Governor O'Malley Declares Silver Spring Maryland's 'Capital for a Day'
SILVER SPRING, MD (June 17, 2010) – Today, Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, members of the General Assembly, other local officials and area residents to declare Silver Spring Maryland’s “Capital for a Day.” The monthly program brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities.
“Silver Spring is such a great example of the type of revitalization that is possible when we come together as One Maryland to rebuild and restore our economy, helping our businesses create and save jobs, and improving the conditions under which business can create or save jobs. That’s why strengthening our local partnerships is absolutely critical to the progress of areas like Silver Spring,” said Governor O’Malley, making his “Capital for a Day” declaration during a Cabinet Meeting held at the Montgomery College Performing Arts Center. “I want to thank the people of Montgomery County for their hospitality today. It’s more important than ever for Maryland’s families to see that their state government is working for them each and every day, moving our state forward even in the toughest of times.”
“I am proud to join Governor O’Malley today in declaring Silver Spring our ‘Capital for a Day,’” said Lt. Governor Brown. “The Silver Spring community is at the heart of Montgomery County’s economic engine, supporting our hard working families and creating opportunities for our residents. Through our strong local and state partnerships and our shared vision of a brighter future, Silver Spring will continue to look forward and remain both a vital component of our great State and a wonderful place for Marylanders to call home.”
Even in tough economic times, the O’Malley-Brown Administration have made the tough choices and reforms necessary to keep Maryland moving forward, including in areas like Silver Spring and Montgomery County. School construction investments for Montgomery County public schools have increased 74 percent under the O’Malley-Brown Administration, compared to the previous four years. Total public school investments have increased more than 57 percent. In addition to direct k-12 aid, many capital projects in the Montgomery County area have sought to enhance the education environment for Maryland students, including the new Silver Spring Library, which received $250,000 investment from the State’s capital budget.
To further enhance the job creating potential for the Silver Spring and Montgomery County area, Governor O’Malley announced the locally preferred alternative for the Purple Line last year, and those plans are moving forward. Work on the ICC also continues, with the first stretch slated to open late this year or early next.
“Montgomery County is pleased to welcome Governor O’Malley back home, “said County Executive Ike Leggett. “We are proud that Silver Spring is Maryland’s ‘Capital for A Day’ and look forward to our County’s continuing partnership with the State on the whole range of issues affecting Silver Spring and the entire County.”
Governor O’Malley began the day touring Discovery Communications in recognition of the company’s 25th anniversary in Maryland. Discovery, home to more than 100 worldwide networks including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC and Planet Green, employs more than 1,600 Marylanders. Discovery has been headquartered in Maryland since its inception. In 2003, Discovery relocated its headquarters from Bethesda as part of Montgomery County’s revitalization of Silver Spring. Governor O’Malley met with employees at their Silver Spring headquarters as they celebrated 25 years in Maryland.
In 2007, Discovery’s Silver Spring headquarters was awarded Platinum-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. At the time, it was one of only nine existing structures in the U.S. to receive Platinum certification and was the first existing building in Maryland to be awarded any level of certification.
“Discovery Communications was founded 25 years ago in Maryland with a mission to satisfy curiosity and make a difference in people’s lives,” said David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery Communications. “Today, Discovery employs nearly 2,000 residents and remains committed to giving back to the great state of Maryland through initiatives such as Silver Spring’s revitalization and our global volunteerism day this week. Discovery is grateful to the leaders of our state and county for their partnership in making the area a vibrant place to live and work.”
Following the business tour, Governor O’Malley joined Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and others for a brief walk downtown, where the Governor greeted local residents and business owners.
The Governor ended at McGinty’s Pub, where he met with a group of community leaders to continue an ongoing dialogue with neighborhood, civic, and business leaders. The group of about 30 community leaders included leaders from Silver Spring and throughout Montgomery County, as well as State officials, elected officials, and leaders representing businesses, nonprofits, and local governments.
Finally, Governor O’Malley hosted an official Cabinet meeting, where members of the Executive Cabinet briefed the Governor on their respective meetings and events with local counterparts throughout the day. During the Cabinet meeting, the Governor hosted a presentation unveiling the Visit Maryland Interactive Map, which portrays Maryland Byways, Maryland Heritage Areas, Maryland Main Streets, Arts and Entertainment Districts, Civil War Trails, agri-tourism businesses, state and national parks, historical and cultural museums, art venues, master artists in the Maryland Traditions program, national register historic districts, and interpretive signs along the Star-Spangled Banner Byway. Notable map highlights in Montgomery County include the C&O Canal Byway, Clara Barton National Historic Landmark, historical and cultural museums, Antietam Campaign Byway, Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District, and many others. The map engages local citizens and visitors to maximize the historical and recreational attractions throughout Maryland.
The Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet members then heard from County Executive Leggett, Senator Jamie Raskin, and County Councilwoman Valerie Ervin, who discussed challenges and opportunities for further state-local partnerships to move Maryland and Montgomery County forward.
“Capital for a Day,” a program launched by Governor O’Malley in 2007, 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. Previous “Capitals” have included East Baltimore County, Cecil County, Calvert County, Westminster, Hagerstown, Chestertown, Leonardtown, the Port Towns of Prince George’s County, Cumberland, Pocomoke City, Gaithersburg, Laurel, Rockville, Bel Air, La Plata and Ellicott City.
