State Senate Candidate Jessica Douglass (D)

(10/28) Election day is just around the corner, and while the country is, on its face, bitterly divided politically, now is the time to look past party lines and vote for the person that will best represent you. Locally, you have an opportunity to choose a candidate for State Senate who will make representing voters her full-time job. I am committed to serving the needs of the people of Frederick County, fighting for fully-funded public schools, community-based solutions to the opioid epidemic, and workforce development programs in District 4.

The Maryland state legislature is in session in Annapolis for three months, starting in January and ending in early April. A state senator’s job description includes standing up for state programs or funding that will benefit his or her district. District 4 envelops most of Frederick County and a small portion of Carroll County. Representing District 4 in the State Senate and sponsoring, co-sponsoring, or otherwise supporting bills that address the needs of the people here will be my primary focus.

During off-session months, I will work with municipal leaders and county council members to discuss local issues. How can the state meet the specific needs of our schools, our families, and our elderly community? What resources can the state provide in tandem with community-based models for combating the opioid epidemic in Frederick County? For the past 6 months, I have been speaking with voters and seeking their input. I have discussed the issues with our County Council representatives and towns’ mayors. I will continue this practice during off-session months, working with the communities I have been elected to represent.

Currently and conversely, we are represented in Annapolis by a state senator who is working diligently to benefit his corporate donors. His partnership with the American Legislative Exchange Council puts lobbyists above constituents. Your current representative values the profits of big business over the people of Legislative District 4.

Moreover, during off-session months, Michael Hough is in Washington DC, serving as the chief of staff for a US Congressman representing West Virginia. This baffling conflict of interests steeps our representative in the divisive rhetoric of Washington, bringing national partisan conflict into the dialogue of state and local representation. His primary focus is the politics of West Virginia on the national stage. Where does he stand on local issues? When does he work with us to meet our needs?

I live my values of service, humility, and justice in my faith, work, and family life. I will represent

Frederick County with these same values as I seek fairness and opportunities for all residents through elevating public education, seeking community-based solutions to the opioid epidemic, and encouraging job growth in our local municipalities.

I believe elected representatives should be one of us. As a teacher and a mom living in Frederick County, I am intimately aware of the struggles and successes of the communities in our district. Electing corporate lobbyists and lifelong politicians will only bring us more partisanship and division. Send a fresh perspective to Annapolis. Let me be your advocate. I am committed to helping others and making a difference, not helping corporate donors and securing reelection. Vote for people over profits on November 6. Vote for local representation over national political discord. Vote for Jessica Douglass for State Senate.