Democrat
Aaron Kaufman
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Chevy Chase
Date of birth: Feb. 15, 1987
Current occupation and employer:
Current: Senior manager of legislative affairs, The Jewish Federations of North America
Past employment:
Public policy specialist, The Arc Maryland
Instructor, Project SEARCH Montgomery, The Ivmount School
Staff, House Ways & Means Committee
Political experience:
Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee District 18, 2010-present
Website: https://Aaronkaufmand18.com
Email: aaronkaufmand18@gmail.com
Why are you running for this office?
I am a lifelong District 18 resident, a graduate of Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College and the University of Maryland. This community has given me so much and I want to give back by ensuring every Marylander has health insurance, a quality education and food security. As a former staffer, I worked in Annapolis for Del. Sheila Hixson and as an advocate for The Arc Maryland, I lobbied the General Assembly on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. I am very familiar with the working of the General Assembly and have relationships with many of its members. Also, having cerebral palsy, I would bring a unique perspective to the legislature.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
The most important issue in this race is education because a quality education leads to sucess in adulthood. Students have suffered a range of challenges as a result of learning loss due to the pandemic. If elected, I will be laser focused on ensuring students receive remediation to compensate for that. I will also advocate that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future continues to be fully funded. I would advocate for more funding for schools to hire more counselors, social workers and psychologists.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
During the pandemic, when many District 18 residents were experiencing job loss, many people could not get through to the state’s unemployment offices and had to keep calling for days or even weeks until they could speak to a state employee. Then, sometimes people had to wait months for their unemployment checks, causing great financial strain. As a delegate, I will work to increase the number of people working in the state’s unemployment offices and look forward to reforming unemployment insurance.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Given my experience and relationships, I will hit the ground running. I am very familiar with the workings of the Maryland General Assembly and will use that knowledge to benefit my constituents. Also, I have been elected twice by the Democratic voters of District 18 to represent them on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, so I believe my values and beliefs align with the voters of District 18.
Emily Shetty (Information not submitted)
Jared Solomon (Information not submitted)
Jeff Waldstreicher
What office are you running for? General Assembly: Senate
Political party: Democratic
Where you live: Kensington
Date of birth: Dec. 31, 1979
Current occupation and employer:
Attorney, state senator
Political experience:
Maryland state Senate: 2019 – current;
Maryland House of Delegates: 2007 – 2019
Website: https://www.jeffwaldstreicher.com
Email: jeff@jeffwaldstreicher.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffwaldstreicher
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jwaldstreicher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_waldstreicher/
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for reelection to continue the historic progress we’ve made on three key issues:
1) Protecting the right to choose: MAGA Republicans and a right-wing Supreme Court are coming for women’s rights. I’ve helped lead the charge to fight back and expand abortion rights in Maryland.
2) Combating climate change: I was a co-sponsor of the Climate Solutions Now Act, which The Washington Post called one of strongest climate bills in the nation. Climate change is the generational challenge of our time.
3) Cracking down on gun violence: I helped spearhead the toughest gun safety laws in the nation. Just last session, we banned “ghost guns,” dangerous and unserialized weapons.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
On gun violence, we’ve come so far – but we can and must do more.
After the Sandy Hook mass shooting, I helped pass the Firearm Safety Act, which was shepherded by Jamie Raskin and Brian Frosh. The bill bans automatic weapons and other assault rifles. I also sponsored legislation to take guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. And we passed a “red flag” law to ensure that mentally ill Marylanders don’t have access to firearms.
As I mentioned, I also helped lead the charge to ban “ghost guns,” which are increasingly showing up in crimes in Montgomery County. But we’re not done. It’s time to continue the fight. Here’s what’s next:
I’m proud to be the author and lead sponsor of legislation to hold gun manufacturers liable for their products. If passed, Maryland would be only the second state in the nation to take this dramatic – but necessary – step. It’s time to let the NRA, the MAGA crowd, and gun manufacturers know that we’re serious about cracking down on gun violence.
What is one criticism you have received while in office and what is your response?
Sometimes folks are surprised at the amount of personal information I share. But for me it’s very purposeful.
I live here, too. I attended Montgomery County Public Schools, and now my wife and I are raising our three children here. Kate, Eli, and Harry inspire me to be a better legislator each and every day. Raising kids is a challenge, no doubt – but it’s a challenge that thousands of my constituents face regularly. And so when I share my story as a husband and a father, it’s because folks know that I’m fighting for their families the same way I fight for my own.
I know what it’s like to battle with insurance companies, run over a pothole, or help a family member with mental illness. That’s why I always ensure that my Senate office is friendly, responsive, and happy to help. I even give out my personal cell phone: (301) 221-2696.
As I seek reelection to the state Senate, know that I’ll be keeping my family – and yours – top of mind.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I’m a father, husband, problem-solver, and public servant.
It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to represent Wheaton, Kensington, Silver Spring, Rockville, Bethesda, Garrett Park, and Chevy Chase in the state Senate.
Over the past four years, I’ve fought each and every day to make historic progress: protecting and expanding the right to choose, combating climate change, and cracking down on gun violence.
There is more to be done. We must fully secure women’s rights, dramatically reduce emissions, and hold gun manufacturers accountable. The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice, but only if people of good conscience join together to do the bending. I hope I can earn your vote for reelection.
Republican
George Cecala
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Republican
Where you live: Silver Spring
Date of birth: Feb. 7, 1975
Current occupation and employer:
Congressional aide, former adjunct professor
Political experience:
none
Website: https://advancingmd.com/
Email: AdvancingMaryland@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancingMD
Why are you running for this office?
We are heading in the wrong direction, and we need different voices with fresh ideas. Talk to families and they will tell you that Maryland, especially Montgomery County, has become a very expensive place to live, work, raise children and run a business. Maryland ranks at the bottom when it comes to economic growth and tax burden. We can and should make our state and county more affordable for all residents.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Rising costs and affordability. My plan takes steps to help residents and businesses cope with inflation and rising costs by freezing property tax reassessments for three years and putting a moratorium on increases, eliminating state income taxes on tips and commissions for two years, as well as eliminating income tax for employees making under $38,000 per year. My plan also offers businesses tax credits to install air purification systems so employees are better protected at work and patrons are better protected while frequenting local establishments. A more competitive economic environment offers our children and grandchildren more job opportunities and a better future.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
Again, it’s getting really expensive to live and raise a family in Montgomery County and Maryland. The Tax Foundation ranks Maryland 43 out of 50 for property tax burden and 46th for business tax environment. We have one of the worst tax systems for economic growth in the Union. All residents should care about this because it negatively impacts affordable housing, job opportunities, access to education and our ability to save for the future. My plan helps homeowners and lower income working families cope with rising costs while also adding extra pandemic protection for employees and customers.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
As a parent of a young child, I understand the challenges of balancing work (including working from home) and caring for children. I have 16 years of experience working for members of Congress assisting them in crafting public policy and serving constituent needs, have served as a spokesperson to the House Small Business Committee, and worked as an adjunct professor. While serving on staff in Congress I also was part of a yearlong team effort to successfully return four abducted children from overseas.
Missy Carr
What office are you running for? General Assembly: Senate
Political party: Republican
Where you live: Silver Spring
Date of birth: June 29, 1967
Current occupation and employer:
Owner, managing partner, Off the Hook, LLC, a catering and foodservice company in Montgomery County. Off the Hook was established in 2011 with the Go Fish food truck and grew to add full service catering and lunch service to Catholic elementary and high schools. I previously owned Thyme Out, a meal preparation concept in Gaithersburg from 2007-2010.
Political experience:
I have no prior political experience. This is my first campaign.
Website: https://www.missycarr4maryland.com/
Email: missy4maryland@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missycarr4maryland
Twitter: @missy4md
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missycarr4maryland
Why are you running for this office?
I have owned and operated small businesses in the food sector here in Montgomery County for 25 years. Small businesses, like mine have been strangled with burdensome and expensive regulations that make it difficult to be profitable, to keep employees and to grow. The county is last in the DMV for attracting “big business” which in turn affects small businesses. Operating during Covid added a layer of restrictions in which illogical policies were forced on small businesses while big box stores were allowed to thrive. It’s time to unleash small businesses and allow them to be the backbone of our county once again.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
The most important issue is the economy. It has become too expensive for middle class families to buy a home and raise families in Montgomery County. The median home price is $540,000, up almost 7% from last year. Property taxes are the highest in the state and in the top 3% in the country! Yet, our businesses are closing, our schools are declining and our communities are less safe. Lower income residents can’t find affordable housing. Gas prices are forcing people to make serious decisions between money for gas, food, medicine and other needs. I would suggest a freeze of the state property tax reassessment which would provide relief for all property owners and require it is passed on to tenants. I would support a several months moratorium of the state gas tax.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
Covid. The Montgomery County Council exhibited gross overreach serving as a “board of health.” Mandating vaccines and masks, closing schools, houses of worship and businesses was an abuse of power. These policies were not based in science and were instituted without input from residents. We are just now seeing the fallout from these policies including serious loss in learning, shuttered small businesses and mental health issues, particularly for the young and old. I would have banned mandates and allowed children attend school in person school. I would have recommended and provided prophylactic protocols. I would have protected the vulnerable; the elderly and those with comorbidities, while allowing society to stay open.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
As an entrepreneur and business owner I am a leader and a problem solver. In business, every day presents challenges that have to be met for you customers, employees and bottom line. Having overcome challenges in business for 25 years I have the confidence that I can do the same as a state Senator for my constituents, county and state. I am disciplined. I understand the challenges Marylanders are facing and I am a proven problem solver. Being successful in the food service industry requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to “think outside the box.” It is imperative to listen to your customers and adjust accordingly. As Senator I will apply the skills I have learned in business, I will listen to my constituents and face the challenges head on in order to improve the lives of Maryland residents.
