The following article was submitted by Sixth District Delegate Bob Long about him running for reelection and his accomplishments as delegate
Late last year, I officially filed paperwork with the Maryland State Board of Elections to seek re-election to the House of Delegates, proudly representing District 6.
Since first taking office in 2015, I have been your voice for Dundalk, Essex, Middle River, Rosedale, and Sparrows Point. I have consistently fought for fiscal responsibility, election integrity, environmental advocacy, protecting homeowners, and public safety in our communities and schools.
Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief
One of my top priorities remains preventing increases to your property taxes. To support those hit hardest by the current economy, I have introduced legislation to offer targeted tax credits for first-time homebuyers, seniors, and residents receiving the Homeowners’ Tax Credit. Additionally, I have proposed legislation to thoroughly review assessment practices in Baltimore County.
Maryland has never had a taxing problem- it has always had a spending problem. It is time to stop out-of-control government spending. When I first took office, I made a promise that I would never vote for a new tax or fee increase, and I am proud to say that I have kept that promise. Since taking office, I have stood firm against tax hikes. I helped to successfully defeat the “sugar tax” on soft drinks, the “death tax” on funeral services, and proposed increases to the Maryland sales tax.
Election Integrity
I firmly believe that our elections must be transparent, secure, and fraud-free. Proof of identity should be a fundamental requirement to vote. Valid IDs are required for everyday tasks- whether opening a bank account, enrolling a child in school, or borrowing a library book. Ensuring the integrity of our vote should be no different. To guarantee that our election process produces fair and accurate results, I have also proposed legislation to require signature verification for absentee ballots.
Environmental Advocacy
I remain deeply committed to ensuring clean air and water for our district. For decades,
Baltimore City neglected the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant (BRWWTP). I worked to get Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on the scene to get BRWWTP into compliance. Additionally, I fought to ensure that Clean Harbors in Baltimore City was blocked from dumping untreated wastewater from the Ohio train derailment into our local sewer system.
Protecting Homeowners
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when widespread unemployment left many families worried about losing their homes, I took action. I successfully passed legislation that placed a two-year moratorium on local government foreclosures resulting from tax liens, providing critical stability to families when they needed it most.
Public Safety & Safe Schools
Our schools must be safe environments for learning. I introduced the legislation that brought ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training to Baltimore County Public Schools, ensuring students, teachers, and staff are prepared for the threat of an active shooter. The bill was later implemented into BCPS safety protocol, and the training continues to save lives.
In Annapolis, I stood against legislation that would ban school resource officers from coordinating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Our local law enforcement must maintain the ability to work effectively with federal agencies to keep us safe.
Furthermore, I have introduced legislation to hold parents accountable for their
children’s disruptive behavior. I am also fighting to reform the home detention program.
Individuals who commit crimes while on home detention should be immediately removed from the program, not given a second chance.
It remains an uphill battle, but I am determined to continue fighting for the hardworking citizens of the 6th District and the State of Maryland.