My Views
“I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism.”
– Ronald Reagan, 1975
I am a registered Libertarian and I believe that we are all capable of living our lives how we choose, so long as we do not interfere with the rights or safety of others.
Accountability
I know you have an opinion, but where is your voice?
“[Current delegate Wade Kach has] done a good job for us for the past 28 years, but it’s time for a change…. Twenty-eight years, unless you have a big list of accomplishments or moved up in the ranks, 28 [years] is no more than warming a chair.”
– Chris Cavey, Chairman of the Baltimore County Central Republican Committee, 2002
Northern Baltimore County does not need a placeholder any longer.
It is not enough for a delegate to simply vote “yes” or “no.” Northern Baltimore County deserves to be represented by someone who will fight for the rights of their constituency, and I will fight for lower taxes, a smaller government, and more freedom in our daily lives.
Taxes
I will fight to lower the state income tax and sales tax during every legislative session. Unlike our current delegate, I will not give-in to “bait and switch” legislation out of fear of partisan reprisal. I will fight to ensure that tax bills are voted on separately from other legislation, which will restrict lawmakers from piggybacking something unpopular on top of something that is popular.
We should not have to sacrifice one Marylander’s income in favor of another’s. We all work hard for our money, and we all deserve to enjoy it.
State Budget
The passage of an annual state budget is the single-most important task of the Maryland Legislature. However, during this current economic crisis, it is apparent that Governor O’Malley has failed to properly estimate the state’s income. In addition, the General Assembly failed once again to take a hard stance against out-of-control spending. This being said, I believe that Maryland should enact a “zero-based budget” process. This will require that every item in our budget be justified every year, eliminating unsuccessful programs and projects.
In addition, unfunded mandates should not be passed by our legislature. Unless it is in response to a public safety emergency, if there isn’t a way to pay for it in our budget, then it shouldn’t be created. Additional taxes are the biggest byproduct of these unfunded mandates.
Crime
We cherish many things about our way of life. One of those is the low crime rate. Sadly, all you have to do is pick up the latest copy of The North County News to see that crime is increasing in our area. This is especially true in regards to property theft.
Residents of Northern Baltimore County are seen as easy prey to a criminal who wishes to capitalize on the lack of police presence. I will fight to create tougher penalties for people who commit a crime against you or your property if the crime occurs more than 4 miles from a police station or precinct.
Gun Control
I believe in the right to keep and bear arms, and oppose the prosecution of individuals for exercising their rights of self-defense. Law-abiding, mentally-stable citizens who choose to own a firearm should be allowed to do so without restriction. I support open-carry of firearms without a permit, and I support loosening restrictions for carrying a concealed firearm.
Health Care
I fully oppose universal healthcare, and believe that any attempt to do so on a state level would be disastrous. Involving an already overburdened government bureaucracy in patient management would slow down the process and add hidden “administrative costs” to an already expensive system. The first step in improving health care in this state is through eliminating fraud and abuse, not increasing the size and scope of it.
Education
Every school has its own unique set of challenges, and the last thing we should do is chain our schools to legislation. Schools should be autonomous and allowed to tackle their challenges in a manner that best fits their goals. In the same regard, the parents of attending children should be able to hold these schools more accountable.
“Successful charter school cuts staff, hours over union contract” – The Baltimore Sun
