tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313304152012-01-21T13:35:39.246-05:00Maryland Politics WatchBecause Western Avenue is No Longer the Final FrontierDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.comBlogger45461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-4322426952922160332011-09-24T15:21:00.005-04:002011-09-24T15:29:24.459-04:00Where Was George?The question that people are asking after receiving an email newsletter from Council President Valerie Ervin that is signed by all county councilmembers except George Leventhal:Dear Friends of Montgomery County:As the Council gears up for its busy fall schedule, we want to update you on some key issues the Council will be addressing. We also want to share with you our perspective on the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-70253413059130998272011-09-23T17:37:00.005-04:002011-09-23T17:52:43.279-04:00Del. Tiffany Alston IndictedYou can read the indictment here (click on press releases). Likely best known for her very public withdrawal of support for same-sex marriage legislation, first-term (last-term?) Del. Alston is accused of using campaign funds to pay for her wedding:Charges brought by the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor allege that Del. Tiffany T. Alston (D-Prince George’s) spent thousands of dollars of David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-69230548503441214152011-09-23T17:34:00.002-04:002011-09-23T17:47:02.818-04:00D14 Central Committee VacancyFrom the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee:The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) will hold an election at its next regularly scheduled meeting -- Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., 3720 Farragut Ave., #303, Kensington -- to fill a District 14 voting position on the Committee. Maryland’s 14th Legislative District is in northern Montgomery County and David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-14592967364230910712011-08-28T12:58:00.001-04:002011-08-28T13:00:05.207-04:00Hurricane Irene Assessment and Response in the Town of Chevy ChaseDear Neighbors: The Town staff and Town arborist have completed an evaluation of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene in Town. In addition to multiple power outages, there are a number of trees that fell during the storm. Following is a list of the addresses where trees have fallen and a description of the resulting damage. If residents are aware of any other public trees that have fallen David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-1202679380657796812011-08-17T08:38:00.007-04:002011-08-17T08:50:38.761-04:00Unions Attack Valerie Ervin
This went out in the mail a few weeks ago but still seemed worth mentioning. For reporting on this issue, see Robert McCartney's article in the Washington Post. For an alternative point of view, see the anti-union and pro-Ervin editorial in the Washington Post. Ironically, the editorial's use of terms such as "union bosses" undercuts their own complaint about the "tenor of public comments" David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-33560849101147613352011-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:002011-08-16T07:00:09.749-04:00Local 1994 MCGEO for Marriage Equality
The following letter was sent to all members of the Maryland General Assembly:
Dear Delegate Michael G. Summers:
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO fully supports legislation to allow gay and lesbian couples the right to marry in Maryland.
Families, no matter their demographics, deserve the right to protect their family interests.
Without the freedom to marry, gay and lesbian couples do not receive the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-70025157598612143102011-08-15T10:18:00.003-04:002011-08-15T10:20:50.180-04:00Kumar Running for ComptrollerMaryland Juice reports the news: If there is an open-seat race for Comptroller (read: Peter Franchot runs for Governor), then Del. Kumar Barve will seek the job.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-17446033229428848322011-07-22T17:24:00.003-04:002011-07-22T17:27:09.392-04:00Governor on Marriage EqualityAn outstanding and eloquent statement:David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-13743689374697409662011-07-22T15:54:00.003-04:002011-07-22T16:02:56.618-04:00Governor to Sponsor Marriage Equality LegislationGreat news from Annapolis today. The Baltimore Sun reports:Standing with House and Senate supporters, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced this afternoon that he will lead the charge for gay marriage in Maryland and put his name on a bill that allows same-sex couples to wed."Marylanders of all walks of life want their children to live in a loving, stable, committed home protected under the law," David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-75221309297181692292011-07-21T07:00:00.009-04:002011-07-21T10:27:10.970-04:00Fiends of Chevy Chase Lake IIThe Chevy Chase Land Company's efforts to create an ersatz "community" group to present support for its plans that find little favor in the actual community--see the articles in the Gazette and Patch--has been a terrific flop."Friends of Chevy Chase Lake" described itself as a "community organization formed and run by residents of Chevy Chase Lake." Except the manner of its debut (not to mentionDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-41390452631847068002011-07-20T07:00:00.003-04:002011-07-20T07:00:02.837-04:00Fiends of Chevy Chase Lake IThe Chevy Chase Land Company appears to be attempting to revive its failed attempt (see tomorrow's post) to create a community group in an effort to attack the Planning Staff's proposal for transit-oriented development at Chevy Chase Lake. The group is to be called "Fiends of Chevy Chase Lake" as explained in the letter from Land Company President David Smith reproduced after the jump.The Land David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-68186587311879719112011-07-08T12:33:00.002-04:002011-07-08T12:35:32.148-04:00Kumar for Komptroller?The open governor's race in 2014 is causing the dominoes to start to fall. House Majority Leader Kumar Barve is considering taking the plunge for statewide office and running for comptroller if incumbent Peter Franchot runs for governor.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-90986821355564036182011-05-19T10:30:00.000-04:002011-05-19T10:30:01.575-04:00Our Future MontgomeryA press release from Our Future Montgomery, a new coalition formed by MCEA, MCAAP, and SEIU Local 500 formed to fight for more funds for MCPSSCHOOL WORKERS REACH OUT TO COUNTY RESIDENTS AROUND MCPS BUDGET CUTSUnions representing 21,000 school employees hope to raise awareness about drastic cuts to K-12 education being considered by County CouncilRockville, MD (May 9, 2011) – As the Montgomery David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-32461340520634403142011-05-19T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-19T11:57:32.778-04:00MoCo GOP Chair Attacks New Party RulesIt doesn't appear that democracy is the Maryland GOP's strong suit according to the Chair of the Montgomery County Republican Party: The Maryland State Republican Party on May 7th, 2011 adopted a new voting formula for party business under which counties with a combined population of 200,000 people can outvote counties with 2.5 million people.Under this new voting formula adopted by the state David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-65271725787959418282011-05-18T07:00:00.004-04:002011-05-18T10:38:39.430-04:00Purple Line Costs Up 28%; Ridership Down 2500; Money Taken from MARCThe Washington Examiner reports that MTA says that cost estimates for the Purple Line have risen 28% since the plan got past the phase of consideration by the public:It also now has a $1.925 billion price tag, up from $1.5 billion estimates made two years ago. MTA Executive Director of Transit Development and Delivery Henry blamed the increase on the complexity of the New Starts process and the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-68670834543679388232011-05-17T16:45:00.001-04:002011-05-17T16:46:44.524-04:00Statement from Gov. O'Malley on Baltimore County Hate Crime CaseGovernor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the hate crime charge in the beating of Chrissy Lee Polis last month in Rosedale: “I want to commend Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger for using every available means to prosecute the heinous beating of Chrissy Lee Polis last month. “Even with Maryland's 'hate crimes' law, it is clear that more must be David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-5995043371973433062011-05-17T09:58:00.003-04:002011-05-17T10:05:02.923-04:00Chevy Chase Lake Construction NewsLast night, Chevy Chase Land Company President David Smith and I spoke at the Rollingwood community association's annual meeting about the review of the sector plan at Chevy Chase Lake. David asked me to let people know that the Land Company supports having no construction at Chevy Chase Lake "until after the construction of the Purple Line."I am sure that the community will appreciate this David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-86144458079568142512011-05-17T09:55:00.005-04:002011-05-17T10:09:46.593-04:00Pat Baptiste Elected CC Village ChairPat Baptiste, who was recently elected by a thumping majority after being appointed to the Chevy Chase Village Council, has now been elected Chair of the Board of Managers--the equivalent of Mayor as Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin who share the news with me put it. Pat returns to this position after having served in the past in the same capacity before joining the County Planning Board. David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-1477086731816413332011-05-11T10:30:00.003-04:002011-05-11T10:30:00.725-04:00From the Comments and My Mail on Reuseable BagsCouncilmember Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) kindly commented in response to my post about her handing out reuseable bags during her last campaign though she now opposes the bag tax. Nancy probably has commented more on MPW than any other elected official, so I thought I'd do her the courtesy of reprinting (recyclying?) it here:Since this issue came up I am indeed embarrassed about the reuseable bagsDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-55213685368389769652011-05-10T15:53:00.010-04:002011-05-10T16:11:59.795-04:00The Community on Chevy Chase LakeThe Planning Board Staff has been working hard to reach out to members of the community to find out what they would like to see around the proposed Purple Line stop at Chevy Chase Lake. Following are their conclusions from meetings open to all that included representatives of the Chevy Chase Land Company as well as lots of people who live in the area; you can compare and contrast with the Land David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-14519630178743726522011-05-09T07:00:00.007-04:002011-05-09T15:34:11.077-04:00From Nancy Floreen's Last CampaignNot Meant for GroceriesI was surprised to learn that Councilmember Nancy Floreen handed out reuseable bags during her last reelection campaign. She expressed concerns about sanitation and hygiene related to bag reuse in a Washington Post op-ed written before she became the sole at-large councilmember to oppose the new Montgomery County bag tax:And speaking of environments: The one inside a David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-42722718448490727382011-05-08T15:05:00.003-04:002011-05-08T15:17:04.999-04:00Pat Baptiste Dominates in Village ElectionPat Baptiste, former Chair of the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers who was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board, came in a strong first in the election to fill four seats on the Board. Full results after the jump:Patricia Baptiste, 246 votes or 80% of valid ballots.David Winstead, 189 votes, or 61%.Richard Ruda, 181 votes, or 59%.Gary Crockett, 176 votes, or 57%.Gail Feldman, 155 votes,David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-13160942707870460182011-05-05T18:19:00.005-04:002011-05-06T09:45:58.384-04:00Daily Record Reports MTA Inflates Transit Ridership by 18 MillionThe Daily Record reported that the Department of Legislative Services has found that MTA inflated bus ridership estimates by 18 million, or 26 percent, in 2009:The MTA told the state it carried 69.8 million riders on its core bus routes in the year ended June 30, 2009. The number sent to the Federal Transit Database maintained by the Federal Transit Administration, however, was 87.8 million, David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-85808279625126991042011-05-03T22:13:00.006-04:002011-05-03T22:20:56.281-04:00Town of Chevy Chase Election ResultsThe Town held elections today for two seats on the Town Council. Incumbents Pat Burda and Linna Barnes gained reelection by wide margins over challenger Deborah Vollmer who was making her second bid for a seat on the Town Council. A total of 298 votes cast ballots in a low turnout--more than twice as many people cast ballots when the same two seats were up for election in 2009. Here are the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-33477776943580264382011-05-02T23:17:00.003-04:002011-05-02T23:52:14.102-04:00Madaleno, Kaiser Rip Arora; Others Apologize for HimThe fracas surrounding Del. Sam Arora continues. Sam, you may recall, is the delegate who was ardently for same-sex marriage before he was against it before he was for it before he, well, you get the idea. As the Gazette reported, two openly gay and lesbian legislators ripped Sam for his actions during the session.Sen. Rich Madaleno:"I think Sam Arora distinguished himself as someone not to be David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-18447812806289017842011-04-29T11:00:00.002-04:002011-04-29T11:00:05.597-04:00Pena-Melnyk Writes Her Colleagues on Last Week's Attack The following is a Dear Colleague letter sent by Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk in response to the horrific attack on a transgender women in Baltimore County last week (see the above video) that demonstrates why the anti-discrimination legislation she has championed is so badly needed.To My Maryland General Assembly Colleagues,I respectfully ask that each of you take the time to view the video at David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-82359889392676625052011-04-28T10:30:00.013-04:002011-04-28T11:40:22.067-04:00Chevy Chase Land Company Unveils Its PlansRed Numbers Indicate Number of FloorsLast night at the 4-H Center, the Chevy Chase Land Company unveiled its vision for the land it owns at Chevy Chase Lake near the proposed Purple Line stop. They proposed 4.3 million new square feet of development, including 900,000 square feet of commercial office space, 200,000 square feet of retail space, 3000 new residential units (over 3 million square David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-26524275592508157032011-04-19T16:24:00.002-04:002011-04-19T16:29:05.815-04:00District 18 End of Session LetterDear Friends and Neighbors,Monday night marked the end of the 428th legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly. As always, it is an honor and privilege to represent you in the State House. Your District 18 Team—Senator Rich Madaleno and Delegates Al Carr, Ana Sol Gutiérrez, and Jeff Waldstreicher—has continued working together this year to advocate for the issues, programs, and servicesDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-34147299581374266762011-04-15T10:00:00.001-04:002011-04-15T10:02:42.994-04:00Town of Chevy Chase Council MeetingThe following is an unofficial summary of the Town Council meeting last Wednesday:Variance HearingsThe Town Council unanimously approved variances for three properties. The first provides a small variance needed to construct a small addition at 7005 Beechwood Dr. The second allows construction of a more substantial addition at 7009 East Ave. The third permits construction of rear porch at 4011David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-62199926661060232112011-04-13T16:01:00.002-04:002011-04-13T16:03:40.286-04:00Anne Kaiser's End of Session LetterDear Friends and Neighbors:I’m writing to you just minutes after the 2011 Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session ended. For nine years, I have proudly served you as our community’s common-sense voice in the Maryland House of Delegates. But I have to tell you: this session was the most emotionally draining, the most challenging -- and in some ways, the most disappointing thus far.I am David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-77381154084298555782011-04-12T22:13:00.003-04:002011-04-12T22:19:42.054-04:00Deborah Vollmer Takes the PlungeDeborah Vollmer filed for election to the Town of Chevy Chase Town Council to run for one of the two seats along with incumbents Linna Barnes and Pat Burda. No other candidates filed to run before the closing of the filing deadline at 5pm today.Deborah Vollmer also ran for the Town Council two years ago when she received seven percent of the vote. She is currently engaged in a lawsuit against David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-10495892793269232402011-04-12T13:24:00.001-04:002011-04-12T13:26:14.701-04:00Sen. Madaleno's Statement on GI Bill DemiseI am extremely disappointed by the Senate’s action today to send HB 235 back to the Judicial Proceedings Committee. The twisted and unfair process HB 235 had to go through to even make it to the Senate floor mars the Senate’s otherwise outstanding work this year. The Senate’s treatment of this legislation will be remembered for a long time by the LGBT community and Marylanders who believe in David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-76571144741725525222011-04-11T14:10:00.003-04:002011-04-11T14:23:59.325-04:00Senate Kills Gender Identity Bill on Recommit VoteThe Senate voted 27-20 to recommit the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Bill back to the Judiciary Committee, effectively killing it on the last day of the legislative session. All Montgomery County legislators voted against recommitting the bill. Sen. Kittleman was the only Republican to vote to support the bill. The breakdown among African-American senators followed the pattern of the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-91834141593074675762011-04-05T14:53:00.001-04:002011-04-05T14:53:57.134-04:00Gender Identity Bill Passes Out of Senate RulesMetro Weekly has the story.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-83482565982920981492011-03-28T14:00:00.002-04:002011-03-28T14:00:05.110-04:00Hats Off to Mayor Peter FosselmanKensington Mayor Peter Fosselman will become the new Deputy Secretary of State in mid-April. He'll remain mayor as he takes on his new post. Congratulations, Pete!David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-83944167298682977672011-03-28T10:00:00.000-04:002011-03-28T10:00:12.551-04:00MCEA, MCAAP and SEIU Local 500 Plan Large Rally for April 5thAnnouncement from MCEA, SEIU Local 500, NCAAPTuesday, April 5 in Rockville, SEIU Local 500, MCEA, and MCAAP members along with parents and students will be rallying against budget cuts to schools in Montgomery County. MCPS is an incredibly successful school system (consistently rated among the best in the nation) with unions and tenure and without a single charter school. We’re not “waiting for David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-66058237374956992962011-03-28T07:00:00.000-04:002011-03-28T07:00:12.473-04:00Helping Our Neighbors with DisabilitiesDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-40716874169649090602011-03-22T18:18:00.003-04:002011-03-22T18:21:58.150-04:00College Dems at Del. Arora's Alma Mater Slam SamStatement by Columbia University College DemocratsLike so many throughout Maryland and across the nation, the Columbia University College Democrats were shocked and disappointed that the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act had to be recommitted to the Judiciary Committee on March 11 after it was determined that it would fall a handful of votes short of passage. hough we have highDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-32092297663491448482011-03-18T16:04:00.003-04:002011-03-18T16:12:08.152-04:00ABC-Post Poll Reports Majority Support for Marriage Equality NationallyThe best summary of the polls is at ABC News. The headline figure is that supporters outnumber opponents by 53 percent to 44 percent. Support has grown particularly sharply "among Catholics, political moderates, people in their 30s and 40s and men." The poll also found support identical among whites and racial minority groups. In an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Vice President Joe David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-21754951122689361832011-03-17T12:37:00.003-04:002011-03-17T14:03:03.674-04:00No Matter How You Slice ItI tried to draw a majority-Republican legislative district in Montgomery. It no longer seems possible. This district went 62-36 for Obama in 2008 and 63-37 for O'Malley in 2006.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-82514081689179085382011-03-16T07:01:00.000-04:002011-03-16T07:01:00.124-04:00Del. Jeff Waldstreicher on Last FridayDear Friends,You know, not everyone is like Joanna and me. Scientists tell us that about 10% of folk are simply wired differently than the other 90. One hundred years ago, those in the majority - parents especially - often tried dramatic measures to alter the habits of those in the minority. The common practice was behavioral therapy, which was simply punishment under a more polite name. David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-47428716042105571282011-03-15T23:09:00.003-04:002011-03-15T23:14:01.378-04:00Jonathan Capehart Rips Sam Arora and Tiffany AlstonHis must read column in the Washington Post. Capehart already went after Del. Arora earlier. Above is the same YouTube video of Rep. John Lewis, civil rights leader and icon, he uses in his post.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-44178447967589593722011-03-15T15:25:00.002-04:002011-03-15T15:51:02.900-04:00Anne Arundel Legislative Districts?Excluding District 21, which is mostly in Prince George's, Anne Arundel currently elects 12 delegates, eight of whom are Republicans. This map might reverse that partisan balance. It was constructed without any knowledge of current legislator home addresses.Based on its population, Anne Arundel is entitled to four full legislative districts and also could contain a subdistrict electing a singleDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-55879872243917465062011-03-15T07:00:00.003-04:002011-03-15T07:00:22.857-04:00Harford State Legislative Districts?Harford is a very Republican county in a very Democratic state. As in Frederick, the population growth that warrants giving additional representation to the area would seemingly be good news for the GOP. Except that it all depends on how the lines are drawn.The 2010 Census revealed that Harford now has enough population for almost complete two legislative districts--an increase of virtually a David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-90457272213647145342011-03-14T16:28:00.003-04:002011-03-14T17:04:52.310-04:00Frederick State Legislative Districts?Here is a potential map for two state legislative districts centered on Frederick County. Bear in mind that the population figures may be a bit off as Maryland requires that the numbers be readjusted to reallocate the prison population to their last known address.Republicans hope that growth in "Republican" parts of the State, like Frederick might aid their party in legislative contests. David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-75028839072517374122011-03-14T11:22:00.005-04:002011-03-14T11:33:25.561-04:00Seven Democratic Districts?One exciting aspect of redistricting this year is that almost anyone can play. Here is hurriedly drawn-up plan that shows one of many possible redistricting scenarios for 2012.This map provides an extremely rough example of what a congressional redistricting plan with seven Democratic-leaning districts might look like. Extending the Sixth into Montgomery, where it used to go back in the 1980s David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-68610282129400787242011-03-13T21:35:00.001-04:002011-03-13T21:36:22.529-04:00It Gets Better - Gay Orthodox JewsDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-87168958213333874672011-03-12T13:00:00.001-05:002011-03-12T13:03:01.175-05:00Del. Anne Kaiser's Floor Speech for Marriage EqualityMr. Speaker-It will come as no surprise to you that I support this bill -- and I do so unequivocally, unabashedly. My green vote today is a vote for equality and equal protection under the law. It is a vote against bigotry. Against fear. It is a vote in favor of love and stability.Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker -- members of this body believe that what I want -- and what thousands of other David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-17238667067492860582011-03-12T12:37:00.004-05:002011-03-12T13:00:33.650-05:00What Happened?Live Blogging the DebateI plan to share my thoughts about the outcome of yesterday's debate more fully at a later time. For now, I just wanted to respond to my queries about the motion to recommit the marriage equality bill to committee.The House of Delegates agreed on a unanimous voice vote to recommit the bill to the House Judiciary Committee. This decision effectively kills the bill for the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-20769754723104369012011-03-11T14:04:00.004-05:002011-03-11T14:06:36.640-05:00Bill Recommitted to Judiciary CommitteeJudiciary Chair Joe Vallario is now speaking.And then I started to think where Martin Luther King would be on this issue.I sent this issue to floor so yoru voice would be heard.Our people have been involved.At this time, I am going to move to have this bill recommitted to the House Judiciary Committee.The bill was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee without a single nay vote.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-6015049927172738982011-03-11T13:55:00.004-05:002011-03-11T14:04:10.077-05:00Debate ContinuesDel C.T. Wilson (D-Charles) is speaking against the bill. Not everyone who opposes this bill opposes that love. Some of us are leading as we see right." "I have not had a chance to take this to my constituents."Del. Ariana Kelly (D-Bethesda) speaks "proudly in support of this bill on behalf of my two young children. I worry for them as I hear about the struggles that my gay and lesbian David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-63633846068483341572011-03-11T13:48:00.002-05:002011-03-11T13:54:33.250-05:00Del. Bonnie Cullison Speaks"Virtually every single decision affects the lives of people but there is no vote over the next four years that will affect me mire equally.""This is the vote that will determine if we really believe if all men and women really are equal and deserve the same rights.""I want you to know me. I live a simple but busy life. I taught special education for years. I became the leader of educators. David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-11126021524040783662011-03-11T13:39:00.002-05:002011-03-11T13:48:47.830-05:00Luke Clippinger Speaking"Over these 8 weeks in Annapolis, I have heard so many things that are painful to me. I have heard it would redefine religious marriage. I am a Presbyterian. I'm an elder in my church. If this bill passes, I can't get married there because it is against my churches teachings. This bill does not impact religious marriage.""I hav heard that this bill will lead to children being taught immoral David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-58019690166204590762011-03-11T13:27:00.005-05:002011-03-11T13:39:15.890-05:00Heather Mizeur is Speaking"When I was an 8 year old kid, I knew my Catholic faith was important to me. . . and I also knew I was gay.""In the complex web of my humanity, I was all of those things. It was only going to be my relationship with God woulld allow me to reconcile these things. I prayed for it--especially the gay part--to go away. When I got to college, I realized that never once in my conversations with God David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-73611190834241639032011-03-11T13:19:00.004-05:002011-03-11T13:27:24.258-05:00Debate ContinuesDel. Healey (D-Prince George's) identifies herself as a pro-life Catholic. "As a legislator, I believe that I must vote that people are equal before the law." "Civil marriage is a legal institution not a religious institution." 'This bill has religious protections."Delegate Kathleen Dumais is speaking passionately. "We have to act as leaders. There is no escapinga choice at times like these.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-66856989188774859122011-03-11T13:11:00.004-05:002011-03-11T13:18:22.723-05:00Del. Mary Washington is Speaking"The bridge that is offered by civil unions is a bridge that takes us nowhere. There was no bridge out of slavery.""Rights are indeed conferred by legislative bodies--such as the Voting Rights Act.""I am proud that people across the world in movements of people that are oppressed take our experience as motivation and inspiration. That's something we should be proud of. The rights of LGBT to David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-41360489585198853262011-03-11T12:54:00.010-05:002011-03-11T13:11:00.123-05:00Debate ContinuesDelegate attacking Del. Kaiser for breaking decorum in attacking her colleagues in a total mis-characterization of her brave and personal speech. Now attacking the House for rejecting the civil unions amendment. Now attacking the Speaker for rejecting the amendment on a voice vote. "If this is taken to the voters, it will be defeated. I urge my colleagues to look at civil unions. But it is David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-34189417836867815972011-03-11T12:47:00.004-05:002011-03-11T12:53:41.982-05:00Anne Kaiser Speaking Now"It's a vote for love and against fear.""throughout this marriage equality debate, I've asked people to share a single legal reason to oppose marriage equality. I have yet to hear a single one.""Some have gone so far as to suggest that this bill will allow people to people marry a toaster or my cat. It's unbeliavably offensive.We want something very simple. My girlfriend and I want to be David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-34797313996896901602011-03-11T12:34:00.008-05:002011-03-11T12:47:35.854-05:00Marriage Equality Debate Continues. . .Delegate from Prince George's is speaking (I think it is Aisha Braveboy) She thinks that this will ultimately be decided in the court and then laws catch up. That's the way it works. The voters should have the right to weigh in. An incoherent speech. Is she aware that the courts rejected a legal challenge? Does she think her rights should be up for a vote by the people?12:37pm: Delegate fromDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-15499265578267207752011-03-11T12:24:00.005-05:002011-03-11T12:34:20.539-05:00Marriage Equality Debate ContinuesDel. Kathleen Dumais is asking body to reject a proposed amendment. The amendment was rejected by voice vote.Del. Niemann (D-Prince George's) is speaking now about his daughter and how he would like her to be able to marry herr partner. "That's nto undermining marriage, that's standing up for it." Now, he is quoting the Declaration in support: "They are endowed by their Creator certain David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-8498600326993908302011-03-11T12:12:00.007-05:002011-03-11T12:24:39.714-05:00House Continues Marriage Equality Debate in Afternoon12:10pm: Del. Peter Murphy (D-Charles) gently corrects a previous speaker who said that there are six openly gay and lesbian legislators. "There are seven." Del. Murphy received a standing ovation from his colleagues and the galleries.12:12pm Del. from Anne Arundel talking about economic costs and benefits and "why we subsidize traditional marriage: procreation." "Other relationships be it twoDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-37482874949573679132011-03-11T11:55:00.010-05:002011-03-11T12:11:37.596-05:00Marriage Equality Debate Continues12:00pm Delegates look bored waiting for Del. Burns to wind up with many of the ones I see starting to surf on their computers or doing other work and Speaker Busch is resting his cheek in his hand. Burns: "Show me those who had their homes invaded by the KKK and had their homes invaded and churches burned down." before comparing the fight for same-sex marriage to the civil rights movement. David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-13137581403703440142011-03-11T11:40:00.008-05:002011-03-11T11:55:18.626-05:00Marriage Equality Debate11:40 The House of Delegates has just taken up the Senate version of the Civil Marriage Protection Act.An opponent is arguing that homosexuality is just as likely as product of nurture as of nature. There is no "gay gene." Same-sex love is "imaginary" love driven by neurotransmitters. Watching Dels. McIntosh and Rosenberg's faces--priceless. He fears that culture will teach it and schools willDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-41052745134568364862011-03-11T11:27:00.008-05:002011-03-11T11:40:09.608-05:00Live from the House of Delegates Session11:30 The House is now doing a quorum call. 138 delegates plus the speaker are here.11:32 The House is quickly passing on third reading a number of bills.11:35 I think Del. Aruna Miller just passed her first bill based on the applause. Congratulations! Del. car's bill on access to public records also just passed. Kudos, Al!11:38 Del. Shane Robinson just passed his first bill. :)David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-47526231895763602222011-03-11T11:12:00.004-05:002011-03-11T11:26:52.110-05:00Live from the General AssemblyI'm sitting in the gallery in the House of Delegates waiting for the session to start. The bells for the Senate have been ringing for over five minutes. Not a single delegate is in the House. I think that the Democratic Caucus has yet to meet today. I'm sitting with Chuck Butler and Rosemary Nicolosi from the Equality Maryland Board. In the row behind me is Barrie Carr--De. Al Carr's wife David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-19899586477868865822011-03-10T17:13:00.003-05:002011-03-10T17:30:10.310-05:00How Did the Delegates Vote? Part FourThis is part four (and the final post) in a series about how delegates voted yesterday on amendments to the marriage equality bill. See the first post for information about the content of the amendments. This post looks at how Democrats from Baltimore County and Baltimore City voted.Baltimore CityFourteen of the 18 delegates voted nay on all amendments. Del. Rosenberg (41) voted nay on all David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-63097878471317067902011-03-10T17:00:00.002-05:002011-03-10T17:00:05.978-05:00Guled Kassim's New Progressive Radio ShowFrom the press release:"It is about time!" is how one local elected official responded to the news that Guled will begin a progressive talk show. Starting on March 14, 2011, Guled Kassim will join CBS Radio’s Big Talker 1580 to bring a balance to the flood of right wing talk on the radio!Those that know Guled Kassim, know him as a Real Estate professional, active Democrat, former US Marine, and David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-67356791596168874062011-03-10T14:30:00.006-05:002011-03-12T12:51:52.538-05:00How Did the Delegates Vote? Part ThreeThis is part three in a series of posts about how delegates voted yesterday on amendments to the marriage equality bill. See the first post for information about the content of the amendments. This post looks at how Democrats from counties other than the four most populous (Montgomery, Prince George's, Baltimore City and County) voted.Dels. Kelly (1B, Allegany) and Donoghue (2C, Washington), David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-67558048212347458432011-03-10T14:00:00.004-05:002011-03-10T16:54:30.262-05:00How did the Delegates Vote? Part TwoThis is part two in a series of posts about how delegates voted yesterday on amendments to the marriage equality bill. See the previous post for information about the content of the amendments. This post looks at how delegates from Prince George's--all Democrats--voted.Fifteen delegates voted against all amendments: Barnes (21), Frush (21), Pena-Melnyk (21), Gaines (22), Healey (22), Ross (22),David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-3715527268459517532011-03-10T13:30:00.001-05:002011-03-10T14:26:42.563-05:00How Did the Delegates Vote? Part OneOver the course of today, I am going to try to present some information about how delegates voted on the amendments to the marriage equality bill yesterday.Four amendments came up for roll-call votes in the House of Delegates; all failed. Del. Donoghue's (D-Washington) amendment would have allowed adoption agencies to turn down adoptions by same sex couples without legal recourse; it failed 58-David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-49331470647922305262011-03-10T12:30:00.000-05:002011-03-10T12:30:01.030-05:00Bonita Spikes Speaks Out for Her ChildReproduced below is her amazing testimony on behalf of the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination bill at the hearing held yesterdayChairman Hammen and Committee members, I thank you for allowing me to come here to ask for your support for House Bill 235 – Gender Identity and Gender Expression Anti-Discrimination.My husband and I knew very early on that our youngest child was uniquely different. David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-59326823517276922512011-03-10T10:28:00.002-05:002011-03-10T10:33:39.015-05:00Ravens Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo Supports Marriage EqualityThe Baltimore Sun has more information and the Huffington Post has his op-ed piece on the topic.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-57339519186726823882011-03-10T10:00:00.001-05:002011-03-10T10:00:01.527-05:00AG Doug Gansler's Actions on Civil RightsAs my second term as Attorney General gets underway, I would like to take a moment to let you know about some of the work our Office is doing to serve the people of Maryland and protect the State’s resources.In this term, we renew our focus on our top four priorities: protecting the environment, strengthening public safety, defending consumers, and advancing civil rights. Today I would like to David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-45484649291793260592011-03-10T07:00:00.001-05:002011-03-10T10:47:08.404-05:00Photo: Marriage Equality Opponent Don Dwyer Speaks to the PressDel. Don Dwyer doing a media interview outside the Statehouse yesterday shortly after the marriage equality bill passed second readingDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-66667757788307882812011-03-09T21:17:00.002-05:002011-03-09T21:22:55.873-05:00NOM Offers Campaign Cash for VotesThe National Organization for Marriage (read: organization against marriage equality) pledges to raise $1 million to defend any Democrat who votes against marriage equality. Oh, and Maggie Gallagher--NOM's talking head--says that the opinions of younger voters should not matter on this issue. No prizes for guessing which side they support. More info on NOM's website, Joe.My.God, and David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-28342340826371076502011-03-09T21:00:00.002-05:002011-03-09T21:26:25.770-05:00Delegate Mary Washington Testifiesfor the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination BillDel. Washington's statement below the fold.My name is Mary Washington, and I represent the 43rd Legislative District in Baltimore City. My district includes some of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore City, including Abell, Cedarcroft, Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello, Ednor Gardens, Guilford, Homeland, Lauraville, Northwood, Radnor-Winston, David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-81713294978638482552011-03-09T19:00:00.002-05:002011-03-09T19:00:11.206-05:00Anti-Gas Tax Protestors Outside the StatehouseOutside the Statehouse shortly after the House adjourned for the dayDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-76372889638588761182011-03-09T17:30:00.001-05:002011-03-09T17:31:25.626-05:00Owen Smith's Testimony for the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination BillMy name is Owen Smith and I currently live in Baltimore, Maryland.I want to share a staggering statistic for you - according to a recent study from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1 in 5 transgender people are fired from their jobs because of their gender identity and presentation, not because of their ability to perform on the job. Of those that lost their jobs, 12 percent became David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-9381408709532076052011-03-09T15:00:00.000-05:002011-03-09T15:00:05.361-05:00Hans Riemer on Political PulseAt-Large Montgomery County Council Member Hans Riemer will be on the "Political Pulse" TV Show in MoCo on Thurs, March 10th, at 9:00 p.m. and Fri-Sun, March 11th-13th, at 6:00 p.m. Topics include: the County's budget deficit, development and problems with Pepco. Political Pulse is on Channel 16 TV in Montgomery County, MDDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-62310163309461899722011-03-09T13:00:00.000-05:002011-03-09T13:00:03.487-05:00MoCo Takes on HoardingROCKVILLE, Md., March 8, 2011—The Montgomery County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee and its Public Safety Committee will meet jointly at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, for a worksession with the County’s Task Force of Hoarding Behavior. The task force was established in 2009 to raise public awareness and develop hoarding prevention strategies by assisting county residents who are David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-20119527293515752482011-03-09T11:36:00.007-05:002011-03-09T21:24:13.527-05:00House Debating Referendum AmendmentOpponents of marriage equality are saying put it to the people yet many of the same legislators advocating for the amendment proposed by Aisha Braveboy opposed a slots referendum because "we were sent here to decide these issues," as Kirill Reznik just pointed out. In any case, while voters can petition a law to referendum, there is no constitutional provision allowing the General Assembly to putDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-11751609478428256502011-03-09T10:02:00.000-05:002011-03-09T10:03:33.106-05:00Delegate Comes Out on Eve of Marriage VoteFrom the Washington Blade:Del. Peter Murphy (D-Charles County), a divorced father of two who also has two grandchildren, said his colleagues and family have known for years that he is gay.“I have never denied [being gay],” Murphy said, “I just presumed people knew.”Murphy’s announcement brings to eight the total number of openly gay and lesbian members of Maryland’s legislature, the most of any David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-62950303479472421212011-03-09T10:00:00.000-05:002011-03-09T10:00:15.620-05:00Koch Brothers BoycottLocal activist Susan Heltemes asked me to pass along the following list of products produced by business entities affiliated with the Koch Brothers--their support for attacks on the rights of works to bargain collectively through union in Wisconsin has inspired a boycott.Angel Soft toilet paperBrawny paper towelsDixie plates, bowls, napkins and cupsMardi Gras napkins and towelsQuilted Northern David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-71982311760465635652011-03-09T07:00:00.001-05:002011-03-09T07:00:06.136-05:00Pepco v. the PostPepco and the Washington Post have diametrically opposed views of the independent consultants' report. Pepco's press release characterizes their findings as "Independent Consultants Find Pepco's Electrical Distribution System Well Designed" while the Washington Post declares "Pepco reliability plan 'cobbled together' without detailed study."More from the Washington Post:The consultants concludedDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-64412981061485124682011-03-08T21:51:00.003-05:002011-03-08T21:58:56.871-05:00Opposed Not Just to Marriage Equality but to Gays and LesbiansFrom the email inbox of a member of the House of Delegates:Dear Delegates:Others may be afraid to speak plainly to you, but I am not.You all have psychological disorders.Anyone who won't see the innate rightness of heterosexuality as opposed to any other kind of sexuality is, frankly, irrational.Changing the laws won't change reality. The ex-gay truth, which isn't all that complicated, will David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-81135360037844247382011-03-08T17:00:00.003-05:002011-03-08T17:00:01.412-05:00Raskin-Hixon Letter on Military BudgetThe following letter has been signed by 40 members of the General Assembly and was the center of the Fund Our Communities, Bring the War Dollars Home coalition's press conference in Annapolis yesterday. Progressives from around the State, including members of Progressive Maryland and Progressive Neighbors, lobbied their legislators on this and other issues.“ Every gun that is made, every warshipDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-71356723962221744842011-03-08T15:11:00.001-05:002011-03-08T15:23:41.065-05:00LGBT Delegates Make the Case for Marriage EqualityDear Colleagues,It will come as no surprise to any of you that this is a crucial week for the six of us. As you know, the House will soon consider the Civil Marriage Protection Act (Senate Bill 116), a bill that will allow same-sex couples to marry in Maryland. Importantly, it will also reaffirm religious communities' constitutional right to solemnize only those unions that fit within their faithDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-78018958865929534452011-03-08T15:08:00.002-05:002011-03-08T15:10:15.274-05:00Students and Supporters Rally for DREAM ActLast Night in Annapolis in front of the StatehouseDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-42528686865440319332011-03-07T11:06:00.001-05:002011-03-07T11:07:41.694-05:00LDS Church Already Working to Repeal Marriage in MDJoe Sudbay reports.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-53539933428015743342011-03-07T10:26:00.002-05:002011-03-07T10:38:10.808-05:00Reparative Therapy a Mixed BagSupporters of reparative therapy, sometimes also called conversion therapy, have claimed some striking successes in recent years.Sometimes, all it takes is a laying on of hands from the right power. Senate President Tom Grinder has showed an amazing power to heal held in awe by people inside and outside the General Assembly. Former Germantown Senator Q.K. Hoagie arrived in Annapolis as a David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-27491551108169220752011-03-05T14:00:00.000-05:002011-03-05T14:00:01.568-05:00PEPCO Press Release on PSC TestimonyDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-68964705837285786862011-03-05T10:00:00.000-05:002011-03-05T10:01:50.549-05:00Council Update from Marc ElrichMarc Elrich updates constituents on Pepco and his plan for a countywide rapid transit system.PEPCO - Monopoly Power, Monopoly Problems Montgomery County residents continue to suffer from the worst-case scenario of what happens when people are subject to monopoly power. PEPCO has, and has had for some years, the least reliable power service in the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-65339168311269463612011-03-05T09:46:00.000-05:002011-03-05T09:47:03.249-05:00Kirill Reznik Report Week 8David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-75676397307359367322011-03-04T14:18:00.003-05:002011-03-04T14:43:25.316-05:00Marriage Equality Passes House JudiciaryThe House of Delegates Judiciary Committee just voted 12-10 to give marriage equality a favorable report. This vote occurred after several failed attempts to amend the bill. Chairman Vallario joined Carter, Waldstreicher, Lee, Dumais, Arora, Conaway, Valderrama, Simmons, Mitchell, and Anderson in voting aye.Del. Hough attempted to amend the bill to name it the "same-sex marriage" bill. This David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-24335210808055010412011-03-04T14:00:00.003-05:002011-03-04T14:00:04.711-05:00Funding Our Children's FutureA guest blog by Christopher S. Barclay, president, Montgomery County Board of Education. MPW welcomes guest posts on timely topics. On February 14, 2011, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $2.2 billion FY 2012 operating budget request for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Mindful of the economic climate, the Board adopted the minimum funding level mandated under the David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-59097236059489002252011-03-04T09:49:00.003-05:002011-03-04T09:51:52.681-05:00Sam Arora Will Vote for Marriage EqualitySam Arora's public statement from the Washington Post:I have heard from constituents, friends, and advocates from across the spectrum of views and have thought about the issue of same-sex marriage extensively. I understand their concern--this is a very serious issue, and one that many people feel passionately about. As the vote drew nearer, I wrestled with this issue in a way I never had before, David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-10785442621530719582011-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:002011-03-04T07:00:10.196-05:00Do the Right Thing, SamA guest post by Paul Griffin, he is a District 19 resident and ran in the 2006 Democratic House primaryI voted for Sam Arora in the 2010 Democratic Primary in District 19. I hope to vote for him again in the future. Sam is clearly a bright, ambitious, young man who can go on to achieve great things in his career and accomplish many policy goals that will help the people of our district, county,David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-29131711345292135332011-03-03T01:02:00.002-05:002011-03-03T01:12:51.823-05:00Sen. Karen Montgomery on Marriage EqualityHaving been a new teacher when the schools were first integrated in Baltimore, it saddens me to hear the same arguments being used against this marriage bill as were against school integration.More importantly, we as a state have already forgotten that there were anti-miscegenation laws-- laws in Maryland --that prohibited blacks and whites or any inter-racial couple, to marry. There were David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-85980163177436137522011-03-02T13:49:00.004-05:002011-03-02T13:52:23.172-05:00Montgomery County Muslim Council Blasts Rep. KingReal security means that we go after our enemies, and don't demonize fellow patriotic Americans.David Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31330415.post-17420668889343491272011-03-01T14:00:00.001-05:002011-03-01T14:00:05.721-05:00Majority Leader Rob Garagiola on Marriage EqualityDavid Lublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08596745454943755686noreply@blogger.com1