Maryland's Gubernatorial Race 2018
Ralph William Jaffe
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Occupation: Political Science Teacher
Age: 76
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Current Residence: Baltimore, Maryland
Colleges/Degrees: Bachelor’s in political science from the University of Maryland; Teacher Certification from Towson University; Master’s Equivalency from Loyola College
Other Candidates
Bio
Ralph Jaffe, 76, grew up in Baltimore, where he went to Forest Park High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland, as well as a teacher certification from Towson and a master’s from Loyola College.
A five-time candidate for political office, Jaffe has taught political science since 1964. He runs for office as a teaching method to his students. He’s known for his unconventional teaching methods. In 1969, Jaffe initiated a new teaching strategy, “Student Activism in the Classroom.” A bill was crafted in his classroom, and 11 months later, was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.
In addition to teaching, Jaffe has volunteered in various nursing homes and assisted living facilities since 1990. He also runs a free transportation system that takes people to doctor’s appointments.
Running Mate Freda Jaffe
Freda Jaffe, 73, spent 30 years as a classroom teacher and school library media specialist in the Baltimore County Public School System. Freda, Ralph’s sister, holds degrees from Towson University and the University of Maryland.
Q&A
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I am a TEACHER. For the last 15 years, I have been leading a MOVEMENT to try to put a stop to the moral bankruptcy that has prevailed in Maryland government and replace it with real, true ETHICAL reform. My five principles are:
- Refuse campaign contributions – They are disguised bribes. Once you accept campaign contributions, you have been “bought.”
- Pursue the truth – This should be all the time.
- Serve one term only – The goal is to be a good public servant, not to acquire money, fame and power.
- Stay away from paid, professional lobbyists – I teach my students to be their own lobbyists.
- Serve free – Put the salary in a trust fund to be distributed to the needy in the state.
Until we have politicians who are committed to doing what is in the best interests of the people they serve, rather than their own personal gains, we will not get a handle on the problems that confront our state.
LIST FIVE ISSUES YOU PLAN TO ADDRESS SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED
1. CRIME
The size of the police departments in the metropolitan areas in Maryland needs to be increased, especially in Baltimore City because currently there is a severe shortage of police officers. We need at least 1,000 more foot patrol officers on the streets of Baltimore City.
Additionally, we need to restore public trust in the police force. This calls for a two-way operation where we are able to trust the people whose job is to protect us while we give police officers the support they require in order to do their job properly.
We also need police commissioners who know how to lead and can be trusted.
2. EDUCATION
We need an educational system that that gives students hope instead of hopelessness. My TUTOR-MENTOR TEAM PROGRAM is designed to keep students on the right path to a life of success rather than despair. Students are given an opportunity to connect with a TUTOR-MENTOR TEAM who will stay with them from the moment of linking up until the student graduates from high school and/or college and is gainfully employed.
I believe that teachers are overworked and underpaid.
3. NURSING HOMES
The treatment of the elderly in nursing homes can be labeled as disgraceful. Unless the resident has tons of money to pay for special services, it comes as no surprise that the residents are often victims of negligence and mistreatment. I have expressed concerns about understaffing and safety in these facilities for the last 20 years.
Better treatment of citizens living in nursing homes will be a major priority. Currently, one nurse’s assistant can be assigned 30 patients at one time on his/her shift. This is unacceptable. I will try to get the State Legislature to pass legislation calling for no more than six patients to one nurse’s assistant.
4. BGE
Customers of BGE have suffered long and hard due to the disgraceful service of BGE when it comes to the restoration of their power when power outages occur. It takes entirely too long to get their power back on.
5. ELIMINATION OF WASTEFUL SPENDING OF TAXPAYER MONEY IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
For example, when people who occupy PR positions in any government agency retire, the position can be filled with volunteers.
LIST OF RECEIVED ENDORSEMENTS
I have students ranging in age from 15 to 99. They are my endorsements.