Candidate Survey: Janet Heavner for Allegany County Board of Education

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name*

Janet Heavner

Age*

68

Office Sought*

Board of Education

County*

Allegany

Political Party*

Democrat

Education*

Masters Degree

Career/Occupation*

Retired Public Health Professional/Senior Clinical Study Director

Political Experience*

This is my first time running for office.

Social Media Accounts*

I have no active public-facing accounts.

Website*

janetheavner.com

Why are you running for office?*

I have strong belief in the importance of public education as a foundation for life.

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

B. Lucile Roeder - the first woman to be elected to public office in Cumberland, Maryland. Mrs. Roeder was a trailblazer and consensus builder, resulting in a long list of lasting accomplishments.

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

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, although a work of fiction roughly based on the author's childhood, was the first book that conveyed to me the impact of public policy on social justice issues.

What will be your top priority in office?*

Building consensus for the benefit of students.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?*

Multi-generational poverty impacts many facets of life in Allegany County: most importantly lack of economic vibrancy and hope for the future.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland?*

Three issues that impact the future of Marylanders are: the deficit of affordable public transportation; lack of access to digital broadband in rural underprivileged areas; and lack of equitable access to quality health care and public health across the economic and urban rural spectra.

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

Abortion is a controversial and difficult choice for any woman - a choice best made in privacy and with guidance and trust in surrounding. Providing the education and means to avoid unwanted pregnancies provide child care assistance and support for mothers and family can lower the frequency of pregnancy terminations. Those mothers whose lives and whose baby's lives are in medical danger during pregnancy who must undergo these terminations deserve our utmost dignity and protection. Anyone who has watched a loved one undergo excruciating pain and discomfort during her/his end days can appreciate the possibility of assisted suicide. Again, this is a very personal decision that should be carefully regulated.

What is your position on taxes and spending?*

Equitable taxation is a necessary means to fund public services. Tax loopholes for the wealthy and corporations create an inequitable economy in which we all suffer.

What is your position on gun rights?*

Common sense gun laws are in the best interest of public safety. I think that most gun owners agree.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?*

Legalization with guidelines seems to be a pertinent way forward to take advantage of Maryland's largest cash crop.

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

This system seems to be working, for the most part, in the way it was originally intended.

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

We must remember to balance growth with preservation of green public spaces.

What is your position on crime and public safety?*

We need to protect first responders while protecting the safety of the public and reducing police brutality.

What is your position on county tax caps?*

A 'Circuit Breaker" alternative may be a way to alleviate excessive property taxes without impacting public services.

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