Dear Friends:
This year 2008 has been an exciting and busy time for all of us. We have seen a new President elected who brings hope for change in the pressures that affect our day to day lives. Who would have predicted that this fall would be so traumatic on so many fronts?
The election in November also put forth two referendums to the people of Maryland on how we will conduct elections and if slot machines would return to Maryland. Both Constitutional Amendments passed by large majorities. Election law is one of the areas reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee of which I am a member. I will be following legislation on changes to election law very closely and will work hard to ensure that our election process is fair and open to all those eligible to vote. Further, I expect there will also be additional regulations issued to implement the establishment of slot machines throughout our State. Like many of you, I share your concern that revenues collected from slot machines will indeed fund the Education Trust Fund and will be used for the purposes stated in the Constitutional Amendment. I intend to follow this issue closely and look for ways to secure the integrity of the proposed Trust Fund. As always, I will keep you informed as developments occur.
As I attend functions throughout the county, I am often asked “What do you do during the interim?” Contrary to the “myth” that delegates only work 90 days a year! – I spend much of my time during the interim meeting with and helping constituents throughout our County. As you can imagine, this year saw many people dealing with the mortgage crisis, as well as issues related to transportation, our environment, consumer protection and family preservation. I also held five community meetings throughout the County to discuss the Constitutional Amendments on the November ballot. I always find these meetings very useful and appreciate those of you who are able to attend. I understand that we all lead busy lives and making another meeting is sometimes just not possible. Thankfully however, we now have the technology to keep in touch more efficiently, so please don’t ever hesitate to contact me with your opinions and suggestions. I truly value your input.
In this same vein, I held a community meeting on Thursday, December 4th to discuss the 2009 Legislative Proposals proposed by the Charles County Commissioners. Over 30 people attended the meeting and provided very useful suggestions and perspectives on the proposals. Please know that I will carry these questions and comments with me during the discussions with the delegation as we move forward; and know that your “voice” will be part of these meetings. Once the final package is determined, please feel free to contact me with further input. With your involvement, representative government becomes a reality.
This year I also served on the Tri-County Council Executive Board and the Southern Maryland Transportation Commission. Transportation is another area reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee, and these meetings help me keep abreast of the concerns of citizens and officials across Southern Maryland and Charles County. The Commission had input from the three county governments and citizens who suggested improved roads, more buses, and possible rail extensions.
The Ways and Means Committee also holds “site visits” during the interim to see how our tax dollars are being used across Maryland. This year we visited Prince George’s, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles Counties to review state projects in transportation, economic development and education. In Charles County we were hosted by North Point High School and the new baseball stadium. I must tell you that the committee members were so impressed with North Point, not just the building but the programs as well. Word travels far and fast, and I am still hearing comments from others who would like to visit. I am proud to represent our educational community and truly appreciate the dedication and commitment of our teachers and administration which is demonstrated each day on behalf of our students and their well being.
Many of you know that I have a special interest in health related issues. Therefore, this October I attended the Rural Health Roundtable Conference. The main topic of conversation was the physician shortages in rural areas of our State. This is a growing problem and exists across most specialty categories. In Southern Maryland there are extreme shortages in most of the 30 physician categories, an 83 percent shortage overall. It was very helpful to hear the ideas proposed by leaders in the health field to try to alleviate these shortages. I know that our health professionals along with the school system and College of Southern Maryland are working together to address this critical problem specifically in the area of educating our youth to pursue careers in a wide range of health fields and then choose to practice in Charles County. By working together and creating comprehensive education/training programs early in the education process, we stand a much better chance of filling the need for health professionals in our County. I applaud those who are working toward this end. Further good news is that this year the Charles County Health Department has been successful in receiving grants to start a prostate cancer education/screening program for high risk men and open a pediatric dental clinic. Both of these programs are greatly needed in our County and undoubtedly they improve the quality of life for so many of our citizens.
Many of you will remember when I ran for office that I pledged to open a district office in Charles County to better serve constituents. In November that local office was opened in the Southern Maryland Business Center in Waldorf. I hope to have an open house sometime during the session and would be happy if you could stop by. Once I’m back in Annapolis and schedules are worked out, I will let you know the date and time.
In May and June I attended the award night functions at Charles County High Schools and have awarded 191 scholarships totaling nearly $39,000.00 to high school seniors, current college students, and residents who are returning to school to update their skills. In September the College Day Fair allowed me to meet with high school seniors and their parents to provide information about scholarship awards for the 2009-2010 college semesters. In December I will host my freshman scholarship recipients at a Dessert Reception at my home. This has become an annual event that allows me the opportunity to discuss how their first semester went and to encourage them to continue with their education. It is also an opportunity to meet their families and thank them for supporting the value of higher education. The scholarship applications are on my website www.delegatepetermurphy.com if you know of a student who wishes to apply
While December is upon us, there will still be events scheduled. The Ways and Means Committee had a full day of briefings on December 8th ; and the Civic Literacy Commission, of which I am a member, had a half day meeting on December 15th. There are also a number of legislative receptions and briefings, numerous meetings with citizen groups and county government officials to plan for the next session.
As you can see it has been a busy year. I remain committed to serving you and working to enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens. As I have said many times, I cannot do this work alone and rely very much on each of you to keep in touch with me concerning those issues that impact our community. I always welcome your input and you may be sure that I will continue to seek your views and assistance. I am looking forward to a successful 2009 legislative session.
Please accept my best wishes for a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
With best regards,
Peter F. Murphy
Charles County, District 28