Republican candidate for State Senate in District 29 which encompasses areas of St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles Counties stopped by Baynet Radio and TheBAYNET.com to introduce his candidacy and his stand on various issues.

“We face a myriad of problems that our current state government has yet to solve. I bring new leadership,” said Waugh during the interview. “Unemployment has doubled in Southern Maryland during the last 12 months. People don’t want handouts or bailouts; they want a job and a paycheck.”

When asked what he thought the solution was to unemployment, Waugh stated that the state needed to ignite small business. “Businesses are scared to hire now, even as they feel more demand. We need to establish a small business bonus – create a full time job and get a $1000 tax credit,” said Waugh.

He stated that there are more than 1,000 businesses in Southern Maryland and that with the proper incentives, hundreds could hire a few people. “Even the smallest may hire one or two now,” said Waugh.

Waugh also feels that it is too hard in the current government climate for businesses to start. “We need to launch the Maryland Small Business Express, designed to accelerate new business creation with a goal of less than 48 hours from start to permit. Entrepreneurs who know where opportunity lies will chase their dream and create jobs, now.”

The former Marine Harrier pilot stated that something must be done for the smaller businesses as well, such as the family farm. “Agriculture is dwindling and entry costs are escalating. We need to repeal the Death Tax that breaks up family farms and businesses,” said Waugh. “We need to keep farms affordable and retain our rural heritage.”

Waugh related that he feels for the men and women that earn their livings from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. “We should help implement a new business model for aquaculture, which would help to keep watermen in business; grow their businesses and will save the bay.”

Waugh feels that part of fixing what is wrong with Maryland and its economy can be directly attributed to uncontrolled growth. “Hasty growth has strained our roads, bridges, police and schools,” said Waugh. “Our roads and bridges are over-taxed with a community three times as big as when the Thomas Johnson Bridge was built,” he continued,
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He stated that the area needs to get state funding for the three county transportation plans, which would ease congestion and anticipate future needs. “We should not just react to them. We should finish studying and start building a second span.”

As a former marine and pilot, Waugh feels strongly that Maryland needs to place more emphasis on elevating education and opportunity for students. “We don’t have enough qualified science, technology, engineering and math instructors. We should make an honorable profession more attractive: qualify STEM professionals as STEM teachers which would increase educational opportunities for our children.”

The candidate has many more thoughts about the issues covering everything from the environment to public safety and government spending. To learn more about Waugh and where he stands on a plethora of issues, visit his Web site. www.waugh2010.com.
 
I retired from the Marine Corps in 2006. In the four years since my retirement I have seen the State of Maryla