Published Letters from Baltimore County Members
April 2005
Democrats use the filibuster as an obstructionist tactic
Date: April 27, 2005
Publication: The Catonsville Times
Author: Paul Bunting, Catonsville
The April 20 Catonsville Times letters column suggested that I might have omitted important facts from a letter that I had submitted regarding President Bush's judicial nominees. Therefore I would like to offer the following as a continuation of my original letter.
Democrats used to agree that a president's nominees deserve an up or down vote by the full Senate. Now, they want to change the rules. The current minority's filibuster is unprecedented in more than 200 years of Senate history. Never before has a minority blocked a judicial nominee who has majority support for an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. The minority has abandoned more than 200 years of Senate tradition and precedent.
During President Clinton's tenure, the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee did keep some of his nominees from receiving a timely hearing. But the nominees were not denied confirmation. None of the Clinton nominations that reached the floor was filibustered, as is currently occurring.
Senators must be able to debate the merits of nominees on the floor and have the opportunity to vote yes or no. Now, there is no chance for the senators to fulfill their responsibility under the Constitution's advise and consent clause because a minority prevents it.
It seems that for Congress to fulfill its duty, the president must make appointments that pass the test of an obstructionist minority.
Veterans bills go unanswered in the 2005 General Assembly
Date: April 21, 2005
Publication: The Jeffersonian
Author: Sen. Andrew P. Harris, District 7, Baltimore and Harford Counties
This legislative session looked promising for veterans and veterans' organizations when the Maryland General Assembly started in January. However, appearances can be deceiving.
I filed a bill that would recognize veterans' organizations as tax exempt in Maryland for the second year in a row. It is wrong that these nationally recognized non-profit groups do not have tax-exempt status in Maryland. On February 2, the bill had a hearing and many veterans came to Annapolis to support the bill, including the Middle River Chapter of the Maryland Vietnam Veterans, Inc. Unfortunately, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee never acted on the bill and it was not allowed to come to the Senate floor. I will bring this bill back next year and continue to work to get it passed in the General Assembly.
The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee also ignored Governor Ehrlich's commitment to retired veterans in Maryland. Governor Ehrlich's budget included a Maryland State tax exemption for retired military who had served at least twenty years in our armed forces. The House of Delegates acted on this measure but removed officers, granting the tax exemption only to enlisted retirees. The Senate committee refused to let the bill out on the Senate floor.
These two measures would have been a small acknowledgment of the sacrifice that the men and women of the United States Armed Forces have made for our nation. I am very disappointed in the lack of action in the Maryland Senate, yet I am not without hope. I will reintroduce my bill for veterans' organizations and I will encourage Governor Ehrlich to push the tax exemption for all career military retirees again next year.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do for you, 410-841-3706.
Move to expand voting days nothing more than a ploy
Date: April 21, 2005
Publication: The Jeffersonian
Author: C. Steven Dishon, Dundalk
Democrats in D.C. and Annapolis think that by allowing people up to eight days to vote in the general election will help people find more time to vote. Senate President Mike Miller feels that (by) allowing people in "select" precincts eight long days to find the time, it will increase the Democrats chances of winning elections. The expansion of Election Day to the "8 Days of Election" will not only increase the potential for voter fraud, but opens Maryland up to the possibility that the dreaded chads could make an appearance in our great state as early as next year.
Miller's pronouncement of concern for the voter hides his true motivation-disrupting the election process with Democrats' shenanigans, something the DNC is practically teaching classes on these days.
Maryland voters don't need more time to vote. They need better candidates other than the heavy-handed Democratic powerbrokers that continue to try and dominate the process.
Don't let the Democrats in D.C. and Annapolis try and steal our elections. Let Miller know that those tactics may work in other states, but not here.
Election extension is Democratic ploy to gain votes
Date: April 20, 200
Publication: The Dundalk Eagle
Author: C. Steven Dishon, president of the East County Republican Club.
Democrats in D.C. and Annapolis think that allowing people up to eight days to vote in the general election will help people find more time to vote.
Senate President "Mike" Miller feels that allowing people in "select" precincts eight long days to find the time will increase the Democrats' chances of winning elections.
The expansion of Election Day to the Eight Days of Election will not only increase the potential for voter fraud, but open Maryland up to the possibility that the dreaded chads could make an appearance in our great state as early as next year.
Miller's pronouncement of concern for the voter hides his true motivation: disrupting the election process with Democrats' shenanigans, something the Democratic National Committee is practically teaching classes on these days.
Maryland voters don't need more time to vote. They need better candidates than the heavy-handed Democratic power brokers who continue to try to dominate the process.
Don't let the Democrats in D.C. and Annapolis try to steal our elections. Let Miller know that those tactics may work in other states, but not here.
Arrogant motorists a threat to East Drive pedestrians
Date: April 20, 2005
Publication: The Arbutus Times
Author: Paul Bunting, Arbutus
In this hurried world we live in, it is quite alarming at the total ignorance of basic driving laws that motorists exhibit on East Drive in Arbutus. These ignorant drivers are putting pedestrians at risk daily.
The laws of Maryland require that motorists stop when a pedestrian is at a crosswalk on the same side of the road they are traveling or when a pedestrian is approaching their lane from the other half of the roadway.
That's the way the code reads, but not how it is put into practice in Arbutus.
If a law-abiding driver does stop to allow pedestrians to cross, approaching traffic will - more often than not - not yield. Impatient drivers behind the stopped vehicle will honk their horns or worse, completely oblivious to the law. This puts pedestrians at further risk since they may now be in the street waiting to complete their cross, anxious of their fate, while cars continue by and horns blare.
Driving is a privilege, not a right, and, as such, drivers are to obey the law. Even if the law did not require one to stop, basic common courtesy should dictate behavior.
Allowing pedestrians to cross streets safely while offering a smile and wave makes for a friendlier community. A friendlier community invites everyone to participate and enjoy the many things Arbutus has to offer.
The next time you are driving on East Drive, or anywhere pedestrians are present, and approach a crosswalk with neighbors waiting to cross, stop, wave and smile.
After all, courtesy is contagious. Just hope that everyone catches it. It will only benefit our community.
Developers' money permeates politics
Date: April 16, 2005
Publication: The Baltimore Sun
Author: Alan P. Zukerberg, Pikesville. The writer is president of the Pikesville Communities Corp.
I appreciate The Sun's coverage of the manner in which developers are able to use multiple limited liability entities as vehicles to circumvent campaign finance limits ("Companies bypass campaign caps," April 3).
The legislature has continuously failed to remedy this problem. I can only conclude that its leadership does not want this problem resolved.
The power exerted by members of the "developer class" on Maryland politics is immeasurable. They have achieved limits on homeowner associations' ability to litigate faulty construction, local legislation that favors them in the development process, influence in the drafting of environmental regulations, and many other benefits.
The letter "An unfair portrayal of developer's work" (April 7) objects to the way The Sun portrayed the contributions by Edward A. St. John's companies and suggests that the isolation of liability is the primary motive for the creation of the many St. John companies.
Perhaps limiting liability is the engine driving the creation of all of those entities, but that does not seem to stop Mr. St. John and others in the developer class from using those companies (and their subcontractors and suppliers) to get around the campaign caps.
Stop parliamentary tricks to block judiciary nominees
Date: April 13, 2005
Publication: The Catonsville Times
Author: Paul Bunting, Catonsville
It is getting quite tiresome to hear some Democrats complain about Senate Republicans' plans to guarantee that every judicial nominee receives an up or down vote on the Senate floor. What is the alternative? The Senate has held hours and hours of debate on these nominees - more than 150 hours of debate in this last Congress alone. That is more than any Congress in United States history. But Democrats are still refusing to vote.
It is understandable that some Democrats would be frustrated. President Bush won in November, and Senate Republicans picked up four seats. But that's what elections are for - deciding who wins.
The Democrats' response to Republicans is to whine, complain and threaten to shut down the Senate through obstructionist tactics. This must stop. Their response should be the same as it has always been for the losing side in a political debate - regroup, make your arguments, persuade the other side, convince them they're wrong.
But don't refuse to vote. Don't block all Senate business because you're afraid the other side might actually win.
Democrats need to stop using parliamentary tricks to avoid voting and instead show some courage and stand up for their convictions. Win or lose, that's the American way.
Party Line - Democrats don't play very nicely
Date: April 12, 2005
Publication: The Jeffersonian
Author: Chris Cavey
Every year, as the General Assembly draws closer to Sine Die - the end of the session, with more than 2,000 bills headed for the finish line - internal temperatures rise.
This year, however, Annapolis is having additional pains, especially on the Democratic side of the aisle.
To members of an antiquated party that used to reign supreme, a strong-willed governor who is not of the same party had been only a bad dream. Now Democrats have to learn how to work and play nicely with others and, so far, this concept has caused confusion for our Democratic friends.
This Republican governor is an obstacle their 40-year-old steamroller can't easily level. Yet, their attempts at obstruction continue. For instance:
Democrats are trying to strip the office of governor of certain appointment powers. This is a signal, to me, that they are doubtful that they have a real chance of controlling that office in the near future. Otherwise, why change the rules the year before an election?
Legislators are making noises about "partisan" Republican appointments and "looking for political hacks." Good! I can't wait to see how many of Senate President Miller's friends and relatives are on that list!
I also wonder how many Democratic officials in the Baltimore area, former and current, have friends and relatives left over from the good, old Democratic days. We'll see how deep that investigation goes.
I don't understand why House Judiciary Chairman Vallario would want to water down a bill on the governor's plan to provide stronger protections to witnesses of violent crimes. Why would he and Speaker Busch want to protect the scum in our society who intimidate witnesses? Perhaps they only wanted to thwart another strong idea for which Gov. Ehrlich can take credit. The original bill enjoyed bipartisan support. The Democratic leadership knew it had to take control of this bill or another good Ehrlich idea would win again.
Who in his right mind would oppose helping our veterans? The Democratic House leadership, again. They are stopping a good idea, and a great bill, on a raw, partisan basis. A tax break would be a deserved "thank you" for service - and last I checked our veterans didn't serve as political partisans but as loyal citizens.
How about Speaker Busch dismantling the Office for Children, Youth and Families without any input from the governor's office, children's advocate groups or the executive departments that are responsible for child welfare in Maryland? I would think the liberal end of the Democrat Party would be in frenzy over this one, but no one has heard a word. Apparently only Democrats are allowed to compassionately lead the thinking on the welfare of our children and youth.
I love the two-party system. It inspires debate, the use of logic to persuade others, and the ingenuity to find new solutions to old and new problems.
The press would want you to believe that a two-party system is supposed to inspire compromise.
Wrong. Our country didn't become great based on compromise. It became great because of our two-party system and the ability of our leaders to solve problems in new and inspiring ways.
Perhaps the Democrats in Annapolis should look for new leadership. Perhaps they should look to those who inspire and not to those who obstruct.
Republicans understand and so do Maryland's voters. That's why Ehrlich's the governor.
Chris Cavey is chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Party. He can be reached at .
Make juvenile jails much more punitive
Date: April 9, 2005
Publication: The Baltimore Sun
Author: Betty Wagner, Reisterstown
I cannot believe Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley and Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan have the nerve to fault Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. on the condition of the juvenile justice system in this state ("Democrats chide Ehrlich for problems at juvenile jails," March 31).
Mr. Ehrlich inherited the mess from a Democratic administration.
As a former executive secretary at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, I have seen firsthand what happens on a daily basis.
The entire system is pathetic. It does nothing to punish these young offending juveniles; instead, they are rewarded for their bad behavior.
Everything is given to the offenders - three meals a day, clothing, medical treatment, drug rehabilitation, exercise, TV, radio and a warm bed.
If the system is to improve, the offenders must pay the price for their offenses.
The offenders broke the law, and that's why they are in the system. The punishment must fit the crime. It is time we made everyone responsible for his actions.
Juveniles should be separated by age, as the younger juveniles are sometimes raped and beaten by older offenders. The next step would be to separate juveniles by the severity of their offenses.
And when juveniles act out, they need to be put into solitary confinement, apart from the rest of the population.
Taking more responsible action would reduce recidivism.
If life is not made easy for these juvenile offenders, they will not want to come back to the system.
The future of Social Security
Date: April 7, 2005
Publication: The Jeffersonian
Author: Paul Bunting
It seems that our own congressmen including Elijah Cummings, Ben Cardin, and Dutch Rupersberger are carrying the liberal masthead proudly while on their visits with constituents. As the President tours the country talking about the future of Social Security, the Democrats are also on the road.
President Bush has rightfully placed Social Security in the spotlight as he attempts to get a much-needed fix for the program. But the Democrats clearly have a different goal-to stop any reasonable discussions on Social Security through distortions and fallacies. These congressmen are telling Americans that the President will cut their benefits, that there is no problem to discuss and that the President won’t win on this issue. To assist the liberals, groups like the AARP are actively calling seniors and falsely claiming that their benefits will be cut under the President’s plan. Everyone admits there is a problem, but only President Bush has the courage to suggest a solution. The Democrats have offered no plan; instead they suggest the problem is years away, so why do something now.
The President’s plan is a constructive approach to fixing the system for future retirees. Social Security needs to be a priority. More than two-thirds of Americans agree that we need to act now to preserve Social Security. The US Senate recently voted 100-0 to permanently sustain the system. Let’s hold our elected officials responsible for their words and deeds. The Democrats need to stop their canard and help fix the problem.
Ehrlich's record on environment was misstated
Date: April 7, 2005
Publication: The Dundalk Eagle
Author: Greg Massoni, Dunglow Road
Dear Johnny Olszewski Jr.: I was saddened to read your letter, "Ehrlich's standards on water quality would harm Bay," that appeared in the March 24 Eagle. I choose to respond in a public forum, not to embarrass you, but to set the record straight for any readers who may have been confused by your misstatements of facts.
Regarding your criticism of Gov. Ehrlich's record on the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued a directive for the State of Maryland to meet water quality standards by the year 2010. Gov. Ehrlich has instructed Maryland's Department of the Environment to assess our waterways for compliance regarding that directive.
Further, I am confident that your failure to mention Gov. Ehrlich's Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act - the most sweeping legislation to clean the Bay in a generation - and the $8 million in federal funding that Maryland received under his leadership for the Chesapeake Bay Pilot Program were simply oversights.
Also, just to set the record straight, Gov. Ehrlich has never failed to fully fund the Thornton Commission. This governor has allotted more dollars to education than any governor in the history of our state. And Gov. Ehrlich did this without allowing House Speaker Mike Busch's proposed billion-dollar tax increase and in spite of the Speaker's partisan obstruction of a viable slots bill that would provide dedicated revenue to our schools.
You also misunderstand the difference between taxes and fees: fees are designated to go to a specific fund for a specific cause (i.e., Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund to clean the Bay, Transportation Trust Fund for road construction). Taxes go to the General Fund to be spent on anything and everything within the state budget.
As for the rising property taxes, Senate President "Mike" Miller and Speaker Busch left the Board of Public Works no other option to address a gaping hole that the General Assembly left in the 2004 budget. They got their way - but only temporarily, as Gov. Ehrlich has pledged to look at a viable alternative that would remedy this burden on Maryland taxpayers.
While I applaud you for your interest in the political process and your willingness to voice your opinions, I urge you to do so more responsibly in the future.
The writer is press secretary to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.
Ehrlich's record on environment was misstated
Date: April 7, 2005
Publication: The Dundalk Eagle
Author: Donald J. Caldwell, Whiteway Road
I found it amusing that the newest neophyte to the local political theater would attack our governor on the very issue where he was nationally recognized by President Bush for his innovative efforts to preserve our Chesapeake Bay.
The governor's bill to eliminate nitrogen contamination and reverse decades of sewage system abuse is just one example.
Olszewski Jr. needs to educate himself before committing his distortions to print. Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and his entire administration are a testament to sound, fiscally responsible government. This, of course, is anathema to the tax-and-spend Democrats who cannot fathom life without ever-increasing taxes and ever-expanding social welfare programs.
Leadership requires creativity and accountability, not the $1.3 billion debt and personal golden parachute that Glendening left in his wake. Junior should also recognize that his daddy's district voted overwhelmingly for change when they elected Gov. Ehrlich in 2002.
That change has been repeatedly obstructed by the Democrats in the state legislature. These obstructionists continue their schemes to deny our governor the opportunity to improve everyone's quality of life in Maryland.
The cost of their obstructionist tactics is now over $1.5 billion in lost revenue that slots alone would have brought to our state - money for new school construction, new highways and lower taxes.
What is more important, a government that adheres to the wishes of the electorate or a government of political hacks who place partisan objectives over the will of the people? A defeated party in the last vestiges of its antiquated liberal life continues to demand more from a bankrupt culture of corruption.
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich will always be an icon to my generation - a leader who, in the face of insurmountable odds, stayed true to his convictions and beliefs and made history.