By Adam Pagnucco.
Let’s get started with our first of seven questions. This one was one of my favorites and I might just use it in future questionnaires.
Tell us about your single favorite volunteer activity, past or present.
Peter Choharis (Democrat): Since this is a political questionnaire, I’ll respond with a political story.
When I arrived at the Iowa Caucuses to help John Kerry’s Presidential campaign, he was down more than 20 points with 20 days left. We were a small group in Des Moines; most people thought he had no chance. Some Vietnam Vets joined us after traveling three days on a bus. A retired (Republican) police officer arrived. Kerry’s boat had rescued him in Vietnam under enemy fire on a mission for which Kerry won a Silver Star. Ted Kennedy arrived and campaigned fiercely.
The night of the caucuses, I went to a retirement community to pick up voters. A woman in a wheelchair (a WWII vet) was scared of being left behind. I said, “this is the Kerry campaign, we don’t leave anyone behind” and lifted her into the van. I learned of a precinct captain who had checked himself out of a hospital to drive Kerry supporters to the caucuses. That night, I realized we are a nation of heroes, heroes who will overcome fear and hardship to help our country. I stopped being “interested” in politics; I love politics and the heroes who participate.
George Gluck (Democrat): Some might not call it volunteering, because I am being paid, but more than two decades being a CD6 high school math/science substitute when I could continue to do information technology related work might as well be considered so. When students respond like this (the end of the 2022-23 school year), who would not continue:
Ashwani Jain (Democrat): On March 13, in recognition of K9 Veterans Day, my team and I volunteered with Warrior Canine Connection a non-profit that raises/trains service dogs for Veterans with mental or physical disabilities.
Lesley Lopez (Democrat): When I was in high school, I was a “candy-striper” at the hospital where my grandmother was receiving cancer treatment. In my earliest years I was raised by my single mother and my grandparents, so losing her in the long goodbye of that disease was particularly painful to my young heart (my grandmother is so meaningful to me that I added her signature shade of red nail polish, Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow, to be in my campaign logo). Most of my job was wheeling patients from one unit to another or dropping off flowers to patients’ rooms. I saw so many painful, vulnerable moments, but also pure joy and celebration. The last impression on me was just how resilient and powerful the human spirit can be.
Tekesha Martinez (Democrat): My single favorite volunteer activity has been my continual engagement with youth in Hagerstown. My kids then started going to that community center and I found a calling to volunteer my time and support my community. I started with after-school poetry workshops in addition to bringing children to Hagerstown City Hall once a day every week for a conflict resolution day, including reading and writing poetry. I truly believe that a lot of community building starts with making sure that our youth feel supported, feel heard, and feel valued. In my time as a volunteer both at the Community Center or at City Hall, I wanted to help young people gain their voices through spoken word and poetry workshops while also engaging with youth through difficult conflict.
Even as mayor today, I prioritize taking time out of my week to speak and truly build meaningful relationships with the youth in Hagerstown. Reading to children at Parkside Community Center after school program allows me to work with some of my favorite community members — OUR children!! With children coming from all different backgrounds, I look forward to meeting every child where they’re at and help support their future endeavors.
April McClain Delaney (Democrat): As the mother of four daughters, I have been actively involved as a volunteer in dozens and dozens (too many to count!) volunteer activities related to my kid’s schools, sports teams and other activities. Whether it’s being room mom, volunteer coordinator for organizations like “Girls on the Run” or Martha’s Table, chairing a fundraising event, or John and I coaching their teams – I feel so fortunate to have been able to share these times with them and their friends and our community. The volunteer activity, however, that was also very meaningful to me is my role Chairing the Board of Georgetown Law Center. Helping to steward an extraordinary institution training the next generation of young lawyers who are defending our democracy and rule of law was a great privilege and something that I believe had an impact on the school and had great meaning to me.
Laurie-Anne Sayles (Democrat): My favorite volunteer activity is volunteering to elect impactful leaders. I’ve volunteered for several political campaigns to help elect influential leaders who can positively affect people’s lives. As V.P. of Montgomery County Young Democrats, I helped then-State Senator Raskin become Congressman Raskin despite being outspent by his opponent 10 to 1! I also helped Congressman Van Hollen become a U.S. Senator. However, my proudest moment was over a decade ago when I helped turn District 6 Blue.
As a child, my mother often reminds me how much I admired Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman elected in 1968, so much I wanted to be like her and ensure wouldn’t be the last. Her compelling legacy inspired me to engage with the residents of Gaithersburg and become the first Black woman elected to the Gaithersburg City Council. Later, I engaged the residents of Montgomery County, and they elected me as the first Black woman to hold an at-large seat on the Montgomery County Council.
As an elected official, I continue volunteering to elect influential leaders and inspire the next generation of youth volunteers to help our grassroots campaign keep this seat blue and ensure that Washington works for us!
Joe Vogel (Democrat): My favorite volunteer activity has been supporting the Upcounty Hub through their food distribution drives. Their work is critical to helping provide individuals and families with food and other essentials, recognizing the pervasive nature of food insecurity throughout upper Montgomery County. I’ve been honored to work closely with Grace Rivera Oven who runs the UpCounty Hub and I’m endlessly inspired by their mission and will continue to volunteer and support their efforts.
Chris Hyser (Republican): As a volunteer chaplain with the Veteran Service Center in Frederick, MD, my favorite activity is providing spiritual and emotional support to veterans. I find immense fulfillment in lending an empathetic ear, offering words of comfort, and facilitating discussions on faith and resilience. Connecting with veterans who have served our country instills in me a deep sense of gratitude and respect for their sacrifices. Through this role, I witness the profound impact of companionship and spiritual guidance on their well-being. Whether it’s conducting group discussions, leading prayers, or providing one-on-one counseling, each interaction leaves a lasting impression on me. The opportunity to serve those who have served us fills me with purpose and reinforces the importance of community support for our veterans. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey towards healing and finding solace in their faith and experiences.
Neil Parrott (Republican): My favorite volunteer activity was my Eagle Scout Project. We tore down a retaining wall that was holding dirt back, built a new retaining wall, and then rebuilt the first one. This involved a backhoe, and lots of volunteers that I coordinated. I received so much support from my friends, family, and other scouts, and I’ll never forget the experience.
Mariela Roca (Republican): My favorite volunteer activity has evolved over the years, but the common thread has always been the joy of giving back. During my time in the Air Force, I found fulfillment in volunteering for various non-profit organizations, where I dedicated myself to tasks like cleaning up and painting buildings. These experiences instilled in me a sense of camaraderie and purpose, knowing I was making a tangible difference in the community.
Today, my volunteer efforts are focused on supporting my local community through initiatives like the Frederick Food Bank. Through a partnership with my employer, I contribute to sorting and distributing food, ensuring that those in need have access to nourishment. Additionally, I actively engage in volunteering at my children’s schools, where I cherish the opportunity to positively impact their educational environment.
Whether it’s through physical labor or lending a hand in educational settings, volunteering has always brought me immense satisfaction. Knowing that my time and efforts contribute to the well being of others fills me with a sense of fulfillment that is truly unmatched.
Brenda Thiam (Republican): A few years ago, I was scrolling on Facebook late at night and came across a post about volunteers needing to provide transportation for older adults to get to various appointments (i.e. doctor, grocery shopping, hair appointment, etc.). I had some time on my hands and decided to connect with the organization. I signed up as a volunteer and immensely enjoyed taking people to appointments. One elderly gentleman who had a lot of doctor appointments enjoyed listening to Tom Petty music. Each time I was scheduled to take him to his appointments, I made sure my XM radio dial was set to 31. He would sing along to every song that came on the radio. After taking him home, I often found myself leaving the radio on 31 instead of changing to my usual station. I’m now employed full time with this employer. They do great work for elderly citizens who need help to age in place with dignity and respect.
Jason “Mr. J” Johnson (Unaffiliated): My single favorite volunteer activity has undoubtedly been coaching. I’ve been fortunate to coach both athletic events like basketball and soccer, as well as academic competitions like Science Olympiad. Working closely with students and guiding them to build their self-confidence while fostering a growth mindset has been immensely fulfilling. It is an honor to impart values like perseverance in the face of failure, graciousness in victory, and gratitude for every opportunity. Witnessing their growth, not only in skills but also in character, brings me great joy.
*****
These candidates did not respond.
Stephen McDow (D)
Mohammed Mozumder (D)
Adrian Petrus (D)
Destiny Drake West (D)
Kiambo “Bo” White (D)
Altimont Wilks (D)
Dan Cox (R)
Todd Puglisi (R)
Tom Royals (R)
Moshe Landman (Green)
Next: America’s top foreign policy challenge.