It can be difficult to keep track of all the different districts out there such as the U.S. Congressional, State Legislature, and County Council. When you are talking with others, do you want to be the one who has no idea which district they are in? No. You want to confidently say, “I live in x district and I even know the candidates running in my district.” There is a quick way to figure this out (and be the most informed person around) by visiting http://mdelect.net/electedofficials. Just enter your home address then the Districts and candidates appear. If you do live in District 11, consider voting Al Halphen for Delegate.

Can you name the candidates running in your Districts?

http://mdelect.net/electedofficials

I support lowering business taxes in order to attract and retain businesses so that they can hire people, thereby increasing our tax base. In recent years, we have been increasing taxes and that had the effect of closing businesses as they moved to other states in the area.

Read more about plans to improve Maryland in The League of Women Voters 2010 Voters Guide (page 19).

A recent interview with the Towson TImes explains the importance of running to be a public servant:
“I love Maryland and I’ve seen it deteriorate in the last few years. Instead of just complaining, I wanted to step up.” An attorney and owner of the Halphen Law Firm, in Owings Mills, Halphen wants to lower taxes to attract business to Maryland, which he said will ultimately raise tax revenue. “You would also be helping the unemployment numbers,” he said. Halphen said his highest priority, if elected, would be “fixing the Maryland economy. I think I can bring some fresh ideas to help the constituents of the district.”

Visit www.votehalphen or email questions to votehalphen@gmail.com

You really want to vote and you know that it is very important to vote for fiscally responsible candidates in the primary. But, you cannot make it to the polls on September 14. Make your voice heard by voting early. This option runs from September 3rd until September 9th at a variety of locations. Now you can definitely vote in the primaries and make sure that candidates like Al get on the ballot for November.

Early Voting for the Gubernatorial Primary Election begins Friday, September 3, 2010 at 10 a.m. It will continue through Thursday, September 9, 2010, excluding Sunday. Voting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit www.votehalphen or check out Al Halphen on Facebook

Vote Halphen yard signs are here. These 12 x 18′. They would work well as a yard (or business) sign or in a window. Want one of your own? Email votehalphen@gmail.com or visit the Volunteer page on www.votehalphen.com.

Al has upheld the Maryland State and the United States Constitution throughout his legal career. His commitment to protecting our personal rights will continue when he is elected to the House of Delegates. Below is his stance on the Second Amendment, as detailed in the 2010 Maryland Candidate Questionnaire:

Q. Do you agree that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms that applies to all Americans, regardless of where they live in the United States?
A. Yes

Q. Considering current Maryland state firearm laws, do you support any additional restrictive state legislation regulating the sale, use, or possession of firearms or ammunition?
A. No, current state firearm laws should be improved to benefit law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen in Maryland.

Q. Would you support legislation allowing law-abiding citizens to keep lawfully transported firearms locked in their personal vehicles while parked on property controlled by a business?
A. Yes, I would support such legislation.

Q. Following Hurricane Katrina, various law enforcement agencies and military units confiscated firearms from law-abiding residents of New Orleans. Those citizens were effectively denied their basic civil right of self-defense at a critical time–when law enforcement was unable to provide public safety. Would you support legislation to prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies or their agents from confiscating firearms from law-abiding citizens or prohibiting the transport, sale, carrying and use of firearms, during declared state emergencies, except in the course of enforcing laws against criminal possession or use of firearms?
A. Yes, I would support such legislation.

Support Al so he can continue to fight for personal freedom and fundamental rights, visit www.votehalphen.com

Despite the fact that the Maryland is ranked as the 5th worst business tax climate in the country and that 33% of firms rated Maryland as being either anti-business or unfriendly to businesses, Gov. Martin O’Malley stated, “I don’t accept the notion that we are anti-business.” Gov. O’Malley made that statement during a campaign stop at the Frederick Chamber of Commerce. The Tax Foundation, a non-partisan organization, rated all the states business tax climates. Maryland was the 5th worst. Further, a recent survey released by the University of Baltimore’s Jacob France Institute revealed that a high percentage of businesses perceive Maryland as anti-business. The reasons for the anti-business perception are taxes and the general government attitude along with government agency inefficiency.
While it is true that this perception of Maryland as antagonistic towards business is unfortunate, simply denying it is not the response that businesses need to hear. Firms that generate revenue and employers that pay our salaries deserve better. They deserve to have leaders in Annapolis that understand the current negative climate and are committed to making Maryland business friendly. We need Annapolis to encourage new entrepreneurs while inviting large employers to relocate to our state. Improving the situation makes more sense than simple denial of the problem.

Have you checked out the newly rejuvenated website? It is up and running at www.votehalphen.com

In the interest of transparency, responses to candidate questionnaires will be shared on this blog. As space is limited, the following are selected items. Feel free to contact by email for the full questionnaire or if you have any other questions.
Q. Do you support any of the following measures to increase state revenue?
1. Income tax increase for individuals.
No, I oppose income tax increases
2. Sales tax rate increase.
No, I oppose sales tax rate increases
Q. Which of the following actions would you support to balance the state’s budget?
1. Cut state spending.
Yes, I support cutting state spending
2. Increase taxes
No, I oppose increased taxes
Q. Economic competitiveness, which of the following steps would you support:
Ensure Maryland’s tax structure is competitive with neighboring states.
Support
Avoid overly burdensome workplace regulations.
Support

Questions or comments can be emailed to votehalphen@gmail.com.
More information can be found at www.votehalphen.com or “Elect Alberto Halphen” on Facebook

A survey of 250 Maryland businesses released by the University of Baltimore’s Jacob France Institute revealed that 33% of firms rated Maryland as being either anti-business or unfriendly to businesses. Only 20% of firms in Baltimore City have a positive view of the regional business climate. Two primary reasons were cited as disadvantages to doing business in Maryland. Taxes were cited as the greatest disadvantage (42%). Following taxes, the general government attitude and government agency inefficiency was the second most cited disadvantage (27%).

There are solutions to these issues, the businesses offered the following suggestions:

• Lowering taxes or changing the tax structure in Maryland (39%);
• Expanding economic development policies including small business promotion and assistance (22%);
• Reducing regulatory barriers (15%); and
• Improving the business environment in Maryland which includes reducing government
inefficiency and improving communication between government and business (15%)

The full report can be found at:

http://www.jacob-france-institute.org/documents/BCS-2010Q2.pfd

Pro-business leaders are more important now than ever. Al is committed to making the changes needed to lower taxes and reduce government agency inefficiency. Businesses are the source of jobs which benefit Maryland families. These employers should be encouraged, there should not be one third of respondents who perceive that Maryland is anti-business. We need to encourage businesses in our state, in order to create more jobs.

Al is pro-business and pro-jobs. Please visit www.votehalphen.com or send an email to Al at votehalphen@gmail.com.