Ten questions for…Sonny Bloxom

Today I return to the Maryland General Assembly races by looking at District 38B Republican hopeful Sonny Bloxom. By luck of the draw and his relatively quick response he’s up today, a day after appearing on Bill Reddish’s WICO-AM radio program and also a day after my post on the NAACP state candidate forum.

Following are the longtime Worcester County commissioner’s answers to the Ten Questions:

Question #1:

Some of you participated in the recent special session to modify the large rate hikes that were to be enacted by Baltimore Gas & Electric. However, our electrical rates from the local Eastern Shore suppliers went unchanged. With that in mind, would you be more in favor of a total repeal of the 1999 deregulation laws, or do you believe the concept is sound and only needs a few guardrails and rate safeguards?

I believe that the concept is sound but was poorly executed by the General Assembly (ie. artificially capping rates below market for such a long period). I think that some safeguards can be put into law, such as what costs are allowable to calculate the appropriate rates, which will make deregulation work.

Question #2:

In the last two sessions of the General Assembly, the issue of health insurance and who pays for it has taken center stage. (Examples: the Fair Share Health Care Act and its proposed expansion with last year’s HB1510, which was sponsored by Delegate Hubbard and defeated in committee.) Recently the state of Massachusetts adopted legislation effective in 2007 mandating all residents secure coverage under some public or private health insurance plan or face a financial penalty. Do you see this concept as an idea Maryland should adopt?

Absolutely not! This would be the epitome of “big brother government” and smacks of socialism.

Question #3:

Within our area, Somerset County traditionally has among the highest unemployment rates in the state of Maryland. In every election, well-paying jobs and how to secure them is an issue. If you are elected to the General Assembly, what policies would you favor commencing or retaining in an attempt to create or lure good-paying jobs for the Eastern Shore?

We need to support high-speed broadband coverage for the entire shore; upgrade natural gas pipelines; need to market the region to potential new businesses and entrepreneurs.

Question #4:

This year a state takeover of several failing Baltimore City Schools was thwarted by the General Assembly overriding an earlier veto of a bill Governor Ehrlich rejected. A few states, though, are attempting to remove themselves from the federal “No Child Left Behind” regulations for various reasons, even at the risk of losing federal dollars. Do you support the federal NCLB mandates or do you feel the state could and should go without the additional restrictions (and funding)?

I support the federal NCLB mandates and would urge the state to seek modifications to it where appropriate for our state needs.

Question #5:

In the 2006 General Assembly, the Blackwater development in Cambridge became a contentious issue which led to legislation that was eventually defeated. However, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has continued to apply pressure to legislators and encouraged voters to speak out on what they perceive as a threat to bay water quality. On the other hand, the city of Cambridge sees Blackwater as a needed shot in the arm for its economy and tax base. Where do you see yourself on this issue and related development matters?

The state needs to be more involved in land use issues, especially where their interest is greatest (ie. bay water quality, sensitive habitats, and road/transportation systems).

Question #6:

The last two sessions of the General Assembly have seen an inordinate amount of time spent dealing with personnel matters and political appointments. Some have claimed this as a usurpation of power properly belonging to the executive branch (governor’s office) but others see this as a proper extension of the duties of the General Assembly. In your opinion, has the General Assembly gone too far or does the Governor still wield too much power when it comes to personnel decisions?

The General Assembly has gone too far only because we have a Repulican Governor. They would never have done this with a Democratic Governor. They have a legitimate role to play but should do it for the right motives not for politics. Also, they need to remember they are the legislative branch of government and not the executive.

Question #7:

For the Eastern Shore, transportation can sometimes be tricky because of Bay Bridge traffic and traveling to and from the beach on a summer weekend can be a real headache. Solutions advocated range from another Bay Bridge to a ferry service to a light rail system, and as always people want the existing highways improved. What transportation improvements do you feel are a priority for the Eastern Shore, and how would you pay for them?

We need to dualize certain highways that have increased traffic on them and have become dangerous, such as US 113, 404 and 589. Also, we need to go ahead and build the overpass at US113 and Rt. 12 and the one for Rt. 50 and 589. The state can afford to do it, they just need to stop putting so much of the highway user revenues into the mass transit on the western shore.

Question #8:

Drugs and gangs are a growing problem on the Eastern Shore. The local authorities do their best but we’re a long way from fighting the problem successfully. In what ways do you think the General Assembly can best address this crime issue, and what tools do you see working best?

The Maryland State Police could be part of a local task force to fight gangs just like they are now doing with illegal drugs.

Question #9:

This year, you will be the first in the history of the General Assembly to be nominated and elected through the use of early voting. Proponents have stated that early voting is beneficial for turnout, but others claim the new regulations will encourage fraud and have petitioned to place the issue on the ballot as a referendum. In addition, these same laws have made absentee ballots available upon request with no reason needed. With that in mind, are you in favor of repealing the early voting laws, and why?

Early voting laws should be amended to require you to vote in your home county and to require a photo ID.

Question #10:

It is almost a certainty at this early date that either Governor Ehrlich will be reelected or Baltimore mayor Martin O’Malley will take over the governor’s chair early next year. If you are elected to the General Assembly and the representative of the opposite party (i.e. a Democrat would be working with Governor Ehrlich, a Republican would be working with Mayor O’Malley) wins election, with what issues do you see being able to find common ground with the governor?

I would have to wait and see what O’Malley would propose, but based on his liberal past and his arrogant attitude (he is just like Parris Glendening except he has a backup band!), I think it would be difficult to find common ground, other than on economic development issues.

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Sonny, tell us what you REALLY think on that last question, will you? I got a chuckle out of that so there’s extra humor points for this response. I think in doing this that it’s also become a quick glance at the personality of the respondent – some are quite effusive with what they say (like I am) and others are short, sweet, and to the point. It’s going to make for interesting posts as the primary draws closer.

Next on the legislative agenda is District 37B candidate James Adkins, his answers will appear Wednesday. After that, I’m taking a break for my vacation and will return to the General Assembly hopeful Ten Questions on Saturday, August 19 (two weeks from today) with Sen. Rich Colburn. Now, I have 16 other possible candidates for these seats so I think I’m going to have to start “stacking” posts beginning on the 19th in order to make this work out in time for the primary election.

My tentative plan for the Ten Questions is as follows:

August 8, 11, 18, 22, 25, 29, and September 1 will be reserved for any U.S. Senate candidates who respond. The final submission date for them is August 31.

As for the Maryland General Assembly, I have posts set for August 9 and 19. After the 19th, I’ll post their responses (stacking if necessary) on August 23, 26, 30, and September 2. The deadline for submission is September 1.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 5 I will do what I call the “debate” format…each of the Ten Questions will be reposted with all candidate responses placed within – so one can read the question and see all responses. I’ll probably begin compiling these much sooner so all I have to do is clip in the later answers. Most likely I’ll post two questions per day per race which will take up the dates of September 5 thru 9.

In the meantime, I’ll begin to do candidate endorsements for various other races that didn’t get the TQ treatment, so look forward to heavy posting in the latter stages of the primary race.

On September 13, I wrap up the primaries and probably take a few days off! It’s an ambitious schedule I’m trying to get through but I think with some planning and prior work I can do it. Then I can get back to more commentary and less reporting for awhile, although I’ll still be heavily into the election mode until November.