Maryland Attorney General
Jim Shalleck
Republican
76
Montgomery Village, Montgomery County
Attorney
Tulane University - B.A. Political Science New York Law School - J.D.
Candidate - State's Attorney, Montgomery County, MD. ; Judge of Circuit Court; Montgomery County MD. County Executive
Why are you running for office?
To fight and reduce crime in Maryland. To prosecute violent and repeat offenders with no plea bargaining and deals. To assist or take over these prosecutions from local States' Attorneys. We must protect our children and families. We must make Maryland a safe place to live and raise a family.
What is the most pressing issue facing the state of Maryland?
The epidemic of crime in our neighborhoods. Other issues are important such as education, the environment, and taxes and regulations. But without safe neighborhoods, we cannot live without fear and anxiety.
What do you believe is the appropriate role of the AG's office regarding ongoing violence in Baltimore?
To assist or replace the current State's Attorney in prosecuting violent and repeat offenders. The AG office has the personnel and resources to prosecute these criminal offenders without plea bargaining and deals.
Attorney General Brian Frosh and Gov. Larry Hogan clashed publicly several times, with Frosh once recusing himself from representing the governor after he ended enhanced unemployment benefits early. What responsibility does the AG’s office have toward state agencies and officials?
The Attorney General has an obligation to represent State Agencies and officials unless their conduct is illegal, improper or beyond their authority.
What are your top three priorities regarding the environment?
Prosecute criminally major polluters and violators of environmental laws. Jail is the most effective deterrent to those that poison our environment. Hire more investigators and scientists to monitor our waterways and air pollution. Educate the public on environmental laws and regulations so ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse for violating these laws and rules.
How equitably do police officers treat people of color?
Most Officers do treat people of color equitably and fairly. However, as in any institution, there are bad apples. Police Officers who are found to violate this standard should be quickly and meaningfully sanctioned.
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