compiled by Kym Byrnes, photography by Nikola Tzenov
We typically profile one person in the Q&A but this issue we decided to share some perspective from local elected representatives. It’s not hard to find issues to argue about, but it seems most people agree that dialogue, and even disagreement, are healthy when undertaken respectfully and with an intention to listen and learn in the exchange. We want to encourage that dialogue and share the perspective of two well-known, local representatives of the Republican and Democratic parties.
What do you believe is the most important thing for you to accomplish as a state senator?
The most important thing is to represent the values and concerns of my constituents. That means listening to them and being a strong voice for them. The job requires using my best judgment and perspective while being faithful to the things I believe and keeping the promises I’ve made to the people I’m representing.
Are you concerned by how divisive politics has become in recent years? What has to happen in order for communities to move forward successfully when people are so driven by party and so divided about political and cultural issues?
Yes I’m concerned with hate and the nationalization of politics. Too often every issue becomes a pitched battle between good and evil depending on what side you’re on. I do believe there are some issues that are right versus wrong, 100%, but I don’t believe strong disagreement is a bad thing. I believe vigorous debate is good, but it’s also important to say “we need to sit down and talk to each other, to work together.” A lot of what happens at the local and state level is about how to solve a problem, figuring out how to make progress. I’m a minority in Annapolis, but I fight hard for what I believe in and at the same time try to work to solve problems and find common ground when we can. I feel like that is not happening at the national level.
In looking towards the next presidential election, what are the three most important issues for Carroll County Democrats? And what do you think are the three most important issues for Carroll County Republicans?
I’m hearing a lot, from all voters, about public safety and crime, the cost of living, education, and foreign policy including our border security and concerns over China.
Can you share a few things you love about Carroll County?
I love the mix of towns and medium to small cities and rural areas. We have a great mix of open space and towns growing in vibrancy. It’s a great community for people to grow up in. I also love that when we see a problem we come together to work to solve it. When I come to Annapolis, if I’m asking for help, I’m able to say “hey we’re already doing a bunch about this problem.” I can point to the collaborative work involving nonprofits, the community college, the business sector, municipalities and commissioners to solve the problem.
What do you believe, from your perspective as a senator, is one of the most important issues/problems facing Carroll County today?
One is the way education funding with the Kerwin initiative will impact us. We’re concerned about the restrictions in how we can spend the money we do receive that might make sense in some counties but does not make sense with how we’re structured. It’s a big issue and puts us in a little bit of a straitjacket. Other issues we’re wrestling with include what we do in the area of growth and land use and what the state may try to force counties to do, and how we allocate water resources.
Do you believe Carroll County residents should feel confident and secure in our local election processes and outcomes? Why or why not?
Yes, our county does a very good job. We have had a very good board and I think the new board will also do a good job. I am a big proponent of making sure we secure and keep secure our elections, but I’ve had the opportunity to observe very closely the processes and how they count, and Carroll County has done a very good job. I do have concerns about the state policies when it comes to elections – there are some security things I’d like to see.
Learn more at JustinReady.com.
What do you believe is the most important thing for you to accomplish as the chair of the central committee?
As far as statewide results, we are coming off our best results in 40 years. Our disappointment was the lack of local Democrats on the ballot. Our most important challenge for the coming years is to recruit good candidates and help them run successful campaigns. We aim to expand our training, volunteering, and financial support of candidates.
Are you concerned by how divisive politics has become in recent years? What has to happen in order for communities to move forward successfully when people are so driven by party and so divided about political and cultural issues?
I am very saddened by the division in our community. Even a community website started to share services and lost pets has devolved into a place where crude political insults are inserted. There is division in families not seen since the 1960s. As is often the case, the answer is education and sharing information. I would urge everyone to broaden their media choices and expand their reading lists. There truly is more that unites us than that which divides us.
What do you believe are the 3 most important issues on the minds of Carroll County Democrats. And Republicans?
The issues that I hear from our supporters are quality-of-life ones. We support access to a safe and diverse education system that gives all our citizens the tools for their success. We are concerned about keeping our rural feel and protecting our environment. At the same time, we need to support smart growth of small and larger businesses to provide great jobs here in the county. I fear the local Republican Party is focusing on the divisive national issues of abortion, guns, and opposition to being a more inclusive nation. I invite them to join with us in focusing on local issues that can unite us. We all want our kids to be well educated, safe, and healthy. We want nice parks, roads, and attractive Main Streets in our eight municipalities. That should be common ground for us to come together and make a difference.
Can you name a few things you love about Carroll County?
I love the many friends I’ve made in Carroll County. So many of our citizens give of themselves to make our community stronger. Just recently, while volunteering at Westminster High School, I was able to connect with many friends from many facets of my life. People are the reason I plan to “age in place” here in Carroll.
What do you believe, from your perspective as chair of the Central Committee, is one of the most important issues or problems facing Carroll County today?
As the minority party, we have faced an uphill battle winning elections and even filling our slate for too many years. I see the citizens of Carroll voting for the opposition candidates without even considering ours. This concerns me greatly as chair, but also as a citizen. I am especially concerned by partisan politics controlling our school board. We should all be working together to keep our schools great. We certainly should not risk funding from Annapolis by pursuing partisan agendas.
Do you believe Carroll County residents should feel confident and secure in our local election processes and outcomes? Why or why not?
I am totally confident in our American election process, including here in Carroll. I have attended Board of Elections meetings and observed the efficiency, transparency, and accuracy of our director, Katherine Berry, her staff, and the appointed board. Some citizens may not know that the board is made up of five citizens submitted by the Central Committees to be approved during the “green bag” process in Annapolis. We are enthusiastic about our appointees and optimistic that this new board (that gets seated in June) will continue to function in a nonpartisan manner. Learn more about the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee at ccdems.com.
