Unspun -- Sen. Allan H. Kittleman

"I have a real passion for civic literacy"
An offbeat interview with a Maryland politician
Interview by John Wagner

Name Allan H. Kittleman
Party: Republican
Age: 51
Home: West Friendship, Md.
Position: Senate Minority Leader

Growing up, was there a TV show you wouldn't miss?
I hate to say it, but "Happy Days" and "Mork & Mindy." ... Everyone said I looked like Richie Cunningham when I was younger.

What song did you most recently download to your iPod?
I hate to say it, but I don't have an iPod. I don't listen to much music. With me, it's mostly the news.

What do you do to relax?
I like to play basketball, mostly with my children.

What's your favorite thing to do in the snow?
I like to toboggan down hills.

What's your ideal vacation?
It has to do with the family, with my kids and my wife. We went to Italy four years ago, and it was a great trip.

What's atop your reading pile?
Other than bills and research on collective bargaining and election law, I'm not reading a lot right now.

If you were not involved in politics, what would you do with that time?
I'd probably be teaching. I'm a lawyer, but I really enjoy being with young people. I have a real passion for civic literacy.

If Republicans were in the majority, what is the first thing you would change in Annapolis?
That's a hard one. ... I'd open up all meetings to all members. I wouldn't have private meetings in the back rooms. I would open up government more.