Maryland House of Delegates: District 20

Linda Schade (Green Party)

Priorities: 'Fresh Air & Clean Politics' I'm an independent voice who champions campaign finance reform to break special interest hold over politics. My priorities are quality education, mass transit, renewable energy, living wage, universal health care, fair corporatetaxation (not corporate welfare), affordable housing, restoration of air quality, green-space, and wetlands. Endorsements: Takoma Voice, Sierra Club, Neighbors for a Better Montgomery Website www.lindaschade.org

Peter Franchot (Democrat)

Priorities: Relieve traffic congestion by advocating mass transit projects such as the Inner Purple Line and new roads such as an environmentally sound ICC. I have been instrumental in bringing millions from Annapolis to projects in our community, such as the George Meany National Labor College, the Takoma Park Community Center, the Chelsea School, and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.

Endorsements: Maryland State AFL-CIO, Sierra Club

Sheila Hixson (Democrat)

Priorities: Seek funding sources to keep and expand programs now in place. Continue funding for education and to attract and retain quality teachers. Expand funding for prescription drugs; promote health benefits for uninsured. Work on transportation issues with special emphasis on the environment. Provide for affordable housing using smart growth programs.

Endorsements: Takoma Voice, Montgomery County Teachers Union, Maryland State Teachers Association, MCGEO UFCW Local 1994, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Maryland NARAL, Metro Washing-ton Council of the AFL-CIO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, African American Democratic Club of Montgomery County, Neighbors for a Better Montgomery, SEIU (Service Employee Union)

Website: www.sheilahixson.com

Gareth Murray (Democrat)

Priorities: As a leader,Gareth Murray supports innovative approaches to building affordable housing, protecting a woman's right to choose, affordable healthcare, the Inner Purple Line, campaign finance reform and a state-wide living wage. He is willing to make the tough decisions to resolve our problems with parity within the public education system.

Endorsements: Progressive Maryland, AFL-CIO, NARAL, Montgomery County African American Democratic Club

E-mail: murray4delegate@aol.com

Jae Collins (Republican)

Priorities: My three top political issues for the district are Transportation, Education, and the Economy. Government must constantly monitor the growth of the jurisdiction so that it can keep pace with the needs of the people. At the same time it should also insure that growth does not impede on the quality of life for those already established.ÊIt is most unfortunate that for the last 30 years our state government has not answered the call.

Endorsements: Neighbors for a Better Montgomery Website www.jaecollins.com

Kenneth Klein (Republican)

Priorities: As a delegate, I advocate providing affordable health care so no Maryland resident has to choose between medicine and necessities; vastly improving mass transit so people can reasonably commute; improving the business environment to attract responsible corporations and good jobs; creating skate board parks and other family venues.