Candidate Survey: Annel McCollim for House of Delegates, District 8
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
Annel McCollim
Age *
50
Office Sought *
House of Delegates
County *
Baltimore County
District, if applicable *
8
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
Social Work and Psychology
Career/Occupation *
Social Worker
Political Experience *
I've worked as a volunteer campaign manager in the past. I've worked on presidential and mayoral campaigns as a volunteer. I've lobbied in front of the US Capitol and Pentagon on several occasions. I am a consistent voter. Wherever I could, I have advocated for the underserved. I am a member of a labor union and have spoken out on behalf of workers.
Social Media Accounts *
https://www.facebook.com/Annel-McCollim-for-MD-House-of-Delegates-106463535077320; twitter.com/annelmccollim
Website
Why are you running for office? *
1) To be the voice and the messenger of the underserved and misrepresented. 2) To make significant changes in laws and policies that have been detrimental to many of us.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
I have a few role models, but Martin Luther King Jr. is my all-time favorite because he was about not only defending human rights, but also unity.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
All Labor Has Dignity, 2010, by Martin Luther King Jr. This book was about his legacy of mobilizing civil rights movements to help public employee workers' causes, people in the service economy, and the labor movement. Furthermore, he discussed what we are currently witnessing: elected officials abusing their filibuster privilege to obstruct meaningful legislative change. This book is one of my favorites because it expresses my feelings about low wages, poverty, and injustice. Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized that people work "full-time jobs for part-time wages," that custodians are just as important as administrators, and so on. His point was that people should be paid based on their work rather than just their education.
What will be your top priority in office? *
1) Public safety 2) Adequate wages 3) Mental Health Recovery On those issues, I will make every effort to reach out to legislators at both the state and federal levels.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
There isn't a single significant flaw, I'm afraid! We have two major concerns in Baltimore County District 8, and in Baltimore County by large: 1) Financial opportunities and/or vocational schools for single parents, young people, and low-income working families are severely lacking, making it difficult for these groups to become financially self-sufficient. 2) Harmful use of opioids.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
There are several issues that are intertwined. Low wages and unemployment are all linked to gun violence, drug use and trafficking, sex trafficking, and prostitution. The streets aren't taken over by criminals for no reason. People commit crimes because the system fails to provide a sustainable economy and safety measures. We live in a system that solely focuses on blaming the victim rather than addressing the underlying causes of the problems. If we want to be a genuine government, we must begin there.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
From the standpoint of social work, I believe that assessing a situation before making a decision is critical. A variety of life issues can have an impact on a person's ability to function on various levels. There is no such thing as an absolute gray, black, or white. I've always believed that there are various approaches to and resolutions of a problem, and that we should always assist the individual dealing with the situation in taking the safest route based on their best interests and circumstances. Taking the two highlighted issues in your question about abortion and assisted suicide, I will say this: I) I support abortion when a minor or adult is a victim of incest, rape, and sex trafficking & abuse. I do not support abortion when the cause of the pregnancy is purely a result of lack of education and/or protection. I would prefer to support that mom-to-be financially because in those cases many women would agree to keep their baby is they are financially supported, including shelter. In a case of a minor, if there are no health issues present and legal guardian is not supportive, that minor should be offered shelter and financial support, first. II) Concerning assisted suicide, it should be done only at the adult's request, and that decision should be documented in a living will with that adult's signature prior to becoming ill.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
I've never worked as an accountant before. Therefore, I am unable to comment on taxes or expenditures. However, I want you toknow that on my legislative agenda, I am gonna work towards abolishing the income tax for all Marylanders, not just those in Baltimore County District 8. Other types of taxes, such as property and sales taxes, are fair to pay to the government so that they can pull revenues to care for roads, schools, and so on. I feel like we workers are being robbed twice by paying income tax.
What is your position on gun rights? *
What exactly are gun rights? When was it even a right to have this? I don't see why anyone other than law enforcement should be allowed to own a gun. No elected official, regardless of political affiliation, should allow this. Possession of a firearm causes more harm than good to society, rather than safety!
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
Marijuana can be used in medicine. The legalization of marijuana is being abused by some people as an excuse to continue to feed their drug addictions in an unproductive manner. For example, a mother who uses marijuana while pregnant and expects to avoid child welfare laws after the baby is born by claiming, "I have a medical card to smoke marijuana." A parent who smokes marijuana in the presence of a child, who consumes secondhand marijuana smoke and becomes ill, but parent claims, "I am allowed to smoke because I have a medical card."
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
If it is about preventing "disorderly marketing conditions?" Then I'm in favor of it. I advocate for good health, safety, fair treatment, and a sustainable economy for all - not things that harm people.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
If the use of the land does not devastate the environment or worsen the health of the people who live on it, I would agree to it.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
As I stated in previous questions, public safety is at the top of my priority list. Everyone, I believe, desires and thrives on safety. The question is, how do we address the underlying causes of crime in the first place? Everyone, not just politicians, should go to bed asking themselves that question until we find meaningful solutions to reduce crime in our community. One thing I must add is that the government cannot achieve it all without the help of its constituents, citizens must take responsibility and pride in making their environment a loving and safe place to live.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
I am in as long as the tax caps are used to promote better schools, roads, and financial resources for county residents.
For candidates for the General Assembly: Legislators can receive $101 per day for lodging and $47 per day for meals during the 90-day General Assembly session. If elected, do you plan to accept these benefits? Why or why not?
If these stipends refer to Maryland State Senators and House of Representatives, then it is fair because the annual salary is not adequate.
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes