Van Hollen equipped to be our next U.S. senator

My husband and I had the pleasure of hosting a meet-and-greet for Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md., 8th) for both our Democratic and Republican friends when he began his campaign for U.S. Senate last year.

And we were happy when he won the Democratic primary.

Chris Van Hollen recently visited St. Mary’s County again to meet with voters and talk about what’s important to Maryland families. We support him because he has a long track record of getting results, with a laser focus on boosting local economies, improving schools, expanding workforce training and supporting our veterans and seniors.

While he was here earlier this month, he and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) met with community leaders from all over the county to discuss their priorities in Congress. It was clear how much he cared about local issues.

They also toured the University of Maryland’s unmanned aircraft systems test site, which offers researchers, students and government officials access to UAS research in order to safely and responsibly advance unmanned aircraft systems.

Chris Van Hollen’s message was clear: The most important job of a U.S. senator is to make sure the government works for our families, not special interests.

I couldn’t agree more. And by making it a priority to visit every county and jurisdiction in Maryland, it’s clear that he knows that the success of our state depends on the health of every single area.

It’s easy to be discouraged in this era of divisive politics and partisan obstruction. But there is too much at stake in this important election.

During his years of public service, Congressman Van Hollen has fought for Maryland families — that’s why Sen. Barbara Mikulski has endorsed him to succeed her, and which is why I support him to be our next senator.

Barbara Bershon, Leonardtown