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Feldman focuses re-election bid on biotech, education

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006

Promoting the biotech business sector is a top priority for state Del. Brian J. Feldman (D-Dist. 15) of Potomac, who is seeking re-election this year.

Feldman, who was elected in 2002, points to the 2005 Biotechnology Investment Incentive Act that created state tax credits for investors into Maryland’s small, early-stage biotech companies, as one of his greatest accomplishments in his term.

‘‘We’re already hearing great stories,” said Feldman. ‘‘I think we broke ground in a very exciting area that sets us up to take Montgomery County and Maryland forward.”

The Biotechnology Industry Association named Feldman the State Legislator of the Year in May.

He said Maryland and the county are poised to reach greater heights in the field if more attention is focused on it.

‘‘I have already begun putting together a package of related bills that involves finding ways to promote this sector,” he said. ‘‘We shouldn’t just strive to be the Silicon Valley of the East. If we play out cards right, we should be the leader internationally.”

As a member of the Economic Matters Committee, Feldman co-sponsored the Healthy Air Act in 2006, which limits the emission of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury.

‘‘It’s cutting-edge environmental legislation,” he said. ‘‘It was critically important legislation for me, having Dickerson [power plant] in my district.”

Feldman also noted his support of the Shady Grove Adventist Emergency Center in Germantown and bond bills that brought money to the Poolesville and Barnesville town hall renovations.

This term in office, he said, was about ‘‘establishing credibility as far as being a serious legislator who is smart and can get things done.”

Election 2006 Brian J. Feldman House of Delegates District 15 45, Potomac Democrat Experience: Four-year incumbent; board member, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington and The Dwelling Place; member of the American Association of AttorneyŚCPAs; Maryland Bar Association; Montgomery County Bar Association. Top Issues: Promoting biotech sector, education, transportation For more: www.BrianJFeldman.com

He believes he works well with both sides of the aisle in Annapolis.

‘‘Bills I’ve introduced and the bills that have passed, most people would be hard pressed to pigeon-hole them as liberal, conservative or pro-business,” he said.

Feldman is an attorney at the Washington, D.C., law firm Kozusko Harris Vetter Wareh and is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University where he teaches state policymaking.

He lives in Potomac with his wife and two children, Matthew, 12, and Rebecca, 10.