It was a busy weekend in our neighborhood. The Democratic primaries are coming up on September 12th, and there were a lot of volunteers knocking on doors. We had more than a few door hangers left at our house. We also got a boatload of flyers from candidates dropped in our letterbox by the postman.
I've decided who I'm voting for in the governor's race (easy choice as the other Dem dropped out of the race), but have yet to pick a Senate candidate. I still haven't made up my mind when it comes to the county council or delegates to our state house. This is all pretty new to me - I lived in DC for 18 years and all we got to vote for were Mayor and the city council (like I ever paid attention to our ANC elections). There's a lot to sift through!
As I read through it all I found myself drawn to anyone who focused on one specific issue...
Education.
If they talked about improving our schools - especially special services for kids with delays - I set aside their flyer so I could take it with me on Sept. 12th (primary day). I found myself looking for two endorsements - any teachers' group and the local or state Progressive Democrats of America chapter.
Don't get me wrong - transportation is a big issue with me. I'm impressed if they talk about making sure the purple line is added to the DC metro system. And if someone can find a way to reign in congestion I figure that's a good thing too.
I'm also impressed if anyone addresses the need to encourage more "green buildings" in our area. Tax incentives, out and out regulations - whatever. Construction of and the heating and cooling of buildings eat up 40% of our energy and if they can find a way to improve energy standards and clean the air - I'm all for it.
So I thought it might be intersting to see what others consider top issues in their local elections. This might be useful for anyone running for office too.
Let me know if you think an issue should be added to the poll and I'll try to include it.
By the way - if you haven't yet registered to vote, you can do so here http://www.yourvotematters.org/....
Here's a link to Common Cause in case you're wondering where the link came from http://www.commoncause.org/...
UPDATE - REMINDER
If you want to vote in the primaries on September 12th - Maryland state law requires that you be registered to vote no later than August 22nd (9pm). I can't imagine anyone on this site isn't yet registered - and I'm guessing deadlines are approaching in other states. If you're not registerd - do it now!