June 4, 2010

Dear Supporter:

Recently, I have filed my candidacy for reelection to the Maryland House of Delegates, District 1A. My reason is simple: I want to continue providing strong leadership for the people of Garrett & Allegany Counties. This will require building upon the relationships that I have developed during this term in office. That is why I, once again, need and seek your help and support.

First, allow me to thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve as your delegate. It truly has been an honor and a privilege to represent District 1A over the last four years. I have worked hard to listen to concerns, to address issues, and to seek resolutions to the pressing problems that confront our region of the State.

We must continue to work toward the betterment of our citizens by providing vital services while holding the line on government growth and spending. Maryland, like the nation, is struggling to make ends meet and to balance the budget. Yet, our state’s leaders must resist the impulse to raise taxes.

When I took my seat in the Maryland House of Delegates, the state had a budget surplus. Now, we are facing a very large structural deficit despite the current administration’s imposition of the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history.

As a Delegate, consider the positions I have taken on key legislative issues:

• Voted against every measure to raise taxes.
• Co-sponsored and supported measures to expand veteran’s benefits.
• Spearheaded efforts to prevent wind turbine development on State forest and parklands.
• Introduced “Buy American” legislation.
• Fought for preservation of the Maryland Mined Coal Tax Credit.
• Opposed bills and measures that penalize family farms.

In my first term as your Delegate I have worked on and accomplished:

• Securing a medical malpractice insurance subsidy for Garrett County’s doctors who deliver babies.
• Introduction and passage of the Maryland Dormant Mineral Interest Act (HB 320).
• Passage of legislation for the Garrett County Wine Festival to benefit Red Cross.
• Spearheading legislation to protect and expand hunting privileges in Western Maryland.
• Passage of legislation to create the Emergency Services Board to benefit fire companies and rescue squads in Garrett County.
• Securing of funding for the B&O Museum in Oakland.
• Worked with Allegany County Delegation to secure funding for the Allegany Museum.
• Added budget language to provide more funding to farmers for bear damages.

I have personally enjoyed working with various groups, caucuses, delegations, as well as federal and local officials to get things done in Annapolis.

• I have been selected by the Speaker of the House to serve as a voting member on all four budget conference committees (unprecedented for a first term delegate.)
• I currently serve on the Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Transportation & the Environment.
• I have been appointed to various leadership positions of boards and commissions.
• I have developed a strong working relationship with my colleges in the House, on both sides of the aisle.
• I have maintained an exceptional attendance and work record in the House of Delegates.
• I have placed major emphasis on responding to all the concerns and issues of all constituents in my District 1A.

It is this spirit of cooperation that brought me to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2006. Drawing on my years of experience in finding solutions to very difficult challenges as a businessman, administrator and County Commissioner have also enabled me to be a very effective voice in the legislature.

I began my 2006 campaign with a simple pledge:

• I pledged to place the interest of the citizens of my District 1A above my own.
• I have kept that pledge and I will continue to honor it if I am re-elected.

As you may know, getting re-elected requires a commitment of time and resources for me, my family and Team Beitzel.

• This is why we hope we can count on you to continue to partner with us as we make good things happen for Western Maryland.

I am facing a challenger during this year’s election. Unfortunately, it’s a fact that candidates at all levels need major resources to run effective campaigns.

To win in 2010 I need the assistance of people like you to provide both monetary and political support.

I am counting on you now more than ever to help me continue to represent Western Maryland in the House of Delegates.

Your generous donation will help us build a winning campaign.

I am personally asking you for your vote and influence with others, to share what we have already done together, in the hope that together we can do greater things in years to come.

Yours truly,

Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel
Maryland House of Delegates, District 1A


P.S.
Save this date! August 21st, 2010: Election Fundraiser Barbeque, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Lion's Club Pavilion, McHenry Fairgrounds. (Download flyer)