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Saint Mary's County Democratic Central Committee {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

DUTIES: The Democratic Central Committee is responsible for leading and organizing the day-to-day operations of the local Democratic Party. The Committee recommends candidates to the Governor to fill vacancies in state and local offices when a member of the party resigns or dies in office. County Central Committees work with the State Central Committee, which in turn works with the national party.TERM: Four years, no term limit.SALARY: None.HOW ELECTED: Democratic Central Committee members are elected­­­ countywide by registered party members. Voters may vote for the candidates of their choice. The winners will be determined by the greatest number of votes, while taking into consideration that those elected will be as equally divided by gender as possible.WEBSITE: Maryland Democratic Party

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    Michael Bellis (Male)
    (Dem)

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    Ylonda Michelle Dowleyne (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Kurt Engel (Male)
    (Dem)

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    David Gilman (Male)
    (Dem)

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    Valerie Calhoun Gregorio (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Bonnie A. Kelnberger (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Julia M. Nichols (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Karl Kirby Pence, Jr. (Male)
    (Dem)

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    Brenda K. Quintero (Female)
    (Dem)

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    Matthew T. Riedel (Male)
    (Dem)

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    John S. Weiner (Male)
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

SPECIAL ELECTIONS: When a vacancy occurs in the General Assembly, the party Central Committee appoints someone to complete the rest of the term. Do you support special elections to fill these vacancies?

GENERAL ASSEMBLY VACANCIES: What criteria will you use to choose a person to fill a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly?

MOTIVATION: Why do you want to serve on your party's Central Committee?

VACANCY SELECTIONS: How can you ensure that your appointment decisions serve the best interest of the community when filling vacant positions?

Campaign Email MIKE@votebellis.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 120
Leonardtown, MD 20650
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Campaign Email smcdccgilman25@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 425
Leonardtown, MD 20650
I believe we can continue to rely on the central committee to fill vacancies in the General Assembly with qualified individuals until the next election cycle. This approach is practical, it minimizes costs, ensures timely representation, and avoids leaving the seat unfilled for an extended period.
When filling vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly, I seek individuals who:

1) Uphold democratic values with integrity and respect for the rule of law.

2) Serve the public faithfully, putting the needs of constituents first.

3) Are ready to legislate immediately, with an understanding of Assembly procedures.

My goal is to appoint leaders who reflect our community’s values and can make a positive impact from day one.
Our democracy is so fragile. The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights is the foundation that has made America great. Our founding fathers established a system that puts in checks and balances of power to ensure that we are free from the whims of a dictator. Our strength is in our freedoms, rule of law, and how we treat the least of us. Democrats haven't forgotten this and I will do my best to find candidates, get them elected, and constantly remind them of their responsibility.
I pledge to work tirelessly for the people of St. Mary’s County—finding and supporting the strongest Democratic candidates, ensuring their voices are heard, and staying connected with our community to understand and act on what matters most.
Campaign Mailing Address 23417 Camellia Ct
California, MD 20619
Yes I do because I believe the people should have a say on who should hold office.
When choosing someone to fill a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly, experience is going to matter the most, especially leadership experience, along with the willingness to serve their community they reside in.
I serve on my party's Central Committee to help encourage and engage my community to get involved with the party on the county and state level. I want my community to know that we serve them and want to get them involved in the political process. Politics affects us everyday and change for a better future starts at the local level. As a Gen Z, it's more important than ever for young people to get involved in politics, support candidates they want to see in office, and get out the vote.
I would ensure the voices from my community are heard when it comes filling vacant positions. Not only I'm looking for someone with experience (especially in leadership) and willingness to serve, I also want to hear peoples' opinions regarding who should fill in vacant positions when I'm attending club meetings, forums, and town halls. I also want to hear from people on social media and online forums. People's voices matter.
Campaign Email bakberger@pm.me
Yes.
I would pick someone who has a genuine interest in serving all constituents and has put thought into how they would accomplish those goals.
I want to help build a strong Democratic Party in St. Mary’s County that will grow through the years.
Through a rigorous interview and referral process.
When a vacancy occurs in the General Assembly, I support the party Central Committee appointing someone to complete the term if less than half the term remains. In cases where more than half the term remains, I would support holding a special election to fill those vacancies because the constituents should have the opportunity to select their representative.
When the Central Committee selects a person to fill a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly, I would look for someone eager and willing to represent the constituents of the district in question. The individual should be a hard worker, willing to learn and willing to communicate with the constituents to determine their needs and wants.
I want to serve on the Democratic Central Committee because I want to build a foundation for democratic candidates wishing to serve. I envision a Central Committee that offers campaign training, civics training and a volunteer base for all democrats interested in running for office. It is extremely important for voters to have a choice in representative, and it is the responsibility of the Central Committee to prepare and support quality candidates.
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Campaign Email karlkirbypence@aol.com
Campaign Mailing Address 42539 Henry Ct
Hollywood, MD 20636-2347
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Campaign Phone 2402734952
Campaign Email mtriedel17@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 22
California, MD 20619
As a general rule, I will always support voters choosing their own representatives. However, special elections have histrionically only had fractional turnout compared to general elections, resulting in a much narrower minority deciding on the replacement legislator. Recent national trends show increasing turnout for special elections. If these trends continue or there is evidence that local voter turnout for special elections would match general turnout, I would support special elections.
I would select the individual that most closely reassembles the vacating legislator. In order to best preserve the will of the voters, the individual filling the vacancy should have a similar background and political alignment. If such an individual is not available, then the replacement should be willing to act in the spirit of the vacating legislator.
The recent election made clear to me that the best way to ensure the outcome for our county, state, and country is to get involved and forge the future ourselves. I feel that the Democratic Central Committee is the best way for me to have an impact.
I support thoroughly vetting any potential appointments. The committee has the highest duty to investigate with the finest tooth comb possible and deny any candidate with even a hint of impropriety. I will not support the appointment of any individual that was not entirely open and forthcoming of their background, beliefs, and finances and view that any attempt to misrepresent or obfuscate is automatically disqualifying.
Campaign Email Weiner1013@yahoo.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 1822
California, MD 20619
I support special elections to fill vacancies in the General Assembly if there is more than one year left in the unexpired term.
I would choose the person who has the best qualifications.
I want to help elect good people to public office and want to encourage young people to become more involved in the elective process.
I would review the resumes and all pertinent information on applicants and interview all applicants,