Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters:
I was once again amazed last evening at the City Council Meeting. Mayor Moyer introduced O-40-09 which simply put was meant to be a generous parting gift to her cronies. Unfortunately, you and I would be the ones left paying the bill. This Ordinance popped up at the last minute, was Introduced by Mayor Ellen O Moyer, and would have granted an automatic six months' severance pay to any department director who is removed by the Mayor. In addition, if the employee is terminated with or without cause, they would receive 6 months' severance pay regardless of the circumstances surrounding their separation. Allegedly, this would come into effect when the new mayor takes office in December and starts to examine department directors and hopefully clears out the low to marginal performers.
Fortunately, this was only first reader, but many Citizens including Ward 1 President Doug Smith (speaking as an individual) as well as Mayoral Candidate(s) Trudy McFall and Zina Pierre felt so strongly that they courageously spoke loudly in opposition to this Ordinance. Personally, I agree with them 110% and was in strong opposition as well. Severance packages, are traditionally negotiated at time of an individual being hired, not at a point when their boss is leaving office or they are worried about their job.. This is one more example of the cronyism that is standard operating procedure at City Hall. What a generous gift to people hired by this Mayor who have a probability of being replaced..
Let me be clear, we have many outstanding city employees who work very hard and take great pride in the job they do for the People of Annapolis, and based on their performance should have no concerns about being replaced. This legislation would have provided no incentive for department directors to perform at anything more than a marginal level as they know the golden parachute is always available if they were replaced or fired.
If you are undecided on whether we need a City Manager and a Council Manager form of Government, this is a perfect example of why we do. A professional city manager would be monitoring department directors and appointed employees at all times, they would be hiring good people, and replacing poor performers, regardless of politics. This legislation reinforces the point that all of the mayor's appointments must be political. If the mayor leaves office, then the natural consequence is all of the mayor's handpicked people would be replaced. This is a terrible way to run an $86 Million municipal corporation, and sends the wrong message to our City employees and department directors.
The mayor contends that a 6-month severance package is standard for municipal employees as well as in the private sector.. I can tell you, quite confidently, there is no standard, and in most cases there is no severance. In these economic times, there certainly are not 6-month severance packages being cooked up on a regular basis a few months before you expect people to leave. This doesn't pass any reasonableness test at all. What it does sound like is the bonus money paid out to AIG and other Wall Street insiders who did such a great job managing the credit-default swaps and the fundamentals of our economy.
To pay an individual severance when being fired for cause is crazy. If a person is fired for cause, they are usually escorted out the door, and paid no severance. Terminated for Cause usually means you have done a terrible job, misappropriated money, harassed employees, or some other major violation.
The good news in all of this is that no member of the City Council seconded the Mayor's introduction of this legislation, and the bill died a quick death. The bad news is that if a handful of us had not been paying close attention, this bill could have easily sailed through the City Council like the sidewalk tax and the recent parking fee increases.
I am interested in your thoughts and feedback on this and other issues facing our City.
Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at scott@votebowling.com or via cell phone at (443) 822-3170.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Another Fee Increase by the Mayor and City Council
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Bowling, 443-822-3170
(Annapolis, MD, June 12, 2009) Today, Scott Bowling, Candidate for Alderman in Ward 3, spoke out against the planned parking fee increases.
This week many residents and business owners found out that the Mayor and City Council increased downtown parking fees by as much as 60 percent. This increase was in direct opposition to an agreement made two (2) years ago between the City and downtown residents, and was buried in the budget passed by the Mayor and 4 Council members in late May.
“Businesses and residents of Annapolis have just been duped by the Mayor and Council,” said Bowling. “The people most affected had to find out on a poster at the parking deck after the fee hike had already been approved. This is not the type of transparent, open government that we deserve.”
Business owners and elected officials turned out to ask the Council to reconsider its decision at this past Monday’s Council Meeting.
“This parking fee hike gives local businesses one more reason in these tough economic times to leave our downtown for nearby shopping malls and Town Centers; further reducing our tax base,” said Bowling. “Policies like this have disastrous consequences that will affect every taxpayer and business in Annapolis. You do not raise fees and taxes in a bad economy, you reduce them. As opposed to reducing spending, the Mayor and Council have once again chosen to increase fees.”
In an attempt to deflect criticism, Mayor Ellen Moyer stated that the parking fees were considered and approved by the Finance Committee, Chaired by Ward 3 Alderwoman Classie Gillis Hoyle, as well as the Economic Matters Committee.
“At best the Council was negligent in approving these fees without a more transparent process,” said Bowling. “At worst, they were deceptive.” Bowling is encouraging all residents and business owners to contact Mayor Moyer, Alderwoman Hoyle, and the remaining members of the City Council to express their opposition.
####
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Bowling, 443-822-3170
(Annapolis, MD, June 12, 2009) Today, Scott Bowling, Candidate for Alderman in Ward 3, spoke out against the planned parking fee increases.
This week many residents and business owners found out that the Mayor and City Council increased downtown parking fees by as much as 60 percent. This increase was in direct opposition to an agreement made two (2) years ago between the City and downtown residents, and was buried in the budget passed by the Mayor and 4 Council members in late May.
“Businesses and residents of Annapolis have just been duped by the Mayor and Council,” said Bowling. “The people most affected had to find out on a poster at the parking deck after the fee hike had already been approved. This is not the type of transparent, open government that we deserve.”
Business owners and elected officials turned out to ask the Council to reconsider its decision at this past Monday’s Council Meeting.
“This parking fee hike gives local businesses one more reason in these tough economic times to leave our downtown for nearby shopping malls and Town Centers; further reducing our tax base,” said Bowling. “Policies like this have disastrous consequences that will affect every taxpayer and business in Annapolis. You do not raise fees and taxes in a bad economy, you reduce them. As opposed to reducing spending, the Mayor and Council have once again chosen to increase fees.”
In an attempt to deflect criticism, Mayor Ellen Moyer stated that the parking fees were considered and approved by the Finance Committee, Chaired by Ward 3 Alderwoman Classie Gillis Hoyle, as well as the Economic Matters Committee.
“At best the Council was negligent in approving these fees without a more transparent process,” said Bowling. “At worst, they were deceptive.” Bowling is encouraging all residents and business owners to contact Mayor Moyer, Alderwoman Hoyle, and the remaining members of the City Council to express their opposition.
####
Sunday, June 7, 2009
City Manager -- Getting the word out!
Annapolis needs a city manager and we need your help!Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters:
Last spring, our city council debated several bills related to changing how our city is managed. Ultimately, all the bills were voted down, with the sentiment of the council’s deciding vote on this matter reasoning that this should be a decision of the voters. In order for the voters to make a decision on how our city is managed, a proposal must be petitioned to the ballot.
There is only one petition that is circulating, advocating a council-manager form of city management. I am a very strong proponent of this change to our form of government. Regardless of your comfort with this change, we must act because our current city council chose not to show any leadership on this matter. I request you add your signature to this petition, so that the voters may lead, since our leaders chose not to. Your signature on the petition does not commit you to supporting this proposal, it simply allows it to be on the ballot. You may still take time to develop your own position on this matter prior to the ballot.
As I indicated, I am strongly in support of this change. I am happy to discuss the merits of this proposal with you, and answer any questions that you have. As you know, I am hopeful to be the next Alderman from Ward 3, to help provide new leadership for the City, preferably under this new form of management.
Please do not be fooled by some of the rhetoric and playing on words that is going around this year. Many candidates say that they support a “City Manager” form of government, however, what they really support is the status quo. Unless they support this initiative and a “Council-Manager” form of government, they are supporting what we have now, a City Administrator, who they will re-name a “City Manager”.
Please understand the words used regarding this change in government matter. Please support this initiative, and help me spread the word to every registered voter in Ward 3 and the City.
Please feel free to contact me personally with any questions or visit the website listed below in the accompanying e-mail.
Thanks,
Scott Bowling
Candidate for Alderman, Ward 3
(443) 822-3170
http://www.votebowling.com/
---------------------------------------------------
“the City Manager Petition is on its way to you … please look for it.
Then, read, sign and return the completed petition to Annapolitans for a Better Community (“ABC”) as soon as possible.”
*(For more information please visit http://www.abccitymanager.org/ <http://www.abccitymanager.org/> )
Dear Annapolis Voter:
Thanks to a growing interest in our efforts to bring professional City Management to Annapolis, we are well on our way to reaching our goal of having this initiative appear on the November 2009 ballot.
Before that happens, however, we need to collect the signatures of 20% -- about 5,000 -- of the registered voters in the City of Annapolis. To that end, we have just mailed copies of the “Petition for Charter Amendment” to voters throughout the City, along with a letter explaining the need for a City Manager form of government and a letter of endorsement from most Aldermen.
Those letters and Petitions should be in your mail box soon and it is HERE that we need YOUR help.Since many people have an e-mail list of friends, family and neighbors who live in the City of Annapolis, we are asking YOU TO, PLEASE, FORWARD this important message to City residents on your e-mail distribution list. Please try to notify your contacts in the next few days, if possible, so your message will be received about the time the Petition will be delivered.
This simple process should help us maximize our efforts to reach – and encourage – as many people as possible to support this important initiative. It is also important for voters to know that signing the Petition NOW, is neither a vote “for” nor “against” City Management. It will simply allow the issue to be placed on the ballot and VOTED ON by the citizens of Annapolis.
That is the essence of democracy.
Thank you, in advance, for your help and cooperation.
Bill Kardash and Doug Smith
Co-chairmen, Annapolitans for a Better Community
111 Annapolis StreetAnnapolis, MD 21401
Monday, February 23, 2009
O-7-09 (Compensation of Mayor and Alderman/Alderwoman)
Dear Friends:
Below is the written testimony that I will deliver this evening at the Public Hearing before the Mayor and City Council. I want to be clear to all on where I stand with regard this extraordinarily important issue.
February 23, 2008
Written Testimony of Scott Bowling
O-7-09 (Compensation of Mayor and Alderman/Alderwoman)
Mayor Moyer, Alderwoman Hoyle, Members of City Council:
I stand before you this evening as a Resident of Annapolis, as well as a Candidate for Alderman from Ward 3 in strong opposition to Ordinance “0-7-09”. My opposition to this Ordinance is neither personal, nor reflective of any individual who currently holds elected office or seeks to do so in the upcoming City election.
Currently, the Mayor receives an annual salary of $70,000 and each Alderman receives an annual salary of $12,600. O-7-09 proposes to raise the annual salary of the Mayor to $120,000, a 71.43% increase and $18,500 for the Alderman, a 46.83% increase. This compared to a 7.7% ($65,000 to $70,000) increase for the Mayor in 2005, and a 5% (12,000 to $12,600) increase for Alderman. Going back to 2001, the Mayor received a 25% ($52,000 to $65,000) increase in pay.
The proposed increase in salary, expense account, and benefits is not only extraordinarily out of touch with our current economic climate, it is also fiscally irresponsible. While many Annapolitans are being laid off or forced to take furloughs; wondering how they are going to pay their bills, put gas in their cars, and food on their families table, this Ordinance proposes the largest increase in compensation and benefits for the Mayor and Council over the past decade, if not in the history of our City.
Some contend that these increases are needed to attract a more diverse and qualified pool of candidates for Mayor and City Council. I do not agree with this argument, nor do I find any factual basis to it. In the upcoming election, we have 2 successful small business owners, a law enforcement officer and sitting Alderman, a former Alderman and current member of the Anne Arundel County Council, a retired Navy officer and civic activist, another sitting Alderman and environmentalist, as well as an ordained minister and former member of the Clinton White House, who have all stated their intentions to seek the Office of Mayor. They each bring a unique skill set and perspective to our City that will form the debate and ultimately shape our City’s policies over the next 4-8 years. I am not sure how much more diversity we could ask for!
The next Mayor and City Council will face challenges, and will be called upon to make many tough decisions from a budgetary perspective; they will, like most of the constituency they represent, be forced to do more with less.
In concluding, I ask that you vote against O-7-09 as it is fiscally irresponsible and sends the wrong message to the people of Annapolis.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Respectfully,
Scott Bowling
Below is the written testimony that I will deliver this evening at the Public Hearing before the Mayor and City Council. I want to be clear to all on where I stand with regard this extraordinarily important issue.
February 23, 2008
Written Testimony of Scott Bowling
O-7-09 (Compensation of Mayor and Alderman/Alderwoman)
I stand before you this evening as a Resident of Annapolis, as well as a Candidate for Alderman from Ward 3 in strong opposition to Ordinance “0-7-09”. My opposition to this Ordinance is neither personal, nor reflective of any individual who currently holds elected office or seeks to do so in the upcoming City election.
Currently, the Mayor receives an annual salary of $70,000 and each Alderman receives an annual salary of $12,600. O-7-09 proposes to raise the annual salary of the Mayor to $120,000, a 71.43% increase and $18,500 for the Alderman, a 46.83% increase. This compared to a 7.7% ($65,000 to $70,000) increase for the Mayor in 2005, and a 5% (12,000 to $12,600) increase for Alderman. Going back to 2001, the Mayor received a 25% ($52,000 to $65,000) increase in pay.
The proposed increase in salary, expense account, and benefits is not only extraordinarily out of touch with our current economic climate, it is also fiscally irresponsible. While many Annapolitans are being laid off or forced to take furloughs; wondering how they are going to pay their bills, put gas in their cars, and food on their families table, this Ordinance proposes the largest increase in compensation and benefits for the Mayor and Council over the past decade, if not in the history of our City.
Some contend that these increases are needed to attract a more diverse and qualified pool of candidates for Mayor and City Council. I do not agree with this argument, nor do I find any factual basis to it. In the upcoming election, we have 2 successful small business owners, a law enforcement officer and sitting Alderman, a former Alderman and current member of the Anne Arundel County Council, a retired Navy officer and civic activist, another sitting Alderman and environmentalist, as well as an ordained minister and former member of the Clinton White House, who have all stated their intentions to seek the Office of Mayor. They each bring a unique skill set and perspective to our City that will form the debate and ultimately shape our City’s policies over the next 4-8 years. I am not sure how much more diversity we could ask for!
The next Mayor and City Council will face challenges, and will be called upon to make many tough decisions from a budgetary perspective; they will, like most of the constituency they represent, be forced to do more with less.
In concluding, I ask that you vote against O-7-09 as it is fiscally irresponsible and sends the wrong message to the people of Annapolis.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Respectfully,
Scott Bowling
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
From State Delegate Ron George (R-30)
NEWS FROM DELEGATE RON GEORGE (R-Arnold)
District 30, Anne Arundel County
152 House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
#410-841-3439
For Immediate Release: January 27, 2009
DELEGATE RON GEORGE SUBMITS PROOF OF LAWFUL PRESENCE ACT OF 2009
District 30, Anne Arundel County
152 House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
#410-841-3439
For Immediate Release: January 27, 2009
DELEGATE RON GEORGE SUBMITS PROOF OF LAWFUL PRESENCE ACT OF 2009
Delegate Ron George has submitted his bill the "Proof of Lawful Presence Act of 2009," HOUSE BILL 195. Maryland is the only state east of the Rockies that does not have a Proof of Lawful Presence requirement to obtain a driver's license. "We are a target for those that want to easily get that first accepted form of ID," said Delegate George.. "The MVA has reported that out-of-country applicants have tied up their system. They have to process approximately 2500 per week, and the number is growing."
House Bill 195 has bi-partisan support with 61 co-sponsors and is being cross-filed on the Senate side by Senator Norman Stone. According to MVA Administrator John Kuo and agency spokesman Caryn Coyle, the bill would not cost the MVA anything since it already has the technology in place to scan documents.
For any questions, Delegate George can be reached at #410-841-3439 or cell #410-353-2380
Scott Bowling Announces Run for Alderman in Ward 3 of Annapolis
PRESS RELEASE
January 26, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Scott Bowling
(443) 822-3170
mscottbowling@verizon.net
http://www.votebowling.com/
Authorized by: Friends of Scott Bowling, David A. Miller, Treasurer
Friends of Scott Bowling
P.O. Box 6303
Annapolis, MD 21401
January 26, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Scott Bowling
(443) 822-3170
mscottbowling@verizon.net
http://www.votebowling.com/
Scott Bowling Announces Run for Alderman in Ward 3 of Annapolis
(Annapolis, MD January 26. 2009) Today, Scott Bowling announced his bid to represent Ward 3 on the Annapolis City Council.
"Annapolis is headed in the wrong direction and I have decided to run for Alderman of the 3rd Ward to help bring an end the apparent paralysis at City Hall" said Mr. Bowling. "While our nation and its citizens are trapped in a fiscal crisis, our leaders at City Hall are focused on frivolous laws, resolutions and analysis that do little to improve the quality of life for their residents. The people of Annapolis deserve better."
"Living in Ward 3, I want to make sure that everyone has a voice. We need someone who will stand up for our needs and concerns. Annapolis is much more than the historic downtown. The south west end of Annapolis is too often forgotten despite its history and strong residential and business communities."
"I want to improve communication between the people and City Hall. Our current leadership is out of touch with the needs of Ward 3. Laws should not be made in a vacuum. I will be an outspoken advocate for accountability and transparency in government. In this fiscal climate, the City will need to tighten its belt and do more with less. I welcome this challenge and hope to bring an alternative and inclusive perspective to the Council that Ward 3 needs."
"We also need to continue working to make our City safer. As an alderman, I will work to improve communication between our neighborhoods and our law enforcement professionals. In the tough budget times ahead, I will fight to make sure that police, fire, and rescue personnel have the tools and resources they need."
Bowling works as a Mortgage Banker for a national mortgage lender. In 2008, he was an outspoken opponent of the City Council's sidewalk tax, which was successfully repealed.
Ward 3 covers the south west end of Annapolis and includes Parole, Southwood, parts of Homewood, and surrounding neighborhoods.
####
Authorized by: Friends of Scott Bowling, David A. Miller, Treasurer
Friends of Scott Bowling
P.O. Box 6303
Annapolis, MD 21401
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Letter to the Editor
Last week, we once again witnessed more tenants vacating the Market House, leaving only three vendors in our historic treasure. The Mayor blames Site Realty for poor management, and Site Realty blames the City for many things. What a surprise. While the blame game and litigation continues, we the people watch what seems like another act in a very long and tragic Opera.
I was astounded at Mayor Moyer’s quote in the Baltimore Sun last week, in which she stated “Hopefully the manager of the market will get the message and do some things that will make sense to vendors.” The purpose of this letter is not to perpetuate the blame game, as that does not bring us any closer to a solution, however, I cannot help but marvel at this Administration making such blanket statements given its own history of mismanagement of this situation.
It is time to move beyond the finger pointing, litigation, partisan bickering, etc… and focus on solutions and how we save our Market House and preserve the future of downtown businesses. This is a serious problem that demands strong and immediate leadership. From City Hall to residents’ involvement in town hall meetings, we must all come to the table as Annapolitans and work towards remedies.
Inaction will ultimately force downtown into its final act.
I e-mailed the above letter to both the Capital and the Baltimore Sun on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at approximately 8:00AM, EDT ... I am hopeful that both will publish it.
I was astounded at Mayor Moyer’s quote in the Baltimore Sun last week, in which she stated “Hopefully the manager of the market will get the message and do some things that will make sense to vendors.” The purpose of this letter is not to perpetuate the blame game, as that does not bring us any closer to a solution, however, I cannot help but marvel at this Administration making such blanket statements given its own history of mismanagement of this situation.
It is time to move beyond the finger pointing, litigation, partisan bickering, etc… and focus on solutions and how we save our Market House and preserve the future of downtown businesses. This is a serious problem that demands strong and immediate leadership. From City Hall to residents’ involvement in town hall meetings, we must all come to the table as Annapolitans and work towards remedies.
Inaction will ultimately force downtown into its final act.
I e-mailed the above letter to both the Capital and the Baltimore Sun on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at approximately 8:00AM, EDT ... I am hopeful that both will publish it.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Politics on Tap -- Thursday, July 31st @ 7:00PM
The Annapolis Republican Central Committee (ARCC) will hold its next "Politics on Tap" gathering at 7pm this Thursday, July 31, at the Loews Hotel Weather Rail Lounge located at 126 West Street in Annapolis.
This event is open to anyone who enjoys meeting fellow Republicans to socialize and discuss the issues of the day. Sit back, enjoy some food or an adult beverage, and tell us what you think.
For more information, please email or call:
Michael Dye
Annapolis
(410) 991-7677(Cell)
mike_dye@verizon.net
This event is open to anyone who enjoys meeting fellow Republicans to socialize and discuss the issues of the day. Sit back, enjoy some food or an adult beverage, and tell us what you think.
For more information, please email or call:
Michael Dye
Annapolis
(410) 991-7677(Cell)
mike_dye@verizon.net
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Attorney General's Office says Sidewalk Fee is an "Invalid Tax"
Assistant Attorney General William Varga said in a "advisory letter" Monday, that the $25. levied on every homeowner and the $150. on businesses in the City is a "tax" and not a "fee" because it is a general charge for property owners, whether they have a sidewalk in front of their home or place of business or not. He went on to say according to an interview in tonight's evening Capital that "in order for a charge to be a regulatory fee, there must be a sufficient nexus between the charge imposed and the cost of services provided to the property assessed."
Perhaps not as legally tongued, nor with as many big words, but almost exactly the same thing your host blogger said repeatedly when this issue first arose in Mid June.
Perhaps not as legally tongued, nor with as many big words, but almost exactly the same thing your host blogger said repeatedly when this issue first arose in Mid June.
TA is working on getting a copy of the "advisory letter" for publication on this blog ...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
City Council Meeting -- Monday, July 14th, 7:30PM
Just a reminder to everyone that the Annapolis City Council meets tomorrow night (Monday, July 14th) at 7:30PM
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall and the first item of business is Public input on any topic. I am attaching a link to the full agenda for your review.
As many of us have heard in the various community meetings held over the past two weeks, this is the time when the Alderman are encouraging the public at large to stand before the Mayor and City Council, to let them know our feelings on the sidewalk tax, how it was handled, and what action(s) we feel should be taken next; should the law be repealed, suspended till 2010, revised, etc... If we do not come out to this meeting, than the same arguments that passed this law will be used to potentially leave it as is; no one showed up to express their feelings before City Council, everything must be OK.
If there was ever a time when the residents of Annapolis needed to come together and be heard, it is now.
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall and the first item of business is Public input on any topic. I am attaching a link to the full agenda for your review.
As many of us have heard in the various community meetings held over the past two weeks, this is the time when the Alderman are encouraging the public at large to stand before the Mayor and City Council, to let them know our feelings on the sidewalk tax, how it was handled, and what action(s) we feel should be taken next; should the law be repealed, suspended till 2010, revised, etc... If we do not come out to this meeting, than the same arguments that passed this law will be used to potentially leave it as is; no one showed up to express their feelings before City Council, everything must be OK.
If there was ever a time when the residents of Annapolis needed to come together and be heard, it is now.
A few points to remember:
The Council work session on July 21st, while open to the public, does NOT permit any public comment, so all you can do is sit and observe.
There are still many unanswered questions regarding the sidewalk fee/tax:
- Are you required to pay it by July 31st or not? Alderman say no, City Finance Director, Tim Elliot says yes (Friday's Capital)
- The bill you received in the mail was retroactive for last year, another bill for this fiscal year which began July 1st could be arriving soon.
- Is this Ordinance legal or not?
- While you are required to pay this sidewealk fee/tax, who is liable if someone trips or falls and is injured in front of your home? The City admittedly remains unclear, and some Alderman have agreed that individual homeowners are probably still liable, even if you currently do not have a sidewalk in front of your property.
- This law is already in effect, and was so, immediately upon Council passage in October 2007)
Tomorrow night's meeting is your chance to let the mayor and Council know your feelings on this crucial issue, or any other issue(s) that are important to you.
I hope to see many of you tomorrow night participating in our governmental process; it is not only our right, but our obligation as tax paying citizens!
If you need a ride to the meeting or have further questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at mscottbowling@verizon.net or by phone at (443) 822-3170.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
