DHR is working to be transparent
Nothing matters more to me as secretary of the Department of Human Resources than providing the best possible outcomes for Maryland's children and families. Every decision I make is aimed at achieving that goal.
Since becoming secretary, I have engaged public and private entities, legislators, advocates, Maryland's judiciary, law enforcement, health departments and the media in my action plan for improving child welfare in Maryland.
That includes operating in a transparent, inclusive manner that brings more people into the tent than ever before.
The Sun's editorial "Conspiracy of silence" (May 4) came in response to an advocacy group's review of state policies, not to the actions of this administration.
The serious injury or death of a child from abuse or neglect is a nightmare that is all too real to us at DHR. But when that kind of abuse or neglect occurs, we are there on the front lines, finding ways to improve agency practices and strengthen our supports for children - not conspiring to hide our shortcomings.
This was certainly the case in our unprecedented release of information about the death of 2-year-old Bryanna Harris.
After Bryanna's death, we were extremely proactive and forthcoming.
We promised and delivered on changes in casework practice as well as employee disciplinary actions - actions that should dispel the notion of a conspiracy of silence.
It is a new day at DHR. The Sun must measure us by our current actions.
Brenda Donald, Baltimore
Time for Clinton to accept defeat
Memo to Sen. Hillary Clinton: It's over ("Obama wins N.C.," May 7).
After Mrs. Clinton was blown out in North Carolina and held to a virtual tie in Indiana, it should be clear that Sen. Barack Obama has an insurmountable lead in pledged delegates and popular votes.
For Mrs. Clinton to stay in the race now helps only one person, Sen. John McCain.
Now is the time for Mrs. Clinton to pull out in a dignified way that benefits that party's chances of winning the White House in November and to help heal the party, not for any more personal attacks.
Steven M. Clayton, Ocean, N.J.
Advocacy groups add accountability
The results of two Maryland primaries in which citizen advocacy groups helped defeat two incumbent members of Congress show that democracy is alive and well in Maryland ("Outside groups swayed Md. vote," May 5).
