Candidate Survey: Colt Black for Delegate, District 4

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name *

Colt Black

Age *

33

Office Sought *

House of Delegates

County *

Frederick

District, if applicable *

4

Political Party *

Republican

Education *

Associates Degree

Career/Occupation *

Mortician

Political Experience *

Newcomer

Social Media Accounts *

facebook @ ColtBlack4Delegate

Website *

coltblack4delegate.com

Why are you running for office? *

The founding father's of our country never intended to have politicians who made a full time career out of being politicians. As someone who has worked to go to school and make something positive of my life I cannot stand by while the very fabric of society which has enabled myself along with countless others to improve their life to be torn asunder. Bi-partisan trampling of our rights and demoralizing the people to become dependents of government is not the values of which our country was founded on.

Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *

George Washington, as he was humble in his not wanting to accept titles of nobility and wished to be treated as a common man while leading our fledgling nation.

What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *

Mark Levin's The Liberty Amendments, as it provides a clear roadmap to address many of today's political problems presented by a top lawyer in the Regan administration. These solutions are created to allow the states to address the problems at the federal level just as the founders intended.

What will be your top priority in office? *

Restoring respect for the Constitutional rights of citizens & tax reform

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

Infrastructure of roads, ect especially in the northern part of the district.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

Lack of respect for citizens constitutional rights, Infrastructure, Taxes

What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *

With respect to abortion they should be permitted only in times where the mother's life is in danger, in cases of rape or incest. Outside of that abortion should be illegal. With respect to assisted suicide I do believe in the right of a consenting adult who is terminally ill who has capacity of sound mind to make decisions to end their life on their terms.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

Maryland needs to maintain a balanced budget which has responsible spending within it. Eliminate the pork and save money where it can be saved. With respect to taxes I would like to see Maryland work toward a consumption tax model to eliminate the state individual & corporate income taxes and the death tax.

What is your position on gun rights? *

If a right requires a license or permit it is no longer a right but a privilege. Maryland's gun laws are among the strictest in the nation yet Baltimore remains a top competitor in the 100 most dangerous cities in the United States every year. With that in mind it is shameful that Maryland does not issue permits to anyone who legally can possess a gun to carry it outside the home. As the people most in need of firearms for self defense will never qualify for a permit under the "may issue" system Maryland has in place. Criminals by definition do not follow the law including gun laws. The restrictions on firearms impact the law abiding citizens not criminals. The second amendment of the US Constitution is pretty clear in defining a people's right to keep and bear arms it is about time Maryland respected it.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

Marijuana should be fully legal. Both recreational and medical use.

What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *

A retailer of alcohol should be able to buy from any manufacturer direct without a distributor in the middle driving up cost to the end consumer. We already have blurred lines between the 3 classes (Manufacturer, Wholesaler, & Retailer) in cases such as wineries or brew pubs who both manufacture and sell their product so if one group can do this it's time to change the law and level the playing field for all in the business.

What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *

Preservation of farmland & wildlife habitat need to be top of mind when making the decisions about land use. State government has a vested interest to ensure over development does not occur, while at the same time ensuring citizens has the most freedom to use their property as they see fit.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

In short with respect to crime, there are many laws currently on the books for which punishment is jail or prison time however if we legalize certain things such as drugs, prostitution, and gambling, create regulation around these items and activities & tax them we could make a real difference in sheer population numbers in the system. From there alternative sentencing for other non violent crimes could be made. For the most serious of crimes the death penalty should be reinstated. With respect to public safety we do indeed need a strong police force but just like other professions in Maryland who are regulated by a licensing board we need the same for police. This board would have enforcement authority statewide to bring charges against an officer which could be administrative action or if warranted criminally in cases of wrongdoing. . Additionally there are several case precedents that police use as justification for operating in a certain manor. These court precedents do not take the place of legislative authority and we must work to reign in violations of constitutional rights by law enforcement no matter where they come from to ensure all citizens are afforded their rights as our founders intended.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

County tax caps are really a farce as they can be overridden. It also does not mean property taxes will go down or even stay the same. If we are going to "cap" counties on the amount of property taxes they can assess then it should be done fully and not in half measures.

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?

I will accept the per diem payment. I am not independently wealthy, I have a wife and 3 minor children at home so while I will not be able to make as much in my business while in Annapolis I will need to supplement myself to afford to serve.

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