Candidate name: Jean B. Cryor

Party affiliation: Republican

Place of residence: Potomac

Date of birth: Dec. 13, 1938

Place of birth: Lansdowne, PA

Current occupation: Legislator

Education: M.B.A., Loyola College; University of Pennsylvania

Community associations: Advisory Boards of University of Maryland⁄Shady Grove; BlackRock Arts Center; Maryland Women’s Heritage Center; Jewish Federation of Group Homes; Convent of Sacred Heart, Bryn Mawr, Pa.; Potomac Theatre Company

Professional associations: Past president of Women Legislators of Maryland; current member of the Executive Board for the women’s caucus; National Conference of State Legislators

Family: Widow; Three daughters

Campaign office address and telephone: 11700 Ambleside Drive, Potomac, MD 20854; 1-301-762-7993

Link to candidate’s web site: www.Jeancryor.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

What are your top three priorities for the next four years, if elected?

Quality education, including K through 12 and higher education, translates into success for individuals, the economy and society. I consistently and successfully seek to increase education funding and defend Montgomery’s important quality of life issues. There is also great importance placed on Maryland living within its means as defined by Spending Affordability and reflected in a fair tax structure and increased transportation throughout the state.

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

EXCELLENT

We are the only two-party district in Montgomery County. As elected officials, we have been determined to work in a positive way for the benefit of our district using our diversity in committee assignments, backgrounds and length of service to further the interests of those in District 15. This has resulted in passage of important legislation and securing of bond money for the district.

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

For the large counties with the greater number of votes in the General Assembly, it is very tempting to give more authority to the General Assembly in the budget decisions. This would benefit Montgomery County, Prince George’s and Baltimore City. In the past I was a co-sponsor of such an unsuccessful bill. I would like to see the ability of the General Assembly to be able to move funds within the budget. I would be opposed to raising the bottom line of the budget. The Governor should determine the budget bottom line.

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

As a state, Maryland has seen vigorous growth and it reflects the national economy. Growth in some areas has put a strain on the environment, the education, transportation and health care systems. In the rural areas, however, jobs are too few and incomes too low. Job growth in some areas close to the Washington metropolitan area and Baltimore City has put a critical strain on existing infrastructure. With such growth, there has to be strong local over-sight concerned with the impact.

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?

Only the Governor can add programs to the state budget. Within the last four years, cuts have been made in the state budget. Proceeds from the cuts and from a solid economy have resulted in increased school construction, a stronger focus on disabilities, and the development of an office for children and youth. The financial future for Maryland should be tilted toward a vigorous economy that throws off tax revenue as opposed to increasing taxes.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

Signature legislation of mine over the past years has been a No Sales Tax Week ‘‘Back to School” program. Evaluation of this tax cut has shown an increase in revenues for Maryland Retailers, a boost to the Maryland economy in general and a boon for Maryland families. This year it will take place during the week of August 23rd-August 27th. This is a prime example of a tax cut with a positive outcome.

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

There is gambling today in every county in Maryland. Local gambling ranges from tip jars in rural Maryland to slot machines in Baltimore City. I do not believe that there is the political will to have state slot machines.

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

Motorists must pass a driver’s test and carry insurance. A driver’s license is utilized as identification. Driver’s licenses should not be issued to illegal immigrants.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

States that grant in-state tuition mandate that the student be graduated from that state’s school system with grades acceptable for admission. These students are not eligible for financial aid. If Maryland is to extend in-state tuition to these students, it must mandate that high school graduation must be within 2 years. Also, the student must become a citizen at the earliest possible time. The in-state seats can only be available after those students who are citizens have been enrolled.

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

Financially accessible, affordable, quality education is the goal. Tuition is too high for many families and individual students. I am concerned that there are not sufficient seats for Maryland students. I would like to see the enrollment ratio changed in favor of more Maryland students and we should maintain a cap on tuition hikes.

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

Increased funding for the Transportation Trust Fund is essential for the Washington metropolitan area. I am open to reviewing funding changes including using some sales tax revenues to meet this demand.

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

Finish the ICC and the Corridor Cities Transit Way and link Bethesda and Silver Spring

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

This is a key question to the economic strength of the Washington metropolitan area. I served on the committee that drafted legislation to study the financial response to Congressman Tom Davis’ proposal. Matching federal funding is available with matching local resources. The report is due in December.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Yes. The question remains ‘‘how?” when these are publicly owned companies.

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

I have always supported hand gun control.

What is your position on abortion?

I am pro-choice.

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

No. Legislation can be drafted to reflect the need for civil unions.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Yes.

What is your position on the Corridor Cities Transitway? Assuming you support it, do you believe it should be a bus or light-rail system? What would you do to advance its funding?

Along with new transit ways, we must protect existing public transportation programs. My legislation during the last session ensured keeping the MARC train station in Boyds and Dickerson open.

The Corridor Cities Transit Way may include both bus and lightrail depending on the needs of the riding public and the realities of the project costs.

The Upcounty remains one of Montgomery County’s fastest growing areas and a growing crime problem is a concern for residents? What is your plan for providing state support to the local mission of protecting public safety?

Within the last two months, state money for reducing gang activity was forwarded to Montgomery County. Crime prevention and response is a local situation. The state can assist with earmarked funding to educate officers and residents on how to identify and respond to the threat of crime. Theft is often connected to drug and alcohol use. Starting in October of 2005, my legislation to double the fine to $1,000 for supplying alcohol to minors took effect. Legislation concerned with drugs and alcohol, particularly when requested by the local police and the judges, should be passed.