We asked local candidates in contested primary elections to write a sub-750 word essay describing why residents should vote for them on June 24.
Next we shift to the District 18 state Senate race, where Dana Beyer is running in the Democratic primary. Below is Beyer’s unedited response:
I’m Dana Beyer, and I’m running for the Maryland state Senate.
As a surgeon, a mother of two and a progressive activist, I’ve spent my entire life fighting for social justice and equal opportunity in our community and around the world. I’m proud of my track record of success, and now I’m seeking the chance to serve you in the Maryland state Senate.
I grew up in a family that practiced traditional Jewish social values. They taught me the importance of caring for those who have less and helping those who are struggling. Those values have shaped my life — from my decision to practice medicine, to my work for progressive causes, and to my decision to run for public office.
Economic justice is the cornerstone of a strong, prosperous community. It is the hallmark of a progressive community. But it seems we have forgotten the hardworking people who are struggling to make ends meet. I’ll fight to make sure everyone has the chance to participate in our economy — and that they are compensated fairly for their work.
I’m disappointed that our legislators refused to index the minimum wage to the cost of living to provide some long-term security for working people, yet they chose to index the estate tax for the richest few in our state. It’s just wrong. Paying a decent wage isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the fiscally prudent thing to do. Better wages mean less dependence on government — and fewer tax dollars spent on building a social safety net.
It’s long past time to level the playing field. We need to give people a wage they can live on and security they can count on. It’s a critical step in rebuilding Maryland’s middle class and giving working families a chance to support themselves.
Having grown a small business and advised start-up companies, I know what it takes to create quality jobs. I’ll fight to grow our economy by expanding loans and tax credits for small businesses, investing in infrastructure repair and modernization, and working to eliminate corporate tax loopholes.
As a mother, I want to make sure Montgomery County schools are preparing our students for success. But that can’t happen if our children are stuffed into overcrowded, outdated facilities. We need more classroom space and better resources for educators — and we need them now. We need to seriously tackle the achievement gap amongst our students, so that all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity, have the chance to flourish. The critical component in that effort is fully funding universal pre-K, for ages 3 and 4. The skills very young children learn last a lifetime.
As a doctor, I’ll make it my personal mission to fix the flaws in our health care system that leave people underserved and overcharged. Obamacare was a start, but we need to do more to get costs under control and get more people covered. I’ll fight for a public option so all Marylanders have access to quality, affordable care. And it’s long past time to kick politicians out of the exam room and make sure women’s health care decisions stay between patients and their doctors.
The work of repairing the world, known in the Jewish ethical and social justice tradition as tikkun olam, guides and inspires me. How we treat the struggling amongst us is the gauge of our decency as a people.
As your Senator I will fight for you, as I have my entire life. I will fight for those who work hard and deserve to be treated fairly and equally, but I will also fight for those who cannot participate because they are marginalized and oppressed by a broken system.
I ask for your support and your vote, and in return I promise to be the progressive champion Montgomery County sorely needs. I promise to represent you as you deserve to be represented. Together, we can make Montgomery County and Maryland better as we lead the way to a more progressive America.
