It’s harvest time in Maryland for Democrats. While the nation observes Thanksgiving in November, it is now in January that we are reaping the rewards of all our hard work. I cheered on Delegate Brooke Lierman as she was sworn in as Maryland’s first woman Comptroller. The ceremony occurred next to Louis Goldstein’s statue in front of the Comptroller’s office building named for him. I reflected on dancing with him during Maryland’s reception at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. Brooke’s daughter danced throughout her mother’s speech today to the crowd’s delight.
And last week we, the Maryland Democratic Party, wished a good session to our newly elected and re-elected Democratic legislators. We filled the Westin Hotel banquet room in Annapolis for the annual Legislative Luncheon. The parade of high-level Democrats at the federal and state level was motivating for those of us who labor in counties where we are outnumbered. Our two distinguished U.S. Senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, are stalwarts in the majority. I thanked Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger for his service in Harford. He lamented losing us to the First District and noted that 40% of his district was new territory. Nevertheless, recent press accounts show he still produces for Aberdeen Proving Ground. I thanked him.
Senator Mary-Dulany James is returning to Annapolis, moving up a rung from the House of Delegates to the State Senate. She is reclaiming the seat for us after more than 20 years. Mary-Dulany’s skill and judgment as an attorney will be valuable in the Judicial Proceedings Committee. Del. Steve Johnson returns to the House of Delegates for his second term. As the new Deputy Majority Whip, his devotion to duty is being recognized. The Health and Government Operations Committee welcomes him back. Del. Andre V. Johnson, who reclaimed the Harford County Council – District A seat four years ago, is headed for the Economic Matters Committee. These three have harvested the 34th District for the Democrats.
Our new Governor Wes Moore will be inaugurated on Jan. 18. Rows and rows of chairs are lined up at the end of Rowe Boulevard in anticipation of a cheering throng. I hope he’ll have as sunny and warm a day as Brooke Lierman did for her swearing-in ceremony. It was indeed an auspicious occasion.
Barbara Osborn Kreamer
Harford County Democratic Central Committee, 7th term
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