Meet The Candidate: Robert Silkworth Runs For Board Of Education

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The presidential election gets the most attention, but Anne Arundel County has several local races as well. Three Board of Education seats are up for grabs in the general election.

It's time to get to know one of the canidates. Meet Robert Silkworth, a canidate for District 2 on the school board.

Silkworth is running against Raleigh Turnage. More information about Turnage can be found here.

Before we meet Silkworth, you have to know what district you live in. Follow the instructions below to see if Silkworth is running in your town.

What District Am I In?

Your County Council district determines who represents you on the Board of Education. Punch in your address at this website to see what district you live in.

Candidate Name

Robert Silkworth

Age (as of Election Day)

71

Town/City of Residence

Millersville, Maryland 21108

Office Sought

County School Board

If you are a congressional candidate, please indicate for which district (District 1, District 3, etc.)

District 2

Party Affiliation

Non-Partisan

Family

Wife Linda Married 51 years, twin brother Judge Ronald Silkworth, Circuit Court Judge

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Twin brother ~ Retired Circuit Court Judge

Education

Towson University

Occupation

49 year veteran teacher in Anne Arundel County

Campaign website

www.robertsilkworth.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

n/a

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Dealing with the current COVID crisis and what to do about returning to school face to face. SAFETY is #1. It will be critical to return face to face but the safety of all stakeholders is of utmost importance. We are currently teaching and learning virtually and students are being challenged each and every day. We will need to develop an appropriate hybrid system based on multiple factors, including what parents want for their kids and of course based on guidelines from experts about the safety factor.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

in public schools in Anne Arundel County ALL means ALL! There is no place in schools or in our communities for racism or social injustice. I have been a blocker of these negative issues for almost 50 years. I will continue to do so. Schools must be relevant for all of our students and we have some work to do to make sure that they are.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

School resource officers that I know and have known have always protected us and more importantly, I believe that the resource officers I know are mentors to those students in need and in the gap. They have always been and I would never agree to remove them from our schools.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

I am in favor in making great decisions for the KIDS we teach and serve. They are the future of this county and they deserve our best. Each and every one has dreams and aspirations and we must work hard to help them realize those dreams.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have almost 50 years experience in Anne Arundel County and I am still connected in the classroom. I already have relationships with ALL stakeholders. I know where we are and where we need to go and how to get there. For me, there is no learning curve. I am ready.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am running for the KIDS of Anne Arundel County.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Almost 50 years of teaching, building relationships, collaborating with stakeholders at all levels. I am also a businessman in Anne Arundel County for 47 years and a family man with a wife of 51 years and children and grandchildren still in the schools.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

The safe return to schools with NO loss of life from COVID.

Why should voters trust you?

They have trusted me for 50 years to teacher their kids.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

conservative

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

NO!

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One can see clearly with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eyes.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will always care about our KIDS. I am running for the KIDS, non-partisan!

RELATED:

• Anne Arundel Voter Guide 2020: Candidates, How To Vote, Deadlines

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