http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/10/18/news/opinion/editorial/editorial851.txt

GOP needs a seat at the table

Editorial, Carroll County Times

October 18, 2007

The warm and fuzzy bipartisanship touted earlier this year by Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley seems to be over, meaning that the state's elected Republicans will have a more difficult time getting any attention for their agenda items and limiting debate on controversial issues.

Republicans kept up their criticism of O'Malley this week, saying the special session called by the governor is ill-thought-out and complaining because they have not been part of the process.

O'Malley's soldiers say they are willing to listen to Republican proposals. They just haven't heard any specifics yet.

They should look in the mirror.

The lack of specifics is one of the reasons why Republicans and even some Democrats are opposed to having a special session. O'Malley hasn't even drafted any proposed legislation yet. He merely floated several budget proposals - most involving tax increases - and says these measures will fix the deficit left over from the Republican administration.

Republicans, for their part, have been going around the state touting a plan that caps government spending - something that interestingly enough they did not do when a Republican governor was in office - as the primary way to reduce a project $1.7 billion deficit.

In a rational world, the governor would look at the Republican proposal and the two parties would come together to utilize the best options proposed by each party to limit the negative impact on residents while achieving balanced budget goals.

O'Malley came into office earlier this year pledging to not minimize the minority party and saying that they would be a part of decisions aimed at moving the state forward.

He needs to stay true to that philosophy.

As it stands, the Republican plan for balancing the budget is more complete and detailed than O'Malley's. Plus, it doesn't rely mainly on tax increases to achieve a balanced budget.