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W.Md. Democratic Summit Set April 24-25
ROCKY GAP — The Fifth Annual Western Maryland Democratic Summit will be held April 24 and 25 at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort.
The summit features informative political workshops and provides numerous opportunities for networking and addresses from top elected officials.
Comptroller Peter Franchot will give the keynote address at the Saturday dinner that concludes the summit. Prior to being elected as Maryland’s 33rd comptroller in 2006, Franchot had served 20 years in Maryland’s House of Delegates. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for education, health care, transportation and environmental protection. As comptroller, Franchot pledged to be a fiscal watchdog for taxpayers and an independent voice on the state’s three-member Board of Public Works, which approves millions of dollars in state contracts each year.
The summit begins Friday evening with a mixer and hospitality room sponsored by Andrew Duck.
Saturday kicks off with a continental breakfast sponsored by the Maryland Democratic Party and opening remarks by Tom Slater, chairman of the Western Maryland Caucus, and Susan Turnbull, chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party.
John Willis, former secretary of state of Maryland and author of “Presidential Elections in Maryland,” will discuss Election 2008 Maryland: Insights into the Future.
On Saturday morning, participants have their choice of four sessions, including Building the Democratic Party in Western Maryland, Volunteer Recruitment and Retention, How to Keep Youth Involved in the Democratic Party and Thinking about Running for Office in 2010?
Attorney General Douglas Gansler will speak during lunch. U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski will speak at the lunch via video. The Saturday afternoon program includes panel discussions on state and national issues ranging from national health care to taxes and budget. Elected officials scheduled to participate are U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin and Maryland Delegates Sue Hecht and Kevin Kelly.
The summit was created in 2005 as a way for Democrats in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties to organize, strategize and make the party more competitive in the 6th Congressional District. The event draws hundreds of activists annually.
The cost is $85 per person and includes Saturday’s meals. Conference-only admission is $50. For more information, contact Bill DuVall at (301) 722-2141.
