Candidate name: Jolene Ivey

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Cheverly

Date of birth: July 30, 1961

Place of birth: Washington, D.C.

Occupation: Press officer

Education: Graduate of High Point High; B.A. Towson University; M.A. in Journalism, University of Maryland

Community associations, involvement: Co-Chair of Advisory Committee for the Family Crisis Center; Co-Founder and former President of Mocha Moms, Inc. (support group for at-home mothers of color); Board Member — Cheverly Young Actors’ Guild Board Member — Cheverly Swim & Racquet Club;

Family: Husband, Glenn Ivey; Five sons

Campaign office address and telephone: P.O. Box 85, Bladensburg, MD 20710;

301⁄385-9629

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

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Improve Public Education by requiring attnedance through age 18 and focus on learning problem solving skills more than test taking, while addressing the opportunities of both our brightest and most challenged students.

Reduce Crime and Recidivism through quality enforcement programs (while safeguarding civil liberties)

Health Care Reform - this is a big one. Let’s see what we can learn from the Massachusetts program and others that implement a universal coverage pool. The weaknesses in seniors’ health care also needs to be addressed.

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

We have had some successes, particularly with bringing in funding for the District. There are many challenges that we face, including with improving the education our children receive, as well as public safety issues, and increased focus, energy, and cohesiveness will help solve them.

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

Yes, the legislature is better able to recognize priorities and local concerns than the excutive.

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

That varies by region. Social services and infrastructure development need to keep up with growth.

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 like to help county and municipal governments either create or fill existing code enforcement officer vacancies and improve communities by ensuring everyone lives is a safe, cared-for neighborhood.

I would like to learn from the new administration exactly what Maryland’s fiscal standing is. It is difficult to say what money needs to be cut or generated when we don’t have a clear view of where the state stands fiscally. Erhich’s repeated claims that we would be bankrupt without his slot machines has proved baseless. Speculating on how I would act is pointless without this information.

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

Sufficient finacing to cover its mission of serving the underserved, while allowing it to develop high quality programs and specialties through excellent management.

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

I am a resident and I don’t know what our evacuation options are in the event of an emergency. Our proximity to the Nation’s Capital requires the County to be prepared and that includes providing citizens with the knowledge necessary to respond properly. If there is a problem with funds to make that happen, it should also be communicated to the delegation. I don’t want to be in a position where I must investigate what went wrong after the fact. We should focus on programs that strengthen our communities and welcome newcomers in by providing healthcare, education and a safe environment to all.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

Increased fees (like a car registration) is an unfair tax - often burdening our seniors and low income families far more than the wealthy who can easily afford fees. This is one way that Ehrilch has hurt working families. I would like to see a rollback of some, if not all of these fees.

Each year, despite dire predictions of deficits, we have surpluses. And each year, we hear don’t expect this year’s surplus to last. Not only is it impossible to make a declaration about cutting taxes, any candidate who does is not leveling with you. Not only the Legislature, but citizens also need to receive competent information about the state’s budget and income.

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

No. They draw a criminal element, amount to a tax on stupidity, and do little to enhance positive community development while enriching the (mostly out of state) interests that control the gaming industry. If we are to seriously consider slots, the state should be the only beneficiary of the funds, not the horse racing industry.

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

Yes, if they are otherwise qualified, it is not appropriate for the State of MD to act as a proxy for federal immigration enforcement, and drivers license bureau does not have the expertise to efficaciously and fairly implement a program of review of immigration status. Illegal immigrants must also have access to auto insurance. It helps no one when involved in a crash with an uninsured driver.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

Tuition is traditionally based on residency, not citizenship. This remains appropriate.

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

Keeping high quality, world-class public higher education accessible to lower and middle income residents.

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

Devoting so much money to Montgomery County’s ICC certainly is not fair to other areas of the state.

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

I would like to see more attention to the benefits of Purple Line development.

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

Each of these areas should have the opportunity to weigh in on this very important issue seperately.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

The industry is not the same as it was back in the 90’s. You simply can not re-regulate. I would give the newly constituted Public Service Commission an opportunity to report back to the Legislature their recommendations to protect consumers from arbitrary rate increases.

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

Not strict enough. Let’s outlaw handguns and semi-automatic weapons, retaining access to reasonable hunting weapons like single shot rifles and shot guns.

What is your position on abortion?

Access should be easy and subsidized for those who need and want one. Adoption and support networks should be established for pregnant women and girls who prefer to place their children for adoption or keep them.

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

Of course same sex marriages should be allowed. Not clear it requires a constiutional amendment as opposed to a clarifying statute on the equal protection language already there. This will require some legal research.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

The state is the custodian of the Chesapeake and we must ensure the bay remains healthy. We all breathe in far too many pollutants each day, including mercury. We must ensure we continue to clean our environment to reduce the elevated incidences of asthma, cancer and many other illnesses.