Charlie Bio: Starting with Ben Cardin and former Cong. Gladys Spellman, I have extensive legislative experience and need no learning curve. An attorney and adjunct professor, I have been counsel to our state senate delegation, and advisor to several governors on education, election reform, health care and smart growth issues.
Purple Line: Yes. I favor more mass transit to provide an alternative mix of transportation options. Its part of a smart growth policy and helps lessen both road congestion and our carbon footprint, environmentally.
Energy and the Environment: I favor tax credits, grants and rebates for both residential and commercial conversion to alternative sources of solar and geothermal energy. Utilities should be required to rely on long term leases of offshore wind power as part of their renewable energy packages.
Taxes: I have been canvassing neighborhoods almost daily and voters are willing to pay taxes for essential services and better transportation options. So, it depends on the tax and what the money is spent on. In general, however, we need the right climate to attract and keep small businesses and so, double taxation on small businesses is an issue.
Kids, education, health: Many parents enjoy good relationships with both the teachers and principals at their local schools. However, they have complained about the lack of physical education in the elementary schools. For 12 years, I have worked on the childhood obesity issue in Annapolis, focusing on adequate gym facilities, alternative options in school vending machines and the correlation between more PE and higher test scores, as established by a CDC study.
Ambulance Fees: I dont favor them. While I understand that there is supposedly a waiver if there is no insurance or other coverage, the very personnel responsible for the care do not want the fees or money.
Speed Cameras: As a delegate, I would not be directly responsible for the locations of these cameras. But, I would be happy to set up any meetings with traffic officials to discuss the need or lack of need for specific locations.
Economic Matters: I would not have favored spending 100 million dollars on the race track industry. That money could be earmarked for better purposes. Also, there is some historic redevelopment in baltimore city that got state grants at time when they should have been supported by private grants and investment.
