Recent News about Prince George's County (8 & 9 Apr 2009)

Note: Updates may be intermittent and incomplete until about April 28.

• RT @TeamRonMiller: New blog post: http://tinyurl.com/c4cdbl - Why I Am Running - Ron's announcement for Maryland Senate 
• GAZETTE: State strength; Lawmakers' disapproval of school board move may be going too far (Editorial) http://tinyurl.com/d329ak 
• GAZETTE: More Bland blunders; Council chairwoman's poor behavior is no surprise, but cannot continue (Editorial) http://tinyurl.com/cx4x8y 
• GAZETTE: Build a stadium and they might come — or not (Letter from Arthur Garroway) http://tinyurl.com/c3vdff 
• GAZETTE: Blog seeks to link parents with schools, each other; Parental engagement site launched (King) http://tinyurl.com/d9j493 
• GAZETTE: Socking it to taxpayers (Letter from Jacques Chevalier) http://tinyurl.com/dgv48h 
• GAZETTE: Come clean on new stadium bill (Letter from Judy Robinson) http://tinyurl.com/c4bkph 
• GAZETTE: Stadium is an opportunity to score one for transit-oriented development (letter from MNCPPC chairman) http://tinyurl.com/cw4x72 
• GAZETTE: Protesters seek removal of county leaders; chastised for DC United effort, delayed actions (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/ccsnxe 
• GAZETTE: Layoffs are inevitable, county official says; state aid not enough to cancel all job cuts (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/d96jhp 
• GAZETTE: Logging in to the line of duty; PG police to communicate via social networks [within 30 days] (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/cyayv2 
• GAZETTE: Commercial robberies up, homicides down so far in 2009 (Holzheimer) http://tinyurl.com/d2w8ld 
• GAZETTE: Residents raise taxicab complaints; Riders say some cabs are passing over low-paying customers (McGill) http://tinyurl.com/d76pdp 
• GAZETTE: Dep. remains on leave after .. March shooting; 3year vet fired weapon, left Temple Hills scene (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/cfvles 
• GAZETTE: Upper Marlboro company charged with discrimination .. Accurate Insulation ..(Holzheimer) http://tinyurl.com/d95yp4 
• GAZETTE: Laurel library booked for a new location .. current building, moving .. being considered (Hartmann) http://tinyurl.com/ck9qj3 
• GAZETTE: Camp Springs res. petition for BRAC infrastructure money; Part of comm. removed fm funded zone (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/dgm9p4 
• GAZETTE: Families of homicide victims wait for answers; PG police working 24 hours a day to solve cases (Skalski) http://tinyurl.com/cqpd58 
• GAZETTE: Riders, city officials oppose cuts to Metrobus service [B27, B29,B31,C7,C9,C12,C14,R3,W15] (Noble) http://tinyurl.com/c4jlv2 
• POST: Senate Weighs Bill to Limit Pr. George's Spending on School Headquarters [& BOE health benefits] (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/d3y6jf 
• State Legislators Help Jack slide Tax Increase in at Last Second - Tell Your Friends (Eri Maren) http://tinyurl.com/cchpda 
• POST: Dad's Grief, Detective's Instinct; DC Officer Walks Fine Line as PG Police Investigate His Son's Killing http://tinyurl.com/cq48u9 
• POST: Libraries Get Quicker, Smarter Cataloguing; Patrons Can Track What They Have Borrowed .. (Cauvin) http://tinyurl.com/d2tc6r 
• POST: Johnson Sees County's Glass As Half-Full (Wiggins) http://tinyurl.com/d84ka2 
• POST: 4 Area Boys and Girls Clubs to Close [Incl Northwestern High School Branch Hyattsville] (Greenwell & Harris) http://tinyurl.com/dxbuw3 

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(Posted 9 Apr 2009)

POST: Lawmaker: No Council Vote, No D.C. United Bill

(Helderman) http://snipurl.com/f0va9

Maryland Moment

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2009/04/no_council_vote_no_dc_united_b.html 

The chairman of the key committee considering the D.C. United stadium study bill said today that the Prince George's County Council's failure to take a final position on the item yesterday "jeopardizes the fate of the bill for this session."

Chairman of House Appropriations Norman H. Conway (D-Wicomico) noted that Council Chairwoman Marilynn Bland had indicated to him over the weekend that the council would take up issue. A majority of the council voted preliminarily last week to oppose the bill but Bland had told Conway she was hopeful the council would change its position.

But Bland recessed a meeting yesterday without holding the vote (read more in Ovetta Wiggins' item below.) Without that vote, Conway said he will not move forward with the bill. Though the bill got initial support from his committee on Monday, its staff had discovered an amendment to the bill made it unconstitutional so the committee must vote anew before it can proceed.

"We do not have a letter from the County Council," Conway said. "At this point, the bill will not go anywhere."

Bill sponsor Del. Melony G. Griffith (D-Prince George's) said she still hopes the council will take up the issue in coming days. She said she hopes citizens will convince the council they want to let the state fund a study to see if the stadium could bring economic development to the county.

"They say in the legislature, a day is like 1,000 years and 1,000 years is like a day," she said. "If that letter comes on the final day of the session, I will works as hard as I can to make sure Prince George's gets this information."

GAZETTE: Bland avoids vote on soccer stadium

(Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/caen9q

Comment:  I strongly criticized the council for electing Ms. Bland as chair (9 Dec 2008) and vice chair (5 Dec 2007).  Some council members were offended by my criticism.  If her antics embarrass the county, the council members who voted for her and the people who elected them have nobody to blame but themselves.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/03312009/prinnew171849_32480.shtml

Bland avoids vote on soccer stadium; More than a dozen residents outraged after 10-minute meeting without vote

Gazette, 31 Mar 2009 (Valentine).

Prince George's County Council members were unable to vote on legislation to study the impact of building a new 24,000-seat Major League Soccer stadium in Landover for the D.C. United team after Council Chairwoman Marilynn M. Bland (D-Dist.9) of Clinton refused to call a vote Tuesday and called a recess before residents had a chance to speak.

Bland (D-Dist. 9) of Clinton adjourned the meeting about 10 minutes after it started.
* * *
More than a dozen residents who had signed up to speak against the stadium were left without a chance to speak to the council when the brief meeting ended.

"This is ridiculous," yelled Ruth Wright, a community activist who said she was disgusted by Bland's departure. "If we're going to sit here and be treated like this, they have lost their mind."

Other residents expressed disbelief at Bland's departure.

"Why would she not have the courtesy to say, 'I know why you're here?'" asked Elizabeth Rivera of Fort Washington. "Her behavior today is really unacceptable. To get up and walk out while we're all sitting here? It's just rude."

Joseph Kitchen of Landover said the abrupt end to the meeting raises concerns about county leaders.

"Dirty tricks like this make me know something here isn't right," he said.
* * *
The meeting does little to help the county's reputation in the state, noted Mitchellville resident Brian Austin.

"I'm embarrassed for my county," he said.

[Full article ] 

WTOP: Md. panel advances D.C. United stadium study bill

(Miller, AP) http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1636595

"The bill has also been amended to permit the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to buy land from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to build the stadium, a mixed-use development and an agency headquarters on the site off Garrett Morgan Boulevard."

Recent News about Prince George's County (29 Mar 2009)

• POST: [Bill would approve more delays in resolving hospital issue] (Wagner & Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/djbd6w (next to last pararaph) 
• POST: Pr. George's School Board Shakes Its Freshman Slump (Hernandez) http://tinyurl.com/c93ktl 
• POST: Violence, Vacancies Trouble Md. Mall; Boulevard Struggles With Image Issues [quotes Arthur Turner] (Wiggins) http://tinyurl.com/c6cbwl 
• Talking Stuff: The Boulevard at the Capital Centre (ladyrayne) http://tinyurl.com/dyrhme 
• PG_Discussion Re: Fwd: from Melony Griffith - She is not telling truth on Hb1282: (J. Robinson). http://tinyurl.com/damqup
  
• PG-Politics Fw: Creating a Jubilee County: Prince George's Co., MD - Testing new: (J. Dowling). http://tinyurl.com/dexunu 
• RT @marylandmoment: Trying to Catch License Fraud in MD: Rein and Aizenman reported this morning on MD's probl.. http://tinyurl.com/cb698x 

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(Posted 29 Mar 2009)

POST: Del. Michael Vaughn supports stadium

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402864.html

"Del. Michael Vaughn (D-Prince George's), a stadium proponent, said ..."

POST: D.C. United Bill Details Unveiled (Helderman)

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2009/03/dc_united_study_bill.html?wprss=annapolis

Del. Melony G. Griffith (D-Prince George's) has begun circulating an amended version of her D.C. United bill, hoping to persuade doubters that her proposal will not commit Prince George's County or the state to building a new soccer stadium in the county but merely allow the idea to be studied.

[* * *]

"This is not a shovel in the ground legislation," she said. "It's a gathering of the best information piece of legislation."

Recent News about Prince George's County (24 Mar 2009)

• WJLA: Keith Washington Back on Trial in Civil Suit Over Shooting http://tinyurl.com/cgp67k 
• Prince Georgian: PG County & the Crain Corner Strip Mall ["a gross violation of the general plan"] (J.P. Thompson) http://tinyurl.com/dgc3vb 
• POST: High Rate of STDs Persists in Pr. George's County [AIDS, HIV - syphilis rate nearly doubled] (Wiggins) http://tinyurl.com/dhg9bk 
• GAZETTE: PG Council votes [5-0] against stadium plan .. cost, consultation cited in opposition (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/dawwvw 
• RT @wusa9: Metro Ranks Stations On Safety : Three Maryland [PG] Stations Have More Crime Than DC http://tinyurl.com/cntjkf about 2 hours ago
• POST: D.C. United Bill Details Unveiled (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/csrsvo 
• GAZETTE: The long arm (and eye) of Greenbelt's law [Big Brother is watching you in Greenbelt] (Attebury) http://tinyurl.com/cuxgza 
• GAZETTE: Accokeek retail center draws support, criticism; Prop. development stalls awaiting zoning change (Garner) http://tinyurl.com/ccxoas 
• Profits before People! WORST Than the 'Homestead' Bill 2raise taxes, BIG Profits before People! (1Voice4Many) http://tinyurl.com/cr9saw 
• POST: Police Seek Clues in Death Of Newborn Found in Lake (Zapotosky & Davis) http://tinyurl.com/c5khgg 
• POST: PG Council May Consider 'Buy American' Proposal [Sponsor: Eric Olson] (Wiggins) http://tinyurl.com/c5khgg 
• POST: Misfire in MD; Arming abuse victims is wrong way to curb domestic violence. [mentions Sen. Muse] (Editorial) http://tinyurl.com/dj43vg a
• POST: 4 Women Dead, Countless Questions Unanswered in Largo; 'Everybody's a Person of Interest,' Police .. (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/ce9568 
• DIAMONDBACK: Body of infant girl found in lake a mile from campus (Rhodes) http://tinyurl.com/cm7a2y

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(Posted 24 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (19 Mar 2009)

• POST: Landowners Protest Plan to Rezone Southern Pr. George's (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/ctjm9v 
• POST: PGCC to Host Second Community Shred Day April 4 (Dickson) http://tinyurl.com/cdvjc3 
• POST: Prince George's Courthouse Renovation Completed after 2004 Fire (Castaneda) http://tinyurl.com/cauogu 
• POST: Nominee to Lead WSSC Was Target of Suit Board Members Say They Were Unaware of Racial Bias Case (Shaver) http://tinyurl.com/c68lay
RT @wusa9: Suburban DC Utility Nominee Was Target Of Suit : Records show the man nominated to head WSSC was the .. http://tinyurl.com/dxpase 
GAZETTE: Kettering res. remain unhappy with supermarket; Civic assn considers protests outside Safeway (Skalski) http://tinyurl.com/c8kv9a

Stadium

• Robert Fireovid: Risky business [soccer stadium] (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/cmw27f 
• Lynn Beiber: ‘Insensitive' actions [Soccer stadium, more] (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/cnmpzm 
GAZETTE Editorial: Seeking unity from United; Soccer team needs to show proof of fin. security, not just fan base http://tinyurl.com/cjovgk 
Mel Franklin: Don't kick residents out of soccer stadium decision (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/coktcp 
• GAZETTE: Residents, fans, square off on stadium; Johnson wants property near Morgan Metro for project (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/cl2vbd 26 minutes ago
• POST: Support For Stadium Goes Global (Wiggins & Hernandez) http://tinyurl.com/cf5nap
  

Taxes

• Ron Watson: Help schools by fixing the net taxable income formula (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/cmzrud 
• Sandra Roberts: Where did the money go? (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/c43oql 1
• Judy Robinson: Let intelligence triumph over county ‘deceitfulness' (letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/c3ewdg 18 minutes ago
• A Tale of Two Counties' (Budgets) http://tinyurl.com/dm9bap 

Gory Prince George's

• POLICE: Suspect Arrested in Domestic Related Homicide on Cypress Creek Drive http://tinyurl.com/c7s59t 
• POLICE: Update/Officers Identified in Holiday Liquors Bar and Restaraunt Shooting http://tinyurl.com/d3ua4u 
RT @postmetro: Police Task Force Pores Over Two Mother-Daughter Double Homicides in Largo: Inside PG County pol .. http://tinyurl.com/c8zbsd 
RT @NBC4Washington: PG County cops working nonstop to solve mother-daughter murders, car they were in was stolen: http://tinyurl.com/cvvaqc 

Schools

• GAZETTE: Teachers criticize response to attacks; Forestville faculty report 2 stud. assaults on staff (Holzheimer) http://tinyurl.com/curlfh 
• GAZETTE: Del. support health benefits for school board; Concerns raised about added expense during .. (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/cgokzw 
• GAZETTE: Students, parents concerned with online grade book; School board: problem to be fixed by April (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/dxpumw 
• Marcy Canavan: School board deserves health benefits (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/c3edjt 
• GAZETTE Editorial: A board with ben.; Despite unhealthy econ., school board should eventually get health care cov. http://tinyurl.com/c9m4lm 
• Ron Watson: Help schools by fixing the net taxable income formula (Letter to Gazette) http://tinyurl.com/cmzrud 

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(Posted 19 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (17 Mar 2009)

• RT @wtop: Fans to rally for Prince George's soccer stadium http://tinyurl.com/d4pvyx
  
• RT @ABC7News: D.C. United Fans to Rally : (http://clkurl.com/?tw604434)
  
• RT @wusa9: Rally For DC United Stadium : Fans of moving the D.C. United professional soccer team to PG County .. http://tinyurl.com/c7rdey
  
  
• RT @TeamRonMiller is writing book for grass-roots conservatives & will share the synopsis & Chapter 1 w/ you; email miller54jesus@gmail.com
  
• POST: Death Penalty Bill Faulty, Md. Attorney General Says: A legislative fiasco...with t.. http://tinyurl.com
  
• RT @MegMcKeever (Gazette) County's master plan revision could limit landowners, developers http://tinyurl.com/cukcgg 
• WJZ: 2 Missing Teens Are Found Safe - Both girls were located by officers in Prince George's County. http://tinyurl.com/c8m9ov 
• PG Police: Police Investigate Double Homicide on Webbwood Court http://tinyurl.com/cf9ma6 
• RT @wusa9: Two Bodies Found In Burning Car In Largo : Police not sure if related to double murder in neighborho.. http://tinyurl.com/cszuc6
  
  
• RT @PGFDPIO: Fire/EMS units on scene Holiday Liquors 3173 Branch Av Suitland - report of multiple shooting victims - scene not yet secure. 
• RT @PGFDPIO: Update from scene - Units still staging. No confirmation of casualties. Waiting for police EST to go into the establishment. 
• RT @ABC7News: Hostage Situation Ends in Gunfire : (http://clkurl.com/?tw604419) 
• RT @wusa9: Subject Killed In Shootout With Police .. investigating bizarre incident at a Temple Hills liquor st.. http://tinyurl.com/cklsst
  
• RT @myfoxdc: Gunman Who Fired At Officers Killed: Prince George's County Police have shot and killed a man aft.. http://tinyurl.com/d8c6y2 
• RT @postmetro: PG Police Shoot, Kill Man Outside Liquor Store : PG County police shot and killed a man e.. http://tinyurl.com/d7e4zz 

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(Posted 17 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (16 March 2009)

• RT @ABC7News: 9 Suitors in P.G. Hospital System : (http://clkurl.com/?tw604295) 
• RT @ABC7News: Md. Counties Face Major Layoffs : (http://clkurl.com/?tw604290) 
• RT @myfoxdc: Layoffs Loom in Prince George's Co. : Prince George's County employees have already had to endure.. http://tinyurl.com/cexnyo 
• GAZETTE: County budget includes 307 layoffs-more than half from public safety (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/co4xfj 
• EXAMINER: 9 parties interested in PG Hospital System http://tinyurl.com/czpjyv 
• 2 bodies found in burning vehicle block from Jan 26 dbl murder http://tinyurl.com/c2csmu http://tinyurl.com/dd8rjq http://tinyurl.com/cbzjzs 
• POST: Md. Murder Suspect [Sean Sykes, released by Judge El-Amin] Ordered Held on Drug Charge (Castaneda) http://tinyurl.com/cqfe9u 
• RT @ABC7News: Two Bodies Found in Burned Car : (http://clkurl.com/?tw604162) 
• POST Maryland Moment: Soccer Showdown Coming in Md. Legislature (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/cg4h5k 
• POST Soccer Insider: DC United organizing rally at MD State House tomorrow before hearings - car caravan from RFK http://tinyurl.com/d4pf2f 
• GAZETTE: Parents, teachers, students condemn school closure plan-lobby to keep under-enrolled schools (Holzheimer) http://tinyurl.com/cubzq9 
• POST: Software Tests Patience In PG Schools; SchoolMax Bugs Not Yet Worked Out - "plagued with errors" (Hernandez) http://tinyurl.com/cpcpt3 

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(Posted 16 Mar 2009)

Fwd: POST Maryland Moment: Soccer Showdown Coming in Md. Legislature

(Helderman)
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2009/03/soccer_showdown_coming.html?wprss=annapolis

POST Soccer Insider: DC United organizing rally at MD State House tomorrow before hearings - car caravan from RFK

the club has also arranged a bus to transport fans.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/03/monday_kickaround_9.html 

Recent News about Prince George's County (14 & 15 Mar 2009)

• PG_Discussion DC United Fans Trying to Overwhelm Delegation: BELOW IS THE MESSAGE DC UNITED IS SEND.. http://tinyurl.com/c85dr9 
• PG POLICE: Suspect Arrested in Homicide Resulting from Child Abuse http://tinyurl.com/ahqwsp
  
• Annapolis Capital: Guns, domestic violence clash [Quotes Del Niemann, Vallario] (Farrell) http://tinyurl.com/ca2fq9 
• POST: Pr. George's Youths and Police Team Up for Community Service Projects (Wan) http://tinyurl.com/cv3jqf 
• POST: Temple Hills Man Charged in Death of 2-Year-Old (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/cb8x38 
• POST: Md. Domestic Violence Bill Splits Female Lawmakers [Quotes Del. Levi & Ivey] (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/dld8lu 
• POST: Castigated Judge [El-Amin] Known as Fair, Faithful Man; PG Jurist Criticized for Freeing Murder Defendant - http://tinyurl.com/dytw5q 
• PG-Politics DC United soliciting fans to rally in Annapolis 3/17/09: http://dcunited.mlsnet.com/t103/.. http://tinyurl.com/aclss7 

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(Posted 15 Mar 2009)

Thousands of e-mails from D.C. United fans crash state leaders' servers

Soccer fans roar for new stadium;Thousands of e-mails from D.C. United fans crash state leaders' servers.
Gazette, 13 Mar 2009 (Valentine)

D.C. United President Kevin Payne's plea to soccer fans this week to contact Maryland's lawmakers in support of a proposed $195 million stadium in Prince George's County has prompted one of the largest legislative e-mail campaigns in years.
[***]
"I've heard from all these other countries. I haven't heard from my district," said Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Dist. 25) of District Heights, chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. "The concern is what the impact will be. This is a budget item. [My decision] will be based on the funding."

The sentiment was shared by Appropriations member and Prince George's Del. James Proctor Jr. (D-Dist. 27A) of Brandywine.

"When somebody in Spain tells me, ‘You need to do this,' there's no influence there," Proctor said. "If somebody in the 27th district is writing, I pay attention."
[***]
"What happens if attendance isn't what you thought it was?" asked Councilman Tony Knotts (D-Dist. 8) of Temple Hills. "Who fills the gap?"
[More ]

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(Posted 13 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (12 Mar 2009)

• PG-Politics Re: OUTRAGEOUS: PG Judge Hassan A. El-Amin Defends Release of Murder: *Murder Suspect Rel.. http://tinyurl.com/cwpwol 
• PG-Politics DVD Available - DC United Presentation to Council: The DC United presentation before the .. http://tinyurl.com/dn77yv 
• POST: Prosecutors Seek Defendant's Jailing, Describe Teen as Bloods : http://www.washingt.. http://tinyurl.com/b7sr45
• GAZETTE: Hylton aims to up safety at nightclubs; PG police requesting liquor license notification (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/a9l28w 
• Baltimore Spokes: Prince George's County Bill Threatens Trail Easements http://tinyurl.com/dmkv7l about 3 hours ago
• POST: D.C. Resident Is Sentenced to 50 Years in Slaying (Castaneda) http://tinyurl.com/djdo76 
• GAZETTE: 2 men arrested in dbl. hom. knew victims; more arrests possibe - Jan. deaths in Upper Marlboro (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/burqtn 
• POST: 2 Charged in Double Slaying in Upscale Enclave (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/c7v3ch 
• Washington Informer: Peace Rally Held in Wake of Recent Shooting (Clarke) http://tinyurl.com/cnzkct 
• Ghana News: Upper Marlboro Couple Knew Their Murderers http://tinyurl.com/bulqxq 
• Washington Informer: County Police Face Possible Layoffs Due to Budget Deficit (Ruffin) http://tinyurl.com/bd4mwx 

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(Posted 12 Mar  2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (11 Mar 2009)

• OurSports Central: D.C. United issues statement - Disputes Post account http://tinyurl.com/bv6kpl 
• GAZETTE: County Council questions financial risks of stadium proposal (Quotes 4 members) (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/d9dkxr
  
• POST 2 Men Charged in PG Double Murder of Aidoo http://tinyurl.com/cnqxwl & Baah http://tinyurl.com/c7e7nj (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/c7v3ch 
• DCist: PG County May End Up Paying for D.C. United Stadium (Austermuhle) http://tinyurl.com/cmcq37 
• Various: Team asks PG to pay for stadium http://tinyurl.com/ap5nc7, http://tinyurl.com/cj2hfh, http://tinyurl.com/bcjhsr 
• PG-Politics OUTRAGEOUS: PG Judge Hassan A. El-Amin Defends Release of Murder Sus: Thank you to Diane .. http://tinyurl.com/cqh6rq 
• WTOP: [School] Bus drivers demand safety bill pass in Md. (Problems with students & parents in PG County) (Ryan) http://tinyurl.com/ch2trr 
• POST: Six Flags Reports Wider Fourth-Quarter Loss http://tinyurl.com/al2ptr
• SUN: Victim of domestic abuse urges House to reject expungement bill - but Del. Vallario supports bill (Bykowicz) http://tinyurl.com/bvmkux 
• POST: Team Now Asking Pr. George's to Pay Part - "$47 million in bonds ... a change of financing plans" (Wiggins) http://tinyurl.com/cboqnz 
• POST: House Rejects Bill on Expunging Domestic Violence Records (Quotes bill opponent Del. Niemann) (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/bplohg
  
• POST: PG Judge Hassan A. El-Amin Defends Release of Murder Suspect who threatened witnesses (Castaneda) http://tinyurl.com/dlpq7m
• NEWS8: New Ways to Snitch on Suspects Unveiled in Prince George's County (using text messages) http://tinyurl.com/dfqedy 

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(Posted 11 Mar 2009)

Did Melony Griffith, Anthony Muse and DC United officials lie to us? Was: Team Now Asking PG to Pay Part ...

Today numerous new sources report that the DC United are asking Prince George's County to pay for part of the proposed soccer stadium.  For example, the Post says:

Team owner Victor MacFarlane and Gary A. McGuigan, the project executive at the Maryland Stadium Authority, said yesterday that the current deal, under which only the stadium authority would issue bonds to build the 24,000-seat venue, should be amended to require the county's financial involvement.

On 16 Feb 2009, the Post  reported:

"In these economic times, we understand we cannot ask for one dollar from the existing tax base, and we will not," MacFarlane said at a news conference in Largo . . .

"For those out there concerned about using taxpayer resources, we want to dispel that rumor and put the myth to bed," said Del. Melony G. Griffith (D-Prince George's), who was wearing a D.C. United lapel pin.

"We are not doing this at the expense of education or public safety," said Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George's).

Just what is the truth here?  It seems pretty clear that MacFarlane lied when he said:

"we understand we cannot ask for one dollar from the existing tax base, and we will not,"

What additional surprises are ahead?  At this point, why should we believe anything the stadium backers tell us?

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Posted 11 Mar 2009

POST: Team Now Asking PG to Pay Part - "$47 million ... of stadium cost"

Team Now Asking Pr. George's to Pay Part.
Post, 11 Mar 2009 (Wiggins ).

Prince George's County should sell at least $47 million in bonds to help build a stadium for the D.C. United professional soccer team, team officials told council members yesterday, a change of financing plans that prompted some council members to express skepticism about the project.

Team owner ... said yesterday that the current deal, under which only the stadium authority would issue bonds to build the 24,000-seat venue, should be amended to require the county's financial involvement.

"This was a county initiative," said McGuigan, who noted that Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) wooed D.C. United from the District after negotiations to build a stadium at Poplar Point stalled in 2007. Johnson also asked the stadium authority to commission a study to look at the economic benefits of building a facility in Prince George's instead.
[More]

Includes skeptical quotes from council members Dernoga, Campos, and Knotts.

Note:  Do not forget the news reports of  less than a week ago that Jack Johnson plans major reductions in public safety staffing.

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(Posted 11 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (9 & 10 Mar 2009)

• = @PGFDPIO: Fire Inspections Fee will start on April 1, 2009 - http://pgfdpio.blogspot.com/ 
• GAZETTE: PG County Council questions financial risks of stadium proposal (council hearing report) (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/d9dkxr 
• Potomac Soccer Wire: Public support requested for D.C. United Stadium http://tinyurl.com/avakvc 
• TIMES: Plaudits for immigration stand (Letter to editor, Karen Bune) http://tinyurl.com/b33b7f 
• POST: School Taken Off List of Possible Closings-District Heights Elementary School (Hernandez) http://tinyurl.com/akdzqr 
• POST: Pr. George's Police Review Off-Duty Presence at Clubs (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/delvhz about 12 hours ago
• Radley Balko: MD Senate Hearings on SWAT Bill .. more terrifying wrong-door raids in cases never before reported http://tinyurl.com/au387o 

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(Posted 10 Mar 2009)