Delegates Conway and Mathias Visit AFP in Worcester County

Tuesday night, just before Thanksgiving, the Ocean Pines Community Center was a buzz with activity. Our State Delegates; Jim Mathias and Norm Conway both made presentations and took about 20 questions from a a large crowd of approximately120 people from Americans for Prosperity, Worcester Chapter.
First, I want to give Mathias and Conway props for coming out to this town hall style meeting and spending over an hour and a half answering some pretty tough questions. Given that the economy and jobs top most people's list of concerns in the poor economic climate of the state of Maryland, folks are more engaged than ever. It was impressive to see such a large, informed group, regarding state legislation.

Too many legislators choose to shield themselves from their constituency these days, which is more wrong than I can point out in this short article. In contrast; Conway and Mathias did show up. They should be commended for that.

Now, I wonder if we can can Kratovil on the calender?

Anyway, as you may know these two delegates are democrats and AFP has been accused by some confused people to be some republican front group. If this were true, these two gentleman would not have been invited nor would they have attended tonight's meeting. AFP is a FISCAL conservative group, and these principled policies just happened to conflict with the current state of over spending, no accountability, and bad business policies in Maryland and in this country.

Steve Lind, Worcester County's AFP Chair opened the meeting and AFP's state director; David Swartz said a few words before The delegates were introduced in front of the interested crowd.

Mathias kicked things off reminding folks of how proud we should be of Worcester county, it's beach resort, it's local hospital, and the services the state has provided. He defended Governor O'Malley, by saying O'Malley had already reduced the states budget by 4.6 billion and "in the last fiscal budget, the governor cut billions." Mathias said that there are "a thousand sets of fingerprints of that got us where we are today." He admitted that he did "vote for the tax bill."

Conway gave an overview of his history on the eastern shore, having grown up here and being a teacher, a school vice principle, a principle, and in local government before he became a state delegate, now serving on the Appropriations Committee. He said "people ask if I'm a conservative or a liberal. I say I'm a mix of both. When it comes to seniors I'm probably a liberal." Regarding the entitlements they have paid into all their life for Medicare. "As for the young people, I thank God for the teachers I had." saying we need to provide young people "with every opportunity for the 21st century." "We have rights but we must be responsible" he said. "so, when it comes to young people, I guess I'm a liberal too." Conway went on to say that investments are what people put in with the time, efforts and their money" and that "people have invested in programs and services and those are also investments."

After their brief statements; there were many questions from the audience specific to local spending, cap and trade, the CAFO legislation constricting jobs, the poultry industry, term limits, the Maryland millionaires tax, campaign funding, the issues with the Chesapeake bay, taxes, job initiatives, and spending. There were some contentious moments. I can't say for sure that there were any decisive answers. I got a bit caught up in all the goings on to make note of it all, but there surely will be articles in the local papers in the coming days with more of their perspective on the Q&A. I heard many folks complain that various questions were not answered, directly, but that's sadly politics for you, I guess?

Rest assured however, we did video tape it so the record will be available once uploaded to YouTube. We'll be sure to pass it along here.

Funny thing is, Mr. Conway was my elementary school vice principle, way back when. I didn't think so at that time, but he really is a nice man.

I never really knew Mathias, even though I had a condo during his tenure as mayor in Ocean City. I had the unusual opportunity to sit down with him tonight, after the meeting over a beer, and I really did enjoy the conversation.

I can't say I don't like these gentlemen, because I do. We just have a fundamental difference of opinion of the role of government in our lives. Unfortunately they have been a part of growing it, whereby people like myself think it needs to be rolled back. Jim didn't think we were too far apart on the issues but it now comes time for due diligence and to check voting records for those that seek to retain their seats or run for higher office.

What will happen in 2012 remains to be seen. I have some insight on these man's plans that I'll detail at a later date along with their voting records and you can decide.
Source