Harold Tolbert
DemocraticQ1 Maryland residents are facing sharply rising electricity bills driven by a combination of power plant retirements, surging market prices, and rapidly growing demand (including from the proliferation of data centers across the region). If elected, what specific steps will you take to address the causes of high energy costs for Maryland residents and businesses, including data centers?
“I would engage a professional organization that are a stakeholder in our Energy Market (Scientist, Energy Corporations, Governmental Professionals and Energy Investors) and seek alternative forms of Energy (including wind, solar, recycling and such like) to increase supply to help bring down prices. On Data Centers; I would advocate to set up a commission to gather community and corporate input and develop a professional advisory commission to properly implement the well- thought out recommendations. There will be no rush for actions until all sides have adequately weighed in.”
Q2 Since early 2025, Maryland has lost nearly 25,000 federal jobs (more than any other state) as funding cuts to federal agencies including the NIH, NASA, and NIST take effect. How would you approach strengthening Maryland’s economy, and what steps would you take to ensure that workers across different roles and education levels benefit from those efforts?
“This current administration has thought us that we must move away from an economy that’s heavily dependent on the Government as an Industry. I would set up an economic advisory Commission (made up of Business Leaders, Regional Economic Development Groups, Governmental Economic Development Professionals and such like) to seek opportunities to Expand and Grow Small Businesses, Support Corporations that reinvest in District 5 and minimize restrictions on Business Growth and Development.”
Q3 Maryland faces public health challenges ranging from stark socioeconomic health disparities, a behavioral health and opioid crisis that disproportionately impacts communities of color, gaps in rural mental health access, and a strained public health infrastructure. What evidence-based policies do you support to improve community health for your constituents?
“I fully support bringing back the Affordable Care Act in its original state first. Then encourage Congress to properly review and propose any changes that would keep Affordability and Access as primary Tenants.”
Q4 Across the state of Maryland, science and STEM education cultivate interest at a lower rate than intended, too few community-college students successfully transfer and complete bachelor’s degrees, and college affordability remains vulnerable to shifts in federal student aid and support. What evidence-based policies do you support to build a strong science and STEM pipeline from public schools and K-12 programs through colleges and universities for the next generation of Marylanders?
“Children learn better and retain interest longer when they have successful outcomes in school. Therefore, I would first emphasize the importance of Universal Access to Licensed Preschool Programs. Where there are insufficient space in the local Public Schools; then form creative partnerships with Private and Parochial Programs to ensure all children enter Kindergarten prepared to further their learning experience. Then I would advocate for a “Village”” approach for our K-12 Students; meaning all stakeholders are engaged (Parents, Educators, Administrators, School Boards, Community Advocates, and Health Professionals) to properly educate, motivate and track our children through their Developmental Experiences. Finally I would advocate for fair compensation for our Teachers.”
Q5 What policies, if any, do you support or envision for managing land-based resources in your district (i.e. water, open-space preserves, parks)?
“Our Land-based resources such as water. open spaces, preserves and parks must be maintained and managed in a way that all the citizens of District 5 can enjoy and utilize joyfully without getting sick. Therefore I would advocate for the officials that over see these areas be properly compensated for their work and our citizens follow appropriate guidelines set up to have a safe and healthy experience while using these resources.”
Q6 What advisory mechanisms will you implement to ensure that evidence and scientific findings play a crucial role in your policymaking process?
“I would have Science Professionals on all Advisory Commissions that cross Science Fields (ie Public Health, Natural Resources, Corporate Developments, General Research and such like). All outcomes will be properly vetted and supported through implementation.”
Q7 What initiatives will you take to support investment in innovation via federal science funding?
“I would first advocate to restore the Department of Education back to its Pre-Trump staffing. Then I would advocate for funding to all properly vetted Science and Innovation Programs throughout District 5 and the Nation.”