Opponents of Gun Legislation Flock to Ellicott City Hearing

The Howard County Delegation's public hearing was dedicated, almost entirely, to testimony about newly proposed gun laws.

There were plenty of new faces in the George Howard building Thursday night at the Howard County Delegation’s regular public hearing. “This is the second time I’ve been in this building,” said Ellicott City resident John Canham. He joined scores of others who did not attend to speak on legislation specific to Howard County, however. They filled the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building to speak out against proposed Senate Bill 281, legislation which would ban so-called “assault weapons,” and require fingerprinting for all handgun purchase.   “The legislation is obtusely written,” Canham said after his testimony. “It’s unclear and it’s a violation of the gun owners protection act,” he said, referring to the Firearms Owners' Protection…

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Sanchez

9:55 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013

Gun legislation always brings out the most ludicrous rhetoric and yet nobody provides a clear sensible reason why any civilian would not need to own an assault weapon if they so choose. "When the inevitable next Sandy Hook happens" Already HAS, TWICE! In Chicago so far this year alone. over 50 killed.   more ›

Howard County Delegation in Ellicott City Tonight

Howard County's state representatives are holding a public hearing about local and state-wide legislation.

The Howard County Delegation is holding a public hearing today, Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the George Howard Building to hear from residents about local and state-wide legislation, including: Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Farmers Markets Would authorize the State Comptroller to issue a winery special event permit to Class 4 Maryland limited winery in Howard County for unlimited use for a certain amount of time each week at certain farmers’ markets in Howard County; and generally relating to the issuance of a winery special event permit for use at a farmers’ market in Howard County. Howard County – Alcoholic Beverages – Farm Brewery License Would authorize the Comptroller to issue in Howard County one Class 8 farm brewery …

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Brandie Jefferson

12:52 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thanks Nick. Fixed.   more ›

Howard County Firefighter Speaks Out Against Pension Shift

'We will be in big trouble' if pension burden shifts to counties, says firefighter and president of the Howard County Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Despite the fact that the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue services is funded by a special tax, firefighters are still concerned that a shift in responsibility for a part of teacher pensions could spell trouble for fire and rescue services. At Tuesday’s hearing before local members of the state delegation, Rich Ruehl, president of the Howard County Professional Fighters Association, appealed to local legislators to fight Gov. Martin O’Malley’s plan to make counties pay for part of teacher pensions, which are currently paid by the state. County fire and rescue services are funded by property taxes and not through the general fund, which would bear the burden of teacher pension costs. But since property values have gone down, the …

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Casinos and Beer To Go: Howard County Delegation

The delegation is in town Tuesday night. Sign up to testify.

The Howard County Delegation is coming to Ellicott City this evening to meet with constituents about pending legislation.  If you'd like to sign up to testify, sheets will be available outside the Banneker room at the George Howard building starting at 7 p.m. Oral testimony will be limited to three minutes. Here's a list of bills that lawmakers are considering in Annapolis: Development bonds: $150,000  $500,000  $130,000 $150,000  $30,000 for development and/or improvement Other legislation: Sponsored by Del. Warren Miller and Del. James Malone this bill would allow VFW Halls and Fire Departments to host a limited number of casino nights to raise money. Sponsored by Sen. James Robey, Del. Guy Guzzone and Del. Warren Miller, this bill would…

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Bobo Postpones Tonight's Legislative Town Meeting

Delegate cites important debate about same-sex marriage bill as the reason for the change.

Del. Liz Bobo has announced she is postponing her annual legislative town meeting, originally scheduled for tonight. The full House of Delegates will reconvene in Annapolis this evening at 5:30 p.m. to debate the Marriage Equality Bill. "As you may know, the vote count on this very important piece of legislation is very close," Bobo wrote in an email message to constituents. "We will most likely go well into the night, and every single vote will count." Bobo has rescheduled the annual legislative town meeting for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, at Kahler Hall in Harper's Choice. She apologized for the late notice, and thanked the Kahler Hall staff for their efforts on such short notice.

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Howard County Delegation Comes Together for 'Zaching'

The group in Annapolis struck a pose that has been dubbed "Zaching" in honor of Del. Liz Bobo's grandson, Zach Lederer.

Individuals and groups near and far have gotten in on the phenomenon known as "Zaching," in support of Ellicott City resident Zach Lederer as he battles brain cancer for the second time. A freshman at the University of Maryland, Lederer underwent surgery late last month. In what he jokingly called a "drugged up" state after surgery, Lederer struck a strongman pose from his hospital bed that was captured in a photograph. The pose has caught on and a website has been created for well-wishers to post their "Zaching" pictures for Lederer to enjoy. Elected officials, celebrities, journalists, sports teams, neighbors, friends and students have jumped on the "Zaching" bandwagon. Columbia Patch first reported the phenomenon, which has now been …

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Howard Delegates Push for More Liquor on Golf Courses

The Howard County Delegation's bill allows liquor sales from 6 a.m.–2 a.m. Currently, golf courses can sell alcohol from 11 a.m.–2 a.m. The bill will move to the General Assembly.

State Senators, Representatives Get to Work in Annapolis

The General Assembly reconvened Wednesday.

Nearly 200 state senators and delegates from across Maryland returned to Annapolis Wednesday to begin the state's 430th general assembly session. Gov. Martin O'Malley is toying with the idea of raising the state sales tax by 1 cent to 7 cents but will consult General Assembly leaders before deciding, he said during an interview with WEAA 88.9 Wednesday morning. Also on the table is the much talked about 15-cent increase to the gas tax. "We'll be rolling these proposals out over the next few days," said O'Malley, of the possible revenue-raising alternatives. Controversial same-sex marriage and wind-farming bills are also on the General Assembly's agenda this session.  See the Howard County's website for a complete list of legislation …

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O.P. Ditch

8:01 am on Friday, January 13, 2012

Taxed Enough Already... that's all I got to say.   more ›

Have Your Say: Howard County Delegation

The delegation will be in Ellicott City Tuesday evening.

Have something to say about gambling events at VFW Halls and Fire stations? Residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions  tonight when the Howard County Delegation of the Maryland General Assembly comes to Ellicott City for a public hearing. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Banneker Room at the George Howard Building. Residents can submit written testimony or testify in person at the hearing. Sign-up sheets will be available outside the Banneker room tonight.  Oral testimony will be limited to three minutes, and written submissions should be no longer than one page and include the name, address and a phone number or email address of the person submitting the testimony. Fifteen hard copies are required. Click here…

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