by Delegate Mike McDermott
(Salisbury) During a debate on the Don Rush show carried live on WSDL Public Radio, Senator Jim Mathias described the economy on Maryland’s lower shore as, “robust”. He touted the government spending that has been going on as one of the reasons he should be kept for another term of office.
I could not disagree more, and it seems the Maryland State Comptroller and I are on the same page.
“Robust” is not the terminology being utilized to describe Maryland’s economy, and particularly not that of the lower shore. Recently, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) reported how our State’s revenues for income and sales taxes are off by over $405 million dollars and the future is not looking any better.
“Wages and salaries are essentially stagnant. Local, independent businesses are struggling to meet payroll, cover their costs and turn a profit. Working families have cut back their spending because they just don’t have the money, they’re scared of losing their jobs, or, in many cases, both.”
-Comptroller Peter Franchot, Sept. 24, 2014
The Comptroller went on to say that Maryland families see their paychecks “moving in the wrong direction” and we are now second in the nation in foreclosures. He pointed out how the Maryland economy failed to grow at all in 2013 ranking #49 in the country. Without a dramatic shift in policy, he foresees even greater pain in store for the state.
Franchot stated, “We need to recognize that ‘hope’ is not an economic strategy.”
Jim Mathias and Martin O’Malley have grown government and increased our spending because they believe that therein lies our salvation. How else can we explain a 30% increase in spending during the worst recession ever faced by our country. Their strategy for job production is flawed and they have failed.
Conservative solutions have been scoffed at and never allowed to see sunlight in Annapolis, even while the sun sets on our failing economy. It is long past time to see change in the General Assembly. We need leaders, not excuse makers.
Sorry, Jim, but "robust" economy only applies to OC during the months of June through August and nowhere else. The rest of the Maryland Shore is in the tank.
ReplyDeleteJames Mathias has sold out the eastern shore to further his political aspirations.
ReplyDeleteMike McDermott represents shore values through conservative approach to government.
If it was up to James Mathias, we would all be living under the shadow flicker and noise of industrial turbines.
Mike McDermott is one of the hardest and smartest working politicians on the entire eastern shore.
ReplyDeleteHow do I know - because I have read all of the House & Senate Bill synopsis for each of the past 7 legislative sessions. That's right . . . all 2700+ bills each session.
I hope the eastern shore recognizes his accomplishments and sends him back to Annapolis.
Last night on Fox's Greta Van Sustern show, she did a piece on K Coast Surf Shop in OC. What appears to be a successful business is struggling. Owner mentioned health insurance and how he was fortunate to be able to offer this benefit, but because of the ACA (thanks jim mathias for voting and supporting for this debacle) premiums have risen so much he doesn't know if he can continue offering it.
ReplyDeleteGovernment spending on an area is NOT something to brag about. Quite the contrary. It's called pork and is the reason we are taxed on everything including taking a crap. It's taking from people to give back to the area so they have something to brag about.
People would be more impressed if someone could talk about how many businesses they caused to open or relocate to the shore.
I will tell you something else about Mike McDermott - of all our elected officials - how many go to the trouble every Saturday & Sunday night - and issue a weekly reporting analysis on what transpired in Annapolis.
ReplyDeleteMike has done this diligently every week - from the time the session convenes until it adjourns.
Now you name me one other politician that has done the same? Not Jim Mathias, Not Norm Conway, Not even any of the our other Republican or Democratic State legislators.
I give Kudos for Mike McDermott - he is a standout.
"We need leaders, not excuse makers."
ReplyDeleteNot only here in Maryland but in Washington, too.
Beezer, Totally agree. Mike will get our votes and I tell as many as possible each day. Pray for him and other true conservative, hard working pols daily. We must never give up.
ReplyDelete