01 20 09 Obama Quotes

8/14/2019 01 20 09 Obama Quotes

1/4

LAW

COVERAGE

SECTION

B MARKETPLACE

10A

$210 per year$1 per copy

MARYLANDS BUSINESS & LEGAL NEWS SINCE 1888

T U E S D AY

HOW TO REACH US

Subscriptions

1-800-451-9998

News 410-752-3849

Advertising 410-752-1717

Reprints 410-752-3849

January 20, 2009 Volume 120 Number 89

B Y L I Z F A R M E R

[email protected]

Simply put, its good old American capitalism,and Maryland merchants have been finding ways tocash in big.

While Tuesdays inauguration of Barack Obamaas president of the United States symbolizes, tomany, the realization of an American dream, for re-tailers it represents a chance to breathe some lifeinto their struggling industry and promote any-thing and everything Obama-related right down

to cupcakes and baseballs.Top-selling items have been T-shirts and other

commemorative gear, which has had screenersbusy filling orders for weeks.

Kevin Fulmer, co-owner of Screen Designs& Promotions , said the demand has driven hugespikes in his business during a month that is typi-cally quiet. He said his Davidsonville business hashad more than 300,000 Web hits since mid-De-cember and has sold nearly 10,000 items in the

The selling of the president (RETAIL

SEE RETAIL PAGE 2A

In todays MarylandLawyer

FMLA:Same law, new

rules.

Some of hisfocus is righton in infras-tructure, es-

pecially trans- p o r t a t i o n ,which is terri-

bly important in Maryland. Imhopeful that his emphasis on in-frastructure would allow us tocomplete some worthy projects,like the Red Line. One thing

you have to recognize is the huge

amount of stimulus thats being put forward today may have someadverse consequences down theroad in terms of inflation. Youwant to make sure there are noside effects of the fiscal drugwere about to take.

Atwood Woody Collins III, President, M&T Bank Corp. Mid-Atlantic division

The Obamaadministration

promises acommitmentto rethinkinghealth care in

America. Thefocus is on the importance of health care to every American bothin terms of their economic and per-sonal security. Were seeing theObama administration bring a setof thought leaders that holds the

promise of having a much-neededcollective conversation about howto best change the health care sys-tem in America. They provide theopportunity for the critical con-

versation that many people havebeen waiting for.

Carmela Coyle, President and CEO, Maryland Hospital Association

Im hopingfor majorchange in im-migration law,as well as inthe way for-eign policy is

set and practiced. I would hopethat they dont change the lawsconcerning citizenship-by-birth,which has been batted around.[The administration should] per-mit a path to legalization for peoplethat are already here. I think, es-

pecially in this last year, weve seenthat the destruction of families and

just blanket sweep of people out of the U.S is costing our economydearly. Youve got U.S. farmers thatare refusing to grow crops becausethey have no one to harvest them.Thats insane.

Linda A. Dominguez, LA Dominguez Law

I think every-body is obvi-ously hopingfor the best.Obamas com-ing into a hor-nets nest. I

dont necessarily feel sorry for whathes doing coming into the worsteconomy weve seen in a long time,but at the same time, hes so fardown at the bottom that he canonly go up. One thing Ive seen inthis election that I havent seen inmy life is the amount of people whohave been galvanizing around [Oba-ma]. Theres really been a broadband of people rallying around himand thats a good thing because itbrings people together instead of fighting him.

Patrick Turner, President,Turner Development Co.

InsideA miniature version of aNeiman Marcus departmentstore has been set up in the lob-by of the St. Regis Hotel inWashington since Thursday,and it will remain open untilthe last inaugural ballgoershave their Manolos shined andtheir bow ties tied.

Uncover Storyc Online FeaturesI Auction Sales ..................................20C

I Calendar of Events..........................13A I Marketplace ....................................10A I Public Notice....................................15A

www.mddailyrecord.com

On the RECORD blogFollow the link on our Web site

I have greathope and ex-

pectations. Ithink that, of course, he willgrasp the ne-cessities of

the economy because obviouslyduring the campaign and now herecognizes thats the foremost

problem of the country. ... I lookfor him to, as Bush tried to sayearlier, have a kinder, gentler ad-

ministration in terms of helpingthe disadvantaged. I look for the

Justice Department to be com- pletely reversed in its involvementin human rights and civil rights.

And I look forward to his SupremeCourt appointments.

A. Dwight Pettit,The Law Office of

A. Dwight Pettit, P.A.

Thinking longterm we arehopeful that wecan both revital-

ize the economy and transi-t ion into a clean energyeconomy. Our goals are verymuch in line with what Pres-ident-elect Obama has beensaying. He wants to doubleour alternative energy overthe next three years; hewants to create or sustainover 4 million new jobs. Itcan happen if were carefulabout the stepswe take now torevitalize oureconomy.

Tommy Landers, Policy Advocate, Environment Maryland

Hopes and fears for the new adminDaily Record reporters askedmembers of Marylands businessand legal communities what their

hopes and fears were as BarackObama takes the oath of officeas the 44th president of the Unit-ed States at noon on Tuesday.

LitigationNew documents surface inExxon trial.

Page 1B

More hopes and fears on Pages 6A, 8A and 9A

THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA

We have greathopes for the new president. Despitethe challenging eco-

nomic times, people are excitedabout the future and what thischange represents. As a citythat depends on a vibranttourism industry, it is more im-

portant than ever to restoreconsumer confi-dence and get peo-

ple spending again.

Tom Noonan President, BACVA

Strong demand for Obama merchandise is good news

President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden wave to the crowd Saturday at the MARC train station inEdgewood en route to Washington for Tuesdays inauguration.

R I C H D E N N I S O N

8/14/2019 01 20 09 Obama Quotes

2/4

6A T H E D A I L Y R E C O R D T U E S D A Y , J A N U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 0 9

Its a reaffirmation of our democratic pro-cesses. My hope is that we not havechange for the sake of change that en-dangers the long-term health of the coun-try. Certainly in the area of national se-curity, but also on the economic front andon the social front. The social fabric of this country should not be ripped apartfor the sake of saying we changed it.

Anthony J. ODonnell, Minority Leader, Maryland House of Delegates

In my world right now, getting money forboth housing and commercial development[is most important]. The whole TARP thingisnt doing what they expected it to do.

James C. Richardson, Director, Harford County Office of Economic Development

Ive been pleasantly surprised at how the

president-elects administration has already[begun working] on the economy, which isthe No. 1 issue for the country. Im alsohopeful that the Obama administration willtackle the deficit, Social Security andhealth care issues that the country needs tohave addressed. I think the onus is going tobe on Congress to put partisanship aside.

Kathleen T. Snyder, President and CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce

I think really were just looking to see an at-titude of making investments in areas thatwill spur the economy and doing so as quick-ly as possible, [such as] transportation, hous-

ing, public education building, water andsewer. Theres a lot of things that we coulduse some significant investment in andwould help us address these problems.

Donald C. Fry, President and CEO,Greater Baltimore Committee

Universal health care. I know PresidentTruman has tried it; President Nixon hastried it; President Clinton has tried univer-sal health care. Its very difficult because of the competing interest of doctors, insur-ance companies, and the increasing costof health care, but if anyone can make ithappen, its him.

Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., President, Maryland Senate

For retailers, we certainly hope the stimulus package gets consumers spending again andthat it works. Not much else is going to begood or helpful for us until we can get theeconomy back on track, especially becausethe first half of the year is going to be verytough for our industry.

Tom Saquella, President, Maryland Retailers Association

I hope that this administration does abetter job than the last to take care of theneeds of needy Americans. Wheres the

promise of America where you cant evensurvive, you cant get the day-to-day needs?That dream of opportunity has becomealmost imagination, because if you cantsurvive day to day, how do you dream?

Timothy M. Dixon, Law Offices of Timothy M. Dixon

I guess everybody has a lot of hopes andwe all wish him great success. From our in-dustry perspective, our greatest concernis economic conditions. The ColumbiaBank would very much like continued em-

phasis on the stimulus package and whatwe can to do to help the industry throughthis rough time.

John Scaldara Jr., President and CEO,The Columbia Bank

I think well see an energy policy that willencourage renewables. I would hope thathe would also continue with what he talkedabout in the campaign, which was not mak-ing renewables the only option, but makingit so that renewables and other energysources are part of the mix along with tra-ditional resources. Everyone expects thatclimate change policy will come down fair-ly early in the administration and that itwill be a national approach rather than astate-by-state approach, which would be

pretty welcome. I think in the next four years those of us in the energy industrywill be very busy.

Todd Chason, Lobbyist, Maryland Energy Group

Its said sometimes were the R party forrestaurants when it comes to our industry,not siding with Democrats or Republicans.Well do our best job to communicate withany leader about the role the restaurant

plays in Maryland and the U.S. economy.We are confident that President-elect Obamahas a favorite restaurant or two, and wewelcome the opportunity to share the in-dustrys stories with his team as he shapes

policy for Americas future.

Paul Hartgen President, Restaurant Association of Maryland

I was particularly pleased that President-elect Obama named a Baltimorean, MargoLion, and George Stevens Jr., who found-ed the American Film Institute, to co-chairhis arts and policy committee, and thatwas one of the first [committees] henamed. I think that points to his commit-

ment to the arts and education, and hisadministration has already demonstratedthey want to cultivate and inspire a cre-ative citizenry.

Hannah Byron. Assistant Secretary, DBEDs Office of Tourism, Film and the Arts

Local law enforcement worked with the Secret Service during President-elect Barack Obamas rolling stopin Edgewood on Saturday.



8/14/2019 01 20 09 Obama Quotes

3/4

8A T H E D A I L Y R E C O R D T U E S D A Y , J A N U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 0 9

Armed with signs and flags, supporters waited in 20 degree weather to see Barack Obama Saturday inEdgewood as the President-elects train slowed to a crawl on its way to Washington.


Obviously we have a president whos very enthusiastic about sports in generaland how he perceives things like the[Bowl Championship Series] and thatthere needs to be playoffs at the champi-onship level. Seeing Baracks day-to-dayinteraction and passion for sports, hope-fully that attitude will bring a positivebenefit to the sports world.

Terry Hasseltine, Sports marketing director, DBED

In terms of our industry, theres a lot of dis-cussion about the stimulus [package]. JimRouse [the late developer and urban vi-sionary] used to say that every challenge is

just an opportunity in disguise. I thinktheres an incredible amount of opportuni-ty coming out of the $850 billion or trillion-dollar stimulus package, if were smartabout it. I think the key thing in the stimu-lus is to be thoughtful and creative abouthow we invest those dollars for big-timeimpact, not just in creating a few con-struction jobs, but really teeing up the per-manent jobs, so that the stimulus is not

just used to repave a few highways in the

middle of nowhere, and instead look atthings like investing in infrastructure forEBDI [East Baltimore Development Inc., anonprofit, public-private partnership that isrevitalizing parts of East Baltimore], sincelife sciences is such an important part of Baltimores future, or at UMB Biopark, orat Harborpoint, for infrastructure aroundMorgan Stanley, which is 900 new jobs.

Those are ones where you can say thatthese are not just construction jobs, but permanent jobs.

C. William Bill Struever President, Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse

Were a resilient group, so obviously werein a cyclical business where weve beenthrough these downturns in the past. But un-like previous downturns, this one is so muchmore global. Manufacturing is affected,everything is affected. We feel that hous-ing has to come first. Theyve tried to patchup the finance industry to an extent, butwe represent such a large economic poten-tial, that we deserve attention. Were lookingforward to Obama, but you almost look for-ward to anyone at this point who [repre-sents] a change. We think [economicstimulus] does have to come from the fed-eral government. Knowing that the statehas a huge deficit, the only thing we expectfrom them is those relief sort of things, withthe building permits, with things like that.

Michael Owings, President, Home Builders Association of Md.

Its exciting from our perspective, to seethat affordable housing is even an issue

being addressed. But even that is just a di-alogue that was used in the presidentialdebates, that its a national issue that usedto be largely just a grassroots discussion.From what weve seen of the Obama ad-ministration, we think he will be committedto affordable housing, not only what to dowith all the vacant properties that havebeen left behind by the foreclosure crisis to

people who need and want decent and af-fordable housing, its an issue.

Anne Balcer Norton, Director of Foreclosure Prevention, St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center

There will be those who say because we

elected someone of this ethnicity, all of our problems with race have been over-come. There will be those who use this asan excuse to ignore real problems that ex-ist. I dont think [Obamas victory]should be taken for more than its worth.One person of color got elected to a par-ticular position. I dont know how muchthat says about how we deal with peoplewe come in contact with every day.

Anthony P. Ashton, DLA Piper

I think he is absolutely the man we needright now. He brings the hope but he also

brings the substance. I think hell take ac-tion on Day One on Guantanamo. I antici- pate the Justice Department will return toits fundamental mission. I like his commit-ment to urban issues; I think the cities havebeen given inadequate attention. Weve al-ready seen action on labor issues and un-employment. A whole lot of energy will bededicated to the economy, but I think withthe quality of people coming in well see a

very substantive policy. Im just concernedthat with the hand hes been dealt with hewont be able to do what he wants to do.

Kathleen Cahill, Solo practitioner whose Towson office served as a Maryland headquarters for the Obama campaign


8/14/2019 01 20 09 Obama Quotes

4/4

T H E D A I L Y R E C O R D 9AT U E S D A Y , J A N U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 0 9

Members of the crowd to see Barack Obama at the Edgewood MARC train station Saturday strain to get a photoof the President-elect.


There seems to be a marked differencein [the foreign-born facultys and stu-dents] confidence and respect in thecountry. In my 20 years here, its the first

presidential inauguration that Ive seenany interest and involvement. There aresuch high expectations, but from every-thing Ive seen he and his administrationare up to the challenge. Hes looking forthe most informed voice, not who meetshis ideological qualifications. On so manylevels, there is a greater likelihood of

peace in the change in our approach tothe global community.

Jane C. Murphy, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs,University of Baltimore School of Law

Its almost like a global movement. Ithas so many multiple meanings and itcomes at a time when our country needshealing. Its only a second thought thatObama is a man of African ancestry.Thats the kind of uniter we need. Hesnot going to solve all the problems andhes going to make mistakes, but theyllbe well-meaning mistakes. Ill be happy if when he leaves office were in a muchbetter position economically and wevesolved the wars on two fronts. I hope webecome a kinder nation. Every time I seeMichelle Obama, there will be a smile onmy face. To think that a black woman isfirst lady, and such a wonderfully edu-cated and accomplished one at that, isabsolutely phenomenal.

Taunya Lovell Banks, Jacob A. France Professor of Equality Jurisprudence,University of Maryland School of Law

Im hopeful well have a resolution of theIraqi conflict and that well be able to ad-dress the suffering of people in the UnitedStates who have been hurt by the financialcrisis. I do think that he has the visionand the acumen, along with the peoplethat hes chosen for the Cabinet positions,to really bring some peace and comfort tothose in need.

Judge Lynne A. Battaglia, Maryland Court of Appeals

I hope that the Obama administrationcan lead the American public and theirelected representatives from both partiestoward an effective consensus on how toact quickly to address the financial cri-sis. Perhaps this bipartisan cooperationcan then be extended to help move be-

yond the partisan gamesmanship that has plagued Washington, so that our govern-ment can find creative and effective so-lutions to the other critical issues facing

America at home and abroad.

Dennis M. Robinson Jr.,Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP

Im a Democrat; Im a screaming liberal;I cannot be more excited. Were seeingsomebody whos so bright and thoughtful. Im not nave. I know honeymoons end,but Im so excited.

Professor Byron L. Warnken,University of Baltimore School of Law

We have not comprehensively dealt withimmigration issues. We [prosecutors] areforced to deal with it on an ad hoc basis.I am hoping he [Obama] will help us.

John J. McCarthy: Montgomery County States Attorney

I dont have any expectations other thanI think Obama, his lead-up to the inaugu-ration, has been spectacular. He thinks,he plans. Im really excited. I actuallydecided the morning of [the election] whoI was going to vote for and Im very

pleased. At 7 oclock in the morning, Ithought we do need change. Hes goingto get us back on track, I hope.

Richard Winelander, Baltimore solo practitioner

I dont like a tax evader put in charge of the Treasury and the IRS. I dont like Hold-er [because of the Marc Rich pardon].

Aside from that, I have hope that [Oba-ma] can do what he seems to want to do,and that is stop the bickering and come upwith some solutions. I hope he does well.I voted for him frankly because he select-ed Joe Biden as his vice president, andfrankly its the first decision that a nomi-nee for president has to make, and Ithought that was a great, great selection.

M. Albert Figinski, Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos PC


01 20 09 Obama Quotes

Documents

Transcript of 01 20 09 Obama Quotes