League of Women Voters Q & A
Here are my responses to the League of Women Voters questionnaire sent to all candidates for General Assembly. Responses of all candidates who participate will be published in the League of Women Voters Election Guide. (Answers were limited to 300 characters, including spaces and punctuation.)
LWV: QUALIFICATIONS What are your qualifications for this office?
John Hayden: West Ocean City resident. Graduate, University of Maryland College Park. 40 years in the private sector. Newsman, Editor, Store Manager. I know Worcester County’s seasonal economy. I know the people who live and work in Worcester and Wicomico. I will work full-time, year-round, to serve the people.
LWV: PRIORITIES What are your legislative priorities?
John Hayden: The people of Worcester and Wicomico Counties, and their children, are my priority. First on the list, those who work the hardest and get the lowest pay. Hospital and nursing home workers, from head nurse to newest helpers. And those who serve: Police, EMTs, Teachers, Moms and Dads, Volunteers.
LWV: TRANSPORTATION What are your transportation priorities, and how should they be funded?
John Hayden: Improve Rt 589 to Rt 90 and to Rt 113. Rt 589 is critical to Ocean Pines and for success of slots and racing at Ocean Downs. A new passenger airport would help grow tourism. Slots and gas tax funding for Rt 589. Federal-State funding for airport. Plan now for future Ocean City bridge.
LWV: BUSINESS TAXES Do you support any changes in Maryland’s business tax structure? If so, what changes would you endorse?
John Hayden: Tax reform has been needed since 1994 Linowes Report, but it’s hard to pass. I’d start by cutting sales tax, but cannot promise it in 2011 or 2012. I’m suspicious of tax breaks for corporations. That just shifts tax burden to individuals. We should not rush major tax changes during economic crisis.
LWV: SAFETY NET SERVICES In light of the cuts to services for vulnerable populations, legislation has been proposed to increase beer, wine and liquor taxes. Would you support this proposal or any other means to restore funds for these services? Please explain.
John Hayden: Yes, raise alcohol taxes. But no other tax increases, please. On safety net, I am determined to resist any reduction in unemployment compensation for workers during recession. Medicaid will be the Assembly’s toughest budget. Use slots money for schools. Use alcohol tax hike for Medicaid.
LWV: EDUCATION How should state government work with local governments to solve the crisis in funding for public K-12 education?
John Hayden: Md schools are best in America! There need not be a funding crisis. Big question is school pensions. Neither state nor counties can afford pensions. All public pensions need to be reviewed. Focus on core subjects: English, Science, Math, History. Maintain school construction. Cap college tuition.
LWV: ENERGY How should Maryland address its future energy needs?:
John Hayden: I’m worried about the East Coast electric grid. Maryland needs to be self-sufficient. Fortunately, Maryland is ideally situated to develop both wind and tidal energy. Solar energy too, and possibly one additional nuclear plant. Maryland could become an energy exporter!
End, LWV Q & A
