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Kenneth P. Kerr

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Kenneth P. Kerr
Kerr in 2019
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 3B district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 9, 2019
Preceded byWilliam Folden
Member, Frederick County Board of Education
In office
December 7, 2016 – December 28, 2018
Succeeded byLois Jarman
Personal details
Born (1957-01-28) January 28, 1957 (age 67)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Children2
Alma mater

Kenneth P. Kerr (born January 28, 1957) is an American politician. He is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He represents District 3B, which covers parts of Frederick County. He was previously a member of the Frederick County Board of Education from 2016 to 2018.[1][2]

Early life and career

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Kerr was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 28, 1957. He attended Frederick Community College, where he earned an A.A. degree in general studies in 1976.[1] While at Frederick Community College, he met his wife in a philosophy class, who he married in 1984.[3] He also attended Hood College, where he earned a B.A. degree in music in 1981. After graduating from Hood College, he worked as a fourth grade teacher for Frederick County Public Schools from 1983 to 1986.[1] During this time, Kerr led a group of fourth-graders through the Maryland State House and thought to himself, "Wow, this is really cool. It'd be great if I could do this someday."[4] After teaching, Kerr worked in the information technology field for 10 years, working various jobs including computer repair and writing software manuals. Writing manuals made him return to Towson University, where he earned a M.S. degree in professional writing in 1995.[3] After graduating from Towson, Kerr worked as an English professor at Cecil College, Frederick Community College, Hagerstown Community College, Harford Community College, and Wor–Wic Community College. Since 1999, he has worked as an English professor at Frederick Community College, serving as the chair of the English department from 2011 to 2017. He later attended Morgan State University, where he earned a Ed.D. in 2003.[1]

In 2014, Kerr unsuccessfully ran for the Frederick County Board of Education, seeking to replace board member Brad Young.[5][6] He lost to incumbent April Miller in the general election by a margin of 43 votes. He declined to request a recount, saying that he trusted the proficiency of the elections officials in tallying absentee and provisional ballots.[7]

In April 2016, Kerr again ran for the Frederick County Board of Education.[8] During the general election, Kerr teamed up with candidates Michael Bunitsky and incumbent school board member Joy Schaefer to campaign and fundraise together and to pool funds.[9] Kerr was victorious in the general election, receiving 25.7 percent of the vote.[10] He was sworn in on December 7, 2016.[11]

In January 2018, Kerr announced his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates, seeking to challenge Delegate William Folden.[12] He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.[13] Kerr defeated Folden in the general election,[14] earning 52.4 percent of the vote.[15] After his general election win, Kerr resigned from the Frederick County Board of Education.[16] The Frederick County Council voted to appoint Lois Jarman to fill his seat.[17]

In the legislature

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Kerr was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. Since 2019, he has sat on the Health and Government Operations Committee. Kerr is also an associate member of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, as well as the Veterans Caucus.[1]

In 2024, Kerr applied to run as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention pledged to Joe Biden, but was denied by the Maryland Democratic Party.[18]

Political opinions

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Agriculture

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Kerr introduced legislation in the 2020 legislative session that would allow farmers who grew malting barley and rye as cover crops to combine harvest their crops while still earning a stipend.[19] The bill received an unfavorable report from the Environment and Transportation Committee.[20]

Alcohol

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Kerr introduced legislation in the 2021 legislative session that would allow some restaurants, bars, and taverns to continue selling alcoholic beverages that could be consumed off-site.[21] The bill passed and became law with Governor Larry Hogan's signature on May 18, 2021.[22]

Drugs

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Kerr introduced legislation in the 2020 legislation session that would categorize kratom as among the most dangerous controlled substances in Maryland.[23]

Education

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Kerr supported legislation introduced by Delegate Kathy Afzali during the 2017 legislative session that would require schools be open for at least 1,080 hours a year, or roughly 155 full school days.[24]

During the 2018 election, Kerr ran as "a champion for public education."[25]

In January 2019, Kerr testified in support of a bill that would classify teachers at the Maryland School for the Deaf as state employees, rather than "at will" employees.[26]

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2020 legislative session that would prove funding for a teacher apprenticeship program for the Frederick County Public Schools system.[27] He also introduced a bill that would allow students to attend a nonprofit institution of higher learning at the same cost as an average four-year rate for tuition and fees for public colleges and universities through Maryland's higher education system.[28][29]

Kerr introduced legislation in the 2022 legislative session that would require seizure training for teachers and other school employees.[30] It received a favorable subcommittee report.[31]

Environment

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In March 2019, Kerr voted in favor of legislation that would ban foam takeout containers.[32]

Guns

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In February 2020, Kerr was one of seven Democrats who voted against a bill that would mandate background checks on private sales and transfers of shotguns and rifles.[33]

Healthcare

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Kerr introduced legislation in the 2019 legislative session that aims to reduce the amount that young people pay for insurance through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.[34][35][36] The bill passed and went into effect without Governor Larry Hogan's signature on May 30, 2021.[37]

In March 2019, Kerr voted in favor of a bill that would allow physicians to prescribe medication to terminally ill people, at the patient's request, to aid in their death.[38]

Marijuana

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Kerr supports the legalization of recreational marijuana.[39][40] During the 2018 election, Kerr received an A-plus rating from the Maryland Cannabis Policy Coalition for his support of legalizing marijuana.[41]

National politics

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In July 2019, Kerr endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.[42] He ran as an uncommitted delegate for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.[43]

Social issues

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In October 2017, Kerr voted in favor of legislation that would allow students to use bathrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identity and provides alternatives for students uncomfortable for any reason.[44]

Transportation

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During his 2018 campaign, Kerr said that people should look at the impact that technology such as autonomous vehicles could have before building more lanes on Interstate 270.[45]

Electoral history

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Frederick County Board of Education Primary Election, 2014[46]
Party Candidate Votes %
Non-Partisan Liz Barrett 16,235 15.3%
Non-Partisan Brad W. Young 15,830 14.9%
Non-Partisan Colleen E. Cusimano 13,765 12.9%
Non-Partisan April Fleming Miller 13,044 12.3%
Non-Partisan Kenneth Kerr 12,942 12.2%
Non-Partisan Millicent Hall 10,131 9.5%
Non-Partisan Mike Ferrell 9,250 8.7%
Non-Partisan Richard S. Vallaster, III 8,967 8.4%
Non-Partisan Jonathan C. Carothers 6,270 5.9%
Frederick County Board of Education General Election, 2014[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Non-Partisan Liz Barrett 35,673 15.5%
Non-Partisan Brad W. Young 32,632 14.2%
Non-Partisan Colleen E. Cusimano 31,147 13.6%
Non-Partisan April Fleming Miller 29,700 12.9%
Non-Partisan Kenneth Kerr 29,657 12.9%
Non-Partisan Mike Ferrell 26,104 11.4%
Non-Partisan Millicent Hall 23,984 10.4%
Non-Partisan Richard S. Vallaster, III 20,470 8.9%
Non-Partisan Other Write-Ins 422 0.2%
Frederick County Board of Education Primary Election, 2016[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Non-Partisan Joy Schaefer 21,934 17.4%
Non-Partisan Cindy Rose 18,796 14.9%
Non-Partisan Michael G. Bunitsky 18,467 14.7%
Non-Partisan Ken Kerr 17,337 13.8%
Non-Partisan Shirley A. McDonald 15,270 12.1%
Non-Partisan Lois Jarman 12,294 9.8%
Non-Partisan Zakir Bengali 11,117 8.8%
Non-Partisan Jay Mason 10,791 8.6%
Frederick County Board of Education General Election, 2016[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Non-Partisan Joy Schaefer 65,734 27.6%
Non-Partisan Ken Kerr 61,172 25.7%
Non-Partisan Michael G. Bunitsky 59,431 25.0%
Non-Partisan Cindy Rose 50,157 21.1%
Non-Partisan Other Write-Ins 1,470 0.6%
Maryland House of Delegates District 3B Democratic Primary Election, 2018[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ken Kerr 2,873 100.0%
Maryland House of Delegates District 3B General Election, 2018[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ken Kerr 10,091 52.4%
Republican William "Bill" Folden 9,168 47.6%
Other Write-Ins 13 0.1%

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Kenneth P. Kerr, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 16, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  2. ^ "Members - Delegate Kenneth Kerr". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Masters, Kate (February 14, 2019). "Beyond the Ballot — Del. Ken Kerr". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  4. ^ Hogan, Samantha (January 9, 2019). "Freshman delegates face 'no shortage of issues' heading into 2019 session". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  5. ^ "Board of Education candidate Ken Kerr". Frederick News-Post. April 1, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  6. ^ Karas, Rachel S. (April 26, 2014). "Young, Kerr top fundraisers in school board race". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  7. ^ Rodgers, Bethany (November 18, 2014). "Bartlett passes on recount, and County Council is set". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  8. ^ Powers, Lindsay (April 20, 2016). "FCC professor making second bid for school board, has 'more to contribute'". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  9. ^ Bauer-Wolf, Jeremy (August 31, 2016). "Three school board candidates team up, share money for campaign materials". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  10. ^ Bauer-Wolf, Jeremy (December 27, 2016). "School Notes: The big education stories of 2016 for Frederick". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  11. ^ Bauer-Wolf, Jeremy (December 7, 2016). "After contentious political season, three school board members get to work". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  12. ^ Etzler, Allen (January 23, 2018). "Ken Kerr". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  13. ^ a b "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  14. ^ Kurtz, Josh (November 7, 2018). "House Dems Pick Up At Least 5 Seats". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  15. ^ Panuska, Mallory (November 6, 2018). "Kerr ousts Folden to even out Frederick County's delegation". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  16. ^ Kerr, Emma (November 7, 2018). "County executive to appoint Ken Kerr's replacement on Board of Education". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  17. ^ Bohnel, Steve (January 15, 2019). "Jarman confirmed to county Board of Education in split vote". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  18. ^ Kurtz, Josh (April 22, 2024). "Selection process for Democratic convention delegates irks some lawmakers". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  19. ^ Himes, Hannah (January 1, 2020). "Del. Ken Kerr reintroducing cover crop bill in 2020 General Assembly session". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  20. ^ Himes, Hannah (February 25, 2020). "Del. Ken Kerr's cover crop bill dies in Annapolis". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  21. ^ "Bill Would Allow Alcohol Carry-Out, Delivery To Continue In Maryland After COVID-19 Pandemic Ends". WJZ-TV. January 21, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  22. ^ "Legislation - HB0012". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  23. ^ Brown, Kevin (February 4, 2020). "Maryland bills aim to restrict kratom use, availability". Maryland Independent. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  24. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (January 13, 2017). "School board divided on counting hours instead of days". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  25. ^ Locke, Lisa Nevans (April 15, 2019). "Legislators With Teaching Backgrounds Bring Big-Picture Thinking to Education Policy". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  26. ^ Hogan, Samantha (January 30, 2019). "Frederick lawmakers seek small law changes with big implications". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  27. ^ Bohnel, Steve (March 7, 2020). "Kerr proposes teacher apprenticeship program for county students". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  28. ^ Bohnel, Steve (January 23, 2020). "Del. Kerr's bill offers tuition assistance to those who complete community college". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  29. ^ Bohnel, Steve (February 12, 2020). "Kerr proposes change to tuition assistance bill". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  30. ^ McManus, Kevin (February 9, 2022). "Frederick County Delegate Ken Kerr: Bill To Require Teachers, School Staff Be Trained To Handle Seizures By Students Coming Together". WFMD. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  31. ^ McManus, Kevin (February 16, 2022). "Delegate Kerr Says His Bills Are Moving Forward In the General Assembly". WFMD. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  32. ^ Hogan, Samantha (March 12, 2019). "Md. House approves ban on foam takeout containers". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  33. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (February 5, 2020). "Democrats Challenge Hogan to Put Up Solutions on Crime". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  34. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (November 1, 2021). "'Less Than Three Fancy Coffee Drinks': New Program Offers Low-Cost Health Insurance to Young Adults". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  35. ^ "Maryland Officials Highlight New Health Insurance Subsidy". WJZ-TV. October 28, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  36. ^ "Frederick County Delegate Supports Legislation For Affordable Health Insurance For Young Adults". WFMD. February 9, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  37. ^ "Legislation - SB0729". mgaleg.maryland.gov. Maryland General Assembly. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  38. ^ Hogan, Samantha; Mongillo, Heather (March 7, 2019). "Md. House narrowly passes bill allowing medical aid in dying". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  39. ^ "Frederick County Delegate Sponsoring Two Expenses Through Approaching Maryland General Assembly". Frederick Daily. December 7, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  40. ^ "Frederick County Delegate Sponsoring Two Bills During Upcoming Maryland General Assembly". WFMD. December 7, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  41. ^ McManus, Kevin (June 1, 2018). "How Legislative Candidates Feel On Legalizing Marijuana Contained In Voters Guide". WFMD. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  42. ^ Kurtz, Josh (July 29, 2019). "10 State Lawmakers Back Biden's Presidential Bid". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  43. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 27, 2020). "No Surprise: Biden Is Dem Establishment Choice, Convention Filings Show". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  44. ^ St. George, Donna (October 8, 2017). "Transgender students prevail with school policy in Maryland". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  45. ^ Marshall, Ryan (October 2, 2018). "Folden, Kerr differ on plans for relieving congestion along I-270". Frederick News-Post. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  46. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Frederick County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. July 16, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  47. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Frederick County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. February 12, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  48. ^ "Official 2016 Presidential Primary Election results for Frederick County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. May 31, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  49. ^ "Official 2016 Presidential General Election results for Frederick County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. September 12, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  50. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. November 12, 2018. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
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