“Idea Team” Begins Work On New Administration

This afternoon, Mayor-Elect Josh Cohen named his “Idea Team” to help with his transition into City Hall.  The team is a bipartisan effort and is divided up into eight separate sub-teams.

Cohen named Zina Pierre and Greg Stiverson to co-chair the team. Pierre and Stiverson were fellow candidates for office during the recent election. Pierre was a Democratic candidate for Mayor and Stiverson wasa Republican candidate for Ward Six Alderman.

The City of Annapolis Mayoral Transition 2009 has eight committees. Each of the eight incoming alderpersons will serve in an honorary capacity on one of the committees.  The Idea Team is charged with presenting its report and recommendations to the new Mayor and City Council by January 11, 2010.

The committees are:

• Co-Chair Greg Stiverson is the former president of Envisioning Annapolis Foundation, president and CEO of Historic Annapolis Foundation, and current president of the Kunta-Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation.
• Co-Chair Zina Pierre is the founding President and CEO of the Washington Linkage Group, Inc., a full service governmental relations and strategic consulting firm specializing in lobbying, advocacy, public relations, grant writing and international trade.

Budget & Finance

• Chair: Maurice Tose founded TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) in 1987 and has served as Chairman of the Board,  President and CEO since then. Prior to founding TCS, Mr. Tosé was the Director of Department of Defense Programs for Techmatics, Inc.
• Alderwoman Classie Hoyle
• Tom Brandt
• Debbie Gosselin
• Shelly Lamar
• Jennifer Monteith
• Reza Jafari
• Carl Snowden
• Kathie Sulick

Economic Development

• Chair: Chuck Walsh is a principal in Consensus Partners, which owns commercial real estate within the city. He also established Artwalk, a non-profit charitable corporation, which promotes and implements large scale public art throughout the Annapolis area.
• Alderman Fred Paone
• Carole Alexander
• Gloria Brown
• Bob Burdon
• Jan Cort
• Connie DelSignore
• Dick Franyo
• Jenelle Murph
• J. Jeremy Parks
• Jessica Jordan Paret
• Sarah Wilkerson

Environment

• Chair: Chris Trumbauer has been the West/Rhode Riverkeeper since July 2008.  For nine years, he was a biologist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he coordinated a state-wide water quality monitoring program.
• Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson
• Joel Dunn
• Ted Gattino
• Corinne Irwin
• Karen Jennings
• Zora Lathan
• Suzanne Pogell
• Kincey Potter
• David Prosten
• Kurt Riegel
• Rob Schnabel

Government Structure & Permitting

• Chair: Doug Smith is the President of the Ward One Resident’s Association and Treasurer of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership.  He has served as co-chair of Annapolitans for a Better Community and helped lead the recent petition drives for a Council-Manager form of government and for a Tax Cap.
• Alderman Ross Arnett
• Rhonda Pindell Charles, Esq.
• Michael Fox
• Mark Garrity
• Vicki Lathom
• Vince Leggett
• Bob Libson
• Michael Pachler
• Molly Smith
• Dinny White

Housing & Community Services

• Chair: Sharon Brown has worked in the affordable housing field for 20 years in a variety of positions including as property manager, housing choice voucher specialist and counselor.  She has worked for both the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis as well as the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County (HCAAC).
• Alderman Kenny Kirby
• Cynthia Carter
• Maria Casasco
• Deneice Fisher
• Armando Gonzalez
• Melinda Hamilton
• Devin Heritage
• Kate Rollason
• Rock Toews

Market House & City Dock

• Chair: Judd Legum resides in Ward One and is an attorney in private practice in the city. Previously, Judd was the Research Director for the Center for American Progress, a leading public policy think tank in Washington, DC. He also served as Research Director for Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign.
• Alderman Dick Israel
• Sandy Cohen
• Chris Fox
• Allan James
• Michael Jackson
• John “Bumper” Moyer
• Jim Nolan
• Pearse O’Doherty
• Craig Purcell
• Cathy Schultz
• Craig Sewell

Public Safety

• Chair: Alderman Dave Cordle has chaired the City Council’s standing committee on Public Safety for the past eight years.  Dave is the Chief Investigator of the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he began work in 1980. Dave is also the coordinator of the Witness Security Program which he created in 1995.
• Alderman Mat Silverman
• Jennifer Adams
• Antonio Brown
• Bill Donoho
• Lee Finney
• Rev. Henry Green
• Debbie Johnson
• Jay Martin
• Vic Pascoe

Transportation & Parking

• Chair: Barbara Rasin Price was a founder and deputy director of the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), a national non-profit Washington-based organization that advocates for improved public transportation services and provides technical assistance and training to transportation providers, states and local communities.
• Alderman Ian Pfeiffer
• Paul Foer
• Bill Herald
• Dave Humphreys
• Martha Mitchell
• Shelley Row
• Jerry South
• Chance Walgran
• Jim Wildey

Related posts:

1. Cohen Reaches Out To African American Community Lands Several Key Endorsements This afternoon, Josh Cohen, Democratic Candidate...
2. Ian Pfeiffer To Run For Annapolis Ward 7 Ian Pfeiffer has thrown his hat into the ring for...
3. Need Help With Your Mortgage? Alderman Shropshire Sponsoring Panel Discussion TONIGHT at 6:00pm at Annapolis...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Bowling And Shropshire Turn Up The Heat

In the wake of the horrific fliers that were distributed just before the election, the two targeted men are turning the heat up. Way up!

Yesterday, Ward 7 Alderman Sam Shropshire and Scott Bowling (unsuccessful candidate for Ward 3) spoke for a half hour on the “Talk With..” show on WNAV. Classie Hoyle, the effective beneficiary of the flier was invited, but refused to return calls. And if that was not enough to light a fire, last night’s council meeting certainly way.

The room was crowded and there were probably a dozen supporters of Scott and Sam who spoke on their behalf. An impassioned plea for justice was presented by Scott Bowling who clearly held his former opponent, Alderman Classie Hoyle, in contempt. As Scott left the dais, the room erupted in applause and many stood.  Scott’s partner, Dave Miller also spoke and called for the resignation of Classie Hoyle for her refusal to condemn the hate literature distributed on her behalf.

Throughout the testimony, Classie Hoyle offered little if no emotion. Finally, when a reward was announced, she offered to contribute $500 to the fund. This gesture (and it was merely a gesture) was weak and quite honestly 9 days late.  Eric Hartley summed it up well, “there’s a reason Alderwoman Classie Hoyle’s about-face on the racist, homophobic attacks against her political opponent seemed sudden: It was utterly insincere.”

For more details, complete with snarky comments, see Annapolis Politics’ blow by blow commentary.

With the public testimony out of the way, Alderman Sam Shropshire presented three identical letters addressed to the FBI in Baltimore, Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, and Anne Arundel County’s State’s Attorney Franks Weathersbee requesting a full investigation. Alderman Shropshire was able to get all nine members of the council to sign the letters and they were sent out today.

One point that was made last night was that as this was all coming to light, the only people to publicly condemn the flier were Josh Cohen, Carl Snowden, and Nick Berry. The Mayor, the City Council, and the other elected officials remained mum.  As this nation has come so far over the past several years, this is not what anyone expects of Annapolis. Last year, we made a big deal about apologizing for slavery–something over which we had no control. Yet, today, in 2009, our City leaders remain mum while dirty politics runs roughshod throughout the city.  Maybe in a few hundred years, some City Council will offer an apology to Bowling and Shropshire. Or perhaps the one we have elected to lead us can do the right thing and offer it now–starting with Classie Hoyle.

The other two letters (FBI an d Weathersbee) are after the jump.

Related posts:

1. Shropshire To Call For Investigation Alderman Plans To Involve US and MD Attorney General In...
2. Bowling Vows To Repeal 54% Increase In Liquor Fees Denounces Current Mayor and Aldermanic Opponent Classie Hoyle Scott Bowling,...
3. Bowling Responds Aldermanic Candidate Responds To Hate Literature Shortly after discovering the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Annual Hall Of Fame Inducts Eight Projects

This year’s Volunteer Project Hall of Fame Celebration was held on November 6, 2009, in Annapolis. This event, at Loews Annapolis Hotel, was sponsored by the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County and the Coordinators of Volunteers of Anne Arundel County to honor eight Volunteer Projects that were judged to have had the greatest impact to the residents of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis.

Dr. Herma Percy, emcee, News Director for 1430 WNAV Radio, and Keynote Speaker, Barbara Ellen Reynolds, Director of the Governor’s Office on Service & Volunteerism, celebrated the eight new inductees into the Volunteer Project Hall of Fame.

2009 Hall of Fame Inductees include:

1. EcoStar Project Award – Spa Creek Conservancy and St. Mary’s Parish for Rain Garden/Stormwater Runoff Project
2. Faith-Based Project Award – Serve Annapolis 2009 for 1000 Volunteers Completing 42 Community Service Projects in a day
3. Special-Needs Project Award – Food Link, Inc. for Emergency Baby Pantry Project
4. Civic Engagement Project Award – Civitan Club of Glen Burnie and OBI for Development and Support of the Friendship Civitan Club
5. School-Based Project Award – STAR Program at Severna Park High School for Successfully Implementing a Program that Promotes Student Balance, Resiliency and Respect
6. “Boomer” Project Award -  Partners in Care for  Wisdom Work Team Project
7. Community Collaboration Award – “LETS GO” Boys & Girls Clubs/U.S. Naval Academy Project for Leadership and Engineering Projects to Encourage Future Scientists
8. Legacy Award – Asbury United Methodist Church Missions Ministry for Asbury UMC Soup Kitchen and Homeless Services in the heart of Annapolis since the early 1970s.

By saluting these eight projects, the celebration applauded their efforts and introduced their accomplishments to the greater community.  For information about next year’s Volunteer Project Hall of Fame Celebration, please contact the Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County at 410-897-9207.

Related posts:

1. The Nominations Are Open 2009 Volunteer Project Hall Of Fame Each year hundreds of...
2. Davidsonville Volunteer Wins National Honor Informs Public About Medicare And Medicaid Fraud Dottie Beauregard of...
3. Thank You Northrop Grumman A True Community Partner The Capital offered it’s praise last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Receives $5000 For Van Bokkelen PTA

Rhonda Ulmer, Women of Worth recipient.

Congratulations go out to Rhonda Ulmer!

L’Oréal Paris has announced that an Anne Arundel County parent and longtime volunteer is among one of ten women from across the country to receive the 2009 Women of Worth Award.

Rhonda Ulmer, who began her volunteer activities in 2001 at Van Bokkelen Elementary School, will receive a $5,000 donation for the school’s PTA. Ulmer is now a member of the Seven Oaks Elementary School PTA, where her two youngest children are students, and the Meade High School PTA, where her oldest child is a student.

This win places her in the running for the National competition where the winner will receive $25,000 for charity.

L’Oréal Paris describes a “Woman of Worth” as one who, “sees a need around her and doesn’t hesitate to get involved. She empowers women, mentors children, helps survivors to heal and motivates troops overseas. As a leader, she encourages and coaches others to make a difference in their community.”

As president of Van Bokkelen’s PTA, she helped obtain a grant from the Maryland Parent Leadership Institute to fund the Van Bokkelen Family Network. The project initiative connected parents with children in the elementary school with local resources that helped provided education, food, health, and housing assistance. After being put on a list for possible state takeover, Van Bokkelen has met state standards in each of the last five years. The PTA is also going strong, and membership has increased dramatically in recent years. The Van Bokkelen Family Network Project led Ulmer to create University for Parents, a community program designed to provide parent and family education to assist parents in helping their children succeed in school.

For more information on the Women of Worth program, log on to www.womenofworth.com.

Related posts:

1. Important Back To School Notes Anne Arundel Schools Back In Session School Starts Next week,...
2. Fruits & Veggies For Our Schools Three County Schools Selected For Federal Fresh Fruit And...
3. Students Raise More Than $250,000 Anne Arundel County Students Jump Rope For Heart To The...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Regional News From WBAL-TV

Sniper’s Ex-Wife Speaks Out On Ordeal. As the nation’s Supreme Court refuses to block the execution of sniper mastermind John Allen Muhammad, the attention turns to his impending death. Few people can forget the fall of 2002, when Muhammad and an accomplice was randomly shooting people going about their lives. The victims were shot in parking lots, while cutting grass, getting gas or even just sitting on a park bench.

Mayor Dixon Pleads Not Guilty. Through an attorney, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon has pleaded not guilty to theft charges. Click inside WBALTV.com for details from the courtroom.

Three Charged With Hate Crimes In Assault. Montgomery County Police have charged three men with committing a crime by assaulting the victims because of their sexual orientation.Cinder Tobar-Campos, 23, of Montgomery Village; William Alexander Mendoza, 30, of Hyattsville; and Felix Arevalo Cantarero, 24, of Wheaton were all charged with numerous offenses. Police said two women and a man who were walking in Wheaton early on Oct. 25 were attacked by the three men, who threw rocks and bottles at them while calling them slurs targeting their sexual orientation.

Inmate Fatally Stabbed At Correctional Facility. A 37-year-old inmate serving five years on drug charges was stabbed to death Sunday night at Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover.The incident is being investigated by Maryland State Police, with assistance from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Related posts:

1. Regional Recap, November 3, 2009 Regional News From WBAL-TV State Police Issue First Silver Alert....
2. The Regional Recap, August 28, 2009 Regional News From WBAL-TV Cardin Reimbursement? What do you think...
3. Regional Recap, October 23, 2009 Regional News From WBAL-TV Analyst: Slots Revenue Won’t Reach Estimates....

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Ravens Forgot To Get Off Plane In Cincinnati

The Ravens played a game on Sunday, or at least they were scheduled to play a game.  I’m still trying to figure out who showed up to play.

I am a huge Ravens fan and this game was hard to watch.  This game in my opinion was the worst played game of the season.  It seemed as though everyone had a bit of an off day.   The secondary of the Ravens’ defense looked slow and depleted from injuries,  Cedric Benson was running all day and OchoCinco had several nice catches throughout the game.

The biggest stat of the day was the time of possession, the Bengals had control of the ball for 40 minutes, leaving Joe Flacco and the Ravens’ offense only 20 minutes to get something done.  When the Ravens did have the ball Flacco was off on his throws, seemingly not seeing the defense very well, giving up two interceptions and overthrowing or underthowing receivers.

The Ravens offense was third in the league coming into the game on third down conversions but went 1 for 10 during this game.  All hope was not lost though when Ray Rice finally got into the endzone on a 1 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.  The momentum looked like it was finally turning in the Ravens direction.  Ed Reed stripped a pass from Chad OchoCinco which later set up a field goal attempt.  Steve Hauschka however hooked the 38 yard field goal try to kill the rally and the Bengals were able to hold onto their lead,  sacking Flacco twice in the Ravens’ last possession to seal the game for the Bengals.

The Ravens fell to 4 and 4 on the season and will face the lackluster Cleveland Browns on the road next week on Monday Night Football. We can hope!

Related posts:

1. Ravens Fall Just Short Minnesota Edges Out Ravens The Ravens gave fans an up...
2. Maryland Lady Shooting Stars Capture Early Invitation The “Elites” capture invite to the D-1 Nationals Many of...
3. Ravens Sign Lewis It seems that the Ravens and Ray Lewis have come...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Regional News From WBAL-TV

18-Year Old Seriously Wounded In Shooting. Annapolis police are investigating a shooting in Eastport.It happened at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of Madison Street near the Harbor House public housing complex.Police said an identified 18-year-old man was shot in the buttocks.The wound was near the femoral artery and was considered serious, medics said.

Ft. Hood Rampage Claims Life Of Marylander. A Maryland mother of two is listed as one of the 13 victims in the deadly shooting rampage at Ft. Hood, Texas.Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 55, was a physician’s assistant from Harve De Grace.Warman was a member of the Army Reserves. She worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Maryland. She was a volunteer with the Maryland National Guard’s reintegration program for the last year-and-a-half.

Students Accused Of Totaling Coach’s Car. A group of middle school students is accused of vandalizing the car of an Anne Arundel County high school football coach, and surveillance video appeared to catch them in the act. The incident happened late last week while the vehicle was parked on campus at Old Mill Middle-High School.

Trooper Hailed For Saving Man From Burning Home. A state trooper is being praised for saving an Eastern Shore man from a burning home.Police said TFC R. Singleton was on patrol in the Hurlock area when he heard a broadcast about a house fire in the 100 block of Maryland Avenue.Singleton was nearby and responded to the scene. Officials said he arrived before the fire crews and raced into the home to save Jim Malone, 53.

Related posts:

1. Regional Recap, September 4, 2009 Regional News From WBAL-TV Furlough Closures To Affect Public Too....
2. Regional Recap, November 2, 2009 Regional News From WBAL-TV Toddler Found Tangled In Drapery Cord...
3. Regional Recap, November 4, 2009 Regional News From WBAL-TV Democrat Leads In Annapolis Mayoral Election. ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Top Ten Pages At Eye On Annapolis

Whew! Elections are done for another year anyhow. But this week, the elections in Annapolis earned our readers attention. While Josh Cohen won the race, the big news was the distribution of a racial and homophobic hate flier which targeted Ward 3 Candidate Scott Bowling and the subsequent silence of his opponent, Classie Hoyle.

Seth Perry and his From The Classroom is a favorite as well and this week, he talks about his first ever homecoming dance as a student–lots of great insight there and a must read for any parent!

Rounding out the top faves is a video  of Eggcellence–a new brunch spot in town. The video was produced by  What’s Up Annapolis. And unfortunately, H1N1 is still on the minds of many as well as the area gets over the shocking death of Walter Brooks.

10. Beer Vs Pinot: Photos Of The 12th Annual Tug O War

9. Ft. Hood Shooter Has Regional Ties

8. City Election Recap

7. Local Student Dies From H1N1

6. Eggcellence: A New Brunch Spot

5. From The Classroom: Going To Homecoming

4. Shropshire Calls For Investigation By FBI And Local Authorities

3. Scott Bowling Speaks Out Against Flier

2. Hoyle Refuses To Address Flier

1. Racism In Annapolis: Completely Despicable

Related posts:

1. Top Ten For The Week Top Ten Pages At Eye On Annapolis If our reports...
2. Top Ten For The Week Top Ten Pages At Eye On Annapolis The tale of...
3. Shropshire To Call For Investigation Alderman Plans To Involve US and MD Attorney General In...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Eastport Tugs Against Annapolis

Once again, for the twelfth year, the City of Annapolis and the Maritime Republic of Eastport have brought their dispute to the Gulf of Eastport. At the crack of noon, the Bars of Eastport pulled against the Bars of Annapolis. The Eastport Fire Department pulled against their counterparts in Annapolis.

When we left, Eastport had a decided advantage over Annapolis. Organizers credit their success on diet, “We are about funnel cake and beer while they are about pasta and pinot.”

There were celebrations on both sides of the Gulf of Eastport (Spa Creek). The Eastport side featured live music from local bands including the Eastport Elementary School band, great food and beverages. There was a children’s area with a moon bounce, face painters, art and crafts stations and more. Over on the Annapolis side,
the City of Annapolis and the Downtown Annapolis Partnership put together some great activities to create a family-friendly atmosphere for Tuggers and their cheerleaders between 10am and 2pm including  The Chesapeake Steel Drum Band,   Caledonian Pipes and Drums, face-painting, balloon animal artistry, and more.

The rivalry is all in good fun and supports many local charities. Of the many events in the area, this has to be one of the best!  For more photos (like 100), click here! Feel free to download!

Related posts:

1. Blockbuster Feels The Economic Pinch In a move indicative of the declining economy, the local...
2. Jim Conley For Ward 5 Jim Conley, Candidate for Alderman--Ward 5 A Plan For...
3. Fair Business Versus Responsible Business Chris Fox, Balances Fair And Responsible Chris Fox, Independent Candidate...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Annapolis, South River & Southern Schools

NOTE: This is a PTSA event and the school sends the automated message as a courtesy three to four days before an event. The PTSA was promoting this event independent of the school system.

There will be a meeting at Annapolis Senior High School at 7pm on Monday night, November 9, 2009 to discuss gang awareness.  State’s Attorney Frank Weathersbee and his staff will make a presentation in the Cafeteria beginning at 7pm.

While this has likely been on Weathersbee’s schedule for quite some time, Anne Arundel County Public Schools  is just notifying parents today (2pm November 7, 2009), two days before the event. Certainly with the issues surrounding violence in the schools and the death of Christopher Jones last year, one would think the school system would be slightly more proactive.

Related posts:

1. Urgent Brooklyn Park Middle School Meeting County Middle School In Trouble Brooklyn Park Middle School has...
2. Annapolis Candidate Forum August 20, 2009 Annapolis High School PTSA To Sponsor Forum Candidates for Mayor...
3. A Suggestion For The Board Of Education Best practices for developing a school calendar Last week, I...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.