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Schaefer's Last Day
 Today was not only William Donald Schaefer's last day, but it also ended an era in Maryland Politics. From Baltimore City Councilman, to Mayor, to Governor and to State Comptroller (one of three that my generation has known,) Schaefer lost in a three-way primary behind former Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens and Comptroller-elect Peter Franchot.
Despite his now infamous line "little girls" which some say was demeaning and sexist, The Capital said some ladies in the crowd squealed, "We love you."Labels: Comptroller, William Donald Schaefer
One Maryland...Minus Prince George's County
 The week leading up to Wednesday's inaugural activities was climaxed with the "One Maryland" tour. Governor Martin O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown toured the state to heard the concerns of free staters. The tour stopped in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Frederick, Montgomery and Talbot Counties. One county was not included in the tour and officials there are not happy.
Prince George's County supported O'Malley more than any other county, and many residents were not happy that O'Malley didn't pay a pre-inaugural visit. Terry Speigner, chairman of the county's Democrats, told The Washington Post that he received many calls from people upset and the perceived snub.
While Speigner appreciated that the prayer breakfast the day of the inauguration was held in the county, he would have liked to see the county have the same opportunity to voice their concerns to the new executive. Also not happy, State Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D-Dist. 24) who feels that O'Malley forgot the county already.
O'Malley's camp said that the breakfast was planned before the "One Maryland" tour to highlight Prince George's role in the election. One person notably not missing from the bandwagon is County Executive Jack Johnson. Johnson, through a spokesman, feels that O'Malley has been in the county enough times and that the breakfast was an honor.Labels: Inauguration, Jack Johnson, Martin O'Malley, Nathaniel Exum, Prince George's County
The Final Four?
John Harris is known for giving lots of support for the Salisbury Zoo. He's probably best known for donating two otters. From this day until April, Harris will be known as a city councilman candidate.
Harris now makes it a field of four with Tim Spies, Terry Cohen and incumbent Gary Comegys, but will it be the final four? It's a week and a half before the filing deadline and one incumbent, City Council President Mike Dunn, has yet to announce his intentions let alone put in the paper work.
The terms for Dunn, Comegys and Council woman Lynn Cathcart are up this year. Cathcart has already announced that she would not be seeking another term, while Dunn has announced that he would 100 percent support the re-election campaign of Council Vice President Comegys. One might assume that Dunn might not run for another term based on that statement.
The Daily Times says that the 63-year-old Harris is a life long Salisbury resident and businessman. He owns a car dealership in Frankfort, Delaware and is a member of the American Legion. If elected, the American Univeristy graduate said that his focus would be reducing crime and attracting young residents to the city.Labels: City Council, Election, John Harris, Salisbury, Wicomico
Baltimore City: Dixon Sworn In
With Governor Martin O'Malley in Annapolis, Sheila Dixon was sworn in as the 48th Mayor of Charm City. In addition, she becomes the first woman mayor of Baltimore. Her goal for the next year, thump past political differences and make Baltimore "safer, greener and cleaner."
The Baltimore Sun says that her 20-minute speech became emotional when Dixon described the role her two childen have played in her life.
She also vowed to increase the availability of affordable housing and keep the streets cleaner.
Dixon was on the city council for twenty years until her ascent to finish out O'Malley's term as Mayor. For three terms, she represented West Baltimore (District 4) before being elected City Council President in 1999.
Dixon has openly expressed her desire to a full term as Mayor.Labels: Baltimore City, Mayor, Sheila Dixon
Inauguration Day
Now a summary of events from yesterday's inaugural. The official swearing-in happened in the House Chamber of the General Assembly. Anthony Brown took the oath of Lt. Govenor first, with wife Patricia and his two children, Rebecca and Jonathan. Martin O'Malley took the oath of Governor with his wife, Katherine, holding the bible and four of their children. O'Malley took a minute after the oath to recognize the moment publically, quoting abolitionist and Maryland-native Fredrick Douglass.
Then it was on to the ceremonial festivities, with Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-7th.) O'Malley's 13-minute speech on the steps of the State House recalled the "One Maryland" theme throughout that time. The ceremony ended with a parade through historic downtown Annapolis.
Having A Ball
Remember when Sunny and Cher reunited for one night on David Letterman 20 years ago...or seeing Van Halen with David Lee Roth on stage about 10 years ago...it was kind of like that.
Govenor O'Malley and his band "O'Malley's March" reunited, at least for one time, last night at the inaugural party at the Baltimore Convention Center. By the way, O'Malley's guitar was a green one.
Detail about the reunion in The Baltimore Sun. O'Malley hung up his guitar during the election season, after former Montgomery County Executive Douglas Duncan (D) took him to task about playing in a band in the early stages of the campaign. Duncan would eventually drop out of the race in July.
More inaugural from The Baltimore Sun.Labels: Anthony Brown, Governor, Inauguration, Lt. Governor, Martin O'Malley
STANDBY FOR NEWS....
 I will be posting today. I'll make them look pretty later on (with pictures and chyron-sytyle graphics and such.)
MyOPINION: Bipartisanship just a feel-good word
What do Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have in common? Outside of the fact that they hold equal offices in their respective levels, both of the Democrats made a call for ‘‘bipartisanship” when it came to working with the minority party, Republicans. The only difference is that in the free state, this is absolutely laughable....
Look for my letter published in today's weekly edition of The Gazette in Prince George's County.
Wal-Mart Law Still Thrown Out
A federal appeals court still says that the Wal-Mart Bill is still not going to happen. This decision backs a lower court's decision to dismiss the suit, saying that the law was pre-empted by a 1974 law.
More from CBS News.
Maryland's 61st Governor: Martin O'Malley
 Labels: Governor, Martin O'Malley
Carter: "When Will Our Leaders Finish The Job...."
 A couple of days ago, Del. Jill Carter (D-Dist. 41) took Governor-elect and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D) to task, indirectly, over his higher aspirations.
The Baltimore Sun says that the verbal grilling happened at the annual House of Delegates King Day. Carter, in her speech, referred to O'Malley without naming him by asking "When will our leaders finish the job they have begun before moving on to the next opportunity?"
She also charged that leaders have been more focused on skyscrapers rather than revitalizing poor neighborhoods. This is not the first criticism to come from Carter about O'Malley. She also took him to task on policing policies among other things.
The delegate representing Northwest Baltimore is running for mayor in a crowded field that includes incoming interim Mayor Sheila Dixon (who will be sworn in later today) and City Councilman Kieffer Mitchell.Labels: Baltimore City, Jill Carter, Martin O'Malley
The Clock Starts Ticking For PSC At Noon
Starting today when Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley(D) is sworn in as Governor, the clock will begin to tick on whether he will deliver on one of his campaign promises, firing the Public Service Commission.
In a November 11 interview with WTOP (820AM/103.5FM,) he said that he would fire the PSC as soon as January 18 (tomorrow) and "put professional regulators on the job."
O'Malley along with many democrats blame the PSC for allowing BGE to raise it's rates 72 percent when the caps set in 1999 expire. Governor Robert Ehrlich (R) worked out a phase-in plan, which eventually was thrown out in a lawsuit brought on by O'Malley.
A special session was called in Annapolis in which lawmakers came up with their own plan, which included firing the PSC. In a move that summed up the last four years, it was vetoed by Ehrlich, then veto overridden by the General Assembly.
Also summing up the latter years of the Ehrlich administration, a couple of PSC members sued to get their job back and won. The courts saying that the General Assembly overstepped it's bounds by firing the PSC. The rate plan put in place by the General Assembly was not the focus of the lawsuit and remains in effect.Labels: BGE, Martin O'Malley, PSC, Public Service Commission
About The Other Major Political Blog Site...
If you are logging on for the first time through self discovery or the link from Joe Albero's Salisbury News blog site, Welcome.
With the extra traffic (thanks Joe, the link has been helping,) I thought now would be a good time to post a page giving a little information about this blog and this writer/editor.
Click Here to learn about me and MDPT.Labels: About
Fully Funded School Construction...How?
 As reported earlier today, Governor-elect Martin O'Malley(D) pledged to fully fund school construction to the tune of $400 million. State lawmakers are now wondering how.
Senate Minority Whip Alan Kittleman (R-Dist. 9) told WBAL (1090AM) that he's curious on how it will be done. He believes that lawmakers will not support raising taxes to fund the projects.
Senate President Thomas Mike Miller (D) told a group of reporters that by agreeing to fully fund the $400 million, O'Malley is "digging us into a deeper hole."
New Governor, New Signs
 Unfortunately for state worker's whose job is to make known who the governor of the free state, the transition from one governor to the successor is not so easy. They have to change stationary, state maps with the governor's picture on it. Let's not forget those signs that say "Maryland Welcome's You" with the governor's name underneath.
While Martin O'Malley is taking the oath of office, WMAR-TV (Channel 2) says that State Highway Administration workers will be heading to the state borders the change the sign from "Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Governor" to "Martin J. O'Malley Governor."
An SHA spokesman says that they don't get to the edge of the state that often, allowing them to take advantage of the opportunity if there are any other signs that need to be repaired, or any brush cutting.Labels: Inauguration, Martin O'Malley, Transition
Information You Need For The Inauguration 2007
 From The Maryland Constitution:
SECTION 1. The executive power of the State shall be vested in a Governor, whose term of office shall commence on the third Wednesday of January next ensuing his election....
This usually happens in the Senate Chamber, with a formal ceremony for the public there after.
As someone who spent the past three years in the state capital I can tell you the best this to do is to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (Rt. 50, Exit 24 Rowe Blvd towards Annapolis,) which is what officials are encouraging.
Shuttle buses will being to take people to Lawyer's Mall (behind the State House) at 6:45 tomorrow morning.
The inaugural parade will begin around 1:30 tomorrow afternoon.
Street Closures
State Circle, School Street and Francis Street from 7:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Southbound Bladen Street from Rowe Boulevard beginning at 6:30a.m.
Eastbound College Avenue from Church Circle beginning at 9:30a.m. (excluding official traffic.)
Parade Route Beginning at the Naval Academy's main gate (King George and Randall Streets) to East Street to State Circle to North Street. The route will then turn left onto College Avenue, right onto Bladen Street and north to Rowe Boulevard.
Parking will not be allowed on this route beginning at 8:00a.m., after which any vehicle parked along the route will be towed.
Do Not Be Alarmed....
The Maryland National Gaurd will be doing a 19-gun salute for incoming Governor O'Malley. They will be taking three practice shots around 9:30a.m., with the real deal happening sometime between 12:30 and 1:30p.m.
The parade is expected to end around 3:00p.m. and all remaining street closures should be lifted before 5:00p.m.
If you can't make it to Annapolis...
WJZ-TV (Channel 13) in Baltimore will have coverage following their 12noon newscast.
Statewide Maryland Public Television will have coverage starting at 12noon.
Also check with your local radio station of choice.
Now the party...
Tomorrow Evening from 7:00p.m. to 11:00p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center on West Pratt Street.
More information at mdinauguration.com.
Labels: Annapolis, Inauguration, Information, Martin O'Malley, Parade Route, Parking
Getting Tougher On Drunk Driving
  Maryland is one of the 49 states that Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is lobbying for tougher drunk driving laws. One of the issues being pushed by the advocacy group is requiring the use of ignition interlock devices for all first-time drunken driving offenders.
State law currently allows use of the devices in sentencing, but MADD Chesapeake Region Director Caroline Cash tells The Capital that they're not being used enough.
While MADD is not expecting any new laws this session, they are looking for a task force to look into current drunk driving laws, hoping that they will get strengthen.Labels: Drunk Driving, Laws, MADD
Inaugural Information Coming Tonight
I will be looking at inaugural information as far as media and for those who are coming to Central Maryland. As soon as I get Information, I will post it here.Labels: Inauguration
O'Malley Answer Education Questions
During the first ever Maryland Youth Inaugural at St. John's College in Annapolis, Governor-elect Martin O'Malley (D) addressed two big issues on the minds of parents, students and teachers.
O'Malley has pledged $400 million in next year's budget for school construction. That announcement drew applause at the town-hall style meeting. More in The Baltimore Sun, who also has a preview of O'Malley's inaugural speech.
The announcement thumps the recommendation of a education committee headed by State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, which suggested that school construction be funded at $250 million over a five year period.
He also addressed the standardized testing system, agreeing with much of the criticism. According to The Examiner, O'Malley agreed with much of the criticism, stating that he felt the standard pendulum swung to far to the extreme. However, he offered few solutions.Labels: Budget, Construction, Education, HSA, Martin O'Malley, School, Standardized Testing
Montgomery County: Halt!
The moratorium on new subdivision construction in Montgomery County is draws criticism from companies in the Capital Region County.
Timothy Dugan, an attorney representing the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce calling the prohibition in The Washington Examiner "a 'Keep Out' sign." He also adds that there are unintended consequences to the moratorium."
The moratorium was introduced in November by County Countil President Marilyn Praisner. It has been greeted with support and opposition since it was introduced. Praisner said that the move was needed to give planning staff members time to recommend a new growth policy.Labels: Construction, Montgomery County, Moratorium
Ehrlich Says Thank You
Outgoing Governor Robert Ehrlich (R) thanked the faithful at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Baltimore County. He received a rock star's welcome when he arrived into a packed exhibition hall.
More from The Baltimore SunLabels: Governor, Robert Ehrlich
Did Ehrlich Do a Good Job?
Gazette Columnist Barry Rascovar think so...not that voter's noticed.Labels: Barry Rascovar, Robert Ehrlich
O'Malley Might Not Fully Fund Thornton
Governor-elect Martin O'Malley(D) has said at an impromptu press conference that he might not be able to fully fund the Thornton Plan, which means that jurisdictions like Prince George's and Montgomery Counties could lose out on millions next year.
O'Malley criticized Governor Robert Ehrlich(R) for not fully funding the plan in which more money is sent to jurisdictions where the cost of education is deemed expensive.
More from The Gazette and The Washington Post.Labels: Martin O'Malley, Prince George's County, Thornton Plan
Prince George's County: Frush Leads Delegation
  The Prince George's County Delegation choose their leader at the last possible minute this past week, and it's Del. Barbara Frush (D-Dist. 21.)
The delegation was deadlocked thanks to a wrenched allegedly being turned by County Executive Jack Johnson (D) who was trying to have the delegation led by Del. Marvin Holmes (D-Dist. 23B.) Frush endorsed Johnson's opponent, former Del. Rushern Baker (D) in last years primary.
The Gazette says that Frush assured Johnson that they can work together.Labels: Delegation, Frush, Prince George's County
Turner At Center; He Is Like Minded With Busch
  Del. Frank Turner (D-Dist. 13) of Howard County is right at the center to the slots debate (assuming of course if they have such a bill this year.) Turner is chairman of the Finance Resource subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee. Anything dealing with gambling goes through this subcommittee first. This might be a savvy move to keep slots out of the equation for a little while longer.
Turner, like House Speaker Michael Busch (D-Dist. 30) is no fan of expanded gambling, but unlike the Anne Arundel Delegate, he is willing to grab a whisper of the issue. He tells The Baltimore Sun that Maryland is facing a looming budget deficit and gambling might or might not be part of the package to solve it.
Keep in mind, the free state's northern borders are are surrounded by state's with slots. Namely Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. Pennsylvania has tax free items on essentials, while Delaware is completely sales tax free for the most part.Labels: General Assembly, Howard County, Maryland, Slots
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