Local Election Spotlight: Ann Hingston for Maryland State Delegate, District 16

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Patch had a chance to talk with Ann Hingston, who is running for Maryland State Delegate, District 16. For more information about her campaign, please visit AnnforMaryland16.com.

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Patch: What attracted you to politics, and how did you get started?
Ann Hingston: I have been committed to making government work well since graduating with a degree in public administration from Georgetown University. I served in the federal government for 28 years, the last eight years in the Senior Executive Service responsible for an agency's relations with Congress, OMB, White House. In Montgomery County I helped lead two ballot referendums and I now serve on the board of the Montgomery County Taxpayers League.

Patch: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your campaign?
Ann Hingston: I was asked to run by neighbors whose concerns about residential zoning, rising utility bills and taxes, antisemitism in MCPS, have not been a priority of their State Delegates.

Patch: How long have you lived in District 16?
Ann Hingston: I have lived in Bethesda for 35 years.

Patch: Tell us about your career and service in District 16
Ann Hingston: I am a graduate of Georgetown Visitation and Georgetown University nearby. After leaving federal service, I joined neighbors as a community activist in Montgomery County, helping lead two ballot referendums, one recognized with an award for good governance by the Montgomery County Civic Federation. I now serve on the board of the Montgomery County Taxpayers League.

Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?
Ann Hingston: I stand with neighbors whose concerns have been ignored by officials such as over-development of Westbard, attempts to eliminate single residential zoning, traffic congestion due to unused bicycle lanes and lack of attention to I-270 and the American Legion Bridge. I support BOOST scholarships and tax credits to give parents options for educating their children.

Patch: If you were to be elected, what would some of your top priorities/policies/changes be?
Ann Hingston: State action to address congestion on the American Legion Bridge, I-270 and I-495, as well as Old Georgetown Road and Little Falls Parkway. Fix our utilities by reforming WSSC's aging pipes and rising rates. Maryland has the third highest electricity rates in the nation. I would lower energy costs by reducing Maryland's reliance on energy imported from outside the state. I would protect residential zoning from state efforts to eliminate single-family residential zoning. I would reform MCPS with a dedicated inspector general, elect school board members by district, promote efforts to combat antisemitism, and give parents more educational options.

Patch: What distinguishes you from other candidates?
Ann Hingston: I am independent-minded, focused on getting results - not advancing a party agenda. I am running to address practical problems with good-governance solutions.

Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced during this election?
Ann Hingston: Informing voters that they have a real alternative this election so it is important to vote. It has been 8 years since D16 voters had a viable alternative candidate for State Delegate.

Patch: What's the most satisfying part about running in this election?
Ann Hingston: Seeing old friends, colleagues and meeting new folks excited about reforming Montgomery County.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your campaign?
Ann Hingston: Visit my website AnnforMaryland16.com.

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