The final installment of The Dagger’s Q & A with candidates in the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election features the Republican candidates running for the Maryland State Delegate District 7 seat, representing Eastern Baltimore/Western Harford County.
In the District 7 House of Delegates race, incumbent delegates Rick Impallaria of Joppa, Pat McDonough of Baltimore, and Kathy Szeliga of Kingsville vie against David Seman of Jarrettsville and Tina Sutherland of Baltimore in the Republican Primary with the top three vote-getters advancing to face Democrats Bob Bowie, Jr. of Monkton, Pete Definbaugh of Baldwin, and Norman Gifford, Jr. of Baltimore in the General Election. Their answers to The Dagger’s three questions appear below. (Note: Impallaria and McDonough did not respond to numerous attempts to reach them and Sutherland completed only part of her survey.)
Dagger: State delegates often make decisions in areas where they may not have expertise, such as decriminalizing marijuana, legalizing same-sex marriage, or approving a stormwater runoff fee. Briefly describe the experience/skills you would bring to the House of Delegates and how you make decisions in areas outside your expertise.
Impallaria: No response.
McDonough: No response.
Seman: As a small business owner, I will bring a unique perspective to Annapolis. I understand the effects that legislation has on small businesses and how these policies have hindered job growth and forced businesses to close up shop or move across state lines. As a resident and active member of the Jarrettsville/Norrisville Community, I understand the impact legislation has on our agricultural community. I will be a champion for our farmers in Annapolis.
I will make all of my decisions in Annapolis by weighing the pros and cons of legislation, by consulting with subject matter experts from both side of the issue, and most importantly by speaking with my constituents on a regular basis via correspondence and community meetings. I will actively engage my constituents by holding town-hall meetings, open houses in Annapolis, and by being present in the community.
I will take every vote seriously and I will be a delegate that District 7 can be proud of.
Sutherland: I am running because I am interested in learning the ins and outs of the political system. I have always been interested in politics, not so much politics, but what is going on around the country and of course the state of MD, I really have no skills, I am a homemaker, and a wife. My husband is the income earner,( does not make much). My view on Same sex marriage is I strongly disagree! I am a Bible believing Born again Christian and believe God made one man and one woman to be together in marriage. I do not agree with Decriminalizing Marijauna, I believe it is a gateway drug that leads to addiction. And I am against raising taxes on the citizens of MD, and the stormwater run off fee ( Rain Tax) is totally rediculous! How can anyone tax God?
Szeliga: Four years ago, I ran for House of Delegates because we need more small business owners in Annapolis. My husband and I started a business together 28 years ago. I know first-hand how tough it is to start and operate a business in Maryland. After 4 years in office, I was awarded “Top Legislator” in the House of Delegates for my pro-business voting record (100%) by the premier organization that tracks votes in the House and Senate, MBRG (Maryland Business for Responsive Government). I consult regularly with business owners in various industries when I have questions about proposed legislation.
I graduated with highest honors from Towson State University when I was 32 with a degree in Elementary Education. My passion and understanding of education has been expanded through teaching in Baltimore City for a few years, as well as 25+ years of teaching youth Sunday school, and many years of coaching youth athletics. There are numerous teachers in my family and I often refer to them for advice and understanding of education matters. Finally, I served for two years on the Education Subcommittee of Appropriations where I was able to learn a lot about Maryland’s education system from pre-school through graduate school.
Raised in a military family, I fully support our military, veterans, and their families. Harford County has a very proud heritage and plays a vital role in the United States Military. Married for more than 34 years with two married sons, I am a solid supporter of families. I believe that strong families are the foundation of a healthy community and state. Supporting families and our military will always be my highest priorities.
Serving for two years on the Healthcare Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, I have learned a lot about health care. Obamacare has created many problems in its massive overhaul and takeover of our healthcare system. The Maryland Health Exchange has been a debacle and the federal regulations will certainly bring more problems as Obamacare is further implemented. I am in the regular habit of reading about this issue and meeting with professionals in the insurance, patient advocacy, and health care industries. I remain extremely concerned about the security of the personal and private information collected by the website. I will introduce another bill next year requiring added protections and reporting on how Maryland is protecting your private information and guarding against identity theft.
There are many issues from diverse subject areas that come before the Maryland General Assembly. I continue to meet with leaders and citizens in many industries in Maryland to hear about their concerns, struggles, and ideas to make Maryland a better place to live, work, run a business, and raise a family. I am reading and researching about topics on an ongoing basis to stay as up to date as possible.
Dagger: Please cite a previous decision by the Harford County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly with which you either strongly agree or disagree, and why.
Impallaria: No response.
McDonough: No response.
Seman: I strongly disagreed with the decision of the Harford Delegation to support HB1513. HB1513 would have usurped the power of our duly elected Republican Central Committee. As Republicans, we should support limited government. This bill expanded the power of our delegates. I am extremely disappointed in the district 7 delegates for taking the lead on this measure.
It is yet another example of how out of touch they have become. Delegate Impallaria has spent 12 years in Annapolis. I think that is more than enough and support for this legislation is proof.
Sutherland: No response.
Szeliga: House Bill 838, Task Force to Study Vocational and Technical Education Programs in Harford County, passed this year with unanimous support of the Harford County Delegation. Over the last couple of decades, there has been a diminishing value placed upon the trades in high schools and a decline in the programs available in the trades. We MUST reinvigorate the trades in Harford County Public Schools and expand opportunities for students who would like to pursue a vocational education. A career in the trades is an excellent choice. Not everyone wants or needs a college degree. My family business is in the trades and I see a coming shortage of good tradesman of all specialties.
HB 833 will allow Harford County Public Schools and Harford County residents an opportunity to expand career readiness and employment in vocation trades. Owning your own business in the trades is a path to living the American Dream. Harford County can give students this opportunity through a vocational education.
Dagger: The Maryland General Assembly is charged with certain responsibilities. Among them are: Enacting legislation, proposing amendments to the state Constitution, reviewing redistricting plans, and levying taxes. Looking ahead, what issues within the delegation’s purview are of specific interest or concern to you and why? Please cite two issues.
Impallaria: No response.
McDonough: No response.
Seman: I am extremely concerned by the growth in our state budget and the taxes that have been increased to pay for these increases. I will work to find ways to cut taxes and reduce our budget by increasing government efficiency. Marylanders are forced to make tough decisions and live within their means every day. Our state government should do likewise.
Sutherland: No response.
Szeliga: The Rain Tax is a tax that must be repealed. The Maryland General Assembly enacted this tax on only 9 counties and the City. I voted against this bill. There is no logic or sense to the idea that 10 Maryland jurisdictions, a mere 19% of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, could and should be responsible for the storm-water that goes into the Bay. This tax is unjust, illogical, and irresponsible. The Rain Tax has been forced on Harford County and it must be repealed.
Over the last 8 years, the leadership in Annapolis has forced through more than 80 new or increased taxes and fees. I have voted against each one. Every year, I have been part of a leadership group that offers an alternative budget for Maryland. While it has not passed, we do get more bi-partisan support every year. The +$1 billion spending increases must stop and taxes reduced.
The data is clear; Maryland has lost more than $5.5 billion in personal income tax dollars over the last 10 years as taxpayers are fleeing our state for more tax friendly climates. While we did get a reduction in the inheritance tax this year to, “Keep Grandma & Grandpa in Maryland,” it’s not enough. I am committed to keeping up the pressure on this very important issue in Annapolis – reduce government spending and reduce taxes.
Previous Entries:
Harford County Council President – Democratic Candidates
Harford County Council President – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District A (Edgewood/Joppatowne) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District C (Bel Air) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District D (North Harford) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District E (Aberdeen/Churchville) – Democratic Candidates
Harford County Council District E (Aberdeen/Churchville) – Republican Candidates
Harford County Council District F (Havre de Grace) – Republican Candidates
Harford/Cecil County State Senate District 35 Republican Candidates
Harford/Cecil County State Delegate District 35B Republican Candidates
Harford County State Senate District 34 Democratic Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 34A Republican Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 34A Democratic Candidates
Harford County State Delegate District 34B Democratic Candidates
Harford County Sheriff Republican Candidates
Every loyal Dagger reader should demonstrate their dissatisfaction with two incumbents not caring enough to respond to these very simple questions. If they don’t have the time to respond, I don’t have the time to give them my vote. I will be voting for Szelgia and Seman and then moving on to the next race. Best of luck to the two.
Absolutely agree, New Blood. Plus, most of us know too many stories about the district 7 boys by now.
I never planned on voting for Sutherland either, but I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt personally. Someone must’ve sent that insane answer in to make her look bad.
That answer to Question 1 is straight from Sutherland.
After providing that response, she provided no further information and did not respond to attempts to get answers to Questions 2 or 3.
I find it more comical because Pat himself would send out surveys from ALEC demanding answers and telling us if they couldn’t respond we should not vote for them.
Pat – look what happened to Cantor.
You work for us pal, you owe us nothing less than these answers.
You won’t even return emails like most of your opposition.
Your vote is not guaranteed my friend.
Refusing to participate in a fair and open forum to explain your views to the citizens is akin to flipping the public the finger. Let me return the favor. These characters aren’t the first either – Slutzky chose to flip us off as well.
Anyone who wants to know Impallaria’s REAL record simply needs to run a case search http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/processDisclaimer.jis and type in his name.
Anytime I have a conversation with anyone from any political party the same topic comes up, term limits. So, how about it folks? We have the opportunity to vote out those that have worn out their welcomes and vote in two new candidates. Don’t worry about inexperience…..any elected employee has so many legislative aides that they really don’t make any decisions of their own. They vote and talk based on polling data. Dave Seman and Tina Sutherland can do that just as well as the rest!
My 1 and only vote is going to David Seman. Pat McDonough and Rick Impallaria do not deserve more time in Annapolis. Throw them out!