Delaware Political Weekly: August 18-24, 2012

Filed in National by on August 24, 2012

1. ‘I Don’t Need No More Steenkin’ Debates’.

That’s the conclusion that Wilmington Mayoral candidate Dennis P. Williams has reached. He may be right. There have been something like 18 of them, and Williams has taken part in something like 17. However, recent surfacings of the famous Williams temper suggest that he may be staging a strategic retreat from the arena that often provides a glimpse into that temper. Perhaps it was the Montgomery jibe about Williams’ sealed police records (Williams got his police pension although he didn’t have the requisite time in), perhaps it’s just being in close proximity to the other candidates (Kevin Kelley is far from the ’empty suit’ pejorative that Williams hurled at him), but more than a little Jim Baker dismissiveness has begun to surface in Williams recently. I still rate him the favorite, based on both the ‘calculus’ and the easy demagoguery of the crime issue, but it hasn’t been the best 10 days or so for the candidate.

2. ‘We Don’t Need No Steenkin’ R Running for Mayor’.

The Rethugs will tell you that they ‘had no choice’ but to call for Kevin Melloy’s name to be removed from the ballot, in fact they have, but they’re, um, dissembling:

“He’s really given us no choice but to do this,” said John Rollins, chairman of the county GOP.

Melloy said he was under the impression from Rollins that, as an endorsed candidate, his check was a “mere formality” and would not be cashed. Melloy never would have run if he knew he had to fork over more than $4,500, he said.

Rollins said Melloy’s interpretation is “inaccurate” and all candidates are required to pay.

Yes, all candidates are required to submit the filing fee. But endorsed candidates generally have their checks held by the parties and returned to them.  In essence, the Party pays the filing fee for the candidate if endorsed. And, let’s face it, John Rollins (as long as the Rollins family procreates, a Rollins will always have a position of power within the Rethug Party unless the family finances go south) has wiped his mouth, and probably other orifices, with bills of larger denominations than what the filing fee would cost.

Look, I’m not arguing that Melloy should stay on the ballot.  There’s certainly an element of farce in what passes for his ‘political career’. Just pointing out that the real story here is that the Rethugs don’t want him on the ballot, and all this bullshit about having no choice but to throw him off the ballot is just bullshit.

3. Why Is Karen Weldin Stewart Endorsing Dennis Williams?

No, there’s nothing sinister about it, but I was dumbstruck when I read in the Sunday News-Journal profile of the race that she and Williams have allied themselves together. (Time for a brief off-topic rant. You guys know that I will link articles whenever possible. I’ve been trying all bleeping morning to link to the News-Journal profile that I referenced in this item. No luck. Also, the news search tool over there is just pathetic. Type in, say, Karen Weldin Stewart, and you’ll be inundated with obits of people whose first or last names were Stewart. Or type in ‘insurance commissioner’, and you get stuff for insurance companies. If there was anybody left to be embarrassed over there, they’d be embarrassed. OK, doctor, I feel better now. Now back to the point I was trying to make…)

Not so much from Dennis’ standpoint, but it strikes me as a huge mistake on KWS’ part. Why? If Stewart is to have any chance at all of winning statewide, she would need to run up a big margin in Wilmington, which is where most of her endorsements have come from. Here’s the problem. When you openly align yourself with a candidate, even the perceived frontrunner, you alienate supporters of other candidates. I doubt that even Dennis thinks he’s gonna get a majority in the primary. I peg the primary winner at something like 42% of the vote, maybe even less. Why would you go out of your way to give Wilmington voters a reason not to support you? Just stay out of the bleeping primary. Politics 101: Don’t give people a reason to vote against you. Karen Weldin Stewart has. Unforced error.

4. Lopez Getting Help From ‘Issues Advocate’ PAC.

The Cape-Gazette reports on the controversy regarding a commercial that was produced by:

“Project Restore America, a conservative, Wilmington-based political action limited liability corporation”.

I think that the controversy is a non-controversy, as the ad mentions Lopez’ name, but doesn’t mention the office he’s running for or encourages people to vote for him.  However, people deserve to know who is behind these anonymous PACs’. In this case, we have an answer:

In the commercial, Project Restore America is advocating for issues such as reducing regulations on businesses and cutting Delaware’s gross receipts tax, Lopez said.  “There’s no where in the commercial that says, ‘Ernie Lopez for state Senate’ or ‘Vote for Ernie Lopez,’” he said.

Paul Welday, a former staffer for the late U.S. Rep. Jack Kemp, R-New York, founded Project Restore America.  In a press release, Welday said, “When we get down to the state level, we look for places and people that offer the greatest chance to put the economy back on the right track, and Delaware presents just such an opportunity.”

So, at least we have transparency from the Lopez campaign. Which is better than what we’ve been getting from Rove, Koch Bros., et al.

5. Glen Urquhart Has At Least One Supporter.

Well, two, if you count ‘God’. And God’s too busy trying to get a Voter ID card in Pennsylvania to help on Urkel’s campaign:

http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/business/brief/politics/a-letter-from-angela-urquhart/886381

6. A Clark/Gordon-Free Zone

Speaking of God, if indeed there is one, I fervently hope that He/She/Other exercises their ‘deus ex machina’ powers and directs a Heavenly-sent Roto Rooter truck to the next County Executive debate to suck up the effluence, aka, candidates, for this office, and deposit it/them somewhere near Be’elzebubba.. For those easily ‘faux-offended’, I’m speaking metaphorically here. I’m just so sick of the race and the flunkies who can’t stop talking about it. Not that this is gonna to stop them.

That’s it for this week. What did I miss and whaddayathink?

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  1. Will Minster says:

    I’m new to this political blogging, but do some of you just make up stuff hoping it will stick? Sealed Police Records? If Montgomery was referring to Dennis Williams Personnel File, then as Chief of Staff he knows the answer. He also knows that Dennis was injured in the line of duty. We as the public have a right to know a lot, but I don’t think we have the right to see individuals Personnel Files. If Montgomery wants to make such a challenge then I suggest he lays his on the table as well.

    I don’t see temper as dismissive either. I see it as being pissed off at the state of crime in the city. No more debates is the best thing. I’d like to see Montgomery & Kelley walk the streets of the East Side along with Williams. Oh, maybe they are afraid of their own city. It’s dismissive to sit & answer the same pre-programed questions by the same boring moderator in places where the majority of citizens have never stepped into. Here’s a good idea: Let’s create a jump out squad of the five candidates, they drive to a corner, jump out give their pitch & we poll the people as to which candidate is real.

  2. Some people do, but I don’t. So let me turn it around on you, Will. Do you KNOW that’s what happened? Have YOU seen the files? Or are you just repeating what Dennis has told you? I didn’t raise this issue at ALL until Montgomery was quoted in the paper. That placed the issue/non-issue squarely in the debate. But it’s been out there a long time, and you know it. If you’ve got a complaint, it’s with Montgomery, not me.

    As to his temper, he’s running for mayor, not police chief, and, as near as I can tell, one’s skill with a so-called ‘jump-out’ squad is hardly relevant, now is it?

    Look, I’ve got no dawg in this hunt, and I like Dennis. I’ve also seen his temper first-hand in the Mayor’s office, and it wasn’t about the crime situation. He can get real angry real fast, and that’s just a fact.

    Next time I write something about the mayoral race, I’ll make sure and run it by you. Wait a minute. No I won’t.

  3. Kiki says:

    I think he is missing the point – lots of folks are still VERY undecided. Kelley also should have been there. How you don’t take every chance to convince voters up until the last second to vote for you baffles me – and perception around town is that is these guys don’t think they will get votes in a district, they ignore the district.

    “WILLIAMS STATEMENT ON MAYORAL DEBATE PARTICIPATION

    “The so-called ‘debate over debates’ is ridiculous and yet another futile attempt by the opponents of change to distract and divide Wilmington voters. Since the beginning of the year, the other mayoral candidates and I have jointly appeared at more than 15 debates and forums throughout the city, including two that were broadcast live on radio and another two on television. We have thoroughly discussed our competing visions and ideas on important issues such as public safety, economic development, youth programs, and community engagement.

    “As the September 11th primary approaches, I will continue to share my message of change that puts public safety first with all of Wilmington’s voters through direct personal engagement. City residents expect no less from their public officials, and I’m excited about the many opportunities between now and the election to do just that in all of Wilmington’s neighborhoods.” “

  4. John Manifold says:

    Does it strike you that Dennis’ supporters are just as colicky as their candidate?

    Montgomery has faced down tense situations in all neighborhoods at all hours. Kelley hooped with Sidney Roy. They’re supposed to be afraid of trucking down Poplar Street?

    Janie Brady was afraid of opening her personnel file too.

  5. Will Minster says:

    The making it up & hope it sticks was in reference to your tile: ‘I Don’t Need No More Steenkin’ Debates’. I don’t know if I have a complaint with you, I’ll need to read more of your blog. Not sure if this is reporting as you see it, sensationalizing to get readership or sparking a conversation. So far, you are better than others I have read. Just commenting back as I see it & maybe a little too creative. Some of the posts on these blogs are seriously way out there. Where can the average person go for just the facts?

    As for tempers: I haven’t met a senior leader of govt. who doesn’t have a temper or a foul mouth. Not excusing it by any means, I think we all need to clean up our act. I’ll take the fifth on this one.

    Files: I haven’t seen any files, if someone thinks there are secret files, file a FOIA request. That wasn’t aimed at you, it was at Montgomery who as COS I would think had access to all Personnel Files.

    My Jump Out Squad was a joke, sorry you didn’t see it as funny. I was serious about the candidates walking the streets of the East Side. Maybe it should also be reported that Montgomery did not attend the WHYY Forum at the PAL Center while all of the other candidates were there.

    Good jab at the end. Sorry I offended you, I’m probably better off not commenting. I take all these comments too seriously.

  6. cassandra_m says:

    Does it strike you that Dennis’ supporters are just as colicky as their candidate?

    Yes.

    Asking for votes is asking for votes. The CW is that you show up and ask for them. Dennis famously sat out the debate at the Queen, had to be called in to attend the Westside one, and hasn’t been at his best at any of the ones I’ve seen. It is no wonder his people won’t let him discuss the issues with other candidates. Besides, he doesn’t have much to say beyond the public safety stuff and even that is largely current operations of the WPD.

    Since it is Delaware, it isn’t exactly a secret that DPW left the WPD without having all of his time in. Releasing those records would largely validate the reasons why. And you can start with the claim of his being a Homicide Investigator or Homicide Detective. The WPD didn’t have a Homicide Unit when he left and still doesn’t have one today.

  7. You didn’t offend me, Will, and I hope you keep commenting here. Some of us, including me, have sharp elbows, but I don’t want to elbow you off the blog. Far from it.

    I admit that I took what you wrote to suggest that I just threw stuff out there. If that was not your intent, then I apologize for misreading it that way.

  8. Will Minster says:

    No problem El, you wrote as you felt & didn’t try to promote any candidate. I on the other hand am now colicky. Since all the hatred from others especially Cassandra is focused on Dennis I am compelled to stand up & fight the same as I would against the school yard bully. Maybe I just don’t get this. Why do some want to tear down good people, find all the nasty little secrets, for what purpose? I’ve said my piece on Delaware Liberal, I think its best I don’t even read these anymore. El, it wasn’t you that pushed me there, but Cassandra who until I started to read these blogs I had incredible respect for. People are human & if you don’t want them to dismiss you or lose their temper you shouldn’t attack them. Jim Baker didn’t call people stupid until he was pushed into a corner. Not an excuse, just a fact. You all expect more from your elected officials than you are willing to give & I don’t mean how hard you work, but it takes more effort to be negative than it does positive.

  9. AQC says:

    Will, I work in a job where I cannot lose my temper in spite of dealing with incredibly difficult people all day. Because it’s the work I do it is fair that I am expected to control my temper (and I am often personally attacked). I do think it’s fair to expect it of any person in political office. Some of the attacks aren’t fair, but it’s the nature of the job. Don’t do the job if you can’t take it. I have met plenty of senior leaders in government who don’t display tempers and foul language, Markell, Denn, Schooley to name a few. I don’t care if any of them do any more debates but I do still care about specific plans to address all the needs of the city, not just crime or the east side.

  10. Kiki says:

    Cassandra has been pretty fair and not hateful at all. Will your perspective on Dennis is not shared by some of us based on his behavior, not yours. You keep defending him and I understand, he’s your guy. But you are missing the point. If he continues to act publicly as he has been Cassandra and others will offer their observations. It’s not hatred. It’s opinion.

  11. mediawatch says:

    I don’t want anybody to soften up on Dennis Williams because of Will, nor do I want the blog to lose Will’s valuable posts. He has spent more than 10 years trying to straighten out and rebuild downtown, first as a businessman and now through Downtown Visions. I think he’s done a darn good job in a difficult situation, and I’ve had many people tell me that he is responsible for much of the improved collaboration among Market Street business owners from LOMA to Rodney Square.
    I may be among those who disagree with Will’s choice of a candidate in the mayoral race but, other than that, I think he offers us a damn good perspective on what’s going on downtown and how people can work together to make it better.

  12. JJ says:

    Dennis is a man of great compassion because he has seen so many victims and families of violent crime. Not a lot of folks see this side of him, but he has seen the devastation first hand of lives lost and death up close. While others sip wine and brie at cocktail parties, paint and play basketball, Williams is ready to seriously battle the crime problem with a laser focus like no other. I would be fatigued too of forum after forum for every group that wants to host one. Enough already, we’ve heard where they all are by now on the issues…WHYY and Channel 28 had nearly 4 hrs of these guys the last week alone….Its time to start seriously dealing with looming deficits and a police agency with low morale and needing leadership. Williams will be the reformer.
    A new day in City Hall is coming ……

  13. John Manifold says:

    “While others sip wine and brie at cocktail parties, paint and play basketball, Williams is ready to seriously battle the crime problem with a laser focus like no other.”

    That was Dennis’ twin brother whom you saw sipping with all the lobbyists at those Loockerman Street fundraisers.

    Dennis doesn’t play basketball; he got cut from the JV. Still smarting.

  14. Will Minster says:

    Thanks Media Watch, but this is not about me. I am just one of many on a mission. I love what is going on in Cool Springs, Dennis & I have talked about how they & the rest of the West Side are pulling together. That is! What we should be doing instead of tearing down those that seek to lead. Yes, I am defending Dennis as I would do anyone who is being unjustly attacked. Dennis is that same kind of man.

    Kiki, (when can I call people by their real name)I am not missing the point, it is very clear when phrases like “Dennis famously sat out” & “Since it is Delaware, it isn’t exactly a secret that DPW left the WPD without having all of his time in” That is not opinion, that is malicious & I won’t stand for it. If your opinion is, then say in my opinion, don’t hide behind some vale of an independent, unbiased intellectual. By tearing down one candidate, you are propping up another. Good strategy, but unethical. You don’t have to soften up on Dennis or me. What you have done is made me mad & very disappointed. I once told a customer, one we had never done business with, she was being very rude “We only have nice customers & you are not one – You may leave now” Her tone immediately changed & became a very good customer over the years. Maybe your attitudes will change. I agree Dennis needs to lighten up publicly speaking, I will give you that, but the man is solid.

  15. Note that there is a candidate forum tomorrow (Saturday) in Newark. The PDF flyer is at http://www.uufn.org/forum/2012_flyer.pdf

    All four Democratic candidates for insurance commissioner will be on at 9am.

    3 of the 4 Democratic candidates for County Executive are on at noon.

    Both Manolakos and Miro will be on at 11:30am.

    Bryan Townsend is on at 1pm–Tony DeLuca is not participating, the same as was the case on Tuesday night at the Civic League event.

    As a candidate in the 23rd, I am pleased that we finally have a forum with all three Democratic candidates in our race participating; we are on at 10:30am.

  16. Will, if you’ve been reading other articles on this blog, you’ll notice that there’s a lot of this candidate-bashing going on, mostly by candidates’ surrogates. It’s why I have no interest whatsoever in the Gordon/Clark mudslinging. IMHO, neither candidate has even TRIED to make a positive case for their election

    In general, the mayoral race has been conducted on a higher plain, IMHO. The candidates HAVE made positive cases for themselves. Which is not to say that they haven’t taken strong shots at each other.

    FWIW, I don’t live in the City, but I like all three candidates, and I’ll tell you why.

    Dennis has been a Rep in Dover for most of the time I was down there. He has really grown in the job and was, in my opinion, a superb chair of the Joint Finance Committee. I especially appreciate his efforts to get the budget completed in time for people to actually read it before voting on it. Quality work.

    Bill was by far the best Director of Legislative Council we had in Dover during my time there. He did the best he could, considering the institutional inertia that prevented the wholesale reform he would have liked to implement. He’s thoughtful and he’s a gentleman.

    I worked with Kevin a lot b/c he was councilman for an area of the city represented by Sen. Marshall. Kevin is/was a constituent services machine, and his neighborhood view of the city is one that I share. Like Dennis, he’s grown a lot in office.

    You can’t go wrong with any of the three. Which is a lot more than I can say about the Clark/Gordon bleepfest.

    Jeez, I’m turning into Mr. Rogers here.

  17. Will Minster says:

    Paul, El & Mr. Rogers, Good posts & thanks for positive input. Man… I was feeling all alone out here in BeNiceVille

  18. Pooker Jones says:

    Why is there no dire consequence for those who didn’t file their 30 day report? Is that fair to those who do play by the rules?

  19. Alex says:

    If my direct responsibility was to control gun violence in a city which was labeled the most dangerous to raise on the U.S, and I was a cop, I would lose my temper with other political groups that think they know better than I do about how to handle crime.

    But hey, Papa Rollins is watching over all of us. What does he care about poor black people? Apparently not enough to let the Democratic primary play out the way it was designed. Someone should sue Rollins on Monday to get an injunction from Kelly’s name being taken off the ballot. If what the editor of this site says is true, that they get the $4500 back at the end, then this is a fabricated story and just a means for the GOP to create influence in the election. Rollins is basically stealing Kelley’s right to run as a candidate by cashing his check.

    Now, let’s say Rollins cashed the check as a means of getting him off the ballot. Why should anyone in the Delaware DOE have to listen to him? He’s not a political figure per se and he doesn’t finance the voting process directly (or else that would be pretty disturbing). He’s a mini Reince Preibus, whose job it is to manage the finances of the GOP here is a way that gives them the most leverage in the mayoral race. Hell, I would have Williams’ lawyers go after Rollins for this type of nanny bullshit.

  20. AQC says:

    Are you guys talking about Melloy?

  21. Cassandra M says:

    It is Kevin Melloy that may be taken off of the ballot.

  22. John says:

    Will – As a point of clarity, this is a blog – not a news site (although I learn more here that at delawareonline.com, and have never had a difficult time verifying information in the posts here). Blogs are a forum for writers and commentors to share their opinions. If you want “unbiased” news, read a paper or watch it on TV.

  23. Will Minster says:

    John, Thanks for the clarification, I’ve got that now. Though, I don’t think we get unbiased from the news media, especially on local issues. The News Journal (In my opinion) has had a love-hate relationship with Wilmington, unfortunately bad news sells more newspapers. I’m not overly critical of the News Journal because they have run some very good positive stories as well.

    This blog has been an eye opener for me & I have no problem with, tell me what you really think, I do think it would add credibility to the individual blogger if they would keep it real. Early in my mission, talking very loud & threatening got the attention of city officials, but once I got the meeting I had to make sense & be knowledgeable. I also had to leave in their mind I was a good person with no personal agenda. That meant, when I made a statement it was fact to the best of my knowledge & what I was trying to accomplish was for the betterment of all. My point being, if you sound crazy or threatening you won’t be invited to be part of solving the problems & building a better City. There are those that want to just comment & that is fine, the Constitution affords us that right. But if you are someone who wants a seat at the table…Well, would you invite someone to a party who clearly hates you?

  24. saveourcity says:

    Liberalism (from the Latin liberalis) is a broad political ideology or worldview founded on the ideas of liberty and equality. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally liberals support ideas such as capitalism (either regulated or not), constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free press, free and fair elections, human rights and the free exercise of religion.

    Okay I now know what a Liberal is supposed to be. Now let’s list all of the candidate’s qualifications to be Mayor of Wilmington and please do not comment to this post if you do not live in the city. The mayoral Race is a city issue and should only be for city voters.

    What are the real qualifications of the candidate’s?

    Robert Bovell

    Kevin Kelley

    William Montgomery

    Scott Spencer

    Dennis P. Williams

    Start listing….

  25. Kiki says:

    When you comment here it’s assumed it is your opinion – you don’t need to start every comment with “in my opinion” — also I am just not getting the hate vibe. I don’t hate anyone, certainly. And I haven’t seen anyone else saying “hateful” things, I read true things (“so-and-so sat out two debates”) or opinion things “so-and-so is the only man for the job because he was a cop/a chief of staff/a councilman.” I am just not seeing hate. Strong opinion sure, and there should be strong opinion in this race. People are very divided on these candidates, and with good reason.

    Saying stuff like this “Well, would you invite someone to a party who clearly hates you?” in support of your candidate doesn’t sound like a DPW administration would be open to anyone who disagrees with him or his policies. And that will be okay because if you disagree or point out a truth or a perception about him, you must “hate” the man?

  26. pandora says:

    “please do not comment to this post if you do not live in the city.”

    Anyone can comment on any post they wish.

  27. saveourcity says:

    Comment by pandora on 27 August 2012 at 5:16 pm:

    “please do not comment to this post if you do not live in the city.”

    Anyone can comment on any post they wish.

    Since I live in the city and what to make a difference in the city I would only like to hear for those who live in the city. If you what to comment about the city please step up and move back in the city. Do not bash a place you do not live in. It makes you sound like a Hypocrite.

  28. pandora says:

    You, saveourcity, need a crash course in what Blogging is.

    First, you don’t control the comment section.

    Second, according to your rules you should not be allowed to comment on Kent or Sussex County politics – cross off the rest of the world while you’re at it. So be sure not to comment on any post that doesn’t include where you live.

    Third, I live in the city and while that may give me a certain insight it doesn’t make me the last (or best) word on city issues. I think we can learn from other people’s perspective.

    Fourth, how in the world would you even know that those responding to your dictate that “only city residents need to respond” are really city residents? Which brings me back to that crash course in blogging. 🙂

  29. Geezer says:

    “The mayoral Race is a city issue and should only be for city voters.”

    Anyone who works in the city is taxed, regardless of home address. Suburbanites, and even some out-of-state residents, are being taxed for your benefit. They don’t get a vote; now you don’t even want them to have a voice.

    If you want to find a hypocrite, look in the mirror. You’re willing to take those taxes, but don’t want to give those people even a voice to make up for their lack of a vote. As I recall, we once started a war over that.

  30. Will Minster says:

    @Kiki…There is a difference between mean spirited comments & constructive criticism. I do agree my comments can be perceived as a little too harsh since this is not a news site & is an opinion blog which I was not clear on in the beginning. So, I apologize if I offended anyone. It is obvious I am a Dennis P. Williams supporter & I am very protective of my friends. My comment: “Well, would you invite someone to a party who clearly hates you?” is actually a very important one to consider. I’ve seen it happen too often when an elected official almost has to become defensive because they are constantly criticized. Constructive criticism, ideas, vision should always be welcome. If we want our elected officials to take us seriously & be open to our recommendations, we do have to offer them the same respect we want. That is not to say we should hold back when we clearly believe they are wrong, we should always stand up & hold them accountable, but how you say it is as important as what you say. I’m still learning…

  31. Will Minster says:

    @saveourcity…The others are right, everyone has a right to comment. Remember As Wilmington Goes…So Does Delaware. Many firefighters, police & city workers don’t live in the city, nor do a lot of business owners. I know I spent more time in my business than I did in my home. I’m sure you mean well, but your wrong on this one.

  32. SussexWatcher says:

    As Wilmington Goes? Really? Aww, shit. We’re fucked.

    Here’s a random question for W’tonians. What is Baker going to do after November? Is there a reason (other than his unpopularity) that he’s not running for the legislature or a county job?

  33. JJ says:

    Baker will get a consulting job with Buccini Polin and collect a fat pension.

  34. Geezer says:

    Even popular Wilmington politicians don’t win outside the city. Remember Tom Maloney? As popular as a mayor could be. Couldn’t win statewide.

  35. saveourcity says:

    @Will Minster via @saveourcity…The others are right, everyone has a right to comment. Remember As Wilmington Goes…So Does Delaware. Many firefighters, police & city workers don’t live in the city, nor do a lot of business owners. I know I spent more time in my business than I did in my home. I’m sure you mean well, but your wrong on this one.

    Sir, you are a respected business owner who made a clear choice to keep you operations in the city. As with all city business owners thank you. I will never disrespect you when you asked a question by telling you it is a non issue or call you a jonnie one note like on Mayoral candidate did.

    But as for living in the city I understand blogging and of course everyone is entitled to their opinions. But when I asked a question concerning something in the city I only wanted to get an honest answer from people who live in the city. We are the ones dealing with out of control crime. It’s like the news journal expressing their views on the city after they moved out. So their opinion does not hold water, just like blogger who do not live in the city or work in the city their opinions do not hold water.

    So according to the rule I have read on this website this is want they want.

  36. cassandra_m says:

    So according to the rule I have read on this website this is want they want.

    This is NOT a rule on this website. This is a rule you want to employ in order to engage here. This blog exists for opinion and analysis of opinion and news. Everyone is entitled to join in. If you want to discount some opinions or contribution because you don’t think they know what they are talking about, then so be it. But do that without trying to reset the rules here.

  37. JJ says:

    WDEL (Jensen)reporting lots of shadowy, third party mail for Montgomery campaign…Citizens for a Secure Community? Who do you think is pouring big $$ into city to support Bill? Maybe riverfront developers, or vendors with fat city contracts? Certainly not the conservative Koch brothers. Has anyone seen or gotten this mail? Didn’t Markell and Gilligan proudly pass a bill to outlaw this anonymous support– stuff now trying to pump up Bill on ‘crime issue’ after 21 record city homicides ?

  38. saveourcity says:

    @ JJ: Yes, I have received it twice. Along with two other mailing from him You know the old saying “desperate times calls for desperate measures”

    And to respond to the other person wow so thin skin.