BALTIMORE, MD (May 21, 2018) – Democratic candidate for governor Jim Shea emphasized his executive experience in key issue areas in the first Democratic gubernatorial debate on Monday.
His opening statement highlighted his history as a “lifelong Baltimorean,” as well as his accomplished career leading the twelve public colleges in the University System of Maryland, fighting for mass transit, and revitalizing small businesses in East and West Baltimore. He summarized, “I have real experience in real issues with real results.”
“While Marylanders have been focused on Donald Trump, Larry Hogan has led our state in the wrong direction,” Shea said, citing Maryland’s decline in education rankings, worst traffic congestion in the country, and economy that lags behind the nation. He continued, “Brandon Scott and I will get Maryland back on track. With wise investments, we will make Maryland a better state for our children.”
Throughout the question and answer portion, Shea emphasized the interdependency among education, transportation, and economic development, and stressed that his comprehensive policy plans integrate those key issue areas.
In response to a question on education, Shea focused on better pay and a greater career track for teachers. Addressing the economy, he said, “I will invest in education and transportation infrastructure and limit our dependence on federal jobs. I’ve spent my career growing jobs in Maryland, and I will do the same as Governor.”
Shea had already solidified his status as the strongest candidate on transportation, as the inaugural chair of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance and the only candidate to release a full transportation plan. At the debate, he referenced his work at CMTA fighting for the Red Line and Hogan’s forfeiture of almost a billion dollars in federal funding. Shea recounted his experience with BaltimoreLink, Hogan’s so-called replacement for the Red Line. He said, “Last year I tried to take a bus from Sandtown-Winchester to the Amazon warehouse, a major jobs center. Two hours later, I still wasn’t there.”
Shea also pledged to address violent crime in Baltimore, along with his running mate Brandon Scott, who is chair of the Baltimore City Council Public Safety Committee. “We have three major problems that are contributing to a public safety crisis: an epidemic of violent crime, a poor system of restorative justice, and a lack of community trust in law enforcement,” Shea said. “We have to address all three simultaneously.”
Shea recently launched a statewide tv commercial highlighting his accomplishments and bio. Through debates and advertising, Shea is poised to take a commanding lead among the field.
About Jim Shea and Brandon Scott
Jim Shea is the former Chair of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland, the Empower Baltimore Management Corporation, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. He is also the former Chair of Venable LLP, the largest law firm in the state of Maryland.
Brandon Scott is a Baltimore City Councilmember and Chair of the Public Safety Committee. He has served as a community organizer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and as a representative on the boards of the CollegeBound Foundation, the Center for Urban Families, and Baltimore Community Mediation Center. He is a graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore and St. Mary’s College of Maryland.