Elected officials from state legislatures across the country are participating in a unique program organized by the National Conference of State Legislatures.  I am delighted to join this effort which meets with students to teach them about American democracy and the importance of being engaged citizens.  Even though they are not old enough to vote, this program provides an interactive presentation to help children learn how government works and how their ideas count.

Schools in the 42nd District were sent letters outlining the initiative and inviting them to have their students participate.  I have visited numerous classes already and relayed my experiences as a legislator and taught how that plays a role in our representative democracy.  These presentations are designed to teach our young people that their ideas have value and they should become involved in the policy making process.  I engage with the students and outline what it is like to be a delegate, the process of making laws, the pressures of making challenging decisions, debates, compromise and responding to constituent concerns.

Some of the schools I have had the opportunity to visit include Hampton Elementary, Stoneleigh Elementary, Ridge Ruxton, Timonium Elementary, St. Paul’s School for Girls, Dumbarton Middle, Pikesville Senior, St. Pius and Calvert Hall.  It is fantastic to reach out into the community and provide a civics lesson to these future leaders.  The questions are priceless and the time we spend together has been great.  I really enjoy it and look forward to coming to other schools.

Delegate Susan Aumann was interviewed by Fox 45 in early October regarding the findings of recent Susquehanna River bridge inspections.  The two bridges that raised the most concern were Interstate 95 and Route 40.  These inspections discovered advanced water erosion (scour) around the pilings.  The bridge inspectors were asked to ramp up their inspection timeline due to the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis.  As a member of the Transportation and Environment Subcommittee, Delegate Aumann was asked how the State, with its $2+ billion dollar deficit was going to afford fixing new safety issues in light of the mounting rehabilitation projects currently on the Transportation Authority’s priority list.

The delegate said lessons learned from the Minneapolis tragedy and other bridge failures around the country compel us to redouble efforts to inspect these critical structures.  With the new information about the Susquehanna bridges, the Transportation Authority has moved the projects to the top of the list.  Coupled with the deterioration found on the Route 90 Bridge in Ocean City, which has resulted in its closure for several months, the importance of inspections becomes even more pronounced.  Transportation safety is a vital component of government’s responsibility to its citizens.

All of the identified repairs will be completed on the fastest schedule possible and the State will find the financial resources needed to complete the projects.  Since some of the effected roads are federal highways, the State will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation to fully fund the repairs

The Governor, Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Senate President requested the 188 members of the General Assembly take furlough days to delay potential layoffs of state workers. I participated early this year, having four days of pay withheld and the savings returned to the General fund. In light of the continuing bleak financial picture for Maryland, I joined other State employees who were furloughed and had four additional days of pay deducted.

Revenue collection and estimates have been revised downward leaving a deficit of over $2.5 billion out of a $32 billion State budget. Economic recovery seems elusive, especially for those without work. With the unemployment rate at 10.2% nationally, I believe managed furloughs and salary reductions are appropriate but, it will not solve the long term issue. The State must change its approach to the budget dramatically and seriously focus on reducing spending.

While furloughs are preferable to layoffs during these difficult times, they are a small bandage on a huge problem – the failure to realistically organize our finances and live within our means. I believe additional furloughs are not part of a comprehensive solution to the State budget crisis.

Sue participated in the “Legislators Back to School” on the following dates:

September 29, 2009 – Hampton Elementary School – 60 5th graders

September 30, 2009 – Stoneleigh Elementary School – 100 5th graders

October 2, 2009 – Ridge Ruxton – helped Principal Bennett with unloading students arriving at school

October 13, 2009 – Timonium Elementary School – 65 5th graders

October 21, 2009 – St. Paul’s School for Girls – 30 8th grade students

The message this year has focused on how “Your Ideas Count”.

Earlier this year a number of Republican women from the Maryland Legislature formed non-profit group who’s mission is to train, recruit, mentor and support conservative candidates and build relationships with other stakeholders in the legislative process.

Two fundraisers have been held by the group netting approximately $10,000.  Also we held a dinner with women lobbyists, who also are severely outnumbered by their male counterparts, during the legislative session to branch out to other minority segments of the Annapolis political scene.

To learn more about this organization visit us at www.LadiesinLeadership.org

Also, see what The Gazette of Politics and Business had to say about the organization.  Read More

Join me at the Towson Area Fourth of July parade at 10:30a.m. along York Road and Burke Avenue.  Look for me in a red convertible, which will be driven by Kurt Aumann.

I look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the 74th annual Fourth of July parade!

I am proud to sponsor the Lutherville/Timonium Recreation Council Pinewood Orioles.  A baseball team of 7 and 8 year old boys, coached by Steve Smith for the 2009 Spring/Summer season.

I wish them the best of luck and a winning season!

Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens held the Memorial Day observance in the Circle of the Immortals on Monday, May 25th.  The key note speaker, Rear Admiral Edgar S. Keats, USN (Ret.) gave a heart felt speech on the risks of preserving our freedom and Democracy and the cost of doing so. For the last seven  years I have been honored to participate in the ceremony to cherish the memory of the loved and lost.

The following Marylanders have given their lives for our country since Memorial Day 2008.

• Lieutenant Colonel James J. Walton, USA ,41, Rockville, June 21, 2008, Afghanistan
• Sergeant Ryan P. Baumann, USA, 24, Rockville, August 1, 2008, Afghanistan
• Staff Sergeant David L. Paquet, USA ,26, Rising Sun, August 20, 2008, Afghanistan
• Captain Jesse Melton, III, USMC, 29, Randallstown, September 9, 2008, Afghanistan
• Colonel Michael R. Stahlman, USMC, 45, Chevy Chase, October 5, 2008 Iraq
• Private Charles Y. Barnett, USA, 19, Bel Air, November 20, 2008, Iraq
• Mater Sergeant Anthony Davis, USA, 43, Baltimore, November 25, 2008 Iraq
• Captain Brian M. Bunting, USA, 29, Potomac, February 24, 2009, Afghanistan
• Sergeant James R. McIlvaine, USMC, 26, Olney, April 30, 2009, Iraq

My sincere gratitude is extended to the families who have endured this painful and costly sacrifice for our  freedom.

The July edition of InsideALEC, A Publication of the American Legislative Exchange Council includes an article that I co-wrote with fellow Delegates Nancy Stocksdale and Gail Bates, titled “Principles of Limited Growth Have Impact in Maryland”. To read the article click here.

Fall Celebration at the beautiful Boordy Vineyards Friday, September 26th at 6:00 p.m. To sponsor or register for this event click here