Annapolis, March 11, 2010; Delegate Mary-Dulany James and her colleague Delegate B. Daniel Riley have introduced a bill (HB1541) to protect a property owner in their district. This is a private property rights bill to prevent the state from the taking of land without just compensation to the owner.
Delegate James indicated that further clarification to the bill may be necessary but “the spirit of the bill is unchanging.” She went on to say “this legislation is to protect my constituent from an unfair taking of land”. The fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution offers a protection against the taking of private property without just compensation. This bill is intended to ensure the State of Maryland does not violate the rights of property owners in Harford County.
As always, more information about this bill will be provided through Delegate James’ weekly email newsletter ...Continue Reading
I am introducing HB 669, a hotel tax for Harford County. We are the only county in Maryland without this vital tax stream. Each year the county loses tax revenues not paid for by Harford Countians but usually paid for by those living outside of Harford County.
The following chart shows the amount of tax dollars we lose each year:
At present, we have over 2,750 hotel/motel rooms available in Harford County. In the next two years, over 300 additional rooms will come on board. With easy access to I95, Aberdeen Proving Ground and BRAC, Ripkin Stadium and other tourist attractions, Harford County is a hotel magnet.
Loss revenues due to the lack of a hotel tax, can be used to address:
House Bill 7 and Senate Bill 7 were signed into law by Governor O’Malley on April 14, 2009. The bills, sponsored by Delegates Wayne Norman and B. Daniel Riley, and Senator Barry Glassman, respectively, require United States flags flown over state buildings to be made in the U.S.A. The bills were passed unanimously by both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly. Achieving complete bipartisan support for the bill was a strong accomplishment for the republican leaders from Harford County.
“Having my first bill be signed into law was a unique experience” said Delegate Norman. “The average bill takes three sessions to pass, and having the first bill I introduced not only pass but receive unanimous support was very special. As an attorney and patriot, I am proud to be able to point to the books and say a good, bipartisan, sensible law exists that I worked hard to pass.”
On March 30, 2009, the Maryland House of Delegates voted 134 to 0 to adopt legislation (HB 7) that would require the State of Maryland to only purchase and display flags — including those of the United States and Maryland — that are made in the United States of America.
HB 7 is sponsored by Harford County Delegates Wayne Norman (District 35A) and Dan Riley (District 34A). At the time of passage, the Norman-Riley legislation had a total of 78 cosponsors, well over half of the full membership of the House of Delegates.
“Despite our political differences in Annapolis, we are all Americans,” said Delegate Norman. “It is great to see the entire House of Delegates — both Democrats and Republicans — stand together, united, to support this legislation.”
A companion bill in the Senate (SB 7), sponsored by State Senator Barry Glassman (District 35), passed the Senate on February ...Continue Reading
Harford County Elected School Board Receives a Favorable Vote by the House Ways and Means Committee Yesterday, Successfully Passes the House Floor on Second Reader Today
On Thursday, March 26, 2009, the House Ways and Means Committee voted and passed House Bill 639 entitled Harford County – Board of Education – Selection of Members.
The Senate’s version of the bill, Senate Bill 629, received a favorable report with an amendment by the Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on Friday, March 13, 2009, before it passed the Senate Floor with 46-0 vote on Tuesday, March 17, 2009.
The House Ways and Means Committee voted and approved, by a majority vote, House Bill 639 as amended to the Senate’s approved version.
Harford County Delegation Chairman, Delegate J.B. Jennings (R-District 7), who filed the bill, stated, “This is an historic moment in many respects, particularly for ...Continue Reading
A series of robo-calls targeting northern Harford County delegates Donna Stifler and Wayne Norman have prompted another delegate, B. Dan Riley, to seek a state investigation and to offer a reward for the arrest of those involved with making the calls.
At the center of the controversy is the Rt. 40 Republican Club and its president, Stephen Wright, who, while apparently claiming responsibility for the robo-calls, denied anything illegal had been committed.
Should the student member on the Harford County Board of Education have a vote? Students say yes, but some adult board members say no, citing students’ lack of maturity and experience.
That dismissive description hardly fits the Harford County Public School students who have been advocating for the vote. Students like Greg Waterworth and Annie Olezczuk have done their research. They’ve networked with fellow students across the state, rallied local support, distributed petitions, spoken out at public meetings, made presentations to PTAs, met with elected officials and convinced many adults (myself included) that students can make vital contributions as voting members of the school board.
Annapolis, MD – Senator Barry Glassman met with Harford County Student Council Representatives recently to discuss their desire for limited voting rights for the student representative on the Harford County Board of Education. The students have used Howard County as a model and would be given votes on policy except for redistricting, contracts, transportation, disciplinary matters and budgetary matters.
Delegate B. Daniel Riley has submitted a House Bill and the legislation is currently being reviewed by the House and Senate Delegations.
House Bill 7, which will require United States flags flown over state buildings to be made in the U.S.A., had its first hearing on January 29. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Delegate Wayne Norman of northern Harford County and Delegate Dan Riley, of southern Harford County. It now has about 75 co-sponsors.
“Testifying at the hearing for my first bill was an honor,” said Delegate Norman. “The support the bill received was overwhelming, as I believe several committee members became cosponsors of the bill after my testimony.”
The bill is now co-sponsored by over half of the members of the House of Delegates.
“There are other very pressing issues facing us in Annapolis, including a debate over the budget that shows a stark difference between the Democrats policy of taxes and spending increases while cutting jobs, and the Republican fiscal policy of encouraging economic growth and controlled government spending. It is good ...Continue Reading
Rather than wait until Election Day to let their representatives know how they feel about them, Edgewood residents recently participated in an appraisal process measuring the relationship between their officials and the community they purportedly represent.
Looking at the results, it’s immediately clear that Edgewood loves Harford County Councilman Dion Guthrie, but feels County Council President Billy Boniface and others “often fail to fulfill expectations of the community.”
