Tekesha Martinez

[{"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>Tekesha Martinez completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Martinez's 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-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading-bio-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-200996-2024-03-06\" 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-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-200996-2024-03-06\" 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 the first Black Mayor of my hometown of Hagerstown, MD. An American success story against all odds. Growing up as a foster child, I persevered through teen pregnancy and eventually had four daughters and a son who have, so far, given me seven grandbabies as well.\r\n<p>Seeking outlets after a traumatic episode in my life, I rediscovered my childhood love of poetry in my thirties. Immediately, I began performing and hosting at spoken word events, continuing to do so as an elected official. I've also worked as a trained community mediator, spending over a decade facilitating conversation through conflict and serving my hometown in a way that tangibly brings neighbors together instead of driving them apart.\r\n</p>\nIn 2024, I intend to bring her fresh perspective, deep love of community, and broad experience to Congress, running for the open seat in MD’s 6th Congressional District.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading-key-message-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-200996-2024-03-06\" 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-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I am running on A Women's Agenda, a comprehensive platform on women's rights and empowerment that recognizes how deeply important these issues are to the health and growth of our communities. \r\n<p>Faced not only with continuing challenges to women’s rights, but also with the interlacing stresses of climate change, racial injustice, and public safety, we must reassert our commitment to a future where equality is a lived reality. Now is the time to capitalize on this momentum and amplify our voices.\r\n</p>\nWhen the needs of our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, nieces, and aunties are met, society as a whole will benefit.</li><li>As a sitting Mayor in one of the fastest growing regions in the state, I have a unique perspective on getting things done. I grew up in foster care in my hometown, but I am now overseeing an unprecedented $1.8b in growth and investment in and around Hagerstown. Western Maryland could flourish with a representative who understands the unique relationships of municipal officials and county governments.\r\n\r\nNo elected official is more accessible and held more accountable than a mayor. We are the face of our city. We also live here every day, are always seen in the communities, and are the first to be called when its 4am and there is an incident, emergency, or complaint. Having that experience, I know how to make Congress more accessible to all.</li><li>Nothing is more important than feeling safe. Everyone must feel heard and understood in what safety means to them and what resources they need in order to reach that point.\r\n\r\nHealthcare access is a public safety issue, that's why I support establishing a universal healthcare system like Medicare for All that guarantees access to quality, affordable care.\r\n\r\nCollaboration with police and accountability is a public safety issue, which is why I support expanding the usage of trained community mediators, social workers, and mental health professionals so that overstressed law enforcement officers no longer have to wear all of these hats at once.\r\n\r\nIf someone doesn't feel safe at home or work, they can't contribute to our communities.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading1-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading1-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tWomen's rights and empowerment, public safety, universal healthcare, and strengthening our unions.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading2-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading2-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tThe strong Black women of the civil rights movement who did so much work with so little recognition. It is on their backs that society has built itself today.<br/><br/>\r\nFannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Barbara Jordan, Ella Baker, and many, many more.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading3-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tCivil Rights hero Fannie Lou Hamer's biography Walk with Me, which I read at the beginning of the campaign trail.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading4-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading4-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tAccountability, access, and transparency.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading5-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading5-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-200996-2024-03-06\" 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 accessible and transparent as an average, everyday person. I carry my personal experiences that inform me but recognize the importance of those who I represent feeling heard and understood. I am not shut off in an insider political world. I am real and I represent real people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading6-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-200996-2024-03-06\" 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 believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tFirst and foremost, make sure constituents across this diverse district feel heard and understood. If that baseline isn't reached, then there is no \"representation\" in our representative.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading7-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tTrailblazing for future generations while showing that we can get things done regardless of our differences.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading8-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-200996-2024-03-06\" 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 first jobs were getting by to support my kids. I had 5 children by the age of 25 with very little support. I worked everything from hotel front desks to warehouse forklifts. I never missed an opportunity to build relationships with coworkers.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading9-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tLauryn Hill's cover of Can't Take My Eyes Off You\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading10-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tGrowing up in foster care in my home county but still staying and building a life here.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading11-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading11-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tKeeping our democracy together while ensuring that the time lost to polarization and gridlock doesn't mean time lost in addressing the existential threat of climate change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading12-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading12-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tThey should be considered for all political offices, but not without a simultaneous elimination of dark money in politics in order to ensure that special interests can't easily cycle easily influenced \"representatives\" who are bought and paid for.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading13-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tCongresswoman Shirley Chisholm\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading14-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tVisiting schools or activities with the youth, especially in my fairly red home county, and hearing little Black and brown girls and boys audibly react to seeing someone who looks like them in an elected position of power.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading15-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading15-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-200996-2024-03-06\" 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 the compromise must be made on the basis of representing constituents, not personal or special interests.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading16-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-200996-2024-03-06\" 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=\"heading16-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tSo far to name a couple: the National Organization for Women and Higher Heights for America.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading17-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-200996-2024-03-06\" 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\tCommittee on Education and the Workforce or Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-200996-2024-03-06\" id=\"heading18-200996-2024-03-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-200996-2024-03-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-200996-2024-03-06\" 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 views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-200996-2024-03-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-200996-2024-03-06\" 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've always been transparent about how I've maneuvered into political spaces without any finances backing me at all. Seeing the effects of moneyed influence on how others operate is eye opening, and I am devoted to eliminating dark money in politics. <br/><br/>\r\nI have sacrificed a lot to get where I am without finances. It shouldn't take that sacrifice just to be a part of government and serving your community.\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\nTekesha Martinez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Martinez's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am the first Black Mayor of my hometown of Hagerstown, MD. An American success story against all odds. Growing up as a foster child, I persevered through teen pregnancy and eventually had four daughters and a son who have, so far, given me seven grandbabies as well. Seeking outlets after a traumatic episode in my life, I rediscovered my childhood love of poetry in my thirties. Immediately, I began performing and hosting at spoken word events, continuing to do so as an elected official. I've also worked as a trained community mediator, spending over a decade facilitating conversation through conflict and serving my hometown in a way that tangibly brings neighbors together instead of driving them apart. In 2024, I intend to bring her fresh perspective, deep love of community, and broad experience to Congress, running for the open seat in MD’s 6th Congressional District. 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? I am running on A Women's Agenda, a comprehensive platform on women's rights and empowerment that recognizes how deeply important these issues are to the health and growth of our communities. Faced not only with continuing challenges to women’s rights, but also with the interlacing stresses of climate change, racial injustice, and public safety, we must reassert our commitment to a future where equality is a lived reality. Now is the time to capitalize on this momentum and amplify our voices. When the needs of our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, nieces, and aunties are met, society as a whole will benefit. As a sitting Mayor in one of the fastest growing regions in the state, I have a unique perspective on getting things done. I grew up in foster care in my hometown, but I am now overseeing an unprecedented $1.8b in growth and investment in and around Hagerstown. Western Maryland could flourish with a representative who understands the unique relationships of municipal officials and county governments.\r\n\r\nNo elected official is more accessible and held more accountable than a mayor. We are the face of our city. We also live here every day, are always seen in the communities, and are the first to be called when its 4am and there is an incident, emergency, or complaint. Having that experience, I know how to make Congress more accessible to all. Nothing is more important than feeling safe. Everyone must feel heard and understood in what safety means to them and what resources they need in order to reach that point.\r\n\r\nHealthcare access is a public safety issue, that's why I support establishing a universal healthcare system like Medicare for All that guarantees access to quality, affordable care.\r\n\r\nCollaboration with police and accountability is a public safety issue, which is why I support expanding the usage of trained community mediators, social workers, and mental health professionals so that overstressed law enforcement officers no longer have to wear all of these hats at once.\r\n\r\nIf someone doesn't feel safe at home or work, they can't contribute to our communities. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Women's rights and empowerment, public safety, universal healthcare, and strengthening our unions. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? The strong Black women of the civil rights movement who did so much work with so little recognition. It is on their backs that society has built itself today. Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Barbara Jordan, Ella Baker, and many, many more. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Civil Rights hero Fannie Lou Hamer's biography Walk with Me, which I read at the beginning of the campaign trail. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Accountability, access, and transparency. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I am accessible and transparent as an average, everyday person. I carry my personal experiences that inform me but recognize the importance of those who I represent feeling heard and understood. I am not shut off in an insider political world. I am real and I represent real people. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? First and foremost, make sure constituents across this diverse district feel heard and understood. If that baseline isn't reached, then there is no \"representation\" in our representative. What legacy would you like to leave? Trailblazing for future generations while showing that we can get things done regardless of our differences. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first jobs were getting by to support my kids. I had 5 children by the age of 25 with very little support. I worked everything from hotel front desks to warehouse forklifts. I never missed an opportunity to build relationships with coworkers. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Lauryn Hill's cover of Can't Take My Eyes Off You What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Growing up in foster care in my home county but still staying and building a life here. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Keeping our democracy together while ensuring that the time lost to polarization and gridlock doesn't mean time lost in addressing the existential threat of climate change. What are your thoughts on term limits? They should be considered for all political offices, but not without a simultaneous elimination of dark money in politics in order to ensure that special interests can't easily cycle easily influenced \"representatives\" who are bought and paid for. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Visiting schools or activities with the youth, especially in my fairly red home county, and hearing little Black and brown girls and boys audibly react to seeing someone who looks like them in an elected position of power. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, but the compromise must be made on the basis of representing constituents, not personal or special interests. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? So far to name a couple: the National Organization for Women and Higher Heights for America. What committees interest you? Committee on Education and the Workforce or Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? I've always been transparent about how I've maneuvered into political spaces without any finances backing me at all. Seeing the effects of moneyed influence on how others operate is eye opening, and I am devoted to eliminating dark money in politics. I have sacrificed a lot to get where I am without finances. It shouldn't take that sacrifice just to be a part of government and serving your community.\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."}]