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Dear Friends,
September has brought both the promise of new beginnings and the weight of tragic endings, with challenges woven throughout. It took me some time to gather my thoughts following the heartbreaking loss of Charlie Kirk. In the wake of his passing, it became clear how divided our country can be on certain issues. Yet, in this moment, I find myself caring even more deeply for my neighbors and community members. One thing Charlie and I shared was a love for debate, and it reminds me of one of the things I value most about Maryland: the promise of civil discourse. It is the silent agreement we make to respect each other’s humanity and our pursuit of freedom, regardless of our background. Do we have work to do? Absolutely. Will everyone be happy with every decision? No. Representing constituents is a lot like raising children, we must provide stability, make sacrifices, and leave the state better than we found it.
Political violence, regardless of the side of the aisle, is never acceptable. Just as we mourned the loss of a Democratic leader in Minnesota, tragically taken in her home, we also mourn the loss of a national leader in the Conservative movement, killed while speaking publicly. These acts, senseless and callous, carry unimaginable consequences and too often deepen divisions when we react impulsively.
Life is a gift, and the freedoms we enjoy today are the result of ancestors who risked everything 250 years ago. Simply waking up in Maryland is a blessing. We breathe clean air, watch sunsets with loved ones, support our local farmers at community markets, and rely on volunteers who show up when neighbors are in need. I urge everyone to engage with their communities, to reach out, and to support one another. Don’t suffer in silence, if political stress is weighing on you, take a break and call a friend.
Lastly, I was deeply concerned to hear about the recent threats against Maryland Senate President Ferguson, Maryland House Speaker Jones, and Governor Moore. While I disagree with my colleagues on the other side more than I agree, they're still my friends. Maryland is a small state, and we are all neighbors.
| | Days Cove Rubble Landfill: Permit to Dump "Trash Juice," despite multiple violations. | |
On September 16, community members met at a packed Perry Hall Library to discuss the permit that's been proposed by Day's Cove Rubble Landfill. I spoke against this permit, citing a variety of concerns from responsibility to environmental and health impacts. I was joined by my colleagues, Delegate Kathy Szeliga, Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, and Baltimore County Councilman David Marks.
An excerpt from the Gunpowder River Keeper:
"Days Cove Reclamation Company, 6425 Days Cove Rd., White Marsh, MD 21162, submitted an application for a permit to discharge an average of 12,500 gallons per day of treated leachate from a rubble fill located at 6425 Days Cove Rd., White Marsh, MD, to a swale leading to Gunpowder River via Gunpowder Falls (Use II)."
In my letter to Maryland Department of the Environment, I expressed opposition on the grounds of past violations and make three clear requests:
"I am vehemently opposed to the issuance of this permit. My foremost concern lies in the company’s troubling history of multiple violations, which raises serious doubts about their ability to safely and responsibly operate under such a permit. Beyond that, my constituents have made their concerns abundantly clear."
"The community has been clear in outlining three reasonable and necessary requests:
1. A comprehensive, independent environmental review that fully examines risks and evaluates alternatives.
2. Genuine consideration of non-discharge solutions, including off-site hauling or advanced treatment systems.
3. A transparent and detailed plan from MDE explains how nearby well users and the surrounding watershed will be safeguarded from harm."
Send your testimony, whether it’s a heartfelt letter, a short paragraph, or even a single sentence, to: paul.hlavinka@maryland.gov. Below is a letter I sent to MDE regarding this issue.
| | Visit to the Harford County Detention Center | | |
On August 27, 2025, my staff and I toured the Harford County Detention Center. The visit provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the facility’s operations, ongoing challenges, and needs, as well as to receive an update on Lt. Robert Burgess, the Harford County Sheriff’s Deputy injured during the August 26 highway incident. Sheriff Gahler described the detention center as one of the most modern in Maryland, noting multiple renovations over the years, and praised its dedicated personnel as the “best in the state.” Despite these improvements, staffing shortages remain a significant challenge, with 15 positions currently unfilled.
Both the Sheriff and Warden highlighted the impact of mandatory overtime on staff morale. During the tour, I received a thorough overview of daily operations, inmate management, and the wide array of services provided at the center. At the time, the facility housed 258 inmates, 197 of whom were pretrial detainees. The Warden emphasized the importance of preparing inmates for reentry, noting that 99% will eventually return to the community.
Programs at the detention center include community service coordination, educational resources, and medication-assisted treatment. The visit also shed light on broader statewide challenges faced by local detention facilities, including the rising costs of medical and mental health care mandated by the state.
“Mental health remains one of the greatest challenges for detention centers across Maryland,” the Warden noted, citing the growing number of inmates awaiting placement in mental health facilities. He stressed that correctional institutions are not designed for long-term treatment and called for increased support from the Maryland Department of Health.
I want to commend the Warden and staff for their professionalism and dedication. While incarceration is meant to hold individuals accountable, it should remain humane and tolerable. The system works best when good actors maintain high standards and bad actors are identified, and it is clear that the Harford County Detention Center is achieving this balance.
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Preparations are ramping up for the Test Pile Program as progress continues on the Key Bridge Rebuild. Equipment is arriving in Baltimore, and 220-foot-long, 8-foot-diameter test piles are being delivered to the site.
Beginning on or about September 27, 2025 (weather permitting), crews will drive piles into the Patapsco River and subject them to immense pressure to ensure they can support the future bridge structure. Construction will typically occur Monday through Saturday during daylight hours, with noise and vibration monitoring in place to minimize community disruption.
Residents and travelers can expect to see large equipment and crews both on land and in the water and may hear repetitive hammering sounds during pile driving. To stay informed, you can now sign up for text alerts with timely updates on construction activities, mariner notices, navigation updates, and community meetings.
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Urgent Community Need:
SARC of Harford County has requested blankets and baby bassinets. If you have items that can be donated, please contact Aheiderman@sarc-maryland.org.
SARC's mission states: "We are a lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking by providing safe haven, advocacy, resources and hope in Harford County."
| | During my last newsletter, on September 2, I posted that the Glenn L. Martin Open Cockpit and Car Show is being hosted on September 21. I'm sorry for any confusion this caused- there was an inaccurate date posted elsewhere. Glenn L. Martin is hosting this event on Saturday, September 27, 2025. | | |
Baltimore County:
A fun event for all! Baltimore has Fall Festivals Each Week.
Baltimore County will be hosting the Waterfront Festival in Essex, Maryland on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocky Point Park and Beach. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Baltimore County’s waterfront culture with water-based activities, live music, local vendors, exhibitors, food trucks, games, and more.
Visitors can also learn about the history of the waterfront industry and its impact on our community. Admission and parking are free, though some activities may have a small fee. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day exploring the beauty of our waterfront with family and friends.
| Baltimore County is seeking to fill 9 current vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Public School Capacity. Baltimore County Councilman If you are interested in having your voice heard, please consider applying. The application is open from September 17 to December 16, 2025. | | |
Harford County:
Congratulations to Raising Cane's on your Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Bel Air!
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