THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Montgomery County OTERS’ GUIDE PRIMARY ELECTION: TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 POLLS OPEN: 7am - 8pm
Hyattstown
124 650 Laytonsville DISTRICT 108 DISTRICT 6 270 3 Gaithersburg 650 Poolesville 200 28 Burtonsville
Rockville DISTRICT 270 29 190 Montgomery County, MD 8 495 495 Silver Spring
Check out VOTE411.org – an interactive guide for voting information.
EARLY VOTING: APRIL 14 - 21 (10am-8pm) SEE PAGE 3 FOR EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS Contents
Get Ready to Vote...... 2 Information for Three Ways To Vote (and Early Voting Centers)...... 3 All Montgomery Links to More Information...... 4 County Ballots Forums & Debates...... 4 Candidates for President of the United States...... 5 Candidates for U.S. Senator...... 8 Candidates for Judge of the Circuit Court...... 26 Candidates for Board of Education At Large...... 31
Candidates for U.S. Representative – Information Congressional District 3...... 16 for District 3 National Political Party Convention Delegates...... 28 Ballots
Candidates for U.S. Representative – Information Congressional District 6...... 18 for District 6 National Political Party Convention Delegates...... 29 Ballots
Candidates for U.S. Representative – Information Congressional District 8...... 21 for District 8 National Political Party Convention Delegates...... 30 Ballots
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® Material from the Guide may not be reproduced in whole Produced and OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD, INC. or in part without permission of the League of Women Published by: CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND Voters of Montgomery County. The League assumes no liability for errors or omissions. League of Women Voters of Montgomery County—Citizen Education Fund 12216 Parklawn Dr., Suite 105 Share our Guide with others! Rockville, MD 20852-1710 301-984-9585 This Guide is also on our E-mail: [email protected] website: www.lwvmocomd.org lwvmocomd.org 1 About The Voters’ Guide And The League Of Women Voters (LWV) This Voters’ Guide can help you make decisions when you vote in withdrawn after the print deadline. Candidate websites provide the April 2016 Primary Election. The League of Women Voters of additional biographical and policy information. Montgomery County publishes this Guide. LWV is a nonpartisan organization of women and men that promotes informed The vote411.org website has all updates received after our print participation in government. The League does not support or deadline. It also has responses to additional questions not printed oppose any political party or candidate. here due to space limitations, including all the responses received from the candidates for delegates to the Republican and Democratic The LWV sent questions to all candidates requesting responses Party Conventions. Compare the candidate responses for all federal before our print deadline, February 26. The answers in the Guide and county races on the ballot for your address using vote411.org. appear as written by the candidates. Some candidates may have
About The Primary Election • The Democratic and Republican political parties are required by • Candidates for the Green and Libertarian parties will not Maryland law to choose their candidates for the General Election appear on the official primary ballots, so they are not included in party primary elections. In 2016, you must be registered as a in this Guide. The Green Party is conducting its own primary Democrat or Republican by the April 5 deadline to vote in that for the nomination for United States Senate and U.S. House party’s primary election and for the Circuit Court Judges. of Representatives District 8; those candidates will appear in • All registered voters may vote for the non-partisan candidates for vote411.org. To request a Green Party ballot, send an email to the Board of Education At-Large. Candidates for Districts 2 and 4 [email protected] by April 17. Green Party ballots must be are not on the primary ballot. Because only two candidates filed returned by April 30. in each District, both advance to the general election. • Maryland law prohibits write-in candidates for the Primary • If you are registered and age 18 by November 8, 2016, you may Election. vote in the April 26 Primary Election.
Get Ready To Vote Learn about issues and candidates’ positions at forums, from the You may take the sample ballot, the Voters’ Guide, or other papers media, from the League’s on-line and printed Voters’ Guide, and at with you when you vote. You are NOT permitted to use electronic vote411.org. Use that information to mark the sample ballot sent devices such as telephones, tablets, and computers inside polling to all registered voters by the Board of Elections. The sample ballot places—including while you are in line within the room. First time lists all the candidates, the locations and dates for early voting, voters in Maryland should bring identification with your current and your local polling place if you vote on Primary Election Day, address, such as a driver’s license. Tuesday, April 26. You do not need to vote on everything. You can choose to vote on the candidates and issues that are important to you.
Am I Registered? Do I Need To Update My Registration? In Maryland, registration is permanent so long as you keep your • Using the Verify Registration link at www.777vote.org or current address. Always keep your name, address, and political https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch. party affiliation information up to date. • Calling the Board of Elections at 240-777-8500. Tuesday, April 5, 9 pm is the deadline to register or make name/ If your registration is inaccurate, you may have to vote with a address/political affiliation changes to vote absentee or on Primary provisional ballot or go to a different polling place. A provisional Election Day, April 26. ballot lets you vote if there is a registration problem. The Board of Elections will research your record after the election and your You can check your registration by: ballot will be counted if you are registered. If no registration record • Looking at your registration card or the sample ballot that was is found, you will be registered to vote in the next election. mailed to you in early April. 2 NEW! Register At Early Voting Centers If you miss the April 5 registration deadline and are qualified, you • Not have been convicted of buying or selling votes. can register and vote the same day at any County Early Voting • Not have been convicted of a felony, or, if so, have completed Center from 10 am – 8 pm, Thursday, April 14 – Thursday, April 21. serving any prison sentence. To register you must: To register at early voting, bring a Maryland driver’s license, • Be at least 16 years old; however, to vote you must be 18 years old identification card, learner’s permit or other proof of residency. on or before the General Election, Tuesday, November 8, 2016. If you are already registered, you may change your address but not • Be a citizen of the United States. your political affiliation at early voting. • Be a resident of Maryland. • Not be under court-ordered ineligibility to vote due to mental disability.
Three Ways To Vote
VOTE EARLY at a convenient time and location for you. The Early Voting Centers are open from 10 am – 8 pm, Thursday, 1 April 14 – Thursday, April 21. All ballots will be available at each of these early voting locations: Activity Center at Bohrer Park Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg 20877 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville 20866 Damascus Community Recreation Center Mid-County Community Recreation Center 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus 20872 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring 20906 Executive Office Building Potomac Community Recreation Center 101 Monroe Street, Rockville 20850 11315 Falls Road, Potomac 20904 Germantown Community Recreation Center Silver Spring Civic Building 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown 20874 One Veterans Place at Fenton & Ellsworth, Silver Spring 20910 Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase 20815 2400 Arcola Avenue, Wheaton 20902
VOTE BY MAIL (ABSENTEE). From home or Absentee ballots can be picked up through Primary Election Day, 2 away—there is no need to go anywhere—no excuse needed! Tuesday, April 26 in person by the voter or by a designated agent with a form signed by the voter. Print an application from www.777vote.org, call 240-777-8550 to have one mailed to you, or visit the Board of Elections. The completed absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day, or hand delivered to the Board of Elections before Return the application to the Board of Elections by mail, by fax 8 pm on Election Day. Do not fax the absentee ballot to the Board (240-777-8560), or in person. Deadlines are April 19 to have your of Elections or take it to a precinct polling location or an Early absentee ballot mailed or April 22 to print it from the website. Voting Center. It will not be counted.
VOTE AT YOUR ASSIGNED POLLING If you are unsure of your polling place, check the back of your 3 PLACE. On Primary Election Day, Tuesday, April 26, go sample ballot or visit https://voterservices.elections.maryland. to your local polling place. Polls are open 7 am to 8 pm. Early gov/PollingPlaceSearch. Voting Centers are closed on Election Day, unless serving as a local polling place.
3 Need More Help? Do you still have questions? What if I need help when voting? • Read your sample ballot. Speak to an election worker. Please note: • Call our LWV Hot Line: 301-984-9585, 10 am to 4 pm, weekdays, • Voting instructions, ballots, and help are available in Spanish at 1 to 5 pm Tuesdays. all polls. • Check out our website: lwvmocomd.org. • Voting instructions, but not ballots, are available in French, • Send us an email at [email protected]. Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Other language help is sometimes available. • Follow us at facebook.com/mont.lwvmd.org and at twitter.com/mocomdlwv. • Electronic ballots are available in large print, reverse contrast, and audio format in English and Spanish upon request. • See page 34 for complete contact information.
On-Line Resources At www.elections.maryland.gov: At vote411.org: • Register to vote online. • Find your local polling place. • Download registration or absentee ballot application. • Compare the candidates and find additional • Verify voter registration and polling place location. candidate responses not printed in the Scan this code with Voters’ Guide. your smartphone to • Find all candidate names. go to vote411.org • Create your own personal sample ballot. • Check contributions to campaigns or candidates.
At www.777vote.org: At lwvmocomd.org: • Find the Voters’ Guide in a printable format. • Find Montgomery County Early Voting Centers, addresses, directions, and nearby Metrobus routes. • Link to vote411.org. • Check waiting times for Centers during the Early Voting period.
Candidate Forums and Debates Check the Montgomery County League of Women Voters website, U.S. House of Representatives debates – Congressional District 8 – lwvmocomd.org, for forums and debates scheduled after this Republican and Democratic candidates: taped on March 13 printing. It will include links to rebroadcasts of debates. Board of Education candidates: taped on February 29 U.S. Senate debates – Republican and Democratic candidates: • Democratic candidates: taped on March 22 • Republican candidates: taped on March 25
What If I Receive A Sample Ballot For Someone Who Does Not Live At My Address? Please mark it “not at this address” or “recipient deceased” and return it to the mail carrier.
The following pages contain descriptions of the offices being contested, the candidates in the Primary Election, and their responses to questions asked by the League of Women Voters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates. Additional questions and answers for some offices may be found at vote411.org. Candidates who did not respond by the deadline are indicated. Check vote411.org for responses from candidates that may have been submitted after the print deadline. 4 On the Ballot President of the United States (see Candidates on pages 6 - 7)
Duties: The President is the head of state of the United States of America and is the Chief Executive Officer and is the Commander Questions to the candidates for U.S. President: in Chief of all military forces. The powers of the President are described in the Constitution and federal law. The President • CHALLENGES: How do you propose to address the appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other most important challenges facing our country? nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court Justices and federal judges, subject to Senate approval. The President, along • ECONOMY: In building a vibrant U.S. economy, with the Cabinet and its agencies, is responsible for carrying out would you emphasize helping companies expand and enforcing the laws of the United States. The President may and earn more or addressing income inequality? also recommend legislation to the United States Congress. • MIDDLE EAST: Please explain why you support or Term: Four years. Limit to two terms. oppose using more U.S. military power to resolve Base Salary: $400,000 per year. the situation in the Middle East. Note: All candidates who will appear on your state’s ballot are • TERRORISM: What measures do you support to listed below but only those that meet the following criteria were protect Americans from domestic acts of terrorism? invited to participate in this Guide: • MONEY & ELECTIONS: Please explain why you do or 1. The candidate must have made a public announcement of do not think it is important to reduce the role of her/his intention to run for her/his Party’s nomination for money in American elections. President; and, See pages 6 - 7 for candidate responses. Responses are 2. The candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign shown exactly as provided by the candidates. No edits of Fund Act’s minimum contribution threshold requirements any kind have been made. for qualifying for matching funds, based on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC website. Questions to and responses from candidates for President are ©2016 League of Women Voters Education Fund.
Who May Vote? Republican Candidates...... page 6 You must be registered with the Republican or Democratic party by April 5 to vote for a Presidential candidate in their Primary. Democratic Candidates...... page 7
If you are a registered Republican you may vote for In addition to Presidential candidates, your ballot will list only one (1) Republican candidate. candidates for delegate to their party’s convention. See page If you are a registered Democrat you may vote for 27 for more information about delegates. only one (1) Democratic candidate.
5 Republican Primary Candidates for President See previous page for details about the Office of President. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate/ Donald J. Trump Home State New York
Website donaldjtrump.com Challenges I think the most important issues facing this The following Republican candidates were invited to country are economic recovery, immigration and respond but provided no answers by the print deadline. How do you propose to address the national security. I have proposed an excellent most important challenges facing pro-growth tax policy, have taken the strongest Check vote411.org/voter-guide-2016# for responses our country? stance on immigration reform and have addressed submitted after the print deadline. how we will recapitalize our military to attain the readiness necessary to achieve and protect our Ted Cruz (Texas) national interests. A strong economy must be first. tedcruz.org
Good economic policy will help both companies John R. Kasich (Ohio) Economy grow and invest in America, and improve wages johnkasich.com In building a vibrant U.S. economy, and living standards for all Americans. A smart would you emphasize helping trade policy, a competitive tax policy, and a companies expand and earn more national-interest immigration policy, will all boost or addressing income inequality? the quality of life for Americans and make the country stronger and more prosperous.
Middle East The Middle East really presents three sets of issues. The following Republican candidates have withdrawn The Muslim Brotherhood is making great headway or suspended their campaign but will appear on the Please explain why you support or in the African littoral, we have the issues with Syria oppose using more U.S. military and Iraq and we have the challenges offered by Maryland ballot: Iran. Each of these requires different solution sets. power to resolve the situation in the Jeb Bush (Florida) Middle East. Military power should only be used to achieve our national interests, and until such time as we have Ben Carson (Florida) a better economy, we are limited. Chris Christie (New Jersey) Carly Fiorina (Virginia) In a Trump administration, we will keep Americans Terrorism safe while safeguarding their Constitutional Mike Huckabee (Arkansas) rights. This would mean that I would insist that What measures do you support to Rand Paul (Kentucky) protect Americans from domestic all federal agencies cooperate with state and acts of terrorism? local law enforcement to ensure that we have the Marco Rubio (Florida) broadest network possible working on collecting, and acting upon, intelligence that will suppress Rick Santorum (Virginia) any attempts at domestic terrorism.
Politicians have become puppets for their donors. Money & Elections I am the only candidate who is self-funding. The Please explain why you do or do best way for voters to rebel against the influence not think it is important to reduce of money in politics is with their votes: a Trump the role of money in American Presidency will return this government to the elections. people.
6 Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. President See page 5 for details about the Office of President. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate/ Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders Home State New York Vermont
Website hillaryclinton.com berniesanders.com Challenges I have laid out four fights to face our greatest chal- I will address the most important challenges fac- The following Democratic lenges: we must create an economy that raises pay ing our country by bringing people together to candidate did not meet the How do you propose to address the and creates good jobs, ensuring those at the top reinvigorate democracy. Middle class and working most important challenges facing pay their fair share. We have to support families families and low income people. White, Black, LWVEF criteria for inclusion and our country? by expanding access to health care and other vital Hispanic, and Native American. Men and women. was not asked to respond: services. We must maintain our leadership for Straight and gay. Native born and immigrant. This global peace and security. Finally, we must stop is the only way to address the major economic, po- Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente the flow of secret money that corrupts our politics. litical, social, and environmental challenges facing (California) our country. rocky2016.com The deck is stacked against ordinary Americans. To rebuild the middle class and reduce income and Economy That is why I have laid out plans to raise the mini- wealth inequality, we must unlock the economic In building a vibrant U.S. economy, mum wage and to close unfair tax loopholes that potential of all Americans. As President, I will: would you emphasize helping benefit companies that shift jobs overseas. I will demand large corporations pay their fair share in companies expand and earn more make investments that create jobs, including in in- taxes; boost wages by increasing the minimum or addressing income inequality? frastructure, research, and education. I’ll fight for wage to $15 per hour, fight for pay equity for equal pay, paid leave, and lower taxes for working women, create 13 million new jobs by investing $1 Americans—asking those at the top to pay more. trillion to modernize our crumbling infrastructure, and more.
Like President Obama, I do not believe we should I deeply believe that the test of a great and power- Middle East again have U.S. troops in combat in the Middle ful nation is not how many wars it can engage in, Please explain why you support or East. If we have learned anything from 15 years of but how it can resolve international conflicts in a oppose using more U.S. military war, it is that we cannot substitute for local forces peaceful manner. We must move away from using power to resolve the situation in the in missions to secure their own communities. Our unilateral military action, and toward diplomacy. Middle East. strategy must be comprehensive—embedding War must always be the last resort. As Pres., I will our mission against ISIS within a broader fight defend this nation, its people, and America’s stra- against radical jihadism that is bigger than any tegic interests, but I will do it responsibly. one group.
We have to shut down ISIS recruitment in the We must root out terrorist funding networks, pro- Terrorism U.S. and stop foreign terrorists from coming here. vide logistical support to better coordinate local What measures do you support to We must disrupt plots before they are carried and federal law enforcement, and disrupt online protect Americans from domestic out by ensuring local law enforcement works radicalization. While our intelligence and law en- acts of terrorism? with national counterterrorism experts. We must forcement agencies must have the tools they need build on our successes in securing loose nuclear to protect the American people, there must be materials and other WMD. And we need to em- legal oversight and they must go about their work power American Muslims, who are key to the fight in a way that does not sacrifice our basic freedoms. against radicalization.
Campaign finance reform is needed to restore a There is no issue more important than reforming Money & Elections government of, by, and for the people—not just our broken campaign finance system, which is Please explain why you do or do the wealthy and well-connected. On issues from increasingly controlled by billionaires and special not think it is important to reduce climate change to equal pay, Washington won’t interests. We must give Congress and the states the role of money in American work for us unless we address the outsized role the power to regulate money in elections, and elections. of money in politics. As president, I will appoint we must require full disclosure of all campaign Supreme Court justices who value our right to contributions. Ultimately, we should move toward vote—and I will work to end secret, unaccount- public funding of federal elections. 7 able money in politics. On the Ballot U.S. Senator (see Candidates on pages 9 -14)
Duties: U.S. Senators make laws along with the House of Representatives, ratify treaties, and conduct investigations on Questions to the candidates for U.S. Senator: issues of national importance. The Senate confirms Presidential appointments including Supreme Court justices. • QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of a Senator? How Elected: In 2016, Maryland voters will elect one Senator. Voters elect two Senators from each State who serve six years. • ECONOMY: What economic policies would you About one-third of the 100 members of the Senate is elected every two years. Senators must be at least 30 years old, have been support to assist low and middle income citizens? citizens of the United States at least 9 years and be residents of • FOREIGN POLICY: What are the most important the state they want to represent. foreign policy issues and how would you address Term: Six years them? Base Salary: $174,000 • IMMIGRATION: What changes, if any, would you support in immigration policy? • ENVIRONMENT: What is the most pressing environmental problem and what measures would Who May Vote? you support to address it? You must be registered with the Republican or • INEQUALITY: What policies would you support to Democratic party to vote for their candidate for address increasing concern about economic, racial, Senator. and social inequality? If you are a registered Republican you may vote for • TAX REFORM: What changes, if any, would you only one (1) Republican candidate. support in federal tax policy? If you are a registered Democrat you may vote for • OTHER PRIORITIES: What other issues are priorities only one (1) Democratic candidate. for you? See pages 9 - 14 for candidate responses. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates. No edits of any kind have been made. Due to space limitations, only responses to the first five Republican Candidates...... pages 9-11 questions are printed. Responses to the remaining three questions may be found at vote411.org. Democratic Candidates...... pages 12-14
8 Republican Primary Candidates for U.S. Senator See previous page for details about the Office of Senator. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Chris Chaffee Sean P. Connor Richard J. Douglas
Website chrischaffeeforussenate.com seanconnor.us douglasmaryland.com
My experience includes being a son, husband, I meet all the qualifications as provided for by the I would bring five years of prior U.S. Senate Qualifications father, grandfather, Catholic, coach, union worker, US Constitution. Maryland has been my residence experience to the post. I also have armed forces, How does your experience prepare state worker, business owner, volunteer and a for all my life, I have always lived and worked in diplomatic, intelligence, and law enforcement ex- you for the duties of a Senator? lifetime Maryland resident. All of these have given Maryland, and I am raising my family in Maryland. perience which no other candidate in the race can me the skills, compassion, understanding, and in- I have never run for office but I am tired of the match. I will use my command of Senate rules, my sight necessary to address the needs of the people same people being recycled and elected. I work in national security and business experience, and my I will represent. IT, customer service and patience have been honed real-world seasoning to give Maryland something to consider all sides of an issue. in the U.S. Senate it lacks today: a voice.
I would abolish the affordable care act. It is keep- It is criminal the amount of debt that is currently My primary objective as a U.S. Senator will be to Economy ing employers from giving workers a forty hour being accumulated and passed on to the next 2, unshackle the U.S. economy. There is no higher What economic policies would you work week. I would oppose the H1B Visa that is possibly 3 generations. I will be part of making national security priority. My approach will be to support to assist low and middle using cheap high tech labor to replace American the Executive and Legislative branches account- seek to purge the U.S. Code of statutory obstacles income citizens? jobs. The student visas should have a defined exit able to a balanced budget, wise spending bills to U.S. success, and revise basic statutory authori- strategy upon their graduating to return home. Marylander’s are forced to live within their means, ties which enable regulatory bloat. To accomplish why shouldn’t the Federal Government? Smarter this, I will work with Annapolis and across the aisle spending and defeating the fraud. wherever possible.
Our first step is to have a new commander and Terrorism and Trade As a Veteran, Citizen, Father, The most important foreign policy threat to the Foreign Policy chief who would enforce a strong foreign policy. Husband, Brother, Son, Uncle, Neighbor and United States in 2016 is a U.S. Congress which What are the most important We need to stand united and defend our allies. All Friend, I support the strongest national defense will tolerate an Iranian nuclear program. Such foreign policy issues and how would foreign policies must have what is best for America achievable. I do not support any military action a Congress will tolerate anything, including the you address them? as the priority. We must defeat ISIS. without clearly defined goals, and no intent for destruction of American alliances, the American decisive victory. If we are not going in to win, workforce and American liberties. I am running for why are we there in the first place? Trade agree- the U.S. Senate to put a stop to it, and I will begin ments need to be more equitable to bring back US on the day after my general election victory. businesses. We have immigration laws in place that are not I support legal Immigration, and I support having Above all, Congress must restore U.S. citizen and Immigration being enforced. We must identify and verify who is better control of our borders. First, we address lawful permanent resident workers to first place What changes, if any, would you entering our country with a competent screening border security, then those here illegally. We bring on our nation’s priority list. I served in Juarez, support in immigration policy? process. We must control our borders. If you are them out of hiding, assist and embrace those who Mexico, in the Foreign Service. I have more immi- not here legally you are breaking the law. want to be Americans while weeding out those gration experience than anyone in Congress or the nefarious individuals that are destructive and Maryland race. U.S. workers must recapture their harmful to Maryland and America. rightful place at the top of Congress’s priority list. Today they aren’t on the list at al
I am a lifetime Maryland resident and have seen Energy and the battle of what is good or not good. Maryland’s most pressing environmental problem Environment the Chesapeake Bay go from being polluted to It is everyone’s responsibility to always improve is ineffectiveness of its U.S. congressional del- What is the most pressing on its way to recovery. We need common sense our environment. We don’t always get it right, egation. The Bay and the people are hurt by such environmental problem and what regulations to protect our resources. This needs to but we can always clean it up and do better. It passivity, as unfinished projects like storm water measures would you support to be done by the states not the EPA in Washington. starts with personal responsibility and corporate repairs in Baltimore, the Conowingo Dam clea- address it? Let the free market determine the best energy responsibility, and ends with constantly updating nout, and Chesapeake/Delaware Canal dredging sources. Stop allowing Washington to pick winners acceptable lawfully passed legislation and regula- languish. Meanwhile, EPA runs roughshod over and losers. tions. It is a tough balance. farmers as Maryland’s congressional delegation 9 slumbers. No more. (Continued next page)
The following Republican candidates were invited to respond but provided no answers by the print deadline: John R. Graziani Greg Holmes Anthony Seda Kathy Szeliga facebook.com/grazianiforsenate gregformaryland.com sedaforussenate.com kathyformaryland.com
Joseph David Hooe Chrys Kefalas Mark McNicholas Lynn Richardson joehooe.org chrysformaryland.com mark4md.com richardsonforussenate.org
As a business owner, Johns Hopkins graduate, As a business leader and entrepreneur with a At some point being a leader may have meant My experience as a reasonable, considerate past volunteer firefighter, political activist, I long history of success, I know what it takes to you were the one with the loudest voice or big- business owner makes a strong argument for a have advised various organizations on how build opportunity, create jobs, and give a voice gest muscle, but today being a leader means regular citizen to become senator. Each day, it is to maximize transportation efficiency. I have to our middle class. As a high-ranking official building the best relationships. I have built re- my job to define the goals of my client, the scope fought for the rights of small businesses. I took with the U.S. Justice Department and as Deputy lationships in the business world and look for- of the problem and to formulate a practical solu- on Goodyear over their use of my business’s Legal Counsel to Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., ward to building relationships in Washington tion based on needs, budget and timeframe. Our name and phone number, and I won. I’ve also I’ve led on politically-charged issues, such as to make Maryland a better place to live, work long term representatives easily forget that they served as a Political Liaison-Aid for the Finnish criminal justice reform, to forge consensus and and due business! are making decisions that wholly affect other Foreign committee delegation. get results. people’s lives. I believe that we need more apprenticeship pro- I will fight to restore manufacturing in I would reduce governmental regulations and Federal government has to get out of the way of grams that allow businesses to hire employees Maryland--with lower taxes, sane regulations, taxes. When these are introduced to a free small & emerging businesses that will directly at lower wages and develop them into skilled and America-first trade. Too much of Maryland market economy it comes with a cost. The in- create job opportunities that, in turn, create more workers worthy of higher market wages after has been left behind by our flat-lining economy. crease is passed on to the consumer in the price income. I support vast change in the stifling en- a specific period of time. Employer-sponsored Since 1990, we’ve lost 100,000 manufacturing of the product or service. In the end the more titlement programs that need to encourage and apprentices would gain access to valuable on- jobs. Like my friend and former colleague, Gov. regulations the government adds the more it SUPPORT individuals by providing a pathway out the-job training, “earn while they learn” and Larry Hogan, I can fix this because I’ve helped increases prices. Increased prices have a much of dependency and into independent, successful avoid costly vocational training schools. create jobs in the private sector. greater effect on the lower and middle class jobs that can support them. than it does on the wealthy. ISIS and Iran are the most important foreign ISIS, radical Islamist terrorism, nuclear states, The most important foreign policy issue facing We must repair our relationships with strong policy issues. There are four players involved in and cyber-attacks are America’s greatest our country is our national defense. We have allies, like Israel, who will be instrumental in the Syrian crisis: The United States, Russia, Arab threats. I will support international coalitions to make sure we are guarded against any at- fighting our war with Islamic terrorists. We must Sunni governments, including Syria, and the to defeat ISIS and radical Islamist terrorism; en- tacks on our country. This means increasing our also stand on the tails of countries that laugh in Shiite majority governments of Iraq and Iran, sure that immigrants are screened and vetted defense spending to better secure our borders, the face of our policies and treaties-North Korea who all have a different agenda and ultimate so we know who is coming into our country; ports and coastlines. Having troops stationed and Iran, for examples-and be prepared to make vision of the future for the Middle East region. keep our military and intelligence community abroad is necessary to our safety at home. them comply, for our safety and the safety of the We need to stop the flow of money to terrorists strong while protecting civil liberties; and pri- Being an isolationist is not a successful foreign world. and protect ourselves. oritize cyber-security. policy. I have developed an immigration reform plan As your Senator, I will: reform the broken sys- It certainly does not sit well with me that in Before we can deal or ultimately manage the that will raise billions of dollars annually, re- tem and secure our borders--to reaffirm legal- many American businesses we have citizens millions of illegal immigrants, we must be able sources that can be used to pay down the debt, ized immigration; enforce immigration laws in working and paying income taxes while some- to contain and control our own borders. Once make infrastructure improvements and improve the workplace; implement effective visa track- one doing the same job is not paying income that step is taken, we can then assess what to border security. I’m proposing an immigrant ing systems; enhance the H-2B visa program; taxes. The best solution is a gradual approach do next. It is quite complicated with families in- pay-to-work program, whereby all 11 million and end sanctuary cities. with the first step being to stop the influx of volved, but we can most certainly begin to weed illegal immigrant workers in the U.S. would be undocumented workers with a wall. We need to out and deport those who break even more of required to purchase an annual temporary right document the undocumented workers already our laws right away. It should not take years to to work for $1000.00. in our country and make them tax payers. become a citizen here.
Protecting our national resources must become For Maryland, we need to do better in protect- The US should be leading the efforts to research In Maryland, the health of the bay is probably the a top priority. I also believe that we should ing the Bay. As your Senator, I will ensure that the impacts of climate change and deforesta- most critical issue. Our biggest problem is what reevaluate our focus on the Middle East and we are not placing barriers on the innovations tion and we should be recruiting partners in comes to us from neighboring states. We can instead prioritize securing our borders and pro- that will ultimately solve our challenges; con- these efforts. These are global issues and they regulate our farmers, our urban run-off, trash, tecting our allies. We should also move toward vene a monthly task force meeting of industry, require global solutions. One thing that we can and septic systems, but if the junk coming out supporting domestic alternative energy pro- agriculture, fishing, environmental leaders to do on a national level is to clarify the labeling of PA keeps polluting the bay, all of our efforts grams and by extension supporting our farmers, hear their concerns and proposals; and propose of our food. We need to take a close look at the won’t make any difference. who are vital to achieving the goal of American a 5-year comprehensive plan to improve the FDA’s practices and our use of fertilizers and energy independence in the future health of the Bay. pesticides. 10 Republican Primary Candidates for U.S. Senator See page 8 for details about the Office of Senator. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Richard Shawver Dave Wallace Garry Thomas Yarrington
Website davewallace.us
I have 30 years in the military, 8 years in the US As a successful businessman, I brought prosper- No response received by deadline. Qualifications Marine’s, 22 years in the US Air Force. I worked at ity to my employees and quality products to my How does your experience prepare Hecht Co for 38 years as project manager and being customers, which also allowed me to give back you for the duties of a Senator? in charge of the visual carpenter shop. I studied to our community and nation. I work closely with constitutional law at SAP and at the Institute on Congress and national policy makers, supporting the Constitution. Also I ran for US Senate in 2010 effective economic and foreign policy answers against Senator Mikulski. to reverse the devastation here and abroad from Obama’s policies. You can trust I will fight the es- tablishment for you Our economy is so far out of control it will take The best way to help the poor is with a paycheck No response received by deadline. Economy time to straighten out. We have more American’s and the reward of having a job--not a welfare What economic policies would you out of work with more illegals working that do not check and the accompanying loss of self respect. support to assist low and middle belong in our country. We need to deport them The best way to bring jobs to everyone is sound income citizens? and give our citizens those jobs and help improve economic reforms which will bring back to life our out economy, low and middle income citizens. cities and economy. Tax cuts and deregulation will un-strangle business so they can create new jobs.
Our foreign policy should be working with the President Ronald Reagan brought peace to a trou- war, we don’t need to get in any wars, only if they Foreign Policy League of Nations. Sanctions and not trading with bled world, and ended the bloody Soviet empire. are declared and support by our congress and all What are the most important the nation or nations will some time have them Not by being nice and disarming our country, but the peoople of the u.s.a. and supported by the foreign policy issues and how would trying to work with others nations to help to keep by rebuilding our defense. ‘Peace through strength’ united nations . we need to stop drugs being in- you address them? their economy working. works. Obama’s weakness brought terrible civil port to the united states period. we must keep our wars and dictatorships to the Middle East, while bubget reasonable. encouraging tyrannies like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea to take advantage of our weakness.
The immigration policy has to stop immediately. As your Senator, I will introduce legislation to build we must stop all the law breakers that comein to Immigration To many people are allowed into this county and the full 2,000 mile border fence and end ‘magnet’ ouyr country that are not legeal period. how can What changes, if any, would you are not kept track of. Immigrants are to enter out benefits that encourage those who do not want to we let than break our laws. period support in immigration policy? country by being under a sponsor or a having a job work. Just as you have a door, a lock and walls on so they will not be a burden on the taxpayer. All your house or business, and let in only those you illegals are to be deported. trust, we must protect our borders in this era of terrorism and letting foreigners displace American workers and drive down wages.
Our environment is a serious matter. Our country The cleanest nations in the world are the most we need to stop all green house warning . period Environment has worked hard on this problem to water and air free. China, Russia and other Socialist ‘paradises’ we are during a good job. but we need to do a little What is the most pressing pollution. We need to work with nations around are among the most polluted places on earth. The better. environmental problem and what the world, but many nations have no about this United States invented environmental protection, measures would you support to problem. Our big problem is our country itself. and nobody protects their own environment bet- address it? Our water lever is going down and we are drill- ter than private owners. The joke in Bernie Sanders’ ing deeper to find it, using it faster then we can beloved Soviet Union was “when everyone owns replace it. All states need to work together. it, nobody owns it.” Ownership equals care. 11 (Continued next page) Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. Senator See page 8 for details about the Office of Senator. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Freddie Donald Dickson, Jr. Donna F. Edwards Ralph Jaffe
Website dickson4ussenate.com donnaedwardsforsenate.com fedupwithcrookedpolitics.com
As a outside the beltway business and advisor My experience passing legislation that positively Political science teacher. In Baltimore County, initi- Qualifications in Politics for 30 years.My advice has been help- impacts the lives of Maryland’s hardworking mid- ated new teaching strategy, STUDENT ACTIVISM IN How does your experience prepare ing politicans in all parties.This seat has been dle class families is what best prepares me to rep- THE CLASSROOM. Bill born in my classroom, signed you for the duties of a Senator? locked d up for decades!! We need a non main- resent our state in the U.S. Senate. In the House, into law by Present Nixon. Made national news, stream Senator with real life experience, with I’ve authored legislation that now provides meals documented in Reader’s Digest. This strategy is the the education,business background. Working my to children in need, fines big healthcare compa- foundation for governing the people. Mechanical, stone,Kitchen and bath businesses nies when they take advantage of consumers, and since 1968 I have worked with the poor and bil- supports 10,000 Maryland jobs at NASA Goddard. lionaires same RESPECT !! I have a plan for after a 40 hour work week,the To start, we should raise the minimum wage, Get the federal, state, and local government off Economy employee recieves Time and a half tax free for em- ensure equal pay for equal work, make childcare the backs of people in the business world - be they What economic policies would you ployee and employer including state,Federal,local and college more affordable, and make significant small or large companies. Let the private sector support to assist low and middle tax This will encourage extra work over 40 to com- investments in STEM education. I’ve led the fight take its course. income citizens? pete with illegal and under the table competition on these issues in the House, and will do so in Federal intern working system for high school and the Senate. We should invest in job training and college infrastructure to ensure that children graduate high school or college prepared for a job in today’s economy.
Foreign Aid needs to be reduced on a country to The United States must engage with multilateral Topic is too complicated to answer in small amount Foreign Policy country evaluation!! The technology we have institutions to bring stability to troubled regions of space. Please call me and I’ll be glad ti discuss it What are the most important today can be a global supply of need and excess of of the world, including the fight to combat the with you in detail. foreign policy issues and how would commodities. Export taxes and import taxes need plague of international terrorism. We must also you address them? to be a sliding rule focus on implementing the Iran deal, establishing a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, and bolstering our allies and ideals in Asia to com- bat a rising China and unpredictable North Korea.
We need immigration/as a grandson of a immi- The Congress must take the lead on passing com- Topic is too complicated to answer in small amount Immigration grant my family came to America the hard and prehensive immigration reform. We must place a of space. Please call me and I’ll be glad ti discuss it What changes, if any, would you correct way it makes you appreciate this country premium on policies that prioritize families, safety, with you in detail. support in immigration policy? and its love for immigrants!! Legislation for illegals and our economy, and that includes a pathway to that have survived more than 5 years and own citizenship for undocumented immigrants. I am houses, cars,businesses need a fast track to LEGAL an original co-sponsor of this incredibly important legislation in the House, and was proud to join the fight for the passage of the Maryland DREAM Act.
We need a reform protection bill for private Wells Maryland is the third most vulnerable state to Topic is too complicated to answer in small amount Environment and our public water systems!! We need new rising sea levels. I led the fight for critical environ- of space. Please call me and I’ll be glad ti discuss it What is the most pressing communities under construction to have 2/4” mental programs: the Chesapeake Bay Restoration with you in detail. environmental problem and what sewer lines one for water and the other for waste Program and the Harbor Trust Maintenance Fund. measures would you support to this waste can be held in a storage tank and the I wrote the law to institute green infrastructure address it? methane can be used to generate electricity and techniques for water systems, and have fought for pumped back as gas heat and fuel transportation and public transit investments to help reduce emissions and create jobs. 12 Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. Senator See page 8 for details about the Office of Senator. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Theresa C. Scaldaferri Charles U. Smith Violet Staley
Website violetstaleyformarylandsenator.com
For over 45 years while working for the govern- I served the state of Maryland for thirty five years As a Military Spouse with over forty (40) years Qualifications ment, I lived under laws and budgets Congress / advisor to four Governors as Adjutant General of volunteerism and advocacy for children and How does your experience prepare legislated. That makes me well qualified to profi- Maryland national Guard /aide to Warfield Military families, I have learned to work with you for the duties of a Senator? ciently handle the duties of a Senator. With all the ,Hodges .fretted , before ordered back to active people from all backgrounds and ages. I have vol- education and experience each Senator has had, duty regular army. Register with the state medical unteered with local government from California they still are unable to clear up these inadequacies. board. to Maryland and South Carolina, continuing my education while working as a Child Development Specialist. I know what works to build strong communities. Fair wages or, for a better word, living wages, af- a fair wage above minimum for every one . I support job creation with a “living wage” as Economy fordable housing and a real universal health care opposed to a minimum wage and equal pay for What economic policies would you act will help a great deal to lighten the burdens of women for equal work. I support affordable, support to assist low and middle the lower and middle class citizens. quality early childhood development. I advocate income citizens? for clean, safe public schools with good teachers who deserve a pay increase, and “state of the art” books and technology. I advocate for job training & internships to begin in 12th grade. I support paid family leave
The Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, Ukraine, it sure will not be like they are addressing foreign To address the recrution of Americans by terror- Foreign Policy Russia, China, and Korea are matters most impor- now. ists over the internet, we need strong, secure What are the most important tant to which the U.S. must deal. Mending fences guidelines that will prohibit access, as a matter foreign policy issues and how would with Israel and Saudi Arabia and dealing with the of Homeland Security. Military leaders should you address them? ISIS crises are equally important. work with internet providers to establish param- eters when free speech threatens U.S. citizens. Accountability is needed and enforcement critical. Trade policies should protect American workers jobs and rights The U.S. loses over $18,250,000,000 in various that every one should be here legally I support a legal path to citizenship by lessening Immigration taxes a year due to 15+ million illegal immigrants the time and cost involved. English classes should What changes, if any, would you in this country. This is a growing problem. An am- be taught, as well as job training and support support in immigration policy? nesty program to start documenting these people services provided to families. After the immigrant into the fabric of the U.S. going back to the time has a job, he or she can pay taxes and support they came here is my proposal. their families. Many have opened up their own businesses and furthered their education.
Global warming happens twice as fast in the the Chesapeake bay . Our standards and regulations on clean air emis- Environment Artic as anywhere else in the world. In order to sions should be encorced. Efforts to clean up the What is the most pressing combat this, a major environmental impact study Chesapeake Bay continued and reviews on the environmental problem and what is needed to examine a plan to redirect flooding results of “fracking” extended. Applicable divi- measures would you support to waters across the U.S. to those extremely dry areas sions of county government should make keep- address it? preventing the huge forest fires as in the past. ing drains open a priority as well as encouraging neighborhood involvement in the anti-litter cam- paigns. Clean, attractive neighborhoods should be 13 rewarded. Blaine Taylor Ed Tinus Chris Van Hollen Lih Young
united-us.org vanhollen.org vote-md.org/intro.aspx?id= mdyounglih
Congressional press secretary on Capitol Hill, In looking for the ideal resume, You may ig- Like Senator Barbara Mikulski, I believe in Reformer/advocate/activist. Promote fair- 1991-92; successful winning campaign press nore the ideal candidate. The frame work of delivering results. In Congress and the General ness/freedom/justice/peace; productivity/ secretary for MD House of Delegates, 1974; MD this country is designed to allow the farmer Assembly, I’ve worked together with grass- accountability/cost-effectiveness. Identified State Senate 1978; Baltimore County Executive, to come out of the field and hold any office. roots activists and community leaders to make “socio- economic-political- election- media- 1990; and MD Presidential Primary 1992. In pri- A candidate would have to be a genius if they a positive difference. I know when to stand budget- legislation- system problems”; local- vate sector, 1968-92, worked in banking, public were not to follow the frame work our fore and fight for what we believe in, and when global; testify/recommend to officials, law en- relations, advertisihg, retail sales, newspapers fathers established. The voters will govern my to find common ground to achieve results for forcement, 3 branches. TV programs producer and magazines statewide and nationally. At 12, leadership. I have served for the public good all Marylanders. I’ve been endorsed by Maryland speaker; field/studio. Expertise, commitment: worked in saw sharpening. my adult life and will continue. groups like SEIU, MD Firefighters, and UAW. intensive/extensive/diversified civic services I would introduce the Credit Card Forgiveness First and foremost ask the voters if my inten- I have a plan that cracks down on Wall Street’s Prosecute/eliminate “ official misconduct- Act of 2017 as its main sponsor whereby debtors tions are for the public good. Subsidize mini- risky financial dealings and boosts paychecks of government gang-MURDER-FRAUD-CRIME- would be given a one-time-only clean slate, mum wage to earn $15.00 per hour. Return working Americans with a Paycheck Bonus Tax INJUSTICE NETWORKS” operation, unjust/ never to charge again. The lenders would re- funds to social security Collect tariffs on all Credit, with a savers bonus to help families pre- false/misleading practices; private-public; 3 ceive tax credits to offset said losses. A Balanced imports and exports of goods to support our pare for retirement. We must also strengthen branches, local- global, inc. non-profit, think Federal Budget as we had on Jan. 20, 2001, federal government. Eliminate the temporary the safety net, raise the minimum wage, tanks. Protect people/families/businesses: pay off the National Debt, and no more foreign income tax. Create jobs through infrastructure improve access to affordable childcare, provide lives, rights, reputation, assets, vehicles, re- wars without Congressional declaration; Senior maintenance, restore the Chesapeake bay. earned paid sick leave and family leave, and sources. Promote productivity, public interest, Citizen Rent Ceiling Act ‘17 Enact term limits on property tax. ensure equal pay for equal work. cost-benefits, social needs, budget constraints. End all foreign aid, repeal current nuclear treaty First and foremost I would ask the voters what I opposed the Iraq War from the start and SUPPORT drawdown of US combat forces with Iran, prepare to destroy ISIS/ISIL with all is their most important foreign policy issues. As believe we must work with and support our overseas; promote diplomacy. No War. No military means, with allies if possible, but with- their representative I would glean the will of allies in the Middle East to defeat ISIL. I oppose Assassinations; OPPOSE: unfair free trade out if necessary. Seal off our border with Mexico the voters. Through transparency inform them putting troops on the ground there and risking agreements, genocides, land-grabbing; not for by all means necessary. Adopt a firmer stance as to what the most uniform way is to address Iraq 2.0. We need to support our soldiers and the best interest of general public for usa and with Red China in the Pacific than we have now. those concerns. Any candidate that can address returning veterans by providing healthcare, foreign countries; not to benefit: warmongers; Enact all possible financial sanctions to prevent foreign policy issues through their opinion is education, and job opportunities, and ending banking, automobiles, military industrial com- further Russian aggression. End world pollution. a National Security risk and should not hold veteran homelessness. plex, related “official misconduct-government office. gang- MURDER- FRAUD- CRIME- INJUSTICE NETWORKS”. Deport all 14 million illegal aliens now. Either First and foremost I would ask the voters I support comprehensive immigration reform SUPPORT: Comprehensive immigration reform. the US is a Sovereign State or it is not. Right what changes, if any, they would support in to strengthen border security, streamline our Promote humanity, productivity, justice, now, it is not. History shows that any state that immigration policy. I would disclose to the visa system, and create an earned path to citi- peace. Protect people, families, environment. doesn’t control its own frontiers will fall, and voters all the issues in place. Such issues as zenship to bring the undocumented out of the Prosecute “official misconduct-government thus, so will we. There is still time to correct our the large fee’s collected by the fed to become shadows. This strategy will boost job growth, gang- MURDER FRAUD- CRIME- INJUSTICE current disastrous non-policies. a citizen, The ability to speak and read English, reduce our deficits, increase the Social Security networks”; unjust practices, victimization, de- and listen to what other immigration policy Trust Fund, and strengthen our national secu- privation, destruction; threat, coercion; unjust concerns the voters may want me to address. rity. I’m pleased to be endorsed by CASA de arrest, detention, torture. Reduce fees, speedy Communicating through the internet . Maryland. processing of citizen application/replacement .
That is to work to make China and India do Locally restoring the Chesapeake Bay. If it Every community must be safe from toxic pol- End: dependence/subsidies for fossil fuels, MORE. Failing that, nothing we do here in the US would be the will of the voters, I would reor- lutants and chemicals like lead. The Sierra Club coal, nuclear energy, offshore oil drilling, spills. will matter one iota. One thing that we might ganize all efforts for a healthy bay. My plan endorsed me because I fight for environmental Curb carbon pollution, medical costs. Improve do jointly with the People’s Republic of China is a sound approach that actually will restore justice and have a plan to address climate regulation/oversight. Promote clean air, water, is to produce pollution-free cars, trucks, buses, Maryland’s National Treasure. I would ask the change by cutting carbon pollution while also renewable energy. Protect public health, aircraft, and both maritime/naval vessels. It’s voters what are their most pressing environ- putting money back in the pockets of middle environment. Promote efficiency, technology, far better than World War 3! Tax all domestic mental concerns? I then would seek council class families. I’ve fought to stop oil drilling in research. Reduce unjust practices, hacking, ma- offenders until they quit or go out of business. from the voters . Through transparency design the Chesapeake Bay watershed and for federal nipulation, obstruction; false excuses, a sensible plan . support for clean-up efforts. distortion. Prosecute wrongdoers. 14 On the Ballot U.S. Representative in Congress (see Candidates on pages 16 - 25)
Duties: Representatives make laws along with the members of the Senate, and may conduct investigations on issues of national Questions to the candidates for U.S. Representative: importance. Laws that impose taxes always begin in the House of Representatives. Representatives determine whether a public • QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience official should be tried, if accused of a crime. prepare you for the duties of a Representative? How Elected: Each of the 435 Representatives is elected to a two- • ECONOMY: What economic policies would you year term, serving a specific district. Each State has at least one Representative, but the total number is based on the population support to assist low and middle income citizens? in the most recent census. Representatives must be at least 25 • FOREIGN POLICY: What are the most important years old, have been citizens of the United States for at least 7 foreign policy issues and how would you address years and be residents of the state they want to represent. them? Term: Two years • IMMIGRATION: What changes, if any, would you Base Salary: $174,000 support in immigration policy? • ENVIRONMENT: What is the most pressing environmental problem and what measures would Who May Vote? you support to address it? You must be registered with the Republican or Democratic • INEQUALITY: What policies would you support to party to vote for their candidate for Representative. address increasing concern about economic, racial, and social inequality? If you are a registered Republican you may vote for only one (1) Republican candidate. • TAX REFORM: What changes, if any, would you support in federal tax policy? If you are a registered Democrat you may vote for only one (1) Democratic candidate. • OTHER PRIORITIES: What other issues are priorities for you?
See pages 16 - 25 for candidate responses. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates. No edits of Candidates for Representative are grouped by any kind have been made. Congressional District. Your ballot will be specific to Due to space limitations, only responses to the first five your district. questions are printed. Responses to the remaining three questions may be found at vote411.org. District 3...... page 16 - 17
District 6...... pages 18 - 20 To find your Congressional District see your Sample Ballot District 8...... pages 21 - 25 or go to https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/ VoterSearch.
15 Republican Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 3 See previous page for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Thomas E. “Pinkston” Harris Mark Plaster
Website plasterforcongress.com
Qualifications I have a diverse and varied education. I studied My experience is practical, real world rather than Go to vote411.org to read business and economics in a Johns Hopkins MBA inside the bubble of politics. I’ve had successful ca- responses from candidates for How does your experience program. I owned and operated my own success- reers in the military, medicine, and business. I saw prepare you for the duties of a ful financial services firm. I know how to create the cost of freedom while I was deployed twice U.S. Representative to questions Representative? jobs. in Iraq. As a physician, I know the importance about Inequality, Tax Reform, of working as a team and listening to people’s and Other Priorities not included problems. I took a business from my basement to in this Guide due to space a multimillion dollar publishing company. limitations.
We need to cut personal income taxes and corpo- Small business is the economic engine that cre- Economy rate taxes. The people will spend more because ates jobs and allows upward mobility. Lower taxes What economic policies would you they have more The US has the highest corporate overall and a streamlined regulatory environment support to assist low and middle tax rates in the world. That’s why many of our will help more Americans achieve their dreams of income citizens? wealthiest companies opt to stash a lot of their owning their own businesses. More government cash over-seas.With less taxes they will bring this involvement feels benevolent, but ends up stifling money home because they want to bring it home the real potential of economic growth. Access to and invest here. Less taxes results in a greater gov capital is also essential to growth and opportunity. .income. Reassert our selves as the world Number 1 super As a twice-deployed Iraq War veteran, I know the Foreign Policy power Our enemies must know that we will l human cost of war. Diplomatic and economic mea- What are the most important defend our interest by whatever means necessary. sures should always be exhausted before resorting foreign policy issues and how would And our allies need to know that we will live up to to force. However, if armed conflict is necessary for you address them? the terms our treaties and stand by them to the American security and liberty, then our military nth degree.We must wipe out ISIS & al-Queda and allies must have the resources, direction, and even if it means boots on the ground.We also must rules of engagement required to bring the fight to restore our Israel friendship and an cancel the Iran our enemies. We should not wait to fight at home. deal.
We must get serious about immigration. We don’t Securing our borders and ports of entry is the top Immigration need new laws. Just enforce the old ones. Ban priority and first step towards a workable immi- What changes, if any, would you sanctuary cities and states. Strengthen the border. gration reform plan. The Border States and gover- support in immigration policy? nors are struggling to pick up the pieces because of Washington’s failure to enforce existing laws and work towards reform. We need to take these steps so those who want to come here the right way can do so in a respectable and fair process.
Man-made climate change a hoax, It’s just a Protecting our home is the first responsibility of Environment skam so that Obama and his cronies can raid mankind. But we must not do it at the expense of What is the most pressing the treasury and to take away our freedoms. The our fellow man. I will support enacting sensible environmental problem and what President’s climate change conference,they spent environmental protections while trimming the measures would you support to 300,000 tons of fossil fuels.Gore has a 10,000 sq ft excesses of the EPA that strangle commerce and address it? house. They’re hypocrites. The ice in Antarctica is manufacturing. We can have a clean bay and clean getting thicker. We’ve had ice ages and another is energy, and we can have it without choking our predicted 15 years.The windmills kill 1000’s birds. ability to prosper. 16 Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 3 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate John Rea John Sarbanes
Website johnsarbanes.com
Qualifications I have worked on campaigns. I have Interened at Prior to entering Congress, I had nearly 20 years Go to vote411.org to read the State House. I have run for office. I am a 25 year of experience in the private, public and non- responses from candidates for How does your experience private sector businessman. profit sectors. I worked with the MD State Dept of prepare you for the duties of a Education, represented non-profit hospitals and U.S. Representative to questions Representative? senior living providers and championed efforts about Inequality, Tax Reform, to protect consumers and ensure fair treatment and Other Priorities not included in the workplace. This prepared me well for the in this Guide due to space diversity of issues one must manage as a member of Congress. limitations. I would help with education vouchers. I would We must create good jobs and support policies Economy push to increase the minimum wage to 12 to 15 that grow the middle class. This includes ending What economic policies would you dollars an hour. tax breaks for corporations that ship American jobs support to assist low and middle overseas, investing in national infrastructure and income citizens? raising the minimum wage. I also strongly support access to and affordability of health insurance and education as well as paid sick and family leave.
I support our stance against the existing Syrian The threat from ISIS is real and the US and inter- Foreign Policy regime. I support Ben Cardins policy against Iran. I national community must address it. I support What are the most important believe in a tough stance against North Korea. a strategy that would build a broad and diverse foreign policy issues and how would coalition of international partners to protect the you address them? US and its allies and to destroy ISIS. While the US military can be used to stem the violence, it is up to the Arab nations to create and ensure a long- term strategy for a safe and secure region.
I would build a wall along the Mexican border. I I support a policy that considers both national se- Immigration would mainstream the Hispanic Population that curity and economic interests, as well as the need What changes, if any, would you already lives in the U.S. to provide a fair, legal and humane framework for support in immigration policy? people who want to come to America. I support improved border security and law enforcement, a focus on punishing employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers, and a practical approach to addressing undocumented workers currently in the country.
I would continue to support the cleanup of the The most pressing environmental problem is Environment Chesapeake Bay. climate change and the government can do What is the most pressing many things to address it: invest in clean energy environmental problem and what technologies; cap and reduce greenhouse gases; measures would you support to require utility companies to generate energy address it? from renewable sources; develop capabilities to capture and store carbon emissions; and advance smart grid technologies so electricity is delivered 17 efficiently. (Continued next page) Republican Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 6 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Terry L. Baker Scott Cheng Robin Ficker
Website terrybakerforcongress.com votescottcheng.com facebook.com/robinficker
I am a blue collar compassionate conservative I earned M.D and Ph.D. I completed my post- As an attorney/farmer I’ve regularly represented Qualifications Christian who grew up in low income housing on doctor work at Northwestern University, Chicago. Western Marylanders in Oakland, Cumberland, How does your experience the west side of Hagerstown. I am the product I am Instructor at University of Maryland School of Hagerstown, and Frederick Courts for 30+ prepare you for the duties of a of hard work, discipline, and good old fashioned Medicine, on the Editorial Board of a International years. USMA West Point, Honorable Discharge Representative? public education. Having served citizens on local Journal on Surgery and a biomedical science US Army. Elected, served Maryland Legislature. and county levels, I understand the importance expert. I have international experiences. If I Passed Montgomery County Property Tax that the role of government has on people’s lives. am elected my experience will be beneficial to Limitation Charter Amendment. Have Term Limits I know what it means to it means to represent America. I work hard and know what I can do for Amendment on November Ballot. Real Estate people fairly. American. Broker. Interned Congressman Charles Mathias. I believe that it all starts with the local communi- Reducing tax, creating more Jobs and improving JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. Join friend Larry Hogan to make Economy ties, such as investments in education that helps economy are critical to low and middle income Western Maryland as business friendly as Virginia. What economic policies would you provide the workforce with necessary skills that citizens. Reduce Individual income tax and in- Improve transportation network: 2 new reversible support to assist low and middle along with tax and other incentives for businesses, corporate tax so that Americans have faith on lanes on I-270, widen I-81 through Maryland, income citizens? help to stimulate growth and innovation. The consumption and business are more competitive improve 220 and Oldtown Road. Keep taxes down. private sector is the economic driver that helps than other countries.To encourage incorporate to Ask Apple and Facebook to locate their JOBS in lift people out of poverty, and we need policies invest and create jobs, allow businesses to fully Western Md. Incentivize American corporations to geared towards promoting that growth. and immediately deduct new capital investments. keep their jobs in the US. Support best educational system!
Russia, China, Radical Islamic Terrorism, and International conflict should be addressed first by We must have a strong military to have respect Foreign Policy nuclear proliferation are the top national security diplomatic ways if it does not directly threat secu- of China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, ISIL, terror- What are the most important issues facing the United States today. As a member rity of our country. We have to take care of our own ists. Speak softly, but carry a big stick! I served in foreign policy issues and how would of Congress I will ensure that our President has all population, first. Foreign aid must be evaluated on the Army. My father in law was a 3 star General. you address them? of the tools necessary to maintain our national a case by case basis with justification that it will be Control nukes. Build cyber defense. Avoid civil wars interests around the world and keep us safe. It is beneficial to America. The aid should be by send- in other countries. Regime change often leads most critical that we maintain our super-power ing machinery, training in farming and related to instability. Encourage Democracy throughout status, while leading the world in diplomacy. infrastructure rather than cash. world. Insist US benefits from any trade deals.
Securing our Borders should be the top priority America politicians have to listen to American, Immigration is a legal process like marriage, pro- Immigration of our government before any talk about creating secure border and take care of America population bate, contracts, adoption, purchasing real estate. What changes, if any, would you pathways to citizenship for the millions of undocu- first. Individuals who have legally immigrated to Rules must be followed and any person entering support in immigration policy? mented immigrants. Enforcing our current immi- the United States have contributed to USA. We the US vetted. US entry must be legal, enforce- gration laws are critical, but we also must work on welcome legal immigrants come to USA but not ment stepped up, and Visa limitations obeyed. bi-partisan legislation that does something with illegal immigrants. National border must be con- Quickly deport non-citizens committing crimes. real effect, to deal with those who broke the law trolled by our country, America. Our border controls are woefully insufficient. Stop to come here illegally,deportation is not the only smuggling heroin and other poisons into US. answer
As a hunter, fisherman, and avid outdoorsman, We need take care of America population first. If Clean water and clean air. The Potomac River runs Environment no other candidate loves the environment more this issue directly and immediately affect America the length of the Sixth District. If I don’t try to What is the most pressing than me. We must ensure that the government population we have to address this issue. We need keep it clean, who will? Enforce sewage treatment environmental problem and what has common sense regulations that protect our multiple energy sources, which include, but not rules. Report and sue polluters. Any combustion measures would you support to natural resources, without compromising us de- limited to, nuclear, renewable, coal, oil, gas and pollution can be properly filtered. Do it. My law- address it? veloping and harnessing our God Given potential alternative fuel. I support to develop new technol- suit required METRO to file proper environmental on energy independence. We have an abundance ogy which enable to decrease energy cost, produce impact statements for any change to mass transit of coal, natural gas, oil and other resources that we energy efficiently and cause less pollution. general plan. Support present, additional must use to our advantage. parkland. 18 Republican Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 6 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Frank Howard Christopher James Mason Harold Painter
Website votefrankhoward.com votechrismason.com painterforcongress.com
As part-owner of a national consulting firm, I I meet the qualifications of age and citizenship. With thirty years of experience as a CPA, I am Qualifications help businesses methodically build themselves If Barack Obama can be President, then I can be uniquely suited to address our national debt, sim- How does your experience through a systematic process of assessment lead- a Congressman. ply our tax code and bring meaningful jobs back prepare you for the duties of a ing to business-development growth. It’s time we from overseas for our working families. Coming Representative? look at the business of government to create the from Cumberland, I believe I understand the needs conditions for economic growth that allow wages of the entire District better than any candidate. and hiring levels to rise.
As President Obama stated occupational licensing I would get the government out of their way. In We should slash taxes on the lower tax brackets. Economy acts as a barrier to business start-ups and restricts addition, I would move to a consumption tax. This We should impose tariffs on goods imported from What economic policies would you employment, and I support eliminating them means no more income tax. Whatever you make countries where the living wage or cost of compli- support to assist low and middle for many occupations. Tax reform and regulatory on your paycheck you keep. You make a $1,000 ance with governmental rules is not comparable income citizens? relief will get the economy growing again which on your paycheck, you keep the whole thing. You to the U.S. We should stop illegal workers from un- will create jobs and prosperity for low and middle are only taxed federally if you buy goods. This will dercutting the wage base of the American Worker. income citizens. send the economy through the roof.
The U.S. has ceded global leadership to Russia and Iran and ISIS are the most important foreign is- The other NATO members and Japan must increase Foreign Policy China and they are advancing their own agenda, sues to address. I would support the pro-american their spending on our mutual defense. If they do What are the most important not ours. The U.S. has an obligation to lead, and movement in Iran that Obama didn’t support not, we should tax their companies (Mercedes; foreign policy issues and how would not from behind, on the world stage. I support when he took office. This would topple the current Toyota; etc.) more heavily in order to force their you address them? strengthening our relationship with Israel and insane regime. I would obliterate ISIS with a quick countries to increase their defense spending (or at strengthening our military. overwhelming response. No nation building just least lessen our burden by virtue of the increased butt kicking. tax collections).
I support employers using E-verify, the Department I would enforce the laws on the books. No illegals We must build the wall on the Mexican border. Immigration of Homeland Security database to detect illegal would be able to cross the border. All current il- Employers of illegals should be fined/penalized so What changes, if any, would you workers. Congress should fully fund the comple- legals would be deported. that it is not economical to employ them. Illegals support in immigration policy? tion of the US-VISIT biometric entry/exit system who come forward quickly will be the chosen few at all borders and points of entry, and should fund who will be granted work permits. and provide oversight of border security measures already signed into law.
Protecting the environment means clean air, water The greatest environmental problem is the EPA. By exporting manufacturing to countries with Environment and land conservation. I support the national park I want to de-fund them so they don’t exist any- less stringent environmental controls, we have What is the most pressing system because it has a clear mission. For that more. This will help our country to us our own en- both exported our working families’ best jobs and environmental problem and what reason, I support the EPA devolving power to local ergy instead of being dependent on dictatorships increased the world’s rate of pollution at the same measures would you support to environmental health agencies so we know who that hate America. time. A complete, lose-lose situation. We must address it? is in charge, unlike the Flint, Michigan lead-water bring manufacturing back to American to improve problem. our economy and the World’s environment at the same time. 19 Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 6 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. David E. Vogt, III John K. Delaney Tony Puca vogtforcongress.com delaneyforcongress.com tonypucaforcongress.com
I am a conservative leader in Annapolis, a The following Republican I was blessed to live the American Dream and As a long time resident and business owner, I Marine combat veteran, 2010 Marine of the candidate was invited to want the next generation to have that same have worked for the people of District 6 for over Year, and I am the only candidate in this race chance. I spent two decades as an entrepreneur 42 years as a precinct chairman, Area Coordinator who has a proven conservative voting record. respond but provided no and business builder in Maryland and have and Member of the County and State Central I fought for this nation in Afghanistan; I am answers by the print deadline. real-world experience creating jobs and help- Committees, and served on Democratic National fighting for this state in the House of Delegates, Check vote411.org for ing businesses grow. Committee boards. I have been both an elected and now I want to continue that fight in the responses submitted after the and appointed official and held leadership posi- United States Congress. tions on many county, state and national boards print deadline. and commissions. We have to remove the economic barriers that Amie Hoeber Investing in education is essential. We need to I support a national $15 hour minimum wage, are killing American businesses. We have to amieforcongress.com make college more affordable and establish with some adjustments made for cost of living focus on the entire economic pie and how we pre-k for all, which is the goal of my Early in various areas. I support legislation that man- can grow it for everyone instead of identify- Learning Act. We also need to raise the mini- dates equal pay for equal work and includes se- ing individual pieces and attempting to slice mum wage, make sure that women receive vere fines for any employer found breaking the them further. In Congress, I would support equal pay for equal work and expand family law. I will work to establish a dedicated branch across-the-board tax cuts, elimination of regu- and medical leave. Finally, we need to create at the EEOC that enforces this law and protects lations, and pro-business policies that reignite more good-paying jobs with a big new infra- any worker taken advantage of or fired because Maryland’s economy. structure program. they file a complaint. The most important foreign policy issue that First, we need to defeat ISIS. We must take the I believe the United States should work with we must address right now is the issue of fight to ISIS with additional air strikes, sup- our allies around the world to resolve conflicts, American national security. Our borders are porting our allies, strengthening intelligence choosing diplomacy, international treaties, and insecure; our allies no longer trust us; and ISIS and cutting off their resources. Second, we humanitarian aid over military action. Defeating continues to spread across the Middle East. The have to ensure that Iran does not violate the terrorism requires a multi-pronged approach United States needs leaders who will do what nuclear agreement and that their conventional that includes closing down avenues of funding, is necessary to keep America safe. That means weapons program is limited. I authored legis- supporting efforts to eliminate the causes of securing our borders and destroying ISIS once lation to increase sanctions on Iran’s weapons radicalization, such as economic opportunity. and for all. violations. We first need to enforce the immigration We need comprehensive reform. We need to se- Everyone living in this country should have laws that are already on the books. We must cure the border, crack down on employers who an avenue to citizenship. As a Congressman, secure our border, make efforts to know who knowingly hire undocumented workers, expand I would support the DREAM Act, end private is entering and exiting our country, and force the Visa program so that the best & brightest detention centers, reform our visa criteria to sanctuary cities to uphold federal law. Before can work here and provide a path to citizen- be more inclusive, and provide immigrants and these things occur, a discussion on immigration ship for the millions of undocumented people refugees access to an efficient, humane, and reform is useless. Our country needs immigra- already here and a part of our communities. The inclusive path to citizenship. tion reform, but we need to enforce our exist- path to citizenship should include paying back ing immigration laws first. taxes and a criminal background check.
The most important environmental issue -- to Climate change is a threat to our national secu- I support legislation that imposes penalties me -- is the use of burdensome, job-killing rity, public health and natural resources. I have on companies who pollute our air, water, and regulations to attempt to save the environment been a leader on this issue and have authored ground. I will also work to have the United at the economy’s expense. Environmental issues legislation to reduce carbon pollution. My bill States sign and comply with international must be addressed through common-sense uses a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas climate change treaties. We must invest in al- measures, not job-killing taxes and regulations emissions and directs the revenues to working ternative energy sources, such as wind turbines, that destroy entire regional economies. John families, impacted coal miners and reduces solar energy, and other innovative technologies Delaney and Barack Obama’s “War on Coal” and taxes on businesses. to achieve a goal of a zero carbon foot- “War on Western Maryland” must end. print, and create jobs. 20 Republican Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 8 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Dan Cox Jeffrey W. Jones Liz Matory
Website coxforcongress.org jjones4congress8.org lizmatory.com
As a former elected official and Town Council presi- I’ve been a pastor for 40 years most of it within It is important for our next congresswoman to rep- Qualifications dent, I have worked hard for over 20 years in public this district. I know people and all the challenges resent our gerrymandered district fully. I am the How does your experience interest and education advocacy, and in my legal most people face in life. I’m a person of integrity, only candidate who spoke up for the unjust action prepare you for the duties of a practice, earning a 5.0AV rating with Martindale. compassion, and I am constantly trying to reach a taken. As a DC native, I grew up disenfranchised. Representative? com from the people I’ve served as an attorney. My middle ground where the variety of expectations As a small business owner, I see the need to invest experience is strong in standing up to fortune 500 can be met. I’m a good listener, a person of vision, in our economy so we conserve our way of life. We corporations and refusing to back down against with the idea that We Can Do Better with common need a new voice in Congress. As a woman under the largest law firms and overzealous officials. sense for the common good. 40, I offer the future-focused leadership we need.
I will work to increase jobs and opportunity for Measures that will encourage active participation We lost 13 Million jobs during the Great Recession, Economy economic upward mobility by reducing the rising by employees in their work. Too much gift and it and only 3 Million came back. The only way What economic policies would you costs of living through growing wages by elimi- weakens a person’s drive, too hard a challenge America can truly get back on her feet is to allow support to assist low and middle nating payroll taxes and enacting a flat tax for causes people to give up as well. We need a wage free enterprise to thrive and reboot our economy. income citizens? incomes above $36,000, providing student loan level so that full time workers will be able to After graduating law school, I went back to get repayment opportunities for use of skills in low- provide necessities for the family. We need incen- my MBA because I saw that we were not paying income regions, and creating incentives for elimi- tives that will encourage small business ventures attention to our economy. It is the backbone of nating real estate taxes burdening homeowners. to succeed. Education for job skills. Child Care as our society. We must diversify now, new tech and needed traditional.
The international rise of extensive networks of We live in a global environment that requires The most important foreign policy issue is sup- Foreign Policy ISIS terrorists and related nation-state sponsors of constant vigilance to keep the peace and such porting of our 200 million countrywomen and What are the most important terrorism must be destroyed, and our military and efforts should be made in partnership with other men who are active-duty or reservist, 15,000 foreign policy issues and how would national security strengthened while eliminating nations. We need the strength of a strong military foreign service officers, and numerous intelligence you address them? waste. I will also work to restore sanctions against to be able to meet any kind of challenge, without agents. With ever rising threats to us, our allies, Iran, and I will stand strong with Israel. The refu- becoming the aggressor. We need the ability to be and our principles, we must ensure that our team gee disaster in Syria can be stopped by destroying in communication around the world, so that solu- has what it needs to succeed. Our congress must ISIS and reversing Obama’s failed strategy. tions can be offered with diplomacy, not just force. be deliberate and measured in its actions to regain our trust. We can stop the Heroin and Cocaine epidemics We are all immigrants, we just arrived here at dif- I am a child of an immigrant, so I have great respect Immigration cold in their tracks through comprehensive border ferent times. “Give me your tired, your poor, those for folks who work hard and desire to become What changes, if any, would you security and public-private partnerships against yearning to breathe free” is a powerful statement Americans. We need reform for work, residency, support in immigration policy? poverty, drugs and crime - our faith-based orga- of our nation. The gifts and talents of others, re- and citizenship. People have always come here nizations. Together we can envision a District that gardless of where they have come from benefit because it is special, but to preserve what makes protects all our residents from international and our nation far more than we recognize. Outside it so, we must stop those who actively bypass our domestic security threats under rule of law includ- stimulation has always improved business, and system, take us for granted, and disrespect our ing ending sanctuary cities by funding mandates. nurtured scientific and medical advances. Clear sovereignty. Failure to act is only making problems steps too. worse.
Every day thousands of people are stuck in traffic Global warming and the lack of good water in some I would list 3: rural conservation, transportation, Environment in District 8, increasing pollution and keeping us parts of the world are major concerns that need to and our energy grid. Since D8 now goes from the What is the most pressing out of the health club. Together we can achieve be addressed. The challenges to life brought on by PA border to DC, we must respect its diversity. For environmental problem and what a reduction in traffic congestion in our District the damages to the environment affect us all. We Damascus and north, folks fight to preserve family measures would you support to by immediate funding - as a matter of national need to cooperate with global efforts because the farmlands. As we are moving north traffic conges- address it? security - our light rail and purple line, bus rapid weather patterns of this planet affect each of us tion worsened. We need to actively invest now. We transit and by expanding necessary lanes and in turn. Reducing what harms us and encouraging can modernize and build resilience in our energy roads including on 495 and I-270. The time is now. new initiatives to halt the destruction. grid to prepare for weather and security threats. 21 Aryeh Shudofsky Shelly Skolnick aryehforcongress.com shellyskolnickforcongress.com
My experience in the private sector as a financial As a Maryland resident for over 40 years, and as Go to vote411.org to read responses from candidates analyst, and as an economic policy advisor, pro- a candidate in prior elections, I have observed for U.S. Representative to questions about Inequality, Tax vides me with a deep understand of the intersec- many of the problems facing residents of the 8th tion between the private sector and public policy. Congressional District. In my campaign, that prior Reform, and Other Priorities not included in this Guide due This insight informs my commitment to making experience is reflected in the creative solutions I to space limitations. government work for our families by focusing on am offering to address the concerns of the people policies that encourage job creation, keeping our in the 8th Congressional District. families safe, and holding Washington account- able to us. I will focus on policies that encourage job creation Medicare Part A (hospital care) for all U.S. citizens. instead of stifling economic growth. We need to Convert PELL grants to SHELL grants which would encourage entrepreneurship by lowering regula- be college tuition grants up to $10,000 per year for tory barriers that keep small businesses from students who are volunteer first responders (fire starting and growing. We also should offer tax fighter, EMS, police) or aides/tutors in schools. credits to businesses that create jobs locally and Increase the federal minimum wage to $10/hour tax incentives to companies to invest in locally for high school graduates. Negotiate 5-year bilat- sourced innovation. eral trade agreements rather than the TPP.
Iran is an unabashed sponsor of terrorism and is Leave Afghanistan by replacing the U.S. military determined to build a nuclear weapon. Instead with the Pakistan military; and replacing U.S. of rewarding Iran’s recalcitrance, we should re- funds with Saudi Arabia funds. End civil wars by impose economic sanctions immediately. ISIS is the U.N. facilitating partition of countries (e.g., a growing threat, and its efforts to spread radical Syria, Iraq, Ukraine) that have civil wars based on Islam through brutality must be stopped with different religions or other characteristics. Approve force. America needs to work with its allies to the Keystone XL pipeline to keep gasoline below enact a comprehensive plan to combat ISIS. $2/gallon and keep good relations with Canada.
We need to set up an entry and exit system that I support the Senate’s comprehensive immigration allows federal agencies to track who is entering reform legislation, but modified to provide a path and leaving our country. We should also put a to a green card (rather than citizenship) for il- moratorium on refugees coming from unstable, legal immigrants. However, special circumstances terrorist countries. While we can all appreciate the (such as military service) could lead to citizenship. human tragedy occurring in Iraq and Syria, our Provide a green card to all foreign students who first responsibility is to U.S. citizens and protecting obtain an advanced degree at a U.S. college. our homeland.
As the father of three young children, I am con- The contaminated water system in Flint, Michigan. cerned about making sure all our children are I propose a billion dollar fund (paid by a 1 year 1 drinking clean water and breathing clean air. I also cent/gallon gasoline tax) to quickly replace the want to make sure we pursue these concerns with entire water system infrastructure. The fund common sense and balance to ensure new regula- would be managed by FEMA and the construction tions don’t destroy desperately needed jobs in the managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Some of process. Many of these issues are best addressed the money would pay for medical care for injuries by state-level agencies, rather than the federal due to lead in the water. government. 22 Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 8 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate David M. Anderson Kumar P. Barve Ana Sol Gutierrez
Website andersonforcongress.com kumarbarve.com anaforcongress.com
I have worked for the last 11 years with state I have been a progressive leader overcoming obsta- As an elected official with 25+ yrs of public service Qualifications legislatures and governors in 20 states across cles, fighting for change and getting things done at national, state, & local government, plus 30 yrs How does your experience the country. I have worked with Democrats and for Marylanders. In my 25 years I have worked to of professional experience in the private sector, I prepare you for the duties of a Republicans to get bi-partisan funding for college bring people together, but am not afraid to stand acquired extensive experience in public policy, Representative? scholarships. I know how to collaborate and build up to special interests who try to block progress. budget preparation, & tough decision-making that consensus in order to get things accomplished for I was the first Indian American state legislator in qualifies me to serve. As the first Latina elected voters in the 8th. I have also taught “politics and U.S. History and was the first person of color to be in MD, I bring a unique understanding of foreign ethics” and related courses at six universities. House Majority Leader in Maryland History. policy, international issues, & immigration.
The centerpiece of my campaign is my family I support the “Fight for 15” dollar minimum wage, I support an economic opportunity agenda with Economy policy to assist hard working families. I have been the prevailing wage, and the protection of union public investments to create high-wage jobs as What economic policies would you developing and advocating for this plan for over and labor rights. I have a track record of fostering building blocks of a strong economy: federal mini- support to assist low and middle 20 years. The crux of the plan is to provide young economic development, enacting the law that mum wage of $15/hr indexed to inflation; higher income citizens? families with a choice of six months of paid paren- created the state technology corp. which has pro- base wages for tipped workers; earned sick&paid tal leave plus child care support or six months of vided tens of thousands of jobs. There are 4 million leave; funding early, K-12, college education; paid parental leave plus a tax credit for a stay at unfilled jobs and I will fight for needed job train- transportation infrastructure. Create more jobs home parent. ing funding and programs to address those needs by quality schools, affordable housing, & efficient transportation. Probably the main foreign policy area where I have I will be a leader in strengthening our economic Key foreign policy issues: promoting peace & se- Foreign Policy strong disagreement with my opponents is the and security ties with India and the Indo-Pacific curity in the Middle East; protection of children & What are the most important Iran nuclear deal. I am deeply disturbed at the idea Region. We must continue to combat terrorism women’s rights; protection of CA unaccompanied foreign policy issues and how would of releasing $100 billion to a theocratic regime and ensure that Iran that cannot build a nuclear children & refugees; improved US relations with you address them? bent on regional hegemony and the destruction weapon. I support the State of Israel and a two- Cuba & LA; greater transparency/accountability of Israel. By also essentially sanctioning Iranian state solution. I will work to promote democracy in foreign aid & military spending; stopping the nuclear proliferation in 15 years, we are essentially - supporting democratic governments and sup- TPP. US trade agreements unfortunately support guaranteeing this problem will get worse. porting democratic institutions - throughout the the interests of US & global corporations against world US workers.
I support the DREAM Act. I believe that there I oppose proposals by fear mongering candidates I support comprehensive reforms and protection Immigration should be a thoughtful and organized approach to build walls and discriminate against popula- of human rights of hard working immigrants & What changes, if any, would you to dealing with undocumented workers. By meet- tions based on religion or ethnicity. As the grand- families in the U.S. I will protect & expand legis- support in immigration policy? ing strict requirements for conditional residential son of an immigrant from India who had to fight latively the Executive Actions for Dreamers and status, undocumented workers can begin to be all the way to Supreme Court to retain his citizen- parents of US-born children—DACA and DAPA. mainstreamed into our country. ship, I believe in the dignity of New Americans. I We must stop the ICE raids & grant permanent will support comprehensive immigration reform residency/citizenship to 250,000 TPS holders from and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants. El Salvador & Honduras living in a costly immigra- tion limbo since 2001.
We must reduce carbon pollution by at least 50% As Chair of the Environment Committee I am Climate Change poses greatest environmental Environment by 2030. I am a strong supporter of the Paris fighting climate change by following up my challenges. Support EPA in promoting stricter What is the most pressing Agreement negotiated at COP21. I also support 2009 Greenhouse Gas Reduction law with a new standards to regulate pollution & protect public environmental problem and what federal legislation promoting the reduction of bill that reduces emissions to 40% BELOW 2006 health. • Fully fund EPA to monitor & enforce measures would you support to carbon emissions in the air and would work with levels by 2030 and puts Maryland in compliance higher standards; uphold Clean Air/Clean Water address it? state legislators and governors to ensure that with President Obama’s Clean Power Plan. I also Acts. • Clean Energy--Reduce dependence on fossil federal-state partnerships are in place to holisti- passed a statewide moratorium on fracking and fuels & promote clean energy sources. Limit fund- cally address these crucial issues. put together a broad coalition of interests to enact ing for coal-fired power plants; close loopholes; 23 a stormwater management law. reduce subsidies (Continued next page)
William Jawando Kathleen Matthews Jamie Raskin Joel Rubin willjawando.com kathleenmatthewsfor jamieraskin.com joelrubinforcongress.com congress.com
I have had the pleasure to serve in the House, I bring deep knowledge of the local and I’ve been State Senator for a decade and a I was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Senate, The White House under President national issues affecting this region from my constitutional law professor at AU for 25 years. House Affairs, in charge of the State Department’s Obama, and the as a Senior official in the 25 years as a local TV reporter and anchor for I’ve led successful fights to pass marriage work with Congress. I also earned a bipartisan Dept. of Education. I’m the only candidate with ABC-7 as well as decades of service on local equality and end the death penalty, to pass the ‘congressional staffer of the year’ award from that much federal experience and I know how non-profit Boards. For the past 9 years I was Lily Ledbetter Act and ban assault weapons, the Military Officers Association of America as Congress works and how Congress doesn’t work. a senior executive for Marriott International and enact campaign finance reform. I’ve built a Senate aide. I am the only candidate to get I’ll be able to step into the job on day one and where I helped build coalitions to create game- breakthrough legislative strategies and cross- results in Congress, like the Iran deal, in the face get things done for my constituents and the changing programs on environmental sustain- party coalitions to achieve victory on the most of a GOP majority, and on behalf of a progressive American people. ability, diversity, and job creation. intractable problems. agenda. First we need to raise the wage to at least $15 I will fight to raise the minimum wage to $15/ I fought successfully to increase the minimum Our economy should work for ordinary an hour. We also need to help our small busi- hour, pay equity, and paid family and medical wage in Maryland and would in Congress back Americans, not just CEOs and the wealthy. nesses more by increasing access to capitol. This leave. As a 25-year union member, I know the an increase to $12 an hour. I have a 5-point plan I’ll fight to raise the minimum wage to $15, is a problem particularly for women and minor- value of unions in setting fair wages and ben- to revitalize the right to organize and am push- strengthen and expand Social Security, Medicare ity owned businesses. We also need to more to efits. And from my business experience, I know ing bills in Annapolis for equal pay and paid and Medicaid, provide affordable childcare and ensure women get equal pay for equal work and the importance of education for getting a good sick and family leave. I’m a proven champion early childhood education programs, make provide paid family leave for all Americans. job, which is why I support universal Pre-K, free of consumer and civil rights and will champion higher education affordable and reinvest in af- community college for those who can’t afford reinvestment in the infrastructure for a “green fordable housing. And I’ll create jobs by investing it, and college loan relief. deal for America.” more in our infrastructure right away. I think the most pressing issue facing the world The U.S. must show global leadership to ad- The frightening dynamics of climate change I recently departed a senior national security po- today is the rise of ISIS. Defeating ISIS and the dress 5 key challenges: the growth of ISIS, are the context within which we must lead sition in the Obama Administration and am the foreign terrorist fighters they recruit must con- which must be stopped; Iran’s ambitions on the global stage. I will continue to fight for only candidate with foreign policy experience. tinue to be a major priority in the US. I agree including support for Syria and terrorist orga- dramatic global reductions in greenhouse gas We must use diplomacy to advance our country’s with President Obama’s strategy to destroy and nizations; Russia’s expansionism; an increas- emissions & a shift to renewable energy. As security, strengthen our alliances, and engage degrade ISIS and I think we need to continue ingly militaristic China; and North Korea’s rogue we face failed states, terrorist death cults like our adversaries. And we must have a defense building an international coalition that is en- nuclear ambitions. I approach all of these with ISIS, & resurgent theocracy from Iran to Saudi budget that fights the threats of today, such as gaged in that mission. a desire to pursue diplomatic solutions to keep Arabia, we must stand strong for human rights, terrorism, and not the threats of the Cold War, our nation out of another war. democracy & the rule of law. like nuclear weapons.
I support the bipartisan immigration reform I support comprehensive immigration reform I strongly favor comprehensive immigration My wife’s family immigrated to the US from Sri bill that passed the Senate, but did not pass the with a path to citizenship, which will bring reform. I was an outspoken supporter of the Lanka in 1972, so I take this issue very person- House. I believe we need a pathway to citizen- the nearly 12 million undocumented immi- Maryland DREAM Act and other legislation to ally. We need a comprehensive solution that ship for aspiring Americans who have lived in grants out of the shadows and into the formal improve the prospects of new immigrants. In provides a pathway to citizenship, prioritizes the United States, made their life here, and are economy. This will be good for our economy, Congress, I would work to provide immigrants family unification, stops forced deportations, contributing members to our society and I be- which needs the labor, and good for many a pathway to earned citizenship and to protect guarantees worker protections, increases access lieve we need the DREAM Act passed into law. hard-working families who want legal status the workplace rights of all workers, including to healthcare, and gives thousands of children and the opportunity for their children to suc- immigrants. the opportunity to go to college and become ceed and realize the American Dream. citizens. We must act now.
I’m proud to have been endorsed by Lisa Climate change is a threat to our planet, our We must break from our reliance on the carbon Addressing climate change and our dependence Jackson, the former EPA Administrator for economy and global security. We must reduce barons & usher in the age of renewable energy on fossil fuels are our most pressing environmen- President Obama because she knows my deep our reliance on carbon-producing fossil fuels, through a tax & dividend policy, which is why tal problems we face. I managed our national solar commitment to protecting our environment for and expand renewable energy. I support car- I refuse contributions from Big Oil, Gas & Coal. energy program at the Department of Energy and future generations. Climate change is without a bon emission standards, such as those included Toxic fracking is a pressing danger, which is saw how much power the oil and gas companies doubt one of the most pressing challenges of our in President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, incen- why I led the fight for a ban on toxic fracking in have on our energy policy. I will invest heavily in generation. This will take global cooperation and tives to conserve energy, water and waste, and Maryland and have introduced a bill to impose green energy, put a price on carbon emissions, I’m proud of the progress that President Obama a carbon tax to incentivize the transition to a strict liability on drilling companies for any and push for strong environmental regu- has made on this issue. clean energy economy. damages they cause. lations in our trade deals. 24 Democratic Primary Candidates for U.S. Representative - District 8 See page 15 for details about the Office of Representative. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate David Trone
Website davidtrone.com
Qualifications I grew up on a struggling family farm where I The following Democratic candidate was invited to respond but learned the value of innovation and new ideas. provided no answers by the print deadline: How does your experience It’s what helped turn my business into the largest prepare you for the duties of a independent wine retailer in the country where Dan Bolling Representative? the customer always comes first. We need more of dantocongress.com that approach in Washington. As your representa- tive, I’ll talk less and listen more.
Economy I support raising the minimum wage now and Go to vote411.org to read responses from candidates for U.S. tying it to inflation. We should also expand the Representative to questions about Inequality, Tax Reform, and What economic policies would you Affordable Care Act. We need to close the Medicaid support to assist low and middle gap, keep deductibles low, and limit out of pocket Other Priorities not included in this Guide due to space limitations. income citizens? costs so that health care is not a financial burden. Studies show that dealing with medical problems sooner rather than later saves money – for fami- lies and for our economy as a whole.
Stability in the Middle East is a top priority. I Foreign Policy support the President’s strategy of arming proxy What are the most important groups and backing them with air strikes to stop foreign policy issues and how would ISIS. We should also provide intelligence on the you address them? ground, especially in Syria. We also need to help the refugees who are fleeing their homes. The U.S. should help set up a safe zone along the border with Turkey to house refugees until they return home.
This country was founded on the hard work and Immigration perseverance of immigrants. Deportation is anti- What changes, if any, would you thetical to American values and is a waste of re- support in immigration policy? sources. Immigrants are valuable members of our society and have made innumerable contributions to our society. We need a pathway to citizenship now. We also need to expedite visas for immi- grants with the skills our country needs.
We need to step up the fight against climate Environment change. We also need to accelerate research What is the most pressing and development of green technology, so that environmental problem and what everyone has access to it. We must implement measures would you support to the Paris Accords quickly. International support is address it? critical to reducing greenhouse gases. I also sup- port President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions. 25 On the Ballot Judge of the Sixth Circuit Court
Duties: Judges preside in the Circuit Court, which is a trial court of general jurisdiction covering major civil cases and more Questions to the candidates for Montgomery serious criminal matters. Circuit Courts also may decide appeals County Circuit Court Judge: from the District Court and certain administrative agencies. • QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare How Elected: The state is divided into 8 Judicial Circuits. The General Assembly determines the number of judges in each you for the duties of a Judge of the Circuit Court? circuit and county.When there is a vacancy, the Governor appoints a qualified person to fill the office. Each newly appointed Circuit • COURT NEEDS: What are the areas of greatest need Court judge then must stand for office at the first election that in Maryland’s judicial system? occurs at least one year after the vacancy happened. One or • ACCESS TO JUSTICE: What actions would you more other qualified members of the bar may also run to fill propose to provide individuals with more access to the vacancy. All candidates run on both the Democratic and Republican primary ballots. The winners of each primary (equal the judicial system and legal assistance? to the number of seats to be filled) advance to the general • EQUALITY: What steps can the courts take to reduce election ballot, but without party designation. the risk that prejudices may influence the outcome Term: Fifteen years, no term limit. Mandatory retirement age of of legal proceedings? 70 years. Salary: $154,433
The following Judicial candidates were invited to respond but provided no answers by the print deadline. Check Who May Vote? vote411.org for responses submitted after the print deadline. John M. Maloney You must be registered with the Republican or http://crsjmd.com Democratic party to vote for a candidate for Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge. Karla N. Smith Democrats and Republicans may vote for no more http://crsjmd.com than three (3) candidates. Harry C. Storm http://crsjmd.com
26 On the Ballot Delegates to the National Political Party Conventions (see Candidates on pages 28 - 30)
Duties: Convention delegates elected in the primary are the people who officially elect their party’s Presidential candidate at Questions to Convention Delegates: the national conventions. Presidential nominees are not elected directly by the voters in the primary. Rather, voters in each state • QUALIFICATIONS: What are your qualifications to choose delegates to represent them at the national conventions. serve as a convention delegate? How Elected: The Republican ballot lists candidates for delegates • ISSUES: Why have you decided to pledge your to the Republican National Convention and the Presidential candidate each one supports. Those delegates will go to the support to your candidate? Republican National Convention, which will be held July 18–21, Go to vote411.org for candidate responses. 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Democratic ballot lists candidates for delegates to the Democratic National Convention and the Presidential candidate Delegates are grouped by Congressional District. Your each one supports. Those delegates will go to the Democratic National Convention, which will be held July 26–28, 2016 in ballot will be specific to your district. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Republican voters in each Maryland congressional district will District 3...... page 28 elect three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates. District 6...... page 29 Democratic voters in Maryland will elect 64 delegates. Party rules determine the number of delegates to be elected from each district. District 8...... page 30
To find your Congressional District see your Sample Ballot or go to https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/ VoterSearch. Who May Vote? You must be registered with the Republican or Democratic party to vote for their Convention Delegates.
27 Candidates for Convention Delegate - District 3
Republican voters in each Maryland congressional district may vote for three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates. Republican Candidates Republican Alternates J. Lee Annis, Jr. (Kasich) Townsend Lange McNitt Timothy Boston (Trump) E. “Chiké” Anyanwu Christian Miele (Rubio) E. J. Cavanagh (Kasich) Diane M. Baker (Christie) Candice A. Morrison Dorothy Cawthorne (Carson) William H. Campbell (Cruz) Laura Neuman (Rubio) Michael Eisenberg (Carson) Joe Collins, Jr. (Trump) Eugenia Korsak Ordynsky Elaine M. Furth (Cruz) Mike Collins (Kasich) Tracey Paliath (Christie) Mary P. Gassmann Janet Moye Cornick Christopher Panasuk Ruth E. Goetz Julie E. Cram (Bush) Peter Pollak (Fiorina) Rick Hansen (Carson) Leonard Cutler (Carson) Lewis Porter Thomas Kelso (Christie) Jean C. Edwards Mattie Procaccini (Cruz) Marcos A. Lora Jamie Falcon (Bush) Rick Saffery Mary O’Keeffe Gail Elizabeth Filerino Brian A. Sailer (Bush) Richard D. Paugh Greg Fox Susan Carroll Schwab (Bush) Joyce Pope (Rubio) David J. Frankel (Fiorina) Scott Shaffer (Bush) Tony Ristaino (Cruz) Tom Gardner (Kasich) Duane E. Shelton (Kasich) Lisa Abbe Robin Lederman (Cruz) John C. Gordon Justin Shuy Jeff Robinson (Rubio) Nathan Hall Jonathan Erich Stitzinger Timothy Sutton Melanie Harris (Cruz) Nigel James Sutton Meredith Leigh Thompson (Rubio) Joseph David Hooe Mary Beth Tung (Christie) Tim Walters (Trump) Jonah Jarosz Shannon Wright (Trump) Chevy Fleischman Weiss (Kasich) Henry S. Kim Chris Yates (Trump) Dick Ladd (Carson) Sally Marie Yates James David Lashar Mark Young (Carson) Herb McMillan (Rubio)
Democratic voters in District 3 may vote for four (4) female delegates and four (4) male delegates.
Democratic Female Candidates Democratic Male Candidates Lee Finney (Clinton) Guy Guzzone (Clinton) Barbara Friedland (Sanders) Noel Levy (Uncommitted) Shelly Hettleman (Clinton) Al Liebeskind (Sanders) Mirah Devora Ippolito (Sanders) Michael G. Miller (Clinton) Brooke Elizabeth Lierman (Clinton) Todd Reynolds (Clinton) Cheryl Ann Menke (Uncommitted) C. A. Cory Ruppersberger IV (Clinton) Donna S. Plamondon (Sanders) Keanuu Smith-Brown (Sanders) Joan Taylor (Sanders) William Reed White (Sanders) Lynn Morrison Venetoulis (Clinton) Dean K. Yates (Sanders) 28 Candidates for Convention Delegate - District 6
Republican voters in each Maryland congressional district may vote for three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates. Republican Candidates Republican Alternates Marc A. Antonetti (Fiorina) Henry M. Ramirez (Bush) Ginger Bigelow (Trump) Erich Bean (Rubio) Patricia A. Reilly Dan Cowell (Kasich) Wendell Beitzel (Trump) William S. Richbourg Gary Edward Davis (Rubio) Jason C. Buckel (Rubio) Eric Salzano Greg Decker (Cruz) Dave Caporale (Rubio) Ignacio E. Sanchez (Bush) Evelyn Kim Garver Barrie S. Ciliberti (Trump) Laura Patallo Sanchez Jonathan W. Glaser (Rubio) Daniel F. C. Crowley Robert Schaefer Michael D. Hill (Cruz) Lawrence T. Di Rita Linda Lee Seibert Lorraine Kuchmy Kimberly Euler Jake Shade (Kasich) Pamela Q. Pencola (Carson) Joeylynn Hough (Trump) Therese Marie Shaheen Al Phillips Michael Hough (Cruz) Billy Shreve James H. Savage (Trump) Cynthia Houser Monica L. Stallworth Christopher Brian Shank (Christie) Elizabeth Ann Jones (Christie) Ruth Marie Umbel (Christie) Candi Skipper (Cruz) Doro Bush Koch (Bush) Donna Buser Wallizer Maria Sofia (Rubio) Laura Gabrielle Lightstone (Carson) Josephine J. Wang (Christie) John Taylor (Trump) Angela Ariel McIntosh (Carson) Darren Wigfield Jeff Truesdale (Carson) Mike McKay Brett Wilson (Cruz) Gerald L. Williamson (Carson) Ryan Richard Miner William Joseph Wivell (Carson) Sandra Marie Myers Robert Mitchell Wolfe (Fiorina) Neil C. Parrott (Cruz) Scott L. Wolff
Democratic voters in District 6 may vote for four (4) female delegates and three (3) male delegates. Democratic Female Candidates Democratic Male Candidates Lydia Jines (Uncommitted) Darrell Anderson (Uncommitted) Suzi Williams Kaplan (Sanders) Christopher Espinosa (Sanders) Elizabeth Landry (Sanders) Edward Heim (Uncommitted) Claudia Martin (Uncommitted) Peter E. Perini, Sr. (Uncommitted) Joyce Ellen McDonald (Sanders) Kirill Reznik (Clinton) Andrea Renee Montague (Clinton) Craig L. Rice (Clinton) Jody J. Oliver (Clinton) Shane Robinson (Sanders) Melanie Oringer (Sanders) Robin Summerfield (Clinton) Elizabeth Paul (Clinton) Brennan Whaley (Sanders) Lily Qi (Uncommitted) Nadia Syahmalina (Clinton) 29 Candidates for Convention Delegate - District 8
Republican voters in each Maryland congressional district may vote for three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates. Republican Candidates Republican Alternates Jeanne Allen Ruth Melson (Trump) Marcus Alzona (Cruz) Gus Alzona (Cruz) Carol McChesney Palmer Byron Anderson (Rubio) Darin R. Bartram (Kasich) (Kasich) James A. Calderwood (Rubio) David J. Beightol (Bush) Dwight Patel (Rubio) John DeWitt Crawford Kenneth Blumenstock (Carson) Wendi W. Peters (Christie) Patricia Fenati (Cruz) Christopher Eric Bouchat Jesse T. Pippy (Cruz) Sam Fenati Robert B. Bowes (Trump) Kelly M. Schulz (Christie) Joseph P. Gillin (Cruz) Nathaniel French Caldwell (Fiorina) Scott Staruch Allen Mauricio Gutierrez Patricia Mae Caldwell (Fiorina) John R. Stricklett (Trump) Ann Guthrie Hingston (Kasich) Robert Edge Carter Chad Sweet (Cruz) Jaz Joglekar Sharon J. Castillo (Bush) Gail E. Warner Bonnie P. Leiter Tom Collamore (Bush) Hugh M. Warner Joan E. Palmer (Trump) Roberto P. Diaz Linda Jordan Willard Joseph S. Rubin James S. Ensor (Carson) Jeff Yocum (Carson) Gene Clayton Schaerr (Christie) Bonnie Glick (Rubio) Daniel Zubairi Martha Schaerr (Christie) Samuel Shepherd Jones, Jr. (Fiorina) Nancy Reter Stocksdale (Carson) Susan Wolf Krebs (Rubio) Mark Uncapher (Rubio) Larry Lesser Richard Keith Vaughn (Trump) Sam Malhotra (Christie) Jared Christopher Welsh (Carson) Liz Matory James D. Werner, Jr. (Carson)
Democratic voters in District 8 may vote for four (4) female delegates and four (4) male delegates. Democratic Female Candidates Democratic Male Candidates Valerie Ervin (Sanders) Edward Fischman (Sanders) Susan Esserman (Clinton) David Raphael Goodfriend (Clinton) Natalia Mizina Farrar (Uncommitted) Jake Goodman (Uncommitted) Nancy Floreen (Clinton) Jim Grossfeld (Sanders) Johntel Greene (Sanders) Korey M. Hartwich (Sanders) Roxie Herbekian (Sanders) George L. Leventhal (Clinton) Susan C. Lee (Clinton) Anthony M. Reardon (Clinton) Jennifer Rodriguez (Clinton) Gerard M. Waites (Clinton) Kendra Ziegler (Sanders) Kenneth Stuart Zinn (Sanders)
30 On the Ballot Montgomery County Board of Education At Large (see Candidates on pages 32 - 33)
Duties: Members of the Board of Education determine and enforce policies that govern the Montgomery County Public Questions to the candidates for Montgomery Schools (MCPS); are responsible for the direction and operation County Board of Education At Large: of the school system such as establishing curriculum guides and courses of study; appoint the Superintendent of Schools; • QUALIFICATIONS: What are your qualifications and initiate, review, and discuss educational issues; and prepare experience for this office? and request annual capital and operating budgets. How Elected: The Board of Education is composed of five • PRIORITIES: What are your priorities for MCPS? members who must reside in the districts that they represent • ACHIEVEMENT GAP: What do you recommend to and two members who may live anywhere in the county and are address the growing achievement gap among elected at large. The terms are staggered, with one at-large and students from different ethnic and socio-economic two or three district members being elected every two years. Elections for Board of Education members are non-partisan. All backgrounds? voters, regardless of the district they live in or party affiliation, • GOVERNANCE: How do you view the respective roles can vote for one at-large candidate and one candidate from each of the Superintendent and Board of Education in district. operating the school system? Term: Four years, no term limit. • BUDGET: What areas within the school budget Salary: $25,000 annual base. should be increased or decreased? Website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/ • COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES: What options, if any, would you support for non college-bound students?
Note: Candidates for Districts 2 and 4 will not appear on See pages 32 - 33 for candidate responses. Responses are the Primary ballot as only two candidates have filed in each shown exactly as provided by the candidates. No edits of District. Both will appear on the General Election ballot in any kind have been made. November. Due to space limitations, only responses to the first five questions are printed. Responses to the remaining question may be found at vote411.org.
Who May Vote? You do not need to be registered with a party to vote for the Montgomery County Board of Education At Large. You may vote for no more than one (1) candidate. The two candidates receiving the most votes will appear on the general election ballot.
31 (Continued next page) Primary Candidates for Montgomery County Board of Education At Large See previous page for details about the Office of Board of Education At Large. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Jeanette Dixon Mike Ibañez Sebastian Johnson
Website jeanettedixon.org gofundme.com/endthegapnow sebastianjohnson.org
B.A. History-American University -M.ED, Public Service as a Teacher, Principal, Director of The high quality education I received from MCPS Qualifications Administration and Supervision-Loyola College Education, Director of Youth Services. Veteran gave me an opportunity to attend some of the What are your qualifications and - 30 years of experience teacher/ principal, the served in the US Army 9th Infantry Division. best universities in our country. Every student experience for this office? last 12 at Paint Branch HS 2001-13. Guided mod- University of MD - BA Education, Loyola University deserves that chance. My background as a student ernization of new $96 million Paint Branch from - MA Education, Attended MCPS K-12 grades. board member, teacher, and policy analyst has beginning to end - Board of Education member, Sherwood HS alum. Married 32 years Spouse given me the leadership experience, expertise American School Budapest,Hungary -I know the Wheaton HS alum. Father of three children all and relationships with elected officials that will school system-its strengths/ challenges -Good graduated from MCPS. Grandfather with two provide the board of education with a fresh and judgment,hardworking,responsive grandchildren in MCPS. needed perspective. A world-class education for ALL students If elected, within the next five (5) years, the I want to work toward a future in which every Priorities -Complete transparency -Ensure schools have Achievement Gap will be eliminated by 2021. Any MCPS student has access to a rigorous and excel- What are your priorities for MCPS? everything needed for instructional/extracur- member of the board of education who does not lent education. I will advance concrete solutions to ricular programs -Reduce class size -Fully fund believe the gap can be eliminated in the next five close the opportunity gap, expand access to early the Technology Initiative - Faith-Based Initiative(- years needs to look for public service elsewhere. childhood education and bilingual programs, in- religious institutions would help mentor at risk MCPS teachers who eliminate the gap for their vest in community schools, and improve opportu- students and their families) - MCPS culture change students will be identified, recognized, and com- nities for students before and after the school day. where staff are not afraid to speak up for fear of pensated with the highest teacher salaries in the The future prosperity of our county depends on it. losing their job nation. This is a complex issue that will take a community Have the MCPS School Board, MCPS We need to do the following: -Recruit and retain Achievement Gap effort. I recommend: -Mandatory summer reme- Superintendent, MC Council and MC Executive a top-notch, diverse teaching corps, especially in What do you recommend to address diation for elementary students not proficient in pledge their commitment to eliminate the our schools with the greatest need -Reform school the growing achievement gap reading and math -Step up efforts to hire a more achievement gap within the next five years. discipline/suspension practices to get low-income among students from different diverse staff -Rotate 20 min.Sustained Silent Restore teacher positions that were cut. Hire new and minority students out of the school-to-prison ethnic and socio-economic Reading in Grades 6-9 -Encourage greater partici- teachers to lower classroom size. Identify and rec- pipeline -Increase funding for wrap-around servic- backgrounds? pation of Black and Latino students in Honors and ognize teachers who have eliminated the achieve- es that can meet the needs of a changing county, AP courses -Universal pre-K -Effective Alternative ment gap for their students and compensate them and offer them to families through our schools School with the highest teacher salaries. The Superintendent reports to the Board of The new superintendent should not seek high The relationship between the Superintendent Governance Education. He should be proactive in keeping the profile national attention and recognition for him/ and the Board of Education needs to be more How do you view the respective Board informed about all matters pertaining to herself while serving MCPS. The superintendent collaborative and respectful. The board should be roles of the Superintendent and the school system so that it can support him,and and Board of Education should be committed to the long-term steward of our county’s vision for Board of Education in operating the provide the strong oversight that is needed. There eliminating the achievement gap by 2021. They education, build a positive relationship with the school system? should be a mutual commitment to transparency need to work together to develop partnerships Superintendent, and keep him focused on equity and ensuring that both are good stewards of the with business, corporations, nonprofits, philan- across racial and socioeconomic lines, stronger financial resources provided by the county. thropic foundations, and government agencies schools that anchor communities, and college and and to advocate for children career readiness.
I support the development of the FY’18 budget Restoring the cuts in teacher positions, and coun- To be a school district that delivers on our vision Budget on a zero based basis.This would allow a complete selors. Hiring new teachers to meet the challenges of equity, I believe our budget needs to expand in What areas within the school review of programs so that we can see what is of higher student enrollment. Paying the highest three areas: lowering class sizes and expanding budget should be increased or needed and what should be decreased. Areas teacher salaries in the country for teachers who staff support for elementary schools; expanding decreased? for Budget Increase:reduce class size,hire more are eliminating the achievement gap for their access to early childhood education and bilingual counselors, hire psychiatrists to assist students students. programs; and increasing supports for wrap- with mental health issues, cultural proficiency around services and community schools. After courses for staff/ students,and bring back Drug many years of lean budgets, we can afford Free Schools program. no more cuts. 32 Primary Candidates for Montogomery County Board of Education At Large See page 31 for details about the Office of Board of Education At Large. Responses were limited to 400 characters. Responses are shown exactly as provided by the candidates.
Candidate Phil Kauffman Gwendolyn Love Kimbrough
Website philkauffman.com gwenlovekimbrough.com
Qualifications I have served on the BOE for 7 years, and as its My professional experience includes educational Go to vote411.org to read President, and have chaired both its Fiscal and disparities research; founder, residential treatment responses from candidates for What are your qualifications and Policy Management Committees. I have strong facility for emotionally disturbed adolescents; Asst experience for this office? community ties from my many years as a PTA to Superintendent, DCPS;Charter School Board Montgomery County Board of activist. I have a B.A. in Economics from UPENN member and a PhD, psychologist. My life experi- Education At Large to a question and a J.D from UMD. These experiences provide in- ences and educational training have garnered a on College Alternatives not sight into the challenges of how to make the best trove of resources re diversity and education and I included in this Guide due to choices to support greater numbers of students would like the opportunity to give back. with fewer funds. space limitations. We must budget strategically to ensure that tax- A globally competitive; result oriented, 21st Priorities payer funds are spent wisely. We need to address Century education for every child are my priori- What are your priorities for MCPS? our facility challenges due to our skyrocketing ties. As a Board member I will advocate and sup- enrollment, while still maintaining or replacing port policies and programs that are: • Student aging buildings. We will need to do better with Centered, • Pre-k thru14 and skill- based focused, job and career preparation programs for students • Stakeholders (parents, educators, community) who are not going to college. And it is a moral and supported, and • Adequately funded. Consensus economic imperative that we close our achieve- must be built for ed. as the most critical support ment gaps. to our children.
There is no easy answer. We must employ a range Student teacher ratios that permit knowing stu- Achievement Gap of strategies, including high standards for all chil- dent uniqueness and offering learning opportuni- What do you recommend to address dren, culturally proficient instruction, equitable ties which capitalizes on varying styles. Creation the growing achievement gap funding for our schools, human capital manage- of classroom environment exuding high student among students from different ment, and community engagement. We must con- expectations irrespective of student diversity. ethnic and socio-economic tinue to evaluate our approaches that address the Availability of teacher in-service training options backgrounds? gaps and use research-based strategies to meet offering evidence-based classroom strategies the needs of every school’s unique population. which account for ethnic-group performance differences. The BOE is responsible for establishing the policies The Board of Education is an Advocacy and policy Governance by which schools are governed. It sets standards making entity whose primary role is to advance How do you view the respective for student achievement. It adopts and advocates organizational mission through policy direc- roles of the Superintendent and for the operating and capital budgets. Most im- tives; The Superintendent heads the operational Board of Education in operating the portantly it appoints the superintendent, who is and administrative component. There must be school system? responsible for the daily operations of the system. a close relationship between the BoE and the The BOE and superintendent must form a leader- Superintendent, so that policies may be continu- ship team to ensure the public’s interests are ously monitored and evaluated for mission effec- served. tiveness and cost efficiency.
We need to address class size and try to reduce it to Classroom hiring freezes should be lifted and a line Budget the levels we experienced prior to the funding re- item increase for classroom teachers and assis- What areas within the school ductions. We also must add investments to address tants should occur. Inclusive stakeholders’ training budget should be increased or our achievement gaps, including focus teachers at and in-service development--- parents, teachers, decreased? our high poverty schools, enhance early childhood administrators, and community representatives- programs, and professional development. Finally, --addressing multiculturalism and mutual respect we need to add counselors, psychologists, PPWs, should be made available as a first step to elevat- and parent community coordinators. ing the expectation of high student performance. 33 Contact Information Montgomery County Board of Elections: League of Women Voters of Montgomery County: 18753 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 210 24 hour information: Citizen Education Fund Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3121 240-777-VOTE (8683) 12216 Parklawn Dr., Suite 105 Mailing address: PO Box 4333, Tel: 240-777-8500 Rockville, MD 20852-1710 Rockville MD 20849-4333 800-222-VOTE (8683) Web: lwvmocomd.org www.777vote.org FAX: 240-777-8560 Election Hotline: 301-984-9585 www.elections.maryland.gov MD Relay/TTY: 1-800-735-2258 10 am – 4 pm weekdays, 12 – 5 pm Tuesdays email: [email protected]
Coming in October — The League of Women Voters General Election Voters’ Guide Don’t Miss Your Next Issue of The Voters’ Guide! Write, call 301-984-9585, or e-mail the League office the link to the electronic version vote411.org as soon as it is ([email protected]). Tell us your name and mailing address available for the General Election. Please note that we never to receive a print copy, or your name and e-mail address for sell or exchange your address with other organizations.
Two Ways To Help The League Join LWVMC! Here’s Why: Donate to Citizen Education Fund 1 The women and men (yes, men) of the League of Women 2 Help the League of Women Voters keep government Voters of Montgomery County promote good government power in the hands of the people by assisting residents through nonpartisan, grassroots volunteer work. We examine to become educated, active and engaged in public policy issues, educate citizens, register voters, and participate in decisions. Help support the publication of this Voters’ Guide, advocacy. Membership includes monthly newsletter. our forums and debates, the vote411.org website, and our Election Hotline. Contributions from NEW donors will be MATCHED by a generous friend of the League.
Join or contribute online at our website lwvmocomd.org and pay by credit card or PayPal or complete and mail form below:
Name: ______Phone: ______
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Membership: Make check payable to LWVMC Tax Deductible Donation to LWVMC Citizen Education Fund, Regular membership $65.00 a 501(c)(3) organization 2nd member, same household $32.50 Make check payable to LWVMC- CEF Student membership $20.00 Amount ______
Mail to: LWV Montgomery County, MD, 12216 Parklawn Dr, Suite 105, Rockville MD 20852 34 Non-Profit Org. VOTERS’ GUIDE US Postage PAID Suburban MD 2016 PRIMARY EDITION Permit #77 Produced By:
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD, INC. CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND Over 95 Years of Making Democracy Work. Nationally respected, locally engaged.
Why Vote? Three Ways To Vote Your Vote Makes A Difference! It’s about.... 1. VOTE EARLY at a convenient time and location for you. Money: how your taxes are spent. The Early Voting Centers are open from 10 am – 8 pm, Thursday, April 14 – Thursday, April 21. All County ballots available. See Education: how to strengthen the quality and performance page 3 for all Early Voting Center locations. of the schools. 2. VOTE BY MAIL (ABSENTEE) from home or Mobility: how to balance the needs of drivers, transit riders, away—no need to go anywhere! Applications available from bikers, and walkers. www.777vote.org, call 240-777-8550, or at the Board of Elections Environment: how to protect natural resources and (18753 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD). ecosystems. 3. VOTE AT YOUR ASSIGNED POLLING PLACE Community: how to decide among many priorities such as on Tuesday, April 26. Go to your polling place. Polls are open health, housing, and parks. 7 am to 8 pm. If you are unsure of your polling place, check your sample ballot or visit https://voterservices.elections. maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch.
The League of Women Voters wishes to thank the following contributors:
Montgomery County Council Community Grant FOUNDATION We also thank our LWVMC members and office Watkins Voter Empowerment Fund of the manager who contributed and volunteered Montgomery Community Foundation hundreds of hours to prepare this Voters’ Guide.
Would you like to join or contribute to The League of Women Voters? See page 34!
2016 PRIMARY ELECTION: TUESDAY, APRIL 26. POLLS OPEN: 7am - 8pm.