St. Mary’s County Commissioner Cynthia “Cindy” Jones (R: 1st), after being in office for three years, has launched her candidacy for the Maryland Senate. Jones held a kickoff fundraiser Tuesday at Lenny’s Restaurant in California. Jones is being challenged in the Republican primary by Steve Waugh from Calvert County. The winner of the primary in June will face five-term Democratic Senator Roy Dyson.
In brief remarks at the fundraiser Jones noted that Waugh ran a close race against Dyson four years again, closer than was expected. She said she welcomed the opposition, but she said she was up to it. “We need a proven winner and campaigner. I believe I am that candidate.”
Jones said as county commissioner she had seen many “unfunded mandates” thrust upon the counties by the state and federal government. She said those policies make it difficult for the counties to precisely budget. She said representation was needed in Annapolis who would stand up for the values held dear by St. Mary’s and Calvert counties.
Standing beside her at the open of her talk was Steve Rathbone, a member of Jones’ church who praised her for her family values, including homeschooling her children. Fellow commissioners Russell, Morris and Morgan also attended the fundraiser before they had to leave to attend a county commissioners’ public hearing. Also in attendance were Republican House candidates Deb Rey and Bryan “Puff” Barthelme and county commissioner candidate Tom Jarboe.
Jones also thanked the sponsors of the event and urged attendees to put up her signs and contribute in any way they could. Her campaign website is www.ElectCindyJones.com
