1. Assistance to the Poor:

Government has a responsibility to take care of our most vulnerable citizens, and there are many hardworking people really struggling at the moment. Federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would be devastating unless the state fills the gap. Between housing and health care having risen many times beyond the rate of inflation, the sudden large increase in utility costs, and now gas prices going up, people with lower wage jobs, seniors, the disabled, etc. really need help.

2. Environment:

We have a reponsibility to younger generations to do what we can to mitigate the effects of climate change, which is already causing more extreme weather events, increasing the price of insurance, and threatening infrastructure in coastal and low lying cities and towns.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I cannot support using public funds for private, often religious, education. There are other ways to fund private schools.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I supported Maryland’s Death with Dignity Act, which did not pass. in part because I believe every health care case is different and the legislature has none of the tools necessary to make health care decisions. I also have has personal experience watching a loved one die a slow and agonizing death that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. The unfortunate truth is that we are not always able to control pain.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I share the Catholic Church’s concern for the poor and for planet earth, as well as the desire for peace and compassion for others. I feel the world is reverting back to a crueler time, and the Church is one institution pushing for kindness towards our fellow man and stewardship of the earth.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I agree that funding in Maryland’s budget should ensure that low-income residents have reliable access to basic necessities such as food and healthcare. As a Christian, I am guided by the Church’s social teaching, which calls us to uphold the dignity of every person and prioritize the needs of the vulnerable. I appreciate the vital work of Catholic Charities in Maryland that partner with state programs to deliver compassionate and effective assistance. Also I believe that the state should not provide all of these necessities in perpetuity. There should also be a pathway for self sufficiency.

2. Environment:

Tax credits and grant programs should be redirected to assist residents, businesses, and non-profits in coping with the rising costs of energy. Further, tax credits and grants should also be directed to energy generation companies, and Maryland should increase its investment in nuclear energy to address the supply and demand issues related to energy in the state. Over the years, data centers have increasingly populated the PJM grid, creating a higher demand for energy in Maryland. As a result, the state needs to enhance its energy generation capacity to meet this growing demand.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Maryland should continue to expand funding for the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship program so that low-income students can attend the K-12 nonpublic school that best meets their needs. For years the program has been chronically underfunded, often at levels around $8–10 million, meaning it could serve only a fraction of eligible applicants. Governor Moore initially proposed cutting the program and phasing it out for new students. In Annapolis, I will be a strong advocate for fully funding BOOST to meet the clear demand from Maryland families.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

The Maryland General Assembly should absolutely maintain the 1999 law that makes it a felony for an individual to assist in another individual’s suicide. In Annapolis, I am a guaranteed no vote on physician-assisted suicide/medical aid in dying. I believe that only God, our creator, has the authority to determine when our time on earth comes to an end. This bill poses a danger and contradicts the principles of my Christian faith.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland has a profound Catholic heritage dating back to its founding by Cecil Calvert as a haven for those facing religious persecution. The 1649 Act of Toleration advanced religious liberty for Christians at a time of division. As a candidate for delegate in District 9A, I am committed to upholding these foundational values of human dignity, religious freedom, and care for the vulnerable. I will advocate for policies that protect parental rights in education, support faith-based institutions, and provide full funding for programs like BOOST that expand opportunity for low-income families.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

We should always prioritize supporting our vulnerable communities including disabled Marylanders, our seniors, our children, our LGTBQ+ Marylanders, those experiencing poverty and more.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I believe supporting students who because of their disability cannot find the right fit in public education to go to private school. Otherwise, I do not support diverting public funds towards private schools.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I support the death with dignity legislation.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics and I share a common cause: protecting the vulnerable, caring for our planet, and rebuilding the bonds that hold communities together. I try to bring those same values to my work in Annapolis every day.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Does the state assess whether its funding is effectively delivering food, housing and healthcare to the poor? As a legislator, I would ask questions, assess and advocate for wise approaches to helping and empowering the poor. I am quite familiar with programs that serve low-income residents. For a decade I was an executive of a foundation that operated a youth development program for at-risk youth in public schools in Baltimore and 20 other school districts across the US. I had the good fortune to learn from Bob Woodson and others who succeed in empowering communities.

2. Environment:

I support programs that encourage; not programs that penalize. More attention must be paid to the old infrastructure that is now required to provide more electricity and clean water, especially in Montgomery County. Pipes must not be allowed to decay as the one that spilled tons of sewage into the Potomac River. The WSSC, a bicounty agency created by the state more than 100 years ago, is overseen inadequately by the county councils of both Montgomery and Prince George’s. To ensure efficient, sustainable water at a reasonable price requires state legislation to reform WSSC.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

As a former executive of a school-based program, I have witnessed how low-income students excel when challenged in Catholic schools. I strongly support the expansion of the BOOST program and other opportunities to give Maryland families options to ensure their children are well educated. In Montgomery County BOOST scholarships support students attending 27 Catholic, Jewish and other non-public schools. Maryland should opt into the federal Education Freedom Scholarship tax credit program to help non-profit organizations provide educational services to low-income families.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I do not support suicide assisted by anyone. By licensing doctors and other medical providers to prescribe lethal drugs to bring about a person’s death, the state would be reducing the standard of medical care for all people with potentially disparate impact on the poor and underinsured.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I am mission driven, a graduate of Georgetown Visitation and Georgetown University with a degree in public administration. In addition to being an Executive of an inner-city schools program, I served for 28 years in the federal government, the last 8 in the Senior Executive Service where I built bipartisan legislative support for a federal agency. I know the importance of good character, good governance and scrutiny required to reform government so it can deliver. By running I hope to encourage others to use their experience and expertise to improve state government.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I support maintaining Maryland’s core programs and investing in healthcare, education, and safety-net services like energy assistance. Many of these programs are federally supported but administered by the state, and they should be preserved and run efficiently. When needs increase, funding should be adjusted accordingly. Public funds should be used in a transparent and accountable way, with a clear focus on delivering meaningful benefits to residents.

2. Environment:

I support targeted incentives, such as tax credits or grants, that help residents, businesses, and nonprofits adopt practical energy-efficient solutions. These programs should be designed with clear, verifiable outcomes and focus on cost-effective measures like energy efficiency and lower utility costs. Any public funding should remain transparent and tied to measurable results.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I support expanding educational opportunity for low-income students, including providing scholarships to help students access the school environment that best meets their needs. Having experienced a system where nonpublic schools operate with public oversight, I believe such programs should be well-regulated, targeted to those in need, transparent, and designed so they do not divert resources from public schools.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I support maintaining Maryland’s current law prohibiting physician-assisted suicide. At the same time, end-of-life care should remain under physician oversight, with a strong focus on palliative and hospice care to support patients, including those who choose at-home care, and their families.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

As a Catholic, I share a commitment to protecting human dignity, supporting families, and serving those most in need. I support strong healthcare and safety-net programs, expanding access to quality education, and ensuring public funds are used responsibly and transparently. I approach public service with compassion, accountability and respect for all Marylanders, along with a commitment to policies that deliver real, measurable support for families.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I strongly agree, especially given the harmful actions of the federal government to remove millions of people from Medicaid, SNAP, and other social safety net programs. The State has a duty to act to ensure that all of our residents have daily essentials. In spite of Maryland having a $1.5 billion budget deficit this year, we were able to expand SNAP benefits and child care scholarships, while maintaining critical health and human services, such as Medicaid, housing, energy assistance, and free school meals. I’m proud that in Maryland we are prioritizing people.

2. Environment:

Climate change is happening and its harming our planet. During my time in the state legislature, I’ve voted for numerous bills to tackle climate change, including programs to help residents and businesses to increase their energy efficiency, to promote walking and cycling instead of driving, and to invest in renewable energy. As a result of our collections actions, Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions have been declining year over year. As a state, we should continue to foster ways for further reductions in our carbon footprint.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I’m going to be very transparent and say that I am a believer in public school education. My son attends public school here in Montgomery County. That said, families should be free to chose a different education for their children, including private schools. Although I believe that taxpayer dollars should be focused on public education, I have supported the inclusion of independent schools in legislation I’m sponsoring to provide universal free school meals to all K-12 students in Maryland. Hungry kids should be fed no matter what school they attend.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

To date, 13 other states plus DC have legalized medical aid in dying. I have previously voted for legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to have the choice of how and when they die. This legislation included stringent requirements and safeguards. If the bill had passed, likely many Marylanders would not have wanted to use this option, but some who are facing painful deaths might. I stand by my prior vote to allow people to make the right choice for themselves in consultation with medical professionals.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

My work as a state Delegate has focused on helping the most vulnerable Marylanders. I’ve sponsored bills to help low-income families with a Maryland Child Tax Credit, fought for protections for immigrants, and made roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Although I may not agree with the Catholic Church on issues like reproductive rights, I am a staunch believer of government working for the people who need the most help. If elected to a third term, I will continue my work on economic insecurity, fixes to our tax code to help families, and pro-democracy election reforms.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I am proud of my record as a member of the House Appropriations Committee ensuring that our state budget continues to provide robust funding for a wide array of safety net programs, from food and housing assistance, to healthcare and child care support, to aid for laid-off federal workers, and much more. We have been able to balance our budget without sacrificing these basic tenets of our values. In many cases, we have been able to increase assistance during these challenging economic times. I have also championed legislation to reduce medical debt and expand financial empowerment programs.

2. Environment:

As a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation & Environment, I closely review our state environmental agency budgets every year to ensure we are maximizing our existing environmental programs across multiple agencies and making progress toward our bold climate goals. I have also cosponsored legislation to help incentivize efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, expand clean energy projects, improve energy efficiency, and promote cleaner modes of transportation such as transit and electric vehicles.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I attended a parochial school and a Maryland public high school. I understand the importance of supporting public education while creating space for independent schools to thrive. I have been committed to funding the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, our K-12 public education reform. I have also supported the Nonpublic School Health & Security Program and a pilot program for transportation for nonpublic school students, and this year I voted for bills that will improve and expand access to Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship Program, giving more families access to private preschool programs.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I believe that recent legislation introduced on this matter contains very significant guardrails sufficient to protect human life and dignity while balancing the need for progress and compassion in recognizing the informed self-determination of a very limited population of individuals suffering from terminal illnesses. Guardrails must remain strong and clear, with powerful protections for vulnerable populations and vigorous prosecution of any abuses to deter bad actors.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

With two decades of experience as a thoughtful, hardworking public official — first as a Gaithersburg City Councilmember and now as a State Delegate — I believe I have demonstrated the ability to listen to people’s concerns; delve into the complex details of policies and budgets; develop careful and creative solutions and strike reasonable compromises; operate with respect for stakeholders and work cooperatively with others; and deliver real investments and measurable results driven by my values. My long record is the best evidence of how I will continue to serve if re-elected.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Uncertain – what is meant by “low income” and what are “basic necessities”. The Maryland budget, I suspect, has too much wasted money to people who are not really needed of basic food, housing and healthcare. I would like the budget to assure, as a last resort, to provide basic needs; but that must be carefully monitored and limited. and how that “aid” is distributed is more important than “how much”. I’m opposed to giving low-income people “money” in these situations. Rather aid should be in form of food supplies and emergency healthcare only.

2. Environment:

Climate change, and “carbon” excess is not a scientific issue that government has any place in addressing. There is no discernible excess of carbon in the atmosphere which is any threat to humanity.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Uncertain. Maryland funding for non-public schools is better provided through tax credits to low-income families, rather than directly out of the general pool of tax revenue. Better to provide in-home “education” through low-cost, effective tutoring, than high tuition non-public schools of dubious educational value.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I have been endorsed by Maryland Right-to-Life, and Catholics, like other Maryland citizens are better served by elected officials who work for lower taxes, and more individual liberty, rather than the high taxing/more state control policies of my Democrat opponent who favors the high tax/more state control policies that work against the true natural interests of all Maryland citizens.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Maryland has a duty to ensure that every resident can meet basic needs, including food, housing, and healthcare. I support maintaining-and when truly necessary, responsibly increasing-funding that protects our must vulnerable neighbors. However, we must pair investment with accountability, making sure programs are efficient, transparent, and actually help people move toward stability and independence. Strong communities depend on healthy, secure families. By prioritizing smart budgeting and targeted support, we can uplift low-income residents while respecting taxpayers.

2. Environment:

I support practical, community-focused solutions that help Marylanders reduce their carbon footprint while strengthening our economy. As mayor, I’ve seen how sustainable investments can improve quality of life and create opportunity. I would support targeted tax credits and grant programs that help residents, small businesses, and nonprofits adopt energy-efficient practices. These must be accessible and equitable, especially for working families and underserved communities. At the same time, we must ensure fiscal responsibilities and measurable results.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Every child in Maryland deserves access to an education that meets their unique needs. I support continuing thoughtful investment in scholarship programs that expand opportunities for low-income families to choose the best K-12 setting for their children, including nonpublic schools. At the same time, we must ensure strong oversight, equitable access, and sustained support for our public schools, which serve the vast majority of students. The goal is not to divide resources, but to empower families while maintaining a high-quality education system that works for every community.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I believe that no law should be created to allow for physician-assisted suicide/medical aid in dying. I believe every human life has inherent dignity and should be protected, especially in its most vulnerable moments. There should be access to high quality palliative care, mental health support, and compassionate end-of-life services that affirm life and provide comfort to patients and families.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I would listen to them. I have integrity and I align with principles often emphasized in the Catholic social teaching, such as care for poor, respect for human dignity, support for families, and stewardship of public resources. I am a person of faith and believe strongly in my belief that strong values and priorities are important in our daily lives.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

As a proud graduate of Saint Mary’s School In Landover Hills, I firmly believe public dollars should go to public schools. I’m the product of a Catholic education and understand the benefits but think we should find other creative ways to assist low-income families pursue educational opportunities that don’t burden taxpayers.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I’ve co-sponsored the Death with Dignity Act because I support expanding bodily autonomy and choice. The reality is not all Marylanders share our Faith, as a legislator I have a responsibility to ensure all voices are at the table in Annapolis. The protections embedded in the legislation I think provide more than enough guardrails against abuse.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I’m running for re-election to continue fighting for strong public schools, accessible healthcare, and real economic opportunity. As a State Delegate and House Majority Whip, I focus on policies that improve daily life like supporting working families, strengthening communities, and expanding access to care. I believe government should protect dignity and create opportunity for all. I’m committed to delivering results and building a Maryland where everyone has a fair shot to succeed.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Strongly agree. In fact, after joining the Governor to a visit at the Bowie food pantry, we spoke to those impacted by DOGE cuts and government shrinkage. As a result, I have introduced a bond bill for the StoreHouse Center of Excellence. The StoreHouse is the Nation’s First Black-run food bank serving Maryland families through consistent access to fresh, nutritious food serving 70,000 families and distributed more than 3 million pounds of food, the organization advances food security, health equity, and community-based nutrition access

2. Environment:

As a member of the Senate’s Education, Energy and Environment Committee, I directly influence this area. I am currently modifying the “Utility RELIEF Act” to authorize Strategic Energy Investment Funds (SEIF) to be used to fund the Green Renewable Energy Efficiency for the Nonprofits Loan Fund, and well as for loans and grants for building electrification.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Last year I sponsored SB 819, Public Schools – Open Enrollment – Policies and Funding. This shows my support in allowing any student to attend (based on availability) the school they believe best for their education regardless of the location. We have placed a silly constraint that public money cannot be used for nonpublic schools, forgetting that we owe our children the BEST education our state can provide. as a former School Board Member, I continue to try to change this mindset.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I have historically opposed this bill as a moderate Democrat and will continue to do so.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

As a moderate Dem, my faith is important and I refuse to support the erosion of our moral fabric learned in church and through my upbringing.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I believe access to food, housing, and healthcare is a basic right, I see state investment as essential for reducing poverty and improving long‑term outcomes. I think underfunding these programs leads to higher costs later (e.g., emergency healthcare, homelessness services). In my view Maryland’s budget as a tool for promoting equity and stability.

2. Environment:

Incentives like tax credits and grants can make clean energy or efficiency upgrades more affordable. Encouraging reductions in carbon emissions can improve air quality and public health. We also have the obligation to protect what God has given us. Businesses and nonprofits may be more willing to adopt greener practices when supported financially. It positions Maryland as proactive on climate issues and sustainability.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I am in agreement. I am a beneficiary as well, so I believe families—especially low‑income families—should have access to the same school choices wealthier families do. I see scholarships as a way to match students with schools that better fit their learning needs. I feel expanding funding empowers parents rather than systems. Education is similar to the light of God. The more we get ourself educated the more we clearly, just as when we read the bible we see things differently.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I believe assisting in suicide is morally or ethically wrong under any circumstances. I believe that the state has a duty to protect life and prevent potential abuse. Maryland is also very diverse in religion and beliefs. So everyone’s beliefs should be respected. Life comes from God. And God does take whom He wants when he wants. It’s not a question for a man to decide, if at all a man wants to decide, feel free to decide on your own life, not on the life of another human being. Taking someone’s life is a complete violation of human rights.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Because freedom of Maryland Catholics should consider supporting me because my priorities align with values deeply rooted in Catholic social teaching — the dignity of every human person, the importance of strong families, and our shared responsibility to care for the vulnerable. I also encourage unity because together we are much stronger.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Reducing the cost should be a must. I’m retired and the more that gets taxed or fee the more useless my pension is.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

To me suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. When the lord wants you to come home he is the one in charge.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

To make Maryland a better place and have Common Senses and NO new taxes.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I believe in helping the poor physically and spiritually. I also believe in teaching people how to help themselves with new education and skills.

2. Environment:

I agree with caring for the earth God blessed us with and doing what we can, within reason, to reduce our carbon footprint.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I also agree with school choice, vouchers, so that parents could send their children to the school of their choice, including nonpublic schools.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

Life is a good thing, a blessing from God, and I do not agree with taking someone’s life away or helping them to die.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I am a believer of our Savior and Lord Jesus The Christ. I will fight for what’s morally right to help make laws that are just. I understand that just because something is legal it does not make it right. Slavery was legal at one time in our country and in our state, but it did not make it right. Maryland Catholics should vote for me because I will seek God and fight for what is morally right, not politics.