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CNN Live Today

Interview With Gov. Robert Ehrlich

Aired February 17, 2003 - 10:53   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: We're back to six minutes away from the top of the hour on a day that's causing quite a lot of consternation for government officials up and down the East Coast who are dealing with this heavy snowstorm that is socking areas with snow they haven't seen in decades, maybe even this century.
Joining us now on the telephone is Governor Robert Ehrlich of Maryland.

Governor Ehrlich, good morning to you. How's it been for you so far today.

GOV. ROBERT EHRLICH, MARYLAND: Leon, I have to tell you it's been an interesting first month on the job here.

HARRIS: You know, that is no joke for you.

EHRLICH: We have not been bored. And I was just been receiving reports from around our state and our -- Gary County in far western Maryland is looking at up to four feet of snow, which for Maryland is a very big deal.

HARRIS: Wow. That's incredible. So how are you folks dealing with it all?

EHRLICH: Well, we've had National Guard in the field since about noon yesterday. We have a very elite police force here. Our state troopers, our local police have been terrific. And I have to tell you, I have some numbers for you. About 173 accidents, but almost all fender benders. 764 disabled vehicles, which has been a problem as people leave the vehicles, particularly on primary roads. But no major accidents, knock on wood, and we are quite pleased with that.

I issued an executive order yesterday around 4:00 o'clock which removed discretionary drivers from our roads. And people really listened to that order and, as a result, we've been far safer than we had thought we would be. And that obviously requires cooperation from the citizens.

HARRIS: Well, those cases where folks may not have had much choice in following your advice. They get snowed in and they can't dig their way out of - to their car. There's no way they could not follow that kind of advice.

EHRLICH: Well, I had been concerned earlier in the day about too much discretionary driving and inappropriate driving, people in non- four-wheel-drive vehicles driving around, blocking exit ramps off of major roads. And, of course, they not only endanger themselves, they endanger those who come to rescue them. And they take assets off the road in inappropriate ways. So, we had gone on regular TV all day yesterday with a very stern thought with this executive order that if the police -- state police on state roads catch you driving in a discretionary way, going to the store for milk or whatever, that's not good enough.

Obviously, there are emergencies, particularly medical emergencies you have to recognize, but other than that, it's a good day to stay home. Today, we've lifted that order, but we are asking everyone to, again, stay home as much as they can.

HARRIS: Well, here's hoping that the numbers of emergencies, and they stay down as you get more good news coming in the grip of the snowstorm. Governor Bob Ehrlich, thank you very much. Appreciate it.

EHRLICH: My pleasure, Leon. Thank you.

HARRIS: Good luck to you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com







Aired February 17, 2003 - 10:53   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: We're back to six minutes away from the top of the hour on a day that's causing quite a lot of consternation for government officials up and down the East Coast who are dealing with this heavy snowstorm that is socking areas with snow they haven't seen in decades, maybe even this century.
Joining us now on the telephone is Governor Robert Ehrlich of Maryland.

Governor Ehrlich, good morning to you. How's it been for you so far today.

GOV. ROBERT EHRLICH, MARYLAND: Leon, I have to tell you it's been an interesting first month on the job here.

HARRIS: You know, that is no joke for you.

EHRLICH: We have not been bored. And I was just been receiving reports from around our state and our -- Gary County in far western Maryland is looking at up to four feet of snow, which for Maryland is a very big deal.

HARRIS: Wow. That's incredible. So how are you folks dealing with it all?

EHRLICH: Well, we've had National Guard in the field since about noon yesterday. We have a very elite police force here. Our state troopers, our local police have been terrific. And I have to tell you, I have some numbers for you. About 173 accidents, but almost all fender benders. 764 disabled vehicles, which has been a problem as people leave the vehicles, particularly on primary roads. But no major accidents, knock on wood, and we are quite pleased with that.

I issued an executive order yesterday around 4:00 o'clock which removed discretionary drivers from our roads. And people really listened to that order and, as a result, we've been far safer than we had thought we would be. And that obviously requires cooperation from the citizens.

HARRIS: Well, those cases where folks may not have had much choice in following your advice. They get snowed in and they can't dig their way out of - to their car. There's no way they could not follow that kind of advice.

EHRLICH: Well, I had been concerned earlier in the day about too much discretionary driving and inappropriate driving, people in non- four-wheel-drive vehicles driving around, blocking exit ramps off of major roads. And, of course, they not only endanger themselves, they endanger those who come to rescue them. And they take assets off the road in inappropriate ways. So, we had gone on regular TV all day yesterday with a very stern thought with this executive order that if the police -- state police on state roads catch you driving in a discretionary way, going to the store for milk or whatever, that's not good enough.

Obviously, there are emergencies, particularly medical emergencies you have to recognize, but other than that, it's a good day to stay home. Today, we've lifted that order, but we are asking everyone to, again, stay home as much as they can.

HARRIS: Well, here's hoping that the numbers of emergencies, and they stay down as you get more good news coming in the grip of the snowstorm. Governor Bob Ehrlich, thank you very much. Appreciate it.

EHRLICH: My pleasure, Leon. Thank you.

HARRIS: Good luck to you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com