Candidate Survey: Deni Taveras for House of Delegates, District 47B

TheDuckpin.com Candidaet Survey

Name *

Deni Taveras

Age *

49

Office Sought *

House of Delegates

County *

Prince George's

District, if applicable *

47B

Political Party *

Democrat

Education *

MPA-URP, Princeton University; MS in chemistry University of Utah; BA in chemistry Barnard College, Columbia University

Career/Occupation *

County Council Member

Political Experience *

10 years (2 staff in Annapolis; 8 as an elected official)

Social Media Accounts *

Facebook.com/DeniTaveras

Website *

Votedenitaveras.com

Why are you running for office? *

I am committed to seeing through the projects I started under my tenure from the $10 billion in infrastructure development (including the full completion of the Purple Line within my first term), and the full construction of nine schools and two libraries within my district. I have a proven track records of results.

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

Rushern Baker because he has been able to successfully transform Prince George's County under my watch. Also, Congressman Adriano Espaillat because under him I learn the power of unity.

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

Team of Rivals by D. Goodwin and Master of the Senate by R. Caro

What will be your top priority in office? *

Completion of Purple Line, implentation of the SPACES Northwern Gateway project, completion of 3 out of 9 schools, groundbreaking on 3 out of 6 remaining schools, and groundbreaking on the last of 2 libraries; this one in the heart of Langley Park.

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

Poverty and the threat of gentrification.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

Wealth/health insurance gap, Education gap, Scarcity mindset

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

Pro-abortion and supportive of end of life choices

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

Fiscally conservative on spending. Sense that for those with deep pockets tax loopholes abound.

What is your position on gun rights? *

I am strongly pro-gun control. I believe in the approach taken by countries such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, etc.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

Cautiously in favor.

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

I currently do not see a problem, however, I see this only as an end user. The problem I have is the single selling of bottles that incentivizes loitering by alcoholics and littering in my neighborhood.

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

I am favorable of controlled development near and around transit.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

This is an issue that has not been sufficiently studied and we need the consistent capture of race and ethnicity data at all levels as well as the lifting of the Dicky Amendment in Congress to fund the study of the use of guns more thoroughly.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

Not in favor of TRIM.

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 necessary. I live about 45 minutes away. If I am too tired I would prefer to avoid an accident and not fall asleep while driving.

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