As a young voter in Maryland concerned about human rights and climate change, I think Gov. Larry Hogan's decision not to endorse Donald Trump was absolutely the right one ("Larry Hogan's split with Donald Trump divides Maryland Republicans," July 9). But as Governor Hogan tries to distance himself from his party's nominee, I have to wonder: How different are they really?
The two Republicans both opposed Syrian refugees being resettled in the United States during the country's civil war and they are both strongly opposed to restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated people. They also strongly support fracking, the dangerous form of drilling for natural gas that has poisoned thousands of communities across the country. Mr. Trump urged New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow fracking statewide despite the overwhelming concerns of New York citizens about the long-term health, safety and environmental impacts of fracking. Meanwhile in Maryland, Governor Hogan and his administration are rolling out rules to allow fracking in Maryland as soon as October of next year, ignoring the concerns of thousands of Marylanders and the leadership of several local jurisdictions in the state that have already banned fracking, including Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
As a young voter in Maryland, I am deeply concerned about Governor Hogan's support for fracking and the other positions he shares with Donald Trump. If he wants to truly distinguish himself from the likes of the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, then he should not share so many of his policy positions. Don't be like Mr. Trump, ban fracking in Maryland!
Delaney Dixon, Severna Park