Is Larry Hogan a Good Governor?

As Maryland transitions to a new governorship with Dem Web Moore, the question arises: was Larry Hogan a good governor? The answer is not straightforward, as his tenure was marked by both successes and failures, especially in the context of governance during his four-year term in office.

Political Environment and Moderate Stance

Hogan, a Republican, had to navigate the complexities of a state predominantly ruled by Democrats. This necessitated a moderate stance on certain issues, especially in terms of aligning with the state's Democratic leadership. His position was sometimes repugnant, but it was necessary for the pragmatic governance of the state.

Government Response to Violence in Baltimore

Hogan’s policies faced significant criticism, particularly regarding his response to violence in Baltimore. The Baltimore government and community made attempts to reduce violence by addressing the root causes, such as interpersonal and domestic conflicts. However, Hogan’s administration met these efforts with resistance, considering more arrests the primary solution. This stance contributed to the perception that the state’s approach to crime was overly punitive and lacking in strategic community support.

Public Perception and Improvement Efforts

Despite the criticism, many supported Hogan’s efforts and believed he was doing a reasonable job. Hogan’s approach aimed to demonstrate that even in a predominantly Democratic state, a Republican leader can effectively govern and address key issues. However, several problems persisted, particularly in Baltimore, where school districts in one of the most urban areas were in dire condition and the state’s budgetary mismanagement continued to escalate.

Challenges and Criticisms

Maryland, known for its high earning potential, has not seen the expected Republican governance. The state’s Democratic leanings are due to a significant portion of the wealth coming from the tech industry, not conventional Republican industries. Hogan’s tenure was marked by challenges, particularly in addressing the issues in Baltimore, such as school quality and budget mismanagement. Criticism of his policies, such as the defunding of Baltimore’s future initiatives and the controversial Lumbering Baltimore Link project, has been prevalent. Additionally, his support for Trump and the recent purging of comments from his Facebook page have not endeared him to the state’s predominantly liberal population.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while Hogan had some successes in garnering public support and positive media appearances, his overall impact on Maryland was mixed. Some believe a Democratic governor would have been more effective in addressing the state’s pressing issues. Nonetheless, Hogan’s tenure cannot be entirely disregarded as he did achieve some improvements and continued to show the potential for overcoming political divides.