Governor Martin O'Malley's "O' Say Can You See" Political Action Committee is raking in the dough. Some Baltimore lawmakers are calling for the state to compensate the city for errors in the historic-property tax credit program. A group of Ocean City residents is taking the town’s new parking meters to the ballot box. Plus: a legal action over Baltimore sewage overflows, summer heat-related deaths, Baltimore public pools to stay open an extra three weeks, Cohen runs for second term as Annapolis mayor, and more.
Fundraising By O’Malley’s PAC: Governor Martin O'Malley's "O' Say Can You See" Political Action Committee is raking in the dough; the Baltimore Sun reportsthat the PAC raised just under $480-thousand in the first half of this year. That includes some $164-thousand that can be spent on federal candidates, and some $315-thousand that can be spent on non-federal races, like gubernatorial campaigns and local legislative matches. O'Malley formed the PAC last year, fueling speculation he was eyeing federal office, possibly the White House. The PAC would help him raise money if he decides to run for president in 2016. There’s more here from the Washington Post.
Baltimore’s Historic-Property Tax Credits: Some Baltimore lawmakers are calling for the state to compensate the city for errors in the historic-property tax credit program. City Councilman Bill Henry tells the Baltimore Sun that it's unfair for city homeowners to have to pay more after the state originally set lower rates. Around 300 Baltimore homeowners are seeing significant increases in their tax bills after they received excessive credits for renovations to historic homes. Until last year, says Henry, those credits were calculated by a state agency – not the homeowners themselves or the city.
OC Parking Meters: A group of Ocean City residents is taking the town’s new parking meters to the ballot box. A petition filed earlier this week would allow Ocean City voters to decide whether the town’s new parking meters will be allowed to keep working; the meters will be temporarily shut down once the petition’s signatures are verified, assuming that enough of them are valid. The Daily Times reports that a vote could be held in this November’s municipal election – but the Town Council could also schedule a special election earlier. If the meters are covered up, Ocean City will lose a significant revenue stream; officials had budgeted the devices to bring in more than $115-thousand in the current fiscal year.
Cohen Runs For Second Term As Annapolis Mayor: Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen is running for a second term. The Capital Gazette reports that Cohen filed his candidacy paperwork yesterday… with the filing deadline less than a week away, he’s the only Democrat in the race. Two Republicans are vying for the Annapolis Mayoral nomination – Bob O’Shea and Mike Pantelides. Annapolis holds its primary election on September 17th.
Baltimore Sued Over Sewage Overflows: The group Blue Water Baltimore is taking the city to federal court. The environmental advocates say the city isn't following a 2002 agreement to reduce sewage outflows; they say the city is contaminating water and risking public health. The city’s Department of Public Works tells the Baltimore Sun that the city is following the agreement and meeting its obligations.
Baltimore DPW Says “Don’t Dump Household Waste In Street Trash Cans”: Baltimore Public Works officials are reminding city residents that street trash cans are for litter only, and should not be used to get rid of household or business waste. In fact, it’s illegal to dump your household waste in them – doing so can result in a fine of $500. The DPW is launching a new campaign to enforce that law, and to raise awareness of it. Officials say they’ll be putting up signs along major corridors, and on trash cans that are being used improperly.
New Director For AA DPW: Anne Arundel County’s Department of Public Works now has a permanent director. Yesterday, County Executive Laura Neuman appointed Christopher Phipps to the post; he’s been acting director of the Department since the beginning of July, when its previous director stepped down. The Capital Gazette reportsthat Phipps will earn 150-thousand dollars a year; Anne Arundel’s Department of Public Works is responsible for roads, trash, water, and utilities.
Heat-Related Deaths In MD Down: The number of Maryland heat related deaths is significantly lower this summer than last. The Baltimore Sun reports that six Marylanders died in July from heat related illnesses, and only 12 have died so far this year. That's a substantial reduction from last summer, when 46 people died because of the heat, with all but five of them taking place in July.
Charles County Speed Cameras Shut Down: Lead-footed motorists in Charles County no longer have to worry about having their picture snapped, since the jurisdiction’s three automated speed cameras have been (temporarily) shut down. The Charles County Sheriff's office tells somdnews.com that one of the cameras may not have been placed correctly in relation to a school zone sign. A review is underway; it’s unclear if any tickets will be forgiven or any money refunded. It’s also unclear when Charles County’s speed cameras will go back online. Earlier this week, officials in the Prince George’s County city of Greenbelt announced that they were refunding hundreds of speed camera tickets, due to improper calibration of the devices.
Baltimore Pools To Stay Open Until Labor Day: Baltimoreans will be getting an extra three weeks to enjoy the city’s public swimming pools this year. The city’s Department of Recreation and Parks announced yesterday that it’s going to keep the pools open until Labor Day. Officials tell the Baltimore Sun that city pools have seen about 20-thousand more people use them so far this summer, than in the entirety of last year.
Pratt Street Closed Tonight: A major thoroughfare past Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will be shut down tonight. City officials plan to close Pratt Street will be closed from 11pm until 5 o’clock tomorrow morning between Calvert and President streets. Crews are closing the street so they can remove a pedestrian bridge. Detour signs will direct drivers onto Baltimore Street.
Ravens Training Camp: With training camp in full swing, the Ravens begin their defense of last year’s Super Bowl with new faces – and with questions about which player will led them. WYPR’s Milton Kent has our story.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles lost yesterday’s game against the Houston Astros; the score was 11 to zero. The teams wrap up their series tonight at Camden Yards; the game starts at 7:05pm.