Energy

Six Days, Hey Kids…It’s About You!

Jennifer — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:02:11 +0000

When we win next Tuesday, we can get started on changing our world. I don’t see doom and gloom. Despite the current crises, I think Americans have great prospects. We have always been able to share the common burden and emerge stronger. And, that is what we will start next week!

My nieces and nephews, their friends and the young people I get to meet every day give me great hope for our future. It’s pretty simple for them. Find something you like and do it! That’s what I am doing.

When we win Tuesday’s election, we will focus on priorities that make a difference to our children. Here’s a list:

Government spending – Young people are unaware that we have allowed billions in IOUs to be placed on their doorsteps. I will support common sense strategies to control spending by rewarding creativity and effectiveness by government employees. Stop, look, listen.
Stop spending the old way, just because it has “always been done.”
Look for ways to be creative in government.
Listen to employees who know the ropes and want to help.
Competition - I oppose “no-bid contracts” like some at Ft. Detrick and Aberdeen Proving Grounds that keep local businesses from winning competitive bids for services.
Openness – I will tell you what my votes mean to the district by creating an interactive website that gives you information in time for you to tell me what you think.

We also need to invest in…

Two Weeks, Three Ideas

Jennifer — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:18:04 +0000

Two weeks to victory! The excitement about the election is real. People are ready to take charge again and are ready to vote for meaningful change in Washington. Right now, I need you to take charge of the results in the 6th District.

Help me get our message out by making a small contribution right now. If you send just $25 by Thursday, we can get our message to more voters!

I am ready to work for our District. I know that we want to focus on the economy, making sure there is a level playing field that protects the middle class and offers opportunity for growth.

I know people like concrete plans and ideas, me too! Think about these 3 things I will work on to get our economy moving and helping residents of the 6th District:

1) Build a biofuels refinery in the 6th District that will allow us to get off the rollercoaster of foreign oil, will be good for the environment and will create jobs right here. We can use the best technology and innovation to convert switchgrasses, algae or any other effective raw material for e-85 ethanol. It is part of a full menu of energy solutions that will help us reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

2) Introduce a pilot program to allow local communities to "Get Off the Grid". Local governments can take advantage of a pilot program that encourages conversion to renewable energy supplies. If a local community makes a decision to lead the way, they can set aside a field for a solar panel field or wind farm. Then, all homes and businesses can get the benefit of the conversion. This type of pilot program can help improve the technology, reduce emissions, and create jobs.

3) Invest in a Veterans' Convalescence and Rehab facility in the 6th District (possible at Ft. Ritchie) that will allow our returning veterans to have the proper long-term care they will need. It is a necessary investment and I can think of no more welcoming place for our veterans and their families.

That's three concrete ideas to help the country and our district. Now, I need you to tell your friends and neighbors who have yet to decide on their choice for Congress.

No other candidate has put forward real plans to help jump start job growth in our district and no other candidate will work as hard to make the plans come to life. I was able to do it in Frederick, when no one thought we could finish Carroll Creek and I will do it for our district.

So please help us spread the word by making a contribution today! Do what you can to take back the 6th District on November 4th! I know we can do it!

As always, thanks for your support!

Jennifer to Discuss Energy at League of Women Voters Forum

Jennifer — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:56:15 +0000

The incumbent congressman has given 50 speeches on Peak Oil in Congress but has done nothing to help lower gas or home heating oil prices. He has had 16 years to make his mark and that's enough.

In Congress, I will promote solutions like a bio-fuels refinery in the 6th Congressional District. Switchgrasses or algae - all-American alternatives for our cars and trucks. I will promote pilot programs for renewable energy supplies for local communities to "get off the grid". In Congress, I will stand up for the 6th District, not just stand up for politics as usual.

The Congressional election is less than 8 weeks away and the Carroll County League of Women Voters is sponsoring a Candidates' Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7PM in the Community Media Center in Westminster. Please join us and decide who has the energy, ideas and commitment to serve the 6th District. I ask for your vote on Nov. 4th.

Get Off the Grid vs. Great Mantra

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:11:41 +0000

AMERICAN PUBLIC IS READY FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Jennifer Dougherty believes in the need for America’s energy independence and supports the need to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create the next generation of the “green economy.”

Dougherty knows that the first step is to focus on efficiency and conservation while building a sound national energy policy that creates a 10-year plan to energy independence. Americans brought the price of a barrel down more than $20 just by showing oil companies that “we get it.”

A good energy plan will jump-start our economic growth and create good jobs and opportunities, plus be good for the environment. “People in both political parties have to give a little – Democrats should be open to nuclear energy and Republicans have to understand that drilling is not the only answer. More important, they have to realize that the American public is ready for energy solutions!”

Environmentally-responsible drilling on the 68 million acres of land already under lease or off U.S. shores can be part of America’s energy plan, but Dougherty is concerned about relying on that supply because “there is no guarantee that oil and gas from those fields will come to American consumers.” Oil and gas get sold on the open market, China and others will compete for that oil and prices will continue to rise. “I hate to think about what Exxon Mobil’s profits will be in 7-10 years, especially if we rely on an old way of thinking.”

“Even my opponent, Roscoe Bartlett knows drilling is a short-term solution and has spent years opposing drilling. He said, ‘This drill here, drill more, pay less, is a great mantra, and it’s hurting the Democrats. But you need to finish that: And screw your kids and your grandkids, because that’s what we’re doing’.” (Politico, July 23, 2008)

Jennifer Challenges Bartlett on WBAL

Fri, 23 May 2008 13:04:23 +0000

Thursday, Roscoe Bartlett tried to explain his flip-flop on drilling for oil in ANWR on the Ron Smith Show on WBAL. After questions from Ron Smith, a caller said Bartlett was in denial, and then things really heated up when Jennifer called in. Listen for yourself:

Bartlett Flip-Flops on Arctic Drilling

Fri, 23 May 2008 03:04:16 +0000

Dougherty Calls Action Predictable and Sad

"Roscoe Bartlett says one thing and does another! That's been his record since he went to Washington in 1993. His flip-flop on drilling in the Arctic wildlife reserve is predictable and sad," said 6th District Democratic challenger Jennifer Dougherty. Bartlett announced today his co-sponsorship of new legislation that would allow for oil and natural gas production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "The American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act" (H.R. 6107) was introduced this afternoon by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee, and Rep. Bartlett.

Bartlett claims that the proceeds of the drilling will be invested in energy alternatives, but Dougherty does not think that is the best approach. "We can remove the big tax breaks for oil and gas companies and invest in new technology without drilling in an environmental refuge. Roscoe's approach is wrong on so many fronts. It won't lower the price of gas, it does not improve our energy independence and it is bad for the environment. It is just election-year pandering."

"He knows that drilling in the Arctic will not lower prices at the pump and will have a huge adverse environmental impact. Marylanders get it - the Bush-Cheney energy plan is to let oil and gas companies get richer and Roscoe Bartlett has helped to make that happen."