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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Embattled DJS Secretary Vincent Schiraldi steps down
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vincent N. Schiraldi in a file photo from January 2024. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) Vincent Schiraldi, whose two years as secretary of the troubled Maryland Department of Juvenile Services were marked by heavy criticism from some state lawmakers, resigned Monday. Critics called the move long overdue but Schiraldi, 66, said in an interview Monday evening that he's pleased with the work he and his team did under the leadership of Gov. Wes Moore (D). 'It was a real honor working with Gov. Moore,' he said. 'I wish him luck as he continues to drive down crime and improve outcomes for young people. His efforts to abolish childhood poverty will reap benefits, not only for kids, but also they'll improve crime rates even further than they already are.' Moore announced Schiraldi's replacement will be Besty Fox Tolentino, who will assume the acting secretary position Wednesday. She currently works as managing director of juvenile and young adult justice initiatives at The Roca Impact Institute, a nonprofit based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. 'We knew when we took office that the Department of Juveniles Services was one of the most troubled in all of State government. We need to continue to move fast and diligently in order to turn it around,' Moore said in a statement. 'I am pleased that Betsy Fox Tolentino has raised her hand to serve and will lead the department during the next critical phase of this work,' his statement said. 'Her focus on safety for all communities is defined by executional excellence, accountability for justice-involved youth, support for the staff who serve them, and sturdy grounding in the law is exactly what we need at this moment.' Before working at The Roca Institure, Fox Tolentino worked in juvenile services in Maryland as deputy secretary of community operations, a position created by the General Assembly in 2021. Juvenile Services secretary grilled on agency's performance by Senate committee 'I am thankful for Secretary Schiraldi's service to Maryland while leading an organization that shapes the lives of our young people who need support. I wish him well in his next endeavors,' Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said in a statement. 'I also want to congratulate Betsy Tolentino on her nomination as secretary. Ms. Tolentino's experience in successful operations at the Department of Juvenile Services will be important to the next phase of the work for the agency.' Senate Republicans believe Schiraldi's departure is 'long overdue,' saying in a written statement that under Schiraldi's leadership, 'a broken system became a public safety liability.' 'He presided over widespread failures: violent juveniles released with no real supervision, repeated contract mismanagement, dangerous missteps in ankle monitoring, and frontline staff left to fend for themselves,' Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr. (R-Upper Shore) said in the statement. Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll) criticized Moore for not removing him sooner, saying that while the change in leadership is welcome, it 'doesn't erase the damage already done under Schiraldi—or the fact that the Governor stood by while this department fell deeper into crisis.' The Senate Republicans that the department Schiraldi leaves behind 'remains in disarray,' and that disfunction at the agency are 'deeply embedded in a culture of mismanagement and denial.' 'Removing Schiraldi is just step one,' Hershey added. 'We need a full overhaul of the department — new leadership, real operational experience, a commitment to public safety, and above all, accountability.' The juvenile services department has been mired in controversies under Schiraldi. Most recently, the agency was the subject of a lengthy report from state auditors who said the department failed to consistently ensure that criminal background checks were completed for every contractor working at state juvenile detention centers and treatment facilities. This oversight allowed a state contractor for the department to work directly with children through this year, despite a 2021 assault conviction, according to a May report from the Office of Legislative Audits. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Schiraldi's department also came under fire over last year over inadequate communications involving the transfer of a student who was charged with serious criminal offenses. Last year, the Maryland State Board of Education had to issue an emergency rule requiring that school leaders notify other schools of such cases, after a student in Howard County was arrested in connection with an October murder. Howard County education officials said that they were not notified that the student in question had also had been charged in another county and was under Department of Juvenile Services supervision before he enrolled in their county. The General Assembly's Joint Republican Caucus had called for Schiraldi's removal following that incident. Moore stood by Schiraldi then, saying that the secretary understood the vision of the administration when it came to accountability and opportunities for Maryland's youth. Schiraldi said when some lawmakers speak loudly against some criminal justice reform measures, 'watch out.' 'I think when you hear some politicians thumping their chests and breathing fire … that's when bad policy happens, and that's when lots and lots and lots of young Black men get incarcerated,' he said. 'That is the story of mass incarceration, and if we're not careful, we will relive that history.' Schiraldi has highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure with the agency such as the creation of the Thrive Academy. The program that began in 2023 in Baltimore City and Baltimore County to provide community-based, gun-violence prevention programs for youth at the highest risk of being a victim or perpetrator of gun violence. By July 1 of last year, it had expanded to 300 youths statewide. Maryland schools must now share information on students charged with serious crimes In terms of staffing, Schiraldi told the Senate committee in January the job vacancy rate at the department decreased from 16% when he arrived to 11% during that time. Schiraldi spent several decades in criminal justice and youth reform. He was director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services in Washington, D.C.; a senior criminal justice adviser to former New York Mayor Bill De Blasio (D); a leader of the New York City Department of Corrections during which he tried to close the notorious Rikers Island jail complex and end solitary confinement; and senior researcher at the Columbia School of Social Work. 'Vinny Schiraldi brought decades of experience and innovative thinking to the task of running the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services,' Moore's statement said. 'He put immense energy and effort into his work and moved important new efforts forward – to include the award-winning Thrive Academy – and we thank him for his service.' Schiraldi, who said his work extends 45 years, plans to relax this summer fishing and hiking with his wife in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. He declined to say what his plans are in the fall, but he isn't going to retire. 'Folks have been knocking on my door,' he said. 'I got a lot of things that I'm considering, but I haven't made any commitments to people yet, so I can't announce it. I'll be fighting mass incarceration again like I always have.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Baltimore weather: Memorial Day weekend forecast is mostly sunny
May 24—Mostly sunny conditions are in the forecast for the Memorial Day weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, with the temperature reaching around 72 and winds blowing 8 to 14 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. Saturday evening should be clear, with a low around 53. [Get the latest weathercast from FOX45 News] Related Articles — Artscape 2025: Here's what to know about Baltimore arts festival — Transcript: Read Kermit the Frog's University of Maryland commencement speech — Liberatore's restaurant to open in Ocean City, and Lib's Grill in Towson and Sykesville — Maryland Democratic lawmakers describe communications breakdown with Gov. Wes Moore The sun should continue to shine into Sunday with a high near 75. Sunday night is expected to be mostly cloudy with a low around 57. Memorial Day on Monday is predicted to be mostly sunny with a high near 77 and an overnight low around 59. Rain could move into the area early Tuesday, with showers starting around 2 a.m. and continuing in the forecast through at least Thursday.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Moore: 'I've been so inspired'
WESTERNPORT — When 9 feet of water rushed into the basement of their Church Street home, Mark Slider and his partner Steve Matthews lost items including a new $14,000 boiler, washer, dryer and refrigerator that floated up to the ceiling and knocked out plumbing. Despite devastation caused by Tuesday's flood, Slider talked of his gratitude for the close-knit community that welcomed the same-sex couple 20 years ago and has treated them like family ever since. 'When we moved here I didn't know what to expect,' he said. 'But we couldn't have picked a more accepting place.' That gentle spirit and love of community felt almost palpable across the tiny town, which was covered with mud, muck and mold as residents welcomed Gov. Wes Moore Thursday. 'I'm appreciative of (Moore's visit) because Western Maryland usually seems to get left out,' Slider said. 'We need help.' His plea was apparently answered. Moore, after seeing the town's destruction, declared a state of emergency to strengthen Maryland's response to the flood-damaged region. Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton led the governor, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and others on a tour of spots hit hard by the flood, including Tri-Towns EMS, Boal Funeral Home and the local library. During the walk, Moore talked to area residents on mud-covered sidewalks and porches. Gov. Wes Moore in Westernport Gov. Wes Moore is in Westernport on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Some yards contained broken fences, crushed lawns and battered, scattered sandbags. Folks filled dumpsters with debris as the Maryland State Police Trooper 5 helicopter circled above to further assess the damage. Water poured from a drain pipe through the side of a wall at Westernport Elementary School, where cars were drowned and abandoned in the nearby parking lot. Despite the wreckage, as sunset approached bells rang at St. Peter's Catholic Church and raised a reminder that life goes on in the small, rural town. After the tour, the governor talked of what stood out most. 'It's the people,' he said. 'I've been so inspired,' Moore said. 'We're seeing the best of Maryland.' 'Within minutes' Allegany County Emergency Services Interim Director Roger Bennett said Moore made state help available 'within minutes' of the flood. Roger Bennett, April McClain Delaney, Wes Moore Allegany County Emergency Services Interim Director Roger Bennett, center, talks to Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and Gov. Wes Moore in Westernport on Thursday, May 15, 2025. 'Everyone at the state got us resources,' he said of aid, including water rescue teams. Maryland departments, including natural resources, police and environment responded, Bennett said. Helping hands Kristi Williams recently moved to Delaware, but is a lifetime member of Tri-Towns EMS. Kristi Williams Kristi Williams 'This is my hometown,' she said of Westernport, where she was a police and fire commissioner. Despite wearing medical boots on both feet due to injuries sustained in snow, Williams returned to the EMS station to help clean up after the flood. Folks rallied to help clean and set up fans and dehumidifiers, she said. 'It was a lot of hands so it made the work light,' Williams said. 'We were all working together so well. It became a feeling ... an emotion.' Mike Wilhelm and his granddaughter's boyfriend, Aden Cebotar, tossed items into a dumpster parked near Main Street. Mike Wilhelm and Aden Cebotar Mike Wilhelm, right, and Aden Cebotar toss items into a dumpster parked near Main Street in Westernport on Thursday, May 15, 2025. 'I lost everything out of my basement,' Wilhelm said, adding that water rose to just 18 inches below the cellar's ceiling. His items destroyed by the flood included a large freezer, tools, a washer, a dryer and a hot water tank. While the loss amounted to several thousand dollars, 'It isn't much compared to other people,' Wilhelm said of many of his neighbors. Mold started Allegany County Library System Executive Director John Taube said water rushed through side doors at the Westernport branch. He believes that caused furniture to float into a panic bar and open another door of the building. More than 30 chairs then floated downtown, Taube said. He described some of the building's damage. 'You can see the water marks on the wall,' Taube said. 'The mold has already started to grow.' He said a $21,000 flood insurance policy will cover roughly $500,000 for the building and $181,000 for contents. 'Luckily, our shelving is steel,' Taube said of being able to power wash the units. Due to flooding, the Westernport and George's Creek library branches are closed. The ACLS Board of Trustees, which for months has discussed solutions for a budget deficit, will meet at the LaVale branch from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday. 'Very grateful' Tri-Towns EMS Chief Justin White was 10 years old when the town flooded in 1996. Gov. Wes Moore, Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton and Tri-Towns EMS Chief Justin White Gov. Wes Moore, Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton and Tri-Towns EMS Chief Justin White 'This is worse now,' he said. 'Just the mud and wreckage and debris ... it's a lot.' White thanked area residents and nearby EMS stations from Keyser and southern Garrett County for helping Tri-Towns with the flood damage. 'We're very grateful,' he said. 'The community has stepped up.' His wife, Brittany, said the couple's two teenage sons and their family home remained safe during the flood, but the experience was surreal. 'It was almost like living in a movie,' she said. Brycen Garner, 20, said his mom is an EMT at Tri-Towns, where he also volunteers. Brycen Garner Brycen Garner 'It's been a shock,' he said of witnessing the flood and seeing it damage a friend's house. 'I was up on the hill and could just hear it.' Laundry, prisoners State Sen. Mike McKay said he's working on creative approaches to help folks in Westernport. State Sen. Mike McKay State Sen. Mike McKay As president of the Mid- Atlantic Association of Cleaners, he reached out to the leader of Procter & Gamble's Tide division to bring a tractor-trailer filled with running washing machines and dryers to Westernport for residents who, due to the flood, lost their ability to clean laundry. A local church agreed to facilitate the mobile laundry unit, McKay said. 'I'm working on getting that to happen,' he said. 'My goal is to have it here within three weeks.' McKay said he is also working with the state Department of Corrections to provide inmate labor to clean the town. The workers would be from low-crime backgrounds, vetted and properly supervised, he said. McKay said he wants to make sure areas damaged by the flood receive long-term help. He compared the needed aid for the recent weather event to immediate attention that surrounds a newborn but later fades when most needed. 'The flood to me ... is kind of like a young mother who just gave birth,' McKay said.
