Monthly Meeting
The MdMC regular meeting took place on July 13, 2008. The major focus in the meeting was the agenda for July 14, 2008 meeting with the Governor. Other items discussed were, Quarterly Newsletters, Emails and MdMC website and better coordination with Muslim Businesses and Professionals Association
Meeting with Governor Martin O’Malley
The MdMC leadership met with Governor Martin O’Malley on July 14 to discuss 8 points agenda which are of interest to the Muslim community. The major topics discussed were;
1) Secretary, Dy. Secretary and Judge Appointments of Muslims at the state level
2) Muslim Gas Station issue, loosing their livelihood to the big oil companies
3) Inclusion of more Muslim countries in MBE pool and providing fairness in selection process to Capital Limousine (a Muslim Business).
4) More Muslim representation in State Boards and Commissions
5) Offer Arabic as an option language in the Maryland School system
6) Block Grants for Non Profit Organizations
7) Sister State program with one Middle Eastern Countries in one year
8) Regular meeting between the Governor and the Muslim Leadership
The Governor responses to all items were positive; strategies were discussed in the meeting to obtain quick results.
Muslim Minority Business subject to an onslaught from other minorities
MdMC wrote letters on behalf of the Muslim Business Capital Limousine, who was subject to an unfair treatment from other minorities regarding the shuttle service contract for BWI Airport. The letters were sent to the Treasurer (Nancy Kopp) and Comptroller (Peter Franchott) and the Governor was briefed in July 14, 2008 meeting. MdMC also appeared twice in front of the Board of Public Works on July 16, 2008 and August 6th, 2008 to make a statement in favor of the Capital Limousine.
We received tremendous support from the Governor and the Treasurer Nancy Kopp both voted in favor of the Capital Limousine. Only the Comptroller, Peter Franchott voted against the project. Although he told some Muslim Community membere that he will support the Muslim minority but when the going got tough he voted against the Muslim minority.
It was a first major victory for the Muslims of Maryland at the State level against an organized lobbying effort from other minorities. It is apparent that we have some say at the State Level.
Sister State Program with a Muslim Country
The Governor has agreed to arrange a Sister State Program with one Muslim Country this year, we have shortlisted three countries; Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan. A decision will be made shortly to gave a sister state relationship with a province in those countries.
Appointments
Five more Muslims added to various Boards and Commissions
Rizwan Siddiqui appointed to a task force Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). A very important task force appointed by the Governor at the State Level.
Rudwan Abu Ruman, President of Anne Arundel County Muslim Council, Nadya Swaya (Lebanese National) and Durriya Badani a Montgomery County resident appointed to Governor’s commission on Middle Eastern Affairs. Congratulation to all.
Dr. Habib Bhutta reappointed to the Board of Physician.
Governor O’ Malley’s fundraiser
The Governor organized a fundraiser for his candidacy in 2010 on July 22nd, 2008. The Muslims of Maryland raised over $35,000 for the Governor’s Fundraiser. Over 100 Muslims from Maryland attended the event and showed their strong support for the Governor. Thanks to the individuals who participated and contributed in the fundraiser.
News Release---Upcoming Events
G1) Governor’s Commission on Middle Eastern Affairs 3rd Public Meeting on August 28, 2008 (Senate (Miller) Building in Annapolis). Please attend as we will discuss the countries MBE’s pool and how that can be modify to add more Middle eastern Countries (Secy of Minority Affairs is the speaker), Middle Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Trade Mission to Middle Eastern countries, Workforce Development and community activities
G2) Howard County Muslim Council Food Drive is inshallah on August 24, 2008 at 1:00 PM in Cedar Lane Park. Please attend the Food Drive and bring non perishable food to make it successful.
G3) Lt. Governor, Anthony Brown is going to UAE in November 2008 for a cultural exchange trip.
G4) MdMC August meeting was cancelled in August due to vacations. The September meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2008 at my house—6548 Ballymore Lane,
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