If you go to community meetings, your constituents will appreciate the time you spend learning about their concerns. If you cast a vote on a bill that they may not agree with, they are more likely to recognize that you spent time studying the issue before you cast your vote. At lunch today, I gave …more >
I was honored to again be asked to offer the opening prayer at the first day of the legislative session. Matthew relates, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Both the Mishnah and the Koran teach us, “Whosoever saves …more >
Why do we need this bill? That, you may recall, is the question that every bill sponsor must answer. This session, we will debate amending the state constitution to protect a woman’s right to make decisions about her reproductive health care. It’s been listed in several press accounts of the priorities for the upcoming session. …more >
In Roland Park, there was redlining. Homebuyers who were Jews or Blacks were steered elsewhere. In Edmondson Village, there was blockbusting. Whites were scared into selling their homes at rock bottom prices. They were resold to Black buyers at higher prices. I’m working on recreation projects in both communities. The Roland Park Community Foundation will …more >
On Sunday morning, I sent this email to two of my legislative colleagues, whom I’ve worked with on encouraging public service. Wes Moore was just interviewed on CNN. He twice said: “We’re creating a Service Year option for every high school graduate. We’re going to do it this session.” Put me in, coach. I’m ready to help …more >
When you’re driving on the Jones Falls Expressway, I hope you’re obeying the speed limit. For your own safety and that of other drivers, myself included. But people who are ticketed are expected to generate $34.7 million annually. Under existing law, that money would go towards road and safety improvements to I-83, eligible activities under the …more >
On Sunday night, less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, a documentary about Gabby Giffords aired on CNN. You should watch it. So should my colleagues in Annapolis. There are scenes of Giffords’ therapy sessions in the weeks after she survived a bullet wound to her brain. Don’t …more >
My grandmother would say that Nancy Pelosi was raised properly. As you know, her father, Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., was the mayor of Baltimore. In May 1954, the Supreme Court held that segregated schools were unconstitutional. Throughout the South, there was massive resistance. Public schools closed. What would Baltimore do? Mayor D’Alesandro met with the chair …more >
Election boards are being overwhelmed by requests for data. The intent: to hamper preparations for the November election. I first heard about this on MSNBC. I read the Washington Post article that prompted the tv coverage. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/09/11/trump-election-deniers-voting/ Then I asked that legislation be drafted. My bill would provide that if a local election board concludes …more >
The residents of Grove Park got a win yesterday. Since their elementary and middle school has been closed, their voting place for the primary election was moved to the fire house at Reisterstown Road and Rogers Avenue. There’s no parking on site, and that is a very busy intersection. The community complained, and I got …more >
