Maryland House 37-B – Eckardt, Haddaway

District 37-B covers all of Talbot County, along with portions of Caroline, Dorchester, and Wicomico counties.  This district is not only geographically large, but also geographically, economically, and demographically diverse.  With constituents spanning the spectrum of watermen, farmers, small business owners, blue collar workers, white collar employees, and retirees (some incredibly wealthy, others very modest in their means), this district makes special demands on its two delegates to the Maryland House.  Addie Eckardt and Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio have proven themselves capable of serving this large and diverse district well.  These two ladies should be returned to office with an overwhelming show of support.

Don’t think that we’re giving short shrift to Ms. Haddaway, but the fact is that Jeannie will be re-elected.  Because of the rules governing her district, the two members must come from different counties.  Because the only Democrat candidate, Patrice Stanley, lives in Dorchester County (as does Eckardt), Haddaway need only show up on election to vote for herself to guarantee a return trip to Annapolis in January.  Haddaway is definitely worthy of support, and a longer endorsement.  We’re just trying to save our fingers and your eyes.

Eckardt has served her constituents well since first elected in 1994.  She serves on the Appropriations committee and the the important Joint AELR committee.  She also serves on various committees dealing with health, mental health and child issues.  Given Eckardt’s career as a nurse (both practicing and in academic settings), she brings greater than average expertise to these areas.

Given that Eckardt’s background is in health care, some are surprised at her grasp of economic issues.  Eckardt understands that business, particularly small business, and not the government is the engine which drive’s our economy.  Eckardt is fiscally conservative without being an ideologue.  She possesses a strong philosophical base to her approach to economic matters, yet doesn’t come off as strident.  In addition, Eckardt (along with Haddaway) is able to reconcile the needs of our environment with the need to grow our state and local economy.

For 16 years Addie Eckardt has distinguished herself as a leader in her community, in her party, and in the Maryland House.  By taking a common sense, pragmatic approach to issues she has served the citizens of 37-B well.  She deserves their support for another term.