September 2002

Takoma Voice Primary Endorsements

Think globally, act locally. That's been a popular activist mantra for at least three decades. On September 10, voters in Takoma Park and Silver Spring will have a chance to do more than slap that phrase on the bumpers of their cars.

We hope that voters will elect local leaders with global vision. Foremost, we need leaders to work on environmental and fuel issues. Our thirst for petroleum has compromised the safety of the United StatesÑand the rest of the world. It is the fuel that powers our massive and rich economy. But it is finite. Our bellicose gestures in the Middle East are driven by our reliance on oil. And those gestures make us increasingly vulnerable to war and terrorism. Further, according to scientific consensus, fossil fuels have been a major factor in climate change across the planet. Two frequent responses to these facts are denial or panic. We recommend neither.

We envision a prosperous and safe future. And we need to elect leaders who will make that future their priority. We are placing candidates with solid environmental records at the top of our endorsement list. We are looking to our local politicians to make transportation and development choices that make sense locally and globally. We want our leaders to think outside the box of this county, this yearÑand look at the larger ramifications of their decisions. We are also looking at progressive positions that provide equal opportunities to all people.

We are only endorsing those candidates with whom we feel the most comfortable.

U.S. House of Representatives: Chris Van Hollen

Last month we endorsed Chris Van Hollen as the best candidate to represent us in Congress. Van Hollen 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. We want to see that vision and hard work in Congress. To read the entire endorsement from last month’s Voice, click here.

As far as Republican Connie Morella is concerned, we are not entirely pleased that state Democrats have manipulated the system to achieve through redistricting what they have been unable to accomplish through the electorate. Morella has successfully fended off her Democratic opponents over the years for good reason. She has a reputation for constituent service that any Democrat would be proud of–including work on domestic violence, women’s health, children’s safety, gun control, and gay and lesbian rights. We wish she were a Democrat so that a vote for her would not also be a vote for an obstructionist Republican Congress. Morella faces no opponent in the primary.

Governor: no endorsement

While Kathleen Kennedy Townsend appears to be a shoo-in for the Democratic nomination, she has made a number of blunders in her campaign. In her effort to appeal to the most voters, she has compromised her progressive politics and failed to grasp important opportunites (such as adding Montgomery Councilmember Ike Leggett to her ticket). We will endorse Kennedy Townsend for the general election because her likely Republican challenger would be such a wrong choice for Maryland. But in the primary, we recommend sending a message by not voting.

Comptroller: John Willis

The time has come for Maryland voters to show William Donald Schaefer the door. His colorful antics have upstaged his official performance since his days as the mayor of Baltimore. John Willis is a serious candidate and a progressive. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Willis, lauding his platform of "preserving open spaces, [and] revitalizing our communities." Schaefer has used his position on the Board of Public Works to stymie critical land preservation efforts. Vote for Willis.

Maryland District 20: Sheila Hixson

Each district in the Maryland legislature is represented by one state senator and three delegates. Every four years, voters choose those representatives.

In the GENERAL election we recommend that voters choose urban planner Linda Schade–the clear ethical and progressive leader among the delegate candidates in District 20. Linda Schade’s campaign motto is "Fresh Air and Clean Politics." We need both in Annapolis. Schade is a candidate with vision, who honestly appears to value the rights of humans over those of corporations. She is the one candidate who is talking about the public health ramifications of our transportation choices. She knows that road building is not a step toward better air quality, and it’s a dead end for stopping gridlock. She advocates stricter car emission and fuel efficiency standards.

Schade advocates investing in affordable housing, slowing growth, expanding greenspaces, protecting forests and wetlands, and guarding our civil rights. Schade is a candidate with creativity and passion–the only candidate to mount a substantial campaign without taking any corporate or PAC money. Vote for her in November.

But since it’s only September...

In the PRIMARY election, we are not endorsing any candidate for the senate, and we are only endorsing one candidate for delegate: Sheila Hixson.

In District 20, we’ve been represented for the past 16 years by Senator Ida Ruben and Delegates Dana Dembrow, and Peter Franchot. Sheila Hixson been a delegate for 26 years. All are Democrats.

Senator Ida Ruben is running unopposed. Over the years, she has proven to be a fierce ally and a tenacious foe. However, sometimes these qualities overshadow common sense and the well being of her constituency. She plays politics.

A recent example is her calls to the Maryland Court of Appeals judges who were reviewing changes in Maryland’s legislative districts. Ruben had helped craft the new state map, succeeding in temporarily moving her long-time rival Delegate Dembrow out of our district. Despite telephone calls–which were unethical intrusions on the judicial process–from Ruben, Senate President Mike Miller and a handful of other state senators, the judges threw out the gerrymandered map. We look unfavorably upon Ruben’s attempt to circumvent the rights of voters. We make no endorsements for state senator.

Even so, we do not recommend that Delegate Dana Dembrow be returned to office. Last year, we could not have imagined that we would not endorse Dembrow. He has consistently finished at the top of the ticket–for good reason. Dembrow is the most independent of the District 20 incumbents. Some see him as a loose cannon, other see him as a maverick, passionately pushing the legislation that matters to him: preservation of wetlands, child safety, legislative ethics. With a few notable exceptions, Dembrow has distinguished himself as a progressive and dynamic legislator.

But, as most readers are undoubtedly aware, Dembrow was arrested this spring for striking his wife, bloodying her nose and giving her two black eyes. We do not consider domestic violence a private matter. In fact, this is an issue that has lingered all too often in the shadows. We cannot condone violence against women, and we cannot endorse Dembrow.

We want to endorse Delegate Franchot, but we have reservations. Franchot clearly knows how to play the political game, but we sent him to Annapolis to lead on social and environmental issues as well. And the $15.6 million dollar tax break that he and Senator Ruben gave to the Discovery Communications smacks of quid pro quo, given that Discovery contributed $4,000–the maximum amount allowed–to his campaign.

On the other hand, he has has used his office to support dozens of worthy causes in Takoma Park and Silver Spring. Years ago, Franchot pushed through a $500,000 grant for an arts center in Takoma Park. The city was not prepared to use that grant, but Franchot waited patiently until it was, and he has been the main sponsor of the coming Takoma Park Community Center. Other projects Franchot has helped fund are Round House Theatre, and the Chelsea School in Silver Spring, which educates children with learning disabilities. The legislation that Franchot is touting most this year is his successful bill to help save homeowners a substantial amount on their property taxes.

Clearly, Franchot is the guy to go to for money. We’d like to see Franchot channel more of his fiscal savvy toward progressive social and environmental causes.

We do, however, endorse Sheila Hixson, who is riding high after successfully pushing through the Anti-Discrimination Act, which recognizes the civil rights of gay and lesbian Marylanders. We are pleased with the progressive positions that she has taken in Annapolis. Hixson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, has supported education, rights for women, and care for the elderly. We would like to see Delegate Hixson push forward and achieve full civil rights for her gay and lesbian constituents by amending the Anti-Discrimination Law to include private cause action.

All of the challenging Democratic candidates for District 20 are idealistic and would bring a fresh perspective to this veteran delegation. We are impressed that the challengers are not beholden to corporate sponsors. However, with independent principles comes the responsibility of mounting a serious independent campaign.

Of the challenging Democrats only Gareth Murray, a liberal minister, has planned an earnest effort, cultivating the grassroots and putting in the necessary hours to compete for the seat. We would like to see an African American delegate represent this diverse community. However, his support of the Inter-County Connector (ICC) does not sit well with us.

We have one last note on the District 20 race. Diane Nixon has extensive experience in Annapolis as an activist and perennial candidate. She is progressive, ethical and uncompromised. Her work over the years to protect animal rights is laudable. She is a long-time opponent of the ICC.

Unfortunately, Ms. Nixon jumped into the race at the last minute. If Nixon does not win a seat this year, we would like to see her try to build a groundswell of support through a well-planned campaign in the future. If you are unhappy with the choices in this primary and find yourself with a vote to spare, we recommend that you give it to Ms. Nixon.

Montgomery County Executive: no endorsement

Doug Duncan is running for another term as County Executive. He faces no strong challenge. Duncan is decisive and shrewd, but short-sighted. We have benefitted from the former qualities–for example when Duncan pulled the plug on the Ghermazian Mega-Mall swindle in Silver Spring. His attention to Silver Spring has overemphasized large corporate interests in our view, but he has managed to reinvigorate the area, and he deserves credit for his commitment to downcounty Montgomery.

We also appreciate the attention he has given to public safety. He worked swiftly with the County Council to make Sligo Creek Parkway a safer road after a member of our community was killed there by a motorist.

However, we wish that his vision extended into our environmental concerns for the county. He has spent $40,000 during this election to support a slate on the county council that would stack it in his favor. Duncan’s attempt to push through the Inter-County Connector must be stopped. Voters should send a message to Mr. Duncan by withholding their votes or voting for his democratic opponent, William Legat, a slow growth advocate.

(We reccommend that voters visit the website of Neighbors for a Better Montogmery, www.neighborspac.org, to learn more about how sprawl development endangers the county.)

Montgomery County Council, At-Large: Marc Elrich, Blair Ewing

Citizens can vote for four candidates for At-Large seats on the County Council. Our choices for County Council reflect our position against the Duncan slate. For the County Council, we are supporting candidates who are committed to true smart growth. Chief among them are at-large candidates Marc Elrich and Blair Ewing. Doug Duncan and his pro-development slate is working fast and furiously to discredit these two, fearful of their high standing in a recent poll.

For over a decade, Marc Elrich has served our community as a teacher in one of the county’s most diverse elementary schools. As a long-standing Takoma Park city councilmember and a liaison with various citizen groups throughout the county, Elrich has the strongest history of public service of all of the challengers for the County Council. In Takoma Park, Elrich has been persistent, ethical, and analytical. He has proved to be open to discussion, always willing to listen to other people.

A member of the County Transportation Task Force, Elrich understands the complexities of our transportation problems and will work for solutions that circumvent additional sprawl.

He understands the many communities of the county and will work to maintain or improve the quality of life of all residents. In his campaign, Elrich eschews corporate influence. We strongly and warmly endorse Marc Elrich for the County Council.

Blair Ewing has been the progressive leader on the Montgomery County School Board and on the County Council. On the school board, Ewing led the way toward all—day kindergarten. On the council, he has consistently drafted and voted on legislation to help disadvantaged residents. He talks about doing the right thing and overcoming hurdles rather than letting constraints determine county legislation.

Ewing is compassionate, as was clear in his fight to keep mental health clinics open while the county and state dickered over responsibility. A leader in slow growth, Ewing has his priorities straight. We endorse his return to the county council.

We feel that it is so important that these two candidates be elected to the council, that we recommend a "bullet vote." In other words, while you may vote for four candidates, we recommend that you only vote for two, thus raising the odds for Elrich and Ewing.

Also appearing on the Ewing "slow growth" slate are Vince Renzi and Ann Somerset. Both have publicly supported an "environmentally sound" I.C.C, which we feel is an oxymoron. On the other hand, both decry sprawl development. If you do vote for four instead of bullet voting, we recommend that you choose these two. Unlike the candidates on Duncan’s pro-growth slate, Renzi and Somerset are not financially supported by developers.

Takoma Park resident George Leventhal is also running for an at-large seat, on the Duncan slate. We disagree with Leventhal’s unswerving support of the I.C.C., but we applaud his hard work and commitment to diversity over the years as a leader on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Commitee. While we are not officially endorsing any of Duncan’s candidates, we know George to be sincere and ethical. We feel that Leventhal would work hard on the council to make sure that all voices are heard.

On a final note, we discourage citizens from voting for incumbent At-Large Councilmember Michael Subin. Subin has always been difficult to get along with. This past session, in the midst of a budget discussion, he threatened to castrate another councilmember. While we doubt that he was prepared to follow through, we don’t find that behavior appropriate for his office.

Montgomery County Council, District 5: Tom Perez

In Montgomery County District 5, we strongly endorse Tom Perez. Mr. Perez has distinguished himself as a civil rights attorney and a University of Maryland law professor. He was the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under Janet Reno. These credentials positively illustrate the focus that he will bring to the County Council. We need another voice for the rights and concerns of under-represented residents.

Tom Perez has also proven himself as a local leader, striving to improve the lives of working people. As president of the board of CASA of Maryland, Perez helped establish the largest adult education program in Maryland and has helped manage a crucial employment and training program. Unlike his opponents, Perez has always supported a living wage. He understands that to improve the quality of life for the entire community, we must raise the standard of living for the most poor. So many other issues–from education to crime to housing–cannot be adequately addressed until we make it easier for working families to make ends meet.

Mr. Perez also stands against sprawl development. And he is committed to continuing the revitalization of downcounty Montgomery, keeping the needs of residents and local businesses foremost.

6th Circuit Court Judges:

DeLawrence Beard

Eric M. Johnson

William Rowan III

Ann N. Sundt

John W. Debelius III

Joseph A. Dugan Jr.

Of all the races, this is the one about which voters will likely know the least. And we do not feel that uninformed voters can make the best choices for judicial appointments. Judges cannot ethically campaign for their seats, which puts these sitting judges in a unnecessarily difficult situation. Judges are generally appointed after a rigorous interview and investigation process, marked by tests of impartiality. The system has worked well.

The flaw in the system is this possibility of challengers at the end of the appointment term. Most of the challengers in this race are not suited to be judges. Those who might make good judges ought to know better than to slip into such a consequential position through this loophole. We endorse the sitting judges. Remember to bring a list of the sitting judges to the polls with you, or refrain from voting in this race.

Montgomery County School Board: Charles Haughey, Pat O’Neill

On the Montgomery County School Board, we endorse Charles Haughey for the At Large seat. Mr. Haughey has an impressive background as a teacher and a policy expert with the U.S. Board of Education. He is the founder of the Montgomery County Partnership for Education Policy. We feel that Mr. Haughey has the experience and breadth of experience to revamp the curriculum and fairly assess how well our children are learning.

In District 3, we support incumbent Pat O’Neill, who has been a strong advocate for reducing class sizes and increasing funding.

Democratic Central Committee, District 20:

Rudy Arredondo, Elnora Harvey

Rudy Arredondo and Elnora Harvey have been progressive voices in the local Democratic Party.

Click here to respond to this editorial