The Lori Albin for Delegate campaign is excited to announce that it has received the endorsement of the Maryland chapter of the League of Conservation Voters. For those unfamiliar with this organization, the mission of the League of Conservation Voters is to work to turn environmental values into national priorities.

Today’s news marks the latest endorsement in a recent surge of non-profits, labor unions and professional organizations that have chosen to endorse the Lori Albin for Delegate campaign.  For a full list of those groups endorsing the campaign, visit www.lorialbin.com.

“Protecting and preserving our environment is not up for debate,” said Albin who spoke after hearing the news of the endorsement.  “As Delegate, I will strongly advocate for heightened environmental standards in our state.  In addition, I will work to ensure that our District benefits from the jobs that environmental protection and clean technology can create.”

Last night, Joel and Betsy Tolentino hosted a fundraiser at the Towson Greene Turtle. The event was tremendous to say the least – for $35, guests were treated to a party of all-you-can-eat appetizers and all-you-can-drink adult beverages for three hours.

Each of the 40 plus guests in attendance were very excited about our campaign and the recent momentum that we have showcased.  Speaking of momentum, while we were at the event, we received more great news as we learned that our campaign received another big endorsement that will be announced on Monday. Stay tuned for the big news.

Joel and Betsy did a tremendous job recruiting their friends, our volunteers and supporters and even several elected officials to the event. Lori spent the entire time catching up with old friends, meeting new supporters and speaking about the issues she believes most critical to the future of our District.

On behalf of the entire campaign, we would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Tolentino’s for organizing a fantastic event.

This past Saturday, my campaign and I spent a few hours visiting the shops along the 6800 block of York Road in Anneslie as a continuation of our Small Business Tour.  We started the day by enjoying breakfast at Stoneleigh Bakery and Café, a favorite restaurant of many locals.

After breakfast, we ventured into a number of local small businesses, including Stoneleigh Lanes, Gordon’s Florist, Gotti’s Salon, Home Again, Elegant Hair Designs, Gennuso’s Barber Shop and Ayd Hardware.  Visiting all of these small businesses provided us with an excellent opportunity to speak with small business owners, their employees and even some consumers.

According to the owner of the consignment shop Home Again, the six percent sales tax is currently the most detrimental economic policy hindering the store’s growth.  This tax has hurt its ability to expand inventory, raise wages and hire additional staff.   As a former small business owner, I understand the importance of reforming our tax structure to more adequately benefit small business while not adding to our states deficit.

Regretfully, we didn’t get to speak with as many store owners as I would have liked, but those who did speak with us all expressed a need for reforms geared at helping small businesses sustain productivity and sales and eventually expand.

Stay tuned for information on our next Small Business Tour location.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2010

Albin Continues to Gain Momentum in District 42 Campaign

Adds Baltimore AFL-CIO to growing list of support

Towson, MD – Lori Albin last week received the endorsement of the Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO, which represents workers in more than 184 locals in the Baltimore area. The endorsement adds fuel to the growing momentum behind Albin’s campaign for the House of Delegates in the 42^nd District.

Albin has also received endorsements from the Teacher’s Association of Baltimore County, The Maryland State Education Association, Progressive Maryland, the Democratic Women’s PAC of Maryland, the Central Baltimore County Democratic Club, Stonewall Democrats and the Baltimore County Young Democrats. With the exception of incumbent Delegate Steve Lafferty, no other candidate for the seat has received such broad support.

“Lori is running one of the most sophisticated campaigns for the House of Delegates that I’ve ever seen, and she has the resources to execute it. Trends and demographics are in Lori’s favor this year. I would bet the district goes to Annapolis with two Democrats in 2011,” said Maryland political consultant Jamie Fontaine.

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Last Friday, the Lori Albin for Delegate campaign received the endorsement of the Maryland AFL-CIO.  The AFL-CIO represents tens of thousands of hard working people throughout Maryland and millions of people across the country. 

To find out more about the AFL CIO, visit their website at http://www.aflcio.org/

The Lori Albin for Delegate campaign is excited to report that it has received the endorsement of the Central Baltimore County Democratic Club! We are all excited to have the support of this organization and its members.

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I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Ned Atwater, owner of Atwater’s, as a continuation of my small business tour in the district.  Atwater’s has grown from its original location at Belvedere Square to four locations and a presence at many of the farmer’s markets across Maryland.  Ned explained that Atwater’s success is based on a traditional approach to food, friendships with local farmers and a commitment to great-tasting, healthy food. Everything at Atwater’s is crafted by hand with fresh, local, and often times organic ingredients.

Hard-work and a dedicated and loyal workforce has enabled Atwater’s to grow and prosper.  Ned expressed one concern, common among many small businesses, regarding providing affordable health insurance of Atwater’s employees.

As an organization that promotes healthy living and healthy eating, Ned expressed a desire to self-insure — an option not available because of the size of Atwater’s.  As an advocate for small businesses, rate-setting for small businesses is an issue that needs to be addressed if we want to keep our local business owners operating and succeeding.

I enjoyed speaking with Ned and finding out what sort of issues he would like to see addressed in Annapolis. I will continue visiting local businesses in the area please continue sending me your suggestions and opinions to help our communities thrive.