Candidate name: Gwendolyn Britt

Place of residence: Landover Hills

Place of birth: Washington, D. C.

Occupation: Retired

Education: B.S. Political Science, Masters Degree Candidate at Bowie State University

Community associations, involvement: Bellemeade Civic Association; Columbia Highlands Civic Association; Maryland Health Trends Alliance; NAACP; National Coalition of 100 Black Women Prince Georges Chapter

Family: Married, two sons

Campaign office address and telephone: Friends of Gwendolyn Britt, P.O. Box 121, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

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

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

My top priorities will be to continue to focus on health education and disease prevention, with a focus on the health and physical education of school children; closing the education achievement gap that exists between African American and Hispanic students, and Caucasian and Asian student populations; work towards obtaining affordable, quality health care and prescription drug coverage for every Marylander by expanding affordable health insurance for children and their parents, and seniors.

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

I rate the performance of the representatives of my district as good overall. Individually, some have been more than conscientious in supporting critical legislation and introducing legislation that benefits the district and the county and state.

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

Maryland is the only state where under the current structure, only one person, the governor, has the power to establish priorities by adding, sustaining, or increasing funding for a program or service in the coming year’s budget. I would support amending the constitution to providing greater legislationve authority in the budget process.

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

Maryland growth is about right. However, continued attention needs to be given to balancing economic growth with environmental protections. address environmental concerns such as preserving open space, roads and transportation concerns, and other impacts on communities.

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?

More money needs to be allocated to adult education programs, Hepatitis C and HIV⁄Aids Prevention and Treatment, expanding mass transit, and increased crime prevention program funds for counties. Funding for these initiatives can come from continued efforts to close corporate loopholes, and consideration of increase of tobacco tax, as well as federal funds and grants.

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

The hospital should be owned by a major medical teaching institution, which would attract medical technology and research dollars for operations at one main campus, and the Cheverly location would continue to operate with specified treatment services.

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

Prince George’s County should receive increased federal emergency and preparedness funds.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

Careful review should be made of existing taxes and fees. Seniors on fixed incomes at or below specific income levels could be looked at for tax exemptions.

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

I am against the expansion of gambling in Maryland. Slot machines will increase greater social ills, and are a tax on the poor and lower income individuals.

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

Licensing of undocumented immigrants would provide the means of knowing who is driving on our streets, and wouldl ensure insurance compliances.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

Most undocumented immigrant children are here with families who are seeking a better life in this country. School children who go through Maryland schools and graduate should be considered for in-state tuition.

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

Parental involvement, large class sizes, and the lack of ‘‘highly qualified” or certified teachers to teach in underperforming schools are among the biggest problems facing higher education. Continued commitment from school administration to insist on parental involvement, continued full funding for education and school construction, with incentives for high teacher performance and incentives for teaching in challenged schools will help to address these issues.

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

The Transportation Fund should be replenished with funds that were diverted to other programs, which would then be used for transportation projects.

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

Mass transit rail lines, the Inner-Purple line, Greenbelt to BWI-Marshall rail service, and increased Metro bus service.

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

Funds for Washington and Baltimore mass transit should be allocation from the Transportation Funds.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry

Electric industry rates should be carefully monitored by the Public Service Commission, with provisions included to ensure that increases can be mitigated to assist rate-payers on low and fixed incomes.

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

While enforcement of laws already existing on the books should be given priority, Maryland’s gun control laws still do not do enough to address the growing ability to obtain guns that used in robberies and other violent crimes.

What is your position on abortion?

Abortions should be rare. However, when needed abortions should be done in safe environment. I believe it is a woman’s right to make reproductive choices with medical guidance included.

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

Couples who are in a loving and committed relationship should have the states recognition for lasting relationships, regardless of same or opposite gender.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

The state needs ensure that land preservation, air and water quality regulations are followed. Maryland needs stricter controls tthat will do more improve air quality and water pollution.