It’s Raining Again (or Still…or Something Like That)

In my last post, I wrote about how Baltimore County Councilman, David Marks, was the only Republican member of the Council to vote the wrong way on Baltimore County’s Rain Tax.

Many of you apparently agree with my stance. MANY of you, from the NUMEROUS people I’ve spoken with about this ongoing nastiness since I wrote my last piece. Well, wouldn’t you know it? My last piece has led to the continuation of this story as it has led to me being multi-forwarded the following exchange between Baltimore County Central Committee Chairman, Al Mendelsohn and the County Councilman from Perry Hall, Mr. Marks (R, Councilmanic District 5) Keep in mind, that Al Mendelsohn says, in the body of his email, he forwarded this entire exchange to all of the members of the Baltimore County GOP Central Committee.

In response to the fact that David Marks voted for the Rain Tax, Baltimore County Style, this following email exchange occurred:

“On 03/03/15, Al Mendelsohn wrote (to David Marks):

You have undercut our argument about how there really is a difference in the two parties. Already I have fielded two calls asking how you can have voted this way.

The vote is cast and the die is stuck. Please write a letter or note explaining your vote because I certainly can’t in any way justify your action but I will forward it to anyone who asks.

To cap it off, you have also doomed your Charter Review support in the Central Committee.

David, you have been a good friend and a model Republican for many years but this was, in my eyes, one of those few crucial votes upon which you will forever be remembered and judged.
Al Mendelsohn

—–Original Message—–
From: David Marks

Subject: Re: I’m sure you know how I feel about your vote last night but I am saying it anyway

Al,

Over the past week, I had numerous conversations with Councilman Crandell about ways to reduce the tax. Ultimately, he put in the amendment for full repeal.

Councilman Crandell’s amendment required five votes, as the County Executive has promised to veto any change to the legislation he proposed. There were not five votes. In the event the amendment passed, the County Executive would veto the bill, the Council could not override, and I believe the county would be stuck with the current, higher rates.

An all-out repeal takes $64 million out of the surplus over four years. I am also very concerned about what happens when the county negotiates with our labor unions in 2016 and 2017. Should the labor unions and the county not come to an agreement, an arbitrator will make the decision, possibly putting pressure on the county to raise taxes. I do not want to ever be in the position of having to raise property or income taxes.

Al, I have to make difficult decisions all the time. There was an opportunity to amend the speed camera bill in 2011 that would have allowed the three Republican Councilmembers to ban them had it passed. The purists in our party insisted on all-out opposition, and now we have no Councilmanic controls.

The Council’s action lowered the rates. I promised those I talked to at the work session I would work to reduce them as much as I could, and I did that – but ultimately, the votes were not there. I am very happy we were able to amend the bill to “trigger” an automatic review of the county rates should the state make changes.

Regarding the Charter Review Commission, I amended the bill to address some of your concerns. My amendment reduces the number of the County Executive’s appointees. If the central committee chooses to prioritize the defeat of this commission over electing a Republican President and Republican Members of Congress, that is its choice.

As far as my legacy, hopefully I will be remembered as someone who worked to reform government, preserve open space, and improve our communities – without ever voting to raising taxes. I do my best.

David Marks
davidsmarks@verizon.net

From: Al Mendelsohn
To: davidsmarks@verizon.net (And to the members of the Baltimore County Central Committee. I redacted all of their email addresses.)

Subject: A response from David Marks and my response.

David, Don’t worry about your legacy worry about your County and your party. You have now given Bevins cover. A straight party line vote would have shown that there is “a dimes worth of difference between the two parties” but you blew it.

I understand that you have hard decisions to take all the time but this was not one of them. The State of Maryland and your Council district yelled out on election day that the rain tax is wrong. This was the easiest vote to cast but you voted against the peoples will. It did not get you a seat at the table as the speed camera bill had passed. There is no reason for you to have voted this way

You have concerns about the future effects of a cut to the rain tax. Frankly, I have no idea why you think that it is worse to raise property or income tax in the out years than to allow the rain tax to stand now. It is bad public policy, bad economics and bad politics. Truly the “hat trick” of a bad vote.

I will pass along your letter to the whole Committee.
Al Mendelsohn”

(This Woman was just hit with the realization that not only is she getting wet, she’s also getting taxed.)

Well, just damn. In my book, if you don’t vote to cut taxes, that’s pretty much the same thing as voting to raise them. This is especially true when it looks more like Governor Hogan may yet get his wish to cancel out the Rain Tax on the State level…which would then leave it up to the individual counties. And, if David Marks gets his way – judging from his actual vote, anyway, would mean as a Baltimore County resident, you have him to thank in part when your taxes go up as a result of some spring showers or summer thunder boomers, or whatever.

Other than that, I’m going to pretty much allow Chairman Mendelsohn’s words speak for themselves as he’s nailed it. For a guy with the reputation of being hyper-cautious, Councilman Marks has indeed etched his legacy in stone with his vote for the Rain Tax.

And, from what I’m hearing, the recruitment efforts to find a viable primary challenger to Mr. Marks keep picking up steam. It seems there’s one Hell of a lot of folks in his District that would like nothing better than to take him out next election and let him start worrying about his legacy after having cast this – how was it put to me by that one guy? –“disastrous” vote.

Talk about blowing a “no brainer.”

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head…

What’s interesting about this whole “rain tax” issue is the way that certain things have turned as concerns who’s voting which way and the like.

In the Maryland Legislature, for instance, Governor Larry Hogan’s Bill to repeal this repellent piece of garbage, AKA the “Rain Tax,” was allowed to die in the respective House and Senate Committees.

Of course, as concerns the Maryland Legislature, this was all done as the DEMS refuse to ever give credit to Maryland GOP Legislators for ANYTHING. Or, in this case, even a GOP Governor of Maryland who campaigned against the “Rain Tax” as a centerpiece of his campaign strategy.

Hogan got elected Governor, Became Governor, and introduced his Rain Tax Repeal, which the DEMS then let die…so they could then introduce their own copy-cat Bill, which I bet will likely pass, especially since it carries the name of Senate President, Mike Miller. Whatever, both bills still require local funding, but at least there is still a shot that the “Rain Tax” will die at the State Level. And, as Governor Hogan said, he doesn’t care who gets the credit.

Now, let’s look at the “Rain Tax” on the Baltimore County level for a moment or two, shall we?

As of November’s election, in which Councilman Todd Crandell replaced the retiring Democratic Councilman from Dundalk, the always brain-dead John Olzewski Senior, the Democrats on the County Council now out-number the GOP by a 4 to 3 count, as opposed to when they outnumbered them by a count of 5 to 2. So, why was the rain tax “repeal” in Baltimore County, a chance to effectively end it by bringing the tax itself down to one cent, defeated by a count of 5 to 2 instead of 4 to 3?

Now, everyone I know in Baltimore County fully expected the four Democrat to continue jumping into bed with and legislatively fondling Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamanetz – which they did, as Council-folk Tom Quirk, Vicki Almond, Julian Jones and Cathy Bevins all held their respective noses and swallowed the Rain Tax Bill by voting what I consider to be the wrong way. In fact, two of the three Republican Council members in Baltimore County also agree with my way of thinking on this matter, as Councilman Todd Crandell and Wade Kach voted the right way.

And that leaves one councilman, a guy I like a lot personally and get along with very well, Councilman David Marks (R-5). I’ve noticed that, recently, in correspondence I’ve received from some folks, his name is misspelled as “David Marx.”

Something tells me, that misspelling is not accidental.

(David Marks: Running for Reelection.)

Anyway, after effectively being bombarded by statements, comments and emails from those who share my way of thinking on the “Rain Tax” at any level of government and wanting to get Councilman Marks’ side of the story, I contacted him. Our exchange, in its entirety, is below:

Me: “Hi, David – About that rain tax vote of yours in Baltimore County….why? If you care to respond, your response will be published in its entirety.”

Councilman David Marks: “Joe, I voted against the enabling legislation in 2013 and certainly support eliminating the tax – but I disagreed with tapping our surplus when the county faces decisions that might compel some to raise the property or income tax rate in 2017 or 2018. Baltimore County begins its negotiations soon with the labor unions that represent most of our public employees. Because voters approved binding arbitration in 2010, there is a likelihood that one or more of our labor unions would seek arbitration.

I did not want an unelected arbitrator to force the county to spend tens of millions of dollars in 2017 and 2018, requiring us to raise property or income taxes. The surplus should be protected. My preference was to use an enterprise fund to reduce the rain tax – but that was not on the table. So I voted to reduce the tax rate by one third and protect the surplus. The Campaign for Liberty can attack me all they want (ignoring the fact that they didn’t send anyone to our hearings). I don’t want to reduce the rain tax and then be forced to come back in two years to raise other taxes because of binding arbitration.”
______

And, there you have it. Make of it what you will.

Here’s one thing I’d be willing to bet on with regards to this “Rain Tax” vote in Baltimore County: Republican David Marks will face a strong primary challenge when he’s up for reelection. And, I think that’s because so many Republicans no longer care about explanations. We want our taxes cut. And we want them cut now. Period. As concerns any possible competition Mr. Marks may face from the right, I’d be willing to bet they’d follow Governor Hogan’s successful campaign plan of “beat them over the head” with the “Rain Tax.”

Might be time to find a steel umbrella.

Executive Order EVERYTHING.

This is just what Maryland’s new Governor, Larry Hogan, needs, isn’t it? Yet another loud mouthed Bozo screaming at him from the sidelines about what he should do.

Well, guess what? There’s not much a louder mouth when it comes to screaming than the one on yours truly – nor is there a bigger Bozo.

What have I got to lose, right?

Nothing. Not one damned thing.

But, the real question is “What does Larry Hogan have to lose?”

And, the answer to that question is anything and everything but nothing.

Seriously, did you see what the Democrats in the legislature have done to Larry Hogan since he gave what I believe was a relatively modest State of the State speech this past week? Oh, Doom and gloom – he’s talking about doom and gloom – or so inferred Senate President Mike Miller.

Good Lord, the Senate President went so far as to act all pouty and what-not. It was as if Mr. Hogan had personally urinated in his Wheaties ® or on his doughnuts or whatever he eats for breakfast, when all Hogan was doing was giving the next steps he views are needed in order to keep his campaign promises, and what Marylanders voted for.

And then, the Dems got a bit serious, well, “serious” in a ridiculously pouty, childish, “Take my ball and go home, crying” way. It wasn’t so much their brash rhetorical slings of how everything Mr. Hogan proposes will be either “shot down” or is “doomed to fail” or is “dead on arrival.” That’s political talk – and what else can you expect from a crowd whose lunch was just stolen from, and eaten in front of, them? What it WAS however, is that they are now holding up the new Governor’s Cabinet appointments.

Seriously, Mr. Senate President? Show a little dignity – if not for yourself, at least for the office you hold.

(Dignity? What’s that?)

But, if this is how the Democrats in the Legislature are ALREADY playing it, here’s what I think Governor Hogan should do:

Executive Order everything. What’s good for that idiot in the White House, the use of the Executive Order, is also good for Larry Hogan.

Here’s what the State of Maryland’s Secretary of State Page says about Maryland’s Executive Orders – and it’s the same thing that the Annotated Code of Maryland says:

“Executive Orders

The signed Executive Order is received from Governor’s Legislative Office. The Secretary of State’s signature is affixed, the State Seal is applied and two copies of the Executive Order are delivered to the Director of the Department of Legislative Services and two certified copies of the Executive Order are delivered to the Administrator of The Division of State Documents. Additional copies are distributed to Governor’s Staff members, Cabinet members and other state offices. All executive orders are published in the Maryland Register and those orders generally permanent in nature are compiled permanently in COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations), under Title 01 Executive Department.”

http://www.sos.state.md.us/Services/ExecOrders.aspx

That’s it. Read that – and then read it again. There’s nothing that says what an Executive Order can/can’t be about – so I think Larry Hogan should “Executive Order” everything in his platform. Everything. If the Dems are going to screw with you, screw them right back – Executive Order into oblivion those 40 tax increases you railed against while running for governor.

Hell, if you still want to play nice at present, paint the Democrats as being the obstructionists that they are, and then Executive Order the Rain Tax out of existence – as a warning shot that the Dems better get their asses in gear, or you’ll do that with EVERYTHING. As for me, I’d do it all in one fell swoop – and let the chips fall where they may. Again, there’s nothing in the code saying you can use Executive Orders that way but, – to my way of thinking, and far more importantly – there’s nothing in the code saying you CAN’T. There’s no better time to try it than right now. Again, what’s good for President What’s-His-Ass is good for Larry Hogan. Do it, and dare the Dems to stop you. And if, by chance, they are able to and do stop you, smile, shake your head and say, “I told you they were obstructionists.”

Unless, of course, Larry Hogan’s not serious about changing Maryland…

Lastly, I do understand the potential downfalls with taking on an effort such as this. Doing so would pretty much immediately make the office of the Governor into more like a mini-Kingship. He’d end up hearing from the libtards the same thing Obama hears from more conservative Americans: Hogan’s become a tyrant, etc. etc. etc.

But, at the very least, we’ll find out the true extent and power of Executive Orders in Maryland because, right now, no one seems to know.

Take the chance, Mr. Hogan. The Democrats in the legislature have just started their game to bring you down. Show them you won’t go down easy – and not without a fight. And, imagine the national press you’ll get from trying to do away with/doing away with 40 tax increases the Obama way – via Executive Order.

Larry Hogan Didn’t Like the Question

Frankly, the only reason I’m writing this piece is because I simply can’t believe that this issue hasn’t made a bigger noise…or been made into a bigger noise yet, but…

What type of Republican candidate for Governor has the MD Democratic Party putting out press releases for him?

Do I really have to ask that question? Really, do I? Oh, come on– you know the answer to that one, as that very candidate has been bragging about his crossover appeal from the second he got into the race for Governor – way back when he started Change Maryland. Larry Hogan is the type of nominal Republican candidate for Governor that has the MD Democratic Party putting out press releases for him.

On June 19, 2014, with the contact being listed as Bob Fenity, the MD DEMS put out a press release that had the following headline:

“Maryland Republicans support Marriage Equality for the LGBT community

Republican frontrunner Larry Hogan pledges to “uphold” Marriage Equality”

And the first paragraph of the release read as follows:

“ANNAPOLIS, MD – This morning, appearing on the Marc Steiner Show on WEAA, Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan said he would “uphold” Marriage Equality if elected governor. “The voters of Maryland have already decided this issue,” Hogan said, adding that “it’s not something that would be re-addressed.” When asked whether he would “reintroduce the battle over Marriage Equality in the state of Maryland,” Hogan responded “No.”

The key part of the transcript of what Hogan said on WEAA is:

“Question: Will you work to defend marriage as governor?

Hogan: The voters of Maryland have already decided this issue and it’s really not an issue of this campaign.

Steiner: So the answer is no?

Hogan: Well I didn’t like the question, so the answer is that’s not an issue that has anything to do with this race, it’s not something that would be re-addressed. Both the legislature and the voters of Maryland have already made that decision. As governor I’ll have to take an oath to uphold the laws that are on the books.

Steiner: You’re not looking to reintroduce that battle over marriage equality in the state of Maryland?

Hogan: No.”

(Larry Hogan: Didn’t like the question. I’m in a hole…so give me that shovel and I’ll keep on digging, until the Democrats try to rescue my ass.)

Well, at least Hogan didn’t do to Steiner what he’d done to John Lofton when Lofton asked him a question concerning the role of government. If you recall, at that time, Hogan replied by calling Lofton’s question the craziest question he’d ever heard and hightailed it off the phone. In this instance, Hogan’s only critique of Steiner’s question came when Hogan said, “Well, I didn’t like the question.”

Who cares whether you liked the question or not, Larry? Seriously. I don’t care – nor do I imagine anyone else really gives a damn whether or not you liked the question.

But, since you worded it that way – I didn’t like your answer.

The question that Larry didn’t like concerned the issue of Marriage Equality in the State of Maryland and ended with Larry saying, “No,” he wouldn’t revisit it. The issue to me has nothing to do with Marriage Equality and everything to do with the “why” he won’t revisit it.

He won’t revisit the issue because it – Marriage Equality – is already established law in the State of Maryland… which he will take an oath to uphold, but then, so is the Rain Tax, or any of those other 40 fee and tax hikes Larry Hogan’s always bitching about. Make the “Rain Tax” interchangeable with “Marriage Equality” in the question Hogan was asked. He could have just easily said he won’t revisit the Rain Tax – or anything that’s already become law in Maryland…like that monstrous gun grab Governor O’Malley’s Democrats pulled last year or the year before…or whenever. That’s established law, too. and – according to Larry’s own answer – he’ll take an oath to uphold those laws as well.

And, honestly, it means very little that “Marriage Equality” passed the petition attempt to overthrow it whereas as concerns the Rain (or other) Tax(es). Established law that you must uphold is established law you must uphold.

And to say you’re against revisiting one thing because it’s established opens you up to potentially being unwilling to revisit anything because it’s established…which, to my way of thinking, makes you a coward for trying to sidestep the question at hand.

Larry Hogan wasn’t kidding when he said he “didn’t like” the question. At least he answered this one, though…and, in the process, opened up a not too pretty window into the soul of a chicken-heart…one that has the MD DEMS getting involved in the MDGOP Primary Race for Governor because they want him to win it.

And, what does THAT tell you?

No Taxation With Precipitation

I knew that MDGOP Gubernatorial candidate, Ron George, was once an actor. Much like Ronald Reagan, he’d labored and toiled under the bright lights for a number of years before making his foray into Jewelry-dom and the world of politics.

But this is…GREAT.

The “This” I’m talking about is His New Video Called “The Rain Tax Song” which is more or less a play on the old Tommy James and the Shondells Hit, “Hanky Panky.”

It features Ron George singing to a new set of lyrics about Maryland’s Rain Tax as well as the band backing him up…not to mention “cameos” of MD Governor Martin O’Malley. And, it’s a video which should be viewed by everybody – regardless of political party of choice or personal ideology. In fact, even strong supporters of The Rain Tax – all 3 of them – will get a kick out of this video (That last part is for you, Steve Schuh).

This video is that damned good:

So, after all of these grueling months on the campaign trail, we find out that Ron George can sing, too?

This is the type of commercial/video – whatever – that there needs to be more of in the world of politics: Damned hilarious, yet with a very cutting edge to it.

Perfect.