Tax And Budget

Maryland drivers pay an added $425 in vehicle costs because of rough roads, compared with the national average of $335, according to a report being released today by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. The report examines how states spend federal money for maintenance of aging highways and bridges. Although Maryland has a history of major road construction, the report praises the state for devoting money to repairs before new construction. "Maryland inherits some really bad projects in this respect, but it has gotten better over the years," said Phineas Baxandall, senior analyst for tax and budget policy for U.S. PIRG and an author of the report.

More than 600 city workers - including 120 police officers - would lose their jobs under a stark budget scenario presented Wednesday by Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake's administration. Seven fire companies would close, 90 firefighters would be let go and more than half of the city's recreation centers would be shuttered under the preliminary plan, which would cut key services to close a $121 million shortfall in the city's $2.2 billion budget. The locations of the rec centers, pools and fire companies that would close were not available Wednesday.

The wolf has now shed his sheep's clothing. Keeping with traditional politics, Gov. O'Malley has proposed his mid-term huge tax increase package as part of his 2012 budget. It is unconscionable that the governor would propose such an array of significant tax increases during this period of unprecedented economic turmoil that has negatively affected so many Marylanders. From limiting income tax deductions at income levels far lower than President Obama is proposing, to doubling the "flush tax," to adding a 6 percent tax to every gallon of gasoline, as just a few examples, the governor seems really committed to making Maryland Number One!

From: Michael KauzlarichEdgewoodMy hat is off to the Edgewood Recreation Council for finally breaking its long silence on the cheerleading problem and answering some of its critics. What at first appeared to be a rigid recreation council board of directors turned out to be a rather tolerant board of directors dealing with an unyielding group of "ex-employees."After attending some of the Edgewood Recreation Council's public meetings, Iam convinced that the council has been more than fair.The ladiesinvolved had their cases appealed at three levels within the council, plus numerous public council meetings.

Perhaps it was the expectations raised by his far more eloquent appearances at earlier conventions, or maybe it was the modest ambitions he embraced, or that he labored in the shadow of Bill Clinton's rousing defense of his administration, but even the most hard-core Democrat would have to concede that President Barack Obama's acceptance speech to his party's national convention was neither especially memorable nor ambitious. If the message of the Republican National Convention can be distilled to, as Mr. Clinton memorably described it, "we left him a total mess, he hasn't cleaned it up fast enough, so fire him and put us back in," then perhaps the Democratic National Convention might be boiled down to "we're doing the best we can with this mess so be patient, and, oh, by the way, that other guy would be a lot worse.

Neall invited to discuss arts pavilionThe Glen Burnie Improvement Association decided Tuesday night to invite County Executive Robert Neall to a special meeting in January to discuss a performing arts pavilion and related county Superblock plans.GBIA members are upset by the county's decision to put the temporary pavilion for the town center area on hold.County planners are reviewing the design an advisory committee had proposed for the pavilion in June. But the Neall administration is reconsidering it, as well as other potential expenditures elsewhere in the county, in light of the tax cap and budget crunch, and expects to make a decision around Jan. 1.Community leaders hoped the approximately $90,000 pavilion would draw people downtown.

THE NATION'S mayors gathered in Washington this week for their annual conference, where homeland security, tax reform and budget cuts topped the agenda. No less urgent, though, were sessions on poverty and hunger - topics big-city, suburban and rural mayors have become well acquainted with as unemployed parents and low-wage workers increasingly turn to local governments and charities for help feeding their children, paying heat and medical bills, even holding on to their homes. A recent survey of 27 major American cities by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found requests for emergency food assistance by families with children rose 13 percent in 2004, and 12 percent for the elderly.

The future of a performing arts pavilion that Glen Burnie planned to dedicate during next year's Memorial Day festivities may be in jeopardy.The $90,000 pavilion, a temporary structure slated for the Superblock, was included in the county's current budget. Community leaders hoped the structure would draw people to downtown Glen Burnie and make the Superblock more attractive while the 5.6-acre tract on Ritchie Highway awaits redevelopment.But now, in light of a tax cap and budget cuts, the project is being reconsidered.

Editor: I think most would agree Harford County Executive David Craig's decision to give a bonus to Harford County teachers is most appropriate and deserved.  What raises concern, however, is whether Mr. Craig has the authority to use public funds in such a manner? We as Harford county tax payers paid more tax than was necessary to fund the county's budget which resulted in a tax surplus. Can the county executive utilize that surplus of public funds to give bonuses to his county employees?

WEATHER: Sunny, high near 48 . Tonight is expected to be clear, low around 38. TRAFFIC: Check our traffic updates for this morning's issues. TOP NEWS City issued speed camera ticket to motionless car : T he Baltimore City speed camera ticket alleged that the four-door Mazda wagon was going 38 miles per hour in a 25-mph zone. But the Mazda wasn't speeding - it wasn't even moving.