Want to know if a candidate really dislikes you? How about if they walk out on your interview? District 14 Delegate candidate Vanessa Ali did that to Equality Maryland, but there’s a twist: she did it after agreeing with them in writing!
Like many endorsing groups, Equality Maryland has sent questionnaires to candidates for state office. Marriage equality is one of their big issues. Vanessa Ali had responded to a question on marriage in her Progressive Maryland questionnaire in this way:Question: As you may know, the Maryland Attorney General recently released an opinion stating that Maryland permits the recognition of valid out-of-state marriages of same sex couples. Do you support legislation to ensure all gay and lesbian couples have access to full civil marriage equality in Maryland?
Ali gave the same response in writing to Equality Maryland, so they brought her in for a face-to-face interview. But Ali knew nothing about the organization. They explained that they advocated for LGBT civil rights. Ali did not know what LGBT stood for, so they told her it was an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Ali said, “I don’t support that. I can’t talk about that.” Then she walked out! Equality Maryland was smart to bring her in, because if they had relied on her questionnaire alone, they might have concluded that she supported their goals.
Answer: Yes
Now Vanessa Ali is something of a special case. But the episode brings up the difficulty of evaluating politicians who are mostly experts in telling endorsing organizations what they want to hear. For example, the vast majority of Democratic politicians have promised Progressive Maryland and the AFL-CIO to support project labor agreements. But how many of them really know what they are? How about card check, or right-to-work laws, or combined reporting, or Maintenance of Effort? Your author would like to see ANY politician accurately define every one of these items. We know some of you can do that, but you are the exceptions.
Of course, if you don’t want to educate yourselves, you can always walk out!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Vanessa Ali Walks Out on Equality Maryland
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Vanessa Ali Running for House in District 14
Vanessa Ali is joining the race for Herman Taylor's open Delegate seat in District 14. Following is her press release.
Vanessa Ali to Seek District 14 House of Delegates Seat
Focus On Jobs and Small Business
In a stagnant economy, small business and jobs go hand and hand. Small business owner and civic leader Vanessa Ali will announce her candidacy for the District 14 seat for the House of Delegates at a press announcement at 2 pm on Saturday June 12th at Chapala’s Restaurant in Burtonsville, Maryland.
“I decided to run because I believe that seating back and complaining about the problems we experience in our community, will not solve the situation”. We need a take responsibility and stand up and advocate for what we want to see happen. People are losing their homes, tuition costs continue to rise, small businesses are losing contracts and jobs can’t be found, that’s why I’m running. I am passionate and committed to our community,” Ali said.
District 14 needs a voice in the Maryland General Assembly who reflects their views. I am experienced, energetic and ready to take on the role of District 14 Delegate representing my constituents. Ali is committed to expanding access to contracts with state government agencies for small and minority-owned businesses. Vanessa Ali is an entrepreneur with more than 15 years experience.
She decided to enter the race to alter the direction of Maryland politics which now needs a “common sense approach” to solving the problems that now confront elected officials. The Burtonsville native said that when Obama ran for President, that inspired her to get involved in the community, and to be a part of the solution. Her community work is well known and respected by a diverse group of elected officials and community leaders. “The people of Montgomery County need someone they can count on. They need someone with a track record of success and a can do attitude.
As a business owner, Ali understands the challenges the State faces as it attempts to grow the economy and provide more access to capital that will spur economic growth. As a human resource professional, she specializes in providing employment opportunities.
Ali believes her record of achievement, community involvement, strong name recognition and her ability to forge community coalitions will make her the choice for District 14 voters.
For interviews or information, you can contact Ms. Ali at (202) 365-1333 or go to www.vanessaali.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Vanessa Ali: Heaven or Hell? You Decide
District 14 Delegate candidate Vanessa Ali comes well recommended. No, not by Governor O’Malley. And no, not by Senator Barbara Mikulski. And no, not even by Ike Leggett. You see, she is a woman walking under the anointing of God.
Don’t believe us? Just ask her!
At last weekend’s Colesville strawberry festival, Ali was handing out the palm card shown below. The card refers to a website (www.vanessaali.com) that is not yet active. (Why on Earth do candidates distribute lit referring to inactive websites?) 
But Vanessa Ali does have another website: this one. “It is not by chance that you are here at this time,” she says. “God bought you here so that He could speak to your heart, and we could share our ministry with you.” That’s right, folks – it’s “bought,” not “brought!”
Ali is a minister, but not just any ordinary minister. “Vanessa Ali’s dynamic style of preaching and teaching touches hundreds of lives as she ministers locally and globally in conferences. Vanessa Ali has been given a mandate to empower people of God. Vanessa Ali ministers to the spiritual needs of people worldwide through letters of encouragement, cassette tapes, books, conferences, retreats, and quarterly newsletters.”
Ali’s ministry includes “speaking in tongues.” This is good preparation for politics.
“A prophetic word gave her the charge and mission for her life. God began to show Vanessa visions of herself speaking before multitudes of people. After much fasting and prayer, and upon the divine leading of the Holy Spirit, she established Bethel Christian Center in Burtonsville, Maryland in July 2003. She is the founding pastor of a charismatic, non-denominational church where the gifts and fruits of the spirit are manifested in the life of the believer from the least to the greatest.” The address of Bethel Christian Center matches Ali’s home address.
“Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of you life Now!
HEAVEN OR HELL?
HEAVEN! YOU DECIDE OR HELL! YOU DECIDE, IT’S NOT GOD’S CHOICE IT’S YOURS.”
Become an “E-Partner” and “Support us through monthly financial pledges.” Again, good training for politics.
So you better be careful which lever you pull on Election Day, folks. Heaven or Hell – you decide!
