Pasti: Education is the highest priority of the Government and I support the findings of the commission. However, before we commit additional funding, we must first make sure the current funding is being spent appropriately. Our budgets are overflowing with too many at the highest pay scale and not enough for the teachers. We must look at where the money is going and then re-allocate to address the greatest needs.

Pasti: We need to spend on both roads and transit, but I believe most Marylanders are driving their cars and the roads take a higher priority.

Pasti: No, I’ve seen the devastating effects of marijuana use with my clients. Marijuana is not good for you. I do believe it is a gateway drug and is used by too many young people who make bad choices when under the influence of marijuana. It makes people lazy and unmotivated. However, I do support the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Pasti: We need to continue to fund the Bay Restoration Fund and support both point source and non-point source policies to reduce sewage run off.

Pasti: We need to allow more choices to those who have been priced out of the market. Unfortunately, the affordable care act is not the answer. I support the expansion of Medicaid, but there are currently only two choices for those who are self-employed. We need to either limit the amount an insurance company can charge, or we need to allow those who are self-employed to go across state lines to purchase insurance.

Pasti: The State should always play a role in addressing violent crime, whether its creating more jobs for young people, making tougher laws, or assisting those who are addicted to drugs. But we need to make better use of our faith community and businesses to come along side the young people to provide them with opportunities and steer them away from the cycle of drugs and violence.

Pasti: The business climate is improving. However, we need to make it easier for those who want to start a business. The amount of regulations and forms for those who have employees can be overwhelming and costly. From workers compensation insurance to unemployment insurance to payroll taxes to personal property taxes, it can be endless.

Pasti: yes, I agree 100%.

Pasti: The Law Enforcement Officers Bill of rights is primarily for the protection of the police. I don’t believe it adequately protects the public, especially in reference to the 10 day rule. A timely investigation requires immediate action and the police know this.

Pasti: I agree with Governor Hogan’s 4 prong approach of enforcement, education, treatment, and prevention. We need more affordable treatment facilities. We need to be more aggressive in prosecuting those who sell fentanyl and have stricter penalties for those sellers, especially if someone dies from an overdose of a drug and we can identify the source. We need to hold doctors liable as well for overprescribing pain killers and limit the amount of doses that can be prescribed.

Pasti: I do believe in equal pay for equal work. The State needs to address any sort of discrimination in income inequality, but we do live in a capitalistic society which is driven by supply and demand.

Pasti: I know enough about the Act to respond.