I've been reading about Gov. Larry Hogan's recent cancer diagnosis and the treatment he will soon require, but while concerns regarding his ability to govern are not entirely unfounded they hardly merit calls for him to step down ("Hogan should resign," June 25).
I understand that letter writer Mark M. Spradley brings the perspective of a survivor of a serious illness to the discussion, and I'm glad his treatment was successful. However, I disagree with his suggestion that Mr. Hogan leave office before his treatment has even begun.
Once Mr. Hogan has begun treatment he and his doctors will be able to assess the impact on his ability to carry out his duties as governor. Right now, the expectation is that his down time will be limited to a few days each month.
If he responds well to treatment and has minimal side effects from it there's no reason Lt. Gov. Rutherford can't preside over meetings or make public appearances in his place during those days.
If things don't go as expected, then Mr. Hogan, his family, and his doctors can reassess at that time and proceed in whatever way is best for him and for the state.
I wish the governor a a full recovery. We may not agree on some issues or on the solutions to certain problems but we both want our state and its people to thrive. I didn't vote for him, but I still want to see what he does over the next three and a half years.
Paul Balze, Glen Burnie