BEST Democratic Club Introduces Edwards and Van Hollen to Baltimore’s Gen X and Millennial Voters

[qwlauren35]

Baltimore is Maryland’s only true city. It is the home of the Maryland Zoo and the Maryland Aquarium, for music, there is the Baltimore Symphony, for theater, there is the Hippodrome and Center Stage. And of course, for sports, there are the Ravens and the Orioles. And yet, Baltimore does not get her due. Why, because Baltimore Democrats aren’t voting. In the 2014 election, only 20% of the city’s Democrats voted. And as a result, a Republican governor is in office. It’s time for Baltimore to look in the mirror, go after her due, and show elected officials that she should be courted - by voting.

https://laurenfoster64.wordpress.com/2015/09/17/best-democratic-club-introduces-edwards-and-van-hollen-to-baltimores-gen-x-and-millenial-voters/

[elleng]

1. Congresswoman Edwards spoke second and there was an immediate contrast in what she chose to say.

Congressman Van Hollen did not speak at all about who he was as a person, but the Congresswoman shared a story that resonated with America’s working families. She talked about her father, an Air Force veteran, who chose the military as an escape route from West Philadelphia, moving the family around to provide a middle class home. She talked about being the first generation to go to college, and the massive student loans she had as a result. She talked about how, after her divorce, she went for a period of time without health care, got sick, and was stuck with a painful emergency room bill. And so she said, she understands what working families go through and what working families want – a decent job at a decent wage, and a chance for the next generation to thrive.

When the questions began, they were the same but slightly reframed. The club president talked about how the Red Line would have impacted social and economic mobility. Edwards talked about transportation as a way of connecting communities and stated that the loss caused by the Maryland government was unacceptable. She stated that losing the red line had cost Baltimore about 30,000 jobs. She then spoke of finding a way to hold onto the funds so they would be available once Hogan was gotten rid of.

The issue of heroin addiction was framed in terms of money allocated – $800,000, not nearly enough to address the problem. Edwards talked about legislation she had re-introduced, the SOS Act, to put naloxone kits in the hands of first responders so that they could help individuals who were dealing with drug overdose. She reiterated Van Hollen’s message that drug addiction should be treated as a health issue and not criminalized.

Last was the question of student loans. Edwards shared the story of her swearing in date for Congress as the date of her last payment on her $100,000 student loan bill. . .

As an observer, I found the Congresswoman more compelling, more genuine, and more interested in going the extra mile on social and economic issues. She backed her views with the determination to introduce legislation that would make a difference for Maryland. Perhaps Van Hollen was being more realistic about what could be done with a Republican Senate. But when you shoot for the stars, you might make it to the moon.

If you would like to get involved with the campaign, contact Perrice Austin at [e-mail]. We’d love to have you!