Category: Blog

We are five weeks out from the general election, and as we quickly approach the 4th of November, we must refocus and return to active campaign mode to ensure that our hard work over the past year and a half was not in vain. After running a very aggressive campaign that resulted in success during the primary election, we now have limited resources for the general election.

As we prepare to knock doors over the next few weeks, we recently created and printed new literature. However, we are in need of more resources. As a loyal supporter, will you contribute to #TeamMcCray?

Your contribution of $5, $10 or $25 will surely guarantee Cory McCray a successful general election.

In true Cory fashion, he has not stopped since his victory in June. He has been crisscrossing the district— attending community meetings, block parties, and back to school events. Additionally, he has met with advocacy groups, small businesses, and elected officials in an effort to build relationships to better serve the 45th Legislative District.

As we knew in June, our work is not complete.

In five weeks on November 4th , we must ensure that our family members, friends and neighbors who reside in the 45th Legislative District remember to cast their votes for Cory McCray. We need you to let them know that Cory is a devoted husband and doting father who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), small business owner, and community activist.

However, in order to reach the masses, we need additional funds. Therefore, your financial support is greatly appreciated. If you can, please be sure to make a financial contribution to help us get the word out about Cory McCray—“Our Leader Who Listens.”

I hope that you will not only support Cory financially, but join me in the coming weeks to get out the vote. Help #TeamMcCray by informing your friends, family, and neighbors in the 45th Legislative District that the race isn’t over yet. Let them know that the general election does matter and that our friend, Cory McCray, would appreciate their support and vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

With Deep Regard,

Kris Burnett
Campaign Manager

Happy Labor Day!

As the summer begins to wind down, I cannot help but reflect on how we have efficiently utilized our time to move the district forward by build relationships, elevating our youth, and investing in the community. Over the past month, I attended monthly meetings for the following community organizations in an effort to hear directly from constituents: Berea Community Association, CARE Community Association, Glenham–Belhar Community Association, McElderry Park Community Association, and Parkside Improvement Association. It is very important to me that I attend these meetings regularly and not just around election time. I hope to be an integral part of each community within the 45th Legislative District.

Building Relationships

While it is vital that I keep my pulse on the happenings within each neighborhood by routinely attending community meetings, it is also very important that I forge relationships with other newly elected delegates in the State of Maryland. These relationships will be critical to Baltimore’s success.

In July, I met with fellow Baltimore City first-time democratic candidates—Antonio Hayes (District 40) and Brooke Lierman (District 46). Last month, I met with Senator Bill Ferguson (District 46) and Delegate Keith Haynes (District 44-A), both shared helpful information and provided insight about the Maryland General Assembly and life as a state legislator. I look forward to the 45th Legislative District having friends in other districts to further our goals for the City of Baltimore.

Although it’s extremely important that I continue to nurture relationships with legislators who represent Baltimore City, this month, I also took time to sit down with other democratic candidates throughout Maryland, including Clarence Lam (District 12), Eric Ebersole (District 12), Marc Korman (District 16), David Moon (District 20), Angela Angel (District 25) and Daryl Barnes (District 25). My relationships with delegates throughout the State of Maryland will be significant in leveraging opportunities to improve the quality of life for Baltimore City residents and businesses.

With each of these encounters, I gained a wealth of information, but I think the highlight of this month was receiving an invitation to join United States Senator Ben Cardin for breakfast, along with all the democratic nominees expected to represent Baltimore City and Baltimore County in the House of Delegates. Senator Cardin shared his wisdom and personal experience—having begun his legislative career as a young delegate and later serving as the Speaker of the House of Delegates. His advice was valuable, as he discussed ways to balance family life and the role of a legislator. As a devoted husband and father, his message resonated with me. After leaving that breakfast, it was clear that the 45th District has a friend in Ben Cardin and I look forward to working with him to bring home the needed federal resources for the district.

Connecting with Future Leaders

Our youth are a critical part of Baltimore’s future. Over the past 30 days, I also had the opportunity to work with various programs that make a significant impact on the lives of our youth. In late July, “The Intersection”—one of the premiere youth groups in Baltimore City led by Executive Director Zeke Cohen—asked Brooke Lierman, Antonio Hayes and me to speak to the young leaders about our successful campaigns and visions for the City of Baltimore. This was a great opportunity to share our stories with future leaders.

In August, I attended the “Young Men with Power & Young Women with Class” Annual BBQ, hosted by Keenan Geter and Katia Fortune—two dynamic young adults who serve as role models to many of their peers. I also had the opportunity to serve as the keynote speaker for the Gardenville Baseball Awards Banquet. My message for the young men and women was “Enjoying the Moment,” during which I spoke from my life experiences and gave them the advice I wish someone had given me at their age.

The leadership, talent, and perseverance of the young men and women I encountered over the past month were powerful.

Engaging the Community

On August 5th, events were held throughout the city in recognition of National Night Out— “America’s Night Out Against Crime.” I had the pleasure of joining the Belair-Edison community at the Herring Run Library for games and food. I was also able to catch up with friends and neighbors—including our future Lieutenant Governor and current Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, as well as Baltimore City Fire Chief Niles Ford—at Herring Run Park, where the Frankford Improvement Association was hosting its event. My last stop for National Night Out was at Lake Montebello. There I joined my friend, Councilman Brandon Scott, and a host of neighbors who were full of energy and excitement.

Additionally, over the last month, I had the pleasure of attending two outstanding community events: the “DORS Summer Block Party” in McElderry Park and the “East Rosemount Jazz Festival” in Burdick Park. Both events were well attended, and enjoyed by many.

It is always great to see so many great leaders working to move our communities and Baltimore forward.

Laboring to Move Baltimore Forward

Since the primary, it has been great building relationships, connecting with future leaders, and engaging the community. However, now that families are coming off of vacation and school is back in session, Team McCray is gearing up hit the streets and knock doors beginning tomorrow.

I believe that it is imperative to be as transparent as possible. Although this is only a snapshot of some of #TeamMcCray’s experiences over the last month, I hope this clearly defines the direction in which we are moving.

Thanks for your continued support. Please be sure to show that support at the polls: Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray

I know you remember Team McCray’s #campaign450. Through this campaign, we received 450 individual campaign donations. Because our team worked so hard to engage the residents, #TeamMcCray had the most grassroots donors out of all the candidates for delegate in the 45th Legislative District, the City of Baltimore, and the State of Maryland. Having the support of the people was very important to my team and me.

My friend, Congressman John Sarbanes who represents the 3rd Congressional District, shares the same values, and recently launched a similar effort to show the power of grassroots fundraising. Under the Government by the People Act, he models the kind of small-donor matching system that we used in #campaign450 nationally.

Congressman Sarbanes’ MyVoice Campaign empowers every one of us to say, “My voice does count!”

At a time when most Americans think Congress is bought and sold by big
money and special interests, I strongly support Congressman Sarbanes’ efforts to restore the voices of everyday Americans like you and me.

I encourage you to learn more about the MyVoice campaign and sign the petition in support of the Government by the People Act by going to www.MyVoiceDoesCount.com.

The voting turning out in Baltimore City is dismal, and it is going to take us all to show our neighbors that the democratic system is still worth the fight. I truly appreciated your support for #TeamMcCray and #campaign450, and I ask that join me in supporting Congressman Sarbanes’ MyVoice Campaign.

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray

Just a month ago, Team McCray and I were posted at polling locations throughout the 45th Legislative District in an effort to make a final impression on voters before they cast their votes on Primary Election Day. That evening, I learned that I was one of three democratic nominees for delegate, joining incumbent delegates Talmadge Branch and Cheryl Glenn.

I remember it like it was yesterday—what a humbling experience?

All of the work Team McCray and I had put in over the past year was not in vain. But, as I lay to rest that night, I knew the real work hadn’t even begun.

Committed to living up to my promise to be “A Leader Who Listens,” two days after our victory, I attended the New Broadway East Community Association meeting. Shortly thereafter, I joined residents at the Mount Vernon–Belvedere Community Association meeting. As an elected official, I will continue to attend community meetings, as often as I can. After all, how can I effectively represent the residents of this district if I do not keep my finger on the pulse of their needs?

This month, as a steadfast advocate of the working class, I joined the employees of Johns Hopkins Hospital in their fight for a living wage by starting an online petition to raise awareness. Within a week, the workers and Johns Hopkins Hospital reached a tentative agreement.

The agreement—reached on July 8—provides for an immediate minimum wage of $15 per hour for Johns Hopkins Hospital employees with more than 20 years of service and a minimum wage of $14.50 per hour in 2015 for employees with more than 15 years of service. All current employees will make at least $13.00 per hour in 2018. This is progress for the residents of Baltimore City employed by Johns Hopkins Hospital, many of whom live in the 45th Legislative District.

I can’t think of a better effort to support for my first objective as democratic nominee, and the joy I felt after learning of the tentative deal was priceless.

Later that week, I joined 2nd District Councilman Brandon Scott, COR Executive Director Munir Bahar and hundreds of other men committed to making a difference in Baltimore City for the 2nd Annual 300 Men March. From west to east, we walked North Avenue in solidarity for the safety of our families, our communities, and the future of Baltimore City. Another breathtaking experience…

Within the past 30 days, I was also invited by Young Democrats of America to speak to college students about grass roots politics in Baltimore City. This was a great opportunity to share some of my recent experiences and road to victory with an audience of young, eager, civically engaged listeners.

And, nearly a week and a half ago, I had met with fellow freshman democratic nominees for delegate in Baltimore City—Antonio Hayes of the 40th and Brooke Lierman of the 46th legislative districts. I look forward to working with them in Annapolis for the betterment of Baltimore City.

As you can see, I have not skipped a beat, and I will continue to put my best foot forward for the residents of the 45th Legislative District. Believe me, I do not take this nomination for granted.

Over this past month, I have received many congratulatory letters, phone calls, and messages and I look forward to working with my neighbors throughout the district, community leaders, and fellow elected officials to fight for the interests and needs of the 45th Legislative District.

Thanks for you continued support.

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray

We did it!

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who believed in Team McCray and helped to make last night’s victory a reality. I am humbled and honored to represent the Baltimore City residents of the 45th Legislative District in Annapolis.

Setting out on our path to secure a seat in the Maryland General Assembly a little over a year ago, the “Gladiators in Purple”successfully ran a campaign of concerned residents ready for “A Leader Who Listens” to their needs and represents their interests in the Maryland General Assembly.

Week after week, Team McCray worked harder than the week before, gaining traction and building momentum by beating the pavement, knocking on doors, and listening to constituents. Each step in the process has been so rewarding, and our efforts proved successful.

I’d like to especially thank my loving wife, Demetria, for her support over the past year, while pregnant with Cory V. McCray, Jr. and caring for our two daughters, Kennedy and Reagan. Without her unwavering support, none of this would have been possible.

Also, I must thank my supportive family for believing in me, as well as Team McCray for their courage, strength and perseverance over the past year.

With your support, we did it! However, the real work begins now. Please continue to play an active role in your communities and encourage others to do the same.

Again, thanks for supporting Team McCray!

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray
Democrat Candidate for Delegate
45th Legislative District

Good Afternoon Friends-

The big day—June 24, 2014—will be here before we know it. But, you do not have to wait until then. Early voting begins this Thursday, June 12 and remains open through the following Thursday, June 19, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

I am asking all of my strong supporters to head to the polls, sooner rather than later, to cast your vote. By voting early, you allow Team McCray to plan and implement a strategy between the early voting period and Election Day that will result in victory!

I know I can depend on you. So, as you prepare your list of candidates you are supporting, please consider adding an additional list of the Democratic State Central Committee in the 45th Legislative District.

Jermaine Jones, Oliver Community
Caron Brace, Broadway East Community
Antonio Glover, McElderry Park Community
Brandon Scott, Frankford Community
Ronald Bailey, Frankford Community
Caylin Young, Glenham-Belhar Community
Sharon McCullough, Bel-Air Edison

I am supporting seven of the 21 people running to serve on this committee in the 45th Legislative District. I have known each of these individuals for years and can attest to each of their commitment to serve our communities. I know they each will effectively represent the interests of the 45th Legislative District on the Democratic State Central Committee.

Some are unclear as to the purpose of the Democratic State Central Committee. Let me explain…

The Democratic State Central Committee is a party office that governs the Democratic Party. Made up of local elected officials and community leaders, the central committee is the backbone of the Democratic Party—managing party affairs for the respective jurisdiction, working to advance the party’s principles, and helping to elect Democrats to public office.

While all of those roles are very important, the State Central Committee’s most important role is its duty to provide recommendations for appointments to the Governor in the event an elected official passes away or is required to resign, resulting in a vacancy. In that case, the Democratic State Central Committee accepts applications, interviews prospective candidates, and votes to fill the vacancy.

Just last year, the members of the Democratic State Central Committee for the 45th District went through this process following the death of the late Delegate Hattie Harrison. At that time, we all understood the importance of having strong leaders on this committee.

Again, early voting begins this Thursday, July 12 at 10 a.m. We are lucky to have an early voting site in the 45th Legislative District—Maritime Industries Academy School, located at 5001 Sinclair Lane.

We are very close, but it’s far from over. So, help me keep the momentum by continuing to share my vision for the 45th Legislative District with your family and friends, encouraging your neighbors to visit the campaign website, inviting everyone you know to “Like” the Facebook page, and volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign.

If you would like to show your support by cruising around with a bumper sticker or displaying a lawn sign, please reply to this email and Team McCray will be sure to get it to you.

Thank you for your support. We are almost there!

Friends–

We are 26 days away from the Democratic Primary on June 24th!

With the election quickly approaching, Cory’s campaign is now in full-throttle. We’ve been in the community knocking on doors, calling supporters, and mailing out literature. We’re so thankful for the hard work that hundreds of #TeamMcCray volunteers have contributed to helping us engage with over 15,000 residents!

As we’ve met with residents, it’s clear that our community faces many challenges.
We need good jobs that pay a living wage, stronger schools for our students,
safer streets for families, and resources to grow small-businesses.

We also need new leadership and a fresh perspective on how to solve these challenges.
Which is why I’m asking for your support for Cory in the upcoming election!

Remember, you can vote early between Thursday, June 12, 2014 through Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Our early voting site is the Maritime Industries Academy School located at 5001 Sinclair Lane and be sure to enter through the rear.

Also, please continue to spread the word about his campaign for delegate by sharing his vision for the 45th Legislative District with your family and friends.You can do that by sharing the campaign website with neighbors, inviting everyone you know to “Like” the Facebook page, and volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign. If you would like to show your support by cruising around with a bumper sticker or displaying a lawn sign, please reply to this email and Team McCray will be sure to get it to you.

Sincerely,

Kristerfer Burnett
#TeamMcCray Campaign Manager

Friends-

We are coming down the final stretch!

We’re so thankful for the hard work that hundreds of #TeamMcCray volunteers have contributed to helping us engage with over 13,000 residents in the 45th Legislative District!

I value every opportunity to speak to residents throughout our district because my life changed for the better when I learned to listen to the people around me. Family and mentors pushed me to do better than playing the hand I was dealt. They also motivated me to enroll in a union apprenticeship program, learn a trade, and then start my own business.

I know by listening to your concerns and ideas, we can change the community for the better…together.

Over the next few weeks, I will begin mailing my plans to advocate for good jobs that pay a living wage, resources to make our communities safer and better educational opportunities for our youth.

Remember, the Democratic Primary is 39 days away! Vote early between Thursday, June 12, 2014 through Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Our early voting site is the Maritime Industries Academy School located at 5001 Sinclair Lane and be sure to enter through the rear.

Also, please continue to spread the word about my campaign for delegate by sharing my vision for the 45th Legislative District with your family and friends, sharing the campaign website with neighbors, inviting everyone you know to “Like” the Facebook page, and volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign. If you would like to show your support by cruising around with a bumper sticker or displaying a lawn sign, please reply to this email and Team McCray will be sure to get it to you.

Also, #Campaign450 is coming to a close, but you can still help us reach our goal of 450 grassroots donations. Make a small donation of $4.50 TODAY by clicking on “Donate” button below.

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray
Candidate For Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611

Friends-

As a small business owner, I know firsthand the importance of a level playing field to compete in today’s tough economy. Too often, major corporations are allowed to exploit Maryland tax loopholes in order to avoid paying their fair share. This gives them an unfair advantage over small, locally-owned businesses—often making it difficult to succeed.

In the 45th Legislative District, I’ve talked to many entrepreneurs who are committed to investing in our community by hiring locally and serving as an asset for our neighborhoods. All they ask is for are opportunities to grow and sustain their business, so they can continue to meet the needs of their customers.

I believe that small businesses drive our economy. They deserve an advocate who is willing to fight for resources to help them thrive and tax policy that ensures they can compete.

As your Delegate in Annapolis, I will advocate on behalf of the 45th Legislative District for:

Leveling the Playing Field– I will support legislation that levels the playing field for small businesses. Currently, in the State of Maryland, businesses that conduct business in other states can opt to pay taxes in the state with the lowest tax rate. Unfortunately, small businesses that solely do business in the State of Maryland are at a disadvantage because of this corporate loophole. I will advocate for a fair, competitive environment.

Minority & Woman-Owned Business– I will work with the administration to make sure that the minority and women-owned business participation goals are met on every publicly funded initiative. I will work to make sure that state vendors who fail to meet MBE participation requirements are disqualified from being awarded future state contracts.

Access & Capital– As your Delegate, I will make small business owners in the 45th District aware of state and local opportunities for growth and sustainability. I will advocate for additional resources and investments for small businesses.

Fees & Taxes– I will review every tax break and fee waiver for large corporations and do all I can to have the same advantages extended to small businesses, especially those that directly impact the neighborhoods in the 45th District

With June 24th quickly approaching, it is imperative to share my future plans for the 45th Legislative District. Therefore, over the next few weeks, I will continue to roll out my position on common areas of concern, such as public safety, education, jobs, small business, and sanitation.

Please continue to spread the word about my campaign for delegate by forwarding these e-mails to your family and friends, sharing the campaign website with neighbors, inviting everyone you know to “Like the Facebook page, and volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign.

If you would like to show your support by cruising around with a bumper sticker or displaying a lawn sign, please reply to this email and Team McCray will be sure to get it to you.

Also, #Campaign450 is currently underway. Help us reach 450 grassroots donations by May 15, 2014. Make a small donation of $4.50 TODAY by clicking on “Donate” button below.

I have been and will continue to listen to you because I am a leader who listens!

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray
Candidate For Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611

Clean, safe, and vibrant communities invigorate participation in caring for them, and instill a sense of ownership and pride in the residents who live there.

As I walk various neighborhoods in the 45th Legislative District, I’m disgusted by the sanitation issues that plague our community. I’ve talked to so many residents who care about the cleanliness of their community. They are tired of seeing trash on their streets and feel disrespected by the illegal dumping that occurs in their alleys.

I believe that in order to make all of our communities truly reflect the pride that the residents have in them, we need to crack down on those who illegally dump in the 45th District.

Stiffer penalties and stronger prosecution is the best way to deter those from outside neighborhoods from leaving their garbage near our homes.

It’s time to demand the respect we deserve!

Therefore, in Annapolis, I will advocate on behalf of the 45th Legislative District residents for:

Fight Illegal Dumping – I will advocate for harsher penalties for illegal dumping. Litter and improper dumping plagues may communities in the 45th District.

Training Youth to Identify Sanitation Needs in the Community– I will employ two youth residents from the 45th District each year to canvass neighborhoods, training them to be true public servants. During my Listening Tour, I realized that their are seniors, single parents, businesses and other concerned residents throughout the 45th Legislative District that have ongoing issues with a public service. Over the past several months, I have partnered with many City and State agencies to help resolve sanitation issues and I will train our future leaders to do the same

Working With Prosecutors– I will work closely with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s office to prosecute those who illegally dump in the 45th District neighborhoods.

With June 24th quickly approaching, it is imperative to share my future plans for the 45th Legislative District. Therefore, over the next few weeks, I will continue to roll out my position on common areas of concern, such as public safety, education, jobs, small business, and sanitation.

Please continue to spread the word about my campaign for delegate by forwarding these e-mails to your family and friends, sharing the campaign website with neighbors, inviting everyone you know to “Like the Facebook page, and volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign.

If you would like to show your support by cruising around with a bumper sticker or displaying a lawn sign, please reply to this email and Team McCray will be sure to get it to you.

Also, #Campaign450 is currently underway. Help us reach 450 grassroots donations by May 15, 2014. Make a small donation of $4.50 TODAY by clicking on “Donate” button below.

I have been and will continue to listen to you because I am a leader who listens!

Sincerely,

Cory V. McCray
Candidate For Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611