Name *
Monica Roebuck
Age *
50
Office Sought *
House of Delegates
County *
Prince George's
District, if applicable *
23a
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
Masters in Teaching, Bowie State University Bachelor of Art, Howard University
Career/Occupation *
Teacher
Political Experience *
I was appointed as a member of the Prince George's County Board of Elections. In that role I helped to oversee county wide elections. I also helped to canvass votes in the 2020 election cycle. I was a member of the Democratic Party committee for Voter engagement and voter protection. In this role, I helped to expand voting rights to incarcerated individuals and other underserved communities in Prince George's County. I was a candidate for the Democratic Central Committee in 2018 and a candidate for District two City Council of Bowie in 2018.
Social Media Accounts *
Facebook and Instagram. @Monica4Maryland
Website *
Why are you running for office? *
I'm running to improve our education system. Education is the foundation for our society and this is my top priority. A good education will allow people to lead productive lives. Our business need an educated workforce. I have worked as a teacher for the past 21 years in Prince Georges County and we can do much better. Our schools are failing our students. I want to lower class sizes, improve special education services and make sure there is a certified teacher in every classroom. My other priorities are expanding access to quality health care. I also want to ensure we have affordable housing for every citizen. These are some reasons why I'm running.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
Elijah Cummings is a role model. He served for many years in his community, then later was elected to the general assembly. He then wen out to congress. His passion and advocacy for his community was inspiring. He always remained loyal to Baltimore City.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. This book gives an in depth look at mass incarceration and our criminal justice system. It is a very thought provoking book.
What will be your top priority in office? *
Education is my top priority. We must fully fund our schools and our HBCUs. With an educated workforce we can attract the business that we want in our community. This will increase our home values as well. Education is really the key to a better society.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
One of the biggest issues facing my area is development. The overdevelopment of this area contributes to over crowded schools, hurts the environment and increases traffic and congestion on the roads.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
I believe the biggest issues facing Maryland are finance which includes employment and affordable housing, public education and public safety and corrections. Education is the foundation for our community and something we have to work to improve. The state of Maryland reading test scores has dropped in recent years.Employment and a livable wage is a top priority so that people can survive and take care of basic necessities. Affordable housing is a basic right and unfortunately in many areas, housing is too costly. Lastly, crime has increase in recent years. We have to do more to help address the issues that cause crime such as domestic violence and addiction. These things lead to crime and are a public safety threat.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I am pro choice. We have to respects a woman's right to make a choice about her own body. This is a very personal decision and women should make that choice not the government.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
The state should keep income taxes low. Taxes should however be commensurate to your income. They should increase multiple streams of revenue to fund state priorities. The state should also do more to support small businesses.
What is your position on gun rights? *
Gun ownership is a basic right under the constitution, however, I think we should get illegal guns off the streets. Most violent crimes are caused by an illegal gun not registered to an owner. We should do background checks on and there should be a waiting period before someone is issued a gun. Assault weapons don't have a place in society. These type of weapons are used for combat or warfare and should not be on the streets.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
I support legalization of marijuana. Legalizing marijuana could open up economic opportunity and revenue for the state of Maryland. This could also create jobs and business opportunities for many African Americans in particular. African Americans could benefit especially, because any one serving a sentence for marijuana could be released and have their records expunged.
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
n/a
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
I believe in smart growth which is building walkable communities, preserve open space and create a range of housing a opportunities which sustain the character of the community and land. I do not support over developing land to build houses and retail. These projects contribute to overcrowded schools and roadways.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
I am concerned about the rise in crime in the state of Maryland. We have to address the problems that cause crime, such as drug addiction, mental health issues and unemployment. Public safety is being threatening by those issues. The way policing is done must be revisited. I think community policing is a good strategy to effectively fight crime. This will allow police to prevent crime and understand the community.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
I believe in a tax cap so people can retain more of their overall pay. We have to find other streams of revenue to fund our county programs, such as businesses and other funding.
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, I plan to accept this stipend. Legislators work long hours and work extremely hard on very important issues. The salary is very meager so this per diem helps to compensate them for food and housing costs incurred.
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