Candidate Survey: David Sgambellone for Anne Arundel County Council, District 2

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name *

David Sgambellone

Age *

37

Office Sought *

County Council

County *

Anne Arundel

District, if applicable *

2

Political Party *

Libertarian

Education *

B.S. Computer Engineering

Career/Occupation *

Engineer

Political Experience *

President of Home owners association.

Social Media Accounts *

https://www.facebook.com/Sgambellone-for-AA-Council-100329759122421

Website *

https://www.sgambelloneforcouncil.org/

Why are you running for office? *

From a young age of been inspired by Libertarian ideas. But there is no good in being an arm chair philosopher, I want to share these ideas with people and make a difference in my community.

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

There are many people who have stood up to Liberty in their time and place and should be admired. And nobody is perfect. Its hard to pick one but some examples include Ron Paul, Grover Cleveland and Bastiat

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

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. As much as I enjoy reading dry tombs of political philosophy (I actually do) The Mood is a Harsh Mistress does a good job introducing Libertarian ideas in an entertaining story fashion.

What will be your top priority in office? *

School choice. There is nothing that we can do that will do more for the families of Anne Arundel county than to further school choice programs. The government school system in infinitely less efficient than the private sector counterparts. Education is the key to individual success and the ability to choose the education that best meets your children’s needs is the key to education. Currently school choice is only available to the elite, it needs to be extended to everyone, including historically disadvantaged communities. In addition to providing higher quality and individualized curriculum though competition, it will also end the damaging battle going on at school boards over things like mask mandates and critical race theory, as parents can choose the school that suites them, and their children, best. Teachers will also benefit from the ability to choose what type of school they teach at as schools compete for the best teachers. This will encourage innovations as successful schools will get more business and unsuccessful ones will go out of business. This is how we work together to improve the quality of education.

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

Our biggest issue is the education of our children, which is why it is my top priority.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

1. School Choice. See above As I am running for county council I will keep this question focused on local issues as apposed to state wide issues. 2. Urban development and zoning: Congestion and overcrowding are becoming a problem. The problems are the result of well intentioned but miss-guided attempts to plan our community, often with large amount of the tax payers money. Getting government out of the way is how economic development is encouraged. Reducing licensing and regulation. Reducing zoning restrictions will help the housing crisis by allowing multi-family homes to be built where the demand is high and thereby lower housing costs for everyone. Allowing mixed zoning will ease parking problems as everyone is not clustered in specific designated areas as designated times 3. Taxes We already have way more taxes than we need to run any government. I am against any increase in taxes or spending. Cutting taxes will encourage business and help revive the economy.

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

Not county relevant, but some quick answers Abortion – Pro life. A baby is a human being with the same rights as an adult. Assisted Suicide. People have the right to live their own lives as they see fit. A conscious consenting adult should be allowed to end their own life.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

We have way too much of both. The overarching goal of any Libertarian is to reduce the size and scope of the government. This means reducing both taxes and spending and actually having a balanced budget

What is your position on gun rights? *

No matter how many laws you make, criminals will never stop having guns. Criminals don’t care about laws saying they can’t own guns – that’s why they’re called criminals. So the only people dis-armed are the law abiding citizens. Allowing people to defend themselves is required for defense against all kinds of injustices.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

100% legalization. People have a right to put whatever they want in their own bodies. And making it legal will take away the source of income of the drug cartels, as well as ending the labeling of thousands of peaceful people has criminals

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

I am of course against any kind of tiered regulation system. Anybody should be able to produce and/or sell anything (including alcohol) to anyone. As long as all those involved are consenting adults the only role of government is to punish fraud.

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

Another of my big issues as discussed above. No one knows better how to productively use land than the land owner. The government has many well intentioned but miss-guided attempts to plan our community, often with large amount of the tax payers money. Getting government out of the way is how economic development is encouraged. Reducing licensing and regulation. Reducing zoning restrictions will help the housing crisis by allowing multi-family homes to be built where the demand is high and thereby lower housing costs for everyone. Allowing mixed zoning will ease parking problems as everyone is not clustered in specific designated areas as designated times

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

The primary role of the government is to punish criminals (defined as those who violate people's rights). The two measure that will go the furthest to reducing crime and increasing public safety are legalizing drugs and allowing concealed carry. Legalizing drugs will greatly reduce crime and free up our police departments to focus on real criminals, and allowing people to defend themselves will increase their safety better than any police department could.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

In favor. We have far too many taxes already, anything that can help stem the flow is good.

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