Democrats Dominate Elections; Ambulance Fee Appears Headed To Defeat

Photo by Brad Rourke

Democratic candidates dominated the partisan races throughout Rockville precincts, with voters giving the nod to incumbents and presumptive winners in almost every case. The controversial “Ambulance Fee” measure (Montgomery County Question A) appeared destined for defeat, as the gap continued to widen as new precincts reported.

All the results are available here at the Montgomery County Board of Elections results page.

The following information reflects the state of affairs shortly before midnight, with 166 precincts having reported in Montgomery County out of the total of 254 precincts.

Governor Martin O’Malley appeared to be have trounced former governor Robert Ehrlich 60% to 37% shortly before midnight. State Senator Jennie Forehand was handily dispatching her opponent Adol Theo Owen-Williams, II 74% to 25%. And, the current District 17 of Kumar Barve, Luis Simmons, and Jim Gilchrist looked poised to retain their seats with roughly 23% each. Republican challenger Daniel Campos looked to have garnered about 11.5% of the vote, not enough to make it.

Ike Leggett looked to be heading for re-election as County Executive with 64% of the vote, and the four Democratic primary winners for the Montgomery County at-large seats — Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, and Hans Riemer — were also heading toward victory shortly before midnight, with roughly 16% each.

In the at-large Board of Education race, Shirley Brandman was the evident winner with 62%. Judy Docca appeared to be winning District 1 with 69% of the vote, and Patricia O’Neill was winning District 3 with 67%. In District 5, Mike Durso appeared to be the winner with almost 58% of the vote.

County Question A — the “Ambulance Fee” — was highly contested and it looked as if it could go either way as midnight drew near. However, the trend as more precincts came is was leaning against. With 166 precincts reporting, the numbers were 45.57% for and 54.43% against.

Judge Dismisses Ambulance Fee Lawsuit And The Electioneering Continues

TBD.com reports Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert Greenberg dismissed a challenge by the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) claiming the county was engaging in illegal electioneering in support of the ambulance fee referendum.

Judge Greenberg ruled that “the suit was filed too late (there is a 10-day statute) and that there was no evidence to show the county’s actions would sway voters.”

In her post Ambulance fee lawsuit: Judge dismisses volunteers’ challenge Elahe Izadi noted:

Meanwhile across town today, county officials were out in full force, along with a volunteer paramedic, advocating for ambulance fees. And, yes, county communications’ staff members sent out numerous press releases ahead of the press conference.

Evidence of the County’s efforts to sway voters on Question A was also documented by Tom Moore, who has written a Contributor Opinion to Vote No On Question A. He snapped this picture of the Rockville Memorial Library from earlier today with a “Vote For Question A” banner hanging across the entrance.

Photo by Tom Moore

Regardless of your opinion on the ambulance fee issue, should a government building be displaying a banner telling us how to vote ? Who paid for and hung this banner on a public building?

Early Voting Brings Out Less Than 5% Of County Voters

From MD BOE

On Friday the Maryland State Board of Elections released the results of last week’s early voting. Montgomery County has 573,431 registered voters and 26,707 (4.66%) casted their ballots early at polling sites. This puts the County below the unofficial State participation rate of 6.33% (219,601 of 3,468,287 potential voters). Although they released the numbers, the Board of Elections will not be releasing the results until after all the votes are cast tomorrow on Election Day.

Here’s the breakdown of early voter turnout:

6,601 at Bauer Drive Community Center in Rockville
4,656 at the Executive Office Building in Rockville
5,309 at the Germantown Recreation Center
3,951 at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center
6,190 at the Silver Spring Civic Building

Democrats voted early in greater proportion than Republicans:

Democrats 17,978 of 324,195 registered voters ( 5.55%)
Republicans 5,127 of 123,253 registered voters (4.16%)

In District 17, 3,226 of 70,412 (4.58%) registered voters already cast their vote.

This means many of us still need to vote tomorrow, November 2, 2010. The polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. Although I tried early voting in the Primaries, I’ll be voting with my sons in tow tomorrow. I’ve always enjoyed teaching them to vote by showing them I do.

Contributor Opinion By Theresa Defino: A Rotten Phone Call

This Contributor Opinion is by Theresa Defino:

Photo by Brad Rourke

I was on the phone when the call came in, and not recognizing the number, I let it go to voicemail. I was surprised that the unknown caller actually left a message. When I heard it, my surprise turned to anger.

“Hi, are you frustrated with your elected officials?” she asked. Well, sometimes I am, with some….but which ones was she talking about?

“Recently, [the caller went on] The Washington Post exposed how the powerful teachers union controls the Apple Ballot. Because the Apple Ballot wins big in Montgomery county, candidates at all levels depend on it to get elected. Candidates can pay up to $6000 to the union.

Voters trust the teachers handing out the big Red Apple ballots and vote for the union-suggested candidates. But are they voting for the teachers’ choice? No, it’s the union’s choice.

Officials who depend on the Apple Ballot to get elected feel compelled to listen to the teachers’ union instead of voters. The Washington Post has called the apple ballot a toxic influence in Montgomery County.

Don’t be fooled by glossy candidate mailings that appear to be from candidates but are really from the MCEA [Montgomery County Education Association] union.

Teachers are great, but union control of Montgomery County is not. Learn more at rottenappleballot.com. Rotten apple ballot.com.”

Then she mumbled something fast about “removal from calls, press eight.”

Well, thanks, I don’t want any more calls like this, I thought, but you can’t press eight on a voice mail message.

I was stunned. By now I am used to robo calls but I usually expect to be told who to vote for, not against.

And I usually can easily tell who the message is from. I know that the electoral system, in my view, has recently been polluted since the Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision allowing the funding of ads by shadowy groups, but so far they’ve been about a candidates by name. Not this one.

I immediately went to the rottenappleballot.com website and was confronted with a huge, ugly photograph of-you guessed it. The only name I could find on the site was Ruth Jacobs, who identified herself as an “M.D.” with Maryland Citizens for a Responsible Government. I had never heard of her, or them.

After hunting around on the site, I still knew nothing about the organization behind this effort. More importantly, the message I again got was this: Vote against anyone on the Apple Ballot.

How’s that for educating the voters?

Wanting to know more, I dialed 301-641-4678 the number captured by caller ID, and heard an annoyed-sounding message from a woman saying to contact the organization by email only, and thanking me for “not leaving a message.” That’s rich-she can call me, but I can’t call her.

The phone message and the website made me furious for a number of reasons. The statement that candidates pay to be endorsed is patently false. The statement that elected officials listen only to the union and not voters is not only false , it’s nonsensical. Do union members not count as voters?

Two years ago, I was one of a handful of people who helped Laura Berthiaume get elected to the Board of Education. Laura was endorsed by MCEA but did not give the union a dime. She never was and two years later still is not beholden to the union. While critical of the union, The Post, by the way, never used the word “toxic” and made it clear that a number of candidates had not given MCEA money. And a 400-word editorial is not an “expose.”

When The Washington Post editorial board printed its “expose” of MCEA, Laura responded, noting that it is outgoing Superintendent Jerry Weast, not the board, that has “the coziest” relationship with the union.

The admonition to voters to “not be fooled” into thinking candidate materials came from the candidates shows basic distain for voters’ intellect. What I get from MCEA says MCEA and it’s not glossy. And what I get from candidates is from the candidates; I’m pretty sure I can tell the difference.

I also don’t buy that Montgomery County is “controlled” by this union or any other union. Seriously, the whole county? Why not mention the firefighters’ union or any other group that makes endorsements?

And really, I can’t even vote for folks who are running unopposed? Apparently I only have the rotten apples’ permission to vote in the District 3 County Council election, because MCEA didn’t endorse anyone in that race.

This “Maryland Citizens’” negative and deeply cynical message, right before the election, gave me a stomach ache, just like from eating a rotten apple.

Sure, I’ve voted for candidates on the Apple Ballot in the past and I am sure I will again. I’ve also given my support to those, such as Cheryl Kagan, who did not win that endorsement.

But I decide who to vote for, after studying the issues and candidates as best I can. And I surely won’t vote against an entire slate just because one decidedly unpleasant, semi-anonymous phone caller told me I should.

Theresa Defino

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

Voting Begins Today In Maryland

Every day is Election Day for the next week. The polls are open for the Gubernatorial General Election. Voting Centers opened the doors at 10 AM this morning. They’ll remain open until Thursday, October 28th from 10 AM until 8 PM (except for Sunday the 24th.)

Two Voting Centers are located in Rockville:
Montgomery County Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville 20850
Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville 20853

Other Centers are at:
Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown 20874
Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center,14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville 20866
Silver Spring Civic Building, 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring 20910

Voters can go to any of these Early Voting Centers and use the same equipment which will be used on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2nd. The Board of Election website has a scroll bar which provides wait times of each of the five Centers, updated hourly, so you can plan accordingly.

As the Baltimore Sun reported, when the State of Maryland offered Early Voting for the first time during this year’s Primary Election, the turnout was very low with only 77,000 of the possible 3.2 million taking advantage of the opportunity. Advocates for early voting had hoped to increase participation in this year’s election by making it more convenient.

To help voters make their decisions, the League of Women Voter’s Guide publishes the verbatim responses of candidates to questions which are important to voters. For information on Montgomery County Question A concerning the Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee, read our post, Both Sides Of The Montgomery County Ambulance Fee Issue, Proposed Cuts.

As I described during my early voting experience, the process was quick and easy. However, I will admit that I missed voting on Election Day. When you have already cast your vote, the last minute campaign frenzy is also lost on you. But, perhaps that was for the better!

Both Sides Of The Montgomery County Ambulance Fee Issue, Proposed Cuts

The Maryland Court of Appeals recently ruled to include the question of Ambulance Reimbursement on the ballot on November 2, 2010, so Montgomery County residents will be able to decide. The County Executive and County Council have already approved Ambulance Fees and the budget was formulated with the expectation that Montgomery County would begin to collect payments from health insurance companies for all ambulance rides this year.

Here is the Ballot Question A:

Referendum on Law Enacted by the County Council
Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee
Shall the Act to require the collection of an emergency medical services transport (ambulance) fee from: (1) County residents to the extent of the resident’s insurance coverage; and (2) non-County residents subject to a hardship waiver become law?

Voting “No”

The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) has worked to get this decision on the ballot, and are urging a “No” vote because:

• Charging for ambulance service already paid for by taxes is wrong.
• Residents will have to make-up the difference between what is charged and what is collected.
• Some people won’t call 911 in an emergency.
• Insurance rates will go up.
• It is wrong to charge for service provided free by volunteer fire and rescue personnel.

The estimated (and disputed) $14 million revenue anticipated in the current fiscal year was not going to be directed to the fire/rescue budget anyway (according to the legislation approved by the County Council). Regardless, $14 million is only 0.3% of the total Montgomery County budget. If the revenue from an ambulance transport fee is not available, it can easily be made up from other budget sources.

Voting “Yes”

The Montgomery County government urges a “Yes” vote for the following reasons:

• No Cost, No Tax, No Bills for County Residents
• The Same Excellent Quality Services
• $170 million Dedicated by Law to County Fire & Rescue Over 10 Years
• Improved Ambulance Response Times
• Additional Fire & Rescue Equipment and Personnel

If the vote is “No”, what might the buget cuts look like? Yesterday WTOP reported on the County Executive’s “just-in-case” scenario if voters repeal the county’s ambulance fees. These budget cuts would have to be approved by the County Council. Here are the proposed cuts:

• 118 public safety jobs, including nine police officers in school
• 11 ambulances would be pulled out of service
• $1 million in road resurfacing
• 4 sports academies that serve “at-risk” teenagers
• 8 of 15 “RecExtra” programs for “at-risk” middle school kids
• Sunday service at area libraries
• Cuts to “Care for Kids”
• Cuts to Maternity Partnership

The Chief’s Blog from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service includes an observation about volunteer crews being free. The vast majority of EMS calls are handled by career staff. The cost for an all volunteer crew is not free because of the expenses for equipment, gas, uniforms, and wear and tear on vehicles. Montgomery County provides many of the volunteer stations with funding to help with operating expenses. Many of the vehicles have been purchased by Montgomery County taxpayers.

A more detailed case detailing why voters should vote “Yes” has been listed on the Montgomery County government website under Ambulance Reimbursement Facts:

Ambulance Reimbursement will raise $14-$17 million a year in revenue that will be dedicated to maintaining and enhancing Montgomery County’s world-class emergency medical services.

County residents will not pay anything. Ambulance reimbursement will be billed directly to residents’ insurance companies, which have already factored the cost of patient transport into their rate schedules. Ambulance reimbursement will be waived for uninsured residents and will be covered by their tax dollars.

Montgomery County is one of the few jurisdictions in the region that is not already collecting ambulance reimbursement from insurance companies. Fairfax County collects the fee, as well as Frederick, Prince George’s, Carroll, Charles, Arlington, Washington, and Prince William counties. Cities such as Alexandria, Baltimore, and the District of Columbia also collect ambulance reimbursement.

There is no evidence that those in need of transport will be dissuaded from calling 911 because their insurance is going to be billed or because they are uninsured. In the jurisdictions that have been collecting ambulance reimbursement, there is no evidence of that happening. Montgomery County will fund a public education campaign to make sure that residents know there are no charges to them for emergency medical services and no changes in service.

There is no evidence that ambulance reimbursement will raise insurance rates. Ambulance bills are in the “hundreds” of dollars, compared to hospital, physician, surgeon, rehab, device, and drug bills, which are typically in the “thousands and tens of thousands.” Ambulance expenditures account for less than 1 percent of insurance expenditures. Since most insurance companies determine rates on a regional basis – and most jurisdictions in the region bill insurance companies for this charge – in most cases County residents may already be paying for ambulance service as a part of their premiums.

The quality of patient care will continue to be the highest priority for Montgomery County’s Fire & Rescue Service. A resident’s ability or non-ability to pay will never be considered when providing service.

When a resident makes that 911 call, the first priority will be to take care of that patient’s immediate medical needs. If deemed necessary, the patient will be transported to the hospital. If not, ambulance reimbursement will not be charged to the insurance company.

It’s up to the Voters

As County Executive Ike Leggett recently pointed out, the County had to make $1 billion in budget cuts this year. If voters reject Ambulance Fees, the decision requires additional cuts in personnel and services, which he is beginning to propose in advance of the vote. This allows voters to have a clearer understanding of the choices, because they will decide.

Rockville Voter Turnout Officially Plummets

One of the big stories from the recent primary elections, perhaps THE biggest story, was the dismal voter turnout. Yes, it is an off-year election, so numbers can be expected to be somewhat depressed. But even so, it was pretty bad.

How bad was it? Figures released by the Board of Elections tell the tale, and Maryland Politics Watch created a helpful spreadsheet that compares 2010 to 2006 (the latest comparable election). Here are the results for Rockville city limits only.

2006:

• Registered voters: 27,804
• Votes cast: 6,542
• Turnout: 23.5%

2010:

• Registered voters: 32,292
• Votes cast: 5,161
• Turnout: 16.0%

So, in other words, there were more registered voters in 2010 than there were in 2006 . . . but fewer votes cast.

The drop was 1,381 votes, for a decline of 7.5% in turnout.

This is worse than our neighboring comparable jurisdictions (Gaithersburg dropped 6.1%; Bethesda dropped 5.8%; Germantown 4.1%) but not as bad as Takoma Park, which was in the basement with a drop of 13.1%.

Ouch.

Primary Election Results (All Precincts Reporting) (UPDATED)

The District 17 Democratic primary race between Sen. Jennie Forehand and former Del. Cheryl Kagan remained too close to call definitively as election day ended. But, with all precincts reporting, Forehand had the lead:

• Jennie Forehand: 3,830 (52.09%)
• Cheryl Kagan: 3,522 (47.91%)

This race may not be called this evening, given the current margin a recount is very possible. However, Forehand’s lead has been widening as late precincts come in. Maryland Politics Watch has called this race for Forehand.

The Montgomery County Council at-large race was also close, but with 3/4 of the county’s precincts reporting Maryland Politics Watch has gone ahead and called it. The big news was that challenger Hans Riemer’s race was successful, with incumbent Duchy Trachtenberg bearing the brunt. Results:

• Marc Elrich: 45,009 (17.81%)
• Hans Riemer: 38,437 (15.21%)
• Nancy Floreen: 36,973 (14.63%)
• George Leventhal: 36,385 (14.40%)
• ———-
• Duchy Trachtenberg: 32,505 (12.86%)
• Rebecca Wagner: 30,552 (12.09%)
• Jane de Winter: 14,204 (5.62%)
• Fred Evans: 10,372 (4.10%)
• Raj Narayanan: 8,247 (3.26%)

In the Board of Education at-large race, the winner appeared clear early. Final results:

• Shirley Brandman: 50,749 (62.46%)
• Lisa M. Lloyd: 16,568 (20.39%)
• Lyda Astrove: 13,927 (17.14%)

Latest election results are available here, updated in as near real-time as you can get.

[This post was UPDATED Wednesday morning with latest results.]

Statement By Jennie Forehand

We invited the two Democratic candidates for District 17 State Senate to make one final statement to Rockville Central readers. Election Day is September 14.

Here is Jennie Forehand’s statement:

Jennie Forehand

As you know, I am running for re-election to Maryland’s Senate, and would be honored to have your vote in the Democratic primary.

Along with my seniority, I have a high level of friendship and trust with my legislative colleagues, staff, and constituents, as well as credibility with local, state, & national leaders.

As a former teacher, advocate for advanced curriculum and for school classroom and construction funds, we can’t let the state transfer its funding responsibilities to the County!

Since 1989, I have been the “community member” on the NIH Bio-Safety Committee. My GENETIC DISCRIMINATON prevention legislation has now been expanded to cover health insurance, employment, and long-term care. I was especially pleased to receive the NIH Director’s Award for Leadership & Bio-safety Oversight.

I was instrumental in establishing business incubators in Montgomery County. I am a co-founder of Maryland’s Legislative Biotech CAUCUS, and recently named Senate chair of Maryland’s Nano-biotechnology Task Force.

I serve on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, where my leadership has been on public safety, Human Trafficking, Domestic violence, Drunk driving; texting and cell phone usage, etc. I am proud of these legislative victories! My revised method of processing traffic tickets will save Montgomery County $1 million from police overtime.

I am a leader on health issues, especially related to making Maryland “Smoke Free”. I also focus on MENTAL HEALTH issues.

Transportation is one of Rockville and Gaithersburg’s priorities, and I was very involved building the ICC . I don’t like the tolls, but I am anxious for it to open.

I have worked hard to help develop our local economy from the construction of the new Rockville Town Center to sponsoring the Biotech Investment Incentive Act to bring venture capital to Maryland. I am proud of my record and service to the state and our community, but there is still more that I want to do. I have enjoyed my time on the campaign trail and if I am blessed with your approval, I look forward to again working for our state and our county.

Please visit my website to see awards: www.jennieforehand.com. Email: [email protected]

To see a roundup of all Rockville Central coverage on this election campaign, see this article.

Statement By Cheryl Kagan

We invited the two Democratic candidates for District 17 State Senate to make one final statement to Rockville Central readers. Election Day is September 14.

Here is Cheryl Kagan’s statement:

Cheryl Kagan

I am running for the State Senate because tough times like these call for effective leadership. The Washington Post and a dozen community organizations (listed here) have endorsed me because they know I will provide the kind of energetic advocacy in Annapolis that Rockville (as well as Gaithersburg and Garrett Park) need and deserve.

As a Rockville resident, I’m gratified to have received the endorsements of city leaders like Councilmembers John Britton and Mark Pierzchala, former Mayor Jim Coyle, former Councilmembers Jim Marrinan, Anne Robbins, John Hall, Glennon Harrison, Nina Weisbroth, Dave Robbins, and Bob Wright and respected Peerless Rockville founder Eileen McGuckian. They know that I will be an effective advocate for municipalities in the State Senate. Many of them were kind enough to post comments here on Rockville Central; Mark Pierzchala wrote recently, “Kagan… has my support. Not just because of her opponent’s negativity, but because I know that Cheryl will do a great job and put enormous energy into her State Senate days.”

We need a change in fiscal priorities to make sure Annapolis insiders don’t balance the state budget on the backs of Montgomery County’s taxpayers. We need a Senator who is sensitive to the desires of neighbors when planning large public projects like the new District Courthouse. And we need a change in political ethics, so that the source of every campaign donation is disclosed.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen recently commended me for my commitment to campaign finance reform; I’m equally proud of my record of standing up for kids, whether by sponsoring a 139% tobacco tax increase to discourage teen smoking, or providing foundation grants to improve childhood nutrition.

I hope in the final days of a heated campaign, voters will not be distracted from answering a simple question: do you think this is the right time for the status quo? Or do tough times demand change — after 32 years — to more active, engaged leadership? I offer that change, and that’s why I ask for your support. You can learn more and “Check the Facts” about the personal attacks by my opponent at www.cherylkagan.org.

To see a roundup of all Rockville Central coverage on this election campaign, see this article.

(Photo credit Jerry Eisner)

Drivers Needed For Primary Election Day

Although this call for volunteers is not specifically in Rockville because the Montgomery County Board of Elections is up the road in Gaithersburg, we want to help facilitate our elections in every way possible.
Volunteer drivers are needed early in the morning on Primary Election Day to transport miscellaneous items such as computer or printer power cords, various types of papers, etc. from the Board of Elections office to various precincts around the County on Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Early Tuesday morning, volunteers would need to arrive at 6:00 AM and stay until assigned a delivery to a precinct, which could take until 9 AM. The Board of Election is located at 18753-210 North Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20879.

If you are willing to volunteer, you must send an email ASAP but no later than noon on Monday, September 13th, to Thomas Street, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer at [email protected].

Volunteers will be contacted by close of business on Monday with the logistics for Tuesday morning.

Roundup Of The District 17 Senate Campaign Between Sen. Jennie Forehand and Former Del. Cheryl Kagan

Rockville has been Ground Zero for one of the harder-fought election campaigns in the state, the race for democratic nomination to the District 17 Senate seat, which is currently held by Jennie Forehand. Forehand is opposed by former state Delegate Cheryl Kagan. The election is September 14.

While this is a primary election, the winner is for all intents and purposes the ultimate victor, as this is a solidly democratic district.

This campaign has been energetic for some time, as Kagan filed her candidacy in May but had been campaigning before then. However, now is the time that voters are making up their minds so we thought we would provide links to relevant information so readers can easily research.

In addition to everything below, we’ve asked each candidate to provide a statement of their choosing by the end of the day. We will publish those on Saturday.

(Note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates and we work hard to provide a balanced forum for all.)

Photo from candidate's web site

The Candidates’ Online Identities

• Jennie Forehand:
  • Main web site
  • Facebook page
• Cheryl Kagan
  • Main web site
  • Facebook page
  • Twitter account (@CherylKagan)

Endorsements

• Jennie Forehand
  • Endorsed by The Gazette
  • List of endorsements on candidate site
• Cheryl Kagan
  • Endorsed by the Washington Post
  • List of endorsements on candidate site

Debates

While there have been a number of debates in this campaign, the most recent was August 31, held in Rockville Memorial Library. The candidates questioned each other, and responded to written questions from the audience. Rockville Central had complete coverage:

• Forehand, Kagan Question Each Other
• Forehand, Kagan Respond to Audience Quatsions:
  • Part One
  • Part Two
  • Part Three

Our friends at TBD.com also hosted a brief (less than 10 minute) debate between the two candidates, and provided us with full video. You can see that here.

Contributor Opinions

A number of readers have submitted contributor opinion pieces in support of either Forehand or Kagan. Here they all are, organized.

• Contributor Opinion pieces in favor of Jennie Forehand:
  • Contributor Opinion By Sen. Brian Frosh: Setting The Record Straight On Jennie Forehand
  • Contributor Opinion by Richard Arkin: Kagan Goes Negative
  • Reader Note by Kevin Brooks: Forehand Kagan…Pretty Simple
  • Contributor Opinion by John Moser: I Support Sen. Jennie Forehand
  • Contributor Opinion By Richard Arkin: Forehand The More Successful Legislator
  • Contributor Opinion By Laura Berthiaume: What I Know
    

Photo from the candidate's website

• Contributor Opinion pieces in favor of Cheryl Kagan:
  • Contributor Opinion by John Cooper-Martin: Cheryl Kagan Will Make a Great State Senator for District 17
  • Contributor Opinion By Scott Maravilla: Cheryl Kagan Is Our Future
  • Contributor Opinion By Sima Osdoby: Why I am Supporting Cheryl Kagan
  • Contributor Opinion By Bob Wright: Kagan Followed Letter And Spirit Of The Law
  • Contributor Opinion By Paul Carlson: Cheryl Kagan, The Hardest Working Public Servant I have Ever Known
  • Contributor Opinion by Frederick Beckner: Cheryl Kagan Helping to Keep Big Money Out of Politics
  • Contributor Opinion By David Spitzer: A Response to Richard Arkin
  • Contributor Opinion By Arthur Katz: Forehand’s Mailer, Cover Their Eyes
  • Contributor Opinion By Anne Robbins: My Support For Cheryl Kagan
  • Contributor Opinion By Eileen McGuckian: Why I Support Cheryl Kagan
  • Reader Note By Jim Coyle: Support For Kagan
  • Reader Note By Dick Strombotne: Why I Support Cheryl Kagan
  • Contributor Opinion By John Britton: My Preference For Cheryl Kagan

So, there you have it.

If circumstances change materially, we will update this page and mark it.

Happy voting!

Contributor Opinion By John Britton: My Preference For Cheryl Kagan

This Contributor Opinion is by John Britton.

Just a brief note to express my preference for candidate Cheryl Kagan in next Tuesday’s primary election. Consistent with many of the pro-Kagan comments that appear on these pages, I look for a more proactive, dynamic and even aggressive representation for our District. I do believe Jennie Forehand has ably and competently served the District throughout her many years in both the House and the Senate. I respect her immensely for her work and commitment. With such long-term tenure, however, the District and the municipalities therein (a major focus for me) should have significant clout and power in Annapolis. We do not.

The longevity factor in this race is overplayed. In today’s Post, Jennie Forehand is quoted on her seniority invoking for comparison the late Sen. Byrd of West Virginia who as we all know was quite adept at steering funds and projects to his little state. The comparison is woefully misplaced. I recall vividly a past election in which this same reason was given in opposition to another young, articulate and dynamic contender whom I was promoting - Chris VanHollen - over a seemingly entrenched encumbent. Without apology, I rejected the longevity argument then and, in casting my vote for Cheryl Kagan, I intend to reject it again. Cheryl Kagan has the smarts, experience, contacts and requisite energy to hit the ground running.

Councilmember John Britton

Rockville City Council

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

Reader’s Note By Dick Strombotne: Why I Support Cheryl Kagan

This Reader Note was submitted by Dick Strombotne.

As a former federal employee and an advocate for seniors in Maryland, I strongly support Cheryl Kagan for State Senator. I believe she has what we need as an advocate for Maryland seniors.

I met Cheryl almost 10 years ago when she was a delegate representing this same district. I found her to be intelligent and engaged on the issues that were important to our community, and was always willing to listen and learn. I know she will bring the same fine attributes to the State Senate.

I urge Democrats in District 17 to vote for Cheryl Kagan on Tuesday, September 14.

Dick Strombotne

This is a Reader’s Note. If you would like to contribute a Reader Note or other piece of writing, please send submissons to Rockville Central using our contact form. The more community voices, the better Rockville Central will be. Please remember that the views of contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.

Note: Rockville Central does not endorse candidates. We are encouraging towards all people who choose to run for office the city and try our best to make ourselves open to all. We actively encourage candidates to submit opinion pieces and other news. We don’t include every last bit, but we try to be fair to all and give useful information about what is happening.

Reader Note By Jim Coyle: Support For Kagan

This Reader Note was submitted by Jim Coyle about the District 17 race for State Senate between Jennie Forehand and Cheryl Kagan.

I am supporting Cheryl Kagan in the election because I want to see new ideas and leadership for Rockville in Annapolis. Cheryl had demonstrated her abilities in her previous term in Annapolis and through her community leadership activities.

It has been too long since Rockville voters have had the opportunity to vote for a credible alternative.. Now is the opportunity for change and more aggressive representation for Rockville.

Please vote on Tuesday!

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