GOVERNOR O’MALLEY DECLARES EAST BALTIMORE COUNTY MARYLAND'S 'CAPITAL FOR A DAY'

PARKVILLE, MD (May 18, 2010) – Today, Governor Martin O'Malley, joined by Baltimore County Executive James Smith, Senator Kathy Klausmeier, other local officials and area residents to declare East Baltimore County Maryland’s "Capital for a Day." The monthly program brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities.

"To rebuild and restore our economy, we must help our businesses create and save jobs, and improve the conditions under which business can create or save jobs. That's why strengthening our local partnerships is absolutely critical to the progress of areas like East Baltimore County," said Governor O'Malley, making his "Capital for a Day" declaration during a Cabinet Meeting held at Parkville's Oak Crest Community. "I want to thank the people of Baltimore County for their hospitality today. It’s more important than ever for Maryland’s families to see that their state government is working for them each and every day and its equally important for us to meet and hear from people firsthand about the challenges and opportunities we face as a state."

"Governor O’Malley and I share a belief with County Executive Smith that our progress is only possible because of our partnerships, " Lt. Governor Brown said. "Together, we have done a great deal to move Maryland and Baltimore County forward during difficult times. Still, it is not enough that we survive the economic downturn. We must continue our work and strengthen our partnerships so that Maryland and Baltimore County can thrive for years to come."

Even in difficult economic times, development and progress continues in many parts of East Baltimore County, built on the foundation of a strong partnership with the State. Governor O'Malley’s FY2010 budget includes $617.5 million in K-12 education for Baltimore County, and $25 million in school construction investments. The O'Malley-Brown Administration has invested more than $146 million in school construction in Baltimore County, representing a 75 percent increase from the four years prior. FY11 capital projects in East Baltimore County include a $4.7 million renovation of Dundalk and Sollers Point High School, $500,000 for the new Sollers Point Library, and countywide Program Open Space grants totaling more than $1.6 million.

"I am very pleased that Baltimore County was selected to serve as the host for Governor O'Malley's Capital for a Day program," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. "People expect State and County government to work together on issues that are important to them. From public safety to education to the management of a very challenging economy, regional cooperation is a critical component of our ability to continue the progress we've made."

Governor O'Malley began the day touring Middle River Aircraft Systems, a local company at the forefront of scientific design and manufacturing. MRAS, which manufactures and services complex aerostructures and nacelle systems for commercial and military aircraft, celebrated its 80th anniversary in the Baltimore area last year. They currently employ more than 800 people at their Middle River location. The Governor joined Sagar Patel, President of GE Mechanical Systems, for a tour of the facility.

Following the business tour, Governor O'Malley joined environmental advocates and others at Gunpowder State Park. There, the Governor announced the result of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Bay Health Report Card gives the Chesapeake Bay a "C" for 2009, representing the best overall annual score since 2002, with conditions improving in eight of ten Bay regions. Recently, Governor O’Malley announced that another important indicator of improving Bay health: the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population has reached its highest level since 1997. The O'Malley-Brown Administration’s aggressive Bay restoration strategy has resulted in significant progress in the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The Governor used the announcement to launch StreamHealth, a new Smart, Green & Growing web tool that enables citizens to view the health of local streams and the amounts of impervious surface and buffers in their watersheds.

Recently, Governor O'Malley signed into law the Jobs Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which offers any Maryland business a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander that it hires. In the few weeks since its enactment, already 40 Maryland companies have applied, hiring 65 people off of unemployment.

The Governor then visited Oak Crest Village, a retirement community in Parkville celebrating its 15th anniversary and home to more than 2,100 residents. Oak Crest is a top-20 employer in Baltimore County, and served as the backdrop for Governor O'Malley’s official Cabinet Meeting, where the Governor, Lt. Governor, and members of the Executive Cabinet heard from local officials about challenges and opportunities for partnership in East Baltimore County. County Executive James Smith, County Councilman Joe Bartenfelder, and Senator Kathy Klausmeier represented local residents at the meeting.

"Capital for a Day," a program launched by Governor O'Malley in 2007, brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of monthly events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities. Previous "Capitals" have included Cecil County, Calvert County, Westminster, Hagerstown, Chestertown, Leonardtown, the Port Towns of Prince George’s County, Cumberland, Pocomoke City, Gaithersburg, Laurel, Rockville, Bel Air, La Plata and Ellicott City.