Bringing some fear to Annapolis

A lot of people criticize America's current two-party system, but I would like to address a much more disturbing beast: Maryland's one-party rule.

I'm not writing about one-party dominance; that would be fine. Governments dominated by one party at least have some competition. Also, there is a minority opposition that has some rights and at least some way of checking the ruling party.

Take the Republican dominance of politics from 2002 to 2006 or the Democratic dominance over the legislature for most of the time between 1932 and the Reagan Revolution. Now under both systems there was significant opposition mounted by the minority party, enabling some participation in governance and legislation. Also, during the same time there was a constant switch of party rule over the executive office. Since 1936 there have been six Republican presidents and five Democratic presidents.

Such competition is seriously lacking in Maryland. Under the Constitution of 1867, Maryland has had six Republican governors and 22 Democratic ones. Not only that, but since Gov. Spiro Agnew left the mansion in 1969, the state's last governor, Bob Ehrlich, was the first Republican in office.

Now my Democratic friends would ask "What's wrong with that? It seems like Maryland has got it right." The problem is that for so long, Maryland has got it wrong. This is not to put blame on the Democratic party. What is my target is the persistently stagnant politics that dominate Maryland.

This is not a healthy state. Take a walk around Baltimore, and you'll know what I'm talking about. Baltimore is even worse from having witnessed a turn-over of power only twice since 1931.

The problem is that there is no injection of new ideas. This does not have to come from a different party. Certainly it can surge from within.

Ehrlich's term was an exciting moment for Maryland, not because he was Republican, but because he was a different voice in Annapolis. For example, Ehrlich may have been unsuccessful in passing legislation in his push to create gambling slots at racetracks, which would then help fund education, but he did help spur debate on the issue and give it momentum. It didn't help the Ehrlich faced a Democratic-dominated legislature resistant to change.

The problem with politicians is that once they are comfortable in office they try to oppose any threat to that comfort. Today the Maryland Democratic élite are sitting back in their plush, leather chairs, puffing a cigarette. The Ehrlich-Steele administration gave them a scare, but there was no comprehensive change in Maryland politics.

Once Martin O'Malley, who achieved very little as mayor of Baltimore save for "Believe" signs and false crime statistics, took office, the élite, such as Senate President Miller and Speaker Busch, were able to release a deep sigh. Their man was in office again. And their woman, Mayor Sheila Dixon, has secured here position in Baltimore.

So what is the solution to all of Maryland's ills? Another tax hike, thanks to O'Malley's "skill" at calling an emergency session of the General Assembly and pushing through the bill without much debate and with the opposition on its heels. Maryland's income tax, which is traditionally less progressive than most, will now be meeting reform. Also an inherently regressive sales tax hike will serve as O'Malley's generator of revenue.

Maryland's problems stem from its taxes, unions and poor governance driving away businesses that could inject capital into the state economy. Reform is needed in Maryland schools, especially those in Baltimore City and Garrett County. What Marylanders need is new ideas, not comfortable politicians. In democracies, politicians should be scared every minute of the day that they might lose their job. It makes them do a better job.

I have my doubts that people like Ehrlich, former Lt. Gov. Steele, State Senate Majority Leader Brinkley or Democratic "mavericks" will mount a significant opposition that might scare the Maryland elite. And without fear in their hearts, I have my doubts that O'Malley, Busch, Miller or Dixon will do anything but preserve the status quo that has served them so well.