TIME FOR MARY WASHINGTON
TO FACE THE VOTERS

TO THE EDITOR;

For 27 years, Mary Washington has held her seat on the St. Mary’s County Board of Education. And yet, when it comes time to face the people she claims to represent, she is nowhere to be found. Her decision to withdraw from the public forum—hosted by respected organizations like the League of Women Voters, the NAACP Branch 7025, the Center for the Study of Democracy, and the St. Mary’s County Library on 3 Oct 2024—says everything you need to know about her leadership. This wasn’t just a one-time no-show. Ms. Washington has refused to attend any candidate forums or public discussions this election season, arrogantly assuming that her name recognition alone will suffice to win yet another term. This blatant disregard for the democratic process is unacceptable.

Let’s be clear: Ms. Washington’s behavior shows a total lack of respect for the voters who have kept her in office for nearly three decades. If she thinks she can breeze through this election without facing the tough questions or explaining her record, she is mistaken. Our community deserves better than a politician who hides behind her tenure rather than standing on her accomplishments—or lack thereof.

This community is hungry for real leadership, for someone who is willing to show up, engage, and provide a fresh perspective. For too long, we’ve had to settle for a representative who takes her position for granted. Ms. Washington’s refusal to engage isn’t just a matter of bad manners; it’s a clear sign that she’s out of touch with the very people she’s supposed to serve.

If Mrs. Washington is too busy or too complacent to engage with the voters, perhaps it’s time we elect someone who will.

Consider this: during her testimony before the Compensation Review Commission, Ms. Washington stated that her role requires her to work 30 to 40 hours a week. Yet, she cannot find even a single hour to stand before her constituents and answer for her 27 years in office. Instead of showing up, she hides behind her title, hoping her name alone will carry her across the finish line.

But democracy doesn’t work like that. This community deserves representatives who are accountable, accessible, and open to dialogue. If Mrs. Washington is too busy or too complacent to engage with the voters, perhaps it’s time we elect someone who will.

The people of St. Mary’s County deserve more than a name on a ballot. We deserve a leader who will fight for us, listen to us, and be present for us. If Ms. Washington cannot meet that standard, then she does not deserve our vote.

It’s time for change, and the time is now.

Sincerely,

David Drys

BoE District 4 Candidate

Hollywood, MD

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