House of Delegates, District 4A

Name: Maggi Hays

Party affiliation: Democrat

Place of residence: Walkersville

Date of birth: Aug. 16, 1938

Place of birth: Champaign, Ill.

Current occupation: Retired deputy sheriff

Education: Bachelor of Arts, sociology, Mount St. Mary’s College; Master of Arts, general psychology, Hood College.

Community associations, involvement: Member, Democratic State Central Committee for 10 years; past president, United Democrats of Frederick County; member, Women’s Democratic League; past chairman, Frederick County Human Relations Commission; past member, Frederick County Commission for Women; past board member, Frederick County League of Women Voters.

Professional associations: Past president, Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff’s Association; past member, Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police.

Family: Married to husband, Gary Hays. Five children, 13 grandchildren.

Campaign office address and telephone: P.O. Box 294, Walkersville, MD 21793. 301-898-4227.

Candidate’s Web site:

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Universal healthcare, public education and transportation issues.

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

Poor. None of them represent my values and priorities.

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

Yes.

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

Too fast. Infrastructure cannot keep pace with housing construction.

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 fully fund health care for all, improve all public schools, and increase funding for necessary social services. I would cut programs that create corporate tax benefits and penalize middle class families. I would actively pursue more federal funding.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

I would not support any tax increases. We should carefully examine existing taxes and fees and re-evaluate the necessity for each one.

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

I would support slot machines only at racetracks and only if most of the proceeds would go to funding public education.

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?

Tuition fees at state colleges have increased drastically. I would prefer to freeze tuition as it stands now or at least put a cap on tuition increases that are no more than the cost of living increases.

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

Monies borrowed by the Maryland General Fund should be returned. Other revenue sources include motor fuel taxes, vehicle titling fees, motor vehicle registration fees, and more federal funding. Corporate income taxes have been stagnant for years and should be raised.

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

Having driven I-270 for years, I know it is a nightmare. Widening it from Clarksburg to Frederick should be a number one priority. Mass transit is another important alternative.

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?

Just right and they should be enforced.

What is your position on abortion?

I believe all medical decisions should be between a patient and a doctor. The government has no business practicing medicine or legislating medical procedures. I believe everyone should have the basic freedom to make personal choices.

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

I don’t know. Changing the constitution is a serious matter. However, I believe everyone should have the right to choose a life partner. Civil unions should be considered to give equal legal protection to all people.

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?

Our current system is cumbersome. I would like to see a referendum on charter government.