United States Representative 2 Year Term - Vote for One (1)
Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75
words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the
required date for publication, the words, "Did not respond in time for
publication" appear under the candidate's name.
QUESTION 1
Are you concerned about the size of the federal deficit?
Explain your answer.
QUESTION 2
What government measures would you propose to improve access
to affordable health care?
QUESTION 3
The United States uses a great deal of fossil fuel for power
generation and transportation.
What measures would you support to tackle the ever increasing need for
energy?
9th District
I am currently the Representative for Michigan's 9th
Congressional District. I serve as the chairman of the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development. I
have served in Congress since 1993. Prior to being elected to Congress, I owned
and operated a small business in Troy and was active in the Troy Chamber of
Commerce. I earned my BS from Eastern Illinois University and served in the
Army.
1. I am a fiscal conservative who believes we must return to
a balanced budget so I am very concerned about the federal deficit. I have been
working hard to eliminate wasteful spending and bring the deficit down. Last
year, I led the effort on the House Appropriations Committee to eliminate
nearly 100 duplicative programs to save taxpayers $5 billion. This year, I have
voted against $45 billion of proposed spending increases.
2. As a first step, I believe we need to enact meaningful
medical liability reform to end the frivolous lawsuits that are forcing doctors
to practice defensive medicine and driving up health care costs. I also believe
small businesses should be allowed to band together to negotiate more
affordable insurance rates for their employees. Lastly, I support expanding health savings accounts to give
patients greater control over their own health care spending.
3. I feel strongly that America must reduce our dependence
on Middle East oil. This is a national security issue. I believe we need to
invest in the development of alternative fuel technology. To this end, I have
secured $10 million for alternative fuel research being conducted by U of M and
Oakland University. I also voted to provide tax credits to consumers who buy
fuel-efficient hybrids, clean diesels and other alternative fuel vehicles.
A Royal Oak native. Earned a BBA from the University of
Michigan. Worked with the Ilitch family on Detroit redevelopment and did
extensive work promoting environmentally sustainable housing. Helped launch the
Chicago Climate Exchange, the nation's first voluntary emissions trading
program, and in 1997, turned to radio. By 2000, had syndicated morning show
that inspired Air America. In 2004, lost to Barack Obama in U.S. Senate bid.
Most recently, hosted Detroit progressive radio's morning show.
1. Today's deficit amounts to $156,000 for each American man,
woman and child. This is a catastrophic crisis in the making. Foreign ownership
of U.S. Treasury bonds and notes stands at more than 40 percent, putting us at
risk of becoming a debtor nation and endangering our national security. The
debt is so large, we can not grow our way out of it. We must stop runaway
spending and restore fiscal accountability to the federal government.
2. We must use the federal government's size and economic
power to leverage lower healthcare and prescription drug costs. Prices continue
to skyrocket each year, crippling industry and leaving 46 million Americans
uninsured. The government should be allowed to compete with private health
insurers to offer assistance to America's uninsured through a voluntary
Medicare option. Bargaining is the answer on prescription drugs, too, reducing
the power of pharmaceutical companies and awarding it instead to consumers.
3. Michigan automakers can lead the way on curbing America's
dependence on foreign oil and creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly
vehicles. The federal government gives $6 billion in subsidies to oil
producers, companies already earning record-breaking profits. My plan, called
the Next Great American Journey, would use that $6 billion as an incentive for
American automakers to produce marketable, alternative-fuel vehicles en masse.
For our economy, security and environment, we must end foreign oil dependence.
48 years old, resident of West Bloomfield for ten years, one
son in the public schools, and one son at M.S.U. I am a criminal defense
attorney specializing in defense of marijuana cases. Education: Associate Degree Criminal Justice
Castleton State College (VT), B.A.Philosophy, M.S.A. Public Administration CMU,
law degree Wayne State University. Eagle Scout, member of National Lawyers
Guild, ACLU, NORML. I want to be
elected to Congress to impeach Bush and Cheney!
1. Yes. The huge increase in the deficit is due to the
"war" (undeclared - which is unconstitutional) and corporate welfare. We need to be work for peace, jobs and
justice.
2. We must adopt a single-payer health care system with
complete coverage for all persons, and work to reduce costs and improve health
through expanded preventative care.
3. There should be a carbon tax on all sources of pollution.
We must move toward generation of clean, renewable energy, including solar,
wind, and hydro power. This will bring us a cleaner environment, jobs, and
better health for all.
Did not respond in time for publication.
