On Wednesday, Jan. 18, I had the opportunity, with a resplendently diverse assembly of Marylanders and visitors from many neighboring states, to attend the historic inauguration of Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller in Annapolis. Gov. Moore is the first person of color to hold that position in this state, and yet another trailblazing moment for Democrats. The poignancy of the moment cannot be understated — the first Black governor of Maryland took the highest office in the state, mere blocks away from the docks that once received enslaved people.
Coming on the heels of Brooke Lierman’s swearing in as the first woman to hold the office of Comptroller, which was covered by HCDCC’s own Barbara Kreamer, who is a trailblazer in her own right, as the first woman to win a seat on Harford County’s County Council. This event highlighted for me that we, as Democrats, can and should lead the way toward a future that includes all people and confers on all citizens the benefits of a just government and of a prosperous and sustainable economy.
Gov. Moore spoke repeatedly in his inaugural address about the importance of service to our country and to our state. While he spoke humbly about his own military service, Lt. Col. (Ret) Jaime Martinez, who served with him in Afghanistan, describe his commitment to service in considerably more detail, leaving no doubt as to the depth and sincerity of Gov. Moore’s dedication to his mission. I am confident that he will bring the same energy and commitment to his duties as Governor.
Each of us has the opportunity to embody those values of service in our own lives and communities. Our communities function only when supported by informed and engaged citizens who seek to translate their values into actions. And our governments function best when we — as the ultimate stakeholders in the great experiment in representative democracy — come together to influence our government, whether at the polls or between elections. Harford County is no different, and our engagement with our own elected officials will help make sure that we can join Gov. Moore in creating a state that “leaves no one behind.”
Over the next few months, the HCDCC will be organizing Democrats at the most local of levels: the precinct. Our precincts are our neighborhoods, with whom we share the most immediate community. Helping to organize Democrats, perhaps by becoming a precinct captain, is a great way to connect with others in your area who share our values. Please sign up to volunteer!
Sandy Gibbons
Chair of the Harford County Democratic Central Committee
Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events and news from the HCDCC.