Issues

AMERICAN PUBLIC IS READY FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Jennifer Dougherty believes in the need for America’s energy independence and supports the need to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create the next generation of the “green economy.”

Dougherty knows that the first step is to focus on efficiency and conservation while building a sound national energy policy that creates a 10-year plan to energy independence. Americans brought the price of a barrel down more than $20 just by showing oil companies that “we get it.”

A good energy plan will jump-start our economic growth and create good jobs and opportunities, plus be good for the environment. “People in both political parties have to give a little – Democrats should be open to nuclear energy and Republicans have to understand that drilling is not the only answer. More important, they have to realize that the American public is ready for energy solutions!”

Environmentally-responsible drilling on the 68 million acres of land already under lease or off U.S. shores can be part of America’s energy plan, but Dougherty is concerned about relying on that supply because “there is no guarantee that oil and gas from those fields will come to American consumers.” Oil and gas get sold on the open market, China and others will compete for that oil and prices will continue to rise. “I hate to think about what Exxon Mobil’s profits will be in 7-10 years, especially if we rely on an old way of thinking.”

“Even my opponent, Roscoe Bartlett knows drilling is a short-term solution and has spent years opposing drilling. He said, ‘This drill here, drill more, pay less, is a great mantra, and it’s hurting the Democrats. But you need to finish that: And screw your kids and your grandkids, because that’s what we’re doing’.” (Politico, July 23, 2008)

Jennifer has agreed to appear at five scheduled candidates forums in the coming months. The League of Women Voters will be sponsoring debates in Carroll and Harford Counties. She has also agreed to appear at candidates forums in Urbana and Frederick, and at the debate sponsored by the Hagerstown Herald Mail.

So far, Roscoe Bartlett has refused to agree to appear at any forum where he might be compelled to answer questions from his constituents, or from debate moderators.

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Comptroller Peter Franchot took a walking tour of Frederick today with Jennifer. He was in town to view the economic development taking place along Carroll Creek. The Carroll Creek project was achieved during Jennifer's term as Mayor of Frederick. Frederick has now become the second largest city in Maryland.

Afterward, Franchot predicted Jennifer would upset Roscoe Bartlett in the fall election, comparing the race to his own upset of incumbent Comptroller William Donald Schaefer. "My own mother didn't think I was gonna win because I was running against a Maryland legend", Franchot said. "But I always had a feeling that the public was ready to switch. I think that's what's going on now."

$1 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES NOT REPORTED
DOUGHERTY CALLS ON HIM TO COME CLEAN

Several newspapers recently reported that Roscoe Bartlett's Personal Financial Disclosures for the last several years were not complete and that he will not release his personal income tax returns to corroborate his statement that this was a mistake brought on by confusion. Since the initial report, Bartlett has made matters more confusing and he has to come clean on these home sales. "This could be a serious legal matter involving more than $1 million in real estate sales," said MD-6th District Democratic challenger Jennifer Dougherty, "I hope he will do everything he can to clear this up."

Bartlett's error is his own, but it brings into question the attention he gives to the issues in Congress affecting Maryland residents.

Roscoe Bartlett is a multi-millionaire. His wealth is not the issue. The issue is whether he has followed the law in reporting his wealth and earnings while in office as the law requires. Not many people in the 6th District have his wealth, but we all have to follow the rules. The public expects more from an 8-term Congressman than confusion in filing routine disclosure statements.

"Bartlett's explanation was that he and his staff were confused, that they could not read his handwriting, and he did not read the form that he signed. That explanation raises a bigger question and it is not a question he can answer by a press release - or through a spokesperson. As a resident of the 6th District, I want to hear the answers directly from him."

Our Great American Hot Dog Chase Committee has been working hard to put together our events for this weekend. From Garrett County to Baltimore County, we will be on the road to meet with the people of the 6th District, and grill up some hot dogs!

We still need some help for this weekend, as well as our canvassing efforts around the events. If you have been thinking that you want to help with the campaign, now is your chance.

Just click here to fill out a volunteer form. Remember, this is an all-volunteer campaign, so every person who helps plays a very important role.