On January 21, 2015, Larry Hogan will take the oath of office to serve as Maryland's governor. On the same day, Mr. Hogan's running mate Boyd Rutherford will take the oath of office to serve as lieutenant governor.
According to a 1970 amendment to the state constitution, the lieutenant governor "shall have only the duties delegated to him by the Governor." What will that mean for Mr. Rutherford? If history is any indication, as Maryland's lieutenant governor, Mr. Rutherford can expect to attend cabinet meetings, chair task forces and commissions, and quietly offer the governor advice and counsel.
What will that mean for Maryland? Simply stated, it will be a missed opportunity.
As lieutenant governor, Mr. Rutherford's extensive national service lends itself to doing more. And, he should. In fact, Mr. Rutherford should make a commitment on day one, to meet regularly with county executives — to ensure their voices are heard in Annapolis.
Mark M. Spradley, Chevy Chase