Candidate Survey: Sterling Sanders for Washington County Commissioner

2022 Primary Election Candidate Survey

Name *

Sterling Sanders

Age *

24

Office Sought *

County Commissioner

County *

Washington

Political Party *

Democrat

Education *

Some College

Career/Occupation *

Landscape Laborer

Political Experience *

None

Social Media Accounts *

www.facebook.com/sterlingsandersforwashingtoncounty

Why are you running for office? *

I am running for office because the working class citizens of Washington County deserve a representative that won't answer to developers and will instead work for the average working family.

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

I would say that my political role model is Harvey Milk. I think of him because not only did he fight for change and justice but he died doing so. He was a candidate that spoke up on issues that mattered not only to him but to those who came forward with concerns.

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

I wouldn't say that I have a favorite book about politics and policy. I do my best to read books that carry the perspectives of all political ideology so that I have a better understanding of political individualism.

What will be your top priority in office? *

My top priority if elected will be to fully fund education while investing in renewable energy to benefit the taxpayer expense.

What is the biggest issue facing your area? *

The biggest issue facing Washington County, in my opinion, is the lack of funding toward education. Our children are our future and we must do whatever it takes to ensure they are ready to become the next leaders of Washington County, Maryland, and the United States.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *

I do my best to keep out of state politics as a local candidate but I would say wealth inequality, public transit, and renewable energy are the three biggest issues facing Maryland. I hope we see motivated leaders in this coming election cycle that are ready to get some work done.

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

I don't believe that these issues should be a political matter.

What is your position on taxes and spending? *

I understand the need for common sense investment to move forward to the future. I think that investments can be made while keeping taxpayers in mind. Invest in projects that will save money in the long term.

What is your position on gun rights? *

I am a "pro-2nd Amendment" type of guy. I understand and agree that there is a need for regulation and background checks but I believe that responsible gun owners should not have to face a loss due to a criminal's bad decision.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *

I believe that marijuana should be legalized with no regulations. Tobacco and alcohol have more negative outcomes than marijuana on the human body. It is passed time to LEGALIZE!

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

I don't see any issues with the current system.

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

It is definitely important to grow an economic environment by developing housing and business opportunity but we have to start doing so in an environmentally and agriculturally friendly way. We need to focus on land preservation while understanding the need for development. Over-development is an issue that we're seeing in areas of Maryland and is becoming popular in Washington County. Let rethink and revitalize before we focus on new.

What is your position on crime and public safety? *

We have to invest in police training and step toward community involved policing. It is important that bad police are held accountable and good police have the correct outlets to hold them accountable. As far as public safety in its entirety, we need to invest in advanced training for all elected officials, public safety officials, and community leaders so that everyone understands what to do and what not to do in the case of emergency. We also must focus on diversity and inclusion in our local fire/rescue stations and police agencies.

What is your position on county tax caps? *

I don't hold a direct position on tax caps as I can see where it can be both positive and negative. In Washington County, I see no issues but would like to explore lowering property tax rates for those who invest in renewable energy and for those who pay for trash/recycling permits.

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