On a recent visit with Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com, Republican Candidate for St. Mary’s County Commissioner, Cindy Jones explained her stand on various issues and the campaign ahead.
The candidate is running against long-time incumbent, Kenny Dement in District 1 which covers the southern part of the County and includes Piney Point and Ridge. In our County Jones explained that “there are four Commissioner Districts. All the voters in the County vote for Commissioners in all four districts. The top vote getter from each district is then elected. In addition, the voters vote for a Commissioner President. The Commissioner President is the fifth Commissioner.
“I believe we have a wonderful County. It is my intention to do all that I can to preserve, protect and improve our quality of life,” said Jones about what she intends to do if elected. “I believe the years of backroom deals have not served our communities well. The $5.3 million purchase of the property outside of Leonardtown is a perfect example of bad government. There were two appraisals of the property – one for $3.6 million and one for $4.3 million. The public hearing on this land deal was held on Christmas Eve. Government is supposed to be transparent and open to the public. When government is run behind closed doors, bad decisions are made and we, the people, suffer.”
She went on to state that the money County residents pay in taxes belongs to those tax payers, not the politicians.”Our elected leaders must not spend more than we have. They must look for efficiencies and opportunities to reduce spending. It has been long understood that lower taxes spur the economy and create jobs.”
Jones stated that she will work hard to reduce taxes whenever possible by working equally as hard to reduce wasteful spending. “I also am opposed to increasing the County Piggyback tax,” said Jones, explaining that the piggyback tax is what is added to state income tax.
Jones is also a staunch advocate for education and feels the current Board has done a great job of improving education and stated that she would work to improve the education funding formula. “I also support school choice and vocational edication and feel that home schooled children should be entitled access to County resources.”
When asked about the way the current county government is run, Jones stated that government needs to be open and transparent so that citizens can be involved the governing process. “The County Ethics Code needs to be enhanced to ensure we end the backroom deals that have gone on in the past,” said Jones. Over all, Jones feels that with budgetary troubles, the entire government needs to get more efficient in the way they govern.
About land use and the environment, Jones stated that she was supportive of alternative agricultural efforts that preserve existing farms. “We need more community input before we make land use decisions,” said Jones. She also favors working on improving waterways which would in turn help support watermen.
“I have always had a passion for serving the citizens of St. Mary’s County. More recently, however, with the increasing number of backroom land and development deals and higher and higher taxes, my attention has turned to County government,” said Jones.
The candidate welcomes citizens to ask her about any of the issues. She has provided all her contact information on her Web site, www.electcindyjones.com
