Candidate name: C. Anthony Muse

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Fort Washington

Date of birth: April 17, 1958

Place of birth: Baltimore

Occupation: Pastor and Community ActivistEducation: Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Divinity, and Doctorate in Community Development

Community associations, involvement: Crime Initiative 2005⁄2006; Founder of Clergy United; Founder of Victory House (Domestic Violence Prevention Shelter) and an Organizer for a Prince George’s County Abstinence for Youth program

Professional associations: SCEDA (South County Economic Development Association); Clergy United; former member Maryland House of Delegates; 2 term State Ethics Commissioner

Family: Patricia (Wife)Campaign office address and telephone: 301-442-5824

Link to candidate’s website, where one exists: www.muse2006.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1. The return of the nine single member school board districts.

2. Implement the crime fighting initiatives as developed by Prince George’s County citizens at the forums that took place during 2005⁄ 2006.

3. The widening of Indian Head Hwy⁄ 210; as well as, implementing alternative transportation projects to help the county and the 26th district.

4. To lobby for a State Police barracks to be located in the 26th district since National

Harbor is locating here. National Harbor will have many good benefits, but unfortunately it will increase crime.

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

If I had to rate the performance of the current representatives of 26th legislative district as poor. This past legislative session the representatives went to Annapolis with ten priorities for Prince George’s County, and lost all of them. Not to mention, they lost the nine-single member school board district bill. There was also no money allocated for Indian Head Highway⁄ 210 and there is no plan for National Harbor or the problems it will cause with transportation and crime. We also lost the WSSC policy; minority contracting and they were unable to fix deregulation of the utility companies. We also lost the opportunity to have a state government agency located right here in Prince George’s County, which would have brought revenue and more job opportunity to the county. Last but not least, the 26th district team showed a lack of unity and they did not focus on the issues addressing the citizens of the 26th district.

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 growth rate in Maryland is about right, but we must have better planning between agencies, which includes elected officials, public safety, the community, civic associations and the unions, so that the infrastructure can support the growth. Most importantly, we must plan for smart growth, which can be the only approach to better our county.

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 be hesitant about cutting any additional programs from the state budget, since so many have been cut over the last two years; as a result, of the Maryland deficit of over 200 millions dollar. Instead, I would do an analysis and work with my other colleagues.

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

To ensure the long-term success of Prince George’s Hospital Center we must have a meaningful merger. We need an academically based non profit organization, like the University of Maryland in order to become a research hospital because many hospitals survive on research money, thus bringing in additional revenue to sustain the hospital. We need to also study the re-allocation of assets and possibly selling other properties to establish a fund from which the operational money could be generated.

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

No

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

I would do a realistic analysis along with my colleagues in Annapolis to look for any possible cuts.

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

No, I would not support slots, because they do not yet outweigh the fiscal note attached to social ills, such as crime, infrastructure, roads, and the allocations of the revenue from slot machines have not yet been determined. (i.e.: since it is in Prince George’s County, are we certain that we receive most of the revenue.)

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

No

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

No

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

The biggest problem facing higher education is lack of funding, which causes an inability to provide equal opportunities. I think we need to look at ways to allocate more funds for our children to have an opportunity to achieve a secondary education and or go to trade school. We will either pay now or later. If we continue to graduate students who do not perform on an academic level enabling them to attend college we will continue to pack our jails, which will cost us more financially in the long run, i.e. Community College should be free to the economically disadvantaged and all others on a sliding scale.

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

I would work with my federal colleagues in looking for additional funding.

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

The specific transportation projects that I would see as the priority for the state would be the widening of Indian Head Hwy⁄ 210 and metro access across Woodrow Wilson Bridge and any other project that would ease congestion.

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

Not, unless it would specifically help the residents of Prince George’s County, rather we need to focus on the widening of Indian Head Hwy⁄ 210 and metro access for county residents across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Yes, if it means lower costs and quality services for our citizens.

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

Just Right!

What is your position on abortion?

I believe in the sanctity of life and yet the freedom of choice to be left up to the individual ADULT. We must also provide more education on abstinence.

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

No

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Yes