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League of Women
Voters 2008 General Election
Voters’ Guide For Montgomery County |
President and Vice President of the United States
Representative in Congress – The Office
Representative in Congress – District 4
Representative in Congress – District 6
Representative in Congress – District 8
Judge of the Circuit Court – The Office
Judge of the Circuit Court – Circuit 6
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals At Large
Board of Education – Montgomery County
State Constitutional Amendments
Local Ballot Questions – Montgomery 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
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES
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About the U.S.
House of Representatives: SALARY: $169,300 per year. TERM: Two years, no term limit. HOW ELECTED: The United States is
divided into 435 Congressional Districts that are reapportioned after every
decennial census. Following the 2000 census,
reapportionment resulted in Montgomery County having parts of three
Congressional districts located in its boundaries. 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 4
(If you live in this district, vote
for no more than one candidate)
Donna Edwards
Party: Democratic
Website: www.donnaedwardsforcongress.com
BACKGROUND: I graduated from Wake Forest
University (B.A., 1980) and Franklin Pierce Law Center (J.D.,1989). I founded the National Network to End
Domestic Violence and as Executive Director I led the fight to pass the Violence
Against Women Act. I have served in the
House of Representatives since June 2008.
IMMIGRATION: I support a tough, fair, and
practical policy that moves undocumented immigrants toward citizenship,
strengthens border security, and ensures that employers are accountable and
workers are not exploited. I support
fair trade policies to protect U.S. jobs, provide fair wages, guarantee
workplace safety, and comply with international human rights laws.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I support long-term investments and incentives for clean, renewable energy and mass public transportation to provide real solutions to protect the environment for future generations. We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and end subsidies of polluting industries. Transitioning to a greener economy means good jobs and good business.
ECONOMY: As the mortgage crisis worsens and energy prices maintain
record levels, the next financial crisis may be related to credit, as people
struggle make ends meet. U.S. consumers already
own nearly $1 trillion in credit card debt.
I support new, aggressive credit card regulations aimed to help protect
consumers.
EDUCATION: While the law itself it not perfect, the goals of NCLB can
still be achieved if corrective action is taken immediately. I support revising
measures of adequate yearly progress for schools, measure student growth more
individually, increase the number of highly qualified teachers, and provide
full funding for these initiatives.
HEALTH CARE: I support long-term solutions that will provide affordable, accessible, quality, universal health care for all Americans—focusing on prevention and doctors making medical decisions. I will fight to enable states to negotiate prescription drug prices, and I will not take contributions from drug and insurance companies that block real change.
NATIONAL SECURITY: I support responsibly withdrawing from Iraq and refocusing military priorities on real threats in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while re-establishing our commitment to diplomacy throughout the world. As the daughter of a veteran, I am committed to providing quality medical, educational, compensatory and mental health services to veterans and their families.
Peter James
Party: Republican
Website: www.peterjames08.com
BACKGROUND: 53 years of life in the US. 25 years studying
the monetary system. 35 years high tech knowledge of impact on privacy,
environment, and our standard of living. 25 years public good projects.
Fighting for rights such as jury trial rights and stopping distribution of
citizen information to private entities.
IMMIGRATION: Hitler scapegoated the Gypsies while he
enslaved Germany. We are told the illegals are causing our economic problems,
when in reality trillions of dollars worth of our wealth is being stolen from
us by the international banking cartel. Globalists want open borders. Enforce
immigration laws but watch “Money as Debt”.
CLIMATE CHANGE: This presupposes eminent global climate
change is valid. Our money system requires a unsustainable 3% production growth
rate to feed the debt monster. Fixing the money will reduce energy consumption
to a sustainable level. Provide tax credits for geothermal home systems will
cut power generation green house gases by 30%.
ECONOMY: Our economy is based on a flawed and unjust
monetary system. Google and watch “Money as Debt”. Our greatest leaders
Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Lincoln, Jackson, Garfield have all successfully
stopped private money issuance monopolies and fixed the monetary system by
returning the power to issue money to the Congress.
EDUCATION: Federal education mandates are nothing more
than bribery at best and extortion at worst. You as a parent should control
your child’s education, not some bureaucrat .I would abolish the department of
education and reduce taxes by a like amount. Local governments could raise
additional taxes that would better spent.
HEALTH CARE: We have plenty of healthcare. What we lack is
the money to pay for it. By fixing our money system and creating prosperity all
Americans’ will be able to afford quality healthcare. The money monopoly has
impoverished America to gain monopoly control over all healthcare (30% of the
GDP).
NATIONAL SECURITY: "Those who would give up Essential
Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor
Safety" Fear mongering has been
used to steal our liberty. I would repeal all unconstitutional nation security
legislation. We can protect our society without giving up our essential
liberties. Freedom makes America special.
Thibeaux
Lincecum
Party: Libertarian
Website: http://lincecum.us
BACKGROUND: By consistently achieving goals,
I was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Navy, Vice Commander
of Tulane AFROTC Cadets, then Captain in the Air Force, and received the Air
Force Commendation Medal. I'm now an information technology consultant
with experience at many federal agencies
IMMIGRATION: Make legal immigration
easier by allowing entrance to any guest worker that doesn't represent a health
or security threat and giving citizenship to all applicants who meet reasonable
standards, with no quotas. Make illegal immigration harder and less
desirable by improving border security and increasing enforcement of current
laws.
CLIMATE CHANGE: The Declaration of
Independence affirms our right to life, so government is obligated to restrict
life-threatening pollution. However,
carbon dioxide is not a pollutant, and climate change, although probably
requiring adaptation, is not clearly life-threatening. Conditions may
arise that would justify federal legislation, but they haven't yet.
ECONOMY: Our growing debt makes us a
slave to other nations, as we are obligated to pay interest for decades to
come. We must balance the budget by reducing spending on almost all
government programs, and start paying off our debt. Every spending
increase for any program conflicts with this priority.
EDUCATION: Attaching incentives to
only a few subjects undermines the teaching of all other subjects.
Standardizing education across the nation inhibits the freedom of local schools
to innovate and find better ways to teach. I support repealing 'No Child Left
Behind' legislation.
HEALTH CARE: Allow individuals to
purchase health insurance and medical care for themselves with the same tax
benefits given to employers and third parties, with any terms agreeable to
themselves and the insurer. Lower drug
costs by allowing doctors to rely on drug certification by multiple
organizations, rather than only the FDA
NATIONAL SECURITY: By not trying to impose
values or gain influence in other nations through the use of force, we remove
incentives for others to attack us and can reduce our military spending.
The best guarantee for continued peace between nations is economic
interdependence, and that results from free trade.
Write-In Candidates
Bobby Broadus
Party: Republican
Website: http://localpolitics.meetup.com/142
No response by deadline.
Darryn O’Shea
Jackson, Sr.
Party: Democratic
Website: www.darrynjackson.com
BACKGROUND:
I am a United States Citizen, Resident in the state of Maryland, I am 44 Years
old.
IMMIGRATION: Comprehensive immigration reform.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act (CSIA)
- S.280.
ECONOMY: Labor: Invest in U.S. Manufacturing, Create
New Job Training Programs for Clean Technologies, Create New Jobs.
EDUCATION: Fund the law, Recruit, Prepare, Retain,
Reward America’s Teachers.
HEALTH CARE: Guaranteed Eligibility.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Strengthen our security; rebuild the Military,
National Guard and boarder patrol.
Steve Schulin
Party: Unaffiliated
Website: http://www.md4steve.org
BACKGROUND: I've run nuclear.com since
1994. I'm disappointed at the miserable failure of our nation's dominant
parties to offer a 100% pro-life candidate on the ballot, one who fears
God, loves liberty, and will conserve our sovereignty. I'm a candidate
because 'If you don't see a leader, be a leader.'
IMMIGRATION: I support immediate
securing and continuous vigilant maintenance of our sovereign territory
and borders. I oppose any private or governmental action that rewards
illegal entry into the USA in any way, and demand speedy and full
enforcement of our laws concerning all such activities. No amnesty.
CLIMATE CHANGE: After literally thousands
of hours of reading science journals and discussing CO2-climate with a
wide range of scientists, I strongly oppose the wrenching changes urged by the
alarmists and global governance advocates. I support only commonsense
actions like preventing homeowners associations from banning clotheslines.
I'll debate anyone, anytime.
ECONOMY: I support abolishing the federal income tax.
This will unleash an economic boom the likes of which we've never seen. A
fair, simple, noninvasive, visible, efficient, consumption-based retail
tax is my proposed replacement. The current tax system is destructive
of our liberties in many ways.
EDUCATION: No child left behind is,
sadly, an example of federal government abrogating the 10th amendment of
our Constitution. If terrorists had caused the devastation of our
education system, we'd declare war. I'll work to ensure parents have a
real choice of schools, and I'll counter the secular humanists every day.
HEALTH CARE: We talk about health care,
but our government has long been integral in misdirecting our resources
into creating our current system of "sick care". This needs to
change. I oppose the plans to nationalize this important part of our
society.
NATIONAL SECURITY: "Peace through
strength" is not a mere slogan. It is the means of our survival in a
very dangerous and often hostile world. Our friendship should be a
sought-after possession of all of good will everywhere in the world. Our
enmity should be something that all rightfully fear.
REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS – DISTRICT 6
(If you live in this district, vote
for no more than one candidate)
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 8
(If
you live in this district, vote for no more than one candidate)
Chris Van Hollen
Party: Democratic
Website: www.vanhollen.org
BACKGROUND: Member of Congress (2003-Present) Committee Assignments:
Ways and Means; Oversight and Government Reform; Vice Chairman Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency Caucus, Co-Chairman, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, Maryland
State Senate, 1994-2002; Maryland House of Delegates, 1990-1994; Senior Advisor
on Federal Affairs, Maryland Governor (1988-1990) .
IMMIGRATION: We must strengthen border security, interior
enforcement and prevent illegal immigration. Support overall approach (though
not every provision) of the McCain-Kennedy bill to address issue of existing
undocumented individuals and the comprehensive strategy once outlined by
President Bush. Fix our legal immigration system to end huge backlogs.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Have sponsored legislation to: terminate
taxpayer subsidies to oil industry and redirect tax incentives to renewable
sources; boost federal research for
renewable energy; raise energy efficiency standards for appliances and
buildings; increase CAFE standards;
implement a Renewable Electricity Portfolio standard; develop a cap and trade
system for carbon emissions.
ECONOMY: Global competition presents both a challenge
and opportunity. Need world class
education system from pre-K through college.
Boost federal investment in and incentives for basic R&D; reduce
deficit through greater financial discipline including pay-go budget rules;
major infrastructure modernization program; greater transparency and oversight
of financial markets.
EDUCATION: Fully fund this Act. The first bill I
introduced, the Keep our Promises to America’s Children and Teachers (Keep our
PACT) Act would require the federal government to fully fund both the NCLB Act
and the federal special education law (IDEA). Modify some measures of academic
progress to improve incentives.
HEALTH CARE: The lack of health coverage for 46 million
people is unacceptable. I support universal health care coverage. I am
sponsoring legislation to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program, allow
earlier buy-in to Medicare, create a small business plan modeled after federal
employees’ health system, and provide for mental health parity.
NATIONAL SECURITY: In Afghanistan, prevent resurgence of Taliban
and finish job against al Qaeda. Iraq war has strengthened Iran and the most
radical elements in the region. U.S. cannot impose democracy by force. Lead not
only by might of our military, but power of our ideas. Restore credibility.
Implement 9/11 Commission recommendations.
Steve Hudson
Party: Republican
Website: www.stevehudson2008.com
BACKGROUND: I’m an independent citizen
with skills that can help. I want to take the power away from politicians
and deliver it back to you, where it belongs.
If elected, I will serve no more than three terms in the House of
Representatives at your discretion.
IMMIGRATION: Secure the borders and air
entry points into the U.S. and enforce existing immigration laws. Reducing the illegal immigrant population
will save billions in tax expenditures.
Improve opportunities for legal residents, reduce crime, and strengthen
our economy and our future.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Global warming is a serious
threat. We should respond by increasing the capture of greenhouse gases and
reducing carbon emissions into our atmosphere. Eliminating capital gains
taxes on alternative and renewable energy investments will rapidly expand these
sectors and propel us away from fossil fuels toward energy independence.
ECONOMY: To boost jobs and our
economy, we need an energy strategy. Lower the federal gas tax and provide
incentives for businesses to allow employees to work from home. Transition from foreign to domestic energy
production through environmentally-conscious domestic drilling. Finally, convert from fossil fuels to
alternative, renewable, and nuclear energy.
EDUCATION: Parents, teachers, and
local school boards should play a much greater role in education
than “One Size Fits All” government standards like NCLB. We must take care of our teachers. I support subsidized salaries for teachers
who genuinely care and perform. I have
four children in public school.
HEALTH CARE: Improve access and quality
of health care by offering tax credits to purchase private insurance. Allow groups other than employers to offer
individual policies and expand the health care insurance market. Allow re-importation of prescription drugs
from countries with a high standard of care.
Fully fund Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Deficit spending threatens
our security by making us dependent on countries like China. Foreign governments could easily wage
economic war on the U.S. by dumping our treasury bonds, which would sink the
dollar. I support a balanced budget amendment
with a supermajority exception in times of war or national crisis.
Gordon Clark
Party: Green
Website: www.clarkforcongress.net
BACKGROUND: I am a lifelong activist,
advocate and community organizer for peace, social justice and the
environment. I have both founded and run
organizations, including serving as Executive Director of Peace Action, the
nation’s largest grassroots peace organization.
I am also a conflict-resolution trainer, and ten year resident of Silver
Spring.
IMMIGRATION: Targeting 12 million undocumented
workers, many of whom pay taxes, makes no sense. We must focus law enforcement
on the large companies that employ them, often in dangerous jobs, and work to
improve economic conditions in their home countries, reducing their incentive
to come here for work.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Al Gore's goal to have 100%
of our electricity from renewable energy in ten years; a government initiative
for gas-free electric cars; re-investment in rail mass transit, both local and
national; significant, direct federal investment in energy conservation and
localized renewable energy generation; a moratorium on coal-fired power plants.
ECONOMY: Our greatest economic
challenge is the inevitable end of cheap oil, along with severe climate change
from burning fossil fuels. Investing in renewable energy, we can create
millions of green jobs and protect our environment. This must be our New Deal,
Marshall Plan and Apollo Project rolled into one.
EDUCATION: Accountability is a
laudable goal, but the No Child Left Behind Act is too blunt and inflexible for
national education policy. NCLB has
forced schools to "teach to tests," often eliminating art and even
social studies and de-enriching the educational environment. It’s also used for
military recruiting, which must end.
HEALTH CARE: We'll never provide
adequate health care for 100 million+ uninsured and underinsured Americans
through private insurance companies, whose financial incentive is to deny
coverage. We must create a universal, single-payer national health care system
with free choice of doctors and hospitals. Other countries have done this, why
can't we?
NATIONAL SECURITY: The invasion and military
occupation of Iraq has been a humanitarian, financial and national security
disaster, creating far more enemies than friends. Congress must use its
"power of the purse" to stop funding this catastrophe and bring our
troops home - not simply downsize it while sending troops elsewhere.
Ian Thomas
Party: Libertarian
No
response received by deadline.
Write-In Candidates
Deborah A. Vollmer
Party: Democratic
Website: http://www.deborahvollmer.com
BACKGROUND: B.A. in Government,
Clark University, 1970; JD University of Maryland School of Law, 1973. Practiced
law in California:United Farm Workers; Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance;
sole practice. Currently semi-retired. Active in anti-war
movement. Board member,Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Coalition. Formerly a member of Social Justice Council at Cedar Lane
Unitarian Universalist Church.
IMMIGRATION: We are a nation of
immigrants, and immigrants contribute to our culture and our economy. We
need humane policies that allow immigrants to earn legal residency and
citizenship, and that promote family unification.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Limit the emissions of
pollutants (both vehicle emissions, and pollution arising from industry);
incentives for the manufacture of more hybrid vehicles, the development of more
energy efficient vehicles; improving mass transit, especially the maintenance
and expansion of our Metro system; renewable energy: wind and solar.
ECONOMY: The war in Iraq in
particular, and military spending in general, has been a tremendous drain on
our economy. We need to refocus our resources on domestic programs to
alleviate the effects of poverty—in areas such as housing, health care, and
education.
EDUCATION: There are serious
flaws in this legislation. We should help struggling teachers and
struggling schools, rather than penalizing them. Make adequate financial
resources available. Get away from the emphasis on teaching to the
test—encourage teachers to be creative, and to provide an atmosphere where
children enjoy learning.
HEALTH CARE: I favor legislation
sponsored by John Conyers and Dennis Kucinich for universal, publicly-funded,
quality health care for all, with individual choice of health care
provider. No American should be denied quality health care, which should
be considered a human right.
NATIONAL SECURITY: End the flawed policy
of the Bush Administration, the so-called “global war on terror.” End
U.S. funding for the war on Iraq; withdraw troops; and stop perpetuating
drumbeats for war with Iran. Focus on promoting mutual respect among
peoples and nations, and focus on diplomacy rather than warfare.
Lih Young
Party: Democratic
Website: www.Vote-USA.org/Intro.aspx?Id=MDYoungLih
BACKGROUND: Profiled in Marquis Who’s
Who. Reformer, advocate, activist, super-mom, -woman, victim-turned superhuman
against “fraud-crime-injustice-system”. Excellent expertise, commitment. PhD
econ. Producer/host, numerous TV programs, Citizen Times, judiciaries,
agencies, working class, faith revival, democracy, humanity, conscience,
freedom, global affairs. Prestigious certificates: High, Special Exams.
Testified frequently, 3 branches, law enforcement. Congress.org, archives ….
IMMIGRATION: Stop minorities
bashing. Support civilian review board. Improve quality officials. race
relationships, diversity in good faith, not rhetoric or abuse as often by
“fraud-crime- injustice network”. Clean-up; not relaying/shuffling at the
expense of justice, productivity, good workers, minorities, immigrants.
Investigate/ prosecute/ eliminate: unjust appropriation, siphoning resources to
benefit a few.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Address global warming and
oil dependence; raising auto fuel economy; caps on carbon
pollution; investing in public transportation, energy conservation
technologies, alternative energy development; Eliminate abuse, waste, bad
legislative bills, appropriations, abandonment of resources, land, government
resources to benefit a few, victimize others or general public; opposite
government function; cause ,,,
ECONOMY: Protect people’s resources
(public, private), rights, families. No unjust practices, manipulation,
influence, bad proposals, hidden agenda, false excuses (public-private
partnership, economic development, housing, MPDU…) to benefit/ facilitate
“official misconduct- governmennt gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”
=cruel tyranny= robbery machine; continuing, on-going, expanding, penetrating;
false levies, liens, garnishment, foreclosures, evictions; vicious ….
EDUCATION: Promote merits, efficiency, accountability;
no unjust practices, misleading, manipulation, conspiracy, cover-up, “official
misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks”. Eliminate
abuse, waste, bad legislative bills, appropriations, abandonment of resources,
land, government resources to benefit a few, victimize others or general
public; opposite government function; cause socio- political- election- media
problems.
HEALTH CARE: Support universal national
health insurance (all, Medicare, Medicaid, prescription, uninsured,
catastrophic); single payer (government); simple, effective, equal, quality,
accountability, preventive, affordable, cost containment; public funded
research; not to benefit a few; public education, consumer protection.
Eliminate deceit, deprivation, victimization, unjust practices, “official
misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice networks” operation.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Prosecute, eliminate,
penalize: official misconduct- government gang- fraud- crime- injustice
networks; conspiracies, cover-up fraud and crime; unjustly deprivation of
resources (public, private); false excuses, falsification, tampering data,
information; victimize, retaliate; damage, destruction, conceal truth,
documents, witnesses; unjust manipulation, monitoring, influence; denial of
filming, airing, TV, radio, media, copyrights, etc.
|
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 6
(Vote for no more than two judges)
Robert Alan Greenberg -- Montgomery
BACKGROUND: I graduated from Wheaton High School, Washington
College, and the University of Baltimore School of Law. I was a Montgomery
County Assistant State’s Attorney, and also an attorney in private practice for
nearly 25 years before being appointed to the Circuit Court bench two years ago
by Governor Ehrlich.
JUSTICE
SYSTEM NEEDS: We need to continue our efforts at finding
alternative means to resolve disputes. Court dockets are already overcrowded,
and our physical facilities limited. Many cases
both civil and criminal can be
effectively settled without judicial intervention, through trained mediators
and facilitators.
LEGAL
ACCESS: Montgomery County lawyers
already provide legal representation to the indigent, through the Public
Defender’s Office (criminal cases), the Legal Aid Bureau (civil cases), and our
county bar association’s pro bono program. More government funding would ensure
continued access, by all citizens, to these vital services.
Mary Beth McCormick – Montgomery
BACKGROUND: I have been a judge since 1997 and have
worked in the legal field for 32 years. Before becoming a judge, I practiced in
civil and criminal law, as a partner in a law firm and in the Public Defender’s
Office; also as law clerk for a Circuit Court judge....
JUSTICE
SYSTEM NEEDS: Developing more cost-effective ways of
resolving disputes. Due to the increasing
costs of litigation, many people decide to represent themselves in matters
where they would be better served by having an attorney.
LEGAL
ACCESS: The Maryland courts have worked very hard to
provide access to the legal system. There is a tremendous amount of on-line
assistance, particularly for District Court cases. The Court continues to train its personnel,
including judges, to guide the self represented litigant, while still remaining
impartial.
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.
BOARD OF EDUCATION – MONTGOMERY COUNTY
|
About the Office: SALARY: $18,500
annual base TERM: Four
years, no term limit HOW ELECTED: The
Board of Education is composed of five members who must reside in the
districts that they represent and two at large members who may live anywhere
in the county. Elections for Board of
Education are non-partisan. Three
seats will be filled in the general election in November. Candidates are
running for one at-large seat and for two seats that represent districts. All
voters, regardless of the district in which they reside, may vote for one
at-large candidate and one candidate from each district. DUTIES: Members
of the Board of Education determine and enforce policies that govern the
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
Among other responsibilities, the Board of Education appoints the
Superintendent of Schools; initiates, reviews and discusses educational
issues; reviews and submits to the County Council annual capital and
operating budgets; and receives funding from county, state and federal
sources. |
|
Questions asked the Board of Education candidates: BACKGROUND: What are your qualifications for this
office? PRIORITIES: What are your priorities for serving on the
Board of Education? TESTING: What should be the role of standardized
testing in the school curriculum? BUDGET: What is your view on teacher salary
negotiations? OPTIONS: Does MCPS provide enough options for the
non-college bound student? Please
explain. SUPERINTENDENT: What qualifications would you look for in a
superintendent? |
At Large:
(Vote for no more than one candidate regardless of where you live.)
Phil Kauffman
WEBSITE: www.philkauffman.com
BACKGROUND: I am a parent of two MCPS graduates. I have been active at all levels of PTA:
school, cluster, and countywide. With a
degree in Economics, I understand the financial complexities of the MCPS
budget. As an attorney, I know how to
read and draft policies for maximum effectiveness.
PRIORITIES: Develop a fiscally responsible budget that is
transparent to taxpayers. Ensure that
the middle school reform effort is successful by designing a curriculum that
challenges every student. Encourage
student achievement through meaningful programs, involve parents and engage the
community. Eliminate unnecessary testing
to provide more time for teaching.
TESTING: Standardized tests can gauge whether students’
mastery of curriculum is consistent across schools. However, as MCPS aligns curriculum with state
tests, it must not lower standards. A coherent and content-rich curriculum must
be developed that emphasizes complete mastery of basic facts and skills as well
as concepts
BUDGET: It is important to the success of our schools
that we continue to attract and retain highly qualified teachers. Competitive salaries are necessary to meet
that goal. However, it is equally important
to balance the needs of taxpayers to ensure that agreed upon compensation for
employees is fiscally affordable.
OPTIONS: No. MCPS
needs to improve its career preparation programs for students who are
interested in job opportunities upon graduation. The Edison program is very successful and
similar programs should be included along with countywide career pathways to
create more options for our students in every high school
SUPERINTENDENT: The Superintendent must possess strong interpersonal
and communication skills with the ability to articulate clearly the district’s
vision to all stakeholders. He/she must
be able to build consensus among individuals and groups. The Superintendent must be an effective
advocate for the interests of MCPS in Annapolis.
Tommy
Le
WEBSITE: None
BACKGROUND: I have a formal education in engineering and am a
licensed engineer in Maryland. I had taught schools [vocational school and
college]; I have served on career/technical advisory committees to
MCPS & Montgomery
colleges, as well as citizens boards to advise County Executive and County
Council. The School Board currently …
PRIORITIES: (1) Hold MCPS to be more fiscally accountable
in this time of economic uncertainty and yet will maintain our public schools
academically excellence in reading, writing, math, science, and information
technology. (2) Improve vocational training; emphasize civic education and
responsibility to family, society, and country.
TESTING: I concur that all students must demonstrate
acceptable academic performance via some types of testing - Test results also
reflect the teaching skills and instructional ability of teachers. Test results
also bear the proof of whether the curriculums taught by MCPS to our students
at the different levels are meeting …
BUDGET: The teachers union has the right to negotiate for
the basic annual increase for their members; however these increases should at
the level commensurate with what the community’s resources can accommodate. I
also would call for some reserved fund to award those good teachers who would
go beyond their duty.
OPTIONS: No. Our country will need more technicians and
trained workers than ever to manage our technical machineries and upgrading our
national infrastructures. MCPS seems to
dwell on getting students academically-prepared for colleges and had neglected
other technical/vocational education needs for students who want to learn non
academic skills.
SUPERINTENDENT: He/She should come from our own county, who is
well respected by peers and stakeholders, who understands our schools system
and all its ills and great-nesses. The superintendent will respect the wills
and needs of all spectrums in our community and will dedicate 100% time running
the schools system in…
District 2:
(Vote for no more than one candidate regardless of where you live.)
Stephen
N. Abrams
WEBSITE: None
BACKGROUND: Both my experience as a
3-term member of the Board of Education as well as my professional background
is my best qualification for a 4th term. I bring a common-sense, problem-solving
approach to the Board, and I am able to think outside the box for innovative
solutions to new challenges.
PRIORITIES: My priority has been
maintaining MCPS’s outstanding performance while undergoing dramatic
demographic changes. It will continue to
be focused on raising the educational outcomes for all students and
institutionalizing the change in MCPS culture as a result of the Weast reforms.
TESTING: I favor testing that leads to certification. For example, I am a strong advocate of both
AP and IB exams where students can earn college credits or course
exemptions. I would like to see the
state and federal tests that our students are required to take to adopt similar
criteria….
BUDGET: I was one of two Board members who did not support
the current teachers’ contract. I
opposed it because I didn’t believe the County’s budget could accommodate it,
particularly the third year. We will see
next year if I was right.
OPTIONS: We need more. Our reforms have been based on the
realization that the vocational skills of the 21st Century require
communications skills and competency in math, English and computers. We need to make sure we teach the skills
needed for a high tech, bio-science workplace that will produce most of…
SUPERINTENDENT: I
believe the next superintendent needs to have the same passion for rigor and
high expectations for all students that has been the driving force behind Dr.
Weast’s reforms. The next superintendent need not be a change agent. Rather, he
or she needs to be able to help our institution …
Laura
V. Berthiaume
WEBSITE: www.laura4boe.com
BACKGROUND: Current MCPS parent; Former Cluster Co-Coordinator,
Rockville Cluster, MCCPTA; former Delegate to MCCPTA, Beall ES; Former Board
Member, Baptist Home for Children (now the National Center for Children and
Families); President, Friends of the Library, Rockville Chapter, 2007-2008.
PRIORITIES: Improve communication at every level; 2) Address the
needs of every child for exercise, good nutrition, and safe and modern schools;
3) Adopt a common sense, transparent budget that respects local parent and
student concerns; 4) Hire a dynamic, proactive Superintendent as Dr. Weast’s
contract expires in 2011.
TESTING: Testing should deliver timely results so teachers
can customize their approach to a particular child within the school year. Testing that tracks each child from grade to
grade will provide better accountability than the current statistical
game-playing that often wastes instructional time and crowds out art, music,
PE, and recess.
BUDGET: The Board should not have approved such a
generous contract in the face of a foreseeable economic downturn, but having
now created those expectations, we should honor the contract. Nevertheless,
classroom instruction - including class size - should always be the last place
to suffer any budget cuts. Kids always…
OPTIONS: No.
Vocational education is not currently a viable option for far too many
students. Given our almost twenty
percent drop-out rate, we must improve our vocational education offerings
county-wide to give all children a path to a successful life, especially those
who will not go to college.
SUPERINTENDENT: Bold drive to make MCPS a cutting edge leader
in curriculum, the use of technology,
and the school year calendar; Experience running a large organization;
Political savvy; Background in education; Deep commitment to student academic,
social, emotional, and critical thinking skills achievement; Attitude of
respect for all persons; Inclusive approach.
District 4:
(Vote for no more than one candidate regardless of where you live.)
Christopher
S. Barclay
WEBSITE: None
located.
BACKGROUND: In December of 2006 I was appointed to the
Board of Education. The experience that
I have gained in the last two years has allowed me to understand how to balance
the needs of the students, the parent community and the school system.
PRIORITIES: My priorities are equity and excellence. We need to ensure that each and every
classroom has a high quality teacher.
TESTING: Standardized tests should be used as one of many
tools to assess student progress in a subject area. The federal No Child
Left Behind Act has forced too many school systems to over emphasize the
importance of standardized tests as assessment tools.
BUDGET: Teachers are the most valuable assets of our
school system. During the FY 2009 budget
process I strongly supported maintaining the negotiated agreement.
OPTIONS: MCPS does a great job providing options for
students who may not be looking at college after graduation from high
school. Even with that, we need to
examine ways to expand the offerings in the automotive trades, construction
trades and information technology.
SUPERINTENDENT: Strong communication skills. A commitment to equity and diversity. A history of effective staff management. Excellent political skills.
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 – MONTGOMERY COUNTY
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Question A -- Charter Amendment by act
of County Council Repeal of Legally
Ineffective Provisions Repeal Sections 311A, 311B,
and 311C of the County Charter, regarding use of County funds to operate a
landfill system on residentially zoned land; burying or trenching sewage
sludge on residentially zoned land; and telephone service offered by the
C&P Telephone Company.
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Origin of this Ballot Question – This question was recommended by the Charter
Review Commission and placed on the ballot by the Montgomery County Council.
Present Practice – The County Charter provides a framework for the governance of the
county. Three provisions in the County
Charter: 311A, 311B, and 313A currently have no legal force and do not affect
how county government operates. The
Maryland courts blocked implementation of 311A and 313A because each directly
conflicted with some aspect of state law.
More fundamentally, neither of these provisions are proper “Charter
Material” because they do not address a fundamental aspect of the form and
basic structure of county government. In
addition, they attempt to legislate through a charter amendment, which the
Maryland Constitution prohibits.
Although the Maryland courts have not blocked the operation of 311B, a
consistent line of Court of Appeal opinions makes clear that this provision,
like the ones above, is in conflict with the Maryland Constitution’s
prohibition on legislating through a charter amendment.
Proposed Change – The ballot question proposes removing these three provisions from the
Montgomery County Charter.
Pros: The county charter will no longer contain
provisions that are unenforceable and that are not essential to defining the
basics of how county government is structured.
Leaving them in the charter could create confusion because the charter
would not be an accurate reflection of the form and structure of county
government.
Cons: These provisions were placed in the charter
by petition and reflect a vote of the people.
Because of this vote, these provisions should not be removed from the
charter even though they are legally ineffective.
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Question B -- Charter Amendment by
petition Property Tax Limit - Votes
Needed to Override Amend Section 305 of the County
Charter to require a unanimous vote of 9 Councilmembers, rather than the 7
out of 9 votes currently required, to levy a tax on real property that will
produce revenue that exceeds the annual limit on property tax revenue set in
that section.
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Origin of this Ballot Question – The Maryland Constitution allows amendments to any
charter adopted by any county to be placed on a general election ballot if a
petition in support of the amendment has a minimum of 10,000 signatures. The Montgomery County Board of Elections
certified that Robin Ficker collected the required number of signatures to
place this measure on the ballot.
Present Practice – Under Charter Section 305, Approval of the Budget; Tax Levies, tax
revenues from real property may not increase more than the rate of
inflation. The charter defines which
property tax revenue is included in this calculation. Under current practice, if tax revenue growth
exceeds the rate of inflation, the Council must reduce the real property tax
rate to bring the overall revenue growth in line with inflation. However, a supermajority (7 out of 9 votes)
of the Council may override the charter limits and approve revenue growth that
exceeds the rate of inflation.
This option has been used
four times since it was adopted in 1990.
In Fiscal Year 2003 (FY03), by a vote of 8 to 1, the Council maintained
the tax rate although, due to increased property assessments, the revenue
generated by the previous year’s tax rate exceeded the charter limit by $4.3
million. In FY04, the Council voted
unanimously to maintain the current tax rate, when again, due to increased
property tax assessments, the revenue generated exceeded the charter limit by
$29.2 million. In the following fiscal
year, 2005, a unanimous Council voted to reduce the current tax rate by 1 cent,
but the revenue generated still exceeded the charter limit by $48 million. In FY06, 07 and 08, the property tax rate was
reduced and the revenue generated was at the charter limit. For FY09, the Council adopted (8 yes votes,
one position vacant) tax rates that were the same as the previous year but are
expected to generate more revenue than the charter allows without the
supermajority vote.
Proposed Change – To increase property tax revenues above the rate of inflation, all
nine (9) members of the County Council instead of the current seven (7) would
have to vote in favor of adopting a tax rate that would generate more income
than the previous year’s income plus a percentage of the previous year’s
property tax revenue that equals the increase in the Consumer Price Index as
defined in the County Charter.
Pros: The amount of revenue collected by the county
would not exceed the rate of inflation without a unanimous vote of the County
Council. This might slow the rate of
growth of county expenditures and reduce the impact of increased property tax
assessments by making it more difficult for the Council to raise more revenue.
Cons: Requiring nine votes to exceed the charter
limit could be problematic if a Council position is vacant when the tax rate
needed to be approved, as occurred in this fiscal year. In addition, it gives veto power to a single
member of the Council. County expenses
such as education, health care for employees and transportation do not
necessarily grow at the same rate as inflation.
Passage of this measure could result in a reduction of county
services. Restricting the Council’s
fiscal options could jeopardize the county’s AAA bond rating, which means it
would pay higher interest rates to borrow money for capital projects.
VOTING
INFORMATION
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. |