John Atkins ‘Voluntarily’ Steps Down From House Committee

Good. And, let’s face it, we know it wasn’t voluntary. From today’s News-Journal story (firewall protected):
In a memo Thursday, House Speaker Robert F. Gilligan said he removed Millsboro Rep. John Atkins from the (House Public Safety and Homeland Security) (C)ommittee at Atkins’ request, effective Tuesday. He had served as the panel’s vice chairman.
Atkins sent [...]

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap=Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., March 22, 2012

As predicted by Yours Truly, legislation adding public employees to the State Employee Benefit Committee has been assigned to buried in the House Administration Committee, where Pete Schwartzkopf will help Jack Markell kill the bill, just like Pete Schwartzkopf is helping Jack Markell to kill HB 126. While the House Administration Committee has generally been seen as the counterpart of the Senate Executive Committee, the leadership of the committee has rarely exercised the same kind of heavy-handed tactics employed by Thurman Adams and Tony DeLuca on the Senate side. That is, however, what they are doing with these two bills.

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., March 20, 2012

When we last left the House Democratic Caucus, black smoke was pouring from the Leg Hall chimney and nobody, not even the crickets, was making any noise about the fate of Rep. John Atkins. A reasonable person would have concluded that pulling rank on state police for having the nerve to pull Atkins over for speeding was not considered sufficient grounds by the Caucus to sanction Atkins for his action. End of story.

Until Sunday. Thanks to Cris Barrish’s story in the News-Journal, we find out that Atkins had to be lying about his (lack of) involvement in a tire-burning incident at his father-in-law’s place. We also found out that the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Chief, the 911 dispatcher, and a couple of others helped Atkins to cover up the nature of the fire and Atkins’ involvement in it. In other words, we found out what we already knew: Atkins is incapable of telling the truth; Atkins holds himself above the law; and Atkins consistently has public officials covering his back. The Caucus now knows that this story is yet another example of Atkins’ unfitness to hold public office.

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., March 15, 2012

Cassandra has already reported the Big News, and it took place at Wilmington’s Latin American Community Center. In fact, the DREAM Act has not been officially introduced, or at least its introduction has not yet made its way to the official General Assembly page, but it will be introduced, and it will serve as a Rorschach Test for members of the General Assembly and the public at large. I strongly support the bill, it is a bill where the benefits to the state far outweigh any costs that might be associated with it. Unless, of course, you are opposed to an educated and upwardly-mobile citizenry. You know, taxpayers, productive citizens. I don’t know whether the cowardly followers in the Delaware General Assembly will dare pass it during an election year, but I believe that the Dream Act’s passage is ultimately inevitable–eventually. I salute Bob Marshall, Helene Keeley, Joe Miro, and whoever else signs onto the bill as a sponsor; as well as one of my favorite Delawareans, Maria Matos. Maria has served as Executive Director of the LACC since 1994, and her dynamic leadership has made such a difference, and continues to make a difference, in the lives of so many in Delaware’s Hispanic community.

Delaware General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The overriding question of the day is: Will the issue of John Atkins’ behavior surface in today’s House Majority Caucus meeting? I spoke to two caucus members in the last few days, and got two distinctly different opinions about what would happen. Neither, to put it mildly, is a strong supporter of John Atkins. One expressed pessimism that the rank-and-file would have the opportunity to weigh in on the issue, and told me that they expected leadership to back Atkins. The other told me that Speaker Gilligan is really angry over Atkins’ behavior, and that they expected a frank discussion of what should be done.

‘Law-Abiding’ Rep. John Atkins Reverts to Form

Pulled over for speeding, then lying about the consequences. Someone should ask Pete Schwartzkopf whether enabling this chronic miscreant is worth it. Wait a minute, I’m asking that question. But first, the latest antics from Sussex County’s ‘Bad Boy’. The News-Journal’s (buy it to read the story) Maureen Milford reports that, after being stopped for speeding on his way to Dover, and being let off with a warning….

Delaware Political Weekly: February 18-24, 2012

Chris lost in his first run two years ago, but the district has added some areas that voted heavily for Mike Katz. Counihan has been a strong supporter of Mitch Crane and a strong advocate for marriage equality. As many of you know, Cathy Cloutier has twice ducked chances to make a big difference on behalf of equal rights for all Delawareans. It is time she was held accountable. Here is the smoking gun. Remember that, Brandywine Hundred equal rights supporters, the next time that Cloutier bats her eyes and tries to convince you that she’s reallyreally on your side. When the chips were down, she was nowhere to be found. Not once, but twice. And don’t get complacent, Dori Connor. We’re coming after you as well. Lip service just doesn’t cut it any more.

Delaware Political Weekly-Feb. 11-17, 2012

Richard D. Krett. President of AFSCME Local 3109; the Assistant Chief with the Emergency Medical Services Division of County Department of Public Safety; and former President of the Good-Will Fire Company in the New Castle area. Krett frequently serves as a spokesperson for the county paramedics, and is quoted in the paper, usually following some accident or incident. There, of course, is a history of animus between Clark and many county employees over proposed cuts, hiring freezes, and the like. On the face of it, Krett seems like a credible challenger. Seeing as how I, and no doubt thousands of others, have no intention of voting for Clark in a primary, Krett at least has the opportunity to convince voters that he is a viable alternative. Hmmm, now that I think about, I’m pretty sure I met Mr. Krett while working on issues surrounding a proposed baseball complex near Shipley Road. Krett was essential in providing assistance on the issue of ambulance/fire ingress/egress to the complex. I recall him as being professional, prompt and helpful. Hey, we just might have something here…

Music I Like: Part of a Continuing Series

Allow me to (self-)indulge you with my first new roundup of 2012. I missed this last year, would’ve easily been in my Top 10, especially appropriate after today’s ’settlement’: Ry Cooder: ‘No Banker Left Behind.’ Other videos: Michael Kiwanuka: ‘I’m Getting Ready,’ Chuck Prophet: ‘White Night, Big City,’ Carolina Chocolate Drops: ‘Memphis Shakedown,’ Eilen Jewell & the Sacred Shakers: ‘12 Gates to the City,’ and Reverend Gary Davis: ‘Death Don’t Have No Mercy’

Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2012

Two new positions are open, but the names are old and…shopworn. With City Councilman Charles Potter running for Dennis P. Williams’ RD 1 seat, guess who has reemerged to seek Potter’s seat? I’ll give you a hint. He was once suspended from practicing law in the State of Delaware for 18 months. That’s right. Sam Guy. He’s ba-a-a-ck.

Delaware Political Weekly: January 21-27, 2012

Anyone expecting Sen. Mike Katz (4th) to go gently into that good night against Greg Lavelle are bound to be disappointed. Katz already has almost $200 K in the bank, much of it from Delaware’s medical community, with $73K in the form of a personal loan. Lavelle has $82K, $25K of which is in the form of a personal loan. This is one race where finances will not do the Democrat in. Meanwhile, neither Dave Sokola nor Liane Sorenson are rolling in dough. Time to toss some $$’s Sokola’s way.

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Weds., Jan. 25, 2012

A pretty active day in Dover yesterday. The Senate passed legislation doing away with five agencies you never heard of. In addition to passing two City of Dover charter changes, the Senate also passed Colin Bonini’s annual ‘contribution’ to the legislative mix. That’s right. Recognizing Feb. 6 as ‘Ronald Reagan Day’ in Delaware. I got [...]