Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting

POCOMOKE CITY -- The mayor and council gave tentative approval Monday to a $404,775 bid that will apply an innovate method of treating effluent at the new sewage plant.

Instead of treating the sludge with chemicals, the new system, to be installed by the Bearing Construction Co., will use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. This method will save the town money and is safer, officials said, since town employees will not have to handle some caustic chemicals.

The decision is contingent on the Maryland Department of the Environment approving the construction bid package and the town receiving a loan to cover the cost of the system. If received, 87.5 percent of the principal will be forgiven.

The town also officially transferred the deed to the Benelli property in the Pocomoke Industrial Park. Beretta, a sister company, came to the park in 1989 to manufacture barrels for shipment to the company's southern Maryland plant for final assembly. Ten years later, Benelli took over the building.

Under Benelli, shotguns manufactured in Italy are shipped to Pocomoke City for distribution throughout the country and service of the shotguns is handled in the local plant. Manager Dan Boyle said there are presently 30 people working at the plant. He called them the "best employees around."

Additionally, the council voted to opt out of a state mandate for installation of sprinkler systems in any new single-family homes. Instead, the plan is to offer a discount on property taxes -- 50 percent or up to $2,000 in the first year -- if the owner installs the system.

During his last meeting as mayor, Michael A. McDermott publicly thanked a number of people who had worked with him during his term in office. He was elected as a member of the House of Delegates last year.

Councilman Robert L. Hawkins, who presented McDermott with a certificate for his tenure as mayor, will preside at the meetings until a new mayor is elected in April.

www.delmarvanow.com

Locals Speak To Congressional Hopeful Scott Rigell At Town Meeting

Approximately 120 people came to Congressional hopeful Scott Rigell's town hall meeting at the marina in Captains Cove on Monday, September 20. At the event, citizens of the Eastern Shore lined up to ask the candidate questions about issues facing the Eastern Shore, the Commonwealth of the Virginia and the nation.

The overwhelming theme to Rigell's talking points focused around job creation. Rigell several times referred to his experience in small business and said he would use his experience to push for smaller government which will in turn lead to a better environment for investors.

During the questions, Rigell was asked if he would vote to repeal President Obama's healthcare bill. Rigell answered "Yes." He then pointed out that in an earlier debate, Congressman Nye said he would not vote to repeal the bill, though Nye did vote against the measure.

Rigell was also asked if he would vote to impeach President Obama. Rigell responded, "No, the President has not done anything to constitute impeachment." Rigell added later in the town hall "Poor judgment is not an impeachable offense." Throughout the course of questions Rigell stated he would like to reverse the stimulus, support 12 year term limits for Senators and Representatives, downsize the Department of Education and give more rights to state and local governments.

The election to decide the next Congressman for Virginia's 2nd District will be held on November 2nd. Rigell is challenging Congressman Glenn Nye.
www.shoredailynews.com

Town Hall Meeting To Be Held In Greenbackville

Congressional hopeful Scott Rigell will be holding a town hall meeting for Eastern Shore residents to attend and ask questions or express concerns for the 2nd district.

The town hall will be held this coming Monday, September 20 at the Cavaliers Cove Golf and Yacht Club at Captains Cove in Greenbackville in the Marina Club House. The town hall begins at 6:30 PM.

According to Rigell's Press Secretary Krystal Cameron, this will be his second of four town hall meetings. Rigell has invited all citizens of Virginias 2nd Congressional district to attend, including Congressman Glen Nye.