ISSUES
We’re fortunate to live in a tremendous state and yet we find ourselves in 2010 struggling with many of the same issues that the rest of our country is grappling with. As your delegate, I plan to help our residents get back to work; strengthen our school system; ensure that we’re providing quality healthcare for everyone; invest in improving our transportation options; be committed to improving our environment; champion women’s/civil rights; support families; and protect and expand programs for our seniors.
Jobs
During this economic downturn, creating jobs for the residents of Montgomery County must be a top priority. I will work to strengthen Montgomery County’s position as an attractive location for new and existing businesses and encourage businesses that our county and state invest in, to invest in us. It is imperative that we protect the small businesses that are the backbone of our county’s economic life and ensure that they have the support necessary to remain in our county.
Education
It is critical that we continue to invest in our education system to ensure that our children have the best education possible and that we are also providing an attractive work force for our business community. As a product of Maryland’s public schools and the daughter of a public school teacher, our public schools will be one of my highest priorities. We must also provide educational development opportunities for our residents that prepare them for the careers of the future. Our local colleges must remain strong in this regard and all our educational facilities must provide safe and worry free environments for students and staff.
For a more in depth look at my position on education, please click on the following link to review my responses to the Montgomery County Education Association’s Delegate Candidate Questionnaire.
Healthcare
With the recent passing of landmark healthcare reform legislation into law, our country is headed in a new direction. I plan to maintain and support this momentum by ensuring that access to quality, affordable healthcare is available to every resident of Montgomery County. As your delegate, I will continue to support initiatives such as Maryland’s 10,000 Steps Program in order to promote healthy lifestyle choices for our residents. Educating constituents and increasing awareness of programming, as well as a focus on preventive care, are the stepping stones to promoting and maintaining a healthier way of life in District 18, our county, and our state.
Transportation
The time has come to make the tough decisions necessary that will allow all Montgomery County residents to live, work and play in our county and have unfettered access to amenities throughout the region without having to expend precious hours traveling to and from destinations. The impact this issue has on the quality of life for our residents cannot be underestimated. The time is now to provide the leadership necessary to develop solutions that will be amenable to our residents, as well as the residents of surrounding jurisdictions, and get them implemented.
Greater Greater Washington – 3 Questions with MD Delegate Candidate Vanessa Atterbeary
Environment
Montgomery County, just as every other major jurisdiction in this country, has to be proactive in warding off the threats this issue poses. Going green will ensure that Montgomery County has a long and sustainable future. New building projects should be environmentally friendly and all residents must be encouraged to implement energy saving strategies. As dollars permit, existing infrastructure can be updated. Treating our environment with respect will prove economically profitable in the long term.
Civil Rights: Women/Minorities
I am committed to continuing the work I’ve begun as a Montgomery County Women’s Commissioner by championing women’s rights and supporting all of our families. All of the aforementioned issues have a critical impact on women, families and minorities. In addition however, we must also address issues such as pay equity, domestic violence, and sex crimes. We must remain vigilant that all our residents are treated with dignity, respect, and are afforded equal opportunities as guaranteed by our constitution.
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