Policies Press Releases |
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Policy Positions These policy positions reflect Don's belief in Freedom with Responsibility. America was founded as a nation
on freedom. Being responsible in our actions - both as a nation and individually - will keep us free and make us
a shinning light for others to follow. |
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Abortion: I am the only pro-life candidate for this congressional district. Both Republican Steve Stivers and Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy support abortion rights. I am the only candidate in this district endorsed by Ohio Right to Life. I believe that all humans, including the unborn, must be guaranteed the right to life. It is the most basic of all human rights. As a pro-life Representative, I will vote for laws which uphold the sanctity of life. Responsible Freedom means that each person is accountable for his or her actions, and together we will protect the freedom of life for all. It means that we will help those who face tough decisions and offer alternatives such as adoption. As part of the faith community, I believe we will increase ways to provide care for mothers and children. Responsible Freedom also calls upon fathers to carry out their rightful role in supporting their children. Budget: Congress rarely passes budget bills on time, and deficit spending has been all too common. There is no end in sight to the nation’s budget deficits. It is all too easy for political leaders to push the problem to the next set of leaders. Both Republicans and Democrats have been irresponsible in excess spending. As an independent with no ties to lobbyists and special interests, I can set a new course for the federal budget. I will use my budgeting background at the state and local level to bring responsibility to the federal budget. Responsible Freedom means a balanced budget with controlled spending and the lowest possible taxes. Energy: America needs to be independent of foreign oil. This is an economic issue. It is a national security issue. It is also an environmental issue. This goal should take the same level of importance as John F. Kennedy’s declaration to put a man on the moon. Achieving energy independence should draw on the nation’s best scientific and technical resources. To date, most political leaders have given only “lip service” to an energy goal. It is generally expressed as a goal in the distant future and there are no concrete steps to reaching the goal. Meanwhile, escalating energy costs are raising the costs of heating, transportation, and products that rely on transportation. Responsible Freedom means that the goal of achieving energy independence must take a prominent position in national, state, and local policies. The United States should directly support research for new clean energy technologies. Similar to what our country has accomplished in outer space exploration and nuclear energy development. Responsible Freedom also means the expansion of energy conservation and other measures by government, businesses, and individuals. The possibilities are many, and the solutions involve both public and private sectors. Illegal Immigration: We must secure America’s borders. The fact that our borders are so easily traversed poses a serious security risk. It has taken far too long for President Bush and the Congress to recognize the necessity of addressing this problem. The President and Congress have allowed illegal immigration and illegal hiring by American employers to continue for many years. Time and again Congress has failed to act. Both political parties have allowed this problem to grow. Some estimate that there are now about 18 million illegal immigrants in the United States. American employers who practice illegal hiring have been allowed to do so without penalty. Our country has existing programs for temporary workers, students, and others. The "green card" program is for lawful pernanent residents. These programs provide the way to attain proper legal status and should be the basis for resolving the current problem. Our country is a land of immigrants, and our diversity is valuable for all. Our country is also built on the rule of law. In contrast to the abysmal inaction of the President and Congress, the faith community could play an important role in balancing the moral questions that now exist. Responsible Freedom means citizens, employers, and immigrants following the law and enjoying the freedoms that come with it. Pork Barrel Spending: Pork barrel spending is political spending. It is federal money that is designated for a project or program in the district of a member of Congress. It is designed to give favor to certain constituencies and to get votes for the politician. The most famous pork barrel project is the multi-million dollar “bridge to nowhere” in Alaska. Pork barrel money abounds in Congress. It is used as a trade-off for votes. It has no place in federal spending. Its use, although relatively small compared to the total size of the federal budget, breeds a lack of responsibility in federal budgeting. I oppose pork barrel spending and the political maneuvering that accompanies it. As one local resident commented, “We don’t need pork barrel projects from Congress; we need sensible policies.” Taxes: The federal income tax system needs a complete overhaul. The tax is not fair. It is weighted down with a multitude of special tax breaks. The tax is too complex. The vast array of special circumstances in the tax code make it cumbersome for most taxpayers, while some benefit from the exceptions. An average citizen should be able to complete their own tax return. Overall, rates are too high and could be lowered with a better managed budget. More policies coming soon. |
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