Most Common Questions, Part Two

Post #70

In this post, I’ll discuss the second of the two most common questions I’m asked while campaigning:  Why am I running?  The brief answer is the tough times we’re facing.  I believe we need a more energetic, effective advocate to work on behalf of the voters of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Garrett Park. 

We’re facing what may be a $2 billion state budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year. The governor and legislature will have to cut programs and raise revenues.  But which ones, and by how much?  Also: if history is any guide, Annapolis will look to Montgomery County-- the state’s traditional “piggy bank”-- for extra sacrifice at both ends of the budget equation.

I want to be part of those budget decisions, to protect our County, our interests, and our values.  Spending should be scrutinized closely, but public investments in education, economic development, roads and mass transit, and the environment must be defended.  Taxes and fees should be carefully targeted and be borne by those best able to pay.

We have to look after the fundamental needs of Montgomery County.  We face challenges here that we didn’t have just a few decades ago, and can no longer be expected to bear such an outsized share of the state budget burden.

I’m gratified that the need I perceive for more effective advocacy has been echoed by countless voters, scores of current and former elected officials, and ten important organizations.  These endorsements are particularly significant considering that my opponent is a 32-year incumbent.  Concerns about public safety prompted my endorsement by police and fire fighters.  Concerns about the economy and jobs prompted my endorsement by the SEIU.  Concerns about the environment prompted my endorsement by the Sierra Club and Maryland League of Conservation Voters.  (The full list of my endorsements is displayed in a rotating list on each page of this website.)

In my interactions with the public, I am always surprised by how many voters don’t know and/or have never met our current State Senator.  How can you lead if you aren’t even known?  So that’s why I’m running: to be a State Senator the people of District 17 will know, trust, and count on.  Especially in tough times like these.

Please join me in these final weeks of the race: by donating, volunteering, displaying a lawn sign.  And I hope I can count on you for your vote September 14.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader.  Have you ever felt prompted to take a more public role because the times demanded it?  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 (#70) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.