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2 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

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Early voting will be June 12-19 Early voting in the Maryland primary election will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 12 through 19. The early voting center in Charles County is at the county board of elections at 201 E. Charles St. in La Plata. Information is available at www.elections.maryland.gov/voting/early_voting.html. Voters who prefer to vote on primary election day can vote June 24. Polling places that day will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To avoid delays, voters should try to vote between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The deadline to request a primary election absentee ballot for mail delivery is June 17. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the primary for online delivery is June 20. Any registered voter in Maryland may request and vote by absentee ballot. A voter who wishes to vote by absentee ballot may request one online for voters with a Maryland driver’s license or Motor Vehicle Administration-issued ID card, by submitting a signed application, by telephone, in writing or in person at the county board of elections.

About this guide

Call 301-934-8972 or 301-870-3167, mail to or visit the office at 201 E. Charles St., La Plata, MD 20646. The office is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voters also may go to www.elections.maryland.gov/voting/absentee.html to request an absentee ballot online, to print an application or for more information.

The Mary ryla land nd Ind ndep epen ende dent nt Pririma mary ry Electition Guide d for Voters is the product of intervie iews ws with,, and in so some me cas ases es que uest stio ionn nnai aire ress from, canddidates d running in the Jun unee 24 2 primary election. For or som omee of the con onte test sted ed loc ocal al pririmary races, interv int in terviiews iews werre co cond nduc ucte tedd byy mem embbers of th thee Ma M ry ryla land nd Indep ndep nd e en ende dent de nt edit dito di toriiall boar bo ardd an andd th thee reporters assignedd to cover th thos osee race c s. Som omee an answ swer sw ers we er were ree edititited ed ed bec ecau ause au se of lilimi mitted mi ted sp spac ace. e.

If a voter wishes to receive an absentee ballot by mail, the county board of elections must receive a completed absentee ballot application if the request is mailed, by 8 p.m. June 17; if the request is submitted online or by email or fax, before midnight June 17.

Plea Pl ease se not ote thhatt the here are r can andi dida date tees whho ha have ve no ch chal alle al leng le nger erss in the pririmary ma ry but ut wiilll have have a chhallllen ha lenge gerr in the Novembe ge berr ge be g neera rall elec ectition on.. Qu Ques estition on-naiirires na es fro rom om th thos thos o e ca cand nnddid idat ates es wililll be be in ou ourr ne next xt gui u de de, wh w ich is scheduled ed to ruun in lat atee Oc Octo tober. tobe er.

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This Th iss guide uide ui d doe o s no not ot co cont ntai ainn th the Ma Mary Mary rylla landd Ind ndep epen enddent dent end n or orse s me se ment ntts. s Theey willll be pu wi p bl b ishe ishe hedd in the Fririda dayy, Jun unee 13 13, ed edititiion.

If a voter wishes to receive an absentee ballot online, the county board of elections must receive a completed absentee ballot application if the request is mailed, by 5 p.m. June 20; if the request is submitted online or by email or fax, before midnight June 20.

If you wish to dispute any answer attributed to you in this guide, your response must be received by the Maryland Independent by 3 p.m. Friday, June 13. If the newspaper agrees that an error was made, then corrections to reported answers will be limited to 25 words or less. Responses should be faxed to Angela Breck, editor of the Maryland Independent, at 301-645-2175 or emailed to abreck@somdnews.com.

Charles County polling places District 1 Precinct 1: La Plata firehouse, 911 Washington Ave., La Plata

District 6 Precinct 2: Moose Lodge, White Plains, 4765 Crain Highway, White Plains

District 6 Precinct 13: Mattawoman Middle School, 10145 Berry Road, Waldorf

District 1 Precinct 2: Milton M. Somers Middle School (cafeteria), 300 Willow Lane, La Plata

District 6 Precinct 3: North Point High School (gymnasium), 2500 Davis Road, Waldorf

District 1 Precinct 3: Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School (gymnasium), 400 Willow Lane, La Plata

District 6 Precinct 4: William B. Wade Elementary School, 2300 Smallwood Drive W., Waldorf

District 6 Precinct 14: Robert D. Stethem Educational Center, 7775 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret

District 1 Precinct 4: La Plata High School (the commons area), 6035 Radio Station Road, La Plata

District 6 Precinct 5: Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary, 2820 Jenifer School Lane, Waldorf

District 2 Precinct 1: St. Ignatius Church Hall, Hilltop, 6455 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata

District 6 Precinct 6: Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, 421 University Drive, Waldorf

District 3 Precinct 1: Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department, 4260 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy

District 6 Precinct 7: Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, 820 Stone Ave., Waldorf

District 4 Precinct 1: Trinity Church Hall, Newport, 9560 Trinity Church Road, Charlotte Hall

District 6 Precinct 8: Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, 2040 St. Thomas Drive, Waldorf

District 4 Precinct 2: Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, 9765 Bel Alton Newtown Road, Bel Alton

District 6 Precinct 9: Eva Turner Elementary School, 1000 Bannister Circle, Waldorf

District 5 Precinct 1: Piccowaxen Middle School, 12834 Rock Point Road, Newburg District 6 Precinct 1: Maurice J. McDonough High School, 7165 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret

District 6 Precinct 10: Westlake High School, 3300 Middletown Road, Waldorf District 6 Precinct 11: Berry Elementary School, 10155 Berry Road, Waldorf District 6 Precinct 12: John Hanson Middle School, 12350 Vivian Adams Drive, Waldorf

District 7 Precinct 2: Indian Head Village Green Pavilion, 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head District 7 Precinct 3: Matthew Henson Middle School, 3535 Livingston Road, Bryans Road

District 6 Precinct 15: Lancaster Neighborhood Center, 4150 Lancaster Circle, Waldorf

District 7 Precinct 4: J.C. Parks Elementary School, 3505 Livingston Road, Waldorf

District 6 Precinct 16: Dorchester Neighborhood Center, 5005 Dorchester Circle, Waldorf

District 8 Precinct 1: T.C. Martin Elementary School, 6315 Olivers Shop Road, Bryantown

District 6 Precinct 17: Wakefield Neighborhood Center, 2002 Nantucket Drive, Waldorf

District 8 Precinct 2: St. Peter’s School, 3320 St. Peter’s Drive, Waldorf

District 6, Precinct 18: Mary B. Neal Elementary School, 12105 St. George’s Drive, Waldorf

District 8 Precinct 3: Trinity Baptist Church Hall, 2671 Mattawoman-Beantown Road, Waldorf

District 6, Precinct 19: Theodore G. Davis Middle School, 2495 Davis Road, Waldorf District 6, Precinct 20: C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School, 4800 Lancaster Circle, Waldorf District 6, Precinct 21: William A. Diggs Elementary School, 2615 Davis Road, Waldorf District 6, Precinct 22: Waldorf Elks Lodge, 2210 Old Washington Road, Waldorf District 7 Precinct 1: General Smallwood Middle School, 4990 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head

District 8 Precinct 4: Church of the Nazarene, 5105 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf District 8 Precinct 5: St. Mary’s School Bryantown, 13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown District 9 Precinct 1: Hughesville firehouse, 15245 Prince Frederick Road, Hughesville District 9 Precinct 2: St. Francis deSales Church hall, 7209 Benedict Ave., Benedict District 10 Precinct 1: Gale Bailey Elementary School, 4740 Pisgah-Marbury Road, Marbury


4 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

Commissioners’ president, Democrat Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Collins: As a community, we must

commit ourselves to creating one voice that recognizes the importance that a cohesive economic development policy will have on the county’s future. I believe that this can be accomplished by setting forth an aggressive economic development policy program. The program would consist of a focus on research and development incubators in Waldorf as a mechanism to spur business development. I would promote full support for the Maryland Airport sub-area plan that includes funding for the Indian Head Science and Technology Park and redevelopment efforts in Indian Head and the continued development of the Bryans Road subarea plan which has already been approved. The economic development plan would include full funding associated with the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor in conjunction with the county’s pursuit of light rail. Focus on support for alternative farming initiatives similar to efforts set forth in Loudon County, Va. Only by broadening our commercial tax base will we be able to continue to fund education, sheriff’s office and other obligations without raising taxes. Priorities associated with transportation would include completion of the enhanced transportation program that would assist in easing gridlock in Waldorf. Youth service initiatives would include support for youth centers in the county’s development districts and support for the proposed Southern Maryland SportsPlex. I would prioritize funding for a lineitemed housing trust fund to create more resources to pursue affordable housing projects locally. Murphy: My No. 1 priority will be to restore public confidence in our county government. I want all residents of Charles County to be able to know that their elected officials are working for them, not for special interests, and it is my intention to make that happen. Q. What do you make of the current tone of county government, and if elected, how would you change it? Colllins: The first board that I served

on was criticized for being overly cordial and not willing to disagree with each other. The present board is being criticized for being overly contentious. The tone of government would change simply by respecting each commissioner as an individual. I am a leader, unifier, fair and humble per-

make a bad situation worse. We need to get it right this time. Q. Do you support or oppose a county executive/county council style of government? Why? Collins: I supported the idea of

bringing charter form of government before residents in the form of a referendum. It is at this point a question for the voters to decide. Murphy: A thorough, impartial Reuben B. Collins II Peter F. Murphy study and extensive public input 53, attorney, 64, member of should be prerequisites to deciding county commissioner House of Delegates this. There’s no rush. We, and very likely our children and grandchilson who respects everyone. I believe dren, will have to live with what we that a tone of respectful engagement decide, so we must make every effort and civility would rule the day under to make a fully informed decision. my tenure as board chair. The costs associated with switching Murphy: I’d prefer not to make generalizations about the current situ- to a charter form of government are significant, and I don’t believe a comation or the whole of our county govpelling case has yet been made that ernment. I intend to set an example I the benefits would make the switch hope others will follow. The commisworthwhile. sioners play a key role in setting the tone, and as commissioners’ presiQ. What do you think of the county’s dent I will maintain the calm, civil approach to interacting with my peers budget? If you think there should be that has served me well over my years cuts, where should they be? If spending in the General Assembly and through- increase, where is it needed? Collins: There should not be an out my professional life. increase in taxes in any form because our citizens deserve some relief after Q. What is your position on the comprehensive plan and the tier map propos- nearly four years of increases. I will work closely with county department als? Collins: Going back as far as January heads to find cuts where overall services will not be adversely affected. 2013, I suggested and the Maryland Murphy: It would be premature for Independent reported my feelings me to propose increasing or decreasthat a compromise that respected the ing funding for any specific item in wishes of proponents and opponents the county budget. One of the first of the planning commission’s prothings I will do upon taking office posed comprehensive plan and tier is conduct a complete analysis and map would be the best approach. I meet with all department heads to was the only member of the commissioners to propose a means to address determine the state of the budget at that time and how funds would best the divisive nature of the comprebe allocated. hensive plan discussion. My working group proposal was instrumental in Q. What should the county’s transporthe creation of a tier map. Murphy: We cannot brush aside citi- tation priorities be? Colins: See response to Question 1. zen input in planning for the future of The county embarked on an ambithe county. Special interests have the tious transportation imitative that was right to be heard and their requests referred to as the Enhanced Transporconsidered, but they should not tation Program. This $50 million local control the process or determine the funded transportation program is for outcome. We are at a crossroads. We the most part completed. I would prican choose to enact either a plan that oritize the expansion of Western Parkbrings short-term financial gain to a way and the extension of Post Office few at the long-term expense of us all or a plan that promotes a sustainable, Road as immediate transportation projects needed to address gridlock healthy local economy, respects our in Waldorf. Completion of the ETP natural resources, and protects the would also include improvements to quality of life of all residents. Charles Billingsley Road. My priorities would County has seriously overcrowded also, of course, include continued schools, appalling commute times support for fixed-route high-capacity and some of the highest taxes in the transit in our community in partnerstate. That is a direct result of poor ship with Prince George’s County. planning, and we cannot afford to

Murphy: In the short term, we need to work closely with the state, the Washington Metro Area Transit Administration and private enterprise to improve bus service, upgrade U.S. 301 with fly-over ramps and a replacement for the Nice Bridge and transform Waldorf into a pedestrianfriendly district with bicycle paths and a sensible public transportation system. Long-term priorities should include ensuring the groundwork is laid for implementing light rail and protecting functioning roads like the Mattawoman-Beantown/St. Charles Parkway/Rosewick corridor from the congestion and gridlock that have plagued Berry Road due to carelessly planned development and rapid, haphazard growth. We need to be much more proactive in identifying opportunities for smart economic development and the creation of more professional-level jobs right here at home so more people who live here can work here instead of commuting. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Charles County? How would you address it? Collins: Creating open spaces

for residents to enjoy is a priority. I supported the establishment of the Indian Head Rail Trail during my first term, three new parks, the purchase of buildings of historical significance and the enhancement and rehabilitation of the entire Waldorf region through the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor and the Waldorf Beautification Project. I will continue to support plans to do the same for the Pomonkey Historic District that is indirectly associated with the Maryland Airport sub-area plan. Another pressing issue is ensuring that the county’s goals of cleaning the Chesapeake Bay and preserving the natural resources generated from the Mattawoman Creek are maintained while at the same time not limiting our ability to move our future economy forward. Murphy: The various environmental issues facing us are all pressing and all interrelated. They’re not unique to our region, but it is here at home that we can actively seek responsible solutions and set a good example for the state and the nation. Charles County has the opportunity to be a leader on environmental matters. Most of these problems have a common cause, and they may have a common solution, as well. We must resolve to make the health of our environment an integral factor in all our decision-making See , Page 5


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 5

Commissioners’ president, Democrat Continued from Page 4

instead of an afterthought, and that is what I intend to do as commissioner president. Q. What is your plan for retaining and attracting businesses? Collins: See the economic develop-

ment program in my answer to Question 1. In addition I will undertake an expedited effort with the Economic Development Department and the Department of Fiscal Services to review the county’s program for tax credits for businesses. Murphy: Independent small businesses form the heart of a healthy economy. The business community is too often isolated from other constituencies, and I’d like to see a more collaborative approach that integrates the ideas that local business owners, employees and patrons share for improving our economy and maintaining our quality of life. I will review what obstacles impede the formation of new businesses or make it difficult for existing businesses to thrive, then study what county government can do to reduce or remove those obstacles. Our Department of Economic Development should work closely

with the chamber of commerce and other organizations to establish effective public-private partnerships for attracting and retaining businesses. Q. What was the poorest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Collins: Approval of the fiscal 2013

and fiscal 2014 budgets, which significantly increased property and income taxes. I voted against both budgets that initiated substantial tax increases. Murphy: Among the worst decisions were allocating $1 million of taxpayers’ money in a futile quest to build a road that has been prohibited by both state and federal decrees; and ignoring public opinion, science and common sense in a bid to enact a remarkably shortsighted comprehensive plan that would wind up costing county taxpayers vast sums of money unnecessarily and potentially cause irreparable damage to the quality of life for us all. Q. What was the wisest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Collins: The board’s continued

focus on the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor/fixed-route

high-capacity transit should be commended. I am equally pleased that the board approved a summer youth employment program as well as the board’s opposition to the state’s selection of Waldorf as a site for a juvenile detention facility. Murphy: The wisest decision made by the current board was to actively engage the public in creating a new draft comprehensive plan. Although public input was later disregarded, the initial decision to make citizen involvement an integral part of the process was correct. The comprehensive plan is the most important blueprint for our county’s future, and it’s vital that the public be involved in the process of developing it. Q, Why should people vote for you instead of your opponent? Collins: I bring local government

experience accountability integrity and commitment to the position of board president. The completion of two terms has assisted me in acquiring knowledge of how our government operates. I believe that you should ideally hit the ground running from the first day as president and know what each county department provides for the citizens and what

Charles County Democratic Central Committee Vote for no more than 11

Commissioners’ President, Republican Tom Desabla is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Charles County commissioners’ president on the June 24 ballot.

Richard Allen Aldridge Elvira Marie Barnes Virginia Benedict Gilbert Bowling Thomasina “Sina” Coates Albert B. Coleman James M. Crites Leya “Blondie” Davis Linda C. Davis Melissa Davis Rosalind Ellis Nigel O. Good

Kimberly A. Hay Jason Henry Sr. Craig Hickerson Debra Dempsey Hobbs Hans L. Holkon Edward R. Joell Scott Nicholas Moore Nancy Jean Schertler Alvin Stewart Janice Marie Talley Greg Waller Russell Yates Stephen Ziegler

they need in order to do so. Managing a workforce the size of our county is something you do not learn overnight. I opposed the juvenile detention facility proposed in Waldorf by the state. Standing up to state officials over issues like that proposed facility is a reflection of knowing and more importantly, listening to the citizens that I serve. My opponent supported the placement of this facility in Waldorf in order to support the state’s wishes. The different positions that my opponent and I had on the juvenile facility clearly shows my willingness to always fight for residents. Murphy: I think a better question is simply: why should people vote for me? I will bring eight years of experience in Annapolis to the job; I know how state government works; and I know that county government works best when it works in tandem with the state. I’ll bring honesty, integrity, fairness and transparency to the job. I have no hidden agendas, no conflicts of interest and no axes to grind. Special interests will hold no sway over me. My only interest in my two terms as state delegate has been to serve the interests of all the people, and that will remain my only interest.

Charles County Republican Central Committee Vote for no more than 9

Collins A. Bailey Dave Campbell Chris Cherest J.T. Crawford Jim Crawford Joe Crawford Mark Crawford Tom deSabla Millie Havrilla Lewis Frank McIntyre Mike Phillips Darrell Wood

Commissioner District 1, Republican

Commissioner District 2, Republican

Commissioner District 3, Republican

Commissioner District 4, Republican

J.T. Crawford is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Charles County District 1 commissioner on the June 24 ballot.

Mike Bakir is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Charles County District 2 commissioner on the June 24 ballot.

Steve Mattingly is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Charles County District 3 commissioner on the June 24 ballot.

John Young is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Charles County District 4 commissioner on the June 24 ballot.


6 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

Commissioner District 1, Democrats Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Graves: Public safety, public edu-

cation, transportation, economic growth and physical responsibility. Robinson: My priorities would remain consistent with what they have been during my term as commissioner. These include: being engaged with citizens by being available, accessible and accountable; being as transparent as possible; continuing in my path to introduce technology as a way for citizens to more easily be a part of what is taking place in county government; and collaborating with both government and private institutions to foster continued economic development. Managing our growth will continue to be our greatest challenge. It impacts quality of life, school overcrowding and tax revenues and how they are spent. The county can still be saved from overdevelopment, but we are approaching the tipping point. We must rely on science and data to guide us forward. I am a believer in working with our partners at both the state and federal levels. This has resulted in maintaining the National Guard in Charles County with a new armory currently under construction west of La Plata. In addition, federal funds are being used for a new Pope’s Creek Rail Trail that will attract more visitors to the county as well serve as a recreational amenity for residents. This trail will also open up access to the Potomac River and help stimulate small, tourism-related business growth.

Q. What do you make of the current tone of county government, and if elected how would you change it? Graves: The current tone of govern-

ment in Charles County is unprofessional and an unwillingness to work together for the good of the citizens that they serve. What I would do once elected is find a good facilitator and have all five elected commissioners attend a retreat with this facilitator to learn each others’ strengths and weaknesses and learn how to work together. Robinson: The tone has not been good, with too much infighting taking place and making issues personal. I have remained above the fray and have always tried to be the mediator among my colleagues. For me it is never personal. If I lose a vote, I move on. The dynamics will likely change with a new board, and hopefully it will be a board that works more strategically and collaboratively.

Samuel N. Graves Jr. 62, retired police officer

Ken Robinson* 58, county commissioner; multimedia developer, producer

Q. What is your position on the comprehensive plan and the tier map proposals? Graves: At this point the 2012 com-

prehensive plan is two years overdue. I believe at this point the most prudent thing to do is continue to operate under the 2006 comprehensive plan and start the process all over when the new board of commissioners is seated. Robinson: My positions are well known. I supported the open process that reached out to the community and resulted in the merged scenario comprehensive plan. The plan was hijacked by a special interest group, which resulted in a plan that was literally written by developers. Any plan can be revisited, and it is my hope it can be over the next year. The tier map is a matter of law and can be an even more important tool for future growth than the Comprehensive Plan. I did not agree with the formation of the working group established to create a tier map. I always thought it was the role of the Charles County commissioners to roll up our collective sleeves and try and reach a consensus. I do believe in playing by the rules and was willing to vote up or down on what the working group presented to us. The map they presented was one I felt comfortable supporting and hoped we would finally move on from this issue. I was extremely disappointed to see the rules change again and have it changed on the spot. There will likely be consequences if this map remains in place. It violates state law.

Q. Do you support or oppose a county executive/county council style of government? Why? Graves: I don’t believe Charles

County at this time is ready for this form of government. I believe this form of government would cost the taxpayers more and could end up being as dysfunctional as the current group of commissioners are. The

key to good government is electing progressive-thinking leaders that are open to new ideas and are willing to compromise. Robinson: It will depend on how the proposed charter initiative is written. I do support a separation of powers based on the lack of clarity that currently exists for the position of commissioners’ president. I support by-district voting, but charter government is not needed to enact that. I do not support the creation of a police department. Charles County is a safe community, and changing the role of the sheriff’s office can only disrupt what is working well. Q. What do you think of the county’s budget? If you think there should be cuts, where should they be? If spending should increase, where is it needed? Graves: I think the current county

budget is spiraling out of control. I think the county budget, just like your household budget, needs to be kept within your means. I think we would have to look at all departments that receive funding through the county budget and see where we could trim without affecting essential services to our citizens. Robinson: I believe the county’s budget is as large as it needs to be at the present time. The next fiscal year will present challenges, and with the exception of education and public safety, I am willing to support an across-the-board spending cut. This could include a hiring freeze and a freeze on wages. I am also willing to dip into our reserve funds to balance the budget. I do this with the understanding that our policies have enabled us to have reserve funds beyond what is currently necessary to retain our outstanding bond ratings that the county enjoys.

Q. What should the county’s transportation priorities be? Graves: We should continue build-

ing a strong network of roads within Charles County, while at the same time continue to work with our partners, Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland and our federal legislators to work toward bringing mass transit to Charles County. Robinson: This is one area where I think the commissioners are in agreement. I support the light rail initiative that would link Charles County with Metro. I support upgrades to U.S. 301, which would eliminate several intersections bogged down with traffic signals. I have been outspoken in the need to replace the Gov. Harry Nice

Bridge and have played a small role in moving that possibility forward. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Charles County? How would you address it? Graves: This would be cleaning up

our waterways. I would work with all industries to identify deficiencies and ways to fix those problems. Also continue a strong education program for our citizens and our school children for excellent environmental stewardship. We also need to continue our efforts on conservation of potable water and work to develop new resources for this. Robinson: Overdevelopment is the cause of serious threats to our watersheds, which are vital for maintaining and improving the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. There are enough areas in the county for redevelopment without having to infringe on our natural resources. In addition, our groundwater supply is finite. We must grow with a careful eye on our aquifers. I have also asked county staff to investigate the possibility of using the brackish waters of the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers for industrial use through desalination, rather than relying on potable water. I am proud of the renewable energy initiatives taking place in Charles County that not only reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but also improve air quality. Q. What is your plan for retaining and attracting businesses? Graves: Create an advocate within

county government to work with existing businesses to help them navigate the rules and regulations and have opportunities for round-table discussions between the businesses and the regulators. For attracting new business, I would look at how we could incentivize bringing new businesses here with tax credits, possible available land and education about opportunities for their businesses in Charles County. Robinson: I am very proud that this board of commissioners re-established the Department of Economic Development. There have been some successes in both attracting and retaining businesses in Charles County. However, I am well aware that this process cannot be judged over a period of just three years. I am confident that we will see greater achievements in this area over the next four years. The commitment to redeveloping the

See DISTRICT 1, Page 7


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 7

Commissioner District 2, Democrats Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Debra Davis: Improving the quality

of life for all Charles County residents. Finding ways to relieve traffic congestion and reducing commute times. Job creation in the county. Building stronger coalitions with educators and law enforcement. Managing growth while protecting our environment. Living within our means, practicing fiscal responsibility. Lastly, to continue to build upon the successes of the current board. Johnnie DeGiorgi: My top priority is giving the government back to the people. For too long the developers have held too much power within the county government; the planning ills that drive many of the critical issues facing the county are the result of developer influence, both past and present. The three critical areas that must be addressed are planning, transportation and jobs. We are working to an outdated master plan which has defined a development district that is out of proportion with the county’s size. The inability of the county leadership to change with the times has locked us into these outdated planning goals. Overdevelopment and sprawl is an outcome of poor planning. School overcrowding is a result of poor planning. Damage to the environment is a result of poor planning. At the moment we are a bedroom community for the Washington, D.C., area. We also need to look at how we can move people around the county. This is needed if we are going to be able to attract new businesses.

District 1 Continued from Page 6

core of Waldorf is expected to attract many new businesses. We have likewise made progress on tourism initiatives, including the soon-to-be-hired new position of tourism chief for Charles County. Q. What was the poorest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Graves: In my opinion the poorest

decisions by this board was to not pursue the completion of Billingsley Road extended from Middletown Road to Route 210 [cross-county connector] and shutting down the Indian Head Science and Technology Park.

Jobs and transportation go together. We need a master transportation plan that not only supports the D.C. commute but helps our citizens get to jobs in the county. How would I address these issues? It will be hard. We have to re-evaluate existing plans and determine what is really in the best interest of the citizens of the county. Working groups, citizen-led groups and public hearings on proposals, which will determine the direction the county takes. I will focus my energy on listening to citizen input and creating solutions that support citizen needs, not developers. I know we cannot continue to be governed by the current planning documents. Green: Education, jobs, transportation and environment. Holland: My top priorities would be to freeze taxes, improve transportation and upgrade U.S. 301, renovate antiquated schools and implement a veterans’ court. Q. What do you make of the current tone of county government, and if elected, how would you change it? Debra Davis: The current tone of

the county government is diverse, more diverse that it has been in history. Diversity of ethnicity, of thoughts and beliefs is a good thing. I would not change it. DeGiorgi: The present tone of county government is horrible and gives a miserable impression of the county to others including potential residents and businesses. Too much of the county’s

Robinson: Policies discussed above related to growth management are stuck in the past. It is my hope during my next term that we have a more nimble board that can move forward utilizing the research and development which is readily available to guide our decision making. Q. What was the wisest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Graves: To follow through with

the completion of the Waldorf West library that the previous board started. Every time I visit this library its resources are being well-used by all ages of our citizens. Robinson: One of my first initiatives with full board support was to put county television live on the Web so our citizens can watch us from any

business is conducted out of the public view, and too much time (and county dollars) are spent in bickering among commissioners. There needs to be full transparency. In addition to dealings behind closed doors, we have incumbent commissioners who either don’t understand or choose to not recognize the meaning of “conflict of interest.” This also needs to be corrected. I promise to abide by the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. See that all public records (within practical ability to do so) are posted on the Internet. Tighten up county ethics laws, and require that no one be allowed to discuss legislative matters with commissioners “off the record.” Telephone conversations could be recorded when they involve lobbying, emails posted on the Internet to the public, and “closed-door” meetings should be taped for the public, or not be held at all. Green: I think the county government is lost, and the current administration is gone astray of the core values of Charles County. Holland: The commissioners are at odds with each other, and several of them are ignoring the wishes of the citizens. To date, their actions have taken away from ensuring adequate water resources, negatively impacting the environment, and there isn’t a coherent strategy to relieve overcrowded schools. I will harmoniSee DISTRICT 2, Page 8 place in the world. The county also established a Facebook page and Twitter account so that information of importance can be readily shared. I also think the early decision to reinstitute the Department of Economic Development, which the entire board of commissioners supported, was necessary to right a wrong and help stimulate a better business environment in Charles County. Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponent/opponents? Graves: I have a past proven his-

tory of working as a public servant through the jobs I have held and the nonprofits I have worked with to provide services to the citizens of Charles County. I also have proven leadership skills and team-building skills both as an officer with the Charles County

Debra Davis* 54, attorney and county commissioner

Larreic “Larry” Green 40, environmental manager

Johnnie DeGiorgi 63, retired government employee

Melanie B. Holland 57, retired federal civil servant

Democratic District 2 Charles County commissioner candidates Mike Cassidy and Leya “Blondie” Davis did not respond to the questionnaire.

* denotes incumbent

Sheriff’s Office and as a county commissioner. We need strong leadership. Robinson: Citizens always know where I stand on every issue. Whether through traditional media, such as the Maryland Independent, or social media, I am always available to explain why I have taken a particular position. I am also not so rigid that I cannot be swayed to change my mind if a rationale is presented that convinces me it is good for the county. I hold regular monthly informal town hall meetings known as “Coffee with the Commissioner,” which allows citizens to ask questions in a casual environment. I answer and write my own emails to and from citizens in a very timely manner. My positions seem consistent with what a majority of citizens are interested in seeing turned into policy.


8 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

District 2 Continued from Page 7

ously work with my colleagues and listen to the wishes of my constituents in making decisions for the county. Q. What is your position on the comprehensive plan and the tier map proposals? Debra Davis: They are both propos-

als. Land use planning is local, and it is incumbent upon all leadership in Charles County to uphold the rights of our citizens to decide land use issues. DeGiorgi: I have mixed feelings about the approved proposals. I also have mixed feelings about the process used to develop the plans; the appointment of a second special committee to investigate when the public views on the comprehensive plan scenarios was so heavily one-sided it was uncalled for. The commissioners should have listened to the citizens’ voices. I strongly disagree with the BGI plan; it is nothing more than BGI’s business plan. I disagree with the favoritism shown by commission members to a BGI consultant based on his past association with county and state government. While I personally agree with Scenario 1 and am happy additional acreage was added to that protected area, we must reach a balance — but not a balance driven by developers. Green: I think the tier maps should have been done by the county workers and the stakeholders as planned. The maps hurt every community business, [the] environment and general public. Holland: I don’t support the comprehensive plan and tier map proposals. If implemented, these proposals will have a negative impact on the environment and add to the county’s traffic congestion and already overcrowded schools. Q. Do you support or oppose a county executive/county council style of government? Why? Debra Davis: I believe that the coun-

ty executive style of government could provide for more stability in planning and leadership that is necessary for much needed economic development. However, I will reserve judgment until I see the final draft. DeGiorgi: I oppose a county executive/county council style of government for Charles County at this point of time because we simply cannot afford it. Charles Count’s local income tax rate has increased to 3.03 percent for 2014 (up from 2.9 percent). Prop-

erty taxes continue to increase. In all of the proposals on the table for county executive/county council at present there is significant increase in number of elected representatives, substantial increases in elected official salaries and a full-time county executive. Green: I am for it because the current form of government does not meet the needs of the public, and as time changes views and standards change. Holland: I prefer a county commissioner form of government, where the decision making doesn’t rest solely with one official — the county executive. A county executive and the additional staff salaries, fringe benefits and other expenditures would negatively impact Charles County’s budget. Q. What do you think of the county’s budget? If you think there should be cuts, where should they be? If spending should increase, where is it needed? Debra Davis: We must learn to live

within our means. We are the highesttaxed county in the state and the county with some of the worse traffic congestion. Meanwhile, we have agencies who demand over $80 million dollars of our budget and refuse to submit to internal operational audits. DeGiorgi: The county’s budget and taxes are intimately linked. I know that our taxes are placing a huge burden on the citizens of the county. As a citizen I am hard pressed to see what services I am receiving for my high taxes. Schools have issues; older schools need repairs; and we have lots of classroom trailers. The sheriff’s office needs more officers, cars and other equipment. The budget under the current administration is a mixture of needs and wants. My first step in reviewing the details of the budget is to identify what costs are associated with wants — needs are those things that we would like to do but can’t fund at the moment. The commissioners’ budget will be the first I will review to identify where cuts could be made. Green: The county’s budget is a joke. Spending should be increased in education, and cuts should be made in projects like the cross-county connector, tech park and projects that are in the red and do not generate continuing revenue for the county. The county should also look to outsourcing the landfill and solid waste division immediately. Holland: The county’s budget shouldn’t be cut. Instead, the expenditures should be analyzed for cost savings. Withdraw the $1 million appropriated for the cross-county connector, and review all service-

based contractors, including outside legal counsel. Anywhere that services performed by Charles County employees are being duplicated by contractors, the contract must be eliminated, unless there are extenuating circumstances. This savings should be used to cover any shortfalls in the approved budget. Q. What should the county’s transportation priorities be? Debra Davis: The county’s trans-

portation priorities should be multifaceted. We have put ourselves in a position where we are already behind in developing the necessary infrastructure to support our growing population. I support the completion of the cross-county connector, light rail and a comprehensive evaluation of upgrades of U.S. 301 and Route 210. DeGiorgi: The county’s transportation priorities should focus on building transportation options. Roads are important, but so is mass transit. We do not need the cross-county connector. It was a bad idea four years ago, and it is still a bad idea. We need to focus on mass transportation. We are a bedroom community and require dependable mass transportation options for our commuting residents. We also need a dependable bus system within Charles County. For our commuters we need to get people in and out of the county quickly during the morning and evening rush. Light rail is a great goal, but we have to make sure it is built so it is a workable option for the commuter. We need transportation options now, and that means we have to look at our commuter bus systems. Not only do we have the MTA buses, we also have one Metro bus line that services Indian Head. These can be the backbone of rapid bus transit options. Green: To increase commuter bus services throughout the county until all the buses are full in the morning and evening. There should be an incentive to ride. Holland: First and foremost, the current Maryland Transportation Authority routes need improvement, and rapid bus transit should be implemented. Work also needs to be done with federal and state transportation agencies to ensure that Charles County meets the requirements and is eligible to receive federal and state funding for a light rail system, and upgrades must be made to U.S. 301. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Charles County? How would you address it? Debra Davis: The most pressing

environmental issue is striking a balance between protecting our envi-

ronment and growing our county responsibly. DeGiorgi: The most pressing environmental issue is our uncontrolled growth. For too long the developers have held too much power within the county government; the planning ills that drive many of the critical issues facing the county are the result of developer influence, both past and present. Poor planning drains our groundwater and taxes our sewage systems. We need to develop smart growth strategies that meet the needs of our citizens and protect our environment. We do not need the crosscounty connector. It is nothing but a highway for developers to build along. Green: Mattawoman Creek and Zekiah watersheds and stormwater runoff are the main issues. We need to set up more educational tools to manage what we currently have. There needs to be better stormwater management. Holland: The proposed comprehensive plan and tier map could open up undeveloped land to sprawling growth and negatively impact the Mattawoman Creek watershed. I would accept the recommendation of the 13 Maryland secretaries and the majority of Charles County’s residents by working with my colleagues to amend the plan. Q. What is your plan for retaining and attracting businesses? Debra Davis: Continue to grow

and support the Economic Development Department. Advocate for more autonomy for this department so that they can develop consistent longrange planning without the interference of the change in leadership every four years. I believe our ever-changing growth and development policies discourage businesses from investing in our county. DeGiorgi: We need a proactive economic development commission that seeks out potential businesses and uses ingenuity in putting together benefit packages that make us competitive. We need to “break into” the Washington metropolitan area; we are the forgotten Maryland suburb; our nearness to three major Department of Defense enclaves (Washington, D.C., Patuxant River and Dahlgren, Va.) is an advantage that is apparently going unused in our marketing. We have more to offer than tourism. Jobs and transportation go together. I live in the western edge of the county, and transportation is needed to get to the job centers; we need a master transportation plan that not only supports the D.C. commute but See DIST. 2 RACE, Page 9


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 9

County commissioner, District 3, Democrats Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Easter: Lower property taxes.

Light rail from Charles County to Branch Avenue Metro. Add commuter buses to take citizens to Branch Avenue Metro and points north. Create a free trade zone to recruit corporations to Charles County to create new high-paying jobs. This creates tax revenue for Charles County. Lower the propAmanda M. Jim Easter erty tax rate on homeowners. Safe Stewart 65, neighborhoods. Great schools. 38, veteran, Stewart: As your commissioner, teacher community activist my top priority will be to focus on ering taxes and fees for government quality of life for all Charles County services. This can be accomplished by residents. Living in Charles County attracting new revenue and expandoffers great schools, safe streets and a ing our local tax base with new resivibrant community. In order to predents, small businesses and thriving serve our quality of life we will need to commerce. Prosperity goes where protect our natural resources, support opportunities exist, therefore I’ll higha transportation plan that includes light the opportunities that exist in light rail and limit the amount of Charles County for families to live and home construction in school zones work and play or operate small busithat are overcrowded. nesses successfully. This type of proTaylor: My first priority will be lowmotion coming from an elected lead-

Dist. 2 race Continued from Page 8

helps our citizens get to jobs in the county. Businesses, when considering locations, are interested in how their employers will get to work. Green: Redo the Minority Business Enterprise program and economic development program to be a haven for startup businesses. Holland: Strategically, I will work with colleagues to entice businesses to Charles County, develop incentives and utilize grants to support local businesses, including farms. Additionally, I would “woo” federal agencies to the county. Q. What was the poorest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Debra Davis: The tax increase of

2013, which made Charles County the highest-taxed county in the state of Maryland. This decision is coupled with the board’s failure to hold all agencies to similar scrutiny prior to making this decision. DeGiorgi: This is a hard decision since there are so many options. One of the worse decision was the renewal of the cross-county connector including the $1 million allocated by the commissioners to further study the cross-county connector, which was much more than asked for by the

developer lobbyist. This is an especially poor decision when one considers the existing status of the project (dead, denied by the state for good causes), the source of the request (a developer lobbyist) and the unrequested increase in the amount (400 percent of the requested value). This decision is indicative of how the commissioners spend the hard-earned dollars of the citizens. There are other poor decisions that relate to ethics. Green: To put $1 million into a cross-county connector program and string out the comprehensive plan to 2014. There has been a lot of bad decisions made. Holland: The poorest decisions were to approve the tier map and the school seat allocations. Another mistake was to give $1 million to pursue the cross-county connector ... after the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejected this project. Q. What was the wisest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Debra Davis: One of the wisest deci-

sions the current board made was to make constituent services a priority by hiring and empowering a citizens liaison officer to handle constituent inquiries. This provided for timely and, most importantly, consistent response to our citizens need. It also allowed the office to monitor trends

Democratic District 3 Charles County commissioner candidate John Ashburn did not respond to the questionnaire.

Robert J. Taylor 56, business development coordinator

Kamilah A. Way 37, mental health therapist, consultant

er is long overdue and should attract new stakeholders who’ll share the financial burden of running our local government. My second priority will be improving schools, especially older facilities. I’ll find funding to eliminate “open schools,” where flimsy partitions are still used as classroom walls, which is neither conducive to effective teaching nor learning and is unsafe in today’s dangerous environment where school children are too often and to identify issues early. DeGiorgi: This is a short list. The most positive decision would finally listening to the citizens of the county and incorporating additional acreage for protection in the comprehensive plan. Unfortunately this decision was apparently driven by the upcoming primary election. Green: Changing the name of the snakehead fish. Holland: I’m pleased that the commissioners approved the raises for county staff, teachers and law enforcement personnel. Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents? Debra Davis: I have been recognized

across the state of Maryland for leadership, public service and mentorship. My experience as a lawyer, mediator, business owner and county commissioner make me uniquely qualified as the best candidate to lead Charles County forward. DeGiorgi: I don’t have an agenda other than making Charles County the best place to live; I am not tied to any corporation, and I am not involved in real estate. I am my own man and will bring that independence to the office. Another thing that sets me apart from the other commissioner candidates is that I am willing to take on the tough issues. For the past eight years, I have prepared myself for the posi-

targeted. I will also take advantage of the recent trend of corporations, nonprofits and private sector participants bringing their own resources into public education. I believe science, technology, engineering and math education is imperative. My third priority will be creating new jobs. This can be accomplished by quality growth, which means pursuing smart development in priority areas where it makes sense while creating excellent jobs now through construction and high-paying jobs later because of what we’ve built and created. Way: To keep education as the top funding priority; to increase and diversify our commercial tax base; to keep our neighborhoods safe; to See DISTRICT 3, Page 10 tion of commissioner. I have been active in local politics in a variety of ways throughout my 30-plus years in the county. Before I retired from the federal government I was active even though the Hatch Act limited what I could do. I have attended many public hearings; I have prepared and presented testimony. I have studied in detail the crosscounty connector, comprehensive plan issues, issues regarding our school overcrowding, issues concerning crime and criminal justice in our county, and issues involving the budget and taxes in Charles County. Green: I want to see the county win in 2015. We have to win in education, business, transportation and environmental stewardship. Holland: I retired after 33 years of experience with the Department of Homeland Security. I managed a $100 million dollar budget and oversaw a staff of 20 people. Why is this important? I am accustomed to running an organization and approving a large budget. I received numerous awards for thinking outside the box and utilizing best practices for working with limited resources while staying within budget. I believe in transparency, and all of my town hall meetings can be videotaped. I will continue to use social media and the local newspaper to welcome feedback from my constituents and I treat everyone with respect.


10 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014 to all stakeholders. I believe that my positive, solution-focused and inclusive leadership style will help pull our community together. Also, my educaContinued from Page 9 tional background and experience as improve transportation infrastructure, a social worker and business owner balancing residential development will help me to get board members to with our need to protect our environrecognize situations where a consenment; encouraging a green economy; sus decision would be better for the protecting and improving the quality community. of our water supply; helping those that are less fortunate and setting Q. What is your position on the coma goal of having running water and prehensive plan and the tier map proposindoor plumbing in every house; to als? increase training and development Easter: I do not agree with the opportunities for county employees; comprehensive plan and their map. and obtain a top rating from all three I support smart growth, balanced major bond rating agencies. growth, managed growth, not massive overdevelopment as in Waldorf. The Q. What do you make of the current tier map must reflect this. tone of county government, and if electStewart: The current comprehened, how would you change it? sive plan and the tier map that was Easter: No answer provided by canmost recently proposed are controdidate. versial. The current version of the Stewart: The current tone of tier map is better than the tier map Charles County government is embar- known by many as the “BGI map.” rassing and gloomy most of the time. However, I do not agree with the Many of our residents have lost faith addition of the 9,000 acres that was in our county government. The tone added at the last hour by a 3-2 vote. of our government will improve when The addition of the 9,000 acres is not we have elected officials that work needed and can harm our natural for the majority and not just a few. resources. We cannot make a change When elected, I will work every day of this magnitude just because we to ensure that the board of commiscan. I support re-establishing the sioners presents a united professional 18,000-acre Deferred Development face. We may disagree regarding an District. We will need to make sure issue, but we will not be disagreeable that our comprehensive plan is and disrespectful toward each other. I aligned with the tier maps. This is will always lead by example. another process that must be transTaylor: The current tone is caused parent and needs to follow the approby political, ideological and often priate process. personal reasons. Politically, there Taylor: No group will ever get appear to be three lifelong and two everything they want through any converted Democrats on the board. comprehensive plan. Because the Frequent 3-to-2 votes are not surprisstate-mandated tier maps are inextriing. There are two opposing factions cably tied to the comp plan, the state including a small, extremely vocal is effectively dictating what residents anti-growth group and a larger but should do. But that’s another story. In often stymied pro-growth group. In the comp plan, developers might other words, environmentalists versus argue “It’s unfair if I can’t build in land developers. If elected, I will prothat promising area over there, which mote cooperation and compromise will bring new families and new jobs for the good of residents, employees and new commerce into the county.” and small businesses. I will promote In the comp plan, environmentalists the overall best interests with the clear might argue “It’s unfair if they actuunderstanding no single county com- ally can build in that pristine area over missioner can please everyone all of there, which might harm the waterthe time. shed or jeopardize another ecosystem Way: The members of the Charles in the county.” In the comp plan, County board of commissioners, at landowners might argue “It’s unfair times, have fostered an atmosphere that downzoning infringes upon my of divisiveness in county government. property rights over here and devalThere are two distinct factions on the ues the land intended to benefit my board, and they have refused to find children and grandchildren.” I agree common ground or a consensus on with all three arguments. But, I also some key issues affecting the future know what’s considered fair usually of Charles County. I will work to credepends on individual perspectives ate a spirit of civility and togetherness or special interests or ideology. Therewhile addressing issues facing our fore, we can never craft a comp plan county. I will try to build a consensus considered completely fair to every when making key decisions about our possible stakeholder. future, and I will respect and listen Way: My position is that the process

District 3

used to develop the current tier map and comprehensive plan proposals was flawed. As a result, the proposals do not reflect the input of all major stakeholders. Consequently, stakeholders left out of the process will continue to vehemently oppose the proposals and will most likely work to derail them if they are ever approved. At this point, I believe that both the majority and minority factions on this all-Democratic board have failed us by not reaching a compromise position that all stakeholders can live with and support. Q. Do you support or oppose a county executive/county council style of government? Why? Easter: The voters of Charles county

will decide in November if they want a charter form of government. It is up to the voters. Stewart: I will not support the executive form of government if it increases the cost of doing business and increases the amount of bureaucracy. It’s important for residents to understand the cost of doing business and how their vote will impact our operational cost. Our economic outlook is not supporting the idea of increasing our size of government. Taylor: I neither support nor oppose either style of government until the charter board has presented its recommendations. Our current style of government with five commissioners has unique advantages. A county executive style of government with council members has its own advantages. I believe until we have reviewed all of the important issues and implementation details regarding a change in our style of government or not, it would be unwise to make any concrete decisions now without knowing the terms and conditions that will apply. Way: I support a county executive/ county council — charter — style of government. I believe that Charles County is at a crossroads where vesting executive power, with restrictions, in the hands of one elected official, the county executive, will better enable us to meet future challenges facing this county. The separation of the executive and legislative branches of government will allow for a more efficient and effective county government. No longer will we have to hear county officials complain about the inefficiency and confusion caused by having five bosses with equal power. Under a charter form of government, citizens will know exactly who their leader is and hold that person responsible and accountable for running the county. County council members, in addition to provisions in the charter, will provide a check on the executive branch.

Q. What do you think of the county’s budget? If you think there should be cuts, where should they be? If spending should increase, where is it needed? Easter: The county budget should

fully fund education, fully fund sheriff’s department for public safety and fully fund county employees. Create a free trade zone in Charles County to raise tax base received from corporations. This lowers property taxes on homeowners. This will be my top priority — to lower property taxes on homeowners. Stewart: County officials have reported that the fiscal 2015 budget is short [$10.2] million. Some may argue that we should cut the budget by all departments. I would challenge that thought and suggest that we do not decrease education. Education must continue to be fully funded. We have severe deficits that must be addressed by our board of education, and funds are needed to complete these projections, [especially for] aging school improvements. We first must evaluate the county administration cost. I firmly believe we should start with the commissioner’s office/programs. As an elected official I will make sure we are conserving money in-house before asking other departments to make an adjustment. We can save $1 million [by] not [continuing] to study the cross-county connector. Taylor: I think the county’s budget is inadequate to satisfy all stated needs because every component will always request more versus less money. Although unsustainable, it’s the fundamental methodology of government funding everywhere. In my opinion, our problem can only be resolved by attracting new revenue and expanding the local tax base through new residents, small businesses and appropriate industry to create a greater pool of participants who’ll share the financial burden of running local government. I favor reviewing every line item and demanding strict outcomes and goals for any increase in funding. Way: It is fundamental in county government that revenues and expenditures in our budget must be balanced. The level of available revenues is a function of how well our county is doing or not doing economically and the tolerance of taxpayers. On the other hand, expenditures represent our spending priorities, which must be scrutinized carefully when revenues are down. I will make decisions on where and how much to cut county expenses, in part, by considering input from our professional staff and the public. However, before any cuts are made, I will have to be convinced See DIST. 3 RACE, Page 11


Dist. 3 race Continued from Page 10

that all efforts to maximize efficiencies have been taken. Q. What should the county’s transportation priorities be? Easter: Light rail to Branch Avenue

Metro. Add commuter express buses to Branch Avenue and points north. Add express bus parking lots. Stewart: The county transportation priority should be supporting the addition of a light rail system connected to Branch Avenue Metro stop. Improving the commute experiences for our residents will improve the quality of life for over 50 percent of our residents. We need to work with the state and our neighboring county to ensure that we get light rail. All planning and zoning decisions that are made must be made with focusing on the goal — light rail in Waldorf. Taylor: The county should prioritize relieving traffic congestion, especially during peak transit hours, to alleviate motorist frustration. This can be accomplished in part by better synchronizing traffic control signals on U.S. 301 (between Waldorf and La Plata) and at the intersection of Route 228 and Route 5 on U.S. 301. These are two of three bottlenecks, which can be improved immediately without spending a lot of money compared to building new roads. Other low-cost improvements like ... lane widening and extensions of turning lanes can also be implemented swiftly. I also favor accelerated completion of the transit hub components of the WURC project in the Waldorf Central Zone and Acton Urban Central Zone areas, which will offer high-capacity bus transportation to points outside of the county. I believe the cross-county connector must be completed. Way: Expansion of The Ride to increase intra-county transportation, increasing commuter bus transit services by working with our state delegation to get approval for new routes and increasing the runs on current routes, continue ongoing efforts to improve county roads, working with Prince George’s County and our state delegation to seek state approval for traffic flow solutions on Route 5 and U.S. 301, such as overpasses at key intersections and HOV lanes, and continue to support efforts for a ferry service out of Indian Head and light rail. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Charles County? How would you address it?

Easter: Light rail reduces car Co2 emissions. Commuter buses reduce car Co2 emissions. Stewart: Ensuring that we have safe drinking water for years to come. Many people do not know that Charles County has been warned in the past that our geological makeup offers a challenge for us regarding our future water supply. It has been suggested that we need to work with a neighboring water company to get water to north Charles County — Waldorf. I recognize that research shows that some people will not want to support this change, and water could cost a little more. However, the other alternative is we do not have water for many of the people that live in this county on personal or neighborhood wells. Taylor: The environmental issue most talked about here is protection of the Mattawoman watershed. Unfortunately, a group of extremely vocal and strict environmentalist are making recommendations, for example, to “turn Bryans Road back into a hamlet.” Personally, I love both the environment and the human race without prejudice. I do not believe advocates for either side gain much when their viewpoints are rigid and inflexible. To address this issue, I will continue to speak about compromise and attempt to gather solutions derived from the input of both sides. I’d want to discover best practices for environmentally friendly land development that are used worldwide and employ some of them here. Way: The most pressing environmental issue in Charles County is the protection of our natural ecosystem while we grow and develop to meet the housing and employment needs of our citizens. We must first reach a consensus, as a community, on which areas are “hands off.” Q. What is your plan for retaining and attracting businesses? Easter: Support local businesses.

I will sponsor the creation of a free trade zone. This will increase our tax revenue from these corporations and lower property taxes on homeowners. Provide businesses with incentives to create new high-paying jobs with benefits. Stewart: We need to employ research-based recruitment incentives, such as implementing a restoration tax abatement program providing a three- to five-year abatement of property taxes on the renovations and improvements of existing commercial structures. Another program we could offer is a tax reduction incentive for improvements in infrastructure for commercial development. We need to work with the state and make sure

June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 11 that we are promoting/showcasing a to reach a consensus that all major workforce training program. stakeholders could support. Taylor: Business owners are attracted by incentives. My plan is to present Q. What was the wisest decision or significant incentives for a business. decisions made by the current board of I want to streamline the permitting county commissioners? process. I want to reduce the hassle of Easter: No answer provided. sign regulations and enforcement. I Stewart: I believe it was wise to want to seek new industries to set up make a commitment to our teachers shop here by highlighting promising and ensure a pay raise. areas like the Maryland Airport and Taylor: Bringing back the DepartNaval Support Facility Indian Head, ment of Economic Development. for defense-related companies and Way: Waldorf urban development contractors, and tourism enterprises project, making education a top fundthat can benefit from our proximity ing priority, reorganization of the and direct access to the new MGM Department of Economic Developcasino being built at National Harbor. ment, supporting the new CSM camI would promote the town of Indian Head as a blank canvas for new indus- pus, combating the growing heroin problem, addressing poverty and the tries to locate within and build upon. Waldorf Beautification Project. Way: Work with our state delegation to ensure that Lt. Gov. Anthony Q. Why should people vote for you Brown keeps his promise for a Health instead of your opponent/opponents? Enterprise Zone designation; make the expedited permit process used Easter: I have experience as a legisin particular cases the standard perlative analyst. I have worked with the mitting process; utilization of tax Maryland Association of Counties by incentives and workforce training; providing issue analysis on the hazmaximize use of available grants to ards of nuclear waste management. entice green companies to the county; I provided issue analysis on general continue to support improvements revenue sharing among counties, in our transportation infrastructure; and states and local governments. I continue to make education and pub- provided legislative analysis on prison lic safety high priorities because the policy in Maryland. I am a commueducation level of a county’s popunity leader and veteran activist. I have lace and crime rate are key factors taught local, state and national govfor companies considering Charles ernment at the College of Southern County; continue to support the WalMaryland. dorf urban development project; and Stewart: I am a public servant make the county the cultural corridor who gets more joy out of giving than of Southern Maryland. receiving. I am a person who will listen. I am the best candidate for the Q. What was the poorest decision or job. I bring strong leadership, comdecisions made by the current board of munication and research skills. I bring county commissioners? my commitment, confidence and Easter: Poorest decision by county positive attitude. I will work hard. commissioner was to raise property taxes three years in a row. My plan is Taylor: I have the vision, leadership to create a free trade zone and lower and values necessary to move the property taxes on homeowners. A free county forward. My transition into the trade zone will bring in tax revenue role of commissioner is an extension from corporations and industry. of the civic activities I’ve been perStewart: Decisions that were made forming while advocating for the poor by a previous board that allowed the or small businesses. I have developed county to grow without understandrelationships with county staff and ing the consequences are unaccepttheir employees whom every commisable. County commissioners should sioner relies upon to help them make not have allowed a major monopoly critically important decisions,. on land development/sales and apartWay: I will work to create a spirit ment rentals. of civility and togetherness while Taylor: Approving a severely inadaddressing issues. My professional equate and underfunded program background, education and public addressing the needs of more than service as an intern and legislative 360 rural residents who have no aide give me valuable insights in the indoor plumbing and who still use governing process. I have learned how 5-gallon buckets as their toilets. To to actively listen, assess situations, allow these type of living conditions is diagnose problems and then work absolutely deplorable. collectively to solve the concern. I will Way: Deciding not to compromise work to refocus the commissioners on the tier map and comprehensive on issues that are important to the plan issues. These issues presented the two factions a classic opportunity citizens.


12 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

County commissioner, District 4, Democrats Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Aldridge: To work with the

other commissioners to restore honor and respect to the board. By reviewing all outstanding issues, the board can prioritize, hold town meetings to gather more information from the citizens and then act with timely results to resolve the issues. Citizens depend on their county government more than ever, so restoring their confidence is of the upmost importance. Ippolito: Representative government. Individuals who are voted into public office are there to represent the citizens. Too often some leaders seem to have their own agendas. Another main principle of my platform is managing and spending public money efficiently and effectively. Ogungbesan: Broaden our revenue base, pursue progressive smart growth policies so as to ensure our development priorities are proportionate to our infrastructural capacities, work with the state to find solutions to our traffic congestion and spearhead the abolition of personalgain lobbying in our county. Rucci: Increasing our commercial tax base, increasing drug addiction awareness, cracking down on drug trafficking and providing our citizens a safe and adequate road network in our county. Q. What do you make of the current tone of county government, and if elected, how would you change it? Aldridge: The present commission-

ers have publicly professed that they are an embarrassment to the citizens of Charles County and a laughingstock. I believe, based upon their lack of accomplishments, the current board’s members have dishonored their position and have become a disgrace to the citizens. I can’t believe that any one of them would want to run again for any office. If elected, I would enhance the public service mission of the commissioners by promoting integrity and complete transparency and provide proactive leadership while acknowledging and respecting Charles County’s diversity. Ippolito: There seems to be a lack of cooperation and communication between current members of government. In all relationships, communication is key. It is not necessary to agree on all topics. The ability to have dialogue is a necessity for any organization. Ogungbesan: It is quite unfortunate that the tone of our county govern-

Richard Allen Aldridge 68, retired county IT director

Vincent “Vinny” Ippolito 54, pharmacist

ment has taken a polarizing and negative trajectory. Lately, there have been major rifts and divisions among our county commissioners; therefore, my goal is to work with all the county commissioners to achieve the purpose for which we were elected. I will work hard to ensure that, even when we disagree on an issue, we will discuss such issues in a bid to find common ground and avoid being disagreeable. I will serve with the understanding that Charles County is bigger than any one commissioner. Rucci: While the tone may not be the best it can be, I have and will continue to fight and work for my constituents’ concerns. I also will continue to try to reach consensus with my fellow commissioners in the future, whomever they may be, as I have always done in the past. Q. What is your position on the comprehensive plan and tier map proposals? Aldridge: The comprehensive plan

needs to be approved. This plan was supposed to be completed by 2006. Three boards of commissioners did not step up and do what was needed or even do what was right. So the present board has made a mess of the plan and will more than likely leave the job for the next board. I will push for real results, pass a plan that meets with the approval of the citizens. The key is communication, communication and communication. I will hold town meetings until it is completed. Ippolito: This process has been absolutely beyond comprehension. The process started out with public hearings and studies as well as input from experts in different fields (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of the Environment etc.) It seems the issue could have been resolved two years ago if it were not for the influence of special interests. Ogungbesan: I believe the tier map and the comp plan are two sides of the same coin. I am not in support of either plan. First of all, I have yet to

Emmanuel Ogungbesan, 36, freelance journalist, retail merchant

Bobby Rucci* 55, county commissioner, business owner

see a truly independent expert’s study that suggests these plans are good for our environment, ecosystem or socioeconomic development. In addition, these plans have become so volatile they are creating division and polarizing our county. I will propose that a moratorium be put on the comp plan and the tier map, pending an independent study on the effects of both plans on our environment, economy, cultural history, social structure and quality of life. Rucci: I support the comprehensive plan as recommended by the planning commission. I support it because it continues to encourage development to occur in our development district, where it should. It provides protection of our natural resources while conserving agricultural land in a way that protects the property rights of our rural landowners, most importantly our farm community. If we adopt the environmentalist plan, we are as a county agreeing to place all of the future growth in Waldorf, which I don’t believe is fair to the residents of Waldorf. Regarding the tier maps, I do not support any measure that takes away the property rights or values from our landowners. Q. Do you support or oppose a county executive/county council style of government? Why? Aldridge: I’m opposing a charter

form of government that increases the cost of public service, plus requires an election of a county executive and a number of county councilmen. The present form of code home rule is sufficient and has the same ability to legislate on the broadest possible array of local matters without the tremendous increase in government infrastructure. In specific areas that are crucial to operation of the government, bonding authority, referenda, formality of the legislative process and taxing authority, I find no significant advantage of charter over the present code home rule form of government.

But I do see a major disadvantage if charter is adopted. Increase cost would be immediately realized. Ippolito: It is not so much a matter of supporting or opposing the county executive form of government. Is it the right decision for Charles County? The county executive form of government is used in about half of the counties in the state of Maryland. All of these have much larger populations than Charles County. Ogungbesan: I do not recommend the county executive/county council style of government for our county. Charter government is not only expensive but has been known to create unneeded bureaucracies. Though the proponents of this style of government tout its ability to create checks and balances, they largely ignore the fact that such government will have one chief executive officer who will be the policy maker and decide the direction of our county. That will create an easy avenue for corruption, especially when you look at the influx of lobbyists and special interests trying to influence our current county government. I do not think the role of the council members is strong enough to create the needed checks and balances. If it were, Prince George’s County government would not be engrossed in so many corruption crises over the years. Besides, I was against the creation of the charter board from the outset because I believe it would have been a prudent use of taxpayers’ money to first find out if our citizens want charter government before putting a board in place to draft the modalities. Rucci: I am opposed to charter form government because I am concerned that it has the potential to increase the size and cost of county government. However, this matter will be decided by the voters in November. Q. What do you think of the county’s budget? If you think there should be cuts, where should they be? If spending should increase, where is it needed? Aldridge: The current budget

process is deplorable and should be revised in order to allocate funds wisely and efficiently. The budget would be easier to manage if the budgets for both board of education and the sheriff’s office are managed by their respective elected officials. This is the best way to balance a budget and not waste monies allocated. My proposal will be to revert back to this initiative immediately based upon the percentage of designated tax income.

See DISTRICT 4, Page 13


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 13

District 4 Continued from Page 12 Ippolito: The budget deficit is an item of concern for all of us. There should be a review of all spending as well as possible sources of income. There should be communication and dialogue with all parties that may be affected by any potential cuts. Ogungbesan: Our county budget is not necessarily the problem, but the implementation is. Although it is hard to make specific predictions on where to cut without having the full details of every board and departments line-byline spending and not just budgets, we can, however, begin by returning the $1 million set aside for the study of the cross-county connector. Not only that, regardless of what we may need to cut, I will be reluctant to cut the board of education and the sheriff’s office budgets for obvious reasons, except to control wastefulness and seek more prudent ways of doing business. Nonetheless, I have detailed plans to generate revenue without raising our taxes. Some of those plans include creation of the Southern Maryland Educational Raffle and an oil and gas investment plan. Rucci: I think we first need to carefully search through every budget that derives its money from county tax dollars to find where costs can be cut, redundant programs can be eliminated and to identify where we can create cost-savings efficiencies. I believe citizens expect us to live within their budgets. Q. What should the county’s transportation priorities be? Aldridge: The transportation prior-

ity should involve the development of light rail or a Metro rail extension. I support the light rail option. I will support the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland in its handling of MTA commuter buses, which provide an alternative for commuters. Ippolito: We need to focus on reducing commuters’ transportation time in and out of the county. Immediate efforts should be made to improve and adjust bus schedules for optimum efficiency. Upgrade of U.S. 301 should be put on a fast track. The county should consistently work toward having light rail service. Ogungbesan: The county’s transportation priorities should be to work to widen U.S. 301, Route 5 and provide overpasses. Anyone who has traveled on U.S. 301 and Route 5 can attest to the hassle and difficulties, not only of traffic, but also of disrepair of these

roads. There is no way our hardworking and resilient citizens should be subjected to this. I will work hard to put pressure on the state to whom our hard-earned tax dollars are paid, not only to fix these roads and give us an overpass, but also to embark on the promised light rail project without delay. It is long overdue. I will call for citizen days of action to shuttle some of our concern citizens to Annapolis, not to create a scene but to genuinely and passionately express to our state officials the daily agonies and hardships they go through due to the traffic. Rucci: We need to complete new Billingsley Road. Old Billingsley Road is unsafe and inadequate to serve the needs of our residents driving between U.S. 301 and Route 210. We need to continue to work with our state delegates to get upgrades to U.S. 301 to relieve congestion. We also need to increase our commuter bus service and VanGO, and we need to continue our efforts toward light rail. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Charles County? How would you address it? Aldridge: Smart growth covers more

than the location of a development center. It also involves the handling of waste management, especially the failing infrastructure. It involves fresh and safe drinking water, the promotion of water conservation and alternate sources. It involves the protection of our environment for the future of our children. All of these aspects need to be studied and issues need to be resolved. Ippolito: Preservation of natural beauty and historic sites needs to be a priority. The concerns of development encroaching on the Mattawoman Creek need to be addressed. A re-evaluation of current land uses in environmentally sensitive areas should be looked at. Ogungbesan: Sprawl. To address sprawl, we have to first understand that growing just for the sake of growth, without proportionate balancing, is cancerous and a tumor to our quality of life. I will propose a moratorium on the comp plan and tier map, pending a truly independent study by experts on the effects of both plans on our environment, ecosystem and quality of life. Rucci: While as a commissioner I have no direct authority over the town of La Plata, I am frustrated by the continued sewage overflows that occur from their outdated wastewater treatment facility. The taxpayers in Maryland pay a flush tax that is supposed to be used to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities. I am at a loss as

to why these upgrades have not been completed by the town. I also believe we can do more as a county to identify areas of failing septic and correct the problems, just like we did years ago on Cobb Island. These two efforts combined would go a long way to improving water quality. Q. What is your plan for retaining and attracting businesses? Aldridge: My plan for retaining and

attracting businesses is to lower the tax rate. Imagine, a potential business goes to their employees and tells them, “We are moving our business to Charles County, the highest-taxed county in the state of Maryland.” I know their employees would not be very happy and probably would not move with the company. Ippolito: We need an active economic development committee that is focused on attracting employers that offer decent wages and benefits to their employees. The county has many attributes to offer companies employees looking to relocate here. Quality schools, affordable houses and amenities (ballpark, restaurants, mall, etc.). Ogungbesan: Freeze taxes for two years. I want to create tax-deductible incentives for businesses who hire certain numbers of full-time workers who reside in the county. This will encourage businesses and investors to want to move to the county and hire residents from the county. We can afford to do these because I have detailed several ways to generate revenue without raising taxes. Rucci: Create an economic development strategy that says Charles County is open for business. We have opportunities at Maryland Airport and the Indian Head and Waldorf tech parks that should be marketed with incentives that will make business give the county a serious look. We have just adopted the economic development tax incentive, but we need to do more. Government can’t do this alone. We need to re-establish the public-private partnership that once existed in the county. We have a lot of very smart business people in our county whose businesses will also benefit from economic growth and job creation. We need to tap in to these resources. Q. What was the poorest decision or decisions made by the current board of county commissioners? Aldridge: Failure to make a final

decision on the comp plan. But then the other shoe dropped when it was revealed that this board was placing the county into a $6.4 million shortfall for lack of successful economic devel-

opment plan. There was no effective strategic plan. Their failure to make this commitment known after becoming commissioners demonstrated a lack of integrity. Ippolito: The 2012 comprehensive plan. Two years of debate, hearings, testimony all to travel in a big circle. Ogungbesan: Raising taxes and proposing the tier map and the comp plan against the advice of the state government. Rucci: Approving the funding of a $6.7 million pool instead of using that money to increase capacity or our existing schools. Unfortunately, I did not have the support necessary to stop this vote from passing. Q. What was the wisest decision or decisions made by the current board? Aldridge: The decision to hold pub-

lic comments once a month during the evening hours. The only problem was the commissioners only heard each citizen but failed to “listen with understanding,” which demonstrated the lack of respect for the citizen. Ippolito: Giving county employees their raises early on in the terms of the current county commissioners. Ogungbesan: Reversing their decision on the tier map and not pursuing the cross-county connector. Rucci: Taking a proactive stand on the drug epidemic facing our county. I also believe the economic tax incentive bill was a move in the right direction. Also, putting teeth in our nuisance abatement and property standard ordinances to address neglected property in our county was a tremendous benefit to residents living in communities where those problems exist. Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents? Aldridge: I’m the best qualified and

most experienced candidate for commissioner. I have no personal agenda. I served as director of the Department of Information Technology for more than 11 years. Ippolito: I have demonstrated my awareness of the issues as well as stating my intention of having dialogue with other citizens and agencies. Ogungbesan: I have been fighting to make any community I reside in better. I am a unifier, and I do not engage in divisive politics. I will sit down and talk with supporters and critics alike because. Rucci: I stand up for what I believe in. I don’t shift my core values based on political motivations. I respect the concerns of my constituents and put them ahead of personal or political aspirations. I bring common sense and reason to the position.


14 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

Sheriff Q. How do you plan to address the problem of prescription drug and heroin abuse in Charles County? Berry: As sheriff, I would request

assistance from neighboring jurisdictions and federal law enforcement agencies creating a task force to adequately combat this issue. In addition, I will create mobile seminars and forums to educate the general public. I will establish partnerships with local doctors and pharmacists to deter and prevent the abuse of prescription medications. The abuse of prescription drugs and heroin are devastating families in Southern Maryland. Coffey: I am tough on crime, but we cannot arrest our way out of this problem. I have had dialogue with my counterparts and every public entity trying to fight this battle. For me, I start with our kids and parents and make them aware of the dangers of drugs. I visit each and every single freshman class as the kids start high school to talk about drugs and choices. And I am the only sheriff to address every single graduate about drugs and abuse. I even handed out fliers to parents and teens at graduation time detailing the problems of prescription pill abuse our county and nation are facing. We reach out to our community by our school resource officers, news media and anyone who will listen but generally, until a person has a problem, most people don’t pay attention to all of this. I paid attention a long time ago. When I became sheriff, I assigned a detective to a [federal Drug Enforcement Administration] prescription drug task force, something that hadn’t been done before, and we’ve made plenty of progress. We’ve arrested dealers and doctors. And, while that can make a difference, I’m very focused on prevention. I work with support groups and recently hosted a meeting and spoke with parents of addicted children. I have asked our narcotics detectives to work personally with this group to see how we can help them. No one has arrested more people for drugs than me and then cared enough to preach to them about getting help and changing their lives. I care. I’ve encouraged our judges to put offenders in jail for their safety and to have some hope of getting them treatment for some period. Q. What are the most immediate public safety issues facing Charles County residents, and what will you do to

Troy Berry 45, Charles County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant

Rex Coffey* 61, Charles County sheriff

address them? Berry: Again, the abuse of prescrip-

tion drugs and heroin is the most immediate public safety issue facing county residents. Beyond additional funding and resources, I will coordinate and consult with medical experts to help combat this growing dilemma. Coffey: My first thought is I would like more employees including police officers, corrections and civilians. With all the building going on in the county and more people and more responsibility, I would like to maintain the same level of service that residents enjoy today. I want to maintain high police visibility so people feel safe. Other concerns include juvenile crime and drug-related crime. I care about kids and their future, and I simply don’t want to see young teens and young adults going to jail. I believe in early intervention and have established programs to improve in these areas. Even in our jail, we are teaching life skills and education to give offenders a better chance at success. Highway safety is another concern. We have people traveling our roadways, and it seems more and more people are driving aggressively or not paying attention. We take part in numerous motor vehicle safety operations including our We Care teen driving campaign, which drastically reduced the number of teen motor vehicle fatalities. I will continue to make safe roads a priority. Getting behind the wheel of a car is the single most dangerous thing we do each day, and it just makes good sense to focus in this area. Q. What areas for improvement do you see in the sheriff’s office, and how will you address them? Berry: Morale is low. The sworn

officers held a vote of no confidence in the current administration — the first in the 355-year history of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. The officers do not trust the current

administration to hire qualified personnel without regard to political cronyism, to apply discipline equally, to assign duties on the basis of ability and to promote on the basis of merit. Coffey: First, I am very proud of our agency and all of the work we do. We are an accredited agency, and as such undergo an intense accreditation process every three years. Under my leadership, we are the only Maryland law enforcement sheriff’s office to ever receive back-to-back Gold Standards of Excellence Awards from CALEA, a national accreditation resource. I’m very proud of that accomplishment. However, there is always room for improvement. We are working toward improving a number of things, including enhancing technology to improve public information, finding grant funding to support training, and giving officers new and updated equipment. Q. In your opinion, what are the characteristics for a thriving, safe community, and how can the sheriff’s office continue to foster those traits? Berry: This administration’s focus

should be building upon mutual confidence, trust and respect. During my candidacy, I have committed the following to citizens: aggressively combat criminal activity in our community, improving officers’ response times in the outlying areas of the county, developing programs to solve community issues for at-risk young people, implementing crime-fighting strategies to create an innovative law enforcement agency, demonstrate honesty and transparency and seek training opportunities for employees to raise the level of preparedness. The sheriff’s office has fiduciary responsibility to the citizens and taxpayers of the county. I will implement good management practices by inviting independent annual audits to safeguard against unnecessary spending. Coffey: If you want to know what the characteristics of a thriving, safe community are, come to the annual National Night Out held on the first Tuesday of every August. Thousands of our residents interact with us. Year after year, we win awards for having the most-attended National Night Out. We have 44 Crime Watch neighborhoods, a dozen officers in a community policing unit, Citizens on Patrol and the Watch Your Car program. A thriving safe community is where people feel safe. That is Charles County. Have you noticed no current candidates are talking about public safety? Why? Because we are a

safe county. I am absolutely tough on crime, but I am equally committed to supporting outreach efforts. Without our help, many nonprofit programs would not have the exposure they get with us. For instance, we help out with Special Olympics, United Way of Charles County, the American Cancer Society, Southern Maryland Food Bank, Crime Solvers, Children’s Aid Society, Center for Children and so on. There isn’t enough space to show all the outreach we do. Q. How would you gauge the morale of the deputies? What concerns do you perceive within the workforce, and how would you address them? Berry: I have been with the Charles

County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years. The officer and employee morale is at an all-time low. In response to a candidate questionnaire, Sheriff Coffey outlined increases in officers’ salary and benefits, which occurred over the last several years as reasons to support him. The current sheriff thinks you can buy loyalty. The employees of this agency are seeking new leadership that will be fair and just when conducting everyday business. That means no officer will skip ranks to be promoted; no officer will be hired from other agencies who left under a cloud involving his or her integrity; recruiting qualified individuals will be based on merit and not cronyism; training opportunities will be equally given to all staff members; and officers will be deployed according to their talents and the agency’s needs. During a candidates’ debate, Sheriff Coffey stated, “If you give the officers the stars, they would want the moon.” The officers want fairness, and he has failed to be fair. As sheriff, I will work hard to improve the work environment by treating all staff members fairly and with the respect they deserve. Coffey: The morale on the agency is no different than any other police department across the nation: You have ups and downs. I remain optimistic and determined, no matter what. I have a job to do, and I work through issues and do my best. I have plenty of support from within the agency, and that matters. I only ask that employees do their best. Crime is down; we are still engaged with our community; and we are doing much more with less. There are so many people without jobs right now, and I’m thankful we have been able to See SHERIFF, Page 15


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 15

Sheriff Continued from Page 14

keep our agency operating on a tight budget and still providing excellent services. I know plenty of officers who feel the same way — just thankful to have a job. Q. If elected, would you redistribute the manpower in the sheriff’s office? How? If no, describe why the current organization of the agency is effective. Berry: Patrol is the backbone of

any police department. The patrol division needs to increase staffing in order to effectively fight crime. Newly hired officers should be directed to the patrol division, allowing manpower to increase through the county. Once manpower is enhanced, patrol officers will have staffing to address routine patrols and emergencies. Currently, there are not enough officers working the streets during the evening and midnight shifts to keep this county safe and improve officers’ visibility in the outlying communities. Coffey: What I have done as sheriff is working. I put more officers on the street and in our neighborhoods despite almost no new resources. I believe it is clear that people feel safe in our county, and much of that can be accredited to visibility. Not long ago, I was recognized by CALEA assessors for leadership. Their comments about me using our command staff to increase visibility was something that they mentioned they would take back to their respective agencies. We have added more officers to patrol, remaining mindful of our other responsibilities. I will continue to follow crime trends and tweak our resources as necessary. Q. Many of the county’s crimes are committed by teens against other teens. How

Charles County State’s Attorney Anthony “Tony” Covington (D)* is

running unopposed in the Democratic primary on the June 24 ballot. There is no candidate for this office on the Republican primary ballot. *Denotes incumbents

would you reach out to local youth? Berry: I believe law enforcement

can play a vital role in reaching local youth. As sheriff, I would create programs to encourage teens to report crimes, to emphasize anti-bullying and “just say no to drugs” messages, to educate teens regarding sexual assaults and date rape drugs and to discourage the “don’t snitch” mentality. Officers will be provided training regarding the needs and mindsets of teen victims of crime. In addition, I will seek opportunities to partner with local and national organizations to expose youth to diverse career opportunities and promote excellence through personal achievement. Coffey: In all sincerity, I could not have tried harder to stay in front of our teens; I understand their vulnerability. I’m very visible with our kids, every day, all year long — not just at election time. I visit their schools, go to their functions, attend outreach efforts, and I mentor. I can’t go anywhere without a teen approaching me and telling me they remember me when I came to their high schools. I am confident that no other law enforcement agency in Maryland is involved with teens to the level of our agency, and I am involved in most of those programs. Whether it be Teen Court, Badges for Baseball, We Care driving or the Criminal Justice programs, I have made the kids important to this agency and see the benefit of good choices. I don’t turn my back on teens that get in trouble, either. Years ago, I had an idea to create a college program geared toward juvenile offenders in an effort to teach them skills to get a job. I didn’t want the fact that they had already been in trouble with the law to deter them from improving themselves. The program, JOBS — Juvenile Offenders Building Skills — has been a huge success. In fact, many young

Clerk of the Circuit Court Democratic Vote for one

J.V. Curry Sharon “Sherri” Hancock* There are no candidates for this office on the Republican primary ballot.

adults have graduated from the program with more to come. My vision was recognized by CSM President Brad Gottfried at a recent graduation. You can read about it at http://somd. com/news/headlines/2013/16875. shtml. Q. Would you support a citizen advisory board to review allegations of police misconduct? If no, why not? If yes, why? Berry: This current administration

not only has lost the trust of officers, but also of the citizens, by not being open and transparent. The leadership of this agency has hired officers from neighboring police departments with integrity issues. Recently, high-ranking officials were involved in a questionable traffic stop that cast this entire community in a negative light. This current administration needs oversight. As sheriff, if a complaint is filed against anyone of this agency including myself, a formal investigation will be conducted. Good leadership promotes accountability, fairness, transparency and professionalism among all staff members. Under my leadership, the sheriff’s office would not need a citizen advisory board, because it would be open and transparent in every aspect. Coffey: No, I have always been willing to answer any question about any incident. If someone is not satisfied, there are other avenues of redress, to include an outside agency such as the Department of Justice or the FBI. A huge factor is also the cost of this program. Q. What sets you apart from your opponent? Berry: Temperament and manage-

ment styles are significant differences between Sheriff Coffey and me. During the course of my career, I have worked diligently with all aspects of this agency and community to

Register of Wills Democratic Vote for one

Loraine Davies Hennessy* Abena Y. McAllister There are no candidates for this office on the Republican primary ballot.

be an approachable and amicable person willing to work in any setting to resolve important issues. I don’t resent people who disagree with me. I don’t hold a grudge, and I keep a professional demeanor under pressure. I am not a micromanager. As sheriff, I will assemble a command staff that will earn the respect of the rank and file. Also, I will lead the command staff, directors and supervisors in managing the agency’s resources effectively. I will listen to the creative ideas of all staff members and not just a select few to manage the day-to-day operations of this organization. I have been endorsed by both the local police (Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 24) and the Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police because they recognize the differences between me and my opponent. Coffey: I’m a proven crime fighter, and crime is personal to me. No opponent, current or otherwise, has questioned my ability to fight crime. You know the saying, “the proof is in the pudding.” I’ve lowered crime and made us safer with less. I not only do the desk duty, I work with my officers in the community, and I’m a cop 24 hours a day. I live here; my family lives here; I go to church here; my kids went to school here; and my grandchildren are going to school here. I have an absolute vested interest in keeping our county safe and thriving. I have led this sheriff’s office through a terrible economy, and even though our population has gone up, crime has not. In fact, crime is lower than it was 25 years ago with the addition of 60,000 more people. I expect a lot out of our employees and myself. After all, we asked for this. I worry about crime — that is how I’m made.

Judge of the Orphans’ Court Democratic Vote for no more than 3

Lorraine Berry* Darlene Breck Frank H. Lancaster* Janice Marie Talley

Brian L. Still is running unopposed on the Republican primary ballot.


16 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

House of Delegates, District 28, Democrats

Q. What would be your top priorities be as an elected official? Coller: Protecting the rights of fam-

ilies, small businesses and homeowners. Each bill should pass the simple test: First, do no harm. Jameson: I will continue to be responsive to my constituents and will vote considering any input they may have had on an issue. I would continue to do all possible to ensure adequate school and transportation funding is available for Charles County. Kelly: Education, transportation and the environment. Patterson: Education, transportation, jobs and veterans. Wilson: I would continue to focus on care of our veterans, strengthening our criminal justice system, enhancing access to education, protecting our foster youth and vulnerable adults and curbing the reckless sprawl development throughout the state. Q. What specific initiatives do you have for improving the state business climate and getting more people off the unemployment rolls? Coller: Revising many of the rules

for the Maryland business personal property tax to help reduce the tax burden that targets manufacturing businesses and businesses that require expensive technology or equipment. Jameson: Would support programs for training for the jobs of today’s business world and advocate for incentives for businesses who do hire new employees. Collaborate with our institutes of higher education and medical facilities to bring more technology and R&D businesses to Maryland. Kelly: Maintain bond rating and fiscal prudence. Invest in new infrastructure and redevelopment projects using prevailing wage contractors and public-private partnerships. Invest in improvements and projects to retain and protect military bases, including workforce training that matches the skills needed, e.g. biotechnology, cybersecurity, [unmanned aerial vehicles], energetics etc. Improve the tax code to protect middle-class families with focus on equity. Support higher education by limiting tuition increases and loan interest rates. Patterson: Increase Maryland business competiveness. Review both regulatory and corporate tax structure. Increase support to minority business opportunities for state contracts through Office of Minority Business Enterprise. Tax-free zones targeted

John Coller 45, real estate broker

Sally Y. Jameson* 61, member House of Delegates

around research and development academic institutions to lure high-technology and cybersecurity business. Tax incentives to start up medium and small technology firms. Bolster state investment in state research universities. Wilson: I firmly believe that we can reduce the tax burden to small businesses while incorporating combined reporting into our revenue stream. Over $100 million per [year] is missed because of out-of-state businesses not being held accountable for the business that they do in our state. Many incorporate in other states solely in order to avoid our state tax while others businesses carry their burden. However, combined reporting would only be a benefit to Maryland businesses if it was coupled with an overall tax reduction for businesses incorporated in our state; otherwise it is just another taxable revenue stream. Q. In the next four years, what do you want to see accomplished to improve transportation? Coller: Encourage state funding to

expand the roads in Prince George’s County where too many of our hardworking commuters sit in traffic every day. Jameson: I want to see that the revenues coming in for transportation are used for transportation, see the proposals for the Nice Bridge, bus rapid transit and improved commuter roadways move forward, along with ensuring that light rail stays on track. Kelly: I supported the transportation tax and look forward to seeing the investment of those tax dollars utilized through public-private partnerships to build and improve transportation infrastructure, with emphasis on mass transit that promotes smart growth, walkable, sustainable communities and a positive quality-of-life experience. Patterson: Safeguard funding for county light rail, new Potomac River bridge, highway repair/construction. Protect highway trust fund from being

Candice Quinn Kelly 58, commissioners’ president

Edith J. Patterson 68, educator, college administrator

used to close gaps in state budget. Return a higher percentage of highway user fees to local governments. I believe local government needs to play a role in transportation planning. With the expansion of transportation revenues, the state should restore to local governments a share of highway user revenues. Wilson: While the light-rail system is a lofty goal, I believe there are some viable and short-term projects that can be addressed. I would like to see construction to widen the two-lane portions of U.S. 301/Route 5 and overpasses for the five major intersections of Route 210, starting with Kirby Road. I would like to see a transportation scheme for Southern Maryland that includes using a central or shoulder lane dedicated for a rapid bus transit system. Q. Should marijuana be legal in Maryland for medicinal or recreational use? Coller: I believe in decriminalization

of marijuana and support legalization for legitimate medical use. Jameson: We have taken steps to have marijuana available for medicinal use. The infrastructure for this was framed this past year. Recreational use of marijuana needs to be studied, and we need to move slowly. No matter what we do, it is still illegal at the federal level. Kelly: Marijuana should be decriminalized and legal for medical/health issues consistent with prescription drugs. With regard to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, I would like more information on the health effects and impact on youth, communities and jurisdictions where it has been legalized. Maryland will benefit from the lessons learned in states where marijuana has been legalized. Alcohol and tobacco are both legal, not available to minors and heavily taxed. If studies and experience in other states demonstrate that marijuana is appropriate for legalization for recreational use, taxation adequate

C.T. Wilson* 42, attorney, member House of Delegates

to address the impact on society for health issues related to substance abuse and other health factors, as well as regulations to protect minors, should be put in place. Patterson:

I support the use of marijuana for medical and or medicinal purposes under medical supervision and use through state licensed distribution centers. I do not support legalization of marijuana for recreational use; I believe it to be a gateway drug which can lead to the use of more powerful drugs but support decriminalization for possession of small amounts in line with the legislation signed by the governor. Wilson: While I understand the reasons and desires for legalizing marijuana, I cannot yet say that it is a viable idea. There have not been enough studies into the health risks in children or adults. Selling marijuana has its own set of legal problems, since knowingly receiving proceeds from a drug transaction is still a federal offense, and no FDIC insured bank can receive it. Meaning, where do the sellers put the money? There is still a lot to be learned from Colorado and other states, and we should be in no rush to legalize without a clearer picture. I strongly approve of medical marijuana. Studies have shown the great benefits for controlling pain, nausea and progression of certain symptoms. Although we face many of the same challenges in controlling and administering medical marijuana, I believe that it is worth the effort to investigate if there is any way can help people who are currently suffering. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Maryland? How would you address it? Coller: Over 1,500 spills a year from

sewage treatment plants owned and operated by the public, with around 100 of those spills being more than 1 million gallons. I would support legislation that will mandate equipment upgrades and set state standards to eliminate the million gallon spills first. Jameson: We need to ensure that there is a balance between farming for profit and cleanup efforts for the See HOUSE, Page 17


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 17

House of Delegates, Democrats Continued from Page 16

Chesapeake Bay and our waterways. I believe the Conowingo Dam does more damage to the bay than anything farmers do. I would advocate for the routine cleanout of the silt behind the damn, reasonable efforts to be made by the farmers and extend the cover crop program to more acreage. Kelly: There isn’t just one pressing issue but rather a combination: clean water, clean air, protection of historical environmental treasures and protection of the agriculture industry to include food safety. Maryland has made substantial progress through initiatives such as the rain tax, Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 and programs such as Wildlands. I would support continuing initiatives already in place. Protecting the environment isn’t optional or a luxury. Our failure to take steps today isn’t just our failure. It is a catastrophic failure for our children and grandchildren. We must rely on science and data. Patterson: Maintaining water quality threatened by deteriorating residential septic systems, which is a constant struggle for local governments as they try and meet state and federal pollution regulations. I would support the Maryland Association of Counties proposal that counties be given tools to assist them in meeting regulatory goals. One such tool, which is both cost-effective and environmentally safe, is to use septic system revenue in the Bay Restoration Fund to expand with safeguards to prevent sprawl and the use of extending public sewage hookups to these failing systems. Wilson: I believe that the most pressing environmental issue for Maryland is controlling sprawling residential development. Not only does this drain our transportation funding, the longer commute times causes more air pollution and gas consumption. Poorly planned and unbridled growth has lead to an increase in untreated runoff water, dated and leaky septic systems, a shortage of available freshwater and the destruction of fields, forests and wetlands. I support the state’s attempt to curb some of this development with the use of the tier mapping system. While it is not a perfect plan, the counties must work with the state to prevent reckless growth and the further deterioration of our environment. Now state officials have to find a way to get counties to “buy” into this plan and incentivize jurisdictions that participate in good faith. Q. In recent years, the General Assem-

bly has passed stricter stormwater management regulations and the so-called “rain tax” and “septic bill.” What is your position on those recent initiatives? What is your view on the state’s involvement in local land-use issues? Coller: There is no greater incentive

to have a functioning septic system than that felt by a homeowner. Engineering and site plans for each unique property should determine the capacity for septic system installation and not sweeping government regulation. I would support legislation that reduced and/or repealed the “rain tax.” All land is unique. Land use, in general, is best managed at the local level. Jameson: Certainly the state has a role to play in these statewide issues, and they have allowed counties to come up with their own plans. We can already see the benefits of the septic bill through the upgrades of many sewer treatment plants. I think the state needs to be willing to listen to the local impacts on various segments of the community and give ample time for implementation of these regulations. Kelly: The original septic bill was excellent. Later efforts to “defang” it were tragic and created unnecessary turmoil for elected officials acting responsibly to follow the law. Maryland is one state, and through the legislative process we must adhere to the laws enacted by our legislators and governor. It makes no sense for one jurisdiction to support policies if another county can refuse to do so. There can be no progress with that approach. The positive efforts of one county are simply canceled out by the negative efforts of another jurisdiction. Secondly, every jurisdiction benefits from substantial funding from the state. I am unaware of any county that is willing to return state funds rather than accept state guidelines. In addition, in my experience as a county commissioner, the state is a welcomed partner in land use decisions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and information to counties. Patterson: As a county commissioner, I supported the policy of smart growth and protecting 50 percent of the county from development and directing 70 percent of the remaining development into the designated development district, which is served by water and sewage. I support the intent of both the rain tax and septic bill but we must protect and support through funding at both the state and county level those who are most impacted by the septic bill and that is our farmers. Land use decisions are

the exclusive purview of local governments; the one-size-fits-all concept is not workable and every county is distinctive; and as a former county commissioner that’s why local government is better suited for making decisions. However local jurisdictions have an obligation to meet the legal requirements as enacted by the legislature and should encourage a partnership with state agencies. Wilson: It has been shown that sprawl development requires more and more state transportation resources. We are arguably “One Maryland,” and while some of the state land-use policies are restrictive, we cannot deny that counties rely on state funds for highway construction and upkeep. So it is important to have the state input and agreement as we develop. Additionally, we are under a federal mandate by the EPA to reduce our pollution into the surrounding waterways. As such, while some of these mandates are difficult, I understand the need and support them for their benefit to our environment and improvement of our state. As stated earlier, we are “One Maryland,” and we cannot deny that our county’s land use plans affect other jurisdictions throughout Maryland. However, the state must do more to assist and incentivize the jurisdictions that are restricted the most and also provide financial assistance to individuals whose land has been devalued. Q. What needs to be done to improve education? Coller: Support legislation that

mandates and funds, if necessary, the use of programs, systems and policies being practiced by the most successful local schools. Support legislation that protects the funding for schools when achievement measures at the highest levels so we do not reduce funding for schools that are performing best. Jameson: Constant review of results, making sure that teachers have the training they need, and moving slowly when it comes to big changes such as Common Core. Salaries need to be kept in line with surrounding areas if we don’t want to lose good teachers to other areas of the state. Funding needs to be provided in order to implement full-day pre-K, and our schools need to be updated in order to provide a safe learning environment. Kelly: Ongoing support for voluntary pre-K education with emphasis on offering it with child care programs. Bringing child care under this educational umbrella is essential to address the needs of working

families and children who might be at risk. The child care setting is just as important as the pre-K classroom, and we must focus on the environment our children are exposed to. Protect against increases in tuition in the university and community college system, and maintain low-interest student loan rates and assistance. Patterson: Keep Charles County and Maryland Schools No. 1. Increase funding for education programs. Close the achievement gap. Expand prekindergarten. Increase funding for both traditional school construction and career/technology education facilities. Increase the number of graduating students with career/ technology/education certification. Increase support for private-public partnerships for science, engineering, technology and mathematics programs. Continue making college affordable. As a professional educator, having taught in the classroom, served 12 years on the Charles County Board of Education and 30-year service as a college administrator, I support the objectives of Common Core State Standards, but I do believe that we must provide the professional development and training to our teachers to implement the program. Wilson: I believe that our education system is pointed in the right direction. Universal pre-K and funding the rehabilitations of our schools is tantamount. The state must find a way to keep quality teachers from leaving. I know that funding is not always available for wage/retirement increases but could create home buying programs specifically for teachers or increase their benefits for higher education to entice them to remain in Maryland once they are trained. However, the state can accomplish very little if the parents are not involved. While we cannot legislate parenting, we must find a way to further incorporate parents in the education of the children. It is the joint effort between parent and school board that will produce the best outcome for the child. I do not know how to begin bringing parents back into the schools, but I do know that teachers are not the solely responsible for educating their students. Q. If the economy improves and the state budget outlook brightens, what would you do with the surplus revenues? Coller: Support legislation that

would replenish “lock box” funds that have been commandeered for other

See DELEGATES, Page 18


18 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

State Senate, District 28, Republicans Q. What would be your top priorities be as an elected official? Donnelly: Repeal the 73 tax and fee

Republican state Senate candidate Josh Castle did not respond to the questionnaire.

increases of the last seven years. Repeal the transgender “bathroom bill” that Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middelton voted for and drop baseline budgeting and use zero-based budgeting.

Q. What specific initiatives do you have for improving the state business climate and getting more people off the unemployment rolls? Donnelly: Eliminate the state income

tax.

Q. In the next four years, what do you want to see accomplished to improve transportation? Donnelly: Put a lock on the Transpor-

tation Trust Fund so that money collected for transportation is only used for transportation.

Q. Should marijuana be legal in Maryland for medicinal or recreational use? Donnelly: No. Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Maryland? How would you

Delegates Continued from Page 17

purposes and return the rest to the Maryland taxpayers. Jameson: I would first like to see that our state debts, like pensions, are moved ahead and finally secure. Then infrastructure projects should be tackled, such as roads and bridges, which will open up more jobs and decrease unemployment. The rainy day fund should be built up to ensure we are safe financially. Kelly: Invest in redevelopment of aging communities and infrastructure with emphasis on walkable, sustainable communities with amenities that support a positive quality of life; invest in programs in community setting to maintain quality of life for seniors. Patterson: An assessment would have to be made to identify where the surplus can best be used to serve the needs of Maryland’s families. I would strongly support continued investment

Allan Donnelly 54, newspaper carrier

address it? Donnelly: Raw

sewage being dumped into the waterways by Washington, D.C., and other storm systems. Require them to stop. Q. In recent years, the General Assembly has passed stricter stormwater management regulations and the so-called “rain tax” and “septic bill.” What is your position on those recent initiatives? What is your view on the state’s involvement in local land-use issues? Donnelly: The state has failed miser-

ably in any cost-benefit analysis of how it spends the taxpayers money. Major offenders are ignored, and the nonof-

in education programs and infrastructure to maintain the state’s national and global competitiveness, along with transportation, both roads and mass transit projects, to ease the burden of congestion on Maryland drivers and increase funding for veterans programs, along with exempting from state income tax military retirement. Wilson: I would still like to see an income tax exemption or a tax decrease for military veterans retirement pay. I have been told for the last four years that this would be too expensive and would cause the state to lose tax revenue. However, it would attract a dedicated and disciplined citizenry to our state. Statistically, these retirees will still have high-paying post-retirement jobs and working spouses with income we could still tax. This break would not only show appreciation for our veterans’ service to our country but would also increase income tax revenue. Q. How would you rate the performance of the governor and the General Assembly over

fending home owners are given the tax bill. Money is being wasted in monumental proportions Q. What needs to be done to improve education? Donnelly: Promote competition. Give

parents greater choice of where they send their children to school. Schools must compete for state education dollars. Provide tax credits for all education expenses that parents pay. Q. If the economy improves and the state budget outlook brightens, what would you do with the surplus revenues? Donnelly: See that it all goes to reduce

the burden to the taxpayers.

Q. How would you rate the performance of the governor and the General Assembly over the past four years, and why? Donnelly: I disagree with Sen. Middle-

ton voting for the “bathroom bill.” They did nothing for the rights and liberty of Marylanders, which is their purpose. The budget has increased by 35 percent the past seven years.

the past four years, and why? Coller: They have done well

to keep the budget balanced, protect the bond rating and made progress on several social issues to foster a more just society. They have not done so well in instituting special taxation like the “rain tax.” Nor have they done well to protect or replenish the tax money collected for special purposes. Jameson: Together we have worked to remove the structural deficit, have progressively moved forward on environmental and energy concerns and on civil rights. We have acted when the federal government was unable to act. Not everything came off as well as it could have, but I think we have done what needed to be done. Kelly: Excellent. Gov. Martin O’Malley and the state legislature, and future governor Anthony Brown, have invested in education, and we see the results in our national ranking and economic progress. Passing the transportation tax was essential to build and maintain infrastructure. Repeal of the death penalty,

support of marriage equality, environmental protection initiatives and the Dream Act were all actions that required courage and leadership. Patterson: I would rate the performance, governance and policies of Gov. O’Malley and the General Assembly as establishing Maryland as a model and national leader in advancing the quality of life for families as based on education excellence with its No. 1 rating; environmental protection, land conservation and smart growth policies; commitment to renewable energy sources; keeping college affordable; and social consciousness — legalizing same sex marriage. Wilson: I believe, given the financial climate that we walked into four years ago, the General Assembly has done a fine job of reducing government spending and balancing our budget. I do not believe that the interests of Southern Maryland were always recognized, but I know that is an ongoing process. Overall, I was left with a positive view of what we have accomplished as a state.

Senate, District 28, Democrat Thomas “Mac” Middleton (D)* is running unop-

posed.

Senate, District 27, Democrat Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D)* is running unop-

posed in the primary.

Senate, District 27, Republican Jesse Allen Peed is running unopposed in the primary.

House, District 28, Republican Jim Crawford is running unopposed in the primary.

House, District 27A, Republican Joe Crawford is running unopposed in the primary.

House, District 27A, Democrat James E. Proctor Jr.* is running unopposed in the primary.

*denotes incumbent


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 19

Judge of the circuit court Vote for no more than two

supervision. In addition, the court should advocate for expansion of the Teen Court and the Drug Court diversion programs.

Q. What role can or should the judiciary play in cracking down on the county’s growing prevalence of prescription drug and heroin abuse? Simpson: Judges should educate

themselves on the type of drugs being used, the way in which they are being used and how they are being obtained so that they can fashion appropriate sentences combined with a treatment regime. For instance, a simple possession case may involve a suspended jail sentence combined with a period of probation with the condition that the individual complete a substance abuse program. Spencer: The judiciary can provide a two-pronged approach to drug abuse. First, it can sponsor programs such as the Family Recovery Court to help those who are battling addiction. Second, it can ensure that those who illegally distribute drugs receive penalties consistent with the harm they cause the community. West: The judiciary can help fight heroin and prescription drug abuse through the proper use of the resources available to the court. Heroin and prescription drug abuse destroys people, families and communities. Judges must decide, on a case-by-case basis, the best approach for a particular situation. Some of the available options are community and jail-based treatment programs, intensely monitored supervision, drug courts, family resource courts and incarceration. Particular attention also can be given to those who sell these destructive substances in our community. Q. Have fines been effective punishment for drug dealers? Simpson: Traditionally, fines have

not been an effective punishment for drug dealers, as they most often go unpaid. What has in some ways been more effective is the use of confiscation laws wherein the state can confiscate any cash, vehicles, personal property or real property that the dealer was arrested with or was used in his/her illegal enterprise. Spencer: Significant fines are rarely imposed for drug dealers. However, they can be one tool in the arsenal used to fight this serious and dangerous criminal activity. West: Historically, judges have used incarceration and probation with large amounts of backup time to punish and deter drug dealers. Fines can be a deterrent but have minimal affect on high-level drug dealers and

Spencer:

Thomas R. Simpson Jr. 67, attorney

Jerome R. Spencer* 43, circuit court judge

kingpins. Q. In general, is incarceration or rehabilitation and treatment the best way to combat drug abuse? Simpson: Incarceration alone will

not necessarily cure an addict. In formulating an appropriate sentence, the sanction for the offense needs to be combined with a rehabilitation/treatment program to give the individual an incentive to become drug-free and remain that way. Spencer: No one best way to combat drug abuse has yet been proven, so it is important to do all we can to prevent abuse and misuse of drugs before it begins. That involves education, compassionate treatment and support to victims of drug abuse before they become involved in the criminal justice system. Once a person has become involved in the criminal justice system, both incarceration and treatment can be effective tools in this fight. The Charles County Detention Center, for example, provides a wide array of programs and services for inmates, many of which help them reform from their criminal or self-destructive activities in order to return to the community as productive, law-abiding and healthy citizens. West: Drug abuse, in and of itself, usually is best remedied with rehabilitation and treatment. However, for drug abusers who commit crimes, a combination of incarceration and drug treatment can be an effective tool in dealing with the problem. Q. What role can the court system play to reduce the number of juvenile offenders? Simpson: The courts need to hold

the Department of Juvenile Services accountable for dealing with CINS — Children in Need of Supervision — as so many of those children later commit delinquent acts. The courts should also ensure that the DJS properly monitors children who have been adjudicated as a delinquent child and placed under its

Prevention is a key component to reducing the number of juvenile offenders. This can be accomplished in many ways, such as through providing them with needed support, in and out of school. There are many programs available to engage minors in productive activities at school, in church, local sports leagues and through other community activities. In addition, strong family support can provide stability, respect and confidence when it is needed most to help young people at risk avoid making bad choices. When a young offender appears before the court, the court needs to handle the case in a way that helps the youth understand the consequences of his actions and provides him with guidance to not reoffend. West: It is important for a judge to conduct community outreach in our schools, youth groups, churches, sports leagues and other community groups. Providing our kids with positives role models, mentoring and teaching the consequences of committing crimes are essential for prevention of criminal conduct. H. James West* 41, circuit court judge

Q. What if any changes do you believe need to be made in how the Charles County Circuit Court operates? Simpson: I do not believe, at this time,

any changes need to be made to the way the Charles County Circuit Court operates. I have been to circuit courts in numerous other jurisdictions, and in comparison, I think our courts operate efficiently and well. As our county grows, and the level of jury trial prayers from district court increases dramatically, we might consider having all of those cases assigned to one judge. Spencer: The biggest opportunity for improvement is to have criminal and civil cases move forward more quickly. Given the significant caseload that exists in the Charles County Circuit Court, having a fifth judge would appear to be the most effective way to accomplish that. West: The Charles County Circuit Court is in the midst of dealing with the volume of cases that come with

the county’s rapid growth. The court is in the process of implementing many changes that will maintain and increase access to justice, user friendliness and the efficiency of the court. Electronic filing is one such change that is on the way. Q. Do statewide sentencing guidelines for convicted criminals adequately protect the people of Charles County? Simpson: If the judge is doing his/

her job properly, the people of Charles County are adequately protected. Sentencing guidelines are not mandatory, and a judge can deviate from them so long as he/she properly sets forth his/ her reasons for an upward deviation. Spencer: In Maryland, the sentencing guidelines are discretionary; in the absence of a plea agreement, a judge is not required to follow the guidelines. A judge has the discretion to impose the sentence that he or she feels is an appropriate response to the defendant’s conduct and that best serves the interests of the community. West: The judge on the case is obligated to protect the people of Charles County. The guidelines are not mandatory, and judges have the ability to fashion a sentence that is above or below the guidelines, depending on the individual defendant and the facts of each case. Q. How would you handle the issue of bench warrants on people who do not appear in court, are behind in their child support payments or accused of violating the terms of their probation? Simpson: Bench warrants issued for

individuals who fail to appear should be issued without bond until the court sees them. In this way, the court can determine the reason for the failure to appear and set an appropriate bond or release the individual on his or her own recognizance. There are many reasons people fail to appear, and not all are their fault. Individuals who are accused of violating the terms of their probation should have no bond until seen by the court. This way, the court can determine the seriousness of the violation and set or deny bond altogether if the violation is of a serious nature and the likelihood is that the individual will be required to serve the remainder of their sentence. Judges should authorize an appropriate cash bond for individuals who are behind in their child support. If defendants are unable to post the bond, they should be authorized for work release to earn income, providing them the ability to pay their child support and See JUDGES, Page 20


20 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

Candidates for election, Democratic primary Governor/Lt. gov. Anthony Brown/Ken Ulman Doug Gansler/Jolene Ivey Ralph Jaffe/Freda Jaffe Heather Mizeur/Delman Coates Charles Smith/Clarence Tucker Cindy Walsh/Mary Elizbeth Wingate-Pennacchia

Comptroller Peter Franchot

Attorney general Aisha Braveboy

Sally Y. Jameson

Jim Easter

Candice Quinn Kelly

Amanda Stewart

Edith J. Patterson

Robert J. Taylor

C.T. Wilson

Kamilah A. Way

Congress Dist. 5 Steny H. Hoyer

State Senate Mac Middleton

Rosalind Ellis

Karla M. Kornegay

Abena Y. McAllister

Nigel O. Good

Michael “Mike” Lukas

Kimberly A. Hay

Margaret T. Marshall

Judge of the orphans’ court

Jason Henry Sr.

Virginia “Ginny” McGraw

Loraine Davies Hennessy

Reuben B. Collins II

Richard Allen Aldridge

Peter Murphy

Darlene Breck

Vincent “Vinny” Ippolito

Frank H. Lancaster

Edward R. Joell

Emmanuel Ogungbesan

Janice Marie Talley

Scott Nicholas Moore

Commissioner Dist. 1 Ken Robinson

Commissioner Dist. 2 Mike Cassidy Debra Davis Leya “Blondie” Davis Johnnie DeGiorgi Larreic “Larry” Green

Vote for no more than 3 John Coller

John Ashburn

Judges Continued from Page 19

Spencer: Bench warrants are appropriate whenever an individual fails to appear in court without explanation. Bench warrants are not issued in child support cases unless and until there has been a failure to appear in court. Warrants are issued for alleged violations of probation depending upon the nature of the violation; typically, a summons is issued and not a warrant unless there is an allegation of new criminal misconduct or contact with a victim, in which case a bench warrant would be appropriate. West: The decision to issue a bench warrant is decided on a case-by-case basis. A judge is likely to determine that a bench warrant is appropriate when a person has notice of a court date and does not appear in court

Lorraine Berry

Vote for no more than two

Sheriff Troy Berry Rex Coffey

J.V. Curry Sharon “Sherri” Hancock

or is not in compliance with certain court orders. In many other cases, a summons will be issued, and a new court date is scheduled. Q. More than 90 percent of cases that come through the criminal justice system are resolved through plea agreements. Is this the best way for our society to administer justice? Simpson: Plea agreements are

necessary because if every criminal case went to trial, the criminal justice system would effectively shut down. While plea agreements may not be the best way to resolve cases, they are better than most alternatives. There are simply not enough resources for every case to be tried. The court must have trust in the prosecutor and the defense attorney that the agreement they reach is an appropriate disposition of the case. The judge, if he has concerns about the agreement, does not have to be bound by it. Spencer: Plea agreements are essential to the criminal justice sys-

Robert Michael Pitts

Alvin Stewart

Derrick Terry Marcus N. Tillman Richard Wallace

Janice Marie Talley

Michael A. Wilson

Greg Waller

Stephen Ziegler

Russell Yates

Richard Allen Aldridge

Board of education

Elvira Marie Barnes

Vote for no more than seven

Virginia Benedict

Jennifer S. Abell

Gilbert Bowling

Carl Blumenstein

Thomasina “Sina” Coates

Mark Crawford

Albert B. Coleman

Jocelyn Mann Denyer

James M. Crites

Betsy Marie Eubanks

Leya “Blondie” Davis

Lorina Harris

House of Delegates

Linda C. Davis

Jason Henry Sr.

James E. Proctor Jr.

Vote for no more than 11

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Melissa Pascarella

The state Senate and House of Delegates races will be different on the Democratic ballot in District 27A.

H. James West

Anthony “Tony” Covington

Hans L. Holkon

Barbara Palko

District 27A

Jerome R. Spencer

State’s attorney

Debra Dempsey Hobbs

Stephen Ziegler

Dem. Central Committee

Thomas R. Simpson Jr.

Craig Hickerson

Nancy Jean Schertler

Bobby Rucci

Judge of the Circuit Court

Sam Graves

Commissioner Dist. 3

arrearages.

Victoria “Vicki” Talley Kelly

Commissioner Dist. 4

Melanie B. Holland

House of Delegates Dist. 28

Melissa Davis

Commissioners’ president

Jon S. Cardin Brian E. Frosh

Register of wills

tem. A single circuit court judge can dispose of over a dozen cases by way of guilty pleas on a single day, but no more than one trial in a single day. In addition, plea agreements provide the parties (including victims) with a level of certainty and predictability of outcome. West: Prosecutors and defense attorneys often are in the best position to decide the appropriate outcome in a case. This helps manage the thousands of cases that come through the court system each year. The presence of a plea agreement does not prevent the judge from appropriately sentencing a person. Judges do not have to accept a plea that is unjust. Q. What role do judges play in the community’s faith in the criminal justice system? Simpson: If judges fully explain

to the parties the rationale for their decisions as well as the reasons for the sentences they impose, then the community will have more faith in the criminal justice system. Judges

State Senate Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.

need to make sure they are above reproach and not involved in cases where they have a conflict or even the appearance of conflict. Judges should be involved in the community they serve and not become a recluse. Spencer: Judges play a critical role in upholding the community’s faith in the criminal justice system. It is through their integrity, commitment to rendering decisions that respect the law, fair treatment of all who appear before them and respect for the safety of the community and its citizens that they earn and retain the faith of the community. West: Judges play a critical role in the community’s perception of the criminal justice system. Judges must maintain order and decorum and create a safe environment where the accused and victims have an opportunity to have their cases heard impartiality and respectfully. A judge’s temperament and demeanor set the tone on how the public perceives the court system.


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 21

Charles County Board of Education

Vote for no more than seven Jennifer S. Abell 46, director of suburban Md. for the March of Dimes Q. What, in your opinion, has the school system done well in the past four years? Abell: The school system, with

Carl Blumenstein 45, network engineer

the help of the community as a whole, made a successful selection of a competent superintendent who seemed to transition naturally and seamlessly into the position held so long by James E. Richmond. I believe Kimberly A. Hill is perfectly capable of leading the system and our children into the future, making them successful and competitive in the global environment. Blumenstein: Our school system does well each and every year to make sure our children are taught in a safe and stimulating environment. Crawford: Education is a tough field. The final product is a long, hard process. The hard work of teachers, building service workers, staff, bus drivers and administrators is amazing. Denyer: My first child will graduate from Charles County schools this year and, having been involved in the schools as a parent for about 14 years, I see a lot to like. The teachers I have worked with are dedicated and care about the students. The school system not only provides for academic achievement, it has many opportunities for students to excel in other areas as well like STIs, ROTC, music, arts, sports etc. Eubanks: The candidate did not respond to the survey. Harris: The school system is doing an excellent job in exposing our children to different opportunities in the STEM fields, and building quality schools. Henry: Selection of the new superintendent. Kelly: We have hired a solid superintendent who is knowledgeable about our county’s public school system, is a good leader and wants what’s best for our students. We have continued to challenge and gradu-

Mark Crawford 36, teacher at Southern Maryland Christian Academy

ate students who are consistently awarded vast awards in scholarship funding to continue their education. That is proof positive that our teachers are doing their jobs — students are having organizations pay for their continued study because they believe in them. The school system is listening to parents and addressing their concerns in the area of school safety and security. After speaking at a public forum, asking for better security at Matula Elementary in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, the school system heard our concerns as parents and came up with a pilot security plan that they implemented at Matula Elementary and two other schools in the county. This summer, that plan is expected to be rolled out systemwide. Kornegay: Consistent recognition of teachers and students throughout the county for their accomplishments. Working toward controlling the influx of students attending Charles County schools illegally. Attempting to ensure more parent involvement in the schools. Lukas: We have worked together in a professional and respectful manner. We expanded the lines of communication with the public and revised policy to allow for their input. The board was united in seeking funding to maintain our quality school system. The school system under the direction of the superintendent did a great job in weathering the storm through the worst of funding shortfalls. When some administrative personnel retired, their positions were not filled, and more was expected from staff. Many systems furloughed employees, but Charles County was able to keep teachers on the job without disruption to learning. Marshall: The school system has implemented wide use of technology in instruction. This has allowed students to learn beyond the walls of the classroom and enter into the global

Jocelyn Mann Denyer 48, college professor

Betsy Marie Eubanks 28, stay-at-home mother

community of the 21st century. Secondly, assessment and research data supports the fact that the achievement gap has narrowed and that all students, regardless of race have improved in mathematics and reading. McGraw: I think the school system has done a number of things well in the past four years. First, I think the school system has done an excellent job of communicating with parents and the community in general through various forms. Over the last four years, we have instituted Edline, a Web-based program which keeps parents informed at the middle and high school levels of their child’s progress on a daily basis. Parents can access student information such as tests and assignments and track their child’s progress. Also, all schools have a website on Edline to communicate information their school , student accomplishments and events. The School Locator has been implemented to help parents locate what school their child will attend and information about bus stops and times. All schools have the ability to send out Robocalls to parents informing them of school events and important information. Secondly, I think the school system has made great strides in the use of technology. Through Mr. Richmond’s collaboration with the CISCO Corp., schools have been able keep pace with technological advances. Also, I believe that Dr. Kimberly A. Hill’s collaboration with code.org will prepare our students to become more efficient technologically. Lastly, I believe that our school system has made great strides in advocating for STEM education through the building of two high schools that are state of the art: North Point and St. Charles high schools, whose programs emphasize STEM. Palko: I think the Charles County Public Schools have done several

Lorina Harris 46, artist, teacher

Jason Henry Sr. 43, LAN engineer

things well in past years. Four accomplishments that come to mind are navigating the economic recession without eliminating programs and while still protecting staff employment — unlike other counties, Charles County has not had any furloughs — becoming a state technology leader through the introduction of telepresence videoconferencing and construction of a digital dome and science center in the new St. Charles High School, fostering solid working relationships between different administrative departments to proactively plan for the state’s new student assessment program and mitigating overcrowding by using residency audits to verify that only county residents are attending our schools. Pascarella: CCPS has always been in the forefront of education. As an employee of the system, I have attended state and national conferences and found that CCPS is already implementing many of the new educational strategies that are shared. CCPS has also been progressive in the area of early childhood, starting a 3-year-old program several years ago. The system continues to focus on early childhood development and the importance of starting students early. Pitts: The system has always tried to put the needs of the students first. They have also done a good job of examining ways to infuse technology into instruction. Terry: In my opinion, the school system has done well in lowering suspension rates and increasing graduation rates. Tillman: There are several things that Charles County Public Schools has done well in the last four years. However, the one thing that stands out the most is making sure the students and teachers are equipped with the necessary technology needed to See BOARD, Page 22


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Charles County Board of Education

Victoria “Vicki” Talley Kelly 38, program analyst

Karla M. Kornegay 41, medical logistics branch chief, Department of State

Board Continued from Page 21

enhance learning and teaching in the classroom. Wallace: There are several things that I think that the school system has done well. They expanded their 3-year-old program. They continuously update the technology in the schools. Continue to offer a wide range of courses that cater to the graduation requirements, interests and talents of students. Built and will open a new high school to balance attendance at all schools. Expanded the number of completer programs at all high schools. We are steadily making improvements in some areas and missing attention to some others. The forced growth of this county and impact upon overcrowding was projected some time ago, but we’ve not kept up with this increase. We are still lagging in student achievement for minorities and have a growing new minority population to address now, as well. We have the right leader at the helm and need to financial support her efforts to address these concerns. Ziegler: They have built very expensive schools. Adding more Tech Ed programs. Q. What is the biggest problem facing Charles County Public Schools, and what solution can you offer? Abell: The biggest problem fac-

ing our school system is meeting the demands of our rapidly growing county and the resulting overcrowding of our schools during this economically difficult time. I will continue to support aggressive pursuit of maximum local and state funding for construction of new schools, and pursue state funding changes to target this growth. I have already delved into this issue for a number of years and served on the APFO Committee for

Michael “Mike” Lukas* 51, engineer/branch manager at NSWC, Dahlgren, Va.

Margaret T. Marshall 74, educator

over a year working with several of the key stakeholders to help find solutions to this issue. Blumenstein: The budget, overcrowding, and I’m sure there is more. To find creative solutions to any problem is to work with the superintendent, teachers, parents, students, and our elected officials. Together as a community, we can resolve issues and make our schools a better place for learning. Crawford: Children are distracted by the world around them. They have influences that drown out parents and teachers. The hope for our future is in building a respect for God. Their self-esteem should be rooted in them being created by an awesome God. They should learn that there is a right and wrong. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Denyer: The biggest problem for any school system is how to provide a quality education in a safe and secure environment. Many factors play into this issue. Classroom size is key in providing a quality education. When money gets tight, classroom numbers are often impacted. Yet, most teachers agree that they cannot effectively teach every student in a large classroom. I know that I am a more effective instructor when the class size is less than 20 students. Another problem is the aging schools within the county system. The county has some great facilities, but there are many schools that are old and in desperate need of updating. Eubanks: Did not respond. Harris: One big problem seems to be a lack of respect between schools, students and parents causing many of the issues in CCPS at this time. Reinforcing the bridge of respect will create the necessary synergy between, teachers, students, parents and the local community. This will achieve our goals of producing successful learning environments within and

Virginia “Ginny” McGraw 67, retiring principal

Barbara Palko 63, retired educator

without our school system. Henry: Keeping up with the county’s growth and improving diversity throughout the school system. Kelly: The implementation of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards has met, and will continue to meet, opposition and criticism. Why? Because it’s a change in how most of us learned. I was frustrated one night going over math homework with my son, but when he could add up multiple digit numbers in his head by using a different method than I had learned, I had to admit that there was merit to this new process. Communicating with and educating parents about this new system is a good way to clear the fog of understanding when it comes to these new standards. Kornegay: Overcrowding. Cease the building of homes in the areas where schools are already overcrowded. For every community erected, which normally consists of over 250 homes in many areas, there needs to be a school erected. Overcrowding the schools is not fair to the teachers or the students. Overcrowding within the county’s schools is a challenge for our teachers and our children as our teachers work toward helping our children become successful. Overcrowded schools mean overcrowded classrooms. Overcrowded classrooms mean overwhelmed and sometimes overworked, stressed teachers. This doesn’t make for productivity in the classroom nor does it make for a productive teacher or a successful student. Lukas: The biggest problem is overcrowding and renovations, and the cost to take care of these issues. Years of unchecked growth without an adequate plan to fund construction have taken its toll. We cannot begin to obtain funding from the state until we are in an overcrowded situation. The economic downturn has limited our ability to forward-

Melissa Pascarella 36, teacher

fund new school construction, which has forced redistricting and far too many portable classrooms. No single entity is responsible, but the school board and commissioners must work together to adequately fund new construction including forward-funding. Many of our schools are old, and the cost to operate and maintain them is excessively high. The school board requested and received approval from the commissioners to complete an evaluation of the system to determine and prioritize necessary upgrades that will improve the learning environment and reduce operating cost by modernizing outdated systems. All of this will require significant funding. Add to this, other budget items — retirement pensions, health insurance and other post-employment benefits — which have not been adequately addressed over the past few years, and the financial picture is not pretty. As a school system, we need to be realistic in terms of the budget, particularly on recurring costs. We cannot accept one-time funding for projects that will require long-term funding. We need to thoroughly examine our hiring needs and streamline when possible. Marshall: The biggest problem facing the Charles County Public Schools is a matter of perspective. Taking a random sampling of stakeholders, the problem may be funding, discipline in the schools, retaining quality teachers for stable staffing and/or accountability on the part of all involved parties. The concern would need to be discussed by stakeholders seeking common ground or consensus to resolve issue.. McGraw: I believe that it is more of a challenge than a problem. I think the challenge will be to implement the new reform measure without additional funding. Because we are shifting to the Common Corse State Standards, curriculum is evolving on See BOARD OF ED., Page 23


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Board of Ed. Continued from Page 22

a daily basis to keep up with the changes. I believe that it is very important to support our teachers with the necessary materials and resources in order to provide relevant instruction for Michael A. Wilson Stephen Robert Michael Pitts Derrick Marcus N. Richard our students. It is also impera45, director of Ziegler 64, retired teacher, Terry Tillman Wallace tive that teachers are provided nonprofit education 69, currently teacher 42, 49, 44, with professional development organization dentist mentor for CCPS teacher former educator financial analyst on an ongoing basis to support to graduate and never receive a colening education gap amongst our ent obstacles at all levels. This is why their efforts in the classroom. lege degree. Studies have found that male minorities and special educaI support all day prekindergarten, The changes that are being made,as tion students. One thing I would do broader expansion of dual enrollment kids who live in homes without books we shift to the Common Core State or with parents with little education is to make a more aggressive effort to and expansion of rigorous science, Standards are demanding that our are behind academically from the recruit black male and minority male technology, engineering and mathestudents become more sophisticated day they set foot in a school, whatin the use of technology. We will need teachers in our school system because matics-related training. ever their age. I would want to see it is severely lacking. When males are Wilson: Funding the school system funding to support the implementaa countywide approach working on to address short-changed budget to tion of our newly designed curriculum exposed to positive male role models the issues that plague these families. they are more likely to be engaged include: increased pay for teachers, and technology needs. These parents are concerned with and less disruptive. Secondly, I would new school construction, improved Palko: There seems to be a conproviding basic food, shelter, clothing encourage more parents to be more strategies and partnering with orgatinuing refrain among my answers: and health care for their children. engaged with their child’s education nizations to address student achievethe three new reforms required by Harris: I would like to have been a by offering incentives and more posiment gap of minorities and high the State of Maryland. As I have dispart of accomplishing a better contive feedback. I would take a serious school graduation rates, and rewardcussed in previous questions, the nection between parents and schools, look at our special education departing educators. rapid implementation of the MCCRS, teachers and students and all of the Ziegler: Did not respond. PARCC assessments, and new teacher ment and see what we are doing for above with the community at large. the special education population from evaluation system is without a doubt Henry: Eliminating the achievement their initial placement. Parents are Q: If elected to the school board, the biggest challenge facing our gap for minority students and increastypically involved, but more needs to what one thing would you like to see school system. Funding, time and ing diversity throughout the county’s be done to address disabilities that accomplished in your term? proactive planning are needed to school system. warrant more academic rigor after the Abell: If elected for another term, make these reforms happen effecKelly: Parent involvement is key school year. We might want to expand I would like to see the relationship tively. Although the state department to student success. You can’t expect or restructure extended school year to between the board of commissioners of education is determining the timeto send your child to school, have no and the board of education repaired. line, the board of education can do its focus more on the upcoming school involvement in her education and year so students might have heads up The two boards should be able to best to support our teachers, parents, expect her to come out as a rocket on the material. In addition, we need have open dialogue once again and and students through the process. My scientist at the end of her studies. work collaboratively for the betanswers to previous questions identify to fully address third-party billing Studies show that students with parfunds and ensure that the case manterment of our school system and several approaches I think would be ents who are involved in their educaagers, parents and teachers have a say students. Once this is accomplished, helpful in that endeavor. tion do better overall. I’d like to see in how these funds are spent to assist we could solve the APFO issues, new Pascarella: I believe the biggest school construction, renovations, stu- parent involvement rise, and I’d like problem is hiring, training and retain- this population. Lastly, I feel that to see the school system continue to some students are improperly labeled dent yield factor etc. The possibilities ing quality teachers. Many teachers offer more opportunities for parent based on inappropriate behavior, and are endless. leave the profession after five years involvement, and for parents to offer Blumenstein: I would like to see — nationally about 50 percent — with this may be attributed to the lack of suggestions as to how they can help. diversity/gender training. the implementation of more tech the higher turnover in the more chalThis is where PTO and PTA groups Tillman: I believe the biggest probprograms that prepare students for lenging schools. The system needs to could be instrumental. As result lem facing Charles County Public careers upon graduating. This can identify these exceptional teachers of increased parent involvement, be accomplished by introducing and work to keep them in our schools, Schools is closing the achievement I believe we would see a resulting gap. Too many minority students more technology-based classes in all teaching our children. Retaining great improvement in test scores, extracurare not successful in the traditional high schools in Charles County and teachers increases student achievericular activities, and overall satisfacclassroom; we need to find ways to getting businesses involved by offerment. This can be done through tion with our school system. engage parents and support students ing internships during the extended quality mentor programs, support Kornegay: A fair increase in teacher and teachers. The parents, students, breaks in the school year. from school administrators and the compensation without a delay in step and teachers need to have a proactive Crawford: I just want to follow leadership team already in place in increases. Jesus, and I know that He rules over our schools, creating a positive school approach. For example, if a student is Lukas: As part of the school system, in danger of failing, there should be the evil and the good. My opinion is climate, collaborative planning and establish specialized learning centers a conference with the teachers, parmeaningless, but truth is what really creating a school community. at schools across the county. These ent, student and counselor to draft matters. Pitts: The system must keep pace would focus on a variety of specific an action plan. The teacher, parent, Denyer: Forty percent of Maryland with the growth of the county while areas such as fine and performing student and counselor should meet as students are low income. These are providing a learning experience that needed to make sure the student stays the students who need the most assis- arts, science, and computer engineerwill enable each and every child to on track. tance. They generally score lower on prosper. Wallace: I believe there are differschool tests, fall behind in school, fail Terry: Biggest obstacle is the widSee SCHOOL BOARD, Page 24


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ing. They would be accessible outside of normal school hours and staffed by system teachers. Initially, they would supplement regular classes, but eventually they could serve as additional classes that students could take to strengthen specific areas where they have a demonstrated skill. Marshall: The school board would become inclusive of all stakeholders and, functioning as a liaison between the stakeholders and the schools, set into place policies, standards and priorities that provide our youth with a 21st century quality education. McGraw: I would like to bring about a positive awareness of the educational reforms that are taking place. I would like parents to feel comfortable with the changes in curriculum, assessment and technology. I think that can be accomplished by constant communication with everyone involved, valuing the ideas and input from various staff and parent groups and continuing to be transparent with the decisions that are being made for our children. Palko: I believe that we are teaching our students today for tomorrow. Upon graduation from Charles County, our students should have achieved career-readiness for the 21st century and have multiple next steps. They should, for example, be able to enter the workforce or continue their education in a post-secondary setting — or perhaps both simultaneously. Our County’s Career and Technology Education programs are a key way to make sure students have multiple career path options. These programs encompass a wide variety of areas — interactive multimedia production, horticulture, automotive technology, and the Teacher Academy of Maryland to mention just a few. I would like to increase the number of CTE programs available so every interested student has an opportunity to participate. Pascarella: I would work to support the development and retention of high-quality teachers and administrators. Starting by looking at how we identify quality teachers and administrators and work to keep them in Charles County, teaching our kids. Then working to train and mentor those teachers that are striving to reach excellence for the students of CCPS. Pitts: I would to make sure that there is a smooth transition and

implementation of the new curriculum. Terry: If I am elected to the school board, one thing I would like to see accomplished in my first term is the to have all high schools graduating 95 percent or more with 95 percent or more going to college, trade school or military service. Tillman: One thing I would like to see accomplished is revisiting policies and procedures. Wallace: Expansion of vocational and STEM-related training to all Charles County high school students. Wilson: I would like to be remembered for helping the school system to obtain creating funding to address the concerns (stated in previous questions) I have for our students without raising taxes and taking away from other county government departments. The outcomes is an increase in construction to address overcrowding, giving teachers raises, training and support for teachers, partnering with organizations, and reducing the student achievement gap for minorities and increasing the graduation rate. Ziegler: Going back to “basic” education and expecting nothing less then proficient performance by our students. I believe that the students today are very intelligent, but we are not servicing them to the degree that they deserve. Q. What makes you qualified for a position on the school board? Abell: I have served on the board of

education since 2004, and I am quite familiar with the policies, procedures and the system. While change is good and necessary, having someone familiar with the previously stated is also a necessity. I am in the pulse of the community. I have had children continuously in the public school system since 1992, with one still remaining. I visit the schools regularly, and I’m active in the community. I talk to the students, parents, grandparents, teachers and constituents, and I am an advocate for all. I have proven that I do my research and listen to constituents before coming to a conclusion. I have consistently demonstrated that I am ready, willing, and Abell. I am definitely ready to continue the responsibility, willing to set high standards for education and Abell to meet the challenges necessary for the future of our children. Blumenstein: To be honest, there are other candidates that are more qualified than I am. However, what I think makes me a better choice is I’m running to give the parents of Charles

County a voice on the board of education. I am not seeking endorsements or donations from any business or group, nor will I accept any. The only endorsement I’m seeking is from the voters of Charles County, which they can give me by voting for Carl Blumenstein in the primary and general elections. Crawford: I try to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I may not be the best person for the board, but if God wants me to serve Him in this position, then I’m going to make myself available. Denyer: The candidate did not provide an answer. Harris: Having years of experience with people of all types and backgrounds, working successfully in teams to accomplish goals, and my education and experience in both Europe and the U.S. has given me a great desire and ability to be an unmissable asset to the Charles County Board of Education. Henry: My life, work, and community involvement I believe has prepared me as well as my love for learning, this county and our youth. Kelly: I have a vested interest in ensuring that our county’s students get the best education possible as I am sending all three of my children through our public school system. I have an MBA in management consulting and marketing and a bachelor’s in finance, so I am very comfortable with budgets and in making management decisions. I believe strongly in public education, being a product of Charles County Public Schools and Maryland public colleges and universities, myself. I am a very involved parent in my children’s schools. I am currently a PTO president at Mary H. Matula Elementary, where I’ve served on the board for three years, and I serve on the weekday childcare board of advisors for Blessed Lambs Preschool. I am the 2013 recipient of the Maryland State Department of Education Parent Involvement Matters Award for Charles County for my volunteer work in our schools, so I’m already working to improve our schools. I am a lifelong resident of Charles County, the daughter of a retired educator with Charles County Public Schools and was brought up to value education. Kornegay: Aside from my consistent community involvement, I believe that I am qualified for a position on the school board because of my leadership skills, vision, fresh eyes, knack for standing up for what is right, my passion for helping to maintain the integrity of the county as a whole,

my passion to serve and help the students and teacher within the Charles County school system, and the forward thinking I feel I possess from my past experiences as an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force is why I believe I am qualified for a position on the school board. Lukas: I have a passion for educating children. I have experience as an incumbent board member, which is crucial given that there will be five new members. My knowledge of the system and proven commitment to all stakeholders will allow me to be a strong advocate for Charles County Public Schools. As a parent with a child in the school system, I understand the concerns of other parents. My job as branch manager working for the U.S. Navy provides me with experience working with large budgets and working with people of diverse backgrounds. I am a proven community leader, and I have worked hard to be responsive and will continue to do so. I listen. I care. I act. Marshall: Education is my passion. A passion translated into a lifelong career as an educator. The education career path has allowed me to teach grades five through Advanced Placement; teach in a core program and team teach; be a liaison between a children’s home and a high school; serve on the Middle States Evaluation Team for High Schools and Colleges; served on three Maryland State Department of Education committees, core learning goals, test design and assessment limits; worked with all Charles County schools through the office of instruction; serve as a mentor teacher; served on committee to raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Learning Center at College of Southern Maryland; and am a certified educator in multiple states. McGraw: I believe that my 45 years of experience as an educator both in the classroom and in administrative positions qualifies me to be a contributing member of the Charles County Board of Education. I have experience working in an urban, rural and suburban settings; Title I schools and non-Title I schools. These experiences have prepared me to address a wide variety of challenges that face our students today. I am knowledgeable of the school system on many levels. I understand curriculum and instruction and the assessment process. I know and understand the day-to-day operations of running a school and maintaining a safe learning environment. I know how to develop See B. OF E., Page 25


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a school culture where students, teachers, and staff feel valued and respected. I know that valuing each person’s authentic life experiences is important in developing a caring and educational environment where people, whether students or staff, can be at their best. Most of all, I know the value of building strong community relationships that encourage and value parental involvement. Palko: It’s all about perspective. First and foremost, I understand Charles County. I have lived here with my family since 1975. During that time, my two sons graduated from Charles County Public Schools. I have also watched the county grow and change, giving me the perspective only a long-term resident can have. More than a parent and resident, however, I have an educator’s perspective as well. I spent 35 years serving Charles County Public Schools. My service encompassed a variety of positions, from teaching in an elementary school classroom to leading the County’s Career & Technology Education programs. Through these many roles, I have learned how the different areas of our public school system work together. Drawing from that experience, I understand how the board of education’s policy decisions affect teachers and students at the classroom level. I have also learned that educators, government agencies, and community members must all work together to make a quality educational system for our children. I believe my experience from multiple perspectives and passion for education can contribute significantly to that effort. When the time comes to make tough decisions, I will know how to best maximize the educational benefit for our children. Pascarella: I have a bachelor’s and master’s in education. I have taught in the CCPS system for over 12 years, as a teacher and instructional leader. My family lives in Charles County and our son is currently attending a CCPS elementary school, so I have a vested interest in maintaining a quality school system for the children of Charles County. Pitts: I have been an educator in Charles County for 40 years, a teacher at the high school level for 37 years and a college instructor for more than 30 years. I am currently mentoring teachers in the Charles County public

school system. I have served on the Governor’s Committee for the Quality of Education. The combination of these experiences have given me insight into the needs of and problems facing our students and teachers, along with the skills needed to fashion policies to improve education in Charles County. Terry: I feel I am qualified to be a member of the school board because of my deep passion, commitment and energetic personality for our youth as well as my diverse professional background and ability to collaborate with multiple agencies. I am a parent, teacher, businessman, coach, writer, sports and fine arts fanatic, computer savvy and fiscally conservative individual. I have over 15 years of secondary/higher education experience and taught every major subject and/or been special education department chair in Baltimore city, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Charles County, as well as, in Virginia, Fairfax County, Prince William County and currently in Alexandria. With 25 years of military service, I have performed duties such as processing administrative duties for a one-star general, 24 departments/staff agencies while supporting over 740 faculty, 4,000 cadets with a $35 million budget at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Also, I have managed $4 million postal operation for Air Force District of Washington JBA Official Mail Center and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service, Fed-Ex, UPS and DHL. Tillman: I believe having children who attends Charles County Public Schools, serving as PTO vice president, participating in the Minority Achievement Committee, serving as a parent advocate for many parents in various counties and having worked in a public school setting qualifies me to hold a position on the school board. Wallace: I am a citizen and parent who has a daughter who is a graduate of Charles County schools, a son who is a freshman in high school and a goddaughter who will be entering schools shortly. And this is why I have a vested interest in ensuring we have a vibrant school system in place for the next generation. It is no secret that communities are graded or judged on how well their school system is performing. I would like for the school system to be the No. 1 reason why responsible citizens relocate to Charles County. Wilson: I have 23 years of experience as an educator. I worked the past

10 years in schools and organizations that were involved in education form. My experience as a teacher, assistant principal (in Charles County), principal, adjunct professor (at the College of Southern Maryland), principal’s coach and nonprofit education program director have prepared me to be able to offer an expertise, guidance, wisdom, and direction to the parents, students and school system of Charles County. I also hold a degree, completion of many courses, and certificates in education. Ziegler: I am a product of public education as are my three children. All of us have college degrees and are still taking educational studies after graduation. Additionally, I served four years on the board and learned a lot how Charles County education operates. Also, since leaving the board I have worked in literacy projects and seen and been part of programs that have gotten tremendous results. These experiences I will be bringing to this board if elected. Q. With a new high school on its way, the school system continues to struggle with overcrowding and a need to use portable classrooms. What needs to be done in order to address overcrowding in the schools? Abell: Overcrowding in the schools

and portable classrooms have unfortunately become a way of life for Charles County, and they will remain so until the state changes the formula for funding of new schools. According to this formula, we must essentially have enough students to fill the school before the state will approve construction. Therefore, if we want to eliminate or reduce the number of portable classrooms, we need to change the state funding guidelines for school construction. In addition, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Committee, of which I have been a member, will be moving forward with recommendations for the commissioners to help address this very issue. Hopefully, if some of the recommendations are implemented, we should start to see the school construction, renovation and operating costs all come into balance over the next few years. Blumenstein: While there is no immediate solution to overcrowding, our commissioners should implement a moratorium on new housing construction as a long-term solution to overcrowding in our schools. Otherwise we will continue to spend more money on temporary buildings while our pupil-to-teacher ratio continues

to rise.

Crawford: We need to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We need to do everything possible to accommodate more children. This includes being open to scholarships and other options. Denyer: The county needs to look farther into the future when planning. A major part of the funding for school construction comes from the state and the process for approval is a bit drawn out, meaning that schools are built long after they are needed and in locations away from population centers. In an ideal world, Charles County would have the ability to raise bond issues to build schools when needed. Harris: Making a priority of checking where students actually reside, and then making the effort to allow only those whose parents pay taxes in this area to attend, will probably help to some degree. Also, the renovating of the present schools to accommodate the numbers will truly increase the level of pride in each community, and give less need or the desire to want to go to the newest school that opens. Henry: Greater fees for developers and homebuilders and ensure the fees go toward new school construction. Kelly: With 265 relocatable buildings totaling 212,000 square feet, which is more square footage than about half of our high schools have, there is a need that should be addressed. Portable classrooms are intended to be a temporary solution, not a permanent one. We should be planning ahead and building schools that are bigger than we need today so that we can grow into them tomorrow. By using school designs that allow for expansion wings to be added on at a later date if necessary, we can address overcrowding needs as they come up without having to redistrict students and without having to add to our current inventory of portable classrooms. Kornegay: The overcrowding in the schools is already at an all-time high given the growth in the county, not to mention the individuals who have enrolled their children into Charles County schools illegally, meaning they do not live in the county, and their children are not zoned for the school they are attending. As a member of the board of education, I would work closely with the county commissioners, other local officials and even state officials if need be on behalf of our children, teachers and other school

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system employees. Such efforts will be to ensure the schools’ student capacities are not overwhelmed, but equally managed by any means necessary without introducing more trailers for classrooms. Whether it is through consistent talks, ensuring the boards’ voices are heard, improving and expanding upon the current infrastructures of the schools that are currently erected can provide relief to the overcrowding, but with the overcrowding, the need for additional qualified teachers will be a requirement that can’t be overlooked without the risk of putting undue stress on the teachers that are already in place at each school. With the constant building of homes in areas where schools are already overcrowded makes no sense, and it seems that county officials are too concerned about this issue. If we, as citizens, do not fight for what is right for the Charles County school systems, then who will? There is a reason why many flock to Charles County legally and illegally for their children to attend the schools here, but without positive relationships between the board of education and the county commissioners, our school system will only, eventually, suffer more than it already has. Lukas: There are two main issues that have contributed to overcrowding. The fast-paced development which was heavily concentrated in several areas and an inaccurate model that predicted growth in the school system. The development came very quickly, and there were insufficient resources — and mechanisms to generate those resources — to construct new schools in a timely manner. The growth numbers which the board of education receives from the county did not accurately predict student growth as a result of development. These two things together produced a scenario that was not conducive to a stable school environment and contributed to our current overcrowded state. Fourteen of our 21 elementary schools are overcrowded, and this is unacceptable. Our students and county residents deserve better. It would be easy to say “just build more schools,” but there are economic realities that all stakeholders need to consider. Before spending a nickel, you need to have a good plan. For over a year an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance committee has been meeting to bring forth data

and recommendations to the county commissioners. With more accurate growth numbers, the school system can optimize its requirements for new schools and be more effective when we need to redistrict. Along with this, there needs to be a realistic mechanism to generate revenue for new school construction that keeps pace with growth in the school system. Adding permanent classroom space to existing schools is also a possibility for some schools. Regardless, we must have commitment from the county commissioners to properly fund the construction and operation of new schools. Marshall: There needs to be a thorough investigation to determine that all students registered in our schools are legal residents of the county. They, bodily, live here. There is a need to work collaboratively with the planning commission to determine the impact of new housing development on school enrollment. McGraw: I believe that there needs to be a better process for determining new home construction on the part of our county commissioners. It is my understanding that right now, permits are granted to developers for new home construction and the permits do not have to be used immediately. Developers hold on to the permits until the housing market is optimal for building and sometimes cause an overabundance of new home construction. The process should include a time limit for the life of the permit, meaning that they should expire within a certain amount of time and developers will have to reapply for permits. If that happens, our commissioners, in conjunction with information from CCPS, can determine where new building can occur in order to eliminate overcrowding at schools in certain areas of our county. Palko: To address overcrowding, our school facilities must keep pace with county growth. The school system can meet that need either by renovating existing schools to increase capacity or by building new schools. Either way, the board of education needs to continue its strong working relationship with the county commissioners. The school board has knowledge of facility requirements, while the commissioners are in charge of approving major construction projects across the county. So, when working together, requirements can be identified, validated, and included in the county’s funding plans. Pascarella: The system needs to look at existing facilities, especially those under enrollment, to evaluate if they

are being utilized to the full potential. The system can also continue to make sure students are attending the correct schools and verify residency, focusing on the overcrowded schools. Pitts: Make sure that all schools have equity in programs and controlled growth in the county. We should investigate the concept of satellite schools. We could also make better use of teleconference instruction. Terry: There needs to be better planning and a sincere effort to ensure that regardless of the school a student attends, that all schools get the same attention. Charles County Public Schools has had little to no significant increase in overall school population since 2009, and to experience overcrowding is very poor planning and lack of being proactive. Portable classrooms or trailers are simply a band-aid to a bigger issue. [The board of education] could have requested the state to secure funds for add-ons or renovations to overcrowded schools; unfortunately, because of the inconsistent planning, lack of transparency, and preparation, we may have to revisit the entire redistricting efforts to better suit our students and their families. Seems to me most of the overcrowding is in the high schools. That said, we could also consider exploring alternatives such as offering teleschooling for students with academic excellence if the technology can be made available, or offering two school sessions instead of one having course work year-round. Tillman: The school system needs to partner with the county and the state to conduct a feasibility study on schools and communities in Charles County. An action plan should be developed with necessary information that addresses the future growth of this county. The school system needs to revisit the action plan and make adjustments for growth prior to building the new school. Wallace: This issues requires the board of education, the planning commissioners and the county commissioners working together to implement a plan that would require that all developers first build the schools, then build their new housing development around it. Wilson: 1. Continue to propose construction and seek creative financing/ funding from donors and partners. 2. Give the concern to the public and see if they are willing to support a small tax increase to fully fund additional schools. 3. Continue to meet with public officials to seek promise of increase of

financial commitment to education. Ziegler: I believe that like many other reforms that have been tried, this too is something that has little analysis into the effects, cost and benefits of it. Q. The Charles County Board of Education adopted a $342.7 million budget for next year. Other than adjustments for growth, should the funding level be increased or decreased, and if decreased, what would you cut? Abell: The only changes I would like

to see made to the budget would be an increase in funding levels to allow for building renovations, place the teachers on their appropriate steps according to their experience and provide a salary adjustment equitable to the surrounding counties. Blumenstein: Funding should be kept at its current levels and reviewed by the new board. A line-item review should be completed, legacy and nonperforming programs should be cut, and those funds reallocated. Studies have shown that over the years, perstudent expense has increased while student achievement has remained flat, which just proves that throwing more money at something doesn’t always work. Crawford: Government budgets should be made like household budgets. You prioritize, save, plan for emergencies and spend wisely. We could start by cutting board member salaries. Denyer: The budget seems to be in line with spending per pupil across the state. It is the duty of the board and administration to ensure that the budget is spent wisely and that care is taken to cut costs where necessary. Harris: Whether the funding stays the same, has an increase or decreases, there should be some emphasis on prioritizing how to best spend the funding. After proper research in what works and what doesn’t work, measures should be taken to appropriate the funds toward the most effective programs, while phasing out nonproductive programs. Henry: With the growth in the county, school funding will need to increase yearly. I would suggest possibly decreasing costs within the current budget by looking into processes and positions within the central and support offices. Kelly: Funding levels should be increased to bring our teachers to their appropriate levels on the pay scale. Teachers have done the work and earned their position on that See SCHOOLS, Page 27


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 27

Charles County Board of Education

Schools Continued from Page 26

pay scale, and if we are not paying them appropriately, we are devaluing teachers and devaluing education. Also, many of our schools around the county have been waiting on repairs or expansions, and we need to budget appropriately for that. It also seems to me that the current funding formula handed down by the state is not sufficient. I’d like to work with leaders at the state level to come up with a formula that actually works. Kornegay: School funding should be increased, but increased smartly to not create an overwhelming tax burden. Some may not agree with an increase in school funding because of increased property taxes. Others may feel that it doesn’t make good sense because they don’t have children who attend school, and still others may feel, according to personal knowledge and research, that increasing school funding doesn’t do much for overall school improvement. However, along with personal knowledge, studies have proven that local funding of schools equates to an increased local accountability for the quality of said schools along with increased community support for schools. Lukas: Each year the board submits a detailed, defendable budget to the commissioners. Each year, the county commissioners have not funded the requests of the school board, and consequently, programs, infrastructure and salaries have not kept pace. I am sensitive to the fiscal responsibility that I share as an elected official. Any decrease places us in a deficit situation, forcing us to not fully fund certain areas including health insurance, retirement and infrastructure improvements. Marshall: The schools are normally underfunded. Additional monies could be applied to needed renovations or professional incentives. McGraw: I believe that the budget that has been adopted is a result of a well-planned, carefully thought-out process. I believe that every effort has been made to eliminate any cuts in the future. The budget represents an increase in funding over the 2014 budget. After studying the budget, I see that it includes money for operating costs for the new St. Charles High School, a reserve for salary step increases and health insurance, teachers’ pension contributions and the

funding of a much-needed student learning resource teacher position. Given what the school system receives from the county, fund balances and money saved from unfilled positions, the budget is balanced. Palko: Although I am not in favor of increased taxes, the school system could certainly benefit from an increased budget. The schools have many needs that additional funding could help address, such as improving teacher compensation to retain quality educators, implementing new student performance assessments, which the state is requiring but left unfunded, renovating aging schools to satisfy the school system’s growing demands and bringing down the backlog of facility maintenance requirements. Pascarella: If the funding was decreased, the system can look into things such as using digital textbooks. The system can also re-evaluate technology spending by using what the students already have. A pilot program, Bring Your Own Device, is being implemented in at least one of our high schools, where students use their own smartphones in the classroom. The system can continue to evaluate efficiency; cuts do not need to be drastic, but small adjustments to how the system does business can save money. This can start through sharing resources and materials along with reducing consumables. The areas where I would not want to cut would be staff jobs and salaries. Pitts: The budget should be increased. In these austere times, one must utilize funds carefully. Our teachers are among the lowest-paid in the state. We must protect and preserve our most valuable classroom asset. Terry: I would want a moderate increase because I would like to see teacher/support staff salaries raised as close to comparable to the surrounding counties as possible. However, I feel we need a line-by-line audit of current spending and existing contracts to ensure sincere and open transparency to the citizens of Charles County if and when we have any possible cuts. Tillman: If there needs to be any adjustments to the budget, as a member of the board I would listen to the advice and recommendation of the superintendent of business and finance and make a decision according to those recommendations. Wallace: The average teacher works approximately 13 hours outside the classroom, which includes grading papers, tutoring, meeting parents and creating new assignments. All in

a day’s work, but they are not compensated. I would support an increase in our budget to address the issue of teacher’s compensation. Wilson: Increased funding in teacher salaries to provide cost-of-living adjustment, maintain teachers and custodians and maintain promise to fully fund St. Charles High School. Decrease funding in the following areas: Reduce the number of open vacancies or new positions. Reduce the amount of funding given to special projects or new initiatives at this time. Reduce funding through continued savings on supplies and seek alternatives such as donations for additional supplies for central office and schools. Ziegler: It is wonderful that our educational system is preparing its students to perform as 18-year-old individuals, but what is needed to prepare them to function as a productive adult and use their abilities at their highest level. This goes back to the basics and making education enjoyable. Q. Recent school redistricting plans caused a public outcry. How would you change the process to make it more fair and acceptable to the public? Abell: A start would be for the com-

missioners to pass some of the APFO Committee’s recommendations to slow down the development and allow for the school system to catch up on the building of new schools. Redistricting is an unfortunate part of life that most growing communities have to go through. The board of education has taken all recommendations to make the process as smooth and painless as possible into consideration, and implemented several. Short of not redistricting, I do not know of anything else possible that can be done that would also allow for the solutions needed. Blumenstein: In reality the “solution” of redistricting will never be fair and acceptable to the parents of Charles County. There will always be one student that will suffer the consequences of redistricting. However, there are ideas that may make the impact a little less severe and a little more public-friendly. In his blog, Brian Meshkin, board of education member for Howard County, has some creative commonsense ideas, one idea being open enrollment by allowing the parents to determine which school their children should attend. Another idea is to empower parents through social media to contribute redistricting ideas and to vote on them. Last but not least, put students

first.

Crawford: We can’t please everyone, but we can be fair. It’s really about the cost of transportation. Input from everyone is great, but we are responsible for the whole system, and each redistricting will be difficult for some. That’s one of the side effects of population growth. Denyer: The board provided opportunities for parents to have input in the decision-making process during this most recent redistricting. The public had a few opportunities to voice their opinions once several options had been decided upon. There will never be a redistricting plan that will make 100 percent of the students and parents happy, but perhaps starting the process earlier, once a new school is planned, would help. Once the decision is made, there should be a concerted effort to overcome as much of the uncertainties students may feel in changing schools. Harris: I would need to do more personal research as to how and why the redistricting was done, and what the goals were, in order to give a good answer to this question. Henry: Allow parents to pay a yearly fee to allow their children to attend the school of their choosing. Kelly: I would like to ensure sufficient opportunity for feedback from affected families. I’d also like to be considerate of families and not have them make a switch to one school, only to switch them back to their original school a few years later, as happened with some of our Hawkins Gate Road families in recent years. It’s not always practical for families to attend hearings like these in person, as they have other competing family obligations such as homework, sports practices etc. I think the use of a survey tool, as [School Superintendent Kimberly A.] Hill has employed recently, would be another way to get more feedback from parents on the front end of the process. Also, we’re more technologically savvy nowadays. Perhaps videotaping the hearings and posting them on the website would be a good way to educate the public, and for the school board to explain its methodology so that the public understands why certain decisions are made. Kornegay: The consistent building of homes, as mentioned, plays a part in the current redistricting along with the influx of people moving to the county. It is apparent that the county’s resources are being

See SCH. BOARD, Page 28


28 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

Charles County Board of Education

Sch. Board Continued from Page 27

adversely affected by the influx of people seeking to reside in the county, but the school systems are also suffering, thus causing additional stress on the teachers and students in the classrooms. Stop with the building of homes throughout the county in areas, such as Waldorf that are already overcrowded. This issue is an issue that needs to be fairly and honestly addressed by our county commissioners and officials. Lukas: Redistricting is necessary as any school system grows, and inevitably some families will not be happy. We experienced redistricting when our son was moved in elementary school. After an elementary/middle school redistricting in 2012, I as a board member volunteered to be part of a subcommittee to review and make recommendations on changes to the redistricting policy. Substantive changes were adopted by the board. These mandated greater public input and limited the number of times a student could be redistricted. The school system reached out to parents, encouraging them to participate in redistricting forums. I also brought to light the inaccurate growth predictions that were provided to the redistricting committee and board members. This is currently being reviewed by the APFO committee. As with all issues, I did my best to meet with people to explain the process. In 2013 when the school system redistricted for St. Charles High School,

there was much less contention than the 2012 redistricting. I believe these changes have made the process more acceptable and fair. The board should always be willing to listen to suggestions from the public. Marshall: School Board Policy 1930 would have to be revisited. Currently, geographic proximity, school capacity, student enrollment trends and the impact on educational program quality are top considerations when redistricting. McGraw: I think that if there was better regulation of the construction of new homes, the need for redistricting would be lessened. Unfortunately, as our county has grown, it has become necessary to redistrict more often. The most current redistricting committees were comprised of educators, parents, business people and other members of the community. I think they represented a good crosssection of our county and each of the focus groups brought a different perspective to the table. I think the process was equal, fair and representative of the community. However, in addition to the information given to the committee regarding numbers of students and seats available, it may have been helpful to have had information about neighborhoods that have previously been impacted by redistricting. I have come to understand that some families have been affected by redistricting multiple times in the course of one child’s education. This information could have been taken into consideration when devising the new plans. Palko: The bigger problem here is not the redistricting process but the need to redistrict at all. The best solu-

tion for our students is to eliminate the need for redistricting. The board of education and county commissioners could work toward that goal by carefully analyzing the number of seats available in schools potentially impacted by major construction projects. There is an Adequate Public Facilities committee currently working to balance county development with school capacity. The commissioners can consider this information before approving construction that would require re-zoning. Pascarella: We live in a county school system and we need to evaluate the quality and equity of our schools. This would eliminate citizens becoming upset about being moved to other county schools. Citizen committees that include parents, teachers, school board members and the system superintendent must be established. These committees need to look at schools that are causing the outcry and determine how to make our county schools equal. Representatives from neighborhoods involved in any redistricting need to be included in these committees. Pitts: Redistricting is a necessary evil in a growing school system. I would encourage more parent input. I would make sure that special groups do not have an advantage. But the biggest concern is equity in instruction among schools. Terry: Simply put … more transparency and commonsense redistricting. The process needs to be revisited and that will start with the board having open dialogue with the planning commission, commissioners, parents, students and communities affected. The public outcry was a result of qui-

etly trying to run this through and not taking parents seriously. If the board and those involved in the redistricting process were more transparent and honest with their intentions, then the public outcry could have been more cordial and less controversial. Tillman: This issue will always be a problem regardless of the board’s decisions. However, the stakeholders need to have a voice in the decision making process. All concerns need to be addressed prior to making the final decision. Wallace: School zones should consist of the immediate communities or homes surrounding a pre-established border. By doing so, parents, before committing to investing within a certain area, know exactly what school their child will attend. I do understand the sense of urgency with this redistricting plan, but I would hope that we carefully think about moving students from their existing high schools if we ever have to redistrict again. Wilson: Research why parents preferred certain schools over others and make improvements to those schools. Allow parents to weigh in on how to make changes to the process Seek to do more listening up front before proposing changes and give parents an option if they are not satisfied to seek special permission for changing schools Ziegler: I believe that it is a problem nationwide, it is a decrease in the importance of education that prepares students for the “real” world. Too many parents are not involved in their children’s education and the system has decided “feel” good education is more important than proficiency.

Frequently asked voting questions Q. Who may vote by absentee ballot? A. Any registered voter may vote

by absentee ballot.

Q. How does a voter request an absentee ballot? A. A voter can request an absentee

ballot online if she has a Maryland’s driver’s license or Motor Vehicle Administration-issued ID card. The voter can complete and return one of the forms found in pdf files online at www.elections.state. md.us/voting/documents/2014_ absentee_ballot_application_english. pdf or www.elections.state.md.us/ voting/documents/2014_absen-

tee_ballot_application_spanish. pdf. Read the instructions; enter the required information; print the form; sign it; and return it to the local board of elections. Voters can return it by mail, fax or email scanned as an attachment. Go to the Charles County Board of Elections at 201 E. Charles St. in La Plata, and fill out and turn in the form.

Q. What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot? A. The deadline depends on how

the voter wants to receive a blank ballot.

For the 2014 primary election, the request must be received (not just mailed) by June 17 if the voter wants to receive A ballot by mail or fax; by June 20 if the voter wants to download a ballot from the state’s website. For the 2014 General Election, the request must be received (not just mailed) by Oct. 28 if the voter wants to receive the ballot by mail or fax; or by Oct. 31 if the voter wants to download a ballot from the state’s website. Q. When is the early voting period? A. For the primary election June

24, early voting is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 12 through June 19.

For the general election, early voting is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 through Oct. 30. Charles County’s early voting site is at the county board of elections at 201 E. Charles St. in La Plata.


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 29

Representative in Congress, District 5, Republicans Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Arness: To reduce taxes, bring

new and better jobs to the 5th District; revoke the disaster that is Obamacare/O’Malleycare; ensure DoD funding and preserve Pax River NAS and Calvert LNG Project; protect the rights of women and children both in our nation and abroad; preserve our Second Amendment rights; obtain funding to properly establish educational programs for our children rather than the ill-conceived and poorly implemented Common Core program that has been forced on our teachers, who now find themselves paying out of pocket and working overtime. Chaffee: Get the budget under control. Job creation, cut corporate taxes and offer incentives. This would free up money for new jobs. Protect our Second Amendment rights. This would ensure safety at home for all Americans. Cut government spending, which will in turn increase revenue. Amend the Affordable Care Act to make it really affordable. Cut NSA budget. Potter: My top priority would be to work to repeal Obamacare, lower taxes, cut wasteful spending and plug the porous borders that kill American jobs. Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents? Arness: My opponents favor higher

taxes or a “flat tax.” We are already taxed to the breaking point, and thousands of people and businesses have left Maryland over the last six years, during which our representative in Congress consistently voted time and time again to keep raising taxes and spending more of our dollars on wasteful giveaway programs overseas. A flat tax is a regressive tax; it hurts small business and low-income wage earners far more. My wealthy opponents would benefit from a flat tax; it would lower their tax base. I will fight to get reductions and improved child tax exemptions and to simplify the tax code, all important bills that the incumbent has voted against consistently. I support Second Amendment rights and am an active NRA member and former competition shooter. The incumbent has an F rating from the NRA. If it were up to him, you would already have turned in your firearms. Now he wants to reduce our defense department to the lowest level in over 75 years — to before Hitler invaded Poland. He likes to take credit for “saving” Pax River, but the plain truth is, the BRAC spared Pax NAS. After

Mark Kenneth Arness 50, physician

Chris Chaffee 53, contractor

these horrific budget cuts and forced downsizing, Pax River NAS will be history. The incumbent brought you “affordable” health care; now onethird of you are losing your insurance, and many have lost their doctors, forced out of private practice by insurance schemes, as I was. The incumbent is out of touch with our constituents; he does not faithfully represent the needs and issues important to Southern Maryland. He has been in office for over 30 years as a “perpetual term incumbent.” He feels entitled to a life term. It’s time for a real change. I intend to finally retire him from a failed office with your support. Chaffee: I feel I would be a strong voice for the people in District 5, which includes Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s and parts of both Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. Potter: I’ve been a manager of large budgets, worked with diverse populations and had to endure the burden of government over-regulation in a few businesses. Congressman Hoyer is my main opponent, and he’s voted to spend more that he’s taken in for more than 30 years, and he’s never had to work within the constraints of the very laws for which he’s voted. Congress has exempted themselves and their staffs from numerous laws over the last 70 years, and many of the very offenses they’ve perpetrated on the America public, had they been in the private sector, would have put them either in jail or cost them millions in fines and penalties. Congressmen who voted for Obamacare, Dodd/Frank and many other monstrosities have significant conflicts of interest and that would never be tolerated in the private sector. Q. What is the single most important institutional change you would make to improve the effectiveness of Congress as a legislative body? Arness: We need bipartisan coop-

eration to have effective government. Right now the Democrats and Repub-

licans currently in office, both in Congress and the White House, are just not talking to each other. For Pete’s sake, the president doesn’t keep the speaker of Tom Potter the house in 51, mortgage his Blackberry. professional They simply never speak. We need to overcome obstructionist government that doesn’t serve the needs of its constituents. Chaffee: Term limits. Potter: When Congress is held responsible for the laws they enact, they won’t make so many. They’ll debate them substantively and understand how important it is to think of the law of unintended consequences. Q. What specific ideas do you have for changing U.S. immigration policy? Arness: We need a firm but more

friendly immigration policy. I’ve heard the horror stories about mothers being torn from their U.S.-born children and deported. That’s inhuman; it’s just not right. Nonetheless, we need to protect U.S. jobs from illegals, especially as times are still tough, and we have little extra to spare. Chaffee: We have an immigration policy that is not being enforced in this country. We need to secure our borders. We must develop a plan to address illegal immigration. There is a way to convert a situation where illegals are given a chance to contribute and be legal without granting citizenship until the proper channels are followed and done over a span of time. They do contribute to our economy now, by buying food, gas, clothes, paying rent, insurance, buying cars. There is the opportunity to develop a system to collect payroll and income taxes. Corporations and churches could sponsor them through the process. Corporations could receive tax breaks that would remove the medical expenses incurred by illegals. This would allow them to pay their way without fear of reprisal. There is a way to unify their American-born children and their refugee, or illegal parents in an administrative and humanitarian way. Potter: As our National Guard veterans come home, many have useful skills that relate to stemming the invasion at our southern border. Dispatching those troops to the southern border to stop illegal immigration while putting an end to the

violence from drug cartels with fire power superior to our border patrol agents, taking back the land ceded to the cartels and will give relief to the states who have been harmed by the federal government’s inability or unwillingness to enforce immigration laws. Helping local law enforcement, removal of “sanctuary cities” and keeping the Department of Homeland Security from acting as human traffickers would go a long way toward meaningful immigration reform. With that, requiring e-verify for all employers would be a start when it comes to the flood of illegals that take jobs from Americans looking for work after a recession caused by Democrats thoughtless, and frankly idiotic economic policies, championed by Steny Hoyer. Q. What is the nation’s most pressing environmental problem, and how would you address it? Arness: The effects of global warm-

ing are real and apparent. Although we just endured the harshest winter in Maryland memory since the 1890s, this is not a sign of lessening greenhouse gas effect; rather, it shows the destabilizing effect on climate that warming has overall. We need to pass legislation to protect our world before it’s too late for our children and our their children. Chaffee: Clean air and water for all Americans. I would also proposed strict guidelines for fracking. This is a method of extracting natural gas, but this practice cannot come at the expense of the surrounding property owners’ health and safety. Potter: The greatest environmental problem plaguing the U.S. is not pollution but our response and reaction to it, including the crony capitalism that’s gone wrong. Solyndra is the most blatant, but another example is Honeywell with CEO Dave Cote, a stimulus supporter who lobbied Congress on the use of a controversial new refrigerant. Their refrigerant, touted as the next big thing by the EPA, is more toxic (when exposed to a hot engine compartment after an accident) than cyanide, so needless to say it’s toxic to humans and is made in China. How does that help the manufacturers of R134A refrigerant right here in the U.S.? There are numerous examples of picking winners and losers, and the loser generally is the American public. There are stories every day of EPA abuses, fines that many would say are unconstitutional because of their grievous nature where the power of

See CONGRESS, Page 30


30 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014 have become a pusillanimous and noncredible former superpower. The former Soviets running Russia invade a sovereign nation with impunity Continued from Page 29 and sneer at our president because the government is used to coerce they know his threats are feeble and citizens rather than protect the enviempty. They’ve even used the “nuke” ronment. The thought that carbon word and threatened that soon they dioxide is considered a pollutant by will be landing in Alaska on social the EPA leaves me incredulous. Are media. How will Obama act to defend there no people at the EPA who can our native soil? We need to stop these take a step back and actually think arrogant and dangerous invaders right about what they propose? How can here, right now, before they get any a smelt fish take precedence over the more ideas. They will take a mile for viability of entire cities and the lives of every inch we give; we cannot afford everyday Americans? to give them an inch, and the current administration is just not credible. Q. Would you change the current When U.S. interests are threatened system of campaign finance in federal abroad, we must engage. When the races? How? interest of our allies are threatened Arness: Financing campaigns is an abroad, we must engage. And when ever greater point of contention as the security of Europe, where our we get daily stories of elected officials closest allies live, and the principles abusing this system. The oversight, of freedom and justice for all are still checks and balances are terrific practiced, is threatened, then by God, already, but some crooks still find we need to stand up for our neighways to get around it and pocket the bors and draw a line beyond which funds. We need to control the impact no aggressor and no former Soviet that lobbies have on financing camKGB chief will dare to cross. As it now paigns with stricter limits on donastands, we have invited the restorations and reporting requirements. tion of the Soviet Union by inaction Chaffee: I would propose legislation and timid, pathetic whining. Vote to prevent lobbyists from contributing Republican to restore America’s valto a major campaign. ues and national credibility. Potter: The idea that a lobbyist can Chaffee: The U.S. cannot be the contribute to a candidate with whom world’s peace keepers. We need to ensure our national security and prothey have a working relationship is tect the innocent. This can be done by mind-blowing. A congressman workhumanitarian aid and diplomacy and ing on, say Dodd/Frank, should not be allowed to accept money from the secu- sanctions most of the time. Military intervention should always be the last rities or banking industry. The same resort. Our country needs to have a goes for health care. Congress (or the strong military at all times. president, for that matter) should not Potter: Clear and present danger be able to receive thousands of dollars to U.S. national interest. I think we from lobbyists like Steny Hoyer has on should stay out of other countries’ legislation they’re writing that benefits civil wars. That doesn’t mean we the lobbyists. Merck has contributed should not influence one side or the thousands of dollars to Mr. Hoyer’s other, but there needs to be a clear campaign, and more than $6 million and present U.S. national interest this election cycle alone. I would bet for us to get involved. The president dollars to doughnuts that Merck and United Health Care are benefiting from keeps drawing red lines in the sand and diminishing our standing in the Obamacare legislation. To me, that’s world. There are times when politifilthy. cians need to just not say anything Q. What should the standard be for — the old adage about two ears, one the U.S. to get involved in a foreign crimouth comes to mind. sis, such as in Syria? Q. Do you agree that the U.S. should Arness: For many years the U.S. drastically cut military spending? Why or was the de facto “world policeman.” why not? Under the current administration we Arness: No. Absolutely not. We need a strong, resilient and ready military force as a deterrent against acts of violent aggression like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to deter increased terrorist activity. It would be a terrible mistake to dismantle our military forces at a time of heightened need. History has shown time and Steny Hoyer (D)* is running unopagain that reduction in our standing posed in the Democratic primary on forces opens the U.S. to attack, as in the June 24 ballot. Pearl Harbor, the post-Vietnam draw-

Congress

Congress, District 5, Democrat

downs and the “do more with less” stretch policy of the late 1990s, when we tried to fight wars against terror on two fronts and put the young men and women serving in uniform through the meat grinder. No more. Keep America strong; keep America safe. Don’t let this incumbent remain in office to cast another vote against the security of the U.S. Chaffee: I do not feel we should drastically cut our military. Our freedom and the safety of our children and grandchildren depend on our military to keep them safe. We are protected by our men [and women] who have the courage to serve and protect. Our [country] needs our military strong and battle ready; this is the key for peace. Potter: No. One of the few things the constitution calls the federal government to do is provide for the common defense. Peace through strength is not just a great line, it works. As Iran, China and now Russia bulk up their military, why on God’s earth would we diminish ours? Having said that, the military needs to be more prudent with the way they spend. There are enormous amounts of waste and inefficiencies and in the military budgets. Q. If elected, would you support repealing the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, and why? Arness: That’s one of my principal

platform objectives. Obamacare, as it’s affectionately known, is in fact only an insurance regulation. It has nothing to do with health care, and it’s not affordable. Many people have lost jobs over this because of the penalties imposed. The act is a dismal failure. This act is a travesty perpetuated on the American people through fraud and deception and disingenuous manipulation. Chaffee: Yes. It’s an unjust law that was pushed through Congress ... the president has twisted this law and is changing it along the way. I’m hoping the Republicans can come up with another way to provide affordable health care ... maybe the free market, maybe by allowing insurance across state lines. Potter: Yes, I would. The reason is more than anything, I think it’s a tremendous overreach. I think people need affordable heath care. I think it repealed a lot of people’s policies. It is something the federal government should not be involved with. I think there’s a lot of good programs at the state level that can supplant Obamacare much better. And a lot of it is duplication. Q. Are you a supporter of the federal Watershed Implementation Act to

remove excess nutrients from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries? Arness: There is always going to be

somebody who has to pay for cleaning up a mess. I think everyone will agree the mess needs to be cleaned up. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest watershed of its kind. It’s a critical and national resource. Chaffee: I am a supporter. I love the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean. But at what cost? Implementation has meant rules and regulations for businesses and farmers around the bay. A lot of the pollution comes down from the Susquehanna River. The rules and regulations are costing extra for homes to be built, costing farmers, and taxes are costing the American people. Potter: I would support that. A lot of other things that have to be done with the bay. One of the things would have to be the removal of silt at the Conowingo Dam. Q. What is the best way to deal with Russia and its encroachment into Ukraine? Arness: Vladimir Putin is the

former chief of the KGB. He is a dyed-in-the-wool Soviet. Putin is not a democrat, and he is not a democratically elected president. He is a menace and a clear and present danger to our national security. Barack Hussein Obama has emboldened our former adversaries. They are actually very dangerous, and we have to stand up to them with firm resolve. Ukraine is a sovereign nation. Crimea was a state within Ukraine. It would be the same if the Russians invaded Alaska. We cannot sit idly by and let them walk unresisted, uncontested and without even so much as a tweet or a Twitter contrary to this invasion. We need to rattle our saber. We need to have a show of force. Chaffee: I believe we passed our best way. Going forward, sanctions are a must. We should push for the Keystone pipeline immediately. I believe Russia wants to be the new power of fuel being sold to Europe and China. If sanctions do not work, the president must with Congress decide what the next move is. Potter: “Peace through strength” was a really good way Ronald Reagan dealt with the Soviet Union a long time ago. We don’t have the will to take that second step. We need not to hollow out the military just to hollow out the military. The U.S. still has to have a global presence.


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 31

Governor, Republicans Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? George: As governor, I will imme-

diately seek independent audits of state agencies. In order to properly budget and make sure taxpayer dollars are going where they are supposed to, we must first know where waste and duplicative services can be eliminated. I successfully amended the budget to hold these agencies accountable for repeated misappropriation and will continue that work as governor. Next, I will begin restructuring Maryland’s tax code. I am calling for an across-the-board, 10 percent individual income tax reduction retroactive to 2014. This puts more money into the pockets of working families right away and helps small businesses to grow the economy. I will also seek a 2 percent reduction in the corporate income tax rate bringing it to 6.25 percent in 2015, followed by 0.25 percent reductions in 2016 and 2017. I anticipate record tax revenue collection by 2017 as our economy expands and the private sector tax base grows with the creation of new jobs and small businesses. Finally, I will focus on the connection between crime and education with programs such as my Baltimore Children’s Zones. This pilot program, modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zones, will increase police pres-

ence on the blocks around schools located in high-crime areas. Children deserve a safe community where they can come and go to and from school without the fear of criminal and gang influence. Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents? George: I am the only Republi-

can candidate with a voting record opposing the O’Malley/Brown administration’s 80 tax and fee increases. As the longest serving Republican on the House Ways and Means committee, where all new taxes must be vetted before becoming law, I have led the fight against over 300 potential tax and fee hikes. However, I do not only oppose bad policy but have been successful in getting good legislation passed. In 2008, I led the successful fight to repeal the Tech Services Tax that was unfairly burdening our emerging technology and research-anddevelopment industry in Maryland. I helped organize over 300 business owners from across Maryland to testify how they were being hurt by destructively high taxes. In 2013, I was successful in championing a cap on the boat excise tax. Maryland’s maritime industry had been losing business to our neighboring states in every sector from boat maintenance and storage to painting and parts

manufacturing. This cap on new boat sales helps our maritime businesses be more competitive going forward. I was the first candidate of either party to put a plan forward, my 10-Point Promise, which outlines exactly what I will do once elected governor. Trust in government is at all-time low, and the only way to restore that trust is to be open and honest. I have been open and honest since Day 1 of my campaign, and you can rely on me to be the most fair and transparent governor in recent Maryland history.

David R. Craig 64, county executive of Harford County

Ron George 60, state delegate

Larry Hogan 58, founder and CEO of the Hogan Cos.

Charles Lollar 42, major in the Marine Corps Reserves as an intelligence officer

Q. What do you think of Maryland’s state budget? If you think there should be cuts, where should they be? If spending should increase, where is it needed? George: The state budget is cur-

rently bloated due to a heavy reliance on bond bills — credit cards. We have a serious structural deficit problem that is being handed down to future administrations. Instead of cutting programs or increasing spending, a great alternative is eliminating the millions of dollars of waste in each state department. Federal audits have shown Maryland agencies continually misuse federal dollars costing hundreds of millions every year. Meanwhile,

Republican governor candidates David R. Craig, Larry Hogan and Charles Lollar did not respond to the questionnaire.

See GOP, Page 32

Candidates for election, Republican primary Governor/ Lt. governor

State Senate, District 28

Commissioner District 3

Judge of the Orphans’ Court

David Craig/Jeannie Haddaway

Josh Castle

Steve Mattingly

Brian L. Still

Ron George/Shelley Aloi

Allan Donnelly

House, District 28

Commissioner District 4

GOP Central Committee

Jim Crawford

John Young

Vote for no more than nine:

Larry Hogan/Boyd Rutherford Charles Lollar/Ken Timmerman

Comptroller William H. Campbell

Attorney general Jeffrey N. Pritzker

Congress, District 5 Mark Kenneth Arness Chris Chaffee Tom Potter

Commissioners’ president Tom deSabla

Commissioner District 1 J.T. Crawford

Commissioner District 2 Mike Bakir

Board of education (nonpartisan)

Derrick Terry

Vote for no more than seven:

Michael A. Wilson

Carl Blumenstein Mark Crawford

Collins A. Bailey Dave Campbell

Betsy Marie Eubanks

Chris Cherest

Lorina Harris

J.T. Crawford

Jason Henry Sr.

Jim Crawford

Victoria “Vicki” Talley Kelly

Thomas R. Simpson Jr.

Joe Crawford

Karla M. Kornegay

Jerome R. Spencer

Mark Crawford

Michael “Mike” Lukas

H. James West

Tom deSabla

Margaret T. Marshall

Millie Havrilla

Virginia “Ginny” McGraw

Lewis Frank McIntyre

Barbara Palko

Mike Phillips

Melissa Pascarella

Darrell Wood

Robert Michael Pitts

Vote for no more than two

Richard Wallace Stephen Ziegler

Jennifer S. Abell

Jocelyn Mann Denyer

Judge of the Circuit Court Judicial Circuit 7

Marcus N. Tillman

District 27, 27A The state Senate and House of Delegates races will be different on the Republican ballot in District 27 and 27A.

State Senate, District 27 Jesse Allen Peed

House of Delegates, District 27A Joe Crawford


32 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

Attorney general, Democrats are doing just that, protecting the bay. These regulations must be followed, but the same laws must also effectively protect our bay.

Q. What are the top issues in your race? Cardin: Keeping Maryland two

steps ahead of the next-generation threats facing Maryland families. Making sure our children are safe from online bullying and making sure no one is stalked, bullied or harassed online. With the most recent security breach at the University of Maryland, it is becoming even more clear that online privacy and security must be a major focus. From my experience on the election law subcommittee, it is clear that making sure everyone has fair and open access to the polls is of the utmost importance. We need an attorney general who will make sure the right to vote is protected for all Marylanders. Ensuring that Maryland consumers are protected in this rapidly changing world is of the utmost importance. You should be able to buy your family a safe new car, leadfree toys and be able to participate in the market without worrying if your information is safe.

Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Cardin: My top four priorities are:

consumer protection, public safety, civil rights and environmental protection. Protecting the rights of all Marylanders, especially the most vulner-

GOP Continued from Page 31

the Office of Legislative Audits has uncovered millions in wasted state dollars. Permanent, corrective action has yet to be taken in most agencies. I will turn that around and put the necessary safeguards and oversight in place to prevent future misuse of taxpayer dollars. I am calling for full, independent audits of state agencies so we can put that oversight in the correct areas and get more money directly to the people and communities who most need it. Fixing costly agency waste will pay for our tax reductions while leaving annual surpluses. We will direct surplus tax dollars to new transportation and education initiatives. Q. What changes, if any, would you make to Maryland’s tax structure? George: Individual income tax

reduction — I promise a 10 percent, across-the-board individual income tax reduction in my first year as gov-

Aisha Braveboy 39, attorney, state delegate

Jon S. Cardin 44, state delegate

Democratic attorney general candidates Aisha Braveboy and Brian E. Frosh did not respond to the questionnaire.

able among us, is one of my top priorities. Every citizen should be able to browse the Internet safely, not have their credit card information stolen and be able to buy a safe car for their family. I also have consistently blocked statewide voter suppression efforts and will continue to do so as attorney general, ensuring that every Marylander has access to their most basic right, the right to vote. I will make sure that the regulations put in place to protect the Chesapeake Bay ernor which will be retroactive when citizens and small businesses file their 2014 returns. Corporate income tax reduction — Lower the corporate income tax rate gradually over four years until it rests at 5.75 percent. In order to bring manufacturing companies back to Maryland: New manufacturing firms tax reduction — New manufacturing firms in Maryland have the highest total effective tax rate in the nation (31.4 percent). I promise to cut the state property tax rate for new manufacturing firms by 50 percent, and I will line up manufacturing firms for any county that is willing to lower their local property tax rates for these new companies. Manufacturing equipment tax reduction — We must get manufacturing up and running in Maryland. We have the highest manufacturing equipment tax in the nation. I will exempt manufacturing equipment from the state’s definition of property tax which will lower the total effective tax rate on new firms. Estate Tax Reduction — I worked this year with the speaker of the house

Brian E. Frosh 67, attorney, state senator

Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents?

Cardin: I have great respect for both of my opponents. They’re great legislators [and] great lawyers, and both are extremely qualified. I have spent my entire career trying to make people whole. As chairman of the subcommittee on election law, I have fought to protect voting rights and get money out of politics. As a lawyer, I have sued schools who looked the other way while kids were being beaten in the head with a battery and energy companies that were trying to install explosive pipelines under people’s backyards. I have spent more than a decade going after sexual predators, con-artists, bigots and polluters. If you look at my record, you’ll see that I have consistently voted to

to gradually reduce it over a few years and recouple it with the federal estate tax putting us in line with most other states. It has been sent to the governor for his signature. This legislation totally removes the state’s portion of the estate tax. Gas tax reduction — Lower the gas tax to pre-O’Malley levels to take the tax burden off of workers who commute and repeal automatic increases. Q. What should the state’s transportation priorities be? George: Maryland’s transporta-

tion infrastructure has been set back considerably in the last several years. Hundreds of millions of dollars were raided from the transportation trust fund, diverting assets designated for local transportation projects to the general fund. The state then used the depleted transportation fund as an excuse to raise the gas tax. A gas tax hike is regressive and disproportionately impacts lower- to middle-class workers. The first priority for transportation is to lockbox funds that are supposed to be dedicated to transportation projects and return control of invest-

increase on public safety, consumer protection, civil rights and the integrity of our environment. That’s the job of the attorney general: to go after bad guys; to make sure the government is doing its job; and to do so with passion, energy and conviction. That’s who I am, and that’s why I think I’m the best person for this job. Q. What changes have you made/ would you make while in office? Cardin: I will make sure that the

office is streamlined to reduce duplication of efforts and save money. Making sure that my office is accessible to all Marylanders is of the utmost importance. I also will make a labor relations task force in the office to help act as a mediation resource for labor unions instead of going straight to litigation. I will upgrade the Environmental Crimes Unit to their own division. It is imperative that we protect our most important resource, the environment.

Attorney general, Republican Jeffrey N. Pritzker is running unopposed in the Republican primary on the June 24 ballot.

ment and innovation to the counties. Secondly, I will build a sustainable Baltimore, positively impacting the entire state. Q. Should marijuana be legal in Maryland for medicinal or recreational use? George: I support the limited, con-

trolled use of medical marijuana. I do not believe the full legalization of marijuana is a wise course. However, I am open to policies that redirect nonviolent offenders away from the courts and prisons.

Q. What is the most pressing environmental issue in Maryland? How would you address it? George: The pollution of the Chesa-

peake Bay and destruction of marine life around Maryland is the most pressing environmental issue we are facing. Over 75 percent of all sediment runoff into the Chesapeake is coming from the Conowingo Dam. We must dredge the silt pond that has built up there before another storm floods our waters and sets us back another 20 years in Chesapeake cleanup.


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 33

Governor, Democrats Q. What would your top priorities be as an elected official? Brown: Our work must begin by

ensuring economic prosperity for more Marylanders. We’ll build strong communities and a stronger middle class by: creating ladders of opportunity through investments in pre-K, career [and] technology education, school construction and affordable colleges; growing our economy; creating jobs; building the most competitive workforce; modernizing our infrastructure; developing Maryland’s business community; and supporting strong families that have access to affordable, quality health care, safe neighborhoods and a clean environment. We will create jobs by: Leveraging Maryland’s No. 1 nationally ranked public schools to deliver a world-class education to every student in Maryland, regardless of where they live; Establishing a business climate that attracts, retains, and grows businesses in our state and encourages private investment in Maryland, building on our highly-skilled, competitive workforce and outstanding and affordable colleges and universities, while at the same time foster our commitment to protecting Maryland’s workers, consumers and environment; Investing in modern, sustainable, innovative and cost-effective infrastructure; Building strong communities by strengthening families, reducing crime, and ensuring every child has a home that they can call their own. Gansler: My top priority always will be doing what is fair and right for the people of Maryland. And when Maryland is 49th in the nation for income growth and has the second-highest education achievement gap, doing what is fair and right means creating more jobs and making sure all our kids go to great schools regardless of their ZIP code. And when our bay is dying, and when we live in the ninth most violent state in the nation, it means taking on some tough fights to clean up the bay, and it means pushing for innovative, effective solutions to address crime. Mizeur: My 10-point jobs and economy plan is based on one fundamental value: middle-class families should earn more and be taxed less. We cannot stand by while the middle class disappears. We know that when we put more money in the hands of the middle class, it goes right back into the economy — families going to the movies or buying their children

Democratic governor candidates Ralph Jaffee, Charles Smith and Cindy Walsh did not respond to the questionnaire.

Anthony G. Brown 52, lieutenant governor

Doug Gansler 51, attorney general

new shoes and school supplies. This is how we grow our economy from the middle out. My income tax proposal is comprehensive and revenue neutral. Ninety percent of Maryland families and seniors will benefit from over $100 million in personal income tax cuts, paid for by making our tax code more progressive and asking the wealthiest in the state to pay a bit more. And if we were to end the tax hustle used by a handful of big multistate businesses to avoid paying any corporate taxes in our state, we would generate nearly $200 million in new revenue that we would dedicate to small business tax relief. We also have to get to a place where we have a living wage. No one who works 40 hours a week should be living in poverty. My plan would gradually align our minimum wage with the already existing living wage for state contractors — reaching $16.70 by 2022. It is predictable for business, and it will encourage economic growth. Unfortunately, it still matters what your socioeconomic status is and what your race is to determine whether or not you will be successful in school. We have the No. 2 minority achievement gap in the country, and closing it starts at the beginning — with early childhood education. By the end of my first term, all families will have access to full-day pre-K for their 4-year-olds and lowerand middle-income families will have access to half-day preschool for their 3-year-olds. But we cannot stop there. We know that from [birth] to 5 is where we can make all the difference in eliminating the achievement gap so we must be mindful of the needs of our children from birth until they enter preschool. Our third component to addressing the achievement gap is to provide serious funding for after-school and summer activities. Research shows that for every dollar the state invests in after-school

programs, we get as much as $3.22 in return. Our investments in our chilHeather Mizeur dren cannot 41, stop when state delegate the dismissal bell rings. As governor, I will provide funding for at least 44,000 additional students in my first term to participate in quality after-school and summer programs. We cannot settle for “tough on crime” after the fact — we need to stop crime before it ever occurs. The current administration’s approach has doubled down on the failed war on drugs, protected unfair and ineffective mandatory minimum sentencing, and overpopulated prisons plagued by corruption and repeat offenders. The Mizeur-Coates approach to public safety will prioritize opportunity and risk-assessment to drive down crime at its root causes. We will replace our broken and counterproductive juvenile justice system with a statewide at-risk intervention program. A three-pronged emphasis on rehabilitation and re-entry, pretrial risk management and smarter sentencing will help keep dangerous criminals in prison while disconnecting nonviolent offenders from lives of crime. Q. Why should people vote for you instead of your opponents? Brown: Maryland is a great state.

Ken Ulman and I are running because we believe that we can make it better for more Marylanders. Maryland is bolstered by the diverse background and talents of its people and the abundance of our natural and developed resources. During the past seven years, we’ve made tremendous progress through a period of economic and political challenges and societal, demographic and technological changes. We’ve driven crime down to historic lows. We’re growing our economy and creating jobs faster than most other states. We built the nation’s best schools and made college more affordable. We’ve expanded health coverage to more and more people. We recognized the value of inclusion by passing marriage equality and the Dream Act, both in the legislature and

at the ballot box. However, too many people still struggle to find full-time employment, too many of our neighbors continue to face foreclosures, and for too many businesses the national recession has dealt a blow from which they’re still recovering. Marylanders don’t expect government to solve every problem, but they do want leaders to understand the problem, to understand the urgency to make progress. Gansler: I’ve spent the last 22-plus years fighting for what is fair and getting things done for the people of Maryland. I have a very long track record of effective leadership, working first as an assistant U.S. attorney, then as state’s attorney in Montgomery County, and as the Maryland attorney general for the last eight years. When thousands of Marylanders were about to lose their homes to predatory lenders, I stood up to the big banks and won more than $1.5 billion to keep tens of thousands of Marylanders in their homes. I went after corporate polluters who dumped oil in our bay and polluted our air, winning the largest environmental settlement for the state in its history. I successfully defended the Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court because it was wrong for America to be the only industrialized nation not to offer health care to everyone. I’ve always fought for what’s fair and for what’s right, and that’s what I’ll continue to do as governor for the people of Maryland. Mizeur: To be clear, I want to win by proving that I’d be a better governor — not that there is something wrong or ineffective about the other candidates in the race. People are resonating with the positive campaign that I am running, the issues that I am advancing, and I think I have done a better job of presenting comprehensive plans for addressing the biggest challenges facing our state. The broken health care exchange is a great example of this — while my opponents focused on casting or deflecting blame, I put politics over progress and offered real solutions. I’m focused on getting real families the health coverage they desperately need, not scoring political points to win an election. See GOVERNOR, Page 34


34 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014 regained nearly all of the jobs lost during the recession. We also made record investments in our schools, increased operating funding by $1.5 Continued from Page 33 billion (35 percent) and invested an annual average of $340 million in I am extremely proud of my record school construction. in the General Assembly. I sponsored The Brown-Ulman administraand passed the first-in-the-nation tion will set a new high water mark Kids First Act, covering 50,000 chilfor school construction investment, dren who were eligible for but not reaching $500 million annually by enrolled in public coverage. I reached fiscal 2019. We will make prudent across the aisle and partnered with investments to advance our shared the head of the Tea Party Caucus to priorities. In addition to our schools, pass the Family Planning Works Act, we will also prioritize state resources expanding access to Medicaid famto ensure that we continue to create ily planning services for 35,000 more new jobs, promote our universities, low-income women. Bringing people protect our environment, invest in together to get big things done is not critical infrastructure, reduce crime just a talking point — it is my record. and strengthen families. You will hear throughout the rest Gansler: We need to rethink how of the campaign that there is little difwe budget in Maryland. Our budget ference between the candidates on should be crafted based on what policy — and it could not be further we need to spend, not what we can from the truth. I am the only candispend. And we should be looking for date proposing truly universal pre-K more ways to realize savings through that covers all 4-year-olds and 3-year- improved efficiency. State audits olds from middle-class families. I show millions in spending waste, and am the only candidate with a plan a recent review of our state’s procurefor comprehensive middle-class and ment shows that we are missing out small business tax relief. I am the only on more than $100 million in savings candidate with a plan for turning our by not improving procurement methminimum wage into a living wage. ods that have been recommended for These are the facts. years. As governor, I will ensure stronThere are many other issues where ger fiscal performance in state govI am the lone candidate standing ernment, and modernize our procurewith working families: after-school ment. These changes will avoid the programs, affordable child care, gun need to cut programs fundamental to safety, closing the gender pay gap, our democratic values and may even and limiting high stakes testing in the enable us to cut taxes — a marked classroom, just to name a few. change from 40 new taxes levied on I am the first candidate in over the people of Maryland over the last 20 years to elect to participate in the seven years. state’s public campaign financing To provide just one example of system. It means my campaign is paid recent unnecessary waste we need for by small, grass-roots contributions look no further than Maryland’s from Marylanders. health exchange website. Putting aside the $261 million in state and Q. What do you think of Maryland’s federal dollars squandered on a failed state budget? If you think there should website, Maryland will spend at least be cuts, where should they be? If spend$63 million taxpayer dollars trying ing should increase, where is it needed? to fix the result of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown: Over the last seven years, we Brown’s ineffective leadership of the have made tough decisions to bring exchange rollout. That $63 million Maryland through the recession while dollars could have fed 21,000 hungry at the same time protecting our priMaryland children or covered one orities. By working together, we have year of tuition, room and board for made tough budget cuts — totaling 3,292 University of Maryland stu$9.1 billion over the last eight years; dents. maintained our AAA bond rating; Money saved by avoiding inefmade considerable progress toward ficiencies of this kind might even eliminating our structural deficit; and allow us to increase spending on education and job creation — goals like ensuring all our kids go to great schools, expanding pre-K to help close the achievement gap, revitalizing manufacturing, tuition discounts Peter Franchot* is unopposed in the for degrees in high-demand fields, Democratic primary. career and technological apprenticeships, incentives for new startup William H. Campbell is unopposed in companies and more. Investing in our the Republican primary. students and our workforce will grow

Governor

Comptroller

our economy and in turn our tax base, enabling us to have a more robust budget that delivers for our state. I also think fairness demands a more open budget process, one that gives the people of Maryland meaningful insight into what our spending needs are and how we are spending their money to make the state better. A more open process will ensure that our budget priorities match the people’s priorities. Mizeur: Budgets are about priorities, and budget decisions ultimately come down to your values as a leader. I am proud of what we have accomplished during my time as vice chair of the House Appropriations Education and Economic Development Subcommittee — especially the record levels of funding for our public schools and innovative school construction financing. My proposals for new spending come directly from my priorities. My early childhood education plan will be expensive, which is why the O’MalleyBrown administration put it off for years. But we also know that there is no greater investment in our children and in our state — Maryland would see a $5 return for every dollar it spends on early childhood education. I would pay for it by addressing our failed war on drugs. By taxing legalized and regulated marijuana purchases, we could generate as much as $158 million annually. I would dedicate that revenue directly to early childhood education. One of the most important goals of my administration will be reducing our prison population. My vision calls for reductions in spending in incarceration and detention as we drive down crime. For example, we could save as much as $280 million when we stop arresting and jailing people for marijuana possession charges. To put it simply, my vision for the budget sees an increase in spending on education offset by a reduction in spending on incarceration. I want to invest in affirmative opportunities, not throw money at crime’s consequences. Q. What changes, if any, would you make to Maryland’s tax structure? Brown: While I don’t see the need

in the foreseeable future to raise taxes, I do see the need for comprehensive tax reform that allows us to make the necessary investments in infrastructure and human capital, while ensuring a tax code that reflects our progressive values and our modern economy. I am committed to comprehensive tax reform that will make Maryland the most competitive business climate in the nation. As we have done

in the past, any changes to our tax structure, including personal income taxes, estate taxes and corporate taxes must be fair and reflect Maryland’s commitment to growing its economy, creating jobs, growing the middle class and protecting our most vulnerable. Gansler: Our state’s economy has been mortgaged on the backs of Marylanders thanks to 40 straight tax and fee increases. We haven’t done a full-scale review of our state’s tax code since 1983, so one of the first things I’d do as governor would be to convene a group of tax experts to study our tax structure, see how we compare to our neighboring states, and suggest reforms that ensure a fair tax code that provides the revenue needed to fund our education system and other programs fundamental to our democratic values without unnecessarily burdening the people and weighing down our economy. Maryland must consider lowering the corporate income tax rate, which, at 8.25 percent, makes us uncompetitive with our neighboring states like Virginia that have lower corporate tax rates and attract many more companies. Maryland only has four Fortune 500 companies left. Virginia has nearly two dozen. Over the last seven years, more than 7,000 small businesses have left Maryland and close to 200,000 people are unemployed. We can change that. To attract and retain job-creating businesses and launch new ones, I would phase in in a reduction to the corporate income tax rate starting with a 0.25 percent decrease in my first year of office. Mizeur: Tax policy is about deciding who is going to pay less and who is going to pay more for vital public services: education, health care, public safety and infrastructure. My plan is about bringing fairness into our tax code so that we can continue making critical investments in people. My income tax proposal is comprehensive and revenue neutral. Ninety percent of Maryland families and seniors will benefit from over $100 million in personal income tax cuts, paid for by making our tax code more progressive and asking the wealthiest 2 percent in the state to pay a bit more. I will also enact combined reporting to ensure that big businesses currently benefiting from a tax avoidance scheme are required to pay their fair share. I am the only candidate in my party to propose tax cuts for middleclass families, seniors and small businesses — about $300 million a year in total. Ninety percent of Marylanders will see a lower tax bill under a Mizeur administration than a Brown or Gansler administration. That is a fact.


June 2014 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • 35

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36 • MARYLAND INDEPENDENT Guide for Voters • June 2014

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