Delegate Derrick Davis responds to Blair Lee's column:
So political corruption is now the exclusive domain of African-Americans? I’m going to assume an editor wrote that title because I know Mr. Lee is far too enlightened to hold such an opinion, let alone have it headline his weekly commentary. Yes, some African-Americans have committed egregious crimes against the very people they were elected to represent but why can’t the focus be on the individuals themselves and not their race? Too often African-Americans are accused by bloggers and opinion writers of “playing the race card” or injecting race where it does not belong. I certainly will concede that race has been, and will continue to be, used as an excuse or justification for criminal behavior. By the same token, it is headlines and commentaries such as Mr. Lee’s column (December 11th) that does fuel speculation about media bias as it relates to how African-Americans are portrayed versus our counterparts.
Let me say right now that I do not believe the arrest and indictment of the former Prince George’s County Executive and his wife, the current Councilwoman representing the 6th Councilmanic District, was in any way racially motivated. There have been far too many allegations and investigations over the past eight years for any fair-minded individual to believe otherwise. However, the alleged personal malfeasance of the former county executive and the violation of the public trust of the councilwoman are an indictment of their personal failings and not that of an entire race of people. As noted author Zora Neal Hurston famously said, “Not all my skin folk is my kin folk.”
Mr. Lee, when did you become such an expert on the thoughts and opinions of African-Americans? I have been black 43 years and I am far from an expert on the thoughts and opinions of my race as a whole. As many of us have said time and again, we are not monolithic in thought and/or action. Respectfully, it was totally irresponsible and uninformed of you to suggest that because the allegations against the former county executive didn’t include ripping off poor black kids but taking advantage of the political spoils system, “in the eyes of many blacks” that was acceptable behavior. You justify this outlandish statement by saying, “That’s why, for almost a month, there’s been a deafening silence out of PG County.”
You and other members of the media have complained about this so-called silence among elected officials in the county. First of all, many of us joined County Executive Rushern Baker at a press conference on November 15th, the first business day after the arrest, to let our citizens know that despite these despicable allegations we were united in effort to moving the county forward. Secondly, many of us have had direct contact with our constituents about the matter and what options were available. Thirdly, the county council took appropriate measures to limit the new councilwoman’s power and influence until these issues have been resolved. No Mr. Lee, there has not been deafening silence on this matter.
Allow me to let you and others in on something. Most residents and elected officials in the county are appalled and embarrassed by what has transpired. Most were irate that the former county executive did not resign immediately and the current councilwoman did not have the decency to step aside for the good of the district she professes to love. The reason the media did not get to cover numerous press conferences or read pithy press releases from various elected officials was likely because we were not going to provide others with any more entertainment than what these individuals already have. No, I am not downplaying the seriousness of the situation by referring to it as “entertainment”; rather, I understand the desire of some to see this tragic betrayal replayed constantly to denigrate the accomplishments of an entire race of people.
Please tell me what can I say or do on behalf of all African-Americans in Prince George’s County (I mean PG County because I know how much it pains you to use our actual name) to assure you and others that there are many decent, hard-working people who reside in the county and that we do not all share the same personal failings of a few? What can I say or do to assure you that most people do not view these actions as “arrival” but in fact as “shame”? What can I do to assure you that there is public outrage even though you may not read press accounts about it? What can I do to assure you that while some people have chosen to leave the county for a variety of reasons, many people are still proud to call the state’s second largest jurisdiction home?
Finally, I’d like to address why the inaugural crowd’s greatest applause went to Marion Barry as you put it. Councilman Barry’s personal struggles during his later years in office have been well-chronicled. As heart-breaking as it has been to watch these struggles, many of us simply cannot forget what he meant to the civil rights movement in his earlier years. Many of us cannot forget his accomplishments in his early mayoral years, all those summer jobs he helped to provide for our young people and all those senior citizens he tirelessly served. Many of us do understand how so many people are supportive of you when you are on top but forget about you when you are not.
Maybe you are right, it is a black thing…and you wouldn’t understand.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
"It's a Black Thing?"
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Dereck Davis Promotes Electricity Competition
At a time when many politicians are seeking to re-monopolize the electricity industry, Delegate Dereck Davis (D-25) is actually promoting savings from competition as a constituent service. And guess what? Both the Delegate and District 25 residents will benefit.
In July, we illustrated how consumers could save big bucks off their electric bill by switching their power generation purchases to cheaper suppliers. That blog post was the third most-popular post in our record-breaking summer of 2009. The problem is that re-regulation will end competition by once again forcing consumers to buy their electricity from monopolies. So while politicians can howl about cracking down on overpaid Constellation Energy CEO Mayo Shattuck, re-regulation would actually force many of their constituents to buy their power from his company. How is this good for us?
Dereck Davis gets it. Check out this flyer advertising an energy forum at Prince George's County Community College on October 20. Davis says that he will work to, "Ensure that the energy market in Maryland stays competitive in order to provide the best service and most affordable prices to consumers." When Delegate Davis shows his constituents that they can save double digits off their power bill while simultaneously switching to clean energy providers, a lot of them are going to thank him.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dereck Davis Comments on George Owings
In response to our post on former Delegate and current Governor hopeful George Owings' Facebook supporters, Delegate Dereck Davis (D-25) sent us the following remarks. Delegate Davis is listed on Owings' Facebook page as a supporter.George Owings is a good friend of mine whom I had the pleasure of serving with on the House Environmental Matters Committee for 8 sessions (1995-2002). I found him to be thoughtful, conscientious, and eloquent during his tenure in the legislature. It goes without saying that he was well-respected by his colleagues. That said, I have not endorsed anyone for Governor. Quite candidly, I think it is premature to endorse anyone until after the 2010 legislative session has been completed. Then, and only then, will I be able to make an informed decision about what’s best for the community I represent. I regret any confusion relating to Facebook. Generally speaking, I will accept a “friend request” from anyone whose name I recognize. There was nothing more to it than that.
George Owings Builds Support on Facebook
Former Delegate George Owings III (D-27B), who represented Calvert County as a House Democrat but served Republican Governor Bob Ehrlich as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is drawing some notable support on Facebook for his nascent campaign against Governor O'Malley. Here's a few of his Facebook fans who jump out for us.
Delegate Gail Bates (R-9A) from Howard County
Delegate Bob Costa (R-33B) from Anne Arundel County
Delegate Dereck Davis (D-25) from Prince George's County, Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee, who has not endorsed O'Malley for re-election
Chip DiPaula, former Chief of Staff for Governor Bob Ehrlich
Larry Hogan, former Cabinet Member for Governor Ehrlich and a potential Republican candidate for Governor
Gregory Massoni, former Media Advisor to Governor Ehrlich
Justin Ready, former Executive Director, Maryland Republican Party
Diana Saquella, lobbyist for the Maryland State Teachers Association
Delegate Mike Smigiel (R-36) from the Eastern Shore
Former Delegate Joan Stern (D-39) from Montgomery County
Maria A. Topper, staffer for Delegate Tom Hucker (D-20), who has endorsed O'Malley for re-election
Delegate Richard Weldon (I-3B) from Frederick and Washington Counties
On September 7, Owings told his supporters:Well, my Dear Friends, you joined this group for one reason or another and so to hold you here for a bit longer, let me bring you up to date. What has been going on is alot of travel; Baltimore, Ocean City, St. Mary's County, Prince George's County and a few other places as well. I am talking candidly ( as if there was any other way) about the state of the state, my ideas, suggestions, and when necessary, why what we have is just not working, in my opinion. All my life I've been told that "the tent" is large enough for all to enter. My entire political career has been just right of center ,but what we have seen these past three years has been too far to the left. It will be interesting to watch the evolution of and, in my case, the participation in, action under the big top. The website will be launched in 3-4 weeks so I do hope you stay tuned. I need not remind any of you about the seriousness of the next election, inclusively, it is about our future.
Does the Governor's staff know about this? Um... now they do.
Have a good night,
george
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Dereck Davis vs. Jim Rosapepe on Electricity Reregulation
In an email exchange widely circulated in Annapolis, Senator Jim Rosapepe (D-21) and Delegate Dereck Davis (D-25) hold a spirited duel on the issue of electricity reregulation. Davis is the Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee, which has jurisdiction over electric utilities, so he will be a big player in writing any electricity legislation. Come behind the closed doors of Annapolis and read on!
The duel began when Rosapepe sent out an email to many state legislators recruiting them to sign a letter to the Chair of the Public Services Commission (PSC) in support of reregulation.Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:17:21 -0400
Dereck Davis, who represents Prince George's County as does Rosapepe, wrote this response:
Subject: letter to PSC on Pepco and electric rates
From: Jim Rosapepe
To: State Legislators
I'm writing to invite you to join Senators Currie, Frosh, Peters, Madaleno, Muse, Kramer, Pinsky, Raskin, Harringon, Lennett, and me in supporting Governor O'Malley's efforts to reregulate electric rates and explaining how his efforts in the Constellation/EDF case will benefit Pepco customers, who we represent, as well.
Please call me on my cell at [number withheld] if you have questions, or let my staff know if you'd like to sign on.
Please let us know by 5:00pm on Wednesday.
Thanks!
--Jim
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We write to express our strong support for your efforts to protect Maryland consumers by reversing the dramatic failures of electric deregulation. In particular, we appreciate your work advising the legislature when the Senate passed the Governor's reregulation this year. This legislation advances new power plant construction and long term energy planning. We look forward to working with the Governor to pass it through both houses of the General Assembly in 2010.
Meantime, since our ratepayers are suffering from excessive rates for electricity produced by existing plants, we applaud your decision to review the Constellation/EDF transaction.
As you know, Governor O'Malley has proposed conditioning approval of this transaction on inclusion of several key protective measures for consumers, including lower rates for customers and launching the return to regulated rates for the future.
Understandably, BGE customers are enthusiastically backing the Governor's strong stance on behalf of ratepayers in this case. We write as elected representatives of Pepco customers to say that moving the Governor's agenda here is very important to us and our constituents as well. Here’s why:
First, the CEG/EDF case and the reregulation legislation we hope to pass in 2010 are aspects of the same battle for consumer rights and a return to fairness in the electric markets. Since Constellation was the major local proponent of deregulation in 1999 and remains its major defender to this day, prying Constellation away from this historic failure will create momentum for reform across the state.
Second, as your consultants demonstrated last fall, reregulation would save ratepayers billions of dollars, even if done in arm's length transactions. They showed how Pepco customers could save $1.6 billion. Deregulation defenders like Constellation have claimed that reregulating rates of existing power would be "too complicated." By restoring healthy regulation and oversight in the Constellation/EDF case, as the Governor has proposed, the PSC would demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of this approach, providing just the model we need for reducing Pepco’s inflated rates as well.
As you move forward in the Constellation/EDF case, we urge you to look for similar opportunities in the Pepco service area to reduce our constituents' electric bills by reregulating their rates. We recognize that such an opportunity may not appear immediately. But Pepco customers, like BGE and all other Maryland ratepayers, have suffered mightily from excessive electric rates. No opportunity to protect our people should be missed.
We thank you for your attention and urge you to continue in your important work.
Senators Currie, Frosh, Peters, Madaleno, Muse, Kramer, Pinsky, Raskin, Harringon, Lennett, & RosapepeFrom: Dereck Davis
And Rosapepe responded with this:
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:26 PM
To: Jim Rosapepe, State Legislators
Subject: RE: letter to PSC on Pepco and electric rates
Jim,
Thank you for the invitation to sign the letter below "supporting Governor O'Malley's efforts to reregulate electric rates". I appreciate your diligence and commitment to this most important issue facing our state. Respectfully, I have to decline this invitation on practical as well as philosophical grounds.
First of all, I strenuously disagree with your implied assertion that the enactment of SB 844 would lead to lower electric rates. Chairman Nazarian met with Delegate Brian McHale and myself on February 27th, immediately following the House floor session, to discuss this matter. During the course of this meeting, he very pointedly stated that even if we enacted this legislation "it would take years, if not decades, to fully reregulate" our electricity markets. He further stated that he could not guarantee that our constituents would realize lower rates in the near or the long term future. This admission was especially alarming to me because I had previously heard that it would cost approximately $16-20 billion to fully reregulate. As I know you are aware, utilities would be granted full cost recovery from the ratepayers for these new generation plants. That is a mighty big gamble for no guarantee of rate relief.
Secondly, I am confused by your statement that "Governor O'Malley has proposed conditioning approval of this transaction...". I may be misinformed but I thought that under the Public Utility Companies Article, this decision falls within the purview of the Maryland Public Service Commission. This may seem like a minor point to some but a significant part of the 2006 debate about electric rates centered on the lack of separation between the PSC and the Ehrlich Administration. Many Democrats, including both presiding officers, lamented the fact that there appeared to be a lack of independence being exhibited by an independent body. If what you are asserting is true, then isn't history just repeating itself? Shouldn't we allow the well-qualified, professional regulators to do their jobs without political interference? I am not suggesting we abdicate our responsibilities but by the same token, we should not over-extend our reach either.
Thirdly, I am extremely concerned about Maryland's business reputation. The General Assembly enacted SB 1013-08 after extended discussion among representatives of the governor, legislative leaders, PSC, and Constellation Energy Group(CEG). These discussions yielded numerous benefits for ratepayers within the Baltimore Gas & Electric service territory that totaled several hundred million dollars, including $18.6 million annually until 2016 for the decommissioning of Calvert Cliffs 1 and 2, a one time $187 million credit against residential customer electric bills, and $520 million from PSC Order 75757. It was understood by all parties that this would close the door on the 1999 matter and the state would move forward. It appears that just one year later, the spirit of that agreement is being violated.
In addition to the spirit of that agreement being violated, I am also taken aback by the methods we are employing relating to the CEG/EDF partnership. While I applaud the state's unrelenting commitment to affordable electricity, the end does not justify the means. Our methods and constantly changing energy policies are having a chilling effect on our utilities' bond ratings.
One question I have that no one has answered is what happens if this transaction doesn't go through? The proposed third nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs is a major part of the state's future energy plans. If EDF pulls out of the deal or if the PSC denies the deal because certain concessions were not made, Constellation is back in a very tenuous financial position. Not only will this major component of our future energy plan be in jeopardy, a major employer in the state might go bankrupt. Who's going to accept responsibility for all those lost jobs and tax revenue?
Finally, I am interested in knowing the basis of your often stated opinion that Constellation "was the major local proponent of deregulation in 1999." With all due respect colleague, you were not a member of the General Assembly when this discussion took place. You resigned from the House of Delegates effective December 31, 1997, to become Ambassador to Romania. During your ambassadorship, I was a member of the House committee with jurisdiction (Environmental Matters), I served on the legislative taskforce that studied the issue, and I participated in many of the discussions involving the various details. Trust me when I tell you that the utilities, including BG&E, were opposed to changing the current system. They talked a brave game about not being afraid of competition but the fact of the matter is who would want to change a system where they were guaranteed cost recovery for their expenses as well as a guaranteed rate of return? The only entity that was really pushing this policy change was a multi-national corporation based in Houston, Texas.
The House Economic Matters Committee is diligently reviewing all the relevant issues and is committed to finding the best course of action. If the facts support reregulating, then we will lead the charge in that direction. If the facts do not support it, no amount of political pressure will lead us to implement a wrong decision.
DereckFrom: Jim Rosapepe
In reading the above exchange, we are struck by the frequency with which Rosapepe targets Constellation. The energy giant is certainly unpopular and is therefore an inviting political punching bag. That fact may count far more with the politicians than Dereck Davis's concerns over financial issues and business reputation. We are not as cynical as Blair Lee on the political positioning with regards to Constellation, but this exchange makes us wonder.
Date: Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Subject: PSC letter -- response to Chairman Davis' message
To: Dereck Davis
cc: State Legislators
Dereck --
Thanks so much for your long and thoughtful letter. Very impressive work -- and at 11:26 at night!
I look forward to discussing these issues in detail with you, as we did early in the last session. It's terrific that the committee is taking up the issue in preparation for the next session.
For now, I'll just briefly respond to each of your points and questions.
First, I agree there are no guarantees in this life -- or in reregulation of electric rates. But Maryland tested regulation for decades and it produced reliable electricity and reasonable rates. Proponents of deregulation promised lower rates and more supply. Instead, in ten years, rates have gone up more than 70% and no new major generation has been built in the state. The governor believes that increasing supply with regulation will hold down rates in the long run, based on the simple economics of supply and demand. I agree with him.
Second, I agree with you that the PSC has the regulatory responsibility to approve or disapprove the EDF investment. But, as you know, the governor has provided strong leadership for consumers by making the state an official "intervenor" in the case and has proposed to Constellation a generous compromise to assure that the benefits of potential PSC approval are shared with struggling ratepayers, not just with Constellation CEO Mayo Shattuck, who is in line for an $87 million payout. The governor's proposal is available on the web and has been widely reported in the press.
Third, I share your concern about Maryland's business reputation. Deregulation made our state less competitive for all kinds of businesses, as well as residential consumers. Lower, more stable energy costs are always a competitive advantage for a business and for a state. The governor has proposed a business-like approach to Constellation's request for the PSC to allow it to be bailed out by EDF. As you know, the management of Constellation almost bankrupted the company, as so many Wall Street banks did, by taking bad financial risks in pursuit of excessive executive bonuses. Consumers have paid the price in higher electric rates. The governor is just seeking a fair deal for our constituents.
Fourth, if EDF decides to withdraw their offer, other investors would no doubt come behind them. As a result of President Obama's efforts, the financial markets have materially improved since last September. But, even at that time, when Constellation faced ratings downgrades because of mismanagement, it had TWO offers -- one from Warren Buffett and one from a consortium of EDF, KKR, and TPG.
Fifth, I agree that I was in Romania, not in Annapolis, when deregulation was passed and that ENRON was the major out-of-state proponent of deregulation. The basis of the letter's statement that Constellation was a supporter of deregulation in 1999 is the recollections of others who were there then, including signers of the letter. We can agree that memories of people of good will can differ. Nonetheless, I'm sure we can also agree that Constellation is today the state's biggest and most aggressive protector of deregulation.
Thanks for your serious attention to this issue and I look forward to working with you on it.
-- Jim
If the politicians really want to save us money, they should send our analysis of how we can save double digits off our power generation bill to their constituents right now. That blog post is one of the most popular items we have ever published.
Individual consumer action may not get politicians re-elected, but it can save Marylanders lots of money. Everyone in Annapolis should be asking themselves which of the two is more important.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
What Happens if Anthony Brown Leaves? (Updated)
Rumors are swirling that Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown is under consideration by the Obama administration for a cabinet job. If he leaves, what happens next?
Governor Martin O’Malley will have to pick a replacement, subject to approval by the General Assembly. And that will be very interesting. Lieutenant Governor picks in the recent past have been made for the sake of regional and demographic ticket-balancing. Of the five statewide officials other than Brown, three (O’Malley and Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin) are from the Baltimore area, two (Attorney General Doug Gansler and Comptroller Peter Franchot) are from Montgomery County, four are male and all five are white. That leaves obvious gaps in representation that the Governor will be urged to fill. But this time around, there may be other considerations besides ticket-balancing as the Governor will be the favorite in both the 2010 primary and general elections.
Our informants have named these people as possibilities:
1. Prince George’s State Attorney Glenn Ivey
Ivey is a highly-regarded prosecutor, even by many in Montgomery County. (That is rare for any Prince George’s politician.) He is particularly praised for trying to rein in the county’s notorious police department and avoiding the appearances of impropriety that have dogged many of the county’s other politicians.
Ivey’s selection has two hurdles to overcome. First, he is generally believed to be running for County Executive in 2010. Second, rumor has it that he turned down an offer from O’Malley to be his number two in 2006. County Executive or Mayor may be a better route to the Governor’s office than a Lieutenant Governor position. Still, one source says the dropoff after Ivey is “huge.”
2. Senator C. Anthony Muse (D-26)
Aside from Ivey, Muse may be the most prominent Prince George’s politician not under investigation. By picking Reverend Muse, O’Malley could patch up his relations with black churches in the wake of the slots referendum and deny Prince George’s County to any primary challenger. On the other hand, Muse would generate objections from the GLBT community and he is also rumored to be running for County Executive.
3. Delegate Dereck Davis (D-25)
Davis is a four-term Delegate and Chair of the Economic Matters Committee at the ripe old age of 41. He is the pick that most resembles Anthony Brown. But would he want to leave his chair and enter a largely ceremonial office for the chance of someday running for Governor? Davis’s departure would give Speaker Mike Busch an interesting choice for his replacement on Economic Matters.
4. Labor Secretary Tom Perez
Perez has performed excellent work for the Governor in pushing his slots referendum, but he is probably a more likely Obama cabinet pick than is Brown. One thing is for sure: Tom Perez is going places.
5. Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith
I know what you’re thinking: why would O’Malley pick another white male politician from the Baltimore area? The logic behind this pick would be to give Smith the full-time job of raising money and making the rounds of the state. Why? That would set him up nicely to take on the Governor’s arch-enemy, Peter Franchot, for Comptroller in 2010.
6. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett
Leggett has several advantages to the Governor aside from demographics. First, he is a former Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party and has relationships across the state. Second, because he will be 69 in 2010, he may have no ambitions for the Governor’s seat and that will make life in Annapolis a bit easier for O’Malley. Third, he can be counted on to be a low-key team member. Fourth, he may be the one Montgomery County politician who is acceptable to the rest of the state. And does Leggett truly want to deal with the next two brutal budget cycles in cash-starved MoCo?
Best of all, Leggett’s ascension would set off a chaotic fracas for the County Executive’s chair in Rockville. At least four County Council Members will go for it!
Update: I cannot let this discussion pass without reference to Maryland’s most significant Lieutenant Governor choice: William Donald Schaefer’s pick of Melvin Steinberg in 1986. Steinberg, then the President of the Maryland Senate, became embroiled in a feud with the hot-tempered Schaefer and was shut out of all administration duties. After losing to Parris Glendening in the 1994 Governor primary, Steinberg endorsed conservative Ellen Sauerbrey four years later. But none of this makes Steinberg the most important number two pick in the state’s history. What is really important is the identity of Steinberg’s successor as Senate President.
You guessed it: Big Daddy Mike Miller. And so out of small acts are empires born!
Update 2: The Examiner and the Gazette have more, including speculation that County Council Member Valerie Ervin might get the job.
