Candidate Survey: Nick Allen for House of Delegates, District 8

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name *

Nick Allen

Age *

31

Office Sought *

House of Delegates

County *

Baltimore County

District, if applicable *

District 8

Political Party *

Democrat

Education *

Bachelors Degree, United States Military Academy at West Point

Career/Occupation *

Program Manager

Political Experience *

New

Social Media Accounts *

@NickAllenForMD (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook)

Website *

NickAllenForMD.com

Why are you running for office? *

I am an Army Veteran and I want to continue my service to my home state and my community in a new way.

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

Pete Buttigieg

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

"Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, because it's a book not only about history and politics but also about leadership.

What will be your top priority in office? *

My top priority in office will be to enact policies that create jobs and economic prosperity in District 8 and Baltimore County, especially in manufacturing, logistics, and in new, green energy-related technology, while also supporting small and local business.

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

The most immediate issue in District 8 is the need to reduce overcrowding in schools and to build a new public high school in the area, while also investing in our existing schools via renovations.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

1) Improving the economy by creating jobs in manufacturing, logistics, green energy, and transportation/infrastructure. 2) Ensuring every Marylander has the top-quality education and other opportunities they deserve. 3) Ensuring every Marylander has access to quality, affordable healthcare, including prescription drugs and dental care, & combatting the opioid epidemic.

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

I am against restricting reproductive rights and I am against overturning Roe v. Wade. I believe the best way to reduce the number of abortions in the U.S. is by providing access healthcare, improving access to birth control, improving sex education, providing parental leave, etc. I am against capital punishment. I do not know enough about assisted suicide to support or oppose. I am open to learning more and listening to both sides of the argument.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

I believe it is our job in the General Assembly to be good, responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and to invest in things like education and infrastructure for all Marylanders.

What is your position on gun rights? *

I am a supporter of the Second Amendment, a gun owner, a Veteran, and a sportsman. I also believe that we need to better enforce Maryland's existing gun laws in order to keep everyone safe. There are common-sense reforms at the Federal level, such as universal background checks, that could help make Maryland's existing laws more effective as well.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

I support the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana, which has led to significant revenue increases for other states that have done so. I also believe, if we were to legalize, we should look into granting clemency for non-violent marijuana-related offenders.

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

I am open to common sense reforms if they would significantly help businesses in Maryland. I will research the subject further and listen to my constituents.

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

I am supportive of growth and development in Baltimore County, while also believing firmly in the importance of preserving green space, state and county parks, etc.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

I believe the best ways to improve public safety and reduce crime is through approaches that better fund and train our police while also improving police-community relations through outreach and addressing the root causes of crime, especially poverty.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

I support the county tax caps but would be open to reform if necessary.

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?

I do not yet know what my lodging/commute arrangement will be for the session, so I do not know if I will need to utilize those benefits or not. I will most likely accept the benefits if I need to.

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