November 20, 2008
Having Your Say
Tell us what you thinkHave a community concern? Disagree with an editorial? E-mail an article, about 400 words, to commentary@baltsun.com and include Having Your Say in the subject line. |
Campaign brings the Towson I've always wanted
Not so long ago, Towson was a place that mirrored this year's Republican National Convention: tons of WASPs, miles of blonds and a door prize for spotting a minority of any sort. Obama for America headquarters came to 40 W. Chesapeake Ave. in late September. Here's what happened at the front desk:
Perpetuating a tradition of service to Baltimore
Standing with a crowd on the porch of the Clifton Mansion in Northeast Baltimore recently to celebrate the 95th birthday of Samuel Hopkins, a descendant of one of Baltimore's great philanthropists, Johns Hopkins, it was hard not to reflect on what philanthropy and service have meant to Baltimore - and on what they still mean to the future of our city and its residents.
Dredging won't help Fox Creek
Our Chesapeake Bay is suffering "death by a thousand cuts." The next cut may be a small tidal pond off the Severn River.
Crime-fighting in city hobbled by failure to communicate
Concerns raised recently about crime statistics in North Baltimore demonstrate serious deficits in one of the city's major crime-fighting tools: communication. It is easier to track your neighborhood pothole than local break-ins, suspicious persons or armed incidents. Crime stats are posted only after someone has been victimized - and usually weeks after the fact. Why is it so difficult to forewarn citizens who may be in the line of fire from area thugs? Or has Baltimore succumbed to the theory that everyone is already in danger and thugs are everywhere, so we'd all better keep our collective guard up?
Medevac system: Turning tragedy to triumph
As I awakened last Sunday to an overcast sky, dense fog and a steady rain in Sussex County, Del., news of the crash of a Maryland State Police medevac helicopter brought back some very sad memories of an early Sunday morning 22 years ago.
More money needed for after-school programs
The good news is that the public and Baltimore City leaders increasingly realize the importance of after-school programs to keep kids safe, active, engaged in school, and exposed to a variety of opportunities. The bad news is that the demand for those opportunities far exceeds the supply.
Not your father's local electric company anymore
Now I know how Warren E. Buffett acquired all those companies so cheaply.
Don't change state's death penalty law
Gov. Martin O'Malley pushed for and obtained from the legislature authorization for a commission to review and recommend changes to Maryland's death penalty statute.
Maryland's high taxes stifle economic growth
Last week, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot released his office's analysis of the Board of Revenue Estimates for fiscal year 2009. The report shows that the estimated revenue for 2009 will be a little more than $430 million short of what was previously announced. Mr. Franchot goes on to say that the Maryland legislature and the governor's office will need to cut spending in order to help offset the estimated shortfall of revenue.
Who says the Republicans won't raise your taxes?
Sen. John McCain and the Republicans like to say that they would keep taxes low while Sen. Barack Obama and the Democrats would raise your taxes. But there is at least one area where a McCain administration would raise taxes on lower- and middle-income earners and on businesses.
Principles for a mayoral-controlled school system
The city-state schools partnership that was created in 1997 came with much fanfare about increased funding, increased accountability and rising test scores. Indeed, there has been increased funding and a moderate rise in test scores. However, the biggest frustration to the partnership is accountability.
Maryland universities offer an ideal path to success
Growing up in Ellicott City, I found that many of my friends and their families believed nearby schools were just "ordinary." In their view, the affordability of our state universities came at the expense of quality. I call it "the backyard syndrome."
Clinging to love after looking down gun barrel
He pointed the gun in my face a few minutes before 5 a.m. . The gun was similar to the ones carried by the police. He was maybe 15 or 16 years old, and he mumbled, "This is for real," or something similar.
County residency rule unfairly punishes children
The Baltimore County school system's new residency verification policy threatens the basic right of children to attend school.
Annapolis leaders were unresponsive on crime
A recent Baltimore Sun editorial about crime in Annapolis, crediting a response by government, couldn't be more wrong. Years of apathy by the local government spawned double-digit increases in the most serious categories of crime, despite the fact that Annapolis is largely affluent, with a healthy tax base.
Restaurant rezoning would have a ripple effect
A single zoning change affecting one restaurant may not seem like a big deal. But the proposal to rezone the park property leased by the Oregon Grille could have ramifications for the rural character of a large area of northern Baltimore County. Residents would do well to watch for the outcome of this controversial zoning request that will be voted on by the Baltimore County Council tomorrow evening.
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