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Quick Facts
Personal Details

Caucuses/Former Committees

Chair, Maryland Pesticide Reporting and Information Workgroup, 2013-present

Member, Maryland Smart Growth Investment Fund Workgroup, 2013-present

Vice-Chair, Baltimore County Delegation, 2011-present

Member, Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, 2011-present

Member, Oyster Advisory Commission, 2007-present

Former Member, Joint Audit Committee, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Regional Revitalization Work Group, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Study Group on Economic Security, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Environment, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Land Use and Ethics, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Member, Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture and Open Space, Maryland State House of Delegates

Member, Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Committee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2011-2019

Member, Environment and Transportation Committee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2015-2019

Member, Joint Legislative and Executive Commission on Oversight of Public-Private Partnerships, 2011-2012

Member, Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal, 2011

Member, Housing and Real Property Subcommittee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2007-2010

Member, Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2007-2010

Member, Task Force to Study Group Home Education and Placement Practices, 2007-2008

Member, Ground Rent Workgroup, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2007

Manager, Neighborhood Revitalization, Office of Community Conservation, Baltimore County, 1995-1999

Member, State Commission on Neighborhoods, 1995-1996

Member, Commission on Indian Affairs, 1976-1980

Education

  • JD, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1983
  • Secondary Education, Towson State University, 1977
  • MA, American Studies, Bowling Green State University, 1972
  • BA, American Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, 1971

Professional Experience

  • JD, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1983
  • Secondary Education, Towson State University, 1977
  • MA, American Studies, Bowling Green State University, 1972
  • BA, American Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, 1971
  • Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Zoning, Howard County, 2003-2008
  • Special Projects and Planning Director, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, Department of Housing and Community Development, 1999-2003
  • Manager, Neighborhood Revitalization, Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation, 1995-1999
  • Attorney, Margolis, Pritzker & Epstein Public Attorney, 1992-1995
  • Attorney, Irwin M. Sussman Public Attorney, 1990-1992
  • General Counsel, Public Justice Center Incorporated, 1989-1990
  • President, Towson Transit Management Association, 1988-1989
  • Attorney, William J. Blondell, Jr., Chartered, 1983-1989
  • Executive Director/Assistant Director, Baltimore American Indian Center Incorporated, 1978-1980
  • Mathematics and Social Studies Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools, 1974-1978

Political Experience

  • JD, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1983
  • Secondary Education, Towson State University, 1977
  • MA, American Studies, Bowling Green State University, 1972
  • BA, American Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, 1971
  • Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Zoning, Howard County, 2003-2008
  • Special Projects and Planning Director, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, Department of Housing and Community Development, 1999-2003
  • Manager, Neighborhood Revitalization, Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation, 1995-1999
  • Attorney, Margolis, Pritzker & Epstein Public Attorney, 1992-1995
  • Attorney, Irwin M. Sussman Public Attorney, 1990-1992
  • General Counsel, Public Justice Center Incorporated, 1989-1990
  • President, Towson Transit Management Association, 1988-1989
  • Attorney, William J. Blondell, Jr., Chartered, 1983-1989
  • Executive Director/Assistant Director, Baltimore American Indian Center Incorporated, 1978-1980
  • Mathematics and Social Studies Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools, 1974-1978
  • Deputy Majority Whip, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2014-2019
  • Delegate, Maryland State House of Delegates, District 42A, 2015-2019
  • Delegate, Maryland State House of Delegates, District 42, 2006-2015
  • Candidate, Maryland State House of Delegates, District 42, 2002

Former Committees/Caucuses

Chair, Maryland Pesticide Reporting and Information Workgroup, 2013-present

Member, Maryland Smart Growth Investment Fund Workgroup, 2013-present

Vice-Chair, Baltimore County Delegation, 2011-present

Member, Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, 2011-present

Member, Oyster Advisory Commission, 2007-present

Former Member, Joint Audit Committee, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Regional Revitalization Work Group, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Study Group on Economic Security, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Environment, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Land Use and Ethics, Maryland State House of Delegates

Former Member, Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture and Open Space, Maryland State House of Delegates

Member, Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Committee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2011-2019

Member, Environment and Transportation Committee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2015-2019

Member, Joint Legislative and Executive Commission on Oversight of Public-Private Partnerships, 2011-2012

Member, Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal, 2011

Member, Housing and Real Property Subcommittee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2007-2010

Member, Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2007-2010

Member, Task Force to Study Group Home Education and Placement Practices, 2007-2008

Member, Ground Rent Workgroup, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2007

Manager, Neighborhood Revitalization, Office of Community Conservation, Baltimore County, 1995-1999

Member, State Commission on Neighborhoods, 1995-1996

Member, Commission on Indian Affairs, 1976-1980

Religious, Civic, and other Memberships

  • JD, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1983
  • Secondary Education, Towson State University, 1977
  • MA, American Studies, Bowling Green State University, 1972
  • BA, American Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, 1971
  • Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Zoning, Howard County, 2003-2008
  • Special Projects and Planning Director, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, Department of Housing and Community Development, 1999-2003
  • Manager, Neighborhood Revitalization, Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation, 1995-1999
  • Attorney, Margolis, Pritzker & Epstein Public Attorney, 1992-1995
  • Attorney, Irwin M. Sussman Public Attorney, 1990-1992
  • General Counsel, Public Justice Center Incorporated, 1989-1990
  • President, Towson Transit Management Association, 1988-1989
  • Attorney, William J. Blondell, Jr., Chartered, 1983-1989
  • Executive Director/Assistant Director, Baltimore American Indian Center Incorporated, 1978-1980
  • Mathematics and Social Studies Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools, 1974-1978
  • Deputy Majority Whip, Maryland State House of Delegates, 2014-2019
  • Delegate, Maryland State House of Delegates, District 42A, 2015-2019
  • Delegate, Maryland State House of Delegates, District 42, 2006-2015
  • Candidate, Maryland State House of Delegates, District 42, 2002
  • Director, Special Projects, Department of Planning and Zoning, Howard County, 2008-present
  • Member, Steering Committee, Tomorrow's Towson, 2005-present
  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association, 1983-present
  • Member, Towson Urban Design Assistance Team, 2006-present
  • Co-Chair, Task Force on the Membership and Operation of the Baltimore County Board of Education, 2011
  • Member, Board of Directors, Rebuilding Together in Howard County, 2004-2006
  • Member, Founding Board, NeighborSpace of Baltimore County Incorporated, 2003-2006
  • Member, Board of Directors, Save A Neighborhood Incorporated, 2003-2005
  • President, Central Baltimore County Democratic Club, 1999-2003
  • Member, Towson Commercial Revitalization Task Force, 2003
  • Member, Board of Directors, Pro Bono Counseling Project, 1999-2001
  • Chair, Community Conservation Committee, The Towson Partnership, 1998-2001
  • Member, Board of Trustees, Timothy House Incorporated, 1993-2000
  • Member, Steering Committee, Citizens Planning and Housing Association on the Region, 1996-2000
  • President, Timothy House Incorporated, 1996-2000
  • Member, Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee, 1997-1998
  • Community Representative, Greater Towson Council of Community Associations, 1986-1997
  • Member, Board of Directors, Community Conservation Committee, The Towson Partnership, 1992-1996
  • Member, Board of Directors, East Towson Coalition Incorporated, 1993-1995
  • Member, Planning Board, Baltimore County, 1990-1995
  • Board Member, Community Assistance Network, 1988-1993
  • President, Community Assistance Network, 1991-1992
  • President, Greater Towson Council of Community Associations, 1989-1991
  • Member, Human Relations Commission, Baltimore County, 1989-1990
  • Vice-President, Greater Towson Council of Community Associations, 1987-1988
Policy Positions

Maryland State Legislative Election 2018 Political Courage Test

Abortion & Reproductive

1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-choice

2. Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
- Yes

3. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
- No

4. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Budget, Spending, & Tax

Budget Stabilization:

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Maryland's budget.

1. Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions?
- No

2. Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees?
- No

3. Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients?
- No

4. An income tax increase on any tax bracket?
- No

5. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Campaign Finance & Government Reform

1. Do you support any limits on campaign contributions to state candidates?
- Yes

2. Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
- Yes

3. Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
- Yes

4. Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
- No

5. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Crime & Public Safety

1. Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
- No

2. Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
- Yes

3. Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
- No Answer

4. Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
- No

5. Other or expanded principles
- Since violent crime is not defined, I cannot say whether the minor should be charged as an adult.

Economic

1. Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

2. Do you support lowering state taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- No Answer

3. Do you support reducing state government regulations on the private sector?
- No Answer

4. Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
- Yes

5. Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
- No

6. Do you support an increase of the minimum wage of Maryland?
- Yes

7. Do you support legalized state-sponsored sports betting in Maryland?
- No

8. Do you support increasing state regulatory oversight of ride-sharing drivers (e.g. Uber, Lyft)?
- Yes

9. Other or expanded principles
- If there is evidence that lowering taxes stimulates economic growth, I would consider it. I am not convinced that that would be the case. There is also a question about which taxes would be lowered and who benefits.A question about reducing government regulations is too vague. Which regulations? what is the benefit? are workers, the environment and public health still protected? are they phased out or immediate? These are issues that would have to be addressed.

Education

1. Do you support adopting federal education standards in Maryland?
- No

2. Do you support state funding for charter schools?
- No

3. Should immigrants unlawfully present in the United States who graduate from Maryland high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Environment & Energy

1. Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
- Yes

2. Do you support state government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
- Yes

3. Do you support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Gun

1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- Yes

2. Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
- Yes

3. Should teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom?
- No

4. Should a license be required for gun ownership?
- Yes

5. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Health

1. Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse?
- Yes

2. Do you support Medicaid expansion through Maryland's health care programs?
- Yes

3. Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
- Yes

4. Do you support legislation that grants citizens the right to choose to die through euthanasia?
- Yes

5. Do you support eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations?
- No Answer

6. Other or expanded principles
- I support the right to choose to die with dignity with sufficient safeguards.I do not have an opinion about allowing religious exemptions for vaccines.

Social

1. Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Maryland's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes

2. Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Maryland's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes

3. Do you support greater efforts by Maryland state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Legislative Priorities

In the following area, please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
- I will continue to work to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and the waters of the state. Further steps are needed to remove pollutants and prevent more pollutants from entering the waters. We must also focus on the enforcement of environmental laws to reduce pollution.I will continue my efforts to obtain funding for a new or vastly improved Towson High School. The state needs to reimburse the county for construction money that was forward funded and support a new school building that is more modern and addresses an increase in the student population.

Speeches