The Working Families Party has endorsed Harry Dunn in the race to replace Steny Hoyer in Maryland’s 5th district.
https://bsky.app/profile/workingfamilies.org/post/3mmcjqirbqs2v
When I speak with others who live in the county, they're unsatisfied with the current political leadership and state of affairs. Corruption, cronyism, and grifting are running rampant in our county. We feel as though we pay high taxes (from both an income and property tax perspective), with nothing to show for it as far as amenities and our streets/highways are filled with litter and unkempt grass.
Aisha Braveboy appointed multiple people with a history of misconduct to various positions within the county (see Darryl Barnes, Shawn Joseph, Leslie Johnson, Samuel Moki).
The council also played "musical chairs" in the last few months, appointing and shuffling people to various positions.
At-Large --> Calvin Hawkins moved to work for Aisha's administration, Wala was appointed to At-Large.
District 4 --> Ingrid Watson, married to State Sen. Ron Watson (who supports data centers), was appointed to the PG Economic Development Commission, with no prior experience. Ingrid has been the subject of scrutiny because she did not actually live in District 4. The council appointed Tim Adams, former ineffective Bowie Mayor.
District 6 --> Wala moved to the At-Large position in January (now wants to run for Congress). Aisha recommended her unqualified scheduling assistant, Danielle Hunter.
Ed Burroughs III is under scrutiny for hiring his dad, among other things. Wanika Fisher is trying to run for State's Attorney with no prosecutorial experience.
What is the solution to getting these people out of office?
People are screaming "vote them out" with no viable alternatives. Honestly, it feels like we're in an echo chamber.
People don't want to volunteer for the campaigns of better candidates, they don't want to donate money to the campaigns of others (money wins campaigns, sending out mailers, billboards, and commercials are all expensive), and they want to sit on the internet and complain.
When it's time to vote, they either don't vote or vote for the incumbents. Is it laziness? How can we strategically right the ship politically in our county and bring back ethical leaders who actually want to help their constituents? What strategy did Mamdani use in NYC to beat the system and how can we implement it here?
Disclaimer: I'm pretty left of center. I ranked the candidates by how I'd vote for them on a Ranked Choice Ballot.
1- Ethan Wechtaluk
No wiki page. Does have a platform page though!
2- Alexis Goldstein
Former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Chief Technologist. Fired by DOGE.
Worked as a programmer and analyst on Wall Street, left to join the Occupy Wall Street protests. Published often with op-eds on financial topics from a progressive perspective.
In favor of:
Cons- she doesn’t have an ‘on the issues’ page on her website.
4- April McClain Delaney
What else is there to say? She is her husband’s wife, who had a much longer run as rep of MD-6. Just like last election cycle, she has no On the Issues section on her website. Member of the New Democrat Coalition (Clinton era centrist Democrats).
In favor of:
Against:
3- David Trone
Long-time alcohol industry guy. Member of the New Democrat Coalition (Clinton era Centrist Democrats), Problem Solvers Caucus (Centrism).
In favor of:
Against:
Israel:
Doesn’t have an on the issues page on his website.
George Gluck
Doesn’t have a website, but he links to his Peloton which is weird. No wiki page. He’s retired and looks pretty old too. Previously a green party candidate. Perennial.
“Obama tried [the JCPOA] that failed to work.” Actually it was working just fine.
Daniel Krakower
Doesn’t have a website or wiki page. I can’t find anything on him.
Kiambo “Bo” White
Former Union rep. No wiki page. No website.
A. Mark Wilks
No wiki page. Extremely barebones website with no issues page.
I'm working on a small project to help young voters in Maryland know these candidates and their ambitions for the state in a super simplified way that is easy to understand. I'm also adding a super simplified version of their upbringing so people can now if they can identify with said candidate. just wanna know how the state feels about these elections.
If anyone is interested in or follows the congressional race and wants to learn more about Ethan Wechtaluk, it looks like he has a few Frederick dates on this town hall tour. If you’re already a supporter of his, please share in case others would like to check him out and learn more about his platform as well. Power is knowledge and informed voters have the most power!