Huff Wants Buffer On Protests at Schools
County Executive Kevin Kamenetz seeks a reduction in fees charged to developers who want a waiver on open space.
UPDATED (10:07 p.m.)—Protesters will have to stay a little farther away from public and private schools if one Baltimore County Councilman gets his way.
County Councilman Todd Huff, a Timonium Republican, introduced a bill Monday night that will require protesters to stay at least 300 feet from the entrance of a public or private elementary, middle or high school. Protests would be prohibited during school hours or within one hour before or after school hours. It would also be illegal to block or prevent the use of public streets, sidewalks or other spaces while protesting.
Violators would be subject to a fine of $1,000 or up to a 90-day jail sentence or possibly both.
"It's another layer of protecting our kids," Huff said. "That's it, the bottom line is it's all about protecting our kids."
Last month, three members of the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform held a protest on the sidewalk outside Dulaney High School. The protest was peaceful and lasted about 40 minutes, according to police reports.
Huff said the bill was not the result of any one particular protest. He said it was meant to not discriminate against any particular group.
"It's a broad bill," Huff said, adding that he believes it will pass Constitutional muster.
"It's been through two law offices," Huff said.
The bill, as introduced, might also prevent high school students from holding similar protests, though Huff said he had no problem with student protests.
"But when was the last time you saw a school child protest at a school?" Huff asked a reporter. "Personally, if it's a student picketing, I don't have a problem with it."
Students at Perry Hall High School, including members of the boys varsity soccer team, protested a decision by school officials to cancel the team's season in 2011 after the team performed the "Bernie Dance" following a game.
It's not clear if the bill will need to be amended to carve out an exception for school children who protest.
"You ask a good question," Huff said.
A hearing on the bill is scheduled for April 9. A final vote is scheduled for April 15.
Kamenetz Seeks Reduction In Open Space Fees
County Executive Kevin Kamenetz is seeking County Council approval to reduce fees charged to developers instead of dedicating a portion of land as open space in a new development.
The fee reduction, introduced Monday night, will be discussed on March 26.
Council Chairman Tom Quirk said the administration asked for the reduction because of declining property assessments in recent years.
"I do have some questions," Quirk said. "I'd like to see the comparisons that the county used. I need to get more information on it."
Quirk said the administration based the request on a study he has not yet seen.
"It simply reflects the reality that our property taxes have gone down the in fundamental fairness we should look at the open space waiver fee," Quirk said.
The waiver fee was established in 2000 as a way for the county to help offset the cost of acquiring recreational land. The fees were last adjusted in 2006, a year after the county approved the use of some of the money to fund NeighborSpace of Baltimore County. The nonprofit, which purchases open space and so-called pocket parks in urban areas of the county inside the Beltway, receives about $50,000 every two years for its operations.
Barbara Hopkins, executive director of NeighborSpace, said her group is just beginning to review the proposed fee reduction.
"Any time the open space waiver fee is reduced we stand to be impacted," Hopkins said. "It's potentially a hardship."
Hopkins added that she understands that the county may want to reduce the fee because of declining property assessments.
In other County Council News:
• A bill that would add an additional $18-$36 flat fee to residential property tax bills in the form of a stormwater management fee was introduced. The proposed fee, which is required by the state, will also impact shopping malls, condominiums and apartment complexes. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for April 1 with a final vote scheduled on April 15.
• The council unanimously approved a ban on developing panhandle lots less than 2 acres large in the Greenspring-East Pikesville. The ban, sponsored by Councilwoman Vicki Almond, is similar to three other areas of the county and takes effect on April 1.
• The council unanimously approved a bill that fixed the unintended consequences of zoning changes made last fall to the Prospect Hill Cemetery. Last August, the cemetery zoning was changed to an open space designation that put it into conflict with the adjacent Towson City Center. Councilman David Marks said his bill will allow the commercial development intended to the high-rise office and retail center to continue as planned.
• The Baltimore County Council Monday unanimously approved a bill that seeks to add a more formal review of redevelopment efforts in the Baynesville and Hillendale communities. Community leaders say they hope the bill sponsored by Councilman David Marks will encourage higher quality redevelopment of commercial areas bordering their older neighborhoods.
• More than two dozen Dundalk residents, including Michaela O'May, told the council they oppose the proposed sale of the North Point Government Center. Michaela O'May, an 8th grade student at Our Lady of Hope St. Luke School asked the council to reject the sale and spare The Sky is the Limit community theater group. Another student from the school, Alyssa Ullrich, expressed concern about the sale and its impact on the annual July 4 fireworks. "I just don't think that it's fair that you take this all away and if you do, you're meanies," Alyssa said through a hand-written letter read by her grandmother.
ProudParent
12:38 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Go have another one Huff .. Those AA meetings should be the classes you should be worried about.. Now as parents shouldn't we be worried more about you hittin happy hour then driving past our county schools... Not 1 protest has caused any credible damage to any person(s).
Voter
8:27 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
"it's all about protecting our kids." If that's true, the best thing that can happen is that Huff loses his License and has to ride a bicycle around... THAT, would protect our kids.
Huff really ought to do the best thing for the County and his District and resign.
Not only is he a poor example for our children, but instead of introducing some meaningful legislation, he comes up with idiotic things like this.
I guess this is the best he could come up with while he was sitting in the holding pen in jail.
kevin culler
8:45 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Noone is gonna take Huff seriously anymore...
Buzz Beeler
8:58 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
"All the President's Men," is a great story. All the Wrong Moves - is the county council and the Kamenetz administration.
M. Sullivan
9:43 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Boy, talk about piling on!
I sure hope none of you perfect people ever makes a mistake that you are going to be hounded about every time you try to do your jobs.
Mr. Huff happened to get caught doing something illegal (that many others get away with) and he will be judged and punished. Whether or not you agree with his bill, he is still trying to do his job. Argue the merits of the bill, not the irrelevance of Mr. Huff's personal issues.
I guarantee that some of our other glorified government leaders have secrets that may be far more disturbing.
scott morton
10:02 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Yes, like this guy:
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/Baltimore-County-police-captain-under-investigation/-/10136486/19367302/-/9dnpcnz/-/index.html
John Doe
10:15 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
MS - Is Todd Huff 16, 18, 21, or even 25? He should know at this point in his life the dangers of drinking and driving.
John Doe
9:59 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I would like to buffer alcoholics that drive in my neighborhood.
Tim
12:49 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Ha, I was just thinking we should put a buffer around Huff's vehicle whenever he's out drinking in the future.
Steve
12:14 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I think this is a good bill. Have any of you seen the anti abortion protestors outside of the county high schools holding up pictures of dead fetuses? Kids don't need to be burdened with that while they are in school.
Parkvillehoney
1:02 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
In my mind, it is called "freedom of speech." Protesting in a non disturbing and quiet manner is a right of every citizen. Maybe holding up pictures of dead fetuses are not the right way to protest in front of an elementary school. I do feel we all have a right of protest and I want this right protected.
number9dream
12:48 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
My question: Why was Mr. Huff's proposal (and photo), rather than the other legislation under consideration, chosen for the headline? Is it truly that newsworthy, or is it yet another example of the author's, "je ne sais quoi," for Mr. Huff.
M. Sullivan
1:07 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I like Mr. Sears but, he does seem to be milking this for all its worth. He got four or five stories out of the Huff DWI on Patch. It's almost like a personal vendetta.
BACourtReporter
9:22 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I'll tell you why. Because the other legislation made sense. I'm convinced that Huff introduced this legislation for the administration, which is embarrassed to do so itself, and its main intention is to prevent parents from demonstrating against school closings. Can you say "lap-dog"?
bystander
1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Great comprehensive report on the session. The average working citizen doesn't have time to attend these sessions, so these reports are great for them.
J Alexander
1:18 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Protesters shall remain in the approved Free Speech Zone lest ye be carted off to county lockup.
jack friese
4:24 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
This suggestion by Councilman Huff is beyond belief. Obviously councilman Huff doesn't understand our wonderful US Constitution. The lst amendment allows for peaceful assembly & protest Councilman Huff. It places no restriction on where the protest can be held or the reason(s), so long as it is peaceful with no interference with the public at large.
County laws require a permit to protest, that must be approved by the BCPD. So long as those protesting have this approval, there should be no restrictions on the right to assembly and protest. For anyone objecting to a peaceful demonstration, especially a council person, no matter where that protest is being conducted is utter nonsense and probably illegal councilman Huff. For what reason are you suggesting this bill Councilman Huff? There is simply no basis for such a bill.
Citizens and Maryland residents would be safer if people didn't get drunk then drive without headlights with another adult in the vehicle at that time and then try to weasel out of their illegal behavior by calling Jimmy Johnson. Do you get the point?
Trying to limit free speech is something that the clowns at Dumbcastle DSS attempt. When they don't like the message they call in Johnson's goons and then the cops lie and say "this is private property". B. S. Judy Schagrin and officer Marsh, Dumbcastle in owned by Baltimore county.
Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Sears didn't go out and get juiced up and locked up. You should be questioning Mr Huff.
Steve
6:31 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Seriously Jack, Do you want your kids to see huge signs with pictures of dead fetuses when they go to school? Because thats what this bill will prevent. Do you want thye Westboro people hanging outside of your kids school?
Sanchez
10:34 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Then why do you hang out with the Westboro crowd Westboro Steve?
Sanchez
10:44 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Read this about the murderer and his helpers Dr Gosnell who is on trial as we speak. Children SHOULD know what happens to their brothers and sisters in an abortion.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2295976/Kermit-Gosnell-House-horrors-abortion-clinic-worker-testifies-capital-murder-trial-killed-10-infants-delivered-late-term-abortion-snipping-NECKS.html
http://www.sba-list.org/suzy-b-blog/kermit-gosnell-trial-abortion-house-horrors
"'House of horrors' abortion clinic worker testifies in capital murder trial that she killed at least 10 infants delivered during late-term abortion by snipping their NECKS
Adrienne Moton, 35, testified that Dr Kermit Gosnell taught her the snapping method to kill fetuses
She said in court one newborn baby boy was very large and appeared viable
Gosnell joked the infant was so big he could have walked to the bus stop, she said
Moton, who has no college education or medical training, was allowed to handle anesthesia and help in abortions"
Westboro Steve supports this murder!
Ann Miller
6:00 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Steve, I agree that some of those very graphic pics are not appropriate for elementary school kids. But first, the protests are always, to my knowledge, done at HS or colleges, not ES. Second, there are some issues that are best not solved by legislation which will have negative unintended consequences, but rather by society. Can't parents contact these groups and express their concerns? If these groups understand their actions are causing people to view them and/or their cause in a negative light, they'll stop. This is a first amendment issue, beyond a prolife issue. Leave this one to the people to resolve.
FIFA_archived
6:23 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Ann, the councilman goes too far. I don't give two hoots if they demonstrate on public property about anything. Abortion, death penalty, etc., just not at beginning of school or at dismissal. There are a lot vehicles moving at those times and the last thing anyone needs is distractions while driving. Restrict protests during those times. That is logical, constitutional and rational.
Stewart G
6:44 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I'm less concerned right now about Huff trying to stay relevant as a Councilman and more concerned about reducing developer's fees. I find it hard to believe that this fee is about something good for the citizens, sounds like it's a new thank you perk for the developers. A fee is an easier cost for doing business then dedicating open space for the good of a community. Hopefully the study will really be scrutinized.
jack friese
8:46 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Steve you are either confused or simply don't understand our system of Government and the U. S. Constitution. It is not a pick and choose those amendments which you wish and ignore ones that you don't appreciate.
.
Our founding fathers developed the US Constitution for some very good reasons. It is a time tested master piece. These American heroes and patriots experienced the threats, intimidation and criminal behavior by the Commonwealth of Great Britain. Simply stated, the first amendment is to protect all the people and you nor anyone else has the legal right to abridge that right and should want to consider it.
This nonsense by Huff is a his attempt to divert attention from his drunken behavior.
This aside, why now are you speaking about the Westboro clowns, this has nothing to do with the gibberish Huff is proposing. And do your really think a 300 yard set back will do anything to prevent our kids seeing this rubbish from a very sick group of people?
As to Stewart G's comment, this is another Kamenetz BOHICA (bend over here it comes again) maneuver. Taxpayers are going to get screwed once again if this plan for Kevin's supporters (and contributors) is pushed on to Baltimore County taxpayers.
Steve
9:32 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Nobody is denying their right to protest. They just won't be able to do it in front of the schools.
jack friese
10:28 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Steve or whoever you are, your comment which was removed by The Patch about me being as crazy as a s--- house rat is rude, crude and social unacceptable. It does suggest you do have mental health issues.You obviously don't understand nor appreciate the basis of OUR U. S. Constitution. Huff's idiotic suggestion of a "buffer bill" has about as much chance of becoming law as the U.S. Senates "assault weapon" ban which has been shot down in flames.
Sanchez
10:36 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Steve has no moral base form which to work. He will take any side that suits him at the moment. He is a true troll here only for his own personal kicks.
Steve
11:01 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
ROTFLMAO You are preaching to me about mental health issues?? You are the Conspiracy Theorist.
Merlinthesocialjusticewizard
11:06 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Steve/1ke/whatever new name he uses is not a troll, but an operative. Any article in which opinions are expressed contrary to his party are met with disdain, misinformation, insults, and demonization. It is like arguing about tax hikes with someone that does not report their income.
Sanchez
11:29 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Steve/1ke is Jack Hays elsewhere.
Steve
11:32 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
....and don't forget Sidney,Muhammed, Jugdish and Clayton!
Sanchez
12:09 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Again with not the moral bone to admit you post elsewhere as Jack Hays! Jack Hays uses the exact same words Steve does. How many alter egos do you use Jack?
Steve
12:31 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I don't post anywhere else JoeBlob. I don't have the time....
You "Word Police" crack me up!
Sanchez
12:50 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Lies Jack Hays. No one would use the same language you do continually.
You don't have time? Really? You never step away from your keyboard Jack!
Steve
12:53 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
You are full of baloney JoeBlob. You always have been. Everything is a conspiracy with you. Now you are accusing me of being 7 different people. That's ridiculous.
I only post here under one name period. I am not about to pay for the Sun just so I can post comments. That's ridiculous too.
Sanchez
1:15 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
More LIES Westboro Steve? I only say you are Jack Hays. Not 7. Why do you make up so many things? Is truth to you like holy water on the devil? Does truth burn you?
I never mentioned the Sun, YOU mentioned the Balt Sun, hmmmm. And guess what? That is where you post as Jack Hays. You also mention 7 different names and I never said a number did I?
Thanks for your roundabout way of admission to being Jack Hays and using 7 different names!
hehehehe.
Steve
1:25 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
No, Inspector JoeBlob Clouseau. You didn't say I was commenting in the Sun paper. your partner BO/Kongo/ElCapitan did as did Beeker.
I am flattered with ya'll's obsession with me. Unfortunately you are all off base.
Sanchez
1:39 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Didn't your mother ever teach you to not lie because you get all caught up in them and lose track of what you say from one story to another Westboro Steve?
Your own comments gave you away and now you are trying to escape the truth.
Sad.
MC
12:33 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hey Jack, you do an aweful lot of name calling and my bet is you would recognize an idiot because one shaves in your mirror each morning. And I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have the courage to do that to someone face to face. Coward
Merlinthesocialjusticewizard
3:19 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Considering that Jack Hays/1ke/FIFA/Steve/Frank and many other names is constantly posting in that manner, we should simply call him Schenck. Schenck is the digital expert in the dem party that tweeted members of congress with the message of voting on gun control. The problem however, is that Schenck tweeted them with multiple user names, all sent from him. See how this works Sanchez and MC? No further need to explain.
El Capitan
7:47 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
"Steve" + "Frank" = the birth of the Stank of Mom's basement.
Merlinthesocialjusticewizard
3:36 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Go and call headquarters Schenck. They have a new list of talking points and websites for you to visit.
El Capitan
7:48 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
How's that incessant sullen weeping working out for you, Fido? LMAO
El Capitan
10:54 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
That well, huh? Boo hoo hoo. ROTFLMAO
A Robinson
10:23 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Wow these comments took a turn for the worst
Steve
11:08 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
A Robinson. El Capitan has been banned many times. So has Sanchez and Merlin. Their Referendums didn't work for Gay Mariage, The Dream Act and Their Anti Gun Control "I need My Man Maker!'
Now they have their Buddy Buzz Beeker running his "Ready! Fire! Aim!" nonsense.
It's really kind of funny and makes Patch look like a bunch of amateurs.
El Capitan
11:14 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
How's your referendum on getting emancipated from Mom's basement going, Stanker Steve? Not too well, huh? Boo hoo hoo. LMAO
Sanchez
8:38 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Westboro Steve and his lies continue. they never stop. He has no morals to make them stop. One loony Patch person didn't like what I had to say. He is not even at the Patch any longer as far as I can find. I am here and they know who I am and I am here.
Westboro Steve, stop your lies son, it is not a way to live a sad life!
A Robinson
12:43 am on Thursday, March 28, 2013
It is funny, but immature with the name calling in the comments. Heres an Idea: Comment on the story, or at least the subject matter....I just dont see how anyone's mother is relevant ???
Unless its just an exercise of free speech, which then could be relevant, considering Mr. Huff's bill to restrict that so-called freedom.
FIFA_archived
6:14 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Irony - Sanchez calling another Patch poster "looney". Wow.
Steve
6:37 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Sanchez is busy up in the Connecticut Patch making ridiculing the families of the children who were killed in the Sandy Hook massacre.
Classy.......
FIFA_archived
6:39 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Why am I not surprised?
El Capitan
9:46 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
One man's ridicule is another man's civilized discussion, although referring to a zit-faced teenager like Stanker Steve as a man is ridiculous in itself. Keep weeping it out, you little twerps.