There’s a hole in my syllabus. I have co-taught the Legislation class at the University of Maryland Law School since 1995. Each of those 16 years, one of our guest lecturers has been Dr. Nancy Grasmick, the State Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Grasmick announced her retirement this afternoon. Every class, Nancy would gently …more >
Today was the eye after the storm. After yesterday’s deadline to pass my bills to the Senate and avoid delay in the Rules Committee, my shirt-pocket file card of bills to concentrate on for the final two weeks consists of: Seven bills that I introduced which are now in the Senate; …more >
137-0!! That was the message I sent to Aaron Greenfield, the lead lobbyist for the survivors and the descendants of those who perished in the Nazi concentration camps after being transported there by the French national railroad. That was the vote this afternoon as the House passed the amended version of …more >
I first watched the races at Pimlico from Jay Slater’s roof on Rogers Avenue. Jay was in my elementary school class, and he lived at the top of the stretch. When we crossed the street to make our first bets, I didn’t shave that day so that I could pass for 18. …more >
“I love to be over here.” That’s how one of my House colleagues began his testimony before a Senate committee. My sentiments exactly. You’re testifying in the Senate only if your bill has passed the House. My legislation would prohibit the use of force, threat or intimidation by those gathering signatures to petition …more >
When you’re nearing third base, assume the coach will wave you home. If you slow down, the catcher may be waiting to tag you out. BJ Surhoff taught us that at a Ripken Fantasy Camp. In Annapolis (and elsewhere), that means plan ahead and be prepared. We must have a special …more >
The dog that didn’t bark persuaded Sherlock Holmes that the intruder was known to the victim and his guardian animal. The gun didn’t fire on the House floor today. There were two bills dealing with guns, but neither drew any comments or amendments. I’m not Holmes. So I don’t know why. There …more >
You need to sweat the details – at home and in Annapolis. That’s what I told the people at a community meeting in Howard Park this weekend. The subject was the long awaited and much anticipated grocery store at Hillsdale and Liberty Heights Avenues. The community is very interested in employment opportunities …more >
This was a day for the newsletter rule. I don’t have to be the lead sponsor of a bill. If I can legitimately take credit for my role in getting a bill passed, then I can mention it in my end-of-session newsletter. Two examples today. Last year, I introduced legislation to …more >
Some of my bills get killed. What do I do next? Plan for next year. I just learned that one bill died in subcommittee yesterday despite the fact that we proposed amendments to meet the objections raised by our opponents at the bill hearing. I promptly wrote the people I worked with …more >
