Candidate name: Rona E. Kramer

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Olney

Date of birth: August 16, 1954

Place of birth: Washington, D.C.

Current occupation: Small business owner

Education: B.A. in Law Enforcement; J.D.

Community associations, involvement: No answer

Professional associations: No answer

Family: No answer

Campaign office address and telephone: 49 Randolph Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 (301)879-5400

Link to candidate’s Web site: www.RonaKramer.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

-Stabilize Maryland’s budget.

-Plan and implement mass transit improvements.

-Increase public⁄private partnerships for Affordable Housing.

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

The current representatives of district 14 were all new to the legislature when elected four years ago. We have worked very hard as evidenced by the great number of projects in district 14 for which we’ve obtained state funding and the community and constituent problems that we have helped to resolve. Examples of this would be the Olney skate park, the ICC underpass at Georgia Avenue and the resolution of numerous community traffic problems.

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

Yes. I have voted to do so.

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

The rate of growth is too fast. The state’s infrastructure has not kept pace sufficiently to maintain the quality of life.

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 like to cut funding to programs that have previously squandered state money. They do exist. Further, I would close state institutions for the disabled and expand community care, which is less expensive and far more humane. I would increase funding to eliminate the ‘‘waiting list” of disabled citizens who are unable to get gravely need assistance. Additional funding is needed for improved transit and transportation projects.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

I would cut filing fees for small businesses and small LLC’s.

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

Many Marylanders still visualize ‘‘slot” machines as they were in Southern Maryland in the 1950’s. The machines of the 21st century are far more like our lottery. They are connected directly to the state’s computer system and are fully controlled by the state. The bill passed by the Senate had very stringent restrictions, approvals granted for a limited time period, few locations, a large percentage of the profits going back into revitalization of the neighborhoods in which they were located and upwards of $800 million per year of revenues to Marylanders. The unions testified very much in support of slots, at the racetracks, as the much-needed jobs they provide are high paying and include excellent benefits. The state has set precedence for earning revenues from far more dangerous adult activities such as alcohol consumption and cigarette sales. We have earned billions of dollars from gambling (the Lottery) and no jurisdiction, including Montgomery County, has ever refused to spend that revenue. The benefits far outweigh any negatives if the program is properly established.

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

If acceptable to our homeland security experts, yes. It is beneficial for all drivers on the road to be trained and to carry insurance.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

I support in-state tuition for illegal immigrants who have been in the Maryland public school system and whose families have been paying taxes.

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

The biggest problem is funding. The Maryland University System and our community colleges are excellent. In order to remain top-ranked nationally, while limiting tuition increases, the state must make higher education funding a priority. Major tuition increases in our state system are tantamount to a tax increase, hitting our middle class the hardest.

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

I would get the money from economic development. We must increase our tax base by encouraging more businesses to locate and grow in Maryland. The additional benefit... more jobs for Marylanders!

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

I see the Corridor Cities Transitway, the Purple Line and improved Metro service as priorities.

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

Yes. I sponsored the Senate bill, which was passed and signed by the governor, which starts the process of dedicated transit funding for projects statewide.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

The law passed by the Legislature last month is a step toward re-regulation and more control over utility rates. Full re-regulation would not likely pass the test of constitutionality. It is unlikely that the courts would allow the state to force the utilities to buy back their generating plants.

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

I support adding a ban on assault weapons to existing laws.

What is your position on abortion?

I am absolutely pro-choice.

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

Yes; I believe in equality for all of Maryland’s citizens.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

I prefer to see those controls implemented at the Federal level so that Maryland can remain competitive with surrounding states in both residential and commercial cost of goods. I have supported those measures put into place, to date and have an excellent legislative record on environmental issues.

Given the debate over the Ashton Meeting Place development, what would you do to strike a balance between the right to develop the parcel of land and the desire to keep a rural feel to Ashton?

Land use is a county prerogative, not an issue for the state legislature. Our voters elect county officials to make those decisions and it would be inappropriate for state officials to interject.

Would you support placing the Intercounty Connector underground as it intersects with Georgia Avenue just north of Norbeck Road?

THE ICC WILL BE UNDERGROUNDED at Georgia Avenue. The Governor, Olney communities and I worked together to change the interchange from an overpass, as originally planned, to an underpass. The residents of the Preserve and Brooke Manor neighborhoods made major contributions. As quoted in the Washington Times, ‘‘[Governor] Ehrlich credited Senator Rona E. Kramer...for insisting that a tunnel be built under Georgia Avenue, instead of an overpass.”