Maryland Senate District 17

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: Philip Cook

Age: 36

Personal: Married with 2 boys.

Education: Master’s degree, biotechnology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; bachelor’s degree, Limestone University.

Experience: Biomanufacturing associate at Charles River Labs; Gaithersburg Olde Towne Advisory Committee.

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: Cheryl C. Kagan

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

Republican

Name: Helene Meister

Age: 54

Personal: Mother, one child.

Education: Juris Doctor, American University Washington College of Law; Master of Laws, University of Virginia School of Law; master’s degree, international taxation & public finance, HEC Paris & University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas; master’s degree, public finance and tax, University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas; Bachelor of Laws, University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas.

Experience: Commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission for Women; board member of the Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women; tax manager for a technology company; law clerk at the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division.

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?