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January 20, 2009 • Volume 120 • Number 89

THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA

Hopes and fears for the new administration Daily Record reporters asked members of Maryland’s business and legal communities what their hopes and fears were as Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States at noon on Tuesday.

RICH DENNISON

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Tom Noonan President, BACVA

President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden wave to the crowd Saturday at the MARC train station in Edgewood en route to Washington for Tuesday’s inauguration.

“Some of his focus is right on in infrastructure, especially transportation, which is terribly important in Maryland. I’m hopeful that his emphasis on infrastructure would allow us to complete some worthy projects, like the Red Line. … One thing you have to recognize is the huge amount of stimulus that’s being put forward today may have some adverse consequences down the road in terms of inflation. You want to make sure there are no side effects of the fiscal drug we’re about to take.”

“I have great hope and expectations. I think that, of course, he will grasp the necessities of the economy because obviously during the campaign and now he recognizes that’s the foremost problem of the country. ... I look for him to, as Bush tried to say earlier, have a kinder, gentler administration in terms of helping the disadvantaged. I look for the Justice Department to be completely reversed in its involvement in human rights and civil rights. And I look forward to his Supreme Court appointments.”

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

A. Dwight Pettit, The Law Office of A. Dwight Pettit, P.A.

“I’m hoping for major change in immigration law, as well as in the way foreign policy is set and practiced. I would hope that they don’t change the laws concerning citizenship-by-birth, which has been batted around. [The administration should] permit a path to legalization for people that are already here. I think, especially in this last year, we’ve seen that the destruction of families and just blanket sweep of people out of the U.S … is costing our economy dearly. You’ve got U.S. farmers that are refusing to grow crops because they have no one to harvest them. That’s insane.” Linda A. Dominguez, LA Dominguez Law

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We have great hopes for the new president. Despite the challenging economic times, people are excited about the future and what this change represents. As a city that depends on a vibrant tourism industry, it is more important than ever to restore consumer confidence and get people spending again.

Thinking long term we are hopeful that we can both revitalize the economy and transition into a clean energy economy. Our goals are very much in line with what President-elect Obama has been saying. He wants to double our alternative energy over the next three years; he wants to create or sustain over 4 million new jobs. It can happen if we’re careful about the steps we take now to revitalize our economy. Tommy Landers, Policy Advocate, Environment Maryland

“I think everybody is obviously hoping for the best. Obama’s coming into a hornets’ nest. I don’t necessarily feel sorry for what he’s doing — coming into the worst economy we’ve seen in a long time, but at the same time, he’s so far down at the bottom that he can only go up. … One thing I’ve seen in this election that I haven’t seen in my life is the amount of people who have been galvanizing around [Obama]. There’s really been a broad band of people rallying around him and that’s a good thing because it brings people together instead of fighting him.”

“The Obama administration promises a commitment to rethinking health care in America. The focus is on the importance of health care to every American both in terms of their economic and personal security. We’re seeing the Obama administration bring a set of thought leaders that holds the promise of having a much-needed collective conversation about how to best change the health care system in America. They provide the opportunity for the critical conversation that many people have been waiting for.”

Patrick Turner, President, Turner Development Co.

Carmela Coyle, President and CEO, Maryland Hospital Association

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

Features

c Online

■ Auction Sales

Uncover Story

A miniature version of a Neiman Marcus department store has been set up in the lobby of the St. Regis Hotel in Washington since Thursday, and it will remain open until the last inaugural ballgoers have their Manolos shined and their bow ties tied.

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■ Calendar of Events..........................13A ■ Marketplace

....................................10A ■ Public Notice....................................15A

Inside Litigation New documents surface in Exxon trial. Page 1B

www.mddailyrecord.com

On the RECORD blog Follow the link on our Web site

LAW COVERAGE SECTION B

RETAIL

The selling of the president (elect) Strong demand for Obama merchandise is good news BY LIZ FARMER [email protected]

Simply put, it’s good old American capitalism, and Maryland merchants have been finding ways to cash in big. While Tuesday’s inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States symbolizes, to many, the realization of an American dream, for retailers it represents a chance to breathe some life into their struggling industry and promote anything and everything Obama-related — right down

to cupcakes and baseballs. Top-selling items have been T-shirts and other commemorative gear, which has had screeners busy filling orders for weeks. Kevin Fulmer, co-owner of Screen Designs & Promotions, said the demand has driven huge spikes in his business during a month that is typically quiet. He said his Davidsonville business has had more than 300,000 Web hits since mid-December and has sold nearly 10,000 items in the SEE RETAIL PAGE 2A

MARKETPLACE 10A

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009

6A T H E D A I L Y R E C O R D

THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA “I think we’ll see an energy policy that will encourage renewables. I would hope that he would also continue with what he talked about in the campaign, which was not making renewables the only option, but making it so that renewables and other energy sources are part of the mix along with traditional resources. Everyone expects that climate change policy will come down fairly early in the administration and that it will be a national approach rather than a state-by-state approach, which would be pretty welcome. I think in the next four years those of us in the energy industry will be very busy.”

“It’s a reaffirmation of our democratic processes. My hope is that we not have change for the sake of change that endangers the long-term health of the country. Certainly in the area of national security, but also on the economic front and on the social front. The social fabric of this country should not be ripped apart for the sake of saying we changed it.” Anthony J. O’Donnell, Minority Leader, Maryland House of Delegates

“In my world right now, getting money for both housing and commercial development [is most important]. The whole TARP thing isn’t doing what they expected it to do.”

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how the president-elect’s administration has already [begun working] on the economy, which is the No. 1 issue for the country. I’m also hopeful that the Obama administration will tackle the … deficit, Social Security and health care issues that the country needs to have addressed. I think the onus is going to be on Congress to put partisanship aside.”

RICH DENNISON

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

Todd Chason, Lobbyist, Maryland Energy Group

Local law enforcement worked with the Secret Service during President-elect Barack Obama’s rolling stop in Edgewood on Saturday.

“Universal health care. I know President Truman has tried it; President Nixon has tried it; President Clinton has tried universal health care. It’s very difficult because of the competing interest of doctors, insurance companies, and the increasing cost of health care, but if anyone can make it happen, it’s him.”

“I hope that this administration does a better job than the last to take care of the needs of needy Americans. … Where’s the promise of America where you can’t even survive, you can’t get the day-to-day needs? That dream of opportunity has become almost imagination, because if you can’t survive day to day, how do you dream?”

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

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

“I think really we’re just looking to see an attitude of making investments in areas that will spur the economy and doing so as quickly as possible, [such as] transportation, housing, public education building, water and sewer. There’s a lot of things that we could use some significant investment in and would help us address these problems.”

“For retailers, we certainly hope the stimulus package gets consumers spending again and that it works. Not much else is going to be good or helpful for us until we can get the economy back on track, especially because the first half of the year is going to be very tough for our industry.”

“I guess everybody has a lot of hopes and we all wish him great success. From our industry perspective, our greatest concern is economic conditions. The Columbia Bank would very much like continued emphasis on the stimulus package and what we can to do to help the industry through this rough time.”

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

Tom Saquella, President, Maryland Retailers Association

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

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

“It’s said sometimes we’re the “R” party for restaurants when it comes to our industry, not siding with Democrats or Republicans. We’ll do our best job to communicate with any leader about the role the restaurant plays in Maryland and the U.S. economy. We are confident that President-elect Obama has a favorite restaurant or two, and we welcome the opportunity to share the industry’s stories with his team as he shapes policy for America’s future.” Paul Hartgen President, Restaurant Association of Maryland

“I was particularly pleased that Presidentelect Obama named a Baltimorean, Margo Lion, and George Stevens Jr., who founded the American Film Institute, to co-chair his arts and policy committee, and that was one of the first [committees] he named. I think that points to his commitment to the arts and education, and his administration has already demonstrated they want to cultivate and inspire a creative citizenry.” Hannah Byron. Assistant Secretary, DBED’s Office of Tourism, Film and the Arts

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009

8A T H E D A I L Y R E C O R D

THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA “Obviously we have a president who’s very enthusiastic about sports in general and how he perceives things like the [Bowl Championship Series] and that there needs to be playoffs at the championship level. Seeing Barack’s day-to-day interaction and passion for sports, hopefully that attitude will bring a positive benefit to the sports world.”

middle of nowhere, and instead look at things like investing in infrastructure for EBDI [East Baltimore Development Inc., a nonprofit, public-private partnership that is revitalizing parts of East Baltimore], since life sciences is such an important part of Baltimore’s future, or at UMB Biopark, or at Harborpoint, for infrastructure around Morgan Stanley, which is 900 new jobs. Those are ones where you can say that these are not just construction jobs, but permanent jobs.”

Terry Hasseltine, Sports marketing director, DBED

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

RICH DENNISON

“In terms of our industry, there’s a lot of discussion about the stimulus [package]. Jim Rouse [the late developer and urban visionary] used to say that every challenge is just an opportunity in disguise. I think there’s an incredible amount of opportunity coming out of the $850 billion or trilliondollar stimulus package, if we’re smart about it. I think the key thing in the stimulus is to be thoughtful and creative about how we invest those dollars for big-time impact, not just in creating a few construction jobs, but really teeing up the permanent jobs, so that the stimulus is not just used to repave a few highways in the

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

“We’re a resilient group, so obviously we’re in a cyclical business where we’ve been through these downturns in the past. But unlike previous downturns, this one is so much more global. … Manufacturing is affected, everything is affected. We feel that housing has to come first. They’ve tried to patch up the finance industry to an extent, but we represent such a large economic potential, that we deserve attention. We’re looking forward to Obama, but you almost look forward to anyone at this point who [represents] a change. … We think [economic stimulus] does have to come from the federal government. Knowing that the state has a huge deficit, the only thing we expect from them is those relief sort of things, with the building permits, with things like that.” Michael Owings, President, Home Builders Association of Md.

“It’s exciting from our perspective, to see that affordable housing is even an issue being addressed. But even that is just a dialogue that was used in the presidential debates, that it’s a national issue that used to be largely just a grassroots discussion. From what we’ve seen of the Obama administration, we think he will be committed to affordable housing, not only what to do with all the vacant properties that have been left behind by the foreclosure crisis to people who need and want decent and affordable housing, it’s 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 overcome. There will be those who use this as an excuse to ignore real problems that exist. … I don’t think [Obama’s victory] should be taken for more than its worth. One person of color got elected to a particular position. I don’t know how much that says about how we deal with people we come in contact with every day.” Anthony P. Ashton, DLA Piper

“I think he is absolutely the man we need right now. He brings the hope but he also brings the substance. … I think he’ll take action on Day One on Guantanamo. I anticipate the Justice Department will return to its fundamental mission. I like his commitment to urban issues; I think the cities have been given inadequate attention. We’ve already seen action on labor issues and unemployment. A whole lot of energy will be dedicated to the economy, but I think with the quality of people coming in we’ll see a very substantive policy. I’m just concerned that with the hand he’s been dealt with he won’t 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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009

THE DAILY RECORD

9A

THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA “There seems to be a marked difference in [the foreign-born faculty’s and students’] confidence and respect in the country. In my 20 years here, it’s the first presidential inauguration that I’ve seen any interest and involvement. There are such high expectations, but from everything I’ve seen he and his administration are up to the challenge. He’s looking for the most informed voice, not who meets his ideological qualifications. On so many levels, there is a greater likelihood of peace in the change in our approach to the global community.”

“I don’t have any expectations other than I think Obama, his lead-up to the inauguration, has been spectacular. He thinks, he plans. I’m really excited. … I actually decided the morning of [the election] who I was going to vote for and I’m very pleased. At 7 o’clock in the morning, I thought ‘we do need change.’ … He’s going to get us back on track, I hope.” Richard Winelander, Baltimore solo practitioner

“I don’t like a tax evader put in charge of the Treasury and the IRS. I don’t like Holder [because of the Marc Rich pardon]. Aside from that, I have hope that [Obama] can do what he seems to want to do, and that is stop the bickering and come up with some solutions. I hope he does well. I voted for him frankly because he selected Joe Biden as his vice president, and frankly it’s the first decision that a nominee for president has to make, and I thought that was a great, great selection.”

“It’s almost like a global movement. It has so many multiple meanings and it comes at a time when our country needs healing. It’s only a second thought that Obama is a man of African ancestry. That’s the kind of uniter we need. … He’s not going to solve all the problems and he’s going to make mistakes, but they’ll be well-meaning mistakes. I’ll be happy if when he leaves office we’re in a much better position economically and we’ve solved the wars on two fronts. I hope we become a kinder nation. Every time I see Michelle Obama, there will be a smile on my face. To think that a black woman is first lady, and such a wonderfully educated and accomplished one at that, is absolutely phenomenal.” Taunya Lovell Banks, Jacob A. France Professor of Equality Jurisprudence, University of Maryland School of Law

“I’m hopeful we’ll have a resolution of the Iraqi conflict and that we’ll be able to address the suffering of people in the United States who have been hurt by the financial crisis. … I do think that he has the vision and the acumen, along with the people that he’s chosen for the Cabinet positions, to really bring some peace and comfort to those in need.” Judge Lynne A. Battaglia, Maryland Court of Appeals

“I hope that the Obama administration can lead the American public and their elected representatives from both parties toward an effective consensus on how to act quickly to address the financial crisis. Perhaps this bipartisan cooperation can then be extended to help move beyond the partisan gamesmanship that has plagued Washington, so that our government can find creative and effective solutions to the other critical issues facing America at home and abroad.” Dennis M. Robinson Jr., Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP

“I’m a Democrat; I’m a screaming liberal; I cannot be more excited. We’re seeing somebody who’s so bright and thoughtful. … I’m not naïve. I know honeymoons end, but I’m so excited.” Professor Byron L. Warnken, University of Baltimore School of Law

“We have not comprehensively dealt with immigration issues. We [prosecutors] are forced to deal with it on an ad hoc basis. I am hoping he [Obama] will help us.” John J. McCarthy: Montgomery County State’s Attorney

RICH DENNISON

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

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

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