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VOTE411 Voter Guide

State Senator District 42

DUTIES: Maryland State Senators enact laws, raise revenue through taxes and fees, and approve the spending of money by state agencies in an annual budget. They may propose amendments to the state Constitution for ratification by the voters and oversee the operation of all state government departments. The Senate confirms the Governor's appointment of judges and the heads of certain government agencies.TERM: Four years, no term limitSALARY: $56,636HOW ELECTED: Senators are elected district wide. The state has 47 election districts. Each district is represented by one senator.WEBSITE: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

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    Kevin Ford
    (Rep)

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    Matt Fox
    (Rep)

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    Paul Henderson
    (Dem)

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    Paul V. Konka
    (Dem)

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    Stephanie Popescu
    (Dem)

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    Adam Wood
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

DATA CENTERS: Data centers can bring some important economic benefits, but also have a negative impact on the power grid, water supply, and land use. Do you support the establishment of additional data centers in Maryland? Why or why not?

UTILITY COSTS: What do you see as the factors contributing to escalating utility costs in Maryland? How will you address them?

TRANSPORTATION: Should the availability of public transportation be improved across the state? Why or why not?

BUDGET: Maryland is required to balance the budget every year. What will be your three top budget priorities, and what programs will you fight for?

IMMIGRATION: Immigrants are an important part of our community and make significant contributions, including to Maryland's economy. What will you do to support immigrant communities in Maryland?

Campaign Phone 443-797-7164
Campaign Instagram instagram.com/friendsofkevinford
Campaign Mailing Address 220 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21161
Data center power needs are one of the reasons Maryland is threatened by the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. I worked closely with my local Delegate in opposition to this awful plan and continue in my firm opposition. The disruption of prime agricultural land by the MPRP is unacceptable. If date centers are going to expand, or new ones are built, they must provide their own power sources and needs.
Poor leadership by the Maryland democrats are the primary reason for the spike in MD utility costs. Extreme environmental policies have restricted energy production in MD which leads to rate increases. These extreme environmental policies need to be revised and apply some degree of common sense so MD can produce power again. Data centers must be required to provide their own power for their operations to avoid competition with Maryland residential customers.
Public transportation is very costly. I have major concerns including: low demand/ridership, high costs, infrastructure concerns, reliability concerns, and in some instances safety concerns. Maryland's low population density in many areas make most forms of public transportation unviable. We need to carefully analyze the costs, benefits, and use of all forms of public transportation and make certain taxpayers are receiving value from our transportation dollars.
Public safety is my top priority. Our citizens deserve to be safe in their homes and communities. Communities must be fully be served including police, fire, and EMS. Economic competitiveness and job growth are also a top priority. Our economy must grow which includes expanding agriculture/agribusiness and emerging technologies. We need to focus on vocational training and building a skilled work force. Our schools are failing. We simply can not continue to throw money at our education system.
We all welcome legal immigrants. We want people from around the world to come to our country if they wish as long as it is done legally. Unfortunately, Maryland's current leadership has elected to attempt to reward illegal behavior, ignore immigration law, and turn Maryland into a sanctuary state. Worse yet, we have ended the 287g program which has severely hampered law enforcements ability to keep Maryland safe. Our entire community is served well when we enforce the law equally.
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Campaign Phone 410-236-4153
Campaign Instagram henderson4marylandsenate
Campaign Mailing Address 7 Meadow Run Ct
Sparks/Glencoe, MD 21152
I support data centers that are appropriately sited, vetted, insured and staffed. That is not currently the case. Data centers should only be constructed AFTER the power grid has been hardened, and additional power generation capability has been brought on line.
The escalating cost of utilities is driven by demand outstripping our supply of electricity. We have been too slow to bring more generating capacity online in Maryland as the demand for power has increased. To counter this we need to bring more capacity online. The only immediate ways we can do this is through solar, wind and battery storage. We need to pursue all three in the near term and look to nuclear, hydro, and geothermal sources in the longer term.
Yes public transportation should be improved across the state. It is important because fast reliable public transportation helps everyone. It can reduce congestion, increase access to both workers and customers, and reduce pollution. Additionally it is a form of freedom for the parts of our society who cannot afford personal cars, or who choose not to own them.
My three budget priorities are education, healthcare and transportation. I will fight to make Maryland schools the envy of the country. I will seek to provide world class health care to everyone in the state, and extend coverage to those living without access to good health care. I will work to maintain and expand the states transportation network so we can all remain connected to places to work, play and worship.
Immigrants are an energizing addition to our communities and their contributions cannot be measured. It is important for us as a state to welcome immigrants without discrimination, treat all people fairly no matter their legal status, and encourage their integration into our daily lives.
Campaign Website http://paulkonka.com
Campaign Phone 4436782630
Campaign Email pvkonka@verizon.net
Campaign Mailing Address 3708 Meadowhill Ct
Phoenix, MD 21131-1700
We must protect our farmland! Additional data centers may be established in Maryland if nonproductive land is available and the companies that own the data centers pay 100% of the utility costs, which have been increasing partly due to the use of data centers.
Data centers have led to increased utility costs, and these costs should be paid by the owners of the data centers. Extreme cold weather also plays a role. While weather cannot be controlled, ensuring energy efficient homes and businesses will help. Energy efficiency and lower costs through Maryland's EmPOWER program should continue. As a Finance Professor and former Supervisory Accountant, I have the education (MBA and JD) and experience to effectively handle utility costs and budget issues.
Yes. Improved public transportation will help all Marylanders through a better environment with fewer private cars on the road. Those who do not have a car will get to work under better circumstances. Having to change buses two, three, or even four times to get to work is not productive.
No new taxes! 1. Education 2. Law enforcement and Public Safety 3. Environment
Maryland has many organizations that serve immigrant communities, including CASA, Esperanza Center, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service, and others. Services include health assistance, English classes, vocational training, and employment placements. I support those services for the immigrant communities.
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