Many voters don't vote because they have come to believe all politicians are alike. In the race to be your next state delegate for District 30B, that belief is unfounded. There is a stark contrast between the candidates.

The Republican incumbent, Del. Seth Howard, is profiled by a voting record that does not represent the interests of the citizens of our district or of Maryland. For example, he has voted against:

*Opioid-associated disease prevention and outreach programs.

*A bill that prohibited wage discrimination based on sex or gender identity, and legislation to establish an equal pay commission.

*A prohibition on the possession of bump stocks, which enable semiautomatic rifles to fire faster. He has voted for reduced penalties, declaring he is a bump stock owner himself.

*A prohibition on the carrying of firearms on Maryland college and university campuses.

*Committing the state to further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and setting up a state commission on climate change.

*Increased funding for overcrowded schools.

In addition to these votes, in December a judgment was ordered by the county Circuit Court in favor of the comptroller of Maryland and against Mr. Howard and his business, Broadleaf Tobacco and Smoke Shop, for nonpayment of over $14,000 in state taxes. This is clearly incompatible with our expectations for someone sitting on the Business Regulation Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee in the House.

Currently we have no strong voice supporting fair and just policies affecting women, minorities and immigrants, and regarding opioid treatment and crime prevention, sound environmental and energy programs, and smart education, labor and transportation initiatives. Moreover, we have a disappointing failure to take responsibility as a citizen, a business owner and representative of the people to pay taxes.

My name is Mike Shay and I have lived in southern Anne Arundel County, in our district, for over 35 years. I have a degree in business management, and have started and successfully operated several businesses and community nonprofit organizations.

As south county has grown over the last several decades, I have been a community leader and a committed advocate for citizens, local business, education, health care, the environment and community radio.

As a founding member of South Arundel Citizens for Responsible Development, I have organized efforts to save what is now Franklin Point State Park and adjoining lands called Turtle Run from proposed inappropriate and illegal development. We stopped proposed introduction of big-box shopping and supported our local independent businesses in growing to meet the needs of our community.

Other accomplishments have been in the critical areas of education, health care and local media. I was part of leadership that spearheaded a successful campaign against a plan to increase class size in south county schools by up to 120 percent of capacity. I was part of the leadership in the adoption of a county law requiring strict and safe standards for the designation of nursing homes in line with state law.

I am also proud to bring from concept to 10 years of successful broadcasting the first Federal Communications Commission-licensed low-power radio station ever owned and operated by an environmental organization.

The incumbent's views on equality, gun control, drug addiction and the environment and growth are a radical departure from my views and those of the majority of voters. Citizens of south county have a distinct choice between candidates when electing our next delegate to the General Assembly.

I have a proven track record of leadership and desire to work with others on critical issues to improve the lives of all the citizens of the southern part of Anne Arundel County. For more information, and how you can help, visit ElectMikeShay.com

I ask for your vote to represent District 30B in our state legislature.

Mike Shay is a Democratic candidate for House of Delegates in District 30B.

Credit: Mike Shay - Mike Shay is a Democratic candidate for House of Delegates in District 30B.

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed September as Life Insurance Awareness Month in Tennessee.

To support this proclamation, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) highlights the importance of life insurance coverage, which can help families protect their futures and ease financial burdens after a loved one's death.

"Life insurance is a critical insurance product, and our entire team fully supports Governor Lee's proclamation, which should remind all Tennesseans to assess their families' financial needs," said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. "During Life Insurance Awareness Month, I encourage consumers to evaluate their current benefits, seek advice from qualified insurance professionals, and take the actions necessary to achieve a financially secure future for their loved ones."

Consumers who need help locating a loved one's life insurance policy can use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator Service, a free tool, to determine if an individual is a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

In 2025, the service helped locate over $107 million in benefits for Tennesseans.

"Life insurance policies are intended to help cover financial burdens, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and other financial obligations that can occur after losing a loved one," said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Insurance Scott McAnally. "I encourage consumers who have questions about whether they are beneficiaries of a policy to file a search request."

For more details about the locator service, visit the NAIC's website or contact our team at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.

Things all life insurance policyholders should know

Life insurance policies can be taken out by anyone who can prove they have an insurable interest in the person — that is, a financial interest in the insured person's life. If you have a life insurance policy, your responsibility does not stop with the paperwork. As a policyholder, there are important steps you should take now, and in the future, to help your loved ones:

Have you had a life-changing event, such as the birth of a child or a divorce? It is important to update your policies after a major life event to make sure that you have the appropriate beneficiaries listed.

Check your policies once a year to make sure that all beneficiaries are included and that the contact information for those listed beneficiaries is correct.

Let your beneficiaries know about the policies. Good communication can save everyone time and reduce confusion in the long run.

Provide beneficiaries or trusted advisors (such as accountants and attorneys) with the name of the life insurance company holding the policy.

Place a current copy of the policy with your will or other estate paperwork in a safe place where family and beneficiaries will be able to easily find it.

An insurance company has 60 days to pay a death claim to beneficiaries. If a claim is not paid within 15 days of the date of death, the company must also pay interest. There is a grace period of 30 days for missed payments in Tennessee. If you miss a payment, you will be covered for 30 days even if the missed payment is not made up.