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