Obama ticketed 17 times by Cambridge PD

Last week, Barack Obama foolishly weighed in on the justifiable arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. He said that the Cambridge Police Department, specifically Sgt. James Crowley, "acted stupidly" in arresting the professor. In turn, the President went a step further by saying "separate and apart from this incident – is that there is a long history in this country of African-Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately, and that's just a fact." Within 24 hours, Obama had to backtrack but he stopped short of a needed apology. Perhaps, the Commander in Chief had a bigger ax to grind.

According to the Somerville Times in 2007, then-Harvard Law School student Barack Obama got 17 parking tickets from the Cambridge Police Department from 1989-1991. Conveniently, these citations remained unpaid until weeks before Obama announced his bid for presidency.

Armed with this factoid, it seems to me that Obama should be praising the Cambridge Police Department rather than lecturing them. In reality, the department should have impounded or booted his car after the due date for the first ticket elapsed. Instead, they allowed Obama to make a mockery of their parking regulations.

Going forward, I am sure Obama wishes he hadn't interjected his feelings in this case. Or maybe he's been waiting almost 20 years to take that pot shot back at those that tried to make him follow the rules.

Another Outsider Weighs In On District 1

This weekend, Brian Baker of Glen Burnie wrote a letter to the Maryland Gazette whining about Congressman Kratovil's "yes" vote on Cap and Trade. Now, before I venture any further, let me go on the record as saying I would not have voted in the affirmative on this issue. In turn, I am a bit disappointed and a little shocked that Frank Kratovil threw his support behind such lousy legislation. That being said, let's get back to Mr. Baker's rant.

First and foremost, I cannot think of a single District 1 precinct located in Glen Burnie. In fact, the only place Congressional District 1 overlaps with Legislative District 32 is in a small faction of Severn. Thus, why does Brian Baker really care how my Congressman casts his votes?

Secondly, Mr. Baker tries to get slick by reminding readers to remember Wayne Gilchrest. I assume he means the same Wayne Gilchrest that got 2/3 of the vote the last time he appeared on a general election ballot. Recall, it's not District 1 as a whole that rejected Wayne Gilchrest. Instead, a bloc of extremists and an influx outside money caused a split in the Republican vote. As a result, the GOP ended up with the worst Congressional candidate ever seen in these parts.

No doubt, Brian Baker probably devoted a lot of thought and energy to ensuring Wayne Gilchrest no longer represented this area. Even more likely is the fact Mr. Baker would've supported someone like Andy Harris for Congress. To that, I ask that he and all other outsiders coax Harris into moving to someplace like Glen Burnie. Perhaps together they can all share delusions that he'll beat Dutch Ruppersberger or John Sarbanes.

As for us, the majority of voters have long endorsed the politics of Wayne Gilchrest. And, I am sure these same people admire the independence that Kratovil often shows on many issues, Cap and Trade not withstanding.

Beware of the Chosen Ones

It happens every election cycle. Good candidates shy away from races because party elites tell them it's not their "turn". In reality, what do the opinion of party bosses really matter? While they may have decided who should represent the electorate as a whole, that doesn't mean the 99.8% of other voters have to rubber stamp their endorsement.

Take Derek Fink for example. He's the flavor of the day in the Republican party. Never mind he's not really known outside close political circles. Still, he's the reason some have been told to stay away from the Council race in the third district. While Mr. Fink may be a nice guy, that doesn't automatically elevate him to most electable. In fact, I am sure most voters have absolutely no idea who I am even talking about.

Think about it. If the opinion of party brokers truly mattered, Mike Jacobs would have ran away with the District 31 Senate primary back in 2006. Every notable Republican stood behind him. Likewise, his old man relentlessly hounded people for sign locations. In the end, Jacobs finished 3rd in the primary.

Sure, I am ready to know the match ups for 2010. That being said, the primary election won't take place for another 14 months. In the end, the voters will once again have the final say.

Tall Oaks Restaurant to Re-Open

Over the winter, Pasadena temporarily lost a landmark with the closing of Tall Oaks Restaurant. For me, there was nothing like ordering a cup of crab soup and a fish sandwich from the same friendly faces that worked there for decades. Better yet, the ambiance in the restaurant could never be matched. From the wood paneling to old iron heaters, something about Tall Oaks reminded me of a more innocent era.

This past week, I decided to drive past the old building on Colony Rd. On the door, a sign announced they would be re-opening "soon" after a face lift. For me, that's equivalent to Christmas in July. Really though, I hope there's not too much of a remodeling job taking place. Otherwise, it just won't be Tall Oaks.

For those dying to know who I am, I'll give you a hint. You're likely to see me enjoying a meal at my favorite restaurant again sometime "soon". I cannot wait.

Do Democrats Have Their Man in Council District 3?

In 2006, the Democratic party conceded three council seats to the Republicans. In other words, they didn't even bother to produce a candidate in almost 50% of the council races. This inexcusable debacle led to a Republican, albeit left leaning, County Council. Looking ahead to 2010, it appears District 3 will have an impressive man vying to be our next Councilperson.

According to multiple independent sources, Charles Parks has been informing supporters that he will likely seek this seat. Mr. Parks is a lifelong Pasadena resident with ties to the all-important Mountain Rd Peninsula. He's a retired Deputy Fire Chief for Anne Arundel County. Currently, he serves as Head Girls Varsity Soccer Coach at Northeast High School. Prior to that, he spent time coaching JV soccer at Chesapeake High.

No doubt, Mr. Parks brings the leadership and community ties soaring lacking in many local candidates. If he ultimately decides to officially announce his candidacy, I expect he'll pick up pockets of support that many Dems couldn't normally muster in this area.

Jeremiah Chiappelli First To File in District 31

Gentlemen, start your engines. The 2010 election cycle has officially kicked off. Perspective candidates may now begin filing with the Maryland Board of Elections. To date, one person has taken the plunge in the conservative leaning District 31. Pasadena attorney Jeremiah Chiappelli has filed to run for the House of Delegates.

To date, I cannot find a political website for Mr. Chiappelli. His law firm page touts his position as Secretary with the Anne Arundel County Bar Association Family Law Section. Likewise, he notes his membership in the Pasadena Business Association.

Ultimately, we'll need to hear how he plans to appeal to stubborn voters along the Mountain Road corridor. As I've mentioned before, District 31 isn't friendly territory for Democrats. Still, anyone sensible enough to start early will increase their odds in the long run. I look forward to hearing and reporting more.

Tipsy Taxi Service Offered For Holiday

Tipsy Taxi Offered For Holiday - WBAL Radio

This weekend, anyone in a restaurant or bar in Baltimore City can call 1-877-963-TAXI (8294) to get a free taxi ride home.

The taxi service will run from 8 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday, and then again from 4 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Sunday.

The ride is free as long as the fare is $50 or less. Party goers are responsible for paying any portion of the fare over $50.

Anyone Using the service also must be at least 21 years of age.

Be safe and remember, there's no reason to drink and drive!

Best Ways To Avoid Maryland's EZ Pass Fee

A while back, I chronicled how to avoid Maryland's ridiculous $1.50 EZ Pass fee. With the charge now a reality, I want to remind people that there are options other than sucking it up or canceling your account altogether. Unfortunately, anyone on a reduced fare commuter plan through the Maryland Department of Transportation will likely have to absorb the cost. In the long run, reduced toll fares justify paying the fee. Now, for the majority of us that merely use EZ Pass for convenience, other options exist.

Media outlets have been touting Delaware and Virgina EZ Pass since they don't levy account maintenance fees. Still, these jurisdictions charge some time of deposit to obtain a transponder. Therefore, the deal isn't as good as advertised. Personally, I found two better options. Both of which allow motorists to utilize EZ pass lanes up and down the East Coast.

Bar none, the best deal lies can be found through the Peace Bridge in New York. There's no charge for a transponder. Likewise, there's no maintenance fees. To get this deal, customers only need to maintain automatic replenishment through a credit card.

Closer to home, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has a $3.00 annual fee, but they'll waive the transponder fee for those customers willing to automatically replenish their account through a credit card.

I have an account with Pennsylvania mainly because I wasn't clued into the Peace Bridge option until later. Either way, both provide better alternatives than paying Martin O'Malley $1.50 a month for nothing.