Where you live: Frederick County (Yellow Springs Area)

Current occupation and employers (may also list up to two previous jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Maryland state delegate

Political experience (public offices held and when; as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years; do not include political party positions): Maryland state delegate, 2019-present

Campaign information:

• email: jesse@jessepippy.com
• website: www.jessepippy.com
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JesseTPippy
• Twitter: @j_pippy

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

I am running for re-election to ensure that Frederick County residents continue to have a strong voice and a seat at the table in Annapolis. I’ve been proud to lead the fight for Frederick County values in Annapolis.

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

Frederick County residents, like most Americans, are getting crushed at the gas pump and in grocery stores. Basic necessities are now unaffordable. This is completely unacceptable. I will continue to fight against any and all attempts to raise taxes, fees or the cost of living on Marylanders.

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

My educational background, professional and public experience has given me the necessary tools to be a fierce advocate for Frederick County residents. I’ve been selected by my peers for numerous leadership positions, which enables Frederick County to have one of the strongest voices in Maryland.

Education: juris doctor, University of Maryland School of Law; BA in political science, Christopher Newport University. 

Political/Government Experience: Chairman, Frederick County Young Republicans; chairman, Board of License Commissioners; chairman, Frederick County delegation; chairman, House Republican Legislative Committee

Professional Experience: Over a decade of business consulting, small and large companies. 

Personal: married, two children attending FCPS. 

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

This year, we had a $7.5 billion budget surplus and introduced legislation to extend the gas-tax holiday for 90 days, giving Marylanders a break at the gas pump. The Democratic majority in the House of Delegates refused to advance the legislation. Now, gas prices will continue to increase because these same politicians tied the gas tax to inflation. In other words, as inflation rises, so does the gas tax. I called for a special session to fix the problem. Democratic party leaders rejected our attempts.

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

Maryland has been dealing with the impact of a pandemic going on three years now. A major underlying health issue that is not being addressed is mental health. Marylanders, including children, are overstressed, which is now being exacerbated by the rising costs of basic necessities. I have introduced and passed legislation addressing mental health awareness among children. I work hard every day to ensure that Marylanders have an opportunity to live free and productive lives. I want to make sure that government is off their backs and not adding additional stressors that will impact their mental health.

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

Violent crime has been on the rise in Maryland, particularly in places like Baltimore City and Montgomery County, where local officials have refused to address it. As a member of the General Assembly, I have a responsibility to ensure that these criminals are held accountable and are not coming into Frederick. Fortunately, in Frederick County, we are actually tough on crime. We need to continue to support our law enforcement and funding local police. This includes SROs, the 287(g) program and cracking down on these violent criminals.

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

Maryland already has some of the toughest environmental laws on the books. We cannot keep penalizing small businesses for utilizing affordable energy. For example, this year, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation that would penalize commercial buildings for using gas powered generators, including hospitals that are actually required by federal law to have backup power systems. The environment is important, but lawmakers need to use common sense before passing any additional onerous regulations that would do more harm than good.

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

Frederick County was the fastest growing county by population in Maryland over the past 10 years. Local traffic has become more and more congested each year. The number of cars traveling through Frederick County, particularly on U.S. 15 (from I-70-Monocacy Boulevard) has led to more of a bottleneck for local commuters and residents. The only way to alleviate this congestion in the near future is by widening that stretch of road. I am generally not in favor of adding tolls or additional costs onto Marylanders. I think a reasonable solution would be to widen U.S. 15 through Frederick without tolls.