Candidate name:John R. Austin

Place of residence: Brookeville

Date of birth: July 13,1951

Place of birth: Springfield, MA

Current occupation: Financial planner

Education: AB Eisenhower College of RIT; MIM, Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management

Community associations, involvement: Greater Olney Civic Association; Olney and Montgomery chambers of commerce; NFIB; Rotary; Knights of Columbus; Maryland League of Conservation Voters

Professional associations: Financial Planning Association (past president)

Family: Married, two children & four dogs

Campaign office address and telephone: P.O. Box 121 Brookeville, MD 20833 301 774-3057

Link to candidate’s Web site: www.electaustin.org

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

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

Transportation, education, housing

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

Poor. Party politics has overshadowed the common good.

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?

The rate of growth is what it is. What matters more is how we react. You can’t stop it, without dire consequences. You must adapt.

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?

The Legislature has created a budget nightmare. $30,000,000,000 of unfunded liabilities will have to be booked in 2007.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

The unbridled growth of real estate taxes is squeezing our seniors and contributing to the housing crisis. I will propose a cap on the rate and the rate of increase in real estate taxes and will also propose a deferral mechanism for qualifying seniors (See my Web site).

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

No. It is essentially a regressive tax falling on those who can least afford it.

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

I support a guest worker program and a path to citizenship (with penalties for those who arrived illegally). I favor giving licenses to such documented immigrants.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

If immigrants are documented, have paid their taxes and have registered for the draft, yes.

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

Equal access. We have failed our disadvantaged students. We should consider vouchers, pay for performance and hardship differentials in the inner city to attract exceptional teachers, so all can attain higher education.

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

I favor usage fees and variable metered pricing.

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

The ICC, the Brookeville Bypass, the Purple Line and the Corridor Cities Transitway. I oppose the Techway but I support a Purple Line Connector to Dulles.

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

No.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

No. None of the effects of deregulation have yet been felt. The deal cut by the Legislature prevented deregulation from happening. The crisis was created by the politicians, not the energy providers.

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

I support the Second Amendment of the Constitution but I do NOT oppose efforts to control the ownership of assault weapons. (See my Web site.)

What is your position on abortion?

I am Catholic. I am also an American and believe in the rule of law. Roe v Wade is settled law. Nonetheless, I believe there are too many abortions. Abortion should not be used as a routine method of birth control and that partial birth abortions are an abomination and should be restricted. See my Website.

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

No, but changes in Family Law are necessary. (See my suggestions on my Web site).

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

The state should strongly enforce the regulations, which already exist and increase funding to preserve the Chesapeake.

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?

It is my understanding that the developer and his opponents are now seeking to find a common ground and have entered into a dialogue. I have been a strong proponent of this approach and have offered to mediate.

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

Yes.