Salling: Letter to the 6th District of Baltimore County

I value the job of being your senator over the last eight years greatly, and would like to share with you my life story and motivation.

Born and raised in Dundalk in a family of 11, we went through some very hard times, but never went hungry.

My school years were difficult, but I graduated from Sparrows Point High School in 1979, and afterwards served my country in the Army. In civilian life, I worked at National Wire, Patapsco & Back River Railroad, eventually retiring from Bethlehem Steel: Blue Circle & Lafarge, before becoming your senator in 2014.

I have been honored and very humbled to speak for you in Annapolis and

throughout the state. I have passed many legislative bills that are now law, such

as Procurement for Contractors, HubZone businesses, Trade school funding,

Veterans property tax reduction, $400,000 Back River Enhancements, $500,000

Dundalk American Legion Revitalization, $300,000 Mt. Carmel HVAC, $250,000

Barber & Cosmetology School to name a few.

I was named legislator of the year by the American Legion for the State of Maryland and Maryland Coalition. I am endorsed by the police, fire department, NRA, Maryland Farm Bureau and Right to Life.

I am a Veteran Caucus Executive Board and Waterman’s Caucus member. My committees; Spending Affordability, Budget & Tax, Public Safety & Transportation, Education Health & Environment and Joint Committees; Homelessness, Protocol, and Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bay Critical Areas. I have worked hard to place myself in these areas to help our district and make progress in our community. I work well with others in Annapolis which allows me the opportunity to get things done.

Most recently, there was an individual paid to follow me (who DOESN’T live in the district) for three weeks and proceeded to write lies about me and exploit my family. The part that bothers me the most are the attacks on my family. This should never happen to me or anyone.

This was a deliberate and malicious attempt to smear my name and a defamation of character, and was completely wrong. The time that I have been your senator I have been attacked, assaulted, followed, and continually falsely accused. I know that with this position there comes good and bad times as in life.

I got married one and a half years ago to my wife, who lives separately in another part of town for her children for the next few years. We understood there would be sacrifices for being in this marriage, but only temporary. It’s very hard, but we knew this from the start. I love my wife more and she loves me too!

I want to continue to be your State Senator because working for you has been hard but successful. This is a team effort. Without you and our Creator we can do nothing. Always remember, I will always keep you in mind and heart!

God Bless you 6th District of Baltimore. I am so blessed.