Candidate Survey: Andy Zipay for House of Delegates, District 45

Name
Andy Zipay

Age
35

Office Sought and District
House of Delegates – District 45

Education
Bachelors in Social Work from UMBC

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Career/Occupation
Social Worker

Political Experience
None. This is my first campaign.

Website
No answer

Social Media Accounts
No answer

Why are you running for office?
I feel we need change in Baltimore. The representatives we have had for the past 20 years have not made the city better. I truly believe that the city will never get better until we have new leaders, with fresh ideas, who are ready to roll up our sleeves and fix problems. I hope I can be one of those new leaders.

Who do you consider your political role model, and why?
Ronald Reagan because he had a vision and moved the entire country towards conservatism. He was such a strong voice for less government. I truly believe America was reborn in the 1980s and why we became such a superpower as a nation.

What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why?
The Political Almanac that comes out every 2 years. It lists every single member of congress and governors. But the thing I love the most about it, is that it talks in great detail about each district in the country and gives the issues that are most important to that area and also the history of the area. You can read this book and really get a good understanding of the voters in this country.

What will be your top priority in the General Assembly?
Crime fighting and safety for our people

What is the biggest issue facing your district?
Crime. It continues to get worse.

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland?
I think we need to be more business friendly. We have way too many regulations which stifle economic growth. We are ranked as one of the last states in regards to personal liberty and freedom for our citizens.

What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide)
I am pro life.

What is your position on taxes and spending?
Tax cuts are good for the economy. We need to rein in our spending. Cutting the level of increase is not cutting.

What is your position on gun rights?
I am very pro 2nd Amendment. We should improve the background system that is already in place. And give tough penalties for the crimes committed with guns.

What is your position on education?
I am very supportive of school choice. The elites can send their kids to the best schools. Why can’t we allow everyone else to have greater opportunities to enroll in a good school.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?
It impairs judgment. Families and especially children suffer as a result. I do not necessarily think we should throw the book at someone for possession. But I also do not think we should be legalizing it.

What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol?
I think it works fine but I have an open mind on the subject

Legislators can receive $101 per day for lodging and $47 per day for meals during the 90-day General Assembly session. If elected, do you plan to accept these benefits? Why or why not?
I pledge to not accept that money. The paycheck appears to be more than enough to live on. Serving should not be about the perks and extra goodies you can get. It should be about making the state a better place for all citizens.

There is a culture of depravity and sexual harassment prevalent in the Maryland General Assembly. As a legislator, how will you work to end this culture of depravity and to ensure that those who commit these acts are removed from the General Assembly?
If elected, you will never be embarrassed by me. I will serve with honor and make you proud. And I will tolerate any kind of harassment in my presence. And anyone who has been proven to do this, should not be allowed to serve.