Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the candidates for Congressional District 6
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Democratic Congressman David Trone defeated Del. Neil Parrott, R-Washington, for the 6th Congressional District seat in 2020. Now, the state delegate and U.S. congressman are set for a rematch, albeit in a re-formed district, which may make the race more competitive.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, but early voting runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. A request for a mail-in ballot must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 1.
The USA TODAY Network in Maryland, which includes The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown, sent questionnaires to the Republican and Democrat seeking to be the represent the district in Congress. The individual elected in November will serve a two-year term starting in January 2023.
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 that were asked. Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets.
Both candidates responded and their answers can be found below.
Republican
Neil C. Parrott
Implementation of federally funded projects
How will you work with local officials to implement projects that have already received federal funds?
As a transportation engineer and State Delegate, I’ve long been involved in highway and other infrastructure projects in Western Maryland and Montgomery County. In Congress, I will work to fund eligible high-priority transportation projects in my district. I’ll help local officials overcome roadblocks in implementing the projects already approved and funded. Some of them, such as widening the I-270 corridor, I-81, and I-70 in Frederick, are long overdue, and I intend to see them completed.
Party loyalty, conscience, or constituents?
What do you believe is more important — party loyalty, your conscience, or the needs of your constituents? In cases where you have to make a choice, which takes precedence?
My party's policies are almost always my policies too. These include individual liberty and responsibility; equal rights and strong families; free enterprise, economic growth, and prosperity; smaller government and lower taxes; a strong nation and pride in our country. When I have differences with my fellow Republicans in the legislature, we work through discussion and negotiation. I have kept my principles and duty to my constituents as my priorities. I work for the people, period.
Top priority
What is your top priority in the next session of Congress, if elected?
Slowing inflation and getting the economy growing are essential. Families are suffering, while Congress’s actions are making things worse. Congress must re-open the vast gas and oil resources, create a balanced budget, stop spending trillions of dollars that we don’t have, and help small businesses succeed as the first steps to restoring prosperity.
We must secure the southern border to stop the flow of illegal aliens, stop human trafficking and stop the flow of illegal drugs.
Background information
Occupation: Maryland Delegate District 2A, President and CEO Traffic Solutions Inc.
Primary residence: Hagerstown, Washington County
Age (at the date of election): 52
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
@parrottforcongress(Instagram) |
More:What matters more in Maryland's 6th Congressional District? Experience or endorsements
Democrat
David Trone
Implementation of federally funded projects
How will you work with local officials to implement projects that have already received federal funds?
I’m proud that during my first two terms in Congress, we secured nearly $40 million to fund infrastructure, health services and other critical modernization projects across all five counties in our district. My team and I are regularly in touch with local officials and community leaders to ensure these programs are successful and assess the needs of our communities. I will continue to support legislation that makes investments for all families of Maryland’s 6th district.
Party loyalty, conscience, or constituents?
What do you believe is more important — party loyalty, your conscience, or the needs of your constituents? In cases where you have to make a choice, which takes precedence?
My constituents always have and always will come first, period. I was just named Maryland’s most bipartisan member of Congress and I’m running for re-election to improve the lives of my constituents and continue our work with my colleagues across the aisle. I refuse to be bought by lobbyists, PACs or powerful industries. I take my oath of office very seriously and remain committed to delivering for my constituents and being a good steward of our democracy.
Top priority
What is your top priority in the next session of Congress, if elected?
My top priority is to continue delivering on behalf of Marylanders by working with my colleagues from both parties. I especially look forward to building upon our work to address mental health and addiction issues, which is the reason I ran for Congress in the first place. As the co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, I’ve been able to make progress, but we still have more work to do.
Background information
Occupation: Businessman
Primary residence: Potomac, Montgomery County
Age (at the date of election): 67
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland Election 2022: Candidates for Congressional District 6
