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?
Woods: Yes. I believe that funding for associated reforms should include leveraging money from developers who come to the county, and should be put into a lock- box. All funding should be in addition to the established budget for education, increasing pre-K and expanding K-12 innovative learning opportunities. Finally, money should be specified to increase teacher salary and retention, and appropriate school construction projects.
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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?
Woods: No, Maryland’s transportation spending is not appropriately balanced between roads and transit. Yes, the state has the resources to meet its transportation needs. Baltimore Link could benefit from more transient -oriented construction. This will afford residents the opportunity to be able to increase employment options, social options, and live in the vicinity of public transportation.
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Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?
Woods: No. As far as I understand, recreational marijuana can have a negative impact on brain cells and functioning.
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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?
Woods: I will support initiatives that continue Bay restoration programing that began in 1983 that resulted in underwater grass abundance to female crab population growth and water clarity.
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What steps should Maryland take to ensure the broadest possible access to affordable health care?
Woods: I believe that Maryland should enter into a thorough research inquiry into a single-payer health care system. This system will provide healthcare services for all.
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What role should the state play in helping Baltimore address violent crime?
Woods: Baltimore could address the underlying trauma that tends to result in an increase in violent crime. This trauma could be addressed through an increase in mental health services that begin as early as elementary school and continue through high school. Access to increased mental health services will undoubtedly help to reduce violent crimes and so forth.
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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?
Woods: Maryland’s business climate is promising. There are numerous opportunities available that can help to increase the success of small businesses. Additionally, through the increase of collegiate, vocational, apprenticeship, and internship programs, the business climate will undoubtedly improve.
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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?
Woods: Yes, I support the creation of a non-partisan, independent body to draw legislative and congressional district maps after each census.
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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?
Woods: No. I believe the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights would be improved with the inclusion of more citizens on review boards, with voting power, and investigations involving brutality.
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What strategy would you adopt to address the opioid addiction and overdose crisis?
Woods: I believe there must be increased education on opioid and the impact it has on residence. There needs to be available services to people that have become addicted to opioids.
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What if anything should the state do to address income inequality?
Woods: I believe that there is a great need for improving the distribution of wealth within the state of Maryland. This can be achieved by increasing access to a livable wage, apprenticeship programs, vocational and/or educational programs, that will specifically provide opportunities for a more balanced distribution of wealth and economic security.
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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?
Woods: The state’s Public Information Act and open meeting laws provide an opportunity for citizens to rally around issues that can produce a system of appropriate accountability.
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