Commissioner David Shelton is committed to serving all of the residents of District 21. This commitment goes all the way into how he identifies in the campaign. The major political parties spend a great deal in propping up themselves and their candidates, but they often fall short when it comes to listening to anyone outside of their circles.
Party politics at the local level are relatively new in Montgomery County. It was a statewide movement under one party that pushed for local primaries, and the other party responded in kind. And now, the national divisive rhetoric that tears at the soul of our nation has taken root right here in Montgomery County.
”I was shocked when a state party committee member came to our commission chambers to literally threaten members of their own party. If they did not vote on a certain topic the way they wanted,” Shelton said. “They were told that if they did not vote correctly, they would not even be allowed to run as a member of that party in the next election.”
“This kind of divisive rhetoric served to benefit no one except for the party itself. It wasn’t about roads. It was not about keeping property taxes low. Nothing on infrastructure. And even less about affordable housing. No, it was over a vote to replace a state representative that passed away suddenly. There was no discussion on the merits of any of the candidates for that seat — only a demand to vote with the party.
“One day, I was writing out a post talking about party politics and their toxicity,” Shelton said. “The post autocorrected to ‘potty’ politics. I found myself thinking that was strangely appropriate.” Potty politics, indeed. The people of District 21 aren’t interested in any of that rhetoric.
“There is no Republican position on potholes. There is no democratic position on paving roads,” Shelton said. “We are all looking for the best solutions for everyone, and I will never waver from that view.”
Commissioner David Shelton stands with everyone in the District, where everyone has a voice, no matter their party affiliation.
