HP 55

Delaware HP Bill 55 is an attempt to replace the Electoral College with the popular vote.  This bill would require that Delaware’s 3 Electoral Votes be given to the winner of the national popular vote and not the winner of state popular vote.

Our founding fathers developed the Electoral College to keep smaller states and regional voices heard, not just the large metropolitan areas.  This should not a partisan issue.  True the Democrats control the urban vote today, however, no one know who will control that vote 100 years from now.

Sussex County

Sussex County Facts

1)    At 938 Square Miles Sussex is the largest county east of the Mississippi River

2)   Sussex County’s population is over 197,000.

3)   More than 8 million visitors hit the beaches annually

4)   The Delmarva Peninsula (Sussex County) is the third most difficult area to evacuate in an emergency, first is New York City and second is New Orleans.  It is estimated that 4 days would be needed to evacuate the peninsula at the height of the season.

Delaware Death Penalty

I have been following the Derrick Powell case.  He was found guilty of killing Georgetown Police Officer Chad Spicer.  The Jury sentenced him to death by a 7 to 5 count.  However, a judge may dismiss the Jury’s will and impose a different sentence.

The argument for or against the use of the death penalty should not be considered by the Judges.  That responsibility is for the Legislators.  I don’t believe that the Judge should have the right to override the Jury.

 We all know the capital cases are automatically appealed.  And this process can take 10 years or more.  If new evidence or improper procedures are found, then the case should be retried and the previous sentence should be voided. If the appeals are denied, let the Jury’s sentence be carried out.

 The defense is trying to influence the judge with its news campaign to say Mr. Powell has mental health issues.  He cannot be the only individual who has these problems.  The difference is the others didn’t kill anyone.

 Fred Sponseller

Bon Appetit

Classified Article from “The Guide” Dated January 26, 2011

MUSKRAT CHICKEN DINNER, All You Can Eat, Sat. Jan. 29th, 3pm-?, Adults, $12, Children 12 & under, $5, ST. John’s U.M. Community Hall, Golden Hill, MD.  Muskrat, chicken, potato salad, collard greens, green beans, stewed tomatoes, corn bread, spoon bread, ice tea, coffee, 1 dessert.  From Cambridge, Rt. 16 to Church Creek, left onto Rt. 335, proceed to Rt. 336, turn left, watch for signs.

 An Eastern Shore Standard?

Fred Sponseller

2011 will be different than 2010

Here are my Predictions for the coming year.  Housing foreclosures will start to decline in the next 3 months.  The Atlanta Falcons lose the Super Bowl.  The Philadelphia Phillies make it to the World Series.  Boston wins the NBA.  Real Estate sales will increase as pent up demand and rising interest rates demand that the fence sitters take action.  Gas will rise to $3.60 a gallon, before a decline.  Wall Street will be like a YO-YO until the third quarter, and then level out.  Gold will start to decline in the third quarter.  Record snowfall will be recorded this March on the East Coast.  Congress and the President have a bumpy first half and actually get some things done the second half.

Fred

My Annual Christmas Observations

The Christmas Season

 As I sit down to write my annual Christmas blog, I was thinking about the subject.  In 2010, I think I have to address the Washington group of thugs.

 It appears that the Obama Administration and the Republicans want to give us extended tax cuts, extended unemployment compensation and a host of other Goodies for the Holidays.

 I agree with the statement, “It is better to give than receive.”  In most cases the gifts are purchased by the giver.  In this case the recipient (us) has to pay for it.  They just don’t get it.

 There are no solutions here; there is no leadership here, there is just nothing.  The ship is sinking and no one can agree to send an SOS.

 Why do our elected leaders refuse to lead?  In the Holiday Season does the government have to do our Christmas Shopping for us?  They are all Indian Givers-what one hand giveth, the other takes away at least 3 time the cost of the gift.  Why are we so stupid?

 I hope 2010 was kind to you and yours.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 Fred Sponseller

Report Card–2009–Nanticoke River

The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance finally released their River Report.  The overall river grade was a B-, but the creeks that feed the river only got a C+.  That should indicate that the river is going in the wrong direction.  If we can get the creeks up to a B the the whole watershed should move up to a B or better.  That is our goal!

To view the whole report, go to www.nanticokeriver.org, hit the Publication and Video tab, hit Creekwatchers Report, then New 2009 Nanticoke River Report Card.  It is quite interesting reading.

Fred

The Fall Classic

Both of my teams were knocked out early and did not make the World Series.  I watched the Series because I like the game.  With no one to root for I noticed three things that need to be changed.

Number 1:  Statr night games at 7 PM, EST so we can get a good nights sleep.

Number 2:  Ban batting gloves.  Every player who wears them has to step out oif the batters box and readjust the between pitches.  This could easily save 1/2 hour per game.

Number 3:  Anyone who spits does not get a paycheck.  Spitting is a BAD habit.  Don’t these players know they are on National TV.

Fred.

Apple-Scrapple Festival This Weekend, Bridgeville, DE

Back for the 19th year is the Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville.  Bridgeville is home to the Smith Apple Orchards and the Rappa Scrapple Factory, hence the name. The festival is the major fund raising vehicle for numerous civic, school, and school organizations.

Come Friday for street dancing with the Fabulous Grease Band from 7-9 PM .   In addition to the standard fair experiance with vendors, Scrapple, Apples, and Entertainment is the NEW Ladies Skillet Toss, Ladies toss an 8 oz. skillet for distance and accuracy.  There two divisions 18-40 and over 40.

Come to a Great Fall Event!

Fred Sponseller

Unique Ways to Sell a Home

1) Create an informational flyer with all the local conveniences you can find.

2) Do some staging to make sure your home looks the best.

3) Be sure to offer incentives in this market.

4)Send letters to your neighbors, inviting them to “Pick Their Neighbor”.

5) Put flyers in surrounding shopping areas

6) Paint the garage floor (concrete paint), to make it look fresh.

These are things you can do that Realtors cannot.

Now things your Realtor can do.

1) For an OPEN HOUSE, serve light refreshments, and some sort of a handout.

2) Have comparables data sheets as well as your home’s data, to highlight your value.

3) Put up signs in your front yard with information boxes.

4) Create a virtual tour for your home.

5) Have your agent put your home on as many websites as practical, 10-15 ought to be enough.

Fred Sponseller