Nearly $81 million for school renovations topped Baltimore County Jim Smith?s wish list for the General Assembly session, a modest request, he said, in light of looming cuts in state aid.
Smith also requested $5 million in state funding for community projects, his smallest bond request in five years. Smith, who addressed the county?s Annapolis delegation in a private meeting Wednesday, said cuts already identified to solve Maryland?s $1.3 billion deficit will cost the county nearly $38 million.
With at least $260 million in additional cuts ahead, Smith said his top priority is protecting from further harm.
“Local governments need to recognize the challenge Annapolis faces, and submit requests that are fiscally responsible,” Smith said in a statement. “In Baltimore County, we will do just that.”
Last year Smith received $52 million of the $95 million he requested for schools, and in 2006 received $36 million after requesting $110 million.
Delegate John Olszewski Jr., a Dundalk Democrat and high school teacher, said he knows firsthand the county?s school stock ? the second-oldest in the state ? could use as many dollars as possible.
“Certainly we can advocate for more and we?d like to see more,” Olszewski said.
For the third consecutive year, Smith said he will back legislation to subject the proceeds of identity-theft crimes to forfeiture. His administration will introduce legislation enabling police to release the names and photos of violent criminals who escape from juvenile facilities, and requiring scrap metal dealers to report transactions.
County Police Chief James Johnson said metal theft, particularly copper, is a growing problem.
Smith is also requesting $1 million in state funds for a Dundalk trail, $1 million for calming traffic on Eastern Boulevard in Essex, $1.5 million for an agricultural center in Hunt Valley and $1.5 million to stabilize eroding shorelines in Essex.
Some lawmakers including Sen. James Brochin, a Towson Democrat, said Smith and Gov. Martin O?Malley?s friendship could benefit county coffers.
“I know the governor and county executive enjoy a very special relationship,” Brochin said. “He?s done well.”
