Toles found guilty of reckless driving charge

County Councilwoman Karen Toles (D-7)

The bad news for Prince George’s County just continues. A judge in Ann Arundel County has found County Councilwoman Karen Toles guilty of reckless driving and fined her an additional $400.00. This is on top of the $500.00 Toles paid after being stopped on the beltway going over 100mph. She admitted to switching lanes illegally, but after an investigation by the top brass of the police department, Toles was later given a reckless driving citation.

In the ruling announced this evening Toles will be given probation before sentencing. If she stays out of trouble for a year her record will be cleared. The ruling also avoids any points to her license. Because of previous speeding tickets if the judge had applied the points necessary it was likely Toles would have lost her license.

Toles was stopped in February for speeding by a Prince George’s County officer. Today Toles admitted to making statements that included, “this is why people hate PG police” once she was stopped. Toles also admitted to both being on her phone AND applying make-up while speeding and being followed by the officer. After being stopped Prince George’s County Council Chair Andrea Harrison stripped Toles of her county issued vehicle. Sources in the government say Toles has returned to driving her own vehicle and is receiving a stipend from the government for doing so.

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Gov. Commission on Hispanics talk quality health care access for Hispanics tonight

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The Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs Cordially Invites You to Attend the June 2012 Commission Meeting

Wednesday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.

Mary’s Center
8908 Riggs Road
Adelphi, MD 20783

Please join the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs for a dialogue on

Quality Health Care Access for Hispanics in Maryland  

The dialogue will focus on a closer overview of the recently passed Health Enterprise Zone Bill championed by Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, as well as focus on minority health care disparities. A presentation by Mary’s Center on the successful health care provider model used the clinic for minority communities and the under- and uninsured.

The Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs encourages everyone to attend and take advantage of the presentations, engage in the dialogue with our State officials and guests, and receive helpful information and resources for our communities.

Invited Speakers:

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office
Annapolis, MD

Joshua M. Sharfstein, M.D. - Secretary
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Zulma Aparicio - Director of Operations in Maryland
Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care, Inc.

The Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs meetings are free and open to the public

For Information call (410) 767-7425

www.hispanic.maryland.gov

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Setback to Baker, state panel rejects new casino in PG

Prince George’s Executive Rushern Baker

Today the special commission that was charged by Governor Martin O’Malley, Speaker Michael Busch, and Senate President Mike Miller to explore finding a consensus on the hotly debated proposal of expanding casino gambling into Prince George’s County had planned to announce a deal on a plan that would be considered in a special session the week of July 9th, but those plans have been scrapped. Panel leaders announced they have not been able to reach consensus and there would be no extension in their work. That is fancy talk for saying they failed.

The proposal, which was pushed by County Executive Rushern Baker, took over the final days of the regular session of the General Assembly. Many blamed Senate President Miller for holding up budget negotiations in an attempt to push the hand of the House of Delegates but by midnight both proposals had failed to be approved. Legislators returned to Annapolis last month to resolve budget work and planned to return next month to deal with the casino proposal. News today that the commission named to draft the plan both chambers would debate failed to reach a deal seems to end those plans. Governor O’Malley had indicated he would not call another special session unless the panel was successful.

Last week officials with MGM Grand announced plans to develop a casino at Prince George’s National Harbor in what some elected officials said was another attempt to push the hand of legislators. MGM promised the deal would create more than 1,000 construction jobs and more than 4,000 jobs after the casino opened. For Prince George’s County, which struggles with job creation, that was big news. Additionally a state report released said the casino would generate more than $200 million annually in education funding for the state. Opponents to the casino point to the promises made by the lottery and said they never came to fruition. Community groups and church leaders in the county also opposed the plan saying the amount of crime and social issues the casino would create was not worth the risk.

Sources in the Prince George’s County government say the executive and his team will continue to explore ways to move forward with their plans. Any expansion in the county would first have to be approved by both the legislature and voters in a constitutional amendment.

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Casino commission fail to reach deal! Effort could be dead for the year

Today was built to be the final meeting of the Governor’s Work Group on Gambling which would consider expanding casinos into Prince George’s County among other proposals. After weeks of public and behind closed doors meetings, the commission has indeed failed to reach consensus on what plan could pass both houses. Gov. O’Malley had indicated he would not call another special session of the legislature unless the commission was able to reach a deal and today’s announcement seems to have killed any hope for a deal before next year.

Stay tuned for more.

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Mel Franklin announces District 9 Family Fun Day

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Councilman Mel Franklin announces his annual District 9 Day.

Please note this change: To allow more residents to get home from worship services, District 9 Day will begin at 3PM this year rather than 2PM.  Thanks!

 

REMINDER: *Save the Date*: 2ND ANNUAL DISTRICT 9 FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY- Sunday, July 29th, 3PM-7PM (**Revised Time**)   Please join me and your neighbors on Sunday, July 29th at Cosca Regional park, 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 20735 for our 2nd annual District 9 Family & Friends Day from 3PM-7PM.   Last year, over 1000 District 9 residents attended this outstanding community event and this year will be even bigger and better! Please save the date and join us for fun, food, and valuable information from dozens of District 9 businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.  Bring the children and enjoy the afternoon with us.   **If you are a business or nonprofit organization licensed to operate in the County and are interested in having a free display table at District 9 Day, please contact my Chief of Staff, Brendon Laster, at bllaster@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3820.  Businesses and organizations based in District 9 will get preference. Please do not wait because space is very limited.**   We are looking for volunteers so if you are interested in lending a helping hand please also contact Brendon Laster at bllaster@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3820.  I thank you in advance for wanting to be a part of our 2nd Annual District 9 Family & Friends Day!   Please RSVP below so we can prepare for your attendance (RSVPs are recommended, but not required).  We look forward to seeing you there on July 29th!  This event is free and open to the public.    __________________________________________________ RSVP Here! ______________________

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