Candidate Survey: Julianna Lufkin for Frederick County Council, District 5

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name *

Julianna Lufkin

Age *

30

Office Sought *

County Council

County *

Frederick

District, if applicable *

District 5

Political Party *

Democrat

Education *

I attended the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I also was the first woman to graduate from the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing.

Career/Occupation *

I work in the family catering company, teach homeschool enrichment classes that focus on literature and history, and also operate a blacksmith’s forge.

Political Experience *

This is my first campaign. I’m a Frederick County native, and have been keenly interested in politics my whole life.

Social Media Accounts *

Facebook: Julianna Lufkin for Frederick County Instagram: Lufkin.Listens

Website *

Linktr.ee/Lufkin.Listens

Why are you running for office? *

As I mentioned before, I’m a Frederick County native. My family has been here, specifically in the northern parts of the county, since just post-WWII. I am running for office for several reasons, one of which is that I consider myself uniquely qualified to help our county be the best that it can be. I love Frederick County, and I see such a promising future for it, and for all of our residents. I would like to be a part of the team that helps that future come true.

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

Goodness, it’s hard to pick! While I have many heroes and role models, I consider it critical to remember that human beings are complicated, and that it’s inherently problematic to model your life or behavior on any one person. I admire and try to emulate points from various different political figures and activists, including (but not limited to); Abigail Adams, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jeanette Rankin, Benjamin Franklin, Wilma Mankiller, and Elizabeth Warren.

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

I was 12 when I first read The Federalist Papers. My grandfather was a historian, and a scholar of Constitutional Law, and the biggest fan of primary resources. He taught me that there’s nothing like learning about a document by actually reading that document. Since then, I’ve revisited The Federalist Papers several times, and I find new insights and idea every time.

What will be your top priority in office? *

I will work to reduce the food insecurity in our school system, by forging connections between our numerous producers and providers with FCPS. Feeding hungry children, while keeping money in our community, assisting our farmers with regular and reliable income, and offering incentives for more sustainable farming methods - hard to go wrong!

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

I believe that one of the biggest issues facing Frederick County in general, and District 5 in particular has to do with the number of schoolchildren who’s only reliable meal comes from FCPS.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

Lack of funding and support for our public schools, lack of reliable internet in our more rural areas, and the opioid epidemic. The recent pandemic has highlighted issues that for too long, our elected officials have not focused on. If elected, I will work to support our at-risk population in every way I can.

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

I view abortion as healthcare, and absolutely necessary. I believe firmly that a person in their right mind should be allowed to chose their own time and method of death without fear of recrimination. That being said, neither of those issues fall under the auspices of Frederick County Council, so my positions on them are not a part of my platform.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

I consider myself to be financially conservative and socially progressive. I believe that we have the funds available to achieve most, if not all, of the programs I support. I would hold the county accountable for using the revenue collected for its intended purposes.

What is your position on gun rights? *

I’m proud to be an American history buff, and while the Founders’ views on the Constitution differ, I follow something of a middle ground. I do not believe, as Thomas Jefferson did, that the Constitution should be rewritten by each generation. I do, however, believe that the times, and the “arms” in question have changed in the intervening 200 years. I support the Second Amendment, and to me, that means protecting the rights of responsible gun owners with smarter regulations.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

I was pleased when Maryland legalized medical marijuana, and I am in favor of legalizing and decriminalizing recreational use. I believe that it should be legalized, and taxed as alcohol is.

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

I am in favor of our current system. If abolished, the government would lose the revenue from the sales, which could result in taxes being raised to make up the deficit.

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

I am a firm believer in smart growth. I’m delighted to see our county growing, and with that, we need to take steps to better support our existing infrastructure, as well as creating new.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

Similar to my views on the Second Amendment, I do support our police force. To me, that means giving them the support that they need; trained mental health professionals, both for our officers and for the public, deescalation trainings, and much more. I believe that by creating a stronger, kinder, and more understanding community, we benefit not just the at-risk members, but also the police force.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

I do not support getting rid of the property tax cap.

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