Candidate name: William A. Bronrott

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Bethesda

Date of birth: June 30, 1955

Place of birth: Washington, D.C.

Current occupation: State Delegate; Public Relations Consultant

Education: M.A. and B.A., Department of Communication, University of Maryland, College Park; Graduate of Montgomery Blair High School

Community associations, involvement: Vice-Chair, Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee; Board Member, American Trauma Society of Maryland; Board of Advisors, National Study Center on Trauma and EMS; Board Member, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Family: Wife, Alberta Rains

Campaign office and telephone: 5500 Beech Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; 301-896-0003

Candidate web site: www.bronrott.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1. Transportation and Land Use Planning: traffic congestion relief, highway safety, and Smart Growth policies to contain sprawl.

2. Education: K-12 and higher education funding

3. Energy and the Environment: policies to control consumer costs, promote greater energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, environmental protection.

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

Excellent. Senator Frosh, Delegate Goldwater, Delegate Lee and I work closely together as a team in representing District 16. Each of us specializes in different issue areas, and together we bring broad expertise to the General Assembly on behalf of our community, county and state.

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

Yes. I have co-sponsored this legislation in the past.

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

Too fast. While we must foster greater economic development and job opportunities, the fact is that an estimated one million more people will live in Maryland by 2020. We must grow in way that will discourage sprawl, preserve green open spaces, and maintain a transportation infrastructure that keeps pace with growth to prevent additional traffic congestion and relieve existing congestion.

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?

We need to close corporate tax loopholes and keep our commitments to K-12 education and higher education. Also, I support a nickel-a-drink increase in the state alcohol excise tax (which has not been raised on distilled spirits since 1955 and on beer and wine since 1972) which would be used for alcohol-drug treatment and prevention programs. I also support an increase in the tobacco tax to help expand health care access for Maryland’s uninsured and help small businesses pay for employee health care coverage.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

Cut state property tax. In addition, the state should thoroughly examine ways to modernize and reform our current revenue structure, with a special emphasis on tax relief for people on fixed incomes.

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

I oppose slot machines. It is a highly unstable source of revenue. I believe slots would have severe adverse impacts on local communities and governments where they are located.

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

Only if tough pre-conditions are met and rigorous screening standards are in place to thoroughly verify applicants’ identities. Maryland should consider a law adopted in Tennessee that permits a ‘‘certificate of driving” instead of a standard driver’s license. This would allow an illegal immigrant to drive, but could not be used as identification. It is important for all motorists to be licensed so that they take driver’s education, pass driving tests and carry auto insurance coverage. There are concerns about the costly rise in the number of traffic crashes involving unlicensed and uninsured drivers in our state. Unlicensed drivers are five times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than licensed drivers, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

I voted for legislation approved by the General Assembly to provide in-state tuition if the individual is a graduate of a Maryland high school, had several years of secondary education in Maryland schools, and files for legal residency within 30 days of enrolling in college.

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

Recent cuts in state aid to our state universities, which have prompted hikes in the cost of tuition. The state should use general revenue funds to fully fund our state university system in order to keep tuition affordable for all Marylanders.

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

We need a far more robust Transportation Trust Fund to address our many transit, road, bridge, pedestrian-bicycle access, and highway safety needs. We should adopt legislation to prohibit the TTF from being budgeted for non-transportation purposes. I support dedicating part of our sales tax for transit projects. I have sponsored legislation to place a surcharge on drunk drivers and other moving violations which would be dedicated to the TTF. I believe that our next governor should convene a blue ribbon task force to thoroughly examine how to best increase our TTF to ensure that our transportation infrastructure is effectively maintained.

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

Build the Purple Line, Corridor Cities Transitway, and ICC, increase support of Metro and local transit agencies (more buses and subway cars), and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and access. We should also repair and upgrade existing deteriorating roads and bridges, and maximize the use of federal highway funds.

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

Yes.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

I opposed deregulation in 1999. Deregulation has not created true competition in our energy markets, and consumers are paying the price. I would consider re-regulating the industry if it would not have a negative impact on consumers’ bills.

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

Not strict enough. For instance, I have been an advocate for the assault weapons ban legislation.

What is your position on abortion?

Pro-choice. I support a woman’s right to choose.

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

I support same-sex marriage, but it can be achieved legally through standard legislation rather than by a constitutional amendment.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Yes. As a member of the House Environmental Matters Committee and the ‘‘Green Caucus,” I have advocated a wide range of measures to help clean up our land, air and water. More action is needed to continue the clean up of the Bay and its many tributaries, to encourage greater reliance on renewable energy sources, set stricter air pollution emission controls, and better enforce our existing laws and regulations.

Do you favor widening the Beltway? Do you favor toll lanes? How would you pay for them and how would implement them into the system?

I oppose widening the Beltway and toll lanes, but there are improvements that can be made within the existing Beltway.

Do you favor building the Purple Line? What kind of transportation do you favor? How would you pay for it and how would you reconcile the effects as it cuts through dense established neighborhoods?

I support the Purple Line as a light rail system that is generally at-grade, adjacent to a continuous hiker-biker trail, along the Georgetown Branch alignment. It should be built using a combination of federal, state and county funds. It should be constructed with buffers to minimize impacts on adjoining neighborhoods.