Ten questions for…Patrick Armstrong

This is the first edition of the Ten Questions series that deals with candidates for the Maryland General Assembly. As I stated when I sent all of the questionnaires out, resposes will be posted on a “first come, first serve” basis so response number 1 comes from District 38A Delegate hopeful Patrick Armstrong.

Obviously, this will also be the first time that the “Maryland General Assembly” edition of the Ten Questions is posted, so let me know what you think of them!

Question #1:

Some of you participated in the recent special session to modify the large rate hikes that were to be enacted by Baltimore Gas & Electric. However, our electrical rates from the local Eastern Shore suppliers went unchanged. With that in mind, would you be more in favor of a total repeal of the 1999 deregulation laws, or do you believe the concept is sound and only needs a few guardrails and rate safeguards?

We have seen the effects of deregulation of energy across the country over the past several years and those who pay the bills have felt the pain in their wallet. I believe that deregulation was a mistake made several years ago by the General Assembly and I favor repealing that decision. I believe that energy is such a vital service that we must not allow shifting markets and unforeseeable problems to stand in the way of access to electricity. As it stands today I support efforts to reduce the strain of increased electricity costs to families on the shore. I do not believe re-regulation is likely to occur but I would support it and encourage it if elected. I also would have worked with the General Assembly and the Governor to address the rate hikes taking effect from Delmarva Power. We need a new leader who will stand up and give the lower shore a voice in the legislature.

Question #2:

In the last two sessions of the General Assembly, the issue of health insurance and who pays for it has taken center stage. (Examples: the Fair Share Health Care Act and its proposed expansion with last year’s HB1510, which was sponsored by Delegate Hubbard and defeated in committee.) Recently the state of Massachusetts adopted legislation effective in 2007 mandating all residents secure coverage under some public or private health insurance plan or face a financial penalty. Do you see this concept as an idea Maryland should adopt?

I think this idea should be given serious consideration by the General Assembly. While the infrastructure is not yet in place to a point where we can force individuals to purchase health care it is possible to however to work towards this goal. The high cost to Maryland taxpayers paying for emergency room visits by those who have no insurance must be addressed. This is an issue I feel should be taken up the legislature and I would support it with the proper safeguards in place to protect working families and the working poor.

Question #3:

Within our area, Somerset County traditionally has among the highest unemployment rates in the state of Maryland. In every election, well-paying jobs and how to secure them is an issue. If you are elected to the General Assembly, what policies would you favor commencing or retaining in an attempt to create or lure good-paying jobs for the Eastern Shore?

I believe the eastern shore can thrive with the growth we are already seeing and that we can manage that growth to fit within our communities. I support business incentives to draw companies to the shore. I support easier access to community colleges and universities for our residents who wish to study a trade. I support an increase in job fairs and mobile job recruitment vans. I would support legislation to encourage businesses to invest in the shore and create infrastructure capable of allowing businesses to expand onto the shore. I believe growth and expansion must be managed keeping in mind the way of life of the communities involved and ensuring proper environmental protections as we try to bring new jobs and smart growth to the lower eastern shore.

Question #4:

This year a state takeover of several failing Baltimore City Schools was thwarted by the General Assembly overriding an earlier veto of a bill Governor Ehrlich rejected. A few states, though, are attempting to remove themselves from the federal “No Child Left Behind” regulations for various reasons, even at the risk of losing federal dollars. Do you support the federal NCLB mandates or do you feel the state could and should go without the additional restrictions (and funding)?

Today I believe that Maryland should stick with NCLB and the federal funding it brings. As for he legislation passed by Congress, NCLB is a lousy legal mess. The problems it creates for teachers and the roadblocks it puts into place for students are numerous. While many provisions are important for the future of our schools the majority of NCLB has failed our children and our schools, as many states and school boards across the country and in Maryland have discovered. This in mind, Maryland is currently in compliance with NCLB and I believe that we should continue to accept the federal assistance for our schools at this time. As for Baltimore, if a failing school cannot be remedied by the local jurisdiction than it should be taken over by the State until a solution can be found. No school in Maryland should be allowed to fall below our highest expectations for performance and quality education.

Question #5:

In the 2006 General Assembly, the Blackwater development in Cambridge became a contentious issue which led to legislation that was eventually defeated. However, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has continued to apply pressure to legislators and encouraged voters to speak out on what they perceive as a threat to bay water quality. On the other hand, the city of Cambridge sees Blackwater as a needed shot in the arm for its economy and tax base. Where do you see yourself on this issue and related development matters?

I believe that development can occur without serious damage to the bay and surrounding waters. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have in place the proper laws requiring strict environmental protections from runoff and waste disposal. I believe that Blackwater is a dangerous development plan and should be held to much stricter environmental protections than those that are currently in place. As for the lower shore, we understand the importance of the Bay’s health and we understand the need for growth. I propose we hold developers accountable for protecting the bay as they build and ensure that every possible safeguard is in place to prevent further devastation to the waters around the eastern shore.

Question #6:

The last two sessions of the General Assembly have seen an inordinate amount of time spent dealing with personnel matters and political appointments. Some have claimed this as a usurpation of power properly belonging to the executive branch (governor’s office) but others see this as a proper extension of the duties of the General Assembly. In your opinion, has the General Assembly gone too far or does the Governor still wield too much power when it comes to personnel decisions?

Members of both political parties can agree that political establishments in Maryland have too much power. I believe that removing some of the more basic appointment decisions from the governor is a reasonable step to take. Our executive branch has more power than any other in the country and by reducing that power we can be sure that appointments are keep in check now and in future administrations of either political party.

Question #7:

For the Eastern Shore, transportation can sometimes be tricky because of Bay Bridge traffic and traveling to and from the beach on a summer weekend can be a real headache. Solutions advocated range from another Bay Bridge to a ferry service to a light rail system, and as always people want the existing highways improved. What transportation improvements do you feel are a priority for the Eastern Shore, and how would you pay for them?

I believe that we must focus on improving the highways we have and in looking into the addition of a new Bay Bridge. If it were to be deemed economically feasible for a ferry or light rail crossing to succeed than I would strongly support both measures in an attempt to lessen the stress of traffic on our highways and the Bay Bridge. Were a light rail system to be in place to bring residents from Baltimore and neighboring counties all the way to Ocean City than I would see that as a major step toward reducing highway traffic, environmental impacts, and reducing the strain on our oil supply. If this would be used by residents I would strongly support such a project as would I support a ferry crossing.

Question #8:

Drugs and gangs are a growing problem on the Eastern Shore. The local authorities do their best but we’re a long way from fighting the problem successfully. In what ways do you think the General Assembly can best address this crime issue, and what tools do you see working best?

Gang violence starts small and spreads. We need a strong crack down on gang violence in Maryland. The General Assembly needs to consider increasing state funding for police in areas where a limited tax base cannot afford the necessary improvements to police forces. The lower shore needs such support to curb gangs and violence. The General Assembly must also stand strong in supporting after school programs on the lower shore. Nothing has proven more effective in stopping gang proliferation than healthy after school programs for kids in danger of falling through the cracks.

Question #9:

This year, you will be the first in the history of the General Assembly to be nominated and elected through the use of early voting. Proponents have stated that early voting is beneficial for turnout, but others claim the new regulations will encourage fraud and have petitioned to place the issue on the ballot as a referendum. In addition, these same laws have made absentee ballots available upon request with no reason needed. With that in mind, are you in favor of repealing the early voting laws, and why?

No. I believe that early voting is essential to providing working families convenient access to the polls and will give a voice to those on the shore who are far away from their designated polling places. I also believe that increasing access to absentee ballots will improve voter turnout and accomplish the goal of easy access for citizens on the shore.

Question #10:

It is almost a certainty at this early date that either Governor Ehrlich will be reelected or Baltimore mayor Martin O’Malley will take over the governor’s chair early next year. If you are elected to the General Assembly and the representative of the opposite party (i.e. a Democrat would be working with Governor Ehrlich, a Republican would be working with Mayor O’Malley) wins election, with what issues do you see being able to find common ground with the governor?

I have supported Governor Ehrlich’s budget plans and his fiscal responsibility. I support his dedication to stem cell research. I also support limited slot machine usage at certain Maryland racetracks under strict containment conditions. I believe working with either Bob Ehrlich or Martin O’Malley will involve great cooperation and a healthy spirit of ideas. I would like to be elected to represent the lower shore in the General Assembly regardless of an individual’s vote for Governor. Crossing party lines is a great show of just how much choice we have in America when we go to vote. I hope that members of both political parties will choose me when voting for the House of Delegates.

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Some very compelling answers from Mr. Armstrong, thus it appears this setup for the Ten Questions is off to a solid start. The next one on the docket just so happens to be Tony Bruce, who will be Patrick’s Democratic Party primary opponent on September 12. This will be Saturday’s edition of the Ten Questions.

I got a letter in my snail mail today with two neatly handwritten pages on it. That will be typed out on Friday as the next edition of Ten Questions. The sender was U.S. Senate candidate Richard Shawver, who was one of the very late entries into the race. But he’ll get his due space on monoblogue.

I also got an e-mail this morning from District 38B candidate Sonny Bloxom with his answers to the Ten Questions so that will be upcoming a week from Saturday, as he’s the fourth to respond. He’ll be one of two 38B candidates to have his TQ answers posted next week, the other Jack Lord.