All politics is local – Page 177

Ten questions for…Richard Colburn

Today I get to read and write what the District 37 Senator wrote to me. As with all of these that come to me via snail mail, I’m going to do this verbatim so if there were spelling or grammatical errors in the answers, they’re going on monoblogue.

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?

The Special Session did not address the interests of Eastern Shore residents. Experience has taught us that deregulation has not benefited the consumer in the State of Maryland. However, with that in mind, we should move carefully in regards to totally repealing the 1999 deregulation laws.

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?

My major concern with the Massachusetts law is that I do not think government should mandate health care for everyone. However, despite the fact that I have not had the opportunity to thoroughly study the Mass law, I do see positive aspects. In regards to Massachusetts, the state acts as a conduit, or a large clearinghouse. As a result, there is a large clearinghouse with the insurance companies, so there are more people buying into the plans, it makes insurance more available, and keeps insurance costs down. In other words, the individual basically owns his/her insurance plan, and they pay a portion while the employer pays the rest. That in turn makes it easier for the employer to buy the employee’s health insurance. For instance, a cheap insurance policy would be more likely covered by the employer. Having said all of this, I want to emphasize that Maryland still needs meaningful, real tort reform to help keep insurance costs down, and the matter was not addressed during the 2004 Christmas Special Session as it should have been.

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?

First off, I would sight my experience in helping to create a good economic development program for the town of Federalsburg. Economic development flourishes when elected and community leaders work in harmony toward a pro-business atmosphere. In addition, we need to lessen, not increase, mandated costs to businesses on the Eastern Shore. There is a program called One Maryland, which covers counties like Somerset, Dorchester, and Caroline Counties. I helped sponsor and push this legislation through the General Assembly and I believe it is a good program and should be retained. The program is designed to provide incentives for large industries in these counties in order to also bring more jobs to the area.

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)?

Maryland can ill afford to forego federal dollars by removing schools from the “No Child Left Behind” regulations. I continue to urge my constituents to do as we have done which is to urge federal representatives to address federal “No Child Left Behind” regulations making them more reasonable. The current regulations cause the teachers to spend an inordinate amount of time and resources preparing the children to pass tests in order to graduate instead of getting back to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

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 encourage 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?

Regarding Blackwater, I am a strong believer in private property rights. Also, a project that is 3 years old and $10 million dollars into the process should not be thwarted. When it comes to related development matters, I favor managed growth. Growth should be limited to regions already set aside for it in the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan should not be easily amended simply to accommodate a large development.

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?

The General Assembly has gone too far. Thousands and thousands of dollars have been spent already regarding this issue. This is a waste of time and a waste of taxpayers’ dollars. The Governor is the Chief Executive of the State and consequently should be able to work with individuals with like-minded philosophies. My question is what exactly do my Democratic counterparts not understand about the definition of an at-will employee?

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?

One of the transportation improvements that are a priority for the Eastern Shore is the complete dualization of MD Route 404. According to AAA, this highway is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in America. Therefore, dualization would make it safer for everyone, including local traffic and Western Shore traffic. Also dualization of Route 404 would increase utilization of that highway, thus, lessening traffic through Easton, Cambridge, and Salisbury. A new Dover Bridge is also desperately needed since it links Southern Caroline and the northern portion of Dorchester County to Easton Memorial Hospital. These improvements would be paid for through the gas tax. I would support an increase in funds for transportation by implementing a dedicated sales tax in those areas that have the full benefits of a mass transit system. We cannot afford to continue funding mass transit transportation costs through the gas tax, which should strictly be used for construction and maintenance of highways and bridges. Mass transit needs a dedicated funding source.

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?

The most significant tools that will help fight drugs and gangs are sufficient funding and community cooperation. First, funding will help train officers and provide programs for education and public outreach. Cooperation is needed from schools, social services agencies, and community residents to identify problems and to report them to police. Crime prevention methods should be employed and police presence should increase in areas that are known for drug dealing and gang activity.

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 one has ever given me in over twenty-eight years of politics, a reason why they were unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. The early voting laws passed recently by the Maryland General Assembly do not require proper voter identification. Therefore, early voting laws should be repealed. The citizens of Maryland deserve competent, credible, and nonpartisan elections. A fair and safe election is the bedrock of our American Democracy.

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?

The issues that will be common ground for all parties are growth, education, and the general welfare of all of Maryland citizens. We must always try to not let partisan views interfere with the general welfare of Marylanders. Governor Ehrlich is the fourth Governor I have had the opportunity to work with. If Martin O’Malley is elected, and I am re-elected, he will be the fifth Governor I will have worked with. I have always tried to have a good working relationship with every Governor since it benefits my constituents on the Eastern Shore. However, I always draw a line when a Governor decides to implement policies, pushes legislation, etc. that would be detrimental to the Eastern Shore and its residents (i.e. Governor Glendenning).

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Of all the responses I have received, it’s quite possible that Senator Colburn’s is the one that matches most closely with my personal views (with a few exceptions here and there). My wrists are a bit tired from typing all that (monoblogue needs a real computer table I guess) but it was fun to read and write that at the same time.

Having said that, though, I’m glad that my next two featured folks (Lih Young for U.S. Senate on Tuesday and Addie Eckardt for House District 37B on Wednesday) chose to e-mail their responses, it makes life a LOT easier for me. I guess next week is Ladies Week then, particularly if I get a response from Jeannie Haddaway (District 37B), Bonnie Luna (District 38B), Hilary Spence (Senate District 37), or Moonyene Jackson-Amis (also Senate District 37) for Saturday. There’s also another woman in the U.S. Senate race by the name of Teresa Scaldaferri.

Also, my fellow Maryland Bloggers Alliance member Bruce Godfrey of Crablaw’s Maryland Weekly was kind enough to spread the word about my Ten Questions. So thanks to him for that. He’s sort of the Alan Colmes of the MBA but we like him anyway, he presents some interesting points of view we don’t always consider.

Ten questions for…George English

Surprise, surprise, surprise. I’m not Gomer Pyle, but I was shocked to have not one, but TWO responses to my U.S. Senate Ten Questions awaiting me upon my arrival back on the Eastern Shore after a fun and relatively relaxing vacation.

However, today’s is a little different. Mr. English chose only to answer Question #10 regarding Presidential candidates – as far as the rest he’s deferred to his website. I can give the Democrat a couple points for economy of effort but the idea behind TQ is to get specific answers to compare and contrast. Since returning I’ve been working on compiling the “debate” posts, which are going to be LONG, so much so that I’m dividing them into three separate dates. At the moment (subject to change) the dates will be September 1st, 6th, and 8th. With no original answers to Questions 1 through 9, he’s going to miss out on that portion of the campaign.

But here is George’s answer to Question #10. I’m actually just going to place the bulk of his e-mail response here, aside from greeting and close:

Question #10:

This question should present you with the shortest answer. Given that in 2008 either you will be seeking re-election to the House and hoping for some coattails at the top of the ticket, or preparing to work with a new President (for the Senators), if you had a short list of 3 to 5 names you’d like to see seek the job, who would they be? Please note that they do not have to be candidates who are considered to be running for the post at this time.

My apologies for the belated response, but I been kept busy filling our questionnaires, etc and other campaign activities. My campaign website contains 24 issue mini-papers that would answer most of the questions that you have asked below. If your readers would access my website, they could click on the titles of any of the issue papers of interest plus an extensive biographical summary directly from the home page. These issue papers range from one to three pages in length and are quite comprehensive despite their brevity. (Editor’s note: I have a link to his campaign in the right-hand column.) Tell your readers to use the URL search windows on their computers to locate my website if their browsers cannot find it.

Regarding my choice for President, my first choice would be Representative Dennis Kucinich, whom I have seen and heard during the 2004 campaign and my second chioce would be Senator Russ Feingold. Mr. Kucinich spoke about about his first job working for a newspaper in Ohio during the Vietnam War. He had to visit the homes of the parents of sons who had been recently killed in Vietnam to borrow photos that would be used in the deceaseds’ obituaries. Many of these homes were very modest and their dead sons obviously had been the center of their parents lives. Mr. Kucinich recalled how palpably he felt their soul-wrenching grieving and how devastating their loss was when he spoke with them. That is why he was one of the few members of Congress to resist the stampede to war in iraq and made the issue the highlight of his unsuccessful campaign for President. I hope that he runs again for President and that the citizens of this country will now listen to him and recognize how courageous he was and still is by his steadfast opposition to the war. Mr. Feingold impresses me with he personal integrity, a virtue which I find seriously lacking in most members of the Congress. Their fixation with “Political Correctness” has morphed into “Political Cowardice”. The interminable morass this country now finds itself mired in the Middle East is the direct result of their moral weakness.

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I suppose this sets a record for the shortest response. I did sneak a peek at my next U.S. Senate response upcoming on Tuesday because it was sent to me as an an attachment to the e-mail and she may have the longest ones. Her name is Lih Young and she’s running as a Democrat as well.

Tomorrow I’m going back to the Maryland General Assembly race for Rich Colburn’s responses. I didn’t get any new responses over the few days I was away so at the moment I have no one in next Wednesday’s slot (hint hint). While there may be some who discourage participation, I’m ready for more responses from those who truly want to answer the questions voters want to know about and who disdain “politics as usual.”

Late edit: Just after I finished this I checked my e-mail and what should I find but TQ responses from District 37B incumbent Addie Eckardt. So she will have Wednesday’s TQ slot.

Ten questions for…James Adkins

The Democrat challenger and former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs gets his turn in the monoblogue spotlight this week, and beyond. He gets the luck of the draw as I’ll take a blogging vacation for a week after I do the Shorebird of the Week post tomorrow. There won’t be another Ten Questions until a week from Saturday UNLESS I get a last-minute U.S. Senate response, in which case that would be Friday the 18th.

But here is what James sent back to me for his answers. Enjoy, it’s got to last you for about 10 days!

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?

I, like many other Maryland consumers, have yet to see the benefit of deregulation. The restructuring that took place in the late 90’s has failed to provide the consumer with the desired results. Unfortunately, the Public Service Commission may have also failed to represent the consumer as well as it could have. This is a very complicated matter and will have to reviewed and addressed in 2007 and beyond to ensure that whatever is done protects the consumer and strikes a balance between what is fair for the consumer and what is fair for the providers of electricity.

Question #2:

There is a lot more to the bill than just mandating residents secure coverage. I believe businesses will have to pay $295/year for each individual that they employ but do not provide coverage for, if they have 11 or more employees. The program will also require Massachusetts to subsidize the coverage of many of its residents who cannot afford to pay for insurance. Others, who can afford health insurance but do not obtain it, could face significant fines. The devil is in the details on this one, but we will have to continue to watch for lessons learned from this intiative

Question #3:

This is a multifaceted issue. We must ensure the workforce is educated and trained to fill good-paying jobs. This means that we must ensure our schools are preparing their students for life after school. Good-paying jobs also means higher technology in some cases and we must ensure the Eastern Shore is “wired” so that new businesses, which require higher connectivity, can plug into the global market. More public-private partnerships will have to be established while taking advantage of our higher education resources here on the Shore to entice business to locate here.

Question #4:

I would have to look at the numbers and whether or not Maryland could stand to lose the funding. Right now, NCLB is placing an ever increasing burden on our school systems. The real question is whether or not our students are graduating with more knowledge and are better prepared to enter the workplace and adulthood due to NCLB. Only time will tell, but “bright ideas” from Washington and even from Annapolis may not be as effective as the appropriate resourcing of good ideas by those who have to implement policies.

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 don’t think we should use housing construction alone as the answer to strengthening the Eastern Shore’s economy. We need a full spectrum of employment here on the Shore and must look over the horizon to see what the Shore will look like in the next 50 years. It is a difficult balancing act to recruit the businesses and then make sure that we can provide the employees to run the businesses. The Eastern Shore needs to be able to plug into the high technology located in places like Montgomery County. Unless we can provide this type of opportunity here on the Shore, we will continue to build houses here and people will continue to drive across the Bay Bridge for work there just adding to the congestion on our roadways. Just think what our roads will be like in the future, if we don’t solve this problem. Finally, we have only one chance to get this right. We have to get a handle on growth here on the Shore or we will lose our way of life.

Question #6:

Maybe the answer is yes and no to both questions. The Governor was operating under expanded “at will” authority provided during the previous administration and authorized by the General Assembly. We can’t keep changing the rules depending on which party is in power. A governor needs the flexibility to have key positions filled by those who support and will implement his or her vision for operations of the executive branch. However, the chief executive and his staff must use good judgment and fairness when implementing policy.

Question #7:

The immediate priority is to leverage state and federal funding to correct transportation problems that directly impact on driver safety. No doubt someone in the State Highway Administration already knows where these areas are. Long term we have to visualize what type of transportation network will be needed in our future. How are we going to deal with commuters? How are we going to deal with the ever increasing traffic to Ocean City and other weekend destinations? These are questions that need to be addressed. We probably should start planning now for mass transportation entities that will be essential to preserving our quality of life in the over the next fifty years.

Question #8:

As the Eastern Shore grows and changes, we will have to deal more and more with the problems that jurisdictions on the Western Shore have been dealing with for years. The General Assembly needs to listen to local law enforcement agencies as well as the Maryland State Police to see what legislative tools are needed to help them deal with the problem. And like everything else, the state will have to apply resources/funding to help deal with these issues as the local level.

Question #9:

Until it becomes obvious that there is a problem with fraud, I support the law. The more the population is engaged in the political process, the better our democracy will be. The key is to make sure that the process is fair to all and that it does not favor one party or another. It is being used successfully in other states. Early voting may need some tweaking here in Maryland, but let’s see how it goes before we decide to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Question #10:

We have to talk about Maryland’s future. Where do we want Maryland to be in twenty or thirty years and beyond? Our focus needs to be on accomplishing things that are important to Marylanders and the future of this great state. No matter who gets elected, both parties will have to reach across the aisle with the intent to work for a better and brighter future for Maryland. We have to get beyond party politics.

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Of all the answers I’ve gotten from Democrats, those are among the best. I recall at the NAACP forum Adkins came across as more forward-thinking than most. Honestly, that’s an asset a politician needs to have and more politicians need to show, rather than thinking about what will get them through the next election. I myself like to believe that I’m thinking about the next generation, it’s not like mine’s going to have that great of an impact now. It’s too settled into its ways.

What’s interesting about his race is that should he win the primary, he likely gets to face two incumbent members of the General Assembly who are over a generation apart. That would make for an interesting debate.

Speaking of debate, when I come back next week I’ll need to start setting those posts up. In the meantime, I encourage you to sample all of monoblogue and visit or revisit some of my earlier posts. It’s a bit like the “best of” shows entertainers do when they are away.

But I’m planning on being back and back at this in about a week or so after SotW tomorrow. I’ll probably go into my break with SotW and come back with next week’s.

Election Calendar – August 7 thru August 27

All right, now I have a few minutes before the storm hits here to attempt to update the Election Calendar.

This time I have more events, including some who have a large number.

Democrat candidate for U.S. Congress Jim Corwin and U.S. Senate candidate Josh Rales are among those planning to being amongst the crowds at the Seafood Feast-I-Val in Cambridge on August 12th. Corwin also has plans to be at a “Wicomico Crab Feast” on August 27. But that was all the info I had.

District 38B contenders Bonnie Luna, Jack Lord, and Sonny Bloxom all have several events on their respective calendars. They all tend to conglomerate at a few events:

August 11-12: Worcester County Fair (all three).
August 17-19: Wicomico County Farm and Home Show (Lord, Luna).
August 23-26: Great Pocomoke Fair (Lord, Luna).
August 26: Mardel Republican Club Crab Feast (Lord, Bloxom).

Luna will also be at the “Concert on the Lawn” in Berlin on August 13th, several “House Parties” over the next three weeks, and she’s holding a fundraiser with Governor Ehrlich on August 17th at 6:30 p.m. For information on that, the number to call is (410) 749-1736.

In addition to the above, Jack Lord will be at the Lions Club Crab Feast in Ocean City on the 23rd. You know, I always thought the political circuit was the rubber chicken circuit, but I guess on the Eastern Shore it’s rubber crab.

Now I’m assuming that the former event is part of Bloxom’s duties as a Worcester County Commissioner, but he’s going to be at the dedication of the Jordan Daycare Center on August 24th at 3:00 p.m. and Wor-Wic’s Annual Steak Out on August 25th. (I’m guessing these are both at the Berlin Wor-Wic campus, his calendar doesn’t specify between the two campuses.)

As for Bill Reddish’s radio show…I didn’t get an update either through my e-mail or by listening. So as the thunder rolls, I will give you the two dates I have, tomorrow and Wednesday:

August 8:: District 38B candidate Jack Lord.
August 9: District 38B incumbent Norm Conway.

Two more dates:

August 10: The last District 38B candidate, Bonnie Luna.
August 11: District 37B incumbent Addie Eckardt.

Remember, there will not be a Election Calendar next Sunday as I will be out of town. The man behind monoblogue takes a long-awaited vacation! I’ll be back for another dose August 20th.

Breaking political news

For the second time this year, a local Democat politician has died.

I just read on Crisfield Girl’s blog that District 38A candidate and onetime officeholder Tony Bruce has passed away from a ~~heart attack~~ massive stroke, according to the Daily Times. I’ll accept this since she has no reason to make such a thing up, however, ~~I see no coverage of this yet on the local news sites~~. (As of Sunday night, it’s in the Daily Times for tomorrow.)

First and foremost, my condolences go out to his family.

As far as political impact, it means that Patrick Armstrong gets to face Page Elmore in the general election for District 38A since Bruce, Elmore, and Armstrong were the only three who filed.

I’m certain funeral arrangements are being made as I type for the well-known Princess Anne attorney.

Ten questions for…Sonny Bloxom

Today I return to the Maryland General Assembly races by looking at District 38B Republican hopeful Sonny Bloxom. By luck of the draw and his relatively quick response he’s up today, a day after appearing on Bill Reddish’s WICO-AM radio program and also a day after my post on the NAACP state candidate forum.

Following are the longtime Worcester County commissioner’s answers to the Ten Questions:

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?

I believe that the concept is sound but was poorly executed by the General Assembly (ie. artificially capping rates below market for such a long period). I think that some safeguards can be put into law, such as what costs are allowable to calculate the appropriate rates, which will make deregulation work.

Question #2:

Absolutely not! This would be the epitome of “big brother government” and smacks of socialism.

Question #3:

We need to support high-speed broadband coverage for the entire shore; upgrade natural gas pipelines; need to market the region to potential new businesses and entrepreneurs.

Question #4:

I support the federal NCLB mandates and would urge the state to seek modifications to it where appropriate for our state needs.

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?

The state needs to be more involved in land use issues, especially where their interest is greatest (ie. bay water quality, sensitive habitats, and road/transportation systems).

Question #6:

The General Assembly has gone too far only because we have a Repulican Governor. They would never have done this with a Democratic Governor. They have a legitimate role to play but should do it for the right motives not for politics. Also, they need to remember they are the legislative branch of government and not the executive.

Question #7:

We need to dualize certain highways that have increased traffic on them and have become dangerous, such as US 113, 404 and 589. Also, we need to go ahead and build the overpass at US113 and Rt. 12 and the one for Rt. 50 and 589. The state can afford to do it, they just need to stop putting so much of the highway user revenues into the mass transit on the western shore.

Question #8:

The Maryland State Police could be part of a local task force to fight gangs just like they are now doing with illegal drugs.

Question #9:

Early voting laws should be amended to require you to vote in your home county and to require a photo ID.

Question #10:

I would have to wait and see what O’Malley would propose, but based on his liberal past and his arrogant attitude (he is just like Parris Glendening except he has a backup band!), I think it would be difficult to find common ground, other than on economic development issues.

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Sonny, tell us what you REALLY think on that last question, will you? I got a chuckle out of that so there’s extra humor points for this response. I think in doing this that it’s also become a quick glance at the personality of the respondent – some are quite effusive with what they say (like I am) and others are short, sweet, and to the point. It’s going to make for interesting posts as the primary draws closer.

Next on the legislative agenda is District 37B candidate James Adkins, his answers will appear Wednesday. After that, I’m taking a break for my vacation and will return to the General Assembly hopeful Ten Questions on Saturday, August 19 (two weeks from today) with Sen. Rich Colburn. Now, I have 16 other possible candidates for these seats so I think I’m going to have to start “stacking” posts beginning on the 19th in order to make this work out in time for the primary election.

My tentative plan for the Ten Questions is as follows:

August 8, 11, 18, 22, 25, 29, and September 1 will be reserved for any U.S. Senate candidates who respond. The final submission date for them is August 31.

As for the Maryland General Assembly, I have posts set for August 9 and 19. After the 19th, I’ll post their responses (stacking if necessary) on August 23, 26, 30, and September 2. The deadline for submission is September 1.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 5 I will do what I call the “debate” format…each of the Ten Questions will be reposted with all candidate responses placed within – so one can read the question and see all responses. I’ll probably begin compiling these much sooner so all I have to do is clip in the later answers. Most likely I’ll post two questions per day per race which will take up the dates of September 5 thru 9.

In the meantime, I’ll begin to do candidate endorsements for various other races that didn’t get the TQ treatment, so look forward to heavy posting in the latter stages of the primary race.

On September 13, I wrap up the primaries and probably take a few days off! It’s an ambitious schedule I’m trying to get through but I think with some planning and prior work I can do it. Then I can get back to more commentary and less reporting for awhile, although I’ll still be heavily into the election mode until November.

Ten questions for…Blaine Taylor

I was surprised in my e-mail today to find a response to the U.S. Senate portion of my Ten Questions. After a couple of days off in the series, I was afraid the interest was gone. But the Democrat who filed at the last minute got his answers in and as promised, he gets them posted on monoblogue.

Question #1:

There are several schools of thought regarding the problem of illegal immigrants, or as some would call them, “undocumented workers.” Some solutions offered range from complete amnesty to sealing the border with a wall to penalizing employers who hire these workers. Currently there are competing House and Senate measures – in particular the House bill has spawned massive protests around the country. While I have listed some of the possible solutions, it’s no exhaustive list. What solutions do you favor for the issue?

No amnesty. English is and remains the official language of the land. Deport all Mexican flag wavers back to Mexico where they belong. Deport all 11 million illegal aliens before they become 30 million. Secure all frontiers: Mexico, Canada, seacoasts. Shoot invaders. Halt ALL immigration for the six-month period of January-July 2007 so that the new Democratic Senate and House of Representatives in Congress Assembled can get us OUT of the mess we’re now in, rather than getting in deeper. Simultaneously, open a national debate about the merits and demerits of halting ALL immigration for good. We’re going to have to do it in the end or risk being infiltrated by foreign elements who will, in fact, take over the United States and end our civilization as we know it. Of that I am absolutely convinced—and history is on my side, too. Europe is experiencing huge problems. The will expel all aliens first, and we will be forced to follow suit. If they don’t, won’t, or can’t learn and speak English, they should ALL go.

Question #2:

Another top-burner concern is the current spike in the price of gasoline. Again, this is a broad issue with many scenarios that can be played out. Possible solutions that have been bandied about in recent days are a temporary suspension of the federal 18.4 cent a gallon tax on gasoline and easing environmental restrictions on gasoline blends (as happened after Hurricane Katrina). Further down the road but possibly affecting prices on the futures market would be the approval of additional oil drilling in ANWR and the Gulf of Mexico. If you were elected, what solutions to this issue would you pursue and why?

The immediate solution is for the Federal government to take over—nationalize/socialize—ALL gas and oil production faciltiies in this nation, and I make no bones about it, either! The REAL solution, however, is to turn completely AWAY from gas, oil, ethanol and all other fossil-based fuels and TOWARD wind, solar, water, and controlled nuclear power to meet our country’s energy needs for the rest of the 21st Century. In the end, we will, indeed, do exactly this: the only remaining question is: How soon? My answer is to START in 2007, and forge ruthlessly ahead.

Question #3:

Recently the news has featured ethics scandals involving GOP donor Jack Abramoff and former House member Duke Cunningham of California as well as Democrat House members William Jefferson of Louisiana and Allan Mollohan of West Virginia. If elected, what steps would you take to help eliminate ethical improprieties among our elected representatives?

The Senate and House should expel all such members who are crooks, and press the judiciary for the full serving of all sentences, with NO parole.

Question #4:

Along that same line, many people have seen the vast sums of money that seemingly are required to run for public office and were under the impression that campaign finance reforms such as those enacted with the McCain-Feingold bill were supposed to relieve this inequity. On the whole, however, the money trail has not ceased even with these laws. How do you favor strengthening these laws to make them more effective, or do you agree with some First Amendment advocates who think these laws should be eliminated?

Since my first of 15 poltical campaigns, I decided to advocate the abolition of ALL PACS: Political Action Committees. In addition, all paid advertising on television and radio should be abolished for the 2008 elections, and the necessary air time seized from the private industry networks who’ve abused the trust given them by We, the People. WE own the airwaves, they don’t, and it’s time to fire them all. Sufficient air time should be provided for all candidates free of charge. That would eliminate ALL fundraising events AND clear out Washington,DC of ALL lobbyists, just as Christ drove out the moneychangers from the temple. When I filed for the current race on July 3rd, I made the decision that I would neither solicit, nor accept. any contributions whatsoever, and have, indeed, returned all such donated funds to date. I am not playing that whore’s game! I will not be had, either by Democratic unions or GOP robber barons, and that’s that!

Question #5:

While the above issues have captured the headlines, our War on Terror (particularly in Iraq) is never far from our minds. It goes without saying that the vast majority of us support our troops; but the question is whether you favor our current approach or something different in terms of sending additional troops, seeking more multinational support, or a complete pullout. Maybe your thoughts are someplace in between these listed or would be considered “out of the box” thinking. What approach would you favor?

The immediate first step is to withdraw ALL our troops from both Iraq and Afghanistan during 2007, WITH all their expensive equipment. The second step is NOT to invade Iran, Syria, and Lebanon on the behalf of the terrorist State of Israel. The third step is to abolish ALL foreign aid to Israel in 2007 and spend ALL that money to rebuild our own country in my proposed Marshall Plan for America and 2nd New Deal for American CITIZENS. The fourth step is to end our foolish and counterproductive 1948 alliance with the State of Israel in 2007, and thus end the war of terror on us. I submit to you that the interests of 295 million non-Jewish American citizens far outweigh those of 6 million Israelis and 5.2 million American Jews. The fifth step is to abolish ALL dual citizenships with other nations as inherently evil AND anti-American. The sixth step is to execute convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, not release him. The American recognition of the State of Israel in 1948 was the worst diplomatic blunder in all of our history, and should be reversed before they drag us into World War III, which in time is exactly what WILL, indeed, happen. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever. You haven’t asked, but I would bomb all North Korean missile sites tomorrow morning, and would NOT invade Cuba, which the current President is planning to do—along with Syria, Iran, and Lebanon—the week after the Republican Party wins the coming fall Congressional elections. We should also seek a peaceful solution of our current naval differences with China, not go to war with it—also as the President is planning to do before he leaves office on Jan. 20, 2009. Our esteemed President Nixon stopped the on-rushing Sino-Soviet War in 1969 in its tracks, and so can we now!

Question #6:

Related to the above question is the controversy over Iran’s nuclear program. The oil-rich nation claims that this program is for the peaceful use of generating electrical power for its citizens, yet on the other hand its leadership has threatened the nation of Israel with annihilation hinted as being from a nuclear bomb. While the President has the final decision, what course would you advocate he take (a pre-emptive military strike, diplomacy either through the UN or some other way, or leaving them alone as a sovereign nation) and why?

I would favor diplomacy first with Iran to halt nuclear weapons production, but if our otherwise incompetent CIA can PROVE they are forging ahead, then I would opt for a surgical, missile first strike and take them out straightaway. As a former Vietnam veteran soldier and military affairs writer worldwide now, I do not believe a full-scale ground invasion is necessary. We’ve already had two Vietnams; let’s not spawn a third!

Question #7:

Back to domestic issues. One pillar or goal of the Bush administration was to enact Social Security reform in the second term, but it has stalled because of claims there’s no problems with the program and privatization reforms are simply a way to enable Wall Street to profit. Do you think the Social Security program is fine as it is, or what changes would you advocate happening with the program?

I reject all President Bush’s suggestions regarding Social Security enacted by President Roosevelt in 1935 for what they really are: attempts to destroy the entire system. It only works if we’re ALL IN IT, with no one OUT OF IT. The major problem is that politicians of both parties are spending Social Security funds for programs other than Social Security—and I would stop that immediately. Reform CAN be achieved WITH the other 99 members of the US Senate, not AGAINST them. Common sense. listening, and a willing heart CAN prevail.

Question #8:

Some in Congress have raised the question of “pork” or excessive earmarks because our federal budget always runs in deficit and eliminating these earmarks would be a simple way to help balance the budget. But no Congressman or Senator wants to cut their district’s or state’s project. To balance the budget, would you consider sacrificing some of your district or state’s federally-funded projects or would you prefer measures to enhance federal revenues to meet the gap?

Right now, the National Debt is our biggest monetary problem bar none, and for that reason alone the current incumbent President deserves inpeachment, as well as for his Hitlerite way of lying us into the entirely bogus Iraq War, into which he allowed himself to be suckered by Tel Aviv. The basic problem is that we have been in an overheated wartime economy since our last declaration of war on Dec. 8, 1941. We need to switch to a peacetime economy for the rest of this century, and stay there. All of the Bush tax “reforms” need to be thrown out, the minimum wage raised to $ 10 in 2007, and state pork issues examined by all Senators on a case-by-case basis, weighing how the benefit to Maryland is compatible with that of the nation at large. I will not make a blanket decision on matters that haven’t even been put before me on my desk for a decision, but I would proceed as stated above, employing common sense. That’s the best answer I can give you at this time.

Question #9:

Now to the question of trade. When I go to a store, many’s the time that I see a product is made in China – hence we run a large trade deficit with that nation. President Bush has advocated a hemisphere-wide free trade zone that would add Central and South American countries to the umbrella originally created by the NAFTA agreement a decade ago. Given these items, and knowing also that the number of manufacturing jobs in this country remains flat to slightly lower even in this era of steadily expanding employment, where do you stand – do you see free trading eventually shifting our economy to one mostly comprised of service and technology jobs, or do you feel we should take more steps to preserve our core manufacturing positions?

Trade: I was the press secretary for Congresswoman Bentley on Capitol Hill during 1991-92 when the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was being negotiated. From that moment to this, I have failed to see how it benefitted the US one whit. We don’t need more Mexicans, and I’d have to see what we’re getting from Canada before I’d move to repeal NAFTA altogether. As for China, we are already WAY out of whack there, with billions owed to the Chinese to pay off our OWN deficits! This strikes me as not only stupid, but also criminal! We lost the battle to maintain a manufacturing base in this country a decade ago. Should we try to reinstate it? I don’t know, but I would like to sit down for a few hours with Mrs. Bentley and just listen to her views on that subject before making a decision. No one knows better than her. Naturally, the Democratic unions would be all for that. We are ALREADY there as far as being a service-and-technology economy dominated and propped up by American bayonets, just as President Eisenhower warned we would become in his last speech from the Oval Office on Jan. 19, 1961. Ending the wartime economy—and switching it to a peacetime economy for the entire 21st Century—is truly THE domestic challenge for this and future generations of Americans. If we don’t do this, I am entirely convinced, as an historian, that we shall either destroy the planet via outright world war in the short term, or strangle ourselves in envirnomental chaos in the slightly longer term. CAN we turn all this around? Yes, we CAN! We were great under FDR and Reagan, and it’s time for greatness again. War is not greatness, but mentally dull stupidity.

Question #10:

Who would I like to see President from 3-5 names? Immodestly, I would run myself in 2008 as a favorite son candidate to see enacted the program I’ve outlined above. From the current crop of would-be candidates, let’s dispose of most of them: Sen. Clinton lied about the murder of Vince Foster and helped cover it up; she goes. I would prefer GOP Sen. Libby Dole of North Carolina if have a woman we must. I would fire Secretary of State Rice for the liar that she is, period, over the bogus Iraq War; Sen. Barbara Boxer was right about her on that score. Having read all the books by and about Sen. McCain—and having heard him speak—I am not impressed. As a fellow Vietnam veteran, I have nothing but admiration and sorrow for the many long years he spent as a POW, but if it weren’t for that singular fact, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all! While I admire former Mayor Giulani for his performance during 9/11, when actor Jimmy Woods portrays you, that’s never good! I would prefer Gov. Scwharzenneger of California, but we’d have to change the Constitution to do that to accomodate a single man, and THAT would be a dangerous precedent. I voted for GOP Sen. Bob Dole in 1996, and Ralph Nader in 2002. I discard our own Gov. Ehrlich as a crypto fascist who has surrounded himself with butt-kissing politcal gangsters of the worst sort, and Mayor O’Malley as simply incompetent. I’m not opposed to naked ambition per se, but I’m not impressed by the former—10 years my junior—or the latter, almost 20; neither are veterans, another minus in my book. If I could not be elected myself, I would want some of the latter people to be running: our very own Republicans, like Congressmen Roscoe Bartlett and Wayne Gilchrist—the fighting Marine from Vietnam!—or Democratic Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger—the trusty lifeguard!—and current Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. These are men’s men that I would fight alongside, and women’s men who are compassionate, are smart and dedicated, and aren’t IN LOVE WITH THEMSELVES! They are, in fact, the kind of men “to go to the well with” when the Indians attack, so to speak, and it’s nice to know that there are still men left in this world whom I can admire.

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For the record, he signed off:

Thank you for this opportunity to place my views before you and your viewership. One more thing: we are a majority Christian nation, and we should start ACTING like it again. Vote for yourselves in the Democratic Primary of Tuesday, Sept. 12th!

All I have to say is wow. The man certainly is passionate and I admire that in a politician. Being that the first time I read the answers was compiling this post, you have to grant the man has perseverance if this is his fifteenth political run. Agree with him or not, it certainly makes for a good post and he will add to the upcoming “debate” on monoblogue. And thank you, Blaine, for your military service!

NAACP candidate forum (8-3 version)

Last night (or tonight, as I begin this exhaustive post on Thursday night) we had most of the people seeking a position in the Maryland General Assembly gather to tell us that they are for better education, more opportunities for the minority community, improved health insurance, affordable housing, and a chicken in every pot. Okay, I made the last one up. But I’m sure that the thought simply didn’t occur to them in the few minutes they actually stood at the podium otherwise that may have been promised as well. (Now a chicken in every pot IS something which would likely benefit the Eastern Shore!)

The forum was pretty simple to break down. It started out with 3 of the 5 candidates for the Senate seats in Districts 37 and 38 getting one set of questions then 15 of the 18 hopefuls for their associated House of Delegates seats getting a different set. With a time restriction on the use of the hall, it led to only a few questions to each group – five for the wannabe Senators and four for the prospective Delegates. So each person only got 6 to 8 minutes to speak. (It’s why I’m trying to link to as many of their websites as I can.)

As mentioned, just 3 of the 5 Senator candidates made it to the forum, all from District 37. (District 38 Senator J. Lowell Stoltzfus is in the enviable position of being unopposed in either the primary or general elections.) At the moment, only 2 are on the ballot with Moonyene Jackson-Amis attempting to secure a ballot spot via petition as an independent. In fact, she was soliciting some of the 1,000 signatures necessary at the event. Something tells me that Richard Colburn would have signed her petition and Hilary Spence maybe not so.

Attendance amongst the House of Delegates crowd was better, just 3 of them missing the event. Gold stars go to District 37A and 38B who had all of their candidates present.

I’m going to start with the Senators, who fielded questions that dealt with issues of illegal immigration, affirmative action, slot machines in Maryland, and health insurance. As always, this goes in the order of opening statement.

Hilary Spence told the assembled that she was focusing her campaign on just a few issues that she had heard the most from her door-to-door visits about the district: health insurance (claiming it was the number one priority for voters she spoke with), fully funding K-12 education and making college affordable, and growth affecting the Eastern Shore. She even wanted to fully fund education for children of illegal immigrants, also favoring a path for them to get citizenship. On the slots question, Spence chided the supporters, claiming that there was “no place for government to raise revenue on the backs of gamblers.” But on the other hand she did favor another regressive tax of sorts, advocating the “Health Care for All” measure that would add $1.00 to the cigarette tax to help insure 50,000 of the estimated 800,000 (her numbers) Free Staters without health coverage, as well as looking at adopting a Massachusetts-style plan for Maryland.

Citing his 12 years of experience in Annapolis representing Maryland’s largest district geographically, Rich Colburn spoke about measures adopted and rejected during his time in the General Assembly. This was particular evident on the slots question, as he supported placing the item on the ballot as a referendum and co-sponsored one bill addressing problem gamblers. His view of health insurance for the uninsured was intriguing, as he tied in the issue of tort reform with streamlining coverage, and cited his opposition of 2005’s 2 percent HMO tax, which he said was simply passed on to the consumers. Colburn also showed an interest in the health insurance bill Massachusetts adopted.

Claiming that hers was a “tough race” because of the petition drive she’s doing to get on the ballot, Moonyene Jackson-Amis got herself into the debate by perseverance – she wasn’t on the original list but found out about the event in time to participate, albeit a few minutes late. A onetime Republican in New Jersey, Jackson-Amis is running this race as an independent. It’s apparent that she’s spent time as an advocate for the underprivileged because that theme ran through many of her answers. One example is not penalizing the children brought along by illegal immigrants, but establishing a “queue” for services. (However, she was in favor of penalizing employers who were “complicit” in the illegal immigration problem.) Another is calling any legislation that would roll back affirmative action a “travesty.” She wanted “livable wages” so people could afford health insurance and claimed to have helped some constituents who were illegally denied medical care. But I thought her best moment was, despite working with a church group that opposed the slots in Maryland, calling them “hypocritical” because some of them derived a portion of their revenue from wagering. Like Colburn, she favored a statewide referendum on the issue.

That took care of the Maryland Senate candidates. However, we still have 15 House of Delegates candidates to sift through. They dealt with just four questions, which dealt with licenses for high school dropouts, items most critical to African-American businesses, being accessible, and how their election would benefit the minority community. Unfortunately, these questions ended up getting many of the same answers. This makes for fairly short descriptions because, as noted at the start, everyone wants to achieve the best results.

In this case, rather than go simply in the order of their opening statements I’m going to add district affiliation in as well. So I’ll start with the District 37A hopefuls in order of their opening statements, District 37B, and so on.

By doing this, I get to start by talking about Charles Cephas, Sr. If nothing else, he probably had the best cheering section. There were 10 or 12 people identically clad in “elect Charles Cephus” t-shirts who whooped it up after his trips to the podium. So while most others got tepid to lukewarm applause for their remarks, Cephus got a great reception. Cephas opened by speaking of fighting our own “weapons of mass destruction” – particularly homelessness, securing affordable housing, and living wages. Later, speaking of this year’s General Assembly session, he challenged delegates to “just try living on minimum wage” while decrying what he termed as “electric companies mak(ing) millions.” Describing himself as representing those “across the tracks”, he related how he started out as a janitor but rose to beat an incumbent to become a Hurlock city councilman and “champion of the underdog.” He pledged to “fight for you” and convince other delegates by force of argument to agree with his stance on the issues.

Because there’s no Republican in the race, the primary between Cephus and incumbent Rudolph Cane will determine the delegate from District 37A. Much of Cane’s presentation focused on his 20 year record in the House of Delegates, starting as the first minority Delegate from the Eastern Shore and culminating in being the first Eastern Shore delegate to chair the Black Caucus. He told the assembled he had made “strong decisions” on proposed bills that affected the Eastern Shore such as the minimum wage bill and the “Wal-Mart” bill, one he described as a “win-win” because even though it was overturned in federal court, it goaded Wal-Mart into improving its health insurance coverage. Cane also talked about the matters of a “livable wage” and education being a “priority”, pointing with pride to $300,000 in scholarships he’d helped to secure. Cane related the story of how he was told not to waste food as a child because of starving children in China, but turned the phrase to suggest not to waste the books in school because of that child in China possibly taking your job.

Turning to District 37B, first up was James Adkins. Besides having his Ten Questions answers on tap, when he spoke of his prior experience I realized where I knew him from – he was a speaker at the Wicomico County Memorial Day observance. Adkins stated up front that the Eastern Shore faced “tremendous challenges”, particularly education, affordable housing, and health care. He wanted voters to look beyond his term and begin to think about things 20 to 30 years in the future, which showed in his answer to the question on high school dropouts and drivers licenses. On that occasion, he said that taking the licenses away from dropouts doesn’t solve the problem because these kids are “disadvantaged from birth” and the answers really start, among other reasons, with better health care. Maybe a bit short on specifics, he was willing be an advocate and informer for his district, “starting now.” Above all, he urged the General Assembly to “stop treating symptoms” and ask the people how to start solving problems.

Playing up his “20 month listening tour” on occasion, Tim Quinn advocated most strongly that job growth would come from enhancing technical education. But by spending so much time talking to people (Quinn was the first Democrat to file for the seat) he concluded he was the best candidate to be an advocate because he’s taken time to “listen to what the people want” and ask them what he could do to help. Quinn cited a statistic that showed the poverty rate in the district ranged from 8-11% overall but among African-Americans it was 23-29%. The root of that, Quinn claimed, is racism – whereas he wanted to “engage all cultures” when it came to business startup.

Incumbent Jeannie Haddaway spoke of a desire to empower young people, where education would be the basis. Moreover, her overall objective was to maintain the quality of life for those in her district. She pointed to her efforts in getting laptops in schools for her district as a method of getting kids engaged in learning and lessening the dropout rate. Another accomplishment of hers was serving on a task force for minority businesses and working to start a linked deposit program. However, Haddaway also asked to continue her service, saying “how can I help you?” and vowing to remain committed to the community.

The other incumbent, Addie Eckardt, was a late arrival so she only answered the questions on being accessible and how her reelection would help the minority community. She spoke of her pet issues – day care, housing, cultural heritage, and being an advocate for the mentally ill. Most important to her in terms of accessibility was to “keep her ear to the ground.”

Switching gears and districts, 38A challenger Tony Bruce sought a return trip to Annapolis, where he served briefly in the General Assembly in the early 1990’s. As stated up top, he observed that all of the candidates were in favor of the same things so it was important to work together as an Eastern Shore team in Annapolis. He continued the theme with a call for common sense and not “politics as usual.” And citing that “a rising tide raises all ships” he wanted to use state resources wisely to promote a living wage and health care. Most interesting to me was his disdain for the Maryland Lottery; insofar as being against slot machines in the state, to him it seemed all forms of state-sanctioned gambling should be curtailed.

Incumbent Page Elmore is using his retirement to serve his constituents. After 35 years in business he ran for and won the Delegate post. He sought a “level playing field” for those in his district, and bragged that he had the most bills passed of any first-time delegate. With his background, it was obvious that most of his answers centered around using resources available to citizens of Maryland to encourage small business startups, thus creating jobs and opportunity for people of all races. Minority set-asides, he continued, were difficult to fill on the Eastern Shore because of a lack of qualifying contractors and companies.

Probably the most diverse group of answers came from those seeking office in District 38B. Sonny Bloxom pointed to his 16 years as a Worcester County commissioner where he’d already worked with and became familiar with the concerns facing the district. I found that his best answer was one where he sort of went against the grain by saying that issues that affected the minority community were problems for everyone, not just minorities. But education was his major concern, quoting Frederick Douglass, “it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

As the youngest candidate in Maryland history, Bill McDermott belied his age by claiming he would bring energy, leadership, and inspiration to the General Assembly. Saying that he lived by twenty principles – ten carried on stone tablets by Moses and ten written by learned men at our founding, McDermott also gave credit to Norm Conway for helping to pass legislation getting broadband to the Eastern Shore. While he knew he didn’t have the life experiences of the other candidates, he did posit on the question of accessibility that, with his being a resident assistant in college, he always had an open door and could do the same as a Delegate. Obviously his pet issue was college tuition, as he again gave a nod to the General Assembly for voting to increase college funding and freezing tuition. He was the one candidate who advocated tax incentives for minority-owned businesses and a task force to study the effects of government on those enterprises.

Former Ocean City mayor Jim Mathias told the gathered that his “number one priority was to work for you.” Speaking in the third person, he said that “Jim Mathias was accessible as mayor of Ocean City.” As a delegate he would be “accessible to small business people”, and that working together we can make a difference. He didn’t carry a lot of specifics with what he said, and I think a part of this is being an appointed delegate with no real record of accomplishment but on the other hand being targeted as part of the Democrat machine in Annapolis. He did deliver his remarks with the polish one would expect from a veteran politician, though. With his appearance and slick delivery, Mathias reminds me a lot of the longtime mayor of Toledo, Carty Finkbeiner (albeit without the controversy.)

Bonnie Luna can be best described as one who has her priorities straight. In her time at the podium, she noted during the “accessibility” question that her priorities, in order, were “God, family, and her job” but she would give her time and talent to her constituents as part of her task. The other part I liked about her words was when she said she would treat all of her district residents equally, as long as they claimed the equality granted to them under the Constitution. The equality theme was also apparent in her answer regarding minority businesses, where she noted that obstacles are the same for everyone, and that there were already plenty of resources available through the government. And Bonnie’s quite quotable, as her goals are to “bring common sense to Annapolis”, place “people before politics”, and “do the right thing.” She pledged to work on bringing civility back to Annapolis and to get past partisan politics. It takes two to tango in that realm, though.

The sole elected incumbent of the two who already occupy the 38B seats, Norm Conway was certainly given praise by opponent Bill McDermott for his legislative accomplishments for the Eastern Shore. Norm touted his experience and leadership as well and informed those who were running for delegate posts that if they weren’t accessible now, they would become so the moment they won the job. But the money quote to me from Delegate Conway was that he “firmly believes in the One Maryland concept.” I just have to put on my editorial hat here and disagree, because to me what’s good for Garrett County may or may not be the best thing for the Eastern Shore and certainly the needs of Baltimore City are different than either. Now if he’s referring to his philosophy of giving all an opportunity to be successful I won’t argue with that but I’m not certain about whether he’s coming at the issue through a philosophy of government or through mandates and legislation. I tend to think the latter, which to me becomes a disagreement on the means to achieve the goal.

In listening to Jack Lord, I thought he also slyly showed that he was running more against the Democrats in charge in Annapolis than his four primary opponents. In referring to the health care issue, he opined that to achieve better health care you need better jobs, thus a pro-business attitude is needed in Maryland. That theme continued when he answered the question on how his election would benefit the minority community, as he said everyone up there wants job creation but he also wanted to “keep the state out of (our) wallet.” Furthermore, in closing he wanted to “put representative back into the quotient” and not just be for big business or big labor.

Finally, we come to Michael James. He portrayed himself as an outsider who wanted to give a “different type” of representation, as he was a political neophyte but, more importantly, was a businessman who had created jobs. He also took a swipe at the perception of Maryland as anti-business when he spoke of minority-owned businesses, saying that the state needs to market its programs better and “(not) drive jobs away.” As he said, having no jobs is equal to having no tax base. And James was the person I adapted the opening from, as he closed by saying that most of them agreed on the problems but the position was about much more than who was effective at winning elections. Obviously you do have to win two elections in order to get to the General Assembly, at least in most cases.

By my count there were about 100 people there, the number actually grew as the evening progressed. It was sort of sad in a way though that a goodly number of the people there were other candidates running for various offices or brought as a show of support. For example, 5 of the 7 running for Sheriff were there and probably another half-dozen or so who were running for County Council. And then you had the Cephus brigade, plus a few others who were associated as campaign staffers or relatives of the people who shared the podium. I know that this will be televised at some point on PAC-14 but there’s not a lot of viewership among the general public there.

As this is the final NAACP forum, I’m unsure what other avenues are available to those who seek to see all of the candidates answer questions. Actually, the questions presented last night were probably the best of the three forums because they dealt least with pet NAACP issues. If this is the last forum, it looks to me like monoblogue will be the one asking the tough questions from here on. (By the way I got a letter today from Rich Colburn, so his Ten Questions answers will be featured on August 19, when I’m back from vacation. That brings the number of responses to seven, and checking my e-mail I should get another next week.) And in a few moments, this post will be superseded by a U.S. Senate response to my Ten Questions that arrived in my e-mail today.

Also, I did get a few more links to campaign sites which I’ll add to monoblogue over the weekend. The campaign is rolling on!

Ten questions for…Jack Lord

Today I get to check out “my” side of the aisle as the first Republican to respond to my Ten Questions call was District 38B candidate Jack Lord. Jack is running for the second time, in 2002 he made it through the primary but lost in the general election. Maybe having the Ten Questions will help clarify his positions a little bit more.

You know the drill, questions in italic and answers in regular font. Jack sent this as a WordPerfect file so he made it easy on me – way to go Jack!

Question #1:

No one could have predicted that Natural Gas or Coal and Gasoline would have increased so much in the past several years. The rates were capped for six years now it’s time to pay the piper. There was no relief for the customers of Delmarva Power here on the shore. It shows that an attempt to control business in this sate by the legislature usually ends in failure.

Question #2:

The proposal by Massachusetts will not work on the eastern shore until we bring in higher paying jobs so the lower middle income families can afford insurance.

Question #3:

Higher paying jobs and High Tech companies will not relocate to Maryland until we make Maryland more business friendly. That means changing the makeup of the legislature.

Question #4:

No child left behind means accountable teachers and schools. Most schools could not do without the Federal funding. Worcester is probably the exception. They have some of the highest test scores but receive the least funding of any School system in the state.

Question #5:

Since that development is in District 37B I would defer to the wishes of the two Delegates representing that area.

Question #6:

Only since the Democrats have lost control of the appointment process and large numbers were replaced are they upset. I think the system works fine.

Question #7:

Another Bay Bridge is necessary. But not in that same location. The tolls should be raised to $5 and the money put aside in an untouchable account where the State can’t use it for any this else other than to build a new bridge.

Question #8:

This is more of a local issue and should be handled by the local police departments with help from the Combined Drug task forces In each county.

Question #9:

I think a better system would be to require photo ID’s and allow absentee ballots for any one who couldn’t vote on election day. And repeal the early voting part.

Question #10:

Unlike the current Delegates I would vote for bills the help Worcester/Wicomico counties. I would work with the Governor if money were available to bring some jobs and industry to Worcester county.

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As a disclosure, I got an e-mail from Jack on Saturday asking me to slightly change the answer in #7 to read “Where the State couldn’t use that money for any than else other than to build a new bridge .” However, I left the original answer above as it was because I didn’t want to set a precedent about letting people change their answers at will to whatever may sound more palatable to the voters or in order to address an opponent. In Jack’s case, I think he was attempting to clarify the sentence a little bit. In a debate you say what comes out of your mouth and get the reward or penalty for it.

I also got another set of answers sent to me over the last few days from District 37B candidate Jim Adkins, so the upcoming schedule looks like this: on Saturday, TQ will feature District 38B hopeful Sonny Bloxom and Adkins will get his crack at monoblogue’s growing audience on Wednesday, August 9th.

Because I’ll be out for vacation, the next Maryland General Assembly TQ edition would occur on Saturday, August 20th but that participant is yet to be determined. Also I’ll begin scheduling the “debates” that I’ll do for the Ten Questions participants (each question posted with all candidate answers) and begin working on my endorsements for the primary election.

Once again, Saturday’s TQ space will be occupied by Sonny Bloxom, one of those running for a District 38B seat.

Election Calendar – July 31 thru August 13

Again, just not a whole lot in the way of specific events. The only four people I have found with events listed in the next two weeks are District 5 County Councilman Larry Dodd, U.S. Congress candidate Jim Corwin, and District 38B contenders Jack Lord and Bonnie Luna. They are among the few who update their campaign calendars on a regular basis.

Dodd has on his calendar that he’ll be at the upcoming NAACP candidate forum (see below.)

Corwin is planning to being amongst the crowds at the Seafood Feast-I-Val in Cambridge on August 12th.

Lord will be at the Showell Fire Department on the 1st, the Blessing of the Combines in Snow Hill on August 5th, and probably one of many Worcester County-based candidates at their county fair (also in Snow Hill) on August 11-12.

Finally, Luna will be at a “neighborhood reception” in Berlin on August 5th and the “Concert on the Lawn” in Berlin on August 13th.

This coming Thursday, August 3rd, the final NAACP candidate forum will occur at the First Baptist Church auditorium, 528 Booth Street, in Salisbury. Hopefuls for the General Assembly are slated to attend, but it will be interesting to see which ones actually do – plus how many other candidates (such as Larry Dodd) will attend. By the way, I still haven’t filled out my candidate survey I got from them yet.

At the moment, that’s the only candidate forum I know of. With county fairs taking center stage for consecutive weekends in August (Wicomico’s runs from the 17th to the 19th) it’s not real likely that there will be many more, time is growing short before the primary election.

Finally, here is Bill Reddish’s WICO-AM morning show schedule so far as I have it:

Monday, July 31: Wicomico County Council District 1 candidate Mac Hayward.
Tuesday, August 1: Wicomico County Council District 4 candidate Bryan Brushmiller.

Brushmiller will be the last Wicomico County Council aspirant on the “hot seat” for the time being. After that, we hear from the many candidates for the two seats representing District 38B in the House of Delegates.

Wednesday, August 2: Candidate Bill McDermott.
Thursday, August 3: Appointed incumbent Jim Mathias.
Friday, August 4: Candidate Sonny Bloxom.

Monday, August 7: Candidate Michael James.
Tuesday, August 8: Candidate Jack Lord.
Wednesday, August 9: Incumbent Norm Conway.

I haven’t received anything further than that from Bill Reddish, but I would hazard a guess that he’s trying to get Bonnie Luna (the other 38B candidate) on for the 10th or 11th. Fortunately (for me) he’s getting the district I’m most interested in on first, before I go on vacation for a few days.

Because of that vacation, next week’s Election Calendar will be an extended version that will cover all the way up to August 27th.

Ten questions for…Tony Bruce

Editor’s note: Sadly, Mr. Bruce passed away August 5, 2006.

On Wednesday I featured Patrick Armstrong with the first edition of the Ten Questions for the Maryland General Assembly. Today by sheer happenstance we’ll hear from his primary opponent Tony Bruce.

You should know the format by now, questions in italics, answers in plain text. Unlike yesterday’s U.S. Senate candidate Richard Shawver, these answers were e-mailed to me so I don’t have to transcribe. Thank you Tony!

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?

Generally, I believe that public utilty regulation should have been continued. I don’t believe you can have true competion when there are a minimum number of suppliers and only one distributor. That being said, I think we now have to see how the new Public Service Commission is going to act, before trying to reassemble the reguation laws.

Question #2:

The health care bills this year were for political theatrics and lent nothing to expanding health care coverage or minimizing costs, private or public. Tax credits are a better approach then penalties to encourage coverage although I am willing to look at the specifics of the Massachusetts or any other approach.

Question #3:

1. Assure that there are facilities availiable for relocating business to consider, even if the spec building sits for awhile.

2. Have preapproved sites available for business relocation/expansion. The agencies responsible for approvals need to have a checklist approach with generic formulas; e.g. The amount of storm water containment will be # if the impervious surface is # .

3. Enforce job formulas tied with financial assistance: if the loan/grant/tax package was supposed to produce a given number of jobs and did not, there should be a payback with lien status not subordinate to other financing.

4. Do a better job of uniformly utilizing existing economic development tools such as the enterprise zones, arts districts, main street or commercial revitalizations, employee training, state purchasing, minority business programs, etc. Right now the local business wishing to expand does not have sufficient awareness of what is availiable. They need to be able to go to one place with realistic expectations enhanced with a good business plan. The Universitys’ business development assistance for business planning needs better
publicity.

5. We need to assure that the public school systems and the post secondary systems are sufficiently flexible to offer the skill/knowledge base a particular employer needs in a timely manner.

Question #4:

I do not see how we can turn down federal funding until another source of funding is found, notwithstanding the mandates of No child Left Behind. If there was an independent source of funds, then a Maryland only approach might be desirable, but in truth the State Board of Education (and other State agencies) have always imposed their own unfunded mandates that are often the least desirable approach to the responsible local agency.

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?

If the proposal meets the approved requirements under State law and those parameters have been been included in the local regulations in reliance, the local political subdivision should have the final say.

Question #6:

I think the politicalization of this issue has contributed to a lack of confidence in both the executive and legislative institutions. I believe the replacement of many career individuals was foolish and shortsighted, but the Governor has the right to take that approach. However, the General Assembly has the duty to monitor public agencies and eliminate or modify them when the job is not getting done.

Question #7:

I think light rail or some other mass transit approach is the only long term cost effective approach with minimal demographic impact. User fees and the fuel tax are limited, but I am unwilling to consider a dedication of a part of the sales tax to mass transit until I am sure the whole State including the Eastern Shore will benefit.

Question #8:

I think the statutes are already on the books. We cannot lock up everyone. As it stands, a person develops a record before being incarcerated and serves on probation a series of convictions. The weak link is the underfunded parole and probation departments and an extrodinayily too heavy a case load per agent. If probation has a chance of working the agent must have the time to deal with the offender.

The only statutory change I see would be the elimination of the annonimity of the juvenile record. I do not see any justification for any sentencing authority not to be aware of and consider the juvenile record.

Question #9:

The manner of early voting is imposing an unfair burden on the rural election boards, when the simple appoach would have been to allw them to use absentee ballots. We will see if it encourges voting. If it does. then the concept is not objectionable. I do not expect there to be fraudulent voting problem related to early voting.

Question #10:

I know of no reason reasonable people cannot find common ground. Since I expect to have the unopposed Senator from the opposite party as the Senator for District 38A with whom local issues demand agreement, I expect to make compromises so long as everyone is approaching issues as problem solving. Were the Governor to be of the opposite party, I would expect the same approach and good faith efforts. Most of the time all of us have the same concerns; the expense of government, minimal regulation, assisting education, assuring health care and making the tax burden fair. It is a matter of making the extra effort to try and find common ground.

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Here is another case of what I intended the Ten Questions to be – reasonable and detailed answers to each question with elements of specificity. Since I don’t read the answers prior to my compiling the posts (I like to be surprised and/or amazed) it’s nice to sit here and read answers like Mr. Bruce gave. I may not agree with the answers but by and large he did a good job of answering the questions.

The next edition of Ten Questions will be answered by District 38B hopeful Jack Lord this coming Wednesday, for the first time we’ll hear from the Republican side of things.

Ten questions for…Richard Shawver

A late entry into the Senate race, Richard Shawver is a Republican candidate that I snail-mailed because the Board of Elections had no e-mail address on file for him.

Here’s his (fairly brief) answers to my Ten Questions, translated from paper to pixels as written. I would assume in certain places he’s citing the Constitution.

Question #1:

Illeghal immigrants, are illegal. Anyone hiring illegal’s are breaking the law. Send the illegal’s back, fine the employer’s.

Question #2:

I see no reason why companys can’t drill for oil, as long as they are responsible for any spills.

If we are in Iraq, they should be paying for the war. And we should have all the oil we need.

Question #3:

To eliminate ethical improprieties Article 1, Section 5.

Question #4:

My run for office should coat (sic) less then $5000, it’s hard to think of people or company’s from out of state giving money to candidates.

Question #5:

Before any troops are sent to any country, it should be clerly (sic) look into, remmber (sic) Korea, Viet-Nam.

Question #6:

If Iran nuclear program, is for electrical power, fine. If it’s to threatened (sic) Israel it should go befor (sic) the U.N.

Question #7:

Social Security reform? Social Security is voluntary for U.S. citizen, mandatory for legal aliens.

Question #8:

There only a deficit, because Congress won’t do their job, Article 1, Section 1-10.

Question #9:

NAFTA is unconstitution (sic). Article 1 Section 1-10.

Question #10:

At this time I have no one in mind.

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Again, I have transcribed this as written, with the exception of the original letter being ALL CAPS. But it’s obvious this man does have a good understanding of the Congressional duties under the Constitution, the problem is that not everyone else does so things get lost in the translation.

Tomorrow I’ll be back to the Maryland General Assembly race, and, unless I get another response before Tuesday, once again Tuesday will be black as far as the U.S. Senate version of the Ten Questions goes. Their loss.