(l to r) Sen. Cardin’s representative Sue Kullen, DBED Secretary Mile Gill, Commissioner President Randy Guy, Rep. Hoyer’s representative John Bohanan, Commissioner Todd Morgan  and Sen. Mikulski’s representative Rachel Jones.

California, MD — The head of the state cabinet agency that supports business and encourages economic development says more needs to be done for the “Other Maryland.” Director of the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Mike Gill (shown at right)  was referring to the more rural areas of the state such as Southern Maryland, Eastern Shore and Western Maryland.

“We can’t get it done if it’s always about 1,000 jobs in life sciences in Montgomery County,” Gill told attendees at a luncheon for him in St. Mary’s County June 2nd at Country Inn and Suites in California. About 30 government leaders, county staff, legislative representatives and private industry representatives attended the luncheon.

Gill said he hopes to make one person in his agency in charge of helping the “Other Maryland” with economic development needs.

Gill had just come from a tour of Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He said he told NAS Commanding Officer Capt. Heidi Fleming after the tour – “I get it.” Gill said if there is an issue involving the base, “I am going in fighting for it.” He said it would be an easy fight because of the importance of the base.

Gill said his agency is in the middle of a reorganization that would create a Department of Commerce, which would pull in all agencies involved in business and economic development. That reorganization was recommended by the Augustine Commission, of which former Delegate John Bohanan was a member.

Bohanan was at the luncheon representing Rep. Steny Hoyer. Gill congratulated Bohanan and said the commission’s work was entering an important phase because they will be looking at taxation. “I think we are going to get our attitude in the right place,” Gill said about taxation. He said he couldn’t speak for Gov. Hogan, but “taxes aren’t going to go up in the state of Maryland in the Hogan Administration.”

Gill also touted the reconstituting of the state Economic Development Commission chaired by Arniban Basu, an economist who often speaks at events in Southern Maryland. Gill said he told Basu that he suspected that at least 41 of the states would willingly exchange place with Maryland’s economy. Basu responded it would be more like 45 states.

Gill said the state is in discussion to snag a Fortune 500 company’s headquarters relocation “How cool would that be!” he boasted. Gill also said the state added 15,000 jobs in April.

Also during the luncheon the county commissioners presented a slide show about the county for Gill’s benefit. Gill also recently met with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com