Meet The Candidate: Gregory Coll Runs For U.S. House

Jacob Baumgart
Updated ·18 min read

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The presidential race gets the most attention, but Maryland has several Congressional contests as well. The state's eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are also up for grabs in this year's election.

It's time to get to know one of the candidates. Meet Gregory Coll. He is running in Maryland's 8th Congressional District.

Coll is running against Jamin B. (Jamie) Raskin. More information about Raskin is available here.

Before we meet Coll, you have to know what district you live in. Follow the instructions below to see if Coll is on the ballot in your town.

What District Am I In?

Unlike the Senate, each Marylander only has one delegate in the United States House of Representatives. To determine which congressional district you are a part of, enter your ZIP code at this link.

Candidate

Gregory Coll

Age (as of Election Day)

38

Town/City of Residence

Rockville

Office Sought

U.S. House

If you are a congressional candidate, please indicate for which district (District 1, District 3, etc.)

District 8

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Gregory Coll is married with three children, two boys and a girl. Find out more at our website www.gregorycoll.com

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Education

Gregory Coll holds a Bachelors' of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2003) and a Masters in Space Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology (2018).

Occupation

Gregory Coll is a rocket scientist, businessman and family man. Find out more here: www.gregorycoll.com

Campaign website

www.gregorycoll.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our country is COVID-19, and it is appropriate to get people back to work earliest in the least risky, and most necessary businesses. This means a gradual opening of businesses where social distancing and precautionary measures can be most easily secured. It also means that certain states, specific areas of states, certain parts of cities and certain occupations can be back in business in short order and that densely populated, higher risk areas, must exhibit patience until the risk factors for spreading the coronavirus are lowered.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I, Gregory Coll, support equality, and peaceful protest. We need to make sure that everyone is treated equally and we have accountability for unlawful acts.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

The police are already under staffed and do not have the resources that they need to effectively enforce the law. Part of the platform is to support the police stopping criminal activity to restore safety and security to our country. Everyone has the right to be safe.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

Some Democrats were so focused on their political careers and impeding our country, that they failed to help solve the coronavirus pandemic, and just assigned blame. We continue to see this today. This is the United States of America and we need to work together and unite in times of hardship. When the representation starts to fail people like me, hardworking, honest, unbiased people start to take action. It is appropriate to get people back to work earliest in the least risky, and most necessary businesses. This means a gradual opening of businesses where social distancing and precautionary measures can be most easily secured. It also means that certain states, specific areas of states, certain parts of cities and certain occupations can be back in business in short order and that densely populated, higher risk areas, must exhibit patience until the risk factors for spreading the coronavirus are lowered. I favor advancing the development of a vaccine, and making sure supply chain and distortion of the vaccine are prepared for when it is ready.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I, Gregory Coll, want to support our democracy, represent all people of our district, and unite Maryland; unite America. Protect the first and second amendment rights, and stop late term abortion. I want to recover from COVID-19 getting workers back to work and students back in school safely. I want to make sure that our military has the highest technology systems so that when we need to strike against threats we can, like when we took out Soleimani. I want to make sure we stop late term abortion and partial berth abortion. I want to stop the distraction and keep focus on solving problems not create them.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

My opponent failed the people of Maryland Congressional District 8 and failed the American people. While distracting America in a failed impeachment attempt of the President he did not solve any COVID-19 health pandemic problems and then incited anger and hatred instead of being a leader and uniting people. Real leaders fight for what is right and bring people together in times of hardship, weak individuals loose hope and assign blame.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Jobs and Employment
Unemployment is up due to the spread of the coronavirus. Gregory Coll believes that it is appropriate to get people back to work earliest in the least risky, and most necessary businesses. This means a gradual opening of businesses where social distancing and precautionary measures can be most easily secured. It also means that certain states, specific areas of states, certain parts of cities and certain occupations can be back in business in short order and that densely populated, higher risk areas, must exhibit patience until the risk factors for spreading the coronavirus are lowered.

Military and Defense
Gregory Coll believes the U.S. needs a strong military with an emphasis on defense to combat growing threats domestically and abroad. Staying ahead in military technology is critical to maintaining U.S. global leadership and keeping our communities safe at home. Maryland is a leader in the field and has one of the largest defense contractors in District 8. As a really inspiring story which speaks to the great technology coming out of Maryland, when each state was asked to bring an item to the White House, Maryland brought a Joint Strike Fighter: an advanced fighter aircraft. Gregory Coll wants to develop the high technology systems that are required for the U.S. military and the defense of the nation.

Budget
Gregory Coll believes the U.S. must maintain a balanced budget. This requires intelligent, thoughtful consideration of each line item, and a focus on needed, not unnecessary items.

Health Care
Gregory Coll believes patients should come first in the U.S. healthcare system. Healthcare systems run by governments are inefficient, have reduced standards of care, and diminish patient and physician relationships. A healthcare system based on free market principles promotes competition, drives down costs, and gives the power to the patients and physicians caring for them. Gregory Coll believes Flexible Spending Accounts with unspent money should roll over with zero restrictions.

Abortion
Gregory Coll is pro-life and believes that life starts at conception. Gregory Coll aims to stop late-term abortions, in order to save babies lives. Support should be offered in other ways for expecting mothers, helping them and their babies to be happy and healthy.

Veterans
U.S. veterans sacrificed to support the freedom of this country. Gregory Coll's support for our veterans is unwavering and plans to fully fund the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Gun Violence
Gregory Coll will support your local police in stopping criminal activity and cracking down on illegal possession of fire arms without sacrificing law-abiding citizens’ rights to bear Arms.

Schools and Education
MD's Congressional District 8 Schools are some of the best in the nation and have developed around the thriving neighborhoods we love and trust. Gregory Coll supports early childhood education and plans to increase funding for the next generation with a focus on supporting State and local education activities, giving power to those most knowledgeable of the needs of the students. Gregory Coll supports women in STEM education.

Environment and Climate Change
Our environment needs to be conserved and maintained for future generations. Gregory Coll wants to continue to study and address environmental concerns, stop pollution, and stop over-stressing our natural resources, especially marine resources like fisheries. Gregory Coll believes climate change is real and needs to be addressed rationally and with an associated risk-and-return posture. Gregory Coll is a rocket scientist and has studied the physical sciences for most of his life, and is knowledgeable about remote-sensing from spacecraft. Gregory Coll will be able to interpret the hard, physical facts from speculation and un-anchored analytical results.

Immigration
Gregory Coll wants to promote and welcome legal immigration and put a stop to illegal border crossings. Illegal immigration is not good for this country or the individuals participating in it. Passing legislation to increase the legal immigration caps while simplifying legal immigration processing is key; especially when the individuals have studied in the U.S. and have employment sponsored support. Gregory Coll wants to attract the best people from around the world. Gregory Coll wants to keep the criminals and illegal immigrants out, thereby reducing the burden on U.S. law enforcement and welfare systems.

National Space Policy
The last 50+ years of space has given the nation a sense of pride and accomplishment. The U.S. has invested in the technology to expand space operations and completed needed non-recurring engineering to kick start a new space economy. In the next 20+ years, this investment is expected to pay off with the space economy anticipated to skyrocket to $1 trillion. Gregory Coll wants to use experience in space systems to help guide new space policy. Gregory Coll will simplify regulations and space flight requirements, and deliver a common framework for the nation to operate in space. Gregory Coll wants to maintain the U.S. leadership in space technology and help make U.S. industry the market developer of this new space economy.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Gregory Coll is currently working in the Aerospace field. He has served as a systems engineering team manager for a government contractor. He was accountable for the design, implementation, and operations of the technical tools and systems supporting NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Satellite Servicing Projects Division SSPD. He served as the OSAM-1 Project Risk Manager and has worked as the Cost Account Manager for the Propulsion and Propellant Transfer Subsystems and effectively utilized program management skills to lead a team of 40+ individuals. He provided architectural leadership for the design and implementation of satellite projects within the division and provided the day-to-day supervision and oversight for a team of systems engineering staff supporting the division across multiple disciplines.

He managed the propulsion and propellant transfer systems effort for SSPD projects including technology development for on-orbit refueling and future concept serviceable propulsion systems work. His work included propellant management systems, hose management systems, hypergolic and cooperative interface tool systems, and cooperatively serviceable propulsion systems. Specific tasks he has worked on have ranged from small ground and on-orbit spacecraft refueling development / testing activities to full end to end refueling demonstrations.

During his time working at Orbital ATK, he led numerous hazardous propulsion tests on: scientific satellites, GEO communication satellites including the Orbital ATK GEOStar line of satellites, Cygnus, Pegasus and other launch vehicle stages. He has traveled internationally for work to Baikonur Cosmodrome and French Guiana to prepare, test, and load hydrazine and NTO propulsion systems for launch. He served as the Antares systems I&T lead, and GEOStar-3 propulsion subsystem lead.

He has also worked at the Kennedy Space Center for United Space Alliance as a console operator of the Space Shuttle Main Propulsion System.

He holds a Bachelors' of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2003) and a Masters in Space Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology (2018). He has served on the Liquid Propulsion Technical Committee of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 2013, and is currently a Senior Member.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

A successful national recovery from COVID-19, reducing the threat of terrorism in America, unite Maryland and unite America to work together, making the entire governmental system a little more efficient (bring technology that will improve the efficiency of governmental processes and reducing / streamlining regulation and requirements), inspire all that the American Dream is alive, and stop late term abortion helping expecting mothers and saving babies lives.

Why should voters trust you?

I, Gregory Coll, am one of you, the people, and not a career politician. I am running to stop the distractions and keep focus on key issues impacting Americans. I promise to represent all of Maryland Congressional District 8.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I, Gregory Coll, know the U.S. must maintain a balanced budget. This requires intelligent, thoughtful consideration of each line item, and a focus on needed, not unnecessary items.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do what you want in life because you will be the most successful doing what you love.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Three specific reasons why Gregory Coll is qualified:

Problem Solver - Gregory Coll is a systematic thinker that understands the big picture, with the skills to manage large projects and problems on a global scale, and has first hand knowledge of working in other countries. He knows how to define a mission statement, set goals and objectives, then refine those into actionable verifiable requirements.

Leader - Gregory Coll is a proven leader, who has foresight to get ahead of problems, lead by example, and delegate effectively. He has a good sense of judgement of character, knows how to build trust, and has experience building coalitions with other leaders. He is willing to do the work required to get the job done, and follow through to the end. He has served on the Liquid Propulsion Technical Committee of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 2013, and is currently a Senior Member.

Manager - Gregory Coll is an experienced manager who has practice with the modern technological tools for managing schedules, cost, staff, risks, opportunities, technical problems, and has experience with managing the daily ups and downs of an office environment. He has experience presenting new topics to large teams and effectively communicating goals and objectives. He is effective at giving positive feedback and recognition when appropriate.

Committees Gregory Coll will influence and his positions:

United States House Committee on Appropriations

This committee is commonly known and referred to as the most powerful committee – a moniker stemming from its role as gate keeper of bills determining how our government spends money. Gregory Coll’s position is that all citizens should pay a fair tax burden. This ultimately means lower taxes, especially for the middle class who struggle to support the nation's many services. Funding, for example, for reducing taxes or other programs for teachers, education, retirees, homeland security, military construction, veterans’ affairs, as well as for labor, health and human services, and education, all come under the prevue of this committee. Gregory Coll will work to lower taxes by carefully reviewing proposed expenditures and fight to eliminate or reduce areas that are wasteful and duplicative, furthermore he will promote fair appropriations for those necessary services. Gregory Coll will work on the Subcommittee of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to help guide new space policy that will simplify regulations and deliver a common framework for the nation to operate in space.


United States House Committee on the Budget
Each year, by law, the Congress must enact an annual budget. The President of the United States prepares a budget request, and the committee must hold hearings, and set forth proposed levels of revenue and spending. Many contested issues are presented and argued here, so that it is vital to focus on these areas.
Gregory Coll’s position is that we must maintain a balanced budget. This requires intelligent, thoughtful consideration of each line item, and focus on needed, not unnecessary items.

United States House Committee on Education and Labor
This committee has five subcommittees and together they oversee both education programs and workforce programs. It covers a broad scope from early childhood programs through higher education and adult programs, as well as workforce initiatives.
Gregory Coll believes that effective educational programs begin at the earliest age. Developmental disabilities are being diagnosed at an early age and must be addressed as early as possible to ensure that all individuals are able to reach their highest potential. All children deserve an excellent education in order to be able to compete in this highly technical world, and must be supported as needed, including special education, choice, and teacher training.
We must work to maintain rewarding and challenging job opportunities for all who are able.

United States House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
This committee has jurisdiction over many federal agencies, among them: the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA. It also maintains authority over Research and Development in numerous additional departments and agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Five subcommittees are concerned with: Energy, Environment, Investigations and Oversight, Research and Technology, and Space and Aeronautics.

As a systems engineer team manager, working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Gregory Coll has a unique background that makes him an ideal individual to work with this committee. His work entails issues of world-wide importance, and places him in an environment where he interacts with persons concerned with all of the issues under the prevue of this committee. He is at the forefront of science and technology on a daily basis, and will work to ensure that issues of this nature are addressed in an intelligent and forward thinking manner.

United States House Committee on Armed Services
This committee is responsible for oversight and funding of the Department of Defense (DOD) as well as the United States Armed Forces. In addition, it has responsibilities in the Department of Energy. It encompasses ongoing military operations. It has incorporated the former Committee on Naval Affairs.

Gregory Coll’s position is that the U.S. must maintain its global position of military strength. In order to combat the many threats to our national security, and challenges to our freedom, the military must be fully funded and increased as necessary. While negotiation and economic sanctions are our priority and have proven effective to some extent, military power has often proven to be the best deterrent to aggression on the part of others who consider themselves to be our enemies. Gregory Coll will support responsible spending appropriations.

United States House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
This committee is concerned with specific issues of United States military veterans. These include pensions, life insurance, education, vocational training, medical care and home loans. It oversees veterans’ hospitals and specific cemeteries. There are many additional veterans’ services that are the responsibility of other committees.

Gregory Coll believes that we have asked our military to make great sacrifices (including the ultimate sacrifice) in order to serve and defend our country. Many have concluded their military service and returned to civilian life under conditions and circumstances that make it not viable for them to continue where they left off in terms of their daily functioning. It is unacceptable that these individuals should continue to suffer without the supports that they need. Gregory Coll will fight for funding for services including new advances in medical and psychiatric care.
Gregory Coll, rocket scientist, businessman, family man married with three children, is the Republican candidate for Maryland Congressional District 8.

Priorities: Healthcare Services, Strong Military, and Pro-Life.
Strengths: Problem Solving, Leadership, and Management.
Contact Information:
Gregory Thomas Coll
Gregory Coll for Congress
Address:
PO Box 34640
Bethesda, MD 20827
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grego...
Donate: https://secure.winred.com/greg...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/collforcon...
Website: https://www.gregorycoll.com

Email:
info@gregorycoll.com

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This article originally appeared on the Annapolis Patch