Alerting the media
06-0208R Informational Hearing – Media Reporting of Registered Sex Offenders
The City Council wants to enlist local media to raise awareness of sex offenders by exploring a council-sponsored public service campaign.
The skinny: Council insiders point to the recent rash of sex offenders harming children as need to ratchet up awareness of the nearly 4,000 convicted people on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry Web site.
The cash is always greener
06-0507 Property Tax Credits – High-Performance Buildings
A property tax credit awarded to city buildings based on point system that rewards good insulation, recycling and other environmentally friendly practices.
The skinny: Environmentalists said the bill is a good way to promote better environmental habits in the city.
Krafting a plan
06-0506 Baltimore City Office of Sustainability
A bill would create an new mayoral cabinet position to spearhead environmental-friendly policies citywide.
The skinny: Insiders say Council Member James Kraft, D-1st District, who has introduced a flurry of environmental initiatives, is greener than Al Gore at a Florida recount party.
Quotable ? Smoking Gun
“After I quit smoking, I stayed longer.”
Council Member Robert Curran, D-3rd District, pointing to his own personal experience that eliminating smoking in city establishments is good for business. Curran said he has spent more time in bars in his district since quitting smoking eight years ago, and that his experience proves that a smoking ban will good for businesses. A hearing will be held on the council member?s bill to ban smoking in city establishments Oct. 25.
Council Watch is a regular feature highlighting the goings-on at the Baltimore City Council. You can contact Stephen Janis at [email protected]
