Pardon the brain cramp

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: November 6, 2009

Sorry for the delay I was out of town yesterday. Here’s the audio from my weekly chat with Maryland’s Morning News anchor Bill Vanko on WBAL AM 1090 where we talked about Mike Pappas, tanning beds and three councilmen who want to be County Council chairman.

One small correction. Larry Hogan is NOT a Democrat. Not sure how to account for the brain cramp since I later mention that he wouldn’t run against Republican Robert Ehrlich, should the Republican former governor decide to seek a rematch against O’Malley.

There are no mulligans on live radio.

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Pappas ends run for governor

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: November 4, 2009

Mike Pappas, a Perry Hall resident and Towson attorney, said Wednesday he has ended his bid for the Republican nomination for governor.

Pappas announced in December that he was going to seek the nomination. Since then, he has spent time traveling and meeting Republicans around the state.

At the time, Pappas said he would seek the position unless former Gov. Robert Ehrlich entered the race.

Pappas said he made the decision to withdraw now for two reasons.

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Furlough Watch: Del. Todd Schuler

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: November 3, 2009

Del. Todd Schuler returned five days of his $43,500 annual legislative salary late last year. Schuler, a first-term Democrat who represents the 8th District, released documents showing he participated in a furlough program requested by House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller.

The 8th District includes Perry Hall, Parkville and Overlea.

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Furlough Watch: Del. Pat McDonough

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: November 2, 2009

Del. Pat McDonough returned five days of his $43,500 annual legislative salary late last year. McDonough, a two-term Republican who represents the 7th District, released documents showing he participated in a furlough program requested by House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller.

The 7th District includes Cockeysville, Honeygo and Middle River.

Both Busch and Miller returned five days’ salary and asked fellow legislators to also give up between one and five days’ pay at the same time 67,000 state employees were being furloughed for up to five days based on individual salary levels.

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Pension issue ‘must be addressed’

By Bryan P. Sears
Posted: November 2, 2009

Another County Councilman is weighing in on the issue of possible pension reforms for council members.

Bryan McIntire, the council’s lone Republican, said he believes the current council will have to confront the issue.

“It’s out there,” said McIntire, who represents the 3rd district, including Parkton, part of Cockeysville, and Kingsville. “The public is concerned about it, and it must be addressed.”

McIntire made his comments during a Thursday night phone interview. All seven councilmen were called about the pension issue.

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