Name: Galen R. Clagett
Party affiliation: Democrat
Place of residence: Frederick
Date of birth: Feb. 9, 1942
Place of birth: Brunswick
Current occupation: President, Clagett Enterprises, Inc.
Education: Bachelor of Science and masters degree in administration
Community associations and involvement: Jefferson School Board of Trustees President; Frederick Rotary Club; Frederick Optimist Club; Frederick Elks Club; All Saints Episcopal Church; Ducks Unlimited; Save the Bay; Sheppard Pratt Board of Trustees; and Trinity School Board of Trustees
Family: Married. Three children and three grandchildren
Campaign address and telephone: 20 W. Third St., Frederick, MD 21701. 301 695-6676.
Candidate's Web site: www.galenclagett.com
Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database
What are your top three priorities for the next four years, if elected?
Financing for education and school construction, transportation funding, and solving the state budget structural issues and foster strong economic development.
How would you rate the performance of the current representatives of your district: excellent, good, fair, or poor? Why?
I can really only rate my performance. I believe that I have done an excellent job. In four years, I was able to move major transportation projects, help to bring more than $50 million to Frederick for school construction, voted to fully fund education, voted against the car tax, became a vice chairman of a committee and was appointed to the Legislative Policy Committee which coordinates and supervises the entire General Assembly.
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?
Growth is a critical issue for Maryland and we need to better manage it. Better coordination between local, state, and federal government would go a long way to better plan and fund needed schools, roads, and water⁄sewer.
What programs would 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 create a school construction trust fund. This could be paid for by authorizing slot machines at existing race tracks. All money from budget cuts automatically goes to balance the budget.
Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?
I would cut Gov. Robert Ehrlich's property tax increase to ease the burden on homeowners.
Do you support slot machines in Maryland? Why or why not?
Yes. I would vote slots at existing venues to aid the Maryland Horse Industry and establish an Education Trust Fund to pay for school construction and renovation.
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?
Affordability is the biggest problem. We must restore the drastic cuts to higher education and keep the tuition freeze on tuition increases.
Where would you get more money for the Transportation Trust Fund?
I would vote to restore the cuts to the Transportation Trust Fund.
What specific transportation projects do you see as priorities for the state?
I think adding the third lanes to I-270 should be a top priority as well as investing in more transit systems.
Should there be a dedicated funding source for Washington and Baltimore mass transit?
Yes.
Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?
Yes, to the extent possible given the current situation.
Do you believe Maryland's gun control laws are too strict, not strict enough, or just right?
We should enforce the current Maryland laws.
What is your position on abortion?
I support a woman's right to reproductive choice.
Should the Maryland constitution be changed to allow same-sex marriages?
No. Current Maryland law states that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?
Yes. I am a strong advocate for environmental protection legislation. I supported the Healthy Air Act, the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act, and record investments in Program Open Space to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive land in Maryland.
Does the county commission form of government still work?
No.
Should we adopt a charter government, or code home rule?
Yes, charter government. I have worked to get charter government for Frederick County since 1966.
