Meet the People Behind the Ballot
Before you vote, we want you to know who you're voting for.
We asked every candidate one simple question: Who are you? Not your resume. Not your platform. Your story.
What came back surprised us — in the best way. A retired teacher who fed two hundred people a day and still can't stop thinking about The Great British Baking Show. A grandmother writing about the grandson she raised and the village that helped her do it.
These are your neighbors. Your candidates. The people asking for your trust.
We'll be adding new stories as they come in. Check back often.
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Nevin Crouse
Candidate for House of Delegates — District 36
Introducing Nevin Crouse
I grew up in Easton, Maryland and the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA. I went to college in the boonies outside of Columbus, Ohio [majoring in History, Religion, and Spanish], and did my Masters' degree level work at the University of Missouri at Kansas City [go Roos!], and the University of Nebraska [go Antelopes!], majoring in History and Art History, with minors in Geography and Spanish. I recently retired after teaching 11 different [but related] subjects for 33 years at Chesapeake College. List of subjects available on request.
My wife, Lynnette, is the office manager and volunteer at Positive Strides therapeutic horseback riding center. We have a 15 year old at home.
I play 12 string and tenor guitars a bit, and occasionally play the bandoneon [google it, if interested]. I have sung and cooked professionally.
While getting my degrees, I was the outreach minister at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, in charge of feeding unhoused and whatever other folks came to our door Monday through Friday at noon, usually about two-hundred and twenty-five. I worked everywhere between daycare centers, mental/criminal halfway houses, and Capitol Hill, DC. Those three places can be remarkably similar.
I like to ride my bikes, motor and pedal, eat fried chicken and potato salad, and watch cooking shows -- keep wishing they'd make more "Great British Baking Shows." I love streaming, because there aren't usually commercials telling you you're not good enough unless you buy whatever they're selling. My fav movies are When Harry Met Sally, Princess Bride, and Die Hard. It ain't Christmas until Hans falls off the tower.
The biggest thing I've learned in all this is that those with the most wealth spend some of it making sure we are angry with and afraid of each other. This keeps us divided. We are being lied to -- that kids can decide to be gay, or trans, and that somehow harms others. That someone else getting healthcare will make us poorer, or be done at our expense, when the places that have publicly funded care pay less than us for better service. That those who aren't white are getting more than white folks, and don't deserve it. That we are all in constant danger, so we need multiple firearms to protect ourselves. That immigrants are the problem. The latest big lie is that Governor Moore is somehow to blame for the price of electricity.
These lies always do the same thing -- they keep us afraid, and angry about it, with someone easy to blame so we can hate on them. I want to examine and work on the actual problems we face. Democrats can do that, because we don't need to prove we're hurting someone you're angry with and afraid of to win your vote.
Anyone who wants to find facts, examine them, and try to take helpful action will find a partner in me.
Onward,
Nevin Crouse
Nivek Johnson
Candidate for State Senate District 36
Getting to know Nivek Johnson who is a candidate for Senator Maryland District 36
Some of you mentioned to Nivek that you know his grandmother, but you don’t know much about him. I wish I had the time to share his life’s story thus far, but since I can’t, I am very happy to share a little information about him.that might help you to know a little more about him.
Nivek was born in Kent County MD. He was raised and educated in Kent, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and later Bowie University.
Nivek first displayed his leadership skills in grade 4 when he was elected (by his peers) to be President of the Student Council at Kennard Elementary School in Centreville, MD. His 4th grade teacher (Demetrus Fisher) was a great influence in his early years teaching him the importance of Maryland History and life on the Eastern Shore. In addition, his first mentor Ed Caporin’s (deceased) his wife Harriet and their family played a huge role in helping Nivek to learn more than what the books did not teach, thus giving him first hand knowledge about Shore life, its environment and its culture. During this period he learned about gardening, tree farming and historical events. He spent much of his free time talking to people on the Shore, visiting museums and researching as much as he could about Shore life.
During his middle and high school years Nivek decided to further his leadership skills by volunteering his services as a mentor to many of the students at Kennard Elementary School in all content areas including researching and writing book reports.
His high school years brought a new perspective to him when he decided that he wanted to share more with the students about life on the Eastern Shore. Under the guidance of Michelle Hampton (Principal) and Justin Crew (5th grade) Social Studies teacher, Nivek was able to volunteer (once a week) as an assistant in Justin’s classroom. Much of what he shared was from his first hand knowledge/experience, such as visiting museums, researching history, speaking at meetings/events, and attending conferences/conventions near and far.
During his senior year in high school, Nivek was selected to be a “Page” during the Maryland General Assembly sessions. When the sessions ended, the Delegates were asked to return for additional sessions. Because of Nivek’s voluntary work ethic, support, and communication skills, he was one of a few Pages asked to return along with the Delegates.
Nivek had many opportunities to attend college away from home, but he was determined to study locally at Chesapeake College and Salisbury University where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Communications. He taught School, worked at summer camps, and began his ministry on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Later he received his Master’s degree from Bowie University in Education.
Last:
Nivek’s calm demeanor, enthusiasm, determination, education, communication skills and your willingness to work with others will definitely lead District 36 in a new direction.
Nivek has served and still serving on several boards and committees representing the people on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In November 2018 he was the youngest person to be elected to the KCPS Board. This was an interest he had since his middle school years when he was asked to do some research for the Maryland Caucus of Black School Board Members and later becoming a junior Board member.
Nivek is the only person to serve on the “Maryland State Public Information Act Compliance Board”representing the people on the Eastern Shore of MD. He is also serving on District 2 (Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s) “Trial Nominating Committee.” Both appointed by Governor Wes Moore.
In addition to his teaching career, Nivek volunteers his services faithfully in Kent County serving on The Democratic Central Committee, Legacy Day committee (chairperson), Sumner Hall Board and often preaching on the Chestertown Pomona Charge.
In the past he served on Kent County Attainable Housing Board, KC Historical Society, Youth Minister at St. Peter Episcopal Church in Salisbury and a Youth Minister at Christ Church in Stevensville, MD.
Nivek is a young Eastern Shore man willing to work hard for his district. He speaks highly of his family, community, former teachers, administrators, classmates, colleagues, mentors, friends, and Fraternity Brothers (Alpha Phi Alpha who helped him to become the person he is today. So if you had a hand (big or small) in encouraging and guiding Nivek to this point in his life, please give yourself a well deserved hand clap. Know that he didn’t get here by himself.
As always I am very grateful to all of you. We are all in this boat together trying to keep food on our tables, gas in our cars, and making health and financial choices. Not only is Nivek willing to work for the people in his district, but he is also willing and able to work for all of the people, and his Nimble Nine Constituents to make sure that Every Day Citizen working together
I am asking all of you for your support in electing this viable Candidate, Nivek Johnson (my grandson) in the upcoming Primary Election.
More stories are on the way. We'll be adding new candidates as their submissions come in. Check back often.