak Street for a Pit Bull Terrier on the loose.
• Dollar General reported a shoplifting theft and called in a description of the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and investigated further. This resulted in the arrest of Alfreda Corbin, 46 years old, for the theft of $31.00 worth of items from the store.
• Allen Holland reported the theft of his bicycle from in front of Advanced Auto.
• Officers responded to 504 Moore Street for a domestic disturbance. After investigating the incident, officers arrested Anthony Holden and Juanita Holden for Assault.

Water/Sewer Department

• Our staff continued their training with our consultant on ways to upgrade the performance of our plant operations as well as cost saving measures which can be implemented. This has been an ongoing review of the overall operations of the plant.

Public Works

• Interviews were conducted of several job applicants for work in our Public Works Department.
• Crews serviced the basketball courts located behind the Middle School.
• Several parcels of city owned/controlled property are now being serviced by a private contractor as a cost saving measure for employee time.
• Crews serviced and worked on the City Horse Stables located at the Fairgrounds.

Golf Course

• Crews worked on applying fertilizer to the greens.
• Crews worked on chipping brush and trees.
• New mowing equipment has been ordered for the course.

EMS Department

• CPR classes are being conducted by personnel from the department. Anyone interested in taking the three hour class can contact City Hall at 410-957-1333. The classes will be held in August.

MARVA Theater

• The MARVA nears completion as the balcony seats are expected to arrive this week ready for installation. The original order was no to specifications.
• A Swing Band will be in concert on Thursday night, July 31st. Cost is $10.00.

New Business

• The final permits are expected to be issued this week for the new Tractor Supply Company which will be located in the old Ames buidling at Market Street Plaza.

Weekly Report

Police Department

• Officers have been stepping up bike patrols around the city in recent weeks.
• Rosabeth Matthews and Livina Watson were both charged with Theft from Wal-mart.
• Market Street Deli reported a window apparently damaged by a BB.
• Police responded to an attempted burglary at 724 Ninth Street. Damage was discovered to a window.
• Norman Crawley was charged with an Open Container violation.
• Officers assisted the Worcester County Sheriff's Office in taking down a vehicle operated by Carlos Acevedo Jr. of Pocomoke City. Officers and Deputies recovered over a pound of Marijuana during the stop.
• Officers continue working on abandoned/junk vehicle removals around the city.

Public Works

• The city is considering hiring out many of the grass cutting jobs currently performed by Public Works. This would allow the staff to focus on other assignments. This is needed due to several employees being sidelined with various ailments in recent weeks and the staff shortage this has created.

Golf Course

• The annual Invitational Tournament was held this past weekend. Crews were on hand to insure the course was in top shape for the golfers.
• Work continues on fairway improvements.

Water and Sewer Department

• Letters have gone out to notify those using irrigation meters of a new $50.00 annual fee being charged for the reading of these additional meters.
• Superintendent Mike Phillips has recently attended a seminar on plant operations and has had additional training on site to help in improving plant operations and cost savings.

Industrial Park

• Alion Science and Technology Corp. of Chicago will begin operations in the park beginning in August. They will start in the MIST Building.
• Hardwire continues to work on their new facilities. This includes new port upgrades and an extensive boardwalk on the river.

Enjoy This Sacred Holiday

I hope you take the time to be with family and friends during this holiday weekend to celebrate the tremendous freedoms our forefathers have secured for their heritage. Freedom has never been free. We will have it so long as we are willing to fight for our security. Ironically, as quick as liberals are to point to the global nature of our world and express their willingness to submit to the whims of a world body politic, they are incredibly slow minded in seeing our national defense strategies as being equally global in nature.

In an unstable world, the best strategy is to promote freedom around the globe. As tyranny is defeated and freedom comes to a people, stability is the byproduct. In time, those countries join the world market and prosper. Our country is often seen by the far left as being "imperialistic" when nothing could be further from the truth.

If the United States was "imperialistic", the Stars and Stripes would be flying over Germany and Japan. We would have extracted our pound of flesh from those whose countries we liberated from the iron boot and the rising sun. If we were an imperialistic people, our flag would be waving over the entire Korean Peninsula, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Cuba, Mexico, and the list goes on and on...

Instead, we pay with our own blood the purchase price of freedom for those in bondage. We pay with our own treasure to rebuild that which we destroyed through the war that secured freedom for the very people who sought to destroy us as a nation. We then continue to offer security for those same people that they may prosper while resting in the shadow of the eagle.

The principle export of our nation is Freedom. It is the enduring, eternal flame that burns in the hearts of every human born on the face of the earth. It has been trampled by tyrants and villains, yet it rises from the ashes and strikes at the heart of the wicked.

As you celebrate our Independence Day in this great country, remember those who will be on patrol this hour securing your liberties. Remember those who have shed blood in defense of this nation. Bring to mind those families who have sacrificed their loved ones on the alter of freedom, and talk to your young ones about the responsibilities of liberty.

The erosion of freedom is not from those who strive to protect it; rather, it is from those who diminish the worthiness of the fight, and encourage others to do likewise.

May God's Blessing continue to rest upon the "land of the free, and the home of the brave!"

Weekly Report

Police Department

• Officers issued a citation to the owner of a pit bull terrier who had been left in a vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot during one of the hot days earlier in the week.
• Last Friday, our police assisted the Sheriff's Office in executing two search warrants which were performed in conjunction with search warrants served by members of the DEA earlier. The final warrants were served on 705 Clarke Avenue and 602 Laurel Street. Cash, drugs, and drug paraphernalia were seized.
• Clarence Jackson Jr. was arrested on an outstanding warrant and turned over the the Sheriff's Office.
• Animal Control and our officers investigated a report that a juvenile was bitten by a pit bull terrier on the sidewalk in front of 402 Fifth Street. The investigation continues and the Health Department is also involved.
• Our K-9 Drug unit assisted the State Police on a traffic stop on Rt. 13. The K-9 scanned the stopped vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs. A subsequent search uncovered two bags of marijuana. The New York driver was arrested by MSP.
• Donnease Sturgis was charged with Trespassing at Wal-Mart.

Fire Company

• The volunteers burned down the abandoned house at Clarke Avenue and Oak Street as part of a training exercise.

Main Street Coordinator

• Our application to become a designated Main Street Community has been submitted to the State.

City Docks

• Two boaters were warned against performing work on their boats which spilled over onto the dock.
• Two boats have been removed from the dock by the owners at the city's request.

Public Works

• Crews focused on the Cypress Festival. Bathrooms were painted and coordinated work was done with the Chamber in preparation for the amusements.
• Weed killer was applied to city sidewalks.

Golf Course

• Pesticides have been applied to the tee boxes.
• A used roller was picked up this week for use at the course.

Upcoming Events:

• MARVA Performing Arts Theater will play host to a traveling New York Theater Group who will present "Driving Miss Daisy" on Friday and Saturday nights (20th &21st)
• The Costen House will hold an art show at the Cypress Park near the flag pole on Saturday afternoon (21st)
• Next weekend, the fairgrounds will be hosting "Jeeps on the shore" for the weekend.

Golf Camps This Summer

In recent months, I met with officials of the Lower Shore Family YMCA to discuss the potential for partnerships between the YMCA and Pocomoke City. Director Gary White, Board President Vernon Redden, and the full Board seemed eager to work with the city to provide an extension of recreational opportunities for area residents.

It was agreed that we would focus on two project for the upcoming year. The first to the reestablishment of Summer Golf Camps at the Winter Quarters Golf Course. In past years, this was a very successful program which continued on for decades. Most recently headed by Councilman Robert Hawkins, the program fell into decline due to a lack of adult support staff able to assist Mr. Hawkins.

Last night at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council, Director White provided the city with a proposed budget for to operate the golf program for ten weeks this summer. The cost was nominal at $1522.00 and I believe this will be fully funded by the city. The first camp would begin the week of June 16th. This promises to be a great opportunity for those wishing to expose a young person to the sport or to provide aspiring young players a chance to improve their skill level. I love the idea of this type of partnering in our community.

The second program would involve the city working with the YMCA to provide funding for transportation costs to allow more underprivileged kids a chance to benefit from after school sports and recreational/learning classes being offered. Currently, students who participate can ride to the YMCA direct from their respective schools following the conclusion of the school day. The problem comes in when some parents do not have transportation to bring their child home. There is currently no provision for getting the kids home following the program, thus parents must pick the kids up at the YMCA. I have suggested that the city would pick up the tab for the return transportation costs for kids living in the city. This would be a means of creating further opportunities for some of the more vulnerable in our community. The budget for this has not been established as of yesterday.

These are just two of the ideas that have been floated around in my meetings with the YMCA staff and Board of Directors. I wish to thank them for meeting with me and being willing to think outside the box on creative ways to provide greater experiences and opportunities for our young people in Pocomoke City.

Skate/Bike Park Opens This Week

During my first campaign for the Office of Mayor (2005), I met many young people in my travels around the city who clamored for a place where they could practice their sport of Skateboarding or BMX style Biking. I pledged to make this a reality as I believe that our city is more family friendly when we provide accessible recreational opportunities for our young people.

This week, a professionally designed and built Skate/Bike Park will open as part of the Cypress Park Recreational Complex. American Ramp Company is known throughout the United States for providing well designed parks and equipment that will stand the test of time. Pocomoke City will be only the second municipality on the shore to provide this recreational experience for our citizens (Ocean City being the other, however they do not allow bikes).

Registration will be required by those wishing to utilize the facility. The forms will be available at City Hall (downtown on Clarke Avenue) along with a complete list of the rules governing the park. Full safety equipment is required. City residents will pay no fees while those residing outside of the city will pay $25.00 at the time of registration.

The park is monitored 24/7 by police surveillance cameras which will focus on the Skate/Bike Park and Police Officers will monitor riders and conduct spot checks in the park to insure compliance with all rules and registration.

I encourage parents to take the time to come to the park and participate by observing the tricks and stunts performed by their own kids as well as others. Policing the park largely rests on the shoulders of those who use the facility. I ask for all who care about recreational opportunities in Pocomoke City to notify police of any potential problems before they get out of hand and to report any damage they may observe to the city.

This great facility represents a $65,000.00 investment in recreational opportunity by Pocomoke City. May it provide hours of entertainment for years to come.

Weekly Report

Police Department

• A guest at the Pocomoke Inn Motel reported that some items had been removed from his unlocked motor vehicle.
• Leroy Crippen of Young Street was arrested following his transport to McCready Hospital for a leg injury. He was wanted by the Maryland State Police on two outstanding warrants.
• While shopping at Pocomoke Market Place, Grace Dennis reported that someone removed a pocket bookf from her unlocked vehicle. The purse was later recovered by police at the Dollar General Store with money missing.
• Following a parking lot scan by law enforcement at the Green Turtle Restaurant, Cleveland Jones Jr. of Exmore and Presten Satchell of Tasley were arrested for possessing a handgun in a motor vehicle unlawfully.
• Police reported graffiti located at the rail siding and dock area behind Benelli's on Broad Street.
• Charles Bailey, 50, of 210 Linden Avenue was charged with theft at the Dollar General Store.
• H&H Furniture reported the theft of a vehicle tag from one of their service vehicles located near the store.
• Elvis Northam was charged with theft at the Wal-Mart Store.

Public Works

• Weeding and mulching occupied some crews in the downtown area.
• The Street Sweeper has been in heavy use in the past week around the city.
• Crews conducted an emergency sewer tap at Tenth and Laurel Streets.
• Crews painted benches downtown
• Crews moved voting machines to the polling place and returned them to storage.

Golf Course

• Crews trimmed many low branches near greens and cart paths.
• Crews continue to fertilize fairways and T-Boxes.
• Crews pressurized the irrigation system for the coming season.

EMS Department

• Director Tilghman met with membership of the Pocomoke Vol. Fire Company at their regular meeting where he introduced himself and talked about further cooperation between the two agencies. Several Firefighters have offered to serve as backup volunteers or as part-time paid staff for our Second Duty Crews.
• Orientation of new crew members was conducted by Director Tilghman.

Other News

• City Discount Pharmacy is expanding to a second location near the corner of Cedar and Tenth Streets.
• Several new building permits have been issued for Woodland Acres subdivision located across from Pocomoke High School.
• The City has been selected to receive an Award for Excellence from the Maryland Municipal League at their annual meeting in Ocean City this June.
• I will be attending a meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday the 8th to discuss our budget/grant requests from Worcester County for the coming fiscal year.
• I have been asked to be the Master of Ceremonies for the Worcester County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council's annual banquet being held on April 18th in Ocean City. The county takes this opportunity to recognize excellence in the field of prevention and apprehension as it relates to drugs and alcohol. This is the fourth year I have MC'd the event, and it is truly an honor to do so.

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.