October 15, 2020
Dear Friend:
Do you know someone who isn’t registered to vote? Marylanders can register and cast a ballot during Early Voting and on Election Day!
Protecting Our Majority Vote
Over the past several weeks, I have shared my thoughts on the six ballot measures. Explained below is why I am voting NO on Montgomery County’s Charter Questions C & D. All of my voting recommendations are on my website.
Vote NO on Charter Question C
Question C would increase our County Council from 9 to 11 members– and voters lose the chance to elect a majority. This proposal had no public hearings and will increase the cost of running our government when we need to be trimming our expenses.
Vote NO on Charter Question D
Question D would establish nine single-member districts, meaning that we would each vote for only ONE (rather than 5) Councilmember. Other jurisdictions that tried this model found that it led to parochialism, vote-trading, and a lack of countywide perspective.
Sitting Under the Headset
Have you seen ABC’s new reality show, “Emergency Call“? This weekly program offers an accurate insight into the stresses our 9-1-1 Specialists experience every day they answer the phone in our time of need. It will give you a greater understanding about the life-saving work that I’ve been doing for the past 6 years and as Chair of Maryland’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission. Tune in Monday nights at 10pm to learn more!
Demanding Government Transparency
In 2019, I discovered that Maryland’s Technology Development Corporation CEO and some senior staffers got outrageously large bonuses. As a result, I enacted legislation requiring audits and greater transparency. Now, Gov. Hogan’s former Chief of Staff, Roy McGrath (who was given a six-figure payout from the Maryland Environmental Services when he left) is facing similar criticism. McGrath has been subpoenaed by the Joint Legislative Policy Committee so as to obtain details about the terms of his resignation. I hope there will be tough legislation requiring greater transparency and accountability for these agencies in the future.
My “Kibbitzing with Kagan” podcast recently featured Circuit Court Judge Bibi Berry. We chatted about topics ranging from her journey to the courtroom and her upcoming election to my fun “Fast Five” questions. I hope you will join me in supporting our #SittingJudges!
Best,
Cheryl
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Rockville & Gaithersburg)
PS: The deadline to complete the Census online is TOMORROW at 6am! Your response is worth $18,000 in government funding for our community.
(301) 858-3134
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us