Q&A: Six Questions for Bonnie Cullison

Patch: What are the two issues you think are most pressing in District 19?

Bonnie Cullison: The most pressing issues facing the district are related to economics and safety.  The residents are significantly affected by the recession and we have seen the loss of jobs and small businesses. 

Therefore we must prioritize programs that support the creation of and maintenance of business, especially small community-based businesses which will reduce unemployment. These programs must include access to the resources they need to hire employees and provide health care.

We also can do more as a state to prevent crime, and strong education and business opportunities are certainly two things that help. Increasing the numbers of jobs is essential to this effort. However other things that would help include more after school programs and opportunities for students and young adults. Resources from the state for increased law enforcement personnel are needed. Training and support for these personnel should include how to address the needs of and work in diverse communities.

Patch: What is a transportation priority in District 19?

BC: There are several transportation priorities in District 19, but the top is the assessing the impact of the opening of the ICC with respect to traffic management and environmental concerns.  This should be addressed by careful monitoring through the state legislature.

The improvements at the Georgia Avenue and Norbeck Road intersection will be needed to accommodate the ICC; they have been delayed by lack of funding.  I would also seek a study on the use of a Bus Rapid Transit plan from Olney to Silver Spring to reduce traffic congestion.

Patch: What is your assessment of education in District 19? What can the state do?

BC: The education in the district is consistent with that in the rest of the county.  There are a number of schools in the district that receive Title 1 funding due to the high numbers of students who qualify for free and reduced meals under federal standards. 

Students are making progress, but the achievement gap between white and Asian students and African-American and Latino students in the district is not closed.  The state can help by assuring that the funding guaranteed in the Bridge to Excellence (also known as Thornton funding) program formulas is granted and mandating the allocation of the Geographic Cost of Education Index funding.

Patch: What are your thoughts on addressing the budget crisis in Montgomery County? How does it affect your constituents?

BC: The budget crisis in the county is a result of the recession.  Much of the county revenue comes from the taxes on the capital gains of many of its more wealthy residents.  In the past two years, with the drop in the stock market, the overall revenue available to the county has decreased.  In addition, the taxable wages of the residents in the county have not increased and unemployment is the highest it has been in recent history.  Given the diversity of District 19, all three of these factors have significantly affected the residents in our district.  In times like these, the need for social services increases.

Therefore the state must help to alleviate the budget crisis by reassessing the formulas it uses to allocate state funds.  Currently, the county gets about $.19 return on each tax dollar that it sends to the state; that number needs to be increased to meet the changing needs.

Patch: How would you assess the job done by current Dist.19 delegates?

BC: We have been very fortunate have had the services of Hank Heller, Roger Manno and Ben Kramer.  Each of them has been the sponsors of great legislation that have benefitted the residents of this district.  Hank was instrumental in the development and passage of the Bridge to Excellence and GCEI funding programs.  Roger has been the champion of health care support for seniors and children.  Ben has worked hard to prevent, or prosecute, financial abuse of seniors.  Each of them has been responsive to specific constituent needs. 

Patch: Any parting words to voters in your District?

BC: I'm at an age where I don't usually brag about being the oldest one in a group.  But with respect to this race, it is my age that brings experience, and positive, ongoing and principled relationships with community leaders including government, nonprofits and business.

Many organizations have placed their trust in me.  I am humbled and proud to be supported by The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters.  Service Employees trust me. Asian Pacific Democrats and Hispanic Democrats endorsed me.  Four education unions, including principals support me.  Women's groups support me.  Progressive MD and Equality MD trust me. Ike Leggett and Doug Duncan, current and past County Executives trust me.

They know that whatever the issue, I have the courage to stand up and do the right thing. I will take an independent leadership style to Annapolis and bring back real results. I hope that voters in District 19 will put their confidence in me and cast one of their three votes for Bonnie Cullison.