Jesse James and his gang of thieves were small change compared to the robbery being perpetrated upon the American people with the current oil scandal. There is a Jesse James, but it is not a person – it is an institution. The commodities trading process controlled by hustlers, speculators, and money changers are driving up the price of oil by creating a false cost to the consumers. The energy experts tell us that the real price of a barrel of oil is about $60, which means the average person should be paying about $2 per gallon at the pump. However, the hustlers in the oil trading market have pushed the price of a barrel of oil up to $140 without any real basis in facts that would justify this astounding price.
The decision on selecting the school location for the placement of the Biomedical Services Magnet Program is on the BOE agenda for June 23, 2008.
In April, 2006, after the redistricting of secondary schools, enrollment projections for the new secondary school attendance areas were presented. When the grandfathering of redistricted students was complete, BAHS was expected to have 1578 students in 2010. The current Sept. 30, 2007 enrollment projections anticipate 1276 BAHS students in 2010. In less than 18 months, HCPS’s enrollment projection for BAHS shrunk by 302 students, or 19%. Where did the students go?
In May, 2006, the Ed Specs for the new BAHS building included space for the Medical Arts Magnet on the third floor. The issue was brought to the Board for a vote as a highly unusual “non-agenda” item, but was stymied because of the ...Continue Reading
The Aegis reported recently that you made the statement that “the dropout rate is decreasing”. In fact, the dropout rate for the Harford County Public Schools for 2007 is the second highest dropout rate out of the past five years. The rates in 2003, 2004, and 2005 were all lower than the rate for 2007. The trend for the dropout rate over the past 8 years does not indicate a consistent, year to year decline.
Please consider the graduation rate as a more appropriate measure of school system success. The graduation rate for 2007 is the third highest in the past decade and started showing sustained improvement in 2003.
It is truly remarkable what a difference two (2) years can make. If we could journey back to ‘2006’, Marylanders were in a state of disgust over the imminent increases in energy costs. Demanding change in Annapolis, the State elected a new Administration that promised to thwart energy hikes and cut taxes on both personal income and property for middle-income Marylanders. Surprisingly enough, Marylanders elected this new Administration despite a 60% approval rating of former Governor Ehrlich’s performance during his term.
Now, two (2) years later and under the Leadership of Governor O’Malley, Maryland received a “change”. Unfortunately, Governor O’Malley has delivered a “change” – unexpected and undesirable to Marylander’s expectations. In only his first term, Governor O’Malley raised all three (3) of its major tax rates.
Although most people believe that politicians are all the same, my experience has been that this assumption is far from the truth. I believe that many elected officials have different approaches to the way they represent the people. During my three terms in public office, I have always had one guiding principle that was based on the belief that the people elected me to do a job. They are the bosses and their interests are the only priority that I have. My legislative agenda reflects that commitment.
My crime victim legislation agenda included Jessica’s Law Part II – Truth in Sentencing. This bill was created to eliminate good time credits and early release for certain types of criminals. Two other public safety measures — the Witness Protection Act and a victim protection act — would also eliminate good time early release credits for any offender who intimidates or attempts to harm ...Continue Reading
