And now, a word on the long-running lead-paint abatement controversy, this time from the editorial page of the Jan. 31 editions of the Cumberland Times-News:
"When 500 people a day are calling to complain about a new government regulation, it leads to the obvious conclusion that something must be wrong.
"That is the case at the Maryland Department of the Environment, which is receiving a daily barrage of calls from citizens and landlords about regulations for lead paint abatement.
"The landlords say the regulations -- which are now scheduled to be implemented in mid-March -- go far beyond the original intention. Rather than attacking the lead paint problem by limiting the regulations to major renovations and window replacement in homes, the landlords are concerned because the rules propose including any job covering an area of three square feet or more.
"The most worrisome part of their concern is the expense involved. If the MDE regulations are adopted as presently worded, much of the work could be done only by certified contractors or landlords who take special courses in lead paint abatement. Landlords predict rents will increase as much as 20 percent to offset the regulation requirements and inspection fees.
"Some state legislators have said they are concerned the regulations go too far. Indeed, the Maryland Department of Environment also is having second thoughts about the rules.
"The Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review in Annapolis has asked that the regulations be held up until March. We hope the state legislators look closely at the regulations and make changes to keep the lead abatement program in place -- but without rules that go far beyond what is prudent and necessary."