Dyson and Washington will get my vote

Friday, Oct. 8, 2010

The following letter is strictly my own opinion and in no way reflects that of any other individuals. As a public official (board of education) the attorney general of Maryland's office requires that I state that what I write is my own opinion.

I have known Sen. Roy Dyson in several capacities. I first met him when he was a congressman and I was a social studies teacher at Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy. I took my eighth-graders to visit his Capitol office each year. My students were overjoyed as they huddled around his desk and had their pictures taken with him on the Capitol steps. Roy loved the students.

When Roy became a state senator, my students visited his office in Annapolis. Significantly, he co-sponsored the bill that established the Maryland Public Charter School Program. Chesapeake Public Charter School, the first in Southern Maryland, resulted from this law. This public school currently serves grades kindergarten through eighth grade in a unique program of study. It has a long waiting list and students are chosen by lottery. For more information go to http://schools.smcps.org/cpcs/.

Sen. Dyson has excellent constituent services. I have sent my family, friends and the public in general to him when they have concerns. He is everything a person's representative should be. When my mother in law was in a long-term care facility, an issue arose that could have affected her safety. Sen. Dyson was able to obtain a ruling from the state attorney general that clarified the level of care to which she was entitled. Thank you, Roy, for the efforts you put forth for all of us.

Mary Washington, a county commissioner candidate, is my neighbor, my good friend and a fellow school board member. I met her on one of my daily walks about 25 years ago so my knowledge of her is well founded.

I have given speeches on education and written letters to editors for about 20 years. Throughout these years I have contacted Mary with questions and requests for information. She always gets back to me with answers and the information I requested. She has exceptional constituent services. As a board member, Mary comes well prepared to board meetings. It is evident she has studied the agenda. She asks excellent questions founded on critical thinking and 14 years of experience. She has never missed a meeting.

Mary has the ability to prioritize issues. In a time of little money, we need someone to put things in order given a limited amount of funds. We have one of the best school systems in the country, and it was built with limited monies. Mary is a leader. She has been a wonderful mentor and made me feel welcome .

Mary and I have frequently traveled on board business. We go to graduations, conventions, school functions and the list goes on. She loves the students and their parents and they admire her as well. Mary is a woman of honesty, integrity and character.

Marilyn Crosby, Lexington Park