Candidate Profile: Meet Mia Mason, Running To Serve In District 1

When voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 elections, they will be asked to select an individual to serve U.S. District 1.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to help provide voters with information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Below are the responses from candidate Mia Mason.

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Town/City of Residence

yes

Office Sought

U.S. House

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

District 1

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Sarah, spouse

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, stepfather retired government

Education

High School Degree

Occupation

Retired Military, served in the Army, Navy, and D.C. National Guard for 20 years

Campaign website

https://miadmason.us/

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.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is access to affordable health care. That is why we must pass Medicare for All; it will eliminate costly medical bills, deductibles, co-pays, and premiums while expanding access to include coverage for hearing, vision, dental, mental health care and long-term care.

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?

Yes, I support Black Lives Matter.

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

I think the term is incorrect for "defund the police." What it should be about is first recognizing that systemic racism is real in almost all systems in society.

Then, we must realize that too many duties have fallen onto police officers, spreading them too thin. It's really about reallocation of resources so that police can police, and not be social workers, doctors, etc.

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 think that there has been a failed national response from this administration. Over 215,000 Americans dead. That is a result of an inadequate and inept attempt of a response to a deadly virus. My opponent has spread misinformation about the coronavirus, and even took part in a "Re-Open Maryland" rally where people did not wear masks.

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

Unlike my opponent, I believe in equality and equity for everyone. Andy Harris has shown time and time again that he does not support equality as evidence by his votes against The Equality Act, the Deborah Sampson Act, The Violence Against Women Act, and The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act. The Human Rights Campaign named my opponent as one of the most "anti-equality" legislators in the United States. Mia has a long history of working and advocating for Civil Rights groups like the Human Rights Campaign, the MMAA, and the National Center for Transgender Equality.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the district?

My opponent voted against our communities in every way. He's voted against LGBT rights, women's rights, our veterans, our health care and our environment.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Investing in sustainable infrastructure and transitioning to a clean energy economy. Not only would it be better for the planet, but it would create thousands of jobs that provide a living-wage.
The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and is vital for our economy and way of life. We must protect our waters and the environment from further pollution and work to restore the bay to its natural wonder.

Expanding equality and equity to prevent discrimination of any person.

Rural communities are the backbone of America. Here in Maryland, we need to value and protect our rural environments, schools, infrastructure and economies.

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

My 20 years of military experience and military awards are evidence that I can handle this job. I am up to the task of serving this country.

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

The passage of Medicare for All.

Why should voters trust you?

I served our country for 20 years, and I am prepared to continuing serving our country by representing Maryland's 1st district. Also, I do not accept money from corporate PACs, so I am not beholden to any big money donors. I don't have anyone to answer to except the voters themselves.

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

Fiscal policy should be aimed at enhancing inclusion and power of the middle class. Taxes are necessary as long as the people know they are going to things that help them. When someone sees that they are paying money into Medicare through a tax but they pay nothing when they go to the doctor's, they know that it's going to something real.

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

No, I intend to serve the full term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Join the Navy, not the Army, and learn to understand what good leadership and mentorship is when helping others.