Candidate Survey: Nic Kipke for House of Delegates, District 31B
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
Nic Kipke
Age *
43
Office Sought *
House of Delegates
County *
Anne Arundel
District, if applicable *
31B
Political Party *
Republican
Education *
High School
Career/Occupation *
Vice President, Reps & Associates, Inc.
Political Experience *
State Delegate 2007 to present, House Republican Leader 2013-2021
Social Media Accounts *
Facebook: @DelegateKipke, Twitter: @Kipke, Instagram: @delegate_kipke
Website *
Why are you running for office? *
I am seeking another term because I care for our community and the people here, which I hope is obvious as I try hard to work hard at constituent service. I’m going to continue to work hard to help people, continue to be a respected conservative leader, and continue to focus on fixing problems not wasting time on partisan politics. My experience and strong relationships benefit the district.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
I am a doer and I am focused on fixing problems. Whether they be issues in the community, helping an individual with something they're struggling with, or by advancing legislation for me it is about fixing problems and helping people.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
I don't have a favorite but I am currently reading, "Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology."
What will be your top priority in office? *
At the moment my top priority is seeing our lawsuit to throw out the democrats' gerrymandered congressional and state legislative maps. We cannot advance meaningful reforms in our state unless we get fairer maps. Currently the maps are rigged to give advantage to the democrats which also gives their power brokers a stranglehold on diversity of opinion.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
Like all of Anne Arundel County our area faces an uptick in development which threatens our quality of life unless roads and other infrastructure are upgraded as well.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
High taxes and the politicization of public education are two top issues that cause me concern. Another issue that really troubles me is that Americans all over the country including Marylanders continue to experience an ever-increasing political divide. I don't know if it is social media, corporate news, or just the state of our culture but it seems to me that people are so wildly one way or another in their views that they've begun to fail to see the nuance in things.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I'm pro-life.
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
I am a signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and have never voted to increase taxes. We've been fortunate to have Governor Hogan instead of Anthony Brown or Ben Jealous, as he's used his position to block countless taxes over the last eight years and has provided some small tax relief. This session I am fighting with Governor Hogan for more widespread tax relief as our state is one of the highest taxed states in the nation, and especially onerous for retirees.
What is your position on gun rights? *
I believe the Second Amendment is a fundamental right. This session I am the lead House sponsor to make Maryland a shall issue state.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
I am very comfortable with medical marijuana as it involves the oversight of a health professional and I've heard from many people who have used creams, drops, and chews to find relief from issues such as chronic pain, seizure disorders, or insomnia. It seems to me that this is for some a far better alternative than a fentanyl patch for example. I'd also willing to support adult recreational use of marijuana but it would have to be heavily regulated, including a maximum allowed monthly quantity and restrict the public exposure to secondhand spoke. The idea of striking a blow to the black market is very appealing to me but I just think we need to be careful to guard against unintended consequences. Unfortunately, all of the bills that seem to have traction in the General Assembly are ones that I can't support and regarding currently legislation that recently passed in the House, I do not believe the right to "recreational marijuana" should be put in the Maryland constitution and I voted against this.
What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol? *
I have mixed feelings about this subject as I totally understand the desire to be able to buy beer and wine at the grocery store or big retailers. The trouble is our current system set up a system where small businesses are generally the exclusive place where alcohol can be purchased. I do worry about the viability of these small retailers and it seems certain to me that many would vanish if the law changes to allow most retailers to have the ability to compete with them. The committee that handles this policy seems to want to stick with the current system so anyone who feel strongly about this should definitely let their legislators know how they feel.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
I believe the impact of building should, without violating constitutional protections, take into account adequate infrastructure. In addition, I want to see legislation pass at the County Council that further restricts growth in areas that are peninsulas like Lake Shore where there is only one way in and one way out.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
The biggest problem we have is Maryland is the lack of prosecution in places like Baltimore City. The issues there creep into my community as many of the violent crimes committed in the area are from prior offended, many of whom are from the city. I support legislation that goes after repeat violent felons and judicial transparency.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
Support the tax cap wholeheartedly.
For candidates for the General Assembly: 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 never and will never accept lodging because I go home every night, with the rare exception for very bad weather like blizzards or very unusual events like that. I do accept the per diem.
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