Session Week #3

This week began on the heels of a blizzard that left about six inches of snow on my front lawn, but dumped about two feet in Annapolis. Our drive up to the capital city was much easier than I had imagined it would be and it is a credit to the men and women who are tasked with keeping our roads clear. A huge thank you to them for their hard work under adverse weather conditions. While large snowstorms are always unpleasant, it was nice seeing friends and neighbors help each other through it. Tuesday, I met with Governor Hogan’s Chief Legislative Officer Joe Getty, to discuss bills that I am working on as well as bills the administration is supporting. Mr. Getty is a very respected member of the Governor’s team and is a former Delegate, State Senator, and worked in Governor Ehrlich’s administration. It was great to discuss bills and ideas that will move Maryland forward and revive our economy both on the Lower Eastern Shore as well as the rest of the state.   Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes joined me on Tuesday in welcoming local mentors to the State House as part of National Mentoring Month. The Lower Eastern Shore is blessed to have so many people who dedicate their time and effort to helping our young people achieve their full potential. Here are the names of the people who were recognized and the organization that they represent: Tiffanie Chandler and Chelsea Boog from the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Pam Gregory from the United Way of the Eastern Shore Dr. Mark Thompson from Wicomico Mentoring Project Erin Sheehan and Robby Sheehan from Epoch Dream Center Addie Cropper and Robby Sheehan from Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Greater ChesapeakeA special thanks to Senator Eckardt and her staff who arranged for the mentors to be honored by the Senate, my staff for helping on the House side, and Robby Sheehan who worked with both staffs and the honorees to #makeithappen. Wednesday, we had two hearings that will have a direct impact on the education of Wicomico County’s children. First, was a Senate bill hearing for SB0145, which would allow citizens in Wicomico County to vote on how our school board is chosen. One panel testified and it included Wicomico County Councilman Ernie Davis, County Council President John Cannon, Senator Jim Mathias, Senator Addie Eckardt, and citizen Mark McIver. In the crowd was Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver and County Administrator Wayne Strausburg, who were present to testify or answer questions if needed. The second hearing was at the Board of Public Works, where I joined other local officials to make a pitch to receive $5 million in funding to begin the construction of West Salisbury Elementary. The Governor has allocated $280 million for school construction statewide. We have been in touch with the Governor’s office with regard to this project and will continue to stress the importance of the project to our county, parents, and most importantly our students. On Thursday I continued to work on crafting bills and studying bills that will be heard in my committee and, possibly, on the floor of the House of Delegates in the immediate future. Friday, I welcomed Cathy Bassett and James Brooke to our office and the Eastern Shore Delegation meeting. It is always great to see familiar faces in the halls of Annapolis. If you are able to visit, I’d love to see you. This coming Tuesday I will have the honor of leading the House of Delegates in prayer during session. It’s humbling to pray with our elected body and I feel very blessed to have been chosen. If you are coming to Annapolis for a visit, have an idea, issue, or concern, please reach out to our office via phone or email: 410-841-3431 carl.anderton@house.state.md.us Thank you for your support.