Leadership mirage

Our Opinion

Friday, April 24, 2009

As the state legislature wrapped up its work this year, he pronounced the three-month session a "disaster" from the perspective of moderates and conservatives, and called the administration of Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley "government by mirage."

Said the delegate who represents Calvert and part of St. Mary's counties: "It's not real and doesn't address the real issues, but gives the strong appearance of doing so."

There is a certain reality in O'Donnell's rhetoric although not all of the blame belongs at the governor's feet.

The legislature did relatively little to tackle the size of government and its appetite for spending.

Cuts in spending amounted to $866 million.

Instead of confronting a $1.5 billion budget gap head on, federal stimulus dollars are being employed along with fund transfers from other state budget categories to plug the largest holes. This money will have to be repaid some day and the latest revenue-growth forecasts are not the least bit promising. Next year, the state could have another $1 billion-plus hole to fill, and, according to analysts, the economy would have to come roaring back for two years straight to provide enough tax revenues to cover current spending commitments.

With elections ahead and campaign posturing well under way, it's doubtful revenues would increase by raising taxes and fees, making deep cuts in programs and services in 2010 all the more probable.

There were modest public safety gains this year for the governor, although his energetic push to repeal the death penalty failed. The legislature allowed wider use of automatic cameras to catch and fine speeders, outlawed text-messaging while driving and gave authorities greater power to prevent people accused of domestic abuse from having guns.

Lawmakers, facing a federal mandate to restrict the issuance of driver's licenses, reached a last-minute compromise that prohibits illegal immigrants from getting licenses in several years. Maryland was one of a handful of states with lax regulations that threatened the validity of state-issued ID cards, needed to clear airport security or conduct some government business.

Funding for education remained a priority. Fears that the state would shift more of the burden to counties for paying teacher pensions were allayed, thanks in part to the federal stimulus program. And tuition was frozen at most state colleges.

In a year when fiscal pressures were overpowering, the governor and legislature sidestepped bold decisions needed to cut spending and craft a budget that can be sustained without unprecedented help from the federal government.

Maybe next year the perception of "government by mirage" will evaporate.