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House of Delegates District 8 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

DUTIES: Maryland State Delegates 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. TERM: Four years, no term limitSALARY: $55,636HOW ELECTED: Elected by residents of each of Maryland's 47 legislative districts. Voters in each district may vote for three delegates.WEBSITE: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

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    Nick Allen
    (Dem)

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    Kumasi J. Barnett
    (Dem)

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    Zulieka A. Baysmore
    (Rep)

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    Harry Bhandari
    (Dem)

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    Marsha Briley-Savage
    (Dem)

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    Brian A. Campbell
    (Rep)

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    Glen Geelhaar
    (Rep)

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    Steven J. Riemer
    (Rep)

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    Kim L. Ross
    (Dem)

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    Jacqueline Stevenson
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

DATA CENTERS: Data centers can bring some economic benefit, 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 Website http://NickAllenforMD.com
Campaign Phone 4103536578
Campaign Email Nickallenformd@gmail.com
Campaign Instagram Instagram.com/nickallenformd
I would require any data centers built in Maryland to pay a large load tariff for the energy they use, ensure they register with the public service commission, require them to engage with the communities they wish to build alongside, and enforce strict requirements regarding their water usage.
The main factors include low supply relative to high demand, Maryland's lack of in-state generation (especially since the Trump admin has begun attacking planned green energy projects in the state), and corporate greed. The general assembly is working to address all those now by, among other things, holding utility companies accountable, placing requirements on new data centers, and streamlining the pipeline to build new generation in MD.
Yes, absolutely, especially in Baltimore county, so people in the county can get to work. For example, the two biggest employers in the county are social security and Tradepoint Atlantic, and something like the red line, running between them, would be ideal.
I would fight for funding for all of Maryland's DDA program, Veterans programs, and transit infrastructure.
I have and will continue to support programs that directly help immigrants and their families, while also holding the federal government and federal immigration enforcement accountable and protecting everyone's constitutional rights.
Campaign Email Voteformas@gmail.com
Campaign Instagram @voteformas
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 36371
Towson, MD 21286
The question is who do data centers bring benefit to? Is the benefit worth the extra risk. Does the state benefit. I don’t think we are in the position to stop the establishment of any business but the effects must be paid by the company not the state or the people of Maryland.
We have given away the ownership of infrastructure that is needed to keep utility costs in check and we need to regain control. Corporations by definition are acting to create shareholder value. Our shareholders are the people of Maryland and we need to value them by creating guardrails against the rising costs.
Maryland should definitely improve public transportation. We as a state have an underperforming public transportation system. Some of our bus systems are unreliable or outdated. With the exception of the DMV we lack a rail system for local travelers. The elimination of the purple and red line represents another blow for commuters. This also leads to overcrowding on our highways further impacting commuter experience.
My top budget priorities are all about building up Maryland for the future. We need to invest more in infrastructure. I always will fight for education, the arts, and job creation. But I don’t have three top priorities, I plan for the long term.
I support immigrants. Everyone who finds beauty in our state deserves to be protected and supported. Immigrants bring so much to the state. Culture, beauty, vibrancy for a start. Everyone belongs here. Even the people who don’t like me.
I believe we should support building data centers. Data centers will benefit Marylanders with new and good paying job and career opportunities. These Data centers should be granted by Maryland the authority to build and fund their own independent power grids even solar power as well as electrical grids.
Over the past 5 years Democrats on a National level along with State Legislators set forth and passed policies that supported Solar and Windmill Energy. At the same time baned the expansion of Electrical grids and closed down existing grids in the State of Maryland. This pushed energy prices and cost up. We now due to new common sense policies should be doing both. The expansion of Electrical grids in MD and putting more customers on the Solar Farms which can save Marylanders 10 to 25%
Transportation should be improved via the repair of roads and streets as well as focus back on the rebuilding of the Francis Scott key Bridge.
Budget priorities: 1) Forensic Audit of all existing State Contracts and State Agencies, before any proposed new budgets 2) Making sure that taxpayers dollars Federal Government funds for Education are spent efficiently. 3) Cutting failing programs and non profit grants from State and local tax dollars

1) Housing for 1st time Home buyers & our most vulnerable citizens 2) Developing a laser focused curriculums back into our public schools. 3) Zoning for Tiny Homes & lower Property taxes
I stand for making sure immigrants are vented and come to our Country legally. We can develop and pass a bill to create a farmers workforce Visa card ID to help our agriculture and farmers.
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Campaign Phone 667-408-1279
Campaign Instagram @marshaformaryland
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 6747
Baltimore, MD 21211
My approach to establishing data centers in Maryland focuses on balancing economic growth with critical infrastructure constraints. While these facilities offer tax revenue, their expansion requires stricter regulations to protect our power and water resources. I will take an informed stance by bringing impacted voices and labor unions to the decision table to ensure environmental equity and high-quality jobs. Future support depends on guaranteeing that data centers are sustainable and do not u
I attribute rising utility costs to outdated deregulation and past legislation, like the multi-year rate plan law, which allows for automatic, compounding price hikes. I will work to repeal pro-utility incentives and reform the 1999 deregulation framework to restore public oversight. My platform centers on environmental equity and restorative justice, ensuring large energy consumers pay their share.
I will improve public transportation by fostering deep collaboration with local governments and County Councils. I’ll demand an evaluation of MDOT operations and a careful review of local transit projects to ensure funding aligns with each jurisdiction’s unique needs. My priority is supporting impacted communities, ensuring state infrastructure finally prioritizes people over power.
My primary focus is the immediate needs of the people who vote for me, ensuring dignity for working families, seniors, and disabled veterans. My top budget priorities are Government Transparency, Fiscal Accountability, and Public Safety. I will demand a rigorous evaluation of state agency operations to eliminate waste and litigation liabilities, redirecting those millions toward community-based safety and environmental equity.
I will support our immigrant communities by ensuring Maryland follows the rule of law while treating every individual with unwavering dignity. I advocate for policies that prevent local resources from being weaponized for federal civil enforcement, ensuring public safety for all. My priority is protecting marginalized residents and providing the legal access families need to live with purpose and respect.
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Campaign Twitter x.com/GlenGeelhaar
Campaign Phone 443-695-3556
Campaign Instagram N/A
Campaign Twitter Handle @@GlenGeelhaar
The proposed data centers have the potential to provide economic opportunity and jobs, but need to be held responsible for providing their own power generation. As your State Delegate, I will work to reduce regulations and red tape to assist in making this partnership a reality. Any excess power generated could be added to the grid further driving down utility costs for Marylanders.
Utility costs are skyrocketing because of the failed energy policies coming out of Annapolis. We need to incentivize and not penalize affordable energy producers who utilize coal and natural gas. These penalties are ultimately passed down to rate payers leaving us with Net Zero in our wallets!
We need to do a much better job of providing public transportation services to our seniors and vulnerable adults. These critical services allow these individuals to live happy and independent lives in Maryland.
We need to make sure that our educational dollars are spent wisely, so our next generation can thrive. People should have school choice regardless of zip codes. I will fight to make sure that our brave law enforcement officers have the protections and resources they need to perform their job. The past two budget years, our disabled citizens have seen critical services cut. We need to restore those services now including the Prescription drug benefit that was earned by our state retirees.
We are a nation of Immigrants, and we are a nation of laws. Immigrants who follow the process to achieve legal status are opening businesses and providing jobs. We need to end the obstructions in Annapolis that hinder local law enforcement cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement which is endangering our community.
Campaign Phone 4432058520
Campaign Email stevenriemer@yahoo.com
No, I believe it's not efficient and will not be effective
Green new deal is the issue I would utilize efficient fossil fuels and clean coal
It could use some improvements however under a scope ensuring improvements are beneficial within economic budget
My budget priorities are would be Efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Programs School choice Lower cost of RX drugs Lower energy cost

I support only communities that house LEGAL immigrants whom entered our state legally
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Campaign Phone 410-559-4700
Campaign Instagram www.instagram.com/stevenson4thepeople/
Data centers can bring high-paying jobs, expand our tax base, and position Maryland as a technology leader. However, they are energy- and water-intensive. I support additional data centers only with strong guardrails: requiring renewable energy use, operator-funded grid upgrades, water-efficient technology, and smart siting. Growth must not raise utility costs, strain resources, or burden communities. Responsible standards allow us to stay competitive while protecting residents.
Escalating utility costs are causing significant burdens on the citizens with little incentives for support. Cost are driven by aging infrastructure, grid modernization, climate resilience investments, and volatile fuel prices. We must strengthen oversight of rate setting, increase transparency and accountability for utilities, expand renewable energy to stabilize long-term costs, and invest in energy efficiency and consumer education programs that help households lower their bills.
Yes. Reliable public transportation strengthens our economy, reduces congestion and emissions, and connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services. We should expand transit options, improve reliability and safety, and ensure equitable access—including for after-school programs, healthcare visits, and other vital community needs.
My top budget priorities are supporting public education, improving public safety and community health, and investing in infrastructure and economic development. Spending must have clear goals, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability. I will support responsible budgeting that delivers results, creates opportunities, protects working families, avoids new burdens, and allows Maryland residents and businesses to thrive.
Maryland benefits from legal immigration, but undocumented immigration and unlawful occupancy strain public resources and undermine the rule of law. We need clear enforcement of existing laws, better federal border management, and local policies that protect taxpayers and all citizens. I support collaborative coordination with federal authorities, accountability for those who violate housing and labor laws, and policies that prioritize public safety while treating all individuals with dignity.