20060111 Open Season I Love You You Love Me

20060111 Open Season I Love You You Love Me

By Kevin Dayhoff January 11, 2006 6 PM

Today was open season, err - opening day for the Maryland General Assembly (MGA).

I arrived early in Annapolis. Partially because I wanted to see if I could stop by and see a few elected officials and get some bearings on the day and upcoming session in general. And to be sure to get a parking spot in a nearby parking garage.

If you are considering visiting the Maryland General Assembly during the current session that lasts until April 10, 2006, please take a look at: Helpful Hints for 2006 Maryland General Assembly visitors and familiarize yourself with the security procedures.

Not everyone can easily make it down to Annapolis so you may want to check out: Listen to the Maryland General Assembly. At this web site, you can listen to the proceedings on your computer. I believe the sessions are available live. I usually go through the pull down list and listen to past sessions that are available to be heard.

I then proceeded to check off the next big item on my checklist – coffee. I am not a morning person and leaving Westminster at 7:30 AM was not pretty. At this point, I usually sleep walk over to “City Dock Coffee” within very easy walking distance of the Statehouse at 18 market Street.

After obtaining coffee, I found a place to sit in the Statehouse and decided to see if I could find any wireless access. I found a site – but needed a password to get in. I haven’t a clue as to whether that password will be available to members of the press. That will be a future exploration.

If I remember correctly, there is internet access down in the pressroom, on the basement floor of the Statehouse. I didn’t go near there today. The Statehouse was packed with media and I didn’t need wireless from Annapolis today.

A new House of Delegates Office building is being built and apparently, it is running behind schedule. On the House side, the chaos of construction was omnipresent. A visitor was not allowed street-access to the House office building because of construction. In order to get into the House office building, you had to enter the Legislative Services building off Lawyer’s Mall, which is directly in front of the Statehouse. Once inside you went down one floor on the elevator and walked through the tunnel over to the House office building.

I have always been fascinated with the interconnecting tunnels. I have not a clue as to when they were built or any knowledge of their history. I have it noted to research this in the future.

The Statehouse has a tunnel that goes over to the Legislative Services building. From there you can walk, by tunnel over to both the Senate office building and the House office building. This is great to know when the weather is bad, as it so often is for the next ninety days.

As far as catching up with some elected officials before the opening session began at 12 noon – forget it. Not an elected official was to be found. They were all in meetings.

Oh, I did run across Harford County Executive David Craig and his beautiful wife Melinda. I consider David to be a good friend. When I was the Mayor of Westminster, he was the Mayor of Havre de Grace. He has a long history of being an elected official and is very wise and knowledgeable. In the past, he has been a Havre De Grace Councilmember and mayor. He has also served in the Maryland Senate and recently he was appointed Harford county executive when former executive Jim Harkins was appointed to head up MES – Maryland Environmental Services, by Governor Ehrlich.

Finding no elected officials, I made my way back to the Statehouse.

I arrived early to the press area in the House chambers, thinking that I would get a good seat. What was I thinking?

First of all – the press tables had been replaced with a number of rows of chairs for dignitaries. What space remained for the press was – well, very little. Almost non-existent. We all managed. But it was an endurance contest. We all stood for the ninety minutes of the opening session.

The opening session began at exactly 12 noon. I mean, exactly.

After a very very short opening prayer, the first order of business was the election of the Speaker Pro Tem. Piece of cake. Adrienne Jones (D – Dist. 10 Baltimore County) was nominated from the floor; seconded and unanimously accepted by voice vote. Delegate Jones has been a member of House of Delegates since October 21, 1997. She was first elected to be the Speaker Pro Tem in the 2003 legislative session.

So far – so good. Perhaps the spirit of Barney was present? It was a gritted-teeth love-in. All smiles and hugs. Can you sing: “I love you, you love me?”

As I wrote in my Tentacle column for this Thursday, January 12^th, 2005: “The Kool-Aid Acid Test:”

“Maybe it is time that we ask for all the delegates and senators to go down several days early for group therapy in problem identification and conflict negotiation counseling? Or arrange for a guest appearance of Barney, the Purple Dinosaur, to lead the opening session in a rousing chorus of “I Love You – You Love Me.”

I asked a colleague who was mashed against me in the press area: “How long the love-in will last?” His prediction – 45 minutes.

He was wrong. It lasted about 12 minutes or until the time came to elect the Speaker of the House. This is when everyone started to squirm in his or her seats. The purpose of opening day is to be very friendly and ceremonial. It is universally accepted that there be no blood left on the floor the first day.

It is in that spirit, that the other day, the Republican Caucus had approached Speaker of the House Michael Erin Busch (D - Dist. 30 Anne Arundel County), to facilitate accepting a floor nomination for House Minority Leader, George C. Edwards (R - Dist. 1A, Garrett & Allegany Counties), to be Speaker of the House. Delegate Edwards has been a member of House of Delegates since January 12, 1983. He has been Minority Leader since the 2003 legislative session. Delegate Edwards didn’t have a snowball chance in heck in being elected, but the Republicans wanted to have the satisfaction of having an election instead of a plebiscite.

The Republican Caucus got three answers: no. No. NO!

I explained this in the “The Kool-Aid Acid Test:”

“For those of you following along in your books at home – there are 141 delegates in the Maryland General Assembly. Ninety-eight are Democrats – so I guess there is a good chance that the Democrats will elect ah, let’s think about this – a Democrat to be the Speaker of the House. Gee, brilliant deduction, eh?”

Michael Erin Busch (D - Dist. 30 Anne Arundel County) was nominated and seconded. When the voice vote was called, Speaker Pro Tem recognized House Minority Leader, George C. Edwards, who requested a roll call vote.

In other words, he asked that the votes for the speaker election be recorded on the huge tally board that overlooks the chamber. Surprise, Delegate Busch was elected by a vote of 95 to 34. Yes, for those math wizards reading along at home; that totals 129. There was an absence or two, but all the Republicans in the Anne Arundel contingent did not vote, perhaps appropriately, out of respect for their fellow county colleague.

Dignitaries were recognized and there was a moving series of tributes paid to the very popular Delegate Tony E. Fulton (D – District 40 Baltimore City,) who had passed way last May 20, 2005.

There were also some remarks by Speaker of the House Busch and Governor Ehrlich…

The “Calendar of Vetoed Duplicative Bills” on the “Consent Calendar #1” was put to a vote. These are the House bills that were approved in the last session of the legislature, but were for various reasons, duplicative. They are routinely vetoed by the governor and the House routinely votes to sustain the veto.

The “Calendar of Vetoed Policy Bills #2” was special ordered until Friday. In other words – they will vote on them on Friday instead of on opening day.

The ninety minutes went by quickly and at approximately 1:30 PM, it was all over.

The large lobby area between the House and Senate chambers was packed with opening day visitors. It is an interesting ritual. Media folks hunted down various elected officials for the obligatory “Opening Day in Annapolis” pieces.

One of the better primers for the opening of the 421^st session of the Maryland General Assembly was written by my boss at the Westminster Eagle. Can you say: “suck-up?” Whatever. Please see his editorial: “A few key issues could set mood.” In part he wrote:

“While we hope for the best, there are a few keys issues facing the assembly that could give us an indication of whether partisan politics will rule in Annapolis.”

Another good piece on opening day and this year’s legislative session is today’s Frederick News Post article by Clifford G. Cumber: General Assembly gets ready to rumble. Writing for the Gazette, Doug Tallman and Thomas Dennison always do a good job covering the Maryland General Assembly. Their preview on opening day can be found at: As session dawns, veto overrides in play

For a good primer on the weekly “progress” of the Maryland General Assembly, please begin with reading General Assembly Journal 2006 - Part 1 and A 2006 Session Primer by Richard B. Weldon, Jr. (R – Dist. 3B, Frederick & Washington Counties.) Delegate Weldon had been writing a weekly commentary about his experiences in the Maryland General Assembly, ever since he first started representing Washington and Frederick counties in January 2003.

Other web sites that you may wish to visit are: Fired Up Maryland, Soccer Dad and The Hedgehog Report… to mention a few… Fired Up Maryland usually takes the Democratic Party point of view and Soccer Dad and The Hedgehog Report usually takes a conservative point of view. The Hedgehop Report also reports on many Howard County politics.

In the future, you may want to go and read the coverage of Bryan P. Sears in the Towson Times.

One of the best-kept secrets in political writing these days is the work of Justin Palk with the Carroll County Times. Mr. Palk has covered the Maryland General Assembly for four years… This will be his fourth year. Three years with the Carroll County Times and one year with the Capital News Service. For a short, quick and accurate view of the day-to-day reporting of the MGA, you will have a hard time finding better reporting.

I’d like to try and get down to Annapolis personally as often as possible, and bring you the latest on the Maryland General Assembly. Between personal trips, I’ll bring you as many updates as time will allow.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

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20060105 Enemy Imaging

20060105 Enemy Imaging
By Kevin Dayhoff January 5, 2006 11 PM

Former Georgia Senator Max Cleland (D) has resurfaced in the news once
again. In Maryland? What the heck is going on here?

Last month Governor Robert L. Ehrlich announced hiring Bo Harmon to be his
political director for his re-election campaign. The Baltimore Sun ran an
article on December 10, 2005, which said, in part:

"Maryland Democratic Party spokesman Derek Walker said he was shocked that the governor would hire Harmon, and compared the political director to Joseph F. Steffen Jr., the former Ehrlich aide who was fired after admitting to spreading rumors about Mayor Martin O'Malley."

"Democrats here and in Georgia immediately criticized the hire, saying
Ehrlich is bringing to Maryland a virtuoso of nastiness who attacked the
patriotism of Cleland, an Army veteran who lost three limbs in Vietnam."

The Sun continued its criticism by calling the readers' attention to a
negative ad run by Senator Cleland's opponent in the 2002 Georgia Senate
race.

The ad used, what is known in the business as "enemy imaging." Identifying
an opponent with a nefarious character. Sorta like, running a picture of
Governor Ehrlich with a fired state employee - Mr. Steffen.

The only difference is that after many folks, understandably, criticized the
Chambliss campaign ad, the ad was taken off the air, changed and ran without
the nefarious character images.

In the MD4BUSH-Steffengate saga; long after it has been revealed that
MD4BUSH was a political dirty trick by democrats for which it has been
suggested that several members of the Maryland Democratic Party have lost
their jobs; the Sun is still running the negative ad which 'enemy images'
Governor Ehrlich with Mr. Steffen.

So what is the rest of the Senator Cleland story? He lost his 2002 senate
re-election bid because of his liberal voting record while serving in the
senate and representing a conservative constituency.

Rich Lowry, writing in National Review on February 20, 2004, "Max Cleland,
Liberal Victim," put it best.

Democrat Senator Cleland "was on record supporting countless tax increases, and voted with his party's leadership against protecting the Boy Scouts from a campaign to keep them out of public schools and against banning partial-birth abortion. In many of these votes, he parted ways with his more conservative and popular colleague Miller, thus creating a major political vulnerability. He lost fair and square."

This is what happened.

Senator Cleland returned home from Vietnam terribly wounded with injuries
that would stop anyone but Superman. But he didn't let being disabled stop
him and he worked hard to recover and continue to serve his community and
his country.

It was said best in a poignant Washington Post article on July 3, 2003,
entitled "Political Veteran."

After Mr. Cleland returned home from recovering from his injuries, in "1970, at 28, he became the youngest person ever elected to the Georgia Senate. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed him to head the Veterans Administration. In 1982 he was elected as Georgia's secretary of state" and served until 1996."

In 1996, when Senator Sam Nunn (D) decided to retire from the U.S. Senate after serving 24 years, Georgia Secretary of State Cleland tossed his hat in the ring. Senator Nunn had always been strong on national defense and
Vietnam veteran Max Cleland seemed a perfect replacement.

He wasn't.

In 1996, Mr. Cleland narrowly defeated his opponent, businessperson Guy
Millner by 30,000 votes. He only got 49 percent of the vote.

Slate published an article by Michael Crowley on April 4, 2004 called: "How
the disabled war veteran became the Democrats' mascot." It is not a
poignant or deferential piece. Mr. Crowley wrote, "There was little reason
to expect Cleland to be a star senator, and he wasn't."

Of his 1996 campaign, Mr. Crowley wrote:

"In that campaign, Cleland made up for his lack of political skill-the Atlanta-Journal Constitution noted that he "has never been known as a deep thinker" and was prone to "platitudes" in debates-by harnessing the emotional power of his war injuries..."

After six years in the Senate, Senator Cleland's re-election was in deep
trouble at home. Although he could serve his southern constituency well
enough on local Georgia issues, "Cleland's undoing was that he couldn't
negotiate the dilemma facing many Southern Democrats - how to vote liberal
in Washington while appearing conservative at home." (Rich Lowry, February
20, 2004, "Max Cleland, Liberal Victim" National Review)

In the 2002 election, Senator Cleland was challenged by four-term
conservative Republican congressman Saxby Chambliss, "who'd been elected in
the "Contract With America" class of 1994." (July 3, 2003, "Political
Veteran" Washington Post)

Mr. Crowley wrote: "Most of Chambliss' attacks were based on Cleland's most "liberal" votes on social issues like partial-birth abortion. But in the race's closing weeks, Bush and Chambliss hammered at the fact that Cleland was voting with Senate Democrats against Bush's proposed Homeland Security Department because of its infamous provision limiting union rights. The message was that Cleland was kowtowing to big labor at the cost of protecting America."

Then came those "GOP television ads." They crossed the line. They were
unnecessary and inappropriate and should have never been aired.

In the Washington Post July 3, 2003 article it was noted:

"both sides ran attack ads, but none was as controversial as Chambliss'homeland security spot. It opened with pictures of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. "As America faces terrorists and extremist dictators," said a narrator, "Max Cleland runs television ads claiming he has the courage to lead. He says he supports President Bush at every opportunity, but that's not the truth. Since July, Max Cleland voted against President Bush's vital homeland security efforts 11 times!"

After both democrats and republicans condemned the inappropriate ad, the ad was removed from the air.

Which brings us full circle. Since the Sun has brought it up. Beyond the issue of comparing how many articles the Baltimore Sun ran on
MD4BUSH-Steffengate with how many articles it ran about the alleged criminal
identity theft of Lt. Gov. Michael Steele's personal financial records by
Senator Schumer's staff at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee...

Now that MD4BUSH has been outed as a democratic dirty trick, the Sun needs to do a reality check and realize that by continuing to run the picture of
Governor Ehrlich with Mr. Steffen on their web site, they may think that
they are cleverly perpetuating a negative "enemy-imaging" ad on Governor
Ehrlich.

What they are really doing is perpetuating a reminder of despicable gutter politics at its worse.

It is a rule of classier political practitioners that the family of an
elected official or candidate for office is off limits - out of bounds. No
matter what party to which they belong.

When is the Sun going to take the picture off their web site?

Just asking.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster, Maryland USA
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
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20060106 Security Badge

20060106 Security Badge
By Kevin Dayhoff January 6, 2006 6 PM

Today was the day I had set aside to travel to Annapolis, present my press
credentials, and be processed for a Maryland state security badge for the
purposes of covering the 2006 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Thanks to the Westminster Eagle and Patuxent Publishing Co, I may very well
be one of the first bloggers to be press-credentialed in Annapolis? I
should mention that Patuxent Publishing Company is owned by Tribune, which
also owns the Baltimore Sun.

For a really interesting piece on the affect of blogging and the internet
media on government and state-level politics, please read the "Cover
Story/Politics & Technology" of the July 2005 issue of Governing magazine,
"Instant Influence" by Christopher Swope. Mr. Swopes invites the reader to
review his piece with an opening line, which reads: "A new generation of web
scribes is shaking up state capitol politics."

Also of interest is an article entitled: "Web logs challenging mainstream
media" by Ryan Pitts, in the Spokane Spokesman-Review on Thursday, October
14, 2004. Unfortunately, I did not get the URL address of the article when
I clipped it and they have a paywall in front of their archives... It
mentions Matthew Testa and Scott Hollenbeck from Westminster:

"Of the ones I've checked out, blogs are poorly written and boring diaries,"
said Matthew Testa of Westminster."

"I trust the blogs because they are open and upfront about who they are,"
said Scott Hellenbeck (sic) of Westminster. "They don't have to make the big
money like networks do, so they have different priorities and have to earn
their audience."

I have enjoyed working with both gentlemen... Matthew, I hope that this
blog is not one of those "poorly written and boring diaries."

The process of getting my security badge was painless and quick. There were
only a few folks in line. The Department of General Services police were
very courteous and helpful. It took - perhaps 15 minutes. Of course, the
picture for the badge is almost as bad as the photo on my driver's license.
Whatever.

I'm glad that my security badge identifies me as "media." I would hate to
have to wear a badge that identified me as a "lobbyist" - shades of
Nathaniel Hawthorne and "The Scarlet Letter" - Salem, Massachusetts in
the1630s under the leadership of Speaker Busch - err, John Winthrop.

Although considering the Maryland General Assembly majority party's
intolerance of dissenting ideas - perhaps mentioning The Scarlet Letter was
Freudian:

"The religious sect was known for its intolerance of dissenting ideas and lifestyles. In The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne uses the repressive, authoritarian Puritan society as an analogue for humankind in general. The Puritan setting also enables him to portray the human soul under extreme -pressures. Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, while unquestionably part of the Puritan society in which they live, also reflect universal experiences."

In the past, I had a badge that identified me as an elected official and that badge was also quite helpful. Otherwise, standing in the lines to get through the checkpoints can be time consuming. Especially since, I always have a laptop and briefcase... And I'm always running late. I've gotten to know quite a few folks down there and every trip down the hall is measured in however many 'conversation stops' it takes. I guess this is a good thing - I mean it's better than being ignored...

There have been a few articles written about the issue of security passes in Annapolis - in the last year. Since the decisions about security issues are being made by several pay grades above mine, I'm not sure what my 2 cents is worth. Besides, in the post 9/11 world, safety is an overriding concern.

Richard B. Weldon, Jr. (R – Dist. 3B, Frederick & Washington Counties) had a thing or two to say about the security badges in his piece: General Assembly Journal 2006 - Part 1.

Recently, on January 1, 2006, David Nitkin, with the Baltimore Sun, wrote a piece on the issue called "Lobbyists get a pass on lines."

Unfortunately, the Baltimore Sun does not use permalinks, so the hyperlink will probably not work. The first several paragraphs of his piece are:

"A new security system in Annapolis means that visitors should expect longer lines outside the State House and other government buildings when the General Assembly session begins this month.

But most Annapolis lobbyists won't be waiting in them.

The professional State House lobbying corps, which boasts 14 members who earned more than $500,000 in 2004, has managed to preserve its rapid access to the historic capitol complex, overturning an earlier decision that would
have made them stand outside and pass through metal detectors like day
visitors.

The Maryland Department of General Services, which provides security at state buildings, had first determined that lobbyists should not receive the same entry privileges as the governor, the first lady, lawmakers, legislative services workers and members of the news media.

But some of the most powerful players in Annapolis, including former legislators who now work as lobbyists, refused to accept a decision handed
down in November.

"I went ballistic. A couple of other people went ballistic," said lobbyist Bruce C. Bereano. "We brought pressure to bear and turned it around."

A few weeks after the fall ruling, state officials changed the regulation and decided that registered lobbyists can bypass the police and security equipment at the entrance to government buildings. The privilege will go only to those who are registered with the Maryland State Ethics Commission, undergo a background check and pay a $50 fee for their badges.

Among those fighting to maintain rapid access was Barbara A. Hoffman, the former chairwoman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee who became a lobbyist after a 2002 election defeat."

Next trip to Annapolis is for Opening Day - The second Wednesday of every
January - January 11, 2006, this year.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster, Maryland, USA
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
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20051206 More on Jan Historical Civil Rights Tour

20051206 More on Jan Historical Civil Rights Tour
By Kevin Dayhoff, December 6, 2005 11 PM

This coming January, local Carroll Countians, Dr. Pam Zappardino and Dr.
Charles Collyer are headed south. Are they "snow-birds" looking for an
escape from the cold and the snow? No - but we certainly couldn't blame them
if they were. This writer finds that the older I get, the more I find myself
increasingly intolerant of the cold.

Actually, their annual pilgrimage to the south has a greater, more important
meaning than their personal comfort.

For the sixth January in a row, Drs. Pam and Charlie, as they are
affectionately known, are leading folks on an Historical Civil Rights Tour
called: "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around!: Retracing the American
Civil Rights Movement."

The Ira and Mary Zepp Center for Nonviolence and Peace Education, a program
of Common Ground on the Hill, a nonprofit organization that brings different
people together through traditional arts and music at McDaniel College,
helps sponsor the tour.

The Zepp Center is named for two longtime Westminster teachers. Ira and
Mary Zepp have had a long association with McDaniel College and with the
promotion of justice by peaceful means The Zepp Center is directed and
staffed by Drs. Pam and Charlie.

Ira and Mary Zepp have also supported and advised Common Ground since its
founding over a decade ago. Walt Michael, the director of Common Ground and
a person who really "gets" nonviolence both personally and artistically, has
been a partner in creating the Zepp Center and introducing it to the
community.

This year's Christmas season; when we take time to celebrate family,
community and our religious foundations; there has been much attention to
the increased intolerance and sharp divides in which we currently find our
nation.

Good grief, this year the recent debate over whether or not we can say
"Merry Christmas," has reached a new level of unpleasantness. Memo to the
politically correct lexicon warriors - give us a break and take your petty
squabble somewhere else, why don't ya?

The purpose of celebrating the Christmas season is to take time out to share
and give thanks to that which makes our community and our country great.

Syndicated columnist Larry Elder recently wrote "rudeness plagues America."
He called to our attention a recent Associated Press-Ipsos poll that
revealed nearly 70 percent of Americans consider people "more rude" that 20
or 30 years ago. Americans are engaged in a "great sorting-out," causing
folks to stake out "well-defined, even intolerant, ideological camps."

Yes, I plead guilty to being an eternal "pollyanna," but I insist that all
problems in our great country and community could be solved by an outbreak
of something truly bold - be nice about it.

If you will recall, "Pollyanna" was a children's novel written in 1913 by
Eleanor H. Porter. As a result of this classic work, the term "pollyanna"
has become part of language to describe someone who is always cheerfully
optimistic. Wikipedia says that "pollyanna" has become a derogatory term for
a naïve person who always expects people to act decently, despite strong
evidence to the contrary.

I think that all behavior modification in our great nation starts at the
grass roots level. It starts with how we treat each other right here in our
own homes, in our own community. In a meeting a number of years ago, one of
my harshest critics, assessed my take on a particular challenge as a
"pollyanna" approach. He meant the criticism in the most mean-spirited
manner. It made me proud.

This is a great example of where folks like Drs. Pam and Charlie come into
play; helping us find meaningful solutions to the challenges we face through
the practice of nonviolence. Aided by taking classes with Dr. Ira Zepp and
Drs. Pam and Charlie, I was able to ignore him. Drs. Pam and Charlie stress
that practicing nonviolence often involves finding the hidden humor,
opportunities, and "silver linings" in the problems we face.

Their mentor (and mine) is Dr. Bernard LaFayette. He has visited
Westminster several times, and is remembered at McDaniel for his remark
that, as an approach to solving problems, violence is "cute, but not tough
enough," because it usually creates even more problems. I had the pleasure
of attending a class with Dr. Bernard LaFayette, a few years ago. Dr.
Bernard LaFayette worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King and along with
the likes of Dr. Ira G. Zepp, is a beloved figure among this generation of
nonviolence educators.

Most of the violence and hostility in the world does not occur in isolated
patches; it happens in cycles and chains of back and forth retaliation.
Whether from impulse or conscious choice, people use violence as a way to
respond to violence, and so it is not surprising that violence goes on and
on. Breaking these chains could prevent a lot of violence and human
suffering. But it is often not obvious how to bring in a creative
alternative to violence, and this is where nonviolence education can add
value. Learning to replace violence with truly successful ways of solving
our problems will help us to build a better world.

Which brings us back to the January History Civil Rights Tours that The Zepp
Center helps to sponsor each year. The tour takes folks to locations where
nonviolence was used to achieve gains for African Americans and to open up
the political process to wider participation in some of the darkest days of
our country's fight out of the intolerance of segregation.

The purpose of studying history is not to take us back to these dark days
but to bring the past to the present and capitalize on the positive lessons
learned - and apply them to our day-to-day problem solving.

The Ira and Mary Zepp Center for Nonviolence and Peace Education continues
the American tradition of nonviolent problem solving associated with Martin
Luther King, Jr. It provides workshops and resources to the community on
the skills, philosophy, and history of nonviolence, from the personal level
up to movements such as those of Gandhi and King. Opportunities such as the
January Civil rights tour teach us how the traditions of nonviolence have
developed over time and how they are relevant for folks today.

For more information about the January Civil rights tour or the
opportunities provided our community by the Zepp center, contact the Zepp
Center through the Common Ground office, 410-857-2771 or e-mail e-mail
Pamela Zappardino at paxwarthog@aol.com. Tell her Pollyanna Dayhoff sent
ya. And oh - Merry Christmas.

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

20060301 Diary of a Desperate Dumpster Diver

Diary of a Desperate Dumpster Diver.

March 1, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff (1072 words)

Warning: Because the following humor column is intended for human consumption, the Food and Drug Administration wanted it to be tested on animals.

However, the animal rights activists protested, forcing me to abandon testing and release the distressed critters. I released them in the lobby of the animal rights office. I figured those friendly folks could best take care of the mice and we all shared a common goal – that the mice be free.

Nevertheless, the long-term effects of reading this column remain uncertain. Please proceed at your own risk.

I enjoy folks, who in the past exhibited no interest in being human; who have contacted me recently, feigning a genuine interest in my well-being – and then casually ask: “Oh by the way, what are your future political plans?”

To which I would like to respond.

Thank you all, for your recent inquiries as to my well-being. I am touched.

How’s my day?

I’m having a great day.

Yes, I’m still overweight. Are you still mean and ill tempered? I can go on a diet and lose weight…”

Am I still unemployed?

Yes, I’m still writing for a living.

Of course, now that I am no longer in political office. I have no meaning in my life. I must be unemployed and homeless.

What am I doing with my days?

I’m so happy that you asked…

Today, for example, as I continue slouching towards dementia, I will investigate the haiku of dumpster diving consciousness and the real meaning of life. The Kabuki Morals Play of day-to-day existence in contemporary Maryland, when you are homeless and hungry, like most successful writers and artists.

I've reached the zenith of my existence. A 52 year old artist and writer; I consider being unemployed a badge of honor. I wear it proudly in humor, err, I mean honor, of artists and writers everywhere.

In a few minutes, I was about to go out and see what soup kitchen to visit. Put on my best clothes courtesy of the dumpster behind Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has been heaven-sent for those of us who are otherwise, road kill, on the highway to prosperity and plenty. Are you still trying to put it out of business?

I've developed dumpster diving into an art. Bet ya never knew that about me.

Ya know, the best table scraps are behind the pizza place… over at the shopping center, where I see you so frequently.

Yes, that one – the one you fought so aggressively commenting that it would be the end of civilization, as we know it.

Yes, it was a great farm, completely surrounded by new developments, the farmer went bankrupt. Shame isn’t it. The farmer reneged on a public trust and financial responsibility to maintain that property so the new residents could have a scenic view.

I understand the new development, on the land of that great farm, really supports your efforts to stop growth.

Oh - that neighborhood development that fought the shopping center now wants a sidewalk from their neighborhood to the shopping center. Didn’t you fight that sidewalk when it was proposed? I read recently where you are winning over the hearts and minds of the new folks by supporting the sidewalk and rebuilding the street in front of your house – with taxpayer dollars.

You use the word, “outrage” a lot. You should get help for that. Try eating more friendly vegetables. Go see “Brokeback Mountain” a fourth time.

Recently, I've been scouting a new place to live. I was living high on a hill, in the wooded area in the middle of the Rte 140 and Rte 27 interchange.

From there I monitored the comings and goings of so many folks like you… like so many busy ants, running here, then running there and then back again. It all seems so purposeful. So meaningful. The interchange of accomplishment. The crossroads to the future. And I observed it all, from my hilltop hide-away perch.

Anyway – I had to leave my Shangri-la, on top of the hill. One day, I gathered my meager belongings and traveled down river on a raft to a great place on the bank of the river on the other side of the old Westminster Power Plant.

It is a great place to continue my studies of the political-sociological development of benthic macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, and echinoderms.

The real challenge to dumpster diving these days, is the thrill of breaking into locked dumpsters. I mean, isn’t it amusing that we have evolved so far as a sophisticated society, that some folks have elevated the art of supreme narcissism to the extent that they actually lock their trash away.

I guess I find the idea of sifting through office trash distasteful. The diving into the abyss of our oppressors is devoid of vision and creativity. It also involves an investment into personal protection gear.

Diving into a restaurant dumpster is not as hazardous to your health as diving into the dumpster of say, the liberal legislative offices in Annapolis. One might emerge, thinking thoughts of world domination or terminal narcissism.

My real goal in life is to dive in a dumpster some day and find a "Power Ranger."

The local college is the nirvana of dumpster diving. Just yesterday I traveled there and came away with a mother lode of great things that wasteful college students have tossed into the dumpster. I got an entertainment center shelf thingy-ma-jiggy. I'll put my TV, DVD, radio, and computer on it.

I do all my holiday shopping for my family up at the college.

When I was young, we used to go the county landfill on Kate Wagner Road. Oh, the good ole days. I once witnessed two pillars of the community fight over a cream and burgundy colored Victorian sofa.

Actually, the lure of dumpster diving is the thrill of the hunt. The quest for buried treasure and personal responsibility. The call of the wild in an increasingly civilized society that has taken the life-on-the-edge, life and death struggle out of our day-to-day experience.

Bet you didn't know that I could be quite so passionate about something. Did ya?

The coat you loaned me for last winter… I've dropped that in the mail. To save on postage, I cut the buttons off and put them in the pockets, in accordance with the latest law passed by the Maryland General Assembly.

Bye for now. Hope to talk with you again soon.

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

NBH
####

20060228 Information you can use on annexation legislation

“Information you can use on annexation legislation”

February 28, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff (1050 words)

To judge from the feedback on “Annex This” which appeared in The Tentacle on February 22, 2006, there is no doubt that issues concerning growth, development and annexation are a hot topic.

[February 22, 2006 – “Annex This” – “Once again the Maryland General Assembly is being asked to step between municipalities and county governments over an issue that threatens the peace and tranquility that should exist between them. This time another crisis is building over growth and development.”]

Many who responded had a fair point - we know how you feel, we want to make up our own minds on this issue – give us the talking points from both points of view, without any spin or commentary.

Okay.

First, to refresh your memory, Senate Bill 536 and its counterpart in the House of Delegates, House Bill 1239 are titled the “Annexation Planning and Procedures Act of 2006.”

The Fiscal and Policy Notes explain: “This bill provides for the implementation of a joint planning agreement (JPA) between a county and a municipal corporation, and sets forth provisions under which land may be annexed and developed by a municipal corporation. The bill takes effect June 1, 2006.”

As this column is being written, a hearing on SB536 is scheduled on March 1, 2006, in the Senate’s Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.

The House Environmental Matters Committee has scheduled a hearing on HB1239 for March 2, 2006.

One very good place to begin a thorough analysis of this legislation is to review the “Fiscal and Policy Note,” which is dated February 28, 2006. It can be found on the web at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/fnotes/bil_0006/sb0536.pdf. It is six pages long, so this column will not rehash what you can easily read for yourself.

The Feb. 6, 2006 Maryland Municipal League (MML) bulletin reports that in a meeting between the MML leadership and House Speaker Michael Busch, D., Anne Arundel County:

“Speaker Busch also indicated that he is monitoring the land use/growth issue and reassured MML that the Chairman of the Environmental Matters Committee Delegate Maggie McIntosh will not pass any legislation relating to growth or annexation that is not fair and balanced or more detrimental to one organization or another.”

The same MML bulletin reports on a meeting between Governor Ehrlich's new Director of Legislative Policy Alan Friedman and the MML Legislative Committee on Wednesday, February 1:

“When asked about the land use and growth issue, Mr. Friedman stated that, "The administration is sorry that MACo is going after MML." According to Mr. Friedman, it is obvious that growth is an issue and Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Department of Environment have recognized growth issues. Mr. Friedman also said that the administration recognizes that planning is primarily a local issue and they are hopeful that the organizations can work it out.”

MML Legislative Chairman and Rockville Mayor Larry Giammo: “noted that it is unfair for the counties to attempt to shift the blame for crowded roads and schools to the municipalities and MACo's efforts to derail annexation are merely a smokescreen to hide the fact that counties are also responsible for controlling growth.”

As many requested, the arguments for both points of view (the MML and Maryland Association of Counties) are presented below – in their own words.

The Maryland Association of Counties’ website supports the legislation by stating:

“Annexation is increasingly becoming a mechanism to circumvent county land use policies and laws.

The problem has become more pronounced recently as developers more frequently partner with municipalities to annex large tracts for intense development. This practice arises from the existing annexation law denying county perspectives meaningful weight in annexation decisions.

To create a fair balance the existing annexation law must be refined to provide reasonable deference to adopted county land use policies and affected citizen concerns.

Annexations should be subject to all statutory Smart Growth standards now applicable to counties and development on annexed property should be consistent with county adequate public facility laws and zoning.

And, existing referendum rights should be extended to citizens living outside the annexing municipality, but proximate to the boundary of the property to be annexed, with a county having the ability to initiative a referendum not just in the property to be annexed, but also in the municipality.”

From the MML point of view, again, in their own words, in the beginning of February 2006, the MML explained its position on planning for growth:

“To better control growth and encourage mutual land use communication and cooperation between municipalities and counties, MML supports the establishment of joint municipal-county planning agreements and the development of growth boundaries around both incorporated and unincorporated population centers. This ensures that all parties are in agreement pursuant to future population allocation between incorporated and unincorporated areas.”

The MML continued by saying:

“According to MACo, growth boundaries should be established ONLY around incorporated cities and towns. Why shouldn’t counties also be required to establish growth boundaries around unincorporated areas such as Towson, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Waldorf, Kent Island, Columbia, Crofton, Germantown, Beltsville, Catonsville, Ocean Pines, Glen Burnie, Edgewater. MACo’s bill would do nothing to address out of control growth around these and other unincorporated population centers in the State.”

“Counties are not required by law to establish growth boundaries in county comprehensive master plans. Shouldn’t growth around unincorporated population centers also be accountable, responsible and subject to public input and scrutiny? If it makes sense for municipalities to establish growth boundaries, why shouldn’t counties also be required to do the same?”

“It is important that a distinction be made between annexation and growth. The issue is not annexation - the issue is growth. Restricting annexation will not restrict growth. Growth will simply occur in rural areas of the State on well and septic systems instead of around existing population centers on wastewater treatment plants.”

Finally, the MML offers this information:

“In 1990, excluding Baltimore City, 2.7% of Maryland's total land mass was located inside municipal borders. As of the year 2004, that percentage has increased to 3.3% in total land mass located within municipal boundaries. This represents an increase in total municipal landmass of just over 0.5% in the past fourteen years.”

There you have it. Both sides, in their own words.

This legislation, will at some time in the future, affect almost each and every Tentacle reader. If you have profound feelings about this legislation, now is the best time to weigh in.

Contact information on the Senate Education Health and Environmental Matters Committee is found at: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/com/02eco.html.

Contact information on the House Environmental Matters Committee can be found at: http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/com/04env.html.

Maryland General Assembly Opera, Maryland Municipal League, Maryland Association of Counties

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at: kdayhoff(at)carr.org

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20060118 Westminster Municipal Band looks to 2006

Ending year on musical note, Municipal Band looks to 2006

01/18/06 by Kevin Dayhoff Special to The Eagle

Photo: Members of the Westminster Municipal Band make their way along the parade route in Kingsville during the 2004 Independence Day Parade. File photo by Mike Buscher.

It's gray and cold outside, and spring concerts and summer parades seem so far away, but on a recent Monday, the Westminster Municipal Band started warming up for another busy 2006 schedule.

"We had a great year in 2005," said Sandy Miller, who has been the band director since March 2000.

Sandy has been in the band for about 15 years with her husband, Dave, who plays the trumpet and fills in as the drum major occasionally.

The Millers are one of many husband-and-wife teams in the band. She plays the clarinet - when she's not out front and waving a baton, that is.

"We're looking forward to an even greater year in 2006," said Scott Flohr, a band member since 1978. When he is not playing the trombone, he also handles responsibilities as the band's vice president.

Flohr said he "takes a great deal of pride in being part of a community tradition that goes back to the 1800s É and I can't tell ya how much fun it is to play in the band."

According to the band's Web site, the organization was formed in 1893 as the Westminster City Band. The site's history of the band notes that in 1916, many members of the band went into the Maryland National Guard under the heading 'First Regimental Band of Maryland National Guard,' and were sent to the Mexican Border. In 1918, the band even went to France during World War I. The band reorganized in 1950 under the current name Westminster Municipal Band.

The Web site adds that "a Color Guard was added in 1957 and is now the trademark that separates us" from other bands.

Westminster Common Councilwoman Suzanne Albert said she always enjoys hearing the band.

"I hear great compliments on how well the band performs and represents the city throughout the state," she said. "They always look so sharp marching up the street. ... I'm particularly impressed with the color guard."

Band president Greg Wantz, who started with the organization in 1978, is another example of the many "band families."

His wife, Karen, carries the band banner; brother Steve is the band's drum major; mom plays the saxophone and dad, Jim, plays the trombone.

"The band has been a family tradition for over 40 years," he said.

"We had many memorable performances in 2005, including the August community concert at Belle Grove Square, winning first place at the annual state fire fighters' convention in Ocean City and the Fourth of July parades in Catonsville and Havre de Grace," Wantz said.

"Huge crowds," he said. "Great publicity for Westminster."

Band treasurer Delbert Myerly plays drums, and said, "I joined the band around 1960. It's a good group of men and women who love to play music. We come together like family and have a lot of fun."

Myerly also seizes every opportunity to drum up some donations for the band.

"We're a nonprofit and always looking for contributions," she said.

Band drum major Steve Wantz echoed what many band members said: "the one big highlight of 2005 was dedicating our newly renovated band home on May 15, 2005" on John Street.

Wantz said that for most of the history of the band, members rehearsed on the third floor of the old firehouse on Main Street or on the second floor of the Stone Building - above "B's Coffee Shoppe" on Liberty Street.

The fire company moved in 1998, and O'Lordan's Irish Pub now occupies the Stone Building. The band was homeless for several years.

Working with the Westminster Fire Department and city government, band members rolled up their sleeves, set aside their instruments and performed with shovels, hammers and screwdrivers for many months to get their new home ready.

According to Flohr, George West served as the renovation project manager, assisted by Jim Wantz; and Jay Markle was the head carpenter. Blaine Flickinger was chief electrician.

Flohr said he is also happy to now have a garage for the band's 1947 Chevrolet panel truck used to transport equipment to band events.

In 2005, the band played in 37 events. Just before Christmas, at its annual band member recognition event, Mike Mora, Chris Crofoot, Mike Buffington, Larry Myers, Tony LaRose, Eric Utermahlen, Gene White, Brandy Simpson, Sue Mora, Joan Magnant, Dave Miller and Charlie Simpson were all recognized for attending the most band events and rehearsals in 2005.

"We're all one big family. We're proud to represent Westminster," said Greg Wantz.

"It's a great satisfaction marching up the street celebrating a great family tradition and our community," Miller said.

Both Miller and Wantz noted that the band is always looking for new members and donations.

And although the band probably won't be going to France or the Mexican border this year, fans can stay tuned with their schedule at www.westminsterband.com, or by calling 410-848-8852 or 410-857-0344.

E-mail Kevin Dayhoff at kdayhoff AT carr.org.

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20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award

20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

December 29, 2005 by Kevin Dayhoff

Writers note: A shorter version of this article titled, “CFCC on lookout for good deeds in honoring philanthropists” appeared in the Westminster Eagle on 01/05/06

“Charitable giving comes from the heart and mirrors the soul. Community philanthropists deserve to be recognized,” said Kathy Brown, the Director of Shepherd’s Staff as she multi-tasked at the front desk, answering questions and waiting on customers.

“It’s marvelous what the Foundation is doing for families in Carroll County.”

Brown was referring to a recent announcement that the Community Foundation of Carroll County (CFCC) is looking for “nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Audrey Cimino, CFCC executive director noted, “This is something we have wanted to do for quite sometime. We want to recognize those heroes who give of their time and money to make a better community. And it’s not always the huge donations – it is the accumulation of all the small donations that make things happen. You could not put a price on the volunteerism hours.”

According their website, CFCC is an umbrella organization to facilitate philanthropic activities in Carroll County since 1993. That is when a steering committee of “James Wise, Arthur Valenzano, Calvin Seitz, Peggie Roland, Donald Hull, George Giese, William Gering, and Audrey Cimino, began the process of making the Community Foundation of Carroll County a reality.”

“Beginning with a gift of sixty thousand dollars from the Estate of Rosa B. Null, a Hampstead, Maryland resident, the Community Foundation has grown to 3.4 million dollars in endowments, operations funds, scholarships and funds managed for other community organizations.”

The press release announcing the new awards program states: “The Community Foundation of Carroll County is requesting nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Cimino said in the announcement, this “is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-tradition of honoring the philanthropic efforts of Carroll County residents and businesses. Often, the long-term impact of those efforts is not recognized. Our goal is to honor and thank those in our local community who consistently respond to needs with generosity and leadership.”

CFCC marketing chair Fred Teeter gives a lot of credit to CFCC Board Chair Linda Ryan for “getting behind this effort and giving it some legs. “The Foundation came up with this project because there is no countywide recognition program to recognize philanthropists in [Carroll] County. The objective is to award an individual or family, a business, an organization, and a youth who exemplify the spirit of giving through financial support, and volunteerism.”

“Through its partnership with the Carroll County Times,” CFCC will recognize Carroll philanthropists “during the first annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards program on April 5, 2006,” the announcement continued.

Hampstead mayor Haven Shoemaker thinks the award program “is a fantastic idea.”

When asked what private sector contributions means to municipalities, Shoemaker, president of the Carroll Chapter of the MD Municipal League said, “town governments can’t do it alone… [Hampstead] is just all-local government… We operate on a shoestring budget and without philanthropy; taxes would be a lot higher than they already are. For example, we really appreciate the Hampstead Lion’s Club providing citizens with recreation, baseball programs, and the like…”

“Charitable donations mean everything to us,” Brown said, referring to Shepherd’s staff, a Westminster based Christian outreach and emergency support center. “We depend on the charity giving of the community because we don’t accept any county state or federal funding.”

Commissioner Perry Jones said, “The generosity of the community has been critical to Carroll County being the great place that it is for all our families. Carroll is very fortunate to have the Community Foundation.”

Timmi Pierce, the new executive director of the Historical Society of Carroll County remarked that she had already discussed with her staff who to nominate. “Volunteerism is really a core element for a community. Carroll County has a rich history of generosity in the community that goes to back to the founding of the county.”

A nomination form must be completed in its entirety for each nominee, and mailed to the Community Foundation of Carroll County, P.O. Box 170, Westminster, MD 21158, postmarked by Thursday, January 12, 2006. Nomination forms are available on the web at www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org or by contacting Lisa Aughenbaugh, CFCC Project Manager, 410-876-8772 or Fred Teeter, 866-775-2185.

Forms are also available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157, during regular business hours.

20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award

20051229 Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

Community Foundation of Carroll County announces Philanthropists of the Year Award.

December 29, 2005 by Kevin Dayhoff

Writers note: A shorter version of this article titled, “CFCC on lookout for good deeds in honoring philanthropists” appeared in the Westminster Eagle on 01/05/06

“Charitable giving comes from the heart and mirrors the soul. Community philanthropists deserve to be recognized,” said Kathy Brown, the Director of Shepherd’s Staff as she multi-tasked at the front desk, answering questions and waiting on customers.

“It’s marvelous what the Foundation is doing for families in Carroll County.”

Brown was referring to a recent announcement that the Community Foundation of Carroll County (CFCC) is looking for “nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Audrey Cimino, CFCC executive director noted, “This is something we have wanted to do for quite sometime. We want to recognize those heroes who give of their time and money to make a better community. And it’s not always the huge donations – it is the accumulation of all the small donations that make things happen. You could not put a price on the volunteerism hours.”

According their website, CFCC is an umbrella organization to facilitate philanthropic activities in Carroll County since 1993. That is when a steering committee of “James Wise, Arthur Valenzano, Calvin Seitz, Peggie Roland, Donald Hull, George Giese, William Gering, and Audrey Cimino, began the process of making the Community Foundation of Carroll County a reality.”

“Beginning with a gift of sixty thousand dollars from the Estate of Rosa B. Null, a Hampstead, Maryland resident, the Community Foundation has grown to 3.4 million dollars in endowments, operations funds, scholarships and funds managed for other community organizations.”

The press release announcing the new awards program states: “The Community Foundation of Carroll County is requesting nominations to recognize the exceptional generosity and strong commitment of extraordinary local philanthropists.”

Cimino said in the announcement, this “is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-tradition of honoring the philanthropic efforts of Carroll County residents and businesses. Often, the long-term impact of those efforts is not recognized. Our goal is to honor and thank those in our local community who consistently respond to needs with generosity and leadership.”

CFCC marketing chair Fred Teeter gives a lot of credit to CFCC Board Chair Linda Ryan for “getting behind this effort and giving it some legs. “The Foundation came up with this project because there is no countywide recognition program to recognize philanthropists in [Carroll] County. The objective is to award an individual or family, a business, an organization, and a youth who exemplify the spirit of giving through financial support, and volunteerism.”

“Through its partnership with the Carroll County Times,” CFCC will recognize Carroll philanthropists “during the first annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards program on April 5, 2006,” the announcement continued.

Hampstead mayor Haven Shoemaker thinks the award program “is a fantastic idea.”

When asked what private sector contributions means to municipalities, Shoemaker, president of the Carroll Chapter of the MD Municipal League said, “town governments can’t do it alone… [Hampstead] is just all-local government… We operate on a shoestring budget and without philanthropy; taxes would be a lot higher than they already are. For example, we really appreciate the Hampstead Lion’s Club providing citizens with recreation, baseball programs, and the like…”

“Charitable donations mean everything to us,” Brown said, referring to Shepherd’s staff, a Westminster based Christian outreach and emergency support center. “We depend on the charity giving of the community because we don’t accept any county state or federal funding.”

Commissioner Perry Jones said, “The generosity of the community has been critical to Carroll County being the great place that it is for all our families. Carroll is very fortunate to have the Community Foundation.”

Timmi Pierce, the new executive director of the Historical Society of Carroll County remarked that she had already discussed with her staff who to nominate. “Volunteerism is really a core element for a community. Carroll County has a rich history of generosity in the community that goes to back to the founding of the county.”

A nomination form must be completed in its entirety for each nominee, and mailed to the Community Foundation of Carroll County, P.O. Box 170, Westminster, MD 21158, postmarked by Thursday, January 12, 2006. Nomination forms are available on the web at www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org or by contacting Lisa Aughenbaugh, CFCC Project Manager, 410-876-8772 or Fred Teeter, 866-775-2185.

Forms are also available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157, during regular business hours.

20060104 Mike Schuh WJZ Channel 13

Mike Schuh WJZ Channel 13

January 4^th, 2006

Schuh Mike

Reporter

http://wjz.com/bios/local_bio_053095449

Mike Schuh joined WJZ Eyewitness News as a general assignment reporter in April, 1993. In 2002 Mike won a Regional Edward R. Murrow award for feature reporting.

During his career at Eyewitness News he has also earned 6 Emmy Awards for Hard News Investigations, General News Reporting and Features Reporting. Mike came to WJZ after reporting for other television stations in Indianapolis, Louisville, Missouri and Illinois.

In 1983 he received his B.S. Degree in News Reporting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Mike lives near Towson with his wife and one very, very energetic daughter.

Just the Facts

Position: Reporter

Year Hired: 1993

First TV Appearance: 1981

Favorite Story: 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics

Memorable Interview: John Travolta

Dream Interview: anyone who connect with the audience

Dream Job: being a better storyteller

First Story: Carbondale, IL city council meeting

Role Model: former NPPA Photographer of the Year Mark Anderson

Why I'm A Journalist: I love telling stories

Hidden Talent: pretty good carpenter/painter

Alma Mater: Souther Illinois Unversity at Carbondale

Hometown: Waukegan, IL

Kids: 1

Siblings: 5

Hobbies: restoring my home in an historic neighborhood

Favorite Food: Spicy Veggie Ho Fun with Tofu

Favorite Sports Team: Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Cubs

Favorite Destination: The Outer Banks Avon, NC

_____

Mike Schuh

January 4^th, 2006

Television NewsVideo Workshop

http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/workshops_and_seminars/TV_NewsVideo_workshop/2006/faculty/mschuh.html

Before joining the CBS O&O in Baltimore in 1993, Mike told stories in Cape Girardeau, MO, Louisville, and Indianapolis. Mike has worked for about a dozen general managers and news directors, all who have very different thoughts about what news should look and sound like. He has successfully adapted what he's learned here to keep his bosses happy while at the same time producing stories which keep him excited about his job. He is happy to discuss survival techniques.

A Bakers Dozen of Sensible Schuh's:

Be a good employee.

Don't whine.

Pretend you are a freelancer -- like you must impress the bosses every day or you won't be able to afford food.

Surprise the producers. Give them more than they asked for in less time.

Work hard on the little story and the boss will give you the big ones.

Keep your mind on the story, not on the station gossip. Spend at least 5-10 minutes exchanging ideas about the story on the way to the story. Good ideas snowball.

Communicate expectations, communicate needs, communicate wants.

What do I have? What do I need?

On the ride home, go through the sequences about what will work where.

Offer solutions, not just problems.

Stand up straight.

Eat your vegetables.

Wear glasses if you need them.

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