2010 General Election Ballot Questions

Statewide Questions

Question 1
Constitutional Question
(Senate Bill 26, Chapter 9 of the 2010 Legislative Session)
Maryland Constitutional Convention

Should a constitutional convention be called for the purpose of changing the Maryland Constitution?

Under Article XIV, Section 2 of the Maryland Constitution the General Assembly is required to ask the voters every 20 years whether a constitutional convention should be called for the purpose of altering the Maryland Constitution.

For a Constitutional Convention

Against a Constitutional Convention

Question 2
Constitutional Amendment
(Senate Bill 119, Chapter 480 of the 2010 Legislative Session)
Trial by Jury

Authorizing the enactment of legislation to limit the right to a jury trial in a civil proceeding to those proceedings in which the amount in controversy exceeds $15,000.

(Amending Maryland Declaration of Rights - Articles 5(a) and 23)

Under Articles 5 and 23 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights, a party in a civil proceeding has a right to a jury trial where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000. In cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed this threshold amount, a judge, rather than a jury, determines the verdict. The constitutional amendment would increase the amount-in-controversy limitation by providing that a party may not demand a jury trial in a civil proceeding unless the amount in controversy exceeds $15,000, excluding attorney's fees if attorney's fees are recoverable in the proceeding.

For the Constitutional Amendment

Against the Constitutional Amendment

Question 3
Constitutional Amendment
(House Bill 417, Chapter 481 of the 2010 Legislative Session)
Qualifications for Baltimore City Orphans' Court Judges

Requires judges of the Orphans' Court in Baltimore City to be members in good standing of the Maryland Bar who are admitted to practice law in Maryland.

(Amending Article IV, Section 40 of the Maryland Constitution)

Under the Maryland Constitution, the voters of each county and Baltimore City elect three judges to the Orphans' Court of their respective jurisdictions, with the exception of Montgomery and Harford counties, where circuit court judges sit as the Orphans' Court. The judges must be citizens of the State and residents, for the preceding 12 months, in the city or county in which they are elected. The constitutional amendment would add an additional eligibility requirement for judges of the Orphans' Court in Baltimore City, requiring them to be members in good standing of the Maryland Bar who are admitted to practice law in Maryland.

For the Constitutional Amendment

Against the Constitutional Amendment

Anne Arundel County

Question A
Local Referendum by Petition
Zoning, Video Lottery Facilities

Video Lottery Facilities are not permitted anywhere in Anne Arundel County under current zoning law. Bill No. 82-09 is a zoning bill and was enacted for the purpose of allowing a Video Lottery Facility as a conditional use in a W-1 Industrial Park zoning district or at a Regional Commercial Complex. Vote "For Bill 82-09" if you want Bill 82-09 to take effect. Vote "Against Bill 82-09" if you do not want bill 82-09 to take effect.

For Bill 82-09

Against Bill 82-09

Question B
Charter Amendment
County Council-Qualifications

To amend the Charter of Anne Arundel County to allow State and federal employees and members of the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces to serve on the Anne Arundel County Council provided that any member ordered to active federal or State service for a period of time longer than 180 days shall vacate his or her office as a member of the Council, and the vacancy will be filled in the manner provided by the County Charter.

For

Against

Question C
Charter Amendment
Submission of and Public Hearing on County Budget

To amend the Charter of Anne Arundel County to change the date by which the County Executive must submit the proposed County budget to the County Council from 60 to 75 days prior to the end of the fiscal year, and to require the County Council to hold a public budget hearing no later than 30 days after receiving the County budget from the County Executive.

For

Against

Baltimore City

Question A
Charter Amendment
Surplus Funds

Resolution No. 10-19 for the purpose of repealing a requirement for certain unanticipated surplus funds to be transferred to a capital bond fund appropriation reduction account and used only for certain purposes.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Question B
Charter Amendment
Sustainability and Related Funds

Resolution No. 10-21 for the purpose of expressly authorizing the establishment of 1 or  more continuing, nonlapsing funds to be used for promoting sustainability, maintaining and establishing parks and other open spaces, and cleaning and preserving the natural environment in the City.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Question C
Charter Amendment
Procurement

Resolution No.10-24 for the purpose of establishing new procedures for establishing and modifying certain bid threshold amounts, bid and performance requirements, advertising requirements, award criteria and other matters governing procurement.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Question D
Bond Issue
School Loan

Ordinance No. 10-287 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $33,378,000, to be used for the acquisition of land or property to construct and erect new school buildings, athletic and auxiliary facilities; and for additions and improvements to or modernization or reconstruction of existing school buildings or facilities; and to equip all buildings to be constructed, erected, improved, modernized, or reconstructed by the Ordinance; and for doing any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question E
Bond Issue
Community Development Loan

Ordinance No. 10-291 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $18,050,000, to be used for, or in connection with, planning, developing, executing and making operative the community development program of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore; and for doing any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question F
Bond Issue
Public Building Loan

Ordinance No. 10-293 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $16,200,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; for the construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement, and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities owned or controlled by the City; and for the equipping of any existing and new buildings or facilities to be constructed, renovated, altered, or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question G
Bond Issue
Economic Development Loan

Ordinance No. 10-292 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $16,775,000 to be used for, or in connection with, planning, developing, executing and making operative the commercial and industrial economic development program of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore; authorizing grants to various projects and programs related to improving cultural life and promotion of tourism in Baltimore City and for doing any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question H
Bond Issue
National Aquarium in Baltimore Loan

Ordinance No. 10-285 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $1,000,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or in connection with the National Aquarium in Baltimore; and for the equipping of any and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question I
Bond Issue
Walters Art Museum Loan

Ordinance No. 10-288 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $500,000 to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or in connection with the Walters Art Museum; and for the equipping of any and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question J
Bond Issue
Baltimore Museum of Art Loan

Ordinance No. 10-284 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $1,200,0000, to be used for the acquisition of land or property; and for the construction, erection, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, installation, improvement and repair of buildings, structures, or facilities to be used by or in connection with the Baltimore Museum of Art; and for the equipping of any and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Question K
Bond Issue
Recreation and Parks and Environmental Improvement Loan

Ordinance No. 10-286 to authorize the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to borrow up to $12,897,000 to be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, installation, erection, protection, extension, enlargement, renovation and modernization of, and additions and improvements to storm water systems, streams, rivers and other waterways, public park or recreation land, property, buildings, structures or facilities and for the equipping of any and all existing and new buildings, structures, and facilities authorized to be constructed, renovated, altered or improved by this Ordinance; and for doing any and all things necessary, proper or expedient in connection therewith.

For

Against

Baltimore County

Question A
Charter Amendment
Binding Arbitration for Merit System Employees

Section 801 of the Charter of Baltimore County is amended to provide: "The county council is further authorized to provide by law a system of binding arbitration by a neutral arbitrator to resolve disputes concerning wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment arising out of the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with the certified exclusive representatives of the remaining represented Baltimore County Merit System Employees." Any law so enacted shall prohibit strikes or work stoppages by Baltimore County Merit System Employees.

For

Against

Question B
County Ordinance
School Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $104,528,000 for school projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 38-10)

For

Against

Question C
County Ordinance
Parks, Preservation and Greenways Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $5,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 35-10)

For

Against

Question D
County Ordinance
Public Works Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $68,112,500 for public works purposes, for the class of projects which includes, among other things, streets and highways, bridges and storm drainage systems, to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 36-10)

For

Against

Question E
County Ordinance
Community and Economic Improvement Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $17,000,000 for community and economic improvement and development projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 33-10)

For

Against

Question F
County Ordinance
Operational Buildings Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $37,787,410 for public operational buildings including, but not limited to, general, health, police, fire, recreation, libraries, senior center and detention buildings or facilities and necessary or desirable equipment, to be undertaken pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 34-10)

For

Against

Question G
County Ordinance
Refuse Disposal Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $6,114,000 for refuse disposal projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 37-10)

For

Against

Question H
County Ordinance
Community College Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $32,693,570 for community college projects to be undertaken pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 32-10)

For

Against

Question I
County Ordinance
Agricultural and Rural Land Preservation Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $5,000,000 for agricultural and rural land preservation projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 31-10)

For

Against

Question J
County Ordinance
Waterway Improvement Program Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $8,664,000 for waterway improvement projects to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal years starting July 1, 2011 pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. (Bill 39-10)

For

Against

Caroline County

Question A
Referendum by General Assembly
(Senate Bill 964, Chapter 633 of the 2009 Session)
Selection of Board of Education Members

The members of the Caroline County Board of Education are currently appointed by the Governor. This proposal would amend the Education Law Article to provide that three members are elected and two members continue to be appointed by the Governor. The three elected members must reside in and be elected by the voters of the new Board of Education Districts that will be created by the County Commissioners. Please indicate whether you prefer the current appointment method or the proposed combination appointment and election method.

For a Board of Education Elected in Part by the Voters of Caroline County (3 members) and Appointed in Part by the Governor (2 members)

For a Board of Education Appointed by the Governor

Cecil County

Question A
Adoption of County Charter

Should the proposed Charter as prepared by the Charter Board of Cecil County pursuant to the provisions of the Maryland Constitution be adopted?

Yes

No

Montgomery County

Question A
Referendum on Law Enacted by the County Council
Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee

Shall the Act to require the collection of an emergency medical services transport (ambulance) fee from: (1) County residents to the extent of the resident's insurance coverage; and (2) non-County residents subject to a hardship waiver become law?

For

Against

Prince George's County

Question A
Charter Required Referendum
(CB-49-2010)
Public Works and Transportation Facilities Bonds

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $62,255,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Works and Transportation Facilities (including roads and bridges, parking lots, and maintenance facilities), as defined therein.

For

Against

Question B
Charter Required Referendum
(CB-50-2010)
County Building Bonds

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $25,200,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of County Buildings, as defined therein.

For

Against

Question C
Charter Required Referendum
(CB-51-2010)
Library Facilities Bonds

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $23,606,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Library Facilities, as defined therein.

For

Against

Question D
Charter Required Referendum
(CB-52-2010)
Community College Facilities Bonds

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $42,227,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Community College Facilities, as defined therein.

For

Against

Question E
Charter Required Referendum
(CB-53-2010)
Public Safety Facilities Bonds

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $85,835,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Safety Facilities (including Fire Department Facilities), as defined therein.

For

Against

Question F
Charter Required Referendum
(CB-54-2010)
Environmental Facilities Bonds

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $28,675,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Environmental Facilities, as defined therein.

For

Against

Talbot County

Question A
Charter Amendment
County Budget - Cutbacks to Capital Projects

Under the Charter, money remaining from completed or abandoned capital projects can be used only for future capital budgets. This Amendment would allow use of those funds for both operating expenses and capital projects, in both current and future budgets.

This Amendment also permits the Council, by a four-fifths majority vote, to reduce funding for capital projects and transfer those funds into the contingency fund of the current operating budget.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Wicomico County

Question A
Charter Amendment
Modify Qualifications of Internal Auditor

To amend the Wicomico County Charter Section 305 to include Certified Auditors and Certified Fraud Examiners as qualified for the position of Internal Auditor and to permit a Certified Public Accountant with inactive status to be hired on condition of regaining qualifications.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Question B
Charter Amendment
Monthly Report to County Council

To amend the Wicomico County Charter Section 505 to require that a monthly statement of the receipts and expenditures of the county be provided to the County Council.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Question C
Charter Amendment
Capital Program, Budget Submittal Dates

To amend Sections 702, 704 and 705 of the Wicomico County Charter to define the period of the Capital Program as the fiscal year covered by the Capital Budget and the next four fiscal years and to establish the dates for submission of the capital program and expense budget to coincide with a council meeting date.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment

Question D
Charter Amendment
Public Ethics - Conflicts of Interest

To amend the Wicomico County Charter Section 605 to authorize the Ethics Commission to determine whether a conflict of interest exists when a person governed by the section holds or benefits from an agreement or contract with the county, or has a claim against the County as described in the section.

For the Charter Amendment

Against the Charter Amendment