On Sunday May 15, 2005 the Montgomery County Hispanic Democratic Club invited Baltimore Mayor's Martin O'Malley to a meeting of its membership at El Golfo Restaurant in Silver Spring, MD.

Gilberto De Jesus introduced Mayor O'Malley and recited the long list of accomplishments the Mayor has achieved in his five years at the helm of the City of Baltimore. Particularly important is the creation of City Stat, a close electronic count and control of agencies' performances. City Stat was mentioned by Time magazine as one of the reasons they named Martin O'Malley one of the Best 5 Mayors in the US. Mayor O'Malley spoke of the "minimalist" leadership in the State of Maryland in the last three years which has created a difficult situation for the community at large, and especially the Hispanic community. The Governor, as Kim Propeak of CASA de Maryland astutely pointed out is a great disappointment to our community. The truth is he is against everything the community needs. He, along with Republicans in general, is against driver licenses which so many need to have proper identification to get a regular job. Diversification in our culture, which has made our country great is seen as "bunk" by the Guv. And even slots, the supposed "governor's obsession" is being sought by the Governor as a windfall for his rich friends. Mayor O'Malley, favoring slots sees them in a different light and as a way to obtain badly needed cash. O'Malley, however is ready to compromise and not draw a line in the sand as the Governor has done.

Present were elected officials, Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, Mayor of Edmonston Adam Ortiz, and Greenbelt City Councilwoman Jocelyn Peña. Also present were the Presidents of both Montgomery County and Baltimore City's Hispanic Democratic Clubs, José Vazquez and Javier Bustamante, respectively, and Gilberto De Jesús, representing the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Esther Garcia, Ruby Stemmle, Special Assistant for Latino Affairs in Prince George's County, and Attorney Kim Propeak of CASA de Maryland, an organization whose dedication to our community and attention to the legislative activities in Annapolis has maintained our community en guard about the mischief being attempted by the Republicans.

The meeting was long and fructiferous. Those present got served an excellent brunch of vegetable omelette, rice, refried beans and Mexican salad. El Golfo Restaurant, owned by Jose Perez from El Salvador, was friendly and comfortable and provided an excellent atmosphere for the meeting.

Congratulations to José Vazquez and the Montgomery County Hispanic Democratic Club for an excellent get together.