Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art One-half Banana Stems

Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art One-half Banana Stems - www.kevindayhoff.com Address: PO Box 124, Westminster MD 21158 410-259-6403 kevindayhoff@gmail.com Runner, writer, artist, fire & police chaplain Mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist & artist: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, technology, music, culture, opera... National & International politics www.kevindayhoff.net For community: www.kevindayhoff.org For art, technology, writing, & travel: www.kevindayhoff.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008

President Bush’s address to the nation on the economic crisis


President Bush’s address to the nation on the economic crisis

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 24, 2008
President's Address to the Nation
State Floor

Video (Windows) /news/releases/2008/09/20080924-10.wm.v.html

Presidential Remarks
Audio
In Focus: Economy

9:01 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. This is an extraordinary period for America's economy. Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration. We've seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending. Credit markets have frozen. And families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money.

We're in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action. We've boosted confidence in money market mutual funds, and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain.

Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets. Financial assets related to home mortgages have lost value during the housing decline. And the banks holding these assets have restricted credit. As a result, our entire economy is in danger. So I've proposed that the federal government reduce the risk posed by these troubled assets, and supply urgently-needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending.

This rescue effort is not aimed at preserving any individual company or industry -- it is aimed at preserving America's overall economy. It will help American consumers and businesses get credit to meet their daily needs and create jobs. And it will help send a signal to markets around the world that America's financial system is back on track.

I know many Americans have questions tonight: How did we reach this point in our economy? How will the solution I've proposed work? And what does this mean for your financial future? These are good questions, and they deserve clear answers.

First, how did our economy reach this point?

Well, most economists agree that the problems we are witnessing today developed over a long period of time. For more than a decade, a massive amount of money flowed into the United States from investors abroad, because our country is an attractive and secure place to do business. This large influx of money to U.S. banks and financial institutions -- along with low interest rates -- made it easier for Americans to get credit. These developments allowed more families to borrow money for cars and homes and college tuition -- some for the first time. They allowed more entrepreneurs to get loans to start new businesses and create jobs.

Unfortunately, there were also some serious negative consequences, particularly in the housing market. Easy credit -- combined with the faulty assumption that home values would continue to rise -- led to excesses and bad decisions. Many mortgage lenders approved loans for borrowers without carefully examining their ability to pay. Many borrowers took out loans larger than they could afford, assuming that they could sell or refinance their homes at a higher price later on.

Optimism about housing values also led to a boom in home construction. Eventually the number of new houses exceeded the number of people willing to buy them. And with supply exceeding demand, housing prices fell. And this created a problem: Borrowers with adjustable rate mortgages who had been planning to sell or refinance their homes at a higher price were stuck with homes worth less than expected -- along with mortgage payments they could not afford. As a result, many mortgage holders began to default.

These widespread defaults had effects far beyond the housing market. See, in today's mortgage industry, home loans are often packaged together, and converted into financial products called "mortgage-backed securities." These securities were sold to investors around the world. Many investors assumed these securities were trustworthy, and asked few questions about their actual value. Two of the leading purchasers of mortgage-backed securities were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk.

The decline in the housing market set off a domino effect across our economy. When home values declined, borrowers defaulted on their mortgages, and investors holding mortgage-backed securities began to incur serious losses. Before long, these securities became so unreliable that they were not being bought or sold. Investment banks such as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers found themselves saddled with large amounts of assets they could not sell. They ran out of the money needed to meet their immediate obligations. And they faced imminent collapse. Other banks found themselves in severe financial trouble. These banks began holding on to their money, and lending dried up, and the gears of the American financial system began grinding to a halt.

With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice: To step in with dramatic government action, or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions of some to undermine the financial security of all.

I'm a strong believer in free enterprise. So my natural instinct is to oppose government intervention. I believe companies that make bad decisions should be allowed to go out of business. Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. The market is not functioning properly. There's been a widespread loss of confidence. And major sectors of America's financial system are at risk of shutting down.

The government's top economic experts warn that without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic, and a distressing scenario would unfold:

More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically. And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs. Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. And ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession.

Fellow citizens: We must not let this happen. I appreciate the work of leaders from both parties in both houses of Congress to address this problem -- and to make improvements to the proposal my administration sent to them. There is a spirit of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans, and between Congress and this administration. In that spirit, I've invited Senators McCain and Obama to join congressional leaders of both parties at the White House tomorrow to help speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill.

I know that an economic rescue package will present a tough vote for many members of Congress. It is difficult to pass a bill that commits so much of the taxpayers' hard-earned money. I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15th, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street. But given the situation we are facing, not passing a bill now would cost these Americans much more later.

Many Americans are asking: How would a rescue plan work?

After much discussion, there is now widespread agreement on the principles such a plan would include. It would remove the risk posed by the troubled assets -- including mortgage-backed securities -- now clogging the financial system. This would free banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses. Any rescue plan should also be designed to ensure that taxpayers are protected. It should welcome the participation of financial institutions large and small. It should make certain that failed executives do not receive a windfall from your tax dollars. It should establish a bipartisan board to oversee the plan's implementation. And it should be enacted as soon as possible.

In close consultation with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox, I announced a plan on Friday. First, the plan is big enough to solve a serious problem. Under our proposal, the federal government would put up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars on the line to purchase troubled assets that are clogging the financial system. In the short term, this will free up banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses. And this will help our economy grow.

Second, as markets have lost confidence in mortgage-backed securities, their prices have dropped sharply. Yet the value of many of these assets will likely be higher than their current price, because the vast majority of Americans will ultimately pay off their mortgages. The government is the one institution with the patience and resources to buy these assets at their current low prices and hold them until markets return to normal. And when that happens, money will flow back to the Treasury as these assets are sold. And we expect that much, if not all, of the tax dollars we invest will be paid back.

A final question is: What does this mean for your economic future?

The primary steps -- purpose of the steps I have outlined tonight is to safeguard the financial security of American workers and families and small businesses. The federal government also continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money. The Treasury Department recently offered government insurance for money market mutual funds. And through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000. The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit -- and this will not change.

Once this crisis is resolved, there will be time to update our financial regulatory structures. Our 21st century global economy remains regulated largely by outdated 20th century laws. Recently, we've seen how one company can grow so large that its failure jeopardizes the entire financial system.

Earlier this year, Secretary Paulson proposed a blueprint that would modernize our financial regulations. For example, the Federal Reserve would be authorized to take a closer look at the operations of companies across the financial spectrum and ensure that their practices do not threaten overall financial stability. There are other good ideas, and members of Congress should consider them. As they do, they must ensure that efforts to regulate Wall Street do not end up hampering our economy's ability to grow.

In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. Despite corrections in the marketplace and instances of abuse, democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised. It has unleashed the talents and the productivity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. It has made this country the best place in the world to invest and do business. And it gives our economy the flexibility and resilience to absorb shocks, adjust, and bounce back.

Our economy is facing a moment of great challenge. But we've overcome tough challenges before -- and we will overcome this one. I know that Americans sometimes get discouraged by the tone in Washington, and the seemingly endless partisan struggles. Yet history has shown that in times of real trial, elected officials rise to the occasion. And together, we will show the world once again what kind of country America is -- a nation that tackles problems head on, where leaders come together to meet great tests, and where people of every background can work hard, develop their talents, and realize their dreams.

Thank you for listening. May God bless you.

END 9:14 P.M. EDT



20080924 President Bush’s address to the nation on the economic crisis

McCain Discusses Financial Crisis, Rescue Plan by Steve Holland for Reuters

McCain Discusses Financial Crisis, Rescue Plan

By Steve Holland, Reuters September 24, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Republican presidential nominee John McCain got an update on the Wall Street financial crisis from several economic experts on Wednesday and was cautious on whether he would vote for a $700 billion bailout.

The Arizona senator said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, was wrong to say on Tuesday that McCain planned to vote for the hotly debated rescue plan.

"I did not say that," McCain told reporters…

McCain's comment came as he met with several economic experts and current and former corporate executives, such as Cisco CEO John Chambers, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and former Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain…

"Most Americans feel very strongly that this isn't their fault but it's Wall Street and Washington and the cozy insider relationships that have caused a great part of the problems," McCain said.

He said any package must have "transparency, accountability, CEO responsibility and obviously be in the best interest of the people (of) this country who are going to pay $10,000 per household in order to take the necessary measures to restore our confidence."

While Obama was in Florida getting prepared for his first debate with McCain on Friday in Mississippi, McCain was engaged in a round of meetings with foreign leaders in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

The list included a joint session with the presidents of Georgia and Ukraine, both of whom are concerned about Russia after Moscow's invasion of Georgia last month. He was also to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Read the entire article here.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE48N4TR20080924?sp=true

20080924 McCain Discusses Financial Crisis Rescue Plan

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

David S. Babylon Jr. Memorial Community Building Groundbreaking


Westminster Mayor and Common Council
P.O. Box 710, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane,
Westminster, Maryland 21158-0710 410-848-9000

Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158 (410) 848-9000

David S. Babylon Jr. Memorial Community Building Groundbreaking
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 3:30 p.m.
Westminster Playground, Westminster, Maryland

Westminster Dir. of Recreation & Parks Ron Schroers
Westminster Mayor Thomas K. Ferguson
Delegate Tanya T. Shewell District 5A, Carroll County
County Commissioner Dean Minnich
Fallfest Treasurer & Building Chair Marshall Green
Evelyn Fluck Babylon
Closing Ron Schroers
Cake


The building is being named in honor of David S. Babylon, Jr., who served the citizens of Westminster for twenty-five years as a distinguished member and President of the Westminster Common Council, was a life member of the Westminster Fire Department, and was a well-respected and successful Westminster businessman.

This new two-story building will replace the current outdated structure and is designed to continue to function as a snack shack and storage facility, but will also include a community meeting room and office facilities for Westminster Fallfest Inc.

The building will be owned by The City of Westminster and will be operated and maintained through a partnership with The City of Westminster, Westminster Fallfest, Inc., and The Westminster Optimist Club.

Funding for this exciting project was made possible by a lead private sector gift of $50,000.00 from the family of David Babylon, along with A State of Maryland Project Open Space grant of $59,470 and matching grants from Carroll County Government and The City of Westminster of $3,304.00 each.

Councilwoman Suzanne Albert and the Westminster based architectural firm of Dean Camlin & Associates, the Westminster based engineering firm of CLSI, and the Board of Directors of Westminster Fallfest, Inc. each have made important contributions to this endeavor.


If you’d like to contribute, checks can be made out to:
Westminster Fallfest “Paving the Road,”
Westminster Fallfest, Inc.,
P.O.B. 805, Westminster, Maryland, 21158
(410) 848-9000

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff


Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile
Published September 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
There has been a fair amount of discussion of late regarding published accounts of the June trip by 15 appointed and elected officials from Westminster...

League of extraordinary gentlemen (and women) serving Maryland
Published September 14, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Between scholarships, the cost of conferences and its plan to create geocache sites in local municipalities, the Maryland Municipal League has been the...

Appreciating the composed chaos of the GOP Convention
Published September 10, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
I spent last week at the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Xcel Center is a hockey arena...

For many years, the convention 'party' came to Baltimore
Published September 5, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
This past week I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel with the Maryland Delegation to the 2008 Republican National Convention at...

Power of art contributes to a community's vibrancy
Published September 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
This week's column is a bit of a travel log, but one that relates to life here in Westminster. Recently I had an opportunity to...

A town divided found purpose and prosperity as a unified Westminster
Published August 31, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE Last Sunday we looked at the early history of the western end of Westminster. It was a little more than 80 years ago...

Economic development will revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue
Published August 27, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
At a recent meeting of the Westminster Common Council, it was announced that Councilman Greg Pecoraro will chair another Pennsylvania Avenue initiative, and that Councilwoman...

Years ago, folks celebrated sticking The Forks in Westminster
Published August 24, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
The City of Westminster has recently been working to form a group to study the Pennsylvania Avenue of town. In that context, it's interesting that back...

I speak today in favor of adventures in 'behindular zone'
Published August 20, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Well, I did it. Come a little closer, and I'll tell you all about it. All right, maybe not all about it. After all, this...

20080923 Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns

NBH: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/60014.html


Art Econ Benefits of Art, Dayhoff Media Sun Carroll Eagle, History Westminster, Medicine Health colonoscopy, MML Municipal League, MML Municipal League Dayhoff articles, People Pecoraro-Greg, Westminster Council Pecoraro G, Westminster File PA Ave


Monday, September 22, 2008

The secret to a long life?


The secret to a long life?

Hat Tip: JCM

The 100 year-old and the cigarette.

20080922 The secret to a long life

Groundbreaking for the Babylon Community Building slated for Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 3:30 PM


Groundbreaking for the Babylon Community Building on the Westminster Playground slated for Wednesday September 24, 2008 at 3:30 PM

The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster cordially invite you to attend the Groundbreaking ceremony for the David S. Babylon Memorial Community Building to be held at 3:30 p.m. on September 24, 2008 on the grounds of the historic Westminster City Park.

The building is being named in honor of David S. Babylon who served the citizens of Westminster for twenty-five years as a distinguished member and President of the Westminster Common Council, was a life member of the Westminster Fire Department, and was a well-respected and successful Westminster businessman.

This new two-story building will replace the current outdated structure and is designed to continue to function as a snack shack and storage facility, but will also include a community meeting room and office facilities for Westminster Fallfest Inc.

The building will be owned by The City of Westminster and will be operated and maintained through a partnership with The City of Westminster, Westminster Fallfest, Inc., and The Westminster Optimist Club.

Funding for this exciting project was made possible by a lead private sector gift of $50,000.00 from the family of David Babylon, along with A State of Maryland Project Open Space grant of $59,470 and matching grants from Carroll County Government and The City of Westminster of $3,304.00 each.

Councilwoman Suzanne Albert and the Westminster based architectural firm of Dean Camlin & Associates, the Westminster based engineering firm of CLSI, and the Board of Directors of Westminster Fallfest, Inc. each have made important contributions to this endeavor.

Please contact Mr. Ron Schroers, Director of Recreation and Parks, at 410 848-6962 by September 15th to confirm your attendance.


For more information go to: 20080414 A History and overview of The David S. Babylon Jr. Community Building project

Babylon Fam Babylon Bldg Playground

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Babylon%20Fam%20Babylon%20Bldg%20Playground

20080924 Groundbreaking for the Babylon Community Building

Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt

Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt

By Bryan Schutt, Carroll County Times Staff Writer Saturday, September 13, 2008

The Westminster Playground Community Building will be demolished in the coming months and a new building will be built that’ll serve as the headquarters for two community organizations.

The new building will become the joint headquarters for the Optimist Club of Westminster and Westminster Fallfest Inc., according to Ron Schroers, Westminster’s director of parks and recreation. He said the project should be done by next year’s Fallfest and it will allow both groups to have a central location amid the heart of activity in the city.

Schroers said the majority of the $149,000 needed to pay for the project will come from Maryland Project Open Space grant money and fundraising by Fallfest. The ongoing electric costs will be covered by the Optimist Club.

A face-lift for the fixture wouldn’t have been practical, according to Schroers, so the building, which is located between the basketball court and baseball field at the city park, will be torn down and a new two-story structure will be erected.

The first floor will be the home of the Optimist Club. It will have a meeting room and a new concession area so the Optimist Club can operate a snack shack again during events. The current concession stand is inoperable, so the club abandoned the use of it.

The second floor will be the home to Fallfest, and it’ll have an office and multipurpose room. The building will also have a basement, which will serve as storage rooms for both groups.

Schroers said the fundraising took off after a donation from the Babylon family. The family donated $50,000 during the Fallfest Gala last April. Because of that, the new playground building will be renamed the David S. Babylon Memorial Community Building, in honor of Babylon and his contributions to the city.

Babylon, a lifelong Westminster activist, passed away in August 2006. He served as a councilman in Westminster for 25 years, was a volunteer in the Westminster fire company and was involved with several other community organizations.

Darlene Dorsey, president of the Optimist Club of Westminster, said she was floored when the idea was floated to her, and she still gets energized when she thinks about the project.

“That building now is an eyesore and needed so many repairs … we haven’t really used that shack for years,” Dorsey said. “It’s going to be useful again and that, in itself, is wonderful.

“I’m really excited. This is a great thing and the area will look much nicer, too.”

The Optimist Club used the building for years, but it’s mainly used as a storage shed now because it is so run down, she said.

Dorsey said that with all the club does, operating a good-looking building in the park will serve as a reminder to the community of their services and they hope it will further their outreach to the community’s children. Tom Canon, board member for Fallfest in charge of the capital campaign for the project, said he believes in the project’s practicality.

He said the groundbreaking will take place Sept. 24, the day of the Fallfest parade, and people will be able to see the redesign concept then.

“Making it bigger will enhance its service to the community,” Canon said. “Certainly, city [officials] and citizens take great pride in the facilities and [the area]. That’s what’s getting this done and it’ll be a nice thing to finish.”


Reach staff writer Bryan Schutt at 410-857-7886 or

bryan.schutt@carrollcountytimes.com.

20080913 Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt

Westminster Eagle: Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile by Kevin Dayhoff


Westminster Eagle: Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile by Kevin Dayhoff

Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ 9/17/08

There has been a fair amount of discussion of late regarding published accounts of the June trip by 15 appointed and elected officials from Westminster to attend the annual Maryland Municipal League summer convention -- which city officials acknowledge cost approximately $19,000 in taxpayer money.

The reaction on the street and in the grocery store checkout line was, to be polite, outrage. "Where were their heads when they made this harebrained decision?" asked an acquaintance while I was munching on fries and a roast beef sandwich at Baugher's.

Well, have a seat and take a deep breath. For you see, I can't entirely go along with the populist rabble on this one.

Yes, I enjoy my reputation as a tightwad penny pincher, for which I have endured eloquent criticism in the past -- criticism that comes from those who believe tax and spend big government is the answer to all the challenges in our community.

At a time when city officials are, to the best of my knowledge, for the first time in Westminster history laying off employees due to budget constraints, raising taxes and actively discussing curtailing city services; was it really wise to spend $19,000 on a convention -- which included a $1,500 "team-building dinner?"

Probably not. As one person said to me, it doesn't meet the smell test.

City officials have defended the expense of attending the MML convention, as well they should, by saying in affect that the conference is cost effective.

However, by all accounts, they missed the big picture in defense of the expenditure in that the real challenge facing Westminster is a community conversation over the growth of city government and the spending priorities and policies of the current administration.

The cost of the MML convention served as a lightning rod for the frustration of many folks in the community concerning the past several years when conflicting messages have been telegraphed to the public about city finances. For example, in the last several years the city has added new administrative positions at a cost of more than $200,000 a year -- all the while pleading poverty.

If you want to be upset over the spending priorities and the lack of fiscal discipline of the current administration; have at it.

However, I would leave the MML out of it. For my money, MML is actually part of the solution.

To be fair, the current administration campaigned on the need for increased spending, taxes, bureaucracy and larger government. To now be angry because they've been true to their word is disingenuous at best.

When I was an elected official with the city, I attended six conferences in Ocean City and I continue to keep in touch with MML officials and stay current with MML initiatives, programs, conferences and seminars.

The annual summer convention has grown over the years into a must-attend event for statewide elected leaders as well as municipal officials. Even though it's held in Ocean City, it is a far cry from a vacation at the beach. It's a great deal of work crammed into too few days.

What city officials ought to have done is give a "show me the money" report on what an invaluable service the MML and the summer convention provides our community. There really is bang for that buck, but it's hard to hear that bang over the sound of public protest.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff@carr.org.

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/1005/be-critical-spending-but-mml-has-been-worthwhile/

20080917 WE Be critical of spending but MML has been worthwhile

(564 words)

Carroll County Board of Commissioners agenda for the week of September 22 2008

Carroll County Board of Commissioners agenda for the week of September 22 2008

Board of County Commissioners
Julia W. Gouge, President
Dean L. Minnich, Vice President
Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary
Carroll County Government
225 North Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978
fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

Agenda for the Week of September 22, 2008

Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be held at the Carroll County Office Building Room 311. (Unless otherwise noted)

Indicates Outside Activities

Monday September 22, 2008

10:00 a.m.
Marada Industries, Inc. Tour
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Zimmer

7:00 p.m.
Union Bridge Community Meeting
Union Bridge, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

Tuesday September 23, 2008

9:00 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Old New Windsor School
County Government Offices & Presentation of Proclamation
for the Carroll County Public Library’s 50th Anniversary
New Windsor, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer

11:00 a.m.

Board of County Commissioners Open Session

County Office Building Room 311
2009/2010 Budget Challenges
County Commissioners Office Mr. Steve Powell/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski

FOLLOWED BY:

Board of County Commissioners Administrative Session Closed
Westminster, Maryland

1:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

4:00 p.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

Wednesday September 24, 2008

8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

10:00 a.m.
Issues & Insights with Mayor McCarron
Taneytown, Maryland
Commissioner Gouge

3:30 p.m.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for David Babylon Community
Building @ Westminster City Playground
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich

Thursday September 25, 2008

8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

8:30 a.m.
Economic Development Commission Meeting
County Office Building Room 105
Commissioner Minnich

10:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
County Office Building Room 003
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich

11:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session
County Office Building Room 311
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich

Request Approval Town/County Agreements
Towns of Sykesville & Mt. Airy
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski

Exercise Option to Purchase Daniel Shaffer Property
Greenwood Campus Option -
Department of Public Works Mr. J. Michael Evans
Department of General Services Mr. Tom Rio

Update on Carroll County Food Sunday -
Carroll County Food Sunday Mr. David Taylor

BCC signing of Bond documents for Issuance of Economic
Development Revenue Bonds for Fairhaven, Inc. and
Copper Ridge, Inc. -
County Attorney's Office Kim Millender, County Attorney

Request Approval of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department
FY 2009 Violence Again Women Act (VAWA) Award and
Operating Budget Resolution O-03 to Transfer Funds -
Carroll County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Tregoning/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski

Chief of Staff Time Mr. Steve Powell

Administrative Session Closed

Friday September 26, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer

7:00 p.m.
Induction of Filipino Americans of Carroll County
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Minnich

Saturday September 27, 2008

Sunday September 28, 2008
8:05 a.m.
“The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR
Commissioner Gouge

20080922 CCBOC agenda

Sunday, September 21, 2008

President Bush Discusses Economy


President Bush Discusses Economy

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary September 19, 2008

Rose Garden

Video (Windows) /news/releases/2008/09/20080919-2.wm.v.html
Presidential Remarks
Audio
En Español
Fact Sheet: Confronting Economic Challenges Head On
In Focus: Economy

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I thank Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox for joining me today.

This is a pivotal moment for America's economy. Problems that originated in the credit markets -- and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages -- have spread throughout our financial system. This has led to an erosion of confidence that has frozen many financial transactions, including loans to consumers and to businesses seeking to expand and create jobs. As a result, we must act now to protect our nation's economic health from serious risk.

There will be ample opportunity to debate the origins of this problem. Now is the time to solve it. In our nation's history, there have been moments that require us to come together across party lines to address major challenges. This is such a moment. Last night, Secretary Paulson and Chairman Bernanke and Chairman Cox met with congressional leaders of both parties -- and they had a very good meeting. I appreciate the willingness of congressional leaders to confront this situation head on.

Our system of free enterprise rests on the conviction that the federal government should interfere in the marketplace only when necessary. Given the precarious state of today's financial markets -- and their vital importance to the daily lives of the American people -- government intervention is not only warranted, it is essential.

In recent weeks, the federal government has taken a series of measures to help promote stability in the overall economy. To avoid severe disruptions in the financial markets and to support home financing, we took action to address the situation at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Federal Reserve also acted to prevent the disorderly liquidation of the insurance company AIG. And in coordination with central banks around the world, the Fed has injected much-needed liquidity into our financial system.

These were targeted measures designed primarily to stop the problems of individual firms from spreading even more broadly. But more action is needed. We must address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets -- the mortgage assets that have lost value during the housing decline and are now restricting the flow of credit. America's economy is facing unprecedented challenges, and we are responding with unprecedented action.

Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and Chairman Cox have briefed leaders on Capitol Hill on the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation approving the federal government's purchase of illiquid assets, such as troubled mortgages, from banks and other financial institutions. This is a decisive step that will address underlying problems in our financial system. It will help take pressure off the balance sheets of banks and other financial institutions. It will allow them to resume lending and get our financial system moving again.

Additionally, the federal government is taking several other steps to address the trouble of our financial markets.

The Department of the Treasury is acting to restore confidence in a key element of America's financial system -- money market mutual funds. In the past, government insurance was not available for these funds, and the recent stresses on the markets have caused some to question whether these investments are safe and accessible. The Treasury Department's actions address that concern by offering government insurance for money market mutual funds. For every dollar invested in an insured fund, you will be able to take a dollar out.

The Federal Reserve is also taking steps to provide additional liquidity to money market mutual funds, which will help ease pressure on our financial markets. These measures will act as grease for the gears of our financial system, which were at risk of grinding to a halt. They will support the flow of credit to households and businesses.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued new rules temporarily suspending the practice of short selling on the stocks of financial institutions. This is intended to prevent investors from intentionally driving down particular stocks for their own personal gain. The SEC is also requiring certain investors to disclose their short selling, and has launched rigorous enforcement actions to detect fraud and manipulation in the market. Anyone engaging in illegal financial transactions will be caught and persecuted [sic].

Finally, when we get past the immediate challenges, my administration looks forward to working with Congress on measures to bring greater long-term transparency and reliability to the financial system -- including those in the regulatory blueprint submitted by Secretary Paulson earlier this year. Many of the regulations governing the functioning of America's markets were written in a different era. It is vital that we update them to meet the realities of today's global financial system.

The actions I just outlined reflect the considered judgment of Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and Chairman Cox. We believe that this decisive government action is needed to preserve America's financial system and sustain America's overall economy. These measures will require us to put a significant amount of taxpayer dollars on the line. This action does entail risk. But we expect that this money will eventually be paid back. The vast majority of assets the government is planning to purchase have good value over time, because the vast majority of homeowners continue to pay their mortgages. And the risk of not acting would be far higher. Further stress on our financial markets would cause massive job losses, devastate retirement accounts, and further erode housing values, as well as dry up loans for new homes and cars and college tuitions. These are risks that America cannot afford to take.

In this difficult time, I know many Americans are wondering about the security of their finances. Every American should know that the federal government continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money. Through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000. The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit -- and this will not change.

America's financial system is intricate and complex. But behind all the technical terminology and statistics is a critical human factor -- confidence. Confidence in our financial system and in its institutions is essential to the smooth operation of our economy, and recently that confidence has been shaken. Investors should know that the United States government is taking action to restore confidence in America's financial markets so they can thrive again.

In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. America has the most talented, productive, and entrepreneurial workers in the world. This country is the best place in the world to invest and do business. Consumers around the world continue to seek out American products, as evidenced by record-high exports. We have a flexible and resilient system that absorbs challenges and makes corrections and bounces back.

We've seen that resilience over the past eight years. Since 2001, our economy has faced a recession, the bursting of the dot-com bubble, major corporate scandals, an unprecedented attack on our homeland, a global war on terror, a series of devastating natural disasters. Our economy has weathered every one of these challenges, and still managed to grow.

We will weather this challenge too, and we must do so together. This is no time for partisanship. We must join to move urgently needed legislation as quickly as possible, without adding controversial provisions that could delay action. I will work with Democrats and Republicans alike to steer our economy through these difficult times and get back to the path of long-term growth. Thank you very much.

END 10:54 A.M. EDT

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080919-2.html

20080919 President Bush Discusses Economy

Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la EconomĂ­a

Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la EconomĂ­a
19 de septiembre de 2008

Para su publicaciĂłn inmediata
Oficina del Secretario de Prensa

Rose Garden

10:45 A.M. EDT

EL PRESIDENTE: Buenos días. Les agradezco al secretario del Tesoro, Hank Paulson, al presidente de la Reserva Federal, Ben Bernanke, y al presidente de la Comisión de Valores y Cambio Bursátil (Security and Exchange Commission), Chris Cox, por acompañarme hoy.

Éste es un momento importante para la economía de Estados Unidos. Problemas que se originaron en el mercado de crédito -y se presentaron inicialmente en el sector de préstamos hipotecarios no preferenciales- se han propagado por todo nuestro sistema financiero. Esto ha llevado a una pérdida de confianza que ha congelado muchas transacciones financieras, entre ellas préstamos a consumidores y a empresas con planes de expandirse y generar empleo. Como resultado, debemos tomar medidas ahora para proteger de serios peligros el bienestar económico de nuestra nación.

Habrá abundantes oportunidades de debatir el origen de este problema. Éste es el momento de resolverlo. En la historia de nuestra nación, ha habido ocasiones que han requerido que nos unamos, independientemente de partido, para hacerles frente a desafíos importantes. Ésta es una ocasión tal. Anoche, el secretario Paulson y el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox se reunieron con líderes del Congreso de ambos partidos... y tuvieron una muy buena reunión. Agradezco que los líderes del Congreso estén dispuestos a hacerle frente directamente a esta situación.

Nuestro sistema de libre empresa se basa en la convicciĂłn de que el gobierno federal debe interferir en el mercado sĂłlo cuando es necesario. Dada la situaciĂłn precaria de los mercados financieros de hoy -y su vital importancia en la vida cotidiana del pueblo estadounidense- la intervenciĂłn del gobierno no sĂłlo se justifica; es esencial.

En semanas recientes, el gobierno federal ha tomado una serie de medidas para ayudar a promover la estabilidad en la economía en general. A fin de evitar alteraciones severas en el mercado financiero y apoyar la financiación de viviendas, tomamos medidas para hacerle frente a la situación en Fannie Mae y Freddie Mac. La Reserva Federal también dio pasos para evitar la liquidación desordenada de la compañía de seguros AIG. Y en coordinación con bancos centrales en todo el mundo, la Reserva ha inyectado liquidez muy necesaria en nuestro sistema financiero.

Esas fueron medidas específicas y concebidas principalmente para evitar que los problemas de firmas individuales se propagaran más extensamente. Pero es necesario hacer más. Debemos abordar la causa de gran parte de la inestabilidad de nuestro mercado: los activos hipotecarios que se devaluaron durante la desaceleración del sector de vivienda y que ahora restringen el flujo de crédito. La economía de Estados Unidos enfrenta desafíos sin precedente, y estamos respondiendo con medidas sin precedente.

El secretario Paulson, el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox les han informado a los líderes en el Capitolio de la urgente necesidad de que el Congreso apruebe legislación que dé el visto bueno a que el gobierno federal les compre a bancos y otras instituciones financieras activos ilíquidos como malos préstamos hipotecarios. Éste es un paso decisivo que abordará los problemas subyacentes de nuestro sistema financiero. Ayudará a disminuir la presión en los balances de los bancos y otras instituciones financieras. Permitirá que reanuden sus préstamos y que nuestro sistema financiero se vuelva a poner en marcha.

Además, el gobierno federal está dando pasos adicionales para abordar los problemas de nuestro mercado financiero.

El Departamento del Tesoro está tomando medidas para reestablecer la confianza en un elemento clave del sistema financiero de Estados Unidos: los fondos mutuos de inversión (en activos) del mercado del dinero. En el pasado, no había seguro gubernamental para estos fondos, y las recientes presiones en el mercado han causado que algunos se pregunten si estas inversiones son seguras y asequibles. Las medidas del Departamento del Tesoro abordan esa inquietud ofreciendo seguro gubernamental para los fondos mutuos de inversión en el mercado de dinero. Por cada dólar invertido en un fondo asegurado, podrán sacar un dólar.

La Reserva Federal también está tomando medidas para proporcionar liquidez adicional a los fondos mutuos de inversión en el mercado de dinero, lo que ayudará a disminuir la presión en nuestro mercado financiero. Estas medidas servirán como la grasa de los engranajes de nuestro sistema financiero, que corrían el peligro de detenerse completamente. Contribuirán al flujo de crédito a hogares de familia y empresas.

La Securities and Exchange Commission ha emitido normas nuevas de forma temporal que suspenden la práctica de venta al descubierto de acciones de instituciones financieras. Esto tiene como propósito evitar que los inversionistas reduzcan el valor de ciertas acciones para lucro personal. La SEC también está requiriendo que ciertos inversionistas divulguen sus ventas al descubierto y ha puesto en práctica estrictas medidas de control para detectar el fraude y la manipulación en el mercado. Cualquier persona que participe en transacciones financieras ilegales será detectada y perseguida [sic].

Finalmente, mi gobierno está deseoso de, una vez superados los desafíos inmediatos, cooperar con el Congreso en medidas para darle mayor transparencia y fiabilidad a largo plazo al sistema financiero, entre ellas las incluidas en el plan normativo presentado por el secretario Paulson anteriormente este año. Muchas de las reglamentaciones que rigen el funcionamiento del mercado estadounidense fueron redactadas en otra era. Es de vital importancia que las actualicemos para que conformen con la realidad actual del sistema financiero mundial.

Las medidas que acabo de describir reflejan el buen criterio del secretario Paulson, el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox. Creemos que es necesario que el gobierno tome medidas decisivas para resguardar el sistema financiero de Estados Unidos y sustentar la economía en general de Estados Unidos. Estas medidas requerirán que arriesguemos una cantidad significativa de dinero de los contribuyentes. Estas medidas, de hecho, implican riesgo. Pero tenemos previsto que este dinero se devuelva, a fin de cuentas. Los activos que el gobierno está planeando comprar, en su gran mayoría, retienen su valor con el tiempo, porque los propietarios de vivienda, en su gran mayoría, continúan pagando sus préstamos hipotecarios. Y el peligro de la inacción sería mucho mayor. Presión adicional en nuestros mercados financieros causaría la pérdida masiva de empleos, devastaría las cuentas para la jubilación y devaluaría más el sector de vivienda, además de hacer que se agoten los préstamos para casas y autos nuevos, y matrículas universitarias. Estos son peligros que Estados Unidos no puede darse el lujo de correr.

En este difícil momento, sé que muchos estadounidenses se preguntan sobre la seguridad de sus finanzas. Todos los estadounidenses deben saber que el gobierno federal continúa velando por el cumplimiento de las leyes y las normas que protegen su dinero. Por medio de la Corporación de Seguro Federal para Depósitos (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation o FDIC), todas las cuentas de ahorro, cuentas corrientes y certificados de depósito están asegurados hasta $100,000 por el gobierno federal. El FDIC existe desde hace 75 años, y nadie jamás ha perdido un centavo de un depósito asegurado, y eso no cambiará.

El sistema financiero de Estados Unidos es intrincado y complejo. Pero detrás de toda la terminología técnica y los datos estadísticos está un factor humano muy importante: la confianza. La confianza en nuestro sistema financiero y sus instituciones es esencial para que nuestra economía opere sin trabas, y recientemente esta confianza ha flaqueado. Los inversionistas deben saber que el gobierno de Estados Unidos está tomando medidas para reestablecer la confianza en el mercado financiero de Estados Unidos de modo que podamos volver a prosperar.

A largo plazo, los estadounidenses tienen buen motivo para tener seguridad en nuestra solidez económica. Estados Unidos cuenta con los trabajadores más hábiles, productivos y emprendedores del mundo. Este país es el mejor lugar del mundo para invertir y hacer negocios. Consumidores alrededor del mundo continúan escogiendo productos estadounidenses, como lo prueba el nivel récord de exportaciones. Tenemos un sistema flexible y resistente que absorbe desafíos y hace correcciones y rebota.

Hemos visto esa resistencia durante los últimos ocho años. Desde el 2001, nuestra economía ha enfrentado una recesión, el reventón de la burbuja de los puntocom, grandes escándalos empresariales, un ataque sin precedente contra nuestro territorio nacional, una guerra mundial contra el terrorismo, una serie de desastres naturales devastadores. Nuestra economía ha resistido cada uno de estos desafíos y aun así, ha logrado crecer.

También resistiremos este desafío y debemos hacerlo juntos. No es momento de partidismo. Debemos unirnos para lograr cuanto antes la aprobación de legislación urgentemente necesaria, sin agregar estipulaciones polémicas que podrían postergar una decisión. Trabajaré con tanto demócratas como republicanos para dirigir nuestra economía durante este momento difícil y retomar el camino hacia el crecimiento a largo plazo. Muchísimas gracias.

END 10:54 A.M. EDT

20080919 Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la EconomĂ­a

Statement by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on Comprehensive Approach to Market Developments


Statement by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on Comprehensive Approach to Market Developments

From the
Press Room of the U.S. Department of the Treasury

September 19, 2008

Washington, DC-- Last night, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox and I had a lengthy and productive working session with Congressional leaders. We began a substantive discussion on the need for a comprehensive approach to relieving the stresses on our financial institutions and markets.

We have acted on a case-by-case basis in recent weeks, addressing problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, working with market participants to prepare for the failure of Lehman Brothers, and lending to AIG so it can sell some of its assets in an orderly manner. And this morning we've taken a number of powerful tactical steps to increase confidence in the system, including the establishment of a temporary guaranty program for the U.S. money market mutual fund industry.

Despite these steps, more is needed. We must now take further, decisive action to fundamentally and comprehensively address the root cause of our financial system's stresses.

The underlying weakness in our financial system today is the illiquid mortgage assets that have lost value as the housing correction has proceeded. These illiquid assets are choking off the flow of credit that is so vitally important to our economy. When the financial system works as it should, money and capital flow to and from households and businesses to pay for home loans, school loans and investments that create jobs. As illiquid mortgage assets block the system, the clogging of our financial markets has the potential to have significant effects on our financial system and our economy.

As we all know, lax lending practices earlier this decade led to irresponsible lending and irresponsible borrowing. This simply put too many families into mortgages they could not afford. We are seeing the impact on homeowners and neighborhoods, with 5 million homeowners now delinquent or in foreclosure. What began as a sub-prime lending problem has spread to other, less-risky mortgages, and contributed to excess home inventories that have pushed down home prices for responsible homeowners.

A similar scenario is playing out among the lenders who made those mortgages, the securitizers who bought, repackaged and resold them, and the investors who bought them. These troubled loans are now parked, or frozen, on the balance sheets of banks and other financial institutions, preventing them from financing productive loans. The inability to determine their worth has fostered uncertainty about mortgage assets, and even about the financial condition of the institutions that own them. The normal buying and selling of nearly all types of mortgage assets has become challenged.

These illiquid assets are clogging up our financial system, and undermining the strength of our otherwise sound financial institutions. As a result, Americans' personal savings are threatened, and the ability of consumers and businesses to borrow and finance spending, investment, and job creation has been disrupted.

To restore confidence in our markets and our financial institutions, so they can fuel continued growth and prosperity, we must address the underlying problem.

The federal government must implement a program to remove these illiquid assets that are weighing down our financial institutions and threatening our economy. This troubled asset relief program must be properly designed and sufficiently large to have maximum impact, while including features that protect the taxpayer to the maximum extent possible. The ultimate taxpayer protection will be the stability this troubled asset relief program provides to our financial system, even as it will involve a significant investment of taxpayer dollars. I am convinced that this bold approach will cost American families far less than the alternative – a continuing series of financial institution failures and frozen credit markets unable to fund economic expansion.

I believe many Members of Congress share my conviction. I will spend the weekend working with members of Congress of both parties to examine approaches to alleviate the pressure of these bad loans on our system, so credit can flow once again to American consumers and companies. Our economic health requires that we work together for prompt, bipartisan action.
As we work with the Congress to pass this legislation over the next week, other immediate actions will provide relief.

First, to provide critical additional funding to our mortgage markets, the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase their purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). These two enterprises must carry out their mission to support the mortgage market.

Second, to increase the availability of capital for new home loans, Treasury will expand the MBS purchase program we announced earlier this month. This will complement the capital provided by the GSEs and will help facilitate mortgage availability and affordability.

These two steps will provide some initial support to mortgage assets, but they are not enough. Many of the illiquid assets clogging our system today do not meet the regulatory requirements to be eligible for purchase by the GSEs or by the Treasury program.

I look forward to working with Congress to pass necessary legislation to remove these troubled assets from our financial system. When we get through this difficult period, which we will, our next task must be to improve the financial regulatory structure so that these past excesses do not recur. This crisis demonstrates in vivid terms that our financial regulatory structure is sub-optimal, duplicative and outdated. I have put forward my ideas for a modernized financial oversight structure that matches our modern economy, and more closely links the regulatory structure to the reasons why we regulate. That is a critical debate for another day.

Right now, our focus is restoring the strength of our financial system so it can again finance economic growth. The financial security of all Americans – their retirement savings, their home values, their ability to borrow for college, and the opportunities for more and higher-paying jobs – depends on our ability to restore our financial institutions to a sound footing.

20080919 Sec Paulson st on Comprehensive Approach to Mrkt Dev

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.

People Bernanke-Ben, Business Econ Wall St SEC, People Cox-Chris, US Dept Treasury, People Paulson-Henry, Bus Econ Subprime Mortgage Market Crisis

Business Econ Wall St SEC Cox qv People, Business Econ Bernanke-B qv People, Business Econ US Dept Treasury qv US, Business Econ Paulson qv People, Subprime Mortgage Mrkt Crisis qv Bus, 2007 2008 Subprime Mort Crisis qv Bus

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Mr Moose at the Philanthropist of the Year event.


Mr Moose at the Philanthropist of the Year event.

September 17, 2008

Mr. Moose attended the annual Community Foundation of Carroll County Philanthropist of the Year event.

20080917 Mr Moose Philanthropist of the Yr



Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 14, 2008

A Smile from God


A Smile from God

September 14, 2008

Hat Tip: Grammy

Day of the week Sensational Sunday

20080913 A Smile from God

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. The latest edition of the Westminster Main Street News, by Westminster Economic Development Administrator Stan Ruchlewicz.

Always informative and well written - click here: "Downtown Westminster Main Street News!"
to download the latest edition.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

4-H’ers heading to national competitions by Carrie Ann Knauer

4-H’ers heading to national competitions By Carrie Ann Knauer, Carroll County Times Staff Writer

Monday, September 08, 2008

Four teens from Francis Scott Key High School will represent the state at several regional and national livestock judging competitions this fall after winning the top positions in the 4-H competition at the Maryland State Fair last weekend.

This is the first time that the four-person A team will be made up of youths from the same county, let alone the same school, said Kathy Gordon, 4-H youth development extension educator for Carroll.

About 30 youths competed in the 4-H livestock judging competition at the Maryland State Fair Aug. 30, Gordon said. During the competition, the youths examine several rounds of beef cattle, sheep and swine, and judge them on their physical build and characteristics. They rank the animals in each class, then submit their rankings to be compared to the professional judges’ rankings.

Claire Bennett won first place with 614 points, followed by Drew Cashman in second place with 613 points and Lukas Ziegler in third place with 610 points. Claire’s brother Troy Bennett placed seventh with 578 points...


Read Ms. Knauer’s entire article here: 4-H’ers heading to national competitions

20080908 4Hers heading to national competitions by Knauer
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/09/08/news/local_news/newsstory3.txt
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

Monday, September 08, 2008

Thoughts on Westminster posting an agenda in a timely manner

Thoughts on Westminster posting an agenda in a timely manner

The existentialism of the simple task of Westminster city officials posting an agenda for its council meetings in a timely manner

September 8, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff


After an e-mail to a city official earlier in the day; for which I never did get a response, the city of Westminster has finally posted an agenda on the city’s web site.

Heck, I’m just not sure what their rush was – the agenda was posted at approximately 3:22 pm. The meeting is 3 ½ hours away…

Since 2005 the city of Westminster has added two new positions – a city manager and a director of administration at an annual cost to the taxpayer of over $200,000 and yet the city can’t manage to get an
council meeting agenda posted timely – or adopt a budget or have an annual audit performed on a timely basis.

The city spent anywhere from $20,000 to over $40,000, depending on whose version of the story suits your fancy,
to move some offices to a rented building from City Hall and other offices from the rented building back over to City Hall; in order to provide better services. It was, in reality, rearranging the deck chairs on The Titanic. And yet the city all-too frequently can’t get an agenda posted on a timely basis.

The city increased taxes, increased the size of government, has borrowed money like there is no tomorrow and is actively discussing cutting back on city services – in order to serve us better. And yet the city seems to have a great deal of difficulty in
posting an agenda on a timely basis on a web site that is so woefully inadequate and opaque, it often seems like the city resents even having a web site…

Web sites can be difficult as I am all too aware; however in theory, a web site is no longer an afterthought or a bother, it is a critical information dissemination resource in today’s governance. Then again there are many folks who find current Westminster government so opaque, unapproachable, and inaccessible, that the web site is probably emblematic of a government that all too often seems too annoyed by citizen contact to be bothered with disseminating information.

After-all, our elected officials are some of the smartest folks in the world – and they certainly know what is best for us; so having meaningful contact with the public is probably unnecessary now isn’t it?

I’m glad that Westminster citizens work for such an august group of elitists. It gives us a purpose in our backward shabby meager existence.

Related:

20071130 City municipal offices relocate by Ryan Marshall

20080611 No agenda is sign of poor government

20080720 Carroll County Times Westminster shutting out the public

20080908 Thoughts on Westminster posting an agenda in a timely manner

Last week in The Tentacle

Last week in The Tentacle

http://www.thetentacle.com/

Posted Monday September 8, 2008

Friday, September 5, 2008
Travelogue: Salt Lake City
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Although I have been very fortunate to have had opportunities to travel a great deal over the years, I have never visited the great American west. I recently had a chance to spend a week in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was not disappointed.


More Political Hypocrisy
Roy Meachum
Reading Sunday's Frederick News-Post, you could believe Frederick's ex-mayor Jennifer Dougherty, in selling her self-named restaurant, made a great sacrifice for the public good. She told reporter David Simon: "I don't want to look back and say I wasn't 100 percent committed to the race."


Thursday, September 4, 2008
One Massive Blunder
Tony Soltero
John McCain, over the years, has been very meticulously building up a brand with the media as a serious, experienced "straight-shooting" politician, who was somehow a bit different from the other rubber-stamp Republicans.


One Superlative Choice
Patricia A. Kelly
Hurrah! A breath of fresh air has come into the presidential race. I laughed with delight at the perfection of the choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as soon as I heard it. I have felt strongly all along that the men on the “short” list would not be able to help John McCain win, and now a new choice is available, a choice that enhances his chances.


Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Plucking the Golden Goose
Norman M. Covert
It was the remote’s fault that John L. (Lennie) Thompson, Jr., popped up on my television screen. Mr. Thompson was trashing the reputation of a man testifying before the Frederick Board of County Commissioners about the New Market Regional Plan. Mr. T didn’t have the aggies to look him in the eye, a clear indication our commissioner is a Bum!


“La PolicĂ­a”
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Carroll County history is replete with colorful conflicts, many of operatic proportions, between the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, the Carroll County delegation to Annapolis, and the sheriff.


Tuesday, September 2, 2008
David Brinkley
Roy Meachum
David Brinkley stopped by for coffee. He received a yawn and nod from Pushkin, who proceeded to his usual spot in the library. The English pointer and the state senator knew each other from earlier encounters. David and I headed for the patio. This was last week, during the brief hiatus from the overbearing humidity.


The Joy of Selling
Nick Diaz
Not long ago I described to TheTentacle.com readers my adventures and thoughts on traveling to Maine to purchase and ride home a “new” 1988 Yamaha Venture.


Monday, September 1, 2008
Dog Days of Summer – Donkey Chronicles
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
We're into the heart of the most active season for a political junkie, the Super Bowl of partisanship. The conventions show the best and worst of the two major parties, and in this cycle, all of that magic is playing out over a two-week period.


Waiting for the President
Steven R. Berryman
At least the conventions are a stepping-stone along the road to electing a new president, but here we sit, waiting. We wait for a president to solve our problems for us, as is human nature. Surely they will, as their speeches tell us so.


Friday, August 29, 2008
Norm Knows
Roy Meachum
Columns on the government's monumental faux pas in the Fort Detrick anthrax scandal have caused people to ask if the fort's research scientists, particularly Bruce Ivins, were friends or acquaintances. None is.


20080908 Last week in The Tentacle

Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

September 5, 2008

For many years, the convention 'party' came to Baltimore
Published September 5, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
This past week I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel with the Maryland Delegation to the 2008 Republican National Convention at...

Power of art contributes to a community's vibrancy
Published September 3, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
This week's column is a bit of a travel log, but one that relates to life here in Westminster. Recently I had an opportunity to...

A town divided found purpose and prosperity as a unified Westminster
Published August 31, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE Last Sunday we looked at the early history of the western end of Westminster. It was a little more than 80 years ago...

Economic development will revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue
Published August 27, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
At a recent meeting of the Westminster Common Council, it was announced that Councilman Greg Pecoraro will chair another Pennsylvania Avenue initiative, and that Councilwoman...

Years ago, folks celebrated sticking The Forks in Westminster
Published August 24, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
The City of Westminster has recently been working to form a group to study the Pennsylvania Avenue of town. In that context, it's interesting that back...

I speak today in favor of adventures in 'behindular zone'
Published August 20, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Well, I did it. Come a little closer, and I'll tell you all about it. All right, maybe not all about it. After all, this...

And now, for this week's installment of 'La Policia'
Published August 17, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Carroll County's reputation for low crime and an aggressive approach to public safety is not a recent phenomenon. On July 16, 1925, the editor of the...

Future of police protection delayed, but crime doesn't rest
Published August 13, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
On Thursday, Aug. 7, the Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to not move forward with a plan to form a county police department...

Turkeys, fires and failed presidents were the stuff of old newspapers
Published August 10, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
As today's newspapers race into the Internet age, many folks might be fascinated with the look and feel of newspapers from the 1800s and early...

Carroll rides tall at the Chincoteague Pony auction
Published August 6, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
With pen in hand, Carroll County author Lois Szymanski looked up from a copy of one of her latest books, "Out of the Sea: Today's...

Fire and water have been volatile mix in Sykesville
Published August 3, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
It was 85 years ago, in the late afternoon of Monday, July 30, 1923, that an historic and terrible rainstorm hit Sykesville and other areas...

Destructive behavior from those contentious combines
Published July 30, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
On Saturday evening, the air was hot, thick and muggy, flavored with anticipation and seasoned with a hint of petroleum fumes. More than 5,000 fans...

Westminster's sacred places are shrines of community life
Published July 25, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Since this is a Sunday column, I do hope it's fitting to talk about sacred places. Not necessarily houses of worship, mind you, though those are...

Viva la bicyclette de Carroll
Published July 23, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Today, as you are reading this, the 95th Tour de France is in Stage 17. This year's race began on July 5. After 23 days,...

Memories from City Hall and e-mail from the great beyond
Published July 20, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Westminster purchased the property for its City Hall, on Emerald Hill Lane, from the estate of George W. Albaugh in September 1939 for the grand...

Appreciating Tony Snow's passion for life
Published July 16, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Saturday, July 12, former White House press secretary Tony Snow, 53, died of cancer. I certainly never knew him, yet after following his too-short career for...

Westminster's Civil War role didn't end at Corbit's Charge
Published July 13, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
The last several weeks have been busy in Carroll County, and one of the busiest was during the June 27-29 events surrounding the commemoration of...

Smith & Reifsnider was too hot to handle in July 1938
Published July 9, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Seventy years ago, Carroll County was reeling from the aftermath of fireworks of an unwelcome variety -- one of the biggest fires in the county's...

What a concept: sharing the wealth and pain of tax increases
Published July 6, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
"Gov. (William Preston) Lane does not like taxes ... but as long as you have colleges to take your money, ... you are to have...

The merry marry month of June
Published July 2, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
As we say goodbye to the month of June, bachelors can breathe a sigh of relief that they've survived what has historically been the traditional...

Years ago, trip to the beach required help from a little ferry
Published June 29, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE For many Carroll County residents, summertime means an opportunity to make an annual family trek to Ocean City, Md. Some of my fondest childhood memories...

Westminster's past included days of swine and meters
Published June 25, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
There have been many critter problems in the history of Westminster, but none seems to have caused as much a stir as what to do...


Dayhoff explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/

20080905 Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns

Sunday, September 07, 2008

“Bush tours Gettysburg battleground site” by Christine Simmons

Bush tours Gettysburg battleground site” by Christine Simmons

Politics By CHRISTINE SIMMONS, The Associated Press 2008-09-06

GETTYSBURG, Pa. –

President Bush brushed up on his Civil War history Friday, touring the battleground of Gettysburg, the site of one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War.

Normally for a $55 fee, visitors to the
Gettysburg National Military Park can tour the area along with a licensed guide. But Friday, Bush had with him Gabor Boritt, an Abraham Lincoln scholar and director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, who could explain chronological events of the war to match each site of the battleground.

The president began his mid-afternoon tour at the Virginia Memorial, one of 1,300 monuments on the park's grounds.

He also was treated to a sneak peek of the park's Museum and Visitor Center, which has its grand opening Sept. 26.

[…]

Robert Kinsley, chair of the Gettysburg Foundation, was in the museum for the president's visit…

The town in the
Pennsylvania countryside is near the site of a 3-day battle where Union troops successfully defeated Confederate troops' advances. More than 51,000 Confederate and Union soldiers were killed, wounded or captured.

[…]


Read the entire article here: Bush tours Gettysburg battleground site

20080906 Bush tours Gettysburg battleground site by Christine Simmons

Friday, September 05, 2008

Kevin and Caroline at the Alaska stand at the RNC

Kevin and Caroline at the Alaska stand on the floor of the Republican National Convention on September 4, 2008

20080904 Alaska stand KC Mr Moose (2)
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Monday, September 01, 2008

Mr. Moose flies to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul Minnesota.

Mr. Moose flies to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul Minnesota.

August 31, 2008 © Kevin Dayhoff

20080831 Mr Moose flies No 4

20080831 Mr. Moose flies to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul Minnesota.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Mount Airy church reaches out to youths by Staci George for Carroll County Times

Mount Airy church reaches out to youths by Staci George for Carroll County Times

Mount Airy church reaches out to youths

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/08/24/news/local_news/newsstory6.txt

By Staci L. George, Times Correspondent

Sunday, August 24, 2008

MOUNT AIRY — Saturday was a day of youth empowerment through song, dance, poetry, drama and other artistic displays celebrating God and Christianity.

“Youth awakening” was the theme of Spirit Fest 2008, an annual event sponsored by West Falls Christian Community Church, 4330 Buffalo Road, Mount Airy. This was the seventh year the church, with 65 current members, has sponsored the event.

[…]

“We need to encourage and empower the youth to do positive things, like express their talents and get involved in the community. There are a lot of negative things already,” said Bishop Ross Jackson Sr., the church’s pastor since 1993 and a native of Mount Airy.


Read her entire article here:
Mount Airy church reaches out to youths

20080824 Mount Airy church reaches out to youths by Staci George for Carroll County Times