Letter to the Editor: Ready Running to Represent New Legislative District 5

Last month, I announced my candidacy for a second term in the Maryland House of Delegates in the newly configured District 5.  It has truly been an honor to serve the residents of Carroll County in the General Assembly over the past three years.  I would like to continue standing strong for our values and working to turn us back towards economic policies that will make Maryland friendlier to working families, retirees, and businesses.

When I ran for Delegate, my promise was to be an energetic leader who listens to people.  In my short time in Annapolis, I’ve seen how one-party dominance and powerful special interests can drown out the people’s voice.  I am committed to changing that.

I’ve stood firm against Gov. O’Malley’s now-70 tax and fee increases. But I haven’t just said ‘no’.  My Republican colleagues and I have put forward positive proposals to address our state’s problems – such as the loss of private sector jobs and high cost of living. Working with legislators from both parties, I’ve been able to make some progress on streamlining government regulation and reforming some of Maryland’s spending practices.  However, there is much more to be done.

We must reform and change the way Maryland government operates. That’s what I’ve heard from our community and that will continue to be where my efforts go if re-elected.

The 2014 campaign is starting earlier than usual because of two big changes.  First, the Primary election has been moved up from September 2014 to June 24, 2014.  There are less than nine months to go until the primary.

Second, in 2014, we’ll be selecting Delegates and State Senators in new state legislative districts.  I’m running to represent the new Legislative District 5, where voters will elect three Delegates and one Senator.  District 5 encompasses a large majority of Carroll County including Westminster, Taneytown, Hampstead, Manchester, Finksburg, Union Bridge, New Windsor, Winfield, Taylorsville, and portions of Eldersburg and Sykesville (north of Rt. 26).

For more details and a map showing the new district, you can go to www.JustinReady.com/District.

I’m looking forward to meeting as many voters as possible over the next several months.  Whether we agree or disagree, I enjoy answering questions and discussing ideas to improve our state.  Working together, we can get Maryland back to a place where people can afford to live – not have to leave.

-- Justin Ready

The writer is a State Delegate representing Carroll County