Jealous running a Washington race
Is Ben Jealous running for Maryland’s governor or to be a U.S. senator? His entire campaign seems focused on national issues (“Ben Jealous calls for Maryland football coach, athletic director to be suspended,” Aug. 11). We’ve heard volumes about how he’ll fight the federal government, but very little on how he’d actually run the state. When he does discuss state affairs, his lack of knowledge becomes evident.
For example, recently referring to the Maryland Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, by the wrong name. It’s unfortunate that Mr. Jealous decided to skip out on the annual Maryland Association of Counties conference, where he could have learned about the real issues faced by our state and localities, most of which have very little to do with what goes on in Washington, D.C. Perhaps his lack of interest is why more state and local officials, Democrats and Republicans, have endorsed Larry Hogan. While Mr. Jealous continues tilting at federal windmills, Governor Hogan hasn’t allowed the national drama to distract him from his job. He’s refused to fund frivolous lawsuits against the federal government when Marylanders aren’t directly affected. When our state is impacted though, he hasn’t hesitated to take action. He directed the state to file suit against the EPA for failing to enforce the Clean Air Act, and he applied pressure on Congress to restore critical Chesapeake Bay funding.
The Chesapeake Conservancy named Governor Hogan a “Champion of the Chesapeake” for his dedication toward restoring the bay. Mr. Hogan has spent more on public education than any previous Maryland governor. He held leaders in Baltimore County accountable for the lack of air conditioning in schools, leading to an accelerated renovation schedule. He called for a state investigation of Prince George’s County schools following allegations of grade-fixing, fraud and corruption. His executive order to start the school year after Labor Day and end the year by June 15 made the calendar much more manageable for working parents, while also benefiting students and teachers.
Governor Hogan has shown leadership in fighting the opioid crisis and human trafficking. His reforms to the health care system will save the state $1 billion over five years and were universally lauded by Maryland’s congressional delegation. Maryland’s economy and job growth are stronger than ever and taxpayers have seen much needed relief from the 40 tax, fee and toll increases of his predecessor. There’s just no comparison. Governor Hogan will receive my vote in November.