Congressman David Trone Visits Frostburg State

On Friday, May 3, United States Congressman David Trone visited Frostburg State University to address students through a talk tailored to those both interested in business and public policy.

Trone began by describing his path to becoming a successful business owner, as well as U.S. Congressman. He spoke of growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania and all Americans with different backgrounds can help move society forward. He said, “you don’t have to accept what is here in America, we can make it and tailor it to your vision and your dreams of how it can be a better America. An America that’s more just.”

The Congressman emphasized how our backgrounds can shape what we become. He emphasized his time spent working at his family farm, and how it helped shape his current values. Specifically, he spoke on the importance of “showing up.” That is, being around to experience different viewpoints and diversity. He channeled Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, saying, “our diversity is our strength.” Similarly, he used his background on the farm to speak about learning from failures. He said, “through failure, we learn so much, and then we will be more successful.”

Eventually, Trone opened a small beer business in Pennsylvania. Today, Total Wine and More is the largest privately-owned beer, wine, and spirits retailer in the United States operating over 200 stores. He cited having one good idea, which he says is critical in business and in politics, as the reason for his success. Likewise, Trone stressed the importance of taking risks and being patient in business.

On philanthropy, Trone spoke of his support via the Trone Center of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He stated that the criminal justice system is broken, geared against minorities. He spoke on wanting to compose a second chance bill for offenders, on wanting to fix three strikes laws, and mandatory minimum sentences.

Speaking about his new career in politics, Trone told the audience of the ideology that guides his work in Congress, the “Three C’s,” compassion, civility, and competence. One of the main issues he said he is focused on is the opiate epidemic. The opiate epidemic is especially pertinent to Allegany County, which has been hit hard by the epidemic. Trone labeled Allegany County “ground zero” for the opiate epidemic.

Another critical issue for Trone is education. He referenced using education to advance the future of society and combat his other key issues such as criminal justice reform and the opiate epidemic. Likewise, he spoke on the importance of having access to mental health treatment, medical research, combating climate change, and gun control reform. On Congress, Trone emphasized the necessity of thinking long-term rather that short term. He said, “we should be thinking about your and my children, and their children, and that’s thinking about the climate, that’s thinking about medical research, and that’s thinking about opiates, and the criminal justice system.”

Congressman David Trone serves on the Education and Labor Committee in Congress representing Maryland’s 6^th District, which stretches from Garrett County to Montgomery County, in the House of Representatives.