Significant Thought – “How Denizens Almost Never Happened…”

If nothing else, I’m a cliché. I love this county, I love The West Wing, and I love democracy, in that order. So forgive me if I share an idea with you that might be a little clichéd: you have a vote, and it’s significant.

Presidential elections receive the most attention from the media, the most campaign contributions, and sport the highest voter turnout. Clearly the public profile of these elections is higher because Americans are choosing who will sit in the highest and most famous political office in America.

Picking a President is important, but the truth is all elections, just like the one coming up on November 4^th, have an impact on your life. I would argue that, when it comes to your day-to-day life, state and local offices have a greater impact. More than you might realize.

As I mentioned, your vote is significant; it has a powerful domino effect. Your vote spurs your friends and family to vote and in turn, the people you believe in are elected to office. Your decision of whether to vote has a large effect on your community.

Today through the first day of Maryland early voting, I’ll be posting examples of how local government affects you and your community. Consider these examples and the last time you had the opportunity to vote, did you vote? Ask yourself – “are you happy with your choice?”

It is not my intent to convince you to vote a certain way, but to get you to vote. 

Tomorrow, October 14^th is the last day to register in Maryland for this year’s general election on November 4^th. If you need to register, or check your voter registration status please visit: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections/index2.html.

How Denizens Almost Never Happened OR How My Life Was Almost Never Complete-

 Denizens Brewery (@DenizensBrewing)  – I’ve made no secret I love Denizens Brewery. I would live there if my wife would be willing to relocate. Well, Denizens owes its existence to Maryland House Bill 132.

Prior to July 1^st, 2014, when the bill took effect, breweries were only able to serve beer if they had a full restaurant license. Otherwise they would be required to sell to the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control for distribution. With the Governor’s signing of the bill, Denizens experienced the same rite of passage as 21 year olds across the nation… they became legal.  Two weeks later, Denizens opened their doors; Silver Spring had its newest addition and my life in the community finally felt complete.

Be sure to check back tomorrow and through the week as this series continues.  Some of the examples may surprise you, but all are sure to demonstrate how every vote can make a difference. A phrase that signifies not only how you vote but the fact that you do. 

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections/index2.html.

Significant Thought the complete series:

Significant Thought – Part 1

Significant Thought – Part 2

Significant Thought – Part 3

Significant Thought – Part 4

Significant Thought – Part 5

Significant Thought – Part 6

Significant Thought – Part 7

Significant Thought – Part 8

Abe Saffer

I am a Congressional lobbyist for the American Occupational Therapy Association, focusing on issues dealing with education for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I've been active in politics and advocacy in Montgomery County, having served on the board of the Montgomery County Young Democrats, managed multiple local campaigns, and worked for Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher (D-18). In 2012 I received my Masters in Political Management with a concentration in political communication and campaigns from the Georges Washington University. I live in 20910 (Silver Spring) with my wife, Tonya. In my free time, I run the 2038 Congressional campaign for my son, Carson.