Gov.-elect Hogan names more cabinet members, including former Del. Joe Bartenfelder as Ag Secretary, a “Bay Cabinet” and Van Mitchell to head health; there’s still time for outgoing Gov. O’Malley to influence Maryland’s future; Hogan won’t back away from tax cut pledge; Prince George’s legislators will once again push for artificial turf on high school fields; and Attorney General Gansler voids Blaine Young appointment to planning commission.
Month: December 2014
Private sector experience a key quality of Hogan cabinet picks
In introducing his nominees for another six cabinet posts Tuesday, Gov.-elect Larry Hogan Jr. emphasized again that they were “talented, diverse and bipartisan.” But in addition to some government experience relevant to their new jobs — often in the Ehrlich administration that Hogan served as well — the governor-elect would always point out another quality the appointees had in common — private sector experience.
State Roundup, December 23, 2014
A new business coalition to urge Gov.-elect Larry Hogan to move forward with Purple Line; as Hogan hones his budget knife, Arundel ponders its financial future; as Del. Schultz prepares to become cabinet secretary, her replacement in House is sought; Maryland No. 3 when it comes to needing services for mental health care; state senator, city comptroller open boutique in Baltimore City; and former Wicomico spokeswoman found in violation of ethics law over election event email.
Hogan continues outreach to Franchot, Democrats, groups
Gov.-elect Hogan continues to work on his relationship with Comptroller Peter Franchot, who holds a key vote on the three-member Board of Public Works, which will review all of the major contracts of the Hogan administration. Hogan has continued to meet with key Democrats, office holders and interest groups throughout the state as he prepares to take office in a month and submit a budget.
State Roundup, December 22, 2014
The federal government formally seeks developers for new FBI HQ with no state location designated; Maryland adds 3,800 jobs in November, with private sector responsible for majority; reformers ask state to stop requiring pre-trial bond; MVA will no longer be allowed to change party designation on voter forms; Gov.-elect Hogan sets inauguration plans; U.S. Rep. Delaney proposes infrastructure-aid bill; Arundel Circuit Court judgeship list lacks racial diversity; Howard delegation says goodbye to four legislators; and Ken Ulman takes business incubator post with UM.
Speaker Busch makes House committee assignments
House Speaker Michael Busch late Friday announced committee assignments for six standing committees in the House of Delegates, giving 58 new delegates the spots where they will spend most of their time as legislators.
Most incumbent delegates kept their current assignments, but six incumbent Democrats moved over to the Economic Matters Committee, the most shifts for any committee.
Rascovar: Abolishing Maryland’s Lt. Governor –Part II
Rutherford gets sworn in next month as Maryland’s lieutenant governor, a toothless-tiger of a job.
He’ll have no constitutional powers. He’ll have to follow in lockstep the wishes and policies of the governor and praise the governor’s every move. He’ll be totally dependent on the governor for real work assignments. Abolishing it will save $1 million.
Coppin State president takes exception to Rascovar’s put down
Coppin State University President Mortimer Neufville takes extreme exception to Barry Rascovar’s depiction of Coppin State University and the quality of the education our students receive. (The last few paragraphs in Caret comes home, Dec. 18)
State Roundup, December 19, 2014
While other governors are more willing to exercise clemency powers, Gov. O’Malley rarely uses his; Baltimore City mayor promises to find a way to redevelop State Center; Board of Public Works forgives $1.5 million in loans to two housing rehab groups; despite the problems, health exchange board bids fond farewell to Dr. Sharfstein; Eastern Shore Assembly delegates prepare for next session; Energy Administration chief moves to federal job; Del. Schulz to lead Labor, Licensing and Regulation, with past record emphasizing reducing regulation; Del. Vitale is on short list for Arundel judgeship; as Bob Caret returns to take over UM system to much praise, TU President Loeschke resigns due to illness; Howard Exec Kittleman hears budget requests; and Frederick County Exec Gardner says Blaine Young situation shows up holes in county ethics laws.
Rascovar: Caret comes home
Hooray for the University of Maryland Board of Regents for making a common-sense choice in choosing Bob Caret as the new chancellor of Maryland’s state university system. He’s got the right personality to keep 12 competing academic institutions on the same page.
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