Welcome Message

Marks For Maryland
U.S. Congress




Solutions for Change

Many of you have become disillusioned with our political system today. Election after election, politics has become more negative with partison gridlock.
This is one of the reasons I decided to run for Congress. My hope is to restore your confidence, trust and accountibilty back in Americas democratic institutions.
In order for Congress to remain legitimate it must constantly strive to create a system that is more fair and inclusive of all the people. Only when there is true equality in the democratic process can America achieve a higher quality of democratic governance.

I am committed to making our governing process more fair and democratic for all citizens. We need a government that is more responsive to the needs of the people by making government work more efficiently. Congress should be finding ways to reach out to more Americans, engaging them in the democratic process. I believe this is precisely the type of debate that needs to take place in Washington today. The problem is, most of our public officials seem content with things staying the same, I see this as one of the main problems in Congress today. That is why my message is different; it is based on finding solutions that will enhance the democratic process.
One way I will do this is by utilizing the latest web technology. The social web could help in revitalizing the democratic process by:
* Giving more citizens a voice, extending freedom of speech and allowing a wider range of issues to be raised for public debate.
* Creating forums in which people can come together to deliberate and debate public issues.
* Amplifying the people's voices by making it easier to mobilise campaigns.
* Creating new ways for people to collaborate, to address problems directly with their representative, in influnencing government or international institutions.
This could particularly benefit those kept at the margins of formal political debate or who feel disconnected from it. The social web would also draw more young people into political debate. Most importantly making Congress more transparent and accountable to the public.

Over the years Congress has been losing its moral compass to lead and govern democratically. According to a recent Gallup poll the public satisfaction rate of Congress is now at 29%, the lowest figure since 1979. This figure is even less than what it was last year at 30% to 35%. This certainly reflects the public's overall negative view towards Congress as a national institution. America needs a Congress that will uphold the principles of Democracy and work proactively in solving challenges that American peaple face. If Congress is to be serious about restoring trust in our democracy, there must be an open forum of dialogue for citizens and politicians to genuinely debate problems and solutions together. When citizens feel they are informed and their voice is being heard, they will have more confidence in Congress governing. The American people deserve a more modern democratic institution that is based on transparency, accountability and openness to the public. As your Representative my aim will always be to produce the highest quality of democracy for all Americans. By improving communication between Congress and the peaple.

During the weeks and months ahead I will be listening and working with you in finding positive solutions to the many challenges ahead of us. Some of these challenges I see are affordable health care, improved public transportation, building safe and secure communities and building trust in our democracy. In order for me to gain a better understanding of the challenges ahead, I will be spending time on the front lines at N.I.H. and Bethesda Navel with doctors, staff, and patients hearing the problems they face. I will also be spending time with the community groups and residents to have their input on ways we can improve the quality of life for all Marylanders.
To those that feel the political system doesn't listen and doesn't care or to those that feel powerless and have lost faith: I will always strive to put your concerns and aspirations at the heart of what I do. We need America to be governed by the "can do spirit" that made this country what it is. Duty to others, compassion, importance of community, and belief in the American spirit are the values that guide me. This is who I am; I will always strive to do my best for the people of Maryland. It is my hope to earn your trust and confidence to be your representative in Washington.
Kind Regards!

Meyer Marks
Maryland Congressional District #8
marylandersformarks.mc@gmail.com