Retired math teacher Cathy Permut is running for Maryland lieutenant governor on the Working Class Party ticket in the Nov. 3 general election. She is running alongside gubernatorial candidate Cathy White.

Asked why she is seeking office, Permut said in our questionnaire: "Working people, the majority, have no voice in the US political system. The two big parties only represent the rich, the corporations, and not not not the population. I am one of the volunteers to help put a third party on the ballot so others can, with their votes for us, show they are fed up with what is going on."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Permut said in our questionnaire: "I am the lieutenant governor candidate for Working Class Party. Working Class Party is on the ballot in Maryland and Michigan. This party proposes that working people can make a start by ignoring the big parties, both of which have ignored us for more than 150 years."

Jurisdiction: Baltimore City, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections candidate list.

Filing date: Permut filed as a party-designated candidate on June 22, according to the State Board of Elections. The Working Class Party said it collected more than 12,000 signatures to secure a spot on the ballot, as WTOP reported.

Occupation: Permut said in our questionnaire: "I taught remedial math for many decades; the majority of working class students do not get a good math education, yet it is needed to prepare for a number of decent jobs and to run one's own life with some understanding of finances, especially how many ways a buyer can get screwed by a seller."

Education: Permut said in our questionnaire: "Like the majority of teachers, I have a bachelors and a masters. But there is another kind of education that comes from living and working and solving the problems we all face. And that kind of education is shared by most adults, and it is what makes society work."

Previous elected or appointed office: She has not held office. Permut said in our questionnaire: "not since high school."

Other candidates in this race: Aruna Miller (Democratic), Owen Silverman Andrews (Green) and Rob Krop (Republican), according to BallotReady election data.

On the issues

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates? Permut said in our questionnaire: "I am a candidate who thinks all politicians should be accountable for how our tax dollars are spent. Many politicians in this state ignore that part of their work. I have nothing to say about other candidates, they can speak for themselves."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Permut said in our questionnaire: "In my opinion, women do far more than half the work of society. Most of us have full-time jobs (though I am currently retired). We are the ones who care for family members, we are the ones who oversee our kids' homework and social activities and use of media. We are the volunteers who make community and charitable organizations work. We are usually good organizers. And we don't mind asking for assistance, which every person needs at different times."

What specific responsibilities would you take on, and how would you measure success? Permut said in our questionnaire: "I think every department head should first open the books and explain how the money is spent. I think all forms of media should report to citizens the results. That is one way to start."

The best advice ever shared with me was: Permut said in our questionnaire: "I like my mother's advice: 'you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.'"