Silver Spring and Takoma Park progressive voters can learn a lot by looking at the accomplishments and failures of the recent Maryland General Assembly—specifically, how well our reps and the Democratic Party leadership served our interest and needs. We also should continue supporting Jamie Raskin’s surging challenge for the 20th District Maryland State Senate seat. And there’s an important progressive candidate about to announce her entry into the Montgomery County Council At-large race.

First, here in Takoma Park we were aware enough of the need to monitor electronic voting that we developed our own paper trail system for city elections. But despite some broad support and the help of 20th District rep Sheila Hixson, who changed her position and supported the need for a paper trail, the issued died in committee. Essentially, it was killed by Senate Democratic Party leadership.

Other progressive legislation was also lost due mostly to lack of key Democratic support. Medical decision-making rights for same-sex couples died in a conference committee. An assault weapon ban, all the childhood obesity prevention legislation, and an indoor smoking ban were all killed in committee. A proposal by Senator Sharon Grosfeld to slow the rate of rental unit condo conversion, which was introduced after our own delegation failed to act on the issue, also never made it out of committee.

It’s sad to note by the way, that Grosfeld (D-18th District), considered one of the most progressive State Senators, is calling it quits. My thought is that she just had enough of the cronyism within the Democratic Party and decided her skills could be better used elsewhere. It’s sad but should make us more aware of the need to elect committed progressive candidates to State Senate and House positions.

A great deal of credit for progressive legislation that did pass should go to Progressive Maryland and its executive director, Tom Hucker. Overriding Governor Ehrlich’s veto of the minimum wage increase as well the Fair Share Health Care (Wal-Mart) bill were two of the most noteworthy. But PM’s help in passing the Healthy Air Act and the Asian Pacific Lunar New Year holiday has been widely recognized as well. The Emergency Contraception Bill failed by only one vote on the Senate floor. Plus a long-term commitment to pass a public financing of elections bill passed through the House of Delegates and Senate Energy, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee this year and hopefully will pass through the full Senate next year. All of that should help Tom when he announces his candidacy for a 20th District rep.

Regarding the Raskin campaign for State Senator from the 20th District, what he needs most from progressives is a willingness from us to step forward and volunteer to introduce him to our neighbors. His biggest impediment will be the support and endorsements incumbents traditionally get from unions and other organizations. So, all the more is the need for us to get actively involved in a door-to-door, grass-roots campaign to help Jamie win.

Regarding the County Council race, Tom Perez’s Council seat should be open, and Marc Elrich is best positioned to capture it. Steve Silverman’s At-large seat is also open. And, on May 8, Duchy Trachtenberg will have announced her candidacy at a kickoff event at Strathmore Mansion. Duchy, should she win, will join only a few select candidates who will not accept special interest funding or money from developers so she’ll need our support (www.voteduchy.org). If other candidates come forward, it’s thought that At-large incumbent Council members Nancy Floreen and Mike Subin are the most vulnerable because of issues of temperament and focus which leads many to question their leadership and decision-making abilities.

Speaking of temperament, it’s worth watching a rebroadcast of the April 20 Montgomery County School board meeting and the finger pointing between members Steve Abrams and our own Valerie Ervin.

Republican Abrams, who is running for State Comptroller, seems to want to emulate the demagoguery of present State Comptroller Donald Schaeffer. Abrams projects a highly opinionated and partisan image with McCarthyite overtones. But Valerie Ervin holds her ground and resists Abrams’ insinuations. Try to catch the session on cable. It’s a contrast to the normally placid and business-like Board meetings!

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