State Senator Mary Beth Carozza

SALISBURY, Md. -Tonight Salisbury’s National Night Out was held. It’s a nationwide event where community members could interact with police to strengthen a bond. “So this is one of our best national traditions national night out 10 and Salisbury has one of the biggest ones going in this whole 3 county region, across the state, and across the nation it’s so important. So we’re here tonight you have members of law enforcement, emergency services, health department, neighbors, and friends all coming out, it’s now become an annual event. It’s a terrific turnout and you even have a cool breeze coming37,” says Senator Mary Beth Carozza. The Senator is referring to the big event, and 47 ABC got a first-hand look at what the event is all about. “National Night Out is a nationwide event, all law enforcement along the nation come together on this specific night and we engage with our community. We let them know what services we can provide them that they might not be familiar with and we also bring in a lot of our community stakeholders for other services that will be able to guide them through social services,” says Sergeant Thomas Hitty of the Salisbury Police Department. Attendees say the event was a blast and even educational. “Just a fun family day, night I guess,” says attendee Jennifer Loring. “Well actually it’s my first time being here so it’s pretty exciting pretty fun, interesting facts about drugs and safety and all that,” says attendee Ana Avila. But that’s not all there was at the event, the friendly Knight even made an appearance. “So tonight I’m here with Nate the Knight, he’s the mascot for National Night Out, so he’s going around introducing himself and taking pictures and mingling with everyone that’s down here,” says Sergeant Thomas Hitty of the Salisbury Police Department. Sergeant Thomas Hitty says the even bigger meaning behind the fun is to build a bond with the community. “We’ve actually had a really good foundation in our community here that we can do such events like this and have the community come out in support of us, so we’re really happy to be here. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the bond between the community and law enforcement, not just Salisbury PD, but we also have members of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Delmar State Police, and Salisbury University Police here. We want them to know that we’re out here working with them that way they feel more comfortable engaging their officers and being able to actually work with them and have a good time,” says Sergeant Thomas Hitty of the Salisbury Police Department.   TO SEE THE FULL VIDEO, CLICK THE LINK BELOW: Salisbury Night Out strengthening the bond between law enforcement and community members - 47abc (wmdt.com)

Maryland Senate Districts 37 and 38: Meet candidates in Primary 2022 Staff Report View Comments What do Maryland state Senate candidates think are the top issues facing Districts 37 and 38 on the Eastern Shore? Delmarva Now/The Daily Times sent questionnaires to each candidate seeking office in Maryland Senate Districts 37 and 38. Included were basic biographical questions, as well as opportunities to list websites and social media accounts so voters can learn beyond just answers to the questions we asked. Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets. Their answers are published unedited. The questionnaire was sent in mid-June, and follow-ups were made with those who hadn't responded. Those who didn't answer by June 29 are listed below as "Did not respond." The Primary is July 19, but early voting runs from July 7-14. Meet the candidates What makes you the best candidate for this office? Hyman: With a lifetime commitment to social, economic and racial justice, I would bring a fresh vision for District 37 and focus on the important issues we care about — mitigating climate change, protecting civil rights including a woman’s right to choose, affordable and accessible healthcare, sustainable economic growth, and our public education systems and higher education institutions. I believe in democracy and would build bridges to find common ground for our common good. Eckardt: History/experience in the House/Senate solving problems, relationships with a variety of groups and individuals, the ability to draft and pass legislation, knowledge and understanding of our current healthcare delivery system and nursing workforce. Local involvement in local groups and committees to understand the impact of policy implications. Member of Senate Budget and Tax Committee; sensitivity to local cultural issues and values. One of two Senate Republican women.   Mautz: During the past eight years, I have a proven, conservative record serving in the Maryland House of Delegates, including recognition from the American Conservative Union. I also have extensive experience working as a legislative lawyer and operating our family's small business. Most important to me is my experience growing up on the Eastern Shore and raising our two children, who attend local, public schools. I am personally invested in our future. Carozza: My total commitment to public service, steadfast work ethic to serving my constituents and my active involvement in all areas of my three-county district have led to strong community partnerships to achieve our shared Shore priorities. Raised in my family’s small business and having served in senior executive positions in Congress, at the Pentagon and in the Maryland Governor’s Office, I have a proven record of understanding priority issues and providing effective constituent service. What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it? Hyman: The top issue is change. Climate change is already impacting our environment, infrastructure needs are evolving, our economy changes for better and for worse, and our population is becoming more diverse. District 37 deserves a representative who recognizes the complexity of what’s ahead and is ready to build a positive future for all of us, someone who will build bridges and collaborate to get things done, articulate our unique issues, and who will bring home the resources and solutions we need. Eckardt: Balancing the budget in challenging times with many newly funded initiatives, inflation, elimination of federal relief. Continue to decrease the tax burden on families. Monitor the cost and outcome of all new programs. Fund necessary infrastructure like wastewater, septic systems and BIPs economy from existing funds. Designate funding for priority areas in disparity counties and establish rural wastewater systems initiative throuth the Regional Councils and Rural Maryland. Mautz: Crime is one of several top issues. The effort to implement Police Reform has undermined our law enforcement and has not improved policing. I will support and work to implement policies that support our police and law enforcement. Also, I will work to implement transparency in our criminal justice system, and will support new laws that serve as a deterrent to criminal activity. Carozza: The safety of my constituents is my top priority. We must have safe neighborhoods and communities in order to be successful in achieving all other goals. I will continue to be a strong supporter of law enforcement, fire/ems, health care workers and all involved in public safety by ensuring they have the resources they need to protect the public. I support additional security at our schools and increased penalties for repeat, violent offenders to ensure consequences for criminal activity. What steps would you take to increase transparency in your office? Hyman: We cannot build strong families, healthy communities, or genuine and sustainable economic prosperity on a platform of divisiveness and mistrust. If we want those things, we must build bridges to one another as a first step in reweaving the fabric of our democracy. I believe that transparency is a fundamental obligation of government, and am committed to providing excellent constituent service and to being accessible and responsible to District 37 constituents. Eckardt: Continue to be highly visible in the community, weekly wrapups on the newest information on open meetings in Annapolis. Assure internet connectivity for all households. In Maryland all committees, hearings and voting sessions are online. The budget and documents are also available. Include the public via zoom and phone as necessary. We also provide tutorials in accessing information Mautz: I strongly support video streaming of all proceedings in the General Assembly and committees to ensure citizens have access. It can be difficult to access recordings, I will work to ensure they are more user friendly. I firmly support in person and open meetings for the public to participate if they wish to drive to Annapolis. I also plan to conduct periodic, public meetings within our district. Carozza: I support continued efforts to open up more hearings, meetings and forums held by state government agencies and by the MD General Assembly to the public, to ensure greater accessibility to the public, and to increase the posting on the appropriate websites. In my own Senate office, I will continue to provide weekly email legislative updates during session and to use my social media, primarily Facebook, to post more public service announcements for my constituents on timely issues and events.

mdcoastdispatch Article Hogan Announces $15M In Route 90 Funding Jun 14,2022 by Charlene Sharpe Gov. Larry Hogan is pictured at a press conference Monday at the foot of the Route 90 bridge. Photo by Charlene Sharpe. OCEAN CITY – Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday announced $15 million in funding to complete planning for Route 90 improvements. With the Route 90 bridge in the background, Hogan announced Monday that $15 million in funding would advance the state’s “Reach the Beach” plan to improve safety, access and congestion relief projects on Route 90. The project has been a local priority for years. “Today, at my direction, the state is investing $15 million to accelerate forward the entire planning phase and to move the Route 90 improvements ahead into the design phase which is an important and critical step closer to making this a shovel-ready project,” Hogan said. Last summer, Hogan announced that the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan would include $850,000 for Route 90 planning. The 12-mile corridor between Route 50 and Coastal Highway carries about 33,000 vehicles a day on weekends in the summer and has long been in need of improvements. This week, just days after announcing the launch of a $28 million Bay Crossing study, Hogan said the state would provide $15 million in funding to finish Route 90 planning. “Today we’re taking another important step in our ‘Reach the Beach’ plan, addressing one of the top transportation priorities for Ocean City, for Worcester County and for the state of Maryland …,” he said. “Route 90 was originally built to help get beach bound travelers to the rapidly growing parts of northern Ocean City, but it was designed also to be a primary hurricane evacuation route. For many years upgrading Route 90 has been a top priority not only for safety, for access and for the local economy but also for its vital role in emergency response.” Hogan said the St. Martin River crossing and the Assawoman Bay crossing were built in the 1970s and half a century later were in need of upgrades. The planned improvement study will look at the bridges as well as the entire Route 90 corridor. “Obviously we will continue to collaborate very closely with Worcester County, with Ocean City, throughout the entire process to ensure the new and improved Route 90 corridor will meet the growing economic needs of the region while also preserving the rural small town atmosphere that residents and visitors alike have come to know and love,” Hogan said. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who was among the officials in attendance for the announcement, praised Hogan’s commitment to Eastern Shore priorities. She noted that the Route 113 improvements in Worcester County had been completed while Hogan was in office.   Hogan is pictured with Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, and Commissioners Ted Elder and Josh Nordstrom. Photo by Charlene Sharpe. “When we do have a priority project in Worcester County, like the Route 113 widening – that was completed under Governor Hogan’s leadership,” she said. “Then when we did the pivot on the next project, Governor Hogan has made it a priority.” Worcester County Commissioner Ted Elder said he was thrilled to see safety improvements being planned for one of the county’s key roadways. He pointed out that Route 90 was a vital way in and out of Ocean City. “It’s great to finally get things moving on this,” he said. “It’s really a safety issue. If anything happens with the bridge on Route 50 and you have an emergency, this is it. The sooner we get it done the better it will be.” Earlier this month, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced the start of a “Planning and Environmental Linkages” study for Route 90. The public will have the opportunity to learn about the study, which is expected to evaluate the improvements needed, during a virtual public meeting set for June 21. A link and information regarding the virtual public meeting, which will be held June 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., can be found on the agency’s website.

WORCESTER COUNTY HAS CREATED A WEBSITE FOR BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS TO LOCATE EACH OTHER: Job Seekers and Employers Invited to Engage with New Coastal Careers Job BoardSnow Hill, Maryland (June 3, 2022) Worcester County Economic Development staff invite job seekers and business owners to engage with their new website, Coastal Careers JobBoard at workmarylandscoast.org/ The Coastal Careers Job Board site allows community members to identify jobopportunities within their fields of interest that are available in Worcester County. It is also anoutstanding resource where businesses may post their vacant positions. The website is free to the community and offered in partnership with local municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, andtrade organizations. No account is required to view available jobs. However, to submit anapplication or resume online, a free account is required. Interested employers will then contactapplicants to potentially schedule an interview.