As Congressional debate over military strikes in Syria nears, Rep. John Sarbanes says he understands people are “weary and wary” of foreign military intervention. Plus: Lollar enters race for GOP gubernatorial nomination, a report on Frederick’s mayoral race, and more.
Sarbanes On Syria: As next week’s Congressional debate over whether to authorize military intervention in Syria approaches, Maryland lawmakers are preparing. In Columbia yesterday, 3rd District Congressman John Sarbanes said he understands that people across the country are both “weary and wary” of foreign military intervention. But Sarbanes also said that he is “sympathetic” with President Obama’s “instinct” on the matter. Obama is calling for a military response for a chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians last month, allegedly conducted by Syria’s government. Representative Sarbanes says he wants to hear what his constituents think about possible strikes in that country; marylandreporter.com says that the Congressman hasn’t said how he’ll vote. Rollcall reports that today, 5th District Congressman – and House Minority Whip – Steny Hoyer is set to meet with other House leaders, and with their counterparts in the Senate, to plan next week’s debate.
Lollar Kicks Off Gubernatorial Bid: Republican Charles Lollar is launching a bus tour of the Maryland today; making appearances today in his home of Charles County, as well as in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties. The Washington Post reports that the tour comes as Lollar launches his bid to be Maryland’s next governor. Two other candidates are already vying for the GOP nomination: Harford County Executive David Craig and Anne Arundel County Delegate Ron George. Other potential GOP contenders include former Ehrlich Cabinet secretary Larry Hogan and former Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele.
Frederick’s Mayoral Election: Voters in Frederick and Annapolis will go to the polls soon to choose their parties’ candidates for mayor. And the races in both cities have gotten crowded. Today, WYPR’s Joel McCord looks at the Frederick race.
Leaving The Shore Was Tough On Labor Day: The end-of-holiday exodus from the Eastern Shore proved to be time consuming for many travelers. The state Department of Transportation tells the Baltimore Sun that there was a 19-mile backup yesterday on Route-50 west, with traffic backed up all the way to Route-404.
Post-Prix Cleanup: The roads are back open in downtown Baltimore, after the weekend’s Grand Prix. The Baltimore Sun reports that crews spent much of Labor Day removing fencing and barriers and opening up one road at a time.
Bowie Plane Crash: Three people have been hospitalized after the small plane they were in crashed yesterday along Route 50 near Church Road in Bowie. Eyewitnesses say the single-engine plane barely cleared the highway after it struggled to get airborne from a nearby airport. The Capital Gazette reports that no drivers on Route 50 were hurt in yesterday's crash.
Frederick County’s Building Consolidation Plan: Frederick’s Board of County Commissioners has approved a five year plan for county buildings, involving sales of at least three in the current fiscal year. The Frederick News Post reports that the move could raise and save millions of dollars, but the full impact remains unclear – with no estimates yet as to the costs of relocating staff and services, and making necessary building renovations to accommodate them.
Firefighters’ Fundraising Runs Afoul Of Solicitation Law: Firefighters in Frederick County will continue collecting donations today for the “International Firefighters Fill The Boot” charity campaign, which raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters had been asking for donations along the curbs of Frederick County streets last week… but had to stop on Friday, when County officials told them that roadside solicitation laws forbid the practice. The Frederick News Post reports that the laws only allow solicitations if they’re on private property, and have approval of the property owner. Firefighters have received permission to fundraise at the Frederick Shell Carwash for the next two afternoons; they will be required to stay on that property while soliciting for cash.
Baltimore Baseball: the Orioles beat the Cleveland Indians yesterday; the score was 7 to 2. The O’s and the Indians play again tonight. The Orioles are now two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the wild card race.
