Calvert Crusade for Children Questions and Responses

Candidate name Evan Slaughenhoupt Office Sought Calvert County Commissioner

July 20, 2010

Question 1: What role should the office you seek play in the lives of children and families?

Commissioners should continually improve our Quality-of-Life so children and families have a
safe, secure and friendly environment. We should enhance the Ethics code to improve
transparency ensuring equal treatment, improve public safety tools and resources, improve the
education formula, and reduce the current over-taxation of the families and small businesses.
Unlike all current commissioners who allowed property taxes to actually increase by keeping tax rates constant, I believe we should lower tax rates.

Question 2: What are the most critical issues facing Calvert County families in the next three to five years, and how should these issues be addressed within the office you seek?

Government growth and government pension requirements concern me. Public Safety, an
essential function of local government and Education comprise the largest share of the General
Fund, are also top priority considerations, and cause the most public discussion. County staff
needs to become customer focused, define and deliver a process flow that guides would-be
business owners, enhance and actually implement an

Primary Election - Refresh Your Browser for Latest

September 14, 2010 Calvert County Primary Election Unofficial Results:

County Commissioner:
Third District :
Total Votes --- (Final)
Timothy Hardesty 1780
Evan Slaughenhoupt 3352

Results of today's Commissioner Race shows the following candidates moving forward:

Republican:

1st District: Jerry Clark
2nd District: Susan Shaw, Pat Nutter, Steve Weems
3rd District: Evan Slaughenhoupt

Democrat:

1st District: Kim Mackall
2nd District: Bill Phelen
3rd District: Wilson Parran, Barbara Stinnett, Kelly McConkey

Try it address for more details:

http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/elections/2010Primary/2010PRIMARY-CHANNEL6.pdf

Results by District and Precinct (followed by Other Successful Candidate Names and Positions)--

District 1 Precint 1 Solomons Rescue Squad (13150 H. G. Trueman Road, Solomons)
Timothy Hardesty 63
Evan Slaughenhoupt 143

District 1 Precint 2 Southern Middle School (9615 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 66
Evan Slaughenhoupt 142

District 1 Precint 3 St. Leonard Elementary (5370 St. Leonard Road, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 79
Evan Slaughenhoupt 113

District 1 Precint 4 Mutual Elementary (1455 Ball Road, Port Republic)
Timothy Hardesty 72
Evan Slaughenhoupt 113

District 1 Precint 5 Patuxent Elementary (35 Appeal Lane, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 68
Evan Slaughenhoupt 117

District 1 Precint 6 Patuxent High School (12485 Rousby Hall Road, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 76
Evan Slaughenhoupt 93

District 1 Precint 75 Mill Creek Middle (12200 Margaret Taylor Road/Southern Connector, Lusby)
Timothy Hardesty 63
Evan Slaughenhoupt 113

District 2 Precint 1 St. Leonard Fire Department (200 Calvert Beach Road, St. Leonard)
Timothy Hardesty 67
Evan Slaughenhoupt 143

District 2 Precint 2 Calvert Fairgrounds Building (Fair Drive/Route 231, Prince Frederick)
Timothy Hardesty 72
Evan Slaughenhoupt 118

District 2 Precint 3 Huntingtown High School (4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown)
Timothy Hardesty 109
Evan Slaughenhoupt 214

District 2 Precint 4 Elks Lodge (1015 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick)
Timothy Hardesty 54
Evan Slaughenhoupt 59

District 2 Precint 5 Plum Point Elementary (1245 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown)
Timothy Hardesty 93
Evan Slaughenhoupt 170

District 2 Precint 6 Huntingtown Fire Department (4030 Old Town Road, Huntingtown)
Timothy Hardesty 84
Evan Slaughenhoupt 154

District 2 Precint 7 Northern Middle School (1954 Chaneyville Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 61
Evan Slaughenhoupt 114

District 2 Precint 8 Calvert Pines Senior Center (450 West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick)
Timothy Hardesty 79
Evan Slaughenhoupt 156

District 3 Precint 1 North Beach Fire Department (8536 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach)
Timothy Hardesty 34
Evan Slaughenhoupt 77

District 3 Precint 2 Beach Elementary (7900 Old Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach)
Timothy Hardesty 66
Evan Slaughenhoupt 116

District 3 Precint 3 Sunderland Elementary (150 Clyde Jones Road, Sunderland)
Timothy Hardesty 82
Evan Slaughenhoupt 119

District 3 Precint 4 Windy Hill Elementary (9550 Boyds Turn Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 73
Evan Slaughenhoupt 118

District 3 Precint 5 Windy Hill Middle School (9560 Boyds Turn Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 70
Evan Slaughenhoupt 155

District 3 Precint 6 Dunkirk Fire Department (3170 West Ward Road, Dunkirk)
Timothy Hardesty 86
Evan Slaughenhoupt 206

District 3 Precint 7 Mt. Harmony Elementary (900 West Mt. Harmony Road, Owings)
Timothy Hardesty 67
Evan Slaughenhoupt 142

District 3 Precint 8 Northeast Community Center (4075 Gordon Stinnett Avenue, Chesapeake Beach)
Timothy Hardesty 38
Evan Slaughenhoupt 83

Early Voting:
Timothy Hardesty 91
Evan Slaughenhoupt 238

Absentee Voting:
Timothy Hardesty 40
Evan Slaughenhoupt 77

Final Absentee Voting:
Timothy Hardesty 26
Evan Slaughenhoupt 39

Responses to Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association Questions

Questions to Board of County Commissioners Candidates

1. In regards to the drip irrigation sewer system proposed for the Shoppes @ Apple Greene in Dunkirk, County Attorney Emanuel Demedis has stated that the Board of County Commissioners may not amend the County Code to increase the setback to 500’ from adjoining properties. Would you support and work with the Apple Greene Community to get the State of Maryland and MDE to support the proposed 500 foot Community Protection Zone which is a buffer between residential property and commercial sewage systems? Why? Why not?

Yes. I would work to get the State of Maryland and MDE to resolve the ongoing issue of the Shoppes at Apple Greene and the residents at Apple Greene. I was one of over 800 who signed the petition in support of the Community Protection Zone. From an early conversation with the environmental engineer Mr. Klein, who was hired by the residents, he and I both agreed that the initial concept for the drip irrigation system was a good idea, but that in practice such systems are not yet proven.

I met previously with the developer and suggested improvements to their plans to address the concerns of Apple Greene. Some of those ideas are now part of the developer’s current plan, but still needs additional improvements. I still believe that a successful resolution is possible so that both the residents’ concerns and the developer’s desire can be satisfied.

2. Do you agree or disagree with term limits? Why? Why not?
A. For elected County officials?
B. For County appointed Board members?

I disagree with arbitrary term limits for all elected positions. I understand the frustration that causes citizens to desire term limits. However, term-limits limit the right of citizens to choose representatives. Term-limits also deny citizens representation by talented individuals willing to serve. Having said that, the single most effective means of term-limits is through an educated and enlightened voting public since politicians know when to enter politics, but not when to leave.

3. In your vision for Calvert County Education, what needs improvement
and how will the County fund these improvements? Please include special needs children’s programs.

I believe the current Education Funding Formula needs improvement. The current formula is flawed; clearly some factors were missing which contributed to the recent salary crisis. Unfortunately, the current officials opted to continue with the same flawed formula. As to funding any improvements, Public Safety and Education comprise the largest share of the General Fund and are an essential function of local government.

As to special needs children’s programs, government has an absolute responsibility to care for those who need it the most or, unable to take care of themselves. It is unconscionable that funding was recently reduced for the handicapped throughout Maryland and Calvert County. I will work to correct that.

Government growth and government pension requirements concern me and need more effective management in the upcoming years. County tax rates should not be raised. Just as families reduce expenses during times of reduced income, the county government must also re-evaluate priorities and reduce spending. Activities currently performed by the government which the private sector could perform need reviewing for reduction, or handed-over to the private sector.

Responses to Farm Bureau Questions

• Under the current zoning regulations Farm Families are treated as Developers when it comes to dividing lots from their land holdings for their children, even if the property is preserved. How would you change zoning regulations to reduce this burden on our farm families?

Surely this is a case of unintended consequences that I would insist a re-look at all the zoning requirements that affect the farms, and request input from the farming community to identify specific areas that need improvement. Farms (when dividing for family members) should not be treated as Developers. If elected Commissioner, I will work to rectify this issue.

• What will Calvert County agriculture look like in the next 4 years and what will be your role as commissioner in the direction Calvert County agriculture takes?

Whether it’s the next 4 years or 40 years, I envision that several of the current farms may undergo even greater stress caused by the current (and what seems to be our never ending national economic crisis). To mitigate that stress, I support alternative agricultural efforts that preserve existing farms. If we value open space and if we value the contributions of the farming communities, government has a responsibility to encourage the next generation of farmers.

The best way to encourage farming in Calvert County is to help make farming profitable. A profitable farmer will be less inclined to quit, or sell-off their property to develop residential areas. I am open to working with our farming community and the Farm Bureau to craft legislation that ensures the long term viability of the farming industry here in Calvert County.

• Calvert County has an outstanding agricultural land preservation program that has been recognized throughout the country. What will you do to ensure that agricultural land preservation continues to be supported through these uncertain economic times and what specific steps would you introduce to promote the program?

I support the existing agricultural land preservation program and would encourage the Economic Development Department of the county government to become more proactive in promoting Calvert County farms. I support the funding of this program, even in tough economic times. We cannot sacrifice land preservation just because the economy is tough, nor allow it to become an excuse for developers to come in and buy up land on the cheap.

Additionally, I would encourage the Board of Education to look for ways to enhance awareness of the farming opportunities and challenges to school students.

• County farmers have always considered themselves good steward of the land. Compliance with regulations on nutrient management, soil conservation and water quality are standard operating procedures for our farmers. Recently, new proposed regulations for the Total Maximum Daily Load of nutrients in our tributaries have our farmers concerned. Are you familiar with these regulations and if so, how would you as commissioner work to insures these regulations are for all to bear, not just placed squarely on the back of agriculture?

As a County Commissioner, I would push back any unfunded state mandates that essentially require local officials and the farming community to implement, unless those mandates are accompanied with funding.

Local governments will face zoning challenges to align with environmental requirements, continue to provide inspection, and enforcement for storm-water management and erosion/sediment control as well as managing land use and development in ways that minimize loads from new development. We should avoid excessive regulations that will "in effect" bankrupt the farming community.

• The term “Sustainable Agriculture” has become synonymous with farmers markets and vineyards. How do you see sustainable agriculture expanding into other areas that will support agriculture or agri-business interest and better serve our county residents?

I understand that a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program offers USDA competitive grants that support agriculture efforts that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities. Grants are offered on two different tiers with separate application requirements and eligibility criteria. I would encourage the local county government to work with the farming community to win grant money for farmers who have visions of exploring other areas such as vineyards, flowers, natural or organic products, or more traditional farming. I support activities designed to make farming profitable.