The Chesapeake Today

02/23/2025

02/23/2025

Protecting our Maryland farmland from those that wish us harm is a responsibility I take very seriously. To do otherwise puts our national security, food security and financial security at great risk. I was proud to offer legislation again this year to protect our Md farmers.

02/23/2025

The history of the civil service exam is a history of American governance striving for fairness and competence—only to see those principles discarded for political expediency.

02/23/2025

02/23/2025

The SS United States off Portsmouth, England in July 1952. She will break RMS Queen Mary’s westbound speed record at the end of this voyage.

📸: Public domain

02/23/2025

URGENT - URGENT - URGENT

URGENT! We have now had Henny and her puppies for nearly 3 weeks with no interest! Please see the attached list of dogs that urgently need rescue help at our center.

If you can help, please contact or visit the shelter at:
Charles County Animal Care Center
6707 Animal Shelter Road
Hughesville, MD 20637
301-932-1713

02/23/2025

https://www.thechesapeaketoday.com/2025/02/22/dwi-hit-parade-russells-bar-express-sidelined-at-main-gate-of-pax-river-nas-by-dwi-arrest-of-st-marys-public-schools-attorney-suja-m-varghese/

02/23/2025

February 22, 2025 – Augusta, ME

The Maine Department of Government Efficiency (MDGE) is issuing this report to address recent developments concerning allegations of unprofessional conduct by Jeremy Kennedy, Chief of Staff to Governor Janet Mills. These concerns, highlighted by Maine House Republican Leader Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham and reported in The Daily Wire, demand scrutiny to uphold efficiency, transparency, and accountability in state governance.

Background of the Allegations
According to reports, Mr. Kennedy engaged in a profanity-laced outburst during a meeting in Washington, D.C., on a Saturday morning, involving White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Alex Meyer and a group of gubernatorial chiefs of staff. The incident reportedly occurred during a discussion on compliance with federal laws protecting women’s sports, where Mr. Kennedy allegedly insulted Mr. Meyer and abruptly left the meeting. This event has drawn significant attention, not as an isolated incident, but as part of a broader pattern of hostile and unprofessional behavior.

Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham statement, supported by a formal letter dated January 24, 2025, sent to Governor Mills, alleges that Mr. Kennedy’s conduct—described as arrogant, reckless, and intimidating—has undermined collaborative governance. The letter, signed by Rep. Faulkingham, references witnessed behavior during interactions with legislative leaders, including Maine’s Chief of Staff Earl Bierman and Deputy Chief of Staff John McGough, which was deemed disrespectful and detrimental to productive state operations.

Pattern of Conduct
The MDGE acknowledges the gravity of these claims, particularly given Mr. Kennedy’s role as an unelected senior official with substantial influence within the Mills administration. The reported outburst in Washington, D.C., aligns with earlier complaints about Mr. Kennedy’s behavior during state budget negotiations, as noted in Rep. Faulkingham’s letter. These incidents suggest a recurring issue that could hinder effective intergovernmental and intrastate collaboration, critical for efficient governance.

Additionally, the report from The Daily Wire and Rep. Faulkingham’s statement highlight a perceived lack of accountability. Despite formal complaints, there appears to be no public response or corrective action from Governor Mills’ office, raising concerns about oversight and the maintenance of a respectful, professional environment at the Maine Statehouse.

Implications for Government Efficiency
The MDGE’s mission is to ensure that state resources and personnel operate at peak efficiency while fostering a culture of respect and professionalism. Unprofessional conduct, particularly from high-ranking officials, can erode public trust, strain relationships between branches of government, and divert focus from critical policy priorities—such as education, healthcare, and economic development—that impact Maine residents.

This situation also intersects with broader discussions about state-federal relations, especially under the current administration of President Donald Trump. Any misalignment or dysfunction in communication, as alleged in the Washington, D.C., incident, could jeopardize Maine’s ability to secure federal support or comply with national directives efficiently.

Recommendations
To address these concerns and maintain governmental efficiency, the MDGE recommends the following:

1. Immediate Review and Response: Governor Mills should commission an independent review of the allegations against Mr. Kennedy, ensuring transparency and public accountability. This review should assess whether Mr. Kennedy’s conduct has consistently undermined state operations and intergovernmental relations.

2. Formal Apology and Corrective Action: If the allegations are substantiated, Mr. Kennedy should issue a formal apology to affected parties, including the White House and Maine’s legislative leaders, to restore trust and professionalism. Governor Mills should outline clear steps to prevent future incidents, including training or disciplinary measures as appropriate.

3. Enhanced Oversight Mechanisms: The Mills administration should establish robust internal oversight mechanisms to monitor and address unprofessional conduct among senior staff. This could include regular ethics training and a clear reporting process for concerns, ensuring all state employees uphold the standards expected by Maine taxpayers.

4. Public Engagement: The MDGE encourages public input on maintaining a professional and efficient state government. Comments can be submitted via our website or social media channels to help shape policies that reflect Maine’s values.

Conclusion
The Maine Department of Government Efficiency remains committed to promoting a state government that operates with integrity, efficiency, and respect for all stakeholders. The allegations against Jeremy Kennedy, if proven, represent a significant challenge to these principles. We urge Governor Mills and her administration to take swift and decisive action to address these concerns, ensuring that Maine’s government serves its people effectively and responsibly.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F5EHztyY9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/23/2025

The library is open on Saturday from 10 AM until 2 PM. Stop in and pick up some good reading material or buy a reasonably priced gently use jigsaw puzzle so you’ll be ready for whatever the weather may bring. And get your basket raffle tickets while you’re there.
Hope to see YOU  at the library.

02/23/2025

🍂 Autumn Wonders… Will She Ever Be Chosen? 🍂

Autumn doesn’t know why she was left to fend for herself. She doesn’t understand why she wasn’t wanted. But what she does know is how it feels to be loved—because, for the first time in her life, she has been.

Through her training, she has learned so much. She has tried her hardest to be the best girl, to prove that she is worthy of a home. And now, as her training comes to an end, she can’t help but wonder… what happens next?

Will someone see her? Will someone choose her? Or will she be left waiting, watching as others find their families while she stays behind?

She has done everything right. She is ready. She just needs someone to give her a chance.

A kind-hearted Good Samaritan, who only wants the best for Autumn, has generously offered to pay her adoption fee to help her find the loving home she deserves.

If you are interested in meeting Autumn, please submit an application on our website. Let’s make sure this sweet girl never has to wonder again. ❤️

02/23/2025

Voyage Update | We ride at high tide!

PRIDE II will be dropping lines from Thunderbolt Marine around noon today & beginning her voyage home.

The vessel's route, timing, & sails set are dependent on the wind & weather. You can track PRIDE as she travels by going to pride2.org/pride-of.../pride-ii-is-underway/. Stay tuned for additional updates from the ship.



Photo courtesy of The Treasure Chest in Oxford.

02/23/2025

Poor Belle, she's so nervous & scared in the noisy shelter. We feel Belle would be more relaxed in a home setting... you know a soft bed, quieter surroundings, some tasty treats, & belly rubs... yep, that should help Belle relax. Belle is a 3-year-old. 18-lb tricolor beagle girl with beautiful (blue-tick type) ticking. She came to the shelter as a stray so her story is yet to be told....
We can take care of Belle's vetting needs if you can offer her a soft bed & human kindness, this is the link to the foster/ adopter application (it's the same) https://beaglemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BRSM_Adopter_App.pdfWe

02/23/2025

02/23/2025

02/23/2025

02/22/2025

SANCTUARY STEVE HALL ENDANGERS CITIZENS OFST. MARY’S BY RELEASING DANGEROUS CRIMINALS INSTEAD OF HOLDING THEM FOR ICE ATTORNEY GENERAL BONDI HAS ORDERED FEDERAL FUNDS WITHHELD FROM SANCTUARY …