Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Delegate Nancy Stocksdale weighs-in on the 7 questions on the Maryland election ballot

Monday, November 05, 2012

Delegate Nancy Stocksdale weighs-in on the 7 questions on the Maryland election ballot

Carroll County Delegate Nancy Stocksdale wrote in an e-mail on November 1, 2012 http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2012/11/delegate-nancy-stocksdale-weighs-in-on.html

For more information go to: http://www.scribd.com/doc/111528702/The-sample-ballot-for-the-November-6-2012-presidential-election-in-Carroll-County-Maryland or http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-sample-ballot-for-november-6-2012.html

Labels: Carroll Co Govt, Diversity Gay Lesbian Civil Unions, Elections 2012, Elections 2012 presidential, Elections and voting, MD Issues Early Voting, MD issues Gambling, MD Issues Slots, MD st govt

Many have asked my opinion on the ballot questions. There are so many conflicting TV ads and even mailings from "Republican Leaders" which have confused the issues.

This is how I voted and the reason why:

Against Question 1. If passed, this would require candidates for the ORPHANS COURT JUDGES in Prince Georges County to be lawyers. I believe lawyers can run for these offices and if citizens elect them, they can serve, but I don't believe other citizens should be discriminated against.

Against Question 2 This is the same as question 1 except it applies to Baltimore County.

For Question 3 This amendment removes elected officials from office upon the conviction of a felony rather than waiting until the sentencing. As the law is now, the elected official can appeal and appeal and stay in office.

Against Question 4 This law permits illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at our state supported colleges and universities. I believe that if children were brought here illegally, they should follow the procedures to become legal. Federal Law prohibits employers from hiring illegal people so after the taxpayers pay to educate them, they are not legally allowed to work.

Against Question 5 The Congressional Redistricting Map just does not make sense. It has been gerrymandered so that no one can be fairly represented in Congress. For example, what does Ocean City have in common with Taneytown or what does Garrett County have in common with Montgomery County?

Against Question 6 This law redefines MARRIAGE as we know it. In recent years, same-sex couples have been given many of the rights they have requested such as hospital visitation rights. They have been offered "Civil Unions," but they want the term "Marriage" changed. This has far reaching ramifications such as changing the school curriculum and dangerous consequences for ministers who preach from the Bible. Although they argue that ministers would not be affected if they did not want to perform a wedding ceremony for a same-sex couple, look what has happened to the Catholic hospitals and doctors who now must perform abortions and provide birth control.

Against Question 7 This law expands gambling in Maryland. This is a bad bill for the citizens in Maryland.

1. The schools are funded by a formula called "The Thornton Formula" and this determines how much money each school system should receive. The money from gaming will go into the EDUCATION TRUST FUND. This will free up general fund money which is normally spent on education to be used for other things. Just as money has been taken out of THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND, money will be taken out of the EDUCATION TRUST FUND for other things.

2. Last year several bills were introduced to "lock" the transportation trust fund so the money would only be used for transportation purposes. These bills failed. That fund was raided for many other uses. I don't Trust money in these trust funds to go for their intended use.

3. The "Republican Leaders" Michael Steel and Audrey Scott, from whom you have received mailings live in Prince Georges County and the law is written so that the local jurisdiction where the casino is located will receive a large percentage of the tax revenue. That is the reason they are in favor of this bill.

4. In May, a Special Session was held to raise your taxes and this gaming bill lowers the taxes for the casino owners.

5. SCHOOLS WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY MORE MONEY THAT THE THIRNTON FORMULA REQUIRES. EVEN THE TEACHERS KNOW THESE STATEMEENTS IN THE AS ARE NOT TRUE. I HAVE BEEN ON THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE ALL THE SPECIAL FUNDS RAIDED AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. THEY PROMISE TO "PAY BACK" BUT DON'T. Please vote against this bill and let the legislature come back in a regular session where all interested parties have an opportunity to have input.

[20121101 sdosm Stocksdales view of 7 questions]

The sample ballot for the November 6, 2012 presidential election in Carroll County Maryland

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