Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has withdrawn 48 of former Gov. Larry Hogan’s 316 intermission appointments that were submitted to the Senate for approval last July.
Hogan’s former campaign chairman, Kelso, was one of the first Republican governor appointments after taking office in 2015, and has overseen the agency’s expanded reach over the past eight years.
A statement from Moore’s spokesperson said, “The administration is grateful to Tom Kelso for his eight years as president of the Maryland Stadium Authority.” Implemented important projects that positively impacted the entire community.
“The administration looks forward to working with him until a new chair is announced in the near future,” the statement continued.
It’s unclear why Moore chose 48 candidates from the 316 intermission appointments announced by Hogan last July 12, but the press office explained in a statement:
“It is customary for the incoming administration to confirm the schedule for recess. More than double.”
Officials called the withdrawal “the first in an ongoing effort to expand representation and give more Marylanders the opportunity to serve.”
In a January 23 letter, Moore informed Senate Speaker Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore) that he would submit the name of a candidate to replace Hogan’s appointment next month. The name will be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent.
The Senate Executive Nominating Committee, which makes recommendations on governor appointments, will meet for the first time in this session on Monday, when it plans to address 15 of Hogan’s intermission appointments to district courts statewide.
Moore also withdrew the names of eight members, including co-chairs of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, a board that advises the state Department of Commerce on economic development policy. , restructured the Board of Directors.
He also named two Hogan-appointed members of the University of Maryland Board of Regents, two members of the Public Service Board, two members of the State Horse Racing Board, and one of the State Board of Education. I withdrew.
The new governor withdraws the name of Howard County Rep. David G. Jungmann (Republican) from his position on the board of directors of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, an agency that can issue bonds for the purchase and development of real estate. Did. His J. Michael Cottingham name, a MEDCo board member, has also been withdrawn.
“The Administration would like to thank these individuals for their willingness to serve,” the press statement read.
Leahman calls for action on federal debt ceiling
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Liarman (Democrat) joins 12 other finance officials across the country to vote for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (California Republican) to increase the federal debt ceiling. He demanded that he fulfill his constitutional obligations.
In a letter to the speaker on Wednesday, Learman and 11 other state treasurers and the New York City Comptroller, all Democrats, expressed “serious concern” about the House’s inaction on the debt ceiling, Failure to act will have “catastrophic consequences” for the United States if it defaults on its debt obligations. The letter lists a series of tragic problems that would be caused by the first ever debt default.
“We urge you to act now to respect your constitutional obligations, ensure the effectiveness of your public debt, and ensure your national security and prosperity,” the letter said.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Congress on Thursday that her agency would resort to “special measures” to stay under the ceiling as the US hit its debt ceiling earlier this month.McCarthy and House of Representatives Republicans are trying to use the debt limit as leverage to force budget cuts.
In addition to Learman and the New York City Comptroller, the letter to McCarthy included the states of Oregon, Nevada, Massachusetts, Vermont, Illinois, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine, Colorado, Connecticut, and signed by the Treasurer of the State of Washington.
Learman’s Emissary
Speaking of Lierman, the new secretary on Wednesday announced the addition of three new staff members to the government relations team.
Learman had previously named Joe Francabilia, a veteran operative and her former campaign manager, as director of government affairs. Joining him are:
- Justin Hayes will serve as Director of State Affairs, leading the day-to-day management of the agency’s state legislative initiatives. He held similar positions under his Lierman predecessor, former Comptroller Peter Franchot (Democrat), and in six years at the agency he has worked in three different departments. Hayes has also worked for former US Senator Barbara Mikuluski (D-Maryland) and former US Representative Frank Cratoville (D-Maryland).
- Eve Shuman will serve as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs with a focus on engagement with federal and local authorities. She recently became US Senator Chris Van Hollen (D., Md.) Prince She served as Director of George County and last year she Prince ran for a seat in the George County Legislative Assembly but was unsuccessful. .
- Caroline Bourke will serve in various roles on the Government Relations team and will serve as a Government Relations Associate. She most recently worked for House Majority Leader Eric Ludke (Democrat).
“Just days after officially starting work, it is clear that the Office of the Comptroller has so many opportunities to play a leading role in making life better for Marylanders,” said Learman. .
call to fire department
Scarlet Oak Strategies, an Annapolis-based public relations and communications firm founded six-and-a-half years ago by Democratic strategist Raymond Glendenning, announced this week that it will be a Washington, D.C.-based public relations and communications firm with offices in New York and Florida. Acquired by Firehouse Strategies. .
A merger is essentially a marriage between a Democratic company and a Republican company. Firehouse was started by Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a veteran of his 2016 White House campaign.
Scarlet Oak Strategies will remain an operating company and will maintain its branding, leadership team, clients, and focus on advocacy outside of Washington, DC on federal, state, and local issues. Glendening will become a partner at Firehouse Strategies and Brian Doory, who was managing his director at Scarlet Oak, will get the same title at his Firehouse.
“I see this as an opportunity to partner with a company with strong cultural ties,” Glendening wrote in an email to his firm’s clients.
As the Annapolis lobbying world changes
While we can still see her plenary sessions in the halls of the Congress building, lobbyist Moira Cyphers has left the Annapolis firm of which she was a partner, Compass Government Relations Partners LLC, for America Clean. I played a role in the Power Association. She becomes head of the Eastern State Department. ACP, formerly known as the American Wind Energy Association, is the nation’s largest clean energy industry association.
Cyphers was an Annapolis lobbyist for eight years at a company called Alexander & Cleaver before helping launch Compass. Previously, I was on the General Assembly staff. She also worked on Dell’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign at the time. Heather Missour (D).
A familiar face in the newly titled lobby force is Andrew Griffin, former vice president of government affairs at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, who has been promoted to senior vice president of government affairs. Since 2019, he belongs to the same division.
“Andrew has provided strategic and insightful legislative support to the Maryland business community. ChamberMary Kane, Chairman and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “His leadership has played a key role in shaping policies that have made the state stronger and more competitive for business growth.”
Prior to working with the Chamber of Commerce, Griffin was Director of Advocacy at the University of Maryland and prior to that worked for the Hogan administration.
