Gov. Martin O?Malley?s inaugural address left many lawmakers hopeful and expecting a spirit of compromise in their dealings with the state?s new executive.
“It?s a new day for Maryland,” said Del. Steven DeBoy, D-Howard. “I think he?s really pressing compromise, you?re really hearing that a lot. … I think he really believes that compromise is a way we can move Maryland forward and he wants to work with the legislature.”
O?Malley?s address highlighted the assets of the state, from its people to natural resources, and returned to his campaign slogan of “One Maryland.”
“It was exciting and I was encouraged by his speech,” said Del. Pam Beidle, D-Anne Arundel, who attended her first inauguration. “His priorities are important and I think we?re going to do some important and progressive things down here the next four years.”
Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, said he was pleased with what he heard: “There was more specificity than you usually hear in an inaugural speech, especially on the environment. I think there?s an extra air of optimism in Annapolis about what Martin and [Lt. Gov.] Anthony [Brown] will bring to Annapolis.”
Sen. David Brinkley, R-Frederick, the top Republican in the Senate, said he was encouraged by O?Malley?s continued emphasis on working across party lines.
“We?ll hold his feet to the fire to make sure that the thoughts and beliefs of the 47 percent of the people who didn?t vote for him are represented,” Brinkley said. “Our concern is where he has a lot of lofty programs. … Our focus will be on accountability for programs and not [to have] such a rush to add more programs.”
But after setting the tone of compromise and collegiality, O?Malley and the legislature will get down to specifics Friday with the release of his first budget.
“He understands he?s fortunate enough to have a budget he can meet his campaign promises this year,” said House Speaker Michael Busch, D-Anne Arundel. “In the second year, he?ll have to make some decisionsabout what he wants to make a priority.”
