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Continuing to support the growing biotech industry is critical to the state and county's future economic success, according to Del. Brian J. Feldman (D-Dist. 15) of Potomac.

The state's proximity to federal agencies and research institutions could make Montgomery County and the state a national hub for the biotech industry, according to the two-term delegate, one of five Democrats vying to represent District 15 in the Maryland House of Delegates.

"We have more biotech companies than anyplace else in the state — it's an important part of our economy looking ahead into the future," said Feldman, 49. "That's an area where we have a lot of inherent strengths and advantages compared to the rest of the country."

Feldman was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Biotechnology Industry Organization in 2005 for introducing the Biotechnology Investment Incentive Act, which provides tax credits for investing in qualified state biotech companies.

Cuts to education funding, a large part of the state's budget, should be avoided, said Feldman, an accountant and attorney.

"A well-educated work force is essential for our future economic well-being," he said.

During the last General Assembly session, Feldman co-sponsored the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act and the Smart and Sustainable Growth Act and helped lobby the state to locate the Maryland Clean Energy Center at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville.

Chair of the county's House delegation since 2007, Feldman said legislators must continue to work together to increase the county's political clout in the statehouse.

The delegation should also increase collaboration with legislators representing Prince George's County, he said, particularly on regional transit and transportation issues, he said.

District 15 includes the communities of Clarksburg, Darnestown, Germantown, Poolesville, Potomac and portions of Bethesda and Gaithersburg. Feldman is running against Kathleen Dumais of Rockville, David Fraser-Hidalgo of Boyds, Aruna Miller of Darnestown and Lara Wibeto of Darnestown in the Democratic primary Sept. 14. The top three vote-getters will face Republicans Sylvia J. Darrow of Potomac, Scott Graham of Dickerson and Matthew Mockerman of Clarksburg and Libertarian Arvin Vohra of Bethesda in the general election Nov. 2.

-Residence: Potomac

-Age: 49

-Party: Democrat

-Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Penn State; master's degree in government, Johns Hopkins University; law degree, University of Pittsburgh

-Work experience: Formerly a tax attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, and attorney and accountant, Price Waterhouse; now an attorney at Kozusko Harris Vetter Wareh LLP and an adjunct state politics professor at Johns Hopkins University

-Family: Married to Janice for 18 years; children, Matthew, 16, and Rebecca, 14

-Top three issues: Promoting the area's biotech industry, transportation funding and education

-Campaign funds: $100,000 in cash on hand

-Previous political experience: Delegate for eight years

-Other affiliations: On the board of directors at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington and The Dwelling Place

-Website: www.brianjfeldman.com