WHO: Howard County Executive Ken Ulman WHAT: Ulman is leading the charge on a proposal to pose stricter safety regulations on hunters. The proposal would double the buffer zone around human-inhabited dwellings to 300 yards unless the hunter is shooting from an elevated stand or using a shotgun that contains only shot. WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA: The proposal, which has gone largely uncontested, comes after a bullet hit the window of a Clarksville day care center. No one was injured, but Ulman has been outspoken on changing the hunting regulations since. The bullet had been fired from well outside the current 150-yard safety zone. Ulman said legislators have not recently examined the safety zone in spite of the fact that more powerful weapons have entered the market. WHERE TO SUPPORT: Go to the Jan. 21 public hearing on the proposed legislation at 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City.
The Maryland Coalition to Stop the BGE Rate Hike needs to find a better way to solve its energy gripes. Putting a moratorium on gas and electric shutoffs between now and May will only convince people that it’s a great idea not to pay their Baltimore Gas and Electric bills. Why would anyone pay if they know their electricity won’t be shut off? Instead, people need to make better use of the services provided by both BGE and the state to assist people who are having trouble paying their bills.
DIM BULB It’s electric
Quote of the day: “The jury is going to find out my poor client is a convicted felon? … This guy who’s here for two murders? … Everybody who knows Mr. Byers up there knows he’s a drug trafficker. Everybody.” – Prosecutor Jack Purcell, imitating the defense attorney for men charged with murder. The defense attorney’s motion to have his client’s criminal history concealed from a jury was denied.
