Political Experience

Sheila’s interest in politics peaked when she joined TAAAC’s Legislative Committee. After serving on the House of Delegates Screening Committee for District 30, she was assigned to the steering committee for the endorsed candidate, Dr. Aris T. Allen. Aris T. Allen was a well known physician and nationally recognized politician in the Republican Party, who had served in the House of Delegates and Senate before his retirement. Sheila had a personal connection to Dr. Allen since he had delivered her and was her physician when she was a little girl.

While serving on the Committee, she recognized the “needs” of the campaigned and used MSTA Training to restructure the campaign. Sheila became the campaign manager and Aris Allen went on to win the election to the House of Delegates in District 30.

Aris Allen’s untimely death led Sheila to go on to Co-Chair the Committee that named the highway, Aris Allen Blvd and to chair the committee to build the monument in his honor.

After the success of the Allen campaign, she went on to manage another House race and two school board races.

TAAAC LEGISLATION

FAIR SHARE

Sheila’s involvement in politics paved the way for TAAAC’s success in getting local legislation passed.  In 2004, TAAAC sought legislation that would enable the negotiation of fair share representation fees of non-members, and thus strengthen the organization. TAAAC Executive Director, Bill Jones, and Sheila lobbied each member of the Anne Arundel County Delegation, who sponsored the bill, and it was easily passed in both the House and the Senate.  In May of 2004, the Governor signed the bill into law allowing Anne Arundel County to join Montgomery, Prince George, and Allegany Counties and other locals with enabling legislation to negotiate an agency fee.  Fair share is now on the bargaining table in Anne Arundel County. 

ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD LEGISLATION

During the 2005 Legislative session, Sheila and Bill joined with the County Delegation again as they pursued a local school board selection bill. Speaker of the House Michael Busch was instrumental in proposing legislation that would address most needs and concerns of the interested parties. The bill died due to lack of time but will return in the 2006 session. Sheila will be there to speak in support of some form of an elected school board.