Comments on: Harris McDowell is Having a Bad Legislative Session. And That is Good. http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/ Ground zero for all things political in Delaware Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:56:40 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Nancy Willing http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33277 Nancy Willing Fri, 16 May 2008 10:24:28 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33277 Awesome summary anon2. We have an inbumbency problem alright. Awesome summary anon2. We have an inbumbency problem alright.

]]> By: annon2 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33235 annon2 Thu, 15 May 2008 21:26:10 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33235 This is just fascinating. First, you've done an incredible job exposing McDowell. Your blogging on the subject has been first class. It's right up there with Tommy wonks financial coverage of the Wind Farm. What seems incredible to me is the man's arrogance. Then again, he sees his cash and he's gonna find a way to get it. It's incredibly corrupt. The problem in Delaware is we have an incumbent party that has done nothing but embarrass themselves under Miner and Democratic legislators have put their own self-interests, special interest relationships and profiteering above the public's interest. The goal is to get elected, get a bunch of special interest cash and then a high-paying job in the industry. The problem for the public is 96% of incumbents gets re-elected. It seems the only way for this cycle to end would be some criminal indictments. We democrats might be better off in this state with some republican competition. But that seems unlikely. This is just fascinating. First, you’ve done an incredible job exposing McDowell. Your blogging on the subject has been first class. It’s right up there with Tommy wonks financial coverage of the Wind Farm. What seems incredible to me is the man’s arrogance. Then again, he sees his cash and he’s gonna find a way to get it. It’s incredibly corrupt. The problem in Delaware is we have an incumbent party that has done nothing but embarrass themselves under Miner and Democratic legislators have put their own self-interests, special interest relationships and profiteering above the public’s interest. The goal is to get elected, get a bunch of special interest cash and then a high-paying job in the industry. The problem for the public is 96% of incumbents gets re-elected. It seems the only way for this cycle to end would be some criminal indictments. We democrats might be better off in this state with some republican competition. But that seems unlikely.

]]> By: Frieda Berryhill http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33190 Frieda Berryhill Thu, 15 May 2008 15:24:00 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33190 McDowell is having a bad day ? http://www.publicintegrity.org/oi/iys.aspx?st=DE&sub=pub This was posted on the Internet on May 20th 2000, by the Center for Public Integrity. His Bad Day is LONG overdue. McDowell is having a bad day ?

http://www.publicintegrity.org/oi/iys.aspx?st=DE&sub=pub

This was posted on the Internet on May 20th 2000, by the Center for Public Integrity.
His Bad Day is LONG overdue.

]]> By: Anon http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33180 Anon Thu, 15 May 2008 14:07:00 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33180 oops...the above comment was in response to Pat Gearity's post. oops…the above comment was in response to Pat Gearity’s post.

]]> By: Anon http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33179 Anon Thu, 15 May 2008 14:06:13 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33179 There were several senators who saw through this chrade last week and voted against it. The others drank the kool aid. Can't remember who all opposed it, but Karen Peterson did raise a number of questions for her collegues to consider before voting against it. There were several senators who saw through this chrade last week and voted against it. The others drank the kool aid. Can’t remember who all opposed it, but Karen Peterson did raise a number of questions for her collegues to consider before voting against it.

]]> By: anon http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33177 anon Thu, 15 May 2008 13:17:47 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33177 If you can't go, call 'em: House Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman: Gerald W. Hocker Vice-Chairman: Joseph W. Booth Members: V. George Carey Bethany A. Hall-Long Gregory A. Hastings John A. Kowalko Valerie Longhurst Nick T. Manolakos Diana M. McWilliams Michael P. Mulrooney William R. Outten Pamela J. Thornburg Robert E. Walls If you can’t go, call ‘em:

House Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Chairman: Gerald W. Hocker
Vice-Chairman: Joseph W. Booth
Members: V. George Carey
Bethany A. Hall-Long
Gregory A. Hastings
John A. Kowalko
Valerie Longhurst
Nick T. Manolakos
Diana M. McWilliams
Michael P. Mulrooney
William R. Outten
Pamela J. Thornburg
Robert E. Walls

]]> By: Pat Gearity http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33176 Pat Gearity Thu, 15 May 2008 13:11:07 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33176 Today, Sen. Hocker’s committee will consider whether it’s ok to place sole authority for the awarding of hundreds of millions $ in the hands of a “for-profit” company. A company which would have no public oversight. A company that is not subject to FOIA. A company “overseen” on paper by a board of directors which, under last year’s law, a) has no authority to hire or fire the “for-profit” company, and b) itself has no limits on self-perpetuation, and c) has no supervisory authority over the director of that “for-profit” company. In last year’s law, the one guy named to be the Chairman of the Board is Sen. McDowell, or his designated appointee. Senator McDowell has consistently refused to disclose the sources and amounts of his personal income from his “energy consulting” business. Last year, SB18 passed after Sen. McDowell dropped the “for profit” option for the Contract Administrator, and substituted “non-profit”. Apparently, that change was needed in order to get the bill through the Senate. Now, the Senator is trying to return a “for-profit” company to the pilot’s chair. How much money from RGGI and RECs will go to the profits of that “for-profit” company? The law is silent. Who will decide? The Oversight Board? But the Oversight Board is a rogue entity at this point, which has been making decisions since February 1, 2008 without legal authority! The Energy Office? With what authority? Sen. McDowell is rushing to hire a Contract Administrator. He needs this bill passed to give that job to one of his corporate allies. Of course, he will say it could go to a non-profit. But will the RFP (Request for Proposals) disclose a limit to the profits the “for-profit” company can make from running the SEU? I’m not holding my breath and neither should you. If a certain person does not serve on the board, but instead disappears into a paid job for the “for-profit” company, who’s to know? If another pal gets the same opportunities, what’s to prevent him from shuttling consulting fees to his friend? With a private “for profit” company and no public oversight, no one will ever know. Please, get to the hearing today by 2:30 p.m. and let your opinions be known. Today, Sen. Hocker’s committee will consider whether it’s ok to place sole authority for the awarding of hundreds of millions $ in the hands of a “for-profit” company. A company which would have no public oversight. A company that is not subject to FOIA. A company “overseen” on paper by a board of directors which, under last year’s law, a) has no authority to hire or fire the “for-profit” company, and b) itself has no limits on self-perpetuation, and c) has no supervisory authority over the director of that “for-profit” company. In last year’s law, the one guy named to be the Chairman of the Board is Sen. McDowell, or his designated appointee. Senator McDowell has consistently refused to disclose the sources and amounts of his personal income from his “energy consulting” business.

Last year, SB18 passed after Sen. McDowell dropped the “for profit” option for the Contract Administrator, and substituted “non-profit”. Apparently, that change was needed in order to get the bill through the Senate. Now, the Senator is trying to return a “for-profit” company to the pilot’s chair. How much money from RGGI and RECs will go to the profits of that “for-profit” company? The law is silent. Who will decide? The Oversight Board? But the Oversight Board is a rogue entity at this point, which has been making decisions since February 1, 2008 without legal authority! The Energy Office? With what authority?

Sen. McDowell is rushing to hire a Contract Administrator. He needs this bill passed to give that job to one of his corporate allies. Of course, he will say it could go to a non-profit. But will the RFP (Request for Proposals) disclose a limit to the profits the “for-profit” company can make from running the SEU? I’m not holding my breath and neither should you. If a certain person does not serve on the board, but instead disappears into a paid job for the “for-profit” company, who’s to know? If another pal gets the same opportunities, what’s to prevent him from shuttling consulting fees to his friend? With a private “for profit” company and no public oversight, no one will ever know.

Please, get to the hearing today by 2:30 p.m. and let your opinions be known.

]]> By: Al Mascitti http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33175 Al Mascitti Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:29 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33175 I just confirmed that John Flaherty will also be joining us. I just confirmed that John Flaherty will also be joining us.

]]> By: Nancy Willing http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33166 Nancy Willing Thu, 15 May 2008 11:39:28 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33166 Flaherty says that today Hocker's House Energy Committee is covering: SEU SB 228 Synopsis: This Bill amends several provisions of the Sustainable Energy Utility (“SEU”) law. And HB 418 Synopsis: This Bill reauthorizes and restructures the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit fees for facilities in Delaware and allows DNREC to collect fees beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011. Flaherty says that today Hocker’s House Energy Committee is covering:
SEU SB 228 Synopsis: This Bill amends several provisions of the Sustainable Energy Utility (“SEU”) law.

And HB 418 Synopsis: This Bill reauthorizes and restructures the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit fees for facilities in Delaware and allows DNREC to collect fees beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011.

]]> By: kavips http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33162 kavips Thu, 15 May 2008 05:10:35 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33162 To those of you taking Charlie at His Word: "I assume that Charlie Copeland is sticking by his vow to no longer attend the meetings" He's listed as one of the sponsors of SB263! Get him on the air tomorrow and ask him "You're running for Lt. Gov. WTF?" To those of you taking Charlie at His Word:

“I assume that Charlie Copeland is sticking by his vow to no longer attend the meetings”

He’s listed as one of the sponsors of SB263!

Get him on the air tomorrow and ask him “You’re running for Lt. Gov. WTF?”

]]> By: anon http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33161 anon Thu, 15 May 2008 03:35:27 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33161 Al: Can you call McDowell's office tomorrow on or off air to give them the opportunity to discuss the "merits" of this billl? Al:
Can you call McDowell’s office tomorrow on or off air to give them the opportunity to discuss the “merits” of this billl?

]]> By: jason330 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33158 jason330 Thu, 15 May 2008 03:05:04 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33158 As I continue thinking about all of this, one thought keeps swirling around in my mind... "Man oh man - I wish we had a real newspaper in this state. " As I continue thinking about all of this, one thought keeps swirling around in my mind…

“Man oh man – I wish we had a real newspaper in this state. “

]]> By: Mike Matthews http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33156 Mike Matthews Thu, 15 May 2008 02:53:05 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33156 LG, Huh? I'm serving dreaded jury duty tomorrow, so looks like I'll have to pass. LG,

Huh? I’m serving dreaded jury duty tomorrow, so looks like I’ll have to pass.

]]> By: cassandra m http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33152 cassandra m Thu, 15 May 2008 02:35:22 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33152 This is excellent, LG. I confess to being a little jealous of those of you with a front row seat to the goings on. This is excellent, LG. I confess to being a little jealous of those of you with a front row seat to the goings on.

]]> By: Nancy Willing http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33150 Nancy Willing Thu, 15 May 2008 02:19:37 +0000 http://www.delawareliberal.net/2008/05/14/harris-mcdowell-is-having-a-bad-legislative-session-and-that-is-good/#comment-33150 This is predictable. No public comment? Fuzzy financial picture. The SEU should have itself together well before they are in a position to orchestrate this kind of law. Shame on these signees. Cart before the horse 'n all. This is predictable.
No public comment?
Fuzzy financial picture.
The SEU should have itself together well before they are in a position to orchestrate this kind of law. Shame on these signees.
Cart before the horse ‘n all.

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