Ten questions for…Michael James

I’m going to borrow the normal U.S. Senate day (Friday) to pretty much wrap up the Ten Questions series for awhile. There might be a couple more floating around out there but those will be posted as time and space become available, and later today (assuming I have electricity with what’s left of Ernesto hitting us) I’ll begin posting my “debates” with the candidates I have.

But yesterday I got Michael James’s answers to the Ten Questions, so I’ve ended up with 3 of the 5 District 38B Republicans answering these prior to the “debates”. I also saw him and the family last night at the Shorebirds finale although I didn’t speak to him, I was upstairs watching from a different perch than I normally do.

So here are Michael James’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 am in favor of deregulation as long as there is an adequate climate for competition. Obviously the utilities are essential to our society, so if there was a catastrophe or an accumulation of issues that forced costs to rise to the levels that harm the economy or create an unusual burden on our citizens, the Government would need to intervene until the market stabilized. The 1999 deregulation was odd in that it was accompanied by 1993 level price caps. The General Assembly should have known there would be unusually high increases once the caps expired. Instead, they ignored the issue until it could be called a “crisis”. They then used the PSE and its chairman Eastern Shoreman Ken Schisler as a scapegoat to divert attention away from their own mistakes.

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?

NO. That would be too close to a nanny state.

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 work independently on the shore as well as work with The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to attract businesses to our area. I support tax incentives, tax credits for training and state grants for the county economic development efforts. I believe all three counties in District 38 have a lot to offer potential employers. I believe by working jointly the three counties have a story to tell and resources to market to future employers. The reason so many people want to relocate here are the same reasons this region would be attractive to growing companies.

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 NCLB

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?

From my view, the Blackwater Developers played by the rules, followed the permit process, and communicated with state and local officials from the beginning. It may have helped their cause to do more in the beginning to reach out early to their future opponents, but that is just speculation.

I feel the state government plays a needed role in protecting our environment and should monitor development to ensure that the benefits are not outweighed by problems, current or future. The state should stay active in development matters, however I feel it is unfair to legislate retroactively.

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. They have now spent over $1,000,000.00 on their politically motivated hearings.

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?

With the growth we have seen in recent years, there are several needed road projects. Dualization of 113 and 589 are very important, as are many other projects. As a state delegate from 38B, I will fight for our fair share of transportation funding. This will be important due to the large sums of money the metropolitan counties will be looking for to fund the ICC and mass transit.

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?

Working to stop the flow of drugs is the most important part of reducing gang related crime. The drugs are the financial lifeline that keeps the most violent criminals in business. I am in favor of increasing funding for undercover agents and officers as well as increasing money for training to ensure our law enforcement agencies stay current and have the most capable personnel as possible, and technology that is superior to that of the criminals.

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?

As of this writing, the early voting has been struck down by the courts. I was always opposed due to the potential for widespread fraud.

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 believe regardless of who is Governor, I will find common ground on issues related to economic development. This would include making sure farming is profitable, job creation is important and tourism is promoted. I have said from the beginning, to have a strong community for our families, we need to have a healthy business community. That is just common sense. For the record, I believe Governor Ehrlich will be re-elected by a margin of at least 4 points.

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Michael got the advantage of answering my questions later, so Question #9 has sort of become irrelevant. But I wrote them in July, well before the court case began. At that time, we were still arguing about the petition drive that supposedly fell short by 138 signatures on one issue so I assumed the vote would go on. But I’m going to leave the question in the debate because the answers are telling.

And yes, I’m beating Duvafiles this morning. For whatever reason, I had a hard time sleeping last night so I decided at 4:30 that I may as well get up and do something useful since there’s the possibility I may not be able to do so later. Now I’m going to finish compiling my “debates”.