Candidate name: Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Date of Birth: dec. 12, 1942

Place of birth: Clinton

Occupation: Attorney, President of the Maryland Senate

Education: Surrattsville High School; B.S. University of Maryland; J.D. University of Maryland School of Law

Community associations⁄involvement: Numerous civic, fraternal, community memberships and associations; Member of Jesus The Divine Word Church.

Professional associations: Member of Maryland, Prince George's and Calvert Bar Associations

Family: Married to Patti, five children, 10 grandchildren

Campaign Office Contact: (301) 856-3030

Website: www.senatormikemiller.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

My top priority every day of the year is making sure that Prince George's and Calvert Counties continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family. Education is the foundation for the success of our children and our communities, and that is why our schools, from our grammar schools to our community colleges and universities, are so important. Access to affordable healthcare is not only critical to our families' well-being, but it is also a key to the success of our small businesses. Furthermore, ensuring that our families are safe from crime and from harmful pollutants in our air and water is important to keep and maintain the quality of life we have here in Maryland.

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

Calvert and Prince George's Counties have always had elected officials who care about their constituents first and foremost. By setting priorities and working together, we've improved the quality of life for the people our district and will continue to do so every day.

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

It is important for the Governor and the legislature to work together in the best interest of the people of Maryland. This issue has arisen in the legislature several times throughout my time in public service, but ultimately an amendment would not be needed if everyone focused on the priorities of our citizens and worked within the guidelines of fiscal responsibility.

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

Maryland is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and we see it every day in our communities as they grow. The populations of many communities are growing at a rapid rate, and it is important for our elected officials at the state and local level to ensure that our neighborhoods have the infrastructure they need to sustain the growth. Working together with other elected officials, businesses, and community leaders, we need to engage in long-term planning to stay ahead of growth trends.

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?

It is important that our leaders set priorities to provide the best opportunities and services to our constituents. Just like all families, we must work within a budget, investing in our priorities today, and saving for tomorrow. My top priority has been our schools, from Kindergarten to our colleges and universities, and I will continue to work towards ensuring that they have the resources and tools they need to provide a quality education to all of our students.

What must be done to ensure the long-term success of Prince George's Hospital Center?

In 2002 the legislature created a Prince George's Hospital System Improvement Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force was to identify strategies to help the System achieve long-term financial stability. This year the General Assembly unanimously passed legislation that may provide up to $5 million from the Revenue Stabilization Account, and in the last 5 years we have issued $11 million in bonds to assist with ongoing financial needs and capital improvements. In addition to working with the County to ensure the success of the hospital, we must also work to find long-term solutions to providing affordable accessible health care to all Marylanders.

Is there adequate federal emergency and preparedness support for Prince George's County given its proximity to the nation's capital?

Under this administration Homeland Security funding to the metropolitan area has been slashed, with Maryland receiving forty percent less than we expected in anti-terror and preparedness grants. Congressman Ruppersberger has even calculated that Maryland receives $4.50 per resident while Wyoming receives $16 per resident for emergency preparedness. It is clear that Marylanders are not receiving the federal resources we need in case of an emergency, and during the next General Assembly session the legislature will need to work to find solutions to ensure the safety of our citizens.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

This year I was proud that we passed sustainable tax relief for family owned small businesses, reduced the estate tax, eased the tax burden on veterans, and expanded the Homeowner's Property Tax Credit.

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

Yes, I support slot machines. As it stands now, Marylanders who play slots in West Virginia, Delaware, and now Pennsylvania are supporting the infrastructure of those states rather than ours here at home. Slots could provide a valuable funding mechanism for public education.

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

Ours is one of 11 states where you don't have to be ‘‘lawfully present” in the United States to get a driver's license. In 2003, we did pass the law that mandates a social security number on the driver's license application. Given the state of the world we live in today, it makes sense for us to study this issue closely to see if we need to implement more strict guidelines.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

I don't believe that we should reward illegal behavior, but I do support expanding opportunities for all people. I've supported legislation in the past that prevents us from punishing young people who graduated from high school in Maryland whose parents are not documented. They would be required to file for residency within 30 days of being eligible to become a citizen in order to qualify.

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

Under this administration over the last few years resident undergrad tuition rates increased 10 - 12 percent on average each year, which is effectively a middle class tax increase. To provide some relief, I championed the Tuition Affordability Act which caps tuition at our colleges and universities. Moving forward it is critical for the Governor to work with the legislature to ensure a consistent and stable funding mechanism so we can continue to provide a quality affordable education to students throughout Maryland.

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

Right now Marylanders and the rest of the nation are paying record high prices for the costs of fuel. Only after gas prices have decreased and stabilized can we study the impact of other options. In the meantime, it is important that we set priorities and live within our means.

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

I support the widening of Routes 4, 5, 210 and 301 in Prince George's, Calvert and Charles Counties. In other areas of the state the ICC and the Purple Line are also needed to ease the time Marylanders spend commuting.

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

WMATA should have a dedicated funding source, uniform in nature, with participation from its governing boards of Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Federal Government.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

The goal of restructuring the way utilities are regulated in this country evolved throughout the last decade, with hopes that competition in the industry would provide ratepayers with the lowest market rate. In some areas this has been successful and has proved more challenging in others. This year the General Assembly called itself into Special Session for the first time in the history of our state to address utility restructuring. The reforms we enacted will put in place a system of checks and balances, provide greater oversight by a more consumer friendly public service commission, and will allow for greater flexibility with the way power is bought and sold, thus allowing greater rate stabilization.

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

I believe the current laws we have in Maryland work to protect our citizens from harm while balancing our Second Amendment rights.

What is your position on abortion?

I believe family planning issues are decisions that should be made by a woman, her family, and her doctor.

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

No. Maryland law currently views marriage as a relationship only between a man and a woman and I support that law.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

This year the General Assembly passed two important pieces of legislation that will go a long way towards making sure our air, and our most valuable natural resource - the Chesapeake Bay - are protected from pollutants.

The Healthy Air Act will reduce emissions from our coal-fired power plants and the Agricultural Stewardship Act will protect open space and farmland, and encourage the utilization of methods of farming that reduce pesticide and herbicide run-off into our watersheds.