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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)

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."

It's summer in Western Maryland, and here we celebrate the season by getting together at local fairs and picnics, and an occasional parade, of course. Check out the upcoming events schedule and join us!

The recent Supreme Court ruling that recognizes the right of law-abiding Americans to own guns is important in several ways. First, it recognizes that the people have a constitutional right to defend themselves. Second, it resolves the argument about who makes up the militia – it is the people! Finally, it recognizes that the people, through our government, can decide who cannot have a gun, like convicted criminals, habitual drug abusers, the mentally ill and non-citizens.

In Maryland, we will likely have legal debate about one of the provisions in our State law that requires a person to show “good cause” for getting a carry permit. I think the Supreme Court ruling could cause that requirement to be declared unconstitutional.

While some lawyers and lobbyists on both sides want the battle to continue, I agree with most Americans who believe in our right to “keep and bear arms”. Most of us want to focus on other important issues.

Thursday, Roscoe Bartlett tried to explain his flip-flop on drilling for oil in ANWR on the Ron Smith Show on WBAL. After questions from Ron Smith, a caller said Bartlett was in denial, and then things really heated up when Jennifer called in. Listen for yourself: