Jennifer Dougherty (Candidate)
Jennifer Dougherty
Candidate D-6-MD
Campaign Contact
Campaign Email
Campaign Website
Campaign Contributors
301-695-6781
207 W. Patrick Street
2nd Floor
Frederick, MD 21701
207 W. Patrick Street
2nd Floor
Frederick, MD 21701
Biography
DOUGHTERY, Jennifer; born in Alexandria, VA in 1961; graduated from Mt. St. Mary's College in 1983 with a BA in History; operated Jennifer's Restaurant in 1987; Doughtery's Irish Shop from 1999 to 2006; worked as a real estate agent in 2006; and was elected mayor of Frederick, Maryland in 2001.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for MD-6.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Jennifer Dougherty has said:
Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
Education - It is vitally important that educators are encouraged to be creative and excite young people about science and math. Investing in mentoring programs for science and math is a worthwhile effort in order to provide hands-on experience. Students who follow a career path in science/engineering should also be able to access grants and scholarships to ease the cost of advanced degrees. I also support investing in trade/specialty programs through the local community colleges to offer opportunities to people who will operate the new technologies.
Investment - Technology and business incubators assist in getting new technologies from the notebook idea to the lab to the market.
Partnerships - Many technologies are ready to go to market (ie solar panels) but costs to individuals and business restrict conversion. By supporting a federal block grant program to encourage communities to adopt new energy technology, we can help bring costs down, control greenhouse gas emmissions and encourage others to explore the next best techonologies.
Further, I believe American manufacturing can be restored and jobs created throughout the country by encouraging creativity and investment in renewable energies. Bio-fuels refineries are being planned in several regions in the country. They take advantage of the best local raw material, the local workforce and supply local consumers. In addition, the opportunity to build the infrastructure for renewable energies are growing with increased demand for wind and solar power, hyrdo power and nuclear power.
Investment - Technology and business incubators assist in getting new technologies from the notebook idea to the lab to the market.
Partnerships - Many technologies are ready to go to market (ie solar panels) but costs to individuals and business restrict conversion. By supporting a federal block grant program to encourage communities to adopt new energy technology, we can help bring costs down, control greenhouse gas emmissions and encourage others to explore the next best techonologies.
Further, I believe American manufacturing can be restored and jobs created throughout the country by encouraging creativity and investment in renewable energies. Bio-fuels refineries are being planned in several regions in the country. They take advantage of the best local raw material, the local workforce and supply local consumers. In addition, the opportunity to build the infrastructure for renewable energies are growing with increased demand for wind and solar power, hyrdo power and nuclear power.
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
Managing our response to global climate change must be a national priority. By encouraging conservation we make a start on understanding the importance of personal responsibility. Our country must return as the leader in policies that encourage other countries control greenhouse gas emissions and improve our environmental conditions.
I support a cap-and-trade system that rewards good behavior.
I support the concept of a tiered-carbon tax.
I support increased fuel economy standards to achieve 50 mpg within 10 years and new investment in electric cars.
I support investment in community-based renewable energy production facilities through federal block grants.
I support investment in a variety of renewable energy sources that limit carbon emissions including wind, solar, hydro and nuclear.
I support expansion of nuclear power plants and will rely on scientific evidence to support the best locale for waste disposal.
I support a cap-and-trade system that rewards good behavior.
I support the concept of a tiered-carbon tax.
I support increased fuel economy standards to achieve 50 mpg within 10 years and new investment in electric cars.
I support investment in community-based renewable energy production facilities through federal block grants.
I support investment in a variety of renewable energy sources that limit carbon emissions including wind, solar, hydro and nuclear.
I support expansion of nuclear power plants and will rely on scientific evidence to support the best locale for waste disposal.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
Investment in conservation is a key component to energy demand. Energy loss in manufacturing and commercial operations drains supply. Improving the efficiency of transmission lines is an important part of a good conservation program. Additionally, I will support efforts to reward sound community planning and building policies that reduce energy consumption.
I support converting federal facilities and military bases to renewable energy sources within 10 years. The conversion will save money based on expected costs of carbon-based electricity. The choice of hyrdo, solar, wind or nuclear wll be based on environmental, economic and community preferences.
I support investing in a wide menu of renewable and sustainable energy options:
Hyrdo-power: To encourage use the currents of surface and tidal waters to produce electricity for larger communities.
Solar-power: Production of panels is advancing, but the costs prevent many from converting. I support investing in local block grants to create a non-carbon based fuel option.
Wind Power: Effective use of wind power for individual or community use.
Nuclear: I support the safe and appropriate investment in nuclear power that is guided by the best scientific evidence and advice.
I support converting federal facilities and military bases to renewable energy sources within 10 years. The conversion will save money based on expected costs of carbon-based electricity. The choice of hyrdo, solar, wind or nuclear wll be based on environmental, economic and community preferences.
I support investing in a wide menu of renewable and sustainable energy options:
Hyrdo-power: To encourage use the currents of surface and tidal waters to produce electricity for larger communities.
Solar-power: Production of panels is advancing, but the costs prevent many from converting. I support investing in local block grants to create a non-carbon based fuel option.
Wind Power: Effective use of wind power for individual or community use.
Nuclear: I support the safe and appropriate investment in nuclear power that is guided by the best scientific evidence and advice.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
I will support efforts to reward educators who encourage creativity and mentor science and math students. In addition, I will explore using existing facilities in the 6th Congressional District to become a math/science student facility similar to the business and technology incubator created in Frederick.
I support investing in grants and loans for all students that ease the high cost of education by reducing or eliminating college debt for those who go into public service.
I will support incentives to businesses that support student mentoring and training programs.
I support investing in grants and loans for all students that ease the high cost of education by reducing or eliminating college debt for those who go into public service.
I will support incentives to businesses that support student mentoring and training programs.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
Our community experienced serious water shortages as a result of rapid development and rapid development. As Mayor, I guided an effective community response that included community and government participation.
There are several steps that will assist in managing our water resources which must be managed at the local level with the support of state and federal officials and agencies.
1. Build awareness of consumption rates through water audits - both system wide and within businesses and homes.
2. Conservation by replacing old and leaky water mains, converting to low-flow devices and using gray water for non-consumptive use.
3. Build in pricing structure that rewards conservation of water.
4. Invest in community reservoirs with help of Army Corps of Engineers.
5. Protect water supplies by enforcing the Clean Water Act.
6. Reward community planning and building initiatives that conserve all natural resources.
Given the aging infrastructure in the US, local communities will need federal support through low-interest loans and grants that will improve water systems.
There are several steps that will assist in managing our water resources which must be managed at the local level with the support of state and federal officials and agencies.
1. Build awareness of consumption rates through water audits - both system wide and within businesses and homes.
2. Conservation by replacing old and leaky water mains, converting to low-flow devices and using gray water for non-consumptive use.
3. Build in pricing structure that rewards conservation of water.
4. Invest in community reservoirs with help of Army Corps of Engineers.
5. Protect water supplies by enforcing the Clean Water Act.
6. Reward community planning and building initiatives that conserve all natural resources.
Given the aging infrastructure in the US, local communities will need federal support through low-interest loans and grants that will improve water systems.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
The federal government collects enough in taxes, I support spending those taxes in other places. The current administration has allowed unchecked spending on the War in Iraq that has eliminated necessary investment in energy techonology, health care, edcuation and infrastrucure. By controlling procurement and disallowing the State Department's hiring of outside security forces rather than the US Marines, the operational costs in Iraq will be reduced.
Numerous departments and agencies need support to meet our national priorities. The top priorities for research and science include NIH Cancer Research, Energy Department, NIST and Commerce Department incentive programs for sustainable energies.
Numerous departments and agencies need support to meet our national priorities. The top priorities for research and science include NIH Cancer Research, Energy Department, NIST and Commerce Department incentive programs for sustainable energies.
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
I support universal health coverage and will support legislation that advances that national priority. I will not prevent people from keeping private insurance but want to guarantee a level playing field and minimum level of coverage for all.
The most creative scientific minds are working on improving our health. Being home to some NIH labs and offices makes their work a local economic issue as well.
I support a streamlined grant process that minimizes lost time for scientists.
I support increasing research funds for cancer-related research due to the potential for break-through technologies on the immediate horizon.
I support investment in electronic medical record keeping that will reduce administrative costs, eliminate mistakes and improve service to patients.
The most creative scientific minds are working on improving our health. Being home to some NIH labs and offices makes their work a local economic issue as well.
I support a streamlined grant process that minimizes lost time for scientists.
I support increasing research funds for cancer-related research due to the potential for break-through technologies on the immediate horizon.
I support investment in electronic medical record keeping that will reduce administrative costs, eliminate mistakes and improve service to patients.
Login/Register to EditJENNIFER DOUGHERTY ON SCIENCE
Education
- Nothing posted to date
Energy
Dougherty supports repealing tax breaks for large oil and gas companies and investing that money in new technology for alternative fuel sources.[1]
Environment
Dougherty believes that everyone must do their part for their environment. She has said that if elected to Congress, she will work to make that a reality.
During the celebration of Earth Day, Dougherty said "I was shocked to learn my ‘carbon footprint'...By taking a few simple actions like converting light bulbs and adjusting my thermostat, I have reduced my energy consumption..I also started getting smarter about the importance of planting trees and shrubs. It’s all part of the solution."[2]
Jennifer Dougherty has argued that drilling foil in the Artic would have little effect on the price of gas, while having adverse effects on the environment.[3]
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Health
According to her website, Dougherty believes that "We cannot allow 47 million Americans including nearly 9 million children to go without adequate health care."
She will work to maintain employee sponsored health care, give tax breaks to business' offering health care, allow individuals to purchase the federal employee health plan, limit premiums to a percentage of income, and strengthen Medicaid for seniors and low income families.[4]
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
