Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Message of Monday January 19, 2009
It’s a new year and as I reflect on all that transpired last year in the historic presidential election between Sen. McCain - Gov. Palin and Sen Obama - Sen. Biden, and as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 80th birthday, and prepare to swear in President Barack Obama as our 44th President, I’d like to share a few observations.
First of all, we as a Nation should be thankful for the great service that President Bush has given our country these past eight years. History, I predict, will be fairer on his record than the partisan media have been. No review of his Presidency can fail to note that 09/11/01 forever changed and marked his legacy. While he had to make difficult decisions involving the sacrifice of precious American servicemen and women’s lives, no one can deny that, while under his watch and determined vigilism, no second 09/11 occurred during the balance of his Presidency.
Senator John McCain waged a very respectable campaign. Though written off many times, and running in an off presidential year for Republicans, he showed his true heroic character. If you have never read his autobiography, Faith of My Fathers, I heartily recommend it. Candid, self-effacing and interesting best describe, in my opinion, his reflection on his life, his grandfather and father - both four-star Admirals in the U.S. Navy - and his P.O.W. experience written in conjunction with his first run for the presidency in 2000.
One cannot but conclude that Senator John McCain is a true American hero who genuinely puts his country first. It is not hard to imagine his being elected President at a prior time in our history, but for different events and/or circumstances.
His selection of Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate was a complete surprise and, I think, a stroke of “maverick genius,” and many conservatives, including myself and my wife, were immediately impressed by her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. Everything that later occurred, including her and her family’s tremendously unfair, and even disrespectful, treatment by the media, only galvanized our respect and admiration for this great and accomplished American woman.
Isn’t it sad when traditional American values, such as marriage, family, womanhood, citizenship, honest hard work, achievement, and virtue are held up to ridicule by the national media?
It is somewhat funny to remember back when I decided to run for the Maryland Senate for District 12 in 2006 that my friend and campaign manager Larry Litt suggested that my wife Kim should run against Senator Ed Kasemeyer - because she “would kick his butt.” With all that my wife Kim does, and she does it all so well - what with raising our five children, driving car pool for school, ice-hockey and gymnastics practices, cooking, cleaning house, doing laundry, helping with homework, involvement with Church and Right to Life Committees, working at various times as a secretary, waitress, licensed Realtor and legal secretary/paralegal, she certainly could serve as State Senator. But not so much for what she does so well - but rather because of who she is - her character. These character traits were also present - and obviously as one of fifty Governors even more successfully so - by Governor Palin.
Yet the national media ripped into her to discredit or lessen her - instead of celebrating her achievement, even her decision to bring a disabled baby into the world. After all that, I’m glad my wife Kim has no desire to hold public office or subject herself to such unfair scrutiny - much to the relief of the whole Martel household.
However, I think it is very sad, and shows where our media is now, that a Governor of the State of Alaska would be referred to over and over again as Ms. Palin, or just Sarah Palin and not Governor Palin or praised for her character as well as her accomplishments. Where were the “feminists’” hue and cry at that slight?
For that matter, think of how many times the national media referred to President Bush as Mr. Bush, in comparison to Senator Obama. I for my part urge all Americans to always refer to President Obama as President Obama, as the office far transcends any party affiliation. We should all, and especially all in the right-to-life movement, pray for President Obama that he have and be granted courage, wisdom, and fortitude to act rightly and justly in leading our country.
Turning now to the state of our great State of Maryland. Now, as our Legislature is in session, we find ourselves staring at a projected two billion dollar deficit. Clearly, last year’s ill-advised Special Session fixed nothing. Senator Alan Kittleman and Delegate Tony O’Donnell, and others in Republican leadership, have said, we do not have a State revenue problem, we have a spending problem. We need our elected representatives to do what we working citizens have to do in a difficult economy, and that is to live within our means. If that means approving a flat line budget, or even doing the unthinkable - approve a budget that is less than the current fiscal year, then we must be prepared to do so.
We should be, but apparently are not, past the time when a candidate who has real substance and concrete solutions continually gets defeated by candidates who promise “ice cream” to everyone but doesn’t tell where, when, or how it will be delivered.
We should also not elect representatives who do not represent our core values. Too many elected Maryland officials are simply interested in getting elected over and over again and they do so in spite of the fact that they just fall in lock step with the Democrat leadership in the Senate and House.
Just today C4 featured on his daily WBAL radio show Delegate Jill Carter from Baltimore City who, along with Delegate Michael Smigiel, were advised on their return to the House this session by House Speaker Michael Bush that they were no longer members of the House Judiciary Committee - in obvious retribution for their taking positions, e.g. on slots or the Special Session, contrary to House Democrat leadership. We as citizens should be outraged that our elected officials who have the courage to stand up and voice a contrary position - while trying to represent their consciences and districts, are being effectively “silenced” for doing so. Is that democracy? Delegate Michael Smigiel successfully challenged the constitutionality of the special session last year and three judges on the Court of Special Appeals so ruled, but disagreed with the remedy he sought as too stringent, i.e. the nullification of the bills of the special session. And for that he is being removed from the House Judiciary Committee?
Is that what we want going into a session that will likely deal with the handling of illegal aliens in Maryland, or the many other important bills that will come out of the House Judiciary Committee?
As busy as citizens are in working or running our businesses, we have to remain vigilant and active in watching what goes on in Annapolis. We must make our voices heard, that just because they were elected, again, does not mean that they were given a mandate, that the rule of law, traditional American values, honesty, virtue, and real democracy are not expected of our elected representatives, and particularly our legislative leadership and our Governor as well!
We should not give up or move away. These are the times that try and reveal people of real character. I, for my part, have been asked by many whether I plan on running again for the Maryland Senate or any other elected office. I can honestly say that I have no current plans to do so. I, like so many other people who reside in District 12, am so busy trying to run my business, pay for my daughter’s college tuition, etc., that I cannot see how I could rightfully ask my wife, my children, my friends to support me in such an endeavor again. However, in a very real way I think that because Kim and I are so busy struggling to keep our small businesses running in such a difficult economic climate, the challenges and struggles we face in our personal lives are so much like everyone else’s struggles that I really do know what real people, the workers, the business owners, and families are facing in the real world. Still, I have said to all who have asked me about my future intentions that I would make a decision by the end of 2009.
In the meantime, I am fully engaged in the day-to-day struggle to survive as a solo-practitioner in a world teeming with lawyers. I do, however, enjoy being a neighborhood lawyer and invite any in District 12 to come see me in my new law office at 606 Edmonson Avenue, Suite 100, Catonsville, Maryland 21228. My phone number is 410-788-7071, fax is 410-788-7075, and e-mail remains rick@rickmartel.org .
In closing, I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. We are all in this together. We need to come together in our neighborhoods and communities as Americans, as Marylanders, and help each other the best we can. And not to worry. Anxiety solves no problems. As Dr. Ben Carson says in his excellent recent book “Take the Risk,” we need to use our God-given brains to think to analysis the serious risks we all face, and make reflective, rational decisions. Lastly, in the words from St. Matthew 6:34: “Enough then of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has enough troubles of its own.” Let us work, pray, and trust in God.
God bless,
Rick Martel
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Message of Hope for 2008
Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2008 is a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year for all of us in Maryland, especially in District 12.
However, we start this new year and a new legislative assembly having just come off an ill-advised Special Session.
While we await final Court ruling on the constitutional challenge to the Special Assembly, even the liberal media is admitting that the addition of computer services industry to the tax base was completely ill-advised, not adequately debated or well thought out. Let me go on record as saying that I do not think that violations of the Constitution are mere technicalities. We should not allow Governor O’Malley a free pass here as he has been given in the past (e.g. BGE rate hikes, etc.) – as his allies would like –that he never proposed to extend the tax hike to the computer services industry – we must remember that he was the one who called the unnecessary Special Assembly in the first place, created the atmosphere of fear over a projected budget deficit, and thinks all of us should be “comforted” to know that we are paying more taxes!
First of all, everyone should be clear on the facts. We do not have a deficit. Our budget is balanced through June 30, 2008. If we would require our government leaders to be fiscally responsible, to seek cuts in the areas of bloated and wasteful government and unessential services, and limit the increase of spending for our next fiscal year, 2008-2009, to 3.5 to 5%, instead of proposing an 8 to 9.5% increase, then there would be no such projected $1.7 billion deficit.
Also, everyone in District 12 should be aware that Senator Kasemeyer put forward on the Senate floor every single Senate motion to close debate on the issue at the Special Session. However, we needed to have more debate on the proposed tax hikes and those it would cover – and if they had done so, at least the Computer Services Industry could have been afforded proper notice and mounted an appropriate lobbying effort. However, it was the hushed, hurried, late night, almost clandestine actions of the legislation that has put us in this worrisome situation.
It is undemocratic and even un-American to curtain debate prematurely and act in an evasive, non-transparent manner. Marylanders, and particularly residents in District 12, deserve better.
As it is, the regressive 20% sales tax, the $1.00 per pack tobacco tax, the additional corporate taxes, and other tax hikes enacted are causing Marylanders to leave their beloved state, relocating their business operations to other States. An ever-increasing number of Marylanders are now doing their consumer shopping in very proximate neighbor states. Any law that causes citizens to leave or do business and consumer purchasing elsewhere is bad law.
Also, our local elected officials should not be allowed (without consequences at the ballot box) to vote against favorable amendments or vote for bad legislation in committee only and then vote against bad legislation when on the floor knowing full well that enough liberal votes exist to pass the desired tax hikes.
We now stand at the start of a new legislative session and need to be active. We must contact our elected officials. They were amazed at how many negative e-mails they received during the Special Session! Let them know we do care what they do in Annapolis, we are watching, we will be down there at some point to see them or take part in government as is our precious Constitutional right, and we will hold them accountable for passing bad laws.
It is high time for our government to take notice that it is the law-abiding, working people of Maryland who own property, pay more than our fair share of taxes, are educating our children and building better lives for ourselves and our neighbors, who need to be fairly treated by our elected officials.
We need to get involved in our communities, continue educating ourselves about the many serious issues that face us, listen to open talk radio, and send letters and e-mails to the editors in our local papers or to talk radio to express our views. Our State and our freedoms are worth fighting for.
May God bless us, protect us, provide for us, and reinvigorate us in our private and public lives in the New Year, 2008.
Rick Martel
Catonsville 01/10/08
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Upcoming Events
Recurring Events:
Every Second Thursday of the Month
Every Second and Fourth Wednesday of the Month
Monday, December 18, 2006
Christmas Message
Here are some inspiring words for the Christmas season:
“This is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” - John 3:19-21
Peace to you all, and have a merry Christmas!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Feedback from a Volunteer
Dear Rick:
I just want to take this opportunity to honor Rick Martel and his family for their steadfast faithfulness to answer the call. Rick, you are right. You gave District 12 a choice. God gave the Israelites a choice too. He “set before [them] life and death.” He exhorted them to “choose life.” You gave your district the opportunity to choose life. They made their choice. God is a merciful God, but a just God. We who do choose life must be committed now to praying for his mercy. I am sure He has a greater good that we will someday see. Meanwhile, congratulations are still in order for Rick. You ran the race and your ultimate prize awaits you. Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice all that you did for this campaign. You are a true hero.
Sincerely,
[a volunteer]
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Thank You!
Hello, everyone. I want to thank every one of you, from the bottom of my heart, who helped me in so many ways to answer the call, fight the good fight, and finish the campaign.
I also want to thank the well over fourteen thousand voters who honored me with their vote to have me serve as State Senator for District 12. I am humbled by it and very grateful.
I told the reporter for Patuxent Publishing Tuesday night that I feel good about the campaign. It was a life-giving experience for me, it put a “bounce in my step” (as Larry says). I hope, in some way, it did the same for each one of you. I have so many stories to share of God’s faithfulness to me throughout the campaign—what I like to call the “fingerprints of God.”
I would like to share a few with you. An elderly man with a walker told my mother at Arbutus Middle School on Election Day that if he were dying and had to “crawl on all fours,” he would have come “to vote for Rick.” A widow on whose door we knocked while canvassing joined and energized the team during the home stretch and emailed Kim and me after the results came in that we are “lights to the world. Keep on shining!” Another widow, a former neighbor, after hearing Jack Ames’ wonderful endorsement on WRBS radio, delivered my palm piece to folks around Columbia Mall the weekend before the election telling her “friends and neighbors” that I was a mentor for her son after her husband died leaving her with four young children, taking him to ballgames, Saturday morning breakfast with my own son, anywhere we could spend time together, asking them to vote for me because “he’s a man of integrity whose allegiance doesn’t drift like shifting sand; you can count on him to be on the side of family values, wise fiscal spending and decency.”
I have been deeply touched by these and many others. How could I not be renewed by this campaign experience? We gave the citizens a choice, and they have chosen. In my opinion the majority has chosen wrongly; however, it is now time to move forward and pray for those who will be put in power over us.
I promise you I will never be the same for having had the opportunity to run. I will be ever vigilant, awake and watchful to make sure that we are governed competently and justly.
I called Senator Kasemeyer on Thursday November 9, 2006 and congratulated him on his victory. I thanked him for the gentlemanly way he ran his campaign. I wished him well in the next four years and offered my help if needed in serving the residents of Catonsville and Arbutus—where I live and work. I also gave him the heads-up that Kim was going to make clear to him, as our Senator, our abhorrence of partial birth abortion.
In closing, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you did for me. Special thanks go to my wife, treasurer, scheduling secretary- my everything- Kim, I could not have done this – or anything without her; and Larry my campaign manager and best friend - I feel they gave me their “kidneys”, and many others - you know who you are - I am grateful to God for all of you - and will pray for you, the citizens of District 12, and for all in the great state of Maryland. God bless.
Rick Martel
11.10.06
Monday, October 30, 2006
Rick Responds to Catonsville Times Endorsement of Kasemeyer
Rick sent the following letter to the editor of The Catonsville Times in response to that periodical’s endorsement of Ed Kasemeyer:
“Last week you endorsed Senator Kasemeyer and labeled him as “moderate”. How can he reasonably be termed moderate when he proposed a surtax on upper income families, cutting state retirees health benefits, voted 41 times to override Governor Ehrlich’s vetoes, voted to give illegal immigrants the same tuition rates as Maryland taxpaying residents (SB520, 040303) and has received a score of 87% from Progressive Maryland in 2006?
Whether one is Democrat or Republican, we need to send the “irresponsible General Assembly” (Wash. Times 10/23/06) a message that our elected officials need to PUT THE NEEDS OF MARYLAND CITIZENS FIRST, above partisan politics.
I am running with Team Ehrlich: Joe Hooe and Al Nalley (House of Delegates) and George Kapusinski (County Council) to provide the citizens of District 12 a choice, which is the heart of our democracy and to put an end to the one-party rule that has “served the State poorly in the past” (Wash. Post 10/25/06).
“Marylanders deserve better. That’s why the Washington Times strongly endorses Gov. Robert Ehrlich for re-election – along with the election of a more responsible, conservative General Assembly.” (Wash. Times 10/23/06)
Please vote for Team Ehrlich in District 12 on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
Rick Martel
Republican Candidate for State Senate, District 12
5517 Oregon Avenue
Arbutus, MD 21227
410-247-5805”
Washington Times Endorses Rick for State Senate!
In an editorial published on 10/29/2006, The Washington Times endorsed Rick for Maryland State Senate. The full article appears here: http://www.washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20061028-085346-5808r.htm.
Here is an excerpt of the article:
“In Maryland District 12, which includes part of Baltimore and Howard Counties, Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, a 20-year incumbent, faces a stiff challenge from Rick Martel, a Catonsville attorney. Mr. Martel, a former Democrat, switched to the GOP years ago in response to the Democratic Party’s support for abortion on demand, and he criticizes Mr. Kasemeyer for consistently voting to support NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland’s position on abortion. Mr. Martel is also a strong supporter of Governor Ehrlich and sharply criticizes Mr. Kasemeyer’s many votes with Mike Miller on overriding dozens of Ehrlich vetoes. Mr. Martel is also critical of Mr. Kasemeyer for siding with Mr. O’Malley when the mayor balked at implementing needed financial reforms in Baltimore schools. The Washington Times endorses Rick Martel for Maryland Senate.”
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Baltimore Sun Article vs. Questionnaire Responses
On October 25th, the Baltimore Sun published the following article about Rick and the other Legislative District 12 candidates:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-md.ho.twelve25oct25,0,5099467.story
While the article seems to treat all the candidates fairly, it left out some key points Rick and others have made that distinguish them from the incumbents. Read Rick’s Baltimore Sun Candidate Questionnaire answers below to see where he really stands on the issues.
Some quick points:
1. The people of District 12 are overwhelmingly moderate to conservative in their political views, yet the incumbents have consistently voted strictly with the liberal party line rather than truly representing their constituents. The incumbent Senator consistently voted against the Governor, including voting more than 40 times to override the Governor’s vetoes. He followed his mentor and boss, Mike Miller, rather than representing his constituents.
The voting records show the District 12 incumbent Democrats’ liberal actions despite their claims of being moderates. For example, Sen. Kasemeyer has supported the interests of Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland 100% of the time while supporting MD Right to Life 0%; the liberal action group Progressive Maryland gave him a rating of 87 out of 100 for supporting their interests while he only supported the interests of the Christian Coalition of MD 20% of the time in 2005, the MD Catholic Conference 38% from 2003 through 2006, and the Association of MD Families 29% in 2005.
2. The balance of power is out of kilter in Annapolis. Examples include the Legislature’s BGE rate hike law (and veto override) which took away the consumer’s choice to opt out of the plan, the “Wal-Mart” bill which was struck down by the Federal Courts, the HMO bills which taxed middle and low income people and the blocking of the slots bill.
3. It is important to have a Senator who will support legislation that is pro-family, traditional marriage and respect for life in all stages.
The Baltimore Sun: Legislative Candidate Questionnaire
1. Do you favor the death penalty? Should the state’s moratorium on the death penalty be reinstated? How should the state proceed with regard to lethal injection executions?
No. I am personally against the death penalty. The sanctity of human life should be a high priority, and it has been shown over time that the threat of the death penalty is little, if any, deterrent to criminals who choose to use potentially lethal force. Furthermore, equal protection and due process issues, which vary amongst jurisdictions, need to be investigated before a decision can be reached on lethal injection. Despite my personal feelings, I do believe that the State justifiably should be entitled to utilize the death penalty in extreme situations.
2. Legislative budget analysts have predicted a return to billion-dollar deficits in the next term. What steps would you take to address this problem? Please indicate any specific taxes or spending you would raise or lower.
Of course I would suspect that legislative budget analysts would predict such a return because they anticipate that the party in power will inevitably overspend. The problem is not the taxes raised, but the way the money is spent.
To address any potential budget problems I would promote the creation of slots in Maryland. Such an institution would both support the horse racing industry and recoup State money lost at Rocky Gap. Additionally, the money could be used for the full funding of State education and the much needed repair of State roads and bridges.
3. What measures would you take to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay? Please include in your answer what role, if any, you envision for the state in controlling sprawl?
I fully support and would continue Governor Ehrlich’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act. What we consider “smart growth” must become smarter. One way of doing this would be to stop the rapid concentration of townhomes on small acre plots when former farm acreage is available for development.
4. What would you do to bolster Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund and address the state’s worsening problems with congestion? Discuss an increase in the motor fuel tax – or any other tax or fee – that will be needed in the next four years.
It is necessary to repair and expand State roads and bridges. As I stated previously, a potential solution to this problem would be to use money created by slots in Maryland to fund the repairs. Such a solution is a cost-effective method that would benefit the State while minimizing potentially necessary increases in motor fuel tax. We all need to become more energy-efficient. I would be a proponent of trying to influence national automobile manufacturers to put greater efforts into creating more fuel efficient cars.
5. Is the state-city partnership on the Baltimore school system working? What role should the state play in city schools? How far should its oversight extend? Should the takeover proceed?
State takeover of the most troubled City schools should continue. Our childrens’ needs must be placed above saving the reputations of City politicians and School Board members.
6. Should the state support Maryland’s horse industry with revenue from slot machines?
We must do something to stop the millions of dollars of Maryland money that steadily flows to neighboring states such as Delaware, West Virginia and New Jersey. The horse racing industry in Maryland has been a cultural institution and part of the identity of Maryland for many years. Efforts need to be taken to preserve this industry, and slots would go far in promoting the preservation process.
7. How would you address Maryland’s health care needs? Comment on the “Wal-Mart bill” that was enacted last year and the proposal to double the state’s cigarette tax to reduce the number of uninsured and ensure employers offer reasonable health insurance benefits.
There is a critical need to continue Governor Ehrlich’s health care initiatives to provide access to health care.
8. Two years ago, a state task force on school construction found that Maryland needed to invest at least $250 million annually for nearly a decade to address school construction needs. The addition of thousands of new federal employees to the region is likely to intensify those needs. How would you address the lack of classroom space?
Build new schools and expand existing schools in certain heavily populated areas.
9. How can the state best adapt to a growing immigrant population?
I would make English and citizenship information and skills available to them at reduced cost. I fully agree with Theodore Roosevelt who, in 1907, said, “In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American… There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
10. What are the three most important issues of concern in your district?
(1) My District is moderate to conservative and overwhelmingly voted for Bob Ehrlich for Governor in 2002 (12A – 67%; 12B – 57%). The incumbent Senator voted consistently against the Governor, including voting to override the Governor’s vetoes. He followed his mentor and boss, Mike Miller, rather than representing his constituents.
(2) The balance of power is out of kilter in Annapolis. Examples include the Legislature’s BGE rate hike law (and veto override) which took away the consumer’s choice to opt out of the plan, the “Wal-Mart” bill which was struck down by the Federal Courts, the HMO bills which taxed middle and low income people and the blocking of the slots bill.
(3) It is important to have a Senator who will support legislation that is pro-family, traditional marriage and respect for life in all stages.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Fundraising Dinner in Catonsville
Saturday, October 21st
7pm to 11pm
Patapsco Knights of Columbus
1010 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
Dinner Buffet catered by Monaghan’s Pub
Carved Pit Beef, Ham, & Turkey ♦ Salads ♦ Dessert
Beer ♦ Wine ♦ Soda
$40 donation per person
Call for tickets:
Kim 410-788-9667
Leslie 410-788-2937
Steve 410-788-3232
Support Governor Ehrlich’s Team on Election Day
Rick Martel
Joe Hooe
Albert Nalley
George Kapusinski
We sincerely appreciate your continued support!
Authority: Citizens Slate for Change Dave Amann, Treasurer
Monday, October 09, 2006
Comcast Candidate Interview
Click here to see Rick’s Interview with Comcast:
http://www.v4w.net/v.php?vid=Richard_I._Martel_Jr.&clientid=cod
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Rick’s Responses to The Baltimore Sun Candidate Questionnaire
The Baltimore Sun: Legislative Questionnaire
1. Do you favor the death penalty? Should the state’s moratorium on the death penalty be reinstated? How should the state proceed with regard to lethal injection executions?
No. I am personally against the death penalty. The sanctity of human life should be a high priority, and it has been shown over time that the threat of the death penalty is little, if any, deterrent to criminals who choose to use potentially lethal force. Furthermore, equal protection and due process issues, which vary amongst jurisdictions, need to be investigated before a decision can be reached on lethal injection. Despite my personal feelings, I do believe that the State justifiably should be entitled to utilize the death penalty in extreme situations.
2. Legislative budget analysts have predicted a return to billion-dollar deficits in the next term. What steps would you take to address this problem? Please indicate any specific taxes or spending you would raise or lower.
Of course I would suspect that legislative budget analysts would predict such a return because they anticipate that the party in power will inevitably overspend. The problem is not the taxes raised, but the way the money is spent.
To address any potential budget problems I would promote the creation of slots in Maryland. Such an institution would both support the horse racing industry and recoup State money lost at Rocky Gap. Additionally, the money could be used for the full funding of State education and the much needed repair of State roads and bridges.
3. What measures would you take to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay? Please include in your answer what role, if any, you envision for the state in controlling sprawl?
I fully support and would continue Governor Ehrlich’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act. What we consider “smart growth” must become smarter. One way of doing this would be to stop the rapid concentration of townhomes on small acre plots when former farm acreage is available for development.
4. What would you do to bolster Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund and address the state’s worsening problems with congestion? Discuss an increase in the motor fuel tax – or any other tax or fee – that will be needed in the next four years.
It is necessary to repair and expand State roads and bridges. As I stated previously, a potential solution to this problem would be to use money created by slots in Maryland to fund the repairs. Such a solution is a cost-effective method that would benefit the State while minimizing potentially necessary increases in motor fuel tax. We all need to become more energy-efficient. I would be a proponent of trying to influence national automobile manufacturers to put greater efforts into creating more fuel efficient cars.
5. Is the state-city partnership on the Baltimore school system working? What role should the state play in city schools? How far should its oversight extend? Should the takeover proceed?
State takeover of the most troubled City schools should continue. Our childrens’ needs must be placed above saving the reputations of City politicians and School Board members.
6. Should the state support Maryland’s horse industry with revenue from slot machines?
We must do something to stop the millions of dollars of Maryland money that steadily flows to neighboring states such as Delaware, West Virginia and New Jersey. The horse racing industry in Maryland has been a cultural institution and part of the identity of Maryland for many years. Efforts need to be taken to preserve this industry, and slots would go far in promoting the preservation process.
7. How would you address Maryland’s health care needs? Comment on the “Wal-Mart bill” that was enacted last year and the proposal to double the state’s cigarette tax to reduce the number of uninsured and ensure employers offer reasonable health insurance benefits.
There is a critical need to continue Governor Ehrlich’s health care initiatives to provide access to health care.
8. Two years ago, a state task force on school construction found that Maryland needed to invest at least $250 million annually for nearly a decade to address school construction needs. The addition of thousands of new federal employees to the region is likely to intensify those needs. How would you address the lack of classroom space?
Build new schools and expand existing schools in certain heavily populated areas.
9. How can the state best adapt to a growing immigrant population?
I would make English and citizenship information and skills available to them at reduced cost. I fully agree with Theodore Roosevelt who, in 1907, said, “In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American… There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
10. What are the three most important issues of concern in your district?
(1) My District is moderate to conservative and overwhelmingly voted for Bob Ehrlich for Governor in 2002 (12A – 67%; 12B – 57%). The incumbent Senator voted consistently against the Governor, including voting to override the Governor’s vetoes. He followed his mentor and boss, Mike Miller, rather than representing his constituents.
(2) The balance of power is out of kilter in Annapolis. Examples include the Legislature’s BGE rate hike law (and veto override) which took away the consumer’s choice to opt out of the plan, the “Wal-Mart” bill which was struck down by the Federal Courts, the HMO bills which taxed middle and low income people and the blocking of the slots bill.
(3) It is important to have a Senator who will support legislation that is pro-family, traditional marriage and respect for life in all stages.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Voting With A Clear Conscience
Click here for the Priests for Life booklet “Voting with a Clear Conscience.”
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Here is a message from Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life:
“Friends,
Another crucial election is upon us. In particular, the United States Senate is critical, and will affect future changes to the Supreme Court in the next couple of years.
During recent election years, Priests for Life has provided important moral guidance to voters. In a non-partisan manner, we have assisted believers to apply moral principles to their voting decisions. All human choices, by definition, have moral dimensions – including the choices we make at the polls.
This year, Fr. Frank Pavone has put together a booklet called “Voting with a Clear Conscience,” which summarizes the message he delivers around the country regarding the moral considerations of voting.
This booklet meets all legal requirements for distribution by Churches and other 501 (c)(3) organizations.
“Having studied the document “Voting with a Clear Conscience” and the comprehensive legal opinion of Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom, I concur in the reasoning and conclusions of both without hesitation or reservation. I commend this excellent material to all thinking Catholics, clerical and lay alike.”
William P. Clark
California Supreme Court Justice (Ret.)
[Note: Judge Clark served under President Ronald Reagan as National Security Advisor, Secretary of the Interior, and Deputy Secretary of State.]
The following questions, among others, are considered in this booklet:
What do the Pope and Bishops say about our duty to vote?
What issues are most important in deciding which candidate to support?
Does the party of the candidate matter?
What if no candidate seems right?
This booklet is a powerful tool for you to use and to give to your friends, your pastor, and your pro-life organizations!
To order use one of the following methods:
1) E-mail us at orders@priestsforlife.org .
2) Call us at 1-888-735-3448 x237.
3) Mail order to: Priests for Life Resource Department, PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314.
4) Fax your order to 718-980-3900”
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Citizens Slate for Change September Morning Sign Waving Schedule
Below is the morning sign waving schedule for the Citizens Slate for Change candidates for September. You are welcome to join the slate candidates at any time. If you are unable to participate, I encourage you to support the team by honking and waving. And whenever possible, please come out and join the team!
Each day the times are 7:00 am to 8:30 am:
Monday, 9/18: Winters Lane & Edmondson Avenue
Tuesday, 9/19: Lansdowne Blvd. & Hollins Ferry Road
Wednesday, 9/20: East Drive & Sulphur Spring Road
Thursday, 9/21: Daisy Avenue & Old Annapolis Road
Friday, 9/22 Frederick Road & 695
Monday, 9/25: Wilkens Avenue & Maiden Choice Lane
Tuesday, 9/26: Rolling Road & 195 (park & ride)
Wednesday, 9/27: Route 1 & Sulphur Spring Road
Thursday, 9/28: Rolling Road & Giant Food Store
Friday, 9/29: Hollins Ferry Road & Hammonds Ferry Road
Friday, September 08, 2006
MD Catholic Conference Primary Voter Guide
Here is a link to the MD Catholic Conference Primary Election Voter’s Guide:
http://mdcathcon.org/Primary/Dist%2012.pdf
Note that Rick Martel is the only candidate in District 12 who is known to support the MD Catholic Conference’s position on all seventeen questions of interest to the Conference.
Pick Rick on September 12th and November 6th!