As he was sworn in as Maryland?s 61st governor Wednesday, Martin O?Malley emphasized the overarching theme of “One Maryland,” unity and cooperation, while he returned to familiar promises of his campaign, taking personal responsibility for their implementation.
He used the phrase “One Maryland” nine times in his 1,500-word speech. It was emblazoned on a banner hanging on the State House, and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown emphasized the need for partnership.
Even in the Senate chamber where he officially took the oath of office and was not scheduled to speak, O?Malley repeated a quotation from the great abolitionist and Maryland-born ex-slave Frederick Douglass.
“We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other if we are to succeed,” O?Malley said.
The new governor talked about “the perils and possibilities” of the present: “budget deficits, polluted waters, drug addiction and crumbling infrastructure … of our own recent making.”
“All of these perils demand that we take responsibility to advance our common good,” O?Malley said. “Maryland is one of America?s wealthiest states; it?s time to make us one of America?s safest and most secure.”
O?Malley promised again to preserve the Chesapeake Bay, to improve public education, especially in science, engineering and math, and to make college more affordable. He also pledged to find ways “to expand the affordability of health care coverage for our people.”
Reprising familiar campaign themes, he also pledged to “take responsibility” for making government work again, restoring regulatory process to “stand up to powerful, wealthy special interests,” making government open and accountable and setting a tone of mutual respect and bipartisan cooperation.
But he also said that individuals must take responsibility for safe neighborhoods, educational achievement, financial fairness, caring for the sick and “protecting the beauty of God?s creation.”
Contrary to an earlier report, former Gov. Robert Ehrlich, whom O?Malley defeated, and his wife, Kendel, along with outgoing Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, did attend the outside inaugural ceremonies, but as spectators. Ehrlich was acknowledged and thanked for his service by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a surprise guest at the ceremony with whom he served in Congress.
