Response to Sen. Antonio Hayes’ article in the Baltimore Sun.
Sen. Antonio Hayes wants you to believe that Gov. Wes Moore has transformed Baltimore in less than two years. His op-ed paints a glowing picture: record investments, crime finally under control, schools on the rise, and Baltimore finally being “believed in.” But when you cut through the polished talking points, the reality is far less flattering — and Baltimoreans know it.
The Larry Hogan Smear Job
Hayes starts by bashing former Gov. Larry Hogan, blaming him for nearly every one of Baltimore’s problems. But here’s the truth: Baltimore’s decline has been decades in the making, fueled by one-party Democratic control, mismanagement, and corruption. Hogan didn’t create eight years of 300+ murders — Baltimore’s city leadership did. Hogan vetoed reckless spending and political giveaways, but he still directed historic amounts of state aid to Baltimore City. The Red Line cancellation, for instance, wasn’t “abandoning” Baltimore — it was a fiscally responsible decision after years of ballooning costs and flawed planning. Pretending Hogan gleefully starved Baltimore while Democrats responsibly built it up is revisionist history.
Crime and Policing
Hayes brags about the “lowest number of homicides in 50 years.” What he leaves out is the context: Baltimore is still one of the most dangerous cities in America. Residents continue to face carjackings, robberies, and open-air drug markets daily. Throwing $50 million at local law enforcement sounds impressive, but what’s really changed? Police morale is at rock bottom, officers continue to flee the department, and city prosecutors have been more interested in pursuing progressive experiments than punishing violent criminals. Baltimoreans don’t feel safer — and they aren’t.
Education Spin
Hayes points to record education spending: nearly $10 billion statewide, with “literacy gains” supposedly in Baltimore. But Maryland taxpayers have been pouring billions into city schools for years, with little to show for it. Facilities remain crumbling, classrooms are understaffed, and graduation rates hide widespread illiteracy. Baltimore’s teacher vacancy rate isn’t a “Hogan problem” — it’s a structural failure of the school system that Democratic leadership refuses to reform. Moore may believe in Baltimore, but Baltimore parents believe their children deserve better than photo-op announcements.
Pimlico and Development Promises
Moore’s ceremonial demolition of Pimlico’s old grandstand made for a great campaign ad. But will Baltimoreans actually see real jobs and revitalization in Park Heights? Or will this be another case of developers and connected insiders cashing in while neighborhoods continue to crumble? History suggests the latter. Baltimore doesn’t need another round of “revitalization” press releases; it needs results on the ground.
Belief vs. Accountability
Sen. Hayes ends with a rallying cry: Moore “believes in us.” But belief doesn’t keep families safe from violent crime. Belief doesn’t fix broken schools. Belief doesn’t reverse decades of failed leadership. Accountability does. Results do. And Baltimore has been denied both for too long.
If voters reelect Wes Moore on the strength of rhetoric alone, they’ll be signing up for more of the same: splashy announcements, glowing media coverage, and very little change where it counts. Baltimore doesn’t need a governor who “believes” in it. Baltimore needs leaders who will finally hold the city’s entrenched political class accountable. Until then, promises of progress will remain just that — promises.
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