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voiceline tag:www.takoma.com,2009-01-22:/voiceline//30 2010-01-12T19:22:33Z Newsfeed for Takoma Voice and Silver Spring Voice Independent community news since 1987 takoma.com • silverspringvoice.com Movable Type Pro 4.32-en Mayorga to open Takoma Metro coffee shop tag:www.takoma.com,2010:/voiceline//30.1109 2010-01-12T17:57:19Z 2010-01-12T19:22:33Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com The Voice talks to Martin Mayorga

by Seth Grimes

Mayorga Coffee plans to open a new Takoma Metro location on January 25. The site, at 314 Carroll Street, NW in Washington, DC, is directly across from the Takoma Metrorail station. It formerly housed the Drifting Nomad coffee shop, which closed in November. In December, Mayorga closed its own South Silver Spring location, where sales suffered after nearby construction eliminated parking and deterred visitors, according to the company.

Takoma DC resident Alice Giancola says she is "very excited about Mayorga's moving to the DC commercial strip... Because of [their] welcoming atmosphere and good service, they will be warmly received here." Takoma Park resident Anne LeVeque says, "I love Mayorga! Beyond serving the best coffee ever, they are supportive of the community." As for Jill Gay, "I am thrilled Mayorga will be part of our Takoma Park community."

The new Takoma outlet will offer coffee beverages, fresh baked pastries, and whole bean coffee roasted at Mayorga's Rockville facility, according the Mayorga's Web site.
The Voice reached out to Martin Mayorga to learn more.

]]> Voice: Why did you choose the Takoma Metro location? Did it win out over other locations you were considering for your next outlet?

MM: Just at the time when we were making the final decision to close our Silver Spring location, I received an e-mail message from Roz Grigsby from the Old Takoma Business Association. She indicated that the old Savory location [at Carroll and Columbia Avenues in Old Takoma] was available and that a Mayorga would be a good fit there. Although I was already familiar with the site, I scheduled a visit to take a look at it and meet the building owner.

During that visit, I realized that to succeed in that space, we would need to do a lot of foods items, which is not our strong suit.   I then asked about other, smaller spaces with more foot traffic and was told that the old Drifting Nomad site had just become available.

We had also looked at 4-5 other options in Silver Spring, but realized that the Carroll Avenue site was clearly the most efficient move and that we would be a great fit for the neighborhood.
Voice: Were any individuals or organizations particularly helpful in bringing you to the new location?

Obviously Roz Grigsby from the Old Takoma Business Association, who initially reached out to us. She answered a lot of questions about what has taken place with business in Takoma Park in the last 5-7 years. Also, [Takoma Park City Council Member] Josh Wright and [OTBA President] Pennye Jones-Napier, who were very forthcoming with information regarding Takoma Park and the needs of the community.

Voice: Will the Takoma location sell food or anything beyond coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks? Will you do catering (coffee, etc.) out of the Takoma store?

MM: We'll be offering high-end pastries from Baguette Republic and possibly some of their sandwiches and salads. Due to comments that we've received from residents, we will also be adding some vegan items. We will definitely offer catering of our coffee and pastry items.

Voice: What are the planned operating hours?

MM: We are still working on that! I can confidently say that we'll open early on weekdays--probably at 6:00 am.   Beyond that, we're still taking input from the community before determining set hours.

Voice: Will the Takoma location have free Wi-Fi or other amenities for customers?

MM: There will be free Wi-Fi offered there. We will also be introducing our French Press coffee service at that location and are planning coffee tastings.

Voice: Are you planning anything special for the January 25th opening?

MM: Definitely. On January 25th to January 27th, we will not be charging for any coffee drinks.   We will have extra management staff on hand to talk to members of the community and listen suggestions to how we can be a positive addition to the neighborhood.

Mayorga will join other new businesses that have chosen to open in Old Takoma's business district, which stretches from 4th Street NW in Washington DC to Takoma Junction, where Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues intersect. They include My Little Bistro and the Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar, which opened in November on Cedar Street NW near the Takoma Metro station, and a hardware store planned for the former Taliano's site at 7001-3 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, slated to open in the spring.

Community efforts to attract new tenants to other vacant commercial spaces have continued. According to OTBA Executive Director Roz Grigsby, Old Takoma's "distinctive community identity, engaged, active population, and strong local support for independent businesses" are a draw for many businesses. With the former Savory building on Carroll Avenue foremost in mind, Grigsby says the business association has reached out to "a number of Washington-area restaurateurs and encouraged them to consider expanding to the Old Takoma area. Residents can help by mentioning to their favorite businesses in other parts of DC that Takoma Park might be a good second location, if they're considering expanding."

As for South Silver Spring, residents will not be coffee-less in the wake of the closing of Mayorga's Georgia Avenue store. Moorenko's Ice Cream Cafe, located across Silver Spring's Arts Alley from the old Mayorga location, is now opening weekdays at 7 am, weekend days at 8 am, selling Mayorga coffee and breakfast pastries in addition to hand-crafted ice cream.

]]> Takoma Park Police release sketch of suspect in Sligo assault tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1100 2009-11-24T14:26:07Z 2009-11-24T14:32:56Z

According to Takoma Park police, this is a composite sketch of the individual who committed a sexual assault on November 19, 2009, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in a wooded area off of Sligo Creek Parkway at the Old Carroll Avenue...

blogpop http://www.takoma.com

According to Takoma Park police, this is a composite sketch of the individual who committed a sexual assault on November 19, 2009, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in a wooded area off of Sligo Creek Parkway at the Old Carroll Avenue Bridge (on the Bike/Running trail).

Further description: Hispanic male, 25-35 yo, 5'7"-5'9", medium build, short military style haircut.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Takoma Park Police at (301) 270-1100 and refer to case #09065147.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.

* Text to 847411

* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that

your tip is thoroughly investigated.

* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your

community while remaining 100% anonymous.

]]> Strong arm robbery in Takoma Park tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1098 2009-11-20T22:12:06Z 2009-11-20T22:12:53Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com
On November 20, 2009, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a car-jacking, strong-arm robbery and assault occurred in the 600 block of Boston Avenue. Look out is for a medium-skinned black male, approximately 160 lbs., approximately 5'10 to 6'0, late 30-40 years of age, possible goatee/beard, possibly wearing blue jeans and a pullover shirt (unknown color). Look out vehicle is a 1999 white, 2-door Ford Taurus with a sticker in the front window, bearing MD tag 768-ALV. Vehicle left Boston Avenue heading towards Takoma Avenue. Any information, please call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.

Catherine E. Plevy
Executive Assistant
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Office of the Chief of Police
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
(301) 891-7142
]]> Jogger sexually assaulted on Sligo Creek trail tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1096 2009-11-20T13:48:26Z 2009-11-20T13:48:43Z

Press Release from Takoma Park Police:On November 19, 2009 between 5:00 and 5:15 p.m. a woman was sexually assaulted on the Sligo Creek Stream Valley Trail in Takoma Park, Maryland. A man grabbed the victim as she jogged the trail...

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Press Release from Takoma Park Police:

On November 19, 2009 between 5:00 and 5:15 p.m. a woman was sexually assaulted on the Sligo Creek Stream Valley Trail in Takoma Park, Maryland. A man grabbed the victim as she jogged the trail and forced her into a wooded area where he sexually assaulted her. The assault occurred between Maple Avenue and the Carroll Avenue bridge.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male

between 25- 35 years of age

5'7 to 5'9

medium build

short military style black hair

wearing a heavy long sleeve beige shirt and loose fitting pants

The Takoma Park Police and The Maryland-National Capital Park Police are jointly investigating this crime. Anyone who was in the area at the time, or has any information about this crime is asked to please call the Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.
]]> Ehrlich Could be Encouraged by Republican Success in Tuesday's Races tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1089 2009-11-05T15:23:54Z 2009-11-05T15:25:33Z

by KAREN ANDERSONCapital News ServiceRepublican victories in the Virginia and New Jersey governors' races may or may not indicate a national comeback for the GOP, but they could convince former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich that the time is right for...

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

Republican victories in the Virginia and New Jersey governors' races may or may not indicate a national comeback for the GOP, but they could convince former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich that the time is right for a Republican to reclaim the state's top political office.

"It's going to impact Republican candidates around the country, including Maryland. As you know these off-cycle races have become fairly accurate predictors of on-cycle results," said Ehrlich, considered the strongest potential challenger to Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley next year.

Ehrlich emphasized that he's set no time frame for announcing his decision about whether or not to run, but that he would pay close attention to Tuesday's elections, especially in New Jersey, watching "where ticket splitters are, crossover Democrats and independents."
]]> Independents were by and large with Republicans Tuesday. GOP gubernatorial candidates won the independent vote by roughly a 2-1 ratio in both Virginia and New Jersey, according to exit polling reported by the Associated Press.

"Independents, as you know, pretty much decide races these days," said Ehrlich, who lost to O'Malley in 2006 by just over 118,000 votes in a heavily Democratic state.

Todd Eberly, political science professor at St. Mary's College said that among Maryland Republicans, Ehrlich is currently the strongest candidate for governor.

"I think at the moment you'd be hard pressed to identify a Republican that would have a better chance statewide in Maryland," Eberly said. "A majority of voters supported the job he was doing, but he still lost. I think that speaks to the voting advantage that Democrats have in the state."

The question is whether Tuesday's results are a sign that the Democratic advantage in Maryland is vulnerable.

In Virginia, where governors cannot run for re-election, the state's former Attorney General Republican Bob McDonnell defeated his Democratic opponent, state Sen. Creigh Deeds, with nearly 59 percent of the vote. McDonnell expanded on the 13 percentage point lead he had in the polls going into the nationally watched gubernatorial election, according to polling averages by Real Clear Politics.

McDonnell took down the incumbent party that had occupied the governor's office since 2002.

"I don't think this necessarily means that people are going to be flocking to the Republican Party and I wouldn't read it as such," said Michael McDonald, a political scientist at George Mason University, referring to possible reactions to McDonnell's win.

Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia, said Obama has "energized the GOP," bringing out voters who are angry with the president's policies.

Ehrlich said he was not surprised by McDonnell's success going into the election, describing Virginia as "more of a right, red state despite recent trends."

"New Jersey is a little more instructive as far as the future," he said. "New Jersey looks more like Maryland. It's a blue state, a lot of labor, very organized Democratic Party, so it's a tough state for Republicans to win. So Christie winning there, it's a pretty big deal."

In New Jersey incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine lost reelection by about 4 percentage points to Republican challenger Chris Christie.

Eberly said the impact of a Republican win in New Jersey will be significant.

"It will send a signal that the Republican base is more energized and more eager to get out and vote," he said. "It would also send a message that whatever exuberance that Democrats had in 2008, it has been dampened."

A drop in enthusiasm by Democratic voters could be all that's needed to energize Republicans.

"It's definitely looking more and more like it's going to be an anti-incumbent year," said Justin Ready, former executive director of the Maryland Republican Party. "In Maryland the majority of the incumbents are Democrats, so I think Democrats need to be concerned about that. I think it's a bright spot for Republicans."

After a Board of Public Works meeting Wednesday, O'Malley said "every race is different," noting, "Maryland's not New Jersey or Virginia," but that he saw the results from Tuesday's elections as an indicator of the anxiousness voters feel about the economy.

"What I took from what I saw in the results last night was that overall people are very apprehensive--rightly so--about the economy," he said. "And they want their government to work harder to get us out of this recession as soon as possible."]]> Cardin, Hoyer Relive Fall Of Berlin Wall at Anniversary Event tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1088 2009-11-05T15:22:13Z 2009-11-05T15:23:27Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

Two Maryland congressmen flew to Germany in 1989 to take swings at the Berlin Wall and participate in the destruction of one of the world's most visible signs of the Cold War.

On Wednesday, now-Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Baltimore, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, spoke about their experience.

Standing beside a chunk of the wall on display at the Newseum, Cardin and Hoyer joined other members of the Helsinki Commission and ambassadors from Germany, Romania and the Slovak Republic to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the wall's destruction.

]]>
"I was there when the wall came down and I knew it was important," Cardin said. "In time, it became more impressive to me."

Cardin is the current chairman of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. The commission is a federal agency that promotes human rights, democracy and cooperation around the world.

Hoyer was chairman in 1989 and in that role he visited many countries behind the Iron Curtain. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill coined the term Iron Curtain to describe the string of communist countries bordering each other in Eastern Europe. Hoyer still remembers what it was like to take hacks at a Cold War symbol.

"I went to the wall and ... I don't know where we got a hammer, but we got a hammer and I got some pieces of the wall," Hoyer said. "There was no Iron Curtain, per se. There was a tangible, real Berlin Wall and as a result, there was something to actually see physically come down. Taken away. Eliminated. It was an extraordinary symbolic visual for the fall of the Iron Curtain."

Cardin could not think of another event to compare to the drama surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"We've seen countries change their leaders, we've seen the fall of the apartheid government in South Africa and we've seen in Ukraine and Georgia the peaceful revolutions," Cardin said. "There are moments that have occurred, but I must tell you, nothing in my lifetime was more dramatic than the fall of the Berlin Wall."

The two Maryland politicians and other commission members also talked about current events that keep the idea of the wall alive. The comparisons varied from legislative to philosophical and represent potential projects for the Helsinki Commission.

"No wall, I believe, does greater damage to the spirit of the individual, even today, than the oppressive wall against faith," said Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. "(The) wall that I witnessed in the former Soviet Union ... is still rampant among many authoritarian regimes across the world today."

Both Brownback and Hoyer labeled China's suppression of Internet freedom as a type of wall.

"Each wall," Hoyer said, "no matter how tall or how fearsome, is ultimately an act of surrender."]]> Maryland Farmers Worried EPA Could Regulate Them More Stringently tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1087 2009-11-05T15:20:17Z 2009-11-05T15:21:44Z

by JAMES B. HALECapital News ServiceEPA Senior Adviser Chuck Fox said in two interviews last week that Maryland poultry farmers could face more stringent pollution regulations than those in other states, a stance that has drawn opposition from Gov. Martin...

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

EPA Senior Adviser Chuck Fox said in two interviews last week that Maryland poultry farmers could face more stringent pollution regulations than those in other states, a stance that has drawn opposition from Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Farm Bureau.

Fox said that although the amount of pollution large-scale poultry farms can produce is regulated by states, the Environmental Protection Agency has the final say in the matter and can force states to make stricter guidelines if need be.

"When you look to the future ? it very well might be that we need to control pollution beyond that which it is controlled in other parts of the country for us to achieve our goals here in the Chesapeake Bay," Fox said, in a face-to-face interview.

]]>
"That is how the Clean Water Act was written, that's how it's supposed to be implemented," Fox said.

The power is part of the EPA's push to hold states accountable for pollution that ends up in the bay, Fox said, in a follow-up phone interview. While the agency ultimately wants states to retain power, the final decision remains at the federal level.

Shaun Adamec, O'Malley's press secretary, said the governor is concerned about what tighter restrictions would mean for state poultry farms. Stricter regulations would make it difficult for Maryland farmers to compete with farmers in other states, he said.

"It's not a matter of the EPA's authority, it's a matter of fairness," Adamec said.

O'Malley first raised his concern to the EPA in a Sept. 18 letter. He said he worried Maryland farms would be hurt by EPA intervention and enforcement of tougher regulation.

His concerns stemmed from what appeared to be contradictory messages on the matter sent by the agency, said O'Malley in the letter.

O'Malley's letter was sparked in part by Perdue Farms' decision to move operations out of the state and to North Carolina. Worcester County officials expressed concern to O'Malley over the move, but a spokesman for Perdue in an August press release said the decision was due to outdated facilities and gave no indication it had anything to do with EPA regulations.

In a response letter sent to O'Malley on Oct. 21, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said EPA regulations are applied uniformly.

"EPA regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations ? are national in scope and apply uniformly throughout the country," said Jackson in the letter. She said even regulations in the newest program, which requires farms to apply for pollution permits, are standard for all states.

Later in her letter, Jackson referred to "`Chesapeake Bay-only' federal regulations" and said they could be avoided if state rules are strong enough to clean up the bay.

Fox said the EPA wants to retain power over the states to ensure progress in cleaning the bay. Fox, who has been working on bay issues for most of his career, said he wants to hold states responsible for negligent care of the water.

Valerie Connelly, director of government relations for the Maryland Farm Bureau, said no matter what the intentions are a decision to make different regulations would be "unacceptable." Farms are a business, bottom line, she said. Putting harsher regulations on just Maryland farmers would give them an unfair economic disadvantage.

"Maryland poultry farms are competing against every other farm in the country," said Connelly. "We would continue to insist that the EPA's regulations apply the same to Maryland farmers as in other states."]]> Experts Fear McDonnell Win Could Hurt Bay Cooperation tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1086 2009-11-04T15:17:55Z 2009-11-05T15:19:49Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

Republican Robert McDonnell's win Tuesday in the Virginia gubernatorial elections could roll back gains in that state's cooperation with Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and other policy issues, experts warned Wednesday.

Outgoing Democratic Gov. Timothy Kaine has had "a very cooperative, positive relationship" with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, said Mark Rozell, a professor of public policy at Virginia's George Mason University.

This relationship, Rozell said, is, in part, due to Kaine's and O'Malley's shared party affiliation, as well as their similar views on issues such as the environment and the Chesapeake Bay.

"We are likely to see a significant reversal of course on a number of such issues with a Republican administration," Rozell said.

]]>
"McDonnell has said repeatedly that he wants less government, fewer regulations, free up the marketplace," Rozell said. "We all know these are code phrases that suggest that environmental regulations may be weakened or not enforced as strictly."

In his acceptance speech Tuesday night, McDonnell spoke briefly about the plight of watermen on the Chesapeake Bay, but did not provide clues as to what policies he might pursue regarding the bay.

According to a statement on his campaign's web site, "Bob McDonnell is committed to working with the other Chesapeake Bay states to continue responsible policies to protect and improve the health of the Bay."

McDonnell's campaign office did not return several calls requesting comment.

The O'Malley administration is still evaluating how the election will impact cooperation on the bay, Shaun Adamec, O'Malley's deputy press secretary, said.

"I think it's important that we all recognize that these are issues that certainly transcend politics," Adamec said. "We all have a common goal to build a better future for the people of our states, and we will certainly work towards that with Governor McDonnell."

Gerald Winegrad, an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy, said he was concerned about the lack of discussion on bay-related issues during the campaign. Winegrad served as a state legislator in Maryland for 16 years, during which time he wrote and sponsored a number of bills on environmental regulation and the Chesapeake Bay.

"It doesn't seem like the bay has been made an issue, which is kind of tragic," Winegrad said. "We need a strong governor in Virginia on the environment."

However, it would be unwise to make blanket assumptions, Winegrad said, since "Republicans have done good things for us in the past on these issues."

Among the key institutions for cooperation between Maryland and Virginia is the Chesapeake Bay Commission. The commission consists of legislators, Cabinet members and citizen representatives from Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Its key task is to coordinate bay policy across state lines.

"I think this is a time that we need to work closely to make sure that Governor-elect McDonnell has a pretty acute understanding of the criticality of not doing something to help the bay," said Bernie Fowler, the citizen representative for Maryland.

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources also hopes to continue cooperating closely with Virginia on bay issues, said Josh Davidsburg, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

"We still look at Virginia as a partner and we're willing to work with whoever is in office, and hopefully they'll be able to build on the successes we've had in the past with (the Kaine) administration."

These successes include a significant increase in the bay's blue crab population over the past year, after O'Malley and Kaine agreed to collaborate on conservation measures for the species.

"I do think that on issues like restoring the Chesapeake Bay, hopefully we've gotten ourselves to a point in time where it goes beyond political party," said Frank Dawson, assistant secretary for aquatic resources at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

"Our expectation is that our working relationship with the Commonwealth of Virginia is going to continue to be very productive on natural resources and environment-related issues."]]> Maryland In-State Tuition Falls Below National Average tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1085 2009-11-03T15:14:55Z 2009-11-05T15:17:43Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

It's cheaper to go to college in-state, especially if you live in Maryland.

Average in-state tuition and fees for this academic year at Maryland's public universities is lower than the national average, according to a report by the College Board released last month.

At University System of Maryland institutions, in-state students paid an average of $6,796 for the 2009-2010 academic year, according to the Maryland Higher Education Committee. Nationally, the average tuition at public four-year universities for this year was $7,020, representing a 6.5 percent, or $429, increase from last year, according to the College Board.

However, tuition and fees at each USM institution fall both above and below the national average. Students at the University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland Baltimore County paid more than $8,000 this year, while universities like Salisbury and Frostburg State charged about $6,650.

Maryland's public universities, along with Morgan State University, have frozen tuition for resident students for four consecutive years, drastically changing their national ranking for college affordability.

On a national level, "Maryland has moved from the eighth-highest state in resident undergraduate tuition in 2006 to the 16th-highest in 2009," according to the commission.

However, the university system's Board of Regents is unsure whether the freeze is sustainable, considering the severe budget cuts the state mandated this year and likely the next.

"The chancellor has said publicly that we have to consider where we are with the undergraduate in-state tuition freeze," said Mike Lurie, USM media relations director.

The board has yet to set tuition for the next academic year because it's waiting for a finalized budget from the state for fiscal year 2011, Lurie said.

Despite the freeze, costs have gone up. Mandatory fees rose 1.3 percent, raising the total price (tuition and fees) by 4 percent, over the past four years.

Out-of-state student tuition has seen significant increases recently, both in Maryland and nationally. This year, the state capped out-of-state tuition increases at 4 percent for undergraduate students and 7 percent for graduate students.

The average national price for out-of-state tuition and fees increased about 6.2 percent from last year, to $18,548. Non-resident university system students at College Park and University of Baltimore paid above this average, at $23,990 and $20,278 respectively, while non-resident students at all other USM institutions paid below the national average.

The report repeatedly mentioned that a school's listed tuition, or "sticker price" is often not what a student pays after loans, grants, and scholarships are factored in.

"Almost two-thirds of undergraduate students enrolled full-time receive grants that reduce the actual price of college. In addition, many states and institutions grant tuition waivers to groups of students such as dependents of employees, veterans or teachers," according to the report.

Maryland students are not an exception to this statistic, as more continue to take advantage of available aid.

"Financial aid applications for Maryland students increased from 100,000 in FY 2009 to 129,000 in FY 2010. This increase was a direct result of the changes in the economy during the previous year," the state's higher education commission reported.

The complete report is available online at http://www.trends-collegeboard.com/college_pricing/. ]]> Residential Development Threatening Land Preservation tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1084 2009-11-03T15:11:18Z 2009-11-05T15:14:36Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

A significant portion of the state's land is vulnerable to residential development, which might hinder land preservation goals, said an official with the Department of Planning at a special joint committee hearing Tuesday.

Large swaths of Maryland, particularly in rural areas and along the Baltimore-Washington corridor, are suffering from development pressure, said Joe Tassone, director of the planning department's office of Land and Water Resource Planning.

Tassone proposed a two-pronged approach to land preservation, encouraging counties to provide the needed funds and to adjust zoning rules, stabilizing their land base by discouraging further residential development.


]]>
"Development pressure for residential lots in rural areas is largely a function of the market for residential lots, which depends ... on people who have jobs that they can get to from a given rural area," Tassone said.

Although they are not the only employment centers that affect rural development, the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas are the largest job centers in the state, said Tassone.

Tuesday's hearing comes on the heels of a report released by The National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland, which analyzed the effectiveness of the state's smart growth policies. The study found the state's decade-old law has been ineffective at containing sprawl.

But in some parts of the state pressure from residents has helped drive preservation efforts.

Harford County is one of the top counties in the state in terms of land preservation, due in part to resident pressure, said Bill Amoss, administrator of the Harford County Department of Planning's Historical and Agricultural Preservation office.

The county is a participant in the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation's program, and to date has "up to 45,000 acres under easements, so we're moving forward and getting more farms preserved all the time," Amoss said.

In 1977, the county defined a designated growth area, and has since "directed 80 to 85 percent of our growth [into] our development envelope," said Peter Gutwald, director of the planning department.

The driving force behind their land preservation efforts are their residents.

"People like to live here because there is so much rural area still preserved," Amoss said. "It's a short drive out to the country. They can see cows and horses and all kinds of things."

"If you've grown up here and you're used to the agricultural benefits of the community and the benefits of the industry itself, you'll want to preserve that," said Amoss.]]> Pressing Need, First Lady's Call Inspire Congressional Wives' Service tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1083 2009-11-03T15:07:50Z 2009-11-05T15:10:53Z

by LAURA GURFEINCapital News ServiceMichelle Obama's call to service inspired more than 20 spouses of Maryland elected officials to pack 4,800 Thanksgiving meals for families in need at the Maryland Food Bank Tuesday in recognition of the growing urgency of...

blogpop http://www.takoma.com
Capital News Service

Michelle Obama's call to service inspired more than 20 spouses of Maryland elected officials to pack 4,800 Thanksgiving meals for families in need at the Maryland Food Bank Tuesday in recognition of the growing urgency of the hungry in their own state.

Audra Harrison, communications manager at the food bank, said that the facility has seen up to a 50 percent increase in demand this year due to the economy, especially from middle-class families.

"Some of these people thought they would never need to ask for help," Harrison said, adding that some families have been pre-registered for Thanksgiving meals since May.

]]>
"I think we're all aware of how tough it is in today's world," said Kay Ruppersberger, wife of Timonium Democratic Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger. "Marylanders are suffering."

"With such a concentrated event like this we can really get out a lot of food," Harrison said.

Myrna Cardin, the wife of Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, got the idea for the event, "Elect to End Hunger," when the First Lady organized a similar event for congressional spouses at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington in April.

"I was sitting next to Kay Ruppersberger and Maya Cummings and we said, 'Why don't we do this in Maryland?" Cardin said.

"I feel that as a spouse of an elected official I don't get asked to do much, and I wish I did," Cardin added.

While Obama's event only recruited congressional spouses, Cardin wanted to include spouses of elected officials in local governments as well. She sent letters to as many spouses as she could to recruit for her event, but had trouble finding some addresses, she said.

About 90 volunteers from the food bank's corporate partners, including Bank of America, T. Rowe Price, Marriott Hotels and the Navy, accompanied food bank employees working at the event.

The spouses encouraged their family and friends to volunteer as well.

"It's a good cause and I wanted to help," said Lois Sigman, Cardin's friend and first-time volunteer at the food bank.

Dina Sarbanes, wife of Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Towson, said that, in addition to voting, volunteering for those in need is an important part of exercising citizenship. Since most Marylanders did not have big elections this year, the spouses wanted to mark Election Day in their own way, she added.

Kimberly Kratovil, wife of Frank Kratovil, D-Stevensville, said she would like this event to continue in subsequent years.

"The other spouses are fantastic ladies. It's a great group of people to work with. I hope we can do more together in the future," Kratovil said.

Volunteers packed canned goods such as green beans, corn, and cranberry sauce as well as mashed potatoes and corn muffin mixes into cardboard boxes. A 12-pound turkey, purchased with money raised by the annual Orioles Wives food drive in August, will accompany each box.]]> Small Business Owners Lobby Capitol Hill, White House on Health Care tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1082 2009-11-03T15:04:30Z 2009-11-05T15:06:50Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

More than 130 small business owners from around the nation, including three Marylanders, met with lawmakers and federal officials Tuesday to address the impact of increasing health insurance costs on their businesses and lives.

The lobbying effort came as the House is preparing to debate health care reform legislation and was organized as part of the small business "D.C. Day" by several advocacy groups: U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Main Street Alliance, Small Business Majority and Consumers Union. The Senate is crafting its bill, which should be unveiled in coming weeks.

The House health reform bill, costing $894 billion over 10 years, includes a government-run health insurance option alongside private plans, expands Medicaid eligibility and caps annual out-of-pocket spending. Under the bill, small business owners with payroll less than $500,000 a year are not required to provide health insurance to their employees.

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"It's not a Democratic or a Republican issue, it's a human issue," Geist said of the need for health insurance reform.

The increased cost of providing health insurance to about 10 employees has prompted her to hire more part-time workers, Geist said.

Jane Brettschneider, who co-owns Risky BBQ, a freelance copywriting and advertising business in Baltimore, with her husband Jeff Alphin, said she supports health insurance reform, and wants it "as soon as possible."

"As a small business and as freelancers, our only option is individual plans and the cost of the individual plans is so outrageous and getting more and more outrageous and we have no choice," Brettschneider said.

Alphin has two pre-existing conditions -- he has had hip replacement and suffers from diabetes, Brettschneider said.

"We can't afford to drop our health care but we can't afford to keep our health care," said Brettschneider, who declined to give their ages.

Brettschneider and Alphin pay about $950 a month for their health insurance, which is more than what the family spends in food, heating and gas per month, combined, Brettschneider said.

She met with representatives from the offices of Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, and C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Cockeysville, Brettschneider said.

The meeting was "frank and productive," according to Paul Kincaid, spokesman for Cummings.

"Small businesses create jobs and are the economic engines in our neighborhoods and communities," said Heather Molino, spokeswoman for Ruppersberger. Molino also said that the congressman is "very supportive of the health reform which helps the small business owners to provide affordable health insurance to their employees."

Earlier in the day, the business owners attended a news conference with Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.

Small business owners and those who are self-employed will be the biggest winners under the reform bills being considered, said Harkin, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee chairman.

"Our legislation will create health insurance exchanges to increase competition, enable small businesses to easily compare prices, benefits and quality of health plans, in other words -- transparency," said Harkin.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, at a White House event later in the day, cited a new report that found that on average, small businesses pay up to 18 percent more than large firms for the same health insurance.

"Small business owners are the backbone of this economy," Sebelius said. "They are the entrepreneurs who drive our business innovations and inventions and (are) being squeezed at the heart of the current system of health care in America."]]> "Next Stop: Silver Spring" to air on Monday, November 2 tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1076 2009-10-31T18:40:49Z 2009-10-31T18:48:39Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com
The film is a nostalgic trip through Silver Spring history and the golden days of passenger railroading, as it tells the story of the B&O railroad station in Silver Spring from its inception in 1878 to today. It includes the history of the B&O Metropolitan Branch as well!

The film was produced and directed by Silver Spring resident Walter Gottlieb and his nonprofit production company Silver Spring Media Arts.

"Next Stop" features an original soundtrack by Maryland artists performing original songs specifically written for the documentary --- including The Diner Car song, Gracie at the Tastee, Run Railroad Run, Layin' it Down for the B&O!

For more information, visit www.silverspringtrain.org. ]]> Maryland Businesses Secure Recovery Money tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1075 2009-10-30T18:05:29Z 2009-10-31T18:06:53Z

by DAVID M. JOHNSONCapital News ServiceMaryland organizations of all sizes have secured more than $4.5 billion and directly created 4,464 jobs as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, even as economic indicators across the state continue to...

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

Maryland organizations of all sizes have secured more than $4.5 billion and directly created 4,464 jobs as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, even as economic indicators across the state continue to lag.

Maryland's unemployment rate has hovered around 7.2 percent since May, double the October 2007 rate of 3.6 percent and nearly double that of a year ago, 4.8 percent.

Foreclosure statistics across the state also are still climbing. Maryland holds the 10th-highest rate in the nation according to RealtyTrac, a company that tracks nationwide foreclosures. One in every 16,867 properties in Maryland is facing foreclosure, a frequency higher than all surrounding states.

Even though the numbers look grim, Carmen Reinhart, a public policy professor at the University of Maryland, thinks the stimulus helped slow the economy's dive.

"I think the recession would have been worse absent the stimulus," Reinhart said. "The fact that we observe in nearly every sector some worrisome signs, shouldn't be taken as a sign our fiscal policy doesn't work."

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The largest contract awarded a Maryland company, according to the ARRA web site, was a $300 million grant to SAIC-Frederick. The Frederick-based subsidiary of SAIC develops new technologies and treatment for people with cancer or AIDS.

Clark Construction Group of Bethesda is the 13th-largest general contractor in the country, according to Engineering News Record. In August, it was awarded $182 million for recovery projects ranging from the design and construction of a Coast Guard Headquarters building to repairing the Jefferson Memorial seawall. Earlier this year, Clark completed a $41.7 million addition to University of Maryland's Byrd Stadium in College Park.

But smaller Maryland businesses were also able to secure recovery money, including an aerial photographer, a veteran-owned contractor and a cosmetology school, for example.

Photo Science of Bowie is the aerial photographer. In July, it won a $317,539 contract to help update the Great Lakes nautical charts by mapping the American coastline by plane. According to company vice president Kurt Allen, some U.S. shorelines have not been mapped for 100 years, posing a potential safety risk for boaters. Photo Science also won contracts for future work that pushed its recovery total over $2 million.

A contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs was won by Done Deal General Construction and Electrical located in Upper Marlboro. Owned by Ed Wilson, a disabled veteran, Done Deal is responsible for installing new fire alarms at the Perry Point VA Medical Center.

Some ARRA recipients like Blades School of Hair Design in California, Md., were not even aware they were receiving recovery funds. Blades School is receiving $101,080 of the $2.6 million awarded to cosmetology schools across Maryland. The funds are listed as grant programs.

That funding has had an impact, Reinhart said, and should continue.

"I think you'll see two sets of opinions, those that expect a very robust rebound in economic activity which would call for more fiscal restraint," Reinhart said. "Then there are those, of which I fit in, that view recovery as far more fragile and less robust and feel it is too early to pull the plug."]]> O'Malley Joins Biden and Schwarzenegger to Tout Stimulus Jobs tag:www.takoma.com,2009:/voiceline//30.1074 2009-10-30T18:03:00Z 2009-10-31T18:04:52Z

blogpop http://www.takoma.com Capital News Service

Gov. Martin O'Malley, along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, joined Vice President Joe Biden Friday to announce that federal stimulus funds had directly created or saved 640,239 jobs nationwide since Feb. 17.

"The recovery act is operating as advertised," Biden said.

The event, held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, came one day after O'Malley announced that the federal stimulus had led directly to more than 4,464 jobs in Maryland, with roughly 10,000 additional jobs resulting either from indirect jobs, which are often subcontractors for highway projects, or induced jobs, which are created by consumers spending money at restaurants and stores.


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In his speech, Biden thanked both governors for their efforts to distribute the funds effectively.

"These guys represent all that is right about the recovery act," Biden said.

During his brief remarks, O'Malley again emphasized the necessary role that transparency should play in distributing stimulus dollars, praising the Obama administration for its focus on openness.

"Make no mistake about it," O'Malley said. "It takes political courage to measure performance and do it openly, do it transparently."

Biden as well praised O'Malley for how Maryland has been a leader in sharing information about the stimulus openly with the public.

"We're trying to catch up with O'Malley's model," Biden said. "Literally. I'm serious."

While all three lauded the successes of the stimulus -- including the announcement Thursday that the gross domestic product rose 3.5 percent in the third quarter -- they each empathized with the millions of Americans hurt by the recession.

Tens of millions remain unemployed. And in a sign that the recovery is not complete, the stock market dropped 250 points on Friday amid concerns about consumer spending.

"When you're out of work, GDP doesn't mean anything to you," Biden said.

They also sought to answer criticisms about the stimulus package. Biden, for one, addressed concerns that stimulus funds would go toward wasteful pet projects.

"Thank God, that dog hasn't bitten yet," Biden said.

Schwarzenegger pointed comments toward his own party, particularly those who have criticized the stimulus package along partisan lines.

"It's not a Democratic or Republican issue," Schwarzenegger said. "It's a people issue. It's a jobs issue."

Biden invited the public to visit the stimulus Web site, www.recovery.gov, to track exactly where stimulus projects were underway in their area.

Shortly after the event, Schwarzenegger joked with the audience that lunch would be held next door with an offering of "wiener schnitzel and beer."]]>