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Joaquin is first Republican to enter District 19 race

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

A new Republican candidate for the state House of Delegates in Democratic stronghold District 19 is banking on the public’s desire for change.

John R. Joaquin, 44, of Norbeck is styling himself as an outsider who can appeal to moderates in the decidedly Democratic district.

‘‘Politics is dominated by professional politicians and lawyers,” said the businessman.

‘‘I hear people are tired of nothing happening in Annapolis and a certain political party,” he added.

Joaquin plans a door-to-door campaign that emphasizes property tax assessment reductions and education and transportation improvements.

With Democrats shuffling between the District 19 House and Senate races, Joaquin believes Republicans have the best opportunity to win a seat on the delegation in years.

Last week, Democratic candidate John Mahoney dropped out of the Senate race and moved to the House race. He made the switch after delegates Adrienne A. Mandel (D) of Layhill and Carol S. Petzold (D) of Aspen Hill shifted races themselves and entered the Senate race. Three-term incumbent Sen. Leonard H. Teitelbaum (D) of Leisure World is retiring.

Eyeing just one incumbent, Henry R. ‘‘Hank” Heller (D) of Leisure World, running for one of three House seats, Joaquin said it is time for a change.

‘‘It is a daunting task for a Republican” to win, he said. ‘‘But I’m not locking myself in with any one party.”

A public program manager for Automated Data Processing (ADP), Joaquin works with the public sector on human resources and business development.

He was a member of Citizens Against Norbeck Expansion, a residential group that fought against surface road expansions as an alternative to the Intercounty Connector, and founded IT Community Foundation, a nonprofit group designed to serve as a catalyst for social investment. He has been an active member of Greater Washington Board of Trade and vice president of the Manor Community Association.

A California native, Joaquin holds a master’s degree in business administration from George Washington University. He is married with two daughters.

Election 2006

John R. Joaquin

State House of Delegates, District 19

44, Norbeck

Republican

Experience: Member of Citizens Against Norbeck Expansion, member of Greater Washington Board of Trade, vice president of Manor Community Association.

Issues: roperty taxes, education and transportation.

Web site: www.johnjoaquin.com.