Andrea Lynn Crooms

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Andrea Crooms completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Crooms' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading-bio-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a lifetime public servant, committed to making government work for regular people. I am an attorney, a scientist and an economist. I am running because my generation and those that follow need strong representation who will help build a better tomorrow.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading-key-message-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>A Better Future for Working Families- We deserve access to good jobs, and quality education, childcare and healthcare we can afford. I will focus federal investment in the people of southern Maryland, ensuring we have a pathway to prosperity and are supported through our working lives and retirement.</li><li>Environmental Justice- We live in a beautiful place, let’s keep it that way. I will work to bring quality transportation, renewable energy investment and climate resilience to our community- while fighting the big-oil and big-corporate interests that are choosing profits over our future.</li><li>Fairness and Equity- Equity means listening and uplifting all voices, regardless of income, race, gender, sexuality or ability. Black families have been denied access to capital and multi-generational wealth. Seniors’ needs are often overlooked in government budgets and programs. Young people’s voices about the future they want have been systematically ignored. I promise to listen to our community’s ideas and solutions and to bring those ideas to the halls of Congress- to build policies that will build an equitable future for Marylanders.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading1-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have worked in government my entire career- and I know how to make it work better. I will work to pass legislation that will make the lives of regular people better. I am expert in energy, environmental and criminal law. TI will work to bring real investment in Southern Maryland to bring more affordable childcare (and fair pay for care workers), more housing, good-paying jobs, strengthen unions, and provide services and opportunities for young people and seniors. I will work to protect our environment now, and for our kids and grandkids and bring the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy to our area. I will work to improve our transportation and mobility infrastructure. I will make sure that my neighbors in Southern Maryland have a voice and a seat at the table in building a better future for all of us. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading2-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy parents were an incredible example. My father worked at SEARS and was able to provide for his four daughters. My mother stayed at home and raised us and was active with local civic groups, the sierra club and Girl Scouts. They were both engaged with our community and worked to make it stronger - from building our church, to volunteering with local homeless organizations, to engagement in all of our schools. They were able to achieve the American dream, they owned their home, were able to raise happy and engaged children and after we were all grown, retire. <br/><br/>\r\nI would like us all to have what my parents' did- the opportunity to reap the rewards of our hard work. To have the freedom to be a part of the community, raise the family of our choosing, and to not have to spend every day wondering how to make ends meet. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading3-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity. Honesty. Listening more than they talk. Empowering and allowing their neighbors to speak for themselves and raise issues and concerns. Commitment to the good of their community, country and humanity. Willingness to step up when needed, and step back when their time is done. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading4-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI care about my community and my neighbors, and I want to make Southern Maryland and the US a better place. I am currently in the \"squeeze\" generation- with the responsibility to care for my own child and aging parents. I am worried about what the future looks like- but still very optimistic about what we can build together. <br/><br/>\r\nI'm not interested in staying forever, I'm not interested in getting rich. I am just interested in knowing that I gave making the world a better place a genuine shot. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading5-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt is the people's house. It is the place where you and I can go and do the work to build the country we want. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading6-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, but that experience doesn't have to be a \"job\" - whether it is being a part of the PTA and getting involved with the school board to improve local schools, or working your way through the onerous process to get a permit to build a house, or organizing with your neighbors to get a grocery store in your community- I think all of those things teach us a huge amount about how the government works. The US House benefits from a wide diversity of experience- everyone brings knowledge to the table- about their community, their line of work and their experiences. We don't need a bunch of know-it-all lawyers (yes, I am a sometimes know-it-all lawyer) running the country- we need grocery workers, truck drivers, auto mechanics, computer scientists, barbers, nurses, stay-at-home-parents, vet-techs, and civil servants. It takes all of us. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading7-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBuilding a country where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. We have to build a strong middle class that is inclusive of all of us. We must figure out a large number of really difficult issues- all of which we have allowed to become crises: artificial intelligence, energy, climate change, failing infrastructure, transportation, immigration, health care, senior care, housing, jobs, etc. We have a HUGE job ahead of us, and we need to get to work. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading8-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, it allows a diverse group of people to serve, and to make a commitment that can fit into their lives- and go back to their lives and careers after serving- bringing what they learned to their community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading9-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support term limits for all elected offices, including Congress. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading10-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. In the end, we as 'the people' want the same things- a safe, clean place to live; to raise the family of our choosing; to be a part of the communities of our choosing; to be paid fairly for our work; to exercise our freedoms and have them protected; and to have opportunities for ourselves and our kids to build a future. We just disagree on how to get there. But when regular people work together to design a future- instead of billionaires, bankers, venture capitalists and lobbyists- a better future is possible. A future that includes all of us. <br/><br/>\r\nI don't buy into the political bull. It is theater. We don't have time for theater and partisan squawking. We want an America that works. And since the traditional politicians won't listen to us- we'll do it ourselves. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading11-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo gather information valuable for considering and producing legislation - largely learning about the things that we are governing; or to ensure that existing laws are being properly administered. To ensure that the funds of taxpayers are being used to benefit them and to ensure that elected and appointed civil servants are serving the people, not themselves. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-199787-2023-12-28\" id=\"heading12-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-199787-2023-12-28\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-199787-2023-12-28\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-199787-2023-12-28\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMaryland Forward\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nAndrea Crooms completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Crooms' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a lifetime public servant, committed to making government work for regular people. I am an attorney, a scientist and an economist. I am running because my generation and those that follow need strong representation who will help build a better tomorrow. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? A Better Future for Working Families- We deserve access to good jobs, and quality education, childcare and healthcare we can afford. I will focus federal investment in the people of southern Maryland, ensuring we have a pathway to prosperity and are supported through our working lives and retirement. Environmental Justice- We live in a beautiful place, let’s keep it that way. I will work to bring quality transportation, renewable energy investment and climate resilience to our community- while fighting the big-oil and big-corporate interests that are choosing profits over our future. Fairness and Equity- Equity means listening and uplifting all voices, regardless of income, race, gender, sexuality or ability. Black families have been denied access to capital and multi-generational wealth. Seniors’ needs are often overlooked in government budgets and programs. Young people’s voices about the future they want have been systematically ignored. I promise to listen to our community’s ideas and solutions and to bring those ideas to the halls of Congress- to build policies that will build an equitable future for Marylanders. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I have worked in government my entire career- and I know how to make it work better. I will work to pass legislation that will make the lives of regular people better. I am expert in energy, environmental and criminal law. TI will work to bring real investment in Southern Maryland to bring more affordable childcare (and fair pay for care workers), more housing, good-paying jobs, strengthen unions, and provide services and opportunities for young people and seniors. I will work to protect our environment now, and for our kids and grandkids and bring the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy to our area. I will work to improve our transportation and mobility infrastructure. I will make sure that my neighbors in Southern Maryland have a voice and a seat at the table in building a better future for all of us. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My parents were an incredible example. My father worked at SEARS and was able to provide for his four daughters. My mother stayed at home and raised us and was active with local civic groups, the sierra club and Girl Scouts. They were both engaged with our community and worked to make it stronger - from building our church, to volunteering with local homeless organizations, to engagement in all of our schools. They were able to achieve the American dream, they owned their home, were able to raise happy and engaged children and after we were all grown, retire. I would like us all to have what my parents' did- the opportunity to reap the rewards of our hard work. To have the freedom to be a part of the community, raise the family of our choosing, and to not have to spend every day wondering how to make ends meet. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity. Honesty. Listening more than they talk. Empowering and allowing their neighbors to speak for themselves and raise issues and concerns. Commitment to the good of their community, country and humanity. Willingness to step up when needed, and step back when their time is done. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I care about my community and my neighbors, and I want to make Southern Maryland and the US a better place. I am currently in the \"squeeze\" generation- with the responsibility to care for my own child and aging parents. I am worried about what the future looks like- but still very optimistic about what we can build together. I'm not interested in staying forever, I'm not interested in getting rich. I am just interested in knowing that I gave making the world a better place a genuine shot. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? It is the people's house. It is the place where you and I can go and do the work to build the country we want. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, but that experience doesn't have to be a \"job\" - whether it is being a part of the PTA and getting involved with the school board to improve local schools, or working your way through the onerous process to get a permit to build a house, or organizing with your neighbors to get a grocery store in your community- I think all of those things teach us a huge amount about how the government works. The US House benefits from a wide diversity of experience- everyone brings knowledge to the table- about their community, their line of work and their experiences. We don't need a bunch of know-it-all lawyers (yes, I am a sometimes know-it-all lawyer) running the country- we need grocery workers, truck drivers, auto mechanics, computer scientists, barbers, nurses, stay-at-home-parents, vet-techs, and civil servants. It takes all of us. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Building a country where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. We have to build a strong middle class that is inclusive of all of us. We must figure out a large number of really difficult issues- all of which we have allowed to become crises: artificial intelligence, energy, climate change, failing infrastructure, transportation, immigration, health care, senior care, housing, jobs, etc. We have a HUGE job ahead of us, and we need to get to work. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes, it allows a diverse group of people to serve, and to make a commitment that can fit into their lives- and go back to their lives and careers after serving- bringing what they learned to their community. What are your thoughts on term limits? I support term limits for all elected offices, including Congress. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely. In the end, we as 'the people' want the same things- a safe, clean place to live; to raise the family of our choosing; to be a part of the communities of our choosing; to be paid fairly for our work; to exercise our freedoms and have them protected; and to have opportunities for ourselves and our kids to build a future. We just disagree on how to get there. But when regular people work together to design a future- instead of billionaires, bankers, venture capitalists and lobbyists- a better future is possible. A future that includes all of us. I don't buy into the political bull. It is theater. We don't have time for theater and partisan squawking. We want an America that works. And since the traditional politicians won't listen to us- we'll do it ourselves. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? To gather information valuable for considering and producing legislation - largely learning about the things that we are governing; or to ensure that existing laws are being properly administered. To ensure that the funds of taxpayers are being used to benefit them and to ensure that elected and appointed civil servants are serving the people, not themselves. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Maryland Forward\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]