Maryland Senate District 23

What’s the job: One of 188 members of Maryland’s General Assembly, split between the House of Delegates and the Senate. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving state spending and providing oversight of Maryland government operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Raaheela Ahmed

Age: 33

Personal: Single.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, finance and economics, University of Maryland, College Park; certificate, public leadership, University of San Francisco.

Experience: National legislative and organizing director, 100% Democracy; deputy director, Campus Vote Project; manager of leadership programs, New American Leaders; advisory associate, Grant Thornton LLP; Prince George’s County Board of Education member, District 5; student regent, University System of Maryland Board of Regents; Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Prince George’s County.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Name: Ron Watson

Age: 60

Personal: Married, wife Ingrid, two children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, electrical engineering, Morgan State University; Master’s degree, business administration, George Washington University; Master’s degree, advanced technology, Binghamton University; PhD, systems engineering, Binghamton University.

Experience: Army Signal Officer for 14 years, served on active duty to support Operation Enduring Freedom; President of Watson Management Corporation (WMC), which provides support to the Department of War; consultant to the Department of Defense for over 30 years.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Republican

Name: James A. T. Amah

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.