Candidate Survey: Kevin Merillat for House of Delegates, District 27C
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name*
Kevin D. Merillat, MBA, MS
Age*
51
Office Sought*
House of Delegates
County*
Calvert
District, if applicable*
27C
Political Party*
Republican
Education*
BS Business Admin, MBA, MS
Career/Occupation*
Owner of Merillat Pools, Inc.
Political Experience*
Working on legislative issues in Annapolis since 2014
Social Media Accounts*
Kevin Merillat for Delegate on FB
Website*
https://www.merillat4delegate.com/
Why are you running for office?*
I am a small business operator that has grown tired of the many regulations that hamper a homeowners’ ability to improve their property. In addition, I have three middle school aged children and want to see our education system refocus on a students academic accomplishment. Our small businesses are the live blood of our local economy and we need to support those that are willing to take on the risks associated with starting and running a small business. I hope to be A New Wave of legislator that leads with positivity while concentrating on common sense legislation.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why?*
Ronald Reagan - President Reagan lead with positivity and did not believe in using negativity as a campaign tactic. He was a true statesman that was concerned with bringing a Country together by concentrating on common ground issues.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why?*
Gandhi - Autobiography
What will be your top priority in office?*
Ensuring our education is focusing on student academic achievement, lowering taxes, and reducing government red tape
What is the biggest issue facing your area?*
Education and the local economy.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland?*
Education, inflation, and providing opportunity for all citizens of Maryland.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide)*
I am pro life with the understanding that access to certain services must be accommodated.
What is your position on taxes and spending?*
Lower spending by reducing government red tape and pass that savings back to our citizens.
What is your position on gun rights?*
I support 2A, and I don’t feel that people should have to give up their right to purchase a firearm if they are a medical cannabis patient. I look forward to new legislation following the SCOTUS decision on concealed carry in NY.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?*
I believe a regulated 21 market will provide a safe and legal means for those choosing to utilize cannabis. There has never been a death from a cannabis overdose, 100k deaths last year from alcohol, 100k deaths last year from opioids. Cannabis prohibition is a form of government propaganda dating back to the early 1900’s.
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol?*
I feel the three tier system is logical; however, as micro-breweries become more popular I feel that these brewers should be able to easily sell their own products as a retailer.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development?*
Property rights is one of my primary agenda items. I feel that individual residents are being punished by the State Stormwater Management policies. Many local jurisdictions over regulate which hampers a homeowners ability to improve their property. Growth and development are necessary to grow an economy, but specific growth goals and community planning must be established to keep growth from overrunning our rural areas.
What is your position on crime and public safety?*
We MUST enforce the laws that we have, and fund our police so they are equipped to perform their duties.
What is your position on county tax caps?*
Local taxes should be kept low, and tax caps provide a ceiling protecting us from overtaxation.
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?
Yes, these benefits exist to help keep lawmakers in Annapolis during session. I live 1.5 to 2 hours from Annapolis and I feel it is vital to be present during all session activities.
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