text:
Councilman Acknowledges Forgotten Super Bowl Trip
Republican Todd Huff went to the 2011 game in Dallas with a shopping center and apartment complex owner.
Todd Huff says he's not a big football fan, but in 2011 he attended at least four games, including taking a trip to Dallas to see the Super Bowl with a local shopping center and apartment complex owner.
The games highlight a hole that the State Ethics Commission says exists in legislation passed by the County Council earlier this year. The legislation was meant to bring county law substantially into sync with the state ethics law.
Huff, a Timonium Republican, attended at least four games in 2011, including the Super Bowl. He wrote about the games, which include three Baltimore Ravens games, on his official council Facebook page.
Tickets to one of the games were provided by Merritt Properties, as first reported by the Baltimore Sun.
None of the tickets were disclosed on Huff's recently released 2011 financial disclosure forms that were filed with the county.
"I filled out my disclosure form as legally required this year and I plan to do the same next year," Huff said.
County Law Falls Short
In their most recent filings, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Council members Vicki Almond, Cathy Bevins, David Marks, John Olszewski Sr. and Tom Quirk all reported receiving tickets to sporting events or other trips in 2011 from developers.
Only Huff and Councilman Ken Oliver did not disclose receiving any tickets as gifts in 2011.
Earlier this year, the council passed updated ethics laws meant to make its laws substanially equivalent to state ethics laws.
The updates made it illegal for county employees to accept tickets to sporting events, but carved out exemptions for the county executive and the seven-member council. The bill also exempted the eight elected officials from mandatory disclosure of such gifts.
Michael Lord, executive director of the state Ethics Commission, was not immediately available for an interview.
But a lawyer representing the state Ethics Commission stated in a letter that state law does not allow elected officials to accept tickets to sporting events.
In a Feb. 24 letter to the county, the lawyer said, the "acceptance of [tickets for] sporting events has not been allowed by state law for many years." The lawyer told the county that it must change its law to conform with the state laws.
The lawyer also advised that the county must require elected officials to disclose when they accept tickets to other cultural, charitable or political activities. Council members would not have to report those tickets if the invitation is extended to all seven members.
State legislators are frequently invited to attend events, but those invitations are often extended to all of the members of a particular committee or to the entire House of Delegates or Senate.
The organization that invites the legislators then discloses the invitation to state officials and it is disclosed to the public.
Forgotten Trip
In a brief interview with Patch last Thursday, Huff acknowledged accepting the tickets from Merritt Properties. He added that those were the only tickets he accepted from a person or business who does business with the county or is regulated by the county.
Huff paused when asked about the Super Bowl trip with J.M. Schapiro, who owns three apartment complexes and at least one shopping center.
"I forgot about that," Huff said.
He added that Schapiro did not pay for his airfare to Dallas or his hotel while at the event.
Schapiro is one of three principals at Continental Realty, which owns and operates shopping centers and apartment complexes, including 10 shopping centers and 13 apartment complexes in the county.
Continental Realty also owns Padonia Village Shopping Center where Huff's family operates one of three Brooks-Huff Tire shops in Baltimore County.
"He's my landlord," Huff said.
Continental Realty and Merritt Properties are also campaign contributors.
Continental Realty donated a total of $3,000 to Huff through three different companies that control three separate apartment complexes. Merritt Properties also made three donations totaling $2,000, according to campaign finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections.
When asked about the other two games noted on his Facebook page, Huff said he purchased them himself. He could not say how many tickets he bought or who attended.
Huff did say that during those games he visited "five or six suites," including one used by the governor and visited Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger. The councilman could not say what other suites he visited.
"I don't remember, I'm not a big football fan," Huff said.
The councilman ended the interview to attend a pre-scheduled meeting in his office. He agreed to meet later in the day to further discuss the issue of the tickets.
Story Changes
Huff met with Patch in a second brief interview at an elevator outside the council offices in Towson.
During that interview, Huff acknowledged being defensive.
"You're questioning my integrity," he said.
During that interview, Huff said the tickets he originally claimed to have purchased himself were actually "given to me by a buddy."
"I can't go to a game with a friend?" Huff said.
When asked to identify the friend, Huff replied: "I don't have to disclose that to you."
The councilman later ended the interview by stepping on the elevator and closing the door.
Outside, Huff again encountered the reporter and began answering questions about the tickets.
He said he believed that he legally could accept the tickets and did not have to disclose who provided them. He said he did not seek a formal opinion from the county Ethics Commission or Office of Law.
He also initially said he could not remember who told him that accepting tickets to sporting events was legally permissible. Later he said "a colleague" on the council told him that, but declined to identify which council member advised him.
The acceptance of sporting event tickets met with disapproval from one local community activist.
Donna Spicer, a Loch Raven resident, called the sporting event tickets "a gateway drug" and said county elected officials should just say "no."
"It leads to bigger and better things," Spicer said. "If a developer gives you a ticket and you don't want to hurt their feelings, find a kid who doesn't have a dad and give the tickets to him."
Elected county officials need to consider the appearance of accepting such tickets, Spicer said.
"They should be above reproach," she said. "Is it worth having their intergirty questioned over the price of a ticket? They need to ask themselves that question."
"You can avoid that by keeping your hands in your pockets and not putting your hand out for it," Spicer said.
Jeff Kern
8:16 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Funny quote at the end of the story. "...should be above reproach." Thats hilarious. If people in this country, and especially here in the Fee State, would wake up and take voting seriously, we could get rid of these type of slimy politicos who are all about what they can get for themselves. Instead we get the same old same old from the people who vote simply based on party affiliation to those who vote because of a candidates race. Someone once said that we get the kind of leaders we deserve and truer words were never spoken.
8:22 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
what happen's now that the council members broke a state law, or do we just forget about it because they thought is was legal. most others that break the law receive some type of reprimand( fine , jail or at least pbj don't do it again).
John Hawks
8:39 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
He is a well know successful businessman who works crazy hours on our behalf for a joke of a salary. His landlord.....they have a large store on the developers property, gave him a ticket. He flew to Dallas and paid for the hotel himself. I think that was likely to happen to a large tenant regardless. It is so easy to sit back and hurl criticisms at these guys for issues that really don't deserve headlines. I know this man. He is good, hard working and honest. His family have been valuable community members for generations. He just didn't mention some tickets that every other politician is taking.....if he says he forgot...... then he forgot. I, for one, thank him for his hard work........ and i'm a Democrat!!! lol
9:04 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sorry, Mr. Hawks. I was almost with you until this: " He just didn't mention some tickets that every other politician is taking..." The sorriest excuse for anything is that "everybody else was doing it..." The only reason to do anything is because it is the right and moral thing to do, not because everybody else is doing it (which is patently false anyway).
If Mr. Huff finds that the crazy hours and the joke of a salary are too much for him, he is free to remove himself from his position at anytime. I assume that he ran for election to his office rather than being captured and forced to work on my behalf.
Paul Amirault
8:40 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Let's see, I can write you a check but not give you tickets to a game? Money is a gateway drug and that is simply our system.
Chris Mihavetz
9:26 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The system is definitely flawed, but this story hinges on an apparently deliberate attempt to circumvent one of the checks in the system, namely full financial disclosure. No one said you can't give tickets. The official just has to report them, like he or she would any campaign contribution. Huff got caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. "Forgot" he went to the Superbowl with a regular campaign contributor? Laughable.
Amalie Boellner
8:49 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Impressive reporting; thank you for your tenacity.
9:10 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
"Elected county officials need to consider the appearance of accepting such tickets, Spicer said."
This is part of the problem. These days, too much emphasis is placed on "appearances", and too little on real issues or actual accomplishments.
To be honest, I don't know anything about the guy, but there are much larger problems facing us today than a $200 Super Bowl ticket .
9:20 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
having elected officials who behave unethically IS a big problem. Lets fnd out the truth before we shrug it off.
R. Fisher
9:29 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
It seems that for many elected officials and their appointed staff, greed is the operative motivation. When considering their salaries, benefits and perks of office - they fair far better than their constituents and yet they need more. Lets help solve the budget crisis in Maryland by cutting salaries by 50% and reducing appointments by 50%. Reduce the perks to zero and make the elected officials work for a living like the rest of us. Spoiled rich boys and girls can do without the public tax dollar. If you have to sacrifice to serve - how many will step up to the challenge?
9:33 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
they all do this.. Take $$, signs etc from employers who mainly hire illegals.. No secret here. Don't know about shapiro but his name is surely familiar.. Will check him out. If he owns holabird east his hiring practice is questionable.
K Q Bankert
9:47 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Forgot he went to the games and Super Bowl? The IRS and the State of MD should help him remember as they tax it.
John Hawks
8:52 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
@Bankert....he forgot the TICKETS from his landlord needed to be reported...I am sure he remembers paying for the flight and the hotel room himself.
john Gerding
10:02 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
I think that this is stupid , I know that he made a mistake but he is allowed. Come on now who would not take a ticket to a football game. We are lucky to have someone of his background to try and make a difference. I for one would like to thank Todd for his service . We all need to look around and be careful that we do not lose someone like Todd , who will help us all in his work for Baltimore County.
Buck Harmon
10:51 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
This was either bad or dumb, neither is good from an elected official that should know the rules. Like professional athlete's, professional elected public servants should know the rules of the game before entering the arena....I'd say dumb in this case...
Miss Migraine
11:56 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
So when the Democrats "make mistakes" and "forget " it's okay........it;s only "bad" when the "Rebublicans" do it..........more liberal press and more liberal BS...........he got free tickets........how many others did the same without anyone making even a tiny objection.........? I'm not saying it's right, just trying to even the odds!
Bryan P. Sears
12:12 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Miss Migraine: As I reported, five other council members (four Democrats and one Republican) and the Democratic county executive also took tickets to sporting events. They also disclosed the gifts on their annual financial disclosure forms. Councilman Huff did not and declined to discuss issues surrounding two other games.
The state Ethics Commission says elected officials have been prohibited for years from accepting sporting tickets.
Calm down
4:32 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
It is nice to kick the dog, but The law for last year does not require disclosure to the extent the author suggests. There is no violation of the law.
Bryan P. Sears
6:17 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Calm Down: What about the fact that the state has informed the county in writing that its laws are not sufficiently equivalent to what is required by state law—this includes the county's lack of a sporting events ticket prohibition (which makes those tickets illegal to accept) and the lack of reporting requirements (which would require disclosure)?
7:18 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Mr. Sears: Let's get beyond the semantics and rhetoric.
Was a law broken in this case?
Paul Romney
9:17 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Yes, let's get beyond the semantics and rhetoric, number9. The "law" these folks did not break is a law they passed themselves to regulate (or not regulate!) their own conduct. What is objectionable is that they are so grabby and elitist that they exempted themselves from the regulations they were imposing on senior officials.
jack friese
3:15 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Dear Councilman Huff:
I have sent you, all the other council members and Kamenetz at least one dozen copies of emails concerning my son who is stuck in this corrupt, broken, and disgraceful department of social services swamp that I call DUMBCASTLE. He has been sexually, physically and emotionally abused in three of four foster homes. The only council person who has tried to help is Councilman John Olszewski. His son delegate Johnny O, delegate Joseph Minnick and Senator Norman Stone and Fred Theiss has tried to help. No other Senator or Delegate in Annapolis has tried to help Benjamin or require compliance with the Maryland annotated code. Why Delegates and Senators?
Maybe as you and Kamenetz are enjoying these freebies, you can take a minute and respond to me about the plight of Benjamin and the incompetence by Secretary Teddy Teflon Dallas who has launched an all out cover up with the help of the Baltimore County Police Department, Dr. Branch, Judy Schagrin, Maggie Ferguson and Ben Levey.
This comment may be off subject; however, tell that to three year old Benjamin CINA 03 08 0000299
Jumpin Jack Flash
10:51 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
One has to wonder why this child is in foster care. What did the parents do that led to this. Sounds like a disgruntled parent who needed to have his child taken from him.
K Blue
7:04 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Council needs to update the local law to conform with the state law now so there is no room for confusion among elected officials. I dont know what they have been waiting for. The letter to the County was sent in February. It is now May. This is important. That letter could not have been more clear about the deficiency.
K Blue
12:23 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The original bill introduced upon request of the County Executive specifically addressed the acceptance of such tickets and the disclosure required for the same. But, the Council specifically removed that from the bill as enacted. Then, came the State letter which made clear that the bill, as revised and passed, was deficient. That letter was sent before the disclosure filing deadline, but the local law was left untouched by the filing deadline.
Arbutus Town Crier
7:54 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
All this happens when you have a Democracy instead of a Republic in which USA was founded.
8:10 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Jeff Kern: interesting final statement "voting based on party affiliation/race" quick qstn: what was the party affiliation and race of the candidates that you've voted for locally and presidentially? I'm not clairvoyant, but I have an idea "Pot meet Kettle!"
Buzz Beeler
8:37 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
How in the name of truth do you forget a trip to the Supper Bowl with a developer no less. That's not the only issue Mr. Huff forgot about.
Buck Harmon
9:11 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
He lied...obviously...what do County Ethics say about that..?
Paul Amirault
8:40 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Just simply nuts, state law (affecting state legislators) states you cannot accept sporting tickets. Talk about peanuts. Corporations and individuals can spend unlimited amounts on behalf of a candidate and it is perfectly legal (see Mitt Romney & Newt Gingrich)!? Wait until you see this fall's campaign.
A sporting ticket is a "gateway"? Our system has politicians being required to beg for campaign contributions in the thousands of dollars, perfectly legal, and we worry about this.
Buck Harmon
9:14 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
For a minute there I thought that you were responding to a statement made by someone called "Just simply nuts", Now I realize that it was you making a Just simply nuts statement...
Buck Harmon
9:17 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The guy lied Paul....how can he be trusted if he will behave so poorly over something so minor,(in your opinion) ?
Paul Amirault
9:44 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
"Just simply nuts" as you point out was my generic statement that this issue is overblown, not shooting at Buck!
Good question Buck, he made the first mistake not reporting (or forgetting it) the "gift". Then Sears had him in his sights and instead of simply saying, I made a mistake and have updated my disclosure statement, he screwed up. But I trust him and would bet it will not happen again.
I still make my larger point, he could ask me or my company for cash for his campaign and that is perfectly legal and gets disclosed. But a $200 football ticket hits the headlines. I still say the system is screwed up.
John Hawks
10:07 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I certainly agree with Paul. Huff is a very hardworking rookie during a rezoning year. He is running around and trying to do the right thing, then evidently he got some tough questions in the hall and didn't answer perfectly.Additionally, I certainly hope that those who make strong judgements based on this small mistake can find a way to look at the man's work in total.
Also, I suppose if he makes a good small decision then that suggests he is a genius and all of his decisions will be fantastic. Let's try to celebrate the people who give time, effort and reputation to work on our behalf. A little reminder would have been sufficient on this rather than a broad attack on a good man's integrity.
8:43 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Let's see how all of the County Council members vote on land development issues when the developers who have wined-and-dined them ask for variances, exceptions and re-zoning of their property (or property they want to purchase) such that adjacent residential property values decrease, neighborhood open space is taken away, traffic is increased, a burden is placed on existing infrastructure, and schools continue to be overcrowded. The meek and humble property owner doesn't have the means to be heard by the Council members via Superbowl tickets and large campaign contributions like the developers do. And then there's the re-districting issue . . .
Buzz Beeler
8:56 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Bryan, tell Calm down to read the Article 7 in the county charter. I used it in my blog on the DRC ethics issue.
It clearly states even the appearance of a conflict of interest is a violation.
K Blue
9:01 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I just want to point out that if the Council has passed the ethics law proposed by the County Executive in the first place, this would not be a point of contention at all. Even though the Council claimed that the ethics bill they passed is more stringent, it clearly is not, they have known since February 2012 that it is not, and they still have not fixed it. Are they waiting for the County Executive to propose revisions or is someone on the Council going to do it themselves and soon? The Councilmembers who filed the disclosures, which were filed after the letter from the State, were prudent and obligated to do so in my opinion. Councilman Huff should have done the same rather than rely on the advice of another Councilmember he has not identified or sought a written opinion from the County Attorney. Rookie mistake. I doubt there was any sinister intent on his part. He should file an amended statement.
9:03 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Huff is bothered by having his integrity questioned? Wasn't it his integrity that he ran on to be voted into office? I guess it was something that just looked good on paper, but not put into action.
Buck Harmon
9:19 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
If he lies about a perceived minor mistake, how would he respond to a more serious issue..?
M. Sullivan
9:09 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Although I have been a fan of Mr. Sears' stories up to now, I find this one to be a ridiculous witch hunt for the sole purpose of creating an attention grabbing story. Mr. Huff is a hard working businessman and Councilman who accepted a football ticket from his landlord. Considering the amount of rent Mr. Huff's business pays, I would think a gift of a Superbowl ticket from his landlord is more than justified. He didn't report it because he didn't need to. If that was a purposeful omission, maybe it was because he knew reporters like Mr. Sears would try to sensationalize it into some big corruption story about an evil Republican. The fact is, Mr. Huff broke no laws, end of story.
10:05 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
...If that was a purposeful omission, maybe it was because he knew reporters like Mr. Sears would try to sensationalize it into some big corruption story about an evil Republican..."
9:57 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
LMAO. I 'forgot' about that trip and those tickets.
No see, he was simply 'misremembering' it. Good thing most of the rest of the council members were in similar situations, and did not 'misremember' them.
2:01 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
@ Tim, LMAO maybe Todd Huff's position on whether or not to mention the tickets was "evolving" and that's why he "misremembered" them in the first place. Just saying....
Tom Sharp
10:49 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
So, he accepted tickets from his landlord, and county law (even AFTER the 2012 update) neither prohibits accepting tickets nor requires reporting the receipt of tickets. He obviously should be crucified, correct? Where's the story that we're all supposed to so upset about?
Who cares what the state standard is? If the county law purposefully didn't and STILL doesn't follow the state standard, then that's the county's issue, not Mr. Huff's, and the county's responsibility to fix it. Mr. Sears, do you have any other personal laws you believe we should all be following? We certainly wouldn't want to end up being cornered in hallways for violating your personal laws, possibly thrown in Patch prison.
Edward r English III
10:56 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
As first reported by Baltimore Sun writer Alison Knezevich, Huff and Moxley were the two Council members that didn't break the law. As to be expected, she did not pursue Moxley ( who also claimed he forgot ). Either because of party affiliation, race or tenor as a Council member. I have learned to expect this lack of journalistic integrity from The Sun but I have always expected better from you Brian. There are real issues that need to be adressed, we don't need to make-up issues. Fire in the theatre calls are regressive but along party lines in Maryland as usual. Ms. Knezevich missed out on ethics training at journalism school.
M. Sullivan
11:27 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Yeah, good sensationalistic witch-hunting over a non-issue! Thanks!
John Hawks
12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Agree with Mr Sullivan. A non-issue that is, evidently, not illegal presented in an inflammatory article without balance or reasonable due deligence! All of this Instead of substantive reporting on the complicated rezoning issues Northern Baltimore County is struggling to understand. I grew up with real journalists......this is not journalism!
K Blue
12:45 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I disagree. This is not a non-issue. You have a local law that is deficient, you have a Council who presumably is well aware of the February 2012 letter highlighting the deficiency at the time they filed their reports, you have a requirement that the local law mirror the state law (also presumably known to the Council), you have 5 councilmembers who file their disclosures in conformity with the state law notwithstanding the deficient local law, and you have at least 1 Councilmember who did not, the reason being that he didnt think he had to even though he sought no advice to that effect other than from another councilmember whom he has not identified. Personally, I like Councilman Huff. I do not think his omission was intentional or nefarious in any way; however, why 1 didnt report and 5 did is a newsworthy issue. The Councilman's reaction to the reporter's questions are what is fueling this "non-issue." I can look past it because I have no reason to doubt the Councilman's integrity and understand that being put "on the spot" can produce awkward responses.
1:50 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
it is illegal, state law trumps local law.he didn't turn himself in the others did. appropriate action should commence.
K Blue
2:08 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The appropriate action should be that the next bill introduced before the Council is one that specifically prohibits acceptance of sporting tickets by elected officials (as per state law) and requires disclosure of any such tickets accepted during the 2012 reporting cycle. Otherwise, this time next year, we will all be reading another article about tickets accepted in 2012, reported and unreported. I really hope that no one has accepted tickets to sporting events since the February letter giving clear notice that the practice is unacceptable. Thats the real issue here. What is past is prologue.
Buck Harmon
8:01 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
If he didn't feel like he might have done something inappropriate...he would not have clearly lied about it by saying he forgot. I could care less about the law...it's the poor reaction that he presented in an awkward way..
K Blue
11:05 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I refuse to accept your statement that he "clearly lied about it by saying he forgot." I think its plausible that given his relationship with the individual that gave him the Superbowl ticket (and the fact that that relationship preceded his legislative service) that he simply, as he stated, forgot.
Buck Harmon
11:21 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
If you believe that he actually forgot about this trip and the game I can understand why you don't use your real name....I discount your statements at this point...
The guy is obviously says things that are not true....lies.
Fair Play
1:34 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I think it would be public service if the media could show any benefits provided by our elected offficials to those who gave them donations, whether in the form of sports tickets or monetary contributions. Often the officials say such donations have no effect on their actions, i.e., no bribery is taking place. I think that's the essential point of these laws. Those who can afford big donations should not get preferential treatment, such as zoning their property for more development.
2:42 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
If anyone is surpised by anything elected officials will do once the Power sets up shop in their heads please contact me as I just happen to own a few thousand square miles of swamp in Florida I am trying to sell
Raymond Piechocki
4:37 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
After 68 years of B--l S--t politics of Baltimore County and the satate of Maryland I left "town" in utter discust. In the 3+ years that I have been gone it appears that nothing has change. God luck to y'all and may God help you!!!
Ron Burgundy
4:41 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Non-issue, Mr. Huff was and is a businessman long before he became a Councilman.He broke no law and took a trip with his landlord,which one can only assume is a cemented relationship on both sides.He is doing a fantastic job representing his constituents. Everyone wants the gov't running like a business, heard it over and over on this site. Well you have a businessman helping run the gov't with a common-sense approach and you try and tear him down over something that's not even illegal. This is so overblown. I love the way Bryan Sears pursued his subject but when asked directly about committments other councimembers made concerning the pension flap a month ago he went AWOL.Never got an answer,never got the questions asked. It unfortunately reinforces everyone's thought that the press, left, right and middle have an agenda. There was a way to tell this story there was no need to sensationalize. There are probing questions that could elicit his ideas about ethics reform instead we're left with another local "hit" piece.
10:15 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I do believe that Richard Nixon was never proven to having 'broken any laws.' He just forgot to to remember that he knew about a little break-in at an office in Georgetown. 'Twas a shame he was forced to resign, I suppose.
If breaking no law is the standard by which we judge the folks who make our laws, then we are setting the bar rather low. Just think what a great story this would have been had Mr. Huff passed these tickets on to one of our veterans returning from the conflict in Iraq or Afghanistan. Bet if that would have happened, he would not have forgotten' about it...
Buzz Beeler
5:03 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Ron, why don't you do a blog on the new BC blog site. Maybe you should look at the State Law. Don't swallow your Twinkies when you read it. Of course when you blog you better cross all of your T's and dot your I's.
A man who forgets a trip to the Supper Bowl is voting on our county budget! Incredible!
Speaking of pensions I'm working on another blog that might cause you to sing a different tune. Look up 47-07? Can't wait to hear your reply on that one.
Your comment of, "This is so overblown.", just gave me another blog idea. Thanks!
Ron Burgundy
5:25 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I am not going to continue to electronically spar. I understand the points being made by those who want to cast Councilman Huff as some slick,unethical huckster who's out for himself and no one else. Sorry, Councilman Huff's not that guy. The point made was there were ways to get at the story without the "watergate" aspects of meeting at elevators and watching the elevator door close and he said he didn't remember, then he did. Please,everything I've seen and read about him suggests a common sense politician that doesn't see red or blue but just wants to get it right by his constituents. The article as I stated could have been written about the ethics rules and his opinions.His trip certainly should have been included in that article. But we were given an article that's so far from that .You've mentioned your work history numerous times on the patch. You know very well 2 reporters show up at an accident can write 2 completely articles,depending on how they want to take the readers. I don't happen to think this article was fair or balanced.
Buzz Beeler
6:38 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Ron, none of this stuff needs to be an issue if people learn to make their beds like we were taught.
Pardon my humor here, there are two sides to this story, the trip out and the trip back.
Don't shoot the messenger over the message. This man is a councilman and everybody makes mistakes but the problems occur when they try and explain them and you know that.
In this case the truth did hurt.
moe green
8:17 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
This is the most corrupt administration and county council in the past 30 years
Ron Burgundy
8:50 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
And we're certain you have proof! Moe, as they said in Billy Madison, "...we were all just made dumber by (reading) your statement". Try and put some coherent thoughts together rather than sound like you work for WCBM.
9:21 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Towson, MD, Annapolis, MD, Baltimore City, MD. To paraphrase Bugs Bunny, "what a bunch of maroons.
10:04 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I think everyone is missing the point here. He accepted tickets to a Super Bowl featuring the PITTSBURGH STEELERS and the Packers! I say again, the PITTSBURGH STEELERS! Is Huff a closet STEELERS fan? Maybe that is why he 'forgot?'
John Hawks
12:10 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
I doubt, very much, he is saying he forgot The Superbowl. What he forgot was that on the trip he paid for.....his landlord gave him the ticket. He forgot he was given that ticket...that's all. This is demonstrating the power of a "sensational" headline, by an irresponsible reporter, to "FIX" a false impression in a reader's mind. he did nothing wrong, he didn't need to report any ticket, he added later he was given a ticket while on a trip he paid for......I certainly hope we can move past this "labeling".
I do want to say I've lived in Baltimore County all my life. It is wonderful. It is reasonably well run in tough times. The politicians are accessible and generally pretty good guys. Couldn't live in a better place!!!
Harry Callahan
9:06 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
The BEST thing Todd did was get the BCPD to run the BUMS off of our streets who were standing on the islands begging for money. I spoke with several police supervisors who I am friends with several years ago and they said that they had been told by their superiors that since some roads like York Road were state roads they were prohibited from enforcing this issue. When he was running for office, I visited one of Todd's locations (I have been a customer of Brooks-Huff for years) and I asked him to help get rid of the BUMS and get the BCPD to enforce the county's ordinance against begging without a permit. As soon as Todd was in office, I revisited my friends in the BCPD and they affirmed the fact that they are now authorized to enforce this ordinance. The BUMS are gone (back into that hell-hole to our south) to prey upon City residents. BRAVO Todd.
moe green
8:25 pm on Sunday, May 20, 2012
Todo never forgets about his $54,000.00 paycheck, his county car for his part time job
Ron Burgundy
7:59 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012
Please, you must see "Billy Madison" because again, "...we were just made dumber by (reading) your (comment)".
Moe, please take the time and shadow Mr. Huff and then let us all know about that "part time" job .
Or as John Stewart likes to say, "are you on crack"?
John Gasparini
5:38 pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012
that paycheck is a pitance for a guy that is involved in a multi-store goodyear distributorship... I think he has been going to the superbowl with his landlord for many years and this is simply a non-event! Plus he has been busting his but for the county.
B Allen
11:01 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
@Bryan, the so called "author" of this article. Instead of writing about "republican" politician getting tickets from his landlord, whom he probably pays a lot in rent over the year, which takes away from his business profits, write about something that affects ALL Marylanders...you know like the ponzi schemes that OWEmalley is using to "fleece" the maryland taxpayers, or how about the scam on the new so called "redistricting" map, or how about the racial motivated attacks (black on white) occuring in Baltimore and so on. Cut the crap, you fricking so called journalists are nothing but a bunch of idiots. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9XmrZeobmY
B Allen
11:02 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
or how about this, the hypocracy of the left. why don't you report this crap? http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2012/05/25/hypocrisy-alert-obamas-top-spokesman-is-a-venture-capitalist/


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Free membership for first three months if you are a member of:
click the appropriate logo for further details
Here are some practice management spreadsheet tools which you can use online here and now.
They don't need to be downloaded but if you would prefer to download the Excel worksheets on to your own computer, some of these tools are also available in a zipped format.
click here to access the download list
I've really enjoyed this, John! The dolphin clip is amazing - and thank you for the mention. You do so much for this profession, you really do!- (Caroline Johnson)
Easy to watch, informative and stimulating, great work keep it up - (Chris Walters)
Thanks for your prompt response and I look forward to the DVD - As always we value your content - (Dane Walker)
I don't often get or take the time to be on the site but when I do it is very valuable! Plus I want to support your contribution to the industry. You are awesome! - (Pam Stevenson CVPM)
Thank you for all the great info you publish and provide - (Matthew Flann)
VBB is a very useful and topical resource so thank you for your hard work in producing it, from practice managers everywhere! – (Julie Beacham)
John - I have followed your website for more years than I can count. Thanks for all your great info. Have a great day. - (Laura Rice CVT)
The tremendous work you do to provide very valuable pieces of information on your website is a great contribution to the vet profession - (Philippe Baralon)
Thank you John - you've been a model of courtesy and an example to others about how a subscription website should be maintained - (Robert Cooper)
I am new to your website, and so far I have found it absolutley brilliant. I would like to complete the 100 cons review tool but I am not sure I am compiling it correctly (transferred to Forum Discussion) - (Dan Farmer)
I am proud to be a member of your website! I really appreciate your education in this very important -and often neglected- field of veterinary medicine. I wish you good health and keep up your great work and enthusiasm (Sandor Gal)
I have read the article "Do You Really Need More Clients?" and it is very enlightening. Well done for your pioneering approach to practice management. It is a pity more vets didn't read and listen to you (David Finlay)
John, I really like what you're doing with Veterinary Business Briefing. It is very inviting, easy to read and has great, practical information(Bryan Buescher)
Hi John, I like the beautiful backgrounds!(on the Vet Bus Video Show) The VBVS is an incredible value for practice managers and owners.(Pam Stevenson)
Thank you very much for this great lecture, I really enjoyed it! I was also wondering what technology did you use to record such a long lecture? (the sound quality was also amazing)(Sandor Gal) Thanks Sandor - I used Powerpoint with iSpring Pro to add the commentary
I just had a quick look at your latest Webcast ("So you want be the boss?"). I found it great and very useful. You should give it to any vet thinking of becoming "the boss" anywhere in the world. In France, where around 75% of practitioners are either sole owners or partners (and at least two thirds of them are do-ers), it would be especially indicated. Congratulations and thank you. (Philippe Baralon)
50 Min Action Plan - extremely well done and highly pertinent to practices in the US (Wilson W McManus DVM)
I LOVED your webcast!! Congratulations! How did you do it? (technically) (Sandor Gal DVM)
In my view the value that VBB provides is outstanding in comparison to the 30 pound yearly fee. (Pere Mercader)
Thank you for providing such a wonderful service to the veterinary industry. You encourage me as a consultant to do more and better things for my clients. (Nikki L Quenette CPA)
Greatly encouraged by the fact that there were 3 main video contibutors at BSAVA Congress this year 2009. John has got to be congratulated on being one of these contributors. (David Finlay)
Excellent, interesting webinar. Main problem I find as a participant is knowing when to speak. It was very helpful when George asked specific individuals to respond. (David Cumber)
Like the music background John. Nice compilation of slides , zoom , narration as well - and keep up the good work in 2009 (David Finlay)
Hi John great clip but would be tonnes better as a pod cast or mp3 I could listen to in the car (Paul Proctor)
Your audio clip this month was particularly interesting. It is excellent news to hear that some management skills training is now on the veterinary school curriculum. I can't believe it's taken this long. It is well overdue. It was also sobering to hear how the student debt relates to earning potential. (Dave Cumber)
This (the webinar) was definitely a good experience and one which I hope will be repeated. (Dawn Kent)
Do not know what I would have done without you. Thank you so much ..(Jane Tomlin)
I'm glad I joined the members' forum. I like the way you start new threads. (Anna Coombe)
'I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar(with Intervet)and meeting some like minded vets. Once I have had a chance to play with Vetmodel I may well be in touch again to get some feedback. Thank you again'(James Bagnall)
'I thought I would just drop you a line and let you know just how much I am enjoying the seminar series. It is teaching me a great deal and already I am reaping the rewards' (Beresford Capps)
'I found the session extremely useful and informative ... a great platform on which to carry out CPD sessions' (Anna Wardle)
'The new website looks fantastic - well done' (David Finlay)
'another excellent video tip - I really enjoy them, and get the assistants to look at them too' (Russ King)
'as always an enlightening newsletter' (Simon Fryer)
'the latest video - very insightful - thank you again' (Simon Fryer)
'a matter of choice - I like this one and I know from experience that it works' (Mark Moran)
'the latest video' - Great! As ever you remind us ogf the simple, basic things to get right. Not that we didn't know them already, just that when you're up to your arse in alligators it is sometimes difficult to remember that the intention was to drain the swamp! (Jerry Crick)
'I think the approach that you follow in these video tips is very good: simple but relevant, direct to the point, applicable and with practical examples. Please keep them going….' (Pere Mercader)
'I like that video very much: excellent tips and well presented on video . Your clip certainly emphasises the power of video in getting the message across' (David Finlay)
Another very good little video tip John . It is amazing the difference a little smile can make to a consultation!. I certainly have found this recently, and keep pinching myself to keep that happy smile , no matter how lousy I actually feel. Keep them coming (David Finlay)
These seminars .. hope you have plans for another series … was particularly grateful for your time repeating sections (Wayne Gray)

subset: commoncrawl


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Find a Hotel in Shanghai (China)
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You are strongly advised to check the dates of the event you plan to attend before you book a hotel or rent a car in Shanghai.
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When you visit a Cryptozoology Museum or Gallery you will surely leave with an open mind that wonde… Tags: presumed, strange Doris Anne Beaulieu Feb 24, 2012 15 views
Welcome to USDA2DAY, the Street's #1 Media Source and Community. Become a member TODAY to gain access EXCLUSIVE content!
Freddie Gibbs feat. Young Jeezy and T.I. - "Pull Up"
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If you don't see what you are looking for, Request It.
for Unisex 4 ml refillable perfume travel atomizer, airline approved (fragrance not included) Item # 231154 |
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for Unisex 28 piece beauty kit with 20 eye shadows & 6 creamy lip glosses & 2 blushers & 2 applicators & mirror Item # 233690 |
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Written by Karyn
O My Cat~! My Pretty Kitty "Viva Mocha" Loves this fragrance for cats! She waits after being brushed, because she knows, until she gets wiped down with her signature scent...she's not finished! She smells GREAT afterwards...She rubs up on everything...and then goes back and sniffs! She likes it that MUCH~!!!!
July 24, 2012
Written by Scotty
Very interesting concept, a fragrance for your cat. Yep, it's not bad to wear on yourself as well! It's not very strong, it was developed and approved with veterinarians. You spray it on a pad and then pet down your cat with it, not spray directly on. It's a novel concept but not a unique or memorable enough scent.
May 19, 2010
Written by Mary B.
Oh My Cat, my cat likes this very much, and so do I. Fresh, clean, not over powering. Subtle, just right for kitties!!
February 07, 2009
Written by XSuMZX
I originally picked this up because there was a cat on the box; after I smelled it (and enjoyed it) I realized this fragrance is for cats! My mom and I both agreed we would wear it despite it's feline target. I bought it for my cat as a Christmas gift, but cheated and tried it on him with the supplied application cloth before the holidays. It makes him smell wonderful, I LOVE IT!
November 11, 2006
recommended age: perfect for anyone
scent strength: moderate
classification: woods
recommended use: casual
scent life: 1-5 hours
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Germany - Berlin Documentary Forum - Vincent Meessen
18/05/2012Exhibition: A BLIND SPOT
31 May - 1 July 2012
Berlin Documentary Forum is a biennial festival dedicated to documentary practices across a variety of disciplines. The project seeks to explore the documentary as an art form capable of constructing and reshaping realities and histories. Encompassing cultural studies, philosophy, and diverse artistic practices, the festival accentuates the critical potential of documentary work and distinguishes it from today's excessive production and distribution of visual documents.
A group exhibition of contemporary art entitled "A Blind Spot" and the launch of an experimental online project, "issue zero", complement the four days of events at Haus der Kulturen der Welt.
The blind spot of a photograph refers to something not visible or shown but nonetheless latent in the image. Dismissing the dominant pictorial regime, the images in "A Blind Spot" preserve an openness and indeterminacy that precludes reducing them to a description or illustration ofa specific reality. This is the point of departure for questioning the documentary aspect in contemporary artistic and photographic practices.
The exhibition, curated by Catherine David, includes works by Eric Baudelaire, Elisabetta Benassi, David Goldblatt, Hassan Khan, Joachim Koester, Vincent Meessen, Olaf Nicolai, Melik Ohanian, Efrat Shvily, Jeff Wall and Christopher Williams.
More information: www.hkw.de - www.normal.be
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I hate people with mascots or whatever. When they post a picture of the same character with EVERY comment. If you do this, fuck you. I don't care how your personality is like, you look like a cocky douchebag to me when you do that.


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Some people didn't like Kobe because of drama within his personal life and with groupies as well as some drama with Shaq when he was younger. It's good he is growing, maturing, and learning from past situations. Basketball is his passion but I hope he doesn't let this get him down because he has accomplished so much and lived a life only people could dream of. - Rihanna Takes A Break From Work For A Shopping Trip With Chris Brown
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Christmas Easy: Home-made Christmas MincemeatYou can buy some very good mincemeat, but when it is home-made it really is in another league, and once you make it yourself, you'll never look back. This makes enough for the Easy Mince Pies and Mincemeat and Apple Jalousie, which will feature in weeks to come. There is also enough to give some as gifts or to add it to apples for crumbles in the new year. |
Makes 6 lb (2.75 kg) |
MethodAll you do is combine all the ingredients, except for the brandy, in a large mixing bowl, stirring them and mixing them together very thoroughly indeed. Then cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave the mixture in a cool place overnight or for 12 hours, so the flavours have a chance to mingle and develop. After that pre-heat the oven to gas mark ¼, 225°F (110°C). Cover the bowl loosely with foil and place it in the oven for 3 hours, then remove the bowl from the oven. Don't worry about the appearance of the mincemeat, which will look positively swimming in fat. This is how it should look. As it cools, stir it from time to time; the fat will coagulate and, instead of it being in tiny shreds, it will encase all the other ingredients. When the mincemeat is quite cold, stir well again, adding the brandy. Pack in jars that have been sterilised (see below). When filled, cover with waxed discs and seal. The mincemeat will keep for ages in a cool, dark cupboard - I have kept it for up to 3 years. NOTE: To sterilise jars, wash the jars and lids in warm soapy water, rinse well, then dry thoroughly with a clean tea cloth, place them on a baking tray and pop into a medium oven, gas mark 4, 350°F, 180°C, for 5 minutes. |
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ShoreTel has been awarded the five-star designation in CRN's Partner Programs Guide for the second consecutive year. CRN's Partner Programs Guide and 5-Star Partner ratings serve as the definitive list of vendors who have robust partner programs or products that solution providers offer directly to the IT channel.
ShoreTel's channel strategy is 100 percent indirect. Within its global two-tier distribution strategy, ShoreTel's Champion Partner Program features a reasonable cost of entry, fast return on investment and a high customer close rate to drive reseller partner profitability and success.
By providing world-class support to its partners, ShoreTel also gives its end users a better experience and ensures better service, from the buy through installation and maintenance.
"The companies listed on the 2011 Partner Programs Guide represent the best channel programs in the market today. Of those, only a few get our five-star award, based on their commitment to the channel, breadth of program offerings and services offered to their partners. We congratulate ShoreTel for earning yet another five-star honor and in driving business opportunities and revenue among their channel partners," said Kelley Damore, vice president and editorial director for Everything Channel's CRN.
This honor builds on several prominent awards and distinctions that ShoreTel has recently received for its ongoing commitment to the channel and reseller partners. Last month, ShoreTel's director for worldwide channel marketing, Annette Lorenz, was named a CRN Channel Chief for her role in building a successful and profitable channel partner program. CRN also highlighted ShoreTel as one of their "2011 Need To Know: UC & VoIP Vendors" and recognized the ShoreTel Voice Switch 50 as "VoIP Product of the Year" for 2010.
"ShoreTel's commitment to our partners provides the opportunity to build a profitable business with world-class products and customer satisfaction ratings, as well as the most competitive programs and tools available," said Tom Hamilton, senior director of worldwide channels at ShoreTel. "We are honored to be distinguished with CRN's five-star designation for the second year in a row and value this affirmation of our partner commitment and success."


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I always buy this product.
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About Me Quality Oriented
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