"Realtors Double As Legislative Watchdogs"

The above is the title of a guest commentary by Ruth Briggs King. She Supports the Federal FHA reform bill in Congress. She does not support efforts by the State in increase the transfer tax, to give Delaware Technical College a stable funding for its construction projects. She does not support any type of rent control to the 1000's of homeowners who do not own their own land.
I think the FHA Reform bill is overdue, but a little like closing the barn door after the horse is already gone.
The Delaware Technical effort to add .28% to an all ready high transfer tax on property sales. Lately this tax has been declining with the housing slump. Del. Tech. knows the the good times will roll again and this could be a cash cow. The inherent problem with taxes earmarked for special interests, is that the budget becomes difficult to control and does not give the Governor or the Legislators the ability to do their jobs. All State income should go into the General Fund and all departments should submit a budget every year. Just because funds were given in any year should not be cause to fund every year. The State as well as the Federal Government has very little control over their budget anymore.
Uncle Fred

Seaford Golf and Country Club

" The 67 year old Seaford Golf and Country Club is spending half a million dollars on renovations and new equipment. "

That includes the purchase of non polluting and quiet electric golf carts. Also included is the installation of a new air conditioning system, and a new rear deck.

A membership drive is also in progress. Thru this June a full golf membership initiation fee is reduced from $2500.00 to $500.00. A full family membership is $208.00 a month. That includes everything except the golf cart rentals(no green fees). The club also has a pool, tennis courts, restaurant and bar. For more information just e-mail me at: fred@cooperealty.com.

Uncle Fred

Minimum Wage Hike

The State Senate passed a bill to increase the State Minimum Wage to $7.75 in March 2009 and to $8.25 in March 2010. The Federal Minimum Wage goes to $6.55 in July 2008 and will increase to $7.25 in July 2009. Delaware is one of 27 states that have higher rates the the Federal level.
The bill might meet resistance in House, but backers think they will get done.
Delaware has about 6700 workers that work for minimum wages.
Uncle Fred

Ward World Champ

The Ward World Championship of decoy wood carving, crowned a local man, Dwinton Morgan as the Best in Show for the novice class.
For those who don't know about the Ward Brothers and their Museum in Salisbury, Md., here is a very brief history.
The Ward brothers were from Cristfield, MD. They carved decoy ducks for many years for the hunters who came during duck season. They became quite famous when the turned their talents to the decorative decoy in lieu of the working decoy. The brothers passed away many years ago, but their decoys still command top dollar. There is quite a tradition of wood carving on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The Ward Brothers legacy is the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art. Each year for 38 years the Museum sponsors the Ward World Championship of waterfowl carving.
Mr. Morgan's best in show carving was of a life-size Hooded Merganser Drake. Second place went to Yasyuki Nemoto, Yokoham City, Japan.
Uncle Fred

Republicans Pick Candidates

The Delaware State Republican Convention held in Dewey Beach last weekend, did its job in all areas except the Governor's Race. The Convention nominated Christine O'Donnell for the US Senate race, Senator Charlie Copland for Lt. Governor, Big Jim Brady for Insurance Commissioner, Rep. Mike Castle for US Representative.
The big problem is the Governor's race. There were two candidates campaigning before the Convention, Mike Protack and Dave Graham. The Convention ignored these two men and drafted Judge Bill Lee. This will force a primary in September. Judge Lee has not accepted or rejected the conventions draft. The party leaders have failed badly in this whole affair and it will have a negative effect on the whole ticket.

Uncle Fred

Only 2 JUNK cars or boats per property--Allowed

The County passed a new lot maintenance ordinance on Tuesday 4/22/2008. This ordinance limits the number of junk cars and boats on a residential property to the number 2. I guess the number 2 was a compromise. The definition of compromise is: no one is happy. Farms over 5 acres are exempt. The farmers win again. It is too bad that derelict chicken and farm houses were not included. Depending on your point of view this is government interference or an attempt to make the county safer and more attractive.

Uncle Fred

Delaware Republican Convention Tomorrow

This should be very interesting. Tonight is the State Republican Dinner and some drama. The State Chairman, Terry S. wants to be a national delegate, now he has a rival. Mr. Ross wants to be State Party chairman, but this can happen only if Terry resigns. The question is will he resign if he doesn't get to be a national delegate.
The convention is on Saturday. Will the Governor candidate be--Mike the pilot, Dave the state employee or Bill the judge--Stay Tuned. Also, who will buck Biden--O'Donnell or Smith? I will be there and will report back next week.

Uncle Fred