2022 Voter Guide: Dennis E. Frazier, candidate for Maryland House District 5

Why are you running for office?

I am termed out as a commissioner but, I would still like to work for the people of Caroll County. I believe better dialogue between the state delegation and the commissioners will go a long way helping Carroll County. Being a former commissioner I am in a unique position to foster that dialogue.

What is the most pressing issue in your district?

Carroll County has always needed more water. Water is needed for economic development as well as residential development. Along with that development comes the need for balance with the agricultural community.

How will you help your constituents deal with inflation?

In Carroll County we have Access Carroll which provides integrated health care that is billed according to the income level of the patient, as well as food pantries. These services and other social services may have to be expanded.

What do you see as the top transportation priority in your district, and how would you address it?

I believe public transportation in Carroll needs to be expanded to cover more areas of the county as well as expanded times. Of course to address this need more money will be required.

What should schools do differently during the next pandemic to help students, families and teachers?

I believe many steps were taken to make sure students were taught remotely. However, requiring students to have cameras turned on during class would go a long way to ensure students were actually there. Students could also come in to schools in small groups and stay with the same group throughout the pandemic . The small groups could rotate so every student that wanted to could come into school could on a monthly basis.

How equitably do police officers treat people of color?

I feel it depends more on the person that the position. I do believe however that people of color are viewed with more suspicion and not given the assumption of innocence.

What would you do to make sure Maryland’s voting system is secure and accurate?

I believe it is secure and accurate.

What are the right goals and deadlines for Maryland to reduce carbon emissions and develop renewable energy sources?

Maryland should move to reduce carbon emissions and develop renewable energy, as quickly as possible. However, we cannot move faster than the renewable energy system can handle the increase demand. I would need more information to suggest a time line.

What’s Maryland’s best use of federal COVID relief money?

Federal covid money should be looked at as one time money and be used for capital projects.