Beth Daly: Why You Should Vote For Me

Beth DalyWe 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 up in the County Council at-large race is Beth Daly, who is running for one of four nominations in the Democratic primary. Below is Daly’s unedited response:

Although this is my first run for public office, I have more than 20 years of experience working in Democratic politics, first for U.S. Sen. Howard Metzenbaum (D-Ohio), then as a media professional for Democratic candidates and progressive causes, and most recently for Telemundo, promoting political messaging to its Spanish-language viewers. I was named “Media All Star” by Media Week magazine in 1993 for my team’s work on the Clinton-Gore 1992 campaign. I am legislative director of the Sugarloaf Citizens Association; was appointed by County Executive Ike Leggett to the Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board where I am land use chair; served as a community leader on the regional Transportation Planning Board; and am a member of the inaugural class of Emerge Maryland – an organization dedicated to getting more women to seek elected office. I am active on the Save Ten Mile Creek Coalition, and successfully worked to protect the county’s last pristine creek. I am also active on the Dickerson Facilities advisory board, PTA, within my parish and as a hospice volunteer.

Currently, three of the four at-large members reside in Takoma Park. I am uniquely positioned to run for an at-large seat on the council because I have lived both upcounty (14 years) and downcounty (10 years). As an apartment dweller in downtown Bethesda, a new mother of two boys in a single-family home in Kensington, and now an empty nester in the heart of the Agricultural Reserve, I have experienced Montgomery County’s variety, and I appreciate that we are all — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or any other difference — in this together.

The most important reason for people to vote for me, however, is that I want to change the way the Montgomery County Council does business — especially when it comes to land use issues and transparency. Montgomery County is a great place to live and work but — let’s face it — our roads and schools have become increasingly overcrowded over the last decade. I was prompted to run by school overcrowding and the excessive number of portables. I will insist on balanced development by making sure the school and traffic tests in the Subdivision Staging Policy reflect what actually is happening on the ground, and I will work to ensure that there is adequate funding for school construction and transportation solutions soon, not years later — so the new density does not negatively affect the daily lives of residents who live and work here now.

As a councilmember I will listen to residents respectfully and work to:

  • Adequately fund MCPS school and Montgomery College so all children — no matter the zip code — are prepared for success upon graduation
  • Prioritize public transit and road improvements across the county
  • Attract new economic growth and jobs and work to retain businesses currently in the county
  • Create and protect affordable housing
  • Protect our green spaces, freshwater streams and Chesapeake Bay, and tree canopy
  • Insist upon third party audits, transparency and accountability of our nearly $5 billion county budget

While directing the advertising placements for President Clinton’s first campaign, I managed a $75 million budget and had to account for it down to the penny. I know how to spend other people’s money. And as one of the founding members of the Save the Ten Mile Creek Coalition, I know how to build coalitions, analyze research, and advocate for a cause. Bottom line: What I offer is someone who cares, who will advocate for residents, and who knows how to spend other people’s money responsibly. I will do the same for you as a county councilmember.

In the June 24 Democratic primary you can cast a ballot for up to four candidates for Montgomery County Council At-Large. Please consider making one of your votes for change. Vote for Beth Daly.

I have been endorsed by the Gazette, labor, civic, and environmental organizations. For more information on my endorsements, experience, and positions on the issues, please see my website: www.bethdaly.org.

Thank you. I appreciate your consideration.

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