In a recent interview with Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, Andrew Gall, presented his candidacy for listeners and readers.
During the interviews, Gall stated that the most compelling reason he decided to run against the long-standing and powerful Steny Hoyer was that, “I’m tired of complaining about congress’ failings. I’m tired of special interests overrunning my government. I’m tired of candidates that choose political expedience over what is just, and I refuse to do nothing.
The Prince George’s County resident graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in political economy and history. After a few months in the job market, Gall decided that something was missing. “Although I liked my co-workers and found the work entertaining, I felt that something was missing. I hadn’t yet figured out what it was, but I knew I wasn’t finding the job fulfilling.”
Gall stated that when Hurricane Katrina struck, “I was safely removed from New Orleans- losing only a dinky old car- but watching the destruction wrought by the storm opened my eyes to the fragility of life and made me take stock of my priorities. I realized that I didn’t want a job simply to make money, I wanted a job that would allow me to give back.”
He began teaching and joined AmeriCorps VISTA – a national service program aimed at alleviating poverty in the United States.
As a VISTA member, Andrew worked to find affordable housing solutions for the Municipality of Anchorage, ran a community clean-up in the city’s most impoverished neighborhood, and taught a grassroots community leadership training program.
The candidate admits that when he joined the Obama campaign, he was hooked on the political process. “I joined the Obama campaign because I wanted to make a difference and I believed that the election of Barack Obama would be a tremendously positive step for our nation. I was inspired by his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, I was inspired by his life story, but I was particularly drawn to his campaign because of his strong and principled opposition to the War in Iraq, an opposition which I shared.”
“My singular professional goal is to create as much positive change as possible, and it was this goal that led me to pursue a master’s degree in public policy. Growing up I wanted to be a teacher, and I continue to believe that teaching is an absolutely tremendous profession, but I realized that, as a teacher, I could only reach the kids that happened to filter through my classroom, whereas, if I could help alter public policy to improve the system as a whole, I could benefit every kid everywhere in this country that goes through a public school system,” said Gall.
Gall hopes to be able to carry his vision for change to the people of Maryland, “whether advocating for resources to preserve our Bay, or standing up to bullying lobbyists, I firmly believe that, if given the opportunity to represent Maryland in congress, I will make this district incredibly proud.”
When asked about his opponent, Gall responded, “Representative Hoyer has shown poor judgment on issues of significant importance too many times: on Ira
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