The following article was submitted by Delegate Bob Long as he shares his thoughts on the one-year anniversary of the collapse of the Key Bridge.
Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary for one of the darkest days our community has had to endure.
On March 26th, 2024, at 1:28 a.m., a large container ship lost steering due to an electrical problem and struck our Key Bridge.
The blow caused much of the bridge to collapse in a matter of seconds. I am so grateful that our courageous first responders acted so quickly and bravely. Tragically, six lives were lost.
The Key Bridge was a symbol of strength and brought a sense of community to the Dundalk area. I cannot wait for our new bridge to be constructed.
Tragedies such as the one that occurred in March of last year should bring unity to our community and to our state.
Unfortunately, Governor Moore has taken this opportunity to push for partisan politics.
It was announced this week that Governor Moore will be hosting a commemoration ceremony in honor of the collapse. The only elected officials invitees to this remembrance were Democrats.
The Key Bridge is in our district, and its collapse has affected our people the most. One would think that the Governor would take this opportunity to be inclusive of those who represent the district where the bridge was.
The remembrance and rebuilding of this storied bridge should not be politicized. Republicans and
Democrats should be able to come together for such an occasion. The collapse of the Key Bridge has affected us all, regardless of political affiliation.
Instead, Governor Moore seems more concerned with surrounding himself with Maryland Democrat elites, perhaps trying to prepare himself for a future presidential campaign.
Governor Moore should not cast Republicans aside and discount our opinions.
As for me, I will continue to fight for the great people of District 6. I look forward to being able to cross the new Key Bridge and celebrate with our community at the eventual ribbon cutting.
