Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Nearly a year ago, I decided to build a campaign to make a difference in the 43rd District and in the Maryland House of Delegates. I’m Mary Washington, and as delegate, I will continue to do the things I have always done to stand up for what is right, and to improve conditions in our communities.

I’m reaching out to you because you have asked me to, or you have come to my attention as a person interested in promoting healthy, safe, and vital neighborhoods in Baltimore and throughout the state. I’m writing to ask you to join and support People Uniting to Elect Mary Washington. Together, we can build the kind of government where independent, committed and well- informed leadership in Annapolis is the rule, rather than the exception. 

As a delegate for the 43rd District, I will continue to bring people together on issues that matter to all of us, and develop solutions that will insure that middle and low-income people will not suffer for the political and financial gain of a few.

I have developed the agenda for my candidacy through my work in our communities; study of our neighborhoods and by listening to the people of the 43rd District. My campaign therefore focuses on issues that are vital to making  Baltimore City a HOME where the Health, Opportunity, Mobilization, and Education of the people of Maryland are a right, not a privilege. 

They are . . .

Health -- We must have quality universal healthcare for everyone. That means we must build an affordable medical system that will meet the needs of our children, seniors and other vulnerable people while at the same time minimizing the burden on businesses and the taxpayer. Our neighborhoods must have safe streets, an environment with clean air to breathe, lead-free water to drink and green and recreational spaces to relax and exercise.

Opportunity -- We want all of Baltimore City to reap the benefits of being in America’s 3rd wealthiest state.  We must build communities in which small locally-owned businesses can thrive.  We must insure that all workers receive a living wage, and we must expand the Maryland RESTART program for adults and juveniles so that more drug addicts and convicted felons can become productive members of our communities.

Mobilization -- Individuals and their local representatives must have standing as equal partners in securing the future of their communities. Toward this end, the right to VOTE must be protected and expanded.  We must have responsible and transparent redevelopment and city planning.  A core feature of my vision for the 43rd district involves state funding and investment in community groups, organizations and individuals as partners in advocating for our neighborhoods and families. 

Education -- We must eliminate the disparity between Maryland’s prestigious universities and its public educational system.  We must invest in our future and construct safe buildings for our elementary and high school students where creative curriculums are advanced.  Our children must be well-prepared for the economic and civic realities of the 21st century.  We must also foster opportunities for local businesses, parents and other adults in our communities to become engaged in the work and success of their local public schools.

These are ambitious goals, and Baltimore deserves nothing less. 

We have moved steadily forward in the last 6 months, and we still have a lot to accomplish between now and the Democratic Primary in September 2006. We are gaining momentum, and I need your time, resources and ideas to continue our progress.

Over the next weeks and months ahead you will hear more about how People Uniting to Elect Mary Washington is working to make HOME a reality.  You can start helping today by visiting our website www.electmarywashington.com.  There you can sign up as a volunteer, make a contribution, learn about events or send me an email. We can also be reached at 410-951-9795.

Thank you!