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Democrat
Steven Bolen
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Ellicott City
Date of birth: Jan. 21, 1963
Current occupation and employer:
Twenty-seven year, retired federal employee:
• Professional intelligence officer
• Researcher for NASA
• Engineer for the U.S. Air Force
Political experience:
2018 Democratic Party nominee/primary winner for Maryland delegate, District 9A.
Website: https://bolenformd.com
Email: info@bolenformd.com
Facebook: bolenformd
Twitter: bolenformd
Instagram: bolenformd
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for state delegate in District 9A to build a better, brighter, more equitable future for Maryland. If elected, I will serve the people, not the party. I will work to lift all citizens in the district. We need to keep our promise to women to defend their right to choose, our children to give them the world-class education they need to compete in today’s global economy, and to hard-working families to help ease their struggle against inflation.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
We need to help hard-working families struggling against inflation. And, it isn’t just inflation. It’s where inflation hits the hardest – food, gas, and rent; essentials people need to survive. Expanding the earned income tax credit will help keep more money in the family budget instead of putting it in the government coffers. But, we also cannot take our eye off the ball on education. COVID-learning loss over the last two years has taken a toll on our kids in ways yet to be discovered. We must ensure our children stay in school safely and continue to learn.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
After almost two years, the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on our communities. Through my community service work, I know families are struggling to make ends meet and parents are concerned about their children’s education. We can provide tax relief to help families right now, but long-term solutions to combat inflation will require structural changes to our supply chain. Our schools need to be better prepared for the next health crisis and we need to expand mental health services in schools and provide more resources for our special needs’ learners.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
During my 27 years in government service, I worked at executive levels. I learned how to listen to diverse points of view and collaborate with others to move the mission forward without compromising my core values. In what I view as today’s deeply partisan political climate, these are critical skills essential to reaching common sense solutions to the most pressing issues my district currently faces. I will use my experience to build partnerships across party divisions and work to build a better, brighter, more equitable future for all Marylanders.
Katie Fry Hester (Information not submitted)
Chao Wu
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Clarksville
Date of birth: Oct. 3, 1977
Current occupation and employer:
Board member of Howard County Board of Education (2018-2022)
Adviser, Enterprise Model Risk, Fannie Mae
Political experience:
Elected to (at large )Howard County Board of Education (2018-2022)
Website: https://chaowu.org
Email: chaowu2016@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaowu2016
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaowu2016
Instagram: chaowu2016
Why are you running for this office?
I would like to serve Howard County and Montgomery County at the state level. While serving on Howard County Board of Education (2018-2022) and as a chair in 2021, I have first-hand experience on many challenges we are facing. I am a data scientist with a Ph.D. from University of Maryland. I will work with all stakeholders to address major challenges: funding gap in education, overdevelopment in the community and environment protection for the state.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
First, we need to revise education funding formulas to consider student population growth to support students and teachers, remove portable classrooms, and reduce school overcrowding.
Second, we need to enhance Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFO) to address over-development. We should find a balanced growth with consideration of jobs, schools, roads, hospitals, fire stations, and other infrastructure needs.
Third, transportation improvement and human health issues (beyond COVID, asthma, lead in the water, cancer with potential links to environmental hazards) are other major concerns for me. I will work to propose legislation for better transportation, a safe environment, and safe drinking water.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
I have been living in Maryland for almost 20 years, and the traffic is getting worse.
For transportation, in order to provide job opportunities and increase social mobility, we need to have fast, efficient and safe highways for commuters. Less traffic jams mean less air pollution, less fuel cost and less mental pressure for commuters.
We also need accessible, affordable and user-friendly public transportations for commuting. We need more bike-friendly local roads.
A well-coordinated effort among Maryland, D.C. and Virginia should start as soon as possible to address both short-term needs and long-term needs, with consideration of autonomous driving.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I am well prepared for the duties of the House of Delegates. I am a data scientist with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, a proud father of two, an immigrant, and a community volunteer. I have been serving on the Howard County Board of Education since 2018, and as the chair in 2021. I served on the Audit Committee and County Spending Affordability Committee, and also on the board of MABE.
I am always seeking common ground and looking for pragmatic solutions to address issues.
Natalie Ziegler
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Democrat
Where you live: Ellicott City, MD
Date of birth: July 5, 1955
Current occupation and employer:
Owner/operator of Carroll Mill Farm
Political experience:
I have never held public office, but ran for the same seat (delegate in D9A) in 2018.
Website: https://www.NatalieforDelegate.com
Email: Natalie@NatalieforDelegate.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/Nataliefor9A
Twitter: @Nataliefor9A
Why are you running for this office?
State legislatures have become critically important as the Supreme Court weakens or threatens to do away with protections for voting rights, privacy and women’s reproductive rights and campaign finance reform. The Republicans who currently hold the two delegate seats in my district hold fundamentally different views about the need for these protections along with many other issues, such as school funding and efforts to address climate change. I do not think the incumbents fairly represent our district, nor will they take the actions necessary to grow our economy, address our problems, and move things forward in a way that is positive for everyone.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
The most important issue in the race is education, because it is what underlies our ability to attract businesses to Maryland, create family sustaining jobs, and build the skilled workforce that companies need. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a terrific outline, but it will take sustained funding, along with a commitment to implementation and accountability to see it to fruition. I will work hard to ensure that all of the provisions, from early childhood education to college and career readiness to teacher pay are implemented and regularly assessed for success or failure.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
Public safety, particularly in Baltimore City, has been handled incredibly badly for as long as I can remember. Indeed, the state took over the Baltimore City police department in 1860 because they were unable to maintain order and public safety. They seem to lurch from scandal to scandal to this day, without ever getting a grip on crime, either in the city or in their own ranks. Of course a large part of the problem lies in the fact that the most dangerous neighborhoods are also mostly minority, low income neighborhoods, so no one in power has cared enough to do anything about it. The safety of its citizens – of ALL its citizens – should be job one for government. There is no excuse for the fear, trauma and tragedy experienced by so many because it is just not a serious priority for those not directly affected. There are a host of anti-poverty measures we need to take to treat the underlying disease, but immediate measures are needed as well.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
As a small business owner, I have faced many challenges. Some were unique to my business, others affected the whole country or the whole world. I am less partisan and more practical as a result of my experience, and care more about solving problems than partisan rhetoric. I am willing to compromise, to listen to differing views and to work across the aisle to get things done. And there is a lot to do. My many volunteer jobs have shown me the ways our society does not work for many of us. I have seen first hand the tremendous loss of talent and potential because too many Marylanders do not have the opportunity to reach their full potential. That loss affects our entire economy and therefore all of us.
Republican
Trent Kittleman
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Republican
Where you live: West Friendship
Date of birth: May 7
Current occupation and employer:
Two-term delegate to the Maryland General Assembly representing District 9A
Political experience:
I have served in almost every volunteer capacity available in politics. I’ve run for office, winning a seat on the local Republican Central Committee, losing a race for County Council and for County Executive, and winning election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014 and reelection in 2018. I served in the administration of Gov. Bob Ehrlich, as deputy secretary of transportation and as the CEO/executive secretary of the Maryland Transportation Authority. As senior counsel with Marriott International, I served as vice president of legislative affairs. Thereafter, I served as counsel for U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson as ranking member of the Government Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill.
Prior political experience includes serving on the finance committee and the headquarters communications staff in the Ellen Sauerbrey campaigns in both 1990 and 1994. In 1994 I organized a Marriott fundraiser for Sauerbrey, featuring former president George H.W. Bush and generating $350,000 – the most successful Republican fundraiser in Maryland at that time. I also worked numerous jobs on behalf of the Kittleman/Flanagan team that won election and several reelections to the Maryland House of Delegates. Before that, I wrote a weekly political column (Contemporary Conservative) in the local newspapers for two years.
Website: http://trentkittleman.com
Email: trentkittleman@verizon.neyt
Why are you running for this office?
Having been involved in politics for more years than I care to admit to, I have an abiding love for my country and my state and I see our governments going in the wrong direction. All of the good intentions cannot create the kind of world we all want it, they result in laws that do not work. Although Republicans are outweighed by a supermajority of Democrats in Maryland, I have found that there is a real value in my and my colleagues raising issues, bettering bills, and engaging in cogent debate on the floor of the House. I have also found that, according to my readers, the weekly newsletter I publish during session is a much appreciated counterbalance to the supermajority’s power and press coverage. I’d like to continue doing all of that for another four years.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Education. In order to eliminate or reduce the problems we encountered during the pandemic, significantly improve education overall, and provide educational equity for lower-income families, Maryland must embrace school choice in its many forms. First, rewrite our charter school law to encourage instead of discouraging the good charter school networks from coming to Maryland; increase funding for our education voucher program, BOOST, from $10 million to $100 million; pass legislation to provide for education savings accounts; etc. In other words, empower parents with the ability to choose the proper forum for their child’s education — regardless of their ability to pay.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
Retiree tax relief (in addition to education which I addressed above). Oppressive retiree taxes that put Maryland at the bottom of “states to retire to” list. I have lost hundreds of constituents who have moved out of Maryland precisely because of these taxes. Unfortunately, the “relief” provided in the bill we passed this year was more show than substance. It applies only to couples earning $150,000 or less and individuals earning $100,000 or less. If you earn any more than these caps, you get nothing! Moreover the amount of relief is a maximum of $1,750 tax credit for couples and $1,000 for individuals. I would have passed one of several bills put forth by Republicans to begin a gradual three- or four-year elimination of the tax on retiree income. This failure to provide meaningful tax relief to retirees points up another issue handled poorly by the legislative supermajority: the use of Maryland’s $7 billion surplus. When the state’s budget experiences a shortfall, the legislature goes first to the taxpayer to pay more in taxes or fees; when we experience a surplus, a significant portion should have gone back to the taxpayers. As it is, over the next few years, when we are unable to fund programs created with today’s surplus, the legislature will no doubt look to increase taxes, yet again, particularly if we fail to elect a Republican governor.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
In addition to my lifetime of political experience, I am a Georgetown-trained executive leadership coach. This training allowed me to become proficient in holding (successful) “tough conversations.” Knowing how to engage in real and truthful dialogs with colleagues and constituents, particularly on issues where we disagree, is an invaluable tool for anyone and a unique aid to legislators. I took this course while I was a co-owner of a small business called Gender Strategy and it led to my writing my book (Why Must There be Dragons?) about how men and women can communicate more effectively in the workplace. In serving as the deputy secretary of transportation and CEO of the Maryland Transportation Authority, I gained invaluable experience in leadership, as head of an agency with just under 300 employees, an operating budget of over $3 million, and a six-year capital budget of more than $6 billion. One other unusual opportunity I had was as part of a consulting team that won an RFP, part of which was to re-write the rules and regulations of the New York Taxi & Limousine Commission into plain English. And that’s what I did, giving me insight into the actual construction of often cloudy regulations.
Reid Novotny
What office are you running for? General Assembly: Senate
Political party: Republican
Where you live: Glenelg
Date of birth: March 22, 1978
Current occupation and employer:
Colonel in National Guard (Air Force)
Political experience:
Maryland state Delegate since 2021-2022
Website: https://reidnovotny.com/
Email: reid@reidnovotny.com
Facebook: Reid4md.com/FB
Twitter: @reidnovotny
Instagram: reid4md/Instagram
Why are you running for this office?
To represent the people within the district in Annapolis for safe and open schools, safe communities, and making sure Marylanders can live, work and retire here in Maryland.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Cost of living. Marylanders have been deeply hurt by policies that drive the cost of everyday items to include gas at the pump. I submitted multiple items of legislation in the previous year to include a gas tax holiday that I will again fight for all Marylanders to reduce their cost of living.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
The Maryland 2022 surplus of almost $8 billion dollars. The majority party treats your taxes like it is their money to spend. I advocated for giving surplus money back to the taxpayers and retirees because you know best how to spend your hard-earned money.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
Along with being a sitting delegate, I have the honor of serving our state and nation as a colonel in the Air Force. Working in highly complex environments like at the Pentagon has given me the foundational knowledge to be successful on behalf of the constituents in Annapolis.
Saif Rehman
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Republican
Where you live: Ellicott City, Howard County
Date of birth: Sept. 9, 1965
Current occupation and employer:
CEO – NextGen Consulting Inc. (information technology firm)
Commissioner – Maryland Economic Development Commission (Appointed by Gov. Hogan with Senate advice and consent)
Commissioner – Consumer Council (Appointed by Gov. Hogan with Senate advice and consent)
Board member – Disaster Services Corp. – A Catholic lay organization under Society of St. Vincent de Paul helping people in situational poverty brought about by natural and man-made disasters get their lives back in order.
Political experience:
Ran for Board of Education in Howard County in 2020 and 2018.
Website: https://vote4rehman.com/
Email: saif@vote4rehman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rehman4MD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSaifRehman
Why are you running for this office?
I’m a first-generation American who believes wholeheartedly in the American Dream. I’ve worked hard to build my business and support my family.
I’m tired of watching what our political leaders are doing to our country, whether it is dealing with our educational system, small business owners, public safety, taxes, or number of decisions that affect everyday citizen. I want to change this, and I want to serve.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
Disillusionment. People are losing faith in government. Politicians too often seem more interested in serving their own interests. We need leaders who will make difficult decisions based on what’s best for our state and its people.
Our current lack of leadership has led to poor economic decisions that have caused inflation. A lack of leadership has compromised our educational system. Poor leadership has led to many retirees leaving our beautiful state and has made life much more difficult for farmers and small business owners. We need leaders who are willing to listen, understand, and do what’s best for our citizens.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. From fumbling on revamping our failing education system, to safety / crime that is leading the nation. Taxes are sky high where we are #1 State from the bottom in terms of retiree’s exodus. It comes down to lack of leadership, experience, and expertise at Annapolis to be able to make the decisions that help reduce crime, create schools that are envy of not only the nation but the world and a thriving economy that creates revenue for our needs where we do not feel the need to reach our citizens pockets every single time.
My 30-plus years of professional experience managing businesses and currently working with the Maryland Economic Development Commission provides me with the experience and expertise needed to think and create out of box solutions to attract new revenue, decrease, or eliminate taxes, provide more resources to law enforcement.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
My career spans 30-plus years of professional experience working with various sectors, people at all levels and skills that one only acquires while putting in their time. Along with my professional career, I have been involved with various national, state and local organizations that has provided me with the knowledge that will help me serve more effectively. I believe that I bring the leadership experience along with unique set of skills to help my fellow delegates come up with solutions that will help the constituents and the entire state of Maryland.
Jianning Jenny Zeng
What office are you running for? General Assembly: House of Delegates
Political party: Republican
Where you live: Ellicott City
Date of birth: Aug. 17, 1975
Current occupation and employer:
CM GAMA1
Home business
Political experience:
Current Corresponding Secretary of the Howard County Republican Women Club (HCRWC).
I was on the 2021 nomination committee of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women Club (MFRWC).
I was a PTACHC Delegate for TRES.
Website: https://www.vote4zeng.com/
Email: vote4zeng@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jianning.zeng
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JianningZeng
Why are you running for this office?
As a legal immigrant and a naturalized citizen, I love this country and I cherish the opportunities here. I believe it is my time to repay this country with all I can, to make our country, our state, and our home better. Our community has been torn apart. Covid further exacerbated the situation. People are separated and isolated from each other. And it is time to restore our community. That’s why I run for state delegate as a Republican since the Republican party has always stood for God-given freedom, prosperity, and opportunity for each American.
What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it?
The current situation of our state and our counties are in a dangerous trajectory, as the cultural and ideological warfare brought upon us by the left wing of the Democratic Party is tearing apart our community. We are seeing the damage done to our education, public safety, and our economy.
In some way, we are lucky to have a Republican governor today, no matter whether you are satisfied or not. But even Hogan has been overruled by a super-majority of the Democratic Party on many policy issues. (Examples: Maryland just passed a sanctuary bill and Kirwan Blueprint despite Hogan’s veto.) As a private citizen, I feel I can no longer sit back without doing anything. The 2022 election is an opportunity for us to set many things in the right direction.
The theme of my campaign is restoring community, my plan is: Restore excellence in education; improve public safety; promote small business; reduce taxes for retirees and veterans; and protect farmland and advance agricultural technologies.
What is one major issue that has been handled poorly and what would you have done differently?
First, the quality of the education of our children has been in a downward direction (trajectory). Instead of focusing on improving the educational standards, the school systems have been focusing on the indoctrination of our children with controversial left-wing ideologies. Instead of focusing on realistic measures to close the performance gap among students, the school systems have been focusing on lowering our educational standards in the name of equity and even on politically driven school redistricting that brings down the cohesiveness of our community. It should be noted that in the 2019 Howard County school redistricting, all Democratic General Assembly representatives of Howard County supported the school redistricting and even passed a bill to mandate school redistricting against the wills of thousands of parents and students who testified against such redistricting. Furthermore, our schools had been closed for too long during Covid, hurting a generation of our children.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I am a scientist, a software engineer, a small business owner, and a reborn Christian. I believe it is my time to help build our beloved Maryland and the counties better. I believe my entire life experience has prepared me for this moment.
I got into local politics in the winter of 2017 to fight against sanctuary bills in Howard County and in the state, to voice my community’s opposition against this and other misguided policies that will compromise the stability of our home. I am the current Corresponding Secretary of the Howard County Republican Women Club (HCRWC). I was on the 2021 nomination committee of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women Club (MFRWC). I was a PTACHC Delegate for TRES. I have fought against unreasonable school redistricting and against political indoctrination in our school system. I have supported conservative candidates running for local school board, county council, and state legislature, and helped organize or coordinate campaigns tirelessly.
