Leonardtown, MD – Thursday, Feb. 12, we celebrate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Del. Matt Morgan, who celebrated Feb. 5.

MD GOP Chair Diana Waterman reminds us that Feb. 6 would have been Ronald Reagan’s 104th birthday. The Fifth Annual Reagan Ball will be held at the Turf Valley Hotel and Conference Center in Ellicott City Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. with live music from Appaloosa, and hors d’oeuvres and desserts.  Black tie optional. Tickets are $100 per person. You may RSVP to: www.mdgop.org or at  410-263-2125.

The State of the State
Governor Larry Hogan delivered his first State of the State address  Jan. 28 with a speech that was cheered by Republicans and was predictably criticized by Democrats.

The Minority Report 2015 Session Update for Week 4 provides a summary of the speech, saying that Hogan’s ambitious agenda includes, among other features, plans to:
1. Repeal of the Rain Tax
2. Remove automatic increases in the Gas Tax
3. Improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay
4. Combat the heroin problem
5. Create non-partisan solutions to re-districting our gerrymandered state
6. Eliminate income tax on military retiree pensions
7. Eliminate personal property income tax for businesses having less than $10,000 in personal property
8. Exempt retired law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency personnel from tax on retirement income specific to their service as a first-responder

John Wagner’s Washington Post article of Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, “Hogan Reaches Out to Senate, House Leaders,” details Hogan’s efforts to reach out to Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. and to House Speaker Michael E. Busch in the hopes of getting together with them this week.

Both Miller and Busch criticized Hogan’s first State of the State address, saying that it sounded more like a campaign speech. Busch reported that he and the governor might be meeting for breakfast this week. Hogan spokesman Doug Mayer noted that the governor has reiterated his commitment to bipartisanship exemplified by his efforts to meet with legislators from both sides of the aisle to discuss ways to make Maryland a better place in which to live.

It seems likely that the Governor will meet soon with both Republican and Democratic legislators at Chick and Ruth’s Dilly in Annapolis over a bowl of Bipartisan Soup – a concoction of both Maryland Crab Soup and Cream of Crab Soup credited to First Daughter, Jayme Sterling. He has stated publically that the blend of the two soups just kind of “melds”, and that he is optimistic both parties will be able to forge a bipartisan harmony during the next four years.

Ellyn en Pointe has frequently quoted from Joseph Curl’s numerous insightful articles for The Washington Times. Now the Times and the political reporter/editor have announced a project called Right Read which will be designed to give readers a rapid intelligence sheet on each day’s most important political, policy and cultural news. The project will have a Web portal, able to be accessed throughout the day at: www.washingtontimes.com/rightread or www.rightread.com. It will include Mr. Curl’s original reports and analysis, headlines, and links from around the world. The Times says that the portal’s brand promise is “Get Right with the News in Five Minutes or Less”. Right Read sounds “right on”! Mr. Curl may be reached at: jcurl@washingtontimes.com, and onTwitter@joseph.curl.

Red Scarf Day
Join Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW) for Red Scarf Day in Annapolis Tuesday, Feb. 17. This event is free to MFRW members who have paid 2015 dues; $15 for non-members and guests ($20 if you need a red scarf). RSVP to:smc54@atlanticbb.net.

MD State Boards and Commissions
There are numerous state boards and commissions with vacancies yet to be filled. Although these are not salaried positions, Maryland reimburses travel expenses connected to board/commission membership. To see the complete listing and to apply at Governor Hogan’s transition website, you may contact:https://apply.hogantransition.com.

Lunch with Senator Steve Waugh
Join Maryland Senator Steve Waugh for lunch in the Olde Town Pub’s Side Room located at 22785 Washington Street in Leonardtown Saturday, Feb. 21 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.  Learn more about his plans and goals for District 29, and be ready to ask questions. Sodas will be provided; attendees may purchase lunch on their own. For more information and to RSVP you may contact St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee Chair Julie Burk-Greer at jbgreer@smcrep.org, or at(301)475-8709.

Events Around Town
Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance holds a Contra Dance to coincide with Valentine’s Day this Saturday, Feb. 14 featuring caller Greg Frock. The dance will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall located at 37497 Zach Fowler Road in Chaptico. Doors open for Beginners’ instruction at 7 p.m. with dancing at 7:30 p.m. An Ice Cream Social will follow. The charge is $10 for non-members; $6 for members (band members are admitted free). For more information you may contact: www.smtmd.org.