Constitution Day... No Small Thing!

Now that you've voted, here's a day to celebrate: Constitution Day. The chief judge of Maryland's Court of Appeals (our highest state court) tells why:

Constitution Day is observed on September 17 each year to celebrate the date of the signing, in 1787, of the United States Constitution. By law, all educational institutions receiving federal funding must observe Constitution Day. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and discuss our Constitution and system of government....

Check the links on their page. I may be wrong, but it seems many Americans have no idea where our country comes from or how we got here...

John L.

Election Day !!

I just voted... and I was the only voter in the place by the time I was through the mostly uncomplicated ballot. The poll workers said voting had been fairly light so far (about 11:00 a.m.).

If you haven't exercised your right to choose your government today, get off your fanny and go surprise those poor, under-appreciated poll workers.

The government you get is the government you elect!

John L.

Later: The Annapolis Evening Capital is posting an Election Blog that should have lots of interesting voting news.... especially if people contribute their observations as requested.

Much Later: Looks like I was one of the few, statewide, who exercised their right – nay, obligation – to choose their government. Maryland Reporter.com today summed up the sad situation in an article titled "Voting has become a spectator sport for the bulk of those eligible." -JL-

The Future of Maryland, Beginning Now!

PlanMaryland is designed to create a better and more sustainable future for Maryland. The state legislature created the authority for such a plan in the 1970s, but a broader recognition of the many costs of unsustainable land use has grown in recent years. This new planning process commenced with listening sessions that the Maryland Department of Planning held in 2008 and will culminate with a State Growth Plan proposal in 2011.

Whoops! When you're not watching, big things can happen right under your nose. This seems to be a major initiative of the O'Malley administration, perhaps in response to the enormous changes likely from the federal government's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program.

The Plan Maryland website includes a survey for those of us who didn't make it to one of the 13 public forums held this spring throughout our state. Please do take the time to find it on the site and enter your comments and preferences. The results of all this will affect us and our community for years to come.

John L.