License to Immigrate: Maryland tries to comply with Real ID Act
January 16, 2008
It looks like Gov. Martin O’Malley has backed off a proposal to implement a two-tier system of driver’s licenses in Maryland that would have created one license for documented, legal citizens and another identification card for undocumented, illegal immigrants.
Instead, the state will implement a system by 2010 complying with the federal Real ID standards requiring proof of citizenship prior to issuance of a driver’s license. Once in place, anyone applying for a driver’s license in Maryland will need to produce a birth certificate, Social Security card, passport or other valid forms of identification available only to citizens of America. Continue reading License to Immigrate: Maryland tries to comply with Real ID Act
Room fees, Parking charges, Taxing Districts : Solving Problems in Aberdeen
December 29, 2007
A pair of Aberdeen city councilmen believe the path to the city’s fiscal salvation can be paved through a series of new taxes, fees and charges - and they just might be right.
Appearing Dec. 18 on ‘Aberdeen Happenings,’a local radio talk show hosted by Mark Schlottman on WAMD 970 AM, city councilmen Mike Hiob and Ron Kupferman specifically detailed plans for establishing parking fees at Ironbirds games to stave off accumulating city debt on the stadium, acquiring enabling legislation from the Maryland General Assembly to charge a fee on every night’s stay in every hotel and motel room in Aberdeen and installing a special taxing district along part of Beards Hill Road to help pay for an untangling of traffic congestion in the area.
But before launching their three-pronged (tax, fee, charge) approach to righting the city’s finances, the councilmen first spoke about the future of Aberdeen given its new leader - Mayor Mike Bennett, who defeated former mayor Fred Simmons in the November election.
“Do you see a new direction for the city with a new man at the forefront?” Schlottman asked. Continue reading Room fees, Parking charges, Taxing Districts : Solving Problems in Aberdeen
