An Economy That Works For All of Us
Friends-
As an organizer for my local union and a small business owner with a growing family, I understand how important earning a livable wage is to families throughout Baltimore City. Over the past several months, as I knock on doors and engage with 45th Legislative District residents, my neighbors are saying they want more opportunities for gainful employment— allowing them to grow, sustain, and stabilize their families.
I believe if you work hard, day-in and day-out, then you deserve to enjoy the benefit of earning a wage that allows you to support the needs of your family, send your children to college, and still have enough to save for your retirement.
While I appreciate the effort, simply raising the minimum wage just isn’t enough. We need a living wage because no one deserves to live on the minimum.
In order to stimulate and grow the local economy, we need employment opportunities with wage earnings that will allow us to climb the economic ladder and enhance the quality of life for our families.
Therefore, in Annapolis, I will advocate on behalf of the 45th Legislative District residents for:
• Living Wage Jobs – I will fight for all employers that accept state subsidies to pay a living wage because I know that our community was at its best when all of our neighbors received a living wage. Neighborhoods like Belair-Edison, Oliver, Berea, Overlea, Frankford, Gardenville and so many others in East and Northeast Baltimore worked at Bethlehem Steel, Domino Sugar, American Can Company, and Lever Brothers, making a living wage for their hard work. While the manufacturing industry has been replaced by the service industry, everyone who works everyday to provide for themselves and their families should receive a living wage. In Annapolis, I will partner with all employers within the 45th Legislative District to create living wage opportunities for those in the district.
• Apprenticeship Programs – I will fight to provide more apprenticeship opportunities in emerging industries and trades, including construction, S.T.E.M., computer technology, and other fields that benefit the residents of the 45th District, the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.
• Small Businesses – I will stand up for small businesses. In Annapolis, tax subsidy after tax subsidy is handed to large corporations merely because they have the money and power to lobby legislators. I will work to have more funding allocated to small businesses that hire residents within the neighborhoods they serve. I will educate small businesses on existing opportunities and identify new opportunities to grow small businesses.
• Youth Opportunities– I will fight for employment opportunities for our youth during the summer. Leading by example, I will employ two youth each summer during my four-year term—training them to be community leaders and public servants.
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.
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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”
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
Our Children Are The Future
Hello Friends!
Team McCray and I have been talking to residents throughout the 45th Legislative District after launching our “Listening Tour” in early June, and it’s clear that a key issue in our community is the education of our young people.
Many of you have expressed concerns about the poor conditions of our schools, insufficient resources available to our educators, the limited availability of enriching after-school activities, and the lack of programs to prepare youth to enter the workforce after they graduate.
It’s clear that Baltimore City schools face serious challenges, but it’s up to the next generation of leadership to address them head-on and ensure that our children are successful.
In Annapolis, I will advocate on behalf of the 45th Legislative District residents for:
- Billion Dollars Over 10 Years – In Annapolis, I will ensure that the $1.1 billion investment in Baltimore City Schools makes its way to Baltimore and is spent efficiently and effectively so that our children have the tools necessary to compete with surrounding jurisdictions.
- Partnership With Schools – I will, not only fight for the best education for our children in Annapolis, but motivate our youth by continuing to read to students, speak at school events, expedite school trips, and help the Baltimore City teachers realize their full potential.
- Educators – I will fight for living wages, affordable benefits, and dependable retirement plans to make sure that we have the best and brightest administrators and educators working in Baltimore City Public Schools.
- After-School Programs – I personally know the impact of idle time on our children’s future. For this reason, I will be relentless in my fight to ensure appropriate funding allocations go to the best after-school programming a city can offer.
- Head Start Programs – I am an avid supporter of all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, having the opportunity to attend Head Start programs in order for our children to succeed at the earliest age possible–ultimately making them more competitive in the workforce.
- Apprenticeship Programs & Higher Education – I will advocate for more partnerships between highs schools, local career apprenticeship programs, and higher education institutions to ensure youth who reside in the 45th Legislative District and throughout Baltimore City have the keys to a bright future by knowing the opportunities available to them following graduation.
The strategy I just stated above truly reflects the concerns that I heard consistently from residents since beginning the “Listening Tour” last June.
As your next delegate, I thought it was imperative to provide my plans to address your major concerns. Within the next few weeks, I will continue to roll out my stance on the areas of concern for most of the 45th Legislative District—education, jobs, small business, and sanitation. If you have other concerns, please tell me at electcorymccray.com
Please continue to spread the word about Cory McCray’s 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, volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign, or making a small donation of $4.50 by clicking on the “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
Meet the McCrays
I don’t know about you, but I am tired of the bitter cold temperatures and inconvenient snow accumulations. To be honest, I am ready for Spring.
However, there is one benefit to the recent snowstorms…school closings.
As the husband of an elementary school teacher and father of two school-aged daughters, I enjoy catching up on quality time with my girls on these days. It’s something different about deciding to stay indoors for the day and not really having a choice in the matter.
Meet my family:
I cherish these special times with my family. Yesterday, my wife, Demetria, and I helped my six-year-old study her weekly spelling words and signed off on listening to her three required reading books; while we also helped my four-year-old with her shapes, colors, and writing words.
After all the school assignments were completed, we were able to bond while watching some of my favorite childhood cartoons, Alvin and the Chipmunks and Garfield. Then, it was Kennedy and Reagan’s turn, so we watched Sophia the 1st and Princess and the Frog (they both absolutely love Tiana).
And, this month is a very special time for my family because the McCrays will grow by one. Demetria and I expect to welcome our first son this week and we are extremely excited.
Although this year started with the Polar Vortex and more snow than most of us would have liked, 2014 has already been so good to my family and I am so grateful.
Days like yesterday are priceless. My family means everything to me and on these occasions it becomes even more apparent—this campaign is not about me, but about a better Baltimore for my children’s and their generation’s future.
Today, It Became Official
Hi Family and Friends!
Today, I headed down to Annapolis to officially file my certificate of candidacy for 45th Legislative District Delegate with the State Board of Elections.
After meeting and engaging with thousands of residents from every part of the district over the past several months, I am incredibly encouraged that the residents of the 45th District are ready for a different approach to make our City better.
Team McCray has been canvassing the 45th Legislative District since June 2013. While many questioned my rationale for launching our campaign a year before the election, I realized that I could not set out to represent the residents of East and Northeast Baltimore without hearing from them. Therefore, I kicked off the “Listening Tour.”
Over the past several months, Team McCray canvassed all 58 precincts of the 45th Legislative District, knocked on more than 8,000 doors and engaged with nearly 10,500 of our neighbors. After completing our first round in late December 2013, Team McCray immediately started our second round in January, and have been consistently knocking on doors, attending community meetings and hearing from voters since then.
As I meet residents, the one concern that continues to surface is the need for new leadership. They are ready for a fresh perspective. They want to make sure Baltimore educators have the resources they need to teach and our youth receive the support they need to ensure their success.
Residents want state representatives who will advocate for new employment opportunities and support small businesses. They want leaders who work tirelessly to make Baltimore a safer place by focusing on serious crime and helping ex-offenders to seamlessly re-enter society.
I accept the charge.
I am new leadership.
I am ready to embark on this journey.
Join me.
Please help us spread the word about the campaign! Forwarding these e-mails to your family and friends, share the campaign website with neighbors, and invite everyone you know to “Like” the “Elect Cory McCray” Facebook page.
You can also help Team McCray by clicking on the “Donate” button below and making a small donation of $4.50.
Most importantly, you can join Team McCray and me, as we continue to crisscross the 45th District on the “Listening Tour.” Each week, we need supporters like you to hit the streets, knock on doors, listen to constituents and share the reasons why you I believe I would represent the interests of the 45th District well in Annapolis.
Today makes it official, and while we have made great progress, we still need your support to keep the campaign moving forward.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Candidate for Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611
A Part of the Solution
Hello 45th District and Friends!
Team McCray launched the “Listening Tour” in early June. Shortly thereafter, Baltimore City saw an increase in homicides. Elected officials, faith leaders and community advocates responded by holding rallies, organizing prayer walks and other peaceful demonstrations¬—sending a message to the perpetrators that we will not tolerate senseless violence in our communities.
As we engage with 45th Legislative District residents on the “Listening Tour,” many are concerned about violent crimes, home and car break-ins, and drugs activity. They often attribute these crimes to repeat violent offenders, minimal police visibility on secondary streets due to high turnover within the Baltimore Police Department, shrinking resources for youth, and minimal help for ex-offenders reentering the community.
While many place blame on local government, as Baltimore residents, we all play a role in fixing the public safety problem.
In Annapolis, I will advocate on behalf of the 45th Legislative District residents for:
• Tougher Penalties For Violent Offenders – Violent offenders with repeated violent criminal past are a small minority of our population who cause great harm directly and indirectly to the citizens of Baltimore City. In Annapolis, I will work towards strengthening our laws and focusing our policies toward keeping violent offenders off our streets to protect the seniors, children, and all Baltimore City residents.
• Public Safety Resources – In Annapolis, I will work to get the Baltimore Police Department additional resources, including technology upgrades, to ensure they are equipped to do their jobs in an efficient and effective manner.
• Competitive Wages For Baltimore City Police – I understand the importance of attracting the sharpest and brightest police officers to ensure the safety of Baltimore City. That’s why I will be a staunch advocate in the fight to ensure the Baltimore City Police Department has a wage, benefit, and retirement package that is competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.
• Opportunities For Youth – In Annapolis, I will work tirelessly to ensure full funding for our schools, recreation centers, ball fields, and libraries to provide safe spaces and brighter futures for the youth of Baltimore. I will encourage partnerships in the public and private sectors to help our young citizens gain job experience. Investing in our young citizens helps our city and economy. And this way everyone is taking social responsibility to invest in the future of our youth.
• Resources For Ex-Offenders – I will fight for reentry resources for ex-offenders in the 45th Legislative District, including career counseling and job readiness workshops, free computer training, and information on local employers and labor market trends.
The five points that are listed above are not items I made up; they are concerns that I heard consistently from constituents since beginning the “Listening Tour” in June. The 45th Legislative District is comprised of great communities, hardworking people and plenty of resources.
As your next delegate, I thought it imperative to provide my plans to address your major concerns. Within the next few weeks, I will roll out my stance on the areas of concern for most of the 45th Legislative District—education, jobs, small business, and sanitation. If you have other concerns, please tell me at electcorymccray.com
Please continue to spread the word about Cory McCray’s 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, volunteering a few hours of your time to the campaign, or making a small donation of $4.50 by clicking on the “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
No Fundraisers or Rich Friends, Just Hardwork and Loyal Supporters…
It’s a great morning for Team McCray!
Yesterday, January 15, 2014 will forever be a day of accomplishment for Team McCray, as candidate committees throughout the State of Maryland submitted campaign finance reports. This marked the campaign’s first significant deadline. These reports provide detailed financial information for each active campaign, including contributions and expenditures.
While Cory has never made this campaign about money, but about a fresh perspective and authentic public service, the campaign finance reporting deadline is an important day for every candidate—serving as a transparent measure of support for each active campaign.
We are happy to report that with your support, the Friends of Cory McCray candidate committee surpassed our goals and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Without hiring a professional fundraiser, Team McCray has run a grassroots campaign over the past several months—securing the support of nearly 300 individual donors, whose contributions ranged from $5 to $100.
Initially, questioned for activating the campaign a year ahead of the primary election, this report shows that Team McCray put in the work—hitting the streets, knocking on doors, making calls, meeting with potential donors and making personal investments. This work ethic resulted in the support of a diverse group of hard-working men and women who care about the future of Baltimore’s 45th Legislative District.
According to the campaign finance reports, of all the 45th Legislative District candidates for delegate, the Friends of Cory McCray committee finance report reflects the most financial supporters with zip codes in the 45th Legislative District.
Without a doubt, over the past several months, Team McCray has garnered the necessary support to run a competitive campaign. However, with less than six months until the primary election, we are far from the finish line. So, please continue to spread the word about Cory McCray’s campaign for delegate by forwarding these e-mails to your family and friends, sharing the campaign website with neighbors, and inviting everyone you know to “Like” the Facebook page.
While the campaign finance reports have been filed, additional funds are necessary to remain competitive. Therefore, please help Team McCray reach our weekly goal with a small donation of $4.50 by clicking on the “Donate” button below or via U.S. Postal mail to:
P.O. Box 18741
Baltimore, MD 21206
Team McCray finished canvassing all 58 precincts in December, but we have begun our second round. So, join us on Saturday to canvass a community in the 45th Legislative District. Each week, we need supporters like you to hit the streets, knock on doors, listen to constituents and share their reasons for supporting Cory McCray for delegate.
Remember, this is a grassroots campaign. There are no professional fundraising firms or rich friends to attribute this milestone. This is solely the result of hard work and loyal supporters.
So, Thank You! Without your support, none of this would be possible.
Humbled…
Sincerely,
Kristerfer Burnett
Campaign Manager
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
P.S. Don’t forget Election Day is June 24, 2014
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from my family to yours!
One of our greatest joys of this festive season is the opportunity to say ‘Thank You.’
Over the past 30 weeks, Team McCray has made so much progress.
This past Saturday, we were blessed to say that we have visited each and every neighborhood in the 45th Legislative District. Since June, we have canvassed all 58 precincts, knocked on more than 8,000 doors and engaged with near 10,500 of my neighbors.
This would not have been accomplished without the dedication of loyal volunteers and committed supporters.
To celebrate the holiday season and thank you for your support, we will have a Purple Pride Holiday Party this Saturday, December 28, from 3pm until 6pm, at the Birdland Sports Bar & Grill,” located at 6319 Belair Road.
This event is FREE and Team McCray will provide complimentary appetizers and drinks.
Please join us and bring one non-perishable food item to support Angels Helping Angels, Inc., a great organization that helps to feed and cloth the homeless community.
Show your support for Team McCray by wearing purple, as we extend our appreciation and share in the holiday joy!
Again, Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Candidate for Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611
Thankful for YOU!
Happy Thanksgiving Supporter!
I wish you and your family a day filled with peace, happiness and thanksgiving.
Once a year, we take the time to thank God for family, friends and every little joy that has come each day throughout the year.
This year, I have so much for which I am thankful, one of which is Team McCray. Because of loyal friends and dedicated volunteers like you, we have accomplished so much over the past six months.
I want to take the time to thank each member of my team, each volunteer, each community association and each voter in the 45th Legislative District for embracing Team McCray. Because of your support, the Listening Tour has made stops in and completely canvassed the following communities:
· Arcadia
· Armistead Gardens
· Belair-Edison
· Berea
· Beverly Hills
· Cedmont
· Cedonia
· Darley Park
· Frankford
· Gardenville
· Greenmount West
· Hamilton Hills
· Johnston Square
· Moravia-Waltherson
· Mount Vernon
· North Harford
· Oliver
· Orangeville
· Orchard Ridge
· Overlea
· Parkside
· Rosemount East
· Waltherson
· Westfield
However, we are far from done. Between now and the end of the year, Team McCray will bring the Listening Tour to the following communities:
· Broadway East
· Ellwood Park
· McElderry Park
· Middle East
· Milton-Montford
· South Clifton Park
With one more Saturday in November and the entire month of December left, we really need you to help us finish the year strong by knocking on more doors, meeting more voters and continuing to spread the word about Team McCray.
CHECK OUT PHOTOS OF TEAM MCCRAY’S LISTENING TOUR OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS
Again, THANK YOU for being a consistent supporter of Team McCray! I am sincerely appreciative and grateful for your support.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Candidate for Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611
P.S. Don’t forget Election Day is June 24, 2014
A True Public Servant, Ready to Serve
Let me begin by saying, Thank You!
Each week is better than the last because of your support.
I embarked on this journey with a small group of loyal supporters who believed in me and were committed to seeing me succeed. Over the past six months, my support base has broadened. I have met so many great people along the way who are looking for a dedicated public servant to put in the necessary work that will produce results.
This past weekend, Team McCray and I took the “Listening Tour” to the Berea community, where we knocked on 411 doors and engaged 570 people. In recent weeks, we have also visited the Darley Park, Johnston Square, Mount Vernon and Oliver communities.
As we meet 45th Legislative District residents, our conversations vary. While most people take pride in their communities, we often hear about various concerns including those surrounding education, vacant properties and crime. However, most people are long-standing Baltimore residents who are committed to seeing better days in Baltimore.
Recently, I engaged in some of the most interesting conversations. Here are a few of my recent interactions:
#1: While canvassing the Darley Park community, I met a drug addition counselor who has lived there for the past 30 years. She grew up with many of her neighbors and knows their children and grandchildren. Each day, she sweeps her block, which was once a tradition of residents throughout the city. Determined not to lose hope, she believes that her community and the entire City of Baltimore can and will be better if everyone commits to empowering today’s youth with the willpower and determination to seize the opportunities along the way.
#2: In Berea, I was talking to a mother, when her daughter began to discuss the pending closure of her school. As an 11th grade student who is displeased with Baltimore City Public School’s decision to close her school, this young activist has decided to draft a speech to express the importance of her school and advocate that it remain open. We discussed her strategy for effective messaging and I look forward to hearing the results of her advocacy.
#3: Recently, while knocking doors in Oliver, I met a 71-year old woman who was wearing a coat when she opened the door. Later, I learned that she was living in her home without heat on one of the coldest days of the year thus far. That night, I called the appropriate elected officials to inform them of the situation. The very next morning, a Baltimore Housing representative called, stating that a team would be sent to fix the furnace.
#4: I met a long-time homeowner of the Frankford community, who asked if there was a solution to the increased drug activity. After contacting the Baltimore Police Department major responsible for that area, I received a call from a sergeant who informed me that the community has the police district’s attention. He provided his mobile number, which I shared with the constituent.
These stories are representative of the interactions I have with constituents each and every week. I am committed to listening to the residents of the 45th Legislative District and working with them to identify solutions.
Join this grassroots movement, as we continue on the “Listening Tour.” Tomorrow, whether rain or shine, we will hit the streets to hear from residents of the 45th Legislative District.
It’s a new day, one for new leadership and a fresh perspective. I am stepping up to the challenge, as a true public servant who is ready to serve.
Sincerely,
Cory V. McCray
Candidate for Delegate
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611
Today is ……….
Guess what today is… Cory’s Birthday!
Please join Team McCray in celebrating Cory’s birthday this weekend, as the “Listening Tour” stops in the Johnston Square community.
What better birthday gift, than assisting a friend to achieve a goal.
Last weekend, Cory received an early birthday gift when the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO endorsed his candidacy for the House of Delegates in the 45th District for the 2014 Primary Election.
Cory was the only non-incumbent Maryland candidate to receive the early endorsement from the largest federation of labor unions, which is a great accomplishment for Team McCray.
Having the early support of the AFL-CIO, which represents over 150,000 working class families and the core values of strong neighborhoods, confirms that our campaign has built a solid foundation and is headed in the right direction.
The AFL-CIO endorsement is the result of the hard work of concerned residents ready for “A Leader Who Listens” to their needs and will represent their interests in the Maryland General Assembly.
In addition to the hard work, the AFL-CIO has recognized the McCray for Delegate campaign for running one of the strongest campaigns so far in the State of Maryland’s 2014 election cycle.
Each week, the McCray campaign works harder than the week before, gaining traction and building momentum.
Let’s give Cory a birthday to remember by continuing on this path to success. So, please contact the field team at 443-520-2611 to let them know that you plan to join Team McCray this weekend.
If you must be a birthday pooper (just joking…wink, wink) and cannot attend, you can always say “Happy Birthday” with a $10 birthday gift by clicking on the “Donate” button below or via U.S. Postal mail to:
P.O. Box 18741
Baltimore, MD 21206
If nothing else, please join Team McCray to say “Happy Birthday” to Cory.
Best,
Kristerfer Burnett
Campaign Manager
Elect Cory McCray
45th Legislative District
info@electcorymccray.com
(443) 520-2611
P.S. Don’t forget Election Day is June 24, 2014