The event was attended by over 200 people and included a diverse mixture of guests, including many dedicated and potential new supporters, with an appropriate representation of the Greek-American community and the various other constituencies that have supported Aris and Gov. Ehrlich in their hugely successful first term. Aris served at Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development from 2003 through 2006 and, with the leadership of Gov. Ehrlich, was able to coordinate Maryland’s successful win in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Through the coordination of Maryland’s entire Capitol Hill Delegation, Maryland was able to gain 60,000 jobs at a rate of 10,000 jobs per year starting in 2010.

Another major achievement was bringing the State’s unemployment level to 3.3% in June of 2006, with 9 of Maryland’s 23 jurisdictions achieving unemployment levels under 3%; a huge success that is in sharp contrast to Maryland’s current situation and a big reason why the former Governor is bullish about winning back his old seat.

Aris Melissaratos is an untiring supporter of Gov. Ehrlich’s ‘more jobs/less taxes’ agenda and, for that reason, attracted this large number of supporters to attend the event and contribute to the re-election campaign. Aris thanks all the attendees and Gov. Ehrlich for giving them a reason to celebrate.