American Dream

Ehrlich, Schaefer team up to push smooth beach travel

Television ad to be unveiled today to push summer tourism and the E-Z Pass.
By Jennifer Skalka
Sun Staff
Originally published June 29, 2005

Quotes:

Looking like old chums, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Comptroller William Donald Schaefer are featured in a campy television advertisement to be unveiled today that is the latest and most visible element of a $900,000 state campaign to push summer tourism and the E-Z Pass.

In the 30-second spot, the men load a surprised family of four into a beige minivan, packing up their golf clubs, surfboards and a yellow rubber ducky floating toy.

Today, Ehrlich is also expected to launch E-Z Pass "On the Go," a program that allows people to purchase a pass from participating retailers rather than just the state, and a new free hot line that will provide information about Bay Bridge traffic.

Besides the TV spot, the campaign includes radio and billboard advertisements.

As with previous Maryland tourism ads featuring Ehrlich, the latest campaign is drawing some criticism. Already, Sen. Brian E. Frosh, a Montgomery County Democrat, has charged that Ehrlich and Schaefer - who both face re-election next year - are using state money to boost their public images.

Maryland Transportation Authority official Web site

Maryland E-ZPass Service Center