Md. candidate joins union to oppose hospital closure; GOP candidates get endorsements
Dem governor candidate joins union opposing closing of hospital center
Former U.S. Labor Secretary and Democratic candidate for Maryland governor Tom Perez and his running mate, former Baltimore City Councilwoman Shannon Sneed, joined AFSCME Council 3 members Friday to oppose the closure of Western Maryland Hospital Center and other facilities.
The Maryland Department of Health’s 2041 Facilities Master Plan, released in late 2021, states a goal of transferring services from several facilities — including the hospital center in Hagerstown and Deer’s Head Hospital Center in Salisbury — to health care and community providers.
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“This plan is another attempt to privatize public services despite the critical role these facilities play in providing middle-class jobs to Hagerstown and Salisbury, respectively," AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran said in a news release.
"Our members are fighting for their jobs and fighting to ensure their patients have continued access to the vital public services they’re counting on.”
County delegate endorsed by Conservative Political Action Coalition
The Conservative Political Action Coalition, other known as CPAC, announced last week its endorsement for Del. Neil Parrot, R-Washington, for his bid for congressman in Maryland's 6th District.
Parrott said in a news release that he was honored and thankful to receive an endorsement from CPAC.
"I look forward to working to support families and individuals by defending and expanding their freedoms as I campaign for Congress and then hopefully go to Congress early next year," Parrot said.
Schulz endorsed by House Minority Leader
Maryland House Minority Leader Jason Buckel announced his endorsement for Secretary of the Department of Commerce Kelly Schulz for her bid for governor. Buckel called Schulz an experienced and capable leader for Maryland.
"Kelly will fight to cut taxes, be tough on crime and improve our schools with common sense policies that put kids and parents first," Buckel said in a news release. "As the House Republican Leader, I know she will work with Republicans from across Maryland to help every region of our state prosper."
Governor announces cabinet appointment
Gov. Larry Hogan announced his appointment of Horacio Tablada as secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment last week.
Tablada serves currently as the deputy secretary for the department and has had more than 30 years of experience as an environmental leader in Maryland. He succeeds Ben Grumbles.
"I want to thank Gov. Hogan for his confidence and for the appointment as secretary of the Department of the Environment," Tablada said in a news release.
"I look forward to serving the citizens of Maryland and continuing to advance the science-based policies that have resulted in cleaner air, a cleaner Chesapeake Bay, sustainable and restored properties and protection of our children from lead poisoning."
