|
|
League of Women Voters 2008 General Election
Voters’ Guide For Baltimore City |
President and Vice President of the United States
Representative in Congress – The Office
Representative in Congress – District 2
Representative in Congress – District 3
Representative in Congress – District 7
Judge of the Circuit Court – The Office
Judge of the Circuit Court – Circuit 8
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals At Large
State Constitutional Amendments
Local Ballot Questions – Baltimore City
|
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
|
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. |
|
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
|
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. |
|
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 2
C. A. Dutch
Ruppersberger
Party: Democratic
Website: www.DutchforCongress.com
BIOGRAPHY: I
am home grown Baltimore. I went to City
College, the University of Maryland, and the University of Baltimore Law
School. For 25 years, I represented
Baltimore County as a prosecutor, Councilman, and County Executive. Now I am serving my third term in Congress
fighting for Maryland families.
IMMIGRATION: I
do not support illegal immigration. We
must make our nation’s borders more secure.
In Congress, I introduced legislation that hires 10,000 new border
patrol agents over the next five years.
I believe immigrants must learn English, learn the laws of our land, and
follow the requirements already in place ….
CLIMATE CHANGE: In Congress, I advocate for
environmental policies that will protect our world for future generations. We must conserve our resources and promote
long term innovative solutions to our energy needs. I sponsored legislation in 2005 energy bill
that extends the tax credit for Americans who purchase hybrid vehicles to
$4,000.
ECONOMY:
Families are facing record gas prices, rising college tuition payments,
skyrocketing health care costs, and declining property values. In Congress, I am working to increase the
development of alternative fuels, decrease our dependence on foreign oil,
expand financial aid opportunities, increase access to affordable health care,
and stabilize neighborhoods …..
EDUCATION: Every child in our country deserves a quality
education. The problem with “No Child
Left Behind (NCLB)” is it is not adequately funded. I believe the federal government must fully
fund NCLB so states can afford to modernize schools, retain top notch teachers,
and reduce class sizes.
HEALTH CARE:
High-quality affordable health care is out of reach for millions of
Marylanders. We must expand access to
affordable health care by offering tax credits to businesses that offer health
insurance to employees, reduce frivolous lawsuits that drive up rates, invest
in medical technologies that save lives and dollars, and protect…..
NATIONAL SECURITY:
Good intelligence is the best defense against terrorism. As Chairman of the Technical and Tactical
Intelligence Subcommittee that oversees the National Security Agency at Fort
Meade, I believe we must give our intelligence workers the resources they need
to do their jobs and keep our country safe.
Richard Pryce
Matthews
Party: Republican
Website: www.RichardMatthews.org
BIOGRAPHY: I have the
experience of a father, husband, mortgage payer, simply an average American
trying to make ends meet in the real economy. By trade I am a computer
systems engineer and have working on many prestigious projects, including the
systems for the 2004 G8 Summit in Sea Island Georgia.
IMMIGRATION: Illegal immigration can only be addressed
once our open borders are secure. A society with open borders and social
entitlements is setup for failure.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I will work to prevent overarching
unconstitutional Federal control of our environmental standards. Whether
working to prevent a unsafe LNG facility at Sparrows Point, or allowing a State
to exceed Federal EPA pollution standards, these environmental standards need
to reflect local values.
ECONOMY: Our repressive tax code to support our ever
expanding Federal Government is a terrible drag on our economy. I support
comprehensive tax reform that would scrap our current tax code and alleviate
the need for the IRS. I also would reject government subsidies and
bailouts of big business....
EDUCATION: “No Child Left Behind” takes control
away from our local school boards with mandates from afar. Our schools
need flexibility to teach to the needs and reflect the value of the local
community. Local control to schools can only come when we remove the
Federal Governments carrot to local districts.
HEALTH CARE: Health Care should be a priority of
doctors and patients, not government.
With a simplified tax code we could have a competitive market in health
insurance similar to auto insurance. People will then be able to obtain
affordable plans that are appropriate for their needs.
NATIONAL SECURITY: We have many successes in Iraq, removing
a dictator, confirming that there are not WMD’s and establishing a new
government. It is time for
Lorenzo
Gaztanaga
Party: Libertarian
Website: http://www.md.lp.org/candidates
BIOGRAPHY: A Maryland Libertarian Party officer, I
worked with the Coalition for a Democratic Maryland and Marylanders for
Democracy against ballot access requirements that have kept independent and
third party candidates off the ballot for the last 25 years. I have run for
Baltimore City Council twice and for Lieutenant Governor.
IMMIGRATION: Streamline the
process for legal entry and residence and follow up on those who overstay their
visas. Politicians encourage illegal immigrants to take advantage of welfare,
when they just want to work and help their families. Ensure that social
services are available only to legal residents and citizens.
CLIMATE CHANGE: We have to adapt,
whether it's colder or warmer, and always be mindful that if I pollute my
neighbor's air, water or soil, I either have to pay to clean it or give my
neighbor the money to clean it - and then stop my nasty ways.
ECONOMY: Congress must
end the printing of fiat currency without a substantial commodity to back it
up. If our dollar were today on a par with the Euro, we would be paying, maybe
$2.20 per gallon at the pump instead of $3.99 - $4.20.
EDUCATION: Devolve the
education authority back to the parents, understanding that many parents don't
know what they're doing. This problem can be offset by applying the true
concept of village child rearing - a community of individuals working together
voluntarily to achieve the best outcome for their children, without government
involvement.
HEALTH CARE: Let America's
working people keep the most money possible in their pockets and encourage
non-profit health co-ops for the working poor and the middle class and genuine
tax-free accounts for catastrophic health situations. Study ways to provide for
the truly needy that actually help those in need.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Fight terrorists who are criminals,
who commit criminal acts. Seek them out as you would a serial killer. Don't
invade countries. (Attacking
REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS – DISTRICT 3
John P.
Sarbanes
Party: Democratic
Website: www.johnsarbanes.com
BACKGROUND: Prior to my time in congress I spent two
decades in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Since elected I have
served on 3 committees including, the Education and Labor Committee, Natural
Resources Committee, and Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
IMMIGRATION: Responsible immigration reform requires
balancing America’s security with opportunity for earned citizenship. I support
a comprehensive reform strategy that strongly enforces our borders, punishes
businesses that hire outside the law, and affords a fair and structured path to
citizenship for those who abide by the rules.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Our focus has to primarily be a combination
of developing clean technology including solar and wind power, and other
renewable energy sources as well as reducing consumption. The best way to
combat climate change is to educate the next generation on good environmental
habits. This is why I introduced the No Child Left Inside act ....
ECONOMY: The most immediate challenge is the
deteriorating financial crisis which was precipitated by the sub prime mortgage
industry. Congress has already taken some steps to assist people who are in foreclosure
or facing foreclosure, while at the same time seeking to ensure that there is
enough credit liquidity in the market
..... .
EDUCATION: I believe that NCLB needs a significant
overhaul that will lesson the hyper focus and high stakes testing around math
and reading proficiency, and allow more flexibility for schools to prepare
students in all subjects. Additionally,
while important to maintain high
standards, we need sufficient resources to meet those standards. ...
HEALTH CARE: We need to move quickly and deliberately to
establish universal healthcare coverage as we work towards that we should take
immediate steps to provide adequate coverage for children, our veterans and
seniors.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Making sure that we have strong infrastructure
in our own country that will allow us to meet any challenges of natural
disasters or attacks on our country is absolutely critical. And the democratic
congress has been working very hard to strengthen those crucial infrastructures
like bridges, tunnels and highways.
Thomas E.
“Pinkston” Harris
Party: Republican
Website: None given.
BACKGROUND: Educated at Delaware State, Coppin and Johns
Hopkins Universities. Trained in
Economics at Hopkins Masters program. Also
owned health business for 20 years. I’m
an expert here.
IMMIGRATION: We should commit to rigorously enforcing the
laws already on the books. We should
secure our northern border better. Next
deny sanctuary cities federal funds. Deport all alien law breakers.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Mandate that within five years at least 25%
of all new cars and trucks powered by natural gas. It's cheaper and cleaner than oil. Expedite the building of new nuclear power
plants. Improve clean coal technology.
Invest more into alternative fuels such as wind sun and next generation
bio-fuels.
ECONOMY: Keep U.S. dollars home. Renew the Bush tax
cuts. This will give investors the
incentive to invest here. Drilling at
home and building new nuclear power plants means jobs. End capital gains to
invest in the economy.
EDUCATION: A failure. It had teachers teaching for the
test and this is not education. It led to too many teachers cheating. Education
should be localized.
HEALTH CARE: A program similar to the IRA. Individuals
place what they can afford in a tax deductable fund. These monies can be used as a deductable for
coverage in a nonprofit insurance company that handles preexisting conditions.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Our number one security issue is that we get
70% of our energy from people that hate us.
We give them billions to kill us with.
We need to become self sufficient in energy
REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS – DISTRICT 7
(If you live in this district, vote
for no more than one candidate)
Elijah Cummings
Party: Democratic
E-mail:
campaign@cummingsforcongress.com
CAMPAIGN
WEB-SITE ADDRESS: http://www.cummingsforcongress.com
BACKGROUND: Howard University (Phi Beta Kappa) 1973.
University of Maryland Law School (JD 1976). Maryland General Assembly (14
years Speaker Pro Tem). U.S. House of
Representatives (1996 - ) Oversight, Armed Services Joint Economic &
Transportation Committees (Chair, Coast Guard Subcommittee). Task Force on Health Care Reform. Past Chair,
Congressional Black Caucus. Attorney.
IMMIGRATION:
I support comprehensive immigration reform to better secure our borders,
protect workers against abuse, limit the downward pressure on wages and unify
families. We must act both realistically
and humanely toward the millions of undocumented workers and their families who
currently are within the U.S.
CLIMATE
CHANGE:
I support the "1Sky" Coalition goals: (1) create 5 million
green jobs - conserve 20% of our energy by 2015; (2) freeze pollution levels
now, cut by at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050; (3) limit
new coal plants; & (4) invest in renewable energy.
ECONOMY:
The federal deficit: We should reinstate the more progressive tax structure of
the 1990s, remain true to the "pay-go" budget discipline
re-established by the current Democratic leadership and end the War in Iraq as
soon as possible.
EDUCATION:
No Child Left Behind has existed as an under-funded federal mandate for far too
long. We must provide the resources to our schools and teachers that will allow
us to properly educate every child.
HEALTH
CARE:
I have long supported a universal, single-payer health care system for
all Americans based upon Medicare.
NATIONAL
SECURITY:
I voted against the Bush Administration's unilateral invasion of
Iraq. Now, it is time for a new
strategy: a responsible redeployment of American troops and diplomacy that encourages
political reconciliation in Iraq - and a refocusing of international action in
Afghanistan.
Michael T.
Hargadon
Party: Republican
CAMPAIGN
WEB-SITE ADDRESS: www.HargadonForUSCongress.com
BACKGROUND:
I have run a successful health care practice for 25 years. I know how to balance budgets and make
difficult decisions to discontinue staff or overhead expenses. I have served in leadership of several
groups, which serve the community and the church. I can bring common sense to
Congress.
IMMIGRATION: I would enforce the current immigration laws
without amnesty. Immediately deport
persons who are here illegally who have committed a crime, or threaten our
society. Discontinue any government services to people who are here
illegally. Secure our borders, and end
"anchor" baby abuse. Enforce
visa rules, and pass immigration reform.
CLIMATE
CHANGE: I would not involve the Federal Government
in legislation concerning climate change unless it can be demonstrated that
this phenomenon is occurring, and that we are responsible. A strict enforcement of property rights
should protect our environment. I would
support the Congressional Green Scissors Coalition.
ECONOMY:
Our deficit is the major challenge to the U.S. economy. Living beyond our means is a terminal
condition which needs to be stopped.
Every program lacking constitutional mandate should transitionally be
eliminated or offered to the states. Congress must balance the budget, and take
back control of the money supply.
EDUCATION:
Education of children is the primary responsibility of parents. Local education authorities, teachers, and
parents, can much better deal with education issues than a federal Department
of Education. I would repeal NCLB. Why send funds to Washington, when they can
be used effectively, and accounted for, at the local level.
HEALTH
CARE: The health care needs of our
citizens are private, and best made by the individual. Government involvement
at the federal level is a huge mistake.
Bureaucracies cannot compete with consumer driven health care options
which need to provide for an available, quality, and cost effective delivery
system.
NATIONAL
SECURITY: Our foreign policy is wed to the
military industrial complex. We are
overextended. We spend $1,000,000,000,000 a year to maintain our 700 bases in
130 foreign countries. Would we want
foreign troops in our country? We have
no constitutional authority, nor can we afford to be the world's policemen.
Ronald M.
Owens-Bey
Party: Libertarian
BACKGROUND: Married, two college trained adult sons, two
grandchildren. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Baltimore City Community College,
A.A. Degree; Morgan State University, B.A. Degree. License Social Worker
Associate since 1977. Lifelong
Baltimorean - formerly a resident of the Oliver Community who is presently
residing in the Forest Park Community.
IMMIGRATION: No response by deadline.
CLIMATE CHANGE: No response by deadline.
ECONOMY: No response by deadline.
EDUCATION: No response by deadline.
HEALTH: No response by deadline.
NATIONAL SECURITY: No response by deadline.
Write-In Candidates
Ray Bly
Party: Independent
E-mail: raybly@verizon.net
BACKGROUND: Self employed, 35 years, owner operator of
two businesses, activist, champion of the Bill of Rights, Christian, manager of
a lot of places I've worked, Vietnam combat vet.
IMMIGRATION: Easier to immigrate. National ID cards. Financial and criminal penalties enforced
against anybody that helps illegals in any way, including states.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Mass transit in urban areas. Drill, explore, solar and wind will help save
our environment. We've got to get the
cars off the road and the airplanes out of the air.
ECONOMY: No more income tax. Value added tax like Europe. The rich would have to pay their fair share
and the poor would pay a lot less, which would give them more spending
power. Tariffs on a lot of imports.
EDUCATION: No Child Left Behind is a disaster. Discipline, respect, ABCs, 123s is what we
should be teaching our children and with vouchers, parents would have a choice
of schools, and our public education would go out of business, like they did in
Europe.
HEALTH CARE: You have to be right wing and a Christian to
be a Republican. What hypocrites! I'm a
Christian and as Jesus put it to his rich disciples, "Give your money away
and help the poor." We all help
each other and national health care should be a priority, for eyes, teeth and
prescriptions also.
NATIONAL SECURITY: The left wing Democrats want to ban guns in
America and ban the right to defend yourself.
What hypocrites! Arm
America. Make it a requirement to learn
how to use and handle firearms.
Americans will defend our country ourselves, like they did on that
airplane in 9/11.
Charles U.
Smith
Party: Democratic
BACKGROUND:
I have devoted my career to public service unpaid; Major in mental health at
Morgan State (1972); Ordained Minister (1971), youth services (1973-1993); 39th
and York Road in Baltimore.
IMMIGRATION: Should be enforced on an individual basis.
CLIMATE
CHANGE:
Current and future legislation should be used to gain control over the
problem.
ECONOMY: Mortgage and credit crisis people through no
fault of their own should be given by congress legislation.
EDUCATION: It is not working.
HEALTH: National non-profit system should be set up.
NATIONAL
SECURITY:
There are so many, but it should start at the top. Our elected officials have failed the
American people.
|
About the
Office: SALARY: $140,352 annual base. TERM: Fifteen years, no term limit. HOW ELECTED: When there is a vacancy, the Governor
appoints a qualified person to fill the office. Each newly appointed Circuit Judge then
must stand for election at the first election that occurs at least one year
later. The judge may be opposed
formally by one or more qualified members of the bar. All candidates run on both the Democratic
and Republican ballots. Independents
vote only in the general election. DUTIES: Judges preside in the Circuit Court which
is a trial court of general jurisdiction covering major civil cases and more
serious criminal matters. Circuit
Courts also may decide appeals from District Court and certain administrative
agencies. |
|
Questions
asked the Judges: BACKGROUND: What education and life experiences qualify
you to hold this office? JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS: What is the 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? |
JUDGE OF THE
CIRCUIT COURT – CIRCUIT 8
Charles G. Bernstein – Baltimore City
BACKGROUND: Judge Bernstein spent almost 40 years
litigating the same kinds ofcases over which he now presides. He was an
Assistant State's Attorney for Baltimore City(1968-1970); an Assistant United
States Attorney for the District of Maryland;
(1970-1972) and the first Federal
Public Defender for Maryland (1974-1980).
From 1980 until appointed to the
Circuit Court for Baltimore City as an Associate Judge, he had an extensive
litigation practice specializing in "White Collar " Criminal Defense and complex civil cases. For over 20 years he was an Instructor at the
University of Maryland law school teaching "Trial Practice." Also, over the same time period, he has
taught lawyers at the " Maryland Institute for Continuing
Professional Education of Lawyers" (MICPEL) where he has always been one
of its highest rated instructors. In 2006 he was a co-recipient of the
"John Adams Award" for "Extraordinary Service as a Member of the
Maryland Criminal Justice Act Panel and in 2007 he received the "Heeney
Award" from the Section of Criminal
Law and Practice of the Maryland State
Bar Association for "Exemplifying the Highest Professional Standards and Achievement
During his Distinguished Career."
Emanuel Brown – Baltimore City
BACKGROUND: JUDGE EMANUEL BROWN, Judge-in-Charge, District
Court-Civil Division. Associate Judge since 1998. City Prosecutor-Division Chief, Sex Offense
Unit; Felony Trial Division/Team Captain.
Judicial Law Clerk, Circuit Court. University of Maryland School of Law,
J.D., University of Baltimore, B.A., M.P.A.,Veterans Program Director. Harford Community College, A.A; Air
Force/Reserve Retiree; City College High.
JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS: New Baltimore
Criminal Court Building would improve safety, administration of complex
criminal justice system. Restored
Mitchell Courthouse, updated technology would improve access and conduct of
civil trials. Expanded treatment
programs would cut costs of incarceration of unrehabilitated drug users, reduce
violent crimes associated with illegal drug trade in Baltimore.
LEGAL ACCESS: Lawyers’ pro
bono services, informational resources to self-represented persons, funding
Maryland Legal Services grantees, all improve access into our courts. Baltimore’s Circuit Court Judges work
everyday to assure justice for all, make justice accessible and meaningful to
every resident of Baltimore, and promote respect for the rule of law.
Yvette Michelle Bryant – Baltimore City
Timothy James Doory – Baltimore City
John Addison Howard – Baltimore City
Robert B. Kershaw – Baltimore City
BACKGROUND: Judge Kershaw practiced law for 30 years. Past
President of the Bar Association of Baltimore City, Baltimore Bar Foundation,
and American Bar Association Delegate. Director of the Maryland Legal Services
Corporation. University of Maryland
School of Law (J.D., with honors, 1977); Princeton University (A.B., cum laude,
1974).
George Levi Russell III – Baltimore City
BACKGROUND: Judge Russell served as a federal prosecutor
in the U.S. Attorney's Office for 10 years prosecuting criminal cases and
defending the government in civil cases. He also practiced with the Law Offices
of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. and Whiteford, Taylor and Preston L.L.P. representing
businesses and persons who have been injured.
JUSTICE
SYSTEM NEEDS: In Baltimore City, a new
Criminal Courts building will improve public safety and efficient
administration of the complex criminal justice system. A restored and technologically enhanced
Clarence E. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse will improve access to and conduct of
Civil trials. Expanded treatment
programs will cut costs of incarceration of unrehabilitated drug abusers/
addicts and reduce the violent crimes associated with the illegal drug trade in
Baltimore.
LEGAL
ACCESS: Expanding pro bono service by
lawyers, providing informational resources to self- represented persons, and
funding Maryland Legal Services grantees, all benefit persons needing access to
our courts for justice. Baltimore's
sitting judges on the Circuit Court work every day to assure justice for all,
to make justice accessible and meaningful to every resident of Baltimore, and
to promote high respect for the rule of law.
Pamela Janice White – Baltimore City
BACKGROUND: Judge White practiced law for 30 years, past
President of Maryland State Bar, Women’s Bar, and chaired Professionalism Committee,
other bench/bar groups. Judge White was
Bar Examiner for nine years, currently Director of Maryland Legal Services
Corporation. Distinguished Alumna
Washington and Lee University (J.D. 1977), Mary Washington College (B.A.
1974).
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF SPECIAL
APPEALS AT LARGE
|
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. |
|
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.
STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
|
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)
|
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.
|
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)
|
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.
LOCAL BALLOT
QUESTIONS – BALTIMORE CITY
Question
A -- Charter Amendment
Creation
of Department of General Services
Resolution
No. 08-03 for the purpose of establishing a Department of General Services,
providing for the powers and duties of the Department of General Services,
transferring certain powers and duties from the Department of Public Works to
the Department of General Services, and requiring that obstructions in the
public street to the work of the Department of Transportation or the Department
of General Services must be removed upon notice from those Departments.
- For
the Charter Amendment
- Against
the Charter Amendment
Question
B -- Bond Issue
School
Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-31 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$43,000,000, to be used for the acquisition of land or property to construct
and erect new school buildings, athletic and auxiliary facilities; and for
additions and improvements to or modernization or reconstruction of existing
school buildings or facilities; and to equip all buildings to be constructed,
erected, improved, modernized, or reconstructed by the Ordinance; and for doing
any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
C -- Bond Issue
Enoch
Pratt Library Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-20 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$3,000,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Enoch Pratt Library; and for the equipping of any and
all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing all
things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
D -- Bond Issue
Community
Development Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-18 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $30,500,000,
to be used for, or in connection with, planning, developing, executing and
making operative the community development program of the Mayor and City
Council of Baltimore; and for doing any and all things necessary, proper or
expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
E -- Bond Issue
Economic
Development Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-19 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$15,300,000 to be used for, or in connection with, planning, developing,
executing and making operative the commercial and industrial economic
development program of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore; and for doing
any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
F -- Bond Issue
Recreation
and Parks Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-30 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$16,000,000 to be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
installation, erection, protection, extension, enlargement, renovation and
modernization of, and additions to, public park or recreation land, property,
buildings, structures or facilities and for the equipping thereof; and for
doing any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection
therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
G -- Bond Issue
Public
Building Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-21 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $12,500,000
to be used for the acquisition of land or property; for the construction,
erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement,
and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities owned or controlled by the
City; and for the equipping of any existing and new buildings or facilities to
be constructed, renovated, altered, or improved by this Ordinance; and for
doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
H -- Bond Issue
Lyric
Opera House Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-43 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$1,000,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Lyric Opera House; and for the equipping of any and all
existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing
all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
I -- Bond Issue
Baltimore
Museum of Art Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-23 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$750,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Baltimore Museum of Art; and for the equipping of any
and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing
all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
J -- Bond Issue
Port
Discovery Children's Museum Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-29 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$600,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Port Discovery Children's Museum; and for the equipping
of any and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities
authorized to be constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance;
and for doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection
therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
K -- Bond Issue
EVERYMAN
THEATRE LOAN
Ordinance
No. 08-24 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$500,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Everyman Theatre; and for the equipping of any and all
existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing
all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
L -- Bond Issue
National
Aquarium in Baltimore Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-28 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$500,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the National Aquarium in Baltimore; and for the equipping of
any and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized
to be constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for
doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
M -- Bond Issue
Maryland
Science Center Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-26 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $400,000
to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the construction,
erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement and
repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or in connection
with the Maryland Science Center; and for the equipping of any and all existing
and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be constructed,
renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing all things
necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
N -- Bond Issue
Walters
Art Museum Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-32 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$350,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Walters Art Museum; and for the equipping of any and all
existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing
all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
O -- Bond Issue
Maryland
Zoo in Baltimore Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-25 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$300,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the construction,
erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement and
repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or in connection
with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore; and for the equipping of any and all
existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing
all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
Question
P -- Bond Issue
Meyer
Symphony Hall Loan
Ordinance
No. 08-27 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to
$300,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the
construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation,
improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or
in connection with the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall; and for the equipping of any
and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be
constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing
all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.
- For
the Bond Issue
- Against
the Bond Issue
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.
|
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. |
|
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. |