Candidate name: Douglas J. J. Peters

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Bowie, Maryland

Date of birth:December 28, 1963

Place of birth: Silver Spring, MD

Occupation: County Council Member representing District 4 since 2001. Prior to that served as a two-term member on the Bowie City Council and as the City’s Mayor Pro Tem. Also, serve in the private sector as President and CEO of The Peters Group.

Education: University of Maryland, B.S.; University of Baltimore, M.B.A

Community associations, involvement: American Legion Post #66 – Past Commander; Bowie Boys and Girls Club – Assistant Football Coach; Bowie State University Visitors Bureau and Foundation Board Member; DeMatha Catholic High School Steering Committee; Doctors Community Hospital Foundation – Chair, Corporate Gifts Committee; Prince George’s County Commission 2000 – Past Member; Prince George’s County Public Schools Management Oversight Panel – Past Member; St. Pius X Regional School Home and School – Past President; YMCA Planning and Development Board - Past Member; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8065 - Past Commander

Professional associations: Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce – Past President; Prince George’s County Board of Trade – Past President; Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce - Past Board of Directors

Family: Wife Corinne, 6 children.

Campaign office address and telephone:

Citizens for Douglas J. J. Peters

6911 Laurel Bowie Road, Suite 305

Bowie, MD 20715

301⁄805-2113

Link to candidate’s website, where one exists:<P> www.DougPeters.org

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

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

(1) Education – full funding of the Thornton Commission including

Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI);

- secure reimbursement and additional State capital funding for Prince

George’s school construction and

renovations; and support efforts to recruit, train and retain quality

teachers, administrators and staff at our public

schools.

(2) Public Safety⁄Homeland Security- continue and increase funding on County and local public safety efforts, including support of Mutual Aid

Agreements for police services;

(3) Transportation- secure funding for State roadway improvements, including widening the US 301 corridor, and completion of M D 450 and MD 197; and secure funding for public transit (Metro⁄TheBus) improvements, including the Purple Line.

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

The current state delegation (retiring Senator Leo Green and Delegates Conroy, Hubbard and Holmes) have done an excellent job of representing District 23. They have been strong supporters of education, including the Thorton funding which has been so important for Prince George’s County, voted against deregulation of the Electric Industry, and secured funding for state road improvements.

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

I believe that the Governor and the Legislature should be equal partners in setting both the state income and the state expenditures; however, I do not support using a constitutional amendment as the tool to accomplish this goal.

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

The rate of growth has to be supported by proper public safety, education and transportation infrastructure. This is what I did, along with my colleagues on the Prince George’s County Council, with the passage of the Adequate Public Facilities Bill for police and fire services. Additionally, there are many state roads (example - Rt. 301) where growth has occurred but infrastructure has not caught up. These roads need to be widened or improved before additional growth takes place. We have also made the mistake of building houses and then worrying about providing schools for the children who will reside in them, we need to build the schools firs t.

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?

Any savings secured though cuts should go first to education and public safety grants. I would then direct dollars to provide health care for the uninsured. I would also like to add additional dollars for programs which preserve open space.

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

We need a partner that can provide a major financial commitment to the hospital. The County and State have approved funding for short term operations but without a major partner, the hospital will not be able to continue to attract quality doctors and insured patients to help balance its role as a provider of services to the poor.

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

No. Prince George’s County has taken a step forward with the creation of a county Homeland Security Office, however the vast majority of funding has been provided by the county’s own tax dollars. There needs to be a greater financial commitment from the federal government.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

I would consider a reduction of taxes for senior citizens and veterans.

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

As a member of the Prince George’s County Council, I voted with my colleagues to reject the slots proposal because it targeted low income neighborhoods.

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

I support setting a timeline for illegal immigrants to become American citizens. Any benefits should be tied to successful progress towards this goal.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

I support setting a timeline for illegal immigrants to become American citizens. Any benefits should be tied to successful progress towards this goal.

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

Access to Higher Education is becoming more difficult because costs keep skyrocketing. At the same time, access to financial aid becomes more difficult as the federal government continues to cut programs designed to assist the poor and middle class. The State needs to make a commitment to adequate funding of public education on all levels.

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

I would secure a large percentage from the recently declared state surplus.

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

Widening of Rt. 301, completion of Rt. 450 and Rt. 197 and the expansion of Metro to include the Purple Line.

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

Yes

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Yes, all the members of the 23rd Delegation in office at the time opposed deregulation and I would join with them in supporting some form of re-regulation.

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

We need to enforce the laws on the books before proposing any new laws.

What is your position on abortion?

I am pro-life.

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

No.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

We need to ensure that open space is protected in perpetuity. Additionally, stricter enforcement of the current law would go a long way towards protecting our environment.