Hagerstown's delegate in Annapolis faces primary challengers from GOP, Democrats
One incumbent is facing three challengers to represent the city of Hagerstown in the state House of Delegates.
Maryland District 2B generally follows the boundaries of the Washington County seat. Del. Brenda Thiam, R-Washington, is facing a Republican primary challenge from attorney Thomas Stolz. On the Democratic ballot, Brooke Grossman and Ladetra Robinson, both of whom work for different nonprofits in Hagerstown, are facing off.
The primary is July 19, but early voting runs from July 7 through July 14. Whomever wins each parties' contest will face off in the General Election on Nov. 8.
The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown sent questionnaires to the candidates. Included were basic biographical questions, as well as opportunities to list websites and social media accounts so voters can learn beyond just answers to the questions we asked. Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets.
The questionnaire was sent in early June. All four candidates responded.
Republicans
Thomas Stolz
Home: Hagerstown
Occupation: Attorney
Age as of July 19: 42
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080937960026
Brenda J. Thiam
Home: Hagerstown
Occupation: State legislator
Age as of July 19: 53
Campaign website: www.brendathiam.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brenda.for.hagerstown
Instagram: @delegatethiam
Democrats
Brooke Grossman
Home: Hagerstown
Occupation: Chief mission officer for a nonprofit
Age as of July 19: 43
Campaign website: www.grossmanforhagerstown.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057996762303
Ladetra Robinson
Home: Hagerstown
Occupation: Lead shelter administrator, Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused (CASA); crisis case manager, Reach of Washington County, MD; founder of the Blossom School of Etiquette
Age as of July 19: 58
Campaign website: ladetraforhagerstown.com
Twitter: @RobinsonLadetra
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LadetraforHagerstown
TikTok: @ladetraforhagerstown
Tackling issues of mental health in Maryland
From school disruptions to community shootings and suicides, mental health issues are rampant. What more should Maryland lawmakers do to ensure availability and access to counseling/treatment?
Stolz
Each school must have a school psychologist or licensed social worker on staff and present during school hours to identify and assist any student having social or disciplinary issues. The parents must be consulted prior to any action by school staff. No action may be taken without the consent of the parents. Assistance may consist of daily or weekly counseling sessions or as often necessary. The school staff shall assist parents in obtaining other resources available in the community.
Thiam
The CDC states suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. There must be a better partnership between the county health department, school system and families. It's imperative we catch children early to teach problem solving and coping skills. Funding for treatment shouldn't be so expensive that the person can't afford it. The State should provide additional funding for counseling/treatment programs above and beyond what the local government can provide.
Grossman
Our mental health plays a role in every decision that we make, as state lawmakers we must prioritize the resources necessary to ensure that we have an ease of access to care in Washington County. By investing in a multi-pronged approach to addressing mental health issues in our community from on-site mental health services in our schools, to walk in crisis centers, to telehealth we will be creating the space for our citizens to access treatment and recover.
Robinson
First and foremost by addressing the shortage of mental health professionals. We must invest significantly in the supply and diversity of our mental health professionals, along with expanding their opportunities and incentives to serve in places with the most need. Moreover, investing in evidence-based community mental health services, as well as tele and virtual mental health care options. As well as investing in mental health support in our schools, colleges, and universities.
Voter access, confidence at issue
What more do you think should be done to ensure voter access and voter confidence in elections in both urban and rural communities?
Stolz
To vote valid ID MUST BE required. No ballot should be counted which is not received by the closing of the polls on election day. No vote harvesting. No drop boxes. Only Traditional Absentee voting. The people of Hagerstown are intelligent and resourceful. With a true absentee ballot, and two weeks of voting, anyone who wants to vote can. Measures such as harvesting, drop boxes, and counting late ballots are gross invitations to fraud.
Thiam
It's imperative to ensure those who are eligible to vote have access to vote. It's a person's constitutional right to cast a vote for the candidate who represents them. To prevent voter integrity challenges, I support voter identification. If the person can't obtain a drivers license, a Maryland state identification card can be issued. Clean the voter rolls frequently (i.e. every 30 days) to ensure age eligible-deceased names are removed and reported to the correct agency.
Grossman
Voters are routinely subjected misinformation regarding the integrity of our election system, further investment should be made in our State and Local Board of Elections to allow for them promote accurate unbiased information to our citizens. Expanding the number of polling places for voters especially those in the City is paramount to improving voter access, as well as continued opportunity for mail in ballots. Our citizens deserve transparency in the election process from all involved.
Robinson
I believe there should be a 100% increase in community engagement from all relevant stakeholders. From our local elected officials and community leaders to our nonprofits and small businesses. I would love to see them all come together and collaborate to create initiatives and PSAs to inform the public on the importance of voting and how it affects our everyday lives with a focus on our younger generation.
Cracking down on ATVs and dirt bikes
Is there anything that can be done on the state level about illegal ATV and dirt bike riding in city streets and sidewalks?
Stolz
The operation of ATVS or dirt bikes on public streets and sidewalks should be a misdemeanor subject to fine and confiscation under state law. The operators and owners of ATVS and dirt bikes, and the parents of minor operators and owners, should be civilly liable for bodily injury or property damage caused on city streets or sidewalks. Licensing and insurance requirements would benefit the general public and the owners and/or operators. Tougher penalties and more enforcement of current laws.
Thiam
During the 2022 session, I sponsored HB77, which prohibited a person from committing motor vehicle offenses related to reckless and negligient driving while operating a dirt bike. Many offered testimony in support of the bill and other legislators expressed the same concern in their districts, but the bill did not pass. If I'm elected, I will work closely with the Mayor, City Council, and the police chief to sponsor the bill again and amend the language, if needed, to ensure it passes.
Grossman
We must hold those that break the law accountable, however, if the operation of an illegal bike is their only offense, incarceration is not the answer. An investment in youth diversion and workforce development programs to path individuals toward positive community engagement is necessary. There is opportunity to introduce legislation to further restrict use of these vehicles, for example restricting sale of fuel to individuals operating illegal off road vehicles.
Robinson
Yes, increasing the penalties for those caught illegally riding ATVs and dirt bikes. These riders do not respect drivers or our streets, and they are ultimately putting us all at risk. However, many of those engaging in these activities are young adults looking for something to do. A suggestion could be that localities and Parks & Recreation departments could come together and create programs and initiatives that create safe spaces for those riders to ride.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Four vie for Hagerstown's House of Delegates seat in Annapolis
