Candidate Survey: Scott Ostrow for St. Mary's County Commissioner

TheDuckpin.com 2022 Primary Election Candidate Survey

Name *

Scott Robert Ostrow

Age *

52

Office Sought *

County Commissioner

County *

St. Mary's

District

4

Political Party *

Republican

Education *

Bachelors Degree Business Management (Finance), Masters Degree Business Management and Leadership (MSML)

Career/Occupation *

Federal Contractor Purchasing Manager

Political Experience *

None

Website

www.voteforscottostrow.com

Social Media Accounts *

Facebook: Scott Ostrow for Commissioner

Why are you running for office? *

I am running for office because I see that there is a need in our county for strong decisive leadership, and there are a great many people in need of strong leadership during these uncertain times.

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

Ronald Reagan is my political role model: He was a man of great courage and principle. At the core of Reagan's personality was courage, a courage that was, truly natural to him, a courage that was ultimately contagious. When people say President Reagan brought back our spirit and our sense of confidence, I think what they are saying is, the whole country caught his courage. He had the courage to swim against the tide. Reagan was a strong decisive leader who placed loyalty and honor above all. Sadly that is something that has been forgotten in today’s politics, and something I want to see brought back. The courage to stand for what’s right, the courage to be true to your word, no matter what the outcome. That is something that is sadly gone from American politics.

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

I would find it very hard to settle on just one book as my favorite. I am a lover of history. and I always enjoy reading the memoirs of past political figures. I find that through their writings one gains a better perspective of the individual challenges that they each encountered. And by understanding the past we gain better perspective on the future. A wise person once said "if you don't know where you come from how can you know where your going"?

What will be your top priority in office? *

My top priority in office will always be to stay tuned into the needs in our community, and to always stand by me word, and to do what's right.

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

there are several issues facing our area that I believe are linked and none more important than the other. Limitation of sprawl development, improvement of the transportation system, and the revitalization of Lexington Park. The need to provide growth area infrastructure, especially public sewer.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

1) Baltimore crime rate. Baltimore City has had a murder rate that surpassed 300 for six years in a row. As of September 8, there have been 232 homicides in 2021. 2) the Chesapeake Bay faces serious problems due to human activities, including polluted stormwater runoff, over-fertilization and pollution from animal wastes, deforestation, wetland destruction from agricultural, urban, and suburban development, and sea level rise caused by global climate change. 3) Education reform we must pass laws that will provide a new funding formula for public schools to pay for additional programs such as expanding prekindergarten to all 4-year-olds, improving students’ career and college readiness, raising teacher salaries and supporting schools with concentrations of students from low-income families. Also, hand-in-hand with improving classroom instruction is improving school buildings.

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

As a Christian I am against abortion, and any form of suicide. However that being said, I also respect an individuals right to choose.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

I am a fiscal conservative I support lowering taxes, and reducing governments spending.

What is your position on gun rights? *

I am a full supporter of the 2nd amendment.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

I am against the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. As for the medical benefits of marijuana there is much study that still needs to be done, and if proven to have medical benefits, it needs to be as tightly controlled as all other prescription narcotics.

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

Most states, including Maryland, have some form of the so‐​called “three‐​tier” distribution system. Under this system, producers cannot sell their wares directly to consumers. In fact, they cannot even sell directly to grocery stores, restaurants or other retailers. Instead, they are required by state law to sell their products to wholesalers, who in turn sell to retailers, who then sell to consumers. Of course, each step in the process leads to an additional markup so in the end, consumers spend a lot more for the beer, wine or spirits than they should. Proponents of the three‐​tier system usually couch their arguments in an unsubstantiated claim that it helps to reduce underage drinking. For the most part, this doesn’t even pass the laugh test. There’s simply no reason to believe that forcing producers to sell to wholesalers instead of directly to retailers has any effect on teenagers’ access to alcohol. Why would wholesalers care more about this social ill than liquor stores? After all, the retailer faces more direct consequences if it gets caught selling alcohol to an underage customer and thus, has all the more reason to check identification carefully

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

Proper Land use growth and development are all important in order for our community to continue to grow and prosper. However, there must be a common sense approach while carrying out the development control function, one should always remain alert to changes that have occurred which may signal the need to amend Plans, policies and standards. However, this should not be done arbitrarily or by an individual acting alone under the guise of using discretionary powers. This creates uncertainty and confusion among developers and inconsistency and lack of credibility in the development control process. Instead, we should use the procedures provided for in the legislation or other transparent, administrative procedures for making such amendments that are necessary to ensure that Plans and policies are always current and relevant; that decisions are consistent and that developers/applicants are treated fairly.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

Nothing is more important than the safety of Maryland residents. As commissioner I will be committed to support the efforts of police and prosecutors throughout the county in the fight against crime.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

Caps can affect all services financed by property taxes. Property tax revenues mostly pay the salaries of local government employees such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters. In many communities, they also pay for road and school construction, park maintenance, human services, and other items. The costs of all these items rise from year to year due to inflation, population growth, and sometimes other factors, such as changes in state law, or changes in the mix or quality of services needed to remain competitive with other jurisdictions. Localities must offer salaries that are competitive with the private sector in order to attract qualified workers.

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?

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