FRAN SHELLENBERGER
CANDIDATE FOR SENATOR, DISTRICT 23
fshellen@erols.com, 301-498-9144, FAX
301-498-7065
WHY I'M RUNNING
I am tired of watching my friends and neighbors move away, whether for better
schools for their children, to get away from the crime and congestion, or lower
taxes when they retire. Our present situation is the result of a General
Assembly that is too heavily tilted toward one party; our representatives must
follow the wishes of the Governor in order to win funding for their
districts. It will take better balance between the two parties to force
our elected officials to be accountable to their constituents rather than the
Governor. Clearly, we must elect new representatives.
In the last four years, we've seen the response of the incumbents to the issues
of development, traffic congestion, the schools and school board,
crime, drugs, and the state budget. We need new leadership to realize
improvements in all of these areas.
FRAN SHELLENBERGER'S FIVE RULES
Is it good for Maryland?
Do we need it?
Can we afford it?
Will it do any harm?
Will it raise, rather than lower, present standards?
EXPERIENCE
My experience as a law office management and technology consultant, a
Washington, DC law firm administrator, a widely-published author and
speaker at national meetings of the American Bar Association and many state bar
associations, including the Maryland State Bar Association, prove my ability to
analyze problems and offer solutions.
EDUCATION:
Money from the lottery that was supposed to go to education was diverted by
Gov. Schaefer into the General Fund when the state experienced a deficit during
his tenure. A new Governor, new Senator, and new Delegates can restore
the lottery funds to education. In addition, in Prince George's County we
can consider local city school districts with a local elected school board so
that funds and accountability remain in the community. We have seen that
you can't govern from the top down. Until then, school vouchers, charter
schools, and state-funded text books on general subjects for religious and
private schools deserve support because parents are desperate for alternatives
to our failed public schools.
TRANSPORTATION:
As a commuter to Washington, DC and Rockville, I am no stranger to our traffic
congestion. I am committed to improving all modes of
transportation: highways, metro, light rail, and buses.
HEALTHCARE:
The legislature must investigate ways of providing and funding adequate health
care and prescription drugs for those who cannot afford it, including but not
limited to persons living at the poverty level and senior citizens.
DRUGS:
Maryland has no real commitment to waging and winning the war on drugs.
If we did, much of the crime and drug- related family problems that filter into
schools and classrooms would disappear. We must effectively address the
drug issue.
TAXES:
Maryland's income tax rate is among the highest in the nation. I
support a lower, fairer income tax for individuals, families, and small
business.
STATE BUDGET:
Maryland faces a $1 billion shortfall next year (Prince George's Journal,
Friday, August 30) in projected revenues needed to fund the current budget. Our
legislature voted itself a 38% pay raise last year: did you get a raise
that large? It will take new leadership to stave off the slot machine
issue as an easy way to make up the shortfall.
GUN CONTROL:
Today's problems with crime are behavior-related, not mechanical (gun)-related.
Violent crime is largely related to illegal drugs; if we attack the drug
problem, the gun-control issue will disappear. Making them illegal will not
mean that ONLY assassins, criminals, thieves, and the police will have them.
SLOT MACHINES:
NO. If Maryland elects a Governor who supports slot machines, will I
change my position? NO
ETHICS:
There is a growing pattern of unethical behavior among our legislators, including
the leadership. If elected, I will work to see that the ethical standards of
our elected officials are above reproach. Fran Shellenberger for Senate,
District 23
By Authority: Henry Borger, Treasurer