Republican Ed Hale Visits Prince George's County, Blasts Moore's Economic Policies

Standing at the gates of the recently closed Six Flags America, Republican businessman Ed Hale used the idle theme park as a backdrop Wednesday to level a pointed critique at Gov. Wes Moore's stewardship of the state's economy, calling the shuttered attraction "collateral damage from anti-business policies."

"It's really emblematic of what has happened to this entire place, our state, because of the neglect with our government and our governor in particular," Hale said during the Prince George's County stop. "So, what used to be a thriving park is now a wasteland."

Hale, described as a potential gubernatorial candidate, framed the closure as part of a broader pattern of economic decline under Moore. He pointed to Maryland's unemployment rate, which according to the most recent U.S. Department of Labor data sits above four percent, and noted that state figures released last week showed Prince George's County ranks among the three jurisdictions with the highest volume of unemployment claims in Maryland, alongside Baltimore County and Baltimore City. "The gross loss of jobs is huge," Hale said.

His policy prescriptions center on making Maryland a pro-business state through tax cuts and fee reductions on increases accumulated under Moore's tenure, hiring experienced economic development professionals, streamlining permitting, and reopening shutdown power plants to drive down electricity bills.

Hale also took aim at two high-profile economic development losses he attributed directly to the governor. He argued Moore failed to keep the Washington Commanders from leaving Prince George's County, and he reserved his sharpest language for the FBI relocation to Greenbelt, calling it "probably the biggest mistake, and the biggest thing that has been neglected." Hale blamed Moore for antagonizing President Donald Trump, contending that friction is why the federal agency is not moving to Greenbelt.

Moore is seeking reelection this year. His office did not provide a response to Hale's criticisms in the available reporting. Whether Hale has taken formal steps toward a gubernatorial run, including any campaign filings or the formation of an exploratory committee, has not been confirmed.