Monthly Archives: August 2010

Maryland’s Senate is an interesting place.  The body as a whole chooses a President who presides over the chamber.  The President is given great discretion, not the least of which is the discretion to appoint chairs to the six standing committees of the Senate.  These committee chairs wield significant power and influence in the Senate.  It is a system that can and has been abused.   As the expression goes – power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

 Senator Joan Carter Conway gave us a prime example this past legislative session when she abused her power as a committee chair over a seemingly straightforward consumer-friendly bill: allowing Maryland citizens to buy wine online from wineries and retailers.  This seemingly benign legislation, a consumer right enjoyed by over 80% of Americans in 37 states, was immediately targeted by the liquor wholesalers in Maryland, some of her most generous campaign contributors.  Although this legislation was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of legislators throughout the state, it never saw the light of day in Senator Conway’s committee.

 Knowing that the public and Senator Conway’s colleagues supported this bill, the liquor lobbyists played their final card, “bottling up” the legislation in Senator Conway’s committee.  No matter that seven of the nine committee members pledged their support for it, the chair refused to bring it up for a vote.  In fact, Senator Conway went on the record in the Baltimore Sun before the bill was even heard in her committee to say that the bill “is not going anywhere.”  How can it be that a single person can hijack something so many people want at the expense of our democracy?

 Let me be clear: It’s not about the wine!  It’s about the process.

 During our district debates, Senator Conway has talked about this issue.  She has mentioned several justifications for her action, all of which ring hollow and misleading.  She claimed to be concerned about underage drinking even though the 37 other states with legalized wine shipping have lower rates of alcohol abuse.  She claimed that the House of Delegates needed to act first, but no Senate procedure requires this.  Finally, she made the argument that we, her constituents, are not concerned about this consumer right and dismissed the over 75 letters she received from constituents as not representative of the 43rd District.  Interestingly enough, she became the prime sponsor of a bill to require mandatory insurance coverage for an obscure in vitro fertilization procedure after hearing from just two people in the 43rd.   

 Does she listen to us or not?

 Did the thousands of dollars in donations made by liquor interests influence the manner in which this legislation was handled?  Can the Senator really accept thousands upon thousands of dollars from lobbyists and not be swayed by her donors?  She claims she can take money from anyone and still be impartial.  If that is the case, then how does she explain her willingness to champion an issue for two constituents while ignoring the will of the people?  Make your voice heard this election season and vote me into office.  I promise I’ll listen to you.

Friends,

Tomorrow night the 901 Arts, the Better Waverly youth art center at 901 Montpelier, hosts its first annual fundraiser- 901 Day.  The event is at 901, on 9-01, and costs $9.01- come out and support this wonderful community based program in our district.  901 Arts is special space dedicated to providing arts to community residents, especially to neighborhood youth. There are visual art classes, drawing classes, piano lessons and monthly Saturday workshops for different age groups. In the summer there is MICA/MACA art camp for youth culminating in an Artscape exhibit- efforts like these are already helping us to build a better Baltimore- come out and support!  I hope to see you there.

Hector

Friends,

In an article for the Baltimore Examiner, Adam Meister, a local blogger, brings to light the unsettling fact that Sen. Joan Conway was among three Baltimore City politicians to receive campaign contributions from defamed former-Mayor Sheila Dixon.  In the article he also states his support for my campaign in no uncertain terms:

“Make sure you vote Hector Torres (Over Joan Carter Conway) in the 43rd District State Senate Election” – Adam Meister

Adam has done some impressive investigative journalism regarding the campaign finance of candidates across the city, and I am honored to receive his endorsement.  For the full article, click here.

In other news, the campaign continues to build great momentum- I’ve spent every evening for the past few weeks walking the wonderful neighborhoods of the 43rd with friends and neighborhood activists- a great thanks to Don Akchin, Mark Counselman, Katrina Odom, and Tommy Lovelist, and Nia Govan for showing me around this week!  We’re in the final few weeks and we need all the help we can get to make this grassroots campaign a success, please contact dan@torresmaryland.com if you’re ready to get involved!

Hector

Friends,

Tonight I attended a wonderful event supporting four candidates seeking election to the State Central Committee in the 43rd District.  Kevin Brooks, Ashira Barbosa, Bill Henry, and Nia Govan bring a wealth of experience and diversity to the representation of the district, and I am excited to support their candidacy.  Stay tuned in the coming weeks for profiles of these candidates on my campaign blog.

Hector

I have been asked to comment on the recent Hate Crimes we’ve seen in Baltimore.   I’ll share my thoughts with you with this press release.

Hector Torres Takes a Firm Stance on Increase in Targeted Violent Crimes

An increase in violent crime against Latinos in southeast Baltimore has prompted police to investigate a possible correlation between the crimes and Hispanic victims.  Hector Torres, who is currently running for Maryland Senate in the 43rd District, has been recognized by Forbes.com as “ one of the area’s most visible minority leaders.” Prompted by media inquiries, Mr. Torres took the opportunity as a Hispanic leader to address the issue.  

 ”The rise in violent crime targeting the Latino residents of Baltimore City is horrific, but it is typical of criminal behavior.  Criminals are opportunists.  They will prey on the vulnerable among us” Torres said.   “Unfortunately, the Latino community remains one of our most vulnerable populations.”

 When asked to comment on the police response to the situation, Torres continued “I am pleased to hear that police leadership is responding appropriately.  Increased deployment of foot patrol officers is paramount to protecting our most vulnerable residents.  I am confident that with increased police attention, and ample cooperation from the State’s Attorney in prosecuting perpetrators, we can secure our streets to protect all residents.  I am also pleased that the community itself is galvanizing its efforts to educate the community.  Many of the service providers in the community are communicating with residents to make them more aware of the resources available to them.  As with all efforts to combat crime, we all need to be engaged”.

I had a great time this morning meeting folks at the Waverly Farmer’s Market!  I am always inspired by the strong show of community at the Farmer’s Market, its great to see such a positive institution thrive in our district.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to say hi!  Special thanks to State Central Committe Candidates Bill Henry Sr. and Nia Govan, and Councilman Bill Henry for coming out with me!

I hope everyone has a restful weekend- if you haven’t gotten your lawn sign yet just e-mail Dan@TorresMaryland.com with your address and we’ll get one up ASAP.

Thanks!

Hector

I want to share another press release with you, again, related to the special interests of Senator Conway.  I hope you’ll agree with me that its time for a change.

Torres charges Conway with supporting the needs of group home providers over the needs of Maryland’s foster care children

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – Democratic state Senate candidate Hector Torres today accused incumbent Joan Carter Conway of caring more about campaign supporters who operate group homes for children than about the success of a state program to move youngsters into adoptive and foster homes.

Conway has complained publicly to state officials that ongoing foster care reforms are putting group home providers out of business.

This week, Governor Martin O’Malley announced that the state’s foster care reform effort known as Place Matters  has been successful at placing more foster-care children in stable and secure homes. The program has achieved a nearly 20 percent increase in adoptions, with most of the affected families living in Baltimore City.

Torres pointed out that  Conway has extensive ties to group home operators. She worked for group home operator Gentry McDonald from 1994 to 1995 has accepted $2800 in campaign contributions from the operator. In 2009 alone, Gentry McDonald received a $145,812 contract from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to operate group homes – one of dozens of contributors to Conway’s campaign who have received government contracts.

“Senator Conway has to decide whose side she’s on,” said Torres, a Democratic challenger in the 43^rd legislative District in Baltimore City. “Is she working for the group home providers who have employed her and sent her major campaign contributions, or is she joining me in strongly supporting the state’s successful effort to give all of our children warm and supportive homes? It’s time she stands with the people, not a special interest.”

Conway said in September that the Place Matters program is “not working” and summoned the head of the agency responsible for the program to Annapolis to answer her questions.  She voiced a concern that the program was putting private group home providers out of business.

“Conway’s position on this issue is a clear indicator of the disconnect that exists between her and her constituents,” Torres said.  “The welfare of Maryland’s vulnerable children is the number one priority of the Place Matters program, and it has been a great success.  Senator Conway chooses to focus on the business interests of her friends to attack the program.  It is not the first time Conway has put business interest and friends ahead of the best interests of our community.”

The Baltimore Sun has editorialized about the success of the state’s effort, noting that it is saving the state significantly. The average group home placement costs between $75,000 and $100,000 a year per child.  Foster families receive about $850 a month for a child.   With budget challenges awaiting legislators in Annapolis, these types of solutions are win-win for everyone, Torres said.

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Friends,

In the past few days our campaign has attracted increasing attention from local media, check out the links below to hear what folks at the Baltimore Sun and City Paper have to say about our race!

http://citypaper.com/news/43rd-district-a-bit-of-a-fight-1.955213

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2010/08/balt_councilman_supports_chall.html

Hector

Bill and Hector discuss economic development on the York Road Corridor

Today, I received the support and endorsement of 4th District City Councilman Bill Henry.  I am very proud and appreciative of his vote of confidence.  Below is the press release of the endorsement.  Thank you Bill!!

BALTIMORE, MD. – Adding to the building momenttumof the challenger’s Senate campaign in northeast Baltimore, City Councilman Bill Henry (D-4th) today strongly endorsed Hector Torres in the Democratic primary for State Senate in the 43rd district.

“Hector Torres has a proven track record of dedicated public service in Baltimore City and I believe he is the candidate who will best represent the interests of the 43rd District in Annapolis,” said Henry.  “His earnest dedication to community empowerment and transparency in state government are some of the important assets that set him apart from the incumbent, but just as important is his commitment to engaging his constituents in matters of the state, and communication with them in a way that fosters civic engagement.  It is with great anticipation of working with a true partner in Baltimore that I announce my support for Hector Torres and I hope that my friends and supporters will join me in electing Hector Torres to the State Senate.”

The race for State Senate in the 43rd district – half of which is made up of Henry’s City Council district – has become one of the most contested and watched races in the state.  Hector Torres is a 29-year veterean of the Baltimore City Fire Department, and is noted by Forbes.com to be “one of the area’s most visible minority leaders”.  In an energetic grassroots campaign, Mr. Torres has knocked on over 4,000 doors this summer.  Torres, who sits on the Baltimore City Planning Commission with Henry, was pleased by the show of support.

“I’m glad to see that Councilman Henry appreciates the distinctions that my campaign has made to differentiate myself fromthe incumbent senator.”  Torres remarked.  “I look forward to working with Councilman Henry to be part of building a better Baltimore outside the legislative session, by actively participating in neighborhood and community organizations and partnering with city leaders to best serve the 43rd.”

Since there are no candidates filed in other party primariees, the Democratic primary on September 14th will decide the outcome of the general election.

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Although invited, Senator Conway did not attend the community walk

Thank you to the Better Waverly Community for the invitation to walk and talk with community members.  It was an enjoyable evening.  Special thanks to Mr. Joe Stewart for the coordinating the walk and making the introductions.