Democratic congressional candidates weigh in on Western Maryland's top priorities.

Mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent by election officials by April 1 for the upcoming Presidential Primary Election in Maryland, with Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, May 14.

In order to provide information for voters about the candidates that are on the ballot for Maryland’s Sixth United States Congressional District, which stretches from Northern Montgomery County west to include Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties, the Herald-Mail compiled candidates responses to a question, as follows.

The 6th District encompasses Maryland’s three westernmost counties. What do you think the top priorities are for Western Maryland constituents and how would you address them?

There are 16 Democratic candidates and seven Republican candidates for the Sixth Congressional District seat. Candidates were given two weeks and two reminders to respond to the question sent to their email address listed on the State Board of Elections website. Those candidates who did not respond are indicated below. Responses were limited to 150 words.

The Herald-Mail is not endorsing any candidate or their response, but is providing the responses below for informational purposes on behalf of the voters and residents of Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District. Here are the Democratic candidates and responses.

Democratic candidates for Maryland’s Congressional District Six

Peter Choharis

The American Dream is out of reach for half of Americans. Fifty percent of Americans won’t earn as much their parents did — the lowest since WW II. People need good wages, access to an education that doesn’t leave them struggling with debt, and an economy where the next generation will have a better future instead of falling behind.

Economic opportunity

As a lawyer and businessperson, who has worked with U.S. startups and helped US investors overseas, I will use Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and federal dollars to promote economic growth and jobs in Maryland’s 6th District.

Education

I will fight to lower the cost of a college education and will promote vocational education and community colleges to build our economy.

Substance Abuse

Heroine, opioid and other substance abuse afflicts many Western Maryland communities. I will fight for federal dollars to support treatment access, responsible prescribing and accountability.

Destiny Drake-West

Did not respond.

George Gluck

Did not respond.

Geoffrey Grammer

Did not respond.

Ashwani Jain

I spend 90% of my time canvassing across the 6th District going door to door to talk to residents about the issues they are facing and discuss policy solutions. Having knocked on the doors of over 38,000 residents, I can confidently say that the top two issues they are most concerned with are cost of living and access to medical care.

That is why I’m fighting to establish a system of Medicare For All, cancel student debt, make public college free and enact a $26 minimum wage by 2030. Increasing the minimum wage to account for inflation and cost of living will bring every worker’s salary up to the national average of $55K a year, a fair salary for an American working full time, and will help our economy, reduce poverty and crime rates, expand our tax base, and help businesses find, hire and retain workers.

Lesley J. Lopez

Since the beginning of my campaign, I've aimed to represent Western Maryland effectively by engaging with thousands of constituents across CD6. The predominant concerns I've encountered are healthcare and transportation.

Healthcare remains a top priority, with issues such as access to quality care, prescription prices, and public health crises like the opioid epidemic weighing heavily on people's minds. With a proven track record in Annapolis of tackling medical debt and advocating for a public option, I am committed to continuing this fight in Washington.

Additionally, as Western Maryland experiences significant growth, particularly in Frederick, sustainable development hinges on adequate infrastructure and transportation funding. As a delegate, I've secured millions for my district, and in Congress, I will vigorously advocate for funding and improvements to crucial routes like 270, 15, and 81, as well as for maximizing the Brunswick line's potential.

Tekesha A. Martinez

Education and transportation. With state funding shortfalls, they need federal attention. As Congresswoman, I would advocate for school funding to build desperately needed new locations and retain teachers. We must ensure that our educators can afford to live in the communities they serve.

As for transportation, aging infrastructure must be repaired and to serve our fast-growing region. Expanding public transportation with new federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is key. We cannot pass up the opportunity to leverage these investments and guarantee things like all-day MARC access from Brunswick to DC.

Some candidates don't actually live in this district. I was born and raised in Western Maryland. I know that we sit on good ground that can be nurtured to bear fruit.

I'm not going anywhere. I have the experience as the executive of Hagerstown to work the relationships on the ground and get these things done.

April McClain Delaney

The 6th District urgently requires more quality employment opportunities. Building on the Biden administration's successful initiatives, which have led to record job growth and low unemployment, is crucial.

The Biden jobs program prioritizes "middle out" economic strategies, focusing on infrastructure development, reshoring jobs such as CHIPS manufacturing and leading on climate change through initiatives like IRA. Additionally, it aims to make higher education more accessible and supports regulatory reforms for small business growth.

I will advocate for a robust public education system, and endorse initiatives like the Kirwan Commission's recommendations for Maryland education. Ensuring equal opportunities for all children in the district is paramount, as is protecting our natural resources and combating climate change. As a member of Congress, I will invest in the EPA, support a key piece of legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and support our wildlife and national parks.

Stephen R. McDow, II

Did not respond.

Mohammad S. Mozumder

Beautiful western Maryland’s economic growth can be driven by tourism.

To kickstart that, I’d build a new high speed rail line connecting Western Maryland to DC and Baltimore. This could be part of a national network.

I'd increase funding for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and grants targeting tourism-related businesses, such as resorts, restaurants, shopping, event planning and more, as well funding local governments for infrastructure improvement. I support small business, and personally helped my extended family members own a gas station along I-70.

We can fund these by defunding the racist apartheid state of Israel. That’s $3 billion annually that could be used instead for high speed rail and small businesses.

We could do a lot better to grow our economy than funding genocide, creating enemies where we had none before. Before Israel, America had no enemies in the Mideast.

Adrian Petrus

Did not respond.

Joel Rubin

Did not respond.

Laurie-Anne Sayles

As I met with the residents of Western Maryland, their passion for their communities was inspiring. Their concerns about infrastructure, job creation, healthcare and support for rural areas motivated me to develop a comprehensive policy platform called the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Sixth District vision. This vision reflects our shared values and aims to provide residents with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive.First, I will prioritize investing in infrastructure projects that enhance the region's multimodal transportation systems, expand access to high-speed internet and improve overall connectivity.Furthermore, promoting economic growth supports small businesses, attracts new businesses and provides workforce development training, all critical components of the vision.Finally, expanding healthcare services and access and increasing investments in education, veterans, agriculture and community development programs ensures residents can access the care they need, regardless of their income or background.

Joe Vogel

Did not respond.

Kiambo "Bo" White

1. Employment- Expand non-traditional options in the area, building trades, skilled trades and enhance two/four year college opportunities. Partner with local not for profits who can help assist in resume and employment training.

2. Healthcare-Community outreach which provides information on the healthcare marketplace. This can be done online, in-person, and or local churches/community groups. Find drug, mental health and women's healthcare partners in the communities which have very few.

3. Transportation-Find additional funding for the western areas so individuals can have more employment options. Community outreach to gain support from local, state and federal agencies to add mass transit to these areas.

Altimont Mark Wilks

Western Maryland's constituents have gone "unheard" in Washington DC for far too long.

I Hear You.

Mountain Maryland, especially those areas where farms are the vital economic drivers, the rich history of rural development and triumphs over adversity, to the enclaves of endeavoring African American communities.... Throughout Western Maryland our neighbors cry out for acknowledgement and a Voice in the US House of Representatives that will Speak Truth to Power, that will speak with the collective chorus of the constituent's concerns.

I Hear You.

Western Maryland, I hear you, and I will be the Representative that Western Maryland can count on.

Wilks Works For YOU.

Vote Wilks For Congress.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Democratic candidates weigh in on Western Maryland's top priorities