State Delegate District 15 (three seats)

 

Republican

 

Laurie Halverson

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:

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)

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

 

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. The Speaker recently appointed me to serve as Majority Leader. 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.

 

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)

Gerrymandering is a serious issue that many voters resent across the party lines. The Maryland General Assembly needs to learn the lesson from the last redistricting process post the 2010 Census and establish an independent commission to oversee the process so we can take party politics out of this important exercise to ensure maximum fairness and integrity of community characters throughout Maryland.

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.