Candidate name: Ben Barnes

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: College Park

Date of birth: March 30, 1975

Place of birth: Peoria, Ill.

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Law degree from the University of Baltimore. Bachelors in economics and political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Community associations, involvement: Former member of the College Park Education Advisory Committee. Worked with the Neighborhood Preversation Coalition. Worked with Citizens Against Sexual Exploitation. Former Democratic Central Committee member.

Professional associations: Member of the Maryland Bar Association.

Family:No answer

Campaign office address and telephone: 6811 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 107, Riverdale. 301-864-2404.

Link to candidate’s website: www.votebenbarnes.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

There is no greater priority in our communities than that of improving our public schools. We can do this at the state level by fighting for capital dollars for new school construction and renovation, continuing to fully fund the Thornton recommendations including $21 million that went unfunded by Governor Ehrlich and by funding Character Education.

Additionally we need to work toward funding and planning for a Green Line extension to Laurel and Anne Arundel County and to build the Purple Line.

Finally, we must continue to make public safety a top priority. That means investing in after school activities to help keep children off the streets and out of trouble. It also means funding for more police on the streets and strengthening community policing initiatives.

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

I am proud to have been endorsed by Councilman Tom Dernoga and Delegates Barbara Frush and Brian Moe, all of whom do an excellent job representing our interests in Upper Marlboro and Annapolis, respectively.

I have not endorsed John Giannetti, not because I dislike Mr. Giannetti, but because I do not believe he shares the same progressive values that I espouse and that I think the people of the 21st District deserve.

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

Yes. I was working as an aide in the Maryland Senate when Senator Hogan sponsored a bill to make a similar change. It was a good idea then and it is a good idea now. The current system puts too much budgetary power in the Governor’s hands weakening the basic check and balance system that is so important in our democracy.

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

I believe the rate of growth is about right. However, I believe we need to do a better job adequately planning for growth. This means strengthening open space programs that preserve our environmental treasures while implementing smart growth initiatives that encourage growth near Metro stations and other existing infrastructure.

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 first prioritize public education (including funding for higher education.) As the son of a single parent, I understand the importance of education in improving the lives of working families.

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

First, we must have a stable source of revenue for the hospital, especially as the hospital continues to take care of uninsured patients. As the County explores partnering the hospital with other entities, I believe that we must thoroughly explore the benefits of partnering the hospital with a university or teaching hospital. Either way, we must work to ensure that there is a stable revenue stream funding the hospital and that the hospital remains open to serve our community.

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

No. We must work to ensure that the communications systems used by our first responders are operable with those of our neighboring jurisdictions and relevant federal agencies.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

I would continue to oppose any increase in property taxes in this county. For people, like my grandmother, on fixed incomes, and really for all our working families, we must continue to keep a check on regressive taxes

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

I do not. First, I believe that this is not the way government should fund our priorities. Secondly, and more importantly, slots lead to social ills through addiction and problem gambling, and therefore, costs more than the revenue that is raised from the proceeds of gambling. Often times these costs are hard to quantify, such as work absenteeism, theft, absentee parenting, and drug and alcohol abuse. If slots are legalized in Maryland, I would fight to keep them out of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.

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

No.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

Yes.

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

Affordability. We need to make sure that higher education in Maryland is affordable to working families who want a bright future for their children. It is hard to find a better investment in our future than in a quality affordable higher education. Governor Ehrlich, decided to balance the budget by pushing costs down to working families. I would oppose his policy of raising tuition and cutting government support for higher education. I would look to increase government support for higher education and roll back tuition increases.

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

First and foremost we have to stop the tactic of raiding the Transportation Trust Fund to pay for the operations of the government. Then we must restore the funds that have been taken from the Fund.

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

Extending the Green Line into Laurel, Anne Arundel County and then eventually to BWI Airport. I would also fight to see the construction of the Purple Line, and see this take the form of a dedicated rail line.

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

Yes.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Yes I would.

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

I believe we need to pass a ban on assault weapons, weapons that were designed to kill as many human beings as possible.

What is your position on abortion?

I am strongly pro-choice; I believe that this decision is to be made by the woman, and anyone else she decides to bring into the decision making process.

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

The Maryland Constitution currently does allow same sex marriages. I would oppose an amendment banning same sex marriages.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Yes, in particular, with new development and redevelopment we need to lessen the amount of storm water runoff and improve the quality of storm water run off. Currently polluted water finds its way into our tributaries and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay, a treasure for the state of Maryland. I would also work to enhance incentives to builders construct green, energy efficient buildings.