Name: Joseph R. Bartlett

Party affiliaton: Republican

Place of residence: Middletown, Maryland

Date of birth: Dec. 30, 1969

Place of birth: Takoma Park

Current occupation: Small business owner, Maryland State Delegate

Education: Bachelor of Science, Frostburg State University, Business⁄Marketing, Magna Cum Laude

Family: Wife, Melissa

Campaign 0ffice address and phone: 8927 Mt. Tabor Road, Middletown, MD 21769. 301-371-9946.

Candidate’s Web site: joebartlett.us

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1. I remain committed to providing effective constituent service, and that goal will certainly not change. The satisfaction of helping others negotiate state government and solve problems gives me great satisfaction, and I have been blessed with an experienced and dedicated staff.

2. Moral decency and political civility remain cornerstones of my legislative career. My goal is to continue strengthening Maryland’s moral and ethical stature and to retain civil and effectual relationships for my colleagues from around the state.

3. Decreasing the size of government and reducing taxes are a top priority. Over the last four years, the Ehrlich administration has reduced the size and expense of state government dramatically without jeopardizing necessary services. I will continue to work for efficient and effective state government.

How would you rate the performance of the current representatives of your district: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

Excellent. My seatmate, Paul Stull, and my senator, David Brinkley, are both experienced and principled leaders. They are wonderful examples of public servants.

Do you support amending the constitution to give the legislature more budget authority?

In concept, increased budget authority for the legislature could be helpful. That being said, an adequate balance of power must be maintained.

Is the rate of growth in Maryland too fast, too slow or about right, and why?

The overall growth in Maryland is within reason, but several local jurisdictions are challenged with rapid growth. Frederick County needs to strategically plan for future growth, insuring that essential infrastructure, such as schools and roads, is prepared in advance.

What programs would you like to add or cut from the state budget? How would you pay for additional programs? What would you do with the money from any cuts you make?

I would cut all funding for state sponsored abortion services, and I would continue to cut unnecessary bureaucratic positions. I would return the money to the taxpayers of Maryland.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

Without question, I would completely eliminate all ‘‘death taxes.” Agriculture remains the primary industry in my district, and inheritance taxes continue to claim family farms.

Do you support slot machines for Maryland? Why or why not?

I oppose slot machines for well-documented moral and religious reasons.

Do you support giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants?

No.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

No.

What is the biggest problem facing higher education and what would you do to solve it?

From the perspective of public higher education, the biggest problem is dramatically increasing tuition rates. Tuition rates can be controlled by better controlling the cost of delivering education to our students. Opportunities to cut costs exist at every level of government.

Where would you get more money for the Transportation Trust Fund?

Several years ago the Ehrlich administration and the General Assembly passed a transportation bill that raised an additional $200 million-plus each year for critical transportation projects. As a fiscal conservative, my ‘‘yes” vote was difficult, but I recognized the needs in Frederick County.

What specific transportation projects do you see as priorities for the state?

Clearly, I-270 needs incredible attention and a long-term, comprehensive solution. Other priorities exist, such as improvements to U.S. Route 15 south, Middletown bypass, and continued progression of I-70 improvements.

Should there be a dedicated funding source for Washington and Baltimore mass transit?

Ideally, mass transit should have a fair, dedicated funding source. The General Assembly has considered proposals, and a solution may be in sight.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Re-regulating the industry would be a very drastic step. Allegany Energy, who supplies to the majority of my constituents, is acting proactively to avoid the rate hikes realized in other parts of the state.

Do you believe Maryland’s gun control laws are too strict, not strict enough or just right?

Maryland’s gun control laws need to be effectively enforced. What we do not need are additional, more restrictive laws.

What is your position on abortion?

I am pro-life.

Same-sex marriage:

No.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Protecting the environment and cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay will remain a priority of mine in the future. We are making progress, and the Ehrlich administration has been a leader in this quest.

Does the county’s commission form of government still work? Should we adopt a charter government, or code home rule?

I believe the system is still effective, for it provides great checks and balances. The people of Frederick County should, and will, decide when the current system needs to be changed.