Candidate Survey: Adam Cunningham for State Senate, District 39
TheDuckpin.com Primary Election Survey
Name *
Adam Cunningham
Age *
25
Office Sought *
State Senate
County *
Montgomery
District *
39
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science w/ minor in Business Administration
Career/Occupation *
Unemployed
Political Experience *
Newcomer
Social Media Accounts *
twitter.com/adamcformd, facebook.com/adamcformd
Why are you running for office? *
I’m going to get into office just so I can prove that it’s untrue when those who have the power to affect change tell us we can’t have better things or have to wait for inordinate amounts of time for progress to occur while people are out here going hungry, being evicted, homeless, destitute, being negatively impacted or even dying from things that could have been entirely avoidable if people in our state and local government specifically would just be strong against the special interests, and against the naysayers that think we shouldn’t do anything, and just do something about the issues NOW.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
I don't have any political role models, but I find Murray Bookchin to be an interesting person due to his philosophy and theories on anarchism, libertarian socialism, and libertarian municipalism.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
I take a lot of tips from Bookchin's writings, such as his documentation of Bernie Sanders in "The Bernie Sanders Paradox: When Socialism Grows Old", and "The Communalist Project", but also from "The Conquest of Bread" by Peter Kropotkin. This is because it goes into anarchistic theory that is possible to achieve within our lifetimes, and has very interesting critiques of the state.
What will be your top priority in office? *
Public Transit, police reform, and cannabis legalization
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
Housing costs and living expenses.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
The housing crisis, the unemployment crisis, and police reform.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I believe that abortion is a right, and women reserve that right to their bodies. The state does not get a say in whether a woman can have an abortion or not. As for assisted suicide, it's a tough issue. I believe that people should have the right to assisted suicide, but that we should have a robust mental healthcare program that people can have access to (fully paid for through single payer healthcare) so that they can get the help they need before taking a final step like that.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
I am a firm believer of MMT, which means that I know that the US government can afford to spend as much money as needed to ensure that everyone is properly taken care of. I also believe that the rich largely get away with paying what they owe in taxes through loopholes, and will advocate for the removal of all tax loopholes such that the rich and ultra rich pay their fair share of taxes.
What is your position on gun rights? *
I believe that the 2nd amendment is a solid right, that is unfortunately utilized more by right wingers with dangerous agendas. If it is going to be an inalienable right, then reforms must be made not only legislatively (with police reform, gun control laws, etc.) but socially to make it truly a right of all people.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
I believe it should be legalized, decriminalized, and the taxes used to better communities of color who have been the most negatively impacted by its criminalization.
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
I believe that it is fine, as alcohol is a beverage. I do believe that the taxes received from liquor stores and businesses with liquor licenses can be better spent on the community, however.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
I believe that housing is a right, and there should be an effort first and foremost to ensure that populations can safely grow and live comfortably. I'm in favor of zoning laws that allow multi-family housing, mixed districts, and whatever is needed to ensure that the most people can live in an area comfortably, rather than the continuation of urban sprawl and suburbanization, which largely is bad for the environment and unsustainable long-term.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
I believe that public safety comes from all people within any given community having their needs met, and having their wants easily accessible to them. Crime can be reduced largely if everyone had access to affordable/free housing, food, education, and healthcare without having to worry about going hungry, becoming destitute, or becoming so desperate that they resort to crime. These things can be easily addressed by some sensible legislation in the General Assembly.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
I believe that county tax caps, like all taxes, can stand to be reviewed and adjusted (if needed) to accomodate the changing times and growing populations.
Legislators can receive $101 per day for lodging and $47 per day for meals during the 90-day General Assembly session. If elected, do you plan to accept these benefits? Why or why not?
I will accept these benefits since I live very far from annapolis, and would likely need to stay in hotels closeby to continue the important work of making sure important legislation gets passed. However, I want to look into how the stipend can be used, and if possible allow it to be used to better people's lives in the immediate, such as using the money to house a homeless person or family for a day and give them food to eat. It all depends on how the money is allowed to be spent once received.
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes