| Taiwan Vice-President's graft trial opens
TAIPEI - The trial of Taiwan Vice-President Annette Lu on corruption and forgery charges for allegedly misusing an expense account opened Monday in the latest high-profile case involving leading politicians. Lu was accused of claiming 5.6 million Taiwan dollars (174,000 US) in special expenses using more than 1,000 false receipts from December 2000 to May 2006. Before stepping into the courtroom, Lu insisted on her innocence, saying she acted the same way as 6,500 other government chiefs entitled to special expenses. "The judicial system remains divided in the way how the expenses should be claimed," she told reporters. "There is no reason to ask me, one individual, to bear the burden." Lu, vice-president since 2000, is a 63-year-old former political prisoner and human rights advocate.
Senate Seeks Cuts Beyond O'Malley Plan
Maryland lawmakers contemplated yesterday making deeper spending cuts and applying the state sales tax to different services from those Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has proposed in a special session to close a shortfall next year of at least $1.5 billion. The discussion followed a week of hearings on the governor's revenue proposals in which many of those affected by O'Malley's tax plans vigorously objected. The governor has proposed increasing Maryland's sales tax from 5 to 6 percent and applying the levy to a handful of services that are currently exempt, including health clubs, tanning and massage parlors and property management services. .
Real Estate Briefs
A list of real estate related news briefs. Seminars offered Seminars on real estate short sales are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15 from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Both seminars will be held at 28000 Spanish Wells Blvd., #103 in Bonita Springs. A short sale occurs when a property is sold and the lender agrees to accept a discounted payoff, meaning the lender will release the lien that is secured to the property upon receipt of less money than is actually owed and allows the homeowner to avoid foreclosure proceedings. The seminars are being presented by Linda Brown and Marian Rosencrans of Fidelity National Title. To reserve a spot, call Carla Bonten Realty Inc. at 239-949-9122. Office relocates Gulfstream Realty Group Inc.
City Hall to send the biggest contingent
Like in previous years, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will again be sending the biggest contingent to the Statutory Bodies Association of Malaysia Sports Carnival 2007. A total of 401 athletes and officials will participate in the biennial carnival that opens today at the Universiti Kebang-saan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi. .
Virginia real estate investor buys Bella Madera Apartments
An affiliate of Harbor Group International LLC has purchased the 328-unit Bella Madera Apartments from Westwood Residential. Will Balthrope of the Balthrope Group of Marcus & Millichap brokered the transaction. The purchase price was not disclosed. However, Harbor Group International plans to invest $377,000 in the San Antonio property for minor interior and exterior upgrades. Bella Madera is a Class A apartment community completed in mid-2006. The property has one- and two-bedroom floorplans with an average unit size of 752 square feet. The property has a clubhouse, swimming pool, resident business center, conference room, 24-hour fitness center, tanning studio and massage therapy salon. Bella Madera is 96 percent occupied.
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