tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12410708511547904652024-03-19T15:49:50.023-07:00Diana Broomell - Keeping it RealAuthority: Jacque Broomell, TreasurerDiana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-19820778681463269442014-06-08T14:14:00.002-07:002014-06-08T14:25:05.721-07:00County Intervention Needed on Drug Policies<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/opinion/letters/article_e8b67aa0-f025-5ae0-a2e4-265b93aff9c8.html?_dc=39841993246.2275" target="_blank">Posted as a Letter to the Editor</a><br />
Cecil Whig<br />
May 8, 2014<br />
<br />
A major intervention is needed in Cecil County. In June 2005, Cecil County established a local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council (DAAC), but today we have one of the highest overdose, crime, child maltreatment and suicide rates attributable to drug abuse in the State of Maryland.<br />
<br />
Serving on the DAAC for almost three years, I (along with other members) became frustrated that nothing was being addressed. While Chairman Bennett led us to believe that the DAAC could not vote and was only an advisory body, he and self-appointed secretary Ken Collins forwarded drug treatment initiatives to the Community Health Advisory Committee and later to the governor with little to no input from the DAAC.<br />
<br />
This gave the impression the DAAC had voted to support them. Once it was revealed through bylaws we later received (only after the state compelled Ken Collins to give us copies) that the DAAC was supposed to discuss, recommend and vote on all treatment initiatives, Chairman Bennett avoided questions by cancelling the last DAAC meeting. Neither the county executive nor the majority on the county council intervened.<br />
<br />
We have since discovered that obstructionism goes as high as the governor's office. If citizens don't take control of their county, there are others who would be more than happy to keep the status quo, and will continue to obstruct true intervention. For more information, go to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1241070851154790465#editor/target=post;postID=5361126329686385335;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=1;src=postname" target="_blank">Cecil County Drug Abuse Exposed! Part I</a> and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1241070851154790465#editor/target=post;postID=5165568025374467421;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=2;src=postname" target="_blank">Letter to the Governor</a> .Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-53611263296863853352014-02-10T09:02:00.004-08:002014-06-08T06:13:36.730-07:00Cecil County Drug Abuse Exposed! Part 1Two years ago I discovered how bad our crime and drug abuse is in Cecil County and have since attempted to address. What I have discovered during those two years should shock the public especially if you have had family or loved ones exposed to drug addiction. The very ones who are responsible for addressing these issues have failed us miserably but even worse it seems they have done so intentionally. Why? At this point I can only assume there is more money for certain individuals and departments in maintaining and promoting addiction than in solving the problem. <br />
<br />
This is only Part I and there are other players I will be calling out. For now, let’s start with our Local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council (LDAAC). This Council was initiated by executive order in 2004 by Governor O’Malley and all of the Maryland Counties were tasked with creating their own LDAAC’s to identify how to best address their local drug abuse and addiction issues. There was a funding mechanism created and the Governor chose which of the LDAAC’s requests he would support in each of the local strategic plans. To supposedly ensure these initiatives were effectively addressing local drug abuse, six month reports were required to be submitted to the DHMH showing the progress. <br />
<br />
Sounds like a good plan but for the two years I have served on this Council, Chairman John Bennett led us to believe the Council was only advisory, we didn’t have a vote and when someone wanted to serve as co Chair, he stated: “I don’t know where the bylaws are, I don’t know if we can have a co Chair, and I don’t know who the voting members are of this committee.” That’s when I and other concerned citizens did our homework and demanded information that was being withheld. After a month we finally received the bylaws, we stumbled upon the real purpose of the LDAAC’s, the strategic plan and the 6 month progress reports which were exclusively submitted by Ken Collins with no vote by the Council. <br />
<br />
When one of the members of the Council even suggested removing John Bennett, both Mr. Collins and Mr. Massuli of the Cecil County Health Department said they would never support because he goes to all of the meetings with Collins to represent LDAAC. Let me point out that the bylaws state the Chairman is not permitted to speak on behalf of the Council unless the Council permits it. I noticed the bylaws stated we would have a secretary and I asked who that was. Mr. Collins spoke up and said he was the secretary despite there never being a vote to place him in that position. <br />
<br />
So in the two years I have served on the Council, I have been able to bring HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Federal Designation) to Cecil County for additional resources to address drug trafficking, I have organized and held over 10 Drug Awareness Forums, and scheduled Marie Allen of Heroin Hurts in our public schools. I have also requested supporting data that our methadone treatment facilities in the County are working and proposed new policies to make it more transparent and effective.<br />
<br />
Mr. Bennett and Drug Czar Ken Collins on the other hand have went out of their way to obstruct and block any forward progress. After the Roundtable in August, many Cecil County departments revealed Cecil County’s drug addiction became much worse after the 6 week waiting list was created due to the shutting down of half the treatment beds at A.F.Whitsitt Center in Kent County. I went down to Whitsitt and confirmed this had a huge impact on access to recovery and that the health department was instead referring everyone to methadone maintenance until their name came up on the waiting list. Many of those on the waiting list could not qualify for recovery because their methadone levels were too high, the phone numbers no longer worked, they changed their mind, or were arrested.. Mr. Bennett sent me an email discouraging opening the additional recovery beds at A.F.Whitsitt and that was Mr. Collins response as well. <br />
<br />
Have they intentionally diverted clients to methadone maintenance facilities? We were equally surprised to hear DHMH justify that their definition of successful methadone treatment was the longer you stay on methadone. So a 10 year client on methadone is more successful than one only on it for 5 years?! We have requested the state stat data that was required to be collected on the methadone facilities to show how many clients have kept their jobs, successfully stayed in recovery, or suffered a relapse. We were repeatedly promised that information from Nancy Turner of Serenity Health, and from DHMH. However, I was just informed by a DHMH representative that they stopped collecting that data due to push back of the private treatment facilities. <br />
<br />
The latest collusion has been with Chairman Bennett claiming that the LDAAC at their last meeting supported the initiatives proposed by the County Executive. This was not true because Drug Czar Collins said he didn’t have a copy of her letter at the meeting so it was never reviewed and no vote taken. Chairman Bennett wrote a letter to the editor and sent out many emails requesting Cecil County organizations send letters of support to the Governor supporting the County Executive’s initiatives and that he was writing the letter on behalf of LDAAC that voted on and supported the initiatives. <br />
<br />
Another important development was the Community Health Advisory Council Meeting which I am supposedly a member but did not receive a notice of the meeting. I stumbled upon the meeting date after researching what the LDAAC’s responsibilities are. This is the Council which the LDAAC and the other advisory councils report to with their initiatives. You could clearly see that Director Garrity was surprised to see me there and I invited other concerned citizens to attend so there would be witnesses. When Chairman Bennett provided the LDAAC Report, both Bennett and Collins claimed that LDAAC supported the County Executive’s initiatives. It was interesting that the Drug Czar Collins also identified himself as the Director of the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Department which Mike Massuli was supposedly assuming the responsibility for while Collins served under the County Executive. <br />
<br />
I spoke up and said that LDAAC never voted or reviewed the initiatives and that Mr. Bennett has misrepresented his position as Chair. Follow the money - Where is the County Executive proposing to divert the LDAAC Funding? The methadone maintenance facilities ($100,000 for residential treatment) and the Schools ($275,000) for a recovery high school. These initiatives, however, were never vetted or scrutinized before by LDAAC so how do we know if this is the best recourse for attacking drug addiction in our County? But even worse, the LDAAC process was put into place to ensure special interests couldn’t get their hands on this recovery money. What performance measures or data does the County Excutive have to back up $100,000 in additional funding to the private treatment facilities for intensive outpatient therapy? A DHMH counselor has already stated that this doesn't work because the addict needs to be removed from their environment to effectively start recovery. It has already been identified in the Health Resources in Action Study and from many in the treatment community that the demand or logjam to recovery is for detox and intensive inpatient therapy. So why would we ignore this fact and invest in treatment that probably won't be effective? My concern is that two of the main private treatment providers in the County is Serenity Health and the Elkton Treatment Center. They are campaign contributors to the Cecil Business Leaders for Better Government - a political action committee which supported the Moore/Hodge/McCarthy slate and is now supporting Councilwoman Bowlseby. <br />
<br />
If you have a story to tell on how you or a loved one was obstructed from access to recovery, please send me an email at dbroomell@ccgov.org. Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-51655680253744674212014-02-03T15:27:00.001-08:002014-07-17T07:47:10.072-07:00Letter to the Governor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
January 15, 2014<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Governor Martin O’Malley<br />
100 State Circle<br />
Annapolis, Maryland 21401<br />
<br />
Dear Governor O'Malley,<br />
<br />
I am writing to bring an important matter to your attention.<br />
<br />
The Cecil County Executive, Tari Moore, has just forwarded to you a list of her initiatives to address our drug abuse crisis in the County. <br />
<br />
I was under the impression that there was a process in place to properly vet initiatives to address drug and alcohol abuse. Your Executive Order in 2008 created the State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council. The State Legislature mandated that each county would have their own local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council (DAAC) to establish their own initiatives and plans to be forwarded to the State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council and your office for funding.<br />
<br />
While A.F. Whitsitt has previously been discussed and researched, other County Executive recommendations have not been vetted through the Local DAAC, the Community Health Advisory Committee (CHAC) and were not included on the goals outlined in our 2 year strategic plan. The process your Executive Order created was put into place to more effectively assess and identify local needs. And who best to identify than its own community made up of local stakeholders and concerned citizens impacted by drug abuse. <br />
<br />
Examples of initiatives that were never mentioned in our 2 year strategic plan include the Recovery High School ($275,000) and the Lab Analyst ($35,000). The County Executive brought her requests before the Cecil County Council and questions were asked during that meeting as well as at a previous meeting with the County Executive’s Special Assistant to Drug Policy, Kenneth Collins. I requested further information on why the four positions were needed at the Recovery High School. I also requested further information on the lab analyst wanting to verify that this was the best method in funding this position. These answers were never provided.<br />
<br />
It should be noted that Mr. Collins was also the former Director for the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center for the Cecil County Health Department so he should be familiar with the process you put into place but yet he advocated spending money on programs that were never discussed by the local DAAC. <br />
<br />
While I was concerned that new initiatives were being suggested without input from the DAAC, it was a relief that the County Executive decided to include funding for Whitsitt as the top priority <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2336658416388330631#editor/target=post;postID=6765958637770462303;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=12;src=postname" target="_blank">(Attachment 1)</a> after it was pointed out how critical it was to address the six week waiting list for detox. <a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/opinion/editorials/article_957149ca-6f06-58e4-8e14-5750c4cfdc67.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 2) </a> However, the Cecil County Executive’s letter <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-3.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 3) </a>and the Cecil County Council’s letter <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-4_3.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 4)</a> failed to point this out and made each of her initiatives a top priority in a different category. While I objected to that misrepresentation to the Cecil County Council and the statement that the Cecil County Council unanimously supported all of the initiatives, the majority on the Council refused to draft a new support letter with the correct information. <br />
<br />
<br />
Page 2<br />
<br />
<br />
Another concern is the manner in which our local DAAC functions. To determine the Council’s role and responsibility, we requested a copy of the by laws but were told by the Chair, John Bennett, that he couldn't find his copy and that Mr. Collins would provide. We’ve been waiting over a month and just received them <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-5.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 5)</a>. All of the information on how our local DAAC was intended to function we had to locate ourselves and were shocked to find that the designated DAAC for Cecil County was the Community Health Advisory Committee (CHAC) which meets only twice a year. The DAAC is one of five task forces that report to CHAC. The local DAAC has not voted upon or reviewed the 6 month reports or strategic plan which are required to be submitted. We were informed that Ken Collins submitted but it's not clear on where he received the information to compile the reports. <br />
<br />
John Bennett has stated that this Council is only advisory and can not vote. After a member requested to serve as co chair, he responded that he wasn’t sure if the rules of procedure allow for a co chair and even so, wouldn't know who the members are that could vote. Mr. Bennett also claimed in a letter to the editor <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-6.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 6)</a> that the DAAC reviewed and approved the initiatives by the County Executive. The initiatives were not reviewed because Mr. Collins did not have a copy with him and therefore there was no vote. Even more disturbing is that Mr. Bennett said he only needed the approval of the Cecil County Health Department to submit the editorial. He also took it upon himself as Chair of the DAAC to send emails <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-7.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 7)</a> to many organizations stating the DAAC reviewed and approved the County Executive’s initiatives and requested they send in letters of support. <br />
<br />
At previous DAAC Meetings, Mr. Bennett had claimed we couldn’t take votes because we were only advisory. But as you can see from his letters to the editor, emails to organizations to encourage support, and attending other meetings representing the local DAAC he isn’t shy about sharing his personal opinion without seeking direction from the rest of the DAAC. When I was seeking support to reopen the treatment beds at Whitsitt, he sent an email stating we shouldn’t pursue because it would hurt the political good will established at the Roundtable<a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-8.html" target="_blank"> (Attachment 8)</a>. When a concerned citizen was opening up a transitional house, she encountered zoning issues and requested support and direction from John Bennett. His response to her was full of political innuendo as to how it wasn’t the time to ask for any support in Cecil County<a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-9.html" target="_blank"> (Attachment 9). </a><br />
<br />
After receiving a copy of the DAAC by laws, there is now no doubt the Chairman has been deficient in the manner he has conducted the meetings. (Attachment 5 Bylaws: 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 7.1) Other issues include that citizens have been removed from the DAAC meeting notification email list as well as requests for monthly meetings have been ignored. Because our drug abuse problem is at a crisis point, we don’t think quarterly meetings are appropriate. <br />
<br />
I have been an active member of our local DAAC for over 2 years. During that period of time I have organized many forums and workshops <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-10.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 10)</a> for the public and within Cecil County Public Schools. I’ve encouraged the public to participate, researched how to fight drug abuse and implement more effective treatment, and pursued stronger COMAR regulations with support from the County Commissioners and later the County Council. <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-11.html" target="_blank"> (Attachment 11)</a> I have also worked on and helped obtain the HIDTA Designation. <a href="http://lettertogovattachments.blogspot.com/2014/02/attachment-12.html" target="_blank">(Attachment 12)</a> I’m one person but yet could find so many ways to address our number one problem.<br />
<br />
In this pursuit, I have requested that DHMH provide the Statestat information on employment, criminal activity, and relapse to identify how successful the private treatment programs are and was told the information would be provided at the next monthly DHMH meeting. These were the monthly meetings you authorized at my request at the Round Table in August. This will probably be the first month to not have a meeting despite my repeated request to have it scheduled. I believe the reason may be that DHMH promised the Statestat data but now I’ve been told by a DHMH official that in 2008 this information was no longer collected due to push back from the private treatment programs.<br />
<br />
Page 3<br />
<br />
<br />
We have also requested intervention on pill mill doctors from the Health Department as you would assume these doctors are a danger to public health. The Health Department has not intervened and it was only after I requested an update from the Maryland Board of Physicians regarding a local Doctor charged in Delaware and Pennsylvania that the website was updated. After Maryland‘s investigation he was only put on probation for one year. After reading the report from the panel review, I would have thought his license should have been suspended.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <br />
I along with three other concerned citizens have been active in on the local DAAC and in effectively addressing drug abuse in the County. By comparison, the County Executive and three members on the Council, who blindly support her initiatives, have not. Mr. Collins has supported Mr. Bennett’s management of the DAAC and has been what can only be called an obstructionist on promoting properly vetted initiatives in Cecil County. Could this be why our drug abuse, overdose, suicide, crime, and child maltreatment rates are so high? <br />
<br />
I don't believe it was your intention to have resources allocated without a proper vetting from the local DAAC. When the process is followed as was intended, it promotes and encourages community involvement, the opportunity for ideas to be exchanged freely, and the transparency to ensure special interests or political pay backs have not taken control over our limited resource funding. <br />
<br />
The DAAC can flourish at the direction of a strong, enthusiastic Chair which includes the community in meetings and in promoting goals and initiatives. There have already been comments by the Health Department directors that they will defend Chairman Bennett and will never support his removal. That gives me the impression that all of the obstruction we’ve encountered has been by design which leads to another question - Why? Our request - mine and other concerned citizens - is that you intervene and support our efforts to have a local DAAC which operates in the manner intended.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Diana Broomell<br />
Cecil County Council, District 4<br />
200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2100<br />
Elkton, Maryland 21921<br />
Office: 410.996.5201<br />
Email: dbroomell@ccgov.org<br />
Fax: 410.996.1014<br />
<br />
<br />Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-52085218518588333812014-01-06T08:01:00.005-08:002014-01-06T08:01:48.508-08:00Is Cecil County Better off Today?<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Letter to the Editor</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cecil Whig</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/3/14</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Cecil County Executive is holding a Town Hall on Monday,
January 6 at 6:30 pm in the County Administration Building. On the anniversary
of switching to Charter, this is an opportune time to discuss if Cecil County is
better off today than a year ago.<br /><br /> Cecil County holds the record for the
most attempts at Charter. Why was it voted down so many times before? Many
were concerned with the amount of power provided the County Executive.
<br /><br /> And for good reason. Since taking office , the County Executive (1)
increased our long term debt by $70 million reaching our highest long term debt
of $210 million, (2) Removed a member of the Ethics Commission because they
serve at the County Executive's sole discretion, (3) Switched her party
affiliation from Republican to unaffiliated to control filling her own vacancy
on the Council circumventing the Republican Central Committee. If you attend a
Council Meeting, you will find that 3 of the members are in lock step with the
County Executive which allows her and the Cecil Business Leader Lobby to run
Cecil County. <br /><br />So on the one year anniversary of Charter Government, we
should consider is Cecil County better off today then it was a year ago? Were
the promises made by the Friends of Charter to be cost neutral and more
efficient correct? Better yet, what can we do to improve our government
process to make it more transparent, accountable and fiscally responsible for
the future?</span></div>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-65505362254854072512013-11-20T05:36:00.002-08:002014-06-08T14:52:31.041-07:00Hatem Toll Issues Published<a href="http://foxbaltimore.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/md-officials-considering-new-openroad-tolling-at-hatem-bridge-23463.shtml#.Uoy2pNKbNLV" target="_blank">Backdoor Toll increases from MdTA</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/local_news/article_8fef2f68-13d4-52aa-8454-2a4d52e4a631.html" target="_blank">Cecil Whig Article</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/opinion/article_ea6e49c0-001e-11e1-9fe6-001cc4c002e0.html" target="_blank">Whig Editorial on 3rd Axle Increases</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://foxbaltimore.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/4-cecil-co-farmers-seek-permits-use-sewage-sludge-fertilizer-23303.shtml#.Uoy6BtKbNLW" target="_blank">Sludge Spreading Concerns</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/local_news/article_ed5a2999-a086-5f04-93ad-6edb222cb6b3.html" target="_blank">Whig Article on Sludge Notification Bill </a></div>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-5239140076308713622013-09-15T01:39:00.002-07:002013-09-15T02:15:24.675-07:00Council Members Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby Attempt to CensorCouncilmembers Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby are doing everything in their power to censor information getting to the public. Below is the link to the September 10, 2013 audio recording in which President Hodge led the discussion on incorporating consequences which a "majority" of the Council could enforce.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ccgov.org/uploads/cmup/Council/ws/09.10.13.wksession7.councildecorum.mp3" target="_blank">http://ccgov.org/uploads/cmup/Council/ws/09.10.13.wksession7.councildecorum.mp3</a><br />
<br />
Below link to the audio recording of the same meeting showing how rules are not equitably enforced by President Hodge. Go to 15 minutes 40 seconds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ccgov.org/uploads/cmup/Council/ws/09.10.13.wksession8.councilmanagerrpt.councilitems.mp3" target="_blank">http://ccgov.org/uploads/cmup/Council/ws/09.10.13.wksession8.councilmanagerrpt.councilitems.mp3</a>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-5502251082205011942013-09-03T12:38:00.001-07:002013-09-26T07:48:37.554-07:00Transparency Key in the Basell Deal - Cecil Whig guest column<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="story-times dtstamp" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #666666; font: 11px/16px 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Posted:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="updated" style="font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2013-08-30T04:00:00-04:00">Friday, August 30, 2013 4:00 am</span></div>
<div class="byline" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #666666; font: bold 11px/16px 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="entry-content" id="blox-story-text" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font: 12px 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="container" id="paging_container" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="content" style="color: black; display: block; float: none; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: auto;">
<span class="paragraph-0" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Should it be mandatory that everyone profiting from the Basell purchase (Bill No. 2013-09) be disclosed?</div>
</span><span class="paragraph-1" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
When it comes to taxpayers’ dollars, transparency is always a good policy.</div>
</span><div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
In response to my request for disclosure, Obrecht Properties stated: “Appleton Road Business Trust”, is limited to, and comprised exclusively of, principals and employees of Obrecht Properties, LLC and Blue & Obrecht Realty, LLC, as well as a Baltimore physician/real estate investor. No names were provided.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Purchased in May 2013 for $5 million by Appleton Road Business Trust LLC, County Executive Tari Moore and the Cecil County Public School system is now offering $4.2 million above their purchase price, which includes a one year lease of $800,000 to allow the sellers to avoid a capital gains tax. That’s over 60-percent profit for owning the property for just 90 days.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
The LLC paperwork was completed by Lawrence Haislip and it should be noted that while Obrecht Properties has other LLCs, this is the only one in which Mr. Haislip submitted the paperwork. Mr. Haislip is also the attorney who negotiated the Artesian deal for Cecil County, a campaign contributor to Cecil County Council President Robert Hodge and retained by Cecil County for the lawsuit against the Town of North East challenging its out-of-town water rates after Hodge was elected.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
I questioned the motivation for the North East lawsuit as well as emphatic claims by Haislip and Hodge that the case would be a slam dunk win for the county. It wasn’t and the county and Town of North East lost close to $1 million. I questioned why Hodge didn’t recuse himself since he had properties that were affected by the North East water rates. I’ve also questioned the $4 million road infrastructure overhaul, the $30 million Seneca Point Wastewater Treatment Plant GE Zenon System, and a capital project to lay sewer infrastructure and all would benefit his properties.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
In my opinion, Hodge has been using Cecil County as his own personal piggy bank. Moore was his political consultant, when she then owned Moore Strategies, when he was running for office in 2006. She recently requested a bill to be introduced increasing our long term debt by 50 percent. The $70 million bond (Bill No. 2013-10) would include funding for the Basell and GE Zenon purchases. As expected, council members Hodge, Alan McCarthy and Joyce Bowlsbey have no problem with this bill and will probably support it.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
The magnitude of this borrowing is unprecedented, irresponsible and does not represent the platform that Moore, Hodge, McCarthy and Moore-appointed Bowlsbey claimed to support. Fiscal irresponsibility is one thing, but taxpayers have the right to know if back-room deals are being made. Maryland Campaign Finance laws mandate that elected officials file personal financial disclosures for the public’s review. These disclosure statements for each of the council members can be viewed on my website at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.dianabroomell.com/" style="color: #457d9d; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="www.dianabroomell.com">www.dianabroomell.com</a>.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Demanding transparency keeps everyone honest. Councilwoman Bowlsbey stated she would support disclosing the members of the Appleton Road Business Trust LLC only if 10,000 citizens requested. If they have nothing to hide, it shouldn’t be an issue.</div>
</div>
<div class="encrypted-content" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<em style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Diana Broomell is the District 4 representative to the Cecil County Council</em></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page_navigation managed-service" style="display: block; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px auto; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 550px;">
</div>
<div class="clear" style="background-position: 0px 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; clear: both; display: block; float: none; font-size: 0px; height: 0px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="clear" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: 0px 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; clear: both; color: #222222; display: block; float: none; font: 0px 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; visibility: hidden; white-space: normal; width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="clear" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: 0px 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; clear: both; color: #222222; display: block; float: none; font: 0px 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; visibility: hidden; white-space: normal; width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="business-object small" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; float: right; font: 10px 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="biz-info" style="float: right; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 150px;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
</div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-29123140736267526342013-08-02T06:35:00.001-07:002013-08-02T06:35:05.906-07:00Governor's Visit Should Not Limit Cecil County's Drug Abuse DiscussionAs originally reported in the Washington Post, the Governor's visit is only meant to address the Opiate Overdose Plan and not the recent findings of the HRIA Study of Cecil County's Drug Abuse Issues. However, I have insisted that the discussion be on the drug abuse issues as a whole and how the State has the potential to effect positive change in Cecil County and throughout the State. <br />
<br />
At my request, Stephanie Garrity, Director of the Cecil County Health Department, organized a meeting with State Representatives on July 22 to address proposed changes to State Comar regulations for drug treatment clinics as well as to discuss other related concerns. Below is my follow up email sent to the State representatives to request confirmation on the issues the State would agree to follow up on. It was sent July 28th and Stephanie Garrity has replied and agreed the summary was fairly accurate. I am still awaiting a response from the State.<br />
<br />
State Representatives,<br />
<br />
I also wanted to thank you for coming all the way to Cecil County to address our concerns. I agree that it was a positive meeting and I walked away with a sense that the State wanted to close up the "gaps" in our ability to address drug abuse in Cecil County. <br />
<br />
Regarding our request for changes to the AELR Committee, can you please forward the new State Comar Regulations for urine testing standards at drug treatment clinics which Dr. Franklin had referred? I wanted to make sure the new regulations already addressed our concerns.<br />
<br />
Also, from my recollection (which is not always the best), items the State agreed to discuss further included:<br />
<br />
1. Review of the Drug Treatment facilities in the County:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a. To review if treatment services are being unbundled and selectively administered.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>b. Review of client counseling records to insure a realistic plan is developed, followed and assessed.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>c. To insure Methadone is being used as only part of a Opiate Level I Treatment Plan and includes the<br />
required counseling with a realistic plan for recovery addressing the reasons for the client's drug<br />
abuse.(ex. Dr. Stoller's Drug Treatment Program)<br />
<br />
2. Review how to remove a major source of drug abuse, Doctors over prescribing narcotics:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a. Inform public on how to effectively file complaints with the State providing a timely response.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>b. Intervene in a timely manner to pull State Medical and CDS dispensing licenses and schedule<br />
emergency hearings because they are a threat to public safety.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>c. Insure Maryland Board of Physicians is reporting on website in a timely manner (1 week?) of<br />
Doctor's charges and convictions.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>d. Make it mandatory for doctors to disclose risk of addiction in using narcotics for pain management<br />
and to provide non narcotic options.<br />
<br />
3. Realistically measure success:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a. Put into place an effective Drug Treatment State Stat that measures success on relevant criteria:<br />
employment history, # of clean urine tests, attendance for treatment, discharged after completing<br />
program, reduction or elimination of methadone.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>b. Results reviewed in a timely manner and any weaknesses in the treatment identified and addressed<br />
with new plans and cont'd review.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>c. Results published for the public to review.<br />
<br />
4. First steps in establishing a detox facility in the County.<br />
<br />
5. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program:<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a. August 20 target date - State Stat criteria identified to measure success and improve performance<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>b. Check with Governor for support of Federal legislation to make it mandatory for adjoining states to<br />
share PDMP information.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>c. Eventually make it mandatory for Pharmacists and Doctors to use.<br />
<br />
If this list needs to be corrected, please let me know. Thanks again and I look forward to continuing our discussion in the near future.<br />
<br />
Diana<br />
<br />
Diana Broomell<br />
Cecil County Council, District 4<br />
200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2100<br />
Elkton, Maryland 21921<br />
Office: 410.996.5201<br />
Email: dbroomell@ccgov.org<br />
Fax: 410.996.1014<br />
www.dianabroomell.comDiana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-40287306475079306672013-07-12T10:19:00.000-07:002013-07-12T10:24:02.645-07:00Dealing with Cecil County's Drug Problem<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">The drug problem is Cecil County's number 1 issue. Ninety percent of our crime is drug related; we have the 3rd worst crime rate in the State of MD as well as one of the highest overdose and child maltreatment rates. Social Services, schools, economic development, and quality of life are all affected. Until we start addressing this issue, how can we move the County in a positive direction?</span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">To address the problem, we need more effective drug treatment facilities, drug awareness education, and more accountability and resources on the State and Federal level.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"> Drug treatment facilities should be more effective. I have requested that the State of MD change their comar regulations to require more counseling and more effective drug testing of their clients.</span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Dirty doctors should be aggressively dealt with. The Maryland Board of Physicians oversees this issue and they have been criticized for their <a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-11-21/health/bs-hs-board-of-physicians-20111121_1_towson-cardiologist-mark-g-midei-medical-board" target="_blank">backlog of complaints</a></span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">. Our local hospital should be adopting protocols to deny doctors with questionable backgrounds requesting affiliation with their hospital. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">We need an effective Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (pdmp). The federal government has required all States implement but MD is one of seven that still has not.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">I have requested that our Congressman, Andy Harris, submit laws making it mandatory for adjoining states to share Pdmp information; to revoke prescription writing privileges for Doctors in all States when it's been revoked in one State; and to support Cecil County in obtaining a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Designation which provides federal resources. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Keep in mind, the pharmaceutical industry is by far the biggest lobbyist in Washington DC. In my pursuit to address this issue I have discovered that many profit in sustaining this problem and until we stand up and hold our elected, appointed and community representatives accountable, we will not be able to effectively address this issue.</span></span>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-39979296888466688482013-06-19T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-04T10:17:48.065-07:00How did Cecil County Waste $30 Million on Seneca Point?<div>
Why would anyone agree to pay $30 million for a project that should only cost the County $3 million? That’s exactly what happened on May 21st when Council members Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby voted to support the Seneca Point Waste Water Treatment Plant Project which incorporates the Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) Filters. While it’s a fact that Seneca Point is mandated to go to Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR), our consultant (GHD) has stated and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has verified that the denitrification filter is the cheapest way to meet this standard. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
However, the 3 council members voted for MBR despite Director Flanigan’s failure to provide justification and even after the Citizen’s Budget Advisory unanimously voted in opposition and President Hodge had previously agreed Director Flanigan should have to show comparison data. Also, a concerned citizen, Ron Hartman, who retired from the waste water treatment supply business, conducted research on his own and seriously questioned this decision.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Council members Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby claimed Director Flanigan met the burden because he’s the expert and chastised me for questioning his decision. Why wouldn’t they question him after it was discovered that Director Flanigan intentionally withheld information? The Board of County Commissioners and the Council were never provided letters from MDE and our Consultant (GHD) confirming that denitrification filters were the most inexpensive way to get ENR. Instead Director Flanigan advised the Board of Commissioners that there was a $60 million ENR project which MDE was mandating and the Commissioners needed to figure out how they were going to fund it. It was Treasurer Bill Feehley who mentioned the existence of the MDE and GHD letters when he agreed that the MBR Project was unnecessary and costly . (Both the <a href="http://dbroomell.blogspot.com/2012/08/mde-letter.html" target="_blank">MDE</a> and <a href="http://dbroomell.blogspot.com/2012/08/letter-from-cecil-county-consultant-ghd.html" target="_blank">GHD</a> letters are posted on this website) </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
After I received copies of the letters in question, I forwarded to Councilman Dunn and previous Commissioner Mullin for their feedback and they emphatically agreed that it shed a whole different light on the cost and true scope of the ENR project. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Continuing his pattern of deceit, Director Flanigan also misled the Council with his statement on April 16, 2013 that the Board of County Commissioners had already committed to the MBR Project on August 16, 2011 during a Commissioner Meeting. To get a more informed idea on what that vote entailed on August 16, 2011, you had to listen to the work session audio in which Commissioner Hodge verified with Director Flanigan that this vote only obligated the County to spend $100,000 to complete engineering design using the GE MBR Zeenon Filter and did not obligate the County to commit to the MBR Process. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Why would anyone support this project if our consultant (GHD) and MDE confirmed that the denitrification filters are the most inexpensive way to get to ENR and would only cost the county around $3 million to complete? Why would the County Executive and the 3 council members not require their expert to provide evidence when so many concerns have been raised that we are wasting $40 million? Developers have already verified that the drastically increased hook up costs will only drive away business and rate payers have strongly objected that they will have to pay increased fees towards these capital costs. But everyone should be objecting because increased hookup fees and rates will not even begin to cover this debt and then it will be all the taxpayers who end up paying the bill.</div>
:<br />
<br />Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-29193746419042262892013-06-19T04:47:00.003-07:002013-07-15T10:39:43.725-07:00Ethic Struggles in Cecil CountyMr. Hodge stated his concern that I knew details of the Ethics Commission deliberations. He already is aware of my efforts on increasing disclosure requirements in Cecil County Government I have promoted and it’s been passed that Directors of County departments have to provide full disclosures and attorneys and ethics commission members are also responsible for filing the short form. I agreed with the Ethics Commission when they raised a concern that under Charter, they would operate at the discretion of the County Executive. Their fear was that the County Executive could remove members at her whim and that actually came to pass recently when County Executive Moore removed Walter Rozanski from the Ethics Commission for comments he made regarding County Council Member, Robert Hodge. <br />
<br />
Walt Rozanski called Mr. Hodge unethical. I agree that comments like that could be interpreted that Mr. Rozanski may not be able to remain impartial when it comes to deliberating on ethics complaints against Mr. Hodge. However, did Mr. Rozanski give up his first amendment right when he became an ethics commission member? Was he ever asked why he believed Mr. Hodge was unethical? Ms. Moore didn’t but I did. Mr. Rozanski said his comment was based on Mr. Hodge’s statements regarding illegal bulk liquor sales from Cecil County to New York. Mr. Hodge thought there was nothing wrong with it because the liquor stores weren’t breaking any Cecil County liquor laws. However, Mr. Rozanski pointed out that the Cecil County liquor stores were breaking federal laws: money laundering and wiretap laws punishable up to 20-30 years in prison and some very hefty fines. <br />
<br />
And it should be pointed out that Ms. Moore never spoke out or raised objections to previous Ethics Commission Chairman Burns’ comments when he publicly shared his personal opinions attacking certain elected officials. What is even more troublesome is that Ms. Moore removed Rozanski at a key opportune time: right before a complaint was being answered. I’m not permitted to speak on this complaint but know about it because I filed it. I can speak about the comments made by the Ethics Board because deliberations on issues are not private. <br />
<br />
Wasn't it hypocritical for her to remove Mr. Rozanski and then pledge to put in a resolution to provide the Ethics Commission the autonomy from her influence? Why wasn't he provided a warning or recourse for appeal instead of an all out dismissal? Yes, I would have to agree that Walter is someone I respect and appreciate. I met Walter at the very first Drug Awareness Meeting I organized two years ago. He asked me what I was going to do about the crime problem plaguing Cecil County. I responded with, “Good Question, what do you propose I do?” I challenged Walt to get involved. He isn’t afraid to stand up and speak out and he works hard to try and make a positive difference in the County because this is his home. On his own time, he attends many work sessions, legislative meetings, ethics commission meetings, drug and alcohol council meetings and interjects on face book comments when he’s got something to say. <br />
<br />
Another issue Mr. Rozanski and other ethics commission members have been concerned about are the registering of lobbyists. Why is it that in Cecil County we have never had a registered lobbyist? The County Attorney, Jason Allison, advises the Ethics Commission. When I asked how he would propose going about getting lobbyists to register, he turned the question around and asked if I was accusing businesses of not properly registering?! <br />
<br />
So, once again, the deliberations of Ethics Complaints are confidential but the deliberations by the Ethics Commission on ethics issues are not and anyone can attend their meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month. Why wouldn’t I ask the Ethics Commission about their deliberations on the issues? I have always been concerned about the integrity of the ethics process. We all should be.Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-1985742558008257592013-06-06T05:58:00.000-07:002013-07-04T10:22:20.521-07:00The Comprehensive Rezoning Process and Cecil County Government have been CompromisedOn Tuesday, June 4, many residents attended the Cecil County Council Legislative Meeting and were shocked by the arrogance of power displayed by County Executive Moore and supported by Council Members Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby. <br />
<br />
County Executive Moore submitted <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/Council/18.Intro.Res57.2013.LitigationSettlement.YorkBldgProductsCo.pdf">Resolution No. 57-2013 ""Litigation Settlement - York Building Products, Co., Inc. v. Cecil County, Maryland".</a> <br />
<br />
Why was this case being settled when court proceedings strongly indicated that Cecil County Government would win their case against York Building Products? In my opinion - and many others - County Executive Moore and the 3 Council members (Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby) were acting in the best interest of York Building Products and invalidated the integrity of the Comprehensive Rezoning Process. I was shocked to find out later that the consent order had already been signed and time stamped into the record. It appears to be a done deal and we were told by County Administrator, Al Wein, that we would have to consult with our Council Attorney - thanks to Hodge, McCarthy and Bowlesby just happens to be the County Executive's attorney - to find out if it really is a done deal.<br />
<br />
This is just another indication that <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1241070851154790465#editor/target=post;postID=8789120195563247546;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=11;src=postname">Charter Government</a> is a complete failure. Checks and balances have been removed and special interests pretty much have unilateral control of our county. In my opinion, you will continue to see special interests use Cecil County as their own personal piggy bank. <br />
<br />
Link to <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/cmup/Council/ws/06.04.13.legmtg.councilcomments.mp3">my comments</a> during the Legislative Meeting. <br />
<br />
Link to <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/cmup/Council/ws/06.04.13.legmtg.publicomment.mp3">public comments</a> during the Legislative Meeting. Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-56768812413272624792013-05-31T06:01:00.000-07:002013-05-31T06:02:33.516-07:00The $40 Million Project at Seneca Point<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Default Sans Serif,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
am very concerned that Cecil County is about to commit to a $40 million
project that is not necessary and will obligate the water sewer
customers and tax payers to fund a very large bill.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
On
March 19th the Cecil County Council voted 3 - 2 in support of a revised
Consent Order with MDE regarding the timeline that Seneca Point
(NEWWTP) become ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) Compliant with the State
of Maryland. I (and Councilman Dunn) voted against the consent order
because it was based on a timeline that assumed we would be
incorporating a $40 million Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) System into the
waste water treatment plant (WWTP) to achieve the state mandated ENR
Standard. <b><a href="http://dbroomell.blogspot.com/2012/08/letter-from-cecil-county-consultant-ghd.html">But
we could accomplish the same goal with a $10 million denitrification
system according to our consultant, GHD - and an MDE Grant would fully
fund the project.</a></b> </blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
So
the question is why would we spend $40 million to get to ENR if we can
achieve it with the fully funded $10 million denitrification system? The
justification seems to be in the argument that we need to plan for the
future and that there is a possibility we will not be able to
accommodate all of the anticipated growth past 2035. </blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
Why
pay $40 million now when we are not anticipated to reach capacity until
2035 to 2040? Why would we pay $40 million when treatment plant
upgrades are usually funded through hookup costs? We are putting the
cart before the horse in making the current users bear the costs for the
MBR System which is reflected in the water sewer customer increases of
4% for 3 years in the proposed FY 2014 budget. These increases will not
cover the cost which means the rest of the tax payers will have to pay
either through increased taxes or taking from fund balance.<br />
<span style="font-family: Default Sans Serif,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another
factor we should keep in mind is that environmental regulations do
change and we may have to upgrade to another system in the future even
before we utilize the benefit of the MBR System. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Why
would we commit to an expensive system when there will probably be
newer and cheaper technology to select from in the future? Just a few of
the revolutionary new technologies which are significantly reducing the
cost and operations of WWTPs include Biomag as well as a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lockheed-martin-desalination-graphene-filters-2013-3">new product</a> developed by Lockheed Martin, desalination graphene filters which won the Nobel Prize in 2010.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Why
are we anticipating that the growth will happen on the west end of the
county and not the east? If the demand is located in the eastern area
and we've already invested a substantial amount of our financial
resources into Seneca Point, it would limit our ability to be
responsive. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
I
propose that we go through with the denitrification system for now
because it’s already been funded and approved by MDE and in the distant
future when we get closer to our WWTP capacity, conduct pilot tests and
comparison studies to base our ultimate selection on. </blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With
limited resources, investments should be strategic. Our priority
should be to close up the infrastructure gap on the growth corridor
which would attract new businesses and in turn helps fund upgrades to
our treatment plants. How many times do we need to make the same
mistakes?</span></blockquote>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-89165329611033166422013-05-13T10:39:00.002-07:002013-05-13T10:44:12.138-07:00Another Fact Sheet on Seneca Point Waste Water Treatment Plant<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6085413175925388645" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">1. DPW Director Flanigan originally presented to the Cecil County Commissioners that the Seneca Point upgrade would be a $60 million project and the Commissioners needed to determine how this project would be funded. Director Flanigan later agreed that the Seneca Point project could be divided into 3 phases and the first phase would cost $40 million.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Seneca Point Treatment Plant is required by MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) to go to ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal) by December 31, 2016. *MDE has provided additional time in the past when the County shows it is making a good faith effort in completing a project.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">3. The Flush Fund Grant fully covers Seneca Point’s upgrade to ENR but does not cover expansion of capacity. Director Flanigan incorporated into the project the expansion of capacity for the treatment plant and wanted to use the flush fund grant towards the expansion project. </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">4. MDE tasked Cecil County Government to hire a consultant to determine the least inexpensive system for Seneca Point to achieve ENR.</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">5. </span><a href="http://dbroomell.blogspot.com/2012/08/letter-from-cecil-county-consultant-ghd.html"><span style="color: #351c75;">GHD, Cecil County’s consultant, identified Denitrification as the cheapest method at a cost of $9.2 million. *Denitrification could be incorporated by the deadline.</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">6. </span><a href="http://dbroomell.blogspot.com/2012/08/mde-letter.html"><span style="color: #351c75;">MDE approved GHD’s proposal and included additional funding for a total of $10.9 million.</span></a></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">7. The Seneca Point project cost of $40 million minus the flush fund grant ($10.9 million) for expansion would fall on the rate payers, new users and the taxpayers. Because it’s only the first phase, the capacity would remain the same (2 mgd) but would allow for expansion to 4.5 mgd for an additional cost of $18 million.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6085413175925388645" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6085413175925388645" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">8. Seneca Point can be expanded using the Denitrification System up to 7.0 mgd on the current footprint. However, when Cecil County does need to expand the treatment plant to that capacity, other factors will be need to be considered such as new environvental regulations and new treatment technologies available.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">9. The correspondence between MDE and Cecil County Government relaying this information was never provided to the Cecil County Commissioners. Treasurer, Bill Feehley, confirmed my concern that the Seneca Point project was much larger than required and mentioned the GHD and MDE correspondence. He received a copy of the correspondence because the Treasurer collected the Flush Fund Tax and would be responsible for cutting the check to the County for the funding.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">10. Growth in the Seneca Point service area is not anticipated to reach the 2 mgd capacity until 2030 and 2035 so the expansion project could be delayed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">11. Waste water treatment plant (WWTP) technology is fast evolving and new environmental regulations mandated by State and Federal Government would make it wise to wait until we get closer to capacity to decide which treatment system would be the most cost efficient and effective.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">12. No pilot test was conducted to compare the efficiency and cost for operations on different filtration systems. No scientific analysis was provided to back up the selection of MBR at Seneca Point. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">13. If any investment is made in infrastructure, the priority should be on closing up the water/sewer gap in the growth corridor which would attract growth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">14. The majority of Seneca Point’s WWTP allocations are from 2007 and therefore do not have a significant impact to the capacity available currently at the plant.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">15. Director Flanigan has claimed that the real cost for construction to go with the denitrification filter system is $21 million but the consultant and MDE has estimated in the $10 million range.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">16. Director Flanigan consistently has not provided information requests in a forthcoming manner. For a Commissioner and now Council Member to make an informed decision, the facts should be provided.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">17. There is a claim by DPW Director that we took a vote on August 16, 2011 during the evening Commissioner Meeting :to commit to the MBR technology. However, the audio recording of August 16, 2011 during the work session reveals that we were only committing to a $100,000 engineering cost to GE makers of the specialized ZeeWeed General Electric MBR System. Sole procurement of a system is expensive due to lack of competition</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;">18. The information I gathered regarding the Seneca Point waste water treatment project was provided and or confirmed by “experts”. </span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6085413175925388645" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.4;"><br /></span></div>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-57311629038725910752013-05-10T10:11:00.003-07:002013-05-10T10:11:19.411-07:00Cecil County Government Applauded for Supporting 2nd Amendment Rights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye67Fz1JjEt0IRTsE6_0l1j4eo_YG7jzY6J0wZl_MpJc5h2bgYoFGvdvXUt_xVlwdiE_-aC7sadaLEXeCVpirlHBY7AkHFAcdC3WfGOKsE8V5mKh7XTOg5mWdrV0Ad_wOugYh79LDb6Y/s1600/Carroll+County+Letter+Supporting+Cecil+County.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye67Fz1JjEt0IRTsE6_0l1j4eo_YG7jzY6J0wZl_MpJc5h2bgYoFGvdvXUt_xVlwdiE_-aC7sadaLEXeCVpirlHBY7AkHFAcdC3WfGOKsE8V5mKh7XTOg5mWdrV0Ad_wOugYh79LDb6Y/s1600/Carroll+County+Letter+Supporting+Cecil+County.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-60854131759253886452013-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:002013-08-17T15:46:46.090-07:00Drug Awareness Forum 8-25-13<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrFkRcjiXT4kz3-9P7mLR4EP43JSZRZkvozPO4BD_c3hEt4OyVPzuBub6HXUfim-gW7YlyxLoBiJVrDsoKe2FIrQ-qSMToY-3yvIgDu6O3AhQjoLwRsw0JdoZJKqYLWDdfob0QSQ45C0/s1600/Drug+Education+Forum+8-25-13+one+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrFkRcjiXT4kz3-9P7mLR4EP43JSZRZkvozPO4BD_c3hEt4OyVPzuBub6HXUfim-gW7YlyxLoBiJVrDsoKe2FIrQ-qSMToY-3yvIgDu6O3AhQjoLwRsw0JdoZJKqYLWDdfob0QSQ45C0/s1600/Drug+Education+Forum+8-25-13+one+page.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-77393574771751409282013-04-10T10:26:00.000-07:002013-04-10T13:23:44.607-07:00Cecil County Council Meets with Congressman HarrisOn April 9, 2013 Congressman Harris responded to our invitation to join us for a worksession meeting so the Council could update him on three very important Cecil County issues: Exelon Relicensing Application of the Conowingo Dam, Pearce Creek Dredge Spoil Contamination, and Drug Abuse. The meeting was prompted by my request at a previous <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/council/ws/03.12.13.worksession5.Council%20Items.adjournment.mp3">work session meeting</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Al Reasin for taking the time to video record the meeting in its entirety at no cost to Cecil County taxpayers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNff60JeKy0">Meeting Part 1 starting at 17:30</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTpVmhY_dKk">Meeting Part 2 </a>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-23503932638930155342013-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:002013-08-08T18:13:50.708-07:00Obrecht Response<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOZ2GN4X9BK17OJwgB5JSEfEmQfm7-rDq8d28VdkfYkS5OctTWe7a3U1oq_6PAgl-ptlS4030vyPxNncpkJY-5eVwHiPYaBzXIHz_hHYi-3uh8WYOCvyX_eZgxE-kBm6LAseHCPEOXbI/s1600/Obrecht+Response.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOZ2GN4X9BK17OJwgB5JSEfEmQfm7-rDq8d28VdkfYkS5OctTWe7a3U1oq_6PAgl-ptlS4030vyPxNncpkJY-5eVwHiPYaBzXIHz_hHYi-3uh8WYOCvyX_eZgxE-kBm6LAseHCPEOXbI/s1600/Obrecht+Response.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: Default Sans Serif,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote cite="mid:OF8A50B076.8BD2399F-ON85257B47.0052E496-85257B47.0052E49B@cecil1.ccgov.org" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: Default Sans Serif,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></blockquote>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-51993318771647794452013-03-28T20:50:00.000-07:002013-04-03T04:21:36.286-07:00SENECA POINT UPGRADE<br />
At the March 26 Legislative Meeting, Council members Hodge, Bowlesby and McCarthy voted in favor of the Consent Order timeline which was based on the assumption County Government would be introducing the Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) System into our current system at Seneca Point (NEWWTP). However, given the information I have been supplied by Director Flanigan and Principal Planner, Tony DiGiacomo, I cannot support the MBR System at this time. At the time of the vote, President Hodge acknowledged DPW needed to provide the information of an analysis to justify this costly investment and that we were not obligated to use the MBR system by adopting this consent order. Time will tell if he was sincere in pursuing the cost and process analysis. To implement this system<b> it will cost $40 million</b> <b>to get back to the same capacity</b> we currently have - 2 mgd. How was this project permitted to move forward?<br />
<br />
The impetus for making this costly investment is the MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) requirement for this plant to go from BNR (Bio Nutrient Removal) to ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal). MDE only funds upgrades to ENR and not for expanding capacity. DPW hired a consultant (GHD) to research how much it would cost for the Seneca Point to go to ENR and their estimate was $10.9 million to use a denitrification system. This is the amount that MDE agreed to fund Cecil County and DPW Director proposed we instead use the $10.9 million as a down payment on a system that allows us to become ENR compliant but would also allow Seneca Point to increase capacity up to 10 mgd on the current foot print without having to purchase additional property. While the MBR System does allow for additional expansion, it does so at a very expensive price ($40 million) with no additional capacity for that down payment. <b>To expand to 4.0 mgd, the cost will be an additional $29.5 million.</b> <br />
<br />
What other options are available?<br />
<br />
We can become ENR compliant with the conventional ENR Bioreactor with denitrification filter at the current design capacity of 2 mgd approved and fully funded by MDE. The $10.9 million of the Bay Restoration Grant Funding was assessed by the work of our consultant in accordance with MDE direction which researched the most inexpensive method for our plant to go to ENR. <br />
<br />
How long before we will use the current capacity of 2 mgd? The population growth has been reduced from previous projections according to Principal Planner, Tony DiGiacomo. “For the year 2030, based upon WILMAPCO Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) projections and reduced by a coefficient of -0.0558 to take into account the latest, reduced MDP control total, I came up with the following population and household projections for the Seneca Point service area: Pop: 18,237, and HH: 6,706.” <br />
<br />
Assuming that the flow at Seneca Point increases from the present day 1 MGD to 2 MGD between now and 2030, this would represent a growth rate of 4.2% per year. The economy, in general, is expected to grow around 2% in the future, according to many economists. So a growth rate of 4.2% for the population would be estimated on the high side.<br />
<br />
Currently our system has 4,370 active sewer customers. Averaged at 100 gpd/per person or 225 gpd/per household we should arrive at about 1 mgd current capacity. Based on the last 18 years of growth at the North East Waste Water Treatment Plant, the projected flows for the years 2030 and 2035 would fall between 1.6 and 2.0 mgd assuming the old growth projection. But based on the updated population projections for 2030, the flow projections, I believe, fall between 1.5 and 1.8 mgd. <br />
<br />
Is there a cheaper, alternative science to the Membrane Bio Reactor? One option that is currently being used in Carroll and Washington County, the Biomag System. The cost on average is about 1/2 of the MBR. While it was relatively new 3-4 years ago, Siemens has purchased the technology due to its promising results. The Biomag capital costs are significantly lower than MBR and can also expand their capacity on the current footprint. <br />
<br />
Because waste water treatment science is evolving, there very well could be a cheaper alternative than the MBR solution if we wait. What have we lost in the meantime? Absolutely nothing. We are not required to finance the additional $30 million (which only brings us back to 2 mgd capacity), it appears we have ample capacity up until at least 2030 to 2035, and we have kept our options open. We may find Meadowview will require increased capacity or upgrades before Seneca Point. Also, imagine we instead invested the $30 million into closing up the infrastructure gaps on the growth corridor to attract growth. Wasn't that supposed to be our priority in the first place? . <br />
<br />
To get a more accurate count of capacity at Seneca Point, we need to know the policy for reserving space at the treatment plant. I requested this clarification from Director Flanigan on February 4 asking if already issued sewer allocations have a 2 - year “shelf life”? I have also asked how long in his estimation do we have before we reach 2 mgd capacity? To date, he has not responded. Until I have answers to these questions, I don’t feel confident in moving forward or feel it’s fair to put the burden on this system on the users, new customers and tax payers since we‘ll probably have to finance the system with a long term bond.<br />
<br />
I would propose that we conduct a full scale pilot study to assess the viable options and then provide a cost analysis on capital costs as well as the operation and maintenance costs for each option. It seems to me this multi million dollar decision to commit to the BMR System should have rose beyond the staff and administration. But we still have time to gather the information to make an informed decision. <br />
<br />
I wanted to point out that while I'm not an expert on Waste Water Treatment Plants, I was able to gather the information from the experts after investing a lot of time and research. Because I am responsible for making informed votes, the Inhouse Auditor could make my job easier and potentially save the county more money than the position would cost. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-30939693460850370042013-01-20T13:34:00.004-08:002013-04-01T11:15:46.619-07:00Was Robert Hodge Stealing Electric?Below are two documents which were presented at last Tuesday's worksession (January 15, 2013) by Councilman Dunn. These documents and allegations are so shocking that I expected The Cecil Whig to cover the story. Instead, Councilman Hodge, McCarthy and newly appointed Councilwoman Bowlesby voted to support the appointment of Mr. Hodge as President and said the allegations were irrelevant because they occurred back in 2008. No story was ever printed despite many people believing it is relevant. For the audio of the discussion: <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/01.15.13.worksession1.amend%20agenda.mp3">http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/01.15.13.worksession1.amend%20agenda.mp3</a><br />
at 6 minutes and 8 seconds. If this matters to you - or not - I'd like to hear what you have to say. Please send me an email at <a href="mailto:diana.broomell@gmail.com">diana.broomell@gmail.com</a> with your feedback. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnO2tCRTe3EUQTG9WdAGnkEUpFTkZiIu521H2kLca5RSSLd3C_F144BugtG0g3ym0rbp5uNP8_9PRUBPuGfPHRZedBNL2Xz-cyjby-N5-lP4SICzD1-O884_a8kjxSlICPacIuqdFI98/s1600/Scan+-+Electrial+Complaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnO2tCRTe3EUQTG9WdAGnkEUpFTkZiIu521H2kLca5RSSLd3C_F144BugtG0g3ym0rbp5uNP8_9PRUBPuGfPHRZedBNL2Xz-cyjby-N5-lP4SICzD1-O884_a8kjxSlICPacIuqdFI98/s1600/Scan+-+Electrial+Complaint.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Electrical Complaint</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyg5tBKLXT4uEdQek6HmKWggduo3SA4iPb-qUY4YsozYpYn-ptXz-T_EZr6OJsx5o7uAIuGnaQljveH3-kJoU7Ae8LnVduBkLx4AL4B9XjwAu3Q1tkTxuArdz28Y184aGDhLHcJKQSnQ/s1600/scan+-+Electrical+Inspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyg5tBKLXT4uEdQek6HmKWggduo3SA4iPb-qUY4YsozYpYn-ptXz-T_EZr6OJsx5o7uAIuGnaQljveH3-kJoU7Ae8LnVduBkLx4AL4B9XjwAu3Q1tkTxuArdz28Y184aGDhLHcJKQSnQ/s1600/scan+-+Electrical+Inspection.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Electrical Inspection</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-87891201955632475462012-12-26T17:39:00.004-08:002012-12-28T04:05:41.505-08:00History of Charter<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Did you know Cecil County holds the record for the most attempts at passing Charter? It took six tries because many were suspicious of giving so much power to a County Executive. But, of course, there were those that were not going to give up their quest and on the last attempt creatively marketed Charter into a bait and switch of Code Home Rule. The Friends of Charter claimed it would be cost neutral and more efficient. However, many are already realizing they were deceived and are having second thoughts. How could Charter get on the ballot despite Cecil County Citizens formally voting for Code Home Rule in a straw poll vote after the taxpayers paid $12,000 for an Alternative Government Forum? To see how Charter was "pushed" through, I've put together the History of Charter below. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<li>Four alternative government forums were hosted by Victor Tervala who wrote Alternative Forms of Government in Maryland. Paid for by Cecil County Tax Payers ($12,000 +). <a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_91c14379-f5ef-5401-a754-ee9a0c13c405.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 10/25/07)</span></span></u></a> <span lang="EN"> </span></li>
<li>Straw vote at the last forum held in Elkton Administrative Building showed that the voters chose Code Home Rule over Charter. </li>
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_314263b0-85d9-579f-a841-a37a821c3dc2.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 12/12/07)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span><a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_06d197dd-c6d4-512c-8083-d3a3edb671ca.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 2/4/08)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span><br />
<li>Commissioners ignore voters choice and vote for Charter Government. </li>
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_e3d89127-e4a8-5961-bf7f-66b2b5be663c.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 3/5/08)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span><br />
<li>Commissioners reconsider Code Home Rule after public testimony. </li>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_7b1610b6-d1cf-5e3e-9bdb-90127c634afd.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 4/30/08)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span>
<li>Commissioners honor vote 4 to 1 to put Code Home Rule back on the Ballot. </li>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_33b0b4dd-8aed-5c92-9c05-252bc1d1eff6.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 5/21/08)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span>
<li>Public hearing held on June 5, 2008 documents citizens support for Code Home Rule again. </li>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_3f5889f5-b245-53fb-a282-b7c6a7a8d88c.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, June 6, 2008)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span>
<li>11<sup>th</sup> hour Code Home Rule effort fails. </li>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_47547b8d-d8a7-51f2-9989-a1dd459c4502.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 8/6/08)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span>
<li>Board of County Commissioners decides in closed session to pursue Charter and the first mention of a Charter Board being appointed is when the names are voted on during an evening Commissioners meeting. <a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_9ba6784a-e3c6-5a65-bc5c-fb68d32e251c.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">(Cecil Whig, 3/6/09)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span> <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/commissioners/minutes/030309_Commissioners.cfm"><span style="color: blue;">(County Commissioner Meeting Minutes 3/3/09)</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: blue;"> </span></li>
<li>Charter Board schedules meetings with citizen groups to promote. Citizens raise a number of concerns: Charter is a lot more expensive than the Charter Board claims because County Executive has a staff and concerns of balance of power between Legislative and County Executive. Harford County is a good example of how Charter Rule promotes increased spending. <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/opinion-talk/ph-ag-etc-kimber-0727-20120725,0,3952632.story"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Aegis 7/25/12)</span></span></u></a></li>
<li>Chairman of the Charter Committee, Joyce Bowlesby criticized for funding Charter initiative with out-of-county developer funds, $12,000. Office of Economic Development chastised for participating in the fundraiser for the Charter Campaign. </li>
<br />
<a href="http://someonenoticed.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/pro-charter-group-bankrolls-billboard-advertising-campaign-by-conducting-brac-tour/"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Someone Noticed, September 30, 2010)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span><a href="http://someonenoticed.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/president-lockhart-how-do-we-fix-this-do-you-want-the-friends-to-give-the-money-back/"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Someone Noticed, October 20, 2010)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span><a href="http://someonenoticed.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/president-lockhart-no-wrongdoing-county-never-picked-any-organization-but-18-of-brac-workes-making-just-under-six-figures-have-located-in-cecil-co/"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Someone Noticed, October 27, 2010)</span></span></u></a><span lang="EN"> </span>
<li>Joyce Bowlesby makes claim Charter costs less than current form of government. Many citizens attending Charter informational forums critical of claim. </li>
<br />
<u><span lang="EN" style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/local_news/article_6b5c0098-4407-11df-b1d1-001cc4c002e0.html"><span style="color: blue;">(Cecil Whig, April 9, 2010)</span> </a></span></u><span style="color: blue;"> </span>
<li><span lang="EN">County Government employees used to promote Charter </span><a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/article_a8178da9-a908-52c2-a69f-e8411d1044ef.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">(Cecil Whig, 6/24/09)</span></span></u></a></li>
<li>Newly elect County Executive Tari Moore switches her party affiliation to unaffiliated. <a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/local_news/article_c3c528be-3cf6-11e2-af64-0019bb2963f4.html">(<span style="color: blue;">Cecil Whig, December 3, 2012)</span></a></li>
Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-81372807431667876222012-12-02T11:54:00.000-08:002013-07-04T10:29:49.482-07:00MORE OF THE SAME<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">MORE OF THE SAME <br /><br />This is a great opportunity for Mike, Jim and I to finally get our message out about the voting record of Commissioners Moore and Hodge. The local media - especially the Guardian and Cecil Times - have continually misrepresented the truth. The insulation these two media outlets provided along with their foot soldiers, the Cecil County Patriots (who actually support special interests over tea party principles), have provided the political cover needed by Commissioners Moore and Hodge. Congressman Andy Harris along with Senator Jacobs have also interjected themselves into local politics to support this machine. David Williams of Williams Chevrolet chairs the Cecil Business Leaders for Better Government PAC that endorsed Commissioners Hodge, Moore and Alan McCarthy. Mr. Williams started attending county commissioner meetings around the time that hearings for Rose’s Diner (to become a drug treatment facility) began. Coincidently, the Williams Family already owns the Elkton Treatment Facility. David Williams is the brother of D’ette Devine, our superintendent of public schools. The Cecil Business Pac endorsed the purchase of the Basell Building, as well as the Chamber of Commerce that named CCPS large business of the year. <br /><br />Why did I get involved in County Politics over 20 years ago, become a founding member of the 21st Century Republican Club, organize the first two tea party protests in Cecil County, campaign for an elected school board, as well as host Drug Awareness forums and workshops? Because we don’t need more politicians selling out the county. We need more concerned citizens who have the best interests of Cecil County at heart.<br /><br />Cecil County Citizens and tax payers, you should be very concerned about the future direction of your County. <br /><br />Tari Moore’s <a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/local_news/article_c3c528be-3cf6-11e2-af64-0019bb2963f4.html"><span style="color: blue;">move to renounce the Republican Party</span></a> in order to hijack control of the new Cecil County Council insures special interests will now effectively control both the Executive and Council side of our new Charter form of government. Where are the checks and balances if the County Executive controls both the Legislative and Executive side of government? </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><br />What does this mean? You only need to review Moore’s voting record for the two years that she’s served as a County Commissioner. Most of her votes were in unison with Commissioner Robert Hodge supporting special interests, while the other three Republican Commissioners voted on principles that supported fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability. <br /><br />- While the majority of Commissioners voted to adopt a tax rate below the constant yield for the first time in Cecil County History, Commissioners Moore and Hodge <a href="http://broomellnotes.blogspot.com/2013/04/comm-hodge-2011-budge-proposal-increases.html"><span style="color: blue;">supported putting back $800,000</span></a> into the budget. You can listen to his explanation on the <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/05172011.worksession5.commissioneritems.MP3">audio</a> at 5:30 and on the final budget adoption <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/05242011.FY12%20Budget%20Adoption.CIP%20Budget.Tax%20Rate.mp3">audio</a> at 22:50.<br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners voted to support increased ethics enforcement while Commissioners Moore and Hodge basically said <a href="http://broomellnotes.blogspot.com/2013/04/regarding-ethics-disclosure.html"><span style="color: blue;">more ethics doesn’t mean more honesty.</span></a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">- The majority of Commissioners voted to organize and challenge the State of Maryland’s mandate to adopt tier maps as well as WIP Plans by activating the Rural County Coalition and the Clean Chesapeake Coalition. In contrast, Tari Moore sat on the MACo Executive Board, and testified in support with amendments for SB 236. Once the finalized version was drafted, she did not update nor seek feedback from the Board of County Commissioners, DPW and Planning and Zoning Directors on how the bill would impact Cecil County, thereby causing us to lose the ability to voice our concerns. <br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners supported funding capital projects in the priority funding area while Commissioners Moore and Hodge supported <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/07.24.12.worksession5.oldelkneckroadproject.mp3"><span style="color: blue;">spending $4 million</span></a> (Commissioner Hodge comments at 36:48) in areas not slated for growth that also happened to be near or adjacent to Commissioner Hodge's property. While Commissioner Hodge recused himself on the vote, he did share his comments in support.<br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners successfully argued that a local propaganda newspaper, the Cecil Guardian, <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.courts.state.md.us/rules/reports/168thReport.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">was not a newspaper of record</span></a></span> (as noted on page 2 and 3) and therefore was not qualified to receive the hundreds of thousands of dollars from county government to print public notices while Commissioners Moore and Hodge <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/04.24.12.worksession3.legalopiniononnewspapers.mp3"><span style="color: blue;">supported</span></a> giving the tax payer funded dollars to the Cecil Guardian for, in my opinion, political payback. <br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners supported a new clinic ordinance that adopted minimum standards for buffers and parking requirements, while Commissioners Hodge and Moore supported <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4803968033272890155#editor/target=post;postID=8845822359334295306"><span style="color: blue;">no more oversight in placement of clinics</span></a> because in their view, it was not the way to do business in the county. They tried to circumvent the new ordinance by attempting to get an occupancy permit for the Drug Treatment Facility that was being proposed for Rose‘s Diner in Elkton. <br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners objected to Commissioner Hodge’s attempt (with Tari Moore’s support) <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/PlanningAndZoning/ComprehensiveRezoning/Documents/bocc030911cr.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">to rezone a large parcel</span></a> of his property from NAR to a more lucrative, developer friendly RR during a Comprehensive Rezoning. The majority of Commissioners demanded he follow the normal rezoning process for all seven of his personal comprehensive rezoning requests (which requires public notification to adjacent property owners). <br /><br />- Did Commissioner Hodge initiate the County lawsuit with the Town of North East (over out of town water and hookup rates) for personal reasons. Was it coincidence that the <a href="http://broomellnotes.blogspot.com/2013/04/psc-letter.html"><span style="color: blue;">PSC Letter</span></a> was sent 2 days after Commissioner Hodge was elected to office? The <span lang="EN">fact remains that he went out his way to get one of the Commissioners to change his vote to pay for a 2nd expert witness and he </span>did not recuse himself from any votes as a Commissioner regarding this lawsuit despite his property being affected and therefore, in my opinion, creating a conflict of interest. I am also concerned that the attorney hired to represent the County on this case, Larry Haislip, is also a campaign contributor to Commissioner Robert Hodge. It just seems that there is a pattern for Commissioner Hodge to use Cecil County as his personal piggy bank and Commissioner Moore has consistently voted to support him.<br /><br />- While the majority of Commissioners were fighting to break up unilateral Artesian control of our water and wastewater plants, Commissioners Moore and Hodge were fighting to preserve the original contract which would have put our County and our master plan for growth in peril because the monopoly would have been more focused on profit and building residential projects rather than implementing infrastructure in the growth corridor. <br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners objected to using fund balance </span><a href="http://dbroomell.blogspot.com/2012/08/basell-building-is-not-wise-purchase.html"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN">to purchase the Basell Building</span></span></u></a></span><span lang="EN"> for a School of Technology. They disputed the renovation as well as the operating costs that CCPS provided. Another reason for the objection was that it was not a true comparison of savings, as this was another School of Technology and not a Comprehensive High School. The school population has decreased since 2006, and the School Board has not presented to the Commissioners other viable options to accommodate the waiting list. <br /><br />- While the majority of Commissioners were fighting to keep our AVI decals for the Hatem Bridge and fighting the increase in tolls, Commissioner Hodge wanted to seek SHA road improvements in return for toll hikes. He stated this at the bridge toll coordination meeting and also when he was interviewed by Reporter David Collins. I told the reporter that the majority of Commissioners did not agree to this and the interview thankfully wasn't broadcast. The road deals were also included in Vernon Thompson's (Ec. Dev. Director at the time) <a href="http://broomellnotes.blogspot.com/2013/04/vernons-speech.html"><span style="color: blue;">speech</span></a> he was planning to give at Perryville High School before the MdTA. I also remember staying at that toll meeting close to midnight because Commissioner Hodge was the 3rd to the last speaker and I needed to make sure his testimony didn't include anything the Board hadn't already discussed. He also sought advice from Mary Halsey, CEO of Cecil Bank, on how to fight the toll hikes. He thought it was a good idea to get a board member of the MdTA to advise us but the only problem was, she voted to increase the tolls and she's from Cecil County!</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN">- The majority of County Commissioners voted to request that Vernon Thompson resign as Economic Development Director of Cecil County while Commissioners Moore and Hodge fought to preserve his position. This was even after it was revealed that Vernon Thompson tried to sabotage the funding for the Upper Shore Regional Council in direct insubordination of the Board of County Commissioners. I shared this information with Commissioners Hodge and Moore as well as the media after information verified through DBED was shared with Commissioner Mullin and myself. <br /><br />- The majority of Commissioners supported improving animal control in the County while Commissioners Hodge and Moore attempted to subvert the new changes to animal care and control by stonewalling with excuses of needing more time, data to research as well as even more public hearings after 3 years! Nancy Schwerzler (previous President of the SPCA during their negative publicity) started a public blog, Cecil Times, that also provides political cover for Commissioners Hodge and Moore.<br /><br />- The Enhanced Use Lease Project by Help USA (organization founded by Andrew Cuomo) is fighting to get project based vouchers to fund their housing project at Perrypoint which would not benefit our veterans. Despite both local and county government <a href="http://www.cecildaily.com/news/local_news/article_59da31e6-89a6-11e1-9239-0019bb2963f4.html"><span style="color: blue;">sharing their many areas of concern</span></a>, Dr. Hameline continues to provide the perception that everyone is in support. Our concern has been <a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/03.20.12.worksession5.perrypointleaseproject.mp3"><span style="color: blue;">documented</span></a> and it includes increased public services generated due to the population they are targeting with no compensation. We have requested Congressman Harris to intervene. His response is that he will intervene when it is “appropriate”. Commissioner Hodge called me personally to ask what my objection was to this project and this was after the Board of County Commissioners agreed on how to proceed. <br /><br />- Finally, the majority of Commissioners' campaign funding was primarily grass roots while the majority of Tari Moore’s and Robert Hodge’s were funded by special interest. Mr. Hodge was part of a business slate endorsed by Cecil Business Leaders for Better Government which raised over $40,000. Their mailers included the slate of Moore, Hodge, McCarthy and Judges Cairns and Baynes. You can also review their individual campaign reports at <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://campaignfinancemd.us/Public/ViewCommittees"><span style="color: blue;">Maryland Campaign Finance</span></a> .</span> Who do you think they will represent when they get unilateral control of the county? </span>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-64785847973654815882012-08-24T08:13:00.003-07:002012-09-05T20:14:38.549-07:00Response to Cecil County Business PAC Letter<div>
Recently, you may have received a letter from Cecil County Government informing you that Cecil County is in the process of developing a Tiers Map as required by Senate Bill 236. We, as a Board of County Commissioners, agreed it was important to notify the landowners with 20 or more acres on the effect this legislation would have on their properties. It's come to my attention that you may have also received another letter from David Williams on behalf of the Cecil Business Leaders which grossly misrepresents the facts.<br />
<br /></div>
I am in opposition to Senate Bill 236 and any State legislation which usurps the authority of local planning. While I believe the State has overstepped their authority and this is just the beginning of the Plan Maryland doctrine, our Planning and Zoning department recommended to not ignore SB 236 because the State could later impose penalties for our refusal to cooperate. <br />
<br />
A guidance document for implementing the Tiers was provided by the Maryland Department of Planning and stated that Conservation Areas, Priority Preservation Areas and contiguous blocks of forested or agricultural areas were required to be located in Tier 4. I have advocated a map which reflects the adopted 2010 Comprehensive Plan with more of the Tier 4 removed and placed into Tier 3. The map which Mr. Williams supports selectively removes portions of Tier 4 which benefits certain landholders over others. The Planning Commission at their August 20 meeting agreed with my proposal that we use a policy that is fairly and equitably applied in the Tier 4 area and tasked Planning and Zoning to come up with those policies. <br />
<br />
I especially believe it is egregious that the Tier 4 area will be downzoned and had requested that the letter going to the landowners in the Tier 4 area include the sentence: “Because the Tier 4 designation changes the density in the NAR from 1-10 to 1-20, many landowners believe the resulting devaluation of properties is unfair and an abuse of power by the State of Maryland.” The other Commissioners did not want to include because the letter was coming from our Planning and Zoning Director and they didn’t feel it was appropriate. <br />
<br />
<br />
Below are recorded audios from previous public meetings in which I shared my position on this issue: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/PlanningAndZoning/AudioUpload/Aug%202012%20PC.mp3">http://www.ccgov.org/uploads/PlanningAndZoning/AudioUpload/Aug%202012%20PC.mp3</a> Comments start at 1:12:45. <br />
<a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/08.28.12.worksession11.commissioneritems.mp3">http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/ws/08.28.12.worksession11.commissioneritems.mp3</a> Comments start at 8:05. <br />
<a href="http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/08.21.12.boccmeeting2.informationalitems.mp3">http://www.ccgov.org/cmup/08.21.12.boccmeeting2.informationalitems.mp3</a> Comments start at 14:50. <br />
<span lang="EN"><a href="http://youtu.be/0L1GB1Poc3Q"><span style="color: blue;">http://youtu.be/0L1GB1Poc3Q</span></a><span style="color: blue;"><u> </u> </span><span style="color: black;">Comments start at 33:25</span></span>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-3767095103218680532012-08-24T03:38:00.003-07:002012-09-02T06:35:29.333-07:00Cecil Whig Letter to the Editor - Not Printed<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been a strong advocate for the agricultural industry in Cecil County in my support of agricultural preservation programs, expanding allowable agricultural uses, promoting value added farming, supporting the farm museum and nominating a representative for the agricultural community to serve on the Economic Development Board. In the August 22 edition of the Cecil Whig, the picture on page A11 indicated that Cecil County Farmers protesting SB 236 also posted a sign “Please Stop Broomell”. Wayne Stafford, President of the Cecil County Farm Bureau, assured me that it was not one of their signs. I was later told by a fellow Commissioner, Robert Hodge, that this was the same sign which Cecil County Patriot, Ron Lobos, has used in other locations. For the record, I do not support the State’s mandate on the Tiers map and I have advocated a map which reflects the adopted 2010 Comprehensive Plan and would like to see more of the Tier 4 removed and placed into Tier 3. The map which the Patriots and the Cecil County Business PAC support selectively removes portions of Tier 4 in an arbitrary manner and includes portions of Commissioner Hodge’s property on the Elk Neck Peninsula. The Planning Commission at their August 20 meeting agreed with my proposal that we use a policy that is fairly and equitably applied in the Tier 4 area and tasked Planning and Zoning to come up with those policies. </span></span></span>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1241070851154790465.post-27121433266593528022012-08-24T03:37:00.003-07:002012-08-24T03:37:34.711-07:00How to Prioritize our Capital Projects<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Statement read at the 7/31/12 BOCC Worksession Meeting: What is the Board of County Commissioner’s policy for prioritizing bridge repairs as well as the scope of bridge repairs? I previously posed this question to Director Flanigan and was told that several factors weighed into this: cost, current and anticipated use, location (whether it’s in the priority funding area or outside), and I would like to include political will. It has become increasingly apparent that the scope of the Old Elk Neck Road project from just a simple replacement to a large infrastructure expansion outside of the priority funding area is being driven by this very issue. If you argue the large infrastructure overhaul allows for emergency equipment to cross the bridge for improved emergency response, bridges for Mill Lane in Earleville and Rolling Mill in North East were also supported by the local fire departments for improved emergency response. After speaking with many citizens in the Old Elk Neck area, the overwhelming majority agree a bridge replacement would be adequate for this area and understand why it would not be fiscally responsible to invest close to $5 million in a non priority funding area. If we did a bridge replacement minus the road widening and some of the other improvements, I believe there would be enough revenue to replace the bridge at Rolling Mill and possibly complete some of the work on Mill Lane. If we do bridge replacements we need to make sure all the taxpayers are being served in an equitable manner and that the Board of County Commissioners are following a policy that is consistent across the board. I contacted Phillip Pearce who headed up the Friends of Mill Lane and he provided a history on how the Board of County Commissioners at first agreed to reopen this area for traffic but then, he believes, succumbed to political will from a commissioner that lives on this road and likes his privacy. I’m not sure if that’s the case, but I do want to explore if there is funding still available from the Spectron Settlement that was previously approved to be used for remediation on Scotchman Creek. The previous $3.2 million estimate to reopen the road is no longer valid because a dam replacement is not possible and other less costly options which include installing a culvert have not been assessed. I have also contacted a representative from Benjamin’s Lumber in North East and they have actively pursued the replacement of Rolling Mill Bridge. The Mayor of North East also confirmed that he would pursue financing with his board to help with the replacement of the bridge. Director Flanigan and Director Brooks as well as the local fire department and police have also identified this bridge replacement as critical due to water plant issues, emergency response and access to local business and alleviation of traffic congestion. Director Flanigan also stressed that it should be the position of the County that only as a last resort we would remove a bridge from our inventory because once that road is closed, it’s difficult to open it back up and it’s in the county’s best interest to not take any bridges off our inventory list.</span>Diana Broomellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760859750762897801noreply@blogger.com