County Executive speaks at Blair

County Executive Doug Duncan spoke to students after school on Wednesday, April 20 in the auditorium. The Young Democrats sponsored the event.

Duncan gave a brief speech before taking questions from the audience. In his speech, he discussed his accomplishments as County Executive since he was first elected in 1994, his youth in Rockville and the political values instilled in him by his mother. He also focused on his political ambitions. "I'm looking to run for Governor in 2006," he said.

Duncan then fielded questions, most of which pertained to his years in office and his gubernatorial platform. When asked why voters should chose him over Baltimore mayor and gubernatorial hopeful Martin O'Malley (D), Duncan focused on the differences in quality of life in Montgomery County and in Baltimore City, with an emphasis on public education. Duncan also emphasized that whoever the Democratic candidate will be, he will have to beat incumbent Governor Robert Ehrlich.

Duncan also answered questions regarding his support of the proposed Intercounty Connector, his position against the legalization of slot machines (on which he disagrees with O'Malley) and his proposed eight-percent Montgomery County budget increase, which he claims will create a stronger tax base. He also answered questions on animal rights, pollution in the Susquehanna River, gay marriage and the juvenile justice system, and he invited students to volunteer for his campaign.