Trout Working Hard to Earn Your Vote

Ryan Trout

George Wenschhof

I sat down recently and interviewed Democratic candidate Ryan Trout who is running for Maryland state delegate in district 3-a. I began by asking Ryan, how do you intend to win against the two incumbent Democratic delegates, Carol Krimm and Karen Lewis Young? (Voters elect two delegates in District 3-a)

He responding by saying “I plan to out hustle and out work the competition”. Ryan added “I have been knocking on doors, talking to people and learning from them. I hope they see my energy and realize I am willing to work hard for them”.

I met Ryan Trout when he ran for Maryland state delegate in district 4-a, in 2010.  He would lose that race in a heavily Republican voter registered district, but impressed many in that campaign.

Four years later, I would interview him after his move to The City of Frederick led to speculation he would run for delegate in district 3-a, a heavy Democratic voter registered district.

Ryan informed me during that interview “His job as the Family Self Sufficiency coordinator with Public Housing in Frederick falls under the Hatch Act which prohibits him from running for delegate. Ryan went on to tell me he also “loves his job and his sincere passion is to make the lives of low and moderate income families better”. He added “one reason why I love my current position so much is I am able to have a direct impact and work with wonderful people every day”.”

First time Democratic delegate candidates Karen Lewis Young and Carol Krimm would win that 2014 election.

Today, the former chair of the Frederick County Affordable Housing Council is working as the legislative liaison and public information officer for Baltimore city’s Department of General Services.

In talking with Ryan, it is obvious he is still dedicated to helping working families with the issues they face. Trout told me “I want to represent values not being represented in Annapolis”.  He was concerned funding for education was down and that he wants to focus on policies that will pay dividends to residents in the future.

He believes strongly that education is the lynch pin to everything else and believes in a “cradle to career” approach that includes universal Pre-K to career and technology programs.  Trout supports the state funding two additional years of education and would like to see this expanded to four years.

I followed up with Trout on his position on nonpartisan redistricting and the ban of the sale of assault weapons as well as high capacity ammunition clips.

Trout responded with “Yes, I support the creation of a non-partisan, independent body to draw legislative and congressional district maps after each census. It is imperative to our democracy that we ensure that all Marylanders are being properly represented in Washington and Annapolis. We should also lead by example and show states like Pennsylvania and Virginia how to go from a partisan model to a non-partisan one”.

He added “I support the ban on assault-style weapons, the sale of high capacity ammo clips, and the closing of background check loopholes. Additionally, I have been named a candidate of distinction by Moms Demand Action regarding sensible gun legislation".

I would also ask Trout, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision, would you support the state allowing sports gambling.   He stated “I am reluctant to support additional gambling due to the impact it has on individuals and their families. I would prefer to learn more about any proposals, locations, etc., before taking a formal stance on the issue”.

I also asked if he supported the $16 million is state funding for the downtown hotel/conference center in The City of Frederick.  Ryan said “I will support it, with conditions”.  He felt there were benefits to having a conference center, but bristled with providing $16 million in state funds that allow an employer to pay employees minimum wage.  He felt the employer should have to pay a living wage and benefits.  Otherwise, Ryan said taxpayers end up subsidizing their employees.

Ryan Trout also wanted me to know his concern with the opioid epidemic and that he was closely following efforts to combat this problem nationwide. One encouraging effort is called Project - Lazarus that began in North Carolina and is being considered in Pennsylvania.  He would like the state of Maryland to examine implementing a similar program.

You can find out more about Ryan Trout on his campaign website: www.troutfordelegate.com.

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Editor’s Note:  The Maryland primary election will be held on June 26, 2018 and the general election will take place on November 6, 2018.

Gene Stanton Files for Maryland State Delegate in District 4

George Wenschhof

Gene Stanton

The first Democrat to file in district 4, Gene Stanton told me he wants to reduce the gridlock on U.S. Route 270, build on the state’s excellent educational system and is concerned with the runaway growth policies of the current Frederick board of county commissioners.

Stanton said plans show Rt. 270 is scheduled to be widened to 8 lanes by 2030, but he would like to widen Rt. 270 to six lanes from Germantown to Route 15/Monocacy Boulevard as soon as feasible.

Gene would also like to see the Metro Red Line expanded from Shady Grove to Fort Detrick and Frederick Community College.

Stanton, a High School social studies and government teacher, moved to Ijamsville nine years ago.  He feels the planned Monrovia Town Center development is ridiculous and does not take into account the impact new residents will have on local roadways and major arteries.

He likes the rural atmosphere of Frederick County and does not want to see it become another Montgomery County, adding he supports the state’s smart growth policies.

Education is also very important to Stanton, who says he loves being a teacher and intends to continue teaching, should he win election. As state delegate, he wants to move the state’s education system forward, adding kids and taxpayers deserve it.  He believes a strong education is critical for kids to have a future.

Gene Stanton, who grew up in a small town outside of Miami, Florida, is not a stranger to politics.  His father was involved in politics and worked at the Miami Herald newspaper.  Gene said he first registered as a Republican, in part to rebel against his father, and voted for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush for president, before changing his political affiliation.

He worked for Democrat Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 presidential campaigns and would like to see today’s politicians get back to the days of compromise practiced by Clinton.

Gene shared with me it was after the 2000 presidential election, which saw Republican George W. Bush win, aided by the vote recount debacle in Florida and a questionable Supreme Court decision, that he and his partner of 24 years; Leonardo, moved to Maryland.  They were married in Vermont in 2009 after the state approved same-sex marriages. Last year Maryland's same-sex marriage law went into effect. 

When I asked him what he thought about the state “rain tax” for storm water management, Stanton told me he was against it and feels “we are taxed enough”.  Stanton added “I will not support new state income taxes under any circumstances”.

He does support Governor Martin O’Malley’s proposed state increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 and would also like to see automatic increases tied to inflation.

As delegate, Gene Stanton said he would work hard to see Frederick County receives their fair share back of the state taxes they pay.

He told me he is running because he believes voters deserve a choice, adding he wants voters to get to know him and look at him for what he stands for.  You can learn more about Gene Stanton and his campaign on his website: www.stantonfordelegate.org, on Facebook: at Stanton for Delegate, and Twitter: Gene Stanton.

Voters in district 4 will elect 3 state delegates.  The deadline for candidates to file for election is February 25.  The primary election is June 24 and the general election is November 4.

Incumbent Republican state delegate Kelly Shulz is the only other candidate who has filed at the time of this publication.

Stay tuned.

Trout Focuses on Helping Low to Moderate Income Families

George Wenschhof

Ryan Trout

With rumors aplenty on who will be running for the two open seats, I reached out to Ryan Trout to find out whether he intended to run for Maryland state delegate in district 3-a.

The announcements from incumbents Patrick Hogan (R) and Galen Clagett (D) that they will not be running for reelection has fueled much speculation on who will take their place in Annapolis.

Shortly, after sitting down for an engaging two hour interview, Ryan Trout, who had run unsuccessfully for Maryland state delegate in district 4-a in the 2010 election, informed me he would not be running for any partisan election in 2014.

His job as the Family Self Sufficiency coordinator with Public Housing in Frederick falls under the Hatch Act which prohibits him from running for delegate. 

Ryan went on to tell me he also “loves his job and his sincere passion is to make the lives of low and moderate income families better”. He added “one reason why I love my current position so much is I am able to have a direct impact and work with wonderful people every day”.

He spoke extensively about his work and was proud of the services provided to help eligible families becomes self sufficient and obtain home ownership.  The comprehensive program works with 25 families at a time and includes educational, employment and financial training components, leading to home ownership.

In addition to his focus on his employment, Ryan told me he recently became engaged and they are looking to buy a home. Interestingly, he met his fiance Alecia Frisby at the Democratic Tent during the Great Frederick Fair.  Alecia is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Bureau's Midwestern Office.

Ryan Trout told me that although he won’t be running for delegate, he wants to make sure that low to moderate income residents of the state have a voice in Annapolis.

He told me he supports an increase in the state minimum wage and is okay with individual counties passing legislation that provide for an even higher minimum wage.

Trout also strongly supports new jobs programs, pre-K and K-12 education, as well as career and technical education.

In breaking the cycle of poverty, he believes focus should be on economic rights and education.

He would also like to see Maryland become more progressive and move to Universal Health Care.

I asked Ryan, with his education interest, if he would consider running for a nonpartisan seat on the Frederick County Board of Education. He indicated he would need to get clarification from the Federal Elections Commission. Another thought that had crossed his mind was to submit his resume for consideration for the open slot, resulting from Russ Currey’s resignation, on the Frederick County Democratic state Central Committee.

When I asked him if he was supporting any candidates in the Maryland district 3-a state delegate race, he immediately said Carol Krimm is a dedicated public servant who would do well in that position.

The candidates who have filed so far for delegate in district 3-a are Republican Paul Smith, a member of the Frederick board of county commissioners, Republican Chris Huckenpoehler, Democrat and former City of Frederick alderman Carol Krimm and Democrat Nicholas Bouquet.  Bouquet, who has not made an official announcement, filed on 1-17-2014.

Former City of Frederick alderman and mayoral candidate Karen Young (D) and Roger Wilson (D) have filed a statement of organization with the state and indicated their interest in running for delegate in district 3-a.

The deadline for candidates to file in the 2014 state of Maryland elections is February 25.  The primary election will be held on June 24 and the general election will take place on November 4.

Stay tuned.

Obama Weekly Address

George Wenschhof



President Obama reiterated his economic message in his weekly address Saturday, calling on Congress to focus on opportunities for the middle class.

"If we don’t make the investments necessary to make America a magnet for good jobs – in education, and manufacturing, and research, and our transportation and information networks – we might as well hit the 'pause' button while the rest of the world forges ahead in a global economy," Obama said.

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Young Focused on Issues, Expects Highly Competitive Mayoral Primary

George Wenschhof



Alderman Karen Young

A relaxed and confident Karen Young shared with me her campaign for mayor of The City of Frederick was going very well, adding “it no doubt will be highly competitive”.  When I asked her who she thought newcomer to politics; Carol Hirsch would draw votes from, her or state delegate Galen Clagett in the Democratic primary, Young said that would be hard to gauge at this point.

The ninety minute interview at a local downtown restaurant went quickly as Alderman Karen Young displayed her knowledge of the issues concerning city voters.

She found the door-to-door campaigning was going slower than when she ran for alderman, due to voters spending more time talking to her about the issues.

The issues coming up most frequently with voters were safety, traffic concerns, local job creation and education.

On safety, Young was proud of the recent designation of the City of Frederick being the safest city to live and wants to maintain this rating.  Karen cited me a 2012 Washington Council of Governments report that showed a 9% increase in crime in Frederick. She had talked with police chief Thomas Ledwell about this and felt, due to a higher ratio of calls being received per sworn officer; as mayor, she would certainly support and find funding for five more policemen.

In regard to traffic congestion, Young said the city is fortunate the Monocacy Boulevard–U.S. 15 interchange is being funded by the state.  She felt the city should next prioritize an interchange at Monocacy Blvd. - Md. 26 and improvements to Rt. 40 at Baughmans Lane. In addition, she would task city traffic engineers to develop solutions to alleviate problem areas.

Young also wants to find the funds to complete Monocacy Blvd. and added that when developers complete Christophers Crossing, this will help the west side.

Furthermore, she wants to enhance other forms of transportation by encouraging bus and train usage and creating more walking and bicycle paths in the city.

When it came to jobs, Karen felt labeling Frederick as a bedroom community was not entirely true, saying she would like to rebrand Frederick as a regional economic hub.

She felt the best way to do this was with a skilled and educated workforce.  She wants to work with educators and the community to ensure our workforce is being trained for jobs of the future; citing the fields of healthcare, bio-tech, bio-science, cyber-security and technology in general.

Public-Private partnerships and business incubators were also initiatives Young supported.  In particular, she liked the finance infrastructure bills put forth by Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and Congressman John Delaney.  These bills would provide structure to public-private financing of infrastructure and create jobs.

While education is not typically a city campaign issue, because funding is through the county, Young told me it remains an important aspect of the quality of life and economic development in the City of Frederick.

As we were ending the interview, Karen told me she came from a family of educators and as a result, education is very important to her. She said she would look for opportunities for the city to partner with Frederick County government and the Board of Education.

The City of Frederick primary will be held on September 10.

Stay tuned.

 

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Bokee Enjoying Meeting Voters

George Wenschhof

Josh Bokee

The Democratic candidate for alderman in The City of Frederick election tells me he will finish his first round of door knocking by the end of July and plans to do it again prior to the September 10 primary.

In a far ranging sit down interview, Josh Bokee said he enjoys talking to folks and that he and his wife are connected to the community.  He added his son will be going to Parkway elementary school next year.

Bokee shared with me there were different issues that come up in each neighborhood, but common themes among voters were neighborhood safety, traffic issues (speeding and congestion), code enforcement, taxes and the need for local jobs so they do not have to drive so far to work.  He found the desire for local jobs being the number one issue among voters.

Josh was passionate about sharing with me his belief in the city and his desire for the city to build on what we are doing. As alderman, he wants to city to continue to expand reinvestment and community development in all neighborhoods in the city.

When I asked him about the planned Wal-Mart on the golden mile and whether he would support the request to rezone the area to general commercial, he said he was on record (as former city planning commission member) as supporting the mixed use zone and small area plan. He felt this would provide employment opportunities in the future. 

During a discussion on the implementation of policies by the city, Bokee said it was important to track the level of success of initiatives.  For example, he would like to see the city implement the best of the recommendations that came from the blighted property task force.  He would then like to track the top offenders and see what level of success the city is achieving in reaching their goals.

Josh concluded with saying he also would be very supportive of our schools, even though he realized they (Board of Education) did not fall under city governance.  He felt city leaders should work with county government and board of education officials to support efforts that will ensure children have the resources they need to succeed.

The City of Frederick primary election is September 10.

Stay tuned.

 

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