General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Apr. 14, 2011
A truncated edition today, sorry.
The Senate passed SB 41 (Hall-Long), which would increase members of the New Castle County Board of Adjustment from 7 to 13 to reflect the number of councilmanic districts, and to require that each district have a member. I understand the intent of the bill. However, is it really in the public’s interest to have a Board of Adjustment that mirrors this less-than-august body? Especially since it is a virtual certainty that the sitting councilperson in a given district would have veto power over any prospective nominee? We’ve seen these ‘honorables’ operate, so the answer to my rhetorical questions, IMHO, is a resounding no. Two senators voted against the bill, but (wait for it) the Diminutive Despot has determined that you don’t deserve to know which ones.
The Civil Unions bill could head to the Governor’s office for his signature by day’s end. After clearing House committee yesterday, it’s first up on today’s House Agenda. And, while the House will first have to dispose of six amendments proposed by downstate Rethug Reps. Briggs-King, Willis, and Wilson, the bill could well pass unamended, which would earn SB 30 a trip to the Governor’s Office. And a sigh of relief from Cathy Cloutier. I count about 26 Yes votes, so it looks like all systems are ‘go’.
Gerald Brady, who apparently thinks that turning Wilmington into Kenton (a speed trap pretending to be a town) is the way to revitalize the city, will push for yet more speeding ‘video monitoring systems’ with HB 66. Brilliant, visit the Queen for the first time, have some camera decide you’ve been speeding on your way out, never come back again. The man’s a genius. Nothing says ‘Take Part in Our Exciting Renaissance’ more than getting a ‘gotcha ticket’ in the mail. One generated by a machine. The bill will probably pass, and ten years hence, city officials will be scratching their heads wondering why no one wants to come downtown. BTW, I’ve never been back to Kenton. Betcha I’m not the only one.
Final passage of HB 47 is likely today. Wonder if any of the no votes from the first time around come over.
The Senate will probably swiftly pass HB 81 (Longhurst), which effectively cuts health and pension benefits for state employees. This ‘compromise’ was deemed essential b/c of the Governor’s and General Assembly’s unwillingness to make Delaware’s greediest pay their fair share. Hey, at least the 2% raise will make the benefits loss less unpalatable. And at least it will shut up Monsignor Greg Lavelle, who thinks state employees should have gotten screwed even more. Come to think of it, no it won’t.
And let’s not forget SJR 2 (B. Ennis), which “recognizes May 15, 2011 (as) Jimmie Johnson Day and urges our citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.”
Jimmie Johnson has won five straight NASCAR championships, is a really nice guy, but is as boring as he is efficient. Would it be considered an ‘appropriate’ activity to speed through Wilmington on May 15? Perhaps the bloated Wilmington City Council can handle that Solomonic conundrum.
Gotta go. Late for a doctor’s appointment. Now where are those red light cameras located? Might have to choose an alternate route.
What time does the House go into session?
They go into session around 2. However, they usually break for caucus before considering the agenda. You can reasonably look for them to work bills beginning around 3:30 or so.
“recognizes May 15, 2011 (as) Jimmie Johnson Day and urges our citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.”
If anybody is at a loss as to how to observe the day, I’ll be delivering a lecture entitled “NASCAR: A metaphor for male/feminist power dynamics in the “Post Watergate” nuclear family, or the post-modern, anti-feminist death rattle of American “escape mythology” informed by sports and beer?”
Location TBD. Prolly behind the Kreston’s Liquor store in Middletown.
Hey bulo, have you heard anything about mandatory licensing for all electrical workers?
The NCC Board of Adjustment, if it is the body I’m thinking of, hears real estate tax assessment disputes primarily. It used to be an unpaid appointment. In later years the members were paid on a per meeting basis. So up goes the cost of government so that 13 people can decide disputes instead of seven. I had a family member who served on that board for many years, probably just rolled over in his grave.