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I’d like to wish all a very Happy New Year, with health and happiness in 2010 and the decade ahead. We face great challenges, as we are mired in an economic crisis unlike any the large majority of us have ever faced. For instance, today’s Washington Post had a graph showing zero job growth the last decade, as well as seriously impeded job growth in the decades since the advent of Reaganomics. Like most crises, however, this one presents us with an opportunity to make changes we rarely are willing to confront, and create a foundation upon which to build a progressive future.
2010 is also an election year, and I am gearing up my campaign for state delegate. Unlike most politicians, I welcome this challenge, at all levels. Unlike my opponents, I relish the opportunity to lead, to speak truth to power, to help other like-minded individuals work to change the culture so that we can put the last thirty years of voodoo economics and fear-mongering culture wars behind us. It is time America once again inspired hope in her citizens and friends around the world. With the election of President Obama in 2008 we have begun that process, but there is much work yet to be done. With your help, I pledge to work tirelessly to make that change happen.
I am now on leave, as planned, from my position as Senior Adviser to Councilmember Trachtenberg. It’s been a fantastic three years working for the people of Montgomery County on her behalf. As the candidate with the closest connections with the members and staff of the County Council as well as branches of the Executive, particularly HHS and senior administration, I look forward to highlighting the relationships between the county and state government during the campaign. As a delegate I will be uniquely positioned to work on behalf of all county residents.
I ask for your investment in my campaign. Be a part of the change we saw in Maryland beginning in 2006, with the election of real progressive leaders such as Jamie Raskin, Heather Mizeur and Roger Manno. I’m proud to have helped found the Progressive Working Group, building on the success of Progressive Neighbors, which fought the Democratic incumbency machine to help elect Professor Raskin. Maryland needs more progressive leaders, and Montgomery County deserves better leaders. We don’t need more Democrats – we need better Democrats.
Leadership is not something one can claim without evidence. Unlike my opponents, I have the record to back up my claim. Passion can’t be ignited just for a campaign; unlike my opponents, my passion propels me with all the work I do, as an advocate, activist and government staffer. Integrity is strength of good character – either you have it or you don’t. Integrity drives everything I do, for my family, my neighbors, my country and myself. We can no longer afford being represented by those without integrity.
Passion, leadership and integrity. I will bring them all to my work on your behalf, with a fearlessness not usually seen in our local politicians. I welcome your support.
Thank you all very much.
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