Name *
Ron Watson
Age *
55
Office Sought *
State Senate
County *
Prince George's
District, if applicable *
23
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
BS, MS, PhD and MBA
Career/Occupation *
Engineer
Political Experience *
Current State Senator, former member of the MD House of Delegates, former member of Prince George's County School Board.
Social Media Accounts *
https://www.facebook.com/RonForMaryland
Website *
Why are you running for office? *
To continue to serve my community, increase economic opportunities for all, protect our environment, protect our seniors and improve educational outcomes for all of our students.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
Former Maryland Senator Douglas J.J. Peters for the impact he made to our community over many years of service, his tenacity and his ability to fight while always maintaining a good moral compass.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
Fixing Broken Windows - broken windows model of policing was first described in 1982 focuses on the importance of disorder (e.g., broken windows) in generating and sustaining more serious crime. Disorder is not directly linked to serious crime; instead, disorder leads to increased fear and withdrawal from residents, which then allows more serious crime to move in because of decreased levels of informal social control. The police can play a key role in disrupting this process. If they focus in on disorder and less serious crime in neighborhoods that have not yet been overtaken by serious crime, they can help reduce fear and resident withdrawal. Promoting higher levels of informal social control will help residents themselves take control of their neighborhood and prevent serious crime from infiltrating. This is important to consider as we continue our efforts to refine the Police Reform Initiatives passed last legislative session.
What will be your top priority in office? *
COVID-19 remediation
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
Potential loss of a AAA baseball stadium - Bowie Baysocks Stadium
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
COVID-19 remediation, Crime reduction, and whether or not to pursue recreational marijuana.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
A woman should have the right to chose and not have abortion decisions decided by men. Although I am sensitive to the issue, I do not support assisted suicide.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
Taxes should equal spending
What is your position on gun rights? *
I support thoughtful measures for gun control.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
Prior to my support, I would like to see technology evolve to be able to determine, in a non-intrusive manner, when someone is mentally impaired by the use of marijuana. I am concerned about the potential to have over-policing of communities of color based on smell and not on something analogous to alcohol inebriation. Without this standard, those who operate heavy machinery, carry firearms, or have to use fine motor skills (i.e., doctors, dentist, engineers, etc) could put members of the community at risk.
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
The three-tiered system provides the needed "checks and balances". Not much different in the medicinal marijuana business where there are a growers, processors and dispensaries each with its own license.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
I support this as long as it is balanced with infrastructure (roads, water, etc), minimizes the environmental impacts and brings real value to the community.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
I will consider any means to reduce crime and restore the community's trust in public safety as long as it is fair and equitable.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
I support county tax caps.
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, legislators time in Annapolis and away from home is analogous to a military TDY, and as such, should be accommodated based on reasonable standards.
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