Dylan Terezakis
The Nov. 2022 election led to history being made in the state of Maryland. Most notably, Wes Moore became the first African American governor in the states’ 246-year history.
The former Johns Hopkins University student also chose Aruna Miller to be the tenth lieutenant governor of Maryland, and she also happens to be the first South Asian lieutenant governor in United States history, as well as the first immigrant to hold statewide office in the state of Maryland. The history making duo was sworn in on Jan. 15 where Larry Hogan & Oprah Winfrey were in attendance at the Annapolis City Dock, and they have hit the ground running.
When asked about the opportunity he gets to work with the new governor, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott said via Instagram, “I’m excited to get to work for the next 2+ years with a man I significantly trust to help Maryland and the city of Baltimore move forward.”
On his first day in office, Jan 19, Moore got to work. His first act as governor was releasing $69 million that was withheld by former Governor Larry Hogan. That money will go towards a medical leave insurance fund and a program to provide abortion care training for medical professionals.
On Feb 2, Moore delivered his first “State of the State” address. There, he discussed elevating Maryland and serving the state to the best of his abilities. He discussed educators, teachers, and social workers and their importance to society.
“Whether you are in Oakland or Ocean City, in Hagerstown or Havre de Grace, one of the things we can all agree on, is that we’ve got work to do,” Moore said at the State House in Annapolis. Governor Moore, who was sworn in just 2 weeks before the speech, offered an idealistic vision of the state moving forward, and he highlighted community service, fixing child poverty, and his overall top priorities as governor.
When it comes to recent controversy in Baltimore City, the so-called “squeegee kids” have become a hot topic over the past year with the recent killing of Timothy Reynolds, a Baltimore man who was struck with a blunt object. On the subject, Wes Moore called the situation “unsafe” and vowed to improve the overall situation with better education and job training. When it comes to the issue, Moore and Mayor Scott developed an action plan, which includes a partnership with Baltimore City Schools.
Recently, on Feb. 15, Governor Moore nominated two new members to the Maryland Public Service Commission board. Their duty is to oversee gas and electric utilities in an effort to help Maryland’s clean energy goals. This is one small step in efforts to help emissions, among other things in the state.
Gov. Moore also spoke at a Black History Month service at New Shiloh Baptist Church, where he said, “I understand the difference between church and state, but I am a child of God.” He also went on to praise the youth of Maryland and promised transparency. Moore declared Feb. 20, a “Civil Rights Heroes Day.” He’s made it clear he wants to help all people, especially the youth in Maryland.
As for Aruna Miller, on Feb. 17 she traveled to Montgomery County to speak on an “innovative health project.” She often travels with Gov. Moore to meetings and provides her input as well.
When it comes to the reviews of Wes Moore’s job so far, they’re mixed but also optimistic.
Baltimore County business owner Jim Workmeister said, “I’ll give him time. Even though I did not vote for him, I’ll give him a chance to serve our state well.”
Fellow Baltimore County business owner Themelis Terezakis added, “I think Dan Cox would have been better for Baltimore County, I believe he and Johnny Olszewski would work well together, but the way Moore talks he does deserve a chance.”
Moore’s Administration got off and running from day one. Whether you voted for him or not, one must respect the work ethic and keep an eye on what is to come for the state of Maryland. It seems like the mayor and people around the governor feel like he can get the job done.
