Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the Eastern Shore candidates for the District 37
UPDATE: Susan Delean-Botkin, the Democrat running for the state House seat representing District 37B, has been added to this story.
The state's business happens in Annapolis, and those who work there have an influence on what happens on the Eastern Shore. This year, all state delegates and state senators are up for election, including those in legislative District 37.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, but early voting runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. A request for a mail-in ballot must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 1.
The USA TODAY Network in Maryland, which includes Delmarva Now/The Daily Times in Salisbury, sent questionnaires to Republicans and Democrats seeking to represent the area in the State House. The individuals elected in November will serve a four-year term starting in January 2023.
More:What you need to know about Maryland's polling and district changes before you vote
Included were basic biographical questions, as well as opportunities to list websites and social media accounts so voters can learn beyond just answers to the questions that were asked. Responses were limited to 500 characters — the equivalent of more than two tweets.
The majority of candidates responded and their answers can be found below. Candidates who did not respond are also indicated below. Each was given multiple opportunities.
State Senate (District 37)
Republican
Johnny Mautz
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
The cost of living has quickly become the top issue facing Maryland citizens. First and foremost, limiting or preventing new fees or taxes on citizens is a paramount priority.
I will work to limit government spending, which oftentimes is fueled by inefficient programs, attempts to grow the size of government and overburdensome regulations. I will also support policies that foster job growth and incentivize small, independent businesses — which are the backbone of our economy.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
I will work to repeal or oppose any wasteful or inefficient regulations because they add an unnecessary cost to our goods and services. I will also support policies or initiatives that will either maintain or lower the cost of energy and our health care, and policies or initiatives that will increase the supply of affordable housing. Finally, I will work to eliminate wasteful government spending.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
I will work and vote to promote the best interests of all of our constituents — not for a political party or a political interest. During my tenure in the House of Delegates, I have found that reasonable expectations, honest debate and proven facts can result in compromise and bipartisanship. In fact, I helped craft and enact important energy legislation that protects municipal utilities from unfair renewable energy requirements, thanks to the help of my colleagues across the aisle.
Occupation: Operate family restaurant
Primary residence: St. Michaels
Age: 52
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
Democrat
Naomi Hyman
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
Economic opportunity for all Marylanders must be increased. To achieve this, I will work to ensure that students receive high quality basic education and have access to affordable, relevant higher education and job training.
I will support efforts to ensure that workers are paid a living wage and can obtain afford housing in safe neighborhoods close to jobs. I will work to repair crumbling physical infrastructure, expand broadband and cell service, and support green energy initiatives.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
Because reducing inflation is largely beyond the control of state government, I will focus on policies that make life easier for struggling families by making sure that funds from the federal Inflation Reduction Act are directed where they are needed and that all Marylanders know about and are able to access all programs and services available to them. I will also work to strengthen Maryland's economy (with special attention to the Eastern Shore) to provide long-term economic stability.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
Our current senator, Addie Eckardt, was roundly criticized by my opponent for doing just that. I am greatly concerned by this because working across the aisle is only possible with willing partners who see compromise as an essential part of the political process, as I do. I will listen to every voice, take seriously every point of view, and hope that I find partners across the aisle who will put constituent’s needs over ideological purity and work towards common ground and for the common good.
Occupation: Political candidate
Primary residence: Easton
Age: 64
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
@naomifor37 (Instagram) |
More:Maryland Senate Districts 37 and 38: Meet candidates in Primary 2022
House of Delegates (District 37A)
Republican
Donna Bradshaw
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
Safety in our homes and in our streets is my #1 concern for the state. I want to repeal all legislation taking power, equipment, training and immunity away from our law enforcement. We must be a community of law and order if we are to salvage our state and country for our children.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
First, make Maryland business friendly by rolling back regulations on small businesses, farmers, watermen, etc. opening up the opportunity for expansion and new industry to locate here.
Second, untie the state gas tax from the consumer price index, thereby lowering Maryland's gas prices.
Third, reduce all wasteful spending and reallocate to taxpayers by reducing our payroll taxes.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
I believe in ethical, fiscally responsible and constitutionally based laws. I also believe in common sense, purposeful legislation for the masses not catering to small interest groups. Any lawmaker, regardless of party affiliation, will have my support and help in all matters meeting these criteria.
Occupation: Bookkeeper
Primary residence: Rhodesdale
Age: 56
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
Democrat
Sheree Sample-Hughes
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
Did not respond.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
Did not respond.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
Did not respond.
Occupation: State delegate
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
Did not respond |
House of Delegates (District 37B)
Select Two
Republicans
Christopher T. Adams
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
Legislative action taken without due consideration from agriculture and watermen communities of the Eastern Shore. Our state suffers from legislative policy driven by Montgomery, Prince George's and Baltimore City legislators.
It is a core responsibility of all Eastern Shore representatives to defend and fight for the these key industries that lead our State and nation in food production. These industries help define our Eastern Shore heritage and hard-working values.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
Inflation is taxation and sadly falls most heavily on those least able to afford its effects. Maryland is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. In addition, constituent buying power is being dramatically reduced by out of control inflation.
The only solution is to be honest with constituents about how government deficit spending yields to inflation. We must encourage citizens to vote for legislators who understand budgeting and force our government to live well within its means.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
As one of only a very few small business owners serving in the House of Delegates, I work closely with colleagues on the Economic Matters Committee to stop bad legislation from advancing and modify bills that do advance to make them workable with clear bright line paths to compliance. I am a good listener as well as a strong vocal advocate for the Eastern Shore, meaning that the small business voice is heard in the committee where most of the toughest work with colleagues across the aisle happens.
Occupation: Business owner/incumbent state delegate
Primary residence: Hebron
Age: 50
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
@adams4Maryland |
Tom Hutchinson
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
Public Safety: Crime is out of control. We need tougher sentencing for violent and repeat offenders. Offering cashless bail is putting too many violent criminals back into our communities immediately after committing crimes.
The juvenile justice reform is out of control. We are not holding individuals who are committing crimes accountable for their actions … regardless of age. We need to hold the criminals accountable with tougher sentencing for violent and repeat offenders.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
The current escalating inflation rate is due to an increase of the money supply and slower than normal production — which is a problem at the federal level. However, I will do everything possible to ensure that the growth of government in Maryland does not outpace the citizen's ability to pay for it. On a micro level, one area that can impact all Marylanders is to eliminate the automatic annual price increase of gasoline based on the annual consumer price index.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
When elected as your state delegate, I will fight for and defend the values of the Eastern Shore. As a member of the minority party, I will stand up and debate with my colleagues why actions that may be desired on the Western Shore are not necessarily reflective of the needs of my constituents. While it may be necessary to compromise at times, I will never compromise on my values, principals or beliefs which reflect the values and heritage of the Eastern Shore.
Occupation: Owner - Hutchinson Home Services
Primary residence: Woolford
Age: 57
Campaign website | Twitter account | Campaign Facebook page | Other campaign social media |
Democrat
Susan Delean-Botkin
Top issue
What is the top issue facing the state, and what are your plans to help address it?
Did not respond.
Addressing inflation from Annapolis
As a state lawmaker, how do you plan to address inflation?
Did not respond.
Working across the aisle
How do you plan to work across the aisle to serve your constituents, if elected?
Did not respond.
Occupation: Did not respond
Primary residence: Did not respond.
Age: Did not respond.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Maryland Election 2022: Get to know the candidates for the State House
