December 13, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 15 . . Mathias Boasts Diverse Support Across District FROM PAGE 14 trict, an effort not lost on his colleagues in county government. “In the last six months, the poultry and farming industry on the Eastern Shore has been under attack with proposed regulations that, if implemented, would be devastating to our industry,” said Worcester County Commissioner Virgil Shockley. “Jim has been at the forefront of fighting alongside the farming community against these regulations. He truly understands that agriculture is the economic engine of the Eastern Shore.” While agriculture is certainly a driving force for the Lower Shore economy, tourism is another major piston in that economic engine and Mathias has been an advocate for tourism in and around the resort area. For example, he took the lead on the current effort to move the start of the school year back after Labor Day and has worked to secure state funding for the expansion and renovation of the Ocean City Convention Center. He also spearheaded the effort to expedite the process of allowing county business owners to purchase alcoholic beverages on the free market. His work on behalf of the county business community has not gone unrecognized. “I’ve watched Jim Mathias effectively work for his constituents with his whole heart and soul,” said Seacrets owner Leighton Moore this week. “As a business owner, I tremendously appreciate Jim’s eagerness to work with everybody, regardless of their party affiliation, in his work to get things done for us here on the Lower Shore.” A Democrat, Mathias has shown a willingness to break ranks on several key issues deemed important to his Lower Shore constituents. For example, he voted against the state’s gas tax hike and increases in the sales tax, income tax, alcohol tax and other taxes. He also voted against the gun bill and the repeal of the death penalty and voted for harsher penalties for sexual predators. “We were able to accomplish these goals through team-building to make sure that my colleagues and state leadership in Annapolis understood our needs and were willing to work with us,” he said. “While we weren’t able to win every fight, I made sure that all members of the Maryland General Assembly knew what was important to the citizens of the Lower Shore.” With much work yet to be done, Mathias said this week he is eager serve another term as the District 38 senator. “Working together, we have made great strides for the families of the Lower Shore, but there is still more to do and I look forward to continuing to work for you for the next four years,” he said. Silver Jewelry Gold Jewelry White Gold • Yellow Gold ALL KARATS: 24 KT • 22 KT • 18 KT • 14 KT 10 KT • 9 KT DENTAL GOLD PLATINUM, TOO YEAR-END CLEARANCE SALE BEST PRICES OF THE YEAR GOLD AND SILVER PRICES ARE VERY HIGH Gold & Silver Coins Premium Paid On Rare Dates GOLD COINS PRE-1933 Up To 40-50 Times Face Value SILVER COINS PRE-1965 Up To 14 Times Face Value FOREIGN & DOMESTIC OLD U.S. PAPER CURRENCY WE PAY TOP DOLLAR! Immediate Evaluation And Payment HIGHEST PRICES PAID Not Sure What You Have? Bring It In! Any Quantity, Large Or Small! Silver Bullion, Bars And Ingots Silverware ✡’✑✡¤✏✑✡✠ Food Lion Shopping Center Rte. 611 At Rte. 50 West Ocean City D.A. Kozma Jewelry Knowledgeable And Friendly Service Serving The Community For More Than 35 Years 410-213-7505 410-524-GOLD (4653) LIC. NO. 2294 Join Us For ❂✑x¤✌✑✎✗’v¤✼✕✑ ❇✑✑q✑s❜ Open At 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Monday Adult Buffet $28 All Evening New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 31 OPEN 4 P.M. NEW YEAR’S EVE Adult Buffet $36 All Evening (NEW ITEMS AND SPECIALS) CHILDREN 3-6: $6.95 • CHILDREN 7-12: $13.95 2 AND UNDER: FREE Family New Year Celebration At 8 p.m. With Party Favors And Noisemakers Call Early For Reservations: 410-524-7171 71st Street & Coastal Highway