Howard?s state lawmakers were split on Gov. Martin O?Malley?s State of the State address this week, with some commending his proposed initiatives and others criticizing him for what he did not say.
Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B, called the speech a “realisticpresentation.”
Bobo lauded the governor?s environmental policies and push for a sustainable-energy strategy.
O?Malley called for the state to continue upgrading wastewater treatment plants and asked for support in updating the Critical Area Law to ensure development doesn?t encroach on sensitive land along the Chesapeake Bay.
He also pledged to develop a long-term plan for energy generation to avoid skyrocketing utility bills.
Although O?Malley outlined several proposals that will cost money, Bobo said she was confident he would push programs the state could afford.
“This is not the time for real big, costly initiatives,” she said.
Del. Guy Guzzone, D-District 13, said he was encouraged by the governor?s mention of plans for transit programs, addressing the foreclosure rate and reducing crime.
“I have no appetite at all to cut anything he has put forward [in the area of public safety], and I intend to do what I can to protect those things,” said Guzzone, who sits on the Appropriations Committee.
Republican lawmakers were less enthusiastic, saying O?Malley made no mention of the recent tax increase or the special session.
“I hoped he would have said something about the need to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the economic situation,” said Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-District 9.
Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, was critical of O?Malley?s plans to reduce crime.
“I am not sure what we will get if we look at his history in Baltimore City,” she said, referring to the high murder rate while O?Malley was mayor.
