(5/2022) In my earlier articles, I’ve discussed matters that are close to my heart, as well as being part of my platform. These include support for local farmers, by connecting them with the children in FCPS who suffer from food insecurity, increasing the public transit to reliably include our more rural areas, and ensuring that our less-densely populated areas of the county receive access to high-quality internet. This month, however, I’d like to take a moment to talk about gratitude for our local activists.
As I’m sure you are aware, April was a very intense month in our community, in regards to the out of control and unacceptable behavior shown by some attendees at the Board of Education meetings and agendas, the issues state-wide with redistricting and the primary, and the Police Accountability Bill at the council.
At several Board of Education meetings, our beloved LGBTQ+ community and allies, including myself, turned out in droves to support the state-mandated curriculum which allows educators to talk about students and families that don’t fit the "traditional" mold. Despite incredibly adverserial conditions, they, members of the BOE, and those on the Family Life Advisory Committee bravely told their stories, voted in favor of the curriculm, and showed not only folks who are out, but those who may still be examining their gender and sexual orientation that here in Frederick County, we will support you. Thank you, truly. I’m honored and proud to live in a county like ours.
As far as the redistricting efforts, all those who worked to make Maryland less gerrymandered have my sincere appreciation. As a Democrat, and a politician, it can be a fine line to walk. With fairer maps, might Maryland elect fewer Democrats? Personally, I would prefer that we elected our Democrats fairly, and I believe that we will, judging by the numbers of registered voters. Frederick County will have the same number of polling places in 2022 that we had in 2018, which is crucial in making voting accessible. That does mean, however, that the county desperately needs election judges!
As a candidate, I am ineligible to work as an election judge, which makes this the first election I have missed since I turned 18. I cannot recommend volunteering to work as an election judge enough. If you have a flexible schedule, please reach out to the Frederick County Board of Elections and volunteer to be an election judge. The Board of Elections has the monumental task this year of ensuring a fair and accurate election, while working with changing dates and fewer staff and volunteers.
On both a larger and smaller scale, there are those in our community who advocate every day for a greener, and more sustainable future. I am proud to tell you that I have recently received an endorsement from Sunrise Movement’s Frederick hub. Sunrise Movement is a national organization made up predominantly of young people, whose goals are to elect champions of renewable energy sources, as well as officials who pledge to support climate policy and to work hard for a safe, sustainable, and green future for our planet.
I pledge to you, citizens of the 5th District, that if elected, I will never stop advocating for you. I am running on the Democratic ticket, but that should not stop registered Republicans and Independents from reaching out to share your views with me. I will never stop showing up for our community, listening to your concerns, and working with you to find solutions. You can find more information about me and my platform at my website; Linktr.ee/Lufkin.Listens
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