The Message in Black and White

 

Dear friends, I have a confession to make. 

I have a hard time reading white type on a dark background. It occurs to me that other people may be in the same boat. 

Image is a screenshot from the County Executive’s social media/Facebook account

Yesterday County Executive Calvin Ball released a statement on actions taken by the Executive Branch which will likely bring adverse effects on many Howard residents. You may already have seen it but I think it’s important to share it here, especially for those of us who would benefit from seeing it in black and white.

Here goes:

HOWARD COUNTY EXECUTIVE CALVIN BALL

RELEASES STATEMENT ON FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE

BY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Calvin Ball, County Executive

January 28th, 2025

"We are deeply concerned by President Trump and the Office of Management and Budget's directive to freeze federal funding for a broad swath of public and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Our team is continuing to evaluate the full impacts of this directive, should it be enacted, on Howard County programs, service delivery, and government operations.

These actions by the Trump Administration may jeopardize our neighbors' ability to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, or remain employed due to a lack of transportation. An abrupt federal funding freeze will unequivocally affect workforce training initiatives and transportation options for residents to jobsites.

We also know that many of our local nonprofits rely on federal funding to administer important programs and services that support our neighbors, including Head Start and early childhood education for families. We are very disturbed to hear that funding portals have been closed for many critical nonprofit programs as this directive is evaluated and implemented.

Howard County Government anticipates that the impact of federal funding freezes or cuts in our operating and capital budget could be tens of millions of dollars. This funding supports critical infrastructure, emergency management, and public safety needs. This could include essential funding for the completion of Historic Ellicott City's North Tunnel project, which is the largest public works project in County history and will reduce the risks of flash flooding on Main Street.

Other potential impacts to infrastructure include road maintenance, bridge repairs, and water and sewer infrastructure.

In addition to capital funding impacts, Howard County relies on federal funding to support key operations of our government. This directive could impact funding for transportation efforts including public transit, affordable housing programs and homelessness services, public safety and emergency response, and workforce and job training programs, among other impacts to critical programs.

We welcome quick action by our judicial system to halt this federal directive and restore access to federal funds. The threat of losing this critical funding to these essential services is incredibly troubling and could be devastating to families and workers.

We will continue working to ensure the best outcomes so that all our residents are and feel safe, valued, and respected. We are thankful for our Congressional representatives and Governor Wes Moore's Administration for their efforts to combat this measure on behalf of all Marylanders and communities across the nation. We continue to urge President Trump and his administration to work with us to ensure the continuity of these critical services and county operations."

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball

*****

This statement shows an administration that is committed to keeping the community informed as well as to doing the work of seeing residents through what could be an extremely difficult time. It shows leadership, thoughtfulness, and empathy. There’s no dramatic ranting or false promises here. There are no attempts to diminish the truth of the situation, either. 

As you may imagine, some folks came out of the woodwork to mock the County Executive. Their comments showed neither thoughtfulness nor empathy and I am extremely glad that they are not in positions of local leadership.

Anyone who is willing to go on the record as rejoicing in others’ suffering at a time like this is not scoring points. They are telling on themselves.

Having a local leader tell you the truth when you would rather hear that “everything is going to be all right” can be an uncomfortable feeling. But it is a darn sight better than the profound dishonesty emanating from the White House and those who are proud carriers of the lies that this administration is rooted in. 

I woke up at three am feeling a sense of dread. I continue to be incredulous that there are some people in my own country who legitimately thrill to the idea of harming me, my family, my friends, and millions of perfectly wonderful people who I will never know. There’s no easy solution to that. It is clear and horrifying evidence that some people will let what is most precious about Democracy slip through their fingers if they think there’s something in it for them. And if the people they don’t like will be made to suffer. 

But, no. It is not slipping through their fingers. They are throwing it away. 

Do I want magic? Do I want miraculous intervention? You bet I do. Still, the fact the County Executive and his team are doing their jobs and making it clear that they are not done working on behalf of the community is something to be grateful for. 

Even at three in the morning.

Village Green/Town² Comments