Must be the folks at Beebe have all sorts of time to surf the net. If this helps, I often hide behind the beard to fend off the stalkers.

After reading a recent post by blogger Maria Evans on The Talk of Delmarva website regarding the pending Delmarva Power-Bluewater Wind contract, I feel I need to clarify a few things. First, I support the construction of wind power in the First State. According to the University of Delaware, our state has a huge untapped wind power potential, most of which is in our off-shore waters.

House Bill 6, which was enacted two years ago and has produced the proposed Delmarva Power-Bluewater Wind mandate, was never intended to be a referendum on wind power or renewable energy.  Its goal was to help stabilize the rates paid by Delmarva Power’s Standard Offer Service (SOS) customers. 

Admittedly, I misinterpreted HB 6 when it was debated in the House.  In my own defense, questions that I and other legislators posed that would have revealed this error were incorrectly answered.

HB 6 does require Delmarva to enter into a long-term contract with an in-state producer of electricity.  The Bluewater Wind proposal to build a 150-turbine wind farm off the coast of Sussex County is the plan that has emerged from that process.

I have several deep concerns about the path on which we’ve place ourselves.  Ms. Evans correctly noted in her posting that SOS customers constitute the numerical bulk of Delmarva’s customer base.  About 95 percent of Delmarva’s 312,000 total distribution customers fall into the SOS category. 

However, Ms. Evans is apparently unaware that SOS customers buy only 28-percent of the power distributed by the utility.  Thus, HB 6 places 100-percent of the cost of the wind farm project on the backs of Delmarva customers who purchase less than a third of the company’s electricity.  That does not strike me as an equitable arrangement.

I also believe it is an intrusive abuse of state power to force one private company into a long-term contract with another private company. I’m unaware of whether such a state mandate has ever been enacted, but I would argue that it is an improper use of that authority, regardless of its good intentions.

Additionally, Delmarva Power has a pending lawsuit challenging the HB 6 mandate.  Should this process move forward that lawsuit will likely be reactivated, leading to two possible outcomes:  Delmarva wins its case, derailing the wind project; or Delmarva is forced into the contract, but only after years of delay.

I think there is another way to accomplish the establishment of wind power in the First State that would protect consumers; reduce costs; and speed completion.

Instead of forcing the parties together I think we should create an environment in Delaware that makes wind power not only viable, but attractive.  We can do this through regulatory and tax code changes that will encourage private investors to utilize our natural wind resource and sell this power on the open market.

Regardless of who wins the White House in the upcoming election, the handwriting is already on the wall.  Carbon taxes and other changes expected on the federal level will increase the demand for renewable, environmentally-friendly sources of electricity generation.  Bluewater Wind, which has already done a lot of pre-development planning as a result of HB 6, would be well-positioned to take advantage of this new environment and would have a considerable head start on any potential competitors.

Given these facts, I think it is fool-hardy to mandate a project that could potentially lock thousands of Delaware families into paying higher electricity bills for many years to come.  The General Assembly already made one mistake in the way in which it implemented electricity deregulation.  We’re poised to make another by mandating a deal I believe will hurt Delmarva’s residential and small business customers.

It’s time for legislators to stop meddling and instead take steps to encourage the private market to tap our vast wind potential.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Gerald Hocker

A title like that for a blog post would get your attention.  It’s funny if from the leftist perspective it’s about George W. Bush.  Witness the lefty reaction to David Letterman and shows of that ilk.  Governor Minner is an abysmal failure as an administrator.  I’m reading the verdict from capitol insiders of all political stripes.  Now we’ve got people screaming about personal attacks.  It’s my guess it’s because it gives the left greater control over the political dialogue and masks the very real anger a majority of the people are experiencing.

One person suggested to me last week that we simply vote the bad guys out of office.  Replacing them with more of the same?  Dover is nothing more than a debating society and centralized location for the disbursement of lobbyist cash, as is every state capitol in the country. 

Let me address some other points from this past week about the Freeman Foundation.  At no point was it criticized.  I spoke of a glaring incomplete in a News Journal story.  It didn’t say if plans for a performing arts center would include public money (for Bucky’s Mom that would mean “taxpayer” funded).  A complete story would answer the question.  The fellows doing the complaining should be informed the show that day was being taped.  Your attempt at “propaganda” is nothing but a lie.  I’m sure it’s just one more chit you’re collecting for a stop in hell. 

Speaking of which, a listener handed me a piece of paper Friday and it informs there will be a day of silence at a local school.  This really isn’t my issue as my focus is primarily tax relief.  The woman’s church, with hundreds of members, is protesting the intrusion into our schools of sexual agendas.  It would appear I don’t hate Delaware but much of Delaware dislikes you.

Many of you are mistaken when you maintain I hate this place.  I very much like my church and its hundreds of congregants, my friends (some of them shopkeepers at the beach), the people I work with and the many callers to the program.  You may notice most callers are quite positive but unlike many of you these people work for a living.  They work with their hands and they produce or transport goods and do most of the tax-paying and buying on Delmarva.  They would also appear to greatly outnumber the beach liberals raving every time I make a post at this site. 

Would you like to argue that these people’s views are irrelevant?  Are you smarter than these men and women?  Did God make you their betters and masters?  Excuse me for the assumption that any of you believe in God. 

As for Nancy’s argument that I don’t like women I can only reply I like them as much as she does but for the most part just one from Maryland.  The one with whom I spend much of my free time. 

Speaking of Maryland, Bucky’s Mom doesn’t object when I speak of events there.  I should note that WGMD has a large following in that state as well as in the southern environs of New Jersey.  You may also notice that Savage, Ingraham and Limbaugh rarely mention Delaware.  Perhaps you need to chastise them?  Much like me they would just swat the flies aside.

See you all at 3:00 o’clock.

10.  She makes Hillary Clinton look good. 
 9.  Would keep Eliot Spitzer honest. 
 8.  She could stop a run-away train. 

 7.  She could make a run-away train take a dirt road.

 
 6.  Has lowered childhood obesity by seizing candy bars. 
 5.  Her name isn’t Jon Corzine. 
 4.  Has lowered jobless rate by giving state work to relatives. 
 3.  She eats all her vegetables.  And yours. 
 2.  Has frightened boat loads of illegal immigrants away by starring in state tourism campaign. 
 1.  She’s done at the end of the year. 

 

Candidate for Governor Mike Protack was at Flexera in Millsboro this past week and discussed his energy plan. You can listen to the audio of the interview here.

Here is the outline of his proposals below:

                                                Proposals

1. Redirect a portion (min 5%) of the state share of real estate transfer tax to homebuyers to use towards the purchase of renewable energy technology for homes, farms and businesses.

2. Allow the use of the redirected transfer tax and the money within the Green energy fund at the same time to make the purchase of this valuable technology more economically viable.

3. Make the cost (up to $200) of a certified energy audit tax deductible for all property owners.

4. Allow the purchase of smaller energy savings devices (like the combination ceiling fan/heater or LEDs units) to qualify as a tax deduction for those who do not desire to purchase a larger system.

5. Provide home builders with tax incentives/impact fee reductions to construct homes consistent with “Green” Home building standards according to the National Association for Homebuilders/Green Energy Standards or the Energy Star standards.

6. Provide a “stretched out” repayment period (joint state/SEU and utility) for dollars spent on renewable energy home systems. This incentive would cover the initial outlay amounts not covered by the Green Energy Fund or any other credits/deductions.

7. Provide existing homeowners with rebates for upgrading major plant systems like air conditioners and heating systems based on SEER or AFUE increases. Also, provide 20% rebates to homeowners who upgrade major appliances like ranges or refrigerators if they purchase Energy Star Label Products and donate the pre-existing appliances for redistribution to needy households.

8. Redirect the Delaware Office of Economic Development to pro-actively encourage sustainable energy and environmental technology firms to locate in the First State in order to protect our environment and advance our prosperity with cutting-edge research and applications.

“These proposals in some cases exist within the Sustainable Energy Utility and Green Energy funds and in some cases use tax deductions and credits to speed up the eventual and necessary transition to renewable energy. Ultimately, any tax system is only as good as its ability to promote savings, growth and investment in Delaware’s energy future is a laudable and necessary goal. In the end, we will use common sense and solid financial incentives to bring Renewable Energy Options to 20% of all Delaware homes, farms and small businesses in order to reduce their combined energy usage by 20% by 2020.

I heard on one of the talk shows someone call in and say, “Who cares about 2020. Let’s worry about right now.” I am sure to a certain degree, people do care about how life will be in the future and how it will impact their children and grandchildren. They should care, anyway.

 

In a flurry of last minute filings there will be a race for the Cape Henlopen Area “A” school board seat, which is a 5-year term – and it includes incumbent Noble Prettyman of Milton, who filed on the last day along with Larry Schrock of Milton.  Greg Fuller of Lincoln had already filed for the seat a week ago. 

In other school districts:

There are two contested races in the Indian River School District – in District 4 – incumbent Don Hattier faces two challengers – Harold Walters of Frankford and Christopher White of Ocean View.  And in District 5 – there are two seats up for re-election – both incumbents are running – Reggie Helms of Selbyville and Donna Mitchell of Frankford are challenged by Sharon Brittingham of Selbyville.  In District 3 incumbent Nina Lou Bunting will retain her seat on the school board as the only one who filed.  All the Indian River seats are three year terms.

There is one contested at large seat in Delmar – between incumbent Shawn Brittingham and Greg Cathell for the 5-year term.

In the Woodbridge School District – there is one seat up for re-election and it will mean a new face for the school board as president Shawn Bowman is not running for re-election.  That at-large seat has Coulter Passwaters and Walter Budy vying for the 5-year term.

School board elections for all districts will be held on Tuesday, May 13.

It was a great honor to help Irish Eyes and members of the Lewes Police Department promote a fundraiser for a new working police dog for the department.  Community spirit ran high and the event raise far more than needed.  (Over $15,000 and perhaps close to $20,000.)  The dog, a replacement for the police dog that died last fall, was said to cost $8,800.

I’m now shocked at the petty, small minded and ungrateful attitude expressed by a select few Lewes Councilpersons.  Henry Evans of the Cape Gazette reports:

City Councilwoman Stephanie Tsantes said she was appalled to learn, after the fact, that an event to raise money to buy a dog for the Lewes Police Department was held at Irish Eyes in Lewes Feb. 21.
“I’m reading more about your department in the newspaper, and I’m blaming the lack of communication on you,” Tsantes told Gooch before he and Layfield explained their thinking and actions related to the successful fundraiser.
…..
Councilwoman Barbara Vaughan said she thought the police department’s lack of communication about the fundraiser “co-opted” the mayor and council’s discussion about a dog, which was particularly troubling because this fiscal year’s budget is tight.
…..
Tsantes said she was uncomfortable with the lack of information about the dog’s cost, pedigree, training facility credentials, amount of officer training time required and other ongoing costs, such as the need for an appropriate K-9 vehicle.
Tsantes questioned the city’s need for a police dog and asked Gooch and Layfield why the department isn’t obtaining a dog from the same kennel and trainer as that used by the Delaware State Police.
…

Councilmen Ted Becker and Victor Letonoff said they, too, would have preferred better communications with the police department, but they support purchase of a dog.

(Emphasis mine)
WGMD listener and outspoken Lewes guy Greg Ositko fired off this letter in response to certain members of the Lewes Council:

There’s nothing more gratifying than an assertive community effort overshadowing the ego of local liberal councilwomen with big egos.
The mission of a community effort accomplishing a remedial goal for law enforcement has taken a front running position in the Town of Lewes, and kudos’ to the Fundraisers and Police Chief ‘Beau’ Gooch – and don’t be shy Chief, they’re just two Councilwomen; they can be replaced.
As progressive Stalwarts to business and progress, I blame Tsantes and Commandant Vaughn for such a ridiculous call to order on this measure of good will; they again have shown their disenchantment of free business enterprise and community entrepreneurial spirit regarding the towns’ efforts to raise $16,000.00 for the purchase of a new police dog. Evidently Tsantes and Vaughn have more qualifications in choosing dogs and kennels where they come from than the Lewes police department.
Micromanaging is something that always has a way of getting under my skin; counterproductive and senseless egos undermining good ideals by overpowering confidence and self worth of individual and community.
These are the same ideals that liberal and democratic societies want to strip from this nation. It begins with small town government like Lewes, DE; an example of what liberalism wants locally and a vision of national democratic intent.
We should be inclined to see this as a lesson to what value and integrity you as an individual have, and our communities at large have as a right to raise money for whatever ‘common good’ reason desired.
It is with all my heart that this community, this state and states abound this great nation of ours begin to acknowledge the extreme language and rhetoric that faces us today, and become the mindset of truth about what is right and wrong in the public sector of responsible representation as small America and the USA.
I like the name “Gooch”, what do you think?

Greg Ositko

Go Greg Go!

!!UPDATE:  MORE COMMUNITY OUTRAGE

Cape Gazette Editor;
 
I was compelled to write after reading your March 7, 2008 article on the Lewes fundraiser for the new police dog.  I am honestly greatly dismayed to read, several weeks after the fact that members of city council were “appalled” to first learn of the event.  This strikes me as plain ignorance and standard political poppycock. 
 
The event was advertised in the Cape Gazette as well as extensively on WGMD radio up to and including the morning of the event.  I attended the event along with 5 other members of my family who all knew of the event prior to its happening.  Obviously, other members of the community knew of the event as well considering the time and effort put into the event, the donations generously given and the funds that were raised.
 
My family and I moved here recently from Washington DC where there was little if any sense of community no matter where you lived.  Part of the reason we settled in this area was because of the true sense of community!  It is my belief that these members were only miffed because they couldn’t attach their names to the event and therefore reap the benefits of good press.  Instead of applauding the community for reaching deep into their own pockets to come up with money so that the city wouldn’t have to, they have chosen to slap everyone down.  Instead of rallying behind one of its dedicated officers, they have decided to put him and the department on the spot.  Instead of supporting the need to replace a valiant and hard working member of the force, Iwan, they have decided to “question the need”.  This is insulting and offensive to those in the community who had only the pure desire to lend a hand for a good cause.
 
I understand the process of government and the need to go through proper channels.  However, with this event being advertised and broadcast to the community as it was, I find it extremely hard to believe that NO ONE on the council knew of the event.  Lastly, I find it seriously disheartening to learn that the council would ‘lash’ out at a community with so much integrity.
 
The council should not be appalled at the police department and the community supporting it, but at itself for its own lack of heart.
 
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Cynthia Cinnamon
Lewes, DE
 

I took some time to enjoy the wonderful sunshine and take a lunchtime walk around Milford Delaware.  With my trusty camera in hand I snapped these photo gems:

 This is the back of a local doctors office.  It started first as “SSV”  (South Side Vatos), then the other groups sought to mark the territory with the “18″ and the “crown” plus all the other garbage on top.

ESA appears around town usually near or over top of SSV.  Here is a blurb from Yahoo Answers:

When a gang member calls another gang member an “Esa” or “SA” What does it mean?
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
It is written ESE because it is the sound of the letter S in Spanish. S for sureano meaning southerner! It is often used by gang members(Mexican American/Chicanos) mostly in California to refer to their fellow members or friends. It is not, however, used by Mexicans in Mexico nor is it typically used by Mexicans that move to the US. They will be very offended by the term! The word can also be offensive if you are not Hispanic. (It is like using the N word for a friend and you are not black!) Do not assume all Hispanics are Mexican or that all Mexican use this word so my advice is not to use it!

My husband and both brother in laws HATE this word and they are from Mexico!

Can you translate any of this?

No it’s not the movie from the 80’s called “Goonies”.  More gang stuff.  Not sure if it’s a Crip subset or a Blood subset.  I find different meanings on the net. 

“F Crips” “Goonies” “Blood For Life”  So, maybe these are Bloods, saying “F” the Crips?

This is a large sized spray paint area, maybe 15′ X 20′.  Near the library and behind an arcade.

Large on side of a house.  South Side Vatos

It’s nice to see the city with so much “art on display”. 

Good ol’ East Coast Mafia

I have more…but you get the picture.  I hope Milford gets the picture too, and starts a clean up campaign. 

 

 

 

The email rebuked me for using the “A” word.  It came the other day from a listener enraged I would suggest assassination could well be the outcome in many state capitols if government continued ignoring the will of the public.  I was discussing the criminal enterprise operating across the bay in New Jersey.  One which takes from the citizens and rewards public officials and party hacks.  I said it shouldn’t surprise legislators in Trenton if people started taking potshots.  

I stand well rebuked.  Assassination is the tool of the anarchist.  It implies a lack of order.  Our goal is to restore order.  This is why the synonym execution is proper.  Organized committees of citizens could seize and convict and then hang state legislators.  I would offer the imprimatur demanded be the fellow sending me the email.  I’m not recommending wholesale slaughter of legislators.  I suggest picking a dozen elected officials through a lottery would suffice.  These 12 would then swing from lampposts near their respective capitol buildings.  It wouldn’t even be necessary to do this in all 50 states.  After 7 or 8 committee’s carried out sentence state legislators across the nation would understand the public will.  Washington would also catch on very quickly. 

 I’m sick of government claims of reform.  Aside from Louisiana there isn’t any such thing and the impulse there is likely temporary.  Lobbyist cash is drowning fairness across the country and here in Delaware we understand a goal of being elected is to ensure incompetent sons and spouses have work feeding at the public trough.  It isn’t any longer about service.  “I seen my opportunities and I took ‘em”, is the famous line from a corrupt public servant in Chicago.  It’s now the mantra in the halls of power. 

Worried about getting rope burns while playing hangman?  Let me offer some other thoughts.  Close the capitol buildings.  Send legislators home.  Have them install web cams on their computers.  Session will now be virtual and long distance and freed from constraints of history.  It will break the backs of the powerful lobbies as they scurry to reach far flung lawmakers.  Your legislator won’t be out of sight.  Your legislator won’t be spending your money on gasoline and related travel costs.  Your legislator will be answering you directly.  When the fastest available transportation was the horse and communication was parchment delivered by the animal the elaborate capitols and lavish, secretive lifestyles were dominant.  Legislators adopted the role of the Lord of the Manor when returning home.  It was the end of the citizen legislator and any hopes that government was designed to serve the public.  

I don’t give a hoot how many of the local political elites gripe about me and claim they aren’t at all like this.  My forebears would’ve said you’re full of it.  You’re also damned liars.  You may escape the rope here.  No matter judgment waits at the gates of hell.  Life like power is finite. 

 

If you have a business that relies on the summer tourist traffic then you need to be aware of the changes in regulations that are being imposed on our visitors that come here to vacation and fish.
The new rules for Tau Tog were signed Mid February and became effective immediately. The option chosen was “8b”, which included a season closure from May 12-June 30 encompassing memorial day weekend  and from September 1 through September 29 encompassing labor day weekend.. The change in regulations. were necessary to meet the 25.6% coast wide harvest reduction mandated by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Now we have a new set of proposals for the summer flounder fishery that could possibly also close it for Memorial day and Labor day weekends.
Options:
#1 - 2 fish @ 18.5″, CLOSED season 5/11 to 6/22, 322 day open season
#2 - 1 fish @ 19″ NO closed season
#3 - 4 fish @ 19″, CLOSED season 5/11 to 6/1, 343 day open season
#4 - 4 fish @ 19″, CLOSED season 8/24 to 12/31, 235 day open season
#5 - 4 fish @19.5″ NO closed season
A public meeting is being held at the Richardson Robinson Building 89 Kings Highway Dover on Thursday September 27 at 7:00PM and written comments will be accepted until April 2^nd. Send your comments to either of the following. I urge all comments to be for #5 so that we have no closure of flounder fishing in our state especially over the two biggest holidays of the year. No one will want to vacation here if we have no fishing signs posted on our beaches.
richard.cole@state.de.us
(302)739-9914

Roy Miller
Fisheries Administrator
302-739-9914
Roy.Miller@state.de.us