State Delegate District 15 (three seats)

February 13, 2018 3:51 p.m.

REPUBLICAN

Laurie Halverson

- Advertisement -

• Where you live: Potomac

• Date of birth: Dec. 2, 1963

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners: 2017 (currently serving)

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Maryland State Board of Education, 2016-17; candidate for District 3, Montgomery County Board of Education, 2014.

• Campaign information:

Sponsored
Face of the Week

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I’m running because I’m frustrated with our representation in Annapolis. I want to work to strengthen our state as a place where businesses are eager to come, families choose to live, and retired residents love to stay. Governor Hogan is making progress, but he needs people like me with community leadership experience who will support his agenda. I have the passion and the skills to be a positive influence and a leader in Annapolis.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

The biggest issue is our gerrymandered districts, which has negatively impacted the representation of voters in our state. It is well past time to correct past mistakes when districts were redrawn to reduce Republican voting power. Every year, Governor Hogan has proposed legislation to create a nonpartisan commission to create boundaries with no political agenda. Yet our Democratic-controlled General Assembly refused to act. Disgraceful! Since they won’t act, I hope you will, by electing me, because I’ll support redistricting reform as one of my first priorities. This will enable real change, creating more balance and thoughtful debate.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

- Advertisement -

The “Protect Our Schools Act” that passed in 2017 was a big mistake. The General Assembly interfered and lowered the academic criteria used to determine school accountability. As a Maryland State Board of Education Member, I worked with our Board and Education experts and listened to the public around the state, to develop a strong accountability plan that complied with federal ESSA law. Yet, our legislators undercut that work without full understanding. Now, Maryland has the 48th ranked accountability plan in the nation. As a Delegate, I would have communicated with the State Board of Education before proposing any changes.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

Advocacy experience: As a local and county PTA leader, I’ve represented 50,000 parents and teachers on education issues.

Leadership experience: I’ve led with diplomacy and transparency, always responsive to the people I represented.

Relationships: I have successfully worked with Republicans and Democrats and can help to bridge differences.

In touch with community: Having held many community leadership roles, I’m a good listener and researcher and I understand the issues. My state level experience gives me a wider perspective.

Accomplishments: Can be found at https://www.lauriehalversonfordelegate.com/about. Please support me with your vote so I can serve you in Annapolis!

Harvey Jacobs

• Where you live: Potomac

• Date of birth: 59 years old

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Attorney, Jacobs & Associates, Attorneys At Law, LLC

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): No unsuccessful prior political campaigns. No public office held.

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I am the Common Sense Candidate. As a resident of Montgomery County for 30 years, I have seen the quality of life deteriorate. I intend to: alleviate the traffic congestion we face on a daily basis; improve the safety and performance of our public schools; reduce the intrusive, governmentally imposed “red tape,” and help Governor Hogan implement nonpartisan redistricting.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Traffic/Transit. Sitting in unnecessary traffic jams or attempting to use our unreliable transit systems harms our general quality of life, reduces our efficiency, harms the environment, and steals precious time away from our loved ones. My simple, low-cost solutions are to coordinate state and county road signaling using the latest technology “Smart Signals” which detect jams, notify drivers of alternate routes and adjust signals to allow traffic to flow. I would also limit the use of right turn and speed cameras to only be installed near schools, and only be operational when those schools are in session.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The House of Delegates, over Governor Hogan’s veto, stripped the Board of Public Works of its authority to oversee the construction of our public schools. The legislature took this vital role out of the hands of those who are answerable to the voting public and placed it into the hands of political cronies, lobbyists and others who are not accountable to the public. I would have voted to sustain Governor Hogan’s veto of this usurpation of executive power.

My strong support of the public school system is why I have been endorsed by the Montgomery County Public School Retirees Association.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

As an attorney in private practice for more than 30 years, I have helped individuals and small business owners solve real estate and corporate legal matters. I am known as a calm, creative, problem solver. I am a professor at Montgomery College and write House Lawyer column for The Washington Post. I have held leadership positions as President of the Wootton High School PTSA, President of the Downtown DC Kiwanis Club, and Chairman of the DC Bar Real Estate Section. I hold degrees in law and accounting. I have been an entrepreneur since I was 8 years old.

Marc A. King

• Where you live: Germantown

• Date of birth: Nov. 8, 1946

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Currently own and operate KGV Enterprises LLC, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business. KGV is a consultancy focusing on assisting small businesses conducting business with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Previously: president of Ceradyne Armor Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ceradyne, and corporate vice president, Ceradyne, an advanced technical ceramic company supplying body armor, vehicle armor, helicopter and small boat armor to the U.S. Department of Defense and international customers worldwide.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): None

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

To end “One Party Rule” and dominance in Maryland Politics and bring balance back to legislative activities in Maryland and Montgomery County.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Reducing taxes for Maryland residence. We must bring the Maryland tax structure in line with the Federal tax reduction plan for those residents who have seen a tax increase because of the high tax structure in the state and the inability to write that off against their federal obligations.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

Hogan introduced a bill to limit government spending  and restore fiscal responsibility. Democrats in both houses have killed that bill. I will work to restore the balance needed to review and respond to the Governor’s recommendations.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I served for 23 years in the United States Army followed by 28 years in the Corporate world. I am a leader, decision maker, combat veteran and successful corporate executive with skills, acumen and insights to know and understand how government should work and how government is not working.

DEMOCRAT

Anis Ahmed

• Where you live: Gaithersburg (North Potomac)

• Date of birth: Feb. 21, 1956

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Montgomery County government, Office of Human Rights

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Candidate for District 15 vacant delegate seat in 2013 through Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (unsuccessful); candidate for Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, District 15 seat, in 2014 gubernatorial election (unsuccessful); vice chair, District 15 Democratic caucus, 2016-present

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

To make a better life for all of us. As an immigrant, I tried, as all Americans do, to make a better life for my family. I succeeded in that endeavor. Not in terms of financial wealth, but rich in family, community and faith. Over the last decade, I have been very active in my community, which is very important to me, and in local and state government. I want to be an advocate for District 15.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Economic Development: The lack of economic development and support for local small businesses.

Education: Increase in social discord (bullying, hate crimes, increased violence both in schools and the community).

Transportation: Increase in population without the increase in services and support (roads and congested traffic).

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

A bill on carrying of guns on college campuses was handled poorly by the House of Delegates in the 2018 session. If elected, I would handle effectively to have this bill passed by (i) getting more data on why banning guns carrying in college campuses is necessary, (ii) reach out to citizens for their support, (iii) have more discussions with colleagues in the House and members of the Senate.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

Chairman, Maryland Legislative District 15 Democratic Caucus (Since 2016)

Precinct Chair, District 6-8 of Montgomery County Democratic Party, Maryland

Director, Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats (CAPAD), Maryland

Contested for a vacant District 15 Delegate seat in 2013 (unsuccessful)

Contested for District 15 member seat of the MCDCC (unsuccessful)

Former Commissioner, MD Governor’s Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs (2007-2011)

Former Commissioner, MD Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs (2012-2016)

Kathleen Dumais (incumbent)

• Where you live: Rockville

• Date of birth: July 5, 1958

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Attorney with Ethridge, Quinn, Kemp, McAuliffe, Rowan & Hartinger in Rockville.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): State delegate from District 15, 2003-present. I have not been a candidate for any other political office.

• Campaign information:

 1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

As a senior in high school, I served as a page in the House of Delegates and saw the impact state government has on our daily lives. Although this sounds corny, I wanted to be a part of it — to help make a difference. It’s been an honor to represent the citizens of D15 in the House since 2003 and hope I have the opportunity to continue to do so.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

As always, the most important issue in this race is education. A well-educated workforce results in jobs and economic growth. Therefore, we need to ensure that K-12 receives proper funding; continue to work toward free community college and universal pre-K. Education needs to be available to all, without any gaps. The legislature’s role is to ensure funding. One of the ways to do so is to establish a lockbox on the casino funding for education. A constitutional amendment to do this will be on the ballot in November.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The Maryland legislature has not addressed changes to the redistricting process that are overdue. Although previous legislation provided for an independent, bipartisan commission, this bill was contingent on some of our neighboring states doing the same. Independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions are long overdue and Maryland should simply take the lead on this issue.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

My experience as a family law attorney handling complex divorce and custody cases helped me tremendously as a legislator. Listening, acknowledging and addressing issues raised by all stakeholders is critical. I believe building consensus takes special skills. I serve as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. Particularly in this role, my negotiation and mediation skills have been invaluable in balancing conflicting views in policy-making. And, some of these skills I acquired early — as the eldest of 8 children! Large families often need one or more consensus builders! I hope to again earn the honor of representing D15.

David Fraser-Hidalgo (incumbent)

• Where you live: Boyds

• Date of birth: November 1969

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Anthropocene Solutions (environmental consulting); Sandglass Systems (web development), Montgomery County police (police officer)

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Maryland state delegate, District 15, 2013-18; ran for House of Delegates in 2010

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

As a member of the Environment and Transportation Committee, I have been privileged to be a key voice in important deliberations over the past 5 years; including making Maryland a nationwide leader for environmental standards and protections. However, even with all that we have accomplished, decisions coming out of Washington threaten all the hard work that we have done. I am running to build a better, greener future for Maryland.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

As a father with kids in our public schools I know we must invest in our schools. I will continue to fight for more for Montgomery County schools. This year is a referendum on our values as a district, county, and state. We must come together as Democrats and Republicans to elect leaders who are going to fight for better schools, less traffic and a better future for Maryland. The policies coming out of D.C. particularly threaten our environment, civil rights, and future. I will continue to be, along with my Democratic colleagues, a check on the current administration.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

I was proud of the General Assembly’s 25% rule for Renewable Energy. It requires 25% of our electricity to be purchased from renewable energy resources by 2020, but this is not enough. We must grow this requirement. In fact, Hawaii passed a 100% standard. Here in Maryland, we can do the same. Not only will we build a cleaner world for our kids, we will see job creation and economic potential tied to green industry. I will work to continue to make progress on and will remain a strong advocate of growing green energy in the future.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I attended Montgomery County public schools and as a father in our public schools, I am deeply committed to the future of our communities. Before becoming a Delegate, I served as a Montgomery County police officer, which allowed me to better understand the challenges that families faced throughout the county. Finally, I have also owned and operated a small business which allowed me to better understand the needs that these sort of business, as well as the benefit they bring to their communities.

Amy Frieder

• Where you live: Rockville

• Date of birth: Jan. 5, 1993

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Activist; Air Force reservist; former Obama aide, White House Council of Economic Advisers.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Current chair, Women’s Caucus, Young Democrats of Maryland; ran for student member of the Montgomery County Board of Education, 2010

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

Born, raised, and publicly educated here, this community is the place that I love and have always proudly called home. Lately, however, I’ve seen that growing inequality, environmental degradation, hostility towards women and minorities, and outright political absurdity threaten to drive our communities apart. It’s time for more young people, women, and progressive activists to step up and lead, so I’m running to be the change I wish to see.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Montgomery County is home to some of the best schools in the country, but we need to work to maintain and further improve their successful standing. To do this, we must reduce overcrowding by opening new schools, expand access to pre-K to attract young families and close achievement gaps, incorporate more financial literacy and technology/media literacy in our education, and hire more mental health staff for our schools.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The current House of Delegates has done an excellent job passing several important gun safety and environmental laws, dedicated funding for the Metro, and measures intended to ease the voting process, in addition to passing a balanced budget as required by the Maryland Constitution. However, Maryland is notorious for gerrymandering, a serious issue in our country, and solutions to end it in our state haven’t gained enough traction in the current House of Delegates. I would like to see the next House of Delegates vote to establish a nonpartisan redistricting commission.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

A progressive activist and Women’s Caucus Chair for the Young Democrats of Maryland, I have spent time in Annapolis supporting women, workers, and the environment in many advocacy days and testifying before House and Senate committees. I have private sector experience as a Compliance Analyst in the financial industry, and public service experience as an analyst (reservist) in the U.S. Air Force and a graduate research intern (researching, writing, and fact checking briefs/memos) in the Obama White House’s Council of Economic Advisers. A graduate of Quince Orchard H.S. and Cornell University, my educational background is in labor policy and economics.

Hamza Sarwar Khan

• Where you live: Bethesda

• Date of birth: Nov. 12, 1987

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Executive director, The Pluralism Project.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): This is my first time running for office, though previously I have worked as a staffer on numerous local, county, congressional and presidential campaigns for Democrats. The last five candidates I have worked for have been women.

• Campaign information:

*did not respond to additional questions

Kevin Mack

• Where you live: North Potomac

• Date of birth: Feb. 10, 1969

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: District director, Congressman John Delaney

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Political director for Delaney for Congress

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I’m running for Delegate because I believe that our government is a force for positive change in society. I know from my own life experience that government is a force for good — it can help, empower, and even save people’s lives. It did for me. From Montgomery County Public Schools to Medicaid, if it were not for good government policies and programs, I would not be here today.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Healthcare coverage and affordability is one of the most important issues in this race. Our goal should be a single-payer healthcare system in Maryland. The existing healthcare structure of the state has the potential to make this a reality. While we work towards this goal, we need to act as a stopgap to the current administration’s drive to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Maryland needs to enact its own individual mandate and provide a public option to the current healthcare exchange. We also must make our healthcare system more affordable by working to lower premiums and prescription drug prices.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The rollout of Maryland’s medical marijuana program has been mired by several problems including countless delays, controversies surrounding licensure for growers and processors, and a lack of consultation and coordination with county and local governments in regards to zoning regulations. From the beginning, the legislation should have been crafted to promote diversity and encourage minority ownership in the industry. Additionally, legislators should have provided more zoning guidance for counties and localities to ensure that dispensaries and growing and processing facilities successfully and appropriately integrate into existing communities.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

As head of Rep. John K. Delaney’s district staff, I have been able to combine my knowledge and skills from the private and public sectors to work with and advocate for the constituents of the 6th Congressional District by helping them cut through red tape and secure benefits as well as giving them a voice at the federal level. If elected, I will bring the same passion and commitment to constituent services at the state level.

Tony Puca

• Where you live: North Potomac

• Date of birth: March 17, 1948

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Prime Lending LLC, mortgage loan officer currently on medical leave of absence. Independent licensed life and health insurance agent. Owner of Professional Business Services LLC, office furniture and supply company.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years):

  • Elected member, Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 1994-98
  • Former member, State of Maryland Central Committee,
  • Former member, Maryland Democratic Party Executive Board
  • Campaigns: 1978 District 15 House of Delegates; 1982 District 15 State Senate; 1990 District 6 Congress; 1992 District 8 Congress; 1998 District 15 House of Delegates; 2010 District 39 House of Delegates; 2016 District 6 Congress

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

To pass legislation to make Montgomery County the best place in the country for all its residents to live. To create state programs to help D15 improve public transportation, provide affordable housing, improve education system, create living wage jobs, improve environment, protect immigrants and provide statewide health care.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Our state is $1.8 billion in debt with no programs to reduce it. To pass all planned statewide initiatives, we need money. I will lead fight to legalize cannabis which will create $600 million directly while reducing crime and reducing the number of young minorities arrested, which reduces prison costs. Also, a Harvard study states opioid deaths will be reduced 63% if cannabis is legal, and opioid drug traffic will be greatly reduced, which will also save state revenue. When the Supreme Court legalizes state gambling, I’ll propose legislation that Maryland does it, which is another $300 million in revenue.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

Maryland is the only state in country with the federal waivers to have state health insurance Medicaid waiver Section 1814(b) SSAct. I could state other laws, but our legislature and governor just passed an emergency $380 million to help fund state ACA this fall when ACA fails. Senator Pinsky and others have a bill for a single payer state program. The bottom line is I have been a licensed health insurance agent for 35 years and know more about the programs than anyone in Annapolis now and will be able to get a program passed and have been asked to lead in doing so.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

Politically, I put the first Hispanic in elected office, funded Scotland Community Center when the Council couldn’t, was asked by minorities to draft Civilian Police review board and more. Under Carters Alternative Energy Act, had 3 of 5 highest DOE rated Ethanol plants and $985 million in funding from Venezuela. I had only successful Reagan Caribbean Basin Initiative program with Sea Food Processing Plant in Costa Rica with $80 million from Government Programs. See tonypuca.com for more.

Lily Qi

• Where you live: North Potomac

• Date of birth: Nov. 4, 1963

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Assistant chief administrative officer, Office of Montgomery County Executive 

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): None

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

a. To bring my knowledge of local government and insights on today’s Montgomery County to the Maryland State legislature to better address the changing needs of our community and economy.

b. To inject new energy and bring new voters to the closed Primary Election. My campaign has turned many non-voters or independent voters into Primary voters.

c. To bring global perspectives to local issues and ensure a more economically competitive and culturally inclusive community.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

While there is hardly a singular issue that unites District 15, a pressing issue is addressing the growing needs of Upcounty, which is too much of a bedroom community rather than an economic engine that it should be. The combination of an explosive population growth over the past two decades and the lack of quality job options and infrastructure development has led to unbearable traffic congestion that hurts both the environment and quality of life. I would focus more strongly on economic issues from encouraging entrepreneurship to leveraging federal innovation assets to workforce training to grow jobs in Upcounty.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The D-15 delegation has represented our community well. But I would be able to complement the team’s expertise and life experiences with a stronger focus on improving government cultural competency in light of our changing community and addressing the bread-and-butter issues that affect the majority of our residents such as economy, education, environment/transportation. The General Assembly needs to adopt a greater sense of urgency to grow our jobs and tax base so our families, seniors and small businesses don’t have to pay more for the same services, and make ourselves attractive to all generations, not only families with school-age children.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

As an immigrant who came on my own to pursue opportunities and a mother, I am grounded in reality in evaluating government policies and their impact on communities.

My experience in local government and public policies in both D.C. and Montgomery County and my deep understanding of the changing economy and community dynamics would add regional perspectives and diversity of expertise to the legislature.

I have made giving, serving and voting local a focal point of my work among the new communities, and have served on numerous nonprofit boards and involved in political activities for well over a decade.

Andy Van Wye

• Where you live: North Potomac

• Date of birth: Dec. 22, 1990

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Former Senate floor reporter for CQ Roll Call; former political consultant; former intern with the House Budget Committee, Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): First-time candidate

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I am running for office to give back to the amazing community, my hometown and the remainder of the 15th District, that helped raise me and to keep the district a great place for future generations. I am running to help establish a More Perfect Maryland with lower health care premiums, stronger schools, a cleaner environment, and an economy where women and minorities receive equal pay for equal work.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

The most important issue in the race is to combat the spiraling cost of health care premiums. Premiums increased for many by more than 50% this year, and given some actions by the Trump Administration, premiums will continue to increase unsustainably. My plan is a Premium Reducing Health Care option, a public option for high-risk individuals (specifically, all people aged 55 and older, those with certain pre-existing conditions, or those who are uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid), which should reduce risk in the marketplace, drive down premiums, and hopefully convince new insurers to join the marketplace, thereby increasing competition.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

With all due respect to the current House of Delegates, I believe that Montgomery County, our state’s most populous jurisdiction and economic engine, needs more state funding. Although a new statewide education funding formula is on the horizon due to Maryland schools being underfunded by $2.9 billion annually, an early suggestion from a consultant suggested that Montgomery County should lose $354 million in state education funding. The Montgomery Delegation should stand firm against state funding decreases to MCPS and should fight for a higher percentage of the $2.9 billion to come from the state in order to accomplish this goal.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

My extensive policy and political experience have prepared me to serve as a member of the House of Delegates. My political career started as a 19-year-old when I began working as an intern for now-Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Reps. Steny Hoyer and Anthony Brown, and Gov. Martin O’Malley. I also served as a fellow on President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign and as a political consultant. Most recently, I gained significant policy and legislative experience working as a Senate Floor reporter for Congressional Quarterly, where I read every bill that the Senate considered.

Digital Partners

Enter our essay contest