Governor O'Malley Declares Gaithersburg Maryland's "Capital for a Day"
GAITHERSBURG, MD (November 6, 2008) – Today, Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and members of the Executive Cabinet, spent the day in Gaithersburg, Maryland, declaring that area Maryland’s “Capital for a Day.” The monthly program launched by Governor O’Malley last year brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities.
The Governor began the day by participating in a student forum at Gaithersburg High School, where he met with Student Government representatives from Gaithersburg High School, Quince Orchard High School, Watkins Mill High School, Forest Oak Middle School, Gaithersburg Middle School, Lakelands Park Middle School, and Montgomery Village Middle School. Governor O’Malley highlighted the record $5.3 billion the O’Malley-Brown Administration has invested in K-12 education in their first two years in office, and the $741 million invested in school construction.
Throughout the day, Governor O’Malley met with local elected, community, and business leaders during this seventh in a series of “Capital for a Day” declarations across the State. The Governor’s activities, as well as those of his Executive Cabinet, focused on the ongoing local, county, and state partnerships necessary to achieve real and steady progress for the people of the Montgomery County region.
“I am proud to officially proclaim Gaithersburg Maryland’s ‘Capital for a Day,’” Governor O’Malley said. “Since the cornerstone of our progress is an ability to work beyond the confines of the State House with local partners throughout our One Maryland, we’re proud to bring the State Capital to the people of Maryland where they live and work. In this growing and developing city, it is important to strengthen our local partnerships where they already exist and establish those partnerships where they have lapsed in order to ensure real progress.”
Gaithersburg is located in the middle of Montgomery County and lies about 13 miles from the Washington, D.C. border. The city began in 1765 as a small agricultural village known as Log Town. Incorporated in 1878, it is now home to a diverse community of over 50,000 residents.
“Governor O’Malley has led our state with an unrelenting commitment to strengthening our middle class and he understands that working families are the backbone of our One Maryland,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “I am excited to be back in the heart of Montgomery County and look forward to working with our partners local and state partners here to keep Gaithersburg and Maryland on the path of continued leadership.”
At an official Cabinet meeting, local leaders briefed the Governor and his Cabinet on the challenges and opportunities facing Gaithersburg and the Montgomery County region. Among the local presenters, the Governor heard from Mayor Sidney Katz, County Executive Ike Leggett, and Montgomery County Senator Jennie Forehand.
“The City Council and I are proud to host the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the entire Maryland Cabinet as Gaithersburg serves as Capital for a Day,” said Mayor Sidney Katz. “Our staff has planned a variety of tours, briefings and events that showcase innovative and creative initiatives in our community. I know we'll all benefit from the two-way dialogue and information sharing that will take place as we explore the many facets of Gaithersburg.”
“We are proud and delighted that the Governor is back home in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “From his service as a mayor, we know he shares the concerns of local jurisdictions. We look forward to working with him collaboratively to face our common challenges.”
After visiting with local presenters at the Cabinet meeting, Governor O’Malley delivered remarks at a luncheon with biotechnology executives and enterprise zone stakeholders. During his remarks, Governor O’Malley discussed State investment in the city’s biotech initiatives, efforts to expand the industry, and how it will impact our State.
“We are so pleased that the Governor and his cabinet are here in Gaithersburg,” said State Senator Jennie M. Forehand. “This is an area with one of the most ethnically diverse populations and one which has benefitted from the State’s investment in both historic preservation and the vitally important biotechnology industry.”
The luncheon was hosted by Roy’s Place, a restaurant that has been in business for over 50 years in Gaithersburg and whose menu offers over 200 specialty sandwiches with playful monikers, such as the Tyger, Tyger (Keeps You Burning Bright). Today, the restaurant dedicated Sandwich #213 on the menu in honor of Governor O’Malley which features roast beef, melted horseradish cheddar cheese, grilled and sliced portabello mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and crushed cherry peppers. The sandwich has been coined: O’Malley’s Crusade (From Lead Guitarist to Leader of the State. What a Ride…)
After the luncheon, Governor O’Malley, joined by Mayor Sidney Katz, County Executive Ike Leggett, Senator Jennie Forehand, and other local elected officials, held a press conference to officially declare Gaithersburg Maryland’s “Capital for a Day.” He ended the press conference with a ceremonious tree planting symbolizing the Governor’s commitment to environmental initiatives but also signifies the nurturing qualities necessary to sustain any progress.
Governor O’Malley ended his day at Amcon, Inc., a residential concrete company, and several other small business owners and representatives in Gaithersburg to talk about the Health Insurance Partnership, the State’s new subsidy program for small businesses. The Health Insurance Partnership went into effect October 1, 2008 as part of the Working Families and Small Business Health Care Coverage Act which was passed on 2007. In Maryland, only about half of small businesses offer health insurance to their workers. Even fewer businesses with less than 10 employees provide coverage. The Partnership makes health insurance a feasible option for these small businesses by lowering the cost of health coverage through a partnership among the state, small employers and employees. As of November 1, 2008, over 60 businesses and almost 300 individuals will have insurance coverage in the small group market as a result of the program.
“Capital for a Day,” a program launched by Governor O’Malley more than a year ago, brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of monthly events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities. Cumberland represents the sixth “Capital for a Day” of 2008. One more such event is planned for the remainder of 2008 in Ellicott City. Previous “Capitals for a Day” include Hagerstown, Chestertown, Leonardtown, Pocomoke City, Cumberland, and the Port Towns of Prince George’s County.
