If you were looking for excitement, read no further. The title, while misleading, is the closest thing to “red meat” you will find in this post.
Tuesday evening, the Somerset Branch of the NAACP hosted a candidate forum at UMES. In what may have been the most well run example of a VERY LARGE candidate forum (11+ offices, over 40 candidates) that I have ever witnessed, the Somerset NAACP and UMES have set the standard by which all other similar forums should be judged.
Because of the large number of offices and candidates it was difficult to handle many questions or get into specifics. However, attendees were able to walk away with a good sense the candidates and their approaches to various issues.
In the race to replace Maryland Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus (R-38), candidates Jim Mathias and Michael James provided an overview of who they are. Unfortunately, because of time constraints we were unable to grab a true sense of the differences between the two candidates – even on the broad strokes.
The candidates to replace the late Page Elmore as delegate from district 38-A was a slightly different matter. In a general sense there are few policy disagreements between the candidates – Democrat Mike McCready and Republicans Julie Brewington, John Cannon, Charles Otto, and John Phoebus. All candidates talk about the need to bring jobs to the district and a need to reduce taxes and regulation. Four of the five candidates adamantly oppose ag land down zoning while Cannon calls for a more “holistic” approach that includes TDR’s.
The second question posed to the candidates was for them to expand on their introductory remarks, but to be more specific. McCready, Otto, and Brewington emphasized agriculture but did not promote any specific proposals. Cannon spoke about several ideas to promote economic development, including the use of incubators. Phoebus offered the most specific proposals by calling for a repeal of the 20% increase in the state sales tax and a reduction (or even elimination) of the state’s corporate income tax.
from Delmarva Dealings
4 comments:
Anything that wont hurt Johnny. Come on Cannon that is so transparent. Thank god you are not the Wicomico's problem anymore.
How many people showed up for this event (didn't click link?). As an "outsider" who moved in, I'm am absolutely beside myself at the lack of African American participation in local politics. There are enough local non-student blacks in PA and Somersett that there should be way more AA's running for office. And the ones I talk to tell me "oh, they won't let us have nothin". ???????!!!!!
Again, maybe it's because I'm an outsider looking in.
Anon 1414 -
Sorry to disappoint you but there are a record number of African-American candidates running in Somerset County this year.
Ha, they beat a record of 3. Nice try GA
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