Letter written in support of Shukoor Ahmed for State Delegate
I met Shukoor Ahmed about six weeks ago when he came to my home and introduced himself as a candidate for the House of Delegates. I found him to be very impressive and personable. I feel that I am a good judge of character and he really made an impact on me. He looked me directly in the eye and was very concerned about the issues that I was most passionate about, such as the current state of affairs, unemployment, housing market, and increased criminal activity rate in Prince George's County. Since then, I've been in contact with him and following his campaign.
I am convinced that Shukoor loves this district and county and is passionate about serving its citizens and will be a great state delegate. We need more people with his passion and drive to serve. I believe that Prince George's County would be well served with his technological background and problem-solving skills. I am voting for him. A win for Shukoor Ahmed will be a win for all of our district, county and state.
SHANDON BROWN-JONES
Bowie
Monday, August 30, 2010
More About Ahmed
Letter Written in support of Shukoor Ahmed for State Delegate
I met Shukoor Ahmed years ago while he was campaigning in Lanham and have been following him ever since. I've found that he has a moderate stand on most of the issues. His views seem to be in sync with most of us who live in this county. He has consistently supported parental choice in public schools, supported the ICC, and supported finding new revenues for education. I, as a businessman, trust him to be a good custodian of our taxes. As an executive of a small business in an economy which is heavily technology and innovation driven, Shukoor would be an ideal delegate who would bring new ideas and better solutions to Annapolis. We've had a lot of people who have been in office for years and have lost touch with the public. Now is the time to elect an "outsider," someone who has not held an elected office before, someone like you and me, who can understand our needs and relate to us.
INNOCENT FRANCIS
Bowie
I met Shukoor Ahmed years ago while he was campaigning in Lanham and have been following him ever since. I've found that he has a moderate stand on most of the issues. His views seem to be in sync with most of us who live in this county. He has consistently supported parental choice in public schools, supported the ICC, and supported finding new revenues for education. I, as a businessman, trust him to be a good custodian of our taxes. As an executive of a small business in an economy which is heavily technology and innovation driven, Shukoor would be an ideal delegate who would bring new ideas and better solutions to Annapolis. We've had a lot of people who have been in office for years and have lost touch with the public. Now is the time to elect an "outsider," someone who has not held an elected office before, someone like you and me, who can understand our needs and relate to us.
INNOCENT FRANCIS
Bowie
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Hungry? Want to get to know Shukoor?
Shukoor is hosting a series of Meet and Greet (and eat!)s in the next couple of weeks. There are facebook events profiling them, listed with each location below:
August 23
August 25
Breakfast at 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
IHOP
15470 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 464-4550
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127193983992828
August 23
August 30
September 6
Breakfast
Panera Bread at 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
10531 Martin Luther King Drive, Bowie, MD 20720
(301) 352-3673
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143440915687941
August 24
August 31
September 7
Lunch at 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
TJ Elliotts
6814 Laurel Bowie Road, Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 262-6282
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127486167298121
August 25
September 1
September 8
Coffee at 5:00 PM to 6 PM
Starbucks
13600 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 362-1813
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148762028483809 August 23
August 30
September 6
RSVP at delegate@shukoor.com or Text at 301 219 0923
24 Hours before the schedule event
If you can't make it to any of these events, we could schedule a meeting with an individual or a group at my office and/or any location convenient to you.
We hope to see you there!
We hope to see you there!
-Ben
An interview with Shukoor and Yours Truly
Clickz.com's own Kate Kaye interviewed Shukoor and I on the use of social media in Shukoor's campaign. The article is a great read, and there's even a picture of Shukoor and myself towards the bottom. Check it out!
http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/1728183/maryland-state-candidate-serious-about-social-media-online-ads
-Ben
http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/1728183/maryland-state-candidate-serious-about-social-media-online-ads
-Ben
Monday, August 16, 2010
More Praise from the Blade
Another letter to the editor in support of Shukoor, as seen in the Bowie Blade and at http://www.hometownbowie.com/news/Opinion/2010/08/12-04/
Check it out!
"Praise for Ahmed
I met with Shukoor Ahmed when he first ran for Maryland House of Delegates in 1998. Being fiscally conservative and socially moderate, I was very impressed with his views on many issues. We have always had either very liberal or very conservative representation in Annapolis for many years.
His experiences are very vast from being a travel agent to a CEO of a small company which was ranked No. 1 Fastest Growing Company by Deloitte in 2007 prepared him well to represent us in Annapolis. He is by nature a problem solver and looks at challenges as an opportunity.
It will be refreshing to see a delegate from our district in Annapolis who is not deeply aligned with special interests and political bosses. I urge you to Google "Shukoor" and learn about his candidacy and vote for him as one of our delegates.
JAMES McLAUGHLIN"
Check it out!
"Praise for Ahmed
I met with Shukoor Ahmed when he first ran for Maryland House of Delegates in 1998. Being fiscally conservative and socially moderate, I was very impressed with his views on many issues. We have always had either very liberal or very conservative representation in Annapolis for many years.
His experiences are very vast from being a travel agent to a CEO of a small company which was ranked No. 1 Fastest Growing Company by Deloitte in 2007 prepared him well to represent us in Annapolis. He is by nature a problem solver and looks at challenges as an opportunity.
It will be refreshing to see a delegate from our district in Annapolis who is not deeply aligned with special interests and political bosses. I urge you to Google "Shukoor" and learn about his candidacy and vote for him as one of our delegates.
JAMES McLAUGHLIN"
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New Shukoor Video!
Hi all,
A new video of an interview that really helps you get to know Shukoor! check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OyA3JHGdHY
-Ben
A new video of an interview that really helps you get to know Shukoor! check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OyA3JHGdHY
-Ben
Friday, August 6, 2010
Praise for Ahmed (8/5/10)
Another Letter to the Editor in support of Shukoor! From this weeks Bowie Blade:
While I was struggling with marketing, financing, staffing, etc., it was refreshing to speak with someone who knew my struggles. Next, he invited me to have breakfast where he continued to divulge his experience, which I absorbed like a sponge. This vast wealth of knowledge was being bestowed at no cost but just because he wanted to see others succeed in their endeavors.
For the past several weeks, he has continued to help me and my company by introducing me to several of his contacts, which have proven beneficial, as well as inviting me to business networking groups, forums and other events; all this while never once asking a thing from me.
Shukoor truly understands what it takes for a small business owner, like me, struggling to survive and grow during these economically depressing times.
I urge you to take the time to learn who Shukoor Ahmed is and what he represents. He has done a lot for me and I am confident you will find him to be a candidate who is different, like his name, and needed in the state legislature during these difficult times.
ALVIN BUTLER
Bowie"
We at the Shukoor campaign really appreciate words of support like this.
Remember: You can ask Shukoor questions at AskShukoor@gmail.com!
-Ben
Praise for Ahmed
I have never written to any newspaper editorial page before but there is something I must say. Until recently, Shukoor Ahmed was just a strange name on a sign for a candidate running for state delegate. Several months ago I got to know Shukoor at the Bowie Incubator meeting and invited him and others to a technology workshop I was having for candidates running for office. Shukoor arrived, listened to my pitch on how technology could help campaigns, and then stayed to share many areas of his technological expertise with me.While I was struggling with marketing, financing, staffing, etc., it was refreshing to speak with someone who knew my struggles. Next, he invited me to have breakfast where he continued to divulge his experience, which I absorbed like a sponge. This vast wealth of knowledge was being bestowed at no cost but just because he wanted to see others succeed in their endeavors.
For the past several weeks, he has continued to help me and my company by introducing me to several of his contacts, which have proven beneficial, as well as inviting me to business networking groups, forums and other events; all this while never once asking a thing from me.
Shukoor truly understands what it takes for a small business owner, like me, struggling to survive and grow during these economically depressing times.
I urge you to take the time to learn who Shukoor Ahmed is and what he represents. He has done a lot for me and I am confident you will find him to be a candidate who is different, like his name, and needed in the state legislature during these difficult times.
ALVIN BUTLER
Bowie"
We at the Shukoor campaign really appreciate words of support like this.
Remember: You can ask Shukoor questions at AskShukoor@gmail.com!
-Ben
Monday, August 2, 2010
Introducing "Ask Shukoor!"
Happy Monday!
We're thrilled to introduce a new feature for the campaign: "Ask Shukoor". It's pretty simple, actually! You send us a question via email at AskShukoor@gmail.com, and we'll post Shukoor's video response! Links to responses will be posted here, as well as on our facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shukoor-Ahmed/292774924789).
So lets get it started! Start sending your questions to AskShukoor@gmail.com, and we'll be answering as soon as we can.
Thanks,
-Ben
We're thrilled to introduce a new feature for the campaign: "Ask Shukoor". It's pretty simple, actually! You send us a question via email at AskShukoor@gmail.com, and we'll post Shukoor's video response! Links to responses will be posted here, as well as on our facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shukoor-Ahmed/292774924789).
So lets get it started! Start sending your questions to AskShukoor@gmail.com, and we'll be answering as soon as we can.
Thanks,
-Ben
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Appreciates Ahmed
Dear Citizen,
This was another letter written by an informed citizen in Bowie.
+++++++++++++++
I contacted all the District 23A candidates vying for Gerron Levi's seat regarding an issue of importance to me.
Only one, Shukoor Ahmed, offered to sit down for a chat. The venue was breakfast at IHOP; the agenda a myriad of topics affecting Bowie.
Mr. Ahmed was a good listener and asked pointed questions. Most impressive was his view of what a delegate's role in Annapolis should be.
You would do well to include Shukoor in your ballot deliberations.
DON POLLOCK
Bowie
This was another letter written by an informed citizen in Bowie.
+++++++++++++++
I contacted all the District 23A candidates vying for Gerron Levi's seat regarding an issue of importance to me.
Only one, Shukoor Ahmed, offered to sit down for a chat. The venue was breakfast at IHOP; the agenda a myriad of topics affecting Bowie.
Mr. Ahmed was a good listener and asked pointed questions. Most impressive was his view of what a delegate's role in Annapolis should be.
You would do well to include Shukoor in your ballot deliberations.
DON POLLOCK
Bowie
Final Maryland Twitter Rule Omits Archiving Requirements
Dear Citizen,
I was interviewed by Kate Kaye last week about new social media disclosure rules for candidates in Maryland.
I am the only candidate who is maximizing the use of social media to connect, engage, inform and empower citizens in Prince George's county.
Thank you and enjoy this article.
+++++++++++++
Social media and online ad disclosure rules for Maryland political candidates officially passed July 20. The final law, however, omits an item in earlier versions that would have required candidates to maintain a detailed log of text messages and social media posts. Still, Maryland's director of candidate and campaign finance suggested that candidates will need to store copies of all online communications anyway.
In June, the state's Board of Elections unanimously passed rules that require political campaigns to include a disclosure statement on Facebook profile pages, Twitter account pages, and display ads, but not in Google AdWords and AdSense text units or Facebook's display units. The statement, known as an authority line, features standard language indicating an association with an election campaign. The ruling was passed as an emergency regulation because 2010 election campaigns - some of which will use social media and online advertising - are kicking into gear.
But a final hurdle had yet to be crossed. Maryland State Delegate Mike Smigiel, who is running for re-election this year, called for a public hearing to discuss the rules before final approval. Concerned that the new social media rules could have detrimental results, Smigiel voted against them during the July 20 hearing. He was the lone "nay" in the 11-1 passage of the law. The rule's proponents were backed by representatives of Google, Facebook, AOL, and Yahoo who were present when the rule was first passed as well as at the final July 20 vote.
The final law leaves out a passage that would have required candidate campaigns to keep a detailed archive of their online campaign materials, stored in paper or a non-rewriteable electronic format for at least a year. Now, according to Jared DeMarinis, Maryland's director of candidate and campaign finance, candidates don't have to keep a log of web communiques like Facebook posts or e-mails, but, in accordance with a pre-existing rule applying to traditional media, they will have to make sure those online communications are stored somewhere.
"There is [already] a provision that requires archiving campaign materials for one year," said DeMarinis, suggesting campaigns "print out copies."
The rules go into effect August 3. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that voters can tell the difference between an official campaign message and a phony one. One concern is that political campaigns could create false social media accounts associated with opponents and use them to convey damaging information about them. However, supporters of opponents could do the same and not be in violation of the law.
Shukoor Ahmed's Twitter page does not include the authority line that will be required August 3 either. The Democratic primary candidate for Maryland's District 23A House of Delegates seat (pictured above) is working on incorporating authority lines into his online communications, such as his YouTube videos. Yet, because he uses his personal Twitter account for his campaign communications, he's not sure if or how he will incorporate the authority line.
"I'm not sure how the rules are going to play out," Ahmed told ClickZ News. He believes most Maryland election candidates "were not engaged" in discussions about the rules. "Candidates and people like me will have difficulties to really put our arms around the social media part," he said, noting concern that messages or videos he posts could be reposted by supporters without the authority line.
DeMarinis affirmed that anything posted by supporters will not require the authority line because their communications are considered free speech. He also noted that campaign videos posted online are required to include the authority line disclosure in the video content itself.
I was interviewed by Kate Kaye last week about new social media disclosure rules for candidates in Maryland.
I am the only candidate who is maximizing the use of social media to connect, engage, inform and empower citizens in Prince George's county.
Thank you and enjoy this article.
+++++++++++++
Social media and online ad disclosure rules for Maryland political candidates officially passed July 20. The final law, however, omits an item in earlier versions that would have required candidates to maintain a detailed log of text messages and social media posts. Still, Maryland's director of candidate and campaign finance suggested that candidates will need to store copies of all online communications anyway.
In June, the state's Board of Elections unanimously passed rules that require political campaigns to include a disclosure statement on Facebook profile pages, Twitter account pages, and display ads, but not in Google AdWords and AdSense text units or Facebook's display units. The statement, known as an authority line, features standard language indicating an association with an election campaign. The ruling was passed as an emergency regulation because 2010 election campaigns - some of which will use social media and online advertising - are kicking into gear.
But a final hurdle had yet to be crossed. Maryland State Delegate Mike Smigiel, who is running for re-election this year, called for a public hearing to discuss the rules before final approval. Concerned that the new social media rules could have detrimental results, Smigiel voted against them during the July 20 hearing. He was the lone "nay" in the 11-1 passage of the law. The rule's proponents were backed by representatives of Google, Facebook, AOL, and Yahoo who were present when the rule was first passed as well as at the final July 20 vote.
The final law leaves out a passage that would have required candidate campaigns to keep a detailed archive of their online campaign materials, stored in paper or a non-rewriteable electronic format for at least a year. Now, according to Jared DeMarinis, Maryland's director of candidate and campaign finance, candidates don't have to keep a log of web communiques like Facebook posts or e-mails, but, in accordance with a pre-existing rule applying to traditional media, they will have to make sure those online communications are stored somewhere.
"There is [already] a provision that requires archiving campaign materials for one year," said DeMarinis, suggesting campaigns "print out copies."
The rules go into effect August 3. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that voters can tell the difference between an official campaign message and a phony one. One concern is that political campaigns could create false social media accounts associated with opponents and use them to convey damaging information about them. However, supporters of opponents could do the same and not be in violation of the law.
Shukoor Ahmed's Twitter page does not include the authority line that will be required August 3 either. The Democratic primary candidate for Maryland's District 23A House of Delegates seat (pictured above) is working on incorporating authority lines into his online communications, such as his YouTube videos. Yet, because he uses his personal Twitter account for his campaign communications, he's not sure if or how he will incorporate the authority line.
"I'm not sure how the rules are going to play out," Ahmed told ClickZ News. He believes most Maryland election candidates "were not engaged" in discussions about the rules. "Candidates and people like me will have difficulties to really put our arms around the social media part," he said, noting concern that messages or videos he posts could be reposted by supporters without the authority line.
DeMarinis affirmed that anything posted by supporters will not require the authority line because their communications are considered free speech. He also noted that campaign videos posted online are required to include the authority line disclosure in the video content itself.
Ahmed Will Move County Forward
Dear Citizen,
This was a letter written by a former Prince George's County School System Administator who resides in Bowie.
Thank you & Have a good weekend
+++++++++++++++++
I wholeheartedly endorse the election of Shukoor Ahmed to serve as a state delegate in District 23A. I have worked closely with him in trying to protect and safeguard not only the rights of people in his district but throughout the county.
As a small business owner, I can tell you of the countless hours he has spent pouring over data, analyzing situations and agonizing over budgets. He understands the plight of the small business owner, but more than that, he has empathy for those who have lost their jobs, as he recalls his own anguish in having to reduce his staff. Shukoor has a genuine concern for people, and he views each situation as a challenge and rises to meet the challenge.
We all know that these are challenging times, and so, more than ever before, we need Shukoor because he has the vision and the skill sets required to move us forward. I am proud to know him. I am proud to cast my vote for him.
Bill Jones, Bowie
This was a letter written by a former Prince George's County School System Administator who resides in Bowie.
Thank you & Have a good weekend
+++++++++++++++++
I wholeheartedly endorse the election of Shukoor Ahmed to serve as a state delegate in District 23A. I have worked closely with him in trying to protect and safeguard not only the rights of people in his district but throughout the county.
As a small business owner, I can tell you of the countless hours he has spent pouring over data, analyzing situations and agonizing over budgets. He understands the plight of the small business owner, but more than that, he has empathy for those who have lost their jobs, as he recalls his own anguish in having to reduce his staff. Shukoor has a genuine concern for people, and he views each situation as a challenge and rises to meet the challenge.
We all know that these are challenging times, and so, more than ever before, we need Shukoor because he has the vision and the skill sets required to move us forward. I am proud to know him. I am proud to cast my vote for him.
Bill Jones, Bowie
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