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.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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!
Monday, September 04, 2006
MD Right to Life 2006 Candidate Questionnaire
Here is a link to my answers to the questions posed by Maryland Right to Life (http://www.mdrtl.org) about pro-life issues in Maryland:
http://rickmartel.org/MDRTL.htm
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Citizens Slate for Change August Evening Sign Waving Schedule
Below is the evening sign waving schedule for the Citizens Slate for Change candidates for August. 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 evening the times are 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm:
Mon 8/7 Rte 1 & Sulphur Spring Road
Tues 8/8 Hollins Ferry Road & Hammonds Ferry Road
Wed 8/9 Daisy Avenue & Old Annapolis Road
Thurs 8/10 Rte 1 & 195
Mon 8/14 Rte 1 & Montgomery Road (Howard Cty)
Tues 8/15 Rolling Road & 195 (park & ride)
Wed 8/16 Hillcrest Elementary School & Rolling Road
Thurs 8/17 Lansdowne Road & Hollins Ferry Road
Mon 8/21 Frederick Road & 695
Tues 8/22 East Drive & Sulphur Spring Road
Wed 8/23 Maiden Choice Lane & Wilkins Avenue
Thurs 8/24 Winters Lane & Edmondson Avenue
Mon 8/28 Carville & Francis Ave
Tues 8/29 Rolling Road & 195 (park & ride)
Wed 8/30 Rolling Road & Giant Food Store
Thurs 8/31 Hillcrest Elementary School & Rolling Road
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Great Article about Rick in Catonsville & Arbutus Times Newspapers
The articles linked below appeared in both the Catonsville Times and Arbutus Times newspapers on 8/2/2006:
Catonsville Times - It took a while for lawyer to enter politics
Arbutus Times - Republicans cheer former Democrat’s decision
These articles show the great momentum Rick Martel has in his bid for the State Senate seat in District 12. Prior to June 22nd 2006, the incumbent Senator had no competition and now he is in the middle of a tight race.
At his public announcement rally Rick said, “I stand before you with a great sense of humility, but with an even greater sense of call and purpose.”
He told Governor Ehrlich, who attended the rally and endorsed Rick’s campaign, “I am here today to work with you, instead of attempting to thwart and block your efforts to change Maryland for the better, like the incumbents in District 12 have done these last four years.”
Rick said, “I am not a politician. I am like you, a very concerned Maryland citizen who is deeply concerned by what I have seen take place in the Maryland legislature over the past four years.”
Rick ended his speech with these inspiring and humble words:
“This is the time, this is the call. We are called not just to be hearers, but doers. We have been passive too long, too afraid of offending, too afraid of exercising our First Amendment rights to be heard, and look at the result. It is time to come off the sidelines and be heard in Annapolis.
“I am Rick Martel, I am answering your call and I am asking for your vote. I will listen to you, I will work for change and I will be your voice in Annapolis. It’s time to run a new standard up the flagpole.”
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Rick’s Campaign Speech - 7/27/06
Hello everyone and welcome to beautiful downtown Arbutus – the hometown of Governor Bob Ehrlich! Does Arbutus LUV its native son?
My name is Rick Martel and I’m running for Maryland State Senate in District 12.
I would like to thank Governor Ehrlich for being here today to personally endorse and support my campaign, and I’d also like to thank my family, my wife, Kim, and children, Patrick, Kate and Meg, my friends, colleagues and everyone here for coming out today to support and celebrate this event with me.
I stand before you today with a great sense of awe and humility, but with an even greater sense of call and purpose.
A mere seven weeks ago I was asked by my family and friends if I would consider running for our District’s State Senate seat. This request was not taken lightly. For the next two weeks I thought, prayed and talked it over with my wife, Kim, my children, my closest friends and other family and friends. Their overwhelming sense was that this is the time and this is the call.
I am not a politician. I am like you, a very concerned Maryland citizen who is deeply concerned by what I have seen take place in the Maryland legislature over the past four years.
Four years ago we elected Governor Bob Ehrlich with a clear mandate to go to Annapolis and effectuate change.
In less than four years Governor Ehrlich has:
Turned a 4 billion dollar deficit inherited from the prior administration into consecutive billion dollar surpluses;
Reduced government bureaucracy by seven percent;
Created an environment for job growth – our unemployment rate is only 4%;
Reduced welfare rates to lowest levels in 40 years;
Blocked 7.5 billion dollars in new taxes.
All the while he has worked to implement the largest funding increase in history for K-12 education including historic school construction. He has worked to protect our environment enacting the historic Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act, and provided record funding to preserve open space, protecting 60,000 additional acres of land.
Governor Ehrlich, you have a right to be proud of your record, and I say thank you for a job well done, for which all of Maryland should say thank you in November by sending you back to serve another four years and complete your mandate of “Changing Maryland for the Better”!
I also want to thank you for taking the heat…
For taking on the 40 year entrenched Party in power in Annapolis – and winning,
And for your recent wins in State and Federal courts;
For demanding respect in an atmosphere where civility is lacking; and
For standing up for the kids of Baltimore City.
When Governor Ehrlich attempted to send state aid to assist Baltimore City public schools, state aid was refused by the incumbent senator, the Democratic legislature and the mayor – to save their political face – at the expense of the children.
I am here today, along with the other members of Team Ehrlich: Joe Hooe and Al Nalley for Maryland House of Delegates, and George Kapusinski for County Council, to promise to help you in your next term, to work with you instead of attempting to thwart and block your efforts to change Maryland for the better like the incumbents in District 12 have done these last four years.
Let me ask you all a question:
Does it bother you, who voted to elect our hometown Governor by almost 60% in 2002, that the incumbent Senator and Delegates from District 12 voted straight liberal party line and voted to override the vetoes of your own hometown Governor?
As I see it we have a real problem in Annapolis which must be addressed! The balance of power between conservatives & moderates on one hand and liberals on the other is out of kilter. There has been a greater and greater polarization between the two parties with the result that there is no negotiation, no compromise and no consensus building going on down there, with the result that Maryland citizens are being harmed with bad legislation!
The liberals in Annapolis, including the incumbents in District 12, are no longer in the mainstream and they are voting more like Baltimore City or Prince George’s County representatives rather than the more moderate views of you the majority in District 12.
Just recently when Governor Ehrlich appointed a Catholic theologian and a rabbi to the committee assigned to discuss embryonic stem cell research, I was shocked to hear a liberal Senator say, “We have the votes,” that is, to overcome any such ethical input!
Which is like saying: “Don’t talk to me, don’t reason with me, don’t try to interject morality or ethics into this very sensitive subject! We already know how we’re going to vote.” Now, who is really close-minded and intolerant!?
Is this what you want to continue?
When we all found ourselves staring down the barrel at a 72% BGE rate increase – because of the failed 1999 attempt of the current Legislature leadership to deregulate and place an artificial cap on rates, Governor Ehrlich stepped in and brokered a deal which would give us all a choice: 144,000 Marylanders chose to opt out.
However, the Maryland Legislature, Mike Miller leading the Senate and Michael Busch the House of Delegates, called a special session – to pass their own legislation that sounded better, but was, in reality, not better – and sold Maryland consumers down the river – for a delay of only 11 months to full market rates we are now saddled with 10 years of unwanted, and virtually unknown, interest payments – they took away our choice!
When Governor Ehrlich attempted to veto this bad consumer legislation, they ran back to Annapolis to overturn it; they didn’t care that it was bad for Maryland – they know they had the votes to do it and, as always, they did not want Governor Ehrlich to get any credit.
That’s the way it’s been – and worse yet, that is what will continue unless you vote for change for your State Senator and your Delegates, simply put:
A vote for the incumbent Senator is a vote for Mike Miller and against your Governor Bob Ehrlich;
A vote for the incumbent Delegates is a vote for Michael Busch and against your Governor Bob Ehrlich;
A vote for me is a vote for Governor Ehrlich and against arrogant, power-seeking, re-election-driven, career politicians desiring status quo, and a vote to work with and not against Governor Bob Ehrlich to face the serious energy and economic issues, as well as moral issues of our day.
This is the time, this is the call. We are called not just to be hearers, but doers. We have been passive too long, too afraid of offending, too afraid of exercising our First Amendment rights to be heard, and look at the result. It is time to come off the sidelines and be heard in Annapolis.
I am Rick Martel, I am answering your call and I am asking for your vote. I will listen to you, I will work for change and I will be your voice in Annapolis. It’s time to run a new standard up the flagpole.
God bless you,
God bless Governor Ehrlich
And God bless the State of Maryland!
Thank you!
Volunteer Excitement at Rick’s Rally!
Citizens Slate for Change
Joe Hooe, Al Nalley, George Kapusinski, and Rick with Governor Ehrlich
Rick & Governor - Thumbs Up!
Rick with Gov
Rick with the Governor.