JUICE: $8.25/Hour MD Minimum Wage Hike, EMILY's List for Mizeur, Raskin for Treasury, Katz for Council, Made in MoCo TV

Below Maryland Juice provides a few updates on news items of interest to politicos:

JUICE #1: EMILY'S LIST ENDORSES HEATHER MIZEUR - EMILY's List ("Early Money Is Like Yeast"), a national organization that backs women for public office, is getting behind Delegate Heather Mizeur in Maryland's gubernatorial race. The Huffington Post post reported on the development (excerpt below):

HUFFINGTON POST: EMILY's List, an increasingly powerful group that helps get progressive women elected to office, will announce on Friday that it is supporting Heather Mizeur in the race for Maryland governor. If elected, Mizeur would be the first female governor of Maryland and the first openly gay person elected governor in U.S. history.

"Heather Mizeur is a progressive powerhouse who will fight for the rights of Maryland's women and working families from day one,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “The EMILY’s List community—now three million members strong—is excited about this glass-ceiling breaker....”

While Mizeur faces a tough Democratic primary against two establishment opponents, the support of EMILY's List could make a big difference in her prospects. Since its founding in 1985, the group has raised over $350 million to help elect pro-choice female candidates across the country. EMILY's List has supported the campaigns of every single Democratic woman of color currently serving in Congress, and during the 2011-2012 cycle, it helped elect an historic number of female candidates, including 19 new women to the House of Representatives, nine senators, and 186 state and local officials....

JUICE #2: DETAILS ABOUT A POSSIBLE $8.25 MINIMUM WAGE HIKE IN MARYLAND & MORE RUMORS THAT ANNAPOLIS MAY VETO COUNTY WAGE HIKES - Two articles were released this week providing speculation about the details of a possible minimum wage hike in the 2014 legislative session. The Baltimore Sun reported on a possible $8.25/hour indexed wage hike (excerpt below):

BALTIMORE SUN: Legislative leaders said Friday raising Maryland's minimum wage could involve boosting the rate statewide and letting prosperous counties increase it even further.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael E. Busch told county officials gathered for a conference on the Eastern Shore they expected the legislature to consider raising the minimum wage. But, they said, it did not make sense for every jurisdiction to match rates set by counties where the cost of living is higher....

Officials in Montgomery and Prince George's counties recently voted to gradually hike the wage in their own jurisdictions from $7.25 per hour to $11.50.... In an interview about minimum wage, Miller suggested a state-wide floor of $8.25 per hour, and that jurisidictions could raise it higher.  And he suggested a possible constitutional amendment that would tie Maryland's minimum wage to inflation. The veteran lawmaker said, "we're going to get a lot of push-back on this...."

Meanwhile, The Gazette followed-up on rumors of a potential effort in Annapolis to preempt the local minimum wage hikes recently passed in Montgomery & Prince George's counties (excerpt below):

GAZETTE: Despite denials from Annapolis, union leaders claim a move to override Montgomery County’s recent minimum wage increase is brewing in the General Assembly.

Joslyn Williams, president of the Metropolitan Washington Council of the AFL-CIO, said Thursday the union council has it from a reliable source that business-friendly lawmakers are preparing a “compromise” to raising the statewide minimum wage. The compromise would revoke the higher wages passed recently in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in exchange for a higher statewide wage.

Williams would not name who informed the union, saying the individual feared retaliation..... As for the lawmakers allegedly behind the effort, Williams said, “we are trying to track them down.” However, he added that the source warned to focus on “the leadership” and make sure the compromise does not get traction at the leadership level....

Asked for a comment, Miller (D-Dist. 27) of Chesapeake Beach expressed respect for Montgomery County’s right to set its own wage level. All eight county senators denied knowledge of such a warning....

Gino Renne, first vice president of the AFL-CIO Metropolitan Washington Council, said the session will flush out those behind the alleged compromise....

Notably, Maryland Juice is aware of a memo being prepared by the Attorney General's office researching the legality of county minimum wage laws, and whether they are allowed by county charter powers in Maryland. But who requested this memo? Hmm....


JUICE #3: US SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES SARAH BLOOM RASKIN FOR #2 SPOT AT DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - Maryland Juice previously reported that Sarah Bloom Raskin of Montgomery County was nominated by President Obama to serve as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury (the #2 spot at the agency). Politico Pro reported today that her appointment was approved by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and must now be approved by the full Senate (excerpt below):

POLITICO PRO: The Senate Finance Committee today approved out of committee three executive branch nominees, including a new commissioner for the embattled Internal Revenue Service and a deputy Treasury secretary....

Sarah Bloom Raskin also received only one audible no vote to be a deputy secretary of the Treasury. Raskin, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the highest ranking woman in the Treasury Department....

All three candidates must now be approved by the Senate, which is in turmoil after Democrats changed the chamber’s rules to make it much harder for Republicans to block nominees. In retaliation, Republicans are now running the clock on all nominees demanding full debate time for each prompting two back-to-back all-nighters.

Note: Sarah Bloom Raskin is married to State Senator Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County.


JUICE #4: GAITHERSBURG MAYOR SIDNEY KATZ TO ENTER RACE FOR MOCO COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 - We previously reported that Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz was weighing a run for the MoCo Council District currently held by Phil Andrews, who is now running for County Executive. This week two Maryland Juice sources indicated that Katz has decided to enter the race. See one report below:

ANONYMOUS SOURCE: At tonight's meting of the Democratic Club of Leisure World we had about 20 candidates visit and speak for a couple of minutes each. When Nancy Floreen was speaking, she said she was at a meeting earlier today with Sidney Katz, Mayor of Gaithersburg, and he told her he was definitely running for the MoCo Council district 3 seat being vacated by Phil Andrews. Since this was said in front of more than 100 people, it's public information....

JUICE #5: MOCO LAUNCHES NEW TV SHOW "MADE IN MONTGOMERY" - Montgomery County launched a new tv show this week called "Made in Montgomery." The first episode (which you can watch below) highlights Marriott corporation, which is headquartered in MoCo:



We hope this new show decides NOT to highlight MoCo-based Lockheed Martin, because if they did, the episode would have to focus on arms dealing, surveillance equipment and other unsavory things "Made in MoCo."  :)

JUICE: MCDCC Truce with Labor, Del. Sheila Hixson Kills Retirement Rumor, Brown Denies Snubbing MoCo Advocate

Below Maryland Juice provides a round-up of news tidbits that may be of interest to politicos:

JUICE #1: MOCO DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE & LABOR ACTIVISTS FORMING COMBINED SLATE FOR 2014 MCDCC ELECTIONS - Last May MoCo Democratic politicos ended up in a divisive debate over the MoCo police union's displeasure with "Question B," an effort to end "effects bargaining rights" for county law enforcement workers. Maryland Juice predicted we hadn't heard the last of that story, and this week Bethesda Magazine's Lou Peck provided some follow-up. In the article below, Peck describes a new "unity" effort between members of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) and labor activists. It appears that MoCo Young Dems, MCDCC members, and labor activists are attempting to form a slate of MCDCC candidates for the June 2014 Democratic Primary (excerpt below):

BETHESDA MAGAZINE: The quadrennial election for Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) doesn’t usually attract much attention from Primary Day voters....  But the MCDCC found itself in an unwanted spotlight last May, when labor groups organized a boycott of the committee’s “Spring Ball” that kept a number of state and local Democratic officeholders away....

Now, with the filing deadline for committee slots just 10 weeks away, a peace initiative of sorts is underway involving MCDCC Chairman Gabriel Albornoz and representatives of several of the county’s leading labor groups.

Taking advantage of a larger than average turnover in the central committee next year –  due to retirements and several members seeking public office -- the apparent goal is to produce a unity slate of MCDCC candidates who are palatable to local labor groups, while representing something of a youth movement for the local party....

Albornoz is forming a screening panel—consisting of outgoing MCDCC members, along with a few party veterans—to interview applicants for the central committee, with an eye to producing a slate of candidates by mid-January. Two-thirds of the committee’s 24 seats are divided among the county’s eight state legislative district; the remaining members are chosen at-large.

Playing a major role in the effort is Dave Kunes, president of the Montgomery County Young Democrats, who is himself planning to seek a seat on the MCDCC and has recruited as many as 10 colleagues in the Young Democrats to apply during the slating process....

JUICE #2: DELEGATE SHEILA HIXSON STAMPS DOWN RUMORS OF A RETIREMENT - Though Maryland Juice was unaware of this, apparently there have been recent rumors of a possible retirement from Delegate Sheila Hixson. But Hixson's campaign aide Michael Vaughan reached out to Maryland Juice to stamp out the unfounded rumors with the following statement for publication:

MICHAEL VAUGHAN: I have heard a couple of rumors in the last few days, no doubt created by the usual mischief makers, that Delegate Sheila Hixson is retiring.  Sorry, not true.

I assure you and whoever reads this, that Sheila Hixson is running a vigorous campaign for re election in District 20 in 2014. We are well advanced in our planning for the campaign and have already begun making contact with the new precincts in D 20 who may not be familiar with the impressive record of Delegate Hixson and her powerful position in Annapolis.

As you know, Sheila and Senator Jamie Raskin have created a formidable legislative team, representing Montgomery County and the progressive values of District 20 reinforced by Sheila's position as Chair of House Ways and Means committee. 

Sheila and Jamie announced that they were running together after they led a walk across District 20 concluding with a well attended BBQ  at the Takoma Park VFW on October 26th.  I know the political waters in District 20 are swirling at the moment and you have a personal interest in the race but I know definitely that Jamie and Sheila are running and will continue to represent the progressive values of District 20.

I cannot speak for Delegate Tom Hucker but as far as I know he is running for re election for District 20. Tom is more than capable of handling rumors about his future plans.

We will continue to keep you informed as we ramp up our campaign. If anyone wants to know the status of our campaign please call and ask!  As you can know, I talk to Sheila all the time and I will be happy to inform you of the facts.

JUICE #3: MOCO ADVOCATE DISMAYED BY ANTHONY BROWN EVENT CANCELLATION // BROWN SAYS HE'S ATTENDING - A Maryland Juice source forwarded us the following email from Barbara Henry, the head of Committee for Montgomery, "a coalition of leaders representing a broad cross-section of Montgomery County business, labor, education, civic and community-based organizations. Our mission is to advocate in Annapolis on issues of importance to Montgomery County and the State. Through our membership, CfM represents more than 250,000 Montgomery County residents."

Committee for Montgomery is holding their annual breakfast this Monday, but today noted that Lt. Governor Anthony Brown has pulled out of attending at the last minute. As a result, the organization's head sent the following email message to Montgomery County's Councilmembers, Senators and Delegates:

BARBARA HENRY: We were informed, yesterday evening, that Lt. Governor Brown would not be participating in Committee for Montgomery’s breakfast on Monday.

As you can imagine, we were quite surprised to hear this at the 11th hour, particularly because we have an email commitment from his staff dated November 19th.

What this says about the Lt. Governor’s relationship with and commitment to Montgomery County I will leave to you to decide.

Since November 19th, we have been promoting his (and the other 4 candidates’) participation in the event.  As a result, will have to explain to the 750 attendees (most of whom, as you know, are at the political heart of Montgomery County) and the reporters from the Washington Post, Center Maryland, WAMU, and WJLA the circumstances surrounding Mr. Brown’s withdrawal.

If any of you have any influence whatsoever with Mr. Brown and his campaign, we would appreciate any influence you might bring to bear regarding a reconsideration of this decision.

The strangest part of this story, is that The Washington Post reported today that Brown does plan on attending the Committee for Montgomery breakfast (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Sparks are already starting to fly in advance of a Maryland gubernatorial forum scheduled for Monday — over who plans to attend....

A widely distributed e-mail on Thursday, however, suggested that Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D) had just backed out — and that organizers weren’t happy....

Brown will, in fact, be at the breakfast, his campaign manager Justin Schall said in an interview shortly after Henry’s e-mail was sent. “We are planning to attend,” Schall said. “We’ve always been planning to attend. I’m not sure what she’s talking about.”

JON CARDIN INTERVIEW PART 3: Attorney General Candidate Talks About Marriage Equality, Lockheed Martin, Taxes & More

This is part 3 of 3 of Maryland Juice writer Dan Furmansky's exclusive interview with Delegate Jon Cardin (a candidate for Attorney General).

ARTICLE 3 OF 3: JON CARDIN ON THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY FIGHT, WELFARE FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN, AND CORPORATE INFLUENCE


SECTION 1: JON CARDIN ON THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY FIGHT
DAN FURMANSKY: On your website you call yourself a strong advocate of marriage equality and other LGBTQ rights, including transgender equality. You know I was the executive director of Equality Maryland from 2003-2008 and I lobbied in 2009 for them, so obviously I have an unique vantage point of who I see as a strong early supporter, and I probably wouldn’t place you in that category. I mean, I would not place you in that category.

JON CARDIN: Because I didn’t cosponsor the bill?

DAN FURMANSKY: You didn’t cosponsor the marriage equality bill in 2008, 2009, 2010 or 2011 and you didn’t speak up publicly for the legislation either, and I do recall instances where you were on the radio talking about civil unions long after the marriage equality train had left the station.

And I don’t believe you cosponsored the legislation to ban discrimination transgender Marylanders. That doesn’t negate the fact that you voted the right way on these issues, and quietly committed your vote early on to your colleagues. But you weren’t out there and in front. So given that you’ve taken a backseat on issues like LGBT rights, where the current AG was very bold with his opinion about out-of-state marriages, why would Marylanders who deeply care about these issues trust you to fight for them in the future?

JON CARDIN: Okay, I would respectfully disagree. I would only say that I came out publicly, uh, in support of the legislation every year that it came up. I believed that the legislation, it could have been done better and I, in fact, what you didn’t hear but I was saying is that I believe that all marriages ought to be civil unions. And I still believe that we should not have religion be involved in marriage, period.

DAN FURMANSKY: We don’t really. All we do is allow for clergy to sign to marriage licenses and act as agents of the state in this regard. We certainly should allow anyone to sign a marriage license and act as an agent of the state.

JON CARDIN: Okay, fine. Let anybody, or let only agents of the state do it that are really agents of the state—judges, clerks of the court, captains of ships, whatever it is. That’s my own personal belief and look, if I’m going to tell you, that’s the way I think it ought to be. I think that solves everybody’s problems and it upsets all groups basically…it upsets all groups equally. That’s my own…

DAN FURMANSKY: …I don’t agree…if we didn’t have a system whereby civil marriage is the terminology in the case law, in how family courts dealt with it…

JON CARDIN: The year before, when I was on the Marc Steiner show, before he left WYPR, along with the two, the couple, the female couple…

DAN FURMANSKY: …Lisa Polyak and Gita Deane…

JON CARDIN: Yes. I was on there with them and they pushed me on this. I made it clear that…was my philosophy. It wasn’t that I was saying we should just have a civil unions bill. Of course, I would have supported whatever wound up coming out. It wasn’t in my committee so I didn’t have a chance to necessarily be an author and doing amendments. It wasn’t an area in which I had enough street credit to be able go out and start amending the bill. Now, the year it didn’t pass, the year when Jill Carter walked out on it, you hopefully would recall that I stood on the floor, after I talked to my constituents, my very emotional constituents, who demonized me, by the way, demonized me for not being a cosponsor, told me that they would do everything they could in their efforts to make sure that I would not get re-elected simply because I didn’t cosponsor it. I found that to be so incredibly insulting as someone who made it clear that I was a supporter of the legislation, just because I didn’t cosponsor it.

When I say co-sponsorship is meaningless, it is really meaningless in the broader scheme of legislation. There are bills that have one sponsor and they get passed. And then there are bills that get 85 sponsors and they don’t even see the light of day in committee.

DAN FURMANSKY: Sure. But co-sponsorships can be a barometer for the general public about how much support there is behind a piece of legislation.

JON CARDIN: I’m not disagreeing with you that there is an opportunity there but the fact is that as an organization of advocates, there needs to be more sophistication because you don’t want to alienate your proponents, your supporters. I made it clear that I was going to be a supporter, even if I didn’t agree with 100% of it. This happens not just with this bill but with any bill, it happens within the environmental community. There’s lots of bills where I get upset because I want to know the specific details, the specifics, and there are lots of bills that I don’t agree with but I want to support the concept and I’m going to sometimes have to close my nose or close my eyes and just vote…but I came out and I publicly supported the bill on the floor, not knowing that they didn’t have the votes. I didn’t realize at that moment when I got up there and I supported it that they didn’t have the votes. And they didn’t. And I was floored when it was withdrawn.

DAN FURMANSKY: You mean that we didn’t have the votes?

JON CARDIN: Yeah, we, they being the Whip and the Speaker. When I say “they,” I mean the Whip and the Speaker. So I was floored when that happened. I was amazed that I was still being demonized. But I supported it. And then the next year, the law, you being the advocates who came around, lost a dozen cosponsors, but you got two: me and the Speaker. And it passed that year, with a loss of a dozen cosponsors. Now, I think that’s a very telling story. And have always been, I mean, look at my voting record. You can call me out on the DREAM Act if you want to, that’s fine. But in terms of equal protection of the LGBTQ community, I would say I am as…

DAN FURMANSKY: Your record is solid, no doubt about that. I was just calling out your characterization of being a strong and early supporter.

JON CARDIN: Hmm, I mean…I could go into my own, constituency, where they come from and all of that. The fact is, that’s what I believe and I’m happy to stick by my record.

SECTION 2: JON CARDIN ON CORPORATE TAX CUTS & THE MINIMUM WAGE

DAN FURMANSKY: Many forces in the General Assembly support tying the lowering of the corporate tax rate to a raise in the minimum wage, despite the fact that an overwhelming number of Marylanders already support the long-overdue minimum wage increase. And I guess according to Gonzales polling I saw this morning, an overwhelming number of Democratic Party voters are opposed to the lowering of the corporate tax rate as well. What’s your take on this?

JON CARDIN: I think that this is probably one of the more contentious issues that’s going to be, if there’s any, this year, an election year, this is one of them. We all want to see people be able to afford to live in our communities working…on…low wages. And so we want to make sure that’s available. We also want to make sure that companies can survive so that we have an employment base here in the state, so you know, it’s going to be a good solid debate and I’m looking forward to figuring out how we can bring those two together.

DAN FURMANSKY: So, are you inclined to support the lowering the corporate tax rate?

JON CARDIN: I’m inclined to…see movement. Whether it be on one or the other, and if it means bringing them together...philosophically I don’t have a problem with that.

DAN FURMANSKY: I had a conversation with your colleague, Delegate Ariana Kelly, who has been a big proponent of paid parental leave, which every other country in the world has. I don’t even know if we have one state that has mandated this. And I said to her: don’t you wish we were tying a lowering of the corporate tax rate to something truly controversial that needs movement such as paid parental leave, as opposed to the minimum wage increase?

JON CARDIN: Uh, I could see that. I mean, I’m not sure how much traction a paid parental leave bill is going to have, but…

DAN FURMANSKY: Fair enough. It just seems like the minimum wage increase should be a foregone conclusion and shouldn’t be the stepsister or stepbrother of the corporate tax rate.

JON CARDIN: Yeah. Well look, the other thing, I know that progressives think that we all, we, and me, as a progressive, we know we’re right. But we also have to get things done. And how do you do that? We live in a democracy. In a democracy we have to get…seventy-one votes in order to pass a bill. How do we make sure that happens? So…you don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

SECTION 3: JON CARDIN ON CORPORATE WELFARE FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN

DAN FURMANSKY: You were the only candidate for Attorney General who supported a bill this year that provided tax break for Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s most profitable companies. In a year when we saw the gas tax raised on Marylanders, how do you justify giving away Montgomery County tax dollars against the wishes of the Montgomery County Council?

JON CARDIN: In my opinion, that is an issue of fairness. And if we’re interested in taxing Lockheed Martin, which provides over a $100 million to the state of Maryland in fees and taxes, then let’s tax them. But don’t use a law that…a policy that has been created that is not appropriate to that particular company. That’s my… there needs to be transparency on that. Let’s be perfectly honest. They are taxing them as a hotel, and the facility that is being taxed as a hotel isn’t a hotel. And that to me is disingenuous. And, there needs to be, just…look, if they need the half million dollars they are getting from them, then tax them. Put it in a bill that taxes them. But don’t try and suggest that it is something that it is not because you can’t get that bill passed.

DAN FURMANSKY: Lockheed Martin was aware of the tax when they built the facility and from what I understand they have housed people beyond just Lockheed employees. They house contractors there, vendors there, other people they welcome. And there have been occasions where they have required individuals to stay at that facility and not allowed them to stay at other hotels in Montgomery County, which of course all have to apply the lodging tax.

JON CARDIN: I have no comment on that because I have not heard any of that.

SECTION 4: JON CARDIN ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM & REDISTRICTING

DAN FURMANSKY: Ok…let’s move on and talk about good government bills. Good stuff, right? So we had a big year for campaign finance reform in Maryland and you’ve been a strong proponent of this for several years, including for public financing of legislative races. Thumbs up! What do you believe are the next steps for expanding transparency – particularly by special interests such as corporations and independent expenditures?

JON CARDIN: Well, let’s pass the public funding bill. That’s a great way to do it. We’ve just passed some amazing piece of legislation out of the campaign finance commission, to increase transparency on independent expenditures, as well as on special interest contributions, requiring addition reporting dates, and lowering the threshold of the reporting in terms of the amounts of money. I think those are really good changes and I would like to continue to see that. Everybody has… the First Amendment right to make contributions, but it’s just that we also have a right to have complete and total transparency. And that’s where I think we ought to go. And I think that once we have a public funding system that is functioning and working, you’re going to see people having to really justify why they’re using significant dollars from very small numbers of special interests.

DAN FURMANSKY: You voted to support the congressional redistricting map that some say was an exercise in political gerrymandering that spliced and diced communities and diluted minority neighborhoods. The map was upheld as constitutional by the federal courts and upheld by a majority of voters, some who cast their ballots as a badge of allegiance to the Democratic Party. All of that aside, do you believe we need a new process for redistricting in Maryland and, if so, what would that look like and how would we get there?

JON CARDIN: As chairman of the Election Law Committee, I am very open to looking at new ways of doing redistricting. There [are] obviously other practices out there across the country. As an unapologetic Democrat, I will say that I use caution when I think about these things because Maryland is one of two states where…there is a partisan nature to it and it is owned by the Democrats, which have the majority. And the other…15 states that do this are all Republican and then the rest of them are nonpartisan. So there are nonpartisan ways of doing it, there is setting up commissions that makes the recommendations…and I’m totally up for doing that.

The question is… gerrymandering is…has its good aspects and its bad aspects. But the fact is while we want to make things simpler and more representative, we also want to make sure that minorities are adequately represented, that communities are not somehow disenfranchised by being cut through…an artificial boundary that is done for political purposes. And so…I think there has got to be a balance that is struck.

SECTION 5: JON CARDIN ON 2014 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

DAN FURMANSKY: Any particular legislation that you are working on for in 2014 that you’re excited about and you think it has a chance of passing?

JON CARDIN: We have our, um, revenge porn legislation. We call it cyber sexual assault but you and the rest of the press will call it revenge porn.

DAN FURMANSKY: I didn’t….

JON CARDIN: Again, maybe not you but the rest…

DAN FURMANSKY: I will call it what you call it.

JON CARDIN: Cyber sexual assault, which would criminalize putting up pornographic images of another person without their consent. Simply put, it is…it is criminal to jeopardize somebody’s reputation, their job prospects, their family relationships and their psychological and emotional stability, simply because you click the mouse and put their picture up on a public website.

Number two: trying to…a bill that is geared towards reducing sexual assault on college campuses.

Campaign finance reform, obviously, with public funding of campaigns.

There is a gaping loophole in the gun legislation, which, as you know, there is a seven-day waiting period, and if you don’t have…if the background check is not done within seven days, a seller is allowed to give a purchaser the gun without having the background check completed, which I cannot believe, fathom, that that loophole is in there, but it’s permitting these guns to be put out. I think there has been examples of more than thirty individuals who have gotten guns that have been prohibited because of a background check reveal that they were not eligible for a certain reason having to do with their criminal records. And we’re going try to close that loophole.

The last thing is, I want to dedicate, I did put it in last year and I’ll put it in again. I want to dedicate 100% of the revenue of ammunition and firearms sales to screenings for the disabled and for the mentally impaired.

[Andy Carton, Cardin’s campaign manager: Sexual orientation conversion therapy].

JON CARDIN: Oh yeah, another one that we drafted, I don’t know if we pre-filed it, but I think we’re going to pre-file it, is to criminalize the use of sexual orientation diversion programs…otherwise known as...

…What do they call it? [asking Andy Carton]

[Carton: Gay therapy…]

Gay therapy…anti-gay therapy.

DAN FURMANSKY: Otherwise known as reparative therapy.

JON CARDIN: Reparative therapy…which I wanted to put in last year and I spoke to the Equality Maryland leadership and they did not want us…they did not want to focus on that issue last year.

DAN FURMANSKY: Are they now more enthusiastic about its prospects and putting support behind it?

JON CARDIN: They are much more enthusiastic.

DAN FURMANSKY: Is this your dream job—Attorney General of Maryland?

JON CARDIN: Yeah. I think that given my background, my legal background and legislative accomplishments, this is exactly where I can realize my potential. And I think that Marylanders want somebody who is both progressive and pragmatic, so I’d love to be that guy.

DAN FURMANSKY: Anything else you want to say to Maryland Juice readers?

JON CARDIN: My daughter is nearly two… Have you heard me tell this…?

DAN FURMANSKY: I have not.

JON CARDIN: My daughter is nearly two and…before she learned how to walk, she was already playing music on my wife’s iPhone and has maintained a complete relationship with her grandparents over Skype. So this is a new world that…our kids are wired to and they are wired to it, and growing up in it. And whether its cyber bullying, cyber security, online privacy, uh, environmental protection, getting trash out of the Bay: this is the next frontier that we’re going to have to contend with. As Attorney General, I think I can deal with the next generation issues, and focus on the old, persistent problems that you brought up…the agricultural certainty and point source and non point source pollution.

DAN FURMANSKY: Great. Thank you, thank you for the time!

JUICE: Gansler's MoCo Endorsers (& Misfire), Gaithersburg Mayor Sid Katz for Council, Caretaker to Replace Valerie Ervin

Below Maryland Juice provides a quick round-up of news items that may interest politicos:

JUICE #1: MOCO COUNCIL PRESIDENT SAYS BODY WILL APPOINT A CARETAKER TO REPLACE VALERIE ERVIN - Yesterday we speculated that Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin's seat would be filled by a caretaker appointee who would agree not to run in the 2014 election cycle. At Large Councilmember George Leventhal disagreed with the decision on Facebook:

Nevertheless, today, MoCo Council President Craig Rice confirmed the new consensus decision in the following press release:

PRESS RELEASE

Statement of Montgomery County Council President Craig Rice on Process to Fill District 5 Vacancy
Councilmember Valerie Ervin announced on Dec. 10 that she will resign from the Council on Jan. 3, 2014 to become executive director of the Center for Working Families.  We wish her the best in this new position.

Under Section 106 of the County Charter (shown below), the Council intends to appoint a new Councilmember for District 5 by Jan. 31, 2014 to complete Councilmember Ervin’s unexpired term, which ends on Dec. 1, 2014.  The Council intends to select a person who has shown a clear understanding of the issues that are important to residents of District 5.  To assure a level playing field for all persons interested in seeking election to the next full term from District 5, the Council intends to appoint a person who does not intend to run for election to that term.

Excerpt from Section 106 of the County Charter regarding a vacancy on the Council in the final year of a term:

When a vacancy has occurred, a majority of the remaining members of the Council shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy within thirty days. An appointee to fill a vacancy, when succeeding a party member, shall be a member of the same political party as the person elected to such office at the time of election.

# # # #

JUICE #2: GAITHERSBURG MAYOR SIDNEY KATZ WEIGHING RUN FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL - Yesterday, Montgomery County Community Media reported that Gaithersburg Mayor Sid Katz is weighing a run for the District 3 County Council seat being vacated by Phil Andrews (excerpt below):

MOCO COMMUNITY MEDIA: Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz has confirmed he is considering a run for Montgomery County Council. In a telephone conversation today (Dec. 10), Katz said he will make his decision about running for the District 3 seat shortly after the holidays.

Montgomery County Councilmember Phil Andrews currently holds the seat but has previously announced that he is running for county executive in 2014, and would not seek reelection to his Council seat....

Although he has not officially filed, Gaithersburg City Councilmember Ryan Spiegel, an attorney, said earlier this month he plans to seek the District 3 seat....

JUICE #3: DOUG GANSLER ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS FROM MOCO OFFICIALS // PLUS: 2 ENDORSERS REMOVED FROM GANSLER'S LIST - Yesterday, Attorney General Doug Gansler announced a list of over 40 MoCo endorsers for his gubernatorial campaign (see below). Two of the officials on the list were listed in a transcription error (Sen. Roger Manno & Del. Jeff Waldstreicher), however one of them quickly released an email blast clarifying that he had in fact endorsed Anthony Brown. The initial press release from Gansler is below:

PRESS RELEASE

Gansler Announces Endorsements From Over Forty Montgomery County Officials

Silver Spring, MARYLAND – Today, candidate for Governor Douglas Gansler and his running mate Jolene Ivey, announced the endorsements of over forty current and former Montgomery County elected officials, including, among others, state senators and delegates, the "Courthouse Team," and the current sheriff and former sheriff.

"I am pleased to have the support of so many Montgomery County elected officials, present and past.  Ours is a relationship forged over many years and I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together for the people of Maryland; but there is still more to do with respect to education, transportation and job creation. As Governor, I will continue working with the leaders of the county to best serve the people, because, in the end, it is the people's endorsement and only their endorsement that truly matters," said Gansler.

Montgomery County Endorsements (as of 12/9/13)

Former Congressman Michael Barnes

State Senator Brian J. Feldman (Dist. 15)
State Senator Jennie M. Forehand (Dist. 17)
State Senator Richard S. Madaleno, Jr. (Dist. 18)
State Senator Roger Manno (Dist. 19)
State Senator Karen S. Montgomery (Dist. 14)
Former State Senator Sharon M. Grosfeld (Dist. 18)
Former State Senator Laurence Levitan (Dist. 15)
Former State Senator Leonard H. Teitelbaum (Dist. 19)

State Delegate Sam Arora (Dist. 19)
State Delegate Charles E. Barkley (Dist. 39)
State Delegate Alfred C. Carr, Jr. (Dist. 18)
State Delegate Kathleen Dumais (Dist. 15)
State Delegate David Fraser-Hildalgo (Dist. 15)
State Delegate James W. Gilchrist (Dist. 17)
State Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez (Dist. 18)
State Delegate Ariana B. Kelly (Dist. 16)
State Delegate Susan C. Lee (Dist. 16)
State Delegate Aruna Miller (Dist. 15)
State Delegate Luiz R.S. Simmons (Dist. 17)
State Delegate Jeffrey D Waldstreicher (Dist. 26)
State Delegate Craig J. Zucker (Dist. 14)
Former State Delegate Saqib Ali (Dist. 39)
Former State Delegate Leon G. Billings (Dist. 18)
Former State Delegate Marilyn R. Goldwater (Dist. 16)
Former State Delegate Henry B. Heller (Dist. 19)
Former State Delegate Adrienne A. Mandel (Dist. 19)
Former State Delegate Carol S. Petzold (Dist. 19)
Former State Delegate Tod D. Sher (Dist 14A)

State’s Attorney John J. McCarthy
Sheriff Darren M. Popkin
Clerk of the Court Loretta E. Knight
Register of Wills Joseph M. Griffin
Former Sheriff Ray Kight
Former Clerk of the Court Molly Ruhl

Former Montgomery County Councilmember Bill Sher

Board of Education Member Patricia O’Neill (District 3)
Board of Education Member Rebecca Smondrowski (District 2)

Former Mayor of Rockville Rose Krasnow
Former Mayor of Rockville Steve Van Grack

Former MCDCC Chair Jay Bernstein
Former MCDCC Chair Stanton Gildenhorn
Former MCDCC Chair Michael Gildea

Note: Current county council, municipal, and central committee endorsements to be released at a separate occasion.

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The Washington Post's John Wagner caught the errors in Gansler's list (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Hours after the initial list was released, two names were removed: Del. Jeffrey D. Waldstreicher and Sen. Roger Manno. In an interview, Waldstreicher said his name was “erroneously listed.” “I have not endorsed Doug Gansler for governor,” Waldstreicher said. “In fact, I’m endorsing Anthony Brown.”

Manno did not immediately return a call seeking comment. A Gansler aide conceded that Manno’s inclusion was a mistake as well....

Several hours after Gansler's erroneous press release went out, Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher sent out the following email alert announcing an endorsement of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown:

JEFF WALDSTREICHER: Dear Juice, Today I made an important decision.  I'm proud to endorse Anthony Brown for Governor of our great state.  Anthony represents the same brand of progressive politics that I do, including strong support for public education and decisive leadership for economic justice.  Make no mistake, I know and respect Anthony's competitors, and count them among my friends.  I believe that when it comes to both Montgomery County and the State of Maryland, Anthony is the best choice.  Please see my official announcement below.

Yours,

Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher

PRESS RELEASE

Del. Jeff Waldstreicher Endorses Anthony Brown for Governor

Del. Waldstreicher: Brown’s leadership in education, economic justice make him best choice for Montgomery County
SILVER SPRING, MD. – Today, Del. Jeff Waldstreicher endorsed Anthony Brown for Governor and Ken Ulman for Lt. Governor, citing Brown’s strong commitment to public education and bold support for economic justice as key to his decision. Earlier in the day, another candidate for Governor issued a release erroneously claiming Waldstreicher’s backing in his bid for Governor.

“Supporting Anthony Brown for Governor was the right decision, as his fierce leadership in public education and decisive commitment to increasing the minimum wage makes him the best choice for Montgomery County,” said Del. Jeff Waldstreicher. “Anthony has worked hard to ensure Maryland’s schools have remained the best in the country for five years running, and his commitment to economic justice is key to the vitality of our county. I look forward to joining with so many other Montgomery County leaders in working to elect Anthony and Ken Ulman over the next year.”

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I'll be working hard to elect Anthony Brown.  Want to support Anthony, too?  Click the logo below to learn more, contribute, or volunteer on Anthony's campaign.

MoCo Councilmember Valerie Ervin Resigning to Run Center for Working Families // Who'll Run for D5 Council & What Next?

PUTTING AN END TO THE RUMORS: In the last few weeks, Maryland Juice has heard numerous rumors about Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin. In one story she found an Italian lover and was moving out of the United States. In another version, Ervin was planning on taking a job with SEIU. And in yet another round of speculation about Councilmember Ervin, she had decided to run for County Executive in 2014. Indeed, this speculation was fueled in some ways by the Councilmember herself, as a few days ago we started to see things like an email blast from Ervin with the subject line, "The Best Is Yet to Come." Then last week, Councilmember Ervin put out a press release stating "Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin to Announce Future Plans." Indeed, talk of a potential departure of Valerie Ervin from the County Council has been the talk of the town as I attended various political events this past week.

But as it turns out, all of those rumors were false. Below Maryland Juice discusses the actual big news from Valerie Ervin, as well as speculation and commentary from a few potential candidates who may seek her seat. We also talk a bit about how this vacancy will be handled, and what the political world looks like going forward. But first, the big news:

Councilmember Valerie Ervin at an October 2013 press conference in support of a minimum wage increase

JUICE #1: VALERIE ERVIN TO VACATE COUNCIL SEAT TO HEAD CENTER FOR WORKING FAMILIES - Today, Councilmember Ervin announced she would be resigning from her District 5 County Council in January 2014, to serve as Executive Director of the Center for Working Families. Indeed, many months ago, Maryland Juice had been hearing murmurs that organizers related to the New York-based Working Families Party were looking to setup shop in the DC Metro region. The placeholder website for the new Center for Working Families states:

The Center for Working Families is a national 501(c)3 policy and issue campaign organization that engages in issue advocacy and public education for policy campaigns at the state and local level. The Center for Working Families is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates or political parties.

The Center incubates and develops compelling issue campaigns, provides resources and technical assistance to state policy campaigns, and injects our values into the national political discourse.

Additionally, the job description for Ervin's new position notes that the Executive Director will be working out of Washington, DC or New York. In any case, you can find out about Ervin's announcement about the big change in her video and press release below (which also includes a timeline for her departure):

PRESS RELEASE

  Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin to Serve as Advocate for Working Families Throughout the Nation
  She Will Become Executive Director of the Center for Working Families in January
ROCKVILLE, Md., December 10, 2013—Councilmember Valerie Ervin announced today that, after nearly a decade as an elected leader in Montgomery County, she will expand her work on policy issues that impact working people by becoming executive director of the Center for Working Families. At the announcement, Councilmember Ervin was joined by Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin; County Executive Isiah Leggett; Council President Craig Rice, Councilmember Nancy Navarro; Mayor of Somerset Jeffrey Slavin; Metropolitan D.C. Council AFL-CIO President Joslyn Williams; president of SEIU Florida State Council and executive vice president of 1199 SEIU Monica Russo; and community leaders who thanked Ervin for her service to the County and congratulated her on her new position.

Ervin has long been an advocate for those who have no voice in the political process.  She is best known for her work on issues including: raising the minimum wage; increasing child care subsidies for working parents; ensuring that prevailing wages are paid on construction projects; providing contract protections for service workers; expanding summer food and universal breakfast programs for children; and creating the first county-wide food recovery network in the nation.  As chair of the Council’s Education Committee, and as a former member of the County Board of Education, she has focused on major initiatives to close the achievement gap.  Councilmember Ervin has also been a strong advocate for marriage equality.

Rice discussed Ervin’s commitment to public service and said, “Councilmember Ervin has been an ardent champion for working families and children in Montgomery County throughout her tenure on the Council.  She should be commended for her leadership and advocacy for food recovery as sustainability, education equality, and workers rights.  I want to thank her for making a positive impact and enhancing the lives of our residents.”

Navarro, a longtime friend and colleague said, “Councilmember Ervin has a stellar public service record, and Montgomery County residents are better off because of her vision, dedication and tenacity.  Her contributions have made a permanent impact on the fabric of our communities.”

The Center for Working Families is a non-profit organization based in New York that seeks a more just world—one where jobs that pay a living wage are plentiful, health care is affordable, access to educational opportunities are abundant and retirements are secure.

"Becoming executive director of the Center for Working Families is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Ervin.  "I was both surprised and honored to be asked to pursue these issues at the national level.  After careful reflection and deliberation with my family, friends and supporters, I believe that leading this organization will enable me to have a greater impact on the issues I care about most."

Ervin talked about her years as an elected leader and said, “I started my political career as a concerned mom who cared about the welfare of all of the children in our community, and this will never change. As I transition to a broader platform, my experiences in this community will serve me well.

“I appreciate the relationships that I have developed with many of you through the years and with elected leaders throughout the Washington Metropolitan Region. I also want to thank my colleagues on the County Council.”

Councilmember Ervin was elected to the Board of Education in 2004 and to the Council in 2006 and 2010.  She served as Council president from 2010 to 2011.  Councilmember Ervin will tender her letter of resignation on Jan. 3, 2014.  Later in January, the Council will appoint her successor, who will serve until the Council’s current term ends on Dec. 1, 2014.  Until Jan. 3, Ervin will wrap up projects she is working on for the residents of District 5.  Her staff will remain in place.  

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the residents of District 5,” said Councilmember Ervin. “Thank you for allowing me to make a difference and for your ongoing support and friendship.  Together we have accomplished great things, and I know that the best is still to come.”

NOTE: Attached to this release is a summary of Ervin’s accomplishments as a Councilmember.  The same can also be found at the following:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/council/mem/Ervin_v/ValerieErvinRecord.pdf

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In a column today, Center Maryland's Josh Kurtz zeroed in on the entry of the Working Families Party in local politics:

JOSH KURTZ (VIA CENTER MARYLAND): Montgomery County Councilwoman Valerie Ervin (D) is set to announce today that she will resign in early January to become executive director of the Center for Working Families, a national 501(c)3 issue advocacy and education organization affiliated with the politically ascendant Working Families Party.

It’s big news, of course, for Ervin’s own promising political career – and for Montgomery County politics. Already there is buzz that state Del. Tom Hucker (D) may choose to seek Ervin’s Council seat.

But perhaps more significantly, it’s further evidence that the progressive and tactically effective WFP, which has close ties to important labor unions and was a major player in Bill de Blasio’s insurgent victory in the New York City mayoral election this fall, is about to make major inroads into Maryland. This should have a significant impact on the looming debate in Annapolis over raising the minimum wage, on the 2014 elections, and on the future political discourse in Maryland – particularly in its largest jurisdictions....

She will, roughly speaking, be an equal to Dan Cantor, the veteran labor organizer who founded WFP in the late 1990’s and remains in charge of the organization today. WFP is a 501(c)4 – typically referred to as a social welfare organization, but equipped to engage in partisan political battles.... Raise Maryland, a coalition that was formed to fight for a higher minimum wage in the state, is, not surprisingly, substantially backed by 1199 – and the Working Families Party..... 

Valerie Ervin will have a lot of say over this – and over the direction of an organization that is poised to have a huge influence over a variety of political and policy debates over the next few years. For Ervin, it’s a chance to work several of her pet issues on a bigger stage. But the job is likely to keep her politically viable in Maryland down the line, if that’s what she wants....

Meanwhile, The Washington Post's Bill Turque provided some context on the resignation through commentary from Ervin (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: “Politicians see these jobs as jobs for life. I don’t think that bodes well for democracy at the end of the day,” said Ervin, a former organizer for the United Food and Commercial Workers union who spent two years as an elected member of the Montgomery Board of Education before winning the council seat in 2006.

She left the door wide open for an eventual return to public office, however, including a possible spot in state government if Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown wins the Maryland governorship next year. Ervin has been an early and enthusiastic supporter of Brown and running mate Ken Ulman.

“If the opportunity presented itself? Absolutely,” she said, adding that she would commute to New York and remain a Montgomery County resident....

A WINNING RECORD FOR UNDERDOG & DARK HORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES: Though Ervin's announcement today is going to be creating ripples through Montgomery County politics over the coming weeks and months, the big move is no surprise to Maryland Juice. One aspect that has gone unmentioned in the coverage of Ervin so far, is that in terms of electoral politics, the District 5 Councilmember has been one of the better prognosticators in Montgomery County politics. Ervin was perhaps the first elected official to endorse Jamie Raskin in his upstart bid for the State Senate in 2006, and she also bucked parochial politics to back Martin O'Malley over Doug Duncan that same year. Ervin also provided early support to Nancy Navarro for Board of Education and then later for County Council. She was also one of the earliest endorsers of her former election opponent Hans Riemer when he won a Council seat in 2010, and two years later backed newcomer Jarrett Smith in a successful bid for a seat on the Takoma Park City Council. (Full disclosure: Valerie Ervin endorsed the author of this article in the District 20 House race; the author was also involved in a number of the races listed above). Most recently, Ervin was perhaps the first elected Montgomery County endorser of Anthony Brown's gubernatorial campaign.


JUICE #2: POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR THE JUNE 2014 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR DISTRICT 5 COUNTY COUNCIL - In the days leading up to Ervin's announcement, Maryland Juice began hearing about potential candidates who might seek the District 5 Council seat in the upcoming Democratic Primary. Note that this race is going to get interesting, because I'm friends with or friendly with a few of these possible candidates, and I suspect the same may be true for others. Here are a few notes on how the race might shape up going forward:

CASEY ANDERSON: Sources indicate that Montgomery County Planning Board member Casey Anderson is weighing a run for the District 5 Council seat. He was formerly a board member of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and a staff member at the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. Anderson has been involved with recent transit and smart growth issues on the Planning Board and might be able to meet the fundraising thresholds for what is expected to be an expensive Council race.

CHRIS BARCLAY: Over the weekend, MoCo Board of Education President Chris Barclay told Maryland Juice he is strongly weighing a run for the D5 Council seat. Barclay has served on the school board since 2006, and his BOE district overlaps with much of Ervin's Council district. Notably, Council District 5 was altered in the last round of redistricting, and now contains sizeable numbers of African American voters. Meanwhile Barclay might be of one of two African American candidates eyeing the D5 seat.

EVAN GLASS: The first candidate to announce for Ervin's Council seat was Evan Glass, the Chair of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board and a former CNN producer. Glass held a well-attended campaign kickoff for the D5 seat this past weekend (before it was known Ervin was retiring) and has been reaching out to residents through his role as a civic association leader. Glass is also on the Board of Equality Maryland and would be the only openly gay Councilmember to be elected in Montgomery County.

TOM HUCKER: One of the three Delegates from House District 20, Tom Hucker tells Maryland Juice that supporters have reached out to him in recent days and encouraged him to run for the District 5 Council seat. The D20 Delegate formerly served as the head of Progressive Maryland. Hucker's House District overlaps with much of Ervin's Council district, and if he gets in the race, it is expected that he would have strong support from organized labor. Hucker will also be able to spend whatever he's raised for his Delegate seat thus far on the Council race, and may start with a leg up on fundraising.

TERRILL NORTH: Currently an announced candidate for an at-large County Council seat, Terrill North currently works at the defense contracting firm Alion Science and Technology Corporation. North also has an active political life and serves on the Boards of the ACLU of Maryland, Impact Silver Spring, and Progressive Neighbors. It is unclear what his next move may be, as North may decide to stay in the at-large race, or drop into the District 5 seat, now that there will be a vacancy. As the second potential African American candidate that might enter the race, North may have an opportunity to capitalize on the demographics of the newly redrawn D5.

Ronnie Galvin as caretaker?

JUICE #3: A POTENTIAL CARETAKER APPOINTMENT FOR THE LAST YEAR OF VALERIE ERVIN'S COUNCIL TERM? - As rumors of Ervin's departure began to spread this week, Maryland Juice began hearing a lot of talk about a possible "caretaker" appointment for the District 5 Council seat. After all, with the next Primary and General Elections not to be concluded until late 2014, there is a full year left in Ervin's term. When she vacates her seat in January, her remaining eight council colleagues will appoint a replacement, and a few (though not all) of them are suggesting they are inclined to appoint someone who will not run in the June 2014 Democratic Primary.

Obviously the Councilmembers will be free to vote how they want, but I'm beginning to hear from a few people who are interested in applying for a caretaker appointment. The early buzz, however, is that there is support within some circles for Ronnie Galvin, the head of local community group Impact Silver Spring, to serve as a one-year Councilmember.  Impact Silver Spring's website notes the following mission (excerpt below):

IMPACT SILVER SPRING: IMPACT Silver Spring was founded in 1999 during the revitalization of downtown Silver Spring. The concept of IMPACT Silver Spring was born when these founders developed a community-wide leadership program, bringing people together across lines of difference for relationship- and skill-building....

Our Mission: To build and sustain community-based networks that support people who are creating social, economic, and civic momentum that contributes to inclusive local economies and vibrant communities.

Given how quickly the candidate fields are shaping and shifting, Maryland Juice will report back soon on the possible appointees for the District 5 Council seat -- but I'll have to do some poking around first!

In the meantime, the concept of a caretaker appointment was quickly embraced by D5 Council candidate Evan Glass. Moments after Ervin announced her retirement, he sent out the following press release calling for a caretaker appointment:

PRESS RELEASE

Statement on Councilmember Valerie Ervin

Silver Spring, MD – Evan Glass, a candidate for the Montgomery County Council’s 5th District, released the following statement today in response to Councilmember Valerie Ervin’s announcement that she will be resigning from the Montgomery County Council.

“I want to thank Councilmember Valerie Ervin for her service and dedication to the residents of Montgomery County,” Glass said. “For over a decade Councilmember Ervin has been a tireless champion for Montgomery County’s diverse communities, exhibited by her steadfast leadership on issues ranging from raising the minimum wage to creating a county-wide network of food services for those who are hungry to her fierce advocacy in support of marriage equality. If a society is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members, Valerie Ervin has provided Montgomery County with a level of compassion that should make our society proud.”

“For the last seven years I have worked with Councilmember Ervin to make the greater Silver Spring - Takoma Park community a wonderful place to live, work and play. We teamed up to create the King Street Community Garden, the first community garden built as a public-private partnership, and she provided the community and I with unending support to improve pedestrian safety measures, assist struggling small businesses and to establish the South Silver Spring Street Festival. As president of both the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association and Indian Spring Citizens Association I knew that I could always count on Councilmember Ervin and her staff to provide guidance and assistance to our community.” 

With Councilmember Ervin announcing her intention to resign from the County Council in the coming weeks, her departure will trigger a replacement process, one in which the remaining eight members of the Council have 30 days to select a successor. Selecting an appointee who would then run for the same office in June only negates the peoples’ vote and weakens our democratic system.

Evan Glass said, “Montgomery County residents expect a fair election in the upcoming primary in June 2014. It is imperative that we don’t weaken our democratic system by selecting an individual who would only use the appointment as a platform to run in the June primary. The only way to ensure that the residents of District 5 truly have a voice in the process is by having the Council appoint a caretaker who would serve out the remainder of the term and agree not to run in the June primary. The caretaker should publicly pledge not to run for the seat in the June primary, otherwise it would create a breach of progressive, good governmental values. The integrity of our county, one with high moral standards and a fair election system, should not be compromised.” 

To learn more about Evan Glass and his campaign visit www.EvanGlass.com

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MORE ON THE BATTLE FOR THE DISTRICT 5 MOCO COUNCIL SEAT SOON!

JUICE: Annapolis Threatens MoCo & PG Wage Hikes, Brown for MoCo School Funds, Gansler Cries Foul & Delaney Flashback

Below Maryland Juice provides a round-up of recent news that may be of interest to politicos:

JUICE #1: RUMORS THAT ANNAPOLIS LAWMAKERS WILL TRY TO VETO THE MOCO & PRINCE GEORGE'S MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES - County Councilmembers in Montgomery and Prince George's recently voted to approve a minimum wage of $11.50 an hour, in order to create a regional wage standard with the District of Columbia. But Maryland Juice just caught an interesting item in today's AFL-CIO "Union City" newsletter indicating that efforts are afoot in Annapolis to veto the MoCo & Prince George's Councilmembers through state legislation (excerpt below):

AFL-CIO: A regional plan to raise the minimum wage in the metro Washington area may hit an unexpected roadblock: the Maryland legislature. That’s because Free State lawmakers are considering a two-part minimum wage law, according to Bob Ross, president of the Prince George’s County NAACP.  One section of the bill would raise Maryland’s minimum from $7.25 to $10.10 – less than the $11.50 approved in Montgomery, Prince George’s and DC – and the other section would revoke minimum wage hikes like those just approved in MontCo, PG and DC. Meanwhile, in DC, Mayor Vincent Gray, who in early December announced he’s running for re-election, says he prefers a $10 minimum wage. The DC City Council’s $11.50 minimum wage bill passed Tuesday with a veto-proof 13-0 preliminary vote, with a final vote scheduled for December 17....

JUICE #2: ANTHONY BROWN ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR INCREASE IN MOCO SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING - Bethesda Now reported this weekend that gubernatorial candidate Anthony Brown has pledged to advocate for increased MoCo school construction dollars in the coming legislative session (excerpt below):

BETHESDA NOW:  The Brown campaign held the event — in which it announced endorsements from 18 elected officials in Montgomery — at the town hall of the Town of Chevy Chase, not far from where Gansler lives.... Brown talked about his military service, the state’s recent new laws on gun control and the death penalty repeal and private-public partnership legislation that the state hopes to use to finance and build the Purple Line light rail. He also pledged his support to Montgomery County’s planned push for state construction funding in the 2014 General Assembly....

Citing an "achievement gap" in student performance in Montgomery County, last October County leaders pledged to fight for expanded school construction dollars in Annapolis. The Washington Post reported on the effort several weeks ago (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Montgomery officials will gather Thursday to formally kick off what County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) regards as his top legislative priority for next year’s Maryland General Assembly: construction funding for a school system squeezed to the seams by surging enrollment.

Leggett and Montgomery’s school leadership are seeking a deal similar to one the city of Baltimore secured from lawmakers and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) earlier this year....  Montgomery has 17 percent of Maryland’s student enrollment, but the county typically gets about 11 percent of state construction funding, officials said....

Montgomery would seek $20 million from the state to leverage its own $40 million outlay. These funds would supplement the county’s share of new state authorizations for school construction. The $60 million would support bonds of up to $750 million, to fund construction over the next five years, county officials said....

JUICE #3: DOUG GANSLER ALLEGES ANTHONY BROWN COVERING UP BUNGLED OBAMACARE ENROLLMENT IN MARYLAND - Maryland Juice received the following press release from Doug Gansler's gubernatorial campaign accusing Lt. Governor Anthony Brown of covering up the state's much-criticized roll-out for Obamacare enrollment:

PRESS RELEASE

Brown Hiding Behind Executive Privilege To Cover Up His Failure Implementing Health Care Exchange

…the office claimed "executive privilege” in not releasing Brown’s correspondence over Maryland’s Health Care Exchange.

“No E-Mails from Brown on Health Exchange ”
Baltimore Sun, 12/7/13

SILVER SPRING---The campaign of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Douglas Gansler today called on Lt. Governor Anthony Brown to stop hiding behind executive privilege and immediately disclose all email correspondence between Brown, Brown’s office, and members of the exchange or officials from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene about the website or its lead contractor.

As reported in the Baltimore Sun on Friday, Brown’s office is refusing to turn over an undisclosed number of emails between his office and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene claiming “executive privilege.”

Doug Gansler and Jolene Ivey have been strong supporters of President Obama and his health care reform law and will work to ensure it is implemented effectively.

Bob Wheelock, Director of Communications for the Gansler Campaign, issued the following statement:

Lt. Governor Brown was given the task by the Governor to implement the creation of Maryland’s Health Insurance Exchange. Lt. Governor Brown failed and now is trying to hide behind executive privilege to avoid responsibility.

Governor O’Malley has taken over the job, but the least that Lt. Governor Brown can now do is to be straight with the people of Maryland regarding what he knew about problems with the Health Exchange. Lt. Governor Brown can start by disclosing his emails and correspondence with respect to his lack of stewardship of the Maryland Health Exchange, instead of hiding behind claims of executive privilege.

Instead of taking responsibility, Lt. Governor Brown has been ducking responsibility.

When the problems with the rollout of the Maryland Health Exchange immediately became apparent, Lt. Governor Brown said he was surprised by the problems with the website.

Then he admitted he knew there were roll out problems but did nothing to fix them.

Then it was revealed that under Brown's leadership, Maryland's Health Exchange underperformed other states.

Then the Washington Post called Brown’s leadership "an embarrassment" and Congressman Van Hollen on Meet the Press called the problems with implementation "a mess."

Then Brown sat quietly and did nothing while Governor O’Malley took over the task.

Then he ran away from the press and refused to answer questions about his failures.

Then he pointed fingers and blamed a staffer.

Now he refuses to release his email correspondence over health care, claiming executive privilege.

For a politician who STILL has this on his campaign website….

“As the leader of Maryland’s efforts to improve health care and Co-Chair of the Health Care Reform Coordinating Council, Lt. Governor Brown has positioned Maryland as the national leader in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.”

It’s sad that this is now what he’s saying:

 “…the office claimed executive privilege” in not releasing Brown’s correspondence over Maryland’s Health Care Exchange. Baltimore Sun, “No E-Mails from Brown on Health Exchange,” 12/7/13.

It’s time for Lt. Governor Brown to stop hiding behind executive privilege and fully disclose what he knew and when he knew about problems with the rollout of Maryland’s Health Insurance Exchange.

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JUICE #4: CONGRESSMAN JOHN DELANEY'S FORMER COMPANY CAPITAL SOURCE BACK ON THE RADAR - A couple readers noted that this week The Washington Post decided to rehash some of the minutiae from last year's heated Democratic Primary battle between John Delaney and Rob Garagiola. During the 2012 election contest, The Post highlighted the following item about Delaney's former company Capital Source, and its relationship to a business called Aeon Financial (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Before stepping onto the public stage as a candidate, Delaney made a name for himself in the financial arena as the founder of CapitalSource, a multibillion-dollar commercial finance firm. The Chevy Chase outfit provides loans of up to $100 million to small and mid-size businesses....

Because Delaney, 48, is new to the political world, Garagiola has focused his attacks almost exclusively on Delaney’s business record.... A portion of CapitalSource’s portfolio is comprised of asset-based, or secured, loans made to companies in the health-care and real estate sectors. One of those companies is Aeon Financial, a Chicago-based firm that purchases tax liens on residential properties from municipalities.

Garagiola has accused CapitalSource, in conjunction with Aeon, of foreclosing on homes throughout Maryland and Ohio in order to collect those liens. CapitalSource Bank FBO Aeon Financial LLC is listed as the plaintiff in hundreds of foreclosure proceedings....

In a bit of an unusual move, The Washington Post is now following up on their coverage of Aeon almost two years later (?). Yesterday, they released a lengthy article regarding Aeon's practices, and re-interviewed Delaney about the situation (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST:  The firm that threatened to foreclose on hundreds of struggling D.C. homeowners is a mystery: It lists no owners, no local office, no Web site.

Aeon Financial is incorporated in Delaware, operates from mail-drop boxes in Chicago and is represented by a law firm with an address at a 7,200-square-foot estate on a mountainside near Vail, Colo.

Yet no other tax lien purchaser in the District has been more aggressive in recent years, buying the liens placed on properties when owners fell behind on their taxes, then charging families thousands in fees to save their homes from foreclosure....

One of Aeon’s major lenders was CapitalSource Bank, founded in 2000 by John Delaney, who was elected to the U.S. House last year. The Maryland Democrat was the bank’s chief executive officer when CapitalSource loaned $30 million to Aeon in 2009.

Delaney spokesman Will McDonald said the congressman didn’t know about the company’s problems in Ohio or the District’s lawsuit against Aeon.... “During Congressman Delaney’s time as CEO, CapitalSource made over 5,000 business loans, loans probably totaling over $20 billion,” McDonald said. “The CEO of a bank does not track the ongoing business operations of all outstanding loans because doing so would be impossible.” Delaney took a leave of absence from his position at the bank last year and resigned after being elected to Congress....

In any case, former State Senator Rob Garagiola has moved on to greener pastures, and Delaney's comments about Aeon are just a small part of The Washington Post coverage. But this story is a couple years old now, so I guess it took a long time to research? Though the article does note that, "The Post spent three months examining Aeon’s corporate history, traveling to Chicago, Cleveland and three counties in Maryland and reviewing hundreds of business and land records, to find out who is behind the company that has affected thousands of homeowners across the country."

JUICE: Brown's MoCo Endorsers, Saqib Ali Exits D15, Ryan Spiegel for MoCo Council, MCEA Supports Incumbents & More!

Below Maryland Juice provides a few news items that may be of interest to politicos:

JUICE #1: ANTHONY BROWN ANNOUNCES NEW ENDORSERS FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY - This weekend, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown announced endorsements from elected officials in Montgomery County. You can see the names of his local supporters in the following press release (excerpt below):

PRESS RELEASE

Brown-Ulman campaign unveils 18 Montgomery County endorsers

Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz: “Montgomery County families know that they can count on Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman”

CHEVY CHASE, MD – Today, 18 Montgomery County elected officials endorsed Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and County Executive Ken Ulman in their campaign for Governor and Lt. Governor.... Earlier today, Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and three others endorsed Brown and Ulman at an event marking the opening of the campaign’s Baltimore office. 

“I’m proud to be endorsing Anthony Brown because he’s fought hard for education, maintaining record investments for Maryland schools while making them the best in the country for five years running,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz. “Montgomery County families know that they can count on Anthony and Ken Ulman to make sure they have access to affordable health-care, good jobs, and a quality education for their children. Like many throughout Montgomery County, I’m ready to get to work for the Brown-Ulman team.”

“Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman each have an impressive record of progressive results for hard-working Maryland families and they’re the best choice for Montgomery County,” said Del. Tom Hucker. “Anthony has a great vision for Maryland's future and I wholeheartedly support him. He has the high moral character and commitment to service Marylanders expect in their next Governor, and I’m excited to help him get elected....”

The following Montgomery County leaders have endorsed the Brown-Ulman team:

• State Senator Nancy King (39)
• Former State Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola

• Delegate Sheila Hixson (20)
• Delegate Tom Hucker (20)
• Delegate Kirill Reznik (39)

• Craig Rice, President of Montgomery County Council
• Valerie Ervin, Montgomery County Council
• Nancy Navarro, Montgomery County Council
• Hans Riemer, Montgomery County Council
• Chris Barclay, President of Montgomery County Board of Education

• Sidney Katz, Mayor of Gaithersburg
• Peter Fosselman, Mayor of Kensington
• Jeffrey Slavin, Mayor of Somerset
• Michael Sesma, Gaithersburg Council
• Tracey Furman, Kensington Council
• Paul Sexton, Kensington Council
• Cathy Pickar, Somerset Council
• Tim Male, Takoma Park Council....

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JUICE #2: GAITHERSBURG COUNCILMEMBER RYAN SPIEGEL TO RUN FOR MOCO COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 - Last week, Gaithersburg Councilmember Ryan Spiegel announced he will be running for the Montgomery County Council seat being vacated by incumbent Phil Andrews. Indeed, Maryland Juice has been astonished at the fairly empty field for a coveted Council seat, given that Andrews announced his departure months ago. But now we have a race on our hands. Local activist Guled Kassim has already announced for the D3 seat, and last week we received the following message from Ryan Spiegel (excerpt below):

RYAN SPIEGEL: Dear Juice, This time of year, we enjoy the blessings in our lives and we give to others.  We reflect on the past and we make resolutions for the future.  After much reflection together with my family, I have resolved that the best way I can give back to my community is by running for the Montgomery County Council. 

As you may know, Councilmember Phil Andrews is vacating his seat to run for County Executive.  It is imperative that someone with experience, vision, and commitment be elected to continue serving the people of District 3, which includes Rockville, Gaithersburg, Leisure World, Washington Grove, and parts of Aspen Hill, Derwood, North Potomac, and Potomac.

During my two terms on the Gaithersburg City Council, we've implemented cutting-edge policies on sustainability, economic development, housing, and job creation, all while preserving the quality of existing neighborhoods and our excellent record of constituent service.  We've achieved big successes for public safety, transportation, cultural events, and open space, while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget.  And we've increased our support for critical social programs addressing senior living, medical care, homelessness, financial education, and youth empowerment. 

But just as important is the way in which we've governed.  I have worked with colleagues of all political stripes to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and to build consensus on major decisions.  And by reaching out and working together, we've managed to get incredible things done to make Gaithersburg one of the most progressive and productive cities in the nation.

I will bring that important combination of legislative experience and leadership style to the Montgomery County Council.

In the coming weeks, our campaign will be rolling out the details of our policy priorities, updating our webpage, scheduling events, and calling on supporters to help us get the word out. I've run campaigns before, and I can tell you it's incredibly hard work. 

Like any successful endeavor, a campaign needs investors -- people who believe in the candidate and the cause and who understand that their contribution will help elect the right kind of leaders to make the decisions that affect us all.  It is particularly important to have a strong financial position in the early days, to ensure a smooth and successful campaign.  Please take a moment to make a contribution....

Thank you so much.  I am truly humbled by your support.

I am also a big proponent of open government. Throughout this journey, we want to hear from you and stay connected.  So please follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and call or email with any ideas or questions. 

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Councilmember Ryan S. Spiegel

JUICE #3: SAQIB ALI WITHDRAWS FROM D15 DELEGATE RACE // BENNETT RUSHKOFF TO RUN AGAINST DAVID FRASER-HIDALGO - Earlier this year the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee appointed David Fraser-Hidalgo to serve in the District 15 Delegate seat that was vacated by Brian Feldman. There are a few updates to the story, as one candidate has dropped out of the race to win a full term to the D15 seat in 2014, and a new candidate has emerged for the Delegate seat.

First, according to the Board of Elections website, Saqib Ali has withdrawn from the D15 race:

Second, Maryland Juice received the following press release from a new D15 Delegate candidate, Bennett Rushkoff:

PRESS RELEASE

Bennett Rushkoff announces his candidacy for Maryland State Delegate, District 15

December 4, 2013 - North Potomac resident Bennett Rushkoff announced today that he has filed as a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 15. He will be running in the Democratic primary on June 24, 2014.

Rushkoff is Chief of the D.C. Attorney General Office's Public Advocacy Section, where he leads public interest enforcement in the areas of consumer protection, antitrust, charities, and government-related fraud. He joined the Office in 1998.

“After 25 years of public protection work at the federal, state, and local levels, I’m ready to serve as an effective advocate in our General Assembly,” Rushkoff said. “It would truly be an honor to join Senator Brian Feldman and Delegates Kathleen Dumais and Aruna Miller in representing District 15.”

Rushkoff’s top three campaign issues will be education, health care, and the environment. “We should strive to keep Maryland’s public schools No. 1 in the country, to ensure quality health care for all, and to promote clean, safe, and renewable energy as well as energy conservation,” he said.

A graduate of Yale Law School, Rushkoff has previously served as a Special Assistant to the Maryland Attorney General, as a consumer protection attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, and as Special Chief Counsel in the Missouri Attorney General's Office. He earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where he majored in public policy at the Woodrow Wilson School.

Rushkoff is a Lay Minister for social justice at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville. With his congregation, he has worked for marriage equality, offshore wind power, and repeal of the death penalty.

Rushkoff is married to Karen Whitesell, a physical therapist at Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital. They have been residents of Montgomery County since 1997. Their daughter and son attend Wootton High School.

Friends of Bennett Rushkoff’s campaign website is at www.bennettrushkoff.com.

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JUICE #4: MOCO TEACHERS UNION ENDORSES ALL INCUMBENTS SEEKING RE-ELECTION (INCLUDING ALL D18 ELECTEDS) - Maryland Juice just saw the following announcement from the Montgomery County teachers union (MCEA), noting early endorsements for all MoCo Senate & House members seeking re-election. Note that MCEA has not yet weighed in on the contested D16 and D17 Senate races or the open seats. Also note that in District 18, MCEA has endorsed all three Delegates for re-election, including Ana Sol Gutierrez. This may be further evidence that she'll be running again in 2014:

MCEA December 2013 Endorsements

JUICE #5: WASHINGTON POST PUBLISHES BLOW-BY-BLOW OF CONTENTIOUS MOCO MINIMUM WAGE VOTE - A couple weeks ago, Maryland Juice published several action alerts from groups making last minute appeals to voters before the Montgomery County Council's vote on a minimum wage increase. Indeed, I attended the Council vote in-person and witnessed a four hour spectacle of debate before the Councilmembers ultimately approved a minimum wage of $11.50/hour. Last week, however, The Washington Post's Bill Turque published a blow-by-blow of the contentious debate (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: ...as the proceedings approached the four-hour mark, the council dais began to look and sound like a Thanksgiving dinner where long-simmering family tensions bubbled to the surface. The measure sponsored by Council member Marc Elrich (D-At-Large), lifting the minimum from $7.25 to $11.50 by 2017, passed 8-to-1 last Tuesday. The decisive final margin, however, belied the level of acrimony and personal animus.....

The first unexpected twist came from Council member Craig Rice (D-Upcounty), who for weeks had urged the council to defer action until the General Assembly passed a statewide wage hike. But toward the end of the debate, Rice solemnly announced that he would support Elrich’s initial proposal to raise the county minimum to $11.50 by 2016.... Gasps of surprise and applause rippled through the chamber.

Leventhal, who had planned on a strong six-vote majority for the amendment, was clearly stunned by Rice’s reversal.... “I’m losing track of how many times I’ve heard Mr. Rice change his views....”

Without naming her, Leventhal chided Council member Valerie Ervin (D- Silver Spring), one of Elrich’s co-sponsors, for telling The Washington Post that the bill raising the minimum to $11.50 by 2016 was “a vote of conscience” and “a litmus test” for the June 2014 Democratic primary. “Some colleagues are eager to make this an election issue, as quoted in the paper this morning,” Leventhal said.... 

Ervin: “....We’re all Democrats. We’re all supposed to be progressive Democrats....”

Riemer, speaking in support of [Roger Berliner's amendment to set the minimum wage at $10.75], underscored the importance of aggressively lobbying the General Assembly to raise the statewide minimum.

Riemer: “We are going to have to take the battle to Annapolis, and get the state to raise the minimum wage.”

Ervin: “Good luck.”

Riemer: “Well, we’ll see if you’re there on the front lines....” 

Berliner’s amendment was approved, 5-4. But a motion by Elrich, to phase in the increase from $7.25 to $11.50 across four years instead of three, won 6-3.