Arthur Baker

Criminal Justice / Public Safety It should come as no surprise that my number one issue is crime. As a law enforcement professional for over 35 years, I can never recall a time in my professional life where people seem so concerned about being victimized by violent crime. We have to stop vilifying the police and return to taking violent offenders off the street and keeping them off the street. Policing must be returned to a respected profession and a calling that is worthy of devoting a lifetime of service to. Everyone deserves due process. Education Education is the foundation for a successful future. I support policies that increase responsible funding for schools, improve teacher pay and benefits, and make higher education and education in the trades more accessible and affordable for everyone. Parents should be able to choose what is best for their kids. I do not support busing your students to schools not in your neighborhood. When you bought your homes, you researched the school systems serving your community. You have a right to expect that your kids will go to the schools in their neighborhoods and not spend time commuting to other areas. I would support tax credits for parents who choose to send their kids to private school. While many of these issues are local, I would ensure that Federal dollars did not fund educational programs and projects that did not focus on learning core subjects, passing tests and graduating. Guns It is now cliché but guns don't kill people... people kill people with guns. I have carried a weapon on and off duty for approximately 35 years, most of my adult life. Any law-abiding citizen that wants to exercise their Second Amendment right to protect themselves and their family if necessary should be able to do so without any undo interference by the state. While I do believe there should be minimum qualifications and training standards, I do not believe a state should obstruct the rights of law-abiding citizens to conceal-carry, especially in a state where violent crime has become the norm. Immigration We are a nation of immigrants. Some of my ancestors came to this country from Greece. Some through Ellis Island and some through Baltimore. They came to the United States legally. We welcome legal immigrants. Our borders must be secure and a reasonable immigration policy implemented. No Federal dollars to fund sanctuary cities. Come to our country through the front door and you will be greeted with open arms. Taxes / Budget The citizens of this country and the state of Maryland pay way too much of THEIR money in taxes. Money that is often wasted. Gambling and marijuana use in many of our states, including Maryland, is now legal. It has been reported that Maryland, in the first 3 months of legalized marijuana sales generated around 12 million dollars in profit...will that lower our taxes? Has gambling revenue lowered our taxes? The taxing authorities act as if our money belongs to them. The money belongs to the PEOPLE and the people need more of a say in how it is spent...taxes MUST be reduced across the board. Families first, not the tax man!