Anne Arundel County Delegate Don Dwyer was sentenced to 30 days in jail on a drunken boating charge, but is appealing the sentence. The Harford County Council has passed a resolution critical of the gun legislation set to be signed into law tomorrow. We analyze the crowded field for the 2014 Republican Gubernatorial nomination. Plus: the latest on the corruption case at the Baltimore City Detention Center, higher docking fees at the Inner Harbor, a lower voting age in Takoma Park, Preakness prep, the Ravens' Super Bowl rings, and more.
Dwyer Appeals Sentence: Anne Arundel County Delegate Don Dwyer is appealing the jail sentence handed down in his drunken boating case. Dwyer pled guilty yesterday to operating a vessel while under the influence; the Washington Post reports the plea was part of a deal with prosecutors in which they dropped four other charges facing him and called for no jail time. But the judge went beyond their recommendations, sentencing Dwyer to 30 days in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center, and fining him 1-thousand dollars. Dwyer will remain free pending the appeal;the Baltimore Sun says that when the case goes to Circuit Court, all five of the original charges will be considered.
Harford County Lawmakers Criticize Gun Bill: The Harford County Council is the latest legislative body to critize the gun safety bill set to be signed into law tomorrow by Governor Martin O'Malley. The measure bans the sale of certain weapons, and requires that handgun buyers submit their fingerprints to state police.Yesterday, the Harford County Council voted 6 to 1 to approve a resolution criticizing the bill, and recommending that county government analyze it further to ensure that it doesn't violate citizen rights; the Baltimore Sun notes that the Cecil County Council has recently passed a similar resolution.
The GOP's 2014 Gubernatorial Candidates: WYPR's Fraser Smith and Alexander Pyles of the Daily Record talk about the field of candidates for the GOP nomination for governor in 2014, and how that race may indicate the ideological cast of Maryland Republicans. It's today's edition of Inside Maryland Politics.
Prison Corruption Case: An attorney for a reputed leader of the Black Guerilla Family prison gang is complaining about his new living arrangements at a state prison in Cumberland; the Baltimore Sun says he's asking for his client to be moved out of state. Prosecutors say Tavon White was at the center of a smuggling ring at the Baltimore City Detention Center; White and 24 others have been indicted in relation to the case. More here from the Daily Record.
MD Film Incentives: Governor O'Malley talked up the economic benefits of filmmaking in Maryland yesterday, when he visited the Harford County set of the Netflix series House of Cards. O'Malley says the series employs around two-thousand Marylanders. The Baltimore Sun notes that Maryland offers a film production tax credit.
Charter School Applications: The Baltimore City School Board has recieved proposals for seven new charter schools. The Baltimore Sun reports that the applications will get a public hearing on June 4th, with a vote a week later on June 11th.
Inner Harbor Docking Fees: Baltimore's Board of Estimates approved has approved higher docking fees for boats at the Inner Harbor;the Baltimore Sun reports that the new fees could raise about $35-thousand a year.
Lower Voting Age In Takoma Park: The Montgomery County city of Takoma Park has lowered its voting age. Earlier this week, the City Council approved a charter amendment that will allow 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to take part in elections. The Gazette reports that the move makes Takoma Park the first city in the United States to lower its voting age.
O'Malley Doesn't Place In New Hampshire Presidential Poll: A new poll on the 2016 presidential race doesn't contain good news for Governor Martin O'Malley, who says he's considering a bid. The New England College survey of people who could cast votes in the New Hampshire presidential primary saw no support for O'Malley --the Timonium Patch reports that he got zero percent of the vote. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dominated, with support of 65 percent of those polled.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles fell 3 to 2 to the San Diego Padres in yesterday's game. The O's look to turn it around when the two teams play again this afternoon; first pitch is scheduled for 12:35pm, at Camden Yards.
Preakness Preparations: There are just three more days until the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. The post-position draw for the Preakness Stakes takes place today at Pimlico Race Course, where gate assignments and morning-line odds will be established for Saturday's field. Kentucky Derby winner Orb will likely be the favorite.
Ravens' Super Bowl Rings: The Ravens will receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony next month.According to the Baltimore Sun, players and coaches will be honored on June 7th.