Capital for a day was fitting symbol

Friday, July 25, 2008

Joined by Mayor J. Harry Norris, Sen. Roy Dyson, Del. John Bohanan, County Commission President Francis Jack Russell and local leaders from throughout St. Mary’s, we declared Leonardtown Maryland’s Capital for a Day in the beautiful town square. It was a fitting symbol of gratitude to the people of Leonardtown for their stewardship of the state’s oldest incorporated town.

Since our capacity for progress is not limited to the walls of the statehouse, neither, therefore, should our state capital. By bringing the state capital to the towns, farms and shores of our state, in every corner of Maryland, we continue the ongoing dialogue we began with the people of Maryland more than 18 months ago. It is a dialogue that promises an engaging, efficient and effective government; one that works on behalf of the people of St. Mary’s and all Marylanders.

In recent months, the people of St. Mary’s have benefited from historic investments to the protection of our shared priorities. A substantial $37.4 million investment in transportation projects over the last two years, representing a 105 percent increase compared to four years ago, is not only an investment in roads and bridges for St. Mary’s, but a long-term commitment to the infrastructure that will keep St. Mary’s an attractive and inviting place for residents and visitors alike.

I was proud, on behalf of the people of Maryland, to present St. Mary’s a check for more than $740,000 dedicated to waterway improvements, ongoing funds that have lead to the beautiful park along the water in Leonardtown, and the construction of the wharf on which the presentation was made.

We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to benefit all Marylanders. On behalf of the Cabinet, and all who shared in our celebration, thank you for your hospitality, and for sharing your beautiful county and its history with us.

Martin O’Malley, Annapolis

The writer is governor of Maryland.