Where you live: Frederick

Current occupation and employers (may also list up to two previous jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: office staff at Petroleum Site Works. Previously: sales professional at Shockley Honda.

Political experience (public offices held and when; as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years; do not include political party positions): none

Campaign information:

• email: justin@wagesfordelegate.com
• website: www.wagesfordelegate.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/electwages
• Twitter: @electwages
• Instagram: @electwages

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I started taking an interest in state and local politics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, I have paid much more attention to proposed legislation in Annapolis. I decided that the best way to cause positive change is to do it yourself instead of waiting on others, so I decided to join the race. I became the first Republican, and one of the first candidates overall, to file for the seat.

2 – What is the most important issue for Frederick County in this race? How would you address it? (100 words max)

One of the most important issues for Frederick County is finding a solution to the opioid epidemic. As someone who has lost a family member to an opioid overdose, I believe that these are some of the most senseless and preventable deaths we encounter. According to the Maryland Department of Health, we lost 2,799 Marylanders to overdoses in 2020, with 64 of them occurring in Frederick County. I believe that we must focus on cracking down on opioid dealers while also providing alternative methods for pain relief to limit the amount of addictive opioids prescribed in the first place.

3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

While I was employed at Shockley Honda, I worked with a wide variety of clients to find solutions that were mutually beneficial for all parties involved. I believe that this experience will help me not only find beneficial legislative outcomes, but also serve my constituents in an honest, transparent, and trustworthy manner.

4 – What is one major issue the current House of Delegates has handled poorly and what would have done differently? (100 words max)

The House of Delegates handles many issues poorly. One of the most egregious examples is the massive tax burden levied on our citizens. I was extremely disappointed by the Democratic majority’s decision to not extend the fuel tax holiday past 30 days. The state of Maryland has billions of dollars of surplus funds. We surely could have afforded to give our citizens a break in the face of record-high fuel prices. Additionally, since the fuel tax is tied to inflation (CPI), it will automatically rise by 6.6 cents on July 1 — another kick in the face to taxpayers.

5 – What is the most pressing health care issue in the state? How would you address it? (100 words max)

I believe that the most pressing health care issue in the state is the opioid crisis that I discussed above. This is a preventable crisis that has unfortunately touched too many citizens across the state, as well as right here in Frederick County.

6 – What is the most pressing public safety issue in the state? How would you address it? (100 words max)

To keep Maryland safe, we must support our police and sheriff departments. Recruitment rates are plummeting, and many of our agencies across the state are stretched thin. This has resulted in overworked officers and a lack of presence where it is needed the most. We must build relationships between our agencies and our communities, creating trust through outreach and charity. We must realize that no department wants a bad officer on their roster and that the vast majority of officers are good people focused on protecting our communities.

7 – How well is the state is addressing climate change? What would you do differently? (100 words max)

Although the state may have good intentions, we are misguided. The legislature continues to push expansive, overreaching measures. I believe one of the most efficient ways to promote clean energy would be to expand our nuclear energy options. The Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Calvert County provides enough clean, zero-emission energy to power one million homes. According to Maryland Matters, roughly 35% of electricity generated in Maryland comes from the plant, accounting for 83% of Maryland's carbon-free power. With recent advances in technology, nuclear energy has become a safer and increasingly viable option when it comes to renewable energy.

8 – Do you support widening interstates 270 and 495 and adding tolls? Why or why not? (100 words max)

I believe that widening I-270 would go a long way toward fixing our traffic issues along the US-15/I-270 corridor. However, I do not support the addition of toll lanes. While toll lanes would move traffic from the normal lanes, it would be more beneficial to those who can afford to pay tolls every day. Those struggling to support their families would see little to no improvement in their travel times with the addition of toll lanes. I believe it is less feasible to widen I-495, as there is less space to add lanes when compared to I-270.