Letter to Larry Hogan, Governor of Maryland, Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., Maryland State Senate President, and Michael E. Bush, Speaker of the Maryland State House - Maryland Legislative Priorities

Letter

Gentlemen,

Perhaps too forward, but we write as elected officials representing the citizens of Western Maryland. Part of our duty in office is to ensure that the needs of our constituents are fairly considered, including in the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly. Communities in Garrett, Allegany and Washington County share much in common with the rest of our great state, but they also face certain singular challenges and opportunities. Unfortunately, many of Western Maryland's traditional economic engines have been in long-term decline, while others remain under intense pressure.

We believe that significant action must be taken on behalf of the people of Western Maryland. Our paramount goal is to guarantee that a child growing up in Oakland, Frostburg or Smithsburg has the same opportunities to succeed as any other Marylander.

Western Maryland is one of the most beautiful places in the country. However, economic hardship in the region is just as visible as the mountains, rivers and lakes. The good news is that Western Maryland also has a number of advantages, including lower costs, proximity to different markets, stunning natural beauty, and significant transportation resources. The region is also home to local leaders that have been intensely focused on economic issues for some time. With a robust partnership from Annapolis, business owners and workers Western Maryland can deliver.

In order to position the region to thrive across the next decade, we the undersigned have come together to focus on certain actions that will benefit the common good of the region, which are reflected in the attached "2015 Western Maryland Agenda."

This agenda is not designed to be an inclusive list of all the priorities for the region. In fact, each of the undersigned has other ideas that have tremendous merit and which are not included in the agenda. Instead, we view the agenda as a listing of matters in which there is a clear consensus that we can do more for the common good of citizens of Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties. We believe that by improving existing programs, encouraging private sector growth and better integrating the Western Maryland economy with the rest of the state, we can make a difference for our constituents.

The heavy lifting on this work will certainly be done by the undersigned Senators and Delegates who represent the Western Maryland communities in the General Assembly, but as a group we are committed to work at the federal and local level to advance these priorities as well. We stand ready to work with you to boost the economy of Western Maryland and improve the quality of life of its residents.

We know that as individuals you care deeply about the needs of all Maryland citizens, including Western Marylanders. We hope our efforts will be viewed as a constructive attempt to focus your attention on some of the most significant priorities for Western Maryland. A stronger middle class and a healthier business climate in Western Maryland isn't just good for the region, it's good for the entire state.

With our deepest respect and appreciation, we ask that you consider our policy recommendations and we look forward to working with you to better serve our constituents.

May God bless you and your work this session,

Rep. John K. Delaney
United States House of Representatives, Maryland Sixth District

Senator George C. Edwards
Maryland Senate, District 1

Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel
Maryland House of Delegates, District 1A

Delegate Jason C. Buckel
Maryland House of Delegates, District 1B

Delegate Mike McKay
Maryland House of Delegates, District 1C

Delegate Brett R. Wilson
Maryland House of Delegates, District 2B