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League of Women Voters 2008 General Election
Voters’ Guide For Baltimore County |
President and Vice President of the United States
Representative in Congress – The Office
Representative in Congress – District 1
Representative in Congress – District 2
Representative in Congress – District 3
Representative in Congress – District 6
Representative in Congress – District 7
Judge of the Circuit Court – The Office
Judge of the Circuit Court – Circuit 3
Judge of the Court of Appeals Circuit 2
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals At Large
State Constitutional Amendments
Local Ballot Questions – Baltimore County
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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
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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 1
Frank M.
Kratovil, Jr.
Party: Democratic
Website:
www.kratovil.com
BACKGROUND: As a State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s
County, I fight every day to protect our families. As President of the Maryland State’s
Attorney’s Association, I’ve worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to
fight for better public safety laws in Annapolis. I’ll take that same approach in Washington.
IMMIGRATION: I favor stricter enforcement
of our immigration laws, and I firmly oppose granting benefits to anyone who is
not in this country legally. We need to
secure our borders, fix the legal immigration process, and give employers a
more efficient way to verify their employees’ immigration status.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I support
the use of market-based mechanisms like permit auctions or cap-and-trade
programs to reduce the greenhouse emissions from power plants and other
polluters. Climate change is a critical
issue, particularly for the low-lying coastal areas on the Eastern Shore.
ECONOMY: Reducing the deficit must be
a top economic priority. Our
out-of-control spending has weakened the dollar. Congress needs to cure its addiction to
deficit spending by enacting strict pay-as-you-go rules, balancing the budget,
and reforming the broken earmark process.
Fighting against wasteful spending will be one of my top priorities.
EDUCATION: No Child Left Behind has failed because of
lack of funding and an overemphasis on standardized tests. Real accountability requires us to look at
more than just a single test score. We
need to reform NCLB and define a more comprehensive standard to measure student
achievement.
HEALTH CARE: There’s
no silver bullet to our current health care crisis. To achieve a goal of universal coverage,
we’ll need a comprehensive approach that includes an expansion of programs for
children’s coverage, incentives for small businesses who offer coverage to
employees, and cost-reduction programs to slow medical inflation.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Our
over-reliance on Middle East oil is a critical national security issue. The answer is a combination of more domestic
oil production, increased efficiency standards for cars and buildings, and
significant investments in renewable and alternative energies like wind, solar,
and biofuels. Only a balanced plan will
achieve our goals.
Andy Harris
Party: Republican
Website:
www.andyharris.com
BACKGROUND: As a physician at Johns Hopkins, I understand
how to address rising healthcare costs. As a veteran of Operation Desert Storm,
I understand the threat our nation faces. As a State Senator, I have the
experience to be ready to serve in the US Congress on day one.
IMMIGRATION: I oppose all forms of
amnesty for illegal immigrants. The United States must give businesses the
tools they need to know if the people they are hiring are legal residents. The
United States needs to match the number of temporary work visas with need for
these workers in our economy.
CLIMATE CHANGE: The
United States needs to take common sense solutions to address climate change
without hurting the economy. With rising energy prices, the United States must
develop a comprehensive energy policy that includes greater production of oil
and natural gas, conservation, and developing the next generation of
alternative energy technology.
ECONOMY: The
United States must lower taxes and decrease wasteful government spending to
stimulate economic growth. Rising energy costs are hurting the economy. The
United States must develop a comprehensive energy policy including greater
production of oil and natural gas, conservation, and developing the next generation
of alternative energy technology.
EDUCATION: As a father of five and a teacher at Johns
Hopkins, I understand the value of education. The best decisions on education,
with the input of teachers and parents, are made at the local level, not by a
bureaucrat in Washington. We need to
prepare our children to compete in…
HEALTH CARE: As
a physician for over 25 years at Johns Hopkins, I look forward to addressing
rising healthcare costs. We need to make healthcare more accessible and
affordable to all Americans. Tort reform will bring the cost of healthcare
down, and attract more physicians to our rural areas.
NATIONAL SECURITY: As
a Commander in the US Naval Reserve and a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, I
understand the grave threat our nation faces from terrorism. I will continue to
support a strong and effective military that adjusts to the threats of the 21st
century. I have always fought to expand…
Richard James
Davis
Party: Libertarian
BACKGROUND: I run my own business
(dental practice), I have read extensively in American history and some in
economics, and I have read (and believe I understand) the United States
Constitution.
IMMIGRATION: I support a thorough review
of immigration requirements and might consider then consider increased legal
immigration. I support stricter enforcement of laws regarding illegal
immigration. I would require thorough evaluation of prospective immigrants and
would have a strict and simple deportation policy for any lawbreakers prior to
citizenship status.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I do not support federal
legislation regarding climate change beyond a possible tax on excess energy
consumption (which would need to be defined). I feel information is
insufficient as to exactly what changes are taking place and why and where
those changes will actually lead cannot yet be accurately predicted.
ECONOMY: The major challenge is governmental and individual
debt. Government spending must be drastically reduced and all taxation on
savings and investment should be eliminated. With reduced government spending,
any taxation should be on EXCESS consumption (including energy), with generous
allowance for individual needs for food, clothing, shelter and energy.
EDUCATION: I believe education should
be controlled at local levels, mainly town and county, with minimal involvement
at state level and essentially none at federal level beyond the service
academies. If other pressing national needs are identified, student loan
subsidy/deferment/repayment programs could serve as incentives.
HEALTH CARE: There should be tax exemptions for health care
expenses and for health insurance, especially true insurance for catastrophic
health events. Actual government involvement should be limited to public health
measures that can be clearly shown to prevent (or at least limit) the spread of
communicable disease.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Legal immigrants should be
more thoroughly screened and illegal immigration should be more thoroughly
addressed. There should be more effective enforcement of rules for visitors
violating any visa regulations (including overstaying time allowed), with more
rapid and efficient apprehension and deportation of violators.
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 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.
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 3
Thomas J. Bollinger, Sr. – Baltimore County
BIOGRAPHY: Loyola College B.S.; Univ. of Balto. Law School L.L.B.; Lt., U.S.
Army; Assistant State's Attorney; Assistant County Attorney; Member, Board of
Appeals; 20 years in the practice of law; Judge, District Court; Judge, Circuit
Court.
JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS: The appointment and election of judges who are
decisive. Judges decide - they are judges, not social workers.
LEGAL ACCESS: The public needs to be educated regarding the benefits that lawyers
can provide and the difficulties they can avoid for a client.
Pat Stringer – Baltimore County
BACKGROUND: Johns Hopkins University (1974); University
of Baltimore School of Law (cum laude, 1980).
Judge Pat Stringer has over 25 years of legal experience as an active
trial lawyer, from 1980 until his investiture on the Circuit Court for
Baltimore County in March, 2006; extensive trial experience; very involved in
community activities and service including serving as a mentor through the
Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families in Baltimore City; tutoring low
income dyslexic students; serving on Baltimore County Bar Association
Professionalism Committee and Pro Bono Committee; married for 32 years with 5
children.
JUSTICE
SYSTEM NEEDS:
There is still a great need for intensive substance abuse treatment
programs, within and outside of the Department of Corrections. Treating addiction effectively would reduce
crime and reduce the jail population.
Intensive treatment of addictions of inmates while in jail would reduce
rates of recidivism, as would expanded vocational programs.
LEGAL
ACCESS:
There is a need to provide low cost legal representation to the many
individuals who file pleadings and appear in court without lawyers to represent
them. Increased funding for Maryland
Legal Services for the poor, increasing the recruitment and training of
volunteer lawyers and making the public aware of reduced fee or pro bono legal
services that are available to lower income individuals would provide wider and
better access to the legal system.
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS
CIRCUIT 2
|
About the Office: SALARY: $162,352 annual base TERM: 10 years DUTIES: The Court of Appeals is the
highest court in Maryland (commonly called the Supreme Court in other states
and at the federal level). It hears cases almost exclusively by way of
certiorari, a process which gives the court discretion to decide which cases
to hear. However, the Court of Appeals is mandated by law to hear cases involving
the death penalty, legislative redistricting, removal of certain officers,
and certifications of questions of law. All seven judges hear oral
arguments on each case unless a judge removes him/herself from a case; then a
judge from another court, or a retired appellate judge, may be specially
assigned to sit in the place of the recused judge. |
|
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 for continuance in
office: Yes___ No___
Joseph F. Murphy, Jr.
– Baltimore
County, Harford
BACKGROUND: Member, Maryland Bar since
1969; appointed, Circuit Court for Baltimore County, 1984. Appointed, Court of
Special Appeals 1993; Chief Judge since 1996.
12/17/07 began serving on Court of Appeals. Judge Murphy teaches Evidence at UB Law School
and Trial Practice at UM Law
School. Author of Maryland Evidence Handbook.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: Lawyers to counsel and represent pro se litigants
who are unable to effectively represent themselves.
LEGAL ACCESS: Expand and strengthen the Access to Justice initiative, which has
improved the delivery of legal services as well as the public’s understanding
of the legal system.
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 COUNTY
Question
A -- Charter Amendment
Qualifications
of Council Members
AN
ACT to amend the County Charter to remove the prohibition on qualifying or
serving as a member of the County Council while holding employment with the
State. (Bills 52-07 and 81-08)
- For
the Charter Amendment
- Against
the Charter Amendment
Question
B
(This
question was not certified for inclusion on the ballot.)
Question
C -- County Ordinance
School
Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$105,204,000 for school projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years
starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore
County Charter. (Bill 58-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
D -- County Ordinance
Parks,
Preservation and Greenways Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$5,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects to be undertaken in
the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and
718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 55-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
E -- County Ordinance
Public
Works Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$84,400,000 for public works purposes, for the class of projects which
includes, among other things, streets and highways, bridges and storm drainage
systems, to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2009
pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill
56-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
F -- County Ordinance
Community
and Economic Improvement Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$4,000,000 for community and economic improvement and development projects to
be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to
Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 52-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
G -- County Ordinance
Operational Buildings
Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$13,400,000 for public operational buildings including, but not limited to,
general, health, police, fire, recreation, libraries, senior center and
detention buildings or facilities and necessary or desirable equipment, to be
undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to
Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 54-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
H -- County Ordinance
Refuse
Disposal Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$360,000 for refuse disposal projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal
years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the
Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 57-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
I -- County Ordinance
Community
College Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$30,136,000 for community college projects to be undertaken in the ensuing
fiscal years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the
Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 51-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
J -- County Ordinance
Agricultural
and Rural Land Preservation Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$6,000,000 for agricultural and rural land preservation projects to be
undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to
Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 53-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
Question
K -- County Ordinance
Waterway
Improvement Program Borrowing
AN
ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow
$6,500,000 for waterway improvement projects to be undertaken in the ensuing
fiscal years starting July 1, 2009 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the
Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 59-08)
- For
the County Ordinance
- Against
the County Ordinance
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. |