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House of Delegates District 33B Choose 1

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/DistrictCANDIDATE TOWN HALL: https://www.lwvaacmd.org/26oct6_ga_townhall

Voter Guide

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Chuck Cook (Dem)

Biographical Information

Campaign Website http://cookfordelegate.com
Campaign Phone 443-614-3760
Campaign Email chuck@cookfordelegate.com
Campaign Instagram www.instagram.com/chuckcookfordelegate/
Campaign Mailing Address P.O. Box 107
Annapolis, MD 21404

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?

Data centers *can* be a tremendous benefit to Maryland's economy, but only if we demand it. Owners need pay for all of the ancillary costs and infrastructure. Those who own and develop data centers need to cover the costs of the additional infrastructure and power generation, not the ratepayers. We need to utilize closed-loop water-cooling systems, to keep our watersheds protected. Last, but not least, they need to be 100% union built with community benefit agreements.

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

The greed of large utility corporations, combined with the expectation of greater usage because of data centers. We, the ratepayers, are covering the costs of capital build-out of infrastructure to accommodate future projects, but that cost should be borne by folks who are building them, instead.

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

Absolutely. The only way to clear up the congestion on our roads is by making public transportation more widely available. Every car that isn't driving on our roads saves all of us time, money, and excess carbon emissions. We can save money in our wallets and the future for our children if more public transportation was available for everyone.

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?

Education, Public Safety, Transportation. Our state is nothing if we aren't safe, our children aren't educated properly, our roads are in disrepair, and our trains, and buses aren't running smoothly.

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?

I'll do everything within my power to protect the people of Maryland, regardless of their immigration status.

Voter Guide

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Stuart M. Schmidt, Jr. (Rep)

Biographical Information

Campaign Twitter https://x.com/HeyDudeDelegate
Campaign Website http://www.vote4stu.com
Campaign Phone 4438808291
Campaign Instagram https://www.instagram.com/schmidt4delegate/
Campaign Twitter Handle @https://x.com/HeyDudeDelegate
Campaign Mailing Address 1515 Crofton Parkway
Crofton, MD 21114

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?

I understand and possess a forward-thinking approach to data centers that have clean energy sources first and foremost, provide 100% of their own energy, and supply their own water for cooling. This means that their growth is also dependent upon service and supply to our current grid, making sure the surrounding areas are not affected including the environment, local infrastructure and neighboring communities. The rapid rise in AI requirements means that Maryland must keep up with other States.

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

I know and believe that escalating utility costs comes from poor legislation passed by this administration and previous administrations. The Maryland General Assembly has driven out competition, forced the closure of power plants and joining RGGI has not been beneficial to the environment or Maryland taxpayers. We should depart RGGI asap, work with the big companies to bring back competition and encourage the companies to partner on infrastructure investments based on supplier growth is a must.

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

I generally like the premise behind public transportation and support it, however, Americans and Marylanders do not use it at high enough rates to make it effective, efficient or affordable. I think my concerns are more around timing, safety and availability. We need to find a way to get more cars off the road in high demand areas, however, we need to develop private/public parterships to grow this sector. Right now I don't believe we are there yet.

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?

After fully funding the Blueprint; 1. Grow the housing supply by utilizing current infrastructure & not developing any more farmland. We should invest in cities that have commercial buildings & focus on re-zoning for more modern & reasonably priced homes & live where you work 2. Pay & fully staff our heroes: Fire & Police Departments, Hospitals, Elder-Care & Military 3. Economy is stagnant in Maryland; we must bring in private businesses that want to invest, educate apprentices & earn a profit

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?

Immigrants should have a clear legal path to citizenship, I support their right to live safely, have a world class education and be treated with respect. We should embrace our immigrants that want to become Americans.