House of Delegates, District 9B

Name: Anita Lombardi Riley

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Eldersburg

Date of birth: Sept. 28, 1940

Place of birth: Baltimore

Current occupation: Secretary⁄Treasurer of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 27; legislative⁄political representative, Local 27

Education: Seton High School; AA degree

Community associations, involvement: Member, Freedom Area Citizens Council; member, Carroll County Women League of Voters; president, South Carroll Democratic Club; member, Carroll County Democratic Club; member, Quincy Station HOA; president, Order Sons of Italy, Grand Lodge of Maryland; vice president, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation of Maryland.

Professional associations:

Family:

Campaign office and telephone: 5887 Pawtucket Lane, Eldersburg, MD 21784. 410-833-5620.

Candidate’s Web site:

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Fiscal responsibility (taxes), education, healthcare. Growth is right behind.

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

Poor. I say that because, as a person who has spent most of her life trying to help people - and assuming that our legislators are supposed to be doing the same - make things better for all working men and women, our legislation to Annapolis has done the opposite. They have voted against just about every bill that came forward that would help working men and women. They followed, in my opinion, only what their governor wanted. I have a problem with that.

I also do no believe that our Legislation is respected in Annapolis and because of that lack of respect, I don’t feel that they get what Carroll County could receive. The latest example of that disrespect, in my opinion, was their inability to get a vote taken on the map fiasco.

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

I really don’t know. I would have to check this out a little further to see what exactly that would entail before I can give a proper answer.

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

Probably in some parts of Maryland that is the case. I think the residents of Carroll County feel that it is and we need to curtail that growth for a while.

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?

There are lots of programs out there and I don’t know them all, of course. But, I’d make a sincere effort to look at that and make an informed decision before I can say how I would pay for additional programs and what I would do with the money saved.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

The one that jumps to mind is the ‘‘flush” tax, but that basically relates to property owners. I know I’d find something that could be eliminated.

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

I am in favor of slots at the racetracks and on-track betting locations only. The money could help save the racing industry which has been a part of Maryland history for almost 130 years. It could create good paying⁄benefits jobs by keeping the racing industry alive. Of course, I would definitely want the major portion of that money to be spent on education.

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

No, key word being ‘‘illegal.”

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 tuition cost is the biggest problem with the 40- to 50-percent increase placed on students⁄parents a year or so ago. Don’t know how to solve it presently, but I’d certainly look into finding out how. If I had my way, all kids (residents) who wanted to attend college would get free tuition to a state college!

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

First we have to stop taking money out of the fund before we can figure out a way to get more money for the fund.

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

Just about every ‘‘major” highway is a problem. Need to look at the most congested areas, but I would think that the Baltimore⁄Washington corridor should be looked at first. For Carroll County, I think that Md. routes 26 and 32, and Md. Route 140 are problems.

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

Yes.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Yes.

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

Not familiar enough with the gun laws to answer properly.

What is your position on abortion?

Personally, I do not favor abortions, but as long as there is a law in place, I will respect that law.

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

I have mixed feelings regarding this subject.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Yes.

Does the county’s commission form of government still work? Should we adopt a charter government, or code home rule?

It seems to be working okay for the most part. I favor code home rule, but would prefer a charter government.

Which redistricting map did you prefer for Carroll County? Why?

Option 2 seemed to be better choice.