Cynthia Prairie, Author at MarylandReporter.com

State Roundup, September 14, 2015

Baltimore City Mayor Rawlings-Blake decides not to seek re-election, announcement shocks since fundraising had begun; business leaders hope to look for more sympathetic candidate; Arundel Exec Schuh seeks to ban medical marijuana facilities; Del. Proctor’s widow says she’ll seek his seat; Gov. Hogan takes on new role as cancer awareness advocate; Glenn Ivey launches congressional campaign; U.S. Rep. Delaney says he’ll likely seek re-election; and Sheila Dixon formally launches campaign for Baltimore City mayor.

Redistricting Reform Commission to hold first hearing Tuesday, schedules 4 more

Gov. Larry Hogan’s recently formed Redistricting Reform Commission will hold the first of five regional meetings this Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, in the Minnegan Room at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium.

Old-fashioned sendoff for old-school lobbyist Jeff Zellmer

It was an old-fashioned funeral service for an old-school lobbyist at the Old Wye Church in Talbot County Friday afternoon. More than 150 Annapolis insiders, family and friends bid adieu to Jeffrie Zellmer, 73, who represented the Maryland Retailers Association at the State House for the past 20 years.

Rascovar: Void in Baltimore’s mayoral election

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s retirement announcement last week turns next April’s city election into a free-for-all among a group of imperfect, little-known or inexperienced candidates. It reveals the reality of Baltimore’s sorry class of politicians. There are no lions in this crowd, no movers-and-shakers.

State Roundup, September 11, 2015

Longtime Del. James Proctor dies of heart disease at 79; Del. Will Campos resigns after nine months; medical marijuana company could bring 120 jobs to Washington County; Del. McDonough urges state cut to Baltimore City aid after Freddie Gray settlement; Hogan administration courts Hispanic voters by addressing economic issues; Frederick County lawmakers tackle school construction need; O’Malley plays for his lunch on Wall Street; and Rep. Ruppersberger backs Iran deal.

State Roundup, September 10, 2015

GBC urges reduction in corporate tax rate while chamber opposes combined reporting as Augustine Commission tackles state’s business climate; Democratic clubs across Maryland consider dropping Jefferson, Jackson from annual fund-raisers; Obama to attend 9-11 commemoration at Fort Meade on Friday; DNR taps new fisheries chief; and while U.S. Rep. Hoyer comes out for the Iran deal, Del. Parrott travels to D.C. to protest it.

Hogan, Ehrlich bid farewell to friend and advisor Kreseski

It was a sad reunion of sorts for many members of the Bob Ehrlich administration — some now part of Larry Hogan’s administration — as both governors bid farewell to Steve Kreseski, who died last month at 58. Hogan, 59, and Ehrlich, 57, eulogized Kreseski at a packed memorial Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Capitol Hill in Washington attended by more than 400. Kreseski was Ehrlich’s chief of staff both in Congress and as governor.

Edwards files for Senate, far behind Van Hollen in funds

Although Maryland will not elect its next senator until November 2016, the party primaries are only 230 days away on April 26. Since incumbent Maryland Democratic Sen. Barbara Mikulski announced her retirement plans in March, the primary is shaping up to be a clash between two of the state’s best-known politicians, though four lesser-knowns have filed. On Tuesday, Rep. Donna Edwards, who represents Maryland’s 4th District, took another important step in her campaign, filing her certificate of candidacy, and officially placing her name on the ballot as a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

State Roundup, September 9, 2015

Secretary Brinkley outlines budget cuts that includes eliminating 274 posts; Maryland’s Hispanic citizens outline concerns over immigration policy, business climate; while Maryland gambling is growing, its efforts to offer help to addiction are not; Baltimore County first in state to tackle medical marijuana zoning issues; Baltimore City settles Gray case with family for $6.4 million; paid sick leave bill in Prince George’s fails to be introduced; and a growing number of Republicans line up to challenge U.S. Rep. Delaney.

Rascovar on Mandel part 2: Marvin the Manipulator

Former Maryland Gov. Marvin Mandel died last week at 95 after a life of enormous achievements and puzzling contradictions. On the surface he could be wise, funny, kind, brilliant and farsighted. Yet there was a darker side behind the implacable façade he showed to the public.

Cynthia Prairie

Support Our Work!

Recent Comments

Twitter

Facebook

Recent Articles