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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities,
Security, Transportation Roundtable Host: The Graduate Center at Loyola College Attending: Regina Aris, Baltimore Metropolitan Council Capt. Marty Lurz was unable to present the public safety report for Precinct 7 because of his duties in planning the funeral services for the Howard County officer who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic control assignment. The report Marty sent to me indicates that things in the 7th precinct have been relatively quiet. Mark Demski reported that severe weather is a summertime threat. Monitor weather channels or alert radios for warnings of dangerous weather events. Kelly Kosino reported from SHA on current highway construction projects. For a current and complete list of all work in progress or planned go to www.marylandroads.com. Delegate Wade Kach, our representative from district 5b to the Maryland General Assembly, reported to us his observations concerning the recently concluded session. Wade had forwarded to his constituents a copy of a letter sent to Governor O’Malley and County Executive Jim Smith titled “Comprehensive Update on North County Traffic Issues”. The following specific issues covered by Wade are also of particular interest to us:
Copies of this letter are available. Wade praised the cooperation of the State Highway Administration in completing a number of the recommendations. Health insurance issues in general and the cost of mandated benefits in particular continues to concern Maryland employers. Wade feels that more flexibility and consumer choice would lead to more affordable coverage. There will likely be a special session of the general assembly this fall to deal with slots and other revenue issues. Increased taxes are sure to be on the agenda. Wade explained why he does not feel that increased taxes are needed to fix the $ 1.6 billion budget deficit. For your comments and questions, you may reach Wade at a.wade.kach@house.state.md.us. |