Delegate Jon S. Cardin

The session has begun with both a wave of excitement and fiscal uncertainty. My Ways and Means Committee had a short briefing on the anemic budget and the daunting prospects for this legislative session. What I have taken from it is that as the economy slowly improves, we can expect another year of a nearly $2 billion deficit. Given our propensity to avoid tax increases in an election year, this task is sobering.

While I expect to receive the annual visits from constituents from across the state reminding us of the importance of their program funding, I will remind everyone of our Constitutional mandate to end on April 13 with a balanced budget. I very much hope to be able to vote on a budget that retains funding for all the programs I find crucial to Maryland, the wealthiest state in the nation, but I am reminded that we also have to live within our means. I remind you that last year our General Fund was cut from $14 billion to $13 billion. I hope that the next 87 days will demonstrate the fervor and determination of your legislators on making Maryland healthier, safer and further along the path of progress.

As far as issues to look out for, road and bicycle safety and healthy lifestyles tax credits are issues very close to my heart. In my Election Law Subcommittee, I will be looking at a number of campaign finance bills including a clean campaigns bill that I have championed for more than 7 years now. I also plan to investigate ways to improve overseas voting per the 2009 Presidential Order to that effect. Furthermore, I am interested in seeing how the Board of Public Works handles the new voting machine contracts coming at the end of the month.

For those of you jumping into the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, January 30, for the Maryland Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, I will see you there. For those of you too timid to come to Sandy Point, I would be honored if you contact my office to learn how to sponsor the plunge.

Finally, I am really excited about the progress underway to transform the Rosewood Property in the heart of Owings Mills into a center for education and the environment. The nearby Torah Institute and Garrison Forest School have been joined by the Irvine Nature Center and the Jemicy School. I am optimistic that Stevenson University and the Shoshanna S. Cardin School will be the next permanent additions to Rosewood. Additionally, Your 11th District Team continues to fight for land to be set aside for the future use by Baltimore County Public Schools.

Please enjoy the following letter to the editor that Senator Zirkin and Delegates Morhaim, Stein and I wrote in support of the other exciting changes at Rosewood Hospital Center:

In regard to the disposition of the Rosewood property in Owings Mills, the Sun reported (1/11/10) that the Board of Public Works (BPW) "made the 178-acre property available to prospective buyers." Actually, the BPW was more specific. It said that the state "intends to offer the property for sale to Stevenson University." This is consistent with recommendations from the Department of Planning, the Baltimore County Planning Board, the Baltimore County Executive, and the district's elected representatives.

This plan has the widespread support of individuals and community organizations from the area. Stevenson University is a dynamic, growing institution. It plans to provide a community park, amphitheater, and playing fields for all to use. This will define northwest Baltimore County as a center of learning, economic growth, and responsible environmental stewardship. That's why the BPW noted that Stevenson's "plan was the one most consistent with known state and local plans, programs, and policies."

We agree completely, and while there are issues to be resolved, we will continue to work with Stevenson University to acquire the Rosewood property as part of our vision for a better community.