Gazette Picks up St Janes Story

Pasadena Catholic school deep in red ink (www.HometownGlenBurnie.com - The Maryland Gazette)



They may not be closing, but I have to wonder where the money to keep it operational will come from? In an economy such as this, raising tuition would likely cause many parents to make the painful decision to withdraw their children from the school. This story is far from over.

Information Wanted Armed Robbery

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at approximately 11:40 in the evening, a robbery occurred in the parking lot of the Arundel Mills Mall. The pictured suspect has been identified as being one of the two suspects involved in the robbery.


If any one has information on the incident or suspect please contact:

Detective Clifford Van Hoesen #1000
Anne Arundel County Police Department
Criminal Investigation Division
Robbery Unit
41 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Phone # 410-222-3469 or
Phone # 410-222-356

Stan Janor Declares Candidacy in 31st

Though he doesn't know whether he'll run for House of Delegates or the Maryland Senate, Stan Janor says he's definately going to be on the ballot. No doubt, Stan Janor is one of the hardest working and focused politicos living in this area. Over the last several years, Stan has devoted countless hours and resources trying to get others elected to office. Now, he intends to try himself.

Over the last two election cycles, Stan has campaigned especially hard for more moderate candidates such as Tom Fleckenstein, Walt Shandrowsky and Congressman Frank Kratovil. Going forward, committing to that ideology himself will be pivotal to a successful run in District 31.

Stan has cited the recent national Democratic tilt as part of his reasoning for seeking office. Make no mistake, while President Obama has relatively impressive numbers nationally, it's doubtful he could muster 30% of the vote in District 31. In other words, the cards are stacked against Democrats in this district. Therefore, any prospective candidate needs to demonstrate their independence from party leadership.

Like I said, Stan seems to understand the rules of this game. I expect him to emerge as a formidable opponent for at least one of the incumbents.

Leopold Appointee Resigns

The No BS Zone has learned that Robin Harting, a political appointee of John Leopold, has resigned has head of the Department of Detention Facilities. This news comes one day after separate female political appointees came forward in support of the embattled County Executive. As of now, I have no credible information regarding reasoning or what path Ms. Harting may pursue. All I can say is a reliable source confirmed this story about 10 minutes ago.

St. Jane Frances School To Close?

It's a story that, if it comes to fruition, will send shock waves throughout the entire community. Evidentially, the brass at St. Jane Frances in Rivera Beach has informed Anne Arundel County Schools to prepare for a potential influx of students beginning in the 2009-2010 school year.

St. Jane Frances School, which was established in 1948, could become a causality as the Catholic parish continues to struggle through it's financial woes. Within the past year, Father John Cunningham was re-assigned amid allegations of financial mismanagement. Ever since, the Archdiocese has designated Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski to oversee daily operations. Recently, there have been rumors floated that school employees have failed to receive paychecks.

I would really hate to see St. Jane's close. In many ways, it's a landmark in the Pasadena area. In fact, the local soccer organization has long adopted the church's name as it's own. Sure, St. Philip Neri, Arthur Slade and St. Johns-Severna Park remain viable local options for a Catholic education. Still, that wouldn't ease the sting of losing an icon like St. Jane's.

Obviously, I'll monitor this story closely. It'll be interesting to see how it ultimately unfolds. Stay tuned.

Leopold Should Resign

In 2006, when Anne Arundel Republicans angrily took to the polls and allowed others to fill out their absentees, it's doubtful they envisioned this scenario. Really, this crew was so ignorant in their hate of the Democratic party that they ignored the disturbing tendencies of one of their own.

Despite the delusions of the local GOP, John Leopold could never be mistaken as a fiscal conservative. In fact, during his days as a Maryland delegate, he owned one of the most liberal records among those in the minority party. Likewise, he earned the reputation as someone who loved younger woman.

Leopold's womanizing got publicly exposed back in January after his encounter with a married woman in the parking lot of Annapolis mall. After an embarrassing scandal such as this, most reasonable politicians would have laid low. Instead, Leopold has put himself in a sticky situation once again.

Now, I realize allegations should be fully investigated before people accept them as factual. Still, we have been hearing similar accounts since Leopold's days as a legislator. Eventually, we have to concede there's a disturbing trend. Most politicians go through their entire career without having to defend these types of charges. How come Leopold constantly gets implicated in these situations?

Certain hypocrites will argue Leopold's status as a single man makes this a non-issue. I disagree. It's embarrassing to have our County Executive acting like Bill Clinton. Also, should one of these woman sue because of his unwanted advances, it'll be a huge payout courtesy of taxpayers. I wonder what the Republican party would say about that?

To that end, John Leopold should resign. It's time to put someone in this seat who won't make a mockery of the position. Although I have some differences with Ed Middlebrooks, at least he conducts himself in an honorable manner. In these tough economic times, Anne Arundel County residents of all political stripes deserve better. Hopefully, the calls will come from both sides.