Do you support the findings of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education? Are you committed to funding associated reforms, and if so, how?
Mitchell: I find some of the finding are accurate and needed and some things are missing and need to be discussed. Parenting is an important part of a child’s education and needs to be addressed. Yes, I am committed to some funding for reforms. There are several ways to fund the reforms i.e. private funding and not raising taxes and adjusting school budgets.
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Is Maryland’s transportation spending appropriately balanced between roads and transit? Does the state have the resources to meet its transportation needs? With the cancellation of the Red Line and the advent of BaltimoreLink, is the Baltimore region adequately served by transit?
Mitchell: Maryland’s spending is not balanced between roads and transit. No the state does not have the resources to meet the needs. No it is not. The redline should have been funded and our transit woes is one of the reasons Amazon decided against Baltimore.
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Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?
Mitchell: No, I do not. I believe marijuana is the gate way to other drugs.
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At a time when the federal government’s commitment to Chesapeake Bay restoration is questionable, what new steps should Maryland take to protect this resource?
Mitchell: There should be additional fines for people who use the bay as a dump. There should also be regularly scheduled clean ups of the bay. There should also be more scheduled test of the water standards just to name a few. We should also educate everyone about the importance of the Bay so they will understand why the Bay is an importance resource.
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What steps should Maryland take to ensure the broadest possible access to affordable health care?
Mitchell: To ensure access to affordable healthcare, we have to focus on getting into the community to help people know about their healthcare options and through more education and wellness centers.
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What role should the state play in helping Baltimore address violent crime?
Mitchell: Violent crime is being committed mostly by repeat offenders. The moment an individual commits a crime more than once there should be mandatory consequences. Any violent crime proven to be committed with a gun other than self defense should receive a mandatory sentence.
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How would you characterize Maryland’s business climate? What can the state do to foster the creation of more family-supporting jobs?
Mitchell: The Maryland Business Climate is on the rise with interest being put into Cyber Security and Technology. We need more expansion into these areas as well as training for individuals because these are the jobs of the future.
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Do you support the creation of a non-partisan, independent body to draw legislative and congressional district maps after each census?
Mitchell: Yes, because things do change and we need to change along with the movement of the people. The government should be a representation of the people.
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Does the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights adequately balance protections for police and the public? Should it be changed, and if so, how?
Mitchell: No, it does not protect both equally. Most officers do an excellent job but there are some who do not and need to be held accountable. Yes, it should be changed. There should be a review board consisting of public, retired officers, current officer, training officer, and someone from legislative. This board will constantly review policies and practices.
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What strategy would you adopt to address the opioid addiction and overdose crisis?
Mitchell: I would adopt a stricter prescription policy and more drug education.
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What if anything should the state do to address income inequality?
Mitchell: make sure Women get paid just as much as Men for the same job. Make sure all minority groups get paid the same amount as Whites for the same job. Make sure there are policies in place to govern equal pay.
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Do the state’s Public Information Act and open meetings laws adequately ensure Marylanders’ ability to exercise oversight of the government?
Mitchell: No
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