2022 Voter Guide: LaToya Nkongolo, candidate for Maryland House District 31

Why are you running for office?

I'm running because I do not like the direction the State of Maryland is going in. In District 31, although we are represented by Republicans, I feel like my Christian, conservative values are not being championed. In the past two years, we have seen small businesses suffer. Our children are mentally suffering and lagging behind academically due to the mishandling of the pandemic. I want to bring back common sense solutions. I want to be a strong voice in Annapolis that will push back against failing progressive policies and ensure that everyone's voices are heard.

What is the most pressing issue in your district?

Crime, illegal immigration, education, mental health and addictions.

How will you help your constituents deal with inflation?

Currently, inflation is over 7% now. This is higher than it has been in decades, which is a direct result of big government spending. At the local level, we can start by cutting taxes for local businesses, families and seniors to offset inflation.

What do you see as the top transportation priority in your district, and how would you address it?

Anne Arundel County is notorious for limited access to transportation. Traffic congestion, from Ritchie Highway to the Bay Bridge is getting increasingly worse. We need to improve and maintain our existing roads, and increase bus routes to best serve our working class families.

What should schools do differently during the next pandemic to help students, families and teachers?

I am against shut downs and mandates. As a mental health therapist, I see and hear the negative impact shut downs have had on our students and families. The mistake that we made was a one sized fits all approach by shutting down schools. We need to empower parents to make the choice for their children's education.

How equitably do police officers treat people of color?

As a person of color, I strongly support our law enforcement. I believe the narrative being circulated by progressives that all police officers are bad and we should "defund the police" is dangerous and misguided. The reality is that minorities suffer more from lawlessness and lack of police than anyone else. We need police presence, and we need to support our officers by increasing training, recruitment and retention.

What would you do to make sure Maryland's voting system is secure and accurate?

Voter integrity must start with ensuring that we have fair maps and no gerrymandering. The fact that the Maryland General Assembly's proposed map was declared unconstitutional should be alarming to all of us. This shows that we need proper maps so every citizen is represented. We also need to do a better job tracking voters who have in fact moved out of state or are deceased to ensure voter integrity.

What are the right goals and deadlines for Maryland to reduce carbon emissions and develop renewable energy sources?

It is obvious that we need to deal with the effects of climate change in the long term. In the short term, I do not agree with taxing businesses and inflicting tough standards that will create an economic burden on businesses that will then be passed on to consumers through higher prices.

What's Maryland's best use of federal COVID relief money?

The federal COVID relief money is the reason why we have this historic surplus in our budget. My view is we need to put the money back into the pockets of working class families and retirees by cutting taxes.