Candidate Survey: Mason Carter for Frederick County Council, District 5

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name *

Mason Carter

Age *

17

Office Sought *

County Council

County *

Frederick

District, if applicable *

5

Political Party *

Republican

Education *

High school and some college

Career/Occupation *

Customer Service, former Local Government Reporter

Political Experience *

Worked with Conservative candidates for local and state office in 2020, namely Neil Parrott for Congress. Tapped as Campaign Manager in 2021 for a candidate for Mayor in the City of Frederick. Appointed to the Maryland Center for School Safety Focus Group in 2021 as a County Representative to ensure the safety of every student in Maryland.

Social Media Accounts *

Instagram: Carter4Council Twitter: Mason4Council

Website *

Carterforcouncil.com

Why are you running for office? *

Historically, Frederick County is deep red, however in 2020 Joe Biden became the first Democrat since Lyndon B. Johnson (1964) to win the County. This federal election result is reflective of our local elections, where residents are represented by a twice elected Democrat County Executive and a majority Democrat Council. Ever since I publicly announced my intention to run for Frederick County Council, I attached “#SaveFrederickCounty” to the end of most of my social media posts, and that is because 2022 is undoubtedly Republicans’ last chance to take back Frederick County. If there is a time to stand up and fight for what we believe in, it is now. However, securing a Republican majority on our Council cannot be done without strong candidates, which, in this case, means primary-ing a weak Republican who has neglected fundamental Conservative principles and values. Since 2018, I have watched my opponent, Michael Blue, turn his back on both his campaign promises and his constituents. His lack of fight and will has allowed Kai Hagen and his far left companions to push through radical legislation with little pushback or dissent. Blue, who declared to be against higher taxes, refused to join fellow Republicans Phil Dacey and Steve McKay in an effort to lower the property tax and would later sponsor a bill which increased the recordation tax. Neglecting concerned members of his district, Blue aided County Executive Jan Gardner and the radical Democrats in their mission to lockdown businesses, institute mask mandates, and place capacity limits for indoor venues in response to the spread of Coronavirus. Now, more than ever, District 5 needs a representative that will be a voice for the people and do as he says. Blue, and the entire County Council, is so far removed from normal society that they no longer understand the daily struggles and needs of their constituents. Given that I am a typical person, residing in Walkersville, I understand what our district goes through, because I too am tasked with these same struggles. Above all else, I am a concerned citizen seeking to make effective changes to increase our quality of life.

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

I initially became politically inspired in 2015 when then-candidate Donald Trump pioneered a new era of Republican politics, introducing the country to America First policies and principles. Trump changed what it meant to be a politician; he said what he meant and he meant what he said, though, sometimes, it was not always nice or politically correct. Because of him, I got involved in politics. In 2018, I was politically inspired on the County level by Kirby Delauter, who was then running for Frederick County Executive. With his bold and unapologetic conservatism, Delauter worked towards something bigger than himself: a safe community where families could grow and prosper.

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

Trump: Art of the Deal. Though the book is about business, there are many similarities between politics and business.

What will be your top priority in office? *

Lower property and recordation taxes, reinstate true representation to the district, provide the County with a bold and apologetic voice for conservative values, return to pre-covid life, and Save Frederick County

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

Overtaxation, Under-representation, and rapid growth

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

Crime, taxes, and the inability to retire in state

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

I am unapologetically pro-life and will forver stand for life. This year, I had the honor of attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C. with the Frederick County Right to Life and heard amazing stories. Because life is so precious, it must not be devalued by an operation. Abortion is not ‘healthcare,’ it is murder. I am proud to call myself pro-life for life.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

As I have previously stated, and laid out, Frederick County needs to be fiscally responsible, which begins by ending tax and spend policies. To aid Frederick County families and residents, I will lead the fight in lowering the property tax and holding it to a constant yield. Holding the property tax to a constant yield ensures that property tax stays at a constant level from year to year, saving residents money. Taxes and fees can be cut without stripping funding from any government program as Frederick County residents have been overtaxed by an average of $52 million per year since 2019.

What is your position on gun rights? *

My position on gun rights is laid out, in its entirety, in the United States Constitution: our right to bear arms shall not be infringed. As it stands, Maryland’s gun laws are far too restrictive, putting law abiding citizens in danger. I am a supporter of constitutional carry.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

I am firmly supportive of medical marijuana as it has shown to be an effective treatment for various illnesses, etc. However, I am undecided on the legalization of recreational Marijuana. If implemented on the County level, taxes and stringent regulation can be imposed to greatly increase tax revenue, saving Frederick County taxpayers money, however I fear the social consequences that may follow legalization.

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

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge exclaimed, “The business of America is business,” reflecting his view that the government shall not interfere with business. And, still, today that principle holds true. Counties shall get out of the liquor business and allow private enterprise to take over.

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

Per 2020 census data, Frederick County has grown quicker than any other county in the state of Maryland. I am not pro-growth or anti-growth, pro-development or anti-development, but rather am pro-smart growth. While I am happy to share Frederick County’s beauty with our newer residents, our schools and roads have suffered. Of the county’s high schools, 70% are at, or above, 95% capacity, and 30% at, or above, 105% capacity. As a result, more money must be allocated for school construction to upgrade existing schools in order to care for the uptick in enrollment. While we build, we must do our best to preserve agricultural lands, family owned farms, parks, and public spaces.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

The United States is a nation built on law and order, so our state and county must reflect that. With violent crime on the rise in Frederick County, it is paramount that we once again get tough on crime, which begins by allowing and enabling our police to do their job without interference from any governing body. Handcuffing our police officers with anti-cop legislation puts our families and communities in peril. I am a strong supporter and advocate for Sheriff Chuck Jenkins and of the 287(g) program, which enables the Frederick County Sheriff’s office to work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs office to deport illegal aliens that commit crimes within the County.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

I will lead the fight in lowering the property tax and holding it to a constant yield. Holding the property tax to a constant yield ensures that property tax stays at a constant level from year to year, saving residents money

Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *

No

Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *

Yes