Republican candidates at all levels gathered at a luncheon yesterday to discuss campaign issues and to celebrate their first opportunity in more than 30 years to challenge Democrats in every elected office in the county.

The Severna Park Republican Women's Club sponsored the event, which attracted 31 candidates running for offices from governor to House of Delegates to a seat on the Republican Central Committee. The primary is Sept. 13.

The top issues for most of the candidates were crime, education and efficiency in government.

"Crime is coming to Arnold, and that's right down the road," said Vickie Schade, who is on a slate with Douglas Arnold and Dave Blanch for the three District 31 House of Delegates seats.

Mr. Arnold said his goals are to "work on crime, improve education and work on the budget."

Janet Greenip, a former school teacher who is running for delegate in District 33, is concerned about the direction of the school system. She called education "the No. 2 issue" behind crime.

"We have a school system that doesn't believe suspension is a good way to discipline children," she said.

Balancing the state and county budgets was emphasized throughout the meeting by various candidates.

Gubernatorial candidate Ellen R. Sauerbrey promised efficiency if elected. "That's how I intend to run our budget -- keeping it lean and mean."

However, Ingvard "Ed" Bach, delegate candidate for District 33, said his goal is "not balancing the budget, reducing the budget."

POLICE LOG

* Severna Park: Someone stole a $2,700 riding mower from the back yard of a house in the 600 block of Thomas Way between 6:15 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday.