Most Common Questions, Part One

Post #69

While knocking on doors the past 13 months, two questions were asked most often.  In this post, I'll deal with the first: why I left elective office after (only) two four-year terms in the state legislature. 

I was honored to win election to the House of Delegates in 1994.  I enjoyed being an enthusiastic advocate for people, and making a difference on key issues affecting both mid-Montgomery County and the State of Maryland.  (Click “About Cheryl” on my website to learn more.)  After completing my eighth session/year, I decided not to seek re-election.  It surprised many; a strong track record of accomplishments was reflected in my facing no serious opposition, as well as having raised sufficient campaign funds to help ensure re-election. 

Don’t get me wrong: I loved my time in the legislature.  It’s just that I’ve witnessed how often elected officials presume that, once elected, the seat is “theirs” for life.  To me, this ignores my experience that most voters say they dislike “career politicians” and support term limits.  I've always said that elected officials can limit their own terms – if the voters don’t do it for them!  Therefore, I saw my election victory as though the voters had hired me for a four-year contract.  It wasn't until my third year of my first, four-year term that I decided to seek re-election, and essentially ask the voters for a renewal of my four-year “contract” in the House of Delegates.  As my second term wound down, I decided to “walk the walk” about letting someone else take a turn working on our state's issues.

My activities since leaving the legislature showed that there are other ways of making a difference in our community.  First, I helped elect Chris Van Hollen as our Congressman.  Then, as Executive Director of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, we contributed over $1 million annually to hundreds of local, nonprofit community groups.  We expanded food pantries, helped recovering addicts get jobs, trained day-care workers in life-saving techniques, sponsored training for hospice volunteers, underwrote a bilingual play on the immigrant experience, and provided art classes for senior citizens.  In addition to the satisfaction I got from these financial grants, we also collaborated with Montgomery College to create a Nonprofit Leadership Training Institute.  We identified outstanding, emerging leaders in the sector and provided networking, skills training, and practical learning opportunities. 

Did I miss being a member of the House of Delegates?  Not very often.  The friends I made there were (and still are!) in my life.  I still worked for progressive causes and candidates.  I trusted others to work on important issues.

So, why am I seeking an opportunity to return to Annapolis?  That’s the second most commonly asked question!  Look for my next posting to read the answer.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader.  Do you think it’s the responsibility of elected officials or the voter to determine how long someone stays in office?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#69) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.