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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
May 3, 2013
The Dispatch
Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467 Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
County Needs To Cut
Editor: Did you know that 80 percent of Worcester County’s revenue comes from property taxes? Dropping property values have resulted in $3.8 million decrease in county funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013/2014. The difference between the expected county income and initial spending requests for FY 2013/2014 is a deficit of over $7 million. The County Commissioners could offset the decrease in property values by raising property taxes. Perhaps because election season is around the corner, the County Commissioners are considering making up the $3.8 million shortage with money from the General Stabilization fund or the “rainy day” fund. Finance officer Harold Higgins told the commissioners on April 16 that almost all of the rainy day fund would be depleted to get the county through FY2015. Once the rainy day fund is gone, the next logical step would be a property tax increase if the housing market has not recovered. There is a proposed 5-percent increase over last year’s budget for the general fund, which amounts to over $8 million. It is imperative that the commissioners cut the budget, fulfilling only the necessary needs and services of Worcester County. The economic downturn is still in full force, and the consequences of the gas tax are yet to be seen. There is no guarantee that property values will have recovered by the time the rainy day fund is gone. With the cost of living on the rise, Worcester County residents simply can’t afford a property tax increase. The Worcester County Commissioners need to cut the budget and refuse to increase property taxes. Please attend the budget hearing at Stephen Decatur High School, May 7 at 7 p.m., and exercise your voice. We must stop the spending madness. Laura Dover 2206 Orchard Dr. Pocomoke City are, there is a place for you at the Relay. The joy and emotion felt at the relay is hard to describe but heartwarming feelings are felt everywhere. Tears flow along with the joy of togetherness. I am in my 9th year as a survivor and every time I attend these relays, my feelings revert to the following: Joy for being here; Hope for others to overcome cancer and sadness for those who lost the battle. My letter is to ask that the good people of this community look around and see how your friends and loved ones are affected by this disease and contribute no matter what amount to the American Cancer Society. To all my friends and loved ones who are suffering from this disease, God Bless to all. Nick Bartolomeo Selbyville, Del. residents, called upon the United States Post Master to investigate whether Cynthia Miller, former Snow Hill Post Office manager, had participated in “spying on citizens.” The manager’s actions were prompted by Dorman supporters out of concern for the number of absentee ballot applications requested by Dorman's opposition. The Mayor and Council in their letter to the state’s attorney presented evidence that the Snow Hill chief of police was not directed to ask Miller for help in determining who was bringing absentee ballots to the Post Office, as Miller had indicated in a letter addressed “To Whom It May Concern.” It is unfortunate that the citizens of Snow Hill who seek to change the political culture of their government to one of participation and engagement are demonized. Your reporter singling me out of a group of “citizen activists” is damaging and detrimental. Doing so undermines the principles of organized, peaceful community protest. Wittingly or unwittingly, in the minds of readers, you have taken sides and portrayed me as a trouble-maker rather than as the concerned and ethical citizen that I am. It is not necessary that your paper agree with our issues or concerns, but ethically and professionally you have the obligation to be informed and fair in your reporting. You failed to do so. Shame on you. Edward S. Lee Snow Hill
NEWS DEPARTMENT
SHAWN J. SOPER News Editor Sports Editor
ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com
Shame On Snow Hill
Editor: The reporting in another local newspaper on April 17, 2013, “New Election Code Changes Absentee Ballot Laws,” contains misleading information that is damaging to some people mentioned in the article. It states “Edward S. Lee claimed mayoral candidate Dorman stuffed campaign fliers into absentee ballots mailed to … voters” and “Lee also alleged a manager at the Snow Hill Post Office colluded with Dorman’s campaign to spy on citizens to find out who had been receiving and sending out absentee ballots.” These inaccurate statements lead the reader to believe that Lee caused the “Still pending … investigation” and that Snow Hill residents' primary intention is something other than the pursuit of justice in the Snow Hill Election debacle of May 2012. Here are the facts: Former Snow Hill Mayor Steve Matthews and Council voted to request State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby to investigate voter suppression – a civil rights violation – in the May 1, 2012, election. Prima facia evidence showed that Dorman used the Maryland Food Bank’s Free Food distribution program for political purposes to win his election. In the council’s letter to Oglesby they presented altered Food Bank flyers as evidence. The Food Banks flyers were altered by Dorman to suggest that he was responsible for the food distribution in an effort to persuade voters to vote for him. Ballot stuffing was also charged by the Mayor and Council in their letter to the attorney general. They presented evidence (voters’ signed statements) that Dorman’s ballots were received in their “official absentee ballot” mailed to them by the Board of Elections. No one claimed that Dorman stuffed ballots as was reported. However, it is clear, from the evidence, that if ballots were stuffed, the Board of Elections had to have been involved. Mr. and Mrs. Mullins, Snow Hill
JOANNE SHRINER Staff Writer
joanne@mdcoastdispatch.com
TRAVIS BROWN Staff Writer
travis@mdcoastdispatch.com
SALES DEPARTMENT
TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor
terri@mdcoastdispatch.com
JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive
jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com
Theater Impressive
Editor: I had the privilege of attending the Berlin Intermediate School Dinner Theater production of “The Little Mermaid” on April 23. I was amazed at the talents and abilities on display, from the politeness of the students and cast members who served our delicious dinner, all the way through to the well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the performance. The sets, props, costumes and staging were wonderful and creative, and the acting and singing was, well, words fail. Simply marvelous. Everyone involved in this production should rightly feel very proud of themselves. Carol Frazier
MANETTE CRAMER Account Executive
manette@mdcoastdispatch.com
ART DEPARTMENT
CINDY WARD Art Director
art@mdcoastdispatch.com
JENNIFER T. O’BRIEN Graphic Artist COLE GIBSON Graphic Artist Webmaster
BUSINESS OFFICE
JANELL BAKER Bookkeeper Classifieds Manager
classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com
Relay Reminder
Editor: Spring is here. Mother's Day is coming where we honor our mothers both alive and past. On this same weekend, May 10, another event is coming – The Relay For Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society and held at the Frontier town Campground. Both events are celebrations for mothers whom we love and honor and cancer survivors who have battled this dreaded disease and won. We also want to remember the loved ones who lost and ask individuals and communities to fight back against this disease. People from all walks of life gather to celebrate this event. Cancer doesn't discriminate, it affects young, old, all genders and ethnic groups. No matter who you
Thanks For Clean-Up Help
Editor: On behalf of the Berlin Parks Commission and the Town of Berlin, I want to thank everyone who participated in our Annual Community Clean-Up Day on April 20, the kick-off event for the 2nd Annual Take Pride in Berlin Week, which ran from April 20-27 this year. Despite soggy conditions and chilly weather, we had a great turnout for Clean-Up Day in both Stephen Decatur and William Henry Park. Volunteers weeded, SEE NEXT PAGE
The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.
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