eVoter Profile of Republican Stephanie Hodges Candidate 2010 Maryland General Election

I believe it is time that government policy reflected the needs and desires of taxpayers and not the agenda of special interests and liberal politicians. We need responsible fiscal policy which pays for itself and intelligent government that defends the rights of those who contribute to our society and our economy.

My experience serving on Maryland and Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors legislative committees over the past 8 years has shown me how much damage excessive regulation and egregious taxation can do. My commitment to the principal of smaller, more efficient government is evidenced by the Maryland Tax Payers pledge, which I publicly swore to uphold in January.

Business and Economic Development

I believe that less government is better government; I support every reasonable effort on the part of all governments and taxpayers to limit taxing and spending. I believe problems in the economy can be solved more efficiently with innovation and technology than with more litigation and more government regulation.

I support free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiatives to promote economic opportunity, growth and prosperity.

I support a concerted effort to encourage the development of small businesses in Maryland.

I support the reduction/elimination of the corporate tax rate to encourage business development and growth in Maryland.

I support a repeal of Maryland’s unemployment tax rate increase, and call for unemployment reform.

Taxes and Spending

I believe that significant spending and tax cuts will produce substantial economic growth and increased government revenue. I believe tax and fee revenues collected for specific purpose must be used for the purposes collected.

I believe the purpose of taxation is to fund only the constitutionally authorized functions of government, I call for dramatic tax cuts at the state and local levels.

I support a balanced budget at state and local levels through significant cuts in spending and taxes.

I support zero base budgeting.

I support the permanent elimination of the estate, gift, and death taxes.

I support giving tax credits to homeowners and builders who incorporate alternative energy sources in their homes.

Law and Justice

I believe justice is grounded in personal rights in balance with public safety. I believe the role of government is to uphold the law and maintain order, to protect the innocent, resolve disputes and punish crime.

I support fundamental tort reform to reduce lawsuit abuse.

I support tort reform and a cap on punitive damages.

I support legislation that will keep our families and communities safe from crime by supporting Anti-Gang and zero tolerance legislation as well as defending our 2nd amendment rights.

I support protecting property rights Eminent domain should be used solely for public use with the burden of proof upon those attempting to take property; therefore we support legislation preventing the seizure of private property for economic development purposes.

I believe that landlords should have the same rights as other business owners. Non-payment of rents should be considered a “theft of service


2nd Amendment Rights

I believe firearm ownership is a basic individual right. I will support all legislative efforts to make Maryland a ‘shall issue’ state.

I will oppose any legislation that would require registering the purchase of firearm ammunition.

I will support state legislation that would protect established shooting ranges from closure due to local noise ordinances or nuisance actions for noise throughout the State of Maryland.

I will support passing or strengthening liability protections for private landowners who allow hunting on their property