Questions include:

• Do you think local governments should accept Governor Ehrlich’s challenge to meet his commitment to reduce property taxes by 15%?
• Do you think state or local governments should be able to take private land and use it for economic development and to expand the tax base?
• Has the BGE deregulation been explained enough that you fully understand the issue?
• Stem Cell research can lead to finding cures to many diseases and cancers. Some stem cell research has provided better results then others. Which stem cell research do you support?
• Do you agree with the state senate’s recommendation to cut $1 million from the Governor’s budget to enhance renewable energy sources like solar energy?
• Do you agree with the state senate’s recommendation to cut $10 million from the Governor’s budget that would have helped to raise horse track purses to maintain Maryland’s $1 billion horse industry?
• ...and others

The toll that was placed along Interstate 95 some years ago has created a barrier between Cecil County and the rest of the state, and has greatly hurt important economic development for the county.

As an example, those of you who shop at the Perryville Prime Outlets will notice the lack of bustling shoppers, as many out of county residents will not venture over the river and pay the $5 toll to enjoy our outlet shopping. Not to mention the financial burden this toll places on commuters, particularly those on fixed incomes-commuters who reside in Cecil County but travel to Harford and Baltimore County or Baltimore City.

I am seeking alternatives to mitigate the financial burden that this toll places on the my Cecil and Harford County constituents. With the Hatem Bridge undergoing construction, which could last up to thirty months, the bridge will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction. I have asked that Hatem bridge tolls be permanently removed. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) has agreed to do that for me. In addition, we are working with them on a task force that hopefully will decide to lower the toll on the I-95 bridge from $5 to $2.50 The idea is to put a southbound toll on I-95 above Elkton about 3 miles from the Delaware line. The cost would be $2.50 Essentially what I am trying to do is to lower the cost of the I-95 bridge toll and put a southbound toll in near the Delaware that will not affect southbound users from Cecil County. I have been assured by MTA that they are willing to do that.

The way SB 3 is written, and if not amended, would allow the same kind of misuse of government power that would have taken homes along the water in Middle River five years ago. SB 3 talks the talk but it does not walk the walk when trying to correct Eminent Domain in Maryland.

I am working with a number of senators to try and correct the problems in the bill. There are a number of amendments that I am reviewing. One amendment removes the state's power to take any land for economic development. Another is to limit the lawyers' fees from 30% to 10%.

These articles do a good job explaining the situation that Maryland is facing. This issue is complicated and any information that is truthful and is clear to understand should be read. I promise you that I take this issue very seriously and I will work hard to find an answer that is fair.

* Five things you should know about the energy bill increase

"Power Companies Warn Lawmakers About Rate Manipulation." By The WBAL Channel. March 15, 2006. "Clearly our role is to be aggressive in this," said Republican Sen. E.J. Pipkin of the Eastern Shore. Electricity will face lawmakers in another form later this week, when the Senate is scheduled to consider whether it should require pollution reduction for coal- fired power plants."
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"Health Air Act Moves Forward as Senators Scrutinize Potential Fallout." By Thomas Dennison. Gazette. March 15, 2006. "As the Administration and the General Assembly move toward solutions to the expected increases in electricity costs this year, the Senate Committee's decision to pass the 4-P bill is a direct threat to electricity prices and supplies in Maryland," Ehrlich said in a statement."
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