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?
Gaines: Yes, to both questions. The funds to should be phased in over several years.
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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?
Gaines: Spending between roads and transit seems to be balanced. All counties receive transit funding. The state may need to develop additional ways of funding projects. There is Budget Langue that direct the state to report on the feasibility of either restarting the Red Line Light Rail project of developing a the a alternatives to a address the east-west transit options.
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Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?
Gaines: The attitudes about marijuana have changes over the years. I would like to see more studies on the long term effect before we legalize recreational marijuana
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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?
Gaines: Maryland should work closer with the Chesapeake Bay Commission. I currently serve as the Maryland Chair, and we lobby and educate congress on the importance of the Bay to the nation.
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What steps should Maryland take to ensure the broadest possible access to affordable health care?
Gaines: .Maryland should adopt an all payers system.
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What role should the state play in helping Baltimore address violent crime?
Gaines: The state should fund programs that bring down violent crime and reach out with early childhood programs that would teach children how to resolve disagreements without being violent.
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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?
Gaines: I believe the business climate is competitive. The state should work with the Department of commerce to require that any business that is given funding to expand have a family -supporting jobs program.
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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?
Gaines: Yes, a non-partisan, independent body would help give a true belief that the sytem if fair everywhere in Mthe state.
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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?
Gaines: Technology has advanced so much that today we may need to change the time when a public statement is made.
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What strategy would you adopt to address the opioid addiction and overdose crisis?
Gaines: There is a need for treatment on demand and for anyone who overdoses or is charged with position.
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What if anything should the state do to address income inequality?
Gaines: Programs that give poor people more access to technology .
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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?
Gaines: The state now provides Marylanders the ability to exercise their oversight of government with live streaming and ability to review recording of the meetings anytime over the internet.
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