Hyper-Partisanship is Destructive to our Democracy
(10/1) When I declared my candidacy or the House of Delegates in District 4 in January, some friends told me I probably couldn’t win because I was running as a Democrat in a heavily-Republican district. I told them that I disagreed, because I know that the vast majority of the people of Frederick County care about more than party labels.
I’m not running to fly anybody’s partisan flag. People are sick and tired of all of the mindless hyper-partisanship in recent years. What has it gotten us? Nothing, other than broken promises and a dysfunctional government.
Rather than electing people who are only interested in hearing themselves talk, endlessly, let’s shake things up a bit and send someone to Annapolis who will address the concerns of our community. Someone who will fight from within to oppose tax increases and fight for tax breaks for small businesses, farmers, and companies that bring jobs to Maryland.
One of my opponents has barely campaigned and has made no real effort to let people in Frederick County know what he stands for and what he will do if elected. This opponent is counting on two things: the "R" after his name on the ballot, and his name on the same signs as three well-known Republicans. He is banking on hyper-partisanship to carry him into the State House.
I am working very hard to let the citizens of Frederick County know that I will work for them every day, regardless of their party affiliation. I want to earn the support of all voters – Republicans, Democrats, Independents – everybody.
I have always been very proud of the fact that I believe in voting for the person, not the party. I think most people agree. Hyper-partisanship has nothing positive to offer our democracy.
