eVoter Profile of Republican Kurt S Osuch Candidate 2010 Maryland General Election

I'm Kurt Osuch - the Republican candidate running for the State Senate in District 18.

I am retired United States Marine, rising from the rank of Private to Lieutenant Colonel. During my almost 27-year career, I have served in multiple capacities, and at both extremes - from peace to combat, and all areas in-between. My Marine Corps service gave me extensive experience as a leader, critical decision-making skills, and a deep understanding of managing limited resources. I've learned how to work with people from all different backgrounds, gained coalition building skills, and I've solved tough problems in acquisitions, training, policy and program management. I've worked at the highest levels of our national establishment, coordinated with allies, made time-sensitive and critical decisions involving scarce resources and worked intimately with our national leaders to help deal with emerging crises.

I know how to focus on the important issues, what public service means, how to tackle a problem hammer out a solution, and how to motivate and take care of people. These are skills that can be used in any sphere of life, and I will apply them all in Annapolis.

After retirement, I worked in private business as a strategic planning consultant until deciding to campaign full-time.

Educationally, I have a Bachelors of Arts, with a double major in Political Science and History from Auburn University, where I worked at night to supplement our family income. I also attained a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. My background also includes extensive education in national security and the strategic environment.

From the time I was 12 years old, I've known the value of hard work - I've worked continuously, in various capacities, and in all kinds of work - mowing lawns, waiting tables, and in veterinary clinics.

My family and community are very important to me. I was been awarded the Green Knight award by the Girl Scouts of America, I've coached youth sports for over 10 years, and am a member of the Marine Executive Association. MEA helps wounded and ill military members transition back into their neighborhoods and helps them chart their future. I ran for and was elected to the School Board in Quantico, VA, and am currently an appointed member of the Montgomery County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, sitting on the budget subcommittee. I am a precinct chair for the Republican Party, as well as a member of the Party Central Committee.

Since we started this campaign, we've been in constant motion - our "100 homes and businesses a day for 100 days campaign" has brought us in contact with thousands of residents, business owners and workers.

I've worn down a couple pairs of shoes already - and I know I'll send a couple more to their fate before we're done. It's been a great experience to walk through neighborhoods in our District, learning about the families and businesses, learning their uniqueness and special character - and most of all talking to people - learning about the residents - my future constituents. Listening to them, having conversations with them, and being willing to answer their questions. We've been at the Metro stops, in the homes and at their places of business. We've met workers who make this country great - wherever they are, at counters or at gas stations, or at the kitchen table in their homes. The people have helped me gain a real understanding of the people and the issues and their concerns.

What have I learned from the people? First, people are involved this year more than they have ever been. What they tell me when I visit them, rings true to what I've experienced. that is.

We need a constructive dialogue in Annapolis - the system is out of balance. We have, and have had one party rule - and there is no tolerance of fresh ideas or independent thinking.

People are concerned that business and jobs are leaving our county and our state. People are concerned that our elected representatives focus on increasing taxes but pay no attention to controlling spending. These are the people that have to make tough choices with their family budgets and expect their legislators to do the same.

People are concerned that our neighborhoods aren't as safe as they should be - that their children can't go to the mall safely, and that they can't take an evening stroll. This should not be.

I have three basic goals as your State Senator: I will put Montgomery County First, help bring Jobs with a Future to Maryland, and Keep our Communities Safe.

Just as our Founding Fathers did, I plan to be a citizen legislator - I so not aspire to a government career - I spent 27 years in the military in service to my country. Working as a legislator is an extension of my lifetime of service, - transferred from the international front to the domestic front - service to the citizens of this County and this State. Service to make the hard choices that give people confidence once again in their government. Service that restrains government and allows families, communities, and businesses to survive and thrive.

There is change afoot - our citizens are frustrated with business as usual. That's what my opponent asks for - return the same group to Annapolis to do the same thing - do you expect different results? No, you'll get the same results - rising taxes, run-away spending, band-aid budget management, and lack of concern for you - the citizens.

I will bring new, fresh ideas to Annapolis - I am not beholden to special interests, I don't pursue my own agenda, and I'm not a lifelong bureaucrat. I am a citizen legislator whose has devoted my life to service, to my family, my community and my county and my country. I bring decades of experience solving problems - getting things done!

As your State Senator my door and my mind is always open. I plan to increase communication with the people in our District with Town Hall meetings, an open and responsive email system to listen to your concerns and do my best to answer them. There is no question that I will be a responsible steward of your taxpayer dollars. And if elected, I will continue to walk through my District talking to people as I have during my campaign.

As I said, my message is straightforward: Put Montgomery County First, bring Jobs with a Future and help Keep our Communities Safe.

I ask for your vote.