Name: Paul S. Stull

Party affiliation: Republican

Place of Residence: Walkersville

Date of Birth: May 8, 1936

Place of Birth: Lewistown

Current Occupation: Delegate, retired educator

Education: Bachelor of science, University of Maryland College Park; master of science, West Virginia University.

Community associations, involvement: Teacher, 1965-1980, and adult education instructor, 1968-74, Frederick County Public Schools. Principal, Frederick County Career and Technology Center, 1976-88. Instructor (agriculture), Frederick Community College, 1982-85. Coordinator of school construction, 1988-92, Frederick County Public Schools. Chair, Frederick County Republican Central Committee, 1978-94. Executive Committee, Maryland Republican Party, 1982-94. Member, Frederick County Farm Bureau; Glade Valley Lions Club; Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company; Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company; American Legion, Post No. 11; Glade Valley Grange No. 417; Frederick County Retired Teachers Association. Member, Alpha Gamma Rho-Alpha Theta Chapter, Gamma Sigma Delta, West Virginia University Chapter; Future Farmers of America Alumni Association. Honorary State Agriculturalist Degree, Maryland Association of Future Farmers of America. Honorary American Farmer Degree, National Association of Future Farmers of America. Member of the Year, Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company. Alumni Award, Maryland 4-H; Trustee, Lewistown United Methodist Church.

Professional associations: University of Maryland Terrapin Club; Board of Directors National Tractor Pullers Sled Association, Alumnae Association University of Maryland and West Virginia University.

Family: Married, one son.

Campaign office address and telephone: 2813 Raleigh Road, Walkersville, Maryland 21793. 301-898-9345.

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Affordable health care, land preservation for future generations, and addressing economic issues, such as affordable homeownership, increased employment opportunities, and working to reduce the high taxes that our residents have been paying.

How would you rate the performance of the current representatives of your district:

Excellent

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

No.

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

Too fast. High growth has fueled the high price of homeownership, as well as driving up the cost of living for the residents of Frederick County.

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 have voted on 12 state budgets, and over the years I have supported, as well as opposed, many items. It is my belief that the state should only fund those programs that provide a direct benefit to the Maryland residents. I would look to reduce the increase in state spending and slow down our expenditures. I would place some of our budget savings in additional state funding for land preservation and provide tax reductions to the working families of Maryland.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

I would not support any increases to state fees and taxes. Additionally, I believe that with the recent state surpluses, the state should examine income and state property tax reduction.

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

I have supported video lottery terminals, better known as slot machines in Maryland. We are the hole in the donut, with our surrounding states having legalized this form of gaming. I do not believe that the state should dictate to residents how they spend their own money.

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

No. Driving is a privilege, and should be reserved only for law-abiding citizens. I support giving state driver’s licenses to immigrants who are here legally.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

No. Again for the same reason as noted above. The privilege of in-state tuition should be reserved for Maryland’s legal student residents.

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

The biggest problem is the cost. Higher education costs have skyrocketed all across America. I would be supporting of providing increased financial assistance to students who would provide service back to our state and nation. I also believe that instructor load and programs should be evaluated, and those programs that are not needed should be scaled back or completely eliminated.

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

We need to look closer at mass transportation and the expansion of light rail around the state. I believe that we have tapped out Maryland’s drivers through the gas tax and registration fees, and we cannot seek additional revenue. We need to examine new and more diverse methods of transportation.

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

The widening of both Interstate 270 and Interstate 70.

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

As I stated previously, I believe that we must expand mass transit opportunities in the state, and I would be open to suggestions and ideas to provide this opportunity for our residents. If a funding stream could be identified that would be fair and not produce an unfair burden on the taxpayers, I would be open to its implementation.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

While this sounds like a good suggestion, it is virtually impossible to implement. I would support legislation allowing residents to form electricity cooperatives to purchase their power in blocks, which would work to reduce the overall price. Additionally, we need to examine alternative methods of power production, such as solar, wind and even nuclear.

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

Too strict.

What is your position on abortion?

I am opposed to abortion. I believe the unborn have rights along with the rest of us. I support educational programs to reduce the need for unwanted pregnancies. Additionally, I am opposed to taxpayer funding for abortions.

Should the Maryland constitution be changed to allow same-sex marriages?

No.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

I believe the state is doing a good job in protecting and promoting our environment and natural resources.

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

I believe that the government only ever works as well as the people who serve us. I believe Frederick County is in good shape. Eventually, we will need to amend our form of government, but when that time comes, it should be the residents, and not the elected officials who make that determination.