While many of us have plenty of experience driving a car, it’s not uncommon to see someone driving recklessly on the roads. Driving is a privilege, yet is a privilege that requires responsibility, quick-thinking, and caution to continue enjoying it. In this article, we’ll go over a few quick tips and reminders on how to drive safely in order to avoid an accident.

In order to minimize costs in the event of an accident, make sure you have car insurance before getting into an accident. This should be something you have regardless of being a safe driver or not. While you can purchase insurance after an accident, it won’t help with any prior accidents.

To learn more about driving safely, keep reading the tips below.

Always know what is around you

While driving, you should be consistently peeking in your rearview mirrors to know who is around you. Knowing that you have one car behind you or nobody in the lane next to you can help if you have to make any last-second decisions. If you have to swerve, slow down quickly, or change lanes without much notice, you may be able to make a faster decision if you know nobody is next to you

Don’t use your phone

This is obvious, but don’t use your phone. In today’s world, it’s safe to say that most people are guilty of texting and driving, or at least using their phone to change a song. While you can say “everybody does it,” that doesn’t help when you become one of 1.6 million people to have caused an accident due to using a phone. It only takes a second to get into an accident, so don’t let your phone be the reason why you or somebody else gets hurt.

Obey the speed limit

Just like texting, it seems as if everybody casually adds 5 or 10 miles per hour to the speed limit while still considering it to be within the speed limit. Sure, you may not get pulled over when you’re only going 5 miles per hour above the speed limit, but doing so risks the lives of you and others. Speed limits are carefully selected for certain areas. If you obey the speed limits, you’ll be much less likely to almost hit a pedestrian, a car turning, or someone changing lanes.

Give yourself time to slow down

If you don’t give yourself enough time to slow down, you can easily lose control of your car or hit another car. Consistently making quick stops can also damage your breaks. If you notice cars in front of you slowing down, don’t wait to slow down. Break lights should be an indicator that you need to slow down as soon as you see them. It can be hard to tell how fast a car is slowing down, and if you don’t break soon enough, you can easily rear-end the car in front of you.

Don’t be a passive driver

You don’t have to be an aggressive driver, but don’t be a passive driver. You should always drive as if someone is going to hit you — this is called defensive driving. If you’re a passive driver, you may be hesitant to make quick decisions which can lead to an accident if you don’t act fast enough. By being a defensive driver, you should always be alert on the roads and ready to act on the spot if you enter a dangerous situation.

In addition to these tips, you should practice other safe driving tips such as following road signs, using turn indicators, and always watching for pedestrians. By following these tips, you will diminish the chances of getting in an accident. Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, but by being a safe driver, you show you care about the safety of yourself and others. Drive safe!

The post 5 Tips for Driving Safe appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

Esports is undoubtedly a billion-dollar industry. Interestingly, it is rearing to go even further, with the potential of being at par with popular sports such as soccer, NFL, and baseball. According to statista.com, global revenue from Esports in 2020 has surpassed $1 billion. It can only keep growing. With eSports, several questions also come to mind. For example, how are countries shaping taking up the challenge of legalizing eSports tournaments and events that pit professional and amateur players from different parts of the world? Well, you could start by taking advantage of these eSports betting offers as we explore how eSports is shaping up in Maryland, U.S.A.

Esports in the U.S.A

Before narrowing down to eSports in Maryland State in the U.S.A, it is prudent that we explore how the sport is shaping up in the whole country. First off, you should note that America is among the top-grossing countries when it comes to eSports revenue. Even more importantly, there are several betting sites in the U.S.A that feature eSports games such as CS: GO.

Esports in America falls under the United States eSports Federation (USeF), a governing body that is also a member of the International eSports Federation (IeSF). Charged with the mandate of uniting eSports stakeholders in the country among other responsibilities such as promoting eSports culture and nurturing talents, USeF has been hugely involved in legislation of the sport across the country. A particular interest in this post is how eSports is shaping up in Maryland, one of the few states in America that have recently embraced sports betting through state legislation.

Esports in Maryland, U.S.A

Maryland is among the states in the U.S.A that hosts eSports events and tournaments. On April 30^th, 2019, Maryland governor, Larry Hogan approved eSports Act (House Bill 48). The act defined the sport as a competition that involves video games, strategy games, multiplayer online battle arenas, and first-person shooters.

The eSports act took effect on 1^st October 2019. A notable clause in the act is that eSports event sponsors are charged with the mandate of awarding money prizes or other merchandise to players involved in eSports tournaments.

A Huge Leap Forward: Marylanders Looking To Reap Economically

Since the enactment of the eSports act in Maryland, several tournaments and events have been staged in the U.S state. More events are lined up for this year. It is noteworthy that legislators in states such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C have welcomed the multi-billion dollar with the hope that it does not only provide employment to millions but also boost economies of the various states.

With the Legalization of Esports also comes eSports betting in Maryland. Punters now have a chance to place a wager on their favorite eSports games, something that further boosts the economy of Maryland.  Moreover, eSports games such as Super Smash Bros are being implemented in education, starting with Middle schools to boost STEM education. Elite Gaming Live eSports tournament was previously staged at Maryland Hall featuring middle school students from Bates and Annapolis. From every perspective, therefore, the economic value of eSports in Maryland cannot be underestimated going into the foreseeable future.

The post Esports: How the Billion-Dollar Industry is shaping up in Maryland appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

While Maryland is not regarded as a gambling-friendly place, bans on casinos have recently been lifted through legislation. Today, casino gambling has a huge impact on the economic standing of Marylanders. The state plays host to both land-based and online casinos, giving gamblers a chance to place wagers on their favorite casino games. If you are looking for a site gambling site that has a high RTP, you can always start by signing up with the William Hill Promo code.

Maryland Is a Home to Several Online Casinos

Before exploring available gambling sites in Maryland, gambling laws that dictate how things happen in this state are worth noting. While the U.S Supreme Court in 2028 struck down the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act, neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia have allowed gambling operations. Gamblers can still place their wagers in Maryland online because there has been a considerable relaxation on gaming laws that once made in difficult to bet.  And given that there are several gaming sites here, you can register with Sportscodesus.com to start playing your favorite casino game.

Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency are especially instrumental in regulating gambling entities. From video lottery, electronic gaming devices, table games, lotteries, bingo games, online fantasy gaming to skilled-based gambling entities, casino gaming takes place in different forms within Maryland. Most importantly, understanding how every gambling law governs wagering in Maryland State is important if you want to earn yet remain on the right side of the law.

Land-based Casino and Casino Gaming Sites in Maryland

Most gambling entities in Maryland have now moved their operations online. While some operate illegally, the economic impact of regulated gambling in Maryland is particularly immense. For a novice gambler, one of the things you should note before signing up with a casino site in Maryland is its legality. You should then proceed with looking into available payment gateways, especially if they are acceptable within the state of Maryland.

While land-based casinos within the jurisdiction of Maryland State remain non-existence for a long time, things are changing to better. Today, however, there are at least six of them, alongside several websites that provide Marylanders with casino gaming experience. With gambling also comes several employment opportunities. Moreover, gambling companies pay millions in tax revenue, consequently making a significant contribution to the economy of Marylanders.

Assessing the Economic Impacts of Casino Gambling In Maryland

Maryland boasts of rich gambling history. A notable case is horse racing that usually takes place in Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. Since the first horseracing event on 27^th May 1873, gambling has continuously progressed in Maryland, thanks to several amendments to gambling laws to date. While the Maryland sports betting bill awaits a voter-center amendment to the constitution, the state now provides an enabling environment for gambling entities. Legalized commercial casinos now generate at least $1.7 billion in revenue every year, something that translates to millions in tax revenue to Maryland State.

The post Reviewing the economic Impact of Casino Gaming in Maryland appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

Politics is a pretty interesting topic, as we are sure we can all agree, but did you know that you can actually bet on politics? Just have a look at this draftkings offer and see what kind of markets are available, especially with the USA presidential election looming.

There are plenty of platforms today that actually support political betting markets, such as this site. So, if you ever want to mix up your betting adventures and explore some alternative markets, keep these resources in mind.

Now, back to the objective of this short piece, to identify the world’s fiercest politicians and what makes them so intimidating.

1. Vladimir Putin

If you’ve even the slightest interest in global politics, there’s a fairly strong chance that you’ve seen Vladimir Putin at some point. He’s definitely the most intimidating political character that we have today, for a number of reasons. First of all, he’s super cool under extreme pressure, and he has a stare into people’s eyes that makes you feel like he knows everything about the other person.

Besides having an icy cold stare, he’s just generally a scary character. He was previously in the KGB, which was one of the most feared military-style groups in Russia. Due to this history, Putin has always had a somewhat romantic relationship with power and control, and he has regularly been a source of conspiracy over the years.

He has been linked to the death of undercover agents in the United Kingdom, and more recently, he has been linked to meddling in the US elections for Donald Trump. The real scare factor for this guy seems to come from the fact that what Putin says goes, especially in Russia. One thing is certain, he’s not a guy that you would want to cross in a hurry.

2. Jair Bolsonaro

Dubbed the ‘Trump of the Tropics’, Jair Bolsonaro is an intimidating political figure for different reasons than Putin. He still has the same connections with the military and power as someone like Putin does, yet it’s the potential damage that this guy could do that lands him on the list. To start with, he’s the president of the largest country in South America, Brazil. This already gives him a lot of power in that part of the world, and it would seem that Bolsonaro isn’t afraid to use that power.

His handling of recent global events have been nothing shy of appalling, and he has displayed a complete lack of care for human life – more worryingly. Bolsonaro has also displayed no care for the Amazon Rainforest, which has suffered some of the most extreme deforestation and fires under Bolsonaro’s reign.

3. Donald Trump

Come on, would this list be complete without including ‘The Donald’? You’ve got to take your hat off to this guy, for he managed to become the president of the U.S. despite his atrocious views and comments during his campaign.

It’s not necessarily his views that make him quite intimidating, it’s his thinking and actions. For example, Trump is known for exploding at reporters and using social media to state contradictory comments.

The post World’s Fiercest Politicians appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

By Karl Blankenship
Bay Journal

The year 2010 closed with the unveiling of a new Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan lauded by states, federal officials and environmentalists as the rigorous, concrete and enforceable plan that would finally deliver on the promise of a clean and healthy Bay.

Ten years later, a new decade has opened with the restoration effort unlikely to meet its deadline, the regional partnership mired in acrimony and threats of lawsuits — topped with questions about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s willingness and ability to enforce its own cleanup plan.

“This has come to a boil now,” summed up Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, at a Senate hearing on Jan. 8. “This is a moment we need absolute clarity and an enforceable program to hit the targets in 2025.”

Hours later, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he was directing state Attorney General Brian Frosh to initiate legal actions against Pennsylvania, citing the “obvious inadequacy” of its Bay cleanup plan, and against the EPA, which he said has “no intention” of forcing Maryland’s northern neighbor to do more.

Environmental groups are considering their own legal options.
And Van Hollen, joined by 19 other members of Congress, fired off a detailed letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler demanding “immediate steps to demonstrate EPA’s commitment and accountability to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.”

The boiling point came after the EPA released a review at the end of December acknowledging that Pennsylvania — the largest source of water-fouling nutrients in the Bay — had submitted a plan that fell far short of its cleanup goal. Nonetheless, the EPA declined to take any of the actions it had repeatedly threatened to impose to prod greater progress from the state.

Then, at a Jan. 3 meeting of the legislative Chesapeake Bay Commission, EPA Bay Program Director Dana Aunkst described the region’s 2025 cleanup deadline as “aspirational” and said that the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load is “not an enforceable document.” (See Can the EPA enforce the Chesapeake Bay’s ‘pollution diet’?)

The environmental community widely saw Aunkst’s comments as stepping away from the EPA’s commitment to provide a backstop for Bay goals, even as their frustration over Pennsylvania was mounting.

The Choose Clean Water Coalition, a network of more than 200 organizations, said it was “stunned” by the remarks. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters called it a “profoundly sad and disappointing moment in Bay history,” and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said it “should put fear in the hearts of all who care about clean water.”

EPA Region III issued a follow-up statement insisting that it “remains steadfast in its commitment to helping our partners implement the Chesapeake Bay [cleanup plan] to ensure the Bay and local waters are protected and restored.”

But within days, Hogan was calling for legal action, and mounting concerns over the EPA’s commitment became a hot topic at a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing.

“We need all the states and the EPA to step up and play their appropriate roles,” Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles told Van Hollen at the hearing. “Pennsylvania, in particular, has woefully fallen short … But the interstate umpire, the EPA [needs] to have the courage to step up and use the regulatory backstops that are available,” he added. “It is not an aspirational role. It is an enforceable TMDL.”

Years of backsliding

Though the problem has finally “come to a boil,” it has been simmering for years.

Starting in 1983, the states and the EPA have been promising to deliver a healthy Chesapeake. But they missed pollution reduction goals set for 2000, and then for 2010, by wide marks.

Recognizing that their largely voluntary efforts had failed, the state-federal Bay Program partnership in 2007 established a new cleanup deadline of 2025. The states and EPA began crafting a new, more enforceable cleanup plan: the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load, often called the Bay’s “pollution diet.”

The ultimate goal remained unchanged: clearing the Bay’s murky water and eliminating its oxygen-starved “dead zone.” The TMDL established the maximum amount of nutrients and sediment the Bay could receive from each state and major river and still achieve those clean water goals.

The TMDL also included an “accountability framework” in which states were to write plans showing how they would meet those goals. To keep efforts on track, states set interim two-year cleanup goals, which are evaluated by the EPA and reported to the public.

If states fell short, the agency could take a variety of actions, such as forcing even greater — and more costly — reductions from wastewater plants than states had planned; regulating smaller animal operations than normally covered by federal programs; withholding water grants; taking over state permit programs; or other actions.

In theory, the threat of those “consequences” — as EPA called them — would spur states to create new programs, provide more funding or establish new regulations to rein in pollution. That was particularly important for agriculture, an area over which the EPA has limited regulatory oversight.

Results have been mixed. Since 2010, the region has slashed discharges from wastewater treatment plans, which have enforceable permits. But, in all of the Bay states, pollution reductions from agriculture — the largest source of nutrients to the Bay — have been small. All states would need to ramp up their agricultural conservation programs to unprecedented levels to reach their goals.

Nowhere is the problem worse than in Pennsylvania, where the vast majority of nutrients come from its more than 30,000 farms. Annual pollution reductions from agriculture there would need to increase 67 times the rate achieved in the last decade.

In an updated cleanup plan released last year, Pennsylvania identified actions that would achieve only 75% of its 2025 goal for reducing nitrogen, the primary nutrient polluting the Bay. Even with that shortfall, the plan identified an annual funding gap of more than $300 million.

Years of budget tightening in the state have left programs without the basic staffing to implement or oversee Bay efforts — in fact, it hasn’t been able to spend all of the federal grant money it receives.

Sen. Gene Yaw, the chair of the state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, told a reporter from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star after a Jan. 8 Bay briefing that even if the state had $300 million more, “I don’t know that we’d have the wherewithal to spend it.”

EPA has been citing the state for lax programs and inadequate progress since 2011. While it has twice temporarily withheld grant funding, the agency has largely avoided using more forceful consequences set forth in its TMDL accountability framework, in part out of concern that it could trigger a backlash.

“The problem with Pennsylvania didn’t start with the new administration in Washington,” said former EPA Bay Program Director Nick DiPasquale. “It has been long festering, and I have to say that EPA is part of the problem.”

At the end of the Obama administration, the agency came close to ordering tighter discharge limits on wastewater treatment plants — a hugely expensive proposition — but ultimately didn’t, DiPasquale said. “I personally have thought for a long time that the only way to get Pennsylvania to comply with the TMDL is to sue them,” he added.

Enforcement opportunities

Lawyers are examining a number of options to spur greater action.
The most likely action — whether pressed by the EPA or others — is to put more pressure on regulated dischargers, such as wastewater treatment plants, industries and stormwater systems.

Like other TMDLs, the Bay plan limits discharges by permit holders, which is where the EPA has the most direct regulatory authority. For pollution sources without a permit, the TMDL counts on states to come up with plans and program that meet goals.

If that doesn’t happen, and downstream clean water standards are not met, the remedy under a TMDL is to further reduce discharges from regulated sources.

Most of Pennsylvania’s larger wastewater treatment plants have already been upgraded with technology that reduces nutrient pollution. Forcing them to do even more would be expensive and achieve little in the way of additional reductions.

Stormwater has become an increasing source of flooding for many communities in the Chesapeake region, and it carries pollutants into local waterways. Reducing pollution from stormwater in developed areas is often a complicated and costly challenge.

“It would be inefficient use of those dollars to do that,” said Rich Batiuk, former associate director for science with the EPA Bay Program Office. “But it would be intended to prompt the state legislators to set up a state cost-share program to help their farmers achieve millions of pounds of nutrient reductions at a lower cost.”

Indeed, an EPA analysis several years ago concluded that further upgrades to wastewater treatment plants in Pennsylvania would cost $1.2 billion but yield only 2.7 million of the more than 30 million pounds of nitrogen reductions needed by the state.

But investing just $80 million in the most cost-effective pollution-control practices on farms would yield a reduction of 5.5 million pounds. Greater investments would accomplish even more.

The hope is that the threat of imposing additional costly regulatory measures would spur the legislature to act by committing to fund more economical farm practices.

“You can start to ratchet down on any point source,” said Jon Mueller, vice president for litigation with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “And one of the things that you find is when you start to squeeze one source sector hard, there is pushback, and the pushback may come in the form of legislative change.”

Instead of increasing funding, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature has been cutting environmental programs over the years. The distribution of the state’s population complicates the problem even more. Half of Pennsylvania drains into the Bay, primarily through the Susquehanna River, but that portion of the state does not contain anywhere near half of its population. Philadelphia drains into Delaware Bay and Pittsburgh into the Ohio River. Crafting a solution for the Bay means finding a program that also wins political support from other regions of the state.

As a result, of the three major Bay states, Pennsylvania is the only one that lacks a significant cost-share program to help fund conservation practices on farms, even though it has the largest agricultural sector.

“While Maryland and Virginia have done their fair share, Pennsylvania’s legislature has dropped the ball by failing to enact legislation providing annual funding or agricultural conservation measures,” said Ridgeway Hall, an environmental attorney with a long history of working on Bay issues.

If the EPA fails to act, states or organizations could take it upon themselves to oppose any new discharge permits — or existing permits when they come up for renewal every five years.

“You could do that across the board in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania within [its part of] the Bay watershed,” Mueller said. “It’s not the ideal way to do this,” he added. “The agency can do this on its own and has said it would do.”

Progress or pushback?

Some worry that could spark a backlash and lead to widespread public opposition from sewer rate payers, especially because Pennsylvania doesn’t touch the Chesapeake.

Hall said that it’s best for the issue to be resolved through “diplomacy” rather than going to court.

“Sometimes you have to file a lawsuit to get people’s attention,” he said. “But you had better be careful [that] you understand whether it is going to get positive attention or negative attention.

“Litigation can be costly, time-consuming. It diverts resources and, perhaps most importantly, it gets people emotionally inflamed on both sides and burns bridges that sometimes take a long time, if ever, to rebuild.”

But he and others also said legal action — or the threat of it — could prompt action by the state without having to go to court.

Ann Swanson, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, an advisory panel consisting of state legislators from across the Bay region, said movement to address Pennsylvania’s shortfalls has begun, albeit slowly, but could be harmed if lawsuits push people into corners.

“We don’t need to be distracted by litigation right now,” she said. “We need to double down and pursue programs and funding that will deliver clean water. That is what we need, and we need it now.”

Further, she said, all of the states — not just Pennsylvania — need to come up with more funding to meet their agricultural goals.

A spokesman for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said the governor has been trying to secure more environmental funding, and a lawsuit would not help those efforts.

“Instead of protracted litigation that will take resources away from our efforts to improve water quality in the watershed and undermine the partnership that has helped make progress, Gov. Hogan’s time would be better spent convincing his Republican counterparts in Pennsylvania to support Gov. Wolf’s plan,” said spokesman J. J. Abbott.

And while environmental groups generally supported Hogan’s threat of legal action, Waterkeepers Chesapeake and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper issued a statement blasting him for not doing enough.

Specifically, they cited the state’s recent proposed settlement with Exelon Generation Co. over impacts caused by Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna, the Bay’s main tributary in Pennsylvania.

Originally, the state had sought $172 million a year from the company to reduce upstream nutrient and sediment pollution, but its settlement secured only $19 million over 50 years.

“Why is Gov. Hogan willing to sue Pennsylvania and the EPA to force them to live up to their commitments — but happy to let Exelon, a private utility, off the hook?” asked Betsy Nicholas, executive director of Waterkeepers Chesapeake.

With growing tensions and a looming 2025 deadline, some wonder about the future of the 37-year-old Bay Program partnership.

“The partnership is known for working through very difficult, very passionate and very challenging moments,” Swanson said. “And we are in one of those moments right now.”

The post MD threatens to sue EPA, PA over lack of action as regional tensions rise appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

By Glynis Kazanjian

For MarylandReporter.com

With 96% of the vote in and fewer than 500 votes between the two leaders in the Montgomery County executive race, health care executive David Blair announced the race “too close to call” Tuesday night as he narrowly trailed County Councilmember Marc Elrich.

At 11:16 p.m. on Twitter Blair told friends and supporters to “stay tuned.”

“We’re waiting for every Montgomery County ballot to be counted,” Blair spokesman Cooper Patterson said over text. “We have no plans to concede at this time. We’re still waiting on provisional ballots, mail-ins and final precinct reports.”

Elrich campaign spokesperson Ben Spielberg acknowledged their campaign won’t know what the final vote is until the absentee and provisional ballots are counted, but said Elrich “feels good about where we’re at.”

According to the Montgomery County Board of Elections website, Elrich is ahead by 452 votes out of 118,749 cast. Elrich received 34,729 votes and Blair received 34,277.

The county election board will begin counting absentee ballots on Thursday and provisional ballots on July 5.

This week the State Board of Elections announced approximately 80,000 voters may have to use provisional ballots for the primary election due to a computer transmission error from the Motor Vehicle Administration, when some voters attempted to change their address and party affiliation.

The Montgomery County election board is required to certify the primary election results within 48 hours of the final absentee ballot canvass, which will take place Friday, July 6.

The Democratic winner will face Republican Robin Ficker in November, but the 75-year-old perennial GOP candidate for several offices hasn’t won an election since his race for the House of Delegates 40 years ago.  

Trone wins 6th

In the 6th Congressional District Democratic primary, wine retail magnate David Trone claimed victory over seven Democrats vying to replace Rep. John Delaney, who is running for president in 2020. While Trone and establishment candidate Aruna Miller traded leads for a short while after the polls closed, Trone’s lead stayed steady.

He defeated Miller 40% to 30%. Sen. Roger Manno, who gave up his seat in District 19 to run for Congress, came in fourth.

This is Trone’s second attempt at winning a seat in Congress. In 2016 he placed second to state Sen. Jamie Raskin in the 8th Congressional District primary election after spending at least $12 million of his own money. Trone has already spent $9.5 million in this year’s race.

Trone will face Republican primary winner Amie Hoeber in the general election.

Council at large

In the County Council At-Large race, County Executive Ike Leggett endorsed (Correction 6/28/18) three of the four candidates who defeated 29 others in the Democratic primary. Three at-large seats belonging to Marc Elrich, Roger Berliner and Nancy Floreen opened up due to term-limits that Robin Ficker had put on the ballot two years ago.

Incumbent Hans Riemer, Will Jawando, a former Obama administration official and attorney, Evan Glass, a non-profit executive director, and Gabe Albornoz, the Montgomery County Department of Recreation Director are the top vote getters. The Democratic primary winners will face four Republicans in the general election.

Andrew Friedson won the Democratic primary in Council County District 1, where Berliner is serving his third and final term. Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez, who is serving her fourth term in Legislative District 18, finished second.   

Incumbent District 2 Councilmember Craig Rice easily defeated Tiquia J. Bennett in the Democratic primary, winning 73% to 26%.

Sidney Katz, who is serving in his first term, prevailed over challenger Ben Shnider in County Council District 3 race 52.5% to 47.5%.

Nancy Navarro, who has served two terms and two years in County Council District 4, defeated opponent Jay Graney 90% to 9%.

Incumbent Councilmember Tom Hucker won re-election with 67% of the vote facing off against two primary opponents.

Incumbent legislators lose

In state legislative races, two incumbents lost their seats to newcomers.

Del. Shane Robinson, District 39, will not be returning the House of Delegates next year. Political newcomers Lesley Lopez and Gabriel Acevero will advance to the general with incumbent Del. Kirill Reznik. A seat opened up in the district when Del. Charles Barkley announced a run for County Council At-Large, which he lost.

After serving only one term in Legislative District 19 and receiving a large number of endorsements, Del. Marice Morales lost her seat. Incumbent Del. Bonnie Cullison, and challengers Vaughn Stewart, former policy director to Sen. Jamie Raskin during his congressional run, and Charlotte Crutchfield, who was endorsed by Leggett, will advance to the general. Two seats opened up due to Sen. Roger Manno running for the 6th Congressional District, which he lost, and Del. Ben Kramer running for Senate. Kramer ran unchallenged in the Senate race.

In Legislative District 18, two seats opened when Sen. Richard Madaleno announced a run for governor and Del. Jeff Waldstreicher ran for Madaleno’s seat. Waldstreicher held off efforts by Dr. Dana Beyer, a former County Council chief of staff, and business owner Michelle Carhart to win the Senate primary election with 49% of the vote.

Incumbent Al Carr, Democratic Central Committee Vice Chair Emily Shetty and Jared Solomon, a Democratic activist and non-profit chair, will move on to the general election.

District 18 was considered one of the most competitive primary races in the county. Opponent Helga Luest accused Waldstreicher of asking her to drop her House run and instead run in the Senate, which in her view would have helped to dilute the female vote in the Senate race. Waldstreicher denied it, but he did ask Beyer to run “down slate” in the House, instead of in the Senate. Beyer said she thought about it, but decided against it.

Courthouse

Clerk of Court incumbent Barbara Meiklejohn defeated Safe Silver Spring President Alan Bowser, an attorney, winning with 69% of the vote. Bowser was endorsed by Leggett and Meiklejohn ran as part of the “courthouse team” with State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

While early voting turnout nearly doubled this primary election compared to 2014, many people reported voting on election day to be low.

Jack Elmendorf, a Blair campaign worker, said there “were more signs than voters” at Leisure World’s three polling locations on Tuesday, and that turnout was lower than expected which caused some concern to the Blair campaign.

The post Montgomery County exec race too close to call; winners, losers in other MoCo races appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

By Glynis Kazanjian

For MarylandReporter.com

UPDATED 4 p.m.: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rushern L. Baker III missed a scheduled campaign stop Monday morning at the Silver Spring Metro Station because his wife was taken the hospital early that morning. But wife Christa Beverly “is doing well and is now home resting,” Baker said in a tweet Monday afternoon thanking people for their concern. 

Beverly suffers from dementia and Baker is her caregiver.

Baker’s campaign publicized the event late Sunday evening touting Baker would be joined by Democratic heavyweights U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and former Gov. Martin O’Malley, who all showed up in Silver Spring. Baker was expected to make a series of campaign stops in Baltimore and Prince George’s County Monday afternoon. 

Baker’s Montgomery County campaign chair said Baker’s wife had been hospitalized, but Baker’s official spokesman initially could not confirm the situation. 

Van Hollen, Leggett and O’Malley spent the morning greeting voters as they passed through the main entrance of the Silver Spring Metro for about an hour.

“Hi, I’m Martin O’Malley and I’m campaigning for Rushern Baker,” O’Malley said at least a couple of dozen times.

Van Hollen and Leggett also shook hands and talked to anyone willing to stop to grab a brochure. Many potential voters just walked by.

Legislative District 20 candidates Sen. Will Smith, Del. Jheanelle Wilkins and Lorig Charkoudian on the Dist. 20 slate were also on hand.

O’Malley endorsed Charkoudian who is seen by many as the most likely candidate to pick up the vacated district 20 seat. But Leggett didn’t.

Leggett’s endorsements

Leggett said of the candidates he has endorsed, 60% are women.

When asked why no woman received his endorsement in the County Council At-Large race, he said the two candidates he liked — Cherri Branson and Lorna Phillips Forde — didn’t have viable campaigns.

“I cannot take someone from A to Z,” Leggett said. “We did the analysis.”

He said he had a choice to make with his endorsements.

Leggett noted that he was the first and only African American to serve as an at-large County Council member, and that Asians or Hispanics have never served in that capacity on the council.

So, he said, he decided to use his endorsement power for campaigns he thought were viable and that could help close the gap of the lack of diversity on the council.

Leggett backed Gabe Albornoz, Hoan Dang and Will Jawando.

The primary election is Tuesday.

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We’re having some software problems with this article. It has not be fully updated to reflect the results of the election. 

This is an updated list of candidates for local, state and federal offices in Montgomery County as of June 26, 2018. Candidates for county executive, county council and local judiciary offices are listed first, followed by the state legislature, Congress and statewide offices.

The primary election is Tuesday, June 26. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Click on the links below for previously published public financing stories: 

20 Montgomery candidates approved for public financing system, four hang in balance – 

Dozens of council candidates apply for public financing; five already disqualified

As it stands, $11 million in county funds have been allocated to finance the races for county executive and county council. We include total disbursement amounts for qualified candidates in their profile. (See the general list of approved candidates below.)

Endorsements for organizations are listed below each candidate’s name, individual endorsements are not. If a candidate has an endorsement page on their campaign website, we will link to it. 

Below are questionnaire responses from various Montgomery County organizations.

Montgomery County Alliance – http://www.mocoalliance.org/news/mca-2018-candidates-questionnaire-the-results.

Progressive Neighbors – http://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org/

Campaign finance reports for all candidates are now available on the State Board of Elections website. You can look up any candidate using this link:   

https://www.campaignfinance.maryland.gov/

Click on disclosures, view filed reports, click continue and then enter the candidate’s name (last name first) in the “committee name” highlighted box.

Directly below is a list of candidates who have qualified for public campaign financing. Amounts raised are included in profiles.

22 Candidates approved for public campaign financing

County Executive election:  George Leventhal, Marc Elrich and Rose Krasnow.  

County Council At-Large election:  Hans Riemer, Gabe Albornoz, Brandy Brooks, Bill Conway, Hoan Dang, Evan Glass, Danielle Metiuv, Seth Grimes, Will Jawando, Jill Ortman-Fouse, Mohammad Siddique and Chris Wilhelm.

County Council District elections:

District 1 – Ana Sol Gutierrez, Jim McGee and Reggie Oldak

District 2 – Ed Amatetti

District 3 – Sidney Katz

District 4 – Nancy Navarro

District 5 – Kevin Harris

This list is maintained by Glynis Kazanjian and Len Lazarick, who should be emailed about any corrections or additions.

As with all the content on MarylandReporter.com and Montgomery Reporter, which operates under a Creative Commons License, the content can be used by anyone in any media without asking permission so long as MarylandReporter.com is credited.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE

News – Some Montgomery County Republicans urged to switch parties to vote in Democratic primary

Montgomery County exec race too close to call; winners, losers in other MoCo raceshttps://marylandreporter.com/2018/06/27/montgomery-county-exec-race-too-close-to-call-winners-losers-in-other-moco-races/

https://marylandreporter.com/2018/04/27/some-montgomery-republicans-urged-to-switch-parties-to-vote-in-democratic-primary/

Democrats

Roger Berliner

Roger  Berliner, District 1, County Council President, term-limited; filed 7/3/17

Using traditional fundraising; no public financing

Endorsements Montgomery County Sierra Club, other endorsements https://berlinerformontgomery.com/latest/african-american-leaders-letter-support/https://berlinerformontgomery.com/our-team/, 

Email roger@berlinerformontgomery.com

https://www.facebook.com/BerlinerForMontgomery/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/roger-berliner-officially-enters-2018-montgomery-executives-race/2017/06/08/9eb54904-4c79-11e7-bc1b-fddbd8359dee_story.html?utm_term=.368c67a617de

David Blair

David Blair (filed campaign account with State Election Board on 10/20/17)

Email davidb@friendsofdavidblair.com

Endorsements Washington Post, AOBA, Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2017/Potomac-Businessman-David-Blair-Highly-Likely-To-Run-For-County-Executive/

Marc Elrich

Marc Elrich, At-Large, term-limited; filed 6/28/17

Qualified for public financing 10/2017;  total received matching funds as of 4/30/18 – $503,867

Website www.marcelrich.org

Email info@marcelrich.org

Endorsements MCEA, 32 BJ SEIU, LiUANA Baltimore/Washington, DC Council, CASA IN ACTION, DSA Metro/DC, Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO, Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters, Montgomery County Federation of Teachers Local 01670, Progressive Maryland, Local 500 SEIU, UAW – United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Democratic Socialists of America Metro DC, 32BJ SEIU, SEIU 1199, LiUANA, Progressive Maryland, MC FOP, MC Volunteer Firefighters, UFCW Local 400 and see this list https://www.marcelrich.org/endorsements

https://marylandreporter.com/2018/05/23/moco-exec-race-elrich-deals-with-socialist-label-in-meet-up-with-blair/MoCo exec race: Elrich deals with socialist label in meet-up with Blair

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2018/Elrich-Lands-Metropolitan-Washington-Council-AFL-CIO-Endorsement/

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2017/Marc-Elrich-Formally-Launches-County-Executive-Campaign/

William Frick

William Frick; filed 1/3/18; Majority Leader House of Delegates

Website http://www.billfrick.com/

Email bill@billfrick.com

Endorsements GCAAR

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/del-bill-frick-joins-montgomery-executives-race/2017/09/20/586fee5a-9e44-11e7-9083-fbfddf6804c2_story.html?utm_term=.05a848733de8

Rose Krasnow

Rose Krasnow; filed 1/12/18 (former Dep. Dir. Montgomery County Planning Board and former Rockville City Mayor)

Approved for public financing 3/6/18; total matching funds disbursement as of 4/30/18 $287,980

Website https://www.rosekrasnow.com/

Endorsements Montgomery County Chapter National Organization of Women

Email rosekras@gmail.com

www.marylandreporter.com – A lane to victory for only woman running for Montgomery County executive, some insiders say

George Leventhal

George Leventhal, At-Large, term-limited; filed 7/3/17

Qualified for public financing 7/21/17; total matching funds as of 4/30/18 – $426,044

Email info@georgeleventhal.com
Website:  https://georgeleventhal.com/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/george-leventhal-officially-enters-race-for-montgomery-county-executive/2017/06/26/7e7b30b8-5a8e-11e7-9b7d-14576dc0f39d_story.html?utm_term=.56e3d03e4846

http://www.mymcmedia.org/leventhal-receives-nearly-200000-from-public-election-fund/

Republican

Robin Ficker

Robin Ficker, Attorney; filed 2/28/17; Winner – uncontested. Will face off against Democratic challenger in the general election.

Filed for public financing; 2/8/17; disqualified from public financing. Filed law suit to contest decision. 

Email robinficker@msn.com
Website http://www.robindeliversforyou.com/

GOP County Exec candidate Ficker may not qualify for public campaign funding –https://marylandreporter.com/2018/05/14/gop-county-exec-candidate-ficker-may-not-qualify-for-public-campaign-funding/ 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/ficker-announces-2018-run-for-montgomery-county-executive/2017/03/03/f508dc1e-0037-11e7-8f41-ea6ed597e4ca_story.html?utm_term=.2a94e89cab21

http://www.mymcmedia.org/robin-ficker-declares-candidacy-in-the-2018-race-for-county-executive/

COUNTY COUNCIL

County Council At-Large (Four seats, runs countywide)

Republican

Robert Dyer

Robert Dyer; filed 2/27/18

Website www.RobertDyer.net

Email robert1999@hotmail.com

Chris Fiotes, Jr.

Chris Fiotes, Jr.; filed 1/22/18

CHRIS P. FIOTES JR. (R) http://www.mymcmedia.org/chris-p-fiotes-jr-r/

Email cfiotes@comcast.net

Penny Musser

Penny Musser; filed 1/19/18

PENNY MUSSER (R) http://www.mymcmedia.org/penny-musser-r/

Email pennymusser79@gmail.com

Shelly Skolnick

Shelly Skolnick; filed 1/8/18

Shelly Skolnick

Email shelly.skolnick@starpower.net

Democrats

Hans Riemer

Hans Riemer, incumbent; Winner – will advance to the Nov. 6 general election, along with three other Democratic candidates who received the top four vote counts. Filed 7/19/17; first elected in 2010

Qualified for public financing 8/11/17; total received matching funds as of 4/30/18 – $ 163,816

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, Sierra Club, LiUANA Baltimore/Washington, DC Council, AOBA, SEIU Local 500, Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett, MCNOW, MCEA, 32BJ SEIU, CASA in Action, MC Volunteer Firefighters, Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association

Email info@hansriemer.com
Website hansriemer.com

Gabe Albornoz

Gabe Albornoz, D; Winner – will advance to the Nov. 6 general election, along with three other Democratic candidates who received the top four vote counts. Filed 9/12/17

Qualified for public campaign financing, 1/30/18; total matching funds as of 4/30/18 – $124,106

Website www.gabeforcouncil.com

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, SEIU Local 500 and Local 32BJ, CASA In Action, MCPS Retirees Association, AOBA, Jews United For Justice, Latino Democratic Club of Montgomery and Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats, Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters IAF Local 1664, Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association, Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance, Association of Black Democrats, LGBTQ Democrats of Montgomery County and Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett

Email gabe.albornoz@gabeforcouncil.com

Evan Glass

Evan Glass; Winner – will advance to the Nov. 6 general election, along with three other Democratic candidates who received the top four vote counts. Filed 9/20/17

Qualified for public financing; total received matching funds as of 4/30/18 – $179,675

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, Montgomery County Sierra Club, MCNOW, Montgomery County Career Firefighters, Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats of Maryland, LGBTQ of Montgomery County

https://www.facebook.com/EvanGlassforMoCo/

Will Jawando

Will Jawando; Winner – will advance to the Nov. 6 general election, along with three other Democratic candidates who received the top four vote counts. Filed 8/9/17

Qualified for public financing, 1/31/18; total received matching funds as of 4/30/18 $166,943

Endorsements MCEA, Sierra Club, Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett, 32BJ SEIU, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, LiUANA, Progressive Maryland, MCGEO, UFCW Local 400, MCFOP,  Coalition of Asian Pacific American Democrats of Maryland, Latino Democratic Club of Montgomery County, Greater Greater Washington, The Collective, The Climate Mobilization, Association of Black Democrats,

Website http://willjawando.com/

Green Party Candidates

Tim Willard

Tim Willard; filed 4/14/17; seeking Green Party nomination for the November 6 general election.

Filed for public financing, 4/18/17 – disqualified for public campaign financing

Email dravidic@yahoo.com
Website http://www.timforcouncil.org/

Statement on disqualification – “When we filed our 2018 report with the state we inadvertently checked the box that we were filing for matching funds at that time when we did not have enough donations. The SBE did not let us change the report and disqualified us. I will remain in the race and continue to seek small private donations.  The Green Party does not accept donations from PACs, businesses or unions.”

County Council District 1

Republicans

Richard Banach

Richard Banach; filed 8/31/17

Filed for public financing, 8/20/17

Facebook https:/www.facebook.com/Banach4CC

Email richardbanach@go.rmc.edu

Democrats

Andrew Friedson; filed 10/5/17

Traditional financing

Endorsements Washington Post, LiUANA Baltimore/Washington, DC Council, Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ District Council (BWLDC), Run For Something

https://andrewfriedson.com/

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2017/Andrew-Friedson-Announces-Run-for-District-1-County-Council-Seat/

County Council District 2

Republicans

Ed Amatetti

Ed Amatetti; filed 3/1/17

Qualified for public financing 10/17/17; $40,170 matching funds received as of 3/31/18

Email eamatetti@comcast.net
Website http://www.edamatetti.com/

https://marylandreporter.com/2017/06/26/moco-council-candidate-closing-the-gap-on-qualifying-for-public-funding/

Democrats

Craig Rice

Craig Rice; filed 2/16/18; incumbent

Traditional financing

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, AOBA, MCNOW, MCEA, 32BJ SEIU, METPAC (real estate trade group), SEIU 500, CASA in Action, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Website www.craigrice.org

Email ricepolitics@gmail.com

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rice/index.html

https://www.germantownpulse.net/single-post/2017/06/09/Craig-Rice-Will-Seek-Re-election-to-District-2-Seat-Forego-County-Executive-Run

County Council District 3

Republican

No Republican candidate

Democrat candidate

Sidney Katz

Sidney Katz, incumbent, filed 8/9/17

Qualified for public financing, 7/27/17; total received matching funds as of 3/31/18 – $97,968

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett, Montgomery County Career Firefighters, AOBA, MCFOP Lodge 35, Coalition Asian Pacific American Democrats of Maryland, MC Volunteer Firefighters, MCNOW, Latino Democratic Club, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35, Metropolitan Political Action Committee – MD, and the Brickyard Coalition and see endorsements:  http://www.sidneykatz.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Katz-Elected-Officials-Endorsement-Release-3.pdf

Website http://sidneykatz.com/

County Council District 4

Republican 

No Republican candidate

Democrat

Nancy Navarro

Nancy Navarro; incumbent; filed 6/29/17;

Approved for public financing 12/12/17; total matching funds disbursed as of 3/31/18 $35,975

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, Montgomery County Sierra Club, LiUANA Baltimore/Washington, DC Council, MCNOW, MCEA, 32BJ SEIU, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, Progressive Maryland, MCGEO, UFCW Local 400, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Email nn@navarrogroup.com
Website http://nancynavarro.org/

County Council District 5

Republican

No Republican candidate

Democrats

Tom Hucker

Tom Hucker; filed 6/19/17

Traditional financing

Endorsements Washington Post, GCAAR, Montgomery County Sierra Club, LiUANA Baltimore/Washington, DC Council, MCNOW, MCEA, 32BJ SEIU, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, Progressive Maryland, MC Career Firefighters, MC FOP, MCGEO, UFCW Local 400, MC Volunteer Firefighters and GCAAR.

Email tom@tomhucker.com
Website http://tomhucker.com/

STATE’S ATTORNEY

Republican

No Republican candidate

John McCarthy

John McCarthy, D, incumbent, filed 06/26/2017

Endorsements UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO

Email john.mccarthy@johnmccarthy.us
Website www.johnmccarthy.us

The Democratic incumbents at the courthouse are running as a team. 

 JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

(7 seats available)

James A. Bonifant; filed 10/27/17; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email electjab@gmail.com

Jeannie E. Cho; filed 10/27/17; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email electjec@gmail.com

Jill Reid Cummins; filed 1/23/18; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email electjrc@gmail.com

Debra L. Dwyer; filed 10/27/17; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email electdld@gmail.com

Kevin G. Hessler; filed 10/27/17; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email kghelect@gmail.com

David W. Lease; filed 1/25/18; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email electdwl2018@gmail.com

Margaret Marie Schweitzer; filed 1/18/18; incumbent

Website http://www.electsittingjudgesmcs.com/

Email electmms2018@gmail.com

CLERK OF THE COURT

Republican

No Republican candidate

Barbara Meiklejohn

Barbara H. Meiklejohn; D, filed 6/26/17; incumbent

Email barbarameiklejohnforclerk@gmail.com

Running as part of Court House Team (State’s Attorney John McCarty, Sheriff Darren Popkin and Register of Wills Joe Griffin)

Endorsements UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO, Asian Pacific Democrats of Maryland

REGISTER OF WILLS

Republican

Delores Reyes; filed 2/27/18

Email theresadnr@gmail.com
Facebook Dolores Reyes

Joseph Griffin

Joseph M. Griffin, D, filed 06/26/2017

http://registers.maryland.gov/main/region/montgomery/montgomerybio.html

Email grif_joe@yahoo.com

SHERIFF

Darren Popkin

Darren Mark Popkin, D; filed  06/26/2017

Email darren.popkin@gmail.com

Website darrenpopkinforsheriff.com

Jae Hwang

Jae Hwang, R; filed 1/9/18

Website http://www.jaeforsheriff.com/

Email info@jaeforsheriff.com

http://www.thesentinel.com/mont/news/local/item/5945-gop-challenger-rises-against-sheriff-popkin

 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

All incumbent state legislators from Montgomery County are Democrats. All legislative districts have one senator and three delegates elected at large from that district.

Legislative District 14

SENATE

Republican

Robert Drozd

Robert Drozd, R, filed 5/12/2017

https://www.facebook.com/DrozdForMaryland/

robert.s.drozd@gmail.com

Craig Zucker

Craig Zucker, D; Incumbent. Filed 2/28/17; appointed to Senate February 2016 to fill vacancy; served one term and one year as delegate from Jan. 2011 to Feb. 2016

Endorsements Maryland Sierra Club, MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, 32BJ SEIU

Website http://www.craigzucker.com/

HOUSE

Republican

Kevin Dorrance; filed 2/27/18
Email kadorrance@gmail.com

Patricia Fenati

Patricia Fenati; filed 9/29/17

Website www.patfenati.com

Email D14GOP@gmail.com

Michael Ostroff

Michael A. Ostroff; filed 2/27/18

Facebook facebook.com/ostroff4delegate

Email ostroff4delegate@gmail.com

Democrat

Anne Kaiser

Anne Kaiser; incumbent. Filed 2/28/17; serving fourth term

Endorsements MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, 32BJ SEIU, Progressive Maryland, Sierra Club, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, LiUANA, AFL-CIO, MCGEO, MC Career Firefighters, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Email delegatekaiser@gmail.com

Website http://annekaiser.com/

Eric Luedtke

Eric Luedtke; incumbent. Filed 2/28/17; serving second term

Endorsements Progressive Maryland, MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, 32BJ SEIU, Sierra Club, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, LiUANA, AFL-CIO, MCGEO, MC Career Firefighters, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Email ericformaryland@gmail.com

Website http://www.ericluedtke.com/

Pamela Queen

Pamela Queen; incumbent. Filed 2/28/17; Appointed by Democrat Central Committee February 2016 to fill a vacancy left by Del. Craig Zucker, who was appointed to fill Sen. Karen Montgomery’s seat upon her resignation in Dec. 2015

Endorsements Maryland Sierra Club, Progressive Maryland, MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, 32BJ SEIU, Sierra Club, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, LiUANA, AFL-CIO, MCGEO, MC Career Firefighters, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Website http://www.pamelaqueen.com/

Email pamela_queen4107@comcast.net

District 15 

SENATE

Republican

David Wilson

David Wilson; filed 3/7/17

Email votefordavidwilson@gmail.com

Website http://www.votefordavidwilson.com/

Brian Feldman

Brian Feldman, D; incumbent; serving in second term, filed 11/15/17; appointed to Senate in September 2013; formerly delegate 2003-2013

Endorsements MCEA, MSEA, Maryland Sierra Club, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, and Montgomery County Career Firefighters, MCNOW, MC Volunteer Firefighters, MC FOP, MD Farm Bureau, MD Realtors, MCPS Retirees Assoc., AFL-CIO, MCGEO, SEIU 1199 and LiUANA.

Website http://brianjfeldman.com/

HOUSE

Republican

Laurie Halverson

Laurie Halverson; filed for candidacy 11/8/17

Email LaurieSHalverson@gmail.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaurieHalversonforDelegate/?ref=page_internal

Harvey Jacobs; filed 1/17/18

Email jacobs4md@gmail.com
Website www.jacobs4md.com

Marc King

Marc A. King; filed 2/9/18

Website www.kingin18.com

Email kingforld15@gmail.com

Democrat

Kathleen Dumais

Kathleen Dumais, incumbent; filed 11/15/17; serving in the fourth term

Endorsements MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, Progressive Maryland, MC Career Firefighters, MCGEO, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Website http://kathleendumais.info/

David Fraser-Hidalgo

David V. Fraser-Hidalgo, incumbent; filed 11/15/17; serving in second full term,

Endorsements Progressive Maryland, MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, AFL-CIO, MCGEO, MC Career Firefighters, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Website http://www.fraserfor15.org/

Lily Qi

Lily Qi (Asst. Chief Administrator Officer, Montgomery County Office of the County Executive); filed 1/4/18

Endorsements Maryland Sierra Club, MCNOW

Website www.lilyqi.com

Email qulturematters@gmail.com

Endorsements Ike Leggett, County Executive

SENATE District 16 

Republican

Marcus Alzona; Filed Regular – 02/27/2018

Email vote@MarcusAlzona.com

Democrat

Susan Lee

Susan Lee, incumbent; filed 4/5/17; serving first term as senator; served three terms as delegate

Endorsements MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW

Email senatorsusanlee@gmail.com

Website http://susanleeforsenate.com/

HOUSE

Republican

Bill Day

Bill Day; filed 2/27/18
Website www.billday.org
Email bill@billday.org

Democrat

Ariana Kelly

Ariana Kelly, incumbent; Filed 2/26/18

Website https://delegatearianakelly.com/

Endorsements Progressive Maryland, MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, 32BJ SEIU, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, AFL-CIO, MC Career Firefighters, MCGEO, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Marc Korman

Marc Korman, incumbent; filed 3/23/17; serving first term

Endorsements Progressive Maryland, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1664 (the Montgomery County Fire Fighters), MCEA/MSEA, MCNOW, Sierra Club, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, SEIU 1199, AFL-CIO, MC Career Firefighters, MCGEO, MC Volunteer Firefighters

Website http://www.marckorman.com/

The third winner of the Democratic primary is too close to call between Sara Love and Samir Paul. The Montgomery County Board of Elections will declare a winner on July 6 after the remaining absentee and provisional ballots have been counted.

Sara Love

Sara Love; filed 10/23/17

Endorsements Maryland Sierra Club, MCNOW, League of Conservation Voters, 

Email SaraLove4MD@gmail.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaraLove4MD/about/

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2017/Sara-Love-to-Run-for-District-16-Delegate-Seat/

Samir Paul

Samir Paul; filed 2/26/18

Endorsements MCEA/MSEA, CASA in Action, SEIU 500, AFL-CIO, Progressive Maryland, MCGEO

Website www.samirpaul.com

Email samir@samirpaul.com

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Beat/2017/Montgomery-Blair-Teacher-Latest-Entrant-in-District-16-Delegate-Contest/

District 17

SENATE

Republican

Josephine Wang

Josephine Wang

Josephine Wang; filed 3/1/18

Email josie382@gmail.com

Democrat

The post Montgomery County Candidates List for local, state, federal office 6/26/18 appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

By Glynis Kazanjian

For MarylandReporter.com

The incumbent Howard County Register of Wills, who is running for re-election this year, was convicted on a drunk driving charge during his current term in office.

Byron Macfarlane, a Democrat, expressed deep regret in a Montgomery County courthouse in September 2015 as he pled guilty after his second DUI arrest, but was not identified as the Register of Wills for Howard County.

His attorney, Terrence McAndrews, who is now challenging Macfarlane in the Register of Wills Democratic primary election, simply told Judge Josef B. Brown the defendant was a courthouse employee.

On Sept. 17, 2015, Macfarlane pled guilty to one count of driving under the influence of alcohol per se, a misdemeanor. Other remaining charges have been put on hold, according to a “stet” noted in the Maryland case search, which is a legal term for putting court proceedings on hold as inactive, and in most cases prosecutors do not pursue those charges.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret them,” Macfarlane said in a statement. “My focus these past few years has been to work hard every day to care for Howard County families and be my best self through continued treatment and self-care.”

Macfarlane is continuing his run for office.

“I humbly ask voters to consider my record of service in my community and as Register of Wills and to allow me the opportunity to continue to run an office they know they can count on when they need help,” he stated.

On April 26, 2015, Maryland State Troopers pulled Macfarlane over for swerving and “almost hitting another car” while traveling eastbound on I-495 at Georgia Avenue, according to testimony by state prosecutors. He received seven citations including driving under the influence of alcohol per se, which indicates a driver’s alcohol blood content is .08 or higher. Macfarlane’s blood alcohol content was .13 on a breathalyzer, according to prosecutors.

Macfarlane received a 90-day suspended jail sentence, three years of supervised probation with a DWI monitor, was ordered to complete a program at the Columbia Addictions Center, complete two weekends at Right Turn, a drug and alcohol treatment facility, install an interlock ignition device on his car, which requires a driver to be tested for alcohol intake before he is able to start the car, and was fined $325.

Prior to the court date, Macfarlane voluntarily enrolled in the interlock program, completed two weekends at Right Turn and sought an evaluation at the Columbia Addictions Center.

In March 2016, a judge denied Macfarlane’s request to decrease his probation and interlock terms to one year, citing Macfarlane’s 2007 arrest for “driving, attempting to drive while impaired by alcohol,” which Macfarlane was not convicted of. The judge did agree to change Macfarlane’s probationary terms from supervised to unsupervised.

Up for reelection

Early voting for the June 26 primary election begins Thursday. The Register of Wills, which is primarily an administrative job in the courthouse, is elected on a partisan ballot every four years. Macfarlane was first elected in 2010.

Macfarlane, a member of the Howard County Bar Association, earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he concentrated on public and governmental service, according to his county biography. He also received a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland, College Park in government and political science, with citations in public leadership and communication.

McAndrews said he cannot speak about his then-client’s 2015 drunk driving offense, but he is bothered about another situation between the two “professional friends” which makes him question Macfarlane’s sincerity about running for re-election.

As recently as December, Macfarlane was a candidate in the Howard County Council District 4 race. For months Macfarlane raised money, campaigned and according to McAndrews said he would back him in the Register of Wills race.

Then on December 2, Macfarlane issued a press release stating he was dropping out of the council race and elective politics altogether. But two months later on Feb. 16 Macfarlane filed for re-election in the Register of Wills race.

An excerpt from Macfarlane’s letter, in which he said he looked forward to completing the final year of his term as Register of Wills and helping his successor with a smooth transition, reads:

“Dear friend,

Over the past several days and weeks, I’ve been fortunate to spend time with my family and close friends. The holidays naturally give us the chance to take a break from our daily lives and reflect on the past, present, and future.

I’ve had many conversations with those closest to me about what is best for me now, in the year ahead, and the years that follow. I’ve decided that the best path forward for me is to take a break from electoral politics.

Earlier today, I formally withdrew my candidacy for Howard County Council…”

McAndrews said he doesn’t know why Macfarlane made the decision to drop out of the council race.

“I asked him about it,” McAndrews said. “He said it was a personal decision. I don’t know what’s behind it. I think his statement speaks for itself. That was a very strong and clear statement that for whatever reason he was out of electoral politics.”

But McAndrews said he believes he is the more qualified candidate.

“I have more real world experience,” McAndrews said. “I represent individuals. I’ve had a practice for 25 years. I work with the [Register of Wills] office not only in Howard County, but in the state. I have represented estates and individuals involved in the estate and probate process. I have a wealth of experience. This is where you are out with the public, and it’s an important position that requires more than just showing up.”

Macfarlane said after spending several months campaigning for county council, it was not the right race for him.

“I decided to run for re-election of register of wills after speaking to my colleagues around Maryland, my staff, my family and friends, and members of local bar association,” he said. “Among all, there was unanimous support for me to run again, and it’s really as simple as that.”

Unlike the 2014 election when Macfarlane ran unopposed in both the primary and general elections, this year he has to win the primary before he can move on to the general where the winner will face either Shawn Conley, a volunteer firefighter or John Vandenberge. Vandenberge declined to comment for this article.

The register of wills oversees the execution of decedent wills and serves as clerk to the Orphans’ Court. The office of the register of wills assists the public with preparing required forms, preserving probate records and ensuring related taxes and fees are collected. A main responsibility of the office is ensure that the wishes of the decedent, heirs and claimants are carried out and protected. The office, however, may not offer legal advice.

The salary is capped at $114,500, depending on the size of the jurisdiction. Macfarlane currently makes $109,200.

Conley, a Republican candidate for Register of Wills, would not comment on Macfarlane’s conviction. He said he wanted to run a positive campaign.

“The citizens of Howard County deserve public servants that do not make poor decisions and have respect for not only them, but maintain the integrity of the office to which they were elected,” Conley said.

The post Howard County Register of Wills has DUI record appeared first on MarylandReporter.com.

This story has been updated June 18 with a letter to the editor at the bottom in response to remarks reported in the story. 

By Glynis Kazanjian

For MarylandReporter.com

More than 50 years ago, incumbents serving as sheriff, court clerk and register of wills successfully fought to keep their positions elective rather than become appointed, and the sentiment has not changed today.

But while incumbents and challengers argue that staying elective keeps politics out of their offices, the races for the largely administrative positions are becoming more political.

“The question that we’re talking about isn’t should they be elected, it’s would we get better people in these positions through an appointive process versus an elective process,” said Howard County Register of Wills Byron Macfarlane.

Many states have appointed clerks of court and positions equivalent to register of wills. Maryland’s constitution, however, specifies that people holding these offices are elected to four-year terms. Additionally, the races are partisan on the ballot.

Macfarlane, a Democrat, said his Republican predecessor Kay Hartleb, CORRECTION 6/18/18: a six-term incumbent he beat by 250 votes in 2010, ran the office like it was “1970.” He claimed the technology systems were outdated. He accused Hartleb of having no “employees of color.” And, he said she practiced discriminatory, anti-immigrant policies.

[Editor’s note: Hartleb responds in a letter to the editor at the bottom of this story.]

“It was only through the electoral process that all of that could be changed,” Macfarlane said. “Anyone who really cares about serving the public well, it’s important to have staff that are diverse that represent the community. It’s important to have policies that follow the law and treat everyone equally. My outlook on the world shapes how I do my job and that is shaped in part by my ideology and my party.”

In comments before a Democratic forum held in March, Macfarlane said he thought it was important to have “progressive Democrats” in every level of government service.

A position of leadership

Alan Bowser, left, with Ike Leggett when the Montgomery County executive endorsed him. Photo from Bowsers website.

Alan Bowser, a Democratic candidate for clerk of the court in Montgomery County, says because clerks are elected by thousands of people, they have an obligation and an opportunity to speak out about issues they feel are important to the community.

Bowser, an attorney, acknowledges a court clerk cannot change the law, but he believes the people in the courthouse can do more than just their statutory responsibilities.

“As I travel around the county the things that engage people the most are the community engagement of the court house, the willingness to be an advocate for community issues of interest – like criminal justice reform and increasing juror pay,” Bowser said.

These three positions have many duties, such as the register of wills preserving probate records, collecting fees and protecting the wishes of people who have died as wills are executed. He or she also serves as clerk to the Orphans’ Court.

The court clerk is responsible for maintaining and distributing court records, issuing writs, administering oaths to some officials, establishing procedures with other agencies and issuing business and marriage licenses. Currently, the salary for clerk of the Circuit Court ranges from $92,600 to $114,500 in Maryland, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.

The register of wills salary is structured the same as the clerk of court, topping off at  $114,500 for the largest jurisdictions.

Paul Bessel, chair of the Montgomery County Charter Review Commission, said he believes these administrative positions should be appointed.

“Most people are not familiar with what people in these jobs do or the people running for the jobs,” Bessel said. “What I’m afraid of is that too many people just pick the first one on the [ballot] or a name of a friend and they don’t’ make an intelligent choice. Or, they don’t vote at all for those positions.”

Bessel, who is active in Montgomery County politics, called for more political forums on his Facebook page this spring.

“Since we are electing them, people should know about them,” Bessel said. “I’m willing to bet that a tiny fraction even knows these races are elective. Even fewer people know who these candidates are.”

Incumbents prefer elective process

Maryland’s constitutional convention of 1967 proposed that voters stop electing sheriffs, clerks of the circuit court and registers of wills. The incumbents disagreed vehemently then, helping to defeat the entire constitution, and the candidates for these courthouses offices disagree now.

Amy Craig, chair of the Conference of Circuit Court Clerks and the Dorchester County Court clerk, said changing the positions from elective to appointed has been discussed, but Circuit Court clerks unanimously want the position to remain elective.

“The elected clerks embrace being a part of their individual communities and therefore enter the position knowing that they have to be elected,” Craig said. “This process holds the clerk directly accountable to the voters and constituents.”

Washington County Sheriff Doug Mullendore, president of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, agreed and said the sheriff shouldn’t owe his job to a board or county government.

“It actually keeps politics out of the office more so than if it were an appointed office,”  Mullendore said. “Thus, the sheriff is responsible to the many and not the few.”

‘It shouldn’t matter what political party I am’

But not everybody agrees that there is a place for politics in these roles.

Robert Duckworth, clerk of the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County for the last 24 years, says it should be elected, but it should not be partisan.

“This office serves all the people, and party politics in the delivery of the services of the clerk’s office should never be part of the responsibilities or duties of the clerk,” Duckworth said, who is not seeking re-election this year.

Macfarlane’s Republican opponent, volunteer firefighter Shawn Conley, said the role of the office of register of wills is to service citizens of the community with integrity, respect and compassion who have lost a loved one. He considers the office “apolitical.”

“I look at the register of wills office as an extremely apolitical office,” Conley said. “If I’m doing my job properly, it shouldn’t matter what political party I am. I should help everybody.”

Conley said he was encouraged by friends to run for office after helping a friend who had recently lost a loved one go through the probate process.

In February, three lawmakers – two Republicans and one Democrat – sponsored legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to require vacancies for court clerk and register of wills to be filled with replacements of the same political party as the previous officeholder. The bill, which received one hearing, failed to advance in the Judiciary Committee.

Sheriff offices are different across the state

Sheriffs across the state have different responsibilities, jurisdictions and salaries. In Montgomery County, where incumbent Sheriff Darren Popkin, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Jae Hwang, the sheriff is the law enforcement arm of the judicial system.

Sheriff’s deputies provide courthouse security, transport prisoners, apprehend fugitives, serve arrest warrants and court orders, conduct evictions and asset seizures, and other specialized duties including participating in the gang and firearms task force and perform welfare checks on domestic violence victims.

In other counties, the sheriff’s department is the sole law enforcement agency.

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, a former deputy who has served as sheriff for 12 years, believes an elective position allows him to stay closely connected to his constituency. The conservative leader who has embraced federal immigration enforcement programs and speaks openly about politics, also says those political beliefs affect his decision making.

“I report directly to the voter,” Jenkins said. “As an elected sheriff, I can make daily decisions on a daily basis that brings me closer to the people, rather than going through an elected person.”

Letter to the editor: Hartleb responds to Macfarlane

I would like to specifically address the comments from Byron Macfarlane, as reported by journalist Glynis Kazanjian, as these comments are false and defamatory.  It is first stated that I was a “six year incumbent,” when I in fact was a six term incumbent, having served as Register of Wills for twenty-four years. [This reference has now been corrected.]

His libelous claim that I ran the office “like it was 1970” with outdated technology was also totally false. There are 24 jurisdictions in Maryland, each with a Register of Wills office that is under the control of the Comptroller of the Treasury.  Implementation of technology was never the decision of the individual counties (or registers) to decide and all of the offices were computerized at the same time.

During my six terms, however, our office was instrumental in creating numerous programs and forms to be used statewide. My chief deputy was a key member of the technology committee that advanced these programs. In addition, while I was in office, the Howard County Register of Wills Office was one of the first, if not the first, to electronically file all of our records dating back to the 1800’s, and served as the testing site for many of the programs developed by the technology committee.

It is also worth mentioning that in the twenty-four years that I served as Register, my office consistently achieved perfect legislative audits performed by the State of Maryland.

In the article, Macfarlane also accused me of not having diversity in my office and practicing discriminatory and anti-immigrant policies. This accusation is also totally false and inflammatory. Throughout my term as Register of Wills, people of many diverse backgrounds worked in different capacities in the office, including Hispanics and African Americans who worked in the office supervising the digitizing of files and performing community service.

I don’t know what Macfarlane is talking about concerning his off the wall statement that I practiced “anti-immigration policies.” I am grateful and proud that my grandparents were fortunate enough to immigrate to this country. Just last summer I helped a friend from El Salvatore apply for citizenship.  Several years ago, I also helped a young woman from Russia come to this country and eventually attain permanent citizenship.

Mr. Macfarlane is guilty of defamation of my character and making false claims for the purpose of advancing his candidacy.  I am also shocked that the reporter would print his libelous remarks without checking with me regarding the truthfulness of his claims.

Sincerely,

Kay Hartleb

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