Today the Kelly Schulz for Governor campaign announced the launch of the Watermen for Kelly Coalition.

Maryland is a state blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. From the mountains in Western Maryland to the shores of Ocean City, our state embodies “America in miniature.” Dating back centuries, the rich natural history of Maryland plays an important role in the daily life for Marylanders and to this day, Marylanders are rightfully proud of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States.

The Chesapeake Bay is a marvel, it’s an important economic driver for our state providing billions of dollars in economic benefits while supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and fueling Maryland’s world-renowned seafood industry.

The health of the Chesapeake Bay is paramount and something that Kelly Schulz will focus on while governor. Watermen rely on a healthy Bay for their own personal prosperity and for quality of life, and they know that as governor, Kelly Schulz is committed to a clean Bay and protecting and supporting the interests and way of life of Maryland’s watermen.

As governor, Kelly Schulz will continue to record fund important Bay restoration initiatives, such as the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund and she will continue to utilize programs such as the Bay Restoration Fund to improve water quality. She’ll also focus efforts on improving the health of the upper Bay by addressing the pollution caused by the Conowingo Dam and underperforming Wastewater Treatment Plants.

All Marylanders, including watermen, are struggling due to skyrocketing costs and record-high gas prices. To address the rising costs of gas, Kelly Schulz has committed to repealing the Inflation Tax. Nearly a decade ago, misguided legislators indexed the gas tax with inflation – so when inflation goes up, so does the gas tax. In July, the gas tax is set to increase by 18%, due to this Inflation Tax, this will further burden watermen as the cost of fuel will increase yet again. As a delegate, Schulz voted against the Inflation Tax, and as governor, she will repeal it.

In a Schulz administration, the watermen whose livelihoods rely on healthy waterways and a thriving seafood industry will have a seat at the table and friend in the governor’s office.

“The Chesapeake Bay is Maryland’s greatest natural resource, and I am honored that leading watermen from across the state entrust me to protect it for generations to come,” said Kelly Schulz. “The Great Seal of Maryland depicts a waterman and a farmer. Both of these industries are vital to our state’s economy and are an integral part of our fabric as Marylanders. Watermen and farmers will be given every opportunity to thrive when I am governor.”

Watermen For Kelly Chair And Steering Committee

Captain Rob Newberry, Chairman, Delmarva Fisheries Association, Chair

Clifton Coleman, Delmarva Fisheries Association

Dan Dierker, Kent County Watermen’s Association/ Delmarva Fisheries Association

Ron English, Retired

Ron Fithian, Kent County Watermen’s Association

Jeff Harrison, Chairman of the Talbot County Watermen’s Association

James Lynch, Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association

Tony Vanderwall, Rockhall Waterman

Bobby Waples DCSH/DFATroy Wilkins, President, Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association

The Watermen for Kelly coalition will assist in organizing the Kelly Schulz for Governor grassroots effort throughout Maryland, partake in campaign events, and help identify supporters across the state.

Sign up to join the Watermen for Kelly coalition: https://www.kellyschulzforgovernor.com/coalitions/watermen/

Original source can be found here