Maryland State Delegate John Bohanan stopped by Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com and took some time out of his schedule to share his thoughts and ideas about the upcoming election and issues facing his District 29B.
Bohanan, member of House of Delegates since December 16, 1999 has served as Chair of the Spending Affordability Committee in 2007, He was a member of the Appropriations Committee in 2003, the capital budget subcommittee, In 2004 he was a member of the public safety and administration subcommittee and served as the Chair for the oversight committee on personnel and many more. To see Bohanan’s full list of service, visit: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa13089.html.
The ten-year State Delegate was born in Leonardtown. He attended St. Mary’s Ryken High School and went on to Towson State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance, In 1981. Bohanan was the legislative assistant to U.S. Representative Roy P. Dyson. From 1991 to 1993, the future Delegate served as Senior Advisor to U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer.
When asked about pressing issues facing his District in the coming term, Democrat Bohanon stated that the economy is an area that needs constant monitoring, but that the number one issue he faces in the coming term is transportation.
“We are working to get the Thomas Johnson bridge funding in place. With the pending approval of the third reactor in Lusby and the 22,000 people working on the base, we need better ingress and egress facilities to accommodate everyone. Replacing the bridge is an important priority,” said Bohanan.
Bohanan knows that the coming election will be difficult, but is committed to campaigning the way he always has. “I have always maintained a straight campaign about the issues,” said Bohanan. “I remain close to all my opponents and intend to run this campaign the same way.”
He knows that the temperature of the electorate is different than in most years past. “There is a very strong ‘vote out the incumbent’ feeling out there and people just want to know that their elected officials will work for them to get through the economic crisis. I intend to be that official.”
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Bohanan understands the tough choices that the State must make in balancing its budget each year.”During this legislative term, over $5.5 billion and 4,000 positions have been cut from the state budget. We managed to continue funding for core priorities like public safety, K-12 education and higher education.”
During his stint as Delegate, Bohanan was appointed to the Special Committee on Higher Education Affordability and Access where he worked to implement a tuition freeze, now in its fourth consecutive year. “As a result, Maryland has now dropped to sixteenth for tuition costs in the U.S.”
Bohanan also has worked tirelessly to protect the bay and its resources. He supported additional funding to expand the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population, the Bay’s natural filter, and to continue the construction of oyster habitats to improve the health of the Bay.
“This legislation will develop measures for local and State plans for sustainable growth in areas of the State where new development can be supported, while protecting the impact to the Bay and maintaining areas of open space,” said Bohanan.
<!–
–>
