Delaware State Senator George Bunting (D) has called on former Sussex Republican Chair, and blogger-wanna-be-governor  Dave Burris to publicly apologize to John Atkins and his family for referring to Atkins as  a “disgraced piece of human garbage”.

 

“This comment is unacceptable in any forum” , said Bunting while noting that this kind of commentary reflects on Atkins young children.  “Dave Burris wasn’t raised to make these kinds of comments; he wasn’t brought up that way”

 

Will Burris follow Mr. Buntings request, and apologize?

Bunting made his comments on Mondays Dan Gaffney Show.  (92.7 WGMD)

 

Senator Joe Biden is safe after his helicopter made an emergency landing in Afghanistan.

A helicopter carrying a Senate delegation including our own Delaware Senator Joe Biden had to make an “unscheduled landing” in Afghanistan earlier today. WGMD News received this statement from Senator Biden’s office:

“The helicopters transporting the Senate delegation in Afghanistan made an unscheduled landing this morning due to a snowstorm. There were no injuries and all members of the traveling party were safely transported to their destination at Bagram Air Base,” said Senator Biden’s spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander.

Senator Biden was traveling with Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE).

There is no word yet on whether or not Senator John Kerry (D-MA), will receive a purple heart for the “unscheduled landing.” (Like I could possibly resist that).

It’s being reported on FOX NEWS and MSNBC that the helicopter carrying Delaware Senator Joe Biden, Senator John Kerry (D-MA), and Chuck Hagel (R-NE), has made an emergency landing in Afghanistan.

More to come…

Ever since John Atkins resigned his 41st District seat in the state House, it’s been rumored that Atkins would run again in the future – possibly switching to the other side of the aisle and becoming a Democrat. 

That’s either been the worst kept secret or the best possible speculation – though he did run for to regain his former seat in the special election as an independent candidate.  He had plenty support from people, but when it came time to actually step into the voting booth – that support was flagging. 

With November drawing nearer, and a Republican still seated in the 41st District seat, Democrats in the district are looking for a candidate to run against Greg Hastings.  However, if Atkins is still looking to switch allegiances to the Democrats – he may find the reception rather icy. 

This was the email WGMD News received today, regarding John Atkins, the possible Democrat. 

41st District Democratic Committee

February 15, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:
Please be advised that the 41st District Democratic Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday evening, Feb. 13, at the Gumboro home of former State Representative and Mrs. Charles P. West. The meeting was held for the purpose of considering a resolution, submitted by Rep. and Mrs. West, both of whom are committee members, concerning the proposed Democratic candidacy for the office of 41st District Representative of former State Representative John C. Atkins, a long-term Republican who resigned his office last March rather than face an expulsion vote in the House of Representatives.

A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by 41st District Committee Secretary Vanessa S. Deloach, who served as acting chair in the absence of the committee chair and vice-chair. Following a discussion of the matter, the resolution was duly approved. The resolution text follows:
_________________________
41st District Democratic Committee
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE CANDIDACY OF FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN C. ATKINS FOR THE OFFICE OF 41ST DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

WHEREAS, former 41st District State Representative John Atkins was the subject of a news article in a recent issue of a local weekly newspaper, The Sussex Countian, entitled “Atkins to run again…as a Democrat?”; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins, as noted in the article, resigned his seat in the House of Representatives in March, 2007, after a House Ethics Committee report found that he had brought that body “into disrepute” because of his behavior during and after an Ocean City, Maryland, traffic stop and a subsequent domestic disturbance in late October, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins’s decision to resign from the House of Representatives was due, at least in part, to the clear knowledge that, had he not done so, many of his fellow Republicans and a substantial number of House Democrats, having been fully apprised of the details of his case, were prepared to vote to expel him from that body; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins has now let it be known that he is seriously considering leaving the Republican Party and running in the 2008 general election as a Democratic candidate for the seat he formerly occupied; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins was quoted in the newspaper article as saying “I’ve been asked by a lot of Republicans and Democrats to consider running”; and

WHEREAS, he was further quoted as saying that “Obviously Republican party officials have discouraged me from running…[but] I’ve been courted by some Democratic officials”;

NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the 41st District Democratic Committee that they do hereby state and aver, clearly and unequivocally, that the Committee does not encourage or support the candidacy of former Representative John Atkins, running as a Democrat, for the office of 41st District State Representative.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the members of the 41st District Democratic Committee that, while the United States of America remains a free country and as a citizen thereof, Mr. Atkins has every right to register as a member of any political party he so chooses, and to run for any office for which he meets the legal requirements, if he decides to run as a Democrat for the 41st District Representative seat, he will do so without the official endorsement of the 41st District Democratic Committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 41st District Democratic Committee does not feel that it would be helpful to the cause of good government, to which we have always been committed, for any other outside “Democratic officials” to inject themselves into the internal affairs of the 41st District by urging Mr. Atkins to pursue a Democratic candidacy that the 41st District Democratic Committee declines to support.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, upon its adoption, suitable copies of this Resolution be made available to Mr. John Atkins, to the local and state news media and to other interested parties. 

APPROVED ON THIS 13TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2008
 

Anthony Lofink, the son of State Representative Vince Lofink (R-Caravel Farms), may be going to the can for his part in the theft of $1 million from the State Department of Finance:   
         

Anthony J. Lofink, 29, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering in the scheme, which prosecutors said involved conspiring with four other people to submit false claims for the return of abandoned property seized by the state.

U.S. Attorney Colm Connolly said Lofink, son of state Rep. Vincent Lofink, used some of the money to buy luxury cars, clothing, jewelry and cosmetic surgery.

‘What motivated Mr. Lofink was greed,’ Connolly said.

Lofink, who worked in a Division of Revenue unit that processes claims for abandoned property, also known as escheat, is scheduled to be sentenced May 8. He faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison and a fine of $2.4 million — double the amount that was stolen.

Ouch, that hurts.  This came in today from Joe Fulgham at Legislative Hall:

The following statement is from State Rep. Vince Lofink regarding the guilty pleas entered by his son, Anthony J. Lofink, in U.S. District Court today on three felony charges.  This is the only comment Rep. Lofink will make on this subject:

“Even when your children are fully grown and responsible for their own actions, you never stop being a parent.  As Tony’s father, I’m saddened and disappointed that he has committed crimes against the residents of this state and betrayed the trust that so many people placed in him.  Tony needs to pay for the shameful things he’s done.  I hope he uses his time in prison to reflect on his transgressions and that he’ll emerge as someone who wants to become a productive, law-abiding citizen.” 

We’ll keep you up to date as this story unfolds….

Former Sussex County GOP Chair Dave Burris was a happy man after Greg Hastings won the special election in the 41st District following the resignation of John Atkins.

The rumors are true, former Sussex County Republican Chairman Dave Burris is considering a run for Governor. From his First State Politics blog:

I don’t want to sit on a rocking chair in my later years and have to tell my grandkids what Delaware used to be like back when things were good.

This state is in a death spiral at the hands of a few special interests and their elected officials in Dover, and nothing short of a change in party in the Governor’s office will change the results:

- There is no forward movement on anything that matters.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we’ve lost 22% of our manufacturing jobs since this Governor was elected.
- Our economic growth is now in the bottom tier of states.
- Our revenues are set to grow only 2-3% this year, but you can bet your house that the budget will grow by more than that.
- We spend more than most other states, yet we can’t afford to build our schools and we can’t afford to build our roads.
- There is a DSEA leadership-driven war on charter schools that must be stopped if education is to improve.
- We are in the bottom tier of states in any consistent measurement of overall educational progress.
- Our educational system is fundamentally broken.
- According to Auditor Wagner, we have more debt and long-term liabilities per capita than any other state.

This is the state of the state, folks. Not the trip down memory lane that the Governor delivered today. What it takes to fix the problem is leadership.

And does Burris possess the leadership our beloved Delaware needs so desperately right now? I can only hope that someone does because we’re knee deep in stuff like a General ASSembly that can’t remember it’s own legislation, an old bridge debacle sitting next to a new bridge debacle, environmental concerns, and development issues, (I had to stop there before I got the carpal tunnel syndrome).

Here’s what Burris lists among his creds:

I’m the one in Dover everyday leading on the issues that matter and trying to make the state a better place - from the transparency package, to House Bill 4, to prevailing wage and infrastructure, to the TTF, to charter schools, to the tax incentive package I’m working on right now to attract new businesses. I was there at the beginning on the wind farm, long before others read the tea leaves.

I have a working relationship with the members of the legislature. I consult regularly with many members of the House Majority and Senate Minority caucuses and have partnered with them on many pieces of legislation.

I’ve proven the courage of my convictions, taking on members of my own party when I thought it was going astray in the John Atkins case. Read more here…

I spoke with Dave Burris tonight and two things were clear, he’s giving this a lot of thought and he thinks he can accomplish good things for the State.

Also, contrary to other reports, the announcement was not made during a GOP conference call. “The State Party conference call was at 1:00,” according to Burris, and at that time he was “in a meeting” with Senator Charles Copeland and House Majority Leader Dick Cathcart.

I’m sure there will be more to come….

It’s being reported on WGMD News and other Delaware news outlets…Republican Alan Levin will not run for Governor….

UPDATE:

Statement of Alan Levin
2008 Delaware Gubernatorial Race

As many of you know, I have spent the last couple of months traveling the state meeting with Delawareans. It has been a rewarding experience, however, after considerable thought and discussion with my family, friends and colleagues I have decided not to run for governor of the State of Delaware in 2008.

I am grateful for the support of many Delawareans during my time of reflection and exploration. This has been a difficult decision for me and one that I did not take lightly. I realize that many people will be disappointed to learn that I will not be announcing my candidacy; however, I hope they understand this is the best decision for me and my family.

In the coming months, Ellen and I plan to remain active in philanthropic organizations throughout this State that we care deeply about.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank the Delawareans who graciously invited me into their homes and businesses to discuss ideas for our future.

We’ll keep you up to date as this story unfolds….

Every December media outlets recap their favorite and/or biggest stories for the year. In that same tradition, I’ve decided to put up some of my favorite blog pictures of the year and 10 posts I’ve made that I feel changed the course of world history and, of course, saved all of humanity.

My Favorite Pictures of 2007

A beautiful day at Tower Road.

A Civil War Reenactment during Milton’s 200th Anniversary.

Governor Ruth Ann Minner running away from me and out of the Georgia House in Millsboro the night of the 41st District special election.

Even after his resignation from the State House for ethics issues, John Atkins’ supporters launched a failed write in campaign to send him back to Dover. His campaign signs cropped up all over the 41st.

The table where Laura Bush ate breakfast at the Royal Treat on Wilmington Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

The Cohen brothers, they found the ill fated Rissos dolphin washed up at Tower Road.

The Rissos dolphin dying on the beach at Tower Road.

The SINKING South Side approach of the “new” Indian River Inlet bridge and the road it tried to pull down with it.

John Andretti, I met him. How cool.

The “Dic Dang” sandwich at the Corner Market Bistro in Milton.

Lighting the balloons up like lanterns during Milton’s 200th Anniversary celebration.

Joe Biden talking about Iraq at Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue.

Jared Morris and Dan Gaffney having fun at the Best of Delaware celebration in Dover. (And yes, Dan always has that light shining above him, it’s the most amazing thing…).

The French invade Rehoboth Beach.

Disheveled Barbies from Washington DC spotted loitering on Columbia Avenue after their Dream House furniture was recalled.

Dr Wray and Stell Parker Selby changing seats at the Cape Henlopen School Board meeting in December after Wray resigned the Presidency.

My Favorite Posts of 2007

# Ten: Your Sussex County Council

# Neuf: The French visit Rehoboth

# Eight: The Atkins Scandal

# Seven: The Indian River Inlet Bridge

# Six: Biden at Browseabout Books

# Five: European Football

# Four: Laura Bush visits Rehoboth Beach

# Three: My interview with John Andretti

# Two: Toy Recalls

# One: The Global Warming

Earlier today, WGMD News reported the story of three men arrested by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for spotlighting deer:

Three men have been charged with spotlighting and killing deer in Fenwick Island. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents arrested 28 year old Manuel Galvan, 32 year old Ariosto Lopez and 36 year old Javier Mendez on Wednesday after receiving a complaint about spotlighting. Each of the men face a variety of charges and officials also seized a truck and .22 caliber rifle as evidence. All three are being held at SCI in default of $3500 dollars secured bond.

Since then, and after making more phone calls than a teenager on a Friday night, WGMD has learned that the trio of deer poachers were in the United States illegally. Here’s what we know so far:

- The Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement had to make the determination as to whether or not the men were legally in the USA.

- The men are “Mexican nationals.” This was determined by ICE (much cooler name than “INS,” by the way), as the men sat at the Sussex Correctional Institution.

- Only one of the men had a driver’s license. The license was from Florida. Florida is one of the few states that will issue a driver’s license to an illegal immigrant. Big thanks to the Sunshine State for aiding a series of criminal acts with their slacker policy.

- The three were caught in Fenwick Island “spotlighting” deer, which is illegal. No one had a hunting license. They killed an antlerless deer that did not have a tag. Some of the other charges against them are shooting near a road, hunting out of season, and conspiracy. They were hunting with a .22 caliber rifle, which is also illegal.

- They were apparently not shooting from their truck, but they did throw the deer in the truck, and the truck has been seized.

- The .22 caliber rifle was the only weapon they were caught with. But that still begs the question as to how people in the USA and Delaware illegally got their hands on a rifle like that.

- The Delaware Fish and Wildlife officers were unable to communicate with the armed criminals because of a language barrier. They had to get an officer from Laurel to translate. What an incredibly dangerous situation for our men and women at Fish and Wildlife, fully armed people who can’t understand each other face to face in the middle of a crime scene.

- According to Michael Gilhooly from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the men may be entitled to a hearing, but when the State is finished with them, ICE will take them into custody and deport them, which is eerily similar to the way law abiding citizens of the United States want situations like this to be handled.

Dramatic reenactment of the deer’s final moments.

So “thank you” to Delaware Fish and Wildlife and ICE for administering some much needed justice. At a time when Delawareans are getting ready for a wave of regulations and financial costs associated with the State’s new Salt Water Fishing License, it’s nice to know that this is at least one area where being a lawful US citizen is an advantage. I’m sure that deer would totally agree with me.

The new seating arrangements for the Cape Henlopen School Board. (From left to right: Coveleski, Wray, Brittingham, Stone, Parker Selby, Redden, Conlon, Prettyman)

Ms. Stell Parker Selby in her new, maybe temporary position as Cape Henlopen School Board President.

As earlier reported, Cape Henlopen School Board President, Gary Wray, has resigned his leadership position, and Board Vice President Stell Parker Selby will be taking that seat until a new President is chosen.

“Remember that we are elected to serve our school community. That is my motto.” - Acting Cape Henlopen School Board President Stell Parker Selby AUDIO

Outspoken Board member, Noble Prettyman, called on Dr. Wray to resign last month after a particularly contentious meeting citing ethics violations:

“Dr. Wray’s actions last night give me no choice but to ask that he be removed as president of the school board,” Prettyman said during an interview Friday, Nov. 9. “As parents spoke, he put his glasses on his head and rolled his eyes in a degrading way. It is unacceptable behavior, and I absolutely feel he cannot be allowed to be the board’s president any longer.”

In addition to inappropriate behavior to Cape’s parents and taxpayers, Prettyman said, Wray’s conduct in taking unilateral action, violating the trust of the taxpayers and soliciting unilateral action by the Stone violated the ethical requirements for board members.

After Wray’s resignation Thursday night, Prettyman had this to say:

“I know he did the right thing, because it’s not about Dr. Wray.” - Board member Noble Prettyman AUDIO

 

Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation Mini grant Award Winners were on hand last night to tell parents, teachers, board members and the public how they are spending their grant money in the classroom. Milton Elementary School second grade teacher Jackie Shockley tells the crowd how she spends the money she received:

“I use the grant money to purchase sound systems for all of the second grade classrooms…to help at risk kids.” - Second Grade Teacher Jackie Shockley AUDIO

Last October a young criminal broke into the home of a 72 year old Lewes woman, tried to rape her, failed, smashed her in the head with a hammer a few times, robbed her then made her drive him to Rehoboth Beach. Well, the nasty pig who allegedly committed that heinous crime was caught by police with the help of a Cape Henlopen School District teacher, Bob Maull.

“I called Bob and he was there in seconds….As soon as he looked at it he told me who these people were.” - Lewes Police Detective John Miller AUDIO

The alleged hammer weilding, attempted rapist, Devonaire Augustus Jones of Milton, was also identified as one of two young men who allegedly broke into the home of a Milton woman last January and raped her at gunpoint. Maull identified Jones and another man, Robbie Robinson, also of Milton, in that crime, too.

Way to go Mr. Maull!

From left to right: Dr. Ed Seibert, Superintendent George Stone, acting Board President Parker Selby.

Cape Henlopen Business Director, Dr. Ed Seibert, was recognized last night for his years of hard work for the Cape Henlopen School District. Seibert, who filed a complaint of “retaliation” against Superintendent George Stone this month with the School Board, was all smiles as Dr. Stone and Acting President Stell Parker Selby honored his hard work.

“…for six years and four months of outstanding service to the Cape Henlopen School District.” - Superintendent George Stone reading Dr. Seibert’s plaque AUDIO

The historic Milton Theatre on Union Street in downtown Milton.

On January 12th, the Cape Henlopen School Board is invited to attend the opening of a time capsule from 1958. The event is open to the public and will take place at the historic Milton Theatre.

Holy teacher shortage, Batman! HO Brittingham Elementary School only has TWO 4th grade teachers. And, yes, this is the same school that had 12 out of the 14 violent felonies committed by students in the district last year.

Why the shortage? Well, apparently one 4th grade teacher requested to be sent back to 1st grade, and the open 4th grade position wasn’t filled, sound familiar?

While giving their presentation on the “H.O. Brittingham Elementary School Improvement Report,” 4th grade teacher Tracey van Rees took the opportunity to ask for…no, not another teacher…but an after school math program for at risk students.

Just thought I’d mention that little tidbit…it’s kind of funny since the district doesn’t seem to be hiring. See above.

Sarah Ross, a Cape Henlopen School Distrit teacher and a member of the Cape Henlopen Education Association, addressed the Board Thursday night about teachers “drowning” in paperwork from federal, state and local regulations and initiatives passed without input from teachers. Delaware State Education Association President Barbara Groff, attended the Board meeting Thursday night to show support for the Cape teachers and voice her concerns:

“They have more to do then they can possibly accomplish.” - Barbara Groff, President, Delaware State Education Association AUDIO

Groff also said that teachers around the state are, “worried about their Cape counterparts.”

Even though other board members seemed to share his doubts, Pete Coveleski was the only “no” vote on the Cape Henlopen School District’s new “Bullying Prevention Policy,” saying it would be “folly to approve this as written.” Coveleski’s reason for voting “no” is that the policy is written too broadly:

“They policy as it’s written now is really open to interpretation.” - Board member Pete Coveleski AUDIO

The School Board can re examine the policy at a future meeting.