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League of Women Voters 2008 General Election
Voters’ Guide For Allegany County |
President and Vice President of the United States
Representative in Congress – The Office
Representative in Congress – District 6
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals At Large
City Council – City of Cumberland
Board of Education – Allegany County
State Constitutional Amendments
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Miscellaneous Voting Information ·
POLLS are OPEN 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. ·
EMERGENCY ABSENTEE BALLOTS may be obtained at your local Board of
Elections office in the 7 days prior to and on election day. You may fill out the application form,
obtain the absentee ballot and VOTE in one visit. ·
POLLING PLACES are usually less crowded between 10 a.m. and 2
p.m. Try voting on your lunch hour. (Located at the end of this document) |
PRESIDENT AND
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
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About the
Office SALARY: $400,000 per year TERM: Four years.
Limit of two terms. HOW
ELECTED: Every
four years political parties nominate candidates to run for President of the
United States in a general election that is held on the first Tuesday in
November of years divisible by the number four. Although the parties use conventions to
nominate their candidates, in most states the Democratic and Republican parties
also run state-wide primary elections.
The results of the primary influence how the delegates to their
respective party’s convention will cast ballots for candidates for
President. The degree to which the
result of the primary election influences the votes of delegates at
conventions varies from state to state. DUTIES: The President is the head of state of the
United States of America and is the Chief Executive Officer and the Commander
in Chief of all military forces. The
powers of the President are described in the Constitution and federal
law. The President appoints the
members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations,
Supreme Court Justices and federal judges subject to Senate approval. The President, along with the Cabinet and
its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the
United States. The President may also
recommend legislation to the United States Congress. |
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Questions asked candidates for President: The
League of Women Voters of the United States posed questions to the candidates
for President in accordance with the following criteria: ·
All qualified presidential
candidates were invited to provide biographical information and responses to
five issue specific questions. Candidates were qualified if they met the
following criteria: 1) the candidate must have made a public announcement of
her/his intention to run for President; 2) the candidate must qualify for the
ballot in enough states to win a majority of electoral votes; and 3) the
candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act's minimum
contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based
on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC Web site as of August
8, 2008. ·
Responses were limited to 50
words and truncated after the 50th word. ·
Additional information on
presidential candidates is available on the League's voter information Web
site, www.VOTE411.org. In Maryland Write-in candidates are
allowed to file, after spending $50.00 in pursuit of the office, until seven
days prior to the election. If they
file as write-ins, their names will be posted in each polling place on
Election Day and votes for them will be counted. Their names will NOT be on any ballots. BIOGRAPHY: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: What, if anything, do you believe the federal
government should do to control global climate change? COST
OF HEALTH CARE: What should be done at the
federal level, if anything, to combat the high cost of health care? ECONOMIC DISPARITY: What,
if anything, should the federal government do about the growing economic
disparity between the middleclass and the well-to-do? EDUCATION:
What, if anything, should the federal
government do to create the world's best educational system for all children
in America? U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: What
should the U.S. strategy be towards rising global powers like Russia and
China? The responses to these
questions are copyrighted by the League of Women Voters of the United States. |
Vote for One:
Barack Obama (Illinois) -- Joe Biden (Delaware)
Party: Democratic
Website: www.barackobama.com
BIOGRAPHY: Obama began his career as a
community organizer on Chicago’s South Side and headed a voter registration
drive. Obama practiced civil rights law and taught constitutional law. He
served eight years in the State Senate before his election to the U.S. Senate.
He graduated from Columbia University and Harvard Law.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: I believe the
federal government should pursue multiple paths to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and address the threat of global climate change, including implementing
aggressive cap and trade requirements to reduce U.S. emissions by 80% from 1990
levels and investing heavily in clean energy and advanced vehicle technologies.
COST
OF HEALTH CARE: My
healthcare plan will make aggressive investments in cost-cutting technologies
and will place more focus on prevention and chronic care management. The net
result will be to bring down the costs of healthcare spending by $2,500 for a
typical family, annually, and lower the expense of Medicare’s services.
ECONOMIC DISPARITY: I will cut
taxes for the middle class and roll back some of the Bush tax cuts for those
making over $250,000 to restore fairness to the tax code. I will make long term
public investments in R&D, clean energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing
to create millions of good-paying jobs.
EDUCATION: I will
strengthen public schools by expanding early childhood education, reforming and
funding No Child Left Behind, recruiting and rewarding high-quality teachers,
and expanding afterschool and summer learning opportunities. I will create a
$4,000 American Opportunity Tax Credit and expand financial aid to make higher
education affordable for all.
U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: We must
enhance our abilities both to collaborate and compete with China, while being
vigilant about China’s military modernization and respect for human rights. As
we seek a future of clear-eyed engagement with Russia, we must ensure Russia
acts as a force for progress, not regression to past conflicts.
John McCain
(Arizona) -- Sarah Palin (Alaska)
Party: Republican
Website: www.johnmccain.com
BIOGRAPHY: John McCain graduated from
the Naval Academy and served for 22 years as a naval aviator. He was elected to the House of Representatives
in 1982 and the Senate in 1986. He has
served as chairman of the Commerce Committee and ranking member of the Armed
Services Committee.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: I support developing
a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2050,
providing tax credits for alternative energy, promoting zero-carbon nuclear
power, reducing the federal government’s carbon footprint, funding research
into clean-coal technology, and offering incentives for America’s automobile
industry to develop electric cars.
COST
OF HEALTH CARE: Under
my plan, American families will receive $5,000 tax credits to purchase
insurance, either through employers or the private market––insurance that can
follow them if they change jobs or leave the workforce. I will work for reforms to lower costs and
provide coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions.
ECONOMIC DISPARITY: We must spur
growth, create jobs, improve educational attainment, and enhance financial
security. My plan will keep income and
payroll taxes low, reduce the price of gas, double the dependent exemption,
bring down health-care costs, give deserving homeowners new fixed mortgages,
slash our high business taxes, and expand trade.
EDUCATION: Our education
system must focus on standards, accountability, and choice. My plan calls for recruiting highly qualified
teachers in the neediest communities, empowering parents to choose the best
schools for their children, expanding online educational opportunities,
providing low-income families with access to tutors, and funding professional
development for teachers.
U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: As President,
I will work to establish good relations with other nations. At the same time, I will stand up for
democratic values and human rights, and I will oppose aggression and
Cynthia
McKinney (California) -- Rosa Clemente (North Carolina)
Party: Green
Website: www.mckinney2008.com
Did
not meet LWVUS/EF criteria stated above.
Bob Barr (Georgia) -- Wayne A. Root
(Nevada)
Party: Libertarian
Website: www.bobbarr2008.com
Did
not meet LWVUS/EF criteria stated above.
Ralph Nader
(Connecticut) -- Matt Gonzalez (California)
Party: Independent
Website: www.votenader.org
BIOGRAPHY: Attorney, author, and
consumer advocate, named by Time Magazine one of the "100 Most Influential
Americans in the 20th Century."
Over 4 decades of public service. Helped establish the OSHA, EPA,
Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Motor Vehicle
Safety Act, and Freedom of Information Act.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: The government
should stop subsidizing fossil fuels: oil, electric and coal mining interests.
Invest in renewable energy that is efficient, sustainable, and environmentally
friendly: wind and solar power. Encourage more efficient automobiles, homes and
businesses. Ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Create an independent Oceanic Protection
Agency. Adopt a carbon pollution tax.
COST
OF HEALTH CARE: Adopt
a private delivery, free choice of hospital and doctor, single payer public
health insurance system. This would save $350 billion annually by eliminating
exorbitant executive pay, advertising, computerized billing fraud and abuse,
and apply those savings to comprehensively cover everyone without increasing
taxpayer costs. Lower costs through bulk purchasing.
ECONOMIC DISPARITY: Unfair
legislation allows the middle class to suffer while the rich entrench their
status. To correct this we should enact a living $10 wage, adopt a fair
tax, and provide equal pay for women. We
must end corporate subsidies and bailouts. Repeal NAFTA and the anti-union
Taft/Hartley Law.
EDUCATION:
Increase
civic education and decrease standardized testing. Repeal “No Child Left
Behind” Act. Do not tie test performance to school funding. Provide full
funding for pre-school and nutrition
programs. Get product marketing out of the schools. Ensure that the nation's
crumbling schools are repaired within 3 years.
U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: The US should
be a humanitarian superpower. Our foreign policy must redefine global security,
peace, arms control, an end to nuclear weapons and expand the many assets of
our country to assist with major initiatives against global infectious
diseases. Stop support of foreign dictators. Human rights come before trade,
profit.
Chuck Baldwin
(Florida) -- Darrell L. Castle (Tennessee)
Party: Constitution
Website: www.baldwin08.com
Did
not meet LWVUS/EF criteria stated above.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES WHO HAVE FILED IN MARYLAND:
Donald K. Allen
(Ohio)
Party: Unaffiliated
Website: www.donaldkallenforpresident.com
Lawson Mitchell
Bone (Tennessee)
Party: Independent
Theodis (Ted)
Brown, Sr. (Missouri)
Party: Independent
James D.
Criveau (Virginia)
Party: Non_Partisan
RaeDeen R.
Heupel (Montana)
Party: Independent
Website: www.raedeen.com/
Ronald G. Hobbs
(Pennsylvania)
Party: Independent
Keith Russell
Judd (Texas)
Party: Non-Partisan
Frank Moore
(California)
Party: Independent
Website: www.frankmooreforpresident08.com
Lynne A. Starr
(Florida)
Party: Independent
Blaine Taylor
(Maryland)
Party: Democratic
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES
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About the U.S. House of Representatives: SALARY: $169,300 per year. TERM: Two years, no term limit. HOW ELECTED: The
United States is divided into 435 Congressional Districts that are
reapportioned after every decennial census. All seats in the House of
Representatives are up for election in every even-numbered year. DUTIES: Representatives share
responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nation’s laws as provided
for in the U.S. Constitution. |
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Questions asked candidates for
Representative in Congress: BACKGROUND: What are your
qualifications for this office? IMMIGRATION: What changes, if
any, do you support in regard to immigration policy? CLIMATE CHANGE:
Describe Federal legislation you
would support to address global climate changes. ECONOMY:
Identify a major challenge to the U.S. economy and how Congress should address it. EDUCATION: What are your
views on the No Child Left Behind legislation? HEALTH CARE: What plans need to be put into place to meet
the country’s health care needs? NATIONAL SECURITY: Identify a national security issue and how
Congress should address it. |
Vote for no more than one
candidate.
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS – DISTRICT 6
Jennifer
P. Dougherty
Party:
Democratic
Website:
www.jennifer08.com
BACKGROUND:
As a small
business owner for more than 21 years and a former Mayor of Frederick, I have
experience setting priorities and balancing a government budget. I am the only person in the race who has
balanced a government budget, created jobs and managed government contracts.
IMMIGRATION:
I support
legal immigration and will work to make federal law clear, enforceable and
effective. I support improving
electronic employment verification, raising penalties on employers who violate
the law and create a method for immigrant to pay for immigration processing
through a payroll deduction.
CLIMATE
CHANGE: I support raising vehicle efficiency standards,
adopting a cap & trade system for emissions and investing in pilot programs
to encourage conversion to sustainable energy sources. I propose a bio-fuels refinery in
central/western Maryland that will advance the best technology, create jobs and
offer an All -American Alternative.
ECONOMY:
The
government budgeting process is one of the biggest problems. I support requiring new budgeting
restrictions that encourage meeting the mission, controlling costs and
rewarding creativity. Reckless spending,
growing deficits and crushing debt is hurting our ability to invest in actual
services.
EDUCATION:
I support
reforming No Child Left Behind by funding all federal requirements, reducing
classroom size, hiring new teachers, addressing pay equity for teaching
professionals, and funding Head Start.
HEALTH CARE: I support health care for all within 5 years. I support expansion of State Children’s
Health Insurance, allowing early retirees (over 55) to buy into Medicare
coverage, allowing young people (18-24) to remain on family coverage. I support consumer choice – stay in current
plan or buy into federal plan.
NATIONAL
SECURITY: The endless War in Iraq has depleted the resources
and strength of our military. First,
support a plan for a responsible withdrawal from Iraq; guarantee the people in
uniform have adequate pay, benefits, supplies; invest in restoring equipment
for military; invest in adequate rehab facilities and treatment for veterans.
Roscoe Bartlett
Party:
Republican
Website:
http://www.bartlettforcongress.org/
BACKGROUND:
I have been
elected eight times to represent the Sixth District of Maryland in the U.S.
Congress. Conservative, taxpayer advocacy and business organizations confirm
that I have consistently voted for less taxes, less spending, less regulations,
and to protect life and Americans' Constitutional rights.
IMMIGRATION:
Our
immigration system is broken. I have voted against amnesty for illegal aliens.
My priorities are to secure
CLIMATE
CHANGE: To counter mounting evidence that burning fossil
fuels may contribute significantly to global warming and that world oil
production may be unable to keep up with growing demand, I support energy
efficiency, conservation and research and development to transition from
dependence on finite fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy.
ECONOMY
and NATIONAL SECURITY: Our increasing dependence upon imports for 2/3 of
the oil we use is making Americans poorer.
Our transportation is 95% dependent upon oil endangering both our
economy and national security. We are
transferring $600-700 billion per year, more than we spend on defense, to oil
producing countries such as
EDUCATION:
I voted
against No Child Left Behind because I oppose decreasing local control of
education by parents, teachers and administrators in the Sixth District. They
know better than any bureaucrats in
HEALTH
CARE: We have a sick care system, not a health care
system. I support changes to increase and reward healthy lifestyle choices by
individuals, increase competition by insurers and health care providers and
limit malpractice awards unrelated to medical expenses to help reduce health care
costs.
Gary W. Hoover,
Sr.
Party:
Libertarian
Website:
www.hoover4congress08.com
BACKGROUND: I have been in the automobile
business for the past 16 years. During this time, I have had to negotiate
everyday. I believe that we need people in the congress that are willing to
negotiate with others to get the peoples business done.
IMMIGRATION:
I support
greater enforcement of the current immigration laws, not just at the boarder but
also at the factories and business that are hiring people that are not
permitted to work in our country. There needs to be a total reform of
Immigration policy but no amnesty.
CLIMATE
CHANGE: We need to completely rethink our energy policy,
along with our environmental policy
ECONOMY:
9.5 trillion dollar debt that Congress has strapped the future generation
with. Stop
spending money we do not have, any new spending has to be matched with cuts
elsewhere. Balance budget amendment with emergency provision in case of war or
major catastrophe. In addition, cut in programs.
EDUCATION:
Failure
!!Need to abolish the Department of Education and return schooling to the
states, local school boards, and the parents. After watching how those in
congress run this country why in the world we want them to educate our
children.
HEALTH
CARE: Complex problem, but I would start with opening up
the health care program that is now enjoyed by members of congress and other
federal employees. This would make health care much more affordable to many
people. Then look at how we can help the private sector cover those without
insurance.
NATIONAL
SECURITY: We need to rethink our aggressive attitudes towards
the world. Deploy troops only in case of direct attack, withdraw from outdated
alliances. Regain the respect of the world.
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF SPECIAL
APPEALS AT LARGE
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About the Office: SALARY: $149,552. annual base TERM: 10 years – no term limit HOW
ELECTED: The Governor appoints judges to the Court
of Special Appeals. The State Senate
must confirm these appointments. At
the end of a ten-year term, these judges’ names must appear on the
ballot. Voters vote “yes” for
retention, or “no” to remove from office.
Judges may not be opposed by other candidates in retention
elections. Maryland is divided into 7
Appellate Judicial Circuits. One judge
is appointed from each of these circuits and six members are appointed from
the state at large. There are a total
of 13 judges in the Court of Special Appeals.
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Questions asked the Court of Appeals candidates: BACKGROUND: What are your qualifications for this
office? JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: What is area of greatest need in the
Maryland judicial system? LEGAL ACCESS: What can be done to provide individuals
with wider and better access to legal help and the legal system? |
Vote “yes” for continuance in
office or “no” for removal.
Deborah Eyler
BACKGROUND: In 11 years of service as a
judge on the Court of Special Appeals, I have authored more than 1,000 case
opinions. From that experience, I have gained in-depth knowledge of all aspects
of Maryland law and have become skilled at producing case opinions that are
thorough, fair, and timely.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: In the criminal justice
system, additional "drug court" diversion programs because the vast
majority of crimes in Maryland are rooted in the distribution and use of
illegal drugs. In the civil justice system, affordable legal representation,
especially for parents and children in contested custody cases.
LEGAL ACCESS: More outreach by courts and
the judiciary's local pro-bono committees, which exist in each county, to link
up, early in a case, a party who cannot afford representation with a pro bono
lawyer who can handle the matter for free or at a substantially reduced rate.
Robert
A. Zarnoch
BACKGROUND: Before my appointment, I
served 30 sessions as the Attorney General's Counsel to the General Assembly. I
reviewed 20,000 bills and authored thousands of advice letters. I argued in the
Supreme Court and participated in 39 cases in the State's highest court,
including one making the Camden Yards stadiums possible.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: A 2008 Harris Poll
discloses that only 16% of the public has a great deal of confidence in the
courts and the justice system. Such numbers will never be reversed until judges
demonstrate by performance that the system is accessible, deals fairly with
all, and reaches just results.
LEGAL ACCESS: Studies note that a citizen
is more likely to go to court than be hospitalized. Greater support for legal
aid and pro bono lawyering is needed. Promotion of pre-paid legal plans and
self-help, expanding small claims courts and streamlining legal procedures
would also help citizens obtain affordable legal assistance.
CITY COUNCIL –
CITY OF CUMBERLAND
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About the Office: SALARY: $4800 annual TERM:
Four years HOW ELECTED: DUTIES: Pass laws as deemed necessary; establish and maintain an adequate fire
department and police force, appoint the City Administrator. |
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Questions asked the City Council candidates: |
(Vote
for: 2)
Brian K. Grim
Web
Address: www.ElectBrianGrim.com
Biographical: Born and raised in the City, I learned first-hand
about Cumberland pride. I graduated from
Fort Hill High School, Allegany College of Maryland, and Frostburg State
University, where I earned a Bachelors Degree with a double major in Justice
Studies and Political Science, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching
Degree. I have chosen to pursue an
education, a job, and a life in my hometown.
I work full-time at Rocky Gap State Park, where I manage a staff of
twenty-four, four facilities, and an operating budget of over half a million
dollars. I have volunteered in the
community all of my life, a result of the values instilled in me by my family:
dedication, commitment, and responsibility.
Since 1992, I have volunteered nearly 10,000 hours with organizations
including the Volunteer Team, the Western Potomac Chapter of the American Red
Cross, Toys for Happiness, “Let’s Beautify Cumberland,” County United Way’s Day
of Caring and Sharing, clothing drives, flood relief efforts, Cumberland
neighborhood organizations, and the Tri-State Concert Association. I have been recognized as a “Community
Quarterback” by Parade Magazine, the NFL, and Baltimore Ravens, as well as a
“Point of Light” by the President of the United States for community service
and dedication
Platform
Points: WORK TOGETHER –
partner with residents and organizations to revitalize the community one
neighborhood at a time; DEVELOP WISELY –
preserve the character of Cumberland through Smart Growth and redevelopment of
existing infrastructure; CREATE
SOLUTIONS – make it easier to do business in the city and make government more
responsive to citizens’ needs; MOVE
FORWARD – protect the heritage, traditions, and public safety services of Cumberland
while planning for and encouraging a real move into the 21st Century
David Franklin Kauffman
Web
Address: www.leadershipforcumberland.com
Experience: My experience
includes being a business owner, educator, and
developer. I have, since my arrival in Cumberland, contributed towards the improvement of the
city through numerous endeavors. I am
prepared, through my experience, to serve as a problem solver and generator of
initiatives as a member of the Cumberland City Council.
Top
Priority: My top priority for the city of Cumberland is to focus our
economic development strategies around existing
assets. It is important for us to
remember that while our community has challenges, we also have much of which to
be proud. We live in a scenic, bucolic
setting which has access to over 100 colleges and training institutions within
only 100 miles of our city. These
post-secondary training institutions should reflect our efforts in economic
development, as they serve to provide a recurring, trainable workforce for
potential employers.
Mary Beth Pirolozzi
Web Address: www.friendsformarybeth.com
E-Mail: mbpirolozzi@verizon.net
Education: Bishop Walsh High School;
Frostburg State University; B.S.
Business Administration; M.Ed. Interdisciplinary, Business, Education, Public
Policy
Experience: 1 year as City Councilwoman; Executive
Director, County United Way; 18 years Public Service, MD Senate; 16 years
Frostburg State University support staff
Volunteer Service: FSU Alumni & Foundation
Boards; Horizon Goodwill Industries; Rotary of Cumberland; Toys for Happiness;
Western MD Health System Board; Let’s Beautify Cumberland/Day of Caring &
Sharing
It is an honor and privilege
to serve the citizens of
With a year on the Council, I
recognize the challenges we face with limited resources, which means we need to
closely scrutinize our city spending. As a head of household, I have faced many
challenges and made tough decisions. It is these life experiences, your formal
education and the values of your family and your environment that guide you and
give you direction. The future is bright
for Cumberland. I want to be an integral
part of the team, along with the citizens of this community, to shape that
vision and to make it happen.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – ALLEGANY
COUNTY
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About the Office: SALARY: $5300
annual. TERM: 4 years. HOW ELECTED: DUTIES: Hire the Superintendent;
set salaries; negotiate
contracts with bargaining units; act
in a quasi-judicial capacity to hear appeals from decisions of the
Superintendent; adopt policies. |
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Questions asked the Board of Education candidates: Biography: Priorities: What are your top 3
priorities for this office for the next 4 years? |
(Vote for 2)
Tim
Iman
Jeffery Todd Metz
Biography: A lifelong
resident of Allegany County, I reside in Frostburg, Maryland with my wife and
two children. I am currently President
of Egle Nursing and Rehab Center. My education
includes an MBA and Bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University where I
also serve on the school’s financial Foundation.
Priorities: I
have kept my campaign promises that I made four years ago. My main priorities for the next four years include
the beginning of the badly needed renovations of Braddock and Washington Middle
Schools. Additionally, it is imperative
that we select a successful superintendent for our school system. With my background in finance, I intend to
pass fiscally responsible budgets in a time of declining revenues while still
fully funding our school system.
Finally, it is very important that we continue to improve our M.S.A. and
H.S.A. test scores to meet the federal mandates of the NCLB legislation.
Fred
Sloan
Biography: My
name is Fred Sloan and I am a life long resident of Allegany County. I retired from our school system with 33
years of service as a teacher and administrator. Since 2002 I have been an instructor and
intern mentor in the Masters’ of Education –Administration and Supervision
Program at Frostburg State University.
Priorities: 1) Students- As a parent,
grandparent, teacher, administrator, and current board of education member I
have been a life long advocate for children.
Our children are indeed our most cherished and valuable resource and we
must provide each one of them with the highest quality education possible. 2) Teachers
and staffs-Our educational system is only as good as the teachers we have in
our classrooms. We currently have a very
dedicated, professional, highly qualified teaching staff and we must provide
the resources to support and retain our quality work force. 3) School
facilities-We must continue to provide state of the art equipment and
facilities that will prepare our students to be productive citizens of the 21st
century.
STATE
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
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Question 1 - Constitutional Amendment (Chapter 513, Acts of 2007) Early Voting; Polling Places; Absentee Ballots Authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation to
allow qualified voters to vote at polling places inside or outside of their
election districts or wards and to vote up to two weeks before an election.
This amendment also authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation to
allow absentee voting by qualified voters who choose to vote by absentee
ballot, in addition to voters who are absent at the time of the election or
who are unable to vote personally. (Amends Article I, §§1 and 3 of the Maryland Constitution)
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Origin
of this Ballot Question – Legislation that would
allow early voting and “no-excuse” absentee voting was passed by the General
Assembly in 2006, but a court decision found the legislation to be in conflict
with the Maryland Constitution.
Therefore, in the 2007 session, the General Assembly passed SB 1 -
Elective Franchise - Early Voting and Polling Places which amends the Maryland
Constitution to allow the General Assembly to pass legislation that will
establish early voting sites and allow voters to vote by absentee ballot
without having to give a reason. All
Constitutional Amendments must be passed by a majority of voters statewide.
Present
Practice – Article I, Section 1 of the
Maryland Constitution states that a voter “shall be entitled to vote in the
ward or election district in which he resides.”
As currently interpreted, this means that a voter cannot vote at an
early voting location outside the voter’s election district and that a
provisional ballot cast by a voter outside his or her election district cannot
be counted. Article XV, Section 7 of the
Maryland Constitution designates the “Tuesday after the first Monday of
November” as the date of the general election.
This has been interpreted by the Court of Appeals to mean that early
voting is not permissible.
Absentee
ballots are only for use by voters who are absent at the time of an election or
who are unable to vote in person at the assigned voting precinct. The absentee ballot application requires a
voter to affirm this fact.
Proposed
Change – If the amendment passes, the
General Assembly may enact laws to establish early voting sites. Early voting would allow registered voters to
vote, in person, up to two weeks before a state-wide primary or general
election at polling places outside of their normal district or precinct. Early voting sites can accommodate voters
from multiple precincts or even from the entire state. However, passing this amendment only allows
the General Assembly to establish an early voting process. The details of how many early voting sites
will be established and how the locations for them will be determined will come
in future legislation.
Passage
of this amendment will also allow the General Assembly to pass legislation that
enables any qualified voter to vote by absentee ballot if they choose to do
so. The enabling legislation could
remove the requirement to sign a statement telling why the voter wants to vote
by absentee ballot.
Pros: Allows for
in-person voting by voters who, due to work hours, long commutes or other
reasons, are unable to vote during the limited hours on Election Day. Early voting should ease long lines and
lengthy wait times at precincts on Election Day and should ease the workload of
precinct workers. This measure also
increases the likelihood that a voter’s provisional ballot will be counted by
allowing a provisional ballot cast outside the voter’s election district to be
counted for eligible races.
Cons: There will
be increased costs associated with providing polling locations prior to
Election Day. Voters who vote during
early voting may not have access to late campaign information on which to base
their election decisions. By encouraging
more voters to use absentee ballots or early voting sites, some of the
community interaction that takes place at precinct based polling places may
diminish.
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Question 2 - Constitutional Amendment (Chapter 5, Acts of 2007 Special Session) Authorizing Video Lottery Terminals (Slot Machines) to
Fund Education Authorizes the State to issue up to five video lottery
licenses for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education of children
in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school
construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at
community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total
number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the State, and
only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel,
Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties, and Baltimore City. Any additional
forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless
approved by a voter referendum. (Enacts new Article XIX of the Maryland Constitution)
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Origin
of this Ballot Question – For several years, efforts
to enact legislation that would authorize Video Lottery Terminals (slot
machines) as a way to raise revenue for state expenditures failed in the
legislature. The governor proposed, and
legislators agreed, that the decision of whether to significantly expand gambling
in Maryland should be decided by the voters.
The Maryland Constitution allows only two ways for citizens to vote on
laws. The first is to gather enough
signatures on a petition to place a law that has been passed by the General
Assembly on the ballot for voter approval.
The second is to place a constitutional amendment, approved by
three-fifths of the legislators, before the voters in a General Election. In the 2007 Special Session, the Maryland
General Assembly passed HB 4, which would add a new article to the Maryland
Constitution to authorize video lottery terminal gaming (slot machines) in
Maryland. A majority of voters, statewide, must vote in favor of the
amendment for it to go into effect.
Present
Practice – Currently, the annotated code of
Maryland prohibits video lottery terminal (slot machine) gambling except
certain fraternal, religious or war veterans’ organizations in a few counties
may operate no more than five individual slot machines, and the revenue from
them must be used for the charitable purposes of those organizations. Public education is currently funded through
Maryland’s General Fund. State funding
for primary and secondary education is about $5.35 billon for this fiscal year. The three main sources of revenue for the
General Fund are income tax, retail sales tax and the State Lottery. School construction may be funded by the
General Fund but is primarily funded by borrowing through the issuance of State
bonds.
Proposed
Change – If the amendment passes, Maryland
may operate up to 15,000 video lottery terminals in five locations: Baltimore
City and Anne Arundel, Allegany, Cecil and Worcester Counties. No more than one gambling facility would be
allowed in each of the authorized jurisdictions. Another bill related to gambling, SB 3, was
also passed during the 2007 Special Session.
It will go into effect contingent on the passage of this constitutional
amendment. As defined by SB 3, 33% of
proceeds from video terminal gambling would go to the licensed operators, 9.5%
to the horse racing industry; and approximately 48.5% to education. The remainder would be used for lottery
expenses, local impact grants and administrative costs. Included in the latter is money to fight
gambling addiction. The amendment also
states that no additional video lottery terminals shall be authorized without
another approval by voters.
Pros: In 2007,
the Department of Legislative Services estimated 2010 state revenues will
increase by approximately $86 million from video gaming receipst and by as much
as $565 million by 2013. This additional
revenue could reduce tax increases that would otherwise be necessary to fund
projected education expenses. Maryland
residents who gamble in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware may choose to
spend their gambling dollars here instead of taking them out of state. New jobs will be created in construction and
the gambling industry. Jobs in the horse
racing industry may be saved. Unlike
taxation, gambling is a recreational choice and not a mandate.
Cons: In order
to generate enough revenue to reach the projected increases to state funding,
gamblers in Maryland would have to lose over $1 billion per year. To generate this level of revenue, the state
will have to urge its citizens to frequent slots parlors. Gambling, like other addictions, frequently
leads to social (and government) costs associated with lost productivity,
increased crime, broken families and even suicide. Disposable income that currently generates
sales tax revenue could be spent on gambling resulting in a loss to the General
Fund. The referendum would put a
specific revenue source, gambling, in the state Constitution. A constitution should be clear, concise and
confined to fundamentals of the structure of government.
To Accompany the On-Line
2008 GENERAL
ELECTION VOTERS’ GUIDES
General
Election: Tuesday,
November 4, 2008
Polls
open - 7 am
to 8 pm
Voter
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Find Your
Local Board of Elections – From the Maryland State Board of Elections Website.
Legislative and
Congressional District Maps – From the Maryland Department of Planning Website.
Absentee Ballot Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Emergency Absentee Ballot Procedure:
Provisional Ballot Procedure:
The Electoral College: An explanation.
THE VOTERS’
GUIDE and THE LEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS
The
League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote
political responsibility through informed and active participation in public
policy debate and governmental decision-making. The League has a long tradition of publishing
the verbatim responses of candidates to questions important to voters. The League offers this Voters’ Guide to
assist citizens in their decision-making process as they prepare for the
general election. The League does
not support or oppose any political party or candidate. The
candidates’ answers in the Guide appear as submitted. If answers exceeded the word limit, an
ellipsis indicates words were cut from the end of the statement. No write-in candidates will appear on the
ballot but the list of filed write-ins will be available at each polling
place. In
most areas of Maryland, the Local Leagues have been able to have Voters’
Guides printed for distribution. For
those voters who need On-Line access, this version has been prepared. The League thanks all candidates who submitted
answers to its questionnaires. |
VOTER
REGISTRATION STATUS and POLLING LOCATION
Check with
your Local Board of Elections to verify your registration status and polling
location. The registration deadline is
Tuesday, October 14.
COME PREPARED TO VOTE
1.
Read your sample ballot from Board of Elections mailed the last week of
October.
2.
Note your polling place location on the front; polling locations change!
3.
Use this Voters’ Guide to become informed on candidates and
issues.
4.
Mark your candidate selections and ballot question decisions ahead of time.
5.
Bring your completed sample ballot with you on November 4 to vote confidently
and reduce waiting times. Shorter lines
are expected from 10 am to 2 pm.
DON’T PANIC IF THERE’S A PROBLEM
1. Check the signs for directions
and/or ask the poll workers for assistance.
2. Depending on your jurisdiction,
language assistance may be available.
3.
If your name is not on the precinct register, you may be directed to another
polling place or given the option of a Provisional
Ballot. Provisional ballots are verified following the election for
voter registration accuracy. Votes of verified
registrants are included in the final election tally.
POLLING PLACE RESTRICTIONS
No
cell phone, pagers, cameras or computers may be used by voters in the polling
place.
Up
to two children, 13 or under, may accompany a voter into the voting booth.
LONG
WORK HOURS? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
On
Election Day, polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. State Law requires
Maryland-based employers to release you with pay for up to two hours only
if you do not have two continuous hours off during the time the polls
are open.
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1.
Apply in writing
for an absentee ballot if you “will be absent or unable to vote in person in
the election.” Applications are available from your local Board of
Elections upon request in writing, by telephone, or in person. 2.
Return completed
application form by 4:30 pm October 28 to the Board of Elections by mail or
in person. 3.
Absentee ballots
are usually mailed approximately three weeks before an election. 4.
Return completed
absentee ballots by mail, postmarked no later than Election Day, Nov. 4 or in
person at the Board of Elections by 8 pm on Election Day. If
the need arises from October 29 through Election Day, request an Emergency
Absentee Ballot. Apply in person at the Board of Elections: 1.
Complete Late
Application for Absentee Ballot, 2.
Receive an
absentee ballot and 3.
Vote on the spot
or return to the Board yourself by 8 pm on Election Day. If unable to complete this
process in person (e.g. hospitalization) 1.
You or someone
acting for you must obtain a Late Application for Absentee Ballot. 2.
Complete the
Designation of Agent section on the Late Application. 3.
Your agent then
obtains an absentee ballot from the Board of Elections on your behalf, brings
it to you to vote, and returns it prior to 8 pm on Election Day. |
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The
selection of the President and Vice President of the United States is more
complicated than simply counting up the number of votes that each candidate
receives on Election Day. When the
United States Constitution was written, the country’s founders created an
institution call the “Electoral College”. Part of the goal of establishing such an
institution was to give power to the less populous states and to insure that
candidates for President and Vice President had sufficient distribution of
support from all areas of the nation to govern. Each
state is allocated one elector for every representative that they have in
Congress. In Maryland, we have two Senators and eight members of the
House of Representatives so we have 10 electors in the Electoral College. The smallest states have two senators and
one member in the House so they have only 3 electors. Even though the District of Columbia has no
members in Congress they were given the right to have electors following the
ratification of the 23rd Amendment in 1961. California, the most populous state, has 55
electors. No member of Congress may be an elector. In
the beginning, the Electoral College had considerable power in making an
independent choice among the candidates for President and Vice President. At one time, their names appeared on the
ballot during a Presidential election. Now, only the names of the candidates
appear. However, voters are actually
casting ballots for electors who are pledged to the ticket they just voted
for. The candidate with the highest
number of votes in each state will be represented by electors who will all
cast their vote for the winning candidate. The exceptions to this
“winner take all” practice are the states of Maine and Nebraska. In those states, the winner of the statewide
vote gets 2 electoral votes (equal to the number of senators from the state)
and the candidate with the highest popular vote in each Congressional
District receives the one electoral vote that is allocated for that district. On
the Monday after the second Wednesday in December, all of the electors chosen
as a result of the General Election in November meet in their respective
state capitals to cast two ballots – one for President and one for Vice
President. The Electoral College
includes 538 electors (one for every member in Congress plus 3 from the
District of Columbia). In order to be
elected, the candidates must receive 270 electoral votes. If no candidate for President receives that
many votes, the House of Representatives picks the winner from the top three
vote getters. Each state receives only
one vote, regardless of its size. The
Senate chooses the Vice President if no candidate receives 270 votes. Senators cast their votes as individuals,
not as states. |