The 2014 primary has a noteworthy number of high profile Jewish candidates running for statewide offices. Some are competing against each other, which could set off a secondary battle for candidates vying for the Jewish vote.
Month: May 2014
Rascovar on Md. highed ed: Kurt’s in, Brit’s out
In 24 hours last week, Maryland higher education underwent a rapid shakeup. First came the long-expected but deeply regretted retirement announcement from William “Brit” Kirwan as top dog at the University System of Maryland.
Then came the surprise announcement that former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke is returning to his hometown as president of the University of Baltimore.
State Roundup, May 16, 2014
In last bill signing of his administration, Gov. O’Malley signs transgender rights bill into law, among others; Board of Public Works OKs $131 million more for school construction; Ellen Sauerbrey hopes GOP takes back U.S. Senate; community activists tell Democratic gubernatorial candidates they don’t want to be courted for a one-night stand; Gansler picks up electrical workers’ endorsement; District 18 House race, filled with incumbents – and challengers; Leggett fund-raiser pulls in the bucks; and judge orders Arundel to pay attorney’s fees of former Leopold employee.
Overtime pay for state employees rises; some double their salaries
Although the number of overtime payments to state employees made in 2013 remained roughly the same as those made in 2012, the sum of those payments rose by more than $8 million. In 2012, the total amount of overtime paid out to all state employees totaled $126,719,585. Over 2013 the total payments rose to $135,050,262 — over $8 million more. Roughly one-third of this increase is due to an across-the-board living allowance raise which occurred in January of 2013.
Baltimore Co. Democratic club fails to endorse state incumbents in dispute over local race
A Baltimore County Democratic Club, based almost solely on battle of the local county council race, declined to endorse a contingent of State House incumbents, despite the fact that those lawmakers have been long-standing members in the group.
State Roundup, May 15, 2014
Former Baltimore City Mayor Schmoke to become president of University of Baltimore; state politicians, business people head to Vegas for convention; Carroll Commissioners invoke Jesus in opening prayer; O’Malley finds friend in Bill Clinton despite possibility of running against Hillary Clinton in presidential primary; state GOP seeks resignation of Ron DeJuliis after sign-theft charge; Ruppersberger attends Brown fund-raiser, still mum on gubernatorial endorsement; and Gansler targets veterans services for improvements.
Morgan State dining contract upsets Franchot
Comptroller Peter Franchot turned up the heat on Morgan State University officials at the Board of Public Works Meeting Wednesday, accusing them of selecting their dining services contractor with a biased eye. “This stinks,” Franchot said.
Md. state university profs make more than national average
Full-time professors at Maryland public universities earn a salary roughly $16,500 above the national average, but tuition at Maryland public universities has remained lower than the national average, according to data from the American Association of University Professors.
State Roundup, May 14, 2014
Somerset County awaits Gov. O’Malley’s signature – or veto – of bill that delay a major wind farm project; success of attempt to overturn transgender rights law could hinge on the “bathroom question,” poll finds; UMS Chancellor Kirwan to step down; Del. Braveboy pushes agenda in run for Attorney General; Del. Mizeur would target electric bills if elected governor; fromer Md. Sen. Alex Mooney wins W.Va. primary for Congress; Annapolis delegate candidate says slew of signs pilfered; President Clinton touts Brown’s work on health care exchange repair; O’Malley, Cardin to back Leggett for Montgomery exec; Arundel Exec Neuman proposes community projects with casino funds; Neuman and Schuh trade barbs in first AA exec debate; and term limits in Prince George’s revisited.
State employees making $100K jumped 20% to 6,847 last year
The number of state employees making over $100,000 jumped dramatically to 6,847 in 2013 due to an across-the-board 2% cost-of-living raise, MarylandReporter.com’s fourth annual analysis of state salaries found. Numerically, this represented a 1,184 increase from 2012, a 20% rise in the number of state and university employees making six figures.
Recent Comments