Editor:
Back in 2019, one of the hottest topics in Ocean City was the unsanctioned H20i car weekend which was creating havoc on our streets. The anger and frustration from Ocean City residents was through the roof. It took a while but thanks to the amazing efforts of the Mayor and Town Council as well as countless law enforcement agencies, we have been successful in running these disrespectful hooligans out of town. It was a coordinated effort for sure. At the time, newly elected Senator Carozza introduced (SB682) which called for an “Enhanced Special Event Zone” which was a key piece of the battle against the H20i folks. Senator Carozza failed in her effort and her proposed legislation was not successful the first year. The bill was a no-brainer and should have sailed through with ease. However, it was a welcome to Annapolis greeting to Senator Carozza from her fellow legislators. She had just replaced Senator Jim Mathias in the election and the Dems were clearly sending her a message. It is four years later and it is clear that Senator Carozza has apparently yet to learn the ways of Annapolis.
The issue of raising the room tax from 5% to 6% in the “home rule counties” here on the Eastern Shore was a hot topic in Annapolis last year. It appeared that the legislation would have sailed through with no opposition. However, and almost incomprehensible, the Worcester County officials did not realize they could not go it alone. In order to follow proper procedure, they would also need the support of their peers in Caroline, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties. When they realized their mistake, it was too late to rectify their error. Another year would have to pass before the Republicans would be able to attempt the tax hike they have been seeking.
Then there was the 2023 session that just ended. As Sine Die arrived, Senator Carozza could not deliver the room tax increase mechanism she was seeking. She and her fellow Republicans will have to wait yet another year to try and increase the 5% tax rate. Senator Carozza has complained to anyone that will listen that the opposition party is being hypocritical and unfair. She and Delegate Hartman have been unable to deliver in Annapolis for many reasons. In the beginning they faced political retribution which was to be expected. Then it was the lack of knowledge they possessed in order to follow proper procedure. Now we are back to just good old politics to blame as for their failures. I am pretty confident that Senator Mathias would have been able to deliver these pieces of legislation to the constituents. I say this not only because he is a Democrat but because he has always treated folks with respect no matter what their political affiliation. The voters who blindly followed party lines and found it necessary to oust Senator Mathias are now paying the price.
Raising taxes is a dumbocrat thing – glad it failed…!