Leonardtown will be Maryland’s Capital for the Day on Thursday, July 17, when Gov. Martin O’Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown and members of the Governor’s Executive
Norris

Council hold their cabinet meeting in town. During the meeting local officials will update state lawmakers about issues confronting Leonardtown and highlight the success the town has had with previous and ongoing state funding.

After the cabinet meeting, the governor will tour downtown from 11:30 a.m. to noon . He will hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. and will announce what is currently being called “a big surprise.” During lunch at the Leonardtown Wharf, the governor will present a check for a currently undisclosed amount. Members of the Department of Agriculture will tour Bowles Farm from 2 to 3 p.m. There will also be a round table session at the 1870s St. Peter’s Chapel, which Phil Dorsey is renovating as a state-of-the-art conference hall.

“We are thrilled to be the Capital for a Day,” said Leonardtown Mayor J. Harris Norris III. “This is a real opportunity. We are glad state officials will get to see that Leonardtown has used state funds successfully,” he added, noting the Washington Street and the Leonardtown Wharf projects are good examples.

As well, Norris says it is important for officials to see that Leonardtown has been able to spur significant local investment using state funds. For instance, the development of the Joe Drury Pub on Washington Street, Heron’s Way art gallery in the old Duke Building and Corbel’s Restaurant in the old Sterling House were financed with state and local funds. In regard to recreating the old welfare hotel in downtown, Leonardtown expanded financial partnering even further. Municipal funds paid for the architectural drawings in the early part of the project.

“We rely on the Maryland Municipal League and the state planning office to help us solicit state funds,” Norrris said. Leonardtown is a good example of smart growth, he added. “We are working hard to revitalize Leonardtown’s old-world charm in many of our projects.”

“We have been fortunate to get state funding for our projects, said Laschelle Miller, Leonardtown town administrator. “To be able to show the fruits of that funding is an honor.”