Republican candidate aims to boost business in Dist. 21
Odenton resident one of three GOP challengers in delegate race
Odenton resident Scott W. DiBiasio said he is running for a delegate seat in District 21 because he wants to bring more fiscal responsibility to Annapolis.
If elected, DiBiasio said his first order of business would be to end what he sees as unnecessary taxation and spending by the state's representatives.
"If I'm elected, I will oppose every single tax increase that is proposed in the legislature," he said.
DiBiasio, 36, is one of three Republicans who have filed as candidates for the three District 21 delegate seats. The other Republicans are Kat Nelson and Jason W. Papanikolas.
The current delegation, which includes Democrats Ben Barnes, Barbara Frush and Joseline Peña-Melnyk, have all filed for another term. They will face Democratic challengers Brian K. McDaniel and Devin F. Tucker. A Libertarian candidate, Bryan K. Walker, has also filed in the district.
District 21 includes Laurel, Beltsville, College Park and a portion of Anne Arundel County. The primary election will take place Sept. 14 and the general election will follow on Nov. 2.
DiBiasio said he believes the legislative priorities of the current delegation have hurt small businesses in the area, "made Maryland very anti-business" and stalled economic recovery in the area. He criticized the efforts Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and his supporters have put forth to support small businesses, saying they fall short.
"If I'm elected, I will do a lot more," he said. "I will support policies that will incentivize small businesses to create new jobs in the state or for other businesses to relocate to the state."
DiBiasio said another of his priorities would be proposing an amendment to the state constitution that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
"Personally, I oppose same-sex marriages, but I think it should be left up to the voters to decide whether same-sex marriages should be legal in the state," he said.
DiBiasio also said he would like to tackle public transportation. If elected, DiBiasio said he would push for infrastructure upgrades and a change in leadership with the MARC commuter rail system. He also supports construction plans for the Purple Line light-rail system and would like it to go through the University of Maryland, College Park's campus.
DiBiasio said his experience working as a lobbyist in the state legislature would be an asset if he is elected because he is already familiar with the state's legislative process.
Crofton resident Jennifer McLaughlin Hirschmann, who knows DiBiasio through other community acquaintances, said she believes he has good ideas for fixing the local economy and would represent the district well.
"He's very passionate about doing this," she said. "He is firm on his beliefs and intentions."
Scott W. DiBiasio
Position sought and party affiliation: Dist. 21 delegate seat, Republican
Place of residence: Odenton
How long lived in District 21: Six years
Place of birth: Providence, R.I.
Current occupation: Lobbyist, real industry professional society
Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science, The American University, 1996
Community associations, involvement: Habitat for Humanity, Community United Methodist Church
Professional associations: Maryland State Government Relations Association
Family: Single, 3-year-old son
Campaign office address:
2710 Mapleview Court, Odenton, MD