Q&A: Six Questions for Sheila E. Hixson

As primary election day in Montgomery County approaches, many candidates push to be voted by thousands on September 14. Patch.com asked candidates about the issues in the community and their priorities.

House of Delegate Incumbent for District 20 Sheila E. Hixson.

Patch: What are the two issues you think are most pressing in District 20?

Sheila E. Hixson: Two of the pressing issues in this district is fully funding K-12 education and creating jobs. When we reviewed Maryland's education system about 10 years ago,  the Thornton Commission came up with a series of recommendations to improve our education system. I helped fully fund these recommendations and as a result we have made giant progress in Maryland's education situation.

I am very proud that we have been rated the number 1 state for education in the country for the last two years.

Patch: What are your thoughts on the proposed Purple Line and its affect on District 20?

S.H: I support the Purple Line because it will give District 20 residents greater access to Bethesda and College Park without having to travel through the District of Columbia.  The project is funded with both State and Federal Dollars and provides jobs for our area. 

Patch: What is your assessment of education in District 20? What can the state do?

S.H: Maryland has the highest-rated public education program in the nation. I believe the work we did with the Thornton Commission helped Maryland a great deal in achieving this feat.  I also applaud the State Department of Education and the Legislature for aligning our state for Race to the Top Grants.  Our primary goal is to continue fully-funding K-12 public education.

Patch: What are your thoughts on addressing the budget crisis in Montgomery County? How does it affect your constituents?

S.H: We'll be looking at tax policy and other sources of revenue - while keeping our constituents best interests in mind.

Patch: How would you assess the job done by current Dist. 20 delegates?

S.H: We've produced tangible results for District 20 and brought back all kinds of funding.  The District 20 team is the most progressive in the State.  Workers, education, elections, health-care, civil rights are only a few subjects for the legislation we've sponsored and supported.  We've lobbied these bills from both the House and the Senate and I feel like during the past four years, our bases have been fully loaded. 

Patch: Any parting words to voters in your District?

S.H: I'd like to say thank you to my District 20 residents for all of your faith and support.  I'm looking forward to the next four years.