Recently, I was contacted by Zoe Bell, senior staff writer at the Baltimore Jewish Times, and invited to answer four important questions concerning Baltimore County's Jewish community.
The invitation was straightforward. The newspaper was gathering responses from all three candidates for County Executive and intended to publish our answers together.
In fact, the reporter specifically wrote:
"We are asking Julian Jones and Patrick Dyer to answer these same questions and will publish the answers together."
I appreciated the invitation and took it seriously. I provided thoughtful, substantive answers to all four questions, along with a headshot and photo credit as requested.
But that's not quite how things turned out.
Rather than publishing my responses as originally described, the newspaper distilled my answers into a brief quotation in a broader article about voting. The article also indicated that neither the Democratic nor Republican nominee had responded to requests for comment.
So, as I understand it, I was the only County Executive candidate who took the time to answer these questions, yet readers never got to see my complete responses.
That's disappointing.
Nevertheless, I appreciate Zoe reaching out and the opportunity to be heard, albeit briefly, on issues that matter deeply to our community.
These questions deserve more than a sound bite. And the people of Baltimore County deserve to know exactly where their candidates stand.
So I'm publishing all four questions and my complete answers here.
Q1. Many Jews see antisemitism as a pressing concern. What will you do to combat hatred against Jews in all parts of Baltimore County?
Rob Daniels:
Antisemitism is personal to me. My spouse is Jewish, and Pikesville is our home, one of the nation's largest Jewish communities. These aren't just words I say during a campaign. They reflect my values: we must confront antisemitism wherever it emerges. There is no place for hatred against Jewish people, or any group, in our communities.
As County Executive, I would make sure county government treats antisemitism as a real public-safety and community concern. That means supporting effective reporting and investigation of hate crimes, strengthening coordination between county police and affected communities, and ensuring county leaders speak clearly when antisemitism occurs.
I would also listen directly to Jewish residents and institutions across the county about what they need to feel safe and supported.
I'm an independent; I don't believe in repeating party talking points. I believe in listening, bringing people together, and doing the work.
Q2. Due to the threat of antisemitism, Jewish communities have rallied together to increase funding for security measures at their facilities. Many would like to see more public support to this end. Would you be willing to explore or commit to increasing public support for security at religious institutions?
Rob Daniels:
Yes. I would be willing to explore how Baltimore County can responsibly support security at religious institutions, including synagogues, churches, mosques, and other community spaces facing credible threats.
I would begin by listening to those institutions and consulting with law enforcement and emergency-management professionals about their needs.
Any county support should be practical, transparent, and fairly administered, with clear criteria based on security needs. I would also look for ways to coordinate with state and federal programs so county resources can go further.
I'm committed to taking the question seriously and working with the community to find workable solutions.
Lastly, common sense tells us that we only have resources to spend on public safety when we elect leaders who are responsible stewards of public funds.
A politician who misappropriates our money by performing unethical political favors for donors is antithetical to this goal.
I'll always act in the county's economic interest, never my own. It's important to make this distinction in this moment -- not every candidate in this race can make this commitment.
Q3. Many local Jews also feel that their relationships with other communities have been fractured in the past few years. What will you do to work to repair those relationships if you're elected?
Rob Daniels:
We have a crisis of trust in our county.
You don't repair trust by issuing a press release or telling people what they should feel. You start by listening, especially when conversations are uncomfortable, and then you keep showing up.
As County Executive, I would bring Jewish residents and leaders together with people from other faiths and communities for ongoing, honest conversations.
Those conversations should make room for real differences, including disagreements about events overseas, while drawing a firm line against antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and other forms of bigotry here at home.
I would also support shared community projects where people can build relationships through work they do together.
I'm an independent, and I want to build consensus from the ground up, not dictate it from the top down.
I believe there is way too much us-versus-them in our politics.
We are one county, one community. We need to get back to those values.
Q4. Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movements have gained steam in the past few years. Will you consider any sort of county-level divestment from Israeli interests if you're elected?
Rob Daniels:
I would not pursue a county-level divestment from Israeli interests.
Baltimore County's financial decisions should be guided by the County's legal obligations, fiduciary responsibilities, and the needs of its residents, not used as a vehicle for taking sides in an international political conflict.
I'm an independent so I reject the idea of adopting a position simply because a party or political movement demands it.
I would consider proposals on their merits, with transparency and careful attention to the County's responsibilities.
My focus as County Executive would be on keeping Baltimore County safe, fair, and welcoming to all its residents.
A Final Word
I believe these four questions are worthy of serious consideration, not only by the candidates but by everyone who cares about the future of Baltimore County.
I'm grateful to the Baltimore Jewish Times for initiating the conversation, even if the final coverage was not what I had been led to expect.
The original invitation promised an opportunity for voters to compare the candidates' answers. Since that didn't happen, I'm making certain that at least my answers are available for everyone to read.
I'm Rob Daniels, running for County Executive as an independent write-in candidate. If you want a leader who listens, speaks plainly, and works to bring people together, you must fill in the oval and write in "Rob Daniels."
Thank you for taking the time to read my responses.
Rob Daniels
Independent Write-In Candidate for Baltimore County Executive
