I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! This is to follow up on an email I sent a few weeks ago about the new comprehensive plan.

As my previous email stated, the Commissioners of St. Mary's have hired an outside consulting group to prepare a new Comprehensive Plan, St. Mary's 2050. This plan, which is the primary tool for determining where new business and residential development can occur and the type of development suitable for each area, has the potential to significantly reshape our area. Beginning this week, the introductory meetings are the first step in this transformative process. Here is a link for more information: (https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050/GetInvolved/)

After my last email, our local Land Use and Growth Management, LUGM, contacted me. They informed me that the meetings to be held this week are to seek volunteers for the Community Engagement Team, which is being formed to help spread the word about the update to the St. Marys Comprehensive Plan.  

• The first Community Engagement meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Loffler Senior Center, located at 21905 Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills.
• The second Community Engagement Team meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 4th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Leonardtown Public Library, located at 23630 Hayden Farm Lane in Leonardtown.
• The third Community Engagement Team meeting will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northern Senior Center, located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall.

**** LUGM also included this note in their email to me.  

Important note: Substantive Comprehensive Plan elements (such as identifying areas for directed growth or preservation, housing needs, and economic development) will not be discussed at these meetings. Again, the purpose of these meetings is to solicit ideas for locations and formats for future in-person and online public engagement events and activities (which are projected to begin in mid-January).

I firmly believe your input is crucial to the final outcome of this plan. Public input on the new comprehensive plan is scheduled to begin in January. I will continue to keep you informed as new information becomes available. I am uncertain about the specific outcomes of this week's meetings, but I plan to attend in person at the Northern Senior Center on Thursday evening. Please join me if you can.

I want to thank the staff at LUGM. Through several conversations and email exchanges, I have found their professionalism and assistance invaluable.

While my elected position does not have direct authority over the New Comprehensive Plan, the final decision ultimately rests with our County Commissioners. However, I feel it is my responsibility to share all relevant updates with you as they emerge.

With overdevelopment being a growing concern among many of my constituents, I have requested LUGM to provide a detailed list of approved or proposed High-Density Housing projects for St. Mary's County. Here is the consolidated list of projects LUGM supplied me:

1. Stewarts Grant-Great Mills-1,084 units (mix of dwelling types, apartments, townhouses and single-family detached).  The concept has been approved.  The major site plan has not been submitted to date.
2. Woods at Myrtle Point- Section 3, 132 townhouses (under construction)-Section 2, 70 Condo units, the major site plan has not been approved yet but should be soon. This is California area.
3. Villages at Clark’s Mill-Hollywood-18 townhouses-the concept site plan has been approved; the major site plan has not been submitted to date.
4. Park Place Apartments-California-160 units- The major site plan is under review.
5. Villas at Lexwood- Great Mills-40 townhouses-The major site plan is under review.
6. First Colony Apartments and Townhouses-California-233 units (8 of which are townhouses).  The concept was approved.  The major site plan has not been submitted to date.
7. Riverside, Townhouses-California-42, townhouse units-The concept site plan was disapproved by the Planning Commission.  The decision will likely be appealed to the Board of Appeals.
8. New Life Holdings-Great Mills-47 townhouse units-The concept site plan is still under review.
9. Lighthouse Commons-Piney Point-60 townhouse units- The concept site plan is still under review.
10. Pembrooke-Lexington Park (off Willows Rd.)-140 townhouse units-concept site plan still under review.
11. Pax River Village Center-Great Mills-91 townhouse units-concept site plan still under review.
12. Bradley Brooke Subdivision-Lexington Park (off Willows Rd.)- 150 townhouse units and 73 single-family detached units-concept site plan still under review.
13. Old Rolling Road Apartments-California-568 apt. Units-concept site plan has been reviewed; project has not moved forward.
14. Breton Bay Townhouses- Leonardtown- 84 townhouse development does not have sewer available currently
15. Bay Ridge Estates-Great Mills-60-unit townhouse development
16. Norris Woods Subdivision-Great Mills-44 single family-detached development- This project has expired. The applicant will be resubmitting it soon for reapproval.

These are the projects LUGM has currently approved or is in plan review.

If you add up the above numbers, it comes to over 3,000 units. I believe keeping St. Mary's unique heritage and rural character is essential. Again, I encourage anyone wanting input into the new plan to get involved.

For more information about the county's New Comprehensive Plan, please visit the county's St. Mary's 2050 plan website at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050/

Let's cut through the political noise and get to the real issue: what problem are we trying to fix? It may seem like a simple question, but when it comes to illegal immigration and our justice system, it needs to be asked. Last week, we released the results of a poll that was conducted earlier in the month in Maryland, asking residents if they support or oppose local law enforcement turning over previously convicted criminals who are also illegal immigrants to ICE. The results were eye-opening.

But before we dive into those numbers, let me give you some context.

Back in 2018, our former Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh provided guidance on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainers, which reflect a broader legal and political debate on immigration enforcement at the local level. The legal advice from his opinion clarified that compliance with ICE detainers is voluntary for local law enforcement. It highlighted potential liability risks for local officials if they detain individuals beyond their legal release date without a judicial warrant or probable cause for a new crime. This stance underscores a legal opinion that local law enforcement should not act as immigration officers unless explicitly required by law or judicial process.

Fast forward to 2021, when Annapolis Democrats unilaterally passed HB 16- Correctional Services – Immigration Detention – Prohibition (Dignity Not Detention Act). The bill made it illegal for ICE to house prisoners in the state of Maryland. Governor Hogan vetoed the bill, a veto that was overridden by Democrats in a special session that same year. I strongly recommend watching the 3rd reader debate for anyone eager to delve into the intricacies of politics. The Republicans, including myself, who spoke on the bill, were correct.  The link takes you directly to my vote explanation during the 2021 session, when we were still required to wear masks.  But I encourage you to back up the video and watch the entire debate. https://www.youtube.com/live/d7nGjVQFbdE?si=zOJQxNaf3JeTLhsf&t=2894

Both instruments have caused miscommunications and a hodgepodge of policies that differ from one County to the next.

Sometimes, it varies between correction facilities and depends on who is working and what day the arrest is made. For instance, Prince George's County enacted local legislation prohibiting its correctional facilities from contacting ICE. Montgomery County implemented a similar ordinance; however, following public outcry, it was repealed this past March. I have seen reports in nearby Charles County where sometimes they comply, and sometimes things slip through the cracks. We just had a case last week involving a violent offender that sent a prosecutor scrambling to hold a high-profile inmate who had an ICE detainer, in St. Mary's County. This case highlights the potential consequences of our current system's inconsistencies.

This is why we need a state law. This is not just about immigration status - it's about protecting our citizens from violent criminals.

Currently, no law prevents a local correction facility or personnel from contacting ICE, but the state needs clarity and constancy. The lack of a clear policy can lead to potential risks. Our solution is simple: if the local correction facilities have an inmate in custody who has an ICE detainer, they must notify ICE of their anticipated release time. This simple step can prevent the release of potentially dangerous individuals back into our communities.  

This logical policy is not only reasonable and practical but also common sense. And it is very popular with our citizens. When asked the question, "Do you support or oppose local law enforcement in Maryland being required to turn over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) any illegal immigrant who has been previously convicted of a violent crime, convicted gang member, or convicted of a sexual offense?" The majority of Marylanders polled answered "yes."

84% of Marylanders supported the position, including 90% African Americans and 88% women. This overwhelming support clearly indicates that our citizens want their streets to be safer and see ICE as part of the solution. (See the complete poll here.)

This overwhelming support has led to some very favorable press for our group.

Fox 45 Video

Fox 45 Baltimore: Citing poll data, Maryland GOP lawmakers urge Gov. Moore for statewide ICE cooperation https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/citing-poll-data-maryland-gop-lawmakers-urge-gov-moore-for-statewide-ice-cooperation#

Maryland Matters: Conservatives tout poll that says majority want local police to work with immigration https://marylandmatters.org/2024/09/17/conservatives-tout-poll-that-says-majority-want-local-police-to-work-with-immigration/

Baltimore Sun: Maryland Republicans push Gov. Wes Moore for more stringent ICE policy following poll https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/09/17/maryland-republicans-push-gov-wes-moore-for-more-stringent-ice-policy/

The Chesapeake Today - Right here, Right now. https://www.thechesapeaketoday.com/matt-morgan-right-here-right-now/

The numbers don't lie. The vast majority of Marylanders want their streets made safer, and ICE is part of the solution, not the problem. It's not a political issue. It's a safety issue. And yet, our Democratic leaders in Annapolis continue to ignore the will of the people and push for policies that put our citizens at risk. Let's stop playing politics and start prioritizing the safety and well-being of our communities. It's time for real change and real action from our elected officials.

Marylanders Overwhelmingly Support ICE Partnership 84% in Recent Polling, Shows Public Wants ICE Cooperation

Gov Wes Moore Urged to Issue An Executive Order to Protect Public

(News Release, Annapolis, Maryland)- The September Gonzales poll showed an astounding 84% of Marylanders want local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, with a record of 69% strongly supporting it. In this same poll, 64% of those asked support the job Wes Moore is doing as Governor. "Marylanders clearly want change in Maryland's ICE policies. Every demographic and region of our state shows incredible support for ICE cooperation, including 90% of African Americans. The support for a change in this policy is much stronger, wider, and higher than even the notable support for Governor Wes Moore," said Delegate Matt Morgan of St. Mary's County.  

The Gonzales poll asked, "Do you support or oppose local law enforcement in Maryland being required to turn over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) any illegal immigrant who has been previously convicted of a violent crime, convicted gang member, or convicted of a sexual offense?" Support for this question is above 80% in almost every category, with overwhelmingly high support among minorities, including 76% strong support among African Americans and 88% support among women. 

"Before a convicted illegal immigrant is released from jail, Marylanders want ICE to have time to pick up wanted criminals," said Delegate Kathy Szeliga of Baltimore County. She continued, "The Baltimore ICE office has detainers on some terrible criminals, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members. Law enforcement must be required to turn these dangerous people over to ICE and not release them back into our communities as they are doing now."

In 2021, Annapolis Democrats unilaterally passed HB 16, the anti-ICE, pro-open borders bill. This act, along with the designation of many jurisdictions in Maryland as 'sanctuaries for illegal immigrants' (areas where local law enforcement limits their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement), has made Maryland a more dangerous state. The overwhelming number of citizens in Maryland want these laws and policies changed. 

In the last year, there have been two high-profile murders committed by criminal illegal immigrants in Harford County. "The tragic and brutal murders of Rachel Morin, who was out for a jog, and Kayla Hamilton, who was strangled to death in her bedroom, were completely preventable," said Delegate Lauren Arikan of Harford County. "ICE detainers are only issued for dangerous criminals, and the public deserves to be safe in their homes and communities." 

Governor Wes Moore appeared on Face the Nation on June 16  of this year, saying he agreed with Harford County Sheriff Gahler's calls for getting tougher on criminal illegal immigrants and requiring cooperation with ICE. Afterward, 14 Delegates sent the Governor a letter asking for action. Governor Wes Moore has not responded or done anything to improve public safety. 

Please click the Read More link below!

Do results matter more than intentions?

For the last two years, poll after poll, the top two issues of concern for the 2024 U.S. presidential election are:

1. The Economy
2. Illegal Immigration

While we all know the issues and failings of Kamala Harris and the Biden administration regarding border security are well-documented, even after the media has recently attempted to whitewash the situation. However, Vice President Harris's record may be even worse on the inflation front.  

The Vice President in 2021 cast the tie-breaking vote on the American Rescue Plan.  This $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan came after the pandemic was already over and was the catalyst for skyrocketing inflation.  

VP Harris, in 2022, was also the tie-breaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act.  Another trillion dollar bill that, despite the name, was mainly a giveaway to the climate change industry and most likely made inflation worse.  

Now, my detractors hate it when I write about national politics. They tell me I should focus on Maryland, so let me bring this back to how it impacts my constituents.  

I recently was emailed a report on inflation and want to share it with you.

The Joint Economic Committee in Congress released a report, and the amount of money Marylanders are losing through inflation is staggering. The average Maryland family now spends $1,193 more monthly on the same goods and services as in 2021. This reality hits home for anyone who shops at a grocery store in Maryland.

"The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency." ~ Ernest Hemingway

In conclusion, the economy and immigration are still at the forefront of concerns for the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election. While there may be differing opinions on addressing these issues, one thing remains certain—results matter more than intentions.

From Vice President Kamala Harris's record on inflation and border security to its impact on Americans like those in Maryland, tangible actions and outcomes genuinely make a difference.

As we approach the election, let's not forget our responsibility to hold our elected leaders accountable for the results of their policies. It's not just about their intentions, no matter how noble they may seem. It's about the tangible impact on our lives and the future of our nation.

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to send this to you yesterday but ran out of time. I want to bring to your attention a recent fee increase that directly impacts your household finances and disproportionately affects constituents in rural areas. Effective yesterday, July 1st, the vehicle registration fees in Maryland have significantly increased due to a bill unilaterally passed by the Annapolis Democrats and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.

Details of the Increase

Here’s a breakdown of the new registration fees:

• Sedans (under 3,500 pounds):
• New Fee: $221 every two years
• Increase: 64%
• Small SUVs (between 3,500 and 3,700 pounds):
• New Fee: $241 every two years
• Increase: 79%
• Large SUVs (over 3,700 pounds):
• New Fee: $321 every two years
• Increase: 73%
• Pickup Trucks:
• New Fee Range: $267.50 to $297.50 every two years
• Increase: Up to 84%

Context and Impact

I've heard political operatives use the excuse of increasing taxes to justify increasing education funding. However, this fee was increased to backfill budget holes in the Transportation Trust Fund caused by overspending and over-subsidizing mass transit.

As shown in the MTA’s most recent report, in fiscal 2022, farebox recovery rates for MTA bus, light rail, heavy rail (subway), and commuter rail operating costs were 7%, 6%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. Thus, taxpayers pay the rest.

The details of all transportation tax and fee increases from this past legislative session are here:

The decision to raise vehicle registration by an estimated $168.9 million, combined with 300+ other fee increases (not all but pushed mainly by Democrats), has significantly impacted our household budgets, notably for those who rely on their vehicles for work or essential activities. The increases are not marginal; they are substantial enough to strain the financial resources of many families in our community.

Call to Action

The next legislative session will be here before you know it, and I am concerned that Annapolis Democrats may significantly increase taxes. I strongly encourage you to stay informed about upcoming legislative decisions and voice your concerns. From my experience, politicians are primarily focused on re-election, and their opinions can be influenced by constituents contacting them. Your involvement is crucial in the future.

Stay engaged, stay informed, and let's work together for our area's best interests.

Today, I helped author a letter to Governor Moore, signed by myself and 13 other Delegates, urging him to provide additional guidance to local elected officials and law enforcement regarding illegal immigrants with active ICE detainers. We requested that local detention centers notify ICE and provide at least four hours advance notice before releasing a detainee. This small change can significantly enhance the safety of our neighborhoods.

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A few weeks ago, during a public speech, I addressed questions from the audience regarding education funding. This topic has become a hot-button issue as the Commissioners of St. Mary's recently increased the county's share of income taxes to the maximum legal limit to provide additional money for education. I also know our neighbors across the river in Calvert County are grappling with a similar decision.

This prompted me to consider the fundamental question: How can we determine when public education is adequately funded?

This fundamental question needs to be answered because we hear calls yearly for more money for public education. Yet, some would say that the school system already receives a huge portion of the budget locally and from the state, and the Board of Education needs to figure out how to live within its means. But which statement is accurate, and what are our other options?

Answering this question has sent me on a research quest. State funding is dependent on full-time enrollment, so I thought I would use a well-known calculation called the "per-pupil" funding amount and compare that amount to private school tuition rates in our area.

The journey to find information

First, I Googled the per-pupil funding amount for St. Mary's County and got numerous old links and a bunch of totals that did not look correct. You will quickly realize this number is not easily accessible. I finally asked the library for the Department of Legislative Services to research it. They sent me the chart below.

With a little more research, I learned that St. Mary's is ranked 11th in state dollars and 15th in county dollars; combined, we rank 21st compared to the rest of the state. The $17,056 per pupil expenditure may place St. Mary's

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