News
Incumbent’s Recent Statements on Governor Don’t Match His Record of Opposing the Hogan Agenda
Ocean City, MD—Delegate Mary Beth Carozza responded to comments made by incumbent State Senator Jim Mathias in regard to Governor Larry Hogan’s leadership.
“Those are some odd comments coming from someone who has a record of opposing Governor Hogan’s agenda and overriding his vetoes. Senator Mathias is desperate and will do or say anything to hold onto power. Most folks on the Shore will recognize this latest statement for what it is—merely an election year conversion,” Delegate Carozza said.
“While the current Senator and I can agree that Governor Larry Hogan is advancing the Shore’s priorities, it does not take away the fact that when I announced my candidacy for State Senate, Governor Larry Hogan came down to Ocean City and endorsed me on the spot. He endorsed me because he knows I stand with him when it counts, not just when it’s politically convenient.”
Delegate Carozza added: “I stood with Governor Hogan when he needed us to stand for lower utility bills for hard-working Marylanders, for transparency in the school funding process, and redistricting reform. My opponent stood against the Governor on all of those issues. These statements indicate that the Liberal Annapolis establishment is nervous about losing this seat. In the Senate, I’ll be the strong partner the Governor and the Shore can count on to cut taxes, bring jobs to the area, and stand up to the out of touch establishment.”
Hogan Announces $20 Million Investment in Convention Center Expansion
Sean J. Soper
Managing Editor
OCEAN CITY- The next phase of the expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City got a fiscal shot in the arm on Thursday when Governor Larry Hogan announced he had authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to move forward with a $20 million contribution to the project.
Hogan, in the resort for the annual Maryland Association of Counties (MAco) convention, made the announcement on Thursday morning at the convention center. The total project cost is around $34 million, with $20 million dedicated by the state and the remaining $14 million coming from the town of Ocean City, which is being funded by a portion of a significant bond sale approved late last year.
The expansion will add 30,000 square feet of exhibit space on the north side of the facility that will tie into existing Exhibit Halls A and B. The expanded space could be used alone for a single event, or opened up with the other adjacent exhibit halls to create a larger space.
Delegate Mary Beth Carozza Applauds Governor Hogan’s Announcement to Fund Final Expansion of Ocean City Convention Center
Delegate Mary Beth Carozza publicly thanked Governor Larry Hogan for his announcement of $20 million from the State of Maryland through the Maryland Stadium Authority to fund the final expansion of the Roland E. Powell Ocean City Convention Center.
“I am excited for the expected economic impact and increase of jobs this expansion will bring. This will not only attract new clients to the Convention Center, but allow our current ones to expand,” Delegate Carozza said. The expansion is expected to bring $67 million and up to 670 new jobs to Ocean City.
The funding was announced by Governor Hogan at the Convention Center at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 2018 Summer Conference. “This facility has long been an important economic driver for Ocean City, bringing in thousands of visitors for conferences and events like MACo and allowing local businesses to stay open and continue to hire year-round,” Governor Hogan stated.
Delegate Carozza added “I am proud to have supported legislation to increase funding for the expansion this past session.” Legislation was introduced during the 2018 legislative session that would have provided funding for the Ocean City Convention Center expansion. House Bill 133-Maryland Stadium Authority - Ocean City Convention Facility - Renovation passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 130-3 but did not clear the State Senate before adjournment on April 9.
Delegate Carozza also thanked Mayor Rick Meehan and the outstanding team at the OC Convention Center for their outstanding work in supporting the many conventions held over the years and their advocacy in making the case for the Convention Center expansion.