GOVERNOR'S SALARY COMMISSION

VI. OTHER ASPECTS OF ELECTED OFFICE

From time to time media articles focused on other aspects relating to the Office of
Governor including transportation, security, residence and expenses. In 1993 a national
magazine undertook a survey of the 50 states and published a report comparing the states.
In turn, this survey generated additional media coverage. Recognizing the potential
interest of the public in these issues, the Commission reviewed the survey as well as other
material relating to various aspects of the Office of Governor.

Transportation

The state provides the Governor with a limousine and a smaller vehicle driven by
the state police. This practice is consistent with other states and reflects the prestige and
role of the Office of Governor. In addition, the state provides the Governor with a bus
that he uses in conjunction with other state officials in traveling throughout Maryland.
The use of a bus reflects the preference of the Governor and the small geographic size of
Maryland. Other states routinely utilize planes and helicopters to transport Governors.
Finally, the state maintains a yacht for use by the Governor that has been placed on
stand-by during the state's fiscal crisis. Considering that one-fifth of the total area of
Maryland is comprised of water, a state yacht is not unreasonable and has been useful as
part of the state's economic development program. The other constitutional officers are
furnished a state vehicle and have a state police driver.

The Commission notes the various means of transportation provided to the
Governor and the constitutional officers are funded in the state budget and are subject to
review by the General Assembly during the budget process. The Commission believes the
emphasis on a particular type of transportation will reflect both the preference and style
of a Governor. The Commission also believes that transportation is not part of a
Governor's compensation but plays an integral role in enabling a Governor to perform
the duties of the Office. The current transportation alternatives available to the Governor
of Maryland appear appropriate for the Office.

Security

The provision of a security detail for the Governor reflects the visibility of the
Office, the fact that decisions made by a Governor will at times adversely affect some
individuals, and the increased level of violence that occurs frequently and without
provocation. For these reasons, a Governor needs security whether at home, in the office,
attending meetings or conferences, or traveling. The number of security personnel and
their deployment is primarily a judgment to be made by the Maryland State Police.

The security detail provided to the Governor is funded in the budget and subject to
review by the General Assembly as part of the budget process. Providing security is not a
benefit in the normal sense of the word, but rather a necessity reflecting the position of
Governor. The provision for state police to drive the other constitutional officers is
recognition of the security aspects of these offices, albeit at a less intensive level than the
Office of Governor.

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