Doug Rathell (R) |
Maryland State Delegate - District 30a
Primary Challenger to candidates
Bob O'Shea (R), Chelsea Gill (R), and B. Darren Burns (R)
Why are you qualified to represent the people in your jurisdiction?
I have lived my entire life committed to the service for others. From my humble beginnings as a volunteer firefighter to a now career Lieutenant/Paramedic. I am always concerned with the well being of others. My background includes leadership under some of the most extreme situations and the ability to mitigate emergencies and bring a sense of calm to these events. I have seen and experienced the different communities in my district and will be their voice in the state house.
What are three goals you want to accomplish in the next four years to advance the rights of women and minorities in Maryland?
I want to fight for equal pay for women and minorities. I want to create more legislation to protect women who have been sexually assaulted. I want to work with law enforcement to help significantly reduce sex trafficking in our state.
What are the three most important issues on which you want to effect change? What will be your strategy for achieving these changes?
1. I want to ensure that with our smart development, our infrastructure is built to handle the increase in population. This includes roads, public safety and education. I will work on creating legislation to help ensure this happens.
2. The heroin epidemic needs to be confronted with more assistance. I want to make the safe station program statewide and create more beds and more facilities to help patients willing to take on their addictions.
3. Keeping taxes at current level, or lowering if possible without creating any burdens on critical services. I would want to review all expenditures of the state and see what is excessive and could be reduced.
What have you learned about yourself or the political process since you became a candidate or have been an elected official?
I have learned that there are communities in my district that aren’t being heard or represented. Some politicians that have been in office for decades have lost their sense of community awareness. I want to be the voice of the community.
Specifically, how will you keep your constituents informed about the issues facing the county and the state?
I will maintain a constant flow of communication via social media, email and written communications. I plan on having town halls several times a year to reach out and receive input from my constituents.