Offered an opportunity to speak at the annual meeting of the Talbot Democratic Women’s Club, several women candidates responded. The TDWC mission is to provide a forum for educating voters, and the crowd assembled at the Talbot County Free Library was looking forward to learning more. These highlights seemed worth sharing.
No one could deny that Aruna Miller, candidate for Maryland Lieutenant Governor, filled the room with positive energy. Having emigrated from India with her family, she attended New York public schools, graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and decided to devote her life to public service. Elected to serve as Maryland State Delegate for Montgomery County in 2010, this mother of three has served on multiple committees that include transportation, education, business, technology, land use, and public safety.
Her take-away: “Policy-making influences every one of our lives. None of us get to decide our gender, our skin color, our social or economic background, or our abilities or disabilities. None of us get to decide that when we are born, but every one of us should get to decide what we can do with our lives and how we can make the world a better place for all.” More at wesmoore.com/aruna
Brooke Lierman, a highly respected civil rights attorney representing district 46 in the Maryland House of Delegates, is running to become Maryland State Comptroller. As a leader on fiscal committees, endorsements suggest that she has truly “built big coalitions to get things done.” And she reminded us,” This could be one of the most important state elections of our lifetime. It has been over one hundred years since every constitutional seat in our state has been open at the same time.” Voting for a comptroller doesn’t happen frequently. “This position has not been open since 1998.”
The number one question she’s receiving is, “What is a state comptroller?” The comptroller is essentially “the people’s voice on state boards that spend our money.” In addition to addressing concerns about inflation, the cost of living, and employers trying to find a skilled and qualified workforce, this state comptroller would recommend updating our state’s software. “It is the oldest in the nation, and one-quarter of qualified families are not claiming their tax credits.” Much more about Brooke at brookelierman.com
Deputy State’s Attorney Ellen Barry Grunden, the first and only attorney to hold the position of District Court Supervisor in Talbot County, is a candidate to become Talbot County State’s Attorney. A resident of Talbot County for 30 years, she’s practiced in our public sector for over 20 years. With her interest in addressing crimes against the vulnerable, this member of the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center and Chesapeake College Criminal Advisory Board looks forward to leading “a vibrant office of prosecutors committed to the challenging, but deeply rewarding, work of public service.” More at ebgfortalbot.com
Naomi Hyman, candidate to become Maryland State Senator for District 37, is currently serving as Secretary of the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity and Vice Chair of the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee. She recognizes that “change is coming,” and wants to “make that change positive.” Providing quality education with affordable access to higher education and job training is part of that equation. Concerned by criticism of our current senator by members of her own party for working across the aisle, Naomi believes compromise is “an essential part of the political process.” More at naomihyman.com
Susan DeLean-Botkin, candidate for Maryland State Delegate for District 37B, has our health and welfare at heart. As a nurse practitioner and owner of a small business, Family Care of Easton, for 20 years, she currently also serves as President of the Talbot County Board of Education and volunteers for several organizations, including the Oxford Board of Appeals. She also believes in working across the aisle with anyone “willing to serve a higher purpose.” Her patients from “all sides of the aisle” are telling her, “You always tell the truth. You are honest, and I’m going to vote for you.” More at susanforeasternshore.com
Michele Dappert, candidate for Talbot County Council and passionate community activist, firmly believes in preserving our quality of life on the Eastern Shore. Working remotely as a digital marketing specialist in Talbot County, she also recognizes the importance of local government in facilitating efforts to support a heathy, thriving environment and appreciates that “broadband is today’s utility, not a luxury,” Additionally, “we all want civility and commonsense solutions.” More at dappertfortalbot.com
Keasha Haythe is also running for Talbot County Council. A lifelong resident of Talbot County and tireless champion of education, economic development and opportunity, she has worked across the Eastern Shore to promote sound policies and innovative strategies for smart growth.
She also has a deep respect for our waterman and our agricultural community; and as founder and President of the Foundation for Hope, an Easton-based nonprofit focused upon empowering young women to lead productive and successful lives, she is “ready to do this.” More at keasha4talbot.com
Nicole Caudell, candidate for Talbot County Clerk of Court, has deep family roots on the Eastern Shore and in Talbot County. Having worked for nearly 14 years as a criminal clerk in Maryland and more recently in the Worcester County Circuit Court, she trusts that her “tech savvy” could “further advance and streamline the Talbot County Clerk of Court’s office and promote the best outcome for our county.” More at nicole4shore.com
It’s good to have an idea of what the people elected to represent us want to do. Candidates’ websites also list endorsements. May be worth a look, and the Talbot Democratic Women’s Club Facebook page lists upcoming events.
Talbot Democratic Women’s Club
Easton
Ann Davis says
This is an excellent summary of each candidate’s positions.
However, I encourage all readers to go to each person’s website to learn
more in depth information and then VOTE.
Bill Mocarsky says
What about Pete Lesher?
Dr.Lynne McGrath, President TDWC says
The Talbot County Democratic Women’s Club, in addition to Michele Dappert and Keasha Haythe, wholeheartedly endorses Peter Lesher, Phil Jackson, and Scott Kane for County Council. Our annual meeting was organized to highlight and celebrate women candidates. It was amazing to see so many outstanding women running for office this year. The TDWC has a focus on educating voters and have had several other events presenting all local candidates. We encourage all voters learn about the candidates and vote.
Tom Dennis says
What about Heather Mizeur in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. A truly outstanding candidate, with a track record of bi-partisan problem-solving. She listens, has an actual plan of action to address real problems for the District. Unlike Andy Harris, who doesn’t know how to spell collaboration and remains one of the most divisive, unpopular and ineffective Members of Congress. Harris can only boast of one legislative accomplishment in ten years representing the Eastern Shore, the re-naming of a Post Office in Salisbury.