April McClain-Delaney Neil ParrottFrederick, Md (KM) The two candidates for the 6th District Congressional seat met for a forum on Sunday afternoon at Rosenstock Hall at Hood College in Frederick. Democrat April McClain-Delaney is running against Republican Neil Parrott. Both hope to succeed current incumbent David Trone. The event was organized by the Frederick County League of Women Voters.The moderator of the forum, Dr. Sara Malec, a Hood math professor, said it was not a debate. Both candidates were given 16 seconds to respond to questions, and could use part of that time to rebut their opponent’s comments.One issue that came up was the hot-butt topic of immigration. McClain-Delaney said a bipartisan bill before Congress earlier this year would have helped address the problem at the border. “Our most recent bipartisan immigration law which was actually channeled by a very prominent Republican from Oklahoma. But it was not brought through and it did not pass because of partisan reasons and taking it off the table,” she said,But Parrott said he was glad it didn’t pass. “That was not bipartisan by any means,” he said. “Allowing 5,000 illegal aliens a day in violation of existing US law; that’s not a bipartisan agreement at all.. That’s almost a million and a half illegal aliens we would allow every single year. That kind of bill cannot pass, should not pass, and I’m thankful Congress held the line on that.”It’s been over ten years since the Affordable Care Act,, sometimes called “Obamacare,” was passed. And that was addressed by the candidates. . The moderator asked McClain-Delaney if the law should be repealed, reformed or remain as is. McClain-Delaney said it’s an excellent law. But we need to broaden on by bringing in universal health care. “Actually, we have universal health care now. It’s called our emergency room, and that is the most ineffective and inefficient way to provide health care services,” she said. “What we need to do is to look at universal health care. Not a single payer system, but to build in that.”Parrott said the Affordable Care Act has not been very affordable. “Look at your health insurance rates right now compared to about ten years ago before it happened. It’s much, much higher. You’re rate of care has gone way down. You’re not seeing the doctor hardly at all any more. And your lines are growing longer, “he replied. “We need to make sure we go back to a private-type health insurance where people will have choices, where people can go across the state lines and get health insurance.”Other issues the candidates discussed were the war in Ukraine, the conflicts in the Middle East, gun violence and artificial intelligence.But the forum became a bit testy toward the end when each of the candidates were given time for closing remarks. McClain-Delaney contrasted herself with her opponent. “I am different from Mr. Parrott in that I will not use these inflammatory ways of dividing. I want to work on policies that deal with our reproductive freedom,”: she said, as some in the audience applauded.Parrott had this response. “It’s interesting to hear my opponent sit here and say ‘I don’t want to villainized people’ What about the lies that you put out on me on your mailers.; They’re unbelievable and disgusting,” he said. During that time, McClain-Delaney shouted “Not lies, Not lines.” It brought out reaction from the audience, but Parrott was allowed to continue with his comments.General Election day is Tuesday, November 5th. Early voting is scheduled from Thursday, October 24th to Thursday, October 31st.By Kevin McManus
