Maryland House of Delegates District 44A

A: We have faced a similar predicted deficit for the next fiscal year for several years now. The Maryland Constitution requires us to overcome such a predicted deficit. We have balanced the budget each year. This year, we did it with gentle cuts and shifts to funding - across the board - and without tax increases. We will continue our careful and responsible work.

A:

• Education and childcare for our children
• Economic relief for Marylanders
• Environmental protection

A: I will work to keep energy prices down. I will hold energy companies accountable and make them pay for their own infrastructure improvements - and not pay for them on the backs of ratepayers.

I will not support raising taxes or fees. I will support affordable mass transit. I will also support the highway user fund for good roads - to minimize wear and tear on our automobiles.

A: The Blueprint is an ambitious program begun several years ago. It needs to continue for several more to complete it goals. It is well-considered and it is working. We cannot abandon this effort without seeing it through. With an expected negative budget prediction, we need to find a blended approach. We may need to adjust or delay parts of the program. We may need new revenue - but we have done that before without raising taxes and we can explore new options to do that again.

A: I want to be seen as a positive member of the community. I want to be viewed as an advocate for our schools, libraries, the arts, parks, and recreational programs. I want to viewed as a willing volunteer - doing basic service work like planting trees, but also serving on boards like the Maryland Center for School Safety and the Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports (that provides mental health supports to our students). I want to be perceived as a fierce legislator who works to pass bills that help the quality of life in Maryland.

A: Government in my view should spend money on crime prevention, education, health care, police protection, funds for emergencies and minimum spending on unnecessary things like funding non-essential social services. Government overspending creates structural deficits. Abuse of public taxpayers’ funds also creates deficits. Minimize government spending. Lower interest rates on some essential commodities.

A: Mismanagement of public funds, residential flights to other states, high taxes and in addition, lack of transparency and accountability as well as public distrust of current government policies.

A: Cap inflation by reducing interest rates. Give small businesses more control over their profits, reduce the costs of goods and services, reduce the costs of medical care and drugs.

A: Raise new revenues with stipulations. Charter schools, home-school funding for parents. This question requires more critical thinking and planning.

A: Elected officials should be graded quarterly for public review.