Ehrlich on Washington column, July 19, 1999

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Lutherville, Maryland 21093 Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of July 1 9, 1 999 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich UNITED AS “ONE MARYLAND” Almost everyday, it seems we read about the interest of one Maryland region pitted against the interest of another - often arguing over money. Unfortunately, a few elected officials, aware of the needs of these regions, even use this information for political revenge or advancement. Such a short-sighted view is not only bad policy, it is bad politics, since effective political leaders usually seek to remake their political opposition into their political supporters. Last week, I toured western Maryland and was reminded that even with our many differences, we can and must unite as one Maryland if we are to go forward in a positive direction at the new Millennium. This was my tenth visit to western Maryland since election in 1994. It was my first, however, as a member of Congress’s Commerce Committee. Recognizing my Committee decisions have impact far beyond the 2"d Congressional district, I traveled to western Maryland to listen to area folks and to discuss my work in Washington, D.C. This was the first of a series of regional visits I undertake each year. During my two day visit, which focused on business, law and order, agriculture, and the environment, 1 was struck by two things. First, I was again impressed by the region’s friendliness, history, economy, and natural resources. My meeting with farmers in Carroll County highlighted all of these issues. For example, one farmer shared his concern with me about the future of his family farm, which he inherited from his father. The government views the source of this man’s life’s work, his farm, as nothing more than a piece of property— imposing yet more regulations, management plans, and taxes. To this gentleman, however, his farm is a piece of history, a small business, his family’s legacy, and a natural treasure - and I agree with him.