Q&A: Del. Aruna Miller Catches Up with Patch

Maryland's 430th General Assembly was adjourned .

But many other issues were addressed during the session. Patch caught up with Darnestown resident Del. Aruna Miller (District 15) to get her take on the session and what she'll do with her time at home now that it's over.

North Potomac-Darnestown Patch: As the 430th General Assembly session came to a close April 10, what were, in your opinion, the three most hotly contested issues during the session and where did you stand on them?

Aruna Miller: Same Sex Marriage—I have received numerous correspondences from constituents on this very sensitive and emotional topic. I chose to support this bill, not based on any party or political agenda, but after hours of listening to testimony of community members and their concerns regarding legal protections for their families. This bill, I also believe provides the necessary protections for religious institutions who under this law are not compelled to officiate marriages that are in conflict with their teachings or beliefs.

Budget—To navigate through these challenging times, we have had to have a balanced approach of looking for ways to reduce expenditures and bring in revenue. Currently, we have the fewest number of state government employees on a per capita basis since 1973. Maryland continues to retain its valued triple-A bond rating, one of only nine states in the entire nation to receive such a rating. 

Our recent session ended without a complete budget package, which includes appropriations, revenues and the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act. It is anticipated that Gov. Martin O’Malley will call for a special session before an incomplete budget package takes effect on July 1, 2012.

Transportation Funding—Montgomery County stands to gain the most benefit of adequate state funding of transportation projects. The fact that a comprehensive plan to address the transportation needs of our state did not take traction is a loss for our county. I support a plan that provides protection for revenues targeted for transportation.

North Potomac-Darnestown Patch: Your bill prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors passed the Senate and the House without opposition. Why do you think you've seen such support for the bill and what's the next step towards writing it in as law?

Miller: An electronic cigarette is a device that simulates the act of smoking by producing a nicotine mist. The sales of these devices have been growing at a rate of 200 percent per year and recently have been targeted to minors with novelty flavors such as bubble gum, fudge, buttered popcorn and cookie dough. HB1272 provides a measure to prevent companies from introducing these addictive products to minors. Once my colleagues in the House and Senate were provided testimony on the harmful effects of these products and their manufacturers’ blatant campaign to target youth, the support was widespread. The next expected step will be Gov. Martin O’Malley signing this bill into law.

North Potomac-Darnestown Patch: Voter turnout was extremely low in the North Potomac and Darnestown areas, along with Montgomery County, for the April 3 primary election. Were you disappointed by the turnout from the people in your residential area? Why do you think turnout numbers were so low and what do you think it will take for more people to exercise their right to vote?

Miller: Democracy is best served when citizens are informed and participate in the election process, so I was very disappointed with the turnout (which was about 14% county wide). Since Maryland has a late presidential primary, many Marylanders don’t vote, given the presidential race is almost decided by the time of our primary. What unfortunately people need to understand is it's important they express their voice in the selection of all elected officials, including the U.S. Senate, congressional and school board. All of these elected officials influence the community we live in and how we are represented. With early voting and the availability of absentee voting, there is no excuse not to vote. 

North Potomac-Darnestown Patch: The breach of donor intent lawsuit filed by the former heirs to Belward Farm (at Darnestown Road and Muddy Branch) against Johns Hopkins University looks to be headed for a date in court. How do you think the case can be fairly decided? Will Hopkins have to scale back its plans for the site or do you think a judge will rule in their favor?

Miller: While I am aware of the case, I am certainly not aware of the nuances of the agreement between Elizabeth Beall Banks and Johns Hopkins University made in 1989. This is an area the Montgomery County Circuit Court judge involved in the case will have determine, if there was breach of donor intent and what remedy Johns Hopkins must take if there is a breach.

North Potomac-Darnestown Patch: What are your plans now that the session is adjourned? Will you be seen more frequently around Darnestown or do you plan to take a vacation and unwind from the session?

Miller: I am glad to be able to spend more time at home now the session has adjourned; however, a vacation is not in the near term. The Maryland General Assembly is comprised of citizen legislators, once the session is complete I return to my work as a facility planner for Montgomery County. I also normally take time after the legislative session to visit various community groups and associations to discuss impacts of legislation passed during the session.