As Election Nears, Harford Candidates Work To Differentiate Themselves From Their Opponents

The 2010 Gubernatorial General Election is a week away and the more than 30 local candidates on the ballot in Harford County are working overtime to differentiate themselves from their opponents and convince voters why they are the best choice to represent them in office.

One week ago, the candidates running for the local senate, delegation, county executive, county council, sheriff, and register of wills were asked the following two questions by The Dagger:

1 – What’s the most important thing you’d like voters to know about you?2 – What’s the biggest difference between you and your opponent?

Candidates were not given any instructions about long or concise their answers should be, and were merely instructed to remain on topic. The answers provided by the candidates have not been edited and are provided in their entirety. Candidates not listed have not returned their answers, but any late answers received will be added as an update to this story.

Mark Fisher – Constitution, County Executive

I am an engineer, not a politician. I will not become a politician when elected. I will not do back room deals. I will not work for any special interest group except you. I won’t throw band-aid fixes on things. I will get at the root causes. Seventy percent (70%) of the County Executive’s job is overseeing the engineering, planning, and maintenance of our roads, water, sewers, solid waste, parks and buildings. As an engineer, I collect data, evaluate options, optimize and plan every day. As County Executive, I will look at all options and listen to all citizens.

I will find the waste, inefficiency, and deliver to you a lean government for the 21st century. I will take the politics out of the job by giving you a vote every step of the way. I believe it is my job to come up with the best solutions with the help of other experts and it is your right to vote on them. As part of my initiative called “Your Government, Your Vote”, you will get to vote on all of the solutions and county department budgets. Please visit my web site for my detailed plan at: www.MarkFisherForExec.com

He runs the county as a politician. I will run the county as an engineer. He was a vice principal yet has not tried to optimize our schools. Instead he throws bags of money over the fence each year to build buildings but has frozen teachers pay 2 years in a row. I have talked to many teachers in the Maryland school system. They have told me where the waste is. I have a brother in law that is a principal in New Jersey. He has told me where the problems are. I have another brother in law who was head master of Vermont Academy for 15 years. He has told me how he optimized their education system. The most important thing to me is the missed opportunities. If we had first eliminated government waste, overlap, and inefficiency, and had a lean government that efficiently delivered services, we would have less than half the debt we have today. What could we deliver today for our children’s education if we were not paying 72 million per year to service our county debt load? In his 5.5 years in office, he has run up the county debt to approximately 500 million dollars, or $5000 per household. Did we get better education or quality of life for that debt? You decide on Nov. 2nd.

Councilman Dion Guthrie – Democrat, County Council District A (Edgewood/Joppa)

I have been a resident of the State of Maryland my entire life and a resident of Harford County living in Joppatown with my wife Dianna, for 44 years. We have six children and four grandchildren. I grew up in Hampton and attended St. Thomas Aquinas grade school and Baltimore Polytechnic High School. I have earned a B.A. degree from Antioch University and B.A. & A.A. Degrees from the McKendree School of Religion and earned a A.A. Degree from Dundalk Community College. Graduated from University of Maryland Academy of Excellence in Local Governance on September 13, 2009, graduated from the Harford County Citizens Police Academy in 2007 and I have achieved 204 college credits. I have extensive experience in representing and lobbying for working men, women and retirees for over 35 years and was a registered lobbyist from 1987-2002 in Annapolis and Washington, D.C. I have the education, experience and know-how to continue to bring the proper representation to the County Council District A, Edgewood, Joppa/Joppatowne, Magnolia and Winters Run.

In these words: Experience – Experience – Experience
My opponent has openly admitted she has no experience for this position. She does not fill out questionnaires sent to her by groups that make deccisions on endorsements and she avoids coming to political debates such as the recent debate at Harford Community College sponsored by the League of Women Voters. This was filmed by Harford Cable Network and is shown every Saturday at 7 p.m. until the election.

Jack T. Feldman – Democrat, County Council District C (Bel Air)

I look to the future, not the past. My opponent is not an original thinker.
That is the most important thing.

My opponent wants smaller government. He does not define how this may occur. I want more jobs for the citizens. A new juvenile center is needed.

Councilman Jim McMahan – Republican, County Council District C (Bel Air)

My record of the past 4 years speaks the facts. I am for lower taxes – smaller government and to help the private sector create jobs where ever possible.

He is a Democrat…I am a Republican

Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti – Democrat, County Council District F (Havre de Grace)

I have demonstrated the leadership to make tough decisions in difficult times. I do my best every day to know the issues, listen to all sides and serve the public good. I have represented my community’s needs and worked with them to solve their problems. My experience in government at all levels gives me the tools necessary to understand how to foster change. I am skilled at connecting need with resources but overall I bring people together for progress in our County.

I have a practical and logical approach to the legislative process. I am a thinker, problem solver and a doer. My applicable experience as an active legislator and former government budget manager gives me the necessary tools to effectively represent the people of this county. I have earned trust in the community and among- business, civic and religious leaders. As a Councilwoman, I reach out to and partner with municipal, county, state and federal officials to achieve common goals. I have demonstrated my ability to effectively communicate, produce progressive outcomes and be a team player.

Jeff Gahler – Republican, Sheriff

More than 26 years ago, I began my law enforcement career, committed as many law enforcement officers are to making a true difference in providing safety and security to the citizens of our great State and here in Harford County. Today, as a 33 year resident of Harford County, a husband, and the father of two daughters in the public school system, I have a vested interest in improving public safety for each and every Harford County family. As a graduate of North Harford High School, Harford Community College, the Johns Hopkins University, and as a veteran of the Maryland State Police, I possess the education, training, experience and expertise to reduce crime, provide for the safety and security of our citizens and communities and improve public safety services provided in Harford County.

There is no more important selection to be made than who will serve as Harford County’s law enforcement leader. The law enforcement demands of today, although serious, will pale in comparison to those of the not too distant future if the opportunity to make positive and effective change is missed. Without excellent law enforcement and public safety services and a true expectation of living in safety, no community can expect to thrive. In our County, the person elected as Sheriff is not only responsible for the law enforcement mission, but oversees Corrections, Court Security and Civil Process. Elsewhere in the State, many of these responsibilities have been separated from the Office of the Sheriff. These functions, properly managed together, create the four corners from which I plan to build an effective, efficient and responsive law enforcement platform dedicated to protecting our citizens and communities from crime and criminals. In the coming days, voters will go to the polls to elect leaders in many State and local positions. Although they will be voting for everything from Governor to County Council, there is no office that they will vote for that will have more of an impact and presence in each person’s everyday life than that of Sheriff of Harford County.

I began my campaign more than two years ago in order to lead the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office in a direction that will truly make public safety the number one objective of the Office of Sheriff. I am not running in this year’s election against a person, but for the honor of protecting many people; my friends, my family and the people that make up a very special county.

The differences between the incumbent and I are quite stark. He wants to run the Sheriff’s office on yesterday’s promises, I want to run it like a cutting edge professional law enforcement agency that pushes forward with innovative initiatives and concepts that are measurable to the citizens of the County.

The biggest difference is that I offer the citizens an experienced and current law enforcement leader from outside the internal strife of the Sheriff’s Office. One of the issues with the current administration is the cycle of focusing on executing internal agendas developed during years of service within the ranks of the Office instead of directing all efforts on combating crime and improving public safety. Harford County has witnessed the benefits of electing a police leader from outside the Sheriff’s Office during the many years that the office was led by Sheriff Meadows. Sheriff Meadows advanced the Sheriff’s Office into a modern police department and the Office is again in need of an outside leader who brings with him, Character, Competence and a Commitment to the community and to those men and women who serve within the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office. These qualities are the theme of my campaign and characteristics that I have faithfully adhered to during my continuing service as a member of the law enforcement community. My vision is to create a Sheriff’s Office that is capable of holding itself and its members accountable while becoming far more efficient, effective and responsive to, and on
behalf of, all of the citizens of Harford County.

Derek Hopkins – Republican, Register of Wills

The most important thing I would like for voters to know about me is that my values, compassion and understanding come from being raised on the family farm, serving over 15 year as a volunteer firefighter, and always being willing to help a stranger. These are characteristics that cannot be learned on the job.

As the next Register of Wills, I will be in the office every day, working hard to provide the compassion and understanding for those who need help with filing estates. I will be making sure that the interest of all parties is protected, and that the future welfare and their family’s welfare are in good hands in the register of wills office.

I plan to establish a FREE Outreach Program to help educate citizens about the office of Register of Wills, and the other resources available to them; such as, attorneys, CPA’s, funeral homes, and more. The goal is to be sure that their questions are answered. A well planned out estate will help lower the stress and feuding your family has to go through at a time of grieving and great loss.

I will be keeping the staff which has years of experience to provide the same outstanding one on one service helping citizens and attorneys handling a loved one’s estate.

The biggest difference between myself and my opponent is that on a daily bases I am helping families who are dealing with an estate, while always showing compassion and understanding for their loss. Since the age of 12 I’ve worked in the auction field and am currently a full time auctioneer, estate appraiser, and a third generation real estate agent, who has focused on providing estate services.

I hope that the voters can see I’m serious about this position, and that continuing education is a major part of becoming a stronger leader. I have already attended a continuing education seminar in Baltimore called “What Probate Court Judges Want You to Know.” That class afforded me the opportunity to meet many probate attorney and sitting judges to learn so much more about Probate in the state of Maryland.

On February 23, 2010 Harry L.W. Hopkins who has served in this position for 24years officially endorsed Republican candidate Derek Hopkins and Mr. Hopkins says, “I have come to know Derek as a mature and capable person who possesses the high quality of character it takes to be Register of Wills. His knowledge and experience as an auctioneer and appraiser will assist him with the position of Register of Wills.”

To learn even more about Derek Hopkins, work with estate services, and his goals as the next Harford County Register of Wills please visit www.derekhopkins.org

Tom Hopkins – Democrat, Register of Wills

I have a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Towson State University.I also have a wealth of experience in leading & managing personnel. I have 34+ years in the Baltimore County Fire Department with 22 years as a Captain,retiring as the senior Captain in the Department. In addition I was proud to serve my country for 31+ years in the United States Air Force/Maryland Air National Guard,retiring at the highest enlisted rank ,Chief Master Sergeant(E-9).

I have no intention of, or desire to become a career elected official. I am running a grassroots campaign on an austere budget & have not accepted any campaign contributions other than what the Firefighters I formerly served with (in Baltimore County) raised for me.

I would like to add one comment not related to either question.Your vote counts and if you dont think it does a few years ago there was a tie in the local election of Bel Air Town Commisioners.So after everyone reads the qualifications I hope I have secured your vote, but PLEASE VOTE!

Art Helton – Democrat, Senate District 34 (southern Harford/western Cecil)

I bring a lifetime record of getting things done.For over 40 years I have worked and been a leader by volunteering with community groups to better my community.As the owner of 7 successful businesses I bring executive management experience at a time when Maryland needs these talents and skills to address the long term budget and retirement system issues facing our state and it’s citizens.With my service on the Harford County Council and Years of experience in the Maryland Senate I can bring those experiences to the arena to bridge the discussions and overlapping responsibilities in providing services to our citizens.

My opponent was rated as one of the least effective senators in Maryland by an independent news service. They used terms “Shrill and ineffective ” and “Way too partisan to be effective.” My approach has always been goal oriented and as such I work with folks in a non partisan way to accomplish the desired benefits for our citizens. .l will bring a creditable voice to the senate that will get results for our tax payers. That is in marked contrast to my opponents style.

Sen. Nancy Jacobs – Republican, Senate District 34 (southern Harford/western Cecil)

When you fill out your ballot, it’s important to know where a candidate stands. Nancy believes that she holds many of the same positions as you. She was a small business owner on Route 40 in Edgewood, her children graduated from public school here, and she and her husband have spent the last 36 years of their marriage here.

She sees it as an honor to serve the residents of District 34 in Annapolis. Together, we have accomplished so much such as passing Jessica’s Law which placed mandatory minimum sentences on child sex offenders and Maryland’s first ever anti-gang laws. Nancy has also strongly supported our schools through legislative work and her presence at 100’s of school events and graduations.

During the next four years she will continue to drive issues surrounding Jessica’s law and laws to bring about an end to gang violence. These are all critical to the safety of our children and families. In addition Nancy will be focusing on domestic violence and growth expected from BRAC. Both are critical issues to her district and our state. She will continue to tirelessly working to reduce taxes and make Maryland a more attractive place for employers and employees. And of course, she will continue to be a presence in our community at events and meetings.

Nancy thanks all her constituents for joining her in making our community a better place to live and work. If I she can ever be of assistance to you or your family please contact her through her website, www.NancyJacobs.com.

Even more important than agreeing with candidates on every issue, is being able to trust them. Trust is a critical factor in deciding for whom to vote. You can trust Nancy to deliver on the values we share as her record of service indicates.

Del. Mary-Dulany James – Democrat, Delegate District 34A (southern Harford/western Cecil)

I am the only person with a proven record of supporting fiscal responsibility, economic growth and world class educational opportunities for our children and adults. I voluntarily cut my own salary and office expenses by over $8000 and the State budget by $5.7 billion. I have created jobs by supporting a $5000 dollar tax credit for all new employees, a $5000 tax credit for bio-science and technology small businesses and funding essential infrastructure that employs over 40,000 hard working Marylanders here and around the State. I have put Harford and Cecil first in Annapolis and we have gotten record amounts of dollars for K-12 and college educations even in these tough economic times. I understand that success in the classrooms means success in our communities. As long as I represent you, we will have the full support of the State for quality education, safe streets, and growing economy.

John Janowich – Democrat, Delegate District 35B (Bel Air)

The most important thing I would like to voters to know about me is that I am qualified to represent their interests in Annapolis. I have been a practicing attorney in Maryland for over twenty years, I have owned three small businesses in Harford County, I am on the board of directors for the Harford County Office on Mental Health. Most important however, I am the father of four daughters. I understand the needs and challenges that the families of Harford County face. I have represented the interests of thousands of clients and helped innumerable customers with their problems and concerns.

The main difference between myself and my opponent is that my voice would be heard in Annapolis. The Republican Harford County Delegation is not an effective one in Annapolis. My opponent simply votes “NO” to virtually every matter before the legislature, including the budget which provides funds to Harford County. I would be heard on the need to protect the environment, on investing in renewable energy, on education, on providing the funding to bring jobs to Harford County, on a women’s right to choose, on the right to marry regardless of sexual orientation. I would bring attention to the needs of Harford County, and would not be ignored as is the present delegation.

Del. Susan McComas – Republican, Delegate District 35B (Bel Air)

The contrast between me and my opponent for District 35B Delegate elected office could not be more stark. I am a conservative. He is a progressive.

I believe that individuals acting in their own enlightened self interest, guided by the morality of religion, respecting the rights and values of others, leads to the greatest freedom and prosperity for all. I believe that government is granted a limited set of powers by consent of the people through the federal and state constitutions. I believe that the government’s role is to protect individuals, born and unborn, from violence, coercion, fraud and deception of other individuals and foreign governments. Government should ensure equal opportunity for all. Government should do as little as possible beyond these basic precepts. I believe that personal freedom can not exist where there is no personal responsibility. I believe that Government should not establish a religion or prohibit the free exercise of religion, but that does not require purging itself of all religion. I believe that government is the last resort for addressing a problem. As such, its growth in size and power is a threat to individual liberties and the general well being of society.

Progressives do not believe in the “invisible hand” of moral enlightened self interest but that people must be “guided” by government to ensure that certain groups and individuals are given preferential treatment to ensure equal outcomes, a concept famously stated in economic matters as “from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs.” They believe that any and all religion has no place in government which must be made antiseptically secular. They do not believe that the rights to life begin at conception but at birth. They believe that all problems must be solved by government and it is the first resort for addressing any problem. Because they see government as beneficial, they are pleased when government grows.

My opponent has criticized me for not bringing enough back from Annapolis. He promises to work to bring back more to this district. All the other progressive legislators down there, and they are the majority, will be working to bring more to their own districts. Government will grow. Taxes will increase. If you believe government is good, work wells, knows how to spend your money better than you do, then vote for him. I promise to work and vote to keep your money in your pocket instead of begging to get a fraction of it back. My opponent is already supporting a tax increase. He criticizes me for “just saying no”. I will keep saying “No”, because I believe that frequently in Annapolis, “No” is the right answer. “No” to higher taxes. “No” to more spending.

As a public defender, my opponent’s job is to make excuses for his criminal defendants. In Annapolis, I sit on the House Judiciary Committee dominated by criminal defense attorneys. There I stand for justice and protection of the truly innocent, the victims. In my family law practice, I see the devastation caused by child and spouse abuse. I see the lives ruined by sexual predators. I see animal abuse that is a gateway act to violence on humans. I sponsor legislation that makes perpetrators responsible for the misery they cause. The public defender’s office heavily lobbies in Annapolis on behalf of criminal defendants and convicted felons. It is unlikely that my public defender opponent would oppose his bosses and those he works with daily or that he would even want to.

If you return me to the legislature I will vote guided by my conservative principles. I will vote to treat all people as equals. I will vote to minimize the size of government. I will vote to reduce spending. I will vote against tax increases. I will vote to protect innocent victims from crimes against person and property.

My opponent won’t.

Joseph Gutierrez – Democrat, Delegate District 35A (northern Harford)

That I am for term limits (joseph gutierrez term limits on youtube) for State Delegates and State Senators. I was the only Harford County candidate that was in Annapolis a few weeks ago to sign a pledge stating so. The others that were there were Republicans from other counties. Also, in order to fix the state pension program, we should make it that any state employee making over 100K per year (to include the governor) should have to manage their own 401K. No more state retirements for people that only serve five years working for the state. Yes, people can get a retirement after five years. You are able to collect after you reach age 60. State Delegates and State Senators can get a retirement after two terms (eight years) in office. Why is it that in our military a person has to serve 20 years to get a retirement but a politician can get one after 8 years?

Donna Stifler raised over 100K for the election. Wayne Norman raised over 95K for the election. I raised $0.00 for this election. They owe their party, businesses, and lobbyist promises if they are elected. I don’t owe anyone except the people of Harford County and the State of Maryland. Donna and Wayne have sponsored and co-sponsored bills in the past three years that cost us money. I feel that I am more conservative than they are. I will not vote to take money out of our pockets but will vote to take money out of the states pockets and give it back to us.

John Jones – Democrat, Delegate District 35A (northern Harford)

The 34 years I spent in public service to the students, teachers and families in Harford County , have underscored my belief that the role of an elected official should be to meet the needs of the community and not necessarily the needs of his/her political party. In order to be able to do this an individual has to be able to listen to all authoritative sources and make decisions from a firm base of knowledge. I have done this as a teacher, a coach, and the President of the HCEA, one of the largest teacher associations in America. I was raised in a politically active household, but one where political ties were put aside in order to meet the needs of the community. I‘ve carried those lessons with me throughout my adult life. I am committed to taking that attitude to Annapolis.

I think much of what I covered in the first paragraph applies here. Prior to entering public service, I worked as a merchant seaman and laborer. I was therefore pleased to learn that when I received the endorsement of the Maryland and greater DC AFL-CIO, it was based on my “commitment to the working class families of Maryland”. My career in education has been split almost in half between the more suburban/urban area of Joppatowne and the more rural environment of North Harford. As the Cooperative Work Experience coordinator of North Harford High School I worked with hundreds of employers, matching students to work sites, identifying the needs of employers and helping to develop valuable work habits in the student workers. This background plays a major role in what I see to be critical to the future of Harford County.

The three things I see as most important for me to address as a delegate are: Education, Infrastructure and the rural character (agriculture and environment) of Harford County. Investing in these requires commitment and a vision for the future.

Del. Wayne Norman – Republican, Delegate District 35A (northern Harford)

I’m a principled conservative, who’s #1 priority is to reduce the size and scope of government. My priorities also include (1) Maryland must control its spending. (2) We need to cut taxes and reduce regulatory burdens on business as a way to stimulate economic growth. (3) The State needs to focus its limited financial resources on supporting its core responsibilities, including public safety, education and roads. (4) By doing this, the state will foster an environment to allow small businesses to create jobs.

I’m a husband, father, attorney, small business person, employer and a sitting Delegate. I have a strong conservative record in Annapolis, as well as a proven ability to get things done as a legislator.

I believe that a candidate should focus on their vision for the future. I would like the voters to make their own decision between the candidates. My campaign has been honest and about my vision; I am not a career politician who tries to tell people what they want to hear. I tell voters the truth: I am a common sense conservative with experience in small business, our community, and the law, and will work hard for the interests of Harford County in Annapolis.

Rebecca Weir Nelson – Democrat, District 7 (eastern Baltimore/western Harford)

I have never been ordained in a church, nor convicted in a court, and I have stood in both. I have always been a veterans advocate. I grew up with my Pop, being post Commander; and my Mom, was President of the ladies Auxillary; Post #2621. I was a jr. girl, honor guard, majorette!

We played bingo on Sat.’s with disabled veterans, at the VA hospitals. My Aunt Rose was Jewish, she married a catholic, my Uncle Joe; they taught me there is only one God and ‘church’ for Aunt Rose was our showing respect to our American Heros who saved her life, by playing bingo on Sat’s.
I am an All American stand up girl, taught that we fight for One God and Our Country.

I founded the American Dream Newspaper for homeless, disabled, veterans, as a hand up, an alternative to panhandling, in 1999.

I am appointed as Veterans Chairwoman Information Officer for the National Fort Howard Park Project. www.forthowardproject.com

I closed down an illegal bailbond opperation in Essex and Edgewood, Md.
A few of these criminals filed charges against me after leaving the district court where PEACE orders were extended against them.
Our State Commissioners should know how to check their own computer system for charges and valid Peace orders, however; look what happen!
Note: The guy who claimed I beat him with a stck and laughed at him – No longer sells drugs in my mother’s neighborhood!

I was listed as a murder witness, and I took a stand to correct how my legal name and address were given to the killers.
I was using my maiden name as a pen name for the ADNews. That is how I knew the police were making the hit lists, by following their normal opperating procedure: of listing witness information on the charging documents and giving copies to the criminals.
We have a 8th ammendment right to our accusers, our witnesses are not accusing anyone, therefore; their information needs to only be given to the States Attorney assigned to the case. In 2007, four years after I suspected the motives for driveby shootings were misdirected anger, the witness intimidation laws were pasted, as I suggested!

After working in the inner city as a missionary, I was able to close down a drug house in my mother’s old neighborhood.
I fought a case to the US Supreme Courts for restitution of this property when the owner refused to settle claiming the neighborhood was ‘white only.’
I used this information to save the neighborhood and 88 miles of neighborhoods from liquid natural gas, saved from federal eminent domain. These documents were published through the help of Supreme Court Printing, which printed necessary papers and documents.

The Broadcaster for Voice of America, in Europe during WWII, gifted her jewelry to me, commissioned by actor John Houseman; honoring my working for our veterans!

I will not allow the Administrator of the liquor Board to be disrespectful to a 70 year old Vietnam Veteran, retired PO, Vol. Post Commander #55.
The American Legion Post #55 should not be threaten, nor responsible for a four year old neighborhood dispute. The witness intimidation law passed in 2007, can not help when the parties know and have known each other. Nor can the Legion be responsible for this shooting.

We can not allow a 40 year old historic American Legion to be hurt or destroyed- by the actions of the liquor board.

Harford County Liquor Board Administrator Kathryn M. Thess was out of line and disrespecful to point her fingers 4 inches from the Post Commanders face. To badger him for over 3 hours, 11/2 hours over chicken dinners, asking,”Did you have mashed potatoes with the chicken – it was wings”
Her remark that she will let him put on a defense, “SO TO SPEAK.” Speaks loudly of her disrespect for our veterans!
Harford County is so much better than the way she misused her power, being a government bully!
I believe we should honor our elderly/veterans and respect our Parks/Earth! SPEAK UNITY!

2. I take the lead, I have initiative: Founded the Speak Unity National Initiative amerICAN opportUNITY Inspiring All to achieve!

Founded the HUGS GI Have U Gotten Signatures Guardian Initiative Encouraging All to protect our Valuable rights!

Founded American Dream Newspaper, as an alternative to panhandling for homeless, disabled, veterans!

As a media specialist/photographer I have created numerous public service announcements, slide shows, productions for City, State and Federal Gov.

My opponent was asked to resign by the Harford Delegation in April 2009. His registering for Senate was a result of his removal as Harfords voice as Delegate. Please see attached letter signed by three Delegates. Now, we know why Pat was so confused as to run for Co Ex one week the Gov. the next, etc…

Harford Co only received 15% of the Federal road money when Baltimore Co received 85%. The main reason is Baltimore County has Senators that know how to relate to others. Harford Co has the worst reputation for not getting along with each other or others in Annapolis.

District 7 has the worst score for the environment in the State of Maryland. Jennings received a Zero in 2009 mdlcv.org.

I will fight for our veterans, our citizens, our families; my opponent is beholden to say NO and ZEROS to everything.

I have ONLY collected money from individuals, mostly $2.00 and 3 for $5.00 raffle tickets. I have made my own biodegradable signs, in PINK this month for breast cancer awareness. My signs will not harm our environment!

Jennings father is a democrat on the committee in Baltimore Co. that channeled, federal dollars to one of the riches families, Cox’s Properties to help them rent their properties verses help the Citizens, the neighborhood, our veterans with American Dream Newspapers.
In Maryland 40% of our homeless are veterans.

Jennings voted NO for foreclosure Help! Was absent for unemployment help! He is polite and brings nothing home!

I, on the other hand, may lack tac sometimes, however; my heart is good, I have a great way of getting to the bottom line- for the good of us all!

Jeff Beard – Democrat, Delegate District 7 (eastern Baltimore/western Harford)

I genuinely enjoy helping people and, if elected, I will work diligently to help the people of District 7 in Annapolis.

I’ve been a part of a team that worked with our elected officials to bring 200 new jobs to District 7, and there are more to come.

James Ward Morrow – Democrat, Delegation District 7 (eastern Baltimore/wester Harford)

James Ward Morrow is running because it’s long past time that District 7 has a Delegate who is serious about jobs, education, the environment, and effective crime fighting.
Morrow is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland School of Law.

Since 2003, Ward has served as Assistant General Counsel for the American Federation of Government Employees, AFGE, who represent over 600,000 federal and D.C government employees. These include Department of Defense civilians, Federal Fighters, Federal Police Officers, Border Patrol Officers, Federal Correctional Officers, Doctors/Nurses/Social Workers and other employees who serve America’s veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security employees, employees at the Department of Homeland Security, Medicare and Mediaid, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, Food Safety Inspectors, Mine Safety Inspectors, Transportation Security Officers, and many others.

This lays it out:

Former Baltimore prosecutor James Ward Morrow, candidate for House of Delegates in District 7, calls for incumbent Rick Impallaria to run on his record, literally!

In 2002, it was reported that senior Republican leaders asked Richard Impallaria to seriously consider not seeking election to the House of Delegates due to his criminal record.

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2002-10-18/news/0210180199_1_harford-county-two-counts-baltimore-county

Former Baltimore prosecutor and Democratic challenger James “Ward” Morrow is now calling on Impallaria to release all the facts related to his record, and for citizens to file freedom of information requests to obtain the reports for themselves.

The voters have a right to know all the facts related to these multiple incidents and not simply if a guilty verdict was recorded. Morrow has filed requests with the Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Maryland State Police Departments as well as the Harford County Sherriff’s Department.

“If it were just parking tickets or minor traffic offenses, I would not be doing this, but he has reportedly been charged with Assault with Intent to Murder among other criminal offenses. Voters have a right to know the full story,” Morrow said. While Morrow concedes some of these situations date back a number of years, he sees a current pattern of behavior as well and serious concerns raised within Impallaria’s own party, and with his legislative colleagues.

Morrow stated, “We also need to know why Impallaria has almost no legislative victories in his 8 years in office, and why he was named the least effective legislator by the Gazette newspaper’s bi-partisan survey?

http://www.gazette.net/stories/012706/polia%20s191804_31899.shtml

Why was he removed as Vice Chair of the Harford County delegation?

(http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2009/02/harford_county_delegation_coup.html )

Why did he, and Pat McDonough, use taxpayer funds to refer to their fellow delegate, and Republican State Senate candidate, J.B. Jennings as having failed to demonstrate competence in leadership and legislative skills; why did Impallaria request an ethics investigation against fellow Republican Jennings?

(http://www.daggerpress.com/2009/04/30/fight-club-mccomasimpallariamcdonough-demand-jenningsnorman-give-up-delegation-leadership/ )

What was the nature of his reported dispute with another Republican Delegate in Harford County, Donna Stifler?

(http://www.juddlegum.com/blog/category/ethics/page/2/ )

What was Impallaria’s role in the 2006 fake O’Malley ballots and fake O’Malley signs in the Democratic Primary?

(http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/101843/court-date-slated-lawsuit-linking-delegate-defamation-case/ )

(http://www.orchidforchange.com/md/jacksturgill.com/ht/display/ArticleDetails/i/872678 )

Was Republican Delegate Smigiel telling the truth about Impallaria when Smigiel allegedly stated under oath that Impallaria told him that his memory could get bad in response to a court subpoena?

( http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/blog/politics/378/talk-about-uncomfortable/ )

What was the nature and result of the reported State investigation and citation of Impallaria for violations of environmental laws?

(http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2003-10-15/news/0310150109_1_property-mcintire-pollution/2 )

What are the facts regarding the alleged assault involving lobbyists for Jewish, Hispanic, and Labor organizations involving McDonough and Impallaria?

( http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horse-racing/bal-md.delegates19mar19,0,7008124.story )

Did police respond to the September 2010 meeting of the Route 40 Republican Club, Chaired by Impallaria, as has been reported, and if so, why was this necessary?”

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Primary Election Countdown Brings Out Best/Worst in Harford

Morrow, who served as a Baltimore prosecutor for ten years and as a Special Assistant United State’s Attorney, has filed his own requests under the Maryland Freedom of Information laws to attempt to obtain the facts. Additionally, Morrow calls upon the citizens and press of Maryland to “file their own requests and get the facts.” Morrow has made a form available on his campaign website www.jameswardmorrow.com and on his campaign Facebook site, James Ward Morrow for House of Delegates District 7. “Sadly, neither McDonough nor Impallaria bothered to appear at the Perry Hall Improvement Association to address the voters directly on these and other issues. They have had eight years of being completely unaccountable for their actions and are poster children for the term limits movement, “ noted Morrow, after both Republicans failed to show for the well attended community gathering.

Morrow has called upon Impallaria to “come clean publicly, and explain himself, or follow the sage advice that senior Republican leaders gave him in 2002 and withdraw from the race. If he won’t do that, then I ask Democrats and Republicans alike, many of whom have already indicated their support, to join with me in returning Impallaria to the private sector. There are simply too many incidents to ignore this behavior. The citizens of Baltimore and Harford Counties, of both parties and independents, deserve better than this.”