NEW DELEGATES: Who'll Fill Maryland's 2 Vacant House Seats? // The Replacements for Jim Proctor & Will Campos in 27A & 47B

By Matt Verghese

BACKGROUND: Maryland currently has two vacancies in the House of Delegates, due to the recent passing of Delegate Jim Proctor and the resignation of Delegate Will Campos for personal reasons. Both members of the General Assembly served as Democrats, and under Maryland law, the vacancies will be filled by a vote of the elected Democratic Central Committees representing the counties where the members previously served. The recommendations of these county Central Committees are then sent to the Governor for formal appointment.

Notably, Delegate Will Campos' District 47B is contained wholly within Prince George's County. As a result, the elected members of the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee get to make the recommendation for Campos' replacement. In contrast, Delegate Jim Proctor's District 27A is contained within both Prince George's County and Charles County. Correspondingly, both counties' Democratic Central Committees take independent votes on a replacement for Delegate Proctor. Though the appointment process is not yet complete in either legislative district, we have a very good sense of who will replace Delegates Jim Proctor and Will Campos:

• Likely Replacement in District 27A: Susie Proctor
• Likely Replacement in District 47B: Carlo Sanchez

DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEES CHOOSE SANCHEZ & PROCTOR - The Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee (PGCDCC) met on October 6th to nominate people to fill the Delegate vacancies in D27A and D47B.  Without any of the drama or backroom chaos that often accompanies these procedures (on both sides of the aisle), the PGCDCC unanimously recommended Susie Proctor and Carlo Sanchez to fill the vacancies for District 27A and 47B, respectively. These names are submitted to Governor Larry Hogan, who has fifteen days to make the appointment.

For Mr. Sanchez, the process effectively concluded last night since District 47B is completely within Prince George's County, but Proctor's District 27A also includes portions of Charles County - so that Central Committee must weigh in as well for the second vacant seat. Article III, Section 13 (b) (3) states (excerpt below, emphasis mine):

If the vacancy occurs in a district which has boundaries comprising a portion or all of two or more counties, the Central Committee of each county involved shall have one vote for submitting the name of a resident of the district; and if there is a tie vote between or among the Central Committees, the list of names there proposed shall be submitted to the Governor, and he shall make the appointment from the list

Earlier this evening, the Charles County Democratic Central Committee joined their Prince George's counterparts in recommending Susie Proctor for the D27A vacancy by a vote of 14-1. Proctor faced competition from Charles County Orphans Court Judge Darlene Breck, and activist and former Commissioner-candidate Jim Easter.

MD'S UNIQUE PROCESS FOR FILLING STATE LEGISLATIVE VACANCIES - Maryland is one of 25 states that fill legislative vacancies through an appointment process, while the other 25 (including Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia) have special elections. While the Governor makes the formal appointment, the Maryland Constitution stipulates that the appointee must of be of the same political party as the person they succeed and carves out a role for the local Central Committee. Article III, Section 13 (a) (1) lays it out (excerpt below, emphasis mine):

In case of death, disqualification, resignation, refusal to act, expulsion, or removal from the county or city for which he shall have been elected, of any person who shall have been chosen as a Delegate or Senator, or in case of a tie between two or more such qualified persons, the Governor shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy from a person whose name shall be submitted to him in writing, within thirty days after the occurrence of the vacancy, by the Central Committee of the political party, if any, with which the Delegate or Senator, so vacating, had been affiliated, at the time of the last election or appointment of the vacating Senator or Delegate, in the County or District from which he or she was appointed or elected, provided that the appointee shall be of the same political party, if any, as was that of the Delegate or Senator, whose office is to be filled, at the time of the last election or appointment of the vacating Delegate or Senator, and it shall be the duty of the Governor to make said appointment within fifteen days after the submission thereof to him.

Carlo Sanchez

WHO IS CARLO SANCHEZ? - Carlo Sanchez's name was mentioned immediately following Del. Campos' resignation. He's a lifelong resident of House of Delegates District 47B, and is currently President of the Carole Highlands Civic Association. While the Prince George's Central Committee is his first elected position (he is the body's Secretary), Carlo has been active in local campaigns including managing Wanda Shelton Martin's unsuccessful bid for Delegate in the 47th in 2010. Carlo currently works as Public Safety Training Officer at Montgomery College.

Mr. Sanchez received the backing of Senator Ramirez and the 47th Delegation, and surprisingly no one else threw their hat in the ring. Other names that were floated include Dinora Hernandez who sits on the Price George's County Board of Education, and former Jolene Ivey-aide Wanika Fisher. Carlo's appointment would keep the number of Latino state legislators at 6. Maryland is home to more than 500,000 Hispanic residents. District 47B is the state's first Hispanic-majority district.

Susie Proctor

WHO IS SUSIE PROCTOR? - Susie Proctor is widely assumed to be the choice to complete her husband's term in the House of Delegates. The support of Senate President Mike Miller, who represents District 27, likely sealed the deal . Susie is a former educator, having worked for Prince George's County Public Schools for 30 years. She has not run for elected office before, but is the Vice Chairman of the Prince George's Community College Board of Trustees and Chair of the County Tax Assessment Appeal Board.

Widow/widower succession is not a new concept nationally or locally. Maryland examples includes former Congresswoman Beverly Byron, former Delegate Mary Conroy and former Montgomery County Councilmember Don Praisner.

SAMPLE BALLOT: MoCo Hispanic Democratic Endorsements // Club Urges Vote For Dream Act, Marriage Equality & Question B

Montgomery County's Hispanic Democratic Club is mailing the sample ballot below to all registered Hispanic Dems in the county. Notably, the group has chosen to endorse the incumbents in the school board races, but chose Fred Evans over Rebecca Smondrowski for the District 2 open seat. The Hispanic Dems also endorsed a "vote for" the Dream Act (Question 4) and marriage equality (Question 6). The group made no recommendation on gambling or redistricting but endorsed a "vote for" Question B, which would repeal police "effects bargaining" rights. See below:
MoCo Hispanic Democratic Club 2012 Sample Ballot

MD EVENTS: White House Hispanic Summit, Clinton Chief of Staff Podesta, Gov. O'Malley Concert & MoCo Dems on Dream Act

Below, Maryland Juice presents a round-up of noteworthy event invitations that have recently floated through our email inbox:


EVENT #1: WHITE HOUSE HISPANIC COMMUNITY ACTION SUMMIT ON JUNE 16 - Last night, I received an email invitation from The White House & MoCo Council Vice President Nancy Navarro for a "White House Hispanic Community Action Summit." The event is being held June 16th at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring. Details below:

On Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., please join us at the White House Hispanic Community Action Summit in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The summit will connect senior Obama Administration officials from diverse policy areas with community  leaders, business owners, and other stakeholders to discuss issues critical to the Hispanic community, Maryland, and the nation.

Event information 

Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: Montgomery Blair High School
51 University Boulevard East
Silver Spring, MD 20901

The focus of the Action Summit is to accomplish three key goals:

1.  Establish a space where community leaders can meaningfully engage and interact with key decision and policy makers in the Obama Administration on matters involving diverse policy areas that affect the Hispanic community;

2.  Identify policy and programmatic areas of concern, receive and respond to constructive criticism and feedback, and identify local success stories and practices in policy areas that benefit the Hispanic community and our nation;

3.  Identify and develop opportunities for Hispanic leaders and stakeholders to collaborate with the Obama administration and other leaders from across the country in addressing the interests and concerns of the Hispanic community.

[ REGISTER ONLINE ]

EVENT #2: TONIGHT - MOCO YOUNG DEMS & HISPANIC DEM CLUB JOINT DREAM ACT EVENT

May 24th membership meeting in the Downtown Silver Spring Civic Building’s Colesville Room from 7-8:30pm. See details here.

We have exciting announcements to share, plus a great program about the Maryland DREAM Act, co-sponsored by the Hispanic Democratic Club, with:

• Ana Sol Gutierrez, Maryland State Delegate (D-18)
• Hans Riemer, Montgomery County Councilmember
• Flavia Jimenez, National Immigration Forum, Naturalization and Workforce Integration Project Director
• Justice for Students in America
• Shola Ajayi, CASA de Maryland, Advocacy and Elections Specialist
• Travis Tazelaar, Educating Maryland's Kids, Campaign Coordinator

If you’re already committed to helping MCYD defend the MD Dream Act, let us know: www.mcyd.org/dreamact.

EVENT #3: TONIGHT - BILL CLINTON'S CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN PODESTA IN SILVER SPRING

Event: Conversation and Wine and Chocolate Reception with John Podesta
Date: Thursday, May 24
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Pyramid Atlantic, 8230 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD
Cost: Regular Cost $ 20 
         
John Podesta, former White House Chief of Staff and Chairman and Founder of the Center for American Progress, leads a discussion on The American Way To Change written by Shirley Sagawa, Montgomery County resident and “a founding mother” of the modern service movement in America.

Join Mr. Podesta, Ms. Sagawa and community leaders Jenny Brody (Founder and President of the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project), Bruce Adams (Director of County Executive Ike Leggett's Office of Community Partnerships) and Jose Dominguez (Executive Director of Pyramid Atlantic) as they invite you to discuss the integral roles volunteers play in leading and contributing to groundbreaking organizations that improve our livese and offer important services to people in need.

Space in limited, so please RSVP to: jdominguez@pyramid-atlantic.org

EVENT #4: GOV. O'MALLEY'S ROCK BAND PLAYS A MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

O'Malley's March - Performance Date: 05/28/2012, 7:00 pm

Monday, May 28 @ 7pm - $25

Artist's Website: www.omalleysmarch.com

Why They're Worth Watching: The region's favorite Celtic rockers are back for a rollicking evening of traditional and original tunes, seasonal classics, and general merriment. Martin and the boys are coming to Rams Head ready to forget about their day jobs with a show that'll be Irish down to the last drop!

Tickets Online

MD Redistricting: Sen. Rich Madaleno Describes Two Options for District 18 Redistricting // Public Hearing On Splitting D18

UPDATE: Maryland Juice incorrectly listed the hearing time. The event is tomorrow 12/22/11 @ 10 am. Also, I've included a link to the Redistricting Commission's proposed D18 map. The option preserves the three-member D18 district. You can see the map below, along with the alternate subdistrict proposal.

Maryland Juice received the following forwarded email from District 18 State Senator Rich Madaleno. He describes two options concerning Maryland's District 18 and notes that today tomorrow at 10:00 am in Annapolis, there is a public hearing to discuss the proposed changes. (Sorry for just posting this now, folks). One of the proposals is to split the current three-member Delegate district into two subdistricts, in order to create a majority Hispanic district. Sen. Madaleno's email is below, along with maps of the proposed D18 with and without subdistricts:

D18 w/o subdistricts (click to zoom)

As you may know, the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee has recommended a plan for new state legislative districts in advance of the 2014 state general election.  Due to substantial growth on the western side of the county, several legislative districts need to move westward to balance the county's eight state districts.  As a result, this proposed plan makes several changes to District 18, four precincts on the east side of the district (13-14, 13-19, 13-42, and 13-66) are moved to District 20.  We pick up two precincts on our west side, one each from Districts 16 and 17 (4-04 and 4-08).  These precincts include the town of Garrett Park and the neighborhoods around the Grosvenor Metro Station and White Flint.  A map of the proposed district is attached.

The committee also reported to the governor that they studied an alternative to District 18 that would divide our district into two subdistricts for the House of Delegates.  Under this plan, Subdistrict 18A would be the southern two-thirds of the district and contain most of Kensington, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Garrett Park and Randolph Hills.  18A would be represented by two delegates and be 68% white.  All three current delegates live in 18A.  Subdistrict 18B would be the remaining parts of the district around Wheaton north of University Blvd and include three new precincts around Aspen Hill currently in District 19.  These three precincts are not in the recommended proposal described above.  To balance the population of this plan, we would lose the same four precincts to District 20 plus most of 13-44 to District 19.  Subdistrict 18B would be represented by one delegate and would be a majority Hispanic district.  A map for this proposal is also attached.  The senator for our district would continue to be elected "at-large" across both subdistricts. 

President Obama Appoints Shakira & Montgomery Councilmember Nancy Navarro to Hispanic Education Commission

Navarro (left) w/ Justice Sotomayor

UPDATE: The Washington Post's new MoCo reporter, Victor Zapana, follows up with a brief interview with Navarro.

The AFP wire service had a cool story today noting that President Obama has selected four people to serve on his advisory commission for Hispanic education:

Shakira was among four people named to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, along with Nancy Navarro, a Maryland politician, Adrian Pedroza, an immigration and education campaigner and educational expert Kent Scribner.

"I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country,'" Obama said. "'I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead...."

TONIGHT: Homeland Security Hosts DC Area Hearings on Deportation Program - Will MD Officials Speak Out?

UPDATE: Washington Post coverage of the DHS hearings:  "Maria Bolanos told [ICE]... that she was arrested after calling police in Maryland during a fight with her partner.... Now she’s facing deportation because her fingerprints were shared with immigration authorities and she was identified as an illegal immigrant as part of the Secure Communities program....  200 people walked out of the meeting, chanting “end it, don’t amend it.” 

Earlier this week, my friends at the Bill of Rights Defense Committee alerted me to tonight's DC-area Department of Homeland Security public hearing. DHS is gathering input on their controversial "Secure Communities" deportation program (see email alert below). We discuss what the fuss is all about in greater depth below, but first a little bit of political background on the issue.

At issue is DHS's program asking local law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of people they detain. People flagged as present without documentation could be instantly whisked away by immigration officials (note: currently deportation occurs whether or not they are guilty of the crime in question -- they may even be the crime victim!)

Democratic Governors in Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts have ensured their states refused to participate in "Secure Communities." Will Maryland officials follow?