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During a recent visit to Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com, Calvert County Commissioner Susan Shaw explained her positions on a number of issues and why she decided to run for a third term as Commissioner.

The Republican candidate said, “We live in uncertain economic times. We all worry about our Country’s and our State’s deep budget deficits. We know that most of us can not afford to pay additional taxes to eliminate that debt. With this backdrop of turmoil, I have made the well-considered decision to run for my third term as a Calvert County Commissioner.

Shaw stated that she was recently reminded why she sought elected office in the first place: “I had poured my heart and soul into this beautiful community I love. I wanted to help shape its future. What a privilege it has been to serve as a decision maker for Calvert County for the last seven and a half years”

One thing Shaw cautioned voters to do is to carefully choose their candidates. “People need to vote in commissioners who understand the budgeting process. We are in such a difficult position with the State and Federal moneys drying up and the County having to cover budget items that it did not have to in past years; responsible people who understand the budgeting process will be needed now more than at any time before.”

She stated that despite having to endure a severe recession which significantly impacted Calvert County's tax revenues, residents continue to experience a high quality of life. Shaw wants to ensure that the County maintains its 100 percent volunteer fire and rescue services. “We currently experience better response times than most paid departments including our Advanced Life Support, Hazmat Team and more,” said Shaw:
 
When asked about public safety and crime, Shaw stated she was in favor of adding deputies to the Sheriff’s Office and for renovating and upgrading the Work-Release facility with additional beds and planning a future addition and renovation to the Calvert Detention Center. “I think we need to add State’s Attorney staff and continue to crack down on the County’s substance abusers.” Shaw is currently the BOCC representative in the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse.

On education, the candidate stated that even though Calvert enjoyed one of the best school systems in the nation, there are improvements needed in order to keep the system achieving at a high level. “We will continue to support education with the funding we have available to keep the schools performing at a high level,” said Shaw.

Shaw also feels deeply about Calvert’s rural beauty and the need to preserve that by continuing to limit growth to areas where it makes the most sense and can be supported while protecting Calvert’s fragile environment. She said that in addition to preserving Calvert’s beauty, that commissioners needed to make smart decisions about needed improvements.

“Road Construction and a close partnership with the State Highway Administration and Maryland Transit Authority is on-going to reduce traffic congestion including the on-going construction of the Prince Frederick Loop Road with several sections opened on the West Side of Route 4 and near-term improvements to Armory Road.”

Shaw has many more ideas about the future of Calvert, the budget requirements and taxes available. To learn more about Shaw and her positions on the issues facing Calvert, visit her Web site at www.imchoosingsusan.com