2022 Voter Guide: Chao Wu, candidate for Maryland House District 9A

Why are you running for office?

First, I have first-hand experience of what our educations are experiencing during the last four years and have worked hard to find solutions as a school board member and as a board chair. I want to address these issues at the state level, and support teachers, students and their families. Second, I have witnessed not well-planned developments which squeeze limited resources from the county. I will present solutions from the state level to address the over-development issue. We should find a balanced growth with consideration of jobs, schools, roads, hospitals, fire stations, and other infrastructure needs. An enhanced Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFO) is needed. Third, transportation improvement and human health issues (beyond COVID, asthma, lead in the water, cancer with potential links to environmental hazards) are other major concerns for me. I will work to propose legislation for better transportation, a safe environment, and safe drinking water.

What is the most pressing issue in your district?

The two most pressing issues in my district are improving education quality with appropriate funding support and creating a sustainable development plan for the community.

How will you help your constituents deal with inflation?

At the state level, we can help alleviate the economic burdens for constituents by not raising taxes or fees. The legislature should also develop policies to increase the competitiveness and efficiency of the economy in Maryland. Furthermore, the state should provide sufficient support for economically disadvantaged families and provide education and job training for them and help them become self-sufficient. More importantly, the state should promote job growth and job opportunities for all Marylanders to improve the economic environment in the state.

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

For transportation, in order to provide job opportunities and increase social mobility, we need to have fast, efficient and safe highways for commuters. Less traffic jams mean less air pollution, less fuel cost and less mental pressure for commuters. We also need accessible, affordable and user-friendly public transportations for commuting. We need more bike-friendly local roads. A well coordinated effort among Maryland, DC and Virginia should start as soon as possible to address both short-term needs and long-term needs, with consideration of autonomous driving.

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

We need to develop more robust and effective virtual instructions and provide sufficient mental health support for our students and teachers. In addition, the current funding formula from the state should be revised in order to consider the population growth and society change of education needs, and to provide opportunities for every student, especially for students with special needs.

How equitably do police officers treat people of color?

As a person of color myself, I believe Police officers should be properly trained to be culturally sensitive. Police officers should treat all people equally without regard to the color of their skin. State government should hold local jurisdictions accountable for their effectiveness in protecting our citizens.

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

The voting system should have electronic and paper backup of all voting records for audit (voters have a copy (or an email receipt) for verification with UUID after they vote). It is critical for our democracy that voters have confidence and trust in the voting process and result.

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

The right goal should align with the carbon emission, economic activities, and renewable energy capacity we could generate. Only by understanding such numbers better, could we set up a timeline to reach our goal. We should set up an actionable, flexible, and visible plan, and oversee the progress step by step over the years.

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

Purchasing personal protective equipment, and providing support for health care workers, small businesses, education, and residents in need are all good usages.