Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) made these remarks at a press conference held just before the start of the Senate hearings.
I am proud to be here on behalf of the Montgomery County Council as chief sponsor of a resolution urging the General Assembly to enact the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act with unanimous support from colleagues.
Montgomery County has long believed in the core principle of non-discrimination. We are proud of our diverse and ever growing population. We also think it’s unfair to deny the rights of civil marriage to the over 2000 same-sex couples in Montgomery County and over 15,000 couples across the State.
“The Montgomery County Council recognizes that the opportunity to publicly and legally commit to share one’s life with the person of one’s choice is one of the most central aspects of human experience, and denial of marriage to same-sex couples is the denial of a fundamental civil right.” And it’s just not fair.
It’s not fair to couples and it’s not fair to families. Denied the freedom to marry, same-sex couples and their families are deprived of the critical safety-net that comes with marriage especially at times of great vulnerability such as birth, death, illness, disability, and unemployment.
We can no longer stand by and let these families go to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont or DC for the recognition they want, they need, and they deserve.
Maryland is known as the “Free State” for a reason. And together, we can make it free and fair for all Marylanders.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Nancy Floreen on Marriage Equality
Sen. Kasemayer to Vote For Marriage Equality
The Baltimore Sun has the news. Nice timing since Equality MD is hosting its annual lobby day today.
Coverage of 10 Cents Makes Sense Rally
in the Baltimore Sun, including a snapshot of MCDCC Member Aaron Kaufman, and Your4State.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Town of Chevy Chase Council Meeting
The following is an unofficial summary of the Town Council meeting of February 9th.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council held a moment of silence in memory of Arthur Schatzkin and Roy Gordon.
Variance Request
The Council unanimously approved a request by John and Ellen Barnes to permit the replacement of a front-yard fence.
Montgomery County Civic Federation Membership
The Council decided to put off a decision on whether to join the Civic Federation until it can get more answers to some questions about the obligations of membership.
Intersection Changes at East Ave. and the Thornapple Path
The Town Council held a public hearing on proposed changes to the intersection of East Ave. and the Thornapple Path. After receiving much valuable input from residents, the Council agreed unanimously that parking restrictions within 20 feet on the southeast side of the crosswalk are needed to improve visibility but that it would be better to leave the Thornapple Path and the crosswalk at their current locations.
Committee Reports
The Town Council heard committee reports from our Town Committee chairs: The activities of the committees are too numerous to report here so I’ll mention just a few highlights. Chair Judy McGuire explained that the Climate Committee just held a very successful and well-attended Food Fest in conjunction with the Environment Committee. The Committee is also involved in a review of the Town’s effort to reach the goals outlined in the Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement.
Bridget Hartman reviewed the numerous events hosted by the Community Relations Committee, such as the Town’s Annual Progressive Dinner and the upcoming Chili Dinner on February 27, and has led a number of community service events, such as the holiday gift program and the Manna Food Drive. Chair Sally Kelly outlined that the Environment Committee is in the process of reviewing the Tree Ordinance and working with the Community Relations Committee on the annual Garden Tour to include information on sustainable gardening.
Long-Range Planning Committee Co-Chairs Tina Coplan and Steve Seidel reviewed the numerous forums held in conjunction with last year’s election as well as the Town’s involvement in monitoring developments, such as the Pearl Street project and the review of the Chevy Chase Lake Sector Plan, which impact Town residents. Purple Line Mitigation Committee Chair Maryann Hoffman explained that her committee was monitoring the MTA’s new noise study and continuing to work on the crossing at Lynn Drive.
Chevy Chase Historical Society
New CCHS President Bridget Hartman outlined for the Council the activities of the
Society related to the Town, including the upcoming Chevy Chase history day to be held May 1 in the Town.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Councilmember Nancy Floreen on Pepco
There's a lot going on when it comes to the efforts to get Pepco to improve its service reliability and communications, and it can be difficult to sort out all the moving pieces and the various players. It is important to understand that Pepco is regulated by the Public Service Commission, which is a State agency. While the County does not have any direct authority over Pepco, we have been strong advocates for reform. Last year, we asked the PSC to open an investigation into Pepco, and that investigation (Case 9240) is in progress now. But wait, there's more, including a routine investigation of the January 26 snowstorm, pending recommendations from the County's Pepco Work Group and legislation at the State level. Here's what you should know right now: Montgomery County Special Counsel on Utility Regulation Montgomery County Pepco Work Group Public Service Commission Case 9240 (investigation into Pepco reliability) Public Service Commission Case 9256 (investigation into January 26 snowstorm) Public Service Commission Administrative Docket (RM 43) Legislation Routine Complaints While we work our way through these issues, remember this: when your power goes out, you must call Pepco every day so that they know the lights are still out. In the meantime, I will do everything I can to keep up the pressure on Pepco and the Public Service Commission, and I continue to welcome your input so let me know your thoughts.
The public comment period has been completed and included statements from Montgomery County elected officials in addition to County residents. The County's Pepco Work Group will file its report on behalf of our interests in this case.
Comment Policy Reminder
I dinged several good comments because they just had the first names of the writer attached. Just a friendly reminder that MPW asks everyone to attach their name to their comments. Thanks.
Robert Broadus on Marriage Equality
Marriage equality will lead to android-human marriages. No, really.
On Political Pulse
Howard County Executive Ken Ulman will be on the "Political Pulse" TV Show on:
Fri-Sun, February 11th-13th, at 6:00 p.m. Political Pulse is on Montgomery Municipal Cable (Channel 16 TV).
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sen. Brochin (D-42) on Marriage Equality
The Baltimore Sun reports:
Baltimore County Sen. James Brochin will support legalizing gay marriage if, as expected, his attempt to change the contentious legislation into a civil unions bill fails.
Brochin, a Democrat, said his position changed after listened to a seven hour hearing in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. He said he felt "appalled and disgusted" by the "hate and venom" offered by opponents of the same-sex marriage bill.
"I'm not going to be a part of the vilification of gays on the senate floor," Brochin said. The switch gives supporters 21 votes; the bill needs 24 to pass on the floor. Six senators are either undecided or have not publicly announced their intentions. (See list after the jump.)
Brochin would prefer creating a civil unions statute, but acknowledged he does not have the votes in committee to support that. "I've always thought that everyone should have the same rights," Brochin said.
Ryan Spiegel on Marriage Equality
Gaithersburg City Councilmember Ryan Spiegel testified at the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Hearing on the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protect Act:
Good afternoon. My name is Ryan Spiegel and I am proud to serve as a member of the Gaithersburg City Council, representing 60,000 residents and hundreds of businesses. I am also on the executive board of the Montgomery County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League, though I am testifying as an individual today.
I *support* marriage equality. As an attorney with extensive experience in civil rights law, I strongly endorse the lofty aspirations for justice and equality so eloquently conveyed by other witnesses today, so I won't repeat what they've said.
But as a municipal elected official for one of the largest cities in Maryland, I am here to offer a pragmatic perspective on our efforts to emerge from the global recession. Local leaders throughout the state have been focused like a laser on the economy, stretching the limits of our imagination to explore every possible avenue for creating jobs -- and maintaining and growing opportunity for local businesses large and small -- particularly as the state government has been forced to reduce aid to local jurisdictions.
Right now, because marriage equality is already in effect just down the road in the District of Columbia, countless dollars are being diverted away from Maryland, to Washington D.C.'s hotels, restaurants, ballrooms, flourists, caterers, tailors -- not to mention all the attorneys, accountants, financial planners, and others who provide services to couples after they are married. Right now, many of our businesses are losing a critical sector of clientele, and in the process, we are not preventing anyone who wants to get married from doing so. So many of our businesses are missing out on a tremendous opportunity, because of a legal roadblock that - years from now - will seem like an antiquated notion.
If you believe in giving the best free-market advantage to our state's businesses, then I respectfully urge you to support this bill, and to remove obstacles to our competitiveness -- even if you are not personally comfortable with the notion of LGBT marriage.
To be clear, I believe in my heart that passing this bill is the right thing to do from a moral and legal standpoint. But I am here today to underscore that it is also the right thing to do from an economic standpoint. Of course, this bill won't force any vendors to be available for LGBT weddings if they don't want to be, but we need to level the playing field for those Maryland businesses that do. It's just one more reason to support this bill.
I thank the chair and the committee for your consideration.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
MD #1 in Education. Again.
Update:The Baltimore Sun has more detail on the continuing racial gap in achievement even as Maryland leads in improvement by African Americans on AP exams.
From a press release issued by State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick:
Dear Friend of Maryland Education:
I have more great news to share! The College Board just announced that Maryland public education scored yet another NUMBER ONE National Ranking.
For the third year in a row, Maryland leads the nation in the percentage of seniors who earned a score of 3 or higher on one or more Advanced Placement (AP) exams in 2010. A score of 3 or better is considered “college mastery” level and many colleges and universities award college credit for high school students scoring in that range.
Maryland also ranked first in the nation in the percentage of graduating seniors who had taken AP exams in the mathematics and sciences disciplines. Maryland placed second to Florida in the total percentage of seniors completing an AP exam (43.4 percent to Florida’s 43.5).
In recognizing Maryland’s achievement, College Board President Gaston Caperton said, “Maryland students are rising to the challenge set by educators across the state and, as a result, more students graduate high school armed with the tools to succeed in college and beyond.”
High standards and quality programs drive success in our high schools. By providing our children with a strong classroom experience, such as an AP course, we give them a rocksolid foundation for future learning and growth.
I am so very proud of our local superintendents, educators, and students. Their combined efforts are putting Maryland education at the top of the class and making us the envy of other states. The College Board announcement follows last month’s news that Maryland schools ranked first in the nation for the third straight year by Education Week, the nation’s leading education newspaper.
A strong education system leads to an even stronger State economy. Maryland’s Number One AP ranking for the third straight year solidifies that Maryland is definitely the place to live, work, and receive a high-quality education that prepares our students for the 21st century and the workforce.
Sincerely,
Nancy S. Grasmick
State Superintendent of Schools
Tony Varona Profiles Four Montgomery Mayors
On Pam's House Blend, American University Law Professor Tony Varona has written about Mayor Bruce Williams of Takoma Park, Mayor David Lublin of Chevy Chase, Mayor Peter Fosselman of Kensington, and Mayor Jeffrey Slavin of Somerset.
Patriot Act Split
Maryland's delegation completely split on Patriot Act renewal. Voting FOR reauthorization: Chris van Hollen (D), Andy Harris (R),Dutch Ruppersberger (D), and Steny Hoyer (D). Voting AGAINST reauthorization: Jon Sarbanes (D), Donna Edwards (D)
Elijah Cummings (D), Roscoe Bartlett (R).
Young Dems Meeting Moved
From the Young Dems: Due to a scheduling error after the recent storms, the 2011 MCYD Executive Board Elections have been moved to a new location. We will NOT be meeting at the B-CC Regional Services Center, instead elections have moved to the Wheaton Regional Library, 11701 Georgia Ave, Wheaton MD. They will still be at 7:30 PM tonight.
Pepco Apologizes
Thank you Councilmember Berliner for pointing out the bankruptcy of Pepco's attacks on the super-dangerous trees of Montgomery County. Oh, and one of my constituents was not happy to be woken up at 1:30AM when Pepco decided to finally trim trees by her home months after she had pointed out the problem. More info at TBD.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Patrick Metz's Top Tweet from the Marriage Hearing
Time for pro-#LGBT testimony again! First witness has a purse made of seatbelts. Buckle up! #Marryland
Update: Patrick gets some twitter love.
Patrick Metz's Twitter Coverage
Patrick has been live-tweeting the Senate hearing on marriage equality.
My Testimony at the Senate Hearing
MR. CHAIRMAN, SENATORS:
I AM THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF CHEVY CHASE AND PROFESSOR OF GOVERNMENT AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY. I AM SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 116, THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND CIVIL MARRIGE PROTECTION ACT.
THE FOUNDING DOCUMENT OF OUR REPUBLIC DECLARES “WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.”
MUCH OF THE HISTORY OF AMERICA HAS BEEN THE FIGHT TO FULFILL THIS PROMISE.
AMERICA GRANTED WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN 1920. IN THE 1930S, A YOUNG MAN WAS DENIED THE RIGHT TO ENTER THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF LAW BASED ON THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN. UNDAUNTED, HE LED THE FIGHT TO BREAK THE LEGAL BARRIERS TO INTEGRATION AND EQUALITY.
NOT FAR FROM THIS BUILDING, THE CENTRAL PLAZA OF OUR STATE CAPITAL HOLDS A STATUE AND THE WORDS OF THIS SAME GREAT MAN IN HOMAGE TO HIS VISION THAT HELPED OUR NATION BECOME A MORE PERFECT UNION.
SO, ALTHOUGH THE TRADITION AT HEARINGS SUCH AS THESE IS THAT ONE COMES TO BEG, TO PLEAD, AND TO ASK POLITELY FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS, I COME NOT TO ASK BUT TO DEMAND MY RIGHTS AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN.
I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO WORRY THAT WHEN MY PARTNER BROKE HIS WRIST THAT I WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HIS BEDSIDE IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM. OR THAT HE’LL LOSE OUR HOME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT ON THE WAY HOME. IT’S WRONG AND IT’S UN-AMERICAN.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, MY RELATIONSHIP OF TWELVE YEARS SHOULD BE—BY RIGHT AND BY LAW—GRANTED THE SAME DIGNITY AS ANY OTHER MARRIAGE IN MARYLAND.
AND THIS DECISION IS NOT JUST ABOUT COUPLES BUT ABOUT ALL THE GAY AND LESBIAN KIDS IN OUR STATE. DO YOU WANT THEM—OR THEIR PEERS—TO GROW UP THINKING THAT THEY ARE LESS VALUED THAN OTHER KIDS? DO YOU WANT TO SEND THE MESSAGE THAT THEY ARE SOMEHOW DEFECTIVE? THAT THEIR LIVES AND THEIR LOVE ARE LESS WORTHY?
I IMAGINE THAT MUCH WILL BE MADE OF THE CATHOLIC HERITAGE OF OUR STATE. I DON’T FEAR THIS HERITAGE—I EMBRACE IT. BECAUSE I DON’T FORGET THAT MARYLAND WAS FOUNDED AS A HAVEN FOR THOSE PERSECUTED FOR THEIR FAITH. AND AMERICA WAS FOUNDED WITH THE IDEAL THAT ALL RELIGIONS SHALL PROSPER BUT THAT NO RELIGIOUS DOGMA WILL GOVERN.
LET MY FAITH ALLOW ME TO MARRY IF IT SO CHOOSES.
I NEVER COULD HAVE DREAMED WHEN I WAS GROWING UP THAT I COULD GET ELECTED MAYOR AS AN OPENLY-GAY INDIVIDUAL. IN MY FIRST ELECTION AGAINST SEVERAL INCUMBENTS, MANY PEOPLE VOTED FOR ME. AND MANY VOTED AGAINST ME. BUT I’M PROUD TO SAY THAT I DON’T KNOW OF A SINGLE PERSON WHO VOTED FOR ME OR AGAINST ME BECAUSE I LOVE A MAN INSTEAD OF A WOMAN.
SO I GUESS THE QUESTION IS WHETHER MARYLAND WANTS TO BUILD ANOTHER STATUE IN A FEW DECADES. OR, INSTEAD, THIS TIME TO BE ON THE FOREFRONT OF CURRENT EFFORTS TO FULFILL THE PROMISE OF AMERICA.
IN THAT SPIRIT, I HOPE YOUR VOTE WILL REFLECT THE CONTENT OF WHAT I KNOW TO BE THE STATE OF MARYLAND’S CHARACTER.
THANK YOU.
Marriage Equality Press Conference and Senate Hearing
The Baltimore Sun has brief coverage of Equality Maryland's press conference (at which I served as the emcee) held just before the start of the hearings on the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. The Sun has also reproduced the passionate testimony offered by Chrysovalantis P. Kefalas, Deputy Legal Counsel to Gov. Bob Ehrlich, at the Senate hearing in favor of marriage equality.
The Washington Post printed a story this morning on why advocates for equality favor marriage over civil unions.
Attendees at the press conference included the bill's lead sponsors in the Senate--Majority Leader Rob Garagiola, Rich Madaleno, and Jamie Raskin--and the House--Majority Leader Kumar Barve, Kieffer Mitchell, and Ben Barnes. Sen. Allen Kittleman spoke and said that this was not a partisan issue--that getting government out of people's lives is consistent with Republican principles, a view that has found some support over at Red Maryland.
Numerous other legislators showed up to lend their support, including Senators Roger Manno, Verna Jones-Rodwell, and Ron Young, Delegates Ariana Kelly, Al Carr, Aruna Miller, Kirill Reznick, Mary Washington, Luke Clippinger, Joseline Pena-Melnyk, and Jim Gilchrist. Montgomery Councilmember Nancy Floreen spoke in support as did Baltimore City Councilmember Bill Henry. Howard County Register of Wills Byron MacFarlane and Gaithersburg City Councilmember Ryan Spiegel also came and then testified at the hearing.
The words of some extraordinary ordinary citizens concluded the press conference. Maya Deane-Polyak, a high school student, talked about why she thinks her two moms should be allowed to get married. Charles Blackburn and Glen Dehn, who have been together for 32 years, and PFLAG member Erma Durkin spoke about their hope that the bill will pass.
Interest in the hearing was so great that the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee piped in audio and video of the hearings into an overflow room.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Maggie Gallagher is Coming to Town
Out of state advocate against freedom for same-sex couple Maggie Gallagher is coming to testify at the Maryland Senate tomorrow according to her comment posted in the Washington Blade (odd that she's such a fan of gay publications; is it a cry for help?). Always good when the circus comes to town.
Marc Elrich's Dry Wit Applied to Pepco
From a post by Councilmember Marc on Facebook:
I know my friends will be assured by PEPCO's reassurance that "we're not the worst." Personally, I feel so very reassured by that.State legislators: we're counting on you.
And, as we feared, PEPCO gets an upward rate adjustment to compensate them for the loss of revenue caused by the storm and the cost of future improvements will be ours if the system works (I use that term... loosely) as planned.
Out Md. Lawmakers Influence Marriage Debate
From the Advocate. Sign Equality Maryland's pro-marriage petition at: http://equalitymaryland.org/petition.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Christians Lobby for Same-Sex Marriage
Baptist leaders joined with Catholic leaders in Annapolis on Thursday in support of the bill before the General Assembly that allows same-sex partners to legally marry in Maryland and receive the same rights as heterosexual couples.
"The Christian church's appreciation of the infallibility of religious freedom, its sexual theology and even the meaning of marriage have all changed over time," said Sister Jeannine Gramick, a Maryland representative of the National Coalition of Nuns.
Conservative state Sen. Allan Kittleman's stance on the issue has also changed. The devout Christian from Howard County announced Wednesday that he'll vote in favor of the bill.
"I really believe, as a legislator, I don't vote on the basis of my faith. I have to vote on what I think is right for the citizens of Maryland," he said.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Young Dems Reschedule Vote
The elections for MCYD's 2011 Executive Board have been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 9, starting at 7:30 PM at the B-CC Regional Services Center.
Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown Backs Marriage Equality
The Washington Blade has the story:
“I have always believed that all Marylanders should have an equality of rights and responsibilities and that includes marriage equality,” he said in an exclusive interview.
“So regardless of gender, we should be able to choose who it is that we are going to marry and hopefully spend the rest of our lives with. And so I’m supportive of that,” he said.
Brown said he has friends and acquaintances who are in same-sex relationships and he has seen first-hand how they are “successfully raising children,” a development that has helped shape his views on the marriage issue.
CBN Attacks Marriage Equality in MD
Christian Broadcasting Network is already attacking marriage equality in Maryland, focusing on the "threat" that kids might learn about same-sex couples in schools:But conservatives warn that where homosexuals win marriage, a propaganda war will begin.
"(There will be claims) that those of us who believe that the union of a man and a woman is what a marriage is are the equivalent of racists," Brown explained. "Your children will be taught that you are a bigot. They will be taught about same-sex marriage. This has already happened in every jurisdiction that has passed same-sex marriage."
"Whatever is codified as law in this state, that's what's going to be taught in every school system, every structure," added Derek McCoy of the Maryland Family Council.
You Can't Make This Up: Surcharges for Losing Power
As reported in the Washington PostUnder a little-noticed decision by Maryland regulators, Pepco for years has been authorized to raise rates temporarily to recover money it loses when electricity use drops. The system was meant to encourage energy conservation.
But as an unintended consequence, customers could help make the company whole for outage-related losses next month by paying Pepco more than they would have otherwise. The higher rates would apply to all Maryland customers, including those who shivered in the dark for days.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Kittleman Breaks with GOP Caucus
The Maryland Politics Blog at the Washington Post says:
Sen. Allan H. Kittleman (R-Howard) parted ways with fellow Senate Republicans on Tuesday as they voted as a caucus to oppose a same-sex marriage bill pending in the Maryland General Assembly this year.The Gazette has more on Sen. Kittleman's plans during the session and his decision to step down as Republican Leader.
In an interview, Kittleman said he thought the caucus position was wrong and would announce his intentions in coming days.
Update: Sen. Kittleman has said he will support the bill to bring marriage equality to Maryland:
As a strong proponent of personal and economic liberty/freedom, I simply could not, in good conscience, vote against SB 116," Kittleman wrote in a explanation of his decision.
Pepco's Letter to Officials on Outages
I received a copy of this in my capacity as mayor of the Town of Chevy Chase and thought's I'd share with you.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
GOP: MoCo Should Pay for the Purple Line
The Examiner reports:Maryland Republican senators say taxpayers in the Washington suburbs should pay for the planned Purple Line instead of sharing the costs with rural counties.
The State has yet to specify how it intends to pay for its share of the cost related to either the Purple Line or the Red Line.
"If people in Montgomery County want a Purple Line, let them pay for it," said state Senate Minority Whip E.J. Pipkin, of the Eastern Shore.
The planned 16-mile light rail, which would connect New Carollton to Bethesda, would cost the state roughly $1.6 billion. A $1.8 billion high-speed rail -- the "Red Line" -- is planned for Baltimore.
Pipkin and Sen. David R. Brinkley, R-Frederick County, are drafting legislation that would create an independent taxing authority to collect revenues for the rails.
Ike's Poll, Our Poll on Pepco
The Pepco Work Group appointed by County Executive Ike Leggett is conducting an online survey in order to receive the broadest possible range of feedback about their experiences with the electric utility company.
The survey is designed to obtain information on how the public views Pepco's service, the extent to which customers have experienced outages, the economic impact of those outages and some insight as to what additional costs customers would be willing to incur in exchange for improved service.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PEPCORESIDENTIAL
Riemer: Power Down but Profits Up
from my inbox by At-Large MoCo Councilmember Hans Riemer
The first winter storm of 2011 has revealed once again what Montgomery County residents know too well: Pepco is incapable of restoring power outages in a reasonable period of time.
Surprising, then, that Pepco is as profitable as ever. Just last October -- despite a year of intense criticism about failing service -- Pepco raised its estimated earnings per share for 2010 by up to 38 percent.
The “thundersnow” began on Wednesday afternoon. According to Pepco officials, 127,000 Montgomery residents lost power by the following morning. Forty-eight hours after the storm hit, the Washington Post reported that 64,843 Montgomery residents were still without power – more than the combined total of 42,667 residents without power in all other Washington-area jurisdictions.
As one resident wrote to me bitterly, Montgomery County has become a “laughing stock” in the region. Of course there is nothing amusing about seniors trapped in apartment towers with no lights, heat, or elevator service.
Pepco has offered a variety of excuses for its failure to restore power promptly in the past. The company once blamed its performance on trees, telling regulators that the region has the “fourth most-dense” tree canopy in the nation. But the Washington Post found no support for that claim in a December 15, 2010 article and exposed equipment failures as the real reason for outage problems.
Pepco has also blamed plowing problems for its inability to access neighborhoods. But Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation plowed the vast majority of roads 24 hours after the most recent storm had passed and still more than 100,000 county residents were without power.
The problem is not trees or weather, it is Pepco’s management.
In its December investigative article on Pepco, the Post found that the company’s reliability problems have been steadily growing worse for five years. Its customers have experienced 70% more outages than customers of comparable large utilities and their power has been out more than twice as long. By 2009, Pepco had fallen to the bottom quarter of U.S. utilities in customer satisfaction.
Pepco’s proposed solution to its problems is its six-point “reliability enhancement plan,” in which it intends to spend $51 million annually in Maryland over the next five years, with additional sums for DC.
Where will it get the money? Ratepayers, of course. Pepco wants to increase rates on its customers to pay for its improvements. What the company is not telling the public is that it does not need a rate hike to improve its infrastructure. According to Pepco’s financial disclosure documents filed at the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Pepco’s profits have exceeded $200 million every year since 2004.
In October, 2010, Pepco raised its guidance on full-year earnings from 80-95 cents per share to $1.00 to $1.10 per share, and affirmed 2011 guidance at $1.10-1.30. Pepco’s outage performance has been declining over this same period.
Pepco’s top eight executives, including its retired chairman, collected $12.7 million in compensation in 2009. They have reaped huge gains despite failed service.
Pepco paid out $238 million in dividends last year and could cut that amount to pay for its capital improvement program. But since its board and management collectively own over 750,000 shares of Pepco stock and its executives have been granted over $11 million in stock awards over the last three years, the company would rather stick ratepayers with the tab.
Pepco’s failure to ask for extra crews until Wednesday’s storm was well underway is yet another sign that it is managed badly. It is galling to think that Pepco’s executives rake in the bucks when service declines and will rake in even more when we pay to fix the problems they created.
Pepco must face a financial penalty for providing poor service. The Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC) should fine Pepco for every kilowatt hour lost by its customers due to outages. This would set an appropriate performance incentive.
The MPSC should also demand service improvements without the ratepayer increase. Let Pepco’s executives and investors pay to get Washington area customers back to an acceptable level of services. After all these years of increasing profits despite declining services, the balance sheet should not be tipped in their favor yet again.
As a Bethesda resident wrote to me, “When I moved to Montgomery County, I never imagined that I would struggle to keep my baby warm.” I couldn’t agree more.
The time for talking about Pepco’s problems is over. The time to act is now.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Jamie Gets Some AU Love
AU Today--the agitprop organ of the university which employs both of us--has a front-page above-the-fold photo of Sen. Raskin at work with a story about how his recent cancer has helped drive his support for medical marijuana in Maryland.
New Support for Marriage Equality in the General Assembly
Marriage equality in Maryland is far from a done deal--it needs a lot of urgent support to convince legislators to pass the bill--but the addition of new legislative supporters and cosponsors of the bill in both the House and the Senate lend hope that it can happen this year with a strong push. The Gazette reports.
Governor's Letter to Pepco
January 29, 2011
Joseph Rigby, Chairman
Pepco Holdings Inc.
701 Ninth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20068
Re: Pepco Power Outages Beginning January 26, 2011
Dear Mr. Rigby:
It is with great frustration and enormous concern for the 26,000 Montgomery County residents and the 1,500 Prince George’s County residents that remain without power that I write, yet again, to express my anger that we seem to be back where we started.
Why can’t Pepco perform as its fellow utilities do? To date, BGE has restored service to 227,800 of the 233,500, or 98%, of its customers affected by the storm. Pepco still has 27,500 customers in Maryland without electricity, a restoration rate of a dismal 80%. I am also outraged that your customer communication remains unacceptable; the outage map posted to your website crashed yet again, leaving customers seeking information about their outage in the dark.
Finally, the reports of Pepco’s slow response in requesting assistance from other jurisdictions is outrageous and demands further inquiry.
Despite earnest promises, numerous press releases, and even a six point plan, families in our State woke up, for the third morning in a row, to a cold, dark house, with Pepco advising them that service should be restored by 11 pm tomorrow night. Five days in the dark is simply not acceptable.
I have asked the Public Service Commission to conduct an immediate hearing regarding these many issues arising from this storm. I also expect the General Assembly to pass legislation that Delegate Feldman and I will introduce, requiring the Commission to adopt enhanced reliability standards and allowing the Commission to fine utilities for poor performance and direct those payments back to the affected ratepayers.
I know that the Pepco employees are hard at work, in cold difficult conditions, doing the best work they can. My frustration is directed at you and your leadership team; these elongated outages must end.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Martin O'Malley
Governor
cc: Douglas R. M. Nazarian, Chairman
Floreen Introduces Resolution in Support of Marriage Equality
From Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen's e-newsletter:On Tuesday we will vote on the Resolution I introduced urging the Maryland General Assembly to pass the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act during the 2011 state legislative session. To me it is a question of civil rights. Allowing the thousands of same-sex couples in Maryland to legally commit their lives to each other is the right thing to do to make the Free State even freer. I'm pleased that all of my colleagues have signed on as co-sponsors.
The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act would remove references to sex and gender as eligibility requirements to receive marriage licenses and would extend to same-sex couples all state-administered legal benefits, protections and obligations. It would not compel any religious institution or members of the clergy to marry same-sex couples.
Opposite-sex couples, whose marriages are honored by the government, have access to more than 400 state-administered and more than 1,000 federally-administered benefits, protections and responsibilities that are otherwise unavailable to same-sex families. Many of these vital protections come at times of great vulnerability such as birth, death, illness, disability and unemployment. The federal Defense of Marriage Act still prevents same-sex married couples from accessing federal benefits.
Montgomery County has long been committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity.
The Resolution is scheduled for adoption on Feb. 1. It includes the following:
The MontgomeryCounty Council recognizes that the opportunity to publicly and legally commit to share one's life with the person of one's choice is of the most central aspects of human experience, and denial of marriage to same-sex couples is the denial of a fundamental civil right.
Therefore, the Montgomery County Council urges:
That the Maryland General Assembly pass the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act to amend state law to remove references to sex and gender as eligibility requirements for a civil marriage license and provide all of the state-administered legal benefits, protections and obligations of marriage, regardless of sexual orientation;
That the Montgomery County Delegation and members of the General Assembly cosponsor, advocate, and vote for passage of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act;
That the Speaker of the House of Delegates and President of the Senate move marriage equality legislation to the floor of their respective chambers for a vote during this legislative session;
That the Governor of Maryland sign into law the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act upon its passage by the General Assembly;
That this resolution be sent to the Governor of Maryland, the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Montgomery County House and Senate Delegations, the President of the Maryland Senate and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Eric Luedtke's Pre-Snowstorm Session Email
The full content as well info on where to call about outages after the jump. - Allegheny Power: 1-800-255-3443 It’s been a busy few days in Annapolis with the release of the Governor’s budget last Friday. As the debate goes forward, I want to let you know some highlights of the budget and give you an explanation of the budget process. I also want to make sure you’re aware of our District 14 Night in Annapolis this coming Monday, January 31st at 6:00 PM. District 14 Night is an opportunity for you to hear updates from our delegation and talk to us about the issues on your mind. I hope to see you there: District 14 Night Budget Process Maryland’s budget is the only bill that the General Assembly is constitutionally mandated to pass, and the constitution also mandates that our budget be balanced. That said, it’s important to understand that Maryland has one of the strongest executive-driven budget processes in the country, so the legislature may cut the budget but may not add to it. This year, the House of Delegates moves the budget first, but both chambers will have a chance to weigh in before a conference committee negotiates a final budget. Much of the debate in the House will take place on the Appropriations Committee. While I sit on a different committee, my District 14 colleague Craig Zucker is on Appropriations and has been constantly updating us about the work of that committee. The delegation will be working closely together throughout the debate to ensure that our district’s voice is heard. Proposed Budget This past year, the Spending Affordability Committee composed of legislators and members of the public recommended that the Governor’s budget close at least one-third of the states long-term structural deficit. Governor O’Malley has proposed a budget that exceeds the target, reducing the structural deficit by 35%. This was a challenging task, in particular because the end of federal stimulus spending meant a steep drop in federal monies going to education and health care. Some highlights of the Governor’s budget are below: Education: Education funding would remain level, and the Geographic Cost of Education Index that supports schools in high-cost jurisdictions like Montgomery County is fully funded. $250 million is dedicated to school construction in order to help modernize some of our older school buildings. The proposed budget also limits increases in tuition at public universities to 3%, with the goal of keeping college affordable. Health Care: The Governor’s budget proposes to continue our commitment to health care by maintaining funding for Medicaid even as more Marylanders have turned to the program during the recession. It also increases reimbursements for developmental disabilities providers, a necessary step in providing basic services to our most vulnerable citizens. Job Creation: Support for job creation is a key goal of the state as we climb out of the recession. The proposed budget maintains funding for the biotech tax credit and stem cell research, increases to $2.5 million the small business credit recovery program, and creates a new program called InvestMaryland which will drive more venture capital to the state. Public Employees: For the first time in three years, the state budget does not propose to furlough state employees. It also includes a one-time bonus for state employees, partially paid for by the elimination of 1,000 positions in state government due to the Employee Buy-Out program. State government will be leaner and more efficient as a result. Pensions: Unfortunately, the proposed budget also includes drastic cuts to the teacher pension program, which would require new teachers to pay more for a smaller pension. While I agree with the Governor that some changes are necessary to the pensions, I remain concerned that the proposed changes will make it increasingly difficult to attract and retain talented new teachers. The single most important factor in a child’s success in school is the quality of the teacher we put in front of them. In the pension debate, we need to remember the real consequences of our decisions – it is not just a fiscal dilemma, but an educational one as well. I will continue to be engaged in the budget debate, and I hope to hear from you as it goes forward. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 301-858-3110 or by e-mail at eric.luedtke@house.state.md.us
Dear Friends,
It looks like the first big storm of the winter is here. As beautiful as snow can be, I want to encourage you to pay attention and stay safe on the roads. It felt like I skidded most of the way to Annapolis this morning, and the roads are likely to be much worse by the end of the evening. As the snow falls, please feel free to contact my Annapolis office at 301-858-3110 if I can be of assistance. You can get information and updates on snow plowing from the county’s winter weather website. In addition, should you lose power, the numbers to report outages are as follows:
- BG&E: 1-877-778-2222
- PEPCO: 1-877-PEPCO-62
January 31st, 6:00 PM
Lowe House Office Building, Room 170
Annapolis, Maryland
Young Dems Convention
Details on registration after the jump. Women in Politics Panel Immigration Panel Professional Development Panel Environmental Panel 12:00pm Nominations for YDM Executive Board
Have you registered for the YDM Convention yet? Registration at the $10 level closes tomorrow at midnight. Make sure you’re on the doorlist with the discounted rate!
It’s only $10 ($25 if you want a t-shirt) if you register by TOMORROW NIGHT at midnight and registration is FREE for high school students and those with economic hardships! Just email info@ydmaryland.org with your name and contact information with subject line “YDM Convention.” Registration is $15 at the door on Saturday, January 29.
This year, we have another exciting speaker line up featuring Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, Senator Ben Cardin, and State Senator Victor Ramirez, and much more! We’ve got breakout sessions with fantastic speakers, elections for our caucuses, and some of the most engaging speakers around the state. Check out the schedule below and click here to register.
Also, don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the Roast of Jake Weissmann – just $25. If you’re looking forward to laughing and Jake writing in humiliation, you’re in for a good time.
Hotel Accomodations
The College Park Clarion Inn is offering a special deal to Young Democrats on Friday and Saturday night at the rate of $60 a night. To get this deal, just call the Clarion at 301-474-2800 and mention the Young Democrats to get the rate. The Clarion Inn is located on Rt. 1 in College Park at 8601 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD.
Schedule of Events
Kick-Off Reception
Friday, January 28, 2011
Hank’s Eats and Tavern
6507 America Blvd.
Hyattsville, MD
6:30pm Reception Begins
7:30pm Recognition of Young Elected Officials
7:45pm Keynote Address – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman
Convention
IBEW Local 26
4371 Parliament Place
Lanham, MD
8:00am Breakfast and Registration Opens
9:00am Welcome
9:10am Morning Speaker – Senator Ben Cardin
9:30am By-Laws Discussion
10:00am Women’s Caucus Elections & Chapter Updates
10:30am Breakout Session #1
12:20pm Lunch
12:10pm LGBT Caucus/Rural Caucus Meeting
12:20pm Lunch Speaker – State Senator Victor Ramirez
1:00pm Breakout Session #2 (See above)
2:15pm YDA Update
2:30pm YDM Update
2:45pm Plenary Session – The State Budget
3:30pm Minority Caucus Elections
4:00pm Afternoon Speaker – Congressman & Minority Whip Steny Hoyer
4:30pm YDM Executive Board Elections & Chapter Updates
5:00pm Adjourn
Purchase an official YDM t-shirt for just $15 extra dollars! Register for convention and select the $25 option!
We’re looking forward to seeing you THIS WEEKEND for some engaging speakers, informative educational sessions, and great company. Questions? Email info@ydmaryland.org with any comments, questions, or concerns. And make sure you register by TOMORROW NIGHT!
Sincerely,
The YDM Statewide Convention Committee
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Alcohol Tax Bill Sponsors and Supporters
Polling Shows Support for Alcohol Tax
Aaron Kaufman, a new member of MCDCC and a strong supporter of the alcohol tax increase, passed along the results of a poll conducted by OpinionWorks for Maryland Citizen's Health Initiative.Overview
Our most recent Maryland statewide voter poll, conducted December 20-28, 2010 among 663 likely voters statewide, has found overwhelming support for an increased tax of 10 cents per alcoholic drink tied to funding health-related priorities. Two-thirds of likely voters support the proposed alcohol tax increase.
If dedicated to deficit reduction, support for the alcohol tax increase remains strong, with a solid majority supporting an alcohol tax increase. At a time of continuing economic stress for average households and little appetite for new taxes, there are strong indications that Maryland voters believe the State’s leaders should make an exception to pass an increased alcohol tax.
Detail
Strong Support for an Alcohol Tax Increase
Two-thirds of the electorate (66%) favor an increased tax of 10 cents per alcoholic drink if the revenue is dedicated to health-related priorities such as alcohol and drug treatment and prevention, health care for the uninsured, training for health care workers, and programs for people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. A near-majority of 45% of Maryland voters say they “feel that way strongly” about their support. Less than one-third of voters (31%) oppose the alcohol tax increase.
A majority of 55% of Maryland likely voters support an increased alcohol tax tied to deficit reduction, with nearly four voters in ten (39%) saying they feel that way strongly.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Post Poll Shows Marriage Leads in MD, O'Malley
Read the story here. Topline numbers after the jump.
Marriage leads by 51-44. Gov. Martin O'Malley's numbers also look good with 58 percent approving and 30 disapproving of his job as governor--his highest ratings since winning election in 2006.
In contrast, 56 percent favor the death penalty while 36 percent oppose it, though 60 percent say life without parole is an acceptable option while 33 percent do not. On gun control, 45 percent want stricter laws, 24 percent want less strict laws, and 26 percent favor no change.
UMCP is a Top 10 Best College Value. . .
. . . according to Kiplinger thanks to Gov. O'Malley's tuition freeze and the university's high-quality:Virtually all of the schools we list raised their price in 2010-11, but the University of Maryland, which maintained a tuition freeze for four straight years, kept this year's total cost increase to less than $600. The first-class flagship continues its march up our rankings, moving from number eight last year to number five in 2010-11.
