Calvert County Democratic Party

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

Early voting is coming up soon (June 11-18) and we need YOUR HELP! Sign up to volunteer at one our our information tables during early voting! Talk to voters, help answer questions, and represent Calvert County Democrats! There is a week of early voting, and three locations to staff, so please sign up if you're able! One shift or all week long, we are happy to have you! Sign up today!

📋: www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A48AEAF23A2FF2-64194382-early #

06/02/2026

Data Center updates:

Charles County: The Charles County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider the amended Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) #25-187, Data Centers on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6 p.m., in a hybrid format, both virtually and in person at the Charles County Government Building. The Southern Maryland Sierra Club submitted written testimony to the Planning Commission about our concerns with the ZTA that include issues with noise pollution, heat, air pollution from backup diesel generators, energy requirements, and water consumption. Click here for the agenda for this meeting that includes a link to ZTA #25-187:https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/charlescountymd/f6745ef76009476afc672deadda8dc950.pdf

Calvert County: The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10 am includes a presentation on the Calvert County Environmental Commission's data center recommendations. Because of environmental and health issues that they believe need further research, the Environmental Commission recommends the BOCC, "Pause any and all permits and actions related to any data center project until adequate data is acquired and evaluated (i.e., minimum of 12 months)." The Agenda for the BOCC meeting is here and includes a link to the Environmental Commission's proposal: https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/5055?html=true

On Saturday, June 6, the NAACP Calvert Branch and Keep Calvert Country are sponsoring a Community Impact Forum on Data Centers at Mill Creek Middle School in Lusby, MD, from 3 pm - 5 pm.

06/01/2026

Mark your calendar! 🗓️

MEET & GREET

Over the past several months, I have been traveling throughout the community and attending a wide range of events and meetings. My goal has been to meet as many residents as possible and hear directly about the issues that matter most to you.

In May, I hosted a Listening Session, and I will continue that outreach this month with another opportunity for conversation. Please join me for a Meet and Greet on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Pavilion at Solomons Landing, located at 1200 Solomons Landing Way, Solomons. Light refreshments will be available. For parking access, please use code 51234.

To help us plan for seating and refreshments, please RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 410 474 0297.

I look forward to speaking with you and discussing your concerns, your expectations, and your hopes for the future. And yes, there will be more opportunities for conversation further north in the coming months!

By authority Elect Judy Pedersen, Catherine Askey Treasurer.

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/01/2026

AN EDUCATIONAL CONVERSATION

I recently met with local educators and educational support staff at a gathering sponsored by the Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff and the Calvert Education Association. This campaign season event provided both candidates and union members with a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the people who keep our school system strong and those who wish to lead Calvert County government.

What I heard was a mix of passion and frustration. Many spoke about the joy they feel when they see a child grow or succeed, yet just as many described the daily challenges that make their work harder than it should be. The experience reminded me how demanding this work is and how fortunate we are to have one of the best school systems in Maryland.

Several themes came up repeatedly. Many educators worry about excessive screen time at home, noting that students often arrive at school unable to focus. Improving student behavior was another priority. Expanding free or reduced‑price breakfast and lunch also surfaced. As one teacher said, “You really can’t teach a child that is hungry.”

Several educators shared concerns about the pressures facing school staff. A high school math and science teacher described how new educators often enter the profession with enthusiasm but quickly become overwhelmed, noting that burnout is a significant issue. A teaching assistant spoke about needing multiple jobs to make ends meet, while others pointed to housing costs that are difficult to manage on current salaries.

Another recurring theme was the strain created by mandates that come without funding. One staff member said they had ideas that could save the system money but felt they lacked the influence to bring them forward. Another highlighted the contrast between aging school facilities—such as buildings with leaky roofs and windows dating back to the 1930s—and discussions about investing millions in synthetic turf fields.

Through these conversations, participants emphasized a desire for greater involvement in local decision‑making, stronger support from families, wages that reflect the cost of living, affordable housing options, and staffing levels that make workloads sustainable.

When asked about the Board of Education’s recent debate over renaming Spring Break and Winter Break, many expressed frustration that attention was being directed toward symbolic issues rather than matters that directly affect teaching and learning.

As much as I listened, participants also asked me thoughtful questions and listened closely to my answers. In the spirit of transparency, there are endorsements at stake here that will be announced in August. Regardless, it was a worthwhile evening for everyone involved, and I appreciated their effort to assess each candidate’s knowledge and readiness to serve. It also deepened my understanding of the needs and strengths of education in Calvert County.

05/28/2026

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Chris Van Hollen for his sponsorship of the 2026 Goldstein Miller Phipps Gala!

🎟: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2026goldsteinmillerphipps