Maryland's Republican governor Larry Hogan Jr. continues to walk a narrow path seemingly aimed more at securing his re-election than confronting some of Maryland's most pressing problems.
For Hogan, it's all about cutting spending so he can reduce taxes.
That's a popular theme, as the governor learned from his surprising victory in November.
His tax-cut mantra proved a winning strategy in suburban precincts like those of Glyndon Elementary School — where Hogan received 60 percent of the vote — Reisterstown Elementary School — 55 percent — as well as my precinct on Chestnut Ridge — 72 percent.
So far, Hogan has lowered highway and bridge tolls, bringing cheers from commuters who regularly travel those routes. This move serves as a symbol for what he would like to do in the future.
Similarly, Hogan rejected a move by Democratic lawmakers aimed at forcing him to approve $68 million in extra education aid to Maryland's largest subdivisions.
He made the argument that it's more important to put half the money into the state's $45.7 billion pension fund than to give high-cost counties extra dollars for local schools.
This means Baltimore County schools will have to make do with $2.9 million less than anticipated in the fiscal year beginning July 1. The lost revenue for Carroll County schools is $1.2 million, and $11.6 million for Baltimore City public schools.
Hogan's action will impact most heavily on poor jurisdictions like Baltimore City. For a city that just experienced devastating civil unrest, the governor's budget-cutting makes it more difficult to launch a recovery effort.
It is worth noting the three subdivisions most affected by Hogan's rejection of the $68 million education supplement — Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Baltimore City — hold enough votes in the General Assembly to make life miserable for the Republican governor.
Hogan compounded his woes by vetoing a $2 million construction bond for the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis to punish House Speaker Mike Busch, a foe of Hogan in the legislature.
How petty to strip funds for cultural advancement to even the score with a political opponent.
Hogan says he wants to use that money to re-open a State Police barracks in Annapolis, though that would be a violation of the state constitution. He can't mask the fact his veto was pure political payback.
What matters to Hogan is budget-cutting, not formulating initiatives that improve education, social services, the arts and health care. We've yet to see new proposals from the first-year governor in those pivotal areas, nor have we heard a peep from Hogan on how he'll respond to the demands of protesters in Baltimore.
Will he leverage state dollars to promote subsidized housing?
Will he commit to pumping money into the city's under-performing public schools if they offer skills-training that gives graduates a shot at landing good-paying jobs?
Will he start business-development programs offering significant enticements to companies in depressed parts of the city?
Hogan seems so riveted on pleasing his conservative base that he's missing an opportunity to work with Democrats on important societal issues.
Baltimore, in particular, needs substantial help from Annapolis. Neighborhoods have to be rebuilt and revitalized with new businesses, improved schools, recreation opportunities, and health clinics.
But the city can't do it alone. Baltimore is a poor, struggling urban center with a weak tax base. Last month's civil unrest was a cry for help.
Did Hogan hear that cry? Will he respond?
So far, the governor hasn't shown much interest in putting the state's resources at the city's disposal.
Barry Rascovar, of Reisterstown, writes a blog at http://www.politicalmaryland.com. He can be reached at brascovar@hotmail.com.
