Matthew Newman: What made you decide to run for House of Delegates?
Ed Priola: I stepped forward because we are at a defining moment in our nation’s history. I found myself yelling at the TV a lot in 2009, unable to fathom why so many arrogant lawmakers felt empowered to continue managing our government so recklessly during this massive recession. It was time to end what could best be described as a decades-long spending binge. I had to personally do something about it.

MRN: What is your opinion on the three Democratic incumbents in the 13th District?
EP: The three Democratic incumbents in District 13 have grown an arrogant sense of entitlement to their power. They know what “we” need better than we do. Yet, often enough they don’t bother to even read the laws they sponsor. They demonstrate intolerance to religious diversity and free speech despite preaching “civility.” And, they never met a tax increase they didn’t like. Are you surprised to know that they have amassed more than half a century in elected office?

MRN: In 2006, the closest Republican candidate (Mary Beth Tung) received 8% less than the lowest Democratic incumbent. Do you feel 2010 will be a different election cycle and do you think you can close this nearly 9,000 vote gap?
EP: Absolutely. You don’t have to be a psychic to read the writing on the wall in 2010. Voters are disgusted with how inefficient and blind government has become. They want common sense solutions from both parties; not a one-party monopoly. I have worked tirelessly to learn what is important to constituents and communicate the core of my philosophy and solutions. Unlike the incumbents, I am talking to voters every day, knocking on doors and meeting people where they live. I look to November with confidence.

MRN: What do you feel is the most important issue facing the State of Maryland?
EP: That’s simple. Out of control government spending that chokes our ability to create private sector jobs.

MRN: Glad to see a fellow supporter of term limits. What specific limits do you feel need to be in place on our State Legislature and State Executives?
EP: The proper role of elected officials is to represent their constituents. They should serve for a limited period of time and then return to private life. That is what George Washington did. Yet, the primary obsession of too many elected officials (in both parties) has become their own election.

I strongly believe we need to limit the terms of Maryland State Senators and Delegates (through a Constitutional amendment) to no more than two consecutive terms in office. Upon completing eight consecutive years in one office, a Maryland Delegate or Senator would have to sit out one term before being able to run again for the same office.

Lawmakers should know what it means to earn a living and live under the same laws they pass for the rest of us.

MRN: On your website, you mention that you support the creation of a C-SPAN like system for Maryland's government. How would you set that up legislatively and how do you think the State government will find the funding for this type of broadcasting?

EP: Information is power. When lawmakers hide information from us, they monopolize power without the consent of the governed. We need a law mandating the live broadcasting of all General Assembly proceedings, including committee meetings, via both Cable and Internet (webcasting). The “administrative solution” so liked by the current Assembly leadership leaves legislators the “option” of whether to be open or not. This is a classic case of the fox watching the chicken coup! It is unacceptable.

No less that 31 other states already provide live webcasts of committee meetings (Priola provides the following link). As long as there is a political will to be truly transparent, there will be a way to fund it. We could use the $15 million in bond bills that incumbents currently abuse to fund pet projects back home (such as concrete pads for private telescopes) as a start.

MRN: If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would propose in the 2011 legislative session?
EP: Term limits. I will have the bill already written up and ready to go on the first day I arrive in Annapolis.

MRN: In 2010, Maryland voters will once again have the opportunity to vote to hold a Constitutional convention. Would you be in favor of a Constitutional convention?
EP: Yes.

MRN: In the 2010 legislative session, a number of Delegates led by Delegate Dwyer proposed a personhood amendment to the State Constitution which would define personhood as beginning at conception and that such persons deserve all the rights of every other person in the State including the right to life. What is your opinion on this proposal?
EP: I favor the protection of life at all stages. I am not yet sure if I support this specific legislation. In principle, I support the idea of submitting constitutional amendments of this nature to the legal and qualified voters of this State to decide.

MRN: How do you feel your personal experiences help prepare you to serve in the House of Delegates?
EP: After growing up on military bases across the nation, I launched a mission to advance democracy and free-enterprise.

As Field Director for the National Taxpayers Union and U.S. Term Limits during the 1990’s, I advocated for taxpayer rights, for limiting the terms of career politicians and against government waste and intrusion into our lives.

My passion for teaching about democracy and American values took me around the world to countries like Afghanistan, Romania and Tanzania. I saw the worst that governments will do to their own people and the best of what people can accomplish without intrusion.

All told, I’ve accumulated more than two decades of public policy and advocacy experience. I hold a master’s degree in Organizational Communication. This combination of experience, education and passion makes me an ideal candidate to take on the fight and bring common sense government to Annapolis.