I am proud to have the support of all three of our current delegates in this election. With Krebs and Shoemaker not seeking reelection, I am running to fill one of those vacated seats. Susan Krebs, Haven Shoemaker and April Rose. The new district will be represented by three delegates and will encompass the majority of Carroll County including Taneytown, Union Bridge, New Windsor, Harney, Keymar, Silver Run, Union Mills, Mount Airy, Woodbine, Winfield, Taylorsville, Eldersburg, Sykesville, and the municipalities of Manchester and Westminster.įor the last eight years, District Five has been represented by Del. My name is Chris Tomlinson and I am running to represent Carroll County in the Maryland House of Delegates in the new Fifth Legislative District.
After witnessing this display, my stomach and heart are still aching for LGBTQIA+ students and community members in Carroll County.Īmanda Jozkowski, Eldersburg Candidate champions conservative values Following the discussion, several citizens made public comments that were not only divisive and downright false - many were truly hateful. I listened as most board members bemoaned the presence of the flags as “just a piece of cloth,” “inappropriate,” and “upsetting,” failing to recognize how this framing conveyed an attitude of intolerance. Displaying a pride flag indicates one is generally respectful and accepting of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and that those who identify as LGBTQIA+ are valued and safe to express themselves and/or seek help if needed. In fact, the intent was to provide flags for anyone who wished to make a small gesture of support for students and staff who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. After a generous donation of LGBTQIA+ rainbow pride flags was made to all schools in the county, some raised concerns that this was a political act. Recently, I was present during the discussion surrounding consideration of a new “flag policy” in CCPS. If we truly care about the lives of our youth, allowing the option of displaying pride flags, lets teachers safely, diplomatically “say gay” and, most importantly, save lives. It lets LGBTQ+ children know they are seen as human beings worthy of love, rather than the despised “other.” It offers them the assurance that they are not alone. Instead, it stands as an image of refuge for students unable to find a safe space anywhere else, including their homes or churches. It doesn’t dimmish our shared American identity.
The pride flag does not represent a political party or religious group. The Samaritan values life and loves his neighbor. He does not ask what religion he is, what political party he belongs to, or what his sexuality or gender identification is he sees a human being in pain and offers him help. In that time, Samaritans and Jews hated one another, yet the Samaritan does not hesitate when he sees someone in trouble. The well-regarded members of society walk by the dying traveler, but the Samaritan offers aid to his Jewish neighbor. In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus speaks of a traveler who is beaten and left for dead on the roadside. It shows we value the precious lives of all of God’s beloved children. What it does do, however, is show those students struggling with their sexuality or gender expression that, at a minimum, their teacher is a safe person they can talk to if they should begin to really struggle. It doesn’t indoctrinate students whose families teach them to, at best, avoid LGBTQ+ peers. A teacher choosing to display a pride flag does nothing to change the minds of those uncomfortable with the LGBTQ+ community. The recent decision by the Carroll County School Board of Education to ban pride flags from our schools is troubling because it eliminates a simple and effective symbol of support for LGBTQ+ students and their families - one that could save a life.Īs a local Christian pastor in a same-sex marriage and parent to children in CCPS, I care deeply about the health, well-being, and education of our youth. According to recent studies, children and teens who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk of suicide. Pride flag indicates a safe space, not a political symbolįor anti-abortion people of faith, suicide prevention should be important.