(7/2022) Wow, I can’t quite believe that it’s July already! When I was a little girl, Independence Day was always my favorite holiday. Every year, I’d celebrate by rewatching my favorite musical, 1776, and then my family would read the Declaration of Independence aloud. We’d have a conversation about how fortunate we are, to live in a country that was created generations ago, so that we had the ability to choose everything about our lives. As I grew older, these conversations expanded to include the darker side of our history; the fact that "our" land shouldn’t have been ours in the first place, and that so much of our modern lives were made possible by the enslavement and exploitation of people of color, indigenous Americans, and women.

We talked about the "invisible labor" that the wives, families, and enslaved people did so that the Second Continental Congress was able to meet and create this country for us. We read the letters between Abigail and John Adams, where she asks him to remember the ladies, and to be "more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors," while planning rights for all, and he replies "I cannot but laugh, you are so saucy."

I grew up thinking of America like a beloved member of my family; it was mine, right or wrong. If I saw an injustice, or disagreed with something, it was my duty to stand up and try to fix it, much as our Founding Fathers had done. As an adult, I find that view to have served me well. I am an outspoken advocate for the causes I care about, and am always willing to reexamine my views and beliefs. I disagree with the stances elected representatives in our district have taken in the past, and believe that my compassion and dedication make me the perfect candidate for this election cycle.

In theory, the two-party system exists to balance each other; the liberal side looks towards the future, working quickly towards new ideas and innovation, while the conservative side looks at history, finding what has and hasn’t worked in the past, urging moderation and consideration. While my views are liberal, I pride myself on my ability to consider our history as well as our past, and to work quickly yet with care towards solutions that will improve our lives, and the lives of generations to come.

As you read this, we’re less than three weeks away from Maryland’s primary election.

For registered Democrats here in District 5, my name will be the only name on your ballot under the "County Council District 5" heading. For Republicans, Independants, unaffiliated folks, and all other parties, you won’t see my name on your ballot until November, at which time it will appear along with the winner of the Republican primary.

As always, no matter your party affiliation, please reach out to me with your concerns and issues; I’m here to listen, and to work towards the future we all want for ourselves and our county.

Read other campaign articles by Julianna Lufkin