Candidate Survey: William Campbell for Howard County Council, District 3
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
William H. Campbell
Age *
75
Office Sought *
County Council
County *
Howard
District, if applicable *
3
Political Party *
Republican
Education *
BSc. Engineering, Massachusetts Maritime Academy; MSc. Management, Johns Hopkins University; Diploma, Resource Management, National Defense University; Certificates in Finance & IT Harvard Business School; Certificate in Government Management, Harvard School of Government.
Career/Occupation *
Senior Executive in Finance in both the public and private sectors. Former Assistant Secretary for Management & ChiefFinancial Officer (CFO), US Department of Veterans Affairs; and CFO, US Coast Guard; CFO, National Passenger Railroad Corporation.
Political Experience *
Republican nominee for MD State Comptroller 2010 & 2014, Member Howard County Republican Central Committee 2018-present.
Social Media Accounts *
To be developed (TBD)
Website *
None
Why are you running for office? *
Howard County is quickly approaching huge financial problems and needs better leadership. The physical limits on sustainable growth have been reached. A period of sustained runaway inflation will only make the situation worse. With a combined annual budget of $2.2B Howard County needs professional management. My experience, education and distinguished government service make me the best equipped candidate for the office.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
President Dwight D. Eisenhower- His sense of duty and dedication to public service were exceptional. His visionary leadership produced the NASA space program, the Interstate Highway System, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the peaceful use of nuclear power, and racial justice (Civil Rights Act of 1957, and school integration). His address warning of the Military-Industrial Complex was eye opening. Also, Ike achieved elected political office at an advanced age when many others would have retired. I also want to serve and contribute to Howard County as a mature citizen.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
“Plain Speaking”- Its study of Truman was a revelation to me. It made me realize that the media was often biased against public officials based upon ideology and personal interests.
What will be your top priority in office? *
Improving County financial stewardship, increasing school construction, managing growth & services.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
The over use of mobile class rooms. As the former Director of the US Coast Guard’s Anti Terrorism, Force Protection Program we are gambling with the lives of students and teachers. We are one maniac away from a tragedy.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
Unfunded government liabilities, excessive spending, excessive taxation and regulation.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I believe that abortion may be used to save a mother’s life and in cases of rape or incest. I am opposed to assisted suicide except were medically necessary to prevent extraordinary suffering.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
We should tax and spend on necessary programs, but avoid the orgy of excess that currently exists at all levels of government. If elected, I would propose a zero based budget review of every line item in the County operating and capital budgets. This could help properly fund critical programs, abd eliminate political “hobbies”.
What is your position on gun rights? *
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
I believe that marijuana should be legalized. My concerns about legalization concern its medical safety and purity.
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
Most of MD’s alcohol regulations are rooted in the Prohibition Era and need a comprehensive review and reform. Covid 19 experience demonstrates that off premises sales restriction and other prohibitions need to change. The three-tiered system should be part of that review.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
We have seen Howard County’s population grow from 59,000 in 1965 to 331,000 in 2020. The County has lost a significant percentage of its farmland to development. We are rapidly overburdening our schools, infrastructure and services. While we cannot halt growth, we need it greatly reduce it, and require adequate planning and full funding of all new development. The County Council can do this through its role as the Zoning Board.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
My area, District 3 appears to be the epicenter for an explosive increase in crime. I would work with my colleagues, County Executive, States Attorney, and Chief of Police to reduce the crime rates, and enforce the law.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
I am unsure what you mean, but I generally believe in tax caps. Howard County should not raise the caps on any taxes (income, real property, and personal property; or fees) unless it is required by an extraordinary event.
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