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.

Heritage Tours in 2009

One of the add on items brought to the council meeting last Monday night involved a project I have been working on with several other government officials and private citizens. It involves the promotion of Heritage Tours in Worcester County, specifically for Black History and historical Worcester County figures and prominent sites. The group has included members of the NAACP such as President Edward Lee and Gabe Purnell, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Berlin Mayor Tom Cardinale, Worcester County Director of Tourism Lisa Challenger, and Pocomoke Main Street Coordinator Michael Day.

The idea began to simply find a way to recognize the efforts and contributions of black individuals who were born or lived in Worcester County. It was agreed that establishing a historical record was the place to begin. At the same time, it was agreed that the effort could provide opportunity for commercial endeavors and tourism outside of Ocean City.

In earnest, the group is working toward a phase one goal of developing a series of Heritage Tours which would begin in the summer tourism season of 2009. Since Pocomoke City already has the Sturgis One Room School House Museum, Heritage House Museum, and the Delmarva Discovery Center, it seemed best to utilize these locations. The tour could also include a boat tour up river which would provide details of the Underground Rail Road established by Harriett Tubman which had a leg of the journey through the Pocomoke River basin. The day would be capped off with a theatrical performance at the Marva Theater of a play written specifically about black heritage on the eastern shore.

We are currently seeking support from the municipalities as well as Worcester County to assist in funding the historical research needed as well as the promotion of the tour events. Pocomoke City was ahead of the curve when we sat down at the table and, as a result, we will reap the benefit of being able to provide a wonderful opportunity for folks to explore the shore through Heritage Tours next year if the project becomes a reality.

PAC-14 "One on One" Show

I recently was a guest on the "One on One" show hosted by Phil Tilghman on PAC-14. It was a thrity minute interview with the initial airing this week. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk about Pocomoke City and the current and future growth issues which we face.

I also had a chance to speak with the PAC-14 folks about the broadcasting of government meetings. I am looking forward to disucssing this at our next city council meeting. I wanted to address it this past meeting, but I was unable to speak with Comcast prior to the meeting and was not prepared to have the discussion.

While I realize we do not receive PAC-14 in Pocomoke City, it was a great opportunity to showcase the city to Wicomico County and beyond.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• Following a Domestic Disturbance at the Meadows Town homes, police arrested Michelle Roberts, 26, on charges of Disorderly Conduct and MDOP.
• Wal-Mart reported that they had received a counterfeit $10.00 bill during the previous week. The bill was sent to the US Secret Service.
• Following a Domestic Disturbance at 806 Second Street, police arrested Donte Washington when it was discovered that he was wanted on an outstanding warrant.
• Following a Domestic Disturbance at 103 Eighth Street, Paul Owen was arrested and charged with Second Degree Assault.
• Police located Marcus Dennis near the Bonneville Ave. Apartments. Following a brief foot chase, Dennis was arrested on Fourth Street on an outstanding warrant.
• Police observed and photographed some graffiti this week on the Cypress Nature Trail. Some was also discovered in the area of Fifth and Bonneville Ave.
• Officers assisted the Sheriff's Office and the State Police on six occasions in the past week outside of the city.

EMS Department

• The new ambulance is finished and was placed into service this week. All personnel are receiving training in the operation of new equipment.

Water/Waste water Department

• Crews continued to work on stabilizing the berm areas around the treatment ponds.
• Crews continued to work on painting fire hydrants this week.
• Three of our employees attended training sessions at Chesapeake College this past week.

Other Announcements

• The annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Police Department will be held Saturday, March 22nd from noon to 2:00pm at Cypress Park.
• Friday, March 21st is Good Friday and City Hall will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• The owner of 207 Seventh Street reported that someone caused damage to two windows with a BB gun.
• Clyde Adams of Onancock, VA was arrested at the Walmart Parking lot on a Worcester County warrant. He was placed in the Worcester County Jail under a $2500.00 bond.
• Police reported graffiti on the street surface at the corner of Oak and Second Streets.
• The resident of 105 Oak Street reported that someone caused damage to two windows on their vehicle parked at that location.
• Tremayne Rogers received a citation for Excessive Noise from a Vehicle while driving on Eighth Street near the Middle School. He was also found to be driving on a Suspended Out Of State License and was charged accordingly.
• Police responded to a horse in the roadway at Broad Street and Eighth Street. Public Works and the Police Department staff were able to guide the horse back to the stables at the Fairgrounds.
• Raymond W. White, age 47, was charged with DWI and Attempting to Elude Police. He was first observed on remote surveillance cameras consuming an alcoholic beverage and then getting behind the wheel of his vehicle near Bonneville Avenue and Second Street.
• Residents of 700 Second Street reported that their residence had apparently been entered by unknown person(s), but nothing appeared to be missing.

EMS Department

• Our new Director of EMS, Daniel Tilghman, began working for the city this week in his new position.

Public Works

• Jimmy Hammond has agreed to allow the city to extend our Dorchester Water Line across his property to allow for a connection on Market Street. We are also working with Lynnhaven Baptist Church to secure the ability to cross their property and make a connection with the dead end line at Bel Air Drive. Both connections will eliminate dead end lines in the Heights.
• Bids requests have gone out for the Skateboard/Bike Park equipment. They will be opened on March 10th.
• MES worked with our crews in running a camera in four suspected problem areas of our sewer lines. The problems were identified for future repair.
• Crews were repairing berms at the Sewage Treatment Plant.
• Crews repaired picnic tables in Cypress Park and worked on the Nature Trail.

Golf Course

• Crews worked on new fill which was brought into supplement low areas on hole #1 and #3.
• Crews worked on rebuilding the Ladies Tee Box located at hole #7.
• Crews worked on Cart Path edges.
• Repairs and maintenance continue on our fleet of golf carts.

Fire Company

• The Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company is slated to move into their new Station 100 located on Market Street this week.

City Charter/City Code

• The City Charter and City Code are now available on line at www.cityofpocomoke.com

Planning and Zoning Commission

• The board met on Tuesday to review the Comprehensive Zoning in the city. This included a tour of the city conducted by all of the board members with the professional staff hired to assist them in the process.
  

Other News

• The Board of Education agreed to donate surplus fencing from the high school to the city. They also donated the field lighting to the YMCA.
• The annual MARVA Theater Dinner will be held on Friday night, March 7th, at the Fire Hall.