Takoma Voice Editorial • August 2002

Too important to wait: We endorse Van Hollen now

Of all the votes you'll cast on primary day, Sept. 10, perhaps none will be more important than the vote in the 8th District U.S. Congressional race. The entire nation is watching this race now that Takoma Park has been purposely added to Republican Connie Morella's district, leaving her and the House Republican leadership vulnerable. As amazing as it may seem, we in Takoma Park could--with our votes--directly help tip the balance of power in the House from the ultra-conservative grip of Republicans to a more progressive and sensible Democratic leadership.

So we must choose carefully between the leading Democratic candidates Chris Van Hollen, Mark Shriver, and Ira Shapiro. All three, in our view, stand a good chance of unseating Morella in the November general election. Each would likely serve well if elected.

Yet the impressive legislative record and leadership of Van Hollen as an Annapolis senator place him clearly above the other candidates, in our view. While Shriver's voting record on the main issues of concern to Takoma Park--the environment, education, civil rights--is very good, he's generally known as a follower in Annapolis and not a legislative leader.

Van Hollen, on the other hand, is the most decorated environmental legislator in Maryland history, having taken the lead in passing landmark bills which, among other things, permanently ban oil and gas exploration in the Chesapeake Bay and make Maryland a national leader in tax incentives for energy-efficient cars and appliances. He is also fiercely loved by the state's teachers for his leadership role in crafting bill after bill that brings funds and accountability to Montgomery County classrooms.

And while Shapiro confidently demonstrates his expertise in national politics, he has never developed a legislative record or answered to voters. While we do not believe that local elected office is the only or the best route into national office, in this case we cannot ignore the progressive record and reputation for constituent service that Van Hollen has built in Annapolis.

Van Hollen, a former Senate staffer, is the only candidate whose experience bridges both local and national policy-making. And his positions on Shapiro's signature issues--trade and traffic--show greater sensitivity to worker rights and the environment.

We want a representative who can find sophisticated solutions. We believe that Van Hollen will lead the fight for bills most important to us in Takoma Park--including the fight to stop global warming--and not a legislator who will just vote the right way on bills introduced by others.

We need a Democratic candidate who can beat Morella, break the lock of Republican leadership, and set in motion the skills of a proven, take-charge leader. We need Chris Van Hollen.

Look for the rest of our endorsements in the September issue of the Takoma Voice.

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